“Hey, Mrs. Sneaux,” Domino answered his phone.
Laughing, I replied, “Don’t even!”
“So, what’s goin’ on?”
Sighing, I couldn’t believe I wasthisconcerned about Synder and his people. “How did you initially handle Kevanna’s fucked-up family?”
Domino gasped. “You just cussed. Likefor realcussed. This is serious.”
Laughing again, I said, “Thisisserious.”
“Well, who are we talkin’ about, first?”
“Synder.”
“Synder?” Domino skeptically questioned.
“Unfortunately,” I replied.
He chuckled. “You in too deep, baby.”
“Very.” I blew out a deep breath and said, “Now answer the question.”
“Sadly, I remind my wife daily that she has the Cooleys. Her family is dysfunctional as hell, and nothing anyone says changes a thing. I watch how I move with her because I don’t ever want her to think that we’re headed down that same path. What we have is healthy, and it will stay that way. It’s my responsibility as her husband to protect her, and filling in where her family falls short is part of that.”
“Wow,” I responded. “I’ve always wondered why Kevanna clings to you the way she does. She feels safe with you.”
“Should she not?” he countered.
Giggling, I said, “She should. I just see it differently now. Physically, you’ve always protected her, so I get it. It’s her heart I’m talking about. She knows it’s safe with you.”
“Damn sure is. Just make sure your heart is safe with Syn before you hand it over to him. Understood?”
I couldn’t even deny that was where I was headed. “It’s locked away for now.”
“Sure, Cuzzo. In the meantime, I’ve had to block a few numbers on this side. That nigga’s ex is relentless. Now, I’d be wrong if I let Kevanna get on her ass.”
Domino bringing up Courtland made me roll my eyes. “She’s a piece of work.”
“She’s gon’ be broke piece of work if she doesn’t leave you the fuck alone. If she’s blowin’ the boutique’s line up, I know she’s in ya DMs.”
I didn’t respond.
“Really, Sienna?” he questioned.
“I blocked her,” I stated.
Domino mumbled something, then said out loud, “If she messages you again, tell me.”
“I won’t. I can handle myself.”
“I’m not sayin’ that you can’t. I’m not about to have some nigga’s baby mama disruptin’ ya peace.”
“Who’s baby mama?” Kevanna asked from the background.
Groaning, I said, “I gotta go, Cousin. I love you! Bye!”
Hanging up, I shook my head and went back to dusting.
