“And a fucking psychopath,” she replied, then turned off the car. “All those good things you named about him are because of you, but that crazy that lurks right under the surface is because of you, too.” She took off her seatbelt and opened the car door. “You might want to figure out how fast you can divorce Grant because if you don’t, there is no doubt in my mind he will kill him over you.”
“I’m not divorcing Grant,” I said, shaking my head. Consonance stared at me with a confused expression, and I sighed. “I can't divorce Grant.”
“What do you mean you can't divorce Grant?” she slowly asked. “All you have to do is get a lawyer.”
“I’m not doing that,” I said, shaking my head. I opened my door and tried to get out of the car, but Consonance grabbed my arm to stop me.
“You do realize that Amethyst will kill him if you don’t, right? That man is not going to let y’all shit end with just a finger fuck. He’s going to want more, like way more, and what I mean by more is all of you.”
“I know,” I sighed. “But it can't happen.”
“Why the fuck not?” She reared back like the thought of Amethyst and me not being together was something she couldn’t process. “The love between y’all is obvious, divorce that nigga Grant and be with my boy.”
“Just let it go, Consonance,” I said, shaking my head as I got out of the car and closed the door.
“Oh no, the fuck I’m not,” she said, getting out of the car and slapping the top of the hood. “Why won’t you divorce him?”
“Because I married Grant to keep Amethyst safe!” I whispered loud enough for her to hear. Consonance’s face twisted in confusion, then went blank. “I can’t be with Amethyst even though I love him!”
“You what?” she questioned, then slammed her car door and rounded her car. “What did you say?”
“I married Grant to keep Amethyst from being killed.” I looked around to make sure no one was outside or watching us. To make sure we weren’t heard, I grabbed Consonance’s arm and dragged her to the big tree in the middle of the circular driveway. It was far enough from the door so that no one could hear us, but close enough for me to see if someone came outside.
“Start talking,” Consonance said, shaking her head. “And don’t leave shit out.”
I blew out a breath, nodded, and then quickly told her what had happened all those years ago. “And you can’t tell anyone,” I said once I was finished. Consonance shook her head, and I sighed. “I’m serious, Consonance, you can’t tell Amethyst.”
“Why the fuck not?” she replied, crossing her arms. “Because this shit is definitely above my pay grade and the only thing I can do is think to tell them niggas so they can handle it, and by them niggas, I mean Amethyst. The psychopath that has been holding on by a thread.”
“Because I don’t know exactly what I’m dealing with,” I answered, and she kissed her teeth. “I’m serious. This involves the Franklins, too.” I shook my head. “I can’t take that chance.”
“Oh, baby, that’s the thing,” she said, shaking her head. “You let that man get a taste and expect him just to stay put.” The front door opened, and we watched as Amethyst stepped out the door. His eyes locked on me, and he licked his lips. “He’s going to kill Quincy for offering you that deal and Grant for having you in a way he doesn’t.” She looked at Amethyst, then at me, and smirked. “Shit, he’s going to kill your pussy too just because you doubted him as a man. Friend, you’re about to walk with a limp for a while.”
I didn’t say anything because I secretly hoped that he would.
**
“You’re avoiding him,” Lavender Holding said, approaching me. She was the newest addition to the friend group, and while she was the quietest, she had a spark to her that most didn’t see.
“Is it that obvious?” I asked, then ate a grape from my plate. Lavender nodded, and I laughed softly before turning my attention back to the group of men standing outside talking. Amethyst stood next to his brothers in the middle, holding a drink in his hand, dressed in slacks. His white button-up shirt was untucked and open, revealing his tank top. He’d replaced his dress shoes with a pair of slides, and his hair was pulled into a messy bun on the top of his head.
“Only because I’m doing the same thing to his brother,” she answered with a small laugh. I’d seen the sexual tension between Lavender and Citrine, and even though I wanted to ask questions, I didn’t because it wasn’t my business. “Why are you avoiding Amethyst?”
“Because we need to talk,” I answered with a shrug. “And I’m not ready to say the words out loud yet.” I turned to give hermy full attention. Lavender was a beautiful woman, with her big brown eyes, full lips, flared nose, and high cheekbones. She was shy, or at least gave off shy vibes when you first met her, but when she’s comfortable around you, her goofy side comes out. “Now, why are you avoiding his brother?”
“Because he doesn’t remember me,” she replied, and I lifted my brow in question. Lavender turned back to watch Citrine through the window. A small smile tugged at her lips. “He fought for my freedom,” she laughed humorlessly. “And he doesn’t even remember.”
I touched her arm to get her attention, and Lavender turned to face me. “I don’t think I ever asked you this, but something is telling me I should. Are you safe?”
“Because of him I am,” she nodded, then turned to look at Citrine. “Which is why I’m steering clear of him even though I don’t want to.” She watched Citrine for a few more seconds, then turned to leave without saying a word to me. I watched as she moved through the living room and into the kitchen.
“Why do you look like that?” Cross asked as she approached me. She pulled the closest chair to her and sat. She was around five months pregnant and looked stunning with her round belly, full cheeks, and glowing skin. When I didn’t answer her, she lifted her brow and twisted her lips to the side. “Please don’t make me ask again.”
“What do you know about Lavender’s past?” I asked, and she shrugged. “Oh no, Mrs. Strong, what do you know?”
“That it’s her business,” Cross answered with a laugh. “If she wants you to know, then she’ll tell you; otherwise, let it go.”
“She said Citrine saved her,” I said, ignoring her. Cross, knowing her secret, didn’t surprise me. Cross knew damn near everyone’s secrets because she took her role as our protector seriously. “But he doesn’t remember her.”
