Shrugging my shoulders, I said, “I don’t know. That shit go in one ear and out the other. That’s yo’ name beautiful, it’s not changing this way.”
Shaking her head, she handed over her luggage and walked to the passenger door. Opening it, she hopped inside and patiently waited. I tossed her bags in the trunk then slammed the door shut. I was joining my lady in the front moments later.
“How you know to look for me?” I questioned.
“Royce shot me a text saying you were waiting so to look out for you. I spotted your vehicle as soon as I walked out. Thank you for coming.”
“Ain’t no thang.”
We pulled into traffic catching a quick rhythm cruising in and out of it. There was no conversation until I passed the exit for her hotel.
“Mr. Atkins, I don’t mean to be a prude, but that’s my exit. I’m staying at the Ritz.”
“I’m sorry to inform you Mrs. Atkins, but those plans have been scrapped. I got plenty room at my crib for you, and don’t worry baby… we won’t be alone. Aunt Daisy live with me, remember? I ain’t got no choice but to be on my best behavior ’cause she ain’t going for nothing else,” I explained.
“That’s nice to know, but I never agreed to that Bentley. I’m not ready to be in a closed facility with you.” I could hear the concern on her tongue.
“Is it closed? Yeah, but I got so many rooms in that muthafucka we probably won’t run into each other. I never tried to do anything other than earn your trust, love, and respect. I won’t touch you, go on yo’ side of the house, or anything else that’ll make you uncomfortable. I just know leaving the club tore the hell up, getting you back to the room safely, and getting home in one piece gon’ be a hassle.”
“Bentley.” She’d dropped the playful banter and took on a serious tone.
“Aight, aight. I won’t push. Just meet Daisy for me, then I’ll take you where you need to be.”
“Thank you.”
The drive suffocated from awkward silence. I knew I was pushing it, but I had to try. Her boundaries were clear, and I had no choice but to respect them. I knew what she been through and giving her PTSD wasn’t on the agenda at all.
I pulled up to the crib, I noticed her head was down not paying attention to her surroundings. She was comfortable and didn’t even know it. She trusted me more than she realized. The way she settled and didn’t watch my every move said a lot. Her phone was her only concern.
Sarabi and Nyla were walking pass the front of the car, and she’d yet to peel her eyes from her phone. I had to warn her, so she didn’t freak out. My ladies were trained but territorial as well. Heidi was fresh meat and the only woman ever to come over besides Fancy. I didn’t know how this would go. All I knew was they had respect for me.
I hit the switch, and she popped the door handle. I reached over and closed it back with the quickness. “Don’t do that.”
“Huh? Why? I know you’re a gentleman Bentley. I’m just ready to get inside and relax for a minute.” She went to open the door again and I repeated the same maneuver. “Bentley, what is the problem?”
“My lioness are surrounding the car.”
A small laugh left her lips causing my attention to temporarily divert to her mouth. Those full lips called out to me anytime she was around. My desperation was beginning to challenge my patience.
“Say that again,” she said tapping her left ear.
“I have two lioness, Sarabi and Nyla. They know me, trust me, and respect me. I need you to let me lead this thang, aight? They won’t attack you, but they are territorial. You got to let me do this Mama.”
“Hell no. Take me to my hotel… now!” she screamed. “Why the fuck would you bring me here? God, this a test, ain’t it? I ain’t the strongest soldier. I’m gon’ embarrass you, I’m telling you now,” she said looking up to the ceiling.
Gently cuffing her face, I brought it to mine. We locked in instantly. Her gaze could make a gay man go straight, that’s how irresistible this woman was. The hint of mint on her breath drew me in every second I inhaled it. Heidi hadit. She had to know that shit.
“I ain’t gon’ let nothing happen to you baby. I’d kick my own ass if something did. Trust that I got you and let me lead, aight?” It took her forever, but she finally agreed by giving me a small nod.
The side of her mouth was pecked quickly before I stepped out my whip. Both Nyla and Sarabi ran to me pouncing on my body. This was their normal way of greeting me. Once I had them settled, I sent them on their way. They didn’t go far but it was far enough to where Heidi could get inside without anyhiccups. I grabbed her things from the trunk and went to escort her from the car to the door when she refused to get out.
“What I say beautiful?”
“Go put that down so you can carry me. I don’t trust them or you for real. At least if I’m in your arms, I know it’ll be a lot of climbing going on,” she jested. I appreciated her trying to make light of the situation, but this wasn’t a laughing matter.
“They won’t bother you, but if it’ll make you feel better baby, just wrap around me. I can handle you and the luggage.”
“Why are you bringing my luggage in anyway? I’m not staying,” she repeated for the umpteenth time.
