That was the only thing Cali had to look forward to—bonding with her nephews.
“Yeah, I guess, I’ll come. I just.” She wiped her aching eyes. “I wonder how long I’m going to suffer. You know, how long will God whoop me for causing all this drama.”
Bria sighed. “I don't know, sis, but you gotta go through it. There’s no way around it. You caused this so you have to know it won’t be easy on you.”
Cali exhaled, knowing Bria was right. She had to take the hard road because there was consequences she had to suffer. Her actions required a payment and unfortunately, she couldn’t decline it. Karma had come to visit and no matter how Cali tried to shoo her away, she’d made her life it’s temporary abode.
It took Irish so much strength to sit there, waiting on the love of her life to come. The burden she once carried felt heavier as her thoughts flooded her mind. Before, she had made a decision. Noble was it for her. She wanted his love and desired to give him the same. Still, Jovanis was there. He sat on the sidelines piercing her with a stare that expressed pain and need. He needed her and a part of Irish needed him. But Noble was essential for her, too. He filled the voids in her life and kept her full of his love.
The opening of the door pulled her out of her mind. She rose, anticipating his presence. Seconds passed by, and Noble emerged from the hallway. The expression on his face was impassive. Irish wished she could read him. She’d called and hyped him up about choosing him, but his aura didn’t mirror one of a man who had been chosen.
He advanced toward her and stood before her. Irish would never be able to get over how attractive he was. Fuck handsome, this man was beautiful to her. His milk chocolatecoating was blemish free. His eyes were spells of brown, captivating her every time she gazed into them. Noble leaned forward, blessing her with the touch of his lips. If she could’ve savored them forever, Irish would’ve in a heartbeat. Noble pulled back, inspecting her with a dubious gaze.
“I need to talk to you,” she muttered.
Stepping back, Noble sat on the couch with her right next to him.
“What happened tonight?” he asked.
Irish was slightly taken back. “Why did you ask that?”
“Because Jovanis came to see me.”
Her ginger brows furrowed. “What did he say?”
Noble smirked. “He told me to stay away from you.”
Irish’s mouth gaped, not believing Jovanis had stepped to Noble on her behalf.
“So, what happened tonight?” he asked once more.
Fumbling with her fingers, Irish looked down at her hands. “He found out about us… he was furious and said that I wasn’t shit.”
Noble scoffed. “Fuck that nigga.”
She peered at him. “He feels betrayed, which I knew he would. Seeing him hurt affected me but… I don't know.”
Noble’s eyes narrowed at her statement. “Know what?”
“I just… I need some time to calm him down. It’s so much that… I don't know.”
Noble angled his head. “You don't know what? Just a few hours ago, you were sure. Now what’s the change? Because he knows? So, the fuck what? That nigga is a grown man. He’ll be a‘ight.”
Irish wanted to explain her dynamic with Jovanis, but it was too much to reveal. His warning had her spooked. The reminder that this was more than a marriage of convenience evoked painful memories to emerge. She couldn’t move recklessly with Jovanis, no matter how much she loved Noble. Irish needed to handle him with care.
“It’s more than that.” She exhaled, looking him in the eyes. “I just need to make sure me and him are good before I take it there with you. You understand, right?”
Noble peered at her with another deadpan expression before he cocked his head.
“What he got on you?”
She gawked. “What?”
“You heard me.” He grabbed her chin, forcing her to give him direct eye contact. “What does he have on you?”
“Nothing.”
“Don't lie to me.”
