“I have to play devil’s advocate, though.” Deasia smirked. “You ain't innocent either. You were still dealing with Tasia when you and Cali first got married.”
Rio flicked his hand. “Man, that shit don't count.”
“Like hell it don't. You didn’t end things with her for a while, and you were married.”
Ruthia reclined in her seat. “She makes a point. You can’t condemn Cali for something you did.”
Rio couldn’t believe what he heard. “Are y’all crazy? We’re talking about something that happened at the beginning of an arranged marriage. Me and Cali barely even spoke around that time. We didn’t know each other so me still dealing with Tasia don't count. When I got serious about Cali, I never touched another woman. Stop trying to cape for her ass.”
“I’m not caping but you technically cheated. There was one point in your marriage where you didn’t honor your vows,” Deasia argued.
Rio was going to counter her point until he got a text message.
Noble: Where you at?
Rio: My mom’s crib.
Noble: Send the location.
Rio sent the address to him then pinched his inner tear ducts. The headaches he had been experiencing was enough to make him shut down for the day. Before the crash, he never had headaches, now it seemed like he suffered from migraines at least twice a week.
Ruthia touched his arm. “You okay, son?”
“Nah, my head is on fire.”
“I’ll go get you some Advil.” Deasia got up from her seat.
Ruthia grabbed his hand and gently squeezed it. “I’m worried about you. This thing between you and Cali scare me. I know this is a lot, but what are your plans? How will you two get over this obstacle?”
“Get over?” He scoffed. “Do you really think I’m about to work anything out with her?”
“I’m not saying you need to reconcile but you don't need to harm her either.”
Rio snorted a chuckle. “But she can plot to have me killed, huh? You know what type of man I am, Mama. As a matter of fact, let’s not even have this discussion.”
“But Rio—”
The buzzing of his phone was a welcomed distraction to end this conversation. Rio read Noble’s text and stood to go outside. He walked to Noble’s truck and got in. The air blasted high before Noble adjusted the temperature.
“When were you going to tell me you put out a bounty on your wife?” Noble asked, looking forward.
“Eventually.”
“Like when, nigga?” Noble pierced him with his ebony eyes.
“Shit, soon.” Rio scratched the back of his neck. “This ain't got nothing to do with TLM. This is a personal bounty.”
“Rio, this has everything to do with TLM. You're a fucking lieutenant. You don't think you making an order like that reflects on us?”
Noble was right but Rio was so caught up in his rage that he hadn’t taken time to really think this through.
“The fuck you put a bounty on your wife for anyway?”
“She tried to set me up with her side nigga. They the reason I got in the accident.”
Noble’s brows hiked. “Word?”
“Yeah, I found out the other night.”
