“And who do you think is behind me? You think my men will let you pull that trigger without lighting your ass up, Rio? Now, it doesn’t have to come to this. I will get Cali and we’ll be out of your way.”
Rio grimaced with his gun still pointed at her. Cali closed her eyes, knowing she would soon be dead in a matter of seconds. Rio was so unforgiving. He didn’t give anyone a second chance to play with him, and unfortunately, she was no exception to the rules.
“It’s cool,” he softly stated, lowering his arm. “I’ll catch you sooner than later, Cali. Get this bitch outta my house.”
Douglas immediately picked his jacket up from the floor and grabbed her arm. Her father practically dragged her out of the house and placed her in the back of the truck. As soon as the door slammed, Cali noticed Rio walk outside. The grim look on his face sent chills down her spine. A man who was once her husband had now transformed into her enemy. Cali didn’t know how she would navigate this new reality.
Three
Noble sat at a traffic light, heading to his condo to meet Irish. His heart was full because of the phone call he’d had with her. She was finally ready to be his, completely. Noble had wondered when the day would come. Never wanting to rush her, he allowed her the time to pilot her situation without his interference. However, the time had come for her to be honest with Jovanis. Irish had chosen him, and Noble made a vow to ensure her a lifetime of happiness because of her decision.
Pulling into the condo, he got out and passed his keys to the valet. Walking inside, he stopped when he noticed he had a text message.
Jovanis: Meet me at the dock. 911.
“Fuck,” Noble whispered.
This was a text he couldn’t ignore. Anything involving The Legacy Mafia had to be tended to, no matter what. He went to the front desk where the concierge was.
“Aye, a woman named Irish is on her way. Can you let her in for me?”
“Of course, sir.”
Noble tapped the counter before making his exit out of the building. After a short wait for his car, he got inside and drove toward the docks. Parking the car, Noble got out andwalked up the few sets of stairs. Jovanis sat on the wooden planks tapping on his screen.
“What’s the emergency?” Noble asked, getting straight to the point.
Jovanis didn’t speak right away. He jumped down from the planks and drew closer to him. Noble watched his body language, trying to gauge what kind of mood he was in. Being a general, he had to be alert at all times.
“I never suspected you to be a snake-ass nigga, Noble.” He chuckled. “Tuck had built you up to be this stand-up nigga when you ain't nothing more than a fucking weasel.”
Noble smiled, loving how Jovanis didn’t waste any time. He was actually ready for this showdown. For months, he came up with all kinds of scenarios about their face-off. Noble wondered if Jovanis would come at him like a man or sneak up on him like a bitch. He was impressed that he chose the former.
“My wife, though?” Jovanis continued, angling his head. “Why?”
“Shit, why not?”
Jovanis’s nostrils flared instantly, causing Noble to smile broader.
“So, you think this shit is cool, huh? You think fucking my wife and trying to get her to leave is some fly shit?”
Scratching his hairy cheek, Noble answered, “No, I don't think none of this shit cool, my nigga. It’s fucked up, I’ll admit that.” He shrugged. “But what the fuck you want me to do about it now? The damage is done.”
Jovanis paced back and forth, rubbing his hand down his face. “I’ma tell you this one time and one time only. Stay away from Irish.”
“Or else what?”
Noble was built for shit like this. He feared no one, especially a man who was too chicken to live life outside of the closet.
“Or else you gon’ have to see me and you know I don't play fair.”
“And you know I don't play at all, nigga. Before you try me, think about Luco and how I get shit done. Threatening me over a woman that belongs to me is fucking crazy.”
“Belong to you!” Jovanis bellowed. “Nigga, Irish will never belong to you. What we got is cemented. Our bond can’t be cut no matter how much you think you have her. You might’ve fucked her, but I got her mind.” He pointed at his temple. “You could never get through that.”
Noble would never reveal it, but that comment made him uneasy. Irish had this undying loyalty to Jovanis, and it bothered him. Even made him nervous because he wanted all of Irish. Even the parts that she reserved for this man.
“Only a bitch-ass nigga would brag about having a woman’s mind. Let’s be real, Jovanis, that fucking marriage ain't built on shit and it’s one-sided.”
