“What makes you say that?” Cash asked.
I shifted closer to Jelani. “Marcus has nobody here, and y'all got too many eyes on the streets,” I said. “Even if it’s not BC, everyone knows the local crews are loyal to you. If I were trying to get her away from you, that’s where I’d go.”
I could see the gears turning in his head.
“Nai, call Fontaine and tell him to check the most recent charter flights out of the city,” he instructed. “Lani, call West. Have him get a plane ready. And take Monica home—she don’t need to see this next part.”
Jelani gave a quick nod, then motioned for me to follow him. I hesitated and glanced back at Kyree. He was shaking now—tears and snot running down his face. My heart twisted despite knowing he’d fucked up royally by betraying Money. Nothing could save him now.
Jelani’s hand closed around mine.“Come on,” he said, pulling me towards the door.
Pop.
My breath caught in my throat at the sound of a single, muffled gunshot. It echoed in my head, but I kept putting one foot in front of the other.
It’s not like I hadn't seen the effects of violence up close. I’d patched up plenty of gunshot wounds and stabbing victims working at Peachtree Memorial. It was wild seeing the shit happen in real-time.
The image of Kyree’s face stayed with me all the way to the car.
I slid into the passenger seat and moved on autopilot as I buckled my seatbelt. “So now what?”
“Now I take you home,” Jelani replied as he pulled out of the driveway.
“And Jasmine?”
His jaw ticked. “You heard Money—we’re going to New York. Even if we gotta burn through the five boroughs, Money ain’t leaving till he gets her back.”
I let out a heavy sigh and leaned back against the headrest. The rush from earlier was quickly wearing off. My limbs felt heavy, and my head was foggy. The adrenaline had faded—the effects of the ten-hour shift I worked before this came crashing down on me like a freight train.
My home girl had gotten snatched up by her psycho-ex, and I just witnessed a man get tortured right before being killed.
What the fuck was my life right now?
“You know I’d do the same for you, right?” Jelani said after a stretch of silence.
I looked over at him, too tired to argue or overthink it.
“Okay,” I mumbled, barely able to keep my eyes open.
When they opened again, Jelani was parked in front of my building.
“We’re here,” he said quietly. I rubbed my eyes, looking at him.
Ugh. I hated how damn fine he was.
“Thanks.” I needed to get out before he said something that would have me rethinking my decision to cut him off.
Jelani’s hand caught mine as I reached for the door handle.
“Mo’ wait…”
I sighed, shaking my head. “Lani, can we not? I’m tired. Tired of fighting you.”
“Nah, listen,” he said, his voice held a sincerity I’d never heard from him before. “When I get back from New York, I need it to be me and you, Baby Doll. That’s all I wanted to say.”
He didn’t let go of my hand, and I didn’t pull away.
“I can’t keep doing this shit with you,” I said. “Today, you want me tomorrow, you’re out doing whatever. You’re all over the place, Jelani.”
