“We grew up together, Nay. You’re familiar. Whatever you think is between us beyond that is in your fucking head.” He aimed two fingers at his temple like a gun.
Insecurities getting the best of her when he stepped around her, she grabbed his upper arm.
“Don’t do this,” she pleaded through misting eyes. “It was already written for us before you went and married that little project bi?—”
Within seconds, his fingers locked around her throat, closing her airways. Teeth gritted together, he brought his face closer to hers and breathed heavily.
“I dare you to disrespect the mother of my children,” he challenged in a low growl.
“I’m s-sorry,” she sputtered, losing her footing when he shoved her away from him.
“This shit is done.”
“Wh-what do you mean?”
“I mean stay the fuck from around me!” he barked on her.
“Bitch!” Mozzi co-signed in his Too Short octave as he started up the stage to the steps.
He’d read the entire situation making his way up to Coast as she tried to bargain with Bee. Nay and Phoebe was some frauds, and he didn’t fuck with them.
“I didn’t bid on anything. How you just gon’ throw me to the wolves like that?” Coast demanded, arms crossed over her aching breasts.
“The wolves, Coast. Really?” Bee tittered. “Mozzi is harmless.”
“He’s a few grapes short of a damn fruit basket.”
“Don’t be talking about your future husband like that. I’m glad you know, though.” He joined in on the conversation. “Bee, good looking out.” He rubbed his hands together.
“This is my niece, Mozzi, and she’s carrying precious cargo.”
“I’m knowing. You know she safe with me.” He grinned.
“Tell Audiemar I said hello.” Bee picked up a few slips of paper and her mic and started toward the stairs. “I’m sticking around to clean up. You look like you and that baby could use a nap, though.”
“I’m so tired,” Coast whined.
“I got you. Pass me the keys to your hoop ride.” Mozzi held his hand out.
When she didn’t respond, he slid his hand into the pocket of her romper to retrieve her keys.
“Meet me in the parking lot.” He gently pecked her lips and moved toward Bee at the top of the stage steps.
Now that he’d kissed her, he wanted more. Any type of proximity to Coast was like dopamine. His first hit of crack, and he was hooked! He hadn’t even busted her open and was already preparing himself to unlock all levels to her. It was one thing to capture a woman’s body, or even her mind, but when you had her soul… that was a tie that was hard to fucking break. This was the first time Mozzi ever wanted someone to have his too. He paused long enough to kiss Bee’s cheek and pull her into a warm hug before jogging down the steps and into the grass.
“I don’t know what you did to him, but you got everybody around here talking.”
“Well, tell everybody to mind their own damn business.” Coast scooped up Mozzi’s basket and headed to the parking lot. “There’s nothing going on.”
“Nothing looks a whole lot like something, and it doesn’t look like you know what you’re in for.” Bee sniggered.
By the time Coast got to the parking lot, it was jam packed with people still lingering near their cars, drinking, smoking, and figuring out plans for when they left the park. Mozzi and his brothers stood near Coast’s jeep. He lingered on the driver’s side while Moose hung out in the passenger seat, rolling a blunt.Kong helped his kids into the back seat of his whip and Ayla filled the trunk area with her empty baking containers. She’d sold everything she came with and gave Bee the proceeds.
“So, what’s the play? I’m meeting Inari tonight at Artisan.” Moose licked his blunt closed as Coast neared Mozzi.
“Here.” She shoved the basket into his arms, knocking the wind from him.
“We’ll meet y’all there.” Mozzi slung his arm over Coast’s shoulders and pulled her closer.
