“Promise me,”
“I promise you.” Crown stared into her eyes, his tone shifting. “Now you talk to me. Tell me what I don’t know, and don’t leave shit out.”
Nivéa took a breath before she spoke.
“My ex told me he cut a deal and started cooperating to get out. But now that they’ve released him, he wants to go on the run instead. He also told me the man he gave information on is powerful. He said if that man finds out what he’s done, he’ll come for him and for me. But he could’ve been lying,” Nivéa rushed to add.
“Trying to scare me into leaving with him. I don’t know for sure, but it’s worrying the hell out of me because what if he’s not lying?”
“Who’s your ex?” Crown’s brows furrowed, feeling like he had a clue.
“His name is Boe.”
His entire body went cold, and for a split second, it felt like the air left his lungs. Can't be, he thought.
“His real name?”
“Borris.”
Crown kept his face calm, even as his heart raced in his chest. Their worlds were closer than he had ever imagined, yet he didn’t want to tell her. He didn’t want her to stress even more.In Crown’s mind, it was a man’s job to carry the weight and figure things out. That’s how his father raised him.
“Aight,” he said, kissing her cheek like everything was fine. “Stop worrying. I’mma handle it.”
“How? I mean, this is why I was worried about telling you. I don’t want you stressing yourself out over my shit. I don’t want you diving into something that can get you killed or locked up trying to save me. I wouldn’t be able to live with mys—”
“Shh, calm down. If I tell you I’mma handle somethin’, just know it’s already done. Never put a question mark where I put a period. Once you give the issue to me, that’s it, baby. Just sit back and relax.” He cut her short.
Nivéa nodded slowly, pulling herself together. She was nearly hyperventilating all over again. She was strong about a lot of things, and she had survived a lot. But becoming a mother made her overly sensitive because she knew it wasn’t just her that she had to worry about.
“You got orders to fill?” Crown questioned.
“Yeah, three. One order I’ve already started for a birthday party, just need to finish printing the rest.”
“Aight, I’mma get you what you need to work from here. Make me a list in the morning. You’ll fulfill the orders in my office, and then I’ll take you to meet the customers at your shop when you're ready. It’s just temporary until I can figure this shit out.”
“Okay,” Nivéa replied, watching him in amazement.
Chapter Eight
Thanks to Nivéa on the phone, Crown woke up the next morning before the sun fully hit the windows. She and Caresha, on speaker, served as his alarm. He lifted his head to check the time and saw he still had ten minutes before his phone was set to go off, but he wasn’t trippin’. He rolled out of bed, headed to the restroom to take care of his hygiene before putting on his clothes.
Crown slipped on a pair of dark jeans, a black fitted tee, work boots, and a lightweight jacket that allowed him to move freely. He had a site walk planned along with some other tasks, so comfort was key.
By the time he stepped into the hallway, Nyla's cries replaced the women’s chatter. He followed the sound all the way to his office. As he walked in, he took in his new reality. His home had never been this busy or noisy, but surprisingly, he loved it. Nivéa was off the phone and fully in work mode at his computer, answering emails and making a list of everything she needed to fulfill orders in between.
“Hey, you. Good morning,” she said, glancing up from the screen. “No suit today?”
“Nah, not today. Gotta walk a site.” Crown replied, turning his attention to Nyla, who was fussing in her bouncer. Her tiny fists were curled, and her face scrunched up as if she was already fed up with the world.
“Lord, this girl.” Nivéa sighed and stood from her chair to reach for her.
“Let me help, ma. Give her to me.” Crown offered.
Nivéa snickered as if he were playing. She unbuckled Nyla and lifted her to her chest, gently patting her back for comfort instead. Then, she walked over and kissed Crown on the lips.
“You look handsome, baby. Be safe, okay? I’ll text you the list as soon as I’m done.”
“Appreciate you, baby. Will do.”
