Crown broke, chuckling as they slapped hands.
Danger grew serious as he sat with his lingering thoughts, then a light bulb went on in his head. “Yooo, how you know lil mama wears a G-String?”
Crown damn near choked on his drink, standing from his seat. “I’m out.” He said, grabbing his helmet from the desk.
Danger could only shake his head and laugh as he watched him disappear through the door. He realized his big brother had beaten him to the punch, fucking the therapist during their business transaction.
∞∞∞
A few days later.
Saturday morning, Crown eased out of bed with a heavy heart. He swung his long legs over the edge and sat there, his phone alarm still blaring. He didn’t turn it off right away, too much was on his mind. Today, he was saying goodbye to another person he cared for, marking their absence forever.
The emotions surrounding Dro’s death consumed him all over again, making the pull of sleep tempting even as grief tightened its grip. The late nights and early mornings were taking their toll as well. He longed for the day when retirement would let him focus solely on his firm, freeing him from the burdens that the streets had on him.
The bedroom door opening caught his attention.
Nivéa stepped inside wearing an all-black fitted pantsuit she’d discreetly ordered online with express shipping. The blazer hugged her perfectly and dipped into a subtle V-neck, tasteful rather than bold. Her hair was freshly pressed, cascading in luscious spiral curls at the ends.
“Morning, baby.” She greeted, breaking the silence.
“Sup, ma.” Crown looked her over, momentarily stunned. “You look beautiful. Why you dressed up?” He already had an idea, and he hoped he was right.
Nivéa smiled as she crossed the room and tapped his phone screen, silencing the alarm.
“I’m coming with you. Reesh is here to get Ny. We can pick her up later tonight from her place.”
Something eased in Crown’s chest, realizing how badly he needed her at his side. He hadn’t expected this. After everything she’d seen at the clubhouse, he’d thought this part of his life would remain closed off from her forever.
“Bet.” He replied, pulling her in between his legs as he caught her waist. “I appreciate you more than words can say, ma.”
Nivéa leaned down and kissed the top of his head, giving him just enough motivation to get his ass up and moving. Crown took care of his hygiene quickly, then dressed in black jeans, boots, and his vest before they headed to the garage.
After securing their helmets, Crown swung a leg over the cruiser and settled into the seat. He reached back to help Nivéaclimb on behind him. She fit herself closely, her arms wrapping around his waist. He fired up the engine, and they pulled out into the morning air.
They arrived at the funeral home just before the service began. Bikes lined the curb in neat formation, with the Knights standing shoulder to shoulder in black denim and leather. Kerri met them out front with a warm smile.
“Hey, my love,” she said to Nivéa, cupping her face.
“Hey. You look so beautiful.” Nivéa replied, naturally wrapping her arms around her.
“You do too, baby. Always.” Kerri smiled before turning to Crown. She hugged him tighter than usual. Funerals had a way of reminding her how short life really was.
Dro had a large family, so the service stretched on. One by one, people stood to speak, sharing memories and paying their respects. Nivéa found herself spending most of the time with Kerri. Crown was busy behind the scenes, ensuring everyone and everything was taken care of. After the service, the doors opened, and the hearse rolled out slowly.
"Knights, let's ride.” Crown announced.
One by one, engines roared to life, and the Knights fell in behind the hearse, their formation tightening. Senior members took the front, with Crown leading, while prospects brought up the rear.
Nivéa sat behind Crown, shades on, captivated by how everyone maintained perfect formation. The club stretched across the entire road, and it hit her. The Knights weren't just chaos. They were a brotherhood and had structure. It felt like stepping into a whole new world. Many of them had their wives or girlfriends riding with them, and she was glad she chose to be at Crown’s side. She wanted to show up for him just as much as he showed up for her. As they rode, her admiration for him deepened. Seeing him guide his people like this gave her a newperspective. Nivéa understood the weight he carried. Her nigga was a true boss, a leader in every sense.
After laying Dro to rest, the Knights headed to the clubhouse to honor their tradition of celebrating the lives of their fallen. Nivéa was weary, and though she kept it to herself, Crown sensed it as her body stiffened against him. Because of that, they stayed only for an hour, just enough to honor tradition. Drinks were shared, more speeches were made, and Dro’s helmet and prospect patch were presented to his mother, along with roses and an envelope of money. He hadn’t earned his full patch yet, but he rode like he had, so Crown wanted to honor him beautifully.
On the way home, Crown took an unexpected detour, exiting the freeway.
“Baby, where you going?” Nivéa asked, puzzled, until they pulled into a Mercedes-Benz dealership and his intentions became clear.
Crown parked, helping her off the bike. “Come on.”
