“Who the hell are you? Are you fucking my wife?”
I didn’t say shit and just watched him.
“Leo! If you don’t leave, I’m calling the police!” Alicia yelled, pushing him away from my truck.
“Call them so I can tell them you’re allowing drug dealers around my kids!”
I opened the door and stepped out.
Alicia stood between us as we towered over her and locked eyes. “Basil, this isn’t a good time right now. I’ll call you when I’m done here,” Alicia said to me.
I looked down at her and shook my head. “You promised my soldiers a playdate with the gang. You do keep your promises, right? Besides, this is my job, and I take it very seriously,” I said, eyes going back to her fuck-ass husband.
“Job? What the hell did she hire you for? You some type of escort or something?”
I wanted to say ‘or something’, but I chose not to add fuel to the flames. If I had been fucking Alicia, his ass would’ve never pulled up to the house with that much hostility. I’d make sure his ass came correct when he came to visit his kids.
“Nah, . . . I’m the new nanny, my guy.”
He stared at me, then scoffed. “You’re a got damn lie!” he yelled.
“Aye, listen. Watch that tone. I’m not your child, so respect me, and I’ll do the same. Whatever beef you have with Alicia, you take that up with her—respectfully, of course. I’m here to do my job, and that’s it.”
“I don’t want him around my kids, Alicia!”
“Leo,youdon’t even want to be around your kids! It’s been over a month, and they haven’t seen your face, but you have the audacity to come here after almost two months, saying what the hellyoudon’t want? Get the hell away from here before I call Anika to come handle your ass!”
“Bit—”
“Alicia,” I cut him off. “Her name is Alicia, and you heard the lady. Walk away.”
“Who the hell do you think you’re talking to?”
“A weak nigga, obviously.”
“I’ll beat your ass right now.”
I chuckled menacingly and crossed my arms in front of me. I wanted him to try to get stupid with me. I didn’t want to lay his ass out in front of the kids, but I’d be damned if I let him think he could fade me and not get his ass mangled.
“You know what? To hell with you!” He backed away, which was smart of him. “I will be petitioning for full custody in court!” He turned and stormed toward his ugly-ass Fusion.
I could see Alicia’s shoulders slump as she watched him pull away.
“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said anything.” I offered her an apology.
She slowly turned to me. “You’re fine. I’m kind of glad you did. I don’t know what has gotten into him, but he’s losing his damn mind.”
“If you want us to come another time, it’s cool. I won’t even charge you for today.”
“No, no. The kids have been raving about them coming over. We don’t have little children in our family, so we don’t get much child play over here. They’re excited, and I don’t want to take that away from them. I’ll be fine. I promise.”
I nodded once, then retrieved the kids from the car. I knew they saw the exchange and felt the vibe because all of them were looking at me to make sure I was okay. I gave them a reassuring smile, then helped the girls out of the truck. They spoke to Ms. Alicia, and then we followed her into the house.
As soon as the kids saw my nieces and nephews, they all gathered around in a huddle, hugging and slapping fives with Carsyn while introducing themselves. It didn’t take long forthem to forget about us, as I gave them all strict rules to behave and play nicely. They rushed off to the family room, and I turned to Alicia.
“I’m going to pull something out for dinner and make them some lunch. You good?”
She nodded lightly and gave me a small smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “I’m going to go get some work done.” She hurriedly walked off without another word, and I watched her until she disappeared into her office. I hoped like hell she didn’t fire my ass for stepping to her ex-clown, but I wasn’t standing for anyone to disrespect a woman.
