Navy kissed the top of Cherish's head, then ushered her over to me. I wrapped my daughter so tight in my arms to the point I was willing to make my husband pry her out of my arms if he wanted her to go.
"Mommy, too tight," Cherish giggled.
I reluctantly let her go, then zipped up her jacket.
"Be safe, okay, sweetheart. I'll be by to get you a little later."
"No need, she's spending time with me," Talon interjected as he grabbed Cherish's hand.
"Like I said, I'll be over to get you later."
Talon glared at me, mumbling something under his breath. I let whatever he said go and watched him closely as he helped Cherish into the car.
"He's a good father," Navy noted, and I rolled my eyes.
Before today, I would've agreed, but it made no sense why Talon would bring Cherish to see Lucian after what I told him.
Talon slammed the back door, flashed me a smile that didn't reach his eyes, and hopped into the driver's seat. My stomach churned, and my heart sank to the pits of hell.
"Talon!" I yelled, rushing off my doorstep to stop him from leaving.
Before I could reach him, Talon sped off as Kage pulled up. Rushing over to his car, I yanked the door open.
"Follow Talon and make sure Cherish is safe."
"Gotchu," Kage nodded, and as soon as I closed the door, he was off. I turned back toward my place and rolled my eyes when I saw Navy and the blonde bitch standing in the doorway. I walked through the door and mumbling, "Make this shit fast."
Navy Achebe
The fuck amI doing here?
Now that I was in Choyce's presence, that question became the only thought swirling in my head. I knewwhyI was here, yet something about standing in front of her made me feel unstable, like my quiet confidence was turning into loud insecurities.
"Okay, speak," Choyce flatly said after leading us into the kitchen.
Honey and I stood across from her. The distance between us felt intentional, but I couldn't tell if it was for her safety or ours.
"Tell me what's going on with you and Honor." The words tasted bitter as I forced them out.
"Nothing," Choyce evenly replied.
"Then why?—"
"Look," she cut in. “Honor and I work together. Nothing more. Whatever keeps you up at night has nothing to do with me."
Choyce's tone was convincing, but the pleasant curve of her lips said something different. She was enjoying this because she felt she had the upper hand.
"I told you we should’ve snatched her." Honey smirked.
"Does mysisterknow you wanted to kidnap me?" Choyce asked, folding her arms across her chest.
"Nope, but I doubt she'll care. I mean, you did set her up."
"I helped her!" Choyce barked, and her gaze narrowed.
"Call it what you want," Honey said, amusement threading through every word. "But as I said, Chosyn doesn't care about what happens to you."
What Honey said hit Choyce differently this time. The laughter in Honey's voice and the certainty with which she spoke made Choyce's calm demeanor crack. Her lips twitched as her control slipped and her frustration flickered on her face.
