“Yes, but don’t ask me about that. That muthafucker is good as dead. You don’t need to worry about any of it. That’s on me, not you.”
The seriousness in his response let me know to drop it. I had a million questions in my head, but right now Trooper was with me and I didn’t care about anything else.
“When can you leave?”
“I don’t know, they said I can’t because I wouldn’t eat.”
He frowned at me and got serious again.
“Why you not eating, Sophie? That’s not good for the baby or you.”
“I know, I just wasn’t hungry. I was worried and I?—”
“Ay, it’s cool. What do you want? I’ll go… Shit!”
“What’s wrong?”
“I don’t have a car. They picked us up at your place, and when they let us go and I got your message, I took a cab straight here with Los. Shit, hold on.”
He nudged me off his lap and I slowly climbed back into bed. I saw his face ball up when I flinched a little.
“I’ll be right back.”
Trooper pulled the covers up and kissed my lips again, lingering on the bottom one before he stepped away and left my room. He returned a few minutes later with Los behind him.
“Maddie’s on her way. She’s pissed you didn’t tell her what was going on, Sophie.” Carlos walked over to me and kissed me on the forehead before he stepped back.
“I called and she didn’t answer.”
“But you didn’t leave her a message.”
I dropped my eyes a little then looked up at him again. “I know. I didn’t want her to worry and there was so much going on. I?—”
He smirked first then laughed, cutting me off. “Don’t explain a damn thing to me. You better save it for her. She’s mad as hell, cussing at me about you.”
I laughed just thinking about it. I knew better, but I was just in my feelings. I was worried about Trooper, and truthfully, everything happened at once. When Maddie didn’t answer the first time, I said I’d call her later, but then everything was nonstop. I knew she’d be pissed.
“They have a cafeteria here, right?” Trooper asked and I nodded.
He was about to make me eat, even if I didn’t want to. I still didn’t have much of an appetite, but I wouldn’t argue with him. I'd learned real quick that when his mind was set on something, it was pointless to try to change it. He and I being together was proof of that.
“Aight, we’ll be back. Can you lock that door while we’re gone?” He looked at me so seriously that I wanted to laugh.
“No, but I’ll be fine. I’m sure you won’t be gone long, and I have my phone. I’ll call you if I need you.”
He stared at me like he really had to think about it, but Carlos spoke up.
“She’s good, Troop. We won’t be gone long.”
Trooper’s eyes moved from me to Carlos before he nodded to agree.
“Aight, we’ll be quick. I’ll get whatever they have because I know that hospital food ain’t worth shit.”
I smiled as he made his way over to me and kissed me once more before he and Carlos left. I wasn’t worried anymore. If he was anywhere around, bodies would drop before Trooper allowed them to put their hands on me. The situation with Oscar was proof enough for me.
Chapter 46
Trooper
