“Morgan Blackmoor.” A hint of softness tinged her tone.
Arms folded, she inched closer to he and Inari and dropped them at her side. The way her hazel brown eyes drifted over him appreciatively, Inari sensed something sexual off the rip. Moose hadn’t even peeped her standing there, but the minute his gaze landed on hers, she acknowledged the shock that immediately flitted through his eyes. He skimmed her carefully, taking in the few differences from the last time he’d seen her. Tulla had to be pushing forty, but she was fit, with perky breasts, thick hips that winded something serious, and lips so full and pretty it was the first thing you noticed about her.
“It’s been a long time.”
“Eight years.” Moose cleared his throat. “What happened to Ohio? I thought you transferred.”
“I did. My father notified me that a position was opening up here, so… here I am.” She raised her arms, flashing the diamond ring and wedding band on her ring finger.
Moose made the mistake of laying pipe to her a few times when he was younger. At first, he had no idea she was a cop, but she knew exactly who he was. Although she’d never directly come at him or his family, he couldn’t see himself being with no fucking officer of the law in no shape or form. Shit was lit, and Tulla had a softer side to her that most people didn’t see, but at the end of the day, Moose knew it would never work.
“Is she free to go?” he asked, nodding to Inari.
“For now.” Tulla picked her chin up and simpered. “You look good, Morgan. Looks like life has been treating you alright. Maybe we can catch up some time,” she suggested.
“Nah, I don’t think so.” Shaking his head, Moose slid his arm across Inari’s shoulders and pulled her along with him to the door.
When the two of them finally managed to get outside, she sighed with relief. She was shaking, though, and Moose couldn’thelp but be concerned. Inari always seemed strong and pulled together. Clearly something had rattled her.
“You sure you’re okay?” He faced her on the sidewalk, and she bowed her head.
“Yeah. Just… tired. Ready to get home,” she told him, brows knitting together. “I thought… last night… I don’t know. I guess coming face to face with my own mortality was eye opening. I could have died.”
“Come on. I’ll drive you home. We can come back for your car.” Moose placed his arm around her waist and drew her closer.
Inari didn’t object. She welcomed Moose’s presence. The two of them fell in stride to his car parked across the street, and he stopped to pull the passenger door open for her. She eased into his soft leather seats and dropped her head against his head rest as he rounded the front of the car to hop behind the wheel. Inari gave Moose her address, but he already knew where he was going thanks to his own research on her. The drive was quiet, and by the time they arrived in front of her home, her eyes fluttered open. She’d never been happier to see the place.
“Thanks for the ride, Moose. I really appreciate it.” She glanced his way.
“You sure you good? How about I come in and chill with you, make you some food. I don’t think a nigga can sleep right now if I tried.”
“What happened?” Inari queried.
“Mozzi and Coast were shot not long ago after leaving her doctor’s appointment.”
“Oh, my God! Are they okay?”
“Yeah. On the way to my family home for now. Coast and the baby are good. Kind of banged up, but the doctor said they should both make a full recovery. I ain’t trying to be alone rightnow either, so maybe we can keep each other company,” he suggested.
“Okay,” she agreed softly.
Moose got out and went to open her door for her. The two walked the sidewalk to the front porch, and the door swung open when they reached the top step.
“Ma!” Dane’s eyes widened, and he rushed out to sweep her up in a hug.
He held her a little too tight, but Inari knew it was because he’d been worried. What she didn’t expect was to look past him and find Danilo darkening her doorway. His gaze gamboled from her to Moose before his nostrils flared in annoyance.
“What are you doing here?” she asked, nudging away from their son as Moose hovered protectively at her side.
His instinct was to protect her, whether she wanted it or not. Danilo had fuck nigga lingering over him like a cloud, and Moose was never one to back down from anybody.
“I called him,” Dane told her. “I talked to auntie Ayla, and she said she couldn’t leave. I didn’t want to be here by myself, and I was worried, Ma. What happened?”
“It’s nothing, baby.” She touched his cheek and stood on her toes to kiss his forehead. “As you can see, I’m fine.”
“I heard the news,” Dane spoke up. “They said the place was robbed. Did they hurt you?”
“No.” Inari shook her head. “I passed out, but I’m fine. A medic checked me and everything. Told me to stay hydrated and try to get some rest. Moose here offered to whip me up something eat, and I’m going to take a nice, long shower.”
