“Shit was moving so fast. I didn’t realize it washimuntil we tied him to the chair. I also didn’t know all the details of the feud until I made it home and made some calls.”
Though I’d heard of the Sinners, we didn’t run in the same circles. I had never crossed paths with Neptune or anyone close to him. After learning the backstory, I wondered why a Sinner would secure a loan from my brother.
“My daddy wants me to apologize to Neptune, but I think he’ll let it go if I lay low.”
Nola snickered into the rim of her glass. “Lay low? Those are two words I would never use to describe you. Apologize to keep the peace.”
“I don’t know.” Yari groaned. “It could be a trap. For once, I disagree with my uncle. Do not speak to that man.”
My phone vibrated, seizing my attention.
Stalker: Someone sends you something, you should say thank you.
I didn’t ask you for the flowers, I texted back.
Stalker: We need to talk.
“No, we don’t. You made it home safe and sound. We’re even,” I muttered while typing.
Stalker: Never. I’m going to send a car to come and get you tomorrow. If you don’t get in, I’m going to come get you myself.
I sucked my teeth.Then get ready to put that lemon on the road. I’m not going anywhere with a man that sends me threats.
Stalker: Yes, you are.
I checkedmy appearance one final time before I left my house. My fresh curls made me feel sexy, and my red lipstick turned down my tomboy style and amplified the grown woman in me. I took an hour to settle on a backless dress made of suede and knee-high boots made of the same material, and I still wasn’t confident about my outfit choice. All day, I asked Neptune where we were going, and he was dismissive. That should have beenenough reason to flake on the sit-down, yet here I was, going to meet the son of my father’s enemy.
“Ms. Blackstone?” The driver lifted his chin when I approached the black truck.
I nodded as I accepted his hand and climbed into the back seat. A wave of liberation and confusion washed over me when I confirmed Neptune wasn’t inside. I wasn’t afraid to be alone with him, but I needed a moment to prepare for him. I may have spent years around men of Neptune’s caliber, but none of them had threatened my life. None of them enticed me as much as they rubbed me the wrong way. None except Mr. Sinner.
When the driver hopped on the freeway, I sent Nola my location. She messaged back asking where I was going, but I didn’t reply. My honesty would trigger unsolicited advice when I just needed someone to know where to look if I went missing. For most of the ride, music from the radio helped me maintain my calm demeanor. However, when I noticed the scenery change from a city view to darkness, a knot formed in my throat.
“Excuse me.” I leaned forward in my seat. “How much longer before we get to where we’re going? You’ve been driving for over an hour.”
He pointed to the house sitting on the top of the hill. The home was white with large windows, though only one held light. I surveyed my surroundings and could only see towering trees in the darkness. Paranoid, I grabbed the flask from my purse and swallowed a few gulps of tequila. By the time I focused on the road, we had pulled up to the property, and Neptune was waiting outside.
“Kitty Kat.”
I was still in the car, but Neptune’s deep voice reached me. Even with the windows tinted, no one could convince me he couldn’t see me beyond the glass. Since no one made a move, I used the time to admire the tall man with the same complexionas Aladdin. I saw he had chopped his curly taper down to waves, and the holster around his broad shoulders outlined his muscular build. As sculpted as his arms were, I wondered if Neptune had done time in prison.
“Get out of the car, Kitty,” he insisted as he pulled the door open.
“Are you going to kill me?”
“You pick a fine time to ask that question.”
“People know where I am.”
Dimples I hadn’t noticed during our first time together came into view.
“Unlike you, I know how to clean a scene without leaving a trace of my existence, Kannon. I wouldn’t have texted you to meet if I planned to kill you. Why did you come if you were going to be hardheaded? Again.”
“I thought we were going out for dinner.”
His long, tatted fingers melted into my skin when he took hold of my chin. “Get out of the car, or go home.”
There was my exit. Neptune gave me a way out, but I pressed my hand into his chest, urging him to step back so I could plant my feet on solid ground.
