“Oh my gosh. Daughter, are you okay? Where is Q?” Mama Steph asked while I caught Quentin’s nasty glare at both me and Courtland who hadn’t left my side but released me so Mama Steph could take over and physically examine me as if she were a nurse trying to find the source of the red stains that covered my dress.
“I’m okay, just shaken up. Q is in the back. He was shot. I’m waiting on the doctor to come out with news.”
“And you are?” Quentin addressed Courtland, sizing him up with a judgy tone I was sure would’ve knocked down the average man but not my Chief.
“Just a mutual who happened to be here when they came in,” he answered coolly then put his attention on Mama Steph.
“It’s good to see you again, Mrs. Wilson, I wished it was under better circumstances though.”
“Wait, you’re the bodyguard from the pageant that day. Tunk, right? Thank you for being here with Johnni before we got here. I made my sweet daughter a promise that she’d never be alone during tough times.” I offered a small smile while Mama Steph squeezed me into her embrace tighter.
“Of course. I was telling Johnni that someone like her should never be left unprotected, especially during a time like this when your son just took a hit.”
“Oh my gosh, yes. I totally agree. Wait, do you have a business card? Quentin, take his number. I told you before thatthey needed security. You and him like to walk around like you’re untouchable and now look. He’s laid up in a hospital.”
I stood back, watching everything unfold so nicely while Courtland produced a card from his wallet. I contained my humor at this man not only making good on his promise to always protect me, but planting the seed to move closer in my life.
“Oh thank you. I promise we’ll be in touch.” She passed the card to her husband. Quentin flipped it over and looked at it as if something was wrong with it.
“Of course.” They walked away, leaving only us two standing there.
I didn’t know his plan but I was nervous as hell for him to get too close and see everything. I promised him no more secrets, but I had left out a few.
“What are you doing?” I whispered.
“Taking care of my Queen Lou, no matter the risk. I’m done leaving you unprotected in his care. It’s my turn to do my job as your man.” He grabbed my hand, pretending to shake it, lingering a little bit longer than normal while I just stared at him, watching his eyes to trust him.
The sound of the doctor calling for the family had me breaking our gaze.
“Go, baby. Don’t worry, I’ll be close. I love you.” I nodded and made my way over to Quincey’s parents already talking to the doctor while my mind ran wild with how close my boyfriend was getting to my fucked up marriage.
FOURTEEN
Tunk
Me: Morning, baby, how are you feeling today?
I texted Lourdè like I did every morning but these last couple of days I had been checking on her mental. That shooting had her in a bad headspace for these last couple of days and I hated that I couldn’t be the main person tending to her needs twenty-four-seven. I was being patient, waiting for him to contact me before I went to him man to man about protecting my woman, his wife. The news confirmed the shooter or shooters hadn’t been caught, meaning the threat was still out there and I didn’t trust him.
Queen Lou: Good morning, baby. Of course, missing you. How are you doing? Did you have breakfast yet?
I chuckled at Lourdè being herself and making sure I was good, even in her stress.
Me: I’m good, baby, knowing you good. Not yet, I just finished getting dressed. What you got a taste for?
Queen Lou: I got that covered. All I need you to do is to come prepared to give me a long, deep hug.
I double checked the message to see if I’d read her text correctly. Under normal circumstances I would never be caughtcreeping around a married woman’s house, but knowing what I did, I pulled up Lourdè’s location on my phone and headed to see my woman.
Me: On my way, Queen Lou.
For the last couple of days since the shooting, this muthafucka had been holding my damn woman hostage in the house with only people that he approved going in and out. She was never on the list to leave. I swore the nigga knew he was keeping her from me and I hated his bitch ass even more.
Twenty minutes later I was using a security code to access the gated community. Instead of getting out, I texted Lourdè to come outside. This wasn’t my shit and I didn’t need to be with my lady in this muthafucka’s house.
She came out in a dress that had her back completely out. One wrong move and either a titty would pop out or her ass would be on display.
Damn, nigga, and she did all this for you.
