“Josie, I’m home. Is Tunk still here?” I watched her face as her eyes rolled. I stopped licking long enough for her to answer.
“Yes. Downstairs somewhere. Please leave me alone.” She struggled to get her words out and I prayed like hell he didn’t jump stupid. It was quiet, but I was listening for receding footsteps that seemed to take forever. Once I knew he was gone. I stood up, pissed as hell.
“Go get cleaned up.” I tried not to be irritated but I knew my tone was full of frustration.
This whole situation was complicated, and yet it pissed me off each fucking time his ass reminded me.
As I was putting on my shoes, now thankful that I hadn’t got completely naked, she wrapped herself around my forearm with teary eyes, staring at me.
“Chief, please don’t be mad. I’m sorry. I thought we would have the rest of the afternoon to be together.”
“Lou, I’m not mad. I’m frustrated, not with you though. Also, your mother-in-law probably told him you hurt yourself and now his ass rushed home to check on you. Even though the nigga could’ve just called.”
“Come on now, Chief, would you havejust called?”
“Naw, and don’t do that shit. He for damn sure ain’t me. I’m a piece of steak while that nigga is a snack cake. Yeah, we both taste good, but I’m the only one good for you.”
I smiled widely while Johnni kissed her teeth before we shared a chuckle.
“Courtland!”
“What, Lou? Shit, I’m being serious and not apologizing for that. But back to you, baby, next time talk to me and I’ll come up with a solution to get you alone and out of his damn house because this wasn’t the move at all. Now I gotta think about rainbows and butterflies or some shit to relax.” She snickered as she got up, now headed for the bathroom, snatching up the clothes she’d stripped out of in the process.
“Rainbows and butterflies has to be the most random thing I’ve heard you say.”
I shrugged, following her so I could wash her essence off my face and hands.
“Yeah, because all other thoughts lead back to you, Lou.”
Lourdè grinned then placed her lips on my cheek.
I dried my hands and walked over to her, placing a quick, tender kiss on her lips.
“I’ll be downstairs.”
I left her standing there without a word, making it down just in time for Quincey to come from his office, catching me near the front door.
“Tunk, can I have a word?” He kept walking, headed for his office with us all doing the same.
Jury was the last one in, closing the door behind herself.
He grabbed a drink from his bar before taking a seat in his oversized leather chair.
“Now before I say anything, this stays between us. Johnni doesn’t need to know. I don’t want her more stressed than she already is. I want to beef up security for us both. Yes, these two are always with me, but I need guys at my office protecting my other staff as well as helping you at the house during the day and two at night.” I frowned, wondering where all this was coming from.
I’m telling you, this muthafucka got cameras.
I cleared my throat. “Did something happen that I need to be aware of?”
“He got a death threat call. It came through on the campaign line. It was quick, straight to the point, voice coded box being used, so hard to tell if it was male or female,” Judge answered.
“Okay. I’ll send an extra guard tonight and I’ll make sure both the house and your office are fully staffed. Have you contacted CFPD?”
“No,” Jury said with an extra bit of attitude in her tone. I shifted my eyes around the room. My team had a protocol when it came to serious situations out of our control and now I was listening to them tell me they’d ignored it and I wanted to know more about it.
“Judge?” My tone was direct and stern, giving a command. If this muthafucka wasn’t going to open his mouth, my crew better.
But to my surprise, Quincey finally answered.
