Page 91 of Mia

“If there is a next time, you’ll handle us together.”

I looked around Titan. He and the guys were standing with my brothers, laughing and talking. I waved, catching Deuce’s attention. When he noticed me, he motioned for Titan to look at me. I waved him over, and he excused himself. The moment he was at my side, he slid a protective arm around me.

“Mr. James.”

“Titan.”

“My grandfather has something he wants to say to you,” I said.

My grandfather cleared his throat and clasped his hands in front of him.

“I. . . apologize for having you fight and trying to have your team fight you.”

Titan frowned. “Come again?”

“You heard what I said.”

“Yeah, I heard you, but I’m trying to understand where it’s coming from.”

“Ask your wife.”

He looked over at me, then back at my grandfather.

“With all due respect, Mr. James. I don’t want or need your apology because I know you don’t mean that shit. Let’s not do me any favors. You’re a real nigga and I knew what was coming before you called me. I handled my shit like a man, and I don’t need you apologizing to appease my wife. Thank you, baby, but no thank you.”

He grabbed my hand and led me away from my grandfather. I was quiet, as he led me through a set of double doors and down the hall to a private room reserved as a dressing room. Inside, he closed and locked the door. For a moment, he was quiet before turning to me.

“Don’t ever have another nigga apologize to me,” he said firmly.

“I was just⁠—”

“Mia. One thing I don’t play about is my respect. I know what you were trying to do, and I appreciate it, but it wasn’t needed, love. I don’t need your grandfather’s approval or any other man’s, for that matter. I earned my respect, mamas. I’ve put in the work and one bad judgment call can’t erase that. He might be mad, but he’ll get over it because I’m an asset to him. He needs me more than I need him. I’ve apologized to him once for the way I handled shit. I’m not doing it again, and I’m not kissing his ass. Neither are you. Understood?”

I opened my mouth to say something, but he placed a finger to my lips.

“Understood?”

I nodded.

“Good.”

He removed his finger and slipped an arm around my waist. A smirk formed on his face as he peered down at me.

“Look at you, sticking up for your man. You know I love when you boss up about me.”

He pulled me into him, and I felt the hardness of his dick pressed against my stomach.

“I know,” I said.

“You look so fucking good tonight, mamas.”

It was my turn to smirk. “I know.”

He chuckled. “Cocky ass. That’s why I love you. Never been afraid to pop yo’ shit.” He slapped my ass. “How long do you think we have before anybody notices we’re missing?”

“All the time in the world. This day is about us.”

He fingered my cheek. “Did you get the little gift I hid under your dress?”