Page 9 of A Hood Wife And A Rich Goon

“Stupid bitch!” Fancy spat, blood spewing from her mouth when she lifted her head from the floor and caught Toni’s back as she rushed out of the townhome. “I’ll find you! I’m gonna fucking kill you, stupid ass hoe!” she threatened, sucking in deep breaths and holding her stomach.

Toni was tiny but mighty, bursting outside and immediately dashing to the end of the block. It was dark and clouds filled the sky as she inhaled the scent of upcoming rain. Catching her breath, she looked left, then right, just as a bus approached the next corner. Quickly slipping into her shoes, she ran to catch it before it took off down the street. Once she was settled, she pressed her head against the seat she chose in the back and sighed. Glancing over her shoulder, she peered out the big window and caught Fancy limping out of the building, screaming like a crazy person at the top of her lungs, scanning the street for her. Ducking low in, Toni shut her eyes and thanked God she was able to flee.

With her bags in her lap, she sifted through her purse until she located her cell phone. She had about an hour until her shift started. So, she was going to catch the bus back into Stonebridge and try to figure her shit out. She couldn’t not go to work because she needed the money. She’d come across some cash that Bronx stashed, but it wasn’t going to be enough for long-term survival. Something had to give. Onika and Urso were going to apply pressure this entire pregnancy, stressing her the hell out. She refused to go back to that. Sending a silent prayer up to God, she begged him to show her the way.

“Well, well. I didn’t think you would ever show your face around here again.” As soon as the elevator doors opened, Bull was met with Essence Campbell’s sultry tone.

Immediately his dick responded. His best friend’s little sister damn sure grew the fuck up. Her smooth, glowing espresso skin looked like it tasted good. He would know. Carefully drinking her in, his eyes sparkled, and half a smile teased her full, juicy lips coated with gloss. Denim Calvin Klein jeans hung off her womanly hips, accompanied by a white V-neck top that clung to her B cups, and a pair of black leather heels to match the leather jacket draped over her shoulders. Essence was tall and slim but had some meat on her bones.

“Sorry I didn’t make the funeral. I wanted to be here. Just in case.”

The doors closed behind him, and he inched into her space. Lifting herself from the wall she was using to prop herself up, she took in his rugged but handsome appearance. Bull slid one of his thick arms around her waist and greeted her with a kiss to the cheek. Melting in his warm embrace, Essence peered into his eyes. The coldness that was typically there for anyone else faltered in her presence. Reaching up, she stroked his beard before greeting him with a soft kiss against his lips.

“It’s nice to see you too.” A rare smile graced his lips. “How is he doing?”

Pulling away from each other, the pair started down the hall toward Ezekiel’s room. Slipping her hands into the back pocket of her jeans, Essence blew out a harsh breath and shook her head.

“He’s hanging in there. It was rough those first 48 hours,” she admitted, stopping in front of the door to room 510.

Through the glass, Bull could see Eazy in his bed hooked up to multiple machines.

“I should have been here.”

“I thought you would have been. Where were you?” she asked, searching his deep-set eyes.

“Braxton called me yesterday. You believe that shit? My brother gets hit, and I’m the last mothafucka to know.” Bull scoffed.

“I’m sorry.” Essence truly meant it, and he could read the empathy behind her stare.

“Me too. I know Niva was like a sister to you.” Reaching up to stroke her cheek, he cupped her chin and tilted his head.

Sniffling, she nodded, and her teary eyes landed on her feet.

“I just can’t believe she’s gone. Her family doesn’t want me at the funeral. I tried to go pay my respects, and her mother and cousins almost made me tase their asses at the house. I know they are going through it, though.” Essence’s voice cracked, and she pressed her back against the wall beside the door to her brother’s room.

Choking on tears she didn’t want to shed, she held them back and lifted her gaze to the ceiling instead. Bull could see she was drowning in pain, and Essence wasn’t usually the type to wear her heart on her sleeve.

“Crazy shit is, I don’t blame them,” Essence whispered. “I told Eazy plenty of times to let this life go. You got out.”

“I had to leave town to do that shit. You know Eazy ain’t leaving Prospect,” Bull replied.

“Yeah, I know.” She tucked some of her straight, jet black bust down behind her ear. “You should go in and say hi. I had to make a few calls for work but was on my way to check on Oracle.”

“He’s still here?”

“The doctors are releasing him today. He’s paralyzed from the waist down. His family is supposed to come and get him to take him home. I just want to make sure he’s good.”

“Damn,” Bull muttered, shaking his head. “What room?”

“520, just around the corner,” she told him, chucking her chin in that direction.

“I’ll come check on him after I see Eazy.”

“Okay. I’ll let him know.” Essence gave him one last glimpse, loving all the grown man changes in him as she strut off.

“E.” Bull’s steady voice stopped her in her tracks.

“Yeah?” She paused and half turned to face him.