Page 64 of A Capo’s Love: Featuring A Don’s Love

“No,” Roy replied casually. “That shit was terrorism with emotions attached.” He chuckled.

I whipped my head in his direction and became instantly curious.

Novae kicked her little feet and babbled, he mouth was closed around an object as Roy held the end of the stick. I just knew he wasn’t crazy enough to give my baby…. Candy?

“What is that?” I signed sharply once I had his attention.

I was back on pain control medicine for my throat but hadn’t yet started my physical therapy, so I tried to preserve my voice for Novae, the twins and now La’Nova since we were back on talking terms. Roy was testing my patience. He looked down at Novae innocently and murmured…

“What?” He asked, frowning while gazing back up at me.

“What’s in her mouth?” I asked flat out, although I knew exactly what it looked like.

Novae sat snuggled comfortably in his right arm happily slobbering on a bright pink lollipop while Roy held it steady for her. My eyebrows pulled together from the audacity of him.

“She’s a baby,” I reasoned.

Only reason I hadn’t made a move in their direction was because of how happy my baby looked.

“It’s a sugar free, vegan strawberry sucker,” he explained nonchalantly like that fixed everything.

I stared at him blankly, and he stared back, mirroring my expression.

“Take it from her.” I signed, now headed in their direction.

“Nah, man. I’m not about to have her mad at me,” he said, adjusting the sucker in her mouth.

“She’s eight weeks, La’Nova will kill both of us.” I signed again before reaching out to take it.

“Give it here. No. No…” I whispered to her gently.

I took my hand away when Novae actually made a tiny angry sound when I pulled it halfway out her mouth. Roy smirked triumphantly.

“See.” He raised his brows.

“She don’t even got teeth,” I whispered.

“She got opinions though,” he retorted, chuckling.

I pinched the bridge of my nose and shook my head.

“I’m telling La’Nova when she gets back,” I warned.

Roy laughed while carefully taking the sucker away from Novae.

“Aight, my bad, you ain’t got to snitch.” He popped the sucker in his mouth and bit the whole thing off.

Novae’s little face scrunched up first before she howled loud and dramatically.

“Oh nah, see Luke!” Roy muttered quickly, trying to console her. “Don’t do that, pretty baby. That’s your hot and cold daddy being a meanie guy.”

I crossed my arms, watching him struggle as he continued to try his best to soothe her. Her screaming bounced off the walls until I caved in and took her out of his arms. I kissed her cheeks and whispered to her soothingly. Seconds later she simmered down in my arms as I swayed from side to side.

I fell in love with my daughter a thousand different ways every single day, but nothing compared to when she settled against my chest like she knew she belonged there. She made me feel like my arms had been empty my whole life waiting specifically for her weight. I wanted Novae to always feel safe and secure in my arms.

“Superhero ass nigga,” Roy complained. “You wanted her to get mad at me so you can swoop in and save the day,” he spat out, sounding vexed.

“Let daddy get you away from Uncle Roy,” I whispered softly, walking back toward her momma’s new camper.