Page 98 of A Capo’s Love: Featuring A Don’s Love

His expression softened as guilt flooded his face.

“You haven’t been home, you don’t even answer the work phone nor your cell phone when I call. You go to the lounge then come straight to this nigga’s house… he’s changing you for the worse. I told you he’s dangerous.”

He said the last part lowly then glanced over at me with accusing eyes.

“You know where I been, this was extreme and⁠—”

“You live under my roof, lil girl,” he spat flatly.

I saw Amaris visibly flinch from his words.

“You out here chasing a nigga that I consider my mutha fuckin’ enemy! A nigga that snatched you out of my home and threatened my life and yours!” he coldly continued, trying to guilt-trip her.

“Dad—”

“Enough!” He snapped, cutting her off, further pissing me off.

“If you choose this…” He waved his hand up and down in my direction with disgust mirroring his face. “Then stop running my establishments… Get all your shit out my house and stay here,” he challenged.

The ultimatum hung between us all. Amaris slowly turned and looked at me with tear-filled eyes. I saw the heartbreak all over her face. What shocked me the most in her position right now was that it looked like she was debating it. The shattered expression on her face proved to me that she had encountered the same feelings that I did for her in the short time of us knowing one another.

Her dad was on some pussy as shit, but I felt honored for the simple fact of her standing in front of me possibly debating it. I had her back either way on what she decided. What both of them didn’t understand was they both encountered a real nut case with me.

I had always believed that whatever I set my mind to, I would achieve. That determination was burning inside me now, and I could feel the gears turning as a plan began to form clearly in my thoughts. Without hesitation, I tucked my gun away, signaling my readiness. I gave Amaris a subtle nod, smooth and confident, inviting her over. She didn't hesitate either; she rushed toward me, crashing into my chest and clinging tightly to my solid frame, seeking reassurance and comfort in that moment.

“I—I’m sorry Royal…” she whimpered out sadly.

I nodded my head, looking her deeply in the eyes. I lifted my hands to her face and kissed her on the lips, hoping it gave her reassurance before resting my forehead against hers.

“I respect what you got to do, Breasturant.” I smiled, pecking her lips again already knowing I was gone miss the fuck out of her.

Her eyes hit the ground in defeat. I hated seeing her like this because of her dad being on a power trip. I had to let this shit play out however it was going to though.

"I'll always remember our brief time together," I said, as my hand rested over her rapidly beating heart. “It was all real and felt deeply.”

Her lips trembled and I started to lose control and patience. I wanted to say fuck being the bigger person and make her ass go right back in my house.

“Go with that nigga, leave your shit and I’ll see you soon.” I pecked her on the forehead then stepped back.

Amaris stared at me crying quietly before she turned and walked away past her father not even bothering to look at his selfish ass. I stayed planted exactly where I was with a blank expression, although inside, I wanted to trip over my own two feet to pull her back beside me where I truly felt she belonged. The truck door closed, and me and Maniac stood in a stare off.

“You got ten minutes to make a call.” I held up both hands, breaking the silence.

“Get these dead bodies off my property and have yo weak ass cleaning crew scrub all the blood off my concrete before I add you to the list of dead niggas,” I warned.

“I’m just glad you see things my way.” He nodded his head, looking away from me as he pecked away on his phone.

“Nah, nigga.” I chuckled getting his attention. “I only see shit my way… so the next time you think about popping up at my shit, send your condolences to your family in advance.”

“I just wanted my daughter away from you.” He frowned.

“You got your wish for now, but be in business mode come Monday. Spike’s Lounge needs to be signed over to her no later than the New Year. An offer you won’t refuse will be accepted, and after that, I’ll come pick Amaris up and take her off your hands.”

The message was clear and direct: while Amaris’s dad had gotten what he wanted for the moment, the situation was far from resolved. A deadline was set and ticking by Monda. He needed to approach things professionally, ensuring the transfer of Spike’s Lounge to Amaris before the New Year. The terms would be non-negotiable, leaving no room for argument. Once the deal was finalized, Amaris would be taken away, her future decided without further discussion.

I watched the truck Amaris was in pull away, knowing deep down that he couldn’t control her forever. No matter how things played out between us, I found solace in the fact that I’d be making moves to secure her independence. At least she’d have a future that belonged to her, not dictated by someone else.

I stepped closer, locking eyes with him.