Page 17 of So I Know it's Real

“Nah, don’t get quiet now! You mean what?”

Davis had never given me the impression he was violent, but the fire in his eyes provoked me to step back.

“I met him the night my girls took me out to celebrate something you didn’t even acknowledge.”

“I’ve already apologized for that.” He groaned. “I know our relationship is fresh, but everything I’m doing will benefit you and your kids in the long run.”

“Davis, I can’t trust you with my heart. No way I can trust you with my boys.”

I stormed off, but I would not allow Davis’s possessive attitude to throw me off my game. A few minutes alone in the kitchen and a talk with Jesus realigned my energy. I got back to work and maintained a counterfeit smile until the host addressed his guests.

“I wanted to get on the mic and thank y’all for coming to celebrate my birthday with me. I don’t fuck with too many people, so anybody in this muthafucka is family! I have shots coming around. Be sure to grab one. We’re tossing them back in ten.”

I interpreted the announcement to mean I needed to refill my inventory, but before I made it back inside, Karlie strutted over like we hadn’t been on our feet for hours.

“Don’t forget to take your break, Clover.”

“We only have two hours to go. I’m not worried about it.”

The combination of the loud music and my empty stomach resulted in a looming headache, so I removed the ponytail holder, keeping my hair in place.

“Girl, that doesn’t matter. Regina is not paying for your lunch or breaks. You better take your time,” she replied. “On another note, how did things go with Durk?”

“Things went to hell. Davis interrupted our conversation. After that, I started avoiding both of them.”

Though I steered clear of Durk, my eyes occasionally floated in his direction. Every time I looked his way, he was working or watching me. I grinned when we locked eyes, but his mug was firm, nothing like the jovial expression I’d grown to expect. I didn’t think Davis had the chance to say enough to piss him off, but I wasn’t brave enough to ask.

When the sun went down, the DJ turned on Luke’s “Birthday Song.” Anyone who was sitting got out of their seat when the classic poured through the speakers. All I saw was ass shaking and dick slanging like a still frame from a Freaknik documentary.

Karlie and I giggled at the people with no rhythm, and we clowned guys who couldn’t keep up with the women. However, my smile plunged to my feet when Durk started walking in our direction. My mouth got moist at the sight of him, driving meto dab the corners of my mouth with my thumb. The closer he got, the straighter my spine became. Unfortunately, before the stylish artist could close the distance, Davis collided with him, sending them both into the pool.

My heart froze mid-beat seeing Durk fight the water while Davis gloated as he pulled himself out of the pool.

“Lord, have mercy!” I panicked though no one else seemed to gauge the seriousness of the situation.

I snapped into action, snatching a floating board from a hook near the door. I heard Karlie call my name as I ran toward the water, but I dove into the deep end without looking back.

“Relax, Durk! I got you!”

It took him a minute to loosen up enough to grab the board, but the sound of my voice seemed to soothe the apprehension dominating his copper-colored orbs. He allowed me to lead him to the wall of the pool. Then he peeled my hands away. I only had a second to sulk before I was yanked from the water and placed on my feet. I opened my mouth to offer an apology on Davis’s behalf, but Durk moved faster than my lips.

“You think I’m a fucking joke, bitch?” Durk shouted as he rushed over to Davis and punched him in the nose.

Onlookers went wild when he followed up with a two piece, and I flinched when Durk slammed thepranksteron his back. I thought he would give Davis a break after he hit the ground, but instead, Durk dug his wet sneakers into his abdomen. The water-soaked man wasn’t a burly dude, but he wasn’t bony. I knew the power behind his long legs and arms did damage.

“Let me go! Get the fuck off of me,” Durk spat when three guards began to pull him away. “You must not know who the fuck I am! You’re about to lose your life over a woman you can’t take care of. Now, I’m going to make her my wife and give you a reason to be mad, bitch!”

“Tatum!Pierce! It’s time to go! We’re going to be late for church.” I froze near the door. “Shit. I forgot my fan.”

Pierce met me at the front of the house before I could make it up the stairs.

“Mama, we’re not supposed to be late, and you’re not supposed to curse.”

I gripped my hips and tried to conserve a firm expression, yet I cracked when the smart kid mimicked my movements.

“Boy, don’t tease me. Go brush your hair, and put some oil on your face.”

“I already did that. I’m not the twin who needs reminders.”

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