Page 33 of So I Know it's Real

Warmth slapped my cheeks. “Our? You’re slick.”

We threw back a second shot of cognac as the server walked over with our food. Though everything smelled delicious, my focus was on our conversation, not my appetite.

“What’s up with the toothpick?” I asked.

Durk grinned. “I guess it’s like a safety blanket. I have dyslexia, and when I was in school, I realized the wood helped ease my anxiety. It became a habit I never let go of.”

Thrown off by the revelation, I sat speechless. Durk had a unique sense of humor, but the shakiness in his voice convinced me he was telling the truth.

“Is that something you still struggle with?”

“I wouldn’t say struggle, but it’s a part of my life.”

Not wanting to melt the chocolate-coated man with my heated stare, I encouraged Durk to take another turn.

“Who was your idol growing up?” He recited my words. “I want you to answer first.”

“All right. I wouldn’t call him an idol, but I loved DMX.”

Durk’s curly lashes flung back before he abruptly busted up laughing. “Get the hell out of here!”

“I’m serious! People judged him for his exterior, but from the music and interviews I’ve heard, he wasn’t as rough as folks assume. He was a protector despite his demons. That was my dog—no pun intended.”

A quiet spell crept up on us, making me shuffle around in my seat.

“What’s wrong?” I quizzed.

“Nothing’s wrong. I think I just realized I can’t let you go.”

A girlish giggle glided through my lips. “You are full of game. How are you going to commit to me with all the women you’re used to having around?”

“I’m not as bad as you think. I mean, I do entertain different women, but I don’t keep them around. There is no one to cut off. This is the first date I have been on in years. I’m happy I came too. Maybe later on, I can take you home and make you cum.”

I reached for my drink to keep from cheesing like a goofball. The juice below my waist wet my panties, but I couldn’t do anything about that.

“You have a way of making me forget I should act like a lady,” I confessed.

“You can cut up all you want. If somebody judges you, they’ll see me about it.” He leaned forward and placed a gentle kiss on my lips.

“Next question,” I said above a whisper. “How do you know when love is real?”

“I’ve only been in love once. I knew it was real when I couldn’t go to sleep until she dozed off. I didn’t want to miss a moment with her.”

“Oh, wow. She had you hooked!”

“Shut up.” He laughed. “It’s on you.”

“Hmm...I guess when I went against my parents’ rules to be with him. I had been obedient most of my life, but Calvin made me feel like he cared for me more than anyone breathing. There was an instance where I almost went to jail for him.”

Durk’s smile fell flat. “That should’ve been the day you knew shit wouldn’t work between y’all. There’s no amount of money or fear that would make me do some bogus shit like that.”

“All right.” I lifted my hand to stop him. “Enough about that. Do you want babies?”

“I don’t know. After meeting Tatum, I’d say no. Pierce makes me open to the possibility.”

“Don’t talk about my babies!”

“I’m fucking around. They’re cool, and they don’t play about you. You’re doing a good job, Lucky.”

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