Page 106 of Beyond the Badge: Nox

Especially since there was an obvious change with Nox. He seemed to be more into it tonight than on Friday when he was trying to break down some barriers.

Tonight was proof those barriers have started to crumble.

And that was a good thing.

Her hair would survive.

Anyway, she really didn’t want to tell him not to do what came naturally for him because she didn’t want to discourage him in any manner. He was taking the necessary steps forward. She didn’t want to be the reason for him retreating to where he’d been previously.

He gave her hips a squeeze. “I need to pull out before there needs to be a cleanup on aisle five.”

Oh, yes.This man was making progress, for sure. Was it all because of her? Liyah doubted it but she hoped she at least had a hand in it.

Helping people came naturally for her. Making the people around her happy— whether she helped them buy their dream home or helped free them of crippling grief—made her happy. It also gave her a sense of worth.

Some people fed off others’ misery. She was not one of them.

With one exception. She hoped Jason stepped on Legos with bare feet every night for the rest of his miserable life.

Once she gave Nox a nod, he secured the condom as she stood, breaking their connection and stepping back.

She really needed to clean up. So did he. As a mother, she was in the habit of carrying tissues and hand-wipes. But as she turned to grab her purse, she heard, “Liyah… Is that a wig?”

Her head jerked back, and she glanced over her shoulder. “I’m sorry?”

Did he just ask her if she was wearing a wig?

“I…” He winced. “Shit… No, I’m the one who’s sorry. I hope that question didn’t offend you, but I’m pretty ignorant when it comes to Black women’s hair. I assumed most wore a weave or a wig. Or…” He grimaced, most likely from her expression. “How about I just shut the fuck up now?”

“First, I’m not most women. Second, if you ask the wrong woman a question like that, you’ll learn real quick about Black women and their hair.”

“I take it, not in a good way.”

“It’s like asking a woman her age. Actually, it’s worse.”

“I know your age.”

“That you do.” Liyah grabbed her purse and took the two steps back to him to poke him in the chest. “Stick with me, mister, and you’ll learn a lot about us beautiful Black queens.”

“How am I going to learn if I can’t ask questions?”

In all honesty, she was pleased he was interested and wanted to learn. “Good point, but all you have to do is observe.”

“Not a hardship.”

“What isn’t?”

“Watching you.”

She traced a fingernail along his jawline. “Same, Nox. I don’t have to blind myself with a hot poker after looking at you.”

The corners of his eyes crinkled. “I guess that’s good.”

“Very good. You are one fine male specimen. And not just down there.” She raised her eyebrows and tipped her head toward his now wilting cock.

“I aim to please.” One side of his mouth rose. “Those beautiful curls are all you, then.”

“It’s all me, baby,” she confirmed. “All natural.”

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