Page 21 of Ruger

"That's your best friend, right? You shared locations with her. That's why Ru made you turn that shit off before he brought you out here." My hand went to my head.

How could Nani betray me like that? We had been best friends for ten years, and I would have never thought she'd go against me for a nigga that didn't even like her for real. I promised that I was going to knock her head off her shoulders once I got my hands on her. Then again, I'd feel bad because she was too little for me to pound on.

"So, where am I supposed to go?"

"You have to stay here until we can find that bum."

"Why can't I just stay with you?"

"You're safer here, Kenz. Ruger is the safest place to be right now."

"And what about you? Are you staying here too?"

"Nah. Ain't no bitch nigga running me out of my hood. I'm actually hoping Nino's ass shows up on my doorstep."

"Fuck that. I'm not staying here if you're not! I can't stand the thought of losing you, Ghana."

"You won't lose me."

"You can't promise me that! And what about Nichelle? Isn't she pregnant with your baby? What if something happens to her?"

"I sent her to Memphis to be with her people until this is over. Why are you making such a big fucking deal out of this? I know you like that nigga. You just better not try to fuck him. I love Ru like a brother, but he's heartless. I don't want you falling in love and shit, and he breaks your heart. Then that's going tobecome a whole different problem, and that'll be the day I just might die."

I sucked my teeth. "Ain't nobody thinking about that man," I lied.

Ghana glared at me. "Yeah... a'ight. I gotta go. I promise I'll be back tomorrow to see you. You got class tomorrow?"

"No. My next class is Thursday."

"A'ight. I love you, Sis. I'll call you in the morning." We both stood as he hugged me and kissed the top of my head. I walked with him to the door just as Ruger was descending the stairs.

"You out, Grue?"

"Yeah, I'm gone. I'll come by tomorrow afternoon to check y'all."

"Type shit. Be careful, my G."

"Always." They did some handshake as Ghana walked out the door and I stood staring at it.

"Let me show you where you'll be sleeping," Ruger stated, breaking me out of the stare-down I had with the door.

"What time is it?"

"Almost three in the morning."

"Is your family still here?"

"Nah... You coming or what?"

"Can I get some water? I still feel a little buzzed from the drinks."

"Yeah. You and Wes owe me two hundred dollars, too, drinking up my good shit."

"Whatever. You won't miss it." I waved him off, following him into the kitchen.

Ruger grabbed a cup from the glass cabinet, then walked over to the sub-zero refrigerator, placing the glass under the water fountain. He leaned against the counter, staring at me.

I cleared my throat. "It's going to overflow."

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