Page 50 of The Black Wife Blessing

"Because he can't," Celia says firmly. "Not with the Blackwoods in your corner."

A sense of calm washes over me—not the false security I used to manufacture for myself, but something genuine and solid. For the first time since Benjamin reappeared in my life, I feel truly safe.

"It's more than just legal protection," I say quietly. "It's knowing I'm not facing this alone anymore. That I have people who believe me, who believe in me."

Olivia squeezes my hand. "That's what family does."

Family. The word resonates inside me, filling empty spaces I didn't know existed. The Blackwoods aren't just Henry's relatives anymore—they've become my shield, my advocates, my people.

"I think I'm going to be okay," I whisper, and I mean it.

34

HENRY

Ilean against Leo's black Rover, the night air crisp against my face. The parking lot is empty except for our three cars, strategically positioned for what's about to go down.

"You sure this fucker's home?" Aston asks, taking a swig of his beer. His normally polished demeanor has an edge tonight—we all do.

"Followed him myself," Leo says, checking his watch. "Hasn't left since this morning. Guy's holed up in there like he knows what's coming."

I roll the cold bottle between my palms, feeling a strange calm settle over me. After days of gathering evidence—the texts, the brake line tampering, security footage from the restaurant—it's finally happening. The bastard who threatened my wife isn't walking away this time.

"How's Monica holding up?" Aston's voice cuts through my thoughts.

"Better. Still jumpy." I take a long pull from my beer, the bitter taste matching my mood. "She didn't want me here tonight. Said I shouldn't see this. Worried about what I might do."

Leo snorts. "But here you are anyway."

"Damn right. I'm not missing this for the world." My fingers tighten around the bottle. "Nobody fucks with what's mine and walks away unscathed."

The police cruisers pull up without sirens, four officers emerging with purposeful strides. My heart pounds against my ribs as they approach Benjamin's building.

"Think they'll find the tools he used on her car?" Aston asks.

"Don't need to," I say, eyes locked on the third-floor window. "We've got him on camera at the restaurant parking lot. Footage of him buying the tools. The lawyer says it's fucking airtight."

"Blackwood resources, baby." Leo clinks his bottle against mine. "Nobody fucks with family."

Family. The word catches me off guard. When did Monica become family? Somewhere between our fake engagement and real feelings, between her nightmares and my promises, she became everything.

The lights flick on in Benjamin's apartment. Shadows move behind the blinds. I straighten up, every muscle tense.

"Here we go," Leo murmurs.

The front door of the building bursts open. Two officers emerge with Benjamin between them, hands cuffed behind his back. Even from this distance, I can see the rage twisting his face as he scans the street, looking for witnesses to his humiliation.

His eyes find mine across the pavement. Recognition flashes, followed by pure hatred.

I raise my beer in a silent toast.

"That's for her, you piece of shit," I whisper.

Benjamin jerks against the officers' grip, his face contorted with rage. "Get your fucking hands off me! You can't do this!"

I take another swig of beer, savoring the moment. This piece of shit tampered with Monica's brakes. Could've killed her. Now he's getting exactly what he deserves.

"Look at this asshole," Leo quips, leaning against his Rover. "Thinks he's tough."

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