Page 81 of Kandie Shoppe

Mathias’ hand hardens, making his hold almost painful when he turns to Nikki, his voice hollow with disbelief.

“What are you saying?” In that moment, I know he cares about Nikki. He sounds gutted asking me.

“This low-down dirty hoe came over here pretending to act like she’s real family getting me tipsy, then had me show her Nikki’s birth certificate,” I supply, some of my rage melting away watching Nikki shrink into herself.

“Bahaha,” Joi’s brash laugh greets Ulysses just as he enters. “When aren’t you drunk, bitch?”

I snatch away from Mathias’s ruthless grip, jumping forward coldcocking Joi, who must be stronger than she seems because after stumbling a few steps back and reversing her momentum, she jumps at me, tumbling us both to the ground.

We roll around, both trying to gain the upper hand. I just get my uninjured in leg in a dominant position when hands are grabbing me again.

Both men hold us apart, breathing hard like they’ve run a marathon.

Ulysses’ face is molten rage and so is Mathias’ but he’s not looking at me but a devastated Nikki, who looks like she’d rather be in hell than topside with us right now.

“Both of you are under arrest,” Ulysses informs us, taking out zip ties.

“Dirty ass cop,” I say louder than anyone else would dare to a man many don’t fuck with that often, especially when he’s so mad like he is now. He looks at me with solemn eyes that give not an iota of his thoughts away.

“We can’t all love jail like you do.” He leans over me, blanketing me in leather, clover, and sugar. I close my eyes for a brief second before I feel the bite of the zip ties.

“Ow,” I gasp. “At least give my sister the key to my shop.”

Ulysses goes over to the register and types in a code I gave him a while back, taking the keys out of the register.

“Here.” He hands them over to Nikki. “The bakery’s closed tomorrow. She’ll be in my custody till day after tomorrow,” he says cryptically.

“Give me a hug, baby sis.” Sadness engulfs me. “I’m sorry. The key to Kerania’s and my place is in there if you need a safe space or go to the clubhouse at Mimi’s. Nobody knows about it but us.”

“I love you so big. This is not on you,” she whispers for my ears only before pressing a kiss to my cheek.

Ducking my head so they don’t see my tears, I feel his heavy hand on my shoulder. He keeps us separated as he leads us to the cruiser.

“In,” he snaps to Joi, opening the back door.

“She was trespassing. Let me go,” I say as soon as he joins me in the front.

“Were you closed?” Quirking a brow, lips pressing in skepticism, he waits.

“To her? Yeah,” I say, looking at her in the rearview. She catches my stare, holding it only for a brief moment. Something passes in her gaze, regret? Before she turns to look out the window.

“No dice,” he grumbles, revving the engine, pulling away from the curb and dispersing the crowd.

“Kandie,”I hear Joi whisper my name for the umpteenth time. I don’t know why she’s trying to talk to me. I’ve made it my business to ignore her ass the entire time we’ve been here. They just brought dinner, a bland array of overcooked vegetables and gray meat that was supposed to be Salisbury steak with a rollthat was passable, along with some boxed potatoes and a juice box.

Ulysses had the nerve to smirk when I dared to complain. “Stay your little ass outta trouble and you never have to worry about eating that bullshit again.” Tipping his head closer, he asked, “You okay?”

“I guess. You need to keep her locked up. This thing she has against Nikki is sick,” I mumble, lying, not wanting him to know how hurt and betrayed I feel with Joi right across the way in the other cell.

“No, you ain’t, but I get it.” His glacial blue eyes slide in Joi’s direction, letting me know he understands.

“I have to go see Mom. Are you going to be here when I get back?” I’m already shaking my head no. Trying to hide his smile and exasperation, he sighs. “Be careful.”

Turning he goes over to Joi. “If you agree not to press charges, then you’ll be out after you cool off. Stay away from the bakery,” he warns.

“Sure, Sheriff,” she says with saccharine sweetness. “Just tell your hoe to stay away from me.” He just looks at her for a moment, trying to figure out what her deal is, before leaving without another word.

All that mouth earlier, now she’s over here calling me like she wants to talk.

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