Page 3 of Bully

I tried to kiss her, but she mushed my face. “I have to go, baby. I’m sorry.”

“Bully, if you leave this wedding, I will never speak to you again!” Innvy yelled as I jogged toward the door where PJ had just exited.

“I’m sorry, sweetheart. I’ll fix this shit. I promise!”

“You don’t have to worry about fixing it because the weddingandmarriage will be off.” When I didn’t respond, she yelled, “Bully!”

The sound of her yelling my name had me squeezing my eyes shut. I knew I’d hurt her, but I couldn’t focus on that. Not right now. Whatever Rocco wanted me to do would require my full attention, and the quicker and more efficiently I handled it, the quicker I could come back and fix things with my girl.

* * *

A Short While Later

As soon asI made it into my home to pack a few bags, my brothers made their way over to me. I shouldn’t have been surprised to see them waiting for me. If I could depend on nothing else, I could depend on them to be loyal. Shame made it hard for me to look any of them in the eyes as I headed down the hall. I hated that I owed a man anything—even a favor. While I didn’t regret taking care of the nigga that violated my sister, I regretted not handling it myself. For the past five years, this moment had been hovering in the back of my mind and heart. I didn’t know when Rocco would pop back up or what he’d want, but I certainly wasn’t expecting it to be today.

“What the fuck is going on?” Karrington asked, charging over to me.

“I can’t talk about it.” I brushed past them all, and they followed me to my bedroom.

“Fuck you mean you can’t talk about it?” Beethoven repeated.

“Exactly what I said. I can’t talk about it.”

“Aight, everybody calm down,” Asylum said. “Are you in danger?”

My head shook as I grabbed my duffel bag. “No, not really. It’s a long story, and I don’t really have time to discuss it. I owe Rocco a favor, and he’s calling it in. If I don’t do it, then he will come after me and my family, and y’allknowI’m not going to let that happen.”

“What about the wedding?” Merc asked.

My shoulders slouched as I grabbed clothes out of my drawers. “She called it off.”

“Until when?” Karrington asked. If anyone knew how things could play out when your woman found out about a lifestyle you tried to hide from her it was him. He and Luna Ray were proof of that. His love shared with Eyela was inspiring, but my heart wouldn’t allow me to consider doing life with a woman other than Innvy.

I shrugged. “Until she can get over what I told her earlier. That might not ever happen, and I can’t think about it right now. I have to make sure she and my baby will be safe. After I do this favor, I can try and salvage our relationship.”

They all remained silent as I packed. As I headed out, Karrington asked, “What can I do? Maybe I can go to Rocco on your behalf for a sit down.”

“Stay out of it, brother. I got myself into this, and I’m going to get myself out.” My hand covered the doorknob, and I looked back at them. “Y’all look after my girl. I’m going to try and be back before she goes into labor but if I’m not…”

“We got you,” Asylum assured me quickly.

With one bob of my head, I left my home and my life behind.

Each step I took toward the town car where PJ waited for me, I felt more conflicted. Should I have told Innvy about the situation sooner? Would she hold this against me forever? Was there a chance she wouldn’t want to marry me when I came back? Only time would tell that truth.

2

Innvy

Hours After the Runaway Groom

There wasnothing anyone could say to make me feel better or get me to talk. My family had a million questions, and so did Bully’s. I had no answers, and not having answers only frustrated me more. Thankfully, Neo and Merc took control of the situation and got me out of there before I could completely combust. They’d been assuring everyone that I was okay and just didn’t want to talk.

Regardless of how much I wanted to be left alone, that wouldn’t be happening any time soon. I couldn’t get rid of my best friend and Bully’s crew easily. When I felt strong arms wrap around me and pull me from my fetal position, I knewexactlywho it was. My tears immediately began to fall as Merc pulled me into his chest.

As I sniffled, I heard Karrington ask, “Is there… anything we can do, sis?”

“Can you bring Bully back?” Neo asked on my behalf as she rubbed my back.

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