Page 13 of Through the Fire

The change in his voice made that irritating orb of warmth expand even wider. It wouldn’t be long before it encompassed my entire heart. He turned his attention to me.

“I am so sorry about that, Island. That bit—” he paused looking down at his daughter and changed it to, “womanis crazy and triflin’. I never meant to disrespect your place of business.”

I shook my head as I stood. Going to stand by him, I placed a gentle hand on Shyla’s back.

“I know. It’s okay.” I motioned to the abandoned food hoping the distraction would help. “Let’s eat this pizza.”

He offered me a sad smile then walked over. My heart went out to them both. I couldn’t imagine what it was like to deal with that. While the smart thing to do would be to run, I found myself desiring to be there for them even more.

Shyheim was lost in his thoughts and kept quiet while we ate. I kept busy talking with Shy Shy about school and the new things she was learning. I loved how intelligent she was, even if she had a mother who was quick to abandon her.

“You are perfect and so smart,” I affirmed her while rubbing her cheek. Lifting my eyes to her father, I placed a hand on top of his to get his attention. “And you’re doing a great job.”

He seemed far away from the moment with us, and I allowed him to be, but he needed to know that. I surprised myself when I did something I normally wouldn’t do and opened my arms for him. He was hesitant at first, but eventually, he opened his too. That hug between us silenced all the chatter in my mind. All that mattered right now was letting him know I was there for him and Shyla.

When we parted ways, I should’ve placed distance between us, but the broken look in his hazel eyes froze me in place. Against my better judgment, I allowed gravity to pull us together until our lips met for a soft kiss that set my soul on fire. When he pulled away, he dropped his forehead on top of mine.

“Your lips are even softer than I imagined they’d be.”

His confession had me blushing. I laughed then pushed him away. For the first time since Shy Shy’s mother disrupted the balance with her bad energy, I saw him genuinely smile. That was enough for me to ignore the throbbing of my scars as it became overpowered by the warmth in my heart.

“Shy Shy, please calm down, baby. Daddy needs to clean up.”

She was damn near jumping from wall to wall doing flips, splits, and TikTok dances. I was sure my mama must’ve given her something sweet before she left. It was the only explanation, and that lady knew she was wrong for doing that. I was just getting off from a shift at the station. The last thing I wanted to do was clean, cook, and shower before bed with a hyper toddler.

I stopped picking up bottles of nail polish and lip gloss when I heard a knock at the door. I set down the basket I was placing everything into to go see who it was. My head fell backward, and I sucked my teeth when I saw who it was.

“Hey to you too,” Kianni said, smacking her lips.

I groaned. “Man, what you want?”

“I came to get my baby.”

When I realized she was serious, I couldn’t help but laugh in her face. Stepping back, I went to slam the door in her face, but she pressed up against it, forcing me from doing so.

“Shyheim, stop. She’s my daughter too. I have a right to see her.”

“You don’t have a right to do shit after you showed your ass the last time. Your access tomydaughter has been revoked, so get the fuck on.”

Suddenly, Kianni stopped fighting against the door. I thought she was giving the act a rest when her words paused me.

“This bitch again?” I snatched the door open, but she started pounding on my chest. “You think you about to move on with this ho?”

Island stood behind her with her arms folded across her chest. Today, she was dressed down in a pair of black leggings, a black graphic hoodie, and crocs with the giblets. She looked unimpressed by Kianni’s tantrum. I, on the other hand, hated that she was seeing me out of character again.

“You got one more time to call me out of my name before I show you something.”

I’d never heard Island’s voice so sharp, but I understood. Kianni brought out the worst in people. You had no choice but to show your claws dealing with this ho.

“Stop disrespecting her, and find you something safe to do,” I warned Kianni while moving, so I was standing between them.

Kianni laughed. “I’m going to make your life a living hell.”

“I don’t even know why you’re here right now. We both know you don’t really want Shyla. So leave.”

“This is my family, and I refuse to let some bitc—” Kianni started, but she was silenced by a quick punch from Island.

Her mouth literally snapped shut. Kianni shrieked in shock and attempted to charge at Island, but I held her back.

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