Page 125 of Real's Love

“You jackass! I… oohhh!”

My cousin’s frustration was clear. I decided to make my presence known, walking the rest of the way up the hallway and into the living room. They were a few inches apart, Targen holding out a mug to Theory as she glared fire at him.

“You okay, T?” I asked softly.

“Kinda scared she might throw this hot coffee on me, but other than that, I’m good,” Targen said.

I kissed my teeth. “You not the ‘T’ I’m talking to.”

Theory blew out a deep breath.

“I’m cool, Ev,” she mumbled before heading for the stairs.

A few steps away, she turned around, strode back across the room, and snatched the mug from Targen. She sniffed, then stormed back toward the stairs. I stared at Targen.

“What the hell?—”

“Girl, get out these people’s business. We about to be late.”

I was so caught up in the “Targen and Theory Show” that I hadn’t even realized that Real had walked up on me.

“We?!” I squawked, following him as he strolled farther into the room.

“You find out anything yet?”

Ignoring me, he shot the question at a suddenly grim looking Targen who shook his head.

“Waiting. Meanwhile, she ain’t talking and Prime is gone for a couple of days,” Targen said.

“We gon’ find him and I’ma enjoy helping you take care of the problem,” Real vowed.

Targen nodded once. Frowning, I looked from one handsome face to another.

“What’s going on?” I asked.

I was ignored again as Real made his way to the door and out onto the porch. I hated the feeling of scrambling behind him, but I had to see what he was up to. I turned to give Targen a threatening look.

“Don’t hurt her,” I warned.

Stormy eyes clashed with mine. He looked offended, almost like I had insulted him.

“Never,” he vowed.

I walked outside and closed the door.

Danny was pulling up as Real neared the steps. I hurried behind him, then almost screamed my head off when I heard a voice from the right of me.

“Good morning, sunshine. Young nigga like me feeling like it’s gon’ be a great day!” Juvie greeted from his seat, rocking slowly on one of the porch swings.

“Young nigga like you ‘bout to get shot, fucking around,” I snapped, my hand on my heaving chest where my heart raced.

“Don’t shoot me,love?—”

“Don’t fucking call her that, Julien,” Real said, his eyes never moving from where Danny was climbing out of an F-250.

“My bad. Don’t shoot me, Ev. I’m looking forward to the li’l ride Real and I about to take,” Juvie said.

His smile remained, but his body language was a lot less relaxed, and he stood suddenly, his eyes glued on Real and Danny.

---