He took you off the market and I love this shit. #teammarcus.

At this moment, I decided Stacie wasn’t a stable person, and I toggled over to Kindness’s name instead.

Me

Marcus has lost his mind!

Kindness

?

I uploaded a clip from the press conference into our thread.

Kindness

Awww . . . too cute. Claiming his woman.

Me

Marcus needs help, and he left Harley in my care. Help me! He thinks we’re a couple. My dad has been calling all night.

Kindness

I love this. Trust love again.

Me

You nor Stacie were any help. Goodbye.

Russell’s face appearing on my TV caused me to do a double take. I secured the remote and turned up the volume.

“The Houston Police department has apprehended Russell Fox today in a shootout outside his hotel room. Authorities say they were trying to execute a wellness check after the suspect’s wife escaped with her sister and children. After knocking, Mr. Fox opened fire on the police. The suspect’s wife stated he has become increasingly obsessed with the Jordan family, owners of the Houston Armadillos. Once the police could enter the space, they found a pieced together revenge plan which included the kidnapping and strangulation of the owner’s daughter. He is being held without bond.”

Stacie loaded the new story in our group chat, and I wasted no time sending a message.

Stacie

Kindness, are you okay?

Me

What a psycho.

After Ms. Renee returned, I booked it back to my house before Marcus made it home. I needed clarity to gain control of my life. Marcus telling the world we were doing whatever we were doing unnerved me. The fact I was sleeping when he did it allowed the rumors to fester. My social media handles have been so out of control and my mother all but planned my wedding and bullied her way into a dinner meet and greet.

The most appalling text message I received originated from Nathan.

Nathan

You couldn’t wait to replace me and Onna.

I blocked his ass before I lost it. He was the one who packed his bags and said he and Latrice wanted to be a family.

Kicking my shoes off by the couch, I lifted my candle with a pink lighter and lit it. In a few minutes, vanilla flowers will infuse my space. My purse vibrated, and I shook my head no and walked into the kitchen. I opened the beverage fridge and removed the sparkling water and the doorbell sounded off. I sat the bottle on the island and tossed my head back.

Without my phone, I couldn’t see my security cameras. I opened the door to find a chocolate 6’3 football player staring down at me. Scanning his face, I couldn’t make out his mood. Raising the latch, I unlocked the glass door and stepped backward to allow him in. He crowded my space with no hesitation.

“Mia, why are you here?”