Page 96 of Dr. Bell

“That’s not an excuse.”

“You’re married…”

“And?”

“And? Am I supposed to just parade around with a married man—”

“You’re willing to do it for Adir.”

“You’re not Adir!”

A loud smack sounded, shocking Pretty.

“Shut up! Don’t you ever disrespect me like that ever again!”

“I’m sorry,” Genika cried.

“Now… Once things are done, I’ll be back by.”

The next clip, Genika was clearly crying.

“I’m feeling conflicted. On one hand, I want Adir back. On the other hand, I don’t trust Duval for one second. He’s crossing his own son, which is crazy to me. If he can wish ill on his DJ, he means no one else any good. I’m starting to hate that I even letmyself get this gone over a man. From now on, I’m going to distance myself from everyone. If the fire gets too hot, I’ll just relocate and pray they never come for me.”

As the tape clicked off, Pretty and I stared at each other.

“That’s just one tape,” she stated. Her eyes dipped to conceal the concern there. "I'm sorry, baby. Honestly, a small part of me hoped I was wrong even if it meant Genika's baby was yours. I know how you feel about your family."

“I’ve never doubted that you were right, my love. Hearing this shit proves even more that I married my soulmate and that everything we have is absolutely perfect as fuck.”

I picked her up so that she straddled my lap. She leaned down to kiss my lips.

“I love you,” she said.

“I love you, Pretty Bell.”

She laid her head on my shoulder as we sat in bed and listened to the rest of Genika’s recordings. With each one, more and more anger seized me.

ADIR

Thenextevening,Istrolled into the dungeon pleased by the faces that met me.

“Good evening, everyone,” I spoke.

Auntie Maddie’s face was rife with concern. So was Heir’s. I hated my baby cousin had to see this. This was her first time being in the dungeon. Even if she’d heard about it, witnessing it was something totally different. Walking up to her, I lifted her chin until her watery eyes met mine.

“Hey, baby.”

Heir was just twenty years old and still had the mind of a woman wise beyond her years. Those wise eyes held so much fire behind them.

“Hey.” Her voice broke. “I’m scared.”

Even in fear, she exuded so much power.

“I know, lil’ baby. You’re safe, though. Aight?”

She nodded.

“This is ya family. This family protects its own. We have a bond. Do you understand?”

---