Page 40 of Sinful Submission

“I don’t know.”

“You never met her?”

“Not in a way you would meet your mother.”

I remained quiet and let him consider what to share.

“When I was younger, I sought her out. When I found her, she was in a drug house in Nigeria. To answer your question, she saw me, but she didn’t. She thought I was there to serve her. She….”

A knot formed in my throat. “I’m sorry I asked.”

“It pains me that you’re sorry for things outside your control. I’ll tell you this. I left the country when I was a young teenager. By then, I’d learned some of the worst horrors of mankind. I never looked for Jidenna again. I don’t know her status. I don’t care to know. But you’ll be the first to know if I ever change my mind. Okay?”

“Okay.”

Silence filled our space, and I wished I could take his pain away.

“How did you meet my brother?”

That brought a tiny smile to his lips.

“Rev knew I was a loner. He watched me as much as I watched everyone around me, including him. At school, he would try to get to know me in class, but I didn’t speak unless it was a part of the lesson being taught.” He chuckled. “That motherfucker wouldn’t let me be. One day, a classmate decided to test me and see if I was pussy or not. He and his “bad boys” group took my silence as a weakness. I was outside leaning against a tree, watching the street, and lost in my thoughts when a small can of pork beans flew at my head. I caught it before it hitme, turned, and slung it back. It knocked the little nigga on his forehead, and he started screaming like a bitch.”

I smirked as pride rose in my chest. “Why am I not surprised?”

His brow arched as he looked down at me. “What? I wasn’t always a force to be reckoned with.”

“Yes, you were.”

“Okay, you got me.”

We chuckled, and he continued.

“You can say my circumstances created a monster, but I can’t deny there was always one developing inside me. A part of my circumstances is why I don’t take hits that involve kids – and I don’t trust anyone.” He pinched my chin. “Except you… and The Paradox.”

“Now.”

“Yes, now.” His gaze went back to the beach. “Rev caught the entire interaction, and when the little nigga’s friends circled me, here he comes…you fuck boys don’t want smoke, do you?”

“They turned to see him approaching with Cruz and Storm by his side. They must’ve been hell at the school because them little niggas dispersed so quick, it was like they flew out of there.”

I nodded. “That sounds like my brother, Cruz, and Storm.” I watched him close. “Sounds like you, too.”

He looked down at me, seeing my eyes fall. “Hey.” He lifted my chin, and we locked eyes. “Rev would be proud of you.”

“For killing someone? Maybe not.”

“For defending yourself.” He sucked his teeth. “I understand you’re embracing the violence. But don’t get it twisted – you’re not violent for the sake of being a menace. You shot someone?—”

“Killed… someone.”

He stared at me, and I held his gaze.

“Okay. You killed someone because that person was a threat to you. To us, not because you’re evil. So yes, he would beproud that you stood up for yourself. And he’d love it that you’re embracing the violent nature that will keep your guards high. One of the things he worried about most was you getting caught in the crossfire because of his actions.” Titan gritted his teeth then released a deep breath. “He would’ve burned the city down to find you if he was here.”

I smiled. “Like you?”

He smirked. “Worse.”

---