Page 84 of Duke

MY LIFE THAT WAS GRAY is now nothing but sunlight. Together we walked out of the dark. With a hop in my step, and my bag slung over one shoulder, it’s impossible not to feel the freshness of spring. It’s in the air all around me. The grass has turned from dull to moss green and the smell of the damp earth birthing new life fills the air. Birds sing and the first flowers of the season pushed up from underground and bloom.

I feel alive again after months of dullness. The distance has been hard, but we make it work. I know he needs to spend time in LA, staying true to his word to clean up the MC after Zach wrecked it. He’s careful not to bring me into club business, respecting my wish to try to lead as much as a separate life as I can; despite being practically owned by the current Prez.

Tonight, a new band’s playing at the bar. I’ve embraced college life this last semester and started hanging out on campus after class. I even made some new friends. I regret it took me so long to let my walls down, but I’m finally having the college experience I should before the opportunity is gone.

I refuse to make up with Pops. Guess my stubborn pride won’t forgive him just yet. He’s living on takeout and whatever groceries Meat drops off. It’s fine by me. My grades are holding firm, the bar is treading water and tonight we’re gonna rock the house.

My phone pings with a text.

Duke:Can’t wait to see you tonight, cherry.

Me: I bought a skimpy new top, to tease you in.

Duke: I’m gonna smack that ass in the supply closet later :0

Me: I’m already wet.

My phone rings a second after I hit send.

“Babe?”

“I’m coming to get you. Right—motherfucking now,” he growls.

“You can’t. I have a full day of classes.”

“Then I’m coming there to spank and fuck you just in time for lunch.”

He disconnects the call leaving me sputtering on the sidewalk.

He’s gonna do it too.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned these past two months is that Duke is a man of his word. He never says shit he doesn’t mean.

Holy hell he’s coming.

I can’t wait.

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