Page 6 of Objection

“Unc asked me to meet with him this evening.”

“Alpha?”

“Yeah. You know what that’s about?”

Pops sighed into the receiver, and that was all the warning I needed that whatever it was, he didn’t agree with. “I have noidea, and that’s how I know he’s about to be on some bullshit. I told my brother anytime he wanted to bring you into some shit to check with me first. The fact that he didn’t lets me know it’s something I wouldn’t be okay with. Where y’all supposed to be meeting, and what time?”

After sharing the details with him, I ended the call. I wasn’t sure if he’d be able to make it in time for the meeting, and if he didn’t, I’d just pull up on him to debrief. My thoughts drifted to Serenity. Though she seemed to be in good spirits yesterday while we had dinner, I noticed those brief moments where she’d drift off and into her head . . . her heart. Unable to resist the urge to check on her, I called her.

“Is everything okay?” was her greeting when she answered, and I could understand why she asked. It was the middle of the workday and I’d left without giving her details.

“Yeah. I just felt led to check on you. You good?”

The line was brief for several seconds before she cleared her throat. “I-I’m okay.”

“Are you sure, Serenity?” She sighed. “You know I’m a lil tender ’bout you. Tell me what’s wrong.”

She giggled like I hoped she would. “Tender, Montgomery?”

“Yeah . . . tender.”

“And I’m supposed to believe this is treatment reservedjustfor me?”

“Even if you don’t, that’s the truth.”

When she sighed that time, she followed up with the truth. “Okay, but I’m not sure this is a conversation I should be having with my boss.” Serenity paused. “I really am okay. I was just thinking about my ex. We broke up like a week ago and he won’t leave me alone. The effort I asked him for regarding our relationship, he’s now putting forth to get me back.”

“Is that what you want? To get back with him?” Even though I hoped that wasn’t the case, I had to ask.

“No, I don’t. I know I shouldn’t have even asked for the things I was asking for, so I’m certainly not going to waste my time with a man who has proven he isn’t capable or willing of providing them.”

“Good fuckin’ girl.”

It was my intention to think that and not actually say it, but the words tumbled out before I could even stop them.

“Kaos,” she whispered, and the sound of her saying my first name for the first time made my dick hard.

“If a man is truly for you, he gon’ have a cape around his neck when it comes to you. He will actively do whatever he can to make you happy. You won’t have to ask. And if you do, you’ll only have to ask a question for correction once. If that corrected action doesn’t come, also revoke his access to you. You did the right thing, princess. Don’t let his invasion make you believe otherwise.”

When she sniffled, it took everything in me not to tell Raquel to turn around and take me back to the office.

“You’re right.” Her voice was shaky as she fought to compose herself. “I know you’re right. He’s just been calling and texting so much I started to doubt myself for a second. I blocked him but he still does from other numbers. The pressure confused me, but having you ask me if I wanted him back forced me to vocally admit that I don’t. So I’ll be good.”

“Are you sure?”

“Positive. Thank you for calling and checking on me. Not sure why you felt led to, but I’m glad you did.”

I started to tell her I was led to check on her because she was my wife and it was my responsibility to make sure she was safe physically, spiritually, mentally, and emotionally. I wanted to tell her it was my responsibility to make sure no nigga made her anxious. Instead, I told her I’d see her in a few.

After ending the call, I went back to her IG and screenshotted a picture of her and her ex. I sent it and his username to one of the private investigators we used at the firm. Since he couldn’t take the hint, I would make sure he understood how important it was for him to leave Serenity the fuck alone going forward.

About ten minutes later, Raquel pulled up at Unc’s pool hall. I told him I wouldn’t be long and to keep the car running. I tossed a nod in Mini’s direction. He was the six-four, four hundred pound bouncer that was the complete opposite of his name. I made my way straight to Unc’s office and hoped whatever he wanted wouldn’t piss me off for the day.

I knocked and he told me to come in. When I did, he stood, and we shook hands before hugging briefly.

“I ’preciate you stopping by, Nephew.”

“No problem. What can I do for you?”

---