Page 35 of Divine II

I needed Zane to know that I was always protected. He could make all the slick comments he wanted to. That’s as far as he would get.

“Good to know. Take care of yourself. I’ll have Bishop send you my number so you can hit me up to set up our date.”

“Cool.”

I successfully fought back the instinct to grimace when he leaned in for a hug. This was crazy. The man looked and smelled so good, and I hated the ground he walked on. Still, I was able to give him one of those half ass church hugs.

My posture stiffened when he pulled me closer. Seemingly satisfied, he backed out of my embrace and kissed me on the cheek. I wanted to take off running to my car, but I took my time. I couldn’t wait to get to Liam. Being in his presence always made things better.

It took all the restraint I could muster not to sprint into Liam’s arms when I spotted him standing near a big, black truck. He tipped his head to me, causing an instant flood in my panties. Why the hell was he so sexy? His new truck was just as sexy as him. I couldn’t help but feel salty as he climbed inside. It fit him,but my feelings were kind of hurt that he didn’t keep the truck I’d bought him. Oneal stood next to my car, and when I made it closer, he opened the door to let me inside.

“Thank you, Oneal. You know you don’t have to do that.”

“I know, but since I was standing here, I might as well.”

“Well, thank you again.”

“You’re welcome. Well, see you in the morning,” he said, tipping his head to me before heading for his truck.

I almost got whiplash throwing my car in reverse and tearing out of the driveway. I was so ready to get away from Zane Whitmore that it wasn’t even funny. Even more so, I couldn’t wait to get to Liam. I missed him so much.

A short time away from him had shown me the error of my ways. I felt like I was living in one of those old R&B songs where the man says, “I was a fool. I was a big fool, but I’m ready to love you now.” I was so blinded by trying to find a love that would withstand my family’s influence when a love that I could have never even dreamed of was staring me right in the face. Liam was not only perfect, but he was perfect for me. It wasn’t like I had just realized that, but being away from him drove it home.

As much as I loved him and wanted to be with him, I still needed him to understand and accept that we had to remain a secret for a while. I wasn’t about to do anything that would put him in jeopardy. I didn’t give a damn how big and strong he was; I felt protective over him. I wasn’t about to let anyone hurt him for loving me.

The stakes were even higher now that I was expected to be in a relationship with someone else. I knew it would be hard for him to witness. I needed him to know that none of it was real. I wouldn’t even cross the line with Zane. I was disgusted at the very thought of him putting his hands on me. I could only imagine how Liam would feel having to stand back and watch. We really needed to talk.

He didn’t confirm that he’d been the one to kill Sherrod, but he also didn’t deny it. All I knew at this point was that what was done was done. We had to play smart and not let our emotions lead to our destruction. That was one of the things my mom always told us. I had to wonder if she were alive would she have accepted this deal.

My mom put Bishop in charge because she knew that he would make the hard decisions. He was most likely to act on logic and not let anger or fear dictate his actions. Most of the time, when he made a call, it was something I would expect of my mom. Now, I wasn’t so sure. What I did know was being involved with Zane seemed to be the best way to keep him at bay for now.

I needed to know if he was bluffing about having those videos. It was stupid of me not to have Psalm wipe the footage. Not wanting the guys to know that I had been out with Sherrod in the first place clouded my judgment. I should have been more protective of Liam. I should have considered that charges could have been pressed or something.

Although the assault wasn’t enough to prove a murder case, I knew it was enough to make Liam a person of interest. I didn’t want him on anyone’s radar. Obviously, the police didn’t have any suspects, but the streets were talking. How long would it be before people started talking to the cops? Better yet, how long before someone other than Zane decided they wanted revenge?

Muscle memory alone had to be what had gotten me home safely. I had been so preoccupied with my thoughts that I pulled up right to my front door without even realizing that I had made it home. I hadn’t even bothered to turn the radio on and that was a big no no for me. I usually had to make sure that my music was playing before I pulled out. This time, I just wanted to get home.

There was so much to dissect. First and foremost, I needed to know that Liam and I were good. As much as I had been in myhead for the entire ride, I still took the time to check my rearview mirror a couple times to make sure that Liam was still behind me. Physically, he was right there. The location of his heart was another question.

I climbed out of my car and lingered around as I waited for Liam to get out of his truck. He always parked out in the grass away from the driveway. Most of the guys did that so I didn’t question it. I think it gave them a better view of the entire house. I never actually questioned why they did that.

Either way, once Liam got out of his truck and started walking in my direction, I proceeded to the door. By the time he made it to the front door, I was inside the house. I went inside, but I didn’t go far. I needed to be near him as soon as possible, but I had enough sense to go in the house just in case somebody came along. It was rare for anybody to visit other than family, but they were the main ones I didn’t want in my business right now.

When Liam crossed the threshold into my house, I leapt into his arms. Thankfully, he had the instincts to catch me as I wrapped my arms around his neck. He palmed my ass, holding me in place as he kicked the door closed.

“I missed you so much,” I confessed.

“Were you thinking about me when you decided to show everybody at that party your ass today?”

“Stop playing. I’m always thinking about you, Liam.”

He narrowed his eyes at my statement.

“So, you were thinking about me, but you still said, ‘You know what? I’m going to show everybody at this party my naked ass?’”

“Technically, I didn’t show them my naked ass. I’m wearing a thong.”

“Might I add you look good as fuck. Get down, and let me see you,” he said, placing me on my feet. “Hm,” he said, shaking his head as he closed the space between us.

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