Page 79 of Obsessive Love

“Alright, baby,” she said, nodding.

Emrick hung up, and I continued driving back to Ms. Arlene’s house. It was dope what she was doing for Hood. He would need it once she was gone.

“Ms. Arlene, I want you to meet the woman I plan to marry.”

“The Baker?” Mrs. Mary said from the back seat, and I nodded. “I heard about her from your mama. You put an ankle monitor on her?”

“Yes, ma’am,” I laughed.

“Lord, all these fools are off,” Ms. Nadine said, then sighed. “Tell us about her, though, what’s she like?”

“Fable is magic,” I laughed, turning into Ms. Arlene’s driveway. “Like, pure magic.”

“You love her?” Ms. Arlene asked.

I rested my head against the headrest and nodded.

“He loves her,” Mrs. Mary laughed. “That’s what his mama told me.”

I smiled and wiped my hand over my mouth. “Nah, it’s more than that,” I said, shaking my head.

“More?” Ms. Nadine questioned.

“Yeah, more,” I answered. “I’m obsessed.”

“You know the Pastor is obsessed with me, too,” Mrs. Mary giggled. “Been that way for over fifty years. That’s a different type of love.”

I turned around to face her and smiled. “You regret it?”

“No,” she said, waving me off. “I’m just as obsessed with him as he is with me.”

FABLE

I narrowedmy eyes at Pyrite when he walked into the bedroom. We were on day three of me being handcuffed to the bed. I was over this shit, and as soon as he set me free, I was going to black his damn eye.

“I bought you something to drink,” he said, holding up the water and shaking it. “You thirsty?”

“No,” I answered, even though I was. I wasn’t going to tell him that, though.

“You haven’t had anything to drink since I left earlier.” He sat on the edge of the bed and shook his head. “I don’t want you to get dehydrated, Fable.”

“Then untie me,” I countered and rolled my eyes. “I’ll eat, drink, and be fucking merry once you untie my damn hands.”

“Yeah, right,” he laughed. “As soon as I untie you, you’ll try to run.”

“I’m not,” I sighed. “Trust me, that’s the last thing on my mind now.”

“I don’t believe you.” He uncapped the water bottle and brought it to my mouth. I clenched my jaws shut and turned my head. “Drink.” He gently grabbed my chin and turned my faceto him. “Now.” He returned my glare. “If you don’t, I’m going to call Am and have him come place a feeding tube.”

“I’ll never forgive you if your brother cuts me open,” I said.

“Cut you?” Pyrite laughed humorlessly and shook his head. “Baby, I’d never let another nigga cut your pretty ass skin.” He watched as he gently ran his index finger over my stomach. “Nah, I’ll have him put it through your nose instead. It's less invasive, and once you behave, we can take it right out.” He looked up at me, and from the demented look in his eyes, I knew he was serious. “Unless you want to behave.” I reluctantly opened my mouth. “Good girl.”

I drank almost half the bottle before he pulled it away. “Thank you,” I said, then licked my lips.

“You’re welcome,” he nodded and stood. “What do you have planned for today?”

“Oh, you know, just gonna hang here and enjoy the views,” I sarcastically answered. “You?”

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