Page 69 of Love & Vendettas

Sighing, I reply, “Baby, I need you to calm down.”

“Calm down, and we’re under attack, and you haven’t told me? How the hell am I supposed to calm down?”

“Listen, I’m not calling you just to worry you. There’s nothing that I have to tell you right now.”

“You could’ve let me know that you were okay. I wasn’t sure if they were trying to press charges against you or something.”

“For what? I ain’t did shit!” I snap back.

She breathes and remains quiet for several seconds.

“Zaire Bryshere Knight, I know that you’re upset, and I’m not trying to make it worse, but don’t talk to me like that again.”

“Baby, you’re right. But I need you to give me that same respect.”

She sighs. “You’re right. I apologize, baby. It’s just that all this is coming at once. What the hell, Z?”

“Someone’s out to get me. We can’t let this bullshit come between us, though. This is when we stand ten toes down, not letting anything get in our way. This is when we become the stronger, better versions of our best selves. What we just went through, that lightweight argument we had, that’s what they want to see. You and me weak and crumbling apart.”

“Well, shit, they might as well hold their breaths because that’s not how we roll.”

“Right. It ain’t a good look on us.”

“I’ll tell you what else isn’t a good look on you, baby.”

“What’s that, Bay?”

“You having to humble yourself after snapping at me. Knowing you can’t wait to get home and get in this wet-wet.”

Bayleigh laughs and makes me laugh too. She sounds more relaxed than she has since our call started.

“You damn sure right about that. The cops are interviewing the girls now on this prostitution ring shit.”

“You have Frances and Marc there?”

“Yeah. They’re back there with them now. Listen, I’ll call you as soon as I know something. I got Parker on CK, and I’m over here at the Garden. I need to make a call to see what the rebuild is looking like.”

“Okay. Keep me posted.”

“A’ight. Baby, I need a huge favor from you.”

“What’s that?”

“I know you ain’t gonna like it, but I need you to stay home today. Keep Riley there with you too. Just until I get a feel for what’s going on in the streets.”

“But I have my detail, baby.”

“I know, but I’m not trusting shit right now. You and Zaccai stay home. I’ll get with Zech and Zayn.”

“Okay, baby. Be careful.”

“Always, love.”

“Love you.”

“Not half as much as I do you,” I say, ending the call.

Shit’s been hard on my mind lately. I have to wife that woman.

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