Page 71 of Tempted
I open it and there’s a replica of hisnecklace and “12 Gage” pendant. It’s smaller, but it looks exactlylike the one he gave me that I now wear all the time. He removes itfrom my neck and places it back around his. I lift my hair out ofthe way and he clasps mine for me.
“Oh, Gage…I love it.”
He smiles proudly as he stares at thenecklace. “Mine.”
I return his smile, grab his cut and pull himin close. “Mine,” I tell him.
He takes my hand and we walk back to the bar.Pandemonium ensues. There are cheers, whistles, catcalls, andhooting. My cheeks must be flaming red. I hold my head down andavoid everyone’s gazes. Dr. E comes over and hugs me tightly. Heeyes my necklace then winks at Gage.
“Happy birthday, sis.”
He kisses my cheek and loses himself in thecrowd.Sis. Is that what this is all about? Is it some kind ofwelcome to their club? Their family?My heart constricts. Thisband of men who I once despised has embraced me into their lives. Icouldn’t feel more at home. They’ve even welcomed my friends.Chrissy is on Ron’s lap and Toni is next to them, sitting on thebar talking to Allah. Huh...so all it took was my bestie to pullhim away from the turntables. I smile as I watch him whisper in herear. I don’t hear her answer, but he obviously doesn’t like it.
“Fuck you, bitch!” He sneers.
I lose my shit. “What did you call her?” Itry to storm over there, but Gage holds me back.
“Don’t get in the middle of it.”
“If you won’t do something about it, I will.I won’t let him disrespect her like that!”
I fight against his hold but it’s futile.Then Toni speaks and I remember just who my friend is.
“How big is your dick?”
Allah stares at her in confusion and she hopsdown from the bar.
“What?”
“Isaidhow big is your dick? If youain’t got at least eight inches in them boxers, then you watch howthe fuck you talk to me.”
Ha! Serves him right.Gage chucklesand releases me.
“You all got fucking smart mouths.”
Allah silently fumes as his brothers laugh athim. He grabs Toni’s hand and drags her off to where Gage and Ijust came from.Oh, hell no.Gage tries to stop me, but Ievade him and follow them. They’re at the end of the corridor andToni’s hand is in his jeans.Okay, then. I guess she doesn’tneed my help after all.I slowly back away. Deena corners mebefore I can make my way back to Gage.
“Hey. Have you heard from Lonnie?”
“She doesn’t talk to me when she’s here. Whywould I hear from her?”
“She’s disappeared like this before, but sheusually calls after a day or two.”
I shrug, looking over her shoulder at theongoing party.
“He kisses you.”
I snap my gaze back to her, surprised.There’s no hate or jealousy in her tone.
“I’ve never seen him do that with anyone.Lonnie’s been trying to get to him for a while. It’s funny that heended up with you. He looks happy. I’m glad.”
She backs away and I watch her, just a littleconfused. As Lonnie’s friend, I thought she would want to scratchmy eyes out.Go figure.Gage appears at my side and jerkshis head toward the corridor.
“What happened?”
“There’s a little show and tell going on,” Imumble, still a little distracted by Deena’s words.
The lights go out as he begins to laugh.Movement from the kitchen area catches my attention, and I turn tosee Aunt Nita and Chopper wheeling out a ginormous cake. Everyonesings the birthday song and Gage helps me blow out the candles. Idon’t need to make a wish; there’s only one thing I want and Ialready have him. He swipes some of the frosting and offers it tome. I suck it from his finger, fighting the urge to make it ademonstration of my skills. Someone, I’m not quite sure who, pushesa bottle into my hand. I look around at my new family and throw myhands in the air.
