Page 75 of Dope Boys: Most Wanted
He yielded. “Aight, aight. I’ll make you say please later.”
Opening the door, they walked out into the quiet street, heading toward Soul of the City, where Reign had the staff putting together pans of food that catered to everyone’s needs. The health concerns, as well as knowing that Markus didn’t like nasty, cheaply prepared food. When they arrived at his Aunt Lucille’s home, her stomach turned over.
Reaching over, he squeezed her knee. “You’re good. Relax.”
“I told you I’ve never done this before, and after twenty-four hours of getting my scent all over you, I’m meeting the matriarch?”
Markus rumbled in laughter, spotting Svyn walking out of the house. “You’ll be fine. Come on.”
He gave her an assuring kiss and stepped out. “Look who came up for air.”
Svyn chuckled. “Don’t start yo shit nigga. You owe me some money,” Svyn said with laughter before mocking Markus. “I ain’t messin’ with that girl, nigga. You a lyin’ ass nigga, Money.”
Before Markus opened the door for Reign, he shot back. “I ain’t sayin’ shit to Nia. That’s what you said, right? Yeah, fuck you nigga. And congratulations, you’ve been promoted!”
Svyn laughed. “Shut the hell up! Where is this food at?”
Markus opened the door, holding his hand out for Reign to take it.
“Hey, Reign,” Svyn spoke up. Instead of the small smile and subtle waves, she smiled, glowed even.
“Hi Svyn, what’s up?”
Svyn grinned and then blew. “Ahhh shit. You know you never gettin’ rid of him now, right? Nigga gon be on your ass.”
Reign giggled. “So I’ve been told. I’m okay with that.”
“Oh damn. He’s brainwashed you. Blink twice if you need me to put him in a choke hold so you can run,” Svyn joked.
Markus spoke up as he escorted her up the steps. “In your dreams is the only place you puttin’ me in a choke hold, nigga.”
“Don’t forget you wasn’t always that big Money,” Svyn continued to joke, going to the trunk to get the food.
In the house, Aunt G beat Ms. Ophelia to the door to greet her nephew and Reign.
“This is what I like to see,” Aunt G crooned, taking Reign’s hand from Markus’. “Go help Svyn with the food. I don’t know what’s come over y’all, all this hand holding and sweet, long eye gazing. Go do something. Set the table, get the food together. Reign, come chat it up with the girls.”
Markus swiped his thumb over her chin. “You good. Go.”
“We don’t bite,” Aunt G spoke, pulling her away from Markus. “You’re looking good. How are you feeling?”
Reign didn’t fight her smile. “Good, actually. I have my moments. I’ve been using that journal.”
“Good, even got a few more pounds on you, face getting fuller, smiling without stopping yourself. I’m proud of you.” Aunt G stopped to hug her. “You’re almost to the other side, beautiful.”
“Thank you for being there,” Reign hummed.
“I know where you’re standing. And there is always light on the other side. Come, let me introduce you to my sister and Ophelia.”
In the living room sat Aunt Lucille, who had a striking resemblance to her sister. Ms. Ophelia sat next to Nia, giggling about something.
“Luci, look who Markus brought?” Aunt G crooned, holding Reign like she was going to fly away.
Aunt Lucille looked and took in the softness of Reign. She was soft but powerful. A smile eased over her face. “Ohhh. Where is Markus?”
Aunt Lucille reached out for Reign’s hand and gazed up at her with the same wonderment that Markus did. Enthralled with all the things she was and Reign had no clue of her power. “You are beautiful.”
“I told you she was,” Nia spoke up from the couch across the living room. “My girl has that brother of mine in check, too.”
