Page 91 of Dope Boys: Most Wanted
“You can still be a leader from the back,” Reign spoke.
“You really think we can make this something untouchable?”
“As long as you’re smart about it and you trust yourself. And you keep letting those whispered prayers guide you. It’s not about how you start, Emilliano. It’s how you finish. And when you’re old and gray and you’re looking at your children – if you want them – and your legacy and you know that you gave it your all, that’s all that matters.”
Markus looked down his nose at her. She hadn’t moved from her position – head on his chest, leg over his, fingers tracing over his skin. “Why’d you say it like those won’t be our kids and our legacy?”
“Because I’m no longer in the business of believing in fairytales,” Reign shared, prompting him to kiss the top of her head.
“Let me restore that shit. You’re ghetto black knight type shit.”
Reign giggled and rolled out of his hold. He rolled over behind her, wrapping her up in his arms.
“You giggling, and I’m for real. Dare I believe in fairytales too? This is our shit, though. We write the story how we want, but in the end, it’s us standing looking at our legacy.”
“Ohh, ladies, I think he likes us,” Reign joked, settling into his arms.
“You know what this is, act like it.”
Reign drifted to sleep like she’d been deprived of it while he was away. It was surreal how he uncoiled her from the pits of trauma and wrapped her in this. She wouldn’t call it love, she’d call it the beginning of something she would hold close. As close as possible to protect it.
When morning came, Reign was greeted by her favorite sight – Markus bare-chested in the kitchen making breakfast. A pleasant smile settled across his face before he looked up at her. She was clad in his t-shirt, her hair a large nest of curls due to her not putting her bonnet on.
“Why are you looking at me like that?”
“Something about you first thing in the morning got me thinkin’ about cancelling everything and laying up with you,” Markus admitted.
“You have far too much to handle to be laid up in here with me. Plus, Aunt G texted me and I’m due at the Majestic Club for a girls’ lunch.”
Markus raised his brow and then buzzed. “You know now you can’t run away from me. The whole family will be out to find you.”
“I am very aware of that, and Nia will lead the charge. Cyn might kill me, though, and help you look for me.” Reign said it as a joke, but the truth was underlying.
“What you mean by that? The Cyn shit.”
Reign shrugged and stood by him, arms crossed, foot propped atop the other. “She doesn’t like me. Hasn’t liked me. When I’m around, she acts like I don’t belong in her space. Thetwo times I was around her were enough for me. Doesn’t bother me, though. I’ve just had my fill of women like her.”
“Women like her?”
“Insecure and desperate. Those are the types that’ll burn your house down and play the victim, knowing they set it on fire.”
“She someone I should watch?”
“I think Nia has a good eye on her. But I wouldn’t put anything past her and Brantley. Unloyal people tend to fly together. I wouldn’t let B out of your sight either – not unless that’s the plan?”
“No business at breakfast. But it is. I want Javi to think he has one up on me.” Markus plucked a few grapes off the vine and motioned for her to open her mouth. “No more business at breakfast.”
“Ohh, rules. You’re running a strict program,” Reign joked.
“Following the leader,” he returned.
“Oh, I’m the leader now?”
“Been the leader, a nigga had to adjust to get you. Chasin’ your ass all over the city.”
“I mean, you’re good at it. I should run off right now.” Reign smirked as she looked up at him. “How do you plan on keeping me?”
“You play too much. Adjusting, stretching. Being sure to make room so I can hold all that you are. All that you’ll bless me with.” There was a light in him she hadn’t seen before. “Got me counting my blessings. That’s an adjustment.”
