Page 49 of Krash & Bern

“Love you too!”

I hung up the phone and seasoned the potatoes.

As I put the steak and potatoes into the slow cooker, I wiped my hands. I went back into the bedroom and grabbed a cream-colored midi dress. There was a deep slit up the right leg, so I opted to go without underwear. My hair was braided into cornrows, and I glued down my kinky straight middle part wig with the honey blonde skunk stripe in natural brown hair. To complete the look, I slid my feet into a pair of red bottoms. Once I’d gotten theOMWtext, the excitement bubbled inside of me.

My phone rang as I went to stir the pot of diced potatoes and steak bits. The peppercorn was the strongest seasoning. Not a lot of people appreciated peppercorn bits on their steak, but I loved to get a good char on them.

“Hey! What’s up?” I answered the phone.

“I’m about ten minutes away. I wanted to know if you had wine or wanted me to stop and pick some up,” Krash said into the phone. I could hear the traffic around him as if he had the windows down while he talked to me.

“You can stop and get a bottle of what you like to drink. I have some XXL in the freezer, getting a good chill.”

“You’re trying to get me pregnant?” he asked.

I tossed my head back with laughter. “You’re so annoying. I just want us to enjoy good wine and delicious food. The steak is almost done and should be ready when you get here. I have some bacon wrapped asparagus in the air fryer. The bacon gets so crispy in there. I know you’re going to love it.”

“You got my mouth watering, Bern. I’m finna say fuck the traffic laws. I’m running red lights to get to you!”

“Please don’t get yourself hurt rushing to me. Me and the meal will be right here when you arrive. I love you, Keyshawn.”

“I love you, Bern.”

The call ended.

It felt like old times. Over the last two weeks, we fell into a routine. I’d go to work, and he’d do his appearances, workouts, and promo for the final fight. He had months to prepare, but apparently, this would be the most watched event in sports history. I didn’t care to get into the logistics of it all, but I was happy to see it all come together.

I’d taken the Texas Toast out of the oven when the front door opened. I’d told Krash I’d keep it unlocked so he could come right in. I set the pan on the counter and skipped to the front to greet my man.

“Hello, Niecy.”

My body froze in place at the sound of his voice. My hands shook as my stomach turned in knots.It can’t be…

He appeared in front of me. His large build towered over me.

“What… What are you doing here?”

“You thought you could parade around with your new nigga, and I wouldn’t find you? You think because you’re letting a celebrity nut in your ho ass, you’re better than me?” he asked.

“P-Please leave.”

“You dodged me for two years. Disappeared and blocked me from your life. You should have stayed out of the media, but I was able to find you.”

With each word he spoke, I devolved back to the broken and battered girl I was with him. My body quaked as he stepped closer. Instinctively, I stepped back, but my body hit the wall. He closed the distance.

“Why did you leave me, Niecy? I stood by your side at your lowest. I gave you everything. What did I do to deserve this?”

His voice had dropped several octaves, which caused goosebumps to form on my skin.

“Rodney… please leave.”

“No. That nigga can’t have you. You aremine.”

His hands gripped my throat and squeezed. I scratched and clawed at his fingers. My lungs burned, my throat ached, my body shook, and my eyes watered.

“If I can’t have you, no one can.”

His grip tightened.

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