Page 3 of Dali: The Demolisher

“You seen Germany?” I asked as his phone went to voicemail again.

“Not for a lil minute. Why wassup?”

“Twila is out front.”

“Shit.” Dynasty jumped to his feet. “How did she find us?”

“I don’t know but she did, so he needs to leave ASAP.”

Dynasty nodded his agreement. While he went to half the room, I took the other, telling everyone about the situation and that we needed to set eyes on Germany before Twila did. The longer it took us to find him the more frustrated I got. I told his ass this was a bad idea. Now, instead of ending my night in peace, I was hoping his crazy ass fiancée didn’t find him.

It took a little time, but eventually we found him upstairs. To my surprise, he wasn’t having sex, but from the look of his disheveled clothing as he stumbled out of the room, he was close.

“I ’preciate you, cuz,” he said, hurrying behind me as he buckled his belt.

“This the last time I’m doing this. The next time you try to fuck off, I’m sending Twila straight to you.”

“Man, say,” Dynasty said, “I don’t know why you marrying the girl anyway. It’s clear you don’t want to be with just her.”

“I wasn’t about to cheat.” I didn’t bother responding to that lie. In fact, I didn’t say anything else as we rushed out of the back door. Since we weren’t sure how Twila was tracking him, he dropped his phone in his car and took Dynasty’s home. Dynasty was going to go out and make it seem as if he was in Germany’s car and he didn’t know his phone was in it.

I wasn’t with that lying-to-your-woman shit, so I took my leave. If Germany wasn’t my cousin, his ways would have been the reason I cut him off long ago. All I could do was hope he got himself together soon. Or, at least, realized a committed relationship, especially with a woman like Twila, was the last thing he needed to partake in.

The Next Day

“All right,guys. I think that’s it,” Siri said cheerfully. She cupped her hands and twiddled her thumbs as she rocked on her heels. Siri was adorable and one of the sweetest women I knew. My best friend, Kennessy, was lucky to have her. “Are you absolutely sure we can’t pay you for your services, Dali?” she asked, walking over to me.

Before I could even answer her, Kennessy sucked his teeth and spoke up. “Don’t even bother asking. I tried to pay him at least for his time and team and he said no.”

“And I’ma say it again,” I replied, looking around the living room that was filled with boxes.

“Can I at least fix you dinner?”

“Now that, I’ll take.”

Me and two of my crew members had spent the last three hours moving Kennessy’s things into Siri’s home. Since they’d decided to take their relationship to the next level, it made more sense for him to move in with her and her daughter, Samantha, since she had a three-bedroom home—which was bigger than his one-bedroom bachelor apartment.

I hadn’t always planned to have a moving company, but when I stopped doing what I truly loved, boxing, I opened a fewbusinesses that would be quick and easy ways to make money and keep myself busy. Along with the moving company I had a tow truck, lawn care service, and several rental properties.

Boxing had always been what I knew I’d do professionally. It started with a love of wrestling that blossomed when I joined the wrestling team for my high school and college. After eight years of professional boxing, I retired earlier this year and devoted my focus on my businesses. Life outside the ring had been less exciting and structured but there were some positives to it.

I always said I’d retire by thirty to start preparing for the next phase of my life. By thirty-five, I wanted to be married and starting my family. With more wins under my belt than losses, a part of me ached to get back in the ring… especially since it was becoming increasingly more difficult for me to go after the woman I really wanted.

After my crew took the last of the boxes into the master bedroom, I gave them the rest of the day off. They had my permission to take the truck back and I’d ride home with my brother since he was here too. We’d always been big on family and friendship, which was why I wouldn’t charge Kennessy and Siri for the move. I told them they could tip the crew, and they did, so that was good enough for me.

When I heard the door open, my eyes shifted to see who it was. Thanks to the open concept of the home, I was able to see Kassadee walk inside from the living room. Like always, at the sight of her, my heart skipped a beat. She seemed to look more beautiful every time I saw her.

With a growl, Dynasty scooped her up for a bear hug, causing her to giggle. Envy filled me. I wanted her in my arms. Sadly, that probably wouldn’t happen. Kassadee and I had always had a strange relationship.

As kids, I was her protector. As teenagers, she crushed on me hard. In college, I yearned for her, but serial dating on both partsand my boxing started to put distance between us. Now, it often felt like we were strangers.

“Is that my girl?” Siri asked from the kitchen at the sound of Kassadee’s laughter. They were best friends, and it was through their bond that Kennessy found the woman I was sure he’d marry… even if he was being slow and careful about it.

“It’s me!” Kassadee replied, heading toward the kitchen. Her eyes landed on me briefly and her steps slowed. Twisting her mouth to the side, she avoided my eyes. “Hi.”

“Hey.” I told myself not to stare, but that was easier said than done. “How are you?”

“Good.” Her eyes met mine. “You? I feel like I haven’t seen you in a while.”

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