Page 38 of The Prez

“What are you going to do?” she asks, taking the bottle from me that I grab from Little Raf’s diaper bag.

I shrug, dropping my eyes so she won’t see the tears brimming there. “I told him to come to me if he wants to get away. He said he doesn’t and they’re happy. There’s not much I can do.”

She sighs. “You’re right about that. I hope he’s able to get away. Brock sounds unhinged.”

“Tell me about it,” I say, pulling my phone from my pocket. “Check these out. No matter how much I ignore him, he keeps messaging. I finally had to block him after the last threat.”

Hazel takes my phone after she rearranges Little Raf, whois now dozing off in her arms. Her expression darkens with each message she reads. I don’t have to see them to know what they say.

Brock: Where’s my money, you fat fuck?

Brock: You owe me.

Brock: Come on, Omari. Just let me fuck you one time and I’ll forget about the interest. I just want that ass.

Brock: Suck my dick once and you won’t have to worry about the money.

Brock: I can do way better than your fat ass. You should consider yourself lucky I’m even giving you attention. A fucking ten like me wouldn’t be caught dead in public with a three like you. I’d let you suck my dick in the dark though. One time and the thousand-dollar debt is cleared.

Brock: If you don’t have my money in three days, you’ll regret it.

With a sound of disgust, Hazel hands me my phone back. “Mari, that last message was sent four days ago.”

I nod and take my phone back. “I know. But I don’t owe him shit, so I’m not worried. He stays on the Southside with Kit all the time and he doesn’t like to drive. He won’t run into me since I’m always on the Northside. Big Raf stays around a bunch of retirees and shit. Brock wouldn’t be caught dead over there.”

Hazel nods but beseeches me with her eyes. “Be careful, please. People like Brock don’t like the word no and that’s all you keep telling him. That makes him want you even more. Tell your boss if you have to.”

“I will. And I’ll be careful. I promise.”

The twins come back into the living room and we all sit and watch a movie together. I missed being with them every day, but I love having my own space. Living with Big Raf is like having my own house, since he’s never around and when he is, he’s in his bedroom.

After the movie is over, I pack my and Little Raf’s things so I can get home to cook dinner. I promised lasagna and I’m going to deliver.

I tell the twins I’ll ask Big Raf about spending the night and we take our leave.

Twenty minutes later I’m home and in the kitchen getting dinner started. It’s only five thirty, so dinner should be finished by the time Big Raf gets home.

After I slide the lasagna in the oven, I change Little Raf’s diaper and put on his pajamas. I bustle around the house, trying to keep myself busy until Big Raf gets home.

There’s not much to clean or straighten up, so I grab some toys from the nursery and put them on the floor for Little Raf to play with and read a book while he plays. One of my favorite authors just released their new stepbrothers book and I’ve been feral for it for the past few weeks.

A little over an hour later, the oven dings, signaling dinner is finished baking. I reluctantly put the book down, though I’d love to read one more chapter to see what happens next. I check on Little Raf, who’s still shaking a caterpillar toy over his head before I hustle to the kitchen.

Just as I pull the pan from the oven, the front door opens and Big Raf strides in, a pink button up shirt on today with gray slacks. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a biker look so sexybefore. While I love it when they wear the tight pants, the heavy boots, and their cuts, Big Raf dressed like an accountant definitely does it for me.

I turn around and give him a quick smile, then put the pan on the counter. “Hey. You’re just in time for dinner.” I go to the fridge, pulling out the salad I prepared earlier. “You can change if you?—”

When I turn around, I’m stunned speechless. Big Raf is standing behind me with Little Raf in his arms. Both are looking at me with the same deep brown, fathomless eyes. “If you want,” I finish quietly. I smile at him and I’m stunned anew when he blushes.

“He was making these irritated noises. I figured he wanted to be picked up.”

“Yeah, maybe,” I say. I stare a moment longer, then smile and shake my head. “Let me get your plate fixed and then I’ll take him.”

Big Raf doesn’t say anything, just sits at the dining room table with the baby on his leg. He watches me intently as I prepare his plate, his eyes not leaving me once. I’m not sure if it’s uncomfortable or flattering.

“How was work?” I ask to break the silence. “Would you call it work or …”

He shrugs. “It’s work. I told you I was doing finance stuff today. For our club’s tattoo parlors and a nail salon. Gotta make sure bills and employees are paid. Supplies are ordered. Cops are paid off.” I look at him quickly, but he doesn’t seem to be joking.

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