Page 10 of Papa's Beloved

“Kelsi Lynn, don’t you dare say that about yourself. There’s nothing wrong with being a doll for the Kings. They’re good men.”

She shakes her head again and cries more. “I’m just a slut. Bub said so last time we talked.”

I gather her in my arms. “Oh, honey. That’s the drugs talking. They no doubt got him hooked on drugs. It’s one of the ways they keep them boys in line. Get them hooked. Threaten their families. I know Papa, Gambit, and the others. They won’t let this stand. And let’s get another thing straight; out of all the dolls, I'm the only one that worked in the sex industry.”

“Not because you wanted to.”

“We’re not talking about me. We’re talking about you and Bub.”

Kelsi turns, looking at me. “Nay, I’m scared. Terrified I'm going to lose my brother. He’s the only family I have left.”

“That’s not true, Kelsi Lynn, and you know it.”

She throws her arm around my neck and buries her head in my shoulder.

“You’re so right, sister of my heart. I could use something to drink.”

“I’ll text the triplets and have one of them bring something. Are you hungry?”

“I could eat.”

I sent a text to the triplets letting them know I’m ordering delivery and I’ll need one of them to meet the driver in the lobby. I order comfort food gumbo, red beans with rice, fried gator bites, and duck sausage. All of Kelsi’s favorites.

Chapter 9

Papa

Nay stayed in the hospital all night by Kelsi’s side. Bub regained consciousness around four in the morning. He told the cops he doesn’t know who jumped him. He’s being closed lipped about it, but he’s coming back to the compound with Kelsi when he’s released. Which won’t be for a while. Not with his injuries.

The club voted to give him around the clock protection. I hate to take Nay away from Kelsi, but I still have to tell her about her uncle being alive.

Stormy and Tawny are here. They brought Kelsi clothes and they brought food for Kelsi and Bub. Though he’ll be in pain chewing for a while. They clocked his jaw pretty good. Surprised they didn’t break it. He’s one black and blue mess.

I slip into the private room we had Bub moved to. Nay is at his bedside checking on his vitals. She’s not on duty, yet she can’t stop herself from caring for people. I observe for a few moments, pride swelling in my chest as I watch her work. She’s good at her job. I knew she would be.

“Are you going to stalk me or come over here and greet me?”

I laugh and close the distance between us. She straightens and turns to greet me. Bub’s eyes are on me as I cross the room. What little he can see through one partially swollen eye. The other is covered to help his eye heal.

I gather Nay in my arms and kiss her until we’re both panting.

“I missed you, too,” she says.

“Are you ready?”

“I hate leaving Kels.”

“I know, baby. I’ll bring you back later.”

I turn my attention to Bub. “I’d ask how you’re feeling, but I already know the answer. Let us know when you’re ready to talk. It’s only a matter of time before we find out which G’Dawgs did this. Wizard is combing the city.”

“Why do you give a fuck?”

“Kelsi is family. You’re Kelsi’s family. Ergo, you’re family, whether or not you like it.”

“She’s not family. She’s your whore.”

I growl and bend down, getting in his space.

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