Page 29 of Papa's Beloved

He grins. “Don’t forget to invite us on your April poker run.”

Chuckling, I hand him a business card. “Consider it done.”

He takes it and nods. “Barron’s Best? That’s some primo high.”

“We grow our own crops and make distillates, edibles, et cetera.”

Freak nods and holds up the card. “I’ll drop by sometime.”

“Come by and grab some product on me.”

“You can pull around back and take the guy out that way. Should be able to get him in the van with no one seeing, not that there’s many awake.”

We grab the guy and haul him to his feet while Havoc drives the van around back. The whole thing goes as planned, and we are on the way to the compound in less than five minutes. Havoc drives the van to the Woodshed once we get into the compound.

I grab the guy from the back of the van and drag him into the Woodshed. There are more prospects waiting for us.

“Strip him, hose him down, and throw him into a cell.”

I watch as the prospects cut the guy's clothes off. They have him over the drain and open the hoses on him. We put in high pressure hoses and I watched Mayhem flip the switch that goes to the ice water slurry we keep on hand. The guy screams behind the tape as ice cold water drenches his body. They hose him down for a good five minutes before throwing him naked and wet into a cell.

“Let’s go raid the kitchen,” I say.

Chapter 23

Nay

Iwake up deliciously sore and ready to face the day. I’m on shift today. I stretch expecting to find Papa, instead my fingers encounter a piece of paper. I reach for the light beside the bed. One touch turns it on low. I give my eyes a few seconds to adjust before I read the note.

Beloved,

Called away on club business.

I don’t know if I’ll be back before

you’re shift. I’ll pick you up after.

Love,

Gabriel

My man is amazing and I finally feel like I can breathe. If the brother’s all voted for me, then they don’t have an issue with my past. I don’t feel like I’m dragging Papa down or making him less in any way being his partner.

I feel lighter than I have in years. And that’s a miracle, considering Linden is alive. Why am I not freaking out right now? Because I’m not alone this time. I have Papa and the rest of the Kings. They’re my family and they’ve got my back.

I gingerly make my way to the bathroom. After using the toilet and washing my hands, I decide to run a hot bath. I’ll feel better after a nice long soak.

I opened the linen closet and chose one of the bath powders Papa has made and pour it into the tub. The man is a whiz with essential oils and herbs. Not to mention the little something he adds with his Voodoo. My man is magic in more ways than one.

After filling the tub, I dump in the packet and swirl the contents, enjoying the heady scent of the herbs and oils. I sink into my chin and relax until the water starts to cool. Then I grab the loofah and sugar scrub and set to work on my skin until it’s soft and smooth. After drying off, I rub the oil residue from the scrub into my skin. My man uses the best all natural oils for the bath products he makes for me. Yes, my big bad Voodoo man hand-crafts bath and skincare products for me.

He’s made bath products for others as well. A special soak for Stormy for the morning after she gifted Gambit her virginity. She confided in me and asked for advice. I asked my man to make her something, and he did. No wonder I love that man. I do. My refusal had everything to do with my love for him. I love him too much to tarnish his light.

I plait my hair into two braids, apply lip gloss and mascara before slipping on a pair of deep purple scrubs. Thick cotton socks and a pair of purple BALA shoes complete my uniform. Everything else I need, including my ID badge, are in my car.

I run into Doc on the elevator.

“I didn’t know you worked today.”

---