Page 134 of Rugger: The Huntress

She’s home.

Her lack of awareness made it abundantly clear. Finally, she turned around and came to my rescue. She looped her arm in mine and took baby steps back toward the truck with me beside her.

We climbed inside. I was handed a bottle of electrolyte.

“Drink up. It’ll help with your recovery.”

“You could’ve simply asked. I would’ve come along.”

“Asking wasn’t the issue. Your awareness was.”

“You don’t trust me?” Slightly scorned by her words, I pushed for an explanation.

“They don’t. And, until they do, this is my reality, Sonnie.”

With a nod, I responded, understanding her dilemma. I chugged the drink she’d given me, hoping to regain my strength sooner than later.

The wheels of the truck stopped in front of a home that was three times the size of most mansions in the States. It was obvious who it belonged to. The castle was built for a boss. And, according to everything I’d heard about the man, he fit the profile well.

Gazelle was the first person to exit the vehicle. I followed as I finished off the beverage. With the empty bottle in my hand, I trailed her up the steps that led to the oversized porch and doors.

It wasn’t until we entered the home that I noticed I wasn’t wearing the white t-shirt and briefs I’d gone to bed in. I was dressed in black from head to toe. Rugger was dipped in black as well with red bottoms that stood out from the rest of her attire.

She stepped onto an automated machine and pressed two buttons. Five seconds later, she was stepping down and inviting me up. It wasn’t until I felt the brushes at the bottom of my shoe that I understood what was happening. The machine was sanitizing our soles.

Click.

Clack.

Click.

Clack.

Chatter grew louder with each step Rugger took. Eventually, we entered the main dining hall where a single table seated a full family of more than ten. The loud chatter and laughter ceased as we walked through the door. One head after the other turned to find us standing near their door.

“You just going to stand there or are you going to come in, Rugs?”

Rhea. I was quickly reminded of her beauty. The images were liars. She was far more stunning in person.

“Good evening, everyone.”

“Good evening, girl please. Tell us about this fine nigga beside you. I’m invested,” Roulette blurted.

Though I didn’t know her, I knew her profile well. She was hell on wheels. She was feared by every club owner in Clarke and surrounding cities. She had the scene on lock.

I couldn’t fight the urge to chuckle. Her boldness was inviting.

“Roulette, please,” the youngest of the bunch begged.

Rome. I concluded.

Rugger ignored the bickering that began between her siblings and continued into the room. While she paused, I kept pushing past the table full of women who looked eerily similar but different at the same fucking time. It wasn’t until I reached the head of the table that my feet found their rightful place.

With both hands in front of me, I waited to be given the same respect I was prepared to give. Slowly, the chair at the head of the table slid backward. A slim, lengthy nigga rose from his seat. He extended a hand, joining mine.

“Psalms.”

“Chemistry.”

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