Page 44 of Judgments of Fire and Desire

My mama was right behind her with a smile on her face. “Relax, grumpy. I asked her to go to Charlie’s Barbeque to get you some food. I talked to your doctor, and he assured me you could eat food… since whenever you could tolerate it. I’m sorry. I just wanted to be careful and not make you sicker.”

When Genesis got close, I nearly snatched that bag out of her hand without speaking. “Hey, baby.”

“Hey.”

I kissed her lips then immediately reached for the bag. She bit her bottom lip, trying to stifle her laughter as my mama rolled her eyes and left the room. Genesis grabbed the bed table she’d bought for me and set it up across my lap. I didn’t care if I had a table or not. I would have barbeque sauce all over the bed and go to sleep just like that without issue. At least I would be full and happy.

Genesis took the bag from me and pulled out a couple of containers. “That smells so good.”

“I know. I felt for you when you kept saying she would only give you soup. When she called me to pick up some food from Charlie’s, I told God thank you.”

“My sentiments exactly when you walked in with that brown paper bag. I thought she’d found a way to make barbequed soup. I was annoyed as hell.”

She laughed, and it was the most beautiful sound. “I could tell by your initial facial expression. You looked over it, babe.”

I chuckled as I practically inhaled the link. “This is so good,” I said with my mouth full of food.

“Slow down before you give yourself heartburn or indigestion. Then you won’t be able to sleep tonight. Imagine having to throw up and not being able to move fast enough to get to the bathroom.”

“Point taken,” I said as I slowed my pace. “How was work?”

She huffed. “I had to write his ass up today. I couldn’t figure out why he wouldn’t just transfer. Then, I found out that there aren’t any openings to fill, and no one wants to switch locations with him. So now he’s saying that’s because no one wants to work under my leadership. I used my authority to write his ass up for insubordination, and he refused to sign it. So, of course,we now have to have a meeting with the highest-ranking chief. I’m technically a battalion chief. There are a few of us. I believe AJ will be in that meeting as well.”

“I hate you’re dealing with that. I don’t see the meeting going well for him though. AJ was against him from the beginning. What do you know about the big boss?”

“He doesn’t play games. Chief Carrier has been the chief for years. He’s seen a lot of people come and go. So I can’t see him agreeing with Bransford.”

I nodded and took another bite of my link. She started to eat her food as well. We made small talk about my day and how much I’d moved around today, when my phone rang. When I saw it was Detective Johnson, I quickly grabbed a napkin and wiped my fingers. “Hello?”

“You’re at home, right?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“I’m on my way over.”

I took a deep breath and winced as I ended the call. “Johnson is on her way over. That can’t be good.” I looked at my fingers to see they were sticky. “Ugh.”

Just as I was about to lick them, Genesis grabbed my hand and sucked one of my fingers. My eyes widened slightly as what was once dead stood straight up. She stared into my eyes as she did my next finger. “Genesis, maaaann, you gon’ have me reinjuring myself. I don’t know why you wanna play with me like this, knowing I can’t do anything about what you just did to me.”

“I can help you with that later if you think you can handle it.”

“I already know I can’t. I’ll be taking deep breaths and panting, causing myself more pain for the sake of an orgasm. As soon as I can get at you, be ready though. You gon’ have to take off work, because you won’t be able to walk when I’m finished with you.”

She giggled. “So what was the call about?”

“Johnson is on her way over. That’s all she said. So whatever it is must be bad.”

“Okay. Well, let me take my food to the kitchen so the two of you can have privacy to discuss things.”

I closed my eyes and said, “I want you to stay.”

When I reopened them, her eyes were wide. “What?”

“Stay.”

“Kyrie, I understand some things are classified.”

“Genesis, I trust you with my life. I want you in here with me.”

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