Page 9 of The Deed to a Gangsta's Heart

“Oh my God, it’s so good to see you,” I replied as we embraced.

“You too. I’m so happy you’re home.”

We held each other a little while longer before we released each other, and I hugged everyone else at the table. It was her brother Kennessy, her best friend and future sister-in-law Siri, her fiancé Dali, and his brother and cousin Dynasty and Germany. The moment Dynasty scooped me up as if I weighed nothing I yelped and laughed. He was so affectionate and warm, and I missed that so much.

“It’s good to see you, girl. I didn’t think you were ever coming home,” he said as he put me back down.

“I missed you too. All of you.”

“I know that’s not my girl.” My eyes squeezed shut tightly at the sound of Mona’s voice. My chin trembled as I fought my tears. While I wouldn’t say me and Mona were best friends, we were close. We took a lot of classes together because of our last names and bonded after the passing of her mother. I held her close to my heart and was fiercely protective of her.

“Mona,” I whispered, turning to face her.

Her body bolted in my direction, and she held me tightly.

“Don’t stay away from me for this long again,” she demanded before kissing my cheek repeatedly.

“I won’t. I promise.”

We held each other a little while longer before Remedy pulled an empty seat back for me at their table. I knew he’d want to sit with them since Germany was his best friend outside of me.

“I’ma get you a drink,” Remedy said against my ear, and for some reason, the feel of his breath against me made me shiver.

“Okay. Next round is on me.”

“Now you know that’s not going to happen,” he said with a chuckle, causing me to smile and roll my eyes.

“How y’all been?” I asked, pulling my phone out to text Luci and tell her to meet us here.

We all caught up while Germany and Remedy got shots for everyone at the bar. When they returned, Remedy sat next to me. As he wrapped his arm around my chair, Kassadee asked, “Where are you staying, Cal?”

“With me,” Remedy answered.

“Y’all together now?” Mona asked with a syrupy grin.

“No,” we replied at the same time before laughing.

“I couldn’t find anything else,” I added.

“And that’s it?” Germany asked, looking at Remedy.

Remedy didn’t respond which was weird for him. I figured it was because he was waiting for me to answer, so I did. We took our shots and the conversation shifted, but I couldn’t help but think about me and Remedy. Our friendship. I’d never allowed myself to think about us having more. It wasn’t lost on me that he was one of the most eligible bachelors in Jasper Lane. Not only was he successful and wealthy but he was handsome as hell. On top of that, he was the perfect mix of gangsta and gentleman—with me at least. I knew he would kill for me, but he handled me gently.

I couldn’t stop myself from looking at him as he talked to Dali. Now wasn’t the time to allow myself to think about a relationship between us. He’d never expressed interest in me in that way and I would never make our bond awkward by filling myself with romantic feelings just because we were living together now.

We continued to chill and drink until Luci showed up. When she did, we headed to the country. I tried not tonotice the fact that things had gone quiet between me and Remedy. It seemed he avoided conversation with me just like I was doing him after Mona asked if we were together. I wondered what was on his mind but was too afraid to ask. All I could do was hope that question didn’t come out every time people saw us together.

A Few Hours Later

“Wassup with you?”Remedy asked.

We were back home after a long, fun night. I’d consumed more alcohol than planned, but we were celebrating, so I didn’t mind. Plus, it was good seeing the old crew, and any time we got together it was a good time.

“What do you mean?” I asked, scratching my scalp as we waited for the elevator.

I thought he was so extra for having an elevator in his home, but now that I lived here and was in a bedroom on the third floor, it was perfect. I thought it would have been super expensive, but it was only like sixty thousand dollars. And with him being in real estate, he didn’t even have to pay for it out of pocket. The man had qualified for three million to build his home and I was so excited he let me lend him a few of my ideas.

The first floor held the common areas and rooms, the second floor had guest bedrooms and his home office and game room, and the third floor was for the master suites.

---