Page 46 of Priest

“They look vicious.”

She had watched me on a few occasions when I’d gone out to feed Smoke, Rocky, and Hazard. “They can be. They’re trained to protect all this shit around here.”

“Hence, me staying in place.”

“That ain’t it, chief.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“There’s another reason you won’t leave. What is it?”

“Considering how I was lost, cold, hungry, and had to pee the last time, why would I risk that again? I’ll wait.”

“For?”

“You to take me back.”

“For you to be so in love with your fiancé, I thought you’d do anything to get back to him.”

“Who said anything about love?”

“You’re marrying that nigga.”

She sighed and didn’t say anything. I elbowed her inner thigh and turned back to face her.

“Stay still. You can’t be doing all that moving while I’m trying to do your hair.”

“Answer me one thing.”

“What?”

“You love him?”

“Priest, let me do your hair,” she replied with a dry sigh.

“Answer my question, princess.”

“I’m sure in time that I’ll grow to love him.”

“You’re twenty-two years old.”

“And?”

“Why the fuck are you marrying some nigga that’s twenty-five years older than you, who you don’t love. Nigga is old enough to be your father.”

“But he’s not, okay. So drop it.”

“I don’t want to. Why are you marrying him? It can’t be for the money. Your dad’s got plenty of that.”

She sighed and answered, “My father arranged a marriage with Daniel and me. He wanted someone who would be able to financially provide for me the way that he has, if not better, and someone who could protect me. He said that I had security with Daniel, and while many people married for love, it didn’t always last. He wanted me to have a stable life where I could have all the best comforts and protections that a man’s money could provide. He assured me that Daniel would be a great provider. Besides, my fiancé is very attracted to me.”

“Of course he is. Why wouldn’t he be?”

“Because he could have a number of women. He’s gorgeous himself.”

“Have you seen you?”

She giggled and tapped me on the head. “Turn around and let me work on this head.”

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