Page 46 of Rocky

“Got it,” Russell responded.

We ended the meeting and parted ways. On the way back home, I got a phone call from Rue about Deacon. That nigga couldn’t leave well enough alone, but it was cool. I already had a plan for him. It was only a matter of time.

“You think she’s the one?” Russell asked when I ended the call.

“It hasn’t been that long.”

“That’s not what I asked.”

“Yeah, I think she’s the one. Deacon will be a problem. He has to go.”

“Does she know what you do after hours?”

“No.”

“Do you plan to tell her?”

“I’m not sure, but if I do, he’d already be dead.”

“I’m not saying she’s in love with him, but that’s her son’s father. You know how women?—”

“I don’t give a fuck. He has to go, and her and Briar will have to get over it. I’ll be Briar’s daddy.”

“Yeah, she’s the one.”

I didn’t deny it because I believed it was true. We rode in silence to Rue’s house. When we arrived, we chopped it up with everyone for a few minutes before Rue dragged me to her room. Once we were behind closed doors, I wrapped her in my arms and sighed deeply.

“How was your day?” I asked as we continued to embrace.

“I have a confession.”

“What’s that?”

She took a step back and looked into my eyes. “I missed you.”

“Interesting. I missed you too.”

She smiled. “That’s good to know. Other than that, it was good until Deacon called.”

“I told you not to worry about him.”

“But—”

“Rue, I’ll protect you and Briar no matter what. I know things are still new between us, but I need you to trust me. I’ll have some of my people keep an eye on the house and the shop. If they see him or any of his people lurking around, they’ll let me know or take care of it themselves. Is that cool?”

She nodded. “Thank you.”

I cupped her face and pressed my lips against her forehead before doing the same to her lips.

“I got something for you.”

“Something like what?”

I led her to the bathroom, and we faced the mirror.

“Close your eyes until I tell you to open them.”

She squinted her eyes at me suspiciously but did as I asked. I took the necklace from my pocket and put it on her neck.

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