Page 163 of Roulette: The Madam

“I’ll be waiting.”

She twisted on her pretty heels and headed toward the car she’d gotten out of. Inside, her father, my new and estranged man, was waiting for her return. They exchanged words through the lowered window.

“He said yes!” She cheered, pumping her arms in the air as she looked back at me.

He’d better had said yes or you were staying anyway.

“Come on. We have movies to watch and shit to talk.”

I waved her over, ready to get a start on our night. Rome had been busy with practice. Rather had been on vacation for weeks. Royce was busy handling business for Teddy. Range was getting settled in the city. Everyone was in their own worlds, and as much as I loved that for us all, I was craving human interaction. Malaya had come knocking right on time.

Israel waited until his baby girl was back in the house before he began to pull off slowly. He was in no hurry. He stared at me through the cracked window with stern features and mysterious eyes. I wasn’t sure what he was thinking, but I knew exactly what I was thinking.

Not this nigga trying to co-parent with me and I’m not even a fucking parent.

I couldn’t help but laugh as I began to close the door. My left middle finger lifted just before I slammed it. I didn’t miss the return of Israel’s as the door met its frame.

Good dick motherfucker.

“Come do it then,” I challenged, barely above a whisper as I made my way down the hallway. “Asshole.”

I was left wishing I’d made that call to my sisters. But, they’d be hearing from me, regardless. Venting would be the full first half of our call. The rest would be me asking for advice on how to get niggas to stand in your business and not on business. My pussy was craving him just as much as my head and heart were.

Malaya was already on her way back with the cleaning supplies. The lemon drop was sticking to the floor and the bottom of her shoes.

“You didn’t have to. I go–”

“No. I’ve got it. I shouldn’t have rushed you the way I did. I’m sorry.”

“Never be sorry for expressing yourself the way you did. It’s confirmation that your feelings are real and you feel safe enough to let me in on them so we can experience them together. Don’t apologize. It’s a gift.”

“Okay.”

I watched as she bent down, taking her precious time to clean the drink from the floor. As much as I wanted to intervene, I knew that she needed to keep her hands busy. Her mind was going a mile a minute.

“Do you think she’ll make it through the program?” She questioned, never stopping.

“Yes. I do.”

“Do you think she will stay clean?”

“I’ll make sure of it, Malaya. At least I will try my best.”

“Thank you.”

“But, I think she will. I think this is a step in the right direction for her. For you. And, it’s you who she will get clean for and stay clean for.”

“I hope so.”

“I know so, baby girl.”

I had faith in Yara, though I hardly knew anything about her other than what I’d been told.

“Leave that alone. I’ll finish it later. I have something to show you.”

“Okay.”

She lifted from the floor and took my hand. I led her down the hallway, up the stairs and into the second guest bedroom. Powdered pink covered the walls. It was only a few shades darker than the original white paint that coated the walls. It was subtle, but it was noticeable.

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