Page 34 of Draco

“I found our next play. After we get back from Silk Hills, we are going to run in Kash’s trap house.”

The ride to Silk Hills was serene. One second, we were cruising in silence on a clear highway, and the next, Frankie and I weresinging old Chris Brown songs as we jettedpastthe hills. When we pulled into a truck stop, a few of my folks called me a simp for my playlist, and all I could do was flip them off.

We arrived in the city at almost 3:00 PM and headed straight to the house we were staying in. Most of my club brothers were staying together, but since I had Frankie with me, I secured us a separate spot for the night.

“Oh my God, Draco! This place is beautiful!” Frankie exclaimed as she marveled at the Spanish-style home.

“Yes, it is. But we don’t have time to enjoy it right now, Nugget. The party starts at six. We need to get ready.”

“Ugh.” She groaned. “You’re a party popper. I’m going to get in the shower.”

As I expected, Frankie used every moment she could to get dressed. I waited by the door after calling her name a few times, but when she appeared, I forgot how to breathe. Frankie looked like Jessica Rabbit in a sparkly, red corset dress that touched her ankles. She wore a little makeup, but her red lipstick fit her look.

“You are one fine ass woman. I hope you know that.”

“As much as you tell me, I can’t forget it. Let’s get out of here.”

The venue Durk and Clover reserved for their engagement party was close to our home away from home. Thanks to traffic, we walked in right after the pastor said a prayerand the serverspassedoutdinner.The menu was extensive, including everything from salmon to tomahawk steak, yet I took advantage of the sweets on the table.

“If the engagement party looks like this, imagine the wedding,” Frankie muttered under her breath as she admired the mural on the ceiling.

I reached over and fidgeted with the ring on her finger. “Do you want a big wedding?”

“Not really. I don’t have enough family and friends to fill a church.”

“You do now,” a familiar voice commented.

I swirled around, coming to face to face with the groom to be. “What’s good, Durk?”

“You tell me, Big Draco!”

He happily pulled me in for a hug like we were long-lost friends. We hadn’t seen each other in years, but anytime we partied together, I created another memory to share with my future grandkids.

“Man, I appreciate y’all coming down.” Durk patted his breast pocket. “Introduce me to your lady.”

My chest expanded as I stepped to the side, giving Frankie the spotlight.

“This is my lady, Francesca.”

“Your lady?” Durk’s chin tumbled to his chest. “I like the sound of that.”

Frankie extended her hand. “It’s nice to meet you. Congratulations on the upcoming wedding.”

“Appreciate it. Be sure you invite me to yours when the day comes.” He winked.

A short woman with long hair and pretty pecan skin crept up and hugged Durk from behind. His face lit up when she stood on her tippy toes and kissed the side of his face.

“Speaking of pretty ladies,” Durk stated. “Draco, Francesca, this is my wife, Clover.”

The ladies hugged like they were old friends, and after only exchanging a few words, Clover whisked Frankie away. Since I knew she was comfortable, I went to speak with members of the club that I hadn’t seen in a while.

“Oh,shit! Big Draco cameto chill with his folks?” Shiloh asked as I joined the circle. “Are you staying for the weekend?”

“Shit, I might. Y’all got it cracking down here,” I stated after taking another look at the crowd.

Not only was everyone dressed to the nines, but they also walked around like life was good.

“We keep telling you and your brothers the vibes are different this way.” Durk reachedinhis pocket and retrieved a wad of cash. “Money is good. The club is thriving. Y’all would love it.”

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