Page 25 of Ms. Mosley

“I just bet you did. I told you I was fine over the phone.”

“Yeah, but I had to be sure. You're out here hitching rides and shit. A muthafucka ain’t gonna kidnap you and make you tell me some bullshit to keep me from thinking you’re in danger.”

“Steph, please. No one has kidnapped me. I told you to stop watching that damn Criminal Minds. It’s got you paranoid and overthinking everything.”

I plopped down onto the couch with my blanket, and boy, did I regret it. My pussy and legs ached so much that I bit down on my bottom lip to ease the discomfort.

She laughed, easing up. “Mmhm, whatever. Tonight was crazy. I just had to confirm with my own two eyes.”

“It was, but I’m okay. Now that you see, you can go home, heffa.”

“Not you kicking me out.” She snickered, heading toward the kitchen. “And what’s that smell in here? Smells so good.”

Inwardly, I cursed myself for letting Prosper in, fully aware of the scent she was referring to. It was the same intoxicating fragrance that often left me weak in the knees and had me sprawled out in the backseat of a slab like some lovestruck teenager just an hour ago.

“What does it smell like?” I asked, playing dumb.

“Chile, a fine ass chocolate man. That’s what.”

And is.I thought but laughed instead, trying to keep my composure.

“Let me find out you brought that fine ass youngin’ from the club home with you.”

“Bitch, hush. No.” I lied straight through my teeth. “Must be my new Mahogany Teakwood candle. I got the intense kind this time.”

“Girl, I haven’t been to Bath & Body Works in ages. I remember it smelling like cologne, but damn, I don’t recall it smelling that good. I might just have to snag one from your stash.”

“No, ma’am. I don’t have any extras, so go home. And what you in my kitchen for?” I hurriedly changed the subject.

“Ugh, someone had too many drinks at the club. You real cranky.” Stephanie rolled her eyes. “I just need to get Shay an energy drink. She’s gonna kill me. She told me your ass was fine, but I insisted on us driving all the way here anyway.”

“And for nothing,” I added.

“Yep, but oh well. I’d rather be safe than sorry. She can fuss all she wants. You bitches wouldn’t be alive today if it weren’t for my ways.”

She was right. One summer, many years ago, I wanted to go swimming while she had a headache. She told me to stay put until she felt better, but I ignored her and went with Shay anda few of her friends, and I nearly drowned. Luckily, Stephanie had come to the neighborhood pool to check on us and caught me just in time. And the number of sticky situations she’d gotten Shay out of had become countless.

“No argument there, ma’am.” I told her.

As she moved around the kitchen, I silently counted down in my head. She grabbed Shay a Red Bull and herself a pack of Fruit Snacks.

“Okay, okay. I’ll get out of your hair. Goodnight, my love. And no church for me tomorrow, unfortunately. I’ll be in bed all day. My head is throbbing. Kiss Daddy for me and tell him I’m sorry.”

“Alright, love you.” I hugged her.

“Love you too, sis.”

Once Stephanie was gone, I locked the door and walked into my bedroom. Prosper was sitting on the edge of the bed, his large hands clasped, looking so damn good.

“Hey,” I said softly.

“Sup,” he replied, chunking his head up. “Mahogany Teakwood, huh?” he joked. “My T lady loves that shit.”

I offered a half-smile but did not indulge in the banter. Truthfully, now that everything had settled, I felt uneasy about my actions.

Pulling me by the hand, Prosper guided me between his legs. To my surprise, I didn’t object. However, I did feel the need to share my thoughts as he abruptly lifted my dress over his head, taking a sniff of my scent.

Whew, stay focused, Nia’Rose.

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