Page 25 of A Toxic Redemption

"Aight, go get your stuff, man." I walked over toward them and pulled him back. The evil glare on her face didn't move me one way or another. "Kiss your mama and tell her you will see her later."

"Bye, mama!" He waved and shot off to the room.

Once he was gone, I gave my attention back to Mia. "I don't know what the fuck you did when he was home with you, but don't do all that cussing and shit around him." I stepped to her, and she cowered as the security guard eyed us carefully. "And the only bitch you've had around him is your nigga. Get the fuck out of my spot before I forget you meant anything to me and beat the fuck out of you, Mia."

We engaged in a stare-off before she huffed and turned to leave. I don't know what home she was referring to, but as oflate, her shit was blown to bits. After the guard assured me she would no longer have access to my door, I went into the back room and gathered my son so we could leave. Making sure he had his gift for Luck, we got our things and headed out.

"Daddy, Santa bringing Christmas?"

I looked in the review mirror of my truck as we made our way downtown toward Devyn's bakery. Had I not called my mother for directions, I would never have known where she was located. Hopefully, she's not too busy or even closed for the day.

"What do you want him to bring you?" I asked right as we pulled up to the store. Luck had a cool spot in the middle of one of the shopping centers near the mall. I'm sure business was booming for her. "Have you made a list?"

"I can't write, daddy." He frowned, slightly confused. "You help me? I need toys for me, my Nana, Bino, and my Debin."

"Well, kid, I can tell you now that Bino has been naughty all year, so Santa probably isn't going to get him anything." I put the car in park and turned to face him in the back seat. "What about me? You don't want Santa bringing your daddy anything?"

"Hmm." He tapped his chin in deep thought. "I've been good, so I know he brings me whatever I want."

"I appreciate that." I chuckled as I got out and opened the back door to let him out. "Who gave you money to get this girl a gift, anyway? Who told you it was cool to buy these women gifts?"

"My Nana." He smiled brightly. "She said Debin is nice and can have it."

I left the conversation alone as I helped him out and made sure he had everything he needed. His jacket was secured, so we made our way toward the sidewalk until we reached the door of her bakery.

"Welcome to Soul Pies. I'll be right with you!" Luck yelled from the back of the store.

Looking around the place, I could tell she took pride in what she did. The little tables and booths were littered with Christmas decor, and it smelled good as hell in here. Walking toward the display case, the cupcakes and various pastries had a nigga's stomach growling.

"This looks really good son," I spoke to KJ as I rubbed his curls.

"Thank you."

Turning around, I couldn't lie and say the girl didn't look good as fuck in her work uniform. Her Khaki pants and light blue button-down fit her frame just right, and I licked my lips because I knew the sweetest gift on earth was underneath.

"Debin!" KJ broke free and ran over to her. Wrapping his arms around her legs, he hugged her tightly as she returned the gesture. It was a beautiful sight to see because they really fucked with each other. "I came to see you."

"And I'm so happy you did." She lifted him from the floor and kissed his cheek. "I've missed you, Bubba."

"Have you missed daddy, too?" I asked as I grabbed her wrist when she tried to walk past me. "How you not gone speak to a nigga, and I'm the one that brought him over here?"

"Hello, Khalil." Luck gave me a small smile and pulled away as she led KJ over to the small sink to wash his hands. "Thank you for bringing my Bubba to see me. I've missed him."

"I asked if you missed me, though." I brushed up against her round ass as she bent over to help my boy wash his hands. "I've missed you."

"You just saw me a couple of nights ago. Now move." She pushed me off of her as she helped him dry his hands. "KJ, would you like to put the icing on your own treats today?"

"Oh my gosh, yes!" He shrieked as he jumped up and down. I have never seen him so excited. "Oh shoot." He stood and turned to me. "Daddy, the gift."

"Oh shoot, son, I left it at home." I patted my pockets as if I really forgot it. "I'm sorry, man."

"Ah, man," his little eyes watered, and I felt bad as fuck. "I'm sorry, Debin." He looked at her with a sad expression. "Daddy messed up."

"Damn, son, my bad." I hurriedly answered before his tears fell. "I was looking in the wrong pocket."

"Khalil, don't play with him like that," Luck gritted through clenched teeth before looking down at him. "You got me a gift baby?"

"Yes." He ran over to me and snatched it from my hands with his bad ass. "Here you go."

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