Page 74 of Divine

“You said I was off limits, but the minute I give you a sign, that’s going to change? What are you saying exactly?”

“I don’t really know how to handle this shit, but I’ll do everything in my power to make you as happy as you make me by just being you, Divine. Nothing will change for the bad. Like Lil’ Wayne said, ‘I don’t really know how to handle this shit, but tonight it’s moonlight and candles and shit, with you baby, with you baby,’” he sang the last part as he tweaked my nose, making me giggle again.

“Liam, be serious.”

“I’m serious as a heart attack, Cookie. Let’s fall in love—not how other people think we should do it but how we want to do it. I’ll be your strength. You be my strength. You nurture. I protect. We don’t have to worry about what anyone else thinks about it as long as we are on the same page.”

“I think there are a few people that would have something to say about that.”

“Fuck that, D. All that matters is what we have to say. You’re so fucking beautiful, and I want you so much that I’m considering saying fuck this job, baby. I just want you. When you’re done being hard and strong, I’ll love you while you regenerate. I’ll be that place where you can be soft, not vulnerable, not weak, but soft. You can be a girl. You can be a woman. Let me be the one to take on the world while you refuel.I already do that for you.”

“You know we're just having fun. I’m not putting you in danger like that.”

“What danger? You think you’re not worth all the smoke and whatever else they come with?”

“You said you had to decide if I was worth the risk.”

“You’re worth everything. I’ll risk my life just to have you by my side. I told you if I decided that you were worth the risk there’s not a man breathing who can keep me off you, not even a Reign.”

“You’re saying that now, but who wants to take that kind of risk. You’re too important to me, Liam. I don’t want to lose you.”

“You won’t. Let me talk to them.”

“Can we just enjoy each other without outside interference for now? I don’t want them in our business.”

“Don’t run from me, Divine.”

“I’m not. I’m just not ready for what’s coming next. We might not even have to worry about any of it after today.”

“What happened?” he asked, narrowing his eyes. “Are you ready to talk about it?”

“I’m enjoying the moment, Lee. I don’t want to ruin it.”

“Yeah, I would hate to cancel out my hard work.” He grinned.

“Exactly. Let me just enjoy this for now. I can feel that everything is about to change.”

“Change how, Cookie?” he asked.

“For one, I guess you won’t have to babysit me much longer.”

“Divine, it’s literally my job. You saying I need to be looking for another job?” he quizzed.

“I’m not sure about that part, but you know what I mean. Thank you for being here to help me scratch my itch while I was going through this funk, but things are changing. It seems that I might have to start pulling my weight in the Dark Reign Dynasty.”

“What does that mean, Divine?” he asked, unable to hide the scowl growing on his face. “Don’t tell me you’re pushing my black ass the fuck back in the friend zone.”

“We both knew this was temporary,” I mumbled, picking at the spinach sticking out of my wrap to avoid looking at him. Something told me I would break down if I looked into his eyes.

“Divine, don’t do this. What’s wrong? Talk to me,” he urged.

“I have to. Bishop wants me to meet some guy to nudge things in our favor for some merger they’re trying to organize.”

“What do you mean he wants you to meet some guy?”

“Apparently, he’s interested in me.”

“What the fuck is that supposed to mean, Divine? What happened to me talking to them?”

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