Page 34 of Shadowed Obsession

“Mmhm,” I hum while my mouth is full.

“I want some cake,” he whines, making a pouty face.

He’s so childlike when he’s high, reminds me of when we were kids and didn’t have to be so serious all the time. I miss those days.

“Have one of your little girlfriends buy you one,” I tease, using my fork to cut another piece before bringing it to my mouth. I close my eyes to emphasize how delicious it is, laughing when I open them again.

He chuckles. “Maybe I will. You sound like mom, by the way. Remember when she used to say she ain’t one of our little friends,” he recites, mocking her voice.

I cackle, staring down at my plate. “Look at her now. She triesrealhard to be one of our little friends.”

“Be all in our business like she is a little friend,” he continues, and I glance up at him.

“How is she, by the way?”

“She’s good. Misses you. For real, though, she doesn’t shut up about you,” he complains, running his hand over his face.

“Not sure why when you’re the favorite child.”

He rolls his eyes at my griping. “They treat me differently because I’m a man.”

“Uh huh. You’re the favorite. It’s cool, I accepted it a long time ago. Keep up.” I shrug as I lick some frosting off my fork.

“Shut up, man. What’s been going on in good old Texas?”

“This bidding war is moving slowly, as expected. But I have a lot riding on this…I’m just trying to keep my head up and my hands clean. That’s all.”

Fuck. Why did I say that?I don’t need anyone worrying about me.

“And how’s that going for you?” he asks with a quirked brow.

“It’s been a challenge, but I am hanging on. That’s all I can do.”

“If you’ve got a problem, tell me. I’m serious, Dee,” he says in a firm tone that sounds exactly like Dad’s.

I don’t respond, unsure of how to navigate this conversation, and it’s not like I’m very good at lying to him. Darius can always sense when something is wrong with me.

He continues, “Need I remind you that the face of the brandneverdirties their hands. That’s whatI’mhere for.”

“I find that funny, since you’re thepreferredface of Divin and there’s blood on yours,” I retort.

“My image is as important to me as cleanliness is to you, but any bloodIspill allows foryouto stay clean. You’re welcome, Dee,” he scoffs.

“How could I ever forget to thank you?” The sarcasm rolls so easily off my tongue.

“Dee, you never give it a damn rest,” he huffs, like I’m ruining his high. “Smoke some damn weed and enjoy the day off. I mean it. Might fuck around and put you on a mandatory leave if you don’t relax.“

“You would not,” I challenge, leveling him with a stare.

“I fucking would. Try me, Sis,” he says with a smug smile.

“Fine. I’ll open up your care package and see what it’s hitting for.”

“I can’t believe you haven’t opened it yet.” He gasps dramatically, pressing a hand to his chest. “Texashaschanged you.”

“Shut up, punk,” I mutter, taking another bite.

“My mama ain’t raise no punks.”

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