Page 94 of Jaeda

“My son recently told me that he helps Titan with sensitive cases. I know, well, at least I’ve heard some things about your family. Like how you all own most of the city. How you basically have free range to do what you want with little to no consequence. You seem like a nice girl. I just . . . This is my baby. My only son. I need to know that he is safe.”

“I assure you, he is. My family knows how special he is to me, and he’d be protected because of that alone. I know I don’t look threatening, but I’m not a damsel in distress.”

“I’m sure you all have some enemies.”

“None that are around to be a threat.”

My mother’s eyes widened. “I see.”

Jaeda set her fork down and clasped her hands together. “Mrs. Michaels, I understand your concern when it comes to my family. We don’t have a blemish free reputation, and that’s usually from people who have crossed a very thin line with us. No, my family isn’t your typical family. We don’t follow all the rules. Most of the time, the rules don’t apply to us.

“But what most people don’t see is the good we do. My father raised us to serve and protect. Not just each other, but our community. So while we may own most of the city, the citizens have no idea what we do behind the scenes to keep them safe. Is it unorthodox? Yes? Is it necessary? Absolutely. The law doesn’t protect those it wasn’t made for. No matter how much money we have, tothem, we are still just a bunch of niggas. The only thing worse than being a nigga is being a nigga with power.”

My father nodded as he took a sip of his drink.

“I can agree with you there.” He sighed heavily. “We understand why you do what you do. It’s just not a lifestyle we would have chosen for our son. It seems like this life was chosen for you, . . . for Titan. You want your children to grow up like this?”

“My children will have a choice, just like my siblings and I. Whatever they choose, I’ll support them and prepare them to the best of my abilities. No matter what lifestyle they live, they will have a village behind them one hundred percent.”

“Ma,” I said firmly. “Again, I know you don’t like the line of work we’re in, but we do it for all the right reasons. Sometimes, you have to protect the helpless by any means necessary. I’m notout there with Titan, but I’ve seen what he and the Dillingers are up against from being deep inside. In addition, it’s the only way I can make sure he’s safe. I owe that man. The only way I can repay him is to make sure he comes home with his life.”

My mother raised her hands in surrender. “Okay. Okay. Just be safe. My son is smitten with you, Jaeda. My hope for grandchildren lies with you.”

Jaeda giggled. “Well, if we make it to that point?—”

“When,” I corrected.

“When,” she emphasized. “When we make it to that point, you’ll be amongst the first to know.”

My mother smiled. All previous conversation took a back seat once she started talking about grandchildren. She reverted to embarrassing ass stories from my childhood. When she left the table to fetch the photo album, I had no choice but to sit there and take the embarrassment. Jaeda’s mom told cute stories. Mine documented everything with visual evidence.

Before I developed my own sense of style. I dressed like my father. I was the only kid in my class with collared shirts, khaki pants, and loafers. With my glasses, braces, awkwardness, and nasal tone of voice, I didn’t stand a chance against the bullies. It wasn’t until my preteen years did I stop looking like somebody’s daddy and start looking and dressing my age.

A few hours and plenty laughs at my expense, Jaeda and I were leaving my parents’ house. As we climbed in the car, Jaeda was still giggling to herself.

“All right now, it wasn’t that funny,” I said, playfully mushing her head.

“I’m sorry, babe, but it was. You looked like a little old man.”

“Whatever, woman.”

“Awwww, is someone sour?” She cupped my chin and pulled me in for a kiss. “If it makes you feel any better. You were cutethen, but you grew into the most handsome, sexy, and tempting man I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know.”

I smirked. “Don’t sweet talk me now.”

She kissed me again, this time with a sensual passion. I couldn’t lie. Her kisses made me want to pull out my wallet and hand all my finances over to her. Every dime in my bank account, my stocks, bonds, and bitcoin, she could have it all, and I would be the happiest broke man.

That was how down bad baby had me.

She pulled back with a smile on her beautiful face. For a moment, I just stared at her, admiring her.

“Why are you looking at me like that?” she asked.

“Because I’m low-key obsessed with you.”

She giggled. “Really now?”

I cupped her chin. “I’m falling for you, baby. I know it feels quick, but when a man knows, he knows.”

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