Page 57 of Divine II

“I know better than to try to come between you and your family. I still love you,” he told me.

He was leaving. My legs felt heavy as I tried to think of a way to fix this. I wasn’t about to lose Liam over Syre’s overprotective ass. I shot a death glare in Syre’s direction before taking off behind him.

“Wait, Liam!” I shouted.

He looked back and slowed his steps as I ran to him. The sound that cracked the air made my heart race. I would never forget the sound of a gunshot. I felt like time stood still as my eyes landed on Syre lowering his gun. He was truly psychotic.

“I love you, Liam. This is my house. He can’t make you leave.”

“Let him cool off, Cookie. I’m coming back for you,” he told me as I stopped in front of him.

“Promise me,” I plead.

Cupping my cheeks, he kissed my forehead. “I promise I’ll always come back for you.”

My body felt heavy as I stood there watching Liam disappear out of my life for the second time. I wasn’t sure if I could survive losing him again. His vow to always come back for me gave me little hope. I knew what he was up against. It was up to me to make sure that there were no obstacles standing in his way when he returned. Finding the strength to move, I rushed over to Syre and shoved him hard.

“Get the fuck away from my house, Syre!”

“Divine, you know I did that shit for your own good. What do you think Whitmore is going to do when he confirms that his suspicions about you two are true?”

“You think I give a fuck what he thinks?”

“You should! We’re going through all this shit to save you. We made this deal for your ungrateful ass to be laid up out here with your so-called man. You know what? I’m telling. I’m fucking telling Bishop. He’s beating himself up, saying he should have been able to do more, and you’re out here like you don’t have a care in the fucking world with a nigga’s face in your pussy. How you think Bish is gon’ feel?”

“Tell him what the fuck you want. I keep telling y’all that I’m grown. Now, get the hell out of my yard. I want you out of my sight, and don’t you ever come back!”

“You don’t mean that, ma. Stop tripping.”

“Oh, I fucking mean it. You embarrassed me and attacked the man I love for loving me back. I want you out!”

“I’m not going any fucking where. You think I’m leaving so he can double back?”

“You know what? You don’t have to go. I’m leaving, and I’ll have you know I’m selling this fucking house. I’m moving somewhere where y’all can never find me. Since you can’t accept my boundaries, I no longer want you in my life. I’ll send y’all the refund for this fucking noose y’all call a house once the check clears.”

He huffed. “Oh, you really talking crazy.”

“You think so? I’ve already contacted a realtor. An appraiser told me that the house has gone up 25 percent in value since I moved in. There are several highly motivated buyers. Now, they have a highly motivated seller. I want you out of my life!” I spat as I marched toward the house.

“Let me get out of here and give you time to cool off. I’m sending Oneal over here. Try not to fall in love with him!” Syre barked.

“Kiss my ass. If anyone comes on my property, I’m going to shoot them.”

“Don’t play, Divine. I’ll call you later.”

Syre could call as many times as he wanted to. I meant what I said. I wanted him out of my business and out of my damn life once and for all.

Once I was in the house, I grabbed my phone from the table and threw myself on the couch. Two calls to Liam went unanswered, only making fresh tears spring to my eyes. Swiping through the applications, I opened my messaging app.

Me:I love you, Liam. Please don’t give up on us.

Me:Elle, please keep your husband away from me. He’s ruining my life.

I waited twenty-four hours before I used the information from Psalm’s packet to find Liam’s home address. I’d never had a reason to go to Liam’s house. He always came to me. Now, I was desperate. I couldn’t lose him like this. This wasn’t part of the plan.

I knew my family well enough to know that they had trackers on my car. Since I didn’t need them knowing my every move, I used a rideshare to book a ride to Liam’s house. I had to see him. I needed to know that we were good. He would be a fool to still want to deal with me after my cousin pistol whipped and shot at him, but I hoped he was just as much of a fool for me as I was for him. Since he wasn’t answering my calls, I crossed my fingers hoping that he was home.

Liam’s house was easily recognizable due to the flowery bushes flanking his door and the plum trees in the yard. I smiled, wishing that I’d spent more time in his safe space. Hopefully, there was still time. Once the driver stopped in front of our destination, I climbed out of the car and rushed up to the door. My nerves were shot, but there was nothing that could keep me from him. Well, almost nothing. Liam’s rejection was something I didn’t want to consider or face.

---