Page 8 of River & Crown
"Riv baby, I apologize forreal."
I pulled up to the block I lived on but parked a few houses down. I might've been into Sincere's thug persona, but my momma did not play. She hated my relationship but knew I wasn't leaving Sincere alone, so she tolerated it.
"Riv, you hear me, baby? I?—"
"I heard you." I sighed, shifting the car from drive to park.
"Then look at me."
"Sincere, I?—"
"Nah, I need you to look at me."
Sincere reached for my chin, but I snaked my head out of reach. Looking at Sincere meant dismissing all I felt. Standing in my emotions meant something to me. Too many times, I let Sincere puppy dog eye me out of being pissed at him. Before, it was fine because I'd never beenthisupset. What happened today could cost me everything. This wasn't something to just sweep under the rug.
"River—"
"What do you want me to say, Sincere? You apologized... but am I supposed to forget what happened?"
"I want you to forgive me, River. You know I wouldn't put you in harm's way."
Sucking my teeth, I looked ahead, doing my best to ignore the fire from his eyes searing my cheek.
"You think I'll let some shit happen to you?"
"Look at what we just fucking did! What if?—"
"Nah, we're not playing the what-if game. Shit was fucked up. I admit that, but don't question my ability to fucking protect you. Matter of fact, look at me 'cause I'm not 'bout to have this conversation staring at your cheek."
"Then we shouldn't have it all," I huffed.
"River. River, you can't look at a nigga now?" he gritted.
Sincere grabbed me by my curls, jerking my head toward him. He smirked, thinking he had the upper hand until I closed my eyes.
"Really, River?"
"I don't want to look at you."
"Why not?"
"Because I?—"
Caught up, I let out a deep breath and squeezed my eyes tighter to keep the tears from breaking through.
"Because what, River?"
"Because looking at you will erase how I feel."
"Isn't that a good thing?" His stupid ass question caused my lids to peel open. I gazed at him, searching for the feeling his name embodied.
"Are you serious? How I feel shouldn't be swept under the rug because I fucking love you."
"Then let's talk about it. Let's do whatever is needed to get us back right."
"Just forget it, Sincere."
"River—"
