Page 43 of A Kingpin's Weakness
She said, already walking toward the elevator, leaving me standing there with a thousand questions I didn’t want to ask.
Why did my stomach twist like that? Was it fear? Anger? Or something buried deeper? Jo never looked scared, but I felt it. I felt a cold knot tightening in my gut.
I didn’t know what this man meant to Jo, but whatever it was, it was serious. Too serious for me to ignore. And suddenly, all the noise and chaos around me faded. I only had one thing on my mind: Noah.
Because no matter what ghosts Jo had, no matter what secrets were hanging in the air, Noah was coming home. And I needed to be ready.
When we got to Noah’s room, of course he had company. You’d think getting shot would teach a guy to chill, but nah. The moment I walked in, the whole room went quiet like I’d dropped a bomb.
I stepped up, crossing my arms. “Don’t stop on my account. What y’all talking about?”
Noah gave me that innocent look like a kid caught sneaking cookies. “Come on, Stormi, don’t start.”
I glared at Ronnie. “What you doing here anyway?”
He shrugged like it was nothing. “Heard Noah was coming home. Just wanted to check if he’s good.”
“I’m here to make sure he stays that way,” I said, not missing the smirk on his face.
Then Ronnie drops it like it’s some headline. “Congrats on the new relationship.”
I blinked at Noah. His face said it all. New relationship?
“Yeah, Seth told me Saturday night Stormi was his,” Ronnie added like he was handing out awards.
Jo laughed, all smug. “I knew you were out here being grown.”
I shook my head, low enough for just Jo to hear. “No, Jo. I’m not.”
Noah raised an eyebrow. “You dating him?”
“We’re getting to know each other,” I said, careful not to sound like a kid.
Ronnie sneered. “But when I wanted to get to know you? You acted like I was invisible.”
“Ronnie, please,” I said, annoyed.
“Guess my money ain’t as long as that nigga’s,” he shot back.
I looked him dead in the eye. “Even if it was, you wouldn’t have a chance with me.”
He took a step like he was about to argue but stopped.
Noah stood up. “Man, chill out, Ronnie. Get out your feelings.”
The nurse handed Noah his discharge papers. “Here’s your stuff, Mr. Sparks. Prescriptions are sent to the pharmacy. Should be ready soon.”
“My nigga coming home!” Some kid shouted from the back.
“And home’s where he needs to stay,” I added.
Noah nudged me, “Come on, Stormi.”
“You want your dude to be the only one eating out here?” Noah friend asked.
“Seth ain’t the only one eating.” Ronnie was quick to fire back.
I shook my head, tired. “I’ll be in the car.”
