He rested his head on my forehead.
“Papa Scott?”
“You shot him.”
“Good.”
“Olivia and Derrick got a few more shots off and I think hit him before he disappeared. Your crew followed him through the tunnels, but they lost him.” He caressed my cheek.
I leaned into the warmth.
“He’s the only one who knows those tunnels.” Mase kissed my other cheek.
“Are we still in danger?” I asked.
“He’s not going to get within a hundred feet of you or Case ever again.” Mase’s tone made me feel safe.
I closed my eyes.
“What’s wrong?” He asked.
“Josey.” I blinked.
“Oh, no.” He cupped the back of my head. “She’s fine. She got shot, but they got her help right away. She’s in the hospital in Newark.”
“Oh, thank God.” I held my chest.
“He’s still out there, but I don’t plan on letting you out of my sight ever again, so get used to this face.”
“I got used to it a long time ago.” I reached up and caressed his cheek. “What about the SouthEast Dragons?”
“Baby, we can get into all of that later.” He blinked.
I looked into his eyes. I saw the pain and conflict. “I’m sorry.”
He sat up.
“What the fuck are you sorry about?”
“That was your crew. Your brothers.”
“Some of them helped me get to you.” He rubbed his face. “The others, stopped being my brothers when they went along with my father's plan and hurt you.”
“How’d my crew get involved?” I asked.
“They had a plan already in motion when they found Josey. For a social group.” Mase used air quotes. “They mount up pretty quick to save one of their own.”
“That’s why they’re my family.” I adjusted in the bed. My whole body ached. “They protect Cason and me.”
Mase looked off toward the door.
“I was your family once, too.” He rubbed the stubble on his chin. “I’m sorry. I didn’t protect you better.”
“Yes you did.” I yanked on his arm. “In your own fucked up kind of way. With the life you were living. If you didn’t do what you did, we wouldn’t be together. We wouldn’t have Cason. We wouldn’t have found the Guardians.” I smacked him in the chest. “And, for the last time. We are not a social club.”
I giggled, but the pain in my ribs made me wince.
“See. I told you to watch your mouth, Gracie.” He caressed my cheek.