Page 42 of Forgotten Deeds

Chapter Seventeen

Darius

“Who wants to go to the beach?” I ask when we join Kat and Iris.

“Me! Me!” Iris says, jumping up and down.

“Let’s get ready,” Lily says with a smile, holding out her left hand.

Iris goes to take it, but stops. “Mama, where’d you get that ring?” Lily was right—her daughter is an observant little thing.

“Darius and I are married,” Lily explains.

“Okay,” Iris says, but gets distracted by my new tattoo. “I want one!”

Lily shakes her head with a smile. “Maybe one day when you’re older.”

“Listen to your mama, rainbow goddess,” I say. Flexing my forearm, I let out a little Wolf! Wolf! that makes Iris giggle.

“There goes your street cred,” Kat taunts.

I shrug, unconcerned. At this point, I could dress up as a big red dog and still make grown men piss their pants. “You and your beautiful mama are going to move in with me when we get home,” I tell her.

“How does that sound?” Lily presses.

“Does this mean I can have a cat at Darius’ house?” Iris smiles.

“I love this kid,” Kat says with a laugh. “You got the cards, girl. Hold em.”

“Iris, we’ve talked about a cat, but you know I’m busy with school, and Darius is busy—”

“Managing a gym,” I finish for her.

“Really?” Lily asks, surprised.

“You don’t get fit sitting around all day eating chips,” I say.

“Why you gotta choose violence, cousin?” Kat says, having just opened a bag of chips. She brings one to her mouth and crunches loudly. “So about this new cat Iris is getting.”

“Come on, let’s get ready for the beach,” Lily deflects, leading Iris downstairs.

“Don’t make me toss you overboard,” I warn Kat.

“But then how would you and Lily have been able to consummate the marriage?” She smiles smugly.

“How do you know that?” I demand.

“Good Lord! The tension’s been so thick around here you could cut it with a knife.”

I grab Kat in a headlock, giving my little cousin a good old-fashioned noogie.

“Malákas!” She elbows me, grunting at the impact. All she accomplished was hurting her elbow, but I release her. “What did you decide about visiting—”

“Ready,” Lily says, having returned with Iris now in a bathing suit and life jacket.

“You want a solo family excursion?” Kat asks.

“You’re family. Of course you’re coming with us,” Lily answers.

---