Candid shots of our time together. Pictures I snuck and took while she wasn't looking.
Her walking.
Her sitting on the bed, head bent, hair covering her face as she laced her heels after one of our nights together.
One I even got of her smiling. I could hear that laugh of hers caressing over my brain and arousing every nerve in my body.
And the latest one…her face streaked with worry and anxiousness as she came out of her apartment.
I had gotten too close that time. Scared her.
I didn't mean to do that. I would never hurt her. I just…wanted toseeher.
Talk to her.
Touch her.
Taste her.
Feel her. One last time.
I stared at the picture, searing her face in my brain before clicking out of it. Picking back up my drink, I leaned back, sipping quietly. That rom-com bullshit still playing and Gianna's presence still sitting on me.
Heavy… and always present.
Chapter 38
"Anything weird?" I spoke into the phone as I stood on Remy's balcony, the breeze rustling through my hair.
"No," Ronnie replied. "I've only seen him visit Monroe once in the last couple of weeks, but he seemed fine. I've had my eye on that bitch Monroe too, but even she's been cool. Still a bitch though," Ronnie huffed softly, "But notasbig of a bitch, if that makes sense." She exhaled slowly. "There's nothing to report, sis. I'm sorry."
Exhaling slowly, I nodded to myself finally allowing my shoulders to relax.
"You said you haven't seen the black truck since that night, right?" Ronnie added.
"Yeah," I answered softly. "I haven't seen anything off. Me or Remy. It's been quiet."
"Well…maybe that's a good thing then, boo," Ronnie replied hopefully. "Maybe this just means that whoever that was—Boss or otherwise—have finally gotten a fucking life and staying out of yours."
Biting down on my bottom lip, I braced my hand against the railing looking off into the distance. "Yeah. Maybe," I mumbled still feeling unsettled.
"Look, sis…" Ronnie began. "I promise you if anything looks off, I'll tell you. If I hear Monroe or Boss saying or doinganythingshady, I'll tell you. Matter fact—I'll just handle it myself," she decided. "You're starting a beautiful new life with a fine ass, cooking nigga and a cute ass kid. Siren House and all its bullshit is in your rearview mirror. Okay? Let it be."
My head dropped down and I nodded again, processing Ronnie's words. I did have a new life. An unexpected one that materialized out of nowhere, but I was so grateful for this new chapter.
"You're right," I smiled to myself. "I just need to shake it off and live in this new normal."
"Period!" she co-signed. "I'm so excited to meet him and his son, girl. We still on for tomorrow night?"
"Of course, we can't wait to have you here."
I jumped slightly when I felt strong arms slide around my waist. I smiled when Remy kissed the side of my head before resting his chin in the crook of my neck.
"Who you talking to, babe?" he whispered.
"Ronnie." I turned my head slightly to face him.
"What's up, Ronnie?" he spoke.