Be looking out, man. They may make a trip to Nome today to see what’s up.
I took a deep breath, then looked around at my family. Mythic was feeling a way, knowing that I was working with the FBI to take him down, but now he understood just how I felt when he sent those people after me. Besides, that was the past.He was still free and alive, so he should have known that he wasn’t a real target. Adrian was.
I stood from my seat and said loudly, “Hendersons, y’all should take your food to go today.”
I didn’t offer an explanation. Us all being in one central location was way too easy. Everyone knew we congregated here for lunch nearly every day, especially on Fridays. If they were to do a drive-by, there was no telling how many people would go down in the process. To avoid that, we would have to avoid huge gatherings here. We’d have to be in and out.
I went to the front and got a bunch of boxes, handing them out to everyone. Ace and PJ were both frowning. Neither of them was boxing their food. Taking a deep breath, I slapped hands with Royal, Kingsley, Crew, and Kane, then went over to where they were. Ryder J was talking to PJ, then ended the conversation and slapped his hand. They were first cousins on Ryder J’s dad’s side.
After Ryder slapped my hand, he headed out. I sat at the table with Ace and PJ. “Why y’all ain’t leaving? The diner is an easy target. If they see a bunch of us here, they will just open fire, hoping I get hit in the mayhem. Most likely, I wouldn’t. It would be innocent bystanders.”
Ace shrugged. “I’m still not leaving. If it makes you feel better, I’ll leave my car at home and ride with PJ to limit the amount of cars here.”
I rolled my eyes. “Let PJ ride with you. They know his car.”
I picked over my food as my phone buzzed on the table. When I saw Iesha’s name, I picked it up.
Seven, please don’t be at the meeting. This is hard enough. I’m trying to move on.
I frowned hard, then responded.The shit wouldn’t be hard if you would stop playing games and give in to what we both know you want. How am I gonna be what you want and nothave you? Iron sharpens iron, girl. How will you know my triggers and vice versa, if we don’t spend time together?
“You must be texting Iesha. That woman has said ‘fuck you’ so many times. You truly give a new meaning to the word persistent,” Ace said.
“That nigga ain’t persistent. He spoiled and toxic,” PJ added. “That poor woman gon’ have to leave town to get away from that nigga.”
“And muthafucka, I will leave town too. Ain’t nowhere safe for her but with me. As long as she wanna play, I have to show her that I play better.”
Ace slowly shook his head. He could shake his head all he wanted to. Iesha’s next text came through.
That ship has sailed. I’ve said that so many times. Just leave me alone, Seven.
My lip twitched. I was getting angry. I sent her a two-word text message back.Fuck no.
CHAPTER EIGHT
IESHA
When I got to the business office for Henderson Ranch and Farms, my knees were knocking. I was so damn nervous. Seven had been on my last damn nerve the whole weekend. He even showed up at my place. I had to threaten to call the police on his ass. I was exhausted. I had to block him Friday just to get some rest. That didn’t help though. I still couldn’t sleep.
I got out of my car and made my way to the door, just as Rylan opened it.
“Hey, Iesha. Come on in. Everyone is excited to see what you came up with for the steer highlights.”
“Hey, Rylan. I’m excited too. I really hope y’all like it,” I said as I walked through the door past him.
Maui was at the front. When she saw me, she smiled big and walked over to me to hug me. I hugged her tightly, and said in her ear, “Your brother is going to make me file a restraining order.”
She giggled. “He’s so aggy. Come on.”
She was joking, but I was serious as hell. I greeted Ashanni and her mother. She’d just had a baby not long ago. She was still glowing though.
“Maui, how have you been feeling?”
“Good! Bali seems to think I just got the dirty side of our genetics, and the stress of being pregnant brings it out. They have me on blood pressure medication, and it seems to be doing well for me.”
“That’s good. I’m glad you’re managing.”
She smiled and continued to follow Ashanni and her mom to the conference room. When we walked in, Nesha was already seated, along with Mr. WJ, Jakari, and Mr. Philly. Rylan entered right behind us and within seconds, Seven and Mrs. Aspen joined us. I wanted to roll my eyes so bad, but I was doing my best to be professional.
