Page 125 of Vega

“Relax. I’m not about to start round two on your first night.”

Before I could answer, he got out of bed and held his hands out.

“Come here.”

“My legs don’t work,” I whined. “You made me cum too hard too many times. My legs feel like noodles.”

As he chuckled, I let him pull me up, but the second my feet touched the floor, my knees barely held me up.

I grabbed his arms, laughing. “See? Defective.”

He bent and picked me up.

I squealed, wrapping my arms around his neck. “Vega!”

“I got you.” He carried me into the bathroom and lowered me into the tub. Warm water wrapped around my skin, and I sighed with relief.

Then he reached over and turned off the faucet. The water smelled of lavender, eucalyptus, and something softer underneath. I saw the bottle of bath oil near the tub and a bag of Epsom salt on the counter.

He left for a few seconds and returned with a cold bottle of water. “Drink this.”

I took it without arguing and drank half of it in seconds.

Then he climbed into the tub behind me. The water rose around us as he pulled me back against the front of his body. His arms wrapped around me, and his mouth pressed against my cheek.

LEGEND CARTIER

At seven in the morning, I stood beside the bed staring at a text from Jamir that made me forget how to breathe for a second.

Aria slept behind me, wrapped in the covers, one arm stretched across my side of the bed. The room was quiet except for her soft breathing and the air cutting through the vents.

I read Jamir’s message again.

Then again.

The messages and calls in Kash’s burner point to Street Kings organization being involved with the murder/set up of Kash. Still digging for specifics. Will get back to you as soon as I have more.

I texted Jamir back:

Keep this between us. Don’t tell Saint or Icon. I’ll tell them myself when it’s time. Keep digging. I need proof, not guesses.

He replied back right away:

Bet. But Legend, this don’t look good.

No, it didn’t.

I slid out of the room before Aria woke and eased the door closed behind me. Then I called Tempo. While the phone rang, I walked barefoot down the hall, passing the kids’ rooms one by one. It was Saturday, and the last thing I needed was all my babies waking up my wife. One door was cracked, and I could see little feet hanging off the edge of a bed. Another room had cartoons playing because one of the kids had fallen asleep with the TV on.

By the time I reached the stairs, I could smell Chef Eddie cooking in the main kitchen. The kitchen was a small hike from me and Aria’s wing, but I could still smell the aroma of sausage and bacon.

Finally, Tempo answered. “Legend, it’s seven in the morning.”

“I know.”

“This better not be about business before I’ve had my coffee.”

“It is.”