Page 173 of The Ninth

I cackled, falling into his chest and wrapping around him. Somehow, my white and black outfit went even better with Kenzo’s all black outfit than with Josiah’s. The nervous jitters of being out and about were gone. I felt at home with my looney toons ass nigga. We have no choice but to work out. I’m never leaving him.

“I saw the billboard...” I mumbled into his chest. “I wish it was with you.”

“You know Papa just can’t help it, Crybaby. I love you too deep.”

“I love you too, Papa. Come on, let’s go home.”

“I gotta finish my set and Duke down there beating them niggas up y’all came with.”

“UH-UH, UH-UH! CALL HIM OFF AND GIVE THIS MAN HIS JOB BACK!”

He kissed his teeth, snatching the headphones off and handing them to the lil white man. I laughed as he picked me up bridal style, carrying me down the steps and through the party. My dumb ass just waved and smiled as if I was the guest of honor being whisked away.

It was an honor to be with my man, indeed.

Chapter 33: Who I Belong To

Devyn’s POV

The luncheon ended abruptly for all of us. I don’t think any of us got to actually lunch. K3’s very insane ass whisked Cassandra away first. After several minutes of not being able to find Duke, Kenzie told me she was leaving with Trent and to stay with Tati. Finally, Duke appeared from the depths of the party, hugging and kissing on me as if he didn’t randomly pop up on me. I didn’t care the circumstances; I was just glad to be with him.

We left and got our own lunch, heading back to the house. My father texted me a time and location at some point in the afternoon. My nerves have been terrible for hours. I’ve tried to get ahold of Cassie and Duke K3, but neither of us has heard back. Now it’s time to head there.

As I sat on the side of Duke’s massive bed, I adjusted my dress several times. It was simple and black, straps, and covered up my titties which usually isn’t my style. No part of my back showed. The dress stopped far below my knees.

The lights were dim as Be Happy by Mary J. Blige played through the speakers. Cocoa butter, vanilla, and cologne swirled around the room. I hated feeling so stressed in a place that has caused me nothing but peace.

“Alright, my Devyn...” Duke spoke from a squatted position.

I smiled softly at how nicely he laced my heels for me. Pulling both of my legs forward, he landed soft kisses up my shins. As I took his hand, standing from the bed, I admired his all black dress shirt and slacks. I know for a fact he has red bottoms, but he chose to wear a more simpler pair. That choice alone told me he understands my family and my feelings.

We walked to the floor length mirror on the door as he stood behind me. Briefly I took in my personal belongings just sprawled around his room. Lotion, sunscreen, jewelry bags, purses, chargers, and more. And the funny thing is, I never took any of them home. They were always here daily, waiting for me where I left them.

“Devyn. You make a nigga feel so soft, G. I can’t believe you’re standing in this mirror, frowning at yourself and messing with your clothes. You look as if I just took you out of a gift box.”

My cheeks burned at his deep voice, speaking in my ear slowly. “Duke...”

“I’m not speaking just to talk you out your panties. There’s a drawer over there full of your lil thongs.” I cackled. “I mean it. You’ve came to Chicago, reconnected with your cousin, and landed the career you wanted. You’re as beautiful and sweet as ever. There’s nothing he should have to say to you.”

“They always find something...Thank you for coming with me, Baby Boy. It means a lot to me.”

“You mean a lot to me. Like I said, this is the bare minimum. Let’s get going.”

He took my hand, leading the way while gently pulling me through this beautiful ass home. Each and every time I left, I took its beauty in. And I always loved returning.

My heels clacked on the porch as we entered the breezy night air. Of course I was still looking down, adjusting the waist to my dress. The sound of kisses caused me to pop my head up. My eyes immediately fell on Cassandra and K3. Relief washed over me realizing they were both dressed to come to dinner with us. I needed Cassandra with me more than I thought.

She wore a brown one piece with cream heels. Her natural blonde hair fell in curls all around her face. Diamonds were on her neck, ears, wrist, and ankle. K3 wore a matching brown, linen button down with the matching linen pants. He too wore diamonds on his neck while his locs were pulled into his messy bun.

The way they gripped each other, the look in their eyes, just the sight of them together...you couldn’t tell me this wasn’t a married couple of twenty years.

Cassie finally looked my way, a beautiful smile spreading on her face. Instead of watching her walk quickly to me, I watched K3. His eyes never left her, ignoring me and Duke completely. They scanned her body repeatedly while a smile rested on his face. Me hugging her is when he finally met my eyes. And of course, he immediately rolled his.

Cassie rubbed my arms, “You look so good! Ugh, sorry I didn’t get back to you. I was uh, busy. But! You know I wouldn’t miss it.”

“I’m just surprised y’all showed up for me.”

“And why wouldn’t we show up for you, Diablo? Don’t be goofy,” K3 shook his head.