Page 88 of The Don’s Virgin Obsession

Marcus didn’t move like a street nigga either. Dudes like him hid their dirt behind calm voices and business suits.

I thought about telling Sade.

Really thought about it.

Then, I killed the idea immediately.

Nah.

That would make me look too invested, and I've already crossed enough lines with her, mentally.

So instead, I did what I do best.

I was going to watch the nigga.

I dug through his background for another hour before finally shutting my laptop.

One thing I knew for sure, though…

That nigga definitely wasn’t welcome around Crown Heights no more. He was food if he came around me or hurt Sade.

Sade

“I planned a party for a man who looked like he forgot how to enjoy himself.”

It was Vaughn’s 36th birthday, and he had already said he would show up, so after getting with Vanessa to see if he liked surprises, and she said he didn’t mind, I planned a work surprise party. I had custom cupcakes, blue balloons everywhere, hard hats that said happy birthday for the workers to wear, and I got him a bottle of Creed cologne and Gucci socks. Nothing major, just something to show my appreciation. Everyone pitched in and participated. Now we were waiting for him to show up, but he was late.

“You really care ‘bout that man. This setup is really nice,” Laila teased.

“It’s just his birthday,” I replied with a smile.

“He’s coming!” Vanessa shouted, and we all got in place. I was nervous, hoping he liked it. I smoothed my skirt and put on a smile.

Seconds later, he walked in.

“Surprise!” we shouted. Denise started throwing blue confetti on him. He didn’t react right away, just walked in, hoodie over his head, and a blank stare in his eyes.

“This for me?” he asked dryly.

I smiled, walking to him. “Yes. What’s going on, birthday boy?” I took the hoodie off his head. He had a fresh fade and diamonds in his ears, but something about his face was off.

He looked at me. “You did this?”

I giggled. “We did this.” I looked around.

“Nah, this yo’ touch.”

“Okay, I lied a lil bit.”

Everyone started greeting him with gifts and love. He accepted it, but I could tell he didn’t like the attention.

After everyone greeted him, I sat him at the table.

“Okay, let’s do the cake so we can get to work,” I told everyone.

Vanessa started lighting the candles, and as soon as we started singing, Vaughn looked uncomfortable as hell, like he wanted to disappear. I stood behind him and hugged him around his neck, singing and rocking him. Before I could catch myself, I kissed the top of his head. I was trying to hype him up, but he just stared at the candles.

At the end of the song, Vanessa had to tell him to blow out the candles, and he did. We all cheered and started eating cupcakes. I gave Vaughn one, and he ate slowly and quietly.