Page 61 of Full Court Press

I stood abruptly. “What the fuck happened to your face?” I moved over to her, inspecting her face.

“I’m fine. What happened to Kiyanne?” she asked frantically. She tried to walk around me to Kiyanne’s side, but I pulled her back.

“Let me talk to you right quick.” I escorted her out into the hall. “Answer my question, shorty. What happened?”

She looked away and folded her arms across her chest. I could see her friends in the distance talking, then my eyes went back to her.

“Piper!” My voice rose higher than I intended.

Her body jerked a little before she spoke. “Your baby mama is what happened.”

“What? She did this?”

Piper nodded. “She showed up to the party, talking crazy to me when I asked her why she wasn’t with Kiy. The conversation got heated, and she attacked me, along with her friends. Sabrina and I had a moment too.”

“I’ma kill this bitch,” I seethed. “Come here.” I pulled Piper into my arms and held her tight. “I’m sorry this happened to you. I promise I’m going to handle it.”

She pulled away from me and looked down at her feet. I could feel the energy shift in her body. She was withdrawing. I could feel it.

“Piper—”

“I’m sorry about what happened to Kiyanne. I pray she gets better soon. I-I’ve decided that I’m going back home to finish school⁠—”

“What? Nah. That’s not happening.” I shook my head. “You’re not leaving.”

“Khalil.”

“No, Mi Amor. I know what happened is fucked up, and it just pisses me off even more that I let my daughter go with that unstable creature. I promise this will never happen again. I’m going to court, getting full custody, and a restraining order against her. I’m done trying with her, and the shit she pulled tonight and what she did to you further confirms what I should have done a long time ago.”

“It’s not just about her, Khalil; it’s Sabrina too. Now that I’ve put my hands on her, I know she’s going to get me expelled. I’d rather just save her the trouble and leave on my own.”

“So that’s it? You just giving up? What about us?” She looked away, wrapping her arms around herself. My heart beat rapidly, waiting for her to respond. I didn’t think she understood how insanely in love I was with her in just the short amount of time I’d known her.

Since the moment I tasted her, I had been thinking about our future together—marriage, kids, the big house, and all. She was the first woman I ever saw a future with, and the fact that she stood here, about to rip my fucking heart out, had me ready to go nuts.

I pulled her to me and placed my finger under her chin so she could look into my eyes.

“I asked you a question, Piper. What does this mean for us? Are you willing to walk away from me after I fell in love with you? After I⁠—”

“I’m not walking away, Khalil. We can still be together.”

“I don’t want you away from me. That shit with Sabrina can be fixed. Just because her people own the school don’t mean shit. They would have to hold court before they can make the decision on whether you leave or stay.” Our foreheads connected as I closed my eyes, and air filtered from my nose. I was fucking exhausted from trying to keep myself together.

“Baby, I’m begging you not to go. I need you. I’ll make everything right if you say you’ll stay.”

Her body loosened, and her arms came around my neck. I held her back tightly like she was going to disappear. No one had ever made me feel the things I felt with Piper. I wanted this. I wanted her with me before and after the fame. The feelings I had for her shocked and scared me at the same time, but I pushed that shit aside and was ready to live out my dreams with her.

“I’m under a lot of pressure, Pipe. Don’t walk away from me. You’re the only good thing in my life besides Kiyanne and my family. I love you so fucking much, baby. Don’t leave me.” I could feel her tears on my neck and hated that this shit was happening. I should have put Nia in her place better. Even Sabrina shouldn’t have been a threat. I had connections that could ensure that Piper stayed at True. Even if she couldn’t stay on campus, she could always stay with me, or I’d get her an apartment—anything for her to remain here with me.

“Khalil.”

I turned to see my mother walking toward me. Worry and sadness adorned her face. She wrapped her arms around me and held me tight before releasing me and placing her palms on my face.

“What happened? The whole story.”

My nostrils flared at the thought of having to recap the story. “Nia left Kiy with her grandmother and her ten-year-old cousin. According to Mena, Brianna had Kiy in the kitchen while she was cooking, and the grease spilled on her arm.”

“What! Khalil . . .” My mother drew in a deep breath and released it, then pointed a stern finger at me. “First thing Monday morning, I want you in court, filing for full custody. That incompetent bitch doesn’t deserve any rights to my grandbaby. I allowed you to make decisions because you’re an adult, and that’s your child, but I’m done playing nice. No more, Jameer!” she yelled, calling me by my middle name. She only did that when she was pissed.