Page 87 of Full Court Press

“I’m claiming you. But you have to promise me that you won’t run away when shit gets heavy. Once I tell her it’s over, my career may be over with the Vipers as well. I have to be sure that when I do this shit, you’re riding with me, even if I have to move to another state to play for another team.”

She looked me in the eyes and said, “I’m not going anywhere, and neither are you. We’ll figure it out, but you need to get rid of her soon, or I won’t have a choice but to out us.”

I dropped my head in defeat. “Come on, baby.”

She tittered softly. “I’m just kidding. But soon. I have to try to win my PGK back as well, and I’d like to start on that as soon as possible.”

“You will soon. Just let me handle this my way, and put your faith and trust in me. It’s all the way in or nothing, Piper.”

“I hear you, babe. I’m all the way in. No holds barred.”

“We’ll see. In the meantime, get your ass back in this bed and take care of me. Then we gon’ get some nourishment and spend all day getting to know each other again before my flight back home tonight.”

“What about your mistress? Won’t she get mad about you not answering her calls?”

“Piper.”

“Yes?”

“What I say?”

“Fine,” she replied, storming off into the room. I would deal with that shit later. Right now, I had a wife to slime out and figure out my next move.

The house was quiet when I entered. It was unexpected because my moms, sister, and Kiy were supposed to have been here, but I didn’t see either of their cars in the driveway.

Spending last night and today with Piper was unexpected, but I wouldn’t lie and say I didn’t enjoy our time together. I hated that we had to stay secluded in the room, but we made the best out of it. It brought back memories and the good times we used to share.

“Yo! Where everybody at?” I called out.

Donnie appeared from the west wing of the house.

“Evening, Mr. Grey. Let me get those bags for you. Can I get you anything?”

“Thanks, Don. Nah, I’m good for now, but where’s everybody at?”

“Your mom and sister took Ms. Kiy to visit your grandmother earlier and haven’t returned yet. Ms. Anais is waiting for you in your bedroom.”

“She’s here? I didn’t see her car outside.”

“She arrived by way of car service, sir.”

I didn’t feel like dealing with her right now, but I knew since I hadn’t talked to her since last night after my game, she would eventually show up. I had plans to kick it with her tomorrow, but clearly, that wasn’t happening.

“A’ight, thanks, Donnie.”

“No problem, sir. I’ll be in the west wing if you need me.” He walked away, and I headed upstairs to the fourth level, where my master suite was located.

Pushing open the double doors, I spotted Anais perched on the chaise in the living room area of my bedroom. Before I could greet her, she stood, walked over to me, and slapped me hard as shit. When I saw her hand coming toward me a second time, I grabbed her wrist. She tried to use her other hand, but I grabbed that one too.

“You got your one off. You won’t hit me a second time. Calm the fuck down before I throw you the fuck out of here.”

“Let go of me! You must think I’m some damn fool, don’t you?”

“No, but I think you got me fucked up. Sit your ass down and talk with your mouth, not your fucking hands.”

“Fuck you, Khalil! I won’t let you embarrass me like I’m some fucking hoodrat! Where the fuck have you been?”

“You know where I’ve been.”