Page 189 of The Ninth

“Thank you...” I whispered as he answered K3’s FaceTime. He just winked.

Duke: What up?

K3: CAN YOU TELL DIVISION TO HURRY THE HELL UP!

BOOP. BOOP. BOOP.

“And I’m supposed to be alone with him?!” I yelled.

Duke cracked up laughing, “He’s just nervous! That thug ass nigga doing shit he ain’t eva did before. He asked me for your time, so you know he needs it.”

I rolled my eyes, standing as Duke covered my tattoo.

It’s been almost two weeks since Duke and I had to run inside of Cassie’s new home, lighting candles for her proposal. We got to wait down the street, watching her and K3 go inside with K4. It was just about the most romantic thing I’ve ever seen. Duke says K3 bought the house months ago while in jail and has just done little tweaks for a while. It was obvious his love for Cassie was limitless.

Neither of us has seen them since that day. No one has. They just call late at night, both in robes and in bed to check in. I’ve never seen Cassie look more peaceful. It’s what she deserves. Everyone gave them the space they needed.

Now, K3 is throwing a small dinner party to celebrate Cassie’s salon, their engagement, and their new home. It’ll be at their gorgeous house which I’m excited to see during the day. He reached out to Duke, asking if he could come get me before the dinner started to help set up. Once I agreed, Duke told him yes.

After rubbing my showered body down in lotion, I stepped into the gray dress Duke got me. It came up high onto my chest and shoulders, covering the tattoo perfectly. The arms were cut off, and it was tight, showing off my shape. Truly a gorgeous dress. I stepped into my Tom Ford heels. Right as I was about leave with my phone, he stopped me in front of the mirror, pulling out two bags from a jewelry store.

“For you...”

I blushed as he put three diamond necklaces on my neck, varying in length. He held my hair as I put diamond huggies in my ears. Lastly, he put a diamond bracelet onto my wrist. I looked at him sideways and emotional. He chuckled, shaking his head.

“I don’t wanna hear it. I love you. Be careful. I’ll see you soon.”

“I love you too. Thank you, Duke.”

“Of course.”

He walked me to the front door where K3 was sitting on the steps. K3 stood, slapping Duke’s hand before guiding me to his truck by my shoulder. He helped me inside, shut the door, got in, and we were gone. It hit me that this was my first time alone with him.

“Why are you so quiet, Devyn?” he chuckled with his eyes on the road.

I laughed, “I’m just...riding. How’s Cassandra? I can’t wait to see her.”

“Amazing and if she tells you different, you let me know so I can fix whatever’s wrong.”

“Gotcha,” I nodded.

“Are you okay after your Pops left? I didn’t kill him. For you.”

“Well, thank you, K3. That’s so kind of you. Yes, I’m okay. Nothing new. I’ve been up under your brother day and night, so it’s hard to even have a second to feel bad.”

“I’ve never seen him with a shorty like he is with you.”

“How many have you seen him with?”

“Slow down!” I cackled as he smiled. “Only Cassie’s offense works on me. I done built up a wall for everyone else.”

“I love your brother and he’s my top priority, always.”

“Good to know.”

“So....I never really asked you or Cassandra. How did you guys meet? How did you know my uncle?”

We rode in silence for about two full minutes before K3 spoke up.