Free Ebony Angel by Deatri King-Bey Page B

tad bit crowded? And I’m pretty sure that’s illegal in just about every country in the world.”
    She looked upon him, her face scrunched in thought. “It doesn’t matter anyway. Mama says she doesn’t love Skeet and Trae in the marrying way.”
    “How old are you? You sound grown.”
    She giggled. “I turned seven last month.”
    “Well, my Christmas baby,” he tapped her nose with his finger, “go to sleep. Goodnight.”
    “Goodnight, Smoke.” She rolled over.
    Richard brushed his lips over Ebony’s until she woke.
    “Tease,” she whispered.
    “Who, me? You seduce me and kick me out, then have the nerve to call me a tease.”
    “Where’s the baby?”
    “I put her in your bed.” He stroked her braids behind her ear. “Thank you.”
    “For what?”
    “For giving me a chance with Crystal. She’s great. You have done a wonderful job.”
    “You don’t know how relieved I am she likes you.”
    “That makes two of us.” He kissed her gently. “I’d better go before we end up naked. What time should I pick you up?”
    “Six should be early enough. That way I can chat with Nonno.”
    “You trying to make a move on my grandpapà? Note to self: Change calling time with Nonno.”

CHAPTER EIGHT
    Ebony sat on the locker room bench lacing her shoes. “He didn’t shoot anyone, Jessica. You heard wrong. And I don’t appreciate the way you made me sound like some sort of thug groupie. What if he believed you?” When Richard dropped Ebony at school, Jessica made it her business to stress that Ebony “loved her some thugs.”
    She waved Ebony off. “I didn’t tell him anything he didn’t already know. Go ahead. Protect your man. He’s a cutie. Almost makes me want to cross over. Why didn’t you tell me he’s one of Trae’s boys?”
    “Because he isn’t. He’s the regional manager of an investment firm.”
    “Yeah, right, and I won the lottery last night.”
    “What made you think he works for Trae? And lower your voice. I don’t want the whole world hearing my business.”
    Jessica rolled her eyes. “Come off it, girl. Trae wouldn’t let some white boy have his woman. I love you, but everyone knows this is a business deal. Trae needs a clean-up man for his money. Smoke is the perfect man for the job.”
    Ebony fell off the bench, laughing. “My God, you’re making my stomach hurt. Whew. Where do you get this stuff?” She remained on the floor, holding her stomach.
    “No one believes you just bumped into this perfect white guy on the train. You all could have put a little thought into your story.”
    “This has got to be the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard.” Ebony grabbed her towel and headed for the aerobics room. “Richard doesn’t work for Trae. I’m not discussing this further.” She giggled. “Wait until I tell him.”
    “How do you keep attracting these high rollers?”
    “What are you talking about? I broke up with Trae years ago. I grew up, and he became a drug dealer. Maybe it’s time for you to grow up.” Frustrated with this rerun of their previous arguments, she increased her pace. “Never mind. I’m past sick of this line of questioning, officer. Move on.” It had taken Ebony years to convince Jessica to try for her bachelors. It was looking as if it would take another few years to convince her drug dealers don’t make good relationship material.
    * * *
     
    Richard couldn’t believe what Ebony was telling him. “You all’s grapevine on the west side is out of control. First I am a crazy white guy, next I am working for Dan, then I smoked the Collins brothers, now I’m laundering money for Trae?” He laughed. “I’ve been a very busy boy since meeting you.” The rumors were bad enough, and he hated to think what realities lay before them. This was the only life she knew, but shortly he would show her a better way. He would save the angel.
    His cell phone beeped, indicating the battery was extremely low. “I’m not trying to rush you, but I want to