Free Naughty No More by Brenda Hampton Page A

she’d definitely been on my mind.
    â€œShe and Scorpio are doing okay. They moved in with me for a few months, but, uh, due to some problems with her pregnancy, you know, she had to terminate it. Afterward, she and Mackenzie moved back home.”
    For a moment, I stood silently and then looked at Nokea. She cut her eyes at me and walked away. My eyes shifted back to Shane. “Of course, I’m sorry to hear about the baby, but everything happens for a reason.”
    Shane chuckled. “Yeah, they do. Other than that, we’re doing okay.”
    â€œIt’s nice to hear that somebody is. I know Nokea told you what was up. Once I knock her upside her head, we’ll be back to normal too.”
    Shane laughed. “Don’t hurt her too bad, man. She’s an awesome woman and she loves you very much. Don’t forget that, all right?”
    â€œHow could I?” I said.
    Shirtless and with my gray sweatpants on, I stepped over to the balcony to close the doors. The wind was kicking up a cool breeze that had the room kind of chilly. I then went to the door and yelled Nokea’s name. When she didn’t answer, I touched the intercom button and yelled her name louder.
    â€œI take it things are about to get ugly in here,” Shane said, walking toward me.
    â€œVery,” I replied. “You take it easy and don’t forget to give me a call tomorrow. Hopefully, by then, things may have cooled down.”
    Shane and I walked to the front door and I let him out. He got in his car and I held up the peace sign as he drove away. I went back to our spacious bedroom, and still, Nokea hadn’t made her way to me. As I was about to yell her name again, she came into the room and looked at me sitting on the edge of the bed. My hands were clinched together.
    â€œWhat’s your motherfucking problem?” I asked.
    â€œI don’t have a problem. If you don’t mind, I was spending some time with my children. It’s obvious that you want to argue and your tone is not going to encourage me to stand here and listen.”
    â€œIf you leave this room again, I’m going to hurt you. We have some unfinished business to take care of right now. You’ve avoided me all weekend and you’re not going to avoid me for another damn second.”
    â€œI’m not going to give you the attention you feel you need. If reconciling our differences results in you putting your hands on me, then maybe you should leave. Take some time to cool off and step to me like you have some sense.”
    Nokea was digging herself a deeper hole. When she took it upon herself to turn and walk out the door, I lost it. I jumped up from the bed and went after her. In the hallway, I grabbed her arm, shoving her back into our bedroom. I was so angry. When she charged at me, I tripped her to the floor, slamming the double doors behind me. She sat up on her elbows, staring me down with anger all over her face. Soon, a tear rolled down her cheek and she started to breathe heavily. I stood over her.
    â€œDon’t wimp out on me now, Miss Tough-ass. A moment ago, you were talking all kinds of shit! I ain’t gon’ put my hands on you, but I want to make something perfectly clear to you. If anybody leaves this house, it will be you and not me. I pay the fucking bills here, Nokea! My money bought this house and every piece of furniture in it! Even the clothes on your back belong to me. If you ever, ever disrespect me again, I will have no problem making sure that you are left with nothing.” Putting in my final words, I squatted down in front of her, rubbing my goatee. “Hurt don’t always come by using force. My true words can cause you more pain than you’ve ever felt before. I meant everything I said to you. I hope you’d know by now when not to fuck with me.”
    Nokea didn’t say a word. I stood up, and for now, this conversation was over. I gave her one last evil look,