I stood in front of the Thorns inside Chrome, looking around the room at the stone-cold expressions that had led me to call this meeting. Juelz was at my right and Rico to my left.
"It's been a crazy few months and we've had a few of us go missing. This is exactly why I tell you, if you're struggling with finances or anything else, speak up. It doesn't have to be in front of everybody. You can step to me privately whenever you need to. As for Rafe and a few of the others, their bodies still haven't been found."
One of the Thorns stood and waited for me to give him the floor. I nodded for him to go ahead.
"Word is they'd been dealing with those Viper boys, moving all kinds of product. If you didn't come through on what was agreed, those boys are known for making people disappear."
I nodded, my jaw tightening.
"That street life doesn't forgive mistakes. But we're going to make sure we look out for their families. I need a few of y'all available to cut their wives' grass, and ladies, we might need some pop-ups to check in and see if anything else is needed. We look out for our own, even in their absence."
Juelz stepped up beside me. "The sign-up sheet is on the bar. You don't have to commit to this every single time. We'll rotate unless the ladies of those households let us know they've got it handled."
Everyone nodded. I went over a few more things, then wrapped it up.
"Last thing before I let you go. We're partying tonight for those we've lost and for ourselves. Come out in your gear and be ready to ride by six. Bring your ladies and your families. This is a community block party in the Parks. Everyone knows tonight is off limits for all street business and personal disagreements. Come out and have a good time."
"Thorns out," I started.
"Stand firm," they replied.
I gave a closed-mouth smile, dapped up a few of them, then headed up to my office. Sugar Kissed would be closing soon, so I needed to knock out a few things for Chrome before I slid through.
"Knock knock. Are you free for a little company?"
I looked up from my computer. Solana was standing in the doorway holding a box of treats with that signature smile on herface. It didn't matter what kind of day I'd had. She could make it better just by showing up.
"For you, always."
I turned to face her.
Her hips swayed with every step. I bit my lower lip and smirked. Solana settled onto my lap, then slipped her tongue into my mouth. She wrapped one arm around my neck and placed the box on the desk with her other hand.
I reached out and pulled her other leg around my waist while she reached between us to undo my belt.
"Let me find out you missed me," I said, pulling back.
Her eyes were heavy and half-lidded. I placed two fingers beneath her chin and brought her gaze up to meet mine.
"I'm yours, love. Take what you need," I groaned.
Solana freed me from my briefs and jeans, then sank down over me slowly. I slapped her ass as she moved, her sweet moans already driving me out of my mind. I leaned forward to muffle the sound because in her rush to get to me, she had forgotten to close the damn door.
I stood with her still wrapped around me, praying nobody rounded that corner or came up the stairs. We couldn't afford any more Thorns going missing under suspicious circumstances.
I lifted Solana and carried her toward the door, making sure both of her legs were over my shoulders comfortably as I kept going. Nessa came into view the closer I got, her scowl immediate and unmistakable. I didn't give a single damn. I pressed deeper into Solana, drawing a louder moan from her, then reached the door and shut it firmly in Nessa's face.
I turned and walked back to the desk, laid Solana down across it, and went to work. Stroking slow, then fast. The top of her dress had been pulled down and she was playing with her own nipples while watching me.
"Damn, Sweets. You're so beautiful cumming all over this dick. Wet this shit up."
I reached out and wrapped my hand lightly around her neck, then leaned down to bite her lower lip.
"Fuuuuck," she cried out.
I pulled out and slapped myself against her clit a few times before sliding back in slowly, feeding her every inch one at a time.
"This is what you came for, right, Sweets? You want me to have you walking sideways."