I burst out laughing because I knew his ass was serious.
“I can’t even be mad at you. I would be right there, helping you hide the body.”
“Facts. I’m cool on love and relationships anyway. I finally have my freedom back, and I want to enjoy it. Dating comes with way too much drama, and with my career popping off, I want that to be my main focus.”
“In other words, there’s gonna be an abundance of pussy, and you don’t want to limit yourself to one woman,” I joked, making us both laugh.
“Man, I ain’t say all of that, but I guess. I’m gonna be on the road a lot, and most women won’t understand the type of time and dedication I’m about to put into my music. I don’t have time for anyone naggin’ me about being home and spending time with them. Hell, I’ve been so busy lately, I’ve barely been getting anypussy. Every time I see those royalty statements, I’m ready to pull an all-nighter in the studio.
“I’m tryna do some big things and give my family the life we’ve always dreamed of. You and Logic have already laid the groundwork, and now it’s time for me to do my part. I want us to be wealthy on a whole other level. I’m talking jets, private islands, compounds, and everything. Y’all been putting in work, and I owe you,” Keyz expressed.
“I keep telling you that I don’t need you to repay me for anything. We came into the hustle together, and that’s what families do. Shit, I’m on the same type of time as you are. I’m already making investments and putting shit in place to expand and quadruple the money we make. I don’t need shit from you besides for you to get out there and show the world how talented you are. There’s no doubt in my mind that you’re gonna be listed amongst the greats one day, and I’ma be right there, cheering you on. That’s repayment enough for me.”
I meant every word I spoke. Keynauri was my brother from another, and all I wanted was for him to enjoy life and fulfill his dreams. He always looked out for us as youngins and never asked for shit in return, which was why looking out for Lyric back then went without asking. There was no keeping score and payback necessary. We were family. Hell, even more now than ever.
“I appreciate you, bro.”
“No doubt.” We dapped each other up, then got back to business. Keynauri questioned me about the situation with Bianca, but I kept it brief, letting him know it had been handled. We stayed locked in the studio until one in the morning.
When we came back upstairs, Lyric and Noodle were in the kitchen eating cereal. The moment Noodle saw me, she leaped into my arms and lay her head on my shoulder. I could tell she was tired, and I was too.
“You good?” I asked Lyric as I stepped into the kitchen. Keyz went to take a shower, but it wouldn’t have mattered to me either way. I was done pretending, whether Lyric agreed or not.
“I’m fine. I’m just tired and nauseous.”
“Is there something you can take for the nausea, or will this be an everyday thing?” I asked. I recalled her being sick with Noodle, but this time seemed more intense.
“There are a lot of new products out now that weren’t around when I was pregnant with Noodle. I just haven’t had the time to look into everything.”
“Is there anything I can do to help?” I asked, sitting Noodle down on a nearby stool. I moved closer to her, and she didn’t resist.
“Yeah. Stop being an asshole,” she whined.
“I’m being an asshole because I don’t want to be away from my family? Make it make sense.” I wrapped my arms around her, then leaned down to kiss her. The kiss grew deeper as I palmed her ass in my hands while she moaned against my lips.
“Wait. We can’t. I’m pretty sure he has cameras in here,” Lyric whispered, pissing me off again.
“You clearly aren’t listening to anything coming out of my mouth. I don’t give a fuck how many cameras or where they are. If my daughter weren’t in here, I would pick you up and eat yo’ pussy on this counter. You gon’ learn to stop playing with me one way or the other,” I warned. Her body shivered, and I could tell she wanted me as much as I wanted her. The only reason I wasn’t gonna take it there was because I refused to fuck her in her brother’s house without him knowing the truth about us.
“Daddy,” Noodle whined.
I immediately stepped back from her momma and walked over to my princess. “What’s wrong with daddy’s baby?”
Noodle whined with her arms lifted, signaling for me to pick her up. When she was tired, she often became cranky, so I knewwhat to expect. Picking her up, I rubbed her back and got ready to head to the guest bedroom.
“I’m about to put her to bed,” I told Lyric.
“Is she sleeping with you?”
“Yeah. You need anything before I go to bed?”
“No, I’m good.”
She wanted to say more but chose not to.
“Okay. I’ll see you in the morning. Get some rest.” I got ready to head out as Keynauri was stepping into the kitchen. His eyes darted between his sister and me before he addressed me.
“Where are you taking my niece?”