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“Yes.”

“You didn’t even think about that one.”

“Because I didn’t need to.”

I tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear, wondering where the conversation was headed. Half of these questions were things that I had already told him about MJ. This line of questioning felt different. Now, I could tell there was something else on his mind.

“What are you thinking about?” I asked, while tilting my head. “You know you ain’t got no hair, so I can see you thinking.”

Daddy chuckled while rubbing a hand over his bald head.

“Oh, so that’s how you’re talking to your father now?”

“I’m just saying. You’re sitting over there thinking hard about something.”

I smiled, but when his expression grew serious again, I knew whatever was bothering him hadn’t gone away.

“Earlier, when I told you I was going to let Marcus and my security team handle this situation, you told me MJ had it under control.”

“I did.”

“What makes you so sure?”

I shifted on the couch. Honestly, I didn’t know why I had so much faith in MJ, but he told me that he got me, and I had to trust that he did.

“Because he knows who that man is.”

“Sweetheart, knowing somebody doesn’t necessarily mean you can handle them.”

“True, but I just feel like this is personal for MJ. Remember I told you that man shot his father.”

“Is his father still alive?” he asked.

“Yeah. He’s recovering, but he’s in a wheelchair because of his injuries.”

Daddy sat back in his chair, clearly processing what I had just told him.

“Penelope, what exactly is this young man involved in? Is he out in the streets?”

“No, Daddy.” I shook my head. “MJ isn’t out in the streets. He’s well off, just like me. His father is a successful business owner, just like you.”

“Who’s his father?”

“Malik Browne. He owns MB’s Autos.”

Daddy’s eyebrows lifted slightly.

“Malik Browne?”

I just nodded.

“Oh, I’ve heard of him.”

“Really?” I was intrigued.

“Absolutely. I don’t know him personally, but I’m familiar with his business.” He paused and looked at me more closely. “So, let me understand this. Somebody shot Malik Browne, and now that same person has followed his son’s girlfriend home?”

I nodded.