Morgan scoffed. She could see the secrets he was keeping. She didn’t know what they were, but she felt them. She had learned to listen to her intuition. He had taught her to trust it with his deception. She had ignored them before when it came to him. She would never do that again. Ahmeek didn’t make her feel this. Like she had to protect herself. He didn’t scare her at all. A huge part of her was fearful of Messiah. Like she was alert, on the ready, bracing for emotional impact because he was going to deliver another blow that would devastate her.

“Same Messiah, different day,” Morgan said. She lifted his arm and walked away.

She couldn’t get away from him fast enough. The fact that she was practically running away from the man she used to desperately pray she could run to bothered her. The change between them unearthed raw emotion.

“How are you okay with him being here?” she asked as soon as Ethic came back into view. Messiah trailed her slowly, coolly. He knew now was not the time to give chase.

“He’s trying to make amends, Mo. It’s not my place to stop a man from attempting to right his wrongs,” Ethic said. “You two have a lot to talk about.”

“We have nothing to talk about,” Morgan answered. She was adamant in her disdain. Stubborn. Too hurt to let the present heal the wounds of the past.

“Mo, you have every reason to hear him out,” Alani reminded as she stood to her feet while carrying Messari. Ethic moved to help her. “I’ve got him, Ezra.” She turned back to Mo. “You’ve got damn good reason, Mo.”

“I don’t owe him anything.”

“Shorty’s right. She ain’t the one with debts to settle. This is her crib. Y’all her people. I’ma get out of here and make it easier on everybody.”

Messiah backpedaled. He wasn’t trying to upset her. It was like a jab to the chin that his presence upset her so much, but he was willing to baby-step his way back into her life.

“You can stay. I was leaving anyway,” Mo said.

“You might as well stay and wait for me to hem this gown, Mo. Cut it out,” Alani said. She struggled to her feet with Messari in her arms. “Messiah, you don’t have to leave either. I actually really need your help. Well, Ezra does. He’s building me a greenhouse.” Alani pointed at Messiah. “Might want to take off that fly-ass jacket, playa, because you’re helping him.”