“Ssari, no. Feet belong on the floor,” Morgan chastised.

“Get yo’ stiletto-wearing ass on somewhere,” Isa said. “Come on, Yolly. Let’s fuck up some furniture.” Isa bent down to scoop Yara from the floor and then stood on top of his own sofa. “Hop all over this bitch, lil’ nigga,” Isa said. “Fuck what yo’ mama mean-ass talking about.”

He took one of the pillows and tossed it at Messari. His little body went flying, Isa hit him so hard.

“Hey!” Messari shouted. “Mommy, him hit me!”

“Quit snitching,” Isa said, popping Messari again. “Man up, G. A nigga hit you, you hit him back. Ain’t that right, Yolly?” he asked. Yara laughed as Isa handed her a pillow. “Hit his ass.”

Yara tossed the pillow in delight.

“Hey!”

Isa pushed him down, and Messari scrambled up. He laughed as he grabbed a pillow and tossed it at Isa.

“This nigga is a big kid. Be careful with my boyfriend,” Aria said. “I’ma beat ya’ ass if he gets hurt, Isa.”

The pillow that met the side of her head shut her up instantly.

“See, you want me to fuck you up,” Aria said.

Yara giggled away in Isa’s arms, and Aria stole her away as Messari attacked Isa.

“That’s right. You don’t let nobody punk you,” Isa said, using an open palm to slap the side of Messari’s face. He used just enough force to knock him off balance. “Psk, psk,” Isa antagonized.

“My baby is not a dog, Isa!” Morgan shouted.

“Shut up, Mo. You gon’ have my lil’ nigga soft. His daddy already pussy. I got this,” Isa protested as Messari got up and charged at him. “That’s right. Buck up, lil’ nigga.” Morgan shook her head as Messari went toe-to-toe with Isa. Messari got knocked down repeatedly, but he got up every time. There was no doubt about it, there was not a single ounce of bitch in his blood.

Isa snickered as he antagonized Messari.

“Uncle Isa, stop it!” Messari shouted. He ran up on Isa, and Isa pushed him down again.

Isa was getting the best of Messari, and Morgan could see her son’s eyes welling in frustration.

“Isa!” Aria shouted.

“That’s enough, Isa,” Morgan warned. “I swear if you push my baby one more time.”

“He got it, Mo. This gangster business right here, and yo’ crybaby ass ain’t a gangster,” Isa teased.

“She got hittas, though, nigga. Don’t get fucked up,” Meek said as he descended the basement stairs.

Morgan’s entire body steeled.

“Meek!” Messari shouted as he scrambled from the couch. His little legs couldn’t carry him to Meek quickly enough. “Him hit me!”

Ahmeek bent to scoop Messari. “You hit him back?” Ahmeek asked.

“Mmm-hmm,” Messari said.

“Show me how hard,” Ahmeek said, holding up one open hand.