Keep You To Myself (Unorthodox Love, #1)

by BriAnn Danae

A chuckle fell from Torin’s lips. “I can’t believe he be telling you my business.” “Not everything, but enough to know that you’re the closest thing to home for him besides me. You’re supposed to always take care of your home and everyone in it. He trusts you, and that’s saying a lot.”

Why would I want to give you away? I thought you were mine to keep?” Synovi smirked. “Shit gets chaotic with me sometimes. You sure that’s what you wanna do?” “Mhm. It’s peaceful in your world, too. The perfect balance. We don’t ever have to leave.” “We don’t. But know this…” he said, forcing Torin to peel her heavy lids open. She was relaxed as ever in his embrace. “I want you all to my-mothafuckin’-self. If I sound selfish, it’s because I finally can be. Especially with you.” “Okay,” Torin said softly as if in a daze. “Yours. I don’t want nobody else but you.” “Good. ’Cause I’m a nigga worth keepin’. Now, plug my vacuum back up.”

He closed the door, and Torin sat with a silly grin on her face. If her man wanted her by his side, that’s where she’d be. The day's mission was to get her man back, and Torin had done just that.

“Yeah, a lil’ somethin’. This toast is to you,” he said, nodding his head her way. “Thank you for seeing the greatness in me, despite fighting through the darkness. You’ve pushed me to want more out of life and saw the potential in me that everyone else overlooked. SB’s Cleaning Service is what it is today because of you, and I’m so thankful for you, Love. Everyone needs a you on their team, but that’s too bad ’cause I’m keeping you all to myself.”

“Boss,” Synovi started, lifting his glass. “For putting a young Black man in a position to win… thank you,” he said humbly. Bostyn lifted his glass. “To new money, more opportunities, and Black wealth!” Glasses clinked, and life as Synovi once knew it was no longer the same.

Torin wasn’t sure how he’d feel about putting money up for Unique, so she didn’t ask. Like he did when he entered her life, she fulfilled tasks she knew needed to be taken care of, whether they were asked of her or not. Synovi needed his mama regardless of what they’d been through.

Torin had gone to such extremes for him, but Synovi should’ve been used to it by now. Understanding a person with a good heart was hard to comprehend some days. He had to train his mind to know that she didn’t want anything in return; just him.

She’d finally gotten one of her own from his childhood friend, Lito, and Torin was amazed by his raw talent. Sitting three hours for one tattoo that stretched down her side had been painful but worth it. Detailed flowers spelled out the word LOVE. She had Lito shade them with vibrant colors, so whenever Synovi saw it, he was reminded of what he deserved. The body art was for her, but for him more than anything.

“Promise to never turn your back on me, no matter how chaotic it gets.” She caressed his face and pecked his lips. “I promise. I’m here to stay… here for you to keep to yourself and ride through the waves with.” Grinning, Synovi stuck his hand out. Torin chuckled, remembering how he left her hanging on her couch that day. “Should we shake on it?” Synovi asked. Smiling, Torin gripped his hand and shook it. “Mhm. It’s a deal, Mr. Black.” “It’s a deal, Love.”