When She's Broken

by Briann Danae

  "God has brought me this far, I refuse to go back. I can't," she said aloud. From her mouth to God's ears, her promise was sealed with faith. Astryd was going to mend her wounds; whether she had a man helping her patch them up or not.

  Chapter Eight

  Two Months Later

  Promises kept, and faith restored, Astryd hadn't returned to that dark place she was in months ago. With a praying grandmother by her side and strong support from her friends, Astryd was slowly but surely getting back to her old self. A few days after arriving at her grandmother's house, Astryd packed she and the girl's belongings up and headed to a hotel forty minutes outside of St. Louis. She hated the commute she'd make into the city, but it became natural over the weeks.

  She hadn't physically heard from D'Haven, but he sent her text messages every other morning. On the days a text wouldn't suffice, he sent her voice messages. Knowing she was over hearing him apologize, he'd ramble on about his workday, what Netflix series he was watching, or what he had cooked for the night. Wanting to feel connected to him from a distance, Astryd would watch the same shows as him, so when he did give her an update, she'd know exactly what he was referring to.

  Honestly, she had forgiven him a while ago. It was herself she hadn't forgiven until after getting over his indiscretions. D'Haven was just glad she didn't leave his ass on read and go on about her life. With the bill at the hotel climbing daily, he took it upon himself to send money through Honey or Greigh when they went to visit her. He'd send gifts for the girls and always his love for her through her friends.

  Whenever they did come visit, they'd dine out instead of ordering in like they knew Astryd had done all week. Her wounds were still fresh from Alonzo's brutal beating on her mentally, but she found praying and journaling to be the most comforting at her times of weakness. Ashlee and Ashlynn helped as well. They reminded her to live. To keep pushing because she wasn't the only person she needed to survive for; they needed her too.

  Things had been going great up until her car stopped working a few days ago. Taking a Lyft everywhere wasn't ideal, considering the cost, but her car wouldn't be fixed for another couple of days. Moving around in another city without fear after being cooped up in her hotel room for weeks, took time but she did it. She had even enrolled the girls in another daycare not far from the hotel. Though she didn't mind them being in her presence, Astryd needed a break sometimes.

  Today was one of those days. While the girls were in daycare, Astryd had spent the day pampering herself. She used to love getting her nails done, but Alonzo hated it, so he made her stop. It felt so refreshing to have a fresh gel manicure, pedicure, facial, and wax. Her eyebrows were snatched, hair was freshly blown out and making its way back to its long length. With everything else changing in her life, Astryd decided to try a new color on her hair. The burgundy with copper highlights popped brightly against her fair skin tone and looked gorgeous. Everywhere she went, someone was complimenting her.

  Thanking her Lyft driver for the ride, she climbed out the vehicle and strutted to the building that read Sweet Tooth Bakery. Having passed by the place more than a few times on their way to the hotel, Astryd decided to stop by and check them out. Plus, it was that time of the month, and she needed something to cure her cravings.

  "Hi, welcome to Sweet Tooth. How can I help you?" the cheerful young girls smile was super inviting. There was nothing like excellent customer service.

  "Hi. This is my first time here, but I can tell by the smell and looks it won't be my last," Astryd chuckled, eyeing the cupcakes in the display window.

  "Trust me. You'll be back. What're you in the mood for?"

  Astryd hummed a little before replying, "Definitely something chocolate for myself, strawberry and lemon for my girls. They'd have a fit if they knew I came by without getting them something."

  "Okay, so for chocolate lovers, today's special is the double chocolate chip cupcake with whipped buttercream icing. Then, we have regular strawberry and lemon cupcakes. Or, you could do a strawberry cheesecake brownie. Those are our bestsellers."

  Everything sounded so good, Astryd decided to get one of each that she recommended. As the girl bagged her treats up, the door chimed as someone walked in. Always alert, Astryd turned to see who was walking in and the heavy lashes that shadowed her cheeks flew up in recognition. Goddamn.

  That seemed to be her every thought when D'Haven graced the room with his presence. As cliché as it sounded, he was a breath of fresh air, and Astryd was gulping it in. When he hit her with his drool-worthy grin, her eyes sparkled.

  "Damn," he said lowly, licking his lips. "You look… stunning baby."

  Astryd stood, surprised, and more uncertain than ever on how to reply. Her words were running in circles in her brain unwilling to cooperate to complete a sentence. One that made sense anyway. The vibration in his voice she missed so badly. Hearing it over her speaker was nothing compared to hearing it in person. She merely stood tongue-tied at his examination of her frame.

  "What are you doing here?" she finally asked after seconds passed.

  "Can I not be here?" D'Haven asked with a chuckle. "This my spot."

  Confusion covered her face. "Your spot? You own this?"

  "Nah," he grinned. "I mean, I fuck with their sweets. My mama sent me all the way up here to pick up an order she placed."

  "What's the name on the order, sir?" the young girl asked, eager to assist him.

  D'Haven had gotten his hair cut low to his head. His goatee was slightly fuller thanks to the winter weather underway, and the black trench coat he was rocking had him looking scrumptious. Astryd was ready to say the hell with her cupcake; he had all the chocolate she needed right there. A nasty thought of her taking his dick to the back of her throat while he stared in her eyes flashed through her mind, and she shook her head.

  This is ridiculous. Why does he look so fucking good!

  "Can you give us a second," he told the worker while walking up on Astryd. A soft gasp escaped her as his large hands cupped her cheeks. The tenderness in his expression startled and amazed her all at once.

  "D'Haven," she called out softly.

  "I miss you so fucking much, Pebbles. Goddamn, I've missed you."

  The need in his voice softened her heart. She missed him too; more than he could imagine.

  "I've missed you too," she admitted.

  "Come home, then."

  Astryd shook her head from side to side on his palms. "No. My home is here now."

  "Bullshit."

  Her mouth snapped shut at his bluntness. D'Haven knew her stay here was only temporary. He needed her, had to have her in his presence before he lost his mind. He had been content but now with her in his grasp, inhaling her scent, and feeling her flesh, D'Haven wasn't taking no for an answer.

  "Home is where the heart is. That mothafucka is with me," he hissed. "You left it all over my crib, in my car, in my hands, on my dick," he growled in her ear.

  Astryd's body shuddered. He was weakening her stance with each word that flowed from his plush lips.

  "Please," she begged, desperately needing him to hush. "What about your baby?"

  "Ain't no baby."

  Those three words were said with finality. Baylei had lied about being pregnant. She was trying anything to get him back, and her attempt in trying to trap him had failed. For weeks, she carried on like a woman with child would, until D'Haven popped up on her ass. He played it cool like he was there to check up on her and of course, she offered him some pussy. Getting her worked up with no plans to blow her back out, D'Haven excused himself to her bathroom. By the time Baylei realized she hadn't dumped her trashcan filled with empty tampon wrappers, it was too late.

  D'Haven gave her a sad shake of his head and chuckled before leaving her standing in the middle of her bedroom looking foolish as hell. After that day is when his pursuit of winning Astryd back kicked up a notch. He still wanted to respect her wishes, but there was only so much ignoring a man in love coul
d take. He loved her so much, he'd go back in time and kick his own ass for screwing up what they had.

  "Really?" Astryd asked, hopeful, but still having her guard up.

  "Really. She lied and had you answered my phone calls, you'd know that."

  "I didn't have to answer your phone calls D'Haven," she sighed. "I needed space from you and my chaotic life."

  D'Haven pulled her into his embrace as his arms fell around her waist. "And now?"

  "And now what?"

  "That space… it's ready to be filled again. Come home. I know the girls miss me."

  Astryd rolled her eyes, and he softly smacked her ass. "They do. Especially Ashlynn. All she was saying when she didn't see you was ‘Where's Haven? Haven coming?'," she chuckled.

  "My girls know what's up. On the real though, baby. I apologize for hurting you. I know you need my actions to prove that my words hold weight, and I'm willing to do whatever to prove I'm not the man your heart turned cold against. I love you, Pebbles. You gotta ease up on a nigga and come home. I need you in my world, baby. You and the girls."

  When his soft lips pressed against hers, all resolve Astryd had built up crumbled. Their tongues twirled as he hoisted her body against his broad chest. D'Haven was damn near swallowing her lips whole as his hands caressed her body. She had picked up a little weight, but he didn't care about that. When the door chimed, Astryd pulled away, but D'Haven kept her close to him. Pecking her lips again, he rubbed her back to calm her down. She was so worked up, she was sure he could feel the thumping of her clit.

  Breathlessly, she giggled and said, "Okay."

  "Okay?" He asked for clarification.

  Astryd nodded. "Yes, but do you think you can move maybe? I know it's a lot, but I want to be safe."

  "We can move across the fucking world as long as you never leave me again," he told her.

  "You're on probation," she giggled.

  "Aye. I'll break the law for you girl. You better know that."

  She did. In a sense, he had done it before and wouldn't hesitate to do it again to ensure her safety. The lengths he was going to go now that she was back in his life would have terrified another man, but not D'Haven. He wasn't confused about what Astryd meant to him, and he would let her know that for as long as he lived and thereafter.

  Grinning, Astryd stroked his jawline. "I do. But, before I fully agree you have to buy my goodies."

  "The ones in these jeans or...?"

  She laughed a good laugh that made D'Haven's heart leap in his chest. He missed that sound so much he didn't realize how soothing it was until she deprived him of it.

  "The ones in my jeans can't be bought."

  "Damn right. That pussy is priceless," he said nastily in her ear before placing a kiss to the side of her temple.

  Leading them over to the counter, his arm stayed wrapped around her waist until it was time to pay for his and her order. Thanking the girl, he grabbed their sweets and took her hand in his.

  "Where your car at?" he asked once outside, scanning the small lot.

  "In the shop. I took a Lyft here."

  D'Haven looked down at her with questioning eyes. "How long it's been in the shop, Astryd?"

  She bit down on her bottom lip. "Just a few days. It's no big deal. It feels good to not have to drive."

  "That ain't the point. I need you safe, a'ight? No more Lyfts, Ubers, taxis, none of that shit. I'm getting you a rental before the day ends. Where the girls at?"

  "Daycare," she answered as he led them to his truck and opened the passenger door. "I was heading to pick them up when I left here."

  "Aight. We can go get them and grab y'all's stuff from the room. That's cool with you?"

  Still, he was asking for permission. It was the little things like that, that reminded Astryd why she loved him and always had.

  "Yes. Their daycare isn't far from here."

  D'Haven nodded and pecked her lips, letting their kiss linger. Rubbing her hands up his hard abs, Astryd sighed and smiled against his lips.

  "Keep on," he groaned. "I'ma bend your ass over in this seat and have my way with you."

  "Oooh. Out in the open?" she giggled.

  "I'ma nasty nigga, Pebbles. Try me."

  She shook her head softly and grinned. "We have plenty of time for that. Let's go get my babies and go home."

  It was D'Haven's turn to grin. "Yeah. I like the sound of that."

  Light conversation on how they'd been filled the car on their ride over. D'Haven let her do most of the talking, loving how she had taken back control of her life. He was raised by a strong woman, so to be madly in love with one was a blessing. When they pulled up to the girl's daycare and parked out front, he didn't even ask if she needed him to come inside. He wanted to surprise them.

  "I'll be right out. They're going to lose it when they see you and these cupcakes," she chuckled.

  "They fire, too."

  That statement made her hustle inside the building. Kids' laughter, cries, and small chatter filled her ears as she stepped up to the desk. She didn't recognize the girl behind it, but her smile was warm.

  "Hi. I'm here to get Ashlee and Ashlynn."

  "Hello. One second," she said, going through the sign-out list. "Um, Ashlee was checked out, but Ashlynn is here."

  Astryd's heart stopped beating, and all the air departed her body. "W-What?"

  "Hello. What seems to be the problem?" The older lady Astryd was used to seeing at the desk asked as she approached them.

  "She's here to pick up her daughters, but only one is here. Ashlee's dad came to get her. He said she had a doctor's appointment."

  Astryd lost her balance and her head began to spin at what just came from the girl's lips. She was trying not to panic and think that the girl was just joking. But, who jokes about something like that?

  "No, no, no," she chanted as her head violently shook from side to side.

  "Ms. Saxton, I'm so sorry. Was he not supposed to be picking her up?" Glenda asked.

  "NO!" Astryd screamed at the top of her lungs.

  Hearing the outburst from the car, D'Haven looked up from his phone and quickly hopped when he saw Astryd reach over the counter and grab the girl by her shirt.

  "What'd you do!?" she yelled.

  "I-I didn't knooow!" the young girl squealed, stricken with fear.

  Had she not been flirting with Alonzo and doing her job, she'd know that he was in no shape or form authorized to pick them up from daycare. He wasn't even on the contact list.

  "Baby calm down!" D'Haven said sternly, grabbing ahold of her arms.

  "H-He took my baby!" she cried into his chest. "He took her, and they let him!"

  As he rubbed her back soothingly, his menacing eyes pierced into the young girl’s. He knew it was her fault and if something happened to Ashlee, he wanted to remember her face. She was going to pay for her fuck up. Alonzo had been following Astryd for the past week and a half learning her routine. Some days weren't all the same, but he knew once she dropped the girls off, she wouldn't return for a few hours.

  Snatching Astryd up was pointless to him. He wanted to do collateral damage. Taking both girls was risky, and the lie he came up with made the most sense. It had taken him far too long to find out where she had been hiding, but finally, Alonzo had tracked her down. She was good at hiding out, but he was a master in seeking revenge. If she thought he'd take her leaving him to the chin, Astryd had apparently forgotten the monster he was.

  "I'll alert the police," Glenda stated.

  "You do that. If something happens to her, expect this bitch to be shut down," D'Haven spat, fuming inside. He loved Ashlee like she was his own and his body filled with anger seeing how distraught Astryd was.

  Before they left out, another worker brought Ashlynn to them, and even her little smile couldn't change the mood. The pout on her face broke Astryd down. Kids knew when something was wrong, no matter how young.

  "Haven," she cooed as he lifted her in his arms. "Hi, Haven."


  "Hey, pretty girl. Baby let's go to the truck."

  Astryd shook her head. "I can't. I can't leave. She'll come back. He has to bring her back," she cried. "You're going to pay for this!"

  The young girl backed away from the desk with tears in her eyes. She knew she had lost her job for good. Finally getting Astryd outside, he strapped Ashlynn in her car seat before closing the door. He grabbed Astryd's hands in his and made her lean against the passenger door.

  "Calm down, okay? I need you to just relax for a second, so we can think. Where would he take her?"

  "I don't know! Oh, my God! Please don't let him hurt my baby."

  As she pulled her hands to her face, D'Haven's cell phone vibrated in the pocket of his coat. Reaching inside, he pulled it out and answered Demi's call. She had been off the scene for a little while, but he wasn't going to ignore her.

  "Demi, let me hit you back," he answered.

  "This ain't Demi, you punk mothafucka."

  Alonzo's voice echoed through his cell, and Astryd's head shot up. Placing a finger against her lips, D'Haven shushed her.

  "Where my sister at?"

  Alonzo chuckled. "Locked away. You see, I hate liars. That sister of yours has been a pain in my ass, but I think we've come to an agreement. Ain't that right Demi?" he called out and laughed sinisterly. "That's right, I forgot. She can't answer because she's a bit tied up right now."

  "Listen, you worthless piece of shit. I swear if you—"

  "No. That's not how this goes. You listen to me and do as I say, or someone dies. Got it?"

  D'Haven's jaw clenched, but he didn't give a reply.

  "Good. Now, I need you to bring me my bitch back in exchange for this little girl. I know she's probably standing there with you listening, so she'll love this. I only tolerated her ass because I loved her mama, but I don't want her anymore. She's not mine anyway, so honestly, I could kill her, but I need Astryd in my presence first. Maybe I'll make her watch since she can't seem to leave you the fuck alone."