𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐎𝐟 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐮𝐬𝐭

Cold Plates

Tyrone leaned back against the headboard, his chest bare, showing off the ink that mapped out a life of hustle and survival. He had his arm draped around Destiny, pulling her into the warmth of his side. They were home now, safe and sound. The reminisce of their vacation was in the past. Destiny thought about how quickly her life had changed with him by her side.

She looked to the left of her, allowing her eyes to trace the jagged stacks of twenties that allied that top of the dresser. Just months ago she was broke and barely making ends meet. After losing her apartment and her car a little after that, she was forced to move back in with her mother. Taking one trip with Tyrone had changed all of that. she was rewarded generously for the risks she had taken on their vacation. She couldn't believe all that money was her cut of the take. This time it wasn't Tyrone lacing her pockets with cash. She had actually earned every dollar and she was proud of it.

Her eyes traveled down to her left hand as she held it up to her face, spreading her fingers out to get a better look at the masterpiece on her ring finger. There was no diamond. No platinum band to catch the light or flaunt their wealth at strangers. Just bold black ink permanently etched into her skin to symbolize her and Tyrone's commitment to one another. The words, 'Till Death' were written vertically down the top of her finger. The Message was simple, two short words that held a significant meaning. The matching tattoos had been Tyrone's idea. He said the tattoos would be a truer symbol of a permanent forever for them. The more he explained it, the more she began to like the idea. She thought it was unique and reflected their lifestyle. 

" What are you over there thinking about?" Tyrone said after noticing the way Destiny admired the art work. She shook her head from left to right, as she smiled brightly.

" I just can't believe we did it. The trip, and the court house all in just one week." Destiny said. He reached down, interlocking his hand with hers.

" Believe it, Ma. I told you I wasn't gonna have you playing house forever. Now, we're official in the eyes of the law and the streets. Partners for life" He said, bringing her hand up to his mouth and kissing it once before closing his eyes again.

Destiny began thinking about the life growing inside of her. She knew if they were going to be parents they couldn't be living life recklessly anymore. Destiny glanced over at him. Her eyes were a mix of awe and lingering, sharp anxiety. She knew the weight of the life they led. It wasn't just financially comforting. The risks they take would also land targets on their backs.

" What happens now?" She asked, her voice dropping to a low serious tone."

Tyrone's signature confidence never wavered even though he could hear the uncertainty in her voice. She was conserved and rightfully so. The airport thing was still fresh. It was her first time doing something like that. His as well but somehow he was handling it better than she was. He didn't expect her to be comfortable with it overnight. It would take time to get familiarized with it and he understood that. He leaned over and placed a slow, lingering kiss to her temple before returning to his position.

"The move is whatever we say it is. Pretty soon we're about to have enough dough to do whatever the fuck we want. The world is ours for the taking" He said.

Destiny sat up straight and glanced back at the sea of product they had illegally crossed the border with, then back at the man who had worked hard to give her a good life. She took a deep breath. The ugly truth of their reality settling into a newfound peace. for the first time 'what's next' didn't feel like a threat. It felt like an invention.

" Tye, I... I need to tell you something" She stammered

The sound of her voice caused him to open his eyes almost immediately. When he looked at her he could tell something had been weighing heavy on her.