Boy, I never knew love like this before Thought I was in love before, now I see I was wrong

not your typical love story.

**read to find out**

Eriyonne Amani Black never planned on staying with her father and brothers for the summer. But after a falling out with her mother's new boyfriend, she's left seeking comfort in the family she only sees once a year. What she doesn't expect is Poet Zy'hmier Carter-her brother's best friend and the one person she's sworn to avoid. Recently released from prison after serving time for a crime he committed as a child, Poet is broken, closed off, and more dangerous than she ever imagined. Despite their differences, an unlikely bond forms between Eriyonne and Poet, one rooted in shared pain, misunderstandings, and unspoken feelings. As they help each other navigate their inner demons, something deeper begins to grow-an undeniable connection that could change everything. But when jealousy, past trauma, and an unexpected romance force them to confront their emotions, will they fight for the bond they've built, or let the past tear them apart? Started: 4/3/25

"I don't know how to do this." He was almost embarrassed to admit it. "I ain't been right with you in a long time, but I'm gon' ask anyway. Please don't take her from me." His plea cracked something open inside of his chest. "I know I ain't a good man. I done did some shit that I can't take back and I can't make it right. But she is, she's good. She's the light in so many places I didn't know were dark." "So if there's a price that needs to be paid for all the pain that I have caused in this word and done onto others put it on me. I'll pay it. I swear I will. I'll protect her with my last breath. I'll listen and heed her warnings. I'll slow down and come home more and stop thinking that I'm alone in this world." "Just please let my baby wake up. I love her, I'm in love with her and I can't do this without her. If waking her up means I got to sacrifice letting her go so she can be safe. I'll do that. Just don't take her from this earth." "In Jesus name I pray. Amen."

Mute, abused, hood, Chicago, saved, kidnapped

IN WICH: Kennesey Jordan is new to Chicago. She spends her first few days there helping her brother pull off his annual Christmas event. But then she met Justice Bennett - the venue owner with the kind of calm that made noise feel safe. He didn't talk much, didn't smile often, and definitely didn't plan on catching feelings for his homeboy's little sister. Between long nights setting up lights, missed calls, and moments that lingered too long - they both started feeling something neither of them were ready for. The city's cold, the holidays are loud, and love's the last thing either of them was looking for. But sometimes, the quietest things hit the hardest.

in which, shaquon sacrifices his sinful lifestyle for dakotas love.

i'll love you forever (short story)