"Cain, if you can't leave the streets for me and our baby, then me and you, we're done." I pointed between the two of us as tears streamed down my face and he bit his lip, looking down at the floor before he looked back up into my eyes. "Aight." "Shit over then, babygirl."

Ruffian 3 (The Trilogy)

"Hello, Sincere. How are you feeling today?" "Same as everyday, can't sleep, can't eat.." I trailed off, looking down at Sinclair who had a perfect mixture of both V and I. "That's not good." She said and I shrugged. "None of this is." I said and she nodded understandingly. "Have faith." She said, placing her hand on my shoulder and I nodded. I tried hard to keep the tears in because I had to be strong for everybody. The family was really going through it and I just wanted her back in my arms. V had my heart and if I lost her for good, I'd never look for love again. The doctor walked out as I sat there quietly and Clair looked over my face while she made spit bubbles. I bit my bottom lip, holding back tears as I looked at V laying there with tubes in her. Not able to hold on any longer, I broke down. "Baybeh, I need you..." I trailed off, shaking my head. "I need you so bad, I can't do this shit. I can't do life with you." I explained, looking down at the floor. "We need you, ma." My voice cracked, looking over to Sinclair who was still looking up at me. "Our baybeh girl is so beautiful, ma. I want you to see her, I want you to see her grow up. I want you to be here with us.." I trailed off, collecting my words. I wiped my face as more tears poured down and I shook my head, sighing deeply. "Wake up, baybeh." I spoke, breaking down as I bit my bottom lip.

{Sequel to Shades Darker} When Cole Sterling moved from Alabama all he wanted was a fresh start, a new life. Introduced as cheeky and sensitive Cole has earned the hearts of everyone around him. However, not many people can say that they truly know who Cole is, not even Kendra. Cole never mentions his life before his move to town, his own family, he won't even invite people over to his house. While Cole might be all heart and soul that doesn't stop the nightmares from coming in the dead of night. The dark traumatic memories of his past life that plague his very thoughts. No one truly knows that Cole suffers behind closed doors. When Kendra discovers Cole's darkroom part of Cole's insecurities and secrets are exposed. Now Cole must save the life that he's created but also confront the person who is responsible for his paralyzing trauma.