Duke — Tressie Lockwood

Duke has always been the black sheep of the Marquette family. While his cousins were making billions, Duke was busy getting thrown out of the army and landing inside jail. He never cared too much about anyone else, least of all falling in love. Then he started working at the famous Marquette's restaurant in New Orleans, his cousins' venture. Creed demanded responsibility, but the word wasn't in Duke's vocabulary. Not until he met Takiyah Silver. At first Duke wanted her blond friend, but he couldn't get the sexy Kiyah out of his head. Kiyah was all about taking care of her teenage son and making a living. When her son gets into serious trouble that could destroy Kiyah's well-ordered life, Duke wants to step up. But how can a woman like her depend on a man who has nothing to offer?