 
The

Lonely

Hearts

Book 1

Written By Author:

Nyerra
Copyright © 2018 Nyerra

Published by Blue Sanity Inc.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission from the author.This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, business, places, events, and incidents, are the product of the Author's imagination or are used fictionally. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or events, are entirely coincidental.
Chapter One

Karina sat at her desk with her mind all over the place. She was supposed to be working, but she couldn't help but think about her failing marriage. For the past nine months, she'd been trying her hardest to hold on to her relationship with her husband, Ivan. But something was steady pulling them under.

Karina knew exactly what that something was, and although she was tempted to cut the bitch, she finally decided to take another route. It was Ivan who was breaking her heart, not his side chick; so in that case, he was the one who deserved to suffer.

A knock on her office door quickly gained her attention. "Come in."

In walked her best friend, Dana, who also worked at Vapor Enterprises. The company started as an underground business years ago, built from the ground up by the CEO, Brandon Vapor Sr. The company specialized in stock investing, owing several percentages of smaller company shares. They started off buying individual shares, but eventually expanded in order to involve themselves into the stock trading waters.

"Hey, honey," Dana greeted, taking a seat in front of Karina's desk.

"Hey," Karina responded dryly.

"Oh, God," Dana stressed with wide eyes. "What the hell did Ivan do now?"

Karina sighed. She hated that folks were able to tell what was wrong with her before she could even go into detail. "He hasn't been home in two weeks."

"What? Oh hell no, Karina! Look, I know you're trying to fight it, but girl, it's time for you to take care of your heart and bounce on his sorry ass. He doesn't deserve you. Let that raggedy bitch he's creeping with deal with him. I'm sure they'll be each other's karma."

"I just hate to see my marriage fail, Dana. I was such a good wife to that man. I'm seriously thinking about killing him."

Dana couldn't help but chuckle. "Now as good as that sounds, you know you can't do that. His life isn't worth your freedom. The best thing you can do is file for divorce and move on from him, girl. Trust me."

Karina sucked her teeth. She knew Dana's advice was correct, but her urge to kill Ivan sounded more satisfying.

"Karina," Dana stated, noticing the look on her face. "Listen, if you're serious about killing the man, at least come up with a smart plan first. Hell, I can tell by the look in your eyes that you're dead ass serious."

"He deserves to die for all he's done to me."

"I agree, but I think he'll get the karma he deserves. God don't like ugly. Anyway, enough about that dirty bastard husband of yours. I came in here to see if you've heard about whose coming to Vapor Enterprises today?"

"No, who?"

Dana's lips contorted into a sneaky grin. "You need to start reading your emails, girl. Brandon Vapor will be in the building at noon."

Butterflies instantly invaded Karina's stomach at just the thought of Brandon Vapor. He was the CEO's son and also the brand ambassador for Vapor Enterprises. Not to mention a walking snack to every woman who ever laid eyes on him. He was the true definition of tall, dark, and handsome. Karina lusted over him plenty of times, but never had she made a move on him, as she always respected her marriage.

"What is he here for?" she wondered.

"He's holding some random town hall meeting."

"Why are you grinning like that?"

Dana laughed. "You know why. Because your ass has been wanting Brandon for the longest and now that you're finally seeing Ivan for who he is, maybe you'll look into giving Brandon a shot."

"Dana, I can't be messing with the CEO's son. That's not a good look, and did you forget that I'm still married?"

"Did being married stop Ivan from going out and getting his dicked sucked by Becky and Sue? I don't think so! You need to start living more spontaneous, Karina. You've let this marriage drain you girl and I just wanna see that light back in your eyes."

Karina understood where Dana was coming from, but she wasn't sure she could live her life like that. Dana was more on the wild side, while Karina was always the more conservative one. She liked to do things by the book to avoid future conflict; but that didn't seem to save her marriage.

Hmm, she thought as she opened her laptop and finally began reading her emails.

"Look, I gotta go take care of a few things, so I'll catch up with you at the town hall meeting. Just think about what I said. Don't let Ivan leave you with a lonely heart."

Karina looked up from her computer and smiled at her friend. "I'll keep that in mind."

***

"Good afternoon everyone," Brandon greeted, as he stood at the end of the table that seated twenty-five people. "I know this meeting was last minute, but I greatly appreciate your presence."

Karina swallowed the lump in her throat as that last statement left his lips. He was speaking to the entire room, however, he was looking directly at her when he stated, I greatly appreciate your presence.

She couldn't deny how handsome he looked in his loafers, black slacks, black tie, and white button down. His fade was freshly cut, and so was his neatly trimmed beard. Brandon's swag could be described as an educated thug. Karina could tell he came from the hood and made something from nothing.

A black man who overcame the struggle, she thought to herself. It was beyond attractive to her, but as always, she chose to keep that to herself.

"I have an announcement to make that I chose to do in person for several reasons. My father has given this company twenty wonderful and successful years and has finally decided to put Vapor Enterprises in my hands. He'll be retiring at the end of the month and I'll officially be the new CEO."

The entire room filled with applauses and Karina felt Dana kick her under the table.

"I have a question," Dana spoke. "Does that mean you'll be moving to Oakland?"

"That's correct," Brandon confirmed. "I'll be relocating from the office in New Jersey and this will be my permanent location."

Another kick under the table from Dana.

"Chill!" Karina harshly whispered as everyone proceeded to congratulate Brandon on his new position.

Dana giggled and the meeting continued with Brandon announcing all the new changes that would come along with his presence. Twenty minutes later, the meeting concluded and he politely dismissed everyone. Karina grabbed her belongings and followed behind Dana as they made their way out.

"Karina, do you mind staying for a moment?" Brandon questioned. "There's something I need to discuss with you."

Karina was hella' nervous as she replied, "Sure."

"Spontaneous," Dana whispered with a wink before leaving the room.

Brandon waited until it was just the two of them before he began speaking. He placed his hands in his pockets and told her, "You can have a seat."

She nervously reclaimed her spot that she'd sat in before. "Is there something I did wrong?"

"No, not at all. In fact, the reason I wanted to talk to you pertains to how excellent your work has been around here. I get all the VP reports weekly and I'm very impressed with your numbers, Karina."

She released a breath of relief. "Thank you."

"No, thank you. My father and I appreciate hard workers like yourself and the effort you put forth to support the company doesn't go unnoticed."

Karina gave him a half smile while pushing a piece of hair behind her ear. He was staring at her with those dark brown eyes that would mesmerize any woman who didn't have any self-control. The bad thing about it was that she didn't even believe that he was purposely doing it. Brandon Vapor was just eye candy for the soul.

"I wanna offer you a higher position, Karina," he said, breaking her trance.

"Wha...wait, huh?"

"You heard me correct. You're outdoing yourself times ten and in my opinion you deserve to be in a higher position, making a higher salary."

"Brandon..."

He walked closer to her and leaned against the chair that was next to hers. "I'm the CEO now and I take great pride in leadership and a strong work ethic. Vapor Enterprises is in need of a new Vice President and if you want the job, it's yours. You don't have to make a decision right away. Take some time to think about it."

Karina's eyes lit up. She couldn't believe what Brandon had just offered her. Vice President of Vapor Enterprises would triple her salary. And with the pending thought of a divorce, this couldn't have come at a better time. Karina was positive that Ivan would make things as hard for her as possible once she had him served.

"Oh my goodness, thank you!" She got up from her seat and without thinking, she wrapped her arms around him, embracing him tightly. "I can't believe this!"

"You're welcome."

Karina froze for a moment as his deep voice spoke in her ear, reminding her how close they actually were. She quickly pulled back from him, only to be held captive by those sexy brown eyes of his. She didn't understand how someone could be so effortlessly attractive.

"I um...I'll—" Brandon smiled and Karina's knee's damn near gave out. He had a slight lisp, but that didn't stop his pearly whites from shining.

"Just think on it for a little bit," he suggested. "Make sure it's the right move for you. Contact me by the end of the month with your decision and we'll make the necessary changes based on what you decide to do. No pressure, okay?"

"Okay. Thank you again, Brandon. Really, this is more than I could ever ask for."

"You didn't have to ask," he reminded her before walking around the table to grab his things. "I'll see you around, Karina."

"Yeah, see you around."

She watched him leave the room and once he was gone, she let out a deep breath. She still couldn't believe what he had offered her. She appreciated the time he gave her to think about it, but in all honesty, she didn't need it. There was no doubt in her mind that she was going to accept the position as Vice President of Vapor Enterprises. Wow, won't he do it? She thought as she finally left the conference room.

***

"Kylie!" Karina shouted as she walked into her home.

"I'm in the kitchen."

After hanging her pea coat in the closet, Karina made her way into the kitchen and found her younger sister, Kylie, in the middle of baking a cake. "What's the occasion?"

Kylie smiled. "It's Ryan's birthday."

Karina couldn't help but smile as well. "That's sweet of you, Ky."

"It's the least I could do. You know none of his family hasn't even contacted him today? That's so messed up. I hate that he's so lonely."

"Lonely, but not alone," Karina stated. "He has you."

Karina made the decision to move Kylie into her home when she turned eighteen so that she could attend The University of Oakland. Their parents lived in Virginia, but they stayed in touch with frequent phone calls and monthly visits.

One night while sitting on the porch, typing a ten-page paper, Kylie laid her eyes on Ryan. He was walking two pit bulls while drinking a Smart Water. Kylie was staring at him pretty hard and he questioned what she was looking at. However, his tone was a bit hostile which caused her to respond with a smart alec reply. They ended up getting into an argument and Ryan eventually walked off.

But one week later, he saw her at a nearby gas station and decided to apologize for their argument. He explained that he lived in the neighborhood and didn't speak to a lot of people, so it concerned him when people looked at him because he didn't know their intentions. Kylie accepted his apology, and from that day on, they'd remained really good friends.

Whenever he walked his dogs and she was outside, he would stop and make light conversation with her. Eventually those conversations got longer and turned into phone conversations. And before they knew it, their friendship had progressed into something so serious that they claimed each other as best friends.

"He texted me and told me he got the keys to his apartment."

"Well, look at that," Karina grinned. "Sounds like an amazing birthday present to me."

"Yeah, he couldn't wait to leave his mom's house." Kylie put the cake in the oven and went to the sink to wash her hands. "So, how was work?"

"You're not gonna believe this, Ky. Brandon Vapor is our new CEO and he wants me to be the Vice President of Vapor enterprises."

"Stop lying!"

"I wouldn't lie about this. He's basically been monitoring my numbers and I guess he's impressed with me."

Kylie rushed toward her sister and hugged her. "I'm so happy for you! You really deserve this, Karina. You work so hard and I knew one day it would pay off."

"Thanks. It's just happening so fast."

An awkward silence suddenly filled the kitchen. A part of Karina wished she could be coming home to her husband to share the good news; but unfortunately, those days were gone. She walked to her fridge to grab a bottle of water.

"Has Ivan been here?"

"He was here earlier, but not for that long," Kylie revealed. "He left with some bags."

"How many?" Karina wondered.

"Two, maybe three."

I know that bastard isn't trying to sneak and move out without telling me, Karina thought. Her entire mood changed as she headed upstairs and prepared to shower. While opening her drawers, she noticed that most of Ivan's things were gone. It was at that point she realized that he was indeed trying to leave her without notice.

Karina refused to let him get away with this. The least he could do was be man enough to tell her that it was over. The way he was playing with her heart triggered the worst in her and she hated it. But Ivan would hate it even more one the after effects of a woman scorned kicked in.
Chapter Two

Kylie opened the door for Ryan and stepped aside so he could walk in. It was a little past ten at night, but it was still his birthday.

"Hey, old ass," Kylie joked, hugging him.

"Chill," Ryan told her. "Twenty is when life officially begins."

"I know. I'm just messing with you. I made you something."

They headed into the kitchen and Kylie followed Ryan's eyes as they landed on the cake she baked him. She had it sitting on the kitchen table with twenty unlit candles sticking in it.

"I know it's corny," she said, "but my parent's always make sure me and my sister have a cake on our birthday. It's like a family thing. I figured I would make you one since...well, you know."

"Since my family ain't shit?"

"That's not what I meant, Ryan."

"I know, I'm just putting the facts out there. I preciate' this, Ky. Come here."

Kylie stepped into his personal space and they shared another hug. She would never understand what the small gesture meant to Ryan.

"You're such a real nigga," he joked, but was serious at the same time.

"Stop calling me that," Kylie fussed, pushing away from him. "I'm hungry and I wanna cut this cake."

"Fat ass." He smacked her butt and she grinned. "Go ahead. You made it."

"But it's yours."

Ryan stuck his finger in the cake and licked the icing. "Come to my apartment with me tonight, Ky."

Kylie gave him a sneaky grin.

"Relax, girl. Ain't nobody trying to fuck you. I just wanna chill with my best friend in my new spot tonight."

"Why is your mouth so filthy?"

Ryan laughed. "I just say what's on my mind. So, you coming with me or what?"

Kylie crossed her arms and pondered her thoughts. It was Friday night, so she didn't have any classes the next day. If her presence was how Ryan wanted to end his birthday, then she honestly had no problem with that. She loved being around him anyway. Even though his mouth could be harsh at times, Ryan's personality lit up her life at times. There was a reason they considered each other best friends.

"Let me go tell Karina I'm leaving and pack some clothes."

"Bet," Ryan nodded. "I'ma pack up this cake while you doing that. Soon as I smoke a blunt, it's over for this shit."

Kylie laughed and headed upstairs. She knocked on Karina's door and patiently waited for a response.

"Come in!" Karina shouted.

"Hey," Kylie said, opening the door. "I'm about to go over Ryan's. I'll probably be back in the morning or something."

"Okay."

Kylie could tell that her sister was hurting and it pained her to see her like that. She walked over to her bed and sat on the edge. "Sis, I've never said anything, but I've always thought you deserved so much better than Ivan. He's a piece of shit. I don't even speak to him anymore because of how he treats you. You're a beautiful black queen and you deserve a king, not a peasant."

A smile found its way to Karina's lips. "Thank you, Ky. I needed to hear that."

"You're welcome. You know if you want me to stay with you tonight, I will. We can have a girl's night, drink wine, and bash men."

While laughing, Karina replied, "No, you go have fun with Ryan. I have a lot to think about as far as this new job and everything, so I really need to be alone."

"Lonely, but not alone, as you would always say."

"Exactly. I love you, sis."

"I love you too."

Kylie leaned in to hug her sister before leaving the room. She then went to her own room to pack her things, so she could spend the night with Ryan.

***

"Ryan, this is nice," Kylie complimented as she surveyed the one-bedroom apartment. She was beyond proud of Ryan. He hated the environment he was living in and he worked hard to change it. Culture II by Migos played in the background as heavy Marijuana smoke marinated in the air. Kylie didn't smoke, but Ryan was a heavy blower.

"Thanks, Ky. I'm just happy to finally be on my own. Nobody knows where I'm laying my head now accept you."

"Aww, I feel so special."

"You are special. I feel like we met for a reason."

"I've always thought that too," Kylie admitted. She took off her Ugg boots and sat on the floor next to Ryan. He didn't have any furniture yet, but that didn't bother her. She was just happy that he was in his own space. "Are you moving your dogs with you?"

"I can't. The apartment complex doesn't allow pets."

"So, your mom is gonna keep them?"

"Nah, I'm probably gon' end up paying my uncle to keep 'em for me until I figure something out." He put the blunt out and grabbed the Smart Water that was next to him. After taking a swig, he asked, "Why you don't got a boyfriend, Ky?"

Kylie was caught off guard by his question. She swallowed the lump in her throat and thought of the best way to respond to him. But as she searched for answers, she realized that she really didn't have one.

"Don't get quiet on me," Ryan teased.

"I don't know how to answer that question."

"Don't think too hard. I'm just being nosey to keep it real. You're smart as hell, your personality is hella' dope, and you're sexy as shit. I just can't believe nobody has got at you yet."

"I could say the same thing about you."

"Fuck outta here, Ky. I'm single because no one wants to deal with a hot head ass nigga like me. Shit, I'm lucky enough to even have you as a friend. You're nice as fuck, all sweet and shit. Sometimes I wonder why you even waste the time on me."

"Ryan," Kylie spoke in a sincere tone, taking the Smart Water away from him. She sat it aside and scooted closer to him. "Being with you is not wasted time. You're my best friend. I love being around you. Ever since I moved to Oakland, I haven't vibed with anyone like this and I'm grateful we crossed paths. We might come from two different worlds, but so what?"

"What's gon' happen when you meet your uppity ass boyfriend? You gon' toss a young nigga to the curb?"

Kylie burst out laughing. "Listen, you're gonna stop coming for me! Just because I'm seventy-five percent a nerd, does not mean you can keep talking shit about me!"

"Seventy-five?"

"Fine, eighty-seven percent tops."

Ryan chuckled and shook his head. "You 'bout nerdy as shit, Ky, but I fuck with you. Ain't nothing wrong with it."

"Yeah, well I don't appreciate you assuming my future boyfriend is gonna be some uppity jerk. You don't know what I'm attracted to."

"You're right. My fault."

"Yeah, whatever," Kylie sassed, nudging his shoulder. "Don't say anything when I pull up with a brown skin, tatted, thug."

"Aye, chill," Ryan laughed.

"I'm serious," Kylie stated as she continued to describe Ryan. "He's gonna be tall, with short curly hair, and a cute ass baby face that he refuses to accept. He's gonna be so reckless and his mouth...Lord, I don't even know where to begin."

Ryan's entire demeanor changed as he became much more serious. With his low, red, eyes locked into Kylie's, he asked, "What about his mouth?"

Kylie froze, not realizing that her statement could've been taken in a sexual way. The way Ryan was looking at her had her body on ice and she felt like if he touched her she would melt. As strictly best friends, the two of them never explored anything beyond their level of friendship; but the chemistry between them couldn't be denied.

"What about his mouth, Kylie?"

Kylie was nervous as she replied, "You just....you never know what to expect."

"Well, if you're talking 'bout the nigga I think you're talking 'bout, then those are facts. You really can't predict how his mouth works."

As he licked his lips, Kylie felt a tingling sensation between her legs. At nineteen years old, she was still a virgin and had never had any type of sexual stimulation. She'd been in a previous relationship when she was in high school, but it never got serious enough for her to give her goodies away.

Ryan pushed strands of hair from out of Kylie's face and asked, "Can I show you how my mouth works, Ky?"

The tingling sensation between Kylie's legs intensified. There was no doubt in her mind that she wanted Ryan in between her legs. The connection they built was strong enough for her to let her guard down and she was certainly attracted to him both mentally and physically. However, she did have a slight fear that this might affect their friendship and she wasn't sure if it was worth the risk.

"What if things change between us, Ryan?"

He gently kissed her lips. "We've already survived a major change. When I met you, I didn't feel for you what I feel now. You know you're my best friend, but I love the hell out of you, Kylie. I honestly feel like you're the only person I have. You're there for a nigga no matter what and your presence alone has made my twentieth birthday the best one I've had all my life."

"You really love me?"

"I would never say it to you if I didn't mean it. And if you feel like I'm telling you this just to put my mouth on you, then I won't touch you. This is real talk, Ky."

Kylie could've cried, but she was going to try and chug her tears. She didn't feel as if he was telling her lies just to ease his way between her legs. Ryan had always been a thorough type of guy and she trusted him. "I love you too, Ryan."

"I know you do. I can tell by the way you treat me."

The tears Kylie tried to hide immediately came streaming down her face.

"Stop crying with your soft ass," Ryan taunted. "I never wanna make you cry, man."

"They're the good kind of tears," she replied with a laugh. She then caressed the side of his face and they began kissing. Kylie imagined kissing him on so many occasions and it was everything she thought it would be. He was tough at heart, but always so gentle with her. "Ryan," she whispered between kisses.

"What's good, Ky?"

"I want you to."

"You sure?"

She nodded and laid flat on her back. She was extremely nervous, but she knew Ryan would take his time with her. And that's exactly what he did. He crawled between her legs and kissed her once more, trailing down to her neck. He could sense that she was a little on edge, so he decided to leave her shirt on, to keep her a bit in her comfort zone. He noticed her breathing start to increase the moment he began unzipping her pants.

"Try to relax," he advised. "This is gon' feel real good. I promise you."

Kylie nodded and tried to relax as told. Goosebumps covered her entire body as Ryan pulled down her jeans, then her panties. He gently spread her legs and softly pressed his lips against each of her thighs. Kylie was grateful that she had gotten a fresh wax just last week. As his mouth got closer to her most prized possession, her heart started beating through the roof.

"You gotta pretty lil' pussy, Ky."

She didn't know what to say to that, so instead of responding with words, she just gave him a sly smile. But that smile quickly disappeared and her eyes closed as soon as Ryan's tongue slid down her center. She bit her bottom lip as an unexpected moan escaped her mouth. There was no way oral pleasure was supposed to feel this good. Kylie silently cursed to herself for denying this feeling for so long.

It felt amazing and Ryan definitely knew what he was doing. She felt like he was making love to her pussy with only his tongue and by the way her clitoris was swelling, her body was certainly enjoying it.

"Ryan," she whimpered. "It feels so good."

"You taste good," was his response before he went right back to feasting on her.

Kylie's legs quivered when he flickered the tip of his tongue over her clit. The sensation was driving her absolutely insane.

"Don't run from it," Ryan told her, pulling her back down to his mouth.

"I can't take ittt," Kylie moaned, feeling a sudden rush inside her body that she'd never felt before. She wanted to continue screaming, but something had snatched her voice. Her eyes rolled to the back of her head, briefly clouding her vision.

"Mmm," Ryan continued to eat her. "A nigga don't wanna stop."

He stuck his tongue into her opening while gently squeezing her clit with his thumb and index finger. Out of reflex, Kylie's back arched and the quivering motion from her legs intensified. Ryan already knew what was up. He removed his tongue from her hole and sucked on her clit until she released her sweet cream.

"Oh my goodness!" she panted, her thighs still shaking.

"How did that feel, Ky?"

Through deep, heavy breaths, Kylie replied, "Way too good. You can't do that to me again! I'll go crazy!"

Ryan nodded and wiped his mouth. "A'ight, your word is bond. I won't do it again."

"Ryan, shut the hell up! You know I want that again. I need that again. I must have that again."

"I thought you might change your mind," he laughed. "Good thing you did, because you taste too good for me not to put my mouth on you again."

Kylie smiled, still trying to catch her breath.

"Thank you for spending my birthday with me, Kylie. I can't tell you what it means to me. I really thought I was gon' be alone tonight."

She sat up straight and leaned in to kiss his cheek. "There's no other place I'd rather be."
Chapter Three

Karina stepped back from the stove and took a deep breath. For hours she thought over this decision, but now that it was time to put her plan in motion, she couldn't do it. As frustrated as she was, she couldn't force herself to poison her husband. Although she felt like he deserved it, living with the guilt of his murder was something she wasn't ready to deal with. She still loved him and she hated herself for it.

She didn't wanna have any type of emotional connection toward Ivan anymore. She wanted to rip the lying bastard's heart right out of his chest and stomp on it with the heel of her stiletto. She wanted to watch him bleed to death while he looked into her scornful eyes. She wanted his soul snatched away from him; but yet she found herself struggling to be the one to take it from him.

Fuck love, she thought to herself. Karina despised everything about the four letter word. If only she could go back in time and save her heart for someone else. Maybe...just maybe she wouldn't be in the position that she was currently in.

She and Ivan were together for three years prior to their two year marriage. Karina was honestly in no rush to get married; especially since she was so young when she and Ivan started dating. Ivan was five years older than her and practically begging her to marry him just eight months into their relationship. But she made him wait until she was ready; and now at the age of twenty-seven, Karina wished she would've continued to make him wait.

With a ring on her finger, she felt like her heart was imprisoned. She couldn't just say fuck you and keep it pushing as if she was just his girlfriend. She was his wife now and ending their relationship meant getting a divorce. Karina knew that was something her mother would frown upon. In her mother's eyes, divorce didn't exist. Once you and your husband exchanged vowels, that was it, you're in for life.

But in this case it was either divorce or death. Karina was so disgusted with Ivan that if she didn't go ahead and divorce him, she would soon find the strength to contaminate his dinner. Her mother would just have to understand that not everybody's marriage is fixable. Karina thought that by making Ivan wait to marry her that the privilege of becoming her husband would be more valuable. But unfortunately, she was wrong.

Ivan had gotten comfortable once he finally secured her with his last name. Karina felt like he was just waiting for that particular moment before the real side of him finally revealed itself. She had never physically caught Ivan in the act of cheating, but as a woman, you know good and got damn well when you're being played for a fool. Karina could smell her on his clothes. She could hear her when he would forget to turn the volume down on his phone. She could see her in the smile in his eyes.

The shit was painful. Karina felt like she may have even been able to handle it better had there been multiples. But just knowing that there was one specific woman who had the attention of the man she loved more than she did was devastating.

Karina wanted them both dead. She exhaled deeply and turned off the stove before making her exit from the kitchen. Her home was dead silent aside from her heels clicking against the marble floors.

She walked down the hall and up the steps with a mind full of baffled emotions. How in the hell had Ivan grasped this type of anger from her? Never in life had she possibly came so close to taking someone's life.

And how in the hell could the thought feel so satisfying? Karina knew at this point that she had let herself down. She was allowing him to turn her into a person that she wasn't familiar with. That was the worst kind of love and it was pure misery. It had to end.

She rushed into the bathroom and took a long hot shower. Afterwards, she got out and took her time on her hair and makeup. Karina refused to sit in the house and dwell on her fucked up situation. She went to work on her face, creating a flawless beat, topping it off with a red lip. She had natural curly hair that she wore out often, but tonight she chose to wear one of her favorite wigs.

The wig was violet red and about twenty-two inches long and the tone complimented her brown skin quite well. Karina straightened it to perfection and parted it down the middle. As she was about to remove her towel and began getting dressed, her cellphone began ringing. She grabbed it from her vanity and saw that it was Dana calling.

"Hey?" she answered.

"Hey, Karina. What are you doing?"

Karina laughed before admitting what she had actually been doing before she started her hair and makeup. "I almost poisoned Ivan."

"What?"

"I said almost, Dana. Relax."

"I thought we agreed that you weren't gonna kill him? You haven't planned this, Karina. What will you do with his body? Do you have an alibi? What are you gonna tell his family? These are things we need to think through clearly before you decide to kill the man."

"Dana!" Karina shouted. "I didn't do it, okay? Chill."

"I'm sorry, I'm just worried you're gonna snap and accidently take his ass out before we have a plan."

Karina balanced the phone between her ear and shoulder while she searched through her closet for something cute to wear. "I just might, but it won't be tonight. What's up though?"

"Well...I um, I'm taking a trip to Jersey next week to see my brother and I was gonna invite you to come with me."

A trip to Jersey sounded nice, but Karina knew Dana well enough to know that there would be some type of strings attached. She could hear it in her voice.

"What's the catch, Dana?"

Dana laughed. "Why can't you just say yes?"

"Because you're full of shit most of the time."

They laughed together knowing that Karina's statement was true. Dana was good for trying to pull one on you, but most of the time it was only because she wanted Karina to have some fun.

"Well," Dana began, "in all honesty, you know that's where Brandon is until the end of the month."

"So?"

"So, you know exactly where I'm going with this! Look, you act like you're so scared to make a move on him every time he's here, so why not go for it while we're out of town?"

Karina's mood changed for just a moment at the thought of Brandon. He wasn't even in her presence, yet he had the ability to calm her down from the frustration that consumed her upon thoughts of her no good husband.

"Karina?"

"Yeah...I'm here," Karina finally answered. "I don't know about this. I didn't plan on seeing him again until he made his return as the CEO of Vapor Enterprises. And hell, how do you even know he wants to see me?"

"If you don't stop playing with me and bring your ass."

"I can't, Dana. I'm married."

"I'm about to hang up on you! So fucking what? You were just about to kill your so called husband or did you forget that fast? Maybe a mini vacation is what you need in order to relieve some stress from your situation with Ivan. Just give it some thought before you say no."

"Dana, I..." Her voice trailed off as she heard movement from downstairs. She immediately rushed toward the window and pulled the curtain back. "I gotta go," she told Dana after spotting Ivan's truck in the driveway. She was startled because she didn't even hear him come in. She hung up the phone and secured the towel around her body before leaving the room.

As she made her way down the steps, she stopped halfway and damn near pissed on herself. It had just dawned on Karina that the rat poison she was planning on putting in Ivan's dinner was still sitting next to the stove.

Fuck, she thought as she began walking slowly backward up the steps. But unfortunately she wasn't moving fast enough because Ivan caught her just as she reached the top step.

"What are you doing?" he questioned.

Karina knew she looked guilty. She felt guilty. "I...I was about to come speak to you, but I wanted to get dressed first."

"Where are you going?"

"Out."

"Out where, Karina?"

By this time Karina was positive that Ivan hadn't found the rat poison or they would've been at war. "Where did you go when you walked out of here with three bags yesterday? Don't start questioning me like you actually give a fuck, Ivan! You don't care, so cut the bullshit!"

"Fuck you mean? My wife looking like she trying to get somebody's attention and I actually do give a fuck."

Karina rolled her eyes and walked off. She could hear Ivan coming up the steps after her. The sound of him calling her name was beyond annoying and caused her to slam their bedroom door shut. Seconds later Ivan shoved it back open.

"Karina!"

"What, Ivan?"

"Don't walk away from me while I'm talking to you!"

Karina snatched a black halter dress from out of her closet. It wasn't what she had planned on wearing, but she just needed something quick to slip on. She walked to her dresser and retrieved a strapless bra and the matching underwear.

"So you gon' act like I'm not standing right here?" Ivan questioned.

Karina ignored him and removed the towel from her body. She began getting dressed as if he was invisible. The room was silent and she couldn't help but wonder what was going through his mind as he watched her slip into the sexy dress.

When she was finished, she put on her heels and sprayed on a smidge of her favorite perfume. She then tried to exit their bedroom, but Ivan grabbed her arm before she could leave.

"Karina."

"What, Ivan?"

"I'm asking you respectfully to tell me where you are going. As your husband, I have the right to know."

Karina took a moment to look into his deceitful eyes. These were the eyes that she once loved to look into every night before she fell asleep. Now looking into them disgusted her. They were full of lies. "Have a shitty night, Ivan. I'll see you when I get back if you're still here."

She jerked her arm away from him and left the room. She made her way down the steps and immediately headed into the kitchen. A huge lump formed in her throat when she noticed that the rat poison was gone.

She looked behind her out of reflex and was relieved to find that Ivan wasn't there; but where the fuck was the poison? Karina knew that if he found it, he would've said something to her. She looked around the stove before checking the rest of the kitchen just to make sure she wasn't losing her mind. Unfortunately, she came up short.

The moment she heard Ivan coming down the steps, she rushed out of the kitchen and sped to the front door. She got in her car and locked the doors before starting the engine.

When she looked back at the house, she saw no sign of Ivan coming outside, but that didn't stop her from putting her car in reverse and backing out of the driveway. Karina got the hell out of there before her nerves caused her to have a panic attack.

***

Karina knocked on Dana's door and waited patiently for her to answer. Moments later, Dana opened the door with a perplexed look on her face. With no questions asked, she stepped aside so that Karina could come inside.

Karina exhaled once she was in Dana's condo. Dana was dating a heavy drug dealer by the name of Nipsey. Karina was positive that Nipsey had weapons all over Dana's condo if push came to shove. The women headed to the living room and Karina immediately came out of her heels.

She was no stranger to Dana's place. Whenever she came over, she always made herself at home. She pulled out her cellphone and sent Kylie a text, telling her to stay with Ryan until further notice. She couldn't have her little sister in the house alone, knowing Ryan might be aware of her foul play.

"You didn't kill him did you?" Dana asked.

Karina sat on Dana's couch and leaned her head back. "No, but the nigga might kill me. Dana, I sat the rat poison next to the stove before I went to go get dressed. Ivan came home unexpectedly and we started arguing about where I was going. When I went back downstairs, the shit was gone."

"What?" Dana panicked.

"I know," Karina stressed, running her manicured nails through her long violet tresses. "But he never said anything about it, so I can't make myself believe that he saw it. You know how Ivan is. He would've raised hell."

"Well, where in the fuck is it?"

"I don't know, Dana!"

"Oh my God," Dana mumbled and left the room.

Karina didn't call after her because she knew her best friend like the back of her hand. Five minutes later, Dana had returned with two wine glasses and a bottle of their favorite wine called, Mistico. Dana filled up both their glasses and they began to sip in silence. Karina was trying to figure out what her next move was going to be.

She needed to figure out if Ivan was aware of her plot to kill him. If so, her life was in danger. There was no way he was going to let her get way with almost poising him; even if she did make the wise decision to leave his food alone. The damage had already been done the moment she brought the poison into their home.

"Now you really gotta kill him," Dana spoke unexpectedly.

Karina shook her head. "I need to know if he took the poison first."

"Karina, what the hell else could've happened to it? Do you suppose a rat found it and ran off with it? I mean, correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought those nasty lil' bastards didn't want nothing to do with the shit."

"Shut up, Dana." Karina sat her glass down and looked at her phone again. She had no missed calls or text from Ivan. Just a text from Kylie asking if everything was okay. Karina responded and told her she would explain later, but not to worry.

"Should I tell Nip to shoot him?"

"Dana!"

"What? We have to do something!"

Karina sighed and turned her phone off. "Just give me a minute to think okay? I need to crash in your guest room."

"Of course. Where is Kylie?"

"She's staying with Ryan for the weekend."

Dana nodded and eyed Karina's sexy wardrobe. "If you don't mind me asking, where were you going?"

"Nowhere special. I just wanted to get out of the house because I was tired of sitting around while Ivan did his little side business."

"He was out fucking with that mystery bitch?"

"I can only assume."

"Are you okay?"

"I just need time to think about this," Karina told her as she stood up and grabbed the wine bottle from off the table. "Is Nipsey coming over tonight?"

"My man comes here every night."

"Good. In the meantime, make sure all your doors and windows are locked." She walked past her and entered her kitchen. After grabbing a butcher knife out of the seven slot storage block, she headed to Dana's guest room and locked the door.

She didn't mean to shut her friend out, but she needed to think clearly right now. This shit was no joke and Ivan was nothing to play with. If he was out to get her, Karina needed to have eyes in the back of her head.

She silently cursed to herself for being so stupid and leaving the poison out to begin with. After an additional glass of wine, she decided that she had enough. She turned off the lamp and laid in the dark while allowing her thoughts to take over until she fell into a deep sleep.

***

Karina woke up to the sound of someone knocking on the door. When she opened her tired eyes, she remembered that she had crashed in Dana's guest room the night before. Dana must've gotten tired of knocking because she eventually walked in. Karina sat up and struggled to gain clear vision.

"Thank you for getting foundation all over my sheets," Dana pointed out as she grabbed one of Karina's lashes from off of the satin pillow cases.

When Karina's vision was finally clear, the first thing she reached for was her phone which was still on the night stand. She turned it on and waited a few minutes to see if any notifications came in from Ivan.

Nothing.

"Girl, fuck him. After a good night sleep, I'm not sweating that man."

Karina looked at Dana like she had lost her mind. "A good night sleep does not change the fact that my life may be in danger. Do you think Nip can ride with us back to my house just in case Ivan is there? I need to grab some things."

"Yeah, he won't care. You know Nipsey loves drama," Dana laughed. "But then what? Are you and Kylie just gonna stay away from your house forever?"

"I don't know what the hell I'm gonna do." Karina got out of the bed and entered the bathroom that was inside of the guestroom. After relieving her bladder, she washed her hands, then thoroughly washed her face. She usually never slept in makeup, but she was so drained that she accidentally fell asleep. She grabbed a towel from the cabinet under the sink and dried her face before exiting the bathroom.

Dana was no longer in the guest room, so Karina walked out and mingled around the condo until she found her. She heard laughter coming from the kitchen, so she headed in that direction and found Dana and Nipsey hugged up against the counter. She cleared her throat to announce her presence and the couple immediately looked in her direction.

"What's good, Karina? Heard you need a lil' security?" Nipsey quipped.

"Yeah." She pushed a piece of hair behind her ear and crossed her arms. "I mean, if you don't mind."

Nipsey lifted his shirt to display the two desert eagles he had securely tucked. "No problem at all. I'm ready whenever y'all are."

"Nipsey," Dana complained and pulled his shirt down. She rolled her eyes and looked at Karina. "Come on, girl. Let's get this over with."

Karina searched for her heels before they made their exit from the condo. Dana suggested that she ride with her and Nipsey, but Karina chose to drive her own car. She didn't know if she was coming right back to Dana's condo or not, so just to be on the safe side, she pushed her own wheels.

She was paranoid as hell about receiving a call or a text from Ivan, so she checked her phone at every red light. However, Ivan never reached out to her. Fifteen minutes later, Karina was pulling onto her street.

She grew nervous as she cruised down her block, but she relaxed a bit when she noticed that Ivan's truck was gone. She pulled into the driveway and Nipsey pulled in behind her.

"He's probably at that bitch's house," Dana assumed as she shut Nipsey's door.

Karina ignored her and headed to her front door. She unlocked it and stepped inside the house with caution. Nothing seemed out of place. She motioned for Dana and Nipsey to follow her into the kitchen. Even though she checked it the night before, she still had the urge to look again.

"Karina, it's gone," Dana told her. "It's no sense in you trying to search for something that's not there, honey."

Karina knew Dana was right. She stopped looking around the kitchen and grabbed her temples. "I'm gonna go upstairs and pack up some things real quick. Can you guys just give me a minute?"

"Of course," Dana nodded. "Nip, give her a gun."

Nipsey lifted his shirt and handed her one of his burners.

"Thanks," Karina said with a half-smile and headed down the hall. As she climbed the steps, her argument with Ivan began to replay in her mind. She honestly did wonder if he was with his mistress right now. When she walked into their bedroom, she quickly began to pack up her things.

Twenty minutes later, she had everything she needed. Before heading back down stairs, she packed a few of Kylie's personal items, along with more clothes for her. She didn't know how long they would be away from the house, so better safe than sorry.

She planned on taking the clothes to Ryan's place as soon as she got a chance. When she finished packing, she headed back downstairs, struggling to carry all the bags.

"I'm gonna stay at a hotel for a few days," she told Dana as she re-entered the kitchen.

"Bullshit," Dana disagreed. "You can stay with me."

"No. I need time alone to clear my head. Nipsey, you mind if I hold on to this?" she asked, referring to the gun he had given her earlier.

"It's yours," he assured her. "Just make sure you pop that nigga if you have to."

"Will do," Karina nodded and they all headed toward the front door. "I'll call you later, Dana. Thanks for riding by the house with me."

"Of course. Be safe, honey."
Chapter Four

Kylie and Ryan strolled through Walmart grabbing a few items for his apartment. It was Sunday afternoon, and they planned on spending the entire day together.

"Don't let me forget to grab some dog food to drop off at my mom's," Ryan said.

"I won't." Kylie turned into the cosmetic aisle to grab a few items. "There is something I need to ask you, Ryan."

"Go ahead."

"My sister is going through something with her husband right now and she wants us to stay away from the house for a while. You think I can..."

"Ky, don't ask me no dumb shit like that. You know my home is your home."

Kylie smiled and leaned over the cart to kiss his cheek. Even though his words were harsh, she appreciated that he was willing to open his home up to her. "Thank you."

"Of course. What's going on with your sister? Is she safe?"

"Yeah, she's at a hotel. She's gonna bring some more of my stuff over later. She's just not in the best place with Ivan right now and we don't need any static with him, so it's best to just keep our distance."

"Do I need to step in?"

Kylie laughed. "Chill out, gangster. We're fine for now."

"You're laughing, but I'm serious. I'll body a nigga for you."

"Well, I appreciate that, but it's not necessary in this case."

"Yeah, okay."

The two of them finished up their shopping and then headed to Ryan's mom's house to drop off the dog food. When they pulled up, Kylie could instantly sense Ryan's mood change. She hated that his family brought out such negative emotions in him. She'd always been a family person, so she wasn't familiar with the vibe he experienced growing up.

Before they got out the car, she reached over and touched his hand. "You okay?"

"I hate coming here," he admitted.

"I know you do. Try not to let it upset you so much. We're gonna have a good day today, okay?"

"Yeah, I hope. You coming in?"

"Yeah, I'll come speak."

They got out the car and Ryan grabbed the dog food from the back seat. They then headed to the front door. Ryan still had a key, so he sat the dog food down and unlocked the door. He let Kylie walk inside first, then followed behind her.

"Aye, Ma!" he shouted.

Moments later his mother, Marsha, entered the living room. She looked filthy as always. Her hair was all over the place. She simply looked like she didn't give a fuck about herself and that's one of the things Ryan couldn't stand the most about her. It was one thing that she didn't care about anyone around her, so the least she could do was care for herself.

"You need to have these dogs out of my house within the next two days or I'm taking their asses to get put to sleep."

"Yo', chill," Ryan stressed with aggravation. "Just give me 'bout a week to figure something out."

Marsha shook her head. "A week? You must've lost your mind. I ain't watching those mutts for no more than two days, Ryan! You wanna run out of here knowing I need you to pay the damn rent and you expect me to play babysitter for you?"

"That's the only reason you want me here is to pay your bills why you blow your social security check on crack!"

"Ryan!" Kylie exclaimed.

"Fuck her," Ryan fumed, stepping past Marsha.

He headed to the back door and stepped outside to feed his dogs. Both of his pit bulls immediately ran his way the minute he stepped inside the gate. Ryan loved his dogs as if they were actual humans. On those lonely nights when he didn't have Kylie, he always had his dogs to turn to. After showing them much love, he filled their bowls with a healthy amount of food and also gave them some fresh water.

He was going to do his best to have them out of his mother's place within two days; hell, one day if he could. He locked the gate up and headed back inside to find Kylie awkwardly standing in the living room while Marsha stood in the kitchen smoking a cigarette.

"Let's go," he said to Kylie.

"Hold on," Marsha stopped them before they could get out the door.

Ryan looked at his mother in disgust. "I'll have 'em out of here in two days, a'ight? Damn."

"You better," Marsha threatened. "But that's not what I was about to say to you. Have you talked to Ashley?"

A thick silence filled the space between them as Ryan attempted to slap the shit out of his mother using only his eyes. She knew better than to be asking him this question in front of Kylie.

"Come on," he said, grabbing Kylie's hand.

"You can ignore me all you want, but you can't continue to dodge Ashley!" Marsha shouted as they left the house.

"Who is Ashley?" Kylie asked as soon as they got in the car.

"Nobody important."

"Are you sure?"

"I'm positive, Kylie," Ryan stated with finality.

"Why are you snapping at me? I'm just asking a question."

Ryan took a deep breath and looked in Kylie's direction. "I'm not trying to snap at you, Ky. I'm just frustrated, a'ight? I'm sorry."

"Let's just get out of here. I hate how you start acting whenever you come here."

Ryan clenched his jaw and started the car. Kylie wasn't the only one who hated how he acted whenever he visited his old home; but he couldn't help the emotions that overpowered him every time he pulled up. He was constantly flooded with memories of the horrid nights he faced and it altered his energy. He only hoped that one day this place wouldn't have such a huge effect on him.

***

Kylie had her headphones in her ear, vibing to 'Gone' by H.E.R. She was in Ryan's kitchen cooking some dinner for them. Ryan was currently in the shower and Kylie hoped he was taking the time to clear his mind. When they got back from his mother's house, he smoked two blunts and hadn't said much to her.

Kylie hated the silence between them, but she didn't wanna pressure him to talk. She knew his mind was wrapped up in the thoughts of his mother and the dilemma with his dogs. She wished she could offer him a solution, but she didn't have any place to offer his pets either.

When the doorbell rang, she turned the stove on low and went to answer it. Karina was supposed to stop by, so Kylie was already aware of who it was. "Hey sis," she smiled, opening the door.

Karina stepped in carrying two duffel bags for Kylie. "Hey. Smell's good in here."

"I'm cooking for me and Ryan."

"Oh, is that right?" Karina grinned, looking around the apartment. "This is nice. I'm really proud of Ryan. Where is he?"

"He's in the shower. We went over his mom's today to drop off some dog food and you know how he gets."

"Yeah. At least he has his own space now."

"Thank goodness," Kylie stressed, grabbing the bags from Karina. "Even though he's in a shitty mood right now, I can tell he's so much happier living here."

"I know he is. So, what's going on between you two? Why do I get the feeling that the friendship line has been crossed?"

Kylie tried to hide her grin but she knew Karina could read her from miles away. It was no sense in hiding it because she would eventually just break down and tell her in the long run. "You know I love him, Karina."

"Of course I know that. But how serious have you guys actually gotten?"

Kylie peeked around the corner to look at the bathroom door. It was still shut and she heard the shower still running.

"Oh my God," Karina panicked with wide eyes. "Kylie, did you give him some of your little coochie?"

"Kind of," Kylie admitted, laughing a little.

"What the hell do you mean kind of?"

"I mean, he umm...he tasted the goodies, but he didn't enter the candy shop. Does that make sense?"

"You're such a cornball," Karina cackled. "He ate the box? Lord, what is this world coming to? I'm not ready for this!"

"You act like I'm five."

"I don't care how old you are. You'll always be my little sister and shit like this stresses me out!"

Kylie continued laughing. "Well, you asked. But aside from that, I really wanna see where things can go with us. You know how much I care about him."

Karina nodded. "I'm glad you're happy. Just don't move too fast, okay?"

"I won't," Kylie promised. "Have you heard from Ivan?"

"Not yet. Eventually I'm gonna have to talk to him though. I can't just stay low-key forever."

"Well, if you're up to it, maybe we can do dinner after my last class tomorrow. I'll call you and see how you're feeling."

"Sounds like a plan. I'm about to get out of here though. I'm tired as hell."

"Okay." Kylie hugged her and walked her to the door. "I love you."

"Love you too. Don't forget to call me tomorrow."

"I won't."

After locking the door, Kylie headed back to the kitchen to turn off the stove. She heard the bathroom door open and soon after, Ryan was walking around the corner with a towel around his waist.

"Hey," she smiled at him. "How are you feeling?"

"Hell of a lot better."

"Good. I made us some food."

Ryan walked up to Kylie, stepping into her personal space. Her back was against the counter as he began kissing her. She wrapped her arms around his neck and closed her eyes, inhaling the smell of his lotion.

"My fault for tripping on you earlier," Ryan said. "You know how I get when I go over there, Ky."

"I know. I just wish you didn't get so upset every time."

"Let me make it up to you." He stuck his hand between her legs and began rubbing her pussy through her leggings. "Want my mouth back on it?"

Kylie nervously grinned. "Ryan..."

"Don't be scared to tell me. We always talk about everything, so let's not change shit. Now answer my question."

"Yes," she admitted.

"Yes, what?"

"Ryan," Kylie whined once more.

"Tell me you want me to eat your pussy, Kylie. I wanna know that you want it."

Kylie continued to be stubborn, but when Ryan proceeded to rub her pussy, her urge to feel him grew heavy. He started kissing her neck and that sat her on fire.

"Ryan, baby I want you to eat my pussy..."

"And you know I wanna eat it." He picked her up without notice and threw her over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes. He then carried her to his room and laid her on his bed. Within minutes he had her leggings and panties on the floor. "You're so thick, Ky. I can't lie to you. My dick down here hard as fuck."

"Show it to me."

"There you go. Tell me what you want," Ryan smirked before dropping his towel.

Kylie's eyes widened at the size of his large dick. She wasn't sure that she would ever be able to handle that.

"Don't worry," Ryan told her. "I'm not gon' give it to you until I know you're ready. Until then, I'ma keep on eating you like the snack you are."

Kylie smiled coyly and prepared to be devoured by Ryan's powerful mouth. She knew eventually this feeling would become something she was going to be addicted to and that was going to be a problem.

***

Karina got out of the shower and wrapped a towel around her body. She left the bathroom and went to sit on her bed while she applied her body butter. The hotel she was staying in had a nice balcony view of the city, so after getting dressed, she stepped outside and got some fresh air.

The seventy-five degree weather provided a decent breeze. Karina was just about to get lost in her thoughts, when suddenly her phone began ringing. She looked at the caller ID and her heart started beating rapidly. Ivan was finally calling.

"Hello?" she answered nervously.

"Well, it's nice to hear my wife's voice. How are you, Karina?"

"Ivan, don't call me playing games. What do you want?"

"I want to know why you tried to kill me. Is our marriage so toxic that you would rather me stop breathing than just walk away peacefully?"

Karina didn't trust anything about Ivan anymore. For all she knew, he could've been recording her. "I don't know what you're talking about, Ivan."

"The lies you tell, sweetheart. But it's cool. I just want you to know that there are no hard feelings this way. If I've hurt you to the point of where you're trying to put shit in my food, then I must've cut too deep. I never wanted to hurt you, Karina. You were a great wife and I hate that this is how we're ending our relationship."

"Fuck you!" Karina spat. "You don't care, you lying ass bastard! You just want to be free to fuck that little hoe of yours! Well, you know what, Ivan? You go right ahead! I'm filing for divorce and I'm serious this time! You don't deserve me!"

"Maybe I don't," Ivan agreed. "But I do deserve to live. And so do you. That's why I'm gon' let you get away with this with no retaliation. But in exchange for that, I want the house, Karina."

"Have you lost your mind?!" Karina yelled into the phone. "You seriously think I'm just gonna hand you the house so you can move in your mistress?"

"You don't know what I'm going to do. All I know is that if you don't agree, court will be hell for you. I'll make sure of it."

"You've already made my life hell. A courtroom threat does not scare me. I'm not giving you a damn thing and I want you to try and fight me. You'll lose, Ivan, just like you lost my love for you. Now fuck off!"

Karina disconnected the call and instantly burst into tears. She really hated her husband and right now she was wishing she actually poisoned the food and he ate it. Ivan was definitely not the man she married and the stranger he'd become truly disgusted her.

Karina wiped her wet face and pulled herself together. She went back inside her hotel and grabbed her laptop. After sending her assistant an email to clear out her schedule for the next three days, she grabbed her phone to send Dana a text.

Karina: Hey...U still want me to go to Jersey with you?

Dana: Umm...hell yeah! So, are you coming?

Karina: Yeah...I'm coming

Dana: Yass!!

Karina smiled but never replied to the text message. Instead, she ordered some room service and got lost in a good book for the remainder of the night.
Chapter Five

"I can't believe I let you talk me into this," Karina said as she sat her bags down.

She and Dana had just touched down to Jersey and were settling in their hotel suite.

"Well," Dana began, "you're really gonna kill me when I tell you the true reason we're here."

Karina sat on her bed and crossed her arms. "Dana, how are you already on some bullshit?"

Dana burst into a fit of laughter. "I knew you would be pissed. Girl, just listen. I've been talking to this fine ass nigga named Carter. He actually works for Vapor Enterprises out here at the Jersey location."

"What? You're cheating on Nipsey?"

"Girl, I'm just creating a backup plan in case I catch Nipsey fucking with his baby mama again."

"You're crazy," Karina shook her head. "Nip is a straight thug. He'll body your ass if he finds out."

"That's why he's not gonna find out. Carter and I are very discreet about our business. In fact, you are the only person I've told, so you better keep it quiet heffa."

"You know I'm not gonna say anything. I'm just pissed that you lied about coming to visit your brother."

"I'm still gonna visit my bro, but we're gonna go have a drink with Carter and Brandon first."

"Hold up," Karina stated, putting her hand up. "Don't tell me you have some double date planned."

"Girl, no," Dana laughed. "But Carter and Brandon are friends and I happen to know where they'll be tonight."

"You're a sneaky bitch," Karina rolled her eyes.

"Thank me later," Dana spat back.

Karina got up and began going through her bags to find something nice to wear. In the mood to turn necks, she decided on a black waist cut off shoulder bodycon dress. She and Dana had separate rooms in their suite, so they went to shower and get ready.

When Karina was fresh out, she rubbed her body down in body cream and started on her makeup. She was a beast when it came to beating her face and tonight was no different. She created a sexy soft date night look with a red lip. She styled her hair into a sleek high-bun, laying her natural baby hairs to perfection.

After leaving the bathroom, she searched for her YSL red bottoms. Karina was definitely playing no games tonight. She was tired of Ivan living a carefree life while she sat around miserable. Since it was set in stone that they would soon be getting divorced, she was about to start living life like a single woman.

***

Karina and Dana walked inside Harvey's which was a popular bar in downtown Jersey. The atmosphere was laid back and Karina was happy about that. Although she loved to have a good time, she didn't like bars that got too wild.

She looked at Dana and noticed her grinning from ear to ear. "Girl, what the hell are you cheesing about?"

"Carter is looking so sexy," Dana lusted. "Look toward the back. That's him in the grey shirt."

Karina let her eyes find Carter and had to admit that he was definitely fine. He was brown-skin, with a neatly trimmed goatee, a low cut fade, and dark brown eyes. Certainly an attractive guy, but the real eye candy was sitting next to him.

Karina slightly bit her bottom lip as she observed Brandon Vapor. His appearance was much different from what she was used to seeing. Instead of the usual suit and tie, he was dressed in all-black, from his V-neck to his jeans with a gold chain around his neck.

He was laughing and his smile sent chills down Karina's spine. She always thought he was exceptionally fine; but seeing his style outside of Vapor Enterprises had her even more intrigued. He was definitely looking like somebody's daddy as the thug in him seeped through.

"Don't cum on yourself," Dana teased, snatching Karina from her thoughts.

"Shut up," Karina laughed. "I've never seen him like this."

"He does look hella' good, but Carter has my attention. You wanna go over there or should we let them find us?"

"You didn't invite me to Jersey to play around. Let's go," Karina demanded as she headed in Brandon's direction.

Dana smiled on the inside. She was loving the fact that another man had Karina's attention aside from Ivan. She followed behind her as they made their way toward the men.

"Karina?" Brandon stated the moment she became visible.

"Hey," Karina smiled and watched his eyes take in her wardrobe. She hoped he was liking what he saw because she was damn sure loving everything about him. Now that they were just inches apart, she was able to smell his cologne which enticed her. She wanted to play in his beard while he rubbed on her ass.

"Karina."

"I'm sorry," Karina said, pulling herself from her wild thoughts. "What did you say?"

Brandon laughed. "I said you look nice."

"Thank you. You're looking quite handsome yourself."

"I appreciate that. What are you doing in Jersey?"

"I came with Da..." Karina turned around and was surprised to find that Dana had disappeared with Carter. "Anyway, I came with Dana but I see she and Carter had plans that couldn't wait."

"Yeah, I guess not. Have a seat."

Karina sat on the stool that Carter once sat on.

"What do you want to drink?" Brandon asked.

"Can you recommend something?"

"I can recommend a few things. But it really just depends on how you're trying to feel."

The look in his eyes was flirtatious as hell, but Karina was never sure of how Brandon truly felt. The lust was thick, but he never made any actual moves on her. "Brandon, can I ask you something?"

"Anything."

"Have you ever thought about...I mean has it ever crossed your mind..."

"Yes, Karina," he answered, even though she seemed to be struggling with her question. "Thought about it several times."

"So, why haven't you ever said anything?"

"Because I'm used to you having a ring on your finger."

Karina looked at her naked hand. She hadn't been wearing her wedding ring for the past two months and Ivan never even noticed. Funny how Brandon did and he wasn't even her husband.

"Well, you're not gonna see that ring anymore. That situation is over with."

Brandon nodded. "Good to know. Now tell me how you wanna feel so I can buy you a drink."

"I just wanna feel vibrant and free. I'm leaving a situation that made me depressed and starting over with a huge opportunity thanks to you."

Brandon was happy to learn that she was going to accept his offer as the new Vice President of Vapor Enterprises. "I got you," he said as he called the bartender over and ordered her a drink.

Minutes later the bartender returned and Karina started sipping. "Is this inappropriate? I feel like I shouldn't be out having a drink with the new CEO of my job."

"We keep it professional in the environment of Vapor Enterprises, but outside of the job is our personal life. Don't forget that."

Karina grinned and took another sip of her drink. It was a weight lift off of her shoulders knowing that he felt that way. Now she didn't feel so guilty about lusting over someone she worked with.

"So, how is your love life if you don't mind me asking?" she quipped.

"I'm not in love with anyone."

"Are you dating?"

"Nah."

"Brandon, you're really gonna sit up here and try to convince me that you're just free as hell?"

"Why is that hard to believe?"

Karina sat her drink down. "You seem like the perfect bachelor to be honest. I can't believe women aren't all over you."

Brandon ran his hand over his mouth before revealing, "I fuck a few women here and there, but I'm not committed to anyone."

Karina's eyes grew wide at his honesty. "Oh...so, that's how you rock?"

"I'm not gon' lie to you."

"So, when I asked you if I've ever crossed your mind, is that what you meant by several times?"

Brandon laughed. "My thoughts of you go beyond that."

"But you have thought about it?"

"You come in here with that revealing ass dress on and expect me not to imagine having you bent over? Come on now, Karina."

She blushed while trying to ignore the strong tingling sensation between her legs.

"My turn to ask a question," Brandon stated. "And tell me the truth."

"Okay..."

"Did you know I was gon' be here tonight?"

"Yes," Karina admitted. "Dana said you were friends with Carter and she knew where you guys would be tonight."

"So, you wore that dress for me, right?"

She grinned, something serious. She couldn't deny the fact that she added a little spiciness to her wardrobe, knowing that she would be seeing him. But at the same time, she didn't forget about his little confession from earlier. "So, what if I did? Do you plan on adding me to the list of women that you sleep with here and there?"

"Nah."

"And why should I believe that?"

"Because I'm always gon' tell you the truth, even when you don't like it."

Karina picked her glass back up and proceeded to sip. "How do you feel about me, Brandon? Since you're not afraid to tell the truth, I wanna know your exact thoughts."

"I think you're a beautiful black queen with a successful future ahead of you. You deserve to be at the top, Karina, that's why I'm putting you there. I love a woman about her business. The way you carry yourself is attractive as hell to me. Even though you weren't being treated like a queen, you're still wearing the crown."

His words did some shit to Karina that she wasn't expecting. She swallowed the lump in her throat and replied, "Wow...thank you, Brandon."

"It's nothing but the truth," he told her. "And as far as my imagination goes, I've fucked you plenty of times. But I would never add you to a list, Karina. I want more from you than that. A hell of a lot more."

Karina smiled coyly. Brandon was saying everything she wanted to hear and she hoped she wasn't just eating it up because she was broken over her situation with Ivan. The two of them continued conversing throughout the night, getting to know each other better. Karina ended up having a second drink and by the end of her glass, her imagination was in the same place as Brandon's.

***

"I'm hella' tipsy," Dana admitted as she and Karina strolled into the bathroom. "I'm most definitely taking my ass back to Carter's place tonight."

"So, you're not riding back with me?" Karina questioned.

"Girl, you'll be fine. We won't leave until a Lyft shows up for you."

"Don't worry about me." Karina quickly used the restroom and washed her hands. She waited for Dana and then they headed back to the bar.

"It was nice seeing you tonight, Brandon," Karina confessed with a sly smile.

"You're leaving already?"

"Yeah, Dana is leaving with Carter so I'm about to order me a Lyft and go back to our hotel."

"Lyft? Nonsense. I got you."

"It's okay, I can—"

"Karina, I'm not about to let you take a Lyft back to your hotel when I have no problem taking you myself. Besides, it's safer for you to ride with me. You've been drinking and at least you know I'll look out for you."

Karina looked at Dana who was all over Carter. She already knew the two would be at it like animals once they were alone. "I guess I'll see you in the morning, Dana."

Dana gave her thumbs up, followed by a huge smile. "See ya', girl."

Brandon chopped it up with Carter before he and Karina left the bar. He held the door open for her and they headed to the parking lot. Brandon unlocked the doors to his all-black Dodge Durango and they got in

"It smells good in here," Karina complimented.

"Appreciate it." He started the engine and turned on the radio. 'Loft Music' by The Weekend was on. "What hotel are you staying in?"

"The Marriot on Washington Ave."

Brandon pulled out of the parking lot and headed in that direction. On the drive to the hotel, slight drizzle started to pour down.

"I'm gonna sleep good," Karina said as she looked out the window.

"What does the rain do for you?"

"It soothes my soul."

"Go a little bit deeper in explanation."

Karina looked in Brandon's direction as he drove. She couldn't deny that the chocolate man in front of her was tempting her inner bad gal; but she continued to keep her composure. "I like the sound of it. I like how it looks when I'm staring out the window. I like the smell. And I love the thought of being naked in the rain with no worries."

Brandon came to a light and looked in her direction as well. "So, is that what helps you sleep at night? Being naked in the rain with no worries?"

She shrugged her shoulders. "I would be in a secluded area of course, but yes, the thought of it is hella' peaceful."

"How long have you been sleeping alone, Karina?"

She shook her head and put her eyes back out the window. She couldn't count how many nights Ivan had left her to sleep alone. It hurt her to the core in the beginning, but after a while, she started getting used to it. He barely came home and eventually she started to prefer that he didn't. His entire existence disgusted her more and more each day.

"I couldn't tell you exactly. I stopped paying attention."

"You know he's gonna try to win you back right?"

Karina laughed at his question. She knew after everything she and Ivan went through that their relationship was completely dead. "Can I confess something to you?"

Brandon nodded. "Of course."

She turned back to him and said, "You can't let this go beyond us, Brandon."

"Never worry about that with me."

"Okay. I almost killed Ivan."

"Almost?"

"Yeah, like I didn't go through with it. I was about to poison his food, but I stopped myself."

"Damn. You must really hate him."

She nodded. "I gave way too much of myself to him. He pretty much left me for another woman."

Karina felt herself becoming emotional, so she turned her head, not wanting Brandon to see her face. Tears shortly began streaming down her cheeks as she silently dealt with the painful memories of her soon to be ex-husband.

"Don't forget that you're a Queen, Karina," Brandon reminded her. "You sit on the throne. He wasn't your King, sweetheart. Kings protect the heart of the queen."

"I just wish I would've saw that sooner."

"You see it now though. Don't let it break you. Stay royal and protect your own heart until the real King arrives."

"I'll do my best."

"You got this," Brandon spoke with confidence.

The remainder of the ride was a silent one aside from the music on the radio. Karina appreciated Brandon's kind words and she felt in her heart that he was genuine. When they arrived to her hotel, he walked her inside to make sure she got in safe.

Afterwards he left and watching him leave was a struggle for her. She wanted him to stay with her, but she knew they couldn't move that fast. She showered and laid in her bed until sleep got a hold of her.
Chapter Six

Kylie grabbed a cart and began strolling through Target. She was drained from all of her classes today, but she needed to grab a few things before heading back to Ryan's place. As she headed to the cosmetics section, her phone began ringing. She grabbed it from her purse and saw that it was Karina calling.

"Hey sis?" she answered.

"Hey, Ky. What are you up to?"

"Nothing much. Just left my last class and now I'm in Target grabbing some stuff before I head to Ryan's."

"Let me find out you're moving in with him."

"Hush," Kylie laughed. "What are you doing? How's Jersey?"

"I'm just in my room waiting for Dana to finish getting ready. We're about to go have dinner with her brother. I seen Brandon last night though."

Kylie grabbed some mascara and a brow pencil before heading to the next aisle. "Oh, did you? How was that?"

"I actually had a great time. He knows exactly what to say and when to say it."

"This is music to my ears," Kylie spoke excitingly. "You and Brandon were supposed to be together a long time ago."

"Slow down speedy. We're not together. We're just friends and that'll be the case for a while. Unfortunately, I'm still married."

"Stop using that as an excuse. You and Ivan have been separated for months now, paperwork or not."

Karina sighed. "I know. I just want it to be official before I decide to move forward with anyone else. As tempting as Brandon is, I don't wanna jump into anything too fast. I just enjoy his company."

"I guess I can understand that. So, when are you coming back?"

"Tomorrow. I have to get back to work."

"Okay, well I'm giving you a raincheck on the lunch date you left me hanging on."

Karina chuckled. "Don't worry. We can go wherever you want and I'll even pay."

"You were paying in the first place."

"Bye, cheap ass."

Kylie cackled as she hung up the phone and continued shopping. Twenty minutes later, she had everything she needed and headed to the nearest checkout. She got lucky and found an empty lane with no problem. After loading all of her items onto the belt, she searched her purse for her wallet.

"You know my lane is for ten items or less, right?"

Kylie looked up to respond to the cashier, but she immediately stopped her smart alec response. She never expected the cashier to be as fine as he was. He was light skin with a man bun, a neatly lined goatee, and grey eyes. Kylie usually didn't prefer the pretty boy look, but she couldn't deny how handsome he was. She eyed his name tag and it read, Kaleem.

"I'm sorry. I wasn't paying attention," she finally replied.

"Obviously. You're cute though, so I don't mind."

She fought the smile that tried to paint her lips. "Thank you."

"You're welcome. What's your name?"

"Kylie."

"That fits you."

Kylie finally found her wallet and began loading her items into her cart as Kaleem bagged them. "What do you mean it fits me?"

"Kylie's a name for a cute ass nerdy girl."

She couldn't help but laugh. "Why does everybody think I'm a nerd?"

"You just have that nerdy aura. The nerdy girl bun, the big ass bifocals, the sweats and Uggs, and the bookworm tee."

Kylie looked down at her t-shirt which was all-black with white cursive writing that read, Book Worm. "I actually love this t-shirt so you can kiss my ass," she joked.

"Woah, jumping the gun there aren't we?"

"Whatever," she continued laughing as he gave her the total. After completing her purchase, she put the rest of her things in her cart and prepared to leave.

"Do you have a boyfriend, Kylie?" Kaleem boldly asked.

Kylie thought about her situation with Ryan. Although they hadn't made it official, she was still aware of the road they were heading down. With that in mind, she chose to be honest. "Not necessarily, but I am dating someone I really like."

"Lucky guy."

"Thanks," she beamed. "Well, it was nice meeting you, Kaleem. I hope you have a good night."

"I will, even though I gotta' be back here bright and early. It's a'ight though. Early bird gets the worm, right?"

"Yeah, that's right."

"Book worm that is."

"That was hella' corny," Kylie sassed, but was still laughing. "Bye, Kaleem."

While laughing as well, Kaleem replied, "Bye, Ms. Kylie."

Kylie left the store and packed her bags into her car. She vibed to the smooths sounds of Ella Mai as she headed to Ryan's place.

***

Kylie checked the temperature of her bathwater to make sure it was hot enough for her liking. She sat on the edge and patiently waited for it to fill up before turning the water off. She was tired and a nice hot bubble bath was exactly what she needed.

After turning the water off, she began to undress. Her head was throbbing for some reason, so before she got in the tub, she checked the cabinets for pain medication. Unfortunately, there was nothing there, but she knew Ryan had to have something around the apartment.

Sometimes he had really bad back pains, so she knew he kept pain relievers. She left the bathroom and headed into his bedroom, which had basically been both there rooms since she was staying there. She checked his dresser and it was full of nothing but clothes.

As her headache intensified, she headed to his nightstand next. When she opened it, she was relived to find what she had been looking for; or so she thought. There were several bottles of pills with no labels on any of them. They all just contained a different color sticker.

"What you doing, Ky?"

"Shit," Kylie jumped at the sound of Ryan's voice. She immediately dropped the random bottle of pills she had in her hand back into the drawer. "When did you get here? I didn't even here you come in."

"Probably cause' you were focused on other things."

Kylie looked at the open drawer, then back at Ryan. "Ryan, I was just looking for some pain meds. I wasn't snooping in your stuff if that's what you're getting at."

"Nah, I know you would never do that." He walked over to where she was and closed the drawer back himself. He then headed into the kitchen and returned with a glass of water and two Advil's. "Here, I hope these help you."

"Thank you. Where did you get these?"

"Junk drawer in the kitchen. I always keep shit like that in there."

Kylie swallowed the pills and drank the remainder of the water. "My head is killing me."

"Damn. I was gonna take you out to eat, but we can go another day since you're in pain."

"That's sweet, Ryan. Sorry I ruined your plans."

He kissed her forehead. "You didn't ruin anything. Tell me what you want to eat and I'll go pick it up."

"Umm...Olive Garden sounds real good. Shrimp alfredo with extra alfredo sauce please."

"I got you."

"Thanks." She kissed his cheek and headed into the bathroom. When Kylie shut the bathroom door, Ryan went into the kitchen to grab a large size sandwich bag. He then went back to bag up all of the pills she'd seen. Once he had them all, he headed out the door.

***

Ryan parked his car and grabbed the duffle bag and sandwich bag from his back seat. He had just put in Kylie's order and they informed him that it would be ready in twenty minutes. While he waited, he decided to handle something else on his to do list.

He walked up to the apartment door and knocked. Minutes later, the door was opened and he placed his eyes on Ashley who looked extremely irritated. Ashley locked her door once Ryan walked in and they headed to her living room.

"Ryan, where have you been? Me and my brother have been trying to get in touch with you for the past week!"

"My fault, Ash. I had to make a few things shake." He sat the duffle bag he was carrying down next to her couch. "I didn't have all the money, but I have it now."

Ashley crossed her arms and shifted her weight to her right leg. "So, because you came up short, you think it's cool to ignore people?"

"I didn't come up short," he spoke with aggravation. "It just took me a little longer to get it, but now I have it."

"Well, my brother is coming down from Cali in two days. He doesn't appreciate you getting ghost and dodging his phone calls."

"I know. I'll deal with him when he gets here." He tossed the bag of pills on her coffee table. "I need you to hold on to these for me."

Ashley walked toward the table and grabbed the sandwich bag full of pills. "Why would you want me to hold your meds? Is your mom stealing them again?"

"Nah, I'm actually not staying there no more."

"What? Since when?"

Ryan sighed and sat on her couch. He honestly didn't wanna tell Ashley about his new place because he didn't want anyone knowing aside from him and Kylie. He had been through a lot at his mother's place and this apartment was supposed to be his place to escape.

"I just had to get out of there. I got me a lil' low-key spot for now."

"That's dope, Ryan. But if that's the case, why haven't you told me about it? And why in the hell would you need me to hold your meds if you have your own space now?"

"I just wanted to be low 'bout it. Plus I got my best friend staying with me right now."

Ryan could immediately see the irritation coming back to Ashley's face. Although she and Kylie never met, Ashley knew all about her. Ryan was aware that Ashley had feelings for him that streamed deeper than just their friendship, but unfortunately, he couldn't give her the affection she wanted.

His connection with Kylie had always outweighed any other relationship he had in his life. Their bond was just something he never felt and that altered him from giving his heart to anyone else. Ashley was extremely gorgeous and on multiple occasions, he found himself tempted to take their friendship to another level. But he never went through with the temptation.

"So, let me get this straight," Ashley began. "Not only did you get ghost on me, but you also moved without telling me and you're saying you have this Kylie bitch living with you?"

"Watch your mouth."

Ashley angrily threw the bag of pills into his lap. "Why don't you ask her to hold your medicine? She seems to be involved in everything else important in your stanking ass life."

"Ash, don't start that comparing shit. She's staying with me because her sister's husband is on some other shit and it's not safe for her to be home."

"That's some bullshit, Ryan. You are not about to tell me you haven't been playing house with her! I'm so tired of you! I do the most for you and you still find a way to put another woman before me."

Ryan knew part of her statement was correct. Ashley definitely did the most for him and he truly appreciated her for it. Aside from linking him with the connect to her brother so that he could make some real money, she was also looking out for him in another major way.

Ryan didn't have any health insurance and when he was staying with his mother, he needed several medications that he couldn't afford at the time. Ashley just so happened to be a pharmacy tech and on many occasions, she would risk her job to steal the pills he needed.

Once Ryan linked up with her brother and started making a decent amount of money, he paid her weekly to keep him stocked on his medication. Everything seemed to be going fine until Ashley started to catch feelings. Things were much more complicated now that her heart was involved.

"Ky don't know that I'm sick, Ash."

His confession seemed to soften Ashley's approach. She sat next to him on the couch and crossed her legs. "And why doesn't she know?"

"Cause' I'm not ready to tell her. You and my mom are the only people who know. Ky was looking for some pain pills for a headache and she opened my nightstand and saw all my stuff. She didn't question me, but I don't want her finding them again."

Ashley grabbed the bag out of his lap and sat it back on the coffee table.

"I don't want you thinking I don't appreciate you, Ashley," Ryan continued. "You real as hell and you been looking out for me for a while now. Just because we can't link romantically don't mean nothing. I still consider you as somebody I'm hella' close to."

After letting his words sink in, Ashley could admit that maybe she was behaving like a jealous brat. She sighed and asked, "So, are you gonna ever tell her?"

"I don't know."

"Well, how is this gonna work, Ryan? You're gonna come here every time you need your meds?"

"If that's a'ight with you. If not just let me know and I'll figure something else out. No hard feelings."

"You know you can keep them here. I just wish...never mind."

Ryan rested his hand on the top of her thigh. "I know, Ash. Just stay real, a'ight? I'ma always look out for you."

"Do you love her?"

Ryan couldn't allow himself to lie. "Yeah, I do."

"Do you love me?"

He nodded. "You know I do. But you also know it's not the same as it is with Kylie."

"At least you're man enough to keep it real. I guess I can appreciate that."

Ryan stood up and prepared to leave. "Look, I'm 'bout to go pick up Ky's food. Do you want anything? I'll bring you something back."

"No, I'm good. Thanks though. But what I would like for you to do is start answering the damn phone. Don't get ghost on me ever again."

"You have my word. Now give a nigga a hug."

Ashley swallowed her pride and got up to hug him. Afterwards, he was out the door, feeling like a slight weight had been lifted off of his chest. Ashley knew the truth about Kylie; now all he had to do was find a way to explain everything to Kylie. He could only pray that she would understand.

***

Karina and Dana headed back to their hotel suite after enjoying a lovely breakfast bright and early. They had a flight back to Oakland, but it wasn't until later in the day. When they returned to their room, they began packing their things.

"So, you wanna make one last trip before we leave?" Dana quipped as she struggled to close her over stuffed suitcase.

"I don't like your tone. What kind of trip?"

"Shut up," Dana laughed. "Nothing like that boring ass dinner last night with my brother. I was thinking a trip to Vapor Enterprises."

"For what? Haven't you and Carter had enough of each other?"

"Absolutely not. Look, I just wanna give my baby some office coochie before we leave. You coming or nah?"

Karina rolled her eyes. Although she wasn't up for Dana's shenanigans, she had always wanted to visit the Jersey location of Vapor Enterprises. She'd only been to the Oakland location since she'd began working for the company.

"I guess."

"Girl, cut the bullshit ass attitude. You know you wanna see Brandon," Dana teased.

Karina grinned but never replied verbally. She just finished packing her things, then headed to the bathroom to give herself a once over. She wore a light blue ruffle button down blouse, denim jeans, and white heels. Her hair was still in a high bun and her makeup was still wearing beautifully.

After Dana finally finished packing and freshening up, they ordered another Lyft to take them to Vapor Enterprises. When they arrived, Karina felt herself getting extremely nervous for some reason. She was positive it had to do with the fact that Brandon would be there; but she didn't understand why she was so on the edge.

They got out the lift and headed to the entrance. Their badges from the Oakland location allowed them access into the building with no problem. Karina looked around and found that both offices were very similar.

"Carter works on the third floor, so I'm gonna head on up," Dana informed her.

"Okay, just leave me here to find something to do," Karina sassed and walked off. She began exploring the building and politely spoke to anyone who recognized her. As she was heading to the elevator, her phone began vibrating. She retrieved it from her clutch and was surprised to see Ivan calling. "Hello?"

"Where are you?"

"Excuse me, don't call my phone questioning me."

"Why did you change the damn locks? I need some shit from the house!"

Karina smiled on the inside thinking about the satisfaction of seeing Ivan's face once he realized he no longer had access to the house. She had the locks changed right before she came to Jersey.

"You're gonna have to wait until I get back. Call me tomorrow."

"Karina, stop fucking playing with me. You do realize the house belongs to both of us, right?"

"Then find a way to get in your house, Ivan."

"Bitch, you better come down from whatever cloud you think you're sitting on. You're lucky I'm not at your fucking neck for what you tried to do to me. I was trying to be civil with your ass, but if you keep playing with me—"

"Fuck you, Ivan. Lose my number you bastard."

She hung up the phone and put it on do not disturb. The last thing she wanted to do was allow Ivan's negative energy to affect her, but she couldn't hide her irritation after their phone call. She stuffed her phone back in her clutch and searched for the café.

A latte was much needed right now. As she was entering the café, Brandon was walking out with a group of colleagues. Her frown immediately turned into a smile upon seeing his handsome face. He was back in his formal attire, wearing a dark grey Tom Ford suit, with the matching loafers. But even dipped in dressed clothes, Karina could still see the thug in him and it turned her on.

"Karina," Brandon stated and stopped walking. "Wasn't expecting to see you here. How are you?"

"I'm fine. Dana and I had to stop in last minute."

Brandon gave her a sneaky grin, confirming that he knew what Dana was up to. "Well, since you're here, let me introduce you." He looked at the group of colleagues he was with. "Everyone, this is Karina Newsome. She'll be the new Vice President of Vapor Enterprises once I take over the Oakland location."

"Congratulations," a colleague spoke, followed by an applause from the rest of them.

"Thank you," Karina humbly spoke. "It's nice to meet all of you. I'm excited to strengthen our relationship once I take on the new role."

"I've heard a lot about you," a male colleague stated. "Heard your numbers on the VP reports are outstanding. Do you plan on doing anything different as far as your work ethic once you accept the new role?"

Karina began explaining how she would do her best to adjust, all while maintaining her normal work ethic. Even though she was speaking directly to the colleagues, her attention was sneakily on Brandon. The way he stood there watching her was low-key torture.

She prayed that she sounded as good as he was looking. She'd never been one to try and impress others, but Brandon did motivate her to showcase her bossy side. Once she wrapped up the conversation, she and Brandon branched off. He followed her back into the café so she could grab her latte.

"What's going on with you, Karina?"

"What do you mean?" she wondered.

"Your vibe is a little heavier than normal."

Oh God, I must've sounded like a fool back there, she stressed inwardly. "Sorry, I just....I talked to my husband today and it just has me agitated."

"You don't need to be sorry." He paid for her drink and they began walking out the café. "You shouldn't let him affect you like that though."

"I try not to, but he just pisses me off. I hate him so much."

"No man that has your heart should ever disturb your energy like that."

His words left Karina on mute. She didn't know how to respond to the brutally honest truth of his statement.

"If I could help you get rid of that bad energy, would you let me?"

They stopped walking and an intense staring match began. Karina could see the fire behind his eyes and it was causing a massive flood between her legs. She still didn't know what to say.

With a cocky smirk, Brandon demanded, "Follow me to my office."

Karina swallowed hard and trailed behind him as they headed to the elevator. When they got on, they remained silent as they rode to Brandon's floor. When they made it, Brandon allowed Karina to get off first and instructed her to walk down the hall to the last door on the right.

Karina smiled and nodded at anyone who gave her eye contact as she walked to Brandon's door. She was nervous thinking about his view of her as he trailed closely behind. Karina didn't know why she was so timid with him, but he just made her feel some type of way. When she reached his office, she walked in and immediately heard the sound of him locking the door behind him.

"So that weak ass husband of yours got you stressed out, huh?"

Karina watched him closely as he took off his jacket and began unloosening his tie. The thug in him was now pouring out like spilled milk. "He...I mean...it's not—"

"Karina, tell me what you want from me," he ordered, stepping into her personal space.

Karina felt an aching sensation as her clitoris began swelling. Suddenly, she heard Dana's advice in the back of her mind. Spontaneous...Be spontaneous!

When Brandon stepped closer to her and she felt the print of his dick between her legs, she knew right then that it was over.

She placed her arms around his neck and confessed, "I want you to fuck me until I don't feel any more pain."

In an instant, Brandon picked her up and carried her to his desk. He sat down in the middle and then cleared the rest of the space. Stepping back in between her legs, he said, "You're hurting bad right now. Fucking you until you're painless is gon' take a lot of work." He grabbed her hand and guided her along his rock hard dick print. "You sure that's how you want me to fuck you?"

"Yes," Karina nodded and kicked off her heels. "That's exactly how I want it."

Brandon cockily nodded and walked around to the front of his desk to grab a condom. He then returned and began helping Karina come out of her pants. Once her panties hit the floor, he came out of his pants next, ready to feel her walls.

He tore the condom open and slid it on his ten-inch chocolate pole. "You gotta keep it down," he warned.

Karina nodded and wrapped her arms around his neck for the second time as he spread her legs wide and entered her. She was so wet, allowing him to slide in with ease. The pressure of his thick member inching deeper into her caused her entire body to tremble.

"Brandon, yes baby," she purred. "Fuck, it's so big..."

Brandon proceeded to fuck her with long, slow strokes until they found a steady rhythm. Her legs were spread wide with his hands holding her thighs apart. He fed Karina as much dick as her pussy allowed and she became wetter with each stroke.

"Ooh, yesss," Karina continued to moan. "That dick is so good..."

Brandon began to speed up hiss strokes and the sound of him pounding into her filled the room. He saw her about to scream, so he placed his mouth on hers. A wet, sloppy kissed filled with much tongue muted the loud moan that Karina needed to release. She needed this dick so bad and Brandon was giving it to her just like she requested.

"I'm gonna cum," she warned through kisses. "I'm about to cum all over this dick, Brandon..."

He started hammering into her, demanding the creamy substance she promised. Seconds later, Karina was cumming, but that didn't stop her pussy from being murdered.

"I like the way you feel," Brandon spoke in her ear then kissed her neck. "This pussy is good, Karina." His hands gravitated toward her hips then he began deep stroking while she was still leaking. "Fuck, this shit is good as hell."

"Brandon, it's sooo deep!" Karina whimpered.

"Hell yeah," Brandon taunted. "Fuck you thought?"

He got to relentlessly beating the pussy up until he felt himself about to release. Even though he had a condom on, he still pulled out before his nut shot out.

"Got damn," he spoke in a husky voice. "I don't know what's wrong with your husband. If I'm married to a queen with pussy like that, I'm never fucking it up."

Karina wanted to respond, but she was out of breath. So instead, she just smiled at him. He'd done what she requested because right at this moment, she didn't feel any pain. The orgasm's caused by Brandon's dick had her entire body feeling numb to anything right now.
Chapter Seven

"You sure you don't need me to stay for a while?" Ryan questioned as he pulled up to Karina's and Kylie's house.

"No, Ryan. For the thousandth time, I'm fine."

"Don't be talking that for the thousandth time shit, Kylie. You know how I am about you, and her husband been on some fuck shit."

Kylie leaned over the armrest to kiss his cheek. "I know. But everything is under control or I wouldn't even be here."

"A'ight, man. So, when are you coming back to the crib?"

"I don't know yet. I'll call you."

Ryan nodded. "I love you, Ky."

"I love you too."

She got out the car and headed to the door. The screen was already open because Karina was expecting her. When she walked inside, she locked the door behind her. She then headed up the stairs to Karina's room. Her bedroom door was open, so she walked in and found her unpacking her bags.

"Hey, sis," Karina smiled, looking up to see Kylie walk in.

"Hey. Need some help?"

"If you don't mind. I was supposed to do all this last night, but when I got in from my flight, I was tired as hell."

Kylie walked toward the bed and unzipped one of her bags. "So, how was the trip?"

"It was umm...well, Dana..."

"Sis, spill the tea."

Karina burst out laughing. "I can't stand your little ass. But since you're so nosey, I visited the Jersey location of Vapor Enterprises while I was down there."

"And?"

"And...well, let's just say I'm feeling mighty refreshed."

"You slut!" Kylie taunted.

"Oh, shut up! I needed it, alright? Ivan's bitch-ass has had me walking around like a mad black woman for too damn long."

"What happen to not rushing things?"

Karina sighed and sat on her bed. "I still don't wanna rush things. It's not like we put a title on our situation. He just helped me release some much needed stress."

"I knew it was gonna happen sooner or later. You can deny it all you want, but you and Brandon have wanted each other for a while now. All we had to do was paint Ivan out of the picture."

"Speak of the devil," Karina rolled her eyes. "Don't you know that bastard had the nerve to call me while I was in Jersey complaining about the locks?"

"I knew he would complain. What did you tell him?"

"I told his ass he had to wait until I got back. Apparently he's on his way over here."

Kylie's eyes grew wide. "What?"

"I know, Kylie. But I mean, he does still have half ownership of the house so I had to at least do this. But Nipsey gave me a gun and please believe if he does something stupid, I won't hesitate to use it."

Kylie felt more at ease with that news, but she still knew Ryan would be pissed once he learned that Ivan was in her presence. The sisters continued making small talk for over the next hour while sorting Karina's things. Finally, the doorbell rang and hella' tension filled the room.

"I'm about to just go in my room and listen for red flags," Kylie joked, but was serious at the same time.

They left the bedroom and Karina headed downstairs. When she opened the door, a mug immediately spread across her face when she made eye contact with Ivan. He looked clean cut, with a fresh line up and trim on his low cut goatee. He was dressed in a Nike sweat suit.

Karina couldn't help but imagine that he'd just come from being up under his little side bitch. "Hello," she harshly greeted.

"Well hello, wife," Ivan returned the hostility as he stepped inside.

"Stop calling me that."

"But you are my wife, Karina."

"Not for long." She walked off and headed upstairs with him trailing behind her. When she walked into their bedroom and heard the door shut, she immediately turned around. "Open that damn door!"

"We need to talk."

"We can talk with the door open, Ivan!"

"Karina, I'm not gon' do shit to you, a'ight? I'm sure Kylie's here and we need some privacy."

Karina rolled her eyes, becoming extremely agitated. "We don't have shit to talk about. We're getting a divorce. End of story."

"About that."

"About that my ass! It's happening and ain't no changing my mind."

Ivan walked up on Karina and forced her down against their bed. He hovered over her, pinning her arms above her head. "Are you fucking somebody else?"

"Ivan, get the fuck off of me," Karina spoke through clenched teeth. She was trying not to alarm Kylie.

"Just tell me."

"It's none of your business! What the fuck are you not understanding? When you started going out and treating me like shit, that was it! I might be your wife on paper, but mentally and physically you lost me a long time ago!"

"I know. Only a woman that feels like that would try to kill—"

"Yes, I thought about killing you! And if you think you're about to hold that over my head, you can kiss my ass!"

Ivan released her arms and they both stood to their feet.

"Get your shit and go. Don't come in here changing the plan."

"Yeah, I'ma get my shit and let you be. I hurt you and I know I deserve the way you're acting right now. But you better watch how you talk to me, Karina."

Karina didn't respond. She just went about her business while Ivan proceeded to pack the remainder of his things. It took him about thirty minutes, including taking all the bags to his car. After putting the final bag in the trunk, he jogged back in the house and headed up the steps.

"Aye," he said as he walked up behind Karina and stuck his hand between her legs. "Before I leave, I just want you to know that Brandon ain't gon' never handle this pussy like I did. Have fun with him."

Karina shrugged him off of her and the smirk on his face as he left gave her the chills. She didn't know how he knew about her and Brandon, but she wasn't happy about it. Even though they weren't dating, Karina knew Ivan well enough to know that he would try and sabotage anything they could potentially build.

Kylie immediately came rushing out of her room once Ivan was gone. "So, what happened?"

Karina suddenly burst into tears. She hated that Ivan still had this type of power over her. She tried her hardest to act unfazed by his behavior while he was around; but deep inside it was hurting her to the core.

"Sis," Kylie consoled, "it's gonna be okay. What did he say?"

"He just...it's really nothing specific he said, Kylie, I just hate his ass so much. He's not the man I married and this person he's become makes me sick to my stomach."

"He'll be out of your life soon. Just be patient and stay strong, sis."

Karina wiped her face and shook her head. Kylie just didn't understand. Being patient in this kind of situation wasn't that easy, but she was going to do her best.

***

"So, what do you think about this one?" Ashley asked as she stepped out of her walk in closet, wearing a deep V-neck grey dress.

"Ash, they've all been dope. Just pick one and stop being so damn picky," Ryan fussed.

"I'm not being picky. I haven't been out in a while and I want to look nice. What do you think of these shoes?" She held up a pair of black heels.

"They're nice."

"You're no fucking help."

Ryan shook his head and continued to puff on his blunt. He'd just got done conversing with her brother, and now that those loose ends were tied up, he had some free time. Since Kylie was still with Karina, Ashley invited him to a party a friend of hers was throwing at a club.

Ryan agreed to accompany Ashley, as strictly just friends of course. He was already dressed, but Ashley was making her wardrobe a bigger issue than it had to be. Everything she tried on looked nice on her, but she'd yet to choose an outfit. She already showered and did her hair and makeup, so once she picked out something, they could leave.

"I'm gonna stick with this dress."

"Good," Ryan spoke under his breath.

"Shut up. I heard you. Why are you rushing anyway? Are you trying to get back home tonight to cuddle with your little prissy geek?"

"Aye, I'm not gon' tell you watch your mouth again."

"Sorry, I can't help myself. She just doesn't seem like your type."

"Well, she is."

Ashley sat on the bed next to him and began slipping her shoes on. "You might like her personality, but you can't sit up here and tell me she's pleasing you behind closed doors. She probably only gives you head what, once a week?"

Ryan just continued smoking.

"Oh, hell no!" Ashley exclaimed, shoving his shoulder. "Ryan, she doesn't suck your dick?"

"You're too deep in our business, Ash."

"Wow, yeah, you must really fuck with this chick. No top? At least tell me you're busting something..."

"We good over here."

"Got damn, she's not giving you no pussy either? You know, I actually applaud you for going so hard for her. A lot of niggas wouldn't do it unless they're pussy whipped. I guess she's really special to you."

"Facts."

Ashley stood up and headed to her bathroom. "I'll be ready in like two minutes."

Ryan finished his blunt and leaned back on her bed. His side was killing him, but he was trying to ignore the pain. It would usually just come and go with the help of pain pills, but lately it had been worse than usual.

"Okay, I'm rea...Ryan, are you okay?"

Ryan quickly sat up to assure Ashley that he was good, but a sharp pain shot through his chest. "Fuck," he mumbled.

Ashley rushed to his side with concern. "Ryan, talk to me. What's going on?"

"Can you grab my Vicodin's for me?"

"Yeah." Ashley rushed off and grabbed the medicine he requested. She then grabbed a bottled water from her fridge and returned to her bedroom. "Here," she said, handing the items to Ryan.

Ryan quickly swallowed the pills and ran his hand down his face. "My fault, Ash."

"Ryan, it's fine. We can always go out another day."

He nodded. "You mind if I chill for a minute? I really ain't feeling right and I'm not trying to get behind the wheel like this."

"Come on now, how do I look telling you to leave? You're fine. But what I do wanna know is what you're gonna do about these pains you've been having? You can't keep counting on pain pills, Ryan."

Ryan leaned back on her bed and continued to suffer through the aching pain of his side. "I'll see a doctor soon."

"You've been saying that for the longest. I don't know if I can accept that answer anymore. I need to know that you're good."

"I promise you, Ash. I'ma look into it."

"Okay. Well, let me pipe down since we're not going anywhere."

Ashley stepped out of her heels and put them back in her closet. She then pulled her dress over her head. As any man would do, Ryan glued his eyes to her body which was covered in nothing but a black bra with the matching thong.

Ashley was built much different from Kylie. She wasn't thick, in fact she was quite petite, but she still had a beautiful frame. Her skin was the complexion of mocha brown and she stood at about 5'2. She was mixed with black and Filipino, but a lot of people said her chinky eyes made her look Asian.

After pulling an oversized t-shirt over her head, Ashley asked, "Are you hungry?"

"Nah, I'm good. I'm just 'bout to lay here 'till my shit stop hurting."

"Want me to lay with you?"

Ryan gave her a pensive stare.

"Don't worry," Ashley laughed as she crawled in the bed without his response. "I'm not gonna do anything that'll harm your little relationship. We can just talk. Maybe reminisce on all the good times we've had. Hopefully it'll take your mind off of the pain you're in."

"That sounds like a plan. I appreciate you, Ashley. Don't ever forget that."

"I know you do....I know."

For the remainder of the night, they conversed about their friendship and the good times they shared. Like Ashley had predicted, it definitely helped Ryan focus his mind on something else other than his pain.

***

"Butter Pecan or Chocolate chip cookie dough?" Kylie questioned as she and Karina were in the middle of a late night store run.

"Grab both," Karina insisted. "I'm depressed as hell and will probably eat both before you can even get some."

"I don't think so," Kylie laughed. "You're not about to hog all this good loving."

They laughed as they left the grocery aisle and headed to the front. They only had one cart, but it was full of junk food, bottled water, and now ice cream. With Karina feeling down, Kylie suggested that they have a girl's night. Dana was meeting them back at Karina's once they left Target.

"Glad you came back to see me."

Kylie looked up and grinned as she laid her eyes on Kaleem. She honestly didn't even realize they had walked into his lane because Karina was pushing the cart. "Coincidence," she grinned.

Kaleem smirked as he began ringing up their items. "Call it what you want. Am I invited to the party?"

"What party?" Kylie wondered.

"Y'all buying mad snacks. I know it's going down somewhere."

Karina eyed Kylie suspiciously as she chatted with Kaleem. "How do you two know each other?"

Kaleem answered, "She came in a few nights ago and we talked a little bit."

"Oh, is that right?" Karina asked with a grin as she retrieved her debit card to pay the bill.

"It's not even that serious," Kylie chimed in, noticing the grin on Karina's face.

"Ouch, don't hurt me like that," Kaleem joked. "I thought we were friends, Kylie?"

Karina continued to grin as she took the receipt from Kaleem's hand. She then pushed the cart forward and told Kylie she would be waiting for her in the car. It was obvious that Kaleem wanted to talk and Karina didn't wanna stand in their way. After she excused herself, Kaleem cut his light off and stepped from behind his register.

"So, we're not friends?" he questioned with a smirk.

Kylie tried not to get lost in those grey eyes of his. "If that's what you wanna call us, then fine, Kaleem. We're friends."

He laughed. "I want you to be okay with that though."

"I am okay with it."

"Good. So, as your friend, can we kick it sometime?"

Kylie was hesitant with her response. She felt like she was on thin ice with responding to him because of her relationship with Ryan. She really loved him and didn't wanna disrespect him in any way; however, she didn't see the harm in being friends with Kaleem. As long as the friendship border never got crossed, she figured everything would be fine.

"I guess that would be okay," she finally responded.

"Bet. I'm not trying to cause no problems for you, so hit me up whenever you get some free time."

Kylie retrieved her phone from her clutch and unlocked it. She then stored Kaleem's number as he stated it out loud to her. "Okay, I'll be in touch."

"Hope so," were Kaleem's final words as he watched Kylie walk off.
Chapter Eight

"Girl, these hoes ratchet as hell," Dana laughed as she, Karina, and Kylie all sat in Karina's living room watching re-runs of The Real Housewives of Atlanta. "But I love them though. They keep me rolling."

"Takes a ratchet to know one," Karina teased as she took a bite of her ice-cream.

"Fuck you," Dana continued laughing. "I'm only ratchet at certain times."

"Lies," Karina mumbled and looked at Kylie who was deep into her phone with a pack of twizzlers on her lap. "Ky, what's wrong? Why're you so quiet?"

"Ryan isn't answering his phone and he's not texting me back."

"Maybe he's sleep. It's hella' late."

Kylie shook her head. "He's up all night. It's not like him to ignore me, so I'm just wondering what the problem is."

"Let's ride down on that nigga," Dana suggested.

"Hell no," Karina disagreed. "My little sister is not about to be out here pulling those type of stunts. Kylie, don't stress yourself out over that. Ryan is probably just busy. I doubt that he's doing something you need to be worried about. That kid loves you."

Kylie tried to take her sister's advice, but as another hour passed and she still hadn't heard from Ryan, her antennas were definitely sticking up. She knew she would worry herself to death thinking about what he could be doing and she didn't wanna do that.

So, instead, she decided to do something that would help take her mind off of the situation. Even though it was extremely late, she scrolled through her contacts and found Kaleem's number.

Kylie: Hey...It's Kylie. Sorry for texting u so late. R u up?

A few minutes later, Kaleem responded to her message.

Kaleem: Yeah I'm up. What's up bookworm?

Kylie: Lol is that my name now?

Kaleem: Yup so get used to it. What you into?

Kylie: Eating junk food and watching reality shows. U?

Kaleem: Sitting in my car listening to music.

Kylie: Really? I thought you would be in bed lol

Kaleem: Nah. Can I call you?

Kylie looked at Karina and Dana who were deep in conversation about an argument the housewives were having. They weren't paying her any mind, so she quickly got up and headed upstairs to her room. She locked the door, sat on her bed, then finally texted Kaleem back.

Kylie: Yes.

Five minutes later, Kaleem's name was flashing across her screen.

"Hey," Kylie answered.

"What's up? You still stuffing your face?"

Kylie laughed and pulled her knees to her chest as she leaned back against the headboard. "No, I'm done rotting my teeth for the night."

"Good. I don't need my bookworm getting no tooth ache. That'll just be an easy excuse for you not to talk to me."

"Stop it," she continued to laugh. There was a moment of silence allowing her to hear the sound of 'Furthest Thing' by Drake in his background. "You're listening to a classic."

"What you know about this?"

"I love Drake. That's one of my favorite songs that you're listening to."

"Word? Well maybe I can take you to see Drake one day."

Kylie was grateful they were only talking through the phone or else he would have saw her grinning. "Why are you being so nice to me, Kaleem? You barley even know me."

"Honestly, you charmed the fuck out of me."

"What?" she questioned, bursting into a fit of laughter. "I charmed you?"

"Yeah," Kaleem admitted. "I don't know why you're laughing like the shit is impossible. It doesn't always have to be the dude who initiates the attraction."

"I agree with that. So, can I know what it was about me that charmed you?"

"First of all, it was your scent. You came through my line smelling fruity as hell, but that shit was intoxicating. Then when we started talking and you laughed, it was over. I knew I couldn't resist that smile."

"Stop gassing me."

"Never," Kaleem laughed. "It's sounds corny, but it's the truth. You're cute as hell too. Don't let me leave that out. What kind of books do you read, Kylie?"

"You really wanna know?"

"I didn't ask just to hear the sound of my own voice."

"Shut up," she snickered. "But I like to read all type of books. I don't limit myself to just one genre because there's too much good content out there. My favorite is Urban Fiction though."

"Can I read with you?"

"What do you mean with me?"

"I mean what I said. I wanna read with my bookworm. Can I do that?"

"Do you even like to read, Kaleem?"

"I wouldn't say no, but I haven't picked up a book good in a while. I need to feed my brain with some words. Recommend something good to me."

Kylie got quiet as she thought about what book to recommend. She'd read hundreds of books, so narrowing it down to one seemed to be rather hard. "Let me think about it and I'll text you the link to it on Amazon once I choose one."

"Sounds like a plan. Can I ask you something else?"

"I'm pretty sure you're gonna ask me regardless if I say yes or no," she smirked.

"Yeah, you're probably right. If it's too personal, just let me know and I'll fall back."

"Okay..."

"How come you're not laid up with your man getting some rest right now?"

Ryan immediately invaded Kylie's thoughts. She pulled the phone away from her ear briefly just to see if he'd responded, and surprisingly, he finally did. She was so wrapped up in her conversation with Kaleem that she didn't even realize a text had come through.

Ryan: My fault Ky. Got busy baby. I know you probably sleep so I'll call you in the morning. I love you

Kylie swallowed hard as she exited out of her messages and put the phone back to her ear.

"Was that too personal, Kylie?" Kaleem wondered.

"No...I just um...I'm staying with my sister tonight. She's going through some personal things, so I just wanted to be by her side while she deals with her situation."

"That's thoughtful as hell of you."

"Yeah, well me and my sister are really close. Now, can I ask you something?"

"Of course."

"Why are you not in bed and in your car right now?"

"I prefer to be in my ride listening to music. Honestly it's more comfortable than my bed."

"Oh, is that right?"

"Yeah. It's chill as fuck. I'll let you sit with me one night to show you what I'm talking about. In the meantime, I'ma let you go though. Don't become no stranger though, a'ight?"

"I won't," Kylie promised.

"Bet. Goodnight, Kylie."

"Goodnight, Kaleem."

***

Three Weeks Later...

Karina closed her laptop as Dana strolled into her office. They were nearing the end of their shift and Karina was happy about that because she was beyond ready to leave. Today had been a long day and she was counting the minutes until she got home and soaked in her tub.

"Drinks tonight?" Dana quipped.

"Hell no," Karina quickly spat. "I'm tired as hell. Maybe this weekend we can go."

"I'm flying out of town this weekend to see Carter again. I would've invited you, but I figured since your boo has moved down here, you probably wouldn't wanna go."

"Girl, stop it," was all Karina could say as she fought to hide her grin. It was undeniably hard not to smile at the thought of Brandon making his permanent move to Oakland. Even though they hadn't talked as much as she'd liked since he'd arrived, Karina knew that eventually they would get back on track.

She understood that his move to Oakland wouldn't be an easy transition, especially with the new role he was taking on. She decided to allow him time to adjust to everything before she approached him about their time in Jersey. During the brief conversations they'd had, they had yet to bring up their sexual encounter that happened in his office.

"Um...Hello? Am I talking to myself?" Dana wondered as she plopped down in the chair in front of Karina's desk.

"No, I'm just thinking about things. Anyway, what's going on with you and Nipsey? Why are you so heavy into Carter?"

"Girl, that nigga is fucking his baby mama. I know he is and I'm not about to stress myself out about it. Carter is keeping me sane through this situation, so I'ma just let whatever happens happen."

Karina could hear the pain in Dana's voice that she was trying to mask. It was obvious that Nipsey's cheating was hurting her, but she was trying to remain unbothered by blinding the situation with Carter. That sort of confused Karina because Dana had always advised her to leave Ivan for his cheating ways. Now here she was accepting the fact that her man was cheating and doing the same in return.

"Just be careful, Dana. I can't tell you what to do, but I can definitely advise you to be cautious. You're playing with fire. You know how crazy Nipsey is."

"Yeah, well I'm just as crazy."

Karina grabbed her phone from off her desk and read a text from Brandon.

Brandon: Come see me before you leave.

She immediately began contemplating several reasons for the request of her presence.

"Look, I'm about to head home," Dana announced. "If you change your mind about having drinks tonight, text me."

"I will."

She watched Dana walk out of her office and she got up to close the door behind her. Afterward, she began smoothing out her clothes and fixing her hair which was bone straight with a side part. She grabbed a tiny mirror from her purse to check her makeup and was pleased to see that it was still wearing beautifully.

After approving her appearance, she grabbed her things and locked down her office. She then made her way to the elevator and rode up to the fifth floor. Brandon's office was the first room on the left. After taking a deep breath, she knocked twice and patiently waited for him to answer.

"Come in."

Karina walked in and nervously stood by the door. She watched Brandon carefully as he shut one of the drawers on his desk and made his way around to the front of it. He leaned back against it and requested her to come closer with a head nod.

Karina shut the door and slowly made her way over to him. When he flashed her his sexy grin, she began melting like ice cream on a sunny day. Her arms immediately wrapped around his neck as he pulled her in closer by the waist. It was crazy what a hug from Brandon Vapor had the power to do.

"You smell delightful as always," he complimented with his arms still around her waist.

Karina stepped back a bit, but not far enough to detach them from embracing. "Thank you."

"You're welcome. How you feeling? I know I haven't been that available since my move here, but I'm adjusting right now."

"I know. I figured you would be busy. If you wanna be the boss, you gotta put in the work, right?"

"Absolutely. Are you ready for the change you're about to make as well?"

It was now set in stone that Karina would be the new Vice President and she would officially be accepting her new role next week.

"I'm nervous," she admitted. "I know you put this opportunity in my hands for a reason and I don't wanna disappoint you."

"Don't worry about that. You're gon' be just fine, Karina. This position been yours, I'm just sealing the deal."

"Thank you for having so much faith in me."

"No need to thank me." His hands casually slid down her round bottom and rested on the back of her thighs. "You been on my mind heavy."

"Have I? Or is it just our sexual encounter that has your mind wrapped up?"

"Both," he admitted. "I can't stop thinking about you or that wet ass pussy."

Karina grinned, silently ashamed that her honey pot was soaked at this very moment. She couldn't help what feelings this man brought out of her body. Her vagina craved him something serious and if she didn't cut down the sexual tension in the room, she was positive that he would be deep inside her within the next few seconds.

"Brandon, I have to tell you something," she said in an attempt to change the subject.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing, it's just that...my husband knows about us. I mean, not that we're a thing, but like he knows that there's something with us."

"Is that a problem?"

"No, I just wanted you to be aware just in case he tries something. I know he doesn't wanna see me happy and he'll go the extra mile to make sure that's not happening."

There was a moment of silence as Brandon grinned and cupped her chin. "I make you happy?"

Karina smiled coyly, unaware of what had just left her mouth until he put her on the spot. She indeed had been much happier since he'd been in her presence and that was something she couldn't deny. "Honestly, yes. I feel like it's way too soon for me to be feeling this way so I try not to say anything. But you really keep me smiling, Brandon. I mean just the thought of you does wonders for me."

"I'm happy I can do that for you. The feeling is mutual and it's been like that for a while. But like I told you before, I was used to you having a ring on your finger, so I never approached you like this. But I've always wanted you, Karina. You know that."

Karina's eyes instantly closed as she and Brandon engaged in a soft, sensual kiss. It was everything she needed right now. As their tongues intertwined, she imagined how life would be had she married Brandon instead of Ivan.

Knock..Knock..Knock

Karina quickly pulled away from Brandon when she heard someone knocking on his door. She stood patiently by his desk as he went to answer it.

"Brooke? How can I help you?" Brandon asked his secretary.

"Hey, I was just..." Brooke's words trailed off as she looked over Brandon's shoulder and spotted Karina. She cleared her throat and tried her sentence again. "I was just coming to tell you that I was leaving for the day. Did you need anything before I go?"

"No," Brandon answered. "I have everything under control. Have a good evening."

Brooke gave him a pensive stare before asking, "Can I talk to you for a minute?"

"Actually, Mrs. Newsome and I were in the middle of a very important discussion. With her about to take on the role as Vice President, it's mandatory that we're on the same page at all times."

Brooke eyed Karina once more and without any more words spoken, she turned on her heels and walked off. Brandon shut his door and made his way back to his desk.

"Sorry about that," he said.

With a calm posture, Karina asked, "What was that about?"

"Brooke clearly wants to discuss something with me as you heard."

"Brandon, let's be serious. She obviously didn't like the fact that I was in here."

"Then that's her issue. This is my office, Karina, and I can have whoever I want in here."

There was a thick silence in the office as Karina looked at him with uncertainty.

"Look, I see where you're headed with this so let me go ahead and put an end to whatever you're thinking about. No, I am not fucking Brooke."

Karina crossed her arms and leaned against his desk with an unreadable expression on her face. She didn't wanna accuse Brandon of anything, however, she was a pro at reading body language between two people.

It definitely seemed as if there was something more with him and Brooke, but she felt like she wasn't in the position to pressure him about it. She wasn't his woman officially and sadly, his dick didn't belong to her. But if he planned on laying the pipe in her vagina, then he was certainly going to have to cut all ties with other women.

"Did you hear me?" he questioned when he didn't get a response.

"Yeah, I heard you. I just hope you're being honest."

Brandon stepped closer to her and wrapped his arms back around her waist. "I would never lie to you. Truth be told, this dick of mine hasn't seen any pussy since I came out of yours."

"Why is that?"

"Because I don't want to put it anywhere else. Look, Karina, I understand that you're still legally married, so we'll have to take our time. But I'm good with that. As long as I know this is what you want, I'll wait for you. Just know I'm not perfect, but I'll do my best to keep you happy, okay?"

Brandon's words seemed so genuine and made it easy for any doubts that Karina had to go right out the window. If he was willing to be patient with her, then she was going to do the same with him. Only time would tell where their growing bond would lead them.
Chapter Nine

"It's starting to look a lot more like home around here," Ryan announced as he and Kylie sat on his new couch. He recently had new furniture put in his apartment, giving it more of a homely feel.

"Yeah," Kylie agreed. "I'm glad everything is coming together for you."

"For us," Ryan clarified as he got up and retrieved his keys from the kitchen counter.

"Where are you headed?" Kylie wondered.

"To grab some dog food. You wanna ride?"

"I guess so. I don't have anything else to do. Did your uncle ever agree to keep the dogs for you?"

"Nah, my friend Ashley is looking out for me. Her apartment complex allows pets, so she's letting me keep them there for a while."

"Oh."

Ryan could since the animosity in Kylie's response. "Why you say it like that?"

"Like what?"

"Like it's a problem for Ash to be keeping my dogs for me."

"Ryan, you know I don't care if she's keeping your dogs for you. I wanted them to have somewhere to stay just as bad as you did."

"Good. Now come on so we can drop this food off."

Kylie got off the couch and slipped on her PINK slides that matched the grey PINK jogger outfit she had on. After grabbing her purse, she and Ryan were out the door. They made light conversation while they drove and ten minutes later, Kylie's heart dropped when she noticed that Ryan was pulling into Target.

"What are you doing here? You always get your dog food from Walmart."

"Yeah, but Ash lives around the corner from here so it's just more convenient. What's the problem?"

The problem was that Kylie had been texting Kaleem earlier while he was on break, so she knew he was still at work. Even though they were strictly friends, she wasn't in the mood for an awkward run-in between him and Ryan.

"Ky," Ryan stated, "what's the issue?"

"Nothing. I was just wondering why the change. That's all."

"You tripping," he laughed as they got out the car.

As they headed inside, Kylie's nerves were out of control. She wanted to get out as fast as possible. Even though she hadn't done anything disrespectful with Kaleem, she still suddenly felt a heavy wave of guilt as she and Ryan strolled through the store.

"What you wanna eat tonight?" Ryan asked as they made it to the dog food aisle.

"I always pick. It's your turn."

"I want some hot wings."

Kylie giggled. "I knew you were gonna say that. Hot wings it is."

"Bet."

Ryan grabbed two bags of dog food and they began heading toward the front to check out. Kylie took the lead in hopes of leading them in the direction of a cashier that wasn't Kaleem. However, she was even more relieved when Ryan suggested that they do self-checkout.

She grabbed a pack of gum to add to the order and Ryan quickly paid for the items. They were on their way out the door when Ryan realized that he wanted to grab a bottled water.

"Shit, hold on real quick, Ky."

Kylie offered to hold the bags of dog food while Ryan quickly went to grab the water. She stood by the door with the receipt in her hand just in case anyone tried to question her.

"Bookworm."

Hearing Kaleem's voice, she quickly looked to her right and there he was. Her eyes immediately shifted back to Ryan who was focused on paying for his water at the moment.

"What's with the dog food?" Kaleem questioned.

"It's um...it's for my boyfriend's dogs," Kylie nervously admitted.

"Oh. That's who you here with?"

Her heart began pounding at an abnormal rate as Ryan headed back in her direction. "Yeah."

"Relax," Kaleem advised. "You know I'm not out to cause problems for you, sweetheart."

Just as the words left his lips, Ryan approached them. His attention was immediately put on Kaleem as he asked, "What's good, bro?"

"Ryan," Kylie began. "This is—"

"Kaleem."

Kylie looked at Kaleem, not at all pleased that he cut her off.

"Kylie and I have a few of the same classes together," Kaleem lied.

Ryan looked at Kylie to confirm Kaleem's statement and she felt her heart drop to the pit of her stomach. She never wanted to lie to Ryan and she was pissed that Kaleem had put her in this position.

"Yeah," she finally spoke. "That's right."

"Well, I'll see you later, Kylie," Kaleem said. He nodded at Ryan before he walked off.

Ryan gave Kylie a pensive stare before they left the store in silence. She got in the car while he put the dog food into the trunk. The whole entire run in for her had been awkward as hell. The minute she got the chance, she was going to give Kaleem a piece of her mind for lying about how they knew each other.

When Ryan got in the car, he waited until he pulled out of the parking lot before he spoke. "Why you never mentioned that nigga before?"

Kylie shrugged her shoulders. "I didn't feel the need to."

"Why not?"

"Because we're just friends, Ryan."

"Then why were you so nervous, Ky?"

"What?"

"You heard me. You was nervous as fuck back there and I wanna know why."

"I wasn't nervous."

"A'ight."

Kylie could sense the irritation in his voice. "Ryan, don't start acting like that. Kaleem and I are just friends, nothing more, nothing less. He knows that I'm in a relationship with you."

Pulling up to a red light, Ryan looked in Kylie's direction and asked, "That nigga ever try to get at you?"

"No, we're friends."

"Okay."

"Babe," she spoke softly, touching his arm. "You know that I love you. You never have to worry about my loyalty."

"I'm not worried 'bout you, Ky. It's these niggas out here."

"Kaleem doesn't want anything from me. Will you please just trust me on that?"

After a long moment of silence, Ryan finally replied, "A'ight. I'll let it go."

***

"About time..." Ashley's words trailed off as she opened her front door and spotted not only Ryan, but also Kylie.

"What's good, Ash?" Ryan spoke, breaking the ice. "I brought Ky with me to drop off the dog food. I knew you wouldn't mind."

Well nigga you thought wrong! Ashley spoke inwardly; however, her verbal response was, "No, I don't mind."

"Bet. Well, let me properly introduce y'all. Kylie, this is the homie, Ash. Ash, this is my girl, Ky."

"Hi," Kylie spoke first, sticking her hand out.

Putting on her best front for Ryan, Ashley shook Kylie's hand and replied, "Hello. Good to finally meet you." She then stepped aside and allowed them in.

"My babies ain't been too much trouble have they?" Ryan asked, referring to his dogs.

"No," Ashley replied. "I get lonely sometimes, so I actually enjoy them being here." She sat on her couch as she watched Ryan open the back door to her patio. While he went out to feed the dogs, she put her attention back on Kylie. "You can have a seat."

Kylie sat across from her on the loveseat. "You have a nice apartment."

"Thank you. I'm sure you and Ryan's place is just as nice," she stated, hoping Kylie would dish out more details about her staying with Ryan.

"Yeah, I'm surprised he hasn't invited you over yet."

"That makes two of us."

An awkward silence filled the room.

Not wanting any bad blood to spew between them so soon, Ashley cleared her throat and ended the silence by stating, "I can tell Ryan really loves you, Kylie. With him and I being such good friends, I think it's important that me and you have a good relationship as well so things don't get misunderstood."

"Why would anything ever be misunderstood?" Kylie wondered.

"It shouldn't be is my point if we can clear everything up right now."

Kylie sat up straight in her seat with a perplexed facial expression. "I'm not understanding exactly what it is that we're needing to clear up. You and Ryan are friends, I get that. Where's the misunderstanding?"

Ashley took a moment to realize that she may have been creating a problem that didn't even need to happen. Everyone seemed to be good with how things were flowing, except her. However, for the sake of her friendship with Ryan, she would continue to fight her feelings for him in order to be respectful.

"You're right," she finally replied. "I guess these days people just make a big deal out of women and men being friends and I thought you may have had an issue with that, but clearly you're comfortable with it, so my apologies for assuming otherwise."

"It's fine."

"So, what are you studying in school?" Ashley quipped in an attempt to direct the conversation in another direction.

Fortunately for her, her tactic worked. Kylie went on to discuss the classes she was taking while Ryan spent quality time with his dogs. The women continued to make small talk until he finally returned from the patio.

"My fault y'all," he spoke in reference to how long he'd taken. "I just be missing my baby's man."

"It's okay," Kylie laughed.

"What y'all was in here talking 'bout?"

Ashley answered, "Just getting to know each other better."

Ryan nodded. "That's wasup'. Well, we 'bout to head out. I'll get with you later, Ash."

"Okay. Nice to officially meet you, Kylie."

"You too," Kylie offered her a friendly smile as she stood up from the couch and followed Ryan to the door.

As they were heading to his car, Ryan stated, "Shit, hold on real quick, baby."

He gave her the keys so she could get in the car while he went back to Ashley's door. He knocked and she arrived to open it shortly after.

"Hey, you forget something?"

Ryan stepped inside and told her to shut the door. "I need a few of my pills."

"Are you in pain?"

"Shit is bearable, but if it gets out of hand, I'm not trying to be without nothing to swallow."

Ashley shook her head as she headed into her room with Ryan following behind her. "Ryan—"

"Not right now, Ash."

"Don't cut me off. You need to stop avoiding whatever the damn problem is and go to the doctor. You're full of fucking excuses and it's getting old. How am I gonna look if I find you layed out on the floor somewhere, knowing you were sick this whole time?"

"Can you just hand me my shit so I can leave?"

"Ryan!"

"I hear you, a'ight? I'm gon' go to the doc soon."

"You've been telling me that for months! At this point you're basically lying to me!"

"I'm not lying. I just have to figure out a way to break this shit to Ky first. Look, I already know the doc gon' tell me some shit I don't wanna hear. I'm prepared for it, but I know she won't be."

Ashley stared at him with disgust. She couldn't believe that was his excuse, but if that's what he was running with, then so be it. She rolled her eyes and opened her nightstand to give him what he wanted. "Which ones do you need?"

He took the bag from her hand to examine the bottles. After determining which ones he would need, he stuck a few in his pocket and handed the bag back to her. "Good looking, Ash."

"Ryan, I don't know how much longer I can do this."

"You won't have to do it for too much longer. I promise you."

She didn't believe him. After putting the bag of pills back in her nightstand, she turned back toward him and crossed her arms. "Just so you know, Kylie isn't the only one who might not be able to handle what the doctor might say. Other people care about you too."

Ryan leaned down and kissed her cheek. "I'm aware of that. My fault for not making that clear. See you later, Ash."

And with those words, he was out the door.

***

"Oh, man, I'm stuffed," Karina noted as Brandon opened the door for her to get in the car.

He then went around to the driver's side and got in. The two of them had just had dinner at an Italian restaurant. As he pulled out of the parking lot, he replied, "The food was delicious."

"It was," Karina agreed. "Thank you for taking me there. I've never had Italian food."

"You're welcome. As long as you're open to try new things, it's so much more I can put you on to."

"Oh, is that right?"

Brandon smirked. "That's a fact."

Karina looked out the window and noticed that he was headed in the direction of her house. She hated that the night had to end. Being with Brandon took her mind off of her miserable reality and she wasn't ready to dive back into it just yet.

"Cut that out."

Looking back in Brandon's direction, Karina asked, "Cut what out?"

"That frowning shit. I thought you were having a good night?"

"I'm sorry, I am having a good night. It's just the thought of going back to my house just...I don't know."

The car got silent and Karina noticed that Brandon was making a change in his route.

"Wait, where are we going?" she wondered.

"My place."

Not realizing that her frown had automatically disappeared, Karina sat back and enjoyed the smooth sounds of R&B from the radio as Brandon drove to his place. Fifteen minutes later, they arrived to his condo.

"Are you missing Jersey yet?" Karina asked as they walked inside.

"Some days, not too much. It's not too hard for me to adapt."

He took her jacket as she headed into his living room. She sat on the couch and waited patiently for him to join her. Five minutes later, he finally made his way into the living room in much more comfortable attire; grey sweats to be exact, and a white t-shirt. Karina swallowed hard, knowing Brandon in grey sweats was a dangerous sight.

"Can I get you anything to drink?" he asked.

"I'm fine, but thank you."

He nodded and sat next to her. "Thank you for letting me take you out."

"Are you really thanking me for that?"

"I am."

She blushed. "You're welcome, Brandon."

"I don't know why you're acting surprised. Your time is just as valuable as anybody else's. I appreciate you extending it to me."

For some reason, his words seemed to have struck a nerve within her. She tried her hardest to hide the effect that it had on her, but Brandon seemed to always be able to read her like an open book.

"Talk to me, Karina," he demanded.

Her eyes drifted toward the floor until he placed his hand under her chin and lifted her face back up.

"What's going on, beautiful? Tell me what's on your mind?"

A single tears slipped from the right side of Karina's eyes. Brandon used his thumb to quickly wipe it away before pulling her onto his lap.

"I'm sorry," Karina whimpered.

"Don't be sorry, Karina. Just talk to me."

"I just...I just appreciate you so much, Brandon. The way you talk to me. The things you say and the way you treat me just remind me how I'm supposed to be treated and I just can't believe I allowed myself to be walked over for so long. Thank you for reminding me of this feeling of being wanted and valued because to be honest with you, I almost forgot what it felt like."

Brandon reached up and wiped more tears from her face. "You can trust me, Karina. I've always told you that you're a Queen and I'll never stop reminding you or treating you as such. Excuse my French, but fuck that ex of yours. He doesn't deserve you. I hate that he made you feel any less than what you are. Come here."

Karina leaned down toward him and he softly kissed her lips.

"Can you promise me something?" Brandon asked.

"What is it?" Karina wondered.

"Promise me that no matter what, you'll never let another man be in control of your happiness. If you give me your heart, Karina, I will certainly take care of it. But I want you to find happiness within yourself so deep that no one can tamper with it. Can you do that for me?"

As a stray tear trailed over her lips, Karina nodded.

"Promise me," Brandon demanded.

"I promise you, Brandon."

He nodded and softly kissed her arm. Her scent was always soft and intoxicating. His hand slowly traveled up her thigh and under her dress. "Let me make you feel good," his deep voice spoke.

Before Karina knew it, Brandon's fingers had invaded her panties. She was always wet for this man. As he began playing with her kitty, she bit her bottom lip and threw her head back. Brandon's fingers felt like magic between the lips of her pussy and went he started to massage her clit, she almost lost it. With two fingers in her love tunnel and his thumb working her clitoris, Karina began to grind on his hand.

"Brandon," she wept. "It feels so good, baby."

"Pull your top down for me."

At his request, Karina immediately pulled down the top of her halter dress, revealing her rock hard, honey colored nipples. Brandon instantly put his mouth on her breasts, one by one, taking his time with each of them.

"Yes, baby..." Karina moaned. "Just like that. Ooh, you know just how to touch me."

The pressure he was applying to her clit increased as his fingers dug into her even deeper. Her body was shaking as she prepared for a much needed release.

Removing his mouth from her breast, Brandon asked, "You know who this pussy belong to now, don't you?"

"I know baby!"

"Let me hear it."

While still grinding on his fingers, Karina screeched, "This pussy is yours, Brandon. It belongs to you."

"Cum for me."

"Yes, Daddy!" Karina whimpered as her orgasm took over her entire being.

Brandon continued to violate her clit until he witnessed her orgasm drain the life out of her. He smiled, finally removing his hand from inside of her. "Now that that's handled, let's get you cleaned up."
Chapter Ten

One Week Later...

Kylie and Dana were in Karina's bedroom, making small talk as Karina packed for a business trip that she and Brandon were scheduled to be leaving for the following morning. They had been laughing and eating snacks during the whole process.

"You and Brandon don't have no damn business meetings," Dana speculated. "Y'all asses just want to get away together. Y'all ain't slick."

"Shut up," Karina told her. "With him being the CEO and me as Vice President, we're going to be traveling a lot together."

"Lies," Dana challenged.

"Whatever. I'm not gonna sit up here trying to convince your stubborn ass. And regardless of that anyway, you know we're dating, so what's the problem?"

"The problem is y'all trying to take little secret vacations and shit," Dana went on with a laugh. "So, how long do y'all plan on keeping it on the hush?"

Karina sat on her bed and sighed. "I don't know. We really don't wanna move too fast to begin with, but going public just won't look good for business in my opinion. At least not right now. It's way too soon." Karina looked at Kylie when she heard her huff. "What's wrong with you?"

"Kaleem keep's texting me."

"So? I thought you two were friends."

Kylie gave Karina the brief run down about how Kaleem made up the lie when they ran into him inside of Target. She'd been avoiding his phone calls and text for the past week because she didn't wanna talk to him. She knew the moment they spoke, she was gonna let him have it. But for now, she just wanted to continue to keep him on mute.

"Girl, he's messy as hell," Dana put her two cents in. "He's lying to your nigga already? I see why you're mad at his ass."

"Honestly, I see where his intentions may have been leading," Karina stated. "He could have noticed that you were intimidated by having both of them in your presence so suddenly and simply just acted off of your behavior. If you seemed scared to have him there, telling Ryan the two of you have classes together may have seemed like a good solution for you."

"So, you're condoning the lie?" Kylie wondered.

"Absolutely not. I'm just trying to give him the benefit of the doubt."

"Messy," Dana whispered.

"It was definitely messy," Karina agreed. "I'm not letting that slide. I'm just looking at things from his point of view."

Kylie sighed as she thought about giving Kaleem a fair chance to explain his actions. When she heard the doorbell ring, she left Karina's room to go answer it. To her surprise, it was Brandon with a bouquet of red roses in his hands. He looked extremely handsome and Kylie could definitely understand her sister's attraction toward this fine piece of chocolate.

"Hey, Brandon," she smiled, opening the screen for him.

"Good evening, Kylie. How're you?"

"I'm fine. And you?"

"I'm well. Thanks for asking."

He followed her upstairs to Karina's room. Kylie watched as her sisters eyes lit up upon seeing Brandon. He truly made a difference in how Karina's energy had shifted lately and Kylie appreciated him for that. He gave Karina the roses and kissed her cheek.

"Good evening, beautiful."

"Thank you, Brandon," Karina blushed. "These roses are so pretty."

"You're welcome."

"Now see, Carter gon' have to work on his charming skills," Dana noted. "As much as I go visit him, the nigga ain't never randomly bought me no damn flowers."

Everyone seemed to find humor in her statement.

"I see you're almost done packing," Brandon stated, looking at Karina's half full bags.

"Yeah. Do you mind if I stay at your place tonight?"

After pecking her lips, he responded, "You know the answer to that question."

"Ugh, enough with the cute shit," Dana jokingly rolled her eyes.

While they all made small talk, Kylie excused herself and headed into her bedroom. After hearing Karina's point, she decided to hear Kaleem out. She texted him and told him that it was okay to call her and that she would finally answer. She sat on her bed, and five minutes later, he was ringing her line.

"Hello?" she answered.

"Bookworm? Damn I get to hear your voice?"

"Don't blow it, Kaleem."

"Okay, okay. I've just been wanting to talk to you."

Kylie didn't want to beat around the bush. "Kaleem, why did you tell that lie to Ryan?"

"I know you're pissed at me for that. I'm sorry."

"Answer my question."

"Listen, Kylie, I know we haven't been friends that long, but I enjoy you. I didn't want our friendship to be an issue and I know the mindset of how the typical nigga works. He wouldn't have trusted that we were just friends and eventually you probably would've cut me off. I know how the game go."

"You don't know that. You could have been honest, Kaleem."

"I could have and I'm sorry. But I chose to do what I felt like would save my friendship. Your niggas mind would be more at ease thinking we met through school, trust me. I still won't cross any lines with your relationship. I promise you."

"What makes you think I still wanna be friends with you? What you did was out of line and you forced my hand, Kaleem."

"I did, I'm not objecting to that. I'm sorry. Can I work toward forgiveness or have I burned that bridge permanently?"

"I don't know. The whole situation just rubbed me the wrong way."

"Did I cause any problems for you?"

"It's not about that," Kylie argued. "Listen, right now I don't think it's a good time for us to be friends. I'm sorry, Kaleem."

"Ky—"

Kylie disconnected the call before Kaleem could respond. She knew it was rude, but his explanation wasn't good enough for her and she didn't wanna entertain him any longer. Ryan was who she loved and putting their relationship at risk over a petty lie wasn't something she was sat on doing. She left her room and headed back into Karina's room where everyone was still making small talk.

"Kylie, I'm staying at Brandon's tonight and we're just going to head to the airport from there. You're gonna be staying at Ryan's right?"

"Yeah. I'm definitely not staying here alone."

"We'll be out of here soon, sis," Karina informed her.

"I'ma make sure of it," Brandon chimed in before grabbing Karina's bag's to take them out to his car.

"Don't get pregnant on this trip," Dana joked, but was serious at the same time.

Karina smirked. "No need to worry about that. There will be no babies getting made, but I will definitely be getting the D."

All three women laughed in unison as they headed downstairs.

***

Kylie was on her laptop finishing up an assignment when Ryan walked into the apartment. He leaned over the couch to peck her lips before heading to the kitchen to pour a cup of water. He then rejoined her in the living room.

"What's up, Ky?"

"Nothing, just finishing up this paper. I'm almost done."

Ryan sat next to her. "I've been missing your nerdy ass all day. I'm glad you came here. I thought you was gon' stay with your sister tonight."

"I was but she went to Brandon's."

"She seems like she's been fucking with that nigga heavy."

Kylie grinned. "Tell me about it. She seems happy though so I have no complaints. I always thought Brandon was the one for her anyway."

"That's what's up. Let me let you focus so you can gon' head and get done. I wanna take you out tonight."

Looking up from her laptop, Kylie smiled, "Babe..."

"What? It's been a while since we went on a date."

"Where are we going?"

"Anywhere you wanna go."

She gently grabbed the back of Ryan's head, easing his face closer to hers. After a soft peck on the lips, she told him, "I love you."

"I love you too."

Ryan got up from the couch to allow Kylie time to finish her paper. She focused for the next thirty minutes in order to make sure that her work was perfected. After feeling complete with her paper, she saved the document and closed her laptop. She then got up and headed into Ryan's room.

"I'm done, babe."

Ryan was sitting on his bed with a blank expression on his face. "Ky, who was that nigga from Target?"

His question caught her completely off guard. "Wha...huh?"

"Who in the fuck was that nigga, Kylie?"

"He...he was Kaleem—"

"The same Kaleem that's texting your phone apologizing for lying 'bout the Target story?"

Kylie looked at Ryan's dresser and her heart dropped when she spotted her phone lying face up. Ryan didn't have her passcode, but if Kaleem had texted her, then the message was certainly displayed on her front screen.

"Ryan, just let me explain."

"Gon' head!"

She walked closer and sat next to him. "Baby, it's not that Kaleem and I weren't friends already, but he did kind of make up the story about us having the same classes."

"I knew that was bullshit!" Ryan fussed, standing up. "Your ass was nervous as fuck from the moment we went in that damn store! Is that why? Because you knew he was gon' be there?"

"Ryan, it's not what you think!"

"You not answering my fucking questions, Kylie!"

"Yes," she admitted, also standing up. "I knew that Kaleem would be there, but I—"

"So, you've been talking to this nigga?"

"As strictly friends! You know I would never disrespect our relationship!"

Ryan was on fire at this point as he stormed out of the bedroom. Kylie followed behind him, still trying to plead her case.

"Babe, please just listen! I've never done anything with Kaleem that should have you this upset!"

"Fuck you mean?!" Ryan shouted as they stood in the middle of the living room. "You just sat up here and told me this nigga lied to my face! You allowed that shit, Kylie!"

"I'm sorry!"

"I don't wanna hear no fucking I'm sorry! You foul, bro."

"Ryan," she spoke on the brink of tears. It hurt her when he snatched his arm away as she tried to touch him.

"Don't touch me man."

"Why are you being like this?" Kylie stressed. "I barley know Kaleem, Ryan!"

"You lied to me, Ky! And you've been talking to this nigga the whole time? Fuck else have y'all been doing?"

"Nothing!"

"And you expect me to believe that?"

"It's the truth, Ryan! The most I've done was talk on the phone and text Kaleem, but that's it! And I know you don't wanna hear that, but I don't want you thinking it's been anything more than that!"

Ryan shook his head, not believing the words that were coming from Kylie's mouth. "I don't even think you see the problem in this matter. You stood there and allowed that nigga to lie and you rolled with the shit like it was nothing! I expect nigga's to lie, but as my girl, you should've let me know what the fuck was up, Ky! You wouldn't have said shit if I didn't see that text on your phone! Now you sitting up here trying to downplay the situation? Fuck outta here!"

"Wait, where are you going?" she questioned as he headed for the door.

"I'm getting the fuck out of here before I say some shit I'll regret."

Ryan left the apartment, slamming the door behind him. Kylie immediately burst into a fit of tears as she fell onto the couch. She wished she never would've gave Kaleem her number to begin with.

***

Ashley rushed to her door when she heard someone knocking. After looking through her peephole, she noticed that it was Ryan. She quickly opened the door to allow him inside. "Hey, what's going on?"

Ryan barged in with his blood still boiling from the argument with Kylie. He headed into Ashley's living room and plopped down on her couch.

"Ryan, what's the problem?"

"Kylie played the fuck out of me."

"Wait, what?"

"She let some weak ass nigga lie to my face and she ain't do shit about it."

Ashley sat next to him and cupped his face. "Calm down and tell me what happened."

"I just told you, Ash. She's been talking to some lame and I saw the nigga in person. He lied and said they went to school together, but I found out today that that ain't the case."

"Well, how serious is it?"

"Serious enough for this nigga to be texting her fucking phone and for her to be lying about the shit to me. I feel stupid as fuck, Ash. I love the fuck out of Kylie and to find out she been talking to some other nigga this whole time got me ready to kill somebody! I trusted her man!"

Ashley hated to see Ryan this upset, especially over another woman. She used her thumbs to caress his cheeks, hoping the frown on his face would soon disappear. "I'm sorry you feel like this, Ryan."

"What if she's been fucking this nigga, Ash?"

"Don't think like that. Look, from what I can tell, Kylie really cares for you. She seems to love you just as much as you love her and I highly doubt that she would be cheating on you. Maybe this situation is just a big misunderstanding."

"Yeah, well love ain't stop her ass from lying."

Ryan hopped up from the couch and headed to her kitchen. "What you got to drink in here?"

"Water, apple juice, soda..."

"Nah, I need something stronger than that."

"Ryan, don't let this situation take you in a bad direction. Drinking will only make it worse."

"Well, I at least gotta smoke."

Ryan headed out to his car and lit up the blunt he'd been smoking from earlier. Once he was good and high, he headed back inside Ashley's apartment and went out back to chill with his dogs for a while. Bonding with them always put him in a calm mood. Thirty minutes later, he was much calmer from when he first arrived.

Ashley stepped out onto the patio and asked, "You ready to come inside and talk to me?"

Ryan ran his hand down his face and stood up. They went inside together, but he took his dogs some fresh water first, before he settled into her living room. They both were on her couch as silence consumed the entire apartment until Ryan finally ended it.

"My fault for coming over here spazzing out like that, Ashley. I just...I don't know. I can't stand it when I feel like somebody is getting over on me."

"I know, Ryan. Trust me, I can't stand that feeling either, but I highly doubt that Kylie is trying to get over on you."

"So, what you think I should do?"

"Wait until you're fully calm and then you need to have another conversation with her. Get further clarification on what happened before you just run with the idea that she's messing with this guy."

"That's what I'ma do. Appreciate you, Ash."

"Sure you do."

They held eye contact for a brief moment until both of them just smiled. Ashley was finding it extremely hard to hold back her feelings for Ryan in this moment. However, she knew he needed her more than anything. As much as she loved him, she was going to continue to halt her feelings in order to make sure he was good.

***

Brandon and Karina were in the middle of sharing a good laugh as they sat in the back of a café called, Kelly's Diner. They were enjoying dinner while it poured down outside, neither of them bothered by the rain. They chose this specific spot because Karina had always known it to be low-key with good food.

"Is your food good?" she asked Brandon.

Taking a bite of his roast and carrots, he replied, "It's delicious. Thanks for putting me on to this spot. We gon' have to make this a permanent date night spot or something."

Karina giggled and took a bite of her shrimp Alfredo. "I'd like that. Permanent date nights with you sound perfect to me."

"Don't gas me up."

"I'm serious, Brandon. I'm enjoying dating you. It feels so...I don't know I really can't explain it. Just know that you're keeping me really happy and I appreciate you for that. I hope I'm keeping you happy as well."

"There should be no doubt in your mind. I'm lucky to have you, Karina."

Karina was smiling on the outside, but on the inside, her heart was smiling even bigger. Brandon always knew exactly what to say.

"We can't be out too late though," he informed her. "We gotta get some rest so that we're not drowsy as hell for this flight in the morning."

Karina gave him a sneaky grin. "Don't sit over there acting like that's the real reason you wanna get home. You're not slick, Brandon."

They both burst out laughing.

"You act like you don't want me to put you to sleep anyway," he taunted.

"I don't."

"Stop lying. You love this dick."

"When did I say that?"

"You don't have to say it. The proof is in the pudding."

The cocky smirk on his handsome face turned her on something serious. She wanted Brandon in the worst way and he knew it. "You get on my nerves."

"I'll make it up to you later." He winked.

"Oh, wow...didn't know the CEO and the Vice President of Vapor Enterprises had a date tonight."

Both Karina and Brandon looked up and were surprised to see Brooke headed in their direction. Karina still seemed to be alarmed that she was headed their way, however, Brandon remained calm as if the situation didn't faze him at all.

Once she was standing directly in front of their table, Brooke crossed her arms and stated, "Well, good evening to you all."

Brandon placed his fork down on his plate and finally gave her some attention. "Good evening, Brooke. How are you?"

"I'm well. And you?"

"I can't complain."

Brooke looked at Karina. "And good evening to you too, Mrs. Newsome."

"Good evening, Brooke," Karina casually responded.

"So...do either of you mind addressing this little date you're having?"

Karina answered, "It's not a da—"

"Actually it is," Brandon interrupted.

Karina looked at him with wide eyes, not understanding why he was willing to risk his position for Brooke.

"I'm dating Karina," Brandon continued. "And I don't mind you or anyone else knowing that."

"Wow," Brooke said, shifting her weight to her right leg. "How long has this been going on."

"That's none of your business." Brandon was stern with his statement.

"Brandon, there is no need for you to use that tone with me."

Clearing his throat, Brandon replied, "You're going too deep into things that don't concern you."

"Well, I think this little relationship might concern Vapor Enterprises."

"Excuse us, love," Brandon spoke to Karina, before getting out of his seat.

With heavy strides, he headed further back into the diner with Brooke following behind him. They stopped in front of the bathroom and Brandon peered at Brooke with a menacing glare.

"What do you want from me?" he questioned.

"I want you to tell me exactly what's going on with you and Karina."

"I just told you that we're dating. I really didn't have to tell you that, but since you're so pressed for information, I'm letting you know."

"So, are you really dating or just fucking?"

Brandon ran his hand over his mouth, trying his best to hold in his building aggravation. Brooke was really starting to piss him off. The two originally met two years ago when Brooke took a trip to the New Jersey location of Vapor Enterprises, along with a group of other associates. Like many other women, Brooke was instantly attracted to Brandon the moment she laid her eyes on him.

When the opportunity came to shoot her shot, she gave it her best effort. While Brandon expressed that he wasn't interested in her, Brooke was persistent in gaining some of his time. Her trip to New Jersey lasted a week and during that time she did everything she could to try and gain his attention. Finally, on her last day, she walked into the building wearing a mouthwatering dress and her makeup was snatched for the Gods.

She headed to Brandon's office and demanded his attention. Although she wasn't able to persuade him into bending her over, she was able to enjoy the sweet satisfaction of having his dick down her throat. And from that day on, she'd become his favorite go to whenever he needed his dick sucked and she was in his presence.

"Again, you're going too deep into things that don't concern you," Brandon reminded her.

"This is foul, Brandon. I've been sucking your dick for how long now? Karina is married! Yet you have the nerve to have her out on a date, but you've never even asked me out not once?"

"I told you from day one I wanted nothing from you, Brooke. You pushed yourself on me, and eventually you got something out of it. If you wanna be mad at somebody, be mad at yourself."

"That's bullshit!"

"No, it's the truth and you know it."

"So, you're just gonna sleep with a married woman?"

"She's separated from Ivan."

Brooke seemed surprised. "Wow, because of you?"

"I don't owe you any type of explanation, Brooklyn. What Karina and I do is not any of your concern and if you thought threatening to expose us was gon' work, you're sadly mistaking."

"I never said I was gonna expose you. All I wanted was clarity."

Brandon laughed, although he didn't find her funny. "Don't switch up on me now. You walked in here with foul intentions until I shut that shit down. Keep that same energy."

"Fuck you, Brandon."

"You wish you could. Have a good night, Brooke."

He walked off, leaving her standing there alone. After returning to his seat at the table with Karina, he could tell her mood wasn't the same. It pissed him off that Brooke had come in and threw off the energy for both of them. He reached across the table and requested her hands.

When their palms connected, Brandon stated, "I'm sorry about that."

"I really don't wanna talk about it here, Brandon."

"We don't have to."

He quickly flagged the waitress down so that he could pay for their dinner and request some to go boxes. He understood Karina's want to leave the diner after Brooke's brief interruption. He himself no longer wanted to stay either. Once the food was paid for, they left and headed to Brandon's car. The ride back to his condo was a silent one.

Silence between them had never been as awkward as it currently was and Brandon hated it. However, he didn't wanna pressure Karina to speak. He wanted her to talk to him when she was ready. So, instead of hearing her voice, the sound of Frank Ocean on the radio was currently what they were hearing as he drove back to his place.

Twenty minutes later, they'd finally arrived. Brandon parked and grabbed their food from the back seat. Karina exited the passenger side and he followed her up to his doorstep. They were rushing because the rain was still coming down. She stepped aside so that he could open the door, then he moved out of the way to allow her in first.

"Thank you," she spoke softly, heading into the condo.

"You're welcome," Brandon said, heading in right behind her.

He walked into his kitchen and sat their food on the counter before taking his jacket off. He then went back into his living room to find Karina and was surprised to see that she had stepped out onto his balcony.

"You mind if I join you?" he asked, poking his head out the door.

"Who am I to tell you no?"

"I never wanna invade your space, Karina."

She gave him a sly smile. "It's your condo, Brandon, which means the balcony belongs to you."

"Facts. But if you wanted to be alone, you know I have no problem respecting your space."

There was a moment of silence between them while their eyes did the talking.

Finally Karina stated, "Join me."

Brandon was hoping she would say that. He stepped out on to the balcony and sat next to her on the black four-piece sectional. He rarely came out to his balcony since moving in his condo, but he bought furniture just in case he ended up in a moment like this.

"So, you really love the rain, huh?" he quipped, wrapping his arm around her shoulder.

Karina looked forward and watched it fall to the ground. "Yeah, I do."

"Come closer to me," he demanded.

She scooted closer to him and leaned her head on his shoulder. "Brandon, were you lying about Brooke?"

"I would never lie to you, Karina."

"So why was she so aggressive at the diner?"

"Because she wants me to look at her with eyes that I'm only interested in looking at you with."

"Have you two ever...?"

Brandon reached down and grabbed Karina's chin, turning her face in his direction. "I've never had sex with Brooklyn. She and I did have encounters in the past that were sexual, but I've never penetrated her."

"So, if you don't mind me asking, what happened exactly?"

"She used to deep throat me."

Karina's eyes lit up at his blatant honesty. "Wow, just like that, huh?"

"I mean I wanna be honest with you at all times. She wanted more from me, but I was never interested. Denied her for as long as I could until she forced her mouth on me."

"You're an ass," Karina laughed.

"It's the truth. She was willing to suck my dick with no commitment from me, so that was on her."

"Well, what if she starts telling people about us?"

"I couldn't care less, Karina. I'm not gon' hide how I feel for you. I know we said we would keep things quiet, but if anybody finds out, I'm not lying about our situation."

"I just don't want it to affect your new position."

"I'm the CEO baby. Can't nothing or nobody affect me."

Karina grinned before Brandon pulled her closer to kiss her lips. He kissed her so passionately that it felt like he was setting her soul on fire. When she felt his tongue request for her to part her lips, she opened her mouth with no hesitation. Just kissing him alone already felt as if they were making love. She wanted to kiss him all night and wondered why he suddenly pulled his lips away from hers.

"Let's go shower," he told her. "Then I'll eat your pussy until you fall asleep."

While biting her bottom lip, Karina grinned with satisfaction. Brandon must've read her mind, because if his lips weren't on her mouth, then on her pussy is where she preferred them to be.
Chapter Eleven

Karina stepped out of her third meeting for the day, trying to hide her irritation. She and Brandon had made it to Charlotte earlier that morning and had been working all afternoon. She was extremely tired, but she knew the cost to be the boss.

She and Brandon had meetings together and some were separate. The particular one she'd just left didn't include him and she was glad it didn't because Ivan had been blowing her phone up with text for the last hour stating that she needed to call him.

She was going to ignore him, but he was persistent with his messages, leading her to believe that whatever news he wanted to share must've been urgent. She roamed the building for a low-key spot, and when she found a corner that seemed to be idle, she finally dialed Ivan's number.

"Hello?" he answered.

"What is it, Ivan? I'm busy."

"We need to talk, Karina."

"Okay, so talk."

"Where are you?"

"I'm out of town working!"

"Why are you yelling?"

"Because you're asking me irrelevant questions, Ivan! What do you want?"

"I wanna talk to you face to face. When are you coming back to town? I'll slide past the house so we can talk then."

"No, what the hell do you think this is? We're not on good terms and I am not agreeing to speak with you face to face. Whatever you wanna talk to me about, you can say it right now."

"Don't do that, Karina. I'm sure Brandon probably got you on a new high, but at the end of the day, I'm still your husband. Remember that, sweetheart. I'll see you when you get back."

"Ivan, I'm no—"

Karina stopped talking when she realized that Ivan had hung up on her. She was furious. She didn't understand what made him think he still had the audacity to claim himself as her husband when he'd treated her like everything but his wife. She began massaging her temples and taking deep breaths to try and calm herself down.

"What is it, sweetheart?"

Karina looked up to see a very handsome looking Brandon walking in her direction with his hands in the pockets of his slacks. Without even trying, he was mouthwatering fine.

"You gon' answer me today or tomorrow?" he joked but was serious at the same time.

Karina sighed and admitted, "I just got off the phone with Ivan."

Brandon nodded. "Still letting him fuck with your energy, huh?"

"Brandon..."

He shrugged. "I don't get why you still entertain him."

"He just kept texting me stating that it was urgent. When I finally called him back, he said we needed to talk in person and of course I told him I wasn't having that. But it's like he just refused to take no for an answer. Do you know that bastard had the nerve to still announce himself as my husband? I don't care what the legal documents say, I'm no longer announcing him as my husband."

Brandon stepped closer into her personal space. "That's fine, Karina. Don't stress about it, a'ight?"

"I'm not, it's just...until we're officially divorced, the situation will always be floating in my head. I hate that."

Brandon kissed her forehead. "It'll happen. Just be patient. In the meantime, why don't you consider blocking his number? It seems like he only calls to fuck with you, and truth be told, it works, love."

Karina knew he was right. Ivan definitely knew how to get under her skin and she wanted to put an end to it, even if it was just for now. "I'll do that," she finally replied.

"Good. Listen, I gotta head to my next meeting, but we'll link back up later on for dinner. Today is gon' be awfully busy, so try not to let unnecessary things frustrate you, okay?"

"Okay. I'll see you in a little bit."

With a sexy grin spread across his face, he replied, "Looking forward to it."

Karina watched him walked off, looking like the sexiest CEO she'd ever laid her eyes on. She silently cursed at herself for allowing Ivan to upset her once again when she had everything she'd ever wanted in a man right in front of her.

***

Kylie stepped out of the shower and began drying herself off. When she got out of class, she'd rushed home in hopes if seeing Ryan, but unfortunately, he wasn't home. He hadn't come back since their fight last night and she was desperate to speak with him. He wasn't answering any of her calls or text messages.

She began applying lotion to her body as she sat at the edge of the toilet in silence. Just as she was about to put on her clothes, her heart started pounding heavy in her chest when she heard the front door open. Instead of putting on her clothes, she grabbed her towel and wrapped it around her naked body.

She then rushed out of the bathroom and found Ryan in his bedroom. He was opening drawers, stuffing clothes in a bag.

"Ryan, what are you doing?"

"I'ma stay at a hotel for a few days."

"What, why?"

"We need some space, Ky."

"All we have to do is talk, Ryan! You don't have to leave!"

"I'm not 'bout to do this right now," he spoke dismissively.

Kylie walked up to him and snatched the clothes out of his hand. "You're not leaving like this!"

"Watch out, Kylie!"

"No!" she screamed, suddenly bursting into a fit of tears. "Stop trying to leave me!"

"I'm not leaving you! I'm just trying to leave this fucked up situation behind me by taking some time to myself! We'll talk in a few days, a'ight?"

Kylie threw the clothes she was holding on the bed and wrapped her arms around Ryan's neck. "I'm sorry!" she bawled.

Ryan stood up straight, allowing her to cling to his chest while she cried her eyes out.

"I promise you I've never done anything with Kaleem! I'm sorry I let him lie to you! I was wrong and I'm admitting that, Ryan! But I don't wanna wait a few days to talk about this! I wanna work it out now!"

Ryan clenched his jaw, taking deep breaths. "It just fucks with me to think about you and another nigga, Ky."

"You don't have to think about that," she assured him. "Ryan, I love you. I only want you. You're my best friend and I don't wanna lose you over something like this."

Her words wrapped around Ryan's heart with a tight grip. He knew she meant every last one of them and it pained him that this argument had gotten this far. He never wanted to see Kylie crying on his chest, but the situation had took a turn and triggered his anger.

"I love you too, Ky," he finally replied, setting his pride aside in order to try and fix things between them. He guided her toward the bed and they sat down. "Look, I'm not trying to control you or who you talk to. But that nigga needs to be eliminated from your phone immediately. I trust you, Ky, but I don't trust him."

"Okay," she responded with no hesitation.

Ryan used the back of his hand to wipe her wet face. "Stop crying, baby. I can't stand that shit."

"It just scares me to think about us breaking up over something like this."

"We're not breaking up. I love you too much to let you go that easy."

Those words put Kylie's heart at ease as she pecked his lips. "I missed you. I know it was only one night, but it was so hard not knowing where you were."

"I just had to leave and calm down so that shit wouldn't get worse. My fault for having you worried. I'll hold you all night long tonight in order to make up for that."

Kylie eyed him for a moment as the room suddenly became dead silent. After swallowing a lump of saliva down her dry throat, she unloosened the knot that was securing the towel around her body. She now sat on the bed, completely naked, goosebumps covering her skin.

"Ky, what are you doing?" Ryan wondered as his eyes roamed over her body.

She kissed him softly, however the kissing quickly became intense. Kylie's virgin pussy was craving to be invaded by Ryan. She scooted back on the bed and laid flat on her back. Ryan crawled between her legs, hovering over her as their kissing continued.

He wanted her just as bad as she wanted him, but at the same time, he needed to assure her of something before they took this step.

"Baby," he spoke softly, halting their passionate kissing for a brief moment.

"Ryan, please," Kylie panted, bringing his lips back to hers.

"Ky, I need to make sure you're doing this because you want to and not because you think you have to."

While caressing the sides of his face, she replied, "I want to."

"Are you sure, Kylie?"

She nodded with so much assurance in her eyes that Ryan didn't need to question her again. He resumed their passionate kissing, slowly easing down to her neck, her breasts, then her stomach. His tongue trailed all the way down to her swollen bud.

No time was wasted as he put his mouth on her treasure. Her body trembled as his tongue slid down the center of her second set of lips, teasing her opening. He stuck his tongue into her hole and began rubbing her clit with his thumb.

"Oooh, yes," Kylie moaned, clenching the sheets.

Ryan loved to hear her moan out in pleasure from things that he did to her body. He removed his thumb from her clit and now placed his tongue there, knowing it would drive her crazy. He was precise with the tip of his tongue, torturing her clitoris in the most satisfying way. He started fingering her opening, her juicy center allowing him to massage her wet tunnel with ease.

"Ryannn," Kylie whined.

He slurped on her clit, demanding an orgasm. As he sucked her sensitive spot, he sped up his pace with his fingers. Kylie was panting loud as the orgasm that Ryan demanded took over her entire body. He continued sucking her clit, attempting to drain her of any cum that refused to escape. He wanted it all.

"Babe!" Kylie screamed, her back arching as she came.

Ryan licked every drop of her juices, then wiped his mouth before standing up straight. They held intense eye contact as he pulled his shirt over his head. He then pulled out a condom from his pocket before he began stepping out of his pants. The bulge in his boxers caused Kylie's eyes to widen.

They grew even larger when he pulled his boxers down, revealing the actual size of his dick. Kylie had seen it before, but now that it was about to penetrate her, it looked much bigger. Ryan could sense how nervous she was as he opened the condom and secured it on his member.

He then crawled back on top of her and kissed her lips, allowing her to taste herself. "Let me know if I'm hurting you and I'll stop, a'ight?"

Kylie nodded, wrapping her arms around his neck. Ryan continued to kiss her as he positioned himself at her opening. He waited a moment to give her time to relax, and when he felt like she was ready, he slowly entered her.

"Aghhh," Kylie gasped.

Ryan clenched his jaw as he continued easing into her. Kylie's virgin walls were hugging his dick with no mercy. She felt way too good and he honestly was worried that he might cum too quick. Once he was all the way in her, he began to work her center at a slow but steady pace.

"Ouch!" Kylie hissed.

"You okay?" Ryan quickly questioned.

Kylie nodded. "Yes."

"Want me to stop?"

"No...keep going."

Ryan trusted that she was okay and continued easing in and out of her. So many nights he imagined taking Kylie's virginity and now that it was finally happening, he didn't know how to feel. He just knew that he loved her and it meant everything in the world to him that she was giving her most prized possession to him.

"I love you, Ky," he whispered to her.

"Love you..." was all Kylie could respond with as she focused on handling Ryan's dick.

"You feel so good baby," he continued, kissing the side of her face. "Shit."

The pain Kylie was feeling was slowly turning into a feeling of pleasure. She bit her bottom lip as Ryan went deeper.

"Fuck," he mumbled.

Kylie brought his mouth to hers, allowing their tongues to get reacquainted. When Ryan started to speed up, her legs just so happened to spread wider, granted she was still in pain. However, it was now bearable and with each stroke, it became much better for her. And before she knew it, she found herself enjoying the sex as much as Ryan was.

"Babe, yes," she panted.

Ryan couldn't handle her screaming, let alone the feeling of her tight as pussy suffocating his dick.

"I'm 'bout to fucking nut," he murmured.

But no sooner than the words left his mouth, Kylie felt that familiar sensation in her clit. She was right on the edge with him, if not closer.

"Fuck, Ky," Ryan grunted.

"Agh, Ryannnnn!" Kylie screeched, sinking her nails into his back as another orgasm shook her soul.

Ryan did his best to hold his composure as he emptied his nut into the condom. Once he was sure his sack was empty, he pulled out of Kylie and snatched the condom off. He took it to the bathroom to flush it and washed his dick. He then returned with a warm rag for Kylie.

"You okay, baby?" he asked her.

She nodded and accepted the rag from him. Upon wiping herself, she noticed that she was bleeding.

Ryan kissed her cheek. "Don't trip, Ky. I expected that to happen because it was your first time."

She gave him a sly smile.

"Want me to run you a bath?"

"That would be nice."

"I got you."

Ryan left the room and headed to the bathroom to run her some bathwater. He waited until the water was nice and warm, then he added some bubbles. When he was finished, he walked back into his bedroom and found Kylie laying back on the bed.

He sat on the opposite side of her and removed a piece of hair from out of her face. "You sure you good, Kylie?"

"Yes, I'm fine, Ryan."

"I love you."

She smiled at him. "I love you too."

"Come on. Your bath water is ready."

Kylie sat up and grabbed Ryan's arm as he tried to stand up from the bed.

"What's up, Ky?" he wondered.

"Do you forgive me now?"

"What you mean?"

"I mean...the situation with Kaleem, can we put it behind us now?"

Ryan looked at her with confusion written all over his face. He didn't understand why she was bringing up the Kaleem situation at a time like this. "What does that have to do with anything?"

Kylie shrugged her shoulders. "Well, I guess I was just kind of hoping that if—"

"That if what?!"

"Ryan, why are you yelling?"

"Because I know you not 'bout to say no dumb shit like you thought if we fucked everything would just be good?"

"That's not what I'm saying!"

"Then explain, Kylie!"

"I just thought that if we took it to the next level, it would show you how much I love you and where my heart is!"

"Are you fucking kidding me? Ky, I sat up here and asked you before we did this shit if it was for the right reason and you basically lied to me! I didn't want us fucking on no guilt type shit! I can't believe you would think I'm that type of nigga!"

"You're taking it the wrong way!" Kylie argued.

"Nah, don't try to sugar coat it now! You gave me your virginity out of guilt and that's fucked up man!"

"That's not it! I gave it to you because I love you!"

Ryan looked into her eyes, now disgusted with what had just taken place. He loved her so much and to come to terms with the fact that she'd allowed him her treasure in exchange for forgiveness broke his heart. He shook his head as he began putting his clothes back on, ignoring Kylie in the background trying to plead her case.

Once he was fully dressed, he finally gave her his attention again and said, "Your bath water getting cold."

"Ryan, do not leave! I can't do this with you again!"

He ignored her and made his exit out of the apartment. There was nothing more he had to say to Kylie right now. She fucked his head up for the second time and he'd be damned if he allowed her to do it a third time.

***

Karina sat with her back against the hotel bed while she responded to a load of emails. She had just finished eating her dinner and was relaxing alone while Brandon was out having drinks with some good friends who were also in town on their business trip.

He'd invited her to join him, but she didn't want to hover over him with his friends, so she politely declined the offer. While responding to the many emails in her inbox, her phone began ringing. She noticed that it was Kylie calling, so she answered right away.

"Hey, sis?" she answered.

"Hey."

Karina wasn't feeling Kylie's dry tone. It let her know right away that something was bothering her. "What's going on with you?"

"When are you coming back?"

"In a couple days, why?"

"I need to talk to you in person."

"Well, I'll be a few days, Kylie. We can talk right now. Tell me what's going on."

Kylie sighed. "It's a lot, sis."

Karina closed her laptop in order to give her little sister her undivided attention. "Talk to me."

"The Kaleem situation has gotten way out of control."

"How?"

"When Ryan found out that Kaleem lied about us having classes together, he flipped. I tried my best to explain everything to him, but you know how Ryan's temper can be. So, anyway, we got into a huge fight and when it was all said and done, I thought we were headed down the path to fixing things."

"Well, what happened that stopped you guys from doing that?"

"I...I guess I kind of went about things the wrong way."

Karina stayed silent, waiting patiently for Kylie to admit what she'd done in order to make the situation between her and Ryan worse.

"When he finally came back to the apartment so that we could talk, I expressed how sorry I was, but I didn't feel like he was understanding me. I wanted him to know that regardless of Kaleem and I's friendship or whatever you wanna call it that he would always come first and that he had my heart like no one else."

"I'm sure Ryan already knew that, Kylie. He was probably just upset."

"Yeah, well I wanted to make sure he knew. So, I...we...we had sex."

"What?!"

"Great, now you're mad at me too."

"I'm not mad at you," Karina clarified, "I'm just trying to understand. Are you saying that you had sex with Ryan in order to make up for the Kaleem situation?"

"Kind of, but not really. I mean I wasn't trying to go about it that way, sis! I love Ryan and I planned to lose my virginity with him regardless. Everything was just spinning out of control and I wanted him to understand that all parts of me were his...I made a mistake."

Karina grabbed her temples, shaking her head. "Kylie, you never have to give a man your body in order to prove anything."

"I know," Kylie responded, obvious tears in her tone. "And now Ryan's even more pissed at me because he thinks the only reason we had sex was out of guilt."

Karina hated that she wasn't there to wipe her sister's tears for her. Kylie had been there for her through so many nights when Ivan made her cry and she wanted to be the same shoulder to lean on for her baby sis. "Just calm down, okay? I know you're hurting right now, but this feeling won't last forever."

"I'm so stupid," Kylie cried. "How could I think that having sex would fix everything?"

"You're not stupid, Kylie! You're human and no human is perfect, alright? At the end of the day, you love Ryan. This situation will work itself out. You just have to be strong and do not allow it to get the best of you. It will be okay, sis."

"He hates me."

"He does not hate you. He's probably just as torn over the situation as you are. You guys are best friends and it's harder when those type of hearts fall in love. It makes these kinds of situations more difficult, but you'll weather the storm."

"I don't wanna stay another night here without him. I'm going back to the house."

"No!" Karina objected. "I don't want you there while I'm away. I'll cash app you some money for a hotel or I'm sure Dana wouldn't mind you staying at her place."

"I'd rather go to a hotel. I don't wanna invade on Dana's space."

"She wouldn't mind, but if you're more comfortable at a hotel, I'll still send you some cash."

"Thank you, sis."

"You're welcome. Anything to make you feel better. I hate that I'm not there, but as soon as I get back, you know we're doing whatever it takes to cheer you up."

"I just hate feeling like this," Kylie sniffled. "So...so alone."

"Hey, cut that out. What do we always say? Lonely, but not alone. We always have each other."

"I know. I love you."

"I love you too, Kylie. Now go wash your face because I'm sure it's full of tears. By the time you're done, I'll have the money already sent to you."

"Okay. Bye, sis."

"Bye, honey."

***

"Aye, Dana gon' kill your ass when she finds out that you didn't invite her on this trip," Brandon laughed as he and Carter sat at the bar, amongst a group of other co-workers who'd joined them.

"Man, what she don't know won't hurt her," Carter advised.

Brandon shook his head. "You something else."

"No I ain't. Shit, Dana got a man in Oakland, so she ain't thinking 'bout me. Therefore, I'm not obligated to be thinking 'bout her ass all the time."

Brandon continued laughing as he took a sip of his beer. While setting his glass down, he had to do a double take on the figure approaching the bar. If his eyes weren't playing tricks on him, then heading in his direction was none other than, Jada Sims.

Jada was someone he met while traveling back and forth on business trips years ago. She wasn't connected to Vapor Enterprises in any way, but she'd caught his attention while he was out one night and he'd gotten her number. Unlike Brooke, Jada had been able to actually sample the pleasure of Brandon's dick a few times.

When he mentioned to Karina that he fucked a few women here and there, Jada was definitely on the list. However, he hadn't seen her in quite some time and had to admit that she was looking lovely as she strolled up to him wearing a short black dress with silver heels.

Her hair was styled into a short bob cut and her soft brown skin seemed to always have this glow to it whenever he was in her presence. Jada was extremely petite, but her small figure didn't take away from how gorgeous she was.

"Well, hello Mr. Vapor," she smiled.

"Good evening, Jada," he replied, standing from his seat to give her a hug. "How are you?"

"I'm well. Even better now that I found the ghost I've been looking for," she joked. "Hey, Carter."

"What's up, Jada?"

"Not too much. I see you two still hang tight?"

"Whenever we can," Carter stated. "My boy moved to Oakland now, so we don't see each other as often unless we're traveling on the same business trip or visiting each other."

"Oh," Jada said surprised. "You're living in Oakland now, Brandon?"

Brandon nodded. "Yeah. My Pop's retired, so I'm the CEO of Vapor Enterprises now. With my new position, it was necessary that I changed my location."

"Wow, CEO huh? Well, congratulations, sir. That's major. I'm proud of you."

"Appreciate that, Jada."

"Yeah, well I'ma gon' head and let y'all chop it up. Come find me before you leave," Carter said to Brandon with a grin on his face.

Brandon nodded at Carter as he watched Jada sit in the seat he got out of.

"So, how's life in Oakland?" she quipped.

"It's cool. I'm still adjusting, but it's coming along. What are you doing in Charlotte?"

"Working. I was booked for a wedding and two photoshoots out here," she informed him.

Jada was a makeup artist and her business had been expanding over the years. Brandon was happy to see her growing in her craft. He knew how much she loved doing makeup and was proud to see that she was sticking to her dreams.

"That's dope. Your brand is gon' be huge, Jada."

"Yeah, well not as huge as Vapor Enterprises."

"Dream big. Never put a limit on your success."

She smiled and scooted her stool closer to him and touched his arm. "I've missed you, Brandon. What's up with the bland ass texts and ignored phone calls? I mean I know you're a busy man, so I try not to sweat it, but it's kind of insulting."

Brandon ran his hand over his mouth, knowing he had to be honest with Jada. Regardless if they never had any commitment, they were always good friends and he felt like he owed her the truth on why he'd been giving her the short end of the stick lately.

"I'm seeing someone."

"Like seriously?"

"Yeah."

"How long have you been seeing her?"

"Not too long, but I know it's something that I want to last."

"Wow. Never thought I would hear something like that come from your mouth."

He laughed, not knowing if she was serious or just being sarcastic. "Yeah, well there it is."

Jada removed her hand from his arm and sat in silence. Brandon could tell that his revelation fucked her up and he sort of felt bad. He never wanted to hurt Jada, however, he cautioned her in the beginning to guard her feelings because he knew a relationship wasn't something he wanted from her.

However, the friendship they created grew a lot deeper each time they had sex. Brandon could tell she was involving her feelings a lot more than he was, and even with his warnings, Jada was thinking with her heart and not her mind. That only made this situation a lot harder for the both of them because he truly did care about her.

"I'm sorry if this is hard for you," he spoke ending the silence. "I know me suddenly getting ghost on you probably wasn't the best way to break the news and I feel like shit for that. My fault, Jada."

"It's fine. I know I should've took you more serious when you told me not to involve my heart. I guess the dick was just too good."

They both burst out laughing and Brandon was glad that her comment had eased up the tension.

"You know we'll always be friends, right?"

She nodded. "I was hoping you'd say that. Even though it'll be kind of hard when you're not responding to my messages."

"Aye, I said my fault. Now that you know my situation, it'll be a lot easier for me to respond."

"It still would have been easy for you to respond, Brandon. You know me. As good as your dick is, if you tell me you have someone, I'll respect that."

He eyed her closely. "I know."

"Good. So, now that I know where we stand, I expect to be ignored a lot less," she laughed.

"I won't ignore you."

"Whatever. How about you make it up to me and buy me a drink...friend?"

He smirked. "I got you."

After ordering her drink, they talked for a little while longer before Jada decided that it was time for her to go. Brandon found Carter and chopped it up with him for a moment before going their separate ways as well. Brandon ordered an Uber to take him back to the hotel he and Karina were staying in.

When he arrived, Karina was sound asleep and he tried his best not to make too much noise in efforts not to disturb her. He took a shower and slipped on a fresh pair of boxers before crawling into the bed behind her.

"Hey, baby," Karina's soft voice spoke.

"Shit, I wasn't trying to wake you up," Brandon replied, wrapping her in his arms.

"It's okay. I wouldn't have been able to sleep good without you being here anyway."

Brandon kissed the side of her face. "Well I'm here now, so get some rest, beautiful."

"I will. Good night."

"Good night, Karina."

And just moments later, Karina's deep breathing confirmed that she was pulled back into her sleep. Brandon kissed the top of her head and held her tight. He thought about his conversation with Jada and he knew that he'd done the right thing by being honest with her.

Karina was where he wanted to be, and although he had a past of not committing to women, he was willing to change all of that now that he was with the woman he wanted. Karina just did something to his heart that no other woman could do and he refused to let go of what they were building.
Chapter Twelve

"Y'all looked at some bomb places today," Dana noted as she, Karina, and Kylie sat inside of Cold Stone having some ice cream.

"Yeah, I loved all three of them," Karina said. "Kylie, which one did you like the best?"

After taking a bite of her cookies and cream, Kylie replied, "I liked the last one."

"I knew you'd say that," Karina grinned. "That walk in closet suckered you right in, didn't it?"

"Yeah, kind of," Kylie admitted. She looked at her phone and was surprised to see a text from Ryan. She hadn't spoken to him in about a week. After constantly getting the silent treatment from him, she decided to just give him his space and let him come around whenever he felt was best.

"Ryan just texted me and said he wants to see me."

"See, girl I told you that nigga would come crawling back," Dana spat. "Sometimes you just gotta let a nigga pout for a while, then let him miss you. Hell, I do it to Nipsey and Carter all the damn time."

Karina shook her head. "Don't listen to her. Look, if you wanna talk to Ryan we can head back to the house."

"I kind of wanna see what he has to say."

"That's fine," Karina nodded.

They gathered their ice cream and headed to Karina's car. On the way to their house, Kylie texted Ryan and told him to meet them there. He agreed and told her he would be there within the next twenty minutes. Time seemed to be on their side as Ryan ended up arriving five minutes after Karina had gotten them there.

"I got it!" Kylie shouted as she went to answer the door after hearing the doorbell ring. She opened it and stepped aside so that Ryan could enter the house. "Hey..."

"What's good, Ky?"

Her first instinct was to hug him. However, she didn't know where they stood and she couldn't read his energy. All she knew was that she missed him and it bothered her that he didn't make the first move and hug or kiss her on his end.

Maybe he's confused too, she thought to herself.

"Come on," she said, leading him upstairs and into her room. She locked the door behind them and sat on her bed. Ryan sat next to her and sighed deeply.

"What's wrong?" she asked.

"A lot of shit, Ky."

"Like what?"

"It's too much and I don't wanna get into it. I came over here because we need to talk and this is something I refuse to discuss with you over the phone or by text."

"Okay, so what is it?"

He looked into her eyes and stated, "We have to be done, Kylie."

"What?"

"I'm sorry, but this shit we're doing has to end."

"Ry—"

"Look, I already thought it through, a'ight? The dating shit is just not for us. I love the fuck out of you and our friendship will never end, but I can't be your man."

"Why are you doing this?" Kylie questioned, her heart breaking into tiny pieces by the second.

"I'm doing what's best for both of us. Neither one of us want this, but one of us has to be strong enough to make this move, knowing it'll save our friendship in the long run."

"You don't even have to do this, Ryan! We had one bump in the road! As a couple, we work it out, we don't just split up!"

"Ky, I gotta do what I feel is best—"

"Fuck you!" Kylie bawled. "If you don't wanna be with me, then just say that!"

"Aye, don't come at me like that, the fuck? You the one out here lying and shit! Then you got me fucking you on some sneak shit! Do you know how bad that shit hurt me, Ky? Huh, do you? Giving your virginity to me was supposed to be something special and you turned it into a fucking guilt trip!"

"I'm sorry for that! I haven't made the best choices and I'm aware of that! But we can work through this! How can you just give up on me so quick but really call yourself my friend?" She shoved his chest. "Do you really love me?"

"Don't ask me some shit you already know the answer to."

"Just tell me, Ryan!"

"Hell yes I love you!"

"Then why are you walking away so easy? I love you enough to fight through this! It was all just a misunderstanding and bad choices made from my end, okay? Let me fix it!"

"Ky, I can't be in a relationship with you right now. I'm sorry, a'ight? Regardless of what you think, I do love you and I'm making this choice to save our friendship." He stepped into her personal space, cupped her chin and kissed her forehead. "My heart gon' always be yours man. I can't even lie to you. But being your friend is much safer than being your man in my eyes. Forgive me for hurting you."

And with those words, Ryan was out the door. Kylie immediately fell back on the bed, facing the ceiling. She covered her face with her hands as she cried her eyes out. She couldn't believe Ryan had just broken her heart the way he did. She know she'd made mistakes in their relationship, but never did she expect him to just walk away from her.

If their friendship meant half as much to him as it did to her, then he couldn't have left her as broken as he'd just done. Her sobs were loud and uncontrollable as she wept from the loss of her best friend and the man whom she'd believed to be her soulmate. Minutes later, Karina and Dana came rushing into her room.

"Oh my goodness," Karina panicked, rushing to Kylie's bedside. "Kylie, what happened?"

"He...he broke up with me," Kylie cried.

"That bastard!" Dana cursed. "We outta go egg his fucking car! How dare he show up out the blue and break up with you? Who the fuck does he think he is?"

"I hate him," Kylie sobbed. "How could he do this to me? I would never give up on him like this! So fast and easy like our situation means nothing!"

"Hey, look at me," Karina demanded, pulling Kylie's hands away from her face. "It's going to be okay."

"It just hurts so bad, sis."

"I know, trust me. But you're strong, Kylie. You're beautiful, intelligent, and a prize to any man who gets his hands on you."

"She's right," Dana chimed in. "That fool don't know what he lost. When he gets his mind right, he's gonna feel dumb as hell. Just wait and see."

"If that's the case, then why am I the one hurting so bad?" Kylie wondered, wiping her raining eyes.

"Ryan's your first real love," Karina informed her. "They're always the hardest to deal with, but it will pass. And you know I'll be right here with you through it all."

"Thank you." Kylie closed her eyes and cried silently as she imagined how her life going forward would be without Ryan. She knew he had hopes of them remaining friends, but she honestly didn't see that happening after he'd hurt her the way he did. With how she was feeling, she wasn't sure if they would ever speak again.

***

Ashley pulled her hair into a messy bun and headed into her kitchen to fix her some dinner. She'd had a long night at the pharmacy and just got out of a long hot shower. All she wanted to do was eat, watch something good on Netflix, and go to sleep.

She decided to make herself some Alfredo noodles, stir fry rice, and broccoli. She turned on the Pandora app on her phone and 'Marvin's Room' by Drake began playing. Once she had all of her food started, she grabbed a wine glass from her cabinet and poured herself a drink.

Sometimes a glass of wine was just what Ashley needed after a long stressful day at work. She took a sip and went for another, but quickly sat her glass down at the sound of her doorbell. She checked her food before heading to the door and looking through her peephole.

When she saw that it was Ryan, she unlocked the door. She knew he was coming to pick up the bag her brother dropped off earlier this morning before she went to work. After stepping aside so Ryan could come in, she locked the door and they headed into her living room.

Ashley grabbed the black duffel bag from behind her couch. "I'm sure this is what you're looking for."

"Good looking," Ryan said, taking the bag from her hands. "It's smelling good in here. What you cooking?"

"Alfredo, stir fry rice, and broccoli."

"Okay, chef Ash."

Ashley laughed and headed back into her kitchen to check on her food. "It's not even all that. I would offer you some, but I'm sure Kylie's feeding you tonight."

"My dogs haven't been no trouble have they?" Ryan questioned, ignoring her statement about Kylie.

"No, they never are. I told you I like having them here."

"Don't get too attached. I'ma get a crib soon that allows me to have 'em. I don't wanna hear you crying when it's time for me to take them back."

"You're sounding hella' ungrateful, sir," Ashely joked.

"I'm fucking with you. I just know how attached you can get."

"Oh, throwing shade are we?"

"Nah, no shade intended."

"Whatever. Well, you better get out of here before it gets too late."

"Damn, just throw a nigga out why don't you?"

While cackling, Ashley replied, "I'm just not trying to get you in trouble."

"I'm a grown ass man, Ash."

"Yeah, but you have a woman now, Ryan. And if I was in her shoes, I wouldn't want you coming home all late and stuff. It's just a respect thing."

Ryan sat the duffel bag down on Ashley's kitchen table. "Me and Kylie are done."

Ashley's demeanor immediately changed. She became completely serious as she turned away from the stove and gave Ryan her undivided attention. "What do you mean?"

"Shit just didn't work out."

"Ryan, you loved her more than any woman I've ever known you to love. That's one weak ass excuse for you to just have called it quits that easy."

"I don't wanna go into details. It just didn't work like I said."

"Well, I'm sorry. Not only do I know what you felt for her, but I could tell what she felt for you was mutual. It's unfortunate that it didn't work out."

Ryan nodded. "Yeah, it is what it is at this point."

Ashley turned back around to tend to her food. She continued to cook in silence, not knowing what to say to Ryan at a time like this. She wanted to be a good friend and be his shoulder to lean on, but he made it clear that he didn't wanna talk about the situation.

She chose to respect that and not probe for information on the break up. She figured that whatever he wanted her to know, she would know. However, she was curious to find out what he was thinking as he watched her cook for the next fifteen minutes in silence.

"What are you looking at?" she finally asked, as she turned off the stove.

"I'm just waiting for you to offer me some food. Or are you not gon' do that?"

She laughed. "Would you like me to fix you a plate, Ryan?"

"That would be nice, Ash. Appreciate it."

She shook her head and pulled out two plates from her cabinet. After fixing them both some food, she sat at the table with Ryan and they said their grace before eating. Again, the silence returned, but it wasn't awkward. Instead, it was replaced by them devouring the food Ashley had cooked.

Ryan finished his plate first, then five minutes later Ashley finished hers. She took both of their plates to the sink to wash while Ryan went outside to feed his dogs. Afterwards, they returned to Ashley's living room. Ashley was sitting on her couch, her hair now free from her bun. She was scrolling through Netflix, trying to find a good movie to watch before she fell asleep.

"A'ight, Ash. I'm 'bout to get out of here. Good looking on the food."

"You know it's not a problem."

Ryan walked into the kitchen to grab the duffel bag and then he headed to the door. Ashley followed behind him in order to lock it.

"Drive safe," she told him.

"Yes mom," he joked.

"Shut up, punk," she playfully shoved his shoulder.

She immediately noticed that he wasn't his playful self that she was used to. The hurt he was trying to shield was written all over his face no matter how hard he was trying to front. Ashley knew him too well not to be able to read between the lines.

"Are you gonna be okay?" she asked.

"Yeah, I'm straight."

"Ryan, it's okay to admit that you're not okay. You do know that, right?"

He gave her a pensive stare. "What if I don't wanna admit it?"

"Why lie to yourself?"

He laughed with no smile. "A'ight. I'm fucked up about it. But I made the decision to step away from her, so I gotta deal with the shit."

"Are you sure you don't wanna talk about it?"

"I'm positive. I just wanna let it faze out so it won't be on my mind forever."

"Well, you know you can't rush something like that out of your heart."

"I know."

Silence fell between them as their eyes seemed to have a conversation of their own. Ashley swallowed hard and grabbed Ryan's arm just as he turned to walk out the door.

"Wait," she said, stepping into his personal space.

Ryan stared down at her, waiting for her next set of words. He watched her closely as she reached up and caressed the right side of his face. Her fingers lightly brushed over his lips, stopping at his chin.

"Ash, what you doing?"

"Stay."

"I can't."

"Yes, you can."

"Nah, I can't. We both know what this is and it wouldn't be fair to you."

Ashley stepped on the tip of her toes in order to kiss his lips. She expected him to hesitate, but instead, he kissed her back. She heard the duffel bag drop, then next his hands were around her waist. Goosebumps covered her skin as his hands roamed her thighs and stopped and squeezed her ass.

She jumped up and wrapped her legs around his waist. Ryan carried her upstairs into her bedroom where their kissing continued. He sat down on the bed with Ashley straddling him and slipped his hands under her shirt. Within seconds, he had her bra unbuttoned.

Ashley assisted him and pulled her shirt from over her head. She was now completely topless and bit her bottom lip as Ryan placed his mouth on her breasts. As he took his time with each one, her body became more and more eager to feel him inside of her.

At his request, she stood up and he pulled his shirt over his head. He then retrieved a condom from his pocket before coming out of his pants. He watched Ashely's eyes size him up as he put the condom on his rock hard dick. And judging by the way she was licking her lips, he could tell she liked what she saw.

"What you waiting for, Ash?" he questioned. "Take those fucking pants off."

Ashley immediately came out of her pants and took her time pulling her panties down. Ryan sat back on the bed and watched her approach him slowly, before she climbed on top like an eager cowgirl. He leaned back and grabbed her hips and she slid down on his dick.

"Oooh, Ryan. That dick feels so good, baby," she purred.

Off the bat, Ryan could tell that this experience was going to be much different than it was from when he had sex with Kylie. Ashley was much more experienced. She knew what to do with the dick and even more so, she could handle it.

She wrapped her arms around his neck while grinding her hips into his pelvis. "Fuck! Oh, that dick is so good!"

"Ride that shit," Ryan demanded.

"Baby, yes!" she moaned. "You feel so good in my pussy!"

"You gon' cum on this dick?"

"Fuck yes, Ryan! I'ma cum all over this big dick, Daddy."

She gyrated her hips, making sure his dick was hitting every angle. When he started playing with her clit, she just about lost it.

"Daddy, don't stop," she begged.

"Be quiet and fuck this dick."

Ashley did as told and continued riding him until she felt her pussy walls contract. She moaned loudly as an orgasm snatched her entire being while she was still bouncing up and down on Ryan's member.

"Yeah, give me all that shit," Ryan stated as he flipped her over, laying her on her back. He then started pounding into her with no mercy.

"Fuckkk! Ryan, baby yes! Fuck me!"

"Spread those fucking legs wider," he demanded.

And with no hesitation, Ashley opened her legs even further, giving him easier access to drill her love tunnel. Her breasts jiggled as he fucked her hard and her second orgasm came creeping around the corner.

"Ryan, baby, I'm cumming again," she wept.

He began to long stroke her pussy as she gushed out the white creamy substance that let him know she was more than satisfied. Her constant moans filled the room as he continued to tease her with his dick; long strokes, in and out.

"Let me feel this pussy from the back."

He pulled out of her and allowed her limp body time to turn over. He expected her arch to be sloppy since she was worn out from cumming twice already, but Ashley was steady impressing him. She had her ass tooted up nice, and even spread her ass cheeks for him, allowing him to easily slide right into her slippery coochie. He slid right in, grunting as her tight walls swallowed his manhood.

He gripped onto her hips even tighter and started to beat the pussy up like she was the one who had hurt him. Ryan knew he was taking his pain out on the wrong person, but Ashley had chosen this position. She willingly gave her body to him, knowing he was vulnerable.

"Why the fuck you got me doing this to you, Ash?"

"It's okay, baby," she assured him as she threw her ass back, matching his strokes.

"It's not okay," he responded, going deeper into her. "I shouldn't be doing this shit to you."

"Ryan, it's okay. I love you," she admitted. "I loved you for so long, baby..."

Ryan clenched his jaw as her words sunk deep within him.

"I promise I would never hurt you," she continued.

"Fuck, Ash," Ryan groaned, still pounding into her. "Stop talking."

"Baby, please trust me! I'll love you the right way!"

"Be quiet, Ashley!"

"I can't!" she wept. "I want you so bad, Ryan!"

"Shit," he panted as he began releasing his nut into the condom.

He waited until he was empty and then he pulled out of her. Ashley's body fell limp on the bed and Ryan went into the bathroom to flush the condom. He grabbed a clean wash cloth from her bottom cabinet and washed his dick while blocking out the thoughts of his conscience. He knew what he and Ashley had done was forbidden, but unfortunately, there was no turning back.

She had blatantly confessed her love for him and even though the sex may have triggered the confession, the truth was out there. Ryan shook his head as he looked at himself in the mirror. Only time would tell where this situation with him and Ashley was going to lead.

***

"Hey, did you figure out which movie you wanted to watch?" Karina asked as she walked into Kylie's room.

She silently laughed to herself when she saw Kylie sound asleep on her bed. She tiptoed out of the room and shut the door behind her. Originally, they had planned to spend the rest of the night watching movies and eating snacks, but since Kylie had cried herself to sleep, Karina was now on her own.

She headed downstairs and grabbed the popcorn that she had prepared out of the microwave. She then grabbed her phone and called Brandon while sitting down on the couch.

"What's up, beautiful?" Brandon answered.

"Hey, honey. What are you doing?"

"Not too much. Just sorting through some paperwork. How's Kylie?"

"She cried herself to sleep. Poor thing."

"She'll be a'ight. You know how those first heartbreaks can be."

"Yeah, she's just taking it pretty hard. She and Ryan were good friends before all of this started happening."

"If the bond is solid, then their friendship won't fold. It might take a while for them to realize that, but they will eventually."

"I agree with you," Karina replied before stuffing her mouth with popcorn. "What should I watch?"

"Porn."

She burst out laughing. "You're so nasty."

"You asked."

"I meant a movie, Brandon. Me and Kylie were supposed to have a movie night, but she's sleep, so I'm on my own."

"What happen to Dana?"

"She left earlier. Probably a booty call for Nipsey."

"Or phone sex with Carter."

"Right!" Karina cackled. She heard her doorbell ring and instantly grew curious. "Hey baby, let me call you back in a little bit."

"Okay."

Karina ended the call and headed to the front door. She assumed that it was Ryan coming to apologize. But she got a rude awakening when she looked through the peephole and saw that it was Ivan. She opened the door but kept the screen locked.

"What the fuck do you want?"

"I told you we needed to talk."

"And I told you it wasn't happening."

"Karina, cut it out, okay? Look, I know you probably hate me more than anybody in the world right now and I don't blame you. But what I've come to realize is that it's not healthy for you to harbor those kind of feelings toward me."

"Well, did you also come to realize that you are the main reason I feel the way I do about you, Ivan?"

"Yes, I did. I'm sorry, Karina."

"Oh, please. What, did your little side bitch piss you off or something? Why are you all of a sudden showing me any bit of compassion toward our situation?"

"This has nothing to do with anyone else but us. Now can you open the screen so I can come in?"

"No," Karina stood her ground. "I don't want you in here."

"Karina, I'm not gon' sit up here and have a conversation with you through the screen of a fucking door. We're grown as fuck and capable of talking face to face while being in the same room. Stop acting like I'm some got damned caged animal that's gon' attack you. I mean after all, you're the one that wants me dead, not the other way around."

"You're never gonna let that go, are you?"

"If I tried to kill you, would you ever let it go?"

Karina sucked her teeth, hating to admit that he had a point. She rolled her eyes while opening the screen and allowing him into the house that they once shared together.

"Let's make this quick," she stated as she closed the door.

Ivan headed into the living room and sat on the couch. He nodded to the seat next to him and told Karina, "Have a seat."

"No, I don't have to do that."

"Baby, I just wanna have a civilized conversation with you and I want you close to me. Is that really too much to ask?"

"Ivan, cut the fucking bullshit! What do you want?"

He sighed heavily, realizing that he wasn't gonna get her to cooperate with him. With that being said, he decided to just speak on what had been on his mind lately. "I don't want you to go through with filing for divorce. I believe we can work it out."

Karina burst out laughing as if Ivan had just told the world's funniest joke. She laughed so hard that tears began to form in her eyes. "You're fucking kidding me right now, right?"

"I would appreciate it if you wouldn't laugh in my face like that, Karina. I'm being serious."

"Well, I can't take you serious. What is it that you're not comprehending, Ivan? We're done! There is nothing you can say to me that will fix what you've damaged."

"What if I allow my actions to fix the damage?"

"No! I'm not interested in working things out with you!"

"Karina, Brandon will never be able to handle your heart like me. That's why you're guarding it so heavy right now. You're terrified to fall in love with someone the way you love me and I can understand why. But you don't have to go trying to love someone else."

He stood up and walked into her personal space.

Karina backed up as he got closer to her. "Stay away from me."

"Baby, I still love you. I'm sorry for hurting you. I am. When a man drives a woman to hate him, it's at that point that he should realize he's a fucked up individual. You didn't deserve what I put you through. Maybe killing me was what I deserved. The agony you must've felt from my actions as a fucked up husband has been fucking with me. Let me put the pieces of your heart back together, Karina."

Karina shook her head as her eyes filled with warm water. She pushed Ivan away from her. "Fuck you!"

"I deserve that," he admitted.

"Get out!"

"Karina."

"Get the fuck out!" she screamed, tears now drowning her face.

Ivan caressed her face with both his hands and stared deeply into her eyes. "I'm sorry for breaking your heart. And I'm sorry for how I treated you after everything was said and done. But I'll work my ass off to fix this shit if you let me, baby."

"You're not sorry! You're a liar and you're deceiving as hell, Ivan!"

"Nothing about what I'm saying is a lie," he replied, using his thumbs to wipe her tears. "I've been a shitty husband, I'm admitting that. But I'm still in love with you and I can't give my heart to anyone else, knowing what we have."

"We have nothing," she cried under her breath. "Nothing...because of you."

Ivan leaned his head down against her forehead while she continued to cry silently. He knew he'd shredded her heart to pieces and at this point there were probably no words left that he could speak. He allowed her to hear his apology and it was up to her if she wanted to accept it or not. His arms wrapped around her lower back as she began to sob louder.

"Baby..."

"No, I'm not doing this!" she refused, removing his arms from around her. "Go!"

"Just let me—"

"Go, now!"

Ivan sighed and ran his hands down his face. "Okay. I'll leave."

He leaned down and kissed her cheek before heading to the door. As soon as he walked out, Karina slammed the door behind him. She then turned around and sunk to the floor with her hands covering her face.

Ivan was a pro at playing with her emotions and she hated that she always allowed him to get away with it. It bothered her the most because deep down inside, she knew it was only because a part of her still loved him. If only she could bury those feelings, and move on with her life, then things would be so much easier for her.

***

Kylie had just finished a bowl of cereal when she heard the doorbell ring. She headed to open it and gave Brandon a warm smile as he stepped inside.

"Good morning, Kylie," he greeted. "How's your Saturday going?"

"It's okay so far. How are you?"

"I'm well. You have any plans this weekend?"

She shrugged her shoulders. "I might drag my friend Jessica to the mall with me later or something. Shopping always clears my head."

Brandon nodded. "Your sister told me about your situation. Keep your head up."

"Thanks, I will."

Brandon headed upstairs and lightly knocked on Karina's bedroom door. When he heard her tell him to come in, he opened the door and walked inside. She was sitting on the bed with a towel wrapped around her body. Her hair was damp, confirming that she had just gotten out of the shower.

Brandon went and took a seat next to her. He pecked her lips and allowed their eyes to talk for a while. He was a little uneasy about the fact that she never called him back last night and that wasn't him being insecure or needy.

He just knew how she was, and unless something else had her attention or she had fallen asleep, he couldn't help but wonder why he didn't hear from her. And judging by how distressed she looked right now, he could tell something heavy was on her mind.

"Talk to me, baby," he finally said to her.

Karina wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him passionately. Without question, Brandon kissed her back with just as much passion. Their breathing became heavy as the kissing intensified. Karina went to remove her towel, but Brandon stopped her before she could do so.

"Brandon please," she begged, desperately wanting to feel him inside of her.

"Karina, talk to me," he demanded.

She backed off of him and faced the floor with defeat.

"Karina."

"Brandon, I don't wanna talk about it."

"Okay, well get with me when you're ready to talk about it."

He stood up and attempted to walk out, but Karina grabbed his arm.

"Baby, wait."

Brandon turned around and looked down at her. "Why didn't I hear back from you last night?" he quipped.

She swallowed hard and admitted, "Ivan showed up last night."

"How did I already know this nigga's name was about to come up?"

"I didn't tell him to come here."

"But yet you always get to acting funny after you interact with him."

"Brandon."

"Don't tell me I'm lying, Karina, when you know it's the truth. Why can't you just cut the nigga off? Do you like when he aggravates you?"

"No, of course I don't."

"So, why do you keep going in circles with him? Every other day it's the same shit."

"I blocked his number," she reasoned. "The last time he called me, you suggested that I do that and I listened to you. But when he showed up last night, I had no clue that he was coming."

"So, what happened?"

She shook her head as she replayed last night's events in her head. "He just showed up saying that he wanted to call off the divorce. He was talking all this mess about how he was sorry for treating me wrong during our marriage and after we broke up. Then he just started saying he loved me and he wanted to fix us and all this other bullshit."

"You really think it's bullshit?"

"Of course I do. I know it is."

Brandon eyed her closely, not able to tell if she was being honest. Her emotions were all over the place and it was hard for him to determine if she was falling into Ivan's conniving ways.

"Brandon, I don't believe a word he says. It's just...it's hard sometimes because we haven't been separated for that long. I can't sit up here and act like the issues with my marriage don't bother me just a little bit."

"I know you're bothered. Funny thing is, I never wanted you to act like you weren't. All I want is for you to protect your heart, Karina. Stop allowing him to hurt you and play with your feelings. That shit pisses me off."

"It's not intentional, Brandon."

"Then why the fuck would you let him in here?!"

Karina trembled at the bass in Brandon's voice. Never had she imagined that he would ever use that tone with her. The anger in his eyes gave her the chills. He was disappointed with her and she could sense that.

"I'm tired of having this same ass conversation with you," Brandon continued. "You know the type of energy that man brings you. I'm not trying to fuss at you, Karina, but you act like you're not understanding. Either that or you just want him around and you don't wanna admit it to me."

"No," she shook her head, tears welling in her eyes.

"Then what is it?"

"I don't know, okay?" She buried her face in her hands and began to break down. She didn't want this to happen, but everything seemed to crash down on her at once. Ivan bringing her all his bullshit and Brandon being upset with her was too much to bear.

"Baby," Brandon spoke in a much softer tone as he sat down next to her. He pulled her hands away from her face and wiped her tears. "I'm sorry for using that tone with you. I'm just frustrated that he's constantly fucking with your head, but I didn't mean to take it out on you, okay?" he kissed her lips. "Sorry, baby."

Karina scooted closer to him and leaned her head on his chest.

"Do you think we're moving too fast?" Brandon questioned.

"No. I think you're being so patient with me and I'm thankful that you're willing to take your time with me like you've been doing. I appreciate you so much, Brandon. I know this is not easy for you."

"You're worth it," he reminded her.

Karina looked up at him and was met with a kiss.

"Look, let's start this day over," Brandon insisted.

He stood up and walked out of her room. Karina was beyond confused as moments later she heard a few knocks on the door. She crossed her arms and said, "Come in."

Brandon walked back in the room and bent down to kiss her forehead. "What's up, beautiful?"

She couldn't hide her grin. "Hey, honey."

"I see you're in the middle of getting dressed. Why don't you finish up so I can take you to breakfast, then you can show me the new place you and Kylie are thinking about getting."

"Sure. That sounds like a plan."

Brandon sat on the bed and leaned back on his elbows.

"What are you doing?" Karina wondered.

"I'm about to watch you get dressed. You know I love to see you naked."

"What am I gonna do with you?" she asked, standing up and dropping her towel.

He winked at her. "You'll find out later."
Chapter Thirteen

Kylie and her friend Jessica were strolling through Barnes & Noble while sipping their shakes. They were looking for a new book to start reading together. Usually, Kylie, Jessica, Karina, Dana, and Jessica's cousin, Siege would all find a good book to read together and discuss it at a girls night; but lately they'd been slipping while all dealing with their personal lives.

Kylie and Jessica met at school a year ago and clicked instantly. They both shared similar interest and even had a few classes together. Jessica was a beautiful girl with honey brown skin and long black curly hair that she was naturally born with. She had a slim figure and long legs courtesy of her mother.

"Okay, what about this one?" Jessica said as she held up a book for Kylie to see. The title of the book was 'Chasing Bliss' by Sabrina Eubanks.

"I've heard that was pretty good," Kylie stated.

"Yeah, me too. I think this should be our next read."

"I'll let everybody know in our group chat."

Kylie pulled out her phone and sent everyone a text, telling them to either purchase the paperback or download the book on their Kindle.

"Why didn't you invite Karina?" Jessica asked.

"She's hanging out with Brandon today. I think she's going to show him the new place we're thinking about getting."

"Oh, cool. I wanna see it too. Have you heard from Ryan?"

"No. I don't wanna hear from him either. I just wanna be done with his stupid self. I hate him for breaking up with me like that."

Jessica nodded and they began strolling through the Romance aisle. "You ever think about talking to Kaleem again?"

"It crossed my mind."

"Maybe you should. I mean you are single now and after all, he was just a friend..."

"Jess."

"What? All I'm saying is that he may have made a mistake by lying about how he knew you, but other than that, what did he do wrong?"

"That was a big mistake. Look what it caused."

"No man is perfect. I think Ryan proved that by walking away from you so easily. At least Kaleem was willing to fight for your friendship. Hell, he doesn't even know you as good as Ryan and he wanted to fight harder than him."

Kylie chuckled. "You're silly."

"I'm silly, but I'm making a point. Maybe you should text Kaleem."

Kylie chewed on her bottom lip in deep thought. She couldn't lie and say she hadn't thought about reaching out to Kaleem, but she just didn't know if it would be a good idea. And with how everything happened, she didn't even know if he would respond to her at this point.

"You wanna take a trip to Target real quick?"

Jessica smiled sneakily. "How do you know he's working?"

"I don't. But he always complained about getting stuck working weekends, so there's a chance."

"Well let's go find out."

They headed to the register to purchase their copies of 'Chasing Bliss' before leaving Barnes & Noble. Then they headed to Kylie's car and made their way to the other side of town, in the direction of Target.

***

Kaleem was in the middle of ringing out a large order when he heard snickering coming from the back of the line. He looked in that direction in order to see what all the chatter was about and was surprised to see Kylie along with another beautiful young lady with her. They each had a basket in their hands, but neither of them looked that full.

Kaleem purposely turned his light off in order to make sure no other customers came after them. After finishing the order ahead of them, he politely thanked the customer and handed her the receipt once it printed. He then landed his eyes on Kylie as she stepped forward looking absolutely beautiful to him.

Her hair was straightened with a middle part and her face adorned a light makeup beat with glossy lips. Her glasses added to her sexy nerd look that he loved and she was wearing a black t-shirt with the Black Panther logo on it and a pair of black jean shorts. Black sandals covered her pretty white toes, matching her manicured nails.

"Bookworm. It's nice to see you."

She gave him a friendly smile. "Hey, Kaleem. I see you're still trapping on the weekends, huh?"

"Yeah, they always do to this to your boy. It's cool though. I'm off in the next two hours."

Clearing her throat, Jessica stated, "Hello, I'm Jess."

Kylie laughed. "Sorry, I guess I'm rude. Kaleem, this is my friend Jessica. Jess, this is my friend, Kaleem."

"Nice meeting you, Jessica," Kaleem said as he began scanning Kylie's items.

"Nice to meet you too. It's always good to meet Kylie's new friends."

Kaleem gave Kylie a pensive stare. "I'm honestly not sure that we are friends."

Kylie sighed as Kaleem's statement brought the conversation to a more serious level. She knew eventually they would have to address this, so she was already prepared. "I'm hoping that we're still friends, Kaleem. Do you think we could talk when you get off?"

He finished ringing up her items before replying, "Yeah."

"Okay." She paid for her things and took the receipt and patiently waited for Jessica. Once Jessica's purchase was complete, Kylie told Kaleem, "Will you text me when you're free."

He nodded. "Got you."

"K. Bye."

"A'ight, bookworm."

Kaleem watched her walk off with a sly smile on her lips. Even though he didn't admit it verbally, he was glad that she had went out of her way to reach out to him. He knew for a fact that coming to his job was unnecessary.

She could've went anywhere else to get the little items she purchased, but she wanted to make her presence known and that spoke volumes to him. He cut his light back on and continued his shift, hoping it would end soon.

The store was pretty busy that Saturday morning, and he didn't mind because it made the time go by fast. Before he knew it, his shift had ended. He headed to the back to clock out and then headed home. The first thing he did was shower. Once he was clean, he dressed in a white V-neck tee, black shorts, and Nike slides. He tamed his wild hair so that his man bun looked decent and then he headed downstairs to his living room.

"What's up, nigga?" he said to his roommate, which also happened to be his cousin, Liam.

"What's good, bro? What you about to get into?"

Kaleem thought about Kylie. "I don't know just yet. You?"

"I wanna go out tonight."

"I might be up for it. I got something I'm about to get into right now, but I'll let you know later on."

"Bet," Liam replied as he headed upstairs.

Kaleem decided to go ahead and let Kylie know that he was free and see what she was up to. He shot her a quick text message.

Kaleem: Bookworm...what's up?

Kylie: Hey, nothing still hanging out with Jess. Sup with you?

Kaleem: Not too much. Off work just chilling.

Kylie: Do you think we can meet? I can come to you...

Kaleem pondered the idea for a moment as he looked around the apartment. He and Liam weren't dirty niggas, but time to time things did get a little messy. However, all he had to do was straighten up a bit.

Kaleem: Yeah, that's cool.

Kylie: Great. Is it okay if I bring Jessica?

Kaleem smirked as he thought about Liam.

Kaleem: Yeah, bring her through.

Kylie: K. We'll come in an hour or so. Send me your address.

Kaleem texted her the address and got up to straighten things up around the apartment. He hollered up the stairs for Liam to come down, and even though it took him about five minutes, eventually he finally came.

"What?" he questioned with a PS4 game controller in his hand.

"Put the game up nigga. I got someone beautiful coming to see you."

"Who?"

"Her name is Jessica."

"Where you know her from?"

"She's friends with Kylie."

"Kylie? I thought she cut you off."

"You worried 'bout all the wrong things bro. I just told you a beautiful woman was on the way and you questioning me 'bout me and mine."

Liam laughed and shook his head. "My fault. Well shit, let me go change."

He disappeared and Kaleem continued to straighten up the apartment. When he was finished, he opened up the window so that some fresh air could get in. He then turned their TV to a music channel that played the latest Hip Hop & R&B.

Forty-five minutes later, the doorbell was ringing. Kaleem answered it and he swore Kylie was looking more beautiful than when he had saw her earlier. Everything about her was exactly the same, but she still screamed gorgeous to him.

"What's up?" he greeted, stepping aside so that she and Jessica could come in.

"Nice place," Kylie complimented.

"Appreciate that, bookworm." Kaleem gave her a friendly hug and she surprisingly returned the gesture. "Ladies, this is my cousin, Liam. Liam, this is Kylie and her friend, Jessica."

"Hi," both Kylie and Jessica spoke in unison.

"Wow, twins," Liam joked.

Everyone laughed which conveniently broke any awkwardness in the room.

"Nah, but nice to meet you both," Liam continued. "It's a pleasure."

"Y'all can have a seat," Kaleem told them.

Kylie and Jessica nervously sat next to each other on the couch.

"We don't bite unless y'all want us too," Liam continued to joke.

Kaleem laughed, also taking notice to how nervous Kylie and Jessica looked. He knew it was probably because they were inside of the home of two men they barely knew and he could understand that completely. He sat across from them on the loveseat, while Liam sat on the arm of it.

"You're cute as hell, Jessica," Liam blatantly spoke.

"Thank you," she blushed. "So are you. I like your dreads."

Liam shook his dreads proudly. "Thanks. I put a lot of work into growing these. Niggas was hating, but I knew once they started dropping I would get mad love."

Kaleem waved him off. "Nobody was hating on you nigga."

"You was though. Not everybody wants a weak ass man bun."

Kylie giggled and Kaleem immediately looked in her direction. "What you laughing at? You got a problem with the man bun?"

"No, I think it's cute," she told him.

"Exactly," Liam stated. "That shit is cute. The main ma'fuckin reason it ain't going on my head."

Kylie and Jessica continued with their laughter while Kaleem just shook his head. He and Liam always had debates about their choice of hair. However, Kaleem was secure with his man bun. No matter how many jokes Liam cracked about it, he rocked his shit with confidence and he looked damn good with it.

"So, Jessica, you single, ma?" Liam asked.

"Yes," she answered. "I'm not really looking for a relationship right now. Too much stress."

"Shit, I feel you. I don't like having to answer to nobody or none of that. I do miss rubbing on booty's and having somebody to play in my dreads though."

"Oh my God," Jessica laughed. "You have no filter."

"Nah, you'll learn that about me if you stick around."

Kaleem stood up from the loveseat and nodded for Kylie to follow him. "We'll let you two get to know each other a lil' better," he said to Liam and Jessica.

Meanwhile, he and Kylie headed up the stairs and into his bedroom. Kaleem shut the door behind them and Kylie sat on his bed.

"I had to get away from that nigga," Kaleem said, referring to Liam. "He talks too damn much."

"He seems nice though."

"Yeah, he's a'ight." He went and sat next to her. "So, what's good, bookworm? What you been wanting to talk to me about?"

Kylie twiddled with her fingers for a while as she thought about her words. She really didn't know how to go about starting this conversation, so she just gave it her best shot. "Kaleem, things between us kind of took a turn for the worst."

"Yeah, they did. I know I'm the cause of that. I'm sorry."

"I accept your apology."

"Word?"

"Yeah," she laughed. "I do."

"Appreciate it, Kylie. I really felt like shit for what I did. Never meant to cause any problems for you. In actuality I was only trying to avoid future problems for you, but I went about the shit the wrong way and didn't realize it until it was too late. My fault for that. I'll even let your man know the truth if you want me to."

"We're not together anymore."

"Hold on, what?"

"He broke up with me."

Kaleem shook his head and sighed heavy. "Damn, Kylie. I really fucked shit up for you, didn't I?"

"Maybe...maybe not."

"What you mean by that?"

"Other things happened with me and Ryan after the whole fiasco about you. I can't say our breakup was totally your fault."

"Well, how you holding up? I mean you seem good, but I know that has to be a front."

She shrugged her shoulders. "I'm hurt, but I can't dwell on the situation forever or I'll just be miserable, ya' know? I have to move on with my life."

"I feel that. Well, as your friend, you know I'm here to help you in any way that I can."

"Thank you. That's actually what I wanted to talk about. I just wanted us to have a little clarity on where our friendship stands. I know I wasn't the nicest to you—"

"I didn't deserve for you to be. Your feelings toward me were completely deserved. Trust me, I get it. I'm just happy you're giving me another chance to be your friend."

Kylie smiled and released what seemed to be a breath of relief. "Do you have any plans tonight?"

"I think Liam wants to hit a club. You and Jessica should come."

"I don't think so. I'm awkward as hell in clubs," she laughed.

"That's cool if it's not your scene. We can do something else, but I definitely wanna kick it with you. What about a movie?"

"That's sounds good. I heard that new movie Superfly was pretty good."

"Bet. We in there. Popcorn on you?"

Kylie burst out laughing and jokingly rolled her eyes. "I guess so."

***

Ashley hummed along to the sounds of Tammy Rivera's Ep 'Fate' as she stood in her bathroom, straightening her hair. She had the bathroom door open and from the mirrors reflection, she could see Ryan sitting on her bed, smoking a blunt. He had an expression on his face that let her know something serious was on his mind.

"Hey," she said, grabbing his attention.

He looked up in her direction, blowing smoke out of his mouth before he replied, "What's good?"

"What's wrong with you?"

"Nothing."

"Stop lying, Ryan. I can tell by that look on your face that something is bothering you. You don't wanna go, do you?"

Ashley's brother was in town and he was hosting an all-white party at a club downtown called, ICE. Ryan was already dressed and just waiting for her.

"We're going, Ash. Ain't nothing wrong with me."

Ashley parted another piece of her hair before running the flat irons through it. "You're thinking about her, aren't you?"

Ryan could deny it all he wanted, but they both knew the answer to Ashley's question. He had been thinking about Kylie ever since he ended things with her and that wasn't by choice. No matter what he did, thoughts of her would not leave his mind. It aggravated him. He wanted to be done with the relationship completely and that included his daily thoughts of her; but his heart refused to let go.

"You don't have to answer me, Ryan. I know what's up."

Ashley continued to tend to her hair and fifteen minutes later, she was finally done. She ran her fingers through it to make sure it was silky smooth and then turned off the flat irons. She walked into her bedroom where Ryan was still sitting on her bed, now high as a kite.

Without warning, she untied the purple silk robe she had on, revealing her naked body. When the robe dropped to the floor, she grabbed Ryan's face and kissed him softly.

"Ash."

"Shhh," she told him as she dropped to her knees and began unbuckling his pants. In no time, she had them down to his knees and then she freed his member from his boxers. She stroked him a few times before wrapping her mouth around the head and deep throating him.

"Shit, girl," Ryan grunted, grabbing the back of her head. He forced himself further into her mouth, sensing that she could swallow dick like a pro.

Ashley slurped and sucked as saliva began to fill her mouth quickly. She was creating a sloppy mess, but none of that mattered. As long as Ryan was enjoying the top, she was going to suck the shit out of his dick. She started playing with his balls and when she heard him mumble 'fuck' under his breath, she knew she had him right where she wanted him.

Her gag reflex was superb as his dick poked the back of her throat. Imagining that he was the sweetest caramel bar she'd ever tasted, she attempted to suck the life out of him until she felt him about to cum. She could've opted out and allowed him to bust on her titties or anywhere else, but Ashley was all about pleasing Ryan. As his knees buckled and his nut began to seep from his dick, she kept sucking like an MVP.

"Ashley, FUCK!" Ryan shrieked.

"Mmm," she moaned, stroking him while her mouth continued to drain him dry. And she didn't let up until she was positive that he had released all of his semen down her throat.

"Aye, you gotta chill," Ryan told her as he laid with his back flat on her bed.

She smiled as she got up and wiped her mouth. She put her robe back on and went back into the bathroom to brush her teeth. She then returned to begin getting dressed. She'd already showered, so all she had to do after putting her dress and heels on was reapply her lipstick.

"Get up, Ryan. We're leaving soon."

"Shit, how you expect me to get up when you just swallowed my dick like that?"

"Don't act like you didn't like it."

"I loved it. That's the problem. You can't be doing that to me."

"Why? Scared you'll fall in love with me?"

"Nah, I'll fuck around and fall in love with that mouth."

"Asshole," she laughed and flicked him off.

Ryan laughed and found the strength to get up. He went to wash his dick off while Ashley continued to get dressed. Fifteen minutes later, they were out the door. Ryan drove them to the club and when they pulled up, it was already live. However, they were expecting nothing less, seeing as how Ashley's brother, West, always threw the biggest events in the city.

Without having to wait in the ridiculously long line, Ashley and Ryan were granted access straight into the club, courtesy of West.

"Oh my God, it's crazy in here," Ashley shouted over the loud music.

"Yeah, it's mad live," Ryan agreed.

They headed back to the VIP section where West and the rest of his entourage were getting lit.

"Hey, bro!" Ashley said excitingly, giving West a hug.

Ryan dapped him up next. "What's good?"

"Not shit but this money," was West's response. "Y'all looking fly as hell. Let me find out this date night or some shit."

Ashley looked at Ryan with a sly smile on her face. "I wouldn't say all that."

"Well, what would you say?" West quipped.

"We're just kicking it," Ryan stated for clarity.

"You sure that's it, bro?"

Ryan nodded. "Yeah."

Ryan knew West would have no issues with him dating Ashley because they had a solid relationship. However, he didn't wanna put anything out there about him and Ashley dating where in actuality, they weren't. They had explored each other sexually, but in Ryan's mind, that didn't connect them in a relationship at all. They were still just good friends as far as he was concerned.

"A'ight, well whatever y'all wanna call it, that's on y'all. Just know I don't play 'bout lil' sis."

"Come on now, nigga. You know what it is," Ryan reminded him.

"Aye, I'm just letting that be known. Now let's get lit in this bitch! Drinks on ya' boy all night."

Ashley shook her head while staring at her brother. "You're a money wasting fool."

"I got it to blow," West mocked as a stripper approached them with a tray of drinks.

Ryan quickly took two to the head, while Ashley suggested that she was okay with just one. 'Lucid Dreams' by Juice WRLD came on and Ashley pulled Ryan away from the VIP section and to the dance floor.

"I love this song," she said.

Ryan was still high off the loud he smoked and the two shots he'd just taken seemed to smack the shit out of him. As Ashley began to dance on him, the lyrics to the song sunk into his mental like a soul invasion.

I still see your shadows in my room. Can't take back the love that I gave you. It's to the point where I love and I hate you. And I cannot change you, so I must replace you. Easier said than done, I thought you were the one. Listening to my heart, instead of my head...

He grabbed Ashley's waist as she began to twerk on him, only wishing that she was Kylie. Ashley had practically accepted the fact that she was a temporary replacement for Kylie's absence and although Ryan hated for her to play that position, she was allowing herself to.

She swayed her body against him while vibing to the music as he continued to vibe with her, still wishing she was the woman he loved. But she wasn't. And no matter how much weed he smoked or how many shots he took, Ryan knew Ashley could never amount to Kylie's level of love in his heart.

"You feeling any better?" Ashley asked, as she turned around, wrapping her arms around his neck.

"Yeah," he lied, not wanting to admit that his heart and mind were still wrapped up in thoughts of Kylie.

"Good. I hate when you're down, Ryan."

"Stop worrying 'bout me."

"I can't do that."

"You can, you just choose not to and put more stress on yourself."

"No, I just care about you and it's hard not to worry about people you care for."

"A'ight, Ash. Let's not do this in the club though, a'ight?"

She laughed. "Fine, you're off the hook for now. But I do have another question for you."

"What is it?"

"When we leave here, are you dropping me off or did you plan on staying the night?"

Ryan read the look in her eyes like an erotic novel. She'd practically just eye fucked him right there in the club and apart of him didn't mind it at all. But still, the other half of him wanted to continue to try and fight the building chemistry between them, even if it was only sexual. He knew sparking a flame with Ashley could be dangerous, especially with her already having feelings.

"I'll probably just go to the crib."

She pulled her body closer to his. "I don't like that idea."

"I can't keep fucking you, Ash. You know that."

"Ryan, we're adults. Grown, single adults."

"I know that. But we're only fucking because I'm stressed out 'bout this Kylie shit."

She cupped his chin, in efforts to make sure she had his full attention. "Is that really the only reason?"

Ryan eyed her confusingly, wondering if that was a trick question. Ashley must've known their circumstances, and he wouldn't insult her intelligence by blatantly stating the situation.

"Ryan, look me in my eyes and tell me you don't feel just a tiny bit of something for me. Look, I know breaking up with Kylie has you twisted, but I also know that you care for me like I care for you. You wouldn't open up to me or come to me as much as you do if you didn't. Maybe you're just having a hard time admitting it and that's okay. But I know for a fact that there's something in your heart for me."

She stood on the tip of her toes and kissed his lips.

"I'm willing to be patient for you," she continued. "I know you need time."

Ryan stared at her through his low, red, eyes. He wasn't sure he would ever be able to give her what she was asking for, but Ashley had been such a good friend to him. He felt like he did owe her something, even though his heart wasn't available.

While caressing the right side of her face, he asked, "Have I ever told you how much I appreciate you?"

"Yes, even though you don't have to. I know you do."

Ryan nodded as the song changed and Ashley turned back around and continued dancing on him. As long as they had an understanding, he was hoping things stayed on track with them. He needed them to because in reality, Ryan didn't have anyone else.

***

"I have to stop eating all these snacks. I'm going to be big as a house," Kylie said as she opened a pack of sour patch kids.

"Your body is fine," Kaleem assured her. "It's actually perfect."

"Stop it," Kylie jokingly rolled her eyes.

She, Kaleem, Jessica, and Liam, were all at the drive-in. They decided that they would enjoy the night air, rather than being inside of a movie theatre. They were sitting in the back of Liam's truck, patiently waiting for the movie to start. Liam had a black four door dodge ram, so there was plenty of room in the bed of the truck.

"Yo', why they always take two fucking years to start the movie?" Liam asked as he stuffed his mouth with popcorn. He was high and had a serious case of the munchies. "Hell, I be done ate all the fucking popcorn by the time the shit starts."

"I mean it would be nice if you would share," Jessica complained, snatching the popcorn from him.

"My fault, ma" Liam laughed.

"How come you're not snacking on anything?" Kylie asked Kaleem.

He closed the cap on his water bottle before replying, "I'm not that hungry."

"You don't have to be hungry. It's the drive-in. You're supposed to pig out."

He laughed at her theory. "You're funny, bookworm. Who made up that rule?"

She tossed him her pack of sour patch kids. "I did. Now eat."

"Nah, I'm good. I don't like putting nothing sour in my mouth. Everything gotta be sweet."

"You gotta suck to get to the sweet part," she informed him."

There was an awkward silence as Kylie's comment plagued both their minds. Of course she meant no harm, but now that the words had left her mouth, she realized she may have opened a door that should've remained closed.

"Get your mind out the gutter," she told Kaleem.

He smirked. "Who said that's where my mind was?"

"I know what you were thinking."

"You're cute as hell man," he continued to laugh as he scooted closer to her. "So, what are you reading?"

"Huh?"

"What are you reading, Kylie?"

"Well, me, Jess, my sister, and two other ladies that read with us just picked out a new book to start today."

"You must've forgot to recommend something to me."

"You really want me to recommend a book for you, Kaleem?"

"Yeah, you thought I was playing when we had that conversation?"

"Well, I mean, I don't know. I take reading serious, so if I recommend a book to you, you better read it."

"You have my word. I would love to read something with you though."

Kylie thought about his request for a moment. "Okay, well I can't interrupt the current book sessions I have going on now, but I'll make you a promise."

"And what's that?"

"I promise you that once me and my group get through our next three books, I'll sneak away from them and read with you."

Kylie had such a sweet, innocent look that attracted Kaleem to her in a million different ways. And on top of that, her goofy personality was the icing on the cake. But they had set the boundaries on their friendship and he wasn't gonna overstep them. Not even if he wanted her more with each word that left her mouth.

"That sounds like a great plan to me. As long as you stick to it and don't break your promise."

"Can y'all pipe down?" Liam chimed in. "The movie done finally came on and y'all over there chatting nonstop."

"He's such an ass," Jessica laughed.

"Yeah, how do you deal with him on a daily?" Kylie asked Kaleem.

"I'm used to it. I think I do want something to snack on though. I'm 'bout to go grab something. I'll be back."

"Nigga, why you wait to the movie start?" Liam objected. "I swear, black folk just do shit backwards as hell."

"Boy if you don't shut yo' ass up," Kaleem clapped back.

Kylie giggled and said, "I actually have to use the bathroom, so I'll come with you."

The two got off the back of the truck and walked off. While Kylie used the bathroom, Kaleem purchased a pack of Twizzlers and a new water bottle because his was almost gone. He then posted up by the bathroom to wait for her. As he waited, he noticed several couples and wondered how different this experience would be if he and Kylie were actually on a date.

"Yuck, it's so gross in there," Kylie said when she came out the bathroom.

"I can only imagine."

"Yeah, but it's easier for you. All you have to do is whip out your little pee pee and aim."

"My what?"

They both burst out laughing.

"You know what I mean," she stated as she playfully shoved him.

Their laughter continued as they headed back to Liam's truck. When they were just a few feet away, Kaleem stopped walking and Kylie did the same, wondering what was on his mind.

"What is it?" she quipped.

"Just thought I should share something with you that Jessica and Liam don't need to here."

"Okay," she said, crossing her arms over her chest. "And what's that?"

"Just for clarity, ain't no lil' pee pee in these pants, Kylie. My dick is something serious."

And with that revelation, Kaleem continued his strut toward Liam's truck. It took Kylie a moment to gather herself, but once she finally did, she headed in that direction as well. She got in the back of the truck and sat in the same spot that she was in before.

Kaleem was eating his Twizzlers as if nothing happened and she wasn't gonna disturb him. She just continued to watch the movie while struggling to keep thoughts of what he meant by saying his dick is something serious out of her head. And no matter how hard fighting the thoughts were, she had to remain strong because they were strictly just friends.
Chapter Fourteen

One Month Later...

Brandon had just picked up his suit from being tailored. Vapor Enterprises had been doing extraordinary numbers. Tomorrow the company was hosting an event in order to celebrate the growth of the business since Brandon had become the CEO. He made his way across the parking lot, and stopped at his car to grab his vibrating phone from out of his pocket. He was surprised to see that it was Jada calling him. He hadn't heard from her since their run in at the bar in Charlotte.

"Jada," he answered. "Good evening. How are you?"

"Well, hello, Mr. Vapor. I'm fine. How are you?"

"All is well. What do I owe this surprise phone call?"

"You owe it a lot," she giggled. "First of all, let me congratulate you on your success. I knew your father was a hard worker, but you...man you're just showing out with Vapor Enterprises."

"Wow, word must get around quick."

"Actually, it does, but I didn't get the news by word of mouth. I was actually booked as one of the MUA's for an event Vapor Enterprises is hosting tomorrow."

"Really?" Brandon questioned, wondering who had booked her to do makeup for the event.

"Yeah, and although I'm flattered, I'm a little offended that I wasn't invited to help celebrate the company's success with you."

Brandon opened the doors to his car and laid his suit in the back before getting in the driver's side. "I didn't know you'd be in town."

"Crappy excuse. I would've flown out had I been invited."

"My fault, Jada."

"Yeah, it's fine. It's not too late to invite me though."

"It sounds like you're already coming."

She smacked her lips. "Seriously, Brandon? I'll be in the back doing makeup."

"I'll see to it that you get into the main event. Don't worry."

"Well, I appreciate that. I'm proud of you, sir."

"Thank you."

"You're welcome. I'll let you go now. I know you're a busy guy."

He laughed. "You're just as busy. Flying in town to work my events and shit."

"Just trying to be like you. Bye, Brandon."

"Bye, Jada."

He disconnected the call and headed to his condo. After a twenty minute drive, he arrived and grabbed his suit from the back seat before heading inside. He could hear Karina in his kitchen with her phone on speaker. She was talking to several other women and quickly picked up on their conversation, realizing that they were discussing some book they'd been reading.

He took his suit upstairs to his room before going back downstairs to get his daily dose of Karina. She and Kylie had finally decided on the new place they wanted and would be moving soon, which was bitter sweet for Brandon. While he wanted her out of the home she used to share with Ivan, he also knew that a new house meant that she would be spending less time at his place.

He crept up behind her as she leaned over his kitchen counter eating a bowl of strawberries. She still had the group of ladies she was speaking with on speaker phone talking about their book, but he was paying them no mind. Catching her completely off guard, he pulled down her yoga pants and silently laughed as she began to squirm.

Her ass looked so flawless bent over the counter and as he pushed her panties to the side and stuck his fingers in her moist center, she bit her bottom lip to prevent herself from moaning out loud. Brandon placed his opposite hand on her lower back and focused on stroking her pussy. Her friends on the phone eventually realized her absence and at that point, Karina ended the call without warning.

"Baby, why are you doing this to me?" she whimpered, still leaning over the counter.

"I've been missing you all day," he told her. "I couldn't wait to play in this pussy."

Just as the words left his mouth, he slipped his thumb into her ass. Karina gasped at the sensation of his index and middle finger penetrating her pussy while his thumb massaged her ass. She wasn't ready for how good this was feeling.

"Brandon, yes!"

"I don't want you to take this pussy away from me, Karina."

"I'm not going anywhere, Daddy."

"You promise me?"

"Yes."

He dug his fingers further into her, finding her g-spot. "You mean so much to me, you know that?"

Karina tilted her head to look back at him.

"You mean a lot to me, baby," Brandon continued. "Do you know that?"

"Yes," she panted, nodding with her response.

"Good. Now cum for Daddy."

"Fuck," she moaned as if her vagina personally heard his request. With his fingers still in her, she began cumming as her orgasm shook her like an earthquake.

"Hmm," Brandon said as he licked her juices off his hand.

Once he licked every drop, he pulled her panties completely off, dropped down to his knees, and spread her ass. Wasting not a minute, he dove right in, eating the booty like groceries. Karina gripped the edge of the counter for dear life, not knowing how to handle the pleasure she was receiving.

"Baby, I can't!" she screamed.

Brandon ignored her and kept eating. He wanted another orgasm from Karina and he wasn't gonna stop until he got it. With his free hand, he began rubbing on her clit. The sound of her constant screaming had his dick hard as a rock.

"Baby, I'm gonna fucking cum again, shit!" Karina whimpered.

And that's exactly what he wanted. He increased the speed he used to rub her clit and stuck his tongue further into her ass until he got what he wanted from her.

"Oooh, Brandon! Brandon! Brandon!"

Like a ray of thunder, Karina's second orgasm came speeding through her entire body. She felt extremely weak, granted the orgasm felt like heaven. And just like the first time, Brandon was there to lick every drop.

He the stood up straight, turned her around, and picked her up so that she was sitting on the counter. Without her permission, he spread her legs, and dove right into the pussy. Karina gripped the back of his head and took a deep breath as she braced herself for the trip he was trying to take her on.

As his mouth made love to her over flooded love tunnel, she closed her eyes and enjoyed every minute of the sexual bliss she was getting lost in. She loved how Brandon catered to her mind, body, and soul without her having to ask. She gyrated her hips toward his mouth as he devoured her pussy like she was the best thing being served.

"This pussy is so good, baby," he told her. "Put some more cum in Daddy mouth."

Karina knew that after he'd said that, his mouth was about to work overtime in order to make sure she came again. And just like she predicted, his tongue got to going crazy. He was in her hole, up and down her lips, and on the tip of her clit in a routine motion.

"Agh, it's right there," Karina moaned, feeling her third orgasm creeping upon her. "Fuck it's right there, Daddy!"

She didn't have to tell Brandon twice as he ate that shit up until she was cumming hard. Her poor vagina hadn't even taken any dick, yet she was on the verge of swelling because Brandon's mouth and fingers had been so vicious. And just like the last two times, he slurped every drop of her juices.

When he was done, he picked her up and carried her upstairs to his master bathroom. He turned on the shower and stripped her out of the remaining clothes she had on. He then slapped her ass before telling her, "Go ahead and get in."

Karina did as told and got in while Brandon stripped out of his clothes and brushed his teeth. He then got in the shower with Karina and found her standing directly under the shower head. He gently turned her around so that she was facing him and kissed her lips.

Karina wrapped her arms around his neck and said, "You're amazing, Brandon."

"Takes an amazing soul to recognize one."

She smiled. "You know, sometimes I feel like you're too good for me."

"Cut it out."

"I'm serious."

"So am I," he declared. "Know your worth, Karina. No man is too good for you."

She laid her head on his chest, enjoying the feeling of the warm water hitting her back. "Well, thank you for being as good as you are to me."

"Just treating you like the Queen that you are."

"Well, let the Queen show the King her appreciation."

Karina pecked his lips and trailed kisses all the way down to his chin, to his chest, stopping at the thick piece of chocolate between his legs. Brandon held her hair for her as she opened her mouth and willingly allowed him in.

"Shit," he said under his breath as she took more than he expected.

Karina smiled to herself as she prepared to give one of the best blow jobs of her life. Brandon may have thought his mouth was lethal, but she was about to suck the shit out of his dick. And she had no plans on stopping until he came just as many times as he'd made her cum.

***

"I'm going to kick Carter's ass," Dana spat as she set in the chair getting her makeup done.

Today was Brandon's event at Vapor Enterprises and Dana had been invited by Karina to attend the event.

"What did he do?" Kylie asked as she sat on a couch across the room with Jessica.

"That bastard is just now texting me to tell me that he's in town for this event. I asked him a thousand times was he coming and he told me no, and now all of a sudden he's here? That's some bullshit!"

"Maybe it was a last minute thing," Karina chimed in.

"Last minute my ass," Dana cursed. "He's a liar. What if I had invited Nipsey? Then my ass would be on the line."

"Then maybe you should stop living a double life," Karina suggested. "Nip is good to you, Dana."

"No that nigga ain't. He's still fucking his baby mama and I'ma catch his ass red handed one day, watch."

"Why not just leave him?" Kylie questioned.

"I've invested too much time. It's complicated."

Karina rolled her eyes. She loved Dana to death, but sometimes her best friend didn't make any sense.

"Hi, I'm so sorry I'm late!" The second makeup artist announced as she came rushing into the room. "My Uber driver got lost and I could've killed him."

"It's fine," Karina assured her, extending her hand. "I'm Karina."

"Pleasure to meet you, Karina. I'm Jada. It'll just take me a minute to set up and I'll be ready to get started."

"Sure, that's fine."

"Sis," Kylie called out to Karina.

"Yeah?"

"Kaleem was texting me and asking if he could come. Is that okay?"

Karina nodded. "I think that would be fine. Inform him of the dress code though and the time that he needs to be here."

"Okay."

"So, you're done with this Ryan nigga for good, huh?" Dana quipped.

Kylie rolled her eyes at the mention of Ryan's name. "Seems that way. I haven't heard from him in all this time and quite frankly, I don't want to. It took me a while to accept how he broke up with me and I don't wanna move backwards."

"I'm so glad to hear you say that," Jessica said.

"Yeah, if he ain't said nothing to you in this long, to hell with him," Dana went on. "Anyway, did we decide what book we're reading next?"

"It's my turn to pick," Karina stated. "How about we go with 'If Only For the Summer' by Alexandra Warren?"

"I've been wanting to read that," Jessica said as she pulled out her phone to download the book to her Kindle app. "I'll text Siege to let her know that's what we're reading next."

"Okay, I'm ready for you," Jada informed Karina.

"Great," Karina replied with a smile as she sat down in the makeup chair. She pulled out her phone to also download the book to her Kindle app. "Sometimes these books have me in my feelings too deep y'all."

"Who you telling?" Dana questioned. "Shit, I be expecting superb sex from Nipsey after reading the way these characters be putting it down."

Karina laughed. "I didn't mean like that. I have no trouble in that department."

Dana smirked. "Oh, well excuse the hell out of me. I forgot you were getting that supreme D."

Karina smiled as Jada began to prime her face. "I think after all I've been through, I deserve what I'm getting."

Karina, Dana, Kylie, and Jessica all laughed in unison.

"You go girl!" Dana cheered. "Hell, I'm trying to get like you."

"That makes two of us," Jessica added.

Kylie smacked her lips. "Girl, please. You've been talking to Liam."

"Who's Liam?" Karina wondered.

"Nobody," Jessica answered.

"Lies," Kylie laughed. "He's Kaleem's cousin and they've been kicking it like crazy. Kaleem and I are just friends, but Jess and Liam have been talking on a whole different level."

"Oooh, let me find out," Dana sassed.

All of a sudden, Brandon walked into the room with a dozen roses in his hand and the attention was immediately put on him. Karina's mouth watered as it did every time she laid eyes on her handsome King. He had a fresh cut and his cologne was lingering all through the room. His Tom Ford suit that he had tailored had him looking like a snack and Karina was starving.

"Aww, are those for me?" Dana joked, referring to the roses.

Brandon laughed. "Sorry, Dana. I think Carter might have something for you though."

"Fuck him."

Brandon just continued to laugh while shaking his head and turning his attention to Karina. He wanted to kiss her, but he chose not to, seeing that she was in the process of getting her makeup done. So, instead he just placed the roses on her lap.

"Thank you, honey," Karina grinned. "They're beautiful."

"You're welcome," he replied. "What's up, Ms. Sims?"

"Well, hello, Mr. Vapor," Jada greeted as she paused on Karina's makeup to give Brandon a hug. "Ready for your big night?"

"I'm always ready."

Jada smiled and turned back around to continue Karina's makeup.

"I'll see you in a little while, baby," Brandon said to Karina.

"Yeah," she spoke with uncertainty. "See you then."

Not sure how to take her nonchalant response, Brandon left the room and almost ran into Brooke as he was walking down the hallway.

"Oh, excuse me," she said, quickly moving out of his way.

Brandon was about to keep it pushing, but suddenly something came to his mind that caused him to stop her from walking off. "Brooke, can I ask you something?"

"Well, of course."

"Were you in charge of booking makeup for tonight's event?"

Brooke crossed her arms and tilted her head to the side. "Yes, why?"

"Why Jada Sims?"

"She's a well-known MUA who was available for tonight along with the other two MUA's I booked."

Brandon gave her a pensive stare. He was reading right through her and he knew exactly what she was doing. She'd hired Jada purposely in order to try and create a scene with her and Karina. But what bothered him the most is how Brooke would have even known about him and Jada's past.

She was obviously digging her nose where it didn't belong and that was going to be a major problem. Brandon didn't have time to play games with her ass. As she stood in front of him with a slight smirk fighting to paint her lips, he had to refrain from going off on her like he really wanted to.

In the lowest tone he could manage, he asked, "What the fuck do you want from me, Brooklyn?"

"Excuse me?"

"You heard me."

"I don't want anything from you."

"So, why the hell would you go out of your way to pull some shit like this?"

"Like what, Brandon? Is there a problem with Jada being here?"

He stepped closer to her. "Keep playing with me."

"And what? You're gonna fire me? Listen, Brandon, I have bigger problems than to be worrying about you, Karina, and your little mistress. Tonight is about the success of Vapor Enterprises, so let's remain focused, shall we?"

She smiled at him and winked before walking off. Brandon clenched his jaw and walked in the opposite direction. Brooke had him on ten and if he knew she was going to be this much of a problem, he would've thought of a solution for her a long ass time ago.

However, now was not the time to dwell on the games she wanted to play. He was a business man and tonight was all about his success, so he decided to try and brush off his episode with her and focus on the brighter side of things.

***

People were starting to pack into the dining hall where the ceremony would be taking place within the next twenty minutes. Several guest were scheduled to speak before Brandon took the stage to give his speech. He had reserved seats close to the stage, along with Karina, but he didn't wanna be seated without her.

He politely spoke to everyone to who constantly greeted him as he made his way through the crowd, heading toward the back. On his way, he spotted Kylie speaking with Jessica and also some guy with a curly ponytail that sat on the top of his head.

"Kylie," he said, approaching them.

"Hey, Brandon. This is my friend, Kaleem. Kaleem, this is Brandon Vapor. We're honoring him and his company tonight."

"Pleasure to meet you sir," Kaleem stated, extending his hand to Brandon.

"Same to you young man. Kylie, have you seen your sister?"

"Oh, she's still upstairs. She said she'll be down in a sec."

He nodded. "I'ma go up and get her. The ceremony is starting soon so y'all might wanna head on into the dining hall. Once again, good to meet you, Kaleem."

"You too, sir," Kaleem replied.

Brandon headed upstairs and down the hall to Karina's dressing room. He knocked on the door and shortly after, he heard her tell him to come in. When he walked inside, he closed the door behind him. He found her standing in front of the mirror, running her hands down her nude embellished fishtail gown.

He walked up behind her and gently kissed her neck. "You look amazing."

"Thank you."

"You're welcome, baby. You okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine. I'll be down in a moment."

Brandon knew she wasn't being honest. Something was bothering his Queen and he wanted to get to the bottom of it. He turned her around so that they were eye to eye. "What is it, Karina?"

"It's nothing."

"Stop lying to me."

She sighed and her eyes drifted toward the floor. "This is your night, honey. We can talk about it some other time."

"Nah," he declined, lifting her chin so that her eyes were back on his. "I don't like when shit is bothering you. I don't care about the time or place. Talk to me."

Karina swallowed the lump in her throat before finally asking, "How do you know Jada? The woman that did my makeup."

"She's a friend of mine."

"That's it?"

"Yes."

Karina was silent as she stared at him, waiting for more of an explanation.

"Karina, Jada and I are just friends," Brandon went on. "You don't have to be bothered by that situation, baby."

"I don't mind the friendship. What bothers me is that I was talking about you before you walked in the room and she never mentioned that she knew you. And then the body language between you guys was just a little uncomfortable for me."

"If you don't want her hugging me, it'll never happen again."

"That's not the point," Karina noted. "Brandon, have you ever had more than just a friendship with her?"

He didn't respond.

"Oh my God," Karina said, shaking her head. "I knew it. I could sense it right away as soon as she hugged you."

"Kar—"

Smack!

"How could you allow her to do my makeup knowing you've been fucking her?"

"I haven't been fucking her!" he yelled, grabbing his stinging face after being slapped. "She was way before you and I cut her off when we established our relationship!"

"It doesn't matter, Brandon! You don't allow some bitch you've fucked to come touch my face! I could have just done my own damn makeup!"

"I'm sorry, okay? She called and told me at the last minute that she was booked for the event. Had I'd known earlier, I could've tried to prevent this."

"Wait...so, she's still calling your phone?"

Brandon ran his hand over his mouth, realizing he may have said too much. "Karina, it's not like that."

"Then tell me something, and don't lie! Before today, when's the last time you saw her?"

"Baby."

"Answer me, Brandon!"

He sighed heavily and admitted, "I saw her while we were in Charlotte, but—"

"You did what?!"

"I didn't know she was gon' be there! Calm down and let me explain!"

"How can I calm down when you're admitting to me all of this now? We were practically glued at the hip while in Charlotte aside from the time you went out to the bar with your friends. So, is that when you saw her? At the fucking bar?"

"Karina, she saw me first, okay? And all we did was talk. Hell, half of the time it was about you! I let her know that I couldn't involve myself with her anymore because I'm serious with someone now. She understands and accepts that, baby."

"I'm done with this conversation."

He pulled her close to him when he noticed that she was on the verge of breaking down. "Karina, don't cry. You don't have to be sad, sweetheart. There's nothing you have to worry about. Jada knows her place, I made sure of it."

Karina leaned her head back in order to prevent her tears from falling and began fanning her face. "This is so fucked up, but I'm gonna get through this night for you because I know how hard you've worked for it."

"And what's that supposed to mean? You're leaving me afterward? Come on now, Karina, don't let this small situation come between everything we've built."

"It's not small! If you were fucking her, I should've known before she stepped a foot into this building, let alone before she touched me! And to make matters worse, had I not peeped the situation, you probably wouldn't have even told me!"

"There was no need to bring it up to you! I have nothing going on with her!"

Karina stared at him with disappointment. "Wow, you really just don't get it."

She walked out with him rushing behind her. He grabbed her hand and linked their fingers together as they headed downstairs.  
"Karina, I'm sorry if this hurt you," he spoke in a low tone. "You know that's the last thing I wanna do."

"Just leave it alone," Karina responded with a fake smile as they entered the dining hall.

The crowd immediately began applauding the moment Brandon's face became visible. He nodded and waived at the entire room as he ushered Karina to their assigned seats. Once they were seated, he kissed her cheek, and held her hand under the table. She tried to snatch it away, but he held it tightly, preventing her from doing so.

All of his guest speakers began to take the stage, starting with his father, Brandon Vapor Sr. Brandon held on to Karina's hand during the entire time the speeches were taking place. Once everyone was finished, Brooke took the stage to ask if anyone had any final words before it was time for Brandon to speak.

"I'd like to say something."

Karina's neck quickly turned in the direction of the voice that had just spoken and her blood boiled at the sight of Jada sitting on the opposite side of the room. "You invited her to the ceremony?" she harshly whispered.

Knowing that people were watching them, Brandon simply nodded. That only pissed Karina off even more, but she bit her tongue as she watched Jada get on the stage and accept the mic from Brooke.

"Good evening everyone. My name is Jada Sims and I'm a good friend of Brandon's. You know, I've watched him work so hard to get to the position that he's in, and I always knew he would succeed in his goal of following his father's footsteps. For as long as I've known him, he's always strived for greatness and he's also motivated me in his journey.

While I've worked hard to get where I am in my career, I honestly don't think I could've come this far without his reassurance and constant reminders to believe in myself. I can't thank you enough, Brandon, and I'm forever grateful. With that being said, I just want you to know that I'm so proud of you and everything you've done with Vapor Enterprises. Wishing you nothing but continued blessings and success."

A loud applause filled the room as Jada made her exit from the stage. Brandon placed a kiss on Karina's cheek as he stood and headed onto the stage. All sorts of emotions were running through him as Brooke passed the mic to him next. He looked into the crowd of many faces that were watching him, but only one face truly concerned him.

The hurt in Karina's beautiful eyes was slowly tearing him apart. He wanted her happy at all times and he knew he needed to handle this situation with Jada before it got out of hand.

After clearing his throat, he finally began speaking into the mic. "Good evening everyone and thank you all for coming out tonight. Your presence is truly appreciated. Definitely wanna give thanks to all the kind words spoken before I took the stage. You all didn't have to speak so highly of me, so I'm truly flattered. If you know me, you know it's always been my dream to be here, doing what I'm doing now. Major thanks to my father for opening the door for me. I'm only striving to be as great as him."

"You're not too far," Brandon Sr. jokingly yelled out, causing the entire room to fill with laughter.

"I know it, Pops," Brandon shook his head at his father's humor. "But with Vapor Enterprises now under my wing, I just wanna make sure the company continues to grow in the right direction. I have an amazing group of people working with me, not to mention our new Vice President, the lovely, Karina Newsome."

He paused as another round of applause filled the room in honor of Karina. He watched her smile as much attention was brought her way. And even though he knew her smile was forced, she still looked breathtakingly beautiful to him.

"She's been amazing," he went on. "She took on the role with short notice and has been doing a magnificent job. I'm extremely proud of you, Karina. The way you go above and beyond for this company does not go unnoticed."

"Thank you," she humbly replied.

"Of course. And as I conclude this speech, I just wanna give a special thanks to everyone who works hard to make sure Vapor Enterprises is as successful as it is today. I know tonight is in celebration of the numbers I've achieved as the CEO, but I'm a team player and I feel that we stand solid together. So, tonight I want everyone to enjoy themselves, eat good, and later on we'll share a toast to the success of Vapor Enterprises. Thank you."

He walked off with the sound of loud clapping and was met with several handshakes and people wanting to make small talk the moment he stepped off the stage. By the time he'd gotten free, he searched for Karina and no longer saw her in the dining hall. He was tempted to ask Dana if she knew where she went, but Dana looked too busy cursing Carter out.

Kylie was wrapped up in conversation with Jessica and Kaleem, so Brandon decided to head on his search for Karina alone. He made his exit from the dining hall and stopped when he heard someone call his name. When he turned around, he saw Jada coming out of the doors next.

"Hey," she spoke cheerfully. "I couldn't catch up with you in there because everyone wanted a piece of you," she laughed. "Great speech."

"Appreciate it, Jada. Your speech meant a lot as well."

"Well, it was unprepared, but I meant every word. I'm really proud of you, Brandon. What you've done and where you've came from. It's just so amazing to see you prosper like this."

"I'm just being the best version of myself that I can be."

She smiled. "Don't ever change."

"I won't. Look, I'm kind of on a mission right now, so I'll catch you later."

"Actually, I'm about to head out. My Uber should be here soon. I have an early flight, so I don't wanna be out too late. I just wanted to show up, do my job, and show you some support."

She wrapped her arms around him and right before she detached from the hug, she whispered in his ear, "I'm really gonna miss you, Brandon. Take care of yourself."

As she slowly pulled away from him, Brandon's eyes were gazing over her shoulders into Karina's eyes that looked more distraught than he'd ever seen them. Karina rushed off, leaving him in a panic as he told Jada, "I'm sorry, I gotta go. Have a safe flight."

He took off down the hall in the direction of Karina. He caught her as she was trying to rush up the stairs and forced her into a side room that wasn't currently being occupied by anyone. He locked the door and pulled her close to him by the waist.

"Baby, we have to fix this right now."

"It's not my problem to fix, Brandon!"

"You're right," he said, immediately accepting the blame. "Everything is on me. But I don't want you hurting over this."

"I can't fucking tell! After everything we've argued about, you still have the nerve to allow her to be touching you like that?"

"She was just leaving, sweetheart. Don't let your mind manipulate you into seeing things that aren't really what they seem."

"Fuck you, Brandon!"

"Karina, please don't talk to me like that."

She shoved him away from her. "No, don't you ever try to manipulate me into believing that I'm just seeing things! Do you want me constantly hugging up on some man that I used to fuck? Huh? How would you feel if I brought that nigga around you and told you after the fact that I used to be riding his dick?!"

"Karina!"

"Oh, you don't like the sound of that, do you?"

"I need you to calm down, okay?"

"I'm leaving."

He grabbed her arm as she tried to breeze past him. "You know I'm not gon' let you walk away that easy. I care for you way too much."

She ignored him and attempted to walk off for the second time, but he forced her against the door with his chest against her back. He kissed her neck as his hands gradually began to roam her body.

"No, Brandon, move!" Karina hissed as she turned around and aggressively pushed him away from her. "I'm not about to fuck you! That's all you ever wanna do!"

"What?"

"You heard me! I should've known when you told me from the jump about the women you fuck here and there that I would be no different!"

"Karina, you can't honestly look at me and tell me you believe that."

She shook her head as her eyes filled with tears. "You're giving me no choice."

"What the hell do you mean? From the beginning I told you about the other women because I wanted no secrets between us! But I haven't slept with anyone but you since we've been committed! You're taking this Jada shit way overboard and it's starting to piss me off!"

"Piss you off?"

"Damn right! I'm out here committed to somebody who hasn't even filed for divorce yet, but yet you wanna trip on me about some bitch that used to sit on my dick way before you came along?"

Karina's eyes widened at Brandon's words. "Are you really talking to me like this?"

"Am I lying?"

"Fuck you! And don't worry about when I'll be filing for divorce because from here on out, it's not your concern!"

She unlocked the door and walked out without Brandon trying to stop her this time. When she was gone, he slammed the door behind her and punched the wall next to it out of frustration. The anger he remembered having as a child had resurfaced and it bothered him that he allowed himself to get that heated and spaz out on Karina like that.

He never wanted things between them to get to this point. As angry as he was, he still cared for her deeply and was not going to allow this situation to be the downfall of their relationship. However, he knew he needed to calm himself down before he approached her again, or he might end up making things much worse.

He sighed deeply and began fixing his tie. Although Karina had left, he still had other guest to entertain for the night, and even though it was going to be hard to keep a straight face, he had to do it. As he opened the door and left the room, he prayed the rest of the night went smooth. He couldn't handle anymore mishaps or he was going to lose his mind.

***

Brooke had to do a double take as she clutched her purse while walking past the now empty dining hall. Brandon's evening had been successful, but at this point, everyone had left, and she couldn't help but wonder why he was sitting in the dining hall alone. She walked in, silently closing the door behind her, and approached him.

"Well, hello sir. Any reason that you're sitting here alone?"

Brandon looked at her with malice seeping through his eyes. "You got what you wanted. You happy now, Brooke?"

"Excuse me?"

"Nah, I'm not gon' excuse your ignorant ass. You knew exactly what you were doing when you booked Jada. Well played, Brooklyn."

"Brandon, my intentions—"

"Your intentions were foul as fuck and you know it."

"What the hell is your obsession with Karina?"

"Nah, what the hell is your obsession with me? Because even after you pulled this bullshit, I'm still not fucking with you, Brooke!"

Brooke sat her purse down on the table in front of them and stood directly in front of Brandon. "Listen, I don't wanna go on like this with you. We have to work together, Brandon, and all this tension will only make it hard for the both of us." She slowly dropped down to her knees while looking him in the eyes. "How about you let me take care of you like old times? Nobody has to know but us."

"Get up," he demanded.

"Baby, let me do this."

"I don't want no fucking head from you, Brooke!"

"Why not? The Vice President deep throating you too good for anyone else to touch you? Stop acting so shitty, Brandon! You let Karina fuck her way to the top—"

"Watch your mouth! Karina had her position before we even got involved."

Rolling her eyes, Brooke replied, "Sure she did."

As she began standing back up, Brandon eyed her with disgust. "Brooke, I'm requesting that you be transferred to the Jersey location of Vapor Enterprises."

"What? No!"

"It's not an option."

"You can't just do that! I have family here! I've built my life in Oakland, Brandon!"

"Then resign."

"I can't! I need this job. You know that!"

"Then you're taking your messy ass to Jersey! I'm not dealing with the sneaky shit you like to pull. You crossed the line tonight."

Brooke's entire demeanor began to change at the thought of having to relocate. "Please don't do this! Look, we can come to an understanding!"

"Understand this," Brandon spoke in a tone so cold that it sent chills down her spine. He stood up, meeting her face to face. "I could be spiteful and get rid of you just like that. But I'm not gon' do you like that. Here's what's gon' happen. You gon' take your devious ass to Jersey, I'm willing to up your pay for the short notice of the new location, and I don't wanna hear shit else from you. We clear?"

Brooke was hesitant with her response. Brandon didn't have time to fuck around with her. He stepped closer to her and repeated, "Are we clear?"

After swallowing the lump in her throat, she finally replied, "Yes, we're clear."

"Good. You have a good night."

He walked off leaving Brooke to sit in her thoughts alone. It was in this exact moment that she realized that she had fucked up badly. Booking Jada was simply an attempt to cause issues between him and Karina, but her plan had now backfired. She buried her face in her hands and sighed heavily as she thought about how she just fucked herself over.
Chapter Fifteen

"I'm never gonna get my turn," Kaleem spoke in a saddened tone, although both he and Kylie knew he was only joking.

"You are, Kaleem. Just be patient."

"No, I'm not. You just keep leading me on, but it's cool."

The two were inside of Kohl's, shopping for Karina's upcoming birthday. Kylie decided to stop in the book section, but she was disappointed to find that mostly only children's books were available.

"It's not me," she explained. "Honestly, I can get through one book in a day if I'm not swamped with work. It's the other ladies that I'm reading with that hold me up. Their schedules are a little busier than normal right now, so just bear with us."

"Sure."

Kylie laughed at his sarcasm and continued to push her cart down the aisle. They headed into the bedding section and she scanned the shelves for a new comforter. With them moving soon, she thought that would be a great gift for Karina.

"What do you think I can get her?" Kaleem asked.

"You don't have to buy her anything, Kaleem."

"I want to though. Your sister has been nothing but nice to me since we've met."

"Well, I mean she's not that hard to please. Get her what you want."

Kylie grabbed a teal and gold comforter that matched the colors Karina described she would be decorating her room in. She tossed it in her cart and they kept it moving.

"Maybe I'll just get her a gift card. That way she can buy whatever she wants."

"That's a great idea," Kylie insisted.

They headed up front to checkout and then made their way out the store. Kaleem packed all of the bags into his car and headed around to the driver's side.

"Hey, do you mind if I keep Karina's gift at your place until her birthday?" Kylie asked.

"Of course not."

"Thanks."

"It's not a problem. You hungry?"

"Starving."

"Yeah, me too. KFC?"

"Sounds good."

Kaleem drove for about fifteen minutes until he was pulling up to the KFC around the corner from his house. He asked Kylie what she wanted and then ordered their food. The line wasn't too long, so they got their order pretty quickly. The rumbling in the sky let them know that a storm was coming, so they rushed inside to beat the rain.

"Where's Liam?" Kylie wondered.

"Shit, hell if I know. Have you talked to your girl Jessica? He might be with her."

"Oh, I didn't even think about that," Kylie laughed.

She sat her bags from Kohl's down in his living room and he carried their food upstairs to his bedroom. She got settled on his bed and turned on Pandora on her phone so they could hear some music while they ate. The sound of 'Forever' by Ar'mon and Trey began playing.

"I'm so hungry," she said as she removed the lid from her mac and cheese. "Excuse me if I pig out."

"Do your thing," Kaleem laughed. "Shit, I'm sure as hell about to do mine with this chicken."

As they focused on their food, their conversation was paused. They really hadn't eaten anything all day since they'd been out, so the both of them were due for a good meal. Ten minutes later, Kaleem was good and stuffed. He wiped his mouth and silently laughed as he watched Kylie drop mash potatoes on her shirt.

"Ugh, that's not funny," she whined.

"I got you." He got up and opened his top drawer, retrieving a clean t-shirt for her to put on. "Here, you can wear this until you get home to change."

"Thanks," she said, accepting the shirt from him.

Without warning, she pulled the shirt she was wearing over her head and suddenly, Kaleem felt like his entire world had stopped. Her plump breasts looked extremely edible, sitting up perfectly in a black silk bra. Before his fantasy could go any further, she had pulled on the t-shirt he'd given her.

"I'll be right back," he told her, before rushing out of the room and down the hall to his bathroom. He shut the door and quickly reached in his pants to adjust his dick. "Down, boy," he told himself. We can't be doing that with her."

He took a deep breath and began washing his hands with cold water. Kaleem hadn't even realized it, but five minutes had passed and he still had his hands under the water. He laughed to himself, finally cutting the faucet off and drying his hands. When he returned back to his room, Kylie was sitting on his bed, scrolling on her phone. He noticed that she'd cleaned their mess up.

"I would've cleaned everything up," he said.

She looked up from her phone and replied, "It's fine. You feel okay?"

"Yeah, just had to piss."

"For that long?" she taunted.

"Yeah, nosey ass," he clapped back. "Why you keeping track of how long I was gone? You miss me?"

"Yeah right. I was just wondering if I needed to get the air freshener or not."

They both burst out laughing.

"You a trip," Kaleem stated. "But I'm not trying to have you out too late, so I should probably get you home."

"Okay."

Kylie gathered her things and they headed downstairs. Kaleem cut all the lights out before they headed out the door. It was now full on raining, so they shared an umbrella as they rushed to his car.

"How does your hair react to the rain?" Kylie quipped when Kaleem got in the driver's side.

He smirked. "You throwing shade?"

"No, I told you I like the man bun. I'm just wondering does it affect your texture at all?"

"Nah, I'm usually good for the most part. I got some good shit on my head."

"It's okay," she jokingly rolled her eyes.

"Don't be a hater."

They laughed and made light conversation until Kaleem arrived to Karina's place. He pulled into the driveway and put his car in park. After turning the radio down just a bit, he looked at Kylie who was removing her seatbelt.

"What are you about to do with the rest of your night, bookworm?"

"I don't know yet. I'm gonna see what my sister is doing."

He nodded. "Well, I'll catch you later."

"Okay. Text me when you get home to let me know you made it safe."

"I'll do that. Can I make a request from you as well?"

"Sure."

"Don't ever change your shirt in front of me again."

Kylie was hesitant with her next set of words. She stared at him for a moment as his eyes gazed into hers with a look she knew all too well. Finally she replied, "Is that why you were in the bathroom for so long? Your little pee pee got excited?"

With a slight smirk on his lips, he cupped her chin and asked, "What did I tell you about that?"

She shrugged her shoulders.

"You know what I told you."

"It's something serious..."

"Exactly, and it ain't little. This the last time I'ma tell you that before I have to show you."

"Okay, Kaleem."

"A'ight. Goodnight, Kylie."

"Goodnight."

Kylie got out the car and opened the umbrella before rushing to the front door. She dug through her purse to find her keys and unlocked the door. When she was inside, she stood in place for a moment as she thought about the last words with her and Kaleem.

She'd be lying if she said she didn't get goosebumps from the conversation. At this point, she was going to let their situation play out on it's own because she could no longer control what she was feeling for him.

***

"Jesus Christ, Ryan, my jaws are on fire," Ashley complained. "What's the problem?"

"I don't know. Watch out."

"What do you mean watch out?"

"It ain't gon' happen, Ash. I appreciate the effort."

"Are you kidding me?" she questioned as she got up from her knees and crossed her arms.

Ryan zipped his pants up and shook his head. He wasn't trying to make Ashley feel any type of way, but his mind was somewhere else right now and busting a nut just wasn't going to happen.

"I'm sorry," he said.

"Sorry for what?"

"If I made you feel some type of way."

"You're thinking about Kylie, aren't you?"

He couldn't lie to her. "It's been too long. She hasn't reached out to me, not once."

"Maybe she's moved on which is exactly what you need to do. Ryan, if I'm wasting my time, please let me know. I know I agreed to be patient, but if I'm beating a dead horse, then I'll walk away."

"Don't do that," he said, grabbing her arm before she tried to walk off. "You know what you mean to me, Ashley. You're my friend."

"And that's it, right? That's all I'll ever be."

"I can't promise you my heart when I know it's not available. It wouldn't be fair to you. I have too much love for you to even do something like that to you in the first place."

She snatched her arm out of his grasp. "This is pointless. You'll never understand how much I love you, Ryan."

"I do understand. But I can't fake loving you back if I'm in love with Kylie. I'm sorry, Ash."

A pool of tears quickly filled Ashley's eyes as she pointed to her bedroom door. "Leave."

"Ash, don't—"

"Leave, now!"

"Okay, I'll go. But can I at least come back to check on you?"

"No! But you can come back to get your fucking dogs and find somewhere else for them to stay! I'm done being your backbone! From here on out, unless it's business between you and my brother, you and I don't even need to talk! I'm so over this shit, Ryan!"

Ryan hated that she was lashing out like this, but at the same time, he was glad she was speaking her truth after hearing his. If she truly felt this way knowing he was in love with Kylie, then they would've never worked out as friends in the long run.

"I'm sorry for hurting you," was all he said before he walked out of her room.

He headed outside to his car and bumped his music loud as he cruised the streets of Oakland. His mind was all over the place and he didn't have anyone to express his thoughts to. His heart felt heavy from both the women that meant the most to him, and he didn't know how to balance their feelings without hurting one more than the other.

All he knew was that he needed to see Kylie before his heart bled out from breaking to pieces. His late night driving ended up leading him to Karina's place and he parked in the driveway. He took a deep breath and prayed things didn't go left as he got out the car and headed to the front door. After ringing the doorbell, he waited patiently for someone to answer.

"Ryan? Hey, honey. What are you doing here?" Karina wondered as she opened the screen.

"How you doing, Karina? I was hoping Ky was here."

"Yeah...she's upstairs. Wait here and I'll go get her."

Ryan nodded and approximately three minutes later, Kylie was coming down the stairs. Ryan eyed her all the way up until she got to the door. His heart was screaming at the sight of her, but he remained chill on the outside. He didn't wanna overwhelm her with emotions, not knowing how she was going to accept his presence just yet. She opened the screen, which he took as his cue to come inside.

"What's up, Ky?" he greeted, wanting to say so much more.

"Hey, what are you doing here?"

"I need to talk to you."

The strain in their relationship made this moment much more awkward than Ryan was expecting. It was fucked up to him because awkward was something that should've never existed between them. But after going so long with no communication, he tried to understand the reason things were so uncomfortable.

"Okay, well um...let's go upstairs," she suggested.

He followed her upstairs and into her room. Kylie closed the door and they sat down on her bed. Ryan looked around and noticed lots of her things were packed up and couldn't help but wonder if they were finally moving.

"Y'all getting up out of here?" he questioned.

"Yeah."

"That's what's up. How soon?"

"Probably by the end of the month. We already found a new place that we love."

"That's dope. I'm happy for y'all. I know being here kind of brought on a dark cloud sometimes."

Kylie sighed. "Yeah, well not all memories were bad."

A part of him wanted to believe that she was referring to the memories they shared together. This is where they'd met, and even though they weren't on the best of terms, the start of their friendship was a memory neither of them would ever forget.

Ryan took a moment to just stare at her and how beautiful she was. The few weeks he'd been away from her felt like months and seeing her right now was medicine to his bleeding heart.

"I miss you, Ky," he admitted. "So fucking much man."

She stared back at him with uncertainty in her eyes. "What is this about, Ryan?"

"Your absence in my life."

"You left me," she reminded him. "It took me so long to get over that, but I'm moving past it. There's got to be another reason you're here."

His eyes traveled down to the t-shirt she was wearing. When he first saw her, he was so wrapped up in missing her that he didn't pay attention to the fact that the oversized shirt obviously didn't belong to her.

"Whose shirt you got on?"

"Ryan, let's not get off subject. What's the real reason you're here?"

"Is it ole' boys? Curly head from Target? You've been spending time with him?"

"It's not like it would matter to you anyway! You broke up with me! You stomped on my fucking heart like it was nothing and I haven't heard from you in weeks! Now you show up at my house questioning me about who I'm spending my time with? You have no right!"

Ryan understood her anger, but he didn't have the strength to match her tone. He was calm with his response. "Are you fucking him, Kylie?"

"That's not your business!"

"Is it better than your first time with me? I mean, not that you aimed to enjoy your first time anyway."

"Shut up!" she yelled, shoving his chest. "If this is why you came, then you can leave!"

"Just tell me what's up."

"I don't have to tell you anything!"

"I love you, you know that? Me breaking up with you was to protect us both from getting hurt any more than what we already caused. But if you think I just wanted to let somebody else have you, you're fucking fooling. I never wanted that and I still don't."

"Well, it's not your choice. You gave that option away when you gave up on us."

"So, just let me know, Kylie. Are you fucking him? If you are, then I'll leave you alone for good."

"We're friends!"

"Why are you wearing his clothes?"

"Because we were eating at his house and I spilled food on my shirt."

"Wow, y'all bonding like that? I guess you didn't waste no time replacing me, huh?"

"Don't be a fucking hypocrite, Ryan. He is my friend. What did you expect me to do, sit around lonely and broken hearted forever?"

Ryan clenched his jaw as a sharp pain shot through his side. He grabbed the area of pain with one hand and pointed in Kylie's direction with his other hand. "I would never want you to sit around lonely or broken hearted, Ky. But for you to go and fuck with the nigga that caused the bullshit between us in the first place is mad foul. Do you though. I still wish you nothing but happiness."

He stood up and headed to the door, but he stumbled toward her wall in agonizing pain as his side started throbbing.

"What's wrong with you?" Kylie questioned with concern as she got up and ran over to him.

"Nothing," he lied through clenched teeth. "I'm good."

"You don't look good."

"I said I'm good, a'ight?" He grabbed her door handle again and began limping out of the room.

Kylie followed closely behind him.

"Ryan, why are you walking and holding your side like that?"

Ryan was trying to ignore the massive pain he was feeling while taking deep breaths. "I'm good, Kylie, damn. Go back in your room and call your new nigga."

"You're not good!" she fussed, watching him grit his teeth as he struggled down the steps. Regardless if he wanted the help or not, she grabbed his arm and helped him down.

When they got to the bottom of the stairs, he pulled his arm from her grasp and fought through his pain as he left the house. He ignored Kylie's voice as she chased behind him and proceeded to get into his car.

"Stop ignoring me!" she screamed.

"Get off my door, Ky!"

"No! You don't need to be driving when you can barely walk!"

"I can handle my fucking self, a'ight? Move!"

"Ryan, please," she spoke with a much softer tone. "Just let me take you wherever it is that you're going."

"Nah, you entertaining somebody else right now ain't you? Focus on him."

He snatched his door so hard that she had no other choice but to move. However, that didn't stop her from banging on his window. It took everything in Ryan to ignore her and put the keys in his ignition. When he realized she wasn't moving, he slammed his hand down on the horn and she finally backed away.

"Fuck," he whispered under his breath in pain as he backed out of the driveway.

He drove as far as he could before the excruciating throbbing from his side would no longer allow him to go any further. He pulled over on the curb and grabbed his phone. With only one number to dial, he was frustrated that he was sent to voicemail the first two times, but he tried to call back one last time.

"What do you want?" Ashley finally answered.

"Ash," he spoke in a weak voice.

"Ryan, why do you sound like that?"

"I need my pills, Ashley. I need them now."

"Where are you?"

He looked over his dashboard at the street sign. "I'm at the corner of Winston and McGregor. I can't drive any fucking further."

"Got damnit, Ryan! I'm not bringing you any pills! I'm taking you to the hospital!"

Ryan shook his head and tried to focus on breathing steadily. "A'ight. Just hurry up. Please, Ashley."

"I'm on my way," she assured him.

"Thank you."

Ashley disconnected the call and Ryan sat in silence with tears threatening his eyes for so many reasons. He knew he'd ignored his pain for way too long and he had a feeling today he would be forced to deal with the reason he had to take pain killers for so long.

On the other hand, he had the situation with Kylie still eating at his soul, which probably hurt him more than his side pain. To know that she'd been seeing Kaleem all this time fucked with his mental more than he was willing to admit.

In his mind, Kaleem was the main reason for their downfall, and for Kylie to allow him to be his replacement just froze his heart. He wanted to lash out on her in the worst way, but he loved her too much. And if Kaleem is where her heart was, then he would just have to suffer through it.

As he settled in his thoughts, he hadn't realized that he was going in and out of conscience. And by the time Ashley arrived, he could barely make out what she was saying to him. The only thing that seemed clear was her waving her hand in his face, but her voice seemed mute.

His head tilted to the side and suddenly his eyes became a challenge to keep open. The pain from his side never let up, but it had gotten so bad that Ryan had mentally numbed it. He wanted so badly to respond to Ashley, but he felt himself becoming weaker by the second.

And when she pulled his arms out of the car for him to stand up straight, he fell straight to the ground. That seemed to solve the problem of his hearing as the sound of her screaming his name was clear as day. But it quickly came to a halt as his eyes closed and his entire world went black.
Chapter Sixteen

Karina walked into her home and sat her purse down on the couch. She then immediately came out of her shoes. It had been a long day at the office, and avoiding Brandon every chance she got didn't make it any easier. She was still upset with him after the argument they had, and speaking to him was not something she was set on doing.

After grabbing a water bottle from her fridge, she headed upstairs to her room to finish packing. Most of her things were already boxed, but she still had a few things to pack. Kylie was currently at the library with Jessica, so she had to pack by herself. She played some R&B music from her phone and got straight to work.

Twenty minutes into packing, she heard the doorbell ring, so she stopped what she was doing to go answer it. She jogged down the stairs and opened the door, surprised to see Ivan standing on the porch with roses in his hand, and also a gift bag.

"Ivan, what is this?"

"Your birthday."

"My birthday isn't for another two days."

"I know that. But I also know that you'll be spending your birthday with someone else."

For some reason, his statement caused Karina to feel a piece of her heart trickle down her chest.

"Can I come in or can you at least come out?"

Without any eye contact, Karina opened the screen and allowed him in. He patiently waited at the door, waiting for her to allow him further into the house.

"What are you doing?" she wondered.

"I don't want this to go like it did last time. I won't go any further until you allow me to."

"Come on, Ivan," she spoke over her shoulder as they headed in to the living room.

They sat on the couch and Karina swallowed a lump of saliva down her dry throat.

"These are for you," Ivan said, passing her the roses.

"Thank you."

"You're welcome. Any big plans for your birthday?"

"Not really."

"None at all? Twenty-eight is a special year, Karina. You have to do something."

"I don't see anything special about getting older."

"There's a lot that's special about it. You're still alive, you're excelling in your career—"

"And I'm about to go through a divorce, still don't have any of the children that I always wanted, and I'm about to move out of the house I fell in love with."

"I'm sorry for that."

"Don't be. It's life, right?"

"That's right. But I know it's not the life you imagined when you accepted my last name."

Silence fell upon them as Ivan's words sunk in. He was absolutely right, and it honestly surprised Karina that he recognized it.

Breaking the silence, Ivan finally handed Karina the gift bag and said, "It's not much, but I hope you like it."

Karina accepted the bag and sat it on her lap. "You know you didn't have to do this, right?"

"I know. But no matter what we're going through, I would never let your birthday pass as if the day means nothing."

Karina was extremely skeptical of Ivan's intentions, but she had no strength to argue right now. She only hoped that he was being genuine because she'd had enough of his lies over the past few months. She opened the bag and pulled out a small black box. When she opened it, there was a folded piece of paper.

"Ivan, what is this?"

He smiled at her. "Why don't you unfold it and find out?"

She proceeded to unfold the paper and saw that it was an order confirmation from IKEA. The order was for a special bookshelf that also held wine. Karina had actually spotted the bookshelf months ago, but refused to purchase it, due to the outrageous price.

"Okay, how did you know I wanted this?"

"I pay attention more than you think."

She didn't know what to say, so all she could respond with was, "Thank you."

"You're more than welcome. You and Kylie still be reading hella' books all the time don't y'all?"

"Yeah, I mean we get around to them whenever we can."

"That's dope. Well, at least now you got something to put your paperbacks and wine on. You can pick it up from IKEA whenever you're ready. Consider it a birthday gift and house warming gift all in one."

"Well, that's really thoughtful of you."

She stood up and motioned for him to do the same. Once he did, she hugged him and was caught by surprise with how tight he embraced her. This moment was beyond emotional for her because she hadn't been this close to her husband in months. He'd hurt her so bad that she turned into a woman scorned and as the pain of this moment simmered deep within her, she couldn't help but ask, "Why did you start sleeping with someone else, Ivan?"

"I was foolish," he admitted. "A fucking idiot who didn't realize I had everything I could ever want and need right in front of me. And as much as I still love you and want you in my life, I'm well aware of the fact that I don't deserve you."

"You don't," Karina agreed, still wrapped in his embrace.

"I know it. And I just want you to know I'm not gon' fight you for anything during the divorce. I was angry before when I threatened you. But I honestly don't want anything."

Karina finally pulled away from him. "I seriously just need to know why the change of heart, Ivan?"

"Karina, I love you to death. Hurting you was probably the biggest mistake of my life and it might've took me a little too long to realize that, but I'm seeing it now. There was absolutely nothing you did to deserve what I put you through. And I just want you to know that me speaking right now is coming from the man you said I do to. And not the man that put all those bruises on your heart. I swear to you I'm sorry for what I've done."

Karina didn't even realize she was crying until she felt the tears streaming down her cheeks. "I don't know if I can ever forgive you."

"I'll work the rest of my life trying to make it up to you. I want my wife back so fucking bad."

She shook her head. "I can't...we can't...I just won't ever be able to trust you with my heart."

"You don't believe in second chances, Karina? Or is it someone else?"

She swallowed hard as more tears came flooding down her face.

"It's Brandon, isn't it?" Ivan speculated.

"He's been there for me," she confessed, although they weren't on good terms.

"Do you love him?"

She nodded, tears trailing over her lips. Although she'd never revealed to Brandon that she was in love with him, her heart knew a long time ago that it belonged to him.

"That's tough to know," Ivan responded to the confession. "But I can't blame you for falling in love with someone else. You see, when you love somebody as much as I love you, you'll want them happy no matter what."

Karina used the back of her hand to wipe her face, as it had become extremely soaked.

"I hope Brandon takes good care of you, Karina." He leaned down to kiss her cheek. "I won't interfere with your happiness. Have a wonderful birthday."

And with those words, Ivan left the house. Karina immediately exploded into an emotional mess as she sat alone on the living room floor. She brought her knees to her chest and cried her heart out. So many things weighed heavy on her heart including her farewell with Ivan and her detachment with Brandon. She was terrified in this moment. Terrified that in the end, she would end up with a lonely heart.

***

Jada closed her laptop after confirming the cancellation of her latest booking. She was scheduled for a photoshoot in Houston, but the photographer had notified her that the shoot had been moved to a later date. Although her services would still be needed for the shoot once it was re-booked, she was bummed about not having work.

Jada liked to stay on the move and was all about getting her coins. She'd already had her bags packed and had her flight booked to fly out the following morning. But since her plans had changed, she went into her kitchen, grabbed a handful of snacks, and headed back to her bedroom.

She figured she would enjoy a marathon of something on Netflix since she didn't have to be up early anymore. As she scrolled through to try and find something to watch, she nibbled on a Cinnamon pop tart. When her phone began to vibrate, she searched her bed to find it and was quite surprised at who the caller was.

"Mr. Vapor. How are you?"

Silence was the response she got and that immediately concerned her. She sat up straight and put down the pop tart she had been nibbling on.

"Brandon?"

"Jada..." he finally spoke.

"Yeah, what's up? Are you okay?"

He sighed into the phone. "Nah. I'm pretty fucked up right now."

"Well, you know we can't have that. Talk to me."

"It's Karina."

Jada would be lying if she said that she didn't sense some static between Brandon and Karina. She definitely caught on to it, but at the same time, she knew it wasn't her place to involve herself in their business. So, until Brandon came to her with the details on their relationship, she wasn't gonna quip. And now that he'd seem to be doing so, she figured this was her time to find out exactly what was going on.

"What about Karina?"

"I think I'ma have to let her go."

"Wow. Well, this is certainly different energy than from before. I mean I have to be honest. I could sense something was off when you rushed after her right before I left your event."

"Yeah. She was uncomfortable with your presence."

"Really? Does she understand that we're just friends? I'll talk to her if you want me to."

"Nah, that's not necessary."

Jada could sense that there was something heavy bothering Brandon. His vibe was off and that didn't sit right with her. No matter the situation, she always wanted to make sure he was at his best.

"Brandon, what's really going on?"

"She hurt me," he admitted.

Jada placed her hand over her heart at his revelation. The statement alone actually hurt her as well because she knew he had to sit his pride aside in order to admit that.

"I'm so sorry," she spoke softly. "What happened between you two?"

More silence fell upon them, but Jada wouldn't dare rush him. She knew he would speak on the situation whenever he was ready, and after they sat on the line for about three minutes with no words, Brandon was finally ready to talk.

"We had constant arguments about her husband. They're supposed to be getting divorced, but she's been stalling on filing. I didn't pressure her about it because I was confident where I stood with her. I knew eventually she would do it, but more time passed and she still kept dodging it. But somehow she kept ending up on the phone with him or having him in the house they used to live in together."

"Wait, what?"

"I know, the shit is crazy right? She swore they just argued every time and I believed it, but now I'm just starting to feel like that was an excuse to keep me off her back about the situation."

"So, you think she's still involved with him?"

"I got a heavy feeling she might be. We've been at odds since that night you did her makeup. She's been dodging me at the office and shit. I missed her, but of course I wanted to respect her space because I knew she was upset with me. But after seeing her in the office today and not speaking, I couldn't go any longer doing that shit. So, I decided to show up at her house. Come to find out, her husband is there."

"Oh my goodness, are you serious? I mean, how do you even know it was him?"

"Trust me, I know what that nigga driving. And I know that I'm tired of Karina giving her energy to this nigga. He's playing with her and she's allowing that shit. I'm tired of dealing with it, and to know that she let him back in her house after we just argued about that shit is beyond disrespectful to me. I can't trust her and it's fucked up because I was ready to love her with everything in me, Jada. I would've gave her the fucking world. But I guess she wants to live in the past."

Jada's heart hurt for Brandon in a million different ways. She'd had her heart broken before and she definitely experienced the feeling of not being wanted. And judging by how Brandon was expressing himself, there was no question that he felt unwanted by Karina. He was offering the best of his love to her and she didn't seem to appreciate it. Jada could only hope that Brandon would get through this without suffering too hard.

"Brandon, I really hate that you feel this way. You're such a good man with a good heart. And I know you really care for her. I'm so sorry."

"Shit, I'm sorry too. I know I don't have the best past with women, but I did get my shit together for her. But I'll be damned if I end up out here lonely with a broken heart, trying to chase someone who doesn't wanna be loved the right way."

"Hey, don't talk like that. As long as we're friends, there's no way in hell that you'll ever be lonely. Don't I always hold you down, Brandon?"

"You do."

"That's right. And this situation is no different. You know I'll always be here for you and that's more than likely why you're on my line. You're gonna get through this. I promise you."

Another long silence fell on the line.

Brandon was the first to end it when he stated, "I need you, Jada."

"I know you do. And that's why I'll be on the first flight to Oakland to come take care of you."

***

"Kylie, if you don't take that damn worrisome look off your face, I'm gonna rearrange it for you," Jessica threatened.

"I can't help it," Kylie responded as she sat her pen down.

She and Jessica were in the library attempting to study for an upcoming exam, but Kylie couldn't stay focused no matter how hard she tried.

"I just can't get Ryan off my mind," she admitted. "The way he left the house last night, Jess...It just has me feeling hella' uneasy. And he's still not answering any of my calls or texts. I tried calling his mom, but you know she doesn't give a damn about him. I just don't know what else to do. I can't keep riding past his apartment like a crazy person."

"Maybe you should just stop worrying. He probably just smoked too much weed. Not to be funny, but you know he's a pot head."

"No, it wasn't that," Kylie disagreed. "I couldn't even sleep last night thinking about him."

"You're going to worry yourself to death. You said you tried to help him and he basically blew you off. If something is wrong, then why worry if he doesn't even want you concerned about him?"

"Because I know Ryan. He was just being stubborn. And regardless if he wants me to be concerned or not, I love him, so of course I'm gonna be worried."

Jessica shrugged her shoulders. "Fine. If you wanna ride past his apartment for the thousandth time again today, we can. But we gotta get some studying in. We've been here for two hours and I don't remember a damn thing."

"Hell, me either," Kylie stressed, running her fingers through her hair.

When her phone started vibrating, her heart began to beat with excitement with hopes of it being Ryan. But when she looked at the caller ID, she noticed that it was Kaleem.

"I'll be right back," she told Jessica.

She then headed outside in front of the library and sat on an empty bench. "Hey, Kaleem," she answered.

"Bookworm, what's going on?"

"Nothing much. Just at the library studying with Jessica."

"Cool, cool. Well, I wasn't trying to interrupt. I was just wondering if I could see you tonight. I wanna talk to you about something."

"Something like what? Is it bad?"

"Nah, nothing like that. Just some personal things I need to let you in on. You think you can swing past my place later on tonight?"

Kylie was nervous about what he could wanna talk with her about. She had a feeling she knew, but until he confirmed it, she didn't wanna make any assumptions.

"I don't know how late I'll be, but I'll make my way over there."

"Bet. Well, I'll let you get back to your studies. I know you nerds get pretty pissed when somebody rips your head out of a book."

"Shut up, Kaleem."

"I'm fucking with you," he laughed. "Talk to you later, Kylie."

"Bye."

She ended the call and remained outside on the bench. She knew she needed to study, but her mind was all over the place, and she knew she wouldn't be able to focus no matter how hard she tried. She sighed and went to her call log and found Ryan's number. Calling him seemed pointless because it was getting her nowhere, but Kylie was going crazy and she needed some answers.

She called him for the umpteenth time and just about lost her breath when she realized that the line was answered. "Hello? Ryan?" she spoke anxiously.

"This...this isn't Ryan."

Kylie was immediately taken back by the female voice that responded to her. "Who is this?"

"It's Ashley."

"Ashley?" she questioned and then looked at her phone to confirm that she dialed the right number. "Where's Ryan?"

"He's...he's..."

"What's going on?!" Kylie panicked as she listened to Ashley struggle to reply. "Why are you crying?! Is Ryan okay?!"

"No, Kylie...he's not."

To Be Continued...

You made my heart break. You made my heart ache. You made my heart break again...

Juice WRLD — Lucid Dreams
Book 2 Available Right Now On Amazon.com!

The Lonely Nights

If you enjoyed book 1 of this series, please write a review, tell a friend, & share! Book 2 is already in the works. Make sure you follow my author page (Click Here) for the latest updates! Thanks for reading. I truly appreciate it!!!

Nyerra ♥

