“Until then, rest up ‘cause I want you to suit up when it’s time to take Lo’s ass out.”
“As soon as I’m better, that nigga is dead.”
This would’ve been the perfect night if it was weeks ago. The ambiance was radiant as the chandelier sparkled all over the space. The soft classical music floated through Bria’s ears as she sat across from Lo. On the outside, they appeared to be a couple enjoying each other’s presence. Internally, Bria was terrified. Everything about the man across from her scared her. Even after he fucked her to sleep the other night, she was still horrified by the person he had turned into.
In spite of her fear, Lo looked dapper. This night, he donned a black suit that was cut to perfection. Bria loved knowing that Lo could switch it up from his street wear to tailored suits. The black shirt’s first two buttons were unfastened, giving a peek of his chest tattoos. His hair cut was fresh, and his beard was lined with precision. He looked good and smelled even better. Still, the way he carried on as if he didn’t see Bria visibly tensed at the table was insane.
Bria’s attire for the night was an olive blazer dress with platform heels. Her hair was bone straight with a part down the middle. Bria didn’t do too much with her makeup but made sure her nude lip was on point. This was a date. An outing where she was supposed to bond with her husband, yet all Bria felt were tremors and recollections from the night he tortured Dough.
“This fire,” he said with a mouthful of mac and cheese.
Bria rubbed the back of her neck as she looked around the restaurant. Everybody was in their own world, oblivious to the many different emotions plaguing her.
“Why you not eating?”
Bria looked down at her untouched plate of a New York strip steak and au gratin potatoes.
“Uh, I guess I’m not that hungry.”
Lo peered at her with his mysterious eyes. She wondered what was going through his mind. Was he plotting her demise? Should she sleep with one eye opened tonight? Bria couldn’t get comfortable with him.
“What’s wrong with you?”
Bria gaped at him incredulously. “Lo, really?”
“Yeah.” He sipped on his drink. “What’s wrong?”
Licking her lips, she conjured up the courage to spill the truth. “…I’m scared of you.”
He chuckled and shook his head. “Shit, I’m scared of you, too.”
Bria leaned in close, making sure to keep her voice down. “Why would you be scared of me when I’m not the person who tortured someone in front of you?”
He met her in the middle of the table. “Nah, you ain’t do that but you are a cheater though. In case you didn’t know, that’s some scary shit.”
Bria’s eyes shut at his painful reminder. She had been indignant during her scandalous act, but she wished she’d never cheated on Lo. He would never admit it, but it hurt his feelings. If she could’ve gone back and made the decision not to call Dough, she would have.
“You put that man in the position to get fucked up. Not me. What did you think I would do when I found out, Bria? You talking about I scare you. You scare me ‘cause what if I fall for you and you play me again? You think a nigga don’t have feelings?”
“Honestly… no, Lo. You act like you don’t have feelings.”
Sitting back in his seat, he peered at her while tucking his lips between his teeth. It was an awkward moment of silence that Bria wished she could fast forward.
Lo scooted his chair back from the table. “Come here.”
Looking around the room, she then focused on him as he made a gesture with his hands to come to him. Reluctantly, she rose from her chair and stepped over to him. Lo guided her on his lap, positioning her body sideways. His scent was almost inebriating as he wrapped his arms around her waist. The feeling of yearning had resurfaced, making her stomach leap. Bria couldn’t take this seesaw of emotions. At one point, she was terrified, then the next, she was drowning in lust.
This man left her bewildered. How would she survive the roller coaster ride called Kylo? He was sure to have her screaming with glee and terror, simultaneously. He was like ten different men wrapped in one. So many personalities, so manymoods that Bria was sure she wouldn’t be able to keep up with him.
“You still scared?” he asked.
Lo’s tone was gentle as he kissed the side of her face. Bria hated this confliction playing tug-of-war inside her thoughts. Her mind told her to get up and place distance between them but the warmth between her thighs wanted more affection.
“It doesn’t just go away because I’m on your lap, Lo.”
Grabbing her chin, he turned her face to look at him. “You don’t need to be scared of me. If I wanted to hurt you, I would’ve done it the night I beat the fuck outta that nigga. I only made you watch so you can see that playing me is a big mistake. You got the hint, right?”
She bobbed her head, gazing into Lo’s eyes. They were so beautiful with lashes denser than hers.
