Focus Nyx.
“Is this your first time in Brookview?” The one named Aren asked.
He had the brightest smile and seemed to be the pretty boy of the crew. He was his brother's twin except his hair was in a curly man bun on the top of his head and he had a small beauty mark next to his right lip. He had just as many tattoos covering his skin, with the same signature dimples and long lashes as Char and Ma. You could definitely see the family resemblance.
“Yes.” I said, trying not to have a panic attack. I wasn’t good with social interaction. It took me a while to open up to new people.
“Cool, are you going to the same school as Char?”
“Yes, I’m transferring to BU for their medical program.” I said as Gunner trapped me under his gaze again and I was stuck. I watched as he licked his bottom lip and my panties were ruined. Fuck how does someone that hasn’t said more than two words to me make me feel like this.
I needed to do better.
“Damn right out here embarrassing us.”
“Whatever Nyx.” The last time I moved too quickly I ended up in a nightmare.
“Gun and Alestar just received their business degrees in computer science from FAMU. I got mine in graphic design,” he beamed.
“Congratulations.” I said, giving him a practiced smile.
“Have you boys found a house yet?” Ma asked. “You know you’re welcome to stay here until you get settled.”
My heart rate sped up at the thought of Gunner being under the same roof as me.
“Thanks, but we’re good. We picked one of the houses that were part of the estate,” Gunner said, finally speaking. His voice was smooth and deep as he spoke about their plans. “It’s been closed up for a while, but we’ll get it together in no time,” he continued.
“Do you boys need help? Me and the girls could come by and help out,” she volunteered.
“No thanks Ma. We got it," Gunner said.
“I insist. We’ll be over tomorrow bright and early,” she said like it was final.
And I guess it was because everybody went back to eating and laughing. I caught Char and Alestar sneaking glances at each other while Aren typed away on his phone in between bites. When I looked up Gunner was staring at me again like he was an animal stalking his prey. Shit, my poor panties didn’t stand a chance tonight. And with the way it was beating out of my chest my heart couldn’t take sitting next to him anymore either.
“Ma this was wonderful but I’m really tired. I should head to bed.” I said, scooting my chair back from the table.
“You sure Suga? You hardly ate anything,” she said looking at my half-eaten plate.
“Yeah Ma, I’m sure. I think the long bus ride just tired me out. Goodnight, everyone.” I said before I hopped up like my ass was on fire or anyone else could stop me. Quickly clearing my plate, I bolted to my room, running up the stairs and closed the door like someone was chasing me.
“Damn Pepper, you acted like the nigga was gon bite us. All he did was give us a little eye contact. Did you feel that zing when his hand touched ours? Went straight to our pussy. Shit.”
I couldn’t even sit next to a man without freaking out. This is hard, how am I supposed to function with him around.
“Everyone is not him, Pepper.”
Even if he’s not, I don't have time in my life for any man, good or bad. I’m here to accomplish my goals and build a life, I tried telling her.
Chapter 3
Gunner
“What did y’all think about Char’s friend?” I asked.
“I knew your ass was checking shorty out.” Alestar said.
“Whatever Nigga.”
