Jasmine's cotton tee, the taste of citrus and champagne

2 a

hi

like she'd b

, the rhythmic whoosh of a passing train somewhere in the distance. But Mia's mind was stuck on a different hum

e of her regulars either. This client had come through a luxury

er last night, and rushed to the bathroom. Cold water slapped her face awake

asmine, as always, was t

ven have time to doubt the outfit. Minimal makeup. Gold studs. Gl

she stood still

e. That voice. That walk. That look th

. Fantasi

t, hair smoke, Rae's laughter, and the scent of Blue Magic. The bell abo

nager's sleek ponytail. Rae was under the dryer, scrolling through her phone

ghter and raising her brows. "You floatin' in her

smine chimed in. "It's all in the walk. You got that

miling like she found Jesus and

usual mirror, trying not to sm

r buzzed off. "We need details. You left

joined the mini-interventi

smirked. "He's sen

women we

rising with mock suspicion. "

nne

ine's brows lifted. "Girl, that's either

s man got all of South Cressida buzzi

ridge. "Hydrate, boo. You gon' need stamina if t

are rid

ove it," J

, she took

. Gold hoops. Perfume at her wrists and colla

p-sleek, black, silen

th the breeze, casting a soft glow over tables dressed in white linen and crystal glassware. L

op like it was built just for him. Black suit.

aze sliding down and up wit

ame,"

sent

you g

this sure

hen I'm

a home with her own hands. He told her about casinos, back-room deals, and loy

take her home, he ope

nside, hea

en her ph

t the window as the skyline blurred into darkness, neon signs bleeding color across her

wn nu

ally dining with

like it had been y

umber wasn't saved, but her body knew

ya

teeth. Her ex

eft behind the apartment, the accusations, the bruised silence. He'd passed out on

u

w fast you forget

o her palm. She clutched the pho

e driver. "Can you d

once. "Y

u

y boy's world got room for gir

e-down. Her vision swam,

ens had been tracking her all day. The dinner, the dress, the joy she

outside, too bright to be kind.

But the fear he lit in her che

pulled her blinds shut. Her keys trembled in her hand as she dropped them

nounced. He was worse-he planted seeds

ffic outside, even the air conditioning felt amplified. She moved throu

per spray. A chipped pink canister she hadn't t

t die. They wait

in. Thumb hovered over the

t now? Watching. What if bl

hat he used to say when she cried

ed her g

"Y'al

nds

tay up. Y

ext this late unless

yant tex

blinki

ot a Louisville Slu

t want you then and he sure as hel

about Ro. Calle

an rent headspace. He couldn'

sing. Bryant smells

ught I was

But the past go

Her friends knew her. But

ors. How she couldn't sleep without checking the locks t

own. Climbed into b

e shadows shift across her ceiling. Breat

Just out of reach. Just out of the law's hands. Just visi

out Ro, he'd

found out who B

'd be

't sure if it would be R

h