10. Damier
M ia had everything handled, as usual. My fit for the game was waiting for me in my office, neatly pressed and ready to go. She’d even sent my barber to give me a fresh cut. By the time I was dressed in my custom-tailored black and gold Louis Vuitton varsity jacket, slim-fit black pants, and black-and-gold LV sneakers, I felt like a king ready to step back onto his throne. My chains glinted in the light, my watch sparkled, and I was feeling myself.
After making sure everything was locked down at the office, I headed to my penthouse to pick up Dream.
When she stepped outside, I had to pause and take her in. She was a vision in a preppy Clueless-inspired outfit—a soft pink mini skirt with a matching blazer paired with white thigh-high Louboutin platform boots. Her hair was softly curled, her makeup light but flawless, and her lashes dramatic enough to give her that extra edge. A white Chanel handbag hung from her shoulder, completing the look.
I got out of my brand new royal blue Bentley, and the valet stepped back as I approached her. The faint breeze carried her expensive perfume to me as I pulled her into a hug.
“You look sexy as fuck,” I murmured, my hands lingering on her waist. “You definitely need to be on a high roller’s arm tonight.”
She giggled bashfully, her cheeks slightly flushing. “You’re too much, Damier.”
I opened the door for her and helped her into the car, watching as she adjusted her skirt and got comfortable. Sliding back into the driver’s seat, I switched from my usual oldies playlist to something that fit my age and mood. “South of France” by Future and Travis Scott filled the car as I pulled out onto the street.
The usual LA traffic caught us on the way to the Crypto.com Arena, and I sparked a blunt to pass the time. Dream didn’t smoke, but I loved that she didn’t mind being around it with me. She leaned back in her seat, her freshly done curls catching the dim light, looking every bit the goddess she was.
After a few minutes, she turned down the music.
“I know we’re supposed to be in a good mood tonight,” she began, her voice soft but weighted, “but I can’t stop thinking about my brother.”
I glanced at her, the blunt hanging from my lips. “What’s going on?”
She sighed, her fingers playing with the strap of her purse. “He’s not getting better, Damier. He told us he’s ready to go. The doctor mentioned medicine to help him pass peacefully, but it’s expensive.”
Her voice cracked, and I could see the pain in her eyes.
I exhaled slowly, putting the blunt in the ashtray. “Don’t worry about that,” I firmly said. “Whatever you and your family need, the Knight Foundation will take care of it.”
Her eyes filled with gratitude as she reached over to squeeze my hand. “Thank you,” she whispered. “You don’t know how much that means to me.”
I gave her hand a squeeze back, my focus returning to the road as I finally broke through the traffic.
$$$$$
The Crypto.com Arena was packed, but the valet cleared a spot for my Bentley like clockwork. For the first time in a long time, I was stepping out without security hovering behind me, though they were close by, stationed outside the arena.
Dream and I were escorted straight to our courtside seats. The energy in the arena was electric, even before the game started. After settling Dream into her seat, I told her I would grab drinks and snacks. She told me what she wanted, and I headed to the “club lounge.”
When I came back with an attendant helping me hold our liquor and food, the photographers had already started circling, taking pictures of everyone who was somebody, and we were a part of that crowd. I handed Dream her drink and sat down, nodding at a few players I knew on the court from both teams. Dream snickered, leaning closer to me.
“You’re popular,” she whispered.
I smirked. “That’s why I decide when I want to step on the scene.”
The jumbotron lit up, and suddenly, the camera was on us. I leaned back, but Dream took the lead, pulling me into a kiss. The crowd went wild, and she didn’t hold back, biting my lip playfully before pulling away with a mischievous smile.
I laughed. “That’s enough—kids are watching.”
The game started, and the energy was infectious. Dream was into it, laughing and cheering, and I was too, though I couldn’t help scanning the crowd as the liquor got into my system. My instincts never turned off.
That’s when I saw the bitch ass nigga—Lamari. He was a few seats down, and when our eyes met, he quickly looked away.
I chuckled, leaning over to Dream. “You see your ex?”
She frowned, following my gaze. “I hadn’t noticed him. Don’t worry about him, Damier.”
I nodded, but I kept an eye on him.
At halftime, Lamari got up to walk past, and he stepped on my sneakers hard enough to feel intentional.
“Yo, watch yourself, my nigga,” I snapped, my tone sharp.
Lamari turned, his face smug and full of liquid courage. “Relax, my nigga. You’re just mad you’re walking around with my leftovers.”
Dream stiffened beside me, but I didn’t let it slide. “Say that again,” I said, standing up.
“You heard me,” Lamari said, grinning. “Imani’s always been a gold digger in her own way. You’ll figure it out eventually. All the soft girl shit is a front to get your bread.”
I clenched my fists, ready to swing, but arena security stepped in before it could go further.
“Let him talk,” Dream said softly, pulling me back down. “He’s just drunk.”
Lamari walked off, laughing, but he didn’t come back to his seat.
The rest of the game went smoothly, and by the time it ended, we were both drunk and laughing as we made our way back to my car.
“Order whatever you want to eat online,” I told her as I drove. “Have it sent to the house. I’ll make sure we get home safe.”
When we finally got home, it was like a switch flipped. The second the door closed, we were all over each other. Clothes hit the floor as we stumbled to the shower, the warm water washing away the tension of the night as we fucked under the water, lost in each other. Moaning loudly and making sure we got out satisfied.
Tonight had been chaotic, but as I blew Dream’s back out under the stream of water, I knew one thing for certain—I wasn’t letting her go.