21. Damier
I stepped into Dream’s room after getting dressed and ready to head to my club’s relaunch. The place had been gutted inside and rebuilt—new design, new staff, and even atmosphere models to keep the vibe right. It was more than a renovation; it was a statement. This was a fresh start, and I couldn’t wait to see the outcome.
Dream stood at her vanity, her fingers adjusting a diamond necklace around her neck. Her reflection in the mirror was stunning, but her sad eyes told a different story. She was already grieving, even though Donta wasn’t gone yet. It killed me to see her like that, and I wanted to show her that I was here for her.
I walked up behind her and set a box vase of dark red roses from A Million Roses on her lit-up vanity, catching her attention.
She glanced at the roses, a small smile breaking through her sadness. “Thank you,” she softly said.
I bent down and kissed her lips, lingering for a moment. “You look beautiful for my relaunch,” I said, my voice low.
“Thank you,” she replied, “but my red eyes aren’t.”
I smirked, trying to lighten the mood. “They’re about to be even redder because we’re about to smoke some fire-ass weed on the way to the club.”
She laughed, shaking her head. “I still can’t believe I smoke again.”
“Ain’t nothing wrong with it,” I said. “It’s to keep you calm.”
As she adjusted her necklace, I sat on the edge of the bed, watching her. “You should take some time off work,” I said.
She frowned, glancing at me. “Damier, you know how I feel about leaving my clients hanging.”
“Yeah, I know,” I said. “But you don’t have to work every day to keep your business going. You have the means to step back—at least until you’re not grieving. You don’t have to carry everything at once.”
She sighed, nodding slightly. “You’re right. But not just yet.”
Once we were ready, Dream grabbed one of the roses to take with her, and then we headed to the front of her house–where my brand-new black Aston Martin DB12 was waiting. I needed something sporty and small to commute in LA traffic, and this was it.
I opened the passenger door for Dream, and she slid in gracefully, her satin black Valentino dress hugging her body just right. Once I got in and started the engine, I put my playlist on and sparked a blunt, placing it between my lips. Reaching over, I intertwined my fingers with hers, kissing the top of her hand before pulling out of the driveway.
I weaved through traffic, the LA lights blurring past as we vibed to the music. Smoke curled lazily around the cabin, and I glanced over at her every so often, admiring how good she looked in my passenger seat. She was everything—more than I deserved, but I wasn’t about to let her go.
When we arrived at the club, I pulled into my private rooftop parking. The place was buzzing, the energy electric. Dream and I were escorted to the elevator, where she held onto my arm, her presence grounding me.
Once we stepped into the club, I nodded toward my VIP section, where Chanel and some of my people were waiting to keep her company. I leaned in close, kissing her temple. “Go enjoy yourself. I’ll be back soon.”
Her smile was small but genuine as she walked off, leaving me to head toward my office.
As soon as I stepped away from Dream, my mindset shifted. The lightness I felt around her was gone, replaced by the cold focus I needed for business. In my office, King, Hocus, and a couple of my men were waiting, their expressions serious.
“Felix here yet?” I asked, pouring myself a drink.
“Not yet,” King said, leaning against the wall. “But you know he ain’t pulling up alone.”
“Of course not,” I said, swirling the glass in my hand. “He’s probably got half of Mexico outside, thinking that’ll keep him safe on my turf.”
We made small talk, the tension in the room thick as we waited. Fifteen minutes later, Felix walked in with his right-hand man, Juan, his demeanor cool but cautious.
“Welcome,” I said, gesturing toward the chairs in front of my desk.
Felix smirked, nodding as he sat down. “Nice setup you’ve got here, Knight. You always did know how to show off.”
I poured him a drink, sliding it across the desk. “Figured we should do this right.”
He took the glass, his fingers lingering on it as he studied me. “So, what’s this about?”
The conversation started off cordial, with me talking about numbers and how much I owe him, but the undercurrent of tension was impossible to ignore.
“So, after I pay you, it’s time we part ways,” I said, leaning back in my chair. “You’ve been good for business, Felix, but we’re moving in a different direction.”
His smirk faded, replaced by a cold, calculating look. “Part ways? You brought me way out here for that?”
“It’s not personal,” I said, my tone calm but firm. “Your methods don’t align with where we’re going. It’s time for something new.”
Felix chuckled darkly, taking a sip of his drink. “And you think I’m just going to walk away?”
I shrugged. “You don’t have a choice.”
Juan shifted in his seat, and I caught King tensing out of the corner of my eye.
“You’ve got a lot of nerve, Knight,” Felix said, his voice low. “You think you can just cut me out without consequences? I know things about your family—things that could make your empire crumble.”
I didn’t flinch, my gaze steady. “And I know things about you too, Felix—more than you think. You’ve been in this game long enough to know how this ends, my guy. The only question is whether you want it to be clean or messy.”
The room went silent, the weight of his words hanging heavy. I could see King itching to make a move, but something in me said this wasn’t the time.
“You’ve got your answer,” I said, standing up. “Now, finish your drink and get out of my club.”
Felix stared at me for a long moment before standing, his smirk returning. “This isn’t over,” he said quietly.
“Probably not,” I replied, my voice even.
He turned and walked out, his right-hand man following close behind.
Once the door closed, King turned to me, his eyes blazing. “We should’ve handled him right here, nephew. You know he’s gonna be a problem.”
“I know,” I said, sitting back down. “But not tonight.”
King didn’t look convinced, but he nodded. “Your call. But you better keep your eyes open.”
“I always do,” I said, pouring another drink.
As I sat there, the weight of the meeting settled over me. Felix wasn’t done, and I knew it. But for now, I had other things to focus on—and I’d deal with him when the time was right.
$$$$$$
After the club, we went back to my penthouse since it was closer to the club. The city lights twinkled below us, a reminder of the night’s success. The relaunch had been a win—a million dollars in one night, and the liveliness in the club had been electric. But now, it was just me and Dream, and that was all I needed to close out the night.
The massive tub in my bathroom was filled with warm water and rose-scented bubbles, the steam curling into the air as I slid into it. Dream climbed in after me, her body easing into my lap, her soft curves pressing against me as she faced me. Dream had me doing shit I never did. Bubble baths, staying the night at a woman’s house. It was all new to me, but I liked being in her world.
We were both drunk, the liquor from the club still fizzing in our systems. Her lips found mine, tasting sweet and familiar as she kissed me deeply, her hands roaming over my shoulders and chest. I kissed her back, my hands gripping her ass under the water.
After a while, she pulled back, her lips glistening, her eyes hazy but locked on mine.
“Do you think we’ll always be like this?” she asked softly, her voice carrying something heavier than the question.
I looked at her, taking a moment to give her the real answer she deserved. “People change, baby,” I said, my voice low but honest. “Circumstances change, too. But me? I’m not going to change. I know what I want, and that’s you. That’s us.”
Her gaze softened, her fingers brushing my cheek. “I hear you,” she whispered. “But me? I’m not changing, either. Even though it’s only been close to a year, I already know. You’re it for me.”
I pulled her closer, my lips brushing against hers. “Good,” I murmured, my hands sliding down her back.
The way her body melted into mine, the way her lips moved against me, the way her eyes held mine—it was all-consuming. The connection between us felt raw, real, and unshakable.
She rode my dick slowly in the tub, the water sloshing gently around us as we moved together. Her moans filled the space, mixing with the faint sound of the city outside. Every touch, every kiss, every look felt like it deepened the bond we already shared.
When we finally climbed out, the cool air hit our damp skin, making us both shiver slightly. Dream grabbed a towel, wrapping it around herself as she moved to her side of the bathroom.
She stood in front of the mirror, lotioning her body with slow, deliberate movements, her skin glowing under the soft lights. I leaned against the counter, watching her with a lazy smile as I slid on a pair of boxers and rubbed a little lotion on myself.
“You know I could watch you all day, right?” I said, my voice low.
She glanced at me in the mirror, her lips curving into a small smile. “I know. That’s why I take my time.”
When we finally climbed into bed, the room was dark except for the faint glow of the city through the windows. She curled into me, her head resting on my chest, her hand splayed over my heart.
The rhythm of her breathing matched mine, and as we drifted off, I thought about her question again.
Do you think we’ll always be like this?
I didn’t know the future. But lying there with her, feeling the weight of her trust and love, I knew one thing for sure—this was where I was supposed to be.