6- Ariyah Nova Stevens
I’ve been around people with money. Stone was pretty well off, and Charly’s dad had more than Stone, but neither of them had a driver/bodyguard.
I swarmed in my seat uncomfortably as he looked through the review mirror with a smirk on his face.
I had no idea what that was all about, but I was already on edge.
I didn’t need him creeping me out making it worse.
Trying to play it off, I turned my head slowly only to find Landon staring at me.
Actually, it was more like he was staring through me as if he could see all my secrets.
I couldn’t take it anymore, so I spoke up.
“Damn, jit. You staring like you ready to take the pussy.” He looked shocked, but still shook his head and laughed. “What? You’re acting like boxers aren’t known for that.”
“You not gone be satisfied until I beat your ass.”
“You’ll beat your meat before you beat my ass. Now, quit acting like you’re above it. We already know you tried to beat that lil girl in the restaurant.” This time he threw his head back and laughed hard.
“I’m going to kill her lil ass. I told her she was cock blocking.” I could see the amusement dancing in his eyes, so I knew he didn’t mean that.
“Who is she?”
“My little sister. It’s Devin and Blaise’s daughter.” I nodded in understanding. Everyone knew Landon was adopted. “She’s autistic and doesn’t process the same. I made a joke, and that was the aftermath. Since we’re questioning each other, who is that nigga you be with all the time?”
“Stone.”
“He old as fuck, your ass gone get worms.” Landon laughed, but I didn’t find it funny. It bothered me that he thought I would fuck with somebody like him.
“He’s my stepfather, and you can take me home.” I don’t know why I was so upset.
“Unless you about to cook for me, we’re going on our date.
I’ve never took you for a person that can’t keep their word.
If I said something to piss you off, I apologize.
Just know, if you can’t take the hits, stop throwing them.
” He was right. We had been joking taking shots at each other all night.
I didn’t like knowing he perceived me in that way, so I got in my feelings.
“Do you ever shut up? Gahhh leeeee.” I tried to smile and let him know we were good, but he wasn’t biting. “I’m sorry, okay. I’m not used to this.”
“Used to what? Being nice?”
“Yeah.” His eyes scanned me to see if I was serious and we both fell out laughing. He knew it was the truth, but it was still funny I was willing to admit it.
“Your ass is hell. I can’t wait to break you down, and break you in.” I wasn’t sure if he meant sexual, but that was how me and my pussy cat took it.
“I’ll believe that when I see it.” Playfully, I rolled my eyes.
“Why you think they call me Breaker?” I looked at him to see if he was serious. When he held my stare, my mouth fell open.
“I thought it was because of your fighting style.”
“Naw, but I can show you how I got it.” This time, his eyes did hold a twinkle in them.
“No, thank you. I’ll stick to the rivers and the lakes that I’m used to.” He shrugged his shoulders as if he didn’t care.
“I figured you swam in lady lakes. Jit be dressing harder than me.” When I looked over and he was scrolling in his phone, I knew he was serious. I could have been offended, but I could see how one would think that.
“You tried it. I’m straight, Landon.” He got a goofy ass smile on his face before leaning in.
“I know, when I was teaching you how to swing, them nipples got hard. You might as well gone and give me some of that lil pussy tonight. I told you I’ll pay for dinner.
” I hit him in the arm before smiling hard as hell.
Before I could respond, his phone rang and I was happy.
If the conversation went any further, I may have given in.
“Yeah, pops.”
“Where you at?
“About to grab something to eat. You good?”
“Yeah, I just wanted to wrap with you about this upcoming fight. Bring me something and come by the house.” I wasn’t trying to listen to their conversation, but he had the phone on speaker.
“I’m not in the area, pops. I’ll swing by tomorrow.”
“I can’t believe you still staying at a hotel, so you can stalk that girl. Take yo ass home.”
“Damn, you snitch ass jit. I’m not by myself.”
“Oh, my bad.” I couldn’t help the laugh that escaped my mouth. Landon shot me a look, but I continued to giggle.
“Bye, man. Damn!” He hung up and looked at me embarrassed.
“Awwww, you’re stalking me. You might get the pussy after all.”
“Oh, you toxic. I knew I was going to love yo ass.”
“You don’t love me, Landon.”
“Not yet.” Looking away from him, I stared out the window.
Logically, I know it’s too early for him to love me.
Emotionally, I wished someone finally did.
I haven’t felt loved since my dad died, and honestly, I don’t think I know what that even looks like anymore I just wanted for once to feel like somebody thought I was worth choosing.
“Don’t do that.” Turning, I looked back at Landon confused.
“Do what?”
“Get to overthinking. I know you have layers to you, but I don’t want to have to walk on eggshells. I’m a say what I’m thinking kind of nigga. I thought that was one of the things we had in common.” Not wanting him to know he was right; I played it off.
“I guess you don’t know me like you think you do. Now, can you quit trying to figure me out and feed me. I’m starving.”
“Yeah, okay. The more you deflect, the more I see what you don’t want me to see.” Ignoring him and the smirk his driver was giving me, I looked back out the window.
****
Getting out of the car, I tried my best to hide the smile that tried to creep up my face.
Looking back at Landon, I waved and walked in the house.
Actually, I damn near skipped. I was on a high, and I had no idea how I allowed this to happen.
Since my father, I kept my emotions in check once I learned I was at this alone.
I’ve had a few boyfriends, but the moment they got the pussy, they lost interest. I was never feminine enough and they just wanted to be friends.
It hurt, but it taught me a valuable lesson.
I was never going to be enough. With Landon, it’s like he saw more.
He saw me. Putting my key in the door, I walked inside and got ready to climb the stairs.
“Don’t do it.” Hearing Stone’s voice gave me pause. Why the hell was he sitting in the dark?
“Do what? I’m tired and I don’t have time to play guessing games?” Stone finally appeared and after a great night, I really didn’t want to be bothered.
“Fall for him. For Breaker.” My mouth opened in shock, but I had no idea what to say.
“I’m not.” I am.
“You are, and I’m telling you to keep it professional. He’s a boxer and nothing good will come from that. You know deep down, he doesn’t give a fuck about you. They never do.”
“It’s not that deep. You asked me to get in his space for him to train me, and that’s what I’m doing.
I’ll need a ride to the gym tomorrow. I’m going to bed.
” He wore a look of disdain, but I had no idea why.
Stone never gave a fuck about me or who I dated.
I guess this was another way to control the narrative.
Walking in my room, I slammed the door. I wanted to punch something, but there was no bag here.
Getting in my stance, I started swinging at the air.
This would have to do. Swinging with full force, I tried to release my anger.
Every time I thought I had something, Stone intervened.
The more I swung, the more I realized it wasn’t Stone I was pissed at.
He just said out loud what I already knew to be true.
I let myself believe that someone could see me.
Even if it was only for a little while, I couldn’t afford that.
Now, it was time for me to remember who the fuck I was and what I was trying to do.
I stopped swinging and smiled as I walked into the bathroom and looked in the mirror. Nova was back.