Chapter 13 Ayanna #3
Teo looked at me briefly, choosing his words carefully.
“Bash had some of his people run down every possible connection Jeremy might have had. It took time, but it seems like he has people in Newark. It’s nothing you need to concern yourself with.
” He paused, the pads of his thumbs pressing more firmly into my sides.
“I just need you to be safe. Just in case there’s more of them I don’t know about. ”
I nodded, absorbing the information. But since we were on the topic of what happened at my boutique, I had to ask, “And what about Constance? Have you found out who attacked her?” I inquired, hoping for any new information.
The day I visited her in the hospital, I discovered she’d sustained three broken ribs.
She also had severe bruising on her body and face, and suffered a concussion.
It gutted me to know this had happened to someone who was so sweet, and wouldn’t hurt a soul.
Every day, I called to get an update on her healing journey.
Her parents were cooperative for the most part, largely because of the influence associated with my family’s name.
But that didn’t stop her mom, dad, and younger sister from feeling resentment.
Their daughter, and sibling was in the hospital because of me.
Sure, they let me visit, even let me give my apologies, but there was palpable animosity toward me.
Deep down they knew the attack wasn’t random, and she was a collateral victim in a larger conflict that had absolutely nothing to do with her, and more to do with what my family was into.
This was why I tried to separate my business from the family.
“I’ll know more after I speak to Jeremy,” he said darkly, and I sensed his plans might have changed for the night.
I wouldn’t ask, but the worry I felt was difficult to shake off.
I’ve never had to worry if any of my boyfriends would make it home safely.
This gut-wrenching anxiety was foreign to me, and I hated how it settled in my chest.
“You’re worried.” He accurately guessed the many scenarios playing out in my head. “Don’t be Amore. Worry won’t change what’s meant to happen, and fear has no place with us. You focus on living. Have fun tonight. Trust me to handle this shit.”
I didn’t want to agree, but reluctantly I nodded. “Okay.”
Teo studied me for a moment before leaning down to press a soft kiss to my lips. It wasn’t rushed or demanding, but it was damn reassuring. “Go have fun. Call me if you need me.”
And just like that, he let me go, guiding me back inside where Sophia and Tasha were still perched on the couch, smiling at me from ear to ear.
Teo’s eyes stayed on me as I grabbed the rest of my things. I could still feel his gaze even as I walked toward the door, on wobbly legs, flanked by my two partners-in-crime for the night.
Sophia smirked, tossing a look over her shoulder at me. “Y’all are cute... or whatever.”
I rolled my eyes, but my smile gave me away.
One hour later, the three of us were stepping out of the SUV, with Sham following close behind.
Passing right by the line and the club’s security, we eased into the vibrant club without a hitch.
The music was loud and the crowd was hyped.
Almost immediately we were greeted by who I presume was the club owner.
He personally escorted us to VIP — a larger section toward the back of the club.
It seemed like the crowd parted as we walked through.
Men admired the beauty as we passed, but there was a certain hesitation in their gaze.
They knew to keep their distance. It was a look I recognized all too well.
One I had seen several times growing up with my father and brother.
Most men were afraid to approach and the ones that did, often were run off by the men in our lives.
Sophia, however, didn’t seem to care about any of that.
She tossed flirty gazes and winks at the bold ones who dared to openly stare, while Tasha did a little two step all the way to our section.
Once there we were met with the rest of our party — a few of my cousins I hadn’t known had flown out, and some of Teo’s family.
“Someone bring the bride to be a drink.” Sophia grinned over at one of the bottle girls, who quickly appeared with a tray of colorful cocktails. She flashed a bright smile, expertly balancing the tray as she made her way over to us, offering me my choice of drink.
I looked over the options for a moment before reaching for a deep red cocktail in a slim glass, the rim dusted with sugar.
Sophia raised her glass high, her grin widening as she glanced at me. “Here’s to my sister. May your marriage be full of love, loyalty, and a little bit of trouble to keep it interesting.”
The group erupted into cheers, and clinked their glasses setting off the epic night for us.
From there, the night was a blur. Drinks never stopped flowing, and the deejay didn’t miss a single beat, spinning hit after hit that kept the dance floor packed.
By the time we stepped off the floor for a quick break, my cheeks were hurting from all the smiling, my feet hurt from the dancing, and my voice hoarse from all the out of tune singing I had done.
I had to admit… we had a time.
After a while, I excused myself to the bathroom dragging Tasha with me.
It was a habit I formed long ago, especially in crowded places.
I never ventured off alone. Sham traveled not too far behind, as Tasha and I staggered into the bathroom.
We were so drunk, I was sure we would both regret it in the morning.
Clinging to her for balance, I whispered, “Does that man ever blink?” I glanced towards the tree of a man parked right outside the restroom. My attempt to whisper must have been anything but discreet, because Sham narrowed his eyes at us both.
“Oh shit, I guess he does,” I giggled before scurrying inside, bumping into a small frame.
“My bad...” We both said simultaneously. I looked up realizing it was my cousin Talia.
She was just as lit as the rest of us, her eyes slightly glazed over as she focused on me. She stepped closer, lowering her voice. “Girl, I’ve been tryin’ to catch you alone all night.”
I leaned against the wall, my brow raising. “Why? You plotting on me or something?” I joked.
Talia wasn’t a threat, just a cousin from my mother’s side of the family. A good, wholesome girl. We were cool, kept in touch, but didn’t necessarily hang out. She was family. But with the way things had been going in my life, I had to ask. Even if off-handedly.
“Nah,” she laughed. “I heard some shit that I think you need to know.”
That sobered me. “What kind of shit?”
She glanced around, making sure no one was too close, then leaned in closer.
“About your wedding boutique.” She let the word settle before continuing.
“I was at the shop a few days ago getting my hair done, right? This chick in there was loud as hell, running her mouth about her nigga coming up on some high-end jewelry. At first, I wasn’t paying her no mind, but then she started pulling out the stuff. ”
“What kind of stuff?”
“Girl...” Talia sucked her teeth, shaking her head. “Tiaras. Big-ass necklaces. Real bougie shit. And then she pulls out this ruby choker. You know, the one you had on display?”
My stomach dropped, thinking about my shit being sold on the streets.
“Right!” She pursed her lips as if she read my thoughts.
“I was like, nah, this is too specific. So, I asked her to let me see it up close, and, Yanna—don’t you know that shit was yours?
I tried calling you but with the wedding and shit I know you been busy.
But this is her.” She pulled out her phone and went to the girls’ socials. She didn’t look familiar.
“Can you screenshot that for me?”
She did as I asked and sent it to me. “You need to get Bash to handle it. That girl running around like her and her nigga is untouchable.”
My head nodded slowly. “Preciate this, Talia. I’ll take care of it.”
She smiled, the tipsiness fading just a bit. “Good, cause you are one of my favorite cousins. I know we don’t hang out a lot but I’m not with nobody messing with you.”
I smiled. “Thanks, Talia. I owe you one.” She gave me a quick hug before stepping back. “You know I always got you. That’s what family is for.”
As she walked away, I stared at the photo on my phone, my mind racing. Whoever this woman was, she had my shit, and that meant she had answers I needed.
Turning to Tasha, I tucked my phone into my purse. “I think I’m ready to call it a night.”
Tasha tilted her head. “You good?”
I nodded, though my mind was far from the VIP section. “I just have something I need to handle.”