Page 96 of Tainted

“Kenyon Keyes has a ‘lil jealous streak, so I don’t think he’d be okay with that,” She had even gestured her manicured fingers to drive her point home.

“Now who’s playing too much?” I asked, pulling her head back against my chest.

Zara sighed, “That sounds good in theory, but it’s not real life. Sometimes shit happens, and people have to do what they have to do. That’s all it was.”

“I’m not talking aboutpeople, Zara Nicole. I’m talking aboutyou. The next time shit happens, you call me. Not Sydney!” I fussed, plucking her neck.

“Ow! You become more and more of an asshole every day.”

“Ready to tell me why you needed this money so badly now?”

She recalled how Brandy had loaned Otto money that he never paid back, putting them in a bad situation. I nodded, somewhat shocked by her selfless explanation. From the little she shared, her relationship with Shana seemed strained, andlooking into her eyes, I wasn’t sure she could handle losing anyone else.

“I’m sorry about your Nana, but next time, put that number to use instead of pissing me off.”

“I answered your question. Now you have to answer mine.”

“What?”

“Why does any of it matter to you?”

It seemed like the obvious had never crossed her mind, so I decided to put her out of her misery.

“I get real delusional when I have a crush on somebody. That’s why I keep my feelings to myself because I don’t know how to act,” I revealed, and her eyes widened like it was the first time she’d considered I had feelings for her outside of lust. “You can’t tell when a nigga likes you?”

“With most men, I can, but you’re not most men,” she replied honestly.

“Well, now you know, so you have twenty-four hours to giveRomellohis notice.”

A chuckle rumbled from her chest. “While you do whatever you want. Kenyon, please.”

“The only thing I’m trying to do is you, Babygirl.”

“Does Sydney know that? Do all the others know that?”

Babygirl wasn’t as naive as I thought, just misinformed. There weren’t any others that mattered.

“I’ll make sure they get the message,” I flirted, pecking her lips.

“You get some pussy and start talking crazy,” Zara rolled her eyes, dismissing my statement.

“I’ll be good. Besides, you need me to watch over you. You clearly get into shit when I’m not around.”

“You get into plenty of trouble on your own.”

“Get your stuff. We’re going home.”

The ride back to my place was quiet, but not because of tension. Zara sat next to me, more relaxed now. Her fingers traced along the edge of her shirt as she stared out the window.

We picked up food and returned to my house, where Zara wanted to shower first. By the time she hiked downstairs in another designer t-shirt, I was damn near done, but she insisted that I sit with her.

“Nice shirt. Is that one going to grow legs, too?”

“It might. How much did it cost?” Zara asked with one foot perched on the edge of the seat, stuffing fries in her mouth.

“Can’t remember.”

“Must be nice.”

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