Page 16 of Seek & Destroy

“My bad, baby.” He picked Dania up and kissed her cheeks. “I’m just excited. Our boys had been battling all season, but we gon’ take this win home. Believe that!”

“Facts,” I agreed. I felt arms wrap around me as I wrapped my arm around her.

“What’s up, babe? We’re about to get out of here in a few minutes. I just need to holla at a few people.”

“Okay. Nia and I are going to head to the restroom.”

“No problem, love. I’ll meet y’all by the entrance.”

“Okay,” she replied.

I kissed her lips as she smiled then walked off with her friend. I watched her ass sway in that tight ass red dress and bit my lip. Esani was one of the baddest women I’d ever dated. Her only flaw was that she didn’t open up much. I could tell she was hesitant, but I was working on getting her to trust me enough to give me all of her.

“Get the hearts out ya eyes, nigga, and introduce me to the players!” DeAngelo jested, bumping my shoulder.

I chuckled. “Oh, my bad. Come on.”

* * *

After introducingDeAngelo to the players and promising them I’d celebrate with them when they won the playoffs, DeAngelo and I headed toward the exit to meet back up with the ladies. While approaching the side exit where we had entered, I could see Esani talking to some nigga. His palm was on the wall beside her head while hers was on his chest, I assumed to keep him from getting too close. I frowned because it didn’t look like they were just having a normal conversation. His face displayed a look of frustration while hers looked pleading. I wasn’t a jealous man, but I was locked in with Esani already and didn’t like the exchange of energy between them. I spotted Tania heading toward us as she smiled nervously.

“Who is that she’s talking to?” I asked as soon as she was within earshot.

“Oh, I’m not sure.”

“Hmph…We’ll meet y’all at the bar.”

“You good, bro?” DeAngelo asked. He gave me a look that said he was ready to get busy if need be.

“I’m good. We’re right behind y’all.”

I headed in their direction just as Esani’s eyes met mine. I could see her tense as the nigga’s eyes followed hers and came to me.

“You ready, E?” I asked her, staring at homie.

“E, who dis?” the nigga asked.

“Kwame Wiles.” I held out my hand for him to shake, and he reluctantly reciprocated.

“Kwame, this is a friend of mine, Solomon. Solomon, this is my man friend, Kwame.”

“Your man.” I corrected her.

“Oh, you’re the new sponsor of the month, huh?” he asked as he chuckled.

“Shut the hell up, Solomon. Baby, I’m ready.”

I looked down at her. I was unsettled with how casually she was acting about this nigga and his punk asssense of humor. She took my hand and guided me toward the exit.

“See you next month, E!” he called out and laughed.

Esani and I didn’t speak the entire way to my truck. I opened the door for her as she climbed inside then walked around to get in the driver’s seat.

“Kwame…”

“I’m not a man who likes to play games, Esani. I’m thirty-six years old and have acquired a lot in my life. I feel like I’m finally in a place where I’m ready to settle down and enjoy the fruits of my labor. I give back to my community, and I help people make wise decisions with their money and businesses. The only thing I’m missing is a wife to share this journey with.

Tell me right now what’s it going to be between us. If you want the street dude, you can get out right now and go to him, but if you want to be with me, then you have to show me. That type of shit that just went down…I’m not with that. The ball is in your court.”

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