Page 15 of Kentrell

“Stacia Lee,” boomed a voice behind us, low and commanding enough to send a ripple through my spine.

I hadn’t expected anyone to approach, much less with that kind of presence.

I turned toward the sound—and gasped.

The man standing before us was… imposing.

Not just because of his height or the broad set of his shoulders, but because ofthose eyes.

Golden. Striking. Set against deep brown skin in a way that made them feel otherworldly. They were both captivating and intimidating, despite the easy smile on his face.

My own eyes leaned hazel, shifting to light brown depending on the day. Buthis? His looked like liquid gold—infinitepools of honey. Rich. Warm. Arresting.

I’d never seen anything like them.

“Kensei!” Stacia shrieked, her whole face lighting up as she lunged into his arms. He pulled her in without hesitation, as if her voice alone had summoned him into that embrace.

I smiled, watching them sway gently.

There was something about reunions like this—something soft. Familiar. Healing.

“Ooh, you smellgood,” Stacia murmured, burying her nose in his chest.

Kensei chuckled, deep and smooth, making the rest of us laugh too.

“You crazy, man,” he said, pulling back reluctantly. “Where’s Shemar? I know Shareef’s out of town.”

His eyes drifted around the boutique like Shemar might emerge from a shadow.

“ThankGod,” Mars mumbled under her breath, just loud enough for him to catch.

The air shifted.

Their history was a tangle—volatile and unresolved. I’d witnessed the blowups firsthand. Doors slammed, gatherings cut short, tension so thick it clung to your clothes.

Whatever happened between Mars and Shareef was raw. And judging by the weight in her voice, stillveryreal.

“Pinky, right?” Kensei asked, turning his attention to her. He extended a hand, casual but deliberate.

Mars smirked. Slid her palm into his.

“Only in the middle—Mars.”

She licked her lips, and IswearAyesha choked on her spit while Stacia broke into a giggle.

I blinked, trying to make sense of the nickname Shareef used for her.

And then—like a mental slap—it hit me.

“Ohhh.” I turned toward my cousin. “That’swhy he called her that?”

Ayesha arched her brows and gave a slow, knowing nod.

“Oh my gosh.” I blinked again, stunned.

Mars wasbold, no question. But the fact thatShareefhad matched her energy? That said everything.

No wonder she never wanted to talk about him.

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