Page 25 of Kentrell

Back then, he starred in his own comic, claiming it was unique because he never wore the same outfit twice. That notion ignited his passion for fashion, dressing himself, and whenever we permitted, Wani and me as well. I generally indulged him more than Wani did, seeing it as a way to keep him from the streets. It worked. He stuck with it and now, as I thought about his store's grand opening, those memories reminded me of how far we've come, and how important it was to celebrate every victory, no matter how small. And last night, we balled out.

He had celebrities turn up, rocking his shit, and his surprise collection was sold out before the night wrapped up. We popped too many bottles, turned up for the youngest to do it and I watched that smile on his face grow wider by the hour until the corners of his mouth nearly touched his ears. He looked like the little eight year old kid who used to just be happy being a tag along around me and my homies, kicking it. But last night, he was the guest of honor and me and the guys showered him with love and support as I fought to be mentally present to witness it all.

Yet, lingering in the back of my mind, Zoe Davis occupied my thoughts—a blend of mystery and attraction hovered, her presence igniting a relentless curiosity within me. That black dress clung to her like a second skin, accentuating every curve. Stacked from top to bottom, I couldn't keep my eyes away from her chest or her ass.

She knew it, too.

And if she was going, I would've had her folded up like a pretzel in one of those stalls with her home girls playing lookout, as I beat her back out.

Nah…

I wanted to watch every stroke play out on her pretty chocolate face. Those bright Sphinx-shaped eyes with specks of green and brown swirling at the center. I bet she screamed and shook when she came. And if she didn't, I'd be the first to make her call out my name.

I must’ve spooked her in the bathroom, ‘cause not long after, her and her girls dipped out.

Kensei got a text from Shemar—one of her friend’s husbands—asking him to hold a few things they didn’t want to carry. I peeped what Zoe asked for and decided I’d cover it... and deliver it myself.

That move turned a few heads. My brothers and the guys looked at me sideways—I don’t chase women. Never have.

Could’ve told ’em Malcolm was the one who put me on her. That he hired me to take her out. But I never confirmed the job. Still hadn’t. Didn’t plan to either.

Zoe was different. Something about her didn’t add up, and I needed to figure out what it was. I wanted her—but I also needed answers.

Especially about her and Malcolm.

The idea of her being some ex he couldn’t get over? That shit had me ready to put him in the dirt. But I’m not stupid. Not moving reckless behind no woman. No matter how fine.

Shit!

Shorty already got me tweaking and I ain't even fingered the pussy.

Thoughts of her lingered in my mind until I fell asleep, dreaming of what it would feel like sliding inside?—

"Fuck!"

I cursed, prying my eyes open and staring straight into the sun. Needed the sting. Something to snap me out of it.

I ain’t never let a woman get in my head like this—and I hated that Zoe was pushing the line.

She wasn’t the first one I’d tailed for a client. But she might be the first I was actually contracted to kill.

That part still didn’t sit right.

All my past jobs? Men. Always men. Messy, greedy, or running their mouths. Malcolm was the first to come to me about a woman.

That alone made me pause.

I didn’t trust his reason. Still don’t. And until I figure out why he really wants her gone, I’m not moving on it.

Not yet.

I didn’t know much about her. But she didn’t come off dangerous. And she wasn’t acting like she had shit to hide—not around Malcolm, at least.

They barely looked at each other. No tension. No shade. Just... nothing. And that bothered me more than if they’d been at each other’s throats.

She treated him like background noise. Like he ain’t matter.

I didn’t know if that was real, or if it was just some front she kept up. Either way, it had me questioning everything.

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