Page 156 of Rose
He leaned in and kissed her lips—once, twice, then a third time until she playfully pushed his face away.
“Boy, you’re always messing up my lip combo. Move!” she teased.
He laughed, the tension in his chest easing just enough to breathe.
He stepped out, closing the car door behind him and whispering a quick prayer under his breath that the night wouldn’t blow up in his face. Then he walked around to open her door like he always did.
Ahzii stepped out like a dream in white. A sleeveless Dior top hugged small waist, tucked neatly into high-waisted jeans hugging her curves, and gold jewelry shimmered against her glowing skin. Her heels clicked softly as she stepped onto the pavement—white designer stilettos that somehow made her look even more powerful.
Savior looked just as sharp—black tee under a black Louis Vuitton jacket, dark jeans, and Maison Mihara sneakers. His fade was fresh, his cut gleaming beneath the porch lights. Together, they looked like confidence wrapped in elegance and edge.
As they approached the door, hand in hand, she gave his fingers a gentle squeeze.
“I got you,” she whispered as he reached for the doorbell.
The door opened within seconds.
Sarai stood there, glowing as always, and the moment she saw them, her smile lit up the porch. “Hey, my favorite person!” she squealed, completely bypassing Savior to throw her arms around Ahzii.
Ahzii laughed, caught off guard by the warm welcome.
“Damn, Gold, that’s how it is?” Savior joked from the side, eyebrow raised.
Sarai waved him off. “Don’t hate.”
“Hey, Savvy,” she added casually, going to hug him—only for him to mush her head as she leaned in, making her grunt as she landed a light punch to his shoulder.
Ahzii burst out laughing. The way they bickered was familiar. Comfortable. It reminded her of her and A’Mazi—loud, playful, and full of unspoken love.
“Come on in. Food’s ready,” Sarai said, leading them inside and closing the door behind them.
Savior walked deeper into the fortress of his parents’ home, each step echoing louder in his chest than on the floor. The dining room came into view, already filledwith voices and the quiet clinking of glasses. Everyone was seated—his parents, Sin, Taylor, Chris, Sarai, Aunt Marley, Olivia and her husband, Daniel, and Macho with his woman, Kylie.
“Wassup, everyone,” Savior greeted, his voice smooth, grounded.
Ahzii followed beside him, offering a polite wave and a warm smile.
“This is my woman, Ahzii,” he said proudly.
“Hey, Pretty. It’s good seeing you again,” Aunt Marley beamed.
“You too, Aunt Marley,” Ahzii replied genuinely as Savior pulled out her chair. She sat gracefully, still scanning the room.
“You know the twins and Taylor, that’s my cousin Macho and his wife Kylie, remember Liv and that’s her husband Daniel, and my big-headed sister’s nigga, Chris,” Savior said, smirking.
Ahzii laughed softly. “Nice to meet everyone.”
Each of them greeted her with smiles or nods in return.
“My parents, Selene and Saint,” he added, his voice cooler now.
Ahzii turned to them, offering another polite nod. “Hi.”
Saint leaned forward slightly. “Nice to finally meet you, Ahzii,” he said with practiced charm.
Selene didn’t speak. She only gave a tight smile, the kind that saidI’m watching youmore thanwelcome.
The tension wasn’t unbearable—not yet—but Savior knew his parents too well. It was only a matter of time.
