Page 76 of Rose
Ahzii wiped her eyes one last time, checked her lip gloss in the mirror, and straightened her shoulders. Then she followed Kyre down the stairs, toward breakfast, toward laughter, and toward the family still fighting every day to keep her whole.
Breakfast was amazing, and Ahzii couldn’t thank her family enough. The love, the laughter, the warmth—it filled every corner of her home, easing some of the ache that had weighed her down all morning. Sincere and Sarai blended right in, vibing effortlessly with everyone. Sincere was calm and cool, and Sarai? Sass, style, andshade with grace. Honestly, Ahzii couldn’t wrap her head around how they were related to Savior’s crazy ass. Clearly, they hadn’t been raised in the same house. Had to be different upbringings—because nothing about them screamed unhinged.
Bianca was on her third embarrassing story about the twins, making everyone cry laughing. When Sincere apologized for forgetting to mention that the cookies he brought were edibles, Bianca laughed so hard she nearly cried again.
“Iknew, baby,” she grinned, waving him off, catching everyone off guard.
Bianca didn’t make a habit of getting high around her kids, but she wasn’t new to the game either. Apparently, college Bianca had wild edible stories, and today? She was clearly back in her element.
Sarai stood, tapping her mimosa glass for attention. “I just want to say Happy Birthday to both Ahzii and Mazi.” She smiled, raising her glass. “Mazi, even though I’ve known you longer and you’re like another brother to me, I’m mad that you didn’t tell me you had a bad-ass sister who clearly wins the ‘better-looking twin’ award.”
Mazi flipped her off, and everyone laughed.
“And Ahzii…” Sarai turned to her with warmth in her eyes. “I know we haven’t known each other that long, but in a short time, I already see us becoming really close—maybe evencloserin the future.”
She winked.
The table went quiet for a second, everyone catching the energy—everyoneexcepther and Kyre, who exchanged knowing glances like they had a secret.
“I have a gift for you,” Sarai added, disappearing into the living room to grab a bag.
“Damn, what about me? It’s my birthday too,” A’Mazi called out, feigning hurt.
“Take that up with your bestie right there,” Sarai shot back, nodding toward Sincere, making the table laugh.
“You know I got you, bro,” Sin replied casually.
“This is from me… and someone else. Forgot their name that fast,” she added with a smirk.
“Sure you did,” Ahzii said with a laugh, eyeing her suspiciously.
She reached into the bag and pulled out an orange Hermès purse.
“That’s from me,” Sarai said, proud.
“Aww, this is cute. Thank you, Ray,” Ahzii said, hugging her.
Then she reached into the bag again and pulled out a velvet jewelry box. Inside: an 18k rose gold Van Cleef bracelet, laced with deep red stones.
“Ouu... somebody gottaste!” Bianca’s high-ass blurted, chewing on bacon as the table laughed.
“And who exactly is thatsomeone?” A’Mazi asked, his protectiveness kicking in.
“Put these in.” Sarai handed Ahzii a pair of AirPods, ignoring the question.
Ahzii looked at them, confused, but took them anyway. She slid them in as Sarai pressed play on her phone.
A voice she swore she didn’t want to hear ever again echoed softly in her ears.
Savior.
“Happy Birthday, Allure. I know you not fucking with a nigga… but you know I don’t give a fuck. I respected your wishes by staying far away from you…for now,” he said, his voice cool, low, and just arrogant enough to make her smirk.
“Now respect mine—and accept my gift. Enjoy your day, Gorgeous.”
The message ended. And even though she tried to fight it, she smiled. That damn man.
“Tell them I said thank you—and it’s stillfuck them,” Ahzii said with a smirk as she pulled the AirPods out.
