Page 103 of Tainted

“If you think I’m paying you rent, you’ve lost your mind.”

“You’re not my girl, remember? So yeah, you are unless it’s something I need to know.”

“What are you gonna do? Evict me,” she taunted.

“That might work in my favor.”

“You are insane.”

“Real shit, it doesn’t matter how many people are out there. You’re the star. I’ve never seen you more fearless and confident than when you’re dancing. You got it, and if you don’t, I’m here. I’ll never let you fall.” I wasn’t even sure where those words came from. I surprised myself, but it wasn’t anything I didn’t mean.

“Thanks, Kenyon.”

“Unless you don’t have my rent. Then your ass is going to fall to homeless.”

“Yeah, right,” Zara rolled her eyes and headed for the door.

“Oh, and no more fighting at work before your ass is fired,” I plucked her neck, circling back to my original reason for coming here.

The club was alive tonight, more electric than usual. Utopia had a certain energy that always drew people in, but with Aire Kesson's 21st birthday going down, it was on another level. People were packed in every corner, and even though I was tucked in my section away from the madness, I could still feel the heat from the crowd.

“I’m surprised to see you here tonight,” Shaudi said, dapping me up before he sat down.

“You thought he wouldn’t? It’s millions of dollars in this bitch, andBabygirlis performing. He damn sure wasn’t going to be anywhere else,” Nolan joked.

“Watch your mouth, nigga.”

“Shit is crazy packed!” Shaudi’s eyes were wide with excitement, but he was younger than Nolan and me, so I didn’t expect anything less.

“It is, so keep your head on a swivel,” I replied, signaling one of the bottle girls.

Kross had ordered extra security because you could never be too careful. Rich nigga’s often got stupid, and stupidity could lead to problems we didn’t need. I was enjoying my drink when Sydney walked in as if she owned the place. When our eyes locked, something flickered between us, but neither of us moved. No nod. No smile. Just tension hanging in the air, heavy from our last argument. Then her messy-ass homegirl, Asha, pointed me out as if Sydney hadn’t already seen me.

Throwing my hand up, Sydney rolled her eyes and grabbed Asha’s hand.

“What was that?” Nolan asked because he'd never seen that look between us.

“Syd is in her feelings. She’ll be aite, though,” I replied, keeping my expression neutral as I took another sip of my drink.

Phoenix walked over, all curves and confidence, with that look in her eye like she knew exactly what she was doing.

“Hey baby, you wanna have some fun tonight?” Phoenix asked, throwing her arm around my neck in a low and sultry voice.

“Nah I’m good.”

She huffed at me, peeling it off and taking a step back.

“Damn, why are you being so cold?”

“I can’t fuck with somebody that doesn’t fuck with Nova.”

Phoenix stared off, wondering what I meant until it clicked.

“Since when do you let a bitch run you?”

“It’s about respect, try getting you a nigga with some.” Phoenix sucked her teeth while Shaudi chuckled, adding to her embarrassment. “And watch your fuckin’ mouth too.”

Phoenix remained for a second, hoping I’d change my mind. Until the lights lowered and the DJ announced Zara’s performance. She stomped away like a child not getting her way while Aire leaned back in his chair.

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