Page 26 of Quasim: King Inferno

“We can leave if you want, Blair. I’m not trying to make you uncomfortable and shit.” He ignored the flashes, completely immune to the invasion of privacy that these people caused.

I gave him a reassuring smile. “We’re already here and it’s your friend’s grand opening to his restaurant… I would never make you miss it.”

He touched my chin, a gesture that had only been reserved for Quasim. Why was I concerned about that man when I wasout with Zay? I hadn’t heard or spoken to Quasim in two weeks, and it was a welcomed distance that I needed.

I was able to get back into my routine without worrying about what Quasim was doing. As much as I missed him, this was what I needed to get him out of my system. If I was going to give Zay a fair chance, I had to push all thoughts of Quasim out of my head.

“You so fucking special, you know that?”

I smiled. “I can be when I want to be.” I shielded my face, and he looked me in the eyes before reaching across and kissing me on the lips.

I allowed him to kiss my lips as I slowly caught his movement and joined in. He pulled away and gave me a quick peck before he allowed valet to open the door for him. The other valet attendant opened the door for me, extended his hand out to help me up and out the car.

With help, I stepped out the car as Zay was rounding the car. He took my hand in his as we made our way through the sea of paparazzi and people waiting outside to get an autograph for him. Zay held my hand tightly as he pulled me in front of him while everyone screamed things at us. He was so smooth and had no sweat witnessing these people acting a plum fool behind him.

“Zay, is this why you and Grace broke up?” One screamed at him.

Another one damn near jumped right in our path, and security moved him. “Is this the one you were looking at rings for? You gonna marry this one, Zay?”

Even I looked shocked when he mentioned that he was looking for rings. Me and Zay hadn’t been dating that long, which wasn’t long enough for him to be shopping for rings.

“Clear the path… move the fuck back,” his security hollered, as we neared the restaurant, and I said a prayer, thankful that we would be inside the restaurant and not out here in this chaos.

The doorman opened the door for us, and we stepped inside of the restaurant. It was an Asian and Latin fusion restaurant called Pico and Panko, and everybody that was anyone was here. The décor was a mix between the warm tones of the Latin culture, and then the natural Asian hues. There was sleek wooden Asian inspired furniture, paired with the boldness of the Latin style.

“Shit, Zay… my bad. I would have had you come through the back, but we got a crazy delivery last night and it’s crazy as hell back there,” A man that looked like he was mixed with black and Asian came over soon as we stepped through the door.

Zay dapped him up as they embraced. “This is your night… why the fuck you worried about me, Kion.”

He laughed. “Don’t matter. I want to make sure you’re comfortable. I got you the best table in the house… private and you won’t have people gawking at you.” The man paused and turned toward me. “Where’s my manners? I’m Kion, this chump’s best friend.” He smiled and gave me a hug.

“Hey Kion… Blair,” I introduced myself, and then playfully swatted Zay. “You could have introduced me to your best friend.”

“His ass rude…no manners at all. Probably be putting his elbows on the table, too,” Kion continued to tease his best friend.

“Chill, I was getting to that… easy on me,” He kissed the side of my face, and laughed while Kion looked at both of us.

“You must be special if he’s bringing you around me. He never brings anybody around me.” He continued to poke fun at his friend.

“I guess special is the word of the night, huh?” I looked up into Zay’s eyes and he chuckled and pulled me closer to him.

Kion grabbed a woman that was walking past and whispered something into her ear, and she turned toward us. “I will show you to your table… it’s great to see you again, Zay.”

He nodded at her, and then looked at his friend. “Go and handle business… it’s your big night and it’s packed in here.”

“A dream I never thought would have happened… thanks to you being my silent investor.”

The two bumped shoulders once more before Zay squeezed Kion’s shoulder as he rushed off to handle something in the kitchen. We followed the woman that took us to a table all the way in the cut.

It was private and we didn’t have to worry about anybody sneaking pictures or videos of us. I slid into the booth and Zay slid in behind me, as we both sat next to each other. She handed us the digital menus before excusing herself.

I tapped through the menu and looked at all the options of foods that they had. All of it sounded delicious, and they did an amazing job at fusing both culture’s foods into one.

“I think I want to try the beef bulgogi empanadas,” I got excited, thinking about tasting the food.

Zay ordered us a bottle of wine, and a drink for himself as we both settled into the booth. “Thank you for coming out with me tonight.”

“Thank you for inviting me. It sure beats sitting in the house and eating leftovers.” I giggled and looked into his eyes.

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