Page 30 of Ms. Mosley

After surveying both, she sighed. “Prosper, this is all crazy. I told you to let me be and you agreed.”

I stood up and walked over to her, pulling a jewelry box from my coat pocket. With a swift motion, I opened it and clasped the necklace around her neck before she could protest. Muthafuckin’ diamonds danced violently; she effortlessly matched my drip.

“Ain’t nothin’ crazy about me knowing what I want and making moves to get it. You made it clear I couldn’t move forward with you because I was your student. Well, I put in work so that I’m not no more.”

I planted a kiss on her shoulder, feeling her body melt against mine as we gazed into the mirror attached to the dresser.

“Two weeks felt like two years. I missed seeing your pretty face, Nia’Rose. I lied. I can’t let you be.”

“Mmm,” was her response as her fingers traced the diamonds of the necklace, and I couldn’t help but notice the fresh coat of black nail polish on her hand. “This is beautiful, Prosper.”

“Just as beautiful as you. I got you matching earrings.” I kissed her cheek, revealing another small box from my pocket.

“Thank you,” she said as I handed them to her.

“You don’t miss seeing me?”

When she didn’t answer, I turned her around to face me. She could remain quiet all she wanted, but her eyes never lied to me.

“You ain’t wonder where I was these past few weeks?”

She just stared at me, clearly contemplating whether or not to tell the truth.

“Be real wit’ me.” I pushed.

“Yes,” she admitted with sudden sadness in her tone. “I finally searched your name today. The system said you switched campuses.”

“I did that for you. You understand that, right?”

Nia nibbled on the corner of her lip as she nodded. “But that doesn’t change our history. If someone of importance finds out, my reputation would still be at stake.”

“I want you to hush that shit up, aight baby?”

“Excuse me?”

“There’s a way for us to handle this so that situation never arises. The first step was me getting the fuck away from that campus and changing who you are to me. Now, we can take things slow, privately. Just me and you. Don’t none of them muthafuckas gotta know our business, ya feel me?”

Still appearing hesitant, Nia glanced down at the box of earrings I had placed in her hand earlier, then looked over at the flowers and the dress sprawled across the dresser.

I hooked her chin, bringing her face back to me. “Nia’Rose… please.”

“Okay, Prosper.” She caved in. “Okay,”

An hour later, she stepped out of the restroom, wearing the dress I had purchased for her. Shit fit like a glove, hugging her petite curves perfectly. Her hair, which had been in a high messy bun when I first arrived, now hung down her back, straightened. Just the way I loved it.

“You look good as hell,” I said, admiring her. Waiting that hour for her to get dressed was worth it to me.

“Thanks. So, where are you taking me again?”

“IPIC Theaters in The Gallo.”

“That’s pretty far from us.”

"I don’t want you to feel uncomfortable, worrying about running into anyone. Hopefully, being on the West will help you relax and enjoy the night with me."

She nodded, sitting at her vanity to put on her heels, but I didn’t let her finish the task. Within seconds, I was across the room, kneeling before her.

“These are gorgeous. How’d you know my size?”