Page 76 of Disrespectfully, Relic

The sales associate shot her a doubtful look but tapped a few buttons on the register before telling her to proceed. When it processed, the friendly blonde perked up with more excitement than necessary.

“Oh, thank goodness! I was worried you’d have to put back these pretty clothes. Does anything need to be gift boxed?”

“Nope.”

Kennedy kept it curt, swiping her purse and bags from the counter the moment the sales associate was done. She couldn’t wait to get to Relic and read him for filth for the stunt he’d pulled, but she was also anxious to know why he was so adamant about seeing her. Her stomach fluttered and pitted in the same instance because Relic had the tendency to either make her day or ruin it with ease. It pissed her off that she even gave a damn about seeing him because she’d lost count of the times she’d told herself to quit with him while she was ahead.

“Damn, you ‘bout to take off running, ain’t you? What’s the rush?”

“Oh, shit.”

Kennedy cursed under her breath and slowed her stride as they exited the store. Her mind was so one tracked that she’d forgotten about Lomar for a moment, and that sent up red flags because when it came to Relic, her senses clouded. She put the naivety she hadn’t experienced since her teens in check and plastered on a smile.

“I am so sorry. I had a business situation come up, so I have to meet Relic really quick before I head home, which is fucking up my time,” she rushed out in one breath. “I’ll hit you up once I’m done with Sojourney, if that’s cool.”

“Hit me up like?” He rolled his hand for more information, and she laughed.

“Nigga, don’t play dumb. I’m giving you another chance since you brushed me off the last time.”

His mouth twisted to one side before he rebutted, “Don’t act like you’re doing it for me, mama. You’re about to go out, get that liquor in you, and be horny as hell when you get home.”

“Which is usually the case, but I have you, so that shouldn’t be an issue for me this time, right?”

“Damn, right. Trust, I’m gon’ give you what you need.”

Lomar cupped her chin, tipping her head up to peck her plump lips as he tugged her closer. Kennedy angled her head and deepened their kiss, hoping he fucked as good as he used his mouth because she loved when they made out. She retreated and gave a soft smile after recalling how well Relic used his mouth to eat her out. He made it hard for her to even kiss a nigga in peace.

“Give me the rest of your bags. I’ll walk you to the car,” Lomar instructed, taking them before she could decline.

“You sure? I don’t want to rush you if you weren’t ready.”

“I’m straight, mama. I was here for you.”

He tossed an arm around her shoulder to guide her along, ending their debate as she smirked. Lomar was assertive, but she loved that he applied pressure and didn’t let her strong personality deter him. Even more, she peeped the stares they received from women who looked at her like she was tarnished or as if they were wondering how she bagged a handsome man like him with her glaring flaws. Lomar didn’t seem to notice. If he did, it didn’t move him, and she needed that small reassurance.

Their stride faltered when a few guys who knew Lomar spotted him, slowing to dap him up and exchange words in passing. Kennedy looked away when one of their scrutinous gazes wandered to her. Her stare coasted around the mall before stopping when she caught sight of a familiar face she hadn’t seen since their altercation during an interview that’d gone left. The bitch with her, Kennedy hadn’t seen since mere minutes before she was trapped inside a fire. Her heart rate skyrocketed off the charts as she glared at Ronnie and Mya chatting it up like long lost friends.

“Kennedy, you good? I thought you were in a hurry.” Lomar nudged her but she couldn’t tear her eyes away.

“I haven’t seen that hoe in two years, and she just comes back like shit is sweet.”

“What? Who the hell are you talking about?”

“Mya. The caramel one with braids and that ugly, ill-fitting jean romper on,” she described, making him chuckle. “I don’t like the bitch she’s talking to either.”

“Ronnie?”

“You know her?” Kennedy whipped her head around to glower at him. He shot up both hands in mock surrender.

“Aye, I don’t know what the hell y’all got beef for, and I don’t know her like that. She does my sister’s hair, so that’s where I’ve seen her.”

“Mhm. Either way, fuck that bitch. Let’s go before I spazz and end up in jail for whipping both their asses in this mall. I can’t wait to tell my girls this shit.”

Lomar smiled at the heated expression she wore before flinging an arm back over her shoulder to lead her toward the mall exit. He glanced back and peeped both girls craning their necks to see them as well. They’d either noticed Kennedy or were trying to verify if it was her.

“What you got beef with the Mya girl for?” he asked, holding open the door for her before following her lead to where she’d parked. “Let me guess, y’all used to be best friends and she did some shady shit.”

“I’d never be friends with her jealous ass. I worked at her salon for a few months when I first moved here, and she didn’t like me because I brought in hella clients off my social media. I guess she didn’t like the competition. Anyway, her salon was set on fire with me in it.”

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