Page 10 of Set me Free

I grinned tossing my hair over my shoulder. "You already know."

"Damn right. Come on, let’s get y’all some drinks."

Brodie led us toward the makeshift bar weaving through the crowd like he had the whole place on lock. We passed groups of people in deep conversation, some stopping to give him dap, some tucked in dark corners getting a little too comfortable, others laughing loud and spilling drinks on their shoes like they didn’t care.

The music shifted toDance (A$$)by Big Sean, and I exchanged a look with Arielle before grinning. I loved this song and so did she.

"Let’s dance."

She didn’t hesitate, grabbing my wrist and pulling me onto the floor, the two of us moving to the beat like we had been waiting for this moment all night.

The eyes were inevitable. Men watching. Trying to move in. But we were in our own world, enjoying the moment.

Until I felt it. That undeniable pressure in my bladder.

"Shit I gotta pee," I muttered in Ari’s ear.

"Ugh, already?" she groaned, rolling her eyes before nodding toward Brodie. "Ask him where to go. I’m not losing our spot, so hurry up."

I made my way over, tapping Brodie on the arm. "Where’s the bathroom?"

"Down the hall, last door on the left," he said without hesitation, already turning his attention back to Arielle.

"Got it."

Making my way through the party was an obstacle course of drunk boys with weak game.

"Yo, you from around here?"

"Damn, ma, you got a man?"

"Aye, lemme talk to you real quick."

I ignored every single one of them offering the occasional polite smile, but not stopping.

I didn’t want some random nigga pressing up on me tonight besides, although things had been a little tense with us lately, I had a man.

Finally I made it to the bathroom locking the door behind me and exhaling deeply.

A moment of peace.

After handling my business, I washed my hands and checked my reflection in the mirror. My curls were still flawless, my lip gloss still popping, my dress still sitting right.

Perfect.

I took a deep breath before stepping out, ready to return to the dance floor.

I didn’t see him.

Not until I walked straight into his chest, my body bouncing off his in a way that should’ve sent me stumbling.

But his hands caught me first. Firm. Strong. Holding me steady.

"Damn," a deep, slightly annoyed voice muttered.

I looked up, my eyes locking with a pair of light brown ones that held way too much intensity.

He was tall, towering over me, broad shoulders filling out his all black fit effortlessly. His skin was a warm caramel, his jawline sharp, his lips full and pink, slightly parted like he was about tosay something else but thought better of it. And for a second, I couldn’t speak. Because what the hell?

---