Page 41 of Jaeda

He shrugged. “I mean, I don’t dislike the nigga.”

I gave him a look. “You don’t like him either.”

“Look. Why don’t we extend him an olive branch? I’ll talk your brothers into inviting him out with us one night.”

“You know if he goes, Titan is going. If I was a man and I didn’t know you, I wouldn’t trust myself alone with y’all either. Maybe this will be a chance to get to know both of them.”

“I don’t know about that, Jae.”

“You scared?”

“Fuck no! You play too damn much.”

I laughed. “Just promise me y’all will behave.”

“You’re asking for a lot.”

“I’m asking for the bare minimum. If you love me, you’ll try.”

He promised he would try and that he would attempt to get our brothers on board. That was all I could ask for. This could go great or go very wrong. If Quaid didn’t want to go, I wouldn’t push him, because I knew those niggas. This was a setup waiting to happen.

I stayed with Salima and Liam a little while longer. By the time I got ready to go, Deuce was back from the store, and Mama Stephanie and Mr. Alec were with him. I gave them some love and went about my business.

I sent Quaid a text that I was on my way, and he sent his address and the code for the building. We didn’t talk about how he was living, but I knew this address was to these expensive, luxury high-rise apartments downtown. I’d never been in them, but from pictures alone, I knew they had a spectacular view.

I pulled into the parking lot twenty minutes later and got out. After keying in the code, I made my way inside and up to the fourteenth floor. The closer I got to his door, the more my nerves shifted into overdrive. My palms were sweaty, and suddenly, I felt hot all over.

I had to swallow it all down the moment the door opened, and Quaid stood there with a smile. He looked so handsome in a simple collared shirt and slacks.

“How did you—” I started but stopped when he pointed to the camera above the door. I slapped my forehead. “Of course you have a camera.”

He chuckled. “Come on in.”

He opened the door wider, allowing me entry. I stepped in, very impressed with his layout. The space had an open concept. A short walk led to the huge kitchen on the right with a dining space directly in front of it. Floor-to-ceiling windows ran the length of the living room and led out to a spacious balcony.

The space was tastefully decorated in shades of black, white, and hunter green. Black and white photos of some of my favoriteanime characters served as the artwork on the walls. The whole space was very him from what I knew of him.

“This is nice,” I said, turning to face him.

“Thank you.”

I caught a whiff of something delicious, and my stomach immediately growled.

“What is that smell?” I asked, floating behind him to the kitchen.

“Braised short ribs, mashed potatoes, green beans, and a garden salad. Everything is almost ready to plate. You want some wine?”

“Sure.”

He went to the fridge and grabbed a bottle, then to the cabinet for two glasses. I took a moment to admire him as he poured us a serving before handing it to me.

“Thank you,” I said softly.

“You’re welcome.”

I watched him for a moment, contemplating my next move. Even though I’d spoken to him every day this week, I missed him. I missed the way I felt in his presence.

“Something wrong?” he asked, looking over the rim as he took a sip from his glass.

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