Page 62 of I See You

"Bitch, please," Harper laughed. "Y’all was holding hands like y’all was a damn power couple."

Sevyn rolled her eyes. "Whatever. It's time for me to talk to Braxton anyway. That conversation is long overdue." She crossed her arms, readying herself.

"Talk to his ass for what, Sev?" Dorian snapped, her protective side coming full force. "You caught that nigga fucking that hoe-ass ex-best friend of yours in your fucking bed, there is nothing to fucking talk about."

Sevyn rolled her eyes. This was when Dorian’s protectiveness started to get annoying.

"Just let it go, Dee. I got this." Her tone was calm, but final. She downed the rest of her wine, dismissing the conversation.

Because truth be told? There was only one man consuming her thoughts right now, and it wasn’t Braxton.

It was Hassan.

The way he had defended her, the way his body had calmed at her touch, the way he looked at her—like he saw something in her no one else did.

Chapter 8

(TWO Days later)

Sevyn found herself walking toward Braxton’s office, each step heavy, her stomach churning the closer she got. She hadn’t seen him since Roman’s birthday party at Hassan’s casino, and the way his jaw had tightened, the way his eyes burned into her when he saw her with Hassan—it was seared into her mind. She couldn’t help the small smirk that tugged at her lips. She wanted him to be jealous. She wanted him to feel even a fraction of the hurt he had given her when he fucked her so-called best friend.

No matter how much she tried to bury it, how much she wanted to move past the betrayal, there was still a piece of her that needed answers. But that wasn’t the only reason she was here. Braxton had come to Hassan for a reason, and she needed to know why. The type of business Hassan was involved in, the kind of man Braxton was— they didn’t mix. They were opposites. Worlds apart. And that worried her.

She knew she should mind her business. But when it came to Hassan? It was damn near impossible. Because as much as she wanted to save him emotionally, she also wanted to protect him physically. And the psychotic part about it was—she didn’t even know him.

Sevyn reached Braxton’s secretary’s desk as he looked up and smiled at her arrival. "Ms. Love, it’s a pleasure seeing you here." Gavin spoke politely, his voice smooth and professional.

"Hey Gavin, is Braxton here?" Sevyn asked, keeping her tone casual since she hadn’t informed Braxton she was coming.

"He’s in a meeting right now, but it should be over in a few. You can wait in his office, I’m sure he wouldn’t mind his beautiful woman surprising him." Gavin smirked, the teasing edge in his voice making Sevyn chuckle lightly even though nothing about this moment felt warm to her on the inside.

"Thank you, Gav," she replied before stepping into Braxton’s glass-walled office.

Thesecondsheentered,shecouldfeelhispresenceeverywhere.

His personality bled into every inch of the space, the things he loved on full display. Signed basketballs from his favorite professional players sat enclosed in glass cases along the large window seal, a framed and signed Kobe Bryant jersey hanging in the corner. A massive shelf lined with vintage and new music vinyls filled another side of the office, his love for music showcased effortlessly. Pictures of his family hung on the walls, reminders of a life that once felt perfect.

Sevyn walked around his desk, her fingers trailing along the edges until they stopped at a framed picture. She picked it up, her heart tightening at the image. It was the two of them, caught in a moment of laughter on one of their anniversary dates.

She scoffed, rolling her eyes, but her grip on the frame tightened. Her mind betrayed her, drowning her in memories of a love that had once been free, easy, and real. A love Braxton had killed in one night, shattering not only her heart but her trust.

A single tear slipped before she wiped it just as quickly, forcing herself to put the picture back.

"Sevyn?" His voice was soft, careful, hesitant.

She looked up, her breath catching for just a second as their eyes locked.

Braxton stood in the doorway, his gaze flickering with something she couldn’t quite place as he slowly stepped toward her.

The closer Braxton got, the further Sevyn moved, finally settling into one of the seats across from his desk while he sank into his chair. "Youlookgood."Hisvoicewassmooth,admiring,hisgaze sweeping over her like he had the right.

Sevyn didn’t acknowledge it. She knew she looked good. The maroon dress hugged her curves perfectly, professional yet striking, paired with a matching trench coat for the crisp weather. Her Dolce & Gabbana heels clicked against the floor when she crossed her legs, and her Christian Dior purse sat on her lap, a silent symbol of the woman she had become—one who never needed him.

Even though just looking at him made her blood boil, she kept herself calm, poised, untouchable.

The silence stretched between them, thick with unspoken things, before Braxton finally spoke again.

"So, what are you doing here? Not that I’m not happy to see you…" He trailed off, eyes raking over her once more, his voice dipping. "Because I am. More than anything right now. But I’m sur—"

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