Page 9 of I See You

But then she noticed something. Ariel was quiet. Too quiet.

The energy at the table shifted as Sevyn and Dorian both turned toward her, catching the subtle hesitation in her expression.

“That’s great,” Ariel finally said, but her tone lacked the enthusiasm she usually had when it came to Sevyn’s success.

Sevyn’s brows furrowed slightly. “You don’t really sound happy for me.”

From the corner of her eye, she caught Dorian rolling her eyes, the irritation evident.

Dorian had never been a fan of Ariel. She always thought Ariel had an underlying jealousy when it came to Sevyn—and this moment right here?

Only confirmed it.

“No… no, I am happy for you,” Ariel said quickly. “It’s just… Braxton.”

Both Sevyn and Dorian immediately mugged her.

“The fuck does Braxton have to do with this?” Dorian asked, her tone sharp, matching the confused expression on Sevyn’s face.

Arielsighed,shiftingslightlyinherseat.“Openingyourownclinic comes with long hours and more workload. Your schedule is already cutting into y’all’s time together. You won’t have time for your relationship at all.”

Sevyn gave her friend a strange look, but before she could respond, Dorian cut in, her voice dripping with irritation.

“And why is her relationship any of your business?”

Sevyn jumped in before things could escalate. She already knew how her cousin was—quick to pop off, quick to put someone in their place, and never one to let disrespect slide.

Dorian wasn’t just her cousin; she was her person. More like a sister than anything.

Their fathers were brothers, and their mothers were twin sisters,so they’d been inseparable since birth—literally. Born just a day apart by technically a minute, they were thick as thieves, ride-or-die since the beginning. Always fighting for each other. Always standing ten toes down, no matter what.

“Me and Braxton will be fine,” Sevyn said calmly, trying to cool the heat rising at the table.

Ariel chuckled, holding her hands up in surrender. “I know y’all will. I’m just saying… men have needs. If you’re always working, who’s gonna take care of his?”

Silence.

Dorian blinked at her like she had lost her damn mind.

Sevyn’s confusion matched her cousin’s as she tried to process what Ariel had just said.

“Sev, get your friend before I do,” Dorian warned, her voice low, her patience wearing thin.

Sevyn inhaled deeply, locking eyes with Ariel. “The needs of Braxton or how I take care of them is none of your business, Ariel. Like I said, me and Braxton are good. That’s all you need to know.”

Ariel nodded quickly, sensing the shift in energy. “I apologize if I overstepped—”

“If?” Dorian cut her off, laughing dryly. “Bitch, you did.” She leaned forward, her dark brown eyes piercing straight through Ariel’s. “And you lucky we in a public place, ‘cause I would’ve slapped the shit out of you for disrespecting her like that.”

Ariel’s breath hitched slightly as she shifted in her seat. “Dorian, chill,” Sevyn said, placing a hand on her cousin’s arm.

“Nah, that shit was green as hell,” Dorian snapped, sipping her drink, her jaw still tight. “Instead of congratulating you, she worried about your nigga.”

Ariel swallowed hard, visibly uncomfortable. Because she knew she was no match for Dorian.

Dorian may have been only 5’2, but she had a reputation—one thatcame with a long history of putting hands on people who tried her. She had a short fuse, a sharp tongue, and an even sharper right hook. And when it came to Sevyn?

She didn’t play at all. It wasn’t just about family—it was principle. Dorian had always been the protector, with her smooth brown skin, long natural hair, and a body sculpted by genetics and hours in the gym with Sevyn and Harper. But what set her apart wasn’t just her beauty— it was her energy. She carried herself like she had nothing to prove, but everyone knew not to test her.

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