Page 133 of Rose
Everything she was—she owed to him.
“Damn,” Ahzii murmured, sympathy leaking through her voice. The more she learned, the more the layers of Savior Carter made tragic sense.
“Well, push it back to the middle of next month. I don’t want to overshadow his birthday with my showcase,” Ahzii said, sipping her drink.
“You don’t want to overshadow it… or you planning something for him?” Sarai teased, a knowing smirk tugging at her lips.
“Nosy much?” Ahzii laughed, rolling her eyes.
“Whatever. I’m more than happy to help,” Sarai grinned.
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
Ahzii’s phone lit up again.Savior.She sighed, staring at the screen.
“Girl, answer the man’s damn call. If he shows up here acting a fool, I’m kickingbothof y’all asses,” Sarai warned, pointing at her with a manicured nail.
Ahzii snorted. “I’m about to go see him.”
“Mmm, missing your man,” Sarai sang playfully.
Ahzii chuckled, but the truth settled quietly in her chest. No matter how many times she tried to lie to herself, tried to tell herself that it was just sex, just fun, she couldn’t keep pretending. When he was near, her stomach flipped. When he was gone, she ached for him.
“He’s not my man,” she muttered, then added under her breath, “But I do miss his crazy ass.”
Sarai’s eyes widened, then softened into a smile. “Well, go see him then. I need to get back to work anyway. We’ll go over the showcase details later.”
They stood, embracing warmly.
Ahzii pulled a hundred-dollar bill from her pocket and held it out.
“Girl, no.” Sarai smacked her hand away. “Put that in the tip jar. I’m not taking your money.”
“Bitch, take the damn money. I’m a customer like everybody else.”
“You ain’t just everybody else. Tip jar, or nothing.” Sarai winked.
Ahzii laughed, shaking her head. “Stubborn like your damn brother.”
“You’ll get used to it,Mrs. Carter,” Sarai shot back with a wicked grin.
“Bitch, bye.” Ahzii rolled her eyes. “Thanks for lunch. I’ll call you later.”
They hugged again before Ahzii walked toward the exit, dropping the hundred into the tip jar and tossing a wave to Chris.
“Love you, sister-in-law!” Sarai shouted from across the restaurant.
Ahzii flipped her off without even turning around, a grin tugging at her lips as she stepped into the Miami heat—heart a little lighter, thoughts full of a man who wasn’t hers… but just might be.
???
Ahzii stepped into Savior’s home, the heavy thump of paws greeting her before anything else. Brasi and Bishop rushed up, their massive grey bodies wiggling with excitement. One had piercing blue eyes, the other a soft, almost golden hazel. They were slightly smaller than Ace, who stood calmly by her side, posture alert but respectful.
“Hi, cuties,” she cooed, crouching to rub their heads. Ace stayed rooted beside her, watchful and unbothered.
“This is Ace,” she said, introducing her boy like a proud mom.
“Your brother,” came Savior’s voice, low and smooth, cutting through the space like heat through fog.
