Page 100 of A Kingpin's Weakness
Everyone suddenly got real interested in the floor or their drinks. “Well let’s toast to another year,” RJ said quickly, trying to shift the vibe. We all raised our glasses again.
I took two more back-to-back, needing something to cool the heat bubbling inside me. I didn’t come all the way here to be embarrassed or play pick-me. I headed to the bar, and right on cue, I felt him trailing me like a shadow.
“What can I get you?” the bartender asked.
“Anything strong. Surprise me.” I leaned over the bar, letting the cold air from the ice keep me grounded.
“Can we talk?” Seth’s voice was softer now. Closer.
“About what, Seth?” I asked, not even turning my head.
“Why didn’t you tell me you were in town? How long you been here?”
“Got in today. Wanted to surprise you.” I took the drink from the bartender. “Guess I was the one who got surprised.”
“Man, that wasn’t shit”
I turned and looked him dead in the face. “To you, it wasn’t. But to me? It was everything. I don’t do disrespect, Seth. Especially not from the man who claim he wants to be with me.”
He didn’t follow me after that. Instead, he turned and went back up to where Rich and Southside were. But even from across the yacht, I felt his eyes on me. Like he was watching, but didn’t know how to fix it. Like he wanted to say more, but didn’t know if I’d still listen.
So, I decided to give him a show. If Seth wanted to play stupid, then I could play petty. I was in my Dior two-piece, curves sittin’ just right, face beat for the gods, and I wasn’t about to let my night be ruined by no half-ass apology or excuses.
But of course, I forgot who RJ was. Every time I bent over to twerk, RJ was right there lifting me back up like I was somebody’s little sister. Every time a guy even thought about approaching me, RJ was already posted up, blocking like I was his girlfriend.
I turned toward him, tight-lipped and irritated. “You know you’remyfriend, right?” I looked at him sideways, eyebrows raised.
He shrugged like he didn’t know what I was mad about. “I’m just tryna make sure you have a good night.”
“Yeah? Cuz it feel like you tryna babysit.”
He sighed, eyes flicking around the party. “You think I didn’t hear about what happened at the club that night?”
I narrowed my eyes. “So he can pour shots in bitches' mouths, but I can’t dance?”
“It was just a shot, Stormi.”
I scoffed and looked at Ari. “Ari, would you be cool with RJ pouring a shot in another girl’s mouth?”
Ari didn’t even hesitate. “Hell no. Stormi, I’m on your side with this one.”
“Thank you,” I said, giving RJ a pointed look.
RJ held his hands up. “I’m not sayin’ he was right, Stormi. Or that you wrong. I’m just saying let’s not do tit-for-tat right now. Especially not with everybody watchin’.”
“Whatever.” I rolled my eyes, the irritation still burning in my chest. “I have to pee. I’ll be back.”
Ari looked at me like she knew something was up. “You want me to come with you?”
I shook my head. “Nah, I’m good.”
RJ gave me that big brother look again. “Right back, Stormi. For real.”
“Yeah, yeah,” I muttered as I walked away.
But as I weaved through the people, I could still feel Seth’s eyes on me burning holes through every move I made. Watching me like he had the right. Like his little performance earlier didn’t just stomp on every emotion I’d been holding close.
And just like that. The tears I didn’t want anyone to see started welling up, threatening to spill over, but not out here. Not on this yacht. Not in front of them. I needed a moment alone. I walked into the bathroom and closed the door behind me, pressing my back against it like I needed it to hold me up. The second I caught my reflection in the mirror, my chest tightened, and just like that the tears came. I didn’t even try to stop them.
