Page 74 of After Midnight
“It is my concern,” she snapped, finally pulling her hand free. “Because you were mine in here.”
There it was. I exhaled through my nose. “You need to chill with all that,” I said. “Stop acting like this was more than what it was.”
Before she could respond, I heard Gianna's voice intervene. "Hello."
We both turned, I stepped back from Monroe my attention instantly on her. "What's good, sexy."
She looked between me and Monroe with an amused look. "Hey, Boss." Her eyes shifted to Monroe. "Monroe…you still hovering I see."
Monroe’s head turned slow, her eyes locking onto Gianna. “And you're still popping up where you don’t belong, I see,” she replied coldly.
Gianna's smile deepened just a little as she stepped closer, heels clicking softly against the floor until she was standing just off my shoulder. “I belong wherever I’m booked,” she said lightly, her gaze never leaving Monroe’s. “And as you know… I stay booked.”
Monroe’s jaw tightened quickly before she smoothed it over, shifting her weight to one hip. “Temporary hype always does numbers in the beginning,” she shot back. “Let’s see how long it lasts.”
I could feel the tension building between them.
Gianna let out a soft laugh. “I don’t really do expiration dates,” she replied. “Men tend to stick around when they’re satisfied.”
Monroe glared at her coldly. "This shit ain't over with fresh meat."
Gianna's brow rose. "Whenever you wanna take this conversation outside, let me know."
The challenge hung in the air. Finally, Monroe smiled. Without a word, she walked past Gianna, shoulder checking her as she passed.
"Bitch—" Gianna made a motion to charge forward.
I grabbed her around her waist quickly, pulling her towards me as Monroe walked backwards laughing.
"I swear I'ma knock the smile off that bitch's face real soon," Gianna huffed.
"She trying to rile you up. Don't let her," I spoke into her ear. I turned her body towards me, looking into her eyes. "Calm down."
She rolled her eyes and took a deep breath. "I can't stand her ass, but you're right. Let me chill. She's nobody to me." A smile slowly slid across her face. "You keep showing up like this, I'ma start thinking this is more than just a good time."
My shoulders dropped slowly. Even looking down at her now, I was feeling shit. "It's something," I murmured.
Her eyes squinted in question. But instead of asking she just took my hand and led me towards our room. My phone buzzed in my pocket once we stepped in. I took it out—Eva. Sighing I silenced the call and placed it back in my pocket. I looked back up at Gianna who was watching me curiously.
"Something on your mind, Boss?" she asked softly.
I dragged my hand down my face. "You don't even know the half, mama."
Taking my hand again, she led me to the armchair pushing me down gently. Settling herself on my lap she looked down at me. "Talk to me. I'm a good listener."
My hand found her thigh, and I began to rub the smooth skin slowly. "After tonight…I can't see you again."
Her expression didn’t change. "Is it because of Monroe?"
"Nah." I shook my head. "It's because of you.You'rethe reason I can't fuck around in here no more."
Her eyes searched my face. "Care to elaborate?"
Exhaling, my hand stalled on her thighs, fingers pressing into her skin slightly. "This shit is creating complications I don’t need. I'm feeling shit I ain't supposed to feel." I shook my head, my eyes dropping down. "I can't even make love to my wife without thinking of you," I admitted. "I want you outside of here. In what capacity I don't know. But I do."
The confession hung heavy in the space. My eyes still down as I felt hers on me.
"Look at me," she said softly.
