Page 24 of Tension

“I’m texting you his number right now,” she said. “Full support over here.”

I shook my head. “You are a mess. He’s already had the pussy. I doubt he wants anything more with me, especially after today.”

I was a good time that turned into a headache for him.

“I know what I’ve seen between y’all. Sleeping with that man without getting his number. Tragic.”

I ignored her statement.

“I’m coming to see you tomorrow. Smooches.”

“Okay. Smooches.”

My phone buzzed.

New contact: Vel.

My hands still shook, but for the first time that night, it was not from fear. I decided I’d pop up on him again.

Seeing him face-to-face felt better than a text.

CHRIS

When I got to Vel’s door, I knocked lightly. He opened it, surprise flashing across his face before anger took over when he saw my eye.

Without a word, he turned and walked away, leaving the door open. I hesitated, then stepped inside.

There was a beautiful woman on the couch, and annoyance hit me fast.

Another one? How was he getting them so fast? I mean, yes, the nigga was fine; he had a little game. And from my experience, he wasn’t afraid to go after what he wanted.

He definitely had a type because she could have been my sister or at least a cousin.

But of course, there was someone else.

Gets on my nerves.

I didn’t know why I expected anything different.

Vel came back with his coat and phone, tucking something into his waistband, already halfway out the door.

“Ay, you need to go. I gotta go beat somebody’s ass real quick,” he told her. Not mean, just serious.

“Wait,” I said quickly. “I already went to the police. It’s handled. I didn’t mean to interrupt, for real. I’m fine. I’ll just leave. I shouldn’t have come. I just wanted to apologize… I felt bad.” I was talking way too much, so I stopped.

I started to turn away, but Vel gently grabbed my arm.

“Nah. You’re not going anywhere,” he said, stepping closer.

His voice was low, full of need, like he was afraid I would slip away.

Something in me reached for him right back.

I hadn’t realized how tight my body was until that moment.

“We gon’ talk, and you gon’ apologize like you said.”

He glanced at the woman, like, why are you still here?