The truth hangs heavy, but I know she’s just being protective. And unfortunately, everything she’s saying is true.
She sighs, softer. “I don’t want to keep watching you get your heart broken, especially with these fine ass men—I don’t think this will be like anything neither has felt before. Girl, even I’m scared about all the feelings I have for King already, it’s fucking addicting. So, I can’t even imagine how you feel having two.”
“My head won’t stop doing somersaults. I don’t even know how I’m doing—I’m just surviving at this point. One dick at a time.” I laugh, forcing humor where it doesn’t quite fit.
It’s a stupid habit. One I use way too often, but luckily she’s used to it.
“I believe it.” She takes a sip, then smirks. “So… whose name’s getting tatted on your heart, lover girl—Saint or Cairo?”
I let out a slow breath. “If it’s anyone, I think it’d be Saint.” My stomach flutters just saying it. “Cairo’s fun—yeah—but he’s a lot. I like the thrill sometimes, but I’m not gonna lie, it can be too much. I don’t think I could keep up with him long-term.” I pause, rolling the truth around my tongue. “Part of me still wants to see if I can juggle both. But I already know Saint wouldn’t sign up for that shit. Not after what he told me last night.”
“Now I know you’re sprung—and a little insane,” she says. “Stripping and trying to keep both of them happy sounds like a full-time job I wouldn’t even sign up for. You definitely have a lot on your plate.” She shifts, studying me. “Does Cairo even know you’re stripping yet, or is that little bomb still ticking?”
I shake my head. “No. I haven’t seen or talked to him since he stayed the night. And honestly? I don’t want him to know yet. You know how he gets girl—protective like a security detail I didn’t hire. The second he finds out, he’ll act like he gets a vote in my life. Hard pass. Saint didn’t seem too bothered by it, but I think webothknow how different they can be.”
She hums, lifting her cup. “You really think you can juggle both of them? You already know I’m down for most of your crazy decisions. But even with all that hotness, that’s a lot to handle.”
“I just really like how it is right now, besides the jealousy between them. But I think I want to try without hurting anyone or making them upset.”
Arina sets her coffee on the nightstand and slides closer, wrapping her arms around me. “I’m still proud of you,” she murmurs. “Worried, yeah—but proud.”
I sink into the hug, the weight of everything I’ve spilled finally lifting off my shoulders. “I know, me too.”
She pulls back, blue eyes glinting. “So… you working tonight?”
I nod, biting back a grin. “Yeah, I need the money and distraction right now.”
Her mouth tips into a mischievous smile. “Good. Because I’m coming to see you.”
I laugh, shaking my head. “Of course you are.”
“Please,” she says, squeezing me once before grabbing her coffee. “You think I’m missing the Jainey debut era? I want front row.”
“You’re impossible.”
“I’m supportive,” she corrects, smirking.
I roll my eyes, but the buzz in her voice ignites a warm feeling in my heart. “You’re something alright.”
? ? ?
I stand in front of my mirror, makeup brushes scattered across the dresser, my curls loose flowing down my back as I swipe one last gloss over my lipstick. Arina sits cross-legged on my bed, hyping me like always, her voice laced with pure excitement.
“Girl, look at you! You’re glowing,” she says, clapping once. “Teasers ain’t gonna know what hit them! They’re about to file a complaint with the police because you’re about to knock ‘em dead.”
Ilaugh, adjusting the strap on my heels, before giving her a spin. “You really think so?”
“I know so.” She chucks a pillow at me. “You were made for this. And when they start throwing all that money, don’t forget who your number one fan is.”
Her grin is so big I can’t help returning it. I grab my bag from the floor, stuff it full with everything I need and sling it over my shoulder.
“Alright girl, I’ll see you there—and remember I’m not Jainey in there… It’s Lolli. Oh yeah, you bringing King?”
“Okay Lolli,” she says. “Don’t get nervous and back out. I refuse to get all cute for nothing. But I don’t know should I?”
“Up to you I don’t care, it’s not like we all haven’t seen each other naked anyways.” I say nonchalant.
“You’re right about that. You think he’ll tell Cairo if I do? I don’t want to ruin your moment with him saying something to him first.”
