A loud bang rattled the door. “Hurry up!” the guard barked.
“Fucking relax!” I yelled back as I headed to the sink to wash my hands.
Where was she?
Muffled voices came from the other side of the door. My heart jumped in my throat as the woman from the bar strolled in, her heels clicking against the tile floor. She checked her lipstick in the mirror.
“I saw Cash,” I whispered.
She laughed dryly as she shook her head. “That nigga can’t help but showboat.” She pulled a small phone out of her clutch and handed it to me.
“Don’t make any calls from it,” she said sharply. “But answer if it rings.”
I took it from her and slipped it into my bag. “What’s your name?”
Indecision flickered in her eyes before she finally answered. “Nairobi.”
“Nairobi,” I repeated softly.
“Jasmine!” Marcus’s voice boomed from outside the door.
Nairobi tipped her head towards the exit, signaling for me to leave. I smoothed down my dress, squared my back, and pushed the door open.
“I hope she’s worth it.” I heard her mutter under her breath as I walked out.
Marcus snatched my arm the second I was within reach. “We’re leaving,” he barked.
“What? We didn’t even eat,” I protested, stumbling to keep up. “What about your award?”
“Fuck that award,” he gritted. “Your nigga trying to start some shit tonight.”
I dug my heels into the floor and forced him to stop. “Are you scared?” I asked, crossing my arms.
He pinched the bridge of his nose. “No, I’m not fucking scared, Jasmine. But I’m not doing this bullshit here with him tonight.”
“But you both said you couldn’t touch each other here,” I reminded him. “You think leaving is going to make a difference? He won’t stop until you’re dead.”
“Mr. Stokes!” We turned to see a frazzled young woman in heels rushing towards us.
Her light brown cheeks were flushed as she caught her breath. “Oh, thank God! They’re about to start honoring the recipients. You need to get back to your table.”
Marcus gave her a phony apologetic smile. “Tell the Councilman I’m very sorry, but my wife’s not feeling well. We’ve got to go.”
I perked up. “But I feel better!” I batted my eyelashes at him, knowing damn well he wouldn’t act up in front of the Councilman’s staff.He wanted to play? Let’s fucking play.
“Your stomach, babe.” His voice was tight.
“Must’ve been something I ate, but I took care of it in the bathroom,” I chirped, patting my stomach. “I wouldn’t want you to miss your big moment. This award means so much to you,babe.” I stroked his face.
The woman’s shoulders relaxed as she let out a relieved sigh. “Thank God. The Councilman would’ve been really upset if you left now.” She glanced nervously at Marcus, like her job depended on him staying put.
I squeezed his hand and started back toward the ballroom with a bright smile plastered on my face. “We wouldn’t miss it for the world.” My grip on his hand tightened enough to let him know I wasn’t backing down.Fuck with me if you want to.
CHAPTER28
CASH “MONEY” BANKS
Tonight,I was getting my girl back and deading this shit with Marcus for good. Showing up at the gala was reckless because he knew my face. I didn’t give a fuck. Plus, the nigga wasn’t stupid about to start shit in a room full of politicians and power players. It didn’t matter how many of them were in his pocket—he couldn’t touch me.
