“I’ve tried calling and texting you with no response. I’m a desperate man, Caziya. I didn’t mean to fall for you, but my heart is a selfish organ where you’re concerned.”
A low, humorless laugh escapes my mouth at Kelvin’s words because how could he possibly believe we have anything to talk about?
“What’s so funny, b?—”
“Don’t,” I grit, and the laugh instantly dies on my tongue as I roll my eyes. Prickles in my hair collide with the fury that fills my belly. “Somewhere between your last call and your drive here, you must have lost your memory.”
The nerve of this married ass nigga to pretend like everything between us is water under the bridge. Or that I should forget thestatus his wife had no problem broadcasting to an entire bar not long ago.
“There is nothing wrong with my memory, but you never gave me a chance to explain. Me and—We’re not on good terms and haven’t been for a while. Our situation is over; we just haven’t gotten around to finalizing the end.”
Another humorless laugh surfaces, and my eyes roll hard enough to get stuck in their sockets as I shake my head. This is the most inept and feeble attempt at explaining I have heard from someone who has wronged me.
“Riddle me this then. If things were over as you say, why did you kiss and leave with her like you didn’t want her to know your hand had been in the cookie jar?”
“Man. I had to save face. But I love—fuck.”
My hand goes across Kelvin’s face without permission or restraint from me before I can even register the act.
“Fuck your fake love with your lying, deceitful ass. You’re a man who enjoys the opportunity of dipping his dick in whomever he chooses without regard for the consequences that can arise. I wish like hell I never met your sorry tail.”
“Ce—”
“Shut the fuck up and make this the last time you approach me here or anywhere else. As far as I’m concerned, you are dead, nigga.”
With trembling limbs, pressure in my head, and barely controlled aggression, I turn and walk away while I’m still able. My teeth have my bottom lip in a chokehold as I force myself to contain the emotions begging for clearance. The reminder of being on the clock forces me to suck down every feeling as I reenter my building. I nod and offer the security a slight upturn of my lips as my heels click-clack against the floors. A sigh falls from my lips when the elevator car opens a second after I push the button.
When I exit the elevator on my floor, I stare at the carpet so I don’t have to pretend or make eye contact with anyone. My eyes burn and brim with unshed tears as the urge to hear Zakai’s voice fills my mind. I barrel into my office, my chest rising and falling rapidly, allowing me to catch my breath for the first time since seeing Kelvin. With shaky hands, I close my door and walk on unsteady legs to my desk, sinking into my chair before grabbing my phone. Once that’s done, I swivel my chair so it’s not facing the door and dial Zakai’s number as tears fall slowly.
“Well, this is a pleasant surprise. How’s my Ziya?” Zakai’s playful, deep, husky, and soul-stirring voice fills me with necessary comfort as I become a blubbering mess. “Whoa? What’s wrong? Are you okay? Talk to me, Caziya.”
For countless seconds, all I can do is cry as my encounter with Kelvin plays on repeat. I hear shuffling and fading voices coming from Zakai’s background before his voice changes when he speaks again.
“Please talk to me, Ziya. I’m not sure whether I need to track your location or check if I have my extra clip with me. You’re killing me. Either ease my mind or give me an address to pull up.”
I wipe my face and take a minute to run down everything that has happened over the last fifteen minutes or so.
“Have you taken your lunch break yet?”
I shake my head before I realize that Zakai can’t see the action. “N-no.”
“Perfect. Meet me at Desire’s Den of Risque.”
My brows hike, and wrinkles instantly form on my forehead as my lip curls because there must be something wrong with my hearing.
“Isn’t that a strip club?” I snarl as offense creeps into my bones, making me wonder if I’m going to have to end our relationship before it can get started well.
“Yes. But my request for you to meet me there isn’t what you’re thinking. Trust me. I’ll see you soon.” Without giving me a chance to respond, the call disconnects, and my eyes flutter as my mind analyzes whether I’m going to oblige him or not.
“Lord, it must be a day for letting niggas have it.” Sighing, I grab a tissue before cleaning my face and making myself presentable so I can leave my office.
Between my determination and resting bitch face, I manage to make it out of the building and on my way to meet Zakai within ten minutes. My mind wanders, and my anxiety spikes from the uncertainty of what I’m about to walk into. A heavy sigh falls from my lips when I pull into the lot designated for the strip club and see several vehicles.
“I’m not in the mood for this shit.” I retrieve my phone from my purse and send Zakai a text.
Me:
I’m here.
