He nodded. Didn’t push. I liked that about him.
“That’s my cousin. She’s fam. I ain’t gon’ let shit happen to her, especially while she’s in here. Just like I ain’t gon’ let shit happen to you.”
We danced some more. Talked some more. He got me another drink. I was feeling nice, warm and loose. It felt like anything was impossible.
Then his hand came up to my face. Tucked a strand of hair behind my ear.
“You’re beautiful,” he said. “You know that?”
My face got hot. “You’re drunk.”
“Nah. I’m just honest. And baby girl, I don’t get drunk. I gotta keep my eyes on the prize.”
We were so close that I could see the flecks of gold in his brown eyes. Could smell his cologne mixing with sweat. Could feel his breath on my lips.
And then the shots rang out.
POP. POP. POP.
The music cut. Screams erupted. Bodies scattered.
Thad moved before I could process what was happening. He grabbed my arm and pulled me low, shielding me with his body. His whole demeanor shifted. Gone was the charming man I’d been dancing with. This version was cold. Alert. Dangerous.
He reached into his waistband and pulled out a gun.
I didn’t even know he was carrying.
A man stumbled toward our section, wild-eyed, panicked. Thad raised the weapon without hesitation.
“Wrong way.”
The man froze. Changed direction.
Thad didn’t flinch. Like pointing a gun at someone was nothing to him. I felt like he had done it a thousand times.
“Stay down,” he said. Hand on my shoulder. Pressing me low.
More shots. Glass breaking. Screaming. Then silence. Just crying and the distant wail of sirens.
Thad stayed over me until he was sure it was clear. Then he pulled me up and checked me over.
“You okay?”
I nodded. Shaking.
“I’m getting you out of here.”
I grabbed my phone. Called Serenity.
She answered on the second ring. “Mehar?”
“You good?”
“I’m fine. Mega got me out. We’re in his car.” She sounded shaken but steady. “Where are you?”
“With Thad. I’m about to go home.”
“Okay. I’ll crash at Mega’s tonight. I’ll text you.”
