“Now, they have gone missing, but…” Manuel shrugged a shoulder so nonchalantly that it was surprising. “Diego was a hothead, which was why he didn’t have the sense to ask for permission before he approached you with his disputes. That’s on him.”
Though I was shocked, I remained cool, nodding smooth and confidently.
Manuel sat up. He took one of the copitas from the row that was sitting in front of him on the table and threw back a shot.
The liquor must have been smooth as hell because he didn’t even wince or squint as it went down. Then he sat back, telling me, “You’re good with us, Mythic. You’ve been a valuable distributor for the Viper Crew. I know you don’t make stupid decisions.”
“I appreciate that. I have no intention of getting involved in any unnecessary shit. I’m here to do business, not to deal with weak motherfuckers’ egos.”
Manuel’s smirk was menacing as he leaned forward, tapping the rim of his empty glass. “Good. Because if it turns out youdidhave something to do with Diego’s disappearance, then this little partnership of ours ends with blood.”
He stood, adjusting his jacket, and gave me one last look. It was a look that made it clear the conversation wasn’t over, just postponed.
I stayed seated as he walked away. His men fell in behind him like shadows.
Taye approached a second later. “That sound like a threat to you?”
“Manuel’s just fishing. He doesn’t know shit.” My eyes stayed on the door Manuel had disappeared through. “He justwantsto.And by the time he figures out he never will, I’ll be ten moves ahead. But if Manuel suspects the truth, this meeting wasn’t about peace. It was a warning. And the next time we sit across from each other, one of us might not walk away.”
AVIANA SCOTT
Mythic:How are you?
As I stared at his text, my pulse quickened. The text had been just three simple words. It was a question he often asked, especially after everything that had happened with Mia. But after that night we shared, it felt as if those words had more meaning. They were loaded with unspoken thoughts and feelings. Hereallywanted to know how I felt about what had transpired between us. He was reaching out across the distance that had grown between us since then, trying to bridge that gap without saying too much.
I knew he was being respectful, not wanting to put everything in a text message, but it left me frazzled and unsure of how to respond. So, I didn’t. Instead, I scrolled through my Facebook app.
I scrolled to Mythic’s page. He hardly used the app, but the few pictures he had were striking, though I had seen them many times. Some, I had even taken myself. I clicked on one that showcased his tall, muscular frame, and the way his chocolate skin glistened under the light. He was so undeniably attractive, and I could feel a heat rising in my cheeks as I remembered the intimate moments we had shared just a few nights ago. I was salivating over the sight of him, the way he made me feel, and the connection that lingered even in his absence.
As I continued scrolling, I stumbled across a photo of me, Mia, and Mythic. It felt like a lifetime ago. We were all smiles, carefree, and naïve to the chaos that would soon follow. My heartached for that bond that had once felt unbreakable. No matter what Mia had done, I missed her. I missed the laughter, the inside jokes, and the support we’d always given each other.
Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes as I reminisced about the good times. Everything had changed so drastically, and I wasn’t sure if it could ever go back to what it was before.
I heard the click of the suite’s door, which thankfully forced my mind off the hurt. I closed the app, rolled off of the bed, and padded out the bedroom to meet Damar in the living room. I had only been there for about an hour since arriving after work, so I still had on the maxi dress I’d worn to the office.
As I approached Damar, I noticed the tremor in his hands. His fingers fidgeted restlessly at his sides. Despite his nervousness, he smiled warmly, opening his arms to greet me. We hugged tightly, and I could feel the rapid thud of his heart against my chest.
I pulled back to look him in the eye. “What’s wrong?”
“I’m fine,” he replied, though the shaky smile didn’t quite convince me.
I scanned him over, taking note of the beads of sweat glistening on his forehead. “You look a little shaky and sweaty.”
He chuckled lightly, brushing it off. “I had it out with Jeremy again. I caught him outside with the 111 Boyz. I just can’t get through to that kid. He’s insistent on hanging with them niggas. I’m scared something is going to happen to him.”
“I’ll try to talk to him again.”
“Thank you, baby, but he’s got his mind made up apparently. This is a lesson he’s going to have to learn on his own.”
As I nodded, he shifted the focus back to me. “What’s wrong with you?” His gaze was intense, studying me as if he could see right through to my thoughts.
I hesitated for a moment, feeling silly. “I was just looking at a picture of me, Mythic, and Mia,” I admitted as sadness crept into my voice. “Is it silly that I miss Mia?”
“Not at all,” he assured me softly. “No matter what Mia has done, she’s been your best friend for years. You don’t just forget that. You’ve shared so much together. Now you have to get accustomed to not having her around. You need to mourn her, in a way.”
I nodded, but before I could dwell on it, he changed the subject. A smile broke across his face. “What do you want to do for your birthday?”
It dawned on me then that my birthday was next week. With everything that had been happening, I had barely noticed it was coming. “Honestly, after everything that’s happened with Mia, I just want a quiet, intimate birthday with just you.”
