Jessa's voice snapped my attention back to her and Aubree. I blinked and turned toward them. She was leaning back againstthe couch, sipping her drink, while Aubree bobbed her head to the music.
"Ma'am," she added, grinning. "You ain't even pretending to look at anything else."
I shrugged and leaned forward to grab my drink, then took a sip.
"Well. That's mine, and I need to see where he's going," I responded with my nose in the air.
I held it for a moment, but unable to hold it a second longer, we burst into laughter.
"I don't know what that man has done to me, but if I could be in his skin, I would. He's quickly become my safe place. Which is a good and bad thing."
Jessa's smile dropped and her brows drew in close. She sat upright and turned her body to face me. Aubree noticed the shift and moved in closer to hear what was being said.
"You know it's not crazy to feel good about where you are and who you're with. It doesn't have to be this big 'what if.'"
I took a sip of my drink, then placed it on the table in front of me. Then leaned close enough that I knew only they could hear me, since Rico was nearby.
"Yeah. I just feel like I should be able to feel safe by myself. It shouldn't only be with him."
Aubree reached out and rubbed my hand. "You will be. Just give yourself some time. You already out and about looking like the bad bitch you are — not hiding, outside of those damn shades. I'm proud of you, and soon you'll be able to yell 'fuck you' to those folks who think they own the rights to you."
I knew she was right, but it was a feeling I was still working through.
"Now let's have a good time before your man comes back. I have a feeling soon as he gets back, we gone be heading out."
Jessa suggested it standing in the middle of our section. I couldn't help but laugh as she bent over and threw her ass in a circle. Aubree giggled and slapped Jessa's ass, hyping her up. I was the sitting-pretty type, so I just danced in my seat.
Ten minutes went by before Duke and Juelz came walking back into our section. Duke stood in front of me, then leaned in to whisper in my ear.
"You ready?"
I glanced back at my girls and they nodded, already knowing what was asked. We all stood and began filing out of the section. I was ready to go — I had long since stopped being a club girl.
Duke held his hand out to help me up, then helped Jessa. Juelz walked in front of Aubree, Duke was glued to my side, and Rico walked behind Jessa, making sure we made it outside safely.
The need to check my surroundings continuously was nonexistent whenever I was in Duke's presence. His hand never left the small of my back as we went back out the way we came in. The men walked around the bikes, checking them before allowing us to get on.
Once I was secure behind Duke, he nodded at Juelz and Rico, letting them know we could go. I wrapped my arms around his waist tightly, then leaned into him. I wanted to savor this feeling of contentment and warmth. I needed it all.
It felt faster getting back to Duke's place than it did getting to the club. Duke pulled up in front of his building along with Juelz and Rico.
"You staying with me tonight?" he asked, looking over his shoulder.
"Sir, I do have a home, and I don't have any more treats prepped for tomorrow like I did today. As much as I want to say yes, I have to say no — but you can come stay with me." I tiltedmy head with a smile. "But only if you just can't bear to part from me."
I added in a British accent. Duke chuckled and shook his head.
"I'll come stay with you. Let me grab a couple things before we go."
I nodded, then got off his bike to talk to Jessa and Aubree, who were in conversation with Rico and Juelz for a moment. The moment I walked over, Juelz and Rico stepped away to speak with Duke.
"Damn, it's been so long since I've gone out like that. But I also appreciate the short amount of time we spent there. We aren't in our twenties anymore, and my bed is calling my name," Jessa said as I wrapped my arms around her to give her a hug.
"You ain't never lied. You don't have to worry about bringing me home, Jessa. Juelz said he would do it," Aubree said, leaning in to hug us both.
"Mhm, I'm sure he did. Don't let me find out you're being fresh with a man on a bike like your other friend over here," Jessa said, pointing in my direction.
I rolled my eyes and crossed my arms against my chest.
