Sliding into the gown, Hannah released a sigh of exhaustion. She then slid into her shoes and headed into the restroom where Angelo was getting ready. Just in time, she helped him fasten his cufflinks and secure his bowtie around his neck. Before she could walk away, Angelo placed a kiss on her forehead. This made Hannah's heart drop and an abundance amount of guilt kicked in.
"Honey." Hannah spoke in a whisper.
"Yes sweetie."
"Ummm, I need to talk to you about something."
"Well, if it's more important than this award talk to me because I'm excited as hell." Angelo smiled and leaned back on the sink. Hannah bit into her lip as her words were caught up in the trachea of her throat.
"I just wanted to talk to you about how proud of you I am."
"Well thank you my love." again he kissed her forehead then patted her bottom so they could get going.
Again, Hannah released a sigh only this time very intense. She was alone in the restroom for a split second but she quickly walked out before she could drop a few tears. She headed into the room, grabbed the rest of her things then met Angelo at the door. The two walked out hand and hand until she released from his embrace afraid, he may feel the way she trembled.
After buckling their belts, then pulling off from the home both Hannah and Angelo stared out into the cloudy sky. They both were caught in their thoughts while Hannah drowned in hers. The venue was only twenty minutes from their home so they would be there in no time. The Intuit Dome was located in Inglewood California where The LA Clippers played and plentyof concerts filled the arena. The venue was huge and the event was extravagant.
When the two pulled up to the event, Hannah watched all the cars in the lot and how crowded the place was. This made her regret going in. She couldn't do it. She turned in her seat and blurted out…
"Babe, I can't go in there. I was fired!" She dropped her head and waited for a reaction from Angelo and when he didn't say a word, she looked up curiously. He was making a U turn as he remained silent. "Did you hear me?"
"Oh, I heard you loud and clear. I was just wondering when you were gonna tell me." Angelo added driving back towards their home. He already knew Hannah had been terminated he just wanted to torture her by bringing her to the event.
"So how long did you know?"
"A couple weeks. I have two questions. How did it happen and where the hell were you all these nights you wanted me to believe you were going to work?"
Hannah swallowed hard because these were the two questions, she was afraid of.
"Most nights I would just sleep in my car on the beach or the park. Anywhere to keep from being home. I'm so sorry Angelo." she began to cry. Of course, the tears had come from the guilt of Rahim. Everything revolved around Rahim so he played a big part in it all. "I went undercover to a party. Someone slipped me something."
"So why didn't you tell Captain?"
"Because he forbade me to take the job. The Kingly Dynasty." Hannah admitted so he would understand why."
"Hannah. Are you out of your mind? It's three cartels I told you to stay away from. Remember when they tried to fly you into Miami for the Lopez cartel, I told you hell no. The Scarletti's. Again No! The Kingly's another gotdamn No! You just ain't gone learn until they cut your damn head off and send it to me as a souvenir." Angelo shook his head. She had been warned by him to stay away from The Kinglys. They were some ruthless mothafuckas along with The Scarletti's. But no women took the cake like Cash Lopez and her mother. Their cartel consisted of blood, money and sex scandals. The crazy part about it was, it was run by two of the most ruthless women in the entire U.S. They ran a drug operation that spilled into California, Mexico and anywhere else they could push keys of drugs. Although this was her job it was dangerous and especially for a female officer. They killed cops so Angelo feared for Hannah. While he spoke, she remained quiet. She was hoping he wouldn't piece together the affair with Rahim and after tonight she was gonna break things off with him.
***
Climbing out of her vehicle, Hannah looked up to the stone building and swallowed. Tonight, she wasn't gonna let the temptation cloud her judgment because she had to let him go. Rahim was just a piece of dick. He was some good dick but not worth her relationship. Rahim was forbidden. He was like that piece of fruit, that tinder spark that ignited in her chest with thoughts of him. His piercing gaze and charming smile seared into her brain. But the flame was dangerous, a wildfire threatening to consume her. She had to come to the realization she was married, and he was off-limits.
I have to snuff it out, no matter how much my body craves his touch.
Hannah thought walking towards the elevator. The what-ifs were a toxic whisper in her ear, but she pushed them away, focusing on the comfort of her husband's smile.
It's time to let go, to prioritize the love I have, not the fantasy I can't.
She sighed and stepped off the elevator.
Hannah walked down the long hall with confidence. Confidence that she would blow things off and move on with her life. She was gonna wrap this shit up then go be with the love of her life.
Hannah walked up to his door and knocked twice. She didn't see the light on so this told her he was alone. After a few seconds Rahim opened the door wrapped in a towel and gave her a lustful look. He knew she would be showing up soon because she couldn't resist him.
"I've been waiting for you." he spoke with that same confidence she wished she had. That shit was gone just by his smile. Before she could utter a word, he pulled her into the room and kissed her. This took her by surprise because the kiss seemed to have meaning. Normally they'd kiss while making out but he kissed her freely. And just like that, everything she coerced went flying out the window and crashing into the clouds. Damn.
"Rahim, I need to talk to you. I can't…I can't do…" Hannah tried to speak but was sidetracked by the kisses into the nape of her neck. "I can't do this with you." She pushed him away forcefully, regretting it. His kisses were magnifying. His touch was alluring. So, alluring she had to sike herself out that he was poison.
"What is it you can't do anymore Hannah?"
