I laughed softly and was about to respond… until I felt that presence.
It was Domino.
I glanced past Mateo’s shoulder, and there he was, walking in.
He stopped just short of us, his gaze drilling into me before shifting to Mateo. There was a coldness in his eyes, unreadable yet intense; they narrowed slightly as his jaw flexed once, and then he dipped his chin in a curt nod before continuing on his way like none of it mattered… likeIdidn’t matter. And just like that, that petty part of me woke up.
I turned my attention back to Mateo, forcing a small smile, trying to shake off the tension. “So… what were you about to get into?”
He shrugged. “Honestly? Just heading home… unless you got something else on your mind.”
I held his gaze and smiled. “Probably the same as you.”
With a subtle movement, I turned slightly and stepped back. “Come on,” I added, glancing over my shoulder. “Walk with me.”
Without hesitation, he replied, “Lead the way.”
As I started toward my room, I could feel that awareness again. Domino was still somewhere close.
I knew I was being reckless. Iknewit, but I didn’t care.
“By the way,” Mateo spoke behind me, “you smell like mangoes… and something I can’t quite figure out.”
I glanced back with a smile, intrigued. “Trouble, maybe?” I laughed.
That man didn’t know me, but he made me feelseen, and if Domino didn’t want me, somebody else could.
We stepped into my room, and I closed the door behind us, locking it. Mateo looked around slowly, nodding with approval. “Nice place. You fit it.”
“Do I?”
“Yeah,” he replied, his eyes returning to me with an intensity that made my pulse quicken.
“Sit,” I pointed at the bed.
I sauntered toward him, pausing until I was between his legs, close enough to feel the hitch in his breathing. His hands rested on his thighs, but his eyes were firmly locked on me, hungry and focused.
He licked his lips, visibly taking in the moment. “You sure about this?”
I nodded, my fingers brushing against the tie of my robe. “Yeah. But let’s be clear… I don’t want nothing from you but—”
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
The violent knocks rattled the door, reverberating through the walls.
“Open the door, Ajori!”
My heart dropped.
Shit!
Domino.
I stepped back instantly, panic rising. “No! Wait! You gotta go!”
Mateo blinked, confusion flickering across his face. “Wait—what?”
“Open the door!” Domino’s voice sliced through the air again, louder that time.
