Page 70 of Own It

The living area and open kitchen were already littered with people who immediately greeted Rakim, bright eyes and wearing wide grins at the sight of him. He politely greeted them in return, before giving me a look that made me chuckle.

“Seems like the perfect time for me to run,” I said.

“Where to? I’d catch you before you made it anywhere.”

“Hmm, maybe you’re right, but don’t underestimate me, Mr. Godfrey.” I looked up at him as “How To Rob A Rapper” by YG played over the party.

There was pizza, wings, breadsticks, and plenty of liquor and juice bottles all over the counter. I could smell the weed flowing through the air right along with the loud laughter and conversation.

“If you do run, I might be in the mood to chase a lil bit.” He spoke against my ear as he palmed my hip, sending chills down my frame.

I caught the eyes of the few women who seemingly didn’t like how closely I was standing to Rakim.

“Damn, thought we was gon’ walk in to see ya balls on the counter,” Zaire commented, sending everyone in the kitchen into a fit of laughter.

I knew he was referencing catching Rakim and me in a compromising position that one night, but it was still hilarious.

“Nigga, fuck you. Keep being a liar like Josias if you want to.” Rakim shook his head, trying to smother the subtle smile he wore.

“Hos-Daylin!” Josias caught himself, almost calling me a hostage. He clenched his teeth to apologize non-verbally.

Rakim could only shake his head as he dapped his brother up. Zaire came in, too, and after speaking, the twins quickly engrossed Rakim in conversation, making me simper at the sight. You could tell they loved him, and as exhausted as Rakim pretended to be, he loved their attention too.

The woman on Josias’s arm thankfully wasn’t Tarin but another pretty girl. She was chocolate, thick, and had a bright, welcoming smile. I could tell that quickly that she was more humble and probably less delusional than Tarin, but looks could be deceiving.

“Hi! I’m Kasia.” She reached to hug me, and I accepted. “Did he say your name was Daylin?”

“He did. Nice to meet you.” I playfully rolled my eyes at Josias.

“He does the most.” She grabbed a paper plate and handed it over to me before grabbing one for herself.

“Yes, I’ve been around him a few times and have the same sentiments.” I piled my plate up like she had done.

We grabbed some drinks and started out of the kitchen. I glanced back at Rakim on the way out and, like always, couldn’t help but to smile at him. He did the same, concealing his with a red SOLO cup shortly after.

“So, you date Rakim?” Kasia frowned as soon as we sat down at one of the card tables out in the living room. “I have legit never seen him with anyone.” She bit a wing.

“Seriously?” I toggled between Kasia and Rakim standing off in the kitchen being yapped at by his brothers.

“Very much so. I have seen every Godfrey with a woman, sometimes multiple, but never him. He is usually always solo at functions. And it’s not for lack of stock, because the girls be trying.” She giggled.

I stole another look at him, but this time, our eyes caught, making me fight the tug at the corner of my mouth. I felt special, and by the way he was looking at me, I could tell he wanted me to feel just that.

“He and I are just friends.” I bit into the piping hot pizza slice.

“Girl. I haven’t seen a Godfrey man have a female friend he wasn’t fucking.” She eyed me suspiciously, making me laugh.

“I swear. I have never fucked him.” I kept strong eye contact with her, making her lean back in her seat.

While that was true, the thought had me wanting to do away with my celibacy and made me wonder what life would be like when or if he released me.

“Okay, I believe you.”

“So what Godfrey are you not friends with?”

Giggling, she replied, “I’m Jojo’s girlfriend.”

Did all this man’s baby mamas think they were his girlfriend? Rakim wasn’t playing when he said his brother mistreated his children’s mothers.