Page 21 of Addicted

The guard was still there, standing by one of the cars in the driveway. He nodded at Stone as we passed.

Stone walked over to a sleek black Mercedes and opened the passenger door for me.

I paused, surprised by the chivalry. This nigga had just fucked me like an animal and now he was opening doors for me?

I slid into the passenger seat, and he closed the door behind me, then walked around to the driver’s side.

As he started the engine and pulled out of the driveway, I stared at his profile. His strong jawline, his dark eyes focused on the road, his tattooed hands gripping the steering wheel.

What the fuck had I gotten myself into with this crazy ass nigga?

Chapter 5

Stone

I pulled out of the driveway with Indie in the passenger seat, my hands gripping the steering wheel as I navigated through the quiet streets. The sun had set completely now, leaving the neighborhood bathed in the orange glow of streetlights.

I reached over and turned on the stereo, letting Mozzy’s album fill the silence. The bass thumped through the speakers, and I bobbed my head slightly to the beat, letting the music settle into my bones.

I could feel Indie’s eyes on me. She was glaring at the side of my face. I didn’t need to look at her to know. I could feel the heat of her stare, the anger radiating off her in waves.

I was thrown off by my own actions.

That was the truth of it. I didn’t keep women around like this. I fucked them at hotels, paid for their rides home, and never saw them again. That was how I operated. I liked to keep shit clean and simple. No attachments.

But Indie... I wasn’t ready to let her go yet.

I didn’t understand it and I didn’t like it. But it was the truth.

The restaurant wasn’t far from the crash pad, maybe ten minutes away. I’d chosen it on purpose. It was close enough that I could get her fed and get her back without wasting too much time. I had shit to handle tonight, and I couldn’t afford to be out here playinghouse with this woman.

But here I was.

I turned onto the main street, the lights from the storefronts and restaurants casting shadows across the dashboard. Mozzy’s voice filled the car, rapping about loyalty and betrayal.

I found a parking spot near the restaurant and pulled in, cutting the engine. The music stopped abruptly, leaving us in silence. I sat there for a moment, my hands still on the steering wheel, before I finally turned to look at her.

Indie was staring straight ahead, her jaw tight, her arms crossed over her chest. She looked pissed. Beautiful, but pissed.

I narrowed my eyes at her.

“You better not try no funny shit in there,” I said, my voice low and deadly. “Or I’ll kill you and Ishmael.”

Her head snapped toward me, her eyes flashing with anger.

“Fuck you, nigga,” she said, her voice sharp. “Just let me eat in peace.”

I nodded slowly, a dark chuckle escaping my throat.

This woman really had no filter. No fear in her heart. She knew I was a dangerous man, but she still couldn’t control that mouth of hers. Most people would’ve been trembling by now. Begging. Apologizing. But not Indie.

She reached for the door handle, and I spoke before she could open it.

“Don’t touch it.”

She froze, her hand hovering over the handle, and looked at me with confusion.

I got out of the car and walked around to her side, opening the door for her. She stared up at me, her eyebrows raised, clearly surprised by the gesture.