Page 47 of Tension

Chris stared at me, her mouth open at what I’d just said.

When we got to Chris’s place, there was a box sitting by her front door. I stepped in front of her and scooped it up. There was a note taped on top.

‘I see you didn’t like the flowers. So here’s some chocolate. Remember, you deserve better.’

I glanced around, my jaw tight. Was this nigga watching her?

Chris read the note over my shoulder.

“Brian knows where you live?” I asked.

She shook her head, stunned. “He shouldn’t. I just moved in this week. I hadn’t even updated my address on anything yet. If he knew I didn’t keep the flowers, he must be watching.”

I didn’t like this shit. I was already scanning the shadows near the stairwell, the street, every angle.

Chris snatched the box from me and dumped it straight in the trash can near her door. “I’m calling the cop who helped me with the restraining order.”

“Smart.”

I followed her inside and locked up, watching while she dialed. She sat on the couch.

I stayed standing, alert.

“What’d they say?” I asked when she hung up.

“They’re checking the camera footage. If they catch him near the building, they’ll arrest him for violating the restraining order.”

She leaned back, frustrated.

“I don’t get it. I had him blocked everywhere. Flowers, candy, sweet notes? That wasn’t Brian. I can’t remember the last time he gave me anything but a headache.”

I sat down beside her and pulled her gently against me. She came easily, her body soft against mine.

“Desperate niggas get creative,” I murmured. “And reckless. I couldn’t be here every minute, so start carrying your gun on you. Keep it close.”

I was glad her dad taught her how to handle herself at a young age. It helped me worry about her less.

But I was still worried.

I couldn’t just keep her locked away… well, I could, but she wouldn’t like that.

She nodded into my chest, her voice quiet. “I will.”

I held her a little tighter, just enough that she knew I meant it.

CHRIS

“Oh, I didn’t know we’d have company,” the tall, dark-skinned, model-type said as she strutted toward us, arms already open for a hug. Her voice carried that sugary, fake surprise that made my fist clench.

Vel stepped slightly behind me, resting his hand on my lower back before guiding me forward. “Nicole, this is Chris. She’s going to help me make the right decision today.” He kept his hand on me as he spoke.

Nicole hesitated, then slowly lowered her arms.

I offered my hand. She shook it with minimal effort, her eyes sweeping over me like I was something she’d found on the clearance rack.

“Nice to meet you, Chris. I wasn’t told we’d be having consultants today,” she said, smile tight as she turned back to Vel.

“We were just friends,” Vel said smoothly, right before smacking me on the ass and lacing his fingers through mine like it was nothing.