Chapter 3

3

M alorie

Neko was too damn fine. The older he got, the better he looked. He was my favorite shade of brown, looking like a milk chocolate bar that I desperately wanted to taste, especially now while he was working out. Malik had turned the back patio into a little gym, so while I smoked and had my coffee, I had the pleasure of watching Neko work out. I'd been here for three days so far but this was the first morning I was up early enough to see him before he left for work.

I couldn't help but watch the muscles in his back flex as he lifted weights. Sweat glistened, causing his tattoos to shine. It seemed like every time I saw him, he had even more. When he turned, my eyes settled on his abs as they clenched, lowering slowly to his dick print. I didn't realize how hard I was staring until he said, "You like what you see?"

My eyes lifted and landed on his—they were under turned, dark, and smiling though his skin colored lips weren't.

"You wish."

Neko released a cocky chuckle as he set the weight down. "I don't have to wish with you."

"And what is that supposed to mean?"

"The way you pick and choose, I know exactly how to get you if I wanted to. It really ain't that hard."

I wasn't sure if I was just overly sensitive or if I had a right to be offended but I was. Scoffing, I stood and put out my blunt.

"I don't know if that's your way of saying I'm a ho or just dumb and liable to fall for anything. Either way, fuck you."

His shoulders slouched as he headed toward me. I'd made it to the door and grabbed it by the time he made it. His right hand slid down his face while the left covered my hand and kept me from opening the door to go back inside.

"I didn't mean it like that, sweet girl." Even though his voice was sincere, I still didn't trust him. "I just meant—it doesn't matter what I meant. I'm sorry."

My nostrils flared and teeth gritted as I avoided his eyes. With a nod, I asked, "Can you move so I can go? I need to look for apartments and jobs."

He hesitated for a few seconds before lowering his hand, and I was glad he did. Until my emotions felt more grounded, I would need to avoid him and my brother. I knew he wasn't trying to intentionally hurt my feelings but that didn't matter. Apologies could be given, and words would be forgotten, but you'd never forget how a person made you feel. And it was my fault that I even felt this way.

Sighing, I closed my bedroom door and leaned against it. Once I'd composed myself and was sure I wouldn't cry, I headed to my bed and grabbed my phone to text my best friend.

Me: What are you doing after work?

Chrissy: Nothing. What's up?

Me: I need drinks!

Chrissy: Got you. Come over like an hour after I get off.

Me: Aight cool

After those plans were secured, I texted my mom to check on her, then showered to start my day. I didn't have hardly any credit beyond what I could get from my credit cards. With no apartments or cars in my name, what I could apply for was limited. Ma was sure I'd get approved for any apartment I wanted because of my clean rental history… I just needed a job first.

Thanks to Daddy's proper planning, I had enough money to not have to work while in college. Add to that dating men with money, there had never really been a need for me to work. I hustled on the side just to keep myself busy, but for the most part, I was blessed to make school and having fun a priority.

I'd graduated with my bachelor's in accounting and East Asian studies. This fall, I was going back to get my master's in accounting. I loved East Asian culture. What started as a love for anime blossomed into me wanting to learn the language and culture in middle and high school. While my peers were taking Spanish because they were sure it would be the easiest second language to learn, I was begging my principal to go to the school board about adding Korean to our curriculum.

Beyond travel, I didn't know what I wanted to do with my EAS degree. For now, just being able to go to Korea, Japan, and China and not only know what I was eating and wanted to do but speak their language and make sure I didn't unintentionally do anything to disrespect their culture was at the top of my list. I'd probably find an accounting job that I could do from home so I could keep school as my priority.

As I prepared to go to the coffee shop up the street to look for a job, the sound of beeping gained my attention. I looked out of the window, head tilting at the sight of the furniture truck backing into the driveway. It wasn't for me, so I grabbed my keys and purse and headed out.

"Aye, don't leave yet," Neko said, gently gripping my wrist.

"What?"

"I uh… got you a couch for your room. That way you won't have to sleep in the living room every night."

"You what?" I asked softly, trying to make sense of his words.

The doorbell rang, and he released my hand to open the door. Even though I'd heard what he said, it still took me some time to process that he'd gotten me a couch. Malik used to always tease me when we were kids because I would fall asleep on the couch and Daddy would have to carry me to my bed. I hated laying down unless I was about to go to sleep, but it would take me so long to get to sleep that I'd be lying there restless for hours.

It hadn't been my intention for that to turn into a habit as an adult, but these days, I still watched TV on the couch and fell asleep unless the man I was with forced me to come to bed.

I didn't realize I was just standing there until Neko carefully pulled me to the side of the hallway. I watched as they carried the small, yellow couch to my room. He hadn't just gotten me a couch; he got me a couch that was my favorite color.

"Come show them where you want it," Neko directed.

With one bob of my head, I followed behind him and did as he said. I had them put the couch where the rectangular ottoman had been in front of the bed. After they left, Neko asked, "Do you like it?"

A giggle escaped me before I wiped a quickly fallen tear from my face. "I love it. Thank you, Neko."

Turning slightly, I wrapped my arms around his neck and pulled him in for a hug.

"I'm glad, sweet girl."

We stood there for five Mississippis, swaying softly, allowing our bodies to soften and mesh as one. But at the sound of Malik's laughter as he exited his room, we pulled away.