Reaper

30

"Okay, so this is what happened," I smiled at Rose and Emily, who wore excitement in their eyes. "We had a romantic dinner on a yacht, and then we spent the next day getting to know each other."

"Ugh, I need details!" Rose sighed, and I giggled.

"That's all y'all need to know," I teased.

Rose sighed, "Please tell me y'all at least kissed!"

"Or did y'all do the nasty?" Emily teased.

"No to both of those comments," I replied.

Rose frowned, "No to answering or no as in y'all didn't."

"No as in we didn't," I answered.

Emily frowned, "Not even the kissing? Not once?!"

"Nope," I answered. I actually hadn't even thought about that until now. Azias and I still hadn't shared a kiss, but I guess he was just being patient. "There's no rush."

"Y'all know damn well y'all wanna fuck, talking bout there ain't no rush," Rose rolled her eyes, and Emily and I burst into laughter.

"Besides that night when he was kissing on my neck, we haven't had any physical intimacy, but I don't think any was called for during the date anyways," I shrugged. "We cuddled though. Don't know if you wanna count that."

Rose rolled her eyes, "I'm just saying, one kiss wouldn't hurt, like damn!"

Emily shrugged, "I think whatever pace you're both moving at is fine as long as you're both okay with the pace."

Rose slapped Emily's arm and asked, "I thought you were on my side, Blonde Blonde!"

Emily giggled as I rolled my eyes at Rose's behavior. "I agree with Emily. I don't think we need to rush into anything, but if we do end up doing something, I'm not opposed to it either as long as the timing feels right."

"Whatever," Rose rolled her eyes. "We really not gonna get any more details though?"

"I don't wanna put his business out there," I rolled my eyes. "Just know that the date was really sweet. I had never had a date like that before, and I really enjoyed it."

"Are you in love yet?" Emily teased, and I rolled my eyes at her too. Her moment of being on my side was over, and I was back to having two devils on my shoulders.

Later that day
A knock sounded on my door, and I sweetly smiled, "Come in." Azias entered the room with a serious and concerned look on his face. "Uh-oh! What's wrong?"

"Imma be gone for a few days," he announced, and I started wondering if it was because of the date. Was it all too much for him? Did he think it was a mistake?

I knew that I was the first girl he took out on a date since a very long time, and I was worried that
our visit to where his past girl friend and best friend died was too much for him to handle. I was hoping he wasn't getting cold feet because I felt as if I was now getting familiar with the real Azias, and I desperately wanted more time with him.

I felt as if he was completely himself on the date, and he even allowed himself to be vulnerable, a stage I barely got to with my ex. I felt like Azias was the real deal, and I wanted to continue getting to know him and to allow him to get to know me beyond what he knew about me on paper.

"Why?" I asked calmly, but my breathing was all over the place. I could feel my heart jumping out of my chest.

I wasn't sure if I could even handle whatever his response would be, but I was never one to shy away from questions that would get me hurt. I always wanted the truth, no matter how hard it was to hear. I'd much rather the truth than to live believing a lie. Rose was the opposite. If she was doomed, she'd much rather you tell her that there was hope so that she'd go out with a peaceful mind, her exact words during a game of Would You Rather?

He sighed, "Something happened to an operation I was running in Cali, and I gotta go over there and fix it."

Oh.

Why am I always overthinking shit?!

"How long will you be gone for?" I sadly asked.

"I don't know yet," he answered as he walked over to me.

Or is this a gentle excuse for telling me he needs space?! It wasn't before long that my mind was sending me into a sunken place.

"And I can't come with you?" I asked.

Azias sighed, "I'd honestly really like that, but it wouldn't be safe for you. I can't have you getting caught in the crossfire."

I knew he didn't want to take that chance, especially given that Jade had went out that way.

"Will you call then?" I asked, and he cracked a faint smile.

"Sure, if you want me to."

"I do."

"So I'll call then," he promised. "While I'm gone, I need you and the girls to stay here. If y'all need something, have one of my guards get it. Don't leave the property. I know it's restrictive, but it's to keep y'all safe."

Oh, so he's serious about this safety shit!

I nodded, "Okay."

"Aight," he nodded. "I'm sorry I gotta leave so soon. I know you were looking forward to spending more time with me. We will once I get back."

There it is. He still wants another date!

I gave a sad smile and nod, and he cupped my cheek. My heart immediately started racing, and I had to take slow breaths to calm down as he leaned in.

His nose brushed against mine, and I could feel his cool, minty breath fanning over me. His eyes were low, and mine were ready to close too. Just as we closed our eyes and I was about to have the moment I had been waiting for, his phone rang, and he sighed before apologizing and leaving the room to answer it.