Queen of Hearts ❤️

Chapter 39 You're Mine and I'm Yours

Julianna

I stared at my reflection in the bathroom mirror, running a brush through my hair, while making sure the wig had melted down. It was finally the night for the date. Keneisha had gone back home Thank God. And I decided that I would stand by my word and go on the date Damani wanted to have. My heart thudded in my chest—not from nerves, but from a strange mixture of excitement and annoyance at myself. I was new to this whole "love" thing, and the last person I wanted to be vulnerable with was someone like Damani. We clicked like fire and gasoline, igniting something within me that felt exhilarating yet terrifying.

He had told me he loved me during that big ass argument a few days ago when pops finally told me his purpose of been in Atlanta, and though I was pissed in the moment, I had laughed it off like it was some kind of joke, part of me wondered if he meant it. Damani was intense, a badass like me. But when he looked at me with those dark, smoldering eyes that seemed to wrap me in warmth, I found myself second-guessing everything I thought I knew about relationships. I finished up with my hair and grabbed my outfit—a bold, form-fitting red dress that hugged my curves in all the right places. It was the kind of dress that made heads turn, but tonight I was wearing it for me. I wanted to feel fierce, unapologetic, and unbreakable, and a glowing red seemed to shout exactly that. Damani had asked to pick me up, but I suggested I drive as if anything should happen not to my liking I could just leave.

When I arrived at the restaurant, a trendy spot in the heart of the city, I immediately spotted Damani. He stood with an air of confidence that effortlessly drew attention. His shirt clung to his muscular frame, and the way he leaned back against the bar, arms crossed, radiated both ease and power Shit! why does he always have to look so damn good.

"Bumbocloth, look at you," he said, a lopsided grin breaking his otherwise cool demeanor. "You're breathtaking."

I felt a flutter in my chest at his compliment, but I masked it with my signature sass. "Don't get too used to it. I could show up wearing sweats next time."

"Like you wouldn't look damn sexy in it."

He laughed, a deep, rich sound that made my skin tingle. It was annoying how easily he could charm me and get me in the mood, but I wasn't about to let him see my vulnerability as I wanted to see how much he really loved me. I knew I said I liked him during the fight, but love is way stronger than a simple like.

We were seated at a cozy table in the corner, candles flickering lightly, casting a warm glow that felt oddly romantic. I didn't believe in sparks or some cosmic connection. Love was just a distraction, a silly notion meant for fairytales. At least, that's what I used to tell myself, come on, who wouldn't pops and Courtney love was a joke, the only couple I have seen thus far showing actual spark of romance and connection was Marcia and Neil, Damani's parents, and I guess I could put Kulture and Miles asses on the list for now. Pops and my schoolteacher could have gotten on the list too, if dad wasn't fucking other bitches while dating her.

"Shall we toast?" he said, raising his glass of wine.

"To new beginnings," I replied, clinking my glass against his, both of us taking a generous sip.

Our conversation unfolded effortlessly—jokes, stories about our not-so-glamorous pasts, and a playful competition over whose childhood was more absurd. Damani had a way of drawing me out, his laughter weaving through the air like a melody, pulling me into an intimacy I wasn't ready for.

"Hope this time I don't have to grab any of your employees by the neck"

"Still cah believe u was that jealous to kill her in public"