In the gritty streets of Harlem, where loyalty is everything and danger lurks around every corner, two seemingly perfect couples, Krystal and Shakur, live a life of wealth and allure. Married for two years, they present a polished image to the world...
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CHAPTER NINE
Krystal sat in her office, flipping through the event details for the party she'd planned at the club. She had everything down to the last detail; nothing could go wrong. But even as she tried to focus, her mind kept drifting back to Shakur—to the moment they'd had.
She felt a flash of anger rise in her chest as she remembered the way he'd made her feel. She hated that she'd let it happen, that she'd crossed that line with him. She'd sworn she wouldn't let him get that close, but the chemistry between them was undeniable, and she'd let her guard down. And now, the thought of him still had her twisted up.
With a deep breath, Krystal brushed those thoughts aside and put her game face on. Tonight was about showing the world she didn't need him to make her mark, regardless of their partnership.
The event was in full swing, drawing in a crowd of street bosses, key players, and even a few rivals. As the bass thumped through the club, Krystal walked around, her presence commanding the room. She smirked, seeing the nods and whispers from some of the street bosses as she passed by.
This was her territory, her moment, and she didn't need anyone questioning her.
But just as she started to relax, she felt an icy chill run down her spine. She turned and saw Shakur striding through the crowd, his eyes locking onto hers with an expression that was anything but friendly.
Her jaw clenched, and she took a deep breath, preparing herself for whatever he was about to bring.
Shakur didn't stop until he was inches away, his voice low and controlled. "You really thought you could throw this lil party without givin' me a heads up?"
Krystal crossed her arms, rolling her eyes. "I thought you were out of town, handling that business trip. Since when do I have to ask permission?"
His jaw tightened. "Since we became partners. This kind of move brings heat, and you out here, pulling in attention like you untouchable."
"Isn't that the point?" she shot back, voice dripping with sarcasm. "Or did I forget to follow yo lil playbook?"
He leaned in, his voice barely above a whisper. "You're risking everything we've worked for because you're too busy trying to prove a point. You wanna look tough? You just put a target on our backs."
She let out a bitter laugh, hating that he thought he could control her. "Oh, now it's we, huh? You mean, as in both of us? Because from where I'm standing, you're only worried about one thing—making sure you don't lose control."
He didn't respond right away, just looked at her, a slow, dark smile spreading across his face. "Control? You didn't seem to mind me taking control the other night, did you?"
Krystal's cheeks burned, but she kept her composure, narrowing her eyes. "Don't get it twisted. What happened was a momentary lapse in judgment. Nothing more."
