Dark Velvet (Book 2)

Dark Signs

As Layla stepped into Ronnie's hospital room, her eyes immediately found D-MO standing by his side, arms crossed and a guarded look on his face. She offered a small smile, but he didn't return it, his expression unchanging as he looked her over.

"Damn, D-MO, I texted you, asking how he was doing," she said, trying to lighten the tension. "Why you didn't hit me back?"

D-MO rolled his eyes, folding his arms tighter. "Girl, ain't nobody worried about you," he shot back. "You ain't even been up here to see him. But you expect me to give you updates? Nah. You should've been here to lay eyes on him yourself, not just textin' one of us like that's enough."

The weight of his words hit her, and she glanced down, guilt washing over her. She knew he was right.

She took a step closer to Ronnie, who lay in the bed looking more stable than she remembered, his breathing steady, a soft warmth in his expression. She reached out, taking his hand, and leaned in, her voice low but full of emotion.

"Ronnie... I'm sorry," she murmured, her fingers tracing small circles over his hand. "I know I should've been here sooner. I let too much get in the way, and that's on me." She swallowed, her throat tight as she felt the weight of the past week press down on her. "I love you. I promise I won't miss another day. I'm here for you. For real."

For a moment, she thought she saw his eyes flutter, a slight squeeze of his hand in response, and her heart lifted, a glimmer of hope breaking through her guilt.

D-MO's gaze softened a little as he watched, though he didn't say anything. Layla stayed by Ronnie's side for a few more minutes, sharing stories and quiet words, letting her presence be felt.

After spending time with Ronnie, Layla decided she needed a break, something to lift her spirits. She texted Poma, who replied almost immediately, suggesting they meet at their favorite lounge.

Layla walked into the lounge, immediately spotting Poma at a booth, waving her over. The air was thick with the scent of hookah and laughter, and the bass of the music pulsed through the space, vibrant and alive. She slid into the seat across from Poma, who grinned as she handed Layla a drink.

"Girl, you look like you've been through it," Poma said with a playful smile, lighting the hookah. "Now spill. We got all night."

Layla laughed, taking a deep breath and letting the atmosphere loosen her up. They ordered drinks, sharing appetizers, laughing over stories, and catching up like they always did. The weight of the past few days melted away as they sipped and smoked, the night stretching out in warmth and easy conversation, just like old times.

For the first time in a while, Layla felt the tension slipping, reminded that some things never changed.

After a long night catching up with Poma, Layla headed back to her Range Rover, the warmth of the evening lingering as she drove home. She kicked off her heels, letting out a sigh as she sank into her couch. The comfort of her own space wrapped around her as she turned on the TV, letting the familiar background noise drift over her. Before she knew it, she'd drifted off, exhaustion finally catching up with her.

A soft buzz from her phone jolted her awake. Groggy, she reached for it, blinking at the screen as her eyes adjusted to the early morning light filtering through her curtains.

It was a text from Kaelen: "How's Ronnie doing?"

Layla's heart skipped, a chill creeping over her as she stared at the message. How did he even know I went to see Ronnie? she thought, her mind racing. She hadn't told him, hadn't mentioned anything about her visit.

Confused and a little shaken, she decided to FaceTime him, needing answers.

He picked up after a few rings, his face filling the screen, his expression calm but unreadable. "Hey, beautiful," he said smoothly, as if nothing were out of the ordinary.