She's always been off-limits to everyone on the block-until a fearless new guy moves in and changes the rules.
ps. This my first book, don't be shy to comment and give suggestions!
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The Plug's Daughter Chapter 21: Do you trust me ?
Alazhá's POV:
The next morning at Romani's crib...
Alazhá stretched, her arms brushing against Romani's bare chest. She blinked at the sunlight peeking through the blinds, feeling the warmth of his body still wrapped around her. For a moment, everything felt peaceful—just her and him.
"Mornin', beautiful," Romani mumbled, his deep, sleepy voice making her stomach flutter.
"Mornin', trouble," she teased, nudging him playfully.
"You still callin' me trouble after last night?" He smirked, pulling her closer. "I thought I redeemed myself."
"Boy, you always halfway redeeming yourself, but it's cool," she said with a grin, sitting up and throwing her legs off the bed.
Romani watched her, his eyes trailing down her body. She felt the heat of his gaze and rolled her eyes. "Don't start, Romani."
"What? You fine as hell, Zhá. Just admirin'."
"Admire from the kitchen," she shot back. "I'm hungry."
While Romani was flipping pancakes, his phone buzzed on the counter. He glanced at the screen, seeing Murk's name pop up.
"Yo, nigga what you callin so early for?" he answered, balancing the phone between his shoulder and ear.
"Bruh, I just got word Kemo tryna push through your spots again," Murk said, his tone serious.
Romani's jaw tightened. "That Stupid ass nigga ain't learned his lesson yet?"
"Nah, bro. He got new connects and thinkin' he untouchable."
Romani's grip on the spatula tightened. "Aight, I ain't trippin. I'll handle it. Keep your ears open."
As he hung up, Alazhá walked in, already side-eyeing him. "What's that face for? Who pissed you off now?"
"Nobody worth mentionin'," he said, handing her a plate. "Just business."
She sat at the table, eyeing him suspiciously. "Romani, if this 'business' got anything to do with Kemo, you better tell me right now."
He sighed, sitting across from her. "Look, Zhá, it ain't somethin' you need to stress over. I got it handled."
"That's not an answer," she shot back, her tone sharp. "If Kemo's tryna mess with my dad's shit , it is my business."
"You think I'm gon' let that happen? Hell nah. But you ain't gotta worry 'bout the details," he said firmly.
She leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms. "Romani, I don't like bein' left in the dark."
"And I don't like the idea of you gettin' caught up in somethin' dangerous," he countered. "So trust me, aight?"
Her eyes softened slightly, but she wasn't fully convinced. "Aight... for now."
Later that afternoon, Alazhá's homegirls Zori, Keisha, and Mariah pulled up to scoop her for a much-needed distraction.
"You lookin' all refreshed and whatnot," Zori teased as Alazhá slid into the backseat. "Romani must've put in overtime."
"Girl, hush," Alazhá said, rolling her eyes but smiling.
"Where we headed?" Mariah asked, adjusting her lashes in the mirror.
"The Galleria," Keisha said. "We need new fits, and Zhá need some inspiration for that hair business she startin'."
As they pulled up to the mall, the energy in the car was already loud. Zori was snapping pics for IG, Mariah was hyping everyone up, and Keisha was scrolling through TikTok for outfit ideas.
Inside the mall, they hit up the usual spots—Forever 21, Zara, and an exclusive boutique that always had the flyest dresses.
"Zhá, you gon' need a fire photoshoot for them bundles," Zori said, holding up a sleek red mini dress.
"I know, I'm workin' on it," Alazhá replied, flipping through a rack of tops.
Mariah nudged her. "But for real, what's up with you and Romani? Y'all good?"
"We straight... for now," Alazhá said, shrugging. "He just got too much goin' on sometimes."
"Girl, as long as he treatin' you right, don't let these niggas in the streets mess with your head," Mariah said.
Keisha, who had been quiet most of the trip, chimed in, "Yeah, but how long that gon' last? Them street niggas always bring drama."
Mariah shot her a look. "Why you always soundin' shady, Keisha? You got somethin' to say?"
"I'm just clockin tea," Keisha said with a shrug.
"Aight, y'all not finna fuck up the mood today," Zori interjected, holding up her hands. "Let's keep it cute.Thank Ya."
Romani's POV:
Romani sat in the trap with his crew, going over their next moves to shut Kemo down. The tension was thick, and his usual cool demeanor was starting to crack.
"Nigga, you good?" Murk asked, noticing his mood.
Romani shook his head. "Nah, I'm tired of this bitch ass boy playin' like he untouchable. It's time to send a message."
Before they could get deeper into the conversation, Romani's phone buzzed with a notification. He opened Instagram and saw Alazhá's story—her and her girls trying on outfits at the mall, laughing and looking carefree.
A small smile tugged at his lips.
"You over there cheesin' like a simp ass nigga," Murk teased.
Romani shot him a look. "Mind your business bitch."
After hours at the mall, the girls dropped Alazhá back at Romani's house. She was feeling lighter, but her mind was still on Kemo and the potential drama ahead.
When she walked in, Romani was waiting for her on the couch.
"You had fun?" he asked, pulling her onto his lap.
"Yeah, it was cute," she said, resting her head on his shoulder.
He tilted her chin up, looking into her eyes. "You trust me, Zhá?"
She nodded slowly. "Yeah, I do."
"Then let me handle everything, aight? I ain't gon' let nobody come between us or mess with your family," he said, his tone serious.
Her heart softened, and she leaned in, kissing him gently. "Okay, Romani. But don't make me regret it."
