This is the sequel to Heart Ain't a Brain. If you haven't, read that first!
They say don't fall in love, it's a mistake.
The trajectory of one's life can change in the blink of an eye. So what happens when a series of tragic events changes the cour...
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I'll never forget you You put me on a feeling I never had, never had, never had And ever since I've been tryna get it back You pick it up and put it back
"Raelle, I don't agree with you going anywhere without your security detail." Malachi's voice was firm, his body tense as he stood across from Raelle and Kasim who were seated at the island. His broad frame blocked the space between them, making it clear that he wasn't just making a suggestion—he was issuing a warning.
Raelle exhaled, tilting her head slightly as she looked at him. She knew his concern came from a real place, but this was something she had to do on her terms. "I know, Chi, but I swear I'll be fine," she reassured, her voice softer now, hoping to ease the worry in his dark eyes. "Kasim will be with me the entire time. He's not letting me out of his sight."
Malachi's jaw tightened. He wanted to push back, to demand more, but there was something about the way she looked at him—pleading but resolute—that made him hesitate. He couldn't help but feel his demeanor softening at her calling him by his nickname. She had been using it a lot more lately and it made a warm feeling spread throughout his body every time she would fix her mouth to say it. He had been called that name most of his life by his family and friends but he would be lying if he said it didn't sound the best coming from her mouth.
"Where exactly are y'all going?" His tone held an edge, his gaze sharp as he studied her.
Raelle felt the weight of his stare and faltered, her fingers lightly gripping the edge of the island counter. She wasn't about to betray the location of Dominic's warehouse, not even Malachi. Despite everything, she still protected him.
"Ummm..." She shifted her eyes to Kasim, silently begging for backup, only to find him fully engrossed in his phone, thumbs flying across the screen as he texted Vanessa back. She had sent him yet another TikTok video and if he didn't reply to every one of them, she would catch an attitude. That was something he didn't have time for today.
"Kasim," she hissed through clenched teeth, elbowing him sharply.
"Shit! What?!" Kasim clutched his side, eyes snapping up in irritation.
"Malachi's asking where we're going."
Kasim let out a long breath before lazily sitting up. He wasn't worried about Malachi, but for Raelle's sake, he decided to play along. "Look, Malachi..." He met the man's intense stare, the tension between them crackling like static. Malachi had been around for a while now, and he was great at his job, but Kasim wasn't blind.
Malachi had it bad for Raelle. And Raelle? She was too damn oblivious to see it.
"I swear she safe with me. Ain't nothing happening to her on my watch. You gotta chill, my nigga." Kasim's tone was lighthearted, a lopsided grin forming on his lips, but the promise in his words was real.
