In These Streets

Chapter 11

The sun was sinking lower in the sky as I pulled into my driveway and noticed a sleek black BMW i8 parked by the curb.

My heart rate picked up as I tried to discreetly inspect it in my rearview mirror.

It couldn't be.

I grabbed my gym bag and stepped out of the car, slinging the strap over my shoulder, and briskly walked toward my front door. I was determined to make it into the apartment.

A car door shut behind me, causing my breathing to hitch.

"Ambra."

The voice behind me was smooth and soft, with that huskiness that made my knees weak.

I stopped in my tracks, and slowly pivoted, my face an unreadable mask.

Darius stood there at the end of the driveway, wearing a V-neck black shirt, with his hands stuffed casually in his denim pockets. As always, he wore bling.

"What are you doing here?" I asked, narrowing my eyes.

"Look, Ambra, I know what happened last night was my fault, a'ight? I put you in a bad position, and it was fucked up. Talia is gone, for good. I'm done with her ass after what she did last night. Did you get my gift? I waited for you to call."

I noticed neighbors were peering through their windows and casting curious glances at Darius's car and at us. People walked by, some snapping pictures of the car with their cell phones.

I walked closer to him, casting my voice low so as not to be overheard.

"I got your gift. It was completely unnecessary and uncalled for. You can have it back because it's way too much. And if you think I will call you after what happened then you have the wrong girl. If you really cared, you would have called me."

Darius scrubbed his face with his hand, frustration evident in his expression.

"Let me make it up to you. I'm being deadass honest with you, Ambra. I'm here in front of you, ain't I?"

He sounded exasperated, his body stiff.

I sighed, my shoulders heaving with disappointment.

"Darius, I think it's just a waste of time, for both of us. You obviously have a type and it's not me."

It hurt to say those words, but I knew if I didn't burn this bridge I would always be crossing it and regretting it immensely.

He clenched his jaw and narrowed his eyes.

"You don't know enough about me, Ambra. I know you think you do, but just keep this one date with me. Get to know me. Just the two of us," he finally said.

He seemed to have reigned his frustration in, and I could tell he really wanted me to reconsider.

I felt so conflicted, one part of me feeling intrigued and excited being with him, and the other, most likely more logical part of me, felt cautious, like there was something I was getting into that I didn't quite understand or trust.

"Fine. We can still go out next Saturday. But..." I trailed off.

He inclined his head, waiting for me to finish.

"But what?"

"You aren't allowed to kiss me unless I give you permission."

It was a condition that just popped into my head. The sexual tension between us was palpable and thick in the atmosphere no matter where we were, and every time Darius had his lips on me so far, I didn't trust myself and where my thoughts ended up.