In These Streets

Chapter 13

Saturday was beautiful.

The sky was a clear, sapphire blue, and the sun shone cheerily. The air was fragrant with the smell of flowers, leaves and grass after the cleansing rain brought everything fully blooming to life.

I got ready with haste, clumsily dropping my eyelash curler and stumbling over my own feet in my nervousness.

I left my hair natural and flowing, curling down to my waist. Not wanting to seem ridiculous with the makeup, I put on a few coats of waterproof mascara and my clear gloss since it seemed there would be a water activity.

I chose a really sexy red two-piece bathing suit, the top accentuating my breasts, and the bottom molding to my backside like a second skin, perking up my booty. The front and back scraps of material came together with two gold latches on either side of my hips.

I had only ever worn it once, on a vacation with my family to Greece.

I pulled a white, long-sleeved tunic over it, the hem dropping down to mid-thigh, and slipped on my white wedges.

The outfit was sexy yet cute, and finally satisfied, I paced my room as I tried to nibble on some cut up pieces of pineapple I found in the fridge.

I wasn't sure what to expect from Darius on this date. Did he expect me to fall into his bed with him at the end, despite him saying he'd respect my boundaries?

Was that just a show?

I hoped this date was about getting to know me, not figuring out a way to sleep with me.

I would stay wary of any red flags.

It was almost noon when my phone chimed with a message, and my heart dropped in my chest with anticipation.

Be there in a minute.

It was from Darius.

I quickly grabbed my purse, practically running for the front door.

"Ambra, where are you going dressed like that?" my mom asked as I passed her in the kitchen.

"I'm going out for the day, Mama. I'll be back this evening sometime," I called out, yanking the door open and stepping out into the stifling heat, not waiting for her response.

Just as I made it down the front steps, Darius pulled up to the curb in a brand new black Land Range Rover with spinning chrome rims.

I walked up to the vehicle and gave a low whistle as I opened the door to climb in.

"Nice wheels."

He had on a camouflage-printed muscle shirt, black board shorts that reached the knee, and black Nike slip-ons. He was wearing his Rolex, gold chain, and diamond studs, and his Aviators covered his face.

He lifted them up on his forehead to peer at me and shot me that sexy grin he was so good at.

"Damn, Ambra, you look incredible. So beautiful," he breathed, his eyes raking from my wedges, up my body, to my face, where he met my eyes.

I blushed.

"Thank you. You look nice too," I mumbled.

And he did. For the first time, his sleeve tattoos were exposed in the light up close, so I could see the design.

The thick black ink running up both of his arms depicted Biblical symbols, with a lion, crown, gun, a pair of dice and tribal markings, mixed with bold scripture, all interwoven together.

I breathed in his clean, masculine scent, potent in the close space.

"You rushed out here. Did you not want me to go in and introduce myself?" he asked casually, putting his shades back in place.