For However Long

Protection

Alina POV

"I'm almost done getting dressed give me like 20 min" says Kehlani with her toothbrush in her mouth.

"That's fine" I say smiling at her.

I have a surprise for her that will make her feel much better about Demi. When she first told me what happened I called everyone I knew to get some answers. I paid one of my husband's old workers 20 thousand to find her. He messaged me while Kehlani was in the shower saying he brought Demi back. He should be calling soon.

"Hey Paulo so glad you called." I say going to sit on the bed. "Is she ok?"

"Yeah, a little shaken up but she's fine." says Paulo pausing. "You might wanna talk to her yourself though."

"Yes of course, put her on." I say pushing my hair behind my ear.

I can hear him pass her the phone.

"Lina! Thank you so much!" says Demi crying. "How is Kehlani?"

"She's fine and she'll be better when she finds out those assholes didn't do anything to you." I say.

"Yeah... I wanna thank you again" says Demi in a low voice.

"I would do anything for you, boo" I say trying not to cry. "He's gonna get you cleaned up so you can meet us for dinner."

"I can't... I'm sorry" says Demi. "You have to look after Kehlani for me, I promised her mom I would take care of her."

"What are you saying?" I ask.

"I have to stay away from her Lina" says Demi. "I don't want her getting hurt because of me."

"She's gonna be even more broken when she finds out your ok and don't want to see her." I say.

"I rather her be alive." says Demi. "Listen. I know you like her..."

"Don't change the subject," I say. "tell Paulo to bring you here."

"Bye Lina" says Demi.

"Demi don't fucking hang up on me" I yell.

"We'll meet again one day" says Demi. "I love you guys"

"At least tell me where you're going" I say.

"I can't. I'm sorry."

"HELLO... Hello" I say looking at my phone in disbelief. "Fuck!"

I screamed and threw my phone into the wall.

"Are you ok?" says Kehlani running from the bathroom.

"Yeah, everything is fine. I promise." I say with a nervous laugh.

"The way you said that makes me think otherwise.." say Kehlani.

"Everything is fine... including you." I say brushing off a piece of of lint from her cardigan and smiling. "You ready to eat?"

"Starving" says Kehlani.

"There is a little change of plans. I thought we could go to this cafe by the Eiffel tower," I say. "it's beautiful at night."

"Hell yeah that sounds dope" says Kehlani. "I'm low-key glad because I don't know how to eat a formal meal."

"That's ok, I'll teach you." I say grabbing my clutch and looping my arm through hers.

"Thanks" says Kehlani with a little smile. "You're a really awesome person. You didn't have to do all this for me but I appreciate it."

"It's all good. Really." I reply.