IMANI

11

"Can I join you?" A croaky voice said, causing Imani to roll her eyes. She turned to look at the owner of the voice. It was Tunde. Imani internally rolled her eyes. She knew he had left the table to keep her company.

"I'm doing just fine. Thanks for asking though," she smiled politely and continued waiting for her series to buffer. Imani scrunched up her nose at the smell of strong beer as Tunde leaned in.

"Don't be like that," He said, grazing his hands on her arms. Imani raised her eyebrows at him.

"But I told you I am fine," Imani said, turning back to her phone.

"I know your type," Tunde smiled, showing his almost pearly white teeth.

"My type?" Imani nonchalantly, hoping he would catch on that she didn't want to talk and leave her alone.

"The ones that want the guy but try to act modest," Tunde placed his hand on her shoulder and moved his hands down them slowly. Imani held a look of disgust on her face.

"I suggest you stop touching me," Imani said, trying to sound calm and not cause a scene.

"See what I'm talking about. You say one thing, and you mean the other," Tunde said with his hand still on her arm. He used his second hand to caress her cheek.
Imani got up from the stool and moved back.
"Are you deaf? Don't fucking touch me. I can see you're drunk," Imani spat out.

"Baby baby. All this drama is not necessary. Come here," He said, pulling Imani's face close to land her a kiss.
Imani squirmed and shoved him off. He moved closer to her again. She turned to leave, but he grabbed on to her arm. He yanked her closer, placed his hands on her waist, and brought his head closer again. Imani tried to push him off this time, but he held her down tightly. She tried to kick his groin, but he noticed and used his knee to block her movement. Imani accepted her fate. She watched his chapped lips lean in closer to hers. Her face held a look of horror. Just as she closed her eyes, she felt the body being freed from his hold.

"The woman said she wasn't interested, respect that," A voice shouted. Imani's eyes widened in shock as she saw Fego fold up his sleeves and throw a punch at Tunde.

"Next time a woman says no, you listen," He said, throwing a punch. Tunde groaned in pain. Fego hit him hard again, this time a bone-cracking sound was heard. Imani wasn't sure if it was his wrist or Tundes skull.

A small crowd began to form as Tunde squirmed and groan in pain. Imani tried to pull Fego off him, but he wouldn't budge.

"Mr. Dickson, it is okay, please," she kept repeating as she tried pulling him.
Greg finally appeared and was able to pull him away from Tunde.

"Dude calm down," Greg said with clenched teeth. Fego shoved Greg off him and moved back a little. He smoothened out his shirt and walked towards the exit of the bar. Emma rushed to Imani's side and checked her friend's body for injuries. Imani couldn't get over what had just happened to her. She saw the bouncers pick Tunde up and throw his outside the bar.
Imani gently pulled away from Emma and Sade. She went outside to search for Fego. She saw him standing by his car. She walked cautiously to him.

"Uhm, thank you," she cleared her throat and made her presence know.

"I didn't do it for you," he said. Imani stared at him like he had grown another head.

"Doesn't matter; you helped me," she said, turning to leave.

"Wait," Fego sighed. Imani turned back slowly.

"I'm sorry for the other day at your place," He said, facing her now.

"No, I'm sorry for getting mad like that," She said.
Fego nodded his head and watched her turn to leave again. She paused and turned back at him.
"Can I take a look at your hand? I heard a crack sound, and I need to be sure it wasn't from you," Imani said, playing with her fingers nervously.