“Like you thinking too hard.”
My chest rose just a little too fast.
I rolled my eyes, pushing at him lightly. “Boy, please.”
“I’m serious,” he said, catching my wrist before I could pull away.
His grip wasn’t rough, but it wasn’t loose either.
“I’m finna go lay down,” I said, trying to brush it off and turning before he could read anything on my face.
I barely got a step in before his arm slid around my waist, pulling me back into him like it was nothing. My breath hitched when my back met his chest. It was solid and warm.
“Why you keep trying to run from me, ma?” he asked, his voice right at my ear again.
I tilted my head just enough to look at him over my shoulder. “Who said I was running?”
He let out a quiet laugh, tightening his hold. “You did. Every time I get like this with you, you be ready to go.”
“I don’t know, Kyrie,” I said, shrugging, even though he still had me pinned against him.
“Nawl,” he said, his tone shifting deeper and more serious. “You know.”
His hand settled on my waist, his fingers brushing along my side before coming to rest again, slower this time.
“So, tell me what it is,” he added. “’Cause I know you ain’t scared of me.”
“I’m not,” I quickly said.
“Then what?” he pressed, turning me in his hold so I was facing him.
The smirk was gone. Now, he was just looking at me like he was focused.
“I’m not gon’ hurt you,” he said, quieter this time.
I searched his face for a second and then barely slipped out of his grip. It took effort, and he let me, but it didn’t feel like I had much room.
“How do I know that?” I asked.
His jaw tightened just a little, but he didn’t look away.
“You don’t,” he said. “But I’m trying to show you.”
That made my chest feel weird. I dropped my gaze without thinking, my thoughts spiraling again.
“Nawl.” His fingers came under my chin, lifting my head back up, slow and controlled.
Not forceful but not smiling either.
“Don’t do that,” he murmured, his eyes locking onto mine.
His thumb brushed lightly along my chin, then paused there.
“You are too beautiful to be walking around with your head down.”
His voice dropped low, barely above a murmur, as he leaned in, and I felt it before it even happened. My lips parted without me meaning to, as if my body were already one step ahead of me.
“Keep that up, ma.” Then his lips met mine. Soft at first, but it didn’t stay there.
