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“We’ll see, Cass.”

“I don’t see why the hell you dragged me into this,” Mars complained from the passenger seat. “This type of shit is not my scene.”

“You’re coming because I need you to ensure nothing happens to Aella’s sister.”

“She ain’t got a security detail?”

“I’m sure she does, but it’ll look better if I go the extra mile to make shit happen.”

“So basically, you’re using me to get in your girl’s good graces?”

Cassius grinned, shrugging. “Pretty much.”

“Boy, you ain’t shit, and you know it.”

“Nigga, have I ever complained about you dragging me into your bullshit?”

“Yes, you absolutely fuckin’ have. Every chance you got.”

Laughing, Cassius turned into the Torrisi estate. “Whatever you say, bruh.”

Sulking, Mars glared out of the window. “I’m sure I’ve seen her sister before in passing but I can’t recall what she looks like. Is she fine? I’m not spending my night tied to a mud duck.”

“Yeah, she’s bad. I wouldn’t do you like that.”

“She'd better be. And since we’re pulling all this effort into you bagging Aella, I’m assuming you’re really doing this? No games, no backing out?”

It was a hard pill to swallow, but too many days had passed with Cassius unable to get Aella out of his mind for him not to explore his attraction to her—or their connection. She frustrated the hell out of him, but she also made him smile and challenged him in ways he appreciated. It was entirely too early to think about love, but there was undeniably something there he couldn’t resist.

But he wasn’t ready to admit that to Mars, so he remained silent while pulling into the winding driveway. Annoyance flooded him when he noticed the house was dark.

“Uh, bruh,” Mars said, rolling down his window. “I hate to bust your bubble, but uh, it doesn’t look like anyone’s home.”

Refusing to acknowledge his friend out of fear he’d sink his fist into his face, Cassius parked and climbed out of the car, refusing to entertain the idea that he’d been stood up. Strolling to the door, he knocked hard, hoping to be spared the embarrassing moment.

After at least three minutes of knocking, the same housekeeper from the previous night greeted him, only this time she was wearing pajamas and a bewildered expression.

“How can I help you?”

“My bad, I didn’t mean to disturb you. I was looking for Aella.”

“Miss Torrisi left for the gala with her family almost thirty minutes ago,” the older woman revealed, unintentionally igniting a fire within him.

Nodding slowly, Cassius stepped off the porch, rubbing the back of his neck. “You know what, I think she did mention that. It must’ve slipped my mind.”

The housekeeper shot him a sympathetic look, as if she didn’t fully believe him but didn’t call him out.

“Of course. Enjoy the rest of your night.”

Stalking back to the car, Cassius climbed inside, slamming the door behind him.

“I take it Shorty isn’t here?” Mars tittered, observing his friend’s annoyed demeanor.

“Nah. But it’s all good. I got something for her ass.”

“Don’t get in this gala acting crazy.”

Cassius didn’t respond. Starting the car, he swiftly pulled off, suddenly anxious to get to the event he’d successfully avoided for years.