Page 24

Despite Bria rubbing him the wrong way, they were married.

This was now an obligation, which was why he would forgive her.

It didn’t mean her infidelity didn’t puncture his ego.

She had given another man free reigns to brag about having her while her last name was Crown.

If anything hurt Lo, it was that aspect.

“You don’t like me, do you?” she asked.

“You straight,” he kidded.

Smacking her lips, Bria hit his chest. “I’m serious, Lo. Do you even like me?”

“Yeah.”

“Yeah what?”

“Yeah, I like you.”

“What do you need from me to ensure that this marriage works?”

“…Well, I don’t have to state the obvious, do I?”

She snorted a chuckle. “No, you’ve made it terrifyingly clear that I shouldn’t do that again.”

“You gotta listen to me. I like that kind of shit. Following my directions is my love language. I don’t want you holding back with me. I know you’re inexperienced, and I like that. But with me, I need you to be comfortable so we can explore shit together.”

There were so many things Lo wanted to experience with Bria. He had plans to exalt her to heights she had never encountered.

“Okay, I can do that but you gotta be nice to me and make me a priority. You can be mean to everybody else but not me.”

Her spoiled ass…

Lo didn’t mind it though. He would spoil her as long as she was loyal to him.

“I got you… What do you like to do?”

“Hmm,” she hummed. “I love going to plays. Oh, and I love riding horses. My dad used to take me horseback riding all the time. I don't get a chance to do it since my schedule is so crazy but that’s probably my favorite hobby outside of dancing.”

Lo made a mental note of that. “Horses and plays. Okay.”

Bria snuggled closer to Lo, covering him with her clean scent. He hadn’t felt this comfortable in ages. Her presence was calming, which allowed him to disarm the guards he always had to have in place.

Sweat leaked from Bria’s pores. She curved her arms as she did a pirouette.

This was her favorite move to do. It required much balance and muscle memory.

She was in the midst of choreographing a new routine.

Always wanting to be ahead of her competition, Bria typically rehearsed for hours, making sure her routine was close to perfection.

There were some gigs coming up, and she wanted to be polished for them.

After another hour of rehearsing, her phone rang. Rushing over just in case it was Lo, she kneeled down and noticed it was her agent, Stella, calling.

“Hello,” she answered out of breath.

“Hey, did I call you at a busy time?”

“No, I was actually wrapping up my rehearsal. What’s up?”

“I wanted to give you a few updates on your schedule and bookings. So, I’m still fighting for you to have the lead in Swan Lake.”

Frustratedly, Bria shook her head. “What’s the issue?”

“Well.” Stella paused. “They don't think Swan should be led by a Black woman.”

Bria exhaled sharply while closing her eyes.

After all of her years of experience and accolades, she still had to fight to be seen.

Being in a white-dominated profession had given her so many woes that it had taken her love of dancing away at one point.

Bria had been ridiculed over the years because she didn’t have the proper aesthetic.

The hue of her skin was far too dark. Her body type didn’t fit the standard slim form that ballet dancers were known to have.

Bria had even been refused certain roles because she was told she’d ruin the visual.

Standing at five foot ten with a muscular build and thick quads, Bria had been informed that she would benefit being an athlete rather than a ballet dancer.

However, dancing was a passion that she would fight to have.

It was not only her desire, but it was also an outlet.

Ballet ushered her out of her reality and placed her in an existence that couldn’t harm her.

She was shielded of the evils of the world.

That was what she loved most about dancing.

The escapism that it brought her was unparalleled.

“I can’t believe we’re still here again. Who’s up for the part?”

“Katie.”

Bria immediately rolled her eyes. “I bet she’s trying her best to talk to the producers and get the role taken from me.”

“I mean, we’ve seen this game before, right? She does it all the time, but I’m determined to get you the role. You do have the charity gala next week. I also have you booked to teach classes at ABT next month.”

That news made Bria perk up. Teaching had become a passion she enjoyed immensely.

“I’m looking forward to that. Please keep me posted on Swan Lake. I really want that role.”

“I will, hun. As soon as I get an update, I’ll call you.”

“Alright, talk to you later.”

“Bye.”

Bria grabbed her towel and water bottle before leaving her in-house dance studio. On the way to the stairs, she noticed Lo in the kitchen. He had left early that morning, so she hadn’t seen him since then.

“Hey.”

He closed the fridge and peered at her. “Why you sweaty?”

“I was rehearsing.”

Lo took a deep gulp from the water bottle. “You got a show coming up?”

“Yeah, next week. It’s here at the art museum.”

“Am I invited?”

Her eyes expanded, surprised by his question. “I mean, yeah. I would love for you to come.”

“Why you acting surprised?”

“Because you’ve showed no interest in my dancing.”

Without saying a word, he advanced toward Bria and towered over her. She was always amazed at their height difference considering she was a tall girl herself.

“I wanna come.”

She smiled, feeling like she was falling into a deeper pit for him.

When he looked at her, she felt like the world came to a pause.

Nothing moved while his gaze explored hers.

This was the feeling Bria had been chasing when they first married.

She yearned to feel those jolts of electricity in her body when she was in his presence.

Now that it had finally arrived, Bria wanted more.

“Okay.”

“What you about to do?”

“I’m not sure yet.”

“My auntie is cooking, and she invited us over. You feel like riding with me today?”

Eagerly, she bobbed her head. “I would love to. Let me go shower then I’ll be ready.”

Bria hurried up the stairs to shower and get dressed.

She threw her hair in a slick bun to the back and wore hoop earrings.

Clad in a white bubble poplin dress, she slid her feet into a pair of metallic silver mules.

After spraying on some perfume, she met Lo downstairs.

His eyes couldn’t stop exploring her from head to toe.

He liked what he saw even if he didn’t say it.

“You look pretty.”

Bria beamed as if she had never received a compliment before. It just felt different coming from Lo. Being a man of not many words, he didn’t say things that he didn’t mean, so his admiration meant a lot.

“Thank you.”

“Come on, let’s go.”

The couple got inside his Porsche and drove away.

There was a level of excitement that Bria couldn’t contain.

Being around Lo’s family would provide more insight to the mystery she laid with every night.

She needed answers that he wouldn’t provide freely.

Bria wanted to peel back every layer that made Lo who he was.

Why was he so violent? Why did he have bad dreams?

What happened that made him so closed off.

The new obsession for her husband had come without warning but Bria was determined to know the makings of Kylo.

His Aunt Maddy stayed in the Hudson Heritage neighborhood in St. Parklynn.

It was considered the suburbs with a diverse demographic.

Lo pulled into the driveway, and the two got out the car.

He grabbed her hand and led her up the concrete stairs.

As soon as Bria approached the porch, the smell of fried chicken hit her nose, making her stomach grumble.

They walked inside where tunes of The O’Jay’s “ Use Ta Be My Girl ” resounded through the air. Bria was pleasantly surprised to see Kaylona and Meco seated on the couch with a little girl sitting on the floor.

“Hey, girl,” Kaylona greeted her, standing to hug.

“Hey, how are you?”

“Good.” Kaylona took a step back, examining Bria. “You look so good. Just wait until I get my legs like that. Meco ain't gon’ know what to do with me.”

His upper lip curled. “Nah, you ain't gon’ know what to do with me when I snatch yo’ ass up.”

So, Lo isn’t the only crazy one. Got it…

“Girl, stop.” Bria playfully rolled her eyes. “You know that body is bad.”

She felt tapping on her leg. When she looked down, she noticed, Kaylona’s little twin, raising her arms.

“Girl, she always want people to hold her. Her lil’ spoiled self,” Kaylona playfully fussed.

Bria kneeled down and picked the baby up. She looked exactly like Kaylona with the prettiest lashes and a bright smile.

“She is so adorable. What’s her name?”

“Kylan. Ky, say hi.”

She waved her small hand as Lo approached.

“Come here.” He reached out for her.

Kylan looked at Lo then at Meco. Her expression was curious as she peered between her dad and her uncle.

“She be so confused when she sees me.” Lo laughed, taking her from Bria. “You see I got your pops’ face, huh? I look better than that nigga though.”

Meco kissed his teeth. “No, your ugly ass don't.”

“Meco, you wanna get slapped on your lips today?” Aunt Maddy warned, carrying a pan of mac and cheese. When she placed it on the dining room table, she turned toward them.

“Hey, baby.” She approached Bria, bringing her in for a hug. “I’m so glad Lo brought you. I’ve been asking him about you, and he’s been acting stank. You doing okay?”

“I am. How about you?”

“Oh, girl. I’m fine.” She walked over to Lo who held Kylan. “Hey, Auntie baby. I got some sweet potatoes for my lil’ pumpkin,” she cooed, drawing a smile from her.

“Where Durand at?” Lo inquired.