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Bria kissed her teeth, not liking how Dough was interrogating her. He had no right, considering she didn’t belong to him.

“No, I’m not. He hasn’t done anything to me.”

There was a pause before he said, “Look, I can take care of that problem for you, but I need your help.”

“What problem?” she asked, knowing exactly what he was referring to.

“That nigga, Bria. Help me out, and I’ll help you.”

Slowly, she sat down as her heart rate increased. “Help you how?”

“I can’t say too much right now. I’d rather talk to you in person.”

Right away, Bria shook her head. “I can’t do that. Lo will find out and I don't want to test him again. Plus, you violated me by running your mouth.”

“Man,” he drawled, “let that shit go. Besides, he won’t find out,” he promised.

“Yes, he will. How do you think he found out about me creeping with you?”

Dough chuckled. “That man really got you scared of him. Listen, all you gotta do is make sure he’s at the right place at the right time. That’s it.”

Her eyes ballooned. “You want me to set him up?”

“See this why I wanna talk to you in person. You say way too much over the phone, Bria.”

“I just told you I can’t meet with you, Dough. I don't think I’ll ever be able to see you again. I can’t risk it.”

Bria waited anxiously for his reply. Despite her still holding feelings for Dough, she was devoted to her husband. She wanted it to work and finally saw potential in her and Lo. Her loyalty had to remain with him despite the obstacles in their marriage.

“Bria, this is me you talking to. Me and you have always been locked in. You help me out and I’ll eliminate that problem. Then, me and you can get together on some real shit. I know the timing is bad, but I should’ve been wifed you up.”

The scoff that left her lips echoed throughout the room.

“What’s so different now?”

“Shit, a lot,” he said casually. “I don't like you being with that nigga. He don't deserve you, and I feel like he’s going to bring your value down. Help me out and I got you forever.”

Shaking her head, Bria didn’t like his sudden proposal for them to be together. Dough hadn’t thought about making her his before she got married. He’d enjoyed the no-strings-attached relationship, and she did, too. However, Bria wasn’t moved by this newfound clarity Dough possessed.

“I can’t do it, and I can’t talk to you anymore.”

“You serious?” he asked, dumbfounded.

“Yes, I belong to Lo now. Please don't contact me. You're going to get me in trouble.”

Bria ended the call before he could respond.

She even blocked the number he had called from.

She couldn’t risk keeping in contact with Dough anymore.

Bria never thought she would see the day, but this had to be done.

She’d already messed up once and didn’t want to inflict more pain on Lo.

He had enough suffering in his system. Bria went back to the mirror, checking her appearance before preparing for her performance.

Lo sat in the back row near the exit. He looked around at all the faces who were looking forward to the performance.

Lo didn’t know what to expect. He had never attended a ballet performance in his life.

It was no surprise that it was mainly white people in attendance with a few Blacks sprinkled in the audience.

When the lights dimmed and the curtain opened, Lo focused his attention on the stage.

Classical music wafted through the atmosphere.

A barrage of dancers flooded the stage while Lo tried to look for Bria.

Not able to spot her, he leaned forward, trying to catch the moment she stepped out on stage.

The dancers moved in sync, doing steps that looked effortless.

After one song, they cleared the stage, and another song started.

It was a soft tune with the piano as the focal instrument.

A moment passed by when he finally saw the silhouette of his beauty.

Bria looked spectacular as she glided on the stage.

Damn…

Lo was in awe. His attention had been captured.

Bria’s smile illuminated the room. She mirrored an angel as she pirouetted across the stage.

Her movements were so fluid, showcasing every muscle in her body.

He’d never been interested in ballet but somehow, he was tuned in like he was watching his favorite show.

Lo was amazed at how Bria was able to convey such emotion with her body.

She suddenly leaped in the air, displaying a level of athleticism that he didn’t know she possessed.

“So, this is love…”

Bria’s actions matched perfectly with the song.

She was soft but exhibited such strength.

Watching her in her element gave Lo great satisfaction.

Her mind was in another galaxy. Her eyes filled with joy that only dancing could provide.

A new level of infatuation had been unlocked for Lo.

He’d never been in a trance like this before.

“Mmm, mmm, so this is love.”

Somehow, he felt more connected to Bria in this moment.

Lo had no understanding of why, but he was deeply invested in her.

He barely blinked because he didn’t want to miss a moment of her on stage.

Hands clapping snapped him out of his daze.

Looking around, he noticed all the people standing, giving her an ovation that was rightfully owed to her.

Lo peered at Bria, who grinned and took a bow before running to the back.

Immediately, he got up and walked out of the theater.

He wanted to be the first face Bria saw.

After a short walk and asking where her dressing room was, Lo approached the door.

He knocked and a few seconds later, the door opened.

Bria’s skin was coated in a sheen of sweat, giving her a dewy look.

Her eyes glowed when she realized it was him.

Her smile was so infectious that he had no choice but to allow a simper to form on his lips.

“You’re here!” she gushed, wrapping her arms around his neck.

Bria possessed an innocence that Lo adored. She wasn’t a saint, but her spirit was pure. An inexperienced woman that Lo slowly found himself enthralled with.

“I told you I would be.” Discreetly, Lo inhaled her scent before kissing her ear. He drew back, gazing into her eyes. “Aye, I ain't know you was like that.”

“Like what?” She grinned.

“You a big deal. I could watch you dance for days. Why you don't dance for me like that?”

Bria smacked her lips as she gently stepped out of his embrace.

“I don't know what you like, and I definitely wouldn’t have bet on it being ballet dancing. I didn’t even think you were interested in my career. I’m basically following your lead in this marriage, which is like getting on a really scary rollercoaster.”

He was a difficult man, so he understood what she had conveyed. The problem was that Lo didn’t have a remedy to fix himself at this point. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a velvet box. He passed it to Bria who quickly opened it. A beam stretched across her lips before she gasped.

“I know people usually bring flowers but I’m a different nigga. I thought diamonds would suit you best.”

“This is so beautiful. I’ve never seen gold sparkle like this.”

“That’s not from the gold. It’s the canary yellow diamonds.”

It was a beautiful diamond necklace that was simple and beautiful. Just like Bria. He grabbed it from her and secured it around her neck. The gleam from the diamonds shine brightly against her dark bronzed skin.

“Oh, I love this.” She turned around and kissed his lips. “Thank you.”

“You're welcome… where your people at?”

Bria walked over to the counter and released her hair from the ponytail holder.

“I didn’t invite them.”

“Why not?”

“Because it wasn’t necessary. Besides, they’ve seen me perform countless times. They don't need to come to everyone.” She turned to him. “I might invite them to Swan Lake though if I get the part.”

Lo propped himself against the wall. “Why wouldn’t you get the part?”

“Because it’s this bratty-ass white lady named Katie who thinks she’s entitled to every solo part. Oh, and this industry is extremely racist so even though I know I have the skill, I don't always assume that I will get a part. They don't want Black women as the face of ballet.”

Lo had no idea that Bria had to go up against racial prejudices in her field. He shouldn’t have been surprised though. Hatred for Black people usually showed up in most areas of life.

“But you showing up really made my night. Thank you.” She smiled.

He kicked off the wall and wrapped his arms around her. “Stop thanking me. I’ll be at every show from now on.”

“You promise?”

“Yeah. You feel like having some fun with me?”

She gave him a side eye. “What kind of fun?”

“My kind… I feel like… role-playing.”

Her brows rumpled. “Role-playing? Really?”

“Yeah, you down?”

She nodded right away. “I am.”

“A’ight, I know you gotta get yourself together so go home and get dressed. After that, I’ll send you an address. Is that cool?”

“Yes.”

“I’ll see you later.”

Hours later…

When Bria was at this peak with Lo, she felt like the luckiest girl in the world.

He enlivened her when his mind was balanced.

There was such a thrill when it came to being on his arm.

Despite Lo being troubled, he was also exhilarating.

He took her on rides that would linger in her memory for years to come.