Page 244 of Invisible Bars

“If it makes you feel better, baby… I hate her too.”

A hiccup of a laugh slipped out between my sobs as another tic hit me:

“She got me shaking like a Target candle!”

Imanio let out a chuckle, low and tender. “That means you still got your fire.”

We sat like that for a moment—me trying to catch my breath, him holding my soul steady like it was something he’d done a thousand times.

“Do you want to leave?” he asked quietly.

I shook my head. “I… I can finish the dinner. I’ve been saving this appetite all day, and the food smells good.” I gave a weak chuckle, wiping my face. “But they have to leave. I can’t deal with them tonight. I can’t.”

He nodded slowly, his eyes never leaving mine.

“You don’t have to forgive them tonight… or ever. I can get rid of them if you want me to. You know that’s my specialty.” He winked.

I grinned. “Y-yeah, I do. You can talk to them. Just don’t overdo it. I… I don’t want them to leave here and hurt themselves in fear that you will.”

“Okay, foryouI’ll keep it straight to the point.”

We kissed—messy, emotional… and just dangerous enough to make my heart race. When we finally came up for air, his thumb traced the curve of my bottom lip, slow and deliberate, like he was memorizing it.

“You’re so beautiful,” he murmured, eyes locked on mine. “Promise me you’ll never forget that.”

I couldn’t help but smile at his words. “And you’re so damn handsome. You should promise me the same.”

Imanio flashed a self-assured smirk. “I don’t need to promise. I’m well aware of it.”

“Ugh! Y-you’re so cocky.” I giggled. “I wonder if Chi has any weed on him tonight. I… I could use a smoke.”

He chuckled and replied, “Him? Always. I’ll get some for you tonight so that you can relax. You ready to go back out there?”

“N-not really… but my stomach is touching my spine.”

We both laughed.

“Mine too,” he said, standing and adjusting his shirt. “But I got you, baby.”

I smiled appreciative. “And I g-got you tonight too,” I voiced in a low, lascivious tone.

Imanio raised a brow, smirking. “Oh, yeah? Then let’s hurry up and get this damn dinner over with.”

When we reentered the room, all eyes went on us.

Imanio moved with quiet rage straight toward my parents, his steps steady, his jaw tight.

“Y’all need to go,” he stated firmly. “This ain’t goodbye, but it damn sure ain’t the right time.”

My father leaned forward slightly; his pleading eyes locking with mine.

“Naji—”

Before he could finish, Imanio slammed his palm down on the table—hard—causing my mom to flinch and my sister to gasp.

“Imanio,” I warned, placing a hand on his arm.

“I’m not ready for this conversation,” I told them quietly, but with all the strength I could pull up from my trembling chest. “Not tonight… and especially not here. Now, please respect that.”