Page 109 of Perfect Rhythm

I didn’t intervene.

“I won’t think about her either.”

“Thank you.” I released Enzo’s shirt, and everyone dropped their weapons. “And on that note,” I gave his chest a smooth pat, “I’m gonna head out. Y’all have a good night. Oh, and Mecca, remember what I said.”

He nodded, seemingly relieved that things didn’t go the way they could have gone. “I got you.”

“Bet.”

43

NYX

“Damn, girl. That was one hell of a workout,” Skye said as we walked out of the gym and headed to my car.

“Yeah, it was, and I needed every second of it.”

“Me too.” She leaned against the passenger’s side door, rubbing her growling stomach. “Shit, I need to eat. I’m starving.”

“Same. What you want to eat?”

“Some real food. None of that leafy green shit you like to eat after we leave the gym.”

“Whatever.” I looked down at my phone, noticing I had three missed calls from Shade. “Hold up a sec.” I tossed my gym bag in the backseat and returned his call.

“Hey, beautiful,” he answered. “What’s up?”

“What’s up with you? Everything okay?”

“Hell no. But it will be. I’m about to link up with my brother.”

“Ocean’s back in town?”

“Yeah, just for a few days or so. What’s up with you? You good?”

“I’m fine. Skye and I were just leaving the gym.”

“So that’s why you weren’t answering my calls. I thought you were pissed at me for bailing on lunch earlier.”

I let out a dry laugh. “Please. If anything, Jassi did me a favor. I’ll have to thank her later. But never mind all that. You said you weren’t good. What’s going on?”

“Long story short, I bumped into Enzo at the studio and shit almost went left. Like, funeral arrangements left.”

“Wait, what?”

“Yeah. But I’ll have to fill you in on that shit later. Ocean just walked in, and I’m hungry as hell.”

“Nah, I want to know the full story now. Where y’all at? We’re starving too.”

“Oh yeah? You trying to pull up?”

“Yeah. Just send me the address.”

“Bet.”

I ended the call and checked my texts.

Skye peeked at my phone. “Oh, they’re at The Crispy Catch. Their fried shrimp and catfish is so good.”