Page 114 of Perfect Rhythm

Ocean jerked his head back. “Damn, Nyx, you act like I’m a serial killer or some shit.”

I giggled. “I’m not saying that at all. I’m just trying to make sure my girl is good.”

“I’m fine,” Skye said as she walked over and pulled me into a hug. She leaned into my ear. “After the way this man just stood up for me, I think I deserve to have a little fun tonight.”

I kept the expression on my face neutral. “Okay. As long as you know what you’re getting yourself into. Ocean isn’t the type you need to be falling in love with.”

“Trust me, I already know, and this isn’t that.”

“Alright...well...have fun.”

“Oh, I plan to.”

Laughing, I shook my head as she grabbed Ocean’s arm and followed him to his car.

“They’re definitely about to fuck,” Shade muttered.

“Yep, it looks that way.”

“I don’t know how that nigga does it, but he does it every single time.”

I shrugged. “I can’t lie, seeing the way he stood up and protected her, that shit was pretty sexy.”

Shade frowned. “Oh, so you’re getting all hot over my brother now?”

“No, not at all. I’m just stating the obvious. Seeing a man having your back when he barely knows you is good shit, andwith everything Skye has been through, I know she’s glad to see it.”

“Yeah, I bet. O is charming as hell, and he’s going to stand up for what’s right. I’m just glad that he didn’t blow that niggas brains out.”

My eyes widened. “Ocean had a gun?”

“Hell yeah! He doesn’t walk around with security like I do. His assisthe security.”

We laughed.

“Damn, you two need to chill. Y’all been doing the most all night.”

“Whatever. We’re just trying to handle shit.”

“Mmhmm, I hear you,” I said as he opened my car door.

“Call me when you make it home.”

“I will.”

“As soon as you make it home, Nyx. Don’t make me?—”

“I will,” I shot back, knowing what would happen if I didn’t.

I paused.Maybe I shouldn’t call him.

As if he’d read my mind, he sighed. “Don’t even think about it. I’ll send Trace this time around.”

“Oh, wow, it’s like that?”

“Yep. I’m staying true to my word, and I don’t want to put you in a situation where you can’t do the same.”

I hated how sincere he sounded. It made it that much harder to walk away.