Page 122 of Perfect Rhythm

This wasn’t just bad…it wasdangerous.

If I didn’t get to Nyx before she got to Mecca, all hell was going to break loose, and nobody was going to be ready for it.

48

NYX

“This no good son of a bitch,” I whispered under my breath.

Jassi leaned into my ear. “I thought he was in jail.”

“I thought so too.”

My eyes didn’t leave the entrance. Grinning from ear to ear as he stood side by side with Enzo, Mecca slapped hands, gave hugs, and dapped people up like he was some kind of hero. It was wild how many people surrounded him, showing love like he hadn’t just been arrested for attacking my best friend. But that’s the industry for you. If you’re a man, and you’ve got enough money behind your name, people will ignore the grimy shit you do behind closed doors. Especially if it has anything to do with hurting women.

“Hey, you ready to go?” Shade’s voice cut through the noise, his hand gripping my arm.

“Go?” Jassi questioned, confused. “But Noni G hasn’t even played anything yet. I’m sure she’s going to start as soon as her security gets rid of that clown.”

“Nah, we need to go now.” He nodded toward me. “I know that look. Nyx is seconds away from snapping. If I let it happen, I’m going to have to step in and handle Mecca’s ass.”

“I don’t need you to handle him. I can do it myself.”

“Trust me, I know you can. But I won’t let you,” he said low and serious. “Because if that nigga so much as flinches in your direction, I’m putting his ass down.”

“Shade—”

“No, Nyx. Let’s go. Now!”

His eyes were locked on me, dark and unmoving. They demanded obedience.

I lowered my gaze, knowing this wasn’t a fight I was going to win. But I hated that Mecca’s arrival was ruining the evening.

“Well, at least send a car for Jassi and Xandie to get home. I don’t want to be the reason their night ends early.”

“Oh my God, yes, please send us a car,” Xandie pleaded.

Jassi gave him a puppy dog stare and rested her head against his arm.

“Alright, fine.” Shade sighed. “But remember what I said about Enzo. Stay the hell away from him and anyone else in his crew. That includes Mecca.”

“Oh, I don’t think that’s going to be an issue.” Jassi nodded toward the two men who were standing in front of Mecca. Their arms were folded over their chests and they wore a mean mug that made it clear they weren’t to be toyed with.

We couldn’t hear what was being said, but the intensity of the exchange was pretty obvious. Mecca was being put out.

Good.

I hoped he was so overcome with shame that he didn’t show his face at shit else in this city. But I knew that was wishful thinking on my part. Mecca was the type to believe that there were no consequences for his actions, and he could sweet talk his way out of anything.

I tilted my head as I noticed his disapproving gaze.

This fool isn’t moving.

“What the hell? Why doesn’t he just leave?” I shouted. “Nobody wants him here.”

“Because he has too much damn pride,” Shade said. “That shit always gets in the way. Maybe I should go talk to him.”

I shot him a stern look. “I think the fuck not. You’re the last person who needs to have that conversation. Just seconds ago, you were talking about killing him, and let’s not forget about how you were after he attacked Skye. Your head was in the same place then too.”