Page 22 of Perfect Rhythm

NYX

I shouldn’t have felt any type of way. Not after allowing another man to put his mouth and tongue all over me. But I did. The fact that Shade was right about the way Eli would respond left an unsettling feeling in my stomach, and I hadn’t stopped thinking about it since we’d left the parking lot.

Eli was hiding something, and now I had to find out what it was. Sadly, I didn’t want to know. If it was about him being with another woman, knowing meant that I’d have to face the fact that he really didn’t respect me, and our relationship was over.

“Don’t sweat that shit,” Shade said as he slid his hand over my thigh.

I wanted to scold myself for the way my body responded to his touch and how badly I wanted him to do what he’d done to me earlier all over again.

Fuck, Nyx, how are you mad at Eli for what you think he might be doing when you’re out here actually doing it? Well, kind of.

“I’m fine.”

“No, you’re not fine,” Shade said. “But it’s all good. I’ve got something to help you take your mind off things. At least, while you’re with me.”

“I’m not fucking you, Shade.”

Pretending to be offended, he placed his hand against his chest. “Damn, why do you always think I’m trying to stick my dick in you?” He shrugged. “My tongue? That’s a different story. But I feel like I’ve been the perfect gentleman when it comes to keeping my dick to myself.”

I forced myself not to laugh, trading my amusement for a deep sigh. “What do you have in mind?”

“Look and see.” He pointed straight ahead as we pulled into a familiar parking lot.

My eyes wandered to the front of the building, quickly taking notice of the flashing neon sign: Groove District .

“I figured you might want to blow off a little steam on the dance floor. If you get in there now, you can probably jump right in on the class.”

I was speechless.

Being on the road, it had been a while since I’d been able to just let loose on the dance floor.

Whenever I was home, I attended a class at least once or twice a week.

Especially if it was being taught by a dancer I knew.

Support was everything in the dance industry, and I never shied away from being one of the many who showed it.

“Oh, wow. Thank you,” I said, grinning from ear to ear.

“No problem, beautiful,” he whispered before kissing my cheek.

Fuck, why did that feel so good?

“You better get in there.”

Excited, I scooted out as Trace held the door open for me.

I turned around. “What are you going to do while I’m in here?”

“Don’t worry about that. I’ll be here when you get done. Go do you,” he said.

I couldn’t stop smiling.

How did this man know exactly what I needed at all times? It was like his superpower or some shit.

As soon as I stepped into the building, all eyes were on me, and excitement danced all over Brookia’s face. Apparently, she was the one teaching tonight’s class.

“Oh my God,” she said as she rushed over and pulled me into a hug. “I wasn’t expecting you to be here. But I guess that explains the money sound that just came through on my phone.” She glanced down at the screen. “Hmm...that’s interesting.”

“What?”

“There must be some kind of glitch or something. Your payment is showing as three times the amount of the class.”

I took a deep breath and shook my head slowly. “That’s not a glitch.”

“You sure? If I need to reverse it so you can resend the right amount, I can.”

Sighing, I gently grabbed her wrist. “Trust me, it’s not a glitch, and whatever it says you were paid, it was meant to be that amount. I would explain, but it’s probably best if I don’t.”

She stared at me, her eyes saying that she wanted to ask more questions, but she quickly changed her mind. “You know what? I’m going to let your business stay your business.”

“Thank you.” I pulled off my hoodie, thankful for the black camisole top I had on underneath, then wrapped the sweatshirt around my waist. “Oh, how are you feeling? You were a mess when I saw you at the restaurant a few days ago.”

She sighed. “Oh...yeah...I’m fine. Turns out, I’m pregnant.”

“Oh my God, really? Congratulations.” I wrapped my arms around her, then looked down at her stomach. “This is so amazing. Does King know?”

“Thank you, and yeah, he knows. He’s super excited.”

“And you? Are you excited?”

“I am now.”

“Now? You weren’t excited at first? I thought you were ready to settle down and have kids.”

“I am, but this means we’ll have to push back the wedding. There’s no way in hell I’m walking down the aisle with a pregnant belly. Not about to mess up my wedding photos.”

I laughed. “Well, why not just get married before you start showing?”

“Because I’ve started gaining weight,” she replied. “My ass is already too fat for the custom made dress I ordered.”

“Oh, please, you’re nowhere near being fat,” I said while squeezing her hand. “You are glowing, though.”

“Thanks.”

“Of course.”

“Anyway, let me get my butt back to the front and teach this class. I’ll give you a few more minutes to stretch.”

“Okay. Thanks.”

I watched as she walked away.

Brookia really was glowing, and I was so happy for her. Especially after everything she’d gone through with King.

Well, more like everything he’d gone through with her.

Since I’d known Brookia, she’d struggled with staying faithful while out on the road. She loved to have a good time, which meant lots of drinks and lots of sex.

When she finally settled down with King and decided to do right by him, I was shocked as hell. But it made me proud, and it let me know that for some, change was possible.

As expected, Brookia didn’t hold anything back during her class. Her steps weren’t easy, but I was a quick learner. Soon enough, I fell right into place.

After a few run-throughs, she had everyone move to the back of the room.

“Alright, I’m going to have my girl, Maggie, break everyone up into groups of three and let you guys go through it a few more times.

Then, we’re going to go live again and put on a good show for social media.

Sound good?” Everyone nodded and cheered in excitement. “Great. I’ll be right back.”

After being grouped with the two girls who were closest to me, I told them I would be back. My bladder felt like it would explode if I didn’t get to the bathroom ASAP.

Tightening my hoodie around my waist, I turned the corner and headed down the dimly lit hall.

Almost to the bathroom, I heard Brookia’s voice. It was coming from a small area that housed a vending machine.

“I’m done having this conversation with you,” she snapped. “I’m keeping the baby. End of discussion.”

I frowned. I thought King was happy about the baby.

Stepping back, I shook my head. Let me get out of this woman’s business.

I turned back around, deciding to hold off on my bathroom break. But as soon as I was about to turn the corner, I heard, “Mecca, this isn’t your decision. It’s my body, not yours.”

Wait, what ?

“What happened between us never should’ve happened, and I’m going to keep pretending like it didn’t,” Brookia continued. “You need to do the same. You can start by forgetting that this baby even exists.”

I couldn’t hear the voice on the other end, but I was desperate to know if it was the Mecca that I thought it was. I mean, maybe it wasn’t. Maybe it was some regular ass nigga that carried the same name.

“Trust me, I already know what could happen if this shit gets out,” she said. “Why do you think I’m saying what I’m saying?”

I couldn’t move. I should’ve walked away, but I needed to hear something to let me know that she wasn’t talking to Skye’s Mecca.

“No! I’m not changing my mind, so stop asking. I’m starting a family with my future husband,” she said. “You need to stay as far away from me as possible. Focus on your music and do your best not to blow up my life.”

Well, so much for being some regular ass nigga .

There was only one Mecca in the music industry.

I scurried around the corner, patting my pockets in a panic as I rushed outside. “Where the hell is my phone?” I whispered.

“I was wondering the same thing,” Eli said as he met me on the sidewalk.

My heart stopped.

Shit.