Page 84 of Perfect Rhythm

Jassi wrapped her arms around my neck. “I knew you weren’t acting crazy for no reason. I just really wanted you to tell me,” she whispered. “Thank you for always looking out for me.”

“No doubt.”

“But no more of your security. I think I’m good on my own.”

“I don’t know about all that. I still need to feel comfortable.”

She gave me a stern glare. “I’m serious, Shade. No more security. You’re the famous one, not me.”

“Alright, fine. But if anything pops off that makes me feel like you could be in danger, your ass is getting security for the rest of your life. Understood?”

She rolled her eyes and strolled back over to the couch. “Mmhmm.”

“I’m not playing.”

“I know you aren’t.” She waved me off and curled her legs beneath her. “Anyway, let’s talk about something more important. How are things with you and Nyx? Are y’all boyfriend and girlfriend yet?”

Purposely not looking in her direction, I focused on making sure the last few screws I’d put in were as tight as they should be. “No, we’re not.”

“What’s the holdup? According to the blogs, her and Eli aren’t even together anymore.”

I exhaled slowly.

I really didn’t want to talk about it.

“It’s not that simple.”

“Why not?”

“Well, for starters, she just got out of a relationship with someone she couldn’t trust.”

“Oh, I see, so she doesn’t feel like she can trust you?”

“Not yet. Well, not with me being?—”

“A fuckboy?” Jassi blurted before laughing.

“I was going to say not with me being in this industry. My reputation isn’t exactly the best when it comes to settling down with women.”

“So...a fuckboy, like I said.”

“Can you please stop calling me that shit? I’ve never not been honest about my intentions when it comes to women. They know exactly what they’re getting from me.”

“Which is nothing.”

“Exactly.”

“Until, Nyx,” she said with a cheesy grin.

“Are you really doing this right now?”

“I’m just trying to get an understanding of what’s going on here.”

“Well, now that you’re done analyzing me, do you have some actual suggestions? Because I haven’t heard from her since she went to her father’s birthday dinner last night.”

I tried not to act on it, but I was feeling some kind of way about her going back to her crib. Especially since she didn’t even bother telling me.

Thankfully, I had one of my people swing by her apartment to make sure she was good. I would’ve done it myself, but I got the feeling she needed some space.