Page 19 of Rah

“Bad men love love too.”

My gaze went from lust to confusion. “What does that mean?”

He sighed and lifted the bottle to his lips. Before taking another sip, he said, “Nothing.”

KAHLANI

When I heard the DJ announce that Moses was about to perform, I left the VIP section and went to the green room, where Moses was preparing for his performance.

I hadn’t seen him much at the party. People were constantly talking to him, introducing him to people, and asking to take pictures with him. So, I wanted this alone time in the green room to just say hi and ensure that he was enjoying his birthday.

I slipped inside and saw him pacing back and forth with his head down and chain swinging against his chest with each step. His lips moved like he was going over his lyrics. His brow was furrowed in that focused way that always told me his nerves were setting in.

No matter how many times I’d watched him perform, he was always like this before hitting the stage. He was restless, quiet, and almost shy. To everyone else, Moses was untouchable.But moments like this made him human and humble. The boyish intimidation softened him in a way that melted me.

I leaned against the wall, watching him with a smile. “You got this, baby,” I said softly.

He finally looked up, and that little smirk of his broke through his nerves. I walked over, looping my arms around his neck. “They came here for you. Nobody can do this like you.”

His hands gripped my waist and pulled me close until our foreheads touched.

“You always know what to say to me.” He pressed his lips to mine so slowly that it almost made me forget where we were for a second.

The door opened, and Rah stepped in. “It’s time.”

Moses nodded, kissed me one last time, and we all headed out. I walked behind them, watching how people reacted when they saw him. Men dapped him up, women smiled too long, and phones snapped quick photos and videos.

As we got closer to the stage, the bass from the speakers thumped through the floor.

Moses climbed the stairs to the stage, and the crowd roared. I stayed at the side, feeling so proud of my baby.

Moses grabbed the mic and thanked everyone for coming out to celebrate his birthday. Then, right before the beat dropped, he scanned the crowd until his eyes found me. “And y’all, make some noise for my baby, Kahlani.”

Heat rushed to my cheeks, and I smiled shyly, shaking my head, but inside my heart was doing flips.

The DJ dropped the track, and Moses’ voice filled the room as he started performing “I’mma Hood Nigga”. His energy exploded, and his confidence fully took over. I watched him command the stage, knowing that this wasexactlywhere he was meant to be.

?Ispend money to a T

I wear a pair, I stash a pair

J’s drop I get two or three

My niggas got them cannons on ‘em

Don’t blink when that shit flash

I’mma hood nigga, wit’ white money

Fuck bitches and get cash?

RAH

After the performance, I followed Moses back into the dressing room. I clapped him on the shoulder, telling him, “That was a hell of a show, bro.”

But instead of the usual post-performance high, he dropped down into the chair with his elbows on his knees, staring at the floor.

I studied him for a second. “What’s up with you? You just killed it out there.”