Page 108 of Steel

She flipped her hair. “I know.”

The bouncer checked our IDs and ensured we didn’t have any weapons.

“You can search me, sir,” Dinah said flirtatiously as she raised her hands and did a little shimmy. “My weapons are all natural.”

He grinned and shook his head as he waved the wand over her. “Have a good night, ladies.”

“You are a mess,” I told her.

“He was fine, girl. If I don’t meet a man tonight, I might slide him my number. It’s been too damn long.”

“How long, because you been out for drinks every night this week with this mystery person?”

“You’re in my business.”

“You are my business. Isn’t that what you tell me?”

“Do as I say, not as I do. Come on!”

We ventured further into the club. The place was already packed. Music was going. People were vibing on the dance floor. It looked like a good time. Dinah and I immediately made our way to the floor to dance. The DJ was spinning “La Pearla” by Eric Bellinger, and that was my shit. I ran that song into the fucking ground.

I was in my zone, rolling and twisting my hips, and Dinah danced on me. When the song ended it immediately switched to “Typa” by GloRilla. That was Dinah’s song. She started rapping along with half the women on the dance floor, including me. This took me back to our club days. We used to be the life of the party in the middle of the dance floor, getting the crowd hype with our shenanigans. Every time the song switched, we were lit.

After dancing to about four songs, we headed to the bar for a drink. As we stood, waiting for our order, I felt a familiar presence behind me. It was the same feeling I used to get anytime that man came near me. Turning around, I peered up at Kerrion, who was looking down at me with a smile.

Damn, he was fine.

Tonight, he was dressed in a short-sleeved black button-up, with the top three buttons undone, showing off a colorful tattoo. A gold chain with a “D” pendant rested on his chest. The way the shirt hugged his body and showed off his muscles made my mouth water. The black-gray slacks he wore were perfectly tailored. His hair and beard were neatly cut and trimmed, and he smelled so damn good.

“Well, well, well,” he said, stepping closer to me. His eyes passed over me, and he licked his lips. “Don’t you look good.”

I smirked. “I know.”

He grinned as he leaned in to kiss me. “Hey, Dinah.”

“Hey, Kerrion. You creeping up on us must mean you wanna buy our drinks.”

He chuckled. “I got you. My man,” he said to the bartender, “you can put them on my tab tonight.”

Dinah’s eyes widened. “Ooop! You done fucked up because I’m about to be lit as hell. Aye, let me get two tequila shots to go with those drinks.”

Kerrion shook his head. “How you doing, love?”

“I’m good.”

“I’m surprised to see you here. Where’s my baby?”

“My parents came into town and gave us a break.”

“That’s what’s up. Y’all wanna join us? Me and my people have a section.”

He nodded to a VIP section up top.

“You think they would mind?”

“They might talk a lil’ shit, but they will be cool.”

“She’s got back up,” Dinah said, handing me my drink.