Chapter 11

That night, Lena stepped out looking too damn good.

Her red 30-inch bust down was laid, her makeup was flawless, and her outfit? A black two-piece set that hugged every curve she had. The crop top showed just enough stomach, and the skirt sat right on her ass. Add in the diamond anklet, the fresh white toes, and the gold Cuban link around her neck? She was pressure.

And she knew it.

Ray whistled when Lena stepped outside. "Oh yeah, you tryna get chose tonight."

Lena laughed, unlocking her Scat. "I just like looking good, that's all."

Ray smirked. "Von gon' have a fit."

Lena rolled her eyes. "Ain't got shit to do with me."

—

The club was packed when they walked in.

The music was loud, the lights were low, and the energy was just right. The whole crew was already in their section, bottles on the table, smoke in the air.

Lena spotted Cinco first.

He was leaning back on the couch, golds in his mouth, chains on his neck, a fresh fit that made him look like money. He saw her, grinned, then let his eyes drag down real slow before meeting hers again.

"Damn, Lena," he said, sitting up. "You stepping like that tonight?"

Lena smirked. "Always."

He laughed, pulling her into a quick hug. "Yeah, yeah... I see you."

Before she could even sit down, she felt another set of eyes on her.

Von.

He was in the corner of the section, a bottle of Casamigos in one hand, a blunt in the other. His black tee hugged his arms, showing every tattoo. His chains sparkled in the low light, and his grill shined when he licked his lips, still staring at her.

Lena ignored him.

At least, she tried to.

Ray grabbed a bottle and started pouring shots. "Everybody take one!"

Lena downed hers, then let the liquor warm her chest as she danced with Ray and the other girls. The music was hitting, her body was moving, and for once, she wasn't thinking about nothing but the vibe.

Until somebody grabbed her wrist.

Not rough. Not aggressive.

But firm.

She turned, already knowing who it was.

Von.

He leaned down, his lips dangerously close to her ear.

"Come here."

It wasn't a question.

Lena hesitated for half a second before letting him lead her away from the section, past the bar, down the hallway near the VIP bathrooms.

He leaned against the wall, looking her up and down, his jaw tight.

"What the fuck you got on?"

Lena raised an eyebrow. "Clothes."

Von licked his lips, eyes dark. "Yeah, barely."

Lena smirked. "You don't like it?"

Von exhaled, his hand flexing at his side like he wanted to grab her but was holding back.

"I like it too much," he muttered.

Lena's stomach flipped, but she played it cool. "Well, that sound like a personal problem."

Von chuckled, but it wasn't playful. It was low. Dark.

"You tryna make me mad or sum?"

Lena tilted her head. "Why would I do that?"

Von didn't answer. He just stared at her, so intensely she felt it in her stomach.

The hallway was quiet. The music was still bumping in the club, but out here? It was just them.

Von reached up, running a slow finger down her arm, sending chills up her spine.

"I don't like niggas playing with me," he said, voice deep and slow.

Lena swallowed.

"Who playing?" she challenged.

Von smirked, gripping her wrist again—this time, pulling her closer.

His body was warm, his scent was strong, and the way his diamonds shined up close? Ridiculous.

"You," he said.

Lena looked up at him, her breath coming a little quicker.

She should've moved.

She should've backed up.

But she didn't.

Instead, she just stared at him, waiting.

Von ran his tongue over his bottom grill before leaning in just enough to make her hold her breath.

"I'on like that," he murmured.

Lena's heart pounded.

She was about to say something—anything—to break the tension, but before she could, someone called his name.

"Yo, Von! Where you at?"

Von let out a slow breath before finally letting go of her wrist.

He stepped back, looking at her one last time before shaking his head.

"Go finish ya lil party."

Then he walked away.

Lena let out the breath she was holding, her whole body still buzzing.

What the fuck was that?

And why did she kinda like it?