Chapter 18

Selena stood there, arms crossed, trying to keep her resolve intact. But Von wasn't making it easy. The way he was looking at her, his jaw tight, his fingers flexing like he was holding himself back from pulling her close...

She hated how easily he got in her head.

She inhaled deeply. "I just need space."

Von nodded slowly, studying her. "Space."

"Yes."

He licked his lips, exhaling through his nose. "Aight."

Selena almost felt relieved—until he added, "But space ain't gon' stop Keelah."

She frowned. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Von glanced at his phone before shoving it back in his pocket. "She ain't done. This just the start."

Selena's stomach twisted. "Then maybe I should be done with you."

Von's lips twitched, but he didn't look amused. "That what you want?"

She hesitated, the words caught in her throat.

Von stepped closer, voice low. "You don't like drama? Fine. But Keelah ain't acting out 'cause of me—she doing it 'cause of you."

Selena's brows furrowed. "How is any of this my fault?"

Von let out a dry laugh. "It's not. But Keelah been holding on to me for years, and the second she saw me with you? That's when she lost it." He tilted his head, eyes narrowing slightly. "Ask yourself why."

Selena clenched her jaw, heat rushing to her face. "I don't care why."

Von smirked slightly, his fingers grazing her wrist again. "You do."

She pulled away, ignoring the way her body reacted to his touch. "You know what? Do you, Von. Handle your ex. Handle your life. I'm not about to be caught up in some back-and-forth shit with a girl I don't even know."

Von studied her for a long moment, then nodded. "Bet."

Selena swallowed, unsure why that simple response made her uneasy. "What does that mean?"

Von stepped back toward his car, opening the door. "It mean I hear you." He slid into the driver's seat, one hand on the wheel, the other resting on his lap as he looked at her one last time. "Just remember you the one pushing me away."

Before she could respond, the engine roared to life, and he pulled off, leaving her standing there with her emotions tangled up.

Her phone buzzed in her hand.

Ray: Girl... Keelah just went live.

Selena stormed back up to her apartment, heart pounding as she opened Ray's message.

Ray: She on IG Live right now talking crazy. You need to see this.

Selena hesitated before clicking the link. The second the live loaded, she was met with Keelah's face—laced with makeup, hair laid, but eyes full of spite. She was sitting in a car, nails tapping against the steering wheel as she talked her shit.

"...girl don't even be from here, but wanna pop up and act like she running something. Baton Rouge don't move like that, sweetie."

The comments were flying.

— Not Keelah pressed as hell

— She mad cause he upgraded lmao

— Von ain't even claim her tho

— Who the new girl?

Selena exhaled sharply, her fists clenching as Keelah kept talking.

"I just find it funny how females be so quick to think they won something when they getting my leftovers." Keelah laughed, flicking her nails. "Ain't no real nigga 'bout to leave me for no damn influencer. The fuck can she do for him?"

Selena's jaw locked.

Ray texted again.

Ray: Girl, don't let this shit get to you. She just mad.

Selena's chest burned with frustration. She had been trying to stay out of drama, trying to move past it, but Keelah was pushing it. Talking reckless like Selena was some weak, scary girl who wasn't gonna say nothing back.

She clicked out of the live, breathing heavy.

Then she called Ray.

Ray answered on the first ring. "I know you just saw that shit—"

"Where she at?" Selena cut in.

Ray hesitated. "Wait... what you mean?"

"Where the fuck is she at?" Selena's voice was cold, steady.

Ray inhaled sharply. "She stay over by Sherwood, but, Selena, listen—"

"I'm done listening."

Selena grabbed her keys, slipped into her sneakers, and snatched up her purse. Keelah wanted to talk? Cool. She could say all that to her face.

Selena groaned, already knowing this was about to get worse before it got better.