Chapter 35

The sun was setting over Baton Rouge, casting a soft golden hue over the streets as Selena walked back to her apartment. The last few months had been a whirlwind, but now things were starting to settle. She'd been putting in work on her brand, creating content that resonated with her audience, but she couldn't shake the feeling that something else was slowly taking shape—something bigger than just the content or the followers. It was Von. And it scared her in the best way possible.

She hadn't been expecting to find someone like him. Von wasn't the kind of man who wore his heart on his sleeve. In fact, he barely showed his emotions at all. He was a man of few words, a quiet storm that moved through life with a purpose that seemed distant and impenetrable. But there was something about him that drew Selena in, made her want to know more, made her want to be close. She had learned to be cautious in this world, especially with men, but Von made her feel like she could be herself. No games. No drama. Just two people, sharing a connection that felt real.

The apartment was quiet when she got home. The faint sound of music from the neighboring apartment bled through the walls, but it was peaceful, a welcome change from the noise outside. She tossed her keys on the counter and flopped onto the couch, picking up her phone. It buzzed almost immediately, a text from Ray.

Ray: You good? Been feeling like you've been in your head a lot lately.

Selena hesitated, staring at the screen for a moment. She wasn't sure how to explain the shift that had happened in her life. Things with Von had been going well, but there was still that lingering fear—that doubt about whether she was making the right choice. Was this all worth it? Would she be able to handle the weight of Von's world, his past, his connections?

She typed back, taking a deep breath before hitting send.

Selena: Yeah, just thinking a lot. But I'm good. It's just... I'm not sure if I'm in too deep, you know?

The reply came quickly.

Ray: You're stronger than you think, girl. Ain't nothing wrong with being scared. But you got this.

Selena smiled to herself, grateful for Ray's unwavering support. Ray had been her friend through thick and thin, never judging, always there when she needed her. But this was different. This was Von, and nothing had prepared her for how deep she would get caught up in his world. It wasn't just about the love—they'd been through so much already, seen the worst sides of each other, and still, they were here. But the streets, the danger, the pressure—it wasn't something Ray could fully understand. She wasn't living it like Selena was. She wasn't walking it like Von was.

But there was something inside of Selena that refused to let go. No matter how dangerous it got, no matter how many times Von told her to stay away from his world, she knew she had to be there. For him. For them. She didn't want to just be the girl who was on the sidelines, watching as everything happened around her. She wanted to be a part of his life, all of it—the good, the bad, and everything in between.

Her phone buzzed again, this time a call. It was Von.

Her heart skipped a beat. She hadn't heard from him today. They had talked the night before, but since then, he'd been off the radar. He wasn't the type to constantly check in, but when he did reach out, it always made her heart flutter, like a reminder that they were still connected, still on the same page.

Selena took a breath, and without overthinking, she answered.

"Von?"

"Yeah," his voice came through, deep and steady, the usual calmness in his tone. "What's up?"

Selena leaned back on the couch, letting her body relax into the cushions. "Nothing much. Just got home. What about you?"

"Same. Just wanted to hear your voice."

Selena smiled, the warmth spreading through her chest. "You know you could just call anytime."

Von let out a low chuckle, and she could almost picture the smirk on his face. "Yeah, I know. Just been busy. You good though? Everything alright?"

She hesitated, the weight of the conversation with Ray still fresh in her mind. "I'm good," she said, but there was a quietness to her words, a hesitance Von didn't miss.

He paused. "You sure?"

"Yeah, just... thinking a lot," she said, sitting up. She wasn't ready to admit how confused she was about everything. The love she had for Von was undeniable, but the fear that came with it—the fear of losing herself in his world, of getting swept up in something she couldn't control—was becoming overwhelming. "You know how it is."

"I do," Von said, his tone softer now. "But don't stress over it. We'll figure it out."

Selena sighed, rubbing her eyes. "I don't know, Von. It's just... everything's changing, and I don't know if I'm ready for it. This life. You. Everything."

"I hear you," he replied, his voice gentle but firm. "But I'm not going anywhere. And neither are you. We're in this together, Lena. You don't have to carry the weight alone."

Selena felt a sense of relief at his words, but the doubt still lingered in the back of her mind. She knew Von was right—he wasn't going anywhere, and she wasn't either—but she couldn't shake the feeling that something was coming, something big, and she wasn't sure she was ready to face it.

She didn't say anything for a long moment, just letting the silence hang between them. Finally, she spoke, her voice soft. "I don't want to lose myself in this."

Von's voice was steady as always. "You won't. I won't let you."

Selena smiled, her heart calming. She trusted him. She had to. He had shown her a side of himself that few ever saw, and he had protected her in ways she couldn't even explain. But the streets? They were a whole different animal, and no matter how much she loved him, she couldn't ignore the danger that came with it.

"I'm not going anywhere," she whispered again, more to herself than to him. "I just need time to figure out what's next."

Von didn't respond right away, but when he did, there was an intensity to his words. "Whatever happens, Lena, we face it together. Don't let fear take over. You're stronger than that."

Her chest tightened at the sincerity in his voice. She knew he meant it. She knew he was offering her something she hadn't realized she needed: reassurance. She wasn't alone in this. Not now. Not ever.

"I'll be okay," she said, her voice more certain now. "I'm just... trying to figure it all out."

"I'll be here when you do."

And with that, the conversation ended. Selena put her phone down, leaning back against the couch again, her thoughts swirling. The connection she shared with Von was undeniable, and for the first time, she let herself fully embrace it. She didn't have all the answers, but she knew she was in this for the long haul. Whatever came next, she and Von would face it together.

As the night settled in, Selena couldn't shake the feeling that something was shifting—something deep within her. She wasn't just the girl who filmed content for her brand anymore. She was stronger. She was more. And she was ready for whatever came next, even if it scared her.

For the first time in a long time, she felt truly alive.