Chapter 9

Lena woke up the next morning to another text from Von.

Von: You sleep?

Sent at 3:42 AM.

She stared at the message for a second before shaking her head and locking her phone.

What was she supposed to say?

"Yeah, I was asleep, but what's up?"

Nah.

That nigga ain't hers, and she wasn't about to sit around entertaining bullshit when she had real life to deal with.

She climbed out of bed, stretching before making her way to the bathroom. Fresh start. New day.

Von and whatever drama-filled situation he had going on wasn't her problem.

And she was gonna keep it that way.

—

By the time she was dressed and ready to leave, she had already knocked out half a GRWM video for TikTok. A fresh jet-black wig, middle part laid to perfection, her lace melted like skin.

She paired it with a fitted black jumpsuit that hugged her curves in all the right ways, and a pair of red dunks to keep it casual.

Cute, but not trying too hard.

As she grabbed her bag and headed for the door, her phone buzzed again.

Ray: Brunch at 1?

Lena: Bet.

She needed a good vibe today. No drama. No bullshit. Just food, mimosas, and a good time.

What she didn't expect was to walk out her door and see Von's black Camaro parked across the street.

He was leaned back in the driver's seat, arm resting on the window, a fresh-cut diamond-studded grill shining in the sun.

Waiting.

Lena stopped on her porch, arms crossing as she looked at him.

Von lifted his chin. "Come here."

Lena scoffed, shaking her head as she walked toward her car instead.

He got her fucked up.

Von sighed, dragging a hand down his face before stepping out the car.

His 6'4 frame moved like he had all the time in the world, slow and controlled, his tattoos stretching with every movement.

Still unbothered.

Still fine as hell.

Lena kept unlocking her car, pretending she didn't see him.

"Lena."

She ignored him.

Von stepped in front of her, blocking the driver's side door. "Stop actin' funny."

She looked up at him, bored. "Move."

His tongue ran over his grill as he studied her. "You mad?"

Lena laughed, shaking her head. "Nigga, for what?"

Von tilted his head, eyes still on her. "You tell me."

She sucked her teeth. "I don't got shit to do with whatever you and your ex got goin' on, Von. So whatever explanation you tryna give me? Save it."

Von watched her for a second, then let out a small chuckle. "You think I was finna explain myself to you?"

Lena blinked.

That was not the response she expected.

Von leaned in slightly, voice lower. "I just don't like how you left last night."

Lena smirked. "And I don't like how your ex pulled up on me over you."

Von exhaled, looking away for a second before looking back at her. "I handled it."

Lena raised an eyebrow. "Okay. And?"

Von stared at her for a moment before licking his lips. "So that mean we cool?"

Lena tilted her head, smiling just a little. "Von... we don't even talk."

Von smirked, stepping back just enough to let her open the door. "Yet."

She sucked her teeth, sliding into the driver's seat. "Boy, bye."

Von chuckled as he stepped back, watching her start the car.

She pulled off without another word, but in the rearview mirror?

She saw him still standing there.

Watching.