13.

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I was sprawled out in my bed, half-covered in my silk sheets, while Rina laid beside me, clutching one of my pillows like she owned the place.

"Bitch, wake up," I said, nudging her with my foot.

She groaned, turning over and swatting at me. "Damn, you mad rude. What?"

I smirked, propping myself up on one elbow. I had a story to tell.

"You are not gonna believe the bullshit that went down while you were gone."

That got her attention. She turned to face me, her curls wild from sleep, eyes still laced with drowsiness but curious as hell. "Oh, this better be good."

I grinned. Oh, it was.

So, I started from the beginning—the moment I motioned for Ren to come in my room, how she raised that damn eyebrow like she wasn't gonna listen to me before she actually did. The way I pushed her onto the chair, how she let herself fall for once, and how the second I was on top of her, we were right back at it.

I told her about how bad I wanted her, how I felt her wanting me back, and how—of all the damn people in the world—Wyatt had to knock at the door.

Rina gasped so loud, kicking her feet under the blanket. "Not your little boyfriend interrupting the moment! That's insane!"

I rolled my eyes. "Right?! But girl, the gag is—he apologized."

She sat up at that, fully awake now. "What?! For what?"

"For being a little bitch," I said simply, flipping my hair.

She laughed. "Nah, deadass, what did he say?"

I sighed, thinking back. "He was all like, 'Yanna, I'm sorry for acting out. I just— I feel like you don't care about me like you used to.'"

Rina made a face. "Because you don't?"

"Exactly!" I threw my hands up. "Like, be fr, Wyatt. I don't. I been checked out of this damn relationship, but he wanna play blind."

Rina shook her head. "That's embarrassing for him, I fear."

I smirked. "Girl, the worst part? Ren left."

"HUH?!" She gripped my wrist, eyes wide. "You mean left-left? Like she gone?!"

I pouted. "Not like forever. But daddy dismissed, and she actually left. Didn't even say shit to me about it."

Rina gasped again, clutching her chest like I told her someone died. "So you mean to tell me... you fumbled?!"

I snatched my pillow and whacked her with it. "Shut up!"

She dodged it, cackling. "You did! Oh my god, you fumbled Ren! No way."

I groaned, flopping back down. "Bitch, I didn't fumble. She got scared."

Rina laid back beside me, shaking her head. "Mhm. Or maybe she just doesn't want you."

I turned my head and glared.

She burst out laughing. "I'm playing! I'm playing! Relax, damn. But for real—what's your next move? Because if you want her, you better go get her."

I sighed, staring up at the ceiling.

That's exactly what I planned on doing.

Me and Rina slipped on our sluttiest swimsuits, ready to turn heads, and strutted toward the door. I had on this fire two-piece—barely there, hugging my curves like a second skin—and I knew I looked good. Rina did too.

The moment we stepped out, though, there she was.

Ren.

Posted up by the hallway like she wasn't just gone for a whole ass day. Like she didn't just disappear on me.

Rina peeped the tension immediately.

She shot me a quick look, already knowing, before flipping her hair and heading toward the pool. "I'll catch you down there, bitch," she called over her shoulder, her voice dripping with amusement. Nosy ass.

I didn't even look her way. My eyes were locked on Ren.

"You," I said, stepping closer. "Come with me."

Ren didn't say a word. Just raised a brow before I grabbed a fistful of her shirt and pulled her into my room.

The second the door clicked shut, she took full control.

Didn't hesitate. Didn't ask questions. Just grabbed my face and kissed me like she owned me. Like she had every damn right to.

And I let her.

She walked me backward, lips never leaving mine, until my legs hit the bed. Then she pushed me down, hovering over me, her dark eyes flickering with something dangerous.

She glanced down at my swimsuit, taking in every inch of me, and licked her lips. "Who you tryna impress with this little-ass swimsuit?"

I smirked, trailing a teasing finger down her chest. "You."

That had her.

Her lips curled into a slow, knowing smile before she kissed me again—deeper this time, rougher, hungrier—like she was actually gonna do something about it.

And I was more than ready to see how far she'd go.

But she pulled away.

Just like that.

I blinked up at her as she stood back up, adjusting her shirt, her face unreadable.

"Come on," she said simply, nodding toward the door.

I just sat there, stunned. "That's it?"

She smirked. "For now."

My breath hitched. She was playing with me.

And I was letting her.

Rolling my eyes, I got up and followed her out, my whole damn body still buzzing.

This girl was gonna ruin me.

I made my way downstairs, stepping into the open backyard where my pool party was already in full swing. The air was thick with the smell of grilled food, laughter, and the heavy bass of the music shaking the ground beneath my feet. People were still pouring in, all of them dressed in their best swimsuits, some already splashing around in the pool, others lounging by the deck with drinks in hand.

The chef was outside, working the grill, flipping burgers and steaks like a pro, the scent of sizzling meat filling the air. A whole spread of food was set up on a long table—wings, pasta salad, fruit platters, chips, and bottles on bottles of liquor lined up, ready to be poured.

Rina was already in the water, throwing up a peace sign at me with a grin on her face, and I just shook my head at her. That girl lived for a good time.

But my eyes?

They weren't on her.

They drifted straight to Ren.

She had gone to post up with the other security on the side, her usual stance—feet planted, arms crossed, eyes scanning the party like she was waiting for something to pop off.

She looked good. Too good.

The way the sun hit her skin? The way her fitted black tee stretched over her frame? The way her tattoo sleeve peeked out beneath it, bold and inked up? It was unfair.

I felt my lips pull into a small smirk as I grabbed a drink from the table and took a slow sip, eyes still locked on her. I wanted her to look.

And she did.

Just for a second.

Just enough for me to catch her.

But instead of holding it, she looked away, acting like she hadn't just checked me out.

Acting like she didn't care.

I knew better.

With a little shake of my head, I turned away, heading toward the pool, feeling the heat of her eyes lingering on me even as she tried to play it cool.

This was gonna be fun.

I went in the water, feeling the coolness wrap around me as I waded through the partygoers. The music was loud, the bass thumping through my chest, and laughter mixed with the sounds of splashing filled the air. I grinned as Mally crouched down in the water, letting me climb onto his shoulders.

Across from me, Rina was already in position, perched on the shoulders of some fine-ass girl I hadn't seen before. She had a toned body, smooth brown skin that glistened under the sun, and curly hair slicked back from the water.

We locked eyes for a moment before Rina smirked. "Don't hold back, bitch."

"Oh, I won't." I grinned, bracing myself as the game began.

We lunged at each other, laughing as we tried to knock the other down. I grabbed at Rina's arms, pushing and pulling, but her girl was solid, barely budging even as Mally adjusted under me. I fought for my life, but they had strategy and strength. With a sudden push, I went flying backwards, screaming as I crashed into the water with a huge splash.

When I came up for air, Mally was laughing, shaking his head. "Damn, sis. You gotta work on your balance."

I flipped my wet hair back, pushing him playfully. "Man, whatever." But I wasn't mad. The game was fun, and that girl? I needed to talk to her.

I took a breath and swam through the water, weaving through bodies until I found her near the edge of the pool, laughing with some friends. She looked even better up close. Water dripped down her skin, her swimsuit hugging her in all the right ways, and her smile? Deadly.

I leaned against the pool's edge, smirking. "You got me good back there."

She turned to me, a knowing glint in her eyes. "You just light," she teased, biting her lip.

I gasped dramatically, placing a hand over my chest. "Wow. Disrespectful."

She laughed, shrugging. "I call it honesty."

I eyed her for a moment before leaning in slightly. "Well, honesty for honesty... you fine as hell."

Her smirk deepened, and she looked me up and down, her eyes lingering just long enough to make my skin heat up despite the water. "You not too bad yourself," she replied smoothly.

I bit my lip, tilting my head. "I'ma need your name, then."

She chuckled, holding her hand out. "It's Kamryn. And you?"

I slipped my fingers into hers, liking the way her grip felt. "Doll."

"Nice to meet you, Doll," she said, her voice smooth, eyes glinting with mischief. "You always this bold?"

I grinned. "When I see something I like? Yeah."

I smirked as Kamryn slid her phone into my palm, watching as I typed in my number and sent myself a quick text. The little smirk she gave me after had me feeling myself even more.

"Don't leave me waiting too long," she teased, her voice smooth like honey.

"I won't," I promised, giving her one last once-over before tucking my phone into my top.

I glanced across the pool, instinctively searching for Rina, and sure enough, she was already watching me—her expression full of confusion and judgment. Her brows were furrowed, her lips pursed, and she tilted her head slightly before cutting her eyes to the side. I followed her gaze.

Ren.

She was standing off to the side, arms crossed, jaw locked, and eyes pinned on me like I was doing something I wasn't supposed to be doing. That hard-ass stare, that little twitch in her jaw? Yeah, she was mad. Or annoyed. Or something.

And that something had me biting back a grin.

I raised my eyebrow at Rina, who shook her head at me with a "bitch, what are you doing?" look before motioning over to Ren again. I knew exactly what I was doing.

So, I pushed it further.

I leaned into Kamryn, lowering my voice just enough that I knew Ren wouldn't be able to hear, but she'd see.

"You coming inside later?" I asked, dragging my nails lightly down Kamryn's wrist before pulling back.

Kamryn smirked, biting her lip. "I might."

I gave her one last wink before turning away and making my way out of the pool. I could feel Ren's eyes burning into me, heavy, intense, like she was daring me to look her way.

So, I did.

She didn't move, didn't blink, just stared me down, tight-lipped and tensed up, like she was holding something back. I stopped in my tracks for a second, tilting my head slightly, challenging her back.

Then, slowly, her jaw unclenched just a little, and she licked her lips, her gaze dragging over me like she was memorizing something.

I smirked.

Oh yeah. This was gonna be fun.

Rina strutted up to me, her ass moving with every step like she knew she had an audience. And she did. A couple of the guys by the grill damn near broke their necks watching her, but she didn't pay them any mind—her focus was locked on me.

She stopped right in front of me, placing a manicured hand on her hip, eyes narrowed in that "bitch, what the fuck are you doing?" way she always hit me with when I was acting up.

"So, you got Ren's sexy ass finally and now you out here collecting numbers?" she asked, voice laced with amusement but laced with warning too.

I leaned back on the lounge chair, stretching my arms over my head like I didn't have a care in the world. "I'm just keeping my options open," I said, shrugging, acting like this was nothing.

Rina scoffed, tossing her braids over her shoulder as she sat on the chair next to me. "Yeah, well, Ren don't look like she plays that," she muttered, glancing over to where Ren was still standing—posted up, arms crossed, gaze on me like a laser, sharp as hell.

I knew Ren was watching. I could feel that shit. Even when I wasn't looking, her energy was all over me.

Rina nudged me. "You gon' lose one of your options."

I rolled my eyes. "Girl, relax. It ain't that deep."

She stared at me like I was slow. "You keep thinking that. Ren already look like she tryna body slam your ass."

I finally glanced back over at Ren, and damn.

She was still standing there, her face unreadable, but her grip on her arms was tight, like she was holding something back. Like she was stopping herself from making a move.

And that? That had my heart racing just a little bit.

I turned back to Rina with a smirk. "That just makes it more fun."

She groaned, rubbing her temples. "Yeah, well, you better be careful before you end up with neither."

I waved her off, reaching for my drink. I wasn't worried.

But when I glanced back at Ren, the look in her eyes had my stomach flipping.

Maybe I should be.

I shook off whatever tension Ren had me feeling and went back to enjoying myself. I wasn't about to let her or anybody else kill my vibe.

The music was blasting, the sun was setting just enough to cast everything in that golden glow, and the drinks were flowing—it was a perfect scene.

I scanned the crowd until I found Kamryn again. And of course, she was already posted up, flirting with some other girl.

I rolled my eyes. Whatever.

I wasn't mad or anything, but damn. I barely left her alone for twenty minutes, and she already had a new little friend? She was moving fast.

Shaking my head, I turned away and went looking for Mally instead. At least he was consistent.

I spotted him by the grill, standing too damn close to Rina. And I mean close. His hand was resting on the small of her back, and she was giggling at whatever corny-ass joke he just told.

Disgusting.

I walked up, scrunching my nose in pure disgust. "Do y'all know how awkward it is to have your bestie and your brother flirting? Like, seriously. This is a crime against me personally."

Rina turned to me, grinning like the menace she was. "Aww, what's wrong, Yanna? You mad 'cause you ain't got no options now?"

I gasped, placing a hand on my chest dramatically. "Excuse me?"

She smirked, sipping her drink, completely unbothered. "Kamryn moved on, and Ren ain't looking too happy with you either. Now look at you—single, alone, and pressed."

Mally chuckled. "Yeah, she kinda got you there, Babydoll."

I narrowed my eyes at both of them, crossing my arms. "First of all, I am not pressed. Second of all, I have options."

Rina raised an eyebrow. "Where they at then?"

I opened my mouth, ready to respond, but nothing came out.

Rina cackled. "Exactly."

I sucked my teeth and snatched her drink out of her hand, taking a sip. "Y'all are so annoying."

Mally laughed, wrapping an arm around Rina's waist like he was claiming her or something, and that just made me wanna vomit.

I groaned. "You know what? I hope y'all fall in love and make my life miserable."

Rina winked. "We just might."

I rolled my eyes and walked off, but not before stealing another sip of her drink. Whatever. I wasn't bothered.

But when I glanced over and caught Ren still watching me, arms crossed, expression unreadable, I felt that same nervous flip in my stomach.

Maybe Rina was right. Maybe I did fumble.

As the night settled and the last few guests trickled out, I made my way back to my room, exhaustion finally catching up with me. The day had been long, fun, but draining.

I peeled off my swimsuit and stepped into the shower, letting the hot water wash away the chlorine, the sweat, and—if I was being honest—the tension from earlier.

My mind kept flicking back to Ren. The way she had been watching me all night, the way her jaw had clenched when I got Kamryn's number, the way she didn't say a word but her eyes spoke volumes. She looked pissed. Or jealous. Or both.

And maybe, just maybe, I liked that.

I shut my eyes, letting the steam fog up my thoughts, pushing everything aside for a moment. No overthinking. Just relaxing.

By the time I got out and wrapped a towel around me, I half expected to see Ren at her usual post outside my door. But she wasn't there.

I frowned a little. That was... different.

Ren was always posted up, always nearby, always watching. Even when I pretended not to notice, she was always there.

But now? Nothing.

I glanced up and down the hall, but it was empty. No Ren. No silent, brooding presence.

I shook it off. Maybe she was on break. Maybe she got reassigned. Maybe I was reading into it too much.

I walked back into my room, towel still wrapped around me, and sighed as I sat on the edge of my bed.

Rina walked in a few minutes later, towel-drying her curls, her skin still damp from her own shower. She took one look at me and smirked.

"What's up with you?"

I shrugged. "Nothing. Just tired."

She raised an eyebrow, clearly not buying it. "Mhm. Sure."

I ignored her and flopped back on the bed, staring up at the ceiling. But my mind was still stuck on one thing.

Where the hell was Ren?

I looked over at Rina, trying to sound casual as I asked, "You seen Ren?"

She glanced up from towel-drying her curls, her smirk already forming. "Yeah, she was talking to Mally last I saw."

I frowned slightly. Mally?

Rina noticed and chuckled. "Damn, you got it bad, huh?"

I rolled my eyes and got up, motioning for her to come with me as we walked to the door. If Ren was back, I needed to see for myself.

Sure enough, when I peeked through the crack in the door, there she was—posted up outside like usual, arms crossed, face unreadable. The same Ren I had been expecting earlier. But something was off.

I gave her a small smile, just to test the waters, and instead of the usual smirk or even a playful eye roll, she just gave me a little head toss, a small nod—distant, detached.

Weird.

I pulled back inside and closed the door, leaning against it for a second.

Rina plopped back down on the bed, shaking her head at me. "Y'all are hilarious."

"Ain't nothing funny." I muttered, trying to shake off the way that tiny interaction rubbed me the wrong way.

I wasn't about to overthink it, though. I had better things to do.

Like our guilty pleasure.

I grabbed my nightstand drawer and pulled out my coloring books and colored pencils, laying them out on the bed like we were two kids at a sleepover.

Rina grinned and snatched one up. "You already know the vibes."

We got comfortable, flipping through the pages, picking which ones we wanted to do first. I chose a mandala pattern—something to keep my hands busy while my mind wandered.

Rina picked up a pack of colored pencils, biting her lip as she debated which one to start with. "So, you wanna tell me why Ren acting all cold, or...?"

I exhaled, picking up a blue pencil and starting to shade in a corner of my page. "Girl, I don't know. She was fine earlier. Then I got Kamryn's number, and now she wanna act different."

Rina gasped dramatically. "Oh, so you do know!"

I shot her a look, but she just laughed, nudging me with her foot.

"You playing too much," I muttered, but I couldn't help the small smile creeping up.

We kept coloring, gossiping about who looked good at the party, who was doing too much, and who was secretly hooking up with who. The usual.

It was relaxing, a nice distraction.

But in the back of my mind, I was still thinking about Ren.

As we colored, lost in our usual routine of shading and gossiping, my phone buzzed on the bed beside me. I figured it was Wyatt, probably still trying to whine about the Ren situation or guilt-trip me about something I didn't care about.

With a sigh, I grabbed my phone and tapped the screen, fully prepared to ignore him.

But it wasn't Wyatt.

Kamryn.

I raised an eyebrow before unlocking my phone and opening the message.

Kam: I wanna take you out for lunch tomorrow. You free?

I smirked a little before typing back.

Me: Sure.

Satisfied, I tossed my phone onto the bed and nudged Rina with my foot. "Look."

She leaned over, peeking at the screen before rolling her eyes. "Girl."

I grinned, shrugging. "I got one of 'em back."

Rina shook her head, her curls bouncing with the movement. "Be careful, Yanna. Kam is a hoe bad."

I waved her off. "I ain't worried about that."

Rina gave me a look like she knew better, but she let it go.

We kept coloring for a while longer, filling in the last bits of our pages before finally putting everything away. The night had settled in, the house quieting down after all the pool party chaos. I stretched, letting out a little yawn, feeling the exhaustion finally catch up to me.

"I'm tapping out," I mumbled, crawling into bed and fluffing my pillow.

Rina nodded, doing the same. "Me too."

She pulled the blankets over herself, settling in next to me as we got comfortable. The warmth of the bed, mixed with the lingering energy from the day, made it easy to drift off.

As I closed my eyes, my mind flickered between Kam, Ren, and the way Ren acted earlier.

Something about it still didn't sit right with me.

But I pushed it aside, letting sleep take over.