6.

•───────•°•❀•°•───────•

That night, me and Rina were laid out on my plush rug, legs stretched in front of us, our toes wiggling as the polish dried. The air smelled like acetone and vanilla candles, and we were still giggling over what happened at the pool.

"Bitch," Rina laughed, shaking her head as she carefully painted her last toe, "Ren was mad as hell. I thought she was about to snatch you up by your wrist."

I smirked, blowing on my fresh coat of white polish. "I wanted her to."

Rina snorted. "I know you did, you little freak."

I just grinned, my mind going right back to that moment—her soaked shirt clinging to her muscles, those drenched dreads hanging heavy, water dripping off her tattoos. The way she walked up on me, towering over me, looking like she was deciding between cussing me out or throwing me over her shoulder.

I sighed dramatically, flopping onto my back.

"I wanted to rip that damn shirt off her."

Rina cackled, tossing a pillow at me. "You are so down bad, it's embarrassing."

Before I could throw it back, my door opened, and in walked Mally, looking comfortable as hell in his sweats, a bag of snacks in one hand and his phone in the other.

"Finally!" I sat up, snatching the bag from him. "Took you long enough!"

He rolled his eyes, plopping down on my bed. "You're lucky I love you, 'cause ain't no way I'm your personal errand boy."

I dug through the bag, satisfied. My favorite chips, some candy, and a few drinks—he knew the assignment.

Rina, still stretched out on the floor, flashed him a playful smirk.

"Aww, Mally, you'd do anything for your little sister, huh?"

Mally raised a brow at her, amused. "Don't start, Rina."

"Start what?" she said all innocent, licking her lips as she twisted the top back on the nail polish bottle.

I side-eyed them, already seeing where this was going.

"Anyway," I cut in, ripping open a pack of sour straws, "you should've been here earlier. Rina almost let me drown."

Mally snorted. "Yo ass can't swim, and you still be playing like that? See, that's why Daddy don't trust you."

"It was Rina's fault!"

"Damn, blame me more," she muttered, rolling her eyes before turning her attention back to Mally, her tone just a little bit sweeter.

"You'd save me, right?" she asked, her big brown eyes all flirty as she tucked her hair behind her ear.

Mally chuckled, rubbing his chin like he was thinking about it. "Depends. What's in it for me?"

I groaned. Here they go.

Rina grinned, sitting up so her fresh pedicure wouldn't smudge. "I dunno... What do you want?"

Mally leaned back on his elbows, giving her a once-over, and I saw the way Rina's legs crossed real slow, like she wanted him to look.

"Damn," I muttered, shoving a sour straw in my mouth. "Can y'all not?"

Mally laughed, sitting up. "Relax, Yanna. Ain't nobody thinking about your friend like that."

Rina gasped, dramatic as hell. "Oh, wow. So I'm just some girl now?"

I smirked, chewing. "You was just 'some girl' to Ren earlier, too, when she only held my bags."

Rina threw a pillow at me. "Shut up, bitch!"

Mally shook his head, grinning as he stood up. "Alright, I'ma leave y'all to your lil' sleepover. Try not to drown each other tomorrow."

I stuck my tongue out at him as he walked out.

Rina watched him leave, then turned to me with a knowing smile. "I could have him."

I rolled my eyes, popping another candy in my mouth. "Yeah, yeah. Keep dreaming, lover girl."

Wyatt texted me while I was scrolling through my phone, and when I saw his name pop up, I sighed a little.

Wyatt: Hey, you free Friday? Let's go out.

I stared at the message for a second, debating.

Rina, laying next to me, was already scrolling through TikTok, giggling at something on her For You Page.

"Bitch," I nudged her arm. "Wyatt wanna take me out Friday."

She arched a brow, still focused on her phone. "You going?"

I exhaled, my nails tapping against the screen before I typed back.

Me: Sure.

I needed the distraction.

I put my phone down, stretched out on the bed, and got comfy under the covers. My room was all cozy—the LED lights were on their purple setting, the AC was at the perfect temperature, and my fresh sheets smelled like vanilla and lavender. Perfect sleepover vibes.

I turned over, facing Rina, who was still laid out, eyes glued to her phone.

"Can we cuddle?" I asked, my voice all sweet.

Rina side-eyed me, not even pausing her scrolling. "Girl, no."

I pouted. "Why not?"

She turned her head to look at me fully, her expression deadpan. "Because I only cuddle my man."

I rolled my eyes, flopping onto my back. "Lame."

Rina laughed. "Whatever, you just want somebody to hold you."

I tucked my arms under my pillow, mumbling, "Maybe."

She snickered, locking her phone and turning over on her side, away from me. "Go cuddle your man, oh wait—you don't got one."

I gasped dramatically, snatching the pillow from under me and hitting her with it.

"Bitch! Rude as hell!"

She laughed, dodging me. "I'm just saying! You all up on Ren, but you going out with Wyatt?"

I shrugged, hugging the pillow instead. "Like I said, distraction."

Rina hummed like she wasn't buying it, but she didn't press. Instead, she yawned, stretching before getting even more comfortable.

"Mm, night, hoe."

I sighed, letting my eyes close too. "Night, bitch."

And just like that, the room settled into silence, the glow of my LED lights softening as we drifted off to sleep.

•───────•°•❀•°•───────•

When we woke up, the sun was already beaming through my windows, casting a soft golden glow over the room. I stretched, feeling well-rested, and turned over to see Rina already scrolling through her phone.

"Get up, hoe," I nudged her playfully.

She groaned, finally tossing her phone aside before rolling out of bed. "Ugh, I need coffee."

We both threw on our matching silk robes—mine was pink, hers was lavender—and headed downstairs toward the kitchen.

As soon as we walked in, my daddy jumped up from the table, clapping his hands dramatically like he'd been waiting for me. "Ahh, babydoll, there you are!"

I smiled, still feeling sleepy, and walked over to peck his cheek before sliding into my usual seat.

"Did you know Ren could cook?" he asked, raising a brow like it was the most shocking thing ever.

I blinked, looking over at her. She was standing at the stove, her sleeves rolled up, tattoos on display, flipping something in a pan like she belonged in a cooking show.

I shook my head. "No... I didn't."

Daddy grinned, looking back at her like she was some hidden gem he just discovered. "Well, she's making us breakfast, and I gotta say—it smells amazing."

Mally came down, plopping into a seat across from me, rubbing his eyes sleepily.

"Morning."

Rina and I mumbled our greetings back, still watching Ren.

Where the hell did she learn to cook like this?

I glanced around, noticing my mother was nowhere in sight—probably still in London handling whatever business she had going on. Who knows when she'd be back?

A moment later, Steph set down the food, and my jaw almost dropped.

It was a full southern breakfast, like something straight out of a TV show—fluffy biscuits, crispy bacon, eggs, grits, fried chicken, and French toast, all arranged perfectly on the table.

My stomach growled just looking at it.

Ren still didn't sit down, though. She just nodded at us before going to stand against the wall again, hands clasped behind her back, like she was on duty.

I frowned, turning to Daddy, whining dramatically. "My bodyguard has to eat, or she won't be as good!"

He chuckled, shaking his head. "I don't know, babydoll, she seems just fine to me."

I pouted harder, turning to Ren. "You really not gon' eat?"

Her face was unreadable, but her eyes softened just a little. "I'm good, Ms. Hill."

I wasn't buying it.

"Well, I'm not," I huffed. "Sit. Eat. That's an order."

Mally snickered, and even Rina smirked behind her cup of juice.

Ren exhaled through her nose, clearly debating.

Then, after a moment, she walked over, pulling out a chair and finally sitting down.

I smirked, pleased with myself.

Yeah, that's what I thought.

Daddy tried to say something, probably to challenge me, but I hit him with that face. The one that meant "don't play with me, just listen." He sighed in defeat, shaking his head with a smirk as we all started eating.

And let me tell you—Ren threw down.

The food was damn near restaurant-quality, everything seasoned perfectly, buttery, crispy, fluffy—just right. I didn't know she could cook, let alone cook like this.

Halfway through the meal, Daddy leaned back in his chair, rubbing his stomach like he just had a life-changing experience. "Well, damn, Ren. You sure you're in the right profession? I might have to find Babydoll a new bodyguard and make you the new cook."

Ren chuckled, a deep, smooth laugh that made my stomach do something funny. It was the first time I ever heard her laugh like that, and it was sexy.

I glanced over at Rina, ready to gossip with my eyes, but when I turned my head, she wasn't even paying attention.

Her and Mally were making googly eyes at each other like some middle school couple.

I squinted. Oh, these two were up to something.

Rina had her hand propped under her chin, smiling all soft at him while he pretended to be chill, but I knew my brother—his whole body language switched up.

I nudged Rina under the table, giving her a look. "Girl, focus."

She snapped out of it, blinking fast before taking a sip of her juice like nothing happened.

Mally just smirked, shaking his head before going back to eating.

Ren, meanwhile, was still sitting calm and collected, like she didn't just have me fighting for my life over her voice.

I cleared my throat, picking at my food, trying not to make it too obvious that she had me flustered.

But I could already tell.

This little game we were playing?

It was gonna get real interesting.

Daddy was being my biggest opp.

Like, seriously, what was his deal?

Just as I was about to make some cute little comment to Ren—you know, turn up the charm, see if she'd crack—Daddy just had to go and ruin it.

"Ren, we need to discuss reports. Come with me," he said, standing up like some evil villain snatching away my fun.

Ren barely even hesitated—military ass. She just nodded, about to grab one last bite of her food when Daddy turned toward the door, making it clear she needed to follow now.

And just like that, she put her fork down, wiped her mouth with a napkin, and stood up, already slipping right back into bodyguard mode.

I watched in disbelief as she followed him out, her plate still damn near full.

I clutched my chest dramatically. "Are you serious right now?"

Rina snorted, leaning over to whisper, "Your daddy saw you making lusty eyes at that woman and called in a whole operation to stop it."

I rolled my eyes, pushing my plate forward. "Biggest opp ever. Can't let me have nothing."

Mally, who had been so focused on Rina that he barely paid attention to anything else, finally glanced up. "Maybe he's just trying to make sure you actually have a bodyguard and not a—"

"Shut up, Malik." I cut him off before he could finish, already knowing he was about to say something slick.

Rina, being the instigator she is, gasped all dramatic, putting her hand over her mouth. "Oop! He was about to say 'a little crush'—"

"I said shut up!"

Mally just smirked, going back to eating, and I sat there pouting, arms crossed.

Ren didn't even get to finish her damn food, and now I had to sit here, bored, while Daddy wasted her time with some stupid reports.

I huffed, slumping in my chair. This man was gonna pay for this.

Malik sat back in his chair, completely unbothered, as he casually dropped the bomb on us.

"Yeah, me and Ren cool now, but we fought before."

I nearly choked on my drink. Fought? As in hands were thrown? As in he went toe-to-toe with my bodyguard and lived to tell the tale?

Rina's jaw dropped, and we both turned to him at the same time, eyes wide. "You and Ren fought?!"

Mally just shrugged like it was nothing. "Yeah, but it was a minute ago."

I squinted, already knowing there had to be some crazy-ass story behind this. "What happened?"

He smirked, shaking his head. "Man... I smashed her girlfriend."

Rina and I both gasped so loud, Daddy probably heard us from his office.

"You what?!" I nearly yelled, leaning forward. "You slept with her girl? Malik!"

He laughed like this wasn't insane. "I ain't know they was together! Shorty was on me first."

Rina shook her head, covering her mouth. "Oh, you deserved that ass-whooping."

Mally leaned forward, resting his arms on the table like he was really about to explain. "So boom—Ren finds out, right? And she pressed me about it, but I'm thinking it's just some words, like she just gon' be mad and talk her shit." He smirked. "Nah, she wanted to fight."

I gasped, fully invested now.

"At first, I wasn't really hitting back for real, 'cause you know, she a girl," he continued, tilting his head like he was replaying it all in his mind. "But then she started whooping my ass."

I threw my head back laughing, because of course she did.

"So I had to defend myself," he admitted, shaking his head. "Didn't even matter, though. I still lost."

Rina was damn near crying, gripping my arm. "Ren beat your ass?!"

Mally pointed at her. "Man, I ain't gon' lie, she got hands."

I covered my mouth, losing it. "So after all that, y'all just cool now?"

He shrugged like it wasn't the craziest shit ever. "Yeah, we seen each other some time after that, dapped up, and been straight ever since."

I just stared at him. There was no way.

"Y'all are really so weird," I muttered, shaking my head.

Mally just grinned. "Nah, that's my dog now. We be on 2K together."

I was low-key relieved hearing that Ren might be single. Not that I was plotting or anything... but still. The way she acted around me, how she got all stiff and professional when I got too close—I just knew there was something there. She felt it too.

Rina sighed dramatically beside me, snapping me out of my thoughts. "Ugh, my daddy making me come home and pack," she pouted. "We got some big family trip or whatever, and you know how he is."

I groaned, already knowing she wouldn't be able to get out of it. "How long?"

She shrugged. "Probably a week or two."

I rolled my eyes. Two weeks without my best bitch? Tragic.

Mally, still lounging like he had nowhere else to be, hopped in the convo smooth as hell. "I'll drop you off."

Me and Rina both turned to him at the same time, and I narrowed my eyes immediately.

Oh, really?

Rina, on the other hand, ate it up. She bit her lip, playing all innocent and shy. "You would?"

Mally just smirked, leaning back in his chair like the smooth talker he was. "Course. I gotta take care of you, huh?"

I nearly gagged. Please.

I hit Mally with that look. The "don't play in my face" look.

He saw it. He knew it. And he ignored it.

Rina was grinning ear to ear, clearly enjoying the attention, so I just sucked my teeth and waved them off. "Go 'head, then. Be in love or whatever."

Rina giggled, standing up and opening her arms dramatically. "Come gimme a hug, hoe."

I sighed like she was annoying me even though I was gonna miss her bad as hell. I pulled her in tight, squeezing her before pulling back. "Text me the second you get there."

She rolled her eyes. "Obviously."

I turned to Mally. "And you better not have her out here acting crazy."

He smirked. "Man, she the one corrupting me."

I wasn't even about to entertain that lie.

With one last look, Rina grabbed her bag, and they headed out. I stood in the doorway for a second, watching them leave before sighing and heading back upstairs.

Now what the hell was I supposed to do with my day?

I went to my room, flopping onto my bed dramatically, staring up at the ceiling. My door was left open, but I didn't really care. Nobody really came to my side of the house like that. It was my little peaceful corner of the estate, away from all the noise and business.

I was mindlessly scrolling on my phone, zoning out, when I caught movement from the corner of my eye.

Ren.

She had taken her usual spot outside my door, standing there all official, like some statue in a museum. She had that unreadable expression, that serious, controlled energy like she was trying to pretend she wasn't aware of me watching her.

And, baby, I was watching her.

I found myself staring—just taking her in. The way she stood, the way her tattoos peeked from beneath her sleeves, the way her strong jawline flexed like she was deep in thought. I was watching so hard that I didn't even realize I was picking at my skin.

Then, suddenly—pain.

I hissed softly, glancing down to see a small streak of blood forming on my arm. Shit. I whined a little, more out of frustration than pain, and before I could even process it, Ren was stepping inside.

Oh?

She moved quick, too quick, like it was just instinct for her to react when I made any sound of distress.

I looked up at her, biting my lip slightly. "It's little," I said, voice soft. "But can you clean it for me?"

I could see something shift in her face. It was quick—so quick I might've imagined it. But it was there.

She didn't say much, just let out a low sigh and walked over, her heavy boots moving across my floor like she was trying to stay in control.

She crouched beside the bed, reaching into her pocket and pulling out a small first aid kit. Of course she had one on her. Always prepared.

I watched her, the way her hands moved—strong, steady, careful. She took a small alcohol wipe and pressed it against my skin. It burned a little.

I whined again. Just a little. Just to see.

Ren's jaw clenched. I could see her fighting something.

"Dramatic," she muttered under her breath, but she still held my arm gently, making sure I was okay.

I smirked, but I didn't say anything.

Wyatt hated doing things like this for me. All my boyfriends did. Every single one that Daddy had handpicked for me—the ones that came from the same privileged, high-status circles—they all got annoyed whenever I was too needy, whenever I expected to be treated like a princess.

And honestly? That irritated me.

Because if my own father—a powerful, busy man—could stop whatever he was doing to make sure I had everything I needed, why couldn't they?

They acted like it was a chore to take care of me. Like they expected me to be independent, low-maintenance, effortless. But that wasn't me. I liked attention. I liked being spoiled, being looked after. Why wouldn't I?

And it wasn't just the boys.

Even the girls I secretly dated were the same way. Rich, beautiful, and annoyed by the fact that I liked to be doted on. They thought I was too much. Too clingy. Too used to being catered to.

They didn't get it.

They didn't get that it wasn't just about wanting things—it was about feeling wanted. Feeling cherished. Feeling like somebody was willing to go out of their way for me just because they wanted to.

Ren felt different.

She didn't say much, didn't make a big show about it, but when I asked her for something—even the littlest thing—she just did it. No complaining, no attitude, no exasperated sighs.

She took care of me.

Ren smoothed the bandaid over my skin with careful precision, her fingers warm and steady against me. She was so close, close enough that I could smell that cologne again, something clean and sharp, with just a little spice to it. My eyes flicked up to her face, her expression unreadable as she finished, making sure the bandage was secure before she finally pulled away.

She didn't say anything at first. Just watched me, like she was waiting to see if I'd whine about something else. Then, finally, she asked, her voice low and even,

"Anything else, Ms. Hill?"

God, that voice. It was always so professional, but there was something about the way she said my name that made my stomach feel light.

I could've told her no. I could've let her leave and go stand outside my door like she usually did, but I didn't want her to. The room felt too empty, and the idea of her being so close but not in here was making me itch.

I tilted my head slightly, looking up at her through my lashes.

"Stay," I murmured. "Secure my room from the inside."

For a second, she just looked at me, like she was deciding whether or not to challenge that. Then, without a word, she gave a small nod and turned, moving toward the farthest corner of my room.

She positioned herself against the wall, feet planted firmly, hands clasped in front of her like she was standing guard outside some presidential suite.

I watched her for a few moments, my lips pressing together.

This was not what I meant.

I wanted her to sit down. Relax. Talk to me. But, of course, Ren took everything literally.

Still, I didn't send her away.

Even if she wasn't talking, even if she was just standing there like a damn statue—it felt nice.

Because for once, I didn't have to ask for attention.

She was just here.

I laid back against my pillows, stretching my arms above my head, letting my robe slip just enough to show off the smooth curve of my collarbone. I knew exactly what I was doing. Ren was watching. She always was, even when she tried to act like she wasn't.

She stayed perfectly still in her corner, pretending like she was locked in, but I saw the small twitch in her jaw, the way her fingers flexed slightly before she clasped them together again like she was keeping herself in check.

I shifted, reaching for my phone on the nightstand, the movement causing the robe to slide just a little further down my shoulder. I caught the way her eyes flicked—just for a second—before snapping back up to the wall like she hadn't looked at all.

Oh, this was fun.

I sighed dramatically, running my fingers through my hair, letting my nails scrape lightly against my scalp, drawing attention to the length of my neck. I kicked my legs a little, letting my robe part, revealing just a glimpse of my bare thighs.

I could feel her getting tenser by the second.

And then, finally, she spoke.

"Ms. Hill." Her voice was controlled, but I could hear the tightness in it.

I blinked up at her, my lips parting slightly in fake innocence.

"What?" I asked, dragging the word out, tilting my head as if I had no idea what she was talking about.

Ren exhaled sharply through her nose, adjusting her stance like she was physically stopping herself from moving.

I smirked.

She wasn't giving in. Yet.

But that yet was important.

Because I knew, eventually, she would.