8.

•───────•°•❀•°•───────•

The next morning, I woke up with the sun peeking through my curtains, warming my skin. I stretched, my body still a little sore from dancing last night, before rolling out of bed and throwing on my satin robe, letting it hang over my bare skin—just my lace panties and matching bra underneath.

I didn't even think twice about it as I left my room, my mind already focused on what was waiting for me downstairs. Who cooked breakfast? Hopefully Ren.

I wanted to see her.

I needed to see her.

My feet padded against the marble floors as I made my way down, the smell of butter and syrup filling the air. My stomach growled, but the second I stepped into the dining room, my appetite was instantly ruined.

Daddy was already seated at the table, loudly enjoying his breakfast while Ren sat across from him, straight-backed and serious, listening as he talked with his mouth full.

So rude.

He wasn't even offering her a plate—just sitting there, stuffing his face while she watched.

Ren, of course, didn't look the slightest bit bothered. Her expression was unreadable, her hands folded in front of her like she was on duty, but I knew that had to be awkward as hell.

The second Daddy spotted me, his face lit up. "Ahh, babydoll, there you are!" he said, swallowing his food. "I was just telling Ren about your date today. You and Wyatt look so good together."

I barely held back an eye roll.

Why does he want to ruin my life so bad?

I nodded at him, forcing a neutral expression, and went straight for the plates. If he was gonna let Ren sit there with no food, I wasn't.

I grabbed mine, then grabbed a second one, loading it up before heading to the table. I placed one plate in front of me and set the other in front of Ren, but before she could even react, Daddy interrupted.

"I don't need a second plate," he said, waving it off. "The maid will get it."

I gave him a blank stare, already annoyed.

"It's not for you," I said simply. "It's for Ren."

His entire demeanor changed, his brows furrowing. "She's fine," he said, brushing it off like she wasn't even there. "She doesn't need it."

Excuse me?

I looked at him, then at Ren, who sat stone still, not even reacting. She wasn't reaching for the food, wasn't looking at me, wasn't doing anything to suggest she even cared about the plate sitting in front of her.

And that pissed me off even more.

I put effort into making sure she had a damn meal, and she was just gonna sit there like she was some kind of machine instead of a human being who needed to eat too?

I tightened my grip on my fork, my appetite completely gone.

This was not how I wanted to start my morning.

My phone buzzed against the table, and I glanced down to see a text from Rina.

Rina: Just made it to the mountains, miss you sexy 😘

I smirked, shaking my head as I typed back.

Me: Miss you more, bitch. Don't forget to FaceTime me before bed.

I sent the message and set my phone down, slowly picking at my breakfast, barely tasting it. My focus wasn't even on the food anymore—it was on Ren.

She was still silent, still sitting so still, like a statue, except for the subtle rise and fall of her chest. Her posture was perfect, like she'd been trained to sit that way, and her expression was blank.

But my eyes trailed up, taking in the way she had her locs pulled into a high bun, a few stray pieces hanging at the back of her neck. That's when I saw it—the tattoo behind her ear, a small but perfectly done set of numbers that trailed down to her neck.

"222."

I didn't even realize I was staring. My mind was already wandering, thinking about how soft her skin looked there, how I could just lean over and kiss right—

Stop.

I took a slow breath, forcing my gaze back down to my plate, pushing my food around with my fork.

That's when Daddy stood up, wiping his mouth with a napkin before tossing it onto his empty plate.

"Alright, let's finish this talk," he said, patting his stomach before glancing at Ren. "Come on."

Ren immediately pushed her chair back and stood, ready to follow orders like she was programmed.

I didn't know why that irritated me, but it did.

She was so obedient, so loyal to my father's words, but when I asked her to do something—like eat a damn plate of food—she ignored me.

I put my fork down, suddenly feeling petty as hell.

"Ren."

She turned her head slightly, eyes locking on mine, waiting.

I tilted my head, letting my robe slip just a little, my bare shoulder peeking out as I pouted slightly.

"Do you always listen to whatever my father says?"

Daddy barely paid attention as he stepped away, already focused on his business, but Ren?

Ren didn't say a word.

She just gave me the same calm, unreadable look she always did, then turned and followed Daddy out the room like I hadn't said anything at all.

I clenched my jaw, watching her go.

Oh, so that's how it is?

I stormed out of the dining room, my plate half-eaten, my mood completely ruined.

I couldn't even enjoy breakfast because Daddy was being Daddy, always making decisions for me like I wasn't grown. He was ruining my life, and now he was using Ren to do it.

I needed to vent, and there was only one person who could tolerate my dramatics right now.

Mally.

I made my way down the hall to his room, not even bothering to knock before pushing the door open. He was laid back on his bed, shirtless, scrolling on his phone, and barely even looked up when I walked in.

"What?" he muttered, knowing I was here to bother him.

I flopped onto his bed dramatically, rolling onto my back and letting out a loud, exaggerated whine.

"Mally, Daddy is ruining my life."

He sighed, locking his phone and finally looking at me.

"What he do now?"

I sat up, crossing my arms, pouting.

"He keeps trying to force me to be with Wyatt when he knows I don't like him! I mean, I literally told him that I like girls, and you know what he did? He threatened to kick me out, so I had to take it back."

Mally just stared at me for a second before shaking his head.

"Yeah, that's fucked up."

"Exactly!" I threw my hands up. "And now, he's over here planning dates for me like I'm some child!"

Mally finally sat up, rubbing his face before giving me his full attention.

"Alright, so what you gon' do?"

I flopped back down again, staring at the ceiling.

"I don't know," I groaned. Then, without thinking, I blurted out, "I just know Ren is so cute, and I need that."

Mally barked out a laugh, shaking his head.

"You need that?"

"Yes!" I turned on my side, propping myself up on my elbow. "Like, she's so... stoic and hot and serious. And she calls me 'Ms. Hill' all professional and shit, but then earlier, she called me 'Doll,' and I don't know why that made me wanna—"

I stopped myself, biting my lip.

Mally smirked.

"Oh, you're gone gone."

I groaned, flopping onto my back again.

"Shut up."

He chuckled, shaking his head before stretching his arms behind him.

"If you can pull that, I'll be impressed," he said, amused.

I frowned, sitting up.

"You don't think I can?"

He shrugged.

"I'm just saying, she's not like these soft-ass people you used to messing with. She's military, trained, and she works for pops. She's not just about to risk everything for some rich girl crush."

I narrowed my eyes at him.

"I can pull her."

Mally chuckled again, grinning.

"Alright, bet."

I crossed my arms, now fully determined.

Mally had no idea who he was doubting.

As I was walking out of Mally's room, I couldn't resist getting one last jab in.

"That's why she beat your ass."

I heard him suck his teeth behind me, and before I could react, something—probably a pillow—came flying in my direction. But I was already out the door, closing it just in time.

"Get out, Yanna!" he called from the other side.

I laughed to myself as I walked back to my room, feeling a little better after getting all that off my chest. But my annoyance still lingered.

Daddy had me fucked up.

And Mally, thinking I couldn't pull Ren? He had me fucked up too.

I was gonna pull her.

And she was gonna love it.

I stepped into my bedroom and went straight for my bathroom, already peeling my robe off as I turned on the shower. The steam filled the room as I stepped under the hot water, letting it cascade over me, washing away all the stress Daddy put me through this morning.

I grabbed my favorite vanilla-scented body scrub, rubbing it over every inch of my skin until it was baby soft. After rinsing, I followed up with my shimmering body oil, rubbing it in deep so my skin could be glowing.

I stepped out, warm and moisturized, and wrapped my robe back around me before heading to my vanity.

I sat down, pulling out my brush and carefully combing through my lashes, fluffing them up just right. My extensions were still perfect—I wasn't about to be one of those girls walking around with half-fallen ones.

After that, I grabbed my wide-tooth comb and ran it through my long, thick curls, watching as they framed my face.

I used to hate my curls.

Growing up, I always thought straight hair was better, always felt like I needed to flatten them out to be pretty. But over time, I grew to love them. They were big, bold, soft, and honestly, they made me look like a goddess.

Now, I wouldn't trade them for anything.

I smirked at my reflection before reaching for my makeup bag.

If Ren was gonna be watching me today, I was gonna make sure she was watching something worth looking at.

I took my time with my soft beat, blending everything to perfection—just enough to enhance, but not too much to look overdone. I finished it off with glossy lips and a soft glow on my cheekbones.

For the fit, I slipped into black leather pants that hugged my ass just right, accentuating every curve without even trying. I paired them with a cozy, oversized sweater that balanced out the sexiness of the pants, and slipped into my sandals—keeping it simple, yet expensive. A few pieces of gold jewelry tied it all together effortlessly.

I checked myself out in the mirror, tilting my head.

I looked good.

I loved showing out, but I also loved the power that came with being covered up and still making people look. There was something sexy about that too—mystery.

Satisfied, I grabbed my LV bag, slung it over my shoulder, and stepped out of my room.

As soon as I opened the door, Ren was there.

Standing at attention, silent, composed, not even blinking as she fell in step behind me.

I glanced back at her, hoping to catch a reaction, maybe even a glance at my ass—but she was too damn disciplined.

I almost rolled my eyes.

When we got outside, Wyatt was already there, waiting by his car.

He had his arms crossed, leaning against the door like he was about to start some bullshit, and before I even got fully to him, he was already running his mouth.

"What are you wearing?" he asked, his voice full of judgment.

I frowned, irritated immediately.

"Clothes?" I said, flatly.

Wyatt sucked his teeth and shook his head, looking me up and down like I was some disappointment.

"You need to do something with your hair," he said, wrinkling his nose. "You look a mess right now."

I stopped in my tracks.

I look a mess?

My eyes narrowed, and I felt Ren shift slightly behind me, like she was paying close attention.

I crossed my arms and cocked my head. "You got something else you wanna say?"

Wyatt sighed, exasperated, like I was the one trying him. "Babydoll, you know I like when you wear your hair straight. It looks more put together that way. Right now, it's just..." He made a face, waving his hand dismissively.

I felt my blood boil.

But instead of snapping, I just gave him a tight smile and reached into my bag, pulling out my lip gloss.

I took my time reapplying it, staring at him the whole time.

Then, I smacked my lips together and said, sweetly, "I don't give a fuck what you like."

Wyatt's face twitched.

I caught Ren's reflection in the car window. She was standing still, but I could tell she was fighting a smirk.

I turned back to Wyatt. "We going or not?"

He let out a frustrated sigh, rubbing his forehead. "Just...get in the car, Doll."

I smiled, victorious, and strutted to the passenger side.

Ren opened the door for me, her movements sharp, professional—but when I glanced up at her, I caught her eyes lingering on me for just a second too long.

Oh yeah.

I was gonna pull her.

Ren got into the security car trailing us, and as soon as Wyatt pulled off, he started bitching.

Like clockwork.

I barely even had my seatbelt on before he launched into another one of his rants about how I needed to act "more like a lady." How I needed to be softer, more polished, more refined—whatever the fuck that meant to him.

I rolled my eyes, already tuning him out, but then he hit me with:

"And you look unkempt."

That made me pause.

I pulled the vanity mirror down, staring at my reflection. My curls were a little messy, yeah—but I didn't think I looked bad. At least, I didn't until he said that.

I frowned, tilting my head, suddenly unsure.

Maybe it didn't look as good as I thought.

Maybe I should've straightened it like he always suggested.

"I just like when you wear less, too," he added, like he wasn't already on my last nerve. "Your body is so nice—why not show it off more?"

I felt my skin crawl.

Instead of snapping back, I just forced a smile and reached up, running my fingers through my curls before smoothing them into a bun.

Maybe he was right.

Maybe I should just make it neater.

Maybe I should—

I clenched my jaw, hating the way his words made me second-guess myself.

The rest of the ride was silent, aside from Wyatt sighing and shaking his head like I was some kind of burden.

When we pulled up to our destination, he didn't even bother looking at me before getting out. Just walked off without a second thought, leaving me to open my own damn door.

Typical.

I reached for the handle, but before I could grab it, Ren was already there, opening it for me.

Her movements were sharp, precise, like she was just doing her job—but when I looked up at her, she was staring at me a little too hard.

Like she noticed something.

I frowned. "What?"

Ren didn't answer right away.

Her eyes flickered to my hair—now tied up and out of the way—before meeting mine again.

Then, in that calm, quiet tone of hers, she said, "I liked it down."

My heart skipped.

I stared at her, caught off guard, my fingers twitching like I wanted to undo the bun right then and there.

Wyatt's words had lingered in my head the whole ride, making me question myself—making me feel like maybe I didn't look good enough.

But with just one sentence, Ren made me feel the opposite.

Like I was good enough.

Like I was fine just the way I was.

I swallowed, my throat suddenly dry, and tried to ignore the way my chest tightened.

Instead of saying anything, I just nodded slowly and stepped out of the car, feeling Ren's eyes on me the whole time.

We stepped into the restaurant, and already, I felt out of place.

The lighting was low, giving it that expensive, romantic feel—the kind of place Daddy liked sending me and Wyatt to because it looked good on paper. The perfect young power couple.

I wasn't even hungry anymore.

Wyatt walked ahead of me, not even sparing a glance back. Like I was just some obligation he had to check off his list for the night. I wrapped my arms around myself, suddenly feeling too aware of what I was wearing.

I should've worn something else.

Maybe a dress.

Maybe straightened my hair before putting it up.

I felt Ren behind me, close but not too close, and for some reason, her presence kept me from sinking all the way into my thoughts.

The hostess smiled at us, greeting Wyatt first, of course, and led us to our table.

Wyatt barely even pulled my chair out before sitting down himself, immediately reaching for his phone like this was some business meeting instead of a date.

I forced a smile, resting my elbows on the table. "So..." I tried to start some conversation, but he didn't even look up from his screen.

I tapped my nails against the table, trying to mask my frustration.

After a minute, I gave up and glanced around.

Ren was standing near the bar, positioned just right so she could keep an eye on me. Her expression was neutral, arms crossed over her chest, but I could tell she was watching everything.

The waiter came over, setting down the menus, and Wyatt finally acknowledged me.

"You're getting a salad, right?" he asked, flipping through the menu.

I blinked. "Huh?"

"A salad," he repeated, like it was obvious. "You're always complaining about how you need to start eating better."

I stared at him.

First, my hair.

Now, my weight?

I clenched my jaw, feeling my stomach sink. "I wasn't planning on it."

Wyatt sighed heavily, finally looking at me with that condescending expression he loved so much. "Baby, I'm just saying, you're always talking about how you wanna look your best. I'm trying to help."

I opened my mouth, then shut it, suddenly feeling ten times worse than when we first got here.

I wasn't even big.

I was thick, yeah. Had curves. I liked my body—at least, I thought I did.

But now, I was questioning that too.

I clenched my fists under the table, forcing myself to shrug. "I'll get what I want."

Wyatt let out another sigh but didn't push it, which meant he won. Because now, I was thinking about ordering the damn salad just to prove something.

The waiter came back, and Wyatt ordered for himself first, not even bothering to ask what I wanted. When he was done, he glanced at me, expectant.

I hesitated, biting my lip.

Then, my eyes flickered toward Ren.

She was still standing by the bar, but now, her expression was different.

Like she was picking up on everything.

I couldn't tell if she was annoyed or just watching, but for some reason, it made me want to eat whatever the hell I wanted.

I sat up straighter, shifting my shoulders back. "I'll take the Cajun pasta," I said, making sure my voice was clear and steady.

Wyatt frowned. "That's a lot of carbs."

I shrugged, not breaking eye contact with the waiter. "And a water, please."

I felt Ren's gaze on me.

It made me feel solid.

The waiter nodded, writing it down before heading off.

Wyatt shook his head like I had just ruined his whole evening but didn't say anything. Instead, he went right back to scrolling his phone, texting whoever the hell was so important.

I sat there, fidgeting with my bracelet, feeling my stomach twist.

I wanted this night to be over already.

I pushed my food around my plate, barely eating, while Wyatt kept himself occupied with whatever was on his phone. Occasionally, he'd look up just to critique something—my posture, my nails, the way I held my fork.

"You're gripping it like a toddler," he said, smirking like he was being helpful. "It's a fork, babe, not a weapon."

I stared at him, blinking slowly before setting my fork down completely. I wasn't even hungry anymore.

After what felt like forever, the check came, and of course, Wyatt took his sweet time looking it over like he was about to negotiate a deal. I fought the urge to roll my eyes, grabbing my phone and checking my notifications.

A text from Rina.

— I know that date boring as fuck be safe tho sexy 😘

I smiled a little and texted back.

— girl I'm fighting for my life rn 😭

Wyatt cleared his throat dramatically, and I looked up, only to see him staring at me expectantly. "Can you at least be present?"

I just stared at him. Be present?

He had spent the entire dinner on his phone, barely speaking to me unless it was to criticize something, and now I was the problem?

I sucked in a breath, forcing a tight smile. "Yeah, sure."

He hummed like he didn't believe me and finally paid. Then, he stood up, not even waiting for me before walking toward the door.

I sighed, standing slowly.

Before I turned, my eyes flickered toward the bar.

Ren was already moving, walking toward the exit ahead of me. She had been watching.

I followed after them, feeling my chest get tight with frustration.

•───────•°•❀•°•───────•

Wyatt spent the first ten minutes of the drive complaining about the restaurant.

The wait was too long. The food was mid. The atmosphere was "okay, I guess."

I tuned him out, looking out the window, my mind drifting elsewhere.

— To Ren, standing by the bar, watching me.

— To how I suddenly didn't feel like folding under Wyatt's words when she was around.

— To the way she told me she liked my hair down.

I chewed my lip.

Wyatt finally noticed I wasn't responding and nudged my arm. "You good?"

I nodded, still staring at the passing streetlights. "Mhm."

He studied me for a second, then clicked his tongue. "You get moody when you eat too much."

I exhaled sharply through my nose. "Or maybe I get moody when you talk too much."

Silence.

I glanced at him just in time to catch the way his jaw tightened.

Good.

The car pulled up to the estate, and Wyatt didn't even try to walk me inside.

I got out, slamming the door a little harder than necessary, and Ren was already stepping forward to open the front door for me.

I walked past her, not saying anything at first, then paused when I heard Wyatt's car pull off.

She stopped behind me, waiting.

I turned slightly, looking at her, my eyes flickering over her stoic expression. She wasn't looking at me—she was staring toward the driveway, watching Wyatt leave like she was making sure he was gone for good.

I swallowed, then finally spoke.

"Do I look unkempt?"

Ren turned her head, her brows furrowing slightly.

I crossed my arms, suddenly feeling stupid for even asking. "Never mind."

I started to walk away, but her voice stopped me. "No."

I turned back, and she was staring at me now, her gaze steady.

"You don't," she said. Firm. Certain.

I held eye contact for a second longer than I probably should have, then looked away, heat creeping up my neck.

"...Thanks," I muttered, before finally heading upstairs.

The second I stepped into my room, I collapsed face-first onto my bed, groaning into my pillow.

I felt exhausted.

Wyatt's voice still echoed in my head.

"Act more like a lady."

"You look unkempt."

"That's a lot of carbs."

I squeezed my eyes shut. Fuck him.

I reached for my phone, about to text Rina and complain, when I noticed the door was still cracked open.

I turned my head, and sure enough, Ren was standing outside, posted up just like she always did.

I hesitated.

Then, without thinking too hard about it, I called out—

"Ren."

She turned her head slightly, acknowledging me.

I bit my lip. "Come in."

She stared at me for a second, then finally stepped inside.

I sat up, legs crossed under me. "Close the door."

She did.

The air felt thick now, like I had invited something in along with her.

I took a breath. "Sit down."

She hesitated, then took a seat in the chair near the window, keeping her posture ridiculously straight.

I licked my lips, suddenly unsure of what I even wanted to say.

"...Do you think I should've ordered the salad?"

Her expression didn't change. "No."

I nodded slowly, playing with the hem of my sweater. "Do you think my hair was messy?"

She didn't answer right away, but then—

"I think you're overthinking."

I huffed a laugh. "I know."

Silence.

I looked at her again, taking in her high bun, the tattoo peeking from her neck, the way she always looked so composed.

Then, before I could stop myself—

"Take your hair down."

Ren blinked. "What?"

I shrugged. "You said you liked mine down. Let me see yours."

She gave me a look. "That's not how that works."

I grinned. "Scared?"

She exhaled through her nose. "Tired."

"Lame," I teased, shifting to lay on my side, resting my head on my palm.

Silence stretched between us, but it wasn't uncomfortable.

I studied her, feeling my exhaustion catching up to me, my eyes getting heavy.

"You like me, don't you?" I mumbled.

Ren didn't say anything.

But she also didn't deny it.

I smiled sleepily, feeling my body relaxing.

I barely registered the sound of her standing up, but before I could process it, I felt something soft and warm drape over me.

I blinked my eyes open.

Ren had just placed a blanket over me.

My heart stumbled.

I opened my mouth, but before I could say anything, she was already heading toward the door.

"Get some sleep, doll."

And then she was gone.