by A'zayler
“Why you by yourself?”
He shrugged. “Because I declined to be in the real husbands of Atlanta club.”
All of them laughed at him.
“Shut your ass up.” Killian shook his head with a large smile on his face.
“Nigga, I ain’t no real husband of Atlanta, I ain’t from this raggedy ass city,” Yeshi boasted.
Jerian’s eyes went to him as she took a sip from her cup. “Where you from?”
“The West Coast.” Yeshi’s tone was sexy and confident as he spoke.
Logan could hear the assertiveness in his voice as he spoke. It was always like that when he talked to women. It was as if he couldn’t help the suggestive tone he used with females. Logan had noticed it long ago but ignored it because she wasn’t the type of woman who was easily riled up by simple things. However, for some reason, right then it made her want to fight.
“Cali?”
Yeshi stuck one long leg out in front of him while the other was still occupied by Logan. “Vegas.”
“Word? What you doing down here in the country with these niggas?”
“This nigga is from Savannah. His ass is just as country as us.” Killian burst Yeshi out before slapping fives with Gabrion and Onyx, who had just come over and took a seat with Jaylen.
They all laughed with East speaking first. “Nigga trying to act like he better than us.”
“Right! Had me thinking he was somebody.” Jerian smiled at Yeshi a little too hard for Logan’s liking.
Logan repositioned herself on his lap to draw attention to her presence again because they’d clearly forgotten she was right there. She didn’t like to judge people, but she was starting not to like East’s sister. Her vibe seemed too invasive, and Logan didn’t like a woman who didn’t know her place around somebody else’s man.
“Fake city boy ass nigga.” Gabrion was laughing again along with everyone else.
“Don’t do my boy like that.” East smiled.
“He did himself like that, trying to make me think he’s all that.” Jerian smiled, and the twinkle in her eye rubbed Logan completely wrong. So wrong that she actually sucked her teeth out loud.
Apparently, her ‘man’ was too engrossed in his little conversation to hear it, because the next time he opened his mouth and came completely out the side of his neck, it nearly sent Logan through the roof.
“You fucking with a real nigga, baby, so be careful.” Everything about that one comment screamed for Jerian to take Logan’s place on his lap.
From what he said to how he’d said it had Logan’s blood boiling over. She was so angry that she didn’t even bother to contain it because though she’d never been in a fight in her life, outside of the play-play ones with her cousins as a child, she was ready to swap licks with Jerian. She could almost feel herself punching Jerian in the face and Yeshi in the throat seconds later. Now she knew what East meant when she’d said it took a certain type of man to bring the crazy out of you.
“So, you’re a real nigga?”
“And some, shorty.” Yeshi’s laugh was low and seductive as the sexual confidence exuded off him. “Stay over there in your lane. Don’t let these niggas get you in some shit.”
“Whew, chile! Let me get out of y’all way before I lose my religion up in this club.” Logan stood from his lap, fixed her dress, and grabbed her purse from the floor next to Yeshi’s chair before quickly switching away.
She could feel her butt moving out of control as she took quick steps, but at that moment, she didn’t even care. She’d been doing her best to walk slowly all night to keep that from happening, but she couldn’t care less as she took each step to the bottom floor. With her purse thrown over her shoulder, Logan pushed her way through the packed floor and headed for the bar.
Not to get a drink, but to take a moment and find her keys and phone so she could go home. Yeshi and Jerian had her so riled up that she could barely think straight. It felt like it took forever to get through the crowd of butt grabbing men and wild dancing women, but when she finally reached the bar, she was able to think again. Her head dropped as she fumbled through the small purse for her keys. She and Yeshi had apparently been on the same thing because she’d found her keys, and he’d found her.
“Yo, why you hop up like that?”
Logan snatched out of his grasp with the quickness. “Get your hand off me.”
Yeshi frowned. “I know you’re not mad about that li’l shit back there.”
“You want to bet?” Logan turned and tried to walk away, but he grabbed her.
“You really about to leave?”
“Sure am.” She tapped her foot impatiently. “You can go back to your new friend and show her just how real you are without me in your way.”
Yeshi looked away, trying to suppress the smirk that was rising on his face, which further angered Logan. She was livid, and he thought it was a joke. Just like a nigga. She shook her head because he was caught and couldn’t say anything that would change her mind.
“Man, stop showing out. I ain’t thinking about that girl.”
“Lie to somebody else. Bye.” Logan pulled away again, but he squeezed her arm tighter.
“Come back over here and stop all that damn running before I get mad.”
“Nigga, I don’t care about you being mad. You can be that and some. You’re a single man, so do your thing.”
This time when Logan was about to pull away, she stopped because of Jaylen. She was behind Yeshi and stepping around him.
“Excuse us, Yeshi.” She grabbed Logan’s arm and pulled her away from where Yeshi was standing.
“You good, baby?”
Logan shook her head. “They were being really disrespectful up there, and I don’t even move like that, so I just left before Yeshi and that girl got me out of character.”
Jaylen nodded and rubbed her arm soothingly. “I know, and I didn’t like it either. My cousin is like that, though. She’ll flirt with your nigga right in your face. She thinks because she can fight that she can just do rude shit like that. Don’t mind her.”
“Jaylen, she can try me if she wants to. I haven’t always been saved. I can get with it if that’s what she wants to do.”
Jaylen’s pretty face lightened as she smiled. “Listen to you.” She hugged Logan with one arm. “Don’t let them make you somebody you’re not. I understand why you were mad because if it were me, I would feel the same way. I just wanted to make sure you were okay.”
“Yes, boo, I’m good. Thank you. I’ma just head home. I was ready to go anyway.”
Jaylen poked her lip out. “Don’t go.”
“Nah, Jay, I have to go. I don’t like stuff like that.” Logan’s words trailed off as Yeshi approached. “Y’all enjoy yourselves.”
Logan turned and walked away. This time, Yeshi sucked his teeth, but he didn’t try to stop her.
The fresh air outside greeted Logan the moment she walked out the doors. She took in her surroundings as she headed for her car. The line to get in was just as long as it had been before they’d gone in, and it made Logan glad that she was leaving. It was already too many people in there, and to be letting even more in was crazy.
She was rounding the corner when she felt someone’s presence behind her. Logan looked over her shoulder and right into Jackson’s face. He stood taller than everyone and was dressed nicely in all black with a hat similar to the one he’d been wearing earlier, only this one was olive green. His smile welcomed her as he stretched his hand.
“Slow down. You got me damn near jogging to catch up with you, and I don’t even run.”
Logan smiled and slowed her stride so he could catch up with her. When he did, he grabbed her hand.
“You’re going to have all the niggas in the club following you to your car if you keep switching them hips like that.”
Logan’s face warmed in embarrassment. “I’m kind of in a rush.”
Jackson leaned his head to the side in an effort to make eye co
ntact with her. “Where you headed? Something wrong?”
“Not really. I’m just ready to go.”
Jackson frowned in concern. “You sure ain’t nothing wrong? You shot out of the club so fast you didn’t even see me flagging you down.”
“You saw me in the club?” Logan asked hesitantly.
If he saw her in the club, that would mean he saw her with Yeshi. Not that it should have been a problem since she’d already told him that she was involved, but still.
Jackson’s knowing smile made her breath shorten. “I did. You were so busy arguing with your man that you ain’t even see me.” He licked his lips. “I’ve been watching you all night. Caught sight of that face and couldn’t look away even when I tried.”
Hotter cheeks, warmer chest, she was heating up for him and couldn’t control it.
“You leaving by yourself because he made you mad?”
Logan nodded.
“Where you headed?” Jackson’s thumb rubbed the back of her hand. “Let me take you there.”
Logan shook her head. That was a bad idea. She didn’t know him, nor did she need Yeshi catching wind that she’d been with another man. Logan’s head fell forward as she thought about East’s words from earlier. She couldn’t put her life on hold for him.
“Don’t think too hard, you might say no,” Jackson urged, making her smile.
“I was actually just going home. Nowhere special.”
“You mean to tell me you weren’t going to the altar to repent for being up in that club just now?”
Hearty snickers filled their space as Logan tried to think of something witty to come back with.
“Don’t do that.”
Jackson’s smile was heart stopping. “I’m just trying to make you smile. You look like you’re having a bad night.” He stepped closer. “I can make it better if you let me.”
Logan stood there and considered his offer. He was a very nice-looking man and perfect to hang out with while she left Yeshi at the club to do whatever he felt was appropriate or inappropriate with East’s sister. Just the thought of it angered her all over again.
“Please.” Jackson’s voice helped her decide. “My whip is right over there. I’ll bring you back to your car.”
“How about I follow you?”
He shrugged. “If that makes you feel more comfortable.”
“It will.”
Jackson raised her hand up to his mouth and leaned down to kiss it. “Let’s rock then, baby.” He let her hand fall before drawing his head back. “You see that black car parked in front of the club?”
Logan peeked around him and had to fight to keep her mouth closed. The expensive looking sports car was the best-looking vehicle she’d ever seen. The paint shined alongside the all black rims and tint. His car was nearly just as sexy as him. Logan resumed eye contact and nodded.
“That’s me, follow me when I pull out. Where’s your car?” He looked over her head toward the large parking lot.
“After looking at yours, I don’t think I want you to see it.”
Jackson’s laugh was low and barely there, but she hadn’t missed it. “Stop cutting up and show me where you at.”
Logan spun on her heels and headed toward the side of the building where she’d parked. When she hit the locks, her lights flashed.
“I’ma have to cop you something that matches your fly, gorgeous, because this ain’t it.” He laughed again, and she playfully punched his chest.
“Be quiet. I told you.”
“It’s cool, I got you.” Jackson walked over to the driver side and opened the door for her to get in.
He watched her the entire way to her front seat as she buckled up, and even as she began to pull out of her parking space.
“Follow me,” he yelled to her as he coolly swaggered to his car.
Logan waited and watched as he got in and cranked up. “Lord, I do not need to be going anywhere with this man. Please keep me safe.”
When Jackson’s headlights flashed at her, she pulled out behind him and followed him down the street. Unsure of where they were going, she made sure to follow closely. So close that when her phone began to ring, she almost rear ended him. The number was unknown, so she didn’t answer, but it called right back, so she picked up.
“Hello,”
“Hey, pretty mama, how fast your car go?”
Logan blushed when she realized it was Jackson. “I’m sure not as fast as yours.”
He chuckled. “See why you should have rode with me?” She said nothing. “I’ll slow down for you, though. I’m about to head to a li’l spot I like to chill at. You down?”
“As long as it’s not another club or a place with too many people.”
“Damn, so the strip club is out then, huh?”
Logan frowned. “Oh, no sir. I’m finna go home.”
Jackson’s laughter made her laugh too. “I’m just kidding, man. Hit the gas, boo. I’ma holla at you.”
Logan smiled as the call ended and his car sped onto the highway. She wasn’t sure how he expected her to keep up with him when she didn’t even like to drive fast. On top of that, her little Camry wasn’t near going to keep up with whatever type of sports car that he was in.
“Lord, keep him covered in the blood, Jesus. He’s just flying down this highway like he’s crazy.” Logan shook her head as she watched Jackson’s car surge down the highway.
Logan sped up some, but she most definitely was not about to go any faster than she was going right then, and that was for sure. She’d be a fool to kill herself on a highway following a complete stranger. For another fifteen minutes, Logan prayed while Jackson darted between cars to get them to wherever they were going. When his car finally began to slow down, he made a turn down a long, gravel driveway.
Logan had never been anywhere near there and had no idea where she was, so she dropped a location pin to East the moment she parked. After explaining what was going on, she told her not to tell anyone where she was and got out.
Jackson was standing at the front of her car with one hand in his pocket and the other holding his phone to his ear. When he noticed her approaching, he reached out to her.
She took his hand, and he led her alongside the large building lit up with lights and fancy cars. Logan momentarily wondered where they were but dared not ask. The less she knew about this man, the better. She already had no idea who he was or what he did for money, but it was clear that he was paid. Whatever type of business he was in, he was good at it.
“You ain’t scared, are you?” Jackson looked down at her.
“Nah, I’m okay.”
“You sure? You look like you’re ready to run up out the spot.” He chuckled. “You’re safe, Logan. I’m good people.”
“I’m sure that’s what everybody thinks about themselves.” Her sarcasm made him laugh. “Where are we walking to?”
Logan looked ahead of her, trying to see the direction they were going. When she couldn’t really see anything because of how dark it was, she began to get a little nervous. He could be taking her anywhere to kill her, rape her, anything. Logan could feel herself getting worked up. The only thing that stopped her was Jackson shaking her hand.
“Hey, you.” She looked up at him. “Calm down. I promise you’re good.”
“I’m calm,” she lied.
“Stop lying. Your hand is shaking like hell.”
Logan laughed at herself. She was busted and couldn’t front if she wanted to. They continued walking down the gravel until Jackson abruptly stopped her. He squatted down in front of her and began to fiddle with the buckles on her shoe.
“What you doing?” Logan pulled back some, but he pulled her leg right back.
“Taking your shoes off. Chill out, girl. You’re making me nervous now.” He laughed lightly before removing both of her shoes then kicking his off and gathering them all up in one hand before holding her with the other.
The next step Logan took let her know why her shoe had to come
off. “Oh my god, are we in sand?” she yelped in excitement. “Where are we?”
Jackson smiled at her excitement. Seconds later, their pathway lit up, and Logan’s mouth dropped open. There was a man-made beach directly in front of her with black sand and lights beneath the water. Her eyes sparkled at the beauty. She’d never seen anything like it. There were large rock waterfalls and expensive black beach furniture strategically placed around the water.
“Wow,” she marveled with her mouth wide open. “Where’d you find this?”
“I had it built.”
Logan looked at him with wide eyes. “Shut up!” she exclaimed in disbelief. “Who are you? What do you do to be able to afford this?”
“Another conversation for another day. Right now, I just want to chill and converse a little bit before you have to go back to your man.”
Logan had been so caught up in Jackson that she’d momentarily forgotten about Yeshi. Her mood instantly dampened. Her sweet, troubled, disrespectful, and conceited Yeshi. The anger returned. To calm herself, she looked at Jackson.
“I’d like that.”
“Good, come on.” He pulled her up the stairs that they were next to.
If she had been in awe before, she was really astounded once they reached the top. It was a deck built over the beach with more lights and a hot tub. The glass wall enclosing the pool made it easy to see the bottom view without having to strain. Logan was truly knocked off her feet.
“Jackson.” His name was a verbal form of her disbelief.
“I know. Shit’s tight. Let’s get in the hot tub.”
Logan spun and looked at him with wide eyes. “I don’t have any clothes.” She played with the fabric of her dress. “And I don’t really know how I feel about that.”
When Jackson dropped their shoes to the ground and walked up to her, she held her breath. He was dangerously close, and she wasn’t sure if she could handle what might come next. Seconds after she finally took another breath, he grabbed both of her hands and held them.
“Would you feel safer if I gave you a gun?”
Logan shrieked. “What? No! I don’t want to shoot you.”
He stared into her eyes with a seriousness that relaxed every nerve in her body. “What can I do to make you feel safe?”