Wet For A Savage

Simone wasn't in the mood for anyone's shit.

Not today.

She needed peace. She needed her best friend. More than anything, she needed the comfort of Naysha's couch, a glass of wine in her hand, her feet tucked up under her, and Heaven's soft giggles echoing from the next room while the dog snored somewhere in the background.

But instead, her morning had been hijacked by Alonzo's bullshit.

Again.

He'd called, after ghosting two pickups without a single apology-acting like he had the right to anything. Said he wanted to come get Heaven like the missed visits didn't matter. Like his voice alone was supposed to make her forget he'd left her waiting at the window for hours.

Simone had told him no. Just that. Calm, firm, final.

He lost it.

Cussed her out like she was the one failing their daughter. Like she was wrong for protecting Heaven from another day of disappointment. Simone hadn't bothered arguing. She hung up on him mid-sentence, teeth clenched, heart tight.

She wasn't doing this today.

Which was how she ended up pulling into Naysha's driveway, the engine still ticking as she took a breath and looked in the rearview mirror at her daughter. Heaven sat in her car seat, pink tutu puffed around her like a cloud, sparkly crown tilted sideways on her head, her tiny legs swinging as she stared out the window, lost in whatever dream-world six-year-olds disappear into.

"You good, baby?" Simone asked, voice softer now.

Heaven nodded without looking. "Is Naysha makin' cupcakes?"

"Probably," Simone said, lips twitching into a small smile. "You know she spoils you."

That got a real smile. Small, but there. It was enough.

They got out, Simone holding her daughter's hand as they made their way up the porch steps. She didn't even get the chance to knock-Naysha opened the door like she'd felt her girl's energy from across the damn city.

"You okay?" she asked immediately, eyes scanning Simone's face like a second heartbeat.

"I will be," Simone murmured, stepping into her friend's arms.

Naysha dropped a kiss on Heaven's forehead, grinning. "Come on in, Princess. I got your favorite sprinkles waitin'."

Just like that, Heaven lit up, skipping into the house with the kind of joy only kids know how to hold onto. That soft, innocent kind that made Simone's chest ache in the best way.

Simone followed, exhaling for what felt like the first time all day. But she only made it a few steps before a deep, mellow voice drifted from the hallway.

Then he stepped into view.

And just like that, the air in the room changed.

He was tall. Lean. Built like he didn't have to try to command a room-he just existed and everything else moved around him. His skin was smooth and warm-toned, gold chain resting against a broad chest under a fitted black tee, tattoos coiling down strong forearms. There was a calmness about him, like Brooklyn was still beating steady in his bones even under Miami sun. His beard was sharp, lips full, eyes dark and direct.

Simone's breath hitched.

Naysha turned, that familiar sparkle in her eye. "Oh. Almost forgot to tell you," she said casually-too casually. "Dre's big brother's in town. Marcellus. But everybody calls him Cello."

Then, that little smirk.

"Cello, this my bestie. My sister from another mister-Simone."

He stepped forward, his smile barely there but unmistakable. Controlled. Smooth. Dangerous.