Captive of My Heart | Ch 6, pt 1.

“I don’t see why the hell I had to be dragged into this,” Mars complained from the passenger seat. “This type of shit is not my scene.”

“You’re coming because I need you to ensure nothing happens to Aella’s sister.”

“She ain’t got a security detail?”

“I’m sure she does, but it’ll look better if I go the extra mile to make shit happen.”

“So basically, you’re using me to get in your girl’s good graces?”

Cassius grinned, shrugging. “Pretty much.”

“Boy, you ain’t shit, and you know it.”

“Nigga, do I complain when you drag me into your bullshit?”

“Yes, you absolutely fuckin’ do. Every damn chance you get.”

Laughing, Cassius turned into the Torrisi estate. “Whatever you say, bruh.”

Sulking, Mars glared out of the window. “Is her sister fine? I’m not spending my night tied to a mud duck.”

“Yeah, she’s bad. I wouldn’t do you like that.”

“She better be. And while you out playing Romeo and chasing Juliet, I hope you have a plan about what to do with your side piece. You damn sure better get to her before rumors do. Especially if you plan on publicly claiming your wife.”

Until Mars brought it up, Cassius hadn’t thought twice about Zelina. They hadn’t spoken since their last night together, but that didn’t mean she wasn’t waiting in the wings for his call. She’d never gotten too far out of pocket before, but Cassius had seen first-hand how women acted when they were scorned and wanted to avoid that at all possible costs.

“I know. I’ll handle it. At the bare minimum, Z deserves a face-to-face conversation.”

“Can I be there? I want to record the moment in case she decides to slap the shit out of you.”

“Mars, fuck you.”

“I’m just saying, bruh. You know she’s going to lose her shit.”

Cassius did know. And as much as he wanted to avoid it at all costs, it was impossible.

“Whatever. I ain’t even trying to think about that shit tonight. All that matters is convincing Elle’s hardheaded ass to give me a shot.”

“So you really doing this? No games, no backing out?”

It was a hard pill to swallow, but too many days had passed with Cassius unable to get Elle out of his mind for him not to explore his attraction to her or their connection. She frustrated the hell out of him, but she also made him smile and challenged him in ways he appreciated. It was entirely too early to think about love, but there was undeniably something there he couldn’t resist.

But he wasn’t ready to admit that to Mars, so he remained silent while pulling up to the door. Annoyance flooded him when he noticed the house was dark.

“Uh, bruh,” Mars said, rolling down his window. “I hate to bust your bubble, but uh, it doesn’t look like anyone’s home.”

Refusing to acknowledge his friend out of fear he’d sink his fist into his face, Cassius parked and climbed out of the car, refusing to entertain the idea that he’d been stood up. Strolling to the door, he knocked hard, hoping to be spared from the embarrassing moment.

After at least three minutes of knocking, he was greeted by the same housekeeper from the previous night, only this time she was wearing pajamas and a bewildered expression.

“How can I help you?”

“My bad, I didn’t mean to disturb you. I was looking for Aella.”

“Miss Torrisi left for the gala with her family almost thirty minutes ago,” the older woman revealed, unintentionally igniting a fire within him.

Nodding slowly, Cassius stepped from the porch, rubbing the back of his neck. “You know what, I think she did mention that. It must have slipped my mind.”

The housekeeper shot him a sympathetic look as if she didn’t fully believe him but didn’t call him out.

“Of course. Enjoy the rest of your night.”

Stalking back to the car, Cassius climbed inside, slamming the door behind him.

“I take it shorty isn’t here?” Mars tittered, observing his friend’s annoyed demeanor.

“Nah. But it’s all good. I got something for her ass.”

“Don’t get in this gala acting stupid.”

Cassius didn’t respond. Starting the car, he swiftly pulled off, suddenly anxious to get to the event he’d successfully avoided for years.

“Well played, Miss Torrisi,” he thought, speeding off her family’s estate.

***

“Damn,” Mars exclaimed as the two stepped into the packed mansion. “It ain’t nothing but money in here. I’m trying to be living like this one day.”

“More money, more problems,” Cassius sang, pushing through the thick crowd in search of the woman consuming his every thought.

“You ain’t ever lied about that.”

The two made it to the packed ballroom, and despite the number of people milling around, Cassius’ eyes landed on Aella almost immediately. She stood out in her floor-length, royal blue gown that hugged her body like a glove.

With a glass of champagne in one hand, she placed the other on the shoulder of the gentleman she was conversing with, laughing at something he said. A red haze clouded Cassius’ vision as he watched the two of them.

Following his friend’s line of vision, Mars laughed. “From the way you look ready to rip that nigga’s head off his shoulders, I’m assuming the woman who has his attention is your girl. I’ma do my duty as your friend and remind you not to show your ass in these white folk’s house. Now that the mature shit is out the way if you wanna fuck the nigga up, I’m here for it.”

Inhaling deeply, Cassius shook his head to clear it. “Nah. I ain’t even on that type of time tonight.”

“So what you gonna do?”

Waiting until he was sure his temper was entirely under control, Cassius patted Mars’ shoulder. “I’ll be right back.”

“Don’t do nothing stupid.”

He wouldn't. At least, he didn't have any plans to.