Chapter 4

Molly

"I've never seen her like this and trust, we have been through some shit."

I spoke to Xavier and Clover, as we made our way to pick up Nyla, for a much needed night out. I hate how distant we've become. That was unlike Nyla, but much like Sullivan. He always knew how to manipulate and control her.

I know she's into the submissive lifestyle with Heinrich, but it's different with him. When I went to visit Nyla back in Chicago, she was the fierce force to be reckoned with, that I met years ago. That is until Sullivan sunk his claws into her. The man is a master manipulator and his cheating ass just isn't it for her.

"That's why we're here," Xavier said with worry in his voice. "I'm not sure who I dislike more, Sullivan or Heinrich."

"Hey, that's my brother!" Xavier and I both flashed him a death glare and Clover threw his hands up in surrender. "In his defense, the ma,n is hurt. Like, really fucking hurt. More than I've ever seen him."

"Good." I scoffed and stared out the window as the limo eased through traffic.

Nyla was the sister I always wanted and regardless of skin, we couldn't be closer than if we shared the same DNA. I wasn't used to seeing her this way and it pained me. I knew it wouldn't be long until she snapped back into her senses and I couldn't fucking wait. I heard Clover on the phone with Heinrich and he was pissed.

"Clove, do you think he's pissed enough?"

"He will be after tonight," Clover said, shoving his phone back into his jacket pocket.

"This shit better work. I want my sister back." Xavier said as he pouted.

I was no longer hurt or jealous that she went to Chicago and found these two amazing men. I was glad she had. If it weren't for them, Nyla may have come back long before now and could have fallen back into Sullivan's web of lies.

I pulled my phone out to text Nyla and tell her we were downstairs. I didn't care to see Sullivan's face, especially as I thought of the pity party he may be throwing upstairs for Nyla. Scratch that, I know he was throwing her one.











Nyla

"What time will you be home?"

Sullivan asked as he followed me to the walk-in closet. I was getting dressed for a night on the town with my family and it pained me that once again, we were doing this without Heinrich. I guess I could've invited Sullivan, but it would feel weird.

"Just tell me you're coming back tonight."

"Yes, Sullivan, I will be back home."

There's something floating in the room around us, insecurity.

"There's an event Sunday and I'd like for you to join me. I know how much you love the fancy parties and the food."

I heard Sullivan, but I was purposely avoiding him. I was trying to focus on getting my curls tamed.

"Earth to Nyla."

"Sorry, yeah I will and I'm sure I have something to wear."

I heard the faint sound of my phone ringing, as I placed the final bobby pin into my playful updo. I had twisted my hair up and pinned my curls to fall forward. It paired with my recently purchased Alexis Vinton scarlet lace top and black, leather leggings.

Sullivan stood in the doorway, watching me get dressed. It made me feel uncomfortable with him watching me.

"Do you have any plans for tonight?" I said as I began to step into my heels for the night.

"Just watch the game and drink a few beers until you come home." He said as if he was waiting for an invitation and as bad as I felt, it wasn't enough for me to ask him to join us. I placed a kiss to his cheek and headed out the door.

I hit the hallway and immediately took in a breath of air. No matter how close we tried to be and get back into our old routine it just didn't work. Well, it wasn't working for me. I took to the stairwell and headed down to have a great night. I knew before we got to the good parts, we would have to acknowledge the elephant in the room and that was my swift departure.

I hit the last step, swung the door open and was immediately greeted by three of the people I'm not sure I could survive without.

"Ny!" They all screamed and embraced me in a hug that consumed me. I felt kisses to my forehead and arms everywhere. The laughter and the love that was here couldn't be bought. This was genuine, this was love.

"You know, it took me forty-five minutes to get this hair right." We all let out a laugh and let go, but that hug was the kind you carry everywhere.

"Doll, you look fabulous! I need a pic."

I posed quickly, letting my inner Sasha Fierce out. Molly, Xavier, and Clover quickly joined me for a selfie. I placed a kiss to Xavier's cheek, as the camera snapped.

"And posted! Let's go!" Clover yelled out and we all ran to the limo like high school kids on prom night.

In the limo, they talked and I listened. I don't think I've had a smile on my face this wide since...since shit-

"Shane would love that! I've been so stressed with planning this wedding. Who would have thought that a small wedding required so much?"

"I'm not sure I'd wan-" Xavier was speaking and was cut off by Clover.

"So you don't want to get married?" Clover folded his arms and stared at Xavier, while Molly and I stared at each other.

I snickered as we all waited for Xavier to answer the question.

"Babe, I want to get married, but I wouldn't want an actual wedding. I'd just want the important people there and your last name. No sense in being surrounded by a bunch of people who are just there for the food. I want just the people who care about our love and happiness."

Xavier spoke directly to Clover and not once did he take his eyes off of him. I watched the adoration they had in their eyes for one another; that was the love that would make you do anything. We watched them share an intimate kiss and we "awed" at their shared moment. Clover had a look in his eye as he watched Xavier catch his breath from their kiss. I knew that look, it was the same look Heinrich gave me before he placed the black box into my hand.

My chest ached at the thought of what was happening all around me and what I was missing. I sighed before looking away from them and out the window. I really couldn't wait for a drink, I really need it.

We made it to the famous 40/40 club. The club was luxurious, yet it was so down to earth. The atmosphere was just all around dope. The color scheme of gold, brown, bronze and black carried throughout. The beautiful chandeliers and the music roaring through the speakers, I was ready to cut loose.

"We're going to have some fun!" I heard Xavier say over my shoulder, as he squeezed them lightly. I took my hand to his and looked up at my younger brother and smiled. I overheard Clover giving drink orders and then we were lead to a room.

The door read "Players Lounge". We headed into the room, which could house about 20 guests, but it was just us. We sat in the comfy area that you could tell was reserved to actually talk and eat. The appetizers arrived along with our drinks and two bottles of Jay-Z signature D'usse.

I grabbed my martini as we all lifted our glasses to toast to love, friendship, and family. I lifted my drink to my mouth, as we all did, but Clover was distracted by his phone.

"Everything alright, Clove? How is the gallery?" I said as I tried to get his attention.

"Yeah, everything is great!" He said with a wink. "Only thing missing at the gallery is you, doll."

I'd be lying if I said I hadn't missed the gallery and the fact that I haven't touched a brush, yet again since being back here, worried me. I had just come back into my own and here I was again, pushing it to the side like it meant nothing to me.

Molly stood in front of me with her hand reaching for mine. I took the last sip of my drink and let her lead me to the dance floor. The boys followed closely behind us and the music was pulsing from everywhere. There were people on the mezzanine, dancing and having a good time. I wanted to be one of them and when we hit the dance floor, I let it all go.

"I do love you all and I swear this will be fixed soon. Because if it isn't, everyone will hate me, including him." I slurred my words as we were in the limo.

"You do know that he wants to control you and not the good kind of control, that you like," Molly said. Just as she spoke, just as equally slurred as my words were.

"Heinrich loves you, he's just too dumb to admit it!" Xavier chimed in, before resting his head on Clover's shoulder.

I began to drunkenly cry while saying, "I love you all so much and I'm so sorry. I ruined everything."

"No, no, no, Ny. You didn't ruin anything, but you have to stop running and being so distant." Molly cooed in my ear, as she held me and rocked me in her arms.

"I just want him to show up and admit he loves me. I want him to see that we belong together, but it's been three weeks and he hasn't so much as called me. I know it's not fair to hold on to Sullivan, but he seems like the sensible choice since Heinrich-"

I was cut off by the limo door opening and Sullivan's arms scooping me up and carrying me into the building.

"I take it you had a good time?"

"Why are you here?"

"We live here." He said playfully, as he kissed my lips and pressed the elevator button. With the chime of the elevator, I closed my eyes.