Log in:
Username
Password
Keep me logged in (help)

Forgot username or password?

Create new login

You can change the width of the story text shown below:
Use how much percent of the screen width?

[ default ] [ 10% ] [ 20% ] [ 30% ] [ 40% ] [ 50% ] [ 60% ] [ 70% ] [ 80% ] [ 90% ] [ 100% ]

Options: Plain text or PDF (fanclub only!) version  |  Mark story  |  Mark author

Don't forget to vote for this story, in the yellow voting box below the story!

Click here to read the first 75 lines of the story

"I'm on my way! Stay with him! Don't let him be alone!" she ordered before hanging up and flooring the gas.

Her heart pounded so hard she thought it might burst. Every second felt like an eternity. The thought of Jalen bleeding out alone in some damn parking lot was unbearable. She wove through traffic like a madwoman, ignoring red lights, ignoring everything except the growing terror in her chest. The moment she skidded into the parking lot, she saw the flashing red and blue lights of the ambulance that had arrived just ahead of her.

And there, on the pavement, surrounded by paramedics, was Jalen. His shirt was soaked in blood. His face was pale. He was barely conscious.

"JALEN!" Chrysti screamed, shoving past a bystander to get to him.

One of the paramedics tried to hold her back, but she fought them off.

"Let me through! That's my—" She choked on the words.

What was he? Her boyfriend? Her lover? The father of her unborn child? The man she was absolutely in love with? Jalen's eyelids fluttered weakly, and for one terrifying moment, she thought she was too late.

Then, barely above a whisper, he breathed out, "Chrysti..."

And everything in her shattered.

****************************

The paramedics allowed Chrysti to ride with Jalen in the ambulance since they realized she was someone important to him. Jalen was no longer conscious. Chrysti gripped Jalen's hand tightly as the ambulance sped toward the hospital, sirens wailing in the night.

"Stay with me, Jalen," she whispered, her voice shaking. "You have to stay with me."

Jalen didn't respond. His breathing was shallow, his face unnervingly still. One of the paramedics was working quickly, checking his vitals and pressing gauze against the bullet wound in his abdomen to slow the bleeding.

"Is he gonna be okay?!" Chrysti demanded, her voice sharp with fear.

"We're doing everything we can," the paramedic said calmly. "But we need to get him into surgery now."

Chrysti squeezed his hand harder.

"Jalen, you do not get to leave me like this, do you hear me? You don't get to—" her voice cracked, and her grip trembled.

The paramedic gave her a sympathetic glance. "Are you his wife?"

Chrysti hesitated. "No... but he's—he's the father of my child."

The words came out before she even realized what she was saying.

The paramedic's expression softened. "Then I'd start praying. He's lost a lot of blood."

The rest of the ride was a blur. When they arrived at the hospital, the EMTs rushed Jalen out of the ambulance and through the emergency doors. Chrysti ran after them, her entire world narrowing to the sight of his body being wheeled away. A nurse stopped her before she could follow them into the operating room.

"You need to stay here," the nurse said gently. "We'll update you when we can."

Chrysti stood frozen in place; her entire body numb. Then, slowly, her legs gave out. She collapsed into one of the waiting room chairs, burying her face in her hands as silent tears streamed down her face. She had never prayed in her life, but right now, she desperately needed something, anything, to hold onto.

After several minutes on the floor, Chrysti had a realization, teary faced and all. The other women in Jalen's life needed to know what happened. The problem was, she didn't know how to reach any of them. She could barely remember their names.

As she wracked her brain, she deduced that if she could just remember one of their names and contact that person through Facebook messenger or Instagram DMs, then that woman could probably alert the rest. Chrysti continued to try hard to remember a name.

"I know there was one girl...Heidi...Heidi something....damnit what was her last name?!" She yelled aloud frustrated.

Chrysti squeezed her eyes shut, trying to force her brain to remember.

Heidi... Heidi...

The last name refused to come to her, but it didn't matter. Jalen had mentioned before that Heidi was in law school. Maybe she could find her that way. Her hands trembled as she pulled out her phone, quickly opening Instagram. She typed "Heidi law school Atlanta" into the search bar, hoping something familiar would pop up. A list of profiles appeared. Most were private, faceless accounts. But then...

Heidi Horner.

That had to be her. Chrysti clicked the profile. The picture was of a stunning redhead in a sleek business outfit. She wasn't smiling, but her confidence radiated through the screen. Bingo. Chrysti didn't even hesitate. She hit Message and started typing frantically.

"Hey. You don't know me, but my name is Chrysti. I'm a friend of Jalen's. He was just shot. He's at the hospital right now. Please call me as soon as you see this."

She hit send and stared at the screen, heart pounding.

Please see it. Please see it.

****************************

Elsewhere, about twenty minutes later, Heidi had just climbed into bed when she opened her Instagram to do her pre-bedtime scroll. She scrolled through pictures for a while then she decided to check her DM's. She noticed there was one unread DM from the hidden section meaning it was from someone who she wasn't following. She didn't usually get those so she opened it to see who it could be. She opened it and saw it was from someone she'd never heard of before.

"Chrysti Oliviera?" Heidi thought.

She opened the DM and read the message...

"OH MY GOD!!!" she literally screamed out loud after reading what Chrysti had sent her.

Heidi's heart slammed against her ribs as she re-read the message. Jalen was shot. Jalen was in the hospital. Her hands shook as she scrambled to hit the call button. It rang twice before Chrysti picked up.

"Heidi?" Chrysti's voice was frantic, laced with exhaustion and panic.

"What the hell happened?!" Heidi demanded, already reaching for her sweatpants and sneakers.

"I—I don't know all the details," Chrysti stammered, her breath uneven. "He called me, but he barely said anything before...before he went silent. A bystander picked up his phone and told me he'd already called 9-1-1."

"Where is he now?" Heidi asked, her voice sharp, but her throat felt tight.

This couldn't be happening.

"He's at Grady Memorial. I rode in the ambulance with him, but he was unconscious."

Heidi's knees nearly buckled.

"I'll be there as fast as I can."

She ended the call and immediately opened her group chat with Sydney, Megan, Kristen, Rachel, and Karla.

"Heidi: EMERGENCY. JALEN'S BEEN SHOT. THIS IS NOT A JOKE. HE'S AT GRADY MEMORIAL. GET THERE NOW."

She didn't even wait for responses before grabbing her keys and bolting out of her apartment.

****************************

Heidi practically ran through the hospital entrance, her sneakers squeaking against the tile floor. Her breath was ragged, her chest rising and falling in panic as she rushed toward the front desk.

"Jalen Moss. I need to see Jalen Moss! He was brought in! He was shot—" she blurted out, gripping the counter.

The nurse behind the desk nodded quickly, flipping through a chart. "He was admitted a little over an hour ago. He's in surgery right now."

Heidi's stomach dropped.

"Surgery?" she whispered, her fingers tightening into fists.

A hand suddenly touched her shoulder. She turned around fast..., and there was Chrysti Oliviera. Her eyes were red and puffy, her face pale, and her body tense like she had been locked in a silent war with her own emotions for the past hour. Heidi barely knew her, but it didn't matter. Heidi threw her arms around her. Chrysti didn't hesitate to hold onto Heidi just as tightly. The weight of the situation hit them both at once. Jalen, the man they both loved, was fighting for his life right now.

They pulled apart just as Sydney, Megan, Kristen, Rachel, and Karla came barreling in together.

"Where is he?!" Sydney nearly yelled; eyes wild with fear.

"He's in surgery," Chrysti answered, her voice hoarse from crying.

The air around them grew thick with tension and raw emotion.

Silence.

No one spoke for a long, painful moment. Then Rachel collapsed into a chair, hands shaking. Megan paced back and forth; her jaw clenched. Sydney stood frozen, her lips slightly parted, like she couldn't process what was happening.

Kristen was holding onto Karla, and Karla was clutching her stomach, a protective instinct now that she was carrying Jalen's child.

The reality of what had happened sank in: Jalen had been shot. Someone tried to take him away from them.

"Who the hell did this?" Kristen suddenly snapped, her usual calm demeanor cracking. "Who would... who would do something like this?!"

Chrysti swallowed hard.

"I don't know," she admitted. "I don't know who or why... but I was the one he called right after it happened."

Everyone looked at her. Chrysti hesitated, her voice fragile.

"He called me... but all I heard was his voice saying... ‘I'm sorry.'"

Rachel covered her mouth, her body trembling. Sydney wiped at her tears angrily, her jaw clenching.

Megan exhaled sharply. "That doesn't make sense. Jalen wouldn't just walk into trouble."

"No, he wouldn't," Karla murmured. "This was targeted."

Heidi's mind was racing, trying to piece things together. Jalen had been careful. The only people who might want to hurt him were Chris Westward or... her father. The thought made Heidi's blood run cold.

Sydney's fists were clenched so tightly her nails dug into her palms.

"If this was Chris, I swear to God—"

"We don't know yet," Karla cut in, trying to stay level-headed, but her voice was shaking just as much as everyone else's.

Another silence fell, and then, suddenly, the doors at the end of the hallway burst open. A doctor stepped through, removing blood-stained gloves.

All seven women snapped their heads toward him. He reached them and took a deep breath before speaking.

"Jalen is out of surgery. He's lost a lot of blood, but we were able to remove the bullet and stabilize him. He's going to make it."

There was a collective sigh and exhale among the seven women. Karla and Megan hugged each other. Rachel shed tears of sheer relief, with Heidi rubbing her back. Kristen and Sydney held each other's arms, and Chrysti just held herself tightly.

"Thank you so much." Karla said to the doctor.

"You can't see him just yet, but we'll let you know when you can." The doctor said. Then he walked away.

After several minutes of processing the news, a new burning question rose to the forefront of the group.

"So, who exactly are you?" Rachel asks turning to Chrysti.

The other women all turned to look at Chrysti too.

Chrysti hesitated. She opened her mouth to speak, but then Sydney suddenly interjected.

"Wait...you're Chrysti, aren't you?" Sydney says.

Rachel's eyes narrowed slightly. Karla and Megan exchanged a look. Heidi remained still, her gaze unreadable. Kristen just folded her arms, studying her.

Chrysti swallowed hard, suddenly feeling exposed. She hadn't planned on meeting them like this. She hadn't even been sure if she wanted to meet them at all.

"Yeah," she finally said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm Chrysti."

"I'm sorry, but are we supposed to know you?" Megan asked.

"She's another one." Sydney said to Rachel, Megan, Kristen, Karla, and Heidi. "Like us."

Sydney then turned back to Chrysti. "Jalen told me about you when he met me for lunch earlier today."

Rachel blinked slowly, exhaling through her nose. "Okay... so how long have you been in his life?"

Chrysti shifted uncomfortably. "A while... but I—"

"She's pregnant," Sydney cut in.

Silence.

The weight of those words hit the group like a thunderclap. Kristen's eyebrows shot up. Karla let out a breath she didn't realize she was holding. Rachel closed her eyes for a moment before reopening them, as if she was processing. Megan sat down and just stared at the floor. Finally, Heidi gave Chrysti a look that made her feel like she was being scanned.

Chrysti didn't know what to say.

"I... I didn't plan for this," she admitted, her voice tight. "I didn't even think I'd ever really be a part of... whatever this is. I was going to leave. I was going to walk away."

"And yet here you are," Rachel muttered.

Chrysti tensed.

"I didn't come here to take anything away from you," she shot back. "I came here because Jalen called me after getting shot and I was the only one who knew. I came here because I—"

She stopped herself.

‘Because I love him.'

That's what she wanted to say. She felt it. She knew it but saying it in front of all of them felt... impossible.

Sydney, sensing the tension, placed a hand on Rachel's arm.

"We can talk about this later," she said gently. "Right now, all that matters is that Jalen is okay."

Rachel clenched her jaw but nodded. Karla finally spoke.

"We should all take a breath," she said. "No one expected this, but this isn't the time to fall apart. Jalen is alive. We should be grateful for that."

Everyone nodded slowly. Chrysti exhaled, finally releasing some of the tension in her body. She was still on edge, but at least... for now... things weren't going to explode. Then Sydney turned back to Chrysti.

"You should know," she said, "that being in Jalen's life... means being in ours too. If you're really staying, we're all going to have to figure this out together."

Chrysti hesitated... then nodded.

"Yeah," she murmured. "I know."

And for the first time, it felt real. She wasn't walking away. She wasn't leaving. Like it or not... she was in this.

****************************

Sydney spotted Jalen's mother Deborah and Jalen's brother, Jamal as they walked through the hospital doors. She immediately stood up from her seat in the waiting area, waving them over.

"Deborah! Over here!" she called out.

Deborah rushed forward, her face a mixture of fear and urgency. Jalen's brother was right behind her, his jaw clenched, eyes scanning the room like he was already ready to fight someone.

"Where is he?! What happened?!" Deborah demanded the moment she reached Sydney.

Sydney gently placed a hand on her shoulder. "He's stable, Deborah. He's alive."

Deborah visibly exhaled, but her eyes were still filled with worry. "I got the call, but no one told me much. Who the hell did this to my son?"

"That's what we're trying to figure out," Sydney said.

Jalen's brother finally spoke, his voice tight with emotion. "What do you mean, ‘trying to figure out'? Y'all don't know who shot him?"

Rachel chimed in from nearby, arms crossed. "Not yet, but whoever did it... trust me, they won't get away with it."

Deborah's gaze shifted, finally taking in the group of women standing nearby: Sydney, Rachel, Heidi, Karla, and even Chrysti, who was still lingering near the back.

Her eyes narrowed. "I recognize Sydney, and I think I remember you, Rachel, right?"

Rachel nodded.

Deborah continued, glancing at Heidi and Karla. "And you two?"

Before they could answer, her eyes landed on Chrysti, and something about Chrysti's body language made Deborah's expression tighten even further.

"Who are you?" Deborah asked, her voice sharp.

Chrysti shifted uncomfortably, looking to Sydney for support.

Sydney hesitated for a split second before saying, "Deborah, this is Chrysti. She's... she's one of us."

It took only a moment for Deborah to piece things together. Her eyes widened slightly before they darkened with understanding. "One of y'all? So, you're telling me my son got another one?"

Chrysti flinched at the tone in Deborah's voice.

Deborah closed her eyes and exhaled sharply before shaking her head. "I don't even know what to say right now."

Jalen's brother, meanwhile, was pacing. His fists clenched and unclenched, his breathing uneven. "I swear, if I find out who did this—"

"Stop," Deborah said, cutting him off. She looked exhausted. "The last thing I need is two of my sons getting hurt over this. We'll figure out who did it, but right now, we need to be here for Jalen."

She turned back to Sydney, her voice softer now. "When can we see him?"

Sydney glanced toward the hallway leading to Jalen's room. "The doctor said we have to wait, but it shouldn't be too much longer."

For a few moments, there's nothing but the quiet hum of the hospital. The weight of the situation was fully sinking in.

Then, Deborah sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose before looking up at all of them again. "Look, I don't know all of you, and I definitely don't understand this whole situation y'all got going on with my son, but right now, none of that matters. What matters is that Jalen is alive, and when he wakes up, I need him to know he's got people fighting for him. You hear me?"

All seven women nodded in silent agreement.

Jamal muttered, "Damn right."

And with that, they waited.

****************************

About ninety minutes later, one of the nurses came out.

"He's awake." She said smiling.

Her words were a wave of relief to everyone in the waiting area.

Sydney let out a deep breath she didn't realize she had been holding. Heidi wiped her eyes, trying not to let any more tears fall. Rachel squeezed Megan's hand, and Kristen shut her eyes, sending a silent thanks to whatever higher power was out there. Karla exhaled sharply, as if finally releasing the weight pressing against her chest. Chrysti just sat still, staring at the floor, lost in her own thoughts.

The nurse, a woman appearing in her mid-thirties, with a calm but firm demeanor, looked at all of them. "He's conscious, but he's still weak. He needs time to fully stabilize. That being said, he's asking for you."

Before anyone could move, she lifted a hand. "I think it would be best if his mother and brother see him first before the rest of you."

There was a brief silence, but no one objected. It was only right. Deborah had carried Jalen in her womb. She should be the first to see him awake, and Jamal, despite their complicated relationship, was his only brother.

Deborah nodded, already moving toward the door the doctor indicated. Jamal followed after her, glancing back at the seven women and the weight of their presence. He had no idea how Jalen was managing all of this.

****************************

Jalen laid in the hospital bed, propped up slightly. His skin was a little pale, his eyes tired, but he was awake. The second he saw his mother, the exhaustion in his face softened into something warm.

Deborah walked straight to his bedside, cupping his face in her hands. "Baby..."

Jalen smiled weakly. "Hey, Ma..."

She let out a shaky breath, pressing her forehead to his. "You scared me half to death, Jalen. What the hell were you thinking? Who did this to you?"

Jalen sighed. "I don't know yet. I just...I didn't see them coming."

Jamal, standing at the foot of the bed with his arms crossed, scoffed. "Man, you got seven women worried sick about you. Who the hell do you owe money to?"

Jalen chuckled softly, then winced. "I don't owe nobody money, man."

Jamal shook his head. "Then who wanted you dead?"

Jalen didn't answer immediately. He had suspicions, but he wasn't about to go throwing accusations around yet. Chris Westward? Tim Horner? Someone else entirely?

Deborah took his hand, her thumb rubbing over his knuckles. "Jalen, baby, you have to be careful. Whatever this is... whoever this is... we're not just gonna sit back and wait for them to try again."

Jalen nodded. "I know, Ma."

There was a moment of silence. Then, Deborah gave him a knowing look. "You got a whole damn harem out there waiting to see you."

Jalen chuckled, smirking just slightly. "Yeah. I figured."

Jamal shook his head. "Bruh, I don't know how you're juggling all that. I can barely handle one woman."

Jalen turned his head toward his brother, smirking weakly. "That's ‘cause you keep picking the wrong ones."

Jamal rolled his eyes. "Whatever, man."

Deborah leaned down and kissed Jalen's forehead, lingering there for a moment. "I love you, baby."

"I love you too, Ma."

*****************************

After about thirty minutes, the door to Jalen's room opened, and Deborah and Jamal stepped out. All seven women stood up immediately.

Deborah smiled. "He's awake. He's okay."

A wave of relief passed through them.

Rachel let out a breath. Kristen squeezed Heidi's hand. Megan wiped her eyes. Sydney placed a hand over her belly, as if soothing herself and the child inside her. Karla's posture finally relaxed, and Chrysti just stood there, silent, hands clenched into fists.

Deborah's gaze flicked over all of them before she nodded toward the door. "Go see him, but don't stress him out too much."

And with that, one by one, they began to enter Jalen's room.

Chrysti took a small step back. "I—"

Sydney cut her off immediately. "No. You're a part of this now, so you're coming in with the rest of us."

Chrysti hesitated, her fingers curling into the fabric of her shirt. Every instinct screamed at her to keep her distance. She wasn't like the others. She wasn't ready to embrace this insane situation. Yet... Jalen had called her that night. Her. The last thing he said before passing out was "I'm sorry." Now he was in there, alive, awake, and waiting to see the people who cared about him.

That included her.

Sydney waited, arms crossed, brows raised, making it clear that this wasn't up for debate.

Chrysti swallowed hard, then exhaled sharply. "Fine."

Sydney gave a satisfied nod before turning and pushing open the door.

****************************

Jalen lifted his head the second the door opened, and a tired but genuine smile spread across his face as all seven women entered.

"Damn," he muttered. "I must be really special if I got all of y'all in one room."

Rachel rolled her eyes, but there was no real annoyance behind it. "Don't flatter yourself. You scared the hell out of us."

Megan was already by his bedside, gently running her fingers over his hand. "How are you feeling?"

"Like I got shot." Jalen smirked, but it quickly turned into a grimace of pain.

Karla, standing beside Megan, gave him a pointed look. "Not funny."

Kristen leaned against the wall, arms crossed. "You gave us a heart attack, Jalen."

Jalen's eyes softened as he looked around at all of them. Then, finally, his gaze landed on Chrysti, who stood near the back, half-hidden behind Sydney. He saw the tension in her shoulders. The battle in her eyes. She had almost walked away from all of this, from him. But she was here. Jalen didn't say anything, he just looked at her, and in that moment, Chrysti felt like she couldn't breathe. Sydney nudged her forward slightly, but Chrysti only took half a step before stopping again. She wasn't ready. Jalen noticed but didn't push it. Instead, he turned back to the group, giving them a weak smirk.

"I appreciate y'all being here. But seriously... I'll be fine."

Kristen narrowed her eyes. "We'll decide that."

Heidi, who had been silent up to this point, finally spoke up. "Jalen... did you see who did it?"

Jalen's smirk faded. His jaw tightened slightly. He shook his head. "No. They caught me off guard. It was a clean hit, professional. Whoever did this wasn't sloppy."

The mood in the room shifted. This wasn't just some random act of violence. This was a targeted attack.

Rachel's grip on her purse tightened. "Do you think it was..." She trailed off, but they all knew what she was implying.

Chris Westward.

Jalen exhaled slowly, running a hand over his face. "I don't know. But I'm gonna find out."

Megan looked at him, concern filling her eyes. "Jalen... please just focus on getting better first."

He sighed but nodded. "Yeah. I hear you."

Sydney placed a hand on his arm, her expression softening. "We're not going anywhere, J."

One by one, they all reaffirmed the same thing. They were here. No matter how crazy things got or what came next, they weren't leaving him. Even Chrysti, despite everything in her, every wall she had built around her heart, every fear she had about trusting another man... She didn't leave either.

As they all stood around Jalen's hospital bed, watching him, bruised, tired, and stitched up from a bullet that could have killed him, a silent but undeniable realization settled over them all.

Losing Jalen would destroy them.

Sydney, who had been confident and independent since she met Jalen, realized that her life had already begun to revolve around Jalen in ways she never expected. He had challenged her, supported her, and made her feel truly seen. The thought of raising their child without him sent a chill down her spine.

Kristen, who had longed for the idea of real reciprocated love, felt a knot form in her chest. Jalen had saved her, not in a dramatic, fairy-tale way, but in the quiet, steady way that made her believe in something again. The idea of him just not existing anymore was something she couldn't even process.

Megan, whose entire life had been spent escaping from a man who only wanted to control or use her, had finally found someone who simply wanted to love her. She had trusted him with everything, and the idea of that being ripped away made her feel like she was free-falling with no safety net.

Rachel, who had struggled to accept the situation with Jalen, now understood just how deeply she needed him. He had been there when she felt most lost. He had shown her that she could be strong and still allow herself to be loved.

Karla, who had always prided herself on her ability to remain composed, felt something break inside her when she saw him lying there. She wasn't as strong as she thought. Not when it came to Jalen. Not when it came to the father of her child.

Heidi, whose entire life had been about following a path set by others' expectations and perspectives, had chosen Jalen despite the risk, despite the consequences. Seeing him like this made her realize just how much she had given her heart to him, and how much it would shatter if she ever lost him.

And Chrysti... Chrysti, who had tried so hard to run, who had convinced herself that Jalen was too much of a risk, too much of a heartbreak waiting to happen, suddenly understood why she hadn't been able to let go. It was because the thought of him not being here was more unbearable than anything else she had ever endured.

The room was silent, but they didn't need to say anything. They could see it in each other's faces. Jalen Moss wasn't just a man they loved. He was the man who held their worlds together. And if they had almost lost him once... they were never going to let it happen again.

****************************

Later on, Jalen had fallen asleep, and the seven women gathered outside of his room to make sure he could rest easily. They stood in a tight huddle, their voices low but filled with tension, fear, and determination.

Rachel crossed her arms, frustration evident in her tone. "Who the hell would do this? And why?"

Megan, still visibly shaken, spoke next. "We all know Jalen doesn't have enemies... at least, none that he's ever mentioned, but this wasn't random."

Karla, ever the sharp legal mind, exhaled deeply. "Whoever did this knew where he would be. That means he was being watched."

Sydney nodded. "I don't believe in coincidences. First, Megan's case is moving forward, and now Jalen gets shot? We'd be stupid not to consider that Chris could be involved."

Heidi swallowed hard. "If it's not Chris, then there's my father. He hates Jalen, but would he really go this far? I honestly don't believe he would."

Kristen frowned. "I don't know, but we need to start thinking about how we protect him, because I have a sick feeling this isn't over."

They all turned toward Chrysti, whose arms were wrapped tightly around herself, her expression still haunted from the events of the night before.

Rachel hesitated before asking, "Chrysti... when Jalen called you after he was shot, what did he say?"

Chrysti, still reeling from the sound of Jalen's strained, pained voice, took a shaky breath before answering. "He told me... ‘I'm sorry.'"

The weight of those two words hung heavy in the air.

Sydney frowned. "Sorry? For what?"

Chrysti shook her head, tears forming in her eyes. "I don't know... maybe for scaring me, maybe for dragging me into this, maybe for..." She stopped herself, unwilling to say what they were all thinking.

Maybe Jalen thought he was about to die, and if he did... his last thought was about her.

Karla's voice was firmer now, taking charge. "Whatever his reason was, one thing is clear: Jalen isn't safe, and we're not going to sit around and wait for whoever did this to come back and finish the job."

Sydney's eyes burned with intensity. "So, what do we do?"

The women fell into silence, the gravity of the situation fully settling in. As they continued to stand outside Jalen's hospital room, their emotions still raw, a police officer approached them. His expression was serious, his presence cutting through the heavy air of anxiety that surrounded them.

"Excuse me, ladies." The officer's voice was firm but not unkind. "I'm Officer Grayson with the Atlanta PD. I wanted to update you on the investigation regarding Mr. Moss's shooting."

Every single one of them tensed immediately.

"We apprehended the suspect approximately an hour after the shooting," Grayson continued. "We tracked him down through security footage and witness accounts. He attempted to flee, but we were able to take him into custody without further incident."

Rachel exhaled sharply. "You got him?"

Grayson nodded. "Yes, but here's where it gets complicated. During interrogation, he refused to reveal who hired him. He's claiming he acted alone, but we don't believe that for a second."

Karla's legal instincts kicked in. "That means he's either been threatened into silence or he's protecting someone. Either way, he's not talking without a deal."

Sydney crossed her arms. "Do you even have anything on him beyond the shooting? What's stopping him from lawyering up and walking?"

Grayson's jaw tightened. "He was caught with an unregistered firearm that matches the bullet pulled from Mr. Moss. He's facing weapons charges on top of the attempted murder charge, so no, he's not walking anywhere anytime soon."

Megan, still visibly shaken, asked the most pressing question on everyone's mind. "Can we see him?"

Grayson's brows lifted slightly, catching the sharp edge in Megan's tone.

"I can't let you speak to him, but if you want to see the man responsible, that can be arranged."

The women exchanged glances.

Kristen's voice was tight with anger. "I want to look him in the face."

Grayson hesitated, then nodded. "I can arrange for you to observe through a one-way mirror. But I warn you now. Seeing him won't give you the answers you want. Not yet."

Karla, still thinking like an attorney, narrowed her eyes. "That depends. Some men give themselves away just by being looked at."

The officer looked between them, then sighed. "I'll make the call. But be ready. Whoever he's protecting, they're dangerous enough that he's willing to go down for them, and that means this isn't over."

A chill ran through the group.

Heidi whispered what they were all thinking. "So, whoever ordered this... could still come for Jalen again."

Grayson didn't deny it. That meant the seven women had just one goal now. Keep Jalen alive. And find out who the hell wants him dead.

****************************

Elsewhere, Chris slammed his fist against his mahogany desk, his jaw clenched so tightly it hurt. Jalen Moss was still alive. That piece of shit was still breathing, still walking, and still standing next to Megan like he had any damn right to. This wasn't how it was supposed to go.

Chris had been so sure the hit would be clean, that Jalen would bleed out in some parking lot, another nameless victim of a random shooting. Now, the bastard was alive, and worse, his survival meant the police would be digging. He could already feel the walls closing in.

Chris leaned back in his chair, inhaling deeply through his nose, trying to keep his temper in check. His blue eyes were sharp with fury, his sandy brown hair slightly disheveled from running his hands through it too many times. The whiskey glass in front of him sat untouched. He wanted control, not another drink.

It wasn't just about Megan. Yes, she was his, and the idea of her with some lowly contractor made his blood boil, but this was bigger than that. If Jalen was financially supporting her, then taking him out meant leaving Megan vulnerable and dependent, and if she was struggling, then maybe, just maybe, she'd have to come crawling back.

Then there was the fact that Jalen had dared to step into his world, into his marriage, like he belonged there and like he was his equal. That could not stand. Chris had spent his life stepping on men like him to get ahead. Why should this be any different?

Finally, the sheer fucking audacity of some contractor thinking he could take what belonged to him. Not just Megan, but his power. His status.

Chris was still a Westward. A man with connections, money, and the means to make problems disappear. Yet his hitman had failed. That part was unacceptable.

He picked up his burner phone and dialed a number. The hitman had one job, and now he was sitting in a cell, probably getting interrogated. If the gunman talked, if he even hinted at who had paid him, Chris knew he'd have to move fast. He couldn't afford loose ends. More than that, though, Jalen surviving meant Chris had to send a stronger message. Maybe he needed to hit Megan next.

Or maybe...Maybe it was time to make Jalen suffer in a way that wasn't just physical. Chris's lip curled into a sneer as a new idea formed. If Jalen wanted to play hero, to surround himself with a bunch of women like he was some noble protector, then maybe Chris just had to break them first.

Chris dialed a secure number. His top private investigator, Douglas Cain, picked up.

"Mr. Westward."

"Cain, the hit didn't work, which means I need another approach. Moss is clearly involved in my wife's disappearance, but I need more. I want every detail on this man's life, his finances, his business, his connections. Who are his friends? Who are these other women? Who is supporting him?"

Cain was silent for a beat before responding. "Sir, we've already dug into Moss's finances. There's nothing unusual. His contracting business is clean, and he has no sudden influxes of cash that suggest he's supporting Megan. But we are noticing something... unusual."

Chris narrowed his eyes. "Explain."

Cain cleared his throat. "Jalen Moss has been seen with many women, not just Megan. At least six others. And not just casual interactions either, intimate ones. The kind that suggests deeper relationships. Some of them are well-connected, including the attorney working with Megan, Karla Silva. There's also a journalist, and an employee of another law firm among others."

Chris's lips curled into a cruel smirk. "A serial womanizer? Figures."

Cain continued. "Here's the thing. We can't confirm the full extent of their involvement yet, but we have photographic evidence of him being with multiple women in private settings. We're still working on names and background checks, but one thing is clear. This man isn't just tied to Megan. He's tied to several women at once. That's a vulnerability."

Chris's smirk widened. "That's leverage."

Cain hesitated. "Sir, what exactly are you looking for?"

Chris leaned back in his chair, staring at the ceiling. "Something I can use to ruin him. If he's spreading himself that thin, there's bound to be cracks. A woman who feels betrayed. A financial tie I can exploit. A scandal waiting to be exposed. I don't need to kill Moss to destroy him. I just need to pull the right string."

Cain nodded. "I'll put more men on it. We'll get you everything."

Chris ended the call and took a slow sip of his whiskey. Jalen Moss thought he had survived him and that he could steal his wife and walk away unscathed. Chris smirked to himself. By the time he was finished, Jalen Moss would wish that bullet had killed him.

****************************

At her office, Karla was reviewing case notes when her phone buzzed. An unknown number. She hesitated, then answered.

"Ms. Silva?" a deep voice asked.

Karla frowned. "Who is this?"

"Someone who thought you should know, Westward is doubling down. Your client and her... associate are being watched."

Karla sat up straight. "What do you mean watched?"

"I mean Westward has hired more investigators. Moss is being followed. They're digging into his business, his personal life, his finances, and yours."

Karla's grip on the phone tightened. "You're saying I'm a target too?"

"Not yet. But your name is being looked at. Along with a few other women connected to Moss."

Karla's blood ran cold. Chris had money. Power. Influence. If he wanted to ruin lives, he had the resources to do it.

"Why are you telling me this?" she asked.

The voice chuckled. "Let's just say I don't like Westward, and I don't like the way he plays. Consider it a warning."

The line went dead.

Karla stared at her phone, heart pounding. If Chris was escalating, that meant all of them were in even more danger than before.

Jalen was scheduled to be discharged soon, and he'd be vulnerable while he recovered. She had to make sure he was protected.

****************************

The moment Karla got off the phone with the anonymous tipster, she sprang into action. Chris Westward was escalating, and she wasn't going to wait for him to make his next move. She made several calls, first to a contact within the Atlanta PD, then to a few legal colleagues who had experience dealing with high-profile harassment cases. She framed it as a precautionary measure for an ongoing case involving a powerful, vindictive individual. She didn't need to name Chris directly. They already knew the type of man she was dealing with.

Within an hour, she had confirmation:

A police unit would be stationed outside Jalen's apartment complex for the foreseeable future from the moment he arrived back home from the hospital. Once Jalen was back at home a couple of days later, Karla called him to bring him up to speed on everything.

"Wait, you got the police to park outside my place?" Jalen asked, half-surprised, half-impressed.

"Yes. Don't get cute, Jalen. This isn't a game. You were shot. If I'm getting anonymous warnings that Chris is doubling down, then we're taking this seriously."

Jalen exhaled, rubbing a hand down his face. "Damn... I really didn't want this to be everyone's problem."

Karla's voice softened. "It became everyone's problem the second you got shot. The women in your life, myself included, aren't going to sit around and hope for the best. We're going to protect you."

Jalen felt a rush of gratitude but also a deep frustration. He hated being in a position where the people he loved had to worry about his safety. Still, he had to admit it was a relief knowing Chris wouldn't be able to make another move without police presence outside his building.

"Thank you, Karla." His voice was sincere. "For real."

"Just focus on recovering," she said firmly. "I'll handle the rest."

She paused before adding, "I love you."

"I love you too." He replied right away.

****************************

That evening, Jalen sat on his couch, still sore but grateful to be alive. The reality of how close he came to dying weighed on him. The pain from the gunshot wound was nothing compared to the thought of what would have happened if he hadn't survived.

He needed to talk to Chrysti.

He picked up his phone and called her.

She answered after the first ring.

"Jalen..." Her voice was soft, uncertain.

"Hey, Chrysti." He exhaled slowly, gathering his thoughts. "I called because I need to tell you something."

She didn't say anything, but he could hear the slight hitch in her breathing.

"When I called you the night I was shot... when I said ‘I'm sorry'..." He hesitated for a moment before continuing, "I wasn't just apologizing for scaring you or for getting shot. I really thought I was going to die, and in that moment, all I could think about was... how much I must have ruined your life."

"Jalen..."

"I know you've been struggling with all this. The other women, the pregnancy, the idea of trusting me, and I get it, but with me gone, you would've been left alone, isolated from the others, stuck with my baby, and forced to figure it all out by yourself. That's what haunted me in those last seconds before I passed out. That's why I called you. Because I needed you to know that I was sorry for putting you in this situation if I wasn't going to be here to help you through it."

Silence.

Then, a sniffle.

"You think you ruined my life?" Chrysti's voice was thick with emotion. "Jalen... you saved my life."

He froze. That wasn't what he was expecting.

"I was miserable before I met you," she admitted. "I was floating through life, convincing myself I didn't need love because love always betrayed me. I told myself I was fine being alone, but I wasn't, and then you... you came in and flipped everything upside down. I hate it sometimes. I hate how much I care about you. I hate that you make me feel things I swore I'd never let myself feel again, but I don't regret you. I never will."

Jalen swallowed hard.

"Chrysti—"

"I'm still scared, Jalen. I don't know if I'll ever be as strong as the others, but don't you ever think for a second that I'd be better off without you."

A long pause stretched between them. Then, Chrysti took a deep breath.

"That day at the abortion clinic, I wanted to believe I had a choice, that I could just erase everything and go back to my old life. But I knew, deep down, that I couldn't. And then the moment I saw you standing there, looking at me like I was the most important person in the world, I knew. I knew that I would be keeping this baby and keeping you in my life."

Jalen felt a lump in his throat.

"I chose you, Jalen. I chose our baby. I chose to take a leap of faith, even when every part of me was screaming not to. And I just..." Her voice cracked. "I just needed you to know that."

Jalen closed his eyes, letting her words sink in.

Finally, he spoke. "You'll never have to do this alone. No matter what happens, I will always be here."

Jalen heard her begin to cry. Then, through tearful sobs, she said the most wonderful thing she could've said.

"I...I love you Jalen...with all my heart. I should've told you that sooner."

Jalen felt his breath catch. He could hear the raw vulnerability in Chrysti's voice. The walls she had spent years building were finally crumbling.

"Say it again." His voice was barely above a whisper.

Chrysti swallowed hard. "I love you, Jalen. With all my heart."

Jalen closed his eyes, letting those words sink in. He had been patient with her, given her space, let her battle her demons at her own pace, but now, she had finally surrendered to what was already there.

"I love you too, Chrysti. I always have."

A quiet sniffle came through the phone. She wasn't just crying. She was releasing everything she had held back for so long.

Jalen smiled softly. "You okay?"

Chrysti let out a shaky laugh. "No. I'm a mess. But... I think for the first time, I'm okay with that."

Jalen chuckled. "Good. Because I plan on making a mess of you for the rest of our lives."

Chrysti laughed through her tears. "You're ridiculous."

"Yeah, but you love me."

She exhaled, a deep breath of acceptance. "Yeah... I do."

And for the first time since she met Jalen, she wasn't afraid of it anymore.

Chapter 23

A few hours later, Jalen was still resting on his couch, his abdomen still sore from the wound, when he remembered that he was supposed to see Jessica Robinson, or rather Jennifer Rollins, again, but he got shot literally right after their last "not-a-date" meetup. She had no idea what happened and probably thinks he ghosted her.

"How the hell do you explain something like this?" He thought.

He stared at his phone for a moment before finally typing out a text message to her.

Jalen: "Hey, I know I kinda disappeared on you, but I promise it's not what you think. Can we talk?"

He hit Send and exhaled. Now came the waiting.

About fifteen minutes later:

Jennifer: "Oh, so you DO still exist? Thought maybe I imagined you."

Jalen smirked. She was clearly annoyed, but at least she was responding.

Jalen: "Yeah... about that. I swear I wasn't ghosting you. I was in the hospital."

A pause. Then the dots appeared again.

Jennifer: "Hospital?? What happened??"

Jalen took a breath. No more dancing around it.

Jalen: "I got shot."

Jennifer: "Jalen, don't joke about that."

Jalen: "I'm not"

Jennifer: "WHAT?!"

Jennifer: "Jalen, are you fucking with me right now?"

Jalen: "I wish I was. Someone tried to kill me."

Jalen lifted up his shirt and snapped an image of the wrap around his midsection. He then texted the image to Jennifer. There was a long pause this time. He imagined Jennifer staring at her phone in absolute disbelief. Then came her next message:

Jennifer: "Call me. Now."

Jalen sighed. Here we go. He pressed call and held the phone to his ear. She picked up immediately.

"What the hell happened?!" she demanded, her voice a mix of concern and frustration.

Jalen rubbed his forehead. "Look, before you freak out—"

"I AM freaking out!" Jennifer cut in. "You got shot, and I'm only just now finding out about it?!"

"I know, I know. I should have told you sooner."

"Damn right you should have! Jesus, Jalen, are you okay? Where are you? Who did this? Do you know why?!"

Jalen let out a dry chuckle. "One question at a time, Jennifer."

Jennifer huffed. "Well, excuse me for wanting to know why the guy I just went out with is suddenly getting shot like we're in a damn movie."

Jalen sighed. "I'm okay. I got lucky. I'm home now, recovering. As for who did this? That's... complicated."

There was a long pause.

"Jalen... tell me the truth. Are you in some kind of dangerous lifestyle?"

He could hear the worry in her voice.

"No," he said firmly. "I'm not in a gang. I don't deal substances. I don't do anything illegal. But... I may have one or two enemies..., and one of them wanted me gone."

Jennifer was quiet for a moment. Then softly said, "Do you have protection?"

Jalen was a little caught off guard by the question. "Yeah. Police are keeping an eye on me, but honestly? I'm more worried about the people in my life than myself."

Jennifer sighed. "I... I don't even know what to say."

"You don't have to say anything. I just didn't want you to think I was ignoring you."

There was a beat of silence before she said, "You're an idiot, you know that?"

Jalen smirked. "I've been told."

Jennifer exhaled. "I'm coming over."

Jalen sat up. "Wait, what?"

"You heard me. I need to see you for myself. Make sure you're actually okay."

Jalen hesitated. He didn't want to drag her into this mess; but... the fact that she was choosing to come see him? That meant something.

"Alright," he said finally. "I'll text you my address."

Jennifer sighed again. "I can't believe this shit. First, you tell me you have seven pregnant women, and now you get SHOT? What the hell did I get myself into, Jalen?"

Jalen smirked. "Guess you'll have to find out."

****************************

An hour later, Jennifer pulled up to Jalen's apartment building, dressed in dark jeans, a fitted, off-the-shoulder cream-colored sweater, black low-heeled ankle boots, and a fitted leather jacket, her auburn hair cascading over her shoulders. The place was quiet, except for the marked police car parked nearby, its presence a stark reminder of why she was even here.

As soon as she stepped out of her car, an officer approached.

"Ma'am, may I ask what business you have here?"

Jennifer blinked, caught a little off guard. Right. The police protection.

"I'm here to see Jalen Moss," she said smoothly. "He's expecting me."

The officer didn't budge. "Name?"

"Jennifer Rollins."

He narrowed his eyes slightly, as if trying to recall if she was on any approved list.

"One moment."

Jennifer sighed, pulled out her phone, and dialed Jalen. He picked up almost immediately.

"Hey, I'm here, but your babysitters won't let me through."

Jalen chuckled, his voice still a bit strained but warm. "Put me on speaker."

Jennifer held up the phone, and the officer leaned in slightly.

"She's good," Jalen said. "Let her through."

The officer exhaled, then nodded. "Alright, go ahead, Ms. Rollins. But just a heads up, we'll be around."

Jennifer rolled her eyes. "Noted."

She pocketed her phone and made her way toward Jalen's apartment, taking a deep breath before knocking. A few minutes later, Jalen opened the door, and Jennifer immediately scanned him up and down. His silver button-up shirt from the night at St. Regis Bar was replaced with a simple black T-shirt, slightly loose to accommodate his injury. His usual confident posture was a little stiffer, a reminder that he was still recovering, but the moment their eyes met, her irritation softened into something else: concern.

"Jesus, Jalen..."

Before he could say anything, she stepped inside and closed the door, then gently placed her hand on his side, right near where the bullet had gone through.

"Does it hurt?" she asked, her voice quieter now.

Jalen smirked, but it was a tired one. "Not as much as it did before."

Jennifer exhaled, shaking her head. "You're insane. I swear, I meet you one time, and suddenly, you're in the middle of some damn crime thriller."

Jalen chuckled. "Yeah, well... welcome to my world."

She sighed, then stepped back, crossing her arms.

"Okay. Now, tell me everything. I want the whole story."

Jalen motioned toward the couch. "You might want to sit down for this."

Jennifer hesitated, then nodded and took a seat. Jalen sat beside her carefully, wincing slightly but trying to hide it.

"You sure you're okay?" she asked again.

Jalen nodded. "I promise."

Jennifer narrowed her eyes but didn't push it. "Alright then. Start talking."

And so, Jalen told her everything. Jennifer sat with her arms crossed, listening intently as Jalen recounted everything. How Megan had been trapped in a controlling, emotionally abusive marriage, how she had secretly planned her escape, and how her husband, Chris Westward, a powerful and well-connected lawyer, wasn't about to let go without a fight.

Then he told her about the shooting itself, including how it happened not even ten minutes after she had left in her ride that night after their "not date". He finished by telling her that the police caught the suspect, but he wasn't talking. At least not yet.

"We don't have direct proof yet," Jalen admitted, "but we're all pretty damn sure Chris ordered the hit on me. Megan leaving him? Fine, maybe he could deal with that. But the idea that she might've left him for someone like me? That probably broke him."

Jennifer raised an eyebrow. "So, this guy is a full-on narcissist, huh?"

Jalen nodded. "Big-time. He's rich, entitled, and used to getting his way. He also knows how to cover his tracks, which is why we haven't been able to pin anything on him yet."

Jennifer leaned forward, resting her elbows on her knees. "So, what's next? If you can't prove it was him, what do you do? Just... wait until he tries again?"

Jalen exhaled slowly, shaking his head. "No. We're going to build a case. Karla, Megan's lawyer, is already working on Megan's divorce, and now that this has happened, she's making sure I have police protection. We're also trying to keep Megan off his radar for as long as possible."

Jennifer absorbed all of this, tapping her red manicured acrylic nails against her knee. "Damn," she muttered. "You weren't joking when you said your life was a circus."

Jalen gave a small laugh, but there was exhaustion behind it. "Yeah... no dull moments."

Jennifer studied him for a moment. "Alright. I have two questions."

Jalen smirked. "Only two?"

She ignored the joke. "First, does this Megan woman still love him?"

Jalen's expression darkened. "Hell no."

Jennifer nodded. "Good. That makes this slightly less messy."

Jalen tilted his head. "And the second question?"

Jennifer gave him a long, searching look before saying, "Are you safe?"

Jalen exhaled and leaned back into the couch. "I have cops outside my building, and Karla's making sure I stay protected. So, for now? Yeah. But if Chris is willing to send someone after me once, I doubt he'll stop there."

Jennifer pursed her lips, shaking her head. "Jesus, Jalen... What the hell did I just walk into?"

Jalen chuckled, despite everything. "To be fair, I did try to leave that night in your dressing room."

Jennifer rolled her eyes. "Oh, shut up."

For a long moment, neither of them spoke. Then Jennifer sighed, rubbing her temple. "Alright. I don't know what's crazier, the fact that some psycho lawyer tried to have you killed, or the fact that I'm still sitting here listening to all of this instead of running for the damn hills."

Jalen grinned slightly. "Must mean something, huh?"

Jennifer looked at him, then let out a quiet, frustrated laugh. "Yeah. Unfortunately, it does."

They were silent for another moment as they both processed what she had just said. Jalen couldn't help but feel a warmth spread through him after hearing her basically admit that she was already starting to care for him.

He smiled before asking, "So have we decided if I'm calling you Jennifer or the other name from now on?"

Jennifer smirked, tilting her head as she studied Jalen. "You're really hung up on that, huh?"

Jalen shrugged, his usual cocky smirk playing on his lips. "I just want to make sure I'm addressing the real you, but if Jessica is who you are now, I'll roll with it."

She sighed, leaning back against the couch. "Jessica is who the world knows. It's the brand, the persona, the woman that makes men weak in the knees and pays my bills. But... Jennifer?" She hesitated, biting the inside of her cheek. "Jennifer is the girl I was before all that. The girl no one really cared about knowing until now."

Jalen held her gaze, his expression softer now. "Then I want to know Jennifer."

Jennifer exhaled through her nose, shaking her head as if she couldn't believe what she was about to say. "You can call me Jennifer... when it's just us."

Jalen's smile widened, something warm and victorious in his eyes. "I can work with that."

****************************

The evening essentially turned into an impromptu date at Jalen's apartment. Jalen tells Jennifer where to find some wine and some snacks. She then wandered into his kitchen, opening cabinets until she found a bottle of red wine and a glass. She grabbed a bag of chips and some chocolate-covered almonds from the pantry before heading back to the couch, where Jalen was propped up with pillows, still recovering but looking more alive than when she first walked in.

"I feel like I'm breaking some kind of rule drinking wine while you're on pain meds," she teased, pouring herself a glass.

Jalen chuckled. "You can make up for it by eating half that bag of almonds. Gotta balance out the vices."

Jennifer shook her head, taking a sip before settling next to him. "Alright, you wanted to know the real me. Ask away."

"I'll start with a simple one. Do you perform just at the Ice and Flame club or do you perform at other places too?" He asked.

Jennifer took a slow sip of her wine before answering. "Mostly at Ice and Flame. It's where I got my start, and they treat me well, but I do perform at other places from time to time. Private events, exclusive lounges, a couple of jazz festivals. I've even done a corporate gala or two when the money was too good to turn down."

Jalen raised an eyebrow. "Corporate galas? Can't imagine Jessica Robinson working a room full of CEOs and accountants."

Jennifer smirked. "Oh, you'd be surprised. Wealthy men love a woman they can't have, and Jessica? She was built for that." She exhaled, twirling the stem of her wine glass between her fingers. "But those gigs don't feel the same. Ice and Flame is where I can really be her, where the atmosphere fits the performance. The other venues? It's more about the spectacle, the brand, and I guess I can't complain. I built that brand."

Jalen nodded, watching her closely. "And what about you? Do you ever get tired of being Jessica Robinson? Tired of the whole act?"

Jennifer hesitated, then leaned back against the couch, stretching her legs out. "Yeah...sometimes. But Jessica gave me a life I never thought I'd have. She gave me control, power. She made men beg for something they could never touch. I don't know if I'd be ready to let go of that, even if I wanted to."

Jalen studied her for a moment, then smirked. "Yeah, but it sounds like you're the one who built all of that, not Jessica. The way I see it, Jennifer Rollins was pulling the strings all along."

Jennifer blinked at him, processing his words. Then, slowly, a small smile formed on her lips. "Maybe you're right, Jalen Moss. Maybe you're right."

Jalen studied her for a moment, noting how different she seemed compared to the sultry, unattainable Jessica Robinson he first saw on stage. Her long auburn-red hair was now loose and slightly tousled, falling in soft waves over her shoulders, a contrast from the sleek, perfectly styled curls she wore as Jessica. Her makeup was minimal, with a light touch of mascara and a natural, pinkish lip balm, but gone is the bold red lipstick, the smoky eyes, and the high-glam contouring. This is Jennifer, unguarded, raw, and real. Here, in his living room, barefoot, curled up with a glass of wine, she wasn't a goddess on display, she was just a woman. An incredible woman at that.

"Okay," Jalen said, adjusting himself slightly. "What's something people assume about you that's completely wrong?"

Jennifer smirked. "That I'm this confident, in-control, untouchable woman all the time. That I don't have moments where I doubt myself. Jessica? She's all that. But Jennifer? Sometimes, she's still that scared girl who had to learn how to survive on her own."

Jalen nodded, taking that in. "So, what's your biggest regret?"

Jennifer's smirk faded a little, and she stared into her glass before answering. "That I had to create Jessica in the first place. I mean, I love what I do. I love performing, but sometimes, I wonder if I would've been happier if I never had to put up walls in the first place."

Jalen reached out, taking her free hand in his. "You don't have to keep them up around me."

Jennifer let out a soft, almost disbelieving laugh, shaking her head. "You're dangerous, Jalen Moss. You make a woman want to believe in things she shouldn't."

Jalen smirked but didn't let go of her hand. "You're not the first one to tell me that."

They sat like that for a while, talking, laughing, and peeling back layers. Jennifer told him about growing up in a strict household, how she left home at 18 and never looked back, how she tried college but realized it wasn't what she wanted and dropped out, and how she then built her career as a singer from nothing after being rejected as an aspiring actress. Jalen told her about his mother, his complicated relationship with his brother, his love for basketball, and how his life took a turn he never could've expected (without mentioning the Beyonder or the prophecy of course).

At some point, Jennifer curled into his side, her head resting against his shoulder, and Jalen realized that this impromptu date was probably more intimate than any dinner at a five-star restaurant could've been.

He didn't need Jessica Robinson right now. He needed Jennifer Rollins.

She sipped her wine slowly, her fingers lazily tracing the rim of the glass as they talked. Jalen could tell she wasn't used to letting her guard down like this. Maybe no one had ever truly asked her about her before; about the woman behind the performances, the woman behind the untouchable allure.

"So, tell me something you've never told anyone," Jalen said, tilting his head as he watched her.

Jennifer scoffed playfully. "That's a pretty bold request."

Jalen smirked. "You should know by now, I'm a bold guy."

She exhaled through her nose, setting her wine glass down on the coffee table. "Alright...something I've never told anyone?" She thought for a moment before finally speaking. "When I was little, I used to sneak out of bed just to watch old black-and-white movies with my grandma. She'd fall asleep in her recliner, but I'd stay up, memorizing the way the women moved, the way they carried themselves. That's where Jessica Robinson was born. She wasn't supposed to be me. She was supposed to be untouchable. A dream. A fantasy."

Jalen leaned forward, his forearms resting on his knees. "But now she is you. Or, at least, a part of you."

Jennifer nodded slowly. "Yeah...somewhere along the way, the lines blurred. I became her, and she became me. Now, I don't even know where one of us ends and the other begins."

Jalen took her hand gently, his thumb stroking the back of it. "Well, I like this you. The one sitting across from me, in my apartment, drinking wine with no shoes on. The one who doesn't have to be Jessica Robinson if she doesn't want to be."

Jennifer swallowed, staring at their joined hands. She looked up at him, something unspoken passing between them. "Jalen..."

He could see the conflict in her eyes. The pull was there, just like it had been with the others, but she was still fighting it and he wasn't going to push.

"You don't have to say anything," Jalen said softly. "Just be here. Be you. That's enough for me."

Jennifer let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. For the first time in a long time, she felt safe. Jennifer stretched, rolling her neck slightly as she glanced at the clock on Jalen's wall. "Damn. It's already 1 AM?"

Jalen chuckled, shaking his head. "Guess that means we had a good time."

Jennifer exhaled, setting down her empty wine glass on the table. "Yeah... we did."

For a moment, they just looked at each other. There was a comfort between them now, a shift in the air that wasn't there before. She wasn't a performer, a seductress, or an illusion. She was just her, and Jalen saw her.

Jennifer tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear and hesitated before saying, "I should probably get going."

Jalen leaned back on the couch, eyes still locked on her. "You could stay."

She raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"

He smirked. "Not like that. Just... you don't have to rush out. Stay a little longer. No pressure."

Jennifer considered it, weighing her options. She could leave, slip back into her world, her routine, her carefully controlled existence. Or... she could let herself have this moment, just a little longer.

She exhaled and settled back into the couch, curling her legs beneath her. "Okay. But only for a little while."

Jalen just smiled.

****************************

Eight hours later, Jennifer stirred first, shifting slightly and feeling a weight around her waist. It took her a second to register that she wasn't in her own bed. Hell, she wasn't even in a bed at all. She was on Jalen's couch, tucked into his side, his arm draped lazily around her like it belonged there. For a brief moment, she panicked, her mind racing to figure out how this had happened. Then, it all came back, the hours of talking, the laughter, the way time slipped away from them until they both just... drifted off. She glanced up at Jalen, still fast asleep, his breathing slow and steady. Even in sleep, he looked effortlessly handsome, his features relaxed. Jennifer sighed, closing her eyes again. She should get up. She should go, but damn, it felt good to just be here and just exist in a moment without expectations, performing, or thinking. Instead of moving, she let herself sink into the warmth of his body, allowing herself this stolen moment of peace before the real world came calling.

Then about 30 minutes later, Jalen blinked awake, his body instinctively stretching before he registered the warmth pressed against him. His arm was still draped around Jennifer, her smaller frame curled into his side. She was still here.

That surprised him. He had expected her to be gone, slipping out quietly in the early hours, leaving him with only the memory of their conversation, but she wasn't. She was still here, still nestled against him, still breathing slow and steady.

Jalen tilted his head slightly to look down at her. She was awake, though she hadn't moved much, her green eyes staring at the ceiling as if lost in thought.

"You're still here," he murmured, his voice rough with sleep.

Jennifer turned her head toward him, her expression unreadable. "Yeah... I guess I am."

Jalen studied her, searching for any sign of regret, but he didn't see any. Just a quiet sort of contemplation.

"You okay?" he asked.

She hesitated, then nodded. "Yeah. I think so."

Jalen smirked. "Didn't expect you to be a couch sleeper."

Jennifer scoffed, shaking her head. "Neither did I. But... I don't know. I didn't want to leave."

Jalen took that in, his smirk softening into something more genuine. "I'm glad you stayed."

Jennifer glanced away, biting her lip like she was trying to suppress a smile. "Don't read too much into it."

Jalen chuckled. "Too late."

For a moment, they just laid there, neither of them in a hurry to move, to shatter whatever this was.

"Well, I better get going for real this time, couch boy." Jennifer says.

"When's your next performance?" Jalen asks.

"Sunday night. Why?"

"How would you feel if I came to see it?" Jalen asks.

Jennifer paused mid-stretch, looking at Jalen with an expression he couldn't quite decipher.

"Aren't you supposed to be resting and recovering?" She asked with an eyebrow raised.

"I'd just be coming to watch, not breakdance." Jalen said, chuckling.

"You really want to come see me perform again?" She responded.

Jalen shrugged, but his eyes never left hers. "Yeah. I meant it when I said I want to know you. Not just Jennifer Rollins, but Jessica Robinson too."

Jennifer let out a short laugh, shaking her head as she grabbed her purse. "You're persistent, I'll give you that."

Jalen smirked. "And?"

She exhaled through her nose, amused but thoughtful. "And... I guess I don't hate the idea."

Jalen raised a brow. "That's the most noncommittal ‘yes' I've ever heard."

Jennifer rolled her eyes, but there was a small smile playing on her lips. "Fine. Yes, you can come. Just don't make it weird."

Jalen chuckled. "I'll do my best."

She gave him one last lingering look before making her way to the door. "See you around, Jalen."

As she stepped out, Jalen sat back against the couch, watching the door close behind her.

****************************

That night Jalen had a scheduled Zoom call to chat with all seven of the pregnant women in his life.

Jalen logged onto the Zoom call, adjusting the laptop on his coffee table. One by one, the women appeared on the screen: Sydney, Kristen, Megan, Rachel, Karla, Heidi, and finally, Chrysti. Seeing all their faces together, even through a screen, gave him a sense of calm despite everything going on.

"Hey, ladies," Jalen said, offering a small smile.

"Hey," they all responded in a mix of warm and concerned tones.

"First things first," Sydney said, crossing her arms, "How are you feeling? And don't give us some macho answer. We need the truth."

Jalen exhaled. "I feel... sore, tired, and annoyed that I still need help getting up sometimes." He smirked. "But I'm alright. I swear."

Rachel squinted at the screen. "Are you actually resting? Or have you been pushing yourself too hard again?"

Jalen chuckled. "I promise I've been chilling. No heavy lifting. No running marathons."

Karla nodded, relieved. "Good. Because the last thing we need is for you to end up back in the hospital."

Kristen shifted in her seat. "And we're still being careful, right? Chris is still out there."

Karla was the next to speak. "Yeah. That tip I got was legit. He's doubling down. He's having his people follow us, but so far, nothing solid on what exactly he's looking for."

Heidi frowned. "He doesn't have proof of anything. All he has is his own ego and suspicions."

"That doesn't mean he won't try something reckless," Megan added. "Chris is the type of guy who will act first and figure out how to clean it up later."

There was a heavy silence. Jalen's gaze flickered to Chrysti. She had been quiet this whole time, just listening. He appreciated that she had even shown up tonight. It meant she was at least trying.

"How are you holding up, Chrysti?" Jalen asked gently.

She hesitated before speaking. "I'm... still figuring things out." Her voice was softer than usual, less guarded. "But I guess I figured if you could almost die and still be there for me, then the least I could do is be here."

That meant something. To all of them.

Sydney smiled slightly. "We're glad you're here."

Chrysti gave a small nod. "Thanks."

Jalen rubbed his hands together. "So, moving forward, we need to be extra careful. No meeting in public places unless it's necessary. Karla, do you think we should change our routines?"

Karla sighed. "Maybe. For now, just be aware of your surroundings. If anything feels off, trust your instincts."

"Especially you, Megan," Kristen added. "You're the one he's obsessed with."

Megan swallowed but nodded. "I know."

Jalen scanned the screen, his eyes moving over each woman. "Listen, I don't care what Chris Westward thinks he's entitled to. He doesn't get to mess with any of you. We're going to get through this together. No matter what."

There were murmurs of agreement.

"We're not alone in this," Rachel said firmly.

Jalen nodded. "Damn right we're not."

The conversation continued, moving between updates on their lives, light teasing, and checking in on each other. Despite the tension looming in the background, there was still warmth here. A connection that couldn't be broken. And for the first time in a long time, Jalen felt a little more at peace.

"I miss all of you," Jalen said sincerely, "And I'm sorry for putting you all through this."

"Jalen shut up. You're crazy to think this is your fault." Megan said. "If anything, I should be apologizing for marrying that scumbag five years ago."

Jalen sighed, rubbing his face. "I know it's not technically my fault, but still... if it weren't for me, none of you would be caught up in this mess."

"Jalen, stop," Sydney interjected firmly. "You didn't ask for this. None of us did. But we chose to be here. We chose to be with you. That's not on you."

Megan nodded. "Chris is the one who can't handle the fact that I left his sorry ass; and yeah, he's dangerous, but that's because he is a psychopath, not because of anything you did."

Rachel exhaled. "Yeah. Megan's right. I hate that we have to be so careful right now, but if we're being real? You're not the problem, Jalen. We all know that."

Jalen took a deep breath, glancing at the screen. "I just don't want anyone getting hurt because of me."

"We won't," Karla said confidently. "We're all watching each other's backs, and now that we know what Chris is capable of, we're not letting our guard down."

Kristen, who had been relatively quiet, finally spoke up. "We're in this together, Jalen. That means you're not carrying this alone. So, stop apologizing."

Chrysti cleared her throat. "And... I don't say this lightly, but... I think it's time I stop fighting this, too. You have enough going on. The last thing you need is me making this harder than it already is."

Jalen's eyes softened as he looked at her. "Chrysti..."

She offered a small, almost sheepish shrug. "I still don't know how I'm going to do this, but... I do know that I don't want to keep running from it."

Sydney smiled. "That's all that matters."

Jalen felt something in his chest loosen. For the first time since getting out of the hospital, he wasn't just trying to push through, he actually felt lighter.

"I love all of you," he said, his voice full of sincerity.

"Of course you do," Heidi teased. "You keep knocking us up."

The group burst into laughter, the tension in the air finally breaking.

Jalen shook his head, smirking. "Y'all are a trip."

"But you love it," Rachel said, grinning.

He didn't argue with that. This was his family. No matter how unconventional.

****************************

A couple of days later, Jalen felt strong enough to leave the house. He was going to go visit his mother.

As he drove, he noticed a car tailing him. Jalen wasn't surprised, he suspected that Chris was still trying to track his movements.

Jalen called Karla and very casually said, "Soooo yeah, I'm headed to my mom's house, and I'm definitely being followed."

Karla, however, did not take it as casually as Jalen did.

"Jalen, that is a big deal. Pull into a public area, now. Somewhere with cameras, witnesses; and keep me on the line."

Jalen sighed, gripping the wheel. "Karla, I'm fine. They're not gonna try anything in broad daylight."

"You don't know that." Karla snapped. "You were shot two weeks ago. Do you not remember that?"

Jalen exhaled through his nose. He understood Karla's frustration, he really did, but he didn't want to live his life in fear. "I'll stop at a gas station. Let's see if they follow me inside."

He signaled and pulled into a busy QuikTrip just off I-285. The tailing car kept going, driving past like they weren't just watching his every move for the past ten minutes.

"Still there?" Karla asked.

Jalen watched the car disappear down the street. "Nope. They kept going."

"That doesn't mean they're gone for good," Karla warned. "Listen to me, Jalen. This is serious. You are still a target. The only reason you're alive right now is because the first guy barely missed your vital organs."

Jalen leaned back in his seat, rubbing his temple. He hated this.

"I know," he finally muttered.

There was a pause, then Karla sighed, softer now. "I'm just worried about you. I can't... I don't want to lose you."

Jalen swallows, her words hitting him deeper than he expected. "I know, Karla. I know."

He takes a breath, gathering himself. "I'm still going to see my mom. I'll keep my eyes open; I promise."

Karla didn't sound happy about it, but she didn't argue. "Alright. But if anything, anything at all feels off, call me. Call someone. You are not in this alone."

Jalen nodded, even though she couldn't see it. "Got it."

He hung up, exhaled, then pulled back onto the road.

If Chris wanted a war, he was damn sure about to get one.

****************************

Later that evening, after leaving his mother's house, Jalen gripped the steering wheel tighter than necessary as he pulled back onto I-285, his thoughts storming. He had spent the past four hours with his mom, hoping to find some sense of peace, and while seeing her always helped, the frustration still sat heavy in his chest.

He wanted to see them. Any of them. Sydney, Kristen, Megan, Rachel, Karla, Heidi, or Chrysti. The women in his life. The future mothers of his children. But he couldn't. Not without the risk of Chris' people seeing him, tracking his movements, and using it against Megan in the divorce case, or worse, making them potential assignation targets. That bastard was keeping him from them.

His hands clenched tighter on the wheel. It pissed him off. Jalen had always been a man who showed up. Who was there, and now, for the first time, he felt like he couldn't be.

He could text or call them, but it wasn't the same. He wanted to see them, hold them, be with them. The thought of Megan, Heidi, Chrysti, or any of them, sitting at home, needing him, missing him, and him not being able to be there made his blood boil. The situation sucked. Jalen exhaled sharply through his nose, forcing himself to breathe. He had to be smart and patient. He remembered that this wouldn't last forever, but damn if it wasn't killing him in the meantime.

He called Karla expressing his frustration. She picked up after a few rings.

"Hey Jalen. You okay?" She asked as she answered.

"Karla this fucking sucks. How long do I have to stay away from you all? I hate letting Chris dictate my life like this."

Karla sighed on the other end of the line. She knew Jalen was struggling with this. Hell, they all were.

"I know, Jalen," she said softly, her voice filled with understanding. "But we can't afford to be reckless. If Chris even gets the slightest thing he can twist and use against Megan, he will, or worse he could take the opportunity to try to have someone take a shot at you again."

Jalen exhaled sharply, gripping the steering wheel as he pulled into a parking lot to sit for a moment. "I know, Karla. I know, but it doesn't make it any easier. I hate this shit. I hate that he's controlling my life like this. Keeping me from you all. I feel fucking useless."

"You're not useless, Jalen." Karla's voice was firm. "You're doing exactly what you need to do; protecting us by being careful. You know Chris is digging and looking for ways to add more leverage for himself. If he can't find dirt or an opportunity to eliminate, he'll take it. We can't give him anything."

Jalen closed his eyes, leaning his head back against the headrest. "I just feel like I'm failing you all."

Karla immediately shut that down. "Don't even start with that."

"Karla—"

"No, listen to me," she interrupted. "You are not failing us, Jalen. You're doing what a good man does: protecting your family. This isn't forever. We just have to outlast this storm."

Jalen exhaled again, some of the tension in his chest easing at Karla's words. She was right. He hated it, but she was right.

"...I just miss you," he admitted. His voice was lower now, softer. Vulnerable. "I miss all of you."

Karla's voice softened, too. "We miss you, too. Lord knows I do. Every single one of us, but we're in this together, Jalen. We're strong, and we'll get through this."

Jalen swallowed, nodding to himself. He didn't say it, but he felt grateful for Karla. For her level-headedness, and her ability to calm him down when he needed it. She was right. They'd get through this somehow.

"How are you holding up? I can only imagine how much pressure you feel being the lawyer and all." Jalen said.

Karla let out a small sigh, rubbing her temple as she leaned back in her chair. "Honestly? It's a lot," she admitted. "Between keeping Megan's case airtight, making sure Chris doesn't find a way to manipulate the system in his favor, and trying to keep everyone safe, it's exhausting."

Jalen frowned. "And who's making sure you're okay?"

Karla paused. She hadn't expected that or even thought about it. She was always the one holding everything together, the one people came to for solutions, but Jalen, even in the middle of his own frustration, was thinking about her.

"...I don't know," she admitted. "I guess I've just been pushing through it."

"That's not good enough," Jalen said bluntly. "You take care of everybody, Karla, but who's taking care of you?"

Karla swallowed. Damn him. Damn him for knowing her so well.

She exhaled, letting her guard down just a little. "I don't know, Jalen. I really don't."

Jalen's voice was soft but firm. "Then let me."

Karla blinked, feeling something in her chest tighten. "Jalen—"

"I know we can't see each other right now," he interrupted, "but I can still be here for you. Talk to me. Let me take some of the weight off your shoulders. You don't have to do this alone."

Karla bit her lip, actually considering it.

"...I don't know how to do that," she admitted. "I don't know how to not be the strong one."

Jalen smiled just a little. "Then let me teach you."

****************************

For the next two hours, Jalen and Karla talked. Really talked. Even long after Jalen had gotten back to his apartment, he stayed on the phone with her. They didn't just talk about the case or Chris or the never-ending stress of it all, but also about everything else in their lives.

They reminisced on childhood memories, Karla also told him about how she first got into law, and Jalen opened up about some of the projects he wanted to take on once all of this chaos settled down. Karla, for the first time in what felt like forever, felt lighter. She hadn't realized how much she needed this; needed him.

"You know," she said after a small pause, "you're really annoying sometimes."

Jalen chuckled. "Oh yeah? Why's that?"

"Because you make it so damn hard to keep my walls up."

Jalen smirked. "Good. That means I'm doing something right."

Karla shook her head but smiled, genuinely smiled.

"Thank you," she said softly.

Jalen didn't even hesitate.

"Always."

Jalen then smiled a mischievous smile.

"Hey, uh... before you hang up...what are you wearing?"

Karla let out a soft, incredulous laugh. "Seriously, Jalen?"

"Hey, I've been stuck in this apartment for days. You can't blame a man for trying."

She rolled her eyes, but there was an undeniable playfulness in her tone. "Well, if you must know... I just got out of the shower, so I'm wearing—" She paused dramatically.

Jalen's breath hitched. "Go on."

"...An oversized T-shirt and some pajama shorts. Not exactly what you were hoping for, huh?"

Jalen groaned. "Come on, Karla. You know how to paint a better picture than that."

Karla smirked, enjoying the control she had over him right now. "Alright, fine. If it helps, the T-shirt is kinda loose... and these shorts? Let's just say, they barely count as shorts."

Jalen ran a hand over his face. "You love messing with me, don't you?"

"Maybe," Karla teased. "But hey, you're the one who asked."

Jalen exhaled heavily. "You better hope I don't get cleared to move around soon, because when I do, you're in trouble."

Karla grinned. "Oh, I count on it."

****************************

On Sunday night, Jalen arrived at the Ice and Flame Club just before Jessica's scheduled performance, taking extra precautions to ensure he wasn't being followed. He parked his truck two blocks away and walked the rest of the distance, weaving through the bustling nightlife crowd before slipping into the venue unnoticed.

The club was packed, the air buzzing with anticipation. Jalen made his way to the bar, ordering a drink, just a Coca-Cola tonight since he wanted to stay sharp. He found a table near the stage but off to the side, giving him a clear view without being too obvious.

The announcer stepped onto the stage, microphone in hand, as the lights dimmed.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the one and only... Jessica Robinson!"

The crowd erupted in cheers as the spotlight hit the stage, revealing Jessica in all her dazzling glory.

She stepped out in a sparkling silver gown tonight, the sequins catching the light with every slow, sensual movement. Her signature red lips curved into a sultry smile as she gripped the microphone stand. Her voluminous auburn curls cascaded over one shoulder, framing her striking green eyes as she took in the crowd.

Then, in that voice that could stop time itself, she began to sing.

*"There's a saying old... says that love is blind...

Still, we're often told, seek and ye shall find...

So, I'm going to seek a certain lad I've had in mind..."

Jessica's voice carried through the club, smooth and intoxicating. The sultry jazz melody wrapped around the audience like a slow-burning flame, drawing them into her spell.

Jalen watched her intently, mesmerized. He had seen her perform before, but now that he knew her, the real her, there was something different about this moment. Her voice was flawless as always, but he swore he could see past the show-stopping persona. Beneath Jessica Robinson, he could see Jennifer Rollins, the woman he had spent hours talking to, laughing with, and sleeping next to on his couch. Then for a brief moment, as her eyes scanned the room, she saw him.

Jalen knew because she hesitated just for half a second before slipping right back into the performance. Her expression didn't falter, her confidence remained, but he knew she had clocked him. She continued to sing, her movements slow and deliberate, owning the stage like she was born for it.

"Looking everywhere, haven't found him yet...

He's the big affair, I cannot forget..."

Jalen smirked to himself, taking a sip of his soda. Well damn, if that ain't fitting...

The performance continued flawlessly, Jessica weaving a spell over every man in the room. Jalen, however, was watching with different eyes. He wasn't just another man under her spell. He was the one she had hesitated for.

The song came to a slow, lingering finish, and the club erupted into applause. Jessica gave a graceful nod, smiling as she acknowledged the crowd before retreating backstage.

Jalen finished his drink and then subtly slipped away, heading toward the back. He moved carefully, making sure no one from Chris' camp was around before approaching the security at the side door leading backstage.

The bouncer recognized him from the last time and gave him a hard look.

"I know you don't work here. You trying to sneak by me again?"

Jalen kept his cool, flashing an easy smile. "She's expecting me."

The bouncer narrowed his eyes, but then his earpiece buzzed. He pressed a finger to it, listening to whatever was being said before stepping aside with a grunt.

Jalen walked through without another word.

Backstage was quieter, but the energy from the performance still lingered. He found Jessica's dressing room door slightly ajar, the light inside casting a warm glow. He knocked once before pushing it open.

Jessica was sitting in front of her mirror, her red lips still perfectly in place, but there was a flicker of something unguarded in her expression when she saw him.

"You actually came," she said, raising an eyebrow.

Jalen leaned against the doorframe. "Of course, I did. I was the one who asked to come, remember?"

She studied him for a moment before glancing away, removing one of her earrings. "I don't know why that surprises me."

Jalen stepped inside, closing the door behind him. "Because most men only fall in love with Jessica Robinson. I came to see her and Jennifer."

She hesitated, then met his gaze. There was no denying it this time. There was no act or performance. Just her, and just like that, the walls started to crumble.

"I meant to tell you...it made me really happy when I woke up and you were still there on my couch that morning." Jalen said.

Jessica/Jennifer paused as she removed her second earring, her fingers stilling for just a moment. She glanced at Jalen through the mirror, her expression unreadable.

"I, uh..." She exhaled softly, setting the earring down on the vanity. "Yeah... I meant to leave earlier, but... I don't know."

Jalen took a few steps closer, leaning against the edge of the vanity. "You don't know?"

She turned slightly, looking up at him. "I guess I just... felt comfortable, and that's not normal for me."

Jalen smirked, reaching out to tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "So, I'm guessing that means I'm special then?"

Jennifer rolled her eyes but didn't pull away from his touch. "Don't let it go to your head."

Jalen chuckled, letting his fingers trail down her jawline before dropping his hand. "Too late."

She shook her head, turning fully to face him now.

"You really liked my performance?" she asked, almost shyly.

Jalen softened. "Absolutely, but you already know that."

Jennifer held his gaze for a long moment before looking away, fiddling with one of her rings. "I thought about you while I was up there."

Jalen's smirk widened slightly. "Yeah?"

She nodded, exhaling a small laugh as if admitting it made her feel ridiculous. "Yeah. It was weird."

Jalen tilted his head, watching her carefully. "Why weird?"

Jennifer hesitated before finally saying, "Because no one's ever really made me hesitate before."

Jalen absorbed her words, letting them settle between them. She wasn't just talking about the performance. She was talking about everything. The way she had let him in so easily, the way she had woken up in his apartment and not wanted to leave, and the way she was sitting here now, opening up to him in ways she probably never had with anyone else.

He stepped closer, placing a hand gently on her thigh. "I don't want to be just another guy who watches you from the audience," he murmured. "I want to be the one you think about after the curtain closes."

Jennifer swallowed, her eyes flickering between his and his lips. "You already are."

Jalen smiled softly. "Good."

There was a brief pause before Jennifer leaned in, closing the space between them. Her lips met his in a slow, lingering kiss.

Damn. Jalen was a very good kisser too.

In that moment, Jessica knew she was in trouble because Jalen Moss wasn't just another admirer. He was the one who had cracked open the walls she thought were impenetrable. After about twenty seconds, Jennifer pulled back just a little and smiled slightly as she saw how his lips were now a little redder from her lipstick.

Jalen smiled hard. "Well that felt even better than the couch." He said.

Jennifer chuckled against his lips, her fingers lightly tracing the back of his neck. "Yeah, well, don't get used to it," she teased, though the way her body leaned into his betrayed her words.

Jalen was grinning now, letting his hands settle on her waist. "You already know that I am."

Jennifer rolled her eyes but didn't pull away. Instead, she exhaled, resting her forehead against his chest. "I really don't know what to do with you, Jalen."

Jalen tightened his arms around her, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. "You don't have to do anything. Just... be here. That's enough for me."

She let out a small laugh, shaking her head. "You say that now, but you already have seven other women in your life. How do you even have room for me?"

Jalen lifted her chin with his fingers, making her look up at him. "Because you're you, and I want you. Not because I need you to fit into some box, or because of anything other than the fact that when I'm with you, I just know you belong in my life."

Jennifer searched his eyes, looking for any sign of hesitation, of dishonesty, but all she found was unwavering certainty.

"...I should leave before I let you make a complete fool out of me."

Jalen grinned. "Again, too late."

Jennifer groaned, playfully smacking his chest, but Jalen caught her wrist and pulled her back in for another kiss. It was slow, deliberate, like he was savoring her, letting her know that this wasn't just some fleeting moment for him.

When they finally pulled apart, Jennifer exhaled. "God, I'm in trouble, aren't I?"

Jalen brushed his thumb over her lower lip, smirking. "Big time."

There was a brief moment of silence as they just held each other, then Jalen asked, "Do you have to go back out there or are you done for the night?" Jalen asks.

Jennifer glanced toward the door leading backstage, then back at Jalen. "I'm done for the night," she admitted. "Usually, I'd stick around for a while, make an appearance, have a drink, let the crowd fawn over me a little longer..." She smirked. "But honestly? I don't feel like being Jessica Robinson right now."

Jalen nodded, taking that in. "So, what do you feel like being?"

Jennifer hesitated for a moment before letting out a small sigh. "Just... Jennifer. No hooplah, no crowd, no stage. Just me."

Jalen's smirk softened into something more genuine. "Then let's get out of here."

Jennifer raised an eyebrow. "And go where exactly?"

Jalen shrugged. "Wherever you want. Late-night drive, my place, your place, some quiet spot where we can just talk... or not talk."

Jennifer chuckled. "You really don't give up, do you?"

Jalen leaned in slightly, lowering his voice. "Not when I know what I want."

Jennifer stared at him for a moment, then, without another word, grabbed her purse. "Alright, let's go."

Jalen led Jennifer through the back exit of the club, making sure they weren't drawing too much attention. The night air was cool, a stark contrast to the heat and energy inside the Ice and Flame Club. Jennifer sighed as she took a deep breath, as if shedding the persona she had been performing under all night.

"Where to?" Jalen asked, unlocking his truck.

Jennifer hesitated for a moment before saying, "Your place."

Jalen glanced at her, raising an eyebrow. "You sure?"

Jennifer nodded, wrapping her arms around herself slightly. "I just want somewhere quiet. And...I feel safe with you."

Jalen didn't press further. He simply opened the passenger door for her. Once they were both in and on the road, Jennifer leaned back in her seat, kicking off her heels. "God, I hate these things."

Jalen chuckled. "You make them look good, though."

Jennifer smirked. "Yeah, well, they're a pain in the ass. But it's all part of the act."

Jalen stole a glance at her. "You know you don't have to do all that with me, right?"

Jennifer sighed, gazing out the window. "I know. That's what's weird about this."

They rode in silence for a couple of minutes. Then Jalen decided to break it.

"So," he said after a moment. "Tell me something else real about you. Something else that nobody else knows."

Jennifer exhaled. "I hate my real name."

Jalen tilted his head. "Jennifer?"

She nodded. "I don't know why. It just never felt like mine. I made up Jessica Robinson when I started performing because it felt... powerful. Like I could be someone else. Someone untouchable."

Jalen studied her. "But you wanted me to call you Jennifer."

Jennifer met his gaze. "Yeah... I did."

Jalen smirked. "That means something, doesn't it?"

Jennifer didn't respond right away. She looked down at the water bottle in her hands, fidgeting with the cap. "Maybe."

Jalen leaned back. "I think you're tired of playing a role; and I think you're starting to figure out who you actually are. Without the dress, without the stage."

Jennifer sighed. "I don't know how to be just me anymore."

Jalen reached out, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "Then let me help you figure it out."

Jennifer swallowed, her green eyes locking onto his. She didn't move away from his touch. For the first time in a long time, she didn't feel the need to put up walls or play a part.

"...Okay."

Jalen glanced at her, then said, "It sounds to me like you are Jennifer Rollins, but you want to go by Jessica. Maybe it's a way of embracing the two identities. Kind of like when Bruce Banner embraced his alter ego and became Smart Hulk in Avengers Endgame."

Jennifer chuckled softly, shaking her head. "Did you really just compare me to the Hulk?"

Jalen smirked. "Hey, I'm just saying... maybe Jessica isn't just an act anymore. Maybe she's as much a part of you as Jennifer ever was. You don't have to pick one or the other. You can be both."

Jennifer mulled over his words, tapping her red acrylic nails against the water bottle in her lap. "I never thought about it like that."

Jalen shrugged. "Makes sense, doesn't it? You created Jessica Robinson to protect Jennifer Rollins, but now, maybe they can coexist."

Jennifer's expression softened as she looked at him. "You really do see me, don't you?"

Jalen nodded. "I wouldn't be here if I didn't."

They drove in comfortable silence the rest of the way.

They arrived at Jalen's apartment, and Jennifer followed him inside, tossing her purse onto the counter as she walked in. She felt the shift within herself, an acceptance, a merging of the two identities she had kept so separate for so long. The click of her Christian Louboutin So Kate heels against the floor didn't feel like a performance anymore. Maybe because, for the first time, she wasn't just wearing them for Jessica Robinson's sake, she was wearing them for herself, and maybe, just a little bit, for Jalen too.

Jalen shut the door behind them, watching her as she moved with renewed confidence. His eyes flickered down to the signature red soles of her sparkling-silver heels before slowly traveling back up to meet her gaze.

"You put them back on," he noted, a smirk tugging at his lips.

Jennifer arched a brow, feigning nonchalance. "I figured if you like seeing me in them so much, I might as well indulge you."

Jalen stepped closer, his hands finding her waist. "I do appreciate the effort," he murmured, his voice dipping into something lower, something hungrier. "But, for the record, I'd still want you just as bad if you were barefoot."

Jennifer held his gaze, something unspoken passing between them. Then, she leaned in slightly, testing the waters. Jalen didn't move, letting her come to him. When their lips met, it wasn't rushed or desperate. It was slow, intentional, as if she was trying to figure out where she ended, and he began.

When she finally pulled back, she whispered, "I think I want to figure this out... with you."

Jalen rested his forehead against hers, smiling. "Then we take it one step at a time."

They kissed again more deeply, slowly, and deliberately this time, as if to seal the understanding between them. Whatever this was between them, it wasn't just about the pull. She was choosing him.

Jalen pulled back slightly, and he smiled.

"So... Jessica or Jennifer?"

She considered the question for a moment before answering. "Jessica's the performer. Jennifer's the woman." She tilted her head, a teasing glint in her eyes. "You get both."

Jalen grinned. "I wouldn't have it any other way."

Jalen pulled Jessica back into a kiss with her now pressing even closer against him, feeling the warmth of her body pressed against his. The traces of her red lipstick smeared slightly on his lips, but he didn't care. It was intoxicating, just like everything about her.

"You enjoy that, huh?" Jessica teased between kisses, her voice sultry, her fingers dragging lightly through his short hair.

"Of course I do," Jalen murmured, his lips moving down the curve of her jaw to the sensitive spot just below her ear. "You know exactly what you're doing wearing a dress like that and putting these heels back on." His hands squeezed her again, this time with a little more insistence, making her inhale sharply.

Jessica smirked, tilting her head to give him better access as his lips traveled down her neck. "And what are you gonna do about it?" she challenged, though her voice wavered slightly with desire.

Jalen grinned against her skin. "I think you already know the answer to that."

Without warning, he lifted her off the ground, her legs instinctively wrapping around his waist as he carried her toward the couch. Jessica let out a soft, breathy laugh, holding onto him, her red nails tracing along the back of his neck.

Jalen brought her to his bedroom and eased them down onto the bed, settling between her legs, his hands roaming over her curves as their lips found each other once more.

Jessica knew she was falling...hard, and for once, she didn't feel the need to stop herself in that moment.

She suddenly pulled back and looked at Jalen intently. "Jalen, if we're going to do this, you can't cum inside of me. I'm not ready for a baby."

"Understood." Jalen said. "Luckily, my pull-out game is top notch."

Jessica arched a brow, smirking slightly. "Oh really? That what you told the other seven?"

Jalen chuckled, leaning in to kiss her again. "Okay, fair point, but I mean it. I'll be careful."

Jessica held his gaze for a moment, searching for any hesitation. She found none. There was just warmth, desire, and something deeper that she wasn't quite ready to name.

"Good," she said softly, her fingers tracing the outline of his jaw before pulling him back down to her. "Because I want this... I want you, but on my terms."

Jalen nodded, his lips brushing against hers before trailing lower, his hands exploring every curve of her body. "I can definitely work with that."

Jessica sighed as he made his way down, her back arching slightly in anticipation. This wasn't just another night for her. She wasn't just giving in to lust. She was making a choice. A choice to see where this thing with Jalen could lead.

Jalen repositioned himself lower around her waist and began to hike her dress up. As he pushed it higher, his hands never rushed. They moved slowly and reverently. Jessica's breathing deepened, her gaze locked onto his, daring him to keep going.

He pressed a kiss to the inside of her thigh making her breath hitch. He then reached up and hooked his fingers inside of her cream-colored panties and eased them down with maddening slowness, the glimmering dress now bunched around her waist, her long legs still clad in those show-stopping heels.

Jessica took it upon herself to sit up, lift herself for a second so she could slide her dress up over her head and toss it aside. Her breasts sprang free from the sparkling silver material of her gown, bouncing and rippling as they did. She laid back down, now naked onto Jalen's bed. The only thing she still had on were her heels. She left them on, knowing Jalen was really turned on by them.

Jalen marvels at Jessica. Her body was absolutely exquisite, and even better than what was teased during her performances. Her breasts were absolute perfection, her pink nipples small and hard, her breasts soft but firm. They were huge, very round, and begging to be squeezed and sucked on.

"For the record, yes, they're real." She said looking at him smiling mischievously.

Jalen grinned. He scanned the rest of her body.

Her stomach was unsurprisingly toned, and she also had wider than average hips, seemingly perfect for allowing the right dick to enter her when she wanted it. Her legs were completely shaved and also toned. She clearly did some kind of cardio on a regular basis. Jalen almost felt unworthy of this honor. She laid on the bed in all of her glory, her red lips still smirking at him knowing perfectly well the effect she was having on him right then.

Jessica couldn't help but feel good about the way Jalen was eye fucking her right now. It wasn't just lust, though there was plenty of that. It was also something deeper, something that made her feel seen in a way she hadn't before. She stretched her arms above her head, arching her back slightly, knowing exactly what she was doing to him.

"You just gonna stand there and stare all night or are you gonna show me what all the hype is about?" she teased, her voice husky.

Jalen exhaled sharply, shaking his head as he quickly removed his own clothes before crawling on top, positioning himself above her.

"You really are something else, you know that?" he murmured, his hands tracing a slow, deliberate path down her curves.

Jessica's breath hitched when his lips found the sensitive spot on her neck again, trailing downward. She bit her lip, closing her eyes, letting herself feel, letting herself fall. Right now there was no Jessica Robinson nor Jennifer Rollins. There was just her and Jalen.

Jalen planted soft kisses down her neck. He continued to her chest until he eventually arrived at her breasts. He didn't hesitate. He opened his mouth and began devouring her right breast, sucking intensely. After a few moments, he switched to the other one. They were so soft, and so satisfying to suck. Eventually, Jalen let up a bit and began to use his tongue more deliberately.

Jessica let out a husky moan as the tip of his tongue found her nipple, circling the aureole and making the already hard nub harder. She arched her back offering up more of her chest to him. As he licked at her tits, Jalen's right hand ran its way down along her body, hugging her curves. Her breathing grew more labored, and her eyes closed as she lost herself to the waves of pleasure washing through her. Those waves intensified exponentially when Jalen began to gently rub his fingers on the entrance of her dripping pussy. She let out an ever louder moan that echoed through the room the second her fingers touched the moist flaps of her vagina. Jalen continued to slide his tongue all over Jessica's breasts, lashing at her nipples and suckling at the plentiful flesh.

Then Jalen couldn't wait anymore. His dick was begging to get in on the action. He pressed himself against her, his body warm and hard against her softness, his arousal evident as he settled between her legs. Jessica let out a slow, shaky breath as she felt him, her body already aching for him.

"You sure you want this?" Jalen asked, smiling with his voice deep and husky against her lips.

Jessica gave a slow, knowing smile, wrapping her legs around his waist, the heels of her pumps digging lightly into his lower back. She pulled him closer, feeling every inch of him against her. "You talk too much," she whispered before biting his lower lip, sending a rush of heat straight through him.

He reached between them, positioning himself, teasing her just slightly as he ran the thick length along her already soaking wet entrance. Jessica's breath hitched, her red acrylic nails lightly scratching down his back as she silently begged him to give her what she needed.

And then, with one slow, deliberate motion, he pushed inside.

Jessica gasped sharply and shut her eyes tightly. Her back arched more as she adjusted to his size, her fingers gripping onto his shoulders. "Fuuuck," she exhaled, her head tilting back against the pillow.

Jalen groaned lowly, savoring the feeling of her warmth around him and the way her pussy welcomed his dick so perfectly. He pushed further and further inside until nearly his entire shaft was inside of her. He stayed still for a moment, giving her time to adjust, before pulling back and then pushing in again, even deeper this time. Jessica moaned, her heels pressing harder into his back, urging him on. Jalen's gunshot wound hadn't fully healed yet, so each stroke sent a prickle of pain through his abdomen, but that was not about to stop him. He gritted his teeth as he thrusted, determined to ignore the pain.

"God, you feel so good," Jessica breathed, her voice sultry, almost reverent.

Jalen kissed her deeply as he began to move, his strokes slow and deliberate, making sure she felt every inch of him. Jessica clung to him, her nails digging into and dragging across his skin, her legs tightening around his waist as their bodies moved together, perfectly in sync.

She was utterly lost in him. The way he filled her, moved inside her, and looked at her like she was the only woman in the world, was intoxicating. Every stroke and grind of his hips against hers sent waves of pleasure through her body, her breath coming in short, desperate gasps. Jessica had never been filled with so much cock before and it felt amazing. Her whole body was moving with each powerful thrust and her head nearly slammed against the wall behind her each time.

The pain that came with his cock's initial entry was now long gone and replaced with pure ecstasy as her pussy had now fully adjusted to and embraced him. Jessica had almost forgotten what good dick felt like. It had been so long, and even back then, it hadn't been this good. She didn't want it to end.

Jalen, completely enthralled by her, kissed along her jawline, down her neck, sucking lightly at the sensitive skin there. His hands roamed her body, gripping her waist, sliding up to cup her breasts, his thumbs teasing over her hardened nipples, making her shudder beneath him.

Jessica's moans grew louder and more desperate with her body trembling as she felt herself getting closer.

"Jalen—" she gasped, her voice catching as her entire body tensed.

Jalen's lips parted and he buried his face into her right breast again, sucking on it as if it was filled with a delicious juice. Jessica let out another loud moan, overwhelmed by the sensation. Jalen switched the left breast about ten seconds later making sure it wasn't left out. Shortly after, he resurfaced and came back up to devour her lips.

Jalen's mouth was now completely red from her lipstick. He and Jessica's tongues were entangled in each other's mouths as they engaged in wet sloppy, hungry kisses. Jessica pulled back from the kiss slightly, her mouth remaining open, and eyes shut as she could feel herself getting close to her explosion.

Jalen felt it too, the way her body clenched around him, her breathing becoming erratic, the sheer desperation in the way she held onto him. He picked up his pace, thrusting deeper, harder, his grip on her tightening as he brought her to the edge.

Then, with one more powerful stroke hitting her g-spot just right, Jessica's body arched fully beneath him as she came hard. Her screams of pleasure echoed through the whole apartment, while her nails dug into Jalen's skin. The sight of her losing herself in pleasure and the way her body trembled was so fucking sexy. The pain from her nails digging into Jalen's skin didn't even phase him.

About a minute later, Jessica struggled to catch her breath. Jalen hovered above her looking down at her with satisfaction and admiration. He loved seeing her let loose like that. Jessica finally opened her eyes, her chest still moving up and down. She looked up at him and smiled. She even chuckled, putting an arm over her face.

"God damn...," she said laughing breathlessly, "I haven't cum like that in years."

"Good thing I came along then." Jalen said, smiling back.

Jalen then resumed his thrusts. He knew it wouldn't be long before he reached his peak pleasure too. Jessica cupped his face and kissed him again as he thrusted deeper and deeper. As he did so, she clutched his face harder and moaned through her tongue kisses.

Jalen could feel it coming. One stroke.... Two strokes...three strokes...NOW.

He quickly extracted his penis and hovered it over Jessica's stomach. Jessica reached for it, grabbed it, and began pumping his cock as streams of semen shot out and pooled onto her stomach. It kept coming/cumming, literally.

Jessica used both of her hands to pump his cock until every last drop was squeezed out of him. After a few moments, the cum blasts finally subsided. Jalen couldn't remember the last time he felt so content. He looked down at her.

Jessica's stomach and breasts had been completely creamed. Her lipstick was completely gone from her lips, and her makeup was smudged all over her face. Jalen took so much pride in how much of his cum he coated her with and felt even better because of the fact that she had wanted all of it.

Just when Jalen thought she couldn't be any sexier, Jessica took her index finger, dabbed it in the pool of cum on her stomach and put it in her mouth, sucking on it.

She smiled a mischievous smile as she savored the taste of him, keeping her finger in her mouth for at least five seconds before slowly and seductively pulling it out.

"You sure you're not a goddess?" Jalen said grinning.

Jessica laughed. "Shhhh...don't tell anyone." She joked winking at him.

"I'll get you a towel." Jalen said, chuckling.

"No need to rush. I'm fine." She replied laying back onto the pillow completely unbothered by her abdomen and chest being coated with semen.

Jalen returned a minute later with a large maroon towel, which Jessica took and carefully wiped herself down with.

He laid next to her, and after she'd wiped her body and face, she curled up into him, laying her head on his shoulder and draping her leg across his legs.

"Well," she said, her voice teasing, "your pull-out game is as strong as advertised."

Jalen chuckled again, pressing a soft kiss to the top of her head. "Told you."

Jessica smirked, tracing light patterns on his chest with her perfect long, red nails. "You might have just ruined me for every other man."

Jalen grinned, pulling her close. "Good."

They were silent for a moment before Jalen added, "You are exquisite."

"Well, I do try to work out." Jessica said, chuckling.

"I wasn't talking about your body." Jalen replied smiling.

Jessica paused, her teasing smirk softening into something more vulnerable. She stared at Jalen, searching his face, as if trying to figure out if he really meant it. She was used to men complimenting her body and being admired for her looks, sensuality, and her presence on stage. This was different, though. The way Jalen looked at her showed something deeper that made her chest tighten in a way she wasn't prepared for.

"You really are dangerous," she finally said, her voice quieter now.

Jalen raised an eyebrow. "You keep saying that. How so?"

Jessica exhaled, resting her chin on his chest, her fingers absentmindedly tracing small circles over his skin. "Because you say shit like that, and I don't know how to handle it."

Jalen smiled, lifting his hand to brush a strand of red hair from her face. "Maybe you don't have to handle it. Maybe you just have to let yourself believe it."

Jessica swallowed, feeling exposed in a way she hadn't felt in years. She could feel the pull again, that deep, unexplainable connection that made no logical sense. This was supposed to be casual. A little fun and indulgence, but Jalen made it feel like so much more, and that terrified her.

She let out a small, nervous laugh, shaking her head. "I don't know what to do with you."

Jalen smirked. "Well, I can think of a few things—"

Jessica playfully smacked his arm, but she was smiling, the tension breaking just a little. "You ruin the moment, you know that?"

"I enhance the moment," Jalen corrected. "And I meant what I said. Every part of you, your mind, your passion, the way you carry yourself, it's all exquisite. Your body is a bonus."

Jessica's heart did a little flip, and she hated that it did. She rolled onto her back, staring at the ceiling for a moment, trying to process what she was feeling. Then, after a long silence, she turned her head to look at him.

"I think you might actually be trouble, Moss."

Jalen chuckled, pulling her back into his arms. "I'll take that as a compliment."

****************************

Jessica blinked groggily, the soft rhythm of Jalen's breathing beneath her ear grounding her in a way that felt... foreign. She was warm, comfortable. Too comfortable.

Wait.

Her eyes shot open fully as realization set in. She had stayed the night. Again.

Jessica slowly lifted her head, careful not to wake Jalen as she studied his face in the dim morning light filtering through the blinds. He looked so peaceful, his usually sharp, observant eyes now closed, his expression relaxed. His arm was still draped around her waist, holding her close even in sleep.

Goddamn it.

She should have left last night. She should have put her dress back on, slid out of bed, and gone home like she usually did after a night with a man. But she hadn't, and now, she was lying on Jalen's chest naked like some kind of... girlfriend. The thought made her chest tighten, and she wasn't sure if it was fear or something worse.

Carefully, she moved to slip out from under his arm, but as soon as she shifted, Jalen stirred. His grip tightened just slightly.

"Mmm... where you goin'?" His voice was thick with sleep, raspy and deep.

Jessica froze, caught. "I, uh..." She sighed. "I didn't mean to stay."

Jalen cracked one eye open, smirking lazily. "But you did."

Jessica rolled onto her back, staring at the ceiling. "Don't remind me."

Jalen chuckled, shifting onto his side so he could look at her. "You say that like it's a bad thing."

"It is," she shot back. "I don't stay. That's a rule."

Jalen raised an eyebrow. "You got rules for this kind of thing?"

Jessica turned her head to face him, her expression serious. "Yes. And I broke them. Again."

Jalen just studied her, quiet for a moment before he murmured, "Then maybe your rules need to change."

Jessica's heart stuttered in her chest.

Damn him. Damn him and the way he always knew exactly what to say to get under her skin.

She turned away, sitting up and stretching, her red hair spilling over her shoulder. "I should go."

Jalen propped himself up on his elbow, watching her. "You could."

Jessica glanced back at him. "...But?"

"But you could also stay. Have breakfast. Talk."

Jessica stared at him for a long moment, her defenses warring against the part of her that didn't actually hate the idea.

She swallowed, shaking her head. "You don't stop, do you?"

Jalen grinned. "Not when I know what I want."

Jessica exhaled heavily, running a hand through her hair.

And for the first time in a long time, she wasn't entirely sure what she wanted.

"What if I sweeten the deal and promise you a warm delicious Chick-fil-A chicken biscuit?" Jalen asked.

Jessica narrowed her eyes at him, but the faintest smirk tugged at her lips. "You're bribing me with food now?"

Jalen shrugged, lying back against the pillow. "I prefer to call it a compelling offer."

Jessica rolled her eyes but didn't immediately shut him down. Chick-fil-A breakfast did sound pretty damn good, and she was hungry.

Jalen, noticing her hesitation, pressed on. "Come on, you just had what might be the best night of your life, you wake up in my bed, and now I'm offering you a hot, buttery, perfectly seasoned chicken biscuit. You telling me that's not a perfect morning?"

Jessica folded her arms, giving him a skeptical look. "You really think that highly of yourself, huh?"

Jalen grinned. "I don't think. I know."

Jessica let out an exasperated sigh, but deep down, she was biting back a real smile. She shook her head. "Fine. One chicken biscuit, but then I'm out of here."

Jalen chuckled, throwing the covers off and sitting up. "Oh, I'm definitely getting you the combo. You need the hash browns, too."

Jessica gave him a pointed look. "Don't push your luck, Moss."

Jalen raised his hands in surrender, but the smugness on his face was undeniable. "Noted."

As she stood and stretched, reaching for the nearest piece of clothing, she caught Jalen watching her, his gaze warm and appreciative.

"Stop looking at me like that," she muttered, slipping on his hoodie because it was the closest thing in reach.

"Like what?" Jalen teased.

Jessica pulled the fabric down over her hips, sighing. "Like you're winning."

Jalen just smirked, swinging his legs over the side of the bed. "Maybe because I am."

****************************

Jalen ordered Chick-fil-A through DoorDash and thirty minutes later, their delicious breakfast arrived.

Jessica couldn't deny it. This felt right, which again, was scary. She sat cross-legged on Jalen's couch, one of his oversized hoodies draped over her frame as she took a bite of her warm, buttery Chick-fil-A biscuit. She closed her eyes for a moment, savoring the taste. Damn him. He really did sweeten the deal.

Jalen sat beside her, casually munching on his own breakfast, watching her with an amused expression. "You're enjoying that way too much," he commented, sipping his orange juice.

Jessica shot him a look, her lips still full from the bite she was chewing. "Listen, don't ruin this moment for me," she warned, pointing a perfectly manicured red-nailed finger at him.

Jalen laughed, holding his hands up in surrender. "Far be it from me to interfere with a woman and her chicken biscuit."

They ate in comfortable silence for a while, the television playing quietly in the background. It was the kind of easy, domestic moment that Jessica didn't realize she'd been craving.

That was the problem. This felt... right. Like she belonged here. Like waking up in Jalen's bed and eating breakfast in his hoodie should be something normal. She had spent so much time building her walls, controlling the narrative of her life, and yet, somehow, this man, this infuriating, charming, complicated man, was slipping through the cracks. She looked over and caught him staring at her again, that same warm, knowing gaze he always seemed to give her when he saw past her defenses.

"What?" she asked, feigning annoyance.

Jalen smirked. "Nothing. Just... you look good like this."

Jessica scoffed, looking down at herself. "I look like I just rolled out of bed and stole your clothes."

"You did," Jalen said, still smirking. "And you look good doing it."

Jessica felt a warmth spread through her chest, but she shoved it down, shaking her head. "You're ridiculous."

Jalen leaned back, stretching his arms along the back of the couch. "And yet, here you are, eating breakfast with me, stealing my hoodie, and probably debating whether you actually want to leave."

Jessica rolled her eyes, but damn it, he wasn't wrong.

She exhaled deeply, setting her food down. "This is scary for me, Jalen."

Jalen's playful smirk softened. "I know."

Jessica hesitated before looking at him. "You do?"

Jalen nodded. "You're not used to someone actually seeing you. Not just Jessica Robinson, the bombshell singer that has men wrapped around her finger, but Jennifer Rollins, the woman who doesn't let people in easily. The woman who doesn't trust easily."

Jessica swallowed. "And you're saying I should trust you?"

Jalen didn't pressure her or push. He simply met her gaze and said, "I'm saying you should trust yourself."

Jessica didn't respond right away. Instead, she picked up her biscuit and took another bite, chewing slowly as she processed his words. Damn him. He might actually be winning.

"I won't pretend that I don't like you Jalen," Jessica said, "but this...I don't think I can allow myself to get...attached to this." "Why not?" Jalen asked.

"Because...I..." Jessica couldn't find the words. Almost as if she was trying to come up with a reason.

Jalen set his food down and turned his body slightly toward her, his eyes never leaving hers.

"Because what?" he pressed gently, his voice low and steady.

Jessica opened her mouth, then closed it again. She hated this. She hated the way he always made her confront things she wasn't ready to and the way he was so damn patient, like he could wait forever for her to figure it out.

She looked down at her hands, her red nails tapping anxiously against the fabric of his hoodie. "Because I don't know how," she admitted softly.

Jalen tilted his head slightly. "How to what?"

Jessica exhaled sharply, frustrated with herself. "How to let someone in like this," she finally said. "How to be... part of something like this."

Jalen watched her for a long moment, then reached over and took her hand, threading his fingers through hers. Jessica felt her breath hitch. His hand was warm, grounding, and somehow just what she needed at that moment.

"You don't have to figure it all out today," Jalen said simply. "But you don't have to do it alone, either."

Jessica looked at their hands, then up into his eyes. "You say that like you know I'm going to choose this."

Jalen smiled softly. "I say that because I know you want to."

Jessica's stomach flipped. "Fucking hell." She thought.

"I have to go." Jessica said.

"Do you want pants?" Jalen asked amusingly.

Jessica looked down. All she had on besides his hoodie were her panties.

Jessica sighed, running a hand through her tousled red hair. "I'll manage," she muttered, though she could already feel Jalen's eyes on her legs as she moved to grab her dress from the night before.

Jalen chuckled, shaking his head. "You know, you keep leaving here in the same clothes you showed up in, and people are going to start talking."

Jessica shot him a playful glare as she pulled her dress over her head, smoothing it down. "Let them talk," she said, slipping back into her signature heels. "I'll have you know, I wear the same outfits twice all the time."

Jalen smirked, stepping up behind her, his hands sliding over her hips. "Yeah, but you don't usually do a walk of shame from a guy's place while doing it."

Jessica turned around, pressing a hand against his chest to keep some distance, even though part of her didn't want to. "I said I had to go," she reminded him, though her voice lacked conviction.

Jalen leaned down slightly, his lips brushing against her ear. "I heard you," he murmured. "Didn't say I had to like it."

Jessica swallowed hard, cursing the way her body reacted to him so easily. "You're impossible."

Jalen smirked, pulling back just enough to meet her eyes. "I'm persistent."

Jessica rolled her eyes, finally stepping away. "Goodbye, Jalen."

"I'll see you soon, Jennifer."

Jessica hesitated for just a second before she turned and walked out. She ignored the way her heart pounded at hearing him say her real name and the way it felt so right coming from him.

This was so fucking dangerous, and yet, as she stepped outside, she realized she was already counting the days until she'd see him again.

Request from webmaster Art:
Don't forget to vote for this story in the yellow voting box below!
Authors really appreciate the votes and it only takes a few seconds!

Options: Plain text or PDF (fanclub only!) version for easy saving or printing

ESmail: Click here to send a private message to Subconscious (with ESmail, the site's internal message system)

Authors appreciate feedback! Please vote, and write to the authors to tell them what you liked or didn't like about the story!

Profile for Subconscious, incl. 1 stories Email: Subconscious_P@yahoo.com Add this author to your favorite author list Add this story to your favorite story list Send this story to me through email

Give your opinion about this part: (You can vote for each part separately) select here 1 (terrible) 2 .. 3 .. 4 .. 5 (reasonable) 6 .. 7 .. 8 .. 9 .. 10 (excellent)

Send feedback to this author: Your name: Your message to Subconscious:     (You are not logged in, so you can't send private messages) Public: post this message in the public feedback below