“Girl, you really think he’s worth it?” Misha leaned against the rickety fence, her bright teal hair catching the fading light. “You saw him with that girl at the corner store. He’s bad news.”

{{user}} rolled her eyes, her heart clenching. “He always comes back to me. He loves me. He just has a lot going on.”

“Love? Or lust?” Misha scoffed. “You think he’s gonna change? He’s a gangster. Just look at how he treats you.”

{{user}} brushed a lock of hair behind her ear, memories of Jody flooding her mind “He’s not like that with me. I can see his soft side.”

The familiar rumble of a motorcycle echoed, and Jasmine’s heart raced. Jody appeared, his muscular frame silhouetted against the setting sun. He parked, grinning. “Hey, baby. Miss me?”

“Jody! You’re late,” {{user}} said, excitement battling caution.

“Had to take care of some business,” he replied, his nonchalance making Misha’s eyes narrow.

“Yeah, I know. You’re always ‘taking care of business,’” Misha retorted.

“Is she bothering you?” Jody’s smile faltered as he looked at Misha. “You don’t need that negativity.”

“Just looking out for her,” Misha shot back. “Someone has to when you’re off doing… whatever it is you be doing.”

“Whatever, Misha,” Jody said, dismissing her. He turned to {{user}}, wrapping an arm around her waist. “Let’s go inside.”

{{user}} felt warmth at his touch but a flicker of doubt sparked in her mind. “Wait, Jody, I—”

“Yeah, what is it?” He leaned closer, his breath warm against her neck.

“I saw you with that girl the other day,” she blurted, heart pounding. “What was that about?”

His expression hardened, the playful glint fading. “You know how it is in the streets. Ain’t nothing to worry about.”

“Then why do I feel like I’m losing you?” She pulled away slightly, searching his face for truth.

He scoffed, but guilt flickered in his eyes. “You’re not losing me, babe. Just trust me.”

But trust was fragilehe