Chapter 14

Selena sat there for a long moment, still staring at the door like Von might change his mind and walk back through it. But he didn't.

She huffed, shaking her head at herself. Why do I feel some type of way about him leaving? She barely knew Von, and yet something about him had already pulled her in.

Pushing the thought aside, she grabbed her phone and opened TikTok, thinking about going live to take her mind off things. But as soon as she saw the camera reflection, she hesitated. Her face wasn't giving on-camera energy right now. She looked too deep in thought, her usual confidence dimmed by whatever the hell Von had just stirred up in her.

Instead, she put her phone down, grabbed another wing, and scrolled through her feed mindlessly. But even as she tried to distract herself, her mind kept circling back to him. His energy. The way he watched her, like he was studying her without her even realizing it. The way he didn't say much, but when he did, it stuck.

She had met plenty of guys before. Some smooth, some cocky, some that thought they had her figured out after one conversation. But Von? He was different. He didn't try too hard, didn't flood her with compliments or play fake. He just was. And that's what made him stand out.

After finishing her food, she cleaned up the counter, then went to the mirror in her bedroom, pulling her curls into a bun. Her mind was already planning content ideas for the next day—maybe a GRWM for class, or a mini vlog of her exploring more of the city.

I should go out tomorrow, she thought. Maybe get some footage at one of the local boutiques or a food spot. Something that would keep her focused.

Her phone buzzed just as she was about to set it down.

Ray: What you on?

Selena smirked, typing back.

Selena: Chillin. You?

Ray: Bout to hit a spot. You tryna come?

She chewed her lip, considering. "Hitting a spot" could mean anything with Ray. A lounge, a club, a random kickback—she never gave specifics.

Selena: Where at?

Ray: Club Pressure. You been there yet?

Selena hadn't. She'd heard about it, though. One of the hottest clubs in the city, known for its exclusive sections, heavy security, and VIPs. It was also the spot Von owned.

Her stomach flipped at the thought.

Selena: I'll slide.

Ray: Bet. I'll send the pin. Wear something cute.

Selena tossed her phone onto the bed, already making her way to her closet.

Maybe this was exactly what she needed. A night out, a little fun, and a chance to keep her mind off a certain quiet, tatted-up club owner.

Even if there was a good chance she'd be running into him again sooner than she expected.

Later That Night

Selena stepped out of the Uber, adjusting the hem of her dress as she glanced up at the neon-red sign that read Club Pressure. The bass-heavy music could already be felt from outside, and the line wrapped around the building.

Ray was waiting by the entrance, standing with another girl Selena hadn't met yet. "Bout time, girl," she teased, eyeing Selena's outfit with approval. "You ate with this dress, though."

Selena smirked. "You know I had to step right."

And she had. Her dress—black, short, and hugging in all the right places—glimmered under the streetlights. Her curls were slicked into a high ponytail, her makeup flawless, lips glossed to perfection. She looked good, and she knew it.

Ray grinned. "Yeah, you tryna be somebody's problem tonight."

The girl next to her laughed, holding out a hand. "I'm Nique, by the way. Ray told me about you."

Selena shook her hand. "All good things, I hope."

"Mostly." Nique winked before turning toward the entrance. "Come on, we goin' straight in."

Ray led the way past the long line, nodding at security like she had VIP status—which, knowing Ray, she probably did. The bouncer dapped her up before lifting the rope and letting them through.

As soon as they stepped inside, the atmosphere hit Selena like a wave. Club Pressure was dimly lit with red and purple lights, the air thick with the scent of liquor, expensive cologne, and hookah smoke. The DJ was spinning a mix of Louisiana bounce and trap, the heavy bass making the floor vibrate.

The place was packed—bottle girls moving between sections, couples dancing close, men posted up watching the scene unfold. It had that energy, the kind that made you want to do something reckless just because the night felt alive.

Selena followed Ray and Nique toward a section in the back, where a few people were already posted up with bottles on the table.

"You drink?" Ray asked, already reaching for a cup.

Selena smirked. "Of course."

Ray handed her a drink, and she took a sip, the liquor burning smooth down her throat. She was just starting to loosen up when she felt it—a stare.

That slow, heavy kind that made her skin prickle.

She didn't have to look to know who it was.

But she did anyway.

Von was across the club, posted up near a VIP section, a bottle in one hand, the other resting in his pocket. His eyes were locked on her, dark and unreadable, his expression completely unreadable.

Selena's breath hitched.

Von didn't nod, didn't wave, didn't motion for her to come over. He just watched. Studied. Like he was trying to figure something out.

Selena tilted her head slightly, letting her gaze linger for a second longer than necessary before finally turning back toward Ray and Nique.

"Y'all dancing or what?" she asked, flashing a playful smirk.

Ray grinned. "Oh, now you outside outside?"

Selena laughed, but even as she moved toward the dance floor, she could still feel that heavy, familiar stare.

Von wasn't the kind of man you ignored.

And something told her he wasn't done watching her just yet.