Chapter 34

Days had passed, but the lingering tension in the air hadn't completely faded. She hadn't been able to shake the feeling that something was still brewing, that the storm wasn't quite over. She hadn't seen Nia since that day, and she knew Von had handled business, but there was always the nagging thought in the back of her mind—who else might be lurking in the shadows?

Today, however, was different. She was trying to focus on moving forward, pushing the drama aside for the moment. She had a new video to edit, some content to shoot, and an apartment to redecorate. A change of pace. A chance to breathe.

She stood in front of her mirror, running her fingers through her hair as she admired the way the small boho knotless braids framed her face. A little piece of normalcy.

"Alright," she said to herself, giving a slight nod as if to encourage her own motivation. She had a lot of new looks to film for her TikTok and Instagram, and she was determined to get everything perfect.

The sun was setting outside, casting a warm glow through her windows as she set up her camera for a Get Ready With Me video. She loved how calm everything felt in her space now—just her, her thoughts, and her camera. It felt like the calm before another storm, but she would take it.

She was halfway through her filming when she heard her phone buzz on the bed. She glanced over, a frown pulling at her lips when she saw the name.

It was Von.

Her heart skipped a beat.

Without thinking, she stopped her filming and answered. "What's up?"

"What's good, lil' badass?" Von's voice, smooth and low, rumbled through the phone. She couldn't help but smile at the nickname.

"I was just filming some content," she replied, walking over to grab her drink. "What's up with you?"

"Nothing much," Von said, but she could hear the subtle tension in his voice. "Just wanted to check in."

She leaned against her desk, curious. "Check in on me? What's up?"

There was a brief silence, before Von spoke again. "Just making sure you're good. Been thinking about you."

Selena's heart raced a little, but she kept her cool. "I'm good. Just staying busy, you know? Same old, same old."

"That's good," Von replied. "You need anything?"

Selena smirked, feeling a bit more at ease now. "I'm alright, just a little bored. Might need to go out later, though."

"Where?" His tone sharpened, a hint of curiosity peeking through.

"Probably with Ray," she said, keeping it casual, but she was well aware of the way Von's attention shifted.

"Don't let her talk you into doing anything stupid," Von warned, the seriousness in his voice unmistakable.

Selena chuckled. "I'm not the one out here getting in trouble, Von. You need to chill."

He didn't answer right away, and for a moment, it was just the sound of their breaths over the line.

"I was thinking about taking you out tonight," Von said finally, his voice low and serious. "You free?"

Selena's stomach did a flip. She hadn't expected that, but the thought of spending time with him like that felt right. The attraction, the pull—it was undeniable.

"I'm free," she replied, her voice soft. "Where are we going?"

Von was silent for a moment. "You'll see."

Selena's heart beat faster at the mystery in his tone. There was something about Von that kept her on edge, kept her intrigued in the best way possible. And tonight, she was ready to see where it would take her.

"Alright," she said, a grin forming on her face. "Let me finish this video, and I'll be ready."

"Bet," Von replied, sounding satisfied. "I'll pick you up later."

She hung up, her mind racing. She quickly finished her video and started getting ready for the night. It wasn't just about the content or what she was wearing—it was about the fact that Von was finally making an effort to take her out. To spend time with her in a way that wasn't just about business or protection or whatever it had been before. This felt different. This felt personal.

She picked out an outfit that was simple but bold—a tight black dress with a slit on the side, paired with some strappy heels. She wanted to look good for Von. Not because she had to, but because she wanted to.

As she finished getting ready, she thought about how much had changed over the past few weeks. From meeting Von and slowly getting to know him to this—something more, something real. And even though it had all come with its complications, the feeling of being with him, of just existing in the same space as him, felt like the one thing that was starting to make sense.

By the time Von pulled up to her apartment, Selena was standing by the door, ready. She grabbed her bag and stepped outside, her heart pounding in her chest.

When Von's car came into view, she smiled. She didn't know exactly what tonight would bring, but she was ready for whatever came next.

As she got in, Von smiled at her from the driver's seat. "You look good," he said, his eyes lingering on her as she buckled up.

"Thanks," Selena replied, feeling a slight heat rise to her cheeks.

They drove in comfortable silence for a few moments, the city lights flashing outside the windows. The anticipation of the night hung in the air between them.

Finally, Von spoke up. "You know, I'm glad you're with me tonight."

Selena glanced over at him, a soft smile pulling at her lips. "Me too."

And for the first time in a long while, everything felt like it was falling into place.

The car ride felt like a slow burn, the tension simmering beneath the surface. With every street they passed, every turn Von made, the feeling between them grew stronger. There was something about him tonight that felt different—calmer, more present. She could feel it in the air, the way his focus never wavered from the road but still seemed to be drawn toward her.

Selena glanced out the window, the city lights blurring as they drove. She tried not to think too hard about it. Instead, she focused on the night ahead—whatever Von had planned. It was obvious he wasn't one to do things by half measures, and she couldn't help but wonder what kind of evening he had in mind.

When they finally pulled up to the destination, Selena's breath hitched in her throat. It wasn't a flashy club or a popular restaurant—no, this place was different. It was a low-key, tucked-away lounge with dim lighting and an intimate atmosphere. The kind of spot that spoke of exclusivity, the kind of place only those who knew where to go would end up.

Von parked the car and turned to her, his eyes locking with hers. "You good?" he asked, a hint of concern in his voice.

Selena nodded, a smile tugging at her lips. "Yeah, I'm good. Where are we?"

"This is where I wanted to bring you," he said, his gaze softening as he spoke. "I figured you'd appreciate something more... personal. Less loud, more real."

Selena's heart fluttered. The sincerity in his voice wasn't lost on her. He didn't just bring her here because he could; he brought her here because he wanted to, because it meant something.

She let out a soft breath, nodding. "I like it."

They got out of the car and made their way to the entrance. The door opened to a cozy lounge, with plush seating and soft music playing in the background. The lighting was low, setting the perfect mood for a quiet night away from the chaos of the city.

"Let's get a drink," Von suggested, leading her toward the bar.

They settled into a corner booth, and Von ordered them both cocktails. It felt so natural to be with him here, to sit across from him without the pressure of everything that had happened. No exes, no drama, no threats—just them. And as they clinked glasses, Selena couldn't help but let her guard down a little more.

"I've been thinking about something," Von said, breaking the silence between them.

Selena raised an eyebrow. "What's that?"

He looked at her, his expression unreadable, but his eyes were soft. "You don't have to be so tough all the time, Selena."

She froze for a second, unsure of how to respond. He could always read her in ways she hadn't anticipated. But instead of retreating or getting defensive, she just smiled softly.

"I know I don't have to be," she said, meeting his gaze. "But sometimes, it's the only way to protect myself."

Von leaned back in his seat, his eyes never leaving hers. "You don't need to protect yourself from me."

Her heart skipped a beat at his words. There was something about the way he said it, like he meant it, like he was really seeing her for who she was. Not the tough exterior, not the girl who had to prove herself, but the real her.

"Von," she started, her voice quieter now. "I don't know if you understand how much I've been through, how many times I've had to fight for myself. It's not easy to let that go."

He nodded slowly, his eyes thoughtful. "I get that. But you don't have to fight with me. I'm not going anywhere."

Selena swallowed, a lump forming in her throat. It was the first time someone had said that to her, said it without hesitation. Von wasn't offering her empty promises, wasn't trying to smooth things over with words. He was offering something real, and it shook her more than she cared to admit.

"Just let me be here," he continued, his voice steady. "Let me show you I've got you. You don't have to do this alone."

The weight of his words hit her, and for the first time in a long while, Selena allowed herself to believe them. To believe in him. The walls she'd built around her heart, the ones she'd spent so long constructing to protect herself, started to feel a little less necessary.

She let out a breath she didn't even know she was holding. "I'll try," she said softly, her voice barely a whisper.

Von smiled then, a real smile that reached his eyes. "That's all I ask."

They spent the rest of the night talking, laughing, and enjoying each other's company without any of the outside noise. The city felt far away, and for once, Selena felt like she could just be—not the influencer, not the tough girl from the streets, but just a girl with a man who was offering her something she never thought she'd get.

When the night came to a close, Von walked her to the car, his hand brushing against hers as they strolled side by side. He opened the door for her, his touch lingering just a little longer than necessary, and she caught the spark of something deeper in his eyes.

As they pulled away from the lounge and headed back toward her apartment, Selena couldn't shake the feeling that this night had been a turning point. It wasn't just the calm before another storm—it was the beginning of something that could last.

And for the first time in a long time, she was ready for it.