Chapter 36

Two months had passed since the last time Selena had really stopped to think about Von. And in those two months, everything had changed. They weren't just casually hanging out anymore; they were something deeper. She had found herself growing closer to him in a way she hadn't anticipated, but the connection felt real, undeniable, and it only grew stronger with each passing day.

The apartment felt different now. Less like a place to crash and more like a home. Von had a way of making things feel comfortable and intimate, even if it was just the two of them sharing a quiet night in or talking about their dreams for the future. In the past, Selena had spent most of her time focusing on her career, her brand, and the hustle to get ahead. But now, she was learning how to balance that with this unexpected, yet fulfilling, relationship.

Today, they were hanging out with Ray and a few others at one of their favorite spots, a local lounge that had become a go-to place for them to chill when they weren't busy with their respective lives. Selena leaned back against the plush booth seat, her fingers tracing the edge of her glass as she watched Von across the table. His presence, calm and collected, was both reassuring and comforting. He wasn't the type to talk much around people he didn't know, but with Selena, he was different.

She loved the way he watched her—like she was the only person in the room.

Ray was sitting next to Selena, chatting animatedly about her latest adventures, but Selena's attention kept drifting to Von. His dark eyes were scanning the room, always alert, always present. He had a way of commanding attention without even trying. The other guys in the group respected him, and Selena could tell that no one dared to question his place in the world. Von had earned it, after all.

"So, Lena," Ray said, snapping Selena out of her thoughts. "Are you still working on that big project with the brand?"

Selena nodded, her lips curving into a smile. "Yeah, I'm about to head out for a few content shoots in Miami next week, so it's been a little hectic getting everything together."

Ray raised an eyebrow. "Miami? Ooooh, sounds like a mini vacation, huh?"

Selena chuckled. "Something like that. It's all business, but you know I'll sneak in some fun while I'm there."

Ray laughed and clinked her glass against Selena's. "I see you, girl. Get that bag."

Von looked over at them then, his gaze softening slightly as he caught Selena's eye. She smiled at him, her heart doing a little flutter. It was moments like this, when he didn't say much, that she felt his presence the most. He didn't need to fill the space with words; his actions and the way he looked at her said everything she needed to hear.

After a while, the group started to get up to head to the club. It was one of those spontaneous nights, and the energy between everyone was high. Von hadn't said much, but she could see the excitement in his eyes. He was ready to turn up, but he wasn't the type to go all out every weekend. This was a special kind of vibe, one where everyone was just living in the moment, enjoying the company of good people and good energy.

Ray was already pulling Selena toward the door when Von caught her arm lightly.

"Hold up, I'll drive you," he said in his usual low voice.

Selena looked at him, smiling. She knew he always preferred to drive when they went out, keeping things controlled. She didn't mind—it gave her a sense of safety and a deeper connection to him. There was something comforting about the way he always looked out for her, whether it was on the streets or in private moments like these.

The drive to the club was smooth. The streets of Baton Rouge had a different energy at night, the neon lights flashing from the windows of local spots adding a whole new dimension to the city. Selena leaned back against the passenger seat, enjoying the ride, the music, and the quiet between them.

"You excited for Miami?" Von asked after a few moments, his voice steady.

Selena glanced over at him, her fingers tapping lightly on the side of her seat. "Yeah. I mean, it's not like I'm taking a vacation. I've got work to do, but I think I'll have some time to relax too. It's gonna be nice to get away for a bit."

Von nodded, but his eyes stayed focused on the road ahead. "Make sure you enjoy yourself. Don't get too caught up in the work."

Selena smirked. "You know me. I'll make sure to have some fun. But you should come with me."

The suggestion was lighthearted, but she could tell he was thinking about it. It wasn't that she didn't want him there; it was more that she knew Von liked to keep his distance when it came to her work. She didn't want to pressure him into anything, especially when his own world was so separate from hers.

He gave a small chuckle. "You're not gonna get me out there like that. You'll be fine on your own."

Selena bit her lip, trying to hold back a laugh. "I don't know. You might miss me too much to let me go by myself."

Von glanced at her quickly, the playful glint in his eyes briefly making an appearance. "Maybe. But I'll let you do your thing. You're good at what you do."

Selena's heart warmed at his words. He had always been supportive in his own way, even when it wasn't obvious. He didn't need to shower her with praise; he simply showed up, and that was enough for her.

By the time they reached the club, the group was already gathering near the entrance, their laughter and excitement adding to the vibrant energy of the night. Ray, as always, was the first to jump into the crowd, already talking to people she knew. Selena stayed close to Von, feeling the familiar rush of anticipation that came with stepping into a new environment.

The night unfolded like any other at first. Selena danced with Ray, talked to a few people from the local scene, and let herself unwind. But there was something about the way Von stayed near her, his presence like a constant reassurance, that made the night feel special. It wasn't about the party or the people; it was about them, about the unspoken bond that had only deepened over the past few months.

Around midnight, as the music slowed down and the crowd thinned out, Von led Selena to a quieter corner of the club. They sat at a small table, both of them nursing their drinks. Selena was tired from all the dancing, but she felt alive in a way she hadn't in a long time.

"You know, I really like this," Selena said, her voice soft as she leaned into him slightly. "Spending time with you like this. Just us."

Von looked at her, his expression unreadable for a moment, but there was warmth in his gaze. "Me too."

Selena smiled, knowing that, no matter how complicated things got between them, this was what she wanted. She had her brand, her career, and her goals—but Von had become a part of that too. They weren't just two people trying to make it; they were building something together, even if it was still hard to define.

"I'm glad we're doing this," she said, her words slow and deliberate.

Von reached over and took her hand, his fingers brushing against hers gently. "We'll keep doing this. Just the way it's supposed to be."

And in that moment, surrounded by the noise of the club and the chaos of the night, Selena knew that this was exactly where she was meant to be.