เผฏ pairings: tyriq withers x black oc (rylie withers)
เผฏ tags: mature (smut) | marriage | urban love | possessive behavior | making out | alcohol | teasing | mild praise kink
เผฏ a/n: hey guysh! Iโm lowkey writing these as a way to procrastinate writing the ending of this Tyriq book Iโm almost done with LOL, so enjoy!
summary: Tyriq and Rylie are celebrating their one-year marriage anniversary. They start the night off by having dinner at Nobu, but Tyriq lets it be known that their intimate night is nowhere near over afterward.
Around Tyriq and Rylie, the low murmur of conversations and the clinking of glasses fill the upscale atmosphere of Nobu, but neither of them pays much attention to the crowd. Their focus stays locked on each other.
One year.
It still sounds unreal.
Tyriq leans back slightly in his chair, rolling the stem of his wine glass between his fingers before taking another sip of Cab. His white button-up rolled just enough to expose his toned forearms. Across from him sits Rylie, glowing beneath the dim lighting in a fitted white dress that hugs every curve of her figure perfectly. Her skin looks rich and radiant, like the candlelight is made specifically for her.
She watches him carefully while picking at the salmon on her plate.
โDid they cook your wagyu right this time?โ she asks with a teasing smile tugging at her lips.
Tyriq hums around a bite of food before nodding. โMhm.โ
โGood,โ she replies. โBecause last time you acted like Nobu personally offended your bloodline.โ
Tyriq laughs softly, shaking his head. โIt was overcooked, Ry. You saw it.โ
โYou almost asked to speak to the chef.โ
โI did not.โ
โYou absolutely did.โ
โI was considering it,โ he corrects with a grin.
Rylie rolls her eyes playfully before lifting her wine glass to her lips. Tyriq watches her over the rim of his own glass, the sight of her enough to quiet him for a moment. Even after a year of marriageโand several years together before thatโhe still finds himself staring at her like heโs just met her for the first time.
Rylie notices, of course.
โWhat?โ she asks, smiling shyly.
โNothing,โ Tyriq says. โJust thinking.โ
โThatโs dangerous.โ
โSee? That right there is exactly why I married you. You stay talking shit.โ
Rylie laughs, the sound warm enough to loosen something in his chest.
For a brief moment, both of them sit there smiling at each other like the rest of the restaurant disappears.
โI canโt believe itโs already been a year,โ Rylie admits quietly. โFeels longer than thatโฆ but in a good way.โ
Tyriq nods slowly. โI think itโs because weโve been through so much together already.โ
โEspecially our first apartment,โ she says immediately.
He groans dramatically. โDonโt remind me.โ
โThe roaches?โ she laughs.
โThe plumbing.โ
โThe neighbors that used to argue at three in the morning?โ
Tyriq points at her. โExactly. Trauma.โ
Rylie nearly chokes laughing. โWe were broke.โ
โWe were humble,โ he corrects.
โNo, we were broke,โ she repeats through laughter.
Tyriq canโt help laughing with her. Back then, they survive off cheap takeout, share one tiny bathroom, and spend nights sitting on the kitchen counter talking about dreams that feel too big for the lives they have at the time. Somehow, those still become some of his favorite memories.
โYou remember when the power went out?โ Tyriq asks.
Rylie immediately smiles. โAnd you tried to pretend you knew how to fix the fuse box?โ
โI did know.โ
โYou electrocuted yourself.โ
โIt was a small shock.โ
โYou screamed.โ
โI did not scream.โ
Rylie leans forward across the table, grinning wickedly. โTyriq, you yelled โCALL THE AMBULANCEโ and scared the hell out of me.โ
He shakes his head, laughing under his breath. โYou swore you wouldnโt bring that up again.โ
โI lied.โ
Tyriq stares at her for another second before smiling to himself. Thereโs something about seeing her happy that makes everything else in the world feel quieter.
โYou know what my favorite memory is?โ he asks.
Rylie tilts her head. โWhat?โ
โThe wedding.โ
Her expression softens instantly.
โNot even the ceremony,โ he continues. โIt was after everything ended. Everybody left, and it was just us standing there.โ
Rylie smiles faintly, remembering it.
โYou looked at me like you couldnโt believe it was real,โ she says softly.
โI couldnโt.โ
Tyriq reaches across the table then, taking her hand into his. His thumb brushes gently against her knuckles.
โI still canโt sometimes.โ
Rylieโs eyes drop to their intertwined hands before she looks back up at him.
โWell,โ she murmurs, โyouโre stuck with me now.โ
Tyriq smirks. โThatโs the best thing thatโs ever happened to me.โ
Tyriq leans forward, his dark eyes locked on Rylie with that hungry, teasing glint she knows all too well.
โYou keep looking at me like that, Ry, and weโre not making it back to the car before I bend you over something,โ he murmurs, voice low and rough.
Rylieโs eyes widen as her cheeks flush, but she holds his gaze. โYouโre so nasty.โ
โOnly for my wife,โ he replies, his thumb stroking slow circles over the back of her hand. โMy beautiful, perfect wife. You know what that dress has been doing to me all night? Every time you move, all I can think about is how fast I can get it off you.โ
She bites her lip, thighs pressing together beneath the table. โWeโre in public, Ty.โ
โExactly. Makes it harder for me to behave.โ His gaze drops shamelessly to her cleavage before rising again with a wicked smirk. โYou wore this on purpose, didnโt you?โ
โMaybe,โ she whispers, smiling shyly.
Tyriqโs eyes darken. โJust wait until we get home.โ
He pays the check without glancing at the total, his focus never leaving her. As they stand, he slides his hand to the small of her back, fingers possessive against the curve of her waist, pulling her close so her hip brushes his thigh.
In the car, the tension crackles between them. Tyriqโs hand rests high on her thigh the entire drive, his thumb stroking dangerously close to where she aches for him. At every red light, Rylie gently rubs her fingers against the bulge growing beneath his pants.
โCanโt wait to get you home and remind you who that body belongs to,โ he says, voice thick with want. โThatโs all mine. Every soft, pretty inch.โ
Rylie shivers as Tyriq presses his hand harder against her thigh.
The moment they step inside their home, the door barely clicks shut before Tyriq pushes her against it. His mouth claims hers in a deep, hungry kiss, one hand cupping her face while the other grips her ass, squeezing possessively.
โFuck,โ he groans against her lips. โYou taste so good.โ
He lifts her effortlessly, her legs wrapping around his waist as he carries her toward the bedroom. The white dress rides up her thighs, and Tyriqโs fingers dig into her soft flesh with open appreciation.
โLook at you,โ he praises, voice low and reverent as he sets her on the edge of the bed. He steps back just enough to drink her in, eyes roaming hungrily over her body. โMy perfect woman. You have no idea what you do to me.โ
Rylie reaches for him, but he catches her wrists gently, pinning them above her head with one hand while the other slowly unzips her dress.
โPatience, baby. Let me worship you first.โ
He peels the dress down her body, kissing every inch of skin he revealsโher collarbone, the swell of her breasts, the soft curve of her belly. When the fabric pools at her waist, he groans at the sight of her in just her lace panties.
โGoddamn, Ry...โ He grips her thighs, spreading them wider as he drops to his knees between them. โI couldnโt imagine not having you to myself.โ
He presses open-mouthed kisses along her inner thigh, teasingly close but never quite where she needs him. Rylie whimpers, hips shifting restlessly.
โTyriqโฆโ
โSo impatient,โ he teases, nipping lightly at her skin. โBut youโve been so perfect tonightโas always. So pretty for me. I think you deserve a reward.โ
He finally pulls her panties aside and drags his tongue through her folds in one slow, firm stroke. Rylie moans, her back arching. Tyriq hums in satisfaction, the vibration sending sparks through her.
โThatโs it, baby. Let me hear you. Love the way you sound when I eat you.โ
He devours her with practiced skillโteasing licks, then deeper strokes, sucking gently on her clit until her thighs tremble around his head. One of his hands stays possessively on her hip, holding her in place while the other slides up to squeeze her breast.
โYou taste so perfect, Ry,โ he murmurs against her, sliding two fingers inside her and curling them just right. โAnd youโre always so ready for your husband. I do this to you all the time?โ
Rylieโs hands fist the sheets, his praises and teasing pushing her closer to the edge. โTyriqโpleaseโโ
โCome for me, baby,โ he commands softly, sucking harder on her clit while his fingers pump faster. โLet me feel you. Soak my tongue.โ
She shatters with a broken cry of his name, thighs clamping around him as pleasure crashes through her. Tyriq doesnโt stop, drawing it out until sheโs panting and trembling.
He rises, shedding his clothes quickly, his dick hard and heavy. He crawls over her, kissing her deeply so she can taste herself on his tongue.
โSee how good you taste?โ he whispers. โMy favorite meal.โ
Tyriq positions himself at her entrance, rubbing the head of his dick against her slick folds, teasing her again.
โTell me who you belong to, Ry.โ
โYou,โ she breathes, wrapping her legs around him. โIโm yours, Tyriq. Only yours.โ
He groans in satisfaction and pushes inside her in one smooth thrust, burying himself in deep. They both moan at the feeling.
โFuck, so tight. So perfect,โ he praises, starting a deep, steady rhythm. โYou were made for me. Keep gripping me like that.โ
โYou make me feel so perfect,โ Rylie lets out a breathy moan as she tries to catch her breath.
His hand grips her hip possessively as he thrusts harder, the other braced beside her head. He leans down, lips brushing her ear.
โYou take me so well. My beautiful wife. Iโm never letting you go. This body, this heartโeverything is mine.โ
โEverything is yours, Tyriq,โ Rylieโs nails dig into his back, her moans growing louder with every thrust. The praise and possessiveness make her clench around him tighter.
Tyriqโs pace quickens, his voice rough with pleasure. โThatโs it, baby. Just like that. Gonna fill you up and remind you exactly who you come home to every night.โ
He reaches between them, thumb circling her clit until she comes again with a sharp cry. The feeling of her pulsing around him sends him over the edge right after. He buries himself deep, groaning her name as he spills inside her.
Tyriq falls beside her. He kisses her softly as his arms wrap around her.
โHappy anniversary, Mrs. Withers,โ he murmurs, voice warm with love and satisfaction. โAnd weโre nowhere near done celebrating.โ
แข๐ญฉ pairings: tyriq withers x black oc (iyonna wright)
แข๐ญฉ tags: alt universe (hollywood) | implied cheating | lying | jealousy | friends to lovers | pr stunts | black romance | toxic masculinity | love triangle
แข๐ญฉ a/n: I have a completed tyriq fic on my wattpad and ao3! Here is a little bit of chapter 12 as a sneak peek๐คญ click the title above for the link to the full book!
โ๏น๏น๏น
summary: Iyonna and Tyriqโs chemistry on set is undeniable. Off camera, it's explosive. What starts as a casual connection-born from shared ambition and long nights under studio lights-quickly spirals into something deeper, messier, and harder to define. Tyriq's fame grows faster than either of them can handle, and Iyonna begins to question whether she's falling for the man or the myth the world is building around him.
โ๏น๏น๏น
hangover
Iyonna woke up to the soft warmth of morning sun slipping through her curtains.
She rubbed her eyes, stretched, and let out a long, lazy yawn as she blinked at the golden light. Her head felt heavy, but not painfulโjust foggy. Like she'd slept too deeply. Like she'd dreamt of too many things at once.
And then she rolled over.
And froze.
A very shirtlessโ
very nakedโ
very asleep Tyriq was lying beside her.
Her gasp was loud enough to wake the entire building.
Her hand slapped over her mouth. "Oh my god..."
Tyriq twitched a little at the noise, then slowly blinked awake. He rubbed his eyes, looked at the ceiling... and then turned his head.
Their eyes locked.
A full two seconds of stunned silence.
Then his eyes went wide as hell.
"Did we...?" he said, scanning the room like a crime investigatorโbedsheets messed up, clothes everywhere.
Iyonna exhaled sharply. "IโI think we did..."
They just stared at each other, both in shock, both trying to piece together fragments of the night. It was all a blur of Tito's, laughter, speeches, and... the SUV.
"Damn," Tyriq muttered, rubbing his temples. "My head is pounding."
"There's aspirin in the kitchen," she said, still frozen in place.
He swung his legs over the bed to stand upโ
And both of them realized at the same time that he was completely bare.
"Oh shiโ my bad," he said quickly, grabbing a throw pillow to cover himself as he spotted his briefs in her bathroom doorway.
"Oh, god," Iyonna groaned, whipping her head away, covering her eyes with her hands. "Tyriq! Whyโ why didn't youโ why are youโ Oh myโ I can't believe this happened."
He winced. "Me neither."
She snatched her phone off the nightstand, needing somethingโanythingโto focus on to ground herself.
Her screen lit up.
Missed calls.
Missed texts.
From Rome.
Her stomach dropped so fast she felt nauseous.
"Oh my god..." she whispered.
Not from the hangover.
Not from the shock of waking up next to Tyriq.
But because now, everything was officially messy.
Iyonna practically launched herself out of bed.
She snatched Tyriq's big t-shirt off the floor, tugged on a pair of shorts, and tied her hair up in a messy bun as she tried to get her breathing under control. Every step felt like walking through staticโlike the world wasn't fully loaded yet.
From the kitchen, she heard cabinets opening, the fridge door, Tyriq's low groan as he finally found the aspirin.
She forced herself to walk toward him.
Tyriq was leaning against the counter shirtless, briefs hanging low on his hips, shaking two pills into his palm. He looked exhausted. And conflicted. And still unfairly fine, which was not helping anything.
Iyonna cleared her throat softly.
He looked up.
Their eyes met, and both immediately looked away, like staring too long might make last night replay in HD.
"So..." she said quietly, wrapping her arms around herself, "what are we going to do?"
Tyriq blew out a breath, rubbing the back of his neck. "I don't know."
That scared her more than anything.
"IโTyriq, we can't tell anyone," she said. "Not Lyla, not Sidora, not Keith, not Norman, not anybody."
"Yeah," he agreed immediately. "No one needs to know."
Silence fell between them. Heavy. Complicated.
Iyonna pressed her palms to the counter and let out a long sigh, her thoughts buzzing like a hive.
Rome.
Her stomach twisted.
She didn't even mean to say it out loud, but it slipped out anyway.
"I feel so bad for Rome..."
Tyriq turned his head a little. "Why?"
She stared at him like he'd asked why the sky was blue.
"What do you mean why?" she snapped. "I slept with another man!"
Tyriq blinked, confused. "Yonna... you and Rome aren't even in a relationship."
"That doesn't make it right!"
"You've known each other for a little over two months," he countered calmly. "It's not like y'all exclusive. People see more than one person all the timeโwell..." he shrugged, "...at least in this generation."
She shook her head. "But I don't want to see two people. That lifestyle is too messy for me."
He raised his eyebrows slightly. "It's a little too late for that now."
She glared at him, but the guilt on her face softened. He wasn't wrong. She just didn't want to admit it.
Tyriq stretched his arms over his head.
Iyonna triedโtriedโnot to look, but his back flexed, and a part of her brain that wasn't stressed or panicking was suddenly very aware of how good he looked.
She swallowed hard and snapped her gaze away.
He pretended not to notice.
After a moment, he cleared his throat.
"Can I, uh... use your shower?" he asked. "I don't remember if I took one after weโ"
"Okay!" she cut him off fast, waving her hands. "Yes. Go. Please."
He smirked a little, not cockyโjust amused at how hard she was avoiding the subject.
"Alright," he said quietly, picking up his clothes from the floor. "I'll be quick."
As he walked down the hallway toward her bathroom, Iyonna leaned against the counter, covered her face with both hands, and let out a long, shaky breath.
Everything was too much.
Too real.
Too dangerous.
And way, way too late to undo.
The sound of running water echoed from the bathroom as Iyonna sat at the edge of her bed, phone in hand, heart thumping like it was trying to escape her chest.
She forced herself to call Rome.
He picked up on the first ring.
"Hey, baby."
Her throat tightened instantly. "Hey."
"How was your night? Did you have fun?"
Just hearing him askโhearing the warmth in his voiceโmade guilt climb up her spine like fire. Her eyes stung.
"Yeah," she whispered. "I did."
"That's good. I'm happy for you," he said. "And it's only the beginning. Actually, I wanted to see if you'd go to a Lakers game with me next Saturday."
Her guilt cracked, replaced momentarily by surprise. "Really?!"
"Yeah," he laughed. "I got floor seats."
"Of course I'll go," she said quickly, almost too quickly.
"Good. I'm gonna be tied up this weekโgot some special guest scenes I need to shoot for a sitcomโbut I'll see you Saturday. I'll call you later?"
"Okay," she murmured. "Talk later."
When the call ended, she lowered the phone onto her lap and covered her face. Tears fell immediately. Hot. Heavy. Full of the truth she wished she could ignore.
They weren't official. They never said they were exclusive. But that didn't make any of this feel less wrong.
She had to tell him. She didn't know how, but she knew she had to.
The bathroom door opened. Tyriq walked out with steam rolling behind him, towel in hand as he rubbed the water from his hair. He froze when he saw her.
"Yonna?" His voice softened. "You okay?"
"No," she said honestly.
He walked toward her, careful, like approaching a wounded animal. "Hey... it's gonna be alright."
"No it's not," she said, wiping her face. "I messed up, Tyriq."
"We were drunk," he replied, sitting beside her. "It wasn't intentional. Shit happened."
She just shook her head.
And thenโthe worst possible sound.
Keys turning in the front door.
The loudest voice she knew exploding through her apartment.
"Oh Yonna! I brought wine!"
Iyonna nearly jumped out of her skin. "Shitโno. Tyriq, you have to hide. Or just stay in here." She shoved him toward the corner behind her open closet door and rushed to slam her bedroom door shut before Lyla saw anything.
The slam echoed through the apartment.
"Why you slammin' doors like that?" Lyla called from down the hallway.
"IโI'm naked!" Iyonna called back. "I'm changing!"
"Well hurry up! I got stuff to tell you!"
Tyriq pressed himself into the corner, rubbing his temples. "This is insane," he whispered.
"I know," she hissed. "Justโdon't breathe loud."
She cracked her bedroom door open and stepped out, shutting it quickly behind her.
Lyla stood there, wine bottle in hand, eyes narrowing like a detective. "Why you look like that?"
"Like what?" Iyonna squeaked.
"You actin' weird," Lyla said, stepping closer. Her eyes scanned herโtop to bottomโslow, suspicious. Then her jaw dropped. "Bitch. I know you didn't."
"What? Didn't what?" Iyonna asked, hands shaking behind her back.
Lyla pointed a finger at her. "I can SEE it. You got sex all over your face!"
"Iโwhat? No! No I don't!"
"Oh please. I've known you for years. You can't lie to me." Lyla folded her arms. "So was it Rome?"
"No," Iyonna said too fast.
Lyla went silent. Her eyes narrowed even further.
Then they widened. Like... dangerously widened.
"No you didn't..." Lyla whispered.
Iyonna blinked. "Didn't WHAT?!"
"You had sex with the white boy!!!"
"Tyriq is HALF white!" Iyonna whisper-shouted. "And NO, I did not."
Lyla stared at her. One blink. Two.
"You CANNOT lie to me," she said, voice flat.
Iyonna's face cracked. Just a little. That was all Lyla needed.
"OH MY GOD," Lyla shrieked, jumping back like she was avoiding lightning. "I KNEW IT! I TOLD YOU THIS WOULDโ"
"Lyla, STOP!" Iyonna grabbed her arm. "I have a meeting today. I have to leave soon. I don't have time for this."
Lyla wasn't letting up. "Girl, this is wild. I knew something was gonna happen between y'all! Oh my god, does Rome know? Of course he doesn't know. If he knewโ"
"BYE, Lyla." Iyonna practically dragged her to the door.
Lyla pointed at her dramatically as she stepped out. "You already had your meeting... in your BEDROOM. Also, if you're gonna try to lie, you could've at least took his shirt off first. I still wouldn't have believed you, but you would've had a better chance."
"Goodbye!" Iyonna shut the door and leaned against it, ready to collapse.
She exhaled shakily. "You can come out now."
The bedroom door cracked open. Tyriq stepped out, his pants now on.
"You," he said, smirking just a little, "suck at lying."
Iyonna buried her face in her hands. "Don't remind me."
Tyriq laughed under his breath, then softened. "Hey... we'll figure this out."
But Iyonna wasn't sure if she believed that.
Or if she even wanted to.
All she knew was that everything had officially changedโ
แฏโ pairings: tyriq withers x black oc (gina cole)
แฏโ tags: smut | admitting feelings | hbcu | destined love | friends to lovers
แฏโ authors note: omg hi guys. I appreciate the support on my previous fic?!$:;(//!! I guess Iโll write these more often!
๐ ๐ ๐
summary: Gina, her twin brother Devon, and his best friend since childhood have been attending the same HBCU for three years now. Gina receiveโs a knock on her apartment door unexpectedly by the last person sheโd think itโd be. Her brotherโs best friend.
เผปโฆเผบ
Gina stands in front of her bathroom mirror, slowly gliding the flat iron through her hair while soft 90s R&B hums from her speaker. The faint scent of heat protectant and vanilla perfume lingers in the air as she gets ready for a night out with her roommates.
Her hips sway slightly to the music while she fixes the ends of her silk press.
Ivone suddenly appears in the doorway, leaning against the frame with crossed arms.
โThat lip combo is so tea, girl.โ
Gina grins at her reflection. โThank you, bookie.โ
Ivone walks farther inside, eyes scanning Ginaโs outfit laid across the counter. โYou definitely about to hurt somebodyโs feelings tonight.โ
Gina laughs softly. โPlease. Iโm just trying to survive this semester.โ
โMhm,โ Ivone says knowingly. โAnd look good doing it.โ
โWhen are we leaving?โ Gina asks, unplugging the flat iron for a second before plugging it back in.
โIn like ten minutes. Leena wanna get there early so she can find parking since sheโs driving.โ
โOkay, bet. Iโll be ready.โ
Before Ivone can respond, Ginaโs phone lights up against the bathroom counter.
Ivone immediately narrows her eyes. โI know thatโs not Tray.โ
Gina glances down at the screen and sighs.
Unfortunately, it is.
Tray: You going to the Alpha party tonight?
Ivone groans dramatically. โGirl, why is he still breathing down your neck after a whole year?โ
Gina shakes her head while opening the message. โI donโt know.โ
Tray is her first boyfriend. First everything, honestly. Before him, Gina has never really dated anybody seriously.
Mostly because, for years, she's been secretly stuck on somebody else.
Her twin brotherโs best friend.
Tyriq has been around since childhoodโfamily cookouts, football games, school pickups, birthday parties. He is justโฆalways there. Taller every year. Finer every year. Sweeter every year.
Untouchable every year.
Because no matter how much Gina liked him growing up, she already knew nothing could ever happen between them. Devon would lose his mind at the thought, and besides, Tyriq has never shown signs that he sees her as anything more than his best friendโs sister.
So, she forced herself to move on.
And somehow, that lead her to Tray.
A mistake she spent the last year recovering from.
โHe says heโs going to the party tonight,โ Gina mutters.
โOh hell no,โ Ivone says instantly. โThat man has been obsessed with you since forever. The audacity after cheating on you is actually insane.โ
Gina rolls her eyes. โIโve already been around him at parties after the breakup. He does the same thing every time. Tries to talk to me, I ignore him, and then he acts sad.โ
Ivone bursts out laughing. โYou are way better than me, because I wouldโve cussed him clean out.โ
โIโve thought about it.โ
โYou still should.โ
Gina smirks. โMaybe one day.โ
Ivone watches her for a second before speaking again. โYou know what your problem is?โ
โWhat?โ
โYou entertain toxic men because you like attention.โ
Gina gasps dramatically. โExcuse me?โ
โI said what I said.โ
โI do not entertain him.โ
โYou literally refuse to block him.โ
โBecause Iโm mature.โ
Ivone stares at her blankly.
Gina starts laughing. โOkay, fine. Maybe I like the attention a little.โ
โA little?โ Ivone scoffs. โGirl.โ
The doorbell suddenly rings throughout the apartment.
โI got it!โ Leena yells from the living room.
Ivone points at Gina accusingly. โAnd if Tray somehow pops up at that party acting crazy, Iโm throwing my drink on him.โ
โYou say that every time.โ
โAnd one day Iโm gonna mean it.โ
A few seconds later, footsteps approach the bathroom.
Leena appears in the doorway holding her keys.
โUhโฆTyriq is at the front door asking for you.โ
Gina pauses mid-motion.
โTyriq Withers? For me?โ
Ivone immediately perks up. โThat man is so fine.โ
Leena nods slowly, eyes still fixed on Gina. โYeah. He specifically asked if you were here.โ
Confusion settles across Ginaโs face.
โDid he say why?โ
Leena shakes her head. โNope. Just asked for you.โ
โThatโs kinda weirdโฆโ
Gina carefully sets the flat iron down before walking out of the bathroom and toward the front door.
The moment she sees him, her chest tightens slightly.
Tyriq stands in the doorway in a black hoodie and fitted jeans, his tall frame nearly filling the entrance. His buzz cut is fresh, his jaw clenched.
Handsome as always.
Dangerously handsome.
Gina pushes the thought away immediately.
โIf this is about Devon,โ she says, leaning against the doorway, โI promise if you canโt get ahold of him, I definitely canโt.โ
Tyriqโs eyes instantly meet hers.
And for some reason, he looks nervous.
โNah,โ he says quietly. โThatโs not why I came.โ
Her brows pull together.
โWellโฆis he okay?โ
โYeah. Everybody good.โ He swallows. โI just needed to talk to you about something.โ
Now she is really confused.
โIf this isnโt about Devon, then what is it about? Youโve literally never come to my apartment before.โ
โI know.โ
There is hesitation written all over his face.
โCan I come in?โ
Gina stares at him for a second before stepping aside. โUhโฆsure.โ
Tyriq walks inside slowly while rubbing his palms together.
โThereโs something I gotta tell you.โ
Gina folds her arms. โOkayโฆyouโre making me nervous.โ
โMy bad. Itโs justโฆitโs a lot.โ
โWhat could possibly be a lot?โ
Tyriq exhales hard before finally looking directly at her.
โWeโve known each other for years, right?โ
She blinks. โYeah. You and Devon have been attached at the hip since kindergarten.โ
โNo, I mean me and you.โ His voice softens. โWeโve known each other our whole lives too.โ
โOkayโฆโ
โAnd I feel like weโve always kindaโฆโ He pauses. โI donโt know. Been around each other.โ
Gina laughs in confusion. โTyriq, what are you trying to say?โ
He shakes his head nervously before blurting it out.
โIโve liked you since we were kids.โ
Silence.
Complete silence.
Gina stares at him like she misheard him entirely.
โWhat?โ
Tyriq lets out an awkward laugh. โYeah. See, this is exactly why I shouldnโt have come over here.โ
โNoโwait.โ Gina shakes her head quickly. โYouโre serious?โ
โVery.โ
Her mind can barely process the words.
Tyriq?
Tyriq likes her?
All these years?
โI thought you never even looked at me like that,โ she admits quietly.
โI tried not to.โ
โWhy?โ
โBecause of Devon.โ He sighs. โAnd because I ainโt wanna make stuff weird if you didnโt feel the same.โ
Gina stares at him for another long second before laughing softly in disbelief.
โThis is actually crazy.โ
โWhat?โ
โI used to like you too.โ
Tyriq freezes.
โUsed to?โ
Gina rolls her eyes immediately. โBoy, please.โ
A grin slowly spreads across his face.
โNah, say it again.โ
โIโm not repeating myself.โ
โYou liked me?โ
She points at him. โDonโt get cocky.โ
Tyriq laughs for the first time since arriving, tension finally easing from his shoulders.
โI canโt believe this,โ Gina says, shaking her head. โAll this time?โ
โAll this time,โ he admits. โYou have no idea how many times I almost said something.โ
โI thought you barely noticed me.โ
Tyriq steps closer.
โGina, you were the only girl I noticed for years.โ
Her stomach flips instantly.
Before she can respond, Leena and Ivone suddenly walk out of the hallway carrying their purses.
โGina, you ready?โ Ivone asks before noticing how close theyโre standing.
Her eyes widen immediately.
โOh.โ
Leenaโs lips part in silent shock.
Tyriq clears his throat awkwardly. โYโall going to the Alpha party?โ
โMhm,โ Leena hums slowly.
โIโm headed there too,โ Tyriq says, eyes still on Gina. โI can take her.โ
Ivone looks between them so fast it is almost funny.
Then she gives Gina a look that says Girl if you donโt take that man DEOWNN.
Gina tries not to smile.
โIโll ride with him.โ
โOkayyy,โ Ivone drags out knowingly.
The second the door closes behind her roommates, silence fills the apartment again.
Tyriq looks down at her carefully.
โSoโฆyou really liked me too?โ
Gina smiles shyly for the first time all night.
โUnfortunately.โ
โUnfortunately is crazy,โ he laughs softly.
โI just never thought youโd feel the same.โ
โI been feeling the same.โ
His voice lowers near the end, almost intimate.
The air suddenly feels thicker between them.
Neither of them move.
Neither of them look away.
Then Tyriq quietly says, โCan I kiss you?โ
Ginaโs heart nearly stops.
But she nods.
โHurry, before I change my mind.โ
Tyriq cups her face gently before pulling her toward him.
His kiss is everything she's secretly dreamed of for yearsโsoft at first, almost reverent, as though he still cannot quite believe this is real.
His lips move against hers with aching tenderness, one hand cradling the side of her face while the other rests at the small of her back, drawing her closer. Gina melts into him, her fingers threading through the short hair at his nape, heart hammering so hard she is sure he can feel it.
When they finally part, both breathing unevenly, he rests his forehead against hers. โGina,โ he whispers, voice rough with emotion. โIโve always wanted this so bad.โ
โMe too, Tyriq,โ she murmurs, brushing her thumb across his cheek. โSo bad.โ
Something shifts in his eyesโyears of restraint finally giving way. He kisses her again, deeper this time, and the heat between them builds slowly, like a flame catching.
Without breaking the kiss, Tyriq lifts her effortlessly, her legs wrapping around his waist as she gives him directions down the hallway to her bedroom. The door clicks shut behind them, sealing the rest of the world outside.
He lays her down on the bed as if she"s something precious, then pulls back just enough to look at her. The lamp on her nightstand casts a warm, golden glow over his face.
His hands tremble slightly as he helps her out of her top, then unclasps her bra with carefulness. When her breasts are bare to him, he exhales shakily, eyes drinking her in.
โYouโre so beautiful,โ he whispers, almost to himself. He leans down, pressing open-mouthed kisses along her collarbone, then lower, until his lips close around one sensitive peak.
Gina arches with a soft gasp, her hands cradling the back of his head as he lavishes her with slow, worshipful attentionโtongue circling, lips sucking gently, hands caressing every inch of skin he can reach.
Every touch feels like a confession.
Tyriq works his way down her body with patient devotion, kissing the curve of her waist, the dip of her navel, the sensitive skin just above the waistband of her shorts. He peels the rest of her clothes away slowly, murmuring praises against her thighs as he settles between them.
โTyriqโฆโ she breathes, suddenly shy under the intensity of his gaze.
He looks up at her, eyes dark but filled with something far deeper than lust. โLet me taste you, Gina. Please.โ
The yearning in his eyes and voice did nothing but ignite her more.
She nods, and the first slow drag of his tongue along her folds pulls a broken moan from her throat. He takes his time, exploring her with tender curiosity, learning exactly what makes her tremble and sigh.
Two thick fingers slide inside her, curling gently, stroking that perfect spot while his mouth seals around her clit with soft, rhythmic suction.
Pleasure builds like a slow tide, rising higher and higher until it crashes over her in warm, pulsing waves. Gina comes with his name on her lips, fingers tangled in the sheets, thighs trembling around his shoulders.
He stays with her through every aftershock, kissing her inner thighs, her hips, her stomach, until she tugs him up to her.
Their mouths meet again in a deep, languid kiss as she reaches between them, wrapping her hand around his hard length. He is thick and heavy in her palm, pulsing with need, yet he groans softly at her touch like it's a gift.
โCondom,โ she whispers against his lips.
He retrieves one from his wallet with slightly unsteady hands. Once it's on, he settles over her, bracing his weight on his forearms so he can look into her eyes. The tip of him nudges at her entrance, slick and ready.
โAre you sure?โ he asks, voice hoarse but gentle.
โYes, Tyriq.โ
Tyriq pushes forward slowly, inch by careful inch, until he's fully seated inside her. They both let out shaky breaths at the perfect fitโtight, warm, and overwhelming in its intimacy. For a long moment, he simply holds still, buried deep, forehead pressed to hers as they breathe together.
โGina,โ he whispers, voice cracking with emotion. โFuck.โ
Tears prick at the corners of her eyes. She wraps her arms around his back, legs around his waist, holding him as close as two bodies can possibly be. โYou feel so good,โ she murmurs. โTyriq.โ
He begins to thrustโlong, deep, rolling strokes that make her toes curl and her heart ache with fullness. Every movement is deliberate, loving, like he is pouring every unsaid feeling from the past decade into her.
Their bodies move together in a slow, sensual rhythm, skin sliding against skin, breaths mingling, soft moans filling the quiet room.
Tyriq kisses her constantlyโher lips, her jaw, the sensitive spot beneath her earโwhispering her name like something sacred.
When her second orgasm begins to build, he slips a hand between them, circling her clit with his thumb until she shatters again, clenching tightly around him.
โIโm close,โ he groans, pace faltering as pleasure overtakes him. โCome with me.โ
Gina cries out as another wave crashes through her, pulling him over the edge with her. Tyriq buries his face in her neck, hips pressing deep as he comes with a low, broken moan, body shuddering in her arms.
They stay like that for a long time afterwardโstill joined, hearts pounding against each other, hands gently stroking sweat-damp skin. Tyriq eventually rolls to the side, pulling her against his chest and pressing a lingering kiss to her forehead.
โI wish I told you sooner,โ he murmurs into her hair.
Gina smiles, tracing lazy patterns over his heart. โWell, I know now.โ
โWe wouldโve probably been together by now. You wouldnโt have had to deal with your ex.โ
Gina furrows her brows. โYou know about that?โ
โYour brother told me about it when it was going on.โ
โOf course,โ she sighs. โI donโt have to deal with it anymore, so itโs fine.โ
โOh, you definitely donโt,โ he tightens his arms around her body.
And that alone gives her all the attention she ever needed.
ยฐโ pairings: tyriq withers x black oc (nara james)
ยฐโ tags: bodyguard | forced proximity | slow burn | enemies to lovers | past child abuse | past abuse | past trauma | mental health | slight obsession | masturbation | smut
ยฐโ a/n: six more chapters until this book is complete!! here is chapter 20, hopefully it intrigues you guys to read the full book on wattpad๐คญ
เผปโฆเผบ
summary: Dr. Nara James has spent her entire life in control-of her work, her future, and her survival. At just twenty-four, she becomes the youngest neurologist and medicinal chemist in the United States and achieves the impossible: discovering a cure for dementia. But groundbreaking success comes with a dangerous price. As powerful forces close in, determined to claim-or silence-her, Nara is assigned a personal bodyguard she neither wants nor trusts.
เผปโฆเผบ
tyriq
My life is fucked.
My credibility, my career.
The only thing I had consistent within my life. Gone.
Why would I lean in? Knowing the risks? I never thought it'd get that far. I guess seeing her lean in first did something to me.
She really leaned in. I never thought she wanted that.
Wanted me.
I pace back and forth between my bedroom walls. I'm thinking if a million things right nowโ
but that kiss is number one.
Fuck. I hate how much that turned me on. Because it shouldn't. It shouldn't have even happened. Period.
But part of me?
Part of me wishes I was still in there with her. Our bodies stuck together like hot leather. Her silk robe grazing my forearms.
God, Nara.
The tent in my pants expands even more than it already has. I exhale.
I knew this was gonna happen as soon as I hugged her. Every time we touch, my skin chills, yet I still somehow feel hot.
Like someone lit me on fire, but put an ice cube in the back of my shirt at the same time.
But, she needed that hug. Seeing her scared? That's not typical. It makes me feelโ
And that's the problem. I feel for her. I no longer do these things because it's my job. At this point, I'm doing this because I actually care about her wellbeing.
And that's what makes this such a problem.
But she thinks she has to deal with these things alone. She always thinks she's alone. Or at least that's what it seems.
Cold shoulder, rough around the edges, short commands.
The shades.
Those stupid sunglasses.
So tinted that I can't see what she's thinking. And I think that's why she wears them.
I thought it was because she didn't trust me. But the more I think about it? Especially after what just happened? Maybe it's because it would have been obvious that she wanted to do what she did. I could have saw it coming.
But...she's been wearing those sunglasses for months. Since... since I helped her out of that dinner withโ
did that... ignite this?
Did me saving her... turn her on?
Shit. These pants are getting very uncomfortable.
I unzip them, then push them down onto the carpet below me. I toss them into my laundry basket before getting into my bed.
I don't know why I'm lying down. I'll probably be awake for the rest of my life.
That kiss? I still feel it. It's tattooed onto my lips.
The softness of hers. So plump, so perfect.
Like they were made to land onto mine.
Her tongue wrapped around mine like it was waiting forever to finally do so.
I let out a light groan. I graze my hand over my briefs.
I haven't been this sensitiveโ this readyโ for someone in... never.
I slowly rub my dick through my briefs. That makes another groan leave my mouth. A little more uncontrolled.
If only there wasn't so much to lose...
Kissing wouldn't have been the only thing we did. I seen it. In her eyes. She wanted all of me. And I would've given it to her.
The way she held my face in place, stuck against hers. She didn't want it to end, but that wasn't an option.
But if it was...
"Ugh," I grunt lowly.
I don't need her hearing me in here. Hearing me please myself from the thought of her. The feel of her.
Just to think about how wet she probably was in that moment. So ready for me.
I would've given her every single piece of me; every inch of me. And I would've eaten every sample she'd give me like a fucking Costco stand.
Shit, I'm gonna come just thinking about her mouth on any part of my body. Or mine on hers.
If she had just licked my ear, my neck, my chest.
If her hands had found my happy trailโ
"Ugh, Fuck," I let out one last grunt as I release myself inside my briefs.
I should've thought that through...
I carefully drag myself out of bed, then walk into my bathroom to turn my shower on. My very cold shower.
After releasing the... tension I had built into my system, that took enough of my energy for me to finally go to sleep.
I think I would've had to pull an all-nighter if not.
I wake up from my usual five a.m. alarm. I get up from my bed, stretch, then make my way into my bathroom to do my morning routine.
Brush teeth, wash face, nothing special.
I stare at myself in the mirror above my sink a second longer than I need to.
My eyes look tired. Not from lack of sleepโbut from everything that came with it.
"Time to pretend like nothing happened last night," I mutter under my breath.
The words feel stupid the second they leave my mouth, but I grab my laundry basket anyway and head out of my room.
Straight to the mud room.
Because my clothes need to be washed.
Not just my briefs from last night.
I push the door openโ
โand stop.
Nara.
She's already in here.
Up early. Earlier than usual.
And of course... of course she already has a load running.
Perfect.
She turns when she hears me, and for half a second, we just... look at each other.
I quickly toss a shirt over the top of my basket, covering my briefs sitting right on top. Smooth. Real smooth.
I force a grin. It comes out tight. Awkward as hell.
She doesn't return it.
Hellโshe can barely even look at me.
Damn.
She shifts, squeezing past me without a word, her shoulder brushing mine for the briefest second before she disappears toward the kitchen.
I close my eyes.
Exhale.
Didn't even realize I was holding that breath.
I set the basket down and follow her out, because standing in that room alone somehow feels worse.
She's at the counter, already pulling out her coffee grains like nothing happened.
The machine clicks. Starts humming.
And the silence?
Heavy.
Like you could slice it clean in half.
I hate this.
More than anything, I hate that she feels like she has to be uncomfortable in her own house.
Because of me.
I lean against the island, arms crossing over my chest. Her back is to me.
On purpose.
Yeah... definitely on purpose.
I scratch the back of my neck, trying to find somethingโanythingโto say.
"So, uh... how'd you sleep last niโ"
"Last night didn't happen. Got it?"
She spins around just as the coffee machine starts pouring.
Direct. Quick. Like she rehearsed it.
I press my lips together, then nod slowly.
"Got it."
"And it will not happen again."
That one lands.
Straight in my stomach.
Twists something I don't feel like unpacking right now.
But she's not wrong.
So I nod again.
"Yeah. Okay."
Silence creeps back in, but this time it's louder.
And thenโ
something clicks in my head.
My brows pull together slightly.
"Is that why you said that?"
She looks up at me, confused, coffee mug halfway to her hands.
"Said what?"
Right.
I never told her.
About Paris.
I rub my jaw, then glance at her.
"You said something... about kissing me. In Paris."
Her entire face changes.
"I said what?" she gasps. "That's what you didn't tell me?"
I shrug lightly, trying to play it off.
"Iโuh... I forgot."
Lie.
A bad one, too.
Her eyes narrow just a little.
"So what, you think last night was planned or something?"
"I don't know," I say honestly, pushing off the counter slightly. "That's why I'm asking. Was it something you'd been... thinking about?"
I'm not trying to start anything.
Not right now.
I just need to understand where her head's at.
She turns away from me again, focusing on her coffee like it suddenly requires her full attention.
"No," she says. "It wasn't planned. I didn't know I was going to do that."
A beat.
"And I'm sorry."
Her voice dips at the end. Softer. Thinner.
I shake my head immediately.
"You don't have to apologize," I say. "I leaned in too. It takes two people to kiss."
I pause.
"...especially for as long as we did."
She exhales sharply, like she doesn't want to hear that part.
"Okay. Conversation over. No more talking about it."
She turns back toward me, eyes firm now. Shut down.
Walls back up.
"Talk about what?"
Catalina's voice cuts clean through the tension as she walks into the kitchen like she didn't just interrupt something that definitely wasn't finished.
I straighten slightly, clearing my throat as I glance between them.
Nara doesn't even hesitate.
"Nothing," she says quickly, picking up her mug. "Absolutely nothing."
Yeah.
Nothing.
That's what we're calling it now.
I hear the washing machine clickโthen that low hum fades out.
Done.
Nara hears it too.
"Let me get my laundry," she says quickly, already moving like she just found her escape route.
Honestly?
I think I want out of this conversation more than she does.
"Nah, it's fine," I say, pushing off the counter. "I'll put them in the dryer for you. I need to throw mine in anyway."
"No, it's okay. I got it," she says fastโtoo fastโas she practically speed-walks after me.
I glance back at her, brows pulling together.
"Why are you acting like I don't do your laundry all the time?" I say. "I literally cleaned your sheets before we left for Paris."
And yeahโshe made it real clear when I moved in that she wasn't touching mine.
But I still do hers.
Here and there.
Whenever.
And that's my problem.
I do shit that's not in my job description.
But I can't help it.
I want to.
I want to take care of her in ways I probably shouldn't.
We reach the mud room at the same timeโdamn near racingโand I step in front of the washer before she can.
"You don't have to do everything for me. Now move," she says, already annoyed.
"Let me just be a fucking gentleman..."
"Tyriqโ"
I ignore her and pop the washer open.
Sheets.
Just sheets.
I grab them, starting to transfer them into the dryer, shaking my head a little.
Why is she making this such a big deal?
I glance over at herโ
โand she's got her whole face buried in her hands.
Like she already knows.
I look back down at the fabric in my grip.
Floral pattern.
Same exact ones I washed before we left for Parโ
My hands slow.
Wait...
My eyes narrow slightly.
Then widen.
Hold on.
We've only been back for one night.
Last night.
"How are these already dirty?" I mutter, more to myself than anything.
No way...right?
"I just cleaned these before we left," I say, looking over at her.
She exhalesโsharp, frustratedโthen steps forward and snatches the rest of the sheets out of my hands, shoving them into the dryer herself.
Doesn't say a word.
Yeah... nah.
I'm not letting that go.
"What'd you do?" I ask, watching her closely now. I'm done pretending I'm not curious.
"Mind your business," she shoots back, turning the dryer on.
Now I really see why she wears those shades.
Her face is so easy to read without them.
At least easy for me.
The machine roars to life.
Loud.
Loud enough to cover us from Cat's nosy ass ears.
Convenient.
I lean slightly closer, lowering my voice anyway.
"Did you...touch yourself last night? After weโ
She throws her hand up in my face immediately.
"Stop. Don't say it."
I huff out a quiet breath, but I'm already in too deep now.
She drops her hand, then flips it right back on me.
"Did you?" she asks, eyes narrowing.
That catches me off guard.
I don't answer right away.
And she notices.
"Because I couldn't tell if you were crying last night," she adds, her tone just light enough to sting, "or if you were doing something else..."
My stomach drops.
"You heard me?" I ask, instantly trying to fix my question. "I meanโwhat'd you hear? Waitโ how'd you even hear anything?"
She lets out a small laugh, shaking her head.
"You know we share a wall, right? And don't worry about it."
Nah.
That's not how that works.
"So whatโyou just listened to me...'crying'โ while you were in your bed touching yourself?" I ask. "That's pretty kinky, Nara."
She gives me a look.
"You are way too deep in my business."
I tilt my head slightly, watching her.
"So you did."
She doesn't answer that.
Just turns and starts walking out.
But right before she fully leaves, she stops.
Turns back around just enough to look at me.
"And that'll be the last time."
Then she walks off.
And I just stand there in the noise of the dryerโ
speechless. In a good and bad way at the same time.
แฏโ authors note: I havenโt written a one-shot in years. I only write chaptered books so excuse my rustiness.
ยท ยท โ ยทสษยท โ ยท ยท
summary: Noriโs friendโs drag her to a random club located in West Hollywood. Even though she initially didnโt want to go, her mind is swayed once a random, 6โ5 man gives her just a bit of attention.
ยท ยท โ ยทสษยท โ ยท ยท
๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐ฑ๐: ๐ฐ,๐ฌ๐ญ๐ญ
โWhy arenโt you dancing?โ Tia asked, doing that universal little bounce women did in clubs when they wanted to look occupied without actually sweating.
Nori shot her a flat look. โYou know I didnโt want to come here in the first place.โ
โYou never want to go outside,โ Jai added from beside her, already halfway through her drink. โHave fun for once.โ
Nori rolled her eyes. โItโs loud as fuck. We can dance at home.โ
โGirl, youโre twenty-six,โ Tia said. โOne day youโre gonna turn thirty and wish you actually enjoyed your twenties.โ
Nori exhaled through her nose, annoyed because they werenโt exactly wrong.
She liked house parties. Day parties too. Places where people could actually hear each other speak without screaming over bass-heavy music.
But clubs?
Absolutely not.
Too many bodies packed together in one dark room. Too much sweat. Too much alcohol. Too many men brushing past you like personal space didnโt exist.
And the smell.
God, the smell alone made her want to leave.
She scrunched her nose at the thought.
โIโm going to the bar,โ she muttered before slipping away from the group.
She squeezed through the crowd, ignoring elbows and spilled liquor until she finally reached the counter.
The bartender looked up. โWhat can I get for you?โ
โDo yโall have piรฑa coladas?โ
โOf course. You want Bacardi Coconut in it?โ
โYes, please.โ
He nodded and started making the drink.
โYou donโt have a dress on.โ
Nori ignored the comment at first, assuming whoever said it couldnโt possibly be talking to her.
โYo,โ the voice said again, louder this time.
She turned, brows furrowing slightly.
โYou talking to me?โ she asked, pointing at herself.
The man laughed softly. โYeah, Iโm talking to you.โ
Now that she was actually looking at him, she had to admit he was fine.
Likeโฆ offensively fine.
Tall. Tan skin glowing beneath the dim lights. Sharp jawline. One of those smiles that looked dangerous without even trying.
And unfortunately for her, he knew he looked good too.
โYou got jorts on,โ he said.
Nori looked down at herself before shrugging. โYeah. I know.โ
โThatโs different.โ
โHow?โ
โMost girls come to the club wearing dresses. Or those little lace one-piece outfits that basically look like lingerie.โ
โThatโs probably because they actually wanted to be here.โ
His head tilted slightly at her response.
โYou donโt wanna be here?โ
โNope.โ
The bartender slid her drink across the counter, condensation already forming along the glass.
The stranger glanced down at it. โSo thatโs your coping mechanism?โ
That earned her first real laugh of the night.
โYeah,โ she admitted, wrapping her fingers around the drink. โThis is my coping mechanism.โ
โThatโs not a good coping strategy, you know. Could turn into something worse.โ
โIโll try to control myself.โ
A brief silence settled between them before he spoke again.
โSoโฆโ he dragged out, leaning one arm against the bar. โYou wanna talk about why you hate it here so much?โ
Nori eyed him over the rim of her glass before sighing.
โSure. Why not?โ
She slid into the empty seat beside him.
โIโm listening,โ he said.
โOkay, first of all,โ she began, gesturing around the club, โthe fact that we basically gotta yell at each other to have a conversation.โ
โMhm,โ he nodded. โFair.โ
โI like actually talking to people when I go out. In here, everybody keeps saying โwhat?โ every five seconds.โ
He chuckled. โUnderstandable. What else?โ
Nori took another sip of her drink.
โItโs like one giant ego competition. Who can pull the most girls. Who got the most money. Who bought the biggest section.โ She shook her head. โEverybody in here performing.โ
โThatโs also true,โ he admitted with a laugh.
โAnd lastlyโฆโ She leaned closer like she was sharing a secret. โIt fucking stinks in here.โ
That made him laugh harder.
โIโm serious,โ she continued. โPeople got enough money to buy bottles but somehow skipped deodorant.โ
โAight, you funnyโโ
He paused suddenly.
โWait. You never told me your name.โ
โYou never asked.โ
He lifted both hands in surrender. โYou right. My fault.โ A grin spread across his face. โSo whatโs your name?โ
โNori.โ
โOkay, Nori.โ He extended his hand toward her. โIโm Tyriq.โ
She blinked.
Then laughed.
โAre you serious?โ
His brows pulled together. โUhโฆ yeah? Why?โ
โIโm sorry,โ she said through another laugh. โYou just do not look like a Tyriq.โ
โI heard that my whole life.โ
โIโm sorry, Tyriq,โ she repeated, still smiling.
He narrowed his eyes playfully. โYou lucky you cool.โ
Heat crept into her cheeks unexpectedly.
Which irritated her a little.
She hadnโt expected to enjoy talking to anybody tonight, especially not some random man at the bar.
โCan I get a double shot of Patrรณn?โ Tyriq asked the bartender.
Nori glanced at him. โDamn.โ
His head turned toward her immediately. โYou just gonโ judge me all night?โ
She laughed. โNo, no. Iโm just sayingโฆ a double shot is bold.โ
โHow?โ
โYou taking it alone? You got friends here?โ
Tyriq grabbed the shot glass once the bartender handed it over.
โI meanโฆโ His eyes flicked toward her. โYou drinking alone too. Do you got friends here?โ
Nori pressed her lips together, fighting a smile.
โExactly,โ he said smugly. โSince you judging me, you might as well take one with me.โ
She looked toward the bartender.
โCan I get a shot too? Just a regular one, though.โ
The bartender nodded.
โLame,โ Tyriq muttered.
โIโm already drinking rum,โ Nori defended. โIโm not trying to lose consciousness around a stranger. No offense.โ
โNone taken.โ
The second shot arrived quickly.
Tyriq picked his up, then looked at her. โHold on. Let me make a toast first.โ
Nori suddenly became very aware of how charming he was.
And that was dangerous.
Because now she was actually having fun.
Which was the entire reason she avoided places like this to begin with.
โCheers,โ Tyriq said, lifting his glass slightly, โto you not wanting to be here.โ
Nori laughed softly.
โAnd hopefully,โ he continued, eyes settling onto hers, โI made your night a little better.โ
The look in his eyes nearly made her forget herself for a second.
They took the shots together.
The tequila burned all the way down.
โMaybe just a little bit,โ she teased.
โJust a little bit?โ
She nodded.
โWell,โ he said with a shrug, โthatโs better than nothing.โ
His gaze stayed on her another second before he asked, โYou dance?โ
โNot really.โ
โWellโฆโ He leaned slightly closer. โYou wanna try?โ
A man that looked like that had not given her this much attention in a very long time.
And honestly?
Why not.
โAre you gonna teach me?โ
Tyriq stood, holding his hand out toward her.
โI can show you a little something.โ
Nori tried not to smile.
Failed miserably.
She placed her hand in his, and he led her into the crowd.
At first, she stayed stiff while he showed her a few simple moves, laughing every time she messed up.
โYou from around here?โ he asked over the music.
โTexas,โ she answered. โBut, I live in Koreatown.โ
โDamn. Texas is lit though.โ
โIt definitely is.โ
He laughed. โSo what do you do for fun then?โ
โI like day parties. Game nights. Movies. Stuff where I can actually hear myself think.โ
โThose sound like vibes for sure.โ
โYea, all the peaceful things.โ
As they kept talking, moving together became easier.
More natural.
The liquor settled warmly into her system, loosening her nerves little by little until she found herself stepping closer to him without even realizing it.
Tyriq noticed immediately.
โOh, okay,โ he teased. โSo now you feeling confident?โ
Nori laughed. โI think the alcohol finally hitting me.โ
โYeah?โ He grinned. โMe too. You wanna sit down for a second?โ
โNo,โ she said honestly.
Then she turned around.
Slowly.
Pressing the length of her body against his.
Tyriqโs hands hovered carefully at his sides before he leaned closer to her ear.
โCan I put my hands on your waist?โ
โOf course,โ Nori murmured.
She reached back, grabbed his hands herself, and guided them onto her hips.
The feeling of his hands settling against her waist made her stomach tighten instantly.
His palms were large, rough enough to contrast against her soft skin, and his grip held just enough pressure to make her hyperaware of every place he touched her.
Nori kept moving against him anyway.
Maybe even closer than before.
Tyriq lowered his head near her ear again, his voice warm beneath the music.
โI think you lied to me.โ
She smiled faintly. โAbout what?โ
โYou said you couldnโt dance.โ
Nori laughed as she turned around to face him again. โI promise you, Iโm gonna forget how to do all of this the second I wake up tomorrow morning.โ
Tyriq laughed too, keeping his hands comfortably around her waist.
โHm,โ he hummed. โWell, I guess you gonโ have to let me know in the morning.โ
โDo I?โ
โMhm.โ
The way he looked down at her made her heartbeat stumble slightly.
His eyes lingered too long.
Too confidently.
Nori glanced away first, resting her arms loosely over his shoulders.
โDonโt look at me like that.โ
Tyriq tilted his head innocently. โLike what?โ
She finally looked back at him. โLike that.โ
A grin tugged at the corner of his mouth.
โMy fault,โ he said softly. โYou just look really good.โ
The warmth rushing into her cheeks was immediate.
โI do?โ she asked before she could stop herself.
โAbsolutely.โ
Her smile turned shy despite herself. โThank you.โ
Then her eyes drifted over his face again.
The sharp line of his jaw. His buzz cut. That mouth that kept making her nervous every time he smiled.
โYou look really good too,โ she admitted quietly.
His brows lifted. โI do?โ
โAbsolutely.โ
Tyriq pressed his lips together, tryingโand failingโnot to look pleased with himself.
โSee,โ he said, nodding slowly, โthatโs what I like to hear.โ
Nori rolled her eyes, laughing softly.
For a moment, neither of them said anything. They just swayed together naturally while the music pulsed around them.
โSo,โ Tyriq finally asked, โwhat you doing after this?โ
Nori glanced across the club toward Tia and Jai. Both of them were still watching from a distance, clearly trying not to be obvious about it.
โProbably going home,โ she answered.
He nodded slowly. โMm.โ
โWhat about you?โ
โSame thing.โ
Nori smirked. โMm.โ
Tyriq laughed under his breath.
Then his eyes dropped to her mouth again.
โI like your lips, by the way.โ
The comment hit her harder than it should have.
Something low and nervous twisted in her stomach.
โThank you,โ she said softly.
โThey look soft.โ
His voice lowered slightly.
โKissable too.โ
Nori pressed her lips together instinctively before tilting her chin upward just enough to look at him properly.
โYou think so?โ
โMhm.โ
Her pulse quickened.
โYou wanna find out?โ
Tyriq held her gaze for a second before answering.
โOnly if you want me to.โ
The fact that he asked made her smile.
โYouโre gonna have to lean down pretty far to reach them, though.โ
A slow grin spread across his face.
โIโll lean as far down as I need to.โ
Then he did.
His hand slid slightly higher along her waist as he leaned toward her, giving her enough time to pull away if she wanted to.
She didnโt.
Their lips met softly at first.
But the second kiss lingered longer.
Warmer.
The noise of the club seemed to blur around them as they melted into each other gradually, moving in sync without even thinking about it.
Tyriqโs thumb brushed lightly against her side while he kissed her again, slower this time, like he was trying to memorize the feeling.
When they finally parted for air, his forehead nearly rested against hers.
โYou taste good,โ he murmured with a quiet grin.
โYou taste pretty good too, Tyriq,โ Nori murmured back.
His eyes darkened almost immediately.
โYeah?โ he asked quietly. โYou wanna run that back or what?โ
Nori smiled before sliding her hand behind his neck. Her fingers massaged the warm skin there gently as she pulled him back down toward her.
This kiss lasted even longer.
Deeper.
The careful teasing from before disappeared almost instantly, replaced with something hotter and more intimate. Tyriqโs grip tightened around her waist as he pulled her closer against him, like he physically couldnโt help himself.
Nori could feel the tension in the way he held her.
The way his breathing changed.
The way he kissed her like he was trying not to lose control.
When he finally pulled away, he let out a short breathless laugh and shook his head.
โOkay,โ he muttered, stepping back slightly. โIf I donโt stop right now, this gonโ get bad for me.โ
Noriโs brows furrowed in confusion at first, until she noticed him subtly adjusting his shorts.
Her eyes narrowed playfully before lifting back to his face.
Tyriq laughed under his breath. โIโm just being honest.โ
A smirk tugged at her lips.
โMaybe I want it to get bad for you.โ
His expression shifted instantly.
Noriโs hands were still resting behind his neck, slowly massaging him while she looked up at him innocently, despite the words that had just left her mouth.
Tyriq puffed his cheeks slightly before exhaling.
โYou gotta relax with how you talking to me right now,โ he warned, laughing softly. โEspecially if you donโt mean it.โ
โOh, I mean it.โ
His brows pulled together as he stared down at her.
โSo what you tryna do then?โ
Nori shrugged lightly. โWhatever you wanna do.โ
โSee, thatโs the problem,โ he replied. โIโm tryna do whatever you wanna do. So whatโs up?โ
She laughs. โYou tell me.โ
Then she tilts her head slightly.
โHow far you live from here?โ
โLike ten minutes.โ
Nori went quiet for a second, clearly thinking.
Instead of pushing her, Tyriq reaches into his pocket and pulls out his wallet. He removes his driverโs license and hands it to her.
She blinks at it in confusion.
โUhโฆ?โ
โTake a picture of it,โ he said. โSend it to your friends. Iโll give you my socials too.โ He shrugs casually. โI donโt need them worried about you leaving with some random dude.โ
Nori stares at him for a second before smiling.
โThatโs actually really thoughtful.โ
โYeah,โ he says with a grin. โIโm not a dickhead.โ
She laughed softly before taking a picture of the ID and texting it to Tia and Jai along with his Instagram.
Almost immediately, her phone lit up with dramatic messages from both of them.
Tia: BITCHHHHHH.
Jai: HE FINE AS HELL. STAY SAFE THOUGH. WE GOT YOUR LOCATION!
Nori rolled her eyes, smiling to herself as she locked her phone.
Tyriq found her hand again and guided her through the crowd toward the exit.
As they stepped outside, the cool night air hit her skin instantly, calming some of the heat that had built up inside the club.
Nori glanced back long enough to wave at her friends, who were both staring at her with shameless excitement from the entrance.
โSo,โ she said as they walked through the parking lot, โwhat made you talk to me?โ
Tyriq shoved one hand into his pocket while leading her toward his car.
โIf Iโm being honest?โ he said. โI saw your face from across the club first.โ
Nori tried not to smile.
โThen I walked to the bar and saw you again,โ he continued. โThen I noticed you had on jorts.โ
She laughed. โSo you were plotting.โ
He shrugged. โIf you wanna call it that.โ
Tyriq clicked his key fob, and the headlights of a black Audi flashed nearby.
Nori looked at him. โOh, you drive an Audi? What the hell do you do?โ
He opened the passenger door for her.
โI act sometimes.โ
โSometimes?โ she repeated suspiciously as she climbed inside.
Tyriq just grinned before closing the door.
A few seconds later, he slid into the driverโs seat and pulled out of the parking lot.
The inside of the car felt quieter than the club had. More intimate.
Nori turned slightly toward him in her seat, her fingers slowly tracing along his arm while he drove one-handed.
Tyriq glanced at her briefly before chuckling.
โI thought you was innocent.โ
โI am,โ she replied. โA little.โ
โInnocent girls usually donโt leave the club with a man they just met.โ
Nori looked out the window for a second before answering honestly.
โYou wanna know something?โ
โWhat?โ
โThis is actually my first time doing this.โ
Tyriq looked over at her again.
โI kinda believe that.โ
โWhy?โ
โBecause you spent half the night complaining about being outside,โ he teased. โI feel honored.โ
โGood,โ she grins.
The silence in the car was thick, charged with everything they werenโt saying. Tyriqโs hand stayed on her thigh, his thumb stroking slow, lazy circles that gradually crept higher, pushing under the hem of her jorts. Every pass made Noriโs breath hitch.
By the time he pulled into his parking spot, her core was aching.
Tyriq cut the engine and looked over at her, eyes dark.
โYou sure?โ he asked, voice low.
Nori unbuckled her seatbelt, leaned across the console, and kissed him hard. Tyriq groaned into her mouth, one big hand sliding into her hair as he kissed her back like heโd been dying to.
They barely made it inside his apartment.
The second the door shut, he had her pressed against it, hands gripping her ass as he lifted her slightly. Nori wrapped her legs around his waist, moaning softly when she felt how hard he already was through his shorts.
โFuck,โ he muttered against her neck, grinding into her.
Noriโs head fell back against the door as he kissed down her throat. Her hands pushed under the hem of his black tank top, sliding up over his warm, solid torso. Tyriq pulled back just long enough to yank the tank top off in one smooth motion, tossing it somewhere behind him before crashing his mouth back to hers.
He carried her down the short hallway to his bedroom, kicking the door open. He set her on her feet and quickly peeled her top off, then unbuttoned her jorts and shoved them down her legs along with her panties. His eyes dragged hungrily over her naked body.
โGoddamn, Noriโฆโ
She reached for him, running her hands down his chest and abs as he backed her toward the bed. When her knees hit the mattress, she sat, eye-level with the very obvious bulge in his shorts. Tyriq watched her, breathing hard, as she hooked her fingers in his waistband and pulled his shorts and boxers down.
His thick, heavy member sprang free, already leaking at the tip. Nori wrapped her hand around him, stroking slowly, and looked up at him.
He cursed under his breath. โYou really tryna kill me tonight.โ
She took him into her mouth, working him wet and deep until his hand gently tightened in her hair.
โShitโฆ just like that.โ
After a few minutes he pulled her off with a shaky breath and pushed her back onto the bed. He spread her thighs wide and ate her pussy like he was starvingโmessy, hungry, and focused. Two thick fingers pushed inside her while his tongue sucked on her clit, making her back arch hard.
Nori came on his tongue, thighs shaking, moaning his name loud enough that she was glad he didnโt have any roommates.
Tyriq kissed his way back up her body, then reached into his nightstand drawer. He tore open a condom packet, rolled it down his thick length, and settled between her thighs again. The head of his member nudged against her soaked entrance.
Nori wrapped her legs around his waist and pulled him closer.
Tyriq pushed in slowly, stretching her open inch by inch. They both moaned when he bottomed out, buried deep inside her.
โFuck,โ he breathed against her neck, voice strained. โYou feel so good.โ
He started movingโdeep, rolling strokes that quickly turned harder. The room filled with the sound of skin slapping skin, her soft moans, and his low curses every time she clenched around him.
Noriโs nails dug into his back as he hit that perfect spot again and again.
โRight thereโTyriq, fuck, donโt stopโโ
โCome on me,โ he growled, thrusting harder. โI want you all over me.โ
She came hard the second time, crying out as her core pulsed around him. Tyriq fucked her through it, then flipped her onto her stomach, pulled her hips up, and slid back in deep.
This angle made her see stars. He fucked her harder, one hand gripping her ass while the other reached around to rub her clit.
โAgain,โ he demanded, voice rough. โCome again.โ
Nori came a third time, shaking and whimpering into the sheets. Tyriq followed right after with a deep groan, burying himself to the hilt as he came hard inside the condom.
They stayed locked together for a long moment, breathing heavy and sweaty. Eventually Tyriq pulled out carefully, tied off the condom, and tossed it into the trash before collapsing beside her. He pulled Nori against his chest and pressed a soft kiss to her forehead.
Nori smiled sleepily against his skin.
โThat wasโฆ.โ she murmured, voice hoarse. โSo good.โ
Tyriq chuckled low, the sound rumbling through his chest.
โDid I make you feel good?โ
โMhm,โ she hums.
They stayed tangled up like that for a while, breathing each other in. Tyriq eventually got up to dispose of the condom properly and came back with a warm cloth for her. After cleaning her up gently, he climbed back into bed and pulled her against him again, her head resting on his chest.
โYou can spend the night if you want,โ he said quietly, voice still a little rough. โNo pressure though. If you donโt feel comfortable, I donโt mind taking you home. Whatever you wanna do.โ
Nori traced a lazy pattern on his stomach with her fingertip.
โYou literally gave me your driverโs license to send to my friends,โ she teased with a soft laugh. โI think Iโll be okay sleeping here tonight.โ
Tyriq grinned and squeezed her hip. โYou will, I promise.โ
She smiled and snuggled closer, letting the steady beat of his heart lull her to sleep.
Sunlight filtered through the blinds, warm across Tyriqโs face. He stirred slowly, reaching out on instinct for the warm body that had been curled against him most of the night.
His hand met cool sheets instead.
Tyriqโs eyes opened fully. The spot beside him was empty, the pillow still slightly dented. He sat up, frowning as he looked around the quiet room. No sign of her clothes on the floor. No sound of the shower running.
He swung his legs over the side of the bed and noticed a small piece of paper on the nightstand, propped up against his phone.
He picked it up and read:
Thank you for making my night 10x better. Hopefully youโre not a dickhead like you said you werenโt, and youโll give me a call or message me back when you wake up. - Nori
A slow smile spread across his face as he reread the note. He shook his head, chuckling under his breath.
Tyriq leaned back against the headboard, still holding the note, thumb brushing over her handwriting. He reached for his phone, already thinking about what to text her first.
At thirty-four, she was a name that rolled off the tongues of critics, moviegoers, and award show hosts with equal reverence. Her scripts painted truth with raw elegance, and her direction pulled unspoken emotions from even the most seasoned actors. She was a master of story, a Black woman commanding Hollywood not with noise, but with undeniable power. Magazines labeled her the voice of a generation. Studios begged for her name on their projects. And yet, away from the lights and the flawless red carpet photos, Ava lived in quiet contradictionโcraving honesty in a world built on performance.
She had never lived in one place long enough to call it home. Her childhood was a map of military bases and temporary schools, dictated by her father's next assignment. By the time she was sixteen, she had moved twelve times. He taught her discipline, pride, and how to make herself small in the face of failure. Love, though? That was conditionalโmeasured in achievements, not affection.
When she chose film, she didn't do it for herselfโnot at first. She moved to Los Angeles under the guise of independence, but it was always about him. Proving she could build something. That she could make him proud, even if he never said the words. Before Ava ever stepped into a writer's room, before her name was etched into gold-plated awards, there was another version of herโone that existed in the shadows of ambition. A past career she kept sealed, a role she played only to hear the rare approval in her father's voice. A chapter buried deep, known only to him and her, held tight like a secret between soldiers after a quiet war.
But secrets don't stay buried forever.
And the past has a way of finding youโespecially when the cameras start to linger too long.
Then came Michael.
It wasn't dramatic at first. No whirlwind, no slow-motion moment under spotlight glare. It was subtle, dangerous in its quietness. He, too, understood the double-edged sword of adoration. A golden boy on the surface, with eyes that held secrets even the cameras couldn't decode. Ava had spent her life writing complex charactersโbut loving one? That would become the most life-changing script she'd never meant to write.
What began as chemistry would twist into chaosโbetween tabloids, half-truths, and the ghosts of things neither of them wanted to say out loud. Together, they'd build something beautiful. And then question if they could survive it.
