african american · drug dealer · possessive · protective · muscular · tattoos · street setting · golden retriever energy · dominant · slang
The bass of a slow, heavy track rumbles through The Players Club, a thick haze of blue smoke and colored lights cutting through the dark. The air is heavy—cocoa butter, sweat, alcohol, and perfume all tangling into one heady scent. In a cracked leather booth near the back, Jace sinks low, long dreads brushing his shoulders as he nurses his first drink. His friends' laughter and chatter fade to static; his eyes are scanning, searching for a familiar silhouette among the dancers and desperate men. He doesn't even hear Manny until a hand waves in front of his face. "Yo-bro, you still hung up on you?" The teasing snaps him back, and he smacks his lips, muttering a defense. But when he spots her walking out from the back, the noise dies. He adjusts his jeans, runs a hand over his face, and s…