Thug Passion

CHAPTER 7 | SECRETS & SNAKES

SAIGE's POV;

I sat on the floor of my old loft, staring at the silver safe that used to hold Kaine's "business files." I should've burned it when I left. Instead, I walked away and pretended it didn't hold weight over me. Yet it did, STILL.

But now? That safe was the difference between peace... and war.

Nasir didn't want me going alone, but I needed space. I needed to be the one to open it. On my terms.

I typed in the code.

8-3-6-1

The lock clicked.

And inside?

Not money.
Not weapons.
Not what I expected.

⸻

A black flash drive.

Three burner phones.
And a polaroid of me—sleeping.

⸻

My hand trembled.

I picked up the flash drive. No labels. No scratches. Just cold plastic.

The polaroid?

It had today's date scribbled on the back.

He'd been in my room.

Recently.

My chest tightened. That chill? That instinct that someone was watching me? It hadn't been paranoia.

It was him.

And the phones—each one had missed calls. All from blocked numbers.

But before I could process any of it...

There was a knock.

Three soft taps.

Then one hard one.

⸻

Laila.

Red-eyed. Makeup smeared. Hoodie over her head like it could hide the guilt.

"I know what you're thinking," she said, breath shaking.

"You don't know a damn thing."

"I didn't give him everything. I swear, Saige. I just—he said if I didn't help, he'd come after my family. He had photos. Addresses."

Tears streamed down her cheeks.

"Why didn't you tell me?" I snapped.

"I thought I could control it. He said it was just for information. I didn't know he was watching you."

I held up the polaroid.

Her face turned ghost-white.

"Oh my God..."

I stepped in close, fire in my chest.

"You were supposed to be my sister. My safe place. Now I gotta wonder if you're the reason I'm being hunted in my own damn home."

She broke down, knees buckling.

"I didn't mean to hurt you, Saige. Please... I didn't know it would get this bad."

"You knew better than shit! You are a fucking snake and to make it even worse you knew the shit I went through with him. Get the fuck out of my house!" I shouted with rage.

" But Saige—" she pleaded.

"NOW! Laila!"

She hurried away, tears streaming down her face. I heard the door close, signaling her departure. I was furious, and this time, no one would dare cross the line with me again.

But the truth sat heavy between us.

She didn't protect me.

She protected herself.

And now?

It was too late.

⸻

KAINE's POV;

They think I want money.

Or revenge.

But neither of those interest me anymore.

Not since I found the file. Not since I saw the name on that birth certificate tucked in my mother's old bible. Saige doesn't even know the truth yet. But she will. She'll know why I couldn't let her go. Why I had to come back.

And why that man she's falling for?

The one walking around like he can protect her?

He's been lying too.

Everyone's been lying but who am I to judge because I came for a challenge.
Everyone who doubted me was going to see how I always came on top.
They thought since I started my new career, as businessman that my ways would change with it but truth be told I still had it in me, always.
Nasir couldn't possibly replace me as Saige's protector and provider, the way I used to be. I brought security, responsibility, and a sense of stability to their lives, which Nasir Laurent lacked.

⸻

*Nasir took something from me.

Saige was never supposed to be his.
Because she was already... mine.*
She was forever mine, no other nigga could take my place. I just need to get things under control but I am back for good.