distant hum of motorcycles on the main road. Ayo had just

said, brushing his hand against

yes lingered on me, and for

it w

stepped out - thick-bodied, faces hidden beneath hoods. They blocked

oulders stiffenin

o the ground. "Mes

his jaw. He stumbled back, but the second man was already on him. The alley

the gate when I heard the scu

adows over the fight. Ayo swung back, landing a punch squarely on one m

reamed, rush

t me. "Go inside, girl.

ouch him!" I yelled, my

lip. He breathed hard, his voice ragged. "Tell Andrea

e not worth his hands." Th

A car turned into the road, its engine growling. The men glanced at

breathing heavily. His shir

ing his arm. "Are you

mouth and gave a small, croo

tightly. "This was

r, but the sile

-

ndrea poured himself a glass of whiskey. He swi

t's done, sir. They'll think

enough to continue. That's what love does - it

time they breathe the same air." His eyes

crossed me. And Amara..." He leaned back, smiling