Artis

"And the Grammy goes to..." I announced, "Krossroads for 'Super Nova'!" The crowd erupted into cheers and applause as Krossroads strolled up to the stage, his swagger on full display. He was dressed in a tailored GG tuxedo, looking every inch the star he had become. "Nova! Romie! Get up here with me!" "First, I honor the highest for making all things possible," he began.

He'll do anything to get close to Nova. I thought to myself. I pushed those thoughts down. I'm not gon' let his theatrics ruin this moment.

As she rose from that chair, the fabric of her sheer black dress clung to her like a lover's embrace, revealing the shapely contours of her legs as she made her way to the stage. I shot her a knowing smile as I helped her navigate the stairs, my hand at the small of her back, guiding her with a gentle but firm grip. She glanced back at me, her eyes sparkling with excitement, and I knew that she was feeling the gravity of this moment, too.

On stage, Krossroads looked over at her with a wink, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "Ladies and gentlemen," he announced into the microphone, his voice echoing through the vast auditorium, "please welcome the woman who's been making all the magic happen behind the scenes—my favorite producer and dear friend, Nova Ginn!" Romie hugged her tight. She innocently embraced Krossroads; he held on a beat too long. She got to the mic and said,

"Thank you, Artis, for believing in me. Thank you, Cory, for giving a rookie a chance," she said, her voice steady and clear, "thank all 3 of you for teaching me that family is a real thing, a force that can create something truly beautiful." She looked at me with so much love, and I couldn't help but think she was mine and I was going to marry her. Romie grabbed the mic and said, "Greer Magic, BAYBAY!" "Nova! Come say the thing!"

Nova giggled, a sound that could melt even the coldest heart, and sailed back to the podium. She leaned in, her tits pressed against the fabric of her dress, and announced in a sultry tone, "You're now... experiencing ..Supernova."

The beat dropped, and Krossroads took center stage, his honey-smooth voice weaving through the speakers like a spell. His performance was a masterful blend of love and desire. It was a great night. I led Nova backstage, and we made our way to the after-party.

Nova

The after-party was a kaleidoscope of color and sound, the air thick with the scent of expensive cologne and perfume. The crush of bodies was a testament to the sheer volume of A-listers who had come out to celebrate. The energy was electric, a heady mix of excitement and ambition as potent as the finest champagne. We weaved through the throng of partygoers, our hands entwined, the warmth of our skin a stark contrast to the coolness of the gleaming chrome surfaces that reflected the vibrant hues of the lights above.

Our arrival at the VIP section was met with nods of respect and admiration. Artis was a legend in the industry, and his presence alone made the room stand a little straighter. But the way he looked at me and his eyes devoured every inch of me had heads turning and whispers spreading like wildfire. I lost Artis for a moment, so I sat on the velvet couch for a bit.

Krossroads slid in next to me, his eyes twinkling with the kind of mischief that could either lead to a good time or a world of trouble. He leaned in, his breath warm against my ear. "You look good enough to eat," he murmured, his voice a smooth caress that sent a shiver down my spine. I couldn't help but giggle; his flirty nature was infectious, even though I knew where my heart truly lay. "Thanks, Kross," I replied, playing along, "but I'm pretty sure I'm already spoken for."

He winked at me. "I know, I know," he said, "but a man can dream." His fingers traced lazy circles on the back of my hand. A gesture that was both familiar and flirtatious, sending a spark of heat through my body. He nodded, and I followed his gaze to the far corner of the room, where Destiny stood with a group of people who were looking utterly out of place.

Her hair was a lace front mess, her makeup smudged, and her dress looked like it had seen better days. She was clearly trying to play it cool, sipping on a flute of champagne, but the desperation in her eyes was clear. She looked around, searching for any sign of Artis, her gaze lingering on the entrance like a moth to a flame.

I couldn't help but feel a twinge of pity for her. Once the belle of the ball, she had been cast aside for the newest, shiniest thing. But I also felt a sense of vindication. She had played her games and lost. And now she was forced to watch from the sidelines as the woman she had tried to destroy basked in the spotlight with the man she had wanted so badly.

The DJ dropped a beat, and the music grew louder, the bass thumping through the floorboards like a heartbeat. The crowd surged towards the dance floor, eager to release the tension of the long evening in a frenzy of movement and sweat. Artis reappeared at my side, a wicked glint in his eye. "Wanna dance with me, baby?" he asked, holding his hand.

I took it without hesitation, letting him lead me into the throng of dancers. Our bodies moved in sync, the music rhythm guiding us as we became one with the beat. His hands were on my hips, pulling me closer, our chemistry igniting the air around us. I could feel the heat of his arousal through the fabric of his tuxedo pants, his hardness pressing against me with every step.

Our dance grew more intimate, his hands roaming down my back to cradle the swell of my ass as he whispered everything dirty that no one else could hear. The heat of his breath sending waves of desire crashing through me. Our bodies moved together, a dance that was both sensual and fiery, a silent promise of what was to come when we were finally alone.

As the song reached its crescendo, Artis leaned in, capturing my lips in a kiss that was as passionate as it was possessive. The room around us faded into oblivion as our tongues danced together, our kiss speaking volumes about our love and our future.

When he pulled away, his eyes searched mine, looking for any sign of doubt or hesitation. But all he saw was a woman madly in love with him. He grinned, his teeth flashing in the strobe lights, and led me back to our VIP seats. As we settled in, he leaned over and whispered, "Baby, let me grab some more champagne. Are you okay here for a second?"

I nodded, watching him weave his way through the throng of people, his confidence and swagger leaving a trail of admiring glances in his wake. As I sat there, sipping my drink and trying to catch my breath, Destiny made her way over, her heels clicking against the marble floor like a countdown to disaster. She had the nerve to look surprised when she saw me sitting there as if she hadn't been watching my every move from across the room.

"Nova," she said, her voice a brittle shard of ice, "I didn't know you were coming." "Same," I said, sitting back and crossing my legs.

Destiny's eyes narrowed, her gaze raking over me like a predator assessing its prey. "You're looking...different," she said, her tone a mix of envy and spite. "Thanks," I replied.

Her gaze dropped to my ring finger, and she couldn't hide the heat that radiated from her. I smirked, watching her pupils dilate as she took in the massive rock that now claimed me as Artis's. The ring was a declaration of war in the subtlest of ways, a silent but powerful message that she had lost the battle for Artis's heart. I felt a smug satisfaction knowing that she would be reminded of her failure every time she saw it.

"Congrats on the Grammy," she said, her voice thick with insincerity. "Thanks," I replied, my smirk widening. "It's all thanks to Artis. He really knows how to bring out the best in people." She rolled her eyes, trying to play it cool. But I knew better. I knew the fiery jealousy that must be raging within her, the bitterness of seeing the man she had once had so completely now pledging his love to me.

Suddenly, Artis strides through the glittering throng with a bottle of champagne in one hand and two fresh champagne flutes in the other. His gaze locked onto Destiny, and his eyes narrowed with a hint of menace.

"Here you go, baby," he said, handing me one of the flutes, his voice low and seductive. He didn't acknowledge Destiny, not even a nod of recognition. It was as if she didn't exist.

Destiny's face fell, and she stepped back, backing right into Romie, who had been watching the exchange with a knowing smile. "What up, Destiny?" Romie said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. You okay? You look sick"

Destiny's eyes flashed with anger, but she managed a tight smile. "I'm fine," she replied through gritted teeth. Artis wrapped his arm around my waist, pulling me closer to him, his grip tightening almost imperceptibly. "Let's toast to the future," he said, raising his glass. "To love, to music, and to the woman who has made me believe in fairy tales again." His eyes bore into mine, and the intensity of his gaze made me feel like I was the only person in the room.

We clinked glasses and took a sip, the bubbly liquid fizzing on our tongues as we watched Destiny retreat into the crowd. Her defeat was palpable, a silent victory that filled the space between Artis and me.

"Come with me," he whispered, his breath hot against my neck, his hand squeezing my thigh. "I need you, baby. I've been waiting all night to get you alone." The raw hunger in his voice sent a shiver down my spine. "Let's go," I whispered back. He groaned and kissed me deviously, snaking his tongue in and out of my mouth as if to mimic what he wanted to do to me. "Lead the way." I purred.