xliv. HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY.
February 14, 2018. | Third Person POV.
London, England.

The morning started off suspiciously quiet. 

Kendrick was nowhere to be found. Normally, after a show night, they'd at least have breakfast together or lounge around in the same space, but today? Nothing. No text. No call. No knock on her door. 

Instead, there was Monica, perched on the couch in Sedona's hotel suite, sipping on an iced coffee like she didn't just barge in unannounced. 

"Girl, wake your ass up. We got places to be," She announced, tossing a designer shopping bag onto the bed. "And things to do."

Sedona groaned, burying her face into the pillow. "Do we?" 

Monica smacked her leg lightly. "Yes, we do. Valentine's Day activities, duh. I'm here to make sure you're occupied, so hurry up and get dressed." 

That made Sedona pause. She lifted her head, narrowing her eyes. "Wait a minute. Occupied? You in on somethin' I don't know about?" 

Monica grinned over her coffee cup. "I don't know what you talkin' 'bout, sis. Now get up." 

Sedona rolled her eyes but did as she was told. Something was definitely up. 

Sedona squinted at Monica from beneath the covers, her suspicions already bubbling. "You real loud for it to be this early."

Monica didn't even flinch. She just took another sip of her iced coffee, perched comfortably on the couch like she had all the time in the world. "Girl, it's damn near noon. Get up. We got things to do."

Sedona groaned dramatically, flopping onto her stomach. "Do we, though?"

Monica didn't bother responding. Instead, she smacked Sedona's leg lightly and tossed a designer shopping bag onto the bed. "Yes, we do. Valentine's Day activities, duh. I'm here to make sure you're not rotting in bed, so hurry up and get dressed."

That made Sedona pause. She peeked up at Monica, eyes narrowing. "Wait a minute. Are you sure you're not in on somethin' I don't know about?"

Monica grinned over her coffee cup, the picture of pure mischief. "I don't know what you talkin' 'bout, sis."

Sedona rolled her eyes but sat up, stretching. "Mmmhmm. That's real convincing."

Monica ignored her. "Now, go freshen up. I don't wanna be out here all day waiting on your slow ass."

Sedona shot her a look but slid out of bed anyway.

—

An hour later, they were strolling through the streets, bundled up against the London chill, hopping in and out of boutiques with Monica steering the entire agenda.

Sedona wasn't dumb. Monica was clearly keeping her distracted, filling the day with nonsense—trying different teas, testing perfumes, stopping to take pictures in front of random flower shops like they were tourists.

And then, there was the boutique.

Monica practically dragged her inside, chattering the whole way. "Now, I know you got plenty of dresses, but listen—what's one more, right?"

Sedona gave her a side-eye. "You just tryna keep me busy."

Monica gasped dramatically, hand over her heart. "Wow. Accusing me of deception? I would never."

Sedona just shook her head, tuning her out as her eyes wandered over the racks. And then she saw it.

A stunning, backless red dress.

It was the type of dress that commanded attention—silky, elegant, draping in all the right places. The kind of dress that whispered confidence, that made a statement without saying a word.

Monica followed her gaze and smirked. "You should get it."

Sedona ran her fingers over the fabric, tilting her head. "You think so?"

Monica scoffed. "Girl, stop playin'. Look at it. Now, imagine you in it. Picture the moment. You walk in, everybody's heads turn—Kendrick included. You gon' make that man weak."

Sedona chuckled but didn't deny it.

"Go try it on," Monica urged, practically shoving her toward the fitting rooms.

Sedona laughed but complied, already knowing she was about to walk out of there with a brand-new dress.

—

The day passed in a blur of luxury and indulgence. 

Monica continued to have her shopping at the most exclusive boutiques, treating herself to designer pieces she didn't necessarily need but wanted anyway. They got massages, drank expensive champagne at lunch, and even stopped at a gallery showcasing Black artists from across the UK. 

It was... fun. But there was an undeniable tension humming beneath Sedona's skin. 

Where was Kendrick? 

She tried to play it cool, keep herself occupied with getting glammed up for an unspecified event that Monica failed to mention, but by the time evening rolled around and Monica finally dropped her off at the hotel with a suspiciously satisfied smirk, she knew something was up. 

Sedona stood before a mirror, taking in her reflection. 

The dress clung to her like it had been designed with her in mind—satin draping over her curves effortlessly, the deep red hue rich against her skin. The open back dipped just enough to tease, leaving the smooth expanse of her spine on full display. Every movement made the fabric catch the light, a subtle shimmer trailing her. 

Her makeup was flawless—warm, golden tones accentuating her cheekbones, a sultry smoky eye making her gaze all the more hypnotic. Her lips, painted in a deep, glossy red, matched the dress perfectly. And her hair... Monica had insisted on something elegant, something that showed off her neck and shoulders. So it was pinned up in a soft, romantic style, wisps of curls framing her face just right. 

She exhaled slowly, hands smoothing down the dress as she studied herself. 

This wasn't just some spur-of-the-moment glam session. This had to have been planned. There was no way she just so happened to be in a dress like this—hair done, makeup flawless, dripping in allure—just for sport. 

Just what the hell was Kendrick up to?

The thought lingered, curiosity bubbling beneath the surface. But then again, she wasn't entirely innocent either. She had her own things planned for the day. 

Whatever was waiting for her, she was ready.

And the second she stepped into her suite, she got her answer.  And it's safe to say she was pleased at the sight.

The entire room was transformed. 

Sedona eventually stood in the center of her suite, her eyes scanning the room slowly, taking in the sheer thought Kendrick had put into every detail. The warm glow of candlelight flickered softly against the walls, casting a golden hue over the space. Rose petals—deep red, almost velvet-like—were scattered across the floor and bed. Then came a trail of rose petals stretched from the doorway to where she stood, leading up to the grand centerpiece—an overwhelming arrangement of flowers. A bouquet, impossibly large and wrapped in silk ribbon, sat on the table near the window.

And not just any flowers.

Each petal, each stem, each bloom held a meaning—because Kendrick had counted the days since they'd met. From January 2nd to now.

Her throat tightened slightly.

She walked toward it slowly, fingers ghosting over the petals. 

43. 

A soft knock at the adjoining door made her turn, and there he was. 

Dressed in a tailored black suit, Kendrick leaned against the doorframe, hands in his pockets, watching her reaction with quiet intensity. 

"Happy Valentine's Day, Sedona." 

Sedona stared at him for a long moment, her lips parting slightly before she exhaled a soft laugh. "You did all this?" 

Kendrick shrugged, shifting on his feet. "Yeah." 

"You even counted the days?" 

Another shrug, this one smaller. "Had to make sure it was right." 

Something about his shyness made her melt. She crossed the room, standing close enough to catch the faintest whiff of his cologne. 

"You're cute when you get all bashful," She teased, tilting her head. 

Kendrick huffed a quiet laugh, shaking his head. "Don't start." 

"Too late." 

"But this is..." She trailed off, voice softer now, laced with something raw as she couldn't help but look around once more. "This is truly beautiful. Thank you, Kenny."

She turned, ready to express her gratitude fully, but when her eyes met his, she paused.

Kendrick wasn't just looking at her.

He was studying her like she was the only thing in the room that mattered.

His gaze roamed over her, slow and reverent, from the way the red fabric hugged every curve to how the open-back design showcased the deep warmth of her skin. The color was striking against her complexion, making her glow in a way that left him momentarily speechless.

His grip flexed at his sides, fingers itching to touch her. To make sure she was real.

"Damn," He murmured under his breath, shaking his head slightly. "You look... beyond beautiful."

Sedona's lips curled into a small, knowing smile. "Yeah?"

He huffed a quiet laugh, stepping closer. "Yeah." His voice was lower now, almost a whisper. "Like, I don't even got the words for it. Red on you? It's... dangerous."

She tilted her head, playing into his admiration. "Dangerous?"

He reached out then, his knuckles grazing the exposed skin of her back before his hand settled on her waist, pulling her in. "Mmhm. I might not make it through the rest of the night if you keep lookin' at me like that."

Sedona bit back a grin, feeling warmth bloom in her chest. "Guess you just gon' have to survive then, huh?"

Kendrick exhaled a small chuckle, but the way his fingers tightened slightly on her waist told her he was fighting the urge to do something about it.

Instead, he let the moment settle, allowing her to soak in everything—the atmosphere, the effort, the love behind it all.

Tonight was for them.

And looking at her now, wrapped in candlelight and crimson, Kendrick knew there wasn't a single thing in this world more beautiful than Sedona in this moment.

"Well." She reached for his tie, straightening it unnecessarily, just to have a reason to touch him. "You got me all dressed up. Where we goin', Duckworth?" 

His gaze dipped, flickering over her figure-hugging dress before meeting her eyes again. "You'll see." 

—

If there was one thing Kendrick loved, it was seeing Sedona happy.  Sure he wasn't always the type to be so open with his feelings—found the idea almost impossible but when it came to Sedona, she made the idea of being open, feel normal.

And right now, watching her take in the intimate setup of the private dining room—dimly lit with candles, a table set for two, soft music humming in the background—he knew he did this right. 

She ran her fingers along the tablecloth before looking at him, a slow smile stretching across her lips. "This is beautiful, Ken." 

He pulled out her chair for her, nodding toward the seat. "Only the best for you." 

Dinner was slow, intentional. Every course was handcrafted, and every sip of wine seemed to pull them deeper into conversation. They talked about everything and nothing at all—the tour, childhood memories, the idea of forever.

And when Kendrick finally reached into his pocket, pulling out a small, velvet box, Sedona's breath hitched. 

He smirked, enjoying the way her eyes widened. "Relax, it ain't that." Yet.

She exhaled a laugh. "You play too much, Ken."

Inside the box was a delicate bracelet—gold, with tiny diamonds set in a pattern that resembled constellations. 

"Stars," He murmured, fastening it around her wrist. "Like you."

Sedona stared at it, touched beyond words. 

"Kendrick..." 

"You deserve everything. Just let me give it to you."

She swallowed thickly before leaning in, pressing a lingering kiss to his lips. 

"Thank you."

—

The night should've ended there. 

It should've ended with them retreating to their suites, full of good food, good wine, and the quiet hum of intimacy that clung to the air between them. 

But Sedona had one more surprise. 

She laced her fingers with Kendrick's as they stepped out of the restaurant. "Come with me."

"Where?" He asked, but let her lead him toward the waiting car. 

"Just trust me."

—

The venue was small, intimate, and entirely theirs for the night. The stage lights cast a soft glow over the empty space, adding to the exclusivity of the moment. 

Kendrick's brows pulled together as he glanced around, suspicion creeping into his expression. "What is this?" 

Sedona only smiled, her excitement barely contained. Before she could answer, the lights dimmed, and the unmistakable beat of a classic track filled the air. Kendrick's head snapped toward the stage, his entire demeanor shifting from curiosity to something unreadable. 

And then, stepping into the spotlight, mic in hand, was none other than the legend himself—Nas. 

"Yo, what's good, Kendrick?" Nas greeted smoothly, nodding toward him. "You got a real one right here." 

Kendrick turned to Sedona, his lips parting slightly, but no words came out. His eyes flickered between her and the stage, disbelief etched all over his face. 

"Happy Valentine's Day, baby," She whispered, leaning up to press a soft kiss to his cheek. 

The opening chords of The World Is Yours kicked in, and for a moment, Kendrick just stood there, shaking his head, his boyish grin breaking through as he exhaled a small, amazed laugh. 

"You really did this?" 

"Of course," Sedona said, tucking herself into his side, her heart swelling at the pure joy on his face. "Only the best for you, baby." 

Nas' smooth flow filled the room, his voice effortlessly commanding the space, and before long, Kendrick found himself rapping along, his energy magnetic. 

Sedona watched him, her eyes half-lidded with admiration. Seeing him like this—unguarded, completely in his element—made her fall for him all over again. 

Sedona didn't think she could top the moment—watching Kendrick, his face lit up like a kid in a candy store, completely immersed as Nas performed just for them. She had seen him in many different moods, but this? This was something special.

And when he felt her gaze on him, he turned, shaking his head with a smirk. "You just full of surprises, huh?" 

She laughed, swaying against him. "You ain't the only one that can be thoughtful, Kenny." 

His arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her even closer. "This shit crazy," He muttered, almost to himself. 

The music kept flowing, and when Nas transitioned into One Mic, the nostalgia in Kendrick's eyes was undeniable. Sedona found herself rapping along softly, her voice blending into the moment. 

"You really know all the words?" Kendrick teased, watching her intently. 

"Boy, I been listenin' to Nas since I was a kid," she shot back playfully. "Don't play me." 

Kendrick chuckled, his gaze lingering as if he were seeing her for the first time. The way the soft lighting hit her skin, the way she moved so effortlessly to the music, the way her perfume—warm vanilla with almond notes—wrapped around him like a trance. 

Kendrick knew how to keep things close to his chest, but right now, she could feel how much this meant to him. It was in the way he held her a little tighter as the performance continued, the way his fingers absentmindedly traced patterns on her waist, the way he kept stealing glances at her like she had just hung the stars in the sky.

And the way his voice was just a little gruff when he murmured against her ear, "You outdid yourself."

She smirked, tilting her head up at him. "I try."

He huffed a small laugh but didn't take his eyes off her. "This shit is still crazy."

Sedona caught him staring. "What?" 

He shook his head slowly, that smirk still tugging at the corner of his lips. "Nothin'. Just... you somethin' else." 

She arched a brow. "Good somethin' else or bad?" 

He didn't answer right away. Instead, he leaned down, his lips brushing against her temple. "The best." 

Her chest tightened at that, but before she could dwell too much on it, Nas' voice broke through the moment. 

"Damn, y'all really in love, huh?" He mused, grinning mid-verse. "That's beautiful to see." 

Sedona laughed, feeling Kendrick's smirk against her skin before he pressed a lingering kiss to the corner of her mouth. 

"Yeah," He murmured, locking eyes with her. "We ain't goin' nowhere."

"But thank you for this," Kendrick murmured, his lips brushing against her temple. "For real."

Sedona turned in his arms, looking up at him. "I wanted to do somethin' that mattered, the way you did for me. And I know how much Nas meant to you growing up."She paused, pressing a hand against his chest. "So... Happy Valentine's Day, baby."

Kendrick exhaled slowly, shaking his head before pulling her into a deep, lingering kiss. It wasn't rushed or feverish, just real—a silent exchange of gratitude, admiration, and everything they had yet to say.

The energy in the room was unreal. Just Sedona, Kendrick, and one of hip-hop's greatest, creating a memory that felt like something out of a dream.

Kendrick kept rapping along, his voice weaving effortlessly into Nas' verses, the rhythm ingrained in him like second nature. Sedona swayed beside him, mouthing the words, watching the love of her life be completely immersed in the music that shaped him.

She could see it—how much this moment meant to him. The way his eyes stayed locked on the stage, absorbing every word, the way his grip on her waist tightened like he was grounding himself in the moment, the way his lips curled up in that rare, genuine smile that she lived for.

When Nas transitioned into If I Ruled the World, Sedona was the first to catch Kendrick's quiet chuckle, shaking his head like he couldn't believe this was real.

"Damn," He muttered under his breath, eyes flicking over to her, full of something deeper than just gratitude.

She nudged him playfully. "You gon' keep lookin' at me like that or enjoy the show?"

Kendrick smirked, pulling her closer. "I can do both."

Sedona rolled her eyes, but she couldn't hide the warmth spreading through her.

The song came to a smooth close, and as the final notes faded out, Nas dapped up the DJ and stepped off the stage, walking straight toward them with that signature cool demeanor.

Kendrick shook his head, still trying to process. "Man, this... this is crazy."

Nas grinned, slapping his palm in a firm handshake before pulling him into a one-arm hug. "That's love right there," He said, nodding toward Sedona.

Kendrick turned to her, shaking his head in disbelief. "I had no idea."

Nas chuckled. "Yeah, 'cause she hit me up, said what was up, and we made it happen." He turned to Sedona, nodding approvingly. "You got a good woman right here."

Sedona smirked, arms crossing. "Oh, he know."

Kendrick ran a hand over his beard, exhaling like he was still letting it sink in. "I'm sayin', though." He turned to Nas. "This some full-circle type shit right here."

Nas nodded, his expression turning reflective. "That's how it's supposed to be. Elevation. You got your own legacy now, too."

Kendrick dipped his head, taking that in. "Real talk, man. I appreciate this more than you know."

Nas clapped him on the shoulder. "It's all love, bro. And Sedona?" He turned to her, a small smirk playing on his lips. "You set the bar high with this one."

Sedona grinned. "Only the best for my man."

Kendrick slid an arm around her waist, pulling her in. "Yeah, I see that now." He pressed a slow kiss to her temple, murmuring just for her, "You really got me, huh?"

She tilted her head up at him, eyes shining. "Always."

And in that moment, with Nas standing there, with the echoes of legendary music still in the air, Kendrick realized—this was more than just a surprise. This was the blooming feeling of love, in every form.

—

By the time the private performance wrapped up, Sedona was glowing from the inside out.

Kendrick didn't let go of her hand as they left, fingers still laced together as their driver took them back to the hotel.

"Tonight was perfect," She murmured, resting her head against his shoulder in the car.

"Because of you," He replied simply.

She smirked. "Nah, we both did that."

Kendrick barely had time to react before Sedona turned toward him, eyes gleaming with mischief. She was feeling herself, feeling him, feeling the night, feeling the half empty bottle of rose, and she had no intention of holding back.

With a wicked little grin, she climbed into his lap right there in the sprinter, straddling him with ease.

"Oh, so we just—" Kendrick started, but his words cut off when she pressed a slow, deliberate kiss to his cheek.

Then another.

And another.

Each time, the red of her lipstick left its mark, and she didn't stop there. She trailed her way to the corner of his lips, then finally kissed him full on, lingering just enough to make his breath hitch.

Kendrick exhaled a laugh, gripping her waist instinctively. "Sedona—"

"Shhh," She hushed him playfully, pressing a finger to his lips before diving right back in, covering every inch of his jawline with soft, messy kisses.

Kendrick could only shake his head, a smirk tugging at his lips as he let her do what she wanted. He wasn't about to stop her—not when she was looking this damn happy.

And then, as if the night couldn't get any more ridiculous, Sedona suddenly threw her hands up, belting out the opening lines to Drunk in Love at the top of her lungs.

"I've been drinkin'! I've been drinkin'!"

Kendrick leaned his head back, groaning in amusement as she went full Beyoncé, swaying in his lap, body rolling with the rhythm only she could hear.

"I get filthy when that liquor get into me—" She pointed at him with a teasing smirk. "I been thinkin', why can't I keep my fingers off you, baby?"

Kendrick barked out a laugh, shaking his head. "Oh, you wildin' wildin'."

But Sedona didn't care. She grabbed his hands, making him follow her movements, still singing at the top of her lungs, completely lost in the moment.

Kendrick just sat back, watching her with pure amusement, letting her enjoy herself. She was lit, she was happy, and above all—she was his.

And honestly? He wouldn't have it any other way.

Kendrick tilted his head back against the seat, shaking it with a knowing smirk as Sedona kept going, her voice filling up the sprinter like they were at a private concert.

"We be all niiiiight—" she dragged the note out, swaying in his lap, hands pressed to his chest for balance.

He chuckled, gripping her waist just enough to steady her. "A'ight, superstar, you done?"

She gasped dramatically, placing a hand over her heart. "Done? Baby, I just got started—"

Kendrick gave her a look, eyes full of humor but laced with that same teasing authority he always had. "Uh huh. You actin' real bold right now. But don't forget—we still got that three-month rule in place."

Sedona's lips curled into a slow, mischievous grin, eyes glinting with pure trouble. "Mmm... actually, I been thinkin' bout that."

Kendrick lifted a brow. "Yeah?"

She leaned in closer, her lips brushing against his ear as she whispered, "It's on a temporary pause until tomorrow."

Then, just to really test him, she leaned back and belted out the next line—loud and clear, completely off-key just to be annoying.

"WE BE ALL NIGHT LOOOOVEEEEEE!"

Kendrick groaned, throwing his head back with a laugh as she collapsed against him, giggling uncontrollably. "Yo, you really somethin' else."

"And you love it."

He sighed dramatically, rubbing a hand down his face before glancing down at her. "Unfortunately."

Sedona smacked his chest playfully before kissing him again, right on the lips, her arms looping around his neck. "Good. 'Cause you stuck with me."

Kendrick smirked, gripping her a little tighter. "Yeah... I know."

—

When they arrived back at the hotel, the energy between them was thick—something unspoken lingering in the air.

They stepped off the elevator, walking in silence down the hall. Their suites were right next to each other, but neither of them seemed ready to end the night just yet.

Kendrick turned to face her, eyes scanning her features like he was memorizing her all over again. "You look too damn good tonight."

Sedona arched a brow, teasing. "Only tonight?"

"You always do." His voice was lower now, something deeper in it that made her stomach flip.

She reached for the lapels of his jacket, smoothing them out even though they were already perfect. "And you clean up real nice, Kenny."

They stood there for a long moment, the hallway quiet except for their breathing.

"You wanna come in?" She asked softly, not breaking eye contact.

Kendrick hesitated, just for a second, before running his tongue over his bottom lip and exhaling. "Nah, D. Not tonight."

Sedona blinked, caught off guard. "Oh?"

He chuckled, tilting her chin up with his finger. "Not 'cause I don't want to... but 'cause I wanna let this night be what it is. Just perfect."

Something about that—about his restraint, about how much he cared to preserve the moment—made her fall for him even more.

"That's cute," She murmured, smiling.

He rolled his eyes playfully. "Here you go again."

She laughed softly, stepping onto her toes to kiss him again—this time slow, deliberate, like she wanted to leave an imprint of herself on his lips.

When she finally pulled away, she rested her forehead against his, eyes fluttering shut. "Goodnight, Kendrick."

"Goodnight, Sedona."

With one last lingering glance, they finally separated, slipping into their respective suites.

And as Sedona closed the door behind her, she leaned against it, her fingers tracing the bracelet on her wrist, her heart still racing from everything the night had given her.

Yeah.

This was starting to feel like love.

And it was real.

Sedona exhaled as she lay back against her bed, staring up at the ceiling.

Tomorrow, everything would continue—work, life, all of it.

But tonight? Tonight was theirs.

—

©kashdemi
Volume I- Redamancy.
Chapter Forty-four.
— ０２／０７／２５
———————

They're falling in love eeheheheheheh. Get you somebody that'll do this. Was this chapter cute or what?

HAPPY BLACK HISTORY MONTH TO ALL MY BLACK PEOPLE!!!!!!

Thoughts on the chapter? Thoughts on their growing relationship? And what do you expect for the next one?

Stay tuned for the next chapter, & til next time!
-shea