14.

The hum of the 3D printer filled the garage, a steady, almost soothing sound that blended with Zee's racing thoughts. The docks meeting had gone better than she'd expected, and now, as the first few switches for her new partner printed out, she felt a surge of excitement—and fear. She was moving into dangerous territory, a place where trust was nothing more than a word, and everyone was out for themselves.

The man she'd met was powerful, that much was clear. He wasn't just another hustler on the street. He had resources, connections, and the kind of control that people like K-Boss only dreamed of. But he was also dangerous, and Zee knew that one wrong move could end this new alliance before it even began.

Her phone buzzed, pulling her out of her thoughts. She glanced at the screen and felt her stomach tighten. It was Breezy.

Breezy: "Need to talk. Now."

Zee clenched her jaw, the excitement she'd felt a moment ago quickly giving way to dread. Breezy had been circling her, watching her every move, waiting for any excuse to take her out. And now he was reaching out? That could only mean one thing—he suspected something.

She took a steadying breath, forcing herself to stay calm. She couldn't afford to slip up now, not when she was so close to breaking free. Whatever Breezy wanted, she'd handle it. She had to.

She texted back a quick reply: Zee: "Meet me at the spot in 10."

Shoving her phone into her pocket, Zee moved quickly, gathering up the freshly printed switches and stashing them in a hidden compartment in the back of the garage. She'd already set up a system to keep the switches and the cash separate from the rest of her stash, just in case. If Breezy tried to pull something, she'd have plausible deniability. But she knew it wouldn't be that easy. Breezy was smart, and if he wanted to, he'd find a way to pin her down.

Ten minutes later, she was back at the rundown alley where they'd last met. Breezy was there, leaning against the wall, his arms crossed over his chest, his gaze cold and piercing. He didn't smile, didn't greet her. He just watched her approach, his expression unreadable.

"What's this about, Breezy?" Zee asked, keeping her tone casual, like this was just another one of their usual run-ins.

Breezy didn't respond right away. He just stared at her, his gaze hard and unblinking. Finally, he pushed off the wall, taking a slow step toward her.

"I got a question for you, Zee," he said, his voice low and dangerous. "And I want you to be real with me. No games."

Zee's heart pounded, but she kept her face blank. "Alright. What's on your mind?"

Breezy took another step closer, his eyes narrowing. "Where you been getting all this extra cash?"

The question hit her like a punch to the gut, but she didn't flinch. She'd been careful, kept her operations separate, hidden. But Breezy's suspicions had caught up with her, and now she was standing in the crosshairs.

"Just been hustling," she said, keeping her voice steady. "You know how it is. Gotta stay busy."

Breezy smirked, but there was no warmth in it. "Yeah, I know how it is. Thing is, K-Boss don't like surprises. And lately? You been full of 'em."

Zee felt her hand drift toward her waistband, her fingers brushing the Glock hidden beneath her jacket. She wasn't planning on using it, not unless she had to. But with Breezy, it was always smart to be prepared.

"I'm doing my job," she said, her voice cold. "Ain't nothing for K-Boss to worry about."

Breezy took another step closer, his face inches from hers now. "You sure about that? 'Cause if I find out you've been holding out on us, Zee… there won't be no coming back."

The threat hung in the air, thick and heavy. Zee could feel the tension between them, feel the weight of Breezy's suspicion pressing down on her. She knew he was looking for an excuse, any excuse, to take her out. But she couldn't let him see her fear.

"I'm loyal, Breezy," she said, her voice steady. "You know that."

Breezy stared at her for a long moment, his gaze searching. Finally, he nodded, but the doubt didn't fade from his eyes.

"Alright, Zee," he said, stepping back. "But I'm watching you. And if I catch even a hint of you slipping…" He let the threat trail off, the meaning clear.

Zee nodded, forcing herself to stay calm. "You don't gotta worry about me."

Breezy didn't respond. He just gave her one last, hard look before turning and disappearing into the shadows, leaving her alone in the alley.

As soon as he was gone, Zee let out a shaky breath, her hands trembling. She'd held her ground, but she knew this was only the beginning. Breezy was on her trail, and it was only a matter of time before he found something. She needed to stay ahead, keep moving, keep one step ahead of him.

But she couldn't do it alone.

That night, as she sat in her garage, surrounded by the hum of the 3D printer and the scattered remnants of her operation, she pulled out her phone and dialed a number she hadn't expected to call so soon. The phone rang, each ring stretching out, the silence pressing down on her until finally, a voice answered.

"Yeah?"

"It's Zee," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "We need to meet."

There was a pause, and then the low, familiar voice on the other end spoke. "The docks. Midnight. Don't be late."

The line went dead, and Zee slipped her phone back into her pocket, her mind racing. She was walking a thin line, balancing between loyalty to K-Boss and her own survival. She couldn't trust Breezy, and she couldn't let K-Boss find out about her side hustle. But she had an opportunity here, a chance to make a move that could change everything.

Midnight came quickly, the hours slipping away in a blur of tense preparations. By the time she reached the docks, her nerves were frayed, her mind racing with every possible scenario. She'd packed a few switches, just in case, tucked them into a small bag that rested at her side.

The man was already there, standing by the water with his hands in his pockets, his posture relaxed but alert. He turned as she approached, his gaze cool and assessing.

"Wasn't expecting to hear from you so soon," he said, his voice smooth and confident.

Zee kept her expression neutral. "Things changed."

He nodded, a small smirk playing at the corners of his mouth. "I figured they would. So, what's on your mind?"

Zee took a deep breath, steadying herself. "I need protection. Breezy's onto me, and if he finds out about this… it's over."

The man's gaze sharpened, his smirk fading. "And what do you expect me to do about it?"

Zee held his gaze, her voice steady. "I need someone to back me up. Someone with the power to keep K-Boss and Breezy off my back."

The man studied her for a long moment, his expression unreadable. "Protection comes with a price, Zee. You willing to pay it?"

She nodded, feeling a surge of determination. "I'm all in. Whatever it takes."

He considered her words, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Alright. But if you're in, you're in all the way. No backing out. No second thoughts."

Zee nodded, the weight of her decision settling over her. She'd chosen her path, and there was no turning back now.

"Good," he said, his tone satisfied. "Then let's get to work."