₦airaland Forum

Ohibenemma:
OK... Eagerly anticipating the next update.
Darous would be a fool to fall into any form of temptation with Toyosi...not when he had been so forewarned already

and to be forewarned is to be forearmed

Continuation of episode 26.


Toyosi was standing there.
Dressed in a thin, sleeveless top that barely covered her, her skin glowing faintly under the dim bulb in the hallway. Her eyes were dark, smoky, and dangerous as they locked onto mine.

“What are you doing here?” I managed to ask.

She bit her lip and stepped closer. “I told you I do crazy things when I’m scared,” she whispered.

Before I could respond, she pressed her palms to my chest and pushed me back — gentle, but firm enough to make me stumble onto the bed. Then she climbed over me, her breath warm against my neck.

Her lips found mine — hungry, desperate and tense. She rocked her crotch against the eight inches dick given to me from birth. I could feel her juices dripping onto my dick and down to my balls.

"Wait… wait," I whispered, my voice shaking.

"No more waiting. We’re doing this," she said, breathing hard as she kissed me with fierce energy.

"Toyo… Toyosi… we can’t," I stammered, trying to find the right words.

"Says who?" she laughed softly, her tone playful but firm.

I was still searching for an answer when she moved her lips first to my neck, then to my nip*ples, her touch sending a rush of feelings through me that made it hard to think straight.

Damn it!” I gasped when her warm mouth found my bazooka. Her lips moved with slow, teasing circles around it while her nails played gently on my balls. Her touch was soft and sharp at the same time. The mix of sensations made my thoughts scatter, leaving me on the Y-junction of Resistance and Surrender. . I did a very quick recitation of 'bugle born bugle born, how many bugle born do you want' in my head. The result favoured Surrender, so I pulled her face back to mine and pressed a deep kiss onto her lips. I could taste my own pre-cum on her lips. The kiss grew fierce, our mouths clashing with urgency, as if neither of us wanted to let go.

I then grabbed her soft a*ss and moved it fast around my dick that was resting against her wet vagina lips.

The kiss deepened, turned wild. Her hands moved fast, sliding over my skin. My heart pounded so loud it drowned out every other reason.

I shifted my hand up from her a*ss and grabbed her waist as she pressed her body against mine, her soft moans mixing with the sound of our heavy breathing. She straddled me, her hair falling like dark curtains around our faces. My hands trailed her back as her fingers reached down — searching for my dick.

She jerked her body up a little bit and just as she was about to lower herself onto my full eight inches,
the door burst open.

We both froze.

Standing there, in the doorway, was Tiffany.

Her eyes — wide, red, and trembling — darted between us. The silence was deafening before it shattered with her scream.

“No!”

She turned around and bolted out of the room.

“Shit!” I cursed, pushing Toyosi off me. “What the hell have you done?”

Toyosi smirked through her tangled hair. “Mission accomplished,” she whispered, her voice dripping with twisted satisfaction.

I barely had time to process what she meant before I saw movement at the door again.

Tiffany was back.

But this time, her face was something else — pale, furious, and broken. In her hand gleamed a butter knife, trembling under the light.

“Wait—Tiffany, no—!”

Before I could move, she lunged.
The knife plunged deep into Toyosi’s stomach.

The sound — that sickening thud — tore through the room.

Toyosi gasped, her eyes wide with disbelief as blood soaked her thin top. She crumpled to the floor, clutching her belly.

“Tiff…” My voice cracked. “Oh my God—what have you done—”

But Tiffany didn’t stop. Her hand shook as she yanked the knife out, the blade dripping with blood. Then she turned to me.

Her chest heaved. Tears streamed down her face, but her eyes — her eyes burned like fire.

“You! Just a few hours without me and you are already fvcking my friend..” she hissed, voice breaking. “You this son of a b*tch!”

She raised the knife—high, shaking, ready to strike—

And then—

I woke up.

Sweat covered my whole body. My chest was rising and falling fast, like I’d just finished running.

I looked at the wall clock — it was 5:55 a.m.

“Who carry blue film enter my dream na?” I muttered to myself.
But the next sound that followed was a sudden, loud knock on the door.

I froze, confused. “Who’s there?” I asked.

“It’s me, Toyosi…” came the soft reply.

And who says dreams don’t come true?



To be continued... Sorry for the delay my guys. Just been busy this week o. Edakun 🙏

Episode 26 - Scared And Crazy Things.


Detective Kalu was smiling as he drove away from the cemetery, the wheels of his car cutting through the quiet road. The air was heavy, yet inside him, there was a strange lightness. The burial had gone smoothly — maybe too smoothly. Everything had worked exactly as he wanted. Even better.

He had come to the cemetery with only one plan: push Darous until he snapped.
Make him angry enough to do something stupid — anything at all— that would give Kalu the right to arrest him. Then, once Darous was locked up, he’d break him down and make him talk. Whichever means necessary. Desperate times calls for desperate measures.

He didn’t need to destroy the whole Circle at once. He only needs just one name. One single important name from the deadly organisation— that’s all he needed to follow the trail again. Every lead he had before had gone cold. Every informant dead or missing. Now, with a child on the way, he had no choice but to take the risk. Desperate times calls for desperate measures they say.

He glanced at the rearview mirror. Tiffany sat in the back seat, her face pale but calm, her left wrist cuffed to the headrest of the seat in front of her. She was staring out the window, lost in deep thought

Kalu smirked, his eyes fixed on the road. “Hey, lady,” he said, voice calm but cold. “Do you even understand the gravity of what you just did?”

He waited for a reply, but Tiffany said nothing.

“Alright then,” he continued, his tone raised a bit. “How long you stay in custody depends on your boyfriend. If he gives me what I want, you’ll be out before you know it. But if he decides to play smart…”

He hesitated for a moment. “I swear on my daughter’s life—”
He froze. He had just revealed too much. Quickly, he forced a laugh and corrected himself. “—I mean, on the life of my late father, I’ll make sure you spend a good part of your youth behind bars.”

Tiffany didn’t even flinch. She just glared at him through the mirror.

Kalu turned slightly in his seat. “You hear me?”

“I’m invoking my right to remain silent,” she said flatly.

Kalu’s lips twitched into a small grin. “So that’s how you want to play it? By the books, huh? Alright then. I just hope your boyfriend values your freedom more than his secrets.”

For a while, silence filled the car — just the sound of the engine humming and the road stretching endlessly ahead. Tiffany’s mind was far away, turning over the detective’s words like puzzle pieces.

Then, without warning, she said quickly, “Forget it. What exactly do you want from my boyfriend? Why are you so obsessed with him? You keep showing up, threatening him like he’s some wanted terrorist. What did he even do?”

Kalu’s eyes flicked to the mirror again. “You want the truth?”

“I want the truth,” she said, her tone sharp. “Because I hate police officers like you. Always thinking you’re smarter than everyone else. There are real criminals out there, but you choose to harass an innocent man. My boyfriend is a bricklayer — a hardworking man. You should be ashamed of yourself.”

Kalu chuckled softly. “A bricklayer, huh?”

“Yes. A bricklayer. And a damn good one at that.”

He nodded slowly, his eyes darkening. “A bricklayer that rented a G-Wagon for four hundred thousand naira, for only a day oooo. A bricklayer that uses a Rolex watch? A bricklayer that gave his friend a burial worth more than most people’s weddings. Tell me, Tiffany—how many bricklayers do you know can afford to rent a car like that for a day?”

Tiffany hesitated. “I told you I gave him some money—”

"Some money uh? You better start looking out for yourself..."

"Meaning what?"

"Meaning you should stop aiding and abbeting a criminal."

"He's not a criminal!" She fired. "He's got people in his life. Aside me, he's got some important people in his life too."

He cut in sharply. “Exactly. Some important people. Important people from them.”

She frowned. “Them? Who are you talking about?”

"Nothing.."

"Oh... I see, I see whats at play here, you are just jealous."

Kalu leaned back, his grin thin and cold. “Jealous? No, Miss. This isn’t about jealousy. It’s about stopping something dangerous. Your boyfriend isn’t just a lucky bricklayer. He’s part of something bigger. Something dark.”

Tiffany’s jaw tightened. “You’re lying.”

He turned his full face toward her in the mirror, his eyes locking with hers. “You think I’m lying? Ask yourself this — how much do you really know about him?”

The question hung in the air like smoke.

And for the first time, Tiffany couldn’t answer. Her heart began to pound. Her mind went back — to the day she met Darous at the resort. The simple, charming guy who made her laugh when everyone else bored her. The one who talked about life like it was a joke. The same man who showed up at Mrs. Adeoye’s party in a G-Wagon and later said he had rented it.

At the time, she believed him but still got furious that he wasted his money on something so useless as renting a vehicle just for show off. The car, the swagger, the confidence — it all seemed harmless. Then came the strange way he had asked her to finance Baba T's burial. She had thought maybe perhaps he only wanted to give his friend a befiting burial. She had gladly agreed to sponsor it because she could afford it fifty times over. But now, this.

"You know your boyfriend belongs to an organisation?" Kalu's voice cut through her thoughts.

She turned back to Kalu, her voice low. “What organisation are you talking about?”

Kalu smiled — a slow, victorious smile.

“Now,” he said softly, “I'm also invoking my rights to remain silent till further notice.” He said with a smile, mocking her earlier statement.

******


The cemetery had gone a little bit quiet compared to an hour ago. Most of the mourners were already leaving, and only a few people remained—funeral organisers, gravediggers, and some neighbours finishing the last bottles of malt and beer. The sky was already turning orange when I rushed toward Toyosi and Kenny, who were standing near the tent, arguing about how to share drinks. Slow music was still playing out of the large bluetooth speaker under the tent.

“Toyosi! Kenny!” I shouted. My voice came out cracked.

They both turned sharply. Toyosi’s face brightened for a moment—until she saw the look in my eyes.

“What happened?” she asked.

I could barely breathe. “ Tiffany has been arrested”

Her mouth fell open. “What? Who arrested her?”

“Detective Kalu,” I said. “ She’s in his custody now.”

For a moment, Toyosi just stood there, frozen. Then she dropped the bottle of malt in her hand—it shattered on the floor. “Jesus Christ! This is a disaster!”

“Toyosi calm down,” Kenny said, but she wouldn’t stop.

“No, no, no… this is bad. This is really bad,” she said, clutching her head. “A burial and an arrest on the same day? This is not good!”

Kenny was quiet. I pulled him aside and whispered, “Bro, I didn’t intend for it to end like this. I only told you to text him so he could be here to see how everything went and not to come and arrest anyone. I just want to send him on a wild goose chase in case he was planning something funny.”

Kenny sighed deeply. “I know. I know, bro. But what’s done is done. You need to go to the station now. Be with Tiffany. Let me and Toyosi handle everything here.”

I nodded weakly and went to Toyosi who was still lamenting under her breath .“I’ll need the car, I'm going to the station.”

“Alright.” Toyosi said quickly. “I’ll follow you. We’ll go together.”

"Alright. Let's go."

We left the cemetery in the black GLE, speeding down the dusty road while the funeral songs faded behind us. I could still see Baba T’s grave in the side mirror, freshly covered, flowers scattered around it.

The drive felt like it would never end. Toyosi was on her phone the whole time, calling everyone she could—her lawyer friend, a customer who knew someone in the police, even the man who once helped her cousin when SARS officers arrested him.

But every call ended the same way—with disappointment.

“They said the case is serious,” Toyosi finally said, dropping her phone on her lap. “Assaulting a police officer, Darous. That’s one year minimum, even with a good lawyer.”

I gripped the steering wheel so tight my knuckles went white. “But she didn’t assault him. He’s the one harassing us.”

“They don’t care,” she said. “Once it’s a police matter, they’ll twist the story.”

We reached the station around 5 p.m. Two policemen sat lazily at the counter; one was eating suya while the other picked his teeth and argued about the Blord and VeryDarkMan iPhone 17 wahala. They were busy talking about how Ratels might be the ones who caused Blord’s Instagram account to get deactivated.

“Good evening, officer,” Toyosi started, her voice polite but tense. “We’re here to see a lady that was just brought in by Detective Kalu—Tiffany.”

The corporal at the counter barely looked up. “No visitation today. Come back tomorrow.”

“But officer, please—”

“I said no visitation!” he barked. “Una think say this place na hotel? Go and wait outside, you are not my friend, MY FRIEND!”

Toyosi looked like she wanted to scream, but I held her arm. “Let’s just wait,” I whispered.

By 7:15 p.m., a black Toyota Corolla stopped in front of the station. A tall, confident woman stepped out. Toyosi recognized her right away—Tiffany’s lawyer. She wore a neat navy blue suit and carried a small leather file.

“Madam T,” she greeted as she and Toyosi exchanged a quick hug.

Then she turned to me. “Mr. Darous, right?”

“Yes, ma'am,” I said, quickly standing up.

She gave a short nod. “I’m Barrister Uche. I’ve spoken with Detective Kalu and the officers in charge. I’ll handle this. You two should go home. There’s no need to stay here tonight.”

Toyosi frowned. “Go home? But she’s still inside!”

“I understand,” the lawyer said calmly. “But trust me, there’s no cause for alarm. I’ll make sure nothing happens to her tonight. You’ll hear from me once I have more information on the case.”
She smiled faintly.

Toyosi and I walked back to the car, but I kept looking back at the station's entrance door. Tiffany was inside — alone, probably scared, maybe crying. She could be regretting ever meeting me. I hadn’t really given her much since we met, and now she’s paying the price for being with me.

My hands went tight into my fists. “I’ll get her out,” I said under my breath.

****

The moment we stepped in, the house felt strange—like it had been waiting for bad news. Even the lights seemed dimmer than usual.
I dropped the car keys on the table and slumped into the couch, running both hands over my face. My head was pounding. I still couldn’t wrap my mind around how the day had turned from burying a friend… to watching my girlfriend getting dragged away by a police officer.

Toyosi disappeared into her room without a word. I sat there for a long while, just staring at the floor, whispering under my breath.
“How did everything go so bad in one single day? Oh bloody god of thunder.. that's your daughter-in-law... For god's sake.”

The ticking wall clock was the only reply I got.

After some minutes, Toyosi walked back into the sitting room. She had changed out of her black funeral gown into something softer. A loose silk top that hung low on her shoulders, and shorts so small they almost made my dick twitch. Her hair was down, her skin glowing faintly under the lights.

For a second, I just blinked at her, confused. Why would she dress like this after a day like this?

But I pushed the thought aside quickly. This wasn’t the time to read meanings into anything.

“Toyosi,” I said quietly as she settled down on the sofa across me. “thank you… for everything today. For helping out with the burial, the people, the drinks… you made sure Baba T’s farewell wasn’t a total mess. I really appreciate it.”

She waved her hand lightly. “Don’t mention jare. You’re like a brother to me already. It's the least we could do.”

I nodded slowly. “Still, I’m grateful.”

"It's nothing. It's just that, I'm ...I'm just... scared right now." Her eyes carried a kind of fear I couldn’t fully describe at that moment.

"Scared? What’s scaring you?" I asked softly.

"The whole thing... it’s scaring me. And whenever I’m scared, I do crazy things," she said, her voice almost breaking.

"Wait… crazy things like what? I don’t understand."

She stood up from her seat and moved closer, sitting beside me—close enough for me to smell her perfume. It was soft, like coconut mixed with something sweeter. For a moment, silence filled the room.

"Darous..." she said quietly. "You need to help me out."

My mind started racing. The corner of my eyes caught her breasts—those round, firm, nippling-dangerous-iPhone17-blord-phynalistic-reginal-divorsitic breasts. Wait… what nonsense did I just say? Well, that’s just to show you how much effect those breasts had on me at that moment.

And as if that wasn’t bad enough, she then placed her hand gently on my shoulder.

"Ermm..." I tried to talk, but my voice suddenly got stuck. This is cake wrapped in a snare. Eat and die.

"There’s something I really need to tell you." She said after a brief seconds of silence. "Especially now that it’s just you and me in this house," Toyosi said but I couldn't look in her direction.

"Oooookay… what is it?" I asked, half-curious and kind of nervous at the same time.

"You know, there’s—" she began, but her words were cut off by the loud ring of my phone.
The sound filled the quiet house like an alarm.

I quickly pulled it out of my pocket, hoping it was Tiffany or the lawyer. But when I looked at the screen, it was Kenny. I sighed—disappointed, but not annoyed.

"Excuse me, I need to take this," I said, and Toyosi slowly took her hand off my shoulder.

"Hello?" I answered.

"How far bro, ah don reach house," Kenny said.

"House? Which house?" I asked.

"My own house nah," he replied. "Burial don finish, so I no see reason to stay for Toyosi’s place again."

I was quiet for a second. “True,” I said softly.

"How's the whole Tiffany matter? You still dey police station?" He asked.

I explained everything to him—how we went there, met the officers, and waited for hours until her lawyer arrived and told us to go home.

"I just blame myself for everything," I said finally.

“You don start again guy, blaming yourself for everything wrong in the world. don’t do that abeg.” he replied.

"What do you mean, K? It’s my fault she’s in that cell. I should’ve handled that man better," I said, lowering my voice so Toyosi wouldn’t hear too much.

"Bro, just calm down. Don’t beat yourself up. I know you—small time now you go start planning one Michael Scott move to break her out of that cell. Just relax. Her lawyer go handle am." he said.

"Okay bro..."

" Alright na..we go hook later."

" No lele na, maybe when all this is over, I’ll get a new apartment ganself. These ladies have really tried for me," I said.

"That’s good. But no forget your promise o. I don help you with your Detective stuff, so now you go help me too. No allow sapa wound me abeg," he said, laughing.

I smiled a bit. "No wahala. Let this storm pass first."

"Alright bro, I trust you," he said.

We said our goodbyes, and I dropped the phone.

Toyosi had been watching me the whole time. “You want to move out?” she asked.

“Yeah. I think it’s time,” I said. “But not until Tiffany is released. I’ll sort things out after.”

She leaned back on the couch and crossed her legs. “You can stay here for as long as you want,” she said softly. “You’re my friend’s man. I owe it to her to make sure you’re okay… until she comes back home.”

"Okay, thanks. So what's that thing you wanted to tell me?" I asked.

Then she leaned closer and gave me a gentle peck on the cheek. Her lips were warm. It was… unsual and definitely spiritual in 9ice's voice.

Before I could even react to what she just did, she stood up and walked slowly toward the kitchen, swaying slightly. “What will you eat?” she asked, glancing back at me with a half-smile.

I shook my head. “Nothing. I’m not hungry.”

“Hmm,” she hummed. “Okay then.” And she disappeared into the kitchen.

I sank deeper into the couch. I couldn’t eat even if I tried. My chest felt like a stone was sitting on it. The image of Tiffany in handcuffs wouldn’t leave my mind.

One by one, the memories began to play—like an old film I couldn’t stop watching.

The first day I met her at the resort. How she smiled when I walked up to her, pretending to be confident even though my heart was pounding like mad. The party at Mrs Adeoye’s mansion—her laughter, her swagger, the way she made heads turn with her presence, the way she held my hand and made me feel like I finally belonged somewhere.

Then later that night inside the room given to us by Mrs Adeoye . The MouthAction. How close we got to having our first sexual intercourse.
That reminds me, she had promised that our first time would be magical —tonight.
"Ah...fvck."
I muttered under my breath.

I sighed deeply and leaned back, staring at the ceiling.

All I could think of was Tiffany.
And how I was going to get her back

That night, sleep refused to come.
I kept calling her lawyer; no answer. I sent message after message on WhatsApp — still nothing. The silence was killing me.

I walked to the fridge and poured myself a glass of wine. I drank it all at once, then my phone buzzed. I quickly picked it up, hoping it was Tiffany.
But it wasn’t — it was Chuka.

His message was short:

“Mushin garage. 8 a.m tomorrow . sharp. A black Pathfinder will pick you up.”

My chest tightened as I read it over and over again.

I quickly typed, “I’m still not feeling well, boss.”
Seconds later, his reply came in:

“Good. Then come sick. The mission won’t wait for your health.”

I sighed. One way or the other, I must find a way to sleep on time. So I crushed half a sleeping pill, and washed it down with water. I set my alarm for 6:30 a.m. and lay back, watching the ceiling fade into blur.
Within minutes, I drifted into a heavy, dreamless sleep. Or so I thought.

****

A knock landed on the door.
I blinked.

The knock came again, soft but urgent.
I picked myself up and stumbled to the door.
When I opened it, my heart stopped.

Damilgodwin:
Hunger oooooooooo


Hunger


Hunger oooooo

soon bro. The next update is kind of long. Will drop it once it's ready

ghettochild:
Me wey be future unborn child of Darous son of sango, the sharp guy.. how I know go spot am??
I won’t be surprised to find out that toyosi and her friend Tiffany know the Circle wella n dem be members sef.
I been with you since Day one so how know your plot twists is definitely gonna be

ah, grandson of Shango pikin, your papa don dey lose guard😂😂😂

dawno2008:
Na wah ooo😕😕😕 this update is really anyhow jawe😤first I believed Darous spent too much money for the burial 😳like come on,it only open them to who is really watching 😔 Darous is really loose guarding 🥺 with too many untrustworthy friends ie Kenny and Toyosi 😏 Tiffany could easily think and wonder how detective Kalu knows about the burial date😔and Kenny is biting more than he can chew💯most annoying part is son of thunder behaving like goldsmith's son😤😤😤

In summary,this update dey vex me,cos the match Tiffany promise that big head son of ⚡ thunder don get k-leg😤😤cos that pretty damsel is getting a room in a dark smelling cell🤬
TBM wa gbayi🍻💯👍

Even me sef was looking forward to the match but be like fifa Kalu don cancel the match ooooo.... 😂

EPISODE 25 – The Quiet Ride.



The GLE crawled through traffic like an old tortoise with waist pain. To make matters worst, one keke man in front of us was driving like he borrowed sense from a goat.

Kenny leaned back, sweating and laughing like a mad man.
“Guy! I'm still in shock! You just open mouth talk CK Mania, and those idiots begin behave like altar boys! If na only me, dem for hang my head for shrine!”

I laughed. “That’s power, my brother. Some names don't need gun. You just drop am, and everybody go behave.”

Kenny held his chest, still laughing. “Forget that thing! That your CK Mania na real juju! You see Cobra? The guy freeze like clock wey hin battery don die!”

I grinned. “This one pass juju, bro. Some names for this country dey walk with their own customised thunder. It can strike at anytime and anywhere.”

Kenny turned, eyes wide. “Teach me that one abeg. Next time landlord come collect rent, I go just shout CK Mania! Maybe he go faint.”

I laughed so hard I almost hit the horn. “Idiot! If you try am, landlord go wake up and double your rent for noise pollution.”

Kenny snapped his fingers. “But guy, that Agama guy ehn! You see how he bend? Before, the man dey roar like lion. After you mention that name, he just mellow like goat wey dem pour cold water for him body!”

I nodded. “That’s why I talk am before. No fear man — fear the name wey dey back am.”

Kenny shook his head, grinning. “Nigeria sweet and mad at the same time. You fit shout ‘Up NEPA!’ today and still cry tomorrow say dem no bring light.”

We both burst into laughter, that kind of laughter that shakes your chest and makes people in the next car look at you like you just escaped from Yaba Left.

For that short moment, everything felt light. Like the old days — when I was just a bricklayer, Kenny still doing his aluminium work, Baba T arguing about his SportyBet slip, and Jude always complaining of how the girl he hired at one of his gas shop has stolen money enough to build a new gas plant.
Evenings filled with gist, laughter, and suya.

Inside that GLE that belonged to Tiffany — it almost felt like nothing had changed. Just two idiots laughing inside their own madness, pretending like nothing has changed.

We finally escaped the traffic and rolled into one of the most expensive bars in town. The place was alive — music booming, lights flashing, people shouting, smoke floating everywhere. Girls were dancing on poles like they were made of rubber.

Kenny and I grabbed a corner table. The shisha was bubbling, barbecue smoking, and the bottles sweating like sinners in church.

We sat quietly, eating our barbecue and drinks, while the music from the bar's speakers played loudly.

"Darous, look at that girl..." Kenny patted me and pointed toward a stripper.
I looked where he was pointing and saw her. I was amazed by what I saw. Her waist moving like it had engine oil inside, I mean like it had it's own power steering. Every step she took was a temptation with undercover danger.

I stood up, half-drunk, staggering like a man undergoing deliverance inside a white garment church. Pulled out five bundles of cash and dropped them gently on her yansh.

She turned slowly. Her eyes? Sharp enough to cut glass.

"No touching Mr man." She said, calm but deadly.

I smiled. “No vex, mami. No be my fault, na these money just dey cry for my pocket say dey wan meet your yansh.”

She just raised one eyebrow. So, in my drunken wisdom, I added another bunch of twenty thousand naira— this time with my hand boldly resting on her yansh.

She didn’t talk. She just gave a short whistle.

From nowhere, two bouncers appeared — black suits, black shades, looking like human refrigerators with doors wide open.

“Sir,” one said, voice deep like hoover, “behave yourself.”

Still forming bold, I pointed at my chest. “Do you people know who I am? I’m CK… CK Mania!”

They both looked at each other. Then one said, “Congratulations on your naming ceremony.”

Before I could blink, they lifted me like bag of beans, carried me outside, and dropped me neatly on the floor. They dropped my money on me and it rained down like funeral flyers.

Kenny came running out, laughing like a madman. “Ahhh! CK Mania wey Agama fear — bouncers no even rate you! Bro, your power expired at the gate!"

We both laughed until tears rolled down our faces as I drove the car off into the night, leaving the noise of the bar fading behind.

******

Detective Kalu woke up to the soft vibration of his phone. A message.
He blinked twice, rubbed his eyes, and reached for it on the bedside table.

Message from Kenny:
“Good morning sir. Just wanted to let you know — Baba T’s burial will hold today around noon. At the cemetery near the morgue.”

Kalu read it twice, then smiled to himself.
“Good lad.” he whispered.

He threw the blanket aside and swung his legs down from the bed. But before he could stand, he felt a soft hand on his back. His wife was awake, still half-covered in the duvet.

“Kalu, where are you going this early?”

“Work. Something just came up.” He answered.

She sat up slowly, staring at him with tired eyes. “Before you go… there’s something I need to tell you.”

Her voice was quiet but heavy. Kalu turned slightly, already sensing trouble. He knew his wife too well. He knows the kind of look she always gives before dropping a bomb.

“What is it?”

She took a deep breath. “I’ve not seen my period for three months.”

Kalu paused and then blinked. Then scoffed. “Oh, come on. Maybe your hormones are just playing games again. You worry too much.”

She shook her head. “No, Kalu. I went for a test yesterday.”

That froze him. He turned sharply to face her. “You did what?”

She frowned, a little defensive now. “I went for a test. I needed to be sure before telling you.”

He stood there, his heartbeat racing. “You went to the hospital by yourself? Are you out of your mind? You could’ve been followed! Do you know who’s watching us right now?”

Calm down, Kalu!” Lana said, raising her hands slightly. “I took precautions. Nobody followed me. I even used a fake name — Halima Buhari. And I gave them a wrong address too.”

Kalu stared at her, eyes sharp and searching. After a long second, he exhaled, dragging his hand over his tired face. Relief slowly melted through his tension.

He sat beside her on the bed, voice softer now. “Still, Lana… you can’t just go out like that without calling me. Not with everything happening. You know what’s out there.”

She scoffed. “Oh please. You’re the one who said I shouldn’t call your line unless it’s a life-or-death emergency.”
She paused, then rolled out of the duvet. The morning light from the window hit her bare uncovered body—her firm breasts glowing, flawless and real. “These days, one can’t even tell what qualifies as an emergency anymore,” she murmured, almost to herself.

Kalu said nothing. He just sat there, watching her — a mix of love, fear, and guilt in his eyes.

Lana sighed, her voice softening. “I’m sorry, Kalu. I just needed to be sure before saying anything.”

He forced a tired smile and stood. Slowly, he walked to her, his hand brushing her cheek. “Okay,” he whispered. “So… what did the test say?”

Her lips trembled. She took a small breath before answering, barely above a whisper:
“I’m three months gone.”

The words slammed into him like a brick wall. His heart skipped. His eyes widened.

“Three… months?”

The air in the room changed — heavy, frozen. Even the sound of traffic outside felt far away, like the world had gone silent to listen.

Kalu’s mind spun.
Images flashed — their daughter, Naomi, ten years old now, laughing every time her home tutor showed up. The secret hospital visits. The tests. The failed hopes. The nights they held each other in silence, praying for another chance.

And now, this.

He swallowed hard, his voice cracking. “You’re serious?”

Lana nodded slowly, a small smile forming through tears. “I am. I even saw the scan.”

Kalu covered his face with both hands and let out a shaky breath. His shoulders trembled slightly.
“God…” he whispered. “After all these years.”

He lowered his hands and looked at her again — this time not like a detective, but like a man who just found a piece of himself he thought was lost forever.

Then, as quickly as joy opened a new Facebook account on the mobile phone of his mind, fear clicked the follow button and made a very fast comment under the pregnancy post.
Just two words:

The Circle.

He looked at her again, a swirl of love and panic in his eyes.

He forced a small smile. “That’s… that’s good news, my love. The best news.”

He pulled her close, kissing her forehead. But behind that smile, his mind was already calculating and plotting his next move.


******

The Sunday morning started quiet.
I woke up before everyone else. The air inside Toyosi’s house felt heavy, like it too knew what was about to happen. Tiffany was in the kitchen, moving around in her white wrapper, her face pale but calm. Toyosi was on the phone, giving last-minute instructions to the event people at the cemetery. Kenny just sat on the couch, elbows on his knees, staring at nothing as tears traced the contours of his face.

I had been trying to reach Jude for the past few days. Each time I called, the same cold voice said, “The number you dialed is not available.” After the fifth try, I gave up on calling and started dropping messages — on WhatsApp, Telegram, even Facebook. But none of them got read. Not a single blue tick. So after a while, I just sighed and let it go.
Maybe he didn’t want to face today. I couldn’t blame him.

By 7:00am, we were ready.
Tiffany dressed in a black fitted gown that hugged her body just right — simple, elegant, but with that quiet kind of beauty that makes people stop and stare without knowing why. Her hair was packed neatly, her skin glowed softly under the sitting room light. She looked like sorrow wrapped in grace — too beautiful for the moment, yet perfect for it.

Toyosi stood beside her in a black lace dress that shimmered gently as she moved. Her beauty was calm and mature but Tiffany… she carried a certain glow that morning. Maybe it was her eyes, maybe it was the sadness behind them — either way, she looked like a poem dressed in black.

Kenny and I wore black too. He had on a plain shirt and trousers, everything simple but sharp. I wore the same — a clean black shirt, dark trousers, shades to hide my eyes. The girls had gotten us the clothes the day before. They had even bought one extra, in case Jude decided to show up. But he didn’t. So it stayed folded inside the nylon, waiting for no one.

We all stood in front of the house for a long moment, saying nothing. The air itself felt heavy, pressing down on our chests. Even the birds were quiet. You could almost feel Baba T’s spirit around us — not angry, not sad, just there, watching.

Tiffany’s hand trembled a little as she adjusted her gown. Toyosi placed a hand on her shoulder, her eyes soft but red. None of us spoke — there was nothing to say that hadn’t already been said in our hearts.

Then I took out the car key. The black GLE waited quietly under the dull morning sun.

“Let’s go,” I said quietly.

We moved towards the car in silence, our steps slow and heavy. Our collective perfume lingered in the air, soft and sad. Toyosi’s lace brushed lightly against my hand as she passed. And as we got into the car, it felt like we were carrying more than just ourselves — we were carrying memories, regrets, and one last promise: to take Baba T home.

By 9 a.m., the funeral team arrived. The casket they brought could make a man jealous of the dead — smooth mahogany finish, gold handles, and a white velvet interior. Three hundred thousand naira well spent.

When the morgue attendants rolled out Baba T’s body, silence fell over the whole place. It was like the air itself stopped moving. His face looked calm — too calm — like someone who had finally found the rest life never gave him. The once-potbelly he used to boast about was gone, flat and quiet. The same belly that once held half the beer in Lagos… now just an empty shell. It hit all of us again at once — Baba T was really gone.

We placed him gently inside the casket and closed the lid.

The hired Mercedes-Benz GLS was parked outside, shining quietly under the pale morning sun. It was meant for one thing only — to carry Baba T’s body to the cemetery.

As they lifted his casket into the vehicle, something hit me deep. In his whole life, Baba T had only ridden in a car that expensive once — that night I rented a G-Wagon for Mrs. Adeoye’s event.

Now look at this — he finally got his second ride, but he couldn’t even see the road.

Kenny wiped his face with his palm. “Damn,” he muttered. “Baba T is gone like that!.” Tears flooded his eyes again.

I nodded. Couldn’t even speak. My chest felt tight.


****

At the cemetery, the crowd shocked me.
Men from the bar where Baba T breathed his last, the regulars, even some girls who used to joke with Baba T were there — all dressed in black, faces wet with tears. The moment they saw the casket being brought down, a few of them started crying loud.
Tiffany and Toyosi really tried. They handled everything — flowers, chairs, drinks, sound system, even a small canopy for crowd. It wasn’t just a burial anymore; it was a proper farewell.

The pastor began his sermon.
His voice cracked through the microphone:
“We are gathered here to lay our brother to rest… a man full of laughter, a man who gave joy to many…”

Every word felt like a knife.
Kenny’s head hung low, his shoulders trembling. I wanted to comfort him, but the weight in my own chest was too much.

Tiffany leaned into me, her body warm against the cold air — saying nothing, just reminding me I wasn’t alone in the pain.

Toyosi placed a gentle tap on my shoulders and point in a direction. My eyes followed her hand and then — something caught my eye.

A figure standing alone by the far corner, under the palm trees. Black suit. Black hat. Dark shades.

It was Detective Kalu.

I froze. Then I nudged Kenny slightly.

“Look. Over there.”

He followed my eyes, saw Kalu, and hissed under his breath.
“Darous, leave that man, abeg… we are here for Baba T, not him.”
I breathed out and nodded.

"Who is he?". Toyosi asked.

"A police man. Investigating Baba T's death." Kenny answered.

“How did he even know we’re doing this today?” Toyosi asked again.

“He's the one at the hospital abi Darous?" Tiffany followed.

" Yeah..." I answered .

" This is holy ground — devil is not allowed here.” Tiffany spat.

I wasn’t angry. If anything, I was glad that Kalu had come, it meant the trap was working. He was watching, trying to figure out how a bricklayer like me could pay for such a rich burial. He’d link it to the Circle. He’d assume they sponsored it.
Good. Let him think that. Let him follow paper trails and whispers. By the time he finds Tiffany’s name on the receipts, it’ll point him the wrong way. My plan was moving.

The pastor’s final words echoed in my head: “From dust we came… to dust we return.”

They lowered Baba T into the ground. The sound of the shovel against soil hit like a punch. Kenny broke first — a raw grief that ripped the air. Toyosi sobbed. Tiffany cried so hard it looked like she’d known him all her life.

“Do not despair, my brethren. He is in a better place,” the pastor said.

I nodded, but my chest said something else. Maybe the world didn’t deserve him.

Some minutes later, after the grave was filled, I turned towards the palm tree section. Kalu was still by the palm trees, watching us. He raised a hand — a quiet signal for me to come to him.

I excused myself and walked over to him.

He took off his shades and spoke in a low voice. “I’m sorry for your loss. But you and I both know this man won’t rest until his killer is caught.”

“That’s your job, Detective,” I said.

He didn’t smile. “Maybe. But I’m not the one who helped the culprit escape.”

“Are you accusing me of something here?” I asked, frowning.

“No. Just stating facts. I could arrest you now, but I’m after a bigger game.”

“Game? Like PS5?"

" Don't you dare joke about this." He said with a hard gaze at me.

" I'm not... just tell me sir, what game is bigger than PS5?" I shot back.

He scowled. “You want to be funny right. I know the Circle pays for your life — the cars, the sudden money, all these shows, flashy lifestyles, a bricklayer like you? It's not possible. It all ties back to them. The Circle.”

“The Circle?” I said, mocking. “If you’d stop talking mathematics for one minute, maybe I'll get your point.”

He leaned closer. “Trying to play smart? Abi, don't worry I’ll dig you out. You’re just a small fish in a sea of whales.”

“Oh, now we’re into fish markets? Next you’ll blame me for the high cost of living.” I said.

“Be careful, boy. Be very careful,” he warned.

“You too,” I replied. "You should be careful of accusing me of something I didn't do...and face your..." I was still speaking when Tiffany’s voice snapped across from behind me.

“What is this sinner doing on holy ground?” she barked.

I turned around. Tiffany was standing there, her face tight and angry. I looked past her and saw Toyosi and Kenny still by the grave, holding each other and crying.

“It’s nothing serious,” I said quickly, trying not to make her suspect anything.

“Tell her everything, Darous,” Kalu said quietly.

“Hey, Mr—can’t you see we’re mourning here?” she snapped at him.

“And why should I care? Am I the one who killed him?” Kalu shot back.

She scoffed.
“You’re the kind of man who would rather watch the whole country burn if it made you king of the ashes,” she fired.

“Calm down, babe… let’s just go,” I said, trying to hold her hand and pull her away before Kalu will say something that can land me in trouble.

"Let's go..babe..leave this man alone." I told her and tried dragging her again.

“No. What exactly does he want from you?" She nearly yelled.

" It's nothing babe...just talking..." I said calmly but her face suddenly snapped.

" Don't lie to me....What does he want with you?” she asked, jerking her hand away from mine.

“Tell her na.." Kalu said and moved closer to us. " Tell your b*tch—” He started the insult but she didn't let him finish.

Tiffany moved fast towards him and slapped his face so hard his hat flew off. Heads turned. There was a second of stunned silence.

"You this b*tch!" Detective Kalu thundered and then another slap landed on his face, louder this time.

Kalu’s face flared red. “You are so dead today—” he roared.

“Call me a b*tch again.” Tiffany hissed, “and I’ll kick your balls so hard you’ll invent a new curse for the letter B.”

I grabbed her quickly and hold her close to my body. Trying to prevent her from hitting him again.

He stepped back, furious. He walked to his car and came back with handcuffs in his hand.

“Madam,” he said, voice cold and official, “you are under arrest for assaulting a police officer. You have the right to remain silent....”


I watched nervously as he pushed her into the back of his car and drove away.



To be continued

ghettochild:
No be the same CK Toyosi mentioned in her sleep talk

really bro? The same CK? 🤣 Oya Na. We gather dey. Didn't know you picked on that info... I tried to make it as subtle as I could but you still figured it out... Oya Na.. let's see if you are on point or it's just a stray gift

drewbar:
So many plots and sub plots, you just want to keep us guessing.

You might even be doing all this to confuse even more and leave us wanting more 🤣🤣.

Anyway, still loving the story.

Now who is Kenny loyal too, thats the million dollar question. He might even be playing both of them like this.

plots and acres..... 😂😂😂Brother, the story just dey start o. You know I don't like my stories ending in just few episodes. Maybe by the time we reach episode 40, we go round up sha. Lots of twists ahead baba mi

dawno2008:
You dis man😂😂😂you just dey play ping pong with ma brains 😂😂😂see twist,the game don start💯omoooo,this is getting deeper, infact I don't know how to analyze this matter🤔I hope Kenny is playing detective Kalu,and that Toyosi gal😕I wonder what her game is😔

TBM the badt guy💯more grace baba

This man... 😂😂😂 I can't stop laughing ajeh. Your comments dey always make person laugh ahswear. Toyosi's game is unknown to anyone. The writer writes as the spirit guides. Even I don't know how the story go end at all... That's how I feed off your comments to make even the story more un-guessable😂. But we gather dey na

Continuation of episode 24.


From the shadows, Lana stepped out. Arms folded. Her face looked tired.

“You said you’d come earlier,” she said. “You always say that.”

“I tried,” he said quietly. “Had to make sure no one followed me.”

She looked at his hoodie, gloves, fake limp — the usual routine.
“Kalu, how long will this go on? You sneak in like a thief. Our daughter thinks you work in Nollywood. She only gets to see her father in weekends...”

He didn’t reply. Just stared at the floor.

She stepped closer, voice shaking.
“If you’re this scared for us, then take us away. Let’s leave. Go to the States. Start again. I’ll work. Naomi can go to school. You can—”

He cut her off gently.
“I can only protect you when you’re close. If I send you far away, I won’t know when danger comes. These people… they don’t need visas to kill.”

Lana blinked hard. “But hiding us here—”

“I’ve built layers around you,” he said. “Nobody even knows you exist. This is your safest place. Please understand me my love....”

The room went quiet.
Only Naomi’s soft hum as she played on the rug.

Lana’s eyes glistened.
“You talk like a man that’s already gone,” she whispered. “I’m scared, Kalu.”

He touched her cheek.
“I’m scared too,” he said. “But fear keeps us sharp. If I ever want to avenge my brother and sister, I can’t afford peace yet.”

She sighed — tired and defeated.
She had heard this same promise too many times.
She just nodded, because convincing Kalu was like trying to convince a stubborn Arsenal fan that Chelsea is the best club in London.

She leaned into his chest.
“Just promise me one day we’ll live like a real family.”

“One day,” he said.
And they both knew he was lying — not because he wanted to, but because he had to.


Later that midnight, Kalu sat on the couch, phone in hand.
Naomi slept on her mother’s lap, her little breath soft and steady.
The fan hummed lazily above.

He dialed Kenny’s number.
It rang once, twice — no answer.

He frowned. “Pick up, boy.”
Still nothing.

Why is Kenny ignoring his calls. Not supposed to be this time. Not when everything was hanging by a thread.

He tried it again. Voicemail.

Kalu rubbed his face hard. “Damn it, Kenny…” He started thinking of every possible ways to make Kenny pay for this betrayal. He had promised to help Kenny take care of Agama and his boys, and also get him a chance at revenging his friend's death on Darous. But now this fool is trying to play a fast one one him. He was lost in thought for some moments until the phone buzzed.

It was a new message from Kenny.

He opened it fast.
Just six words:

"He bought the bait. Game on" .

Kalu’s lips curved into a slow grin.
The tension melted — replaced by that familiar rush of control.

He leaned back, whispering to himself,
“Good boy.”
And just like that — the hunter’s game began.

To be continued

Episode 24 - Game On.


The sky looked heavy, like it might open any minute. Traders scrambled, lifting boxes, folding tarps, and tugging their goods to safer spots. Market women shouted to one another, hands moving quick, faces worried — a single downpour could wash away a day’s work. Old men watched from doorways and shook their heads, saying this is how life always is: one storm after another, everyone trying to hold on.

Kalu’s office on the other hand was quiet.
The ceiling fan turned slowly, making that tired creaking sound like an old gate that needs oil.

His desk looked like a crime scene — files everywhere, cracked mugs, and one pen that had bled out on his notepad.

Kalu was leaning back in his chair, half-asleep, when his phone buzzed.

Unknown number. Encrypted line.

He frowned.
He knew this kind of call — the kind that tightens your chest before you even say hello. But Kalu had been in the game too long for fear to shake him now. Calls like this stopped scaring him a long time ago. This wasn’t his first.

He picked up.
“Detective Kalu speaking.”

There was silence at the other end for a brief seconds.
Then a voice came through — deep, slow, and twisted like it was coming from a radio underwater.

“So… you’re still chasing shadows, Detective.”

Kalu sat up straight. “Who is this?”

The voice scoffed.

“For a long time, you’ve been poking your nose into places it doesn’t belong — places that swallow men whole.”

Kalu’s jaw hardened. “If I was afraid of being swallowed, I wouldn’t have joined the Nigerian Police Force. Now, say your name… or get the hell off my line.”

The voice laughed — dry, cold and empty.

“You’re bold. I’ll give you that. But even bold men have soft spots. Weakness. Something… or someone.”

Kalu didn’t move. His grip on the phone stayed firm.

The voice continued.
“We don’t know yours yet. But we will. We’ll find it. We’ll dig through every layer of your life. Every file. Every shadow. Every whisper. And when we find it… we’ll press where it hurts.”

The fan above groaned again, like it was tired of hearing bad news.

Kalu spoke slowly.
“You think threats will stop me? I’ve buried men who thought they were gods.”

“Detective, this isn’t a threat,” the voice said. “It’s a mission. You keep digging, we’ll dig too. And we won’t stop until we find what keeps you breathing.”

Click.
The line went dead.

Kalu sat still, phone in hand.
His pulse was loud in his ears.
Fear didn’t rush in — it crept, like a shadow crawling up his spine.

He leaned forward and muttered under his breath,
“Damn it, Kalu… these people…”
Then, with a sharp burst of frustration, he slammed his fist on the table. The pen beside him rattled and rolled to the floor.

But even with the fear, something else rose inside him — anger.
The same fire that had kept him alive this long.

*******

The following morning, I woke up to Tiffany’s knock on the door.
Kenny was still lying flat on the bed like a dead man on free Wi-Fi.

I dragged myself up, opened the door… and there she was — Tiffany — standing in nothing but a white armless gown so thin it could pass for tissue paper. Her nipples were literally staging a military coup through the fabric.

For a brief second, I just stood there staring like a man who suddenly saw his destiny in HD. My eyes didn’t move. My brain didn’t either.
"This cock-teaser again...." I murmured to myself.

Then she smiled, stepped in and gave me a soft hug with a small peck on the cheek — the kind of peck that doesn’t mean anything but still rearranges your blood circulation. Let's call it a therapeutic hug. The smell of her hair invaded the territory of my nostrils and took my brain hostage for that brief moment.

“How was your night?” she asked with a dick-provoking smile.

Before I could even answer, my stubborn dick had already risen to the occasion — literally — pressing against her crotch while we were still in the hug.

She pulled back slightly, looked down, then back up with that mischievous smile of hers.
“This thing no get respect at all,” she said.

I smiled back. “Respect died the moment you wore that gown,” I replied.

She rolled her eyes and laughed, then suddenly changed the topic.
“By the way, where’s the key to Toyosi’s room? I got to her door and it’s locked.”

“The key?” I asked, patting my shorts. “It’s in my pocket.”

She raised a brow. “Oh really? Since when did you become her father? Are you grounding her now for drinking too much wine last night?”

I frowned a little. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

She smirked. “It means you like acting responsible when no one asked you to. Just give me the key.”

I sighed and pulled it out of my pocket. “Fine, here. Happy now?”

“Very,” she said, snatching it from my hand.

I followed her straight to Toyosi’s door. I unlocked it, and there she was — sleeping so deeply you’d think she was getting paid by the hour.
Tiffany’s eyes went wide. “Is she breathing?”

She touched her. Toyosi gave a small snore. Tiffany exhaled loudly then leaned closer, whispering, “Wow… this one is really committed to her sleep.”

I smiled. “Yeah, she’s probably competing for the world record.”

We both chuckled and headed for the kitchen. She started making me a cup of juice in her usual morning style.

Then I leaned on the counter and said, “Babe, I need your help.”

She squinted at me, suspicion already written all over her face.
“You again? What’s it this time?”

I didn’t answer. I just looked at her — a long, silent, serious kind of look that made her shift a little, like the room had suddenly gotten too warm.

Her voice softened. “Okay… what is it, babe? Talk to me.”

I took a slow breath, eyes still locked on hers. “Promise me you’ll do it first.”

She frowned slightly. “Do what?”

“Just promise,” I said quietly.

Her expression changed — a mix of curiosity and worry. “You’re scaring me now,” she whispered. “What are you planning again?”

“Relax babe. It's not something you can't do...." I said with an assuring look.

" Okay...go on..."

" Babe, I just want Baba T’s burial tomorrow to enter history. I’m talking premium casket, pall bearers with choreography, maybe even smoke machines if budget allows.”

She froze. “You dey whine me? What do you think Toyosi and I had been planning since?”

I grinned. “Seriously. The man deserves a proper sendoff. I don't want people to say we buried him like a sachet of pure water.”

She sighed dramatically. “Sure, but you know Toyosi and I are already making plans to make it big. But how much nonsense are we talking about?”

I smiled that smile she hates but secretly loves. “Not much. Just enough to make Queen Elizabeth jealous.”

“Fine. I'll handle it. I promise.....”

I kissed her on the forehead. "Thank you, I promise Shango will be so glad to have you as a daughter in-law...you are the best thing to ever happen to our family..."

She laughed lightly. “See this man. You and your mysterious way of thinking. Every time, you sound like a cult leader recruiting me.”

“Maybe I am,” I said “But this one’s for a good cause.”

She rolled her eyes but handed me the cup of juice she had just made. “Here. Drink before your mouth dries up from suspense.”

I took a sip — cold, sweet, and perfectly balanced. “You know, if you weren’t so good at causing trouble, you’d make a great bartender.”

She smirked. “Trouble pays better.”

We both laughed.

Then she leaned a little closer, her voice dropping just enough to make my heart misbehave.
“Okay, Mr. Man…it's time we have our first magical sex but that will be after tomorrow.”

“After the burial?” I asked.

She smiled, that playful look on her face. “Yes. Once Baba T rests in peace and we’re sure he’s sitting on God’s right hand—”

“Ahn ahn, what kind of condition is that? How are we supposed to confirm that?” I asked.

“That’s where your father comes in—your god of thunder. Let him check for us,” she said with a straight face.

“You’re lucky I like you. If not, I’d have told thunder to fire that your mouth right now,” I said.

Tiffany smiled wider. “Fire my mouth? Go ahead. Just make sure your thunder has health insurance.”

"You are not serious at all." I said and delivered a playful spank on her soft and nicely shaped bum bum. She laughed and asked me to do it again. I repeated it but slightly harder this time.

"Hmmm. That's better..." She said. "So, tomorrow, we finally cut our cake.”

I raised an Ancelotti kind of brow. “Cake?”

She bit her lip. “You know exactly what I mean. Don’t play innocent.”

I grinned. “Ah, so we’re finally cutting that cake.”

“Cutting?” she laughed. “No, darling. We’re serving it hot. I’ve waited too long, and if we survive that burial tomorrow, I’m not waiting another night.”

I whistled softly. “You sound like a woman on a mission.”

She smiled, brushing past me slowly. “Call it divine motivation.”

I watched her walk away, hips doing a sermon of their own, and muttered,
“God, if this is temptation… I’m already a willing sinner.”

She turned her head, smirking. “Then pray for strength, Mr Man. Tomorrow, you’ll need it.”

I dropped a deep sigh. My plan is finally setting in. Phase one is done and dusted.

***

Kenny paced by the window, sweating like a cold bottle of water and biting his nails like groundnuts. I sat on the edge of the bed, phone in hand, staring at the screen for a moment before calling Chuka.

He picked up almost immediately.
“Why are you calling me? Can’t you just text like a normal human being?”

I sighed. “This one no be text matter.”

There was a pause, then a lazy, “Okay. Shoot.”

I glanced at Kenny— then spoke quietly.
“It’s Agama. The guy’s been on my neck for a long time."

" Who is this Agama, am I supposed to know him?" Chuka asked.

" He's one thug in our neighbourhood. Use to collect money and everything with force. "

"Okay...go on."

"I owe him seven hundred K… since three years ago. Now he’s threatening to make life miserable for me. I just want him to understand that I don’t answer to threats anymore — not when I have a whole empire behind me. I can’t pay him. And I won’t.”

The line went silent for a moment. Then came a small, knowing chuckle from Chuka’s end.

“Good,” he said finally. “Now you’re thinking like one of us.”

I frowned. “Meaning?”

“Meaning you don’t need to pay him a single kobo after threatening you,” he said calmly. “Just listen carefully — whoever this Agama is, if he lives in this Lagos, he’s already heard a name that shakes the ground.”

I leaned forward. “Which name?”

“CK Mania.”

I repeated it under my breath. “CK… Mania?”

“Yes,” Chuka replied, voice low and sharp. “When you see him, just say that name. Don’t explain, don’t argue. Just drop it and walk away. He’ll get the message.”

“CK Mania?” I said again, still confused. “Who the hell is that?”

“Na your papa. Always asking foolish questions...Get out of my phone jor werey. ”

Then the line clicked.

Kenny turned to me, eyes wide. “So… what did he say?”

I pocketed the phone slowly, smirking.
“He said we don’t need to pay.”

Kenny blinked. “Ah! Just like that?”

“Yeah,” I said, standing up. “We just have to mention a name.”

Kenny frowned. “Which name?”

I smiled. “You'll know once we get there let's go.”

He stared at me, confused. “I trust you sha.”

I shrugged as we both stepped out of the house. It was around 3 p.m., just a day before Baba T’s burial. Tiffany and Toyosi — the sleeping beauty herself — had already gone out in one of the GLEs to finalize arrangements for the burial, like they’d been doing ever since the body was mysteriously cleared for collection.


****

The black GLE cut through the evening breeze, engine growling. Kenny sat stiff, staring out the window.

“You sure about this?” He asked.

“No. But fear won’t save us either,” I said, eyes fixed on the road.

We drove in silence, the car humming along as DJ Frankiz’s Best of 2000s Blues poured from the speakers — soft, nostalgic, and completely out of place for two men heading straight into trouble.

I drove the GLE into the compound and parked. The air was heavy with the smell of smoke and sweat. Men leaned on cars, their machetes glinting under the weak yellow bulbs. Beside me, Kenny was breathing hard, each breath shaky and uneven.

We had already settled on our next move. He wanted me to help him clear his debt with Agama, and I told him he had to help me deal with Detective Kalu first—only then would I “bring him into the Circle.” That was the story I sold him. The truth? I never planned to bring Kenny into the Circle at all. I can never do that, and even if I wanted to, it’s not possible. I only told him that so he would focus on helping me get this hound, Detective Kalu, off my back—at least until I can take my place on the iron throne of financial stability.

In simpler un-Game-of-thronic terms, I only need Kenny to help me push Detective Kalu away from my trail, at least until I hit the financial target I’m chasing with the Circle. After that, I’ll settle Kenny, give him atleast enough money, and that’s the end of it. He won’t get more than that. The whole talk about bringing him into the Circle was just sweet words. Truth is, I can never open that gate for him. That throne is for my Bran stark alone, and I'm not going to allow this Targaryen sit on it.

One of Agama’s boys disappeared inside to call him out. A few seconds later, he emerged.

Agama stepped forward — tall, broad, gold chain flashing on his chest like it had its own ego. Behind him came Saipon and Cobra, both grinning like hyenas that had just smelled free meat.

“So… the rats finally decided to crawl out,” Agama said, his baritone voice thick with mockery.
“Three years, and you think I’d forget my money?”
He jabbed a thick finger in my direction. “And you — bricklayer — you think I don’t remember you? You wey like to behave like one local commando, eh? If you don take one sachet of blackwood, mix am with super commando, you go dey form boss abi?”

He’s right. We’ve encountered each other at the construction site more than twice. Each time he comes to collect his illegal omo-onile fee, I always resist him a little. In the end, I only give him about ten percent of what he first demands.

“Agama, calm down—let’s talk,” Kenny pleaded, voice shaky.

Cobra cut in, cold. “Talk? No more talk. Today we finish this.”

Saipon smiled cruel. “Boss, you give the word. I cut them down.”

I stepped forward, keeping my voice steady though my heart was beating fast. “The debt is mine, not Kenny’s. But listen — I’m not paying you a kobo.”

They burst out laughing, ugly and loud.

“You think this is a joke?” Agama barked, jabbing a finger at me. “You walk into my yard and spit in my face? You must want to die.”

Cobra moved like he meant it. “Let me do him, boss. One shot and it’s over.”

I closed the distance, calm inside but forming dangerous outside. “If you touch me, you’ll regret it. I’m no longer the bricklayer you know.”

Saipon sneered. “Then who are you? Some yahoo boy with a nice car?”

I looked straight at Agama and dropped the name slow, like a hammer. “CK Mania.”

The laugh died. Silence hit the compound so hard you could hear the wind.

Saipon froze. Cobra’s grin fell away. Agama’s bravado cracked; his face went pale.

“Where did you hear that name?” Agama asked.

“You don't want to find out the hard way.” I replied.

Cobra glanced at Agama, nervous now. “Boss… if he knows that name, then—”

Agama’s eyes darted between his men and me. The swagger had left him. “You… you know CK Mania?”

“I don’t owe you explanations,” I said coldly. “You know what that name means. So listen: the debt is erased. You will not call me, you will not call Kenny, and you will not whisper my name again.”

The men looked at one another. Agama swallowed and lowered his head.

“We didn’t know. No yawa na,” he said, voice calm. “It’s done. No wahala.”

I straightened my jacket and didn’t relax. “Good. Remember this night. Next time you think of crossing me, think twice.”

Kenny and I slid back into the GLE. As the engine roared to life, I caught one last look in the mirror—Agama, Saipon, Cobra and the other guys standing still, fear written all over their faces.

********

That night, the streets were quiet.
Kalu moved through the back alleys like a ghost.
Black hoodie. A face cap that covered at least seventy percent of his face. He walked the roads with a fake limp.

He always changed his walk.
Sometimes like an old man.
Sometimes like a tired worker.
Tonight, he walked like both.

By the time he reached the ferry, the black water showed a reflection that didn’t look like him.

Close to midnight, he arrived at the small apartment he had rented for his wife and daughter.
Curtains drawn. The lights were off.

He knocked — two short, one long. Their secret code.

The door opened slowly.
Naomi stood there, half-asleep, her small hands rubbing her eyes.
But the moment she saw him, her face lit up like morning sun breaking through clouds.

“Daddy!” she whispered, her voice was soft but full of joy.
She ran into his arms like she’d been waiting forever.

Kalu dropped to his knees and held her close, burying his face in her shoulder.
She was warm. Real and safe.
For a moment, the world outside didn’t exist.

“My sunshine,” he said, his voice shaking just a little. “You’re growing too fast. Soon you won’t let me carry you.”

She giggled, wrapping her arms around his neck.
“Never,” she said. “You’re my superhero.”

He smiled — the kind of smile that tries to hide pain but doesn’t quite succeed.
His eyes were tired. His heart was heavy.
He kissed her forehead gently, then whispered to himself,
“Superheroes don’t wear disguises.”

But he was wearing one and she didn’t know why.
She didn’t know the kind of danger her father walked through just to hold her like this.
She didn’t know how many nights he stayed awake, watching shadows, listening for footsteps, praying no one ever found her and her mother.

To her, he was just Daddy.
To the world, he was a man with enemies.
But in that moment, all he wanted was to freeze time — to stay in her arms, to forget the war outside, to be just a father.

And deep down, he knew he couldn’t.
Atleast not yet.
Not while the Circle was still hunting.
Not while the game was still on.

Ohibenemma:
Great update, as usual. Eagerly anticipating the next. Keep it up @theblessedman

thanks brother man

Damilgodwin:
Haaaa, which one is for fast update 😁😁

Baba you don dae carry us under 4.5 oo,

Abi you be affiliated personnel ni, 😁

if you understand how frustrating it feels , after spending hours and days writing, but you still pray you don't get banned for posting for free on this platform, you'll know why I've decided to be posting on FB first. This Nairaland is not encouraging at all ahswear

Damilgodwin:
Your writings are heavenly

Your words arrangement are superior to ph.d owns

I just pray that Darous and Kenny combo no go spoil things 🤗🤗

see hyper flattering oooooo😂😂😂😂😂

Continuation of Episode 23.


He sat back on the bed and continued. “I lied to them that she robbed Baba T and ran away with the money meant for the debt clearance. I thought once they catch her, I’d find a way to settle it. But it all went wrong.”

"Hmmmm. So you sold Cynthia to them...well played..Continue...."

He looked down, voice cracking slightly.
“That night, when your people came to pick Cynthia, I realized something. Saipon and Cobra bowed when they saw your men step down from that Jeep. They even ordered Saipon and Cobra to make sure I don't leave that place alive—until Detective Kalu stepped in and saved me.”

"Really?....he saved you...."

He gave a short, bitter sigh.
“The detective promised to help me get revenge on you and also protect me if I help him bring your organisation down. But I don’t trust him. I don't know what he'll do to me once he's done using me. That’s why I'm coming clean with you. If anyone can stop Agama and his boys with one word, it’s you.”

He paused, voice dropping. “That’s why Baba T’s death pain me. The man tried for me when I had nothing. And I remember you that time too—you were just like me. But look at you now. You even rent G-Wagon of four hundred K for one day. Guy, I no go lie, I envy you small. This life don tire me.”

I sat beside him on the bed and thought about everything he said. His voice sounded honest, and that made me stop to really think.
For a moment, I wanted to tell Chuka about it so he could handle the situation, but then I changed my mind. I don’t know what they might do to Kenny.
If what he said about Saipon and Cobra is true, then it's possible the Circle wants him dead.
So it’s better I don’t tell him yet. I’ll handle this myself.

Then a brilliant idea from the ministry of thunder and lightning affairs popped into my mind. This might actually be a good thing. If the detective wants to play dirty, then we can both play this game.

Gently, I placed a hand on Kenny’s shoulder and told him he was forgiven. This was a new beginning — a chance to start over.
“Now listen,” I said. “If you really want me to trust you enough to bring you into what I do, you’ll have to prove yourself beyond every doubt. There are a few things you’ll need to do for me first.”

He smiled when he heard that, and we ended it with a warm embrace.
But deep down, I knew this wasn’t victory — this was that stage where the Super Eagles win their last match, and fans start bringing out calculators, checking “if Ghana draws and South Africa loses first half,” before we can qualify. That kind of dangerous hope that looks like peace but smells like problem.

To be continued. For faster updates, go to my Facebook account. @Adigun Idowu

EPISODE 23 — Thin Lines

If there’s ever a word to describe how I felt when Toyosi swapped that drink with Kenny, it would be panic—the kind that starts small in your chest and then spreads till your whole body feels hot and cold at the same time. You know that kind of tension that grips your whole soul when you’re holding a calculator like it’s a weapon, doing complex group stage mathematics—“if Ghana draws, and Egypt scores one in extra time, and the referee sneezes at the right minute, also running a background check on the goalkeeper to see if he hasn’t chopped any recent breakfast — maybe, just maybe, we can still qualify.
And you’re there asking yourself, why do these Super Eagles always wait till fans develop high blood pressure before they start playing like Barcelona?

Abeg, after surviving all the heartbreaks, postponed miracles, and last-minute goal disallowances from Super Eagles, I refuse to die because of Toyosi. She can try, but she’s not stronger than Nigeria’s football stress.

Then as I was still battling with thoughts in my mind, Toyosi reached for the wine bottle and poured herself another round like nothing had happened. Tiffany followed, though she barely filled her own glass, her face was calm but her eyes was back to her phone in no time.

Then we all sat down. I tried to smile, to keep things normal, but my mind wasn’t there anymore. My eyes still stayed on Toyosi, my heartbeat jumping between anger and fear.
I kept wondering why she was so obsessed with that cup. What if it had been poison instead of sleeping pills? What would’ve happened to her then? She would have Jesus-Christed herself for Kenny’s sake.

In simpler, un-biblical terms, she would’ve sacrificed her own life for Kenny. And for what exactly? For a useless infatuation over cups?

I tried to steady my breath.
"Calm down, Darous." I told myself. "Just stay calm and think." But no matter how I tried, my hands wouldn’t stop shaking.

A few minutes later, Toyosi began dozing off slowly on the couch.
I knew the pills well—take more than one and you'll be out cold in minutes.

I moved closer to where Toyosi was sitting, with a voice barely above a whisper.
“Toyosi,” I said softly. “You really messed up. That drink wasn’t meant for you. You this girl… what if it was poison I put inside it? Just what if?”

I muttered it under my breath. She could hardly hear me.
But her eyelids fluttered—slow and heavy.
Her voice came faint, like a bad radio signal.
“Tell that stubborn girl… to give her uncle the ledger… or she might regret it.”

My eyes widened. “What did you just say?”

She didn't reply.
Her head had already slumped on my shoulder, soft and warm.

She sighed—a strange sound, peaceful yet dangerous. Her body felt warm against mine. My eyes dropped, just for a second, to the rise and fall of her chest, the way her breasts moved with each slow breath. For a few seconds, I couldn’t look away before I quickly caught myself and turned aside before Tiffany caught me staring at her friend’s breast.

I glanced at Tiffany. She was still glued to her phone, smiling like someone who just finished dragging a Big Brother Naija fan on Tiktok.
I exhaled slowly. Thank God she didn’t see me.

Then my phone buzzed.
WhatsApp notification. Chuka.

Chuka: “You’ve left the hospital. That means you’re fine now. From Monday, new mission for you. This one can either make you or break you. Depends on how you play it.”

I read it twice and hissed in a low sound.
Who told these people that leaving the hospital automatically means one is fit for whatever nonsense mission they planned? I cursed under my breath.

What kind of mission again? And what did he mean by “make or break me”?

I dropped the phone on the center table, sighed, and looked up—
A dark figure stood in front of me.

It was Kenny. I didn’t even notice when he got up, but there he was—stretching his arms, yawning like someone who hadn’t slept in a week.

“I need to take a bath,” he said quietly.

“Please do,” Tiffany replied, still scrolling her phone. “Maybe it’ll wash off that tired look.”
Then she glanced at me. “Darous, why does Toyosi suddenly look like your baby?”

“She’s dozing off,” I said. “I don’t want her falling off the cushion, so I’ll carry her to her room.”

Tiffany raised an eyebrow. “Of course you will. Our Mr Gentleman. Always rescuing damsels in distress.”

"Babe, don't tell me you are jealous." I returned the eyebrow gesture with an Ancelotti one.

She shook her head, laughing. “Just make sure she doesn’t wake up tomorrow calling you ‘Daddy Darous.’ ”

“Na you sabi,” I said, smiling. “Call it temporary bouncer duty.”

She chuckled. “Okay ooo, Mr Bouncer. Carry your madam.”

I ignored her teasing and lifted Toyosi gently into my arms. Tiffany walked ahead, leading the way.
Even with my bandaged hand, I held her steady. Somehow, she felt like my responsibility in that moment. But my eyes still betrayed me—slipping down to the open neckline of her dress, to the soft rise and fall of her moderately sized breast. I couldn’t help comparing their breasts at that moment, trying to see who had the bigger one and who had the smaller. But honestly, they looked almost the same size to me.

Toyosi’s room was calm and minimalistic. Moonlight poured through the window, spreading over the white sheets and gray walls. Paintings hung neatly, a fluffy rug cushioned our steps.

I laid her on the bed carefully and tucked her in. She murmured, turned, and sank into the pillow.

Tiffany leaned on the doorframe, grinning.
“Look at you, Mr Hero. Carrying sleeping beauties to bed now? Should I fetch your cape—or you’ll sing her a lullaby first before addressing the nation?”

I gave her a look. “ For someone this beautiful, you talk too much.”

She giggled. “Mr Bouncer, sing her something, joor.”

I ignored her and adjusted the duvet. That’s when Toyosi’s hand suddenly shot up, grabbed my collar—and before I could blink, her lips brushed mine.
It was soft and quick.
“I love you, CK,” she murmured, then drifted back to sleep.

I froze. My heart hammered hard.
When I turned, Tiffany was watching me—phone still in her hand with a smirk on her face. She obviously saw the kiss but didn't hear the words.

“Why do you look like that’s the first time a drunk person kissed you?” she asked with a smile.

I opened my mouth, closed it, opened again—nothing came out.

She stepped closer, eyes fixed on my lips.
“Let me show this drunken child how it’s done properly,” she whispered—and kissed me.

This one wasn’t soft. It was deep, hungry, teasing. My knees nearly gave way. My dick was already warming up inside my trousers.

Then she suddenly pulled back as my hand slid to her breast through her dress.
“Hmm..hmm..easy, tiger. You’re not fully healed yet, remember?” she teased.

“I’m covered by the blood of Jesus, so I’m fine,” I said, half joking, half begging, trying to convince her to continue. For days now, this girl has been nothing but a sweet, deliberate cock-teaser. Apart from that one night of oral madness at Mrs. Adeoye’s house, I haven’t gone anywhere near the inside of her pants since then. We’ll start something, and just when the tempo starts rising, she’ll pull back and say, “You need to be fully healed first… I want our first time to be magical.”
Magical my foot. At this point, I was beginning to suspect she was sent from the pit of temptation itself.

"Tiff, I'm healed I swear in the name of the god of thunder, I'm fine now. Nothing do my body..."

She smirked. “How do I know? I don’t want to be the reason you go back to the hospital, Mr Man. We still have enough time to make up for this long wait once you are fully healed...I promise.”

“You still don't believe I'm fine abi,” I said again, smiling faintly. “ Well, there’s only one way to find out.”

She laughed softly. “Not tonight, bobo. You know our first time—”

“Must be magical,” I cut in.

“Exactly.” She gave a playful salute. “Now be a good boy and go to your room.”

She kissed me lightly again and walked out, her hips swaying like she knew exactly the damage she’d done.
My dick was as hard as the Nigerian economy used to be in the early days of President Tinubu’s administration.

I looked at Toyosi again—deep asleep. I sighed, shut the door, and locked it from outside, slipping the key into my pocket. First part is done.
Kenny may have escaped my first trap, but he won’t escape the next one. Tonight, he’s not leaving that guest room till morning. I’ll lock him inside and go sleep in Tiffany’s room. The only problem now is how to get into that cock-teaser’s room. That girl can be stubborn for Africa. Her stubbornness was clearly imported straight from Pharaoh himself.

When I pushed open the guest-room door, Kenny was sitting on the bed, towel around his waist, phone in hand. He looked up.

“I need to talk to you,” I said quietly.

He nodded. “Even me sef. I wan tell you something important.”

“Okay…you first. What’s it about?” I asked, folding my arms.

He took a deep breath and dropped his phone beside him.
“Darous, I know you still don’t fully trust me,” he began, calm but heavy. “And I also know you put something inside my drink earlier.”

I wanted to deny it, but I quickly figured there's no point? So I waved it off.
“Yeah, I did. But it wasn’t to hurt you. It was for the girls’ safety. I still don’t know what’s going on in your head, so I’d be stupid not to take precautions.”
I paused, trying to steady my breathing. “I saw you silence a call earlier, Kenny. That’s why I acted. And for the record, it was just a sleeping pill. Nothing more.”

He stayed quiet for some seconds. The silence felt thick.

“I understand,” he said finally. “But for you to know that I’m truly a changed man, I need to tell you something. Something important.”

“Go ahead,” I said, bracing myself. The last thing I needed was another mess added to my list. I still don't know what the Circle has in store for me on Monday.

Kenny sat up straighter, his face now very serious.
“Darous,” he said quietly. “Please guy, no vex...no vex, but I lied to you earlier. I didn’t have any accident that night.”

My arms dropped. “What do you mean you lied?”

He rubbed his head, like someone feeling ashamed. “I was arrested, bro. That same night.”

I blinked. “Arrested? By who? What did you do again? Did you kill Cynthia?”

He looked up, tired. “Nooo. I told you I didn’t get her. That part is true. But a detective saved me that night—Saipon and Cobra were about to finish me if not for that man.”

"You mean the same Saipon and Cobra that followed you to beat me to stupor? They turned on you?" I said those words and didn't know if I should laugh or be angry.

"Yes. Yes..the people that picked Cynthia gave them the order to kill me right there but that Detective, saved me..."

A chill ran through me when he mentioned the word 'detective' again. The only detective I know is Detective Kalu, so. I prayed he's not the one. “Wait… what’s the detective’s name?”

“Erm… Detective Kalu or something.”

My heartbeat jumped. “Detective Kalu?...”

He nodded. “Yes. He was waiting for Cynthia that night, not me. He somehow knew something was going down. He picked me up and took me to the station. I’ve been in a cell since then.”

I stepped back, shocked. “You’ve been locked up for a week? But you said you were home resting!”

“I know,” he said quickly. “But listen, I didn’t have a choice.”

There was a brief silence before I spoke again.
“So how did you get out?”

He sighed. “The detective offered me a deal. Said he’d release me if I helped him.”

I narrowed my eyes. “Help him do what exactly?”

He hesitated. “To study you. Watch your moves… and everything about the organisation you work for.”

My whole body went cold.
I didn’t move. Just staring at him.

He continued quietly, “He said you’re working for something bigger than you understand. That they control you. He wanted me to get proof—to help him catch all of you.”

My mind flashed back to the hospital— summary of Detective Kalu’s words echoing in my mind:
‘I know who you are, Darous. I know what you do. I know the people that own you.’
I’d waved it off back then as one of his usual mind games. But now… everything suddenly made sense.
He’d been watching me long before that day.
Anger didn’t even knock — it ordered Uber straight to my chest and landed right in my fist. I felt betrayed instantly.

“So beating me up wasn’t enough,” I muttered bitterly, “now you want to—”
“Darous, please,” Kenny cut in. “I’m not proud of it. That’s why I’m confessing. I couldn’t keep lying to you. I need your forgiveness.”

He stood slowly, towel still tied. “I know how much you’ve suffered. I swear I never meant to betray you. The torture in that cell… the beatings… I just broke. I thought helping him was the only way out.”

I didn’t speak. My head was spinning.

He went on, voice trembling. “I see the way those girls trust you. The way they love you. I envy that. I want to be better. I want to fix my life. Especially because of Baba T. I can’t forgive myself for how I handled his death. Maybe this is how I start to atone for my sins.”

I weighed his words carefully for a brief moment and decide to not make hasty decisions until I get the full picture of what's really at play here.

“Tell me exactly what he wants from me." I finally spoke. " What does he know?”

Kenny swallowed. “He knows you work for a big organisation. That they control everything you do. He didn’t say how much he knows, but he sounded very sure.”

The air turned heavy. Even the walls felt like they were listening.

“How exactly did he want you to spy on me?” I asked.

“He said he’s been on that organisation's case for over ten years.”

“Ten years?” I frowned. “That’s deep.”

“Yeah,” he said. “He told me they mostly use WhatsApp coded links for operations.”

I scoffed. “WhatsApp? Really?”

“I’m just saying what he said. He told me to watch you closely—especially when you’re on your phone.”

“Watch me…”

He nodded slowly. “And if I notice anything strange, I should report.”

I chuckled bitterly. “Wow. That's deep.”

“He just wants me to find out the person who messages you for that job stuff. Like the intermediary between you and that organisation.”

“So basically, he wants you to sell me out,” I said flatly.

Kenny bit his lip, then looked away. “It’s not like that. I just… I don’t even know what to do anymore.”

"Hmmmm...." I sighed deeply. Worry and anxiety taking a vip seat in my body right there.

“Wait first,” I said. “How are you even sure I work for any organization?”

He gave me that suspicious look, then let out a small scoff.
“Guy, abeg, I know you. All those secret codes you and Jude used to drop at the bar—who una dey deceive? And that our girl... what’s her name again... hmm... Bola, abi?”

" Bola?" I squinted.

" Yes...Bola...I know she changed your life. She carry you enter that gang. Abeg, no need to pretend.”

He said it with so much confidence. There was no need to argue. I just stood there quietly.

I smiled faintly. “So why tell me now? What changed?”
Kenny looked at me for a long while before speaking. His voice dropped low, like he was afraid the walls could hear him.

“Darous, you know who they call Agama abi?”

I frowned. “Who doesn’t know Agama?"

That Agama is bad news. Every building contractor in Lagos knows his name. He used to raid construction sites, collecting illegal levies like some self-appointed king of the streets. A dangerous man through and through. They said he earned the name “Agama” as a kid because he was obsessed with hunting lizards—he’d never see one on the wall without picking up a stone to strike it.

"The same Agama of Lagos?" I added.

Kenny nodded slowly.
“Saipon and Cobra, they’re his boys.”

"Okay... I know , but what exactly are you driving at?”

“Three years ago, my little boy fell sick,” Kenny said, voice shaky. “My baby mama was calling me every minute. The hospital needed about five hundred thousand naira for treatment. I didn’t have it, Darous. You know how things were for me that time.”
He paused, rubbing his hands together like he was washing away guilt that refused to leave.

“I tried all the loan apps, but you know na, I dey owe more than fourty apps gbese wey I never pay. My BVN no fit borrow money for pure water sef. So I now went to Agama for help. I used all my aluminium fabricator machines as collateral. I thought I'll be able to pay back quick, but things got worse. I couldn’t meet up, and Agama came and carried everything—machines worth more than three hundred thousand naira.”

I stared at him. “Wait… that time? When you said you were robbed? You didn’t tell us you collected money from Agama.”

Kenny sighed. “I couldn’t, Darous. I knew you’d never support it. You’d have dragged me away from the deal. But after Agama took the machines, he added another five hundred thousand naira as interest. That’s how the debt grew.”

He leaned back, eyes cloudy with regret.
“Baba T was the only one who knew. He’s been helping me pay it small small, from whatever he could save. But now that he’s gone, everything fell back on me. Agama’s boys—Saipon and Cobra—came for me that night that Baba T died. They said I must complete the payment or pay with my blood.”

I swallowed hard, watching his face darken.

“That’s why they were after Cynthia that night,”

"What does Cynthia got to do with this?" I said, feeling confused.

Damilgodwin:
Boss this constantly freshing of page self don tire person ooo

I go report you give the gods of thunder ooo

You no wan deliver your polling unit ni😁😁

no vex boss. Remain shinkini

@ Adigun Idowu. That's my Facebook name.

Below is the profile picture.

Damilgodwin:
Abeg hunger don dae hammer person oo,

You never cook finish ni

remain small boss. But it's dropping on my Facebook first. Then back here and that's if they no ban am

dawno2008:
Wetin dey sup nau😕this area just quiet since ooo😳wetin dey happen nau😰
TBM baba,how your end and how god of thunder dey do for younder😂 I dey miss you oooo,game nor gree enter,and you too nor gree drop update,come be like say my frenemies just gang up to betray me😂😂😂😂

Abeg,come quick oo,abi na Nairaland bot again ni? Cos the thunder ⚡ wey I go take strike the mods dey do press up now😤

Baba I abeg come give me my fix jawe🤕

I dey kitchen. I dey cook am... 😄😄😄

dawno2008:
All this Aje buredi shilduren sef😏, anyways her eyes go tell her what's up 😂

Now the game has begun,full betrayal mode maximally activated 🤓,and Kenny like a wounded lion,will not hold back,just see his Judas Iscariot approach,this life sef🤔 but Darous didn't really do badly lying to the girls,cos how do you explain,that your friend beat and leave you for death😕,sha he needs to find a way to tell "sweetheart" Tiffany,cos I no wan hear story that touch ooo😂😂😂
Bless you TBM the true son of God of thunder ⚡ ⛈️

Toyosi fvcked up o. Ahswear😂😂😂

Continuation of episode 22.


After the noise died down, Toyosi said, “Abeg, make we cook. This kind celebration deserve small jollof and fried chicken.”

Tiffany snapped her fingers. “Chef mode activated. Kenny what are you taking? Your friend is still on custard diet...”

Kenny grinned, rubbing his belly. “Anything that’s not that fancy bread Mrs. Adeoye served us that morning—what’s it called again? Croissinant?"

"Croissant!" Tiffany shouted.

" Oh... Abeg, that thing tastes like puff-puff that dropped out of school.”

The girls laughed again.
“Croissant look like puff-puff? Kenny, behave!” Toyosi added. "It's like you have a big personal vendetta with civilisation." She chuckled.

He stood up and started mimicking a British accent. “Good morning, dear. Here’s your breakfast — two croissant and a glass of disappointment!”

Even I laughed hard this time. His acting was too good.

For a second, I saw my old friend — the Kenny I used to know before all the madness.

But somewhere inside me, a small voice — that voice — whispered:
“Don’t lose guard. Snakes can smile too.”

Dinner came and went. We ate, laughed, teased one another, and for a brief moment, all the tension in the air faded away. But just as I was beginning to relax, I noticed Kenny glance at his phone—and quickly silence an incoming call.

He tried to make it look casual, but I caught it.

My heartbeat skipped.
Who could be calling him at this hour? And why would he ignore it so fast?
Something wasn’t right.

Maybe it wasn’t just a random call. Maybe Saipon and Cobra had already infiltrated the estate—waiting quietly for his signal to move.

He pressed the phone against his thigh and hit “decline.” His eyes flicked up — just briefly — to check if anyone saw. I pretended I didn’t.

My whole body went stiff. The god of thunder spoke in my head, firm and direct:
“Tell the girls the truth about him now. Let them know what’s going on before something bad happens.”

He was right — but I still wanted to give Kenny one last chance, for old time’s sake. I would eventually tell the girls the truth, but before that, I needed to be sure. I had to know if he had truly changed… or if he was still hiding something dark behind that calm face.

If I told Tiffany now, she’d call the police and Kenny would end up in jail. I don’t want that — people deserve a second chance. But if he’s only pretending, I can’t wait.

So I needed a plan: calm, safe, and fast. I stayed at the table, laughed with them, played along — all the while my head was working, quietly mapping the next move.

After a few minutes an idea popped into my head. I smiled to myself, as I run it over once more. It felt right. Very perfect.

I excused myself quietly and went into the guest room. My hospital bag was still there. I opened it and found the small bottle of tablets the doctor gave me — painkillers mixed with sleeping pills.

Three pills left.

One of these little pills use to knock me out for eight hours. The plan was simple. Slip two pills into his drinks, so he sleeps through the night. By morning everyone would be awake, there’d be less chance for him to hurt anyone by then, and before he even stays too long, I'll find a way to get him to his house even if he’s still half-asleep. And when I come back, I'll find a way to tell the girls and beg them not to involve the police. But we'd all be watching him cautiously.

Risky right? I know, but it felt like the safest move I had at that time.

So I took two pills to the kitchen, then crushed them inside the small kitchen mortar.

I washed my hands, then grabbed a tray, three matching glass cups, a fourth one that looked slightly different, and a bottle of red wine from the counter. I poured the crushed pills into the odd cup and topped it up with wine. I filled the other three cups as well. Standing in the kitchen, I ran through the plan again, practicing how I'd hand each person their drink so I wouldn't mix up the one that had the pills.

When I walked back into the living room, tray with glass cups filled with wine in hand, the laughter had returned.

Toyosi was telling Kenny how the mortuary attendant asked for “urgent logistics” before allowing us to see Baba T’s body.

“Imagine!” she said. “The man even winked at Tiffany like she’s supposed to bribe him with style!”

Tiffany threw a pillow at her. “You’re mad!”

Kenny laughed. “Na why Nigeria no fit change. Even ghost dey pay rent for cold room!”

They laughed again. The room was warm, alive, full of small joys sitting on top of big fear.

I placed the tray on the table. “Abeg, before una talk tire — let’s make a toast to Baba T.”

They all went quiet for a moment.

Kenny nodded slowly. “Yes… to Baba T.”

I gave them each a glass. I made sure the identical cups gets to Toyosi, Tiffany and me. While the one with the slight difference - the marked one — got to Kenny.

“Now, ladies first,” I said, trying to sound serious.

Tiffany lifted her glass with a playful smile. “To the man who made us laugh so hard we started seeing our periods.” Everyone smiled at that.

Toyosi raised her glass. “To the man who never cared what was on the table — as long as it's eatable. Baba T. May his soul finally rest in peace.”

I nodded and lifted mine too. “To the man who proved that even in the middle of chaos, loyalty still matters. He took the fall for us… that’s the kind of man I’ll always call a brother.”

Kenny was quiet for a while, staring at his drink before he finally spoke. His voice shook. “To the only man who stood by me through thick and thin… the same man I couldn’t save. Baba T, if you can hear me… I’m sorry.”
The room went still. Even the air felt heavy.

"To Baba T." I said and everyone chorused: "To Baba T."

We all touched glasses together.

Clink. Clink Clink Clink.

Tiffany was the first to drink fully. “Mmm. This wine is always good!”

I smiled, but my eyes were fixed on Kenny as I placed my glass at the doors of my mouth.
He lifted his glass halfway to his lips about to sip, almost sip, quarter to sip, one and a half quarter to sip, then—

“Wait!” Toyosi shouted suddenly.

Everyone froze.

Kenny blinked. “What?”

She pointed. “That’s my favourite cup!”

“What?” Kenny said, confusion written clearly on his face.

“That cup you’re holding. Its my favourite cup. I’ve used it every time we’ve drunk wine in this house.”

"Abi you are mad ni? Abi ko fe daaa fun e ni? Just because of one cup? Abi aiye n shey eleyi ni?" I wanted to say that to Toyosi at that moment but the words dare not come out.

I felt my heart stop.

Kenny looked at her, then looked at the cup again For one second, I thought he would just drink it to spite Toyosi but he just stared at it with confusion on his face, probably trying to see what's so special about the cup.

I quickly force a weak smile. “Toyosi, leave it now. It’s just a cup.”

But Toyosi was already stretching her hand out. “Kenny, abeg, let’s exchange. You don’t know how much I love that cup.”

Kenny gave a small laugh. “Ah, see this girl o. Is it cup you’re marrying or the wine inside?”

Tiffany giggled. “Kenny, just give it to her before she starts crying.”

Kenny shrugged, still smiling that old, mischievous smile. “Fine, fine. Here—take it before you curse me with heartbreak.”

He handed her the glass.

Toyosi grinned, raised it like a champion, and before I could even breathe, she gulped the entire wine down in one go.

Then I heard a voice in my head that says : "so pe o ti lor."

I dropped to the chair immediately.

To be continued.

Episode 21 is on my Facebook page. @Darousmart Library. All updates will first be dropping on that account before coming here to test the patience of the anti spam.





Episode 22 - Eyes Behind The Scene.

Kenny was sitting by the estate gate that evening, on the small cement block beside the security post, when we drove in from the morgue.

Tiffany was driving, while Toyosi sat at the back, glued to her phone, giving us live updates about the Big Brother Naija 2025 finale — who just got evicted, who was still in the house, and all the drama happening on the show. I sat in front, tired and quiet, watching as the estate gate slowly opened.

Then, out of the corner of my eye, I saw him.

Kenny.

He looked rough — beards overgrown, eyes red like someone who hadn’t slept properly in days. He was wearing a black hoodie and jeans, sitting quietly like he’d been waiting there for hours.

I quickly looked away and pretended not to see him. I fixed my gaze on my phone like I was reading something deep and important. The last thing I wanted was Tiffany noticing the man who nearly beat me to death two weeks ago.

But Toyosi’s eyes are too sharp for this world. From the backseat, she leaned forward and squinted.
“Wait… that looks like Kenny,” she said.

My heart skipped a million beats at that moment.

Tiffany slowed the car a little. “Kenny who?” She asked.

“Darous friend now,” Toyosi said, already tapping Tiffany's shoulder. “Stop jare, let’s talk to him.”

Before I could even say anything, Tiffany had already hit the brakes and pulled over near the gate.

I was feeling agitated at that moment.
How did Kenny even find this place?

I still remember the half-truth I told Tiffany and Toyosi — that the whole hospital thing happened because some people mistook us for a rival gang. So if Kenny is here now to apologize… or to continue what he started, Tiffany would definitely hate me for lying to her. I mean, this was the same girl who almost broke up with me when she found out I had rented a G-Wagon to impress people at a party. If she discovers I’ve done something worse, I can’t even imagine her reaction.

That thought alone sent shivers down my spine. As we stepped out of the car, I hesitated, standing beside the GLE like a lost tourist. My ribs began to ache again. This was the same guy — the one who had come with Saipon and Cobra to beat me to stupor right inside my own house.

If Jude hadn’t come for me that night, I’d probably be long gone — lying beside Baba T in one of those cold drawers at the morgue.

And now, here he was, sitting right in front of me — looking like a man who had been to hell and back.

Our eyes met.
He stood slowly, his voice low and shaky. “Darous… I’m sorry.”

Tiffany and Toyosi turned to me immediately, their faces puzzled.

Before Kenny could say another word that might expose me, I moved quickly — stepped forward and pulled him into a tight hug.

To the girls, it looked emotional. To me, it was tactics.

With my lips close to his ear, I whispered sharply, “Don’t say anything now. If Tiffany finds out you’re the one that beat me up, kirikiri will be the next place you spend your entire life. Just act normal.”

He froze for a second, then gave a small grunt that meant he understood.

We stayed like that a few seconds longer — two men pretending to share brotherly forgiveness, when in truth, we were just hiding a dangerous secret inside a hug.

I looked closely at Kenny, still trying to understand why he suddenly showed up. His face looked thinner, his eyes dull, and one cheek was swollen. But there was something deeper in his eyes — something heavy — maybe regret, maybe guilt, or a bit of both.

I cleared my throat. “Kenny, how did you even find this place? I’ve been trying to reach you since I got discharged from the hospital.”

He adjusted his hoodie and looked down. “Toyosi told us at the party. That night after the incident. And I've been to this area before. Mr Akande Estate.”

I looked back at the girls immediately. They both nodded like backup singers.

Toyosi said, “Oh yes! We actually did mention it that night, remember?"

" Where was I?" I asked with a squinted face.

"When you left to meet Mrs. Adeoye, our gist somehow entered that area.”

Tiffany added with a shrug, “Exactly. It’s not like it’s a secret location. What’s the big deal?”

My heartbeat started to slow down a bit. Maybe I was just overthinking things.

Still, I decided to end the conversation before Kenny will say one wrong thing that will get me in trouble with Tiffany.

“Alright,” I said, forcing a small smile. “It’s late already. You should probably start heading home. We’ll talk properly tomorrow.”

But before Kenny could even move, Toyosi frowned. “Go where by this time of the night? Are you even serious right now?”

I blinked. “No, I just meant—”

She cut me off. “Nonsense. Are you not the only one sleeping on that big bed? The two of you can manage it for tonight. Tomorrow he can go. Or is he not your friend?”

I opened my mouth to object, but Tiffany jumped in, folding her arms with that her bossy confidence.

“Exactly,” she said. “And don’t even start with excuses, Mister Recovery. You men always claim brotherhood — ‘we die here,’ ‘guys look out for each other’ — now one of your own shows up and you want to send him home by this time? Abeg rest.”

“Babe, that’s not what I—”

“Shh,” she interrupted, waving her hand. “I don’t want to hear grammar. He’s following us home. End of discussion.”

Her voice had that final tone that brooked no argument — the kind that could silence even a crying child.

I kept thinking, this might be my last night on earth.

These girls don't understand. They don't even know it's this same man that came with two thugs to beat the life out of me.
They don't even know I still wake up sometimes hearing those punches echoing in my head.

But as I looked at Kenny, he didn’t look dangerous. He looked broken. Hungry. His shoulders sagged like life had pressed him down too hard.

Maybe he was really sorry. Maybe he’d moved on from everything that happened. Maybe I was just being paranoid.

I was still wrestling with my thoughts when Toyosi, tired of my silence, opened the back door and called out, “Kenny, oya enter jare before this security man starts acting funny now.”

He hesitated, glancing at me as if asking permission. I nodded stiffly, forcing a half-smile that felt like swallowing gravel.

Tiffany, already in the driver’s seat, leaned out and snapped, “Babe, stop standing there like a lost goat. Get in the car and let's go na.. I can't miss the rest of the eviction show.”

She said it with that sarcastic sweetness that only she could pull off — half caring, half commanding.

So like a sheep, I obeyed.

Kenny climbed in quietly beside Toyosi. I got back into the front seat, heart pounding so hard I could almost hear it echoing in my ears.

As Tiffany drove us through the estate road, I stared out the window, pretending to admire the streetlights, but deep down inside me, it was a battle of thoughts.
My thoughts were running faster than the car itself.

What if tonight… I don’t wake up tomorrow?
What if Kenny was here to finish what he started?
What if he still blamed me for Cynthia's escape?
What if this was a setup — a calm smile hiding a knife behind the back?

I swallowed hard and stared through the window again.

In my mind, I called on the god of thunder like I always do whenever I’m confused.
“Please, show me what to do.”
And the voice in my head replied,
“Talk to him alone, but don’t go empty-handed. No lose guard.”

“Darous, your friend is too quiet o,” Toyosi said suddenly from the back, cutting through my thoughts. “You sure this is the same Kenny we know?”

Kenny gave a small laugh that sounded like someone forcing air through pain.
“I’m fine, thank you,” he said politely.

Tiffany gave him a side glance from the driver’s seat.

“You sure? You look like you’ve been fighting demons,” she said in her usual sarcastic tone. “Anyway, sorry for the loss of your friend. Darous told us everything.”

My heart almost stopped when she said that. I didn’t want Kenny to get the wrong idea or say something he shouldn’t, so I quickly cut in.

“Yes, Kenny,” I said fast. “I had to explain to them how those cult guys mistook us for a rival gang and attacked us at the bar. Those bastards killed Baba T…” I forced a shaky sigh, pretending to sob a little.

Kenny stayed quiet.

“Anyway,” I continued, “we’ll bury him the day after tomorrow. His body’s already cleared at the morgue. At least he’ll get the burial he deserves.”

Kenny finally spoke, his voice low and rough. “No one deserves a burial at that young age… but life happens.”

I just nodded slowly, saying nothing more.

When we got to the house, Tiffany parked in front of the gate and turned off the ignition.
The compound light came on automatically..

We entered the house, and everywhere felt cold. Tiffany quickly turned on the heater.

Toyosi went to the fridge, grabbed a drink and said,
“TV on — Big Brother Naija, live eviction show!”

The voice command worked at once, and the TV came on. Ebuka's voice filled the sitting room. His usual calm mixed with tension.
The crowd noise from the show washed over everything else, echoing through the house like we were right there in the arena.

“Ah! Imisi is still in the house!” Toyosi shouted,. “Nobody should talk to me o!”

Tiffany laughed, kicking off her heels.
The two of them sat on the couch, eyes glued to the screen.
I saw that as a perfect distraction.

I strolled quietly into the kitchen, opened the drawer, and picked the sharpest knife I could find.
I tucked it carefully into my jeans pocket.

When I came out, Kenny was sitting on the sofa closest to the door.
I tapped his shoulder gently.

“Let’s talk outside,” I said.

He nodded without argument.

The night breeze hit us as we stepped out.
It was cold and quiet — the kind of silence that makes you hear your own heartbeat.

For a few seconds, we both stood still, facing the darkness.

Then suddenly, I swung my right hand — the one without the bandage — and landed a heavy slap across his face. He froze on the spot, shock written all over his already swollen face. Before he could even blink or process what just happened, I gave him another one for good measure. The sound echoed through the air. Then I took a deep breath and calmed myself a bit.

“That’s for the beating you gave me that night,” I said, straightening my shoulders, ready in case he tried to fight back. But he didn’t move. He knew better — even with one hand, I could still handle him.

He just let out a deep sigh, and then a tear rolled down his cheek.

"I deserve it and more.." He muttered with his gaze fix on the floor.

“Now tell me Kenny,” I said quietly, “why are you really here? Forget that fake apology bulls*hit you gave earlier… tell me the real reason you’re here. If you don't want another slap on that treacherous face of yours.”

He didn’t answer immediately. His hands were still on the affected cheek, his head slightly bowed.

“I didn’t come to fight you Darous or to cause problems for you again,” he said finally, voice low. “I came to talk.”

“Talk?” I scoffed. “You almost killed me, Kenny. You and your boys beat me like a thief in my own house. You left me bleeding and half-dead. What’s there to talk about? What's stopping me from finishing you right now? Eh? What's stopping me from beating your a*ss right now! Tell me!”

He rubbed his face, sighed deeply.
“I didn’t plan for it to go that way. I swear. I just lost control. I tried to stop, but everything happened so fast. I don’t even know what came over me Darous.... .”

He looked up at me, eyes tired, like someone carrying too much guilt and pains.

“I lost Baba T, Darous… after already losing my twin. Do you even know what that feels like? To lose the person who shared your blood… and then years later, lose the only friend that ever filled that empty space? You think it’s easy for me to go through that again?”

I looked at him silently for a moment. My right hand brushed the knife in my pocket — just in case.

“Where’s Cynthia?” I asked finally.

His face tightened, and he went quiet for a few seconds, like he was trying to gather the right words.
“I didn’t get her that night,” he said at last. “I almost did… but some people reached her first. They pushed her into a car and sped off before I could even blink. I ran after them, but they were gone before I got close.”

“So you didn’t get Cynthia, huh? I bet you went back to my house to finish me off,” I said, trying to hide the small relief I felt knowing he didn’t catch Cynthia that night.
He just rubbed his arm again, looking uneasy.

“No, I didn't, but on my way home, our bike had an accident. I was thrown off. Look.”

He lifted his shirt a bit — there were dark scars running across his back and shoulder. Even his face was kind of swollen.

“I’ve been indoors since then. Healing. Thinking about everything.”
He paused for a moment, then said quietly, “I went to your house a few times, but you weren’t there. I figured you were with Tiffany. That’s why I came here. I wanted to call, but I lost my phone in the accident.”

“Hmmm… you know Jude had to leave town, right? He was scared of what you might do to him,” I said, watching his face.

“Jude isn’t in Lagos?” Kenny asked, his eyes narrowing.

“Oh, you expect him to stay around so you can finish him off? ,” I said, almost raising my voice. “He saw with his own eyes how mad you can get when a wire sparks in your brain.”

Kenny let out a deep breath, his eyes fixed on the floor. He looked like a man trying so hard to choose his words carefully.

“I’m just… sorry for everything, Darous,” he said finally, his voice low. “Tell Jude he can come back. I don’t hate him—or anyone—anymore. I swear on my father’s grave.”

"I didn’t reply.
He took a deep breath, voice trembling now.

“Bro, I’m really really sorry. I’m truly sorry. I swear on everything I know. I didn’t want any of this. I’ve not slept in peace since that night. Every time I close my eyes, I see Baba T’s face, telling me I dishonour his memory. I just want peace. I want us back to normal. I miss you guys. My life has fallen apart since Baba T. You and Jude are the only ones I know as my brothers. Please forgive me and give me a second chance. I swear I'll use this second chance to make up for the pains I caused you... I'm so sorry....”
He dropped to his knees suddenly.
“Please forgive me. I beg you.”

His voice cracked, tears sliding down his cheeks. The sound was too raw to be faked.

But I still didn’t trust it.
Snakes shed their skin, not their nature.

“Wait—answer me first,” I said, my voice low but firm. “Do you still think it was wrong of me to help Cynthia escape?”

He didn’t lift his head immediately. Still on his knees, he sighed deeply. “No, bro. I swear, I don’t blame you anymore,” he said. “If there’s anyone who deserves the blame for her escape, it’s me. If I hadn’t been so blinded by vengeance, maybe she’d be in a cell right now instead of out there. I let my anger ruin everything.”

His voice was calm, heavy with guilt — the kind that makes it hard to doubt his sincerity.

I stood over him quietly, the night wind whistling past us. My fingers never left the knife handle.
Then, after a long pause, I forced a small smile, bent down, and helped him up.

“It’s okay, Kenny,” I said slowly. “Let’s put the past behind us. Maybe this is how we start again.”

He nodded, wiping his tears.

And right there under the balcony light, I hugged him —
but my right hand stayed firm on the knife in my pocket.

The moment we stepped back inside, the living room exploded with screams.

“Ahhhhhh! Imisi don win! She don win ooo!” Toyosi screamed, jumping on the couch like a crazy fan.

Tiffany threw her wrapper in the air and hugged her from behind. “I told you she’d win! I told you! My girl no dey disappoint!”

I just stood by the door, weak smile on my face. The TV was loud, Ebuka still shouting something about “the winner of Big Brother Naija, Season Finale…” and confetti flying everywhere on the screen.

Toyosi was already dancing. “Imisi for president joor! That girl carry grace!”

I wanted to laugh, but my head was heavy with thoughts.

Tiffany turned and saw me standing there like a statue. Her face softened. “Come here my sweet boy.”

Before I could even blink, she wrapped her arms around me and pressed her lips hard on mine — deep and hot. My head went blank for a few seconds.

.“If not because you’re not feeling too well,” she said with that wicked smile, “I would’ve celebrated this win in a proper couple’s style.” She winked at me in a seductive way that made my dick twitch in my pants.

Her cleavage was still right there in my face, taunting me like sin itself. I swallowed hard and tried to act like a gentleman.

For a moment, it felt… normal. Like the old days.

drewbar:
We no get choice nah, make we head to Facebook.

But abeg, come back here after all the bans have expired.

sure thing.

Episode 21 is already on my Facebook page. @Adigun Idowu.

Damilgodwin:
Our amiable son of thunder, wae the gods carry G/G against Kenny and his squad 😁😁😁😁.

Abeg no let the fun and energy dies down ooo. We are rooting for you

Team TBM💯💯🎉🎉✅

no be my fault o. Been trying to update the next episode for the past 2 days but the useless anti-bam wey Ogun wan killlll just dey place ban on me like say I be illegal product.

As shown in the pictures below, I reposted the episode after censoring most of the words I suspected were triggering the issue. However, the anti-spam system still banned it. This is like the fourth time.
So here's what we'll do:

I'm taking my story off Nairaland.

You can follow or connect with me on Facebook — search for Adigun Idowu.

Below is my profile picture to help you identify me.

Feel free to follow or send a friend request. I’ll be continuing the story on Facebook.

Gracias!

Maybe we should all bombard the mods with messages o. I've sent Divepen1 a complaint since yesterday and I'm yet to receive a single word in response. I hate this stalling

yuno01:
Why will they do that? What rule did you break to warrant the ban?

Or na just random spraying of ban like a stolen air freshener

I don't know jare. The thing just tire person