Chapter 18

“You alive over there?” Shar asked, giggling at the question.

When I sent her my location last night, she told me she’d be calling first thing in the morning to get the detail. At eight A.M. sharp, my phone was going off with a FaceTime call. It was Sunday morning, and here I was alone in Deuce’s bed with a sore ass. Since we got to his house yesterday, I hadn’t seen anything but the four walls of his bedroom. That man fucked me on every surface of this room.

I wasn’t sure what type of shit he was on, but that dick was lethal. He had me cumming to the point of tears. That final round, he took it easy on me, yet even that was intense. The combination of slow strokes, kissing, and hair gripping sent me to new heights. I was asleep before he ever pulled out of me.

“Barely, girl. I’m so damn sore.”

“Well damn, was he throwing you against the wall or some shit?”

My back had in fact been slammed into a couple of walls.

“Shar, it was intense, okay. Nobody has ever handled me like that. The soreness is worth it.”

“I’m not mad at that. Shit, my first time with Maceo damn near put me in a coma. I had to call outta work two days in a row.”

“Huh uh! That’s too much! What kind of demon time was he on!”

“The type that had me on my knees ready for more. So, are you having Sunday dinner with the family? Maceo left a little while ago to head that way.”

“I don’t know, girl. He hasn’t mentioned anything about dinner. I don’t know if I’m ready to meet the rest of the family just yet. His mom is the sweetest, but Deuce is a lot to digest. What if they are all like him?”

“Then you know what you’re dealing with. You made it to the house, and you’ve met his mother. Mace said no woman ever makes it that far with him. He seems to like you.”

“I mean… I like him, Shar. But he ain’t wrapped too tight.”

“I thought we established that.”

I jumped as I heard Deuce’s voice. Sitting up, I saw him standing in the doorway dressed in. Nothing but his basketball shorts. Sweat glistened on his smooth skin, making me lick my lips. It brought me right back to last night and the way we were both sweating heavily as he took me on every surface of his bedroom.

He walked over and took a seat beside me on the bed.

“Hey, Sharina,” he said, looking into the camera.

“Hey.”

“When you see Mace with a fat ass lip, just know I popped him in his shit for all that pillow talking he’s been doing with you.”

Shar giggled. “Leave my boo alone. He didn’t say anything bad. Besides, why can’t he tell me you like my friend? You ashamed of that?”

“Hell no. I ain’t ashamed of shit. Salima knows what’s up. Now, if y’all are done gossiping about me, Ima need my woman back. Say bye, Salima.”

I rolled my eyes. “I’ll holla at you later, Shar.”

“Mmm hmm. Bye, girl.”

I disconnected the call and tossed the phone on the bed. When my eyes landed on Deuce, he was staring at my nipples. When I snapped my fingers at him, he looked up at me with a smirk.

“They were looking at me first.”

“Whatever. When did I agree to be your woman, Stanley?”

“The moment you let me taste your pussy. You thought I was about to let another nigga have you after that? You wanted to be responsible for me sending him to his mama in a body bag?”

“Please. You don’t know me to kill a man over me.”

He cupped my chin and looked deep into my eyes.

“Make no mistake, I’d never let any harm come to you. Anybody that fucks with you can get it.” He pecked my lips. “Come eat.”

Standing from the bed, he grabbed my hand and pulled me to my feet. We left the bedroom, then headed down the hall and into the kitchen. His home was huge and beautiful. It was everything I expected of him. There were absolutely no traces of a woman being here. It was a complete bachelor pad.

I caught a glimpse of the family compound when we drove in, and it was immaculate. The main road led to a huge house with a big circular driveway that was all lit up. You would have thought it was the damn White House. He told me that was “The Big House” where the family functions and meetings took place.

There was enough space in between the properties to give privacy but still be close to family. It literally looked like a subdivision. I thought it was beautiful that they all lived together on their own land. Their closeness was admirable.

When we stepped into the kitchen, the smell of something heavenly hit me. I was met with a spread of cheese grits, Rogerwood sausages, country potatoes, eggs, and biscuits.

“You cooked this?” I asked.

He laughed. “I don’t look like I can cook? Stephanie ain’t play that. She told me I wasn’t gonna be a half ass man my whole life. She made sure I could cook and knew how to take care of myself without her.”

“Can I just say I love your mama?” I said as I began fixing my plate.

He waved me off. “I knew you two would get along. She’s always wanted a daughter. I mean, she has my sisters, but that’s different.”

“Your siblings are close with your mom?”

“They are. We were raised together. We spent nights at each other’s house and shit. Plus, she comes to Sunday dinner most every Sunday. My people love her.”

“Your dad’s girlfriend is cool with her?”

“Maddie knows the nigga she’s claiming. It’s no secret Pops still wants my mama. I mean, you can see it in the way he looks at her. They were together for a hot minute before Maddie came back into the picture. I love that man, but that nigga doesn’t know which baby mama he wants to be with. I don’t get in their business like that. They’re grown.”

“I get that. I miss my dad. I’m sure you’re aware he died a few years ago.”

“I am. I just didn’t wanna step on your feelings about that by bringing it up.”

I took a seat at the table. “It’s okay. I have nothing but good memories of him so it doesn’t make me cry. I’m really still trying to wrap my head around the fact that he used to run drugs with your uncle.”

He chuckled. “Yeah… Uncle Blake told me about that. My loudmouth ass siblings brought your name up at dinner last Sunday and he asked about you.”

“Soooo… am I meeting the family today?”

“You want to?”

I shrugged. “I don’t know. Like I said, I’m a little nervous. I don’t know what I’m getting into.”

“I mean, we don’t sit around brandishing our guns and discussing the family business. Sundays are chills days. We eat, drink, talk shit, and have fun. Same shit you’d do with your people. We’re just like any other family… well mostly.”

“Are outsiders typically welcomed?”

“If you’re with me, you ain’t no outsider. They will respect you. They might get in your business a little bit, but they’ll be cool.”

He pulled out his phone and tapped away on it. The next thing I heard was the sound of a FaceTime call. A few seconds later, I heard the sweetest voice of an older woman.

“Hey, Deuce.”

“What’s going on, Grams?”

“Trying to get this food together. You need something?”

“How about I come help y’all out?”

“You’re volunteering to do more than feed your face?”

He chuckled. “Don’t do me like that, old woman. You want my help or naw?”

“Well, come on.”

“I’m bringing you something, too. Well, more like someone.”

“Oh!” Excitement filled her voice. “Is it the young lady that had breakfast with your mama?”

“Yeah, Grams. It’s her.”

“Good. You know I had to call and be nosy. Your mama said she’s a lovely girl and so sweet.”

He looked over at me and grinned. “She a’ight.”

I playfully kicked him under the table.

“She’s more than alright if you brought her back here. I can’t wait to meet her.”

“We’ll be there after we eat.”

“Okay, baby. I love you.”

“I love you too, Grams.” He disconnected the call and placed his phone on the table.

“She sounds so sweet.”

“Don’t let that sweet voice fool you. She can raise hell. My granddaddy said he didn’t marry her because she was sweet. She’s always been with the shits. The woman you’re about to meet was the queen to a kingpin. She knows the game inside and out and plays it better than alot of these niggas out here. Retirement has leveled her out, but she will never hesitate to step back into her old ways if she has to.”

That made me swallow hard.

Lord, what am I getting myself into?

A fter breakfast, Deuce and I hopped in the shower. Shit got a little freaky in there. As soon as we stepped in, he had me up against the wall with his lips on mine. I couldn’t protest when he lifted me up and slid me down onto that big, pretty dick. He fucked me mercilessly against the tile.

I’d cum twice and just when I thought he was done, that man grabbed the detachable shower head. He turned it to the massage streaming feature and as the water hit my clit, he fucked me slow while staring into my eyes. That shit put me in a trance. Before I knew it, I was cumming and cumming, and cumming some more. I couldn’t make a sound as my body expelled my juices.

All I could do was stare at him with that satisfied smirk on his face. The way he kissed me after that was nothing short of him trying to make me fall in love. We’d dressed in silence and left the house to make the short drive to his grandmother’s.

The Big House was even more beautiful than I’d imagined it would be. It was something straight out of Better Homes and Gardens. My eyes marveled as we walked through. He had to pull me along to get me to the kitchen.

“This is so nice!” I whispered loudly. “We are not in Kansas anymore.”

He chuckled. “You really gotta get outta the hood, baby.”

I stopped, causing him to stop. “I love where I come from, Stanley. I’m not ashamed of that. It’s made me who I am.”

“It’s life beyond that, though.”

“I know that, but this… I wouldn’t know how to live like this.”

“You’re the first person I heard say some shit like that. Most niggas dream of living lavishly.”

I shook my head. “Not me. I wanna be comfortable, but I never wanna have so much money that I find happiness in material shit. Once I stack my paper, I’m getting my own place again, going back to school and I’m starting my business. That will make me happy.”

He stared at me for a moment, his eyes searching mine. Just as he went to say something, a gorgeous older woman rounded the corner with an apron on. She smiled as she approached us.

“Finally!” she exclaimed. “I thought I was gonna have to come get you.”

“You have no patience, woman.” Deuce pulled her into hug. “Grams, this is Salima Navarro. Salima, this is my grandmother, Rebecca Dillinger.”

“It’s nice to meet you,” I said, extending my hand.

“Deuce never brings women to meet me, so you must be special. Come on over here and give me a hug.”

She opened her arms to me, and I didn’t hesitate to go into them. Just like his mother, her embrace was warm and welcoming. She cupped my face as I pulled away.

“You are such a pretty thing.”

I blushed. “Thank you.”

“You know… you look just like your daddy.”

“You… you knew my daddy, too?”

“I did. Fed him from my table for years. He was a hardworking man. I admired the way he chose to be a family man over staying in this lifestyle forever. Sure, the money was good, but peace of mind is the best thing you can have. That boy really loved your mama.”

I swiped at the tears in my eyes. “He did.”

“How is she?”

“She’s much better. She um… she had open heart surgery a few months ago. It’s been a little hard, but she’s recovered and she’s back at work.”

“That’s a blessing. I’m glad she’s well. You tell her she’s welcomed here, too. Iman was a big part of our family for a long time. We loved him. It’s so ironic that you and Deuce are… well, doing whatever you’re doing.” She turned to him. “You be good to her, you hear me?”

“I hear you, Grams.”

She gently touched his face. “Y’all come on in the kitchen. I’m about to put you both to work.”

We followed her into the kitchen where two other women were preparing food. Deuce introduced them as his Aunt Jeanie and Mia’s mother, Maddie. Both were beautiful woman who’d held onto their youth. I could see why his father had a hard time choosing women.

Mrs. Dillinger put us to work peeling sweet potatoes. While we worked, she asked me about myself, and she even told me stories about my father. It was like getting a glimpse of his past. I only ever knew the man that raised me. I never thought about the life he lived before I was conceived.

After a few hours, Jaeda and Mia strolled in. Both were surprised to see me there. They didn’t miss the opportunity to poke fun at their brother for seemingly being whipped. Of course, they didn’t let me ease by either. They talked major shit about the way we acted with each other now versus the night we all hung out.

Not too long after they showed up did Deuce’s father and Maceo come strolling in. When Mace saw me, he grinned and elbowed his dad.

Nodding his head at me, he said, “Pool table.”

I was mortified as his father smirked. I was stuck as Maceo came to hug me, but Deuce mushed him.

“Back yo’ gossiping ass up,” he said.

I took the opportunity to smack his arm. “I can’t believe you would bring that up!”

“What about a pool table?” Grams asked.

“Nothing, Grams,” Deuce answered.

His siblings were doubled over in laughter while everyone but his father looked on in confusion. Mr. Dillinger walked over to me, and kissed my cheek.

“It’s nice to meet you, Salima.”

“It’s nice to meet you, too,” I mumbled.

“Don’t be embarrassed. None of my kids have any couth.”

“They have it honest,” Maddie said, giving him a side eye.

He grinned at her. “Damn, baby. That’s how you feel?”

“You know how you are. Deuce, is your mama coming today?”

“I don’t know. She might be with her lil’ boyfriend.”

His father frowned. “Boyfriend? Since when did a coffee date turn into her having a boyfriend?”

Maddie placed a hand on her hip. “Since when do you care?”

“I’m just saying.”

Deuce shook his head. “Man, she’s been dating that nigga for six months and didn’t tell me anything. Jaeda, I ain’t playing with you. I need his information.”

“Deuce, I’m not getting in Mama Steph’s business. Leave that lady alone.”

He frowned. “A’ight, when I catch a body, I don’t wanna hear no shit.”

“Stanley, let your mama live!” his grandmother fussed. “She hasn’t dated anybody since your loose ass daddy.”

“Now why I gotta be loose!” Mr. Dillinger exclaimed.

“Senior, please. You have six kids by four women that you’ve been bouncing back and forth between for years. I’m glad Stephanie finally got her own man. She deserves her happiness that isn’t tied to your ass. Maddie, if you knew better, you’d do the same.”

Deuce and his siblings stifled their laughter. I liked his grandmother. She seemed like she kept it real and I could respect that.

“Now, if you aren’t helping cook, please get your ass out of my kitchen. Go on!”

Mr. Dillinger and Maceo raised their hands as they headed out the back door.

“Deuce, go on out there with them.”

“Damn, Grams. You kicking me out?”

“I am. I appreciate your help, but we’re about to gossip and we don’t need y’all in here. Bye.”

He chuckled as he stood to his feet and looked at me.

“You gon’ be okay?” he asked.

“I’ll be fine.”

“Holla if you need me.”

He cupped my chin and kissed me softly before heading out back. I couldn’t hide the smile present on my face as my eyes trailed him out the door. When I turned back, I found all the women staring at me with grins.

Jaeda shook her head. “I never thought I’d see the day Stanley Jordan Dillinger Jr. would be soft with a woman.”

“Forget being soft,” Mia said. “I’m stuck on the fact that he brought her home. What did you do to my brother?”

I shrugged. “I haven’t done anything but be myself.”

“Well, I can’t wait to see how this goes. Deuce with a girlfriend? This should be interesting.”

“We haven’t made things official,” I protested.

“Maybe you haven’t, be he has.”

I relaxed into my seat, thinking about what she said. Had I gotten myself into a relationship and not even realized it? And with Deuce, of all people. The same man that put a gun to my face? The man that gave me ten stacks like it was nothing. In all his craziness, I had to admit that he’s been sweet to me… in his own way. He was learning to be soft with me, but at least he was trying.

Maybe him being my man wouldn’t be so bad.