Chapter 22

I was a little salty because I hadn’t seen or heard from my man in three days. I saw him and Maceo abruptly leaving the lounge the other night. When they never came back, I got a little worried. I knew he had to go out of town, but he usually checked in with me. I’d been calling and texting him with no response. I’d gone from worried to pissed.

Today was my day off, and I wanted to do something to get my mind off of him. I decided to get up, shower, and get dressed while I decided what I was going to get into. When I emerged from my room, my mother was relaxing on the couch watching her soap operas. I knew I was never going to get her to miss an episode, so I didn’t bother to invite her along.

“Good morning, ma,” I said, leaning down to kiss her cheek.

“Good morning, baby. You hungry? There’s some leftover pancakes and sausage in the kitchen.”

“I’m good. I’m about to head out for a little while. Do you need anything?”

“No, I’m good. I think I’m gonna visit your dad’s grave today. He’s been on my mind heavily lately.”

I stooped to hug her. I knew she missed my father. She hadn’t been open to dating, not even to having a “little friend” since his passing.

“Mom… aren’t you lonely?”

She sighed. “Sometimes. But I get over it. I had a great love story with your father. He’s forever present in my heart. I don’t know, Salima. I guess, I’m used to you being here and I shouldn’t get comfortable with that. You’ll be leaving me soon. Maybe that will be the push I need to get back out there.”

“Who said I was leaving soon?”

She gave me a look. “You moved back to help me out. With the house and my medical bills taken care of, I can handle everything else. I figured you’d be trying to get your own space soon. I know you need privacy to do what you and Stanley do.”

I blushed. “Mama.”

“Chile, don’t be coy with me. It’s written all over your face. Plus, I went in your room to borrow some perfume and found a condom wrapper, so yeah. It’s probably time.”

My eyes widened, causing her to laugh.

“Don’t be embarrassed now. I’m just glad I wasn’t here.”

“Bye, Mama.”

I kissed her cheek and stood from the couch.

“Drive safe. That man already told you to drive like you have some sense.”

I giggled. “I will.”

I left the house and climbed into my car. I still couldn’t get over how sexy it was. I’d never owned anything so expensive. Every time I looked at it, I got excited all over again. I made my way out of the neighborhood and headed for the mall. Maybe a little shopping would lift my spirits. The drive was only about twenty minutes. The parking lot wasn’t overly packed. Climbing out of my car, I made my way inside, preparing to shop until I dropped.

About two hours had passed, and I was getting hungry. With a hand full of shopping bags, I headed for the food court. They had some of the best Chinese food, and they always gave a hefty serving. After getting my plate, I sat at one of the tables and visit myself with eating and scrolling through my phone. I was so engrossed that I didn’t see the tall figure standing over me until they sat in the empty chair across from me.

I looked up to see the man that Deuce got into it with when I went to lunch with him and his mother. He offered me a smile as he clasped his hands in front of him. I looked around and then back at him, because he clearly had me mistaken for someone who invited him to sit down.

“Can I help you?” I asked, giving attitude.

“How are you this morning, beautiful?”

“We’re not going to do that. State your purpose.”

He chuckled. “I see Deuce likes them feisty.”

“If I go in my purse, you’re gonna see how feisty I can get.”

He raised his hands in mock surrender. “I don’t want any smoke from you, baby girl. I’m just trying to talk to you.”

“Sir, what do you want?”

“My name is Mirron Hayes.”

“I know who you are. My man has told me about you.”

He chuckled. “Your man. What’s a pretty young thing like you doing getting involved with the likes of a Dillinger.”

“You’re in my business. Don’t do that.”

“Let me cut to the chase. Your man has something I want. It would do you best to convince him to sell.”

“I can’t help you with that. Deuce is preserving staples in our community and protecting the people you want to displace. Why would I ever go against him on that front?”

He laughed. “Your boyfriend is a common criminal. He and the likes of his father like the portray themselves as some sort of vigilantes. He’s nothing a contract killer, Ms. Navarro.”

“How do you know my name?”

“Oh, baby, I know alot. Your boyfriend and his family have alot of people in their back pocket because they do their dirty work for them.”

“And just what dirty work do you want him to do for you? Is that why you want those properties so bad? Because he won’t do your bidding?”

“Why I want them is of none of your concern. Now… I’ve made Deuce a very generous offer. Think of the ways this will benefit you.” He looked around at my bags. “I see he breaks you off a little something. Get him to sell and I’ll slide you some ends for your troubles. Think of it as money you don’t have to lie on your back for.”

I scoffed. “Excuse you?”

“That’s why you’re with him, right? That’s that hoodrat mentality. Get you a nigga with money and make a come up. Trust me, Ms. Navarro. You don’t want to me to get involved with you if you don’t honor my request.”

“If you don’t want him to get involved with you , you better get your ass up from this table.”

“Listen, bitch?—”

“Bitch?” I stood from the table. “I’ve got your bitch, nigga.”

Grabbing my half-eaten plate of food, I threw it in his face along with my drink.

“You wait until I tell Deuce about this. You’re already on his shit list and now you’re on mine.”

I snatched up my bags and made my way out of the food court and toward the exit of the mall. He’d fucked up my day with that shit. Back in my car, I called Deuce only to have my call go to voicemail.

“Stanley, you and I are gonna have a problem if you don’t call me back!” I yelled into the receiver.

I hung up and tossed the phone into the passenger seat. With a frustrated sigh, I cranked up and headed for home.

“ T his muthafucka…” I mumbled.

When I finally made it back to my house, Deuce’s car was parked along the street. I quickly parked and got out, storming over to it. I could barely see inside through the dark tints, but if he was in there, he would have made himself visible. I stomped back over to my car and grabbed my things before heading inside. When I opened the door, I found Deuce and my mama sitting in the living room, both of them watching her soap operas.

He looked back at me with a grin.

“Hey, baby.”

“Don’t hey baby me. You didn’t see me calling you?”

“I did, but I wanted to surprise you.”

I scoffed as I marched off toward my room. I heard him say something to my mama before his footsteps began echoing behind me. He entered the room right behind me and closed the door. I tossed my bags on the bed and turned to him with a frown as I crossed my arms.

“Fix your face,” he said, cupping my chin.

“I don’t like being ignored.”

“I wasn’t ignoring you. I had business. You knew that.”

“You weren’t busy the whole time, Stanley.”

“No, I wasn’t, but I needed my head in the game. I couldn’t afford to get distracted and fuck up. Jaeda sent us another mark, so instead of waiting, we went to handle that one too.” He pulled me into his arms. “Did you miss me, baby?”

“Of course I missed you.”

He chuckled. “Spoiled ass.” He lifted me into his arms and wrapped my legs around his waist. “Give me a kiss.”

Even though I was mad, I didn’t hesitate to kiss him. With our lips and tongues entangled, he carried me to an empty spot on the bed and climbed in with me. My back hit the mattress and his body rested on top of mine as we continued to kiss for what seemed like forever.

“I missed you, too,” he finally said when our lips parted. “You been good?”

“I was okay until a little while ago.”

He frowned. “What happened.”

I motioned for him to sit up and then did the same.

“So I went to the mall, as you can see. There I was minding my own fucking business when that man that approached you the other week came up to me.”

His frowned deepened. “Mirron?”

“Yes. He started talking about you having properties that the city wants and how I need to convince you to sell it. We went back and forth for a minute about it and then he called me a bitch?—”

Deuce shot up from the bed. “I’m gon’ murk that muthafucka.”

He started for the door, but I stopped him.

“Baby—”

“Nah. I don’t wanna hear nothing. You think I’m gonna let him get away with disrespecting you after I already told his ass not to speak to you? Fuck that. That nigga was already on my bad side for having the feds called to my establishment.”

“Wait, what? When did that happen?”

“A few nights ago. They tore my shit up, claiming they got an anonymous tip that illegal activity was going down. That was some bullshit. That reminds me I need to pay that judge a little visit.”

“Stanley, you can’t kill a judge,” I whispered.

“The fuck if I can’t.”

I could tell he was livid, and I didn’t want him doing anything crazy in the heat of the moment. I wrapped my arms around him and rested my head on his chest.

“Please don’t go out there being reckless. We just made things official. Let me enjoy being your woman for a little while before you go full throttle crazy. At least give me some dick first.”

He chuckled. “You hell.” Peering down at me, he cupped my chin and pressed his lips to mine. “For your sake, I’ll hold off on the judge until I get what I need from him. But Mirron… that nigga is as good as dead.”

I sighed. “Okay.”

I couldn’t believe I was compromising with this man about murking somebody. Who the hell was I?

“I have a surprise for you,” he said, breaking me from my thoughts.

I reached between us and grabbed his dick. “Is this the surprise?”

“No, woman. You can have that too, but not right now. I need you to come with me.”

“Where are we going?”

“You’ll see.”

I grabbed my purse and followed him back out front. We said goodbye to my mama and headed outside to his car.

“When are you gonna let me push the Hellcat?” I asked, running my fingers along the wing.

He laughed out loud. “Never. This bitch ain’t meant for you, baby. You aren’t about to wreck my shit.”

I rolled my eyes as he opened the passenger door. “Whatever.”

He slapped my ass as I climbed in. Once I was settled, he closed the door and came around to get in the driver’s side. He started the car, and the engine roared. Before he pulled off, he reached into his armrest and pulled out a blindfold.

“What’s that for?” I asked.

“The surprise. Turn around so I can put it on you.”

“What’s the big secret.”

“See, that’s the reason for the blindfold. Turn yo’ big head ass around, woman.”

I playfully punched him before reluctantly complying. He covered my eyes, then pulled onto the street.

W e drove for what seemed like forever until I felt the car come to a stop. The driver’s side door slammed shut and the next thing I knew, my door opened, and he was pulling me out.

Tightly, I gripped his hand as he led me. When I heard a ding, I knew we were getting on an elevator. It began moving, then stopped shortly after. Again, he led me to only God knows where. The sound of keys jingling caused my ears to perk up.

“Baby.”

“Just a few more steps.”

We did just that before I felt his hands leave my body. I could feel him behind me, undoing my blindfold.

“Keep your eyes closed,” he instructed.

My feet tittered in excitement. “Hurry up!”

He tsked. “So damn impatient. Alright on the count of three. One. Two. Two and a half. Two and three quarters?—”

“Stanley!”

He laughed. “A’ight, a’ight. Three.”

I opened my eyes to the most beautifully decorated space. I instantly fell in love with the open concept. The living room was spacious with a beautiful view of the city thanks the wall-to-wall windows with doors leading out to the perfect outside oasis.

The living room was decorated in gorgeous shades of cream and beige furniture with powder pink accents. Mounted on the wall above a fireplace was a television that had to be at least seventy inches and included a surround sound.

The kitchen adorned quartz countertops and stainless-steel appliances. In the middle of the huge island was a bouquet of red roses, an edible arrangement, and balloons. There were also several gift bags from luxury designers.

My eyes widened at the sight.

“Deuce… what is this?”

I turned to find him holding out a set of keys to me.

“Welcome home.”

“What!”

“I can’t be fucking you in your childhood bedroom. I mean, I will, but I prefer privacy. My family owns this building, so you don’t have to worry about rent. You’re the only person on this floor so you don’t have to worry about neighbors either.”

“Deuce… you… you got me an apartment. Why would you do that?”

“Because you deserve to be taken care of. I know I’ve been all up and through your business with the file my sister pulled on you. I know how much and what you sacrificed to take care of your mama when she needed you. Paying off the house and medical bills was for both of y’all, but this is for you. I want you to finish what you started. Go back to school. Get your degree. Open your own business. Whatever you need to do for you, I’m here to support it.”

I shook my head. “I can’t…. I can’t let you do this. It’s too much.”

“Too much for who? You’re my woman, right?”

“Yes, but?—”

“Shouldn’t a man take care of his woman?”

“Yes, but?—”

“But nothing. I gave you time to think it over while I was fine and I knew you were gonna be on that independent bullshit. While I love that you aren’t with me for my money, you don’t have a say in how I spend that shit. One way or the other, you’re gonna let me take care of you. If I have to have Jaeda hack every part of your life to make that happen, I will.”

“Why are you like this?”

He stepped closer to me and cupped my face. “Because I feel shit with you no other woman makes me feel, Salima. You’re perfect for me, and I don’t even know what the perfect woman looks like. What I do know is I’m not letting up on you, so either we are gonna be together or I’m murking every nigga that finds himself in your face.”

“Stanley!”

“I’m dead ass. You think I’m about to let another nigga fall for your smart-ass mouth or so much as sniff your pussy? You’re mine. Point, blank, and the fucking period.”

I couldn’t help but giggle and his seriousness. The giggles turned to laughter and the laughter soon turn into tears. I was overwhelmed with surprise and happiness. No one had ever done something like this for me.

I wasn’t dating heavily before I met him, so there weren’t many men that I could compare him to. All I knew was he wasn’t like any of the guys around my way. Hell, he wasn’t like any man I knew, period.

“Come here,” he said, pulling me into his arms.

I cried to get his chest as he gently rubbed my back in a soothing manner. Who is still there for a moment as he comforted me.

“You wanna see the rest?” he asked after a while.

I sniffled. “Yes.”

He grabbed my hand and led me down the long hallway. The place was fully furnished and tastefully decorated. There was a big laundry room, a second bedroom, and a guest bathroom. When we made it to the master suite, I let out a scream.

It was so beautiful! There was a huge king-sized bed with storage beneath it and a light up headboard. Matching nightstands, a chest, and a dresser filled the space. The bathroom was every woman’s dream with its standalone shower, clawfoot tub, and sink with a built in vanity. The walk-in closet was immaculate and already had several pieces hanging on the racks and shoes lining the shelves.

“How did you do all of this?” I asked, looking at him in complete amazement.

“My mom, Grams, and my sisters put it all together while I was away. Of course, your best friend picked out the furniture, clothes, and shoes. I gave her my card, and she went ham. I just wanted you to have your own space at least for a little while.”

“What’s a little while?”

“A year. At the end of that year, you’re bringing your ass home with me.”

I smirked. “You think we’ll make it to a year, Deucy?”

He snatched me to him and slapped my ass before giving it a firm grip.

“You like when I have to man handle your ass, don’t you? You keep calling me that shit, and I’ma fuck you up.”

I giggled as I slid my hands under his shirt and pulled it off.

“I guess you’re just gonna have to fuck me up then.”

I shoved him down on the bed and commenced to taking off his shoes, pants, and boxers.

“Stroke that dick for me, baby,” I instructed as I slowly came out of my own clothes.

He smirked as he obliged me. Watching his hand slide up and down that beautiful piece made my mouth water and my pussy throb. I didn’t want foreplay though. I wanted him inside me in the worst way. For everything he’d done for me, he deserved the way I was about to fuck him senseless.

I climbed on the bed and straddle him. I balanced myself on my toes as I lined him up with my entrance. As my slick walls engulfed him, he let out a loud moan.

“Fuck! I missed this wet ass shit.”

I chuckled. “She’s wet with gratitude and I’m about to give you the best thank you nut.”

He smirked as he locked his fingers behind his head. “Get to it then.”