16. Anastazia

FEW DAYS LATER…

Sliding into my car, I saw Analicia was calling me, so I started my engine before answering, allowing it to come through the speakers.

“Where are you?” she asked, not even saying hello back.

“Leaving the doctor. Is everything okay?” I frowned, pausing mid-reverse out of my parking space.

“The doctor? Why? What’s wrong?”

“You answer me first, Leeci.” I pulled out.

“Nothing is wrong. I’ve just been texting you all morning and no response yet. Now why are you at the doctor?”

Nibbling on my lip, I contemplated on whether or not I should tell her.

“To see about getting some birth control.” I jumped when she screeched.

“Oh my gosh. Why do you need that?” I could hear her smiling, and it made me do the same as I drove.

“Well, because I don’t want to be pregnant, and I’m doing things that get you pregnant.”

“With Asif St. Thomas? Oh my gosh.”

“Calm down.” I chuckled.

“How did you go from wanting to only be his friend and all this stuff to fucking raw, Stazi?”

“I don’t know, it just hit me. We were spending time together a lot already, and then one day, he came over to help me with Sophie so I could clean up and cook. Then he took me to the grocery store and bought tickets for us to see a movie. As I ate the food I made in Mama’s kitchen, with this fine, attentive, good smelling man sitting across from me, I told myself right then I was gonna fuck him.” We laughed in unison. “The raw part just happened and keeps happening.”

“Wow.”

“I know it sounds simple and basic, but it really wasn’t. Him doing all of that, that day really meant a lot to me and took some pressure off of my mental health. Then in conjunction with all the other shit he’s been doing, and I just wanted to fuck him.”

Chortling, she replied, “I heard that. Please, Cedric, wake up and please, sis, show up to court pregnant by Asif.”

We both cracked up.

“I am not gonna show up pregnant. Can you imagine?”

“Girl, Cedric would jump across the courtroom trying to kill somebody.”

I pondered as Analicia continued to speak because she was right. Cedric felt like he owned me, and he was probably fighting to wake from his coma right now because I was sure he could feel that I was getting fucked by someone else.

“I want him to wake up so my charges stay at attempted murder, but at the same time, I don’t.”

“I know, but he’s not gonna bother you when he does.”

“I sure hope he doesn’t try.” I sighed.

“Bet not, because your new man is not having it!” she joked, but little did she know how right she was. Or maybe she did know. “How did Asif convince President of the Condom Committee to let him smash raw?”

“Leeci, shut up.” I giggled. “He was talking all sensual and sexy in that deep voice…” My thoughts drifted to the way he was kissing on me, licking me… and how I could feel his very hard, very big dick rubbing against me, “and something possessed me to say fuck it.” I exhaled. “He’s too good at stuff like that. He knows what to touch, what to say, when to say it.”

And the orgasms were amazing… literally. Asif was the only man who had ever made me cum by clitoral and penetration stimulation at the same time, and it was extraordinary. The sex felt so good I didn’t care how I sounded or how I looked; I just wanted to keep cumming.

“Yeah, that’s how they get you.” Analicia giggled. “It got to a point with Bashar where I was like, I want the dick now, and I don’t wanna wait while you cover it up! Pull it out and let me sit down right away, nigga.”

“Yes!” I guffawed along with her. “But I wanna talk with Bashar about it because I can’t have anything messing up my case. People are already saying I did this because I was having an affair.”

“So stupid and dumb.”

“Right. It’s just crazy to me that no one seems to care that this man had a whole nother life with Jacinta.”

“People always hate the women but tell us the men just don’t know any better.”

That was surely the truth.

We talked some more until I got to my own home and let her know I would text her later. Hopping out, I went inside to grab a few things, which I was allowed to do. The detectives had gotten most of what they needed, but I still wasn’t allowed to reside here. It made no sense to me, but at least I was able to get some of my clothes and some more of Sophie’s things.

Entering the house, an overwhelmingly unpleasant feeling came over me. Memories of me living here with Cedric began to come back to me tenfold and at rapid speed. I could smell him here still, and the sight of the couch he’d choked me until my last breath on gave me the chills. The bookcase he’d rammed me into countless times and the counter I’d grip after he’d backhand me jumped out at me as well.

Hurrying to the back bedroom, I saw the carpet was still bloodstained, so I quickly rushed to grab some things. I didn’t wanna look at the bed, where most of my trauma happened—the drugged sexual encounters and him forbidding me to use the bathroom all night.

Quickly, I shoved my stuff into the bag I’d brought and then ventured to Sophie’s room for her things. Even her area gave me bad thoughts, though nothing happened in here in particular. I guessed just the fact that it was here in this house and I’d recalled coming in here after many nights of horror was enough to spook me.

As I walked out, bag stuffed to the brim, I knew then that I would have to sell this home I once was so happy to close on. Cedric had taken everything from me, including this home that made me feel so accomplished to be able to purchase.

Throwing my things into my car, I sped away, not even wanting to see my yard or front door. I didn’t truly slow up until I made it onto my mother’s street, and as panicked as I was the entire drive, I didn’t even know how I got here.

“Hey, serial killer.” A familiar voice caught me off guard as I climbed out of my car parked at my mama’s.

Looking to see Jacinta, I replied, “Do you even know what a serial killer is? No, you can’t possibly know because you wouldn’t have said that dumb shit.”

She started toward me, entering my mother’s driveway.

“Nice home. Is this where you grew up?” She looked behind me at my parents’ house, making me realize something.

“How the fuck do you know where my mom lives, Jacinta?”

“I didn’t. I followed you from your house. I stop by often just to see what’s going on, and today, I saw you pull up. So I trailed you.” She shrugged as if that wasn’t psycho.

“Why are you following me when you have the nigga and the baby?” I nodded to her big stomach.

“Stazi—”

“Wait, that nigga brought you to my home?” I questioned, not giving a fuck about the other shit. I wanted to know how she knew where I once lived.

“A bunch of times. You know, you worked a lot, and those days when I was off, he let me come over, and we fucked all over that home.”

I took a deep breath, trying to remain calm and remember what Bashar told me about fighting. But the thought of this nigga not only being an abusive cheater, but bringing the bitch to my home, not ours, but mine , was driving me up a wall.

“All over my home?” I clenched my fists but then released them, chanting in my head that she wasn’t worth it, and I needed to end this conversation.

“Yep.” She stepped closer. “Even in your bed. I think that’s where we made baby boy.” She rubbed her stomach then laughed. “Ooh, one time after we finished, I realized Sophie’s little sock was in the bed the whole time. How weird.” She grinned.

Her mentioning Sophie and being in my bed, in my house, while I confided in her at work, sent me over the edge, and next thing I knew, I had a handful of her hair in one hand as the fist of my other rammed her face repeatedly.

“Help!” Jacinta called out, and I heard doors slam, plus the pattering of feet from nosy neighbors, but I didn’t stop. She was clawing at my face and arms but it felt like nothing to me at the moment.

I honed in on her face, not wanting to hurt her baby, but this bitch was about to pay.

“Stazi! Anastazia!” my mother barked, trying her best to pry my hands from this bitch’s hair but block my fist at the same time.

Finally, I decided to stop, feeling like I had done enough, causing my mother to yell at me to go back in the house.

“You are gonna pay for that!” Jacinta wailed as I stood in the grass, panting.

“Go, Stazi!” My mother pointed to the house behind me, eyes warning me not to disobey her.

Slicing my finger across my throat at Jacinta and making her gasp, I turned around to rush into the house before my mother could scold me.

Sophie was on the two-seater couch still knocked out under her blanket, so I watched her for a while until I heard Jacinta pulling off and my mom returning to the house, shutting the door.

“I’m sorry, Ma.” I sniffled as soon as she sat down.

“Baby, you have to keep calm like Bashar said. They are trying to paint you as a violent, crazy, greedy person in the public. Beating up someone, a pregnant someone, who is on every news station telling people you’re a liar, wasn’t the smartest move.”

I broke down, saying, “I know. I know, but when she said she had sex with Cedric in my house, in my bed, the bed where all kinds of shit happened to me, I lost it. Then to mention Sophie’s sock…” I inhaled sharply, trying to stop the tears. “She thought the shit was a joke. None of this shit is funny, Mama. And to know I was telling her things… I just… I couldn’t hold back.”

“I know. It’s okay. Calm down.” She hugged me into her and wiped my cheeks gently.

Sniffling, I said, “She’s probably on her way to some news station now.”

“Most likely. We just have to continue to pray, baby. Make sure you tell your brother-in-law so he can get in front of all of this.”

“Okay.” I nodded as she rubbed my shoulder before kissing my forehead.

DAYS LATER…

Bashar cut the TV off after we finished watching Jacinta’s latest video she’d uploaded to social media, showing the damage I’d done to her face.

“Is that what the fuck you was gon’ do to me when you didn’t like me?” he joked.

“Bashar.” I sucked my teeth as he laughed. “I never not liked you; I just didn’t know about you for my sister is all.” I smirked. “I’m sorry. I know I’m supposed to control my temper.”

“I been the victim of having to go upside a muthafucka’s head for saying the wrong shit, so I understand. Don’t let it happen again, but also, don’t worry about it. I got my people checking the home for her DNA now so we can back up the story she told you and how she provoked you in case they try to mention it during the trial.”

“Damn, you think quickly.”

“That’s why I’m me.” He winked.

“Okay, Cemone Jr.”

Chuckling, he said, “We all got the same parents, so it’s a lot of the same shit in us all.”

“True.” I tittered. “As far Asif, I don’t know what he’s told you, but he and I are… together.”

“You must ain’t met Asif if you think I don’t know that already.”

“I know, and I love it.” My insides got all warm and gooey. I loved how loud he was about us. “But I wanna make sure us being together doesn’t hurt my chances of getting acquitted.”

“Nothing to worry about, love. They will try to bring the shit up during the trial, but the relationship between y’all didn’t start until after this shit. Unless they can provide evidence of the contrary, them pointing out you being in a new relationship won’t help their case.”

“Okay, good.” I smiled, feeling relieved because I didn’t know what I’d planned to do if Bashar had told me this would affect my freedom.

I just had to prepare myself for what was to come if Cedric ever opened his eyes.

“Finally.” I huffed, feeling accomplished now that I’d finished cleaning up my work area, sanitizing everything as well.

“Need some help?” Asif entered the room, looking good enough to eat. How did this man always look sexy, even in the morning… even whilst he slept?

“No. You would walk your ass in here once I’m done.”

He chuckled then, eyeing the room, said, “I wanna go get some shit for baby girl to have at the crib. I ain’t have shit when she came. Had to let her play with my hundred-thousand-dollar watch, and that shit was embarrassing.”

I giggled as I shut down my laptop on the desk.

“You don’t have kids, so I didn’t expect you to,” I replied, not wanting him to feel bad when there was no reason to.

“But I’m with you, and you have one, so if I want y’all to stay over and be comfortable, I gotta make shit comfortable.” He neared me, moving a curl that had fallen out of my ponytail, behind my ear.

“What did you have in mind?” I hugged his body.

“I was thinking more like you point and I pay type shit.” He took my hand to lead me out, pausing so I could grab my purse on the way.

Leaving the warehouse, I told him Pottery Barn Kids was my preference, so that was where we went. He wasn’t playing about buying the stuff Sophie would need, from a toddler bed to bedroom decor and a few books he felt she would like, as if he knew her so well already. I couldn’t lie and say I wasn’t pleased, and mainly because I knew it wasn’t fake or a facade in order to get close to me. I’d seen him and Sophie together, and it was very much so genuine.

After Pottery Barn, we went to Target to get duplicates of some of her favorite toys as well as some of the meals she liked to eat for breakfast, which included a big ass bag of sprinkles which I had to explain were supposed to go on top of a healthy snack like yogurt and not to be eaten by themselves.

I could tell by the way Asif nodded he wouldn’t enforce it, and if Sophie asked to eat sprinkles by themselves, he’d let her.

The crib, dresser, and bookshelf would be delivered tomorrow evening, so we just dropped off the groceries and toys.

“I want you to come out with me for a little bit,” he said as we stood in his shower, washing off.

“Where?”

“Just riding.”

“Riding? Like a drive-by?”

“No, Anastazia.” He smiled subtly as I leaned up to kiss him. “You know damn well I wouldn’t bring you along on no fucking drive-by.”

“Damn, maybe one day.” I snapped my fingers, chuckling as he gripped my face and pecked me.

His eyes roved over me, seemingly drinking me in greedily.

He looked like he wanted to say something but instead asked, “So you coming or what?”

“You know I’ll follow you anywhere.”

Not saying a word, he kissed me, lifting me up and placing me on the elevated marble seat. Spreading my legs, he brought me to the edge and started to enter me, swallowing the moans I let out as he broke through my entrance.

After the shower, we got dressed, and I opted for a long-sleeved, turtleneck dress since we would only be riding, he’d said. I slipped my feet into some cute slip-on heels from Bottega, ran some curl cream through my hair, and then put on a few jewelry pieces; bracelets and rings, from Cartier and Van Cleef that Asif had recently gifted to me. They were flooded with diamonds, so I couldn’t imagine how much they’d cost.

By the time I had on my Soleil Blanc perfume, I was ready to go. So was he in his dark jeans, Givenchy polo styled shirt, and sneakers. He wore a simple silver AP, a silver bracelet on the opposite wrist, and his MFM chain hung from his neck. His locs cascaded loosely like he preferred and per usual he smelled so expensive.

“Def gotta keep yo’ ass in the car.” He pinned me to the wall in the elevator as we rode down to the lobby floor of his penthouse.

We kissed lightly since my lips were covered in gloss, until the elevator doors parted for us to step off, then headed for one of his many cars in the private car park before leaving.

Tonight was perfect for us to hang out since Sophie was with Analicia to spend time with Brisa and Benton for the night. By saying that, I didn’t feel bad having my mother babysit no matter how much she claimed to enjoy my baby.

“You love this store.” I chuckled as soon as he pulled up in front of his favorite liquor store.

“My nigga Ray keep the best shit, and he used to sell me liquor when I was underage, so I fuck with cuz.” He hopped out then came around to assist me onto the curb from his burnt orange Lamborghini.

“Does Prime know that?” I jested.

“Hell nah.” He laughed as we walked into the store hand in hand.

I snickered, seeing the men stealing quick glances at me but being sure to have their eyes elsewhere by the time Asif paid them attention, slapping their hands. A few girls were outside of the store, too, watching me closely. Some had sense enough to offer me a shit eating grin, but others couldn’t wipe their jealous thoughts from their face long enough to fake it.

“You back with this one again, huh, boy? This one is my favorite,” Ray called out, waving to me with a big ass grin on his face.

“Hey.” I waved, not missing what he’d just said and the way Asif ignored him, pulling me in front of him to hug me as we made our way to the back of the store.

My mind was going crazy the whole time Asif looked through the store for what he liked. He offered for me to get something, but I wasn’t really in the mood to snack at the moment. He got me a Clearly Canadian anyway because he knew I liked them, before he checked out and we left the store.

“Bye, Sif!” a girl called out, and he simply nodded before opening the door for me to climb in.

As soon as he pulled from the curb, I asked, “You were in the store with someone recently?”

Putting the cap back onto his water after taking a sip, he said, “Nah, but Milan’s cousin was following me around that muthafucka. That’s what Ray’s messy ass was referring to.” He ate a candy straw at the red light.

I nodded, nibbling on my nail for a second as I peered out of the window. He was calm, didn’t blow up like most niggas when lying, but at the same time, Asif was smart, calculated, and not immature enough to get buck over a simple question.

“Okay,” I finally said, feeling him glance at me before his hand landed on my thigh. “I believe you.”

“As you should, baby. Just know, I would never do some shit that would give another nigga the opportunity to have you. You beautiful, you smart, you can burn, you got good pussy, trustworthy, loyal, an amazing mother, I could go on all fucking day. Fuck would I look like giving my time to a hood rat and then having to go insane over other niggas being in yo’ face? Can’t no woman make me fuck myself up out my spot with you, love.” Sitting back and taking a sip of his Arizona, he had two drinks, something he often did, always water and something else. My eyes kept darting to the way his strong tatted arms looked in that Givenchy shirt as he gripped the can. “True enough, I’ll make whatever nigga you smiling at disappear, but I don’t even wanna have to do that shit. Now that I got you, it’s over with. Any muthafucka that was thinking about approaching you, talking to you, taking ya fucking order at Burger King should’ve done it before I got here.”

I giggled at his last line.

When he got to the red light, I leaned over, cupping his face and kissing his lips.

“Just had to make sure you were walking the same stuff you talk,” I said, kissing him once more before going back to my seat.

“Always. I’ve had a luxury not afforded to a lot of niggas, and that’s realizing I need you and don’t wanna lose you from day one. Most muthafuckas don’t realize that shit until after they’ve lost. I don’t need you to be gone to realize what a nigga got.” His hand caressed my thigh now that his drink can was back in the cupholder.

I couldn’t help the smile on my face as I said, “I don’t wanna lose you either.”

“Guess that mean you ain’t about to run.”

“When do I ever run?” I lifted my leg a little, and his eyes darted over.

“I’m trying to be out with you right now, love. Don’t make me pull over.” His tongue ran across his bottom lip, and I knew Asif well enough now to know when he was turned on.

“Okay, I’ll stop. But if you wanna pull over, I’m with that too.” I laughed when he cleared his throat, obviously trying to combat his lustful thoughts.

He let the windows down as we continued to ride, and as we drove deeper down Crenshaw, I saw more and more cars, some similar to and just as expensive as Asif’s, flying up and down the streets. Niggas were hanging out of the windows, blasting music, and trying to get with some of the ladies driving their own vehicles or walking up and down the street.

Every nigga out here, though, shouted out to Asif, some holding up traffic just to run up and slap hands with him. It amazed me how loved he was, no matter how much I saw it. You could tell they admired and looked up to him, even niggas who were clearly older than he was.

He introduced me to every person, telling them I was his girlfriend, and they were sure to keep the compliments respectful.

For the next forty or so minutes, we drove up and down Crenshaw, watching all the shenanigans that went on, and I had never been so entertained by simple street shit.

People were racing, doing donuts in the middle of the street and everything. We ended up taking a break in the parking lot of an Albertsons on 39 th , where a plethora of fly ass cars—some old school, some new, but all expensive—were playing music loudly from their cars. The lot was full of men and woman just kicking it, but like always, they reacted to Asif as if he was king when we stepped out of his car.

“What you doing bringing something that pretty to the hood, nigga?” one man asked as Asif leaned against the vehicle, pulling me in front of his tall frame. I rested my head against his chest, surprised at how safe I felt simply because he was here with me.

“Had to. This wifey.” Asif tightened his grip. “Don’t look too hard, nigga, or you won’t be able to see shit else from here on out.”

The man laughed, slapping hands with Asif, but I didn’t hear a joke in my man’s tone. Taking his chain off, Asif put it over my neck, and I admired the gleaming diamonds as it rested against me.

“This is heavy as hell,” I said, still in awe at how beautiful it was.

“It is. I ain’t never let nobody wear my shit until now.” He spoke against my ear, and it was crazy how just his voice got me hot. “Keep it on all night, even when you ain’t got on shit else.”

Feeling my clit start to pulsate a little, I turned to whisper, “Yes, daddy.”

Smiling, he kissed me. “I never liked that nickname until right fucking now.”

I chuckled as he pecked me again.

“Oh my gosh, Perry!” A girl screeched dramatically, running up to one of the four men standing over here by Asif and me.

She shot me a quick look as she rubbed up and down Perry’s shoulder.

“What’s good?” He was slightly caught off guard it seemed, as he moved from her touch, wrapping his arm around the thick dark-skinned chick he was clearly trying to be with for the night.

“Oh, what’s up, Asif?” She turned to face us, speaking to him but sizing me up. I knew from the moment she shot me a look it was over Asif. “You cute.” She sucked her teeth, eyes still roaming, lingering on my jewelry.

Asif ignored her, engaging in conversation about cars with one of the guys standing nearby, whilst keeping me close.

“Thanks,” I said.

“My cousin used to be standing there not too long ago.” She lifted her brows.

“I ain’t never seen this nigga hugged up on Milan,” one guy chimed in, making old girl roll her eyes.

“You know what I meant. I guess Asif too good to speak.”

“Ain’t shit for us to speak about. I’m trying to let you live, but you asking for shit to go left. I see you so busy worried ’bout what the fuck I’m doing, you ain’t been able to hit the showers yet, huh?” Asif finally spoke, and the whole crowd of people standing by us broke out into uproarious laughter and clamoring, embarrassing her.

It was only then that I realized the funny scent was coming from her. It wasn’t exactly vomit worthy, but you could tell she hadn’t bathed in a few days, or she’d done something that worked up a sweat and didn’t clean up. She smelled of unwashed body and weed.

“Whatever, nigga. Only reason you with her is because you got mommy issues and she older than you!” she shot back, and when I looked back at Asif, his jaw was twitching.

I hadn’t planned to say shit to her, but the mommy issues comment pissed me off.

“From the looks of it, bitch, you older than everybody out here. At your big age, people shouldn’t have to tell you when to bathe or that them too tight ass jean shorts ain’t helping your pussy’s PH. Worry more about that tangy box and breath than what my nigga got going on. Thank me later.”

The girl, whose name I still didn’t know, stared me down like she wanted to claw my face up. I guess she knew better, though, because instead, she just switched off, bumping the shit out of Perry, who was laughing along with everyone else.

“She said that bitch pussy was tangy.” The guy standing closest to us doubled over, and I could feel Asif’s chest vibrating behind me as he chuckled along with the people standing around.

“She is older than everybody too.” The girl hugged up with Perry snickered.

“Why you so perfect?” Asif whispered against my ear, getting me hot.

Turning some to peer up into his green and gold eyes, I said, “I’m not?—”

“You are though.” He crashed his lips against mine.

“Oh shit, this nigga in love! He kissing lips in public!” Who I recognized vocally to be Free sounded off when the kiss between Asif and I intensified.

Pulling back from me, Asif said, “I gotta take you home. Right now.” He nodded to the passenger side of his vehicle to tell me to start moving.

I did as I was told, and he followed, opening the door for me. Once I was secured inside, he said his goodbyes as he rounded the car and climbed in on the driver’s side.

With his pedal to the floor, we made it to his penthouse rather quickly, where he fucked me all over the living room. Like he’d requested, I kept the chain on the entire time.