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Ch. 6 | She Knows

Aaron

Attorney’s Office

10 a.m.

“This is really what you want Gabz?” I asked looking between her and her attorney taking time to carefully examine her features, Tori is a spitting image of her. When she first brought divorce to the table I can’t lie and say that it didn’t catch me off guard. I mean yeah we fight, we argue, hell we’ve even been separated, but divorce was never something I considered.

Gabby is my one and only love, with all the women I’ve fucked with over the years none could hold a flame to her. I hate to admit it, but she’ll always have my heart. For as long as I can remember she’s always been all I had and the only one to show me what love really is, but I never could reciprocate the feelings like I should have. I always manage to drop the ball somehow.

“I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t,” she shrugged nonchalantly, but her eyes said something else. I’ve never seen her look or act so coldly towards me. This is a new woman sitting before me and it doesn’t sit well with me.

“Fine,” I said shifting in my seat to look at my attorney. I’ve never been a fan of any type of legal battles with my line of work I can afford it. The last thing I need is to have any man of the law snooping through my finances or asking too many questions, Gabby and I both know that well.

“Give her whatever she wants,” I waved to my attorney making him look at me like I had grown another head.

“Are you sure about this? You haven’t even heard the terms she’s offering and you're agreeing to it!” he barked turning tomato red in the face.

I smirked at him and turned my attention to Gabby, “What do you want baby?”

She scoffed and rolled her eyes making me smile internally, if I know Gabby like I think I do she’ll be rational about the situation.

“I personally don’t want or need shit from you, we can split all our assets evenly if need be. As far as the kids we’ve been co-parenting so I don’t see why that can’t continue. As far as the house you can do with it what you want Trey, Tori and I are moving into a smaller condo. We don’t need too much extra space,” she said curtly as if she had rehearsed her terms many times over.

“So you’re telling me you don’t want anything, no spousal support, no child support, nothing?” My attorney asked truly in disbelief. I guess he’s never dealt with a woman like Gabby before. Shit I’ve never dealt with a woman like Gabby before, one that’s never depended on or needed me for anything.

“That’s what the fuck I said right!” she growled. Seeing her so agitated had me ready to bend her over this thick oak table and make her forget all about this divorce nonsense she’s talking. She’s well aware that she’ll always be mine regardless of what some fucking paperwork says.

“Aaron knows where his responsibilities lie, I don’t have to tell him how to step up and be a man for his children. As far as myself I’ve always been a go-getter the last thing I want is to be supported by his ass like I’m his child.

I don’t need nor want any paper trail that leads back to his bank account. I’ve always been able to support and provide for myself, ain’t shit changed, but the weather,” she said flipping her curls over her shoulder making me smile.

My wife really is a one of a kind woman and somehow my dumbass managed to let her slip through my fingers for good and the more this divorce talk swirls around the room the more I’m beginning to regret my choices.

“You just worry about the necessary paperwork and call my attorney when you’ve met my conditions,” she said to my attorney as she rose from the brown swivel chair she was sitting in and began to head to the door.

I ignored whatever my attorney was telling me as I sprinted from my chair to catch her before she could reach the elevator.

“Gabz!” I yelled as she continued to ignore me and frantically push the down button at the same time.

I had to smile to myself as I jogged up behind her as composed as she would like to appear she’s nervous as hell, but I can’t lie she damn sure has a great poker face.

“Baby why you doing all this?” I said softly while wrapping my arms around her waist from behind and resting my chin on her left shoulder. I made sure my manhood rested right on her thick ass, I missed the feeling of having her so close.

She tried to wiggle away, but I only tightened my grip making her let out an exasperated sigh and eventually gave up.

“Aaron let’s be honest here you haven’t been a loyal or faithful husband in quite sometime. I’m sick of being the one who always gets the short end of the stick in this marriage. You go out doing God knows what, with God knows who while I sit at home with our children playing house waiting for your black ass to come home.

I’m mentally, physically and emotionally drained. I can’t, no I refuse to be your doormat any longer. I’ve been with you too long and I’ve put up with a lot, but enough is enough A. I just can’t,” she said flatly letting out a sigh and it ate at me.

Gabby is my rock; my everything.  She’s always had the ability to keep me stable no matter what the circumstance, how could I be so blind to my actions.

“You know what Trey asked me the other day?” she chuckled dryly while I shook my head no on her shoulder as we watched the elevator come and go.

“Are you and daddy still together because you don’t seem happy anymore mommy?” she said and that hurt me more than anything. My son has always been intuitive even from a very young age. So the fact that he’s picking up on my bullshit was like a punch to the gut. I’m really fucking up.

“My baby is only 4 and he can see that I’m not happy which makes me question why you, a grown ass man can’t see that I’m not happy and I haven’t been for sometime. Yes my business and my children mean the world to me, but I’m missing something and I can’t say I know what it is,” she said truthfully.

“So us getting a divorce is going to help you figure it out!” I said raising my voice. I was starting to get heated; she’s ready to just throw everything we built away. Just toss it out the window.

“What if this isn’t what I want! I love you Gabrielle and I’m still very much in love with you. I’m a dog, an ain’t shit dog. But I’m willing to fight for you and my kids if need be. How can I make this right baby just tell me what you need me to do,” I said almost on the verge of tears.

I felt my phone annoyingly vibrating in my pocket, but whoever was blowing me up would have to wait for once I’m finally putting my priorities into perspective.

“Aaron baby,” she said finally turning around and gracing me with her beautiful face, she took some time staring at my face and using her thumb to stroke my bottom lip.

 “I can’t tell you what to do to make this right because I don’t think you can. Deep down part of me really does want our marriage to work and weather this storm, but I’m tired of being the only one putting up a fight to do so. Right now I need to focus on me and the kids because you’ve been focused on you for quite sometime,” she said dropping her hand and sighing.

 Before either one of us could register what was happening my lips crashed into hers. I needed her to understand me and I couldn’t think of any other way to express myself. When I felt her body relax into mine, sighing against my lips I knew that this was what she needed too. I kissed her how a husband is supposed to kiss his wife with love, passion and admiration. She’s my woman, my love, my wife and I’ll be damned if I just let her go.

 “Gabz I promise you this and I put this on my Grammy’s grave and my kid’s little heads, I’m going to get us right again and you’re never going to have to question your trust or love for me ever again. I fucked up bad and I’m sorry, I really am,” I said pulling back from her lips now plump and swollen.

 She studied my face trying to gauge the truthfulness of my statement and simply nodded her head while detaching my warm body from hers. I instantly felt cold and empty, I’m not used to feeling alone, as I watched her turn and head for the stairs instead of waiting for the elevator to come back up.

 It’s finally dawning on me; I’m losing my wife. The annoying buzzing of my phone broke me from my trance. Gabby had been gone for a minute, but I was still staring at the staircase as if she’d walk back through it.

 From Nami:

            We need to talk ASAP. Meet me at Lotus Blue for lunch.

I instantly felt like shit while reading the text. A sudden foul taste washed through my mouth. This needs to end today if I really want to make things right with Gabby and my family I can’t have any loose ends. Nami is just that a loose end that needs to be cut. I don't need the stress.

Dutchess

Nasir’s House

11 a.m.

“Noooo,” Nas whined and I couldn’t help but giggle at his cuteness.  I was hoping that last night’s little sexcapades wouldn’t make our interactions awkward, but he’s acting as if it never happened. Thank God.

 He woke up extra early and made all of my favorites, crispy smoked bacon, extra fluffy scrambled eggs and chocolate chip  pancakes topped with a scoop of his homemade chocolate ice cream, I swear he makes me never want to leave. Even though I really want to sulk in bed all day, his delicious breakfast made my morning way better than it could have been.

“Just stay in bed with me all day we can watch that lame ass show you love and pig out on food all day,” he said as he nuzzled he face into my neck and threw his arm over my torso pulling my body closer to his without hurting me.

“First of all The Golden Girls are far from lame, they’re shade connoisseurs take notes youngin’,” I said while poking his side making him fight the urge to laugh. How he wanna be a thug, but he’s ticklish?

“Second of all I need answers Nas, if Nami is pregnant then everything changes,” I said dropping my voice making his bring his face from the crook of my neck to look at me. His eyes read pity and it made me drop my eyes from his intense glare. I really didn’t want his pity or anyone else’s for that matter.

“Baby I’m here for you and I’ll be here for you in anyway possible. I got you,” he said using his thumb to graze my cheek making me smile bright at the small gesture.

“There’s my girl,” he said mirroring my smile before pecking my lips, well what started out as peck but quickly escalated into something more heavy. I’m not sure how I’m supposed to feel about him kissing me, but I don’t think I want him to stop.

“Mmm,” I moaned pulling away before things could go any further, still smiling.

“You like that?” he smiled. I could only nod and blush at how attractive he was being. Over the past few weeks I’ve been seeing him in a new light, I’ve honestly never been attracted to Nas. Probably because we’ve always been strictly friends he respected that I was with Nami and I respected that he had hoes.

The sultry, huskiness in his voice had the wetness between my legs starting to pool making me clench my thighs, which he took notice to. I had no idea he could have this type of effect on me.

“You’re something else you know that?” he chuckled and shook his head before plopping his head back onto the pillow.

I couldn’t stop myself from running my finger along his jawline it had to be my favorite feature of his. It’s perfect; so masculine. I find myself finding any excuse to touch him nowadays, not like he minds.

“I think I’m gonna link with A today,” he blurted out.

“Why? You want work, I can make some calls if you need me to,” I told him, halting my finger along his jawline.

“Nah bae, something about him and Nami don’t sit right with me. I feel like they’re both hiding something and if he’s really my mans than he should be able to keep it 100.”

I’m starting to see clearly that Nami isn’t shit, but Aaron? We’ve been thick as thieves for years what could he possibly have to hid from me? I’ve always held him down and looked out for him. Hell, I was one of Gabby’s bridesmaids when they got married and I was there when both Trey and Tori were born.

They’ve been the closest things to family I’ve had in years so to think that he’s hiding something from me genuinely bothers me.

All I could do was nod my head at what he said simply because my mind was once again all over the place. Something about isn’t adding up and I need the solution to all of this.

 “I want to do something special for dinner, you think you could make it home early tonight bae?” he said completely changing the topic.

I had completely forgot that I have a lunch date with Beau, Nas mentioned it to me this morning over breakfast and it completely slipped my mind. My thoughts have been so consumed with Nami that I forgot about my lunch “date”.

“Yeah Nas, I don’t see why not. You want to tell me what you have planned?” I said cheesing at the thought of a surprise. He always seem to have something up his sleeve these days.

“Stop smiling so hard, your face is gonna get stuck like that,” he busted out laughing as I mugged him.

“Nah, but I will tell you dinner will be hands on tonight and very messy,” he said wiping a nonexistent tear from his eye.

“Messy? Will I need a bib?” I said jokingly.

“Yeah actually you will.”

Before I could open my mouth to say anything more or protest he cut me off, “Come on let’s get you dressed so you can hurry home.”

One thing about Nas is he keeps me smiling and laughing when I really want to sit in a corner and cry. It’s refreshing. 

"Home" never sounded so good before.

Beau

Lotus Blue

2:15 p.m.

“I’ll have the shrimp and pineapple fried rice, no peanuts I’m allergic,” she told the waiter handing him her menu. Making a mental note of her aversion to peanuts.

“I’ll have the same with flank steak instead of shrimp,” I told him before he walked off to put in our order.

/“How’d you know that Lotus Blue was my favorite Chinese spot?” she smiled while tilting her head to the side revealing a deep set of dimples that I instantly fell in love with. I couldn’t help biting my lip at the sight of her. She’s gorgeous, why wouldn’t I?

“Obviously you’re a woman of great taste because Lotus Blue is one of the best Chinese spots in the city and one of my favorites as well,” I told her in between sipping my water with a lemon slice floating on top. I swear this restaurant does the most with this bougie shit.

“I’m glad you agreed to meet me today. After last night’s debacle I was apprehensive about seeing you today,” I told her honestly.

She instantly waved me off, “I’ve always been a pretty good judge of character and you don’t seem like the type to cause someone harm intentionally.”

I instantly started to cheese at how forthcoming she was being. I’m glad we’re finally making some progress.

“So how has the recovery process been so far?” I asked genuinely concerned an intrigued.

“I have my days, some better than other. My doctor is saying that my ribs are healing exceptionally well and I should have my casts off both legs in a few weeks although I won’t be walking yet. I’m glad though my legs itch so badly with these things on,” she said while pointing to her legs.

“I’ll still be in my wheel chair until my legs get acclimated to walking again, but aside from that I’m just happy that it hasn’t been too strenuous. I try not to think about that night it hurts that I can’t remember what happened,” she said looking away making eye contact with the waiter bringing our food.

I didn’t want to bring up anything that would upset her. Everything seemed to be going well, I really just want to get to know her and get used to her having me around because honestly I don’t plan on going anywhere.

Over the next hour we talked about everything under the sun and enjoyed some good laughs. Hearing her laugh and be herself so freely showed me another side to her, one that I really enjoy. Dutch really is a cool ass woman and a goofball, I can’t say I don’t enjoy her company.

After she filled me in on part of the situation with her “girlfriend” I can’t fathom why someone would cheat on her. She truthfully is a good person and I could already tell she’s loyal. Why someone says they love her would shit on her like that  is beyond me.

Everything about her exuded sexy, 

the way her heavy Brooklyn accent flowed,

those deep set dimples,

the wrinkle on top of her nose when she was deep in thought, I noticed any and everything about Dutch. I have yet to find a flaw. 

“I should bring Nas something to eat,” she said to herself, but it came out louder then she anticipated. I instantly tensed at his name being said. There's her flaw, that nigga. It’s not that I don’t like him, but it’s not like I like him either.

“Is he your man?” I asked curiously, I honestly wanted to know where they stood. Not that I cared to be honest because once everything is said and done Dutch was going to be Dutchess Wade so that nigga can go somewhere. Once we get together he'll be nothing, but a distant memory.

“No, he’s not. But he is someone who has a very special place in my heart,” she stated flatly while looking over the menu for something to get him.

“THE FUCK YOU MEAN GET RID OF IT? I CAN’T BELIEVE YOU! WE MADE THIS BABY TOGETHER, THIS IS OUR BABY AND I’M KEEPING IT!” I heard a familiar voice screeching from behind me. It was too familiar, but I couldn’t put my finger on whom it belonged too.

Before I could process the voice, Dutch was rolling herself in the direction of the commotion that had everyone in the restaurants attention.

  Nami

Lotus Blue

3:25 p.m.

It was like a Mexican standoff between Aaron and I. He frantically looked between my face and the sonogram of our daughter. Even though she’s only 15 weeks old due to her body position my doctor could easily see her sex.

Aaron and I have been messing around for one year out of the three years that Dutch and I have been together. I know I’m selfish and sleazy for cheating on Dutch with A, but so the fuck what I want my cake and to eat it too. I honestly fell in love with them both and if I had it my way I’d have both of them. I watched his every move and all of the emotions written on his face.

“So, you aren’t going to say anything,” I said picking over the food on my plate. This pregnancy has my appetite fluctuating. One minute I’m puking up my guts the next I’m ready to eat like a 500 lb. man at a eating contest.

“You can’t keep it,” he blurted out almost making me choke on the noodles I was eating.

“Come again? Cause obviously I didn’t hear you,” I said to him pushing my plate aside giving him my undivided attention. Obviously this nigga got me fucked up if I heard him correctly.

“I said you can’t keep it. I’m trying to get shit right with my wife and kids, you know keep my family together and here you come with this baby shit. I can pay for the abortion if you want, but I don’t want anything to do with this baby shit you talkin’,” he spat coldly. The man I fell in love with has completely flipped the script and  is telling me to kill our child as if what we had was nothing to him.

I couldn’t help, but cackle at the utter bullshit that flowed from his mouth. No just a regular cackle no, no an ugly ass Eartha Kitt sinister cackle.

“Nigga fuck that bitch! You wasn’t thinkin’ bout her when you was nuttin’ deep all up in my shit, now all of a sudden you care about “her and your kids” I said using air quotes matching his tone.

“You know how many times we were raw dawgin’ it? Were you thinking about your family then?”

“Watch your mouth,” he warned and chuckled dryly.

“No, nigga you watch your mouth, I’m having our daughter and that’s that. You got some nerve telling me to get rid of her when you damn near fucked up everything being with me. Now all of a sudden you expect me to just throw it all away? Believe it or not I cared about you, shit I loved you.

Just like you I put up everything to be with you, do you have any idea how crushed Dutch is going to be when she finds out about us? How we both went behind he back and shitted on everything she’s ever done for us?” I growled at him while I watched him sigh and run his hand down his face. I knew I struck a nerve bringing up Dutch.

Dutch brought both of us in and helped us make more bread than either one of us would ever see working a regular 9 to 5. Being that Aaron knew Dutch way longer than me I know for a fact that when she finds out she’s definitely going to cut him off and leave him for dead.

“Like I said Nami you need to get rid of it! I’m not dealing with you or that fuck ass baby you carrying,” he barked while pointing to my stomach, “I don’t need the stress you bring or another baby!”

“THE FUCK YOU MEAN GET RID OF IT? I CAN’T BELIEVE YOU! WE MADE THIS BABY TOGETHER, THIS IS OUR BABY AND I’M KEEPING IT!” I yelled while slamming my palm down on the table, not giving a fuck who heard us or who turned around to see. I’m sick of playing this little game with him.

“Y’ALL NOSEY MUTHAFUCKAS NEED TO MIND YOUR OWN FUCKING BUSINESS!” I barked at the few patrons who turned around to see what was going on at our table.

“Aaron I’m having our baby and that’s that. I ruined everything being with you and I’ll be damned if it was all for nothing. Whether you’re seeing it or not our baby is a blessing and she’s going to need her daddy so get your shit together and man up.”

I heard a slow clapping coming from behind me and I looked up at Aaron’s face and he looked as if he saw a ghost. His coco brown skin now flushed to an ash brown, his eyes wide as saucers. I instantly turned around ready to snap on whomever had his attention, but my face soon mirrored his.

Damn I didn’t mean for her to find out like this, but at least she knows. Right?

Ch. 4| I Got This

Aaron

Our Gabby’s House

2:06 p.m

“Smile for mommy Tori!” I heard Gabby say to Tori as she snapped a few photos with her phone while we waited for Trey to come out of his room. Hearing my baby laugh and giggle made me laugh with her. It’s infectious.

Looking at the smile on Gabby’s face as she took pictures of Tori warmed my heart. I haven’t seen that Gabby in a while.

“Daddy I’m ready!!” Trey yelled as he raced out of his room sneakers in tow “Can we go to the park now!” he said as he damn near ran out the front door.

“Aye where you going with no shoes on!” Gabby yelled as she laughed at his antics.

“Mommy I can put them on in the car! I don’t want to miss the ice cream truck!” he said as he hopped in the back seat and buckling his seat belt impatiently waiting for us to follow his lead.

“Daddy put me down!” Tori said trying to wiggle from grip.

“I wonder where they get that from” Gabby said mugging me as she grabbed a few snacks for the kids and her purse.

 “Shit me too!” I said while kissing Tori’s cheek then putting her down so she could run to the car to follow her brother’s lead.

Those two are attached at the hip being that she’s 3 and he’s 4 everything he does she has to do and she tries to do it better.

 My baby is gonna be something.

____

 “Watch out for your sister Trey!” Gabby yelled behind them as they both sped off to go play.

 And instantly the awkward silence slowly crept it’s way between us.  The ever too familiar awkward silence we’ve both grown to know very well.

 “So how have you been? I see that your business has taken off well” I said trying to make conversation and to take note of how well her company has taken off.

 She started her own hair product line about a year ago and business is booming. I remember when she was in the kitchen playing mixtress, using me and Nas as guinea pigs to test her products.

 “And I see you ain’t wearing your ring,” she said smugly without looking away from Tori playing on the swings.

I let out a deep sigh and ran my hand down my face seeing clearly where this is going.

 “Why you beating around the bush and pussyfootin’ around the real issue at hand?” she continued.

“Come on man, not today shit was going well until you had to come at my jugular,” I said getting irritated.

 “What’s her name Aaron?” she asked simply.

 “What?” my ears perked up because I don’t think I heard her clearly.

 “Nigga you heard me loud and clear. We’ve been married for 6 years and I been with you since I was 15, you think I don’t know the way you move?” she said looking at me like I was stupid.

 “You’re so predictable it’s sad and the fact that I keep falling for it makes me even more foolish and gullible than you to think you'd change” she said almost disgusted with herself.

 "The fact that you said “what” tells me there is someone else,” she said with tears brimming in her eyes, but her pride wouldn’t let them fall.

“I’m tired of this, you won,” she said defeated. I looked at her with furrowed brows.

 “I’m a good woman and I know that. All I asked you to do was not do me dirty, be loyal and hold me down like I’ve done for you all these years. But you couldn’t do that, you take and take and take, but at this point I have nothing left to give,” her voice shook as she spoke.

 She got quiet and looked at me, analyzing my face hoping that I wouldn't confirm her suspicion. I remained quiet knowing that if I said something it would only add fuel to the fire.  We stared at each other both trying to read each other, but for once I couldn’t.

 “I want a divorce,” she said after an eternity in a firm voice.

 I opened my mouth to speak Tori and Trey came racing over to us.

 “Mommy can we have some juice?” they said in unison and out of breath.

 Gabby put her mommy cape back on and handed them their juices as they sat in between us regaining their energy. So focused all her attention on them from that point forward completely ignoring me. Leaving me alone to my thoughts.

 A divorce?

 Is it that bad that she’d go that far?

 Did I push her that far that she’s ready to throw in the towel and throw everything away?

Naaaah.

Dutch

Nasir’s House

4:00 p.m.

“That’s foul son! You have 7 cars in your garage and I can't whip one for the night? Some brother you are,” Cheri said chuckling darkly.

I woke up to the heavy aroma of weed in the air and Cheri and Nas going at it in true sibling form.

“Damn” I mumbled to myself as I licked my lips causing Nas to turn his attention to me.

“You’re finally awake sleepin’ beauty,” he said walking over to me on the couch completely ignoring what his little sister was saying and came over to check on me.

“That’s foul Nas! Come on I had classes and work all week. I just want to  go out for a little while pleaaasssse” she pleaded and made him feel guilty at the same time.

We all know that Nas has a soft spot for his baby sis and she busses her ass every day with school and work. She really is a good girl.

She gave him a pair of doe eyes that made Bambi look like trash and he folded. 

Kissing his teeth,” Fine! And don’t go leaving none of your shit in my car” he said pointing to his car key rack, allowing her to chose any car she wanted for the night.

“Thank you!” she said gleefully and kissed his cheeks as he swatted her away.

 “Come on chill! I don’t want your ugly to rub off go sumwhere man!” he said wiping his face.

 “Boy please! I love you bye,” she as she grabbed the keys and ran out.

 “I spoil her,” he chuckled to himself as he shook his head.

 “She’s a good girl she deserves it,” I told him honestly as I shifted on the couch.

 He looked at me with an unreadable expression and put a stray hair behind my ear “yeah, she does,” he said. I knew that statement had an underlying meaning.

 “I bought you a new phone while you were sleeping I know your phone was finished after the accident,” he said pointing to the box sitting on the table in front of me.

 “You didn’t have to,” I said graciously “Nami could have gotten it for me.”

 As soon as I mentioned Nami he sucked his teeth and his jaw clenched. I know better than anyone that there’s bad blood between the two, but they’ve always been able to be cordial for the most part.

 “Can you not?” I asked him.

 He nodded his head and changed the subject, “AK stopped by with some food that Autumn cooked for you. He said he stopped by your place, but Nami wasn’t there so he figured you were here with me,” he stated smartly as he got up and walked into the kitchen I’m assuming to go heat up the food.

I nodded my head figuring Nami is out making runs, now that I’m out of commission everybody has been picking up double time to make up for my lack of work.

Turning on my new phone I see that I have missed calls, most from customers and a few from the crew.

Going through my text I noticed that I haven’t gotten one from Nami today. Something isn’t right I haven’t seen her since last night and she hasn’t shot a message asking if I’m good. 

To Panda:

Wassup where you at?

 I saw a few messages from the crew and two from an unknown number.

 From 1 646 XXX XXXX:

Hey?

From 1 646 XXX XXXX:

Is this Dutchess?

 I read the message and seriously pondered about who it could be, I’m not one to give out my number. Curiosity got the best of me and I replied,

To 1 646 XXX XXXX:

Who’s asking?

 No less than five seconds later the phone buzzed and tinged in my hand,

From 1 646 XXX XXXX:

My name is Beau Wade. I was in the car that hit her and I’d like speak with her.

I looked down at the phone like it was an alien. To be honest I haven’t though about the accident since I left the hospital because I just want to put it behind me and focus on healing. Reliving it put me in a dark place.

I felt it buzz in my hand twice breaking me from my dark thoughts.

From Panda:

 Hey baby, I’ve been making runs all day. A said Nas took the day off to look after you so I’m going to pick you up from his place later on tonight.

From 1 646 XXX XXXX:

 Dutchess? I’m so sorry for everything that happened. I know that you don’t know me and have no reason to believe me, but I really want to help you. I’d like to be there for you in anyway that I can.

 I read the messages and tossed my phone onto another couch. I didn’t want to be bothered with it for a while. Something about Nami’s text rubbed me the wrong way.

 “What you ova there thinkin’ bout so hard?” Nas said breaking me from my thoughts.

 The last thing I want to talk with him about is Nami, his opinions are too biased he never cared for Nami so I can’t expect to get just advice from him. For that I need AK or Autumn.

 “Nothing, but that food in your hand tho,” I said grinning and nodding my head over to the plate in his hand.

 “Chill chubbs I’m coming,” he said setting up trays for us, before going back to the kitchen to get the drinks.

 Being the greedy crumb snatcher that I am I tried to reach for the fork and get some pasta off the plate.

 “Ahh!” I moaned out in pain biting my bottom lip to stifle my moan hoping Nas didn’t hear me.

 “What you doing greedy?” Nas asked amused as he walked over setting the drinks down on the trays.

 “I got hungry,” I pouted like a little kid.

He chuckled as he sat down next to me, he began cutting up the chicken breast on my plate into strips then turned to me, “Let me help,” he said before feeding me the chicken and pasta. 

“Mmmm wait this don’t taste like Autumn’s food,” I said with a raised eyebrow. Yeah my girl Autumn could burn some pans, but not like this. This food had southern feel to it, this food was giving me the warmth that only food from the NOLA can give.

After coming down from the high the food was giving me I took note to the music playing.

“And you know this is my song,” I said mouthing the lyrics.

“You catch everything,” he chuckled and held the fork to my mouth waiting for me to open.

“I put ha food to the side. You eat her food all the time, I wanted to do something special and play chef for a while,” he said wiping pasta sauce from my bottom lip with is thumb before putting it in his mouth and licking it off.

“Did you forget who you dragged to The Roots concert because someone couldn’t make it,” he chuckled licking lips looking at me. He made a point to emphasize the someone in his statement.

 His lips never looked that good before. It’s like I’m seeing them for the first time and I can’t complain about what I see.

I giggled, “I’m not complaining, but you should have some too. It’s good,” I said in between bites and pointing to his untouched plate.

“Don’t worry about me I got this, now eat. I made peach cobbler and fresh ice cream for desert you keep talking and you gon’ miss out” he said before feeding himself from my plate to oblige my request.

“Wait, did you say you made ice cream?” My curiosity was piqued.

 “You ain’t know?” he said pausing to look at me “ya boy got skills in that kitchen baby!”

 “Keep talking like that and you might keep me for good, you know food is the way to my panties” I laughed at my self and slapped my hand over my mouth realized what slipped out my mouth.

“Nah bae I got other ways to get to those, and this is just something to get you wet. Give you a taste of what’s to come,” he said wiggling his eyebrows.

I couldn’t help, but throw my head back and laugh at his silliness. I rarely get a good laugh, but when I do his silly ass is the one to give it to me. 

“I like your laugh,” he said while studying my face and I instantly began to blush and feel a tingle in my loins from the look he was giving me.

 I looked away embarrassed and I didn’t need him to see my flushed face.

He chuckled and rose from the couch, “I’m gonna go check on the ice cream bae.”

Did this nigga just call me bae?

Ch. 1| Nigga Who You?

Nami

Mount Sinai Hospital

 6:20 a.m.

“Miss please, slow down” I heard the nurse frantically saying behind me as she hustled to keep up with me, but she could miss me with that. All I needed to know was where my baby was I didn’t need her assistance in finding her.

“429…” I mumbled to myself as I power walked past other rooms trying to get to the one Dutch was in.

“430…”

“432!” I finally reached it, but I couldn’t bring myself to go in. My emotions got the best of me; I was just on the phone with her. My night wasn’t supposed to turn out like this. I was supposed to cuddled up with my baby watching Sophia shade Blanche for filth while feeding my baby cheesecake. Maybe pass a blunt or two just between us. Instead I’m trying to wrap my mind around how Dutch just got out of surgery and now has two broken legs and four broken ribs. Her doctor said her surgery was a success, but she barely escaped the grips of death. Wearing her helmet, kneepads and arms guards helped more than he could express. He said she’s sleeping and could be out for hours or days only time could tell me when her healing process actually begins.

“Are you going to go in?” The nurse asked curtly with an attitude from behind me still trying to catch her breath.

“Bitch don’t you have some patients to tend to? Fuck you all in mines fuh?” I snapped back.

She rolled her eyes and mumbled something to herself as she walked away. Any other time I wouldn’t hesitate to buss a hospital tray over her head, but I had more pressing matters to deal with. That ass whoopin’ would have to wait. I took a deep breath and walked in. I saw other figures in the room, but my focused zeroed in on Dutch in the middle of the room on the hospital bed.  I pushed past the figure on her right and delicately touched her cut and bruised face. I didn’t want to cry because I wasn’t alone, but seeing something of mine look so frail and broken tore me to my soul. My grief is mine and mine alone so shedding tears with others around wasn’t an option. Her smooth chocolate skin now scraped and the stitches on her eyebrow made me angry. I couldn’t see her lower half because she was tucked so neatly in the bed, but I don’t think I’m ready to face that just now. 

I finally looked up and saw two detectives looking at me with eyes full of concern and inquiry. I could tell they were detectives by the suits they wore, no need for a badge to be flashed a man’s suit says a lot about his character. The other man in the room had a caramel complexion and a few bruises and scratches on his face. He looked at me with so much guilt and regret, I could tell he wanted badly to avert his eyes from my stare, but he didn’t dare. I instantly had a gut feeling that he had something to do with this.

“Excuse me ma’am, but what’s your relationship to the victim?” One of the detectives asked.

“Out of respect for the “victim”,” I said in air quotes mocking him “why don’t you step out and not return until she’s awake.” I said dismissing him and his question, turning my attention back to the man in the room.

Taken aback by my straight forwardness, him and his partner walked away with their tails between their legs back out the door from which they came.

I had so many questions to ask him, but I couldn’t think of the first.

“How did this happen?” I finally asked breaking the awkward silence.

He took a deep breath and his deep voice broke as he started to talk. He stopped and looked at the ceiling as he tried to compose himself.

“I let my mans Riley drive my new whip and shit got outta hand” he began “he was drinking before we linked up. Had I known he was drinking prior to him getting behind the wheel of my shit I would have never allowed it. He’s been going through shit lately, but to be honest I didn’t think it was deep enough for his to keep a bottle on him and try to sip even when behind the wheel. He had no regard for my life or his, I’ve never seen a look like that in his eyes before.” He stopped and looked at me he was truly perplexed about what occurred tonight.

I took in what he said and my blood began to boil “What’s your name?” I spat with venom. It as if he was trying to shift blame to his mans without accepting responsibilities for his wrong doings in the situation. It ain’t hard to tell when somebody’s been drinking, why would you even put yourself in that predicament. Something in the water ain’t clean I just didn’t have all the facts yet. 

He instantly felt the mood shift “Beau Wade” he said, his voice with much more strength than it had before.

“Well Beau I don’t like you and you better hope Dutch fully recovers from this if not I got a bullet for you and I got one for your mans too.” I said calmly and coolly looking in square in the eyes. I’m deadass. I needed him to know where I stood from the beginning we will never be cool and could never become friends. He’s irresponsible and dingy as hell. I could never see myself forgiving him for not only putting Dutchess’ life in the cross hairs of death, but his own and the driver. 

He looked at me and smirked like he knew something that I didn’t and it irked me. Just as I was about to swing on his butter pecan lookin’ ass for being a smartass the Dr. walked in.

“Hi, I was just coming in to check on Ms. Blake’s vitals and see how she’s adjusting.” He came in walking around me checking her all beeping machines, seeing her with a tube in her mouth crushed me and reinforced the hate that I felt for this man sitting inches from me. Aside from the few scratches and bruises on him he looked perfectly fine nothing a little ice couldn’t fix, he had some dried blood on his shirt from his wounds, but a fresh t-shirt could fix that too. Here he was sitting up and breathing perfectly fine while my baby is laid up in that bed helpless. As bad as I wanted to swing on his toffee colored ass I had to be strong and keep my composure for Dutch. I’ll have plenty of time to beat that ass, he ain’t going nowhere I reminded myself with certainty.

“I’m going to go down and grab some coffee,” I said aloud not particularly to anyone just to let them know I’ll be back in no time so don’t try no funny shit.

“And you,” I turned back directing my attention back to Beau, fuck kind of name is Beau anyway I thought to myself “don’t even think about going anywhere” I said sternly.

He surprised me when replied back, “I don’t plan on leaving her side,” he said while looking back at Dutchess, resting so peacefully in the bed next to him. I saw regret and longing in his eyes when he looked at her. When said he wasn’t leaving her side he meant just that. The way he said it didn’t sit well with me but I shook it off and proceeded to head out to Dunkin Donuts down the block.

As soon as I made my way downstairs I reached in my purse and took out my phone, lighter and pre-rolled joint. I unlocked my phone and searched for Autumn’s number as I lit my joint and proceeded to walk to the store.

After three rings she finally answered “Yo” she said groggily “we making drops earlier today?” she said already in work mode, I could hear her shuffling on the other end which meant she was ready to hop out the bed and go if need be. That made me smile; my team was always bout getting to that paper.

“No” I said taking a long drag from my joint letting it hit me. God knows I need to feel something because since I’ve seen Dutch lying motionless in that stale ass hospital bed I’ve been void of all emotions except anger and blind rage.

“Dutch got hit by a drunk driver last night, she’s at Mount Sinai” I said venom lacing my voice thinking about her being there. 

“Oh my god! I’m on my way,” she said frantically.

“Aight ma, I’ll be waiting out in front for you,” I told her as I hung up and finished my J stepping on the clip with my timb just as I walked up to Dunkin Donuts. Now I’m high and hungry as fuck, bout to get one of everything on the menu like a true fat nigga would.

  Beau

4:45 a.m.

My eyes fluttered open and I slowly took in my surroundings, the piercingly bright lights, pristine white walls and the constant bustle just outside the oak door confirmed my suspicion. I’m in the hospital, last night really did happen. As bad as I wanted this to be a bad dream this shit was real I’m still dumbfounded as to how it even happened in the first place.

“Oh good your awake” the Dr. said as he walked into my room.

“How long have I been out?” I asked groggily my voice coming out more hoarse than I expected.

“Not long and lucky for you have minor injuries just some scrapes and bruises that’ll be gone in weeks to come you can, whenever you get your things in order I have the forms here for you to sign so you can checkout” he said.

“Cool cool, how’s Riley?” I blurted out anxiously.

“He’s got a broken arm and a few scratches, but he’ll make a full recovery. He’s currently sleeping off the alcohol in his system, but when he wakes you can head down the hall to see him.” He turned to walk out, but turned back and looked at me with an unreadable face. I instantly thought back to the night events and it hit me. I closed my eyes and asked, “Did he hit something?”

“Someone, he hit someone. A young woman” He said solemnly.

My heart sank not only did Boogz’s reckless ass put my life and his in danger, but he put an innocent life in the mix. “Is she…?” I couldn’t bring myself to finish the sentence. If she was dead I couldn’t live with myself. How could I let this shit get so out of hand? I mentally kicked myself.

“No, by the grace of God she pulled through her surgery and it looks as if she’ll make a full recovery,” his voice began to trail “but at the current moment she is suffering from two broken legs and four broken ribs.”

 I cringed as he finished telling me the extent of her injuries, shorty was fucked up and the fact that I was partly to blame for it, it ate at me slowly.

“Can I see her?” I asked with urgency.

“I’m not allowed to release her information to you,” he huffed; fuck all that he was giving up that info.

“I didn’t ask you all that, can I see her now, please.” I said with assertiveness. I wasn’t taking no for any answer and he could tell by my tone that my mind was set on seeing her. He could help me or I could tear this bitch a part brick by brick until I find her. I don’t have time for his bullshit ethics or politics I had to see her and he was going to take me me. From the time he told me she existed I was drawn to her.

He let out an exasperated sigh “Let’s go.”

___

“Just be quiet she’s sleeping and needs as much rest as possible” he said smugly before nodding me in the direction of her room and continuing on to the rest of his shift. I heeded his words as I slowly made my way.

My eyes were met with the sight of a fairly slim, brown skin woman with monitors beeping around her and the loud sound of her breathing with the respirator tube. I instantly felt like the shit I am for helping her get there.

“I’m so sorry” I whispered to her as I made my way closer to her side. Even with the minor scrapes on her face she was flawless. I mean drop dead gorgeous and it made me a little uncomfortable. Why is she so damn pretty though? Her layered hair fanned out around her, some of it framing her face while other waves flowed out on her pillow. Her skin had a glow to it even with the given circumstance. I wanted to badly touch her bruised bottom lip and make it disappear, her lips are too juicy to have a flaw on them.  I don’t know what brought it about, but I couldn’t stop myself from reaching down and touching her face. I used my thumb to lightly trace her bottom lip and some of the scratches on her face.

“You might not be able to hear me, but in the event you can just know I’m not going anywhere.  I promise you that I’ll be with you every step of this recovery process. Riley and I both, I’ll be there when you hate me, when you don’t like me, and when you don’t want to even look at me I'll still be here. I can’t allow myself to allow you to go through this without me. When times get to an all time low, I’ll be there.” I said while absentmindedly stroking her cheek. I felt her stir under my touch and instantly drew my hand back hoping she would wake up, but to no avail.

Instead I pulled up the seat next to her and held her hand. I began talking to her; it was like I had word vomit and talking to her was the only medication I could take to cure it, even if the conversation was one sided at the moment.

I heard a knock on the door indicating our little heart to heart moment was over. More like our heart to heart hour and a half. Somehow I knew we wouldn’t have many more moments alone anytime soon especially since one of the nurses said she got in contact with someone from Dutchess’ family.

  Autumn 

7:00 a.m.

I had no time to think or process what I had been told by Nami. How could this happen? Rolling out of bed hustling to the bathroom with my phone still in hand. I told Siri to call Nas while I started brushing my teeth, but he sent me straight to voicemail. Now was not the time for this nigga to want to act up. I knew he wasn’t a morning person, but fuck all that I dialed him again.

“Fuck you calling me so early fuh?” He said answering the phone in a huff on the second ring, his country twang mixed with sleep and animosity made me chuckle.

“Fuck is so funny?” he said getting agitated “You called me to play games or you calling me bout a job?” He said turning his attention straight to business.

“No I’m calling you to tell you that I’ll be outside in 10 mins we’re going to the hospital,” I said as calmly as I could, but internally my nerves are all over the place.

“The hospital?” He spoke confused.

“Yeah, Dutch got hit by a drunk driver last night and shit is bad. Nami is already there, she sounds hella stressed son.” I said cutting him off.

“Say no more imma tell this nigga A to meet me at the crib and we’ll all go together” he said breathlessly, I could hear him already hopping out of bed.

“Bet” I said hanging up the phone as I ran through my room like a tornado grabbing everything I needed and shoving it into my bag. I have not a clue as to how long we’ll be at the hospital so I had to be prepared. I grabbed a blunt from my top drawer and put it in my mouth as I grabbed my bag, shut off the light and headed downstairs. Normally I’d just hop on my bike, but with everything going on I felt that taking out one of my whips was necessary.

After choosing one I hopped in and peeled out of my garage to pick up Nas and A.

___

 “We got here as soon as we could Nami,” I said as we approached her while she was fucking her bacon, egg and cheese up. High ass nigga.

“Damn fat nigga you gon’ share some or you just gon’ stuff your face?” Nas asked while reaching for her bag of food being the greedy nigga he is.

Instead of arguing with him or snapping at him Nami surprised us all by allowing him access to her food. Nami didn’t play around with her food so the fact that she didn’t black on him for even making an attempt at her food meant that shit was intense.

All she did was grab her cup of coffee since Nas’ greedy ass passed the rest of the food to Aaron and turned inside the hospital leading the way to Dutch. Any other time Nami would have cussed me out and called me every name in the book for telling Nas and telling him to come with me, but I didn’t know whom else to call. The two of them can fight like cats and dogs, I’ve even seen them go blow for blow on a few occasions, but for the life of me I couldn’t put my finger on what brought about the anger between them. He and Aaron really care about Dutch and wouldn’t wish any harm to come to her not to mention we’ve all worked side by side for the past 4 years how could I not tell them?

“How bad is it?” Aaron asked Nami while stuffing his mouth full of her sausage, egg white and cheese flatbread as the elevator dinged signaling that we had reached our destination.

“4 broken ribs and two broken legs” she sighed as I gasped.

“So that means she can’t ride any more?” Nas asked thoroughly concerned while wiping crumbs away from his mouth. This shit can’t be happening.

Nami looked at the floor fighting tears as she nodded her head. I instantly put my arms around her as she continued to lead the way. “Looks that way,” she finally said.

“Don’t let this get you down Nami we’re here and we’re going get through this together,” Aaron said with so much compassion and assurance, but I could see the fire in his eyes clear as day. He was pissed. Shit I would be too; Dutchess is his best worker even though she didn’t really work for him. Neither did we, we had a mutually beneficial understanding. He and Dutch came up with the idea to have a delivery service, anything someone needs delivered we do just that. 

On a strictly confidential basis no one actually knows what they’re delivering until you get it from the client. From that point the anonymity of what’s in the package stays between the client and the deliverer. I know I’ve personally delivered damn near everything from narcotics to precious gems to top of the line sports car.  So I can only image the type of shit Dutch delivers because she’s the best at what she does. People will pay top dollar to have their shit delivered and if it’s done properly in a discreet manner you can guarantee they’ll keep coming back. Our circle is tight, but it’s for the best, bread can only be broken so many ways.

Walking into Dutch’s room I saw a light skinned man sitting by the side of her bed holding her hand completely oblivious to our presence in the room. All his attention was focused on Dutch as he ran him thumb over the back of her hand with care.

“Nigga who you?” Nas said being the rude nigga that he is finally letting our presence be known, but asking what we all wanted to know. His head snapped in our direction, but the hold he had on Dutch’s hand didn’t slack nor did the stroking of his thumb against the back of her hand.  

“Oh that’s Beau” Nami said emphasizing his name chuckling bitterly as she sipped from the cup of coffee in her hand before he could open his mouth “he was in the car that hit Dutch.” The air in the room instantly got thick and all eyes were fixed on him. I knew shit was about to hit the fan.

I love Gabby's personality. She has a tough skin and she has her priorities straight unlike Aaron. I feel bad for her though. She's a strong woman and I feel like Aaron took advantage of that in some aspects. Like, he probably thought she would brush it and move on as no big deal. If I'm going to keep it a 100, Nami and Dutch both wrong. Even before Dutch found out about Nami, she was messing around with Nas at his crib. Two wrongs don't make a right but hey, I just thought I point that out.

I’m glad you love Gabby’s personality, I often have a difficult time with writing from her POV. The fact that you enjoy her really means something to me, thank you. Gabby’s strong, don’t feel sorry for her she got this. Aaron definitely did underestimate Gabby and took her for granted for the last time. Moving forward she’s worried about herself, her children and her company. 

Yes, you’re correct Dutch and Nami are both wrong, no doubt about that. For Nami step out her relationship is wrong, but a year out of three years you’ve been in a relationship is straight disrespectful. Nami is on a whole nother level with her bullshit at this point. Dutch wasn’t right either and that will definitely be addressed. Nasir and Dutch both have a lot of explaining to do.

Thank you love, this feedback in particular is helping me with where I’m taking the next two chapters. You gave me something and I’m not sure what it is, but I plan to figure it out. Thanks again.

A month?! Nami ain't been around for a month?! She practically put Dutch in Nas' arms! Is she and Aaron still messing around? Did Gabby leave him yet? Why didn't they put two and two together before? There isn't about to be a dinner, unless Dutch and Cheri get Nas to cool it before he whoops ass. Those chances seem slim. Great chapter, can't wait for the next part!

Yes, her triflin’ ass did leave her there for a month.

Chile, Nami got big fish to fry at this point. Not only is Nas pushing up on Dutch heavy, but Beau is officially back in the picture and his ass isn’t going anywhere. Yes, her and Aaron are messing around. Aaron is basically the reason she’s abandoned Dutch, but more on that next two chapters. Nami and Aaron’s situation will be very clear shit damn near crystal. I can’t tell you if Gabby divorced him yet, but she isn’t with him.

You know Nas ain’t got no sense lol that boy is ready to fight whenever, where ever. But what Nas needs to realize is that he’s underestimating who Beau is. He doesn’t know shit about that man and just cause him and Aaron jumped him once doesn’t mean that shit is gonna fly again. He better stop sleeping on him. Thanks for the feedback love!

Ch. 3 Pt. 2| Disrespectful Compliance

Nami

The Crib

10 p.m.

“Fuck you adding so much butter for Paula Deen, you trying to give her diabetes?!” I said while smacking Nas in the back of his head as he stirred some butter into Dutch’s mashed potatoes while he bumped his head to “Or Nah”.

“Can you lick the tip, then throw the dick or nah?” he sang ignoring me and it did something to me. As much as I can’t stand him he does have a voice.

“What I told you about putting hands on me?” he softly said while carefully placing the steak next to the mashed potatoes on her plate.

“I’ono nigga care to remind me?” I said with attitude as I put my hands on my thick hips. Just cause shit is rocky at the moment don’t mean I’m finna be nice to this nigga.

He smacked his teeth, “why you gotta have a attitude all the damn time? For once I’m trying to be nice to ya stupid ass and you gotta fuck it up,” he said with as much attitude as I gave him.

“Cause yous a BITCH!” I said as I grabbed a piece of broccoli off the plate and ran out laughing.

“And clean up my damn  kitchen fool!” I yelled behind me.

“Baby, Nas is coming with your plate now; Autumn if you want some you better go remind him cause you know that nigga is greedy and he will eat it all,” I told them as I finished my stolen piece of broccoli.

“You’re not eating with us?” Autumn asked; this bitch is too damn intuitive always picking up on shit.

“Nah I’m about to hop in the shower and make a run real quick. Since Aaron fucked up his hand he asked me to make a run for him, I won’t be gone long,” I told them turning to head to the bathroom.

“Cool, I’ll just tell Nas to wrap mine up and I’ll drive you over there. All of today’s excitement go me tired son, my bed and my man keeps calling me,” she giggled as she looked down at her phone obviously talking about AK.

“Iight bet” I said racing to the shower.

___

“Ready Autumn?” I said looking down and checking my outfit.  Watching them share a laugh while watching Bob’s Burgers made me feel a pang of guilt. I’m supposed to be laid up with my baby yet I’m finding an excuse to sneak away.

This shit has to stop.

“Autumn!” I barked at her out of frustration making her snap her head in my direction.

“What bitch! The show is almost over damn! You got some damn nerve coming in here rushing people,” she said with attitude.

“I don’t care I just want to go and come back,” I said bringing my tone down some; it’s not her fault I’m on edge.

She rolled her eyes, “fine” she huffed.

“Dutch I’ll be back tomorrow after I finish my drops, I’ll bring some lunch for you” she said as she kissed Dutch’s forehead and leaned over to give Nas a hug.

She grabbed her plate, “let’s go,” she finally said to me.

“Baby I’ll be back soon” I said leaning down to kiss Dutch as she nodded her head and reached over to mush Nas causing him to kiss his teeth.

___

“Thanks Autumn see you tomorrow,” I said hopping out of her whip and slamming the door before she could respond.

I’m here. Again. Why?

If I had to give you an honest answer as to why I’m here I couldn’t tell you. I began to contemplate with myself as I used my key to unlock his lobby door and make my way to his elevator. 

“You should be home with your girl, taking care of her. Nursing her back to health,” I told myself and rested my head against the elevator wall, letting out a deep sigh. 

“It’s not too late to turn back,” I told myself as the doors opened up on his floor. My feet had a mind of their own as they made their way to his apartment. I used my key and made my way in.

“Aaron!” I yelled as I took off my sneakers and made my way through his dark apartment.

“In here!” he yelled from his room. I opened his bedroom door to find him sprawled across his bed looking up at the ceiling fan spin.

“Is that my-”? 

“Thong, yeah it is” he completed my sentence without breaking his stare from the ceiling.

Turning his head and looking at me intently, “C'mere” he said with a thick country accent almost matching my own.

Dragging my feet I made my way to where he was, “what took you so long?” he innocently asked as he played with the drawstring on my sweats before he pulled it making them fall to my ankles.

“Duty calls wifey needed me” I chuckled running my fingers over his waves as he bent down to remove each leg from my sweats.

I felt him nod his head as he kissed up every inch of my exposed leg, alternating between the two before reaching up to take off my shirt tossing it somewhere.

“Lay down” he said in a husky voice as he reached to pull my thong down.

Once again, that same pang of guilt hit me. Here we go again, doing it again.

“Aaron we shoooooouuuu” was all that came out as he wrapped his plump, full lips around my clit cutting me off mid sentence as my fingers found their way to the back of his head holding him place.

“Aaahh!” I moaned as I felt his tongue trace around my opening before plunging his tongue inside.

Fuck it I’ll deal with myself later, this feels too good. My senses were heightened and my words began to slur, I gave in letting pleasure run its course.

Nas

Dutch’s Crib

11:45 p.m.

“I wonder what’s taking her so long,” Dutch said worried about Nami.

“Yeah” I said dryly. Not that I wish anything bad on Nami, but not having her here was peaceful. No yelling, screaming arguing or bickering just laughs and snacks with the big homie.

“She was supposed to help me shower and change my bandages,” Dutch said frustrated as she fidgeted with her fingers.

“I can help you,” I blurted out faster than I probably should have. After showing my ass at the hospital I figured I’d be on my best behavior and look out for her in anyway I can.

She side eyed the fuck outta me “eww nigga I don’t want you seeing me naked” she said making us both laugh.

“Nah on some real shit I don’t want your wounds getting infected and you know I’m not some creep nigga, I’d never do you like that,” I told her as I flipped through the channels.

I watched her weigh her options from the corner of my eye, she really looked torn “Iight nigga, but no funny shit. I’ll break your fucking fingers” she complied.

“Yeah whatever club feet” I said making her pout as I stood up and reached down to gingerly pick her up in my arms. She instantly laid her head on my chest as we made our way to her bathroom. This felt wrong, but so right at the same time.

I sat her down on the chair already sitting in the shower and putting my phone on the docking station letting Jhene Aiko’s soulful voice fill the bathroom. I know she’s a big fan.

“You okay?” I asked her as I helped her slowly taking off her shirt. Even with the bandages around her torso and the few scrapes on her face she’s beautiful.

“Mmhmm” she said biting her bottom lip as I helped her take off her baggy sweats, I knew she was hiding the pain she really felt.

I looked down at her full breast encased in her victoria secret bra and the lime green g-string. That ass though? Shit lime green just might be my new favorite color!  Focus nigga, I told my self as I helped her slip off her underwear and rest back on the seat comfortably. The last thing I need is hard dick poking her in the arm.

She worked on her bra, while I worked on unwrapping her bandages. Looking at her marred, broken ribs infuriated me as I absentmindedly ran my fingers over them causing her to wince, “sorry” I mumbled.

“The showerhead comes off, I need you to wash my hair too,” she nonchalantly told me, as if her fine ass wasn’t just sitting here butt bald.

“Iight,” I mumbled as I began to hose her body down with the showerhead. I used my free had to massage at her scalp causing her to moan and my dick to jump.

“That feels nice,” she said with her eyes closed in a husky voice, one I never heard before. Catching a glimpse to the other side of Dutch made me look at her differently. For as long as I’ve known Dutch she’s always been one of the homies, nothing more nothing less.

I’m starting to feel some type of way and I’m not sure I want to stop it.  Watching her tilt her head back and the water drip off her was fucking my head up. She isn't even doing anything and my mind is already gone.

I took my time rubbing the soap over her body savoring the time, hell this will probably be the only time she allows this.

 “You almost done? My back is getting cold and my ass hurts from this hard ass chair,” she huffed breaking me from a trance as I watched the shampoo run from her hair.

 “Uuh y-yeah” I stuttered as I turned off the running water and turning around to reach for her towels. Turning back and looking at a soaking wet Dutch made my already hard dick brick. The way the steam clung around her body made her look almost ethereal. I unconsciously bit my lip while looking at her.

 “I know I’m sexy, but nigga damn hurry up” she said while shivering and smirking at me, making me blush. Which is a first, clearly I’m pussy. Fuck I look like blushing? I chuckled and shook my head.

 I wrapped one towel around her head and the other lightly around her body as I lifted her and carried her to her bedroom.

___

 “Nas call her again, please” Dutch almost begged me to try Nami’s phone again. At one point it actually rang, but she’s been sending me straight voicemail.

 I helped her get dressed and put some deep conditioner in her hair, we’ve been watching The Golden Girls on Netflix ever since. Only fucking Dutch could get me to sit and watch The Golden Girls, only her.

 “Dutch we tried her phone almost 10 times! She’s obviously ignoring it,” I told her as I played with the hem of her t-shirt. I find myself finding any excuse to touch her.

 “But it’s 3 a.m. where could she be?” she said in a sleepy voice as she rested her head on my shoulder. I could tell she was trying to fight sleep until Nami came home, but it doesn’t look like she plans on bringing her ass home anytime soon.

 “I don’t know Dutch, but your body needs rest and a nigga is tired. I’m finna go home and get in my own bed,” I told her before my body got too tired.

 I watched her begin to pout as I stood up, “I don’t wanna be alone, take me with you” she said lowly as she nervously played with the hem of her t-shirt.

I didn’t have to think twice, I scooped her in my arms, “you need anything from your room?” she shook her head no and we left without bothering to looking back.

 I felt the need and the urge to keep her close. Feeling her warm body lying on my chest felt right and I can’t say I mind feeling it more often. Before we reached the car she was passed out in my arms, I smiled and kissed her forehead.

 I gingerly laid her across my back seat and made my way to the driver’s side. I saw Nami hop out of a black jeep that looked like that nigga A’s and limp her ass to the building.

 I know that limp, that’s that good dick down limp.  I’ve left a couple bitches with that limp as a parting gift.

 Sneaky bitch.

 Any thoughts I had about taking Dutch back upstairs completely faded from my mind as I peeled away from the curb, purposely honking my horn and saluting at her causing her to jump and look back wide eyed. She knows she’s caught, but I wanna make her squirm a little before I blow her shit up.

 All the years of putting up with her bullshit makes it that much sweeter. The only person I don’t want to see hurt is Dutch, but I’m not sure how long I can avoid that.

 Looking at the startled look on her face confirmed all my suspicions.  That’s foul and if she’s creeping with who I think she is then she definitely ain’t shit.

I feel like no matter what, Beau and Nas will always run into each other no matter what. The best they can do is act somewhat cordial since beau is persistent as hell. Then, Nas catching feelings real quick. aw shit! these two will not get along, not when they both feeling dutch.

Technically,

This was kind of Nas' doing. He told Cheri is wanted to meet Jay, Dutch  was trying to accommodate Cheri's feelings and the fact that they didn't know who his friends were prior to dinner didn't help. There's no way they can be cordial without Nas getting it through his thick ass skull that all this isn't really Beau's fault. I mean yeah it was his car, but he wasn't drinking nor was he the driver that night. Riley really needs to be held accountable for his actions.

Once that's established hopefully they'll be straight. Then again they both have common interest in Dutch so...yeah lol. If not niggas will scrap every time they see each other. Thanks for the feedback love!

Prologue: Make It Home

Dutchess

E 101st & 3rd Ave

2:56 a.m

“Where you at?” Nami asked on the other line. Her voice was raspy and I could tell she was fighting sleep.

“I’m almost home, I just made my last run and I’m a few blocks away I’ll be there in no time babe.”

“Well shit, pedal faster I’m about to heat up this cheesecake and I already set up The Golden Girls on Netflix.” She said with urgency.

“Who heats up cheesecake? Country bumpkin ass” I chuckled as I rode through the avenues completely oblivious to my city around me. I had one mission in mind; get to my bed in record time. I’ve been running without good sleep for two weeks and I’m ready to crash. The thought of my bed caused me to pedal a bit harder.

“I do!” She said giggled, “Don’t try me.” She said her thick Memphis accent coming through.

“Alright, alright let me go so I can pay attention,” I said with all seriousness.

“Gotchu see you soon baby.” She said hanging up as I came up to a red light I slowed my pedaling to a halt. 

Taking time to look at the city around me. So alive and active, bodies shifting quickly across the street trying to get to the other side before the red hand popped up. The taxi cab next to me so in a hurry for the light to change to get to his next fare. Even at such a late hour everyone was in such a hurry and had somewhere to be.

I saw an opening and I took it, having a bike as opposed to a car makes maneuvering through NY traffic a breeze. Us bike riders have our own community, albeit underground it’s a community nonetheless.  We’ve carved out our own lane in traffic it’s the quickest way to get around the city completely undetected. Need something delivered?

My crew or I can have it delivered to wherever you need it to go in a time friendly and discreet manner. You wouldn’t believe the type of shit have delivered and how much they’ll pay just to have it brought to them in the fashion that we bring it. Business has been great, quite lucrative and we’ve managed to stay below the radar for years. We took the streets by storm and we did it in an unconventional manner.

 I increased my speed as I pedaled through past the red light and instantly saw a blaring set of headlights coming towards me from my right side. There was no was I could avoid them, whoever was behind the wheel was swerving between lanes recklessly. They were coming too fast. I saw them, but it was like they didn’t see me and had no intentions of slowing down.

Beau

I looked out the passenger window as Harlem whipped past me in a flash. Street signs began to blur with red lights. Intersections and crosswalks all looked the same. This nigga had lead in his foot and liquor in his veins.

“Yo Boogz son chill! You keep this shit up and you’re either gonna hurt us or someone else!” I yelled over A$AP F3RG blaring through the speakers while clinging to the dashboard as he swerved through lanes. I could here the other drivers on the road honking their horns around us.

“Relax!” he cackled, “I got this, you know I’m the MCLAREN KING NIGGA!!!” He yelled at the top of his lungs and pushed his foot on the gas pedal. “I whip shit like this on the regular” he slurred.

“Bullshit! I just got this shit today you whip Fiats on a regular nigga. Now slow down!”  He was two seconds away from kissing a tree or a lamppost, I knew I shouldn’t have let him drive my shit, my new shit. My dude has been going through some shit lately so I thought maybe letting him take the whip out for a bit would lift his spirits. It wasn’t supposed to turn out this way, but isn’t that how it always works out when some shit is about to go down?

“You just sit back and enjoy the ride son,” He said as he hiccupped from the Henny he had been sipping earlier “I got you” he said patting my shoulder confidently. Why do drunk niggas always swear they got everything under control.

“I hear you son I really do, but you’re doing 120 on the dash right now. You need to slow down.” I said as calmly as possibly, almost reasoning with him. Seeing that the light up ahead was turning yellow I figured he’d slow down and I could talk him into letting me drive. For a hot second I almost got through to him.

“How much you wanna bet I can make it before the light turns red?” He turned and looked at me with blood shot red eyes and an impish grin. Before I could respond he floored it, throwing my body back into my seat. I saw a figure moving up ahead, but I didn’t want to believe that it was in the directly in front of our lane.

“YO BOOGZ CHILL MY NIGGA YOU GONNA HIT THE BIKE?!” I yelled trying to get him to slow down.

“What?” He said turning his head for a second. 

Moments later I felt the airbag smashing into my face. Signaling the worst, what has my nigga just done.

Beau

Cheri’s House

8:14 p.m.

I’ve never had someone look at me with so much hatred and malice before until I met this man who I now know to be Nasir. And it’s crazy because it’s misguided hatred; I wasn’t the one driving the car nor was I the one to give Riley the alcohol. He’s ready to go...

Girl where are you!? I need this update.

Hey love I'm back! My man and I took a mini vacay for a few days and I only took my ipad so I couldn't type like I wanted to. I will be updating tonight though. I'm glad you're enjoying the story!