by Lexi Reign
"Don't ask me to drive no more" he said as he pulled up to the parking lady.
"Yea, I know it's $30. Here" he said handing the lady a $50 and he sped off.
"For somebody who claims they br-" I started to say as Violet burst out laughing.
"Shut the fuck up, Nia. Lo, you better get your girl" he said to Lorenzo as we all hopped out.
All Lorenzo did was laugh. He grabbed my hand and led me up the steps. Every time he touches me, chills run through my body.
"You look beautiful," Lorenzo said. I swear I don't feel beautiful. I feel fat as hell. We all went to the ticket booth and Lorenzo got our tickets.
"Wassup Lo, wassup Cal" I heard from several people as we got into the gym. I've noticed that a lot of people call CJ "Cal". His real name is Calvin, so that's why. People really do have respect for Lorenzo and CJ around here and it's just a different feeling. When I used to be around Dre in District Heights, I saw and felt that people feared him.
It was packed as hell in here. As we walked across the court to the home team side, nothing but glares shot our way. I don't even know half of the people here. We all sat down together. I sat down to the left of Violet, Lorenzo sat to the left of me, and CJ sat next to him. The game had already started and it was now 3 minutes left in the 1st quarter.
"Baby, I'll be back," Lorenzo said as he and CJ got up walking out the gym.
"Wonder where they’re going," Violet and I said in unison. We both laughed.
"It ain't no telling," she said.
"You're right about that," I said to her.
"I know one thing, though. CJ's ugly ass better not be out there smiling in no bitches face. I know he’ll do it in a minute and swear he ain't did shit" she said as I shook my head.
"Hmmm," I said.
"I don't know what you hmm'in for. You need to claim that damn man before some hoe comes in and swoop his ass up" she said.
"Girl, I am not worried. I don't want him like that" I said lying right through my teeth. No lie, the more I spend time around Lorenzo, the more I fall for him.
"Like I told you before. It doesn't matter what Dre put you through. You can't let what he did to you affect what you have with Lorenzo. I know y'all have feelings for each other. I feel it and that man worships the ground you walk on. You know Lo would do anything for you" she said to me. She wasn't lying cause I know he would. I nodded in agreement.
We continued to watch the game as Lorenzo and CJ came bouncing back in. Lorenzo sat next to me and I could smell some cheap-ass perfume on him. I slowly started to get angry. But I can't be mad at him because I constantly turn him down. I sighed.
"You ok," he asked me.
"Mhmm," I said to him. Violet stared at me and then looked at CJ. But he never made eye contact with her. She stood up and went to sit next to him. Oh, Lord. I already know they’re about to argue and make a whole scene.
"Y'all don't start this shit tonight," Lorenzo said to them. Every time we go somewhere, they get into it.
"Boy, you shut up. Before I let my girl unleash her real feelings on your ass" Violet said rolling her neck at Lorenzo. I turned my head and continued watching the game. I could feel Lorenzo staring at me.
"Whatever she just said, she's lying," I said acting like I wasn't paying attention. I heard him let out a loud deep breath as we heard screams. CJ knocked Violet out the way as he and Lorenzo grabbed their guns.
The whole gym started running out as we heard gunshots. Lorenzo grabbed me and started to pull me behind him.
"Let's roll, bruh," Lorenzo said to CJ. We all started to run out of the gym as we made our way to CJ’s truck. We got in and CJ sped off.
"What just happened," I asked.
"Your ex is what happened," CJ said. My adrenaline is rushing and I'm shaken up.
"Y'all good," Lorenzo asked. I nodded.
"Nah, fuck that. I could've seen the shit coming if it wasn't for somebody in my face talking about a fucking bitch I don't give a fuck about" CJ spatted.
"Boy, fuck you. Cause I'm tired of you and your shit" Violet said.
"I'm tired of you.. just shut up for two damn minutes," CJ said as Violet reached in front of her seat and put him in a headlock. CJ swerved the truck.
"Yo, Vi, chill. Don't let him get to you" Lorenzo said to her trying to get her to let him go. CJ was struggling trying to get from under her grip.
"He’s driving, man," Lorenzo said as he grabbed the wheel. Violet started punching him. I laughed cause he deserves it. She finally let him go and sat back.
"Just wait till we get to the crib," CJ said to her.
"I can't wait. Cause ima fuck you up some more" she said making me laugh. CJ pulled into our driveway and we got out.
"Nah, stay your fuckin ass in the back. I don't want you up here" CJ said to Violet as we said our goodbyes. She got in the front and they continued arguing as we went inside the house.
I walked upstairs to my bedroom and turned on the shower for it to get hot. I stripped out of my clothes and got in. My body relaxed as the warm water ran down my body. How did Andre even find me? When we were together, he hardly ever did anything here in Baltimore. He wouldn't come over to this side of town for shit. I won't ever be free of him.
"Nia" I heard Lorenzo's voice. I jumped.
"Huh," I asked. He took a long pause.
"I-I'm sorry about tonight," he said. I peeped around the curtains and looked at him. He was shirtless with only his boxers on smoking a wood. Damn, he looked good.
"It's ok," I said to him.
"I knew some shit could happen and I still let you come with me," he said shaking his head.
"I'm fine, though. Nothing happened. I'm used to shooting" I said to him as he laughed.
"I need to go ahead and handle this dude," he said. I sighed.
"I don't want you to do anything stupid," I said to him.
"Why? You must care" he asked.
"Of course, I do," I said to him as he got silent.
"Let me hit it," I said to him as I reached for the wood. He laughed and walked towards me. He handed the wood to me but quickly moved his hand so I couldn't get it.
"Stop playing," I said laughing as I reached for it again.
"Get out if you want it," he said, licking his lips.
"Lorenzo, do not play with me," I said to him as he finally gave it to me. I took a few long-ass hits and gave it back to him. I finished showering and wrapped my body in my towel. I stepped out and Lorenzo stared at me as he passed the wood back to me. I was already as high as hell. He walked towards me and I blew the smoke in his face.
"You need to get out," I said to him. He chuckled.
"Nah, I think I like where I'm at," he said as he pressed his body against mine. My heart started racing.
"I'm tired of playing games with you," he said as he stared down at me.
"Nobody is playing games," I said staring up at him. He makes me feel so nervous but so comfortable. I love how I can just be myself with him. He makes me happy and he makes me laugh. He leaned down closer to me. He was now inches away from my lips.
"Tell me you don't want me," he said.
"I-I" I started to say as he cut me off.
"Nah, I don't hear anything. Tell me you don't want me as bad as I want you" he said as I felt his breath against my lips. I don't know if it was the weed or what, but I wanted to kiss him. I wanted to feel his arms against my body holding me tightly.
"Nia, tell me," he said. I was speechless. I can't even lie and say I don't want him when everything in my body wants him. And I know he knows it. He leaned closer and our lips met. I didn't stop him either. Sparks shot through my body as he passionately kissed me. He placed his hands on my ass and squeezed it. He held me tightly as I kissed him slowly back. He started to pull on my towel, then he picked me up and sat me on the bathroom counter. He cupped my face and smiled. I was breathless and in shock. That kiss was everything.
"I'm sorry, but I had to do that," he said biting his lips, smirking as he walke
d out slowly. Damn.
Chapter 9: Girls Night Out
Nia's POV
May 1st
8:30 pm
"Lo is gonna kill your ass," Violet said to me as I slid on my dress.
I twirled around in the mirror and smiled. Tonight, Violet and I are going out to this hookah bar/strip club that she insisted we go to. I can care less about doing anything tonight. I would've enjoyed myself here just laying in the bed relaxing.
"Girl, forget Lorenzo. I am not worried about him tonight" I said as I combed my hair.
"I don't even know why you’re acting like that, Nia," she said rolling her eyes.
"Because he and I are only just friends"' I said to her.
"Bitch, please. Friends my ass. Friends don't kiss each other" she said as I narrowed my eyes at her.
"That was one time and one time only," I said, lying to her.
"Mhmm. Whatever, Nia. I don't know why you are in such denial. I could see if he was ugly, but that man is fine as hell. Like I said before, you are going to be really hurt like hell if another female ends up with him" she said, throwing her hands up.
"He can have anyone he wants and he knows that. I don't care and I can't get mad" I said to her.
"So you telling me if he brings a woman in this house with y'all, you wouldn't feel any type of way," she asked me. I laughed.
"Maybe a little bit, but I wouldn't tell him," I said. She shook her head at me.
"I'm convinced y'all like chasing after each other. You like him and he damn sure as hell like you. Just be together already, damn" she said rolling her eyes.
"No, I don't. You know why I don't want to be in a relationship at all again" I said to her.
"You can't see that he's different though, Nia?" she asked.
"You're my girl and I know you. I see that look in your eye has changed. You are over Andre and you want to be with Lo. I see it. You just have to allow yourself to love again, sis" she said to me.
"I just don't want to be hurt again. I've been through this with Andre. He showered me with gifts, in the beginning, took me out on dates, spoiled me, and catered to my every need. But as soon as I opened up to him and got comfortable, he changed" I said to her. She sighed.
"I just want you to be happy, Nia, and I know Lo will do that for you. You just have to let him. He's not Andre. I don't see how he can change. He's been the same Lo since I met him. If anything, you are helping him love more, too, and you don't even know it" she said. I looked at her.
"What do you mean? How you know" I asked.
"His last girlfriend, Amber, broke him. At that time, CJ and I had just really got serious and he was so hurt, Nia. I felt bad for him cause I knew he was a good man and he didn't deserve that" she said.
"What did she do so bad," I asked. He only talked about her once with me and I haven't heard about her since. All he said was that she cheated.
"She used him. Stole his money. Walked all over him and cheated" she said.
"I never saw him so hurt. He isolated himself and that's when he started his hotel. If anything, I'd say that was a blessing. I told him that. All that hurt she put him through, made him a better man today" she said.
"And that goes for you, too. Let yourself be happy. You deserve it" she said.
I sometimes don't think I do. My own parents didn't even love me, so why would Lorenzo? What's so special about me that he'll love that my parents didn't?
"I guess," I said to her.
"How do I look," I asked her.
"Bad as hell," she said as I heard the front door open downstairs.
Lorenzo and CJ have been out all damn day doing Lord knows what. I heard Renzo's footsteps and I started to get butterflies in my stomach.
"Damnnnnnnnnn" I heard CJ say. I turned around quickly and he and Lorenzo were staring at us. I turned my attention to Lorenzo. He hasn't taken his eyes off of me yet.
"We're going to leave y'all alone," Violet said, pulling CJ out of the room.
"You look beautiful," he said, smirking at me.
"Thank you, Renzo," I said to him as I tucked my hair behind my ear. I also just got my hair dyed today, too.
"That red fits you," he said, licking his lips as he sat on my bed. I didn't think he'd notice a difference.
"Damn" he mumbled as I bent over to slide my heels on.
"Quit staring at me," I said to him.
"I can't help it. I don't even want you to go out looking like that" he said.
"You serious," I asked.
"Hell yea. You are showing too much" he said, frowning his face. I laughed.
"What? Are you jealous" I asked. He chuckled.
"Plus, me and CJ ain't got a hold of Dre yet. It ain't safe for you to even be out tonight without me" he said as he stood and walked towards me.
"Well, come with me then," I said to him. He sighed. I already know that he can't because he and CJ are doing whatever they’re supposed to be doing.
"You know I can't. Me and CJ have to handle some business. I want you to stay here, though" he said.
"I'm tired of running, Lo," I said to him as I grabbed my purse.
Lorenzo's POV
I watched Nia's every move. She was fine as hell tonight. And no lie, I am jealous. I'm jealous because she’s looking that damn good to go to a hookah bar when she can be looking like that for me. But I'm tired of chasing her ass. I know she wants me and she knows I want her. I'm tired of the bullshit. I'm trying to be patient with her, but damn.
All she does is turn me down. I can't force her to want me. I know she went through a lot with Dre and I'm trying to show her I can give her better. For somebody who’s worried about him so much, she sure as hell is ready to go out.
I watched as she strutted down the steps as we made it downstairs. I'm mad as hell that Nia ain't listening to me, but fuck it. I know I can't just keep her ass in the house. I sighed.
"Are you ready?" Violet asked her. She nodded. I motioned for Vi to follow me.
"Wassup," she asked as we went into the kitchen.
"Take care of her," I said to her.
"Lo, you know I got you. Plus, she's my girl. If some shit goes down, we’re going out together without a doubt" she said to me. I already know Vi will ride for her.
"Y'all be safe, man. Nia, let me know you good" I said to them as they walked out of the house.
"Man, she'll be good," CJ said.
"I don't know why y'all just won't get together. Y'all stupid" he said making me laugh.
"Fuck you," I said to him.
"For real, bruh. What's up with her" he asked.
"She claims she ain't over Andre, but I feel as though she is. She's just hurt from all that shit he put her through and she’s scared to start over" I said. He shook his head.
"I can't keep waiting on her. I'll still keep her safe cause I care about her ass, but I think I need to move on from her" I said.
A couple of females have been texting me, but I ain't interested. Like I said before, I’m a different man. I watch where I stick my dick at. I don't want these hoes. All they want is money or a baby. Or both. But I have to set some out.
"You've been stuck on this girl..for what? 5 or 6 months? You might as well give up, but we both know you will still want her" he said. I laughed.
"Enough about her ass," I said.
"So, how will we catch Dre," I asked.
"We ain't doing shit. I told you I got this shit. You clean, bruh. Don't get yourself involved in this shit. Let me get my hands dirty and you keep yours clean" he said. I shook my head.
"Man, I got you. You took that charge for me, remember. You know I'll go to war for you. Let me handle this one" he said. I smacked my lips. I really wanted to be involved so that I can really keep a good eye out for Nia.
"Aight, CJ," I said to him as he dapped me up.
"Ride with me, though," he said as he grabbed his keys. I grabbed my wallet and followed him out of the crib.
Chapter 10: Taken
Nia
's POV
May 1st
1:30 am
My feet are killing me and all I want to do is get back home and get in the bed. I'm drunk and high as hell. Right now, Violet and I are standing at the bar. She's been flirting with different men all damn night and getting mad at me because I don't want anybody. I'm honestly over all this clubbing shit. I see why I never go out. It's really overrated.