Southern Kings: A Gangster Love Story

by KC Mills

“I’m single, Asha. I pretty much just do me. There’s nothing wrong with that.”

  Not really what I wanted to hear a but it was true, so what could I say? “I guess you're right.” I shrugged.

  He smiled at me and looked me right in my eyes. “You don't like that?”

  I felt a little uncomfortable with his question, and the way he was staring at me. “It's not for me to like or dislike. It's your life.”

  He chuckled and then leaned toward me until our lips met again. “Do you want it to be for you to like or dislike?”

  “Maybe.” I offered him a subtle grin, but wanted to jump out of my skin.

  “Maybe, huh?”

  “Yeah, maybe.”

  “Why you trying to act like you don't want a nigga, Asha? I know you do, but it's cool, though. I’ll give you a minute.”

  “Humph, you don't need to give me anything. You're cool and everything, but I’m not tripping over you, Keys.”

  He burst out laughing and then stood up. “Can I stay with you tonight?”

  I narrowed my eyes at him and he laughed again.

  “Chill, damn. Not like that. I ain't sleeping on your damn couch or nothing, so we’ll be close, but not that kinda close. I just want to lay with you if you can handle that.”

  This time, I laughed. “What makes you think I want you in my bed,Keys? And I don’t have an issue with self-control, so I won’t be the problem.”

  This arrogant negro pulled his shirt over his head and then tossed it to me. My heart started pulsating and he smiled.

  “Cool then, where’s your room?”

  He walked away in search of it and I followed. “I didn't say okay, Keys.”

  “Yes you did, when you damn near fainted after I took my shirt off.”

  He walked straight to my room and pushed the door open. Once inside, he flipped the light on and looked around.

  “Yo, change your sheets, shorty. I’m not about to be laying up in some shit you had another nigga in.”

  “First of all, I wouldn't do that, and second of all there hasn't been another man in my bed.” At least not in a while and most definitely not in the sheets that were currently on my bed. That was just nasty.

  He searched my face, trying to decide if he believed me, and then stepped out of his shoes before he removed his pants. I damn near fainted at the sight of his body, and Lord that damn arm that was tucked away in his boxer briefs had me flowing like a river. Oh Lord, please let me make it through the night.

  “You not gon’ try and fuck with me are you?” He looked up at me as he pulled my covers back and then climbed into my bed.

  “No, are you gonna fuck with me?”

  “Depends. You keeping that on or what?”

  I rolled my eyes and walked over to my dresser. I found a pair of tiny cotton shorts and then removed my leggings and replaced them with my shorts. I had my back to him, but I could feel him watching me the entire time. I hit the lights and then grabbed my remotes off the dresser before I joined him. Again, I left space, but he wasn't trying to hear that. He pulled me against his body and then took the remotes from me.

  “You're sexy as fuck, Asha. You gon’ make this hard. Shit, you made it hard already.” He chuckled and moved his hand to adjust himself.

  “You'll be fine,” I said firmly after getting comfortable.

  It felt good to be snuggled up close to him. I had been up since seven, had school and then went to work, so I was tired as hell. Being up under him gave me a sense of peace, so I felt myself drifting. The last thing I remembered was his voice asking if I was gon’ just go to sleep on him like that, and then a kiss on my forehead when I didn't respond. Keys was on his own. I tried to fight it but I was out.

  Reelle

  “Reelle, hold up.”

  I looked back over my shoulder when I heard my name. I had just finished my last class for the day, and was about to run by my parents’ house to see them. I didn't get by there as much as I liked to, but I missed them and didn't want to seem ungrateful for the fact that they were supporting me while I was in school. I knew they understood that I was busy with school, but it was still important to me.

  I waited while Henry caught up with me. He was frowning until he was beside me, then his whole face lit up. I knew Henry had a crush, but he wasn't really my type. Didn't know why because he was a cool dude. He played ball and was smart as hell, so not your average dumb jock. And of course, he had the body to match his talent. Henry was tall, like seven-foot kind of tall, so he was very slim, but fit. He had a low fade with nice wavy hair that was jet black to match this deep chocolate skin. His teeth were perfect and white with dark eyes that looked black and he had a huge dimple in his left cheek. He was nice, but I just wasn't into him like that.

  “Where you heading?” He looked down at me with a smile.

  “To my parents’ house.” I wasn't sure why I told him the truth, but he seemed harmless.

  “Oh, y'all tight?” His expression kinda dropped.

  “Yes.”

  “That’s cool, I don't really have that. I wish I did.” He laughed a little. “My grandma raised me because my parents wouldn't, so ya know how that is. She did what she could, but I didn't really have the whole family vibe growing up.”

  “I’m sorry.” I felt a little bad. I couldn't imagine not having my family.

  “Don't be. I’m not. Life happens, and you just roll with it. But look, I was wondering if you wanted to hang out or something. I mean, I know you’re busy, but maybe dinner or something?”

  “I'm not really into the dating thing right now, so I don't think so.” It was true, but really m nore about me not being into him.

  He smiled. “I figured that, but I’m not asking you to marry me, Reelle. Just hang out a little. It can be a friend thing and then we’ll just see how it goes. No pressure, no expectations. I think you’re pretty cool, I mean from what I see of you and know about you. I just want to know more. Who knows? Maybe I’m what you need.” Henry had all thirty twos showing, which was cute.

  I still wasn't really interested but, I decided to bend a little.

  “Give me your number and I’ll think about it.” I unlocked my phone which was in my hand and then passed it to him. He entered his number and then gave it back.

  “So, can I have yours? Or is this just one sided right now.”

  I laughed. “Let me think about it for a little bit.”

  “Yeah, aight, but call me, Reelle. No pressure. I promise.”

  I agreed and then he hungrily hugged me before he turned to leave. When he was a few feet away, he turned to me again and yelled, “Call me, Reelle. You won't regret it.” I laughed and then made my way to my car. For some reason I got the strange feeling that someone was watching me, but I looked around the parking lot and didn't see anything out of place so I unlocked my door and got in my car. I tossed my book bag in the passenger seat and then pulled out of the parking lot. It was a twenty-minute drive to my parents’ house, and I was hoping that traffic wasn't bad.

  When I reached my parents’ house, I parked and got out. My mom’s car was parked next to mine, so I knew she was home. I figured that my dad was still at work. He owned two hardware stores that I worked at from time to time. We weren't rich, but my parents were comfortable, and it meant a lot to my father to have his own. I loved that about him. When I got to the front door, I used my key to enter and heard the TV in the kitchen where I knew my mother would be. It was time for lunch and her soaps. My mother was a retired teacher and she subbed from time to time but for the most part now she was home all day with her kindle and soaps.

  “Well, well, look who decided to drop by.” My mother smiled and then tood from the her air she was sitting in and came to hug me. “Dear, are you hungry?”

  “No I’m fine. Sit down. I just wanted to come say hi.”

  My mother returned from to her chair and pulled one out for me. I took a seat and looked up at the TV and then across at my mother.

  “I
know, I know, but it's habit.” My mother smiled, knowing that I was going to complain about her soaps. It was the dumbest thing to me, but she loved it. “So how’s school?”

  “It's good. Just ready for summer break and one more year and I’m done.”

  “We’re so proud of you, Ree. We really are.”

  “Thank you. I appreciate you guys making this possible for me. I know it's not easy.”

  “Baby, that’s what you do as parents, so don't you even worry about that.” My mother offered a soft smile. She and my father loved me, and it made this happy to know that they could afford to send me to college. It wasn't easy, but they made do, and I loved them for that, which was why I didn't ask them for anything and I worked at my dad’s store whenever he needed me to. They paid for my car, my apartment, and everything I needed for school. It was the least I could do.

  “So, anything new with you?” my mother asked with raised eyebrows.

  I knew she was talking about a guy. She always wanted me to find a good guy, especially after Burke. She and my father both hated him. Thinking back, I could see why. He wasn't worth my time, but I was young and in love. It's crazy how that happens. We see what we want to see, and believe what we want to believe.

  I sighed before answering. “No, Mom. I’m not focused on that right now. I’m just trying to keep my grades up.”

  My mother frowned a little. “Reelle, you can do both, you know. I don't want you to wake up one day and regret the fact that you didn't try. I just want you to be happy.”

  “It's not that I’m not trying. It's just… never mind. I get it, I’ll work on it.”

  “Who is he?”

  “What?” I looked at my mother in confusion, and she gave me a stern look that said talk.

  “You heard me, who is he, Reelle? There’s definitely someone. I can see it in your eyes.”

  “Mom, there really isn't.” I thought about Yetti and got annoyed. Why did that always happen? I couldn't stop thinking about him, but when I did, he pissed me off.

  “That face right there.” My mother pointed at me and I laughed. She knew me, but I still wasn't about to talk to her about him.

  “There is no face and there is no guy. Leave it alone, please.”

  She stared at me for a minute, processing. “There is, but I suppose you’ll meet him in time. I just hope he’s better than Burke.” She rolled her eyes. “I never understood what you saw in him.”

  “Me neither.” I admitted with a smile, making my mother suck her teeth.

  “Just promise me you'll try to be happy, and when you do find someone, make sure he deserves you. That’s all I ask. Your father and I don't have to love him, although that would be nice for a change.” She smiled at me. “But it's not really about us. It's about you, Reelle, and as long as you’re happy and he’s good to you, your father and I will be fine.”

  “Maybe you, but not Daddy.” I grinned.

  “True, but I’ll deal with him.” My mother laughed.

  I thought about Henry. I knew my parents would love for me to be with a guy like him. He was likely the perfect guy for me, but he just didn’t do it for me. I knew it, so there was no point in me setting him up to think that he had a chance. I knew I wasn't going to call him.

  I spent the next few hours with her, and then my dad showed up. I decided to stay for dinner to spend time with him and then headed home. My dad shoved two hundred dollars in my hand, which I felt bad about, but I needed it and he knew it. I loved my parents more than anything. I wouldn't trade them for the world, and I was blessed to have them.

  The second I walked in the door, I shed my clothes down to my bra and panties. I loved living alone, just for this reason. I went to my kitchen to make a bowl of ice cream since I had dinner with my parents. I had a date with my DVR to catch up on all the shows I had missed lately. I couldn't really talk bad about my mother because I had my vice too. I watched a lot of trash TV. I just loved the insanities. Females tripping over men that don't be loving them, and men acting like they were players when they were forever getting caught and not really hitting on shit. It was funny, and my guilty pleasure.

  The second I was situated on my bed with my remote and ice cream, Asha called, so I paused my show and put my phone on speaker.

  “Hey boo. What you up to?” she sang into the phone.

  “Nothing really, about to get my trash TV on.”

  “Ree, you need a life, baby.”

  “Whatever, Asha. This is my life. I’m happy, what are you up to?”

  “I have been invited to dinner with Keys and then we’re going back to his place.” She blushed. I could hear it in her voice.

  “Ohhh, fancy. Is this the night?”

  Asha and Keys had been spending a lot of time together, mostly at her house and he would stay the night a lot. They slept in her bed or on the sofa together damn near naked, but hadn’t had sex yet. It was killing her, but she was trying to be strong. She said Keys would try little things like feeling her up, and had even gone as far as working his magic with his fingers, but no sex yet.

  “I don't know. I’m not making plans one way or the other. If it happens, it happens.” She said it so nonchalant that I laughed.

  “Uhh, no heifer. If that was the case, he would have been in your guts, boo. He’s been trying for the longest, and you’re holding out. You better give that man your cookie, and soon.”

  She laughed. “I want to, but I know he’s still sleeping around. I mean, I’m not hearing about it, but I know he is.”

  “Hoe, that’s ’cause you won't give him any. He’s into you Asha, you know it and I know. Just give that man your cookie, damn.”

  “Shut up hoe! How about you give Yetti yours?”

  “Uhh no, this is not about me, and I haven’t seen or talked to him in weeks.”

  “Well he’s talked about you. He asked Keys about you a lot Ree. Just call him. You know he’s arrogant and stubborn as fuck.”

  “Exactly, so what I look like calling him to make that worse. I’m over it and you need to be too, okay. Just do your thing with Keys, and don't worry about me. Besides, I got guys checking for me. Henry asked me out.”

  “Henry?”

  “Bitch you know him, he plays ball, the one in my Trig class.”

  “Ohh, he's cute, Ree, but he seems too, I don't know. Not really your type.”

  I laughed because that was funny. “What’s my type Asha?”

  “Sexy, arrogant, cocky, bad attitude, thinks the world owes him something.”

  “Hoe, you ain't slick. You just described the asshole known as Yetti Masters.”

  “See, I always knew you were smart.” Ash giggled. “But I have to go. Lunch tomorrow, okay. I miss you, boo!”

  “Hoe you don't miss me. You’re too busy with your new man,” I said playfully.

  Honestly I was happy for Asha. I just hoped Keys didn't dog her out or she’d cut him, and I didn't have time for that. Asha is a little crazy.

  “Whatever, no man comes before you, and you know it.”

  “I know, girl. I’m just playing but lunch tomorrow.”

  “Alright, later boo.”

  “And give that man your cookie tonight, Asha. You know you want to.”

  I hung up before she could respond and restarted my show. I planned to spend a few hours doing this, taking a shower, and then going to sleep. I had an early class, so I was calling it an early night.

  Yetti

  “Yo, why the fuck you keep looking at me, nigga?”

  Dude looked around like he was confused about who I was talking to. I was at Odyssey having a few drinks because I was bored and needed something to do. I was hoping to leave with someone worth my time, who could hold my attention. Lately, no one was really doing that. I was getting pussy, but it didn't meant shit to me, and tonight I really needed it. It had been a few weeks since I’d actually talked to Reelle, but earlier today, I was at Clark kicking it with one of the little dudes that worked for us and I saw her
. She was in the parking lot with some tall ass nigga in her face. He was grinning and shit, and she looked like she was into him too. That shit pissed me off, and I almost ran up on her, but that wasn’t my style.

  I didn't want her thinking that she had a nigga like that. Funny shit was she really did. I didn't know why I was still keeping my distance from her. On some real shit, shorty had my head gone. I kept thinking about her, and even went by her place a few times and thought about kicking it to her, but every time, I ended up leaving. I didn't like what she was doing to me. Reelle had me feeling things I wasn't used to. Hell, for me to feel anything at all was new. I never got attached to any female like that, but with her, I couldn't help shit I didn't understand. I didn't know what it was, but her feisty ass had me wanting to be around her. That was dangerous for me because that meant she might actually see me for who I was.

  I was fucked up. I didn't know why it was so hard for me to let people in, but it was. I guess seeing my mom be murdered and knowing that I couldn't do shit about it had me not wanting to open up. I couldn't see myself telling anyone why I had so much hate in my heart, why I always had the urge to hurt and kill. Seeing that shit had me all fucked up and I was glad that Keys and Hayes didn't have to witness it. They still suffered from our mother dying, but not like I did.

  Maybe I would never be right, and who could love someone with issues like me? Not Reelle. She was a good girl, she needed a guy that would love and protect her, not just physically, but her feelings and emotions too. I didn't have a clue how to do that shit. I couldn't even if I wanted to, but it didn't stop me from wanting her. Damn, I wanted her bad! I just didn’t want to hurt her, and I knew I would. I was hostile, angry, and just wanted to hurt people and break shit. Like right now. Dude glanced at me twice and I wanted to shoot his ass.

  “Bruh, I’m not looking at you,” he said calmly, but that pissed me off even more.

  I drew my gun and rushed him, knocking him off the stool that he was on at the bar. I shoved it in his mouth and gritted my teeth.

  “If I said you’re looking at me then nigga you were. Fuck wrong with you? Do you know who I am?”