by Jade Jones
When Romeo pulled up, he noticed all the lights turned off. One of his youngin’s from back home lived in the crib merely to ensure the place never got ran up in. Killing the engine, Romeo hopped out and headed to the entrance. As soon as he let himself in, the pungent scent of marijuana filled his nostrils. The house was so loud that they had to have the walls specially insulated to keep the neighbors from smelling it.
“Deron?” Romeo called out. From downstairs, he could hear the steady thumping of what sounded like a bed hitting a wall. I told this lil’ nigga about having bitches up in here.
Saving the lecture for a later, less imperative time, he rushed to the basement of the home. Underneath a rug on the floor was a small latch that revealed a fireproof built-in safe. Romeo’s fingers trembled as he struggled to unlock the combination lock. He fucked up two times before finally getting it right on the third.
Empty.
“Got damn!” Romeo slammed the door to the empty safe in frustration. Someone was playing an evil prank on him. “This shit can’t be happenin’, man! What the fuck!”
Angered beyond reasoning, he ran upstairs and barged inside Deron’s bedroom. The eighteen-year old was plowing a woman that looked to be twice his age. All the young nigga did was play video games, smoke weed, and fuck prostitutes. He virtually had no life, and no job other than guarding what was in the safe. And he couldn’t even do that.
Deron jumped in alarm before snatching the sheets over his dick. His female counterpart shrieked in horror. For a moment, they thought they were being robbed.
“Man, where da fuck da money at, blood?!” Romeo demanded to know. He didn’t give a damn about the missing weed, considering the circumstances.
Confused, Deron hesitated with a response—which in turn pissed off Romeo.
“You hear me talkin’ to you?!” Fuming mad, he snatched the kid out the bed and shoved him hard.
Deron stumbled before falling down, and backing into a corner. He was completely nude as he cowered in fear, his limp and deflated condom on full display. Deron was all too familiar with Romeo’s bad temper.
“Come on chill, bruh. I swear dis the first time I ever let a hoe up in here!” he lied.
“Man, fuck dat bitch!” Romeo snapped. “I wanna know where da money in da mufuckin’ safe at! Don’t tell me you let some niggas catch you slippin’ while you up here fuckin’—”
“Nah man. Never,” Deron said. “Ava pulled up ‘bout an hour ago and collected. There was some nigga wit’ her waitin’ outside in da car—but I thought it was you or Desmond. You should know me better than that fam.”
Romeo didn’t even bother apologizing as he took off running downstairs. It wasn’t like Ava or Desmond to collect at that hour. Something definitely was up. Romeo was now out of $80,000. Neither one of his business partners were answering their phones. And he had less than five hours to come up with a hundred and fifty grand.
5
It was a quarter to one when Romeo arrived at him and Ava’s mini-mansion. He wasn’t all too surprised to see her car not in the driveway. However, what he wasn’t expecting to see was a pearl white BMW parked in front of his fountain.
“Who the hell?”
Romeo climbed out his whip, and the door to the BMW opened. A long, shapely brown leg stepped out, followed by a bad ass bitch in a black dress. At first glance, Romeo knew she was one of his many groupies, but he couldn’t put a finger on which one.
Before Shayla, they came in a plethora of different colors and shapes. Like moths to a flame, the ladies had always been captivated by the young hustler.
“Why you ain’t been answering my calls or texts?” she whined. Her car was still running so Romeo was unsure of how long she’d been parked there. Quite frankly, he didn’t care all the same.
“Now ain’t da time, ma,” Romeo said, brushing past her.
His beautiful but desperate admirer huffed in annoyance. She wasn’t used to being treated so nonchalantly.
Ignoring her rude remarks, Romeo rushed inside his home. After letting himself in, he ran to the hidden safe behind a picture frame on the wall. Right before he twisted the combination lock, he said a silent prayer to himself.
Taking a deep breath, Romeo swung the door open and was greeted with several neatly stacked bands. Eagerly snatching them out, he counted up twelve grand. Angered and frustrated, he slammed the safe’s door. Then he slammed it again. Then he slammed it once more. Before tonight, it was twenty-four grand in the safe. From the looks of shit, Ava had taken off on the kid. She even spared him by leaving his share of the saved cash.
“DAT BITCH FUCKED ME!” He screamed. “What the hell am I gon’ do?”
Backing against the wall, Romeo slid down slowly. His entire livelihood depended on getting that money to the niggas who had Shayla, and Ava had literally robbed him of that opportunity. Any chance of seeing his girl again had been snatched away. Life was playing its cruelest joke, and he just wanted the nightmare to end.
For the first time in years, tears filled Romeo’s eyes. His past had hardened him, but somehow Shayla was able to get beyond his tough exterior. She was brave enough to call him out on his shit. And she was able to love him in spite of his many flaws. No woman had ever made Romeo feel the way she did.
He couldn’t lose her.
Unlocking his iPhone, Romeo scrolled through his contacts to see who all owed him coins. If there are still options, I ain’t tried everything yet, he thought.
When Romeo walked out of his home, he was surprised to see his groupie still outside. She even had the nerve to make herself comfortable by propping a seat on his hood.
“Aye, get’cha ass off my car ‘fore you dent my shit.”
“Ugh. Really?” she said, folding her arms. She wasn’t pleased with Romeo’s rudeness—especially when they fucked only a month ago. He was so sweet back then. Even though Romeo was snappy with her, she did as she was instructed. “What’s up your ass? Why you act like you ain’t got time for nobody, Romeo?”
“Look, I can’t talk now, Alicia,” he said, climbing in his Porsche.
“It’s Marissa!” she shouted before he peeled off.
***
It was 6:25 when Romeo pulled into an empty bank’s parking lot. It wasn’t scheduled to open for another 2 ½ hours. Even if I wanted to rob this mothafucka, I couldn’t do it before sunset, he reasoned with himself.
Still, he needed time to regroup. Shifting the gears to park, Romeo looked over at the black garbage bag in his passenger seat. He had been all over the Metro Atlanta area, and even its outskirts. Unfortunately, he was only able to round up twenty bands.
Romeo knew if he showed up with 32K, there was a chance they’d pop his ass just for wasting their time. He felt like he was stuck between a rock and hard place. Romeo had done the best he could, but in his situation his best wasn’t enough. Judging from the tone of the guy he’d spoken with, they were all or nothing.
If he could, Romeo would’ve gladly sold his mansion and cars. But sadly, time wasn’t in his favor. He would’ve sold a limb if that meant getting Shayla back.
Fuck it, Romeo thought. I’ma just tell the niggas to waste me instead.
Most would’ve labeled him crazy or foolish, but he figured Shayla was worth dying for. He loved her enough to sacrifice himself—if her captors were willing to bargain.
***
Ava stared out at the beautiful city of Atlanta from her parked car. She and Cool were temporarily stationed on the top deck of a parking garage as they regrouped. Vengeance is sweet, she told herself, puffing on a blunt.
Now that Ava had taken off with all of the business’ money, she had to disappear quickly. But boy, did it feel great to serve Desmond. Ava felt so alive and free, that her nipples had even hardened from the adrenaline rush.
Turning to face Cool, she smiled brightly. “You were great. Thank you,” she said. “And as agreed, we split everything 50/50.”
“Fa sho’,” he nodded. “Lemme h
it dat shit real quick though,” Cool said, reaching for her blunt.
He took several puffs on the Pink Dragon before handing back the L. He could definitely see why the kush was in such high demand. “Good lookin’,” Cool said in between coughs. “But I wasn’t talkin’ ‘bout the weed...”
Ava smiled flirtatiously, immediately comprehending the sexual innuendo. She’d be lying if she said her pussy wasn’t already wet from all the excitement.
“Bring yo’ bad ass over here,” Cool said in a low tone, undoing his jeans.
Ava quickly pulled off her Uggs and leggings before mounting him. Her wet kitty slid perfectly over his bare 9-inch dick, like a hand to a glove.
“Mmm,” Cool moaned, gripping her soft ass. She was so warm and moist it should’ve been a sin.
Baby, you got a body like a Benz…
And I'm just tryna drive it once again…
Jeremih crooned in the background as Ava rode Cool’s dick like a pro. “Ooh, shit, you gon’ make it cum, daddy,” she whimpered.
Thumbing her pink clit softly, Cool thrust hips evenly from beneath. His curved pole hit her spot repeatedly, making her gushier with every stroke. “Cum for me,” he urged, palming her breast through her shirt. Something about her having nothing but a top on turned him on.
Ava hungrily crushed her lips against his. Kim had missed out on a good one, but now Cool was hers. She planned on riding him every morning before counting their cash together like a real power couple.
“Shit, I’m ‘bout to bust,” he said, squeezing her ass.
Ava bounced in his lap and grinded faster so she could cum with him. “Unnhhh!”
Cool sucked and nibbled on her neck as he continued to thrust. “Here it come…”
Instead of pulling out, Cool released his load deep inside of Ava. She climaxed shortly after before collapsing against his chest. The two of them kissed passionately for a few minutes. “I’m yo’ bitch?” Ava asked, staring deep into his chestnut eyes.
Cool didn’t miss a beat. “Fa sho’.”
Pleased with his response, she climbed in her seat and proceeded to dress. “So what’s next?” Ava asked. “I was thinking we could go to—”
WHAM!
Cool heartlessly bashed Ava in the back of her skull with his gun. She was instantly knocked unconscious. Her head dropped limply against the window, creating a small gash near her temple. A tiny trail of blood trickled down the glass. She looked ridiculous with her pants around her ankles, but Cool was sure she’d learn her lesson after tonight.
He couldn’t wait to catch Ava off guard so he could run off with everything. Cool had never been the 50/50 type. It was all or nothing. Naively, she had led him straight to the gold mine. Thinking with her va-jay-jay instead of her head had cost her dearly.
Gathering up everything, Cool tossed it inside Ava’s gym bag. By the time she awoke he would be long gone. Before Cool left, he made sure to flatten Ava’s car tires just in case. She didn’t seem too clever or resourceful, but he could never be too sure.
Cool arrogantly walked off with all of Ava’s precious drugs and money. “Stupid bitch,” he laughed.
***
The sun had just peaked over the horizon when Romeo parked his ride near the train tracks. He wasn’t feeling the fact that the area they’d chosen was so secluded. Then again, he knew they didn’t give a damn what he liked. They were there for one purpose and one purpose only.
The dim lights from the thugs’ boxed Chevy illuminated the rusty rails on the train tracks. Romeo was grateful that it wasn’t completely dark outside. That shit ain’t gon’ help in my favor either way, he concluded. If the mothafuckas wanted to smoke his ass, they were in the perfect setting already.
Taking a deep breath, Romeo closed the door to his Porsche and approached them. All three goons wore black ski masks as they stood directly in front of their old school. Two of them held firmly onto their sawed off, prepared for Romeo to try something funny.
“Aye, slow down, bruh,” the apparent leader said, holding up his hand. He was the only one who wasn’t armed.
Romeo reluctantly did as he was told. Standing several feet from the masked thugs, he mean-mugged every single one of them.
“Put da trash bag down and dump ya strap,” the leader instructed.
Releasing a sigh, Romeo gradually pulled the burner from his waist and placed it on the gravel. How the fuck I let myself get in this situation, he asked himself.
Weaponless and open for attack, Romeo stood fearlessly with dignity. He wasn’t afraid to die that night—he’d never been. But at the very least, he deserved to see his woman one last time. “Where’s Shayla?” Romeo demanded.
Ignoring his question, Kaniel instructed his younger brother to collect the trash bag.
“Where is she?” Romeo looked past them, expecting to see her cowering in fear. Perhaps she was in their car. Anger consumed him when he thought about his pregnant girl possibly being in the trunk. “Man, you swore ya’ll would deliver!” Romeo yelled, starting to panic.
“So did you,” Kevin said, fishing through the trash bag. Realizing that Romeo was short, he turned around and looked at Kaniel. “Bruh, dis don’t look like a hunnid fifty bands.”
“That’s all I got,” Romeo calmly stated.
“This all you got?! Man, fuck dat shit! Put a round in dis nigga!” Kevin exclaimed. He’d always been the most trigger-happy of the trio.
Kaniel raised a hand, immediately silencing his sibling. “Chill, lil’ bro.”
From where he stood, Romeo could clearly see Kaniel’s devilish grin. His bottom row of teeth was covered in a stolen gold and diamond grill.
“Some is better than the none you had before…,” he told Kevin.
“But—”
“We wastin’ time. We got da money. Let’s roll out,” Kaniel said with finality.
Pissed that they were only splitting thirty grand, Kevin turned towards Romeo and grilled him. The fact that his brother wouldn’t let him waste him felt like an insult. Kaniel took the fun out of everything. He always felt like they were playing shit too close, whereas Kevin was just young and reckless. He was the shoot first ask questions later type. Kaniel simply believed in getting a job done successfully.
“Fuck nigga,” Kevin spat.
WHAP!
Without warning, he slammed the sawed off into Romeo’s torso.
“Oomf!” It felt like the wind had been knocked out of him as he dropped down onto all fours.
Satisfied with the damage caused, Kevin jogged back over to his boys and hopped in the Chevy.
Coughing and wheezing, Romeo held onto his sore mid-section. Kevin had really done a number on him. “W—wait!” he called out. “Where’s Shayla?!”
Romeo struggled to breathe as he watched them start the engine and pull off.
“Come on, that’s everything I have! Don’t do this shit!” he yelled. “WHERE’S SHAYLA?!”
6
Two Hours Earlier
“Aye, ya’ll servin’ breakfast yet?” Kevin asked, leaning into the intercom from his backseat.
“Sorry, we don’t start selling breakfast until 4:00 a.m.”
“Nigga, get da fuck outta here wit’ dat bullshit,” Kaniel chuckled, playfully shoving his brother out the way. The scent of McDonald’s filled the Chevy as they pondered on what to order.
Meanwhile in the trunk, Shayla was finally coming to. Nobody anticipated the chloroform wearing off so quickly. Nor did they anticipate on her thumping and calling out for help.
With their music now blasted, Shayla’s desperate cries went ignored. Her heart beat wildly inside her chest as she looked around frantically. The space was so small in the trunk that she now had a crook in her neck from being crammed inside.
Shayla immediately noticed something warm and wet beneath her. She would’ve assumed she’d miscarried had it not been for the faint scent of urine. Apparently, she had released her bladder while lying unconscious.
Just great.
Kaniel slowly rounded the bin and arrived at the first pick-up window. As soon as the cashier opened it, he lowered the music.
“Good evening. Your total is $21.55—”
THUMP! THUMP!
Everyone’s attention instantly went to the back of the car—including the cashier’s.
A look of fear immediately flashed in her eyes. “What was that?” she asked.
THUMP! THUMP! THUMP!
“Help me!” Shayla screamed out in a hoarse tone.
Kaniel and the cashier’s gaze connected briefly. Not giving her a moment to run and seek help, he skirted off, burning rubber in the process.
“Shit!” he yelled, punching the steering wheel. “She prolly finna call the boys most likely—”
“Man, fuck her. What about the bitch in da back?” His friend, Lamar asked. “We gotta shut her ass up. We can’t have her hollerin’ all damn night.”
Kaniel licked his dark lips. “I’m finna pull over right now.”
Shayla continued to scream for help as she punched and kicked the hood. However, the minute she felt the car slow down she halted immediately. Shayla’s breath caught in her chest as she listened to the door open. Panicked and fear-stricken, she quickly looked around for something to protect herself with.
Cracking his knuckles, Kevin slowly made his way to the back of the car. Fuck the chloroform. He planned on rocking her ass straight back to sleep. The 18-year old had no qualms whatsoever about hitting a female. After years of seeing his father abuse his mother it practically became natural.
Kaniel and Lamar remained inside as they allowed the youngster to do the dirty work. Kevin never minded getting his hands a little dirty. It was what made being a criminal exhilarating.
The minute Kaniel popped the trunk, Kevin balled his fist—
Before he could jab her, Shayla rammed him in the chest with a tire rod. Instantly weakened by the blow, Kevin keeled over in pain.