Nobody Can Love You Like Them Roughnecks Do 3

by Shvonne Latrice

  “Karen, he hasn’t changed. And even if he has changed, I could never go back to him after the way he treated me while I was carrying his baby. Not to mention, I’m in a relationship.”

  “With Cortez Khalil, I know, but Jelani said it wasn’t serious.”

  “It is; it’s very serious. I’m in love with him.”

  “I heard he’s a bad guy, Blaise.”

  “Well he’s not, and what you heard isn’t going to change my mind. That’s who I want and am going to be with for the rest of my life.”

  “Oh.” Karen’s eyes bounced around my face as if she were surprised. “I guess I figured you and my son had a realer connection and it could be repaired.”

  “No. Maybe this new girl will be the one to change Jelani.”

  Karen shook her head as she turned her body away from me. She looked sad as hell, but I didn’t know what to tell her. I would never be back with Five-Star, and I surely would never leave Belly for him.

  “It was worth a try.” She got up.

  “Was this his idea? Did he send you?”

  “No, he didn’t. I swear.”

  I nodded as I stood up as well. Karen embraced me, and then I kissed Island goodbye before leaving them both in the room.

  As I descended the stairs, I spotted Five-Star walking into the house. Closing the door behind himself, he watched me with that smirk he always wore. I could already smell his cologne, and his jewelry blinded me as I got closer to him.

  “Excuse me.” I tried to get by, but his tall ass blocked me.

  “Let me chat with you for a second.”

  “About what? Island is upstairs, and she’s in perfect condition. There is nothing for us to discuss.” I attempted to leave again, but he wouldn’t move. He then had the nerve to palm my stomach, making me slap his hand. “Jelani, stop. Don’t touch me like that.”

  “Feels hard. Is it true? It must be if you’re getting all riled the fuck up over me touching ya stomach.”

  “I’m getting riled up because I don’t want you touching me period. But if I were pregnant, it has nothing to do with you.”

  “Why you doing this, baby?”

  I was surprised by his calm tone as he gazed down into my eyes awaiting my answer.

  “Jelani—”

  “You bet’ not be pregnant by this nigga. That’s disrespectful as fuck. I’m the only one you’re supposed to be having babies by. I let you date and shit, but you’re going too fucking far. Wearing rings he bought you, and I heard that whip you got is from him. I don’t like that shit.”

  “Are you insane? I do not belong to you! Tahani and Liza, yes, but not me. We are simply Island’s parents and nothing else.”

  Again, he stared down at me before licking his lips.

  “What, you wanna get married? We can do that.” He grabbed my hips and pulled me into him. “We can make another baby.”

  “Let me go, Jelani.” I leaned back as far as I could since he was trying to kiss on me. He eventually went down to my neck. When his lips pressed against my skin, I wanted to throw up.

  “Blaise, come on—”

  “Jelani, no. I would never fucking marry you or have another baby with you! Now let me go before I call Cortez!”

  As soon as that name came from my mouth, his hands were off of my body, and he was glaring down into my eyes.

  “Stop fucking with me, Blaise. At the end of the day, you’re mine. All of my baby mamas belong to me.”

  “Did you just hear what you said? You want me to marry you, but you’re still claiming Tahani and Liza.”

  “You’re my favorite though. I always wanted you the most. I’ll leave them alone if we get married and make a new baby.”

  “Bye.”

  “If you are pregnant, you’d better get rid of that muthafucka, or we gon’ have some problems. Call that nigga if you want to; he’ll get his ass shot again.” A wide grin spread across Five-Star’s face. “I’ll take you back once his gang banging ass is dead.”

  “And I’ll dig his ass up to ride that dead dick before I fuck your living ass.” I smirked, watching that stupid ass smile slip right off of his face. “You just better hope I don’t tell him what you said, because it’s been proven you can’t take him.”

  “Blaise—”

  I was already pulling the door open, shaking my head at his ass. Did he really think I would marry him? And then have yet another baby? Whether I had Cortez or not, that would never happen. I’d rather lose my edges.

  As I cranked my car up, I saw Five-Star coming out, rushing over.

  “Dummy,” I mumbled, buckling my seat belt.

  “Stop fucking with that nigga, Blaise! I ain’t playing with yo’ ass!” he roared at me through the driver’s side window. I could’ve sworn he was about to cry. “If you have a baby by that nigga, it’s the end for yo’ ass in more ways than one!”

  Throwing up my middle finger, I sped out of the roundabout driveway. I got a little ways away from the huge house, then pulled over to calm my nerves.

  Five-Star was possessive as hell, and the mere thought of one of us, his children’s mothers, actually moving on bruised his insanely huge ego.

  In his eyes, we were all supposed to be at his beck and call for the rest of his life. The only one of us that he didn’t too much give a fuck about was his very first, Monique. By the time he and I had gotten together, he told me he hadn’t seen or talked to her in three years, and that was about three years ago. She had a mediator to exchange their son, and I was starting to think that was a good idea for me too.

  I contemplated telling Belly what had just happened, but I felt like he’d kill Five-Star. Yes, I couldn’t stand the man, but he was Island’s daddy, and I didn’t want to rob her of him even if he was trash. I wanted her to form her own opinion of her father, without Belly or me intervening. Not to mention I didn’t feel like his actions deserved death. However, Belly was a psychopath when it came to me, and I was sure he wouldn’t agree.

  Once I finally relaxed, I pulled from the curb to go get me some food.

  Later that evening…

  Tonight was Siggy’s party to celebrate his record deal. Belly invited me to come, and I was not going to miss it. His ContraBandz Gang was known for having a bunch of women around, and none of them hoes were about to get a feel of Belly. I knew he wouldn’t dare, not unless he wanted to die a slow painful death, but just the thought of some trashy bitch rubbing his knee even, would have me ready to fight.

  As I pulled my Gianvito Rossi thigh-high boots up, my phone started to ring. I saw Priscilla’s name on the screen and hesitated on answering.

  I hadn’t talked to her much since she went off the handle because I didn’t agree with her being back with Rafi. She’d texted me, sending me funny memes and shit, but I’d only reply with a simple ‘lol’ or a laughing reaction. I loved her still, and she was my best friend, but I refused to just allow her to talk any type of way to me just because she was leery of her own situation.

  “Hello?” I finally picked up at the last minute.

  “Hi, what are you doing?”

  “Getting ready to go to Siggy’s big bash.”

  “Oh.” She was quiet. “Will told me about it, and I was going to come, but I don’t like going to parties alone.”

  “Oh, okay.”

  “Blaise, I’m sorry about what I said the other day on the phone. I shouldn’t have taken my confusion and anger out on you. I love you, and you’re like one of the only people I can trust other than my aunt Vivian, so the last thing I want to do is push you away or hurt your feelings. I’m just upset and conflicted about my personal life.” She started to sob.

  “I know, Priscilla, and I understand. I know what it’s like to be in love with someone no matter how bad they are.”

  “Belly’s not horrible. I only said that because I was upset.”

  “No, I know.” I chuckled. “I meant Jelani. Even after I saw him with Tahani, and even after he talked to me like some random hoe
he found on the street, I still loved him. I still had hope that he would change his mind so that when Island got here, he and I could be a family.”

  “You did? You surely played it off well.”

  “I am an actress.”

  We both laughed together.

  “True. You’re very good too, so it makes sense. You had me thinking you were completely over it when your ass was six months pregnant.”

  “That was the plan. But best believe had he showed up with some flowers, offering up some dick, I would have been riding it.” We chortled in unison. “So it’s normal for you to still want Rafi, but honestly, Priscilla, he ain’t shit, like most of these industry niggas. They’ll run you ragged, stressing you through all your youth, then once you’re old and not as fine, they bounce. Or, if he goes broke or falls off, he’ll propose.”

  “Yeah, I’m not ready to end things yet though.”

  “I know.”

  After a moment of silence, she asked, “So I’ve already showered, I’m dressed, and in the process of putting on makeup… Did you wanna meet at the party?”

  “That works. See you later.”

  I hung up with Priscilla and let my hair down before fixing my body waves. I looked pretty good to be as far along as I was, in this high-waisted short skirt and crop top. It was black, so you could only see my bump from the side. The club would be dark though, so I was fine.

  Once I had my Chanel clutch in my hand, I took a picture of myself and my belly at this stage, just to have, then left my condo.

  Belly sent me a driver, which I thought was nice of him. I was able to relax in the back, enjoying the music and night scene of LA, while snacking.

  The driver let me know that Belly instructed him to have things for me to eat during the drive. I found that funny and was happy he’d done such a thing.

  When we pulled up, I texted Priscilla and told her walk to the front since I was there. Once I saw her, I climbed out, with the driver holding the door for me.

  “You look good!” Priscilla eyed me with a grin before we hugged.

  “Same to you,” I replied, ignoring the people calling our name.

  I can be your daddy ’cause I am a motherfucker… Fuck, niggas muggin', these niggas sweet muffin…

  As security escorted us through the club, people were dancing to “Dip” by Tyga. It was live in here, with big ass posters hanging from the ceilings that displayed photos of Siggy.

  “Has he always been cute?” Priscilla questioned me before we laughed.

  “Yes, none of Belly’s homies are ugly. He was just super hood, so maybe you didn’t see it.”

  “Maybe so.”

  We made it up, and Will was by the entrance, so when his eyes landed on Priscilla, he pulled her in for a hug. I was slightly confused because I thought she’d rekindled with Rafi, but she was melting into freaky Will like he was the love of her life.

  I gave him a shy smile when he spoke to me, before he sat down, bringing Priscilla into his lap.

  As I was about to approach Belly, who was a little bit further into the huge VIP section, I saw a woman standing over him. She was running her mouth as he drank some of his water. I watched intently, wanting to see his reaction to her, and when she leaned down to whisper into his ear, I smiled, seeing him grip her skinny neck to stop her. He said something before letting her go, and she just stood there staring down at him like she still wanted a piece.

  I started over, seeing the men in the section devour me with their eyes, and once Belly spotted me, his lips parted a tiny bit. Seeing him in awe made me feel good.

  “Move before I snatch you the fuck up,” I told the girl.

  “Oh. Hi, Blaise!” she said excitedly.

  “Hi, Blaise,” I mocked her. “You have two seconds to move before I stomp your nose through the back of your head, bitch.”

  Quickly, she rushed away, looking back at me occasionally as she took a seat far away from us. Satisfied, I sat down next to Belly, who was chuckling as we kissed.

  “Did you say stomp her nose through the back of her fucking head?” Ozzy inquired before everyone close by began laughing.

  “Yep. I meant it too.”

  “Man, I ain’t never heard no shit like that in my life. You’re crazy as fuck, just like yo’ nigga.” Siggy laughed along with the rest of us. I noticed a woman sitting in his lap. She was very pretty and quiet, but she did laugh with the rest of us.

  “Who was that hoe?” I played with Belly’s chin hair.

  “Some bitch from the hood named Tasia. She be getting fucked by famous niggas now though,” he replied.

  “Not you though.”

  “Nah, fuck that. I told her straight up I had a girl and that I’d heard the homie fucked and said the crotch of her panties was hard as rock.”

  I playfully gagged as his friends chortled. Will and Priscilla came to join us as two hostesses came to bring food. The rest of the night was a good time, and all the hoes up here were sure to stay away from Cortez Khalil.

  Will

  As I sat at my computer, I bobbed my head to “No Stylist” by French Montana. It was the background music to a video I’d created for Belly.

  The video was promotion for his upcoming fight, showing him during practices, prior fights, backstage footage from previous fights, signings, and other shit he’d done. I’d been working on it for the past two weeks, making sure it was perfect.

  After chopping up different areas that would fit the time slot for him to post on Instagram, I saved everything before sending it over to him.

  I’d shot the album cover and booklet for this one singer named Shaun, and because she loved the shit so much, she invited me out to her release party. I wasn’t really trying to go, but this was a part of my job.

  That gig paid beyond well, since she was a heavy hitter for her label, so they blew money on her. By saying that, I wanted to keep my relationship with her record company on great terms so they’d hire me again either for her or other artists, so long as it didn’t interfere with anything Belly needed, because my contract with him stated that he was priority. Additionally, I enjoyed sports photography the most out of everything.

  As I was leaving my studio, my phone buzzed, and I saw Belly had replied to my text message.

  Belly: Dope as fuck nigga. You really know how to do this shit. Thanks for remembering to put the song I wanted.

  Me: You’re welcome nigga. Let me know the track you want played during your entrance for the Strauss fight.

  Belly: I got you.

  I pocketed my shit, then left out so I could head home. I needed to change clothes before I went to the party. Afterwards, I wanted to try and see Priscilla.

  I had the urge to be with Swan or even Carrie, but I meant it when I told Priscilla that I wanted to work on my addiction. I didn’t like being a nigga who could only get hard for hookers; that shit wasn’t normal. And this bullshit had me possibly about to father a child with bop ass Nichole.

  When I got home, I hopped into the shower, then brushed my teeth before calling up Priscilla.

  “Hello?” she answered. She sounded like she was in a rush.

  “Hey, baby. You gon’ be busy around…” I looked at the clock on my cable box, “…10 p.m.? I know your babies need you and stuff, so I can work around that. Or I can come over if that ain’t an issue.”

  “Umm, I can’t tonight. I have rehearsal early in the morning, and then Reddi has a show in the evening. Maybe we can go to dinner tomorrow?”

  “Aight.” I sat down on my bed since I had some boxers on. “You good? You seem a little distant.”

  “Distant how? Just a few days ago, I was in the club with you, sucking face.” She giggled, so I laughed, remembering.

  “You’re right. I don’t know. I guess a nigga is just paranoid because I fucked up. You’re still into me, right?”

  “I am, unfortunately.”

  “Not unfortunate. I’m serious about getting that help, and I haven’t been to a brothel in
almost two weeks.”

  “Just two weeks? How many times were you going for that to be a milestone?”

  I opened my mouth, but no words came out. I could tell by her tone that she didn’t like what she was hearing already.

  “More than a few times a week.”

  “Wow. What is it exactly, Will? I don’t get it. I know you said exchanging money for sex does it for you, but why?”

  “Baby, I wish I could tell you.” I looked down for a second. “Women who sell their bodies just have a different aura than regular women, and it gets my dick hard.”

  “Is that why we had to role play for you to fuck me most of the time?”

  “Yeah, but that’s gon’ be over with.”

  “Right. Well I have to go, okay? My son won’t go to bed, and it’s well past the time.”

  “You better bring yo’ ass to dinner tomorrow. In fact, I’m picking you up to be sure of it.”

  “I’m going to come, Will, don’t worry. And I will meet you at your house, then we can ride together.”

  “Aight.” That was a weird suggestion, but I figured she just didn’t want me to meet her kids yet.

  After I got off the phone, I texted Belly to see if he could roll with me. He initially said he wasn’t in the mood. However, when I let him know I wouldn’t be there but thirty minutes tops, he agreed thankfully.

  I finished getting dressed in a pair of jeans, a regular black t-shirt, and my Chanel sneakers. I kept my jewelry mild then made sure my hair was looking right. You’d never catch me out with the hair on my head looking dry as fuck.

  I was out the house about twenty minutes later, and after scooping Belly up, I headed to Hollywood where the festivities were.

  “You know yo’ ass is weird, right?” Belly looked to me as I drove on the 101 Freeway.

  “Come on, man. My lawyer just told me I’m gon’ most likely have to pay a hefty ass fee and do community service for them prostitution charges. I don’t need a lecture. And shit, you ain’t never fucked a prostitute? Ever? If you say no, I don’t believe it.”