by Briann Danae
“A’ight. Hit my other line with the info,” Lano told him.
“Bet.”
Picking up her glass of wine, Anika took a slow sip. Lano hadn’t said anything yet, but she knew it was coming. It was written all over his face even though he tried not to let it show. Instead of waiting for him to say it, she spoke up.
“If you need to leave, you can.”
“I don’t want you to be upset,” he said.
Anika shook her head. “I won’t. We just had this conversation. Priorities first, right?”
“You are my first priority.”
“I’m sure I am,” she replied sarcastically. Baby girl was in her feelings.
Didn’t much, or couldn’t much, piss Lano off. Anika’s smart mouth though? It always did the trick. She stayed trying him, but he wasn’t about to get worked up any more than she already had him. Especially not when he was about to cut their date short.
“How is everything? Need more wine?” Their waiter asked.
“The bill and a to-go container is cool,” Lano replied.
“I don’t need a to-go box,” Anika said coldly.
Her icy tone silenced the waiter before he scurried along to retrieve the bill as requested. Draining the remainder of her wine, Anika wiped at the corners of her mouth before standing to her feet. She wanted to pee before they left, but more than anything, she wanted to calm down. Since her popping up at Bravo’s on Lano and Samia, she had been working on her ability to stay calm in certain situations rather than blowing up and causing a scene.
As laid-back as Lano was, he somehow always brought the beast out of Anika and at the times she least expected it. Rarely did they argue, but it seemed as of late, they’d been bickering with one another about the pettiest things. Though their living arrangements weren’t considered petty at all, it wasn’t a topic Anika thought they’d be in dispute about.
Inside the restroom, she relieved her bladder, washed her hands and took slow, deep breaths before walking out. When she approached the table, her food was boxed up and in a bag. Lano stood to his feet, ready to leave after placing money inside the check holder with a generous tip.
“I told you I didn’t need a to-go box,” Anika told him with an attitude.
Ignoring her, Lano just stood there waiting for her to head toward the main entrance. With a roll of her eyes, Anika pivoted in her stance and walked away. Chuckling under his breath, Lano grabbed the bag and followed her outside. His first mind was to leave her with the car and have someone come swoop him up, but he quickly realized that would be a horrible idea. He needed to calm Anika down before he made any moves for the night.
In the passenger seat, Anika sat with her hands in her lap as her nose flared. Glancing her way, Lano touched her thigh, and she flicked it off.
“Girl, I can touch you.”
“I’m not in the mood to be playing with you, DeLano,” she huffed out.
“I ain’t playing with your ass. Chill out,” he said sternly, placing his hand back on her leg wishing she would flick it this time. “You upset ‘cause you don’t see where I’m coming from. As your man, I want to protect you. I have an obligation to protect you, and I’ll do whatever to make sure you never get touched behind my street shit. You can be mad all you want.”
“Yeah, okay,” she huffed in a mumble.
“What you say?”
“I said okay. I get it, but you also need to understand where I’m coming from. I’m a woman before anything. That includes before I was your woman. I just want you to support me, how I support you while I chase my dreams.”
“So, I don’t support you now? Man, a’ight Anika,” Lano hissed removing his hand from her thigh on his own. She knew he was really getting pissed when he called her by her full name.
“I’m not saying it like that, so chill. The same way you want me to hear you out, I want you to do the same. This modeling thing is something I want to do. Rather it’s here, or anywhere else in the world that’s not safe, I plan to chase my dreams. As your woman, I support you and have your back one hundred percent. There’s no doubt in my mind that you’ll protect and provide for me, but we have to come to some sort of mutual agreement. A compromise if my hypothetical question does come to fruition.”
All his life, Lano had been the type to listen to comprehend and get a clear understanding of what someone said, and not just listen to them because they were speaking. But, what he also learned to do was listen for what a person wasn’t saying. Anika wanted him to stick it out while she found herself, the same way she stuck it out when shit got hot in the streets. That week he practically went missing on her after the shootout didn’t stop her from packing a suitcase and prepare to slide on the niggas who put their lives on the line.
She wanted Lano in her corner and not just because she had been in his, but because it’s just how they rocked. They were always on mutual grounds and these rocky ones they seemed to be traveling on were not the wave. Lano didn’t reply immediately. He let her words sink in and didn’t speak until he was pulling into their driveway, facing her and the garage door had lowered.
“We can compromise. I can’t say right now what it’ll be on but know that I’m your number one supporter. You know that shit, so don’t let a minuscule misunderstanding try and corrupt what we’ve built. Our relationship was built on trust and respect, and I need you to know we gon’ be solid on that shit a’ight? You know I respect you as a woman, my woman, and I’ll support whatever you trying to breathe life into as long as it’s not any bullshit.”
Nodding, Anika sighed and said, “Okay, DeLano.”
Leaning toward her, he gripped her chin and pecked her lips. “Quit sighing my name like you annoyed with me.”
She couldn’t help but smirk, even though she was indeed annoyed with him. “Be safe tonight.”
“Always. I’ll be back home in a few hours.”
Anika smooched his lips again and said, “You better. I love you.”
“Love you too. Gon’ carry your ass in the house. Nah,” he chuckled once she reached for her to-go bag in the backseat. “Leave that here since you ain’t want it.”
Anika snatched the bag up and laughed while climbing out the car. “Whatever.”
Lano kept his eyes trained on her until she was securely in the crib before hopping out. With a swiftness, he changed clothes, exited the house through the side door connected to the garage, and hopped in a different car that was parked a few houses up. His mind deterred from everything except for the person’s life he was about to end. Mentally, he needed to clear Anika from his mind for the next couple of hours.
If getting the phone call from Tone wasn’t enough to make her realize his enemies would always be out for blood, Lano didn’t know how much more proof she needed. Though most of his hits were contractual now, Lano had done his fair share of breaking families’ hearts before then. There was an invisible target on his and every person he was affiliated with backs. For his sanity and Anika’s safety, he’d knock a nigga on their ass with no hesitation.
Letting Saon’s killer and whoever was connected roam freely years ago was the last time he’d make that mistake. He had been in a bad place back then and moved off his emotions, but not anymore. All these restless nights were going to pay off soon, and when they did Lano was packing his and Anika’s shit up and heading back to what he considered home. If niggas wanted to travel and lose their life just to get at him, Lano was with all that shit. Tonight though, he was about to get at the driver who called himself being bold like Lano wouldn’t put his ass on the front page of the newspaper and have his family seeking answers. It was only right in his eyes to keep making examples out of his enemies. Surely, they’d get the picture, if they hadn’t already, that he or his family wasn’t to be fucked with.
“Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday, dear Granny Deloris. Happy birthday to you!”
Lano’s grandmother smiled widely as her eyes scanned the room with nothing b
ut love residing in them. Today was her seventy-second birthday, and of course, her family had gone all out for her, though she told them not to.
“You gotta blow the candles out Granny!” one of Lano’s younger cousins yelled out.
Smiling, Deloris did as her great-grandchild said. “I’m starting to think y'all just celebrate to eat cake.”
“Nuh, un,” the young boy said as family chuckled.
“Never that, Ma. You know we love and appreciate you,” DeNelo spoke, kissing her cheek. “But we are about to bash this cake.”
She chuckled and kissed his cheek back. “Like I said. Thank you, baby. Where’s – oh. There he is. He and my favorite girl.”
When her gaze fell on Lano and Anika, her heart swelled, with a type of happiness only a grandmother’s would, when she saw her grandbaby in love… and Lano definitely was. With one hand placed on Anika’s lower back and a large bag in his other hand, Lano shot his grandmother a smile. She looked fly as hell in her denim jeans, off the shoulder cream sweater, and army green booties. Had anyone just met her, they’d bet their last that she wasn’t anywhere near the age of seventy-two. Her skin was radiant, and the layered cut she had her hair styled in gave her an even younger look.
“Happy birthday Ms. Deloris. I pray I look even a tad bit of fine as you when I’m your age,” Anika complimented as the two embraced.
“Thank you, honey. That’s from years of not stressing and enjoying life. Lano, I swear you and your daddy look more like twins as the years go by,” Deloris observed as she scanned her grandson’s figure.
Dressed similarly to Anika, Lano was donned in a charcoal gray V-neck, black jeans and a pair of gray and white Air Force ones. Anika’s outfit was almost the same, only her jeans were gray, the thin cropped sweater was black, and she had a pair of burgundy ski-high platform Vans on.
“That man looks like me,” Lano chuckled, handing over her large gift bag. “Happy birthday, woman.”
What he really wanted to get her was a new house, but every year she refused. Deloris loved her home, and although it was in the hood, she didn’t care. Her nephews, brothers, and grandchildren could try all they wanted to get her to move, but she wasn’t budging. Knowing that, Lano just paid to have the entire place remodeled to her liking.
“Now, I know you didn’t go shopping at no Gucci store,” she said eyeing Lano after she peeked inside the bag.
He chuckled. “No credit, huh?”
“We went together. He just footed the bill while I picked. I hope you like it,” Anika smiled.
“I know I will. Thank you both.”
“You know it ain’t nothing,” Lano told her.
He bought her a Gucci bag she had mentioned to Lina and filled it with money. That was just one of the gifts in the bag, and that the couple had picked out. A shipment of a five-set luggage was due to arrive in a few days. One thing Deloris did do was travel. She had practically been to every state on the map and had been out of the country more times than she could remember. At her age and in such good health, she wasted no time booking flights with her friends and really living her best life. Hell, her kids and grandkids were grown and out of the house. Nothing was holding her back.
“I love your grandma,” Anika told him as they stepped out onto the patio deck Lano had gotten added during remodeling.
“She loves your ass too, and I don’t know why.”
Anika slapped his arm and smirked. “Don’t be a hater all your life, baby. It’s not a good look.”
Pulling her into his side, Lano placed a kiss against her neck. “I’m feeling this little sweater you got on.”
His hand trailed up the curve of her back, giving Anika the chills. His voice alone made her heart palpitate, and his touch was a bonus.
“You gon’ take it off me later?”
His hand slid around to her stomach, and he caressed her pudge softly. “Yep. And these tight ass jeans,” he said smacking her ass.
“Okay, cousin. I see you!” a voice Anika wasn’t too thrilled to hear, squealed out in fake excitement.
Slowly breaking their connection, Lano glanced to his left and was greeted by his cousin Ashley. His eyes then skirted behind her hoping she hadn’t brought Samia along for the ride. Best friend or not, she didn’t need to attend every family gathering.
“What up Ash,” he spoke.
“Nothing much. I didn’t even know you were still in town. I mean, Samia mentioned it, but you sure do be lowkey,” she said, not bothering to speak to Anika right away. “Oh. Hey girl.”
Giving her a once-over, Anika simply nodded her head refusing to acknowledge her presence with words. She had gotten off to a bad start with Anika from jump, and she had no plans on making amends. Ever. Once she didn’t like a bitch, that was it. No do-overs. Frowning, Ashley focused her attention back on Lano.
“So, where’ve you been?”
“Ducked off, minding my business. Some shit you need to get.”
Ashley snickered. “Still grumpy I see. I surely thought with you being in a relationship and all, you’d be smiling more instead of frowned up.”
“Bitch, quit playing with me,” Anika hissed, as her jaw clenched.
Ashley was the type of bitch who thought because she was pretty and had a gang of niggas in her family that would ride for her, that she couldn’t get touched. Anika didn’t play that. If a broad was in reach, Anika was laying hands on them. Family member of her man or not, the bitch wasn’t exempt from an ass whooping.
“Whoa, whoa,” Tone said walking up with Rylee behind him. “What’s with all the hostility?”
“You’d have to ask Anika, cousin,” Ashley said with a fake, confused expression on her face. “I’m good.”
“Hey, girl. You look cute,” Rylee said, hugging Anika. “You and Lano trying to match? Hey cousin,” she chuckled.
“Thank you, girl. And not at all. Total coincidence for real. You all late to the festivities,” Anika said as they ignored Ashley’s hating ass before she walked away.
Blushing, Rylee ran a hand through her hair. “Not on purpose.”
“Yeah, a’ight. Don’t let that nigga get you in trouble,” Tone said, and Lano nodded.
“Right. Tell that nigga to stop putting hickeys on your fucking neck like he a vampire.”
Rylee’s eyes stretched wide as her hand went to her next. “Oh my gosh. I have a hickey for real?”
“Yep. Don’t let Granny see that shit either. She gon’ dog your ass,” Tone laughed but got serious. “Who you letting suck on yo’ lil’ dirty neck anyway?”
Anika and Lano laughed as Rylee delivered a punch to her big cousin's arm. “My neck is not dirty nigga and none of your damn business. You and Lano need to understand that I have a father.”
“I’ll beat Uncle Saint’s ass,” Lano said with a chuckle making the group laugh.
His name was Saint, but he was far from one. He and DeNelo ran the streets heavily back in the day before that family life smacked them into reality. After having kids and getting married, the two realized there wasn’t shit out in them streets but envious niggas who barely had a roof over their heads. Making it home to their women and kids had become their priority over the years, and they were proud of the outcome.
“Now you know you can’t see my daddy in the gloves,” Rylee said, giving him a ‘yeah okay’ look.
“Shit. He up in age now. His ass can’t juke and jive like he used to,” Tone added.
“Which one is your daddy?” Anika asked as her eyes scanned the card table where the men were playing spades. All the fine ass men.
“The one with the blue LA hat to the back.”
Anika’s eyes sparkled a little bit, and she laughed on the inside at the text she knew she was about to send to her girls. Saint was fine as a mothafucka. Hell, all Lano’s family was. She hadn’t laid eyes on one bad looking male or female since she’d met them and that was rare. In every family, there was always those few who didn’t quite resemble the rest, and it s
howed. Not for Lano’s family, though.
“Ah yeah?” Lano pressed glancing her way. “I’ma really get at that nigga now. Got my girl all starry-eyed over his Jon B looking ass.”
Anika laughed under her breath and shook her head. Saint did resemble the R&B singer, only his skin was darker, beard fuller, and he was buffer.
“Bae, you know I only have eyes for you,” Anika cooed, running her hand up his abs.
Staring up at him, Anika got lost in his gaze. Lano’s face was relaxed as he held onto her affectionately. In the beginning of them dating, he wasn’t big on public affection because he felt it drew too much unwanted attention. People could never just mind their business and go on about their day. Over time though, he grew into it and now couldn’t keep his hands to himself. If anyone was confused on whose woman Anika was, Lano let it be known and vice versa.
“Yeah? You hear that Saint?” Lano called out, and his uncle looked his direction.
“Nah. What you say, nephew? Anika, what’s up pretty girl,” he said smoothly.
Smiling, Anika waved, and Lano shook his head with a grin.
“I hope that nigga hand shitty as hell.”
The cousins laughed, and Anika enjoyed the deep rumble of Lano’s laugh. It felt good to see him relaxed and joking with his family. His life was on go, and so serious all the time, he cherished moments like these. Seeing him so laid-back and protective over her even though they were joking, had Anika ready to sex him so badly.
Watching his lips move as he spoke to his younger cousins about staying focused in school, all she could think about was sitting on his face. Lano lips were the perfect size, shape and always looked ready to kiss. Anika’s mouth watered just thinking of the way he would devour her pussy. It made absolutely no sense how skilled he was. Just as lethal as his tongue game was, his pipe game was even crazier and on any given day would make her act a fool.
“What you staring at me for girl,” he joked as they got comfortable on the couch.
Blushing, Anika leaned over and whispered in his ear. “I can’t wait until we get home.”