When You Know It's Real: Siah and Nonie (13 page)

“It's not what I think? Do you have a daughter, Red? With someone named Asha, who whomever you were talking to thinks is at your house and not me?”

He stopped and looked at me for a minute. “Yes, but…”

“But what, nigga? There is no but. I damn sure don't know about her. How old is she?”

“Kiz, chill, just release for a minute.”

“Nah muthafucker, how old and where the fuck does she live? ’Cause we’ve been together for years, and I’ve never met her. How is that?” I zipped my dress and was moving to my shoes, but Red grabbed my arm and shoved me back onto his bed.

“Damn, calm down and let me explain. I fucked up. It was once, but I was handling business out of town and I met this chick at the club. It was one time, Kiz, and I fucked up.”

“Nigga, do I look stupid? I love my girl and she’ll be on that bullshit with my daughter if she finds out about you. I don't have a got damn daughter, Red, so it's not me you love, which means that it wasn't one night. This shit makes sense now. You’re forever out of town on business, but your business is here, Red. Your ass been chilling with your little ready made family, that's the only business you've been handling. I’m good on that, and I’m good on you.”

I jumped up again and this crazy ass fool grabbed me by the neck and shoved me down, covering my body with his.

“Kiz, calm down. I said it's not like that.” His eyes were dark and he looked insane, but fuck him, I wasn't scared.

I kneed him in the balls, jumped up and grabbed my purse. Within seconds, I had my hand on my baby girl, and it was aimed at his head.

“Oh, so you're gon’ shoot me, huh? The fuck outta here with that shit,” he said and took a step toward me until I fired and a bullet flew past his head and hit the wall.

“I’m not playing, Red. I promise I know how to use this shit. I leaned down and grabbed my shoes, with my gun still on him. Once they were in my hand, I backed my way to his bedroom door.

“You can get that, but this shit isn't over, Kiz. You're gonna listen to me, and I promise you that. But I’ll give you a minute to calm down,” Red said, taking a step for each one I took.

I walked backward all the way to his front door, and he stopped in the hall before he reached the living room.

“There’s nothing to listen to. I’m done. Don't call me, don't come see me. Explain your situation to the bitch that you just talked to, not me, ’cause I don't care.”

Red chuckled and folded his arms. “I’ll see you around, Kiz. Like I said, this isn't over, and you ain't going nowhere. Trust that.”

I left that fool standing there and hopped in my car. I was pissed and felt stupid, but if this dummy thought that there was any way that he could fix this, he had to be crazy. For now, I was taking my ass home and going to bed.

“Are you serious?” I looked across my desk at Kizzie, who was frowning at me as she delivered the details of her evening with Red.

“Serious isn't the word, boo. This nigga got a whole other family somewhere, and then was on the phone with some other bitch while I’m laying up in his bed butt ass naked. How the hell did I not see that?”

“We see what we wanna see, Kiz, and you have to admit he does travel
A LOT
. I mean, he was doing the most hiding it from you because I didn't even see that coming. Damn, he was doing some real dirt. You sitting here worrying about Jock, and this dummy has a whole family tucked away somewhere.”

“You have no idea. I’m so done, I can't even begin to explain it.”

“So what about Jock? You gonna make that right?” I asked, which made sense, being that Red was the only thing holding my girl back.

“No, I’m not running to Jock just because Red fucked up. He’ll swear that’s what it's all about, and that's the last thing I need.”

“Kizzie really? That is what it's all about. If you're not with Red, then you might as well be with Jock. You know that’s what you want anyway.”

“What I want is to give myself a minute to process. Jock is mad at me right now anyway, so there’s no rush.”

“He’s mad because you wouldn't make up your mind about what you wanted. You tell him you’re ready to act right and he’ll be over it. You already know that.”

Before Kizzie could respond, we heard the front door chime, and then Laken was walking in my office. This man moved like he owned the world. He was sexy as hell, and his scent was intoxicating. I could smell him from my desk as he stood in my door. His smooth Hershey skin glowed in contrast to the cream shirt he wore. If he wasn’t such an arrogant asshole, I would actually consider giving him the time of day. It wasn't like Siah was trying to lock in a future with me, and as much as I wanted him to, he would never fully belong to me. Unfortunately, Laken wasn't the person to make me take a chance on love outside of Siah, so I got focused and ready for business.

“What up, Nonie? We ready to do this shit?” he asked, giving me the sexiest damn smile he could offer.

Sensing my lustful state, Kizzie spoke up and tried to take control, but Laken wasn't feeling it.

“Okay so we have some great ideas for your event. I can show you—”

“Nah, you don't need to show me shit, but Nonie can,” he said, totally blowing Kizzie off before he walked around behind my desk. Laken sat on the edge of my desk so close to me that I had to tighten my legs to get a handle on things.

“
WE
can show you our ideas, and please take a seat over there and respect my personal space.” I pointed to the empty chairs in front of my desk.

Laken chuckled and leaned forward enough to tuck my hair behind my ear before he stood and moved to one of the empty chairs that I had pointed out to him. I released the breath that I was holding and Kizzie cut her eyes at me before taking a seat next to him. For the next hour, he ignored Kizzie and focused on me while we discussed details of his event.

I knew I was in trouble dealing with him. On top of the fact that he was one of Siah’s sworn enemies, Laken had made it very clear that he wanted more from me than just party details. I was trying my best not to be attracted to him, but he was making it extremely hard. The way he smiled at me and how his tongue glided across his full lips, down to the muscle in his chest and arms, which he of course made sure to flex with the slightest movement.
Damn, damn, damn
. Why was I such a sucker for a no good man?

Regardless, I wasn't taking it there with Laken. Flirting was one thing, but actually crossing that line was like nails in my own coffin. Besides, I already had one headache in Siah, I didn't need two, and I knew that Laken was no better than Siah was. At least with Siah I knew what I had and I could bet on that with my life. Laken was a mystery who screamed trouble, trouble that I was trying my best to stay away from.

“Well, looks like you ladies have everything in order, so I’ll be on my way. But Nonie, I need you to meet me for dinner to finalize everything.”

Kizzie looked at me and shook her head no. “If we have it all in order, then she don't need to meet you for anything, especially not dinner.”

“Relax, baby girl, strictly professional, and my girl will be there too. She wants to hear all about the final details,” he said, shutting Kizzie down.

“The same girl who sat here like an obedient child while you were trying to get with my girl?” Kizzie chuckled. “Nah, she’s good on that, right Nonie?”

“Yes, I think we already have everything finalized. So there is no need for dinner.”

“How about this? I’ll call you later and you can think on it for a while. Strictly dinner and business. Nothing else.”

“I appreciate that, but no thank you,” I said with a smile.

“I’ll still call, but you ladies have a nice day. And you, beautiful, will hear from me later.”

Laken winked at me and left my office. After we heard the door chime, Kizzie was in my shit.

“You need to shut that down right now. Are you trying to make Siah kill you and that nigga? Nonie, really? That’s bad for business and bad for your health. I’m seriously starting to think you lost your mind, and you better tell Siah about this event before he hears about it from somebody else. I’m telling you, Nonie, you're playing with fire.”

“I’m not playing with anything. I’ll tell him, but it's really none of his business. This is my job, and he doesn't have a say in that.”

“So you flirting with Laken is your job?”

“I wasn't flirting.” I tried not to smile but couldn't help it. “Well, maybe a little, but I’m single, Kiz. I can do that.”

“Oh my God. Let us pray. This heifer is trying to have me up at a funeral because she really wants to trip. Jesus take the wheel.”

I laughed at Kizzie’s over dramatic self and just shook my head. She was doing too much as always. A few seconds later, my phone vibrated.

Laken:
Dinner?

Me:
I already said no

Laken:
I’m not rocking with that, but I’ll give you more time.

Me:
pointless, but okay

Laken:
later beautiful

“Yep, Siah is gonna kill your ass and I’m gonna have to kill him right after it,” Kizzie said and sucked her teeth as she watched me grinning at my phone.

“How about you go worry about Jock, and let me have this? I know what I’m doing, Kiz.”

“Whatever, hoe, just don’t say I didn’t warn you. I’m going to make some calls to get this shit poppin’. Even though it’s about to be shut down when your man finds out you trying to sleep with the enemy.”

“See, you doing too much. I’m not trying to sleep with Laken, Kiz, it's just business.” I was really trying to convince myself, but doing a terrible job of it.

Laken had my sensors going off, and I could feel trouble brewing.

*****

“I have a business meeting and then I’m swinging by your spot to pick you up. I want you to stay with me tonight.”

My heart started racing at the thought of what lie I was about to tell Siah. He wasn't the type to simply accept no as an answer for anything he wanted.

“I have plans, Siah, and I need to get some work done for the next few events I’m working on.” I held my breath and waited.

“Plans? I’ll be tied up until about nine or ten, so whatever plans you have should be done by then. You can work when you get to my house. I have some shit I need to handle anyway.”

“Siah, can we do this another time? I really need to get some stuff done, and if I’m there, I won't be able to concentrate.”

He laughed. “Man, chill. I know your business is important to you, so I won't fuck with you until you’re done. You can work in my office and lock the door, but check it Pretty, I’m about to head out so I’ll see you later tonight.”

He hung up on me before I could object. My first move was to check the time. It was almost seven, so I should be able to get home before he was done with whatever he was getting into.
It’s just dinner
.

I walked over to my full length mirror and checked my appearance one last time to make sure everything was on point. Dressed in a pair of ripped, fitted denim jeans and a halter top that showed off my midsection, I couldn’t help but smile. I was totally wrong because everything about my clothes said ‘look at me.’ I had no idea why I was so dead set on enticing Laken, but I was damn sure putting a lot of effort into it. There was no way I would ever take it there with him, but there was a part of me that enjoyed the attention that he was giving me.

Men tried to get with me all the time, but something about Laken’s sexy ass had me playing with fire. My phone going off, snatched me out of my head and I smiled when I read the message from Laken.

Leaving now, meet me in twenty.

I refused to let him come pick me up because that was a problem I didn't need. Siah was crazy as fuck, and him running into Laken at my house would be a sure fire way for Laken to lose his life. Besides, I did not intend for this to be anything more than dinner. Laken had lied about his girl coming, which I knew because when I asked him about it after I finally agreed, he chuckled and said she couldn't make it. This dude wasn't shit and I knew it, but his sexy ass had me intrigued.

When I pulled up at the restaurant where I was meeting him, he was standing in the lobby waiting for me. It was a cute little seafood spot that I loved. I had been there a few times with Siah and a couple times with Kizzie. It made sense to me to be somewhere I was comfortable, just in case he tried me on some bullshit. Problem was, the place was intimate and kind of romantic. The atmosphere was dark with oversized booths and candles everywhere. It was nice as hell, but on a relaxed level. Nothing stuffy or over the top.

“Damn, Nonie. You sexy as fuck, ma. Is this for me?” His hand moved across my stomach before it gripped my side and he took a step closer to me. His scent was intoxicating. Damn, he always smelled edible as hell.

Taking a deep breath, I stepped back and released slowly. “No, I just got dressed. I really didn't think about you one way or the other.” I lied, but he didn't have to know that.

A smirk spread across his face as he placed his hand on the small of my back. His touch was firm but gentle, and I couldn't ignore the way it had me feeling.

“Yeah, aight. Let's go sit down. We have a table already, but I decided to stay here and wait for you myself.”

“I didn't take you for the gentleman type,” I said, looking over my shoulder and noticing that his eyes were on my body as I moved in front of him.

“Baby, that’s all I know how to be.”

Once we got to the booth, he held his hand up and waited for me to slide in. I assumed he would sit across from me, but nope. His sexy ass slid in right next to me and leaned back with his arm across the back of the booth while his tongue glided across his lips. Damn, I need him to quit that shit.

“Ummm, you might need to move over there.” I pointed to the empty bench across from us.

“Why is that? You can't handle the pressure? I’ll behave. You have my word. Remember, I’m a gentleman.” He leaned in close to my ear and his deep heavy voice whispered, “But if you want me to fuck you, I will.”

As if he were the keeper of my body, his words opened my flood gates and I thought I was going to lose it. This was a bad idea and I knew it.

“Laken, I think you have the wrong idea. I’m not interested in any of that with you. This is supposed to be about business, so if you don't mind, please take a seat over there and we can get started.”

I slid my body away from his and waited. His arrogant ass grabbed my face and forced his tongue into my mouth, causing me to cream again. When he was done, he got up and moved like I asked him to. Once situated, he leaned back with his eyes locked on mine and a smirk plastered on his face.

“You’re interested, Nonie. Shit, you’re damn near sold on the idea, but I’ll play your game if you want to. But, trust me baby, you want me just as much as I want you. I get what I want, do you?”

I ignored him and tried my best to keep calm and slow my pulse. Thank goodness the waiter appeared to get our orders, because I was on the verge of losing my religion after that kiss. Laken and I ordered and started discussing his event. I talked and he watched, looking at me like he was already fucking me into a coma. There was something about the way his eyes moved across my body that had me feeling things that he could do, and he hadn't even touched me. Lord, help me. I was in trouble.