When A Thug Loves A Woman (2 page)

I closed my eyes and inhaled my first breath of fresh air in nine years. That's how long they had my black ass caged away like an animal but it was all good because if I had to do it all again, I would. I would rather it be me locked up than my baby brother any day. I did this shit for him and I wouldn't dare complain about it nor do I regret the shit.

When I opened my eyes, I saw his little ass standing next to a Range with a goofy ass smile on his face. I won't even lie, I've never been so happy to see him a day in my life. I put some pep in my step as I walked towards him.

“Muthafuckin Casino!” I laughed as I pulled him in for a hug.

“Welcome home, Canaan, man, damn,” he said as he hugged me tightly.

I've never been a sentimental type of nigga but nobody would understand the love I have for my brother. Being that I'm six years older than Casino, I had always been overprotective of him. Any problems that he had, they were
our
problems, any beef he had, that was
our
beef. Don't get me wrong. I let my little brother handle his own shit and let him know that I wasn't always going to be there but I also let them other niggas know that Casino had a crazy ass big brother at home that was waiting for a nigga to act stupid so he could put them on they ass.

“This bitch bad,” I said as I rubbed my hand over his custom red painted Range Rover.

“Ain't it, though? When I saw it, I couldn't pass it up,” he smiled.

“You shining, ain't you?” I joked.

“Nah, nigga, I'm not. But you definitely are.”

I stopped walking and looked at him, confused. “What you talking about?”

“After you get your license and shit taken care of, this all you, baby! You know red ain't never been my color anyway.” He shrugged.

I stepped back and looked at this nigga like he had lost his mind. When I saw that he was serious as hell, I went around to his side and swooped his ass up to give him some brotherly love. I swear my little brother was the realist nigga I knew.

“Alright, big ass, put me the fuck down! You about to break my back and shit,” Casino laughed.

“I'm just saying, though, Casino. This some real ass shit right here, I wasn't expecting this,” I told him.

“Why not? It's the least I could do,” he told me. “Now bring yo ass on so we can get the fuck away from this bitch.”

He really didn't have to tell me twice. After nine years, I was ready to go and had promises of never coming back. As Casino pulled off, I sat back in my seat and thought about how so much had changed since I had been locked up. Niggas that I used to call my day ones turned their backs on me as soon as the gates closed, I lost the only girl that I ever loved, word on the street is I got a son I ain't never met. Just a lot of crazy shit.

Now that I was out, I planned to make things right with everyone that I had fucked up with. My main goal was to find my son and see what type of bullshit his mama was on. I had been trying for years to get in contact with her to see if my son was
really
my son and why the fuck she would keep that shit from me.

“What you gonna do now that you home, big bruh?” Casino asked me.

“The only thing I know how to do, baby boy, make money,” I informed him. “I know you gonna let me do that?”

Casino peeled his eyes from the road and looked at me like I had insulted him or something. I just asked to be sure. Just because I was locked up didn't mean I didn't hear things. The streets talk and shit always got back to us behind bars. I heard how my little brother was running these streets now and he was the nigga to be. Word was wasn't nobody eating unless he said so.

“Nigga, I'm just asking because some people get out and like to walk the straight and narrow. I just wanted to see where your head was at so I knew how to come at you.”

“I'm not one of those niggas. You already know what it is with me.”

Casino nodded his head. “Alright, Imma give you a few days to just cool out then it's back to business. I got one of my legit businesses for you to work at, too, so the shit will look good on paper for your PO and all that,” he told me.

“You got it all figured out huh?” I smiled.

“I do what I can,” he shrugged with a smile. “I got a few more surprises for you too when we reach our destination.”

I couldn't say nothing. My little brother was known for having tricks up his sleeve.

-$-

We pulled up to a street in Royal Oak that only had two houses next to each other. I didn't ask any questions as we walked up to the house until I was hit with the smell of food that instantly made my stomach grumble. Mama.

“This Mama crib?” I asked.

“That's mama crib,” he pointed next door before dropping a pair of keys in my hand. “This just something little for you.”

I couldn't contain the smile on my face as I unlocked the door. When I walked in, I could tell off bat that my mama had taken the liberty of decorating for me. She definitely made the pad look homely.

“Daddy!!”

I looked down to see a little body running in me and Casino’s direction. My brother bent down and swooped little mama up into his arms and she laid her head on his shoulder.

“What's up, baby girl? Say hey to your Uncle Can Man.”

Her little pretty self peeked at me and smiled. “Hey, Uncle Candy Land!”

I burst right into laughter. I don't know how the hell she got Candy Land from Can Man but I'll roll with it.

“Not candy land, Casiyah. Can Man,” Casino told her as he tickled her.

“Uncle Casino, can we go to Nana’s house and play the game?”

I looked up as a little boy who looked just like me when I was little cut around the corner. He looked at me like he knew me but he wasn't sure before he looked back at Casino. I was so speechless that I didn't know what to say. All I could do was stand there and stare at him.

“Come here, Caner,” Casino said. “You know who that is, right? Why don't you go show him some love?”

He walked over to me and stood in front of me with a smile on his face. “Hi, dad,” was all he said before wrapping his arms around my waist.

“Oh shit,” I whispered. “Hey, son.”

I know I said before that I wasn't a sentimental guy nor was I an emotional one but this shit right here really brought me to tears. I had been gone for years, not knowing for sure if I had a son and if I did, where he was. This was definitely the highlight of my day, my life, even. This felt way better than getting out of prison.

“Oh great, I been slaving over a stove all day to make sure my son ate good for his first meal out and I can't get no love,” my mama said as she came in with her hands on her hips.

“Aw, ma, you know I was coming. I'm just a little overwhelmed right now because I really wasn't expecting this,” I said as I looked down at Caner.

“I know, baby, I'm just messing with you. Welcome home,” she said as she hugged and kissed me. “The food is done, so let's eat. Caner and Casiyah, come with me so we can wash your hands,” she instructed and they happily obliged her.

My smile couldn't be contained as I looked around at my family. After nine long years, we were together again and even had some new additions that I would have the joy of getting to know. Shit ain't all good for a nigga right now but it definitely ain't all bad, either. I took the wrap so that my brother could stay out here and do something with his life.

Obviously, he did exactly what I wanted him to do. I'm not looking for no handouts or for Casino to put me on just because we share the same blood. I have no problem working for mine but just knowing that Casino has my back and is willing to let me be down speaks volumes. Playtime is over. I'm home now and I’m ready to get back to the shit.

I called a very special meeting today with my lieutenants because now that Can Man is home, there were going to be some major changes being made. When we walked into the warehouse, some of the niggas started cheering and clapping and those who didn't know Canaan were looking confused. We had kept his release on the low for a few days and today was the first day he was making it known he was home.

“A nigga really feeling the love,” Canaan’s goofy ass said.

“Welcome home, big baby!” Baju, one of his old homies shouted out.

“Thank you, thank you. It's good to be back, now let's get this moneyyyy,” he clowned.

I just shook my head at his crazy ass. I knew my brother was happy as hell to be home so I was letting him have his little moment.

“Alright, y'all, listen up. For those of you that don't know, if it wasn’t for Canaan, none of us would be in here today. My brother unselfishly put me in the position that I'm in today, which allowed me to put each and every one of you in the position that you're in now. We’re eating because of Canaan, like I previously stated. So, with that being said, there's going to be some major changes taking place,” I let everyone know.

I knew what I was about to say was probably going to ruffle a few of these niggas’ feathers but quite frankly, I just didn't give a fuck. Nine years ago my brother took the wrap for some drugs that were in his car that didn't belong to him just so I could stay out here and build an empire for us. He could have easily let me take the fall for it but he didn't.

Canaan came home on some fufu shit talking about he had no problem working for his position and all that other crazy stuff. He and anyone else who thought like that got me fucked up! My brother did his time for his position, nine years hard time to be exact.

“Canaan is now officially my second in command. Anytime you—”

“What!” Kendal cut me off. “Hold up, Casino. What the fuck is you talking about, man? You know good and damn well I'm second in command.”

I could see Canaan tensing up the moment Kendal decided to open his mouth. He tried to take a step toward him and I had to hold him back. Canaan was a cool nigga and all that but he had issues with his temper and attitude. “Who the fuck is this nigga in here throwing temper tantrums and shit, Casino?” Canaan asked me but his eyes never left Kendal.

“Both of y'all chill out,” I said. “Can Man, that's Kendal.”

Canaan looked Kendal up and down, sizing him up before he shot his eyes to me and shook his head. The two bullheaded niggas had never had a chance to meet each other before but I had spoken to Canaan about Kendal plenty of times and he knew his position in our operation.

“Whatever, we'll talk about this shit later,” Canaan told me.

“Back to what the fuck I was saying, Canaan will now be the second in command. Anytime you can't reach me, go straight to him. The same respect you give me, I know you'll have no problems showing it to him. If you think I'm crazy, have fun dealing with the muthafucka that made me the way I am,” I said, causing Canaan and the few that knew him to chuckle.

“So, exactly what is my position now?” Kendal asked dryly.

“Demote his ass for acting like a little bitch,” Canaan said.

I ignored my brother because I knew he was trying to get under Kendal’s skin. “Kendal, don't take this shit to the heart, nigga. You my boy and all that but like I said, since Canaan is home, it’s going to be some changes taking place. Just do what you been doing. I trust you and all that but I don't trust no nigga like I trust the nigga I share the same blood with. If anyone has a problem with these changes, he is free to walk but you know what that means,” I said, aiming that statement directly at Kendal.

Nobody said anything or objected, so I adjourned the meeting. Kendal was just going to have to suck it up and stop acting like a bitch about the situation. Just because he wasn't my second in command anymore didn't mean I didn't value him or that I didn't need him.
He'll be alright.

-$-

“You sure that's the right address?” I asked Grizzly, my top security.

“Yup, I watched her go in that night when I rode past,” Grizzly said.

I cut my eyes at him, “The night I told you to drive off and go home, huh?”

Grizzly hit me with a smirk and shrugged as I turned my attention back to the house.

“Alright, stay here,” I said as I got out the car.

I walked up to Bambi’s apartment and knocked on the door Grizzly gave me the address to. Her little ass thought she was slick by having me drop her off down the street but here I was at her front door days later. I heard the locks moving before the door opened to show her face, shocked to see me standing there.

“Casino? I… I—”

“You're hardheaded as fuck, that's what you are,” I told her as I pushed her back in the house by her waist.

She was standing there in a sports bra and some little ass shorts with her little chocolate ass on display. I couldn't help but to lick my lips as I let my eyes roam all over her body. Her little sexy ass was putting Tika Sumpter to shame. I had never been with a dark skinned woman before but she had me wondering what the fuck I had been missing out on.

“Uhh, helloooo!” she said, snapping her fingers at me.

“Not right now, I'm fantasizing,” I told her as I walked up on her. “Are you flexible?”

She looked at me and laughed but I was dead ass serious. “Is my car ready?” she asked, ignoring my question and backing up.

“What you got in here to eat? I’m hungry as fuck,” I said, walking around her to get to her kitchen. Since she wanted to be stubborn and ignore my question, I was going to be childish and do the same to her.

“Wait, hold up! You can't just walk in my house like that. You don't know who I got in here,” Bambi said as she walked behind me.

Before I could even respond to her, my phone started ringing. Taking it out of my pocket, I saw that it was China's crazy ass calling. Everything in me was telling me to hit the decline button on her but I had to remember she still had my daughter and it could possibly be something wrong with her.

“Hello?”

“Casino, I need some money,” China said.

I pulled the phone away from my ear and looked at it as if she could see the face that I'm making. “You got me fucked up! You know how much you owe me for my car? Fuck off my line with that bullshit, China,” I snapped before hanging up.

I looked up to find Bambi standing there looking at me. We just stood there staring at each other until she finally looked away from me.

“Get dressed,” I told. “We got somewhere to be.”

She looked at me like she wanted to protest but instead she left the kitchen and I watched her ass jiggle with each step she took. While she was getting dressed, I looked around the kitchen to see what I could find to snack on. I found a bag of chips and a Sprite in the fridge.

“How you just gonna eat my food?” I heard behind me as I had the bag of chips tipped up to my mouth.

“I told you I was hungry. Damn, it's just a bag of chips. Calm down, Choc,” I told her.

“What you just call me?”

“Choc, with your sexy chocolate ass. Now come on.” I smirked.

Bambi just shook her head as she led the way out the house so she could lock up. Grizzly took it upon himself to get out of the truck and open the door for her. She shot him a small smile before climbing in the back next to me.

“Why you be acting like that with, me Choc?” I asked her as Grizzly drove us to our destination.

“Like what?”

“Like you're not interested in me,” I told her.

“I'm not,” Bambi said as she finally turned her attention from the window to look at me.

I put my hand over my heart like I was hurt and she just rolled her eyes at me, causing me to laugh. Her attitude would probably turn most niggas off but I loved that shit. “Why the hell not? I'm a good nigga,” I let her know.

“Yea, that's what they all say but I know your type. You and your boy are one and the same,” she said.

“Ahh, see, now you're judging me without even knowing all the facts. Kendal ain't me and I'm damn sure not him, I'm not the company I keep.”

“Well, I really think you should start
watching
the company you keep,” she said, looking me dead in my eyes.

I don’t know what it was but something about the way she said that shit kind of threw me off. It was like she was trying to warn me about Kendal or something but I blew it off because I knew my nigga was good. We had been rocking for years and I didn't ever have to worry about him crossing me. I figured she was just saying that because they'd had an exchange of words.

Grizzly pulled up to my auto shop that I let my boy Quincy run and the one Canaan was now working at. He had always been good with fixing cars with our pops when we were growing up so I thought this would be a great fit for him.

“Come on,” I told Bambi as Grizzly parked.

“What's up, little nigga?” Canaan greeted me. “Who this you got with you?” he asked as he gave Bambi that slick ass smile he was known for.

“Gone, man, get to work before your ass gets fired,” I told him as I pulled Bambi to the back where Quincy was. “Q-Dog, what you got for me, my man?”

“Casino,” he sighed. “I have some good news and I have some not so good news. Your car is as good as new but the other one you brought in is going to need a little more work than I initially thought. We're to have to keep it for a few more days until one of the parts I ordered comes in,” Quincy explained as he gave me my keys.

“Oh no,” Bambi groaned. “How much is all this going to cost me? What is a few more days? I need a ride to my jobs and back. I mean, I can take the bus to my first job and home, but my second job, the bus will be stopped running by then,” she ranted.

“Why you stressing so hard? Everything gon be alright,” I told her. “Quincy, call me as soon as your done with her car and not a minute later.”

“Got you, boss,” he said.

I grabbed Bambi’s hand and led her out the building to where Quincy had my car parked. I dropped the keys in her hand and she looked at me, confused.

“What’s this?” she asked.

“You need to get around, don’t you?” I retorted.

“Casino, no. I can’t, I’ll be fine. Really, I will.” She shook her head.

“Just call and let me know when you get in from work tonight, don’t play with me this time. I know where you live, Choc, and a nigga like me is not afraid to do pop ups, as you can see,” I told her before walking away.

I looked to my left to see Canaan’s ugly ass standing in the doorway smirking like he knew something I didn’t. I gave him the finger before walking back over to my truck where Grizzly was waiting for me. He looked like he wanted to say something but he just smiled and decided against it before pulling out of the parking lot.