When A Thug Loves A Woman (5 page)

I sat with my accountant going over my numbers for the month and it seemed to me as if something wasn't adding up. The numbers I was looking at weren't matching the numbers I know for a fact that we were bringing in.

“You don't have any ideas where the money went to, Casino? Maybe you've been giving China more money than you think,” Angela, my accountant, said as she cut her eyes at me.

“I would know what I give China, and no, I don’t know where it went. I let Kendal be in charge of the money shit so I'll just holler at him and see if he can think of something,” I told her.

“See, that's where you fucking up at,” Canaan said as he walked in the house. “Why the fuck you got that nigga in charge of anything? This is
your
operation, not Kendal’s,” he stressed.

“I hear you, man.”

“I know you hear me but you're not fucking listening. A hard head makes a soft ass, Casimir. Don't let your loyalty put you in a fucked up situation. You gotta know when to cut people the fuck off,” Canaan expressed.

I just sighed and rubbed my hand over my hair. This was the shit I didn't need right now, two grown ass men acting like they were in elementary school, whining and complaining about each other and shit. I just couldn't understand why Canaan didn't like Kendal. My brother was cool and easy to get along with, so if he didn't like somebody, there was always a perfectly good reason behind it. Only this time, he refused to tell me what that reason was.

“Alright, man, sit the fuck down and chill out before you get bust a blood vessel or some shit,” I told him. “Anyway, back to you, Angela.”

“Everything besides that one little issue looks good. All your other legit businesses are flourishing and helping to clean up the dirty money. Those numbers look excellent,” Angela explained.

“That's the shit I like to hear,” I nodded my head.

“That's it then, I'm done here,” she said as she started packing up her stuff to leave.

As she was doing so, my phone vibrated in my pocket. I pulled it out to find a text message from China's simple ass.

China
:
I miss you

I shook my head at her worrisome ass. It was always some shit with her, but I knew how to put her ass in check. Whenever she started acting up, I just had to hit her with some dick and a couple of dollars and that would have her walking like a soldier for a while. Whatever I had to do to make my life more peaceful, that's what I was going to do.

Me
:
you miss me or you miss my dick?

After texting her back, I put my phone back in my pocket and got up to walk Angela to the door. As soon as we got to the door, she turned towards me.

“I miss you, Casino,” Angela said as she ran her hand over my dick.

What the fuck is in the air today?
I thought I licked my lips. “Shit, I can't tell. You was the one who stopped letting a nigga slide through,” I told her.

“Casino, you tried to kill Justin.”

I slightly laughed at the memory of me beating her husband’s ass when he called himself trying to confront me about fucking his wife. I've never been the messy type of nigga. The way I feel is ain't nobody gotta know we fucking but us. So when he first stepped to me, I acted as if I didn't know what he was talking about. Then he started saying all what he was going to do if he found out otherwise so I beat his ass, putting him in the hospital.

“Oh yea,” I laughed.

“That's not funny.” Angela rolled her eyes. “So am I going to see you later?” she asked.

“Maybe, we'll see.”

“You ain't talking about shit,” she said as she turned and opened the door.

I couldn't help but to bite my lip at the way her ass was sitting in that tight ass skirt she had on. Not being able to resist, I slapped it and watched it jiggle. Angela just gave me a devilish smile as she continued on her way. After I made sure she got in her car, I headed back to see what my brother was talking about. When I walked in the room, he was looking at me funny.

“Why the look, Can Man?” I questioned.

“Nigga, you something else. You fucking her, too, huh?” he asked, giving me a knowing look.

“Nah,” I said as I took his blunt he was smoking. “Not lately.” I smiled before taking a toke.

“Well, I can't say shit. You learned from the best,” Canaan bragged.

“Yea, my daddy, nigga. Fuck outta here,” I laughed as I exhaled the smoke from my lungs.

“Fuck you, too, then, little nigga,” he laughed with me. “On some real shit, though, Casino, you need to watch your back around that nigga you think is your friend. His smile don't match his handshake,” Canaan preached.

“I got you, Canaan. Trust me, I'm listening to everything you're saying. But until I feel like the nigga can't be trusted, I'm going to continue to run things how I see fit. If and when I do get that feeling, he's all yours,” I assured him.

“Alright, boss man,” he said, trying to be funny.

“So what's up with this club shit? You still wanna do that?” I changed subjects.

“Yea, I been looking at buildings and shit. I'm all for it.”

“Well, just let me know, nigga. You already know I'm down,” I told him.

Anything positive that my brother wanted to do, I was going to support it. Canaan had my support in anything that he wanted to do but anything that would keep his ass off the radar and keep him clean, I was going to back him up one hundred percent. He had a son that he needed to raise so him going back to prison wasn't an option.

“What's up with Adore and nephew?” I questioned as I passed the blunt back.

“Man, that girl is going to make me break her fucking neck. I let her ass talk me into letting her go back to Florida and taking Caner with her so she could get a few things in order and he wouldn't be missing school. I was being courteous. Gave her ass a month to dead whatever the fuck she had going on but her ass gonna text me this morning talking about she need more time,” Canaan explained.

My ass was surprised that Canaan even allowed her to leave in the first place. The old Canaan would have forced her stay and dared to even think about taking his son back down to Miami and that would have been the end of the conversation. I could tell that all those years in prison had calmed his wild ass down because Canaan used to be a little reckless nigga before his bid. Since he'd been home, he'd been pretty mellow.

“I don’t know, bruh. Maybe she do need a little more time.” I shrugged. The look he gave me told me that wasn't what the fuck he wanted to hear. “Or not,” I chuckled.

“Yea, alright, don't be surprised when you’re looking for a nigga and you hit my line just for me to tell you that I just landed in Miami,” he said before getting up.

Welp, so much for him being calm
, I thought while shaking my head. I wasn't about to jump in the middle of Canaan and his baby mama drama. I had enough of that shit in my life dealing with China’s ass.

-$-

I held Casiyah in my arms as we walked through Fairline to pick up our shoes. My baby was only four years old and already had a mean shoe game. I couldn't be mad at that, though. Like father, like daughter. I turned around when I felt Grizzly tap me on my shoulder. Sometimes I forgot Grizzly was even around because this nigga was so good at his job. He was the type to not say much, he'd rather let his gun do all the talking for him. His motto was: Be felt, not heard.

“What's up?” I asked.

He pointed in the store we had just passed so I doubled back to see what had caught his attention. There, in Finish Line, looking at shoes, was my future wife. I hit Grizzly with a smirk before heading into the store.

“More shoes, daddy?” Casiyah asked.

“Nah, baby. No more shoes for you today,” I told her.

Bambi had her back to me so she didn't see me coming. I noticed she had a cute little girl with her that looked to be Casiyah’s age.

“You like these?” she asked the little girl as she held up a pair of Jordans.

“I think those are pretty fly, Choc. As a matter of fact, why don't you get a pair for yourself?” I said.

Bambi turned around and looked at me like she was shocked to see me. After she got over the shock, she smiled the prettiest smile I had ever seen. “Hey,” she said as she put her hair behind her ear.

“What's up, mama? Who you got here?” I asked, referring to little mama that was hiding behind her leg.

She looked down and smiled. “It's okay, Majesty. You don't have to be scared, baby,” she told her. “This is my niece. Who's this here?”

“I'm Casiyah!”

“Hi, Casiyah, I'm Bambi,” Choc introduced herself.

“Like the movie?” Casiyah asked.

Bambi let out a laugh as she nodded her head. “Yes ma'am, just like the movie.”

“So what's up, Choc? You getting the shoes?” I questioned.

“For her, yea. I think I'll pass. I don't have all that money to be flossing on me. She needs it more than me,” she said.

“Come on now, I told you about talking that money shit while you're in my presence. If you want it, get it; it's nothing. You wear a size five, right? What about little mama?” I asked.

She went to open her mouth to oppose but I gave her a look that told her not to play with me. Instead, she just told me what size her niece wore and I told the associate to grab them for us. When he came back, I paid for their shoes and we were on our way.

“Thank you, Casino. I really appreciate it,” she said as we walked out of the store.

“It's no biggie,” I shrugged.

“Ms. Bambi, can I come over and play with your niece?” Casiyah innocently asked.

Bambi looked to me as if she needed help answering her question. I just shrugged because it was all up to her.

“Sure, sweetheart, anytime you want to. Just have your daddy bring you by. She won't be going anywhere anytime soon,” Bambi told her.

I looked at her with a questioning look and she just sighed while rolling her eyes and shifting her weight from one leg to the other.

“It's a long story,” she told me.

“I'll call you to hear it later, or I can just wait until their playdate,” I smiled.

“You are not slick, but whenever you're ready to hear it, let me know.”

“I definitely will.”

“Bye, cutie, nice meeting you,” Bambi told Casiyah. “Tell them bye, Majesty,” she told her niece.

Her niece shyly waved as Casiyah said her goodbyes. I watched them walk away while thinking to myself that I was going to make Choc mine. It was a must that I lock that down immediately before another could.

Me and Magnolia walked into Kisses ready to pay a bitch’s rent, courtesy of my baby daddy. Thanks to Casino, I never had to work a day in my life if I didn't want to; which I didn’t. Why would I want to when he throws money at me just for being his baby mama?

“Bitch, out of all the places for you to choose from, you just had to pick a spot where bitches is ass naked,” Magnolia complained.

“As far as I'm concerned, you could've stayed your ass at home. I don't need your ass following me everywhere I go.” I rolled my eyes.

It was like Magnolia’s money hungry ass could smell a Benjamin from a mile away because every time Casino gave me some money, her ass just seemed to pop up at my damn front door. Any other time, her ass wouldn't be thinking about me.

“What y'all doing here?”

I turned around to find Kendal’s creepy ass behind me. I didn't really deal with him or know much about him outside the fact that he's Casino’s little flunky. This nigga wanted to be a boss so bad that he stayed kissing my baby daddy's ass. His lips literally stay glued to Casino’s ass.

“Oh, hey,” I said dryly.

“Casino let you out the house like that?” he asked.

I scrunched my face up at him in pure and utter disgust. It wasn't what he said but the look he was giving me. This nigga was literally standing here eye fucking me. When he let his eyes roam over my body, I damn near threw up. I mean, I know I'm a bad bitch and all, standing 5’6 with creamy light skin, slim waist and a fat ass. Not to mention my hazel green eyes that drive niggas crazy but Kendal was a definite no. Not only did he roll in Casino’s crew but the nigga didn't have enough money to afford me. I just sucked my teeth and walked away from him to go get a drink.

“Girl, who is that? Introduce me,” Magnolia’s thirsty ass said as she tried to keep up with me.

“Introduce yourself,” I said as I reached the bar.

“Damn, all my nigga Casino’s women in one spot,” Kendal laughed.

I was about to go the fuck off on him and ask him why the hell he was following me until I spotted her. The little bitch from the nail salon that was popping all that shit. She was leaning over the bar smiling in some nigga’s face like he was a superstar or some shit.

“Nigga, don't you got a wife at home? Why the fuck are you here?” I snapped.

“I guess I struck a nerve,” he laughed.

“What can I get y'all?” a bartender asked.

“Send her to me,” I said as I pointed at the bitch.

The bartender looked at me suspiciously before going to do as I told her. She whispered something in ol girl’s ear and they both looked in my direction. She nodded her head before coming my way.

“You so messy,” Magnolia laughed.

“Don't I know it,” I rolled my eyes.

“What?” ol girl asked as she came and stood in front of us.

“Is that how you speak to the customers? I think I might have to speak to the owner about this type of behavior,” I told her.

“Did you want to order a drink or…because I got money to make. I'm sure you don't know shit about that,” she said smartly.

“What up, Bambi?” Kendal spoke.

“Bambi?” I laughed while Magnolia chuckled. “You're right,
Bambi
, I don’t know shit about a job because Casino takes very good care of me. Unlike you, all I have to do is sit on my ass and look pretty,” I said while removing a bankroll from my clutch and flashing it.

“So, about that drink?” she asked.

“Yea, bitch, get me a Long Island ice tea,” I told her black ass.

“And I'll take a margarita.”

I looked at my sister like she was crazy because not one time did I say that I was buying her a damn drink.

“What?” Magnolia asked.

“Bitch, you know what.” I rolled my eyes.

A few minutes later, the Bambi bitch returned with our drinks. She slid my drink over to me like she had a problem with doing her job and making me a drink. I took a sip and shook my head.

“I don't like it,” I told her, pushing it away from me.

“I don't have time for this shit. You wanted it, so drink it.”

“I said I don't like it!” I yelled as I shoved the drink away from me and made the glass fall on the ground, causing it to shatter.

Bambi stood there biting her lip with her fists clenched while I sat there with a smug look on my face. Everyone that was in close proximity stopped and looked to see what was going on.

“What's wrong, Bam?” the other bartender that initially tried to take my order asked.

“This bitch doesn't know how to make a drink. I think saw her spit in my shit and when I refused to drink it, she started cursing at me,” I told her.

“You know what, tend to this bitch before I lose my fucking job,” Bambi said before she tried to walk away.

“You see! Look at how she's talking about me. Not only does she look like a monkey, but she acts like one!” I yelled.

By now, Magnolia and Kendal were in tears due to their laughter. I turned my head to look at my sister when I felt my body being pulled over the bar and a tight ass grip on my hair.

“Bitch, stop fucking with me, alright? I'm trying to be nice to your ass but I guess you want me to fuck you up. Hoes like you just won't learn until I'm locked up and you're left somewhere leaking!” Bambi yelled. Her ass sounded like she had been possessed by a demon or something.

I was trying to swing and hit her ass but the way she had me, none of my hits were connecting. All them nosy muthafuckas sitting at the bar but yet not one of them were making a move to get this bitch off of me. Finally, after feeling like my roots were being detached from my scalp, she released her death grip.

“Bitch, I'm about to fuck you up!” I shouted as I tried to jump over the bar.

I didn't make it too far before I was grabbed from behind. All of a sudden, bouncers were coming from all directions to save this bitch. I wildly kicked and swung to get away from them.

“Bitch, this is fucking war! You just don't know the death sentence you just put on your ass. Casino is going to have your fucking head for this little stunt, bitch!” I let her know as I was escorted out of the club. “Get the fuck off me, nigga. I'm not a fucking baby. I know how to walk,” I said as I shoved him off of me.

“China, slow down!” Magnolia yelled as she tried to run after me in her heels.

“You stupid bitch, where the fuck was you?” I spat at her, not bothering to slow down for her.

“Chi, you showed your ass for no reason. You were dead ass wrong and you know it!”

I just rolled my eyes at her stupid ass because all that was code for she was scared of the bitch. I didn't know what I expected, though. Magnolia had always been like that. I used to stay fighting her battles for her and I'm the little sister.

Since this bitch don't know how to ride out, she can walk
, I thought as I got in my car. I immediately hit the locks so she couldn't get in.

“China, stop playing and open the door!” she yelled as she pulled on the handle.

I ignored her and put my car in gear to back out of my spot. Magnolia continued to yell and bang on the window until I pulled off on her dumb ass.

Both of them bitches had me fucked up but I had something for that Bambi bitch. I was going to let her feel like she did something and victorious for tonight but that bitch had another thing coming if she thought she'd seen the last of me.

I was going to make that bitch regret the day she ever fucked with China Howard. She liked pulling sucker moves but I wanted that bitch to know when I was coming because I could guarantee I was going to come hard as fuck.