Page 6

I turned to find Chino still on the other side of the shower. Fed up with his presence, I hung the sponge on the hook next to the showerhead and slid the shower door backward. Chino stood on his feet in an attempt to tame the rage that was brewing inside of me.

“Wait. Wait. Please, Roulette. Just fucking listen. Please.”

“Move, Chino. I warned you,” I hissed, pressing forward.

“Roulette, fucking listen, man. Fuck. Just listen, and I promise I will leave you alone. Just think about the shit I’m telling you.”

“What the fuck is it? Hm? What’s so important you’re willing to risk your life getting off your chest? Hm? Because if it’s about Kiara getting rid of the baby or you being sorry, I’m shooting the shit out of you. That’s on my father, nigga. Get to talking, fuck boy!”

“Any amount– name the amount, and I will have it in your account by the end of the week. Any amount you want just to hear me out and give a nigga a second chance.”

“I don’t give second chances, Chino. Don’t be foolish.”

“Make an exception. A five hundred thousand dollar exception,” he bribed.

“No.”

“Seven-fifty?”

“No.”

“Roulette, you’re killing me.”

“I’m not, but I sure want to.”

“A mill–” he groaned as the words left his mouth.

“Not enough, nigga.”

“A mill and a quarter,” he reasoned, “Come on, Roulette.”

“A mill and a half to hear you out. That’s it.”

“Thank you. That’s all I ask.”

“And–”

“And?”

“Yes, and. You don’t make the rules, Chino. I do.”

“Okay. Okay. And what?”

“Israel.”

“Hm?”

“Israel.”

“Roulette, what do you mean Israel?”

I propped my hands on both hips and stood ten toes down. He’d heard me correctly. It was best he got comfortable on his knees because that’s where he’d be permanently by the time I ended my quest to up the score. He’d be wishing I’d just put a bullet in him when it was all said and done.

Childish , I chuckled inwardly.

I wasn’t a golden child like Rome or Roaman, who would find pleasure in moving on. Watching Chino crumble was much more exciting. Watching the blood drain from his face as I mentioned the one man I knew was off limits was too satisfying.

The problem is, niggas will fuck anything. I admitted . Usually letting their semen roam in women who couldn’t hold a flame to their woman.

Women, on the other hand, usually climbed the ladder and I wasn’t the exception to the theory. Not even someone of Chino’s caliber would interest me. It was bigger… better . Or, nothing at all.

“You said whatever I want. I’m a woman with everything her heart desires. So, let’s rephrase that. Who I want is more convincing, Chino. And, I want ISRAEL.”

His eyes nearly dislodged from their sockets. “Roulett–”

Yes, Chino. I am interested in the nigga you look up to. The one you call Unc. The one that’s the closest to a father you’ve ever had. The one who has had you under his wing since you turned nineteen. Him. I want him .

“It’ll be fun. The three of us, much like with me, you, and Kiara. You know, the night I found out y’all were fucking and she is having your baby? Just like that night, but we’re going to swap Kiara for Israel.”

“Are you fucking serious right now?”

“In fact, I am. If you want me to consider giving you another chance, I must even the score.”

“Matías didn’t do that?”

“No. He only put me on the scoreboard. I have a ways to go. The entire baby situation has you way ahead of me, Chino.”

A deep sigh fell from his lips.

“Israel, Roulette? That’s overkill.”

“So is Kiara and so is the pregnancy, but here we are. I’m not in the business of convincing, so you can take the offer or leave it. Either way, you’re getting the fuck out of my house.”

I pointed toward the door. Whether he was the one to set it up or not, Israel was on my list of things to do. It was happening. Chino would be wise to be in attendance to control the narrative. Otherwise, there was no telling how the story would end.

“Out–”

I tipped my head, urging him to leave. He began back peddling, picking up his clothes on the way out.

“Two million Roulette.”

“Two million and Israel, sounds even better.”

“No, two mill and we keep this shit pushing.”

“No, Chino, but now that I know you are willing to come off of two million, the price just increased.”

“You a motherfucker. I can’t fucking win with you.”

“You’re not supposed to, nigga. You’re in a lose, lose situation. What part of that don’t you understand? If I take you back, you lose because I will never be the same version of myself. I will be colder. More calculated. Less interested in your pleasure and completely enthralled with my own until the relationship runs its course.

“If I don’t, you still lose. Wasting two million dollars is on you, but please understand that Israel isn’t an option. He’s a choice that was made the second I noticed Kiara in the bed you promised was mine alone. I’m no fool, Chino.

“You caught feelings and that’s fine. Just own your shit because I will own mine if I should ever develop them for a man other than you, which I am almost certain will happen. It’s just a matter of when.”

I encouraged his evacuation with hand signals that led out of the door. It was time for him to leave my home.

“You don’t even like niggas, Roulette.”

“I liked you!” I reminded him. “Poor decision on my part but it happened. Should it happen again, I will be wiser. Smarter.”

“Now you talking about catching feelings for niggas. What yo–”

We made it to the first level where he paused.

“Two million and the nigga you adore– take it or leave it, Chino!”

“I just don’t understand.”

“Bye.”

I was out of words. He didn’t deserve another one from me. I pushed him toward the door, opened it, and watched from inside as he found his way down into the driveway. It was detrimental to my sanity that I watched him get in his car, start the engine, and exit my gates.

Change the code. égée’s birthday will work just fine .

His change in pace caused a fresh stream of hot air to blow from my nose. When his feet stopped moving altogether, I extended my neck and tilted my head. An explanation for his lingering presence was needed.

“When I said anything for you, Roulette, I meant that shit.”

I rolled my eyes, tired of hearing his voice at this point.

“Goodnight, Chino.”

Waiting for him to leave felt too much like torture, so I decided it was best to leave him to it and lock up behind him. Before my door collided with its frame, his voice carried through the darkness.

“Israel it is, then, baby. I can’t be mad. You don’t fight fair. I’ve known that since I met you and that’s one of the reasons I fell so hard for you. You’re hell, Roulette, but I’d rather burn with you than with any other motherfucker walking this earth. And, for the record, I don’t have feelings for Kiara.

“That shit became clear when you walked through that door. I’ll never have the heart to love another woman when I know there’s one who is everything I’ve ever wanted and needed in a partner. I fell short and I will spend my dying days making up for that.

“I’m alright with my fate and my future as long as you’re part of them both. By the time you lift your pretty head from your pillow, your deposit will have cleared. I love you. Whether it feels like it or not, I love you. Goodnight.”

I strutted my naked body across my floor after securing the locks on the door and making sure Chino had successfully exited my gates. The shower was still running when I entered. I stood underneath the water, allowing it to caress me. Comfort me. Calm my raging heart.

Seven days ago, Chino was an ally. A lover. My only lover. My confidant. My friend. Six days ago, he lost the privilege to be any of those to me anymore. Tonight, he became a stranger. I didn’t know the man standing in my yard, at my front door, or with his head between my legs.

And, for the first time since we’d met, I was as well. I was unreachable, now. Even with two million dollars in my account and Chino’s hair line receding from stress, I’d remain unreachable. The quicker he realized it, the richer he’d be because I’d take him for every dollar he had if he let me. I deserved it. He did, too.

Finally, I pulled the sponge from the hook and slid it across my body. Suds lulled me to oblivion. I cleaned my skin and then cleaned my skin again.

The chill of the bathroom whipped my body as I exited. I wrapped a fresh towel around my body and fastened the velcro patch under my armpit. The mat underneath me expanded with the water that I’d collected in the shower.

I tiptoed toward the sink. Heated floors made the bumps on my skin deflate. The smoothness met me in the foggy mirror. I swiped it with my hand. The woman in front of me was as beautiful as I remembered her.

“In case no one has told you lately, you’re unstoppable. You’re loved. You’re desired. You’re incredible. You’re your wildest dream. Everything that is for you will find you. Everyone who is for you will find you. Your beauty is undeniable.

“Your spirit is contagious. You are the light of any room you walk in. Never dim it. Never dumb it down. Shine, Roulette. Shine as brightly and as boldly as your heart desires. Because, you only get one life as Roulette.

“The others might not be as good as this one so live it to the fullest. Rid yourself of anyone who doesn’t understand, is holding you back, or causes you harm. They don’t deserve to breathe the same air as you. Don’t let them. Don’t let anyone play with you or play in your face.

“Protect your peace at all costs. Whatever you put your mind to, you have the ability and the means to conquer. Penthouse won’t be any different from anything else you’ve conquered. It will be grand. It will be everything you thought it would be. It will blow your mind. And, lastly– hold your head up and keep your hand out. Because, niggas keep their dicks out.”

I sighed, knowing every word I had spoken was true. Penthouse was my newest baby and would be the best of them all. Before I got it up and running, it was important that I establish my presence in Clarke and reopen the doors of my most lucrative place of business yet.

Roulette .

The doors had been closed for far too long. There was money to be made. There was a brand to reestablish.

The multiple packages of unused skincare sparked my interest. I began with the oil cleanser and followed up with the exfoliating cleanser. As it worked its magic, I stared back at my reflection in the mirror. I was some of Rhea, but I was all of Richie.

I cleansed the soap from my face with a disposable cloth and discarded it in the small gold trash can next to the sink. Toner pads felt good against my skin. So did the cool serum. Thick, rich moisturizing cream ended my routine.

I took the quickest route to the full-sized closet where I spritzed my skin with Tom Ford’s Wild Cherr y. My head would hit the pillow with a soft thud in a matter of minutes. There was no use in spraying on anything too potent. It would only leave me with a headache and regrets.

I paired the fragrance with unscented lotion and rubbed them across my damp skin. A red teddy clung to my body seconds after I’d soaked my body in lotion. I was as soft as a baby’s bottom. My brown skin was glowing.

The robe to match the teddy climbed up my arms and rested on my shoulders with ease. I tied the string at my center and slid into the fluffy, red 4-inch pumps. My calves tightened and the muscles in my ass began their workout.

Perfect. I admired myself in the 3-panel mirror as I removed the scarf from my head.

The silk pillow cases would serve their purpose. Climbing in bed looking like a tired mother of three was never in my plans and would never be. Egypt played that role well enough for us all. I would live vicariously through her and Rugger until I died.

I stepped down from the platform and exited the closet. This time, I considered going through the main entryway and not the one that led to my bedroom. However, my phone was on my nightstand and before I explored, I needed to hear the voices of reasoning. I opted for the usual route.

Click.

Clack.

Click.

Clack.

I passed the bathroom mirror and halted all movement.

Oh honey. Yes .

Sex dripped from my skin. Pleased with the fact that I looked like I was headed on stage at Roulette , I continued to my bedroom. However, I came to a screeching halt once my feet met the threshold where my room and bathroom joined.

A long, familiar frame sat in the decorative chair in front of the king-sized bed. A cup was caressed by slim fingers. A menacing gaze pierced my chest and sent a dagger straight to my heart. Still, I remained intact as I matched the energy of the only man who truly held the key to my heart.

“Have you ever heard of checking in before you just pop up at people’s shit? I’m glad I wasn’t on my knees sucking di–”

“Roulette, spare me,” Chemistry barked.

“Ew. That was spicy. You’re at a ten, sir. I need you to come down to a three.”

“Tibú is a dangerous place.”

“There’s no risk without reward, Chemistry. I learned that from you.”

“What reward did you receive exactly?” He questioned, sitting back and placing a hand under his chin. He was in deep thought. He was always in deep thought.

“Well, aside from the obvious– extra funds. A few new bags. Some–”

“Your feelings are hurt, I understand. But–”

“Do you?” I scoffed, pulling my neck backward.

“Egypt is my wife, Roulette. Of course I understand. Decisions she made, my family is still dealing with the consequences of. I understand.

“What I don’t understand is your method, but that’s not for me to worry about. Your safety is. If something happened to you, there wouldn’t be a Colombia to go back to, Roulette. I’ll burn that bitch down with my own two hands and be ready for whoever comes for me because of it.

“Don’t make me dismantle an entire country because a nigga betrayed you. I need you to be sensible in the decisions you’re making right now. I know you and telling you to let it slide won’t fly and I don’t blame you. But, don’t make me worry. Don’t do that to me.”

“I’m sorry, Teddy. I won’t make you worry. I just need to blow this steam off and I need you to look the other way while I do it.”

“That’s asking a lot of me, baby.”

“Please.”

“I will, only if you promise to tell me if you plan to visit Colombia again. I need to make sure you’re taken care of. Tibú is a warzone, Rou. There are more victims than there are residents.

“I know that man is practically untouchable at home, but he’s not invincible. I can’t vouch for the next motherfucker when it comes to keeping you safe. But, I know how far I’m willing to go for you and that’s beyond the depths of hell. Until I see you with a nigga willing to do the same, then I will be watching, closely .”

“You really be giving stalker vibes. Like, Egypt’s pussy not powerful enough to put you to sleep and shit at night? Because, I promise you need some sleep. Some rest. Some damn silence. Maybe a date night. Something.”

“Roulette–”

“Okay. But, I’m just saying, Teddy. You worry too much. I’m fine. I’m not in any danger. And, you don’t have to spend your days keeping tabs on me. I’ll be a free agent until God calls me home, so we’ll be at this until then. I don’t care to age you faster than necessary because of it. I’ll be alright.”

“I don’t doubt that you can handle yourself. I know you can. But, sometimes you’re blinded by your own shit and I don’t want this to be the case.”

“It’s not.” I sighed. “But, I get it.”

“Looking the other way, Roulette.”

“Thank you.”

“As long as you keep your head and standards high.”

“Always,” I promised with a smile.

“Chino doesn’t deserve the breath in his body, baby, but I’ma let the nigga breathe because I know you have something better in mind.”

“Much better.”

“Then, I’ll leave you to it as long as you promise to walk away unscathed.”

“Pinky promise.”

I held my finger in the air, knowing that by the time I reached Chem, he’d be gone. He lifted his in the air and nodded.

“Goodnight, baby.”

“Goodnight.”

I watched his long limbs stretched to their full length in slow motion. However, a single blink revealed his swift departure. He vanished into thin air.

Out of all his siblings, it was Makai and I that ran his blood pressure the highest. He’d made it clear on several occasions, but handled it well. He dealt with us much differently than he did the others because he understood that we’d do what we wanted in the end.

See you soon, Teddy .