by Jade Jones
“I wasn’t enough for you, remember?” Cameron asked. Jude took her hand in his.
“Cam… I’m not that same nigga you fell outta love with. I fucked up… and I deserved to have you walk away from me ‘cuz it made me realize what I had — and lost. I am truly sorry, Cam. I’m sorry for everything I took you through. I’m sorry for the lies, the secret, and the bullshit. You were right about everything you said that day. You held me down when there was no one else in my corner — through everything. You not only my wife… you my family… my best friend. I will never forgive myself for the shit I did to you, and the things I said. I’m a real nigga. So I’m not gon’ ask you to forgive me either. But, babe… at least give me one last chance to make it right… to make us work. I don’t want anyone else but you, Cameron.” Jude’s eyes searched hers for sympathy and understanding. Her expression was hard to read.
“That’s sweet, Jude… but… I can’t.”
“You can’t?” Jude looked disgusted by her response. “What do you mean, you can’t?”
“Do you even mean what you’re saying now? Or are you just trying to sweet talk me to get me to leave? Then when we get back to Atlanta you’re on the same old shit—”
“It won’t ever be like that again. I promise—”
“I don’t wanna take that chance.”
“But I need you with me, Cam. I have to protect you.”
“From what? Your problems?”
Her comment hurt. Jude didn’t respond. She was right. Stone was his issue. Unfortunately, he could also be her demise.
“Besides, I have all the protection I need.”
Jude didn’t like the sound of that shit at all. “Oh, like that? And who’s protecting you? Some new nigga? Don’t think I ain’t peep that lil’ hickie on ya neck.” He was allowing his jealousy to get the best of him. “Answer the question. Who’s protecting you?” When Cam didn’t respond, Jude decided to press the matter. “Who is he, Cam? Who’s protecting you? Jag?”
Cameron’s silence said it all.
Jude paused before nodded his head. There was a bitter taste in his mouth. I should’ve killed that fuck nigga when I had the chance.
All of a sudden, Cameron’s cellphone started ringing in the bedroom. “Jude, we have to talk about this some other time. I really think you should just leave.” She turned around and walked off to get her phone. There was a mixture of emotions she was dealing with. On one hand, she wanted him. And on the other, she was apprehensive about giving him a second chance.
Jude stood in the living room, stunned by the bomb she had dropped on him. So it’s like that. He looked over at his son. I’ll be damned if that white mothafucka raises my kid. Without thinking, Jude picked him up, and walked out of the house.
Cameron had just grabbed her phone when she heard the front door slam shut. Her heart started beating fast because she didn’t hear Justin whining anymore. After running to the living room, she realized her worst fear had been confirmed.
“Justin? Justin!”
Cameron tore out the door and watched as Jude peeled off with their son.
“JUDE! Jude, stop!” she ran down the middle of the street in nothing but her robe. His tires burned asphalt as he zoomed up the street. If she wanted her baby, she had no choice but to bring her ass back to Atlanta.
23
Cameron’s flight landed two hours after Jude’s touched down. She couldn’t believe she literally had to chase him halfway across the country just to get her son back. This was by one of the most fucked up things he’d ever done. Jude had gone too far.
Cameron was on a mission as she headed to ground transportation. She flagged down the first taxi she saw outside and gave them her old address. On the way their, she prayed that Jude was home. The last thing she needed was to go searching through an entire city for him.
This nigga is something fucking else, Cameron told herself.
They had just hopped on the freeway when her cellphone rang. She assumed the caller was Jude but Jag’s name appeared. Cam quickly sent him to voicemail. She’d have to deal with him when she got back to Cleveland. Right now her only concern was getting her son back.
Twenty minutes later, Cameron breathed a sigh of relief when she saw Jude’s car parked in front of his home. He was there, patiently awaiting on her arrival. He knew she’d come sooner or later.
After paying the fare and tipping the driver, Cam climbed out. She’d damn near maxed out her savings just to fly to Atlanta. Now she had no idea how she going to pay her rent. She couldn’t go back to stripping; she’d already outgrown that lifestyle.
Lifting a fist, Cameron pounded on the door and rang the bell incessantly. “Jude, I know you’re in there. Open the fucking door.”
No answer.
Cameron released a deep sigh before pulling out her phone and calling him. She wasn’t all too shocked that he didn’t pick up. Going on a whim, she twisted the knob, and much to her surprise, it opened up.
Cameron walked in and slowly made her way through the grand house. She would be lying if she said she didn’t miss the place. The seven-bedroom 16,000 square foot home was more like a retreat nestled in one of the greatest metropolitan cities.
Cameron made her way upstairs. The house was unusually quiet, but she knew Jude was there. When she reached their bedroom, she opened the door and barged inside. Jude was chilling on the bed, flipping through an Automobile magazine, like the shit he pulled was no big deal.
“I thought you would’ve gotten here sooner,” he said without looking up. His nonchalant attitude pissed Cameron off more than anything.
“You had no fucking right, Jude.”
Finally, he closed the magazine and climbed off the bed. “What didn’t I have a right to do, Cam? He’s my son too. Don’t I get a say in any of this shit—”
WHAP!
Cameron slapped the shit out of Jude. “You had no fucking right to take my son away from me! What were you thinking?”
He was thinking about Eunice and her daughter. He was thinking about the threat Stone had made on Cam and Justin’s life. He was thinking about protecting her.
Even if Jude told Cameron all that he knew she wouldn’t have believed him. They no longer had that same level of trust. There was once a time when she had faith in him, and never questioned his decisions. Unfortunately, they didn’t have that bond anymore. It had been tainted with lies and backstabbing. Jude would’ve given anything to have that old thing back.
“Answer me, Jude,” Cameron pressed. She couldn’t fathom him doing something so reckless. “What the fuck was you thinking? You can’t just do shit because you feel like it—”
Jude suddenly grabbed Cameron and kissed her. She was too damn pretty when she was upset to past up an opportunity to. At first, she tried to push him off and fight it… but eventually she gave in. She always did when it came to Jude.
Grabbing her arms, Jude pulled them around his waist and held her. “You ain’t miss me?” he whispered.
“You know I did,” she breathed.
Jude slowly backed up and dropped onto the bed. He pulled Cam down with him, and she straddled without hesitancy. Jude assisted in pulling off her top. He palmed one of her bare breasts while sucking and kissing on the other. Cam’s fingertips glided across his soft brush waves. She missed his touch and aggression.
Jude surprised her when he flipped her over onto her back. He mannishly tugged her jeans down her butterscotch legs. His shirt was the next article of clothing that came off.
Cameron’s pussy throbbed uncontrollably as she gazed at his ripped body. She loved everything about him — even the scars from when he’d been shot a couple years ago. Jude’s jeans and boxers came off next. His swollen dick leaked of pre-cum.
“You still love me?” Jude asked. He moved her panties over and pushed his dick deep inside. She was already wet and primed.
“Yes, baby,” Cam moaned. “I never stopped.”
Jude stroked her deep and slow while
keeping eye contact. The sex was so good, they almost forgot why they were mad at each other in the first place. Cameron grew wetter with every thrust. Her small hand rested on his 8-pack. She loved the way his muscles flexed as he put in work.
In one swift motion, Jude rolled over and pulled her on top. “Fuck me like you still love me, Cam.” Using his thumb, he massaged her swollen clit while she rode him. With his free hand, Jude gripped her soft ass.
He watched as his dick disappeared and reappeared coated in her wetness. “Oh, shit, Jude. Damn,” she moaned. “It’s so good… I’ma cum…”
Jude wasn’t ready for her to yet. He quickly lifted her up and climbed out the bed. Cam looked confused at first. He slowly grabbed her hand and pulled her over towards him. Once they stood directly in front of the bedroom mirror, he hoisted her up. Cameron wrapped her legs around his waist.
“Hold onto me. Don’t let go,” Jude instructed. He really meant that too, in more than one way.
Cameron did as she was told. She gasped in pleasure when Jude slid inside. Grabbing her ass cheeks, he made her fuck him while he stood in front of the mirror. Soft moans and grunts were coupled with the sounds of their skin slapping together. The tempestuous lovemaking session would go down as the greatest in history. Makeup sex was, without a doubt, the best sex.
“Look at us, Cam,” Jude whispered. “See how good we look together.
Cameron stared at their reflection as she rode him like a horse jockey. She was so light and easy to manhandle.
“Oh my God. What are you doing to me, Jude?” Cameron moaned.
Carrying her back over to the bed, he gently laid her down and climbed on top. After plunging back in, he wrapped a hand around her neck, and fucked her like he hated her. He didn’t cease his punishment until she trembled and squirted wildly. Jude came deep inside her shortly after.
Struggling to catch his breath, he collapsed beside her. Reconciliation sex was the best sex.
“If I come back then what?” Cameron suddenly asked.
“Know that I got you, bay. Shit won’t be like how it was. I put that on everything.” Jude turned to face his wife. “I wanna make you happy. If that means givin’ up the business to be with you then I will. I don’t give a fuck about anything else but you and Justin. Ya’ll are my life.”
Cameron smiled. “You really would give up the business for me?”
Jude didn’t hesitate. “In a heartbeat.”
“Why didn’t you just do that from the start?”
Jude sighed. “’Cuz I was selfish. I wanted my cake and eat it too. I thought I could have both… and somehow… I lost sight of what was important. Not even losin’ my moms could make me see the bigger picture. It took for me to lose you to realize that I needed to slow the fuck down. I was headed towards self-destruction. You walkin’ out on me made me see that shit. It saved me in a sense. Bay, I don’t want a life without you. I could live without the money, and the cars, and shit. I can’t live without you, Cam… I need you.” Jude kissed the back of her hand. “I love you.”
“I love you too.” Cameron rested her head on his broad chest as he gently ran his fingers through her hair. He felt so good, so familiar. She felt safe and secure with him.
Jude held her close. All he wanted was to wake up next to her, and see that smile everyday. He needed that second chance to make things right.
Sadly, the following morning, he was robbed of that opportunity. Jude was surprised when he woke up to an empty bed. Both Cameron and Justin were gone, probably on the first thing back to Cleveland.
Jude was hurt. He thought they had made a connection, but clearly he was wrong. Damn. I guess it really is over, he told himself. Jude was tempted to go after Cam and drag her ass back home, but he wouldn’t. He couldn’t force someone to be with him and reciprocate his love. If she wanted to be with him, then she would have to make that call. It was no longer up to him.
Jude sat up in bed and looked around the empty room. No one had ever told him how lonely it was at the top. He’d wanted the money and street fame, but not at the cost of his marriage.
Suddenly, Jude thought about Stone. He had to somehow make that little problem disappear. Jude was determined to keep his family safe at any and all costs. He would go above and beyond to protect them — or at least die trying.
24
Two Weeks Later
“Me sorprende saber de usted. Wasn’t expecting a call from you so soon. How was the funeral, amigo?”
If Stone weren’t on the other end of the phone, Jude would’ve choked him until his eyes bulged. The memorial service was something he prayed he’d never have to go through again. There’d been more than enough death. Jude honestly couldn’t deal with another loss.
“I take it you’ve thought more about my offer,” Stone said, bring him to reality.
“That’s actually what I called you to talk about. Look, I don’t wanna say too much over the line. I was hoping we could meet somewhere and politic,” Jude explained. “I’m comin’ alone so it ain’t necessary to bring the army.”
After agreeing upon a discreet location, Jude hung up the phone and prepared to put his plan in motion. He loaded the clip into his Glock and tucked it in the back of his pants.
For the first time in a long time, Jude would be solo — making himself easily disposable. If he were to perish, he was okay with that. Jude was tired of risking other people’s lives. This was his mess, and he needed to clean it up.
As Jude walked out of his home, he said a silent prayer. Today could be his last…
***
“Well, well, well. Look who decided to show up,” Cameron smiled.
Stepping to the side, she allowed Jag entrance to her home. He had an unmarked shopping bag in his hand. It’d been a couple weeks since she last seen or heard from him. He would never tell her he had taken another “job”. As a matter of fact, he would never tell her what he did to earn a living. It was something he’d take to his grave. Cam would never look at him the same if she knew the truth.
“Nice to see you too,” Jag greeted. She didn’t miss the hint of sarcasm in his tone.
“No calls. No texts.”
“I hit you up ‘bout a week and a half ago. You ain’t answer — I figured you needed your space after what went down. You know it ain’t never no tellin’ with you, Cam,” he said. “Anyway, I got you something. Hopefully it makes up for my absence and lack of communication.” Jag pulled out a small black box and handed it to her.
“What is it?”
“Open it.”
Cameron slowly lifted the lid. Inside was a $26,000 diamond Bulgari watch. “Oh my God. It’s beautiful…”
“You like it?”
“Jag… I—you… I can’t accept this. I feel weird taking this—”
“Don’t be ridiculous. I want you to have it.”
Cameron had her reasons for not wanting to take the pricey gift, but Jag insisted she keep it. “I don’t know what to say. Thank you. I love it.”
Jag bent down and kissed her forehead. “Where’s the little guy? I got him something too.”
“He’s in the bedroom.” Jag was just about to walk off, but Cam stopped him. “Hey, is everything okay?”
He quickly jumped on the defensive. “Yeah, of course. Why would you ask that? Does it seem like I’m not okay?”
“I just wanna make sure you’re good and we’re cool. I mean, you’re supposed to be my boyfriend, and I didn’t hear from you for a couple weeks.”
“Wait. What?”
“Friend,” Cam corrected herself. “You know what I meant.”
“Nah. I like the way boyfriend sounded,” Jag smiled. He kissed Cameron on the lips then on the forehead.
“That slipped out,” she said, slightly embarrassed. “I don’t wanna put pressure on us by adding titles.”
“I don’t mind titles.” Jag kissed her ear and the side of her neck.
Cameron quickly composed herself and became serious. “I tal
ked to Roxie the other day. Her boyfriend’s sister and niece were killed a few weeks back. They aren’t taking it too well. I was thinking of flying up to Atlanta this weekend. I know it’d make her happy.” Cameron waited for a response. “Jag, you heard me? Jag…?”
Jag had completely zoned out as he allowed his mind to return to that fateful night.
“I don’t deserve this! Please, just tell me! If it’s money you want—”
“Shut the fuck up,” Jag snapped. He couldn’t concentrate with Eunice’s incessant whining.
“I have a child,” she continued. “Please, have mercy… I am begging you! Please don’t do this. I—I have a little girl. Her father works all the time. I’m all she’s got. Please! I lost my mother to breast cancer when I was just ten. I don’t want her going through what I went through without a mom. Please, I will do anything! Anything—”
“Look, chill, a'ight,” Jag finally said. “I’m… not gonna kill you.”
Eunice sniffled and looked up at Jag with watery eyes. “You’re not…?”
Stone would flip if he didn’t carry out what he was paid to do, but Jag just didn’t have it in him.
“No… I’m not…”
Eunice released a shaky sigh of relief, grateful for the chance to continue breathing.
All of a sudden, Jag heard the distinctive sound of movement behind him. Without thinking, he turned around and fired off two shots.
POP!
POP!
Eunice let out a high-pitched scream after the gunshots went off. Jag’s eyes shot open in surprise. He hadn’t meant to shoot her; it was just a natural reaction. Eunice jumped up and ran to her child lying sprawled out on the floor. She would never experience prom, her first kiss, or her wedding thanks to Jag.
“She needs help! Call 911!”
