Without warning, Dream was being yanked by her hair and tossed flat onto the mattress.
“I gave you a chance to tell me your worth. Since you wanna play tough, Imma sample the pussy and put my own price on it,” Shaq spoke with anger oozing through his tone.
Deciding that she wasn’t going down without putting up a fight, Dream used all the strength she could muster up and sent her left foot crashing into Shaq’s midsection. The kick caught Shaq off guard and caused him to release the grip he had on Dream’s hair, freeing her.
Dream’s first thought was to run for the door and make a break for it, but was stopped in her tracks when the third party entered the room.
“Are you fucking serious?” Dream screamed once she realized who the unrecognizable voice belonged too.
“Melo really think his shit is A-1. The nigga really out and about like him and his bitch couldn’t get touched,” he said taking a step closer to Dream, making her take two steps back.
Dream’s back came in contact with Shaq’s chest and without thinking, she turned around and started swinging. The wild haymakers she was throwing did little to no damage to Shaquille, instead of it saving her, it did the complete opposite. Dream put her energy into trying to fight Shaq, leaving her completely out of breath and winded.
“Feisty little bitch, I see,” Shaq’s accomplice stated while letting out a hearty laugh.
Shaq didn’t find anything about the situation amusing. Letting Dream get away with spazzing on him wasn’t in the plans. Shaq stalked over to Dream who was bent over trying to gain her composure, lifted her up by her neck and slammed her against the wall.
“I guess I’ll leave you two to it then,” said Shaq’s accomplice, backtracking out the room.
Dream gasped for air as the hold Shaq had on her neck tightened. She kicked violently but all that did was anger him. Using his free hand, Shaq punched Dream square in the middle of her face, instantly causing her nose to leak like a faucet. Dream didn’t fold. In her mind, he was going to do whatever he wanted to do to her regardless, but she wasn’t going to make it easy.
The beating got worse. Between being choked out, punched, slapped, and slammed against the wall repeatedly, Dream just wanted to die. It came to a point where she was tired of fighting, and it seemed as if Shaq had enough of beating her ass. He pushed her down on the bed and proceeded to unbutton her jeans.
“Please don’t do this to me, Shaq,” Dream pleaded.
“Don’t beg now. You was just tough a minute ago right. Where that tough shit go, huh?” Shaq barked as he struggled to get her jeans below her protruding hips.
Dream squirmed in attempt to get away from Shaq, however it was to no avail. Shaq’s athletic build wouldn’t allow it.
“Shaq, just let me go. I won’t tell Carmelo. I don’t have nothing to do with whatever is going on between ya’ll,” Dream yelled as she landed punch after punch on his chest trying to get him off of her.
Shaq drew his fist back and delivered a blow powerful enough to put Dream out. Her will to live overpowered the punch, at least for a minute. Shaq had finally gotten her jeans down. She heard noises coming from his lips but couldn’t coherently piece together what was being said. Dream was dazed, drifting in and out of consciousness. Before succumbing to a comatose state, she thought about the baby she would never get a chance to meet, in addition to that the love that she would never see again. Mustering up strength from deep down inside her, Dream clasped her thighs together as tight as she could. That didn’t deter Shaq though. His strength acted as the jaws of life as he pried her legs open and ripped her panties off.
“Carmelo, help me,” Dream wept before falling victim to darkness.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Melo killed the engine to his truck and jumped out with anticipation. It had been a few days since he’d had the chance to have everyone he loved in the same spot and he was looking forward to it. Shit had been hectic, so a day of celebration with his family was much needed. Parking as usual was hard as hell to find on his mother’s block so he found himself walking from the only spot that was available. The beaming June sun caused sweat to trickle down his face. Quickly, he wiped away the sweat beads with the back of his hand and continued his walk. As he got closer to his mother’s house, a familiar frame came into view, forcing him to smile. It was Summer, seeing her and being in her presence bought a joy to Carmelo that no one would understand. Even though he was relieved that Caiden was indeed her father, it didn’t stop him from loving her like she was his. It’s not that he wouldn’t have accepted her being his child, he just didn’t want to fuck shit up between him and his brother, or him and Summer for that matter. It was best for things to remain how they were. His smile turned into a frown when he saw the sour expression on her face.
“Why the long face?” Carmelo asked Summer as he approached her.
“You’re the only one here,” she admitted.
“What you mean I'm the only one here, Sum? I spoke to Dream and she said she was on her way a minute ago. And where the fuck is your pops?” Carmelo stated, visibly upset.
“I mean, nana is here, of course, but… I don't know. This is the worst day of my life,” Summer said.
Carmelo shook his head and took a step in his niece’s direction. He reached out with open arms and on cue she fell into his embrace. With his arms wrapped tightly around her, Carmelo rocked side to side and told her not to stress. Although Carmelo was pissed, he was doing his best at trying to keep calm for the sake of Summer. It was the day of her junior prom, and for the most important people in her life not to show up to see her get ready, or to see her off didn’t sit right with him. He knew she was hurt, but as always, he was going to do whatever was necessary to put a smile on her face.
“Summer, I told you about letting people bring you down, didn’t I?” he asked.
Summer nodded and spoke, “Yes, but I hate when people make promises. Dream said she wouldn’t miss seeing me off to prom but she isn’t here. Let’s not even start on my dad. My day is just ruined.”
“Cut that noise. I got something for you.”
Hearing those words put an instant smile on Summer’s face. If there was one thing she loved, it was gifts from her uncle.
“I see you smiling, stop trynna hide it. Stay right here,” Melo said as he back peddled off the porch. He jogged a few houses down to where his truck was parked. After hitting the button on the key fob to unlock the doors, he opened the back door and retrieved the Tiffany bag that was resting on the floor.
He smiled at thought of how Summer was going to react to her gifts. His plan was to surprise her with it once she was dressed and ready to go, but being that she was in a sour mood, he figured the best time was now. He clicked the button to lock his truck and spun on his heels to head back toward Summer. Something stopped him in his tracks and caused him to reach for his gun. The feeling that something was about to happen overwhelmed him. Carmelo averted his attention up the street and that's when he saw a black truck creeping in his direction. Everything was off about how the truck was moving, which put him in defense mode.
He was too slow.
Tat tat tat tat
Car alarms blared as gunfire erupted on the normally quiet block. Carmelo let shots off in the direction of the truck as he ran forward trying to get to Summer. He thought he was dodging bullets until he realized he wasn't the target. Tires could be heard screeching as the truck disappeared off the block. That was the last thing on Carmelo's mind. The sight before him had him fucked up. Almost to the point where he couldn't breathe.
“Sum...” Carmelo attempted to call out but his words got caught in his throat.
Staring at her nearly lifeless bullet riddled body sucked the air out of him. Dropping to his knees, Carmelo pulled Summer onto his lap.
“Come on, Sum,” he cried.
Summer coughed violently as blood spewed from her mouth. Carmelo's mother’s voice could be heard in the distance as she called out for Summ
er but he disregarded it. He cradled Summer in his arms and slowly rose to his feet. Although his knees felt as if they were going to cave in he continued forward. He had to get her to the hospital. Not even the amount of pain he was in was going to hold him back.
“Stay with me, Summer. I'm going to get you help,” he whispered as he continued his way toward his truck.
He looked down and saw Summer’s eyes roll into the back her head before closing. Her chest heaved up and down slowly so he knew she was still with him.
Carmelo struggled with trying to keep Summer holstered in his arms and opening the back door. Finally, he got the door open and scooted Summer inside. He slammed the door and turned to rush to the driver’s side and was met by the horrified look on his mother’s face.
“My gra…”
“We don't have time for that shit, Ma. Get in the truck,” Carmelo barked.
Never in a million years would he have come at his mother that way, but time wasn't their best friend. They both jumped into the truck, and Carmelo peeled off en route to the nearest hospital.
<><><><>
“We need help,” Carmelo screamed out as he burst through the emergency room entrance at Long Island College Hospital with Summer in his arms.
Hot tears flowed freely down his face and onto Summer’s blood stained shirt. He was approached by a doctor who had a gurney in tow. They reached out for Summer but Carmelo was hesitant. He knew he had to let her go if she had any chance of surviving but letting her go almost made him feel like she wouldn't come back.
“Sir, we have to take her from here,”
Carmelo looked down at Summer as he placed her onto the gurney. He noticed that her lips were moving, but he couldn't hear or make out what she was trying to say.
“Stay here,” one doctor said to him.
Carmelo disregarded the doctor’s demand and walked beside the gurney. Summer’s lips was still moving. He moved closer and leaned down near her face.
“I’m here Summer. You going to be okay, baby girl,” he gripped her hand gently and did his best at trying to reassure her, but he knew it was bad.
“I—I lo love you… Dad,” Summer stuttered before her grip on Carmelo’s hand loosened and her arm fell loosely at her side.
“Summer…. Summer,” Carmelo screamed out in agony.
“Sir, please step back,” a nurse said while stepping forward to check Summer for a pulse.
“No, I'm not moving, Do your fucking job and save her,” Carmelo barked.
Ignoring his outburst the doctors and nurses proceeded through the double doors that clearly stated no visitors beyond that point. The last thing that could be heard clearly was a nurse saying, “No pulse.”
Full of hurt and anger, Carmelo could no longer control his emotions, he sent his fist flying into the wall, leaving behind a huge hole, and causing himself damaged knuckles. The slight pain from hitting the wall was nothing compared to the pain of uncertainty he was facing.
“It should have been me,” Melo cried out as he slid to his knees and broke down.
To be continued…
Treasure’s Acknowledgements
I feel extremely blessed to be in this position again… Book number nine! I must give thanks to God first for making the way and giving me the will to get through it.
To my mother, Tanya, and my grandmother, Laverne, once again you both supported me endlessly. I love you for that. My life wouldn't be what it is if I didn't have the love and support of the both you. I hope I continue to make ya'll proud.
My stepdad, thanks for your support.
#PPP I’m happy to be a part of such a supportive team! Shout out to my bosses, Raymond Francis and Envy_Seal <3
S/O to David Weaver for creating this platform and bringing everyone together by creating what is known to the world as #TBRS
#TBRS Authors and Readers. I see ya’ll!
Charmanie, my codefendant! LOL! Girl I don’t know where to start. We always supported each other’s projects since you joined PPP but working together on this project was a new experience. One that I really do appreciate. Love you Charmie.
Mercedes, AKA Lebron Taylor… T Wade appreciates you! Honestly, in the short amount of time we have known each other you have become one of my closest friends and I mean that outside of this book stuff. Thanks for everything Bezina, Cousins for lyfeeee!
Anjela, lol I know I drive you crazy. I don’t know how many times you going to have to tell me to stop doubting myself, but thank you for continuously supporting me and believing in what I can do. Thanks so much for all that you do for me. Gem loves You Sis!
Talehia, you completed our mean girls circle. I’m glad that we are on the same team. You’re supper supportive and keep me laughing all day. I know that if I need sound advice on anything I can go to. Plus you get mad points because you from Brooklyn <3
Ajah, Thanks for the support. I appreciate you.
Chrissy J. Tenita T. Julisa W. Angelique, Ariel, Janelle M, Searrah, Tee Tee, Nancy G, Shaki'ia W., Mika. Mia Shawnise. Merce. Nyeema B. Promise M. Yara Kaleema. Mariser E. Latoya P. Tameshia P. Vanessa J. LaLa. Victoria Jackson. Victoria Thomas. Brionna. Erinn M. Erica B. Yanni. Jasmine Barber. Sheri H. Deidra P. Jazzy W. Gabriela R. Danielle Grant. Latasia Scipp. Tyrecka Liggons. Little cousin, Margaret Scott. Ajah Jackson. Mellissia DeShields. Nella Bella. Tachira Willis. Lashandria Smith. Ashley Smith. Sandra Starks. Lashonda Knox. Hadiya McDuffie.
& each every person who has, promoted, supported, encouraged, or even checked on my progress... THANK YOU!
My editor, THANK YOU.
Brittani Williams, thank you for the cover!
If I didn't mention you, please blame it on my head not my heart
As always, feel free to
Contact me…
Facebook- Treasure Malian
Twitter- TreasureM__
IG- TreasureM__
Charmanie’s Acknowledgements
First, I would like to thank God for blessing me with the talent of being an author. Here I am on book number 10; none of this would have been possible without him.
To my mommy Sheree, who has been by my side since day one, you told me I could be anything I wanted to be if I put my mind to it. You have always been my backbone and I would not have made it this far without you. Also, my Grammy, you've been there every step of the way and I can't thank you two enough.
S/O to my wonderful bosses Raymond and Envy for giving me a chance. Also David for putting people in a position to go after their dreams.
Much love to the whole #TBRS family.
I definitely have to give a big shout out to my co-author/partner in crime Treasure. You welcomed me with open arms since the beginning and we've been tight ever since. I appreciate all the help, feedback and even the yelling because it helped me out a lot. No matter how many times I wanted to give up, you pushed me harder. I love you lots!
Anjela!!!! Thank you for reading all my emails, calling me out when I was just chilling instead of writing and thank you soooooo much for all the love you have shown and being the motivation that needed. I love you hun <3
Tenita, my Gemini Twin, thank you for always being available to read something for me and giving me great feedback.
Erinn, thank you for keeping me laughing when I needed it the most and never believing me when I said my writing career was over.
Julisa, I appreciate all the inboxes I have received from you when you were trying to put things together and figure stuff out. I also appreciate you telling your friends about my books, you are the bomb.com
Alisha, thank your for letting me hit up your inbox whenever I needed your opinion on something or wanted to know if it was flowing like it should. I really appreciate it.
I definitely can't thank all the loyal fans who have been riding with me since Official Girl. You guys have been my motivation to keep going and busting my pen. All the inboxes, comments, and wall posts have never gone unnoticed, and I appreciate them and you more than you will ever kno
w.
Last but never least, my Angels in heaven, Cora (Mom), Romney (Riggz) and Marisa, Big Shep, and Dad. I pray that you continue to watch over me. I can't forget my cousin Tyrein, keep your head up baby, 2034 will be here before you know it.
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A Gangster's Dream 2 Page 13
