Playing With Fire: Loyalty Demolished

by Charlee Renea

  Pebbles was lying in her king-size bed wearing a thong and a bra when Tae walked in. He immediately got hard and even hornier.

  “Damn, like that?” he asked her. He took off his Jordans and sat on the bed.

  “Yes; now strip!” she demanded, crawling towards him and rubbing on his chest.

  She helped him out of his plain-white T‑shirt, revealing his bird chest. He laid back on the bed and let her go to work. She unbuckled his belt and pulled down his shorts. She pulled out his erect penis and started sucking it. He enjoyed this about her. There was never a boring moment between the sheets with her.

  “Oh shit! Damn, baby,” he moaned.

  He pushed her head down some more and she took all of him in her mouth. After making him cum, she swallowed his seed and looked up at him. His eyes were closed. Now, she was ready for the important business.

  “Did you like that, baby?” she asked sexily.

  He opened his eyes and came back to life. “Damn, girl, you did that! Took all the energy out of me.”

  “That’s good. I enjoy pleasing you. I didn’t think you were coming home this soon.”

  “I thought I’d surprise you and spend some time with you. I’ll hit the trap tomorrow.”

  “Aw, is the work some fire?”

  He reached down to grab his shorts off the floor. He pulled the cocaine out and handed it to her. She was now satisfied.

  ~ ~

  Before Chyna started talking, Ray got up and grabbed his bag out the closet. This was the first time Pebbles had told him she loved him. ‘She must have sensed I was with a woman!’ Ray thought. He pulled out the money and walked back towards her.

  “I know you’re wondering who that was. She’s been throwing me money to re-up with, but I’ve been giving it to you.” He sat back on the bed. “Here’s six hundred dollars. I told her I was going to Cali to re-up.”

  “Why am I just now finding out?” Usually Ray kept it real with her; she was mad he hadn’t let her know about this new chick.

  “Truthfully, I didn’t want you to worry; plus, I met her months ago. I had to found a new way to bring in extra income.”

  He was being honest with her. He knew he wasn’t keeping Pebbles around for long because he didn’t trust her. She was too desperate about him selling drugs. Usually, a woman wanted her man to better himself, but not her.

  “So who is she?”

  “Her name is Pebbles and I met her in New Jersey a month after I left Kansas City.”

  “So she’s just throwing you money like that?”

  “Yeah, but I’ll give her like ten percent back so she thinks I’m selling. I’ll pay the bills here with the rest of it.”

  “Has she seen you dealing before?”

  “Naw; I always give her an excuse.”

  “Um; I’m not trusting it!”

  “What, baby? I’m not feeling that bitch! All I want is you! Don’t start tripping!”

  “Everything dealing with her! I don’t know a female who’s just going to throw you money like that! I’ll get back in the game—”

  “No! My babies need you! Plus, you’re going to college. You let me handle this! I’m not leaving you and our kids, so don’t worry!”

  Chyna felt she shouldn’t have anything to worry about when it came to Ray loving another woman. He didn’t fall in love quickly. She was worried about this chick’s motives. She didn’t like when other women stepped in when it had something to do with money. Usually women wanted something in return.

  “Okay, baby, but be careful. You know I don’t trust females!”

  Ray didn’t trust Pebbles either and that’s why he kept her at arm’s reach. He didn’t tell her anything to fill her head up and have her thinking he wanted her. He also wondered what her motive was and why she was so giving.

  She lay in Ray’s arms. She wanted to do something to help with the bills, but she was going to listen to her man. She still wasn’t feeling this Pebbles chick! She was too friendly, and if she was trying to come between Ray and her family, she was going to take a personal trip to New Jersey to meet Pebbles.

  ~ ~

  The next morning . . .

  Chris was sitting in the chair flicking ashes on the carpet of the hotel while Ashley was making him some money. She was lying on her back naked, while the man pumped in and out of her. Chris had met the man earlier that morning in the hotel's lobby. They exchange words and he’d agreed to come back to the room for some fun. That was Chris’ plan for Vegas—make money. He texted Jacob.

  Chris: Wassup? Y’all still in town? My girl wants to apologize for starting the fight with your girl.

  Jacob: We’re just waking up. We didn’t talk much about it last night, but I’m sure she’ll accept the apology.

  Chris: Ok. Let’s meet up for lunch.

  Jacob: Ok. How about Hot and Juicy? Their seafood is great.

  Chris: No problem. Around one cool?

  Jacob: Yeah.

  ~ ~

  Bella walked out the bathroom dressed in a high-waisted, flared skirt and a crop-top. She was stunning to Jacob. He told her about the lunch date and she agreed. She prayed not to put hands on Ashley again and to keep her composure. They took a cab to Hot and Juicy Crawfish, a spicy seafood restaurant located off the strip. Chris and Ashley were waiting by the door when they pulled into the parking lot. Jacob paid the driver and they got out.

  “Wassup, bro?” Chris greeted Jacob. “Hello to you as well,” he said, grabbing Bella’s hand.

  “Hey,” Bella spoke.

  “Wassup! Hello, Ashley.”

  Ashley didn’t speak back, she wasn’t in the mood, and Chris caught her attitude.

  “Now we aren’t going have a replay of yesterday’s event! This innocent woman was sent to jail because of your foolishness! Don’t start anything with her! Now apologize!” Chris said, looking at Ashley.

  “I apologize,” Ashley said snottily. She wasn’t feeling the fake moment.

  “Okay; well the wait is ten minutes.”

  “Really? Well, I’m going to use the restroom. Do you mind, Bella?” Jacob asked, looking at her.

  “Sure, go ahead.”

  Jacob walked off, headed to the restroom. Once he was out of sight, Chris’ full attention was on Bella.

  “Go over there somewhere!” Chris told Ashley and she did as she was told. He had been waiting to have a private moment with Bella.

  “So wassup? What’s the purpose you’re here and not with Ray?” Chris asked her.

  She wondered what her business had to do with him, and he shouldn’t be worried about whether she was with Ray or not!

  “Things with us had to change.”

  “Really? So you took flight to Cali? Coming from an ex-convict, I think there’s more to the story. He hustled ten years to get you out. I don’t see him falling off that easy!”

  “Look who’s talking! You’re walking around with the devil. What? Y’all plotting another scam?”

  “Fuck that bitch! Just think, I covered your ass with that bitch more than once! An easy slip and Jacob will know who you really are! Now, are we on the same page about him?”

  “And what page is that?”

  “The billion-dollar money drop coming up? I’ve been planning this! Work with me and your secret’s safe with me.”

  Bella couldn’t believe what had just come out his mouth. Now she had to play Russian roulette and hope she didn’t get the bullet.

  Chris was satisfied he’d cut into her plans. The look on her face confirmed she was guilty and plotting to rob the truck, too. He felt either they worked together or he’d bust her game. Chris didn’t care and was really thinking about keeping all the money himself.

  ~ ~

  Nicole had been trapped in the basement a week and was still clueless as to who the man was. He repeatedly raped and abused her every day. She’d started praying, hoping to be taken out of her misery. She knew she’d done some foul things in life, like talking to Ray e
ven though she’d known he was involved with Ashley. Ashley was kind enough to let her work at her shop, and in return, she’d fucked her man. True, she wasn’t loyal to Ashley, but did she deserve what was happening now? From her understanding, Ashley wasn’t loyal either, setting up Ray’s woman so she could be with him.

  Nicole thought deeply, trying to piece together the puzzle, but the pieces weren’t fitting together. She even thought about Brian’s family and the possibility of them finally finding her, but she’d never seen this man present at any family gatherings. She thought she couldn’t have been wrong for wanting to be out of a situation that no longer made her happy. No, she didn’t have to set up Brian to be killed, but she knew she couldn’t just leave him. He wouldn’t have allowed it or let her live in peace. That’s why she’d had him killed, but she also thought about how she was responsible for Sean being in prison. He’d had nothing to do with her and Brian’s situation, but she’d placed him in it. She wondered if the woman she’d seen up at the prison was responsible for having her kidnapped.

  The creaking of the door sounded and heavy feet walked down the stairs. He turned the lamp on and Nicole tried to play sleep. He threw the cup of cold water on her he had in his hand. She opened her eyes and shook her head back and forth trying to get the water off her face. Her wrists were still tied tightly with the rope.

  “Good afternoon, beautiful. I figured since you don’t like my kisses, I would shower you with water. Maybe you’ll blossom instead of always looking so mean!”

  “What do you want? I’m sure you can have any woman. Why me?” Nicole wanted to tell him anything she felt would fill his head up, and possibly, he’d let her go. The effort was worth the try.

  “Um, you still playing the guessing game? Did you fuck over that many people? Shame on you!” He sat on the bed, and started rubbing up and down her thigh. He admired her naked body. She was beautiful and he wondered why she let her attitude make her so ugly.

  “I’ve never seen you before, only at the club.”

  “Well, I’ve seen you and I know exactly who you are. You’ll have to be more careful with the company you keep!” He chuckled. He’d only seen her at the club, but playing with her mind turned him on even more. He was given the task to kidnap her from the club by a close friend of his. The close friend had some unfinished business to handle with Nicole; soon they would meet again and she couldn’t wait to see the look on Nicole’s face when she revealed herself.

  He pulled his jeans down. Nicole looked up at him, knowing what time it was. She was still sore from last night when he forced himself inside of her roughly. He undid one of the ropes and flipped her over on her stomach, causing the other rope to be pulled tighter. He jammed himself inside her, having his way like many times before. She closed her eyes, taking the pain and hoping it would be over quickly. He grabbed a handful of her hair, pulling her head back.

  “I know you like this doggie style. Why are you trying to act like you don’t?”

  . . . 8

  Chyna had cooked breakfast for the family. She was enjoying the family time and soaking up every moment while it lasted. She had dressed Junior and her for the day so they could go visit her mother. Ray was looking forward to announcing the news to Tara. He would own up to not spending time with Junior, which had hurt him inside, but he was there financially, unlike some other men. He prayed that one day she would understand fully and see the potential of the good father he was.

  “I hope she’ll be civilized about the situation,” Ray said as he pulled into Tara’s driveway. He wanted to change the living arrangements before he went to L.A.

  “She has no choice! Baby, I’m here and we’re going work through this together,” Chyna said, rubbing his leg. “If she wants to be part of her grandchildren’s lives, she’ll go along with the plan.”

  “I don’t want to tear y’all apart.”

  “You won’t, baby. Come on.”

  They kissed then got out the car. Ray grabbed Junior from the back seat. When they walked in the house, Tara was sitting on the sofa watching TV. She didn’t have much of a life, considering her children’s father had supposedly died overseas while he was on duty with the Navy and her other children lived in other states. All she had was Junior when Chyna was gone.

  She didn’t feel comfortable dating another man because her heart still belonged to him. He was her high-school sweetheart, and her first and only sexual partner. She’d felt special marrying the man who’d taken her precious gift and building a family with him. She didn’t have the courage to let him go. That was why she was overly-protective when it came to Chyna and Ray. She just wanted the best for her daughter.

  Her insides lit up when they walked through the door. She was happy to see Junior. Ray put him down and he ran to his grandma’s arms. She picked him up and kissed his cheeks.

  ‘She has no other choice than to do as I say!’ Ray thought. He and Chyna took a seat on the other sofa.

  “Hi, grandma’s baby. Did you miss me? I missed you!” Junior chuckled and was happy to be back in his grandma’s arms. Tara looked up at them and broke the silence. “Um, I see he’s back! For how long this time? Two hours?”

  Chyna rolled her eyes. “Ma, please don’t start! We’re under a lot of pressure now and the extra-negative energy isn’t worth it!”

  “Oh please, Chyna! You let him do whatever! When are you going to start saying something?” Tara said, getting loud.

  “Ma, I didn’t come to argue. We’re just trying to get everything worked out. I’m due any day now and—”

  “Right and what? You gon leave here, too, so you can run off behind him again?”

  Chyna got up and walked outside to keep from saying something inappropriate.

  “Go on, follow behind her! Hell, you’re the reason my daughter is in the streets!” she said, pointing her index finger towards Chyna.

  “With all due respect, Chyna has a mind of her own, and whatever decisions she makes are on her! Yes, we left our son in your care, but it was for a good reason.”

  “What good reason? Please explain!”

  “Hold on, Tara! I’d rather Chyna tell you what’s been going on, but even though we left him with you, you fail to realize you don’t pay any bills, and we take care of Junior and you financially. So don’t make it seem like we just left him with you to take care of fully! Now I’m going to check on her.”

  He got up, feeling like he’d put Tara in her place because she didn’t have anything to say. Tara turned her attention to Junior. He didn’t have to walk outside because Chyna walked back in.

  “Are you okay?” he asked her.

  “Yes, I just needed a breather. Now, Ma, I know I haven’t been the best mom to Junior, but I’m working on it and improving. I didn’t go straight to college like my siblings, but I’m working on that, too. The reason for this conversation is I found another house for all of us that’s bigger—as in you, Junior, Ray’s family, and me—to share until we decide where we want to settle down. Paying three rents is costly and we can’t afford it right now.”

  “So you’re telling me I have to move out of my comfort zone? Are you fucking serious? Money my ass! I’m ready to go back home! That’s the only place I’m moving to!”

  ~ ~

  Back in Kansas City . . .

  “So how much did the slut make?” Nikki asked as she combed her hair in the mirror.

  When Chris got back in town, he’d dropped Ashley off at the house and headed to Nikki’s place.

  “She made two thousand dollars.”

  Nikki turned to look at him with a raised brow. “That’s it?”

  “Yes! She got into a fight there, too, so it knocked her off a night.”

  “I guess.” She walked toward the bed and joined Chris. “Something is better than nothing! Cut me my share and I’ll set it up to have her arrested first thing tomorrow. I should be charging you more!”

  He laughed. “How about I just give you the whole thing.” Ch
ris wasn’t tripping about the two thousand because he’d be making a lot more money doing the Brink’s job. “To show you how much I appreciate your hard work!”

  “The whole thing? What’s up your sleeve?” She knew he wasn’t that giving. He was too selfish.

  “Nothing; just have her arrested. I’m tired of looking at her!”

  Nikki had a good feeling why Chris was giving her all the money. ‘He must have everything planned out!’ she thought. But she had a surprise for him later on down the road. Soon karma would be visiting him for all the foul mess he’d pulled.

  ~ ~

  The next morning . . .

  Nikki walked into work wearing a smile as she walked to her boss’ office. She was smelling good wearing Chanel Perform and looking even better in a long, grey pencil skirt, pink button-up blouse, grey blazer and pink heels. Her hair was in a neat bun and she wore a little makeup. The light was on in her boss’ office but the door was shut. She lightly tapped on the door and invited herself in. Her boss was sitting at her desk drinking coffee.

  “Hey, boss. Good morning!”

  “Morning, Nikki. What brings you in?”