A Gangster's Dream

by Charmanie Saquea

  “Ya’ll good?” Caiden asked.

  “We straight, but I need you to get a team together. Pick up Shaq, I need to meet with him. I gotta go calm Dream down, so I’ll meet up with ya’ll niggas first thing in the morning but pick him up tonight, Cai.” Carmelo said.

  He was sure Caiden understood exactly what he was telling him. Although Caiden hated that things got the way they were between Melo and Shaq, he knew he had to side with his brother regardless.

  “Aight, I’m on it. I’ll hit your phone when everything straight.”

  “Aight bro,” Melo said, before ending the call.

  He jumped out his truck and walked toward the house. Once behind the closed doors of his home, he set out to find Dream.

  Walking into their bedroom he found her standing on the balcony with her back toward him. Dream heard him enter the room but decided to keep her back toward him, not wanting him to see the tears pouring from her eyes. She leaned on the balcony railing and allowed her tears to fall freely, she couldn't control them. Carmelo knew she was crying and understood. If he wasn’t who he was, he would have shed a few tears, too. Not because he was shot at but because the thought of life without Dream was too much for him to even start to accept. He had become so used to them being in each other’s lives and saw her with him for the long run. He didn’t want to lose her, especially over no shit like that. His thoughts trailed off. Instead of staring her and doing nothing about the state she was in, he walked closer to her. Stopping directly behind her, he placed both hands on her shoulders. His touch did nothing but bring more sobbing. He kissed the back of her neck, moving his hands up to her chin.

  Tilting her head back he whispered in her ear, "I'm not going anywhere".

  The words echoed in the back of her mind and bought her back to reality. She turned to look him in the eye. They stared at each other in silence while the rain cascaded on the glass. Picking her up by the waist he sat her on the railing that was her crutch just a few moments ago. With her arms around his neck, Dream kissed Carmelo passionately. Parting his lips with her own, her tongue found its way to the back of his throat. He moaned at her aggressiveness. He pulled away from her and let her watch him undress. Down to just his boxers, Carmelo towered over her as shit bit down on her lip. The anticipation was too much for her to handle. She pulled him in taking off the last piece of material between her and the grand prize. She took him into her mouth not slowing down at all. Moving him in and out of her mouth she was sure not to leave an inch unattended. He threw his head back with pleasure. She continued to make love to him with her mouth at a steady pace not wanting him to finish that way.

  He pulled away from her when he knew he couldn't take it anymore. Quickly, he helped her out of her dress then dropped to his knees. Down on his knees, he removed Dream’s thong so quickly that he ended up ripping the lace. Immediately, his tongue found its way to her lips below and played on her clit. Her knees buckled on the sides of his face. Her heartbeat was audible and her breathing short. She dug her nails into Carmelo's shoulders and crooned his name.

  It would be almost impossible for Melo to let Dream go if that’s what she really wanted. Not only did she have his heart, but the sexual chemistry between them was beyond anything he had ever experienced. He definitely wasn’t trying to give that up. Melo let two fingers slip inside as his tongue continued to lick every inch and corner between her thighs. She listened as he gulped down her juices and hummed against her fresh Brazilian wax. She took her bra off, wanting nothing to be between them. He wouldn't stop. She begged him to come up and go deep inside her, but he was too busy enjoying his meal.

  "Please... Never leave me ... Please Carmelo," she sang.

  She couldn't take it. Dream lost count of the number of times she'd climaxed since he started. She was pouring down more than the rain outside. Finally, he gave in to her demands. He slid her a little closer still, letting her sit down. With both legs spread wide and in the air, he pressed down on her thighs as he plunged inside. She screamed out loud from the force. He continued to crash into her in a circular motion, letting her explode all over his manhood. She was so slippery inside, he could feel her dripping down his legs. Proud that he could relocate her tears, he picked up speed.

  "You got me. I'm not going nowhere," he told her, pounding to each word.

  "I love you!" she screamed. "I need you," she continued.

  His lips found their way to hers again while he cupped her breasts and awaited his climax. He spilled into her and the feeling made her cum one last time. Exhausted, they gazed into each other's eyes. Careful to stay intertwined, he lifted her up and carried her over to the bed. She rested her head on his shoulder as they laid as one and tried to regain some energy.

  “I’m scared, Carmelo,” Dream admitted, after moments of silence.

  “You shouldn’t be. I would never let anything happen to you, Dream.”

  “What about you? What if something happens to you?” she asked.

  “I’m good. You need not to worry about that, for real.”

  “It’s just that I have this feeling. Something isn’t right. Well, that’s obvious after what happened today. I just feel like something bigger is going on. Like, how did those people know where we were going to be? If we were followed, you would have known. It’s like every time you come home and tell me about the things that happened, it’s always suspect. You shouldn’t trust some of the people you have in your circle, bae.”

  “Since that bitch ass nigga Shaq is out the picture, my circle is exactly how it should be, Dream. Come on ma, stop worrying. I got this. I’m going to be straight and so are you,” he did his best at trying to reassure her.

  “I know what I feel, Melo. I’m not going to keep pressing it, though. Just promise me that if for some reason our relationship don’t last or something, don’t forget me.”

  “I’ll never forget you, Dream. I wouldn’t be able to even if I tired,” he said before leaning down and kissing her passionately.

  For the next hour, they lay in each other’s arms in complete silence until they drifted to sleep, one after the other.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Carmelo's eyes fluttered rapidly but didn't open. Still a victim of darkness, he could hear the sound of machines beeping and voices in the distance. The inability to open his eyes or to make out what was being said frustrated him. Unconsciously he stirred in an attempt to get up, causing the hospital bed that held him captive to make noise. The noise caught the attention of Summer who instantly rushed over to her uncle’s bedside.

  "I think he's trying to wake up," Summer said aloud as she reached for Carmelo's hand and gave it a light squeeze.

  In his head, Carmelo was smiling at Summer, but in actuality he was just lying still trying to will his eyes open. Slowly but surely, he was able to make out the voices of the people who were around him. There was Summer, Caiden, and Shaq.

  "Fuck is Shaq doing here? What happened to me? Where is Dream?" he thought to himself.

  "Come on, Uncle Melo," Summer started to plead before she felt him squeeze her hand.

  She leaned over and kissed his cheek. Summer was the only one who had faith in her uncle. She knew that regardless of how bad things looked, he would pull through. Carmelo once made a promise to her that he would never leave her, no matter what. If there was one thing about him that remained constant, it was his ability to keep his promises. Carmelo squeezing Summer's hand was enough for her. She knew it would be soon that he would be back to himself. She just didn't anticipate it being that soon, though. Summer glanced down at Carmelo just as his eyes blinked open.

  She clutched her heart and let out a low gasp.

  "Dad, get the nurse, or the doctor, or someone. Uncle Melo is up," Summer yelled with excitement.

  Without hesitation, Caiden had left the room in search of Melo's doctor. Summer, on the other hand, didn't leave her uncle’s side. She rubbed his hand and insisted that he kept calm. There was nothing calm about Carmelo, t
hough. He had no idea why he was lying motionless in a hospital bed, hooked up to wires, tubes, and machines. Apparently, he was in the hospital. There wasn't any pain from whatever it was that put him in the hospital. What hurt was that the woman he thought he was going to spend the rest of his life with was nowhere in sight.

  Moments later, Caiden returned with Carmelo's Doctor. Dr. Grant checked Carmelo's vitals and once he was sure that he was actually stable, he removed the tube that was assisting Carmelo's breathing.

  "Mr. Love, do you remember what happened and why you ended up in the hospital?" Dr. Grant asked as he scanned over Carmelo's chart.

  He shook his head from left to right, telling the doctor no. His eyes roamed the room idly. "Where is she?" he thought again.

  "You do know who these people are, though?" Dr. Grant asked in a concerned manner.

  He nodded his head yes.

  "Wh--, uhum," Carmelo tried to speak. The words were caught in his throat, which was dry. He thought clearing it would help him say what it is he needed to say but it didn't.

  "Please do not try to speak. You haven't used those vocal chords in a while. We'll get there, but for now, let’s take it a step at a time. Is there something you need to know?"

  Carmelo nodded yes.

  Dr. Grant handed Carmelo the pad that he gripped in his right hand and removed a pen from the pocket of his lab coat.

  "Here. Write down your question here."

  Carmelo had to muster up the energy to write what he was thinking. The writing was barely legible, but Dr. Grant did his best at reading it.

  "Dream?" Dr. Grant stated.

  Melo nodded his head.

  "He's asking for Dream? Any of you know where she is?"

  Summer cocked her head to the side and spoke. "Who is Dream?"

  "Dr. Grant, I've never heard my brother mention a ‘Dream’ before this incident," Caiden added.

  "Me either," Shaquille said.

  "Wh--at thh the fuck are you do--iing here Shaq? What happened to Dream? Wh--re is she?" Carmelo managed to get out before coughing uncontrollably.

  Caiden, Summer, and Shaquille were taken aback by Carmelo's response. For one, they all were confused as to why he was coming at Shaq sideways, and secondly, they had no idea who Dream was.

  "Uncle Melo, we don't know a Dream. You don't remember being shot? We almost lost you. You went into a coma and have been in it for two weeks,” Summer said in an attempt to reason with him.

  Flashes of what happened to land him in the hospital started coming back to him at once. The realization that Dream wasn't real and neither were any of the memories he thought he had after the shooting pained him to the core.

  To be continued....

  Treasure’s Acknowledgements

  I feel extremely blessed to be in this position again… Book number Eight! 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.

  My day 1... Janelle, “I got a dollar and a dream, real chicks on my team!” <3

  #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!

  Chrissy, we here again, the 8th acknowledgement, the 8th thank you for being you and supporting me no matter what! You even vamped with me a few days during this project. Thank you because knowing me if I had no1 to stay up with I prolly would snooze lol.

  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! From all day to late night convos we can chop it up about anything under the sun, books, men, music, ETC… When it’s time to buckle down and get a project done, you got me; no questions asked. Thank you! I hope you know I got you too, Cousin. <3

  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. Gem loves You Sis!

  Tenita T. Julisa W. Angelique, Ariel, 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__

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  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 7; 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 know.

  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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