Chapter 4
It had to have been hours before I opened my eyes, not realizing that I had fallen asleep. The musky smell invading my nose alerted me that someone was near. When I noticed I could move around freely, I jumped up and fell on the floor.
Okay, jumping out of my sleep was a bad idea.
I lifted from the floor and noticed the tall, sexy, evil man sitting in the window seal. It was now dark as I watched the tip of his blunt glow red while he puffed away. Our eyes locked, and I swallowed. He didn't look happy, but hell, neither was I. I took my time making that good ass salad, and he just tossed it in the garbage. I admit I could have just said thank you, but I didn't like the way he made people do shit as if we were obligated to do as he said. Ghana told me to be nice, but how could I when he was being a rude asshole?
"You calm now?" he asked. I lifted from the floor and sat on the couch, staring at him.
"I get crazy when I'm hungry. You saw how happy I was making that salad... I even put on a whole concert, and you came in here ruining everything. How did you think I was going to act?"
"Grateful."
I snorted. "Maybe I could have said thank you, but your sarcasm and ugly attitude made me rebel. You're not being very nice, so why should I? Then you tie me up like some kidnapper?—"
"You put your hands on me."
"I wouldn't have put my hands on you if you hadn't dumped my food down the drain."
"I wouldn't have dumped your shit down the drain had you said thank you."
"I would have said thank you if you weren't being a dick."
"Maybe some dick is what you need."
"I wouldn't fuck your rude ass if you were the last nigga on earth."
Through the lighting coming through the window, I could see the mischief in his smile. "Who said I would be the one giving it to you? Stop trying to fuck me, Mona."
"Pssh, please. Don't flatter yourself. You think because you're fine, you can fuck anybody with a pussy?"
"I don't fuck just anybody with a pussy... everybody's not worthy."
"You're really an arrogant asshole."
"Contrary to what you believe, I'm probably the nicest nigga you'd ever meet. Only when motherfuckas act out do I match their energy times ten. Don't be on the receiving end of my wrath, Mona Lisa. I'm trying to wave the red flag."
"Why do you keep calling me that? And it's a white flag."
"My flag will always be red." Ruger stared at me. Only this time, I didn't see anger, irritation, or malice. His eyes conveyed what I saw earlier today... admiration.
Before he could reply, the buzzer sounded. He stood from the window and walked over to the elevators, now dimming the lights. I watched his every move, noticing he was shirtless. His joggers hung dangerously low, and from the looks of it, he wasn't wearing anything under them. He looked at the camera, then pressed a button, allowing the car to ascend. When it opened, I noticed a delivery man carrying bags from Bar 7. I loved that place.
"Thanks, Nore. 'Preciate you."
"No problem, Mr. Santana. Have a good evening." The man bowed, stepped back on the elevator, and disappeared as quickly as he had come.
I then watched as Ruger pulled a plate from the cabinet and grabbed silverware before walking over to the table and placing everything down. I didn't speak. I just watched his tattoo covered body move around, placing the silverware on a napkin and food on the plate. His body was like a work of art, as if it should be cemented and placed in an exhibit to be marveled at and honored.
"Come eat." His gruff voice spoke, knocking me out of my trance.
"Is there any way you could say that in a nicer way?" He sighed deeply. I was sure he was irritated with me by now.
"There's dinner over here if you'd like to come eat."
I smiled lightly. "I need to put on some clothes first."
"You want to try this again?" he asked, grabbing my luggage and handing it to me.
I put on a fake smile and clenched my teeth. "Thank you."
He smirked. "Much better, and you're welcome. There's a bathroom right through there." He pointed to a space under the iron stairs that I hadn't noticed during my exploring. "I'll be by to check on you tomorrow. Enjoy your dinner." He walked around me and headed toward the stairs.
"Wait! You're not staying?"
He looked at me as his eyes dropped from my face, trailed down to my bare feet, then back up slowly while meeting my eyes again.
"No," he simply replied, then continued his stride to the stairs.
"Why? I..."
I didn't want to admit that now that it was dark, I was afraid. This place was too big, and although its beauty made me want to live here forever, I didn't want to be here alone. My apartment was just right for me, but this was too much.
Ruger slowly advanced toward me until he was inches away from my face.
"Not your little shit-talking ass afraid to be alone." He chuckled. "I'm not staying here because your brother asked me not to fuck you."
"Excuse me? As if you could!"
"Oh, I know I could, and I will if I stay here. You irritate me so badly with that smart-ass mouth and fucked up attitude. I'll fuck that shit right up out of you and have your head so gone you'll need a GPS to find it. Stop while you're ahead, Mona Lisa."
I scoffed. "Your arrogance is unbecoming."
"You call it arrogance. I call it confidence." He moved a little closer to me, and my breathing momentarily paused.
The scent of sandalwood radiated from his beautifully tattooed skin like he was born smelling like the fragrance. Those dark eyes smoldered beneath the dim lighting of the living room as his long, thick tongue slithered out, licking his bottom lip. My yoni betrayed me, creating a subtle pool that I prayed wouldn't create a puddle down my legs onto this floor. I hadn't had sex with anyone in six months. The last guy I gave myself to moved to Kentucky, so it's just been me and my Rose getting the job done.
I would never admit to the man standing before me that if he touched me, I'd fold. His arrogance, or what he considered confidence, turned me off and on at the same time.
"I can smell the months, possibly a year, of that kitty not being stroked." His palm found my neck and lightly squeezed.
A moan escaped my lips as my head fell back and my eyes closed.
Ruger made a clicking sound with that thick ass tongue. "That pussy's purring. Here, kitty kitty." His low, husky tone made my knees buckle. The growl that left his throat gave me butterflies as I felt his tongue slide across my bottom lip and suck it gently. "Here, kitty, kitty, kitty."
My inner thighs were now wet with secretion as my hands found his waist. What the fuck is he doing to me? His catcalling had me ready to pounce on him. I had to get my shit together and stand on business because there was no way I could allow him to think he got me. I pushed away from him, and he laughed.
"Your food is getting cold." The assertive look Ruger gave me pissed me off. He walked away from me, and this time, I allowed him to.
Fuck ! This sexy motherfucka was too much for me. There was no way I wouldn't be stroking myself in the bathroom to relieve this damn pressure that he created.
"Fuck!" I scolded under my breath, grabbing my rolling luggage and going to the bathroom. Yeah, he needs to get out and never bring his ass back.
The Next Morning
"Bitch, where you at?" Nani asked as I sat in the center of Ruger's bed with my legs crossed. My laptop was open while I waited for my class to start.
Last night I slept with all the lights on because I refused to sleep in the dark in this big ass place. It was crazy how the outside of this place looked abandoned but so plush when you walked in. Even as beautiful as it was, I was still scared and wasn't sleeping in the dark.
I frowned, looking at Nani on FaceTime. After everything that happened yesterday, this was the first time this bitch contacted me. When I charged my phone last night, there wasn't a voicemail, a text, or a damn DM from her. Considering her boyfriend's gang kidnapped me and sexually harassed me, I would have thought she'd know what the fuck happened to me. However, as I looked at her on FaceTime, it was clear she was clueless as to what the hell happened yesterday.
"Where were you yesterday?" I asked.
"Oh, Murder took me to Traverse City... Kenz, I think I wanna marry his ass." She blushed like some schoolgirl, further pissing me off.
"Do you even care to know what happened to me yesterday? You were supposed to meet me for brunch before I went to class. While you were getting wined and dined, I was being held hostage by your nigga's crew."
"What? What happened?" she asked, sitting up from her lying position.
"Niko happened. The other day, he sexually harassed me in the parking lot of Target. I told Ghana, and he crashed out, putting Niko's ass in the hospital. Then yesterday, I was on my way to class when those Blaze bitches snatched me up."
"Oh my God, Kenzi. I swear I didn't know."
"How could you when you were probably face down ass up?"
"Okay, I'm sorry that I wasn't there. Murder just spontaneously whisked me away. I forgot to call you, and I'm sorry, bestie. Niko is such a bitch ass nigga! How did you get away?"
"The Rebels pulled up and got me out of there. The leader..."
I closed my eyes and swallowed. Just the thought of Ruger's soft lips on mine made a thump hit my clit as I bit my lip to suppress the urge to smile because my bestie needed a quick checking.
"Ruger?" Nani's voice snapped me out of my sexual thoughts.
"Yeah, him. He brought me here to his loft to hide out until things calm down. Truth called me this morning and fired me, and now I'm taking online classes because of those demonic niggas you brought me around. I don't even know how I'm going to pay for the rest of my semester now."
"I'm still stuck on the part of you being at Ruger's house. Like, from the stories I've heard, the man doesn't like people."
This bitch didn't hear shit I just said. I shook my head, opting to keep my comments to myself about the lack of concern.
"Yeah, I'm sensing that, but I don't care anything about that. I'd rather be in my apartment and not have to worry about this shit. I should have never gone with you as I planned."
"Wait, are you blaming me for what happened?"
"No, Nani?—"
"Oh, because it's sounding real accusatory."
I frowned deeper. "First of all, if you really want to be technical, it kind of is your fault. I've been telling you for months that those niggas ain't right. Everything they do and everything they stand for isn't right. You always go for the bad boys, then a month or two later, you're crying on my shoulder because them niggas ghosted you."
"Straight up, Kenzi? Tell me how you really fucking feel."
"I'm just being honest with you. You're my best friend, and I've had to wipe a mountain of your tears since I met you ten years ago. I always have your best interest at heart, so I'm going to tell you when shit ain't right. Murder is a part of a ruthless gang, so I'm telling you now, what you think is going to happen as far as y'all future together is never going to happen."
"That's some fucked up shit to say! You don't even know Murder like I do. He's not even that deep with them."
"Okay, Nani, let's change the subject." Before you piss me off further. "I'm stuck in this freaking loft. I can't cook shit, and I'm just really stressed about all of this. On top of that, the nigga is an asshole."
"I told you he doesn't like people. Why didn't Grue just have someone look after you?"
"This is supposed to be someone looking after me. I hope Ruger's ass sends someone else, because I can't take too much more of his cocky-ass attitude." Or the BDE he's exuding around here.
Nani laughed. "Bitch, please. Ruger is fine as fuck. I know for a fact ya ass been over there rubbing it out to the image of him."
"Girl, fuck you." We both laughed as I watched Professor King enter the classroom. "Na, I gotta go. My professor just walked in. I'll call you after my class is over."
"A'ight. I am sorry for ditching you, though, and I love you."
"It's all good. I love you too." I blew her a kiss before hanging up. I knew I wasn't calling her back. This wasn't the first time she'd ditched me for a nigga, so I'm sure it wouldn't be the last.
I met Nani one night at a bar in Royal Oak. She was in an altercation with another female and her friends and seemed to be outnumbered. I wasn't trying to insert myself into her beef, but since she was alone, I couldn't help but step in and help her.
Ghana taught me how to fight, so I wasn't worried about losing. However, Nani was like a buck twenty and five-foot-three. Those girls were twice her size, and I just couldn't let them jump on her. I could tell she was scared because she thanked me so many times that night for saving her. After that, we were inseparable. She told me her life story of how she grew up in the system, didn't know her parents, and had been couch-surfing at friends' homes who didn't really want her there. Her first relationship with Demontae Harvey was the best relationship she'd had. He treated her like a queen and tricked her out, but because she didn't know real love and had an insatiable desire for bad boys, she fumbled him.
I'd had to nurse Nani's wounds in more ways than one. From niggas beating on her, mentally abusing her, to taking advantage of her vulnerability. Each time, I said nothing. I allowed her to vent and cry on my shoulder, gave her the best advice I could give, and always was a supportive friend.
I knew how sensitive she was, but I was fed up with being the friend to pour until I was empty. I had always shown up for Nani, but it was never reciprocated when I needed her to be there for me. I loved her, but I loved me more.
While listening to my professor give a crash course on psychology, my phone buzzed next to me with a text. Thinking it was Nani texting me to ask for something, I picked it up and frowned seeing the unknown number on my screen.
734-322-2112:
Ya smart mouth ass don't know how to cook?
Me:
???
734-322-2112:
?????
I had no idea who this was, but taking a wild guess, I replied.
Me:
Ruger?
734-322-2112:
Get ya ass in the kitchen and eat something, Mona.
Me:
Why do you care if I eat? You left me here by myself.
734-322-2112:
Eat.
Me:
Clearly, you know I can't cook. Are you going to come cook for me??
A few minutes went by without a reply, so I sent him the question marks again. Still nothing. I scoffed as I retrained my focus on the laptop. When I woke up this morning, I had only taken care of my hygiene, drank some coffee, and eaten an apple. The food I had last night was demolished the moment I set my ass in that chair to eat, so there were no leftovers.
I was starving, so I texted Ghana to see if he could bring me something to eat. He had yet to return my text, but I'm sure he was the one who told Ruger, who was now texting me some bullshit.
My first class ended at ten-thirty as I made my way downstairs to see what the hell I could eat.
"This shit has to be a crime. I'm being forced to stay here, and I can't even get a decent meal." I fussed while going through the cabinets, finding snacks — snacks that were all too freaking healthy for me. I was tempted to walk to a local store around here, but I didn't have the codes to the door or elevator.
Just as I cracked open the Nutri-Grain bar, the buzzer sounded. I paused before slowly making my way to the camera by the door. I could see a guy standing by the elevator in a black chef's coat with some kind of rolling case at his side. I had no idea how to let him up, and I certainly didn't want to, considering I had people looking for me.
My phone buzzed with another text.
734-322-2112:
Let him up. The code is the last four digits of my phone number.
Me:
How do I know it's safe?
734-322-2112:
I wouldn't send anyone who would bring you harm, Mona.
I put in the code and waited for the guy to come up. Once the elevator doors opened, I gave him a friendly smile, and he smiled back.
"I'm Jaxson... Kenzi, right?" He introduced.
This man was fucking fine. His dark skin looked like melted dark chocolate, and his teeth were Colgate white. His eyes were dark and mysterious — just like Ruger's — with a healthy beard that looked soft, with thick eyebrows that women wished they could obtain, and waves that made me seasick.
When this is over, I'm finding me a dick to ride. This is crazy!
Finding my voice, I replied. "I am."
He smirked, probably noticing me checking him out. "Cool, I came to feed you. I don't do this for everybody, but apparently, my brother has to be fond of you."
"Ruger's your brother?"
"Affirmative."
"I highly doubt that man is any kind of fond of me," I replied, heading to the table. "But thank you for coming to feed me."
He only chuckled and moved to the kitchen.
I watched as Jaxson washed his hands then opened up the case, pulling out veggies, meats, and all the ingredients for breakfast. Jaxson was smaller than Ruger in size, but I could see the contours of muscles on his forearms that were littered with tats. The way he moved around the kitchen like he was about to throw down had me anticipating the meal he was about to prepare.
"Do you have any food allergies?" He asked the question, but my horny ass was so busy staring at him that my answer was delayed.
I snapped out of my trance, picked up my phone to distract me, and answered, "Tomatoes."
"Got you." Putting on a chef's hat, a beard mask, and black latex gloves, he began taking out pots and pans while I busied myself with scrolling Facebook. After ten minutes of silence, I decided to make conversation.
"So, you ride too?"
"I do."
"Nice. What kind of bike do you have?"
"We only ride Harleys, baby. I have a street glide."
"Ghana was trying to teach me how to ride, but that bike was too heavy for my little ass. Besides, I was afraid of falling."
"It's really not that hard once you take your foot off the pavement. Doing it scared is what makes you successful."
"True. Do you own a restaurant?"
"Yeah, two. Santana's and Honor Thy Food. Both in remembrance of my late father."
I saw Jaxson seasoning the huge steak, and my damn mouth watered. I was an easy one hundred forty-five pounds, but my ass was acting like a big back. I couldn't help it. I loved food. I just didn't know how to cook the shit.
All the things that Sahari should have taught me, she didn't. All she truly cared about was Ghana's dad and how to take care of him. I had to learn from our neighbor, Ms. Betty, how to properly care for my hygiene.
"My condolences. Were you all close?"
"We were."
"I'm sorry, I'm being intrusive."
He chuckled. "You're good, Mona Lisa. I welcome the conversation."
I playfully rolled my eyes. "Not you too. Did Ruger tell you to call me that?"
He laughed. "He did not, but that's what he calls you, so that's your name."
"I like how you all go around renaming people. Very cutesie." He laughed some more as he heated up the stove.
"He likes you, ya know."
"Who? Your mean ass brother?"
"The nigga's really not that bad once he opens up to you. It's hard for him to express himself due to his past, but if he likes you, you'll start to see the change in his attitude. Just don't match that bad energy with him because the man is petty as hell. He can hold a grudge longer than Abraham lived in the bible days." Jaxson laughed again, showing those beautiful teeth.
"I can believe it. Do you have a girlfriend?"
He'd be perfect for Nani... or me . I'd turn him and his brother every which way but loose. It should be a sin how fine they were. They weren't twins, but those genes were strong. The only difference between the two was their skin tones and attitudes. I liked Jaxson. He was much nicer than his evil ass brother, but I guessed it would be considered balance.
"A wife and two daughters," he replied.
"Wow. Not you out here being a whole husband and father." We both laughed. "Well, she's very lucky, and I'm sure it's mutual."
"It is. I've been with her since high school."
"Aww, high school sweethearts. I love it."
"Yep. We have two beautiful girls, Sage and Sadè. Sage is thirteen, and Sadè is ten."
"I'll bet they're beautiful."
"Absolutely, and the center of my universe."
"Super cute. A girl dad. I love that for you," I complimented.
"Thanks. So, why you out here causing trouble?" Jaxson looked up briefly from cutting the potatoes with a smirk on his face.
"That had nothing to do with me. That crazy man violated me. I was scared," I admitted.
"I'm just fucking with you, but it's understandable. Ghana is family. We've known him for a little over fifteen years, and it's crazy how he never brought you around. He'd mention you, but we never saw you. It was like an out-of-sight, out-of-mind situation. It wasn't until this happened that we finally saw the face beyond the name."
"Ghana has always been protective of me and vice versa. When my mom ran off with his dad, we were alone in this world. Ghana was only eighteen... way too young to be caring for a fourteen-year-old. I knew I couldn't be out here reckless because I had to be there for him. He would forget to take his meds and would spazz out real bad every time the thought of our mother leaving us crossed his mind. I used to be in the corner, crying my eyes out until he calmed down enough to take his meds."
I looked away and blinked back the tears that were threatening to fall. Those days were the worst days of our lives. And every day that passed without my mother's return made me resent her more and more. She left me with a mentally unstable brother, who had to rob people to pay the bills and keep food in the house. It was by the grace of God that the house was paid off. We didn't know shit about taxes, so when we started getting letters in the mail about foreclosure, Ms. Betty stepped in and helped us. I would forever be grateful for her.
"Mona..." Jaxson called out to me. I looked over at him. "Look where y'all are now... well, not right now..." We both chuckled. "But look at what you all were able to get through. I'm sure Grue's mental health wasn't easy, but even as young as you were, I could tell you were smart beyond your years. Y'all took care of each other no matter how tough it was to get through. Y'all got through it. He loves you, though. I'll tell you that."
"I have no doubts. I'm just really scared for him."
The tears that I was trying to suppress made their way down my cheeks. Even when I tried to swipe them away, an audible cry left my throat. My brother was my world. I couldn't lose him because of something that could have been avoided. I didn't have to tell him what Niko did to me. Niko got his funky ass rocks off by touching my boobs and ass and talking filthy to me, but I could have just let it go and stayed away from them. I didn't have to tell Ghana at all, knowing his ass wasn't wrapped too tight, especially when it came to me and my protection. This was on me, and now my brother had to shut them down before this thing went any further.
Jaxson came over to me, pulling me up from the chair and wrapping his arms around me. I cried even harder as I held on to the wings of his back while he rubbed mine.
"Calm down, shorty. Everything is going to be good. We're going to take care of this, and you'll be free to go wherever you want without having to worry about if someone is trying to harm you. I promise." I nodded against his chest as he kissed my forehead.
The elevator's bell broke us apart as Ruger walked inside, staring at us. His eyes left his brother's and came to me. I wiped my tears quickly, not wanting his mean ass to see me vulnerable.
Ruger walked over to us and took my hand. He nodded to Jaxson, and he smiled, going back into the kitchen. Ruger took me upstairs, and once we made it to the bedroom, he wrapped his arms around me. For a few minutes, we said nothing. It was nothing like the feeling of strong arms wrapped around you. In his arms, I felt safe, secure, and protected. I didn't want to like this, but I did. The man was rude, cocky, and too confident, but I guess seeing me cry did something to him. I admit, I liked it... a lot.
"When I pulled that sackcloth from your head, the first thought that came to mind was the picture of Mona Lisa. Even through your terrified eyes, I saw beauty. Someone poised, graceful, and demure. A beauty that was so potent that I could stare at you for hours and never get tired of looking at you. When you were asleep on the couch, I watched you for an hour. I know I may sound like a creep, but I was mesmerized until you opened your mouth, and I was reminded of why I stay clear of your kind." He chuckled and released me but still stood staring down at me.
I smirked. "You have been rude to me since I got on your bike, so I had no choice but to put on my armor."
"You call it rude. I call it protecting you. I know shit seems crazy right now, but I promise this will be over soon. You putting snot on my brother's shirt allowed me to see beyond your tough exterior... and now I just want to protect your heart."
"Why? You don't even like me."
"I don't like your smart mouth. Show me the real you, and you'll see a different side of me."
I nodded as I backed away from Ruger, trailing my eyes from his biker boots, black jeans, black tee-shirt, and MCR vest with his colors on them. Two gold chains rested on his broad chest, and he still smelled like heaven on earth. When my eyes met his, he smirked, looking just like that fine-ass brother of his.
"I'm still not going to fuck you, Mona."
"Oh, that's fine. Ya brother's looking just like that brunch he's making. If he wasn't married, I would bust it wide open for him," I teased, biting my bottom lip and smiling.
His eyes grew dark as he leaned into me. "Say that shit again."
"I saiiiid, if your bro?—"
Ruger's palm around my neck stopped me from talking, and he squeezed with just enough pressure to cause a moan to escape my lips.
"Careful, Mona. You keep tapping the beast on his shoulder, and you're going to eventually get his attention. I'm trying to respect your brother and not toss your ass up, but keep talking foul, and you gon' fuck around and find out. I'll apologize to bro later about how I turned his sister out."
"Mmm... You really think you got it like that, huh? I'll bet you can't fuck or eat the box. You're all talk," I challenged him. I don't know why I was playing with fire. This man looked like he'd have me begging for his love, grace, and tender mercies.
That famous smirk drew up on Ruger's face as he released me. "Bring ya crazy ass on and eat. I promise these are not the problems you want, mama."
He turned and headed back down the stairs as I sat there, trying to stop my heart and pussy from racing.