Chapter 12
Twelve
The only time Noble hung out at clubs was when it was someone’s birthday.
Today was Wilde’s birthday, and he was celebrating at Club Karma.
Noble sat in the section, sipping from his double cup with dark Prada glasses shielding his eyes.
Nuke was to his right, like always while Zayd and Vic sat to his left.
Wilde hugged all the women who vied for his attention.
His little brother loved women like him.
He attracted them because of his status in the streets and good looks.
However, women had been a downfall for Wilde ever since he got his first taste of pussy.
“Aye, nigga, come smoke one with me!” Wilde requested loudly as he wrapped his arm around Zayd.
He quickly pushed Wilde’s arm off him, making him laugh.
“You always acting weak. You gay, bitch!” Wilde snapped.
“Fuck you,” Zayd snarled, looking the other way.
“I don't know why your bitch-ass came.” Wilde shook his head. “You put this emotional nigga in charge for what? Look how he act.”
Noble angled his head. “You questioning my moves?”
“No, but you should’ve thought this shit out a lil’ longer ‘cause this nigga moves like a hoe.”
Zayd smirked. “Don't piss me off, nigga. I’ll fuck you up on your bitchday, punk.”
Noble and Vic laughed as Wilde waved his hand and walked off. TLM was all through the club, making it more rowdy than normal. Since Noble was in attendance, they kept the ratchet behavior to a minimum.
“What’s up, gang?”
Noble turned to his left and noticed Jovanis approaching.
He didn’t even get a good look at him since his Pumpkin was closely behind him.
Noble studied her like an exam, taking notice of the chocolate velvet body suit and toffee-toned wrap skirt.
The split traveled all the way up to her hip, exposing her toasted brown leg.
Noble hated the position he’d put himself in. Not being able to grab Irish and suck on her lips was almost torturous for him. And what made it worse was that she hadn’t given him any eye contact. She looked the other way as if he wasn’t there.
“What’s up, nigga?” Noble finally greeted Jovanis, giving him a handshake.
“Shit, where Wilde’s ass at?”
“He was just over here.”
Noble’s gaze returned back to Irish. She had reached for Jovanis’ hand, prompting his jaw to clench.
“Oh, a’ight, I’m ‘bout to take her to the bar to get a drink.”
Noble nodded, watching him usher Irish out of the section. She still hadn’t given him eye contact, which only incensed him further.
“She so mothafuckin’ bad,” Zayd noted. “I know that nigga don't know what to do with her.”
He don't but I do…
“Noble’s ass was peepin’ her when she was at the lounge, too,” Vic revealed. “You know how he get when he see his prey.”
Zayd chortled. “Naw, I know bro ain't on that type of time. Noble don't take niggas’ bitches. Stop playing with my brother.”
Zayd’s words sobered Noble up a bit. Everyone knew he moved with grace and respect for the most part.
What would they think when they found out that he was fucking Jovanis’ wife?
The circumstances wouldn’t matter, only the offense.
Losing respect was one of Noble’s worst fears.
Not just with TLM but within his family as well.
“Nah, cuz ain't on that but he be looking.” Nuke chuckled.
“Shit, I’ma look, too.” Zayd grinned. “Her fine ass better stay out the way ‘cause I don't give a fuck about Jovanis.”
Noble smacked his lips. “Nigga, you wouldn’t know what to do with that.”
He was well versed in the anatomy of Irish. Pussy that good was only reserved for boss niggas like Noble.
“What?” Zayd scrunched his face. “I guarantee I do.”
“Yeah, a’ight,” he said with doubt.
Noble grabbed his phone from his lap and went to Irish’s name. He had to send her a text because one thing Noble hated was to be ignored.
“I should’ve stayed at the hospital with Cali. It don't feel right not having my sidekick with me.”
Jovanis smirked as he passed her a sidecar. “So, I ain't your sidekick no more?”
She grinned, leaning into him. “You're my forever sidekick. You know that.”
“I was just checking,” he joked, turning to talk to the bartender.
Irish took a sip of her drink as her phone buzzed. When she looked at the screen, her cheeks flushed.
Noble: Don't play with me like that again. Not acknowledging me will get you fucked up, Pumpkin.
Irish: I’m sorry, Papa. I was just playing my part.
Her gaze traveled to Noble who was now entertaining a woman with a big ass. She leaned into him, provoking a smirk to settle on his lips. Irish hated the visual as she scoffed and looked forward.
“What’s wrong?” Jovanis asked her.
Quickly fixing her features, Irish assured, “Nothing.”
“A’ight, let’s go back to the section.”
Irish wanted to be anywhere but near Noble at this time. Not being able to hug and kiss him was tormenting. Not to mention, the BBL bandit was still in his face, trying her best to flirt but she looked thirsty.
Irish took a seat at the end of the sofa while Jovanis sat next to her.
Other members were seated in the section along with their flavors of the night.
Irish didn’t engage with those women. Her only comrade was Cali.
She had been her rider through Jovanis and Rio’s stint in TLM and now that she was down, Irish was lonely.
“Why you ain't on the dance floor?” Jovanis teased her.
“I told you that my partner in crime ain't here. That’s who I fuck shit up with.”
Jovanis twisted his lips. “You know you be stiff as fuck out there.”
Irish gasped, prompting him to chortle. She nudged him with her shoulder.
“You're a hater.”
“I’m just fucking with you. You know you be fucking shit up.”
Her gaze drifted to Noble who’s phone was inside the hands of BBL Bandit. She looked to be saving her number.
I know this bitch ain't giving him her number…
Irish was annoyed but did her best to mask it.
Noble wasn’t hers. She didn’t have any ownership over him, but he was special to her.
Her feelings had bloomed like a garden filled with tulips.
He occupied her thoughts for most of the day.
She wanted Noble but knew she wouldn’t be able to have him completely.
So being mad about him entertaining some broad was pointless.
“So, what do you think about Noble, as far as the leader of TLM? Is he better than Tuck?”
Jovanis took a sip before bobbing his head.
“Yeah, he’s way better. He’s levelheaded and calculating.
Tuck was a loose cannon. He let everybody act crazy, which drew too much attention from twelve.
Shit just flows smoother with Noble running shit.
I respect him a lot.” Jovanis peered at her with an arched brow. “Why you wanna know?”
“What?” she feigned innocence.
“You tryna see what’s up with him?” he joked.
She snickered, knowing she was already well versed in Noble. If Jovanis only knew how deep he had been in her pussy the last time they met up. She was certain his smile would cease immediately.
“No, I just respect your opinion and wondered who the better leader between him and Tuck is. That’s all.”
“Oh, a’ight.” He smirked.
“Like you would be cool with me dating him.” She needed to test the waters just in case her veil with Noble was snatched off.
“You right, I wouldn’t. You can date anybody but fucking with my niggas or any people I’m close to is a hell no. I can’t have that shit.”
That made her stomach sour. She no longer wanted to sip on her drink. Irish knew Jovanis so well that she was aware he wouldn’t like her affair with Noble. However, listening to him declare that it was a big no, filled her to the brim with gloom.
“Don't you got a nigga, though?”
“Don't you?” she retorted.
“Aye.” He looked around. “Don't say that shit too loud.”
“Oh, please.” She rolled her eyes. “The music is too loud, and no one is paying attention to us. I would never do that to you.”
“I know.” He pinched her chin. “You always got my best interest at heart.”
“Forever,” she promised. “Now, when will I meet your person?”
A gust of wind pushed from his nose as he shrugged. “I don't think I’m ready for that. And it’s not because it’s you, it’s just…”
“Complicated,” she finished for him.
“Yeah, you understand, right?”
“Of course.”
The level of comprehension she and Jovanis possessed for each other’s lives was astounding. No one knew him better than Irish. Their bond had been cemented years ago, and he deserved for her to be patient in allowing her fully into that sacred space in his life.
“I don't want you to feel slighted ‘cause you're the most important person in my life.”
Irish reached for his chin and cupped it. “I know, Van. Whenever you're ready, then I’ll be too. No rush.”
Jovanis kissed her open palm. “You my nigga, Irish.”
She smirked as her gaze skated to Noble who was now entertaining a different girl.
I see this man is popular tonight…
For two hours, Irish had to stomach watching bitches flirt with Noble all while trying not to alert Jovanis of their love affair. She inhaled deeply, looking around at the party until her phone vibrated on her lap.
Noble: I’m ready to go…
Smirking, she replied back.
Irish: What does that have to do with me?
Noble: It means you coming with me. Tell that nigga goodnight and meet me outside.
When Irish looked up, Noble made his exit out the section. He didn’t give her a glance as people parted to allow him easy access through the club. Jovanis was engaged in a conversation with Zayd before she tapped him.
“Hey, I’m going to call it a night.”
“A’ight.” He sat his glass on the table. “I’ll take you to the crib.”
Quickly, she shook her head. “No, I already booked an Uber. You don't have to.”
“You sure?”
She nodded. “Yeah, you can stay.”
“Well at least let me walk you out.”
Jovanis began standing when Irish pulled him back down. “It’s okay. They're right outside. Just enjoy your night, and I’ll talk to you later.”