Chapter 10
“That was intense,” Yana said, standing next to me.
I felt like I wasn’t able to breathe until I saw Wicked ride away peacefully.
Just that fast, what I feared almost happened.
Initially, I wasn’t sure how much truth there was to Chris’s warnings.
He’d told me The Outlaws were gunning for Wicked because of what happened, but a na?ve part of me hoped they’d let it go.
Seeing them taunt him made this shit real for me, and what was worse, was the fact that I felt partially responsible.
Yes, Mario would still be alive if he hadn’t tried to rape and prostitute me, but still.
Wicked took his life because of me, and even though I’d forgiven myself for even entertaining Mario, times like this brought that guilt back all over again.
What I didn’t understand was why Hamilton or any of the other Outlaws hadn’t done anything to me over the years.
If they wanted someone to pay for what happened to Mario, why hadn’t they targeted me?
“Tell me about it,” I muttered, pulling my phone out of my apron to text Chris.
Me:
Hey. Can you call me if it’s not too late when you get off today?
I didn’t expect him to respond right away, so I put my phone back in my apron before shooing the nosy customers away from the window. Yana helped me clear the space before asking, “What was Wicked doing here anyway?”
My face twisted before I could stop myself from feeling defensive. “What do you mean? It’s a free country. The man can eat wherever he wants to eat.”
She sucked her teeth. “I know that. I’m just saying. You’d think once he saw you that he would’ve left. He spent his whole sentence ignoring you just to invade your space? That’s weird as hell.”
I sighed, wanting to tell her me and Wicked were past that. I still hadn’t told her or Ashley about what had happened between us, and now, I was starting to feel like I had no choice.
“Look, Wicked and I have talked and come to an agreement. I don’t want to tell just you and then have to tell Ashley too, so why don’t we make plans for the weekend?”
She eyed me skeptically before her lips spread into a grin. “You fucked that man . . . didn’t you?”
I damn near choked on my spit, causing her to laugh. “Whoa. Where did that come from?”
“You walked in here glowing, and you had that freshly fucked walk. I saw the pep in your step, boo. I’d planned to ask you about it when we took our break, but now it’s starting to make sense. You fucked him!”
“Will you lower your voice?” I pleaded, gripping her wrist. “But if you must know . . . yes.”
When she yelled, I covered her mouth with the palm of my hand and whispered, “Yana!” loudly.
She hopped from one foot to the other, her laugh muffled behind my hand.
“Ooh, I’m telling! I don’t know who I’m telling, but I’m telling! Chile, you finally got that man after all these years?”
I gave up the fight to stifle her excitement and laughed.
“Yes, and it was so worth the wait, Yana. Not just because the sex was the best I’ve ever had, but we have an amazing connection already.
It feels like we’ve been together forever.
I’m so happy with him, and I don’t want anyone ruining this, so you have to keep this between us. ”
“For how long?” she whined, stomping her foot. “You know I can’t keep a secret.”
“Oh God,” I groaned, palming my forehead. “Don’t tell Ma or Ashley. Let me tell them first, then you and Ashley can gossip about me all you want.”
“Deal!” she said excitedly, making me laugh at her silly ass.
When my phone vibrated, I pulled it out, hoping it was Chris.
Goddaddy:
It’s never too late for you if you need me GD. I’ll shoot you a text when I’m on my way. Let’s talk in person.
Pleased with his response, I made the mental note to tell Wicked not to come over until after he heard from me. The last thing I needed was for them to run into each other.
One motorcycle turned into two, then twelve.
Then so many I couldn’t count. At first, I thought I was just imagining things, but no.
They were actually following me. We were so busy today my shift went by in a blur.
When I first started the drive home, I was too deep in my car concert to notice I was being followed, but I couldn’t deny it now.
I’d changed lanes three times, and every time, they followed me.
My heart raced as I considered what to do.
I didn’t want to go straight home and have them follow me there.
I didn’t want any of the Outlaws to know where I lived.
There was no way in hell I’d be able to lose them.
I called Wicked, then allowed the call to connect to Bluetooth.
Just hearing his voice fill the speakers calmed me a little.
“Wassup, bae? You good?”
“They’re following me,” I rushed out.
He was silent for a few seconds before saying, “Where you at?”
“I was on my way home from work. I’m on the expressway.”
“I want you to come to my shop. It’s a few blocks away from the mall, on Bryer street. Do you know where A1 Car Wash is?”
“Yes, I’ve been there before,” I answered, glad he wasn’t too far away.
“Good. I’m right next door. You’ll see my sign. Pull up, but don’t get out. I’ll be waiting outside.”
“Okay. Can you stay on the phone with me?” I asked, merging into the middle lane.
“Of course, bae. I was going to do that anyway.” He paused before asking, “Did anyone approach you after I left?”
“No. They all left shortly after, so I thought it was over.”
“They have to have a clubhouse or meeting spot in that area, where they can watch what goes on. I’m going to look into that. If they do, that would explain why they feel like they can claim your mom’s spot as their territory.”
I thought about it briefly before saying, “There’s an arcade across the street. Well, it was an arcade until adults took over. Now, it’s basically like a bar and pool hall. No parents take their kids anymore. Maybe they go over there.”
“Yeah, more than likely. What’s the name of it?”
“It’s—uh—oh shit.”
“What’s wrong?”
“Some of them are getting in front of me and on the side of me. I got in the middle lane because my exit is coming up but . . . oh shit.”
“Don’t stop, Jelai. I don’t care if they hit the brakes. Hit their asses and keep going, but do not stop the fucking car.”
“I-I . . . oh shit! It’s so many of them. I can’t hit all of them!” Gripping the steering wheel, I abruptly hit the brake to avoid crashing into the four bikers that had hopped in front of me.
“Is it a lot of traffic? Can you signal anyone to help you?”
I could barely register his question as I watched them hop off their bikes and come in the direction of my car. Reaching into my center console, I grabbed my bear spray, fully prepared to spray them if I needed to. It wouldn’t kill them, but it was all I had.
“Jelai!” Wicked yelled as Hamilton beat against my window.
I rolled it down, lifting my bear spray. Hamilton smiled and took a step back.
“I just wanted to warn you, pretty girl. If you know what’s best for you, you’ll stay away from Wicked. He’s going to get you into more trouble than you can handle.”
“Why are you going after him?” I yelled, fear turning into anger as my leg shook. “I’m the reason your nephew is dead. Wicked was defending me.”
The call disconnected, and I wasn’t sure what the hell Wicked was about to do.
Hamilton’s head shook as he laughed. “You have no idea how deep this shit runs, pretty girl. What my nephew did was fucked up. To be honest, had he raped you, I might’ve tried to kill him myself. But blood is blood, and when Wicked spilled his, he became responsible for Mario’s soul.
“Now, I have to take his. I’m trying to spare you and not bring any more harm your way, but if you end up in the wrong place at the wrong time, I won’t be able to look the other way.
” Leaning against my window, Hamilton lowered his voice when he added, “Stay away from The Wilted Roses. Stay away from Wicked. I won’t be able to spare you beyond today. ”
When he walked away, the rest of his men followed.
I knew I needed to get out of traffic, but I was shaking so bad I also knew I didn’t need to drive.
By the time I made it near the exit, Wicked was pulling onto the interstate on the wrong side of the street, and I’d never been so happy to see his crazy ass breaking the law.
Instantly, my body felt safe. I calmed down as my tears fell.
Pulling over onto the side of the road, I cut off my car as two more motorcycles flew in behind him.
Wicked swerved and parked, then ran over to me. He slung the door open and pulled me into his arms. Cupping my cheeks, he looked my face over intently.
“Are you okay? Did they touch you?”
My head shook as my tears continued to fall.
“No. He . . . he warned me. He said he was sparing me because what Mario did was wrong but that if I hung around you or The Wilted Roses, he wouldn’t be able to spare me anymore.
What’s going on, Wicked? Because it’s starting to feel like this is bigger than us. ”
Wicked’s eyes darkened as his jaw clenched. He licked the corner of his mouth as Sonny and Cole walked over to us.
“Can you drive?”
His question caught me so off guard, it took me a second to respond. “Yes, I think so.”
“Drive to your place, and I’ll follow you. We can talk there.”
“Okay,” I agreed before getting back in the car.
He talked to his friends for a few seconds before going to his bike.
With all three of them following behind, I drove home.
When we arrived, the other two men drove away while Wicked pulled into my garage.
I could tell by his expression that he was still upset, and I had no idea how our conversation was about to play out.
Silently, Wicked followed me into my home. He searched the whole place, making sure no one was inside before taking my hand and leading me into the living room. Instead of sitting next to me, he paced in front of me.
I knew.