Rose Cut

Coincidence

Jamir

I shook my head as the door closed, blocking my view of her. It didn't feel right leaving her with him but, its what she wanted. I heard her talking to my sister, stressing " friend " hard as a f**k.

Friends don't make you c*m. I let myself in and locked up behind me. The girls were still in the living room too deep in conversation to see me coming up. Kailey sat with her legs crossed, with Priscilla's head on her thigh, and ShaMilla laid out on her stomach but, up on her elbows. Everyone stopped talking once I came in.

" Oh, don't get quiet on my account. " I said sarcastically as I laid on the couch. Careful not to irritate my stitches.

" God Daddy! " Shouted Scilla as she stood and ran towards me. I extended my arm out and stopped her with a hand covering her face.

" Don't come over here traitor." I stated gently mushing her back. " but,but ..." she stuttered rubbing her eyes fighting away tears. It took everything not to baby her but, Priscilla has been too grown lately. Following up her moms and questioning Rose was over the top, and I gotta draw the line somewhere.

" Don't you treat my baby like that!" snapped my sister. She scooped her and took her in her room.

ShaMilla gave me a look. "What ?"I snapped, tired of her staring.

"I know why you like her so much. But that doesn't mean you gotta be a d**k. " she spoke as she stood and knocked my feet out of her way to sit. I grabbed my stomach in pain but, She didn't give a f**k.

" So what happened? " asked Milla pointing at me holding my stomach. I straighten up and ignored the pain. I didn't wanna take anymore pills, so I was trying to deal with it.

" I went to eclipse. " I started. "I know you said to wait but, I was in Go mode. " I explained seeing her beginning to interrupt me. "I got in real smooth and I checked out Apollo's office. Apparently they are cleaning the money through the club. "

"It makes since, with the large numbers from the crowd. It would be easy to say the money came from there. But why does he want to involve you? " said Milla trying to put two and two together.

" I figured that part out too. There's another nigga involved and he seems to be the real one in charge. Apollo and Dorian are trying to get from under him. Their using me to help rob the safe houses. " I explained getting to the point.

" We rob the houses and take the money to Lo so he can clean it through the club and pocket everything. Meanwhile it's his safe houses were robbing, he has me there as a fall guy basically. So if anyone peeps game they assume it's me and not Apollo and Dorian. Old dude in charge is running the drug operation, once he finds out his money is missing it's over. " I finished.

" So who is this Guy ?" asked Milla becoming anxious. "do we end him or team up Mir? I'm itching for some action. "

" I think his name is Knox. All I found was the paperwork and I figured out what their plan was from that. I tired to find the safe but, the basement was crawling with lackies. I over heard them talking about how " Knox " was pissed from the robberies and Dorian and Lo were nervous. That's how I put the rest together. I could have gotten more but, Brandy f*****g called and I had to get out of there. I got shot dipping through the back alley. " I finished.

" Damn, that's a rookie move Jamir. Why the f**k is your phone with you on a recon mission and why is the b***h still calling. I thought you handled that. " questioned Milla. She hated carelessness, and expected perfection at all times on the job .

" I did handle it but, Brandy isn't getting it. And like I said. I was on go. I wasn't thinking it out. " I tried to explain but, Milla wasn't having it.

" Ever since Rose got in the picture you've been f*****g up." said Milla turning to me getting serious. I wasn't trying to hear this s**t again.

" Look, I will admit she had my head gone but that's over now. " I told her trying to get up to stand but, she pulled me back down.

" Damn, Meanor!! " I shouted at her clutching my side.

" Nigga I don't care bout that. You should have been on point and you would be fine. Why is it over. Y'all never began cause your playing. " She snapped.

" SHE GOT A NIGGA! " I yelled back.

" SO. f*****g. WHAT. " She responded not letting up. "That s**t never stopped you before. What's stopping you now? ".

I stared her down not sure why I was so mad. I do care about Rose more than I would admit but, not enough to take her from a situation that makes her happy. Regardless if I KNOW I am better than him. I stoop up abruptly and headed for my room.

I was tired of reliving this conversation. Rose made it clear that I was a friend. s**t she stressed it enough. Friends don't do what we do, or feel how a nigga feeling about her. I would take her from that nigga but, all she has to do is say the word.

The only words I've been hearing was "friend" so f**k it. I was stopped by my sister on my way past Scilla's room.

" Jamir. " She said stepping in front of me. " What? " I asked irritated. " Lets talk. " she said leading me inside my room. We sat on the long white couch at the foot of my bed. " About? "

She tilted her head and raised her eyebrow. " No juegues. " don't play she snapped in Spanish. " You know what I mean. I just want to know what it is about her. " she spoke softly. I opened my mouth to respond but, she held her hand up. " Even if y'all are not together, it's shows that your into her. Why? " she questioned. I sighed leaning back, rubbing my hands down my face. I looked at Kailey seriously. Choosing my words carefully.

" She reminds me of ma. " I stated simply.

" But you hate her? " she half asked. " You even call her Serena instead of mama. " I chuckled and rubbed the back of my neck. " Yeah, I know. "

" I mean Mama in the beginning. You were too little to remember." I told her. " She always spoke Spanish, just because she could. And she was kind but bold as hell. Rose just reminds me of that. "

" Look how she acts with Priscilla and Scilla hates all women around me. " Kailey laughed. Shaking her head agreeing.

" She's dumb smart and doesnt crack under pressure plus she is gorgeous. I mean its unique. "

" Your rambling." Kailey said placing her hand on my shoulder. I nodded but shut up ". We were quiet for a moment before she sighed and stood. "I hope you know what your doing to yourself. " She was at the door before she spoke again.

" Sounds like you love her already. " ShaMilla brushed passed Kailey. I gave her a look. " I surrender and i'm out. Just wanted to make sure were good. " She said coming to stand in front of me. I stood up and dapped her up.

" We straight. " I lead her out telling her what was up. " Lo is shook at the moment so I gotta go see whats up in the morning." I stood in the doorway letting her by. "He doesn't know it was me the other night but, he thinks " Knox" might of sent someone to watch him."

" Alright. Keep me posted. Were gonna hit that safe in 2 weeks. " She said on her way down the hall. " Be safe and TURN YOUR PHONE ON SILENT. "

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the next morning ...

I stepped out my loft locking up behind me. It was about 9 and Kailey and Priscilla were knocked out inside. I walked to the elevator. Luckily it was just closing. " Hold the Elevator. " I called out jogging.

I frail hand reached out and struggled to push the doors back. I helped and stepped in. There was a small old woman holding a couple bags inside. I thanked her as she smiled and nodded. You could tell she use to be beautiful in her youth.

She looked nice but, frail as if she was getting over a sickness. She was covered up with only her hand visible. A thick long sleeve shirt and soft long pants, tucked into boots. Her hair curly but lank, fell to her waist. It was a dull gray, but she had green eyes, and freckles.

I thought of Rose eyes and shook the thought away. I just couldn't let go I guess. I realized we were headed up when the old woman struggled with her bags. I reached down to help. She smiled brightly. " Thank you. "

" No problem. " I told her kindly. I looked around surprised to see no other doors but, the woman walked confidently forward. We stopped towards the middle to a door painted like the walls. I raised my eyebrow as the woman pulled a locket out of her shirt and unlocked the door.

She pushed it open returning the locket in place. She turned to me and smiled reaching for the bags I held. " You are a gentlemen Jamir. " she said softly. " Take care. " She turned and walked inside, holding the bags firmly.

None of the struggle from earlier was shown. " Excuse me! " I spoke trying to stop her. "Lupita. " she corrected pausing .

" uhm, Lupita. How do you know me? " I asked confused as hell. "It's my job to know who's around my child." she said and closed the door. I stood there for a minute thinking hard on how I knew her.

I put it to the back of my mind and continued to my car. I had to get to Apollo's to see how things were holding up.

After what seemed like forever, I finally pulled into the familiar circular driveway. Dorian was already here, despite how early it was. I checked my surroundings walking towards the door before deciding to go around the side.

I found a door to the kitchen and was glad to find it was unlocked. I slid inside and eased my way through the kitchen. I froze hearing giggling but, I didn't know where it was coming from. I heard something drop in the pantry, followed by the same high pitch giggle followed by a deep grunt.

The pantry door was cracked open enough for me to sneak over and look inside. There I saw Tiara perched on a shelf with Dorian standing in between her legs. Her tight dress was hiked up while Dorian struggled with his pants.

" Hurry up. " She purred. " You know his temper is thin. He could be down any minute. " I shook my head walking away quietly. I decided to take the stairs and I heard raised voices. There was a hard thud, and I sped up, eager to see what caused it.

The noise came from a regular guest room. Still large in size, I eased the door open to see a woman on the ground scooting away from Apollo; on the opposite side. Her lip was leaking bad and you could see a bruise that was healing just under her eye.

Only dressed in a halfway buttoned polo shirt, her smooth brown skin looked flawless. Well almost flawless. She was terrified as Apollo snatched her up and c****d back, balling his fist this time.

"I'll show your little ass i'm in charge. You belong to me. " he taunted before swinging. I coughed distracting him before he connected. His head snapped towards me and he tossed her down.

" How the f**k did you get in here. " he demanded stalking towards me as if he wasn't just attacking this woman. " Your wife let me in. " I lied smoothly. The bruised beauty was smart. Quickly dressing in some yoga pants and Ugg boots. She scrambled to get all of her things while I had his attention.

" Their here already? " he paused now thinking to himself. He looked at her and noticed what she was doing and rushed towards her.

" We aren't finished." he said grabbing for her. She danced out his reach and backed away. "Your wife. " she spoke up. " Is downstairs. " her voice breaking a little. He paused for a minute and looked at me, just now remembering I was here.

" I can take her home. " I suggested. Ready to get away from this mess but, I wouldn't feel right leaving her here. She hustled quickly over to me, letting out a breath when he didn't move to stop her.

" Yea, Do that. Come back when your done. Send Dorian up. " Apollo responded turning away from us. The women, who happened to be younger than I thought, headed out first.

" Dorinda. " she froze. " I'll see you later. " he stated not waiting for a response.

She sped up down the hall and took the stairs. " Wait a minute." I snapped as she had me catching up to her. I walked around her, back towards the side door in the kitchen.

As we passed the pantry, I snuck over towards quiet moans. Hearing it too the girl paused watching me. I kicked open the door as Dorian hurried to straighten himself and Tiara shrieked snatching her dress down. Tiara rolled her eyes seeing it was only me and brushed past me. Only to stop seeing Dorinda.

Dorian walked up to me but, made sure to leave space. He stared at me with so much hatred. I smirked.

" Your boss wants you. " I chuckled. Dorian mugged me but, slowly left out as if he was on his own time. Tiara was right behind him with a devilish smile plastered on her face. "Her never hits me." she said stopping to look back at Dorinda.

You could still hear her cackling as we made our way to the car. Dorinda had this dazed out expression as I lead her to the car. She jumped when I reached out to open her door. I ignored it as she played it off and got in.

I shook my head and jogged over to my side. Always a gentlemen right. I pulled off and headed out Da Hills. She didn't say a word so I spoke up.

" Where are we going? " I asked her, glad to be stopping at a red light.

" What? " she snapped finally paying attention. " Oh, uhm 1180 Marshall Square." she responded. I nodded and headed in that direction. " So whats your name? " I asked. She looked at me but, turned away ignoring my question.

" Look. I already heard Lo say it but, I rather you tell me yourself." It was quiet for a minute. "I'm really not a bad guy. " I stated.

" My name is Dorinda, and I don't feel like talking. " she said folding her arms. "Alright no talking. " I agreed." Just listen then. I know its none of my business."

" Your right none of your business, so bud out. " she interrupted me. I laughed, cracking up at her and after a second she was laughing too. Dorinda sighed.

" I don't know how I ended up in this situation. " she admitted. "Most people don't. That's why you call it a mistake. " I told her.

She smiled. " Thanks for that. I mean thanks for everything. " she said loosing up a bit.

" Right is Right and Wrong is Wrong. What would that say about me if I let that happen to you." I told her pulling onto her street and parking.

" It says a lot about you, that you helped. Are you single. " she joked. I laughed. " It's complicated. " I chuckled.

" Oh, it was for a friend of mine. I have a feeling you two would of hit it off. " she explained.

"Your gonna be alright? " I asked as she let herself out. " I'll be fine. Just gotta lay low and find a new job now, I guess. " she answered closing the door.

" Anyway, like I said I have a friend. Thanks for the ride. " She said over her shoulder, on her way inside. I blew the horn and pulled off headed back towards Apollo's mansion. We might need to speed things up. Apollo and Dorian were getting out of hand and needed to be dealt with.