Roses are Red ( Book 2 )

Think Like A MAN

Dorinda

I stepped out of the tub feeling refreshed. I was careful to spare my curls and they were just as neat as when I left the shop .

" I'm a poppin a*s b***h let me remind ya !

Don't hide I can always come and find ya !

Ain't no b***h in me b***h come proper !

In an Audi b***h going fast you behind us ! "

I rapped the lyrics to Rico Nasty's poppin as I danced around the room in my fluffy pink robe .

I flexed my Rolex as the diamonds danced on my wrist . ShaMilla said to go all out so thats what I planned to do . I put on my diamonds earrings feeling my ear drop a bit from the weight . I eyed myself in my full body mirror . Puffing my baseball bat packed with gas, I rolled before my bath . I jigged to the music , dancing my nerves away .

I had such high expectations for tonight . I just wanted to enjoy her company and show her I was here for it . Whatever " it " was anyway . This was all new to me and I never knew how much peace and comfort I could find in a woman . Yes, she was hard on the outside but that didn't take away from her beauty and ShaMilla was gorgeous .

Everything she wore costs bands and she made sure to keep herself up . She seemed to have come from a pampered life with her expensive tastes, but her ruggedness shows she's been through some f****d up s**t . I never knew more than Atlanta, Ga . I was that country girl from buck head, with a brain straight from Harvard . So when Rose said she wanted to go , I was outta there . I keep in touch with my moma but other than that, I was alone up here .

I felt her behind me, before I turned around to check . Shamilla stood in my bedroom doorway, lounging against the frame . Milla dressed in a simple all black jumpsuit with skinny straps . The back dipped low, exposing her tatts but otherwise it was plain . She had on a thin chain and a couple of rings adorned her fingers too . Her nails were red as her hair, which was curled as well but not as teased as mine . She had peep toe heels and they were lit per usual, showing her matching polish on her toes . She fanned the smoke slightly as I blew out O's her way . I giggled as she smiled walking towards me .

" So this is why you take forever?" She questioned , taking the blunt and smoking as she went to sit on my bed . I rolled my eyes going into my bathroom . I started cleaning my face before applying my make up . I was going for fierce eyes and a sharp look . Milla snuck up to watch me in the doorway . She was always lurking but attentive to everything . " Hurry or we will miss everything ." She whined looking at me in the mirror.

" And where are we going ?" I asked , raising my brow as she chuckled under her breath . " To an old stomping ground of mines . " she answered vaguely . " They change venues quickly so thats why I moved the date . " she explained further .

I nodded finishing my make up . " How do I look ? " I teased giving her a sultry look . Her eyes got big as she smirked, walking away . " Get dressed ." She said over her shoulder , taking my blunt with her .

I shrugged not really caring since I was high already . I grabbed my dress from the hanger it was on, above the bathroom door . Plum and a one piece dress, that looked more like two . The middle was exposed with thick bands crossing my stomach . My curves looked marvelous in this dress and I knew I would be breaking necks . Once I slid on my heels, my outfit was complete and I patted myself for indeed " going all out " . Of course tonight was a night for no underwear and it was warm enough for me to leave a jacket . I grabbed my clutch and rubbed on some deodorant and scented body oils .

I walked up front slowly trying to creep up on ShaMilla . " I'm ready !" I singed walking into our living room . Milla was sitting on the glass table drinking a glass of brown and finishing the joint . She now wore a Big a*s mink coat that was clearly to hot to be worn . It went nice with her outfit but still it was entirely too much .

Just picture J low in that video with that stupid a*s coat and BOOM you got ShaMilla . She even had the hood up and it pulled closed around her . It came to her ankles and her legs slipped out as she walked towards me . Putting the glass down she grabbed the keys and turned to face me .

" Are you seriously gonna wear that ? " I blurted out as she laughed . She seemed tense but her eyes danced with excitement under the hood .

" Yeah, I don't want to be recognized right away . " she brushed me off getting serious. " You said your not scared of me right? " she stated more than asked .

" Riight.. " I muttered wondering what the f**k this was about . " Well im gonna show you apart of my world . " she stated as I nodded . " Not really my world but apart of where I came from . " she rushed, her words stumbling out .

" I mean ....." she huffed frustrated . I giggled and she looked at me and smiled just a bit . " I'll try to keep an open mind . " I offered . I knew this was hard for her and she expected me to react a certain way but I been through enough s**t to be open minded about ones's past .

" Okae . " she agreed . " If you think you can handle it . " she taunted, leading me out and locking up . " Oh , I bet I can ." I stated firmly , switching down the steps as she followed . " Yeah , yeah , yeah . " she mumbled, making me laugh . " Just you watch and I want my kiss too ! " I blurted out boldly .

" What !?" She demanded, pausing to face me across the car . Milla was switching things up with an all black Mustang. It was shining and sitting high with rims, as she unlocked the doors . " You heard me ." I boasted as we got in the car and buckled up .

" You skipped out on me the other night with that " I won't touch you until you ask " bullshit . " I clarified . " Milla bust out laughing pulling off towards wherever we were headed . " Yo, You are wildin !" She chuckled . " but I was serious . " she added making me frown . " Don't look like that . " she reasoned .

" Have you ever been with another woman . " she asked surprising me . " No but I've thought about it . " I confessed . " I thought you were into studs ?" I assumed out loud as She eyed me but kept driving . Finally she laughed dryly . " why you thought that ? " she inquired as I shrugged feeling foolish . We had only been driving for about 10 minutes and I already put my foot in my mouth .

" Aren't you attracted to me ? " she went on . " Im a whole woman, nothing manly about me, but my personality at times . " she explained as a I watched her talk . She didn't sound harsh at all so I listened intently.

" It doesn't work with men for me . I use to switch between but I've learned myself, since then and I know what I want . And thats not a man in a woman , I just want her . " she summed up shrugging . I nodded and smiled even though she was watching the road . I understood exactly what she meant .

I felt for ShaMilla , something that I never had a chance to feel with anyone else . It started with friendship and comfort but built to passion, l**t and understanding . I felt we had all the capabilities of " love " and the only thing stopping us was each other .

We pulled up to a warehouse, ducked off from the highway . I didn't realize how far we drove until I noticed my surroundings . There was nothing but cars parked outside but each one was highly expensive . Milla parked the car and turned to face me .

" This is going to be different . " she explained as I listened closely . " But know that I got you at all times . Just relax and try not to start nothing . " she finished getting out of the car and coming to open my door . I got out and she locked the doors as we neared the front doors , two scarred up men stood out front . Both of them were built and wore all black . One was white and the other a dark chocolate.

The men standing guard easily towered over us and I wondered just what was behind those doors . Everything about this situation felt " underground " like illegal . I turned to look at Milla, whose face was hidden under the shadow of her hood . She pulled me closer as she placed her arm across my waist . I felt like she was sending a message, that I was with her . We stopped in front of them . Milla looked up slightly and the dark one spoke first .

" Thought you wasn't gonna make it . " he croaked as his ruff voice boomed through his quiet words . She shrugged . " Thought I should at least show my face . " she said taking my hand as the white guard slid open the doors, letting us pass through . " Nice coat ." He complimented as I rolled my eyes following her deeper .

First thing my eyes landed on, was the huge cage in the center of the facility . Not to mention the bleacher like seats , that surrounded the cage itself . The seats were covered in black velvet and looked quite elegant . The warehouse was packed as we shuffled through . I stayed close to Milla seeing a betting booth, beside a mini store that sold food and many types of drugs .

I adverted my eyes looking through the crowd as they finally noticed us . Everyone was dressed to the 9's looking like they robbed a couple banks . I now understood why Milla stressed to me to outdo myself . Even then , I still felt under dressed . Even the half n***d bitches, shined with gold and diamonds but all eyes were on us . The crowd parted letting us through . I swear they just watched as we neared the cage , heading for special seating , I assumed was for the important . As we ascended the steps for a higher view, I looked down towards the cage .

I gasped seeing men fighting to their deaths down there. Such savagery and brute force . I looked away quickly but the sounds found my ears anyway . " Don't talk to anyone and follow my lead . " she whispered quickly before I could respond . Finally at the top , it was more like a platform with railings . There was a bar with a bartender and couches here and there big enough for two, also with black velvet . There was walk space so it was very comfortable and stable up here . 6 people were seated leaving only one couch in the center open for us . 4 men and two woman , all dressed in black . I guess Milla forgot to mention the dress code since I was the only one with color on up here and no fur .

Not quite as expensive as Milla's coat but just as grand were the majority of everyone's attire . A serious looking man, stood to greet us as we Stood by our reserved couch .

" Meanor ! How wonderful for you to join us . " he beamed as The young man next to him eyed me greedily . My skin crawled as I pressed myself to Milla . I was not enjoying any of this .

" Kujo . " she greeted the man still standing with her hood up . Everyone stood up , hearing her speak and Milla gestured with her hands, offering me the seat . They watched me as I sat and Milla followed suit . Once seated, they sat finally leaving, Kujo standing on his own . He was older, about 37 at least and built slightly under his dark tux . He oozed power, where as the younger man next to him, oozed raged .

" Your late ! " he spat . As everyone finally focused on them instead of us . My eyes itched towards the cage still hearing the fighting going on . 4 men lunged at one another fighting so fiercely . I cringed trying to tune into the conversation, rather than give my attention to the cage match, that was clearly coming to a bitter end .

" Wendell ! Be quiet ! " snapped Kujo staring angrily at the younger man, who looked to be in his twenties . Wendell sucked his teeth but listened grilling Milla as she dropped her hood and leaned back . She paid him no mind , giving Kujo all her attention.

" what is this ? " she asked calmly , gesturing towards Wendell . " No disrespect. " he began raising his palms up . As Wendell scoffed receiving a hard look from his superiors surrounding him . " Wendell is new to things . " he explained as Milla tossed her hand in a get to the point gesture. I just watched everything around me .

" As you know I'm retiring and My son will be taking over . I'm still teaching him a few things. " he mumbled as silence followed . ShaMilla eyed them as a server came over with two drinks we didn't order . The server, drunk some before handing it to Milla who thanked her . I refused, not bouta drink after some stranger . I don't care if it was alcohol .

" Important things" spoke Milla breaking the silence and sipping her drink . She seemed so calm in a place like this, so I relaxed some following her lead . I felt like I was seeing "Meanor" for the first time . I joked around with her before about that nickname . Seeing her in this atmosphere, I knew that it was a good representation of her . She looked like the absolute King Pin and I bet she did do everything she could think of including a misdemeanor .

" Miss Demeanor ." Began Kujo before Milla held her hand up . " tsk tsk tsk " she clicked her tongue against her teeth . " I feel disrespected . " she announced to the room .

In that moment , I felt the air thicken as everyone tensed up . I looked around me, anticipating what was next . Realizing they were afraid of Milla , my eyes got big as she sat up from her relaxed state .

" I beg you please . He does not understand . " he begged, as his eyes glistened . I was shocked to see this coming from him . I didn't know him at all but I could tell Kujo was not to be messed with .

" Yo pops! " piped up Wendell . What a stupid a*s name for a stupid a*s boy . " f**k this b***h , Ight ! " he spat standing to his feet .

His father grabbed him as he pushed him off and waltz towards me . Everyone stepped forward but he left space between us .

" You on the wrong team baby ! " he boasted at me and I rolled my eyes . " f**k you too then . " he snapped as he faced Milla .

" You come into my establishment like you running things and had the nerve to be late . " he goaded her , talking out the side of his neck . His father shook his head as his crew looked to him with sadness .

" You lucky I don't hit women or I would take yo a*s in the cage for THIS disrespect . To me and my father . " he finished pulling a wad of hundreds out .

Wendell motioned for a server to bring over the cigars she carried . The woman was clearly frightened to be in the middle of things as she gave him a cigar and took off quickly down stairs . Milla stayed stagnant, watching him flex as he took a bill and set it on fire just to lite his cigar .

He puffed it waving the fire out before releasing the wad, in a shower over ShaMilla . She stood swiftly , dropping her coat and getting in his face . " Lets go in the cage . " she spoke quietly, catching him off guard with her closeness .

" Nooooo ! " wailed a woman behind Kujo . He turned to quiet her . " No worries Ma . " he laughed off the situation taking off his coat . ShaMilla turned to me .

" You alright . " she asked me as I stared back her . Was I ? s**t I didn't know . I was prepared for a lit night of laughs and drinks . Not fight night in ghetto stories . She waited for my answer and I felt myself nod yes . " She kissed me gently and I responded happy to finally get sone type of affection.

To quick for my liking, the kiss was over as she stood , handing me her coat . Walking towards the stairs, I got up , not feeling comfortable up here without her . The woman's pleas , fell short on Milla's ears as the crowd made way for her and I .

Wendall was pumped and beat us down to the cage, just as Kujo grabbed Milla's arm . She snatched away from him, but he begged anyway . " He doesn't understand Meanor , He's my boy ! " he pleaded as she ignored him turning away . I stood on the sides waiting for her .

" YOU SHOULD UNDERSTAND ! THINK OF DANIEL ! " he shouted, making her pause . She rushed inside his face . "Watch it b***h ! " spat Wendell as he was held back and forced into the cage .

ShaMilla was face to face with Kujo with death in her eyes . " If he's your BOY , you should have taught him to think like a MAN ! " she snapped as he shook under her gaze . She had to look up to him but he still felt her words .

" Speak of Daniel again and You die . " she spat , in a quieter voice that sent shivers down my spine . We went to the cage as Milla took off her shoes and walked inside bare foot . They cleaned the floor from the previous fight, and the air smelled of harsh chemicals and copper .

I pressed up against the cage to see Milla walk to the center . Wendell egged the crowd but mostly everyone was silent . He had a few supporters though, but everyone seemed to know better . The ignorant few , had to be friends of his .

Milla sat on her butt pulling her knees up and resting her arms on them . Wendell laughed circling her as they locked the cage doors . I felt my heart drop to my stomach, as I waited for the bad a*s Milla that I knew from last year .

She just sat there, head down in the same position. Not even watching him as he moved closer . My breath caught seeing him, prepare to kick her . Just as his leg came full swing , she stopped it grabbing his leg in mid swing and standing . He put most of his weight into the kick and fell hard, when it was as reversed against him . " Oh my gawd ." Sobbed the nicely dressed woman from before . She stood leaning into Kujo for support as she cried for her son . I heard a loud snap and cries of agony .

My head turned towards the noise, seeing Milla facing the opposite way breaking his leg as she stood lazily . With no effort at all, she crippled him . Breaking the next leg after the other . I jumped back hearing cracks and his screams .

I didn't want to be here anymore. This was too much for me. I wanted to show ShaMilla I could handle her past but this was her all the way . I wanted to look away but my eyes was trained on the beauty as she mounted him . He fought against her and the pain, but her strike was too quick.

She broke his nose first .

I was certain from the force of her fist coming down, with those rings she liked soo much . ShaMilla brought her fist down repeatedly and slowly, as we all watched her beat him to death . All she needed was one more blow before ending his life and I hated to believe she would kill him , right here and now . Did she want to frighten me away . Was this a test !? Or a warning .

I saw her stand breaking my thoughts as she hovered over him, rolling her neck . Her hand was b****y as well as her body which caught splashes from her blows . She left him alive as the cage was unlocked . Just as the doors opened , she flicked her wrist as a knife cut through the air . It plunged right into Kujo's neck .

His shocked eyes rolled to the back of his head as he died crumpling to the ground. His wife screaming as they scrambled to get her son medical attention and remove her husband's body .

I stood there paralyzed , watching the scene unfold . ShaMilla appeared beside me, making me jump as she took her coat and covered herself . The blood was camouflaged into the black of her outfit and the coat covered the rest of the evidence. I realized then, there was a method to the dress code . I thought back to the drink and wondered if the poor server had to test the drinks for poison before serving them . With this crowd and these types of people who knew, what could happen from a simple drink .

The guard from before came forward with a bowl of water and a short towel in his big chocolate hands. He stood there as Milla rinsed her hands off and dried them stepping towards me . I tensed up as she looked over to me and nodded towards the entrance. Not wanting her to touch me, I turned on my heels heading for my only way out . " Always good to see you . " commented the guard as Milla nodded .

" whhhyy " the woman sobbed loudly towards Milla . She stopped and I sucked my teeth ready to f*****g go !

" He's your boy right ? " she asked the woman who nodded in response . I paused , looking back to watch . " Well he's a man now . " she shrugged. " Nothing else to teach since he just learned the most important lesson . " she stated simply, walking towards me in her heels again and pulling me forward as I got in step .

" Know who the f**k your talking to ! " she spat over her shoulder as we excited . We moved briskly to the car, not in a rush but I sped us up . Milla reached for my door and I paused giving her space to open the door . I smelled the coppery stench of blood, bringing everything that just went down to the front of my mind .

The car ride was silent, which I was grateful for . She left me with my thoughts as we pulled up to our home and got of the car . I saw her peeping at me . The bravado from earlier, replaced with uncertainty and panic . I wanted to know what she was thinking but I barely knew what I was thinking my damn self .

So this was what ShaMilla's world looked like ? I thought to myself as she unlocked the door . It was gruesome, unforgiving and seriously f****d up . Stepping inside she locked the door behind us and dropped her keys . " I'm gonna go clean myself up . " she broke the silence, shrugging off the coat . I turned my back to her and nodded as I headed for my room as well . I heard her go inside her room before I closed my door .

Throwing down my clutch, I kicked off my heels and went to run myself some water . I just wanted to wash and think as I relaxed . As my tub filled, I added some bath bombs that left bubbles and relaxing fragrances after it dissolved. I hopped into the shower , not caring about wetting my hair as I wiped off my makeup and cleaned myself .

Satisfied from the shower, I eased into my piping hot bath . The hot water relaxed my muscles as I sighed, sinking in further .

What an epic night , I thought to call it . I didn't really enjoy myself but I did find out more about Milla . I could see why she was so careful and cryptic . I mean, she did just kill some again and it was practically for no reason. But it was nothing to her . s**t, nothing at all for her to accomplish.

But I did not FEAR her still . This I knew . I just wanted to understand her better and be that good part thing for her . Not saying she was a bad person , but I could show her she didn't have to act that way . As if she's the villain in every situation . I guess if that's the role you had to play all your life, then of course you will play it well .

I heard a knock and looked up to see Milla standing in her own fluffy white robe . I smiled, since she knocked, instead of sneaking up like she usually did . She glowed slightly, with her hands in her pocket. She pulled one out revealing a joint and the other had a half pint of Gin . I laughed .

" I thought we could chilled out and talk " she spoke softly coming in, to sit on the edge of my tub . The tub was large and the bubbles, had turned to foam already, covering me slightly as I moved to where she sat . " We can . " I agreed, smiling at her .

" Cool ." She beamed sitting her things aside . "What are you doing ?" I challenged, seeing her untie her robe .

She let it go, showing me everything thing as she got inside the water with me . It was still hot as she got used to the water and opened the pint, taking a swing . I just saw her n***d, I thought, my eyes huge as I blushed at how comfortable she was acting . Like a brand new person . I guess tonight , did bring us closer in a way .

She passed me the bottle and I accepted, taking my own swing as it burned it's way down . Milla searched the pockets of her robe on the floor, for a lighter sparking the joint , and making a show of her relaxing off the w**d . I giggled moving closer . " Can I have a shotgun" I asked as she nodded . She gave me one as our lips touched briefly before she pulled back .