Horned Angel

Chapter 3: Ms X

~ Hakeem

I heard the front door close and lock as I stood in the dark. It had been nearly 2 hours since I've been here but time meant nothing when it's about my money. The footsteps became louder and I c**ked my Glock. Just then the lights flickered on and I saw the fear in his eyes. His looked between me and the open bedroom not to far from his right. "You move you die." I said raising my gun to meet his eyes. Ralph came up behind me throwing a open bag on the table and out spilled supply from my inventory. I chuckled to myself while giving a strong stare. I saw about $400 worth of supply on the table and knew $200 was still missing. "Where the rest of my s**t PJ?" I said irritably. I was tired of n***as stealing from me once they made it to what they think the top is. I guess they didn't expect me to suspect those closest to me, like I'm stupid or something. When I was a youngin, my big homie told me right before he was murdered that you should watch the company you keep closer than any stranger, and that's a rule I will always live by. If I hadn't, I wouldn't be in this f**k n***as crib and my dawg wouldn't be in a grave.

I watched as his eyes started to water and his lips trembled looking for the right words to say, I placed my finger on the trigger and tightened my grip. "I'ma ask you again before I empty the clip and be done with you, WHERE IS MY S**T?!" I screamed.

PJ dropped to his knees and started to beg for mercy. I found it funny how every man is a G until you catch 'em with their pants around their ankles. "Pl- please, please don't shoot! I was gonna get the money back before you noticed, I was just trying to put some food on the table for my kids. My girl told me they hadn't eaten all day and I needed to get some groceries, I'm sorry Keem, please don't kill me! I'll get the money back, PLEASE!!" He sobbed.

I lowered the gun and gave Ralph a look.

He went over and forcefully picked PJ up off his knees and onto his feet. I was disgusted with the sight of snot running down his face.

"Nah nah nah P, you know I don't play like that. I don't pay you good enough to buy groceries for your kids?" I said examining the jewelry he had on. Except for the regular chains he always wore, I saw a brand new gold Rolex on his wrist and instantly got pissed. "How much that Rolly cost you?" I asked while pointing my gun at it. He swallowed hard trying to stop crying "8k..." he whispered.

My anger grew stronger. That watch could've bought more than what he stole and then some, I'm starting to think he's playing with me and that's not something he wants to do, not with me.

"Ral, looks like P just bought you a gift." I said while sternly staring at PJ. Ralph quickly removed the watch and slipped it on his wrist. "Look at that, a perfect fit." He said while letting the sun hit it through the blinds.

I went over to the table and put my supply back in the bag. I had other s**t I wanted to do today than interrogate a bum.

Wiping the snot off his face he watched Ralph and I as we made our way to the front door and stepped back making sure to put distance between us. I wasn't leaving without letting him know I'm not the one to f**k with though, I'll consider this interaction a favor for his future bosses, I bet he won't even think of stealing from anyone ever again.

"Aye P?" I said as he looked at me with wide eyes full of terror. "You're fired."

I shot two bullets and I watched as his body hit the ground. He let out a high pitched scream.

I didn't even shoot him. I shot past him into the wall, both bullets right next to each other to let him know that that was no accident. I'll let him live and be my example. Because I know today is a day you just can't keep to yourself.

Opening the door we hurried to the car and drove off before 12 showed up.

"Wow Keem, that was cold." Ralph laughed as he studied his new piece of jewelry. If it was me I would've just shot em."

I smiled letting the event that occurred start to leave my mind. "Oh yeah? Why's that?"

Ral looked at me with a humorous but confused expressing, obviously not understanding why I'm so calm after what just happened. "Because he's gonna need a lot of therapy to get over almost losing his life. He still has to raise his kids at the end of the day." He said letting out a small laugh.

I side eyed him while trying to focus on the road. A n***a stole from me and he's worried about his well- being. He always dives deeper in every situation when he should focus on the surface sometimes.

"Don't make me let you out on the curb." I said with a smile on my face. "You can go back there ain't comfort him since you're so worried."

I turned on the radio and put my attention on the road.

"So what we bout to get into?" He asked while staring out the windshield.

"To be honest.... I got this shorty lined up that I met at Walmart. A slim tall light skin with plump lips." I said smiling to myself. "I'm about to slide through there. Ima need you to stop by the trap and hold it down till I get back. Get one of the girls to restock the shelf with what's in that bag." I said turning into TK's Burger's drive through. I made a order a few minutes before PJ came home because I knew we wouldn't be there long and I was starving.

Ralph's expression changed when I mentioned a girl, but he quickly faced the window thinking I didn't see it.

"N***a wassup?" I asked feeling irritated. He turned to face me with a confused expression. "What was the face about when I mentioned shorty? You good?" I asked with more of an attitude.

He shrugged his shoulders and c**ked his eyebrow. "I don't know Keem. It just don't make sense to me." At this point he was starting to piss me off with all the beating around the bush, I wanted my answers upfront.

"What you mean? What don't make sense?" I interrogated.

All of a sudden he sat up straight and stared me in the eye while I pulled up to the window.

"If I'm being for real, I feel like you're doing Marlaysha wrong. Like the girl would give her last for you and you can't even keep it in your pants for more than a day. S**t lame honestly... And if I'm being really honest, she beautiful and talented-"

I snatched him up by his shirt and caught a punch to the chest that cut my breathing for a split second, forcing me back into my seat.

"Hakeem I'm not your b****h! I will f**k you up, don't ever put your hands on me. I don't care if you're my homie, all this manhandling gone get your head knocked off." He spat while adjusting his clothes.

I was shocked that he retaliated. Nobody ever thought to do what he just did no matter how far I went in the past. I guess I should've expected that reaction though.

Ralph and I go back a long way from 9th grade. He was the first kid that offered me friendship when no one else would. I was the boy with the overgrown hair cut and faded school clothes that nobody would eat lunch with, but he was always there making sure nobody bullied me until I got a few connections in the streets and started selling. I put him on right after to help him pay the bills at home. Not that he needed it, but it was good to have a side hussle. I made sure everybody ate.

I guess I lost sight of who I was sitting in the car with.

But no matter the repercussions, I don't appreciate how he's talking about LayLay. She's mine and I'm not going for another man talking about her. Good or bad.

"Ral, don't speak on my girl bro..." I said clenching my teeth.

I've always had a anger problem since I was young. My parents used to abuse me for just about anything and I never got through my trauma. I never even stop to think about it because I see it as weakness... It just makes me feel weak and that's bad for business. I spend every day trying to run away from my past and the feeling of loss. I lost my childhood, my mind, and I can't even stand to think of losing my girl, even if I am a monster to her... I have to unload my stress somewhere and if I'm being honest, she's strong enough for the both of us. She's all I have. Plus, I know I can make it up to her later like always.

"You must want her or something. You watching my girl Ral?" I asked trying to get to bottom of his compliments.

"Hell nah, I got me a dime already. But if you don't stop messing round with these h**s you're gonna lose yours." He said angrily pointing a finger at me.

If it's one thing I knew is that Lay was naive. I'm the one that taught her the mindset of a hustler, how to grind. I gave her a shoulder to lean on and taught her how to arch her back. Hell would freeze over before she left me. Matter of fact it'll freeze over before I let her leave me. As much as I walk all over her I still believe that she is my possession whether we together or not.

"She would never leave me." I said through clenched teeth. "Thats what you think." He mumbled to himself as if I couldn't hear him, and my rage came back stronger. "Nah n***a that's what I know." I spat.

Before Ralph could say anything else the cashier came back to the window and handed me my food. I drove up to check the bag and make sure I had everything I ordered.

There was an awkward silence. No talking the rest of the ride, except me apologizing for grabbing him earlier and even that was accepted with silence. I guess we're gonna act like nothing happened and move forward.

Like usual.

***

I had been at Angels crib for at least 10mins and even that felt too long.

The sink had about 2 days worth of dishes in it and baby roaches crawled around the countertop, contemplating on how to get to the crumbs left on the plates. I tried to ignore it because despite the apartment, she was fine and I figured I could at least get some head out of her. I wouldn’t even think of having full s*x because if she can’t wash a plate, I know she skips showers. I noticed the walls had been stained a dull yellow from what I believe is cigarette smoke and instantly thought to myself that maybe Ralph was right.

I started to contemplate leaving when she entered the living room with two glasses and a bottle of gin. I just knew one of those glasses weren’t for me.

“You want some?” She asked while pouring herself a drink. I shook my head to decline. “Nah I’m good, I haven’t eaten much today.”

“You know I can whip you up something real fast if you’re hungry.” She said holding the empty glass to her chest. It just made me sick to my stomach that she would even offer food when I just saw what’s in the sink. I decided it was time to go, I’m not about to come down with the flu messing with this girl.

“Well, I appreciate the hospitality but I think I better go.” I said standing up from the couch.

She rushed to block my path and I could see the desperation in her eyes. It would be too easy to get her in bed and that’s a turn off for me, again I thought about what Ralph said until I felt her start to tug my belt.

She admired my Cuban link as she started unbuckling my jeans and I knew then she was a gold digger.

And to think I tried to believe she had value.

I saw Angel a couple times at the club Marlaysha danced at. I would go there on her off days to avoid confrontation and pick out someone to take home.

I always thought Angel was pretty but she was never as dressed up as Lay or the other girls. She didn’t know how to work the floor that good either so it made sense as to why she dressed that way. But she was still fine to me so when I saw her in Walmart I made sure to get her number. She d**n near cracked her phone screen trying to unlock it, she was so eager.

Had I known her home was this disgusting I wouldn’t have even done that much.

But now she was down on her knees with my d**k a inch from her lips. She looked me in my eyes trying to be sexy. “Are you sure you wanna leave?” She asked licking the tip.

I noticed she had a tongue ring and it instantly my d**k stand up. I stayed silent examining the situation. I figured I’m already here, might as well give her what she asking for.

Ignoring the text that vibrated my phone, I grabbed the back of her head and forced myself down her throat. I stroked with a fast pace not caring if she could breathe but instead chasing my own satisfaction. Her hand grabbed my waist and she helped me shove it deeper while maintaining eye contact, I had to admit she had talent.

As she started to massage my b***s I let out a grunt feeling my climax nearing. She must’ve felt it too because she tried to push me back.

I grabbed her hair and shoved her face as close to me as possible while shooting my seed. If she was gonna act like a freak I was gonna make her stand on it.

Pushing her back she gasped for air and started to cough. I fixed my clothes and pulled out a stack of 20’s as she regained her posture, she watched me like she was put in a trance as I peeled 8 bills, tossing it onto the coffee table.

Quickly, she stood up to grab the money while giving me lustful eyes and I headed towards the door. Before I could open it she called out to me.

“Hey?!”

I turned around feeling annoyed. “What?” I spat.

“Thats it? Just f**k and leave? Why don’t you chill with me for a second?” She pleaded. Money always make ‘em wanna act like wife’s when the intentions were just to link.

“I got mine already and I gave you what you wanted.” I said growing impatient.

She hurried to face me and placed her hand on my chest. “Why don’t you come by the club tonight… I can give you a little more of what you just had. Make it both our while maybe? Who knows, this could become a regular thing.”

She stared into my eyes occasionally stealing glances at my chain. I smiled and gave a simple nod. I wouldn’t mind doing this again, she had talent after all and was very cute. But I’m never coming back to this broke down a** apartment though.

Smiling she went to try to kiss me and I pushed her head to the side while opening the door. I could feel her eyes burning into the back of my head. “I’ll be in the club later tonight. Bring your lips.” I shouted over my shoulder. But what I wasn’t expecting was her response.

“Bring your wallet n***a.” She said and slammed the door shut.

I guess she thought that would hurt my feelings but jokes on that b***h, unlike her I can afford to play.

***

After settling up at the trap I decided to head to Midnight alone. I could’ve brought Ralph but I decided to let the static between us die down for today. Drew and Fredo were also making late night runs so I guess it’s just me.

When I got inside it was already packed. The music blasted while some girl poorly grinded the pole. It was amateur night and on everything I could understand why they call it that. I threw some ones to at least give some motivation and it made her go buck wild dancing faster but still terribly. It was so humorous I started to record to show the homies later.

I suddenly heard a bunch of whistling and commotion from the other side of the club by the entrance and I turned my camera that direction. Two of the baddest h**s I’ve ever seen came walking in and everybody broke their neck to get a look. One was dressed in red/gold and the other had on white/silver. But the one in red really caught my attention. She has chocolate brown skin adorned with oil and a slim that led to a plump behind, not too big, not too small. Above all else, what intrigued me was that she had a mask on.

I hadn’t noticed but they were walking my way. I quickly ended the video so I didn’t look thirsty and tried to approach her.

I barely got close enough when Angel popped up, stopping me in my tracks.

“Hey boo, you missed me?” She sang trying to be sexy. I tried looking for the girl in red again but to no avail, how the h**l did she disappear that fast?

“Who you looking for?” Angel asked while becoming visibly upset.

“Nobody, wassup shorty.” I said still examining the crowd. It didn’t help that the place was so packed.

By now she had caught on and noticed my lingering gaze into the crowd. “Let me guess… you’re looking for Blues and Xxxpression?” She asked bitterly. Obviously she had a problem with them but I’m not here to be a therapist. “Which one which?” I questioned. I wanted to single out the red one but not be obvious.

“Blue in white and X in Red. You won’t be able to get to them anyway, they’re basically club favorites with how many men chase them.. Besides, I thought you were here to see me…” she said seductively sliding her arms around my neck.

I broke out of her grasp with hopes that the mystery girl didn’t see that. I didn’t wanna ruin my chances… My chances of what exactly? I didn’t know, all I knew was that I had a strong attraction to that woman and I didn’t want a no dishes washing b***h ruining my chances.

“Look Hakeem, I really like you. I know it’s early to say but I’m hoping that we can make this more serious. I just wanna take you in the back and make you feel good… You don’t need anybody else in this club, they can’t please you like I can. Had I known you’d be so thirsty I wouldn’t have asked you to show up.” She said putting crossing her arms.

Honestly I didn’t care about what she had to say. She meant nothing to me and after seeing Xxxpression, I had other priorities.

Stepping around Angel without a word I made it my business to ask around for the owner of the club.

“Well aren’t you a tall drink of water?” He giggled. “I’m Danny, I heard you were looking for me and honey here I am.”

He looked me up and down batting his eyes.

I respect the LGBT, I have homies that’s gay but I wasn’t looking for an invitation. “Nice to meet you Danny.” I said respectfully offering a handshake. “I was wondering if you could help me get a private dance with the lady in the gold mask.”

Danny leaned back and gave a daring smirk. “Ooooh, you want Ms X? Honey she is one of the clubs favorites if not the favorite, I’m not sure you have that type of cash.”

I laughed and brushed off the assumption. I’m far from broke if only he knew and besides I had something better to ask.

“What’s her real name?” I demanded.

He crossed his arms and gave me a challenging stare.

“Ms X, like I said. But you can call her Xxxpression.” He stared sternly as if to ask me to try him.

I didn’t want to lose the opportunity to meet her so I let it go. For now.

Pulling out a thousand in ones I placed it in his hand and looked in his eyes. “I’ll take an hour dance, please and thank you.”

He slid the money into the waist band of his shorts. “Sorry hon, we only provide 30 mins on amateur nights. Proceed to the back room titled Devils Den, the bouncer will assist you.”

Before I could respond he disappeared amongst the crowd. I guess I’ll go to the Devils Den then.

~~~~~

I had been in the back room for at least 20 mins emptying my pockets in the air watching her dance. To say I was mesmerized was an understatement. She was way more beautiful up close in the red glow of the room light than out in the crowd. I never got turned on without being touched before but yet she managed to arouse me.

I couldn’t get her to talk and I assume it’s to add more of a mystery to her theme.

It was sexy.

Sliding down the pole and onto the floor she came over and straddled my waist topless…. S**t, we were both topless. I took my shirt off at the beginning of the dance in anticipation of being skin to skin with her. Easy access I’ll call it.

I watched as the oil made her skin glow and the silky locks of red hair framed her mask so perfectly.. I was in awe of this woman and I didn’t even know her name.

Watching her dance all I knew is that I wanted to see more of her, I wanted to feel her.

I pressed my d**k onto her center as she bent back bringing her bare n*****s to my face. I’m not one to be teased and I had enough of fighting the urge to touch her. I quickly and gently took her n****e into my mouth sucking and licking it for dear life. She taste sweet and smelled like strawberries.

I felt her body start to melt in my hands and that aroused me even more. I wasn’t gonna stop until she had enough. I wanted to give her everything I could provide, including my love.

I didn’t know if she noticed but her p***y was starting to dampen my jeans, so I took it as an invitation to touch.

Just as I was about to slip her panties to the side, in came this Dwayne Johnson looking mf to kill the party. “Hey man your time is up, you gotta go.” He said standing at the door with a hardened expression. I hated how reality pops up at the worst time.

She got and up, adjusted herself and began to collect her money. It looked like she robbed a bank with how much money was on the floor.

Putting my shirt on I headed for the door, careful not to piss the jughead off. But I made sure I said something before I left.

“You’re one hell of a dancer. Best believe I’ll be back.. Ms X…” I said before I exit.

~~~~~

Once out of the Devils Den I headed out the club immediately. I was on hard and I didn’t need Danny getting any bright ideas.

As soon as I got in the car I let my mind wonder. Xxxpression was trapped in my brain and all I could think about was how she made me feel. I needed to relieve this s****l tension but I couldn’t waste a n*t like this on just anybody. I needed to f**k like I was giving it her.

Unlocking my phone, the first message that popped up was Marlaysha. She’s been texting me the last few days but I ignored her because I needed her to forget about the assault. I knew if I let her miss me it would change everything.

Come to think of it, I didn’t see her in the club tonight and I know she was supposed to work. She missed the last few days for what I assume was depression due to our altercation, but she was definitely supposed to be here tonight. She can’t miss more than a few days at a time.

I decided to send a text.

“Aye, did you work tonight? I wanna come scoop you and give you what you been missing.”

I figured I’m already here, might as well pick her up.

I let my mind wonder back to the lap dance when I noticed too much time went by. She usually responds to my text fast.

I started to get furious. I just know she isn’t with someone else right now.

I sent another text.

“You ignoring me? Another n***a got your attention?”

Staring at the phone intensely, more time went by and still nothing.

At this point my blood was boiling. I put the car in drive and drove off trying to make sense out of why she isn’t responding.

I can’t help but feel like I’m gonna have to hurt somebody.