Page 55 of Whatever It Takes
“Awe shit, baby. Look at you!” I put my phone back in my pocket and looked up at the screen. My girl was up twenty bands. “You gone keep playing or try another game?”
“I wanna playCash Eruptionnow. I think it’s over there.” She pointed to a set of slot machines by the bar.
“Aight, come on.” She printed her ticket off, sliding it into her purse. I held her hand as we headed towards the machines. “I’m finna run to the bathroom really quick. My security is right over there.” She nodded before holding her hand out for more money. I put the knot of money in her hand and instructed her to keepit in her purse. I gave my security a signal, letting them know to keep an eye on her, and made my way to the bathroom.
A hand pushed me back into the bathroom as I attempted to walk out. “What the fuck?” I asked, seeing Symone step inside.
“So you’re just going to keep ignoring my messages?” She stood in front of the door, blocking me from exiting.
“Bitch do you see how crazy you look? Move out the fucking way before I make you.” I said through gritted teeth.
“I’m telling Blessing everything.”
“What the fuck is your problem, Symone? I can count on one hand how many times I fucked you. Shit ain’t ever been that deep. Move the fuck on and leave us alone. Stop talking to my girl. Matter fact, leave the whole group alone. Just stop.” Before she could respond, the bathroom door was shoved open, and Tre walked in.
“I got it, boss. Get back to your lady.”
I stopped by the bar and grabbed a drink to calm my nerves.
“What’s wrong?” Blessing asked as I took a seat next to her.
“Nothing, baby,” I took a swig of my bourbon. “Did you win anything else?”
She frowned, shaking her head, “Nope. You didn’t give me a good luck kiss.”
I chuckled and passed her my drink. “My bad, gorgeous. Let’s go play some blackjack. You know how to play?”
She shook her head, finishing my drink. “No but you can teach me.” She smiled, leaning over to kiss me.
“I love you.”
“I love you too, Moo. Forever.”
“I am so exhausted, Papa.” Blessing frowned, walking out of the bathroom wrapped in her robe. I pulled the covers back, motioning her over. She dropped her robe and climbed into bed next to me. “Why didn’t you tell me you ran into Symone? She told me she saw you tonight at the casino.”
“I saw her on the way to the bar. I gave her a quick head nod and kept it pushing.” I lied.
“Is that why your mood changed? Saint. If there’s something you need to tell me, just tell me. Don’t start this relationship with lies.”
“Baby, there’s nothing to tell. I told you earlier I don’t like her. I know a snake when I see one. That’s all.”
“Okay. I trust you. I won’t bring it up again. I don’t get why she didn’t speak to me if she saw us tonight.” She shrugged.
“Me neither. If she seen me, she definitely seen you too.” I pulled her naked body on top of me. “You’re so beautiful. I can’t wait to make you my wife.”
“Stop gassing me.”
“You feel how hard my dick is?” I rocked her hips against my pelvis. She reached down between us, pulling me from my boxers.
“I guess I should handle this.” She bit down on her bottom lip, lifting to guide me into her warm, wet opening.
FLASHBACK —
Jazmine Sullivan’ssoothing voice filled my bedroom as I cried into my pillow. I had called Seven 114 times, but he never answered. For days, he’d been ignoring me. That was his way of punishing me. Earlier this week, I got my first professional athlete client.SinceI’ve only been with OCPT for a few months, landing a pro client so soon is rare. We should have been celebrating my success, but instead, we were arguing.
I got out of bed and headed to the bathroom, wincing at the bruises on my neck. When Seven found out about my new client, he choked me. It wasn’t the first time he’d hit me, but it was the first time he’d choked me. His hands were around my neck so tightly my eyes started spotting. He only stopped when I stopped fighting back. Messiah would kill him if he knew he was abusing me. Staying with him seemed stupid,but he promised things would get better soon. Seven wasn’t always like this—the man I loved wasn’t a monster, but he changed after I took him back. I had caught him fucking my college roommate. I believed it when he told me she initiated everything. My granny always told me that a man would only do what you allowed him to do. But, leaving the first man I ever loved wasn’t easy.
I jumped when I heard the front door open. Thinking it was Seven, I hurried out of the bathroom and made my way into the living room.
