

Lovin' A G

and a

Gentleman

By: Aisha Linnea

Copyright Notice

Lovin a G and a Gentleman

### Copyright 2016 by Aisha Linnea

### Published by DreamWriterz Ink

### All Rights Reserved

### This is a work of fiction. It is not meant to depict, portray, or represent any particular real persons. All the characters, incidents, and dialogues are the products of the author's imagination and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events or persons living or dead is coincidental and is not intended by the author.

### No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner without written permission of the author or publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews

Prologue

The plane landed into Baltimore on time. Playfully, I walked the airplane aisle, hair bouncing and swinging my arms like a little girl. Devin and I gathered our carry-ons from the overhead compartments and made our way to the exit. As I switched off in front of him he reached out and sneakily grabbed up a chunk of my ass.

"You ain't had enough of this thang yet boy?" I chanted seductively while spinning on my toes to face him with a sexy stare.

"That's all me girl, I will never have enough!" Devin smirked sexily, pearly whites gleaming, bedroom eyes undressing me.

Something about the way he grabs my ass turns me the hell on everytime. After all these years the chemistry between Devin and I was still as steamy as day one. I've known Devin since I was a teenager in high school. He was my first real boyfriend. I lost my virginity to him when we were sixteen and that was seventeen years ago. Thinking back to the first time I laid my eyes on him....

****

We were in my high school gymnasium at a basketball game. It was halftime and my girls and I were sitting in the bleachers chit chatting as he walked by. I stopped talking in mid-sentence staring him down like a dog drooling over a t-bone steak. "Dang who is that?" I asked one of my girls. Devin was always super fine.

With his smooth dark chocolate skin and curly temple taper haircut practically all the girls crushed on him. He was dressed neatly just the way I like it. The long sleeve black Polo shirt with the red horse logo complimented the red, black and gold Bo Jacksons he rocked on his feet. Those shoes were the shit back then. When he turned around and started talking to one of his boys, I noticed he had a mouth full of braces. I burst out into laughter, yet I still thought he was so damn cute.

"Oh that's just Devin Johnson from around my way." One of my girls replied.

"Well, tell him I like him. Give him my phone number please!" I damn near begged her while grabbing a pen and piece of notebook paper from my book bag. Yea, I was the one grandmothers considered a fast ass little girl.

After jotting down my number I folded up the piece of paper and passed it to my girlfriend. As she got up from the bleachers to approach him I quickly grabbed my apple flavored Lip Smackers gloss and applied it to my lips making them look kissable, not that I even planned on kissing him though. In a school full of inner city promiscuous girls, I prided myself on being a full blown tease. Fixing my left eye hovering bang I made sure no hairs were out of place. I mean you never get a second chance to make a first impression right? I was nervous as hell being as though it was the first time I had ever acted on a boy crush in high school. But trust I had practiced doing it so many times in my head for the right guy. And surely Devin was the one.

I watched as my friend whispered in his ear and he looked over to me with an infectious smile plastered on his face. I smiled back with a goofy teenage grin. Devin took the number from her and she walked back over to where we were sitting.

"Well what did he say?" I anxiously questioned not giving her a chance to speak. Then she surprised me.

"He said come over there."

"What? But why?"

"I don't know," she replied while shrugging her shoulders. "Maybe he wants to see your body, "she teased. "I'll walk with you. Let's go!"

Nervously, I got up from the bleachers to walk over to where Devin was standing. Looking down at my clothes, I tugged at my shirt. Lucky for me on days when there were basketball games after school I put on my best gear. My older sister did my hair the night before. I had my signature side bang that covered my left eye and high bun pony tail slicked down with my baby hairs snaked to perfection. My multi-colored floral sweatshirt matched perfectly with my green Travel Fox sneakers and Bongo jeans. The gym was packed and all you could hear were students shouting. I'm sure no one was paying me any attention but I felt like all eyes in that huge room were on me. I approached him digging my hands into my jean pockets.

"Hi Devin," I timidly spoke.

"Hi Malaysia.

We gazed at each other for a moment, not knowing what to say next. I felt silly just standing there.

"You're very pretty." He complimented looking me directly in the eyes. I could have sworn that sparks flew and fireworks went off in the middle of the gym. But it was only my imagination.

Tickled pink, I smiled and blushed so hard, eyes lashes fluttering, insides quivering as butterflies ran laps in my stomach. That night he called me and we conversed until I fell asleep on the phone. The next day at school during lunch he brought me a prime time pizza and butter crunch cookies and sat with me. From that moment we established that I was his girl.

****

For seventeen years Devin has been my on again off again boyfriend. This time we decided that we were going to get it right. We had just spent five days together in Aruba and we still couldn't get enough of each other. I turned around and looked at him winking my eye, giving him the signal to follow me into the nearby restroom. As I passed the mirror I glanced at my beautifully sun-kissed melanin blessed skin and noticed Devin trailing right behind me.

I chose the very last stall in the corner and before I could turn completely around he was right behind me unbuckling his belt and pants. His eyes lit up like a kid in a candy store when I pulled up my sun dress exposing that I didn't have any panties on. I assumed the position over the porcelain throne before me and Devin drove his magic stick inside of me from behind. Clearly intimacy was never a problem between us. Slowly and rhythmically, we grinded in unison. The orgasmic sensations were magnified because we were fucking in a forbidden setting. It's hard to believe that we were just going at it like rabbits right before we left Aruba. Now here I was bent over again and loving every minute of it. Within five minutes we were both climaxing. I pulled my dress back down and pulled a wet wipe out of my purse to clean my kitty. Innocently, we both walked out of the restroom like nothing happened.

Heading towards the baggage claim I took my cellphone out of my purse to power it on. I continued to watch Devin as he walked over and grabbed our luggage off of the carousel. He has always been such a gentleman for me. Even though we had just got it in, in the bathroom I was still turned on by the way his muscular arms flexed and bulged as he pulled both of our suit cases towards me. The continuous vibration of my cellphone snapped me out of the daze Devin's arms had me in. The name that flashed across my cellphone screen made me come to the realization that my vacation was over. Ignoring the call I threw the phone back into my purse, now being annoyed. Not even Kareem was going to rob me of the last few moments I had with Devin. For all I know I may not see him again for another two weeks based on his busy work schedule.

"Come on baby are you ready to leave?" I asked as I took possession of my luggage in one hand and grabbing Devin's hand with the other.

"Yes, I'm ready," he gripped my hand tightly.

It felt good knowing that we were finally moving forward. We walked out of the sliding glass double doors without a care in the world. A cool breeze blew my dress in the air and before it exposed my naked ass Devin threw his hands around my waist, like a knight in shining armor. Lord knows I would have been embarrassed if my cheeks were exposed for all to see. He pulled me in closer and we locked eyes. I stared into his dreamy eyes for a brief second. The prickle of his beard cut to five o'clock shadow tickled my chin as our soft lips clasped. Like a little girl experiencing her first kiss I closed my eyes.

When I am with Devin I'm always in total bliss. Loving him comes so easy. Nothing or no one else matters when he takes me into his arms. It's always like time stands still when we are with one another. The only thing I ever think about when we are together is how to keep a smile on his face, and boy am I beast at it. I know everything about Devin, what makes him happy, what makes him sad, how to please him and even about that heart shaped birth mark he has on his left ass cheek. Feeling his lips pressed against mine takes me into a whole world of wonderment, a dream I never want to wake up from.

The moment I opened my eyes my stomach dropped, palms sweaty and my heart beat fiercely out of my chest from what I was seeing in the distance behind us. Kareem was standing, clenching a tight fist around a bouquet full of red roses with a piercing stare. I knew by the vain protruding the midst of his forehead that he was pissed the fuck off. A million thoughts rushed through my head all at once.

Oh my fuckin' gosh! What is he doing here? I have to get the hell out of here, thoughts rushed through my head.

Immediately, I let go of Devin and proceeded to back away from him.

"Bae where are you going?" he asked confusingly breaking my discombobulated stupor, "You look like you've seen a ghost."

I was rendered silent but I continued to back away one step at a time. Kareem began a power walk toward us.

"Bitch don't you run now!" He hollered right before slamming the red rose bouquet onto the pavement.

Devin squinted his eyes and frowned his face trying to understand what was going on. The look on his face read as if he was saying, You got me fucked up!

Caught red-handed, I took off running back inside of the airport. Looking from the window I watched Kareem and Devin arguing. Not being close enough to hear the conversation I read Devin's lips.

"Nigga who the fuck is you and what the hell do you mean how do I know Malaysia?" he aggressively asked as veins bulged up and down his athletic built arms.

Next thing I knew Kareem forcefully punched him in the jaw. They began fighting right outside of the airport while onlookers watched in fear.

Two fine ass grown men were fighting over me. I can't even lie, that shit turned me on watching their muscular bodies go blow for blow. It was at that very moment that I realized that I was in love with the both of them. That is when the drama all began.

"Malaysia you sneaky lil bitch!" Kareem angrily shouted moments later as he was in handcuffs and being placed in the back of a police cruiser.

I was dumbfounded, shocked and embarrassed at the fact that I was caught up this way. Devin, on the other hand kept shaking his head in disappointment as he sat in the back of another police cruiser. He didn't utter one word to me. But I could tell that I had deeply hurt him. I grabbed our luggage and walked away from the dramatic scene flagging down a cab. The cab driver got out of his car and placed my luggage into the trunk.

"Ma'am you can get into the cab now." He said while holding the door open for me.

"How am I going to fix this shit?" I randomly asked the cab driver.

"What?" He glanced at me with a perplexed look on his face.

"I'm sorry sir. Don't mind my crazy ass. I'm just thinking out loud."

"I understand. My response to that question would be to just place it in God's hands and he'll see you through. Where to ma'am?"

I rolled my eyes into the back of my head thinking, Ain't nothing Godly about this situation.

"100 Harborview Drive in Downtown Baltimore please," I informed as the cab driver pulled off.

The situation was beyond prayer. I was completely blindsided. My dumb ass should have never turned my phone off. At least I would have known what Kareem was up to. He must have lost his damn mind popping up at the airport like that. Nevertheless, I had to fix the shit. I may have to face the fact that I could lose one of them. I don't think my poor little heart will be able to take it. Fuck that! I'm not going out without a fight. I'll do everything in my power to keep them both.

How in the hell did I get caught up like this? Honestly, I think any other bitch in my position would have probably made the same decisions. Kareem and Devin are my two rich boyfriends. They both serve two different purposes in my life. Kareem was more of a street nigga. He is that sexy thug nigga, who all the good girls dreams about. He has an explosive attitude and doesn't take shit from anyone, and his thug passion is amazing. I have to say that he's the realist nigga I've ever met.

Devin, he's my bae. He's the perfect gentleman and is more in touch with my sensitive side. He thinks quickly on his feet and has a business sense that's out of this world.

There's a saying, a nigga with time ain't got no money and a nigga with money ain't got no time. This was the case for both of them, so I balance between the two. I've been dealing with Kareem for the last three years. Within that timeframe he has financially done so many things for me. Without him I would probably still be a paralegal pushing files around for that ignorant ass lawyer I used to work for. I met him one day while I was picking up lunch for the office from Sullivan's at the Inner Harbor...

******

"Hi Malaysia." He said reading my name tag at the cash register.

"Hello-," I paused waiting for him to say his name.

"I'm Kareem. Can I take care of that for you?" He asked pulling out a big knot of cash.

"No, thank you. It's already paid for Mr. Kareem."

"Okay well let me pay for dinner tonight. I'll pick you up at eight." He reached into his wallet and handed me a business card.

"KLR Investments, CEO Kareem Richardson." I read out loud.

"Yea that's me." He replied with his hand out.

I shook his hand while quickly looking him over from head to toe. He was dressed in Under Armour as if he had just come from the gym, but he didn't smell like it. There's just something about a man that smells good. The aroma of his cologne danced its way through my nostrils causing a tingling sensation in my sweet spot. Of course I checked out his package and the bulge between his legs sent my imagination into overdrive. Kareem stood 6 feet 2 inches tall with a decadent caramel skin tone and his body was slightly built. He wore his hair cut low, waves on swim with a razor sharp shape-up and a neatly trimmed goatee. Needless to say, I was very much interested but I didn't want to come off as desperate. I kept our conversation going.

"So what exactly do you invest in Mr. CEO?" I inquired.

"You'll find out tonight when we chat over dinner Ms. Malaysia." He answered, "Hmmm Malaysia, I like the way that sounds rolling off of my tongue."

His lips, oh his lips were everything. My temperature was rising on the inside. All I could think about was rolling my clit on his tongue. I wanted to take my panties off right then and there and place them into his hands but I played it cool.

"Is that right?" I asked attempting to laugh it off."

"No doubt," said Kareem casually.

"I like your assumptive approach but you didn't even ask if I was single or not."

"Well, there's no a ring on ya' finger so I assume that I still have a chance. When you leave work just give me call and we can work out the details for tonight. Okay?"

"Okay Kareem I sure will."

As much as my mind wanted to say no to this complete stranger, my lips did otherwise. It was something about him and that pulled me in, arrested my being and had me stuck. I was yearning to submit to him just from this first encounter.

*****

That was the beginning of our prosperous relationship. The realest shit any man like him could do for his lady, is to put her in a position to win. Kareem opened the door to a lot of opportunities for me. I wouldn't be where I am today without him. It's a must that I smooth things over with him immediately. Searching through my speedy bag I found my cellphone to make a call.

"What's up Malaysia?" Tonya answered.

"Girl you're not even going to believe what just happened to me."

"Wait Malaysia are you crying? Tonya paused, " I thought you were out of town with your boo Devin."

"I definitely was but shit has just hit the fuckin' fan! I can't believe this shit!" I sniffled.

"Explain please! You can't believe what?"

"Tonya, I'm just so heartbroken right now. But first things first, I need you to pull Kareem from Anne Arundel County ASAP!"

"Oh my God! Malaysia why is Kareem in jail?"

"Girl it's a long story that I need to tell over a bottle of wine! Just post Kareem's bail for me please and meet me at the condo."

"Shit girl! I'm on my way!"

The whole taxi ride home I cried. The more I thought about what had just transpired the more stupid I felt. But feeling stupid didn't stop me from developing the resuscitation of my relationship plan in my head. The first person I had to smooth things over with was Kareem. Even though he was a piece a shit when it came to our personal relationship he was a great investor. My number one rule in life that preceded everything was, never fuck up the money. He supported my dreams and made them a reality. As long as I continued down the path I was on, I wouldn't have to work for the man ever again. For that reason alone my loyalty to Kareem could never be questioned. He made a promise to me on our very first date that he has stuck by to this day. I remember our first date like it was yesterday....

Chapter 1

I watched from my balcony as he pulled up to my rinky dink apartment building in a white drop top six series BMW. Quickly I grabbed my purse and took one last look at myself in my full length mirror.

"Makeup flawless, hair laid, body bangin' owww , owww!" I whispered as if I was chanting the lyrics to a song.

The black tank slip-on dress I decided to wear was simple yet cunningly sexy. It clung to my five foot, five inch frame in all the right places. I had enough time to silk press my long jet black Peruvian tresses which gave me an exotic Persian resemblance. I strutted out of the apartment building as if I had theme music playing. My confidence level was off of the Richter scale. Graciously, I sat down in the passenger seat of the car, taking my time so that he could take in every inch of my beauty.

"Damn girl you look good as shit. You're way more beautiful outside of your work clothes," Kareem said as he gazed into my eyes.

"Why thank you Kareem. Where are we going?"

"It's a surprise. Just lay back and enjoy the cool summer breeze and you'll see when we get there."

Thirty minutes later we pulled up to Smith & Wollensky in Downtown DC. The valet attendant opened my door, and I tip toed my way to the front entrance. With every step taken in my six inch pumps I could feel my butt cheeks jumping in rhythmic motions, courtesy of the barely there thongs I had on. Peeking back at Kareem I caught him watching my ass the whole time. He had on a black fitted V-neck t-shirt paired with some thin black cashmere sweat pants which nicely contoured against his muscular physique. Oh, and there was that bulge between his legs again that I so admired.

"Hello Mr. Richardson, right this way." The hostess said as she escorted us to a reserved table.

I was pleasantly surprised when Kareem walked up to the table and pulled out my seat for me. Our first date seemed to be perfectly coordinated. The atmosphere in the restaurant was calm and ritzy. The waiters were neatly dressed and extremely attentive. Removing his fitted cap, Kareem took his seat at the table and I was able to get a better look at him. Even though he gave off a strong thuggish persona the look in his eyes said something different. Below the hard exterior I could tell there was a sensitive side.

A polite thug, I thought. Damn he's just my type.

The kind that holds the door open for me but still smacks that ass when I walk pass. The baritone pitch of his voice shook me out of my thoughts.

"Malaysia what do you do for a living?" He attentively asked.

"Right now I'm a paralegal for Johnny Ashe and Associates. I'm in my third year of law school as well."

"Oh shit. I didn't expect an answer like that. You have a pretty good head on your shoulders to be so young. I like that."

"So young? How old do you think I am Kareem?"

"You can't be a day older than twenty-five."

"Thanks for the compliment I'm very flattered but I'm actually thirty. Is that a deal breaker for you?"

"A deal breaker? Naw. I like cougars.," he chuckled. "I'm twenty-six myself."

"Cougar? I ain't that damn old."

"I know chill out girl I was just playing."

We laughed in unison then I replied while slinging my neck back and forth, "You better play with something safer."

"Oh you fiesty too? I like that attitude."

I just shook my head and continued on with our conversation.

"Do you have any kids?"

"Nope not one! I've been successful at dodging that bullet." He said while laughing.

"Me either. I don't have the time for kids just yet."

"So tell me what your plans are when you finish law school."

"Well, my dream is to have my own practice. I refuse to be a part of the firm I currently work for. They are just a group of dirty dogs who hit on me all day."

"What's the point of you staying there then? I'm sure you can find a paralegal job anywhere."

"I stay because the money is good. Even though they are some of the biggest chauvinistic pigs, they are the best at what they do and I've learned a whole lot from them as well."

"So basically what you're saying is that you choose money and verbal abuse over peace of mind? Interesting."

"No I call it weathering the storm. There's a pot of gold at the end of all this. Besides I have tough skin."

"Hello I'm Joe I'll be your waiter for this evening." The spiffy dressed waiter said as he approached the table. "Would you care to hear about our dishes of the day?"

"No thank you Joe, I already know what we want." Kareem responded.

"Excellent!" Joe said. "What will you have tonight?"

"For the appetizer we'll take the Charlie Smith. For dinner I'll have the filet prepared medium with a lobster tail. For her, do the pan seared salmon and we'll take grilled asparagus for the side. Oh and I'll also have a bottle of the Sauvignon Blanc Joe."

"I'll put that in for you right away," said Joe as he took the menus back and walked away.

"Well, excuse the hell outta' me. I like how you placed my order without consulting me first. What's in the Charlie Smith anyway?"

"Chill Malaysia I gotchu! I heard you at Sullivan's today ordering salmon for lunch. Trust me you'll definitely love it. This is one of my favorite restaurants. The Charlie Smith ain't nothing but a shellfish platter with lump crab meat, lobster, oyster and clams."

"Raw oysters and clams?" I asked turning up my nose. I think my stomach turned instantly.

"Yes, you don't eat them?"

"Eww no!"

"There's a first time for everything. All of the food is good here."

"Hmm, you seem to know this menu really well. Do you take all of your female acquaintances here?"

"I just love good food and this is one of my favorite spots in D.C. So of course I know the menu. I barely ever have time to take bitches out."

"Bitches?" I kind of whispered. But the way it flew out of his mouth turned me on a bit. I don't even think he heard me because he kept on talking.

One characteristic I absolutely love to be instilled in a man is his ability to take charge, a man that owns an inner savage. Even though he was a little rough around the edges and harsh with his words, I was intrigued by his attentiveness towards me. He spoke with a certain level of conviction and cockiness all in his tone. Nothing he ever said that night was a second guess. He wasn't the normal type of guy that I was used to. We continued to talk about anything that came to mind for the remainder of the night. The food he ordered for me was delicious and I was tipsy off of the wine. Before we knew it two hours had passed, and we weren't anywhere close to being ready to leave.

"So exactly how much longer do you have left until you take the bar?" He questioned.

"Kareem why are you so interested in my career? This has to be about the fifth question you've asked about it."

"Because I'm really impressed if you haven't noticed. I've never personally knew a lawyer before. Like actually known them without having legal troubles."

"Well, I'm not a lawyer yet. I still have a while to even be able to take the bar."

"And you work for Johnny Ashe he's definitely one of the best in B-more. So I know you're a beast. How confident do you feel about passing?"

"Not to toot my own horn but I'm definitely going to pass the first time around. Let's just say I'm on my shit!"

"Okay that's what I like to hear. I just love me a confident bitch. Confidence alone makes my dick hard."

Well damn I wasn't expecting that, "Excuse me?"

"Oh don't mind the way I talk. I'm not calling you a bitch. Like I don't mean no disrespect or anything. You'll get used to it."

"Who says I'm going to be around long enough to get used to it?"

"Trust me. I know you will."

"If you say so." I replied rolling my eyes.

"Malaysia for real listen, it's something about you that I like. I don't really know too much about you but you give off a feeling that I can trust you. So I'm going to make you an offer. You don't have to decide on it now. You can give it a week or two and we can get to know each other a little better." He explained.

"An offer? What are you some kind of pimp?" I asked with a frowned face.

"Fuck no! Why would I try to pimp you out? I have way better plans for us."

"Just what kind of plans do you have for us?" I side-eyed him.

"Let me pay the rest of your school bills and any other bills that you have. And all that you have to do in return is to head my legal team."

"Huh? Come again?" I leaned in closer as if I didn't hear him clearly.

"You heard me girl."

"Why me? And why do you need a legal team?"

"Malaysia I'm not just some ole' ordinary ass nigga. You will soon find out. Just think on it. Like I said you don't have to answer the question now."

"So that's what this was the whole time, a damn job interview?"

"Not at all. It was a date but a nigga like me never passes up on a great business opportunity. I'll definitely make it worth your while. But enough about business are you going to let me have what's under that dress tonight or what?"

"Kareem you are something else," I answered while leaning in closer so that we could be eye to eye, "Exactly what type of bitch do you think I am?"

He didn't flinch, blink or back down, he moved in closer, "I think that you're a smart, beautiful, classy, undercover freak bitch waiting on a nigga like me to unleash your inner porn star, " he chuckled real slick like, " I get it. You're all work and no play. I told you I'm not your average nigga shawty. I'm probably the realist nigga you'll ever meet. I like you. I see your potential. I'm not going anywhere. You can fuck me tonight or you can wait til' next month it doesn't make a difference to me." He attempted to clean the imaginary dirt from his clean manicured nails. This man had swag for days.

"Wow so you think that you have me all figured out huh?" I asked right before taking a double shot of vodka back.

"The ball is in your court Ms. Malaysia. Just tell me how you want to carry it." He leaned back and crossed his arms awaiting my response.

The effects of the double shot of vodka and wine had my hormones raging. He was right. This was one of those times where Devin and I were not together and I had no idea on when my next piece of dick was going to come through. Not having had sex in over six months I was like a dog in heat. I needed my cherry popped immediately. I pulled my chair around the table closer to Kareem. The closer I sat to him the more intense the tingling in my pussy became. Under the table I took him by the hand and led it in between my thighs. With his two forefingers he pushed my panties to the side and entered my overly sensitive, drenched, pulsating walls. I gasped out in ecstasy.

I fucked Kareem everyday two times a day for the remainder of that week. His wood was like a drug and I was addicted. It was some of the best ignorant sex I had ever had in my life. Pure passion and no feelings involved. Behind closed doors he treated me like his sex slave but in public he treated me like a queen. He brought me lunch to work every day, delivering edible arrangements and surprise gifts that whole month. At the end of the month I submitted my letter of resignation to Johnny Ashe and Associates and Kareem did everything he said he was going to do. My rent was paid up for six months and all my school expenses were covered. My head was so far up in the clouds I didn't know if I was coming or going. Even though he was a man of his word there was just something about him. I couldn't put my finger on it but he seemed too good to be true. So much for the infamous ninety day rule...

Chapter 2

The dreary overcast matched my mood as I pulled in front of my condo building looking towards the sky. Tonya stood in front of the building tapping her feet anxiously awaiting my arrival.

"Hopefully everything works out in your favor ma'am." The cab driver wished me well as I paid him and exited the vehicle.

Tonya and I met three years ago while we both worked at J. Ashe and Associates. She was the offices administrative assistant. We spent countless hours together working on cases at the law firm, so it was inevitable for us to become friends. When I finally branched out and did my own thing it was only right to bring her with me. When she came to work for me I continued to pay her full time so that she could get her associates in paralegal studies and still maintain her bills. Tonya was more than an assistant to me, she was like the little sister I never had. Today she was going to be my shoulder to cry on.

"Aww Malaysia your eyes are all puffy from crying. This has to be serious because you never cry." Tonya consoled as I walked towards her.

She embraced me and I placed my head on her shoulder, "Girl you don't even know the half. I don't even know where to begin. Did you call Anne Arundel County to check on Kareem for me?"

"I did call, but he still hasn't been processed yet. You know Kareem has a slight record Malaysia this could turn out to be bigger than it needs to be."

"I know Tonya, please don't remind me. It's all my fault that he's there! Grab one of these bags so we can get inside and I can ease my mind with a drink?"

I still hadn't told Tonya that Devin was in jail too. I wasn't prepared to hear a bunch of I told you so's from her. I just needed her to be my understanding girlfriend and not the voice of reason.

"So you want to start letting me in on the tea or nah?" She pushed for more info as we stepped onto the elevator. "Girl I don't see no damn bar on this elevator! I thought I was going to need a bottle of wine but this shit calls for a few shots of vodka!" I snapped.

"Well, damn Malaysia you got me on my toes. I'm going to need you to start talking! What the hell happened?"

"Tonya you're acting real thirsty right about now. You'll get the tea okay!" I replied while getting off of the elevator. I unlocked the door to my condo and walked in straight to my mini bar.

"Bitch you are taking this damn shot with me okay. I ain't taking no for an answer." I commanded while pouring up two shots of vodka to the brim of the shot glasses. We took the shots back, and I made my way to my bedroom.

"Meet me on the balcony Tonya."

Quickly I removed my shoes, grabbed a blunt and bag of weed that I previously stashed inside of my jewelry box. When I returned to the living room Tonya was out on the balcony waiting for me.

"Well, it's about time bitch! Let's get to talking." She impatiently expressed as I plopped down in the chair beside her and began to roll the blunt.

"Devin is in jail too." I blurted out not being able to hold it in any longer.

"Wait, hold the fuck up! I know you didn't just say Devin was in jail too?"

"Yes, I did." I admitted letting out a bothersome sigh.

"Girrrrllll now I told your ass before you were playing with fire dealing with the both of them as closely as you have."

"Yea you told me so, but I can't leave them alone. I tried, but it's so hard."

"Whatever Malaysia! Just get to the story!"

I inhaled a whiff from the blunt and blew into the air, "Okay, so when Devin and I exited the airport Kareem was out there waiting for me with a bouquet of roses."

"Whattttttt!!" Tonya replied snatching the blunt from me damn near burning me in the process. "You can't be serious. So what did you do?"

"I ran my ass back into the airport and left Devin standing there not knowing what was going on. They started having words and the next thing I know Kareem punched Devin in the mouth. I was basically front row. It was like Mayweather vs. Cotto."

"Hell no! That shit is crazy! I told you before that you were playing them too close," she paused taking another pull from the blunt, "You know Kareem's ass is crazy. Now both of them are in jail. Hold the hell up! What's this big ass ring on your finger?"

As if I already wasn't feeling bad Tonya made me feel worst. A combination of the effects of the weed and Tonya's antics began to make me over analyze the situation.

"Bitch I said what is this big ass ring on your finger?" Tonya repeated, "Malaysia are you crying again?"

Tears flowed fluently down my face; I held my head down in shame, "Devin proposed in Aruba." I spoke in a faint whisper.

"Girrrrrlllll!"

"I'm just so heart broken. I don't know what to do. I love them both and I know that Devin is better for me. But somehow I can't shake Kareem's ass! My love life is over!"

"Oh shit it's worse than I thought. Girl you better dry them damn tears and pull it together. You over here talking about your love life could be over when there are two niggas in jail. You have bigger fish to fry than your damn love life. But that ring though!" She says pulling my hand closer towards her to admire.

"You're right Tonya. My skeletons have fallen out the damn closet and two men are in jail behind it."

"What you need to do is to learn how to be by your damn self for a while. You really don't need either of them at this point."

"But I do need them. They complete me."

"Ha! That's the funniest shit I've heard all year. Kareem ain't shit! Besides him helping you finance your dreams he has brought all kinds of unnecessary drama in your life. You need to get rid of him and stay with Devin anyway! He proposed, and you said yes obviously."

"First of all I know Kareem ain't shit! He's married with a baby and he also has hella other bitches. This is why I continued to deal with Devin. What we have just works. When Devin gets caught up into work and has no time for me Kareem does. I mean look at me. Does a bitch like me deserve to be alone for weeks on end?"

"Malaysia you ain't shit! Poor lil Devin! He thinks he has a good girl. I promise he's done with you after this."

"You really think so?"

"I know so! I would be."

"Oh my God Tonya! What have I done? I'm going to do everything in my power to keep them both. I promise you. You know my persuading skills are a beast."

"True dat! You are Malaysia Davis, Esq. I would love to see you finesse your way out of this one."

"First things first, I need to see how much time I have before they are released. Tonya we are well connected in Anne Arundel County find out what's going on ASAP! Get someone on the phone while I run to the bathroom."

When I returned from the bathroom and saw the look on Tonya's face I knew I was in for a shocker. "Malaysia you ain't even gonna believe this shit." She said as she lay her cell phone on the end table.

"Believe what? What's going on?"

"Kareem has no bail!"

My heart dropped. I knew Kareem was going to kill me.

"What the fuck you mean he has no bail?"

"You know he has a record full of assault charges. They are trying to make him sit until his court date. Devin on the other hand is going to be released in a few hours on his own recon."

That no bail announcement threw a monkey wrench in my plans. Whatever ideas I had for keeping my two niggas at bay had to be boosted to some next level shit. Kareem was stuck in jail with no bail. Talk about the power of the P-U-S-S-Y! "I'm going to go and see him as his lawyer. I know damn well that he's pissed. "Tonya say a prayer for me because his crazy ass is really going to kill me."

"Oh I know girl I'll start planning your funeral now!" Tonya laughed out loud.

"But what about Devin? That man just proposed to you and you really don't seem to be that worried about him."

"That's because he has no charges and he'll be out in a few hours. Plus he's not as dangerous as Kareem."

"So you think you have this shit all figured out huh?"

"Not really."

Leaving the balcony I went in my room to change into a business suit. Sifting through my closet for something simple and quick I settled on a black one buttoned tailored pencil skirt suit. It gave me the professional yet stylish look I was going for. The pencil skirt accentuated my curvaceous body creating a perfect hourglass silhouette. I loved everything about my job but the one thing I loved more than anything was dressing the part. I slipped on my old faithful black platform bloody bottom pumps and hurried out the door.

"Tonya lock up the place for me when you leave." I told her right before the door slammed shut.

Chapter 3

It was calm and subtle once the engine of my Panamera shut off. In this stolen moment I chose to gather my thoughts. Breathing deeply, I thought about how carefully I was going to approach Kareem. Unfortunately, there was never enough preparation when having to deal with him. At times his temper could be beyond controllable, but hopefully the jail setting would keep him calm. Reaching into the backseat, I grabbed my pink saffiano leather briefcase, said a silent prayer and got out of the car sweating profusely from nervousness. Every step taken towards the jail felt like one step closer to my demise.

"Good afternoon, I'm legal counsel for K-Kareem Richardson." I stuttered while passing my ID to the correctional officer.

"Hello Ms. Davis, I haven't seen you here in a while."

"I know Jones I haven't been working on too many criminal cases lately."

"Okay well you know the routine. Let's get this strip search started!" He joked.

"Officer Jones you haven't changed a bit."

"And neither have you Malaysia. You're still fine as ever. Have you decided to take me up on my offer yet?"

"Sorry not today it's way too much on my plate."

"That's too bad. You know I would take care of you right? I would be your slave baby. Your every wish would be my command! Just say the word." said Officer Jones shooting one of his many jumpers.

"I'm gonna have to pass for now Jones. Surely your wife would appreciate me allowing you to stay married to her another day." I chuckled as I walked through the metal detector.

"Ha! You're absolutely right. Just go into the first room and I'll have him in there shortly."

Officer Jones was about fifty years old. He had been working at the Anne Arundel County Jail for years. He was one of those old heads who were always trying to get a taste of a young piece so I used it to my advantage. Anytime my clients were in Anne Arundel County Jail there was never an issue with how much time was given during visits.

The empty visiting room was so frigid it caused goose bumps to surface on my arms as I placed my briefcase on the table and removed my suit jacket. I took a few more deep breaths and sat down nervously awaiting Kareem's arrival.

The sound of the industrial stainless steel door handle twisting startled me right before it swung open and Officer Jones escorted Kareem into the room.

"Ms. Davis I'll be right outside the door. Take all the time you need." He announced while low key winking his eye.

"Thanks Jones. I appreciate that. We'll be good."

Kareem walked in the room with his mug broke down. His fists were clenched and the veins in his arms were pulsating. It had only been a few hours, and he was giving off the look as if he had done some hard jail time. His hard demeanor immediately had me aroused and the temperature in the room began to rise. Even though I knew I was in deep shit with him I still couldn't control the animal attraction within. It was like a gravitational pull almost. That quickly I began to fantasize about him, mouth gaped open with a blank stare in my face. I could feel the drool developing in my watering mouth. I had it lustfully bad for Kareem.

"Bitch, you better get me the fuck out of here! I don't want to hear shit you have to say." He spat immediately putting a halt to my fantasy.

"Kareem just calm down please." I begged in a soft tone while reaching across the table caressing his hand, hoping that he would match my calming demeanor.

"Bitch don't touch me.," he pushed my hand away from him, "You're lucky that you and that nigga ain't dead." he pointed his index finger dead smack in the midst of my eyes.

"Dead? That's harsh, you would kill me? I thought I was important to you."

"Believe me Malaysia just like I found you I could find another bitch. I can't believe you. You damn near break my marriage up, I confess my love for you and I try to surprise you at the airport and you're kissing up on some ole pretty ass black nigga. You ain't nothing but a sneaky freak!" he shouted banging his bawled up fist on the table," I just want to strangle the life out of you," he positioned his hands as if her were choking someone, "But I'm already in enough trouble."

"But it's not anything that I can't get you out of baby. I'm sorry."

"Fuckin' right you're sorry! You got me into this shit and bitch you definitely better get me out of it, or else!"

I had to think for a second about the position I was in. I was the one with the upper hand. Kareem was in jail without a bail and I was the one who handled all of his business. At this point he really did need me more than I needed him. My, my, my how quickly do the tables turn. I had complete access to his business accounts and handled all of his business expenses. Truth be told I could have really taken him off, left his ass in jail to rot and he wouldn't even see it coming. But I'm not even close to that type of bitch though. Kareem is more beneficial to me by having him around. Once it clicked in my mind on how beneficial I was to him my fears began to subside.

"Or else what Kareem?" I asked with a raised eyebrow, "You act like you have been the perfect man to me."

He shot a stare to me and the look on his face said, What is this bitch about to say?

"Yes, you've assisted with boosting my career and I am grateful for that. But you have a whole different life outside of me. You have a whole fucking family with a two year old baby! Not only that, you have a whole slew of bitches out here. Just because it's never mentioned doesn't mean I don't know shit about your trifling ass life. You act like when you don't have time for me you're working, when you're actually out here wining and dining other bitches. So yes, I have another nigga. A nigga who's committed to me and me only!" I boasted as I flashed my ring in his face, "You should just get the fuck over it!"

"What I do in the streets is none of your fucking business anyway! As long as you're not affected by it you shouldn't give a fuck. It's not like you will ever have to see or take care of my baby anyway so all that shit is irrelevant. You're my bitch and that's my pussy! I don't care about who you hear about your loyalty is with me. Fuck that ring! You better cut that nigga off immediately!"

"It's not that simple Kareem. Remember all that money you gave me and told me to make it legal? That's who makes it legal. So there is no just cutting him off. Believe it or not he's one of our silent business partners. You know all the business accounts we have? It's all because of him. All of those investment portfolios? That's him!"

That statement was real ballsy of me but it needed to be said. No matter how much trifling shit he did to me in his eyes we were never on a level playing field. Kareem became even angrier than before. Not only am I engaged to the nigga he had just beat up at the airport but he was a major player in the success of his business.

Devin was always good with numbers. When he graduated from high school he was awarded with a scholarship to Kelly School of business in Indianapolis. He has been a successful investment broker for the last 10 years. He was basically a financial genius.

It was like dropping a bomb in Kareem's lap and he couldn't do shit about it. An unexpected silence fell over the room. I could tell he was trying to process what I had just told him while trying to keep his composure at the same time.

The look on Kareem's face made me want to take back everything I said. I felt like I was trying to kick him while he was down and that honestly wasn't my goal. My goal was to keep him around because I really do love him and he's truly beneficial to me. As he sat at the table in silence trying to take in everything I had just told him, I slipped my shoe off under the table and begin to fondle his package with my toes. His evil eyes shot over at me but he didn't push my feet away. If it's one thing that I knew about Kareem it was how to get him going. I knew how to get him to channel his aggression in another direction. I'm pretty sure that's one of the many reasons why I was still around. The more I fondled, the harder his dick became. The walls of my kitty began to yearn for him to be inside of me.

Officer Jones was the least of my worries; I already had him in the pocket anyway. I walked around to Kareem's side of the table. He slowly pushed his chair away from the table and pulled his manhood out of his sweat pants because he knew what I was coming for. I pulled my skirt up and jumped on his magic stick. Clenching my ass cheeks in both hands he forcefully pulled me up and down. The more I pounced the wetter and juicier my walls became.

"This is your pussy." I seductively whispered in his ear, "She only gets this wet for you baby."

I loved to boost his ego. I knew that was the way to Kareem's heart. Before I knew it he was busting inside of me and my legs were quivering. I climbed off of him and pulled my travel size pack of wet wipes from my purse to wipe off and fixed my clothes. In the blink of an eye I put on my attorney hat.

"I'm requesting another bail review and you'll be out within another twenty-four hours. Okay?" I said while throwing my suit jacket back on and grabbing my briefcase.

Kareem stared up at me for a second without one bit of emotion on his face.

A devious smile spread from cheek to cheek, with him reminding me of The Joker.

"Okay." he answered.

Mission accomplished, I cockily thought to myself. They do say that pussy rules the world..... Now, it's was on to Devin.

Chapter 4

The water shooting jets from the Jacuzzi tub soothed my body. The steaming hot water covered my body like a heated blanket. All traces of Kareem's DNA were being washed away from my juicy walls of love. I thought about how easy it was to smooth over things with him realizing it wasn't going to be that easy with Devin. He wasn't a male whore. When he actually said he was out of town on business he was telling the truth. I truly had no good reason to cheat on him other than the fact that I was always lonely.

After thirty minutes of soaking my twat I arose from the Jacuzzi tub. Grabbing my cocoa butter gel off of the dresser I applied it all over my body. Starting from the tip of my toes working my way up into my inner thighs, I massaged the gel deeply into my skin making sure I didn't leave any spots uncovered. From my mirrored armoire I grabbed a pair of pink lace trim cheeky panties and slid them on. I set my alarm clock for 7:00pm to allow myself to at least get two hours of sleep.

I hit my California king like a sack of bricks and before I knew it I was fast asleep.

The pounding sound of someone banging on my front door scared me out of my slumber.

"Malaysia I know you are in there! Open up the fucking door!" Devin voice shouted.

It felt like the moment my eyes closed I was being forced to wake up again. Looking over at the alarm clock I realized three hours had passed. Quickly, I pulled myself together to go and let him in. Before getting to the front door I glance at myself in the mirror. My perky pierced tits starred back at me as if they were ready to be sucked and kissed. My ass cheeks poked out from the bottom of my cheeky underwear.

"Perfect!" I whispered.

"Malaysia come and open this door!" He shouted once more while pounding on the door.

The moment the lock came off of the door Devin turned the knob and burst in. I stood there posing with nothing on but my underwear as if not a damn thing was wrong. He paused, gazing at me with a confused look on his face. He wasn't expecting me to be standing here partially naked without a tear in sight. It threw him off but it calmed him down.

"Why are you damn near naked? Are you in here with that nigga?" He asked as he pushed me to the side to search the condo.

"No Devin, I was sleep."

"And since when do you sleep in panties like that?"

"I was waiting on you. I knew you were going to come here."

"Malaysia I didn't come here for all that. You won't get off that fucking easy."

"Babe I'm sorry."

"Damn right you're sorry! So that's Kareem Richardson huh? The whole time you've been fucking that nigga?"

"Yes Devin that's Kareem Richardson."

"Say it! You've been fucking him this whole time!" He shouted demanding confirmation.

Yes Devin! Yes it's true. But I realized we could never be in a real relationship or get married because he's not that type of man."

"Whatever Malaysia!"

"Seriously, he helped me get my career off the ground and for that I am thankful."

"So you just pay your gratuity in sex huh? You're nothing but a modern day prostitute! And just to think I was in love with your ass. I fuckin' proposed to you like an idiot!"

"What do you mean you was in love? You can't fall out of love with a person that quick. I'm still in love with you and I only want to be with you. I've been told him it was over anyway."

"Well, I can't tell!"

"You can't tell? Devin our chemistry is out of this world. You can't feel my heart beat faster every time I'm laid up on your chest. Or the fact that I can't stop staring at you when you're with me. Baby we are connected in every way."

"So then Malaysia why are you fucking this other nigga when I give you everything?"

"You give me everything but your time. I get so lonely when you're away. Then you're always telling me I'm too needy at times."

"So when I'm gone this nigga just slide in? He be in this bitch blowing your back out don't he? I should've known I couldn't trust you. I wanted you to be my wife. Keep fucking that nigga! I'm just here to get my ring back."

"No, no, no Devin!" I cried while pulling at his hand.

"Malaysia get the fuck off of me!"

Taking advantage of the moment I threw myself to the floor acting as if him shoving me away was way more powerful than it actually was. I knew he would come running if he thought he hurt me because Devin wasn't the abusive type.

"Bae, I'm sorry," he apoplogized while picking me up off the floor.

Crocodile tears rolled down my cheeks. I buried my face into his chest.

"I'm sorry too."

"I didn't mean to hurt you. I just get so lonely."

"So that means you just out here fucking and sucking cause you lonely? You should be able to control yourself. I do! I can't have you out here having me look like no sucker. I can't do this shit anymore. I'm done!"

Suddenly I snapped. A light bulb went off in my head. I almost felt like I was in court fighting a case but I was losing. I had to remember who the fuck I was and how we had gotten to this point anyway.

"Well, your fucking bank account don't look like no sucker either! Let's be real for a moment, I did this shit for us. You've made well over a half a million dollars because of Kareem. Not to mention you've broken laws laundering his money. Please don't act like you're perfect Devin."

"So what I wasn't out here fucking another bitch!"

"Grow up! Shit happens! I did what I had to do. Since you're so holier than thou you go ahead and leave! Never look back! Never make another fucking penny okay. The same way I got you to do it I can get someone else."

I can tell I'd hit a nerve so I just kept going in while I had his attention.

"While we are talking about your holiness St. Devin, I have family locater on your phone. I rode pass that bitch house. She ain't me, so go the fuck head and leave. She will never make you as much money as I have."

"You have what on my phone? It ain't even what you're thinking. I'm not fucking her! That's all business."

"Yea okay Devin. Are you going to leave me or are we going to continue to get this money?" I asked while moving closer to him.

"Money, money, money, that's what it's always about for you?"

"No baby, this isn't about the money. This is about securing our future. I will be your wife one day. At this rate we will be able to retire when we are forty. Retiring at forty that sounds great wouldn't you agree?" I convincingly asked as I rubbed on his chest.

I knew with every word I was breaking down his defense wall brick by brick and now it was time for me to go in for the kill.

Rubbing on his chest turned into rubbing on his manhood.

"Malaysia don't even try it." Devin says shoving my hand away.

"So you're telling me you don't want this Daddy?" I questioned in a seductive voice once again caressing his package.

I knew he would not be able to resist once I started. Slowly, I unbuckle his belt and unzip his pants. "Big Devin" as I called his dick stood up waiting for me. I drop to my knees and take all of his eight inches into my mouth. Bobbing my head back and forth using my favorite method, "no hands" I gave it to him just the way he loved it. Right before he reaches the point of climax I released his manhood from my jaws and pushed him back on the bed. I crawled on top of him and began riding him like a cowboy rides his noble steed into the sunset.

"Owwww Daddy it feels so gooood." I moan.

"Ohhh, Malaysia, you're just the devil." He moans out in elation.

He gripped my ass tightly which was and indication that he was the point of ejaculation. Just as I said every time I lay on his chest my heart began to beat faster. I'm genuinely in love with Devin. I want to be faithful to him but I don't even see how it's possible. Kareem would probably kill me if I tried to break ties with him.

How the hell did I even get here?

Chapter 5

Two Years Ago

It was a surreal moment for me. All of my hard work had finally paid off. In my hand I held the documentation confirming that I had passed the bar. I could officially practice in the Maryland and DC. The waiting process was ridiculous, but it was well worth it. The first person I thought about was Kareem. Excitedly, I picked up my cell and called him.

"Hey baby." He answered.

"Hey boo, guess what I just got in the mail?"

"It better be what you've been waiting for the past seven months!"

"You guessed it, I passed! I can't believe it."

"What's not to believe? You're smart as shit. I knew you were going to pass on your first attempt. Remember how we talked about this moment the first time we hung out."

"I know but I was a lil' nervous."

"I'm on my way over. I want to pop a bottle of champagne with you real quick to celebrate."

"Okay, I'll be waiting."

"Give me about thirty minutes and I'll be there."

I hopped in the shower real quick to freshen up. As the steamy hot water rolled down my back I envisioned myself having my own practice. Being able to wake up every day knowing that I was in business for myself is a dream come true. I was so ready to make that happen.

About forty minutes later Kareem was knocking on my apartment door. He walked through the door with a magnum bottle of Ace of Spades in one hand and a dozen of yellow roses in the other. Strapped across his body was a Diamier duffle bag.

"Malaysia you look extra pretty today. I think it's the glow of success I see." He said reaching out to embrace me for a hug.

"Thank you baby." I replied while planting a kiss on his luscious lips.

"I'm so proud of you girl, you finally did it. It's been a long time coming."

He walked over into the kitchen and grabbed a dish towel. As he began to open the bottle, I took the chance to put my roses in a vase. As I grabbed two champagne flutes from the cabinet the sound of the cork popping startled me. I damn near dropped the glasses but I caught myself and placed them on the countertop. He filled our glasses with bubbly to capacity. We scooped them up from the table and held them in the air for a toast. "To a new beginning." He said. "Yes, a new beginning." I repeated right before taking the champagne back.

He leaned in and kissed me on the forehead and pulled me closer. "Now that you officially have your stripes it's time to put you to work baby." Kareem advised while removing the duffle bag from his back and sitting it down on the dining room table.

"Damn, you couldn't wait another minute huh?"

"Nope, I need you to find a way to make this money clean." He explained as he un-zipped the bag and dumped stacks of cash onto my table.

I couldn't believe my eyes. I had never seen that much money at one time in my entire life.

"Um why is it dirty Kareem?"

"Malaysia the less you know, the better off you are. Plus I don't want to put you in a position to breach our attorney/client privilege."

"Laundering money isn't a part of my job description."

"It is now. So get to it. You're a smart girl. You'll figure it out."

"So you're really serious?"

"Dead serious. You heard me?" He said with a firm look on his face.

"Oh I heard you. Dead serious though?" I questioned because the look on his face and the demeanor of his mannerisms made me feel as if he was threatening my life.

"Keep fifty for yourself."

"Fifty? Come again?" I asked with a perplexed frown upon my face.

"Yeah girl that's what I said, fifty stacks," he reiterated, "Just handle it and I promise you'll be fine.... Oh and you need to move out of this lil' phony ass apartment too," he ordered as if it was nothing. Grabbing his keys he walked towards the door.

'Wait Kareem! Where the hell am I moving to?"

"Get a real estate agent and start looking. Your credit is tight. That should be a no brainer for you. Stop acting like a dumb blonde you're a damn lawyer now! You should be quick on your feet."

What the hell just happened? I thought to myself.

Kareem left me in the state of shock and confusion but I could tell he was completely serious. A ridiculous amount of money was thrown across my dining room table. I stared at it in disbelief. Slowly, I walked over to the table, picked up a few stacks of cash and ran my fingers threw it. A fabric softener scented breeze invaded my nostrils. It was the best smelling money I had ever come in contact with.

What the fuck did he have this shit stashed in a dryer somewhere?

It was put together in one hundred dollar stacks of a thousand. I visually counted at least two hundred and fifty thousand dollars. I knew that Kareem was a business man but what the fuck did he do that made it dirty money? What was KLR Investments really the front for?

What have I gotten myself into?

A feeling of anger took over me. I ran my arms across the table pushing all the money onto the floor. I didn't want it in my possession but I was too scared to say no. At that point I was already in too deep. Kareem had been consistently paying my bills for over a year. I was obligated to make good on my promise and become his lawyer.

I walked into my bedroom, leaving the cash sprawled out on the floor. I lay across my bed contemplating my next move. Was I going to go through with what Kareem ordered me to do? If I did, how the hell was I going to do it? The thoughts in my head made me tired. As soon as I found myself dozing off I was awakened by the ringing of my cell phone.

"Hello." I answered.

"Malaysia do you have any idea how much money you stand to make?" Kareem asked.

"I don't know about all this."

"What is it that you don't know about? I told you the less you know, the better off you are. Just do as I asked you to do and you will be just fine."

"But it's not legal."

"Get the fuck over it! You're a lawyer! Fucking lawyers are shiesty. I know you have it in you. I expect to have an update within two weeks."

"Hello. Hello." I repeated realizing he had hung up on me.

I had two weeks to do something I had never done before. I didn't even know where to start. I wrecked my brain thinking of the possibilities. Grabbing my phone I began going through all of my contacts to see if anyone would spark up any ideas.

"Devin!" I said while scrolling pass his contact information.

I hadn't spoken with Devin for over two years. We broke up over the same shit we usually go through. Neither one of us ever had time for each other. But with his business sense and connections he was the perfect person to pitch the idea to. Even though we decided to throw in the towel on our relationship he was someone I could still trust. One thing about Devin is that he was always loyal to me no matter the situation. I fought with the thought of calling him because I knew that I could potentially open up old wounds from our emotional roller coaster of a relationship. For the moment the pros outweighed the cons. I didn't waste another minute thinking about it. Fuck calling him I'm going to pay him a visit. I quickly hopped out of my bed and ran into my closet to throw something on.

I had to dress in a way that would catch his attention because what I was propositioning to him was probably going to be a complete shock coming from my mouth. The same mouth that told him I wanted to become a lawyer to uphold the laws from was going to be the same mouth to tell him I wanted to break them.

Chapter 6

It was a typical hot ass eighty-eight degree summer day in B-more. The sun wasn't taking any prisoners. I felt like I was a small fry under a heat lamp at McDonalds. I barely had any clothes on. Devin liked simple, figure-hugging dresses, so that's what I wore. I stepped foot into his office and he was sitting in the waiting area on the couch as if he was expecting me to walk through the door.

"Is this a ghost I'm seeing? Malaysia Davis? What do I owe the pleasure of having you walk into my office today?"

"Don't do that Devin."

"I mean the last time I heard from you was when you gave me an ultimatum. You tried to make me choose between a lucrative business trip or spending time with you."

"This is true. You chose the trip. It was completely clear to me that you were all about the money."

"Malaysia now you know it was way deeper than that. You're still as beautiful as ever though."

Devin and I always had a great bond. It didn't matter how long we didn't speak to each other we were always able to pick up right where we left off. He was still fine as shit maybe just a little finer. He obviously had been working out more because his body was impeccably cut up in all the right places. He still had that mesmerizing effect on me. Keeping it strictly business with him was going to be harder than what I expected.

"Thanks Dev. You're not looking too shabby yourself."

"Well what can I say?" He jokingly said as he pretended to pop his collar. I stared at him for a moment. It felt weird seeing him for the first time after two years.

"Can we go into your office to talk?" I said breaking the awkward tension between us.

"Sure, whatever you want." He replied while getting up from the couch.

As I walked in front of him towards his office I could feel his eyes watching me. It was obvious that I had left an everlasting impression on him as well.

We walked into his office and he sat down behind his desk. I closed the door and locked it.

"Look Devin I'm going to get right down to business. I have someone that's looking to invest without any questions asked."

"So you just show up in my office after damn near two years talking about you have someone who wants to invest with no questions asked?"

"I didn't come alone. I have this too." I replied while picking the duffle bag up off of the floor and tossing the cash on his desk.

"Malaysia I ain't fucking with you. Where did all this cash come from?"

"What do you mean? I thought you was all about the money. It's twenty-five K in it for you but I guess you don't want that huh?" I replied while picking up the stacks and placing them back into the bag.

"W-Wait twenty-five K?" He stuttered.

"That's what I thought. Yeah I said twenty-five K. Are you in or am I wasting my time?"

I knew I was being a little pushy, but I knew how to quickly grab Devin's attention with the offering of cash.

"You are a piece of work, you know that Malaysia?"

"I hope you mean a piece of artwork," I joked.

"I was just starting to get over you and then you barge your fine ass up into my office out of nowhere." I knew he was going to get into his feelings but I didn't think it was going to happen that quickly. The conversation I've avoided for the last two years I was being forced to have because I desperately needed something out of the deal. I'm not keen on talking about matters of the heart. When he chose that business trip over me it hurt me deeply. Ever since then I've built a wall around my heart, vowing not to let anyone that close to me again. I damn near flunked out of school because of it. To me love was just a road block. While on the upside of love you gain valuable relationships but on the downside they quickly crumble. I no longer yearned for that la-la land type of love because it was so unreal.

"Devin I'm just trying to put some money into your pocket. That's all. I didn't mean to come here and open up old wounds."

"Well, you did. I called you repeatedly for weeks. You never answered. Why would you do that to me?"

"Why did I do that to you? Seriously? Dev you hurt me! You chose your so-called lucrative business trip over me. I didn't want to be hurt any deeper so I just let it go. Even though we suck at trying to make a relationship work I know that you go hard for the money. That's why I came to you. I trust you."

"You trust me with the money but you can't trust me with your heart? Give me a chance to make it up to you. I promise not to hurt you again."

"Devin this is your chance. Let's start here by doing business together."

"I think I need a few weeks to think on it." He replied.

"I don't have a few weeks. I need an answer now."

"Okay pushy lawyer! I see your law degree has really got you out here playing the part."

"My law degree? How do you know I have my degree?"

"Malaysia, you are the love of my life. I still keep tabs on you."

"I don't know if I should be flattered or creeped out. Anyway, are you going to do this for me?"

"Now you know I would never leave you out in the cold. I'll do it for you only if you allow me to take you out for dinner."

"Hmmm well let me think on this dinner thing."

"Nope, no thinking! I need an answer now."

That damn Devin always knew how to work a deal. He knew that I wasn't going to say no. This was the official moment I had entered the point of no return.

"Okay Devin it's a deal."

"That's my girl. I'll come by and pick you up around nine tonight. We can talk about this business first and then we can transition into the personal stuff. You know what type of documentation I need to make this work so make sure you have that tonight."

I don't know why I felt like I made a deal with the devil. It was something brewing in my stomach. I don't if it was my nerves or if it was my gut telling me to stop. Either way it didn't matter because I had accomplished the first step to my plan to launder Kareem's money.

That night Devin came to my apartment and picked me up for dinner. I made sure I had all I needed to get things started. We started out with getting right down to business. After a few drinks things quickly turned personal.

"So Malaysia why did you leave me like that?"

"Come on Devin why do we have to talk about this now?"

"Because I want to know. You really broke my heart."

"You act like you didn't hurt me too."

"But I gave you everything. I was a good man to you."

"You gave me everything except your time. When I needed you the most you weren't there."

"I'm a business man. I'm not an expert at love but I know if you give me another chance we can make it work."

"I don't know about all that. Let's take it one day at a time." I quickly shut the conversation down.

Devin was really pulling at my heartstrings. I thought I had truly pushed all the feelings I had for him out of my mind. But they were still there. This time I couldn't allow for them to fuck with my head. I ended the conversation quickly.

The next day Devin called me in the afternoon.

"Hey Devin." I answered.

"Hey babe. How soon can you come into my office?" He questioned.

"Give me a half an hour and I'll be there."

"Okay see you then." He confirmed right before disconnecting the call.

I hopped up, grabbed a flimsy little maxi dress out of my closet and left out of my apartment.

Thirty minutes later I walked into Devin's office.

"So what's up?" I asked.

He pulled a manila folder from his bottom drawer and laid it on his desk.

"This is all the info you'll need. Account numbers, access cards etc."

"Well, damn that was fast. I thought it was going to take a few weeks."

"Come on now Malaysia you know I had something to prove."

"I'm definitely impressed. I see your skills have definitely not fallen by the waist side." I complimented.

"Nope. But that's not the only thing I have for you." Devin murmured as he walked around to my side of the desk.

Quickly he swept me off of my feet before I could fathom what was going on and propped me up on his desk.

"Devin what are you doing?"

"Shhhhhhh, I'm just taking it one day at a time." He whispered while rolling my maxi dress above my knees.

Slowly, he spread my legs apart and kneeled in closer. I felt his fingers move my panties to the side right before he took a nose dive, and I didn't dare to stop him. For all of the years we had dealt with each other I'd never known Devin to be that spontaneous.

His thick tongue danced circular motions around my clitoris repeatedly. The harder his slurps became the more my legs trembled. I had to see what he was doing down there, the shit was just that damn good. My thighs became earmuffs wrapped around his head. I thought I was having an outer body experience as my inner thigh muscles began to contract. I couldn't believe I forgot how magical his tongue was. Before I knew it I was moaning out in ecstasy and climaxing all within five minutes. Oh my goodness! The euphoria that comes with a man who knows how to make you cum with his tongue is amazing. He pulled my dress back down and lifted me up off of his desk.

"That's all I had for you. I'll talk to you later." He simply stated while wiping away the remnants my kitty left on his chin.

I was stunned. Like, what the fuck had just happened to me. Devin had me all tripped up and I damn sure didn't expect for it to go down like that. He reeled me back in. I wanted more. It was like we were playing a subliminal game of tag and I was it. I grabbed the folder and left his office shocked with my insides begging for more.

Chapter 7

As I drove away from Devin's office I pulled out my phone to call Kareem.

"What's up bae?" He answered.

"Mr. Richardson I have those papers for you. Come see me." I announced pretending to be professional.

"Damn you do? Already?"

"Yes, I do. How long will you be?" I inquired.

"About an hour." Kareem informed right before saying good-bye.

I went straight home and waited for Kareem to arrive. Damn near an hour to the tee he was knocking at my apartment door. He walked in with another duffle bag strapped to his back.

"Here's everything Kareem." I said handing him the folder. "It's bank accounts, access cards, cd's and stuff like that."

"Damn Malaysia, you did that shit faster than I thought you would. I really thought it was going to create a problem between us."

"I'll admit I was hesitant at first but I'm good now. Who's ya bitch?" I asked with my hand up for a high five.

"Malaysia's my bitch. I think I'm in love." Kareem recited.

He left me hanging and grabbed at his package below instead.

"Oh is that right?" I asked while watching him grip his hefty meat into his hand.

"Absolutely! Baby just thinking about how smart you are makes my dick hard! You know how to get the job done."

"Damn Kareem, I love it when you talk dirty baby. Tell me more about how much I turn you on."

He wasn't lying. I could see his bulging print poking through his heather gray sweat shorts. He was barely able to grip it into his hands. Yes, it was just that big. He released the duffle bag from his back and dropped it to the floor. Slowly he untied the strings on his shorts. I walked up closer to him and pinned him up against the wall. Our lips locked passionately while I placed my hand inside of his boxer briefs to fondle his manhood.

Seductively, I pulled his shorts and boxers down. Forcefully he turned me around and wrapped my hair into his clenched fist. I pulled my dress up to the arch of my back while poking my ass out and he pushed me up against the wall.

As he entered my kitty from behind I could feel my liquid love dripping down his shaft. Kareem knew how I liked it rough and he gave it to me pound for pound.

"Who's ya bitch?" I managed to talk some shit.

"You're my bitch." He whispered deeply with his lips pressed against my ear.

"Say it again!" I demanded.

"You're my bitch! And this is my pussy!" He shouted right before climaxing.

He had just given me the best five minutes of my life. We both fixed our clothes. Kareem picked the duffle bag up off the floor.

"Here's more. And this time you keep seventy-five."

"Wow." I replied now excited about the seventy-five.

"Oh and I found a place that you can move into."

"Where?"

"It's a condo downtown at Harborview. One of my associates owe me and they agreed to transfer the deed into your name. I'll let you know what date we can do it. In the meantime, go shopping for some new furniture because you can't take any of this shit with you." Kareem ordered.

He walked out of the door. I was overly excited about moving and going shopping. On the other hand I had to speak with Devin again about the additional money he had to handle. Within a week's time I had come up by seventy-five thousand dollars. Shit was definitely working out in my favor.

First I got Tonya on the line to bring her up to speed with everything.

"Hello." She answered.

"Hey Tonya. How are things at the office?"

"Nothing has changed girl. I miss you."

"Aww I miss you too. Can you get away early today?"

"I can try. What time you talking?"

"It's 2:30 now. Can you leave at four?"

"Yea I can swing that. Where are we going?"

"Shopping honey! I have so much to tell you. I'll be there to get you at four."

"Okay, I'll be waiting."

I hopped in the shower and put on some clothes comfortable enough to shop in. I was long overdue for some new clothes and shoes. I was prepared to shut the fucking mall down. Kareem had upgraded me and I was on my way to living a life that most females from my walk of life would kill for. As far as things were going I was winning. I had my dream career and two men in my life who gave me the best of both worlds. At that stage of the game I never even thought about the more serious parts of my whole situationship. I just thought I had everything under control.

At four o'clock I sat outside of J.Ashe and Associates waiting for Tonya to come out. My cellphone began to ring. I looked down at the caller id and it was Devin.

"Hey Dev I was just thinking about you." I answered.

"We were thinking about each other at the same time then." He replied.

"That's no coincidence."

"I know Malaysia it's more like fate. I was thinking we could get together for dinner tonight."

"Okay, what time should I be ready?"

"So it was that easy? This time you didn't resist?"

Little did he know I was bringing another duffle bag full of cash. I would have agreed to anything he offered me. The only thing I truly was thinking about at the time was those dollar signs dancing around in my head.

"Dev you know how I really feel about you," I convinced, "Where are we going?"

"I'm going to cook for you at my place. I'll send you the address and you can get here about nine or ten."

"Oh so you're going to cook for me now? I can't wait to taste it."

"And I can't wait to taste you." Devin replied in a low sexy tone.

Instantly my kitty was wet. Just the thought of his amazing tongue work drove me insane.

The way things were progressing in my sex life most women would probably think of me as a pure slut. I didn't see the problem as long as we were all clean. Shit! Men do the same thing all the time. I began to day dream about fucking both Kareem and Devin. I really missed the way Devin used to put it on me. He would always take his time with me. He could last all night long. While Kareem always fucked like he was in a rush. Plus he never liked to eat my kitty. Where Kareem was slacking Devin made up for it. At the same time Kareem had a mean pound game but it only lasted about five minutes tops. When I wanted to fucked I chose Kareem and when I wanted to be made love to I chose Devin. Having options are good right? The way I saw it is that I was being faithful to the both of them.

The sound of Tonya's nails tapping on the car window snapped me out of my day dream. I unlocked the door, and we headed off to Tyson's Corner.

I filled Tonya in on everything happening between Devin, Kareem and I on the drive down. I explained to her how I was going to need her as my assistant. She was only making ten dollars an hour, so it was easy to convince her to come and work for me.

When we got to Tyson's Corner I damn near bought everything I laid my eyes on. I'm talking Louis sneakers, Gucci and Chanel bags, Fendi shades; you name it, I bought it. I even treated Tonya to an iced out Michelle watch. I felt like I was Lil Kim back in "96." Overnight I had become a label whore. I dropped ten stacks at the mall in three hours. You couldn't tell me shit.

Over the next six months we were able to launder over two million dollars for Kareem. I never once questioned how he made his money and at a certain point I didn't even care. The money that he gave me for making it happen I ended up having Devin to invest it right along with his. We were basically doubling and tripling free money.

After filing the paperwork signing over the deed from Kareem's business associate I moved into a condo with an amazing view of the Inner Harbor. Everything about it was immaculate. I purchased all new furniture which gave off a luxurious art déco feel. Anyone walking through my front door would immediately know a bitch lived there. From the Swarovski crystal encrusted chandelier to the white Mongolian lamb fur shag rug, down to the custom made cotton candy pink suede and leather sectional in my living room everything was meticulously placed together to complement each other. I opened up a law office in downtown Baltimore and Kareem began sending me clients. They were all street niggas, and whatever I asked for payment they made it happen. Within a year's time of passing the bar I had become one of the most sought after criminal attorneys in Baltimore.

Chapter 8

The blare of my cellphone ringing three o'clock in the morning broke my sleep.

"Hello," I answered in a raspy tone.

"This is the Baltimore County Correctional Facility with a collect call from, Kareem." The recording played in my ear.

I pressed the number one to accept the call.

"Malaysia." He said through the phone.

"Kareem what the hell are you doing in jail?"

"You'll find out once you get here. Just post my bail and get me the fuck out of here." He retorted furiously before hanging the phone up in my ear.

"Who was that?" Devin inquired as he woke up beside me.

"Just a client babe, go back to sleep. I have to go to the county jail."

"Okay, just call me when you're on the way back." He sleepily replied.

I put on my clothes and headed to the Baltimore County police station. When I arrived I noticed Kareem's white BMW in the parking lot. I rushed into the station straight to the clerk. "I'm the attorney of Kareem Richardson. What is he being charged with?"

The clerk slid the charge papers in front of me. The more I read the angrier I became. I began to read it out loud.

"Kareem Richardson allegedly assaulted his current wife Lashonda Richardson."

"Excuse me; I overheard you say that you were Kareem's lawyer." The light-skinned female asked as she approached me from behind. She had a look of genuine concern on her face.

When glancing over my shoulder her 5 feet 3 inch voluptuous frame caught my attention. She was extremely pretty. Her skin was as smooth as French vanilla ice cream. The wave pattern of her curly textured hair was pulled up into a messy bun and she didn't have on a lick of makeup.

"Yes, I am. And who might you be?"

"I'm sorry. I'm his wife Lashonda. He's told me so much about you. All good things of course."

I thought I was on an episode of the twilight zone. Never once had this nigga mentioned a wife.

"I know this looks bad but you've gotta get him out of jail. I didn't call the police the neighbors did. We always get into fights and I know how to handle myself. We have a two year old baby and she needs her daddy. Please tell me you can get him out. I'll do whatever I need to do."

The disbelief of what I was hearing. I felt hurt, used and betrayed. That no good ass nigga was just another damn liar! One could've fried an egg on my damn forehead from how heated I had become. The only thing that separated him from any other nigga was the fact that he had money.

"Mrs. Richardson he'll be out tomorrow. You can take your baby and go home. He'll be fine." I responded in my professional voice trying so hard for my voice not to crack. Glancing over at the beautiful baby girl, she reminded me of her daddy. She had his big brown eyes. Looking at her was just like looking at him.

"What's her name?" I asked.

"Karisma Malaysia Richardson." Lashonda recited.

Then this nigga had the audacity to give that little bitch my fucking name!

"Beautiful name Mrs. Richardson. Go ahead and take baby girl home." I said through clenched teeth, barely being able to play my part for the moment. I wasn't going to embarrass myself in the police station. Even though I wanted to scream out, "Bitch I'm fucking your so-called husband!" I just posted his bail and sat my ass down awaiting my chance to pay his ass a visit.

Filled with rage and anxiety, I couldn't stop tapping my foot and shaking my head. Once they called me back I went into the attorney visiting room and there he was waiting on the opposite side of the plexiglass. I shot him a look of disdain as I approached the window. Picking up the phone receiver tears began to well up in my eyes.

"How could you do this to me Kareem? You're married and you have a baby? When the fuck were you going to tell me that?"

"Malaysia did you post my bail?" He asked ignoring my questions.

"Kareem did you hear what the fuck I said to you? You got a whole fucking wife and baby out here that you failed to mention?"

"Did you post my bail Malaysia?" He repeated without emotion.

"And you had the nerve to name the baby after me! Answer me!" I shouted while banging my bawled up fist on the plexiglass.

"Malaysia get the fuck out your feelings and keep on doing your job alright! I don't have time for your fucking tears. I never said you were my girlfriend anyway. You're my fucking lawyer! Now did you post my motherfuckin' bail?" Kareem pointed through the glass while he shouted through the phone.

His harsh words cut deeply through my heart like a jagged edged butcher's knife. Like a spoiled little brat having a temper tantrum I shouted back at him, "Of course I posted your bail! That's a no brainer. I did my job. I'm always doing my fucking job! Kareem you ain't shit but it's all good though!"

My poor heart shattered into pieces. Not being able to take another second of his blatant disrespect, I got up from the booth and walked away. He had gotten me but I was definitely going to get the last laugh. Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.

******

When returning to Devin's house around 6:00am I took off my clothes and got back into the bed next to him. Turning over to face me he softly spoke,

"Baby I'm glad you're back."

Gazing into my eyes with a look of genuine concern he pushed my hair behind my ear and asked, "What's wrong Malaysia? Is everything okay? Did you take care of your client?"

"Baby I'm good. Just another inconsiderate criminal. I really need a vacation."

After gently kissing me on the forehead he muttered, "You know what; I'll make that happen for you. It's because of you that I'm doing so well right now. That's the least I can do. We can leave tomorrow okay? Let me tie up some things at the office today and we're out of here okay?"

"Okay." I confirmed as I rested my head on his perfectly chiseled chest. Devin was my rock. He was my calm after a storm. I could always run to him for comfort without any serious questions asked.

The warmth of his hand began to cover my body while he rubbed and caressed my back. Eventually he massaged his way down to my booty. He knew how much I loved getting my ass rubbed but I wasn't in the mood. All I could think about was my despise for Kareem. He could sense something was wrong. Even though I didn't want to take it out on him there was no control over my feelings. It was completely unfair to him. Out of guilt I forced myself to continue. Slowly kissing and rubbing his chest I ended up straddling him. Shit got real crazy from that point. My mind began playing tricks on me. Devin's face transformed into Kareem's and I lost it.

Like a snake taking its prey my pussy inhaled his girth. Forcefully, I pounced up and down on his pelvic structure as if I was a jockey determined to win first place. With every pounce the anger within grew stronger. Devin gripped my hips tight enough to lift me off of him and turned me over. He usually took his time with me but that's not what I wanted. My body yearned for the thug passion that Kareem was notorious for.

"Fuck me." I whispered into his ear pulling him in closer in between my thighs.

"Damn girl what's gotten into you?" He inquired.

"Shut up and fuck me!" I demanded while gripping his ass cheeks with my stiletto nails and pulling him in deeper.

Devin wasn't used to me performing in this manner but I didn't give a shit. Glancing up at him on top of me once again his face transformed into Kareem's. The rage built up inside of me exploded in the form of aggression.

"I thought I told you to fuck me nigga!" I raged. "You better beat this pussy up!"

He began to do as I demanded. Propping my legs up on his shoulders he proceeded to dig in. The movements of his dick and waist could be felt in my stomach and my head started to bang up against the headboard.

"Yes, daddy! Fuck me! Just like that." I hollered.

"Shit Malaysia." He groaned.

"Now choke me nigga!" I ordered while staring him directly in his eyes. "I said choke me nigga!"

He hesitated as if he was thinking but I didn't want him to stop.

"Nigga you heard me? I said choke me now!"

Snapping out of his thoughts he reached down and grabbed me. The force within his fingers wrapped around my neck while he continued with his aggressive thrust in and out of my kitty cat. We both climaxed at the same time. All of my anger and any ounce of respect that I had for Kareem were released at that moment. Towards him I planned on being completely heartless. Devin collapsed on the bed beside me and quickly fell asleep. After such a dramatic performance I felt filthy so I quietly crept out of the bed and took a hot and steamy shower.

Chapter 9

My eyes were greeted by the morning sun rays bursting through the venetian blinds. Looking over at the clock on the nightstand it read 11:00am. There was no trace of Devin in the bed but he left a note for me on his pillow.

Sorry Babe you were sleeping so good I didn't want to wake you. I had to leave early to take care of some business. There's a plate of food in the microwave for you. And I made an appointment for you at the spa. Be there at noon.

Devin was so good to me. Things were going great between us. We were making money together and our chemistry was out of this world. I didn't really deserve such a sweet and loving man. Despite the shitty attitude Kareem caused me to have the night before Devin still knew how to make me smile through it all. Kareem shouldn't even be a factor in my love life but it was something about him that had me vexed. Was it the money or was it the sex? My mind was still in complete denial that Kareem was married. In my book failure to mention an important detail as such is just as bad as lying. The devastation in my heart was too real. In all of my thirty-two years of living I had never experienced a feeling like that. One things for sure and two things for certain I as determined to never ever experience it again, not if it has anything to do with Kareem. The only option was to take the situation for what it was and learn from it.

Money was the one thing that was guaranteed by continuing to deal with Kareem. But was it big enough compensation to accept all of his bullshit? Was it worth the bruise to my heart? I'd be lucky to come out of all this with a sound mind. The ideal thing would be to keep it strictly business with him but every time we were in each other's company we couldn't keep our hands to ourselves. The one characteristic that Kareem had that Devin was lacking was that thug passion. The ability to tell me "Shut the fuck up and take this dick bitch!" Even just the thought of him saying it made me feel some type of way. It was a must to get Kareem out of my system.

My day will start off at the spa and it'll end with a little retail therapy; that always helps. As a matter of fact it'll be on Kareem's dime and he won't even know it.

As I sat up on the side of Devin's bed my feet sank into the white plush carpeting. Taking in the view of his loft I envisioned myself living there. Could we truly be happy together? Or would my foolish ways stop me from being committed to the one man who truly loved me? Maybe the vacation will help me realize how good of a man I have. There won't be any distractions from Kareem. As a matter fact I'll turn my phone off the entire time.

It was already 11:30 and my spa appointment was at noon. My feelings and thoughts were consuming time. Snapping out of my mind trap, I quickly brushed my teeth, grabbed my food out of the microwave and went to About Faces.

Greeted by the hostess at the door I checked in for my deep tissue massage. The masseuse's hands worked magic as she relieved all the tension from my body. My mind started to wander while I lay on the table. Anytime my mind was idle it always led me to think about the situation with Kareem. By now he had to be released from jail but he still hadn't called me. That nigga was probably home patching things up with his fucking wife. He had some damn nerve. Warm tears began to consume my face. The massage table was soaked, and I didn't even realize it.

It was then when I realized the pity party needed to come to an end. He was going to pay for breaking my heart. The whole time he was basically using me and had no plans on ever taking it any further than the business aspect of our relationship. I have to give him his props for being a master manipulator but that shit was over. As a woman I know that I am way more headstrong than him.

Since he played with me it was now my turn to play with him. It's Devin and me who are taking all the risks in this situation. I'll just hit him where it hurts; in his pockets and in his home. The next time he brings that duffle bag full of cash I'm going to demand more of the cut. That wife of his is probably sitting at home thinking shit is sweet, well that is dead. She will soon find out that he ain't nothing but a piece of shit.

"Lashonda Richardson huh?" I mumbled under my breath. I'm going to do my research on that bitch just so that I can see who the hell I'm dealing with. She's going to find out the real reason why her daughter is named after Malaysia.

Finishing up my deep tissue massage I got up leaving my heart and feelings on the table and replacing it with my new found malice for Kareem. My heart was consumed with vindictiveness. I was going to teach him that it literally does not pay to fuck with Malaysia Davis.

My phone started to ring from inside of my purse. I dug into my powder pink Caviar bag to get it.

"Hey baby." I answered for Devin.

"Babe how was your massage?" He asked.

"It was wonderful. I needed that. Thank you so much."

"I know you needed it. You were so intense when you came in from seeing your client last night."

"I'm sorry baby. Sometimes it's hard for me to separate business from personal but I won't let that happen again okay."

"Don't worry about. I actually enjoyed it." He said laughing. "Where are you now? I want to see you."

"I was headed to the mall to get a few things for our getaway. You want to meet me there?"

"Sure which mall are you going to?"

"Westfield Annapolis."

"Okay I'm going to jump on the highway now and we can meet by the food court."

"Alright see you then baby." I replied right before ending the call.

Right after the call ended, I put the pedal to the metal in my Honda Accord Coupe on interstate ninety-seven. The first thing on my agenda when I returned from vacation was to get a new car. I was well overdue for one.

When I pulled in the parking lot waiting for Devin, my phone started ringing.

"Babe where are you?" I asked answering the phone.

"You don't see me sitting right here next to you?"

"No, I don't see your car." I replied while I confusingly looked around the lot.

"I'm right here." He said as a horn blared from the car next to me.

I couldn't believe my eyes.

"So this is why you were so anxious to meet up with me today?" I said as I stood on the driver's side of his new Aston Martin coupe.

"Do you like it baby?" He asked cheesing from ear to ear.

"It doesn't even matter if I like it because clearly you love it."

"Come and sit in the passenger seat because you know you will never drive this!"

"Never? Really? We'll just have to see about that."

Devin has always been into high performance cars. I really wasn't surprised to see that he went out and purchased a black Vanquish coupe. My ass comfortably sank right into the black and red leather seats.

"So tell me Malaysia what do you think?"

"This is a bad bitch here." I replied taking in all of its slickness.

"Yes, she is! Baby the top speed on her is two hundred miles per hour. This bad bitch has five hundred and seventy horses. She goes from 0-60 in 3.6 seconds. I think I'm in love."

"Wow so a car is going to steal my man away from me?" I jokingly asked.

"I ain't letting you go girl. You can still be my side bitch!"

I loved the way Devin, and I laughed and played with each other. He looked over at me and cracked a smile through his pearly white teeth. When exiting the car he came around to the passenger side door and wrapped his muscular arms around my waist. He pulled me in closer for a hug and the smell of his cologne took over me. Every womanly instinct was activated when I inhaled the pheromones his body released. Softly he kissed me on the forehead.

"Malaysia I've been thinking about you all day."

"And I've been thinking about you too baby. I can't wait until we leave."

"Me either. I can't wait to get you out on that island."

"What island? Where are we going?"

"Hawaii baby! Everything's already paid for! Top notch everything for my lady."

"I hear dat shit!"

"Are you really ready for this? You might come back pregnant fucking with me. You know my pull-out game is weak!"

"Devin stop playing! We are not ready for kids."

"Girl we are in our thirties, I don't know what the fuck you are waiting for. You better strike while the iron is hot! Baby I'm in my prime right now."

"Maybe you do have a point."

The thought of bringing another life into the world made my stomach turn. Lord knows my life ain't right. Maybe a child would actually calm me down.

"Malaysia what are you thinking about?" He asked breaking me out of my inner thoughts.

"Me being someone's mother, that's just crazy. I guess I never really gave it too much thought."

"You're going to be a great mother, just watch and see."

The way Devin was talking made me realize how serious he was about me. It gave me yet another reason to say fuck Kareem.

After tearing down the mall buying items for Hawaii we walked out of the exit holding hands. He was carrying all the bags like a perfect gentleman.

"Baby daddy are you going to open the door for me?" I joked while walking towards my car.

"Of course baby mama! Anything for you."

I realized things with Devin could really work. I had one more task to handle and I honestly believed that I could say goodbye to Kareem for good.

After packing up all of my stuff for the trip I put together my fuck up the happy family, your nigga ain't shit kit and sent it from the main post office to Kareem's home addressed to Lashonda Richardson.

Chapter 10

Excitement built up inside of me while staring out of the airplane window down on a city full of colorful houses and buildings.

"Wake up Devin, the plane is landing." I giggled like a little girl going to Disney for the first time.

"Dag we're here already?" He laughed being sarcastic. "This flight was long as shit. Hawaii better be all that after that ridiculously long ass flight."

"But you were sleeping half the time! How would you know it was long?"

"Because every time I cracked my damn eyes open we were still in the air. Did you ever go to sleep Malaysia?"

"Yes, I did. Just not for long. My adrenaline wouldn't allow me to."

"Thank you for flying with Delta Airlines." The flight attendant spoke over the intercom.

While pulling my Tiffany blue sunglasses out of my purse he grabbed our carry-ons from the overhead compartment and we exited from our third row first class seats.

Determined not to be disturbed my phone remained powered off from the time we boarded the flight. There were no plans for me to turn it back on until we touched down at BWI again.

When getting to the baggage claim area there was a guy dressed in a black and white suit standing with a sign that read, "Mr. and Mrs. D. Johnson."

"That would be us." Devin said approaching the chauffeur.

"Good Afternoon Mr. and Mrs. Johnson, I'm William and I'll be providing transportation services for you for your entire stay here in Hawaii. May I retrieve your bags?"

Tickled pink I covered my mouth. "Oh my God Devin you shouldn't have."

"Babe we are just getting started." He replied while smiling from ear to ear.

The warm Hawaiian breeze blew through my thirty inch Brazilian tresses as we exited Honolulu International Airport. The weather was perfect. We hopped into the back of the black Lincoln Limousine and proceeded to where we were staying. My face lit up as we drove thorough Honolulu passing all the high end retail stores. After sight-seeing for an hour the car pulled 0into the lavish five star hotel Halekulani on Waikiki beach. A team of exotic Hawaiian women and men welcomed us with lays and flutes of French champagne as we walked towards concierge to check in.

"Aloha. Welcome to Halekulani. I'm Radclife. How may I help you today?" The man behind the oak wood check-in counter greeted.

"Hello, check-in for Devin Johnson." He replied.

Radclife quickly typed the information into the computer. "You'll be staying in the Royal Suite." He confirmed while tapping the bell to the left of him signaling a butler to come over.

"Right this way Mr. and Mrs. Johnson, I'm Pablo. I'll be at your service for the entire week. Follow me to the elevator."

Walking onto the private elevator Pablo pressed the button for the third floor. Stepping off the elevator into the Royal Suite took by breath away. It was brilliantly decorated with an eye catching color palette that matched the beautiful blue Hawaiian skies. The furniture and artwork were strikingly flamboyant.

"Baby it's so beautiful here. I don't ever want to leave. Thank you so much."

"Malaysia you're very welcome." He acknowledged as he walked over and planted a soft kiss on my lips.

Pablo showed us around the suite while boasting about all the amenities the hotel offered. The breathtaking view from the lanai overlooked Waikiki beach and gave an unobstructed view of Diamond Head volcano. It was like I had died and gone to heaven. Feeling a little jet lagged I lay back on the lounge chair while the fresh island breeze brushed pass my face.

"Shall I bring you some more champagne?" Pablo asked.

"Yes, please that would be lovely."

Devin laid to the left of me on the lounge chair. Pablo poured up two more flutes of champagne. Completely relaxed we both drifted off into a nap.

A few hours later my eyes popped open looking towards the beautiful Hawaiian sun setting over the ocean. The savory aroma of seared lamb chops fondled its way through my nostrils, down my throat and right into my stomach causing it to rumble. Thinking that the food was being prepared by a hotel chef I was pleasantly surprised when walking up on Devin at the stove. Standing there with his muscularly plumped chest and arms bursting out of his wife beater had me mesmerized. There was something about a half dressed man in the kitchen cooking with an apron tied around his waist that turned me on.

"Baby are you really going to cook while we are on vacation?"

"Look who's finally woke. Malaysia you know I love to cook." He replied while he began removing the mouthwatering chops from the pan.

"They really look delicious. You've been showing off here lately." I said practically drooling for a taste.

"Anything for the love of my life. Now go in the bathroom and freshen up. There is something I picked out for you hanging on the back of the bathroom door. When you come back everything will be ready."

"Are you ever going to let me do something for you Devin?"

"Of course but it's not your turn. Just let me do me right now okay?"

"I guess Mr. Chef Boyar D!"

After grabbing a few things from my luggage and showering for about fifteen minutes my stomach could no longer fight against the hunger pains. The memory of those lamb chops was calling my name. Hanging on the back of the bathroom door there was a white satin and sheer heart shaped tube dress. The top was made of satin and looked more like a leotard covered with a flimsy sheer skirt that dropped to the floor. In the shoe box was a pair of white and gold Gucci ankle strap sandals. After getting dressed and walking out of the bathroom into a romantically decorated candle lit dinner my heart melted.

"Come Mrs. Johnson, your companion went to freshen up." Pablo the butler instructed while pulling the chair from under the table.

"Thank you." I replied taking a seat at the dinner table.

"Wine while you wait ma'am?"

"Sure." I answered.

Taken aback from the exotically beautiful flower arrangements and how quickly everything was set up while showering my emotions got the best of me. A single warm tear rolled down my cheek. Even though we had been dealing with each other on and off for years, Devin had never done anything to this extent for me. Dressed in all white from head to toe, he stepped back into the room. The fitted Gucci polo shirt complimented his muscular physique, down to the island appropriate linen cargo shorts with the white leather Gucci thong sandals to match. My baby looked and smelled like money. The older he got, the finer he became. Damn that's all me, I thought to myself.

We enjoyed Devin's prepared dinner while conversing as Pablo tended to our every need. After finishing up dinner we took a stroll holding hands along the beach.

"Are you enjoying yourself so far Mrs. Johnson?" Devin asked.

"I absolutely am Mr. Johnson. You've completely outdone yourself."

We walked up on a dimly lit cabana. Inside was an ice bucket filled with two bottles of Krug champagne and two gold champagne flutes. Taking my hand he escorted me inside. Devin stared into my eyes as we sat in our very own piece of paradise.

"Malaysia things between us have been wonderful. I need you to know that I am really in love with you." He confessed.

"Aww Devin, I'm in love with you too."

"I realize now that I don't want to be without you. I want us to take it to the next level." He said while pulling a ring box out of his cargo shorts pocket.

"Oh my God Devin." I whispered holding my hand over my mouth.

"Malaysia it's just a promise ring. I want you to see how serious I am about us. I want you to be my wife one day. You think that we can make this work?"

Out of all the things that ran through my head, the first person that came to mind was Kareem. This was the ultimate payback. I should have been completely in the moment but thinking about how Kareem would feel preceded my thoughts of happiness. The only thoughts that crossed my mind were ones of karma and vindication.

"Yes Devin. I know that we can make this work." I assured him.

After placing the ring on my finger he popped a bottle of champagne. Right on the beach he made love to me. In the days following we enjoyed each other's company. When it came down to the last day on the island as much fun and relaxation that we had I was ready to get back home to see how much of Kareem's so-called happy family life had unraveled.

Chapter 11

Taking a final drive in my Honda Accord straight after the plane touched down I excitedly pulled into the Porsche dealership. Stepping out of the car a salesman greeted and escorted me to the showroom floor.

"Good Afternoon beautiful I'm Marcus. What can I do for you today?" The thirsty salesman asked.

Watching him lick his lips like L.L. Cool Jay he undressed me with his eyes. He probably thought he was going to get over on me but I was already a few steps ahead of the game.

"I'm here to make a purchase today."

"I can definitely help you. What did you have in mind?" He queried.

"Well, Marcus I've been working extremely hard and I want to reward myself."

"I love a hard working woman. What exactly do you do for a living? Ms.-"

"How rude of me, I'm Malaysia Davis Esquire."

"Esquire? So you're an attorney?" He questioned with a raised eyebrow.

"Yes, I am. Are you surprised?"

"A little but I'm proud to see another black sister doing her thing. I know that your man is extremely proud."

"What man?" I rolled my eyes.

"Now that's hard to believe. A hard working beautiful woman such as yourself is single?"

"I sure am Marcus. I work too much. No man ever likes my schedule."

"Well, why are you wearing a ring?" He asked taking my hand.

"To keep the thirsties away. Most times it works."

"Well, that's just too bad. After I get you a great deal on whatever you drive off of this lot today maybe you can thank me by allowing me to take you out."

"Maybe, it depends on how great of a deal you can get me." I enticed while winking my eye.

"Let's take a look around and I'll show you a few things we have. Do you have any kids?"

"Nope not at all."

"Perfect! Let me show you something."

He escorted me back outside to the car lot.

"This would be perfect for you Ms. Davis." He explained pointing to a white on white 911 Carrera coupe. "It goes from zero to sixty in 3.2 seconds."

"She is something but I don't care about none of that. I just need her to be pretty."

"Picture yourself cruising to the smooth grooves of Sade across the bay bridge with the top down and your beautiful hair blowing in the wind."

"That sounds lovely." I indulged envisioning myself driving.

"When you pull up to the red light all eyes will be on you. Around town every bitch will want to be you and every man will want to wife you. Trust me this is the car for you."

While slowly circling the car admiring its exterior Marcus opened up the driver's side door. "Hop in! Let's take her on a test drive."

That's when she caught my eye. She was sitting off in the corner waiting for me to notice her.

"Marcus I want her over there." I pointed out to him

"Oh that's a Panamera Turbo. It's pretty much the same car but its four doors. Being as though you're single with no kids I thought the 911 would've been perfect."

"That 911 is too little for me. I love to shop and I can't fit my bags in there. Plus I'm a lawyer I have files and brief cases that I have to carry around."

"Say no more, let's go check her out. Let me grab the keys."

It was love at first sight. Marcus opened the door and my ass cheeks slid right in on the butter cream leather seats. The glossy black dashboard matched perfectly with the twenty inch black sport rims. The car spoke to me saying, "drive me bitch." When resting my head on the Porsche crested headrests I fantasized pulling up to the stop light and everyone trying to figure out who was behind the twenty percent tinted windows. Not even pulling off for the test drive she had already won me over.

"This is what I want right here. I don't even want to see anything else."

"Okay let's go in and see about financing. Will you be trading your Honda in?"

"There won't be any financing Marcus. I'm paying for her straight up."

"Ms. Davis this is a one hundred and fifty thousand dollar car."

"I didn't ask you how much it was. I told you to get me a good deal. Like I said I'm paying for it outright. You better knock something off or I'll just find someone else who's willing to."

"Say no more. Let me see what I can do."

When reaching into my purse to turn my phone back on Marcus walked back into the dealership. The moment the phone fully loaded my text messages and notifications went bananas.

There were a few messages from clients but ninety percent of them were from Kareem. A total of sixty unread text messages all from him and most of them were threats. Deviously, I smiled knowing that he was finally pissed off all because of me. Reading through all the text messages made me laugh. There was no sense of remorse on my behalf what so ever.

"Ms. Davis I believe we can make this work for you." Marcus said walking up to me.

"Alright what's the deal?"

"We'll give you nine for your car and we'll knock ten off the price. How does that sound?"

"Marcus you're alright with me. I thought I was going to have to fight with you. I see you're all about your money."

"I told you I could work it out. Let's get this paperwork taken care of so I can get you out of here. While we wait I'll have them shine her up for you."

"Her name is Snow White." I declared.

"Excuse me Ms. Davis?"

"You heard me right. Her name is Snow White. When I come back here for service you'd better not forget to call her by her name okay." I laughed.

"Whatever you say Ms. Davis. You drive a hard bargain you know that?"

"So I've been told." I admitted.

Over the next hour we took care of the paperwork. Like a boss I walked out of the dealership feeling like a million bucks and no one could tell me shit. "Thanks Kareem." I mumbled as I walked over to my Panamera.

At that moment in time I could feel my greed growing out of control. Which also made me come to the realization that eventually I had to make things right with Kareem. He didn't even know that he had just provided me one hundred and forty thousand reasons not to leave him alone.

"Here's my business card Ms. Davis. If you need anything, and I do mean anything, you know like some dinner, a drink or something, just call me."

"Sure thing Marcus I will. I owe you for the awesome deal." I said right before pulling off. "Sucker." I whispered under my breath.

After getting situated in my new baby I finally made a call to Kareem.

The phone barely rang completely before he picked up.

"Bitch where the fuck have you been?" He hollered into the phone.

"On vacation boss. You know it's normal for an employee to go on a vacation right?" I responded being completely sarcastic.

"I don't want to hear none of that shit Malaysia. Meet me at your fucking office now!" He ordered.

"Well, who pissed in your corn flakes Mr. Richardson?" I inquired acting as if I had no clue as to why he was angry.

"Bitch you know what the fuck you did! Like I said meet me at your office now Malaysia and stop playing games." He repeated.

"You want me to meet you at the office to discuss business right? I'm not coming if it's not about business."

He began breathing heavily as if he was ready to blow a gasket. There was a moment of silence like the calm before a storm. "Mr. Richardson are you there?"

"Malaysia I'm asking you nicely. Can you meet me at your office in twenty minutes?" Kareem asked talking through what sounded like clenched teeth.

"Sure Boss I'll be there." I confirmed.

Chapter 12

The look on his face while pulling in front of my office in my new whip was priceless. Taking my sweet time parallel parking pissed Kareem off even more. The angered look in his eyes didn't faze me though. Happy go lucky, I popped up out of the car batting my long faux eyelashes without a care in the world. One foot in front of the other I switched hard as can be, booty cheeks jumping, ruby woo lips pumping and Brazilian hair blowing in the wind.

Pulling out my keys to unlock the office door he walked up behind me. The moment the door swung open he pushed me in, slammed the door and gripped my neck into the palm of his hand all in one fluent motion. Tip toeing backwards trying to get away from him he pushed me up against the wall into a corner. His grip became tighter and turned into more of a choke. Scratching and digging into his hand with my stiletto nails I tried to loosen his grip.

"Bitch don't you ever fuck with my family." He spoke in a low tone close up to my ear. "I will fuckin' kill you! Do you hear me? Do you fuckin' hear me?" He shouted while small drops of spit flew out of his mouth onto the side of my face.

After loosening his grip I fell to the floor gasping for air. Huffing and puffing trying to gain my composure I realized how angry he really was. Maybe just maybe I had taken things too far but it was too late for regrets. While I was on my hands and knees on the floor gasping for air I began to regroup and remember the task at hand. I wasn't going to let a simple act of rage on his part scare me. After gaining composure and picking myself up from the floor I stood to my feet unfazed.

"Are you done now Kareem? Did you get it all out of your system?" I asked.

He starred at me with a cold look in his eyes but he didn't say anything.

"Now that I have your attention, one thing you will never do is put your fucking hands on me again. You see those cameras right there?"

He still didn't say one word.

"The next time you decide to lay one finger on me I'm out of here. I will take all of your fucking money and vanish without a fucking trace. Do you hear what I'm saying to you Kareem?"

Still he didn't say anything. He continued to stare at me while his left eye started to twitch.

"I'll just take your silence as a mutual understanding. Since I have your undivided attention when it comes down to our business relationship I want more."

"More?" He questioned with a raised eyebrow. "The fuck you mean more?"

"Just like I said I want more. You won't continue to nickel and dime me. Using me and acting like you loved me or something. Fuck that love I want more of the cut. A mutual agreement of thirty percent of whatever we launder." I demanded while wobbling my neck like I was reading him.

"Thirty percent Malaysia? You trippin'!"

"I'm not trippin'. I had time to think while I was away. You owe me nigga."

"I don't owe you shit. I basically made you. Truth be told you owe me."

"Whatever Kareem."

"Look I get it, your hurt and upset. Let me make it right."

"Nope no need from now on we are business only nothing personal. Okay? And besides you've already made it right by buying me that Porsche outside."

"Malaysia fuck that Porsche. That's no money to a rich nigga."

"Well, boss since it ain't no money I'll just take my thirty percent off top. Is there anything else I can help you with today Mr. Richardson?"

He charged towards me and frantically I took a couple steps backwards. Out of nowhere he scooped me up off of my feet and sat me on the edge of my desk with my legs cocked open. My form fitting dress automatically rolled above my waist. He ripped my panties off, pulled out his manhood and began to take the pussy. At first I tried to fight it but after a few strokes of his thug passion my pussy openly welcomed the his long, thick shaft. That moment when your body doesn't cooperate with what your brain is telling it to do. I didn't want to like what he was doing. I didn't want it to feel good. My body was betraying me.

"Uhhh." I moaned out in pleasure.

"Bitch you know I love you. Don't you? Don't you girl?" He repeated. With every question he went deeper and harder.

"Nigga you don't love me." I replied in a low sexual tone.

"Bitch I love you, I fuckin' love you!" He proclaimed while continuing to stroke in an out.

I gripped his ass and made him go deeper. Before I knew it he was busting babies inside of me. He pulled me in closer holding on to my body for a few minutes. Finally he released me and pulled up his sweat shorts.

"Malaysia just stay the fuck away from me." He implored as he backed away from me and walked out of my office slamming the door behind him. It was just as if he had snapped all of a sudden.

I pulled my dress down and ran behind him. "Kareem, where are you going?" I asked grabbing a hold of his arm to come back.

"You heard me. Just stay the fuck away from me!" He repeated as he forcefully yanked his arm away.

I was perplexed, "So you come here and fuck the shit out of me like a runaway slave and that's it? See that's the bullshit I'm talking about! It's strictly business! I'll take my thirty percent nigga!"

Chapter 13

Prancing back into my office I slammed the door shut. Kareem had to be certified bi-polar. I couldn't believe he fucked me like that and just walked away. It was proving to be hard for me to get him out of my system. Slumped down in my office chair I focused on the ring Devin gave me. If he found out about Kareem he was sure to leave me. I needed to pull my shit together and fast.

Being out of town for a week there was definitely some work I had to catch up on. Picking up my cellphone I dialed Tonya's number to have her come into the office and help me. After cleaning up the mess we made on top of my desk I buried myself into some work. The creaking sound of the office door opening let me know that Tonya had finally come.

"It's about time you got here girl. I need an update on the Rhames case." I announced without looking up at her.

"Bitch I don't think you were expecting me." The unfamiliar female voice scolded as she slapped the uncompromising photos of Kareem and I across my desk.

"You're absolutely right I wasn't expecting you but I see you received my message though Mrs. Richardson."

"Loud and clear Malaysia. You think that you're the first trifling, gold digging bitch to come for my husband?"

"Wait honey let's get something straight, I didn't come after him. He came for me. Nothing about me is trifling boo and I'm just getting accustomed to my new found gold digging tendencies. But that's neither here nor there why the fuck are you in my office today? Shouldn't you be at home breast feeding Little Malaysia or something?"

"Ha! You're real cute. I just came here to tell you up close and personal to leave my husband alone. It wasn't pretty for the last bitch and I'd hate for it to get ugly for you," she threatened.

"For the record I don't want your husband. I just wanted you to know how much of a piece of shit he really was. It's crazy that he never once mentioned that he was married. He doesn't wear a ring. I mean where there the hell are you when he's spending countless nights with me, in my bed eating the booty like groceries?"

"Oh so misery really does love company huh? Fuck you thought I was gonna break down and cry? You've got the wrong bitch."

"Trust me honey I'm far from miserable. I know exactly what type of bitch you are."

"Honestly, I don't give a damn who Kareem is providing hard dick and bubblegum to as long as these bills are paid." She interrupted.

"Seriously? Is that your only aspirations in life? You're such a beautiful woman. You don't even begin to understand the power you possess. On some real shit I don't even have any beef with you. I promise you if we work together you could be one of the richest bitches in this city. You would have your own shit to brag about. Fuck that nigga." I said while caressing her long silky hair."

"Hold up!" She raised her voice while pushing my hand away. "I don't know what type of games you're playing but I'm strictly dickly okay? You heard what I said before stay the fuck away from my husband. You really don't know who you're fucking with!" she shouted while walking towards the exit.

"I've done my research Ms. Vicious. You were nothing but a cute ass stripper. You don't have anything in your name so the moment you fall out of compliance your ass is on the curb. Good Luck with all that shit! You're dismissed honey!" I replied throwing up the deuces.

As Lashonda stormed out the office Tonya walked in.

"Well damn, who the hell was that Malaysia?" Tonya confusingly asked.

"Girrrrl you're gonna have to sit down for this one."

I sat down with Tonya and told her all the intricate details. The audacity of Kareem's wife to bring her retired stripping ass into my office making threats. She didn't know the power that we could hold if we joined forces. I guess it's true what they say, you can lead a horse to water but you can't make them drink.

My phone began to vibrate across my desk. Without looking at the caller id display I prayed that it wasn't Kareem calling to curse me out again. Thank God it was Devin.

"Hey baby." I answered.

"Hey Wifey how's everything at the office?"

"It's quite busy but I have everything under control."

"That's my girl. You're not going to like what I'm about to tell you baby."

"What now Devin? Just lay it on me."

"I have to go out of town tomorrow morning to help one of my business partners with the grand opening of their brokerage firm. I'll be gone for two weeks." Devin explained.

"Two whole weeks though? That's a long time without my baby."

"I know but we can get through it. We can FaceTime and have phone sex and before you know it the time will be over." He laughed.

"Why can't I go with you?"

"Because you have to work and even if you were there I won't really have time to spend with you."

"I know. It's cool. Go ahead and get that money for us baby."

"Are you going to come stay with me tonight?" He asked.

"Of course I'll be there once I leave the office." I said before hanging up the phone.

Here we go again. For two weeks my man is going out of town. I hate being alone. The struggle to keep it tight while Devin was out of town was about to get real.

Chapter 14

The sound of thunder and rain pounding against the window pushed me further into Devin's arms. We laid face to face in his bed in complete darkness. Every time the lightning struck it lit up the inside of the dark loft. The weather was perfect for cuddling. Gently I rubbed and caressed his deeply rippled back over to his heavily built arms trailing up to his strapping chest.

"I can't believe you're leaving me for two weeks." I whined.

"Are you going to miss me?" Devin inquired.

"Yes, I really wish I could go."

"Yeah me too. But you know what they say absence makes the heart grow fonder. I'm sure when I return we'll be so ecstatic to see each other. You won't be able to keep your hands off of me."

"You're absolutely right."

"Won't you just stay at my place while I'm gone?"

"Not a bad idea but I'll think about it."

"What's to think about? If you stay here you are constantly reminded of me."

Devin was right if I stayed at his place I would constantly think of him and there would be no chance in hell that Kareem could come over. The more I thought about it the more I agreed with staying at Devin's.

That night I slept like a baby cuddled up in Devin's arms. The next morning I took him to the airport and gave him a long kiss goodbye. When returning to his place I made a light breakfast and went back to bed until the ringing of my phone broke my sleep.

"Hello," I answered completely discombobulated.

"Hey Malaysia it's me Devin. Are you still sleeping at noon?"

"Yes, baby I am. I didn't realize it was so late."

"I just called to tell you that I was here and settled in. Call me later when you get yourself together. I love you."

"Love you too."

I climbed out of the bed and made my way to the shower. The steaming hot high pressured stream of water felt like acupuncture needles against my back. Breathing in the aroma of my cucumber melon body wash woke me all the way up. Once I stepped out of the clear glass stall the steam escaped covering the bathroom mirror. Wiping the steam away from the mirror I gazed at myself. Once a young lady with standards, morals and high integrity had turned into a money hungry, gold-digging sex maniac caught up between two men. I was hell-bent on revenge but I couldn't figure out where I went wrong. After drying off and lotioning down I threw on something comfortable. This was the first time being alone at Devin's place. Even though I fully trusted him I still took the time to go through all of his stuff to see if I could find anything. After looking through shoe boxes, dresser drawers and between mattresses I found nothing, but I wasn't content with that. I knew this nigga had something to hide. I went into his home office snooping around.

I guess I was trying to give my conscience a break after what I did with Kareem the day before. In the bottom drawer of his desk under some files I found a Walmart picture envelope. There were several pictures of some brown skin female and Devin laid up in a hotel bed and on a beach as if they were in love. The disbelief that she had my boo all snuggled up and smiling. Karma's a bitch, and that's what I get for searching. He wasn't as perfect as I thought he was. Also on his desk lied a sprint cell phone bill. After setting up access to his account online I linked it up with family locate so that at any moment I could always find out where he was.

Talking with Devin throughout the remainder of the day acting as if those pictures didn't exist was a hard task. Most of the night in his bed I tossed and turned. Looking over at the clock on the wall it read 3:30am. I was bored and lonely with my mind all over the place. Picking up my phone to FaceTime Devin, I ended up calling Kareem instead just to see if I would get an answer.

After four rings the call went into voicemail. No sooner than the call disconnecting it began to ring before I could put it down and on the caller ID it read Kareem.

"Hello." I answered in a low tone.

"Bitch didn't I tell you to leave my husband alone." Lashonda whispered.

"I'm his attorney honey I can call him anytime I feel like it. Furthermore why the hell are you whispering?"

"Bitch what the fuck did I tell you about touching my phone?" Kareem shouted in the background.

"No Kareem!" Lashonda shouted.

Placing the phone on speaker the tussling sound of the phone coming from the other end became louder and louder. After a few minutes of tussling, Lashonda started to cry out. "Stop it Kareem! Keep your hands off of me!" Then the call disconnected. The guilt grew within me as I laid there thinking about the drama I had just caused. Kareem beats that girl's ass. I really felt sorry for her. About ten minutes passed by before my phone started ringing again.

"H-Hello." I stuttered.

"Malaysia it's okay. It's Kareem. I'm sorry that stupid bitch called you back." I could still hear Lashonda crying in the background.

"I said shut the fuck up bitch before I slap you in the mouth again!" He hollered.

"Kareem is she okay?" I asked feeling genuinely concerned.

"I'm sorry Malaysia my bad." He said in a soft loving tone. "Yea that bitch is okay. I wish I never got her sorry ass pregnant. I was stupid as shit for getting a fucking stripper pregnant!" He slurred.

"Have you been drinking?" I questioned.

"Why the fuck does that matter Malaysia? All that matters is that I told this bitch who I really love. I'm done with your sorry ass Shonda. Malaysia is my bitch! She gets shit handled unlike your lazy ass!"

Lashonda continued crying in the background. I was rendered speechless. Kareem was really crazy, and I realized I didn't want no parts of that. While the money was great the flip side was horrendous. This was literally a wakeup call for me. I hung up the phone traumatized. Even though I didn't care one bit for Lashonda I was a woman. His disrespect towards women was out of control. Just to think she married his ass.

For the remainder of the time Devin was gone I ducked Kareem's calls and didn't go into my office. I had time to do some soul searching. When Devin returned from his business trip I was going to solely focus on him.

Chapter 15

I woke up to the sound of birds chirping and the sun rising. The day had finally come for Devin to return from his business trip. Overly excited that morning I hopped out of the bed bright-eyed and bushy-tailed ready for my baby to come home. While showering I listen to all of my favorite songs that reminded me of him. Finally, in my heart of hearts I knew Devin was the one for me. Suddenly the music stop playing on my phone because a call was coming in from Kareem.

He had been calling me all week since the incident on the phone between Lashonda and him.

Stepping out of the shower I dried off since Kareem interrupted my beautiful thoughts about Devin. The phone started ringing again, but this time I chose not to ignore it.

"Yes Kareem." I answered annoyed.

"Malaysia why haven't you been answering my calls?"

"Because I was giving you and your wife time to work out your differences."

"I was very clear with you that night. I'm done with her. Outside of that you and I still have business to take care of. I know you want to make some money Malaysia."

At this point I have already made enough money off of Kareem but I have a strong feeling that he isn't going to take no for an answer.

"I don't know if I can still make things happen Kareem?"

"Come on Malaysia I know you can. This time I'll double the money for you too."

The greed inside of me took over. All I heard was double the money. He certainly knew how to get my attention and reel me right back in.

I swiftly asked, "What time would you like to meet?"

"I'll call you later and let you know." He replied.

"Okay just let me know. I'm definitely in."

Hanging up the phone I vowed that it would be the last time he and I did business together. If I truly wanted to make it work with Devin I had to cut Kareem off completely.

Into Devin's kitchen I went to prepare a romantic welcome home breakfast for us. I cooked all of his favorite things, red velvet Belgian waffles topped with strawberries and whipped cream, crispy strips of bacon, scrambled cheese eggs mixed with onions and mushrooms and Rose and Alize mimosa's to drink. After cooking I had a few minutes left before he arrived to throw on something sexy.

A few minutes later Devin came walking through the door. The click clack of my feather toed heels across the hard wood floors caught his attention.

"Looks like somebody missed Daddy." He hinted walking towards me with opened arms.

"Yes, I sure did." I replied while falling into his arms.

We locked lips, and he hugged me tightly.

"Daddy missed you too. What's this little number you have on?" He asked as he checked me out from head to toe.

"Just a lil' somethin' somethin' I picked up while you were away."

He loved my floor length sheer black baby doll teddy. It lifted my tits up perfectly and it split in the front right before my navel revealing everything below the waistline. Before I could say or do anything else he lifted me up on the countertop and dropped to his knees. Slowly he tasted my kitty not forgetting to tease my clit because he knew it drove me crazy. After tasting down below he took me right there in the kitchen. Lifting me up from the counter and holding me up against the wall while he grinded slowly in and out, up and down while I moaned out in pleasure. We went at it all over the loft for over an hour.

When we were done we shared a shower, and I washed his body from head to toe. Upon exiting the glass shower stall he playfully smacked my ass.

"Damn girl I missed you."

"I can tell! I really missed you too. You know I made breakfast for us right?"

"Oh I thought that you were my breakfast but I could eat again." He laughed. We went back into the kitchen and I warmed up his food.

"I hope you don't have any plans today Malaysia because I want to spend the day with you."

"Well, I do have one thing I have to take care of but that's not until later." I replied thinking about the money I had to pick up from Kareem.

"I want you all to myself."

"But you do have me all to yourself."

"No, I mean no work, no cell phones, and no distractions what so ever."

"That's going to be hard with these crazy clients I have."

He reached over to his briefcase, pulled out some papers and laid them on the table.

"What's this?" I inquired.

"Seven days and six nights in Aruba. Me and you. We leave tomorrow night." He recited with a huge grin on his face.

"But baby we just went to Hawaii two weeks ago."

"I know but I really missed you and like I said I want you all to myself. Clear your schedule and don't worry about packing bags we'll just shop when we get there."

"I love you baby." I said as I leaned over and planted a kiss on his luscious lips.

"I love you more." He responds while kissing me back.

Leaving Devin's house happy as can be I called Tonya while driving over to the office.

"Hey Tonya girl." I greeted when she answered the phone.

"Hey Malaysia you're sounding real happy this morning. Is Devin back in town?"

"You know it girl!"

"I can tell. You're so happy when you're with him. When are you going to stop playing around with Kareem. He's really no good for you."

"I know, I know, it's just something about him. You know what they say, bad boys ain't no good and good boys ain't no fun!" I laughed.

"Whatever Malaysia! You're playing with fire fooling with him and that crazy wife of his."

"Honestly Tonya I'm really done. Devin is the man I want to be with. Which is why I'm calling you. Him and I are going out of town tomorrow."

"Damn again? Where all y'all going now?"

"Aruba honey!" I bragged. "We're about to put a stamp on my passport!"

"I know that's right! Devin really loves you."

"I know. That's why I have to leave Kareem's ass alone. Meet me at the office so we can handle all of my business before I head out of town."

"No problem. I'll be there shortly." Tonya confirmed before ending the call.

Tonya and I pulled up at the same time. When exiting the car we both spotted the sign on the door written in red lipstick. "Homewrecker." Tonya read out loud.

"Leave him alone or else." We read in unison.

"Tonya this shit is getting out of hand!" I raged.

I told you that bitch is crazy. Lord knows who else saw that hanging on the door."

"This is bad for business and my relationship with Devin. It really has to stop. What the hell am I going to do?" I pondered.

"I think you're going to have to move the office. Maybe you need to have it inside an office building full of suites that you have to be buzzed into or something." She recommended.

"Shit!" I sighed. "I really don't feel like moving my business but a bitch gotta do what she gotta do. Start looking for some places and when I come back we can check them out."

"Okay cool. I can do that."

We sat down and took care of business over the next few hours. After eating lunch I received a text from Kareem.

Kareem: I'll be ready in an hour. Meet me at your place.

Me: Can't you just come to my office?

Kareem: No. I don't feel comfortable walking around on Eutaw street with this amount of cash.

Me: Okay I'll meet you there but I don't have a lot of time to waste.

While Tonya wrapped up the remainder of the work I went into the bathroom to prepare myself to meet up with Kareem. Taking a look in the mirror I began talking to myself.

"Look Malaysia control your damn self-okay!" I pointed at myself in the mirror. "Don't let this nigga take advantage of you. He's bad news. Get the money and let him know this will be the last time."

Kareem was surely sending me crazy. Anytime I was having whole conversations with myself about self-control, I should've known I was in over my head. Twenty minutes later I pulled the Porsche into my condo's parking garage. Taking one last deep breath before stepping out of the car my phone rang.

"What's up Kareem?"

"I'm about to pull in to the garage." He announced.

"I'm already here meet me at the elevator."

Standing outside of the elevator waiting for him to walk up I sent a text to Devin.

Me: I love you baby.

Devin: I Love you more.

As I dropped my phone back into my black Alma purse Kareem appeared out of nowhere.

"Damn nigga you scared the shit out of me."

"I'm sorry bae. You look beautiful today." He said moving in closer to kiss me. Right before he reached my lips I turned my head.

"Oh it's like that now huh?" He asked sounding disappointed. There was no entertainment to the question on my behalf.

"So you're just going to ignore me now Malaysia? You haven't been taking my calls nor have you been in your office. What's going on with you? Do you have another nigga?" He asked as we stepped on the elevator.

"Kareem why does that matter? You are married and your wife is looney."

"I take that as a yes. Who the fuck is he? Don't make me have to kill a nigga!"

"I don't have anything okay. I've just been working hard and lying low. I don't want to be associated with your crazy ass wife." I explained while stepping off of the elevator onto my floor.

"I told you I would leave her. What you don't believe me? I realize I made a mistake marrying her. You're more of my type. You know how to get out here and make shit happen just like I do. Malaysia I love you." He proclaimed while pushing me up against the door to my condo.

Turning the key to enter my condo Kareem walked in behind me. He threw the duffle bag full of money across my dining room table.

"Just how much money is in this big ass bag?" I asked totally changing the subject.

"So it's just all about the money for you now Malaysia?" He asked pulling my arm.

"As I told you before I wanted to keep it strictly business with us. The minute I found out you were married it changed a lot of things for me. I'm grateful for everything you've done for me up to this point but I just want to be happy."

"I can make you happy." He recited.

"No, you can't. You have a baby, you're married and on top of all that you still have other bitches. So for now we can let all the other stuff go."

"Let me get this straight, you found out about Lashonda and the baby, you sent pictures and shit to her basically fucking up my family and now that I want to be with you it's no?"

"I'm sorry Kareem. Someone has to be the bigger person in this situation."

"So you're leaving me huh? After all I've done for you."

"Don't act like I've done nothing for you. I put my career on the line for you. I've laundered over 1.5 mill for you. I want this to be my last time doing it. I'm going out of town for a week on business when I return everything will be in order."

"You're right Malaysia. Never fuck up the money that's our motto right? I'll let this be the last time. But you have to let me taste you one last time."

"I'm not doing that anymore Kareem. We have to cross the line somewhere."

"So you're just gonna deny this hard dick?" He asked while pressing his hard wood up against my leg.

He knew how much I was attracted to him. Just like clockwork my pussy began tingling.

"Bitch you know you want it."

I pushed him off me trying to fight temptation. With his muscular arms he used his strength to pull me in closer. Kissing and biting my neck softly he began to massage my clit through my leggings.

"No Kareem!" I was really serious this time.

"Yes Malaysia," he countered using one arm to rip away my leggings at the crotch while holding me close with the other.The more I tried to fight I stronger he became.

"Bitch you're going to give me this pussy!"

His thug passion turned more into unwanted agression. He entered my walls forcefully. I knew he wasn't going to last pass three minutes, so I didn't put up a fight and let him have his way. He came inside of me when he was done, marking his territory like a pit bull pissing on a fire hydrant.

"I told you before that will always be my pussy!" he fumed.

"I hate you Kareem! I fucking hate you." I cried out.

Leaving me crying and pitiful on the floor, he took off slamming the door behind him.

Chapter 16

Devin and I boarded the plane headed to Aruba. Kareem had once again stole my joy. While the trip was supposed to be a relief all I thought about was what he did to me. I found myself staring into space trying to figure a way out. "What's wrong baby?" Devin asked as he sat down in the first class next to me. "You've been distant since last night."

"I know. I've just been thinking about life. I love you so much and I look forward to our future together." I said staring into his eyes. Guilt was eating me up inside. So badly I wanted to come clean with him but I didn't believe he would forgive me. "Well, that's nothing to be distant about. I love you too and just know that I have your back. You don't have to run away from your feelings for me anymore. I'm here to stay."

"Do you really mean that Devin?"

"Of course I do. Now tell me what's really bothering you." He demanded.

"Well you know the client I have who's money I gave you right?"

"Yea Kareem Richardson right?"

"Yes, he has given me some more money. He swears this is the last time, and he doubled the pay out too."

"Oh that's all you were worried about? That's not a problem. I'll do it one last time. Double the pay out? Do you know what that means for us? Early retirement baby! While our money continues to grow we can work on our family."

"Our family?"

"Yes, baby our family?" He repeated kissing me softly on the forehead.

I should've come clean while the opportunity presented itself. Instead, I just sat there allowing him to think everything was all roses and flowers. Little did I know once I returned from Aruba everything that I worked so hard to cover up was going to blow up right before my eyes.

After having a double shot of jack I slept the whole five hour flight. Stepping out of Queen Beatrix airport the scenery was lavishly beautiful. We hopped in a Ritz Carlton shuttle and cruised through the beautiful streets of Aruba. The azure blue waters extended for miles and miles. Palm trees swayed in unison as the wind blew. Once again Devin had taken me to paradise. After checking into the hotel we took the elevator to the seventh floor. Upon entering into the suite we were graced with a panoramic view of the Caribbean sea. Immediately I ran onto the balcony to get a better view while allowing the oceanic breeze to blow through my long wavy hair.

"Do you like it?" Devin asked. "I know it's not like Hawaii but it's the best I could get at the last minute."

"Baby it's wonderful. As long as I'm here with you I don't care where we stay."

He walked up close behind me and wrapped his arms around my waist. It felt secure being in his arms. Trying extremely hard to hold back tears I turned around to face him and hugged his body tightly while laying my head on his chest.

"Malaysia are you sure you're okay?" He questioned sensing something was wrong.

"It's just a surreal moment. There was a time when I thought you and I would never see each other again. Look at us now."

He bent down, lifted me up into his arms and carried me back into the suite. Carefully he laid me on the king size bed and removed my miller leather thong sandals from my feet. His softly manicured hands began massaging my feet. For once I allowed my body to completely relax.

"You're just too good to me Devin." I said while yawning.

"And you deserve every bit of it." He replied kissing my toes. "Give me a second I'll be right back." He said getting up from the foot of the bed and walking into the bathroom.

The sound of water running into the tub echoed into the bedroom. Upon walking back into the bedroom he took my hand and guided me into the bathroom. He removed all the clothes from my body, lifted me up and placed me into the tub. Steaming hot water and bubble bath suds submerged my body.

"Oops you forgot to pin you hair up." He laughed.

"Never mind I'm not worried about it. It'll curl up when it's wet anyway."

While sitting on the side of the tub he gave me a sponge bath. As he squeezed a wash rag the hot water soothingly ran down my back causing me to drift into tranquility. I found myself beginning to doze off.

"Okay that's enough for you. I see that you're dozing off." He said right before lifting my dripping wet body out of the tub. Taking one of the plush white towels from the rack he wrapped it around my body and dried me off.

"What did I do to deserve you? You're just too perfect."

"Baby this is only the beginning."

When returning to the bedroom he oiled me down, and I fell fast asleep. A few hours later I was awakened by the crash of waves from the high tide. When stepping out on the balcony I found Devin laid back in a hammock smoking a dooby.

"Aww man I thought you stopped smoking a long time ago."

"Only on vacation babe, only on vacation."

"Well, pass that let me get a couple hits."

I joined him in the hammock and we passed the joint back and forth until it was gone. As we laid there enjoying the high we joked and laughed for the remainder of the night talking about old times from high school.

"Babe, do you remember the first time we ever broke up?" I inquired.

"Yes, because I cheated on you with that girl China with the big butt." He replied laughing.

"Oh that shit was funny huh? What are the chances of you and I pulling up to that light at the same time?"

"I know right. I pulled off and ran the light in everything. Then you're crazy ass had a nerve to chase us down." He laughed out loud. "China's ass was scared shitless."

"Oh my God Devin. I was pissed. I wanted to kill you and her. That shit was funny now that I think about how crazy we were back then."

"Back then? You know you're still crazy now! But I'm not going to do anything like that to bring it out of you." He said kissing me on the cheek.

"You better not because I will kill a bitch!"

I truly felt connected to Devin. He was my soul mate. It was then when I realized it more than ever before.

Chapter 17

The next morning I was awakened by the knocking on the door from room service. A young Latin looking man pushed the cart full of the islands breakfast goodies into the bedroom. There was an array of Caribbean Banana fritters and colorful sweet fruits. We scarfed down the food as if we hadn't eaten for days. After eating we both hopped in the rain shower and washed each other down. For the remainder of the day we went shopping, and sight-seeing. Upon our return to the hotel we settled down on the beach enjoying a few pineapple cocktails. Watching the sunset as the warm sea breeze brushed against my face while my feet sank into the island sands could never get old.

"Would you like another cocktail?" The waiter asked as he rode up on a Segway.

"Yes, we'll have two more." Devin answered. "Malaysia I'm happy that you're enjoying yourself."

"Thanks for surprising me once again with such an awesome vacation baby. You're gonna have to stop spoiling me like this." I said while leaning towards him in the lounge chair.

"I will never stop. I told you this is just the beginning." He replied as he leaned forward kissing me on the lips.

"I'm gonna have a hard time trying to outdo you Devin."

"It's not possible. You won't ever out do me but you can try though." He said laughing.

The waiter came back on the Segway with our drinks. After passing us our drinks he lingered around as if he was waiting for something. Looking him up and down I said, "Excuse me sir you're blocking my view." Not even noticing Devin behind me on one knee and the extravagant Tacori three carat center diamond ring in a pave-set dangling around the straw in my cocktail. Tears welled up in my eyes and began to stream down my face.

"Now I know I just gave you the promise ring but I know you're the woman I want to be with for the rest of my life. Malaysia will you marry me?" He asked as held my left hand.

"Oh my God Devin, yes I will marry you." I answered crying my heart out.

After placing the ring on my finger we shared a long meaningful kiss, and he hugged me tightly.

"Promise that you'll never let me go."

"Never baby you're mines forever." Devin assured me.

For the rest of the trip we enjoyed each other's company. We made love all over that suite, you name it we blessed it. I couldn't get enough of him and he damn sure couldn't get enough of me.

When it came down to the last day I was deeply saddened that I had to come back and face reality. How the hell was I going to break this news to Kareem. Beyond a shadow of a doubt I had deep feelings for both of them but Devin was the man I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. Everything came so easy with him. Not only was he my best friend we were also business partners. We could laugh together, smoke trees together and more importantly we were able to prosper together. I was his Bonnie, and he was my Clyde. The only thing that could tear us apart was my closet full of skeletons.

********

The plane landed on time. Devin and I gathered our carry-on bags and made our way to the exit. As I walked in front of him he reached out and playfully grabbed my ass.

"You ain't had enough of this thang yet boy?" I asked while walking towards the restroom.

"I will never have enough that's pussy's mine for life!"

I turned around and winked my eye, giving him the signal to follow me into the restroom. As I passed the mirror I glanced at my beautifully sun-kissed mocha skin, the diamond in my ring reflected light off of the mirror. Looking over my shoulder, I noticed Devin trailing right behind me.

Choosing the very last stall in the corner before I could turn completely around he was right behind me unbuckling his belt and pants. His eyes lit up like a kid in a candy store when I pulled up my sun dress exposing my naked round ass. I assumed the position over the toilet seat and Devin inserted all of his manhood inside of my dripping wet walls. It's hard to believe that we were just going at is like rabbits right before we left Aruba. Now here I was bent over again but I loved every minute of it. Within five minutes we were both climaxing. I pulled my dress back down and pulled a wet wipe out of my purse and cleaned my kitty. We both walked out of the restroom like nothing happened.

Heading towards the baggage claim I took my cellphone out of my purse to power it on. I watched Devin as he walked over and grabbed our luggage off of the carousel. "He's all mine." I mumbled under my breath. Even though we had just got it in, in the bathroom I was still turned on by the way his muscular arms flexed when he pulled the luggage towards me. The continuous vibration of my cellphone snapped me out of the daze Devin's arms had me in. Kareem's number flashing across the screen made me come to the realization that my vacation was completely over. I ignored the call and threw the phone back in my purse.

"Come on, baby are you ready to leave?" I asked taking possession of my luggage in one hand and grabbing Devin's hand with the other.

"Yes, I'm ready."

We walked out of the sliding glass double doors without a care in the world. The cool Spring breeze blew my dress in the air and before it exposed my naked ass Devin threw his hand around my waist. He pulled me closer to him and we locked eyes as I stared up at him for a brief second. The prickle of his beard cut to five o'clock shadow tickled my chin as our soft lips lock. Like a little girl experiencing her first kiss I closed my eyes.

The moment my eyes opened my heart dropped. In the distance behind us I spotted Kareem with a piercing stare standing with a bouquet full of red roses. I couldn't think straight. I immediately let go of Devin and proceeded to back away from him. "Babe where are you going?" Devin asks confusingly. "You look like you've seen a ghost." I was rendered silent. Kareem power walked towards us. "Bitch don't you run now!" He hollered right before slamming the red rose bouquet on the pavement. I was caught red-handed. I took off running back inside of the airport terminal.

Looking from the window I watched Kareem and Devin arguing. I wasn't close enough to hear the conversation but I could read Devin's lips. "Nigga what the hell do you mean how do I know Malaysia?" Next thing I know Kareem forcefully punched him in the jaw. They began fighting right outside of the airport terminal. Two fine ass grown men were fighting over me. I can't lie that shit turned me on watching their muscular bodies go blow for blow. It was at that very moment that I realized I was in love with the both of them.

Chapter 18

Torn between love, lust, sex and money that is the story of how I got caught up in this love triangle. Every chance for me to come clean with Devin was never taken and every opportunity to say no to Kareem was denied. The greed within me wanted to keep them both. I know who's good for me but yet and still continue to welcome what's bad.

Just when I thought my tricks and mind games were working on Devin, a switch must have gone off in his head.

"You know what Malaysia? I just realized something. You've been playing me the whole time, and I almost fell for that shit again." He says while pulling his pants up.

"No, I haven't Dev. You think lying to you was easy for me? I love you more than anything."

"No, you don't. You're something like a snake charmer. The moment you start gyrating your hips and licking your lips I'm hypnotized. I came here to let you know I was done with you and here I am being sucked right back in. Not this time. You're pussy or that money won't get you out of this one. Give me my fucking ring back!" He demands.

"No Devin don't do this!" I plead. I really do love you. I only want to be with you!"

"If you only want to be with me why are you playing rush and roulette with my dick? This shit is nasty. When was the last time you fucked that nigga huh?"

Not answering his question, I stare into his eyes. I refuse to tell another lie because I can see that it was seriously getting to him.

"That's what the fuck I thought. You're just a nasty ass hoe tricking off for money! I can't believe I wanted to marry you. Just give me the ring back and I'll be out of your life for good."

I cried out in disbelief. "Baby you don't really mean that!"

"Yes, the fuck I do." He replies as he pulls at my arm trying to pry the ring off of my finger.

An unexpected flow of tears began to fall from my eyes. No matter how hard I try to yank away from him I can't get away. He finally pries the ring off of my finger and makes his way towards the door. I dove to the floor at his feet wrapping my arms around his ankles.

"Devin please don't leave me!" I cry as he continues to walk and drag me with him.

"Malaysia let go of me!"

"No! No! Don't leave me again!" I beg.

This was no act. Realizing that he was serious I truly felt bad about all that I had done.

"What do you want from me Malaysia?" He asks as he stops dragging me with his legs towards the door. "I gave you everything. I have nothing else to give."

"I'm so sorry Devin. I'll do whatever it takes for you to stay with me. I can't live without you. Please don't leave me." I beg as tears began to blur my vision while lying at his feet.

He bends down to pick me up from the floor. As I stand to my feet he wipes the tears from my face.

"Explain to me why I shouldn't leave you."

"Look Devin when you were out of town I found all those pictures at your place of you and some bitch laid up in a hotel. I really put a family locate on your phone. You still see her. That's who you went on your so-called business trip with. Once I found that it justified what I was doing."

"You're right, that's who had the grand opening. She is someone who I worked with and it turned into something else. We both realized it was a mistake. Yes, she was still around in the beginning but I have cut all relationship ties with her. She knows that I'm in love with you. When I was out of town she helped me pick out this ring for you."

While I was looking for ways to justify why I should continue dealing with Kareem, Devin was making a way for us to be together.

"Say something Malaysia. Tell me why I shouldn't walk away this time. Tell me you're not going to fuck with my feelings again. Tell me you're going to stop playing all these fucking games and grow the hell up."

"When I came back to you Devin it was for business only. I didn't expect for you to still want me. I didn't expect for all these feelings to come rushing back. Just like you, I've been trying to end it with Kareem but I can't control him."

"Well, why would he show up at the airport?"

"He's really crazy. He and I have a business relationship just like you and that bitch. When we left for Aruba I broke it off with him. How was I to know that he was going to show up at the airport? He is a married man. It's nothing that he could possibly do for me. When you proposed to me that was the happiest day of my life. I no longer want to live this double life. I promise you Devin it's over with Kareem and I'll do whatever to prove that to you." I whimpered.

"If you'll do whatever, cut all business ties with him. Fuck his money! We are good. If you really want to be with me you're going to have to change your phone numbers and I want you to move. As far as this ring goes I'll give it back when you've earned it."

"But I'm too scared to. I don't know what he would do to me."

"Malaysia what do you think I'm some kind of clown? No man is going to threaten my fucking wife! This is your last chance. Do what I said or I'm done with you for good." He reiterates right before walking to the door.

"No Devin wait!" I said running to the door behind him.

"Wait for what? We're done here."

"Please don't leave. Can't you just stay here at my place tonight?"

"I don't even want to be around you right now. I have a headache, I'm hungry and I'm definitely tired."

"Well, let me take care of you. I promise I won't bother you. I feel like if you leave you might not come back. I want you to know how serious I am." I explain while picking up my phone.

He shocked the hell out of me. Just when I thought I sucked him back in he flipped the script on me. I have no other choice but to man up and stay the fuck away from Kareem. Knowing that he wasn't able to answer his phone because he was still in jail I called him in front of Devin and left a message.

"Kareem it's me. I'm sorry I can't do this anymore. In order for me to be happy I have to cut all ties with you. I'll refer you to another lawyer to handle your cases."

Knowing damn well Kareem never checked his messages I did what I had to do to make Devin happy. Right after hanging up I called Verizon Wireless and requested a number change. After handling business right in front of him I hung up the phone, took his hand and lead him back into my bedroom. Not to have sex but just to lie in the bed and put him at ease. Mentally and physically drained, we both fell asleep with me clinging to his body while my arms around were wrapped around his neck.

Waking up a few hours later to the sounds of Devin snoring and late night downtown traffic coming through the patio door, I went into the kitchen to whip up something quick to eat. Even though my appetite was non-existent he said that he was hungry before we went to sleep. There wasn't much to choose from in the fridge because I was barely ever home. The toss up is between individually wrapped frozen filet mignon or frozen farm raised catfish. After the day we both experienced I went along with the steak and a few ears of corn on the cob. Running some steamy hot water into a clear glass bowl with a little table salt, I placed the two filets in the mixture to thaw. The four ears of corn went on a medium flame in a mixture of water, butter and quarter cup of Domino sugar. While removing an aquamarine colored wine goblet from the cabinet and pouring up one of my favorite cheap bottles of Sweet Walters red wine Devin came walking into the kitchen.

"Hey sleepy head." I greeted as he walks to the fridge.

He went into the fridge grabbed a bottled Fiji water not acknowledging me saying anything to him and walked right back into the bedroom. I have some hard work cut out for me. He still was giving an understandably standoffish attitude towards me. If I even thought about getting back in good graces with him it was going to require a great amount of consistently being in his presence. Kareem wouldn't actually require much. With him being married as long as I was there when he called he had no reason to complain. Since Devin wanted me to move I have an idea which I think would assist me with gaining his trust again.

After seasoning up the filet mignon with salt and pepper I pan seared it in a little bit of butter and olive oil. Cooking it about five minute on both sides made it perfectly medium rare just the way Devin likes it. I decoratively plated the food garnishing the filet with green onions and the corn with sprinkles of butter and Old Bay seasoning. Placing our plates on a serving platter I grabbed a cold beer from the fridge and took the food to my bedroom.

In the bed we sat quietly eating our food. The awkward silence began to drive me crazy.

"Look Devin, I was thinking." I broke the silence.

"Oh so you think now?" He asks sarcastically.

"Come on, baby don't do that."

"You were thinking about what Malaysia?"

"I was thinking that I should move into your place."

"No, I don't think so," he replies quickly shutting me down.

"Why not? You want me to move right? It would help us with repairing our relationship. I can come home every night to you. And there would be very little room for Kareem to try anything."

"I'll think about it but not right now. I'm too tired to think tonight." He replies blowing me off again.

After taking our emptied plates back into the kitchen and cleaning up, I returned to the bedroom to find him laid on his back with his hands propped behind his head. I attempt to join him laying my head upon his chest. Disgusted, he pushed my head away and turned over on his side with his back turned towards me. I feel so alone but I guess I deserve it. For the remainder of the night he slept with his back towards me and I cried myself to sleep.

Chapter 19

Waking up to the sounds of the of seagulls chirping and boat horns blaring was a typical morning living at Harborview. I tip toed out of bed trying not to awake Devin and went into the bathroom. The pressure from the steamy hot shower water hit my tensed body like a Mack truck. I wish it could wash away all of my troubles. If only I could press rewind. Standing in the same position over twenty minutes, the water begins to turn cold. Still I didn't budge because I didn't want to face him. I'm not going to be able to take Devin giving me the cold shoulder much longer. As much as I wanted him to stay with me last night it didn't really make a difference because I felt so alone. Stepping out of the shower onto the cold marble tile floor I heard his footsteps outside of the bathroom door.

Walking out of the bathroom Devin sat on the side of the bed facing the bathroom waiting for me to come out.

"Good Morning Dev."

He follows me with his eyes with a look of disgust on his face as I walked over to my dresser applying deodorant and lotion.

"Is there something wrong?" I ask feeling uncomfortable.

"I thought about what you said last night.".

"Okay, and?"

"I'm going to let you move into my place. I hope I don't regret it."

"Baby you won't regret it." I assured him as I walked closer to give him a kiss.

"Not so fast." He says as he held my shoulders stopping me short of kissing him. "You can keep them kisses to yourself."

"Don't be like that Devin."

"Like I said you can keep them kisses. I'm good. I don't know where them lips been."

"Just how long are you going to act like this?"

"As long as it takes for me to get over it. You did this shit now you live with it! Look I'm out I'm going home. Start packing up your shit and call me when you're on the way."

As soon as he walked out the door I picked up my cell to call Tonya. The phone rang four times and went into voicemail. I hung up the phone and called her again.

"Hello." She answered.

"Tonya it's me." I announce.

"Malaysia who's number are you calling me from? I started not to answer."

"This is my new number girl. I had to change it for Devin. I need you to do me a big favor."

"Before you tell me about this favor I have to tell you that Kareem is getting out today. They finally gave him a bail."

"I already knew that was coming but listen I'm going to move into Devin's place. I want you to move into my place."

"Malaysia really? You know I love your place. When can I move in?"

"A-S-A-P. I'm gonna have to duck and dodge from Kareem for a bit. Smoothing it over with Devin isn't going to be easy as I thought."

"You need to stop playing games girl. Just be with Devin fuck Kareem's crazy ass I keep telling you that. He didn't even tell you he was married."

"I know Tonya. I've been trying to break it off with him but it's something that just keeps pulling me back. I really want to be with Devin. I have to make it right with him. Changing my number and moving with him is the first step. Come over and help me pack up my clothes. Hurry up too I don't want Kareem trying to pop up once he finds out that my number is changed."

Thirty minutes later Tonya shows up at my condo. We packed most of my clothes up in trash bags and suit cases. Between both of our cars we split up the items and took them to Devin's. On the way to Devin's we stopped at my office.

"Oh my God Malaysia! You have to listen to these messages." Tonya says holding her hand over her mouth.

"What now?" I ask.

"It's thirteen messages on the office voicemail and ten of them are Kareem and he is pissed."

"Ten messages? Are you serious? Put them on speaker!"

Walking over to Tonya's desk, Kareem's disgruntled voice poured out of the speaker.

"Message one." The automated voice announced. "Malaysia I know goddamn well you ain't change your fuckin' number! Call me the fuck back!" Kareem shouted.

"Message Two."

"Malaysia I don't know what kinda games you're playing but you better call me back! Don't make me come looking for you bitch!"

"Message Three."

"Tonya hang that shit up and delete all those messages please. I won't be back at the office until next week. I'm going to lay low for a few. If he comes here you haven't seen me okay."

"I'm sure he will be here. I hope you know what you're doing." Tonya replies.

"I'm doing what I have to do boo."

We left the office taking what we gathered of my clothes and files from the office and went to Devin's house. Reaching in my purse to call Devin while driving I notice Kareem's white tinted out Jag turning the corner at the intersection. It could be him or his crazy ass wife headed in the direction of my office. Dropping my phone, swiftly I dash over to the far right lane in traffic praying whoever was driving didn't see my car in passing. Even though my windows have twenty percent tint on them my Panamera was very recognizable. No one else in the city had my car. I whip a quick left onto MLK Street and push the pedal to the metal. Zero to sixty in 3.8 seconds I take off whipping in and out of traffic. For a minute I forgot Tonya was following me and I quickly lost her. Her Altima didn't hold a candle to Snow White. Once I was sure that Kareem or his wife wasn't tailing me I picked my phone up calling Tonya to give her Devin's address.

Ten minutes later we pulled into the garage at Devin's loft.

"Baby I'm in the garage." I announce once he answers the phone.

"I told you to call when you were on the way. I was about to leave out." Devin responds.

"I'm sorry but I'm here now. It doesn't matter Tonya will help me." I reply before hanging up the phone.

Tonya and I dragged all of my stuff out of our cars and onto the elevator. When the doors opened Devin is standing there ready to get on. He steps to the side and watched as we struggled with getting everything off. He's being a pure asshole; this wasn't the Devin I was used to. As I grab the last few bags off of the elevator, I purposely bump into him damn near pushing him over. I could tell he was annoyed. If looks could kill I would have been six feet under.

Chapter 20

Slowly but surely I moved all off my items from my condo into Devin's loft. I left all the furniture for Tonya. I did everything in my power to duck out Kareem but he still made occasional pop-ups at my office harassing Tonya. Even though Kareem deceived me hiding the fact that he was married I still felt as though I was being too cruel to him. On the other hand living with Devin wasn't all it panned out to be. Two months had passed, and he was still bitter about me cheating with Kareem. We slept together every night, but he never touched me. My body yearned for some grown attention. I was beginning to think I made a mistake because no matter how nice I was to him he didn't come around.

This morning I woke up determined not take no for an answer from him. Walking into the bathroom I brush my teeth, freshened up and wand curled my hair real pretty. From the bathroom cabinet I grab my favorite perfume, Marc Jacob's Daisy and sprayed it all over my body. Puckering my lips in the mirror while smearing on Hot Babe flavored lip glass put the final touch on my flawless look. I sashayed out of the bathroom wearing an all sheer black fitted bombshell robe with nothing but a lace thong underneath. My perky pierced tits peek-a-boo'd through the criss-cross closing tied back with a satin belt. Crawling on top of the king size bed onto Devin's lap while he was still sleeping, my plan was to seduce him. I lean in and kissed him softly to wake him up.

"Well, good morning baby." I greet as he opens his eyes.

"Not now Malaysia." He sighs while grabbing me by the waist and moving me to the side.

"If not now than when Devin? It's been two fucking months." I say fussing at the back of his head as he walks into the bathroom.

"This shit is getting old!"

"Well, you shouldn't have ever fucked that nigga Kareem. I ain't over that shit yet. You made this bed now you have to lay in it!"

"When are you going to get over it? What was the whole purpose of having me move here? You damn sure don't want me and I guess you don't want anyone else to have me either!"

"Malaysia shut the hell up and go make me something to eat."

"I ain't shutting shit up. Look Devin I ain't sign up for this. I've been here for a whole two months and you've turned into the biggest asshole. I'm not happy here at all."

"You fucked up our happiness. Now you're gonna have to wait until I get over it."

"Whatever Devin. I ain't gonna be able to do this for too much longer."

"You know what's crazy Malaysia? I sat and replayed everything that happened at the airport over and over in my head. The look on that niggas face when he saw you was the same look when I see you. He loves you. I thought about everything that you've done to me, how you kiss me and how you fuck me and I envisioned you doing the same shit to him. I can't believe you did this shit to me." He hollers.

"And I can't believe you're still talking about it. You know what Devin I'm leaving. There was no point of me staying here. You're never going to get over it. I'm moving back into my condo."

Storming into the walk-in closet grabbing my suit case I began pulling my clothes down.

"I'm tired of trying to please you. I clearly see it's no fuckin' point."

"Girl go sit down somewhere. You ain't goin' nowhere."

I stomp out of the closet dragging my suit case on wheels behind me. The thump of my suitcase rolling down the steps echoed throughout the loft. Removing the chain and unlocking the door, Devin walked up behind me.

"So you're going to leave me again?" He asks standing behind me with nothing on but his boxer briefs.

"You leave me with no choice. I'm miserable here. You won't touch me, kiss me or anything. You don't even look at me the same." I say as tears rolled down my face.

"Malaysia I don't even know how to get this shit out of my head but I don't want you to leave. I'm sorry for treating you crazy. I need some time."

Letting go of the handle on my suitcase I turn around to face him.

"Devin I love you. I only want to be with you but I can't live like this. I dropped everything. I haven't been to my office for weeks now. I just want to get pass this."

"We can get pass it. Let's go out of town for the weekend. I promise I'll make it right?"

"Okay." I agree as he pulls me in closer and hugs me tightly.

"I'm really sorry Malaysia."

"I'm sorry too."

We packed up our suitcases, hopped in his car and headed up to Atlantic City. The whole drive up we listened to my favorite slow jams and held hands. There's something about Mary J that could always sooth my mind and get me through any bad spot in my relationships. Two and a half hours later we pull in front of the Borgata. The valet attendant takes the keys from Devin and removes our luggage from the trunk. Walking up to the check in counter I glance over at everyone flocking to the casino.

"It's no need to look over there because we ain't coming out the room." Devin says. "I'll take your best suite."

"That would be the Piatto Room sir. It goes for two thousand a night." The woman behind the counter says.

"Okay great." Devin replies while grabbing my hand and pulling me closer.

On the elevator up to the room he pins me up against the wall and we locked lips. This was the most attention I received from him in a while so I was enjoying every minute of it. Walking into the suite I paid no attention to what it looks like. The moment the door shuts Devin came up behind me sweeping off of my feet into his arms. We kiss passionately as he carries me into the bedroom. As he lays me down on the bed he pulls my shirt over my head. He starts kissing from my neck down to my breast, trailing down to my navel, forcefully removing my pants and underwear. The strength is his forearms could be felt as he pulls me by my thighs with his head buried between my legs. Softly he bites my inner thigh. His tongue unleashes all of my seductive juices from within. He licks and slurps catching every single drop.

"Did you miss her?" I seductively ask.

"You damn right I did." He replies while smacking as if it was his last meal.

As my legs began to shake he pulls off his pants and boxer briefs. Coming back in between my thighs the tip of his dick entered my tight pussy. Gasping out in pain, the sensation of his manhood falls deeper inside of me. With every stroke my walls grip his dick tighter.

"You still wanna leave me?" He whispers in my ear.

"No. I'm never leaving." I whisper back while locking my legs around his waist. "So this is what I've been missing?"

"You missed this dick didn't you?"

"Yes."

"Don't you ever give my pussy away again. Do you understand?" He asks as his thrust become harder. "Do you understand me bitch?"

"Yes! Yes! I understand!" I shout out in ecstasy.

We look each other in the eyes and our tongues touch. I almost forgot how serious Devin's stroke game was. He strokes in and out of this pussy as if he was an exotic dancer hitting my spot with every beat. We stayed in the suite making love for the remainder of the day until we both passed out from exhaustion.

The knocking on the door woke me up from my much needed nap.

"Room Service." The voice announces outside of the door.

Grabbing the robe hanging on the closet I answer the door. The room service attendant rolls in a cart of champagne and strawberries. I grab a few strawberries from the cart and plopped down on the couch while he poured up two flutes full of champagne and walked back out of the door.

"Are you ready for round two?" Devin says standing at the entrance of the bedroom naked with his dick at attention.

"Absolutely." I reply.

"Well, come on and take a ride with daddy. And bring those strawberries with you."

Chapter 21

Waking up in Devin's arms once again feels so good. Sticking through all of his bitterness and anger for two months was finally paying off. I actually thought I was going to have to give up and leave him. Now that I have his positive attention I'm going to do everything in my power to keep it. As I slid off of the side of the bed trying not to wake him he clenches me tighter so that I couldn't move.

"And where do you think you're sneaking off to?" He asks pulling me back by the waist.

"I have to pee babe." I answer while giggling.

"Well, you can't go pee without me. I'm going right in that bathroom with you." He jokes.

"Come on then, so I can hold up Big Devin for you."

"Nah I'm just joking babe. Go ahead and use the bathroom and when you're done turn on the shower so we can hop in together."

After sharing a shower we venture out to get breakfast and ended up strolling down the infamous boardwalk. Simply enjoying each other's company was something we hadn't done in a long time. What a difference a day makes because we are glued to each other like nothing ever happened in the first place. The whole time strolling the boardwalk we were holding hands, kissing and touching one another. Walking up on the pier the gusts of winds from the Atlantic Ocean blows through my hair causing my flimsy shirt to ruffle up. Devin's basketball shorts begin to dance with the wind. We stare off into the oceanic view just enjoying one of God's natural resources. The scene is picture perfect.

"Malaysia you know I love you right?" He says pulling me closer to his chest while looking down into my eyes.

"And I love you right back baby."

"Just the thoughts of you with another man sent me crazy. But it made me realize how much I really loved you and how much I need you to be a part of my life." He recites as he pulls the ring out of his pocket and gets down on one knee. "Now I know I've done this before but this time it's so much more meaningful."

"Oh my God Devin." I reply while covering my mouth with one hand in total shock. "I'm so sorry. I'll never hurt you again."

"Just say you'll be mines forever." He urges.

Tears of joys begin to roll down my cheeks. I never thought that he would ask me again. Completely overcome with emotions I answer, "Yes I will be yours forever."

He places the ring on my finger once again. Holding my hand up towards the sun in front of me I admire the precious jewels blinging before my eyes. He plants kisses on my cheeks trailing around to my lips. Our tongues touch once again and we passionately lock lips.

"Malaysia let's make this thang official as soon as we can baby."

"How soon? What are you talking about like six months?"

"Nope more like two weeks!"

"Two weeks? That's really fast Devin. I haven't even told my family or friends."

"I think we should just have a small ceremony. About twenty to thirty people. Anyone that needs to fly in I'll take care of it. All I want is for you to be my wife."

"Two weeks it is!" I agree as I pull him by the ears to kiss him.

Another happy moment added to my life courtesy of Devin but I couldn't help but wonder how Kareem was going to act. I haven't seen or talked to him for two months now. It's crazy because he finally professed his love to me and claimed that he was done with his wife. The one thing that stood out to me was when I tried to break things off with him he raped me. There was no telling what he would do now. On top of that I still have the money he gave me last time to flip. For all I know he probably thinks that I skipped town with his money. I know I've been quite indecisive in the past but this time I was truly done with Kareem for good.

Devin and I left Atlantic City with a bond stronger than ever before. I was determined to keep him happy. Nothing or no one was going to stand in my way. Upon arrival back home the next day we reached out to our families and close friends to let them know of the good news. My mother and I had a very strange relationship and we never really got along but I wouldn't dare marry anyone without her being there. I just hoped her and my dad could settle their differences for the most important day of my life.

After checking the several voicemails from Tonya I called her and set up a late lunch meeting at Sullivan's downtown.

Walking into the restaurant Tonya was already seated and having a drink.

"Hey girl." I wave while walking up close to where she was seated.

Pulling the chair out to sit down I notice how nervous she is.

"Is everything okay?" I ask.

"Yea everything's cool." She answers while her left leg continuously shakes.

Tonya picks up her clear drink from the table and takes it back.

"Are you sure Tonya? You seem a little nervous."

Before she could utter another word Kareem walks up from behind me and sits down at the table.

Tears began rolling down Tonya's cheeks. "Oh so this is why you're nervous?" I ask Tonya.

"Malaysia I'm really sorry but he threatened me and my babies life. I had no other choice." She explains. "Just give him his money back please."

"Bitch you must not value your fucking life." He fumes while banging his clenched fist on the table. "Where the fuck is my money?"

"What money Kareem? Oh ya drug money you mean?" I ask sarcastically.

"Don't fuckin' play with me Malaysia." He scolds.

"No nigga you don't play with me. What the fuck you thought I ain't know about what you really do for a living? So what are you going to call the police and tell them I stole your lil' drug money Kareem? Why are you really here?"

"You cruddy lil' bitch! You know why I'm here. I got you though."

"You keep threatening me and I promise that I'll fuck up your life."

"Fuck up my life?" He repeats.

"Yes, that's what I said. Keep fucking with me and I will you put you so far under the jail. Fuck you and that money you've already made me rich anyway. I just want you to leave me alone."

"I've already told you that shit will never happen. You're my bitch until I'm ready to get rid of you."

"Since you and Tonya are such good friends I'll give her the money and she can get it back to you. And just like you told me before stay the fuck away from me." I say while getting up and backing away from the table.

"Malaysia you really don't know who you're fucking with do you?"

"You heard what the fuck I said Kareem. Stay the fuck away from me!" I threatened. "Come on Tonya let's get the hell out of here."

Pulling Tonya by the arm we hurry out of the exit watching our backs to make sure he wasn't following behind us.

"Tonya don't you ever do no shit like that again! You could've put me on point bitch."

"But I told you he threatened me. He showed up to the condo when me and my baby were getting out of the car. It was dark, and he appeared out of nowhere." She explains.

"I don't even know if I can trust you anymore. Did that nigga just give you some money to lore me here?"

"I'm telling you the truth Malaysia. He told me not to make him come back and do something he regrets. I tried calling several times, but you never answered. I didn't know what to do. I'm never going back to the condo. That nigga is deranged. I don't ever want to see him again." She cries.

"Well, since you want to be setting up meetings and shit you'll be the one meeting him to give him that money back."

Tonya looks at me in the state of confusion. Up until this moment I trusted her with my life. For all I know she could be working with Kareem's ass. Who knows the amount of money he offered her. I didn't know what lengths he was willing to go to but I couldn't let his threats put a stop to me and Devin's plans.

Chapter 22

After a long day of drama I finally made it back home to Devin. Walking into the bedroom he's laid on the bed sleeping in all off his clothes with a pillow over his head.

"Aww you had a long day too baby?" I ask.

I remove my heels and crawled on top of him from the foot of the bed. Rubbing under his black fitted t-shirt on his rock hard abs right on up to his chest is sure to wake him up. He doesn't budge. "Damn my baby must really be tired."

Lifting the pillow from over his head to find him lying in a pool of blood with his eyes wide open, I attempt to scream to the top of my lungs. Nothing came out.

"I told you bitch you ain't know who you was fucking with!" Kareem's voice echoes throughout my head bouncing off of the walls in the loft.

Grabbing a fist full of my weave from the back and pulling me towards the floor, I began kicking and swinging in every direction. Kareem stood over top of me putting his foot on my chest so that I couldn't budge. "If I can't have you bitch neither will he." He says cocking the hammer back on his revolver and placing the gun between my eyes. The blast of the gun firing scared me out of my nightmare. "Shit! It was all a bad dream." I whisper in the midst of the night trying not to wake Devin.

Running into the bathroom I barely even make it pass the sink before throwing up all over the floor. This situation is really beginning to take a toll on me. I refuse to let this shit get the best of my nerves.

"Baby are you okay?" Devin asks walking into the bathroom.

"Not really I think I'm a little queasy from something I ate earlier." I reply lying.

"I can run out and get you a ginger ale or something from Seven-Eleven."

"No, I'm good now. All I had to do was get it out. I'm going to clean this up and jump in the shower okay? Go back to bed I'm good." I assure him.

"If you say so Malaysia."

Devin turns around and goes back into the bedroom. I couldn't help but wonder what that dream really meant. Was it a premonition? Was it a warning? Or was it truly my bad nerves?

Is this another instance where I should be telling Devin what's really going on? Whatever the case it was going on the back burner for now. I'll just handle my business on my own because I refuse to give Devin any further inkling that he couldn't trust me.

It's four in the damn morning and my nerves are too jittery to fall back to sleep. All I did was watch the time for three hours tossing and turning. After giving up on trying to get any sleep I went into the closet to retrieve Kareem's last duffle bag full of cash. Unzipping the bag I couldn't help but think about how much money I was giving back to Kareem, but it wasn't worth the consequences. Zipping the bag back up I threw on my black and white Adidas track suit with my black and white shell tops. "Baby I'm going to the gym okay?" I announce as he still slept.

"Okay babe. I'll probably be gone when you get back." He replies as he turns over. "Where's my goodbye kiss?"

I lean in close to him and planted a kiss on his lips. "Love you baby." I whisper right before walking out of the room.

The bright rays from the sun blinded me as I walk out of the building into the parking garage. After getting in so late last night there were only parking spots left on the top floor. Stopping for a brief moment to check out the view overlooking the city, my mind begin to wander a mile a minute. All of a sudden my stomach turned, and I started throwing up again. The jerking pain shoots from the lower portion of my pelvis up into my rib cage. The worst feeling is throwing up without anything on your stomach. I don't know what the fuck is going on but I need to get it together in a hurry. Rushing over to my car I open the driver's side door tossing the duffle bag over to the passenger seat. The glove compartment was full of napkins so I grab a few to clean myself up. Hitting the push button start my engine purred like a lioness and I pull off heading to meet Tonya. Upon pulling up to her mother's house she comes out and hops in the car.

"Good Morning Malaysia. I hope you're not still mad at me about yesterday. I didn't get any sleep last night thinking about you."

"Tonya you're good. I know you wouldn't do anything to intentionally hurt me. Did you set up a time to meet with Kareem?" I ask getting straight to the point.

Tonya sighs, "Yea I did. We won't meet up until 12:30. What are all these bawled up napkins all over the place?" She asks.

"I've been throwing up all morning. I think it's my nerves."

"You sure you ain't knocked up or something? When was the last time you had a visit from Bloody Mary bitch?"

"Shit! I don't even know. It's been so much going on in my life that I haven't even thought about it. Let me think."

"Girrrl your ass is probably prego! Devin would be so proud to be a daddy too."

While Tonya is busy yapping and fantasizing about a potential baby I'm over here trying to figure out the last time I had my fucking period.

"It was right before Devin and I went to Aruba. That was damn near four months ago Tonya. What the fuck!"

"Malaysia it's nothing wrong with being pregnant. You're in the right position financially and you're about to be married in two weeks. It's perfect timing."

Zoning out for a moment I'm not listening to anything she's saying. If I am pregnant I have no fucking idea who the father is. As if I needed one more thing to worry about.

"Girl snap out of it." She says snapping her fingers in front of my face. "What the hell are you thinking about?"

"Tonya you wouldn't even understand." I say shaking my head in disbelief.

"Don't let it get you down. Things could always be worst. Look I was going to surprise you but I set up a lil bachelorette party for you at Stadium the night before the wedding. Cheer up your marrying the man of your dreams and you're probably pregnant with his child. Who could ask for anything better? Let's go get an EPT so we can find out for sure."

"Naw I'm good. That's not necessary. You go ahead and take this money so that you can meet up with Kareem later. I'll get a test and let you know what the results are."

"You sure Malaysia? It's only 9:30 we have enough time."

"Yea I'm sure. I have some other things to do to prepare for this wedding. I'll call you later to make sure everything went well. We can link up later on."

"Okay, just know that I have your back."

Pulling off I begin to think about the possibility of being pregnant. My mind isn't prepared to handle the reality of the situation. In denial I brush off the idea and decide not to go and pick up a test. Instead, I'll just do some wedding errands to make sure the day is perfect for us. The chime of my phone ringing through the bluetooth connection in my car sounds off. Devin's name pops up on the display.

"Hey baby what's up?" I answer.

"What you doing girl?" He inquires.

"Driving. About to make a trip to the bridal shop."

"So you're getting ready to be my wife babe?"

I blush and laugh it off, "Of course I am."

"That's what I like to hear. I called you because my brother is coming in town today. He's going to be my best man. He'll be at the airport around 12:45. You think that you'll be free around that time?"

"I can be. I haven't seen Donte in years. I would love to pick him up."

"Okay cool. I'll text him now to let him know you'll be outside waiting on him. Maybe we can meet up for a late lunch or something once you get him."

"Okay babe. Love you."

"Love you more."

I sped off down I-695 to the Glen Burnie David's Bridal location. Upon entering I was greeted by a pretty blonde sales associate.

"Good Morning I'm Brittany how can I assist you this morning?" She asks.

"Hi Brittany. I'm Malaysia I called yesterday and made an appointment for 10am."

"Okay I'm actually the person you spoke with. Right this way I'll get you checked into a fitting room and start by getting your measurements."

"Okay." I reply following her to the dressing rooms.

"Will there be anyone else joining you this morning?"

"Nope I'm solo today."

"The wedding is really in two weeks?"

"Yup. It was a split second decision. I just went with the flow."

"That's really romantic. I'm a sucker for a good love story. Tell me about your future husband."

Brittany and I chatted while she took my measurements. We went out into the store to pick out some dresses to try on. It was overwhelming looking at all the options to choose from. After about thirty minutes I settled with three different dresses. When stepping out of the dressing room the look on Brittany's face caused me to tear up a little.

"Oh my gosh Malaysia this dress is perfect on you. I've seen many woman try this one on but never has it fit anyone like you."

"Brittany you get paid to say that." I reply being modest.

"No seriously. You have to see for yourself."

After she laced the back of the dress up I pranced out in front of a three way mirror. Stepping up on the display podium and looking into the mirror instantly took my breath away. The slender white dress was flawless. It complimented my figure in every way. From the heart shaped bust line down to the intricately beaded pearl appliques and the dramatic mermaid flair out skirt, it was perfect.

"There is no need for me to try on any of the other ones. I really love this one. Who is it made by? And the more important question is can it be back before two weeks?"

"It's made by Vera Wang. I can check to see if it will be available. You know you could always just buy that one. I'm sure I could give you a discount."

Staring at myself in the mirror I could see a small pudge in my stomach. Could it really be true? Up until now I never even thought about the possibility. I haven't been on any birth control nor have I been protecting myself. If it's not one thing it's another but I only have myself to blame.

After changing back into my clothes I met Brittany at the register.

"Malaysia I have some good news and some bad news." Brittany announced as I approach the register.

"Let me get the bad news first."

"This dress won't be back for another four weeks but I like I said you can buy this one and we can touch it up and clean it for free. The dress costs $1899.00 and I can give you a twenty percent discount."

"Thanks Brittany, I don't have much of a choice but to buy this one. When will I be able to pick it up?"

"Give us two days. I'll call you when it's ready for pick up."

"Thanks again."

"Your total is going to be $1610.35. How did you want to pay for it?"

"I'm throwing it right on the good ole Amex. She never lets me down." I joked while handing my credit card over the counter.

Chapter 23

Approximately at 12:45 I pulled up to the Southwest terminal at BWI. Devin's twin brother Donte strolled up to the car pulling his luggage behind him. After popping the trunk I step out of the car to greet him properly.

"If you don't look just like your damn brother." I say opening my arms to hug him.

"I know right. It's been a long time sis." Said Donte.

"Yes, it's been too long. I'm glad you decided to come and be Dev's best man."

"I wouldn't have it any other way. Even though we don't see each other often he's still my brother. You better not send him crazy either. He's been chasing you for years. It's about time you two settled down anyway."

"Donte you funny. Ain't no one gonna send his ass crazy. He'll probably send me crazy first." I laughed.

Donte moved to L.A. with his father when he graduated from alternative school. He stayed in all types of trouble when he lived in Baltimore. Right before their mother died he promised her that he would leave here for good. At the rate he was going he would've probably ended up either dead or in jail. Even though he looked exactly like Devin they were the complete opposite. Donte had thug appeal. It's crazy that there is another fine ass spectacle of man out in this world who looked exactly like my baby but just a thugged out version. He had on a muscle hugging True Religion t-shirt with a pair of navy blue fitted sweat pants to match. Instead of the low clean cut Devin wore he rocked a cruddy temp with a sharp ass shape up. The aroma of his Bond #9 cologne resonates throughout my Porsche.

"Damn sis this bitch is nice." He says admiring the interior of the car.

"Thanks."

"I've never really been a Porsche fan, but this interior is kinda changing my mind. You and bro must be really doing y'all thing here in B-more."

"We ain't doing too bad. What about you? How are things in L.A.?"

"Everything's copacetic. I have two salons now. I'm sitting pretty comfy."

"I know that's right. Is there a girlfriend yet?" I asked being nosey.

"Whoa chill sis! You know a nigga like me can't be tied down."

"Tay you know you're getting a little too old to be playing the field. You better find you a good woman and settle down, you know have a few kids or something."

"In due time but I'm good for now. Where are we going?" He asked.

"We are going to meet Devin for a little lunch if that's cool with you."

"Yea that's cool but you know I got someone to see while I'm here."

"Oh yea? Someone like who? A female?"

"You know it, my boo-boo Monica wanted me to come see her as soon as I touched down but she can wait a lil bit longer."

"Well, damn you being a man whore the moment you step foot into Baltimore. If she needed to see you that bad why she ain't bring her ass to the airport to pick you up?"

"Nah I'm good I told you. I don't need no bitches thinking they cuffing me down while I'm here. If she picked me up from the airport she would probably think that I was staying with her. It could be Monica today and Keona tomorrow."

"You haven't changed one bit." I said while speeding into traffic off of the ramp.

I turn up the music and we cruised downtown to meet Devin.

Sitting at the table Donte and Devin caught up on what was going on in each other's lives. We laughed, drank Mimosas and ate until we were all full. I almost forgot about Tonya having to meet up with Kareem so I snuck away from the table to give her a call.

The phone rang and went straight to voicemail so I ended the call. The moment I end the call Tonya's number pop's up on the caller ID display.

"Hello." I answered.

"Malaysia do you know Kareem's crazy ass ain't meet me nor did he answer the phone."

"Girl he probably didn't want the money anyway. That's just another reason for him to stay attached to me. Don't keep calling him just relax and wait on him to call you."

"I'm uncomfortable holding all this money though."

"Girl just relax like I said. You're good. Hit me up later I'm out with Devin and his twin brother."

"Twin brother? You ain't never tell me about a twin brother. So you mean to tell me someone as fine as Devin has a twin?"

"Stop playing with me girl. You know I don't play about my baby. But yes there is a twin and you definitely have to meet him. He's the best man and you're the maid of honor so you do the math. Okay!"

"I hear dat shit. I can't wait to meet him."

"Alright. I'll talk to you later."

Walking back up to the table Devin and Donte were in the midst of a conversation.

"Sure bro you can take my car. I'll just leave with Malaysia. Go ahead and check into the hotel and get back up with me later."

"And where do you think you're going Tay?" I asked interrupting the conversation.

"Chill Malaysia." Devin says. "He's a grown man. I let him take my shit he can handle it."

"Oh he must trust you Donte because he never lets me drive the Aston Martin."

"Excuse my french sis but this ain't a bitch car. That's my motherfuckin' bro he knows it's in good hands."

We were all a little tipsy from the unlimited Mimosas. After paying the bill we left the restaurant and Donte went about his business.

Chapter 24

Devin and I went back home to hash out the details of our big day. The closer the wedding became the more excited I was. The ceremony is going to be small with only his best man and my maid of honor as the wedding party. Only fifty of our closest friends and family are invited. Our colors are going to be white and black and everyone who's invited is required to wear our colors. Black and white is symbolic for us it represents the fact that we accept each other's past with no shades of gray. As this stage of the game I am moving forward with my life and not playing around with Kareem anymore. It was clear to me what was best for me. After setting the details in stone Devin and I chilled out with each other for a quiet evening. We basically laid around the loft drinking Corona's and watching movies just enjoying each other's company. Before I knew it we were both knocked out on the couch in front of the fifty inch until we were startled by a knock on the door.

"Devin." I whispered. "Are you expecting someone?"

"Huh?" He asked confusingly waking up out of his sleep.

"It's someone knocking at the door baby. Get up." I said while nudging him on the shoulder.

"This is the police! Is anyone home?" The officer outside the door announces.

"You hear that Devin it's the police." I repeat as I walk towards the door.

As I open the door the tall, dark and handsome officer stood peering over me. He has to be at least six feet tall.

"Sorry to bother you ma'am but someone has been in a hit-and-run accident. The tags of a black Aston Martin are registered to this address under a Devin Johnson."

"Yes, that car belongs to my fiancé."

"A man who has been identified as Donte Johnson was found unconscious in the vehicle and was rushed to shock trauma."

"Oh my God! Devin get up! Donte has been in an accident. We have to go to shock trauma." I screamed.

"Ma'am calm down. We can escort you to the hospital."

Devin quickly throws on some sweat pants, a t-shirt and a pair of gray 993's before following the police outside. As we ride through the city streets all sorts of things run through my head. Donte was here for mere few hours and he has already been in an accident. I pray that he's okay.

I don't know what's on Devin's mind because he's quietly riding just looking out the window. I reached over and rub his back comforting him.

"Every things going to be okay baby. I have a good feeling about it."

Devin sighs, "Yea I hope so."

We pulled in front of the hospital and Devin jumps out of the police cruiser and takes off running. By the time I caught up to him the doctor was coming out to the waiting area to explain what was going on.

"Mr. Johnson your brother is going to be okay. When the car hit the pole he banged his head. The only thing he'll take away from this accident it a nasty bump on his head." The doctor explained.

"Thank God." Devin said letting out a sigh of relief. "Can we go back to see him?"

"He's still sedated. Give it another hour and he'll come to."

"Well, we will be waiting right here until then."

"Told you baby he would be fine." I repeat while reaching out to embrace him for a hug.

"Malaysia I don't know what I would've done if he didn't pull through."

We sat in the waiting area for another hour. A nurse comes out giving us the green light to go back and see Donte.

"Just a warning you guys, he's a little banged up, but he's just fine." The nurse prepares us. "He's in room 103."

"Thanks."

Walking into the room to Donte with a hickey the size of a golf ball on his forehead made me do a double take.

"Sis don't look at me like that." He says in a groggy voice. "I know I look banged up but I'll be back to normal real quick."

"I know you're good Tay because you still talking shit." I laughed.

"Nigga what happened?" Devin interjected.

"I don't even know. I was just cruising right along MLK Blvd. with the windows down and some nigga in a white convertible BMW side swiped the shit out of me. I thought the nigga knew me or something because when I looked over he starred me right in face and continued to ram me. I said fuck it and rammed that nigga back. Next thing you know I lost control, and I woke up here. I almost forgot that I'm a twin. What the fuck you got niggas tryna kill you in this city bro?"

"Naw Tay I don't even know a nigga who has a convertible BMW. Must've been a case of mistaken identity."

The minute he mentioned a white convertible BMW I went into panic mode. Kareem must've thought it was Devin. I can't believe what I'm hearing. He has gone cold fucking crazy.

"I'm sorry ya'll I have to step out for some air. I feel a lil sick to the stomach." I say right before stepping out of the room to call Tonya.

Quickly I rush down the hallway to the restroom so that no one could hear me on the phone. Stepping into the handicap stall I dial Tonya's number.

"What's up Malaysia?" She answered.

"Bitch you're not going to believe what the fuck happened."

"What? I can't hear you. Why the hell are you whispering?"

"Just listen closely Tonya. I can't speak too damn loud."

"Okay I'm listening."

"Devin's brother was driving his car and Kareem spotted him and ran him off the road. Tonya what the hell am I gonna do? I gotta tell Devin who the hell did it! Oh my fuckin' God!" I whimpered.

"Calm the fuck down Malaysia. Take a few deep breaths. Where are you?"

"I can't calm down. Kareem has gone crazy! Why can't he just leave us alone? Shit I think I'm gonna be sick." I say right before bending over the toilet and throwing up.

As I pick my phone up from the floor a text message comes through from an unsaved number. It was a picture of the Aston Martin up against a pole with Donte's head bashed into the airbag. Accompanying the picture was a text message that read.

Message : I told you bitch you ain't know who you was fucking with.

"Oh my God Tonya I just got a text message from him. How the hell did he even get my new number. Bitch did you give it to him?"

"Come on now. I'm petrified of that nigga. I ain't give him anything. I know you still don't think I'm working with him."

"I don't know what the fuck to think! Tonya I gotta figure this shit out. What the fuck does Kareem want from me?"

"Malaysia where are you? You have to pull it together. Let me come where you are."

"Tonya I gotta go." I say right before hanging up the phone.

I have no idea who I can trust. Quickly I pull myself together and left out of the bathroom. I don't know if I should tell Devin what the hell is going on or not.

Chapter 25

As I walk back into the room Devin and Donte are sharing a handshake.

"Donte I know that you can handle your own but I don't ever want to see anything happen to you." Devin explained.

"Bro I'm good. You know I've always been good. After all the things I've been through a little fender bender can't stop a nigga like me. I'm definitely itching to find out who did this shit though. I'm not telling the law shit either."

"What you mean you ain't telling the law?"

"Come on Dev you know me and you live by a different code. I'm gonna get to the bottom of this shit. Ain't nobody know that I was coming in town except for a few of my bitches. Somebody better start talking or else!"

"Come on man you know I didn't bring you here for all that. Ma would turn over in her grave if you started going back to your old ways."

"Dev I told you I'm good."

"Hey Devin, can I talk to you for a second please?" I interrupted.

"Sure babe are you okay? Give me a minute." He replied.

"No, like right now. You need to hear this." I demanded.

"Dev I think your lady is serious. Go ahead and talk with her. I told you, I'm good."

"Donte we are not done with this conversation okay?"

Devin walks over to me with his nose flared up and an attitude because I interrupted his conversation, "Babe this better be important." He said.

"Look I know who owns that BMW."

"What do you mean you know who owns it? Is it one of your clients?"

"Dev keep your voice down. This conversation is between me and you."

"What you don't want Donte to hear?" He whispered while leaning in closer towards me.

"It's Kareem."

"Wait so this nigga was really trying to get at me?" He asked raising his voice.

"Baby calm down! I didn't want to tell you but I don't want you to get hurt out here. Kareem is really crazy. I think we should push the wedding out a few weeks until things calm down."

"Push the wedding out? Are you serious? What do you think I'm some type of bitch ass nigga Malaysia?"

"No, baby I don't think that! Like I side he's crazy! I don't want you out here getting hurt because of me."

"Ain't no nigga that bleed the same blood as me bout to stop anything I got going on. You're my fuckin' lady now." He said in a low tone clenching my upper arms tightly.

Now I've seen Devin mad before but never like this. It was something is his eyes that scared me.

"Is everything okay over there bro?" Donte inquired.

"Actually it's not! The nigga who ran you off the road was one of her so called clients who got too fucking attached."

"Really Dev why would you tell him that?"

"Cause he's my fucking brother, and he has my back no matter what. Malaysia don't let all this business shit and these goddamn suits fool you. I can hold my own in the streets! Trust me! And ain't no nigga caught up in his feelings stopping shit over her. You got that?"

"Oh so now you're seeing shit my way huh bro?" Donte gloated holding his hand out.

"You motherfucking right!" He replied while connecting hands with Donte as if they were sealing a deal, "Ain't no weddings being moved out or relocated. I wish a nigga would."

"So now all of a sudden you're a street nigga Devin?"

"I ain't no street nigga but I ain't a bitch either. He's left me with no choice. As a man I gotta do what I gotta do."

"Taking this route makes you no better than Kareem."

"Kareem who?" Donte asks while sitting up on the hospital bed. "I know you ain't talking about Lil Kareem from up Poplar Grove. Kareem uhhh what the fuck was his last name? I went to Southwestern with a nigga named Kareem."

"Richardson!" Devin and Donte say in unison.

"Get the fuck outta here!" Donte shouted. "I couldn't see that nigga clearly while we were driving. I know his bitch ass. I ain't going anywhere bro. As a matter of fact let me call some of my niggas from L.A."

I regret telling Devin it was Kareem. I know I could've handled this shit on my own. Ain't no telling what is about go down.

"So who you with Malaysia? You riding with your family or are you gonna go off running to the law? Let me know now?" Donte questioned.

"Hold up Donte. I got her. You don't need to ask her anything."

I never thought things would get this out of hand. Thinking that I had both of them wrapped around my finger was blowing up in my face. One thing I should have never done was to fuck with a man's ego. This was something I never expected, but it is what the fuck it is. Devin was my baby, my best friend and now my fiancé, I was about to be a part of his family. Even though Kareem helped me out a big deal it was time to completely step away from the situation and let men be men.

Chapter 26

It was the night before my wedding day and I can't believe we have made it this far. For the last week Donte has been staying at the loft with us healing. Some of his friends from L.A. came to provide us with some additional security. Every move I made someone was with me. That beautiful spontaneous relationship that Devin and I once had was gone. We hadn't been intimate since the trip to Atlantic City. It seems like everything we do now was calculated. On my way out to meet Tonya at The Stadium Club for my bachelorette party, I was escorted to my car. I begged and pleaded with Devin for days to let me go alone and he finally agreed. But I knew better than to think that he wouldn't send someone to watch my every move. Something has got to give. I am tired of living like this. At the same time it was my entire fault, I made the bed and now I had to lay in it. Whatever is going to go down needs to happen already so that I can get on with living my life.

Burning down the road to D.C. all I did was think. Time flew by so quickly because I was there in thirty minutes flat. Pulling into the black steel gates up in the front of the club, valet came over to my window.

"That'll be $40." He announced while holding his hand out.

While digging into my purse for money my phone began to vibrate.

"I'm in the parking lot Tonya." I said after answering the phone.

"About time! I thought you were going to cancel on me." She shouted into the phone while music is playing in the background.

Stepping out of the car I pranced onto the red carpet wearing a multi-colored sequence shirt dress. With every step the lighting made my dress sparkle like a shooting star and my curly strands of hair bounce up and down. Swinging my swooped side bang out of my face I saw Tonya standing at the entrance waiting for me. This was the first time rocking my silver peeped toe Giuseppes, and they were giving me a run for my money. My toes were on fire as I walked down the runway to the front door. Nevertheless, no one could tell that I was in pain. In every sense of the words I was a bad bitch and no one could tell me different.

Walking into the club Tonya grabs my hand and leads me over to the VIP table she reserved for us. Asses were clapping and tits were bouncing everywhere while Jeezy's song "Who Dat" blasted out of a state of the art sound system. Dollar bills flutter at my feet from a guy throwing up a full stack of cash into the air. Finally we made it to our table and my feet were able to get a break. I look around noticing how big our section was, and it was only just us two.

"Tonya why is our section so big?" I shout over the music.

"Girl it's the only one they had left. We look crazy right?"

"Yes girl! We look real crazy over here!" I replied while laughing.

"Don't worry about that we are here to have fun. I bought you a lil gift." Tonya says while handing me a gift bag from under the table.

Opening the bag there were a couple pairs of slutty panties and at the bottom was an EPT pregnancy test.

"Bitch you funny! Why is there a pregnancy test in this bag?"

"Because you need confirmation bitch! Stop playing! I've noticed your little pouch. Go ahead and pee on that stick and get it over with."

"I ain't even bout to do that in a club." I said while shoving the gift bag into my oversized Gucci purse, "Tonya won't you go ahead and order up some of those good ass Old bay wings. They be good as shit!"

"Ya ass is in a strip club and you're worried about some damn wings. Bitch it's official, your ass is pregnant!"

"Whatever! Just order them."

No sooner than I looked back up Devin, Donte and a crew full of niggas were walking into the VIP section.

"Surprise Malaysia!" Tonya shouted as the guys walk up to our table.

"I should've known that your lil' sneaky ass was up to no good."

"Hey fellas!" Tonya says while laughing.

"Hey baby." I greeted while hugging Devin.

"Now Tonya this is Donte my brother-in-law and Devin's best man and Donte this is Tonya my best friend and maid of honor. You guys can finally meet."

"And the pleasures all mine." Donte says while pulling Tonya's four fingers in for a kiss.

It was twelve O'clock right before the moment the club gets packed. Three ladies broke through the crowd with sparkles in the air carrying two bottles a piece towards our table along with two plates full of my favorite wings.

Drinks were passed around and everybody began having fun. While Devin was seated on the couch I performed a special lap dance for him. Twerking, grinding and sashaying in front him turned me on. It felt good being able to let loose for a change. Tonya wasn't doing too bad herself. From the look of things she and Donte were getting acquainted just fine.

Along came one of the prettiest dancers in the club. Her body was everything. She stepped on top of our table with her clear platform six inch heels and began to thunder clap her perfectly apple shaped booty all over the place. All the men at our table, Devin included was mesmerized. My lame little lap dance fell by the waist side when she showed up. Stacks of dollar bills begin to bless the table where she danced. By the time she finished the floor was completely covered not showing one speck of the carpeting. We continued to enjoy the night until the lights came on.

"Ok fellas it's time for y'all to go your separate ways." Tonya announced. "Malaysia and I will see y'all tomorrow. Go ahead and kiss your husband to be goodbye."

After drinking and partying with the fellas I am amped up and horny. Not really wanting to kiss Devin goodbye I planted a long, hard tongue kiss on his lips. As he pulled me in closer I could feel his manhood rising.

"Okay that's enough. Break this thang up now. Y'all will have a whole lifetime do this again." Tonya said pulling me away.

"Cock blocker." Devin says while holding the crotch of his pants.

"I love you baby." I recite while blowing a kiss as we walked away. "Can't wait to become Mrs. Johnson tomorrow."

"Love you more babe."

"Man cut all that gay shit out! You are violating all types of man codes with that shit." Donte argues. "Bye bitches." Donte slurs throwing up the piece sign.

"Malaysia I can't believe you wanted to hook me up with him. He may look like Devin but that nigga is ignorant as shit."

"For real Tonya? I ain't even know that." I reply being sarcastic.

"Yea okay. You just love yourself an ignorant ass nigga. But I will say this though, I rubbed all up on that dick and it definitely tempted me to get a piece. If you wake up in the morning and I'm not in the hotel room bitch don't you be trying to judge me."

"Girl bye y'all are grown. Who am I to judge? Remember, I was fucking two niggas not too long ago."

"True." Tonya agreed.

"I'm glad all that shit is over girl."

"Me too girl. After tomorrow you start a new life as Devin's wife. I'm proud of you."

"Aww thanks Tonya. That means a lot. Now let's get the hell out of here."

In less than twenty-four hours I was going to be married. The closer I came to the day the more secure with the decision to cut Kareem off I was. When I wake up in the morning I'll be walking down the aisle to become someone's wife.

Chapter 27

Surprisingly, I woke up this morning without a hangover but I was freakishly hungry. Staring up at the ceiling I craved a cinnamon crunch bagel with honey walnut cream cheese from Panera bread. I just had to have it in my life. Turning over to wake up Tonya on the other bed she was nowhere to be found. That sneaky little winch probably crept out of the room the moment my eyes closed. Grabbing my cell phone I dialed her number. It went straight to voicemail, so I said fuck it and got up to get my own breakfast. Stepping off of the bed into a spell of dizziness I was forced to sit back down.

More and more I now realize that I am probably pregnant. Prolonging taking the test isn't going to put off the fact that I have a baby growing inside of me. Which probably means that I had no damn business drinking the way I did last night. After gaining my composure I searched around the room for my purse to find the test. It was the perfect time to take it while I was alone. Glancing over at the nightstand the time read 10:45am. Time is of the essence. Our ceremony begins at three o'clock. I still have to take a shower, get my hair and make-up done and then get dressed. If I didn't get a move on now time would just start running together. So for now I'll push that test off to the side.

There was a light knock at the suite door. "Malaysia it's me Judy, your planner for today."

Hurrying to open up the door I damn near trip over my big ass purse at the foot of the bed.

"Well, damn there you are." I said to myself. "Good Morning Judy come on in." I greeted while opening the door.

"So we have a lot to do in a little bit of time. My goal is to have you prepared at least an hour before the ceremony starts. Where is Tonya?"

"I have no damn idea. I called her and it went straight to voicemail."

"Well we will just have to start without her. Have you had any breakfast yet?"

"Nope and I'm starving."

"Okay I'll send room service up with some goodies. Meanwhile, go ahead and hop in the shower until that gets here. I've also arranged for your bridal suite to be ready at 11:45. That is where everything will be done. Hair, nails, makeup, etcetera. So get it together, eat your breakfast and meet me on the second floor. The room is already marked so you'll know which one to go to."

"Thanks Judy I'll be there on time. Maybe Tonya will show up by then."

"Well, I hope so." She said exiting the room.

After showering and eating my breakfast I gathered all of my items to take down to the bridal suite. I called Tonya once again and still it went straight to voicemail. What the hell was she doing? I then dialed Devin's number just so that I could hear his voice.

"Good Morning Wifey to be." He answered.

"Good morning baby. How are things going for you and Donte?"

"Everything is smooth sailing over this way but Donte isn't even here yet. Who knows what hoe he's laid up with?"

"Are you serious? It's no coincidence that Tonya isn't here yet either. Those two are something else. She better get here soon so that she can perform her maid of honor duties."

"Are you okay though?" Devin asked.

"Yea I'm good now that I've heard your voice. Can't wait to see you later."

"I can't wait to see you either. And neither can Big Devin, he was looking for you all night. I wanted to sneak in your room."

"I missed you too but I'll definitely make it up to you later."

"You promise?"

"Yup, I'm going to give it to you anyway you want it!" I teased.

"Oh well I can't wait."

"Okay Devin let me go. I'm already behind schedule. I love you and I can't wait to become your wife."

"I love you too."

I dragged my cart of stuff down to the elevator to meet Judy on the second floor. It was now twelve o'clock and Tonya hasn't shown up yet. Suddenly my stomach starts to churn, my mouth begins to water and my whole body breaks out in a cold sweat. Making a dash for the nearest trash can I threw up everything I ate for breakfast. Judy came running over to assist me.

"Are you okay Malaysia?" She asks passing me a hand full of napkins.

"Yes, I'm fine. I don't know what the hell came over me."

"It's probably just your nerves. I'll go and get you some ginger ale and crackers okay."

"Thanks Judy."

As Judy walks away I dig into my purse and grab the pregnancy test Tonya gave me. Quickly I hurry into the bridal suite before Judy returns. Ripping the EPT box open as I walked into the bathroom. The nauseating feeling came rushing over me again. I turned the cold water on and begin to flush my face until it subsided. After hovering over the toilet while peeing on the stick I placed it on the sink waiting for the results. As if I really needed the confirmation, the test was positive. I grabbed the positive test and slid it into the pocket of the robe I was wearing.

Sitting in front of the vanity mirror staring at myself while thinking about what the hell I was going to do, tears began rolling down my face.

I pulled the test out of my robe pocket and stared at it. There was a knock at the door before I can respond the door swings open and in walks Kareem. Shocked and stunned I'm unable move from my seat.

"Bitch who the fuck you got out here looking for me?" He questioned while walking up on me.

"Kareem what the hell are you doing here?" I inquired slowly rising from my chair.

Grabbing my neck with one powerful grip he says, "You know why the hell I'm here. Who the fuck you got out on these streets looking for me bitch? Answer the fucking question." He demanded in a low but firm tone.

"Let go of my neck I can barely breathe."

"That's the whole point. Now tell me who's out here looking for me or I'll fucking kill you right now."

A constant stream of tears roll down my face uncontrollably onto his hand. His grip becomes tighter as he stares at me with an evil look in his eyes... "So you thought you were going to get away from me that easy huh? You thought I was just going to let you get married? I told you before I would kill you first."

"No Kareem please don't I'm pregnant."

"Whatever bitch! You're so fucking desperate that you'll say anything to get me up off of you right now."

I raised my right hand holding the positive pregnancy test in the air for proof. Once he saw the test he released my neck and begins to rub my stomach. A knock on the bridal suite door interrupted us.

"Malaysia it's Judy are you descent?"

Kareem whispered, "Tell that bitch to come back later. Tell her now!" He demanded while speaking through clenched teeth and tightened lips

"Wait, just give me a minute Judy."

"I have the crackers and ginger ale you needed. Just come to the door and get it."

"Okay, here I come."

Kareem guides me over to the door. I cracked it open and took the items from her.

"Just give me a few minutes to get myself together Judy okay?"

"Sure no problem. I'll come back in ten minutes."

We backed away from the door closer to the bathroom.

"So you really are pregnant huh?"

"Yes Kareem I am. You have to leave now before someone else-"

Before I could finish my sentence Tonya burst into the room. "The maid of honor is here to take her position." She announced.

Kareem made a run for the bathroom and closed the door before Tonya could see him.

"Well, it's about damn time girl." I replied playing if off. Let's go back up to the room I forgot something."

"Just tell me what it is and I'll go and get it." Tonya insisted.

"It's a few things. Let's go together because I have to keep my eyes on you to make sure you don't disappear somewhere with Donte bitch."

Grabbing Tonya by the hand we exited the bridal suite and walk towards the elevator.

"Malaysia why the hell are you walking so fast?"

"Because we are behind schedule." I answered as I repeatedly pushed the elevator button.

The squeaking elevator doors split open and we hurried in. The moment the doors close I burst out in tears, "Bitch Kareem was in the fucking room with me. Where the fuck were you? Did you tell him where I was gonna be?" I went off.

"Oh my God Malaysia I'm so sorry I wasn't here for you. You know damn well I wouldn't do that to you." She assured while hugging me tightly.

"You need to tell Devin he's here. Someone needs to get with his crazy ass."

"No! Don't do it! I'm sure that he'll leave before we get back. I don't want any more drama today. I just want to get married without any more bumps in the road."

"Alright Malaysia whatever you say. When we go back downstairs I'll check the suite first to make sure he's gone. If he's still there I'm calling Donte and Devin. As a matter of fact I'm just going to have Donte check the room for us anyway. I won't tell him why though."

"Please don't tell him." I whimpered. "I don't want to see anyone else get hurt."

"Look Malaysia, Kareem already tried to kill Donte thinking that he was Devin and now he has the nerve to show up on your wedding day! Whatever he has coming to him he deserves it. Stop trying to save that nigga. I'm beginning to think you still want to be with him."

"No Tonya that's not true. As much as I hate Kareem I don't want to see him hurt." I explained while digging in my robe pocket and pulling out the positive test,"Look."

"Oh my God. I told you that you were pregnant. Wait, are you saying this baby might be Kareem's?"

Hiding my face, I put my head down in shame.

"Wow Malaysia, you don't even have to say a word. I already know what's up. What are you going to do?"

"I'm going to get married to Devin and you are not going to mention this ever again."

Walking into the bathroom I grabbed a roll of toilet paper wrapping the pregnancy test up and tossed into the trash.

Thirty minutes went by, Tonya called Donte to come and check the bridal suite for us. Once he indicated the coast was clear I went back into the suite and begin preparing for the ceremony. With everything going on I constantly looked over my shoulder thinking that Kareem was going to pop out at any moment. It was damn near three o'clock and the make-up artist was putting the finishing touches on my makeup. Judy came into the room letting us know that it was time for the ceremony to start. Taking one last look in the mirror I admired my beautiful Vera Wang dress and flawless makeup. It was finally time for me to walk down the aisle.

Tonya and I put our heels on and followed Judy downstairs. This was supposed to be the happiest day of my life but instead I was steady looking over my shoulder and wondering whose baby was growing inside of me. Judy opened the double doors and the sound of Donnell Jones's song Happily Ever After began to play. Tonya holding onto her bouquet of white roses slowly walked down the aisle. My father took me by the arm and once Judy gave us the signal we began our wedding march. The moment I saw Devin standing at the end of the aisle tears welled up in my eyes. I could see him crying real tears as well. I begin to forget about everything else. No thoughts of Kareem or any other drama we had been through months before. All that I could see was him. My heart started to pound out of my chest in excitement. I could hear voices as I pranced down the aisle. "Malaysia you are so beautiful."

"That's right girl do the damn thing."

"That dress is amazing."

As my father and I stand at the end of the aisle the music ceased.

"Who here gives this woman to be married to this man?" The pastor asks.

"Her mother and I." My father says raising his right hand.

My father walks away and Devin takes his place by my side.

### "Dearly Beloved, we are gathered together here in the sign of God – and in the face of this company – to join together this man and this woman in holy matrimony, which is commended to be honorable among all men; and therefore – is not by any – to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly – but reverently, discreetly, advisedly and solemnly. Into this holy estate these two persons present now come to be joined. If any person can show just cause why they should not be joined together – May you speak now or forever hold your peace." The pastor recited.

### Silence fell over the room. Tonya and I shared an awkward stare.

The pastor continued, "I require and charge-"

"You better not marry that bitch!" A female voice shouted interrupting the pastor.

"Who said that?" The pastor asked while combing the room with his eyes.

"I did." The female spoke out again, "That trifling bitch is fucking my husband and I have the proof right here!"

As I turned around to look through my seated guest Kareem's wife Lashonda is walking down the aisle waving pictures of Kareem and me in several uncompromising positions.

"Well, damn bro you bout to wife a whole hoe outchere?" Donte asked of Devin..

As Lashonda came closer she continues waving the nasty photos in front of all of my guest. Without thinking I charged her slamming her down to the floor. The pictures scattered everywhere behind her.

"No Malaysia you're pregnant!" Tonya shouted.

As Tonya came over picking me up from on top of Lashonda I grabbed a chunk of her long pretty hair and refused to let go. Just that quick I had lost my mind forgetting that I was in a wedding dress. In front of all my closest friends and relatives I unleashed months of backed up frustration on to her face beating the hell out of her. "Malaysia stop!" Tonya screamed grabbing a hold of my right hand. Finally, I calmed down and came to my senses realizing where the hell I was. I turn around to face my husband-to-be and he was gone.....

To Be Continued.....

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## Check out my other titles on Amazon!!

 Thirsty For A Boss – I Don't Wanna Be Loved 1,2

 As Long As You Love Me – A Street Thugs Love Story

