I need you guys to get the comments up on these chapters. I put in a lot of work for these chapters, and although the past few chapters have been filler chapters, I still need more comments.

Jazmine





I stood in the mirror, looking at myself and the outfit I'd be wearing tonight so I could dance. Even though Adonis said I couldn't dance at the club, that's not going to stop me. Theodore has two of the best clubs down here in Atlanta, and they're the only clubs that the big ballers go to when they're in Atlanta. It would be pointless for me to go to any other rinky dink club, so Theodore's is the only option. Adonis can't turn me away if I show up tonight dressed and ready to perform. I just hope Theodore won't be here tonight.

I jumped a little when I heard a knock on the door. "Y-Yes?" I asked, frantically looking for my clothes.

"Can I come in?" Isaiah's deep voice boomed through the door.

I quickly ran over to my draw and pulled out the first thing I saw. I gabbed my Nike sweat shirt and the matching sweat pants and quickly started putting them on. "J-Just a second. I need to get dressed."

"It's no need, I'mma just rip your clothes off anyways baby."

I pulled the sweat pants over my hips just as he busted into my room with the biggest smile on his face. He walked into my room with only a pair of basketball shorts on, showing off his hard, broad chest. He closed the door behind himself as he walked up to me with open arms. Before I could even back away from him, he pulled me into his grasp.

"Oh no baby, what is you doing?"

I laughed, trying to back away from him but he only held on to me tighter. I don't know what his sudden fascination is with me today, but his aggressiveness is a turn on. He never acted like this back in California since he had a girlfriend for so many years and he never once looked my way since I was always so involved with Theodore and Aubrey. The two of us just never crossed paths but he was always attractive, but I know he's off limits. Theodore wouldn't care if I talked to his brother but that bitch Lindsey would have a whole lot to say about it and she'd eventually convince Theodore that I'm a bad person for talking to him too. But out of respect for myself, I think I'll just leave him alone since I'm already involved with somebody else in their family.

"Isaiah...please."

He gripped my ass, pulling me closer to him so he could whisper in my ear. "Please, what? Keep going?"

I felt a shiver down my spin the moment his lips made contact with my skin. Isaiah's plump lips made kisses all over my neck, occasionally sucking and flicking his tongue over spots in my neck that made me fall for him even more. I can't even lie and say I'm not getting wet from being this close to him, because I am. The way he kissed my neck, the way his large hands roughly gripped my ass and kept me in place against his hard d*ck and the way my nipples hardened against his chest, only made me want him even more.

My hands found their way to his hard chest, that was covered in tattoos. My mind was telling me I shouldn't be messing with Isaiah in any way, shape or form but my body was telling me something completely different. I guess me feeling on him was enough confirmation for him. His hands drifted below my ass and he picked me up and I placed my legs around his torso. Isaiah removed his lips from my neck and placed them on mine, turning me on even more. Kissing Isaiah back felt good. It felt like a kiss I'd never felt before, so I kissed him back.

Isaiah kept me hoisted up in the air as he walked backwards to the bed. As soon as his legs hit the back of the bed, I pushed him back, catching him off guard. I guess he wasn't expecting me to be so aggressive but I just climbed on top of him and sat on his lap.

"Isaiah," I began but I knew he wasn't paying attention to me. He was too worried about getting in between my legs. Isaiah's hands grabbed on to my ass again and he pulled me closer to him since he was trying to take off my pants but I stopped him. "Isaiah," I smiled, trying to push him away but it didn't work. He was persistent on taking off my clothes. "Stop."

"Why?" he smiled, sliding his hands down my pants. It's like he didn't even care about what I had on under my sweat pants. He pushed my outfit to the side and wasted no time rubbing his finger against my pearl. I squirmed a little since I wasn't expecting this but that only made him laugh. He knew what the hell he was doing and his game was working. He knew he was turning me on so he slid his fingers down further and stuck two fingers inside of me.

I bit my lip, trying to hold back my moans because I didn't want to give him the satisfaction of turning me on, but one escaped my lips. That only stroked his ego even more, causing him to stick another finger into me. "Damn," I moaned as I rocked my hips back and forth on his fingers.

"I knew you liked that baby girl...but you gon' like this even more."

Before I could even process what he said, he flipped me over so I was on my back. He pulled my pants down my legs, propped my legs up, spread them apart and dug his face into me, making me moan out even more. Isaiah slurped and sucked on me as I rocked my hips against his face. Isaiah knew what the hell he was doing the moment he put me on my back. He wasn't just eating me out, he was snatching my soul and this shit felt good as hell.

I squeezed my legs tight around his face when I felt myself about to cum. No guy has made me feel this way in a very long time, so it wasn't unusual for me to cum this quickly. My legs trembled and stayed closed around his head but he pushed my legs open and dug his face into me even more. "Damn Isaiah," I moaned as I came. My chest heaved up and down as I watched him lick me clean but I lifted his head up. I wanted him to continue. I wanted to do a whole lot more with him but I knew we'd be here all night if we continued, so I lifted his head up.

When I saw his face, he was licking his lips and licking his fingers with the biggest smile on his face. "You taste so damn good Jaz. Let me finish girl." Isaiah went to dive back in but I quickly backed away from him. He laughed. "What? You can't take no more?"

"Isaiah...I-I"

He smirked. "Damn. I left you speechless, huh?" Even though I was on one side of my bed, he crawled over to me but I backed away from him. That didn't deter him though. He followed me until I was on the edge of the bed. He grabbed my thighs and pulled my legs around him as he sat in between my legs, still rubbing up against my sore pearl. "I wanna make you speechless again Jazmine."

Isaiah was so slick and smooth with his words that I almost fell for his game again but I knew better than that. Before he could grab a hold of me again, I quickly climbed off of the bed and backed away from him. "No, no, Isaiah...no."

He turned around and sat on the edge of the bed so he was facing me. "Damn. You gotta make real sentences Jazmine," he laughed. "I got you that distraught?"

I quickly folded my arms. "No but I need you to go."

"Damn. So it's like that now?"

"I have somewhere to go?"

He raised his eyebrow, looking my attire up and down. "Dressed like that? You either going to work out or you going to the strip club and you got your clothes on under that," he laughed, making me scrunch up my face. "Chill. I ain't mean it like that. I've dated my fair share of strippers in the past and they always dress like this when they're going to work but I know you not involved in anything like that. Where you going?"

"Out," I said as I grabbed my pants. "Now, I'd like it if you leave."

He smiled as he climbed off of my bed and walked over to the door. "Alright, I'll go but we're not finished. Make sure you back early tonight so we can finish what we started here."

"Don't hold your breath. I'll be back late."

"I'll be up late then."

"You know, being thirsty isn't cute Isaiah."

"I'm not thirsty. I'm just persistent. When I see something I want, I don't let anything get in my way to get it. Even if that means chasing a female. I like the chase."

"Like a dog?" I smirked.

"Woof. Woof," he replied, making me laugh. "If I'mma dog then I'll chase your fine ass all night. I'll see you tonight Jazmine."

As soon as Isaiah walked out of my room, I took a deep breath. It's something about Isaiah that turned me on and attracted me to him. Besides him looking good, he was so smooth with everything he said and he the way he did everything. Isaiah was the total package from what I could see but if I knew any better, I'd know that he's a Reed and they always have some extra shit they're hiding. They all have baggage.

After getting cleaned up, I got dressed and walked downstairs. Luckily Isaiah wasn't down here but Mr. McDonald was in the kitchen with Princess. I know he doesn't like me but I don't know why. I haven't done anything to him but I'll continue to respect him since that's what Theodore wants me to do. Plus, I don't want to get on his bad side. I've heard about the people that got on his bad side and how he mutilated each and every one of them. I took a deep breath before walking into the kitchen.

"Hey Princess, hey Mr. McDonald," I smiled.

Princess was sitting at the kitchen table with Mr. McDonald coloring. I've never seen him do anything like this before but I know he's different with kids. He was different with Daniel and still is. He's a sucker for kids and gives them just about anything they want. It just shocks me that a big time king pin would be spending his Friday night coloring with his granddaughter.

"Hey Auntie Jaz," Princess smiled. "Are you gonna eat cookies with us? Grandpa's making cookies."

"Save me one for later. I have to leave."

"Where are you doing?"

"I'm going out with a couple of friends."

"How come you aren't getting dressed up?" she asked as she continued to color. "Daddy is getting dressed up."

"Really? Where's he going?"

"To work. I don't want him to leave. I want him and Uncle Isaiah to stay here with me and Grandpa tonight. You too."

I sighed as I bent down so I was eye to eye with her. "Look, you know we love you, especially your Dad but he has to work. Don't you like coloring?" She nodded her head. "Well, if your Daddy wasn't going to work then you wouldn't have crayons or anything to color. Don't you like cookies?" She nodded her head again. "Well, if he wasn't going to work then he would be able to buy you cookies either. So he has to go to work but he'll be back in the morning. Alright?" She nodded her head again but didn't say anything as she went back to coloring. I sighed and stood up. "I love you Princess. I'll be back later."

Just as I was about to walk out of the kitchen, Mr. McDonald spoke up. "Jazmine, wait a second."

"Yes?"

"Can I speak with you for a moment?"

"Uh sure."

Mr. McDonald stood up from the table and led me out of the kitchen. "Look, I know this is weird for the both of us to be this close together but something's gotta be said if we gon' be living together. I'mma be frank, I don't fuck with you."

I scrunched up my face. "I don't understand why."

"Because I can feel a snake from a mile away and my snake senses are tingling right now."

"I'm not a sna--"

"You are a snake. You might not see it but I know you're a snake. You do sneaky shit and I don't know why my dumb ass Grandson has been dealing with you for so many years. Clearly you're giving up some p*ssy to keep him so confused and mixed up but just know I'm watching your sneaky ass, and unlike my Grandsons, y'all young broads don't turn me on and don't get me distracted from the shit that's most important. So just know this for now and remember it for the future, I don't fuck with you now and I never will. I really don't want to be living with a snake and I don't want to have to be checking behind my back 24/7 but I gotta deal with you and you gotta deal with me. Now that the cards are out on the table, the two of us can just stay out of each other's way, meaning you keep your fucking distance. Do you understand?"

I nodded my head. I didn't want to be on his bad side, so I kept quiet, but part of me wanted to say something else to him. I'm sick and tired of everybody in this family walking all over me and taking me for granted when I do a hell of a lot for Theodore and Princess. Mr. McDonald, Lindsey, Adonis and Theodore aren't going to walk all over me or treat me like the scum beneath their feet anymore. Fuck what Mr. McDonald used to do in the past to be that gave him trouble. His old ass can't do anything to me now and I'm going to stand up for myself regardless of what he used to do.

"Yes, I understand but I'll keep my distance from you but I still don't understand how I'm a snake. You and Mrs. McDonald used to love me and always let me come over your house. You never used to have an issue with me, but after Aubrey turned his back on Theodore, you switched up on me. I never changed up on y'all's family. I took a fucking bullet for Theodore and nobody seems to care about that. I could've died but I wanted to protect my friend. Theodore's my best friend and I'm not seducing him. We've never had sex before. I've been here with Theodore and Princess since we moved to Atlanta. I've been here with the two of them through everything: doctors appointments, Princess getting sick, her morning shots, everything! I'm the one that watches her every night Theodore goes out doing Lord knows what, I put her to bed, I get her up some mornings and I'm the one taking care of her like I'm her mother. I don't understand how I'm a snake but I really don't give a damn at this point. You and the rest of your family aren't going to walk all over me when I've devoted my fucking life to helping Princess and Theodore. So fuck you if you don't want anything to do with me. I really don't give a damn."

I turned away from Mr. McDonald, slapping him in the fast with my hair as I walked out of the house. He probably wanted to turn me around and beat my ass for speaking out against him but I had to say it and the next Reed or McDonald that has something to say about me being a snake or the role I play in this house, then I'm going to set them straight the same way I did to Mr. McDonald.

I walked out of the house and climbed into my car so I could go to the club. I know Theodore's going to one of his clubs tonight but I really hope he doesn't go to the club I'm going to tonight. Theodore wouldn't dare let me strip in his club, so I need to make sure he's not here tonight or I go on before he gets here so I gunned it as I drove to the club.

By the time I made it to the club, it was packed but I parked around the back just so I could see if Theodore's car was here or not. Luckily, he wasn't here but I knew he'd be here sooner than later. I quickly parked in the first spot I found, climbed out of my car and raced to the back door where all of the dancers would go in.

"Uh, what'chu doing here?" Donny asked as I approached the door. "Only dancers come back here. You can go to the front like every other bitch."

I rolled my eyes. "Well, first of all, you and I both know I'm not like every other bitch. Se--"

"You sure about that?" he cut me off, making me roll my eyes again. I don't know why he always insists on giving me a hard time in public but acts completely differently when it's just the two of us.

"Yes, I'm sure about that Donny. Damn. Why are you treating me like this?"

"Because I fuckin' can."

"Well you're acting like a bitch."

He scrunched up his face. "You are a bitch."

I nodded my head. "Alright. Alright. I've heard it all before Donny. You've called me a bitch before and so have plenty of other niggas. Call me something new," I responded. I stood there starring at him, waiting on him to call me another name, insult me, demean me, something! But he didn't say shit to me. He just starred at me, so I folded my arms. "I'm waiting. Say som--"

"I can't stand you sometimes, you know that? You always doing some shit Ion like, like fucking with that Aubrey nigga in my place. How the fuck you just gon' fuck me over like that in front of my niggas? You supposed to be my girl! But you out dancing for my friends and fucking with that nigga Aubrey. You gave him some p*ssy, didn't you? My p*ssy."

I smirked. So that's what he's been upset about? He's jealous of Aubrey, a guy I haven't seen or spoken to in years. Honestly, I don't even know why Donny's even putting claims on me like we're together. When ever I try to talk to him about furthering our relationship, he shuts down the idea and turns me down like I'm some common whore. Now he's jealous of Aubrey because he sees another guy giving me attention, something he could've been doing years ago but he decided to be an asshole and fuck me over, fuck other bitches and try to put claims on me when ever he sees somebody else around me.

"You're jealous? Seriously? I can't believe you're acting like this, when the last time we had sex, you acted like my p*ssy was trash and all stretched out. You know I haven't been fucking with anybody but you."

"How would I know that?"

"Because you should believe me," I replied. "You've known me long enough to know when I'm telling the truth and when I'm not. Who the hell have you seen me with?"

"Aubrey."

I sucked my teeth. "He's been locked up for years. Tell me somebody else you've seen me with."

He shrugged his shoulders. "Shit. I don't know. I don't keep tabs on you."

"Really? I think you're lying. You know I only fuck with you Donny. You're the only guy I've been fucking with since I got down here to Atlanta. Why else do you think I've been pushing for us to get together? I'm tired of sleeping around with you when I'm only with you and you know I'm only with you. How's it all right for me to be exclusively with you, but you're still fucking on random bitches?"

He scrunched up his face. "What random bitches are you even talking about?"

"I don't know, let me guess, you're fucking on your fat ass cousin, your disgusting ass baby mama, the dirty bitches that strip here and the dirty ones that sell themselves to you. You're fucking on every bitch but then try to claim me in private. I'm not with that shit anymore Donny."

"Even if I did wanna claim you, you'll still be running around the city acting a damn fool but I don't claim you for a reason."

"What's the reason?"

"You tryna fuck with my cousin. The only reason you're fucking with me now is because you're trying to get close to Prince."

"That's not true!"

"Nah, it is. You're in love with him and you're using him to get with me."

He was partially right. I do love Theodore but I'm not using him to get close to Theodore, well, I'm not anymore. I used to think he'd be my ticket at getting closer to Theodore but that only pushed Theodore and I apart even more. But the more time Donny and I spent together and the more we slept together, the more feelings I started to grow for him but his attitude and the way he treats me and other people has been holding me back, aside from the fact that he keeps threatening to kill me if I break things off with him. Dealing with Donny, I feel like I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place.

"I'm not using you to get with Theodore. You really think I'm that dumb to use his cousin to get with him? And it's taken me five long years to do so, might I add. Clearly I want you."

"Well, you don't show it."

"How can I when you keep pushing me away?"

"I push you away because you do dumb shit that makes me mad."

"Like?"

"Why the hell would you show up to be a dancer at my club?"

"The same reason you decided to give me a chance to be a dancer at your club."

"Well I don't want you stripping. You my girl."

"Well that's awfully funny considering the fact that you haven't put any claims on me. I can do what the hell I want. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'd like to go in to start my shift." I tried pushing past him but he stuck his arm out so I couldn't get into the door and pushed me back. "What the hell Adonis?"

"What the fuck you talking about? You don't work here."

I smirked as I lifted up my shirt so he could see my choice of outfit under it. "Actually, I do work here and since you're not my man, you can't stop me from working here."

"What if I did put claims on you?"

I shrugged my shoulders. "Alright, and if you do?"

Donny smiled as he reached out and grabbed my hand. "I want you Jazmine."

"Then act like it."

"I will, I promise. I want you to be my girlfriend, like on some real shit."

I slightly smiled as I removed my hand from his grasp. Giving Donny his way would just be feeding his ego, something I really didn't want to do, so I didn't feed into it. "Well, as unpleasant and insincere as that sounds, I can't take you up on your offer because you're just a few years too late and a few insults away from getting your ass beat. Excuse me Adonis." I pushed him out of my way and ran into the club before he could grab a hold of me.

I rushed to the back of the club where the dancers would get ready and busted into the dressing room, making each and everyone of them turn my way in confusion.

"What the hell are you doing in here?" One of them asked.

As old and washed up as she looks, she has to be the veteran here, especially since she was the first one to speak up.

"I-I uh, I-I work here now."

"She's the new girl," a familiar voice boomed from the back of the locker room.

I quickly turned to the side and saw Goldie dressed in her outfit for the night. It shocks me how she's dealing with Theodore and he's allowing her to still work here, but Adonis can't let me. He's a dumb ass. Goldie walked up to me with a smile on her face before she threw her arm over my shoulder.

"Oh, the new girl, huh? Did Prince approve of this?"

"Actually, he did," Goldie stood up for me. "So, maybe you should speak to him about it if you have an issue with it but as far as we all know, she's the new girl."

"And the two of you are extremely close," the girl replied.

"I don't even know her Beauty. Just chill," Goldie rolled her eyes as she turned away from Beauty and to me. She walked me over to the back of the locker room where she was previously at. "Hey girl, I didn't know you were gonna be working here," she said once we were far away from everybody else.

"Well, I don't technically work here but I'm gonna take my shot at doing so tonight."

"And how are you gonna do that?"

"I'm just gonna get up on stage and dance my ass off, bring in a ton of money and then Donny will have to hire me."

She laughed. "Donny will hire just about anybody. It's Prince you need to worry about. You think he'll give you the job?"

"No, but once he sees how much money I'll be making, he'll at least be able to consider it."

She took a deep breath. "Well, good luck. When are you going on?"

"Next," I said as I took off my sweat pants and sweat shirt.

"Uh negative, Jaz. That's Beauty's spot."

"So?"

"She's the head bitch around here. She's worked here the longest, has the prime time spot every night and she makes the most money. She's Prince'es favorite dancer."

"Honestly, I think that might be you since you're the one always spending time with him."

"That doesn't mean anything when she makes the most money and has been dealing with him longer than anybody else has," she mumbled, but I heard every word she said. "All I'm saying is, don't get in her way."

"Watch me."

Who gives a damn about an old, washed up stripper that needs to find a new career? Once I'm done tonight, she'll be old news. As I walked out of the locker room, I could see Beauty out of the corner of my eye waiting to go on, so I rushed out of the room so I could get her spot. I walked around the back of the stage just as the previous dancer was walking off.

She turned up her face as she passed by me. "Who the hell are you?"

"Don't worry about it."

I brushed past her as I stepped on to the stage.

"Uh, taking the stage is someone new, someone exotic," the club host announced over the mic. I'm sure he was confused because he didn't see Beauty but I don't really give a damn. "Coming on to the stage, we have a sexy, delicious piece of chocolate that everybody feigns for once they see her leave the stage. Make some noise for Milk Chocolate!" the announcer yelled.

I rolled my eyes as I began dancing on stage. Milk Chocolate? I'm gonna have to come up with a better name than that but I'll take it for now since I'm dancing, doing something I've been wanting to do. I got the same lustful looks I got from Donny's friends when they saw me audition so I knew I was doing something right. I'm nowhere near the level of the other dancers here but I'm gonna try my damnedest to get a spot.

I swung around the pole, whipping my hair around, showing off my long legs and using my best qualities to my advantage. I crawled across the floor, that was now coated with dollar bills as I continued shaking my ass for the needy men and women who wanted to see me dance, who wanted to see me do something that was good for me. I spread my legs wide before turning around and crawling back over to the front of the stage, but I was caught off guard when I saw Prince standing right in front of me with a frown on his face.

I knew he was pissed, but what could he do? Stop me in the middle of my performance? No way. He'd be forced to watch me but his intense gaze was intimidating, to say the least, but I just continued dancing since I wanted to make a lasting impression on Theodore, Adonis and everyone else in this club.

I turned away from Theodore and continued shaking my ass for everybody watching when I saw Beauty out of the corner of my eye with her arms folded. She was pissed the hell off but I really didn't give a damn. I blew her a kiss and walked back over to the pole. I planned on doing something risky, something dangerous that could potentiality kill me but I needed to take the risk. I used all of my strength and pulled myself up the pole. My arms were sore, hurting and in pain but I needed to prove myself.

I got up to the top of the pole, held on tight, didn't look down and swung my leg back so it was behind the pole. I guess boxing for years really helped me stay up here on this pole because I didn't fall down not once. My body cascaded down the pole and once I was close enough to the ground, I ended in the best split that I could possibly do but the money still continued to roll in. Money was flying from every direction but I needed to take things a step further to seal my fate here.

After removing my top, I crawled back over to the front of the stage where Prince was standing and grabbed a hold of his thick, heavy gold chain. He wasn't letting go of that chain, so when I pulled him closer to me, he followed. I spread my legs wide around him and wrapped them around his waist but I still held on to his chains. I pulled him down so we were chest to chest but I still kept my legs wrapped around his waist and pushed his pelvis into my p*ssy.

"What the fuck are you doing?" he whispered to me but still played along since we were in the front of the crowd.

"Giving everybody a show."

Before he could even respond, I pushed him away from me and finished off my performance as money still continued to flow in my direction. I smiled wide at all of the piles of money that I made. I picked up my shirt and fastened it around my bare chest as I exited the stage.

"Bitch, what the fuck was that?" Beauty asked as soon as I got off of the stage. "You just took my spot!"

I shrugged my shoulders. "And? What are you gonna do about it besides stand here in talk? You wanna dance, go on after me but you're gonna have to have a killer performance to top what I just did."

"Oh, don't worry about it. Unlike you, I won't be struggling to get up the pole. The next time you decide to take my spot, do some conditioning first, you fat, sweaty ass bitch."

She bumped my shoulder and walked past me as she climbed on stage once my money was cleaned up. I really wanted to say something to that bitch or even put my hands on her but I knew that would screw up my chances of working here, so I kept my mouth closed. I didn't say anything to the bitch but I would in the future if she kept up with her bull shit. Just as I was making my way to the back, a guy stopped me with a huge bucket full of money; my money. I smiled and gladly took the bucket of money but a second bucket followed that one, making me smile even harder.

"What the fuck are you doing here?"

I looked up at Theodore, who was pissed. I smiled. "Making money. Look at wha--"

"I don't give a damn. Come with me to my office."

I didn't say anything, I just followed him to his office with my buckets of money in my hands. Once we got back to his office, I noticed it wasn't much of an office. There was a desk but the coach is what stood out the most to me. I knew he was fucking those old, washed up stripper bitches on this couch, so instead of sitting on it, I stood.

"What are you doing? Why the hell were you just doing that?"

Because I want money! Look at how much I made Theodore! I just killed it."

"Yeah, you did but I didn't approve of you working here."

"I know but that's the reason I did it. I knew you wouldn't approve but I wanted to show you I have what it takes to work here and clearly I do. I made a lot of money."

"You did," he replied. "But I don't like you working here."

"Why?"

"Because you're putting yourself on display for every nigga to see. I don't like it."

"Your girlfriend does the same thing."

He smirked as he looked up at me. "I don't have a girlfriend and the girl I'm talking to now was doing this before I started talking to her, so it isn't up to me to make her quit. But it is my decision to not let you join because I don't want you doing this."

"Well, it technically isn't your decision, it's mine."

"But I'm the boss. I'm the one that's going to hire you."

"But just like tonight, I'll show up here every night and crash your girls' sets. How would you like that?"

He shrugged his shoulders. "I wouldn't mind. More money for me but the bouncers wouldn't let you in if I told them to. Look Jaz, you just can't do what you want here. Things are run a certain way and there's a hierarchy system with my girls, believe it or not. You can't just do what you want. You have to work your way up to the shit you're trying to do, and going behind my back and cheating the system isn't the way to go."

"So what do you suggest I do then?"

"Find a legit job."

"This is a legit job."

He sighed. "Not as a stripper. If it's money you want, I can give it to you."

"I don't want your money though. I want to make my own money."

"By stripping?"

"It's what I want to do. I don't want to make a career out of it but it's fun and I like the adrenaline rush it gives me. Please, just give me a chance Theodore."

"No."

"Please. Look at how much money I've made you Theodore. After all the shit I've given you and done for you, just give me a chance. I proved myself tonight so you know I have what it takes. Please."

He heavily sighed. "Fine. I'll give you until the end of the week to prove yourself but if you don't, then you're done and you're taking your ass back to school and I'm gonna make sure of that shit. Do you understand?"

I slightly smiled, happy that I got my way. "Thank you Theodore."

"Don't fuck this up," he warned me.

Part of me was relieved that he was allowing me a chance to dance but I knew I'd be put through hell. Theodore won't let me easily slip through the cracks and give me multiple chances, and after what I just did to Beauty, I know she won't ever forget it. And she won't let me ever forget it either.

"I promise I wont."

"Alright, well you can go and just a forewarning, don't mix business with pleasure."

"Huh?"

"Don't start messing around with Donny. I don't like my employees fornicating on the job."

I smirked. "Like you and Goldie, Beauty and half the other girls you hired?"

He sucked his teeth. "Look, that's one thing you're not gonna do. I'm your boss and you're gonna treat me as such. You can talk to me about my sex life when we're at home but not here. What I do with my girls is my personal business."

"So, that means you have to test me out too then?" I laughed, just to see how he'd react but he frowned.

"I don't test girls out."

"So, what about Goldie?"

He tried to frown but the smile on his face told me he felt differently about Goldie, just like I thought he would. "Goldie is...she's different. Look, I really don't want to be having this conversation with you here."

"I know. I know. But one more question. Is she your girlfriend?

He shook his head. "No, well not yet, at least. Just wait on it. She's gonna be very soon."

I smiled. Part of me resented him and her for their relationship because I wanted to be her. I wanted to be in her shoes but another part of me felt some sort of happiness for him. He had been with so many fucked up girls in the past, that I was happy to see him with a girl that made him happy and was a positive influence on his life. "Okay. Well, I guess I approve then," I slightly shrugged my shoulders.

He laughed. "And what is that supposed to mean? Don't tell me you actually like Go--Mya."

"I like her...I like the two of y'all together or whatever. You two make a good couple and I like the influence she has on you. Unlike those other gutter bitches you used to fuck around with, she's different in a good way."

"So you wouldn't mind if I bought her over to the crib?"

"Nope."

"Alright then dinner tomorrow night at 7, be there."

"Who's cooking?"

"Me," he smiled. "I'm cooking for my lady."

I laughed. "Alright, I'll definitely be there. I wanna see this disaster."

"Man, fuck you," he laughed, making me laugh too.

This was the relationship with Theodore I missed, where we could joke around, insult each other but still have a good time with each other. Maybe the thought of Theodore and I getting together is a thing of the past and maybe I should just let it go, for the both of our sanity's. Regardless of how I might feel about him, he doesn't feel the same way and I don't think he ever will. After many years of convincing him and throwing myself at him, he never gave me a second chance. Clearly he doesn't want to ruin our friendship, and after talking to him tonight, I don't think I want to ruin our friendship either.

I need my best friend.

Lindsey



I pulled my front door open and was a little shocked to see Cashmere standing on the other side. The last time I saw him was the other night at the club when I slammed the bottles in Danity's face. I never approached him at the club. I wanted to but I just didn't because I was pissed at Danity for keeping the secret for so long, bashing Cashmere in my face but secretly trying to get with my man behind my back. I was more so mad at the fact that she was a snake to me the entire time.

But Cashmere showing up on my doorstep is exactly what I wanted and needed. I needed to talk to him to get some truth from him on what happened between him and Danity. And if something did happen, I need to know why he let me befriend her and keep a friendship going with her for so long.

"It's funny seeing you here," I told him.

"Really? I don't think it's funny. You should've been expecting me."

"Really? Why so?"

"Cut the bullshit Lindsey. I saw what went down at the club last night. I tried finding you after the shit went down but you were gone before I got to you."

I folded my arms. "So why'd you do it?"

He sighed. "It was a long time ago."

"Were we together?"

"No, hell no. You hadn't even moved here yet. I didn't even know you or of you."

"So when were the two of you in a relationship?"

"Man, that shit is ancient history."

"How ancient?" I asked, folding my arms.

"Man, back in high school ancient."

I scrunched up my face. "High school? How did you even know her back then?"

"That shit was like 17 years ago when we were 15 in fucking 10th grade. It wasn't even a real relationship. We were fucking with each other for like a week. All we did was slept together two or three times and then she broke it off with me."

"Why?"

"Well, I hate to tell you this about your friend, but she was a hoe back in high school. She was fucking with every nigga on the football team, all my niggas. She was just a hoe being passed around. Every week she was with a new nigga, so whatever the fuck she thought we had, wasn't real."

"So why'd you let me befriend her?"

He shrugged his shoulders. "Man, I thought that shit was dead."

"As it should be," I replied. "Why is she still caught up on this? Are you still talking to her?"

"No, I swear I'm not. The only contact I have with her is when you're around. She be hitting me up, trying to get me to chill with her but I always turn her down and remind her that she's your friend. I swear I thought she was over what little bit we had in high school. You know, that high school shit wasn't real especially if it was only for a week. She's trippin' Lindsey and I'm glad you said something to her."

"Well, I technically didn't say anything to her. I decked her shit," I replied, making him laugh.

"Yeah, I know and I saw. She got what she deserved."

What she deserved? After everything he's done to me, he deserved something like that, if not worse. Cashmere should just be glad he wasn't around when I was throwing bottles, or he'd be in the hospital along side Danity getting glass removed from his face.

"And what about you?" I asked as I folded my arms.

"What'chu mean?"

"When are you gonna face some consequences for the shit you've done?"

"I'm facing my consequences right now, being away from you and Daniel. I just wanna come home."

"Where ever you're sleeping right now is your home, not here. And just because you tell me about what you and Danity used to have, doesn't make up for the fact that you've lied in the past and you're not credible. I can't believe anything you tell me now because of your track record."

"Forget about my track record. I'm changing right now and if you let me come back home then you'd be able to see that too."

I shrugged my shoulders. "Well, I just don't know then."

He sighed. "How about you tell me what's going on with you and that kid. What's up with that situation?"

"Nothing. It's no situation. We went on a date. Noting more, nothing less. Why are you so concerned? You've been in and out of plenty of bitches while we were together and I'm pretty sure you were in bitches when we were off too. So what's the big deal? Especially since I didn't have sex with anybody else."

"In and out of bitches? I've been faithful to you since we took a break. I haven't been with any other bitches. I don't even be talking to bitches. When ever I see them coming, I tell them I have a wife, turn away and walk away from them."

I shrugged my shoulders. "That's nice or whatever but you should've been doing that in the past."

"Damn. You don't appreciate it?"

"No because you should've been doing it since we've been together for five years. Look Cash, you know I love you but these games gotta stop, like for real. I want to be with you and I'd love to see things work out between us but we have absolutely way too many problems that I can't ever forget and Danity was just the icing on the cake. I don't know what to believe when it comes to the two of you. She acted like you two didn't know each other and she was just trying to be a good friend to me by warning me about you, when in all actuality, she was trying to break us up so she could be with you. And you acted as if you two didn't know each other."

Cash sighed. "I never acted like I didn't know her but you met her as soon as you got to Atlanta and I couldn't just ruin your friendship about some harmless shit in the past. I should've told you, but damn. At least hear me out and understand where I'm coming from."

"I understand where you're coming from and I understand why you did it but you should've said something because now the bitch caught me off guard. She caught us off guard and I don't like this."

"I know and I'm sorry."

My eyes widened a bit. I don't think I've heard Cashmere apologize for any of the shit he's done ever. He usually just likes to ease his way back into my life without any apologies but this time's different. He knows he fucked up.

I sighed. "I accept your apology."

He smiled as he stepped into my house but I didn't back up. I don't know what he thought he was doing but I wasn't moving. Cashmere stepped forward so he was directly in front of me and wrapped his arms around me. "You know, I missed you Lindsey. A lot. We ain't never been away from each other this long."

I rolled my eyes, not embracing him back. I wasn't giving him his way, not this easy. "It's only been eighteen days Cashmere."

"Oh, so you been counting?" he smirked, making me laugh.

"No, never that."

"You must have been thinking about me Lindsey."

"Nope but I have been thinking about something else."

He smiled. "What? You gon' let me go upstairs?"

"No. Don't get ahead of yourself big boy. I heard your little girlfriend is missing," I smirked. Mocha's been all over the news the past few days since she's been missing, but after putting pieces together, I know she's dead and I know my brother has something to do with it too. I'm just mad he got to the broad before I got a chance to, but regardless, at least she's gone.

Cashmere's smile turned into a frown as he pushed himself all the way in my house and closed the door behind himself. "Damn. Keep your damn mouth closed Lindsey," he whispered. "I don't know what happened, but shit went down and it's handled. She's done with."

"Did you have anything to do with that?"

"No. I wish I did though. That bitch was out of her damn mind."

"And so were you for fucking with her but I'm not even thinking about it anymore. She's gone and the situation is over with."

"And you see how easy it was to get rid of her, I can do the same shit to that nigga you tryna bring up in here. I don't like you being around these other niggas."

I smiled. "Why?" I asked. "Jealousy isn't a good trait Cashmere."

"I'm not jealous but I am crazy about you."

"How crazy?"

"I got you something, well, I got us something."

I sighed. "It better not be a damn engagement ring."

He chuckled as he pulled the front door open. "Oh, it's not. The next time I propose, it's gonna be real and we're gonna be in a better space than this. And you're gonna say yes. Can you come with me?" he asked, extending his hand. I hesitated about grabbing his hand because I didn't know what bag he was coming out of but I still did and let him walk me outside to his car. "I know the material shit won't make up for everything I've put you through but I hope it can be a start. I got you two things, actually," he said as he pulled open the front door of his car and pulled out a small box. "I got your shit customized so it looks like mine."

I took the box out of his hands and my eyes widened at the gold, diamond encrusted Rolex that sat inside. "Wow. Cashmere. I don't know what to say."

"Don't say nothing. Wait until the second gift. Close your eyes."

I scrunched up my face but still closed my eyes. I don't know how he's going to top the Rolex, but I'll see. I shivered a little when I felt something cold going around my neck. As crazy as Cashmere is, I would've expected him to choke me to death or some other crazy shit but he placed a necklace around my neck. I immediately looked down at the necklace that had his name spelled out in solid gold cursive.

"Where's yours at?" I asked since I wasn't going to be walking around with claims on me.

He chuckled as he pulled his chain out of his shirt, which had my name on it too. "See. I'm serious about you Lindsey."

I smiled. "I can tell you are and I appreciate the gifts, they're beautiful Cashmere."

He sighed. "What's the catch though?"

"I want to see us work out and get back on the right track, and once we're doing well, then I'll accept your gifts but I just can't right now." As much as I didn't want to, I handed him back the Rolex and removed the chain from around my neck. I can tell Cashmere's changing but I can't go running back to him as soon as he starts acting right and doing things he should be doing since we are in a relationship.

He took a deep breath. "Alright. I guess I understand Lindsey. Look, I'll leave you alone like you want me to but just know I'm trying. I've maneuvered my way to any broad I ever wanted but the shit just doesn't feel right unless I'm with you. I don't feel sane unless I'm with you Lindsey, so if being apart is going to make us stronger, then I'm willing to give you your space for the sake of our relationship."

I was shocked. I got an apology from Cashmere today and he's complying with my wishes. Maybe being apart has done him some justice. I walked over to him, stood on my tippy toes and kissed his cheek. "Thank you Cashmere. I love you."

He slipped his arms around me with a smile on his face. "I love you too Lindsey."

~~~

Comment. Vote. Add to your Reading List. Share.

300+ Comments.

How was this chapter? How do you guys feel about Jazmine wanting to work at the club? Should she just stay in school? How do you guys feel about Jazmine and Isaiah? Can you guys see a future with the two of them? How do you guys feel about Jazmine and Adonis? Will Adonis change his ways? How do you guys feel about Jazmine's future as a dancer? Will she be able to get along with all of the other dancers now that she took Beauty's spot? How do you guys feel about Jazmine finally understand where her relationship with Theodore stands? How do you guys feel about Lindsey and Cashmere's relationship? Should they see other people or try to make things work? Should Cashmere have said something to Lindsey about knowing Danity or was it too long ago to be mentioned?

DON'T FORGET TO GET THE COMMENTS UP!!!!