𝙹𝚄𝙻𝚈 𝟹𝚁𝙳

𝚂𝙰𝚃𝚄𝚁𝙳𝙰𝚈|𝟷𝟸 𝙰𝙼

𝙼𝙾𝙼𝙴𝙽𝚃𝚂 𝙴𝙰𝚁𝙻𝙴𝚁...

Yazmine had just gotten out of the shower when her phone rung for the fourth time. "Who keeps calling me. Damn, can a bitch shower in peace." She spoke with aggravation. Wrapping her towel tightly around her body, she slid her feet in her slides before grabbing her phone. She read a number that she wasn't familiar with, so she wasn't about to answer, but it rang again.

"Hello?"

"So, you'd answer another nigga call, but got my shit blocked?" She heard someone say in the background, but couldn't make out who voice it was since it was slurred. "Nigga, shut up."

"Shooter?" Yazmine frowned.

"That's my wife, y'all."

"I know damn well you're not calling me your wife? You drunk and tried to dial Paris number or something?"

Shooter laughed. "Hell nah, you know won't no shit like that come outta my mouth drunk or sober, sis. About you and especially about Paris. That's Truth, drunk ass in the background. Come open the door, I'm outside."

"What? Why? Do you know what time it is?"

"Just open the door, before I'm forced to kick this motherfucker in."

"You kick my door in, I'mma fuck you up." Yazmine told Shooter while walking to the door. Not caring that she was only in a towel, she flung her door open. Shooter and another man were helping with a staggering Truth. Her antennas instantly went up on why they were bringing Truth to her house. "What the hell is this, Shooter?"

"What's up." The man spoke.

"Don't get yo ass shot, or your eyes bet not linger any fucking where." Truth frowned as the man waved him off.

"They called me to pick him up from his club. The nigga was drunk off his ass, saying take me to my wife, Yaz." Shooter explained.

"First off, I'm not his wife. Secondly, I don't care about him being drunk. Take his ass home or to your house. Soul's house. Anybody's house, but mine. Why would you even bring him here? It's midnight." Yazmine snapped.

"Stop acting like that, baby." Truth leaned against the doorframe. "And why the fuck you answer the door for a nigga in only a towel?"

This is why I need to move into one of those condos in a building. I won't have to worry about people coming to my doorstep with this. Yazmine was frowning.

"Shooter, get him away from me. I am not playing." Yazmine rolled her eyes.

"Come on, sis. He made a big ass scene just to get to you. Let him sober up here, and I promise I'll be back to get him in the morning. I got some business to handle." Shooter told him.

Yazmine looked at Truth and hated how much she loves him. She felt no attachments to him after what he said, but it was only because she was currently hurt. "Fine. Come back to get his ass, and I'm not playing. I have to be at Cherish house early. I can't be babysitting no grown man. Did y'all not learn anything from Marcus getting drunk off his ass?"

"Thanks, sis. Where you want him?" Shooter asked.

"Put him in the guest room, and I'll handle the rest."

"That's why I love her. I'mma marry her ass and shoot all my kids in that pussy." Truth said while laughing.

"I'm regretting this already." Yazmine sighed.

Once Shooter left, Yazmine aggressively took off Truth's shoes while mumbling and talking shit as he stared at her. She was really mad because she didn't want to be anywhere near Truth. Then the time they brought him to her place didn't make it any better. She walked out to get him some water and a pill. When she returned, she set everything on the bedside table. He grabbed her hand while pulling her to him causing her to fall on top of him.

"I am not in the mood to be playing with you. Get your hands off me." She frowned. "You're too damn drunk to walk, but you don't seem that drunk now."

"Because I'm not. I had a few drinks, and that's it. I only acted like I was drunk because it's the only way I knew you'd talk to me." Truth admitted.

"You're sick. Who does that, Omari? Like, did you not see the time? We don't have nothing else to talk about. Now that you know everything, you think it'll change things? That we can be together and live happily ever after? That's not going to happen."

"I was walking away because it felt like you were playing games. You can't blame me for thinking that. I apologize for what I said. Had I known what you were going through, I would've been there for you. I fucked up saying that about you and Cherish. I know what I told you at your shop and when you texted me, I just didn't know what else to say, ma. I'm too old for games, and I'm dating to marry. I have real, deep feelings for you."

"It's too late, Omari. I don't like shit like that. You can say whatever, but when you decide to hit below the belt, it's a done deal for me. I get you were hurt or whatever, but it didn't have to go that far. Now, can you let me go, please?" Truth just stared at her. It's true he was ready to let Yazmine go after he told her to lose his number, but how could he now? Knowing her story changed things for him. Still, that was more reason to fight for her now.

"I miss you." Before she could say anything in response to that, Truth grabbed the back of her neck and pulled her face closer before kissing her. At first, Yazmine fought against it, but the moment he slid his tongue into her mouth, she gave in. He grabbed her towel and snatched it off. It wasn't long before Truth was naked and Yazmine was easing down his length. Both moaning from the feeling.

"You bet not ever give this pussy to another nigga." Truth grunted. "I love you, Yazmine. Fuckkkk! I love you, baby."

"Mmm. I love you too." Yazmine moaned while rotating her hips.

laid next to a sleeping Truth. Her eyes memorizing his features because this would be the last time she'd be in this position with him. Damn him and that toxic dick.

Grabbing her phone, she realized she hadn't spoken to her cousin, none yesterday. She eventually saw Cherish's post and the one that made its way to the blogs. Their nosey asses wanting to know who Cherish was talking about on her story. It was the people in the comments for her that started a trend, Red Diamond 🐱. Yazmine laughed because they knew damn well they didn't have the type of coochie that had a man willing to spend that type of bag. Well, she didn't know, but it made for a good laugh.

"Period fav." Yazmine chuckled before calling Cherish, she was aware of the time, but Cherish is sometimes woke at that time.

"Hello." Cherish groggily spoke into the phone.

"I'm sorry for waking you, cousin. I haven't talked to you none yesterday." Yazmine pouted. "You all over the blogs about those red diamonds. They done started a trend and everything. My brother snapped as he should. They trying to figure out who the man you were thanking."

"I should've known they would post it. Now people about to be on some detective type shit."

"Go ahead and get your man back."

"That won't happen. I messed up again, cousin."

"What you mean?"

Looking over her shoulder, Cherish whispered into the phone. "I slept with Priest again. The man just got done fucking the shit out of me. I went to sleep, then I don't know how many minutes past, and we were back at it again. I won't be any good. My body is exhausted. Meanwhile, he's sleeping like a damn baby next to me."

"You're going to be pregnant." Yazmine chuckled.

"Nope. He got me a Plan B. I had to fuck him again, because I know that's motherfucking right. He knew the vibes this time." Cherish laughed.

"I hateeee you. I'm telling you now to get on birth control. We don't need you popping those like vitamins. Soul not trying to be on your bad side, that's why he was prepared. If I'm being honest... I messed up too." Yazmine whispered. "Truth right here knocked out after we fucked."

"Wow! What is it about these two motherfuckers that we can't move on from?" Cherish sighed. It was silence for a few seconds before they spoke. "The dick." They said in unison while laughing.

"I gotta give you the real tea tomorrow, bitch. Priest is a light sleeper, so he might be listening." Cherish half joked.

As Priest drove, his thoughts ate at him. The moment he found out Cherish had moved back, he should've been the one to have his guard up more. He didn't blame Cherish for anything she said because it didn't surprise him in the slightest.

Her being stubborn only makes things worse. She'd rather be in pain than to change her mind once it's made up. Still, her stubbornness is one thing he loves about her. She was just as strong-willed as she was stubborn. Looking into Cherish's eyes, it was hard to read what was true and what was false when she spoke. She concealed her emotions perfectly At that moment after he mentioned what her eyes were revealing.

He couldn't say what was the truth and the lie about Assad, but her only coming back for sex, he knew, wasn't the truth. Aside from knowing her better than anyone, he also couldn't explain it, but being inside her sexually always revealed how she felt on some type of spiritual level. Their bodies connecting always connected their souls. It's like they always become one. That's why the circumstances just didn't matter. They will always gravitate to one another. Even being separated for six years, they were drawn in the sense she didn't move on with anyone, and while he got into a relationship, he never moved on from her either.

Priest was ready to act up, as he had been since she moved back, but the words his mother spoken to him when he dropped his daughters off suddenly was clear. Of course, he did the opposite of what Patience said at first, but when Cherish said what she said, he knew as usual his mom was right.

Listen, son. I will never tell you to give up on love. Or to give up on trying to get Cherish back. I will tell you to slow down. There's no rush. What's meant to be will be. Let things happen as naturally as possible. Don't rush, Cherish. Don't force her. And don't threaten her to be with you.

Patience always knew what to say to get her son to listen. He knew his mother was right and needed to finally respect what Cherish has been saying as if she's a broken record. The fact that Cherish had to go to such lengths to lie made him realize even more, he couldn't force her to be with him if that's not what she wanted. Maybe he needed to let her go. Maybe it was time to ACTUALLY move on. Maybe that chapter between them is closed. Even if he didn't believe that, he needed to. That hurt him to hear what Cherish said, but like he said. I got it. Message received.

Priest needed a drink, so he was heading to his bar, which is still opened and closes at 3 am. Between the buzz that surrounds Priest's club, restaurant, and bar, which is actually a lounge bar. Also, his real estate businesses; he's pretty known in big places. Priest's name was already big in the streets, but this is a different world where he's made a name for himself. There's been countless times when he has been reached out to regarding interviews. Whether it's for a magazine, a radio interview, or a talk show. People want to know the brilliance behind combining the three that became the number one spot not just in the city, though, Priest humbly downplays it to that. In actuality, it's the number one spot in the state.

He plans to open up a franchise in other states somewhere down the line. That's his most prominent business. His hotel coming in second, but his real estate was extremely close. It's definitely something to be proud of, since Soule has only been opened for a few months. Leaving the streets was the best thing he could've done. Priest became rich back in his drugs days, but his businesses took him on a different level financially. He has a little more money than Cherish, but often tries to do a little good with his.

Priest still hold the respect of those in the neighborhood. You'd think he was an old head. He ran a smooth operation years ago and made sure everybody was straight. Not to mention all the good he's done and still does. Hitting the streets at 13 eventually warranted him to grow up living a little more comfortably and no longer poor, while his parents worked their asses off. Unbeknownst to them, their son was in the streets. By the time Patience and Kincaid found out, Priest was already in deep, with Ricardo right there guiding him. Nothing they said got through to their son. Priest got a taste of that life and was determined to make it to the top, especially if it meant getting his parents out of the hood one day.

Helping out is something Priest always did when his money got longer. Making it out of living in the hood didn't change that he was from it. So, he had to look out for his people's. He made it, so public schools had better means and resources to teach children. Bought newer books and computers. Gave funding for after-school programs. Helping school sports teams who couldn't afford team uniforms, basketball shoes, and cleats.

From block parties, to back to school bashes that he holds every year for kids who parents couldn't afford school supplies and school uniforms. Gave away fully supplied backpacks along with shoes and clothes. Bought then passed out toys, clothes, shoes, and coats for kids before on Christmas, also for the kids in the hospital. That's why Cherish fell for him so quickly, Priest was a different breed. She never came across no hood nigga who gave a damn about his community the way Priest had. Even at an early age.

Priest is adored by many. He didn't care what other rich people did with their money. Giving back is something he loves. He didn't do it for the praise; he did it because sometimes people need a helping hand. He's a good man, and that's something he took pride in. Assad was the same way in ways, but not to the extent like Priest. He wasn't as known as Priest either, which is why when Priest was informed of Cherish being in the hood, no name was given. He assumed it was Von. He had forgotten about Assad.

Priest didn't care much for having friends. Truth and Shooter were his best friends, but also his brothers. These days, real niggas are a dying breed. Either that or they're in jail. He stuck with his two sandbox niggas; his Day 1s. Marcus may not be his best friend, but that's someone he considers a friend.

"What the fuck?" Priest said. Looking into his rearview mirror, he noticed the same car had been following him for the duration of his driving.

Priest grabbed his Glock 9 and sat on it on his lap. He could walk around without a care in the world, but he wasn't stupid enough to. As many people adored him, there's just as many who envy him. He wasn't invincible and didn't pretend to be, which is why he stayed alert as much as possible. Making a sharp turn down a side street, he did almost 40 down the street and made another right. People were out, but mostly, the streets were dead. There was a black Lincoln following him, but couldn't stay two cars behind him now that he was on a street with no traffic.

Priest knew the streets like the back of his hands. Going to Shooter's name in his phone, it ringed twice before Shooter picked up. "What's up, bro."

"Aye, some motherfucker playing follower the leader with me. I'm about to head to Josephine, meet up." Priest spoke code. Just because he was out of that life didn't mean he lost the ways of it. That code told Shooter someone was following Priest, and he was about to lead the person to a certain location, that Shooter knew what he meant by that and was setting a trap.

Suddenly, gunshots sounded out, alerting Shooter. "Aye, you good?!"

"Meet up." Priest hung up the phone. He wasn't worried about no bullets because all his whips were bulletproof. Ricardo taught him that. He mentally made a note to get Cherish's bulletproof as well.

Aside from niggas envying him. Women think he's dumb enough to get robbed, set up, or finessed; he hadn't run into any trouble in years, which told him one thing. This was possibly Von's doing. Priest knew Von wouldn't actually shoot at him, himself. With the right amount of money, a trigger-happy nigga would.

Zooming past cars, Priest weaved in and out of traffic, almost causing accidents. The Lincoln was still close behind. There was a red light ahead of him and no cars in front of him. Looking in each direction, Priest couldn't see any cars coming from the other direction at the intersection, but there was a blind spot. Gunshots were still flying, and he couldn't tell who the shooter was. He could've easily upped his gun and shot back, but he couldn't do that and drive.

He knew he fucked up with punching Von because now if he were to kill him right off, Von's bodyguard would point the finger at Priest, making him a suspect. Priest didn't need that kind of heat. Even if Von was to come up missing, it'll still be the same outcome.

"Fuck!" Priest hit his stirring wheel aggressively. It was true he hadn't killed Von because of Cherish, but there was also another reason that he still hadn't been able to prove.

Looking into his rearview mirror, Priest saw the Lincoln start to slow down a bit as they both were approaching the red light. Priest saw two cars coming from both directions of the intersection. He didn't know if he'd make it, but had to try. "I love you, Malaysia, Honesti, and Cherish." He spoke aloud in case an accident kills him because the bullets couldn't touch him in a bulletproof vehicle.

Priest pushed down on the gas, gaining more speed as he took a leap of faith. The two cars were coming fast, but he was driving faster. His driving skills were almost impeccable at that moment because that was so close to being an accident. Finally, approaching the location, which was a trap. Priest slowed down and threw his car into park. The Lincoln not far behind him.

sat up in her bed. Her eyes were puffy, her head was currently hurting, and she felt nauseous. Jumping up out of the bed, she ran to her bathroom. Crouching over the toilet, she threw up so much her throat was hurting and her eyes were burning. Thinking about that look of hurt in Priest's eyes made her physically sick. It should be the other way around. She should fight like hell to get the love of her life back, considering Priest had done nothing wrong to warrant her to keep breaking his heart. He's a man, but it didn't mean he didn't have feelings. Aside from keeping Crystal around, saying some hurtful things, he didn't deserve that. It was necessary, though. As hard as it'll be, they both needed to move on in order to come back together stronger than ever.

They have never been toxic, but now they are. The whole back and forth. Arguing one minute, sleeping together the next. Constantly hurting each other with their words only to be loving on each other as if it didn't happen; it was all very much toxic.