Page 57 of Cause When You Love Someone
I flipped her phone around. “I see a fucking picture of you looking beat up. Is this really the nigga you picked over me?”
“Ishmael, I promise I want you more than anything in this world. I would never be able to forgive myself if something happened to you because of my mess. Your legacy will be filled with accolades, not condolences.”
“You can’t be fucking serious. That’s what you hired me to do, and now you’re pushing me away? Don’t treat me like I’m a bitch.”
With a tight chest, I examined the faded bruises more than I had earlier. I played it smart when it came to making moves that could land me in jail, but when it came to Clarke, there was no line I wouldn’t cross.
“Ishmael, you trusted me enough to tell me your biggest fear is going back to jail. Being away from Izzy would break you. What kind of woman would I be if I put you in a position to have your heart broken? I can’t do that. I can handle Chaz.”
“If you could, he would be dead or in jail.”
A scoffed laugh split her glossed lips apart. “Now you expect me to kill him?”
“No. I expect you to tell me there’s a problem, then sit pretty because you know it’s handled. It’s obvious you still have a lot to learn about me.” I leaned forward and laced her lips with mine. “Fix your face and go enjoy your friends.”
While Clarke finished gettingready for her club appearance, I called a meeting with the guards who Shiloh had flown into town. The group of five all had previous experience, which I hoped would make my job easier.
“This is insane. Folks really go crazy for someone who doesn’t sing. She doesn’t act. Dance.”
“See, you don’t know what you’re talking about, so you should be quiet, Anthony. Don’t be mad that you can’t make no money unless you’re using that belly to block a bullet. Close your mouth and use your ears.” I faced the masses. “Now, like I was saying, the club layout is simple. Clarke will be in a section on the first floor for an hour, then she’ll go to a private area upstairs. We leave the villa at eleven, and a black truck will be outside waiting for you. I’m riding with Clarke.”
Since I was out of state, I tucked extra protection. Unlike in Silk Hills, people didn’t know me. There was a chance someone would press their luck to get to Clarke, and I wanted to be prepared to handle whatever.
It was twenty minutes until eleven, so I made my way to the front of the property. A party bus and black truck waited in the circular driveway. I stood out there alone for ten minutes before Clarke’s friends spilled out of the house. Blessed in variousshades and sizes, every woman looked good. Still, none looked better than the pretty lady in the knee-length, pink, latex dress. Had we been alone, I would’ve bent her over and fucked her outside.
“You’re drooling, Ishmael.” She flirted when she reached the party bus.
“Have you seen what you look like? I can’t help myself.” I stepped closer and peered down at her. “Don’t get nobody in trouble tonight.”
Clarke playfully rolled her eyes, then joined her friends.
If anyone questioned Clarke’s influence, the crowd of people littering the club’s entrance demolished the doubt. As I opened the door for the ladies, I noticed the other guards were already clearing a path.
Clarke’s entourage led the way, while she stayed at my side. I tried to maintain a firm stance, but a small smile broke through while listening to the crowd yell Clarke’s name.
In the midst of the chaos, a few folks started to get aggressive.
“Back up! Back up!” I warned them. “Give us some space.”
The bass in my voice triggered Clarke to squeeze my hand. The thought that she felt unsafe made my body tense up. After a few minutes of maneuvering through the crowd, we entered the club and headed straight to the designated spot.
“Clarke! I’m so happy you made it!” The woman pulled her in for a hug. “I hope the ride over went smooth.”
“Natalie, everything has been amazing. The villa is breathtaking. I couldn’t ask for a better spot.”
The lady clapped. “That’s what I love to hear. Well, I have bottles and appetizers available for you and your friends. A host has been assigned to you. Let her know if you need anything else.”
I acted like a shadow in the cut while Clarke and her friends hyped up the club and threw back shots of liquor. For almost twohours, they hopped on the mic and spit rap lyrics like they wrote and meant every word. I never thought listening to a woman rap about guns and drugs could be so appealing, but I had to adjust myself when Clarke’s voice got me excited.
“Superman,” she slurred. “I want to dance.”
“You been dancing all night.”
She reached up and toyed with the end of my glasses. “Stop! You know what I mean. Take me downstairs.”
“There’s a lot of rowdy people downstairs.”
She poked the center of my chest. “Yeah, but that’s why you’re here. You won’t let anything happen to me.” She licked her lips. “Right?”
