Page 58 of Deuce

I tried not to smile as I pushed off from the bar and headed for my section. I couldn’t stand him.

I stoodat the balcony overlooking the lounge. We’d been open for about an hour now and business was booming. It was packed inside and the line to get in was wrapped around the building. That’s the type of shit I liked to see. More customers meant more money and I could never make too much of that.

I heard the clicking of heels behind me, yet I kept my eyes trained on my patrons. Leann came to a stop next to me. She leaned against that railing, staring a hole in the side of my face.

“Can I help you?” I asked, never averting my gaze.

“You can explain to me why you fired Dani.”

“Dani didn’t know her place. I don’t need anybody working here that feels the need to question how I move.”

“You’re showing favoritism to Salima.”

“Is that why you were questioning her about whether she was fucking me?”

“It absolutely was.”

Unlike Dani, LeAnn didn’t back down. She wasn’t afraid of me by any means.

“And before you start that cocky nigga on a power trip shit, you aren’t gonna fire me. I’ll show up to work the next day and you better fucking pay me.”

I chuckled. “You really think you run some shit, don’t you? Why are you worried about me and Salima?”

“Because she may talk like she’s about that life, but she isn’t. Didn’t she already try to go to the cops on you? As your friend?—”

“Friend?”

“Yes friend, Deuce. You don’t like to claim those, but you and Iarefriends. And as your friend, I’m not trying to see you with anybody that can fuck up your freedom down the line. If push comes to shove, and it’s between you and her, she’s gonna choose her.”

“It ain’t gon’ come to that.”

“How do you know that? Is your name Raven? Can you see the fucking future now?”

I smirked as I finally looked over at her. “It’s nice to know you care about a nigga, LeAnn. But I’m straight. I’ve always got me.”

She raised her palms. “Have it your way.”

I chuckled as I playfully pushed her. “You know she asked me if I fucked you or wanted to fuck you.”

Leann scoffed. “Did you tell her that I’m gay and wouldn’t touch your community penis with a ten-foot pole?”

“Nah. Told her I didn’t want to mess up a business relationship.”

Leann punched me in the chest. “See! That’s that messy shit! You play too much.”

“I told her the truth, though.”

“You left room for interpretation. You know bitches make up shit in their heads. Anyway! You need to replace, Dani. You can’t be out here firing my staff over your little girlfriend.”

“You’re staff? I’m the owner.”

“And I’m the house manager. You may sign the checks, but I make sure this ship runs as smooth as possible. Get me another girl.”

She mushed my head before turning and walking away.

“I hope Kina gives you some of that lambskin act right so you can stop coming in here so damn grumpy.”

“Kiss my ass, Deuce!”

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