Page 12 of The Deed to a Gangsta's Heart

As I headed out of the kitchen to get back to the fence, Pops said, “Never say never.”

8

Armor

My eyes scanned the lounge.It was packed for a weeknight. I’d made sure to get a table near the exit that would allow me to keep my eyes on all doors. Normally, I didn’t care to be in packed crowds, but I was trying to pull myself out of my comfort zone. Partying with my people was cool, but it didn’t allow much room for me to meet new people—women specifically. I was thirty seven and ready to start my family. After doing a decade in the pen, I didn’t want to waste any more time. I wouldn’t lie and suggest I didn’t wild out and sleep with as many women as possible when I first got out, but that shit was played out now.

I was past that stage of manhood where I wanted quantity over quality. Pussy had lost its power over me, and it didn’t sway me unless I was aroused by a woman’s mind and personality.

“Excuse me.” My eyes shifted toward the host as she leaned forward and spoke to the woman at a table in front of mine. “I’m so sorry, but can I get you to move to the bar if you’re eating alone? I have a party of three, and we don’t have any more open tables.”

“Um, okay.”

“Thank you. I’ll get you a drink on the house.”

Though I saw the woman smile from her side profile, I could tell by her rigid frame that she didn’t want to move. She probably didn’t want to talk to anyone seated at the bar. It was just as packed with only two empty seats. Still, I couldn’t stop myself from standing and saying, “You can sit with me.”

When she turned and looked into my eyes, she took my breath away. She was tall and slim—all legs.Longlegs. Fat ass. No titties, but that was cool because I was an ass man. Thick locs came down to her breasts. She had syrup brown eyes that held me captive as she took small steps toward my table. I’d never seen a pair of eyes that were so beautiful. So bright and shiny. So mystical. Her bowtie shaped lips opened slightly before forming a smile that lit up her round face.

“Are you sure you don’t mind a little company?”

“There’s nothing little about your presence. I’d be honored.”

I made my way around the round table and pulled her seat back. The oriental perfume she wore made my mouth water and dick harden. Spicy cinnamon mixed with sandalwood, and I loved smelling it and jasmine on women.

“Thank you,” she replied bashfully as she took her seat. After pushing it up to the table, I returned to mine.

It wasn’t my intention to simply stare at her, but I couldn’t help myself. Baby girl was gorgeous. I could tell shewas younger, maybe late twenties or early thirties. Every time something popped in my head to say, I lost myself in her beauty.

“Well this is awkward,” she muttered before releasing a quiet laugh.

“It doesn’t have to be.” I extended my arm across the table and took her hand into mine. “My name is Armor. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“You as well. I’m Luci.”

“Pretty name for a very pretty woman. Gorgeous in fact.”

She blushed. “Are you always this charming?”

“Honestly, no. I’m not trying to be charming or flirtatious. Just honest.”

A comfortable smile settled on her face before she looked away. “Sitting across from a stranger is a little more intimate than what I had in mind tonight. Do you mind if I sit next to you instead?”

“Whatever will make you more comfortable.”

She took the seat next to me, which made it difficult for me to take in her beauty. The warmth of her body and her perfume began to affect me in a different way. Being near this woman was torture. When the waitress returned with my drink, she asked Luci what she wanted. I was surprised when she asked for Hennessy on the rocks.

“Cognac?” I confirmed, and she smiled.

“Yes. I love cognac and brandy.”

“Can you mix your spirits? They have a wine I think you’d like if you’re into brandy. It pairs well with Hennessy if you can handle it.”

She looked my face over for a few seconds before nodding. “Yeah, I can handle it.”

With her permission, I ordered a bottle of red wine anda charcuterie board with two slices of chocolate cake. Silence found us, and since I knew she was still getting used to dining with a stranger, I didn’t press the small talk. It wasn’t until the wine and her Hennessy was delivered that she spoke.

“Thank you for sharing your table. I hate sitting at the bar.”

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