“My name’s Chopper now and…”
Clink! Clink!
She produced the gun so fast I was clueless as to where she’d drawn it from. The barrel sat inches from the forehead of the wide-eyed man at the door.
“You better open this damn door before you end up with another new name, like Dead Dick Bastard,” she declared, spitting her words at the man’s face.
She wore skinny jeans, a fitted acid washed, navy T-shirt, and a black pair of those wedge-heeled sneakers. The attire clung to her small, curvy frame and highlighted her nicest features. It wasn’t the kind of outfit I’d expected to see on a lesbian, but what the hell did I know? I’d recently discovered a new breed of women after meeting Megan months ago and again after a short time of being around Laura and Beverly.
“Fucking chill, Laura, damn!” Barry whined before she dropped the gun and shoved it down the back of her pants. She left it visible, but I was sure it wasn’t the same place she’d had it tucked previously because my eyes had been glued to her ass on our way up the stairs.
The metal slid closed, and the sound of the locks being disengaged on the other side of the door sounded. When the door squeaked open, I followed Laura in. She scooted aside a man who was taller than my six-two frame and about as wide as the door. Next to him, she was a little person, but the big man had flinched out of her way.
The interior of the apartment was nothing like outside. White and gold made up the color scheme as chic, French-designed furnishings decorated the living room and visible dining area. Was that an authentic Van Gogh hanging on the wall above the couch?
The loud clap of the door being shut sounded behind me.
“Laura, only you would upset the balance of nature by bringing a white boy into this hood. How the hell did you even get this far?” A voice questioned before the man it belonged to came into view.
The man, who I assumed was Kadeem, walked around the door frame of what must have been his kitchen and waved his hand in her direction. About my height, he was bulkier, and like Laura, he wasn’t what I had expected.
Dressed in a midnight black button up with silky designer slacks, he moved with an air of confidence. His skin was a pale caramel, his hair short and wavy.
“Never mind. Shots weren’t fired, so you obviously bullied your way in,” he continued, answering his own question about how Laura had gotten into his place with me.
After he gave her a once over, which wasn’t the kind of look you gave a sister figure, he turned his gaze in my direction.
“So, you’re the one who helped this little troublemaker get out of the shit she’d gotten into with a fucking cartel,” he shouted the last few words in Laura’s direction, highlighting that he was aware of the danger he’d been dragged into.
His penetrating gaze held mine. “How the fuck did she end up in the hands of one of the most dangerous cartels in this country? How the fuck did she end up with a white boy for a protector?”
Laura eyed Kadeem, slicing him to pieces with her sharp gaze, but like me, he didn’t take her attitude to heart.
“First, I can handle my own shit,” she assured. “I was well on my way to taking care of the situation before he showed up.” She tossed a thumb in my direction, glaring at Kadeem.
I jumped in, my gaze pinned on the side of Laura’s head. “First, the situation was out of control.” My gaze turned to Kadeem. “Second, I’d appreciate if you’d show me some respect or at least acknowledge I risked my life to save hers.”
Laura’s mouth dropped open at my words. Kadeem hid his behind a stone face, but his tensed body revealed he was as shocked as Laura was. She’d done a splendid job of explaining how dangerous Kadeem was, but she couldn’t know I didn’t care who he was or where we were. I’d stand my ground no matter what.
Besides, I still had both my weapons, and if something was supposed to go down, it would have already happened. Kadeem assessed me, his gaze scanning me from head to toe. I tilted my head in Laura’s direction, but my sharp-eyed gaze remained locked with Kadeem’s.
“I’m compelled to babysit her until this is over because if left to her own devices, she’s going to end up dead,” I added, firm in my conviction.
“Now, wait a damn minute!” Laura shouted, pointing an angry finger in my direction. “I know you didn’t say your babysitting me?” Her face was as fixed as her stiff stance, set to rip me to shreds. “I didn’t ask for your damn help, and if I recall correctly, I was keeping bullets out of your ass, too.”
My hand met my forehead and squeezed, knowing she wasn’t going to stop her ranting until she was tired. It was the smile on Kadeem’s face that allowed me to tune out the slew of curse words Laura slung at us both.
“Okay, you’re right. Dax, is it?” Kadeem inquired, ignoring Laura’s rant as I’d quickly learnt to.
“Yes,” I answered as she continued to huff and puff in the background. Kadeem reached out his hand to shake mine, finally breaking the tension between us. I took his hand with a firm grip.
“Kadeem,” he finally relented. “I respect anyone who will take on a group like DG6. Dealing with them is toxic to your health. I gather it would be a mistake to misjudge you as well?” he asked, giving me a once over.
“Yes.” We finally let each other’s hands go, but our gazes remained locked. “Judging me wrong would be a grave mistake.” I let my arrogance speak.
“What the fuck?” Laura stated, her head toggling back and forth between us. “So, you two are starting a bromance now. You want me to grab you some beers and tampons?”
“Yes. Beers would be nice, Laura. Thanks for asking,” Kadeem tossed sarcastically in her direction.