Chapter sixteen

Becca

"This better be quick," I warned with a screw.

Brooklyn laughed. "It will be. We'll just go to see him, then leave." She spruced herself up in her portable mirror and applied more Vaseline.

"So what’s the point?" I kissed my teeth and she sighed.

"C'mon Becc's, don't be like this. I just need you there with me."

I folded my arms. "Still don't understand why, but okay." She rolled her eyes then we soon got off the bus. We walked down the road in silence, with me cursing anything I came across mentally in my head. I muttered my thoughts to myself since it would be considered rude if said aloud. People didn't understand the meaning of rude these days, I swear! I personally don't think I'm rude, just very truthful. So what if I enjoy criticism? Doesn't everybody?

"We're like two minutes away," Brooks stated with a grin. 

"Uh-huh," I replied, barely paying attention.

She giggled and linked her arm with mine. "Charles is amazing Becc's, I don't think you understand."

I glanced at her. "Nah...you’re right, I don't." 

"He's so sweet; I'm starting to like him." 

"It's been like 4 days." 

"I know but he could be the one." She smiled.  

"Don't fuck him," I said sternly.

She giggled. "I wasn't planning to...yet." I gave her a look and she grinned. We soon arrived and she rang the doorbell. Seconds later the door opened and this Charles boy was stood there dressed quite casually. He smiled at Brooklyn and they shared a long hug as I stood there. He nodded me as a greeting then we stepped inside. It was very cosy and well decorated. This prick couldn't possibly live alone. 

"How old are you, Charles?" I questioned curiously.

"Nineteen, why?"

"Do you live here alone?" 

"Yeah."

I nodded slowly. The bastard was lying. I'm sure of it. Probably scammed someone into giving him the house. We trotted to the living-room and I sat down. They began to kiss right in front of me. Fucking hell, people need to start getting rooms, before I go insane. 

"Ahem!" I coughed. They both pulled away and laughed.

"Lemme just get my stuff and we can go, yeah?" She nodded and he left the room.

I turned to her immediately. "Go? Go where?" 

"He's taking me to the cinema...and you're coming with."

My face dropped. "No I'm not." 

"Yeah you are." 

"You didn't tell me that part." 

"Please Becc's! I'll pay for you."

I screwed her deeply. "What are you going to see?" 

"Iron Man 2." She grinned at my straight face.

"I don't wanna see that shit." I looked away. 

"Please-..."

"Shut up. I’m not coming." 

"Rebecca!" 

"Brooklyn."

She huffed. "I said I'd pay." She gave me a needy look which contained puppy dog eyes and I grunted. 

Be nice Becc's...

I took a deep breath. "Okay, whatever."

She smiled and hugged me tight. "You're the best!" 

"I know." She laughed and then Charles came back into the room. 

"Ready?" he asked. She nodded and I stood up off the sofa then we left and soon caught the bus.

I stared out the window as these two had their dumb kissing session all the way there. Urgh, it was disgusting and ridiculous. Like two seals licking eachother’s faces. I don't recall Leon and I being all lovey-dovey in public, not like this anyway. I already see Kieran do it with his many hoes, I didn't need to see Brooklyn do it too. I sighed and we eventually reached Wandsworth cinema. Charles had his arm around Brooks as I walked alone, thinking to myself.

"My bredrin should be here waiting by now," Charles announced, checking the time on his phone. 

"There's another one?" I questioned.

"Yeah, I think he already got his ticket."

I sighed and we waited in queue. I was so tired; maybe I'd just sleep through this shit. A group of girls had cut right in front of me aswell, but I couldn't say anything, so I allowed it. After paying for the tickets and popcorn we went to the screen five. Still no sign of his friend, but oh well. We then chose a spot and headed to the back.

"There he is," Charles informed nodding towards a black boy at the back. We all approached him and sat down. Well, Charles and Brooks sat one row ahead, so that left me to sit next to this unknown prick.

"You alright?" he asked, facing me.

"Nah, actually. I was forced to come here," I replied with a faint screw. He chuckled. Now I have to sit through two hours of foolishness with this boy chatting shit in my ear, tryna get to know me. He was actually quite cute though. He reminded me of Tyreece as he had a cute dimple in his left cheek. Quite light-skinned, small afro with a shape up and nice lips. 

"So what's your name?" he questioned.

"Rebecca."

He nodded and began to analyse me. "You're very pretty," he said with a smile. 

"Oh, thanks." The film started and everyone became silent. I sat there staring at the screen unpleased. This was shit already, and it had only just begun. I couldn’t stand it. "I'm bored!" I yelled loudly for the public to hear. I wanted everyone to know the pain I was going through. People turned to me and some even told me to shush.

The boy laughed. "Don't you like it?"

"Nope. Didn't like the first one, don't like this one."

He nodded in agreement. "Don't like it either. It's just shit."

I turned to him. "I thought you did?" 

"Nah, actually. I was forced to come here," he replied with a smirk, using my exact words. That made me smile instantly. "Charles told me to come init, to keep you company." My smile faded. Oh, so this bitch boy knew I was tagging along? Argh, they planned this. I didn't even want to be here! I could be harassing Andre and burning all of Kieran’s trainers by now. Instead I had to sit here and watch this shit!

Half an hour into the film, I was dying inside. Like, literally—my internal organs were beginning to shut down on me. It was cool though because I had this dude next to me, and truth be told he was awesome! He hadn't annoyed me once, and he didn’t even try to move to me either. I found him to be so interesting and cool. He was currently throwing popcorn at randomers heads; they would turn around and look but they never realised it was him. 

"Aim for him, he has a bean," I whispered, pointing to the man with short-cut hair. He laughed and aimed at his head, hitting it directly. The man spun around and screwed, but this awesome guy didn't back down.

"What fam? Staring in my face, you got a problem?"

"Was that you?" he asked. 

"Was what me? Shut up and turn around man, tryna watch a film. You're disturbing my peace blud." He kissed his teeth and I laughed quietly to myself. The man eventually turned around and I sighed happily.

"Well done," I approved. He gave me a thumbs up and we high-fived. This dude was so wacky but he was nice to be around. He was like a male version of me and I loved it. I stole some of his popcorn and he laughed.

"What happened to asking?"

I shrugged. "Don't need to ask," I replied, throwing popcorn in my mouth. 

"Say no more." 

"No more said." 

"Don't backchat me, I'm the don."

"Don't lie, I'm the female don."

He raised a brow. "You’re not a don."

"Yeah I am."  

"Shh!" A female ahead of us glared. 

"Be quiet init, we're tryna watch this shit!" he retorted.

I laughed and took more popcorn. "You haven't even told me your name," I pointed out, munching on the popcorn. True, he was fun to be around, but I'd at least like to know his name.

"Drake."

I stared at him blankly. "Don't lie."

He laughed. "I get the same reaction from everyone. It's Drake, man." 

"You're lying," I accused with narrowed eyes. 

"That's my name."

I sighed and rested my head back. "I hate when people beg with celebrities. It just doesn't work." 

"Why would I lie about my name?" 

"I dunno, but you seem to be doing it now." 

"These times it's an actual name. Last man I'd want to be associated with is Aubrey Graham, allow it."

I watched him curiously. "If that really is your name, prove it." He rolled his eyes and retrieved his oyster card from his pocket. He pointed to his name and I shook my head. "That doesn't mean anything." He tutted. 

"That's my fucking name man." 

"Don't care anyway. I'll call you Shubdi," I grinned. The name suited him.

He laughed. "Then I'll call you Punjib." 

"So be it." I threw popcorn and it hit his nose. He laughed and we continued to fuck about for the duration of the film, whilst Brooks and her new man sucked each other’s faces off. Soon I couldn't take it anymore; this film was just the worst. I stood up and he glanced at me, along with other people.

"Where you going?" he questioned.

"If I stay here any longer I'm gonna end up throwing my shoe at the screen, so I need to leave."

He laughed and stood up also. "I'll come." 

"I didn't ask you to." 

"Don't care." I shrugged and we both left. I didn't even bother to tell Brooks either, she was too busy having her lips suctioned by Charles. We left Cineworld and soon left Southside.

"So, where to Punjib?" he asked.

"Anywhere Shubdi."

He laughed and barged me playfully, causing me to bump into someone. I apologised and he laughed at my embarrassment. "Let’s go explore," he suggested with a smile.

I giggled. "Okay, you awesome guy." 

"You're awesome too man." He winked and I smiled as we walked down the road.

Kayden

"Be calm sir."

"Calm? She's in there unconscious and you want me to be fucking calm?" I screwed the doctor. He ran his hand over his brown hair and swallowed hard.

"She's resting; she's just had her stomach pumped. She will be fine, I can assure you." 

"Make sure init, cos if anything happens to her, I'm coming for you." I glared at him and he nodded quickly. 

"Excuse me for a moment," he muttered before heading back to her ward.

I kissed my teeth and sat back down. People were watching me as I sat there. No words could describe how vex I was. I specifically told her not to do anything stupid. Fuck it, this will be the last time shit like this happens. Aaliyah will always be fragile and I can accept that, it's who she was. But when she tends to harm herself I have no choice but to step in. Hate seeing her fuck up her life like this so this had to stop. 

I held my head in my hands and closed my eyes. Been here for a few hours since early in the morning. I was too tired to function and this shit just added more stress. I sat there waiting patiently, thinking of the consequences of Aaliyah's stupid actions. This was merely a cry for help init? But it was dumb nonetheless. My phone began to vibrate. I kissed my teeth before answering the unknown call.

"What?" 

"Hey sexy." 

My brow rose. "Who's this?" 

"Don't you recognise my voice?" 

I screwed at the realisation. "What the fuck do you want?" A woman with her child gave me a worried look of concern, so I stood up and walked away into a quieter area.

"I need you," Olivia muttered. 

"For what?"

"We barely see each other anymore, why don't you come over?" 

"You think I've got time for you?" I laughed. "Fucked you once or twice and that was it. Stay the fuck away from me, you mean nothing." I locked off and sighed. That bitch really pisses me off. I change my number and she still finds a way to get through to me, so I give up.

The same male doctor approached me with a straight face and a thin pair of lips. I stared at him, dreading the worst. "You can go and see her now sir, she seems to have woken up quicker than we anticipated."

A sigh of relief escaped my lips. I nodded and headed into Aaliyah's ward. As usual she appeared so tiny and fragile, and she was. Her bloated stomach rose up and down slowly as she struggled to breathe. Her dark eyes were just about open as she peered up at the ceiling. Once I entered and closed the door her fingers twitched. I approached the hospital bed and sat on the small plastic chair, watching her silently. With all the strength she had left, she turned her head to face me; her lips slightly parted as she breathed lightly. She was flushed; all life was drained from her body and face completely.

"You lied to me," I muttered. "You said you wouldn't do anything stupid." I kissed my teeth and shook my head. She continued to pant softly, her tired eyes searching mine for any kind of sympathy. "You've been in here too many times, Li, it needs to stop. And it's going to stop, after today." I gave her a stern look and she stared back quietly. "I almost lost you. I won't allow you to harm yourself anymore. No more tablets, paracetamol, or painkillers. Do you understand?" She nodded slowly. "Don't nod if you're gonna disobey me. Do you promise to stop this?" She nodded again, more quickly this time. "I know life is tough, but you can't always take the easy way out. Gotta fight back sometimes and fight temptation. This stops here." She mumbled something but I couldn't understand. "Don't speak, just hear me out. I don't want you to take it so far that you end up killing yourself. If that's what you want, fair enough. But you know I'm always gonna be there to stop you." She blinked in awe. "You're not leaving me without a fight. Don't even do this for me, but for yourself and your mum." 

"Okay," she mumbled.

"Good. Get some rest and I'll come back later." I kissed her forehead gently and stood up. She had stayed overnight, and may have to be here a few more nights, depending on how long it took for her to recover. I left the ward and shut the door quietly behind me. I tiredly put my hoody on and turned to leave the hospital, but bumped into someone's firm chest. I peered up.

"Where is she?" he demanded in his gruff voice. Aaliyah's dad, Raphael/Biggz stood there with his hands rested in his pockets. Didn't even look the slightest bit worried about where his own daughter ended up, dickhead. 

"So now you suddenly care yeah?"

He kissed his teeth. "Where is she, Kayden?"

"Ask init, she's your daughter." 

"Which is why I'm asking you, don't get smart wid me."

I screwed. "Every time you wanna fuck about and mess up her life. Hurting your own wife in front of her, setting her into a depressed state, then you wanna come and chat to me as if you done nothing’ wrong? It doesn't work like that. You're a grown man and a father, start acting like one." 

"Don't get into my business, boy. Just because you're a son of my friend, doesn't mean I won't rough you up."

I narrowed my eyes. "Rough me up then, big man. Wanna abuse your wife? Come try that shit with me, see if I don't fuck you up." He stepped closer and flared his nostrils angrily. Head's turned and people watched us curiously. Good. I wanted to cause a scene.

"I haven’t got time for you," he spat coldly.

"You think I have time for you? I'm here to support someone important to me, something you should have been doing from a long time ago. Instead you abuse your wife and stay out late like a prick. And you wonder why your wife has left you? She can't take your shit anymore. She should have left a long time ago and taken Aaliyah wid her, away from the likes of you." He grabbed onto the collar of my hoody and dragged me forward with a tight grip. I stared at him and clenched my jaw. "Get off me," I warned. He held on even tighter. My anger was slowly building.

"You're a yout, don't tink you can chat to me like that," he grunted. By now more people were gathering, and security was being summoned. He peered at me viciously. Then he done the least thing I'd expect. He smiled. He brought his face closer. "I do whatever I want to my family. Nothing's gonna change." My body stiffened and my vision blurred. I tightened my fists and swung a blow to his face. With a loud thud he fell back onto the floor, writhing and clutching his face. I heard a few gasps and a few men rushed towards him to help him up. Two security guards approached me with stern faces. 

"You're going to have to leave," one of them gave me a cold glare.

I screwed in return. I didn't need escorting. I was going to leave anyway. "Don't let him in that ward," was all I said before leaving the hospital. I didn't care anymore, he shouldn't even get the chance to see her; he's fucked. I spat on the pavement and put my hood up then slid my hands into my pockets as I sped down the road impatiently. I soon arrived home and headed straight upstairs. Once in my room I grabbed a couple tings then travelled back downstairs, about to leave.

"Kayden?" I paused at the sound of mum’s voice. I stopped and turned back. "Where have you been?"

"With Aaliyah."

"And where are you going now?"

I sighed. "Out."

Her hand rested on her hip. She wasn't impressed. "Out where?" 

"To see a friend." 

"Okay. Tomorrow I'm going to see your auntie."

I nodded slowly. "What's that got to do with me?" 

"You're coming." 

"If I'm not busy, then yeah."

She nodded. "We'll see. Don't come back too late."

I opened the front door. "I won't." I assured, and then left. I walked down the road in silence, getting clocked by a few heads. I passed Clapz and we spudded. 

"Where you off to?" he asked.

"Gonna buck Elizabeth." He nodded. Elizabeth and Clapz were together. He never had a problem with me visiting her, he knew nothing would happen. We've been close since day one.

"Seen. You got any blunts?" he questioned again.

"Nah, ran out. Ask Kenneth init."

He nodded. "Aight, I'll holla later yeah?" 

"Cool." I carried on walking and soon got to Elizabeth's yard. I rang the doorbell and waited. She opened the door and gave a polite smile. I entered and closed the door then followed her upstairs. She sat on her double bed and sighed as I went straight to her computer chair and sat down.

"Not even gonna ask me how I am?" She questioned, eyebrow raised.

"Why should I have to ask first?"

"Cos you're a gentleman."

"Fuck that." She laughed and I sighed. "I'm not even in the mood Liz."

"Why, what's wrong?"

"It's just Aaliyah init. She's going through some shit right now."

She nodded. "Is she okay?"

"She will be. But right now you need to tell me everything you know," I muttered, cutting straight to the point.

"He usually jams up North with some other pricks. I see him sometimes when I'm up there." 

"Anything else?"

She shrugged. "You should ask Hayden, they're tight."

I screwed. "I don't know a Hayden, which is why I'm asking you." 

"Look, yeah; I don't even know this Leon prick too tough. I told you what I know, so that's it." 

"You sure you're not missing anything out?"

She tutted in exasperation. "No! I only see him up North." 

"What's he look like?" 

"Go on Olivia's Facebook, they're engaged." I logged onto FB and typed in Olivia's name. Once I found her profile I saw his name hyperlinked in blue. I clicked on his and analysed his profile picture, stood there in a bomber jacket with his arms folded across his chest. I kissed my teeth. Wasteman.

"I've seen him before you know." I stroked my chin and she sighed.

"The bastard is everywhere. He'll be easy to find." 

"Yeah, he's next." I couldn't wait to catch this one slipping.

"Next for what?"

I logged out and stood up. "Don't worry." 

"No seriously, what are you gonna do to him?" 

"Nothing, we're just gonna have a talk init."

She gave me a knowing glare. "That involves your fists, doesn't it?"

I smiled weakly. "Nah, not even." 

"It does. I know you too well, Kayden." I laughed. "Now get out my house. I've told you all you needed to know."

"Tryna kick me out?" She shrugged. "Where's your mum at?"

She shrugged again. "Out with friends." 

"What about Destiny?"

She sighed. "You need to stop questioning me and leave. I have someone coming over." I paused. I knew it.

"It better not be a boy," I screwed.

Her cheeks flushed crimson. "No! Just go!" She threw her pillow at me but I dodged.

"If it's a boy I'll find out you know. I'll knock him out." 

"Get out!"

"No boy is allowed here, even if it's a friend. I'll tell Clapz you know. I'll be a snake." 

"Kayden fuck off!" She threw her converse and it hit my head. I laughed and soon left her yard. Now I know where this prick goes, he won't be too hard to find. We just go North, get him, fuck him up, bring him to Marik, job done. Simple. By now I had managed to calm down and all thoughts of Aaliyah had been pushed to the back of my mind. I dug my hands into my pockets as I strolled down the road.

Becca

Shubdi was so awesome; I swear we're gonna become best friends in a couple hours. I felt like I've known him forever. We got along so well. Dunno how either, I was used to shielding myself from all males, but he was different. Thing is; I still can't be rude, but when I'm around Shubdi I don't have to be. He made me cheerful for some reason. I licked on my ice cream as we left the shop, feeling more content than ever.

"Still don't understand why you would buy ice-cream when it's this cold, but okay." I giggled at his remark.

"I like ice-cream, therefore I'm allowed to buy it whenever I want to."

He shrugged. "Fair enough." I smiled and we arrived at the bus stop. "Where you heading to now?" he asked. 

"Home. Gonna sleep. What about you?"

He shrugged a second time. "I have no motive. Just gonna stroll about, see a few pricks, then gonna go see my chick." 

"Aww, you ragamuffin! You have a girl." He laughed. "What's her name?" 

"Olivia." 

I froze and almost dropped my ice-cream. HOW MANY GUYS IS THIS HOE WITH?!

"Seriously?" I muttered.

"Yeah, what?"

I shook my head. "Nothing." I looked away and carried on licking my ice-cream. Wait till he finds out about the other boys that she has on the side. Poor Shubdi. I sighed and got on the bus as it came. We went upstairs and sat on the top deck. He was on his phone as I peered out the window thoughtfully. I couldn't help but feel guilty about this Olivia fiasco. I felt even worse because I didn't say anything to Drake, and I should. I never mentioned it to Tyreece either. I think its best I tell him, he deserves to know.

"How long have you been with her?" I asked, biting into the flake of my ice-cream. 

"Like two or three months."

I nodded slowly. "Do you always spend time together?" 

"Yeah sometimes. What is this, an interview?"

I smiled. I remembered saying that once. "Just wondering." 

"Alright. Maybe I can interview you then." I chuckled and he gave me an intent glare. "Do you have a man?" 

"Yeah." 

"What's his name?"

It pained me to say, but I had to. "Leon."

"How long have you been with him?" He held his hand near my mouth, as if he was holding a microphone. It made me laugh. 

"Nearly 8 months," I answered.

"Do you always spend time together?"

I shrugged. "Not really." 

"How does that make you feel?" he asked quietly, looking very serious.

"You know you're not Jeremy Kyle, init?" I laughed.

He smiled in amusement. "I would be a wicked Jeremy Kyle fam. All I'd have to do is ask certain questions then shout at people, sick job." I nodded. "Oh yeah one more question." 

"What?" 

"Can I have your number?" He grinned. I smiled and grabbed his phone out his hand and tapped it in. "Okay, grabbing...quite rude." I laughed before handing his phone back. "Safe Punjib." 

"It's all good Shubdi." We both laughed then he peered around and stood up. 

"My stop," he said. 

"Okay, bye." 

"I'll call you later yeah?" 

"Yep. Later Shubdi." 

"Stay blessed Punjib." I laughed and he winked before getting off the bus. That was my definition of awesome. That confirms it, he must be the male don.

I sighed happily and continued the bus journey home whilst enjoying my wonderful ice-cream. I eventually got off the bus and walked home. It wasn't long before I noticed I was being followed by someone who was walking not too far behind. Every corner I turned, they turned. I raised a brow and looked back to see some boy with his hood up, his face completely hidden. I wasn't scared, but confused as to why he was following me. 

I soon arrived home and used the keys to open the front door. This time I turned back to see the boy had vanished. I shrugged. I knew no-one was home. Andre was with Jasmine, dad was still at work, and Kieran was probably out catching HIV from another hoe. I persisted to close the door but was stopped by a force. I peered down to see a trainer blocking the door. It was the same hooded boy. I screwed and managed to suppress my anger.

"I don't know who you are or what your aim is but I'm not in the mood. Move your foot." The evening air was beginning to take its toll on me. Goosebumps appeared on the surface of my arms. I needed to close the door quickly, but this prick was still stood there watching me, his face concealed by the hood. "I don't know if you're mentally challenged or something, but you don't live here. I suggest you move." The unknown being slowly removed his hood and I was greeted with a slanted smirk. I rolled my eyes and huffed. His smile grew. 

"Hello Ree."

I simply screwed and walked away from the door. I heard him chuckle and the sound of the door shutting as I headed for the kitchen. I opened the fridge and retrieved some apple juice then poured it into a glass. I heard his footsteps enter the room and stayed still, my back to him.

"Not even gonna say hello?"

"You followed me home," I replied blankly.

He laughed in response. "I was testing you." 

"Say what?" I asked taking a sip of my juice. 

"I wanted to see how you'd react to a stranger, to see if you'd curse or not. It was a test."

I kissed my teeth. "So you go undercover and stalk me home to see if I'd cuss?" Talk about extra. I could picture him right now, a stupid grin on a face.

"I didn't follow you. I just left some girl’s yard and happened to see your fat ass a mile away." Hold on, did he just say some girl? 

I screwed slightly, still facing away from him. "Did you fuck her?"

He was hesitant. "Does it matter?"

"No," I answered quickly. Too quickly. I was just curious. "Anyway you're not winning this bet. You might aswell give up," I said, finally turning to face him. I finished my glass and put it on the side. 

"How do I know you're not being rude whenever I'm not around?" 

"Did I not just pass this test of yours?"

He thought for a moment and smiled. "True. It's been 3 days...you think you can keep this up?" 

"Yeah." He nodded. "You need to leave."

His brow rose and he stepped closer. “Why?"  

"I'm tired and I wanna sleep."

"It's 6:30." Even closer.

"I know the time. I wanna get some sleep." He was now stood right in front of me, peering down at me with lustful eyes. I swallowed hard as his warm breath tickled my face.

"You can sleep. I won't stop you," he whispered. He raised both hands, about to touch me. Then he stopped himself, realising that the bet had restricted our physical contact. I smiled knowingly.

Pity. I can touch him but he can't touch me. What a shame eh?

"Stop smiling," he warned.

"Why should I? Not like you can punish me for it."

He sighed and rested his forehead against mine. It was unfair; any other body part could touch me, apart from his hands. "I could always punish you later," he whispered in promise.

I rested against the sink and shook my head. "No need."

"There is a need, Ree. I've always wanted to punish you."

My groin tightened and my breathing doubled. "Why?"

He gave a small smile. "It's just something I want to do."

I breathed deeply. "I need to sleep."

His lips landed on my neck, giving it a gentle kiss. "Then let's go upstairs," he muttered against my skin. Suddenly the idea didn't seem so bad.

Wait, no!

"Why, so you can watch me sleep? I'd rather not."

He chuckled lightly before laying another gentle kiss on my throat. "No harm in watching, since I can't touch."

I closed my eyes briefly and sighed. "Fine, whatever." I walked passed him and headed upstairs. He followed me to my room and I watched him closely as he rested against my doorframe. I gave him a curious glare. "Have you got a thing for following me, Kayden?" 

"Nah. But I have a thing for you." He gave a small smile and I stiffened as he moved nearer. 

"Come closer as much as you want, but you can't touch me," I warned.

"I can do other things." He ran his tongue along his bottom lip.

I laughed and shook my head. "Just go home." I slid off my top and travelled to my wardrobe. I heard him hiss through his teeth and turned to face him. "What?" I asked. His face remained straight and his jaw rigid. I noticed his eyes were fixated on my breasts, which was concealed by my patterned bra. His jaw tensed. Immediately I realised that he was suffering as he couldn't touch me. I smiled. "Are you okay?"

He sighed inwardly. "You know I'm not." I grinned at him and stepped closer, he remained frozen.

"Is something bothering you, Kayden?" I questioned in a low tone. He peered at my breasts once again and closed his eyes momentarily.

"Ree..." he muttered. I chuckled to myself. This was fun. I soon approached him and held onto his arms, pressing my chest against his.

"Yes? What's wrong?"

His eyes opened once again. This time he stared into my eyes with a serious look on his face. "I know what you're doing," he whispered.

"I don't know what you're talking about," I replied innocently, rubbing my breasts against his pectoral muscles.

His body slumped as he breathed deeply. "It won't work," he mumbled.

"What won't work?" I asked with a knowing grin. I continued to tease him, making him sigh and grunt. I enjoyed this torture. I knew full well that no consequences would come of this. I just wanted to win this bet. Soon his body stiffened and I peered at his face. His lip twitched and suddenly he began to walk forward, causing me to step backwards until I fell back onto the bed. He watched over me before resting on top, being careful to place his hands on either side of me. I was trapped between my own bed and his bulky exterior. I could tell by his facial expression that he wasn't to be messed around with. 

Have I provoked him too much? 

He brought his face closer and rested his lips on mine. I paused and found my eyes closing as I became captivated in the kiss. I missed his soft lips, it had been awhile. I sighed in satisfaction as our mouths opened and his tongue swished over mine tenderly. It caused my whole body to shiver. He then pulled away, leaving me panting, and moved onto my throat and neck. He took his time, biting into my skin softly, still not touching me with his hands. I struggled to breathe and peered at the ceiling. It felt so good.

"You shouldn't play games, Ree," he whispered on my neck. Then it happened. The motion of his hips circling caused my entire body to stiffen. He ground himself into me; his slight erection brushing against the throbbing juncture between my thighs. I groaned quietly and squeezed my eyelids shut. The sensation was remarkable, he moved so gentle, I was becoming wet.

"I'm sorry," I panted. His movement became more prominent, and I felt much more than just a minute ago. He kissed my neck again as I held loosely onto his arms.

"Look what you've caused," he growled deeply into my ear. I ran my hands over his muscular arms and moaned. I've never had dry sex before, not even with Leon. Kayden was doing things to me that I had never felt. Everything was pleasurable, I couldn't help myself. He dipped his head lower to my chest and kissed my left breast softly, still keeping his rhythm. I unconsciously bit my lip. My thighs were beginning to shake and I was losing the will to live. I now regretted teasing Kayden. Maybe this was my punishment?

If that's the case, he should punish me more often.

"What do you have to say for yourself?" he asked, kissing my neck.

"I'm sorry," I said again. I opened my eyes to see he was watching me. Then the corner of his mouth lifted into a little smirk.

"Your thighs are shaking." I groaned and he moved faster. I've never felt such satisfaction and confusion all at once. Why must I apologise? I had done nothing wrong. All I want is to be the winner of this bet. My hips moved with his, meeting his thrusts. He gave me a surprised look as he continued his action. "You're a naughty girl, Ree."

I flushed and held onto him. "We shouldn’t be doing this," I rasped quietly.

He proceeded regardless, kissing my neck and face, whispering sinful confessions into my ear. I kept my eyes shut and indulged in this alien sensation. Soon my stomach began to coil and I felt my lower abdomen tense. He suddenly stopped, right when I was about to experience something blissful. I panted and glared up at him to see him smiling at me knowingly. He knew what he was doing.

"How did that feel for you?" he questioned, as if he didn’t know. I turned away from his gaze and shrugged, feeling embarrassed. He laughed and kissed my hair. He was still there, still pressed against me, and I was losing my mind. We had never done this before, and I came to realise that I...liked it. Although now my knickers were ruined.

"Do me a favour," I said, quickly changing the subject. "Put a DVD in for me." 

"Which one?"

"Any, don't care." He finally got off of me and I squirmed at the wet sensation down below.

Fuck you, Kayden.

He went over to my DVD collection and retrieved Love and Basketball. "Why does every chick I know have this?" his brow rose in suspicion. 

"It's a good film. Put it in please." I gave a polite smile and he put it in. Then he kicked off his shoes and slid in the bed behind me.

I studied this ass wipe for a long time, wondering why he was still here. He grinned in return and the film started once I pressed play. I lay on my side and watched as it begun. Out of nowhere I felt him put his arm around me. His hand still wasn't touching me. I scoffed. Bitch thought he was smart. I was getting into the film and was beginning to fall asleep but he was fidgeting from behind me. 

"Keep still," I hissed feeling drowsy and annoyed. He sighed and I looked to see he was peering at his phone and frowning. "What's wrong?" 

"Just thinking about Aaliyah." My eyes narrowed. "She's in hospital and I need to collect her tomorrow." I sighed in relief.

"What happened to her?" I questioned out of interest. Didn't know whether to be concerned or not. 

"Overdose. It vexes me when she does it." His lip twisted into a screw. To tell you the truth it looked quite sexy.

"Why would she overdose?" 

"Home life, family problems. This isn't the first time."

I nodded slowly. "I hope she's okay," I said, and I meant it. I've only met her once and I might have been rude to her back then, but I don't have anything against her. No-one should ever harm themselves, regardless of the situation.

He sighed and the frown deepened. "Sometimes I feel like shooting her dad in the head and snapping it off his fucking neck. He takes her and her mum for granted. He doesn't deserve to be alive, dick’ead." He kissed his teeth. I noticed the sinister aura he was carrying. He was getting angry and it was over something I couldn't control. 

"I'm sorry. It'll be okay," I muttered. He nodded and I turned to face the TV once again. I had missed a segment of the film, but I didn't mind. Seen it too many times. He had calmed down so I got back into the film. My eyelids were beginning to close when this shit bag decides to kiss my neck. I tutted. I didn't have the time or patience. 

"Kayden, please don't," I pleaded softly, feeling weary. He didn't reply, instead he continued, nipping at my neck and then sucking the skin softy afterwards. I wanted him to stop, but then again, I didn't. "Kayden..." I breathed deeply. He was making me feel weak. "You already punished me before," I whimpered, closing my eyes.

"That wasn't punishment." My heart thudded. I wondered what he considered punishment then. "You're tense. Relax," he whispered before continuing. 

"Stop..." I muttered.

"Why should I?"

"When you do these things it makes me feel weird inside."

He smiled against my skin. "Weird how?"

"Stop asking questions." He chuckled. This prick just didn't know when to quit.

"You know I like you, Ree," he said hotly into my ear.

"No duh, Sherlock," I replied blankly.

He laughed. "You know what I mean. Forget your man, forget everyone else. It can just be you and me." He pecked me on the neck and I took a deep breath.

"Kayden, stop," I warned. He went back to kissing and sucking on my neck slowly. "Stop." He completely ignored me and continued. "Kayden," I protested again.

"Be mine, Ree," he whispered in low tones.

"I can't." 

"Why?" I shrugged my shoulders. I knew why but it was hard to explain. He then sat up and watched me closely; all humour had vanished from his face.

"I've been patient, you know I have. My history with girls is fucked, you wouldn't believe it. Never been able to find the right girl for me. You know you're special to me, so just be mine."

I sighed. "It's not that simple, you're a friend." 

"Bullshit. We're more than friends, you know that." 

"I don't see it that way."

He sighed deeply; his broad chest rising and falling abruptly. "Accept it, Ree. You like me." 

"No." 

"Yeah."

I kissed my teeth. "Kayden, shut up!" 

"Can't take the truth?" 

"Get stuffed, I'm tryna sleep. I knew you'd distract me. You should have just went 'bout your business." I screwed. He sighed and I felt my phone vibrating. Argh! Does no-one want me to rest?! I looked and saw an unknown number, so I answered.

"If this isn't important I swear to God I will run up in your house and-...who's this?" I asked as an afterthought. 

The person laughed. "You sound vex. It's Drake." 

"Oh Shubdi, how are you?" 

"Great man. What you doing?" 

"Tryna catch some shut eye, but I'm being disturbed by some prick." I turned to Kayden, who gave a sly wink. "What about you?" 

"On my way to my bredrins yard. Gonna raid his fridge, then I'll duck." 

I laughed. "You're so awesome," I praised with a smile. 

"Likewise sugarplum." 

"Wait what? Sugarplum? Mine is ragamuffin." He laughed. I felt Kayden from behind me as he used his lips to kiss me all over. I pushed his face away but he simply came closer and continued. If only I had a knife... 

"Ey, don't you just hate when people wear sandals with socks?" Drake suddenly asked.

"Yeah it makes me sick. But why? 

"Just saw some prick wearing them. Like, what the fuck, you're not supposed to combine the two!" 

I laughed at his anger but soon stopped and realised that Kayden was still planting his lips everywhere. I pushed him away again but he simply chuckled and persisted. 

"Swear down, if I ever become Prime Minister, that shit will be the first thing I'll ban!" he continued, kissing his teeth.

"Ree..." Kayden whispered softly. 

"Shush," I answered. That's when he licked my neck. I yelped and shuddered as he grinned at me. "What's wrong with you? Are you a dog?" I tutted in annoyance and wiped my neck.

"Who you talking to?" Drake questioned.

"Ree..." Kayden said again, louder this time. 

"Kayden, shut up." 

"Tell him to fuck off," he responded.

I could tell Drake was confused. "Who's Kayden?" 

"Oh never mind, just some dude." 

"I'm her man!" Kayden replied loudly enough for Drake to hear through the phone. I hit him hard in the chest and he simply laughed. 

"Am I disturbing something?" Drake muttered.

"Nah, don't worry." I cut my eye at the prick beside me and he smirked.

"Good, cos I don't care anyway." 

I laughed and yawned. "Can you call me back later, I'm drifting off." 

"Yeah course. Goodnight, Punjib." 

I locked off and turned to glare at Kayden, who was already gazing at me innocently.

I kissed my teeth and faced the TV again. "You're pathetic," I spat with my back still faced to him.

He chuckled. "It's fun messing up your convo's."

"Which is why you're pathetic." 

"You love it Ree." I ignored him and heard him smile. "Get some sleep now."

I kissed my teeth. He had the cheek to enter my house in the first place and disturb my plans. Now he was telling me what to do?

"I'll sleep when you leave." 

"I’m not leaving." I peered at him, feeling my anger gradually rising. I stopped myself from cursing and sighed deeply instead. He smiled and the dimple showed. "Go ahead and cuss. Still got the lingerie waiting for you back at mine."

I closed my eyes. "Just shut up and let me sleep," I mumbled. Then I drifted off, thinking of Drake. I don't care what anyone thinks! He is by far the awesomest guy alive...