A Criminal Love: Lovin' A Street King

1

King

I checked my watch again for what seemed like the millionth time. I knew that Shine was pissed and ready to go, but Mira’s spoiled ass was on that bullshit. She had me in and out of stores for the last two hours when she knew I had shit to do. I was trying to be patient because I knew my little sister needed time with me, but this was too much. How the fuck was I supposed to run a business when my ass was walking around the mall carrying bags and shit.

I had a shipment coming in tonight and I needed to run through my spots to make sure everything was straight. My lieutenants were on edge since a lot of the traps in surrounding areas had been getting hit lately, but I wasn’t stressed. Nobody fucked with my shit, they knew better. Anything with my name on it was off limits.

Mira would you hurry up? I told you I’ve got shit to do, I said out loud, not really caring if anyone else was in the dressing room with us. Shit, fuck it. If they were offended then they could leave.

Mira stepped out the dressing room and folded her arms, her large round eyes laced with sadness. Here we go with that pouting shit. It was hard to believe that she was fifteen sometimes with all the damn pouting and whining her ass did. I just stared at her, not wanting to start an argument. She was looking more and more like our mother every day and I was getting more and more protective by the minute. She displayed more of our mother’s Dominican traits than I did, but you could clearly see them in both of us from our bronze, sun kissed skin to our thick, jet-black silky hair. Mira’s ass was going to have me catching a case over her because if a muthafucker looked at my sister wrong I was bodying their ass.

"Why did you agree to spend the day with me if you were going to complain the whole time? She reached behind her head and secured her thick, curly hair into her hands, running her fingers through it before she pulled it to one side over her shoulder. You should have just let Royal bring me to the mall, at least he doesn’t complain. You never have time for Dey. It’s like I’m not a priority to you. You’re either handling business or with some girl. It’s not like I ask for much, but it’s cool though." Damn, she knew how to gut punch a muthafucker.

Come on Mira, don’t start with all that. You know I’m busy right now. We’ve been at this damn mall for over two hours and you are, and always will be my top priority.

Oh I’m sorry, I forgot King has an empire to run. Excuse me for being an inconvenience. She was getting loud and she knew I hated that loud ass ghetto shit. I wasn’t paying 10K a year for private school for her ass to be in public acting like a damn hood rat.

I moved close to her and locked eyes with her before I sternly whispered to her, Lower your fucking voice and calm all that down. I looked around the dressing room to see if anyone was listening before I grabbed her arm. You don’t fucking complain about the empire I’m running when I get to the register, do you? I narrowed my eyes at Amira just before she snatched away from me.

I don’t care about any of that and you know it, she snapped, just as one of the dressing rooms opened. I glanced at shorty and then back at Amira. Shorty was fucking beautiful, but I didn’t want to stare so I focused on my sister again. Can you just finish up so we can go?

Shorty smiled at Mira showing off her dimples as she made her way to the three-way mirror. She stood there checking herself out, twisting from side to side in a pair of ripped jeans and off-the-shoulder sweater. Her body was tight as hell; thick thighs, fat ass, and small waist. Shorty had shoulder-length sandy brown hair that framed her honey-colored oval face and I could tell that it was hers, even though nowadays it was damn near impossible to know for sure. Females were rocking weave like it was their own shit, which I technically I guess it was since they paid for it.

Mira followed my eyes to shorty and stepped straight to her. Do you like this dress? Mira asked her, but then looked back at me. Her ass wasn’t slick. She noticed me checking out shorty and knew that I was pissed with her for taking so fucking long so she was trying to get shorty’s attention for me. My sister had game for ya ass.

It’s cute, shorty said as she scanned Mira, and smiled again with those damn thumb sized craters in her cheeks. Looks good on you, she told Mira.

What color? Navy or gray?

Shorty glanced at me and then back to Mira. If he’s paying then get them both.

Mira looked at me with a smirk. Thanks. He was absolutely no help.

Shorty smiled at Mira and then glanced at me, but the smile was gone.

Damn Free, are you still trying on shit? I turned to the entrance of the dressing room to see a short Hershey-colored girl, with her hand on her hip. She was cute, but rough around the edges; nothing like shorty. Shorty came from money. You could see it all over her from the Rolex on her wrist to the one-carat diamond studs in her ears.

I’m coming. Shorty turned to her friend, clearly embarrassed at how loud she was talking.

Free? Mira looked at her. Is that your name?

Free smiled. Yes, my mother was a little eccentric. She frowned.

Her fucking name is Free. Unique as hell, but it fit.

I like it, I finally spoke. Free’s eyes met mine, but the smile she had been sharing with Mira immediately fell off her face.

Mira picked up on it and began speaking again. This is my brother Diego, but I call him Dey. I’m Amira.

Pleased to meet you Amira. Free didn’t even acknowledge me and that damn smile was back on her face again the second she was focused on Mira. What the fuck? Did I know shorty and forget about it or something? I knew I fucked around a lot, but hell, I was pretty good at remembering names and faces. In my line of work that shit was necessary.

She’s rude and I’m Lace, loud mouth girl said from the doorway when she peeped Free’s attitude.

I threw Lace a head nod and then glanced at Free again. She shot me an evil ass mug and then went back into her dressing room. I’m coming Lace. Give me a minute to change. Un-fucking-believable. What the hell was her problem?

I just shook my head, not feeling shorty’s attitude. She was pretty as hell, but obviously on some shit so I let it ride. I’ll be out here Mira. Hurry up so we can go.

Mira rolled her eyes and then entered her dressing room. I walked past loud mouth and she followed me out of the dressing room.

Free hates the entire male population right now so don’t take it personal.

What’s that? I asked, assuming that she was attempting to explain shorty’s funky attitude.

Free, she stated, as if she didn’t need to explain any further. We’re doing retail therapy today. She just had a bad break up.

Lace was talking a mile a minute and normally I wouldn’t have entertained a situation like that, but she had me curious about Free.

Oh yeah? I said nonchalantly, careful not to seem too interested.

Yeah, but he was a jerk anyway so I’m glad they’re done. She can do much better. He broke up with her because he said she was too high class, too much work for him. But hell, I don’t see why because she was the one funding their relationship, if you can even call it that. His ass just used that as an excuse to break up with her because Free wouldn’t give him any. Translation she wasn’t fucking and the next bitch was.

I couldn’t believe that Lace was putting Shorty’s business out there like that. I bet Free would have been mad as hell if she knew what Lace had just told me, but before I could say anything about it my phone rang. Excuse me ma.

Yo, what up Royal? I said, as soon as I saw Royal’s name on my screen.

Where the fuck you at King?

Still at the damn mall with Mira. I’m heading out in a few, but I’ve gotta take her home first.

Royal laughed at my ass, knowing that Mira had me stressed out. She got you in and out of stores carrying bags and shit, right?

Hell yeah, you know I hate this shit. Next time you can bring her. I don’t have patience for this.

It’s your fault. You got her ass spoiled.

Fuck you, Royal. Your ass don’t know how to say no to her either, but we’re about to be outta here in a minute.

So, like an hour?

Yeah, hopefully less.

I watched as Free came out of the dressing room looking for her friend, and when she spotted Lace she walked right past me like I didn’t even fucking exist. Free caught up with her girl who looked back at me one last time before they headed towards the front of the store. Mira was right behind them, heading to the register with an arm full of clothes. I just shook my head and followed her. Her ass was fucking spoiled, but it was my fault so I couldn’t really say shit.

A’ight cool, just hit me up when you’re on your way, Royal said.

A’ight, will do.

Shine’s with you right?

Yeah, he’s around here somewhere pissed the fuck off. I laughed, thinking about how mad Shine got when I told him that I was taking Mira to the mall.

You know his ass wants to be somewhere getting blazed. You’re fucking up his vibe with that shopping shit.

Man, fuck him. He’ll get over it, but I’ll hit you up in a few.

I ended the call and slid my phone in my pocket just as Mira piled all her shit on the counter.

Do you really need all this? I asked, looking at the pile of clothes as the girl behind the counter rang them up. She was so busy sweating me that she could barely scan the clothes that Mira had on the counter, and when Mira noticed she rolled her eyes at the girl. I swear her ass did more hating than a little bit.

Chill with all that, I said, and then chuckled at how she was mugging old girl behind the counter.

She needs to do her job and get out your face. And before I could say anything Mira turned and looked down. Oh wait, I left my purse in the dressing room, Mira said and then took off for the dressing room, knowing that I was about to check her. I was starting to think she did that shit on purpose.

Mira came out the dressing room just as I finished paying for everything, so I handed her the bags and we left the store.

So, I saw you checking out that Free girl. Mira looked up at me, with a grin.

Yeah, she was alright, but her attitude was all fucked up.

Maybe she was just having a bad day. Mira turned towards me, walking backwards so that she could see my face.

King, I heard a voice call from behind us, causing Mira to look up and frown, so I turned to see what she was looking at. Damn, Tasha’s ass was right on our heels.

Mira looked at Tasha and then back at me. Don’t stop, just keep walking. I laughed because my sister hated Tasha’s ass with a passion, but I stopped anyway.

Damn King, I thought you said you had business to take care of today, Tasha said, almost whining.

I am his business. Mira snapped, and then rolled her eyes.

Chill with that Mira. I cut my eyes at her.

I do, but I’m chilling with my sister for a minute. What’s up?

Am I going to see you later? I looked at Tasha’s pouty face, and then moved down her body. She was dressed in leggings and a baby fit t-shirt that clung nicely, exposing her apple-sized breast. Thank goodness she made up for that with ass.

I’m not sure, but I’ll hit you up. I might be out late.

She frowned and then bit her bottom lip. You know I’ll be up so it doesn’t matter how late. I miss you King.

Mira rolled her eyes and inhaled, letting out a long sigh. Can we please go Dey? This is supposed to be my time.

Tasha matched Mira’s eye roll but tried to contain that shit because she knew I wouldn’t allow her to disrespect my little sister.

Look Tasha, I have to go, but I’ll hit you up later If I’m gonna fall through.

Okay, I’ll be waiting. She bit her bottom lip again as her eyes fell straight to my waist. Tasha’s freaky ass was basically mentally raping me.

Can we go now? Mira asked, while tugging on my arm. So I said goodbye to Tasha and walked off with my sister.

Why are you always hating on Tasha? You know I peep that shit, right?

I just don’t like her. You can do much better and she doesn’t care about you, all she cares about is what you do for her. She doesn’t even call you by your name.

What the hell Mira? I started laughing. She just called me King. Last time I checked that was my fucking name.

King is not your name, your name is Diego Kingston. She only calls you King because she wants people to know she’s with you. Everybody knows the big bad King, but that’s not who you are. Not to me anyway.

Mira had a point, but hell, I already knew that. Tasha was all about the power and respect and when she threw my name around it gave her privileges. Mentioning the name King brought out two reactions: fear or respect, and both came with perks so Tasha used it every chance she got.

Don’t worry about all that little girl. I can handle my love life and I damn sure don’t need relationship advice from a fifteen-year-old.

What about Free? I like her? Mira asked, as a smile spread across her face.

Mira you don’t know that damn girl. You asked her how you looked in a dress and I definitely wouldn’t call that knowing her.

Yeah, but I just got a good vibe from her. Some stuff you just know and you liked her too, I could tell.

How is that? I asked, curious about how Mira reached that conclusion.

I know you. I saw the way you looked at her even after she shut you down. You like her.

First of all, she didn’t shut me down because I wasn’t trying to kick it to her and second of all, there was nothing special about how I looked at her.

Mira laughed and then gave me look that let me know she didn’t believe me.

Why the hell you looking at me like that? I asked, with a smirk.

Because I know you liked her.

Whether I did or not is irrelevant because it’s not likely that I’ll see her mean ass again.

Don’t be so sure about that, Mira said, with a grin.

What the fuck is that supposed to mean. I looked at Mira trying to figure out where she was going with this. Hell, she must have known something that I didn’t.

I have this. Mira held up an iPhone that I knew for certain didn’t belong to her.

Mira please tell me that you didn’t steal that girl’s phone. I looked at my sister like she had just lost her mind.

No stupid. She left it in the dressing room. I heard it going off when I went back to get my purse and when she realizes it’s missing, she’ll call it.

When she realizes it’s missing she’s going to go back to the dressing room where she left it and it won’t be there because your thieving ass took it.

Shut up, Dey. I didn’t want anyone to steal it.

Like you just did. I shook my head and laughed.

Anyway, she’s going to call it and we will return it to her, then you can ask her out like we both know you want to. Mira was grinning, like a little kid.

You’ve got problems. She might want to fuck both of us up for taking her damn phone so don’t get your hopes up expecting a love connection. I gently yanked on Mira’s hair and then put my arm around her shoulder.

You’re welcome, Mira said, and then leaned into me. I loved my sister. She always had my back and truth be told I hoped that her plan worked, because I couldn’t get Free out of my head. Bad attitude or not I needed to know more about her, and hopefully Mira had made that possible.

2

Free

You are on some serious shit Free. Lace turned towards me and rolled her eyes. Dude was fine as hell and if he is who I think he is then shit Free, he's a fucking boss and your ass just wrote him off. He was checking you out something serious too.

I just got dumped and you want me to be up in some dude’s face. You know that's not me Lace.

It needs to fucking be. Ant dumped you so that he could fuck that simple bitch, and the second he gets the panties he’ll be back in your face begging for another chance. He does that shit on purpose Free. It's not cheating if you're not together. Isn't that the bullshit line he always gives you?

I'm not going back this time so it doesn't matter what line he uses. I'm done. We're too old for this high school shit, but that doesn’t mean that I want to just jump on the next guy that checks out my ass.

Only when he looks like Diego. Lace looked at me with a grin, before she reached over to turn up the volume of my stereo.

I didn’t even bother saying anything back. There was no point. She already had her mind made up about my situation, and as far as she was concerned losing my virginity would solve all my life issues. I could guarantee that she was already plotting in her head how Diego was about to make that happen. When we pulled up at Lace’s apartment she collected all of her bags, opened the door to get out, but stopped to look at me.

Call me later, boo. I think there’s a party at Regency tonight and since you are newly single we need to fall through there. It’s not like you have anything else to do. Lace smiled, got out, and then shut my door before I had a chance to respond, because she knew what my answer would be. I rarely ever did the whole club thing and when I did it was only because Lace threatened my life and made me go with her.

I decided to drop in on my dad before I went home since I had missed our weekly dinner to study for finals. I was scheduled to graduate from UNC in less than a month and I was so ready for it to be over with. Now all I had to do was find a job.

My dad’s car wasn't in the circular driveway and he parked there religiously, which meant that he wasn't hom. So I reached in my purse for my phone to call him, but it was nowhere to be found.

I headed to my dad’s office, grabbed his cordless phone, and made my way back to the front door. My phone had to be in my truck somewhere, so I decided to call it, but as soon as I dialed my number and opened my truck door I heard a female voice on the line.

Uh, who is this? I asked mad as hell, thinking someone had found my shit and had the nerve to answer it.

Is this Free? she asked.

Now I was really pissed. They knew me, but I didn't recognize their voice.

Who is this? I asked, with a massive attitude. My phone had my whole life in it. Fuck!

It’s Mira. I met you in the dressing room earlier today. You left your phone and I didn't want anyone to steal it so I took it. I figured that you would call it when you realized it was missing. She sounded cheerful as hell so I couldn't be mad. I calmed down a little.

Oh okay, I appreciate that. Where are you? I'll come and get it.

Um, I'm not really home right now, but I'm having dinner with my brother in like an hour. You can meet us at the restaurant.

Yeah, sure. Which one? I didn't know why, but I got excited about the possibility of seeing Diego’s fine ass again, even after the way I acted towards him earlier. I figured that he probably couldn't have cared less about seeing me again.

Tobacco Road House. Downtown Durham. Do you know where it is? She was a little too happy.

Yeah, I do.

Okay, good. I'll tell Dey you're coming. Now she sounded excited as hell.

Its 7:00 now, so 8:00? You kind of have my phone so I'll just show up and meet you out front.

She laughed. That works. Bye Free. I'll see you at dinner.

Okay, thanks again.

I ended the call and immediately the image of Diego flashed through my mind. I couldn’t deny how fine this man was. His 6’3 frame was lean and muscular, accompanied by his caramel-colored-skin and thick jet black curls. He and Mira both had to be mixed with something based on their hair and skin tone. Diego had multiple tattoos on his arms and one across the side of his neck that said King. I smiled just thinking about it. He was truly worthy of the title King.

Diego was definitely nothing like the guys that usually approached me. Most of them were Ivy League and that just wasn’t my thing. I think that was the reason why I put up with Ant for so long. He was so-called from the streets, but his ass stayed crying broke. Not that I cared about his money because I had my own, but damn who wants a broke drug dealer?

Now with Diego, I knew he was important. Everything about him commanded respect and there was something about him that made me want to know more. Hell his ass had me tightening my legs to stop the throbbing in between them from just being in the same room with him. I couldn’t remember ever having that reaction before and especially not with Ant. I knew for sure that me messing with Diego was like playing with fire, but fuck it. I guess it was time to feel the heat.

Wait she just said she would see me at dinner. Did she think I was having dinner with them? I shut my truck door, walked back into my dad’s house, and made my way to the kitchen. I needed to call Lace. If I didn't know any better I'd swear she set this up, but I knew that she didn't have access to my phone. That was all me, and Lord knows I was notorious for putting it down and leaving it.

Lace you will never believe what just happened. I swear you just jinxed me.

What number are you calling me from? Typical Lace; she ignored what I said and focused on the number I was calling from.

My dad’s office phone.

Did you lose your damn phone again? she snapped.

It's not exactly lost, but I don't have it and guess who does?

I'm waiting? she said, sounding annoyed.

Dang girl and you call me rude, I said playfully, knowing that Lace’s impatient ass was getting mad.

Don't make me drive to Raleigh and slap you Free LaShae Evans. Who has your damn phone? Lace was almost yelling which made me laugh.

Chill girl, you’re doing the most right now… and Mira.

I’m about to hang up on you Fre. Who the hell is Mira?

Mira, sister of Diego whom we both met today at the mall.

Shut up! Seriously? How the hell did that happen? You left your phone in the dressing room didn’t you? I waited patiently until I figured that Lace was done with her rant and then finally spoke.

Apparently I did and Mira took it with her. She said she figured that I would call it when I realized that it was gone.

You know this is fate right? I could hear the smile in Lace’s voice. So are they bringing it to you?

No, she asked me to meet them at Tobacco Road House at 8:00.

Them, which means her fine ass brother will be there. What are you going to wear? You better adjust your attitude this time. Girl don’t let his fine ass get away from you this time without finding out his phone number, address, government name, social security number, favorite color, and position. Lace was serious as hell, which made me bust out laughing.

You’re so stupid. How the hell am I supposed to do all that within the thirty seconds it will take for her to hand me my phone and then say thank you?

Shit, you better figure it out. Now Lace was laughing.

Girl I have to go. I need to go home and change so I’ll call you after I get my phone.

Just come to my house. We’re going to Regency. And with that she hung up on my ass, knowing that I was going to say no.

I pulled up at Tobacco Road House restaurant at 7:50 and parked where I could see the front door. There was no sign of Mira or Diego so I just shut off my truck and sat there for a minute. After about fifteen minutes when there was still no sign of them, so I decided to check inside to see if they had arrived before me. I got out, locked my truck, and headed towards the front door.

Just as I made my way to the hostess station I heard my name and looked in the direction of the bar, where I saw Mira smiling and moving towards me. She had pulled away from Diego who was on the phone. He glanced at me and then focused on Mira as she made her way to me.

Hey you’re here. Come on. Mira smiled and linked her arm through mine, drawing me back in the direction of the bar. Diego glanced at me for a brief moment with no expression, still deep in conversation with whoever he was on the phone with.

We’re waiting for a table. You can join us if you want. I peeked at Diego who now had his back to us, but Mira quickly wrote him off with a wave of her hand.

He won’t mind. Please can you stay? Her pouty eyes were begging for me to say yes. I didn’t know why, but I agreed. I just hoped that I didn’t regret my decision.

Good. She seemed pleased. Dey, Free is going to stay and eat with us, she said as she grabbed his arm, forcing him to turn and look at us.

His eyes met mine making me feel uncomfortable as hell because of the lack of expression. He nodded and then turned his back to us again, slightly stepping away to continue his call.

See, I told you he wouldn’t care. Apparently she knew him better than I did because he looked annoyed about me being there.

Here. Mira reached into her purse and then handed me my phone.

So do you have a boyfriend? she asked.

That’s a little random, but no I don’t. This girl was a trip.

Good. She looked at her brother and then smiled. He’s single too.

Was she really trying to set me up with her brother? I kind of laughed to myself. Um okay.

He’s cute right? she asked. Wow, no shame in her game. She was going hard.

I looked up at him and just my luck he was staring right back at me, still with no expression. Shit. And when I didn’t respond she did.

He always looks like that when he’s talking business, but you think he’s cute right?

He’s alright, I said, when I really wanted to scream hell yeah. He was fucking gorgeous and the throbbing between my legs was definitely proof of that. Good thing she didn’t know it.

She frowned a little. So would you date him? She was doing the most, which made me laugh.

I can’t really answer that because I don’t know him.

But you can-

Before she could finish the hostess walked over and cut her off. Kingston party of three?

Yes, Mira responded.

We have your table ready.

I looked at Mira, shook my head, and laughed which made her shrug her shoulders. I told them three. I was hoping you would say yes, she said, with the biggest smile.

Mira and I followed the hostess to the patio, while Diego followed behind us still on the phone. Mira and I took our seats while Diego stood a few feet away, leaning on the rail with one hand on his phone, while his other arm was folded across his chest. I could feel him watching me, which made me uncomfortable so I nervously tucked my hair behind my ear and then adjusted the strapless shirt that I was wearing. His eyes followed my hands right to my chest and then back to my face, but this time a smirk slid across his face.

Have you eaten here before? Mira’s voice pulled my attention away from Diego, back to her.

A few times, I said, while she was looking down at the menu she was holding.

It’s my favorite. I always make him bring me here, Mira said, now looking over my shoulder. It’s about time, she snapped and then rolled her eyes, just as Diego pulled out the chair next to me and sat down.

Chill with all that, he said. Damn his voice was sexy as hell. My thong was officially soaked.

I hope you don’t mind me crashing your dinner.

Nah, you’re good ma. I know she wasn’t taking no for an answer, he said, and looked directly at his sister.

So I see you’re in a better mood now. His focus was on his phone again.

Me? I asked, even though I knew he was talking about the way I mugged him at the mall earlier.

Yeah you, he chuckled, and then looked me right in the eyes.

I wasn’t in a bad mood. I said knowing