The Plug Next Door 2: Summer's Story

Previously on The Plug Next Door I…

Alexa

Why not, Alexa? Your ass can dance, so I know you'll win, my bestie insisted.

I know, but if Reese finds out, she is going to kill me. I could already feel my sister wrapping her hands around my neck trying to strangle the life out of me.

Reese is still in Mexico with her boo thang, so she’ll never know. Now c’mon.

Locking her arms with mine, Vasii dragged me toward the sign-up area over by the bar. Females were lined up like they were about to receive free food stamps. My eyes darted around the dimly lit club as hip hop music flowed from the speakers. This was clearly the hottest strip club in the city, it was packed. From famous people to rich thugs and desperate females, everybody and their mama were in here.

She said she wanna roll with me and smoke up all my weed. I said baby just buy Dutches ’cause you can’t smoke for free. I got some loud, but no money babe, buy me a Fiji. She said you need a job, bitch fuck a job, I still get cheese… Rob $tone’s whistle song had the whole club going crazy.

Hey! Y'all got one more, Vasii hollered, waving her hand from side to side. My girl here wants in. Her name is Alexa, but she's gonna go by Angel.

What the hell, Vas? I snatched away from her and frowned. I'm not about to strip in front of all these damn people.

Yes, you are, bitch! Aren't you tired of having to adjust your schedule to mine? She had a valid point. I was tired of having to depend on her when I needed to move around. Don't you want your own shit so you can do you?

A tall, dark complexioned, bald headed man dressed in a tan suit walked up to us, interrupting our conversation. He had a diamond nose ring that I couldn’t stop staring at.

I'm Savage, and this here is my club. He used his index finger to make a circle in the air. If you can shake your ass for free, why not get paid to do it? How about this… I'll throw in a guaranteed stack just because if you agree to compete.

Why would you do that? I quizzed, wrinkling my nose.

Because I wanna see what you're hiding behind these baggy ass jeans, shorty. He reached around and smacked my butt.

I hadn’t found the desire to wear any of the feminine outfits Young had bought for me. I was grateful for the expensive gifts he showered me with, but tight clothes just weren’t my thing. As much as I liked him, I wasn’t willing to compromise my comfort for his attention.

Yeah, I gotta see what you're working with, Savage continued. What you gon' do?

Uhh... uhh... umm. I umm... My mouth went dry as I tried to formulate a response. Looking up at the handsome older man, I was speechless.

She's down, my girl chimed in, answering for me.

I wasn't sure how I let Vasii convince me to participate in the amateur dance competition at Starlet’s Cabaret, but I did. So, now, I was dressed in a white fishnet ensemble with a pair of all white OVO Jordan's on my feet. Standing behind the long red curtains, I shook my body in an attempt to calm my nerves. When that didn't work, I sucked in a deep breath.

There's five thousand dollars on the line, and you need a new car, bitch, I chanted inwardly.

The sexy beat of DJ Khaled’s Do You Mind started playing, and then the curtains were whisked open. Swallowing the lump in my throat, I slow-strolled onto the shiny black stage, and the red lighting made me glow in the dark. I glanced around at the waiting crowd. At first, I was a nervous wreck, but somehow, the sea of eager faces gave me a boost of confidence.

OKAY, ANGEL! IT’S TIME FOR YOU TO SHAKE WHAT YOUR MAMA GAVE YOU, the DJ yelled from his booth across the way. ARE YOU TRYING TO MAKE FIVE RACKS TONIGHT OR NAH?

Rolling my hips to the beat slowly, I took it all the way down and got on all fours. Locking eyes with a guy at the end of the stage holding a band in his hands, I crawled over to him and smiled when I realized who he was. It was Nas.

Licking his lips, he gave a half-smile. I didn't know you were a stripper, baby girl, he stated loudly over the music as he tucked a big face between my titties.

There's a lot you don't know about me, I told him with a seductive grin while clapping my ass cheeks.

Is that right? He fingered through the stack of bills in his hand. How about you give me a reason to blow the rest of this money? Can you do that?

I guess we'll find out.

I blew him a kiss, which caused him to smirk, and then flipped onto my back. Lifting my ass off the cool surface of the stage, I threw my pussy in his face over and over again. Bills sprinkled up above and rained down on me like a hail storm. The money was coming from every direction, and you would've thought snowflakes were falling from the sky on a cold winter day in New York.

Do you mind if I talk to you? And do you mind if I touch you there, I sang along to the lyrics as I rose to my feet.

Oddly enough, being the center of attention was something I could easily get used to. I never felt so wanted in my life. People were literally worshipping me like I was a Goddess, and I instantly fell in love with the idea of shaking my ass for fast cash. It wasn't like I was having sex with these men. I was simply dancing and providing them with fantasies. No one that I knew or cared about would ever find out. Or so I thought.

Glancing to my left, I searched for my next victim. There was a fat black man practically begging me to come over. I connected with the yearning in his eyes. No one wanted him, but he desperately craved love. That was how Jarrell made me feel when he shunned me and disregarded my feelings for him after we broke up. I switched over to my kindred spirit and hopped off the stage.

Hey handsome, I greeted sexily. Gazing into the man's eyes, I slid on top of his lap and started grinding. Do you mind if I ride you?

His mouth was slightly ajar as he nodded up and down. While I rode him to no end, the man held onto me for dear life. Poor thing gave me every dollar in his hand before my show was over with. When I rose from his lap, I turned to walk back to the dressing room, but he grabbed my wrist.

My act is over, boo, I said, peering down at his large hand holding on to me. I'm going to need you to let me go.

He relinquished my hand from his hold, but not before giving me a sinister grin. Thanks for the dance, love. Hopefully, I'll see you again soon. The creepiness in his tone made me feel uneasy.

I kept looking over my shoulder at him as I headed toward the dressing room. Not sure why, but ole dude put a bad taste in my mouth. My ass was so busy trying to watch Big Black that I wasn't paying attention and ended up running smack dab into someone.

Trying to find my balance, I saw that I'd bumped into my classmate. Damn. My bad, Nas.

It's cool. He rubbed his hands together as he looked me up and down. Dressed in all white everything, Nas looked like he walked straight out of heaven. When are you leaving?

I wasn't sure why it mattered, but I answered him anyway. After they announce the winner of the five thousand dollars. Why?

I'll give you double that. As he spoke, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a roll of money.

Folding my arms, I twisted up my lips. You'll give me ten thousand dollars? For what? I had to ask. I'm not a hooker, so if you’re trying to trick on me, then you can forget about it.

It ain't tricking if you got it, lil mama. He grabbed my hand and placed the knot of big faces inside my palm. Go get dressed then meet me outside in the parking lot.

He swaggered away before I could agree or disagree with his suggestion. I was impressed by his willingness to dish out large amounts of cash, but what was his motive? Men weren't running around here blowing that type of money for the fuck of it. My reservations, however, didn't trump my inquiring mind. As soon as I made it to the dressing room, I searched for my phone and messaged my girl.

Me: Hey Vas! I don’t need a ride home, I met this guy…

Best Bitch: KK. I’ll collect your cash bc I know you won

We pulled up to a glass skyscraper building in Soho and Nas jumped out of his Range Rover. He opened my door and escorted me through the parking garage and into an entrance that led to the lobby. I was relieved that he didn’t live in the hood. I wasn’t in the mood to dodge bullets or fight some ratchet ex-girlfriend of his. After the long night I had at the club, I just wanted to chill.

You quiet as fuck, girl. You good?

Yeah, it’s just weird hanging with you outside of school, I responded, clutching my necklace.

It wasn’t weird when you were popping that pussy in a nigga’s face.

I cleared my throat. That was different because I was performing. This is real life.

Without another word, Nas led me onto an elevator and pressed the top floor. Penthouse loft, I thought to myself. When the elevator doors opened to Nas’s place, I was impressed. The space was amazing, decked out in modern décor and earth tones. The floor was hardwood throughout, and chandeliers hung from the ceiling. One wall was completely open, showcasing all that Times Square had to offer. His spot was breathtaking, but not as nice as Young’s mansion.

Make yourself comfortable, Nas said.

I will.

You hungry? he asked. The nigga seemed to look even better than he usually did. Money could do that, though.

Yeah, a little bit. You gonna cook for me? I admired his home as I followed him into his large gourmet kitchen and took a seat behind the island. He stripped out of his jewels and shirt, leaving him in white jeans and a muscle Tee.

Yeah, what you want me to make?

I’m not picky. Surprise me, I said, wearing a Colgate smile.

Nas nodded and pulled the refrigerator door open. He grabbed a box of pancake mix, butter, and milk, set it on the counter, and began cooking breakfast. Although Young lingered in the back of my mind, I was coming around to the idea of being attracted to someone else. At the end of the day, I was single with 20/20 vision, so having Nas’ fine ass in front of me had me feeling some type of way. His muscles flexed with each movement that he made, and I couldn’t take my eyes off him.

He was on the other side of the island focusing hard on the pancakes he was prepping. I guess he could feel me staring at him because he looked up from the food. You need to get something off your chest, baby girl?

Do you live here alone?

Yeah, I do. He chuckled while whipping the mix in a white porcelain bowl.

Did I crack a joke?

So, you’re single then? I was on the edge of the stool awaiting his answer. A fine ass, young rich nigga, living in a penthouse suite in Soho had to have a girlfriend.

Damn… why you gotta say it like that?

Like what?

I don’t know. You just sound mad for some reason.

I jerked my head back. I’m not mad at all.

Aight, so I guess you just get straight to the point then? He laughed, but again, I didn’t see anything funny. He’d gotten straight to the point when he asked me to come home with him. I hated that double standard shit about niggas. I’m selling this place. I’m about to get a spot closer to Columbia University… that’s where my girl goes to school. He threw the last part in a bit softer.

I nodded, even though I was confused. Nas sounded like he had children, trophy wives, sideline hoes, and girlfriends. The fuck? Maybe single bosses didn’t come around often, not like Young. The thought of him made my heart pound. I didn’t want what Young and I had with anyone else. He was everything that I wanted, but I was too afraid to commit out of fear of being hurt again. Yet, here I was about to eat pancakes with Nas.

My feet started moving before I knew it, and I walked out. I didn’t even offer Nas an apology or explanation as to why I was leaving, nor was I about to hand over the money he’d given me. I heard him asking what I was doing as the elevator door closed, but he didn’t get a response. Young was the only man I cared about, and I felt guilty for ever entertaining another guy.

As I walking out of the building, I fished inside of my pocket for my cell phone. When I found it, I started punching numbers in to order an Uber so I could spend the night at Young’s. The moment I got ready to press call, I heard footsteps approaching me from behind. The closer the footsteps crept, the more I felt trouble followed.

I looked over my shoulder and froze dead in my tracks when I saw both…

1

ALEXA

Ilooked over my shoulder and froze with fear when I saw both Nas and Young walking my way. My focus, however, was on Young and his burning red eyes. The look on his face instigated bad memories; my mother wore that same expression right before she used to beat me when I was a child. Of all the thoughts I could’ve had about Young appearing out of thin air, I wondered...

Where had he come from, and more importantly, how did he know I was here?

Nostrils flaring, Young stomped in my direction faster than a raging bull. Bitch, you must be out yo’ fuckin’ mind! he barked. Gotta be if you think you gon’ play me. What nigga you out here with huh?

What? I haven’t been with no other guy?

And then the worst thing ever happened. He slapped me in my face. Young struck me so hard that I tumbled to the ground.

Ahhhh, I wailed, covering my jaw where he slapped me. YOU HIT ME!

I looked up at him in complete terror, scared that he’d deliver another blow. Young didn’t appear to be remorseful or shocked by what he had done. His face was flushed, eyes tight like slits. I sat still on the ground, confused and hurt that he’d hit me, trying to understand why. Tears ran down my face while he stood above me heaving with fury.

Nas ran up and pushed him away. Aye, my nigga, watch that shit. Fuck you put your hands on her for? he spewed in Young’s direction.

What the fuck? Young caught his balance, quickly reaching for his strap at the same time and turned on his heels to face him. Nas? he questioned, lowering his gun.

How do they know each other? I mused.

Oh shit! I ain’t know dat was you, fool. My bad for shoving yo’ ass, Nas said.

Yeah, dis choppa was ’bout to take off yo’ neck, he replied, tucking his gun in his back. Just make sure that shit don’t happen again.

Nas bobbed his head coolly. I gotcha, but why you hit that girl like that? What she did?

Don’t worry about what the fuck I do wit mine, he told him jokingly, but I could tell he wasn’t playing.

Aight, you got that, Nas replied, hunching his shoulders. What brings you dis way, though?

I was on my way to pick Loso up so we can handle some business when I saw my girl walkin’ out the building, Young informed and turned in my direction again. What you doin’ out here, Alexa?

My heart started beating in my ears as I staggered to my feet in front of him. Having just been slapped, I was afraid to say anything, let alone tell him why my ass was there. Uhh, well, you see, baby, I was studying.

With who?

Huh?

Young’s eyes narrowed again. I asked yo’ mothafuckin’ ass who you were studying wit? You heard me, so stop fuckin’ playin’.

A nervous breath escaped me. I couldn’t find the words to respond with. Young had turned into someone I barely recognized, and I that feared no matter what I said, he’d hit me until I gave him the answer he wanted to hear. But I had to come up with something.

My eyes locked with Nas’ on the sly, silently pleading with him to back up the story I was about to tell. With Vas, babe. Who else would I be studying with?

You lying to me?

No, of course not, I lied so fast then pointed at Nas. Ask him. He saw when my girl left. She had to go pick up her baby, so I told her I would call an Uber.

Is that true? Young asked, tilting his head Nas’ way.

For what seemed like an eternity, Nas just stared at me. I could actually see the battle to back me up versus telling the truth going on in his eyes. Yeah, man. She was just wit’ some broad who left not too long ago.

My whole being sighed with relief. I could jump up and hug Nas if Young wasn’t standing right in front of me. There was no telling why he lied on my behalf, but Lord knows I was thankful.

Aight, cool, was all Young said in response. Where you headed to, homey?

With his eyes watching mine, Nas replied. Out to get faded. Some scheming ass hoe just ran off with ten racks of mine, so I need to get my head together. His confession was a blow to the gut because I knew he was talking about me.

10K? Young frowned. That’s fucked up. Boy, I tell you, these hoes ain’t shit.

Right, hoes be doin’ too much. Can’t trust ’em as far as you can throw ’em. Nas cackled, making me swallow the lump in my throat. Anyway, I’m out. Hit my line if you need me. With that, he turned around and disappeared into the night, leaving me alone with Young.

The hairs on my neck began to rise, and my heart nearly ran out of my chest when he shot me the deadliest glare ever. Perhaps he didn’t buy my story, even though Nas corroborated it? I was too afraid to blink or move for that matter. Shivers literally traveled down my spine once he yoked me up by my shirt.

Shaking in my bones, my voice trembled when I opened my mouth to speak. Plea–please baby, you’re hurting me, I whined.

Oddly enough, he smiled. A devious smile, but a smile nonetheless. You think I’m one of these duck ass niggas or sumn?

Eyes bulging from the pressure he was applying to my neck, I shook my head. No, I don’t.

Yeah, aight. Whatever sneaky ass, messy ass, hoe shit you got goin’ on stops today. You understand?

Y… ye… yeah, I understand, I stuttered.

Yo girl Vasii gon’ get you fucked up, ma. Fareal. I’m not no okey-doke ass nigga, and I would hate to put my hands on you again, but I will. Ain’t no bitch finna try me.

But, bae—

He tightened his grip around my neck, shutting me up. Nah, I don’t wanna hear shit else you gotta say right now. Take yo’ monkey ass to my house, and we’ll finish talkin’ when I get there. If you make any unnecessary detours, I’m talking something as simple as stopping at McDonald’s for a cheeseburger, I’mma fuck you up.

Gasping for air once he let me go, I massaged my neck. It took a second for me to catch my breath. Are you gonna take me? I huffed.

"Nah, I got