Kode and Aara: Hood Love is That Good Love

1

Y ou had one job. One fucking job, and you couldn’t do that?

Chuck’s eyes shut, and sweat glazed his forehead. A few seconds passed before Dakota held his open hand out, waiting to receive the gun that he’d requested. Once Prez placed it in Dakota’s palm, he pressed the cold steel against Chuck’s temple, causing his eyes to double in size when he opened them.

Kode, man, listen, I did my job. I picked up the money like I was supposed to and hand delivered it myself. I didn’t touch one dollar. Not one fucking dollar, man, I promise.

Sounds like you’re placing blame on Raleigh. Is that what you’re saying? I’m short because of Raleigh?

Nah, that’s not. I mean, I don’t know. I just know I ain’t touch one dollar. I swear on my mama.

Dakota’s left cheek hiked just a little. He was amused. Really fucking amused. "Chuck, your mama is a two-dollar crackhead. She sucks dicks in the alley of Flight just to support her habit. Why the hell would you expect for me to find comfort in you swearing your innocence on her?"

Chuck’s face steeled. The muscles around his eyes tensed because he knew that he was in a bad situation. Crossing Dakota was not worth the small amount of benefit that he may have received from doing so.

Kode, I swear… I swear it wasn’t me. I can’t say for certain that it was Raleigh, but it damn sure wasn’t…

Dakota silenced him by holding up the gun that was in his hand and pressing it deeper into Chuck’s temple so he could answer his phone. Had it been his other line, he would have waited, but it was his personal phone, which he always made a priority. Chuck sniffled and began to tremble like a little bitch. He was crying.

Yeah.

Daddy…

Belle, what’s wrong? Dakota nodded at Prez, who was already waiting to take over. His hand was out to receive the gun.

Once he had it, Prez took Dakota’s place while he stepped away to figure out what was going on with his daughter.

I’m scared. Can you come home? Her soft little voice came through the phone as nothing more than a whisper. That had all of Dakota’s senses heightened.

Scared of what, baby?

I don’t like being alone, and Mommy’s not here. Can you come home?

The fuck does she mean her mother isn’t there? Dakota did a quick mental sweep, knowing for certain that Belle’s nanny left early on Thursdays, which meant that Tate needed to have her ass at home.

Who’s with you, Belle? When did your mother leave?

It was just after midnight, and he knew for damn sure that Tate should have been home, but apparently, she wasn’t.

I don’t know. I was asleep, but I woke up scared. I kept calling for Mommy, but she didn’t come. Ms. Vivian said that she wasn’t here.

I’m on my way. You’re at home, Belle. What did Daddy tell you about being at home?

She sniffled as she spoke. That I’m safe. That you built a safe place for me, and that nothing can happen to me if I’m at home.

And don’t you ever forget that. You’re safe, Belle, there’s no reason for you to be scared, okay? Ask Ms. Vivian to come and sit with you. I’m on my way. I love you, baby girl.

I love you too, Daddy, but hurry, please.

Get your iPad, put your headphones in, and turn on a movie. I’ll be there before it’s over.

Okay, I will.

I have to go, Belle, but I promise I’ll be there as soon as I can.

After slipping his phone into his pocket again, Dakota dropped his eyes to the floor before they closed. He massaged his temple in an attempt to mollify the anger that was pushing through his body. Tate was really trying his patience these days. But that had to wait.

She good, Kode?

Yeah, I just need to get home.

Prez had a concerned eye on his boy. The mention of Belle’s name had him equally alarmed. She was his godchild, and Prez had been there from the day she was born. He loved her just as much as Dakota did.

You want me to—

Nah, let’s just finish this shit up.

Nodding, Prez handed over the gun. Dakota took two long strides, placing him at Chuck’s side again. The tears had stopped, but he was still a snotty ass mess. Weak, pathetic; an embarrassment.

What do you propose I do about this situation, Chuck?

I… I… don’t know. I just… can you at least—

One precise shot to the temple.

Damn, Kode. No warning?

Blood spewed from the side of Chuck’s head as his body slumped over until it was against the cold, concrete floor.

I didn’t have time for whatever bullshit that he was about to hit me with.

You really think he was the one who stole the money?

No, but he knows who did, and that’s just as bad.

Prez chuckled and shook his head before handing over a small towel, which Dakota used to clean the gun that took Chuck’s life. Once he was done, he handed both to Prez. It was his job to handle everything from this point. He would make the call to their crew so they could come and get rid of the body, and he would stay to make sure it was handled properly. Dakota was going home to Belle.

So, you expected that nigga to snitch?

Dakota could hear the amusement in Prez’s voice. He was already on his way to the door but stopped just before exiting and delivered his answer.

I expected him to employ loyalty to the organization. There’s a difference. If you will let someone steal from me and look the other way, then you will eventually feel comfortable enough to do it too.

With that, he left his friend there to head home to the only person who could control or dictate his movements, his daughter.

The second Dakota walked in the door, Vivian was waiting in the foyer. Her body language was tense, and her angry eyes gave away that she was once again fed up. Vivian was their head housekeeper, although she spent more time tending to his and Belle’s personal needs versus cleaning.

Dakota made sure she had a staff under her to handle those duties, but Vivian had a room at the house, so she was always around. It was just natural since Vivian had been with Dakota since he was a kid and now was part of his own daughter’s life. It was a warming feeling and gave him confidence that in his absence, his daughter was always cared for. Something he didn’t count on her mother for.

I’m not about to do this with you, Viv. Go to bed, it’s late. He kissed her on the cheek and kept going.

Vivian, however, was right behind him.

She’s asleep now. I know you’ll still check on her, but I handled it like I always do. She started a movie, which I’m sure was your idea, and was out ten minutes later. I tucked Belle in and sat with her for a while to make sure she didn’t wake again.

By the time Vivian finished her spiel, the two had reached the top of the stairs. Dakota turned to face Vivian and could see that she had more to say about the situation.

What’s on your mind, Viv?

This is getting out of control, Dakota. I know why you’re doing this…

He placed his hand on her shoulder and gave her a firm look. Viv, go to bed. It’s late. Thank you for making sure Belle was good.

Don’t thank me for taking care of my baby. What you need to do is check her mother for wanting to shake her ass instead of being here for that baby.

Dakota smirked at the scowl on Vivian’s face. She had no issue revealing her true feelings about Tate.

Good night, Vivian. You know you have no business being up this late anyway. You’re getting old.

Old? Hmph, I’m not too old to whoop your ass, little boy. Don’t think I won’t.

He simply chuckled and kissed her cheek one last time before she took off down the hall to her room. Dakota stopped across from the master suite to peek in on Belle.

She was in a deep sleep with her purple comforter pulled up over her head, only exposing the top of her soft, brown curls. Dakota entered her room, careful not to step on the dolls that were scattered on the floor, and leaned over her bed, peeling back the sea of purple just enough to sprinkle kisses on her tiny little face.

Belle stirred a little, sensing her father’s presence but didn’t wake, so he left her there and headed to his room. After a quick shower, Dakota dressed in sleep pants and a plain tee before heading back downstairs to wait. He was always fucking waiting where Tate was concerned, and it was getting old.

By three a.m., he heard the alarm deactivate and then the notification that their front door was open. After smoking two blunts, his mood was as mellow as it could be considering the situation, but the second he laid eyes on his wife, his high was completely blown.

Tate stumbled in, alarmed by the fact that Dakota was up waiting. His being there caused her to sober up slightly for fear of what he might say.

Hey, what are you doing up?

Her eyes darted around the foyer before they landed on Dakota again. She tried a little harder to keep her composure as best she could, but it was pointless. She was too drunk and faded from the high she had been buzzing from all night.

Where were you?

I had a few drinks with Shona.

With disgust and anger in his eyes, Dakota peered at his wife so intensely that she looked away. Tate already knew what the deal was. He couldn’t stand the relationship that she had with her best friend and didn’t want Shona around his wife. Every time the two were together, Tate lost her mind and behaved irresponsibly, just like tonight.

What, Dakota? I know you don’t like her, but she’s my best friend, and I should be able—

You should have had your ass at home so that when your daughter woke up scared, you could have been here for her and not out with that hoe ass, shady bitch.

Don’t talk about her like that. She’s not a hoe.

Dakota chuckled and moved closer to his wife. You’re defending that bitch and ignoring the fact that I mentioned your daughter woke up in the middle of the night scared. When she called for you, you weren’t there.

She was fine. Vivian is…

"Vivian loves Belle, but she is not her mother. It is not her responsibility."

It was one night. I bust my ass every day, and what little free time I have, I give to Belle. I just wanted one night to have a few drinks, unwind, and not feel the burden of being what you expect me to be. You get to do whatever you want, and I’m stuck here with her all the time.

"Stuck? She’s your fucking daughter. You should want to be here. The only thing I expect you to be is her got damn mother. You don’t have to work. All you have to do is love Belle. I know you’re not complaining about that shit. You don’t know what real problems are, Tatum."

By this time, Dakota was towering over her. Their bodies were so close that Tate’s breast brushed against his chest. She could feel the anger radiating from his body, but the close proximity to her husband, the feel of his body, the enticing scent of his cologne, and the firmness of his tall frame had Tatum’s core tensing and her nipples erect.

She’s your daughter too.

And I’m here for her. All the got damn time. Don’t act like I’m not, and I also never complain because that’s what parents do.

Whatever, Dakota.

It was true. Dakota was always there for Belle, so much so that it made Tate jealous of their relationship. Not wanting to admit the truth, she tried to move away from him so fast that she stumbled and almost fell, but he caught her arm.

Whatever? That’s all you have to say? She’s here because of you. So why the fuck are you complaining now?

Tate assumed that having Belle would earn her Dakota’s love, but it seemed to do the complete opposite. From the second Belle took her first breath, Tate was no longer relevant. Dakota showered his daughter with every ounce of care he had in his heart, and that left nothing for Tate. She regretted the decision to have their daughter, but more than anything, she regretted the secrets that came with Belle. The fear of it getting out had her constantly on edge, which was part of the reason she drank so much. He was the other.

I didn’t make her by myself, Dakota.

You’re right, you didn’t. We created her together. However, we both knew what this was. I didn’t want kids, but you got pregnant, and I supported the decision to keep her. Now she’s here, and she’s my got damn world. I love her—

You love her but not me. I get it. Message received.

This time, she successfully managed to get away from him. Moving in long strides, Tate created distance between the two of them because her heart couldn’t take being in his presence and being rejected.

This isn’t a love thing, Tate, it’s never been. It has always been business. You complicated that by getting pregnant, and now that she’s here, I want our daughter to grow up with both of her parents under one roof. Belle deserves to feel loved regardless of the situation between us, but lately, you’ve been pushing me to change my position.

"Business deal? Do you even hear yourself? How can she feel love from being a product of a transaction? That’s all I ever was to you, right? Yeah, that’s right. You married me to gain access to my father’s business. You have that now. Dakota Moretti is the king of all kings. You have it all. You took over, so I’m no longer important to you. His trucks push your drugs across state lines, and my father’s birthright allows you to walk around holding your dick because everyone has to bow down to you and abide by the decisions you make. That’s all that you care about. Fuck you, Dakota. Seriously, fuck you."

"No, fuck you, Tate. You knew from day one that I didn’t want any of this. It’s not like you didn’t gain from this deal. You set this shit up. You brought it to me, not the other way around, so don’t throw that shit in my face now."

You’re right, I did. My bank accounts look great, and I’m financially set for life, but it wasn’t just business for me. Unlike you, I actually wanted this. I love you, even if it’s one sided.

Dakota’s entire body raged. He knew the truth even if she wasn’t aware that he did. Now was just not the time to reveal it.

You wanted this? As he waited for her to respond, Dakota strongly considered proving that what his wife said was a lie, but he had a few more things to put in place before he dismantled the years of bullshit that she had been throwing at him.

Yes, I wanted this. I love you, even if you treat me like shit.

Love? He questioned her in his head before delivering his own answer. You loved the nigga whose life I took. The nigga whose…

Dakota brushed his hand down his face and then peered at her. You don’t love me. You love the idea of me. You don’t even fucking know me. After five years, you don’t know shit about me other than when we choose to sleep in the same bed that I can make you cum. That’s not love, baby. That’s sex, physical pleasure. You can get that anywhere, and you have been. You don’t think I know the things you do?

"Don’t you dare. Don’t tell me what I feel just because you don’t feel the same. I would be perfectly happy with just you. I only deal with other men because you’re fucking other women. And you know it. I love you. I only want you."

Her face softened, and her eyes pleaded for Dakota to give her what she wanted, but he couldn’t. He didn’t feel the same emotions that Tate did. There was a time when he thought he could give her more, but she ruined that for both of them. He wasn’t even sure that she believed what she was saying herself.

This is dangerous. You think it’s a good look for you to keep pushing me? His eyes bore into hers, which were narrowed on him. I’m tired of your shit. You keep fucking pushing me, Tatum. This is not even the type of man that I am. You’re really trying to make me cross lines that I promised myself I would never cross. Don’t let it get to that.

It took him no time to cross the room and meet her where she stood. Dakota lifted one hand and gripped her chin so firmly that she failed at pulling away when she tried. He wanted his position to be clear.

What are you gonna do, Dakota? You gonna put your hands on me? Is that what you’re getting at?

His teeth grit hard, so hard that he felt the pain in his jaw from the tightness of them pressed so firmly together, but it was enough to bring him back to reality. Enough to remind him that he had too much to lose, so he let her go.

Good night, Tatum. Get some rest so you can spend time with your daughter when she’s up in the morning.

He left her there scowling at him. Her heart was shattered, and Dakota knew it, but he refused to feel bad about her wanting something that he was never going to provide. They had a deal. She messed that up, and now she had to deal with the consequences. He refused to care about her bruised ego. Instead, he decided to hit the kitchen for one last drink before bed.

This situation was proving to be more of a drawback than the benefit that was received from the union. Something had to change, and soon.

2

With the tip of her pen dangling between her lips as she pinched it with her thumb and pointer finger, Aara looked around the café. She had a creative block. It didn’t happen often, but when it did, she felt as if it were the end of the world. Her deadline was only weeks away, and she needed to figure out her current project.

God, why can’t I clear my mind?

She groaned under her breath before she moved her leather backpack closer and slipped her small hand inside. After another scan of the café, she removed the rolled blunt that she had been working on for a few days. One she had been given by a trusted friend, but one that she also knew was illegal to have. After a quick flick of her lighter, she wrapped her thin fingers around the weed and lowered her hand under the table. She wanted to do a quick survey to make sure she was still alone before taking her first pull.

For some reason, Aara thought about her parents, and an eerie feeling washed over her. They didn’t smoke or drink. Both were militant about their religion when they were alive. She had been raised to be the same but had since strayed, becoming more Americanized, as they would have called it.

Aara just considered it living. She had her faith but chose to live her life by her own rules. The same rules that likely had her parents rolling over in their graves. Shaking the thought, Aara lifted the thinly rolled blunt to her lips and examined it as if she hadn’t seen it a million times before. It was her saving grace being that she wasn’t much of a drinker. The weed calmed her nerves and spiked her creativity. It was the only thing that she could think of to help her over this non-creative hump.

Even though she was in a back corner with no one surrounding her, she still proceeded with caution when she lifted it to her lips and inhaled deeply. After holding in the smoke for a moment, she let it expel from her lips and nose. It burned them both so intensely that she pushed out a string of coughs right after.

You know that shit is illegal? Try being a little more discreet if you’re going to do it in public.

The voice that caused Aara’s body to shudder wasn’t close enough for her to see where it came from just yet or was it?

The second he rounded the corner, Aara’s heart stopped. It literally stopped beating for a minute because he was just that handsome. His medium build seemed never-ending, solid, secure and inviting. She could see the contours of either good genetics or hard work beneath the black T-shirt and dark denim jeans he wore. They both fit his frame just right. His skin was a shade darker than the purest honey that she could recall with red undertones, and his jet-black hair was cut low to his head, making it look like a sea of oil. The same could be said for the beard that lined his face, which was also well groomed and cut low. He was so handsome that her skin misted with perspiration from the nervous feeling in her gut. At the same time, the lining of her panties soaked.

Aara swallowed hard, clutching the blunt in her hand as he neared her table. She was at a loss, so she simply stared without speaking. It was all she could do at the moment. When his hand brushed against hers, taking the blunt from her grasp, she sucked in a deep breath.

This barely looks strong enough to have you coughing the way you were. Fuck what I said, you’re probably straight on it being illegal. Twelve damn sure won’t arrest you for this trash. I bet this shit ain’t real.

Dakota’s eyes met with the multi-hued brown ones that belonged to the woman whose space he had just invaded. He wasn’t sure why, but he couldn’t help himself. The red-headed beauty was sitting alone in the back of his sister’s favorite café, and he couldn’t take his eyes off her. After a quick trip to the bathroom, instead of heading to the front where he knew Dallas was waiting for him, he turned the corner to find out who she was.

Red, as he dubbed her since he didn’t have her name yet, was interesting. Her wine-colored hair was pulled back into a ponytail, exposing her russet complected face. She had a spray of freckles across both cheeks and her nose, but they were sporadic and barely noticeable. He noticed. Her look was cute but interesting.

Excuse you, but can I have that back? Aara extended a hand to him while she anxiously looked around to see if they had spectators.

Dakota just stared at the illegal weed he was now holding wearing a smirk. There was no way he would be arrested for something so trivial. The deal that his family made with the cops and detectives who swarmed the city was a guarantee of money well spent to prevent such a thing. When his eyes made it back to hers, Aara’s body warmed at an alarming rate because of the way he was watching her. Not wanting to feel like a creep, she tried her best to hide how she was affected. However, she failed miserably. Dakota grinned harder at her uneasiness, and it had her sitting up straight and squaring her shoulders.

You trying to get high?

That’s none of your business. Now, may I please have that back before you get us both arrested? Aara’s eyes darted around them again while her pulse quickened. The last thing she needed was an arrest for possession.

Trust me, you won’t be arrested because of this… He held up the blunt and offered Red a smirk. For more reasons than one.

Dakota didn’t trust people, and he damn sure didn’t smoke behind strangers. However, for some reason, he was curious about the potency of the product that he was holding. Well, that was his excuse, but more than anything, he just wanted to know who Red was. His sister got high all the time, but he knew the contents and potency of hers because he was the supplier. His family owned several shops out in California and Colorado, making the investment right after they became legal.

What he was holding, however, wasn’t branded with his company logo, so before it was placed to his lips and he pulled from it, his mind was already made up that it was bullshit. That was confirmed seconds later when he exhaled, allowing smoke to seep through his full lips. Lips that Aara couldn’t seem to pull her eyes away from.

As Dakota expected, the potency was weak as hell, and the flavor was equally bland. It was indeed garbage.

This shit is trash. He extended it to her, and she quickly snatched it from his fingers before looking around to see if they had an audience.

When their eyes connected again, she frowned.

Are you crazy? You have to be one of those crazy people who don’t know they’re crazy?

Dakota smirked, and Aara was entranced by the way his lips looked. You just asked me if I was crazy and then told me I was but didn’t know that I was. Make up your mind. Are you asking me or telling me that I’m crazy?

Both. Crazy people go around invading other’s personal space and touching their things without permission. That’s you, asshole.

Dakota was even more amused because she was calling him an asshole. To a certain degree, he was, but for the most part, he was a good guy. However, her words didn’t match the look in her eyes. Crazy as she thought he might be, she was attracted to him, very. That had his jeans tightening at the crotch and a need to know more about her rising in him.

Not saying a word in response to her statement, Dakota moved closer to the table and leaned down into her personal space so that his lips grazed the side of her face. This is invading personal space. Now that I have actually done that, your statement is correct. And no, I’m not crazy, just a businessman checking out the competition that shouldn’t be available in my city.

His city? Aara thought. She wasn’t sure what that meant, but at the moment, she didn’t care. Dakota, on the other hand, attempted to hold onto his last statement. It was a partial truth. Dakota just needed a reason to be near her and evaluating the weed she was smoking gave him a viable one that he could back up with facts if needed.

When Dakota was upright again, his eyes dropped slowly to connect with hers. It wasn’t until then that he noticed the rings of brown in them. Dark circles that alternated with lighter ones until they were a honey color and then grew dark again. He had never seen eyes that resembled