Page 74 of Gang of Roses: Dice

“Nah. You know Ritz Monroe, but I suggest you get yo’ nose outta yo’ pure and get that muthafucka in a book to learn just who the fuck I am before you pull that shit again.”

I leaned forward and planted both hands on his desk.

“You gonna need a composition book for notes fuckin’ wit me.”

His glossy eyes stayed on mine.

This bitch was high now.

“Do you know who you're threatening?”

I took a seat in the leather chair. No need to worry, my brothers would smoke all these niggas in broad daylight. Oats had a crew ready for shit like this.

“Listen, your last name is tied to respected people. You ain’t held up nothing when you started dipping with yo’ pinky.”

It was no secret in the family that Vaga was the family problem, and everyone had basically wiped their hands of him. But the way we walked into my shit was like an army was behind him and his foolery.

“I didn’t come to Vegas asking permission. I didn't come to take nothing from you, either. There’s enough money flowing through this city for both of us to eat until we choke. But don't ever walk into my shit again trying to silently warn me. I knew what your visit was, and you knew what message you wanted it to give the minute you pulled up with yo’ flunkies. That shit might work on somebody else.”

I straightened.

“You got something to discuss, call and make a fuckin’ appointment.”

Vaga stared at me.

“And if I don’t?”

A slow grin pulled at my mouth.

“You already got four niggas standing outside this office reconsidering their career choices, and you're still asking stupid-ass questions.”

His jaw flexed, but he didn't say shit.

Good.

I got up from the armchair and turned my back on him, a clear disrespect in his culture, and walked the fuck out.

I had a plane to catch.

More importantly, I had a woman waiting on me.

“Y’all, let’s go. G-Baby already threatening my life about being late.”

They laughed as we headed out.

Behind me, Vaga finally found his voice.

“Til next time, Monroe.”

I stopped but didn’t turn around.

“Til next time...” I called out over my shoulder. See, why he just couldn’t keep his goofy powder brain over there and slowly kill himself with his blow, or get clean and find God. He just had to get the last word. “Aye Vaga, Rule 101. A real man knows the last word never matters, but a boy—a boy will always strive to catch the period. Make sure you put that in your notes.”

I continued my stride.

“Get his address,” I called out to Oats, lowly, not that I didn’t trust Gwop and Wallie, because that was far from the truth. But this situation was different and didn’t just include my girl.

“You sending Dice and em?” he whispered.