Page 32 of Still Yours

Dexz sat in Lunden's basement of his trap house with at least twenty goons around him. One dim lamp glowed, and the air was thick with Za smoke. Everyone was happy to have him home; now it was time to get down to business. Although he was on parole, he was ready to get back on his feet where he left off. Had he never beaten up Trigga, he would still be in business. He wasn't letting the system get in the way of his cash flow from drugs.

“First off, not only are you free, but you on your stomping grounds again. Now it's time to get back to this money,” Lunden stated proudly. He was standing behind his desk with a glass of cognac in his hand and his suit jacket off.

Dexz nodded. “I appreciate you, bro. I also appreciate you holding me down while I was locked up. You and my nigga Burner held the streets down.”

“Your man's Burner is a solid nigga. Love is love. He definitely needs to continue to be a part of the operation,” Lunden preached.

“Yeah, my nigga the one who helped me out when I moved to Cali. He’s definitely solid and staying on the team,” Dexz assured him as he looked at Burner.

“That’s solid, bro. I’m even thinking about moving down here for good. Run these NY streets with y’all,” Burner replied, directing it to Lunden.

“Word? Okay. As long as you stay in the position to keep bringing in that Cali money and that Za, that sounds like a plan,” Lunden expressed as he rubbed his hands together.

“The Cali money and bud will still stay the same. I got my bitches on payroll to always keep us supplied with the weed.”

“Now that that’s settled. Like I said, it’s my nigga’s day!” Lunden walked over to Dexz and massaged his shoulders as he laughed. “You home, boy. It’s time to get you some pussy, money, and a new whip. Let’s step outside; I got something for you.”

Everybody stepped outside, dying to see what Lunden had for Dexz. When he stepped outside, Storm was standing next to a brand new AMG GT43 Mercedes coupe. It was midnight blue with dark tint and stock rims, but they were sporty chrome. Dexz smiled brightly at the car. It was clean and the perfect car to come home to.

“Yooo, bro! Good looking out.”

The two slapped fives and hugged.

“I had to welcome you home the right way, and that cash is in the trunk. Two million that was promised. You back, my nigga.”

They walked over to the trunk, and Storm opened it up. Dexz opened both of the duffle bags and smiled brightly at all the money and dope that was back there.

“This is just a start-up kit. You know we’re about to get to the bag heavy now,” Lunden said as they eyed the money and drugs.

“Yeah, I know, but I’ma get out of here. I’m assuming Storm is for me too.” Dexz smirked at her, and she winked.

“Yup, that's why she’s here. I’ll see you in a few days.”

Dexz got in the passenger seat, and Storm decided to drive since there were drugs and big money in the trunk.

As she drove the highway to her apartment, the car was silent. They knew they couldn’t fuck each other for the sake of Pretti. At the party, Storm had told him how close she was to his best friend, and Pretti had already told Storm her real feelings about Dexz two years prior. So, Storm spoke first.

“We don’t have to do this if you don’t want to. My cousin paid me to fuck you, keep you company, and keep you away from his new fiancée,” she spoke softly as she kept her eyes on the road.

“That’s why I came with you, so we could talk, not get my rocks off. What the fuck has been going on around here, yo?” He brushed his hands over his face.

“I don’t know, but he’s been so abusive towards her mentally since the day they hooked up. I don’t know what she sees in that nigga.”

“He got her mind blown because she is easy to manipulate. Before I got locked up, I was all she knew. I was her protector, and she did whatever I told her, but I never had her on bullshit. This was why I didn’t want no sucker-ass niggas getting in her head. I know he’s been treating her like shit. I didn’t send her down here for this.”

Storm sighed. “I’ve been watching and keeping him straight, but he has his moments, especially when she’s at work. He doesn’t know how you feel about them being together yet since they never told you. I think he’s scared you’re going to take her or something because he's been acting funny. The engagement and the slick comment. The boy is nervous.”

“Well, I’m taking her when the time is right. She’s mine. I molded her for me; that’s my best friend. I only let that engagement shit rock, so that nigga won’t be embarrassed,” Dexz uttered lowly.

“Remember, you just got out of jail, bro. We’re happy you’re home and don’t want you to go back in. Keep that rage in for a while. They’ve been together for three years, and now they’re engaged. See how this shit plays out.”

“I hear you, big sis, but Pretti knows I don’t play about her. The main reason why I went to jail was that I pistol-whipped her boss for putting his hands on her. The nigga was feeling up on her; I thought he was going to rape her. I only got so much time because of the dope I had on me when they picked me up. So, if that nigga even looks at her wrong, I’m fuckin’ that nigga up,” Dexz spoke boldly, and Storm knew he was serious.

“I already know the real. But for now, I’ll keep you occupied so you don't hurt Lunden's cocky ass. I got some more drank, and I got some Za from Burner. He's cool too, by the way. You can crash at my crib for as long as you want. I have a spare room. We can fake like we together, so Lunden can stay calm. I feel like fuckin’ with these bitches mind anyway because I know they gon’ be on you.”

“Thanks, but I’m going to have to go to Pretti’s in a couple days because that’s where my parole officer thinks I’m staying until my apartment is ready. I guess they had to redo the carpet before I moved in.” He shrugged.

“Well, at least you came home comfortable. Welcome home again, and I hope things work out for you and my girl.” She smiled. She really thought Dexz was a solid dude, and everything he did for Pretti was a good look. She was happy he could come home to lavish things. He deserved it. Now, she wanted Dexz and Pretti to hook up because he was who her friend deserved.