Fight to Love - (Chapter 27 plus Chapters 1 - 26)

FIGHT TO LOVE – CHAPTER 1

The alarm clock on the night stand buzzes loudly and she reaches over to silence it quickly. It was 6 am and she could hear the television playing music videos from the living room. Clouds of smoke billowed through the cracked bedroom door. Trina slowly sat up and cringed with pain. Her whole midsection felt like it was on fire. She eased out of the bed and walked slowly to the closet to retrieve her black skirt and beige pinstriped shirt to wear to work. Quietly, she removed her undergarments from her dresser drawer and entered the bathroom to shower. As she lifted up the over-sized t-shirt she wore to bed, she revealed the dark purple bruises on her midsection. Some of the bruises were old, and some were from last night. She couldn’t bare to look at herself so she turns to start the shower. As the steam starts to rise, she slips inside to bathe and collect her thoughts. Gently, she washes her body with her washcloth and soap, paying careful attention to the sore areas on her ribcage. The shower provided some relief, she thought, as she grabbed her towel and dried off. Feeling exhausted and slightly dizzy, she puts on her pink robe and sits down.

For about five minutes, she just sits on the edge of the tub staring into the large mirror above the vanity. Her eyes are tired and the dark circles make her look older even though she's 24. Her tattered satin bathrobe covers the bruises on her chest and stomach. He messed her up bad this time. She's glad he didn't hit her in the face because she needs to go to work today. She can hear her neighbor above her stomping across the floor and yelling at her children to get ready for school. All of her neighbors would yell and scream at this time of the morning, and the walls were so thin, she was used to it by now. It was the hood and the apartment building was run down and old. She starts to unwrap her scarf and the tears start flowing again. She tries to hold it in but she starts to moan because her heart just can't take it anymore. He had mentally and physically abused her to the point that she had lost herself. She used to be so happy and free spirited. Never had she felt so depressed and alone. All her mind could focus on was how not to piss him off. The slightest annoyance would send his fists flying. Suddenly he bursts through the bathroom door. "What the fuck are you crying about now?", he yells, glaring at her as she grabs the shower curtain to prevent her from falling backwards into the tub. "Nothing… Jay.. I'm…I'm OK.", she stutters, wiping her tears away. He flings open the medicine cabinet and grabs her Percocet prescription that she had filled from the last beat down he gave her. "Well get your dumb ass up and let's get outta here. I got a lotta shit to do today Trina.", he barks as he crushes the pill on the bathroom sink and leans over to snort it with a dollar bill that he pulls from his jean pocket. She stares at him through the mirror in fear as she slowly rises from the side of the tub. He looks at her in disgust and walks out the bathroom slamming the door behind him. She looks down at the sink and notices the residue from the pill. She thinks to herself how the pain might stop if she tries it. Instead she combs out her wrap and drops the robe on the floor, rushing to get dressed as she hears Jay grab his keys and head out the door. Trina examines herself in the mirror closely. She was beautiful and physically fit. Her caramel skin was smooth and her dark brown, shoulder length hair was as beautiful as silk. By any standard, she was at least a 9 on a scale of 1 to 10. She gazed at herself, wondering how she got caught up in this horrible relationship with Jay. His loud cursing from the parking lot breaks her gaze and she finishes dressing quickly.

By the time she makes it down the apartment steps she sees him backing her Corolla out of the parking space. He was so impatient and always intimidated her by yelling and rushing her every morning, as if he had a job to go to. She runs around to the passenger side and hops in. She thinks to herself: It's going to be a long ride to work. He has the music blasting the entire time. A mixture of Nas, Jay Z and Biggie. She just stares out the window blankly thinking about that new guy at work. He started last week and works in the adjacent office. She buttons her shirt up, fearing that he might see her bruises when he stops by to say good morning. This guy was like no other guy in her building. He was courteous, well dressed, well spoken, tall and very handsome. She closed her eyes and tried to envision his smile in her mind. He was nothing like Jay. He was so attentive to her and always a complete gentleman. She could almost smell his cologne as she daydreamed about him. She slowly opened her eyes and looked around to see how close they were to her job. Then, out of nowhere, she feels the side of her face stinging. Jay had just slapped her, again. "What the fuck are you looking at!?!?!", he screams into her face as they sit at the stoplight. His eyes were bloodshot red and the veins in his forehead were bulging out. In shock she stammers, "What the hell are you talking about?" He grabs her by the shirt and pulls her closer to his face and with a clenched jaw grumbles, "I know you better not be lookin at that nigga in that car! Bitch I will fuck you up if I catch you looking at another nigga! Do you fuckin understand me?". And she pulls back while answering softly, "Yes Jay." She sinks back into her seat to adjust her shirt and comb her hair back into place. Even though her anger was building inside, she dare not let Jay see her emotions. She watched him light a cigarette and turn up the radio even louder, as if to drown out her feelings. He was unshaven and his braids were so old they were becoming fuzzy and puffy looking. Trina wasn't attracted to him at all, not like when they first met. His dingy white t-shirt and blue jeans were his every day uniform. She remained silent for the rest of the ride, resenting him for the abuse he subjected her to.

FIGHT TO LOVE – CHAPTER 2

After another fifteen minutes of loud music and wreckless driving, they finally pull up at her job. Trina pulls down the sun visor to inspect her face and compose herself. She wanted to make sure her face wasn’t red because she could still feel it stinging. "What time you get off today?", Jay asks. She replies, "I don't know, I will call you around five and let you know what's up." Before she even has a chance to close the passenger side door he yells, "You better call me or your ass will be catchin the bus!". He pulls off in her car, music blasting, as she stands outside her building watching him ride down the street. If it were any other guy, she would have not allowed him to take her car. She felt so disrespected, but did not want to anger Jay, in fear that he would abuse her even more. She decides to stand there for a moment, to gain her composure. He always made her feel so disheveled and insecure. Trina looked down to make sure that her bruises were covered and everything was in place before heading up the steps to her building.

"Hey girl!", a voice shrieks behind her. She turns around to see three of her female coworkers entering the building. They brush past her, laughing loudly. She was always their inside joke. "Hey.", she slowly responds as she follows them inside. On the elevator, she felt them all staring at her as she was the last one to get on. She could feel their eyes inspecting her from behind. Even though they were the hood rats of the office, they were always trying to tear her down in some way. "Trina, why your man always driving your car? He ain't got one? That car used to be your pride and joy!", Valerie asks while popping her gum. Valerie was the ugly vulture of the group. Trina didn't turn around but answered, "His truck is in the shop." The elevator reaches their floor before they could ask any more questions. She jumps off and rushes to her desk. She could hear them laughing behind her. She didn't care though. She had her new coworker, Derek, on her mind. She wanted to get to her desk and freshen up with some lip gloss and perfume. She knew he would be by soon to use the copier and get some supplies out of the supply closet behind her cubicle. It was something about him that made her heart skip a beat.

And then, like clockwork, she heard his voice saying good morning to everyone as he walked down the long corridor of desks and cubicles. She spritzed herself with Victoria Secrets Love Spell and pretended to be engrossed in her work. She was intently listening to the conversation he was having with Valerie. She was such a flirt and a trouble maker. The sight of Valerie's bloated, pale, acne scarred face revolted her. "So when are you moving to our office honey?", Valerie asked. She could see the top of Derek's head as he leaned into her cubicle. "I really don't know Val, I just started here so it may take a while.", he answered with a deep velvety voice. "Well when you do, I want you near me. I could show you some things.", she laughed with her high pitched voice. "All right now...", he replied as he walked away, heading in Trina's direction.

She felt his tall dark body lean over her desk and say, "Well good morning Ms. Williams." His voice always made her feel so excited inside. She couldn't help but raise her head and smile while greeting him with, "Good morning Mr. Williams." She loved the fact that they had the same last name. She loved the smell of his cologne. He wore everything from Cool Water to Usher. He stooped down and looked directly into her eyes asking her, "Can you hold the ladder for me while I get this paper?". She thought he would never ask. She didn't want to seem to eager, so she finished typing her sentence and answered, "Sure. No problem." This moment was everything she had fantasized about. She wanted to be needed and respected by a man, especially Derek. He was her complete fantasy and definitely a prize catch. He looked sharp in his dark grey three button suit and black, polished Kenneth Cole loafers and light grey shirt and tie. His dark brown skin was the color of a Hershey bar and his hair was neatly cut close, tapering at his neck.

As she got up, she could feel him standing close behind her as she walked towards the supply closet. She glanced over her shoulder to see if anyone was watching them enter. Everyone was seated and talking across the cubicles, so they slipped in together and he closed the door behind them. The butterflies in her stomach were going crazy. His cologne filled her nose as he climbed up the ladder to reach the top shelves where the paper was. She held the ladder steady as his weight rocked it a little. "Don't make me fall!", he laughed. "Oh I won't let you down like that.", she replied while studying him from head to toe. As he descended with the paper, their eyes met. There was an awkward moment as they stood there face to face. She felt her heart pounding and was afraid that he could hear it. Her throat tightened as if she was about to stop breathing and then he touched her hand. He dropped the paper and gently grabbed her waist and pulled her closer. "What would you do if I kissed you?", he asked, still looking in her eyes. She was so shocked that she couldn’t even reply. He smiled as he moved in closer. She slowly closed her eyes and felt his lips touch hers. She felt like she was floating. His tongue parted her lips and she felt her knees tremble and weaken. He placed both hands around her waist and pulled her even closer as he kissed her even deeper. His mouth was sweet and minty and she loved the taste. She felt his large hands caressing and massaging her butt. "Derek.", she whispered as he began kissing her neck and unbuttoning her shirt. "Yeah?", he responded while struggling with the buttons. "Let's not do this here.", she said, grasping his hand, afraid he would see her bruised chest. "Ok. And I'm sorry. Are you okay?", he asked while she buttoned her top button. Then there was a sound at the door, and it opened to reveal Valerie standing there with her hand on her hip. "Oh! Well excuse me! Am I interrupting?", Valerie asks as she walks in and stands between them. "Interrupting what?", Derek quickly responds as he grabs the paper and walks out laughing. Trina follows quickly behind leaving Valerie in the supply closet alone. She sank back into her chair at her cubicle watching Derek walk back down the corridor. He never looked back and she was sure that Valerie was still standing in the closet trying to piece it all together. She was the office’s troublemaker and loved to gossip and spread rumors.

FIGHT TO LOVE – CHAPTER 3

As the day drags on Trina realizes that she will not be leaving work on time. It was already 4:45 pm. She picks up her desk phone and dials Jay’s number to let him know that’s she’s running behind schedule. He doesn’t answer. She calls again and it goes straight to voicemail. Frustrated, she pulls out her cell phone and calls him again. It goes straight to voicemail. She stares into the small mirror hanging from her cubicle wondering where he could be and what he was doing. He never answers her calls. She decides to text him to see if he will call her back because she did not want to ride the bus home again. It was too damn hot for that. After all, it was her car. She felt so used and frustrated by the whole arrangement. And after this morning’s fling in the supply closet with Derek, she felt like she may have some other options. Trina knew she was a pretty girl and she had a nice figure. It was just something about Jay that drew her to him initially. As she waited for him to call, her mind began drifting back to the memories of when they first met.

She met him a year ago at Open Mic Night down at Lucky’s Lounge. She had been a few times before with her girlfriends but had never seen him before. The emcee introduced him as Jazzy Jay and he walked up on stage with swagger. His braids were fresh and done in an intricate pattern that only a professional could do. His chain and watch shimmered under the stage lights. He was tall, chocolate and thick, like a guy that loved to eat. His Polo shirt and Air Force Ones indicated that he was not a local country boy. His style was very hip-hop. He had a nice freestyle that moved the crowd. He seemed confident and comfortable on the stage, making eye contact with the cheering audience. She watched from the bar as he descended the stage, shaking hands and giving dap. He came right over and asked, as if he knew her, “So what do you think?”. Trina sipped her apple martini slowly and said, “It was cool.”. He motioned for the bartender and asked him to bring her another martini and two shots of Patron for him. They talked and drank until last call about his potential record deal with No Limit Records and how he was going to be the next biggest thing. As she had guessed, he was from the north – New Jersey. He had a fast talking style and loved to brag about his money and rapping skills. And even though he tried his hardest to tag along, she left the lounge with her girlfriends that night, leaving him her number. He called her the next day with horrible news. He said had been robbed that night of his cash and jewelry and could not afford to stay another night at the Motel 6. She reluctantly allowed him to spend the night on her couch that day. She heard about New Jersey dudes and how they like to run game, so she was being cautious.

Trina thought she was helping him by letting him sleep on the couch for a few days. She asked him to leave each morning while she was at work, but he would always be waiting on the steps to her apartment building when she got home. And everyday he had a new excuse as to why she should let him stay another night. On the fourth night, while watching television together in the living room, she informed him that he had to go, no matter what. Trina explained to him that she was more comfortable living alone and that she could not support him, especially since he had eaten all her food. He began rubbing on her bare thighs as they sat side by side on the loveseat. He promised to pay her rent if she let him stay until the end of the month. He reminded her of his pending record deal and tentative performances with well known artists. She initially said no, but he continued to rub and beg, slowly moving his hands under her jean skirt. “Come on Trina, don’t be that way.”, Jay whispered in her ear. “You know I’m trying to do this music thing and you are the only one that I have supporting me.”, he continued to whisper while pulling her panties down around her ankles. She sat in silence, pondering her response, while wanting him to continue his please. In the blue glow of the television, he got on his knees in front of her and began kissing and licking her inner thighs while whispering, “Trina, let me be your man. We can help each other.” She still didn’t respond so he forcefully hiked her jean skirt up around her waist and began passionately licking her clitoris. “Trina, say yes baby.”, he would ask every few minutes. She was thoroughly enjoying him between her legs. She stroked his braids and admired how great he made her body feel. It made her feel sexy and in control. As her legs began to shake uncontrollably, she screamed, “Yes Jay! Yes!” He immediately pulled out a rubber and unzipped his pants. “So you gonna let me stay and be your man?”, he asked while rolling the condom on. She looked at his penis and it was nice and thick, better than what she had expected. “Yeah, come on.”, she responded. He pulled her up off the sofa and spun her around. She could feel him enter from the back and begin pounding her from behind. He kept calling her name, which she loved, until he came, about three minutes later. He pulled out of her and said, “Well it’s a done deal.”. He went into the bathroom, flushed the condom and went straight to her bedroom and fell asleep naked on her bed. She stood in her doorway watching him snore, satisfied at the time. Not knowing how their relationship would evolve over the next few months. Little did she know, all he had promised her was a lie. He never did pay the rent that month. And that No Limit Records contract he often talked about never materialized.

The loud heckling laughter brought her back to reality as she sat at her desk. “So now what?”, she smirked to herself while looking back into the tiny mirror hanging from her cubicle. She sat there thinking about how to get out of the situation. He had taken over her life. He beat her for senseless things all the time; like leaving the top off the toothpaste or not cooking dinner to his liking. And all the things he said he would accomplish never amounted to anything. He tells her that he’s at the studio all day and all night. He comes home reeking of alcohol, cigarettes and marijuana. His cell phone rings all night and he claims its producers wanting him to freestyle. So he leaves her home alone, sometimes not returning until the next afternoon. She chuckles bitterly to herself, “But you don’t answer when I call.” Fed up, she jumps up from her cubicle, grabs her cell phone and purse and races out the building to the pay phone across the street.

Once she gets to the pay phone, she digs deep in her purse for change. She anxiously inserts the quarter and dime and dials his number. On the first ring he answers, “Hello?”. “This Trina.”, she quips back, “I have been trying to call you. Where are you?”. She hears music in the background and a woman’s voice asking, “Who’s that?”. “Hello! Hello?”, Trina yells loudly into the pay phone. Then she heard silence. She stood there staring into the handset of the pay phone in disbelief. She dropped the handset and grabbed her cell phone from her purse to call him back. Again, it went straight to his voicemail. She could not believe how much she had tolerated from him. She stood there, under the blazing Texas sun, wondering how she would get home. And as the sweat began to form on her forehead and drip down her face and neck, she knew that she needed a real plan to get her car back and escape from him for good.

FIGHT TO LOVE – CHAPTER 4

She boards the hot and crowded bus, looking for a seat. Near the back she sees a familiar face smiling at her. "Kyle?", she says, hoping its him. "The one and only baby!", he says, scooting over to the window seat so she can sit next to him. Kyle was her gay boyfriend that she had known since middle school. He was as fine and sexier than most heterosexual men. His body was very muscular and toned. He was tall, with smooth medium brown skin. Kyle was dressed in a black fitted T-shirt and tan cargo shorts that revealed his huge calves. "Look at you honey!" Trina said as she sat down, giving him a kiss on the cheek. "You look great Kyle. How have you been?", she said, looking him up and down in approval. "I'm fabulous boo. But I need you to tell me why you look so tired and wore down.", he said, smacking his lips. A voice from behind them said, "Because she IS tired, she need to RE-tire." Trina and Kyle both turned around to see who was talking trash. There was a group of young girls sitting a few rows behind them. "Ummmm, does somebody have something to say to us?", Kyle said as his eyes searched the group for the trash talker. "I don't have shit to say to YOUR PUNK ASS but that trick right there better stay away from my man!", the pregnant one said, pointing her finger at Trina. "Who the fuck are you?", Trina asked, staring back at the pregnant girl. "I'm Jay's baby mama. And I would suggest you stop calling his phone.", the pregnant girl said, rolling her eyes. Her swollen belly bulged from the faded pink tank top she was wearing. She looked about 17 or 18 years old and about 6 months pregnant. Kyle and Trina looked at each other in shock trying to figure out who she was. "He got a baby mama?", Kyle whispered to Trina. "Well that's news to me, he's been living with me for a year.", Trina said as she turned back around to face the front of the bus. "Yeah I know, I been all up in your apartment. He ate my pussy real good in your bed.", the pregnant girl laughed as her friends gave each other high fives. The other bus passengers stared at Trina, waiting for her to respond. "Don't listen to that garbage Trina. You don't even know if that's true.", Kyle said, placing his hand on Trina's knee to reassure her. "Oh it's true," the pregnant girls friend said as they all got up to exit the bus as it stopped, "I was in your living room when it happened. I saw your pictures on the TV stand. Black leather sofas, right? With black and gold vases on the side tables? Right? Yeah, I knew it was you when you got on the bus." The group of girls continued to laugh and call Trina names as the bus doors closed and the bus began to pull off. "Trina.... he gotta go boo. Don't let him drag you down like that! He got these lil chicken heads in your apartment while you're at work. Oh no honey.", Kyle said while fanning himself with his hands. "I know Kyle. I am so done with him.", Trina said while holding back her tears. She clutched her purse tightly and they rode the next four blocks in silence.


"Well this is my stop babes.", she said, leaning over to kiss Kyle on the cheek. "Call me!", Kyle said as she stood up and walked down the aisle to exit. She stepped off the bus drenched in sweat, swearing to herself that this is the last time she will ride it home. Her shirt is sticking to her back and her pencil skirt feels tighter than ever. She still has a block to walk to her apartment and her Nine West stilettos have already betrayed her. All she can think about is getting home, turning the A/C on blast and talking a shower. Her mind was still racing about Jay's whereabouts and the drama on the bus. "Who was that girl? And how did they know what her apartment looked like?", she thought to herself. She was ready to free herself from the exhausting relationship but also wanted to play it cool. The last thing she needed was for him to punch her in the face again. She pulled her keys out of her purse as she climbed the stairs of her apartment building. When she reached the second floor she immediately noticed an eviction notice on her door. She snatched it down and quickly read it. She had three days to vacate the apartment. Jay had not paid the rent as he had promised. "What did he do with my half of the money?", she wondered. Trina quickly unlocked the door and entered her small apartment. She looked around and it was a mess. Jay's clothes and shoes were everywhere. The dishes were overflowing in the sink and the trash stunk like hell. She walked over to the thermostat and turned it to 60 degrees, hoping it would cool off quickly. She walked into the bathroom and sat on the side of the tub, dropping her purse and eviction notice on the chipped tile floor. She reached behind her and turned on the shower. She stood up and slowly peeled off her damp clothes. The reflection in the mirror revealed the bruises on her chest and stomach again. She felt so ugly that she could barely look at herself. She entered the shower and pulled the curtain closed. The cool water dampened her face and hair, then slowly started to drip down her body. The water pressure was weak and slow but she felt relieved and refreshed after washing her hair and body. As she got out the shower, she heard the front door open and close. She frantically stuffed the eviction notice inside her purse and wrapped a towel around her body. As she turned around, Jay had opened the bathroom door and was standing there looking at her.

"Why are you playing on my phone?", he asked Trina, staring at her with an intimidating look. "I wasn't playing Jay. I needed you to pick me up from work.", she answered, smoothing her wet hair away from her face. "Look, I told you that I had things to do today and you should have called me way before 5.", he said reaching past her to open the medicine cabinet. He took the whole bottle of Percocet and started to leave the bathroom. "So you knew I needed a ride, and you knew I was calling but you didn't even bother to call me back?", she asked him, staring at his back as he walked away. He kept walking, leaving the door open. She followed him into the kitchen and watched him crush the pills on the counter. "Jay... who... who was that girl you were with when I called?", Trina asked, leaning against the stove. He didn't answer and proceeded to sniff the powdery reside from the counter with a one dollar bill. "Jay...", her voice trembled and cracked,"I need to know what's going on with you." He didn't even look her way and snorted some more. Trina just stood there, with water dripping from her body and hair. She could tell he was high as he walked towards the living room. His leg brushed against the trashcan as he wobbled from side to side. Angrily, he turned and kicked the trashcan over, spilling its stinking contents all over the floor. Trina grabbed the broom and cleaned the mess up while he undressed to his boxers in the living room. She quietly went back to the bedroom, dried off and wrapped her hair. She heard him turn the TV on to ESPN so she decided to leave him alone. She began ripping the sheets off her bed in a rage. She hated the thought of another woman in her bed. She put new sheets on the bed and spritzed it with linen spray from Bath and Body works. Exhausted, she stretched across the bed, thinking about Derek. Trina fantasized how their life would be if he was her man. She stared at the ceiling thinking about his sweet kisses and the arousing smell of his cologne. She wondered what Derek was doing and if he was thinking of her as well. Almost an hour had passed and she slowly crept into the living room and saw Jay asleep on the couch. Now was the time, she thought. The perfect time to get her car keys and get out of there. And that's just what she did. She packed her duffel bag with essentials and quietly slipped out the door.

Trina hurried across the parking lot and jumped in her car. She hadn't driven it in such a long time. She cranked it up, adjusted the seat, and sped off without a destination. It felt good to be free, even though she didn't have a plan. Her phone rang and she looked down at it to see that it was Jay, calling her already. She wasn't ready to talk to him. She left the phone in the cup holder and it rang nonstop for the next two minutes. She checked her voice mail and listened to his threatening message. He said he would stomp her face in when she got home. Jay didn't realize that his stint was over. Trina was done with him, especially after the incident on the bus today. He didn't even know about the eviction. She started to drive downtown and planned to get a room at the Marriott that her girlfriend worked at. She could stay there until the coast was clear long enough for her to go back and get her TV, clothes and other personal belongings. She was scared, but tired of the drama. She called Naomi to see about getting the room. Trina was happy that Naomi was actually at the front desk when she called, so she jumped on 45 south and headed downtown.

FIGHT TO LOVE – CHAPTER 5

As soon as Trina enters the lobby, she spots Naomi behind the front desk. You couldn't miss a girl like her. She looked like a light skinned version of Monique the comedienne. And she acted like her too, always making jokes and laughing. As soon as Naomi laid eyes on Trina making her way towards the front desk, her whole face lit up. She dashed from behind the front desk into the lobby, squealing with excitement. "Hey bitch!", Naomi said loudly, giving Trina a long bear hug. "Naomi!", Trina gasped because Naomi was squeezing her so tightly. They had both worked at the same hotel a year ago, before Naomi got promoted to the front desk at the Marriott and before Trina started working for TicketMaster. "You are not gonna fucking believe who is in the Cigar Bar right now!", Naomi said grabbing her hand and pulling her towards the bar across from the escalator. "Who?", Trina answered with a puzzled look. "Mike Battle girl! He's in the private party room over there!", Naomi pointed as she and Trina peeked in through the doors. Mike was a basketball star from Trina's high school that was recently signed to play for the Houston Rockets. She watched him get up from his private booth and walk over near the dance floor where a few photographers began snapping his picture. He wore a light denim shirt, trimmed in leather, with a huge diamond bracelet and dark sunglasses. "Now listen to me Trina,", Naomi said, handing her a room key, "Take your ass to room 908 and get fierce bitch!" They both laughed and Trina took off towards the guest room elevators.

Trina threw her duffel bag on the bed and began unwrapping her hair. She felt nervous as she began to get dressed and wondered if Mike would recognize her. He was at least two years older than her and definitely a local superstar. She decided to wear a short black sundress that showed her breasts and legs off very well. As she stood in the mirror applying MAC concealer to cover the fading bruises on her breasts, she noticed that there was a mini-bar behind her. She grabbed the two tiny Bacardi bottles and twisted the tops off. She quickly drank both of them, popped a mint into her mouth from her purse and headed back to the Cigar Bar. As she passed the front desk, Naomi whistled her approval and gave her two thumbs up. Trina confidently opened the doors to the Cigar bar and waltzed in. She took a seat at an empty table and a waitress greeted her. "Would you like a drink?", the waitress asks. "Yes, Bacardi and Coke please." Trina smiled, already feeling the effects of the first two shots she took in her room. The bar was filled with a sweet smell of cherry cigars. The lights were dim and the sound of the Isley Brothers flowed through the surround sound speakers. It wasn't crowded though, just a few couples and older Black men sitting at tables, drinking and smoking cigars. She could see Mike and his friends in the booth on the opposite side of the bar. The waitress returned and placed her drink on a napkin and said, "Compliments from the gentleman in the blue shirt." Her heart melted as she looked over and he was smiling right at her with the prettiest white teeth she had ever seen. "Thank you.", Trina replied to the waitress as she walked away. Mike got up and started walking towards her table. "Oh my God!", she thought to herself as she sat up straight and smiled nervously. "Hello.", Mike said as she sat down across from her. "Hi, I'm Trina", she said as she extended her hand. He reached out and shook her hand while studying her face. "You went to Spring High School, didn't you?", he asked while admiring her breasts. "Yeah and I remember you Mike.", she said after taking a sip of her drink. He laughed and got up to sit closer to her. "Did you know today is my birthday?", he said looking into her eyes. "Really!", Trina smiled, "How old are you?". "The big two - six!", he replied as he ordered another round of drinks from the waitress. "Are you going to celebrate with me tonight?", Mike asked. "What did you have in mind?", Trina replied. "Well for starters, I have the penthouse suite and two bottles of Remy 1738 on ice. There's a nice jacuzzi with bubbles and rose petals... all ready to go.", he said winking at her. Trina was impressed with his charm and she couldn't help looking at his diamond bracelet as it shimmered on his wrist. "I mean... it's all good if you don't want to. It's just that I'm here alone tonight. I could use some company.... especially the company of a pretty lady like you.", he said while passing her the drink that the waitress just brought to the table. Trina was blushing from his compliment and decided that he seemed pretty cool. Besides, she was buzzing from the drinks and feeling kind of horny looking at his lips as he talked to her. Jay hadn't touched her body sexually in weeks. And after all the drama she had been through, she really wanted to relax and have a good time.

They both looked at each other and smiled as they finished their drinks. "You ready?", he asked, extending his arm for her to grab. She nodded and got up from the table, squeezing his arm as they exited the Cigar Bar. She felt like she was flying as the elevator took them up to the penthouse suite on the top floor. As they entered the marble foyer of the suite, she could see and smell vanilla candles burning in the bedroom. A warm breeze blew in through the balcony door and she could see the stars and the city lights. The lavish bathroom revealed the bubbling jacuzzi with floating rose petals. It was beautiful and she felt honored to be there with him. Mike took off his sunglasses and walked over to the living room and turned on the iPod player. "What you know about Jodeci?". he teased as he started taking off his clothes. His chest and abs were chiseled and his dark skin glistened in the candle light. He got in the jacuzzi with his black silk boxers on. Trina, feeling tipsy, just stood there and watched as he pulled out the Remy 1738 from the silver ice bucket and began to pour two glasses. "Well... are you getting in with me and signing Happy Birthday?", Mike asked, flashing his beautiful white smile. "I will get in, but I can't sing.", Trina said, entering the hot bubbling jacuzzi with her black sundress on. She takes the glass and starts to sip, knowing she's already drunk. She looks down at her breasts to see if the MAC concealer was still holding up. She was relieved to see that you couldn't tell that her body was bruised at all. "So where are my birthday kisses?" he asks, placing his drink on the side of the jacuzzi. Trina places hers there as well and straddles his crotch, placing wet kisses on his forehead. He groans and she could feel his manhood rising between her legs. He leans his head backwards and she starts licking his ears as the water bubbles around their bodies. His penis is fully erect and has escaped from his silk boxers by now. She can feel it pressing against her lace thongs. Trina was so turned on and intoxicated as he began caressing her nipples. As the music played, he teased her body into submission. His fingers pulled her thong aside and entered deep inside her. "I want you right now. Man, I would do anything to have you right now.", Mike said while massaging his fingers in and out. Trina pulled his hand away and rubbed the head of his penis on her exposed vagina. He groaned again with pleasure. She didn't want to stop but she knew they should use protection. She pulled away in a moment of hesitation and sat on the side of the jacuzzi, sipping her drink.

"What the hell did you stop for?", he asked in an irritated tone as she peeled wet rose petals from her skin. "I'm not gonna have sex with you. I barely know you. Besides, we don't have protection.", she said rolling her eyes. He stood up and got out, peeling off the wet silk boxers. Mike walked into the bedroom fully erect and came back wearing a condom. "What's up now girl? Let's do this!", he said while rubbing her arms and shoulders. "Mike... I want to... but, I just can't.", Trina replied looking up at him. He walked towards the entrance of the suite and returned with her purse in one hand and a stack of cash in the other. "Look, here is $2,500 in cash.", Mike said as he stuffed it into her purse, "I'm trying to fuck tonight. I need some birthday pussy." He threw the purse on the floor and got back into the jacuzzi with the condom on, leaning all the way back. Trina turned her glass up, swallowing the last few drops of Remy, and placed the empty glass down. She slowly immersed her body into the steamy water, pulling her thongs aside. Trina mounted his erect penis and slowly sat down on it as he moaned in pleasure. She rode him slowly and he grabbed her ass firmly, guiding her movements. Trina couldn't believe what she was doing, but that didn't stop her either. She continued to ride him. Then he rose up out of the water, and picked her up out of the jacuzzi with his strong muscular body. Mike carried her to the private balcony and pulled the wet sundress over her head. Steam rose from their naked bodies as he laid her on the chaise lounge under the stars. He climbed on top of her and thrust himself inside. Trina stared up at the stars as they twinkled in the dark sky, feeling the heavy weight of his body as he pounded in and out. At that moment she realized that she sold her body and soul. She laid there quietly as he grunted and breathed heavily on top of her. It was a sobering moment and she knew this was a mistake that she couldn't take back. She felt Mike's body shake then slump on top of her and she tried to push him off but he was too heavy and too drunk. "Mike.", she said nudging him, "Let me get up please." He rolled over onto his back and she sat up, realizing that he didn't have a condom on anymore. She stared as his penis as the cum dripped down slowly. "What happened to the condom?", she asked. "I took it off.", he said rolling over to his side as if he was going to sleep.

Trina's heart instantly dropped to her stomach. She felt sick and wanted to leave as quickly as possible. She picked up her wet sundress from the balcony floor and wrung it out. She walked into the bathroom and put on the hotel's bathrobe to cover her naked body. Trina bent down and grabbed her purse filled with money and her shoes. She walked out the penthouse barefoot, leaving Mike on the balcony in a drunken sleep. She took the elevator back down to her floor and entered her hotel room. Trina dropped her belongings on the floor and took off the robe. She laid in the bed, thinking about the stupid mistake she had just made.

FIGHT TO LOVE – CHAPTER 6

Trina woke up early the next day, sprawled across her hotel bed with the sun from the window shining in her face. She realized that she needed to get to work as early as possible and leave her supervisor, Mr. Towson, a leave slip. Trina needed the next few days to get her life back in order and to figure out how to get her belongings out of her apartment. As she showered and dressed, she feared a confrontation with Jay. She hoped that he wasn't still at her place. She decided to call Kyle to see if he could help. As she got on the elevator, she called Kyle from her cell phone and he agreed to meet her in two hours. When the elevator door opened into the lobby, she was startled to see Mike Battle. He was standing at the front desk with a white woman. She was young and pretty, with long blonde hair. Clinging to the white woman's long floral printed dress was a bi-racial little girl that looked just like Mike. Trina's heart started to race and she hoped that she could walk past them without Mike noticing her. She quickened her pace and reached the parking lot without incident.

When she reached her job, she parked in the adjacent lot and asked the parking attendant to keep an eye out for her car. Trina knew how crazy Jay was, and feared that he would come looking for her at her job. As she entered the rear entrance, she saw Valerie and the other girls standing at the security desk, flirting with the guards. Trina decided to take the stairs instead of risking the chance of them seeing her. She raced up the steps as quickly as possible, relieved to see that the office was completely empty. Almost breathless, Trina pulled out her keys and unlocked her desk drawer, emptying the contents into a box she had taken from the supply closet. "What are you doing here so early Ms. Williams?", a familiar voice asked. It was Derek, standing behind her with a huge grin on his face. "I need to take some time off Derek. I... I need to move.", Trina replied, thinking of how not to reveal everything that had happened to her. "Is everything okay? Why are you breathing so hard?", he asked as he helped her clear off her desk. "I just have a lot going on right now.", she responded, trying not to make eye contact with him. "Trina, you can tell me. I can probably even help you move if you need me to. What's your number?", Derek asked, pulling out his cell phone. As Trina locked the desk drawer back, she looked up at Derek with tears in her eyes. "Derek, I don't think us getting involved is a good idea right now. I have too much going on.", she said, grabbing her purse and keys. "Trina, I want to help you. I knew the first time I saw you that you were someone I wanted to get to know. Stop putting this wall up and let me help you. I'm not going to let you leave here without getting your number.", Derek said, stepping in front of her so that she couldn't walk by. Trina reluctantly took his cell phone from his hand and dialed her number. Her phone rang inside her purse as she handed him the phone back. "Let me help you with that box.", Derek said as he picked the box up from her desk. "It looks like you won't be back anytime soon, huh?", he said as they walked towards the back door leading to the staircase. "Everything is so crazy right now, I don't know.", she said, stopping at Mr. Towson's desk and completing her leave slip. They walked down the steps and out to the parking lot in silence. Derek placed the box in her trunk and walked around to the drivers side of her car. "I'm going to call you when I leave here Trina.", he said leaning into her window. "Alright Derek.", Trina said, forcing herself to smile as she drove away. As she exited the parking lot, she saw Valerie standing outside smoking a cigarette. Valerie had probably watched them the whole time they were outside. Trina was glad he didn't try to kiss her goodbye.

She wasn't even halfway down the block before her cell phone began ringing. It was a number she didn't recognize. She turned her stereo all the way down and answered the phone, "Hello?". It was Derek, asking her to slow down and wait for him. He had decided to follow her home and when she looked in her rear view mirror, she saw his dark blue Escalade speeding up behind her. "Aww shit!", she said to herself. Trina started to panic and needed to figure out her next move because she hadn't told Derek about Jay and she knew Kyle would be waiting for her outside her apartment building. "So you're just leaving work to help me?", she said to Derek in shock and amazement. "Yep! I have a little bit of vacation time and after we move your things, I'm taking you to lunch.", Derek replied over the phone. "Ummm.... okay.", she said, "Just...ummm... follow me because I...ummm... my friend is helping too. Ok?", Trina said as she struggled for an explanation. "Cool, I'm yours all day. Bye.", Derek said, still following her as they took the freeway back to Trina's apartment. As soon as she hung up, she saw Kyle's number appear on her caller ID and she answered it on the first ring. "He's here! Turn around!", Kyle excitedly screamed into the phone. "Oh my God Kyle! Where should I... what... shit!" Trina said, looking in the rear view to see if Derek was still behind her and he was. "Kyle... this guy is with me. This guy from my job.", Trina started to explain. "What the fuck were you thinking about Trina? You know Jay can't stand my ass... and you decide to bring a nigga he don't even know to the house?", Kyle said in a very upset tone. "It wasn't my choice, he's so pushy! He doesn't even know about Jay!", Trina replied, still watching Derek following her car. "You lucky you got a friend like me. I have a plan.", Kyle said. He explained to Trina over the phone that Jay was outside of the apartment building, sitting on the stairs. Kyle planned to go and buy some weed from the guy on the corner and pretend to come and look for Trina, as if he wanted to smoke with her. Kyle knew Jay was a dope fiend and would smoke with anybody, even if he despised Kyle for being gay. Kyle would lure Jay to the neighborhood park two blocks away and smoke some blunts with him to keep him occupied while Derek and Trina moved her things out.

As they pulled up in front of her building, the coast was clear. She let out a sigh of relief. Trina jumped out of her car and pointed to her building as she sprinted up the stairs. Derek got out of his car and followed her up to her apartment. When she opened the door, there was a stagnate smell of cigarettes and marijuana in the air. "Whoa!" Derek said as his eyes scanned the tiny apartment. It was completely trashed. There were empty McDonalds cups and bags everywhere, ashtrays filled with cigarette butts and blunt roaches, and a round mirror on the side table with a razor and powder residue on top. Trina felt completely embarrassed. "I didn't now you partied like this.", Derek said, looking down at the mirror and the ashtrays. "That's why I'm moving Derek. My cousin has completely taken over my place. Him and his friends are here all the time using drugs and I can't take it anymore.", Trina said, grabbing a box of trash bags from the hallway closet. "Can you grab my TV and put it in your truck please? I want to be out of here before he gets back.", she said as she stuffed the pictures of her and Jay into one of the garbage bags before Derek could notice. "Oh okay.", Derek said, still suspicious of Trina's explanation. "What about your furniture?", he said, as he paused in the front door, holding her 32" TV. "Fuck it. I'm leaving all this raggedy shit.", she replied, still stuffing her belongings into the garbage bags. After they had both packed their vehicles to capacity with garbage bags and the rest of her belongings, Derek asked, "So where are we taking all this stuff?" Trina thought to herself and said, "Let's just get going before my cousin gets back. I will call you from my cell." Derek followed her out of the parking lot and she called him when they reached the stop light. "What's going on with you Trina? Where you got me going now?", Derek asked impatiently. "I need to find storage Derek. I told you I had a lot going on. I'm sorry. I'm actually staying at the Marriott downtown.", Trina replied. "I have a unit on Westheimer. You can use it until you get back on your feet. Follow me.", he said, hanging up before she could respond.

She watched his Escalade pull out in front of her car and she followed him to the storage place. She was surprised how willing Derek was to help her. He loaded everything into his storage unit while she waited in her car. Kyle had just called to tell her that he had just left Jay at the park and that he was headed home. Trina felt blessed to have friends willing to help her. She was happy that she had gotten most of her stuff and wished that she could be a fly on the wall when Jay got back to the apartment to see that she had moved out. For the first time, in a very long time, she prayed and thanked the Lord for bringing her out of the hole that she dug. As Derek closed the storage unit and placed the padlock on the door, she started to see him in a new light. "Leave your car here and ride with me.", he yelled over to her. "I'm hungry! Let's go eat!", he smiled at her as she emerged from her car and walked over to him. He opened the door for her and helped her climb up into the passenger seat. Derek walked around the front of the truck and climbed into the drivers seat. "Where are we going?", Trina asked. "To my favorite spot!", he said with a smile, backing up and exiting the storage place.

FIGHT TO LOVE – CHAPTER 7

Derek and Trina sat inside the Red Cat Jazz Cafe listening to George Benson and drinking red wine. It was an intimate jazz restaurant in downtown Houston. Although it was hot and sunny outside, they were sitting in the back where it was dark and cool. Derek leaned back in the tall leather booth, admiring Trina as he adjusted his red tie. Trina was checking him out as well, he looked professional in his navy suit. Derek was the most handsome young brother in the entire building. She could remember his first day on the job. All of the women, young and old were buzzing about him, introducing themselves and flirting with him. Trina thought about how he walked all the way back to her cubicle that day, just to say hello. Sitting there with him now almost felt surreal. "Can I be honest with you Ms. Williams?", he said with such a familiar charm. "Of course you can.", Trina answered. "I had been thinking of a way to get to know you before I kissed you at work that day. I hope you don't think of me in a certain way because I am usually a man that can control his behavior.", Derek said, leaning forward to touch her hand as it laid on her purse between them. "Well I'm just glad Valerie didn't walk in ten seconds sooner!", she laughed, taking another sip of wine. "Now that I have you captive," he laughed, "I really would like to know more about you." Trina paused and asked, "What do you want to know?" Derek scooted closer and asked, "Well most importantly... do you have a man in your life?". "No.", she quickly answered. "Do you have a woman?", Trina asked, hoping he would say no. "No I don't. I have been in and out of relationships for the past three years, nothing real, just a lot of impostors. I'm really tired of the games women play. I know that I'm ready for the right woman." Trina looked at him as he talked, analyzing his statements, thinking that he may be judgmental of her if he knew her past. The waitress came and placed their entrees in front of them. Trina was relieved that the food was there, she felt the conversation taking a very serious tone. "How is your food?", he asked as she ate her Shrimp Alfredo. "It's great, the shrimp is really fresh. I usually order this when I get a chance to eat here.", she replied as she continued to eat. "So, Trina, may I ask what you think of me?", Derek said as he looked at her intently. "Honestly?", she said while suppressing a giggle. "Yeah.", Derek said, bracing himself for her response. "I think you're a player.", she said, looking at him straight in the eyes. "Wow. That's harsh. I'm a really nice guy. What makes you think I'm a player?", he said defensively. "I don't know Derek. I mean.... you're a very handsome guy, with a nice ride, good job... the whole package. I see the way Valerie and the rest of them flirt with you. I'm sure you get that everywhere you go.", Trina said while buttering her garlic bread. "I do. But that doesn't mean I'm a player. I'm done with those days of acting young and foolish. I thought you were the type of woman that could recognize that.", he laughed, looking down as his cell phone began ringing from its holster on his belt. "Excuse me for a second please while I take this call.", Derek said while getting up from the table.

She watched him walk away from the table as he headed towards the glass double doors. Trina wondered who he was talking to as she watched him pace back and forth. She sat there impatiently as he talked outside, not coming back inside until about five minutes later. "I am so sorry about that.", he said, rushing back to the table to accompany her again. "Is everything okay?", she asked, wondering why he looked flustered. "Well, not really. My kids mother wants me to babysit the twins tonight.", he said as he placed his phone back in his belt holster. "Babysit? Twins?", she said with a frown, "How old are they?". "They are 8 months old.", he replied. "Why did you use the term babysit as if they are not your children too?", she asked in an annoyed tone. "Oh my bad!", Derek laughed, knowing he had already made an impressionable mistake. "So what happened between you and her? Did y'all break up after she had the kids?", Trina asked, pushing her plate aside as she finished eating. "We were never in a relationship. She wanted to be, but I told her from the beginning that it wasn't like that. So when she told me she was pregnant, I didn't really know what to do or if I was the one that actually got her pregnant. You know how women do these days...", he said as he continued to eat. Trina had a million questions in her head. She wondered if he was even telling the truth. Derek sat silently eating his food and there was a long silence between them. Trina sipped her red wine slowly, staring outside as people walked by the glass doors. Finally Derek asked, "So I guess you're not into kids or date guys with kids, huh?". "Well I don't have any kids, or nieces or nephews, so I guess I would say I'm not experienced with them.", she replied after thinking carefully about her response. "Well I want at least two more. And I want to find a good wife - someone that's ready and willing to grow my family and someone that enjoys being well taken care of.", Derek said as the waitress returned to clear the table. "Do you think that you are the kind of woman that could love my twin boys and give me two more children?", he asked as he touched her hand again. She just looked at him, trying to absorb everything he just said. He scooted over until they were shoulder to shoulder and squeezed her hand. "Well... I don't know. I can't say that I'm that woman Derek.", she said slowly. "I think you are and you just don't know it. You aren't used to being treated like a queen and having a king take care of you.", he whispered in her ear. Derek opened the dessert menu and looked it over. He asked the waitress to bring them a huge slice of chocolate cake topped with strawberries. While they were waiting for the cake, Derek continued to caress her hands and talk softly in her ear. He told her that he wanted to take their friendship slow. Trina explained how important they would have to be at work. She knew that if their coworkers knew that they were dating each other that it would probably cause some unnecessary drama.They came to an agreement that their conversations at work would be short and sweet and if they needed to talk that they could call or text each other. When the dessert arrived, Derek insisted on feeding it to her. She enjoyed his attention as he swirled the fresh strawberries in the chocolate icing with his fork and slowly placed it into her mouth. While she ate, he told her how much he liked her almond shaped brown eyes and soft full lips. They took their time eating and talking, as if they were in their own world. Derek paid the waitress and left her a $20 bill on the table. As they stood up, he turned to her and said, "I really don't want you to go back to your hotel tonight." "If we're going to take this slow, I think it's a good idea if I do.", Trina laughed as she excused herself to use the ladies room.

When she came out of the stall, she walked over to the row of sinks and began wahing her hands. As she stood in front of the mirror, she made sure every hair on her head was in place. She had a good feeling about Derek, even though she was surprised to find out he had twins. She unzipped her purse to get her lip gloss and looked at the stack of money still inside. She started to think about how she was going to spend it. Trina knew she needed a safe place to live that wasn't near her old apartment. Jay would probably still be hanging out in that area, even after the eviction tomorrow. She definitely couldn't afford to continue living at the hotel. As she exited the restroom, she decided that she would check out of her room tomorrow morning and find an apartment. It was close to the first of the month, and there would be plenty available apartments that were close to her job. As she walked back towards their table, Derek wasn't standing there. She looked outside and saw him arguing with a woman. Trina stood there in shock, not really knowing what to do. The angry woman suddenly burst through the double doors yelling and acting like a fool. She was wearing a black track suit and a plain black baseball cap. She looked in her mid thirties, with very dark chocolate skin. And was she very short and stumpy looking with sweat dripping down her face. "Where is she?", the woman yelled, walking from table to table, looking all over the restaurant. Derek quickly came in behind her and attempted to grab her wrist and calm her down. "Sharon! Sharon! Aww come on man! This is embarrassing.", Derek pleaded with her. "I knew you were here Derek. You're so predictable. I just wanna meet her.", Sharon said loudly, still looking around. Trina just stood there, holding her purse. She wasn't sure what to do. Derek looked at Trina and motioned for her to follow them outside. He grabbed Sharon by the shoulders and ushered her towards the front of the restaurant while she resisted the whole way, constantly turning around to try to get a good look at Trina. Trina wasn't scared at all and she was sizing her up as she followed them through the glass doors. "I'm Sharon, Derek's baby mama!" the short woman blurted out as soon as Trina stepped outside. "Sharon! I need you to calm the fuck down!", Derek said as he backed Sharon up, away from Trina. "You have no right coming down here trying to embarrass me. I told you I would get the boys when I left here!", he said looking down at Sharon as he towered over her. The woman began to cry and speak incoherently. The twin boys were in the backseat of an old gray minivan that looked like it had been sideswiped in a car accident. "Please go home and take the boys with you. I will come get them after I take her home.", Derek said trying to get Sharon to calm down and stop crying. "I need time for me Derek! I need time for ME! These babies need you too!", she sobbed while the babies began to cry softly. Trina felt overwhelmed and was getting irritated by the whole situation. Sharon went into a rage as Derek turned and walked away. "You're not leaving these kids with me tonight! I fell for that one before!" Sharon yelled as she began unbuckling the seat belts that were anchoring the car seats. Derek and Trina looked back to see Sharon placing the car seats with the babies inside on the sidewalk in front of the restaurant. The patrons and staff had gathered near the glass doors and had a look of disbelief on their faces. One guy had even pulled out his cell phone and began recording the whole scenario. Trina wanted to disappear. She could not believe this was happening as they all watched Sharon pull off in the minivan, leaving her children wailing on the sidewalk. Derek was angry and extremely embarrassed as he grabbed both car seats and headed towards his truck. She helped him secure one of the car seats as he secured the other in the back seat of his Escalade. The babies began to scream at the top of their lungs. "I don't have any bottles, pampers, pacifiers... nothing man! I don't have nuthin! Now I have to stop at Walmart.", Derek said as he jumped in the drivers seat and slammed the door. Trina reluctantly got in and said, "This is too much for me. I'm going to let you handle your business. You and your baby mama need to work this out.", Trina said as Derek put the keys into the ignition. He looked at her in disappointment and said, "What do you mean? It won't take that long to buy some stuff and then I will take you to get your car." "Umm, I'm really tired and I need to get back to the hotel and pack so I can check out tomorrow. I have money for a cab. It's cool.", she yelled over the babies screams. "Man... this is so messed up. I didn't want things to turn out this way. I am so sorry Trina. At least let me pay for the cab." Derek said as he reached into his suit pants and pulled out a fifty dollar bill. Trina looked back at the twins as they continued to cry uncontrollably. She wanted to get out of there as fast as possible. "Thanks for lunch.", she said as she took the money and opened the door to climb out. "Trina, I'm sorry.", Derek yelled out of his window as he watched her hail a cab and get in.

FIGHT TO LOVE – CHAPTER 8

Trina spent the next morning in the hotel’s Business Center, searching for apartments online. She found three apartments that were close to her job and set up appointments to view them. She was excited and planned to move in that day if any of them were move – in ready. Trina was also happy that her friend Naomi could join her because her shift was over in five minutes. As they exited the hotel together, the sun was shining bright and it was extremely hot. Trina wore a white sundress that nicely contrasted her tanned skin. Naomi had changed out of her hotel uniform into some extremely short and tight denim shorts and an orange tank top that revealed her huge breasts and bulging midsection. On the way to Trina’s car, Naomi struggled to pull the denim shorts out of her crotch. “Ugh, what is the problem with those shorts girl?”, Trina laughed as she watched Naomi pull and tug. She was the type of big girl that preferred to let it all hang out. Naomi loved attention, even if it was the wrong type of attention. “So what happened with you and Mike Battle?”, Naomi asked as she struggled to fasten her seatbelt. “We just chilled and had a good time, nothing serious.”, Trina replied as she slid her sunglasses on. “Did you get his number or what?”, Naomi asked. “Nope. I wasn’t feeling him like that.”, Trina said as she turned up the volume, blasting Ludacris’ newest CD. They laughed and joked the whole way to the apartment complex. It felt good to hang out with her friend Naomi again, she was so much fun to be around.

As they walked into the leasing office, Trina’s cell phone began to ring. It was Jay. She quickly sent it to voicemail. She knew that he was probably getting escorted out of the apartment by the Sherriff during the eviction. Her phone continued to ring and she finally got a text message saying, “You just got Jay locked up.”. She stopped in her tracks and showed Naomi the message. “What? Who is this from? He’s finally getting what he deserves!”, Naomi laughed. “It came from his phone. I don’t know. He probably got warrants.”, Trina said as she put her phone on silent. The woman behind the desk introduced herself as Kim and told them that she would show them the apartment that was on the second floor in the next building. They all shook hands and followed the leasing agent out of the office and to the adjacent building. The leasing agent was a tall black woman with beautiful black hair that fell past her shoulders. She wore a tan linen skirt suit with matching tan sandals. “Welcome to your new apartment!”, Kim said as she held the front door open for Trina and Naomi to enter. This place was so much better than her last apartment. It had a newly renovated kitchen with granite countertops. Next to the kitchen, there was a powder room for guests. The living room and dining room had modern lighting fixtures and a ceiling fan. The balcony had large sliding glass doors that faced a wooded area, making it very private. The bedroom had a separate bathroom that also had granite on the vanity and a huge garden Jacuzzi tub. “How much is this again?”, Trina asked Kim who was still standing in the front door. “This unit is $950 plus a security deposit of $300.”, she responded. “If it’s available to move in today, I will take it!”. Trina smiled at Kim. “This is nice girl! I could definitely see you living here. Can you afford this?”, Naomi asked while checking out the balcony. “Yep, let’s go take care of the paperwork.”, Trina said confidently as they left the apartment and walked back to the leasing office.

When they reached the office, there were several guys hanging out in the parking lot, playing loud music. They noticed the women and waved hello. Naomi waved back and began walking towards them as Trina and the leasing agent went inside. “Where are you going?”, Trina asked as she held the door open for Naomi. “I’ll be back!”, she laughed as she kept walking towards the group of men. Trina sighed and went inside to complete the application for the apartment. When she came back outside with her apartment keys, she saw Naomi sitting in a black Hummer, drinking a Bud Light. Reluctantly, she walked over towards the group and could feel the men staring as she approached. “I called you to see if you wanted a beer.”, Naomi said as Trina walked over to the passenger side of the Hummer. “Oh, my phone must still be off.”, Trina said while reaching down in her purse. She had four new text messages. All of the messages were from Jay’s number. As she read them, she realized that it was the pregnant girl from the bus. Her name was Jessica and she was asking Trina to help her get Jay out of jail on bond. He had a warrant for unpaid child support. Trina couldn’t believe what she was reading and that this girl was even desperate enough to text her and ask her for help. Trina didn’t even know that Jay had other children until now.

She dropped the phone back in her purse as she felt the guys moving in closer. “Hey, I’m Lee and this is my boy Brent and my man Dave.”, the driver of the Hummer said as he passed her a beer. He was a big fat guy, standing almost seven feet tall, dark skin with a bald head. “No thanks. I really don’t drink beer, but it’s nice to meet y’all.”, she said as Naomi looked at her with an annoyed look. “Don’t mind her Lee. She’s stressing and trying to move in.”, Naomi said taking a sip of beer as she sat inside the Hummer. “Oh, you’re moving in? Well welcome to the neighborhood.”, Brent said as he took off his dark sunglasses to shake her hand.. He was almost as tall as Lee, but slimmer and very clean cut. Brent had thick eyebrows that framed his face well, deep brown skin, a nice haircut with black wavy hair and piercing light brown eyes. “Are those contacts?”, Trina asked. The guys began laughing uncontrollably. “That was the same thing I asked, Trina.”, Naomi said while laughing too. “No baby girl, my mother gave me these.”, Brent said while smiling at Trina. “Are y’all ready to do this?”, Dave asked as he pulled the cooler of beer from Lee’s Hummer and began walking towards the apartment building. He was a short, chunky, light skinned guy with a short afro. “Your girl said that if we helped you take that stuff out your car, y’all would come over to my place for a little while.”, Lee said to Trina. “She did?”, Trina said while shooting Naomi an angry look. “Just for a little while Trina.”, Naomi said while looking at Trina with puppy dog eyes. “Alright.”, Trina said as she walked to her car to unlock it. Lee and Brent began unloading her things and taking it up to her new apartment. Dave had already disappeared with the cooler full of beer.

Lee lived on the ground floor of her building in a two bedroom apartment that he shared with Dave. “No wonder he can afford that Hummer. He shares this place with Dave! ”, Trina whispered to Naomi as they walked in and sat down in the living room. It was a typical bachelor pad with dark brown leather sofas, a poker table in the dining room and loud music blasting from the stereo. “Can I get you a ‘grown woman’ drink?”, Brent asked as he leaned over the bar next to the kitchen. “Sure, whatever you have.” Trina replied. Lee and Naomi sat across from her and he was already fondling her and licking her ears. Trina felt disgusted. She did not want to watch them make out. She decided to go and sit on the stool next to the bar as Brent mixed Grey Goose and cranberry juice for her. “So do you live in this complex too?”, Trina asked as she couldn’t resist looking at his beautiful brown eyes. “No, I own a house not too far from here, near the Medical Center area.”, he said while handing her the drink. It was strong and bitter, but she sipped it anyway. “Your girl is something else!”, Brent said with a surprised look. Trina turned around to see Naomi sitting on the sofa with no shirt or bra on as Lee was sucking on her nipples. Her orange tank top and bra were on the floor. “Naomi!”, Trina screamed. “Girl chill out! Let me have some fun, damn!”, Naomi yelled back as Lee continued to hungrily lick all over both breasts. “Oh my God! I can’t believe she’s going all out like that.”, Trina said to Brent with an embarrassed look on her face. “Lee loves big girls. They might be a match made in heaven.”, Brent said as Dave emerged from his bedroom. “Now that’s what I’m talking about!”, Dave hollered, holding a beer in one hand. Dave stood there and watched Lee and Naomi make out on the sofa for a few minutes. Naomi didn’t care who was watching, she was all about having a good time. She even got more into it when she realized Dave was watching. Dave came over to the bar and poured three shots of Patron and took them back into the living room where Lee and Naomi were still engaged on the sofa. “Let’s do some shots.”, Dave said as he tapped Lee on the shoulder. Naomi and Lee paused momentarily to drink the shots. Naomi’s breasts sagged and she sat there topless, taking the shot with one swift motion. Trina knew that she couldn’t stop Naomi from doing what she wanted to do, besides, Naomi was so much bigger and stronger than her. “Bring me another one.”, Naomi said, standing up to peel off the tight denim shorts, revealing a pink thong and a huge lumpy backside. “Whew…. That feels so much better!”, Naomi said as she climbed on top of Lee who was now laying in the middle of the floor. Trina watched in amazement as Naomi gave Lee and Dave a pornographic show. Naomi wasn’t ashamed of her size and felt confident and sexy. Naomi sat on Lee’s crotch as he laid on his back, while Dave continued to bring her shots of Patron.

Trina and Brent sat by the bar, trying not to become distracted by the whole scene. Trina didn’t want to spoil Naomi’s fun, but also didn’t want Brent or any of the guys to think that she was that type of girl too. By the fourth shot, Naomi had unzipped Dave’s jean shorts and was massaging his penis. Dave stood erect next to Lee and Naomi on the floor, enjoying Naomi’s sexual advances. Lee was still laying on his back with his hands gripped tightly around her thick waistline as Naomi continued to grind on top. “It’s time for us to go.”, Trina said as she got off the stool and began picking up Naomi’s clothes. “Damn! Why is this bitch cock blocking?”, Dave said as Naomi stopped massaging his penis. “Who the fuck are you calling a bitch?”, Trina said, standing firmly in place. Before Dave could respond, Brent had stepped between them. “Dave, don’t disrespect the ladies man.”, Brent said while looking down at Dave who was a lot shorter. Dave zipped up his pants and walked into his bedroom. “I don’t see no ladies, man. All I see is a fat horny bitch that was about to suck my dick and a stuck up bitch that need some dick!”, Dave said angrily before slamming his door. Naomi struggled to get her jean shorts back on, but simply couldn’t – they were way too tight and she was drunk. Lee laid on the floor, laughing at Naomi as she almost fell over trying to pull her shorts up. Trina tried to help her pull the shorts past her knees but it was to no avail. Frustrated, Trina helped Naomi pull the tight shorts back down and grabbed her hand to lead her out of the apartment. Brent held the door open as Trina and a half-naked Naomi left Lee and Dave’s apartment. He watched the friends climb the steps together and knew that if Naomi fell, she would seriously hurt herself. “Let me help you Trina.”, Brent said as he grabbed Naomi by the arm and guided her up the staircase slowly. “Thanks for helping us Brent. Your friends are some assholes.”, Trina said as she unlocked the door to her new apartment. Brent escorted Naomi in and sat her down on a pallet of comforters, blankets and pillows that were laying on the living room floor. Naomi landed with a thump and laid there with her body exposed. “Trina, my friends may be assholes, but your girl wanted it. Just think of what might have happened if we weren’t there.”, Brent said as they stood in the living room. Trina looked down in embarrassment. “Well thanks for helping us out. It’s nice to know there are some good guys out there.”, Trina said as they both walked back towards the front door. “See you around.”, Brent said as he left.

Trina closed the door and looked at her friend sprawled out on her floor. She shook her head in disappointment and covered her with another blanket. Even though she didn’t have any furniture, she was happy to be in her new place. She took a blanket and pillow from the pile next to Naomi and went into her new bedroom and spread the blanket on the floor. She laid down and took a long deep breath of relief. She could hear Naomi snoring from the living room and the music from Lee and Dave’s apartment that was still blasting. As she laid there, thinking about the text messages that Jessica sent about Jay, her cell phone rang. She took it out of her purse and saw that it was Derek calling. She didn’t answer it and knew that she would see him at work tomorrow anyway. It was time for her to go back and she knew that Mr. Towson would want an explanation as to why she didn’t give him advance notice of her absence. Trina decided that she would show Mr. Towson her new apartment lease and tell him that she had to move for emergency reasons. She took off her white sundress and laid back down on the blanket. Her phone beeped, indicating she had a text message. It was Derek and the message said, “Just thinking about your kisses. I miss you already. Call me.”. Trina placed the phone down and closed her eyes.

FIGHT TO LOVE – CHAPTER 9

Trina raced around inside her new apartment the next morning, frustrated because she couldn't find what she needed to get ready for work. Black garbage bags lined the living room walls, overflowing with her belongings. The light from the kitchen dimly illuminated the living room where Naomi laid motionless. Trina began pulling her shoes out of a bag and grabbed her toiletries from another. "What happened?", Naomi asked as she began to sit up and pull the comforter off. "Oh you don't remember?", Trina asked sarcastically as she pulled her flat iron out of one of the black garbage bags. Naomi sat in the middle of the living room floor with a confused look on her face. "I remember a little bit. Where are my shorts?", Naomi asked looking down. "Over there by the door. Me and Brent had to help you up the stairs, we couldn't get those tight ass shorts back on.", Trina said as she walked back into her bedroom. Naomi slowly got up and walked over to where her shorts were laying on the floor. "Do you have anything I can wear back home?", Naomi asked. She could hear Trina laughing in the other room. "I don't have anything you could fit, girl! You can wrap one of those sheets around you.", Trina said as she emerged from the bedroom buttoning her shirt. Naomi examined the pile of sheets and blankets, as Trina finished getting ready for work. As she stood in the bathroom mirror, flat ironing her hair, she could hear her cell phone beeping in her bedroom. She checked it and saw that Derek had sent her a text message that said: "Good morning Ms. Williams. I can't wait to see your beautiful eyes today."She stuffed the phone in her purse and headed back out into the living room where Naomi had fashioned a toga out of two pea green cotton sheets. They both laughed and headed out the front door. Naomi quickly followed Trina across the parking lot and jumped in the car as fast as she could. She was afraid that Lee or Dave would see her wrapped up in the green sheets.

"So did you get Brent's number?", Naomi asked while peering into the vanity mirror. "No, I think he was distracted by you and those pink thongs!", Trina laughed as they pulled out of the parking lot, headed towards Naomi's house. It was a townhouse in an older subdivision that she shared with her sister Nicole and cousin Brenda. "So what you gonna say to your folks when you come through the front door looking like the Green Giant?", Trina teased. "The same thing you told me about Mike Battle.", Naomi said as she looked at Trina for a reaction. Instead, Trina just smirked and they listened to the radio until they pulled up in front of Naomi's house. "Well I will call you later because I do plan on hooking up with Lee. He was a big ole bag of sexy - just how I like 'em. I need to go back over there and see what's poppin.", Naomi said as she wrapped the sheets tighter around her body and slowly got out of Trina's car. "Why would you want to hook up with a dude like that when he was about to let his boy get at you too?", Trina said watching Naomi walk towards her front door. Naomi turned around as she was halfway up the steps to her townhouse and said, "Did you ever think that I may have wanted to fuck both of them? I mean, I'm only 22 and I want to do everything I can before I settle down and get married.". Trina just waved goodbye as she pulled off. She couldn't believe that that's what Naomi really wanted. She figured that she was just starved for attention.

As she parked her car in the parking lot at her job, she realized that she had seven minutes to get to her desk before Mr. Towson would make his rounds around the office. She got out, slammed the door and rushed in the building. She stood alone as she waited for the elevator. When it opened, she was surprised to see Derek. "Hey!", he said while holding the door open for her so she could get on. "I was just heading down to see if you had gotten here yet.", Derek said as the doors closed. "I thought we were going to keep this on the low, Derek.", Trina said as she pressed the buttons for the 5th and 6th floor. "Oh I was just coming to see if your car was in the lot. I didn't plan on running into you like this. Besides, I have been calling and texting you.", Derek said as he moved a little closer. "I will call you in a little bit. This is five. Can you get off here so we don't walk in together?", Trina said. "Alright.", Derek mumbled as he exited the elevator. She got off on the 6th floor and walked quickly to her desk. Valerie and her friends were standing around Mr. Towson's desk as she walked by. They got quiet as she passed them and she could hear them whispering once she sat down at her cubicle. She unlocked her desk drawer and put her purse inside. She looked into her tiny mirror hanging from her cubicle and applied her lip gloss as her office phone began ringing. "Accounts Payable, may I help you?", she answered while putting the cap on her lip gloss. "It's me, Derek.", a familiar voice said. "What's up? I just sat down at my desk.", Trina whispered. "I just want to know why you're acting all funny towards me. Did I do something wrong?", Derek asked. "No. It's just... um... I will send that right over. Thanks!", Trina said, hanging up the phone as she saw Mr. Towson peering over the top of her cubicle. "Trina, is everything okay?", Mr. Towson asked in a concerned tone. "Yes everything is fine. I just had an emergency and had to take care of a few things.", Trina said. "Alright... I will need the Arena Stage account settled as soon as possible.", he said as he walked back down the long corridor of cubicles.

The rest of Trina's day went by quickly. She stayed focused on the accounts that had piled up on her desk in her absence. To make up lost time, she even skipped lunch and ate a granola bar that she had stored in her desk. The office was unusually quiet, except for the occasional outburst or annoying laugh by Valerie. Derek had made three trips to the supply closet behind her cubicle that day. And each time he walked past, Valerie stopped him for mindless conversation about his cologne, favorite foods and hobbies. It was pitiful how desperate she was acting. Derek always politely excused himself to continue the task at hand. He never stopped to talk to Trina and she was relieved, until she got a text message from Derek around 5 pm. "What are you doing after work?", the text message read. Trina quickly replied, "Get my new place together." Derek texted back, "I want to spend time with you today. I can help you." Trina sat back in her chair and thought for a minute. She thought it would be a good idea to have an extra pair of hands. She texted Derek back saying, "Meet me at Ikea on I-10." He replied with a smiley face and Trina smiled when she saw it. She began tidying her cubicle and prepared to leave. She thought about all the things she would buy at Ikea and was looking forward to meeting Derek there.

She waited for him near the front of the store. He smiled at her when he walked inside. "This is one of my favorite stores.", Derek said as he extended his arms for a hug. "Me too.", Trina said as she hugged him back. He grabbed her hand and they walked slowly through the store, touching everything and testing out the beds and sofas. Trina had bookmarked everything she liked in the catalog and asked a customer service representative to help her with gathering all of the boxes. Derek waited patiently on a nearby bench as she picked out colors and other options for each piece she wanted. Trina asked the young guy behind the counter for an estimate on everything she had compiled on the flatbed cart and the cost of delivery. Her total was over $2000.00 She cringed a little, knowing she didn't have that much money left. As Trina stood there examining what she wanted to put back, Derek walked over and asked the guy what the total was. He pulled out a credit card and asked the guy to ring everything up while Trina was still sorting through the items on the cart. Trina came over to the register and was extremely shocked when she realized the Derek was swiping his credit card. "I have money.", Trina said while nudging his arm. "This is nothing baby." Derek said calmly as he signed the receipt. "Just give them your new address and you will have it tomorrow evening. I even paid for assembly.", Derek said as he smiled at her with his pretty white teeth. "Are you serious?", Trina said, still in disbelief. Derek put his wallet back in his pocket and sat back down on the bench while Trina filled out the delivery information. As they walked out of the store together, Trina began to wonder why he would spend so much money on her like that. "Let's have dinner at my place Trina. You at least owe me that.", Derek said as he reached out to hold her hand. "Ok.", Trina replied and he pulled her closer and kissed her softly on her lips.

As she followed him home, she admired his persistence and willingness to spend money on her. Besides Mike Battle, no man had ever spent that much money on her at once. And unlike Mike, she could tell that Derek was serious about her. As Jill Scott played on her car stereo, she began to think about what would happen once she got to his place. Trina knew that he would try to have sex with her and she wondered to herself if she really wanted to go through with this. She parked next to his Escalade and he walked over to open her car door. He held her hand as he led her inside his apartment building. "Well.... this is it.", Derek said as he unlocked the front door and held it open for her so that she could enter. He reached behind her and turned on the lights. Trina was not expecting to find a lavish three bedroom apartment with dark hardwood floors. All of Derek's furniture was modern and minimalist. The living room set was a low profile black leather sectional with a matching recliner. The entire place was clutter free and very clean. "You have a very nice place Derek.", Trina said as she looked into the kitchen. "Thanks. Would you like some wine?", Derek asked as he pulled a bottle of Chardonnay from a wine chiller that sat next to his Cappuccino maker. "Yes, thank you.", Trina said as she was extremely impressed by the entire set up. As he handed her the glass, he took her other hand and led her into his bedroom. "Now don't worry, I just want you to be comfortable.", he said as he guided her to sit on a large leather ottoman at the foot of his king sized bed. Derek opened his walk - in closet and she could hear him opening and closing drawers. He came back out with a clean white T-shirt and a brand new pack of boxer shorts. "I want you to take a shower while I prepare dinner. I have clean towels and washcloths in the linen closet right here. I also have lotion and everything you need under the sink.", he said as he entered the master bathroom, turning the shower on for her. Trina watched him as she sat on the ottoman sipping the Chardonnay. He took off his tie and dress shirt and put them in the hamper next to the closet. "Trina... let me know if you need anything sweetheart.", Derek said as he turned the stereo on. The beautiful sound of Anita Baker's voice filled the air and the steam from the shower began to filter into the bedroom. Derek smiled as he exited and closed the bedroom door behind him.

"Wow.", Trina said softly as she placed her wine glass on the night stand. She carefully opened his nightstand drawer and saw Magnum condoms inside. Trina closed the drawer slowly and took a good look around the room. She walked into the bathroom, closed the door behind her, and locked it. Trina looked inside the medicine cabinet and every drawer inside the bathroom, looking for anything unusual. She was happy to see that he had Jergens lotion, Dove soap and a few other of her preferred brands underneath his sink. She grabbed a clean towel and washcloth and placed it on the glass shower stall. She was eager to undress and get in. Once inside the steamy shower, she was careful not to get her hair wet and washed her face carefully. Trina felt at home and took her time in the shower while listening to the music that played from the bedroom. When she finished her shower, she went back into the bedroom to dry off and apply lotion. She locked the door, fearing that Derek might come back in and see her completely naked. One she was dressed in his over-sized T-Shirt and new boxer shorts, she opened the bedroom door. Derek sat at the dining room table that was adorned with candles. "I hope you like red snapper.", he said while getting up to pull out her chair. "I made it the other day and had some left over.", Derek said as he sat back down. "This is nice Derek. I didn't know you could cook.", Trina said as she examined the plate filled with red snapper, rice and asparagus. They ate dinner together and talked about current events and people at the office.

After dinner, he poured her another glass of wine and offered her a foot massage. Trina couldn't resist and the went into the master bedroom and she sat on the edge of the bed. Derek sat on the leather ottoman and reached under the bed to get some type of massage oil. "I know you will enjoy this.", he said as he poured the oil on her feet and it began to heat up. Trina smiled as the warming sensation and Derek's hands began to make her feet tingle. Much to her surprise, he began sucking on her toes. Trina's eyes rolled back in her head as his tongue went in between each toe. Derek continued to suck her toes and lick her feet as he got down on his knees. His large hands began to smooth the oil on her calves, then her thighs. Trina's entire body was trembling with pleasure. She took the boxer shorts off and he poured the oil into her belly button and made it stream down to her vagina. He kissed her belly button with passion and followed the stream of oil down between her legs. Derek began tasting her slowly, licking her deep inside until she could feel his tongue penetrate. Swiftly, he grabbed her waist and flipped her body over, laying her on her stomach. Trina could feel the oil dripping on her buttocks, then Derek's long tongue sliding up and down her cheeks. He pulled her up on her knees and began licking her anus with a slow circular motion while massaging her clitoris with his right hand. Trina was completely turned on and was ready for more. "One second.", Derek said as he quickly undressed and grabbed a magnum condom from the nightstand. "Don't move baby.", Derek said as he pushed the leather ottoman up to the bed. He stood on top of the ottoman and carefully pushed inside of her. "Oh yes! Yes!", Derek moaned. "Is it in?", Trina asked in a confused voice as Derek began pumping quickly from behind. All she could hear was Derek moaning and screaming, "Yes!". Trina was on all fours on his bed, rigid, not really feeling much as Derek continued. Suddenly he stopped. "Did it come out? I don't feel anything.", Trina said as she looked back at Derek. "I came. But, but the rubber must be inside you. Hold still.", Derek said as she placed two fingers inside her, pulling the condom out. "What! It came off?" she said as she turned over and saw Derek holding the dripping condom in his right hand. Her eyes looked down at his penis and it was unusually small. No wonder she didn't feel anything. "That was great Trina.", Derek said as he started to put his boxers on. And Trina thought to herself how small and disappointing his penis was. She just nodded her head in agreement and began to put her clothes back on.

FIGHT TO LOVE – CHAPTER 10

The next few days passed by quickly and Trina kept in contact with Derek by texts and phone calls. She was not ready to see him again and definitely did not want to have sex with him anytime soon. He remained persistent though, and told Trina that he would not give up on her that easily. Every morning, he would leave her a hand written note that he slid inside her locked desk drawer at work. In the notes, he confessed his desire to be with her and told her how much he wanted to taste her body again. Trina told Naomi all about her sexual experience with Derek. She even told her how small his penis was, yet she admitted that his oral pleasure had surpassed any experience that she had ever had. Trina sat at her desk, watching the time move slowly as she thought about her plans for that night. It was Friday and she wanted to go out and have fun. Derek was not in the equation for the night, even though he kept texting her, asking her to come over. She decided that she would leave work early to avoid him. As soon as the clock read 4:45 pm, Trina quickly exited the building, taking the back staircase and rushing to her car.

On the ride home, Naomi called to invite her to Grooves nightclub that evening. She was excited about going out with Naomi and rushed back to her apartment to shower and change. She decided to wear a yellow spaghetti strap tank top that was very low cut in the front with a tight pair of skinny jeans and yellow stilettos. She pinned her hair up in a cute ponytail and wore large gold hoop earrings. Trina quickly emptied the contents of her black purse into a gold clutch and rushed out the door. As she walked down the steps, she texted Naomi to let her know she was leaving. At the bottom of the steps stood Brent, as if he were waiting for Dave or Lee to answer their front door. "Hi Brent.”, Trina said as she walked by. "Hey Trina.", he said while banging on the door. As Trina walked to her car, she wondered if he was looking at her. She turned around and saw Brent standing there, looking down at his phone. She wondered if he was interested in her. Trina decided to turn around and go back, pretending as if she had forgotten something. As she walked by again she asked, "So what do y'all have planned tonight?". Brent looked at her and said, “Nothing much. Wassup?". "Oh I'm just headed to Grooves to meet my friend Naomi.", Trina said as she walked back up the stairs. She hoped that he would respond but he didn't. Trina unlocked her apartment door, went inside and stood there thinking. She couldn't figure out why he wasn't chasing her. With determination, she walked back out of her apartment and locked the door behind her. She could hear Brent banging on Dave and Lee’s door as she came back down the stairs. "So are you gonna stand here all day in this blazing heat? Or are you taking me to Grooves?", she said with a smile. Brent turned around and looked at Trina as if she had caught him off guard. "Nah, I'm not going to Grooves, but we can go have some drinks if you like. I'm not really dressed to go out." , Brent said. He was wearing blue jean shorts and a plain white t-shirt with some shell toe Adidas. "Ok, well let's go. I don't think your friends are home.", Trina said as she began texting Naomi with her change of plans.

Brent pulled out his keys and Trina followed him to a black Mercedes Benz. It was clean and very modest. He didn't even have rims on it, which was customary in the South. Brent opened the door for Trina and closed the door gently after she got in. He started the car and Trina was surprised to hear Maze and Frankie Beverly playing on the stereo. "Do you listen to old school music a lot?", Trina asked. "This is good music, not old music.", Brent laughed. "What else are you into?", Trina asked, hoping to learn more about him. "I enjoy travelling. My next trip is to Amsterdam. I plan to do some networking while I'm there too.", Brent said as he toyed with the GPS system. "What do you do for a living?", Trina asked. "I design websites for mostly urban brands. The last website I designed was for Baby Phat.", he said as they pulled up at Slick Willies pool hall. Trina heard her phone beeping and took it out of her purse. It was Derek texting her, asking where she was. She quickly typed, "I'm at home. Headache. TTYL", and put the phone back in her purse. She watched Brent get out of his car and walk around to open her door. They walked in together and sat at a small table for two. The pool hall was packed with people and the jukebox blasted the sounds of Rick Ross. There were several groups of people playing pool and drinking beer and the bar was packed with couples. "Would you like some wings?", Brent asked as he read the menu. "Yes, their wings are pretty good. And an apple martini please.", Trina said as she placed her menu back on the table. Brent got up and walked over to the bar to order. Trina checked her cell phone again and saw that Derek had texted her several more times asking if he could bring her some medicine, asking if she ate dinner, and asking if she wanted to go out with him tomorrow. She rolled her eyes and put her phone back in her purse as Brent returned with her apple martini. "Thank you.", she said as he handed it to her. "I'm still waiting on the wings and my Crown Royal.", Brent said as walked back over to the bar.

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Valerie walking towards her. She was accompanied by her flunky co-workers, Kia and Joy. "Hey Trina!", Valerie yelled as soon as they made eye contact. "Hey.", Trina said unenthusiastically as Kia sat down in Brent's chair. "Someone is sitting there.", Trina quickly said. "Girl my feet hurt, so SOMEBODY can kiss my ass right now!", Kia said as Valerie and Joy laughed. "Who you here with?", Valerie said as she looked around. "Nobody you know.", Trina said as she hoped that Brent would stay at the bar a while longer. "Let me sit down for a second Trina.", Valerie said as she attempted to get Trina to get up. "No. And when my friend comes back, I need you to get up Kia.", Trina said as she crossed her legs. "Yo! Who is this bitch talking to like that?", Joy said. "That raggedy bitch better check herself. The sign says Slick Willies - not Slick Trina's. So I will sit here as long as I please.", Kia said, rolling her eyes at Trina. "Whateva bitch.", Trina grumbled. Joy grabbed the back of Trina's chair and dumped her out of it. Trina hit the floor and her martini tumbled into her lap. Brent rushed over to help her up. "What the hell is going on here?", Brent asked as he stared at Valerie, Kia and Joy. "Oh, this you?", Valerie asked Trina as she referred to Brent. Trina grabbed some napkins and began blotting her jeans dry. "Ignore these dumb hoes. Let's go Brent.", Trina said as she threw the wet napkins in Joy's face. As Brent and Trina turned to walk away, Joy grabbed Trina's ponytail and yanked her backwards. Trina fell back, breaking her fall with her arms as she fell on her butt. Kia turned the small table on top of Trina as Valerie and Joy stood there laughing. Brent pushed Valerie and Joy out of the way to help Trina up again. As soon as Trina got her balance she began swinging on Joy and Valerie who were standing there laughing. She hit them both in the face once before a security guard rushed over and helped Brent pull them apart. "What the fuck is wrong with you Trina?", Brent asked as he grabbed her arm and pulled her outside. "Those stupid bitches started it! They work with me and never liked me anyway!", Trina angrily screamed as Brent unlocked his car door for her to get inside. "Well let's go... the cops will be here in a minute.", he said closing her door and running around the front of the car to get in.

The first couple of minutes of the ride home were very quiet. Trina could tell that Brent was angry and disappointed in her. She felt embarrassed as she looked down at her wet jeans. She could feel her hair tousled all over her head. "I'm sorry Brent. This isn't me.", Trina said as she looked over at him. "Trina, I had my reservations about you from the beginning. And this just confirms that I was right.", Brent said. "Reservations? What do you mean by that?", Trina asked. "Man, I don't know. You just seemed like one of those females that has a lot of baggage. I could tell that by the way your friend acted. And who moves into a new place with garbage bags and no furniture?", he said. "Well aren't you being judgmental? You don't even know me Brent! And my friend Naomi is nothing like me! I'm not that type of girl.", Trina said slumping down in the seat. "And besides, I have furniture. I guess you're one of those guys looking for a perfect woman, huh?", Trina said as she looked at him for an honest answer. "Trina, I'm not looking for anything. You asked me out. I came over here to visit my friends. I had no idea you would be brawling in a pool hall. I don't like that type of drama.", Brent said as he drove into her parking lot. Trina sat there for a moment, thinking of a way to redeem herself. "Well I guess we got off to a bad start. I'm really sorry and I hope that I can make it up to you because I am truly embarrassed.", Trina said as she took off her seatbelt. "I'm sorry too Trina. It's just that I have dealt with drama queens in the past and I don't need that in my life right now.", Brent said as he got out of the car to open her door. Trina got out and they stood there face to face. "Can I call you sometime? Maybe I can make you dinner and show you that I am really a nice girl.", Trina said as she took her cell phone out of her purse. "Ok.", Brent said as he took her phone and dialed his number. "Ok bye.", Trina said as she took the phone back and headed to her building. "Can I walk you to your door?", Brent asked. "No thanks. You've been a true gentleman tonight. I hope that I can make it up to you.", Trina said as she climbed the steps. When she reached the top step, she saw Derek standing there. "I see you're feeling better.", he said as he angrily brushed past her. Trina just stood there and watched him walk across the parking lot, get in his Escalade and drive away.

FIGHT TO LOVE – CHAPTER 11

Trina woke up feeling lonely the next day. She laid in her new bed that Derek bought her, thinking about him and wondering if he was still angry with her. She liked Derek but was turned off by their last sexual encounter. Trina wondered if she could get past his shortcomings and be in a relationship with him. Feeling guilty, she reached for her phone and texted Derek saying, "Sorry about last night.". About a minute later, Derek called her. "Hello?", Trina answered. "Hey Ms. Williams. I'm sorry too.", Derek said in a humble tone. "I really miss you Trina. I was just trying to spend some time with you. If you want to date other people, I can respect that… just don't lie to me, Ok?", Derek said. "Aren't you dating other people?", Trina asked. "No. I am focusing on you right now because I really want you.", Derek said. Trina smiled as she pulled the sheets back, allowing the sunlight to shine on her tanned legs. "Can I see you sweetheart? Let's spend the day together.", Derek said after an awkward moment of silence. "Ok. Let me get up and get dressed.", Trina said as she sat up and headed towards the bathroom. "I will be there soon to take you to breakfast. Bye.", Derek said before hanging up the phone.

Trina raced around the apartment, trying to get ready as fast as she could. She showered and flat ironed her hair, curling the front into a cute flip over her right eye. The bright purple sundress she chose clung tightly to her body so she decided to take her panties off because you could see the panty lines. Trina lightly applied some soft purple eye shadow and pink lip gloss. She heard knocking at her door. Trina grabbed her gold purse from the night before and emptied it into her big black leather Coach bag as the knocking continued. "I'm coming!", she yelled as she slipped her black patent sandals on. Trina flung the front door open and Brent was standing there with two cups of Starbucks. "Good morning. Where are you going so early? I bought coffee.", he said as he walked inside. Trina stood at the front door. She was literally frozen and had to think of something quickly. "Thanks for the coffee but I am headed out to have breakfast with my friends.", she said as he slowly looked around her apartment. "And I'm not invited, huh?", Brent said with a smile as he handed her the cup of coffee in his right hand. "You are invited to Sunday dinner tomorrow at five. And I really have to go now… but thanks for the coffee, that was really sweet of you.", Trina said as she grabbed her keys from the kitchen counter. "Oh ok. You're welcome. I hope you can cook!", Brent said as he opened the front door and held it for Trina. "I can. You will be drooling, trust me.", Trina said as she locked the door. They walked downstairs together and Brent said goodbye as he walked into Lee and Dave's apartment. Trina pretended to walk to her car and was relieved that Brent was inside when Derek pulled up in his Escalade.

"Good morning Ms. Williams!", Derek said with a big smile as he jumped out of his truck to open her door. "Thank you and good morning.", Trina said as she climbed up into the seat. She appreciated his chivalry and enthusiasm for her. He was wearing white linen shorts and a baby blue Polo t-shirt with white Prada tennis shoes. His silver Movado watch matched his platinum bracelet and he smelled like Ralph Lauren's Polo Double Black cologne. "You look beautiful as always Trina.", Derek said as he looked over at her. "Thank you Derek. Where are we going?", Trina said, blushing at him. "A really nice restaurant called Noel. Have you ever been?", Derek asked as entered the ramp onto the freeway. "No. Where is it?", Trina asked. "Oh it's at the Omni Hotel in the Galleria area. One of my tenants works there.", Derek said as he opened the sunroof. "Tenants?", Trina said with a puzzled look on her face. "Yeah, I own a few houses in the area and I rent them out for supplemental income. The first house I owned was a foreclosure and my dad helped me fix it up real nice. I sold that one in eight weeks and used that money to purchase two more smaller homes that I rent. As the money comes in, I just buy more houses and rent those too.", Derek said. Trina was even more impressed than she ever was. Derek was smart and sexy and she couldn't take her eyes off him now. "So why are you working at TicketMaster", Trina asked. "Long story. But the short of it is, I have those little boys to take care of and I don't want Child Support calculating and factoring my investment income. I give Sharon more than enough each month and she doesn't need to know any more than that.", Derek said. "Does she always give you grief? She seemed kind of crazy to me.", Trina said, hoping she could find out more about her. "Sharon is delusional. She uses those boys to control me. I never should have trusted her.", Derek said shaking his head with disapproval. "I don't understand. What do you mean?", Trina said, reaching over to tough his hand resting on the armrest of his seat. "Sharon was my ex-girlfriends best friend. Her name was Carmen… I really loved that girl. It was Sharon that revealed to me that Carmen was cheating on me and just using me for my money.", Derek said. "Are you serious?", Trina asked as she pressed him for more details. "Yep. I was so hurt when Sharon took me to her place and let me in her apartment with Carmen's spare key. We walked in and found Carmen having sex with a white guy on the living room floor. Sharon wanted me from the very beginning and knew that I would break up with Carmen after seeing that. And I did. And I eventually ended up sleeping with Sharon a few months later. And the next thing you know…", Derek said as his voice trailed off. "Wow! That's crazy! I just don't understand why she went off on you like that. I mean, you are paying Child Support and everything, right?", Trina asked. "I have been giving her $950 per month out of my own pocket each month. Plus I buy those boys whatever they need when she asks. I just have a feeling that we will be in court soon. That's why I got the job, just in case.", Derek said as the pulled up to the Omni hotel. "Oh…. ok…", Trina said as she thought about the whole situation.

Derek and Trina sipped on Mimosas as they waited for vegetable omelets and Belgian waffles at Noel, the hotel's restaurant. She couldn't help but think about their earlier conversation in his truck. Trina wondered if what Derek told her was the truth. "You said you didn't trust Sharon. Why?", Trina asked as she peered at him over her champagne glass. "Because she went through a lot to get me. She betrayed her best friend. Plus she is the type of woman that needs a man to validate her.", Derek said as he placed his napkin across his lap. "Are you sure those are your babies?", Trina asked. "Nope. And that's the thing. Carmen told me, before we broke up, how desperate Sharon was for men. I know she had other sexual partners.", Derek said. "So knowing all of that information, why did you sleep with her?", Trina said in a perturbed tone. "Honestly? Well… I was depressed and lonely after me and Carmen broke up. Sharon would always come over to my place and cook, clean, iron my clothes - you know, whatever I wanted. One night she offered me oral sex… and …. one thing lead to another.", Derek said as he looked at Trina from across the table. "But you kept sleeping with her Derek. Or are you saying it was only once?", Trina asked as she took another sip of Mimosa. "Hey, it was easy and stress free until she told me she was pregnant. Now, here I stand.", Derek said in a dismissive tone. "Now you can't get rid of her.", Trina said as she placed her napkin on her lap as the waiter served the omelets and waffles. "So what's your story Trina? Why won't you let me get close to you?", Derek asked as he began eating his food. "I'm just trying to figure out what I want right now. I'm too young to settle down.", Trina said. "Don't I treat you well and give you good loving?", Derek asked as he stared at her intently. Trina kept chewing her food slowly as she thought of a way to be honest with Derek. "You treat me very well Derek.", Trina said as she quickly took another bite of food. "But I don't give you good loving?", Derek asked as he put down his fork, waiting for her to answer. Trina searched for the right words to say. She didn't want to hurt his feelings. "I think that there is room for improvement Derek. Each woman likes to make love differently.", Trina said as she watched a sad look come over Derek's face. He looked down in his lap, and looked back up at Trina and said, "I'm not that big, am I?". "Well… it may have been the position we were in. Or, ummm, it's something we can work on Derek. Don't get upset about it.", Trina said as she reached out to hold his hand. "I'm not upset. It's just that I have had women tell me that before and if it's a problem for you - I would rather know now than later. I really like you and don't want to waste my time if size is a big thing for you. You know what I mean?", Derek said caressing her hand. "I understand Derek. Let's just take things slow.", Trina said. "Let's get out of here then. I want to go to the movies and then to the park since it's so nice outside. Then I have a special surprise for tonight.", Derek said as he left a one hundred dollar bill on the table. "A surprise?", Trina said as they walked out of the restaurant. Derek just smiled at her and escorted her to his truck, holding her hand the entire time.

Derek and Trina spent the rest of the afternoon together at the Movie Tavern watching Tyler Perry's newest release and another movie directed by Spike Lee. He spared no expense for her, ordering mixed drinks and appetizers during each movie and playing video games in the lobby after the movies were finished. They leisurely walked around the shopping plaza, going in and out of every store. Trina felt so relaxed with Derek and he was very accommodating to her, making sure that she was happy. "Are you ready for the surprise?", Derek asked after they exited the last store in the shopping plaza. "Yes!", Trina said excitedly. Derek took her hand and walked across the parking lot with her. In the distance Trina spotted a black stretch limousine and her excitement grew uncontrollable. "Oh my God! Is that your limo?", She asked while squeezing his hand tightly. "It's ours for the night. One of my good friends owns a limousine company.", Derek said proudly as they approached the limousine. The driver got out and opened the door for them with a smile. He was a handsome young black man, dressed in a black suit. "Good evening sir, good evening ma'am. My name is Thomas and I will be your driver.", the driver said. "Good evening.", Trina said as she got in the limousine and looked around. Derek shook his hand and quickly followed behind Trina. As soon as the driver shut the door, Derek began passionately kissing Trina on the lips. "Trina, I have been thinking about this moment all day.", Derek said as he reached for the bottle of chilled champagne and poured her a glass. They could feel the limousine pull off and the interior lights dimmed. Derek poured himself a glass as well and turned the CD player on. Trina smiled and giggled as Derek began to nibble on her neck. "Get naked for me baby.", he said as his tongue softly licked the inside of her ear. Derek slipped the straps of her purple dress down over her shoulders, then reached around to unhook her bra. Trina pulled her bra off and flung it to the floor of the limousine. Derek gently licked around her nipples as she leaned back into the leather seat. He slowly pulled her dress down and was pleasantly surprised to see that she didn't have any panties on. "You did that for me?", he said as he pulled down his white linen shorts. "It's all for you Derek.", Trina said opening her legs wide. Derek began licking her thighs and then began vigorously licking her vagina. "I won't disappoint you this time baby.", he said while inserting his fingers deep inside her. He watched her moan with pleasure as he moved his fingers slowly in and out while sucking gently on her exposed clitoris. "Derek that feels great.", Trina said while pushing his head deeper between her legs. Derek continued licking and sucking all over her wet vagina until she exploded with pleasure. Her legs and body shook as he climbed on top of her and thrust his penis inside her. "Where's the condom?", she asked as Derek began stroking her. "You're gonna be mine baby. Don't worry. Let me feel you.", he said as he pounded her harder. "Can you feel me now baby?", he asked as he lifted one of her legs and placed it on his shoulder. "A lot better." , Trina said as Derek continued to grind her. "I'm going to make you love me baby. You feel so sweet and good!", Derek yelled as he pulled out of her and came all over her stomach. Before she could sit up, he went back down between her legs and began licking her some more. "I love the way you taste baby. Can you sit on my face?", Derek asked as he laid on the floor of the limo on his back. Trina sat up and grabbed some tissues from the bar and wiped her abdomen clean. She slowly got on top of Derek and began riding his tongue. He was very talented and supported her body by grabbing her ass and guiding her pelvic strokes. She enjoyed his oral pleasure for another fifteen minutes before she climaxed. Trina climbed back up on the seat of the limo and looked down at Derek's naked body on the floor of the limousine. "That really was great Derek. You really made me orgasm that time.", Trina said as she began putting her bra back on. Derek smiled at her with pride. She felt the limousine stop as she slipped her dress back on. "Where are we?", she asked. "You're home baby. I hope you had a great time today.", Derek said as he began dressing himself. "I did. It was amazing.", she said as she looked out the window of the limousine. "Can I walk you to your door?", Derek asked as he slipped his Prada tennis shoes back on. "I'm OK. But thanks. I will call you tomorrow.", Trina said as she inched towards the door. The driver opened the door and Trina ducked back into the limousine to give Derek a quick kiss on the lips before she scurried across the dimly lit parking lot.

FIGHT TO LOVE – CHAPTER 12

Bright and early on Sunday morning, Trina found herself panicking at the grocery store. She walked up and down the aisles in a white tank top and blue jeans wondering what she would prepare for dinner that would impress Brent. She had already bragged about how great her cooking was, so she knew she had to show and prove. She had really dug a hole for herself this time and needed a miracle. Trina walked towards the Deli looking for a solution. She found a tasty looking rotisserie chicken that was prepackaged and ready to go. Trina added a bucket of potato salad, macaroni and cheese and baked cornbread to her basket as well. On her way to the cashier, she grabbed three bottles of Sutter Home Chardonnay. Her plan was to spruce up the food she purchased with some extra ingredients and hope that Brent would be impressed. She checked out her items with the cashier and raced home knowing that she needed to cook, clean and get dressed. On her way back she texted Brent a message saying: DINNER AT 5!.

Once inside her apartment, she immediately turned on Jill Scott's CD and got started in the kitchen. She decided to baste the rotisserie chicken in a honey, garlic and barbecue glaze to make it seem home made. She placed it in the oven to keep it warm while she spruced up the other items as well. Trina dumped the macaroni and cheese into a baking dish and combined sharp cheddar and Colby Jack cheeses to it. She covered it with foil and placed that in the oven as well. When she opened the potato salad, she noticed it was not dressed very well so she dumped it into a serving bowl and added a bit of Miracle Whip and sprinkled paprika and celery salt on the top. Trina smiled as she put the finishing touches on dinner. She was looking forward to seeing Brent that evening. She continued to prepare for the evening by sweeping, mopping, changing her bed sheets and lighting candles to fill the apartment with the smell of vanilla. Trina wanted to take out the trash to get rid of all the store bought containers that the food came in. She grabbed the bag and headed outside towards the dumpster.

On her way down the steps, she could hear loud music coming from Dave and Lee's apartment. The hot Texas sun beat down on her bare shoulders as she walked across the parking lot towards the dumpster. "Trina!", she heard a familiar voice calling from the distance. She stopped and looked around. She saw a familiar figure about 200 feet away, on the sidewalk across the street from the entrance into her apartment complex. Trina dropped the garbage on the ground, immediately recognizing the person as Jay. With adrenaline pumping through her veins, she made a dash for her apartment as she saw Jay trying to cross the busy street. She could hear him yelling her name in the distance as she leaped up the stairs. Trina made it safely into her apartment and slammed the door shut behind her. She bolted the locks and shut the lights and music off. Trina peered out of the peephole, wondering if Jay had followed her into the building. Her heart pounded fiercely as she wiped her sweaty hands on her jeans. She listened intently, trying to hear if he was still calling her name and wondering if he was assaulting her car in the parking lot. All she could hear was the music blaring from Dave and Lee's apartment. Suddenly a figure walked past her door. Trina felt her stomach turn upside down. It was Jay, and she could see him slowly walking up and down the hallway in silence. He passed her door three times before he left her view from the peephole. Trina felt trapped and wondered if he would wait around for her to emerge from the building. Helplessly, she sat on the floor, with her back against the door for another ten minutes, praying that he wouldn't knock on her door or figure out where she lived.

After regaining her confidence and deciding that she wouldn't leave the apartment until tomorrow morning, she got up off of the floor and turned the music back on. Then she headed to the bathroom and took a long hot shower. She used her favorite Victoria's Secret Love Spell shower gel and spritzed on the matching perfume when she got out of the shower. She felt more relaxed and at ease now. Wrapped in a pink towel, she walked into her bedroom heard her phone beeping. She had a text message from Brent saying: "I'M COMING HUNGRY!". Trina felt butterflies in her stomach and smiled as she sat on the edge of the bed. Her phone rang and it was Derek. "Hey Derek.", Trina answered. "Hello Ms. Williams. What are you up to today?", Derek asked. "I am chillin in the house today. Just gonna relax and get mentally prepared for work because I know there is gonna be DRAMA!", Trina laughed. "Why you say that?", Derek asked. "I saw Valerie and the chicken head squad on Friday and we got into it. I can't stand them hoes!", Trina said. "What happened?", Derek asked. "I don't feel like talking about it Derek.", Trina quickly responded, hoping he would not ask anymore questions. "Oh ok. Well do you need me to bring you anything? I can pick up dinner or something.", Derek said quietly, hoping she would allow him to come over. "Nah… I'm good. Thanks. I'm just gonna chill. I will see you tomorrow.", Trina said. "Ok… well….. see you tomorrow. Bye.", Derek said in a disappointed tone.

Trina spent the rest of the afternoon styling her hair and getting dressed. She decided she would dress casual but sexy. She wore a sheer white tight fitting Baby Phat tank top that showed her white lace bra underneath. The tiny, pink Victoria Secret shorts she wore showed very curve below her waistline because she didn't have on any underwear underneath. Her toes were painted the same pink color and she pulled her hair back into a ponytail and secured it with a white Scrunchie. She looked younger than her age with her hair pulled back. Trina poured a glass of Chardonnay and stretched across the living room sofa. She sipped slowly and enjoyed the delicious smells emanating from the kitchen. Her CD player played the soothing songs of Meshell N'Degeocello as she laid on her back, gazing through the sliding glass doors of her balcony. The sun was setting and a beautiful orange glow enveloped the living room. Trina could feel the warm sensation from the Chardonnay take over her body. Her eyes closed and she slept quietly until she heard a startling knock at the door. She sat up and looked at the time on her cable box, thinking it was probably Brent. She raced into the bathroom and gargled with Listerine before answering the door. Trina looked out the peep hole and saw Brent waiting patiently. She smiled as she opened the door and he walked in without taking his eyes off of her. Without a word he put his arms around her and hugged her. She could smell his Armani cologne and loved the way her head rested perfectly on his chest. "It smells good in here. Is the food ready?", he asked as he slowly looked at her body. "It should be. Have a seat and I will pour you a glass of wine.", Trina said as she walked into the kitchen. Brent stood there, watching her walk away. Trina brought him the glass of wine and he continued to stare at her intently as she brought the food from the kitchen into the dining room. "What are you looking at?", Trina said as she laughed. "I'm looking at you in those shorts. I can see all your goodies girl!", Brent said as he kept his eyes fixed between her thighs. "Come here.", he said placing his wine glass on the coffee table. Trina came over and stood in front of him as he sat on the sofa. He grabbed her waist and pulled her closer and proceeded to smell her vagina. "What are you doing?!?!?", Trina asked as she looked down at him. "Just checking.", Brent said as he laughed and sniffed loudly. "I'm clean!", Trina said in an offended tone and pushed his head away. "Don't get mad. I can see the shape of it…. I just wanted to smell it.", Brent said as he finished the wine. He got up and sat at the table and examined his plate. Trina wasn't sure what to think. He was checking her out from the minute he walked in and had even sniffed her crotch. She sat there, petrified, wondering what he was thinking about the food. "Looks good.", Brent said as he picked up his fork and began eating. Trina just sat there, watching him take the first few bites. "Are you going to eat, or did you poison this?", Brent laughed. Trina laughed too and began eating.

Brent's cell phone began ringing during dinner and he silenced it without even looking at it. Within seconds, Trina could hear her cell phone ringing from her bedroom. She didn't budge and continued eating. "So how many people are you dating right now?", Brent asked. "I don't really date a lot.", Trina said taking a sip from her wine glass. "That's bullshit Trina. Come on, let's have an adult conversation.", Brent said rolling his eyes and pushing his plate away. "Well there is one guy that I date from time to time.", Trina replied sheepishly. "Why don't you date him all the time?", Brent asked. "Well… because… he kind of smothers me.", Trina replied. "Oh I know, that's the guy that gives you the world - but it's not enough, huh? I'm hip to that.", Brent said as he poured himself another glass of wine. "Not really. It's not even like that.", Trina said defensively. "How many women do you date?", Trina asked. "Depends on how I'm feeling. I can go on a date every weekend or I could just chill with my fellas. Depends on my mood. So what do you want from me?", Brent asked as he looked her in the eyes. "I was hoping that we could get to know each other and date each other. You seem like a cool dude and I am definitely attracted to you.", Trina said. "Oh. Ok. Well as long as you understand that I'm not really looking for a long term relationship. I like having my freedom. And when I do settle down, she will be THE ONE.", Brent said as he silenced his ringing cell phone again. Trina was trying to figure him out and his attitude was very calm and nonchalant. "Well that's cool Brent. So…. ummm…. what do you want from me?", Trina asked. "Well, I would love to have sex with you - to be honest. I can tell you don’t have any panties on and you smell really good. We can have a good "homey-lover-friend" thing between us. If you can handle something like that.", Brent said as he stood up and looked down at her. Trina didn't know what to think. He was being brutally honest with her, yet she felt offended. Trina stood up slowly and walked over to the sofa. "I don't think that we should enter into a friendship like this.", Trina said as she sat down. Her feelings were hurt. Brent laughed and shook his head. "Well alright. I'm just being real with you. And I thought that's what you wanted by the way you were dressed. I mean…. I can literally see your pussy. But maybe you didn't realize that…", Brent said as he stood at the dining room table. There was a long silence between them and he continued to stand there looking at her as she sat on the sofa. "Umm, well thanks for dinner Trina. It was really good. Maybe I will see you around.", Brent said as he walked to the front door. Trina followed him and opened the door for him. "Good night Brent. I hope that we can be more that just sex buddies.", she said looking up at him. "Yeah. That's cool. Have a good night.", Brent said as he walked out the door without hugging or kissing her. She stood there with the door open as he walked down the hall without looking back. She could hear his cell phone ringing as he walked down the steps. Trina stood there trying to hear what he was saying but his voice trailed off into the night. She closed the door feeling empty and alone. Trina turned off all the lights and music and climbed into the bed with a lump in her throat. Her phone was beeping and she already knew it was Derek texting her. She turned the phone to silent and closed her eyes.

FIGHT TO LOVE – CHAPTER 13

Trina arrived at work an hour early and sat at her desk focusing on the email that had piled up over the weekend. There was a lot of work to be done so she printed everything out and put the emails in order of priority. She wore a short sleeved black lace shirt with black Capri pants and black stilettos. Her all black attire matched her gloomy mood. She didn’t sleep well last night and couldn’t keep Brent off of her mind. All night she tossed and turned and thought about what she could have done differently. Trina felt that she blew another opportunity to impress him. She was paying for it now, the lack of sleep made her feel tired and groggy. As she typed, she could hear Valerie at her desk talking trash about her. Trina really didn’t care what she was saying, as long as Valerie didn’t come back there and get in her face. Trina's objective was to stay focused and catch up on her work. Just like clockwork, Derek made his way down the long corridor of cubicles, saying good morning to everyone. All of the women liked Derek and she could hear them flirting with him as he walked past their desks. When he reached her desk, he just stopped and stood there. Trina looked up and Derek had a serious look on his face. His light blue shirt and navy blue suit and tie made him look very professional. Derek smelled as good as he looked and his Armani cologne filled the air. “What’s up Derek?”, Trina asked. “What do you mean ‘What’s up’?”, Derek said in an annoyed voice. “I called you last night and I texted you. What happened to common courtesy? I don’t treat you like that Trina.”, Derek said as he stood there expecting an explanation. “I’m sorry Derek. Sometimes I need time alone. I wasn’t trying to hurt your feelings or anything.”, Trina said as she continued to type. “You could have texted me back.”, Derek said as he walked away and entered the storage closet. She could tell that he was very upset with her. Trina got up from her cubicle and followed him into the closet, closing the door behind her. “Derek, come here. I’m sorry.”, Trina said as she opened her arms wide and began hugging him. “Trina, I’m just trying to be that man in your life. I want to spend more time with you. I get lonely at night and I want to hear your voice.”, Derek said looking down at her as they embraced. Derek gazed at her lovingly and she could feel how sincere he was. He kissed her softly and slowly while holding her tightly. “I’m falling in love with you Trina.”, Derek whispered as he touched her face and looked into her eyes. “You are?”, Trina said in disbelief. “Yes. I am. I can’t stop thinking about you.”, Derek said as he let her go and leaned back on the shelves. Trina sat down on a pile of boxes and looked up at him, feeling overwhelmed by his love confession.

The door of the storage closet slowly opened and they both looked up to see Valerie peeking inside. “What Val?”, Derek said in an annoyed voice as he turned around and began loading paper and other supplies onto a rolling cart. “Nothing. I’m just wondering why you are in here with her. It’s not like she’s available.”, Valerie said as she walked into the closet and looked down at Trina. She was a bit taller than Trina and wore an all black pantsuit and shoes. Valerie's hair was pulled back into a ponytail and she wore bright red lipstick. Trina didn't feel threatened by her at all. “What are you talking about Valerie?”, Derek said as he looked at Trina as she remained seated on the boxes. “Yeah, what are you talking about Valerie? Why are you always trying to start shit?”, Trina said as she stood up and looked Valerie eye to eye. “I don’t think your man would like the fact that you are always up in here with Derek. Every time I turn around he’s all up in your face.”, Valerie said as she looked at Derek for a reaction. “What man?”, Derek asked Trina. “This bitch is lying. She don’t know shit about me. She’s trying to start something.”, Trina said as she brushed past Valerie and made her way to the door of the supply closet. “So who was the guy buying you drinks at Slick Willies on Friday? The dude you left with?”, Valerie said crossing her arms. “We all saw you Trina. Don’t try to lie.”, Valerie said as she started getting louder. “That was a friend of a friend. You need to mind your motherfucking business. Derek don’t want your stupid ass.”, Trina said as she slammed the door on her way out, leaving Valerie and Derek inside. Trina sat down at her desk and was angry that Valerie was trying to stir up drama at the job. She knew that Valerie was in the closet filling Derek’s mind with lies. They both emerged a couple minutes later and Derek and Valerie walked by her cubicle without saying a word to her. Trina’s heart sunk as she wondered what Derek was thinking. She decided to stick to her original plan for that day and focus on her emails.

Trina decided to escape the tense office atmosphere and go to Chachos for lunch. She grabbed her purse and keys and left the building, heading to her car in the adjacent parking lot. She walked as quickly as she could because the heat was overwhelming. She rolled down all her windows to let the sweltering heat out and to let the air conditioning cool off the car for a few minutes before she pulled off. Her phone was beeping with a new text message from Derek. He said that he wanted to talk to her on her lunch break and she quickly texted back saying that she was already at Chachos. Before she could press SEND to deliver the text message, she felt a sharp pain in her neck. She looked up and saw Jay leaning into her drivers side window. She sat frozen with fear and could see from the side mirror on her car door that he had a sharp knife to her neck. "I got you now bitch! Move over!", Jay said in a menacing voice as sweat dripped from his face all over her left shoulder and arm. Terrified, Trina began sliding over to the passenger seat of her car. Jay quickly yanked opened the driver's side door and started to sit down but Trina's legs were still in the way. Trina began viciously kicking Jay in the face and neck with her black stilettos. Her kicks landed with a powerful force and the sharp heels punctured his skin. Enraged, Jay grabbed her shoes and threw them out into the parking lot and tried to pull Trina out of the car by her feet. Trina was screaming and yelling for help as she held on to the passenger door. Jay was acting like a madman as he clawed at her legs and began pulling down her black Capri pants in an attempt to pull her out of her car. His long, frizzy, unbraided hair was sticking to his sweaty face and his dingy white T-shirt was soaked with sweat as well. Jay fell backwards onto the ground as he pulled her Capri pants completely off. Trina sat up and saw the parking lot attendant and the security guards from her building running across the parking lot towards them. "I'm going to kill you bitch!", Jay yelled as he attempted to stand up. The four security guards pushed him back down on the ground and restrained him before he could attack her again. The parking lot attendant picked up Trina's pants and dusted them off and handed them to her. Her thighs and legs were scratched up really bad and she quickly pulled the pants back on as the men stared at her black bikini underwear. "Are you OK?", one of the security guards asked. "Yeah.", Trina responded, still trying to gain her composure. Her whole body was shaking and she was in shock. Her hair was all over the place and her body was hot and sweaty. By this time a crowd of people from the office building had gathered around the whole scene as Jay continued to curse loudly and fight the security guards off. "The police will be here soon. Just stay cool for a minute.", the parking lot attendant said as he closed Trina's driver's side door. "Trina! Trina!", Derek yelled as he broke through the crowd and came over to her car. "Derek, I'm okay.", Trina said as tears began to stream down her face. He opened the door and got down on his knees to hug her. "What happened baby? Who is this fool?", Derek said as he tried to console her by wiping her tears. "He tried to kill me and I couldn't fight him off.", Trina said as she sobbed in Derek's arms.

The police arrived with their sirens blazing and cleared the crowd from the parking lot. Trina could see Valerie and her friends looking out of one of the office windows as she and Derek spoke to the police. One of the officers handcuffed Jay and put him in the back of a squad car as another officer took statements from the parking lot attendant and the security guards. The knife laid on the ground next to her car and the officers picked it up and placed it into a Ziplock bag. Jay continued to act belligerent in the back seat of the car where he remained handcuffed. He yelled obscenities and spit all over the window. The police officer warned him several times before they opened the door to pull him back out onto the ground to hog-tie him with ankle restraints. "So that used to be your man?", Derek asked as he looked on. "Used to be. I made a huge mistake messing with him.", Trina replied as she got back into her car. "Ms. Williams, I will be in touch with you. My name is Officer Brown. Here's my card. I need you to go down to the district court in the morning and file an ex-parte restraining order. Do not take this incident lightly, that guy could be out in the morning if he makes bail.", the officer said as he continued writing in his tablet. "Thank you Officer Brown.", Trina said as she looked up at him from the driver's seat. "Trina, I'm leaving with you. You are staying with me tonight. I want you to be safe.", Derek said. "I need to go home first.", Trina said. "Let me go get my keys and I will follow you.", Derek said as he quickly walked back to the office building. Trina took a deep breath and sat back in her seat as she watched Derek walk away. The police officers got into their squad cars and pulled off with Jay still kicking and screaming from the back seat. Trina looked across the parking lot and watched a few of the onlookers go back into the building. She looked back up at the office building windows and still saw Valerie and her friends still staring down at her. Trina rolled up her windows to allow the air conditioning cool her off. She put her sunglasses on and patiently waited for Derek to come back out and follow her home.

FIGHT TO LOVE – CHAPTER 13

The next morning, Trina woke up from a deep sleep to find Derek in the master bathroom already dressed and ready to go to work. He had on a light tan dress shirt with gold cuff links and dark brown slacks, looking handsome, as usual. She pulled the black satin sheets back and sat up in his King sized bed. Trina had on her favorite silk pink and black teddy and had a black scarf wrapped around her head. She slowly untied the scarf and used her hands to feather her hair down from her tightly brushed wrap. Her thighs and legs were scratched and bruised from Jay scratching and pulling on her. "How did you sleep baby?", Derek asked as he stood in the bathroom brushing his hair. "Very well. I love this bed.", Trina said as she leaned back on the huge down - filled pillows. "And I can get used to you having you here. You are so beautiful when you are asleep. I think I watched you snore with your mouth open for at least thirty minutes.", Derek said laughing. He came out of the bathroom smiling and walked into the kitchen. Trina could see Derek in the kitchen preparing breakfast and making coffee. She took the remote control from the nightstand and turned on the wall mounted flat screen TV in the bedroom. She got up from the bed and pulled out her overnight bag from the walk in closet and went into the bathroom to brush her teeth and refresh herself. She closed the door for a moment so that she could pee. She opened it back up when she was done and grabbed the toothpaste and her toothbrush. As she brushed, she could hear Derek in the kitchen talking to someone on his cell phone. She turned the running water off so that she could hear what he was saying. Trina stood in the door of the bathroom with her toothbrush in her mouth, listening as intently as she could, however, the sound from the bedroom TV was too overpowering. Seconds later, Derek entered the bedroom carrying a tray with her breakfast on it. "I hope you're hungry baby. I'm gonna put this over here by the bed. I gotta get outta here but I will call you when I get to work.", Derek said as he placed the tray on the nightstand. "Thank you.", Trina said as she emerged from the bathroom. Derek walked over to her and gently placed his hands on her waist. He leaned over and softly kissed her neck once and looked into her eyes. "Make yourself at home baby. If you need to leave out, there's a spare key on top of the fridge. I'll see you later.", Derek said with a smile. "Ok.", Trina replied as she walked over to the bed and made herself comfortable. She could hear Derek close the front door and lock it as he left. Her breakfast looked delicious. He made her a vegetable omelet, turkey bacon, freshly cut strawberries and a buttery croissant. Her steaming hot coffee smelled like hazelnuts and he even put a small glass of orange juice on the side. Trina sat there and ate slowly while watching the morning news on television. She wondered what her coworkers were talking about this morning as she was sure that yesterdays incident was being discussed right now. Valerie was always the ring leader of all the gossip in the office and she was probably giving a play - by - play reenactment for anyone that missed Jay attacking her yesterday. Trina just rolled her eyes at the thought of it all. She took her tray and dishes back into the kitchen when she finished eating and put everything away. She really admired the way Derek kept his apartment so clean. Curiously, she opened the refrigerator and was pleased to find it fully stocked with a variety of food and drinks. As she stood there with the refrigerator door open, she could hear her phone ringing from the bedroom. She ran into the room as quickly as she could to answer it.



It was Naomi calling to see how she was doing. Trina filled her in and told her about all the dramatic events that happened the day before. Naomi was shocked that Jay had attacked her in the parking lot. She encouraged Trina to stay with Derek until the coast was clear, especially since Jay knew what apartment complex she lived in now. They agreed to meet for lunch so they could talk some more, so Trina immediately hopped in the shower and began getting ready. She was looking forward to seeing spending time with Naomi and she was already bored with being alone in Derek's apartment. Trina started to iron her light pink cotton sundress that she planned to wear with some white sandals and a white tank top underneath. As she stood there ironing in her white bra and panties, she thought she heard a key in the front door. Trina stood there listening, thinking it might be Derek coming back because he forgot something. She heard the door open slowly so she put the iron down on the ironing board and cautiously peeked out the bedroom door. Trina could not believe her eyes when she saw Sharon creeping down the hallway. "What the hell are you doing here?", Trina said as she jumped out in front of her. Sharon stopped dead in her tracks and stood there trying to muster the words to explain herself. Her eyes were darting back and forth with fear as she held her keys tightly in her right hand. Sharon looked shorter than before to Trina as they stood in the hallway looking at each other. Sharon put her keys in the back pocket of the baggy blue jeans she was wearing, paired with an over-sized orange T-shirt. "How did you get in here?", Trina began yelling at the speechless Sharon. "I… I… ummm… I just came… to get…", Sharon stuttered as she began to slowly walk backwards down the hallway towards the front door. She stumbled and fell backwards onto the floor, landing with a loud thump. Her keys slid across the wood floor and Trina jumped over her to grab them. As she picked up the keys, Trina swiftly shut the door and locked it from the inside. Sharon struggled to get up and was breathing heavily as if she had hurt herself. "I want to know why you are here! Does Derek know you have keys to his apartment?", Trina yelled at Sharon as she rushed back to the bedroom to call Derek from her cell phone. "Please don't call him!", Sharon begged as she finally stood up and leaned up against the wall to catch her breath. Trina came out of the bedroom with her cell phone and Sharon's keys in her hand. She looked at Sharon leaning pitifully up against the wall, bracing her back while her eyes were squinting with pain. "Well what are you doing here then?", Trina asked again. "My kids need food and I need gas money to get to work. I was just going to borrow some money from his stash and put it right back when I got paid this Friday. I swear to you. I always put the money back.", Sharon said as she started to cry. "Are you serious? What stash?", Trina asked as she looked at Sharon in disgust. Sharon wiped her face with her t-shirt and limped over to the bedroom that housed Derek's desk and office equipment. Trina followed her and watched her open the closet inside the bedroom. It was filled with boxes and metal file cabinets. Sharon squeezed past the tall file cabinets and groaned as she reached behind the last one and pulled out a black backpack. "It's right here. He always keeps bundles of cash in here. I swear to you… I always put it back.", Sharon said as she handed Trina the backpack. Trina placed it on Derek's desk and unzipped it to find wads of cash bundled in rubber bands. "Derek don't take care of his kids like he claims to everyone..…. What's your name?", Sharon asked. "Trina. What do you mean he doesn't take care of them?", Trina said as she looked Sharon up and down. "He pays the daycare Trina, but that's it. It's not like kids don't grow and need clothes. They eat a lot too. And because I work full time, the state won't give me WIC or cash assistance.", Sharon said as she leaned back on the closet door. "So you just come in here whenever you want and steal from him? That ain't right. I will tell him about this.", Trina said as she motioned for Sharon to get out. "Oh I see he has you fooled too. Don't let him get you pregnant. He will kick you to the curb.", Sharon said as she limped to the front door. Trina began taking Derek's key off of Sharon's key ring and handed the key chain back to her. "So you're telling me that he was in love with you or something? Cuz from what he told me - you were just a jump off gone wrong.", Trina said crossing her arms. "Oh that's what he told you, huh? He's a liar because he loved every bit of me. I gave him everything I had and he just left me with two kids. See, I know the real Derek. And I know that whatever you two have won't last because he needs a real woman like me. Not a Barbie doll.", Sharon said as Trina unlocked the door with the single key in her hand. "Get the fuck out you broke, fat bitch. If I catch you 'round here again I'm gonna beat your ass with my shoe then call the police!", Trina yelled down the hallway as Sharon slowly limped away.



Trina slammed the door and called Derek's cell phone. He answered on the first ring and she told him everything that happened, but she did not mention the black backpack full of money. Derek was very angry and upset but had to remain calm because he was still in the office. He apologized to Trina for Sharon's unexpected intrusion and promised to call her immediately and tell her not to come back to his apartment for any reason. When they got off the phone with each other, Trina went back into the office and opened the black backpack. She took the rubber bands off of a couple of the wads of money and counted out $5,000. She zipped the bag back up and put it back in the closet, behind the file cabinet. Trina planned to blame Sharon if he realized that the money was missing. Trina went back into the bedroom to put the cash in her purse and put the confiscated key on her key chain. She sprayed on some peach scented body spray and finished getting dressed. She glanced in the mirror before leaving out of the apartment and locked the door behind her. When she got in the car, Trina called Naomi to make sure she was ready because it wouldn't take her long to get there. She talked to Naomi the entire time that she was driving to her house. Trina told her how Sharon had a key to the apartment and repeatedly stole from Derek. She also told Naomi that she purposely took $5,000 and would blame it on Sharon if Derek discovered that the money was missing. Naomi joked about both of them finding Sharon and beating her up. When Trina pulled up in front of Naomi's house, she saw her standing on the steps wearing a black fishnet tank top with a white spaghetti strap tank underneath. Naomi also had on some black knit Capri leggings that showed every lump of cellulite on her lower body. Trina just shook her head and laughed when Naomi sauntered down the steps trying to look sexy. "What!", Naomi laughed as she got into Trina's car. "Nuthin girl…. where are we headed?", Trina asked. "The Sports Bar over on 290. A lot of guys go there on their lunch break. The last time I went I met this guy that ate my pussy real good. Oooohhhh… I hope he's there!", Naomi giggled. "So you met him and slept with him on the same day?", Trina asked. "No bitch, I let him taste this good stuff, now he calling me like crazy. I'm not gonna let him get none until he get's me that Coach bag I want.", Naomi said as she texted on her phone. Nothing Naomi said ever amazed Trina so she just continued driving. "Ooooh! He's there! And he said he has his younger brother with him.", Naomi said as she read Trina the text message. "Well how does the brother look?", Trina asked. "I never saw his brother before, but Corey is big and sexy - just like I like 'em.", Naomi said as she applied some lip gloss. Trina rolled her eyes and hoped that Corey's brother wasn't fat or ugly. The two friends continued to laugh and joke all the way to the sports bar. Trina was going to make the best of the rest of her day, because she loved spending time with her good friend.

FIGHT TO LOVE – CHAPTER 15

As soon as they walked into the crowded sports bar, they could feel the guys staring at them. Men in business suits sat on stools at the bar eating chicken wings and drinking beer. It was dark and smoky inside and the flat screen televisions that hung from the ceiling has different sports games playing on each one. Naomi smiled and flirted as they made their way past the main bar and walked over to the pool tables where Corey and his brother were standing. Trina was relieved to see that Corey's brother was quite handsome, tall and muscular. Naomi gave Corey a hug and kiss on the cheek as Corey squeezed her big butt with both hands. "Corey, this is my friend Trina.", Naomi said as Corey shook Trina's hand. "Trina and Naomi, this is my brother Carlos.", Corey said as Carlos came over to shake Trina's and Naomi's hand. "Nice to meet you both.", Trina said with a smile while she checked out Carlos as he stood in front of her. Carlos was as tall as Derek and wore a dark blue Polo shirt with a dark blue pair of jeans and black Air Force Ones. He was neatly dressed and his hair was thick, black and wavy. "Do you play pool?", Carlos asked Trina. "Not really.", she said looking over at the pool table. "What are you drinking?", Carlos asked. "I like apple martinis.", Trina replied. "Be right back then. Y'all want something?", Carlos asked Corey and Naomi. "Patron shots baby!", Naomi said as Corey nodded in agreement. Trina sat on a stool on the other side of the pool table as Naomi and Corey continued their public make out session. He was at least 300 pounds and was almost as tall as Carlos. He wore a over sized black T-shirt, blue jeans and black Timberland boots. His face was handsome and Trina could see why Naomi liked him. She usually preferred big guys because, according to her, liked how big she was and loved to eat as much as she did. Carlos returned with a tray full of drinks. He placed four Patron shots on the highboy table next to Corey and Naomi and walked back over to her and presented her with an apple martini. Trina thanked Carlos as he pulled up a stool and sat next to her. His smooth, dark chocolate complexion complimented his thick, dark eyebrows and brown eyes. "Would you like a Black and Mild?", Carlos asked as he pulled a small cigar box out of his back pocket. "Sure, why not.", Trina said as she took the petite cigar and placed it in her mouth while he lit it for her. "I like to smoke these from time to time when I'm sippin Yak.", Carlos said as he lit his cigar. "Hey! Don't be stingy!", she heard Naomi yell loudly. She and Carlos walked around the pool table and pulled up stools next to them and took two cigars for themselves. "Your brother is a cutie!", Naomi said to Corey as she admired Carlos. "Well he don't like thick-ums like you. You gonna be mine girl.", Corey said pulling her arm and placing her hand on his thigh. Naomi laughed because she loved the attention that Corey gave her. "So when are we going shopping?", Naomi asked. "We can go today if y'all are coming back to the house afterwards.", Corey said. "You like to shop?", Carlos asked Trina as he leaned closer. "Of course I do.", Trina said. "What a dumb question, right?", Carlos said laughing. He motioned for the cocktail waitress to bring them another round. "You want me to take you shopping?", Carlos whispered in her ear. "And why would you take me shopping and we just met?", Trina asked as she finished off her martini. "Because I'm the type of dude that can do stuff like that. Me and my brother are the realest niggas you gonna ever meet baby.", Carlos said as he pulled out a bankroll of one hundred dollar bills and gave one to the cocktail waitress as she returned with the second round of drinks. "I guess you're used to these lame ass country boys. Well that ain't me, ya dig? Real men do real things.", Carlos said as he handed her another apple martini. "Oh yeah? You real, huh?", Trina said as she peered at him over her martini glass. "Hey look, I don't need to run game on you baby. My brother wants to take your girl shopping, so if you want to go with us, that's all it is to it.", Carlos said as he sat back on the stool and held the snifter full of Hennessy. "So what's up man? Y'all ready to get out of here or what?", Corey asked as he and Naomi took two more shots of Patron. "Well I'm down. I need some gear for the cruise. Are you going with us Trina?", Carlos asked. "Of course she is.", Naomi chimed in. "Yeah it's cool.", Trina said as she checked her phone for messages. She had a missed call from a number she didn't recognize. There was also a voice mail message, but she decided not to check it because the atmosphere inside the bar was too noisy.



The brothers followed Trina and Naomi towards the front door and outside into the parking lot. The sun blinded them all as they walked out into the parking lot. "We're over here. I'll bring y'all back to your car later.", Corey said as he motioned to the black Hummer with black and chrome rims and dark tinted windows. Naomi smiled at Trina as they walked across the parking lot and climbed up into the huge SUV. "This is really nice Corey.", Naomi said as sat up front with him. "You know I gotta do it big. I can't ride around in a little car.", Corey laughed as they drove out of the parking lot. Trina and Carlos sat in the back seat and she checked her voice mail message as Carlos texted from his phone. Trina had received a message from Officer Brown asking her to file the protective order against Jay. He also asked her to give him a call because he had some additional questions to ask her. She saved the message and decided to call him tomorrow. Before she could put her phone back in her purse, she got a text message from Derek. The message read: "SHARON JUST DROPPED THE KIDS OFF AT WORK. SHE IS PLAYING GAMES AGAIN BECAUSE I WONT GIVER HER MONEY. I AM LEAVING WORK NOW WITH THE BOYS. SEE YOU WHEN I GET HOME." Trina read the message twice and texted him back saying that she was at Naomi's house and they were going out for dinner and drinks. She put her phone on silent and placed it back inside of her purse. Naomi flipped through Corey's CD case and inserted UGK into the CD player. "What do you know about that?", Carlos asked Naomi from the backseat. "I love UGK. We used to get smoked out to 'Let Me See It' all the time.", Naomi said. "So you wanna get smoked out and let me see it?", Corey asked as he reached over to caress Naomi's thigh. "You ain't said nuthin. Roll it up.", Naomi said as she took off her seat belt and began kissing and licking Corey's ears as he was driving. "Oh shit! You bout to make us crash girl!", Corey said as crossed three lanes to exit the freeway. "Carlos, roll us up man. I'm heading to the detail shop.", Corey said. "Do you smoke?", Carlos asked Trina as he pulled out a leather pouch from beneath the seat. "Not on a regular basis. But I could use a few puffs to get me more relaxed.", Trina said as she watched him split a blunt down the middle and empty it out of the window. "Yeah, this is going to get you real nice. I see Naomi is already relaxed.", Carlos said as he filled the empty blunt with marijuana and rolled it tightly. Naomi had already taken off her black fishnet tank top and black leggings as they pulled into the garage at the detail shop. Corey closed the garage door behind them making it very dark inside the Hummer. Corey got out and walked over to the passenger side where Naomi sat and opened the door. She wrapped her arms and legs around him and he leaned inside, pushing her back against the armrest. They continued to kiss and make out in the front seat as Carlos lit the blunt and took a few puffs. "Is this your shop?", Trina asked. "No, This is Corey's shop. I have a detail shop on the South side.", Carlos said as he passed the blunt to her. Trina took it and took a long slow drag. She exhaled and took another before passing it to Naomi. "Can y'all come up for air for a minute?", Trina said as she extended her arm into the front of the Hummer. "I'll take that." Naomi said as she sat up and opened her legs wide. "What you waiting for Corey?", Naomi said as she exhaled smoke into his face. Corey descended to his knees and began eating Naomi out as she smoked the blunt. "Aye! Man…. what the fuck are you doing? Hey, pass that blunt back. He gonna hit it last.", Carlos said as he realized his brother was performing oral sex on Naomi. Carlos looked at Trina to see if she was surprised, and she wasn't. Naomi passed it back to Carlos after taking another long drag. She started to moan and wiggle around as Corey got more passionate. "Your girl is wild. Do you get down like that?", Carlos said as he exhaled smoke into the air. "Not in public.", Naomi replied. "Cool. Cuz that's a turn off for me. Me and my brother are totally different.", Carlos said as he passed the blunt back to Trina. "Well that was obvious when I first met you.", Trina laughed. "So what are you into?", Carlos asked. "What do you mean? Like, what do I like?", Trina replied. "Yeah. What do you like? How do you have fun?", Carlos asked as he leaned back and watched Trina smoke the blunt. "I like to do anything that's fun. I can't stand boring things or boring people. That's why me and Naomi get along, because she is so damn crazy!", Trina laughed. By this time, they could feel the entire Hummer rocking back and forth. Neither of them wanted to look, but the moans and groans were so distracting. Naomi had both legs up on Corey's shoulders and she was rubbing his head as he vigorously ate her out. "Damn! They are just going at it like we're not even here!", Carlos said as he watched in amazement. "So you're not into eating the kitty, huh?", Trina asked as she passed the blunt back to Carlos. "Nah, it's alright, but it really depends on the woman. I don't eat every woman I'm fucking.", Carlos said as he took a long drag. "Oh ok. Good answer.", Trina said as Naomi began to scream and climax. Trina and Carlos looked at each other and started laughing uncontrollably. They were high as a kite by this time. "Let me hit that blunt man.", Corey said as he stood up and wiped his face off with his shirt. "Here, you can have it man! Don't nobody want it after you. Here Naomi, pass it.", Carlos said with disgust as he passed the blunt to Naomi. She took it from him and started to smoke it instead of passing it. "You did a great job Big Poppa. I'm ready to shop now.", Naomi said as she passed it to Corey after taking another hit. "Yeah, and after I buy you everything you want, we're headed to the crib so you can suck this dick. I'm gonna fuck the shit out of you.", Carlos said as he smoked. Naomi opened the glove compartment and got some napkins to clean herself up with. "Oh yeah. I like that Big Poppa. Turn me out!", Naomi said as she got out and put her clothes back on. "Yeah let's go man. I got the munchies. Y'all in here being all nasty. We just stopped to smoke.", Carlos said as he put the leather pouch back under the seat. "So are you expecting the same from me?", Trina asked after hearing Corey and Naomi talk about their plans for later. "No.", Carlos said bluntly. "Oh ok, just asking.", Trina said, feeling relieved. She was definitely attracted to Carlos, but not willing to go all the way with him and make the same mistakes she made with Brent. Corey opened the trunk and pulled out a brand new white T-shirt. He popped off the tag and changed into the clean shirt before getting back in the driver's seat.

On their way to the mall, they went through the drive through at McDonald's on Post Oak Boulevard. Everyone quickly and quietly ate their food on the short drive from McDonald's to the Galleria Mall. They all had the munchies and the fast food was a quick relief. In true ghetto fashion, they tossed the garbage out as they entered the underground parking lot. "Where y'all wanna go first?", Corey asked as he pulled into a parking space. "I wanna go to Coach.", Naomi said. "Oh, you like Coach? Trina seems like a Dior girl.", Carlos said. "I never had a Christian Dior bag.", Trina said. "Well shit, forget Coach. I want a Dior bag too!", Naomi said as they all got out of the Hummer and entered the mall. "Get what y'all want.", Corey said nonchalantly as he dug into his jean pocket and pulled out a envelope full of money. "Yeah, we're headed to Nieman Marcus to get suited up for this cruise.", Carlos said as he gave Trina half of the stack he had in his pocket. Corey took some money out of the envelope and handed it to Naomi. "Get something sexy. I will call you when we're ready.", Corey said as he smacked her butt and walked away with Carlos. The two friends stood there looking at each other, trying to contain their excitement. "Is this real? Did these niggas just give us some paper and walk off?", Trina said as she huddled closer to Naomi to count the hundred dollar bills. "I told you! Girl, these motherfuckers are paid! How much did you get?", Naomi said as she counted her money too. "I have $2,200. He didn't even count it. He just handed it to me.", Trina said as she was still in shock. "I got $4,700.", Naomi said after taking a long pause. They stuffed the cash into their purses and headed towards the Dior store. "I can't believe I got all this money in my purse!", Naomi said as they walked side by side. "I know. Plus I have Derek's money too.", Trina laughed. "Looks like you got a sugar daddy now. Derek got some real competition.", Naomi said as they entered the store. "Yeah, but what does Carlos want from me?", Trina said as they browsed the enclosed glass cases full of accessories. "Well, eventually he gonna want some pussy Trina. I mean, don't be naive. He's not gay!", Naomi said loudly. Other shoppers turned and looked at them as they continued talking. The salesperson behind the register came rushing over, as Trina stopped to look at a camel colored leather purse. "That's the Dior 61. It's $1,850.", the young white woman announced, without even saying hello. "I'll take it. But have the other girl ring it up.", Trina said quickly and pointed to the black girl wearing a navy blue skirt suit. "Yeah, cuz we don't like your fucking attitude.", Naomi said as she laughed in the white girls face. The black salesperson came over and greeted them nicely. She introduced herself as Crystal and asked them if she could help in any way. Trina asked Crystal to place the purse at the register because she was sure she wanted to buy it. The friends ventured to the shoe section and began looking at the beautifully designed footwear. Naomi tried on the Riviera gold sandals while Trina tried on the red Starlet platform pumps. "Yes, these are sexy enough to get fucked in tonight.", Naomi said as she paraded in front of the mirror wearing the sandals. "I'm definitely getting these. They're $670.", Trina said as she took the pumps off and admired them. "Crystal, ring us up boo. We gotta hit Louie before we leave.", Naomi said. They paid for their goods in cash, counting out one hundred dollar bills as the young white lady watched carefully. "Thank you Crystal. You were so helpful today, unlike your coworker.", Trina said as she rolled her eyes at the white girl and walked out the store with her new purse and shoes. They went inside every store that their heart desired and spent the money they had like there was no tomorrow. By the time they reached the Louis Vuitton store, they were fatigued and carrying too many shopping bags. "Let's sit down for a second. My feet are hurting and these bags are heavy.", Naomi said as she plopped down on a bench with her bags. "Ok. Yeah, Louie might have to wait. Where are the guys?", Trina asked as she sat down next to her. "Let me call.", Naomi said as she rummaged through her purse trying to find her cell phone. Trina pulled her cell phone out too and saw that Derek had called her seven times and texted her four times. Derek's first text message said that he was home with the twins and he was wondering when she was returning. The next three messages asked where she was, who was she with and why wasn't she answering the phone. Trina called Derek back immediately and felt annoyed by his messages. "Why do you keep texting me? I told you I was with Naomi. We're at the Galleria. I'm going out with her tonight.", Trina explained to Derek as he was obviously questioning her whereabouts. Naomi nudged her while she was talking and pointed at Carlos and Corey walking towards them. "I'll see you later tonight.", Trina said as she immediately hung up the phone. "I see y'all had fun. Did you get everything you wanted baby?", Corey asked Naomi. "I got a lot of stuff. And something sexy for you.", Naomi said as Corey and Carlos began picking their bags up. "Well let's go, we got some business to take care of and need to get back to the house.", Carlos said as Trina got up and they all headed to the parking garage. "Did you get fitted for your suit?", Trina asked Carlos as they walked. "Yeah, it's real nice. It should be ready in two weeks. Corey needed a lot more material than we thought.", Carlos laughed. "Where are y'all cruising to and why weren't we invited?", Naomi asked. Corey looked at Carlos and it appeared that they both liked the idea. "That might not be a bad idea Naomi. We're cruising to Jamaica for seven days. We leave out of Galveston on the 15th. Y'all can come if you want to.", Corey said as they put the shopping bags in the trunk of the Hummer. "Well, we have to see if they have another room available because we got the last balcony room.", Carlos said. "Well I'm down!", Naomi said excitedly as she looked at Trina. "I don't know if I can take a week off. I have missed a lot of days already.", Trina said with a disappointed look. "Well if it's about the money, I got you. I'll pay for everything.", Carlos said as he opened the car door for Trina. She got in and put her seat belt on as Naomi and Corey talked to each other in the front. "What's up? You don't want to go with me? I thought you liked doing exciting stuff?", Carlos asked when he noticed Trina was deep in thought. "I don't know. I will miss time at work, my check will be short, I have bills to pay and I don't know if my supervisor will let me. Things haven't been going so great at my job lately.", Trina explained. "Well if Naomi is going with Corey, he's going to take the balcony room with her. That means I will be stuck in a room by myself. Would you do that to me? Make me suffer alone?", Carlos said as he pretended to beg and look pitiful. Trina laughed and felt flattered that he wanted her to come along. "Ok. But does that mean you're going to give me some money for my bills and stuff?", Trina asked. "I will give you some cash when we get to the house.", Carlos said as he winked at Trina. She smiled and looked forward to seeing where he lived. Trina thought that she was having the luckiest day of her life.

FIGHT TO LOVE – CHAPTER 16

"This is a nice neighborhood. Is this where you live?", Trina said as they pulled into Remington Ranch. "Yeah, I have a hideaway over here.", Carlos smiled. "Where do you live Corey? I want to see your house.", Naomi said. "You will, in due time. All you need to worry about right now is getting those lips ready.", Corey said as they drove down a street lined with houses on each side. They pulled up in a driveway of a two story house that looked fairly new. Corey parked the Hummer in the garage and they all got out and went inside. "Make yourself at home Trina.", Carlos said as she followed him into the living room. There were two flat screen televisions mounted on the wall, one was for cable television and the other had an Xbox attached to it. There were caramel colored leather sofas and nice hardwood floors throughout the lower level. She sat down on the sofa and felt the soft leather with her hands. She watched Carlos in the kitchen preparing drinks as she heard Corey and Naomi banging and thumping upstairs. She tried not to imagine what they were doing up there. "How long have you lived here?", Trina asked. "I got this house built three years ago. I was tired of living in apartments. I still want something bigger, but this will do for now.", Carlos said as he walked back into the living room and handed her a glass of Hennessy and Coke. "Let me get this money for you. I will be right back.", Carlos said as he placed his drink on the glass coffee table and went upstairs. Trina quickly checked her cell phone as he walked up the steps. She had 14 missed calls from Derek and 6 text messages. Derek wanted to know why she wasn't answering her phone. He also asked her to stop and get some Pampers in a size 2. Trina rolled her eyes and put her phone back in her purse. It was only 9:30 pm and she wasn't planning on coming back to his apartment that early. She sat there and wondered how Carlos had so much money to give her. He said he owned a detail shop, but he had already given her thousands just to shop with. She straightened up as she heard Carlos coming back downstairs. He had changed into a wife-beater and black basketball shorts. "Here you go. This should cover it.", Carlos said as he handed her a stack of $100 bills. "How much is this?", Trina asked. "It's $5,000. Just please don't be late. I like to board first. And you don't have to bring anything, just a purse if you want to. I'll buy you some swimwear and stuff on-board.", Carlos said as he sat next to her and sipped his drink. "Wow. You must travel a lot.", Trina said as she stuffed the money into her purse. "I try to go somewhere once a month. That's the great thing about owning your own business. I make my own schedule.", he said as he touched her hair with his left hand. "You must have a lot of women chasing after you too.", Trina said nervously as she watched Carlos examine her from head to toe. "Nah. I keep them at a distance until I figure out their motives. I've learned a lot in my lifetime and know the games all too well.", Carlos said as he leaned back and stretched out across the sofa. "How old are you?", Trina asked inquisitively. "I'm 36. But I'm wiser than your grandfather, if he's still living.", Carlos said as he smiled back at her. "My grandparents and parents have passed away. The only relative that keeps in touch with me is my aunt in North Carolina.", Trina said in a sad voice. "I'm sorry to hear that. What about your man? I know you have one.", Carlos said. "Actually, I don't have one. I have a guy that is interested in being my man. But he doesn't have everything I'm looking for.", Trina said. "So what is he missing?", Carlos asked. Trina started laughing. She wasn't sure if she should tell Carlos about Derek's small penis. "Well? Tell me! It's not like I know the dude.", Carlos said. "He has a little dick. I mean, very little.", Trina said as she held up her pinky finger. "Damn. So why are you still dealing with him then?", Carlos said as he sat back up and took another sip of his Hennessy. "Because he is a very nice person and he treats me well. He has really been there for me and I don't want to hurt him.", Trina explained. "Oh, he's a sucka.", Carlos said. He took another sip and looked at her in her eyes. "Why are you letting this guy hold you back? Are you afraid to be alone?", Carlos asked. Trina thought for a moment because the question hit home. "It just seems that I fight to love.", she said softly. "What does that mean? You fight?", Carlos asked in a puzzled voice. "Everything and everyone I have ever loved, I had to fight for. So I just feel like if I'm not fighting, it's not love.", Trina said looking at the floor. "You have never been in love before then. That's deep.", Carlos said as he got up and took both of their glasses into the kitchen. "Yes I have. They just didn't love me back." Trina said defensively. "No, that's not love. I was in love. And it was real love. Like the love my grandparents have. My girl died in a car accident three years ago. And...I don't think I will ever love anyone like I loved her. Her name was Simone. We had a good relationship, had been dating for five years, and then I just lost her one night. I will never forget that night. I knew something was wrong because I felt it in my heart. She didn't call me to tell me she was running late. So I kept calling her, and calling her. Finally, a police officer answered her cell phone around 1 am and said that there had been an accident. By the time I got to the hospital, she was gone.", Carlos said as he returned to the living room with the glasses filled back up again. "Oh my God. That's terrible Carlos. I have never lost anybody like that before.", Trina said as she looked at Carlos with concern. "Man, that was the person that I could always talk to. She was so sweet and kind, the type of woman that would help anybody. That's why God took her. She was an angel. I would have done anything to keep her here on Earth with me. She was just that special.", Carlos said softly as he took another sip from his glass. "I bet she was beautiful too.", Trina said. "She was beautiful inside and out. I swear... I still miss her to this day.", Carlos said as he looked across the room into the kitchen. "Do you have a picture of her?", Trina asked. "I do. But it's something that I can't even bear to look at. I have it upstairs in my bedroom. Sometimes I wonder if God is punishing me.", Carlos said. "I feel that way a lot too. Bad things keep happening to me. And I don't understand why I just can't be happy.", Trina said. They looked at each other for a moment. Trina felt like she had finally connected with Carlos. "I need your number. I won't call you unless it's important.", Carlos said as he started typing her name on his cell phone. "You can call me whenever you like Carlos. It's 713- 850-3099 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              713- 850-3099      end_of_the_skype_highlighting.", Trina said. Corey and Naomi came thundering down the stairs, laughing and talking loudly. "Hey! Where's the party at?", Naomi said as she crashed on the sofa next to Trina. "We were just talking Naomi. We left all the partying up to y'all two.", Trina said to Naomi. Carlos sat quietly on the other sofa as Corey went into the kitchen and grabbed a big bag of Doritos. Corey began stuffing his face with chips while looking through the refrigerator and cabinets for more food. "Yeah! Big boy put it on me! He can really work it girl!", Naomi said as she picked up Trina's glass and began drinking her Hennessay and Coke. "Alright y'all. Let's go. I gotta get home.", Corey said as he poured some Hennessy into a large Styrofoam cup. "You ready girl?", Naomi asked Trina. "Yeah.", Trina said as she stood up. Trina looked over at Carlos, still sitting there looking somber. "Carlos, thank you for everything. I will be seeing you soon, OK?", Trina said as she headed for the door. "Ok.", Carlos said as he remained seated, staring at the floor. Naomi and Corey were already getting in the Hummer, so Trina closed the door softly behind her.

The whole ride back to her car, she sat silently in the back seat of the Hummer thinking about Carlos. She could tell that he was still mourning for Simone. Trina evaluated all of the relationships that she had ever had and realized that none of those men loved her as deeply as Carlos had described his love for Simone. She thought about all the fights and abuse that she endured with Jay. She thought about all the meaningless relationships that she had with other guys that never lasted long because they ended up cheating on her, using her for money, or just dumping her for no reason. Trina felt so frustrated and wondered why she couldn't find someone that she was attracted to that could love her deeply and unconditionally. When they arrived at the parking lot of the Sports Bar, Trina slid out of the back seat and mumbled goodbye to Corey as Naomi gave him one more good night kiss. She sat in her car, dazed and in deep thought. Even on the ride to drop Naomi off at home, Trina felt distant and barely paid attention to Naomi describing her sexual escapades with Corey. "What the fuck has gotten into you girl?", Naomi asked when she noticed that Trina was barely paying attention to her. "I'm just thinking about my life girl. I need to do something better, more worthwhile. I want a good man that loves me.", Trina said as she continued to gaze at the road. "Ummm... don't you have all that? You got a motherfucker waiting for your little skinny ass right now! He's taking good care of you. Then you just met a fine ass nigga with money. See, I don't understand bitches like you. You got it made! I had to fuck and suck just to get what I got. Damn! Are you ever happy Trina?", Naomi said as she glared at her. "No. I want real love Naomi. I can't feel what Derek is giving me. All I feel is neediness and him clinging to me. I don't even want to go up in there and have to explain myself to him. And I'm damn sure ain't stopping to buy no diapers in the middle of the night.", Trina snapped back. "Well look honey. Every man has his flaws. You have one that has twins. So for right now, you have to deal with that. At least until you figure out what's good with Carlos.", Naomi said. Trina just shook her head and let out a deep sigh. She pulled up slowly in font of Naomi's house. "You gonna be alright girl?", Naomi asked. "Yeah. I will call you tomorrow.", Trina said. Naomi got out and grabbed her bags from the back seat. Trina watched her walk up the steps and go inside before pulling off. On the way to Derek's apartment, Trina's stomach began twisting in knots. She felt sick and dreaded what Derek would say and do once she got there. The last thing she felt like dealing with was crying babies and a dude with an attitude. Once in the parking lot, she parked and sat in the car for a few minutes. It was only 11:49 pm and she was irritated that Derek had even called and texted her so many times. Trina finally decided to go inside and walked slowly to the front door.

"I have been worried about you all night.", Derek said as he opened the door before Trina could even put her key in the lock. "Are you serious? Have you been looking out the window and waiting for me?", Trina said as she brushed past him into the apartment. "Yes! I have! I don't know why it's so hard for you to communicate with me Trina!", Derek said as he slammed the front door shut. "Derek, I told you I was out with Naomi. I don't need to check in with you every ten minutes.", Trina said as they stood in the dining room arguing. The baby boys were laying on a blanket in front of the television in the living room. They seemed content, and were captivated by Trina's presence. "I needed you to bring some pampers home. I was hoping that we could spend some time together before I put the twins to bed.", Derek said. "Derek, those babies are not my responsibility. That is something you should have done before you brought them here. I wanted to spend time with my friends without you pressuring me to be here playing step-mom.", Trina said as she walked into the bedroom and began undressing. "Friends? What friends? I thought you were with Naomi?", Derek said as he followed behind her. "What difference does it make to you Derek? I'm here now. It's not even past midnight. Get off my back already!", Trina yelled. "Fine. I see how you really feel about me and my sons.", Derek said as he left the bedroom. She could hear him talking to the babies and preparing them for bed. Trina felt angry and trapped in the apartment. She decided to take a hot bubble bath to relax and get rid of some of the tension she felt. She spent the next hour in the bathroom pampering herself and thinking about everything that had happened that day. By the time she came out of the bathroom, Derek was laying in the bed. She quietly laid next to him and stared up at the ceiling. "It's all good Trina. I'm not gonna sweat you no more. And you're right - you're not Darnell and Dawson's stepmother. I should have stopped at the store on the way home instead of asking you. Good night.", Derek said as he turned in the opposite direction. Trina just closed her eyes and tried to sleep.

FIGHT TO LOVE – CHAPTER 17

The next day Trina awoke to the smell of French toast, scrambled eggs, turkey bacon and steaming hot coffee. Derek had placed a breakfast tray full of food on the nightstand next to her and was busy with the babies in the living room. She slowly sat up and realized she had a slight hangover from the night before. "Good morning.", Derek said as he rushed into the bedroom. "Hi.", Trina said quietly, holding her head in her hands. "Sorry I'm in such a rush. I'm not used to having the boys here in the morning. There’s some Advil in the medicine cabinet if you need some.", Derek said as he grabbed a handful of ties from the closet. He examined each one and selected the green one, throwing the rest of them on the dresser. As he tied the tie, one of the twins crawled into the bedroom and pulled himself upright using the ottoman at the foot of the bed. "Hey Dawson. Come on buddy. Let's go get dressed.", Derek said as he motioned for his son to follow him. Trina turned to look at Dawson and he was smiling directly at her with the cutest one tooth smile she had ever seen. She smiled back at him and he giggled with delight. "He likes you Trina.", Derek said as he stood there admiring his son. "I can tell.", Trina said as she got up to use the restroom. She came out and got back in the bed and began eating the breakfast that Derek had prepared. As she ate, she listened to Derek talk lovingly to his sons as they prepared to leave. She could tell he was a great father and that his sons really looked up to him. "Bye Trina. I will see you later, I guess. I'm taking the boys to their grandmother's house now so I will come straight home after work.", Derek said as he held both boys in his arms. "Ok.", Trina replied as she continued to eat. She heard them leave the apartment and it became very quiet. She decided to turn the television on and watch music videos. Suddenly her phone rang. "Hello?", she answered. It was Officer Brown. He asked her if she had executed the protective order. She had been so busy lately that she had not made going down to the court house a priority. The officer informed her that Jay had been sentenced to four years for parole violation and drug possession at the time he was arrested. The police found marijuana and crack cocaine in his pocket when they searched him. Trina felt emancipated and let out a sigh of relief when she got off the phone with Officer Brown. She immediately jumped up with a burst of energy and began gathering all her belongings. Excitement rushed through her body as she changed into a clean tank top and some jean shorts. She collected her toiletries from the bathroom and piled up her overnight bags near the front door. Trina raced back into the bedroom to grab the breakfast tray and turn the television off. As she placed the tray in the kitchen, she thought that she would hit up the black back pack one more time. Trina made her way into the office closet and reached back behind the file cabinet. She didn't feel anything back there. Straining her neck to see behind the cabinet, she realized the back pack was gone. Derek must have moved it. Trina regrouped and headed towards the front door. Her happiness switched back into full swing as she left his apartment and locked the door behind her. She felt free to live her life again on her own terms and couldn't wait to get back to her own apartment.

As soon as she pulled up in front, she spotted Brent walking back to his car. He stopped and waited for her to park and get out of her car. "Hey Trina.", Brent said as he walked over to help her with her bags. "Hey Brent. How are you?", Trina asked as she grabbed her purse from the front seat. "I'm good. Where have you been? On vacation?", Brent said as he followed her up the stairs to her apartment. Trina laughed because she knew he was being a smart ass. "Yeah. I had a good time too.", she said as she unlocked the door. "Well I'm just in time for lunch right? I mean, you could feed me instead of tipping me like some bell hop.", Brent said as he followed her inside and placed her bags on the floor. "Oh I just ate. Sorry.", Trina said as she nonchalantly walked past the kitchen and sat down in the living room. "Damn! Like that? Ok! Well what are you getting into today?", Brent said as he sat down across from her. "I'm chillin honey. What do you have planned?", Trina asked. She could tell he was trying to play mind games, but she wasn't giving in this time. Trina was determined not to act pressed for him anymore. "Nothing much. Maybe we can have some fun together.", Brent said as he smiled at her. "Fun like what?", Trina said. Brent shrugged his shoulders and had a sneaky smile on his face. Trina rolled her eyes and turned the television on. "Why are you acting so cold all of a sudden?", Brent asked. "I'm not acting cold. I'm just learning from mistakes that I have made. And to be honest, I didn't like the way I felt the last time you left my house.", Trina said as she pretended to watch television. "Oh for real? Why is that?", Brent asked. "I just felt like you didn't respect me when all I was trying to do was show you love. Not like - well, not trying to get you to fall in love or anything. I was just trying to give you a little bit more to show you that I liked you. But that got confused and turned around. I felt like all you wanted or liked me for was sex.", Trina said. "Well that's what you showed me. I'm a man. If you get my dick hard, I'm going to want sex. If we had played Scrabble and you wore a sweat suit, I would have thought you were a smart and competitive. You're only going to get what you put out there. And those shorts got my dick hard. Seriously Trina…. You knew I could see your pussy.", Brent said. They both laughed because Trina knew he was right. Immediately, the tension lifted between them. "So we cool now?", Brent asked. "Yeah. We're cool.", Trina said. She could appreciate his honesty and respected him for that. She decided to let her guards down for now. "Well Dave and Lee were supposed to hang out with me today but they decided to go to New Orleans for a few days. I don’t particularly care to go there all the damn time like they do. So….. I was going to go to the liquor store and get some drink. You want to drink with me?", Brent asked as he stood up. "Yeah, that's what’s up.", Trina said. "Alright. Well I'll be back then.", Brent said. "Ok.", Trina replied. As soon as the door shut, she jumped off the sofa and locked the deadbolt. She was happy to have a fresh start with Brent and wanted to take a quick shower before he got back. She decided to change into her pink Juicy Couture Capri pants and fitted white t-shirt. She definitely wanted to look cute, but not sexy. She laid her clothes out on the bed and hopped in the shower. As soon as she got out she could hear her phone ringing. She wrapped the towel around her and raced towards the living room to answer it. It was Derek calling from work. "Hello?", Trina answered. "Hey baby. I got some bad news.", Derek whispered into the phone. Trina's heart dropped and she braced herself for what he was about to tell her. "What is it? Just tell me.", Trina said. "Mr. Towson just fired you. I heard him talking to Carol in the Human Resources office. He said that between the incident that just happened, excessive absences and Valerie filing a complaint against you that he didn't want to deal with you anymore.", Derek said as he continued to whisper. "What complaint? What the fuck is going on?", Trina screamed angrily. "Baby, I don't know. I'm just telling you what I overheard. Mr. Towson was in Carol's office with the door cracked open and I was straining to hear what they were talking about.", Derek said. Trina felt tears welling up in her eyes. "I gotta go.", Trina said as she hung up the phone. She realized that Brent would be back at any moment, so she wiped her tears away and got dressed as quickly as she could. Deep down inside, she felt her life was spiraling out of control. All she wanted to do was forget about her problems right now.

"Ay yo!", Brent yelled as he banged on her front door. Trina rushed to smooth her hair back into place. She opened the front door and Brent stood there smiling with a bottle of Grey Goose , Sprite and limes. "You changed uniforms like Wonder Woman! You go girl!", Brent laughed loudly as he walked into her apartment. He went into the kitchen and began mixing the drinks. "Um, what just happened? You look like your best friend just died.", Brent said as he observed Trina from the kitchen. "Man. This has been the worst month of my life! I just got fired and I'm not even at work!", Trina said as she slumped on the sofa. "Are you serious? They called you and fired you on the phone?", Brent asked as he brought her drink into the living room. "No. My friend called and said that he overheard that I got fired.", Trina said as she quickly guzzled her drink. "Damn. That's messed up. I won't even make any Friday jokes about it.", Brent said, hoping she would smile. Trina finished her drink and walked into the kitchen to make another one. She returned to the living room and sat back down on the sofa. Brent just looked at her for a moment, trying to figure out what to say. "So what's your plan now? Do you have any job leads?", Brent asked. "Nope. Maybe it's for the best. I'm going on a cruise anyway. I will worry about the job hunt when I get back.", Trina said as she shrugged her shoulders. "Now that's the spirit. Let's just enjoy the day. What do you have in your CD player?", Brent asked as he stood up and walked over to her entertainment console. Trina watched him as he browsed her CD collection. He always looked so sexy to her. His striped Sean John shirt and blue jean shorts matched nicely with his blue and white Nike shoes. "I knew I liked you for some reason!", Brent said as he inserted a CD into the stereo. He was playing one of her favorite songs, Love Song #1 by Me'Shell Ndegéocello. It had a seductive reggae sound that was smooth and sensual. Brent turned off the television and closed the vertical blinds and curtains to darken the room. Trina could see the outline of his body towering over her as she sat on the sofa feeling numb. He gently pulled her up and off the sofa. "It's ok. I won't bite.", he whispered in her ear as he placed her arms up on his shoulders. She embraced him and stroked his neck and head with her hands and fingertips. They just stood there, slowly rocking to the beat as if in a trance. Breathing deeply, Trina became intoxicated with the smell of Brent's cologne. He softly squeezed her back all over in a rhythmic, massage like motion. She became relaxed and felt the tension release like hot steam rising from her body. "That's better." Brent said with a deep, velvety whisper. Trina felt so safe in his arms as if he was there to protect her from her own feelings. "I know how you feel Trina. People always say they will be there for you - but they really can't if they can't identify with what you’re going through. So let's just relax, ok? I'm gonna make us another drink.", Brent said as he slowly lowered her arms and guided her to sit back on the sofa. "I got fired six years ago. Just for being arrogant and trying to run the place. Not recognizing that I was the peon that just got hired. I ended up losing everything and had to move back with my parents. And it was an eye opener too. I learned who my real friends were and who really loved me. So trust me, getting fired isn't all that bad - if you learn from it.", Brent said as he came back with the drinks and sat next to her. "Thank you. I know I can get another job. I just need to get a grip on my life and get things back to normal.", Trina said. Brent took off his shorts and shirt and folded them neatly and placed them on the table next to the sofa. "I hope you don't mind. I'm feeling that Goose buzzing a lil bit and want to get comfortable like you.", he said as he touched her thigh. Trina didn't mind at all. She felt the buzz too and the music felt like it was flowing through her veins. "I didn't know men like Me'Shell like that.", Trina said as she admired Brent's boxer shorts that had an embroidered Polo symbol on the bottom. "I love good music. Anything that's chill and relaxing get's play in my ride and at my place. I also like the company of a beautiful woman like you. I'm just glad we have a chance to start all over again.", Brent said as he kneeled down in front of her, and wedged his body between her legs. He put his arms around her and pulled her closer to him. "You're not afraid are you? I'm not going to go too far.", he said as he looked into her eyes. She felt Brent's hands slowly surround her thighs and buttocks. Trina's legs wrapped around his body and Brent began kissing her neck. His tongue made her whole body shiver as it slid up and down her neck and then to her earlobes. Brent sucked the silver stud earring off her right earlobe and smiled as he pulled her earring out of his mouth. He was assertive but not aggressive with his advances. She felt excited as he massaged her inner thighs and slowly kissed and nibbled on her breasts through her t-shirt. "I want you to kiss me like you kiss your man.", Brent said as he looked up at Trina. She placed her hands on his face and leaned in to softly kiss his forehead. Her lips made a trail of kisses to his mouth and she slowly parted his lips with her tongue. Trina kissed and sucked gently on his bottom lip before he climbed on top of her on the sofa. They passionately kissed and caressed as if there were no one else on Earth. Trina could feel his hard penis as he grinded between her legs. Brent lifted up and pulled her capris off slowly. "It's ok. I just want you closer.", he assured her as he sat down and pulled Trina on top of him so that she was sitting on his lap. "Can I see your breasts?", he asked as he pulled her shirt and bra off . Trina straddled his hard penis that stood erect from his boxers with nothing but her black lace thong separating them. "You are beautiful Trina.", Brent said as he licked and gently massaged her nipples. "Most men suck on the titties to hard. But I know how to do it just right. Don't I?", Brent said as Trina closed her eyes and leaned her head back. She was enjoying the way he talked to her and continued to ask for her approval. His oral massage continued as Crown Royal by Jill Scott intensified the experience. "I can feel your wetness girl. Its coming through your panties.", Brent said as he grabbed Trina's ass with both hands and guided her vagina to the head of his erect penis. Brent began thrusting his erection through her lace panties and she could feel how big he was. She was at the point of no return and wanted to feel him inside her. "We don't have to do this. Even though I want to give it to you. I said I wouldn’t go too far. So let's just stop now…. Unless you want to masturbate for me.", Brent said as she looked up at Trina. "Damn. You're right." Trina said as she dismounted his penis and sat next to him. "Play with your pussy so I can get off.", Brent suggested. Trina pulled her wet thongs off and laid back on the sofa. She looked him in the eyes and spread her legs wide so Brent could see every part of her. She licked her index finger and started to massage her clitoris. She watched Brent begin to jack off to her exotic peep show. He was so excited that he began rubbing on her wet pussy too. Before they both had even realized it, Brent had climbed on top and pushed his hard dick deep inside of her. Trina gasped with pleasure and approval so Brent began to slowly fuck her and suck passionately on her neck. "Damn you are so tight and wet Trina. I didn't now it would be like this.", Brent said between breaths. "Don't stop Brent.", Trina screamed as she grabbed the back of his head. He was leaving passion marks all over her neck as he thrust in and out of her. As the sex grew more intense, Brent groaned louder with each deep stroke. "Here I come!", Brent said as he started to fuck her harder than before. Trina reached an intense climax and her legs began to shake uncontrollably. His body collapsed on top of hers as he released inside her. They both laid there, breathing heavily before Brent lifted up and sat on the sofa next to her.

"I guess we both wanted it more than we realized.", Brent said as he leaned back with his penis still erect. "I think you're right. My body couldn't resist you.", Trina said as she sat up and began picking her clothes off the floor. "I have some towels in the hall bathroom. Excuse me for a minute.", Trina said as she went into the master bathroom inside her bedroom. She closed the bathroom door behind her and turned on the light. Trina looked at herself in the mirror and tried to evaluate her feelings about what had just happened. She felt nothing but numbness and sexual relief. Trina quickly washed up and grabbed some clean panties and clothes from her bedroom closet. When she came back out to the living room, Brent was laying on the couch with a smile on his face. "What?", she laughed. "I feel good. What about you?", Brent asked as he continued to smile. "I feel good too.", Trina said as she pushed his legs off the sofa and sat down next to him. "Damn woman! I give you the good dick and that's how you do me? Next time, I will just make you watch me jack off." Brent teased. "Yeah right. Fix me another drink.", Trina said as she leaned back on the sofa. Brent got up and headed towards the kitchen. He fixed another round of Grey Goose and pineapple juice and returned to the living room. "So I guess we are homie-lover-friends like I thought we would be. There's nothing wrong with that right? We can have fun without the commitment.", Brent said as he raised his glass to toast. "It is what it is.", Trina said as she toasted his glass. "So what are you going to tell the sucker?", Brent said as he looked at Trina's bruised neck. "He's not my man. He's just trying to be. So whatever. Let's watch a movie.", Trina said as she got up and went to the bedroom. "I'm down with that.", Brent said as he followed her and got in her bed. "A nigga could get used to this. My own private hide-away.", Brent said as he fluffed up the pillows and watched Trina put in a DVD. She could hear his phone ringing from the other room. "Your phone is blowing up.", she said as she snuggled under the blanket with him. "So.", Brent said as he pulled her closer and kissed her softly on the lips. Neither of them even looked up at the television after they embraced. They fell into a deep, drunken sleep under her soft cotton sheets.

FIGHT TO LOVE – CHAPTER 18

Trina spent the next few days lounging around the house and visiting Naomi. She was actually enjoying her new found unemployment and wasn't in a rush to look for another job yet. As she laid in the bed watching television, she wondered what Brent was up to. She hadn't seen him in three days and he had not called or texted her. Her mind raced as she struggled with the decision to send him a text message. She picked up her phone and tried to figure out what to type. As she laid there thinking, and unknown number popped up as her phone began to ring. "Hello", she answered cautiously. "What are you doing?", a mans voice asked. "Chillin, who is this?", Trina replied even though she thought it was Carlos. "This is Los girl. Are you busy?", he asked. "No, what's up?", Trina asked curiously. "Do you want to ride to Dallas with me? We can have lunch when we get there. Maybe do some shopping.", Carlos said. "Ok. Sure. What time?", Trina said as she tried to suppress her excitement. "Now. I need your address for my navigation system and I will be on my way.", Carlos said. "2505 Peppercorn Lane near the Fiesta. I'm apartment 219.", Trina said. "I will call you when I get out front. Ok?", Carlos said. "Ok.", Trina said as she hung up the phone and dialed Naomi's number. "Girl! Carlos is taking me to Dallas for lunch and shopping!", Trina said as soon as Naomi said hello. "What! I want to go!", Naomi replied. "It's just us Boo! Oh my God, I have to get ready. He's on his way now!", Trina said as she ran around her bedroom trying to prepare. "Bye bitch!", Naomi said as she hung up the phone in Trina's face. Trina laughed and knew that Naomi was happy for her. She jumped in the shower and refreshed herself quickly. The peach sundress that she selected was already ironed and ready to go. She slathered cocoa butter lotion all over her body and selected a tan bra and thong set that matched her skin tone perfectly. Make up wasn't usually her thing, but Trina applied a light coat of Mac Pressed Powder so she wouldn't look greasy and touched her lips up with Mac lip gloss. Trina examined herself from head to toe before slipping on some gold flat sandals. As she dumped the contents from her black purse into her new Dior handbag, she heard her phone ringing. Her heart raced a mile per minute as she answered it. "Hello?", she said. "I'm out front.", Carlos said. "Ok bye.", Trina said as she grabbed her keys and headed for the door. She descended the steps quickly and was impressed to see Carlos driving a platinum Range Rover with 28 inch rims.

"You look nice.", Carlos said as Trina climbed up into his truck. "Thank you. So do you.", Trina said. Carlos wore a lights green Izod polo-style shirt and dark green Izod shorts with some black Kenneth Cole sunglasses. He pulled off after selecting the Earth Wind and Fire album on his stereo. "So what have you been up to lately?", Carlos asked as he glanced over at Trina. "Nothing much. I'm looking forward to this cruise and when I get back I will be looking for a job.", Trina said. "What happened? You quit?", Carlos asked. "They fired me, but I don't know what for. It was getting too complicated anyway.", Trina said. "Hmm.", Carlos said as he looked like he was in deep thought. "Hmm what?", Trina said inquisitively. "Just thinking that I might be able to help you out on the job situation, but I would have to work some things out first.", Carlos said as he typed in an address on the navigation system. They rode for another two hours before stopping at a McDonald's to use the restroom and grab some sodas. They arrived in Dallas another two and a half hours after that. Carlos began making several phone calls when they got there. He asked some guy to meet him at the InterContinental hotel as they valet parked there. "Let's grab some lunch.", Carlos said as he put the truck in park. The valet staff opened her door and helped her step down. They walked in and she followed Carlos into the lavish restaurant. The hostess seated them and Carlos ordered a bottle of Moscato. As Trina looked around, she realized that they were the only black couple in the restaurant. The waiter poured their wine and explained the menu specials. Trina decided to order the Chicken Breast stuffed with Crab and Carlos ordered Filet Mignon. "I'm glad you decided to join me today. You really carry yourself well.", Carlos complimented her. "Thank you. It sounds like you have had some hood rat experiences.", Trina said laughing. "You know it. I have had women order beer, french fries and fried shrimp at restaurants like this. The waiter would always look at me crazy. That shit wasn't even on the menu!", Carlos said as he sipped his wine. "I'm glad you invited me. I enjoy fine dining.", Trina said. "Excuse me for a moment. I will be back before the entrees arrive.", Carlos said as he received a phone call on his cell phone. He walked out of the restaurant into the lobby as Trina sat at the table alone. The waiter came to refill her glass as she received a text from Brent asking if he could come over later. She smiled because she was relieved to hear from him, but told him that she had plans today and that she might be available tomorrow. She nibbled on the soft bread and sipped her wine as she waited patiently for Calros to return. About twenty minutes later, Carlos returned to the table as promised, right before their entrees were served. They dined and enjoyed each others company as if they were the only two people in the restaurant. The waiter brought the dessert tray to their table and they selected a huge piece of carrot cake with warm caramel drizzled on the top. Trina was stuffed and couldn't take another bite of the cake they shared together. Carlos finished it with ease as Trina admired his appetite. He seemed so complete to her, like he had everything in his life together, except love.

"I hope you're ready to shop. We're going to the Galleria, they have one here too.", Carlos said. "I love shopping at the Galleria.", Trina said as she gave Carlos a radiant smile. "I got a room for us here, I hope you don't mind. After we shop for a few hours, the drive back might just kill me.", Carlos said. "I don't mind at all.", Trina said without hesitation. Carlos smiled at her as if he approved of her in every way. He pulled out a wad of cash and left a $100 bill on the table. As they walked out, she felt Carlos touch her hand. She softly cupped his hand and they walked out together to valet where his Range Rover was waiting. The valet staff opened her door and helped her up into the large truck. As they drove off to the Galleria, Trina had a good feeling about Carlos and she could tell that he was feeling her too. They walked through the mall together like they owned it. Trina shopped in BCBG and tried on two summer dresses and three blouses. Carlos sat down on the leather couch and waited patiently near the dressing room area while she tried on clothes. After he paid for her items in cash, he carried her bags through the mall as they made their way to Victoria's Secret so she could pick out some panties and bras and some pajamas to wear when they got back to the hotel. Again, Carlos paid for everything in cash and then held her hand as they walked to Bachendorf's jewelry store. One of the saleswomen immediately recognized Carlos and came over to greet them. "Carlos, welcome back. Who is the lovely lady?", the saleswoman asked. She was an older black woman wearing a dark gray suit with her hair neatly pulled back into a bun. "Mrs. Johnson, this is my friend Trina.", Carlos said as she reached out to shake Trina's hand. "Nice to meet you Trina. Welcome to Bachendorf's. Carlos, I have some items selected for you.", Mrs. Johnson said as she walked to another counter and brought over a leather case. She laid the case on the glass display and opened it up to reveal Rolex and Cartier watches and some men's rings and bracelets. As Carlos examined each item carefully, Trina drifted away to browse the jewelry. The cases were filled with so much beautiful jewelry that she felt like her head was spinning. The rings were sparkling under the light and the charm bracelets were the cutest she had ever seen. Trina's heart almost stopped when she spotted a Tacori necklace that had a beautiful diamond design that seemed to mimic the infinity symbol. "Do you like it?" Carlos whispered in her ear almost startling her. "She has great taste if she's looking at the Initial Pendant. That's the A design. This is the T design.", Mrs. Johnson said as she handed Trina the beautiful necklace. "It's stunning. I have never seen a design so intricate.", Trina said as she carefully examined the necklace. "Well that settles it. Please add this to my stuff.", Carlos said as he swiftly removed the necklace from Trina's hand and began fastening it around her neck. "You are a luck lady.", Mrs. Johnson said as she started punching the keys on the register. "Your total is $26,484.23. I included the new Rolex Travel Case for your Presidential." Mrs. Johnson said as she placed his new Rolex watch in the case and his diamond bracelet and ring in a jewelry box. "You always look out for me Mrs. Johnson. Thank you. Keep the change and I will see you again soon, Ok?", Carlos said as he handed her an American Express Card and a folded $100 bill. He signed the receipt and looked over at Trina admiring her new necklace in the mirror. "Are you ready to go back to the hotel now?", Carlos asked as he walked up behind her and looked in the mirror too. She could feel the warmth of his body pressing up against her. They looked great together as they gazed in the mirror. "Yes, and thank you so much for this beautiful necklace.", Trina said as she gently touched her diamond necklace.

When they got back to the hotel, they took the elevator to the top floor. He had booked the presidential suite. "Come on in and relax. I will order some crab fingers , a small fruit and cheese platter and some more wine. Does that sound good?", Carlos asked. "Sounds real good. I'm going to shower and change into my pajamas.", Trina said as she took her Victoria's Secret Bag into the luxurious marble bathroom. She closed the door behind her and turned the steam shower on. The bathroom had European toiletries and fluffy white towels everywhere. She carefully slid into the shower and indulged in the shower gels, being careful not to get her hair wet. Her heart skipped a beat when she realized that Carlos had entered the bathroom. He sat down on the chaise lounge and watched her. "Don't be afraid. I just want to watch. Take your time Trina.", Carlos said as his eyes remained fixated on her as she showered. She poured the lavender scented gel all over and lathered her body until she was soapy all over. She slowly turned and allowed the hot stream of water wash the bubbles off. Carlos stood up and grabbed a towel to dry her off. Trina stepped out of the shower and whirls of steam rose from her naked body. "You are so beautiful.", Carlos said as he wrapped the towel around her body and left the bathroom as she dried off. She used the hotel's lavender lotion and rubbed it all over. Luckily, they had travel sized Secret deodorant and she quickly applied some before slipping into her 'Pink' pajama shorts and matching tank top.

When she came back out, Carlos was sitting up in the King bed with the wine and food on a platter on the bed. She climbed in the bed next to him and they watched the movie ATL on the flat screen television that sat on the dresser across from the bed. "Sometimes you remind me of her. Simone.", Carlos said as he ate a crab finger. "Really? How is that?", Trina asked as she ate a grape from the fruit tray. "She was very reserved, like you. And even though she was excited deep down inside, she never let it show too much. I always enjoyed taking her shopping, just so I could see that look on her face. Like the look you had when I bought you that necklace.", Carlos said as he sipped some wine. "I love this necklace. How much did it cost?", Trina asked. "It was about $3,500.", Carlos said as he leaned back on the pillows. Trina was speechless. He was so nonchalant about the money he had spent. "I'm really looking forward to this cruise now. I feel like I can trust you. Can I trust you?", Carlos asked as he looked Trina in the eyes. "Yeah, I am a trustworthy person. Why would you be worried?", Trina asked. "I just need to know that if anything goes down, that you won't snitch. I wouldn't let anything happen to you, Ok? Just remember that if anything happens.", Carlos said as he removed the tray from the bed and placed it on the dining table. He turned the television off and got back into the bed with Trina. "Carlos.... what's going to happen?", Trina asked as she got under the blanket. "Nothing. Come here.", Carlos said. Trina moved closer and he wrapped his arms around her. "Thanks for coming out here with me today. Good night.", Carlos said as he kissed her cheek. He laid on his side and looked at her for a moment before turning the light off on the nightstand. "Good night.", Trina said. She laid there wondering why he didn't try and make a move on her. She moved closer to him and he inched closer as well. Carlos rubbed her shoulder and arm gently and slowly. Trina heard him snoring after a few minutes and she laid there thinking about how nice Carlos had been to her. Trina was excited about the cruise but was a little worried as well. She wondered why Carlos had asked her not to snitch. She was almost certain, at this point, that Carlos and his brother Corey were drug dealers. Somehow, she felt safe with him.

FIGHT TO LOVE – CHAPTER 19

Even though days had passed, Trina couldn't get Carlos off her mind. She thought about him with every waking moment, and until she fell asleep. Last night she went to Naomi's house to play Spades and found herself daydreaming of him. She couldn't even concentrate on the game and ending up bowing out after the first round. She thought of the night they spent together in the hotel room and how quickly he had fallen asleep in her arms. She really enjoyed being with him and wondered if she could ever be the one for him. Trina knew that Carlos loved Simone deeply and was still grieving for her. As she lay in her bed, staring at the ceiling, a knock at the door startled her. It was only 10:22 am and no one had ever knocked on her door this early, not even Brent. She wondered who it could be as she quietly tip toed to the front door in her white T-shirt to peek out the peep hole. It was Derek, and he was standing there with a bouquet of roses. Trina opened the door and Derek smiled as he said good morning. He was casually dressed in a gray Armani Exchange polo shirt and jeans with black and gray Puma athletic shoes on. "Come on in. And what are you doing here so early?", Trina asked as she closed the door behind him. "Trina, I have missed you so much. I just wanted to see you in person. I know this is kind of desperate, but you didn't return any of my calls or my texts.", Derek said as he handed her the two dozen roses in a crystal vase. "I just needed some space. I have been kind of depressed and wondering how I can make ends meet until I find another job.", Trina said as she sat down on the living room sofa. "I will take care of you baby. I bought you some money because I figured you would need it since you haven't been working. Please let me help you.", Derek said as he pulled out his black leather wallet. He kneeled down beside her and counted out $1000 in $100 dollar bills. This is all I can give you today, but when my tenants pay their rent on the first, I will give you some more, Ok?", Derek said as he put the money on the end table and kissed her softly on her knee. Trina just smiled at him and felt his desperateness to be with her. She felt pity for him but she also cared about him. "Thank you Derek. You are always so good to me.", Trina said as she touched his face. "I miss you so much baby. I haven't been able to sleep at night. I just want you back in my life Trina. Please give me a chance and I promise I won't smother you.", Derek said as he sat next to her on the sofa. "Well Derek, I think we should just be friends. I'm not ready for a relationship.", Trina said. "That's cool, baby. Just give me a chance to be your friend. I will be the best friend you ever had. Let me take you to Maggianos for lunch.", Derek said as he smiled at her with his pretty white teeth. "Ok, well let me get in the shower.", Trina said as she got up and took the money off of the table.

Derek smiled and watched her walk into the bedroom. Trina went into the bathroom and turned the shower on. She could hear music coming from the living room. She took off her T-shirt and wrapped her hair in a scarf. Then she carefully placed her shower cap over the scarf so that she wouldn't get her hair wet. She stepped into the shower and closed the multi colored shower curtains and let the hot water soak her body. Then the lights in the bathroom went out. She looked up to see Derek's naked silhouette standing in the bathroom door. He slowly walked to the shower and opened the glass door. He had definitely taken her by surprise and before Trina knew it, he had spun her around and pushed her body against the tile wall of the shower. "Relax baby. I'm going to clean you all over with my tongue", Derek said as he licked the back of her neck. He slowly licked her back and made his way down to her plump buttocks. Derek grabbed both cheeks and licked them all over while softly rubbing the lips of her vagina with two fingers. Trina softly moaned as he turned her body around and began passionately sucking on her clitoris. The hot water covered their bodies as Derek lifted her right leg and placed it on his shoulder and stuck his tongue deep inside her. Trina loved the sensation of his oral pleasure penetrating her so deep. She screamed with delight as he began thrusting his tongue and fingers inside her wetness. Derek was definitely a pro at this and touched, kissed and gently sucked every spot between her thighs with his fingers, lips and tongue. Trina's legs began to tremble as she climaxed and Derek finished eating her out by slurping up every drop. He stood up slowly and held is little penis in his hand. "Can you suck me off baby?", he asked as he began masturbating. "Umm, I... don't..", Trina began to stutter. "I'll give you anything you want Trina. I will pay your rent for the rest of the year. I got checks in my wallet. You wouldn't even have to work. Please baby, that's all I been thinking about.", Derek began to beg. "For the rest of the year?", Trina said as she contemplated giving him oral sex. Derek nodded yes, and placed his hand on the back of her neck to guide her down to his penis. Trina went down on her knees and began circling Derek's small penis with her tongue. He put his hand on the back of her head and thrust his penis inside her mouth. "I'm your daddy now!", he began saying, over and over again, as she bobbed up and down on the head. Moments later, Derek yelled out with pleasure and pushed Trina back and ejaculated all over her face and body as she sat on the floor of the shower. "Trina, I'm definitely gonna take care of you girl. You can have whatever you want as long as you keep doing what you are doing baby.", Derek said as he extended his hand to help her up. "I know I don't have the biggest dick baby, but you treat me like a king, and I love that. You really sucked me good and you let me bust all on your face and titties. You are the woman of my dreams.", Derek said as he poured shower gel on her body and wiped her face clean with his hands. "I'm not your whore Derek.", Trina said as he continued to lather the shower gel on her body. "What we do is our business, so you can label it as you like. From the first time I saw you, I knew you were the woman that could be my undercover freak. Who cares what people think. As long as I'm taking care of you and paying your bills, I want you to satisfy me and make me feel good. Baby, you are the only woman I want. If you let me, I could be your man.", Derek said as he took her sponge and rinsed her body off. "I don't want a man Derek. I want to take my time and decide if this is right.", Trina said as she turned off the shower. "Ok. I'm going to get my checkbook and let you think about it. You will never find a man like me - I know that for a fact.", Derek said as he wrapped a towel around him and walked into the living room. Trina stared at the wet foot prints that he left behind. She felt used and she felt as if Derek was trying to trap her.

Trina got dressed as Derek watched television in the living room. She was kind of relieved that Derek had left a check for $6,500 on the bed. She immediately placed it in her purse with the cash he had given to her earlier. She just wondered how she could maintain this "friendship" with a man that had such a small penis. Trina put all her hesitant thoughts aside and slipped into the BCBG dress she had purchased in Dallas. She quickly unwrapped her hair and applied some lip gloss. When she walked out into the living room, Derek stood up and admired her. "Wow, baby you look beautiful. It's almost like you are glowing.", he said as he walked towards her. "Thank you.", Trina said as she blushed. "I meant what I said Trina. I want you more than any woman I have ever laid eyes on. You just fulfilled one of my sexual fantasies. It's like, you are the best I have ever had. And I am going to do everything I can to make you love me. Because .... I love you baby.", Derek said as he looked into her eyes. "You love me?', Trina said. "Yes, I love you. I am going to be here for you. You will see.", Derek said as he turned off her television and picked up his keys. He began kissing her passionately, like the first time they had kissed at work. Trina kissed him back, almost losing herself in the moment. They left the apartment in silence and walked together to his car. Trina wondered if she could sacrifice her true feelings for security and financial stability as he opened the passenger door for her. He was attractive and a gentleman, just not as physically blessed with his manhood as she would have liked. Derek would make the perfect husband or boyfriend, she just didn't know if she could remain faithful to him, especially since she had experienced other men that could make her climax with their larger penises.

As they dined together inside Maggiano's, she listened to Derek pour out his heart to her. He had longed to be with her since they first met. He unveiled all his sexual fantasies as they sat close together in the secluded booth. Derek wanted to do anything to get her to agree to be with him exclusively, but Trina longed for Carlos. She had thought about him the entire time, even when Derek's tongue was deep inside her, she was pretending it was Carlos. "Can you spend the night with me baby? I just need you next to me tonight. Please don't say no.", Derek asked as he rubbed her thighs under the table. "I have plans tomorrow Derek. And I have to get packed for my cruise.", Trina said as she sipped her apple martini. "What cruise? You didn't tell me about a cruise. Who are you going with?", Derek asked. "I'm going with Naomi. We're leaving in two days.", Trina said. "So I only have one day to spend with you? I'm taking tomorrow off then. Stay with me tonight.", Derek asked as he kissed her neck. "Ok, but just for tonight because I need to get my hair done and my nails done.", Trina said. "I will take you and I will pay for it. You are my queen.", Derek said as he stared into her eyes. Trina heard her phone beeping and reached over to get it out of her purse. It was a text from Carlos saying: "I'm watching you. Meet me outside. I need to talk to you now." Trina's heart dropped and she shoved her phone back in her purse. "I'm not feeling well. Excuse me, I need to go to the ladies room.", Trina said as she scooted to the edge of the bench and out of the booth. "Are you okay Trina?", Derek asked as she walked away. "Yes, I will be right back.", Trina said as she walked briskly towards the restrooms.

As soon as she was out of eyesight, Trina rushed outside. Carlos' Range Rover was parked in the handicapped spot right outside the door. She walked over and got in. "What are you doing with that dude?", Carlos asked as soon as she closed the door. "That's my friend Derek. Did I do something wrong?", Trina asked in a sheepish voice. "Is that your boyfriend? I need to know who you are associating with, at all times.", Carlos snapped back. "No, he's not my boyfriend. Just someone that wanted to take me out to lunch.", Trina replied. "Why didn't you call me?", Carlos asked defensively. "Why didn't you call me?", Trina replied angrily. Carlos looked at her with hesitation. "I don't want to see you with any other dudes, okay?", Carlos said sternly. "Why? I am sure you are dating other women!" Trina snapped back. "Look, if we are going to do this cruise thing, I need your undivided attention. This is serious.", Carlos said. "Oh, so it's just about the money and you don't want another man fucking it up, right?", Trina said as she started to get out of his truck. "Trina! Wait, it's not just about the money. I have been thinking about you alot. I was trying to figure out what kind of person you were before we got too involved and I must admit that I like you.", Carlos said as he grabbed her arm to prevent her from leaving. "So you have been following me?", Trina asked. "Yes, I had to. There's a lot on the line here. I need someone I can trust. So I need you to leave that gump alone , okay?", Carlos said. "He's a nice man. We're just friends.", Trina replied. "I'm coming to get you later. Be home around 9 and we can talk about it. I'm not taking any excuses.", Carlos said. Trina was confused and stuck in the middle. She had already promised Derek that she would spend the night with him. "Okay.", she replied as she started to get out again. "You look beautiful today, Trina. I will pick you up later tonight and I want you to wear the necklace I bought.", Derek said as she looked back at him. Her heart dropped and she could feel Carlos' sincereness for the first time. "Ok. I will see you later.", she said as she smiled back and walked back inside the restaurant. Trina felt butterflies as she sat down at the table with Derek. "Are you alright Trina?", Derek asked. "No, I need to go home right away. I started my period and I am bleeding heavily. I just want to go home and lay down.", Trina said. "We can stop and get whatever you need and still go back to my place.", Derek said. "Not tonight Derek, I feel like shit right now. Please, just take me home. We can chill some other time.", Trina said. Derek motioned for the waiter to come and he left cash on the table. Derek drove her home in a somber mood, and kissed her on the cheek as she refused to let him walk her up to her apartment.

FIGHT TO LOVE – CHAPTER 20

Trina stood in front of the floor length mirror in her bedroom examining herself from head to toe. Her hair was swept away from her face with a thin, silver head band. She wore small silver hoops in her ears that complimented the beautiful necklace that Carlos bought her. Her long, black tube top dress gently brushed the top of her silver stiletto sandals. The anticipation of his phone call made her heart pound as she glanced at her phone to check the time. It was almost 9 pm and she rushed into the bathroom to spritz herself with some Be Delicious perfume. Her phone rang and she smiled as she raced to the phone. "Hello?", she answered. "I'm out front.", Carlos replied in a deep voice. Trina said okay and turned out the lights of her apartment and headed down the stairs. She felt like running to his Range Rover, but decided to play it cool and walk calmly to his truck. She opened the door and he gave her the warmest smile she had ever seen. "Hey Trina. You look nice.", Carlos said as he admired her. "Thank you. Where are we headed?", Trina asked as she closed the door. "I need to get you familiar with some things first, then we have the evening to ourselves.", Carlos said as he put the truck in gear and pulled off. He wore a white Izod shirt and dark blue linen pants. Carlos was dressed casually and Trina began to wonder what he was about to familiarize her with. Her stomach began to get queasy and she prayed to herself that she wasn't in any danger. Carlos was quiet and calm as they drove up the highway listening to Luther Vandross. "Are you feeling okay?", Carlos finally asked. "Yeah, I'm just thinking about what I have gotten myself into.", Trina said as she looked at Carlos for answers. "I think you are worrying too much. You don't trust me?", Carlos asked as he turned down the stereo. "I don't know what you want me to do. That's what's worrying me.", Trina said. Carlos pulled up in front of his brother Corey's detail shop and opened the garage. As the garage doors opened, she could see that Corey's Hummer was already parked inside. "I need you to be on my side, that's all.", Carlos said as he turned off the truck and took the keys out of the ignition. Trina took a deep breath and opened the door to get out. She followed him inside the detail shop, and walked down the hallway to large room in the rear.

"What's up bruh?", Corey said as he got up to give Carlos some dap. Trina looked around and there were six young women sitting in folding chairs lined up against the wall in the dimly lit office. She could barely see their faces as they sat mysteriously still and quiet. They looked up at her when she followed Carlos inside and their eyes remained fixed on her the entire time. There were four Black girls, a Latino and a White girl. Trina couldn't understand why the girls were staring at her and why there were bottles of cod liver oil sitting at their feet. "Trina, what's happening?", Corey said as he gave her a big bear hug. "Hey Corey.", Trina said as she gasped for air. "Come on in y'all.", Corey said as he motioned for Carlos and her to follow him into an adjoining room. They entered a room that was filled with weed smoke. There were two large card tables with more folding chairs placed around them. A large wooden desk sat between the two card tables. "Trina, have a seat at the desk. I'm going to bring the girls in here in a minute.", Corey said as he and Carlos sat in two leather recliners that were placed opposite the desk and card tables. Carlos lit a blunt and Corey pulled two Heineken's out of a cooler that sat on the floor between them. "Trina, these girls work for us. They are responsible for transporting out products. You are their new lieutenant. All we need you to do is make sure they have 20 balloons. If they do, pay them $1,000 out of the top drawer. If they don't, let me know and I will take care of the rest. They will bring the balloons to you in a Ziploc bag after they come out of the bathroom over there. Don't accept the bag if it looks dirty or shitty. They are supposed to clean and disinfect their balloons before they put them in the bag. You understand? It's simple.", Carlos said as he took a swig of the beer. "Yes.", Trina said confidently as her heart beat a million times a minute. "Aight. Let's do this.", Corey said as he slowly stood up and pulled a set of keys from his back pocket.

He brought the girls in, one by one and Trina realized that each girl was handcuffed behind their backs. Corey released one of their hands and handcuffed them to the folding chairs that were already chained together. The girls were in noticeable pain and their faces grimaced from time to time. One by one, they quietly announced, "I'm ready." Corey would then unlock their cuffs and allow them to go in the bathroom. At one point, there were three girls in the bathroom at once. "Y'all better not make a mess in there. And don't flush the toilet! The last bitch to shit is gonna clean the whole fucking bathroom!", Corey yelled from across the room. Trina looked back through the open bathroom door and could see one of the girls on the toilet, one squatting over a bucket and one sitting on the sink. They were straining and moaning, trying to push the balloons out. The first Black girl, dressed in a white tank top and blue jeans, that was sitting on the toilet, began fishing out her balloons with her bare hands. She began arguing with the other Black girl wearing a yellow t-shirt dress that was sitting on the sink. All Trina could hear was the girl in the white tank top telling the girl in yellow to hurry up so she can wash off her balloons. She looked back across the room and saw Carlos staring at her as he continued to smoke the blunt. He was watching her intently to see how she was going to handle the situation. He motioned for her to get her cell phone as he texted her. The message said: "TREAT THESE BITCHES LIKE YOU ARE THE BOSS! SHOW THEM YOU ARE IN CHARGE." Trina placed the phone back in her purse and nodded at Carlos with acknowledgment. "I'm done.", the girl in the white tank said as she dropped the Ziploc bag on the desk where Trina sat. Without looking up, Trina said in a stern voice, "Count 'em out. I'm not touching that shit." The girl walked around to the front of the desk as the other girls looked on and opened the Ziploc bag. She took each balloon out and lined them up side by side and counted aloud to twenty. Trina calmly opened the drawer and grabbed a bundle of hundred dollar bills bound by a rubber band. She counted the money out to the girl and dropped the money on the desk. "Before you touch my money, put that shit back in the bag.", Trina said. The girl did as Trina instructed and placed the Ziploc bag back on the desk before touching the money. Carlos and Corey smiled in approval. The girl in the white tank top walked out without saying a word as Corey uncuffed the White girl. They continued the same process until all six girls had collected their money. The Latino girl was the last one to finish and she dumped the soupy contents of the bucket into the toilet and began cleaning out the sink. When she finished, she walked over and counted out her balloons and got paid. As she walked out, Trina noticed that the back of the girls jean shorts were covered in blood.

There was one bundle of money left in the drawer and Trina pulled it out and got up to give it to Carlos as the Latino girl shut the door behind her. "Nah, that's for you baby girl. You was runnin that shit!", Carlos said as he refused the money. "I knew she was bad!", Corey laughed as he took the handcuffs off the chairs. "Why do you handcuff them?", Trina asked. "Because if they get sick, they won't be able to run anywhere. I can't have these mules dying out in the street in front of the shop.", Corey replied. Carlos passed her the blunt and Trina sat down in Corey's recliner to smoke it. She felt bad about treating those girls the way she did, but wanted to prove herself to Carlos. She inhaled slowly as she wondered if the Latino girl would be alright. "I need you to get Naomi right for this cruise Trina. Those girls are rooming together and I need y'all to make sure they stay in check.", Corey said as he stood in front of Trina holding the handcuffs. "Naomi is cool. I will talk to her.", Trina said as she passed the blunt to Corey. "Sometimes ya girl is too loud. Calm her down for me. Dress her right, classy - like.", Corey said as he exhaled a cloud of smoke. "Let's go.", Carlos said as he grabbed Trina's hand and pulled her up from the recliner.

"I didn't know if you would be able to do that Trina. I must admit, I was surprised…. and kinda proud. You showed some real maturity in there.", Carlos said as he backed out of the garage. "Was that a test?", Trina asked. "Yep. Now we can do business. But first, I want to do pleasure.", Carlos said. Trina let out a quiet sigh of relief and looked out of the window, wondering where they were headed to next. After a short drive down 610 South, they arrived at the St. Regis Hotel. Carlos drove up to the valet parking area and a valet guy opened her door and helped her get out. This time Carlos held her hand as they entered the beautiful lobby area and walked past the front desk to the guest room elevators. As soon as the elevator doors closed, Carlos squeezed her hand tightly as if he was anticipating something exciting. The elevator went all the way to the top floor and Carlos pulled out the room key from his back pocket and opened the door. He opened the door for her and Trina slowly walked into the penthouse suite. On the king sized bed lay a black lace teddy and matching thong from Victoria Secret. "Let's shower first.", Carlos said as he led her into the marble tiled bathroom.

There was a steam shower for two behind a glass enclosure. Trina looked at the vanity and saw that Carlos had purchased Love Spell shower gel and lotion for her and Very Sexy for Men toiletries for himself. She reached into her purse and took out a black hair band to tie her hair back with. Carlos lit a candle and turned on the small CD player next to the jacuzzi tub. Trina turned off the bathroom light and watched the candle flicker in the mirror. "You remind me so much of her.", Carlos said as he began undressing. "Who? Simone?", Trina asked. "Yeah, every time I look at you, it's like I'm seeing another her. The way you handled those broads today... it was just like how Simone used to do. She didn't care about them chicks. All she cared about was getting my money right.", Carlos said as he pulled down his black boxer shorts. Trina looked down at his thick, long and chocolate dick and smiled. She was relieved that he wasn't small like Derek. He walked over to her and pulled down her black sundress and black thongs. "Is all this body mine?", Carlos asked as he lifted her chin up with his hand so that he could look her in the eyes. "Yes.", Trina said as she felt like she was going to melt. She loved an aggressive man. "Turn on the shower and get in.", Carlos said as he smacked her on the ass. Trina obediently turned the shower on and adjusted the temperature. As the steam filled the bathroom, she walked back over to the vanity and took the shower gels and placed them inside the shower. She stepped inside and the powerful jets soaked her body from all sides. Trina poured the shower gel in her hands and began smoothing it all over her wet body and even in her hair. "That's real sexy baby.", Carlos said as he stepped inside and watch her lather the soap all over. He was fully erect and Trina was amazed at how big it looked now. "Wash my body.", Carlos commanded as he leaned back on the marble tile. Trina poured the Very Sexy body wash into her hands and began smoothing it on his shoulders, in a massage-like motion. Never once did Carlos take his eyes off of her. She worked her way down to his huge, erect dick and slid both hands up and down slowly. "Are you ready to be my woman?", Carlos asked as she kneeled down to wash his legs. "Yes Carlos.", Trina said as she tried to look up at him, but soap was getting in her eyes. "Stand up.", Carlos said impatiently as he pulled her up by her arms. "Stop trying to do what you think I want, and do what I tell you to do.", Carlos said sternly as he opened the glass door to hand her a towel for her face. "Ok.", Trina said as she wiped her eyes. "Go dry off and put on the lingerie I bought you.", Carlos said. Trina left the shower timidly and wrapped the towel around her. She took the lotion from the vanity and grabbed another towel for her wet hair. As she dried off, she felt foolish because she didn't understand exactly what Carlos wanted. He emerged from the shower a minute later and stood at the edge of the bed, staring down at her as she laid there in her new lingerie.

"Do you know what I want now?", Carlos asked as he slowly massaged his erection. "No. I'm not sure what you want baby.", Trina said softly as she looked up at him. "I want you to be Simone. Act like her and tell me how much you love me. Do whatever I desire. That's what I want.", Carlos said as he climbed on top of her. "Ok. I can do that.", Trina replied as she kissed his chest. "I love you Simone.", Carlos said as he kissed her lips softly. "I love you too Carlos.", Trina whispered as he began lifting up the teddy to kiss her stomach. "I want you to get my name tattooed right here.", Carlos said as he licked her right thigh. "Ok baby. Anything you want baby.", Trina said. Carlos pulled her black lace thongs off and threw them across the room. "Open your legs wide.", Carlos said as he began tasting her soft lips. Trina moaned when he stuck his tongue inside her and placed both hands under her soft buttocks to bring her closer. He penetrated her with his tongue until she was super juicy. As soon as she thought she couldn't take anymore of his oral pleasure, he stood up at the edge of the bed. "Suck it Simone.", Carlos said. Trina laid on her stomach and placed his head on her wet tongue. She slowly began sucking and swallowing his dick until she had the whole thing deep in her throat. Carlos started thrusting in and out of her mouth while she tried not to gag. He was so big and long, she was relieved when he pulled out and climbed on top of her from behind. He raised her hips up and spread her legs wide before slowly penetrating her wet vagina. "This is Simone's pussy right here. Damn, I miss this pussy Simone.", Carlos mumbled as he dug deeper inside of Trina. She tried not to yell, but she had never had a dick that big inside of her. The more she yelled, the more Carlos yelled Simone's name. Within minutes, he had cum inside of her and collapsed on top of her.

"Was I everything you wanted baby?", Trina said as she crawled out from under him. "Yes. This is the second time tonight you have made me proud. I just hope you meant everything that you said.", Carlos said as he rolled over on his back. "I did. I can be Simone if you want me to baby. I'm digging you like that.", Trina said as she kissed his shoulder. "No. I want you to love me like she did. Real love, not pretend. And I'm taking you to get tatted up too. Now go get me a hot washcloth.", Carlos said as he turned on the TV. "Yes baby.", Trina said as she got up and went into the bathroom. Her mind was racing and she was feeling a bit scared at his demands. But on the other hand, she always wanted a man with money that would take care of her. She looked in the mirror and thought that Carlos wasn't bad at all. He had money, treated her well and was great in bed. She grabbed a washcloth and lathered it with soap and grabbed a towel to dry him off. "Let me do it baby.", she said as she sat on the bed and gently cleaned Carlos' lower body and then dried him off as he watched TV. "Thanks Simone. You always knew how to treat your man.", Carlos said when Trina was done.

FIGHT TO LOVE - CHAPTER 21

The next afternoon, Trina was laying on her sofa watching television when she heard a knock at the door. She wasn't expecting anyone and when Carlos dropped her off that morning, he said he would call her later tonight. "Who the hell is that?", Trina mumbled to herself as she quietly walked to the door to look through the peep hole. It was Derek, standing there looking pitiful with a dozen roses. "Open the door please. I know you're in there. I'm not leaving so let me in.", Derek said. Reluctantly, Trina unbolts the lock and opens the door. Derek walks in wearing a beige linen suit and white shirt. He looks handsome, as usual, but Trina isn't feeling the sexual attraction at all. "Baby, when are you going to give me the chance I deserve?", Derek asks as he hands Trina the roses. "I don't think that we are going to be able to work this out, like I thought we would. I'm not ready for what you want.", Trina says as she takes the roses into the kitchen and places them on the counter. "I'm prepared to give you anything you want. Stop making me chase you. I brought you some money too. There's no nigga out there that can treat you better than me.", Derek says as he pulls a stack of folded bills out of his wallet. "That won't even pay my rent for the rest of the year.", Trina says as she glances at the money and walks into the living room. "Baby, I will pay your rent. I will do whatever you need me to do. Just tell me what you need.", Derek says as he follows behind her. Trina sits down on the sofa and looks Derek up and down. She senses his desperateness and thinks about what she wants. "I need a new car.", Trina says as she picks up the remote control to change the channel. After a long pause, Derek says. "Ok. We can go get one right now. All I have to do is stop by the bank and get some cash for the down payment. I mean, did you really think I wasn't capable of upgrading you?", Derek said. A smile spread across Trina's face when she realized that Derek was serious. She jumped up to get ready. Derek grabbed her hand as she tried to pass by. "I'm gonna need you to get naked first. I have waited too long for that pussy.", Derek said as he unzipped his pants. "Oh, ok. And then we're going?", Trina asked. "Yeah, then we can go."

Trina pulled up her oversized T-shirt to reveal that she was naked underneath. She had showered when Carlos dropped her off that morning. "Ahhh, I see you are ready for me.", Derek said as he stood up and led her into the bedroom. "Close those blinds and curtains.", Derek commanded as he turned on the stereo. Trina did as she was instructed and then sat on the edge of the bed as Derek undressed. "So what kind of car do you want?", Derek asked. "I like the new Mercedes coupe.", Trina replied. "Oh, I can get that from my man at the dealership on I-10. Yeah, that's going to require some head.", Derek said as he forced Trina's head onto his erect penis. "You better act right after this. I'm your Daddy. Your only Daddy.", Derek said as Trina continued sucking. "Stop. Wait a minute.", Derek said as he pulled back and reached down for his suit pants. He pulled the brown leather belt from the pants loops and stood over Trina as she laid back on the bed. "Turn over so I can spank you. You have been a bad girl.", Derek ordered. Trina felt kind of scared at this point and slowly turned over on her stomach. She felt the leather belt sting her buttocks with a loud smack. "You better say sorry to Daddy.", Derek laughed. "I'm sorry Daddy.", Trina said as she buried her face in the pillows. She felt Derek climb on top of her and put his little penis between her butt cheeks. He began pumping in and out and seemed to be enjoying himself. This was the only time Trina was glad that he was so small. "Turn over.", Derek said as he got up and hit her with the leather belt again. "Why do you keep hitting me with that? Does that make you feel in control?", Trina asked angrily as she felt her buttocks stinging with pain again. "I am in control, right? You want a Mercedes, right? Well you're gonna take what I give you and love it baby. I don't see anybody else around here paying rent and buying cars.", Derek said as he got back on the bed and spread her legs open. "You never made love to me so roughly before. Is this how you treated Carmen?", Trina said as she stared into his eyes. "How can you bring her up at a time like this?", Derek said as he began kissing Trina's thighs. "Because you claimed you loved her and I can't imagine someone like you acting this way. Are you mad at me?", Trina asked as Derek kissed her stomach, then her breasts. "I'm sorry baby. I am mad. Or ... I was mad. I just don't understand why I can't have you.", Derek said as he slipped inside her. He began stroking her slowly while whispering, "Can I have you?". Then there was a loud knock at the door. A man's voice called out Trina's name.

"Who is that?", Derek said as he pulled out and stood up, still erect. "I don't know. Get back in bed baby." Trina lied, knowing it was Brent. "Well somebody knows you.", Derek said loudly. "It could be maintenance baby. I have been calling them about the dishwasher. C'mon baby, I was so ready to cum.", Trina said as she sat on the edge of the bed and began performing oral sex on Derek. "Oh, okay.", Derek sighed as he started to thrust in and out of her mouth. Trina concentrated on keeping his full attention and prayed that Brent would just go away. "You are pretty big when you're hard Daddy.", Trina said as she looked up at him and smiled. "I am?", Derek said as he was surprised; he knew his penis was small. Derek climbed confidently on top of Trina and pushed himself inside. Trina pretended to moan as if he was bigger than he really was and Derek loved every minute of it. He soon forgot about the knock at the door and pounded her until he came inside of her. Relieved that it was over, Trina got up and got in the shower. Derek came in after a few minutes and washed up in the sink. "You know... I really don't believe that maintenance man bullshit Trina. But I'm going to let it slide this time. Tell your niggas you got a real man now. Ok?", Derek said before he left the bathroom. Trina didn't respond and didn't really care because she didn't get caught and was more excited about going to the dealership.

She raced around the apartment, ironing clothes and fixing her hair. Derek waited patiently in the living room as she got dressed. She could hear him arguing on the phone with his son's mother Sharon. He told her that he couldn't pick the boys up tonight because he was going out of town in the morning. Trina emerged from the bedroom wearing a baby blue halter top, dark blue skinny jeans and silver stilleto pumps. "Where are you going in the morning?", Trina asked. "Oh, um... Florida. I have an investment property that I'm trying to close on.", Derek said as he stood up. "Oh. Well I'm ready.", Trina smiled as she grabbed her purse and keys. "Well let's go baby. You look fine as hell.", Derek said as he followed her to the front door. They walked down the stairs together and Trina could hear the loud music coming from Dave and Lee's apartment. Her heartbeat quickened when she saw them all standing out front. Brent stared at her as she walked past giving her a devilish smile. She could hear them laughing and joking as Derek opened the door of his Escalade for her. She climbed up inside and heard her cell phone alerting her to a new text message. From across the parking lot, she saw Brent holding his phone so she decided not to check it. "Are those friends of yours?", Derek asked as he climbed in and put the keys in the ignition. "More like friends of Naomi's.", Trina said as they took off.

They stopped by Bank of America and Derek went in to make a cash withdrawal. As they headed to the dealership, Derek asked her to let him make all the desicisions regarding the transaction. He knew the Finance Manager and assured her that he would get a better deal if she allowed him to put the car in both of their names. Trina agreed to let him steer the decision making and was overwhelmed with excitement as they pulled up on the lot. Her eyes scanned the rows of the new cars and became affixed on the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe parked in a corner space. "I want that one.", Trina pointed to the silver coupe. "You would pick the newest one on the lot. Alright, let me go see what I can do.", Derek laughed as he got out and went inside the dealership. She waited until he got inside to look at the text message Brent sent. It read: "HE CAN'T FUCK U LIKE I CAN. OLE NERD ASS NIGGA! LOL" Trina chuckled and texted him back: "HIS MONEY LONG! @ THE DEALERSHIP. PICTURE ME ROLLIN! LOL" She slid her phone back in her purse and relaxed while she watched Derek come back out with the Finance Manager. Derek gave her a thumbs up as they got in the car and pulled off for a test drive. They returned about ten minutes later and Derek emerged from the coupe smiling and Trina smiled back. She could almost see herself driving off the lot in her new Mercedes. It seemed like hours had passed before Derek motioned for her to come inside. "Mrs. Williams, my name is Mario Perez and I am so glad to have you here. Your husband has made a wise choice on your new car. I just need to see your driver's license and have you sign right here at the bottom and the car is all yours.", the Finance Manager said as Trina dug in her purse for her license. She wondered why Derek told Mario that they were married, but didn't worry because she and Derek had the same last name anyway. Trina signed the paperwork and Mario handed her the keys. She could not believe that she was actually going to drive away in a new Mercedes.

"Trina, don't drive too fast. The insurance is in my name.", Derek said as he opened the door to the Mercedes for her. "I won't. Oh my God... I can't believe this. This car is so beautiful inside.", Trina said as she gazed at the interior. "Just like you baby. You deserve it. Be careful now. Where are you headed to?", Derek asked. "I'm going to pick up Naomi. We're going out tonight!", Trina replied as she started up the car. "Well I'm headed back to my place to pack. I will be back in a few days. I want you at my place when I get there. No excuses Trina.", Derek said as he stared at her intently. "Ok Derek.", Trina said half-heartedly as she changed the radio station. "Alright.", Derek said just before Trina pulled off with the music blasting. She immediately called Naomi to tell her the news. "So what are you going to tell Carlos? You just can't show up with a brand new fucking Mercedes?", Naomi asked. "He doesn't have to know. I still have my car. Get dressed pleased. I will be there in a minute." Trina replied nonchalantly. As soon as she hung up, Carlos called. "Hello?", she answered as she turned the music down. "Where are you?", Carlos asked in an irritated voice. "I'm leaving the grocery store.", Trina replies. "With who? I'm out front.", Carlos said. "Naomi. And we, uh, gotta take this stuff over her grandma's house in Sugarland.", Trina said, trying not to sound scared. "I need you with me tonight. Call me when you get back over here, OK?", Carlos said. "Ok.", Trina said as she hung up the phone, trying to figure out what to do next.

FIGHT TO LOVE – CHAPTER 22

Two days had passed and she had called and text several times. Carlos hadn't responded to any of her messages, except for the last one that she had sent this morning. He told her to be ready for the cruise on Friday at 6 am. Without a job or any responsibilities, Trina found herself drinking all day long. Even the shiny new Mercedes Benz in the parking lot didn't make her feel better. Derek was somewhere having fun with Carmen, probably falling in love all over again. Brent hadn't knocked on her door since she dissed him the other day. Her hand began to tremble as she poured another glass of red wine. She managed to get most of it in the glass and immediately began gulping it down, emptying the glass in a matter of minutes. She grabbed the bottle of wine by the neck and attempted to go back into the living room. Trina held onto the counter as she slowly walked out of the kitchen. Her feet felt like lead and her legs were unstable. She let go of the counter and braced herself in the threshold of the door. She gulped some more of the sweet tasting drink right out of the bottle and wobbled into the living room, crashing down on the couch. She looked down and realized the wine had splashed all over the over-sized white v-neck t-shirt she had on. She placed the bottle on the edge of the side table and it crashed to the floor, soaking the off white carpet. A feeling of self pity consumed her and she got up to get another glass. As soon as she stood up and took a step, she slipped and fell with a loud thump. She laid there on her back for a while. The pain in her hip was unbearable. She had really hurt herself this time. Hot tears began to well up in her eyes and slide down her face. She couldn't figure out if she felt rejected, used, in love or angry. She was so drunk, she couldn't even figure out who she was angry with. She rolled onto her side and sat up slowly. She was damp and sticky from the wine so she decided to pull the t-shirt off slowly. As she sat there naked, there was a knock at the door.

"Trina. Open up!", Brent yelled from the hallway as he continued to pound on the door. "Wait a minute.", she slurred as she tried to get up. She managed to make it into the bathroom and put her robe on. She glanced in the mirror and saw how haggardly she looked. She was so inebriated, she didn't even care as she stumbled to open the door and let Brent inside. "Hey.", she said as she held the door open. "Damn, what's good ma?", Brent said as he examined the mess in the living room. "Nothing... just chillin.", Trina said as she stepped over the mess and sat back down on the sofa. "You're already soggy. Damn. I came to get you lifted!", Brent said as he pulled a blunt from behind his right ear. "Good. Light that shit up and pour me another drink.", Trina said as she swung her feet up on the sofa and leaned back. She turned the stereo on and began to blast Jay-Z's Blueprint 3. Brent stood up and began to take off his shoes, dark blue Polo Jeans and blue and white striped Polo shirt. He folded his clothes and laid them neatly on top of his shoes in the dining room. She could hear him putting ice in the glasses and mixing the drinks. When he returned with her drink, he was already erect and his penis bulged through his black boxer shorts. "So what's up with you Ms. Mercedes? I see you done came up. That's your boyfriend now?", he asked as he handed her the drink. She took a sip of the Cosmopolitan he had prepared and looked up at him. "Hell naw. I don't get down with him like that.", she replied. "Good. I didn't want to give up what we had. I still want that pussy.", he said as he pulled down his boxers. Trina just laid back on the sofa as Brent climbed on top. "You miss me baby?", he grinned as he fondled her breasts. "I'm not your baby. We're homie - lover - friends, remember?", she laughed. "That's right.", he said as he began to straddle her and started to push his dick in her face. "What are you doing?", she said as she pulled back and pushed him off. "What do you think, come on.", Brent said as he continued aiming for her face. "Nah, I'm not sucking you off. Go somewhere else with that bullshit.", Trina said as she stood up. "Damn, what's up with you now? I gotta trick on you to get some head?", Brent asked angrily. "You ain't gotta do shit for me but kiss my ass! Whatever I do is because I want to do it. And what we did in the past is IN THE PAST!", Trina said as she walked into her bedroom and began putting on a clean t-shirt and sweatpants. "See that's the problem with you. This nigga got you all gassed up and I guarantee you he don't even fuck with you like that. You cuttin for this nigga? That nerd ass motherfucker? Where he at NOW Trina?", Brent yelled as he stood in her bedroom door. "Aww shut up Brent. You just mad cuz you thought you was getting your dick sucked. I don't feel like sucking your dick today. Now you can deal with that and light the blunt or get the fuck out man.", Trina said as she sat down on the bed. She felt dizzy and irritated by the whole situation. She wasn't going to let Brent intimidate her. "Alright then.", Brent said as he walked back into the living room. Moments later, he came back in the bedroom and passed her the lit blunt.

"You alright with me girl. Don't be mad.", he said as he laid down on the bed beside her. "I'm just tired of niggas. Man. Y'all just don't understand.", Trina said softly as she exhaled the smoke. "So what's the problem. He don't love you?", Brent asked as she passed the blunt back to him. "Naw, that dude don't love me. I thought he did, buying me a Benz and shit. But that just goes to show you that niggas with money will use you, not love you. It’s ok, because the guy that I love, I'm going to get. I think I love him.", Trina said as she gazed out of the window as the sunlight filtered in through the window blinds. "So wait, you got two dudes?", Brent asked as he sat up and looked at her. "Not exactly. I like this dude and I think I love him, but I think he wants me to be like his ex-girlfriend, but I'm not. I'm nothing like her. He's not willing to be with me until I can prove that I can be like her. The shit is frustrating. But the other dude, the one that bought the Benz, he got a little dick. I can't fuck with him like that.", Trina said with a disgusted look on her face. "Well it seems to me that he was fine when he was taking you to the dealership that day. Remember how you hulled me out on that text message? You just using that dude for his money girl. And the other dude seem psycho to me. As a matter of fact, where is he? He might be stalking you and I'm not trying to get caught up.", Brent laughed loudly. "He's not psycho, he's just scared to fall in love because his girl died and he hasn't gotten over that.", Trina said as she took a long pull off the blunt. "You playing with fire girl. Please don't get me involved in that drama because I have a clean record and I don't want to hurt or kill nobody.", Brent said as he rubbed her thigh. "Nah, I'm not playing around anymore. I want Carlos and I'm willing to be whoever he wants me to be. I think I love him.", Trina said as she took another puff. "So Carlos must have some money too.", Brent said. "Yep. He probably has more than Derek. With his little dick. Can you believe he tried to play me?", Trina said. "I got some money too. Can you suck my dick for $250. Or is that not enough?", Brent asked and started laughing uncontrollably. "Shut up boy!", Trina said as she got up to use the bathroom.

Halfway to the bathroom, there was a loud knock at the door. She froze in her tracks. Trina knew it was Carlos. She turned around and motioned for Brent to hide in her closet. "See! This the bullshit I was talkin about girl. I don't even have my gun. Get my clothes from the dining room.", he whispered angrily as the knocks got louder and louder. "Hurry up! I know what to do.", she said as she ran into the living room and threw his belongings into her closet. Brent reluctantly his in the closet as she rushed into the bathroom and turned on the shower. She quickly soaked her hair under the water and applied gobs of shampoo. Soaking wet and naked, she wrapped a towel around her body and went to answer the front door. Carlos stood there fuming as shampoo dripped down her face and body. "I'm sorry baby. I didn't know you were coming over, I was washing my hair.", she said sheepishly as she stepped aside for him to come in. "Yeah ok. You never know when I'm coming Trina. I always need you ready. That's what we talked about. I will be waiting in the truck.", he said as he turned and walked down the hallway towards the staircase. Trina closed the door slowly and locked it. She let out a sigh of relief as she went back into her bedroom to let Brent out of the closet. "He's waiting downstairs. I gotta go.", she said as she rushed into the bathroom to wash the shampoo out of her hair and pull it back into a wet ponytail. Brent began putting his clothes on and watched her from the bedroom. "Yeah, you gotta be falling in love. I can tell by how pressed you're acting right now.", he sulked. "Just don't come downstairs until I leave please.", Trina said as she raced around getting ready. She pulled on a pink Donna Karan baby doll dress over her naked body. She tied a pink and white Chanel scarf around her head like a headband and slipped on some pink sandals to match. "You look good girl. I ain't mad at you.", Brent said as he walked her to the door. "Thanks Brent. I appreciate you being cool about this.", she said as she slowly opened the door and looked out. "Go get your man. I will put the bottom lock on when I leave.", Brent said as she walked down the hallway to meet Carlos.

FIGHT TO LOVE – CHAPTER 23

Two days had passed and she had called and text several times. Carlos hadn't responded to any of her messages, except for the last one that she had sent this morning. He told her to be ready for the cruise on Friday at 6 am. Without a job or any responsibilities, Trina found herself drinking all day long. Even the shiny new Mercedes Benz in the parking lot didn't make her feel better. Derek was somewhere having fun with Carmen, probably falling in love all over again. Brent hadn't knocked on her door since she dissed him the other day. Her hand began to tremble as she poured another glass of red wine. She managed to get most of it in the glass and immediately began gulping it down, emptying the glass in a matter of minutes. She grabbed the bottle of wine by the neck and attempted to go back into the living room. Trina held onto the counter as she slowly walked out of the kitchen. Her feet felt like lead and her legs were unstable. She let go of the counter and braced herself in the threshold of the door. She gulped some more of the sweet tasting drink right out of the bottle and wobbled into the living room, crashing down on the couch. She looked down and realized the wine had splashed all over the over-sized white v-neck t-shirt she had on. She placed the bottle on the edge of the side table and it crashed to the floor, soaking the off white carpet. A feeling of self pity consumed her and she got up to get another glass. As soon as she stood up and took a step, she slipped and fell with a loud thump. She laid there on her back for a while. The pain in her hip was unbearable. She had really hurt herself this time. Hot tears began to well up in her eyes and slide down her face. She couldn't figure out if she felt rejected, used, in love or angry. She was so drunk, she couldn't even figure out who she was angry with. She rolled onto her side and sat up slowly. She was damp and sticky from the wine so she decided to pull the t-shirt off slowly. As she sat there naked, there was a knock at the door.

"Trina. Open up!", Brent yelled from the hallway as he continued to pound on the door. "Wait a minute.", she slurred as she tried to get up. She managed to make it into the bathroom and put her robe on. She glanced in the mirror and saw how haggardly she looked. She was so inebriated, she didn't even care as she stumbled to open the door and let Brent inside. "Hey.", she said as she held the door open. "Damn, what's good ma?", Brent said as he examined the mess in the living room. "Nothing... just chillin.", Trina said as she stepped over the mess and sat back down on the sofa. "You're already soggy. Damn. I came to get you lifted!", Brent said as he pulled a blunt from behind his right ear. "Good. Light that shit up and pour me another drink.", Trina said as she swung her feet up on the sofa and leaned back. She turned the stereo on and began to blast Jay-Z's Blueprint 3. Brent stood up and began to take off his shoes, dark blue Polo Jeans and blue and white striped Polo shirt. He folded his clothes and laid them neatly on top of his shoes in the dining room. She could hear him putting ice in the glasses and mixing the drinks. When he returned with her drink, he was already erect and his penis bulged through his black boxer shorts. "So what's up with you Ms. Mercedes? I see you done came up. That's your boyfriend now?", he asked as he handed her the drink. She took a sip of the Cosmopolitan he had prepared and looked up at him. "Hell naw. I don't get down with him like that.", she replied. "Good. I didn't want to give up what we had. I still want that pussy.", he said as he pulled down his boxers. Trina just laid back on the sofa as Brent climbed on top. "You miss me baby?", he grinned as he fondled her breasts. "I'm not your baby. We're homie - lover - friends, remember?", she laughed. "That's right.", he said as he began to straddle her and started to push his dick in her face. "What are you doing?", she said as she pulled back and pushed him off. "What do you think, come on.", Brent said as he continued aiming for her face. "Nah, I'm not sucking you off. Go somewhere else with that bullshit.", Trina said as she stood up. "Damn, what's up with you now? I gotta trick on you to get some head?", Brent asked angrily. "You ain't gotta do shit for me but kiss my ass! Whatever I do is because I want to do it. And what we did in the past is IN THE PAST!", Trina said as she walked into her bedroom and began putting on a clean t-shirt and sweatpants. "See that's the problem with you. This nigga got you all gassed up and I guarantee you he don't even fuck with you like that. You cuttin for this nigga? That nerd ass motherfucker? Where he at NOW Trina?", Brent yelled as he stood in her bedroom door. "Aww shut up Brent. You just mad cuz you thought you was getting your dick sucked. I don't feel like sucking your dick today. Now you can deal with that and light the blunt or get the fuck out man.", Trina said as she sat down on the bed. She felt dizzy and irritated by the whole situation. She wasn't going to let Brent intimidate her. "Alright then.", Brent said as he walked back into the living room. Moments later, he came back in the bedroom and passed her the lit blunt.

"You alright with me girl. Don't be mad.", he said as he laid down on the bed beside her. "I'm just tired of niggas. Man. Y'all just don't understand.", Trina said softly as she exhaled the smoke. "So what's the problem. He don't love you?", Brent asked as she passed the blunt back to him. "Naw, that dude don't love me. I thought he did, buying me a Benz and shit. But that just goes to show you that niggas with money will use you, not love you. It’s ok, because the guy that I love, I'm going to get. I think I love him.", Trina said as she gazed out of the window as the sunlight filtered in through the window blinds. "So wait, you got two dudes?", Brent asked as he sat up and looked at her. "Not exactly. I like this dude and I think I love him, but I think he wants me to be like his ex-girlfriend, but I'm not. I'm nothing like her. He's not willing to be with me until I can prove that I can be like her. The shit is frustrating. But the other dude, the one that bought the Benz, he got a little dick. I can't fuck with him like that.", Trina said with a disgusted look on her face. "Well it seems to me that he was fine when he was taking you to the dealership that day. Remember how you hulled me out on that text message? You just using that dude for his money girl. And the other dude seem psycho to me. As a matter of fact, where is he? He might be stalking you and I'm not trying to get caught up.", Brent laughed loudly. "He's not psycho, he's just scared to fall in love because his girl died and he hasn't gotten over that.", Trina said as she took a long pull off the blunt. "You playing with fire girl. Please don't get me involved in that drama because I have a clean record and I don't want to hurt or kill nobody.", Brent said as he rubbed her thigh. "Nah, I'm not playing around anymore. I want Carlos and I'm willing to be whoever he wants me to be. I think I love him.", Trina said as she took another puff. "So Carlos must have some money too.", Brent said. "Yep. He probably has more than Derek. With his little dick. Can you believe he tried to play me?", Trina said. "I got some money too. Can you suck my dick for $250. Or is that not enough?", Brent asked and started laughing uncontrollably. "Shut up boy!", Trina said as she got up to use the bathroom.

Halfway to the bathroom, there was a loud knock at the door. She froze in her tracks. Trina knew it was Carlos. She turned around and motioned for Brent to hide in her closet. "See! This the bullshit I was talkin about girl. I don't even have my gun. Get my clothes from the dining room.", he whispered angrily as the knocks got louder and louder. "Hurry up! I know what to do.", she said as she ran into the living room and threw his belongings into her closet. Brent reluctantly his in the closet as she rushed into the bathroom and turned on the shower. She quickly soaked her hair under the water and applied gobs of shampoo. Soaking wet and naked, she wrapped a towel around her body and went to answer the front door. Carlos stood there fuming as shampoo dripped down her face and body. "I'm sorry baby. I didn't know you were coming over, I was washing my hair.", she said sheepishly as she stepped aside for him to come in. "Yeah ok. You never know when I'm coming Trina. I always need you ready. That's what we talked about. I will be waiting in the truck.", he said as he turned and walked down the hallway towards the staircase. Trina closed the door slowly and locked it. She let out a sigh of relief as she went back into her bedroom to let Brent out of the closet. "He's waiting downstairs. I gotta go.", she said as she rushed into the bathroom to wash the shampoo out of her hair and pull it back into a wet ponytail. Brent began putting his clothes on and watched her from the bedroom. "Yeah, you gotta be falling in love. I can tell by how pressed you're acting right now.", he sulked. "Just don't come downstairs until I leave please.", Trina said as she raced around getting ready. She pulled on a pink Donna Karan baby doll dress over her naked body. She tied a pink and white Chanel scarf around her head like a headband and slipped on some pink sandals to match. "You look good girl. I ain't mad at you.", Brent said as he walked her to the door. "Thanks Brent. I appreciate you being cool about this.", she said as she slowly opened the door and looked out. "Go get your man. I will put the bottom lock on when I leave.", Brent said as she walked down the hallway to meet Carlos.

FIGHT TO LOVE – CHAPTER 24

"Where are we headed to?" Trina asked as she climbed up into Carlos' truck. "To get Naomi. Corey just called her. Did you talk to her about acting all wild and crazy? We don't need any unnecessary attention on this trip. This is official business and I don't need her getting locked up over some bullshit. I will leave her ass in jail. I don't know why Corey insists on bringing her.", Carlos said as he pulled off quickly. "Yeah, I talked to her. I thought we were leaving tomorrow.", Trina said as she fumbled through her purse, realizing that she may have forgotten some essentials. "We have to prepare tonight. That's why I asked you to be ready at all times.", Carlos said as he started texting on his cell phone. His tone was becoming very impatient with her. "Oh, OK.", Trina quietly responded. She remained quiet as they cruised up the highway towards Naomi's townhouse. She slowly removed her phone from her purse and quickly texted Naomi a warning to be dressed and act like she was "GOING TO CHURCH". Then she put her phone on Silent Mode and slipped it back into her purse. She was so nervous, her palms were becoming sweaty and her stomach started to become uneasy. When they pulled up out front, Naomi was dressed in a long, navy blue wrap dress and a cropped jean jacket with navy blue sandals. Trina let out a sigh of relief as Naomi walked quickly to the truck and got in the back seat. "Good evening.", Naomi said as she smiled and greeted them both. "Hey girl.", Trina replied as she glanced back quickly. Carlos simply nodded at her as he looked in the rear view mirror. The sounds of Sade played through the stereo as the two friends remained silent and anxious about what was about to happen.

They pulled up at the detail shop and the garage doors were already open. Corey's Hummer was parked in one of the bays and Carlos pulled in beside him. They all got out and walked quickly inside without a word. Carlos reached over to tap the switch to close the garage doors and darkness quickly enveloped them. Trina felt her legs weaken with each step she took and Naomi grabbed her hand as they walked side by side down the hallway to the back room that they were in a few weeks ago. She could smell the weed smoke permeating the air as they followed Carlos into the room. Corey was in his usual spot, sitting back in the chair, sipping on a Corona. "Y'all have a seat over there.", Corey said as he motioned to the table where the young girls sat before. Trina remembered all too vividly the young girls that were the drug mules. She felt like them as she took her seat and remembered the handcuffs that were attached. Carlos sat at the desk and pulled out stacks of money from the large drawer and began counting it. No one said a word as Carlos continued to count what seemed like millions in hundred dollar bills. Uncomfortable and anxious, Trina and Naomi sat next to each other trying not to fidget. Suddenly, Naomi's cell phone rang loudly from her purse. "Bring that over here.", Corey commanded. Naomi quickly stood up and pulled the phone out of her small, black purse and gave it to Corey. "Let me explain something to both of you. What we are about to do is all about serious fucking business. That means no distractions and no outsiders. So there will be no need for cell phones. Got it?", Corey said as he turned off Naomi's cell phone and put it on the table next to him. "Give me yours.", Carlos said to Trina as he continued to count. Her heart dropped to her stomach and she knew that she couldn't refuse. She reached in her purse and powered her cell phone off before pulling it out and placing it on the desk in front of Carlos. "Alright, y'all get the suitcases from the other room and bring them in here.", Carlos said as he looked up at Trina. Naomi followed Trina into the smaller room and they brought back 4 suitcases and lined them up in front of the desk. They were all identical and black and Trina could tell something was inside. Corey got up and placed the suitcases on the table and opened them up, one by one. Each one had white, blue and gray t-shirts neatly rolled up inside. One of the suitcases had some brightly colored women's clothes rolled up and some Old Navy flip flops stacked together like a puzzle. He reached inside one and pulled out a folder and two pens. "Fill these luggage tags out with your information. There's some other stuff in there that needs to be filled out too.", Carlos instructed as he handed the folder and pens to Trina. They sat down quietly and began completing the forms. "You want us to put our real information?", Naomi asked sheepishly. "Yeah. It has to match your driver's license.", Carlos replied quickly as he got up from the desk and sat next to Corey in the other chair and grabbed a beer out of the cooler that sat between them. They could feel the guys watching them as they diligently prepared the luggage tags and departure information. Trina looked over and was relieved that her cell phone was still on the desk. She hoped that Carlos wouldn't try to look through it. He would definitely see text messages from Derek and Brent.

"We're finished.", Trina announced as she stacked the papers together and placed them back in the folder. "Alright." Corey said as he and Carlos walked over and stood on the other side of the table. Corey held two Ziploc bags full of heroin balloons in one hand as he placed a huge bottle of Evian water in front of Naomi. Carlos took the stacks of money off the desk and placed them in front of Trina. The two friends looked at each other in fear and Trina knew what Corey was about to instruct Naomi to do. "I need you to do your best to swallow these Naomi. Don't bite down on them. Just swallow them whole. They are coated with Vaseline, so that should help.", Corey said as he gave Naomi the bags of heroin balloons. "This suitcase has some scissors and a sewing kit inside. Cut out the lining on both of them and fill your two up with the cash. Make sure you sew the inside back neatly, in case someone opens it up.", Carlos said as he divided the cash up into two stacks and placed them in front of Trina. When she glanced over at Naomi, she could see tears filling up in her eyes as she tried to swallow the walnut sized balloons. It took her almost five minutes to get down the first balloon. Trina tried to concentrate on cutting out the liners, but Naomi's gagging was deeply disturbing. She could hear the brothers speaking in low voices behind them. It was completely apparent that Corey didn't care about Naomi because she heard him joking about how big she was and that he knew that she could swallow them all. Something deep inside kept telling her to grab Naomi's hand and run out of there as fast as she could. But instead, she kept cutting while fighting back her own tears. She could understand their strategy, splitting up the money and drugs, but it still angered her that they were being used. As she stuffed the suitcases, she discreetly counted $600,000. Trina glanced over and saw that Naomi was almost finished, but in obvious pain of some sort. Naomi's face was smeared with tears and mascara as she struggled to swallow the last of twenty five balloons. She drank the last bit of water and sat back as if she were defeated. Naomi reached inside the suitcase in front of her and pulled out a neatly folded night gown, wiped her face slowly and threw it back in the suitcase. "You alright?", Trina whispered as she neatly sewed the lining of her second suitcase. "Just fine.", Naomi said smugly as she sat back and crossed her arms.

"Ok Los!", Corey said as he grabbed Naomi's suitcases and walked out to the garage. Carlos grabbed Trina's suitcases and followed his brother out. The friends watched them walk down the hallway and out into the garage. "Why didn't Carlos make you swallow any?", Naomi asked angrily. "Probably because you're bigger than me and can hold more. They purposely split up the drugs and money. Don't be mad at me Naomi. I'm not making you do this!", Trina whispered back. "I guess that is supposed to make me feel better.", Naomi said as tears welled up in her eyes again. "I'm sorry. What do you want to do? You want to leave?", Trina said as she leaned over and hugged her friend. "No. It's to late for that. But when we get back, I'm not fucking with Corey no more. Neither one of those dudes give a fuck about us. Let's just get through this.", Naomi said as tears dripped down on her breasts and her navy blue dress. "Wipe your face. Here they come.", Trina said as she sat back in her chair. Corey walked over to Naomi and looked down at her. "Now is not the time for you to be acting like a cry baby. This is some grown woman shit right here Naomi. Get your shit together right now or I'm gonna make you shit all my dope out right now! I'm 10 seconds away from sending your broke ass home.", Corey yelled down at her. Naomi remained still and quietly responded, "I'm good.". "Well let's go then. Corey, make sure she don't eat nuthin.", Carlos said as he motioned for Trina to follow him. "I got this man.", Corey said as he walked out with Naomi trailing behind. "You got a problem Trina?", Carlos asked as he suddenly turned around and stopped Trina dead in her tracks. "No… no, I'm fine.", she stammered. "This is all part of what we do. I thought you understood that. You don't need to be hugging that girl. She's grown. You wasn't hugging those other girls. You handled it like a pro.", Carlos said as he looked at her, waiting for her to respond. "That's my friend Carlos. One of the few friends that I have. I was just making sure she was OK.", Trina said as she tightened her grip on her purse. "Yeah well, you just need to worry about you. I don't think she's cut out for this. And this will be her last chance to prove that she's down for my brother. Do you understand? Every chick ain't made to be a boss' girl. Man, there are so many bitches dying to get with Corey and he chose the loudest, sloppiest one. What does that say? He must like her. He's giving her a chance to be better than what she is right now. Don't she work at a hotel or something?", Carlos said, . "Yeah.", Trina replied. "Well alright then! What the fuck is she doing to make major cash like this? Nothing! I chose you because I know your heart is cold like mine. The only thing I need from you is your trust, loyalty and love for me, and only me. That's the problem that I have with you. I need you here.", Carlos said as he pulled her closer by her right arm. "I am here. I just don't know how to be exactly like Simone. I'm trying baby.", Trina said. "Well you need to try harder. And you can start by getting rid of that phone over there.", Carlos said as he let her arm go. Trina turned and walked to the desk. She placed her purse down, picked the phone up, dropped it on the floor, and stomped it to pieces. "Now that's better.", Carlos said in a satisfied voice. "I'm ready baby.", Trina said as grabbed her purse and walked back over to Carlos. They walked out to the garage together, holding hands.

FIGHT TO LOVE – CHAPTER 25

The sun was rising in the horizon as they pulled into the Galveston parking terminal. Trina could see the huge crew ship docked in the distance. The terminal area was crowded with cars, taxis and charter busses and the traffic slowly moved along. Carlos glanced nervously at his silver Movado watch as he fidgeted in silence. His gray Armani Exchange baseball cap sat low on his eyes and his matching gray shirt looked nice with his dark blue jeans. Trina watched the people lining up with their luggage and children in tow. She gently tugged on her bright gold maxi dress to ensure that her breasts were fully covered. There were armed policemen and customs officials walking around everywhere. All she could think about was Naomi in the truck behind her that was driven by Corey. She tried to glance at her through the side mirror, but couldn't see her clearly. "We have to catch the shuttle from here.", Carlos pointed to the parking lot adjacent to the terminal. Trina nodded in agreement. Her throat tightened as the truck inched closer. She felt a burning sensation in her chest as they passed the policeman that was directing the traffic. "Open the glove box and get that black box in there.", Carlos said as he entered the parking lot. Trina slowly reached in and removed the box as Carlos parked the truck. "Well, open it.", Carlos said with a smile. Trina slowly opened the small black box to discover a tiffany cut diamond engagement ring. The diamond looked to be about 2.5 carats and it was surrounded by smaller diamonds around the circumference and on the band. "Is this for me?", she asked with surprise. "Yep, try it on. Nothing official though. I just want us to look like we're engaged on this trip.", Carlos said as he proudly watched Trina slip it on her finger. Corey began loudly knocking on the driver's side window. "Come the fuck on man!", Corey yelled as he headed with Naomi towards the shuttle bus. Trina looked back to see if she could catch a glimpse of Naomi, but Corey had her by the arm, dragging her along. "This is so sweet Carlos.", Trina said before she quickly jumped out the truck. "Here you go. Let's catch up before the shuttle leaves us. Corey is in a pissy mood this morning.", Carlos said as he pulled their luggage from the trunk. They grabbed the suitcases and hurried to the shuttle. When they climbed aboard, Trina spotted Corey and Naomi sitting near the back. Naomi looked pale and distressed. Corey looked hot, sweaty and infuriated. As she sat down next to Carlos near the front, her heart sank because she knew that Naomi was feeling horrible with the drugs in her body. "Can you make sure that Naomi is okay for me? Just make sure please.", Trina whispered in Carlos' ear. "She's fine. Trust me. When we get on, she can relieve herself. ", Carlos reassured her as he rubbed on her knee. Trina looked down at her new engagement ring. "Do you like it?", Carlos asked. "I love it. It's beautiful. Thank you baby.", she said as she leaned in to kiss him. She melted as his lips touched hers and he squeezed on her thigh. There was something about him that she desired so deeply. As the shuttle bus reached the terminal, the passengers began anxiously departing the bus. "Just play it cool and follow our lead. Take your license out and have it ready.", Carlos instructed as they waited near the entrance for Corey and Naomi to get off the bus. As Corey got closer, she could see Naomi struggling to keep up behind him. "Y'all ready?", Corey said as he walked past without even stopping. Trina waited for Naomi to catch up so she could walk next to her. "You ok honey?", she whispered to Naomi. "No. But I guess you are.", Naomi said as she rolled her eyes and walked faster. Trina knew that Naomi was hurt, disappointed and probably in a lot of pain.

After the long embarkation process, Trina and Carlos made their way onto the ship and up to their cabin. It was a lot smaller than she expected. "Is this it?", she asked as she followed Carlos into the room. There was a king size bed, a small love seat and a tiny dining table. The color palette was orange, brown and gold like a 1970's living room. "Yep. And believe me when I tell you that this is the most expensive room. You don't get much, but at least we have a balcony.", Carlos said as he laid across the bed. Trina walked over to the balcony door and opened it up. "I guess.", she said as she surveyed the small area. "Close that door and come over here. It's time to relax.", Carlos said as he began undressing. "What about Naomi?", Trina asked. "My brother is taking care of her. And I'm going to take care of you.", Carlos said as he pulled his shirt over his head to reveal his chiseled abs and chest. Trina smiled and slid her dress off to reveal her black, lace thongs underneath. "Come over here and massage by back and neck.", Carlos commanded while laying down on his stomach. Trina opened her purse and took out her Cocoa Butter lotion and walked over to the bed. "Look in my bag and get my iPod. You know how I like the mood to be.", Carlos said without lifting up his head. "Ok baby, sorry.", Trina said as she put the lotion down and began fumbling through his luggage. She plugged the iPod up to the CD player that was on the vanity and looked through his playlist. Much to her surprise, he had a playlist named Simone. She selected the playlist and felt sad that she had to live up to his expectations to be like his dead ex-girlfriend. The shining diamond on her finger also reminded her that Simone was long gone as she walked back over to the bed. The sound of R. Kelly's Honey Love played softly as she warmed the lotion up between her hands. She began smoothing the lotion on to his smooth, chocolate back while softly kissing his neck and shoulders. She worked her way down to his lower back and pressed harder and deeper. Carlos roller over on his back and was fully erect and Trina immediately began licking every inch his erection. She could tell that he was enjoying it as he began to run his fingers through her hair. If it were any other man, she would have stopped after a minute or two. But Trina kept going and going, making sure that he wouldn't be disappointed. She could feel him pulling her lace thongs down with his left hand and she used her other hand to help. Carlos stood up quickly and grabbed her from behind. It felt as if he used all of his power to lift her up and lean her over the vanity chair facing the mirror. She watched him position himself behind her and thrust himself inside of her from behind. She loved how sexy he looked and licked her lips with pleasure. He smiled at her in the mirror and watched her face intently as he slid in and out. "How does it feel?", he asked as he squeezed her ass. "I love it. It feels good.", Trina moaned as she thoroughly enjoyed his aggressiveness. "Do you love me?", Carlos asked as he pumped harder. "Yes! I love you.", Trina screamed. Carlos slowed down and pumped her slowly for a while and came inside of her. He pulled out and immediately sat back down on the bed. "Get me a towel and wipe me down. Then go shower so we can eat.", he said as he laid back. "Ok baby.", Trina said as she rushed into the small bathroom to soap up a washcloth and get a dry towel. She gently wiped Carlos clean and wiped him dry with a towel. "Is that okay baby?", she asked as he laid there with his eyes closed. "Yeah that's good. Come on now, get ready. Pick me out something to wear too.", he said as he pulled the sheets over him. "Ok.", Trina said softly as she headed back the bathroom to shower. In the shower, she wondered if she was living up to his expectations. She also wondered how Naomi was faring, so she quickly showered and headed back out to prepare herself to get dressed. Carlos was fast asleep, so she quietly pulled out his white Izod shirt and a pair of Guess blue jean shorts. She found his Nike sport sandals and laid them on the floor next to the bed. Trina decided to wear a white halter dress and pulled her hair back with a navy blue headband. She slipped on navy blue sandals and gently woke Carlos up. "Honey, I'm ready. Your clothes are ready too.", Trina said as she sat down at the small table and waited patiently. Grudgingly, he slowly sat up and went into the bathroom to brush his teeth. When he came out, he got dressed without saying a word and they walked out to the dining room.

Upon entering the dining area, Trina immediately saw Corey sitting at a huge table alone. There were plates of unfinished food everywhere and he didn't even notice them approaching. "What up bro.", Carlos said as he sat down. "Where's Naomi?", Trina asked as soon as he looked up. "Oh…she in the room. Here…", Corey said as he gave Trina his room key that had his name and number printed on it. Trina took the key and left quickly without saying a word. Her heart raced as she passed the elevators and ran up the stairs to the eleventh level. Trina ran quickly down the long corridor of rooms, almost passing room 1109. "Naomi!", she yelled as she put the key card in the door and burst inside. She found Naomi on her hands and knees cleaning up a pool of vomit and blood inside the bathroom. "Oh my God! Naomi! Are you okay?", Trina said as she stood there stunned and disgusted. Naomi continued cleaning and wiping the mess up with the towels in the bathroom. "Are you mad at me? I'm here for you. I came to see if you were okay!", Trina said as Naomi continued to clean. "So NOW you're concerned?", Naomi said as she stood up and turned around. Her t-shirt was soaked in sweat and vomit and her face was red and swollen. Trina stepped aside to let her out of the bathroom. She didn't know what to say to Naomi as she peeled her wet clothes off and sat on the side of the bed. "I can't believe I let him talk me into this. I have been shitting out that mess since the moment we got into the room. I'm so nauseated. I'm sure I have hemorrhoids too. My fucking ass hurts!", Naomi said angrily. "Well get dressed and let's get you something to eat. That should make you feel better. I will straighten things up out here while you're in the shower.", Trina said as she helped Naomi stand up. While Naomi showered, Trina used the ice tongs to pick up Naomi's soiled and bloody clothing and placed it into a laundry bag that she found inside the closet. She opened up her suitcase and found a coral sundress for her to wear and laid it across the bed. "Hurry up Naomi. You know they get impatient.", Naomi yelled as she looked at the time on the alarm clock. She was sure that almost 30 minutes had passed when Naomi finally came out the shower. "Just put this on and let's go.", Trina said as she grabbed the colorful dress off the hangar. "Alright!", Naomi said in an irritated voice as she slipped the dress over her head a pulled it down. "You want earrings? Here. Lotion? Here.", Trina said as she handed Naomi some gold hoops and rubbed lotion on her arms. "I'm okay. You know I'm strong. I just need some food.", Naomi said softly as she put on some black sandals. They headed towards the door and out into the narrow hallway. "So what you and Carlos been doing?", Naomi asked as they waited for the elevator. "Girl, he gave me a ring.", Trina said proudly as she lifter her hand. "Wow. That's nice. He is really into you." Naomi said as she examined the diamond. "More like, he's into Simone and I'm trying hard to be that bitch.", Trina said as she rolled her eyes. The elevator doors opened and there stood Corey and Carlos glaring at them. "What the fuck took y'all so long? Get on.", Corey growled. The friends quickly got on and turned around to face the doors. Trina could hear Corey breathing deeply behind Naomi. "We're going up to the bar. Press 12 Trina.", Corey said.

They sat out by the bar for hours. There was a pool next to the bar and it was crowded with kids. Corey and Carlos seemed to be having a great time taking shots and watching the game on the flat screen television above the bar. Naomi and Trina ordered some food and drinks and ate it at an adjacent table that was covered by the shade of an umbrella. It felt good to relax and neither of them had ever been on a cruise before. "You know, we are kind of lucky girl.", Trina said to Naomi as they sipped banana daiquiris. "Well, you're lucky. I just lucked up. There's a difference. I wouldn't be surprised if he doesn't call me after this. He was being really mean to me. Just using me, I think.", Naomi said as she stared at Corey sitting at the bar. "Well I'm in it to win it girl. I'll be whoever he wants me to be as long as he keeps upgrading. Ain't no way I'm letting him go.", Trina said. "What are you going to do about the Benz?", Naomi asked. "I don't know. You can drive it. When I see that nigga again, I'm going HAM!", Trina said as she laid back in the reclining chair. "You know he's going to lie. And you know he's going to try to have it repo'ed if you dump him or reject him in any way.", Naomi said. "I bet you I'll total that bitch first! Or sell it for parts. Girl, fuck these hoe ass niggas! This year, I'm getting what's mine. You better do you too.", Trina said. They both laughed and gave each other high-fives. Carlos got up and walked over. "Here's the keys to 712. Go check on them mules and bring everything back up to Corey's room. Naomi, go with her. If those bitches get out of line Naomi, punch them in their fucking face. Meet us up by the Jacuzzi when you're done.", Carlos said as he handed Trina the room key. They immediately got up and did as they were told.

As they got closer to the door, they could hear a faint crying sound. "Give me the key. I'll go in first.", Naomi said as she took the key from Trina and quickly opened the door. "Follow my lead.", Naomi whispered over her shoulder as Trina followed her inside. "Where the bags at? Clean this shit up!", Naomi yelled loudly as she kicked over one of the suitcases. There were three girls sitting on the two beds and one was crying. "What the fuck is wrong with you? Didn't you hear her? Give up the bags bitches!", Trina yelled as she walked over to confront the young girls. The white girl stood up and scrambled over to the table. She began filling a black duffle bag up with gallon-sized Ziploc bags filled with heroin balloons. Her hands were trembling and she was sweating tremendously through her white tank top and white shorts. "There was a problem.", the young Mexican girl said as she continued to console the crying Black girl. "What kind of problem?", Naomi said as she snatched the duffle bag from the white girl. "Her sister didn't make it.", the Mexican girl replied as she referred to the crying Black girl. "She missed the fucking boat?", Trina asked. The Mexican girl looked at the White girl and there was a long silence. "She's in the bathroom.", the White girl said as she sat back down on the bed. Trina and Naomi opened the bathroom door to discover a beautiful Black woman sitting in the shower dead. Her eyes were open as if she was staring down at the blue tile that lined the shower interior. There was no movement or breathing. Trina was so scared, she felt as if her heart had stopped. "We need to get out of here! Oh my God! What did you touch?", Trina said as she grabbed a washcloth from the rack and began wiping the door knobs. "Fuck it. I got the bags. Wait, ummm. Yeah, wipe that shit off.", Naomi said as she backed out of the bathroom. Naomi put the bag over her shoulder and walked back over to the girls. "Don't leave this fucking room. Don't do a motherfucking thing! Do you understand? I'm sending the boss down here to deal with this shit.", Naomi said as she and Trina left the room. "What the fuck! Corey is going to flip out!", Trina said to Naomi as soon as they were in the hallway. Tears filled their eyes as they pressed the elevator button to go back up.

FIGHT TO LOVE – CHAPTER 26

The elevator door opened on the next floor and a large black man stood there, staring inside at them. He had on the typical Hawaiian style shirt with some gray cargo shorts and black sandals. He stepped inside and remained facing Trina. After an uncomfortable silence, he reached back to press the STOP button on the elevator. The elevator alarm rang out as he calmly began speaking. "Do you remember me Trina? It's Officer Brown. I handled your case when you were attacked at work.", he said as he placed his hand on her shoulder. Trina nodded slowly. "I need you girls to listen to me carefully. You all have been under investigation. We know the guys you're running with and we have other undercover officers on the boat. Take this key and go to the next floor. Go to room 921 and stay there. This is for your safety.", Officer Brown said as he pulled the room key out and handed it to Trina. Naomi took Trina's hand and squeezed it tightly. "Are we under arrest?", Naomi blurted out. "If you were, I would have you in handcuffs. Now go.", Officer Brown said as he pressed the STOP button again and the door opened on the next floor. The two friends rushed out, still holding hands, and searched for room 921. Trina's heart was beating so fast that she could barely catch her breath. "What the fuck Trina? What kinda shit we in for now?", Naomi whispered angrily, letting go of her hand. "I don't know but I don't want to be caught up on the wrong side when this shit goes down.", Trina said as she glanced back at her. "So you're stupid enough to believe that we won't get charged? Wait a minute - before we go rushing into a trap!", Naomi yelled. "Where the fuck we gonna go then? I don't have the answer to everything! YOU knew these niggas! YOU got us caught up with these motherfuckas!", Trina yelled back as tears streamed down her face. They stood there looking at each other, confused and angry. "Let's be women about this. We knew what we were doing. We're going to be fine as long as we stick together.", Naomi said, extending her hand. Trina took her hand and they walked slowly down the long corridor together.

Trina slid the key card in the door and opened it slowly. It was a tiny room with two double beds and a desk. Naomi closed the door behind her and then they heard a toilet flush. Realizing someone was in the bathroom, they both sat down on the bed near the balcony. "You must be Trina and Naomi.", said an older, pecan toned man dressed in a white polo shirt and black slacks. The friends nodded and sat quietly. The old man smelled like Drakkar and needed a haircut in the worst way. "I'm Detective Graham. Officer Brown has briefed me on your backgrounds so we can skip the formalities. I'm the man responsible for your freedom at this point. So it would be in your best interest to do what I say.", the detective said as he walked over and stood in front of them. He stooped down in front of Trina and put his hand on her bare knee. "You are a pretty one. Brown wasn't lying. I can't believe that guy used you as a mule. That's how he lost his last girlfriend.", he said as his hands moved up her thigh. "I ain't nobody's mule. Is this some kind of negotiation with you or what?", Trina said as she pushed his hand away. The detective laughed dryly as he stood back up. He reached back and slapped Trina in her face so hard that her ears began ringing. Naomi gasped and put her arms around Trina as she trembled in shock. "You're not in a position to negotiate. Even if you were.... I don't negotiate with whores.", the detective said as he went to sit down at the desk. He began writing in a leather portfolio and Trina could see photos and what looked like legal paperwork inside. "Officer Brown said we weren't under arrest so what do you have us sitting here for?", Naomi boldly asked. He ignored her and continued writing. "Throw me that room key. Yours too.", he mumbled. Trina tossed both keys across the room and they hit the floor near his chair. He reached down and picked them up, making note of their room numbers on the paper he was writing on. "Trina, how much money and valuables would you say you have received from Carlos Jones?", he asked without looking up. "I don't know. If I give you information, will that prevent me and my friend from being charged?", Trina asked cautiously. "Your answers won't save you or your fat friend. I'm going to need a lot more. A whole lot more.", Detective Graham said as he walked back over and sat on the opposite bed. " He stared at her with an evil smirk on his face. "You stupid bitches think these young thugs care about you. All they do is use you up. I bet he didn't tell you about that pretty young girl he had a few years back. I remember her very well. She died transporting for him across the border a few years ago. You should've heard her mother cry at the funeral. Simone Diaz. Yeah, she was fine as hell. That was his biggest mistake. Her great uncle is a Federal Agent.", he said as he stretched out across the bed, laying on his back. Trina's heart sunk. She knew exactly who the detective was talking about. She felt like trash being compared to her, yet again.

"What we got Graham?", Officer Brown said as he burst into the room. "These bitches ain't talking.", Detective Graham grumbled as he fluffed the pillows behind his head. "The guys are up at the bar. They're beyond drunk, so we have some time.", he said to the detective as he sat down next to Trina. "You not talking to my man?", he said to Trina as he put his arm around her. "Nobody has told us what our options are Officer Brown.", Trina replied. "Well.... you don't have many. You're facing multiple felony charges. And when this boat docks, somebody is going to jail. It might be you two, depending on what we decide.", Officer Brown whispered in her ear. "Sounds like nothing is guaranteed, so I'm not saying shit.", Naomi said, folding her arms across her chest. "Will you shut the fuck up! Nobody is talking to you. Say another fucking word and you will be locked in the bathroom for the rest of the trip.", Detective Graham yelled at Naomi. "I'm tired of playing games with these bitches. Let's just put them in the holding cell in the belly of the boat and charge them when we dock. We can get the cash from Carlos and Corey like last time.", Detective Graham said as he got up and pulled out a bottle of Crown Royal from his duffle bag. "Like last time?", Trina said. "Yeah, see.... it's a win-win situation baby. You just gotta know how to play. And obviously you've been fucking with the wrong dudes. You should have called me a long time ago when that lame tried to beat your ass. That dude Carlos...He's going to give you up, trust me", Officer Brown said as his fingers traced her nipples through her dress. "So how do I play? And what can I win?", Trina asked as she slowly leaned back on the bed. "That's right baby girl!", Detective Graham shouted excitedly as he gulped from the Crown Royal bottle and watched Trina slowly part her legs. "Back off Graham.", Officer Brown said as he studied Trina's body. Trina was focused and determined to get herself out of this situation and she knew she had their full attention. Naomi moved to the other bed as Detective Graham came closer to watch Trina laying on the bed with Officer Brown. "All I want is my freedom Officer. Let us go and I will bring you the money and tell you everything you need.", Trina said as she played with his shirt collar. "They're going to be looking for us soon.", Naomi said as Officer Brown stood up and unzipped his gray cargo shorts. Detective Graham reached across and punched Naomi with a closed fist to her temple. She fell backwards, unconscious as Officer Brown began rolling a Magnum onto his erect penis. "Give me one Brown.", Detective Graham said as he struggled to flip Naomi over on her stomach.

Trina tried to tune out what was happening to Naomi as she began to perform oral sex on Officer Brown. Her mouth was dry and she struggled to produce some saliva as she gagged and coughed. Suddenly, she felt a glaring light in her face and looked up to see Officer Brown recording her. "Keep going bitch.", he said as he continued to videotape. This was the lowest she had ever felt in her entire life. He continuously thrust in and out of her mouth as if he were punishing her. His sweat began to drip on her like rain and she did everything she could to fight back the tears. The next thing she knew, he had pulled out to remove the condom and eject all over her face. She was frozen solid in disgust as she continued kneeling. "Wipe your face and go get my money.", Officer Brown commanded. Trina stood up and rushed into the bathroom. She caught a glimpse of Detective Graham performing anal sex on Naomi as she passed by. She quickly wiped her face with a washcloth and came back to get her room key. Her heart was racing with urgency and fear. "If you don't hurry back, your fat friend is going to suffer for it.", Officer Brown said as he reluctantly gave her the room key. She heard Naomi begin to whimper and cry as she regained consciousness. The detective was relentlessly raping her and hurting her. "Don't... leave me... Trina...", were the last words she heard as she closed the cabin door behind her. The image of Naomi was burned in her memory as she raced back to her room to get the money.

FIGHT TO LOVE – CHAPTER 27

Trina flung open the door to the room. She was surprised by Carlos sitting on the bed. “Where have you been?”, he asked calmly. Trina wanted to respond but her whole body froze. Her mind debated on telling him what had just happened to her. She knew Carlos would be angry and disgusted if he knew what had just happened to her. Her eyes began welling up with tears and her knees buckled as she fell to the floor. “Trina! What the fuck is going on?”, Carlos yelled as he sprung up from the bed and helped her off the floor. “The cops got us! They got us in room 921.”, Trina blurted as she started crying uncontrollably. Carlos gave her the strangest look as he stood up and paced near the door. “What the fuck you mean THEY GOT YOU?”, Carlos said as he crossed his arms across his chest. “Some detectives forced us into the room and started asking questions. But that’s not all Carlos…”, Trina said as she stared at the floor. “What else?”, he asked impatiently. “The girls… one of them died. She’s dead.”, Trina said, gasping between her cries. “Fuck!”, Carlos said as he kicked the bed. “So Naomi is in 921 and one of my other bitches is dead? We are fucked! We’re going to have to get off this boat and stay off.”, he said as he sat back down next to her. “What about Naomi? The cops have her. Those pigs are raping her!”, Trina said as she wiped her tears with the comforter on the bed. “And what did they do to you?”, Carlos asked, glaring at her. “Nothing. I told them that you would kill them if they did.”, Trina said, trying not to look him in the eyes. “Stay right here. I’ll be back.”, Carlos said as he got up to leave. “No! No…. don’t leave me. They will find me in here. They told me to get the money.”, Trina pleaded. She stood up to leave with him and there was loud banging at the door. Carlos gave her the signal to be quiet as he inched towards the door to look out the peep hole. “It’s that dirty cop.”, he whispered as he motioned for her to move back. They stood there in silence as Officer Brown continuously pounded on the door for another minute.

They walked back over to the bed and sat down. Trina was trembling from head to toe as Carlos embraced her. He whispered into her ear as he rubbed her back. “This shit is about to get real Trina. I need you to be strong and listen to what I say. These pigs are real dirty. I gotta break ‘em off some cash or we won’t be able to get back to the States safely. Now as far as the dead bitch, that’s part of the game. But please tell me y’all got my shit.”, Carlos said as he touched her chin. “We got it.”, she said softly. “There’s a good chance that they are tracking Corey, trying to figure out where we are right now. All I can do is trade a mule for Naomi, if they will allow me to. So we both will go back, with the money, with the white girl and see what we can do. Ok?”, he said as he started taking his personal items out of the suitcase, leaving the money inside. “I don’t want to go back in there… Can I go with Corey? Please don’t make me go back.”, Trina said. Carlos didn’t reply, he just continued arranging the money. “Please baby. Please don’t make me go back.”, she said as she began crying again. “Please stop with all that bullshit crying! Ok! Take your ass up to the pool area. Stay up there and don’t go anywhere else. Ok?”, Carlos yelled as he grabbed the suitcase and walked out. The door shut behind him and she rushed to lock it from the inside. Her mind began racing as she thought about Naomi. She was about to do the craziest thing she ever thought of. Trina picked up the phone and scanned the list of extensions listed. Her finger pressed hard on the Emergency button. “Hello?”, she choked up as the operator answered the call. “I need your help. My friend is not answering her door and she suffers from diabetes. I am afraid that she may need immediate medical attention in room 921.”, she muttered and quickly hung up the phone. Trina quickly grabbed everything she owned and threw it into the laundry bags that were hanging in the closet. She scanned the room one last time before fleeing to the upper deck. As she scaled the steps with speed, she was careful to look around for Officer Brown. When she made it to the pool deck, she decided to post up on a lounge chair opposite of the staircase and elevators so she could see who was coming and going.

She stuffed the bags under her lounge chair and cautiously sat back. Almost immediately she noticed Corey asleep under one of the umbrella chairs. He was laid on his back, mouth wide open. Trina decided not to alarm him and let him sleep. She ordered herself a shot of Patron and a pina colada as the cocktail server passed by. Her stomach was twisting and turning as she prayed that someone would rescue Naomi from Detective Graham. Even though she was worried for her safety, Trina was glad she escaped. She knew it was a selfish thought, but an honest one nevertheless. Throughout her life, she could remember so many near death experiences, close brushes with the law and countless tales of abuse and neglect. As she sat there, her body tensed up when she thought about how her mom had abandoned her when she was 7 years old. She managed to survive on stale cereal and tap water for 4 days until the Sherriff arrived at their tiny apartment to evict them. Trina was thankful for her maternal grandmother that took her in. No one knew where her alleged dad was, as he never claimed her anyway. She sipped on the frozen drink and watched the condensation droplets fall into her lap. She was determined to make it through this, even if she had to jump off the side of the boat. She wasn’t going to make a move until she saw Carlos come back to the pool deck. It was getting close to dinner time and the other guests were starting to pack up their belongings and head to the lower levels. The sun was setting and the sky had hues of blue, purple and orange. Corey turned over on his side and knocked his beer off the side table. It splashed all over him before hitting the wooden deck beneath him. He slowly awakened and sat up to look around. Trina waved and motioned for him to come over.

“How long you been out here?”, Corey asked, rubbing his eyes and sitting on the adjacent lounge chair. “For an hour. Some shit is goin down Corey. Carlos is trying to pay off some cops and one of the girls is dead.”, Trina tried to explain as calmly as she could. Corey was stuck as if he saw a ghost. “Naomi is in trouble too. That detective has her and I don’t know if she’s okay or not. Corey, do something.”, Trina pleaded. “Why the fuck didn’t you wake me up then?”, Corey said angrily. “Because Carlos told me to sit here and not move until he came back. I didn’t want to make a scene. I don’t know who’s watching us.”, Trina whispered. Corey got up without saying a word and quickly descended the staircase. Without hesitation, Trina waved to the cocktail server for another round. She was feeling anxious, nervous and horrified because she didn’t know what was happening. It had been an hour and she knew something was wrong. She could feel it. She wanted to go look for herself. The server brought her another pina colada and a shot of Patron. She took the shot and chased it with a sip of the frozen drink. She gathered the bags beneath her chair with one hand and balanced the pina colada in the other. As she started walking towards the staircase, she saw Carlos and Corey walking up together. Carlos handed her the room key as Corey walked past her, heading for the bar. “Go back to the room. I don’t even want to fucking talk to you right now.”, Carlos said. “Huh? What did I do? I did what you said baby. Where is Naomi?”, she asked looking confused. “She’s in the room. Get the hell out of my sight.”, Carlos said with a look of disgust. Her heart sank. He had never spoken so harshly to her before. She walked back to the room without saying another word. She wondered what condition Naomi was in. She wondered why Carlos seemed so upset with her. Trina knew this was the beginning of the end.

She could hear Naomi crying even before she opened the door. She walked in and saw the bathroom door cracked. Naomi was sitting on the toilet with a towel wrapped around her. The bathroom was still steaming from her shower. Trina stood in the doorway not knowing what to say. Naomi sat there, like a zombie, staring at the floor. “Are you ok?”, Trina asked as she came closer. Naomi nodded off and caught herself. “Naomi! What the fuck?”, Trina said, grabbing her shoulders and sitting her back up. “I’m fine.”, Naomi slurred. A strange smile came over her face as she opened on eye to look at Trina. “You’re fucked up. What the hell…”, Trina said as she helped Naomi up off the toilet. Naomi stumbled out of the bathroom, almost knocking Trina over. She fell on the bed and curled up into a fetal position. There was an open balloon of heroin on the nightstand. She sat on the bed and rubbed Naomi’s arm. “Why did you do that Naomi?”, Trina asked. Naomi murmured something incomprehensible and slowly closed her eyes. Trina could only imagine the pain that Naomi was feeling and knew that scolding her would be of no use. Trina covered her with the extra blanket from the closet and sat back down next to her. All the demons that haunted her were now taking over her soul. This was the most pain she had ever felt and couldn’t imagine what was going to happen next. Trina pinched a bit of the heroin and put it in the palm of her hand. She sniffed it quickly before she could change her mind. Within seconds she felt a feeling of euphoria take over, then suddenly there was a feeling of uncontrollable nausea. She vomited violently and fell to her knees next to the bed. Then darkness took over.