This chapter takes place
the day after Ch.17 & the same day as Ch.16,
enjoy loves!

Chapter Eighteen

"I can't believe I did that." I chuckled to myself as Sage laid beside me rambling. Covering herself, I admired her entirety as she clung unto the sheets, a shy grin etched on to her face.

"Shit me either, you was trying to swallow a nigga whole last night." Laying my head on her chest I caught myself smirking, remembering the events of last night.

"Rahhhh." She slapped my chest playfully before a pout crossed her face.

"What? You embarrassed?" I sat up and took her hands, kissing her knuckles softly.

"Yes nigga!" She slid her body beneath the comforter, disappearing entirely.

"Why, we grown as fuck?" I tugged away at the navy blue comforter that kept Sage hidden beneath it.

"It's not about that, Raheem." She spoke slowly, her voice muffled beneath the cover.

Finally resurfacing, she sat up and held her face in her hands. Looking everywhere but me she bit the inside of her cheek, struggling to make sense of her thoughts.

"Talk to me, wassup Pooh?" My hand ran down her face.

Letting out a long winded sigh she crawled into my lap.

"You comfortable?" I rubbed my thumbs against her sides as she sat straddling me, pulling away at my beard. "Yeah just give me a sec to get my mind right." She nodded, taking the time to pull herself together.

"One, Im supposed to be on a cleanse and you had me out here tweaking off some loud, I'm never smoking with you again." Her freshly manicured finger poked against my chest in a matter of fact tone.

"Two, there is no reason I should've been throwing neck like that." She side eyed me as I struggled to keep my composure. Her points as of now were pure comedy and I was more than amused.

"Three, I just feel really played." She crawled out of my lap, taking a seat at the edge of the bed.

"Played?" I sat up, my amusement replaced with concern. The last thing I ever wanted Sage to feel was played.

"Rah did you forget that you have a girl? I'm a lot of things but a side bitch ain't one."

"You dead ass?" I chuckled, a little taken aback.

"Why the fuck are you laughing?" She now stood, her arms folded as she looked on, not a hint of amusement in sight.

"Sweetheart I'm single." I shrugged simply.

"Does Kobi know you're single?"

"Look I'm not gon hold you. Kobi and I definitely have something going on, but let's keep it g, she's not you. I want you Sage, I always have and I always will. Give me the word and that's done with." I slid out of bed and took hold of her. Standing before her I could see every emotion that ran across Sa's face and I wasn't pleased with what I saw.

"You have my heart and I'm tired of entertaining other women when I know you're the one for me. I'm ready to work on us, let's build and if shit doesn't work out then at least we can say we tried."

"Just give me some time." I dropped my arms from her waist and rubbed against temples in frustration.

"Sage." I turned away in disbelief. This shit was becoming nothing more than a revolving door. I was constantly declaring my feelings, only to get nothing back from this girl.

"Please Rah." She latched on to my arm, turning me toward her. "Please." 

"You have until midnight to give me an answer, after that I'm done chasing after your ass and that's on everything Sage."

"I'll have my answer, I promise." She grabbed my face roughly, leaving kisses all over me.

"Man move, that funky ass breath!" I mushed her head back after pecking her lips.

"Now you know that's your bottom lip, don't play with me." She waved me off, turning to leave the bedroom.

"You got me fucked up little girl." I tossed her over my shoulder before throwing her down on to my king sized bed.

"Nigga what is this? The WWE, slamming me like you the damn Rock?"She sat up and rubbed her back.

"Stop being dramatic, I done slammed yo ass down on a couple of thangs and I ain't here yo hear yo ass complain not once!" I gripped her thighs and watched as she became flustered, wrapping her legs around me.

"Oh yeah, you quiet now huh?" I hovered over her, looking on as she bit her lip.

"Gimme." She tugged away at my boxers before I slapped her hands away.

"Stop violating me damn! Is that all I am to you? Some dick?"

"Duh, the fuck?" She laid there with a blank face before a smile crept upon her face.

"Man watch out." I pushed her off of me as she sat back, doubled over in laughter.

"You laughing, hope you have fun wit ya little vibrator because you ain't getting shit from me." I glared at her as she continued to laugh uncontrollably.

"Ok I'm done Rah, I swear." She held her chest trying to even out her breathing.

"Come on let's get your horny ass cleaned up before your best friend wake up, you know Aubrey nosey as hell." I pulled her out of bed and in to the bathroom.

Starting the water for our shower I activated my Bluetooth and Summer Walker's CPR filled the the four walls. Sitting on the edge of the tub I sat back and admired Sage as she stole glances at herself in the mirror.

"You like something you see?" Sage smirked, catching me in the act.

Strutting toward me I couldn't help but to smile as she neared me in all of her naked glory. This woman was created in God's light and I was convinced that she was made for me.

"I love what I see." I caressed her thighs as she stood in between my legs. Her brown orbs, shone bright like flames of ember, her gaze intense as my hands roamed her body.

Lifting her right leg I began to massage her clit.
Watching her stifle her moans I took pride in knowing that she was coming undone.
With her head tilted back in pleasure I took my time with her. Rubbing her gently I watched as her eyes rolled back as I began to work my fingers into her slowly.

"Raheem." She leaned forward, moaning into my ear as I continued my assault.

Grabbing ahold of her, I positioned myself below her aligning her lips with my own.

"Baby please." She pleaded pushing my head toward her dripping center.

Placing a kiss below I smirked as she sucked in the air surrounding us, a clear sign that she wanted me to take her down.

"You'll get this dick when you make a decision mama." I chuckled watching her face drop as I unwrapped my arms from her waist.

______________

"You mad at me?" I smirked, leaning over into the window of Sa's car.

"Boy fuck you." She scowled as she sat in the driver's seat in park. After I dubbed her in the bathroom she wasn't fucking with me. If she really wanted dick she would make the right decision later on tonight and she would never have to worry about having this problem again.

"Nala." I found myself struggling to maintain a straight face as she sat with a look of sadness.

"No, you're playing with my emotions and I'm not here for it. Baby I want youuuu." She whined, stomping her foot on the gas pedal.

"You better stop before your little ass go flying."

"See, bye don't talk to me!" I laughed as she rolled up her window and began to back out.

"Bye Pooh Pooh." I waved after her as she stuck her middle finger out the window.

Laughing to myself I checked the time to see it was a little after 8 AM. I needed to get to the shop a little early today to handle some business so it was safe to say that my day had begun.

"Good morning beautiful, it's time to wake up." I made my way into Aubrey's room to find her fast asleep.

"Wake me tamarra." She opened one eye and turned back over.

"Girl what? Wake up goofy." I took a seat at the edge of her bed and scooped her up.

"But I sleepy." Aubrey laid her head into my chest, her thumb in her mouth - a clear sign that she was burnt out.

"I don't know why, ya little slick ass got Sage to come over here just to knock out as soon as we got home."

"We had long day Daddy."

"Mhmm long day my ass, let me find out you plotting." I side eyed her as she looked at me curiously, pulling me closer to her.

"I no know what that means." She whispered into my ear. Pulling back I laughed at her antics and shook my head.

"You're a character, come on let's get ready. I'm taking you to daycare today." I carried her to the bathroom.

"Eww." She scoffed at the mention, making my head snap toward her.

"Hell you mean eww?" I scrunched my face up, awaiting her response.

"I no like dem kids, dey dirty." Aubrey pouted, her little face balled up.

"Aubrey you can't be calling people dirty, that's rude mama." Holding back my laughter I ran her a bath as she continued to explain to me why she didn't want to go to daycare.

"But dey are, they eat crumbs off da ground, that's nasty."

"Well don't eat the crumbs, lil boujie." I scooped her up and placed her in the tub.

______________

Opening up the shop I looked around, making sure everything was in order before retreating to my office.

A few weeks ago, EBONY magazine reached out, wanting to feature me in a spread on young Black entrepreneurs. Without hesitation I accepted, excited to get my name and business out there. It was pushing 10 AM now and my shoot started at 11:30 so I had time to kill. They wanted me in my element so the shoot was taking place at the shop, capturing what I do best.

Lying back on the leather futon, I took out my sketch book and turned on K. Camp's This For You EP, letting it ride out.

Nonchalant came up first and immediately my head began to bob, setting the mood. Before I knew it my pencil began to scratch against the pad, creating a wild mane. By the end of the EP I found myself chuckling at what I created.

"That's dope." A hand gripped my shoulder lightly.

Jumping up, I quickly reached into my waistband for my 9, ready for whatever.

"Nigga it's me, calm down." My adrenaline raced as I tried to focus on the small figure in front of me. Smacking my teeth I groaned once I realized it was just JT.

"Yo what the fuck is wrong with you? I almost popped your ass."

"Boy stop, you wasn't gon' pop shit. Put that little nerf gun away." She rolled her eyes in amusement before taking a seat on top of my desk.

"Yeah aight, remember that when I really shoot your ass." I scoffed, shoving the gun back into my pants.

"You ready for your shoot?" She smiled widely, her braces reflecting brightly from the overhead light above her.

"I'm a little nervous to be honest, a nigga really about to be in Ebony." I chuckled lightly. At this very moment realization was settling in, the grind was starting to pay off.

"You deserve it best friend, you work harder than anybody I know. I can't wait for the world to see how dope you are."

"I'm happy you wit me to see this man. Shit is crazy, I was really tattooing niggas in the basement three years ago, now we here. I don't say it enough but thank you sis, I really appreciate you. You've been down since the beginning and as long as I'm eating you gon' always be straight." Without Jade none of this shit would be possible and for that reason I would forever be grateful for her. She believed in me and pushed me to perfect my craft. I started off doing street art, but JT put the needle in my hand and told me to capitalize off my talent.

"Aww thanks big head, you know I always got you!" She hugged me tightly as I placed a kiss on her forehead.

"Forever kid."

"Are are they bringing wardrobe?" Her eyebrow rose as she gave me a quick scan.

"Nah I'm wearing this, why?"

"I think the fuck not." Her neck snapped toward me in disgust as if I said Jacquees was the King of RnB.

"What's wrong with this?" I tugged on the black t-shirt I wore.

"You look dusty, that's what's wrong with it."

"Why you trynna play me man?"

"You played yourself, now strip!" She pushed past me and began to ran sack my office.

Laying back on the futon I watched her skim through my office closet for something more 'acceptable'. I always left a few things behind just in case I needed a change of clothes and I guess today was one of those days.

"Here put this on." JT threw a red sweat suit at me

"Where my shirt?"

"I'm pretty sure they want to see all of your tattoos Rah." She nodded toward my ink covered chest.

"You right, how I look?" I stood in front of the mirror that hung on the back of the door.

"Like a scrub." She slapped the back of my neck like the annoying little kid she is.

"You buggin, I look like a snack." I waved her off, impressed with what I saw in the mirror.

"You can't tell, but I'm gagging internally." Her upper lip quivered dramatically as she clutched her chest.

"Shit Sage like it."

"Skrrrrrt, come again! Who?"

"You heard me." I turned toward her, a smirk set on my face as she squealed in excitement.

"Let me find out you done got that old thang back!"

"Shit I'm trying to." I gripped at my beard, hoping Sage made the right decision tonight.

"Hol' up, hol' up, hol' up, what about Kobe Bryant?" JT paced back and forth around my office, her hands above her head as if she truly concerned.

"You annoying as fuck." I burst into laughter, I couldn't stand her goofy ass.

"Your point? But no seriously, what about Kobi? I thought y'all were kicking it?"

"We are, but it ain't nothing serious." I shrugged my shoulders nonchalantly.

"Says who, you?"

"Kobi knows I'm single." I stressed to her. I was a single man who didn't have anyone to answer to.

"I'm sure she does, but let's not pretend like y'all haven't been boo'd up out here."

"What you trying to say Jade?"

"I just don't want you to break the girl's heart. I've seen the way she looks at you, hell the way you look at her. Feelings are involved Rah, just remember that."

"I'm not into breaking hearts, that ain't my m.o.,
I'll talk to her and let her know the situation."

"Hmph, yeah you let me know how that works out for you."

"Why you praying on my downfall?"

"I'm not! I just know that if the nigga I'm spending all my time with randomly tells me that he's getting back with his ex I'm busting windshields, slashing tires, all that. My feelings would be beyond hurt."

"Nah Kobi ain't on that type of time, babygirl not like that."

"You really are stupid aren't you? You and Eric  never cease to amaze me I swear."

You gon' stop talking about my brother like he a goofy."

"Boy bye, you have 15 minutes before they get here!" She rolled her eyes, closing the door behind her.

Opening the drawer inside my desk I pulled out my 'smoker's box'. Dom gifted it to me at my grand opening, filling it with everything I needed to make the perfect blunt. Rolling apart a grabba leaf I filled it with Blue Dream and sealed it with honey for a slow burn.

"I knew your ass would be back here rolling." I looked up to see Dom and Izzy in the doorway.

"You knew." I smirked, lighting it as they sat on the couch in front of me.

"What y'all got going?" I took a toke and inhaled it.

"Shit nothing, had to go pick up this nigga. He locked out the crib." Dom spoke, grabbing a Gatorade out of the fridge.

"Nigga ain't got no spare?" I asked jokingly, picturing Izzy stranded outside his doorstep.

"Nadia got em, but she ain't answering." Dom looked back before taking his seat on the couch.

"Fuck is up with you Iz? You look like you been crying." I turned my attention toward him, noticing he hadn't said a word since he stepped in, his light brown eyes red.

"Huh?" He looked up from his daze, his mind gone completely.

"Bruh you good?" I scrunched up my face. Izzy was was never the quiet type so his demeanor had me concerned a bit.

"Oh yeah, just some shit on my mind." He waved me off, before going quiet again.

"Nigga here, look like you need this shit more than me." I handed him the blunt and chopped it up with my boys until it was time for the shoot.

"So Smoke, Redemption Ink? How did you come up with the name?" Kayla, the woman who interviewed me spoke. We were a hour in and after taking a few pics around the shop we were now wrapping it up.

"I used to be my own worst enemy and it cost me everything, I was lost and didn't know who I was anymore. Tattooing allowed me to find myself again. This shop is my redemption song. This shop gave me another shot at life."

"And that's a wrap! Thanks for everything love, you're a natural.You should look into modeling or something." She eyed me on the low.

I told JT I looked like a snack.

"Thank you ma, a nigga was kinda nervous so that's good to hear." I released a deep sigh, happy that everything played out accordingly.

"You were fine." She bit her lip and grabbed her MacBook, turning toward me to show me the screen.

"So I was working on the layout while we were recording and here's what I have so far."

"Oh this shit is tough, you did ya thing!" I hugged her slim frame, watching her cheeks flush.

"Thanks boo, the issue should be out in a few weeks. I'll keep you posted." She sent me a sly grin before heading out.

"Good looks, I'll be looking forward to it." I watched as she added a little sway to her hips.

"Women man." I laughed to myself noticing she left her number behind. Tossing my zip-up for a hoodie I threw it on and made my way to the front of the shop, where Dom and Iz sat.

"Y'all niggas trying to get some food?"

"Oh you ain't said nothing, let's go." Izzy hopped out of his seat and headed for the door.

"Niggas mention food and now yo ass wanna talk. You ain't said shit for the entire hour and 23 minutes we been here, I'm appalled." Dom shook his head in disbelief.

"Man, let's go. JT