Can I have your heart?

Neah sat in the chair with her legs crossed. She tried her hardest to look sexy but she was shivering cold. When her agent told her she had a swimming suit photo shoot she just knew it would be indoors. What lunatic would have her outside practically naked in 30 degree weather? Well that lunatic’s name was Pierre. She couldn’t wait to get home to curse her agent out. When Pierre walked over to her with camera in hand she was ready to get the shoot over with.

“You can’t begin yet Neah. We still have to wait for Marcus.”

Neah laughed to hide her frustration. “I’m so done modeling for these unknown rappers.” she mumbled. Neah was what you would call a get it girl. When she left her home two years ago at the age of 18 she vowed to do everything she could to not go back. Working the early morning shift at her 9 to 5 she spent the rest of the day seeing to her hustles. She rapped, wrote songs, and modeled. She wrote great songs but her modeling was what got her recognized. Petite shaped Neah was gorgeous. Standing 5”2 with her caramel skin tone and brown eyes she could have any man she wanted, and she knew she wanted Marcus the minute she saw him. He had the body of a chocolate god. With his 8 pack showing Neah wondered how she was going to get through the shoot. She felt even weaker when she saw him up close. His light brown eyes had her hypnotized. When he ran his fingers through her hair she smiled.

“I told Jay I wanted a beast but you way more than I expected. You’re gorgeous lil lady.”

“Thanks, they don’t call me doll face for nothing.” she replied with a smile

“So this yo real hair?”

“Yea.”

“Sexy”

“Thanks”

“So let’s get this over with I know you freezing.”

They began to pose. She couldn’t help but laugh at herself for imagining what their kids would look like. Fresh out of a relationship she knew the last thing she needed was to be thinking of a man, especially one this fine. As he wrapped his arms around her she felt her body heat rise. Marcus had her feeling like July in the middle of January. The photo shoot came to an end and she hated it. she didn’t know if she would ever see this Hershey kiss again.

“Good looking out ma, I know these pics are gonna come out hot”

“No problem. It’s what I does.”

Neah began to walk off when she felt marcus lightly grab her arm.

“I was wondering if I could take you out tonight and thank you properly.”

Trying to ignore his seductive smile Neah tried to think of a way to turn him down without killing herself for it later. Pulling her arm back she began walking away.

“That sounds nice but your money is thanks enough”

After getting dresses Neah walked out of her dressing room to see Marcus blocking the door.

“Did you really think I was going to give up on you that easy gorgeous?”

“Marcus I’m sure you’re a nice guy but I don’t date my clients.”

“That’s fine cause the shoot is over. Should we head out from here or do you need to go home first?”

“Look”

“No you look, I want you and I’m not taking no for an answer.”

“Fine one date then maybe you’ll leave me alone.”

Marcus smiled and walked away.

“I’ll call you in a couple of hours.”

~

“Yea I met this fly chick today bruh”

Marcus stated after taking a puff of his cigar. He continued

“She got this long jet black hair, they call her doll face. She so gorgeous. She look so young and innocent. I can tell she a freak though.”

“So what you trying to hit?”

His best friend Carlos questioned.

“Well yea, but it’s more than that. I don’t believe in no love at first sight or nothing like that, but shawty got my attention.”

“Well good luck on that brother.”

“I’m a need it, she a feisty lil some.”

“So when yall kicking it?”

“I’m picking her up in about a hour.”

“What yall doing?”

“I don’t know, I don’t know how to step to her. She different.”

“What you mean?”

“I got her card from Jay and he was telling me bout her. She goes to a private college, got her own car, job and crib. She gorgeous. She talented. She, she perfect for me. I just don’t want to mess it up you know?”

“Yea, sound like you met yo match and will finally stop messing with these gold digging maggots.”

Marcus got up from the table and admired himself in the mirror. From his fade to his polo vest to his button down to his loafers. He decided to change it up tonight. No white tee and Nikes tonight. As he made his way to the door his whole demeanor changed when his ex walked in.

“What you doing here Tracy.”

“Forget you Marc and nobody here to see you brokey”

“Broke? Nigha aint nowhere need broke, no thanks to you.”

“Whatever where Carlos at?”

“In his room.”

“Where you going looking all sexy?”

“None of yo business.”

Marcus walked out before getting upset. He couldn’t believe he spent three years with Tracy. After all he did for her she cheated on him with one of his rival drug lords. He prayed he was right about Neah and that he didn’t have to go through any drama with her. When Marcus made it to Neah’s apartment he began contemplating standing her up. Not because he wasn’t interested but because he was. The last thing he wanted to do was be hurt again. After sitting in his car for 20 minutes he finally gathered the strength to go to her door. His mouth dropped when she opened the door. She looked amazing. Her hair was curly, as if she washed it and did nothing else. She had on a black halter dress and coach pumps that he couldn’t wait to pull her out of. But what really caught his attention was the one single red rose she held that matched the red lipstick she had on.

“Hey handsome” she said with a smile

“Hey yourself. That rose for me?”

“Of course.”

“Aww I feel special.”

“You so silly, get in here.”

Marcus walked into her home which was filled with soft music, candles and incense burning.

“So I guess we’re not going out?”

“No, let’s cut the games, what do you want from me?”

“I wanna get to know you.”

“And?”

“And maybe start a relationship with you.”

“I don’t want to hear that. I know what kind of a man you are. You don’t have to lie to me.”

“And what kind of man am I Neah?”

“The kind who sleeps around.”

“Well yea that was me, but I’ve changed.”

“Really?”

“Yea so whoever you been talking to failed to mention that I just got out of an engagement.”

“No they mentioned it, and how you were only marrying her because you thought she was pregnant with your child. But you weren’t faithful to her.”

“I wasn’t in love with her.”

“You’re not in love with me. So why should I waste my time with you?”

“Who said I wasn’t? Look I can see somebody been telling you some that’s got you tripping so when you straight get at me.”

“Don’t hold your breath.”

As Marcus walked to the door he stopped.

“Wait I see what you’re doing.”

“What am I doing?”

“Trying to get me mad so I’ll leave.”

When she didn’t respond he knew he was right.

“Look Neah, you don’t have to run from me. I’m not here to hurt you. I just want to get to know you.”

“So you don’t want to sex me?”

“Well I aint saying that. I’m just saying its more than that bay. You’ll know that if you give me a chance.”

“I just can’t. I just can’t do that to my heart again.”

“So what you saying?”

“I’m saying I think you’re sexy and I want to spend the night with you and experience what I’ll never have.”

“Neah.”

“Please, make love like you’ll never see me again.”

With tears In his eyes Neah took the rose out of her hand and wrapped his arms around her. After staring into her eyes he hoped she would reconsider.

“I can’t do this bay, I want you too bad.”

“Well you won’t have me Marcus.”

“Yea I will, just gotta make you see that. I’ll call you later tonight.”

“Don’t bother.”

She screamed as he slammed the door.

“Screw this I’m getting some sex tonight.”

After calling her ex Neah slipped out of her dress. She wanted to be with Marcus from the moment she saw him. She knew it would only lead to heartache. How could she possibly be so attracted to a man she just met? Her thoughts were interrupted by the doorbell. Standing on the other side was her ex Allen. She couldn’t believe she called him. He was a terrible boyfriend but a great lover.

“Hey boo, im glad you called.”

“Whatever Allen let’s just get this over with.”

Allen picked her up and dropped her on the couch. “spread them legs” he commanded. No sweet talk, no four play, it was straight to business. Allen grabbed her legs with one hand and her waist with the other. Neah reached for his manhood and slid it inside of her. No sex for six months made her feel like a virgin all over again.

“You need to make this yours again.”

“Shut up and make me come.”

Allen began thrusting deep inside of her in a circular motion. Hearing her moan made him speed up.

“Neah, tell me you love me.”

“No”

“Tell me” Allen demanded going faster and deeper.

“No.”

Neah began squeezing her walls like she knew he liked to get him to shut up.

“Don’t do that Neah, you gon make me come.” and he did. Allen pulled out and fell on top of her.

“Want to go again?”

“No Allen you can go.”

“If I didn’t love you I’d feel used.”

“Whatever nigha just get out.”

Neah pushed him off of her and went to the bathroom.

“Hope you got back on yo birth control, if not we having a baby and you’ll be mine forever.” he whispered as he smelled her panties and put them in his pocket. After her shower Neah noticed she had a new voicemail. “Hey doll, it’s Marcus. I got a show tomorrow night and I was wondering if you could be my escort? Nothing personal. Just business. Hit me up.” neah laughed. Part of her wanted to say no, but she couldn’t turn down money so she called and let him know she would attend, but there would be an extra 200$ for calling so late. “when will this nigha give up?”

~

Marcus put a burgundy hanker chief into his peanut butter suit pocket to match his shirt. He hoped when Neah found out it was a date instead of a show she wouldn’t be too mad. After ten minutes of boosting his head up he was on his way to pick her up. Confused as to why she didn’t tell him she had company he rushed to the door when he heard shouting and saw her laying on the floor.

“The hell is going on?”

“Nothing Marcus, I’ll be alright.”

“Who the hell is Marcus?” Allen interrupted.

“Nobody.” Neah mumbled

“Oh, I’m nobody now Neah?”

She got up and straightened her peanut butter guess skirt.

“Marcus please wait outside.”

“No thanks, especially if this nigha putting his hands on you.”

“Mane who the fuck are you?”

“I’m the nigha they warned you about.”

Neah grabbed her purse and fastened the button on her burgundy vest. After noticing she had on nothing but a peanut butter bra on under her vest Marcus began to calm down.

“I was trying to run to the back to get my purse and I tripped Marcus, that’s all. I’m just a little clumsy.” she continued after a nervous smile. “Allen be gone when I get back.” The ride to the restaurant was silent. Marcus didn’t want to question her because he knew she would use that against him and ruin the evening.

“Before you ask Allen is my ex, he came over trying to get me back.”

“Does he have a chance?”

“No”

“And you really just tripped?”

Hesitantly Neah answered yea.

“Neah”

“Look I don’t want to talk about it. And why aint no other cars here?”

“Cause the workers park in the back, and I rented the place out so we could be alone.”

Neah blew as if she was irritated causing Marcus to giggle.

“You are such a liar.”

“No, I am having a show. A private show. For you.”

“You think you slick hunh?”

“I know I am.”

He got out of the car and escorted Neah into the restaurant. Neah smiled, it was the most special thing anyone had done for her. There was a ivory grand piano with roses and candles on top. Next to it was a table decorated with candles and a bottle of champagne. Marcus grabbed her hand and sat her next to him behind the piano. He began to play and sang Robin Thicke’s “Sweetest Love.” by the end of the song Neah was breathless and in tears.

“I didn’t know you could sing. That was beautiful Marcus.”

“You’re beautiful.”

Neah smiled and wrapped her arms around his neck. Not wanting to ruin the moment Marcus contemplating telling her he had fallen for her while looking into her eyes. As he opened his mouth she kissed him for what seemed like forever. Neah felt weak from his soft lips and passionate kiss. She could by the he worked his tongue that he was a beast in the bedroom.

“Neah”

“Yea”

“I’m falling for you, hard”

“Me 2, just promise me you’ll catch my heart.”

“I promise.”

Neah woke the next morning with a smile on her face. She only got a couple of hours of sleep because she and marcus spent the whole night kissing and sharing their life stories. She hated to admit it but she had fallen and she didn’t want to get up.

~

Allen sat in front of Marcus’s house and wondered what Neah saw in him. He couldn’t believe he was losing her to him, but he couldn’t and wouldn’t go down without a fight. After Marcus drove off Allen got out and went to work.

~

“So wsup with you and Leah?” Carlos asked Marcus

“It’s Neah and we making progress.”

“Yea well you know Tracy aint gon like that.”

“Aint nobody studdin Tracy bruh for real.”

“Well that’s why she stalking you now.” They laughed.

“Mane just come on and cut my hair so I can go see my baby.”

“Aw naw bruh we got a game today.”

“That’s right, I forgot.”

“I see, and we gotta make this money.”

“Aight well I guess I’ll call her and let her know.”

“Yea do that.”

“Chill out”

~

Tracy pulled up to Marcus’s house to see Allen walking out.

“Um who are you?”

“Mind yo own business Maggot.”

“Maggot, I got yo maggot my nigha gone get on yo ass.”

“Yo nigha?”

“Yea, this my nigha spot.”

“Marcus yo nigha?”

“Yea.”

Allen laughed.

“What is so funny?”

“I think we need to talk.”

“For what?”

“Cause I know something about yo nigha that clearly you don’t.”

Tracy looked suspiciously at Allen then followed him to his car.

~

After getting dressed Neah decided to go to the community center and watch Marcus play. She picked up her best friend Kesha and spilled her guts on the ride there. Naturally Kesha wasn’t buying it but the more she heard Neah talk she realized she was finally moving on and it was about time.

“So which one is Marcus?”

“The one in the red shorts.”

“He is sexy, who is that in the blue shorts?”

“I guest his friend Carlos.”

“He fine too, you know you gotta hook me up.”

“I got you.”

When Marcus saw her he smiled and ran up the bleachers. After kissing her he spoke

“Hey bay, I’m glad you came. Who this?”

“My bestie Kesha.”

“Hey Kesha.”

“Hey hook me up with your friend.”

Marcus laughed.

“Okay”

“How you getting home sweets?” Neah questioned.

“I’m rolling wit you bay”

“So we kicking it at yo place?”

“Yea, that’s cool.”

“Well hurry up so we can leave.”

Neah playfully nudge him and he pretended to fall.

“Okay”

“So when yall gon be official?”

“I DON’T KNOW KEY AND I DON’T WANT TO RUSH IT. We fine just the way we are.”



After introducing Kesha and Carlos they left together and so did Marcus and Neah. When they arrived at his home his smile immediately faded.

“Mane what happened to my car?”

Marcus jumped out to see that his car and home had been destroyed. He had no idea who did it but planned on finding out.

“You can come stay with me until you get things straightened out sweets.”

“Well that makes it a little better.” Marcus said with a pout.

“You have no idea who would do this?”

“No, but I’m gone find out.”

~

Marcus couldn’t believe he was unpacking his things at Neah’s house. He knew they would soon be living together but not under these circumstances.

“Bay thanks for letting me crash here.”

“You welcome. I know you would have done the same for me.”

“Of course.” he said pulling her body to his.

“Do I really have to sleep on the couch?”

“Yea silly.”

“Well can you sleep on it with me?”

“No sweets, my couch aint that big”

She said with a smile.

“What you afraid you aint gon be able to maintain laid up with me?”

“You are so full of yourself. But no that’s not why.”

“Then what’s the problem?”

“You won’t be able to control yourself”

“Whatever girl. If that’s what you think.”

~

Allen and Tracy sat at Starbuck’s discussing the damage they did to Marcus’s spot.

“I aint expect Neah to let the maine come stay wit’ her. She never let me spend the night.” Allen pouted.

“Well maybe she got easy.”

“Watch out wit’ dat slick talk bruh.”

Tracy smacked her lips.

“So what you gon’ do? I want Marcus back and I know you want ya gal.”

“Just give it time. Neah pregnant.”

“How you know?”

“Just trust me.”

“Who da daddy?”

“Me duh.”

~

Things were going good between Marcus and Neah. Still unofficially a couple Marcus gave her all the time and space she needed before she became his. He woke up that morning to Neah running past him to the bathroom. After a few minutes he began to knock on the door.

“Neah baby, you ok?”

“No. I’m sick.”

“Do you need anything?”

“Some crackers.”

“Did you eat anything that made you sick?”

“Not that I know of.”

“Well at least we know you aint pregnant Miss no sex until I’m married.”

They laughed on each side of the door until Neah remembered her last encounter with Allen.

~

“Well Neah you’re pregnant.”

Neah couldn’t hold back the tears.

“How could this happen?”

“I’m sorry do you need a moment?”

“Yea.”

When the doctor left Neah called Marcus.

“Hey bay.”

“Hey. Can you meet me somewhere? I need to talk to you.”

“Sure just let me know where.”

~

Tracy and Allen watched as Neah tearfully told Marcus she was pregnant. She could see the hurt in his eyes but he kissed her and told her he would be there for her.

“I just don’t understand. When he found out I was pregnant by someone else he left me.” Tracy mumbled.

“Different circumstances, but that nigha aint gon be nowhere near my baby.”

“What if she get an abortion?”

“She won’t.”

“How you know?”

“Cause I know Neah.”

~

Marcus convinced Neah to let him raise the baby as his own. He knew she wanted nothing to do with Allen; which is why he couldn’t understand why Allen was at her house when he pulled up.

“Hell this nigha doing here?” Marcus asked.

“Checking on my baby and my baby momma.”

“You told him?”

“She aint have to tell me I already knew.”

“So you tried to get her pregnant?”

“Duh.”

Marcus laughed out of anger.

“Marcus I’m sorry for putting you through this, but I can’t deny him of his rights.”

“So what you saying Neah?”

“I’m saying we need to cool off for a while.”

“I’m not giving up on you Neah.”

“I know. I’m just saying. Allen is the father and I want to raise this baby right.”

“You can do that with me.”

“Naw she gon do that with the father of her baby.”

“Neah don’t do this.”

With tears in her eyes she whispered, “I’m sorry.”

~

Marcus got out of his car and saw Tracy sitting on his steps. He shook his head and tried to walk past him as she grabbed his leg.

“I know you see me.”

“Yea I see you.”

“So you just gon’ ignore me?”

“What you want Tracy? I’m not in the mood.”

“I want you Marc.”

“Don’t start.”

“Look, I know I messed up, but we all do. Just give me another chance.”

“Chance for what? To cheat again? You the most doggish female I know. You betrayed me. I’ll never give you another chance shawty.”

“You’re, you’re serious aren’t you?”

“Yea. So move on. I have.”

“With who? That Neah chick? She don’t want you.”

“How you know?”

“It don’t matter.”

Tracy tried to walk away but Marcus grabbed her arm.

“Yea it do matter. How you know her name?”

“Since I don’t have a chance I might as well tell you.”

“Tell me what?”

“Allen da one who wrecked ya car and trashed ya house. He knew Neah was pregnant. I told him you wouldn’t be with a woman who was pregnant by another man but clearly I was wrong. He was supposed to get her and I was supposed to get you.”

Before she could finish her last word Marcus was headed back to his car.

~

“This why we couldn’t work! You need to control your anger Allen!”

Neah screamed ducking from the plates flying towards her.

“If I tell you to fix me some to eat fix me some to eat! Uon wanna see a nigha bad side treat me good!”

He yelled before charging towards her.

“Okay okay!”

She went to the refrigerator and saw the knife sitting on the counter. She felt her swollen lip and picked up the knife. Walking towards Allen she thought, “What am I doing?”

“Hurry up Neah!” she smiled as she walked towards him. She raised the knife over his head,

“Neah no!” she looked up to see Marcus standing outside her door. Before she realized it Allen tackled her and began to punch her. Marcus busted her window and climbed in throwing Allen off of her.

“Stop! Stop Marcus you gon’ kill him!”

Marcus got up and went outside.

“Where you goin?”

“To get my gun.”

Marcus turned when he heard Neah scream. He watched her grab her stomach as she fell to the ground. Allen shadowed her with a smile on his face and a knife in his hands.

“If I can’t have her heart neither can you.”

~

Neah woke up with Marcus by her side.

“Hey sweets.”

“Hey beautiful.”

“You saved my life.”

He smiled.

“Is my baby ok?”

“No. The baby didn’t make it. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have left you.”

He wiped the tears from her eyes.

“What about Allen?”

“I killed him.”

“God I hate I put you through so much drama.”

“I love you Neah. Don’t you realize that? I’d do anything for you.”

She smiled and ran her hand across his cheek.

“I think I deserve to be your man now. Can I have your heart?”

“Yes. It’s yours. I love you.”

They kissed.