Friend-Zoned (Friend-Zoned 1)

We enter my room and I motion him to take a seat on my bed. Just as I’m about to sit, I straighten dramatically and say, “We need drinks. Be right back. ”

I run back to the kitchen, grab my phone and dial Nat’s number. She answers and whispers, “It’s on. Go get him, baby. ”

I head back to my room with two beers and my phone. As soon as I enter I look down at my phone, roll my eyes and mutter, “Sorry. I have to keep it near me in case Nik calls. I’ve put too much effort into that man to lose him now. ” I place my phone on my bed side cabinet, screen side down and sit close to Omarr on my bed.

Omarr’s brows are furrowed and he asks, “What do you mean you put too much effort into him to lose him?”

I respond as seriously as I can put on, “Well, Nik has money. And lots of it. I’m not in a good way right now and I need cash. Like, pronto. ” I shrug and roll my eyes. “Nik loves me, O. He’ll give me anything and everything I want. I just have to hook him a little more. ”

Omarr eyes widen and he repeats, “Nik has money. Lots of it. ”

I nod and smile as though I’m saying now you’re getting it.

Omarr smiles and takes a beer from my hand, clinks it on mine and toasts, “To manipulating bitches!”

Oh my goodness, it’s working!

I fight off the urge to throw up and state ,“You’re fucking things up for me, Omarr. I can’t have that, baby. If you want me you’re going to have to wait your turn. You get me?”

Omarr nods solemnly and utters, “That sucks. I’m sorry, baby. I know I’ve done some fucked up things to you but I do want you. Not just because of Nik. I just want you. ” He turns to look into my face and says, “I don’t know if I can wait for you, mami. I want you now. ” He leans forward and I just know he’s going to try to kiss me. At the very last second, I turn my head and he kisses my cheek.

Disappointment crosses his features so I quickly shake my head and lie, “Honey, this isn’t the first job I’ve done. I can’t have any distractions around. It’s happened to me before and I’ve lost out. Big. I won’t let it happen again. ” I put a hand on his chest and fiddle with his collar. “Now are you going to lay off Nik or what?”

Omarr doesn’t look happy but he nods.

Hurrah!

I slide my hand up to his jaw, lean close and place a slow kiss on his cheek. I whisper, “Thank you, honey. You won’t regret it. ” His eyes are closed when I move away from him.

He quickly opens his eyes and says, “Did you ask him about Marcus?”

I nod, pout my lips and respond, “Yes, I did. I’m so sorry, baby. I didn’t know Nik killed your brother. That’s a tough thing to go through. I can’t believe your uncle wouldn’t get back at Nik. It’s like he just got away with murder. What’s up with that?” I sound almost genuinely curious. I hope he’ll open up more.

Omarr’s eyes harden and he responds, “Uncle Jerm doesn’t like wars. Nik was part of Chaos and Marcus was killed in a member of Chaos’ house so they think Marcus got what he deserved. ” He looks into my eyes and real pain shines through him. I feel sorry for this

broken man. He goes on, “I get that Nik was a kid but on the streets it’s an eye for an eye. I want to make his life as miserable as mine has been. Besides, I wouldn’t worry too much about Uncle Jerm…he may not be around much longer to worry about. ”

My insides drop.

Bingo!

I lean my head on his shoulder and rub his knee. I ask in a ditzy voice, “Why? Is he sick?”

He chuckles and kisses my hair.

Mental note; shower after Omarr leaves.

He boasts, “Naw, baby. You’re not the only one who can work a job. ” He strokes my arm and whispers loudly, “I’ll have my own army by the end of the year. Uncle Jerm is in for a mutiny. If he doesn’t kneel before me, he’s a dead man. ”

I gasp and whisper shout, “You would kill your own uncle?!”

He catches me by surprise when he pulls my face to his and kisses me. I force myself to calm and warn myself to keep breathing. He breaks from my lips and chuckles, “You’re too cute. I knew you were the one for me from the day we met, baby. ” He lets go of my flushed face and straightens. “And yeah, I’d kill my uncle. In a heartbeat. Nik is still alive. I should’ve been allowed to put a bullet in him. ”

Oh wow. The level of psycho this guy is on goes higher than any chart I’ve ever seen. He talks about death like it’s nothing. Just a job.

I swallow hard and whisper, “Why did you kill my cat, O?”

He has the decency to look ashamed as he apologizes. “I’m sorry, Tina. I just wanted to hurt you because you hurt me. ”