Married to the Game Read online

  One night, I called Snake to see what he was up to, and he told me we needed to go out so we could cover strip club etiquette. I arrived at Snake’s house around ten o’clock, and I was greeted at the door by his girl, Danielle.

  Danielle Stevens was this fine-ass, bourgeois chick my uncle met at Hampton University just before he was leaving the campus after serving some boys there. Danielle’s mother was a doctor and her father was a lawyer, just like some shit straight off the Cosby Show. She was never exposed to the streets before hooking up with my uncle, and that’s what she loved about Snake; his spontaneous bad-boy traits. She longed to be “a gangster’s girl.” Like the other women caught-up in the game with their men, Danielle loved the excitement and all the financial perks that came along with lovin’ a gangster.

  Danielle was definitely a dime piece. She had a butterscotch complexion, hair down her back, and a small waist with a big ass—just the way I like them.

  “What’s up, Danielle?” I asked as I admired her phat-ass booty on the way in.

  “Hey, Duke. What’s going on?” she asked, wondering what the night might bring.

  “I don’t know, momma. I think we’re going to hit the strip joint up tonight.”

  Danielle’s face instantly turned evil as she darted her eyes in Snake’s direction. She hated when Snake went to the strip club. All she could think about were the sexual rendezvous he used to have with his stripper ex-girlfriend, Mickie, and her female lover, Sonya, who also enjoyed the erotic lifestyle. The shit my uncles used to do back in the day was wild. No one liked to talk about all that came with their game because it turned into a deadly love triangle, but me, I love it and plan to live it. I stood and watched as Danielle vented.

  “Oh, you’re going to the strip club tonight, Snake?” Danielle asked him.

  “Nah, baby. I don’t know why you always let Li’l Soldier get in your head. He knows you hate it when I go there, and that’s why he said the shit. Li’l Soldier, stop fucking with my woman’s head. You know she ain’t cool with hearing about me at no strip club.” Snake quickly spit game to Danielle as he took his last pull on the blunt, filled with purple haze.

  Spitting game came second nature to my Uncle Snake. It was amazing how easily he could turn things around. Runnin’ game was a science, and I had almost mastered it as well as my uncle. I never took notes well in school, but since I had a passion for the game, I made sure not to miss a lesson from Snake. I tried to make Danielle feel like she couldn’t take a joke.

  “Damn, Danielle, I didn’t know you let a young nigga like me get in your head like that. My uncle better watch out,” I said with a smirk on my face.

  Danielle was not pleased with our taunting. She rolled her eyes and began to clean up the small mess my uncle left behind.

  “He thinks I’m fucking stupid. Yeah, keep taking my kindness for weakness. I’m just keeping my composure for the moment as I observe all that’s going on around me. But just wait until I catch his ass. Y’all think just because I come from a good background that I won’t serve a nigga about playing with me, but try me and you’ll find out that shit’s going to really hit the fan.”

  I could hear Danielle mumbling underneath her breath as she cleaned. I walked over and whispered in her ear as my uncle grabbed his keys. “You better watch your mouth, girl,” I said in a seductive yet teasing manner.

  “We out, baby girl,” Snake said as he smacked Danielle’s ass then kissed her on the lips.

  “Whatever,” she responded while rolling her eyes.

  She followed Snake to the door. I could see the outline of her thong through her sheer robe as I followed close behind her. Looking at Danielle’s ass shake through that robe made my dick hard.

  “We out, baby girl,” I said, mocking my uncle then smacking her on the ass, causing it to jiggle.

  They both laughed, but it wasn’t a joke at all. I was planning to fuck that fat ass from. the back one day soon. It may take a while, but I’ll get it, I thought. I winked at her while licking my lips, and grabbed my dick, giving it a gentle massage before closing the door behind me. I was sure then that Danielle knew exactly what was up.

  We jumped in Snake’s Denali and headed to the strip club. I was a little excited, but I knew I had to play it cool as we pulled up. I followed Snake past security and into the club. That was the first lesson.

  I made a mental note: Get familiar with security. Give them a nice amount of cash to avoid lines and searching.

  Once we were inside, the first stop was the bar, to see who the bartenders were for the night. After determining everything was straight with whoever would be fixing his drinks, he then led me to a spot in the corner near the exit. He beckoned for the waitress and handed her a generous amount of money as he gave orders.

  “Courvoisier, and keep ’em coming,” he told the skinny, half-dressed woman. Maybe with a few more pounds and an ass, she could have qualified as a stripper versus a waitress.

  That was several lessons in one. Snake walked right in without much noise and went over to the bar to make sure he was familiar with the bartenders, just in case someone in the game might be trying to set him up by slipping a mickie in his drinks. Then he headed to a spot near the exit. This was so he could watch everyone who entered and exited the club, without them even noticing him. Also, sitting near an exit made it easy for a quick escape if necessary.

  Next mental note: You must always be aware of your environment so that there aren’t any surprises.

  I also liked how Snake paid the bartender and waitress up-front with a generous amount. That kept him from having the hassle of flagging them down and constantly having to place drink orders.

  We chilled in the corner for about forty-five minutes. At first that was cool because I was checking out some of the amazing things those chicks could do on that pole, but after a while, the entertainment was no longer holding my attention.

  Females were coming over left and right asking for a dance, and Snake was turning them down just as fast as they were coming. Now that part of the lesson I didn’t grasp at all.

  “Unc, why you dissing all the honeys?” I asked.

  “A couple of reasons, man. First, some of them are tricks, and we don’t do tricks. And second, if you ignore them and act uninterested toward the hot bitches, the challenge is going to make them want you even more. You see, the hot bitches are used to getting any nigga they come at. If you’re that one nigga that don’t budge, then they’re going to want you even more. You feel me, li’l nigga?”

  My uncle was so good with game it was ridiculous. Everything he said made perfect sense. I knew to pay close attention when he talked, because I knew everything would prove worthy in days to come.

  “I feel you, Unc. I feel ya,” I replied.

  We continued to chill for another twenty minutes before Snake led me to the velvet room. Shit in there was set-up like a little Egyptian paradise, and the women were beautiful—nothing but top-notch females. These women had perfect tans and flawless bodies. I couldn’t find one who didn’t have her makeup in check. I could tell they were wearing that expensive shit because they each looked like movie stars. I, for one, was impressed with how much class these ladies carried.

  There was one female in particular who kept looking our way. She was the baddest chick in there. She had beautiful caramel skin, a small waist, C-cup breasts and long black hair. Snake noticed me checking her out.

  “You like that?” he asked as he waited for a reaction.

  I was sure not to seem too pressed. “So far, she’s the baddest chick I’ve seen in here,” I carefully responded.

  “Each day you show more and more traits like your Uncle Vegas,” Snake said as he laughed.

  He shook his head as if to say, “It’s a pity,” then he continued. “She’s venomous, man. That’s the infamous Ceazia,” he said, looking her five-foot-five inch frame up and down.

  “Damn, that’s her? She doesn’t look much like a murderer to me,” I said
as I watched her move her body like a snake.

  Ceazia began to put on a show for me and my uncle as we both plastered our eyes on her. I tried not to show it, but I was about to drool all over myself. This chick had a spell on me that seemed unbreakable. It was tough not letting it show.

  I never had a chance to meet Ceazia before, but I’d heard the many tales, and from the looks of things, each story was true. The five years I did in the juvie in South Carolina really had me missing out on a lot. Her panther eyes continued to hypnotize me as she walked over.

  “Who’s this little one, Snake?” she asked, rubbing her hand across my goatee.

  “Nobody you gettin’ close to, bitch,” Snake snapped at her.

  It was never proven that Ceazia was the shooter the day my Uncle Vegas, Mickie, and Sonya were killed, but Snake was sure she did it.

  “Don’t be jealous, daddy. You’ll always have my attention,” she said to Snake as she rubbed his penis. Snake didn’t respond. He just looked her coldly in her eyes and knocked her hand away from his manhood.

  I couldn’t understand how Snake could avoid Ceazia’s spellbinding ways. There I sat, wishing she’d touch me again, especially in the crotch area like she’d just touched Snake, but he wasn’t fazed by anything Ceazia did or said.

  I constantly watched Ceazia throughout the night. The enchantment she had on the men in the club was crazy. I knew she had to be making the most bank in the club. Hell, I was ready to give her all the loot I had in my pockets. I guess it was a good thing my Uncle Snake was there to keep me from making a fool of myself.

  I stared intensely. There wasn’t a flaw on Ceazia’s body. Her skin was perfect, stomach tight, not a stretch mark in sight, and she had perfect white teeth. She was truly a stunner. No wonder my Uncle Vegas was whipped. Pretty soon, I planned to see just how much we really had in common.

  CHAPTER 3

  FLY ON THE WALL

  UNKNOWN MAN

  I’d been watching Ceazia’s every move as I sat in a dark corner of the strip club where she worked. That bitch had no idea I was even here. She was so busy flirting and spitting game to niggas, she didn’t even notice me nearly breathing down her fucking neck. All Ceazia saw was dollar signs. Unless you were frosted from ear to belly button, that’s earring to chain, and had on an outfit totaling at least $500, a nigga could forget it. I’d told her time and time again, she needed to stay on point. But ever since she got away with Vegas’ shooting, she felt like she was on top of the damn world, and could let her guard down at any time. And these cats constantly blowing her head up didn’t make shit no betta. This chick truly carried it like she was the Diamond Princess. But like I always told her, once in the game, you’re married to the game. At any time, a nigga could be breathing down her neck, ready for revenge, ready to snatch her off that throne.

  I continued to watch as she flirted with Snake, and even his li’l nigga, Duke. The effect she had on niggas was stupid! Although I hadn’t seen her or even spoken to her in over a month, she was still as fine as the first day I met her. That girl meant the world to me. I would give her my last chicken wing, my last dollar, and even my last breath if I had to, just to please her, but the bitch was just never happy. I would give that bitch my all. It was so many times I fell short on a nigga’s money because of her. I even had to buck on niggas and rob a couple of niggas down South just to get back on. Hell, that damn 745 she was driving was bought with a nigga’s money I bucked on. And even with all of that, she still wasn’t happy. All she kept hollering ’bout was that nigga, Vegas. That man was dead and I still had to compete. But I refused to give up. If I couldn’t have her, no one would.

  Although Ceazia possessed the most deadly seductive ways that could exist in a woman, I still loved her and yearned for her presence. She could have the most cautious nigga slippin’ at any time. It seemed like now she was working on that nigga, Snake. Unfortunately, he looked weak, and seemed to be following real close behind the steps of his late brother. Even though he knew C was guilty of shooting Vegas, and he had all sorts of hatred toward her for it, she still had him weak. I could tell by the look in his eyes. Hell, she even had li’l Duke mesmerized.

  Duke was a young buck, so he was easily persuaded, but I thought Snake could stand his ground. I knew C, and if Snake didn’t tighten up, he would be her next target. And trust me, that bitch had good aim. She didn’t miss a target.

  I could only sit back and shake my head as if to say, “It’s a pity,” as I watch Ceazia get in Snake’s brain and send him and his li’l man out the club’s door confused.

  CHAPTER 4

  A SOLDIER’S STRUGGLE

  SNAKE

  That bitch, Ceazia, had me tripping. Every time I saw her, she came on to me like shit was supposed to be all good. I had every reason in the world to hate her ass, and she knew it. I didn’t know why she insisted on trying to play me like a sucker, but in a bit, I’d be the one having the last laugh. In the meantime, I’d just keep running game to her like everything was all good.

  Not only did Ceazia murder my brother, but she also murdered my girlfriend, Mickie. That was two too many deaths among people whom I loved, who had to die at the hands of one vicious woman. That bitch was lucky she was still alive. The only reason she was still walking was because there was a lot of evidence pointing in other directions. But personally, I didn’t give a fuck. I thought the bitch did it, and as soon as I got it confirmed, she was dead. On that, I put everything I love, from money to hoes to my little soldier, Duke.

  “What’s on your mind, Snake?” Duke said, noticing that I was deep in thought.

  “Nothing, li’l man. Just thinking. Sometimes shit be that way.”

  “She got you fucked up, huh, Unc? I can see it in your eyes when you look at her.”

  I began to feel like I taught this nigga a little too well. He started looking closely at my facial expression and could figure out my thoughts. But only a little soldier could do that because he was a reflection of me, and of course, of my late brother Vegas. I messed with his mind a bit.

  “What? You think you so good at reading niggas that you can read me too?” I questioned him to shake him up a little.

  “Nah, man. That’s just how she got me feeling. I mean, I loved Uncle Vegas to death and I want to be just like him, but at the same time, I’m feeling her, and she’s the bitch that took him away. It’s a struggle, Unc, and I’m fucked up.”

  I knew exactly how my li’l soldier felt, because it was a struggle I knew all too well. We rode home in silence, both of us deep in thought.

  It was three in the morning and Danielle was still up when I arrived home. I knew an argument was in store. Lately, she was acting insecure, and it led to constant fighting. I hollered at Duke before he left and took that dreaded walk into the crib. Danielle’s face was frowned up as soon as I opened the door. I tried to lighten things up a little because I would much rather fuck than fight.

  “Hey, baby. What you still doing up? I expected my woman to be lying in bed, waiting on me once I got home,” I stated.

  She exploded as soon as I opened my mouth. “What the fuck you think I’m doing up? It’s three in the damn morning, and my man is just now getting home! Don’t ask me no damn questions. You’re the one who got some answering to do. And don’t try that sweet-talking shit with me, Snake. If you really wanted me in bed waiting, you woulda brought your ass home before three in the morning!”

  Danielle continued screaming as she turned the TV and lights off then headed up the stairs toward the bedroom. That was exactly where I wanted her—in the bed. I figured I’d let her vent a while, then give her the dick. I followed her up the stairs with a fake plea.

  “Come on, baby girl. You know I have to take care of business. How else will you be able to prance around in your Chanel slippers and lingerie? Don’t I always come through for you? Baby girl, I try to keep things on the level so you don’t have to want for shit. Why can’t you understand that all of a sudden?”
/>
  I always used the game as an excuse for being out late, even though niggas knew I didn’t do business after ten at night. It didn’t look like she was buying it this time, though. Danielle continued fussing, not letting up one bit.

  “Why the fuck was your phone off? I paged you five times. You’re so fucking inconsiderate when you don’t answer my calls. You never know what’s wrong, or even if I have something urgent to tell you. If I ever ignored you or turned my phone off, you’d be ready to beat my ass. And you know what—hat’s what I should do to you right now. There’s no way in hell you couldn’t have known I tried to reach you. I even hit you up with a two-way message ... blah ... blah ... blah ... blah .

  After about one minute of continuous yelling, I tuned Danielle out completely. I realized I may not be getting any ass after all, so I had to resort to plan B. I told her I was headed to take a cold shower then began to get undressed. I noticed Danielle’s eyes watching my every move. She continued to complain, but her tone lowered with every stitch of clothing I let fall to my feet. Working out daily to keep my body tight paid off during times like this between me and Danielle. I knew she’d begin to think twice after taking a look at my rock-hard abs, but this wasn’t the only part of me that bared stiffness. Danielle’s eyes traveled just a short way south of my waistline and focused intently on the piece of me she could appreciate the most.

  Once all of my clothes were off, I began stretching as if I were tired. I used this opportunity to flex my muscles as Danielle looked on. By then her tone had completely softened, and I had her just where I wanted. The table had taken a sudden turn, and the ball was now in my court. I gave her a humble look and shook my head. Then I spoke to her softly.

  “You win, baby. You win. I don’t want to argue,” I said, walking over to put my arms around her waist.