Chapter 27- Ups And Downs.

Huey's POV

"You have him?"

"Yeah we got his bitch ass."

"Alright I'm on my way." I hung up the phone on Ed.

I slip on my black hoodie and timbs. I glance at the black gloves on my desk, nah don't need them. 'He's going to feel my bare hands down to the bone.' I peer at Jazmine sound asleep on my bed, even in her sleep she's beautiful. I didn't want to creep out on her. But it's better for her this way. I stealthily make my way out of my apartment, taking the elevator to the basement where the parking garage is. Once in my car I speed over to the secure location I'm meeting Ed and Rummy.

The only emotion I'm currently feeling is hate. That's all I'm focused on.

When I arrive at my destination, it's an abandoned warehouse. Or so that's how they want it to appear. When Ed told me the address, this is exactly how I expected it to look. See they were good for stuff like this…

I get out of my car and make my way to the back entrance of the door as told. I type in the code that they gave me and a peephole slides open.

"Password?" I see two dark blue eyes through the hole.

"I already typed it in."

"Can't let you in without the password chief." I hear a muffled laugh behind the door.

"Quit fucking around and let me in." I bang on the door twice.

"Damnit!" There's a few clicks before the door opens. Revealing Ed and Rummy.

Rummy punches Ed, "Yo why you gotta be so loud, we almost had him."

"Honestly I knew it was you from the get go. Nice try though." I sneer at them, walking into the dark building following them deeper inside. They lead me down some stairs to a gray steel door.

"He's in here." Ed opens the door. Soon as he does I notice there is only a single light above the person in the chair. There is muffled yelling.

"Shut up!"The noise ceases when a woman smacks the person who's making all the fuss. I guess she senses our presence because she turns her attention to us.

"Oh heyy, sorry about that. This one here," She points behind her, "Just doesn't get the memo like Hello! No one can hear you! It's just annoying you know?" She speaks in such a joking tone and friendly tone. However, the situation is the opposite which causes me to look at her a bit crazy.

"Yeah I get it… Melanie this is Freeman. Freeman, this is the owner of the building as of right now." Rummy finally introduces me to the random girl.

"Yep daddy left it all to me." Melanie clasps her hands together, smiling. Then she focuses her eyes on me, "I heard a lot about you, unfortunately they failed to mention how cute you are." She winks. 'Well this is awkward.'

I clear my throat, "I'm spoken for but I appreciate that you're letting me use your space."

"Aww darn, that's too bad. Well at least you are polite about it... I'll let you guys do your thing." Melanie slowly drags her hand across Ed's stomach before leaving and Ed bites his lip,watching her leave the room.

"Man that girl is a tease. I'm for sure hitting that tonight." I cringe at his statement.

"Can that wait till we're done with this please?" I question, annoyed.

"I was just saying." He puts his hands up.

I roll my eyes and bring my attention to the person tied up in the chair. His eyes pleading, slightly whimpering to be released. He looks pathetic. Different from his usual arrogant look. It's funny how the tables have turned.

"Hello Cairo. How's it going old friend?" I inquire rhetorically.

"I bet you probably never thought you would see me again?" I walk around him leisurely, "I thought it was time I pay you a visit."

"Nothing to say?" I put a hand on my ear. He muffles something through the gag.

"What was that? Oh right… Take his gag off." I tell Ed. He roughly removes the gag so Cairo can speak.

He swallows, "Huey what is this?" Cairo speaks out of breath.

"That's not what I asked you."

"Cmon whatever this is I'm sure whatever this is we can work this out. W-what do you want? Money? I can get it." He says frantically.

"Nah I don't want your fucking money… but you certainly are going to pay."

"W-what? Did Jazmine tell you to do this?" I whip my head around and stalk up to the chair. I kick it over, Cairo winces when he face plants to the ground.

"Leave her name out of your mouth. Don't say it. Ever. Again." I spit out angrily. I lift him back up, harshly.

"Look I got a kid on the way… you can't kill me man." Cairo pleas.

I scoff, "You weren't so worried about that child when you laid hands on the mother." He's silent after that, confirming Jazmine's theory. He's despicable. Every minute that went by he just looked more and more punchable. I removed my hoodie, This scenario is going to get dirty soon.

"Damn it's hot. You hot?" I question Cairo who just looks down and grunts.

"Speak up!" I command, "Nothing's stopping you now."

He spits then looks up, "Fuck you!"

"Ah ah ah," I click my tongue, "I'd watch how you speak to me because it can get ugly real fast." I warn him with dark eyes before returning the gag over his mouth.

I turn to an amused Ed and Rummy, "Leave us."

"What?! I don't think that's the best idea."

"Relax, I got this." I assure them.

"You sure?"

"I said I got it. Alright?" I snap at the two.

"Cool. Cool." They put their hands up, "We'll be right outside." I nod as they leave the room.

I walk up to Cairo and pull a flick knife out my pocket, his eyes widen and he shakes his head fearfully.'What a bitch. I didn't even touch him yet.' My mouth forms into a smirk while cutting the duck tape and fabric that binds him to the chair. His face returns to normal. I snatch the gag from around his mouth, tossing it aside. Cairo stands up from the chair, caressing his wrist, sucking in a breath. I place my knife on my hoodie.

"You see I'm a fair man, Cairo… so I'm going to give you the option to fight back." I flex my fists.

"Huh? I'm not fighting you." He speaks confused.

"What, can't fight a man?" I taunt. He has no problem hitting women.

"Please, I'm not afraid of you." He scoffs.

"Oh, on the contrary you should be." My tone becomes serious, "You know you never could beat me when we were kids but maybe something has changed being that you have been practicing using your fists on women." He has nothing to say after this but his jaw tightens. So I continue...

"And you know Jazmine, can't get enough of me. Tells me she is so glad she never slept with you." I provoke.

"Shut it!"

"I fuck her, good. All the time, might I add. Says I'm the best she's ever had. Too bad you can't relate." I rub it in until he's about to blow. Cairo can't hold it in anymore, he charges at me. But I step aside dodging him.

"Come on, you can do better than that." This time he swings for my head, but I move my head and he misses.

Again and again he tries but fails, "Fuck you and that bitch!" He shouts. 'And that's where I draw the line.' In one swift move I sweep my leg under her, clipping him to the ground. Before he can lift up my fist connects with his face knocking him back on the floor.

"This is for the mother of your unborn child!" Punch. "And This is for Jazmine!" Punch.

"And everything you put her through." Punch. Jazmine's bruised face flashes through my mind and adrenaline kicks in at the maximum. My punches almost start to move in a rhythm, I punch his face over and over. I've been waiting to do this for more than I can remember.

After that I'm sure I blacked out because next thing I know I'm being pulled off by Ed and Rummy. I thought I told them to wait outside, when did they get in here.

"Alright that's enough, you were going to kill him." I blink gathering myself and composure. Catching my breath, I see Cairo on the ground groaning. I heard his pleas for me to stop but I couldn't, I ignored them. They became background noise. He deserved every blow. Every hit.

"You're lucky I didn't kill you." I spit on the ground beside him.

"Damn Huey, you did him sheisty!" Ed and Rummy share a laugh. I just stare at the bloody, bruised face on the ground. The little bitch boy starts to cough up blood 'Ahh what a sight!' and I feel satisfied.

"And you better not tell a single soul or I'll finish the job, next time." I head him a warning, grabbing my hoodie off the floor.

I zip it up, "You guys got him from here?"

"Yeah we got him."

"Alright, text me when it's done. I know my way out. Later."

"Peace." The two bid goodbye and I walk out of the building to my car.

On the road, I mindlessly drive around for a while. Probably till the sun starts to come up, I can't go home yet. I need to calm down, I'm not in the right state of mind to be around anybody. Going over the events that just partook. I know I meant to deliberately hurt Cairo but not to that point. I do not know what came over me. I probably gave him a concussion, I sit on this thought for a second.'Oh well.' It's not like he didn't deserve it. Don't get me wrong I do not regret what I did one bit. Although, I sort of regret going against Jazmine's wishes…

After some dabbling I make my way home. Walking inside the door to be met with a startled Jazmine.

"Your back! I was becoming a bit worried you weren't answering my calls or text."

"My phone died." I lie, "What are you doing up so early?" I inquire, it's about 7:30 in the morning.

"I woke up to use the bathroom an hour ago and I noticed you were gone. Couldn't fall back asleep." She admits bashfully.

"How Cute." I comment before she eagerly lays a kiss on my lips. She places her hands on my chest, I feel her let out a breath of relief, 'Did my presence really affect her that much?' Guilt is slowly creeping up on me. When her finger is playing with the zipper on my hoodie, I fear she's about unzip it. 'She can't do that.' So I take her hands in mine to break the kiss.

"Mmm, your hands are cold… Oh my god, Huey! Your hands!" Jazmine gasps,examining my tore up and busted knuckles. I should've figured she'd ask about those. 'Should've put on those gloves.' I scratch the back of my neck.

"Well you see… I got too carried away with the punching bag at the gym. That's where I went, way earlier this morning." I hate lying but it's for the greater good.

"You need to be careful, that looks bad" Jazmine scolds. But She's really just being thoughtful, a trait I need to take in mind more often .

"I know. I'm going to take a shower. I'm sweaty." I state a little too fast. However, it is true because she's making me nervous as hell.

"Yeah I didn't want to say anything but you smell." Jazmine teases, putting a finger under her nose.

"Oh really?" I wrap my arms around her, gathering her in a snug bear hug.

"Stop, ew!" She giggles. Something about her laugh makes me feel warm inside. Like I'm right where I'm supposed to be.

"What? I thought you like hugs."

"Yeah not when you're all sweaty… Get off Huey." Jazmine laughs louder and I let go of her.

"That's for talking trash." I tell her before walking into the bathroom.

I lock the door and unzip my hoodie, there's numerous blood stains on my shirt, I need to make sure to throw that away later. I hop into the shower, I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding as the water hits my back. It's relieving. The day just started and I already wanted it to be over.

Jazmine's POV

I lay on the bed scrolling through instagram, Cindy posted a cute picture of her and Caesar. 'They are really couple goals.'

"Jazmine!" Huey calls from the shower.

"Yes!" I answer him.

"Can you pass me a towel? They're in my closet."

"Sure." I walk over to his room closet. "Ow!" I stub my toe on something hard in there. I look down and it's just a pile full of clothes. I roll my eyes for a man who likes his things neat, he seriously needs to organize his closet... Wait… clothes are soft. 'So what did my toe hit?' I lift up the jackets and it reveals a silver square case, I flip it open. Displaying knives and a gun?! My eyes pop open in shock. He has a gun? And a few knives. What does he need all this for? 'Ok relax Jazmine, most people have guns nowadays. Hell! I need one, I live alone. ' But I don't know isn't this a little extreme. I mean probably not but he could have told me. Like it would be nice to know that I'm in a place with a gun under the roof.

"Did you get it?" Huey's voice jumps me out of my thoughts.'Crap! The water stopped.' I'm going to look like a creepy stalker. Quickly, I close the case and put the pile back how it was. Then rapidly find and grab a towel for him.

I nearly run into the bathroom, and Huey looks at me weirdly through the small crack in the shower glass door, "What?" He questions.

"Nothing." I try to assure him and myself.

"I would have asked you to join, but you took too long." He smirks and I roll my eyes.

"Not a problem, I'll take one after you get out." Huey steps out the shower with the towel wrapped around his waist. Looking at the water dripping down his abdomen, maybe I did miss out on the chance.

"Can we go get breakfast and to my place afterwards?" I question, gathering stuff for my shower.

"Alright." Huey agrees.

Late in the afternoon

At the moment I'm on my couch straddling Huey. My hands on the back of his neck as we make out feverishly. I don't know how we end up like this all time, not too long we were debating over what to get for dinner. How it escalated to this? I have no idea. He caresses my back lightly and the slight friction between our cores feels incredible. Before it can get further my phone rings, I pull away groaning irritated. My brows crease at the Caller I.D. I don't know the number but it has a Chicago area code. 'Could be work or someone important.'

"Who is it?" Huey questions.

"Don't know the number."

"So ignore it." Huey says dismissively.

"It might be important." I click the accept call button, Huey sucks his teeth and sits back.

"Hello?" I wonder who it is.

"Is this Jazmine?" The person on the other line speaks quickly. I don't recognize the voice.

"This is her. Who's this?" I stare in front of me waiting for the person to answer.

"Ok good. It's Ariana."

"Oh hey Ariana. What's up?" I catch Huey rolling his eyes. "Behave" I mouth to him. However, he does the opposite and places sloppy kisses on my jaw down to my neck. The line is silent for a second.

"Hello? You there?" I ask, shoving Huey back a little because he's distracting me slightly.

"Yeah sorry about that. Something bad has happened." Ariana tells me seriously.

"What do you mean?"

"It's Cairo… he's in the hospital." My stomach sinks hearing the distraught in her voice. It's not a secret I don't care for Cairo but I wouldn't wish anything on anyone's' health.

"Wait, Cairo's in the hospital? What happened?" I slide off Huey, who has an unreadable expression off his face. His brows furrowed.

"Yeah… he was found in an alley of a nearby club by someone. His system is full of drugs and he was beaten terribly."

"Oh my god." I cover my mouth in astonishment.

"The police figured it was drug dealers after their money or something but I don't know Cairo and drugs? Doesn't sound like him." Ariana says unconvinced.

"Yeah I agree. Cairo's a lot of things but a drug addict? No." I shake my head. How would he even get involved in that? I'm pretty sure his job is very strict about that stuff if I'm not mistaken.

"You're right. I don't know how he could have gotten into this. It's really horrible Jazmine, they had to put him into a coma."

"Wow, I don't even know what to say. That's crazy. I hope you're managing as best you can." I just know this is putting a lot of stress on her and the baby.

"Yeah um trying… Can I admit something to you?" Ariana's voice becomes quiet.

"Yep, Go ahead."

"I'm actually glad the son of the bitch is in a coma." My eyes widen. Well I was not expecting that.

"He's put me through hell this past year. Now I'm finally able to get away from him… Jazmine you can't tell anyone but now is the perfect time for me to run off with the baby. I'm going to do it." Wait, she's going to leave. Huh?!

"Woah that's a huge step and decision to make. I mean are you sure? Where would you go?!" I know she wants to get far from him but she's gotta be sure about it.

"I've got family in Columbia, I'm going to go there. They already agreed to let me stay with them,have my baby there and they will help. I'm positive about this Jazmine, I have to leave. I can't let my child grow up in an abusive household I just can't." Ariana speaks in a frenzy. I just hope she wasn't letting her current emotions do the decision making for her.

"I understand, Ariana. I just hope you're okay and safe at the end of the day." I assure her.

"I appreciate that and I thank whoever did this to him… " That statement strikes something in my brain. "Ay dios mios it's almost time, go to go. Bye Jazmine!"

"Bye." I respond quickly before she hangs up. I examine Huey, he looks tense and his face is hard. My eyes travel to his hands and it clicks. My blood boils at the sight of his knuckles. This has him written all over it. 'He did it when I specifically told him not to.'

Huey removes himself from the couch, walking to get a bottle of water. He takes a sip as I glare at him.

"What?" He moves the bottle away from his mouth.

"Cairo's in the hospital." I tell him, looking for a reaction. I know he knows what happened, I want him to confirm it.

"Oh." Huey says nonchalantly, finishing his bottle of water. I take a deep breath 'Lord give me strength.'

"Please tell me you didn't..." I pinch the bridge of my nose.

"Okay then I won't tell you." Huey shrugs his shoulders.

"Huey! This is not a joke. He's basically on his deathbed!" I voice frustrated. How could he take this so lightly.

"What do you want me to say? He eventually had it coming and he deserved every single hit from me." Huey's eyebrows furrow in anger.

"I told you I didn't want you to do that and you deliberately went against my wishes. What happened to Karma will catch up with him? Are you the karma police?" I ask sarcastically.

"Well I'm not one for just letting him get away with it. Jazmine you should have seen your face. You're fucking face covered with bruises! I'm not going to say I'm sorry because if I could go back I wouldn't change a thing." Huey speaks unapologetically.

"I can't believe you could do this. You are just so Ugh!" I say for lack or better words, groaning in frustration.

"One day you'll look back and thank me for this."

I scoff, "Thank you for you what? Beating and drugging a man into a coma? How cruel do you sound?!"

"Woah, woah wait I didn't drug him. That must have been Ed and Rummy's doing." I gasp. 'Wait what?' After saying that Huey smacks his forehead. He just slipped up.

"And you bought your friends into this? Wow it just keeps getting better." I shake my head at him unbelievably, "I knew they were freaking dangerous so what you just roll around with gangsters now Huey?"

"I don't run around with gangsters, Ed and Rummy just happen to be people I know. Who happens to get involved in deep stuff from time to time." I let out a condensing laugh. Am I losing my mind or does this man think it's time to play? His revelation about himself, his friends, causes me to think even more deeply.

"You know it all makes sense now, You were planning this all from that day I met them and you didn't want me to figure it out. That's why you seduced me in your office that night." I point at him.

Huey's face scrunches, "Your nuts, I didn't seduce you."

"Ohhh Yes you did! With your whole "I want you so bad, ride me right here" or something like that." I fold my arms.

"Well you didn't object much… Ms. "Only you can make me feel this way, Huey." Sound familiar?" He mocks my voice. I turn red a little with embarrassment and anger.

"Shut up! I don't sound like that. We're talking about you. Also, Did I fail to mention this stuff I saw in your closet? Leads me to believe that you're some sort of hitman or something?"

It's a few seconds before he catches on, "You went through my stuff?" Huey barks. I probably shouldn't have done that but he shouldn't hide important things either.

"That's what you're worried about right now?... It's like I barely even know you."

Huey rolls his eyes, "Trust me if I was a hitman you'd know. You're being ridiculous."

"So inform me Huey," I trail off, "What are those weapons for?"

"Protection." He answers as if it's the most obvious thing in the world. However, I'm not buying that.

I arch an eyebrow, "From what?"

Huey shrugs, "Anything we live in Chicago, you know."

"Bullshit! Tell me Huey, tell me the truth because I can't be with a man that scares me. Not again." I frown.

He grits his teeth, "Don't you ever compare me to Cairo. I'm nothing like that bastard." Looks like I struck a nerve, finally.

"Really? Well you haven't proven otherwise."

Huey walks up in my space, "Stop it. You know damn well we are nothing alike, I don't hit women when things don't go my way." He speaks seriously, pointing in my face to get his point across. Then he walks away.

I follow behind him, "That's still not an answer to my question."

"What do you want from me Jazmine? Just drop it. I already told you the answer." He tries to dismiss the situation.

"I want you to be honest!" I shout.

Huey whips his head around, "Fine! You want me to be honest? I feel like you're always making out a problem out of nothing... I just think you love to argue." Mmm So that's how he feels.

"Well I am going to be a lawyer soon, have to be prepared." I reply smartly.

Huey shakes his head, "I'm done with this conversation. Clearly it's a joke to you." Alright now I feel bad, I shouldn't have said that.

"Wait, stop." I put my hand in front of me to keep him from walking away, "Look I'm sorry, I ask and trip out, only because I care about you." My eyes soften a bit.

"That's the thing, I know you do but lately it's been different." Huey knits his eyebrows together, in thought. 'Oh no did he figure it out?' He can't, it wasn't supposed to be like this. But I have to tell him…

"Because.." I struggle to find the words, "Because I-" Ugh! Why can't I just say it.

"Because what?" He raises an eyebrow.

"Because I didn't expect to fall in love with you." I blurt the words out in a jumble.

Huey's eyebrows shoot up, "You what?"

I take a deep breath, "I love you, Huey." I peer up into his eyes. He stares back before looking away.

"You shouldn't." Um that is not the answer I was expecting but it's better than him saying he doesn't feel the same way, I suppose.

"You're probably right but I do."

"Why?" Huey sounds genuinely confused. And I get it, maybe no one's told him this before or maybe he's wondering why I already feel this way in our relationship.

I fidget with my fingers, "Why do I feel like this?... Well I love the way you think, even though you're quite cynical sometimes you are realistic and intelligent. Even though we argue, you're the only person I want to do it with. I love how I can just be myself around you. I love how you protect me, sometimes too much. I love that you are mean to most but have a soft spot for me. I love the way you are unapologetically you and don't care what people think. I don't know how to explain it any further… I just love you for you." I finally finish. Finding myself smiling for some odd reason.

I just confessed my deep, deep affection for Huey and I feel like I might throw up. We are silent for moments, each minute that passes I feel more and more anxious. I can see that Huey is deep in thought, I just wish he'd say something. Put me out of my misery already.

He clears his throat, "Look Jaz…" He looks off to the side 'Uh oh here it comes, "I'm sorry but…" Oh no, I knew it. "Can I have some days to think about this? This caught me completely off guard. And I need time alone to wrap my head around it." Alright that's better than what I thought he was going to say.

"Uh yes, I understand and respect it. I know I put a lot out there." I sit down on the couch. I don't know if I'm defeated or not.

"Thank you." Huey grabs his jacket, "I'll call you." I nod and he places a kiss on my forehead. At least he's being nice about it. Huey leaves my apartment.

I put my face in my palms, shaking my head. I hope I did not make the wrong choice. I believed it was the correct decision but maybe I shouldn't have gone with my gut feeling. I could have made a mistake. Because now all I am left with is wonder. Wondering if my feelings are reciprocated.