The Gangster and His Beauty - Gangsters in Love Series

11

"It's nice to have some time off today." Shaion's voice carried over the racks of clothing but I could see her anywhere.

I'm too busy looking out the window of this tiny store selling fancy clothings. Gael has not mentioned much about this "mission" all I know is that me looking for a dress has something to do with it.

"Leilani?"

"Yeah?"

"You zoned off."

"Oh, sorry I was just" –I look for an excuse– "Looking at this outfit."

"That looks really cute." Fashion parts the racks and goes through it instead of just coming around it like a normal person. She starts fiddling with the clothing and pulls out a slim black dress

"Isn't it kinda tight."

"Well where you'll be going you're gonna need all your feminine charms." She winks at me and takes the dress.

I stealthily trail Shaion through the store. I take the dress from her and enter the dressing room. I enter the spacious dressing room and swiftly slip out of my current outfit, replacing it with a sleek black dress that catches my eye. Its fabric clings to my figure, accentuating my curves in all the right places. I can't help but admire myself in the mirror, the dress making me feel confident and powerful.

Just as I'm about to leave the dressing room, my bag vibrates, signaling an incoming message. I reach inside and retrieve my phone, noticing it's a text from my parents. Despite the chaos surrounding me, I'm still glad they haven't given up yet.

"Hey, are you giving birth there?" Shaion knocks on the door. "I need to know if the dress is a fit or not."

"Coming–I mean dress fits perfectly."

"Okay, then come on out. We don't have much time to stand around."

I quickly type out a response, telling them I'll try to visit. They don't really know what's happening to me. They still think I own the shop and I'm secluding myself in my apartment to mourn uncle Bobby. I don't want to tell them everything because Gael might take them from me if he finds out.

I quickly get out of the dress and out of my normal clothes before meeting Shaion who is waiting for me. We both walked to the cashier and paid for the clothes with a card Gael had given us. I wonder where he gets all of this money. Being in a gang doesn't mean you're rich like that.

"What's next on our list?"

"Let's see..." Shaion read's the list then looks up. "We need to head to the wig store but I don't know where to get them."

"We can just head over to the beauty supply store. They've got plenty of wigs."

"We can walk."

"But we have to take the..."

"I know but I want to spend more time. I miss coming out to the city. Plus, I'd like to get to know you more."

Shaion sighs. "Okay fine."

As I walk alongside Shaion, the familiar scent of hair products and chemicals wafts through the air, triggering a flood of memories from my childhood. It takes me back to the times when I would tag along with my mother to the beauty supply store, eagerly searching for hair products or colorful hair expressions to transform my tresses. The nostalgia tugs at my heart, reminding me of the simpler times.

We reach the entrance of the beauty supply store, and the bright lights and rows upon rows of beauty products greet us. Shaion and I make our way towards the wig section, our footsteps echoing against the polished floor. The anticipation builds within me, curious as to what lies behind this particular choice of destination.

As we approach the wig section, the shelves become a vibrant tapestry of synthetic hair. Various lengths, colors, and styles are on display, each one a potential disguise or transformation. The options are overwhelming, and I find myself drawn to the variety before me.

Shaion and I exchange glances, a silent understanding passing between us. We delve into the sea of wigs, our hands grazing over the different textures and fibers. Memories of playing dress-up as a child come rushing back, and a smile tugs at the corners of my lips.

"So what do you do when you're not cleaning or running odd errands for Gael?" I ask.

"Um, well I work at my other job."

"You have two jobs? Wow, he is a lot greedier than I thought."

Shaion laughs. "No, I get paid enough. I just want to cement my career before my debt has been paid off."

I look at her and pause.

"Everyone working for Gael's got a debt to pay off. You included."

I continue to examine each wig meticulously. I get so lost looking at wigs that I lose Shaion again. But I take my time looking for her. The longer I stay here, the less I have to be in that place. I find myself in the back of the store. There, I see a taller person trying on a blonde wig. Their backs are facing me so I can't see them. Just when I was about to pass them, they spoke.

"Do you think this color looks good on me?"

I blink. Then I match the voice to the face. "Troy?"

"That's my name. Don't say it again or I'll blast you." He pauses after seeing my horrified reaction. "Just kidding. Damn."

"W–what are you doing here?"

"I came to check up on you."

"Are you like our guardian knight now?"

"Nah, it was an order from the man himself. Got to make sure you don't do something that will cost us."
"Like what? calling cops?"

"Nah." He shakes his head. "Worse."

"Calling the cops or running off is the least of your–"

"I know you have a phone."

My blood runs cold. "U–"

"Yeah I saw you take it just before the place was shot up but I didn't say anything."

"Why are you telling me this?"

"Because," he leans up against my ear. "I'm just waiting for you to fuck up. Then I'll tell The Man everything about your little plans."

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why did i just noticed wattpad now has a scheduled post setting? well, now i dont have an excuse  not to post now 😂