Chapter 33
Still True
Trevor
I walk outof the rec center with LaSalle and Uri, heading for the smoke lounge. I almost didn’t leave with Lynn looking the way she does. If not for the fact that every man here only has eyes for their woman and the fact that Lynn knows I’m her man, I wouldn’t have.
I loosen my tie as I see the others have. When we step into the smoke lounge, I’m impressed. The walls are wrapped in glass. Behind the glass are racks of wines and other spirits. All top-shelf stuff. In the center of the room is a wooden carousel with an intricate woodwork design. The initial B is carved into the middle of the panels.
Misha moves to it and pulls open one of the panels to reveal it’s full of cigars. He plucks out a few and holds them out to us as we enter the room and take seats.
Logan, Brooklyn, Czar, Michael, and Vlad are all already seated. Misha says something to Vlad in Russian, causing him to laugh. The more I get to know these men, the more I’m learning each has multiple personalities.
Uri pours glasses of brown liquor as Michael goes to hand them out. Brad and I favor each other, but not as much as Uri and Michael. The two could pass for twins as if they are, like Caleb and Cameron.
Once everyone has a glass, LaSalle holds his up. We all follow suit. Michael takes a seat, but Uri and LaSalle remain standing and Misha and Logan rise.
“To family and a life hard fought for. Salute,” LaSalle says.
“Salute,” we all say and sip the whiskey.
It’s smooth and smoky. I nod my head at the glass and take another sip. It was a long day, but I can’t say I’m not happy we came over.
“Trevor, I didn’t ask you here to just have a smoke and drink. In this room, you have the heads of our family. It’s not one of blood, but one of immense trust. A bond we’ve forged through bloodshed and triumph,” LaSalle says.
Uri, Logan, and Misha nod at me. They all take a seat, and Czar, Michael, Brooklyn, and Vlad stand. They each look at me as I listen to LaSalle’s words.
LaSalle continues. “Our captains are our eyes in this world of ours. They are always watching over the family. Our New York ventures will always connect you to one of these four.”
They all give me a similar gesture to the ones before them. I swirl my drink in my glass, knowing this meeting is solidifying my connection to this organization Brad has already connected with.
“If a time should arise where you want to branch out around the world, we can make that happen as well. Africa, Russia, Japan, Dubai, Australia, Ireland, Scotland, Italy—our reach knows no bounds.
“Nothing in life is outside of our reach. We are problem solvers. I will solve problems you don’t see and those you do,” he says.
“Do you know why he’s telling you this?” Uri asks.
“No,” I reply honestly.
“A request has been made on your behalf. After consideration, I intend to allow the request. When I take something, I give something in return.”
LaSalle comes over and hands me a key. I take it from him and examine it. It looks like an ordinary key.
“What’s this for?”
“A gift. You don’t remember conceiving your children. Tonight, when the function is over, that key will give you access to a cabin for you to know the feel of looking into the eyes of the one you love as you create life.
“We all know this memory you seek and would kill if that were taken from us. This is the one and only out I will offer. You take this key, you are taking all that comes with it. A gift has been given and a burden will be taken.
“When I take what’s due, you will turn a blind eye to it because we’re family. Hurting family will only hurt you. If you don’t think you can handle that type of loyalty, give me the key back and go.
“I will tell Brad it didn’t work out. We all go away. You are forgotten to us and we are forgotten to you. No harm, no foul,” LaSalle says.
“And if I choose to keep it?”
“There is more to that gift.”
“What more could there be?”
“I have done what you have asked of me,” Uri replies. “I looked into who you were married to.”
“Now we have a file. A file that reveals the answers you want. But I have a question for you,” LaSalle says.
“I’m listening.”
“You want answers, but are you ready for who those answers will make you? You can’t have one foot in and one foot out. I’ve been there, I’ve tried that. You are not going to like what we know.”
“I don’t ask for things I don’t want.” I place the key in my pocket.
There’s no turning back for me. I don’t understand all that’s going on, but I do know these people are holding pieces of my life that I need to have. I know there’s more to what Donna has done.
LaSalle looks me in the eyes, searching. When he finds what he’s looking for, he nods. Cody enters the room in that moment.
I turn to look at him and note the solemn look on his face. He hands LaSalle a manila envelope and takes a seat next to me. He hands me a different envelope.
I take it and open it. My blood begins to boil as I flip through and scan the pages. I can’t believe what I’m reading.
“I always allowed her and Elise to believe I told Cakes’ family about this. Although it would have led to the same outcome, the same hands, I didn’t go to them. I didn’t know the connection at the time,” Cody says.
“That night when we returned to the apartment from our date, we found Cakes shaken up. She had a bruise on her face, and she was still in shock. It took a few hours, but she told me and Elise she was almost raped.
“I went to LaSalle for help. I was his assistant at the time, but not for this side of the business. However, I knew who he really was. I had a motto back then. Hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil.
“I did my job and continued to mind my business. That earned LaSalle’s respect and friendship. I shared with him what happened.
“He hired Matthew to be her companion, no questions asked. She was my family, so she was his. Walter was found in Cuba with coke up his ass, slumped next to a pool,” Cody explains.
“Even then, no one wanted to cross me or my family. Everyone connected to him acted as if he never existed. I hadn’t known Lynn was Nate’s cousin.
“I still hadn’t become as thorough as I am now. You live and learn.” LaSalle shrugs.
“What does this have to do with this?” I say pointing to the papers in my hand.
“Bobby was involved with Walter’s final experience. Walter admitted to being sent to harm Lynn. All he could give was a last name.
“Lancaster,” I bite out.
No wonder Bobby had that look when he asked for Donna’s maiden name. I stand, ready to storm out. Brooklyn, Czar, and Logan surround me.
“Now, mate, would be the time to harness that temper. Yes, we can clean up after you, but that only makes our lives bloody harder,” Uri says.
“Sit down, my friend. Room full of killers, da. Are you one of them, Net?” Misha adds.
“Nor are we asking you to be. There is more but I don’t think tonight is the night for me to dump all this information on you.
“Remember, I’m taking a burden and handing over a gift. Don’t do anything you will regret. Her fate is sealed,” LaSalle says.
“She will be hushed. We’re just putting space and time between your incident and her demise,” Uri says calmly.
“This can’t fall back on you. I want it done clean,” LaSalle says.
I clench and unclench my fists, wanting to punch through a wall or something. First, she sent that letter, then she sent someone to attack Lynn. What the fuck else has that psycho done? They have a fucking file and feel they need to drip-feed me.
“When you do take her out, I want to watch,” I say through my teeth.
“If that’s what you want, but if I allow that, you’re in deeper than you are now. You become an accomplice. Any plausible deniability floats out the window.”
“Then call me guilty,” I snarl. “Hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil. Is that how you put it?”
“Have it your way. It will be messy. As will be your demise if you betray us,” Uri says.
“You have nothing to worry about. I’m a man of my word.”
“Which is why I like ya. Let’s head back to the party,” Logan says.
* * *
Lynn
“Are you enjoying yourself?”Ryan Black asks as he comes over to sit beside me.
Trevor took off to have a drink with LaSalle and Uri. Uri mentioned something about cigars. I’m not expecting him back anytime soon.
“Yes, I am.”
I’m having so much fun. Trev seems to be enjoying himself as well. My jaw almost hit the floor when he came out of the bedroom dressed in a Tux. Trevor Monroe cleans up nice.
He looked like a movie star. They all do. I’m surrounded by some fine men and gorgeous women. All unique and with their own quirks, but attractive in their own right just the same.
The rec center at the Billings ranch has been transformed into Club Black for the evening. I laughed when we stepped inside. They even have a sign hanging with the name.
“Good, we always want our friends happy,” Ryan says smoothly.
I side-eye him. Nellie told me this was the brothers’ idea. Something about payback or something. I’m amused to see what else they come up with.
This place looks like a prom or something. Sheer black fabric is hanging from the rafters, and lights and silver balls are hanging all over. There’s even a stage set up.
All the men are dressed in tuxes. The women are dressed to kill. I thought my dress was sexy, but Tasha and Val have taken the prize on that one.
I still can’t believe Tasha has a six-month-old. To be honest, most of the women here look like they work out or train or something. I sure wouldn’t pick a fight for sport with any of them.
“Have the ladies mentioned any plans for this evening to you?”
I lift a brow as I try to hold in my laughter. He’s really trying to pick me for information. I fold my arms across my chest.
“I wouldn’t tell you if they did. I’m insulted you thought I would snitch.”
“It was worth a try,” he says and winks.
He looks past me and blanches like a kid caught with his hand in the cookie jar. He jumps up and hurries off. I’m left chuckling after him.
“Hello, Lynn. I was told to come and retrieve you. Come with me to sit with the ladies. The bosses will be with Trevor for some time.”
I look up to find the woman with the pretty brown eyes. Although she doesn’t make eye contact much, her eyes stand out. They are large and bright, and she has such pretty natural lashes. She also has a cute nose and pretty mouth.
Her features draw your attention. They match well with her long dreadlocks. You can tell her dreads are well kept and cared for.
She tends to spend a lot of time with Sammy when I see her. Other than that, I’ve seen her mostly with Michael Donati. While I’ve noticed a wedding band on his finger, I’m not sure she’s his wife.
“Sim, right?” I say to her.
“Yes, I am Sim. Symphony is my given name, but I’ve grown accustomed to answering to Sim. I would prefer you call me Sim.”
“Good to know,” I say and stand.
“I should get to know you if you’re returning to New York. I am the captain there. If you go to California, you will want to make contact with Roni.
“DJ is also a New York Captain. Cole doesn’t like it, but it’s so. It is better to reach out to me,” she says so matter-of-factly.
“Captains?”
“Oh, you still don’t know. I’m sorry I misspoke. I have said nothing. We will sit with the others.”
With that, she shuts down. Almost like a robot. I’ve met Roni and DJ.
The two give off badass vibes, although that’s par for the course around here. Sim comes across like a silent killer. I don’t pry any further because I don’t want to be next on her list.
“Ah, there you are,” Val says as we approach the table. “I’ve been learning a lot about you. You’re not my little innocent songbird, are you?”
“I’m innocent until provoked.”
“I knew I liked you,” she says.
“Come, sit between us,” Tasha says, waving me over.
Sim steps aside, and I go to sit between Val and Tasha. I look around at all the smiling faces. So many shades of brown and complexions of beauty.
However, I know this is a complex bunch. Mothers, wives, and something more that I’ve yet to figure out. This is without a doubt a sisterhood.
Everyone falls into a cheerful banter. The laughs keep coming, and my smile stays on my face. When LaSalle, Uri, Logan, and Misha return to the table, we all return to our seats as well. That’s when the real fun begins.
True Life hasn’t put out an album in a few years, so I’m hyped to hear them play. I think Pook would have liked their music. I, for one, am a fan. Kitty and Rage have such great chemistry on and off the stage.
A movie was done about their love story. I loved it. I’m totally fangirling tonight.
After their set, I notice the Black brothers making their way to the stage. I look around and find mischievous smiles on the women’s faces. A few have thrown on capes.
It has gotten cool in here. I have on Trev’s tux jacket to keep me warm. The capes are just a next level diva move; I wish I would have thought of it before leaving the house.
Seven old-fashion mics on stands have been lined up on the stage, piquing my interest. I look at Trev, and he shrugs his shoulders. That’s when Crush, the drummer from True Life, begins to play, and Rage joins in with a guitar. Nicholas … no, is that Gavin?
“Is that the mute?” I whisper to Trevor.
“Yes. He can still breathe, darlin’. He doesn’t need to speak to play a horn,” Trevor says in amusement.
“Duh, you’re right. He’s really good. I know this song.”
They’re playing “Can I Call You Rose?” by Thee Sacred Souls. I really like this one. The Black brothers stand on stage causally, picking at invisible lent on their tuxes, fixing their ties, running their hands through their hair, and tugging at their cuffs.
What I’m not expecting is the vocal track that comes on to accompany the live playing. In one smooth move, all seven brothers slide to the mics.
Wyatt grabs his and tilts it forward as he lip-syncs as if crooning into the mic. The other brothers are the background singers as they do a slick two step. During the song, they wave their wives up on stage.
The ladies go up on stage, and the guys begin to lip-sync to them as they dance with them to the song. It’s a swoon-worthy performance. John spin Roni until her back is to his front, and he seems to be singing in her ear. Ryan has Carmen’s face in his hands as he sings against her lips.
All the men in the attendance stand and hold out their hands to their significant other. Soon all the couples are swaying to the sweet song. I place my head against Trev’s chest as we dance together.
I look up when he seems to be holding me tighter than necessary. He’s staring off into space, rocking his jaw as if agitated.
I reach up and cup his jaw. He drops his gaze to mine and gives me a smile. I search his face as worry sets in.
He’s been a bit different since he and the others returned. It’s as if he’s forcing a smile. I give him a questioning look, but he shakes his head.
He then dips his head and takes my lips tenderly. I hold his face to mine. He deepens the kiss. It turns passionate and possessive real fast.
Suddenly, the sound of a record scratching fills the air. I break the kiss and look toward the stage. The brothers are looking around like they’re innocent.
Then a new song starts. I know that voice. It’s Beenie Man. “Hmm Hmm” is now blaring through the speakers, turning our party into a dancehall.
The beat drops and everything changes. All the brothers had lost their tux jackets during the first song. Now they have torn away their shirts and are standing up there with bare chests.
They start to roll their shoulders and upper bodies as they step side to side. Noah grabs Bean by her hips and begins to roll his body into hers.
Then he bends her over, sticks his tongue out of his mouth, lifts his leg, and starts to hump at her back side. The next thing I know, the capes I thought the women had on to keep warm float up in the air.
The sexy dresses from earlier have been replaced with various sexy outfits I’m sure their husbands wouldn’t want them in outside the bedroom. I can tell by the shocked looks on the men’s faces that they weren’t expecting the women to upstage the brothers’ performance.
Roni pushes at John’s chest, and he falls backward onto one hand. She then kicks out one of her legs and straddles him as she grinds and rolls her body to the music. Heather is bent holding her ankles while she twerks like a champ against Braxton, who has sweat pouring down his face and chest as he grabs her hips and rolls into her on beat.
I look around the floor where we are. Tasha has LaSalle by his open shirt as she dances in front of him. She begins to roll her body and dip back with the move. LaSalle follows the move, burying his face in her neck.
Val has hoped onto Uri’s waist. She has one hand in the air and she’s whining and bouncing in his hold. I look at Trev, and he’s watching with a smile on his face.
“When in Rome,” I sing.
I hike my dress up then turn my back to him and pop my ass against him. I look over my shoulder at Trev. His face is filled with lust and shock.
I start to whine my hips. To my shock and surprise, Trev grasps my hips and starts to move with me. Not the stand and watch he used to do when we were younger. I throw my head back into him and laugh.
“I love this you,” I say over the music.
He’s letting go. I think LaSalle and the others are a good influence on him. He takes my lips and kisses me hard.
The rec center starts to empty as couples leave. I’m guessing the heated dancing turned too heated for some. I wouldn’t mind heading home.
As if reading my mind, Trev takes my hand and starts for the exit. However, we don’t head for the cars. I look up at Trev questioningly.
“I’ve been drinking, you’ve been drinking. We’re staying here tonight,” he says.
“We can call a car or have Matthew come pick us up.”
He pulls a key from his pocket and holds it up. “We’ve already been given a cabin to stay in. We’ll head back in the morning.”
“Oh, you want to be nasty, and you want to be nasty now,” I tease.
“Lynn, hush up,” he snorts and begins to laugh.