Chapter 2
TWO
I needed air in my lungs.
Rose.
I needed a pacemaker to monitor my heart.
Rose.
I needed to peel my eyes out of my skull.
Rose.
I needed to erase the memories from my head.
Rose.
The heart-shaped birthmark between her index finger and thumb was taxing my thoughts, jogging my memory, stealing my breath, and trying to dislodge my heart from my chest.
Two years.
Two whole years.
Two fucking years.
And, after two years, she re-enters my world with vengeance, preparing to flip that motherfucker upside down.
Two fucking years, I’d waited and so easily she falls into the hands of a kid I nearly raised with marriage as their fate. To make matters worse, marriage within a ninety-day timespan.
Kofi wasn’t ready and we all knew he wasn’t. However, his last incident nearly ended his life and brought ours to a screeching halt. Putting it very fucking lightly, he’d scared us all. While death didn’t faze me, it wasn’t a fate I wanted for my siblings. Not while I was still walking the earth, at least.
“Aye.”
I heard Killian, but I couldn’t hear Killian.
The beat of my heart was too loud. The beauty of her laughter was too unnerving. The memories of our time together were coming in too fast.
“Priest,” he whispered. “Aye.”
It was the most daunting task I’d ever encountered. Realigning my vision and freeing her of my orbs cost me a heartbeat or two, but I managed. I cut my eyes toward Killian, needing to know what the fuck he wanted and why the fuck he was beckoning for my attention.
“Are you alright?”
His concern etched away at my sanity.
The woman who tattooed her pussy on my face and stitched the scent of her pussy in my brain is marrying my little brother in ninety days. No, nigga. I’m not okay. I’m losing my shit .
“Um hm,” I lied, cutting my eyes toward my mother and father who were all smiles.
This was a good thing for Kofi. This was a great thing for our family. And, I’d been on board with the idea for two whole years. But, finding out those two years were directly connected to the two years I waited for that damn woman had me conflicted. Because, they could’ve chosen anyone… anyone but her .
“You think this nigga has it in him to go through with this shit?”
I hope the fuck not . I thought, selfishly.
“It’s Kofi. One will never know until the day comes.”
“This isn’t one of those things, P. He’ll be dead wrong for breaking that damn girl’s heart. And, she’s not like the rest of his flock. She might end his life,” Killian chuckled, “We’re worried about the streets killing that motherfucker. It might just be the sheets. I heard them women get down.”
We’d all heard it. We all knew it. Unlike Kleigh, the Childers sisters were immersed in their family’s operation. They weren’t the clueless girls most syndicates raised. They had been primed and prepped since they were young children. They were the oil that kept the fucking machine of an operation fully functioning.
Chemistry kept them hidden in plain sight. I hadn’t had the pleasure of meeting any of them, or so I’d thought, but I knew they were lethal. He was lethal. And, if they were as cold-hearted and wise as the man they praised, then Kofi needed to get his shit together sooner than later. Otherwise, we’d be searching the city for parts of him that were scattered in a very strategic, thoughtful manner.
“In the worst way,” I agreed.
The world is as small as it is round. I couldn’t speak for the others, but the one I’d fixated my orbs on got down, down . Not only in the room with clients but in the bedroom as well.
The Therapist.
She’d fucked me.
Fucked my mind.
Fucked my soul.
Fucked my heart.
Though it was a quickie, she’d left a lasting fucking impression.
“Seeing her makes me wonder where the fuck them sisters hiding. I could use a Childers in my corner.”
“They’re not your type of woman, Killian. Besides, it’ll be a cold day in hell before The Chemist allows it. He’s kept them hidden from us all these years for a fucking reason. He’s only given us access to this one because of our arrangement.”
“Business. Business. Always about business.”
“What the fuck else is there for shit to be about?” I asked, genuinely curious.
“Shit, life.”
“That is life.”
Nodding, he agreed, “I know. I really thought I was going somewhere with that one, but I guess not.”
“I guess not.”
Killian, second born of my father, was possibly the most logical of the three boys. The most tolerable. And, that was mainly because he was most relatable. However, he was far from average. There was a switch in that head of his, one that led me to believe he suffered from multiple personality disorder.
Once it was flipped, he became something so fucking beastly that not even our mother could get through to him. Keeping Killian on the other side of the fence where he was social and sane instead of straddling it was our safest bet. Killian was a fucking nutcase. With the same smile still on his face after having the time of his life, he’d gut the motherfucker who’d provided the experience.
You’d always see Kofi coming. He made it obvious. He never wanted you to be surprised by his presence. When it was your turn to receive the hell he was ready to give, he’d make sure you got the message. He sent a warning before destruction.
Killian was baffling. He left so much to be determined. Everything was always up in the air with him. You didn’t know when, where, why, if, or how he was coming. He was the mystery that solved itself.
Silent and artful. I left little to the imagination. Victims were certain of my presence and certain I’d meet them in hell to relive their final moments when my time finally came.
“She’s pretty.”
She’s wondrous.
“Yeah.”
Rose .
“This nigga better not fuck this up and ruin my chance of meeting those sisters.”
“It’s not happening. Drop it.”
“I can take on The Chemist. Drop that nigga where he stands.”
“But, you won’t. Besides, that motherfucker is too smart. He’s probably already found a hundred ways to kill each of us if he needs to. We are in possession of one of his. If there’s nothing else I’ve learned about him, it’s that he doesn’t fuck around when it comes to those girls.”
“Or at all. Cause, who the fuck crosses an ocean for a woman who took you down an–”
“A man in love, Killian.”
“Women can’t even get their niggas to take out the trash and this nigga was out there swimming with the fucking sharks to get back to his.”
“For a woman he loves, even a woman he likes enough, a man will not have to be asked, told twice, urged, or reminded… He just will. Anything. Any day. Any time. Any place. Nothing will ever be too much to ask of or expect from him. So, crossing an ocean for a woman you love isn’t surprising to me. It’s inspiring.”
“Inspiring?” He sniggered. “Do you even like women anymore, brother?”
With my lips twisting into a smirk, I nodded. No, Killian. I don’t like women. I like that woman .
“The first course is being served. Pay attention.”
The vibration of my cell during dinner hours could only mean one thing. As the appetizers were placed on the table, I excused myself.
“Excuse me.”
On my feet, I made strides toward the door. Simultaneously, I slid my finger across the screen. When I reached the hallway, my ear was glued to the device, waiting to hear what Nikola had to say. Princeton wasn’t in the best of moods when it came time for dinner. The adamant shaking of his head led me to believe he wasn’t interested in the family affair.
Because I respected his decision, I refused to bring him along and have him feeling the weight of my decision when he’d clearly made his own. He was in bed with his knees to his chest and his pajamas on when I left. Whatever was happening in that little head of his had him down a bit. Unfortunately, he wasn’t capable of telling me what was on his mind so I could help. I was still hopeful we’d get past the communication barrier one year, but year five probably wouldn’t be it.
“How is he?”
“He’s fine. He just seems a little… down.”
“Yeah. I felt that, too.”
“He’s usually sleep by now, but he’s not. He’s awake. Quiet and calm, but still awake.”
I cleared my throat and loosened the tie that had began choking me at the sound of her words. Something was bothering my son and I had no way of easing his mind. That shit pained me in the worst way.
“If anything changes, call me.”
“I– okay.”
“You what, Nikola? What else is there?”
“I just left his bedroom and– I don’t know if I’m just– nevermind.”
“It’s never nevermind when it comes to my son. Tell me what you saw when you left his bedroom.”
“I turned as I was closing his door. I’d just tucked him in, again. And, he was signing. Not to me. Just– discreetly.”
Though he knew many, there was only one he chose to utilize and it had been over a year since I’d witnessed its use. The idea of his discontentment stemming from the neglect his mother’s absence taunted him with left me stomped.
“Goodnight, Nikola.”
I wasn’t interested in prolonging the conversation. Instead, I ended the call and returned to the table. The churning of my stomach wasn’t from the lack of content. My appetite wasn’t as demanding as it had been before I stepped out. It was a result of my son’s heartache.
Every inch of me grew uneasy. I leaned forward with my elbows on the table. The clearing of a throat reminded me of the lack of etiquette on full display. Slowly, I removed them and opted for the arms of the chair. A single wink and Kleigh’s attention shot across the table.
My eyes followed hers, landing on the incredible creature that sat next to Kofi and my mother. Upon settling on her beauty, my heart rate slowed. The aching eased. My nerve endings gathered. And the void I’d been plagued with didn’t feel so fucking insatiable.
“Was that Nikola?” Our mother questioned, forking the stuffed ravioli.
“Yes.”
I observed furrowed brows as the muscles in her face flexed. The perplexity of Rather was quite intriguing. Something within her was stirred at the sound of my voice. Or, maybe it was my imagination. Either way, I sensed her displeasure.
“Is everything alright?” My father followed up. “With Princeton?”
“Yes.”
“Good. Good. We missed him tonight,” Ashland spoke for everyone at the table.
“So much,” Kleigh groaned.
Because I didn’t have anything to add, I remained silent. Dinner salads were the next course. They were all pre-dressed with a healthy amount of house dressing our mother created at the top of each month.
Rather was pleasantly surprised by the new flavor. Her eyes lit up. Her posture straightened. And her cheeks peeked as the first bite touched her taste buds. I was quickly reminded of the way her cheeks fattened the first time I touched her taste buds.
Fuck.
I blinked away the vision of her cleaning herself from my shaft. This wasn’t the place. Neither was this the time. I’d spoil my appetite.
Entrees were served. Dessert was the final course. I had very little interest in either. I was craving something a bit more savory. The second the plates were cleared from the table, I was up on my feet, prepared to bolt out the front door. Kleigh grabbed a hold of me before I could dismiss myself.
“You barely touched your food, big guy.”
“A lot on my mind.”
“Anything I can help with? Anything you care to talk about?”
“No.”
“If you won’t talk to me then maybe you can talk to Kofi’s new fiancée. She’s a therapist and a damn good one from what I hear.”
“That’s good for her… and him. He needs a fucking therapist.”
“I won’t disagree with that, but so do you.”
I won’t disagree with that . I thought.
“I’m leaving, Kleigh. Can you let me go?”
Her arms were wrapped around me as she looked up at me. She didn’t understand boundaries or personal space. Having a sister was a gift and a curse. Kleigh didn’t give a fuck. Physical touch was her love language and because she loved her brothers dearly, we were always in her underneath her palms, in her arms, under her lips, and against the side of her face.
“Say please.”
I placed a hand on her shoulders and pushed, slightly. Like a rag doll, she slid backward.
“Goodnight.”
“Rude!” She yelled behind me, “And, goodnight to you, too.”
Unbothered by her theatrics, I continued out of the door. I wouldn’t hear the end of our parents’ mouths tomorrow for departing without letting them know, but that was another obstacle for another day. Today, though, I had somewhere to be.
I shuffled around in the glove compartment of my latest addition to my fleet. Within the last two years, I’d upgraded my whip twice. My latest purchase and most frequent set of wheels housed the small garage opener. It transferred cars each time I did. I never left it behind in the event I received the call I’d been waiting two years for.
At the very last minute, I scheduled a visit to The Mansion . As I pulled into the gates, I noticed just how much had changed since my last visit. A new set of suites had been built on the property. The landscape layout had been changed. Though manicured, the lawn was much different.
The garage lifted at the push of a button. Once inside, I shut off my engine and lowered the door behind me.
9:55pm.
The time on the dash seemed bigger, bolder tonight. With five minutes to spare, I reclined my seat slightly and brushed a hand over my face. Everything was beginning to make sense. The odds of it being two years since I’d last saw Rose and it being two years since The Chemist had succumb to the consequences of falling for a Fed weren’t coincidental.
9:58pm.
I exited the car. Though I was expecting dust to clutter the shelf holding the masks, it was squeaky clean. For seconds, I contemplated, staring at the options presented. There were two additional masks, making six in total. Things had certainly changed. I made a mental note to check the updates I’d been sent through email.
Red.
My drug of choice. I slid the strap over my head and pulled it down my face. Simultaneously, a familiar voice came over the loudspeaker.
“Good to see you, Mr. Valentine.”
“Good evening, Ursula.”
“Is there anything we can do for you tonight? We weren’t expecting you.”
“Unless you can bring her to my suite within the next thirty minutes, no… There’s nothing you can do for me.”
“Goodnight then, Mr. Valentine.”
Goodnight. I thought, turning the knob of my suite door.
10:00pm .
I cracked open the door of my suite for the first time in two years. While everything was exactly the same, nothing truly was. Everything was different. I’d stepped onto foreign territory or so it seemed.
10:06pm.
I settled in with a glass of ice topped with Hennessy from a fresh bottle. The staff were quick on their feet. I’d notified them of my pending arrival less than an hour ago and my liquor was waiting along with snacks and a welcome package as if I was a new resident.
10:08pm.
I stood near the door, leaning on the counter with my irises fixed on the center. I waited, anxiously, to feel the prominence of Rose’s presence. I waited to hear the gentleness of her knock. I waited for the potency of her aura.
Waited for her to move when I said so.
Waited for her to speak when I said so.
Waited for her to think when I said so.
10:25pm.
I stood in the same spot, finishing my drink with a smirk stretching my lips. A shake of my head led me to push off the counter and straighten the slight curve of my spine.
“Pull your shit together, nigga.”
I tossed my glass back and began chumping on the small cube of ice left. It melted almost instantly.
“Pull it the fuck together.”
I removed the mask from my face as I descended the steps. Shortly after, I was out of the door, inside of my car, and pulling out of the garage. I pushed the pedal, ready to get home to my son where I should’ve been all along.
11:04pm.
I silenced my engine and made my way inside. I shed my clothing piece by piece until I was completely naked and standing in front of the shower. The low light inside the glass was the only source of illumination. I twisted the knob and adjusted the temperature.
My phone glowed on the counter. Its vibration was muted by the water flowing from the showerhead. I picked it up to find my youngest brother’s name on the screen.
“Speak.”
“Come outside, nigga. We’re celebrating.”
“Celebrating what, exactly?”
I ran my hand down my goatee, smoothing it down.
“Me being forced to give up my fucking freedom to be tied down playing husband and shit.”
“Kofi.”
“In ninety fucking days to be frank.”
“Kofi.”
“Yes, I had a long fucking time to prepare but who the fuck can prepare for some shit they didn’t want, my nigga?”
“Kofi– are you intoxicated?”
“Did you not hear anything I just said? Whether I’m drunk or not is no–”
“Where is Killian?”
I didn’t give a damn about his saltiness. His safety was my only concern.
“I don’t need a babysitter.”
“You’ve proven you do.”
“I assume that’s why you and Pops worked out this little deal? A babysitter. Is that what she is?”
“If we wanted a motherfucker to babysit you, we would’ve hired one. She’s a fucking person, Kofi. Someone to keep you occupied so you’re not risking your life every day of the week with your definition of a good time.”
“Whatever man. You coming out or what?”
“I’m not. I’m at home with my son where I am staying.”
I ended the call and immediately dialed Killian’s cell.
This fucking nigga, man. Fuck. Kofi was the most careless fucker I knew. He had Honor, from the Baptiste family, beat. But as the years passed us by, he was becoming more of a nuisance than the joke we took him for in his earlier days.
Killian picked up on the second ring.
“Yeah.”
“Where are you?”
“With this nigga. Kleigh and I.”
“Good. Where’s Ro– Ro– Where’s his fiancée?”
“She’s home sleep, I suppose.”
Good. She didn’t need to witness his bullshit on her first night home.
“Alright. Eyes open. Keep Kleigh safe and that fool from killing himself.”
“That’s why I’m here.”
I ended the call with one person in mind.
She’s home sleep, I suppose . Killian’s words looped in my head.
She has six sisters . I reasoned. She’s not the one, Priest .
“She’s not,” I groaned, “Unless God has fucking jokes or some shit.”
I stepped into the shower and allowed the water to cascade down my chest and back.
But, the smell of her perfume .
It was special. Unique. And, smelled so fucking good.
“Riot. From a small fragrance company my sister loves. It was a gift from her.”
“Tell her I need a gift, too. You smell so yummy.”
I recalled the words exchanged between her and Kleigh.
“Her sister. There are six more of them,” I whispered to myself, “She’s not the one.”
The birthmark .
I couldn’t explain that one, but I prayed her sisters shared the same one to make sense of this all.
She’s not the one .