Chapter 8
EIGHT
I scrolled, checking the sizes of each item in the cart to make sure they were accurate before entering my debit card information at checkout. The Chanel sneakers Rather had scuffed was one of twelve items in the cart I’d filled.
After the confirmation screen appeared, I sat back in the chair at my office desk. The void I felt when I’d entered the sacred space remained. Spending a little bread on her did little to cure the longing in my head and heart.
11:56pm.
Visions of thick sheets, an oversized comforter, and long, brown legs that were freshly shaved and moisturized invaded my thoughts. I closed my eyes, knowing exactly where I wanted to be and who I wanted to share the rest of my night with.
Not at The Mansion, but at mine. Or hers.
Fuck .
My buzzing cell freed me of my transgressions. Silk’s name on the screen could only mean one of two things. Neither were good. I answered with haste.
“Yeah.”
Up on my feet, I began to pace the room before words even escaped him. I’d gotten a call from him two years ago that nearly shattered my world. Seeing his name was triggering.
Kofi.
“Aye, yo, Boss man.”
“I’m listening, Silk.”
“Them niggas from the East that Kofi bumped heads with are in the building.”
“And–”
“So is Kofi. He was toasted before he stumbled through the door. I’m watching that nigga and making sure he’s straight, but I can already tell what type of time these niggas on and they didn’t come alone.”
“How many?”
“Six.”
Six dead men , I thought, headed for my closet. Dead on my arrival .
“Stay put.”
“You already know I am. We’re at Orchid .”
I ended the call. There was no time to linger on the line. Kofi was a sitting duck. Though I knew he could handle his own, the influence of alcohol and whatever drugs were in his system would delay his reaction, have his aim off, and diminish his ability to move as he should.
Being next to niggas you owed bullets to the dome was enough to tell me he wasn’t in his right mind. It was law– shoot first and ask questions never . He’d broken that one and a few others.
Black tank.
Black hoodie.
Black skully.
Black sweats.
Black socks.
Black shoes.
Black Glock.
I stepped out of the closet with vengeance on my mind. If Kofi wasn’t going to get his, then I was. I’d rather put them niggas in the dirt before they had my entire family dressed in their Sunday’s best crying over Kofi’s casket.
Instead of the Phantom, I opted for the Kia underneath the tarp in my garage with license plates belonging to absolutely no one. It was a dramatic downgrade from what I was accustomed to, but the second I slid into the driver seat, I could smell the blood that would be shed tonight. It was more of the same each time I started the engine and silence followed.
No music.
No phone.
It was just me, my thoughts, and the Glock I would be ditching before the night’s end. It wasn’t my preferred weapon but I couldn’t deny its ability to bark or the bite it packed when I needed a job done with haste. It was easy to handle, compact enough for concealment, and would leave no stone unturned.
As long as my aim was good, then it would leave no witnesses. And, for me, good was an insult. My aim was impeccable. Flawless. Every time I fired, bullets were lodged in something, in someone. It was inevitable.
Orchid was thirty-five minutes away from my home in Mt. Clarke. For twenty-six of them I didn’t make a peep. The descent required silence. I was headed to my depths where I exchanged my sanity for savagery. It was necessary for the task at hand.
Killing a man was as easy for me as snapping a finger, but it demanded a very specific mindset. In order for me to sleep peacefully when I returned home, its presence wasn’t up for discussion. I dug deep, awakening the nigga required for the job.
He was thoughtless. Ruthless. Heartless. Careless. Fearless. And, lacked limits. Lacked logic. Lacked self-control. Lacked a reservation for life. He ended things. People. Empires. Operations.
“Priest,” Ice picked up on the second ring.
“Silk holler at you?”
“Yeah. He called.”
“Kill their feed in eight. I’ll be there in nine, in the door in eleven.”
“I’m on it.”
“Ice.”
“What’s up, Boss?”
“Every camera. I need them blind.”
“Say less.”
Silk was my next point of contact.
“You here?” He asked as soon as he answered.
“In eight minutes I will be. In ten, kill the lights.”
“I’m headed toward the powerbox now.”
When the call on the untraceable line ended, I flipped it and tossed it in the cup holder. Though peeved with Kofi’s inability to straighten the fuck up and put us all out of our misery, his protection would forever be my responsibility. Because, I knew if the roles were reversed, he wouldn’t hesitate to shoot or catch a bullet for me. He was an asshole, but he was a beast when it came to the people he broke bread and shared the same blood with.
In eight minutes I was in the parking lot of Orchid with the strings of my hoodie tightened underneath my neck. The confusion written over the security’s face when the power went out was my sign to exit the car. Right in front of the club, I left it running. Their state of bewilderment made it easy to slip past them and inside.
I pulled the goggles down over my eyes. Instantly, the darkness transformed into an array of greens. I could see everything, including the clubbers who weren’t interested in exiting due to promises being shouted by club management.
“Ohhhh ohhhh. Don’t go nowhere. Having issues with the power. The generators will kick on in a few seconds. Don’t go nowhere.”
Kofi.
I spotted my brother in the booth near the corner. He’d removed his pistols from his waist. They sat on his lap, clutched tightly in his hands.
Smart boy.
Against the wall. Fingers on the triggers. Ready for war.
Don’t worry, brother. I got this.
My thoughts raced as I tried not to draw any attention my way by bumping the people standing around waiting for power.
“In fact,” the loud voice continued yelling, “Let’s count this shit down. Starting from thirty. I bet this shit be back in business. I hope you motherfuckers can count! You ready? I’ma start this shit off.”
Thirty seconds. Thirty seconds, Priest.
The countdown began as my search continued.
Twenty-nine.
Twenty-eight.
I counted along with the crowd.
Twenty-seven.
Twenty-six.
Fuck. Where these niggas at?
Twenty-five.
Twenty-four.
I turned in the opposite direction, knowing that wherever they were it was likely they had a clear view of my brother.
Bingo!
Spotted were six niggas with curious eyes and too much movement for my liking.
Twenty-two.
Twenty-one.
The hunger in my belly intensified as I observed, making my way through the crowd to gain leverage and deplete the distance. Though I could end every one of their lives from where I stood, too many innocent lives hung in the balance.
Eighteen.
Seventeen.
I reached my destination. The gap near their section made things a bit sweeter. I planted my feet firmly on the floor and aimed my weapon. The silencer would make their deaths swift and quiet, just like I wanted them.
Fifteen.
The first bullet split the skull of one of the six men.
Fourteen.
The second one hit the chest of another.
Thirteen.
The third was a neck shot, ending the life of the third soldier.
Twelve.
A fourth succumbed to his injuries immediately.
Eleven.
Between the eyes of an unsuspecting victim, I lodged the fifth bullet.
Ten.
The last member of the crew received an honorary bullet to his chest in addition to the one in the center of his face.
Nine.
I pushed through the crowd, slowly making strides so I didn’t become the center of attention.
Eight.
Seven.
Six.
Five.
I made it to the other side, following the line of people who weren’t crazy enough to stick around during the outage.
Four.
Three.
Two.
One.
I sat in the Kia and before the door closed fully, I tapped the gas. The power was restored as I pulled off the lot. Unfortunately, the cameras wouldn’t be. Not until Kofi was home and safe.
I opted for the scenic route. Without fault, I abided by every traffic law known to man until I reached the overpass between The Tops (Mount Clarke) and the rest of Clarke. In the emergency lane, I shifted the gear into park and stepped out.
Lake Foster kissed the piece I was saying goodbye to. It smacked the water and began to sink instantly. With it now a thing of the past, I got back into the car and was headed for my next destination. Though it wasn’t home, it felt like it.
Twelve minutes into my trip and I was back on foot, putting distance between me and the Kia that would be repainted with a new plate by the week’s end. The quiet street was lined with homes that were all grand in stature but were all incredibly different. The personality of their owners were showcased by their structure, manicured lawns, vehicles of choice, lighting, and decor.
The lights along the lawn glowed as I treaded up the driveway and onto the walkway. I was aware that my presence was prohibited. I was aware that I was crossing lines clearly drawn. I was aware that I was breaking a promise I’d made. I was aware that I was disrupting the comfort I promised to keep.
But, I wasn’t in control of my thoughts, my body, or the insatiable appetite I was developing. My lack of containment led to my fist pounding against the frosted glass, demanding the presence that would put me at peace. I was still in the depths of hell, having an outer body experience and I needed to be pulled to shore. I needed to rejoin society and be hit with a dose of reality. A dose of her .
The door swung open seconds later. The tiger-stripped Baretta pointed at my chest made my dick stand. I knew for a fact the woman behind it wouldn’t hesitate to shoot.
“Priest,” Rather sighed, lowering her weapon.
The short dress she wore clung to her. Jealousy sprouted and blossomed simultaneously. I’d never envied fabric more than I did at the moment. I’d never wanted to be a piece of it more than I wanted to be tonight.
“What are you doing here?”
“Where are you headed, Rather?”
“To mee– I’m supposed to be meeting Kofi at– Orchid. Priest. What are you do–”
I pushed forward, taking her body with me. My hands fit perfectly around her small waist.
“What are you doing he– I have to g–”
“You’re not going any fucking where.”
I removed her piece and placed it on the console table near the door. Rather was gorgeous in all black. Her beauty was unfathomable. Those heels were high, just like I liked them. And, I would take her in them. Still attached to those pretty toes and those legs I needed in the air or bent over the massive staircase that reminded me of one of the three in my home.
Shit, Rose .
Her breath hiked, lifting her chest as I obliterated the distance between us. She was near yet she was too far.
“Priest–” she begged, “You’re breaking you– your promise.”
“Because you made me,” I admitted, “Getting you out of my head is easier said than done. Tonight, I don’t have the strength.”
I lifted her up against the wall, looking into those brown eyes that were reeling me from the pit I’d fallen into.
“You weaken me.”
The confession left me vulnerable. Open. Exposed.
Her forehead leaned into mine. Her lips caressed mine as I pushed her dress up and her thong aside.
“You weaken me,” she professed against my lips, “To the core.”
I entered her mouth with my tongue. Our time at The Mansion would never suffice. I wanted her more. Needed her more. Not just her body, but her mind and that pure heart of hers. At my side. In my bed. In my kitchen. In my shower. In my world, not only in the one we’d created between those few walls in PS102 .
Fuck .
“It’s pathetic,” she whined.
“It’s beautiful, Rose.”
I entered her.
No glove.
No regrets .
“He’s waitinggggggg,” she moaned in my ear.
“He’s going to keep waiting,” I confirmed, deepening our connection by pushing further into her.
She established a grip around me and tightened it as I began to dig into her. The moans erupting from her body were the sweetest sounds I’d ever heard. They could loop in my head all day and night and I’d never get tired of their cadence, of their melody.
“You’re so good–”
We shared sentiments. She was better than good. She was the best. I’d never be able to accurately describe exactly what she was. It was impossible.
Her words were therapeutic. Her presence was analeptic. Her pussy was medicinal.
Damn, this shit is heavenly .
Like a magnet, I was drawn to her. Mentally. Physically. Emotionally. Spiritually. Denial wasn’t enough to deter me anymore. She was quickly becoming the center of my world. Her absence only intensified the feelings that were birthing instead of burying them.
Ninety days was hardly enough. A lifetime felt more justifiable. But, that wasn’t in the hand we were dealt. So, for the time being, enjoyment was the only feeling I needed to honor.
“Yesssss. Ye— Ummmm.”
I could feel her raining down on my tool. With each stroke, she became more slippery. The sounds of her box and our thighs as they met made me delirious.
Smack.
Smack.
Smack.
Smack.
Each time our skin collided, we were notified.
“Yes. Yesss. God. Yes.”
“Urgh. Fuck.”
Smack.
Smack.
I could feel my ending near, but I wasn’t ready to conclude my time in her wetland. Abruptly, I dislodged, refusing us both the climaxes we were chasing.
“Priest!” Rather protested.
Her stickiness strung between us as I lowered her to the floor. It wasn’t until her heels touched the tiles that we completely disconnected.
“Please.”
Cupping her chin, I pulled her closer and buried my tongue in her mouth. When I came up for air, I peered down at her.
“You don’t have to beg for what’s rightfully and undoubtedly yours, Rose.”
I rested my forehead against her cheek, completely gutted by the idea of giving myself to someone else someday. It didn’t sit well with me. Not the thought. Not the reality. Nothing .
“You don’t have to beg.”
She nodded, understanding the words coming from my mouth but not the disruption they caused in my chest.
“Bend over, my dear,” barely above a whisper, I instructed. “Palms on the stairs. Ass in the air.”
She got into position, exposing her nectar. Though I wanted to bury dick in her again, I couldn’t avoid the tingling of my tastebuds. On my knees, I parted her pussy with my tongue.
“Uhhhhhh–”
Her spine curled. I used a hand to arch it, again.
“Ass in the air, Rather.”
Calling her anything other than Rose made this all feel real. It made it all feel right. But, depending on who you asked or what commandments were in mind, it was all wrong. All fucking wrong.
However, my dick, my dome, my heart, and soul wasn’t hearing it. Couldn’t see it. Didn’t acknowledge anything but the gratification our connection provided. For now, it was enough for me. For us .
I sucked her clit into my mouth. She collapsed forward. Her inability to handle what I was dishing frustrated me and fascinated me simultaneously. I placed a hand under her stomach to lift her up. With the other, I stuffed her insides with two fingers, curved downward to initiate direct contact with her internal clitoris.
With my thumb, I rubbed the outer portion. And, my tongue circled her glossy asshole. It was beckoning for me. Demanding my attention.
“Priesssss–”
Slowly, I worked her over, pulling out more of her filling with each stroke of my finger. When her frame grew rigid and she became paralyzed, I understood her climax was approaching.
“Oh fu– oh fuck!”
Her gusher exploded. Lava flowed from her volcano onto my fingers and down my hand.
“Fuck!”
Her body jerked. She lacked control of her movements. I lacked control entirely.
Desperate to feel her contracting walls, I slid back into her. Like quicksand, her pussy buried my bone.
“Shit,” I groaned, feeling her pussy signal for my semen.
Smack.
Smack.
Smack.
Smack.
I drove into her, connecting our bodies with each stroke. The bulge of my dick crept toward the tip. In her pussy wasn’t where I wanted to leave my seeds. It was risky business and when able to avoid it, I would.
“Ummmm. Mmmmm.”
“Knees, Rather.”
Though the command was given, I couldn’t seem to climb out of her. She felt too fucking good.
“Yess. Ye— Uhhhhh.”
“Fuck.”
I forced myself out of her. Hurriedly, she got on her knees and turned until she was facing me. Without hesitation, I stuffed her mouth with that motherfucker. It wasn’t her pussy I was stroking anymore, but the slow strokes continued.
Like a fucking champ, she accepted as much of me as she could. Tears fell from her eyes. Her throat threatened regurgitation. It was enticing. But, before I could accept the challenge, those brown eyes that stared up at me extracted my nut.
“Shiiit–”
Rather sipped my seeds straight from my dick. She swallowed every last drop, leaving me with clenched ass cheeks and a hand full of her hair as she continued sucking.
“Rather.”
She ignored my pleas. With each stroke of her neck, I accepted my fate. She wasn’t finished. Neither was I.
“Fuck,” I groaned, feeling my softened meat harden again.
Round two .
I pulled her up from her knees by her hair. I stretched her neck until her eyes met mine. Deeply, passionately, I kissed her. Her scent lingered. When I released her lips, she breathed out sharp and short air. I was in a daze. Under her spell. I didn’t want out. Wherever she wanted me, wherever she needed me was exactly where I wanted to be.
“The bedroom.” I nodded toward the stairs before lifting her into my arms.
We didn’t make it to the next step before I plunged into her again.
“Ohhh fuckkkk,” she moaned.
I shoved her dress down her arm, releasing her small, round breasts. The left fit perfectly in my mouth. I swiped my tongue across her hardened nipple. It was begging to be sucked. But, I could hardly help myself. I sunk my teeth into her skin.
“Ahhhh— Mm.”
She curled on my dick as we reached the top of the stairs. I had no idea where I was headed or which room we’d end up in, but I chased the feeling in my gut. With each step, I stroked her pussy long and deep.
When we made it into the second room on the second floor, I was elated to know we’d reached our destination. Her scent lingered on the sheets. Her aura painted the walls. Her belongings confirmed our location.
“Pri– Oooh— Yes.”
I laid her body down on the bed. Without removing my dick from her well, I climbed in with her. Her legs maneuvered with ease. I pushed them forward until they tapped the headboard.
She was such a beautiful sight. Her dress was gathered around her belly. Her nipples were aimed at the ceiling. And, her pussy was pulling me deeper.
Missionary.
Bad fucking idea.
Perfection stared back at me, making it nearly impossible not to let loose.
“Ro– Rose.”
I released her legs and leaned in, using my elbows to hold the weight of my upper body. As if it was the last time I’d visit her garden, I dug into her. Slowly, I penetrated her with my gaze, trying to understand how a human could possibly possess so much beauty. So much charm. So much charisma. So much power.
From below, she rounded her hips. Each time I pulled back, so did she. Each time I pushed forward, so did she. We were making a mess between her legs. Though I couldn’t see it, I could feel it. I could hear it. I could smell it.
So fucking good .
“Where you want it?”
Against my better judgment, I asked.
“Where you want it?”
She cupped both breasts, signaling exactly where she wanted my nut. I nodded, knowing exactly where I’d put it.
A full hour had passed since I’d cleaned my cum from Rather’s breast and eaten her pussy until she gushed in my mouth. Still, I was no closer to leaving than I was when I’d come. Reluctantly, I would but if the choice was completely mine then I’d stay until sunrise.
However it wasn’t in either of our best interest. I knew it and so did Rather. That’s why her head hung as she rested on the side of the bed. That’s why the energy in the room was unbearable.
“Rath–”
“Don’t,” she rushed out. “Don’t say it, Priest. It only makes it real. It’ll feel better if I just pretend like you were never here, so you never had to leave.”
Fair enough .
“Come ‘er.”
I pulled her back down onto the bed and wrapped her in my arms. I kissed those puckered lips and then met those eyes that were shooting daggers in my direction.
“Fix your face.”
“Nothing’s wrong with my face.”
“You’re pouting.”
She released a sigh, still not managing to convince me of the mental shift. That face… those sad eyes. They reminded me of the last time I saw her two years ago. And just like that night, involuntarily, we’d be parting, again.
“I missed you.”
The curve of her lips soothed my spirit. I pecked her lips and pulled back.
“Did you?”
“That’s why I came. I couldn’t fathom my night without you. I needed to see you, even if only for a little while.”
“You ruined my plans.”
“They weren’t good plans, Rather. I don’t have to go into details. Just trust me.”
“I do– I do,” she whispered, closing her eyes for a second. “I missed you. I miss you. All the time.”
Come home with me .
The words were at the tip of my tongue, but instead, I went with the latter.
“I should be going.”
Quietly, she nodded. Despair glossed her orbs. She was breaking my heart in half. I wondered if she knew just how hard our goodbyes were getting. Each took a toll on me.
Silently, we both gathered our bearings and made the trip downstairs. Hand-in-hand, we stood at the bottom of the stairs where a few of our belongings remained. She continued, opening the door so I could exit.
Before doing so, I lowered my lips onto her forehead.
Then her lips.
Then her chin.
And, then, again onto her lips.
Fuck .
I squeezed both sides of her cheeks, hating the heaviness of my heart. Hating the weight our reality plagued me with. I was burdened by the anchor budding feelings were carrying around. Yet, nothing felt better than moments with her.
They were worth the commandments I was breaking. They were worth the pain the loss of her would cause in two months. They were worth the lifetime of regret I’d be forced to live with. And, my brother’s life would be worth the sacrifice we all made to see their union come to fruition.
Tonight was confirmation the correct decision was being made. Kofi was going to cause me pain, regardless. I’d rather it be from the loss of the woman I longed for than the loss of his life.
“My days almost feel pointless when you’re not part of them.”
Unable to look at her any longer without falling on my fucking face, I turned away and didn’t stop until I was inside the car with my hands gripping the steering wheel. I inhaled and then released a shaky stream of air. The grip dissolved as my frustration peaked.
Once.
Twice.
And, a third time, I banged my fist against the wheel.
Feelings. Fucking feelings! They didn’t outweigh the structure of our family’s syndicate. Neither did they surmount the influence of the commandments. It was inevitable. I had to tuck them away so I wouldn’t get in the way of Kofi and Rather’s destiny.
As head of the family, it was imperative I kept my shit in order and led by example. This wasn’t an example I wanted to set. This wasn’t the standard. This was hell and I’d be here for the rest of my days on earth, as long as the woman I wanted was forbidden.