Chapter 6
SIX
“What the fuck?” I questioned, trying to fight the urge to fire into the location the single kill shot had come from until I hit something or someone.
The note taped against the window directly across from my position in the tri-plex business center revealed the origins of the shot. The smile tugging at my lips made it quite difficult to see my plan through.
Now that’s out of the way…
Can I take you on a date?
Tomorrow. 8p.
Full-course.
Maybe or Yes.
The boxes beside the options forced giggles out of me. My heart responded before my head. It fired a single shot into the right side of the paper. I wasted little time sulking. Instead, I began gathering my things and preparing to head downstairs where a new set of wheels were waiting.
The disassembled rifle fit perfectly in the bag I tossed over my back and looped through both arms. I utilized the elevator of the empty building. Everyone had gone home for the night. They’d begin pouring in at the crack of dawn. With any luck, I’d be deep in an uneventful slumber.
Ping .
The doors opened. My heart stopped. My pussy salivated.
God had been far too generous with the man before me. Dressed in black from the top of his head to his toes, Sonnie was breathtaking. Quietly, he tilted his head toward the door and extended his hand. The silent requests had my head swirling.
“What are you doing here?”
“I wouldn’t be a gentleman if I didn’t walk a lady to her car, would I? Bad guys are out here.”
“They’re not bad enough,” I replied, “But that’s something I didn’t have to tell you.”
His snigger knotted my stomach. It was the most precious sound I’d heard in weeks. I stepped out of the elevator and into his arms.
He pulled me into his chest and tucked his chin between my neck and shoulder. Deeply, he inhaled. He was intoxicating. I struggled to pull away.
“I’ve missed you all day,” he admitted with a sigh.
I could feel the tension leave his frame. His release was accompanied by mine. Together, we embraced the unknown.
“The cameras,” I reminded him.
“I’ve swiped them clean, Gazelle.”
“Yeah?”
Finally, I mustered the strength to pull away.
He nodded. “Yes. Understand from this moment forward, you won’t have to look over your shoulder or wonder if you’re in the clear. I’ll always make sure of it. That’s my job, now.”
I couldn’t hide the smile creeping up on my face.
“I have people for that, you know?”
“I’m your person. For anything. For everything.”
“Is that right?”
I headed toward the door, his hand caressing mine.
“It is.”
“Did it just become your job or did you happen to slip into a very private database and destroy some very incriminating evidence and informatio–”
He pushed the door open and led the way out into the brutal cold. The streets were clear of snow, but it had promised to visit Clarke again within the next week.
“It wasn’t very incriminating and there wasn’t much information. All speculation. And, yes, I happened to slip. Maybe.”
“Thank you.”
“My pleasure.”
Nothing more was said. Nothing more was necessary. Silently, Sonnie led me around the building where my bike was waiting. I climbed on top, wishing it was him beneath me. But, I was still recovering from the previous night.
The engine of my motorcycle roared well into the distance. Sonnie’s bright whites shined in the dark.
“You’re a dream, baby girl, a bad fucking dream.”
“I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
He leaned in, cupping my chin in his hand before taking me into his mouth. Though short, his kiss was the sweetest. I clenched my pussy muscles, hoping the throbbing of my center would subside.
Settle down, girl.
He stepped back onto the curb with heavy eyelids. He, too, was drunken with lust. Enchantment. Desire. Adoration. Seduction. Temptation .
“Goodnight, Gazelle.”
He bid me farewell with the tipping of his hat.
“Goodnight.”
I watched as he turned and headed in the other direction. Now, I was plagued with the thought of securing his safety. I wanted… I needed to make sure he got to his vehicle safely.
Seconds after he rounded the corner, I followed suit. At the back of a white van, he stuffed his bags.
“Goodnight, Gazelle. What part of that didn’t you understand?” He asked, heading to the driver’s side.
“Where to?”
“Where to?”
“Tomorrow at eight?”
“You’ll know at eight. Goodnight.”
“Goodnight.”
This time, I didn’t look back. I continued out of the parking lot. I pulled my helmet over my head fully, shielding my face from the sharp winds and increased my speed as I entered the ramp that led to the expressway. The leather bodysuit and double layers beneath protected me from the cold.
7:29p
The call turned over and Rome’s pretty face appeared.
“Rugger. Is everything okay?”
Regret quickly filled me. I hadn’t considered the time difference when I made the call. She was snug underneath her cover with her head scarf around her head.
“Did I wake you?”
“No. I’m in bed, but I’m not asleep.”
“Still adjusting?” I sighed.
“Still. After over two years. Some nights are better than others. I don’t have any classes tomorrow, so I can spare a few hours of restlessness.”
The time change was the toughest on us all. Rome’s ballet classes helped her stay on track for the most part. But, when she didn’t have class, we could almost always count on her to come over one of our homes with the hope of finding comfort long enough to fall asleep or join us in our quest to do the same.
“What’s up? Is everything okay?”
Nervously, I pulled my bottom lip into my mouth.
“That, I don’t know.”
“Okay, I’m listening.”
If I never spat out another word, I was positive Rome could tell me what was happening in my head and what my near future held. She was gifted. But, she was careful not to let her gift interfere with our sisterhood.
“Rugger–” she called out, sitting up in her bed, “It’s me. Don’t do that. You called for a reason. Don’t bring me to the water and not allow me to drink. Tell me what’s wrong.”
“You know, I’m sure.”
“That’s not the point. I want you to tell me.”
I paused, considering her point. She had a valid one.
“I’m a nervous wreck!” I admitted, plopping down in front of my vanity.
Suddenly, I hated everything about my makeup and attire.
“You gave him a chance?” She squealed.
“Yes.”
“See. I knew you would. I’m proud of you. This is good. This is really good,” she announced.
“Is it?” I chuckled with crinkled brows.
“Yes. I can’t wait to feel all that nervousness. All those jitters when my turn comes.”
At nineteen she’d been snatched from life as she knew it and confined to an island designed for our escape in the event it was necessary. Before then, Rome had never dated. She’d never had a boyfriend. And, she’d never experienced love.
She was focused on furthering her career. She’d promised to date once she was where she wanted to be in her profession or when the urge for companionship consumed her.
“If it has happened to me– then we know it can happen for anyone.”
“You act like you’re not a catch,” she chastised, “How dare you?”
“I have no idea where we’re going. He said be ready at eight and I’d find out where to meet him. It’s almost eight.”
“He’s forcing you to let go and allow him to lead. He’s also testing your level of trust. In order for him to lead properly, you must trust him fully. If he’d given you the location, you would’ve spent the day searching for the blueprint, concocting an escape plan, and the whole nine.”
Silently, I agreed.
“You deserve to relax. Let your hair down.”
“Speaking of hair, what do you think?”
As the words left my mouth, both of our ends buzzed with incoming calls.
“Ignore them!” I blurted.
“Rugge–”
“Ignore them. They’ll just poke fun, and I don’t want to hear it. Not tonight. I’m losing my shit already. By the time I get off the phone with them I’ll be undressing and climbing in bed. They should be sleep, anyway.”
“They’re not that bad,” Rome sniggered.
“They’re the worst. Now, my hair?”
This was new for me. Everything about it. Not only was this my first time putting effort into my wardrobe and overall appearance for a date, it was the first time I’d agreed to one without murderous intention.
My hair was different. My clothes were different. My makeup was different. Nothing reminded me of Rugger. Everything linked me to Gazelle.
Who am I becoming? I asked myself, staring in the mirror at my lightly polished face.
“It’s softer. Flirty. Mature. I like it, Rugs.”
Soft curls shrunk the natural length of my hair slightly. I’d flattened it for a full hour before wrapping it piece by piece in the heatless rollers our mother had shown us how to use before we reached our teenage years.
“Yeah?”
She nodded. “Yes.”
“What about the outfit?”
I stood, showing off the bodysuit that showed more cleavage than I wanted it to. Still, it was a perfect fit. I just wasn’t sure if it was the perfect fit for the night.
“What are you thinking?”
“It screams fuck me.”
“Well, maybe that’s what you’re screaming and it’s just sho–”
“Not tonight, Rome. I want it to scream something else, tonight.”
“Something like what?”
“I don’t know— maybe, that I’m ready to get to know you a little better than I know your dick.”
“Oh wait– You didn’t tell me– Rugger! You didn’t.”
“I did. And, it did not disappoint. Not in the slightest.”
“So, the kill mission was aborted.”
“The only thing that was killed that night was my pussy. Everything else survived intact. Well, almost.”
“Almost?” She cackled. “What did you do?”
“I shot him.”
“And he still wants to take you on a date?”
“Yes. He isn’t fazed by the leg wound. Besides, the bullet went straight through. The bite probably caused him more pain tha–”
“The bite?”
“Yes. I was frustrated, okay? I wanted him dead but my pussy wanted him alive. Now, I’m stuck with a million nerves and I’m vomiting at the mouth because I’m afraid this is going to be the worst night of my life.”
“It won’t be. I promise.”
“Swear to God.”
“Yes. I swear.”
“Good, then, since you know what my future holds, tell me what I’m wearing.”
“Lead the way.”
I carried the phone into the closet where I flipped the camera around after a little coaching.
“That section– over there.”
“Over here?” I pointed toward the right side of the closet.
“Yes. Grab a black button down collar shirt.”
“Okay. I have one.”
“Now, back over to the bottoms.”
“Here.”
“Any wide leg pants?”
“I have a few.”
“Choose the ones you like best. Something over the top, preferably.”
“And the shoes?”
“Keep on the ones you have on. Your pants will cover them for the most part. Now, Roulette bought you a nice corset the last time we came down. Where is it?”
“In the trash pile.”
“Pull it out. It will add a hint of spice.”
Unsure of the direction Rome was headed, I pushed through the pile of unwanted clothes I was gifted from my family. Though I had no intention of wearing any of it, I didn’t quite have the heart to throw any of it away.
With all the suggestions in my hand, I made my way back to the bedroom where I traded the one-piece for three. I revisited the mirror to find myself in utter shock of the swift transformation.
7:54p
I didn’t need the clock to confirm the time. Sonnie had six minutes to send a sign, make a call, or send a location. I hadn’t given him either of my numbers, but he was a resourceful man. When he wanted, he’d find a way to contact me. There was no doubt in my mind about it.
“He has five minutes,” I announced, turning the camera toward the mirror.
R7 took a photo on FaceTime.
The message on my screen drew an unsteady breath from my lungs.
“Delete it.”
“I can’t. I already put it in the group.”
As the words left her mouth, my phone began vibrating in my hand. Instantly, I ended the call without an explanation. She’d ratted me out.
7:58p.
I tossed back the shot of vodka and slammed the glass on the table. The silver foil slipped off the stick of gum with ease. I placed it on my tongue, grabbed my clutch, and headed for the door.
December was only two days away and the holiday cheer had already begun. Christmas lights lined the streets. Neighbors were too far away for me to see their displays, but I had gotten a glimpse during the last few trips home.
I opened the front door to find Sonnie standing on the porch, prepared to ring the doorbell. He was snug in his black coat and black beanie. Fresh black Timberlands adorned his feet. Black jeans were his bottoms of choice.
“Good evening, Gazelle.”
“Good evening.”
“How’d you know I was here,” he asked, showing his pearly white teeth.
It was becoming increasingly clear that Sonnie had a heart of gold. He was a delicate man. And, he brought the delicacy out of me without much effort. He made me want to match his energy and stroke his ego in the process. His sureness and confidence allowed him to dominate every encounter without needing to control it or me.
“I’m a killer, Sonnie. My survival depends on my awareness.”
A black Audi sat in my driveway. The headlights had a very subtle blue tint that paired well with the night sky. If you didn’t pay close enough attention, you’d assume they were white just like most of the others, but they weren’t.
“Beautiful,” I acknowledged the small detail.
“The car?”
“The headlights.”
“Is there anything you don’t notice?”
“You?”
He opened the door for me, and waited until I was inside.
“Nah.”
He shook his head and closed the door. The interior reminded me just how irresistible his scent was. It lingered. I closed my eyes for a brief second, taking him in. As I opened my eyes, he was rounding the car. I leaned over and opened his door.
“Thank you.”
A gust of wind loosened my curls as he shut the door and made himself comfortable. His comfort toyed with my nervousness. Not only was this my first date, it was the first time I was in the car with a man at the wheel other than my brother or my father.
“Ready?”
I nodded. Silence was always a better response in my opinion.
He crept to the edge of the driveway. When he confirmed the absence of other motor vehicles, he bolted into the street. My back slammed against the seat as my adrenaline spiked. My heart raced in my chest as the wheels increased the distance between the car and my home.
My chest rose and fell with each breath I took. Excitement cruised through my veins. Adoration claimed my limbs. It wasn’t until he came to a complete stop that Sonnie looked over at me. The fabric of my pants removed the sweat from my palms as I rubbed them.
He flipped my left hand over and placed his on top of mine. Not only was there a spark between my legs, but one in my chest. At the moment, this very moment, nothing else mattered. He lifted my hand until it was at his lips. He pressed it against his softness.
Once.
Twice.
Three times .
Like one of the professionals I raced alongside many times before, Sonnie steered single-handedly with precision and speed. It felt as if I’d blinked and we were pulling up to the private entry of Uri –Roaman’s favorite restaurant.
“Exceptional choice,” I complimented as we came to a halt.
“You’ve dined here?”
“It’s my sister’s favorite restaurant.”
Although it was a small detail, the guilt of oversharing swarmed my thoughts and convicted me immediately.
It’s okay . I persuaded as Sonnie opened his door.
“Your sister has phenomenal taste.”
She does. I agreed, silently. Her name is Roaman and she’s the oldest of us girls. She’s exceptional. Her mind is as beautiful as her soul. She’s a complete package.
My thoughts were begging to be freed, but I silenced them by sealing my lips and waiting for Sonnie to get my door.
Restaurant staff waited near the door. I’d visited enough times before to understand that wasn’t standard protocol. They’d been advised of their positions and took heed.
“Threats aren’t very nice,” I whispered as he took my hand into his and led me toward the door.
“Which is why I don’t make them.”
“Then why are they not helping us and are near the–”
“Because they want their hands and feet, Gazelle. Any more questions?”
No response was necessary. We approached the doors where three staff members stood. Neither of them moved. Neither of them touched the door. However, they welcomed us warmly with smiles.
“Good evening, ma’am. Good evening, sir.”
Silently, Sonnie opened the door and ushered me inside. The pleasant warmth kissed my cheeks and made promises of comfort. To my surprise, I accepted the invitation.
“Good evening. Welcome to Uri . Right this way.”
Sonnie kept a healthy distance behind me. His right hand was stuffed in his half-buttoned coat as he progressed at a very slow rate. Mine was deep in my oversized clutch.
“Here we are. Have a seat. Your food will be out shortly.”
I hadn’t ordered, but I wasn’t alarmed at the fact that food would be on the table soon. My coat slid from my shoulders with a slight tug from the man towering over me from behind. He placed it on the rack near the door before making his way back to the table where I was.
Sonnie pulled my chair backward and allowed me to sit before adjusting it. In a flash, he was seated with his phone in one hand and a Glock in the other. He placed his weapon on the table and tended to the device that held his attention.
“Important matters?”
He turned the camera in my direction. In a lone, well-lit kitchen was the head chef of Uri , preparing a number of dishes.
“Very important matters.”
Ten steps ahead. His logic was proof that our union was forbidden. If ever marked for death, the assigned marksmen would kill two birds with one stone–by way of fire, food, ammunition, or the many other ways we were trained to end a life.
Nearly full dinner plates surrounded us. While Sonnie had eaten much more than I had, he still hadn’t even put a dent in the servings we shared. Our hands and mouths were continuously moving as we consumed our food, but there was an uninterrupted soundlessness that lulled me with content.
Neither of us were keen on words. Though our vocabulary was expansive, we were quiet by nature. Less was more. So, even in our quietude, so much was shared.
I expressed my gratitude for the moment by constantly consuming the food prepared for me. Sonnie never took his eyes off me. His placidness was clear.
“Thank you–”
I cleared the food from my mouth and took a sip from my water. Before responding, I patted my lips dry with the dinner napkin that was sitting in my lap for easy access.
“For?” I questioned, taking him in for the hundredth time tonight.
Still, he was as astonishing as before. I could only receive him in doses otherwise I’d wreck my veins and cause my own death.
“Joining me tonight.”
“Did you assume I wouldn’t?”
“I wasn’t sure, but I had the rope and tape prepared in case.”
“You would’ve kidnapped me?” I uttered, peaking around as if we weren’t alone.
“With glee.”
I sat back in my chair, trying to stifle the happiness brewing in my bones.
“Admittedly–” I stated, folding my arms across my chest and my legs underneath the table, “I would’ve loved every minute of it.”
“Figures,” he laughed, “Fucking figures.”
His eyes twinkled in the dimness of the room. I watched as he took in a sharp breath of air and released it soon after.
“Penny for your thoughts.”
His finger drummed on the table. He was deep in thought. I was lost in lust. Like. Interest. Something . Possibly everything.
“Your beauty is tantalizing.”
He paused to gather himself before he continued.
“My fingers,” he explained, holding them up for me to see, “they’re unsteady in your presence. So are my thoughts. My heart. My head. My reaction to you is one I’ve never experienced at any capacity. I imagine this is how it feels when a magnet is near metal. When a moth is near an open flame. When molecules near clouds. When my father met my mother.”
“When fire meets fire,” I added.
“When fire meets fire,” he repeated. “Something special happens.”
“Exactly what is it that you want to happen between us?”
“Whatever happens, Gazelle. I have no expectations. I have no goals. If I could just keep getting close enough, long enough, I understand that something special will come of our union.”
“Hearts will be involved.”
“As they should be,” he told me, “I’ve walked around with my heart in my head for far too long. It’s time it be put back in my chest. And, there’s no doubt in my mind that you’re the woman for the job.”
“What if I break it?”
“Then, I’ll patch that motherfucker up so you can try again. And again. And again.”
“And, if you break mine?”
“I won’t.”
It wasn’t the conviction in his voice that made me believe him. It was the sincerity in his eyes. We both allowed our thoughts to lead us into a moment of silence.
“You celebrated a birthday this month.”
He finally spoke, capturing my attention instantly.
“I had a birthday. I didn’t celebrate it.”
November eighteenth was the day I was born. It came around each year without fail and I still didn’t see a reason to make a big deal of it.
“And, why not?”
“Because I choose not to celebrate. It’s meaningless.”
“Ah,” he sounded off, clicking his tongue, “I’d have to disagree.”
“I won’t argue.”
“Me either. From this year forward, we celebrate.”
As the words left his mouth, a small cake was placed on the table in front of us. It didn’t take a rocket scientist to see the cake hadn’t been made by the world-renowned chef of Uri . The ridges of my mouth wrinkled as joy overshadowed all the nothingness I understood birthdays to be.
“You ma–”
“Yes, Gazelle. I made it myself. Happy Birthday.”
Hesitantly, I shook my head. The smile was taking its precious time lighting up my face.
“I don’t know what to say,” I confessed, looking up from the chocolate cake with thick chocolate icing and a single candle on top.
“Say nothing, then. I won’t pry.”
Sonnie sat back in his seat with a smirk on his handsome face. My satisfaction brought him joy. Peace. Serenity.
“How’d you know I like chocolate?”
“You’re a serial killer, Gazelle. Find one of us who doesn’t and then I’ll be surprised.”
“You have a point,” I told him.
“Make a wish,” he insisted, nodding toward the burning candle.
I didn’t fight him. I didn’t give into the negative rhetoric that was brewing on the left side of my brain. Instead, I embraced the parts of me that I was beginning to learn and would soon love. The parts of me that allowed myself to be open. To be honest. To be softer.
I closed my eyes and leaned toward the flickering flame. A second prior nothing had come to mind but as soon as Sonnie’s cologne reminded me of his presence, it came to me.
“May the passion that lies between us both be explored in ways that are beneficial to our minds, heart, bodies, and souls.”
I blew at the candle as I opened my eyes. And, there he was, with an outdated camera in his hand. My nerve endings split in two as I waved him off, covering my face in the process.
“This is only the first of many we’ll celebrate. Happy birthday, Gazelle.”
“Sonnie,” I whined, “Turn it off.”
He obliged, lowering the camera after discovering my discomfort.
“No stills and no videos. Please.”
No evidence . I wanted to remind him, but I didn’t have to. He knew exactly why I wasn’t interested in being on film.
“This won’t leave my possession. It won’t be uploaded to any system. It’ll stay right here, on this tape. We don’t have to scrub the earth of our existence, love. Not completely. Let there be small signs that you were here and at some point you were happy.”
“Are you always right?”
“I’m not right and you’re not wrong. Don’t think that way. It’s just that– well– I’ve lived a very lonely life up until this point. I’ve spent most of it trying my hardest not to leave a footprint of any kind.
“Physical. Digital. Financial. Romantic. Nothing. But, something about you makes me want to let the world know I was here. We were here. Once we’re gone.”
I nodded.
“Why have you been alone? No family? No friends?”
“Just me and my guns.”
“Tell me–”
He sighed, rubbing his hands down his pants legs.
“You mind if I cut the cake before I begin?”
“No. Please do so.”
He used the smooth knife to cut into the cake. He laid the first slice on my plate and the second one on his.
“I didn’t think women like you existed,” he spoke after taking the first bite from his fork.
“Like me?” Baffled, I asked.
I understood his deflection was coming from a place of pain, so instead of revisiting the topic he’d changed so soon, I let him lead us elsewhere. I knew that pain. I saw it every time I saw the face of one of my siblings and when I looked at myself in the mirror.
“My kind.”
“Here I am, Sonnie. In the flesh.”
“Here you are.”
“I’ve lost someone special to me, too,” I revealed, peering into those orbs I was growing so fond of.
He sniggered as if I’d cracked a joke. We both knew the death of a parent was anything but funny. However, it was often laughter that replaced crying. Those were the only options we had.
“On my eighteenth birthday.”
His confession broke my heart into a million tiny pieces. I’d had the opportunity to experience my father’s love well into adulthood.
“You were a baby.”
“I was a boy who needed– still needs his mother’s love.”
A million more pieces were made at the realization it was his mother’s love he’d been robbed of, not his father’s.
“Oh God.”
“A gang initiation.”
He sucked the skin of his teeth before placing another piece of cake in his mouth.
“Is anyone still breathing?”
Cake could wait. It seemed as though we might have bigger issues on our hand than not choking from its thickness.
Sonnie looked at me under crinkled brows.
“Don’t insult me, Gazelle. My mother’s death came with a hefty price. It ended bloodlines, completely.”
“Good then.”
“I haven’t been able to look into my father’s eyes since. So, here I am, begging a woman I barely even know to put me out of my misery and keep me company until we both leave this earth.”
I coughed, unable to get the piece of cake down my throat. Sonnie’s question had taken me by surprise.
“I’m sorry. Come again?”
“You’re right. I said that all wrong. I said it as if you have a choice in the matter. My apologies.”
I didn’t respond immediately. I grabbed the glass of water and sucked it through the straw sticking out of the top. When I had my thoughts aligned, I cleared my throat.
“You cost me too much money. I don’t think I can agree to a partnership with you. You’re selfish.”
“With you,” he stated, “but never to you.”
“I couldn’t agree. Your actions say otherwise.”
“002839203729.”
“I don’t follow.”
“It’s an account. Your account.”
I wasted little time getting Royce on the phone. Groggily, she answered.
“Yes?”
“002839203729.”
I ended the call without an explanation. Even in her sleep, Royce was sharp. She’d remember every digit. If not, she’d return the call and request them again. But, I knew my sister as well as I did myself. She wouldn’t forget.
“You’ve hardly eaten your food. Would you like to bring it home with us?”
“With us?” I chuckled.
“If you thought you were going home to be alone tonight, then you’re sadly mistaken. You’re coming home with me.”
“If you’re not dying for the pussy, you’re going to pay for it at least.”
“I don’t mind which is wh–”
My blaring cell interrupted him mid-sentence. It was Royce returning my call.
“Yes?”
“Three quarters.”
“Come again–”
My eyes were planted on his handsome face. His had never left mine.
“Three quarters, Rugs. Seven-hundred and fifty thousand dollars. Six transactions. Four in full, two partials.”
“Thank you.”
I ended the call.
“Seven hundred and fifty thousand dollars?”
“They were all small fish. I mean, big fish with decent bounties, but nothing quite worthy of what’s between your legs. It’s a start, though.”
“You’re full of surprises, I see.”
“More desert?” He asked, tilting his head toward the cake.
“For you, yes. It’s warm and moist, waiting for you to have a taste.”
Sonnie stood on his feet at once. He extended a hand and took mine. We stopped by the coat rack to grab our garments.
As soon as they were on our backs, our hands rejoined. Together, we exited through the private entry of Uri . The sleek black Audi was still parked near the curb, the engine still running, and waiting for our arrival.