Chapter 5 #2
My nostrils flared while I said, “Then the same should apply to Junior and Kasey. He doesn’t have to put me in the field, but damn, let a bitch play on the sidewalk.”
“Until you have babies or fall in love, you won’t understand that, sometimes, you’ll put your prized possession in a box to keep it safe.
” Yari tapped the top of my hand. “Before any of us were born, Uncle Jeremiah and Neptune’s father were tight.
They got money together in the drug game, but shit got messy.
Money started coming up missing, and they let outsiders muddy their foundation.
After a disagreement almost left both of ’em dead, they parted ways and established their own stock in the city.
Uncle Jeremiah became a loan shark, and Neptune’s dad focused on his family’s underground casino. ”
Yari’s story time made me look at her sideways. “You know so much about his family. Why didn’t you say anything before I stuck the needle in his neck?”
“Shit was moving so fast. I didn’t realize it was him until we tied him to the chair. I also didn’t know all the details of the feud until I made it home and made some calls.”
Though I’d heard of the Sinners, we didn’t run in the same circles. I had never crossed paths with Neptune or anyone close to him. After learning the backstory, I wondered why a Sinner would secure a loan from my brother.
“My daddy wants me to apologize to Neptune, but I think he’ll let it go if I lay low.”
Nola snickered into the rim of her glass. “Lay low? Those are two words I would never use to describe you. Apologize to keep the peace.”
“I don’t know.” Yari groaned. “It could be a trap. For once, I disagree with my uncle. Do not speak to that man.”
My phone vibrated, seizing my attention.
Stalker: Someone sends you something, you should say thank you.
I didn’t ask you for the flowers, I texted back.
Stalker: We need to talk.
“No, we don’t. You made it home safe and sound. We’re even,” I muttered while typing.
Stalker: Never. I’m going to send a car to come and get you tomorrow. If you don’t get in, I’m going to come get you myself.
I sucked my teeth. Then get ready to put that lemon on the road. I’m not going anywhere with a man that sends me threats.
Stalker: Yes, you are.
I checked my appearance one final time before I left my house.
My fresh curls made me feel sexy, and my red lipstick turned down my tomboy style and amplified the grown woman in me.
I took an hour to settle on a backless dress made of suede and knee-high boots made of the same material, and I still wasn’t confident about my outfit choice.
All day, I asked Neptune where we were going, and he was dismissive.
That should have been enough reason to flake on the sit-down, yet here I was, going to meet the son of my father’s enemy.
“Ms. Blackstone?” The driver lifted his chin when I approached the black truck.
I nodded as I accepted his hand and climbed into the back seat.
A wave of liberation and confusion washed over me when I confirmed Neptune wasn’t inside.
I wasn’t afraid to be alone with him, but I needed a moment to prepare for him.
I may have spent years around men of Neptune’s caliber, but none of them had threatened my life.
None of them enticed me as much as they rubbed me the wrong way. None except Mr. Sinner.
When the driver hopped on the freeway, I sent Nola my location.
She messaged back asking where I was going, but I didn’t reply.
My honesty would trigger unsolicited advice when I just needed someone to know where to look if I went missing.
For most of the ride, music from the radio helped me maintain my calm demeanor.
However, when I noticed the scenery change from a city view to darkness, a knot formed in my throat.
“Excuse me.” I leaned forward in my seat. “How much longer before we get to where we’re going? You’ve been driving for over an hour.”
He pointed to the house sitting on the top of the hill.
The home was white with large windows, though only one held light.
I surveyed my surroundings and could only see towering trees in the darkness.
Paranoid, I grabbed the flask from my purse and swallowed a few gulps of tequila.
By the time I focused on the road, we had pulled up to the property, and Neptune was waiting outside.
“Kitty Kat.”
I was still in the car, but Neptune’s deep voice reached me.
Even with the windows tinted, no one could convince me he couldn’t see me beyond the glass.
Since no one made a move, I used the time to admire the tall man with the same complexion as Aladdin.
I saw he had chopped his curly taper down to waves, and the holster around his broad shoulders outlined his muscular build.
As sculpted as his arms were, I wondered if Neptune had done time in prison.
“Get out of the car, Kitty,” he insisted as he pulled the door open.
“Are you going to kill me?”
“You pick a fine time to ask that question.”
“People know where I am.”
Dimples I hadn’t noticed during our first time together came into view.
“Unlike you, I know how to clean a scene without leaving a trace of my existence, Kannon. I wouldn’t have texted you to meet if I planned to kill you. Why did you come if you were going to be hardheaded? Again.”
“I thought we were going out for dinner.”
His long, tatted fingers melted into my skin when he took hold of my chin. “Get out of the car, or go home.”
There was my exit. Neptune gave me a way out, but I pressed my hand into his chest, urging him to step back so I could plant my feet on solid ground.
“Is this your house?” I asked once we stepped into the foyer.
“That shouldn’t matter to you.”
“Ugh. You’re a jerk.”
He turned around and took backward steps while eyeing me. “My kindness is a privilege, not a right. Do you think you’ve earned it?”
“I already said my bad for kidnapping you.”
“Yo’ bad?” He issued a jeweled smile that was as cold as the central air flowing through the house. “Yeah, okay.”
Neptune didn’t give me a tour, but I complimented the curved staircase and abstract art as we moved through the house.
Marble floors and bare white walls welcomed me into the kitchen, where tall, black candles lined a long, glass table, and two silver chairs sat on opposite ends.
Shock parted my lips when Neptune pulled out my chair.
Just like outside, I became mesmerized by the smell of cinnamon on his skin.
“Are you good?”
“Yes,” I answered low and in a hurry.
Comfortable in my seat, I admired Neptune as he walked to his chair.
Now that he wasn’t weak in the knees, I could appreciate the strength and dominance in his stride.
The room was dim, but there was enough light for me to admire his fit.
We matched each other’s fly, both in black from head to toe.
I only paid attention to the dishes on the table when Neptune removed the lids.
Wafts of garlic and oregano smacked me in the nose.
I sat up in my seat to make sure my senses weren’t deceiving me.
Aside from the pasta primavera, there was a plate of meatballs in marinara sauce, a Caesar salad, and buttered breadsticks on the table.
“How did you know my favorite food?”
“You mentioned you were craving primavera twice while at your brother’s spot. It wasn’t hard to figure out.”
I nodded. “Hm. Observant.”
“Yeah. I know that concept is foreign to you.”
I huffed, then helped myself to a bottle of liquor on my side of the table. “How long are the insults going to last? You could’ve kept talking shit over the phone.”
We locked eyes, and I couldn’t tell whether Neptune was upset or lost in thought. Being unable to read him made me think the worst. I tried to match Neptune’s firm disposition, but a giggle slipped from my lips when I recalled how I may have walked into the lion’s den.
“What’s funny?”
“Everything about this moment. Maybe I am a sitting duck.”
“At least you’re a pretty one.”
“Thank you. I think.” I anchored my gaze to his. “I said sorry for what I did.”
“You didn’t. You said my bad.”
“Same difference.”
He grimaced. “If I tell you I want to fuck you instead of saying I want to make love to you, would you think it’s the same?”
His choice of words sent my teeth into my bottom lip. My candid expression carried a smile to his face.
“I’m sorry for kidnapping you. I should’ve made sure you were the right person before I knocked you out.” I sighed and put on a pouty mug. “Do you accept my apology?”
His head rocked from side to side. “Not yet. I need you to do something for me.”
“Something like what?”
“I need you on my arm for a few events.”
“Why?”
He drank from his glass. “I got a lot of shit going on. It’ll be a good look.”
“Oh. You want me on your arm to make you look good?” My question skipped out on a laugh.
“Better. My dad is . . . Why does the reason matter? You’re going to do it, or you’re not.”
“Why are you asking me? You don’t know me.”
“You owe me.”
My head jerked back. “No, I don’t. What do I get out of this arrangement?”
“What do you want?”
The question felt like someone gave me access to winning lottery numbers.
When Neptune slipped up and mentioned his father, I knew his request wasn’t as simple as he made it sound.
I could always use more coins, but I didn’t need them.
A new bag would be cute, but I could buy that for myself.
Neptune could be an asset, one that I couldn’t limit to materialistic gain.
“I want you to train me,” I answered after some thought. “I heard you’re a businessman who isn’t afraid of getting your hands dirty. I want to be on that type of time.”
Neptune sat still, staring at me through low lids. “I don’t know about that.”
“Why not?” I whined.