Chapter 21
Nia’s designer boots carried her through the lobby of the opulent, The Azure Orchid.
A hotel in the heart of Majestic Heights that required you to spend at least twenty thousand dollars a night.
Politicians and entertainers with legacy behind their names frequented the luxury hotel.
They were never bothered by the cameras and blogs.
Everyone seemed to mind their business. Primarily because they didn’t want their own dirty laundry blasted everywhere.
She took the elevator to the presidential suite. Two thousand one hundred seventy-five square feet with panoramic views of the city. Too much space for one woman but when you were hiding in plain sight from your husband and his security detail, it could never be too much space.
Luciano opened the door before Nia could knock. “She told me you were on your way up.”
“Thankful for that front desk observation, hm?” Nia spoke, walking into the foyer of the suite.
“Yeah. I’ve been trying to get in touch with your brother. The Sunset Inn was a money maker for me,” Luciano spoke. “It’s shut down now for what?”
Nia looked up at him and smirked. She could see exactly why the mayor’s wife got involved with him. Luciano was charming, handsome, and clearly putting down dick that had her spending the money from campaign funds to fuel a habit and protect a secret. In return, Luciano was untouchable.
“Now, Lu,” Nia started. “You know I don’t get int the middle of the business you and Money have. He’s not hard to find. But I would suggest that your hustlers learn to keep their fuckin’ hands to themselves.”
Luciano clenched his jaw. “Word?”
“You heard me. We took care of that kid’s family, we also take care of our own and we don’t give a damn about the price on their head. We can always put one out in return. So tell your niggas to be gentlemen,” Nia replied, giving him a pointed glare.
Yes, Luciano had connections but when it came to being a force and going to war off of principle, he’d loss more than he’d gain.
“Nia, I’m ready,” Marcia called.
“You have a good day, Lu.”
He lowly watched her walk away. “You too.”
“Eyes up, my nigga is insane,” Nia muttered before rounding the corner. “Hey, beautiful.”
Marcia looked up at Nia and smiled, the evidence of her needing more of the product tucked away in Nia’s bag was evident.
Luciano refused to provide her product. Not like it was as pure as what Markus offered anyway.
“Hey, Nia. I need to be spruced up. I have a state dinner to go to and I need everything I can get. I swear, if he runs for reelection I’m going to kill him. He’s ruining my life.”
Nia was paid to let her vent and offer nothing in return but bullshit and compliments.
All she was doing was soaking up information.
For instance, when Marcia got with the mayor, she was attracted to the power.
Until her life was being picked apart by his cabinet and the public.
For her, having to pretend like everything was perfect while her husband fucked on whoever he wanted was a double standard and she hated it.
Hated him for allowing it to happen and never once uttering a word in support of her.
So, for Marcia, fucking the very man he wanted off the streets was the biggest fuck you to him.
Almost two hours later, Nia was done and on her way to the door. She was stopped by Luciano, who apparently never left. He held out a knot of cash.
“This stays here,” he spoke.
“What exactly is this? Hm? You fuckin’ the mayor’s wife or that the mayor’s wife is your Achilles heel and you don’t want Money blowing up your spot?”
“You know what the fuck I mean,” Luciano grumbled. “How you think I’m remaining untouched by all these raids?”
“I would assume it isn’t your bottomless charm,” Nia quipped. “And to be honest, I don’t really give a fuck. Good luck with this.”
She took the knot of cash and walked out. Back downstairs, she handed the cash to valet, hopped in her car and sped away. Once she was far enough away from the hotel, she hit Markus’ number and drummed her fingers against the steering wheel.
“What’s good, Nia?” Markus rumbled, sounding, dare she say, relaxed. “You straight?”
“…yeah you? Where are you? Home?” she asked with confusion.
“Nah, I’m out. What you call me for?”
“You know that woman is held up in the presidential suite with Lu?” Nia questioned.
“Word, that’s why that nigga think he untouchable. Anyone can get touched,” Markus spoke.
“This is true. You got a plan?” Nia asked.
“Not fully thought through yet, I need to lock in some pieces first and then I’m swiping him off the board so he better enjoy that shit,” Markus spoke, his background shifting from serene to noisy instantly. “Keep getting that info from her.”
“You got a plan, you’re just not telling me,” Nia said.
“Svyn found a supplier in Port Lucia. There’s some buzz about him wanting to expand. So we’re meeting him in a few weeks.”
Nia bobbed her head in approval. “That might be a good move.”
“It might be the ultimate move. That type of weight is going to change everything for us.”
“It is. Speaking of change. I got some money from Reign for you. What you do that she don’t want you around her?” Nia pressed.
“I ain’t did shit yet. And I told her I don’t want that fucking money.”
“I would tell you to tell her that but the way she curls her lip up when I mention your name is all the warning I need.”
“She’ll be fine. I’ll hit you later.”