Chapter 9
Chapter Nine
Laikin
T hat call from my mother wasn’t only about Amena and Kayne coming to the house; I also had to hear about Callie still going online and lying about how I broke off an engagement to fall into a trap with Amena and becoming a stepfather to a bastard baby. When I first saw the post, I wanted to wring her neck, but Sarai demanded I leave it alone and let her handle Callie. One thing Callie loved was her career as a model, and Sarai had connections that went around the world. To hear that my mom got a call from Callie, yelling about how I ruined her career, and she should be ashamed about the son she raised, was the last straw. Sarai will only have so much power to hold me back from having a few cousins kick her ass.
Amena’s small curves fit in my hands like a glove. When I had to keep her from falling down, I had a familiar feeling that I foolishly tried to forget. Subconsciously, I kept thinking about stroking her thigh like I used to.
The rambunctiousness of Kayne, who was excited to be here, reminded me of my first time working on a car with my dad, learning the ins and outs. Our squad strolling over to Malik’s office interrupted my moment of relaxation. Some people might be shocked to know I hadn’t gone out to seek women while on the trip because my mind was in a state of denial that I wasn’t truly over Amena.
“We won’t be long.” I pointed for my security to give me a few minutes and knocked on Malik’s office.
“Yeah, it’s open,” Malik’s boisterous voice belted through the walls. I let Kayne go forward next to his mom and saw the smirk on Malik’s face and I knew he’d clown me about it later. He stood from his desk, came around to kisse Amena on the cheek, and high-five Kayne, then extended a hand to shake.
“What’s up? Are you ready for today?” Malik stood with his hands folded. Kayne tried to climb in his chair, but Amena nudged him back.
“Man, you already know I am ready.”
“Glad to hear. The Roxbury couple is here and ready for you in the conference room and I got the photographers waiting at the garage.” Malik picked up two VIP badges off the desk.
“Soon as I get them taken care of, I can focus.”
“Cool, they paid a lot of money, so make it eventful.” Malik slapped me on the shoulder and Kayne stood off to the side, staring at the racing track model on the top of Malik’s table in the corner.
“Amena, you still hanging with this maniac?” Malik teased.
She held a hand to her mouth to keep from laughing.
I flipped him off.
Amena and Malik cackled as we stepped out of the office. Kayne ran to keep up. All of us made it to the conference room and I waved as I entered, coming in to greet the couple with a handshake.
“Mr. and Mrs. Roxbury, I’m glad you could come today.”
“Thank you for having us. My husband is a big fan of the sport along with our grandson.” The older Black couple motioned to a kid, probably no more than fourteen, sitting in a chair, wearing a hat and jacket with my number and name across the side.
“What’s up, young man? How old are you?” I walked around the table holding out my fist to dap him up.
Their grandson took out his phone, snapping pictures. “You’re Laikin Trenton?”
“I am… and your name?”
“Uh… what’s my name again, Grandma?” Marlon held a perplexed frown. The entire room erupted in laughter at him.
“Marlon, his name is Marlon and normally he would talk you to death,” Mrs. Roxbury joked, and removed her shades from her eyes.
“Yes, Marlon. I am really standing with Laikin, the star driver of Pierce Motors,” Mr. Roxbury boasted.
Marlon ecstatically lunged forward with his arms around me for a hug. I chuckled, patting his back. Normally, I liked to keep boundaries with fans, but he was a kid and excited.
“Okay, Marlon, let the man go so we can start the tour,” Mr. Roxbury remarked.
Marlon released me, and I gently shook his shoulder to calm him down.
“You’re good kid, chill. I'm normal like you.”
Marlon stood in awe. “Seriously?”
“Laikin, time to go.” Malik rushed the meeting and escorted everyone to follow me out as security held the elevator doors.
The revving of the engines pulled everyone’s attention to car #34 in the lineup, driven by Ledger Holloway. He'd signed on with the team a few months back. He already had endorsements and companies wanting to recruit him, but he loved being at Pierce Motors because we treated him like family. I strolled to the crowd surrounding him and held a hand up for Marlon and the rest to stay to the side of me to keep safe. Ledger hopped out with his helmet and gloves on. There was a camaraderie at Pierce Motors; some of us got together, kicking it outside of driving, which was where Ledger opened up to me about being new in the industry and the downside of fame. With Sarai taking him under her wings, he was welcomed with open arms and genuine support. The tight-knit community, the trust, and respect they showed him made Pierce Motors the perfect fit for Ledger. His eyes widened in surprise when he saw me.
“Motherfucking Laikin Trenton, tonight is the night.” Ledger's green eyes peered over my shoulder. I followed the line of contact to Amena. He knew she was off-limits from the moment I told him I picked her up from the highway and she was permanently back in town.
“Eyes up here, asshole.” I held two fingers up in front of my eyes and gestured from me to him.
He chuckled and slapped his hands, giving me a one arm hug. “Off-limits, I gotcha… but introduce me, because she is fine .” Ledger wiggled a hand at her.
Amena simpered like something was funny, and I wanted to choke him and slap her on the ass for thinking it was cute to flirt in front of me. My chest tightened with a mix of jealousy and possessiveness as I watched Ledger's eyes linger on Amena.
Being that she’s not my girl, I shook those thoughts away. “Ledger, this is Mr. and Mrs. Roxbury, and their grandson, Marlon. You remember me telling you about Amena and her son, Kayne?”
Ledger cupped Mrs. Roxbury’s hand to kiss the back of it, then took Amena’s hand, kissing both of her cheeks. Amena grinned, and I yanked her hand away. Everyone laughed.
“Stop playing, bro.”
Ledger’s hands raised in mock surrender. “I can't have new friends?”
As I waved my thumb toward Amena, I said, “Not this one.”
“Stop being rude, Laikin,” Amena hissed, making my blood boil.
“Laikin, time to get dressed!” one of the pit crew members named Assah yelled out, and I nodded.
“Marlon, come check out the car really quick before the show starts.” I directed him and Kayne over to Ledger’s car.
“This is so cool.” Marlon poked his hand inside and touched the steering wheel.
“Nonstop rush and remember if you ever want to get involved in this industry, you have to practice and learn. Put in the hours like the rest of us on the field.”
I peered up at the crowd of people walking to their seats, as more cars came out to line up.
“All right, time for me to get dressed. See you at the finish line.” Malik escorted the family, Amena, and Kayne to the bleachers. I jogged back to the garage looking over my car with the team before I changed clothes.
An hour later, sweat trickled under my helmet and down my face. I gripped the wheel as the light was gearing to change. I raised my thumb up to show I was ready when the announcer came across the speaker.
“ Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines! ”
The countdown began after another driver came out of the pit. The flag dropped and I took off feeling the adrenaline of the speed creep up in mind. Ledger passed another car, picking up speed, and I pushed to another level, bypassing CD Enterprises, Kash’s old team. Doing another lap, I captured the moment, as more drivers came in behind me. I crossed the finish line. I threw my car into park, climbed out the window, and lifted my arms in the air, screaming in joy at my newest achievement. I ran to the bleachers, removed my helmet and handed it to Kayne, and hugged my mom and dad.
“Congratulations, son!” Mom bent down and kissed me on the cheek.
“ Another win for Laikin Trenton! ” I heard over the speaker.
A slew of reporters approached me while I headed back to the garage. I signaled with my hand not now and shook hands with my team members.
“Nice win, man.” A few clapped their hands. Ledger came up beside me, holding up a champagne bottle.
“One time for the champion.” Ledger passed around cups and poured some for everybody.
“To Pierce Motors!” I yelled, gulping down the alcohol.
* * *
I arrived at my parents’ home that I had bought with my very first check. It sat on an acre of land in Beverly Hills. It was a spiraling three-story, 10,000-square-foot mansion, with a ten-car garage. Kayne tried to run around throughout the house as we walked inside, but I held onto his arm.
“Slow down, little man.”
Kayne looked up at me with his curious eyes. “I want to see the pool.” Kayne stared off at the large backyard and swing set that my parents had installed years ago for when my little cousins visited.
I kicked off my shoes and Amena followed my steps, helping Kayne to do the same. My parents came in, still holding hands—even thirty years later.
“Amena, come help me in the kitchen.” Mom took off her coat, linking her arm with Amena’s. Kayne stood next to me, and I picked him up and strolled around to the couch, then sat him down, tickling his stomach.
Dad changed the channel. “Son, you looked good out there.”
Kayne’s laughter filled the room as I stopped tickling him. I took a seat next to him, head against the couch. The minute I got my start in the business my parents reluctantly retired. Mom being a librarian and Dad working for the city bus, he hesitated at first because he wanted to always provide for us. When he saw I had investments on top of being in the spotlight, it finally let him relax and enjoy himself and spend more time with Mom.
“Thanks, trying to get more wins under my belt to keep up that contract.” I smirked.
“They’d be crazy to take you off now. What does Malik say?”
“Now that he’s president, we’re cool, no problems, but you know my personal life tends to influence my image.”
He whistled, then it turned into a full-blown chuckle. “About that mess with Callie?”
“Yes sir, it’s over.”
“Hope so because if you want something serious with the one in there, you need to cut the mess out and be a man.”
I groaned, picking up the Men’s Sports magazine with my face on the cover. “Come on, old man.”
Dad kicked up his foot recliner and laid back. “Act stupid if you want to. She’s going to move on.”
I stared down at Kayne. “We ain’t together.” Even though we’d only had a quick conversation in New York, my walls had come down a little with her. However, I still wanted to keep her at arm’s length, so as not to take my focus off my career. Separate from being my first love, she was a friend.
“Says you. Based on your actions and that little boy wanting to be around you all the time.”
Kayne climbed off the couch and I let him run to the kitchen with his mom.
“Am I crazy?”
Dad put the toothpick in his mouth, twisting it between two fingers. “Amena’s a good girl. Even though you kept that relationship quiet, I could see the love you had for her in your eyes whenever she came around.”
I threw a hand up and brushed it down my face. “Her ex came to town and tried to take her son.”
“He’s the mayor in Atlanta. Be careful.”
“Careful is what he should be, because if he tries to fuck with her again, it’s on.” Now older, I had connections to get shit done if Virgil tried to take Kayne again.
Shaking his head, the smell of good food wafted in the air and my stomach growled. “Your mother worries about you, and now a new grandkid?”
I chuckled at his comment about a grandkid, which was hilarious because Amena and I weren’t a couple, but I would always look after Kayne—no matter if she’s in my life or not.
“Chill on that grandkid label. We’re working on being friends.”
“Guys dinner is ready.” Mom stepped in the living room with her hand on her hip and a goofy smile on her face. My dad stood up alongside me, reaching to hug my mom.
“Laikin, did you know Amena was such a good cook?” Mom nudged me on the arm, like it’s supposed to impress me.
“Dad, tell your wife to stay out of my business.”
Mom raised her hand to smack me on the back of the head. “Watch your mouth.”
Amena and Kayne sat at the table. I took the seat on the opposite side of her to put Kayne in the middle, and Dad sat at his usual head of the table with Mom on his right.
Peeling the foil from the pasta, Mom scooped up each plate and passed them around. The only sounds were of utensils clinking and drinks getting filled.
“When’s the next race?” Dad came to a few, but Mom hated to see me in that role because she worried I would get hurt.
“In a few weeks. That will determine if I can get to the finals.”
“I used to be afraid of you getting hurt. Those cars drive so fast.” Mom took a piece of bread and pasta.
“Honey, just like any other sport, they all have the good and bad to them,” Dad remarked and winked at me.
“Amena, how is work going for you? Are your parents excited?” Yet again, my mom was trying to play detective.
Licking her plump lips, Amena smiled at me. “Busy. I picked up a lot of high-profile clients after working with Laikin.”
“That’s wonderful news, and Kayne’s in daycare, correct?”
Kayne meshed some food together, and Amena rubbed the top of his head. “I’m a big boy.” The entire table laughed at his outburst.
Kayne ate some more of the food, letting his mom wipe his face clean.
“I went to the house and filled the fridge—and found a housekeeper to get it cleaned up for you.”
At the mention of my real place, Amena’s face froze and her eyes narrowed. “You have a house?”
I was annoyed my mom blasted my business. I wasn't ready to move in until I had a wife and child, when I was less busy with my career. When we were young, I had imagined the house, kids, and life I would have with Amena, but now it was all just a faded memory.
As I kissed my teeth, I smiled. “Something like that.”
“Something like that. Either it's a yes or no, Laikin. It’s like you have a secret life.”
“I do, one you would have been a part of if you stuck around.”
All noise from utensils clanking on plates and talking ended. Amena dropped her fork on the table, scooted back in her chair, and lifted Kayne into her arms.
I stretched out a hand to block her from leaving the dining room. “What are you doing?”
“Leaving.”
I was beyond frustrated with her anger, like I had done something to her when she was the one to leave me—on top of marrying Virgil. Yet, she was acting like I should just get over everything in one day. We’d established boundaries, better communication on how we got here, and now she wanted to throw a tantrum like she’s sixteen again. “Amena, sit down.”
Amena looked at my parents, placed Kayne on his feet, tossing her napkin on the table. “Mr. and Mrs. Trenton, thank you for dinner, but Kayne needs to get home and get ready for bed.”
I stood to take them home.
Shaking her head left to right, she said, “I can find a ride home, Laikin.”
Air stalled in my lungs. She was running again.
“Amena, I know you’re upset, but let him take you home. I would feel better with it being so dark out,” Mom said, giving her a soft smile of comfort after giving out the details of my house.
Amena nodded, then turned to stroll out of the room, telling my parents goodnight. I composed my temper and marched out, holding my cell. I let them walk in front of me, praying that we wouldn’t have a blow-out in front of her son. Our driver jumped out of the front seat to open the door for Kayne, and I held the other door for Amena. She rolled her eyes.
We arrived at our condos a few minutes later, and I let my driver go for the rest of the night. I picked up a sleeping Kayne and held him in my arms.
Amena cupped Kayne’s foot. I grabbed her left hand with him on my right side, not letting her tantrum run on any longer, and strolled into the building. “I can take him.”
We made it inside. The ding from the elevator doors opening helped alleviate the tension. A dressed-up couple came out.
As soon as we made it onto our floor, she rushed to get her keys out and get inside, with half her body blocking me from following her in. I accepted the glaring anger that poured from her eyes.
Amena stretched her hands forward to take Kayne. “Thanks for dinner and for letting Kayne see the race,” she mumbled and then shifted her weight.
“You might as well take that chip off your shoulder and let me inside.”
“Laikin, it’s late, and Kayne has daycare tomorrow.” The fear in her voice stretched.
“Amena.”
She looked me in the eye, moving to the side with the door wide open. I stalked down the hall to his bedroom, placed him in bed, and removed his shoes. I tucked him under the covers. Hearing running water, I came into the kitchen and saw that she had a tea kettle on the stove.
I leaned against the counter next to the island. “Say what you have to say and we’re leaving it in the past.” Overreacting to something dealing with me was her motto. I had to handle her with kid gloves at times.
Her shoulders hunched with a long sigh. “I…I can't believe you stuck to our dream.” Amena glanced over her shoulder.
“I did.”
“Why don’t you hate me? I hate myself,” she said on a sob.
I pulled her into my arms, brushing a hand down her back, and swallowed the sudden lump in my throat. “Hate would be admitting that it was over.”
Slowly, her head lifted up and she stared at me. “What are you saying?”
“We are the only ones who can write our story, Pepper. My love for you never stopped, even with you marrying someone else. That was a journey you needed, but your home is here.” Taking her hand, I placed it on my chest.
“I never stopped loving you either, Laikin.”
“Come here.”
Our mouths touched instantly, getting familiar with each other again, before her arms went around my neck, pressing her body into mine.
“Mmmm…”
I bent at the knees and raised her up, her legs wrapped around my waist. I walked us back toward her bedroom. I kicked the door shut, put her on the bed, ripped off her top, and kicked off my shoes. She unbuckled my belt. I pushed her flat on her back, crawled on the bed kissing up her thigh, stomach, and squeezing each breast. Amena shoved her hand into my boxers, removing my dick through the slit.
“Laikin… please fuck me.” Amena moaned, arching off the bed.
I captured her lips, spread her legs wide, and pushed forward into her entrance. We both moaned in pleasure at our connection. I needed her right away; eating her pussy would come later.
Peppering kisses up and down her neck and across her shoulder, I said to her, “Some things never change.”
Amena lifted her head to stare at me, surrendering to the weight of my body on top of hers. All the air expelled from my lungs in one wild gasp when I got even deeper.
“Please…Laik—” Amena’s lips formed a circle. Stretching her hands onto the back of my head, she buried her head into the crock of my neck.
“We have years to make up for tonight, baby.” Both of us seemed to be in the process of rediscovery, sharing the same faults of being young and dumb at love.
Picking her head up, she blinked, caressing my cheek. Nothing else mattered beyond the two of us in that moment. I let my guard down and her walls broke as we both were determined to capture our memories from the missed time together.