Chapter 19
Nineteen
Noble stood in front of the window that showcased a serene view of the lake.
He was at the family’s lake house, awaiting Daysha’s arrival.
Noble, Nuke, Zayd, and Wilde had purchased the property years ago.
It was secluded on two acres of land surrounded by tall trees which gave much privacy.
Without any neighbors around, the men were able to have discretion.
While the intention was to invite family members for weekend getaways, they often used it to handle their dirty business.
Noble checked the time on his phone then returned his gaze to the lake.
Daysha had no clue who the fuck she had woken up.
Didn’t she know Noble was a monster who tried his best to suppress the beast in him?
During life with Daysha, he remained civil, opting not to unveil his sinister side.
Somehow, she thought she had the upper hand.
As if her plan with Tuck would run smoothly and she’d get rid of him.
“Slow bitch,” he mumbled, shaking his head.
While Noble was ready to put in work, a part of him lamented for his son. Kenji loved his mother, and he could undoubtedly admit that Daysha loved him too. Even so, her adoration wasn’t enough to stop herself from trying to kill him.
The door opened, prompting Noble to turn around. Daysha walked inside with Nuke right behind her. He carried two duffle bags while she studied the interior, displaying a look of confusion.
“I thought I was staying at the condo? Where is Kenji?”
“I’m about to go back and get him,” Nuke responded, sitting the bags on the couch.
Shaking her head, she professed, “Something isn’t right. Why am I all the way out here?”
Noble raised his hand to silence her. “Calm down.”
Propping her hands on her hips, she fussed, “No, I thought I was staying at the condo, I really wish Kenji would’ve been here already. I haven’t seen him in weeks. Damn, you swear you're his only parent.”
Noble took his time approaching her. The repulsion he possessed wanted to make an appearance but he had to play cool.
“He spent the night at Kaliste house last night. They were out all day and she just got back to her house. That’s why Nuke is going to pick him up late.
The reason we’re not at the condo is because they had pest control do a treatment.
I was told to wait six hours before we went there.
But I actually wanted us to talk before Kenji got here. ”
Narrowing her eyes, Daysha pursed her lips. “Talk about what?”
Noble eyed Nuke, who gave him a nod.
“I’ll be back. I’m on my way to get Kenji.”
Noble watched him leave the house before returning his attention on Daysha. “Come have a drink with me.” He walked to the kitchen with her close on his heels.
“A drink? Who are you right now?” she hissed. “You know me and you don't even get down like that.”
Reaching into the liquor cabinet, Noble grabbed a bottle of Tito’s, which was Daysha’s favorite liquor.
“I know and that’s my fault.”
Her eyes widened a bit, taken back by his admission.
“Excuse me? Are you taking accountability for something?”
He nodded, pouring pineapple juice with the tequila. “Haven't I always taken accountability?”
“Actually, no, you haven’t.”
He passed her the glass. “I thought I have but maybe I didn’t. Sometimes, I can be selfish.”
“Oh, no.” She shook her head, placing the glass down on the table. “I have to write this down in my phone.” She reached into her pocket and seized it. “Noble has finally admitted that he’s selfish.”
“Haha, that shit ain't that serious.”
“Oh, yes, it is.” She typed in her phone then picked up her glass.
“Let’s go out back.”
Carefully, Daysha followed him out to the backyard and they took a seat on the patio chairs. Nighttime had rolled in, bringing forth the sparkling stars along. Noble slyly studied Daysha as she took a big sip of her drink.
“So, what did you wanna talk about, Noble?”
His legs gaped while he got comfortable in the chair. This part of the mission would require elite acting skills if he wanted his plan to work.
“You were right… about everything.”
Her arched brows rumpled. “What do you mean?”
“About the divorce. You said I would regret it and damn, you were right.”
She smiled, probably feeling like she had won in life. “After four years, your regret has surfaced? Wow, I never thought you would have enough pride to admit it. What changed?”
“Everything.” He shook his head. “I should've never broken up my family. Kenji deserved to have a two-parent household. At the time, I was going through something and thought I could do life without you, Daysha. I fucked up.”
Noble was no liar, so when his stomach churned, he knew his body was having an allergic reaction to the falsehood coming out his mouth.
Daysha took another huge gulp of her drink.
“I don't know what to say. I’ve waited for you to say those words so long that it doesn’t feel real.
” Her eyes watered. “You hurt me, Noble. You literally had me gasping for air because you were my everything. When you left, you took the part of me that was happy. I haven’t been good emotionally since our divorce…
Only miserable because the man I thought I would spend my life with left me for no good reason. ”
Tuck didn’t have the key to Daysha’s emotions.
Noble undoubtedly had the master key. He possessed the ability to fill her with rage or elicit contentment.
Daysha was still in love. Noble could pierce her realm and pick up where he left off if he wanted.
Sadly, Daysha’s bitterness drove her to depths that she wouldn’t be able to escape. She had no idea how fucked-up she was.
Noble grabbed her hand just as a tear fell from her eye. “Back then, I thought I had a reason. I thought I was doing the right thing by letting you go. Now though…” He pulled on his chin hairs. “I’m not so sure.”
Daysha scooted to the edge of her seat. “What are you saying?”
Noble shook his head, staring deeply in her eyes. “I don't know. I know it’s been years since we were together but it’s like, what could we be if we tried again?”
Daysha’s lips parted. “You serious?”
“Yeah, I tried to replace you with other women. Even fucking with Jovanis’ wife was a mistake. I was wildin’. I should've never made that move.”
Her face turned grim. “What were you thinking fucking with that hoe? If a bitch will fuck you while she’s married, what makes you think she can give you any kind of loyalty?”
Noble resisted the urge to choke her ass. Talking about his Pumpkin was the quickest way to get fucked up but he composed himself.
“Yeah, I know.” He kissed the back of her hand. “Tell me you don't miss us? Remember we used to do everything together. I’d make you a drink while you cooked me a meal.”
Noble hated Daysha’s cooking.
She grinned as a distant expression covered her face. “Yeah, you always knew how to make good drinks.” She picked up her glass and finished the rest of her beverage. “I don't know, Noble. You did way too much and caused so much pain. I don't see how we can pick up the pieces again.”
“Look, I’m willing to do everything on your terms. You don't have to forgive me right away. Just think about it. Shit, if you not feeling it, then that’s cool too. I just want another chance to make you smile again.”
“But why now?” she asked just above a whisper. “What changed?”
“Time. Realizing I had a queen and fumbled was enough to make me regret everything. I hate how I hurt you cau—Daysha? You good?”
She held her chest as her eyes expanded. Heavy gasps abruptly pushed from her mouth.
“Daysha, what’s wrong?” Noble’s smile broadened each time she gasped for air. “That fentanyl and pineapple juice a bitch, huh?”
Her skin was the shade of gray as her watery gaze centered on him. The wheezing had become so severe that she reached for Noble’s arm.
“It’s okay, Daysha, you can lean on me in your final moments.
I don’t know why you thought you could come for me and I wouldn’t find out.
Bitch, you know who I am. You let that nigga Tuck gas you up to do a big boy’s job when you not that.
Now let go and I’ll make sure to take care of Kenji. He’s in good hands.”
Foam bubbled from Daysha’s mouth as her eyes rolled to the back of her head.
Her body then slithered in the seat until her limbs stiffened.
Noble would probably never get this visual out of his head.
Watching the woman who had given him the greatest gift on earth perish, hadn’t been on his bingo card.
When Noble knew Daysha had taken her final breath, he got up and walked inside the house.
Opening a door, he hollered, “Aye, Wilde and Zayd come up!” He then walked to the garage where Nuke was standing, smoking on a blunt. “Come on.”
Everyone gathered in the living area with Daysha’s body still on the deck.
“It’s done?” Zayd asked.
“Yeah. When you plant her body in her car, make sure she’s slumped over.” He turned to Nuke. “Did you plant the pills in her purse?”
He bobbed his head. “Yeah, I did it as soon as y’all went outside.”
“I don’t see why we can’t just dump her body, bruh.” Wilde huffed. “All this extra shit ain't necessary.”
Noble glowered at his brother. “I can’t handle this situation like I normally would. I got a son whose going to wonder how his mama died. Having her disappear without any answers will fuck him up as well as her parents. They need a definitive cause of death, nigga.”
“Man, just tell Kenji that she tried to kill you and she had to go. The fuck,” Wilde shot back.
Zayd shook his head in disgust. “I’m so glad you don't have kids.”
“Fuck what this nigga is talking about.” Noble looked away from Wilde. “Do what the fuck I said. Plant her body in the car with her purse.”
“What about her phone? You don't think the law will trace back to the cellphone towers?” Wilde asked.