Chapter 20 #2
“You do, that’s why your brain is moving a thousand miles a minute trying to solve shit that isn’t yours,” I replied, backing her down against the shower wall.
“You’re already late,” Navie cooed.
“Then I might as well enjoy myself. Especially since I’ll be stressed all day,” I replied, angling her lips to the perfect position.
Navie talked all that shit, but opened wider when my fingers dipped between her legs.
Rubbing tight circles around the sensitive bundle of nerves while she cried, ‘Oh my God!’ would help me get through the day.
P ushing through the wooden doors, my expression soured at the empty room.
“I don’t have time for games. Where is everybody?” I asked, flipping my wrist to check the time. I was five minutes early for the chamber meeting, but there was only Victor sitting at the table, wearing a smug grin I wasn’t in the mood for.
“I sent them out so we could talk man to man.”
I chuckled at his boldness, “Then we’re one man short.”
“You’re making a lot of enemies, Treason. It’s not too late to join the winning team.”
“You cast yourself in that role, I’m guessing,” I sighed, sitting on the edge of the table. There was no need to get comfortable in a seat because I didn’t plan on staying.
“There are people with real wealth and power willing to do whatever it takes so I win. You think you’re stopping it, but just delaying the inevitable.”
“You didn’t kick everybody out because you’re so concerned for my well-being.”
“What will it take for you to get out of the way?”
“Nothing. I’m not pussy you can sell to the highest bidder.”
“That’s your problem. You think you’re so fuckin’ special. Like the rules don’t apply to you. You’re not exempt from the fallout of this shit.”
“I’ll take my chances.”
“What about the people you care about? You want Inez and Navie paying for your mistakes.”
My feet moved across the room, shoving him into the wall.
“Say it again pussy!” Closing the space between us, I pinned Victor to the wall by his throat. He wasn’t stupid enough to repeat it even if my hand wasn’t squeezing his trachea. “I thought so! You’re only breathing because I let you! I can’t change that real quick!”
Letting Victor go, I adjusted my suit, heading for the door.
“Your days are numbered, and that threat comes from a lot higher up than me,” Victor said, in between coughs, trying to catch his breath.
Victor didn’t tell me shit I didn’t already know.
Of course, there was a target on my back, but pressure didn’t bust shit over here.
I moved on with my day filled with the usual meetings, campaign strategies, and upcoming events.
Morris called multiple times, as if my assistant hadn’t told him I was busy, so I had to step out and remind him.
No matter how big the check, he didn’t run me or my staff.
A conversation I was tired of having, but Fallon reminded me we weren’t in a position to cut ties.
Ward dropped by to give me an update on the co-op.
It was risky, but the reward was worth it.
K-Low didn’t see it that way because he was too small-minded.
At this point, I wanted to get rid of that nigga too.
I’d explained it a million times, but I couldn’t make K-Low understand this was best for everybody.
He was hell bent on destroying it over a childhood grudge.
“Navie thinks she can convince K-Low to stand down.”
“You’re taking suggestions today?” Ward chided.
“Fuck you, nigga.”
“You’re considering it.”
“I am, but I don’t know. His hatred for me puts her at risk.”
“It could,” Ward agreed, and paused. “But you won’t let it. I won’t let it.”
“You getting too comfortable with my lady, nigga.”
“Blue can handle it. Shit, she handles you on a regular. K-Low will be a cake walk.”
“I heard she handled yo’ ass too. Y’all ran into Kelis.”
When I got home, Navie couldn’t wait to press me for details on a story that wasn’t mine to share.
“I thought me and sis were better than that.”
“We came a long way. I’m the top dawg now.”
“Never thought I’d see the day.”
“So what are you going to do about it?”
“Running into each other doesn’t change shit. I fucked up, Tre. Kelis is history,” Ward explained.
He didn’t believe that for a second. It was just bullshit, he told himself, because rejection from Kelis was the one thing he couldn’t overcome. I paused my response to text Blue since we were nearing the crib.
Me: Get dressed. I’ll be there in twenty.
Blue: Where are we going?
Me: Your wheelhouse.
Blue: Okay.
“Gotta stop being pussy, bro. I’m actually disappointed.”
“I don’t give a fuck about your approval.”
Kelis was a sensitive subject, and I didn’t need Ward in his head before meeting K-Low, especially with Navie tagging along.
I texted Blue, letting her know we were downstairs, and she came strutting out of the building a few minutes later.
“Why is it so quiet?” she asked, after a few minutes of awkward silence.
“Ward is in his feelings because I mentioned Kelis,” I spat, with a grin.
“Still?” Blue yelped, shaking her head, “He’s acting real soft.”
“Oh, y’all so locked in y’all got jokes and shit now?” Ward fired back, watching us through the rearview.
“I’m just saying. Someone once told me not to choose familiar pain over unfamiliar peace.”
Ward retreated against the leather interior, cruising to our destination.
K-Low had a lot of hate in his heart. Nigga’s like that were unpredictable and nowhere Navie needed to be, but the co-op failing wasn’t an option either.
I called June for reinforcements because that wasn’t a gamble I wanted to take. Not with Blue’s safety.
The truck slowed, and I grabbed the gun from under the seat, extending it to her.
“You know what to do with that?”
“You’re giving me a gun? I guess we have a whole lot of trust now.”
“Don’t make me regret it.” The slow smile on her lips drew me in for a kiss before pushing the door open, “Let’s go.”
Navie scooted to the edge of the seat and hopped down. June and two soldiers stood leaning against the old brick building. When his beady eyes noticed the feminine figure with Ward and me, June flicked away the cigarette and pushed his shoulders back in a mocked salute.
“Aye, that’s the bitch that stole my wallet!” I turned around at Yates, pointing at Navie.
Right or wrong, Yates needed to check his tone before I did it for him.
“Learn how to take no like a man,” Navie’s response had Yates’ lips balled up, ready to attack, while Ward laughed.
“That bitch keeps food on your table. Fix your fuckin’ attitude before you lose more than a wallet,” I warned.
June gave Yates a look that made him retreat, with a scowl on his face.
“Are we ready to do this or what?” June asked, cutting through the testosterone.
I nodded, then pulled Navie aside, “The fuck did you steal Yates’ wallet for?”
“He was getting on my nerves,” she shrugged. Reading my twisted expression, she explained, “I told him I wasn’t interested, and he kept pressing me. I took his wallet for my troubles.”
“No going rogue in there. I mean it, Blue. Follow my lead.”
“You’re the problem. Shouldn’t you be following my lead?” Navie quipped, with a raised brow.
“Don’t make me remind you who I can be,” I tapped her ass, pushing her in front of me, “Let’s go.”
Navie led the way with an army behind her, ready for anything. She was the last thing K-Low expected when we walked in. His brows relaxed, forming a grin as we neared.
“You told me to tell my man to holla at you, so I brought him to you,” she sang confidently.
K-Low was already leaning back in his chair like he owned the room. “A pretty bitch that listens. I like that.”
“Watch your motherfuckin’ mouth.”
“It’s all good, Stink, relax,” Navie bulged her eyes, demanding I fall in line.
“ Stink thinks he can call the shots without respecting the work I’ve done?” His tone was sharp, calculated, like every word was meant to push my buttons.
I laughed, letting the room know exactly how I felt about that statement. K-Low wanted credit for work that had long expired. He was still clinging to his glory days while the city moved on.
“Something funny nigga?” K-Low gritted.
“You really are a crazy motherfucka.”
Navie stepped forward, calm, letting her presence speak before her words.
“You and Tre both want the same thing. Stability. Respect. Money that flows without interruption. Why make it harder?”
“Ask your man that. He’s the one trying to strong-arm me like I didn’t beat his ass in 6 th grade.”
Navie anticipated my rebuttal, her eyes reminding me to stand down. It took everything in me not to tell this nigga to try me now, but a 6 th -grade fight on the playground was his greatest claim to fame.
“I’m talking to you, and we’re all among friends here. Right?” She tilted her head, letting her hair fall over her shoulder, eyes locking on his.
K-Low smirked, leaning forward slightly, but she didn’t flinch.
“Then what's up with the army for a friendly meeting?” That intrigued him, or maybe it was the look on my face. Not because this nigga had a chance of ever taking what’s mine.
It was the principle of his eye fucking her like he wanted to.
“ The queen always has pieces around her. Not out of fear but respect.” Navie schooled him like we were really back in 6 th grade. “I think we’re a lot alike. You don’t play well with others, but I think you can learn.”
K-Low hesitated. A flicker of uncertainty crossed his face, but only for a moment. He was stubborn, sharp, and not the type to fold easily. “And if I say no?”
“Why would you turn down a chance to save the day. Save the city, really. You can choose to make it easy, otherwise he’s gonna make things hard for you and everybody you love. I don’t think it’s worth it, so name your price?”
The tension in the room shifted. K-Low tried to mask it, but I saw how his eyes lingered on her. My hand twitched, but I let it rest at my side.