Page 17

Seven years earlier…

I was halfway to my penthouse when my phone buzzed. It was Hocus. He didn’t waste time with pleasantries.

“Yo, we got a problem,” he said, his voice sharp. “Somebody tried to hit the warehouse.”

My grip on the steering wheel tightened. “Who?”

“It’s your wife’s people,” Hocus said. “Her brother and those three bitch ass cousins of hers. They tried to clean out the back inventory so we wouldn’t notice, but we caught ’em red-handed. They here tied up and cryin’.” He chuckled.

A cold wave ran through me. Carmen had no business knowing about my warehouses. I’d been careful—at least, I thought I had. But the pieces were clicking together, and the rage was already bubbling in my chest.

“I’m on my way.”

By the time I got to the warehouse, it was already done. Hocus and the crew had rounded up her brother and the three cousins. They were all on their knees, bound and gagged, their eyes wide with terror.

I didn’t say much. I didn’t need to.

“You don’t steal from me,” I said, my voice low and cold as I stood over them. “You don’t fuck with what’s mine.”

The room was silent, save for the muffled pleas of Carmen’s brother. I ignored them. The gun in my hand felt steady, almost weightless, as I took each one out, one by one. By the time I was done, the floor was slick with blood, and the air was thick with the metallic stench.

Hocus lit a cigarette, shaking his head. “That’s some cold shit, D.”

I holstered my gun and walked out, my jaw clenched tight. The real work wasn’t done yet. I still had to deal with Carmen.

When I got home, the penthouse was quiet. Too quiet. I pushed open the door to the master bedroom and stopped short. The faint smell of something chemical lingered in the air.

The bathroom light was on, spilling a soft glow into the bedroom. I moved silently, stepping into the doorway.

Carmen was standing at the sink, a small gold tray in front of her. A fine line of white powder was on the tray alongside a rolled-up bill. Her back was to me, but I could see her reflection in the mirror—her thin frame, the dark circles under her mismatched eyes, the jittery movement of her hands.

“Enjoying yourself?” I said, my voice calm but cold.

She gasped, jerking around to face me. The gold tray slipped from her hands, hitting the floor with a clatter. The cocaine scattered across the tiles like dust.

“D-Damier,” she stammered, her eyes wide.

I leaned against the doorframe, my arms crossed. “Go ahead. Explain this shit to me.”

Her mouth opened and closed, but no words came out.

“Coke, Carmen?” I said, stepping closer. “You really turned into a cokehead while I’m working?”

She looked away, her hands trembling. “It’s not like that ? —”

I cut her off. “Not like what? You’re standing here doped up in our bathroom, looking like you just crawled out of a party in hell.”

Her face twisted in anger. “It’s your fault,” she snapped. “You sell this shit. You put it out there. You got me hooked on it! It’s your product!”

I let out a bitter laugh, shaking my head. “I don’t put that shit up your nose, Carmen. You do that because you want to. Don’t try to blame me for your weak-ass decisions.”

She glared at me, but her defiance only fueled my anger.

“You thought I wouldn’t notice?” I said, stepping closer. “The weight loss. The late nights out. You really thought you could hide this from me?”

She looked down, her silence confirming everything I already knew.

“And while we’re at it,” I said, my voice dropping lower, “let’s talk about how your brother and your little rat cousins thought they could steal from me. They hit my spot, Carmen. My fucking spot.”

Her head snapped up, her mismatched eyes wide with fear. “I-I didn’t ? —”

“Don’t lie to me!” I roared, pulling my gun from my waistband.

She froze, her hands trembling.

“Get on your knees,” I said, my voice cold and deadly.

“Damier, please ? —”

“Get. On. Your. Knees.”

Her legs buckled as she dropped to the floor, her wide eyes locked on the barrel of my gun.

“Tell me the truth,” I said, my voice like ice. “You gave them the information, didn’t you? You told them about my warehouse.”

Tears streamed down her face as she nodded, her voice barely a whisper. “I didn’t mean for it to go this far. They begged me for help. I-I didn’t think you’d find out.”

I crouched down, grabbing her chin and forcing her to look at me. “You didn’t think I’d find out?” I said, my voice low and menacing. “Do you know what I did to them? Huh? I killed them, Carmen. Your brother and your cousins. They’re gone because of you.”

Her sobs grew louder, her body shaking.

“I want you out of my life,” I said, releasing her chin and standing up. “We’re done. I don’t want to see your face again. Not now, not ever.”

She looked up at me, her tear-streaked face full of terror.

“You’ll get what I want to give you in the divorce,” I coldly said. “And after that, you stay the fuck away from me. You understand?”

She nodded quickly, her sobs choking her words.

I only saw her once after that, at the divorce hearing. I made sure she got what I wanted her to have, nothing more, nothing less. Now, when she needed something, she went through my accountant. I pumped enough fear into her heart that night to keep her quiet for seven years.

So why the fuck was she testing me now?

Carmen had gone way too far. Posing under a fake name, worming her way into Dream’s life like a damn snake. She must’ve lost her mind if she thought I’d let that slide. Something told me she had seen the show, and it made her jealous. There was nothing else that would bring her back into my life this way. She lied to me, stole from me, and tried to drain me just as much as Arika.

Now, I was standing in the middle of the parking lot outside Dream’s building. I frowned, feeling my patience fray by the second. Finally, the building doors opened, and there she was. Carmen stepped out, adjusting her coat with that haughty air she always carried. When her eyes landed on me, I saw a flash of fear, but she quickly masked it, squaring her shoulders like she was ready to take me on. Good luck with that.

I closed the distance between us, my steps hard and deliberate. She took a step back, gripping her Chanel purse like it was some kind of shield. I knew Carmen didn’t have a gun. She was scared of them but called herself loving men like me.

“Damier,” she started, her voice unsteady, “I didn’t?—”

“You didn’t what, Carmen?” I cut her off, my voice low and cold. “Think I’d find out? Thought I’d just let it slide while you moved your way into Dream’s life?”

She swallowed, feigning composure. “I just wanted to know who she was, who you’d replaced me with this time since I see Arika isn’t in the picture anymore.”

“It’s not your business who I am moving on with. Consider yourself lucky I’m letting you walk out of here again. The whole world would know it was me if I killed you right now just for invading my space,” I told her, voice thick with warning. “But that little deal we made years ago where you stay in New York, and I pay your bills instead of alimony? The money? The support? That’s done, Carmen. You crossed a line, and now you’re on your own.”

She blinked, stunned before fury seeped back into her expression. “You think you can just cut me off like that? I have rights, Damier! You can’t do this. You don’t scare me.”

“Oh, I don’t?” I raised an eyebrow, smirking. “Think real hard about what you’ve done because next time, you won’t get off so easy. You can forget about any financial support. You’re on your own with whatever you got going on.”

She laughed—a hollow, desperate sound. But I could see her weighing her options, finally realizing how deep she was in. Her deal with me had been her safety net, and now I’d yanked it away.

“So that’s it?” she asked, bitterness dripping from her voice. “You’re just going to throw me away because of her?”

“No, Carmen,” I said, tone sharp as steel. “You threw yourself away when you stole from me. You had an agreement with me—stay out of my life, stay out of my business. And now, you’re done. Go find someone else to bankroll your life.”

Her face twisted with anger, her jaw clenching. “I’ll find a way, Damier. You’ll see. I’m not done yet. And I’ll get every penny I’m owed—even if it means taking you to court.”

“Go ahead, Carmen. Take me to court. Waste your time, waste your money,” I replied coolly. “But don’t think for a second you’ll win. You’ve got nothing left on me, and you know it.”

She glared, and I could see her realizing she’d backed herself into a corner. But Carmen had never been one to back down easily.

“And my brother?” I added, voice dropping to a threatening calm. “You better stay far away from him, too, or you’ll find yourself caught in the middle. I wanted to see your motive, so I checked your iCloud. You have tried to contact my brother numerous times over the last couple of months. He’s a dead man walking, Carmen. If he drags you down with him, I won’t blink twice. You’ll both be gone before you even see it coming. Don’t ever try to use anyone near me against me. You’ve seen what I am capable of. Didn’t you tell Dream I am dangerous? You better realize you are not off limits.”

A flicker of real fear crossed her face, just for a second. “I never contacted your brother,” she insisted, almost defiantly. “Unlike you, I don’t need to throw around threats to get what I want. You may have won this round, but I’m not going anywhere.”

I smirked. “Oh, you’re staying put, alright. I’ll make sure of it. You’ll be watched closer than ever. One wrong move, Carmen, and you’ll regret it. Don’t try to contact my brother.”

She took a step back, her face flushed despite her forced confidence. After one last, desperate glare, she turned and walked off, her Chanel heels clicking against the pavement. She’d try to keep her pride, but she knew exactly what she’d lost.

$$$$$$

Later, I texted Hocus to tell him about Carmen and then drove over to his downtown office, needing someone with a clear head in my corner. When I pulled up, his security team scanned me, like always. Even I had to go through security for wires. We didn’t take chances, even with each other.

Once inside, I walked into his high-rise office. Hocus sat behind his desk, feet up, phone in one hand, blunt in the other. He gave me a nod as I came in, motioning for me to sit.

“So,” he started, his gaze sharp as he put the phone down, “you finally cut Carmen off?”

I nodded, still feeling the residue of anger from our encounter. “She crossed the line bringing her ass around. Came sneaking into Dream’s life, using a fake name, trying to pull some twisted jealousy game.”

He chuckled, shaking his head. “Bold, I’ll give her that. But you did right. Women like her—give ’em an inch, they’ll take a mile.”

“Yeah, she pushed her luck too far,” I replied. “Figured it was time to make it clear there’s no place for her in my life. Or my pocket. The bitch tried to contact Damian, but all the contacts she had were off.”

“Good. I always told you that you were too nice, though,” he nodded approvingly. “But listen, that’s small potatoes. We got some real business today. Troy’s right-hand man is coming here on some supposed ‘peaceful’ tip. Says he’s got info on Troy.”

My eyes narrowed. “Who the fuck is his right-hand man? And he thinks he’s walking out of here untouched?”

Hocus smirked, leaning forward. “North is Troy’s right-hand man, and it depends on what he says. The nigga claims he’s willing to rat out Troy’s plans. Says he’s got something we’ll want to hear.”

A few minutes later, North walked in, looking wary but smug, like he thought he was doing us a favor. He barely got past the doorway before I shoved him against the wall, my forearm pressing into his throat.

“What the fuck made you think you could walk in here on some peace shit, snitching on your own man?” I hissed, my voice low but deadly.

North choked, his hands shot up defensively. “I—I got information you’re gonna want to hear, Damier. Just… listen, alright?”

“Let him talk,” Hocus said, his tone calm but authoritative. He was the one who kept me grounded when my temper was running high. I released North, but not before giving him one last hard shove.

North took a deep breath, rubbing his neck. “Look, that nigga is planning something big. He’s got his sights set on taking out your family, starting with your sisters. He’s even talking about burning down your club tonight. His sister Kita is a part of this, too. She is the one who told him to go after you. Them lil niggas that hit yo’ house, one of them was his godson. That’s why he wanted beef with you before Kita even came to him. Kita just fueled his fire, and she brought Damian along with her.”

I narrowed my eyes. “And why should I believe a single word out of your mouth?”

North gulped, reaching into his pocket. I tensed, ready to draw, but he just pulled out his phone. Everyone was checked coming into Hocus’s building, but I was still on point.

“I got proof. Listen.”

He played a recording. Troy’s voice came through loud and clear, detailing every piece of his plan, from the kidnapping to the arson. The rage in me grew with each word. This wasn’t just business; this was personal.

When the recording ended, I glared at North.

“And what do you want out of this?”

“A spot,” North said, swallowing hard. “Anywhere on the Knight team. I’m done with Troy. Just give me a place, and I’ll be loyal.”

I exchanged a look with Hocus, and we both knew what came next. North thought he was walking out with a deal, that he’d bought his safety. But loyalty didn’t mean ratting out your right-hand man. Hocus and I would never do each other like that.

As North turned to leave, I pulled out my gun and shot him down, his body hitting the floor with a dull thud. “You really thought we’d put a snake on our team?” I muttered, disgusted.

Hocus just chuckled, shaking his head. “Guess you’re paying for the cleanup,” he said, unbothered.

I nodded, unapologetic. “Consider it done. Now, let’s handle Troy and that bitch Kita. It’s time they learned what loyalty really means.”

$$$$$

That evening, I picked Dream up from work for dinner, determined to push everything else aside until later in the night when she was asleep. She looked stunning, all dolled up, and I took her to one of the nicest spots in town. For once, I wanted to feel like just a man, not a boss weighed down by family business.

Over drinks, she asked, “What happened with Carmen?”

I leaned back, giving her a reassuring smile. “I cut her off for good. But that was bound to happen anyway. She’s not worth a single penny. I only take care of one woman now,” I said, locking eyes with her. “You’re the only one who matters to me.”

Dream smiled, her trust and relief clear in her eyes. We enjoyed the rest of our night, eating and laughing, but in the back of my mind, I knew the streets were calling. There was work to be done.

After dinner, I drove Dream back to her place. The night was chilly, and I glanced at her as she rested her head against the window, her eyes half-closed from the wine. She’d had a bit too much, but I couldn’t help but smile. She was always so full of life, and seeing her like this made me feel lighter, even if just for a moment.

When we pulled up to her place, I parked the car, taking my time as I stepped out and walked around to open her door. I helped her out, noticing the slight sway in her step. She was tipsy but still just as beautiful as ever. “Let me walk you inside,” I said, slipping my arm around her waist to steady her.

She leaned into me, her lips brushing against my neck as we walked toward her door. “You know, I think I’m just gonna skip straight to bed,” she mumbled, pressing a soft kiss to my jaw. “I want you with me, Damier. Please don’t go yet.”

Her words made me smile, but I knew I couldn’t stay. Not tonight. There were too many loose ends that needed to be tied up. “I can’t stay tonight.” I chuckled softly, brushing her hair from her face. “I have to leave. I’ll see you in a few hours or tomorrow, okay?”

She pouted, a playful grin crossing her face as she kissed me again, this time more urgently. “You can’t leave,” she whispered against my lips. “I want you here with me.”

I kissed her back, feeling her warmth against me, but I pulled away, my hand gently resting on her shoulders. “I know you do, but you’ll be fine. I’ll be back soon, I promise.” I leaned in, kissing her forehead before stepping back. “Get some rest, baby.”

Smiling softly, I watched her go to her door. “I’ll be waiting,” she called out.

As I made my way down the stairs when she walked inside and closed the door, I couldn't help but wish I could stay with her. But the club and everything else had to come first.

I drove to the club, the streets eerily quiet for midnight. It didn’t sit right with me how still everything was. I pulled up to the front entrance, staring at the heavy chains locked around the door. Someone had tried to shut me down, and I could feel the frustration building again. I unlocked the chains, pushing the door open with a harsh tug. The place was dead silent, the usual music and chatter replaced by an unnerving emptiness.

I made my way up the stairs to my office, heart pounding in my chest. The last time I’d been here, it was under attack. It felt different now, colder. I exhaled, trying to steady myself.

Thankfully, the cops hadn’t taken the surveillance footage. They knew better than to push the case further. They were on my family’s payroll, after all. They were loyal enough to keep their distance but not loyal enough to help clean up this mess. I’d have to handle it myself.

I sat in the chair behind my desk. Before I got to work, I booked my private flight to Mexico because I had to get Felix out of the way before I did anything else. I was going to surprise Dream by telling her that she was going with me. I needed her nearby. The woman was my peace.

I finally started staring at the monitors as I scrolled through footage from every angle. It was painstaking, tedious work, but I had to see everything. Every detail could tell me something. Four hours passed as I watched the footage in complete silence, my eyes growing heavy as I dozed off for brief moments. I hadn’t had good sleep since my last vacation with Dream, and it was starting to catch up with me. But I forced myself to stay alert. I couldn’t afford to be careless.

Then, something caught my eye. One of my bartenders, Tay, walked into the back with a duffle bag, heading straight for the bar. I leaned in, squinting at the screen. She slipped the bag under the counter, right where the cops found the drugs. My stomach turned. I had trusted Tay. She’d been working for me for years, and I’d never had a reason to doubt her loyalty. But now, seeing this—her betrayal was crystal clear.

I rubbed my temples in frustration. I hated when I had to handle women like this, but I knew what had to be done. Tay would be able to tell me who set this up and who was behind it if she wanted to live. There was no way she’d get away with this.

I stood up, pacing back and forth in my office. My anger bubbled, but I kept it contained. This was just the beginning. I had to make sure no one got away with trying to tear down everything I’d built. And when I was done with Tay, I would get the answers I needed from everyone involved—no exceptions.

I sat quietly, my thoughts already moving forward. It wasn’t just about handling betrayal. It was about protecting the empire, and no one would take that from me. When I came back from Mexico, Tay was as good as gone.