Page 13

SEVEN

Two months, three weeks, five days, and sixteen hours later…

“I need to see you, Roulette,” Matías groaned, “My balls are blue and so is my world right now. It’s been four weeks. Just say the number, and it’s yours.”

“Money isn’t the issue here, Matty. It’s my time, honey. No matter how much you plan to stuff into my account, you can’t buy me more hours in a day. I’m swamped.”

“Let me come to yo–”

“It doesn’t matter who comes to who. Every second of my day is occupied at the moment. When I’m free of my responsibilities, we can revisit this conversation, but until then this isn’t a subject I’m interested in.”

“Understood.” He sighed, sounding nothing like the monster he truly was.

I pulled my thighs together to suppress the thudding that had been birthed at the sound of his voice on my line. Matías wanted to see me and was willing to spend whatever to make it happen. Unfortunately, I wasn’t pressed for his paper at the moment. I was focused on mine. And, mine was priority over everything but family. Matías was a good time but he wasn’t a good enough time to reconsider my schedule and throw my entire timeline off.

“Straighten your face, handsome. Just a little while longer.”

“You’ve been working too hard, Mami. You deserve to buy yourself something nice.”

“Um hm,” I agreed, watching the cameras from my desk.

Today was unlike the others since my return to Clarke. Today was the first day of operations. Childer’s operations. Our process had been altered as we adjusted to our new normal, but things had changed.

We were all back in the States or returning soon enough. With everyone, except Chem, in their rightful places, it was business as usual. Our first round of potential partners would be sitting at a round table with me at the very top in a matter of minutes. It felt good to be home. But, it felt even better to be back in business.

However, everything was different this time. I’d allowed someone to slip into my establishment and cause harm to my entire family. My antennas were up. My intuition was sharpened. My eyes were open. My ears were to the walls. And, my Glock was ready to lay something down before they had the chance to violate us the way Egypt had.

While her mission was to bring us down, she’d lifted Teddy in the process. I couldn’t hold a grudge with her if I wanted to. She had given us much more than she’d taken from us.

Everything she’d played a hand in destroying could be rebuilt. We would never get another lover for Chemistry in this lifetime. We’d never get another Jru. I wouldn’t get another handsome nephew from my brother. She had repaid her debt a hundred times over.

“I will call you sometime this week, Roulette. Check your account in a few minutes. There will be something inside for you. Go buy yourself something nice.”

“Gracías, Papi.”

“Later this week.”

“Later this week,” I confirmed before ending the call.

It had been over three months since Matías had entered my garden and planted beautiful things. Every so often he requested a harvest, and I was gracious enough to allow it. Not because he asked, but because I liked the way he stroked my pussy, pampered me, and understood his position in my life.

He barely held one at all. Matías was no fool. He accepted his role in my world and didn’t put up a fuss. He was one of a few men on my growing roster, but he was the easiest and undoubtedly the richest. His dick and his dome were prioritized. The other four men beating down my line couldn’t tell a soul how my pussy tasted. They hadn’t even smelled my lady parts yet.

I stood from my desk and smoothed the wrinkles of my skirt down past my thighs. The halter I wore barely covered my breasts, leaving a small patch of the underside of my boobs exposed. I appreciated the air beneath them. It kept me cool on this somewhat nerve-shattering day.

Click.

Clack .

I sauntered across the room after having another look at the camera. My lips stretched across my face, evidence of my anticipation.

Click.

Clack .

I pursued the front door of my establishment, hearing the commotion I was headed toward before I could reach it. The familiar, ultra-problematic voice raised the hair on the back of my neck. When it was around, there was always a problem. In fact, I thoroughly believed its owner was the problem in almost every situation it was involved in, including this one.

“Meaty or whatever the fuck your name is, unless you want my bullets to eat through that fat of yours, then move the fuck out of my way, nigga.”

“Manny,” I cleared my throat. “His name is Manny.”

“And, he’s going to lay flat like a fucking panty when I get through filling his ass up. Move, nigga. You don’t get paid enough to lose your life.”

I shook my head, waiting for the problem child to end his temporary beef with my security and follow me. His maneuvering exposed another frame. He wasn’t alone. While his presence was a surprise, the man behind him was quite the treat.

Glee straightened my spine and extended my arms. I pushed past the issue to get to the resolution.

“Damn, just like that with that ugly ass skirt on?”

“Fuck you, Makai.” I tossed over my shoulder as I stepped right into my target’s embrace.

“Malachi.” I sighed, resting my head against his black button down.

His arms gathered me, squeezing until I began to squirm. He’d been through hell, but he didn’t look like it. The woman who had chosen to see the pretty in him despite the ugly hand life had dealt him had everything to do with his escape from the dungeon. Just like Egypt, she’d rescued a man I loved.

A brother.

A friend.

A provider.

A protector .

“Rou–”

“It’s so good to see you. I’ve missed you– so much .”

My words were deeply rooted. They didn’t mean the same for Malachi as they did for the others. I missed him. Dearly . Not only on the surface, but way down. The Malachi I remembered.

The Malachi that had Anna by his side. The Malachi that was the happiest man alive after discovering he’d be a father. The Malachi that could change the trajectory of your life with the snap of a finger. The Malachi that was in control of his emotions and all that they involved.

My Malachi.

My brother.

A piece of my heart.

“It’s good to see you, too, kid.”

“How i–”

“She’s well, Roulette. She’s growing and getting smarter by the second. I have a son now.”

“I know. I have to meet him.”

“And a wife,” he added.

I stepped back as I nodded my head, taking him all in. The sparkle in his eye was one that I recalled. It was present when his late wife was alive. Always. It didn’t die until she did. Discovering its rebirth was heartening.

“Aeir.”

“She’s a dream, Roulette.”

“I must meet her.”

“Gentle– gentle,” he warned with a chuckle.

Oh, that smile .

“Oh, how I’ve missed the sound of your joy,” I expressed, pulling him in for another hug.

“Aye– You know that’s your brother right? And, that nigga married.”

“You’re pathetic, Makai,” I groaned, returning all the personal space I’d taken from Malachi.

He was more like Chemistry than the others. He felt like home. His presence was comforting. His words were few but cut like knives. They were always truthful. And, it was hard to gauge if he was near the edge or at ease most days. He hid his emotions well. Until Anna.

“Come here, jealous! ”

“I’m not jealous, I’m just saying. I’m here, too.”

“And, I see you. I just– Malachi is different.”

“How?”

“Makai, come here.”

I wrapped my arms around him and pressed my lips against the side of his face. My red lip stain transferred onto his dark skin, leaving a mark.

“I’ve missed you, too.”

“What the fuck ever.”

“You could just say it instead of pouting because I’m loving on Malachi.”

“Fuck that fat head ass nigga and fuck you, too.”

I shook my head with a chuckle. “What are you doing here?”

“Whatever the fuck I want to be doing here.”

“Here we go–” I huffed.

“We’re here to make sure your day goes smoothly, Rou. And as an extra set of eyes to make sure that everyone at the round table means you and our brother well before you give out any tickets to see baby girl.”

Rome had landed two weeks ago and had already snagged a lead role at Huff Theater of Clarke . It wouldn’t be long before we were dressed in our best and cheering her on as the curtains lowered behind her. Rome’s talent was undeniable. So was her beauty, brain, and heart.

“An extra set of eyes.” I nodded, appreciating the gesture.

“And Glocks. And switches. And fists. And–”

“Eyes,” Malachi said again, disrupting the foolishness that was waiting at the back of Makai’s throat.

“Nigga, two eyes are enough. I’m not here to stare at niggas. I’m here to lay some shit down if need be.”

“There won’t be a need, Makai,” I assured him, heading toward my office. “I’ve vetted everyone coming through those doors. Sadly, only two will make it to see Rome. But, more importantly, will any of you?”

“Yes. Aeir and I will be in attendance. So will Milo and Nature.”

“Makai?”

“I’ll be there. I can’t tell you what time, but I’m coming to that boring ass shit.”

“Boring? Nigg–”

“Roulette, please don’t waste your breath.”

“She’s on her serious shit tonight,” Makai laughed, knowing he had one up on me.

Tonight was unlike the others. I had to keep my eyes and ears on point. Going toe to toe with him would have to wait. My mouth was as slick as his, but my words and my attention span were limited at the moment. I had to make sure I wasn’t sending my family back to St. Catana or passing along the culprit of their demise in our process.

“And is. Now leave me the fuck alone and be happy I had Manny let your thin ass in.”

“Man, I would’ve laid Manish ass the fuck down hadn’t he moved out the way. Don’t insult me like that. He was taught to shoot his gun. I was born to shoot mine. There’s a big fucking difference.”

“There is,” I agreed, knowing the feeling all too well. “Come on. Let me get you two a drink so you can calm down.”

“If you want this nigga calm, a drink is the wrong way to go about it,” Malachi reminded me.

“It’s only one. He’ll behave– as best he can, anyway .”

Makai’s shrugging shoulders should’ve been the red flag that stopped me in my tracks, but I pushed forward. Somehow, I found his antics satisfying. It was partially due to the fact that I saw more of me in him than I did any of my other siblings.

Though they only shared Chemistry’s blood, we were connected for life. Since a young girl, I’d been asking God why he hadn’t given us all the same mother and father. However, Catherine and Maurice’s contributions were too precious and unique to have been given to Rhea and Richie.

They had their hands full with eight children of their own, but I would’ve loved to have Mercer, Malachi, Makai, and Milo in our home long term. Summer visits to Clarke and weekend visits to Berkeley simply wasn’t enough. I wanted them near. I needed them near. Not for my selfish reasons, but for the man I loved with every fiber of my being.

Their absence left him with permanent resentment toward the woman who’d birthed him. As much as he loved her, he despised her decision to end her life because it wedged a gap between him and his brothers that he had absolutely no control over.

“See, that’s why you’re my favorite.”

I chuckled, “Lies.”

Rome was his favorite girl. Rome was everyone’s favorite girl simply because she was the baby of the bunch with her golden heart on her sleeves and her magnetic persona leading every relationship she’d ever formed.

“Lies,” Malachi agreed.

“Second favorite, then. Rome doesn’t play fair.”

“She’s our baby,” I told him, “They never play fair.”

“Rome aside, and you’re the one, baby girl.”

“Um hmm.”

We took our seats at the bar, falling into comfortable, casual conversation as if we hadn’t missed a moment of one another’s lives, although the hurtful reality was we’d missed far too much time.

I entered the quiet room with Makai and Malachi on my heels.

Click.

Clack.

Click.

Clack .

We parted ways almost immediately. Makai stood with his feet expanded and his hands pulled together in front of him in the corner furthest from the door. Malachi’s stance hardly differed from his brother. He was near the door with his back pressed against the wall.

I wasted little time conquering the room. All eyes were on me. I found comfort in being the center of everyone’s attention. The role suited me all too well.

“I am not a friend. I am not your friend.”

The words that began each monologue that was the start of the journey to meeting The Chemist rolled effortlessly off my tongue. It had been so long since I’d tasted them on my buds. I paced the front of the room, far from unnerved. All my endings had been repaired with a single visit from two very important people in my life.

Two people I missed and loved dearly. Two people who were canvasing the room, watching everything and everyone between the walls around us. Two people who would shoot first and ask questions later. Two people I could trust.

Click.

Clack .

“I am your connection. I am a piece to a larger puzzle. I am your right of passage. I am your ticket to the next stop. I am your gateway.”

Carefully, I observed the mannerisms of each man who sat before me. My eyes landed at the center of the table where a pair of dark, captivating orbs stared back at me.

Pridefully. Hungrily. Seductively.

My heart swelled, beating slower by the second. I pushed the lump of air down my throat and continued my stride. Heat consumed me. I closed my eyes for a brief second in an attempt to compose myself.

“Don’t do that, Roulette,” he groaned, “Don’t insult me.”

My hand fell onto the bed. I never saw him coming. I never noticed his movement. But, suddenly, his knees were on the floor and his tongue was against my flesh. I almost burst from pure adrenaline. My legs lowered, crowding the space between his ears and my thighs.

“Un unnn–” he commanded, “Open back up.”

I squeezed the walls of my pussy as I reopened my eyes. As if he’d visited the same place I had, Israel’s lips stretched across his face.

He wasn’t smiling, but neither was he frowning. His features revealed his thoughts. So did the tilt of his head, the squirming in his seat, and the clearing of his throat.

It had been nearly three months since I’d seen him, though I saw his face and heard his voice almost every time I closed my eyes. For the first full month after our encounter, I spent my time alone scrubbing his existence from my memory.

But, my God .

It was impossible to reduce a man of his stature to nearly nothing. He had earned his spot in my head. And once I realized he wasn’t going anywhere, I pushed him to the back where he should’ve remained.

Yet, here he is .

He was dripped in diamonds. The subtle, breathtakingly expensive ones that danced the most in the dark. Black covered him from head to toe.

Three-piece.

Tailor-made.

Matte black .

He was as handsome as they came. As regal as they came. As raw as they came. As real as they came.

Israel Kingston .

I was no stranger to his nature. When his name crossed my desk four weeks ago, I immediately pushed his file through. My approval had very little to do with how well he fucked me and everything to do with how well he carried himself.

How well he handled his business. How well he flew under the radar. How well off he was. How well he’d avoided encounters with the police since the start of his career. How well he kept his fucking mouth closed.

Except when it was on me .

I closed my eyes, again, and took a deep breath.

“Yesssss. Uhhhhh— yessss.”

He didn’t nibble. He didn’t bite. He didn’t poke at his food. He ate. And, he ate well. He held my clit hostage, internally and externally, building my anticipation and inclination at once.

My breath hiked in my chest. I struggled to release it as my secretion began its way to Israel’s mouth. My entire body tensed as I exploded. Lava flowed from my volcano, staining his beard, mustache, and fingers.

“Isrrrrrraaa— Ohhhhh– fuc— I’m cummmm— Ummmm.”

My well had sprang a leak. I soiled the bed beneath me and the man in front of me. His face and clothes consumed my ejaculation like a washcloth .

“Your golden ticket. I am your first point of contact for the person you seek to establish a relationship with. But, make no mistake, I am not your guide. Neither am I someone that needs convincing. Your resume is convincing enough. That’s why you’re here.”

“Because you’re here, I’m certain you understand the level of integrity it takes to continue the mission you’ve embarked on. I am also certain you understand the level of privacy this matter requires. Not a single detail of this operation can be publicized. Not to a friend. Not to a lover. Not to a family member. Not even to a pet. Or, you’ll both die.”

I steadied my breathing and slowed my pace. Though I could feel his eyes burning holes into my chest, I remained composed. I was in control again.

As long as I keep my eyes open .

Straightening my slightly misaligned posture, I relieved my spine and squared my shoulders. Rhea wouldn’t stand for rounded shoulders and a curved spine in a room full of men. It was imperative I kept my nose at its highest point and my shoulders spread as far as they’d go, demanding respect in male-dominated spaces.

“Gentleman, I am a Madam. I am The Madam . And, I advise you to never let the pussy between my legs fool you into believing that I am someone to play with or play on. I’m not.”

“I am just as much a killer as I am a woman and I have never had a hard time laying anyone down because I menstruate. If anything, that cute detail makes me more dangerous, more unpredictable, and less likely to give a fuck.”

I paused, taking a look at everyone at the table. Everyone except him . My declaration wasn’t news to him. It was a reminder.

“Whether you proceed is dependent upon the answers you supply for the questionnaire in the folder in front of you. This exercise was designed to determine your value, level of dependency, knowledge of the drug trade, educational hindrances, and thought process. They’re all a priority in this line of work.

“Your answers will also help us determine if you are an asset or a liability. If you’re lying, we will know. So, be truthful or you can consider yourself eliminated now. There’s no need to waste either of our time. You have exactly thirty minutes to complete the exercise.”

“I will not return to this room. Our time together has ended. You can see yourselves out once you’ve finished. Leave your folders where they are. We’ll collect them. I’m wishing you all good luck.”

Click.

Clack.

I rushed out of the conference room, ready to catch the breath I’d been holding for the last few seconds. The smell of his cologne touched every hair in my nose, sending the ones across my entire frame to the sky. They raised like blades of grass in the middle of spring, causing pain all over my body.

An uncomfortable silence lingered as Makai and Malachi followed me down the long hallway. I could feel their eyes on me, studying me as thoughts ran through their minds. I wondered exactly what was happening in their heads, but I didn’t bother to ask.

While one could hold their tongue and likely would, the other couldn’t hold water. He’d spill. There was only a matter of time.

Click.

Clack .

“You got that nigga whipped, sis,” Makai blurted, stopping me in my tracks.

I whipped my head in his direction. My body followed. Facing them, I folded my arms near my breasts.

“Excuse me.”

He chuckled, stopping just shy of my personal space.

“Throw that slim ass neck all you want. You heard what I said.”

“I let you slide earlier, but I’m not going to let you and those boats you call shoes keep testing my patience. I know your eyes are nearly bigger than your skull and the brain it protects, but you’re seeing shit that doesn’t exist.”

“Or have anything to do with you,” Malachi added.

“I don’t know what or who you’re talking about.” I lied through my teeth. It was uncharacteristic of me, but the words fell from my mouth so effortlessly, I grew concerned.

“When you start lying to me, sis?”

“Makai, please–” I laughed. He knew me too well.

He didn’t respond. He stared daggers at me, waiting for me to fold. I didn’t. But, I did inquire.

“Who?”

“Jerusalem.”

I couldn’t contain my laughter. I held my chest as my cheeks warmed and my head shook from one side to the other.

“Jerusalem?” I repeated.

“Yeah or whatever his knotty neck ass name is.”

“Israel,” Malachi corrected him.

“Israel, Egypt, Jerusalem, Asia… same shit.”

“Definitely not the same,” I disagreed.

“Whatever his name is, that nigga looks like he’s ready to spend his entire fortune on you.”

“As he should,” I sniggered. “Cause–”

“You ain’t a man until you can build it again,” Malachi recited Maurice’s favorite line.

“Exactly,” I co-signed.

There was a disheartening, agonizing pause that left us all with our chins near our chests. After a few seconds, Malachi pushed out a long stream of oxygen.

“We should get going, Roulette.”

“I understand.” I nodded. “Thank you for coming. Both of you.”

I stepped forward and wrapped my arms around Malachi. Makai was next. When I pulled back, parts of my heart shattered. It did every time they were in my presence. Not only had they lost their parents but they’d lost a sister and a wife for Malachi.

I’d never identify with their pain, but I wasn’t numb to it. I felt it. Almost every bit of it. They carried it around like badges of honor. It made them who they were.

“I love you. Both of you. This lifetime and all the others.”

“Love you, too.”

“It’s all love, sis,” Makai finalized, tossing a middle finger over his shoulder as they headed in the opposite direction.

“I can’t stand you either,” I snickered, “See you later.”

“Later, Rou,” Makai yelled.

I rested my shoulder against the wall and watched as they made their way down the hallway. Even when they were no longer in my line of vision, I remained. Something kept me grounded. Rooted.

Maybe it was the heaviest heart they always left me with. Maybe it was the fact that seeing them reminded me that Teddy existed but not in Clarke, anymore. He was in a far, far away place.

I couldn’t reach out and touch him whenever I felt vulnerable or needy. I couldn’t pop up at his home because I was bored. I couldn’t see him whenever I chose because there was so much distance between us. A drive to his house wouldn’t ease my mind. I had to take a flight. A long, grueling one that emphasized his absence.