Page 3

“I know that’s the fuck right,” I shrieked, excitedly.

I placed the bottle at my lips, preparing to drink before my intrusive thoughts began poking fun at me.

Now, you’re too excited, big throat. Get a glass. Don’t let your excitement for Clarke conceal your class. A glass, babe .

With a roll of my eyes, I lowered the bottle onto the counter. I began to stalk the cabinets one after the other until I located the extensive glassware section. Chemistry knew me well.

I removed a champagne flute and ran it under warm water. With a paper towel from the roll near the stove, I dried the glass and rejoined the champagne and start-up funds on the other end of the kitchen.

“There,” I whispered, watching in pure delight as the bubbly filled the flute.

I retrieved my gun, keeping it near my side as I made my way through my new home. There was the foyer that led to the study that was just around the corner that invited me into the kitchen with an open floor plan.

Click.

Clack.

Off the kitchen was the dining room. It was fitting for a family the size of mine. The open concept continued into the dining room and led me around another corner where a living room covered at least twelve hundred square footage. In addition, there was a full-sized laundry room, four-car garage, two bedrooms, and a family room on the first level. I climbed the glass stairs one at a time. My heels collided with the clear matter.

Click.

Clack .

Upstairs, I discovered three additional bedrooms, bathrooms, an entertainment room, and a second living room. I pushed the door open to the master suite to find it fully furnished as the rest of the house. The furniture resembled the pieces I’d spent years collecting in my old home.

Though the style was relatively close, it was elevated. Chemistry had taken things up a few notches. Nude polished every detail in my home. The monochrome dwelling brought me more peace than the rose toy I had replaced six times since moving to St. Catana because I couldn’t keep it off my pussy longer than twenty four hours.

Hints of red scattered around were added bonuses that reminded me I was on borrowed time. Red vases, candles, coffee table books, and art pieces were subtle details that stood out from the beiges of my home.

“One week,” I promised myself.

I tipped the glass, swallowing the fizzy liquid.

“Four days,” I corrected. “Four days and I should have a location secured.”

There was no time for sulking. Sitting. Crying. Wondering why. Or wondering how I’d contributed to my man’s behavior. I wasn’t that girl and I wouldn’t ever be. My contributions to Chino’s decisions didn’t exist.

He was an adult and breaking the simple rules set was a choice. He’d made it and it was him who’d suffer because of it. There were worse things than the heartbreak I was feeling. Losing me was one of them and Chino had done just that.

“But, first, revenge.” I chuckled, opening the door of the gargantuan closet in the master suite. It was the size of two bedrooms. It was equipped with a half-bathroom for convenience.

Twenty minutes later, my feet were flush against the plush red mat with a red satin head wrap protecting my hair. My hands slid across my breasts as I left a trail of soap. Beads of water bounced off my chest and trickled down my stomach. Slowly, I massaged my nipples, recalling the last time they’d been properly sucked or rolled between a set of calloused fingers.

The memory was agonizing. I tossed my head backward and squeezed gently, relieving the pent up frustration. It had been too long. Closing my eyes, I released a shaky breath. Even with the uncertainty of my romantic future settling in, I was hopeful.

Niggas are replaceable.

So is dick .

I cleansed my body, thoroughly, and allowed the warm water to caress me. I patted my body with an oversized towel as I exited the shower, sure not to dry it completely. Thick, creamy lotion touched my damp skin. I slathered it on, refusing to rub it in completely.

I strolled through the bathroom, making my way into the massive closet with a large vanity cut-out. Four shelves lined the wall with what seemed to be a never-ending collection of my favorite scents. I passed up most of the boxed fragrances to grab the latest obsession.

Rugger had introduced us to Riot from Huffington Fragrance House , which I wholeheartedly adored. However, I’d been dying to get my hands on their newest scent. Wilde . I opened the magnetic flap, removed the clear bottle, and pressed the sprayer.

Soft. Summer. Sultry. Subtle.

The gentleness of the fragrance packed a mighty punch but was overall very contradicting of its name. It wasn’t at all Wilde. It was womanly. Feminine.

“Oh, this is good. Real good.”

I spritzed my entire body down before sitting it back on the shelf and proceeding to soak my skin with the lotion. The air-drying process began as I walked the length of my closet. I settled in front of the section dedicated to house attire. It was a section my mother preached the importance of since we could understand full sentences.

You’re home more than you believe. Your life was predestined this way. Your father and I created you with this way of life in mind. You leave your home because you want to, not because you have to.

While you’re there, make sure you’re at your best. Even better than when in the company of the public–if you can manage it. Because, it’s behind those walls when your truest self is present. When you walk past those mirrors, make sure the woman you desire is walking past them too. Staring back at you. Proudly .

Rhea was femininity wrapped in wide hips and a frame most women died for. She’d blessed us all with her beauty although Richie was ingrained in our makeup. Our minds modeled his genius. But, our hearts belonged to Rhea.

Rugger had been the exception until we discovered she wasn’t. Most times I imagined I was an exception as well, but the pain in my chest proved the apple hadn’t fallen too far from the tree.

“Quality is key, Roulette. Not quantity. Signature color. Signature fabric. Signature fragrance. It simplifies your wardrobe and weeds out so many unnecessary pieces that will cling to hangers for years because your interest was only invested upon sight, not genuinely.

“Always, and I mean always, exercise extreme. Even in simplicity. You are the main character of your story. Be her. You are a lot, baby girl. You couldn’t tone it down if you tried. But, don’t ever try. For the right people you’ll always be just the right amount of everything. For everyone else– well, they don’t exist.

“You remind me of red. Bold. Breathtaking. Classic. Diverse. Sassy. Yes. Red. Not everyone can pull it off. And, not everyone is bold enough. But, you are Roulette. Stay that way. Your fierceness will offend so many people in your lifetime. Their problem, not yours.

“Your confidence will silence many people in your lifetime. Let them stay quiet. Your beauty will upset many people in your lifetime. Leave them mad. Your knowledge will humble many people in your lifetime. Make them level up, Roulette. Never dumb it down.

Now, try this on. Let me see if this is everything I imagined for you.”

I pulled the sheer fabric onto my shoulders as I stepped up on the small platform surrounded by three mirrors. The three-inch red platforms made me a full six feet and two inches. I was one of the shortest of my seven siblings.

However, Range was tied at 5’11 with me. She had me beat by almost a half inch. Rome was a mere 5’10, lean like the meat she consumed for her daily dose of protein. But, according to us and anyone who knew us, we were a family full of six-footers. We didn’t stray away from the label because it was mostly true.

“You’re that girl, Roulette. Don’t let any situation, any misfortune, or anybody make you believe differently,” I whispered, bringing the straps of the robe together.

My triple-D breasts peeped through the sheerness, highlighting my charcoal-colored areolas. I pulled my bottom lip between my teeth, admiring what God had given me. My bald, meaty pussy guest-starred in my mini-film. With a tilted head, I marveled at its perfection.

A 180-degree spin led me to a pleasant discovery. My body parted at the center. My legs rounded slightly, separating to a notable degree. The softness of my ass beckoned for attention. I squeezed gently with a nod of my head.

A low chuckle fell from my lips. My slim frame was evidently a result of being Richie and Rhea’s child. My rounded bottom didn’t protrude stupidly like the women I obsessed over in clubs where the girls got naked, including my own, but it required a healthy amount of space beyond the parameters of the rest of my body.

I was slim, yet thick in the places that mattered. It was the perfect combination, equipping me with a flat midsection, chiseled back, thin arms, and long legs.

“Perfection.”

I set my cheeks free and watched them jiggle before growing still. I pushed forward and off the elevated circle in the dressing station of the closet. One foot directly in front of the other, I strolled to the vanity where my phone was waiting for my arrival.

Vrrrr.

Vrrrr.

It vibrated in my hand. Chino’s face appeared on the screen. Vomit threatened to spill from my mouth. I swallowed back the awful taste and ignored the call. Instantly, my fingers began tapping on the screen, proceeding to block every contact in my phone that was assigned to Chino.

“Now that that’s behind me–”

I opened the messages application and found the group chat with every woman I loved inside, excluding Rhea. Before the line rang fully, Rome’s sweet face appeared.

“You made it?” She asked, brows raised and chest inflated.

“I did, bab–”

“Not she called us naked. I really can’t stand her sometimes,” Royce groaned.

“Technically, I’m not naked. I have on a robe.”

“We can see straight through it, Roulette,” Rugger reminded me as if I wasn’t aware.

“It’s cute,” Rather added.

“Thank you. Mom would love it,” I expressed with a roll of the neck.

“What’s the matter, Rou?” Rome’s discernment quieted everyone. Even those who had yet to join the ignorance that was about to unfold.

“Are you okay?” She continued.

I tittered, knowing there was nothing I could get past the baby of the bunch. She was too good. And, she was too connected with us all to ever lie to her. It wasn’t in my intention, though. Never.

“I’m good, baby,” I admitted.

“Maybe I asked the wrong question.” She sighed. “What happened with Chino?”

“One second,” I advised, opening my private messages to send Royce instructions.

She quieted as she looked down at her notifications.

“Okay,” she responded verbally.

I enhanced my eyebrows with the brow powder I swore by. Once they were in perfect condition, I opened the foundation I discovered in the drawer. Rather . I was certain she had collected the contents of my vanity. Chemistry didn’t know the first thing about makeup. However, he knew I loved it as much as I loved money.

“Do you two plan on telling us what that’s about?” Roaman asked.

“Because I’d like to know. I woke my son up answering this call,” Egypt chimed in.

“Mine too,” Rugger agreed.

“Chino broke the rules.”

“The rules? As in more than one?” Range asked.

“Psalms has been telling me I need a break. I could use a vacation.” Rugger yawned. “Royce. Put me on the next flight to Clarke.”

Oh, perfect. It was an exact match and glided flawlessly across my skin. I painted my entire face and then followed up with concealer.

“Killing a man is not a vacation, Rugs. He means like– a beach. A cabin. A–” Rome explained.

“Murder of the man who played with my sister. Better than any beach. Any cabin. Any–”

“If I wanted Chino dead, I would’ve killed him myself, Rugger. I’m well-capable.”

“I’m still waiting on the details, because even if he doesn’t die, he can spend some time in my chair,” Rather suggested. “Sounds like he needs therapy.”

“I walked in on him fucking Kiara.”

“So, two bodies. Say less. Baby–” Rugger was no longer whispering.

From the projection in her voice, I knew she was no longer lying down. I peered at the phone to see it had been set on the nightstand beside her bed.

I fanned the glue before laying the natural set of lashes on top of mine for a slight enhancement. I hated the dramatic bat wings that most preferred. It diminished the beauty of my other features, in my opinion.

“Wake up. I need you to get Psalem. I’m going on that vacation you’ve been suggesting.”

“No she’s not, Psalms. Rugger, leave that man alone,” I warned.

“He just needs therapy,” Rather insisted.

“Rather–” I called out.

“What? Sounds like he’s dealing with the weight of your absence and just needs someone to talk through it with. I can be that someon–”

“He had someone to talk to. Someone to lay up with. Someone to fuck on. Someone to nut in. Because, from the look of her stomach, they will be welcoming a baby in about five months. Six months at best. And, I’ll be at the shower enjoying the meatballs and rotel dips. It’s the only time I’ll indulge in such– uh– what’s the word I’m looking for?”

“Bullshit.” Range finished.

“I’m talking about the food,” I told her.

“Me, too,” she snickered. “The only thing that comes from plates like that is stubborn fat in unwanted areas. Girl, don’t do that to yourself.”

“Well, I could use a little fat in a few places. My ass for starters. I want it ridiculously big at some point in my life,” I confessed.

“The lies she tells,” Roaman whispered.

“Bullshit, again,” Range repeated. “Because we all know you are head over heels for your frame and wouldn’t change it, even for baby shower meatballs prepared for two traitors. I’m kicking her ass when she drops the baby, fair warning.”

“Range–” Rome called out.

“I think she should, honestly,” Egypt countered.

“Pipe down, ladies. Using our hands is so– well, unnecessary,” Rugger claimed.

“Are you in your closet?” Rome asked.

“I am. It’s vacation time, baby.”

“Rugs, please. Go lay down and prepare to suck Psalms’ dick when Psalem falls back asleep. That man deserves to have his balls in your mouth every night for putting up with your shit.”

“I’ve sucked it already,” she stated with a roll of her neck, “And, Psalem doesn’t need to be asleep for his father’s balls to be in my mouth. He has no idea what’s going on. He can’t even lift himself from the bed to see what all the commotion is.”

“She has a point.” Egypt chuckled. “She has a point. Now, Jru, on the other hand–”

“Leave my baby alone. Keep her out of this,” I chastised.

“Kiara is pregnant?” Roaman questioned. “I’m still trying to wrap my head around that part of the story.”

Contour.

Blush.

Highlight.

“There’s no need. Chino is going to bleed from the heart profusely over the nex–”

“Few hours. Just give me a few hours to get there,” Rugger told me.

“Rugger, go to bed. I need him alive for the next step.”

“Next step?” She paused after pulling a black shirt over her head.

“Yes. And when I said he’d bleed I didn’t mean physically, Rugger. Keep him alive. I want to enjoy his pain. I need him living to feel it.”

“Ugh. When did you girls get so fucking soft?” She huffed.

“Around the same time you did.” Royce laughed.

“Checkmate,” Range called.

“What’s your plan, Roulette?” Rome asked with her voice etched with concern.

“Where are the tears?” Roaman chuckled. “Women used to cry from heartbreak.”

“I’m not women. I’m Roulette. And, big girls don’t cry, babe. You know this,” I reminded Roaman. “I can’t remember seeing you cry when a nigga broke your heart.”

She nodded. “I can’t argue with that.”

She hadn’t been in a relationship since medical school where she had her heart broken into pieces. She didn’t shed a tear. She shoved her head deeper into the books and graduated two semesters earlier than her predicted date of completion. She was barely seventeen when she was handed her degree.

“Colombia, Rome. To answer your question.”

“What’s in Colombia?”

I removed the head wrap from my head and allowed my hair to flow. A brand new paddle brush smoothed my install.

“Chino’s source of money. His main source.”

“So that’s your plan?” Egypt asked.

“No,” Rome answered. “Breaking all the rules is.”

“Thank you, baby.”

I lined my lips with dark brown liner and then pressed my lips against each other to smear it slightly.

“All except one.”

I slathered gloss across my lips and pressed them together again.

“No babies. There isn’t a nigga in this world that can convince me to have his child. Accept his child. Or abort his child, because he will never catch me slipping.”

“Well, that all changes when the ri–”

“It’ll never change, Rugger. I don’t care how long his dick is or how long his money is. Nothing is coming out of me and no one is going to be including me in the family pictures the school asks for as the bitch of a stepmother they love to hate.”

Perfect .

“Who is that Andrew? Oh, that’s my stepmom who my father pounds every night. My ears have molded to the shape of my earbuds, Luke, because they’re so fucking loud. I hate that slut and so does my mom. Ugh,” I whined.

“At least she’s hot dude. You see that fucking set on her chest?” Rome chimed in, sounding like a teenage boy.

Joyous laughter coated the line.

“Exactly,” I groaned. “Not exactly the life I imagined for myself. Planning vacations around their lives. Nope. I’m not willing to give up my spot as the main character to play a supporting character in anybody’s story. Not even a kid’s.”

“Because that’s exactly what happens,” Egypt confessed.

I stood from the vanity, causing an uproar on the phone.

“Seriously?” Range complained.

“Pussy all in the camera,” Royce snickered.

“Rou– please,” Rome begged.

“Sorry, baby, but it’s nothing you haven’t seen before.”

I lowered the robe and watched it fall to the floor on the screen in front of me.

“She can’t be fucking serious,” Rugger hissed.

“Well, ladies, it’s been good talking to you. It’s time I get dressed. The aircraft is fueled and almost ready for departure.”

“You just made it,” Rather fussed.

“And, I’m just leaving.”

“To whe–” Roaman started.

“Colombia,” Rome explained.

“To Colombia,” I agreed.

“You’re not wasting any time, huh?”

“Do you think niggas waste time getting the next woman in their bed? Most can’t even make it. Their dicks are between the next set of pussy lips right on the sofa. If you thought they were alone in their efforts to bust, then you’re sadly mistaken. Now, I love you– you– you– and the rest of you. I will see you ladies when I return. Egypt, keep quiet.”

“He will know, Roulette.” Egypt was right.

“Probably already knows,” Rather insisted.

“That might be true, but I’m grown and so is my pussy. I don’t have a curfew and my father is in the dirt. Egypt, keep him occupied and off Clarke’s soil. I will be back in a few days.”

“I will do what I can,” Egypt promised.

“Thank you. Later ladies.”

I ended the call as they all began their goodbyes. My phone vibrated against the vanity instantly. I dreaded the screen but peeped anyway. Rome’s name was bold in the message bar. I unlocked my phone to find her kindness seeping through the message she’d likely began as we were all on the line together.

It feels good knowing you’re home, even under the circumstances. I’m no stranger to your brilliance and am fully aware of your potential to utilize the frustration you must feel to elevate. All I ask is that you remain true to yourself and your character in the process. No one is worth your beauty. The inside kind. What makes you Roulette. What makes you my favorite person.

Stay safe, Rou.

I love you –in every lifetime .

Seconds later and I was standing in front of the mirror, dressed in an eggshell-colored dress. It was very similar to the one I’d torn from my body to give it to a man who no longer deserved me. However, it was richer in color with more dramatics.