The Cartel Deluxe Edition, Part 2

by Ashley

  Miamor contained her smile because she knew that by accepting the money he was accepting her terms. Had Carter walked into the joint they would have never done business with him. Italians hated black men, but they loved black women and Salerno could get used to the pretty young thing with attitude that had waltzed into his butcher shop. He had a hard on for Miamor. Her skin tone, the contours of her hips, her breasts, even her pretty face . . . he lusted after it all. There was no way he was turning her down, at least not until after he had sampled what was between her legs.

  “Have a good day,” she said as she turned around.

  “Bono, pull up a chair. Deal him in,” Salerno stated. “Oh yeah and toots . . .” he said to Miamor just as she reached the door. She rolled her eyes. Apparently it was the nickname that all Italian men had reserved just for her. “Make that ten percent and if you ever cross me I’ll cut your pretty fucking tongue out of your mouth and lick my balls with it, eh?”

  Miamor smirked before turning on her heels and walking out, completely satisfied. She was one step closer to fulfilling Carter’s dream. By the time he came home, his casino would be up and running.

  * * *

  “This is all you get in Las Vegas for $100,000,000,” Leena asked skeptically as she turned up her nose at the old, musty, hotel and casino. The machines were old and outdated; the furniture rickety and rusty. Breeze, Leena, and Miamor looked around slightly taken aback.

  “It was scheduled for demolition,” Lisa Matthews said as she held out her hands. “You didn’t pay for the building. It was the location that cost you. You are right on the South end of the strip. Your location alone is worth at least three times more than what you paid. A little TLC will have this place up and running.” The real estate agent tried to sound optimistic but even she wasn’t buying the load of crap that was falling out of her mouth. “All the three of you have to do is sign right here on the dotted line and this property will be yours.”

  Miamor breathed deeply as a heavy feeling sank into her chest. This was the moment that they all had been waiting on, but she couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed. She had never had to make moves on behalf of anyone but herself. She wished Carter was free. Letters and phone calls weren’t enough to fill the void that he had left in her life. She had been making plans, executing plays, and moving on his behalf. There was no way to let him know about every thing that went down before she did it, so she was playing so much by ear in hopes that she was acting in accord to what he wanted. Was this the property that he would want? Would he be displeased that she had to cut a deal with the Italians in order to make it happen? Miamor was so unsure about so many things, but it was too late to back out now. She took the pen from Lisa’s hand and reluctantly provided her signature. Leena signed next and then Breeze.

  “Congratulations,” Lisa said as she tucked the paperwork securely in her briefcase. “You are now the proud owner of . . .” The woman paused and said. “What are you going to name it?”

  “The Davinci,” Miamor replied.

  “Has a nice ring to it,” Breeze stated. “How did you come up with that?”

  “Because I’m going to make this a work of art,” Miamor answered surely. Leena pulled a bottle of Champagne out of her oversized bag and popped the top. The girls squealed in excitement as the bubbles overflowed.

  “We don’t have glasses,” Breeze said.

  “Than hit it like a thug B, stop being so prissy,” Leena teased. Breeze laughed as she tilted her head back as Leena poured champagne in her mouth. The girls laughed as they each drank a bit in honor of their first official day as owners of The Davinci Resort and Casino.

  Chapter 19

  Three Years Later

  Carter emerged from the prison and looked up at the sky. It was the first time that he had seen the sun without wires and barbs interrupting the picture. His appearance was different. He had grown a full beard and his body was chiseled to perfection from the time he had dedicated to his body. His face held a scar from a fight that had broken out on the yard, but still his swag was the same. His walk was still powerful, his stare still deadly, and his mind sharper than ever. The past five years had changed him and for the better. He looked back at the prison as he thought, I’ll never let a man put me back in a box. Ever.

  As he strolled over to the black Maybach that awaited curbside he frowned as he removed the prison issued shirt, revealing a white wife beater underneath. He was relieved to see Brock, his old driver. It wasn’t the first face he wanted to see, but seeing as how he had been released 6 months early and wanted to surprise Miamor he would have to be patient.

  “Good to see you Boss,” Brock stated.

  Carter slapped hands with the seven-foot killer and pulled him in for an embrace before stepping into the car. He smiled when he saw the Cubans waiting for him in the seat. He quickly clipped the ends and sparked a match as he puffed the cigar to life.

  As the smoke danced in his mouth he savored the feeling of freedom as he melted into the leather seats. “I thought that would be your speed boss.”

  “My nigga you thought right,” Carter said.

  “Where to?”

  Carter tossed the prison shirt out of the window as the car pulled away from the curb. “Take me to the nearest Neiman’s my nigga. It’s been four and a half years since I’ve seen my bitch. I want to walk back into her life and be the same as she remembered,” Carter said.

  * * *

  Time seemed to stand still when he saw her. Five long years had passed and he sat back admiring her as she walked through the beautiful casino, smiling graciously at the players. The dealers seemed to fawn after her. He could see the admiration in their eyes as she blessed each of them with a bit of her presence, even if only for a second. The casino and resort was flawlessly designed. He saw Miamor’s personality throughout the entire establishment. She had chosen every detail from top to bottom and its modern vibe was impressive. She had gutted the place completely and if the crowd was any indication than business was booming. He couldn’t be more proud. Miamor moved around the casino like a fish swimming through water. This was where she belonged. She was in her element and he found her incredibly sexy. The way she commanded respect. The way her beauty stood out amongst the sea of people. She was radiant and in that moment he didn’t think it was possible to love anyone more than he loved her. His eyes scanned the room and he immediately peeped Fly Boogie, sitting back hawking Miamor’s every move. She was protected and he made a mental note to hit Fly Boogie off with some bread for being so on point. He didn’t want to interrupt. Instead he turned around and walked back out of the door. Miamor was busy right now . . . busy holding him down . . . busy being the boss and he wouldn’t interrupt that. He would re-enter her life when the time was right.

  * * *

  Miamor felt the hairs on the back of her neck stand and she turned around, scanning the room to see why she was suddenly paranoid. She felt eyes on her. It was the murder mama in her. She always knew when something in the universe was off. She felt like she was being preyed on. She tensed and as soon as her smile turned into a frown Fly Boogie was out of his chair and across the room at her side.

  “You good?” he asked.

  “Yeah, yeah,” she said as she shook her head. “It just feels like someone is watching me.”

  “The entire room is watching you ma, you’re the star of the show,” he said.

  “This feels different. I just need to go upstairs for awhile and regroup. I’d feel much more comfortable if I wasn’t naked down here,” Miamor said.

  “You don’t need your strap ma. You’re protected within these walls. Anybody breathe on you too hard, I’m plugging em’,” Fly Boogie stated. “Relax. Nobody’s here to hurt you. The people come here to see you, because you make them feel like you know each one of them. You’re like a drug ma. They can’t get enough and as long as they see your face them wallets stay open. Do you. I got it.”

  Miamor nodded and continued to seduce the roo
m, but she still couldn’t shake the eerie feeling that had suddenly killed her vibe.

  She saw Leena coming through the casino. Impeccably dressed and cuffing legal documents in her hands. “Hey, where are you headed?” Miamor greeted her. They kissed once on each cheek.

  “I’m headed to financial to drop off these insurance papers and then I’m conducting interviews for a housekeeping manager,” Leena said.

  “Where is Breeze?” Miamor asked as Leena began to walk away, obviously in a hurry.

  Leena shrugged. “If I see her, I’ll tell her you’re looking for her.”

  “And the kids?” Miamor asked, yelling after her.

  “They’re with Aries.”

  Miamor nodded and tried to go about her day but something was nagging her. She had no idea that Carter was free but she would soon find out.

  * * *

  As soon as Miamor stepped into her suite the overwhelming aroma of fresh flowers invaded her senses. Her mouth dropped in an O of surprise as she looked around. She was baffled. This was a romantic gesture and although she was aware that Fly Boogie was fond of her, he knew his place. He would never cross that line. Would he? she thought, confused. She picked up her phone to call him. If he was responsible for this she had to correct this problem. She didn’t like how good the gesture felt. It was time to create some space. I’ve got to put some distance between me and his charming little ass, she thought with a smirk as she shook her head. Perhaps being her personal goon was becoming a bit too personal. She was flattered but she was also taken. She would give nothing but heartbreak for the young kid. She hit the dial button and placed the phone to her ear as she made her way further into the suite.

  “Hello,” he answered.

  “Fly, we need to . . .” she halted her step and stopped mid-sentence when she looked out on the balcony. A shadowy figure stood, overlooking the strip. Alarm shot through her. If Fly Boogie was on her line . . . who the hell is that? She thought.

  “Hello?” he asked again.

  “There’s someone in my suite,” she whispered. She hung up the phone and tip toed to the couch where she kept a gun tucked under the cushions. She removed the small .22 and let the gun lead her to the balcony. It was dark. The only light that illuminated the space was the glitzy lights from the streets below.

  “The only reason I’m talking first instead of plugging you with holes is because my suite is full of flowers. Who the fuck are you?” she asked.

  “Ask questions last next time ma, never give a nigga a chance to catch you slipping.”

  The gun fell from Miamor’s grasp as she cupped her mouth in complete shock. “Carter?” she whispered. He turned toward her, his hands tucked in his Gabbana slacks. “Oh my God,” she whispered as tears filled her eyes. Suddenly Fly Boogie’s boyish charm was the furthest thing from her mind. Carter Jones was a man . . . her man . . . and he was 100 percent all man. The way he hung the Italian cut suit made her heart swoon as she ran into his arms, their lips meeting while his hands roamed all over her body.

  “I missed the shit out of you Miamor,” he said, practically growling into her ear. She could hear his need and feel it too as he pulled her behind into him.

  His kisses stopped her from speaking and his fingers ripped her panties to shreds as he lifted her leg, leaning her against the balcony door. When he filled her she gasped. It had been so long since she had felt him inside of her and she fit him like a glove. He grinded and she bucked hungrily, his face buried in her neck as lust took over them. His dick hadn’t been wet in five years and it was too long for him to do any real damage. When he came, he didn’t pull out. He spilled his seed inside of her. He would give her ten babies if it meant their souls could unite. Panting, he placed her on her feet and rested his forehead against Miamor’s. Her hands touched his face, to make sure that this was real. She had dreamt of their reunion so many times that it felt like she was in a daze. “If you ever leave me again, I’ll kill you,” she cried, her tears burning her eyes as they slid down her cheeks. “Five years was too long. It felt like a lifetime.” She wept. Finally, she was able to free the turmoil that she had concealed since the day he had been taken away. There was no better feeling than his embrace as he wrapped her in his arms.

  “Shhh, I’m back Mia. I’m home and I’m never leaving again. The only thing that will ever take me away from you is death,” he promised.

  KNOCK! KNOCK! KNOCK!

  “Who the fuck is that?” Carter asked as he adjusted his clothes. She pulled her skirt down and followed him inside as she wiped her eyes.

  “It’s probably Fly,” she said. “I called him when I saw you standing on the balcony.”

  “My murder mama called Fly Boogie?” he asked. “He your body guard or something?” Carter asked.

  “He’s not the same kid he was five years ago,” Miamor said. “He’s put in a lot of work for me over the years. I trust him.”

  “Yo Miamor!” Fly Boogie’s voice came through the door.

  Carter pulled it open and Fly Boogie’s eyes widened. He was caught off guard at Carter’s presence. “Oh shit, my bad fam,” he said. “I thought there was a problem up here. I didn’t know you were home. When you touch down? Welcome back.”

  “Just now,” Carter replied.

  “You good?” Fly Boogie asked Miamor directly. She nodded, giving him a half smile. She could see that his feelings were slightly hurt by Carter’s presence. They had spent a lot of time together over the years. Now that Carter was home that would surely cease. She was recognizing the signs of a crush from Fly Boogie, she hoped that Carter wasn’t getting the same vibe.

  “She’s good,” Carter confirmed, answering for her. “We can chop it up tomorrow li’l homie. I hear you’ve helped hold shit together in my absence. I’ll get with you. Have a good night.”

  Carter closed the door dismissively and turned back to Miamor. “Where’s my son?” he asked anxiously.

  “He’s at home with Magdalena and Aries,” Miamor said.

  “This ain’t home?” Carter asked looking around.

  “No, this is just a suite that I keep here at the casino. I’m usually here all day. I like to rest or switch clothes without having to leave the property,” she revealed. She grabbed his hand and pulled him into her. “The home that we’ve built here is amazing Carter. It took so much work and so much time but we did it. I did it . . . for you. I’ll show you everything tomorrow. We might as well spend the night here. C.J. is already asleep and you and I have a lot of catching up to do,” she whispered seductively. She planted a kiss on his full lips and then dropped to her knees. Carter’s head fell back in bliss as she went to work. She was determined to show her man just how much she had missed him. Tonight would be all about his pleasure.

  Chapter 20

  “Sparkly diamonds and foreign cars are some of the pros.”

  —Leena

  “I’m so proud of you Carter. Tonight belongs to you,” Miamor said as she stood in the doorway, watching as the resort tailor hemmed Carter’s pants to his Gucci suit. He looked exactly the same. The five years away had done nothing to age him. The only change she could see was the scar that ran along the side of his face. Even still he was the most handsome man she had ever seen. If anything, the scar added character. The years apart had almost made her forget how much his presence filled the room. Carter Jones didn’t even have to speak. His aura was simply boss and Miamor felt a silky wetness building between her legs just from looking at him. Carter shook the Asian man off. “Thank you Xuan,” Carter said, calling the man by name. He was making it a point to learn each one of his employees and considering that Xuan did excellent work, he used him every day. He adjusted his steel grey jacket and twisted his cufflinks as he stared at his reflection. Retrieving his money clip from his inside breast pocket, he removed a hundred dollar bill and handed it to the elderly man.

  “Thank you, Mr. Jones.”

  Carter nodded and Xuan left the room. Miamor came up behind him, wra
pping her arms around his shoulders as they stared at the perfect image of their reflection in the full-length mirror.

  “I couldn’t have come this far without you ma,” he said.

  “Neither could I,” she replied. “Just because you missed the past few years doesn’t mean that anyone has forgotten the work that you’ve put in. You are the king, Carter. It’s time that Vegas witnessed your crowning.”

  “What’s the status on Zyir and Monroe?” Carter asked.

  “Everything’s fine. They will be here. Tonight the Cartel will be whole again. There are no missing pieces. It will go perfectly. . . trust me,” she said. She kissed the back of his neck and then walked out of the room, leaving him to his thoughts. She had an entire glam squad waiting for her at home.

  * * *

  Breeze could barely breathe as she waited for Zyir’s plane to land on the private clear port. Loneliness didn’t quite describe the despair that had fallen over her while he had been locked away. She had fallen into a state of depression . . . one that she had hidden well but depression all the same. She didn’t have a child to look after or to substitute for the love that Zyir gave her daily. So without him, it was just her and it had been a struggle to get through every single day. Letters and phone calls did nothing for her soul. Over the past few years her heart had deflated but as she saw the lights from the incoming plane she knew that all of her pain was about to be erased.

  She had driven herself. She didn’t want anyone to witness their first moments together. It was intimate . . . private . . . and she wanted Zyir all to herself. She got out of the car . . . too anxious to wait inside the captivity of her BMW X5. Why am I nervous? She thought. Butterflies danced in her stomach. As the plane gently touched its wheels to the ground it brought a forceful wind with it. Her expensive dress and flawlessly silked hair blew all over the place, but she didn’t care. She held her breath as the plane’s door slowly opened and a staircase was attached to its side.