After Sunset

by Nicole Renee

  “You think Davien knows as well?”

  “Perhaps. Or he could just know there is a Daughter of Sunrise. More than likely Raven has requested Davien bring her to him. Remember he can’t be in this realm for too long. He would have fifteen minutes max.”

  Akachi took in everything Amara said. It all made sense. Why Davien was after him, why he was causing havoc in the city.

  “He’s trying to make Zahir seem incompetent. Show that he doesn’t have control over the city. If it looks like he can’t control his subjects and doesn’t have more power than the dark lord, why follow him. Davien’s displaying his power as a tactic to say that everyone should be following him instead. That he can lead the people into a better place.”

  “And if Raven can return-”

  “Then so could King Abaddon. And that opens up more problems. Problems that would put Zahir in even more danger. He needs to know this Amara.”

  “Some of it he does. But not the news concerning Winny.”

  Akachi growled in frustration, but Amara wouldn’t budge.

  “Trust me, Akachi. I know you haven’t known me for long but I want just as much for Winny and Zahir to be together. They are fated. It’s what has been already decided. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity for this to come to pass. We cannot have anything stand in the way of it. Even you,” she said with finality in her voice. She could see the frustration written clearly on Akachi’s face and she softened her tone as she continued.

  “It’s a rare thing to find your destined mate. Your brother has led the duals for a long time. The one true spirit knows this, and has been pleased with what he’s done.”

  “If that’s true, then why would he be faced with so many hardships? Shouldn’t he be given respite?” He questioned.

  Amara leaned back in her seat before crossing her arms. “I’m sorry, we are talking about real-life, right? Not a fairytale. Things happen. Trials are had every day. Women and men are tested. What’s important is how you come out of it. Who would want to follow a king who has never been tested? Who would follow someone who has never had to really fight in order to become the one true king?” Amara asked the man.

  “So you’re saying that he deserves this?”

  “I’m saying that your brother must fight. He will have respect, and no one will question his decisions ever again.”

  Akachi looked into her eyes seeing nothing but resolve. “My brother is all I have. He’s been there for me when no one else was. I cannot let him suffer alone.”

  Amara’s eyes softened. “You won’t. Just be there for him. Help protect him.”

  “How can I do that?”

  “You can see who is on your brother’s side. You are the next in line should something happen to him, right?”

  Akachi hated to think that way, but he also knew she was correct. “Yes.”

  “Well, show them why they should never doubt either of you. Show them why they should follow your brother.”

  Akachi grabbed her hand before kissing it softly. Her breath caught, at the look he gave her, and she forced herself to look away.

  “Thank you, Amara,” he said quietly. “I asked some difficult questions, and you answered me honestly. It wasn’t what I wanted to hear but I needed to,” he finished earnestly.

  Oh, if only you knew how I truly felt about you. Amara said to herself. She tried to keep the rest of her truth at bay, but it was difficult with her own temptation right in front of her. She cleared her throat before pulling her hand away.

  “Amara-”

  “Let’s dive into this food you’ve brought. I smell Chinese,” Amara said, forcing cheerfulness into her voice.

  Please drop this, Akachi, She said internally. She hoped that the man could read her eyes. She was tired and didn’t want to delve any further.

  Meanwhile, Akachi searched her gaze when she looked back at him and he could already see her walls up. She wasn’t going to speak on anything else tonight. He was satisfied with what he has gotten this far, but this was far from over.

  He was a Slade after all. He loved a challenge.

  He let it go for the moment, but they would talk about whatever it was that was growing between them. He couldn’t name it, but he knew it was not something that he could easily shake off.

  “You do smell Chinese. Kung pao chicken and some noodles to accompany it.”

  Amara looked relieved at the topic change and pulled out the third box. “And what’s in here?”

  A heat entered into Akachi’s eyes as he lowered his voice and searched his eyes. “Well, that’s the surprise box. You open it, and we’ll find out together if we both like it.”

  She knew they were talking about more than just the food. Her hand hovered over it, and he searched her eyes for anything other than trepidation.

  “Are you going to open it, Amara?” Swallowing, she broke eye contact before handing the box over to him.

  “You can open it. I’ll watch.” He smirked enjoying her answer.

  14

  Sick.

  Of course, Amara was sick. Winny didn’t buy that answer for one moment, but she knew that was the best she was going to get. She did text to ask Amara if she knew where the Slade brother’s lived, but she hadn’t received a reply back, and she knew that she wouldn’t anytime soon. She called Zahir earlier and was irritated that instead of the apology she was hoping to get, all she got instead was a very terse, “I’ll call you back,” and that was hours ago. She wasn’t too sure if she wanted to get involved with someone who made guest appearances every now and then.

  “Winny, don’t be too pushy. You’ve just started this thing,” she whispered aloud to herself. She ran her gaze over the store making sure everything was in its right place.

  Vincent really did a good job of organizing her books. And she was excited that today she was able to hire Rashad Jenkins. His mother was such a sweetheart and she knew he used the excuse of his mother needing several books as a reason to come into her shop. He was captain of the football team and even volunteered over at the hospital. But she knew his heart lay with books. The boy could write, and she read some of his work. She confessed to it earlier that day, and after getting over his embarrassment she told him how talented he was.

  He was shy, but he looked pleased. That was when she offered him the job on the spot. He was excited, especially when he found out what the pay was. In addition to being a very talented writer, he was knowledgeable about all types of books. It also didn’t help that the boy was cute, which was drawing in more young teenage girls.

  Oh. The joys of young black love.

  Rashad and Vincent, along with the girl who volunteered on certain days, made for a lovely and diverse team, and she loved it. Locking the door, she jumped in surprise to find the boy who was just on her mind standing in front of her. With a younger-looking girl.

  “Rashad? What are you doing here? I sent you home an hour ago.”

  The tall lanky teen glanced about the quiet street before stuffing his hands in his jean pockets.

  “My baby sister has ballet classes so I always pick her up during this time.”

  Winny smiled down at the darling girl. She had one giant afro puff that sat atop of her head with what looked to be held up by a butterfly band. She was wearing a black jacket but it did not hide her pink tutu, white tights, and pink flats.

  She grinned up at Winny. “You have a pretty aura. I’m Violet and I’m six years old!” she said brightly.

  Winny’s brow raised at what the girl said, but shrugged it off as her thinking her red dress was pretty. Little girls loved color. She laughed when the tiny thing held out her hand intending to shake her own.

  “Hi, Violet. I’m Winny.”

  “I know,” she said easily. “My brother told me.” She turned to her brother. “Come on Shad! I’m hungry and mama said she’s making my favorite biscuits for dinner!”

  The teen rolled his eyes before picking up his sister and tossing her over his shoulder. Wh
ile she squealed and giggled Rashad gave Winny an easy smile. “Ms. Winny. I can walk you home. We don’t live too far away from you.”

  Winny dropped her keys in her pocket before nodding. “If you’re sure.”

  “I am,” he said before stepping beside her. The little girl continued to giggle as they walked down the street, her tutu flung up and Rashad pulled it down and striking up a conversation.

  “So. You’ve been here for a while. You like it here Ms. Winny?”

  “Winny,” she gently corrected. “And yes I do. I love my shop, but more importantly, I love the people. You are all so friendly,” she said.

  Violet spoke at her from over his shoulder. “Yeah, we are. I’ve never talked to a human before so-” Rashad interrupted his sister by tapping her gently on the leg. Winny frowned and Rashad offered a smile.

  “It’s my sister. She’s been pretending for the past week to be something else.”

  Winny continued to look at the boy but his face didn’t give anything away. “If you say so,” she answered instead. After sharing a conversation about what possible new books she should order they came to a stop in front of her apartment building. “Well, this is it.”

  Rashad nodded before tilting his head across the street. “We’re over at the end of the other side of the street. My mom and dad saw you walking by yourself a couple of times. So if you want some company, or want me to walk you home some nights don’t hesitate to ask. You’re my boss after all,” he said as he let his sister back down on the ground.

  She placed her hands on her hips and glared up at him.

  “What?” he said already exasperated.

  “You almost messed up my hair!” she said indignantly.

  Winny had to cover her laugh with a cough. “Thank you, Rashad. Tell your mother I appreciate it, and I will take it into consideration for future trips.”

  “My mom says that no-” Violet was interrupted by Rashad slamming his hand over his sister’s mouth.

  “Good night Winny!” he said before turning and crossing the street with his sister’s hand clasped tightly in his own. The little girl beamed at her and waved before turning back to her brother.

  Winny shook her head at both of them and smiled in amusement when she saw Rashad’s mother glancing at her from the window. She returned her wave and saw the sheepish smile before she closed the curtain. Winny was glad to have neighbors who cared about her well-being. Even if they were a little bit nosy.

  It was three a.m. and Winny heard knocking at her door. She groaned, throwing herself out of bed and sliding on her robe. She preferred to sleep with no pants on, but the way she was having frequent visits at night, she may have to sleep in clothes. She sighed when she saw Zahir’s face in her peephole and was ready to give him an earful as to the disappearing act he kept pulling. That was until she opened the door. And saw how tired he looked.

  “Zahir,” was all she said.

  The man looked into her eyes and she quickly allowed him to come inside. Once she locked her door she turned back to face him and noticed the haggard look in his eyes.

  Reaching up, she smoothed her fingers under his eyes. “You look beat. Is everything okay? Is your brother hurt?” She searched his eyes. Eyes that seemed so ancient, and yet young.

  He closed them before leaning into her touch. Not waiting for his response, she led him to her bedroom. His eyes were still closed as she helped strip him of his jacket and shoes, guiding him to her bed. Once he was laying down, she moved to her side and laid so she was facing him. After a while, he blinked his eyes open and stared into her questioning ones.

  He offered her a smile. “I’m sorry for coming to you like this. It was not my intention,” he started, only for her to place a finger over his lips.

  “No. I’m glad you came, actually. I have been thinking about you all day,” She whispered to him. It felt too intimate for her to speak normally. She scooted an inch closer.

  “I was ready to rip you a new one for pulling that disappearing act. I speak to you non-stop then hear nothing from you for more than a day?”

  “I know you were upset.”

  “No, you misunderstand. I was worried.” Surprise lit his eyes as she continued.

  “I know you’re a big tough guy. You’ve protected yourself and your brother for years. But, I don’t know, I just felt concerned and a tad bit on edge not hearing from you. I’m glad to see that you’re alright. Even if you look a bit drained.”

  Zahir turned on his side before inching closer as well. “I’ve been busy. Handling various businesses, not to mention a-” he stopped when Winny placed her hand on his chest, and over his heart.

  She noticed that his temperature was much cooler than normal, but ignored it for the moment. “Does it have to do with the way Akachi’s eyes were a different color?” Winny asked quietly.

  He studied her face yet said nothing.

  Winny ran her hand over his chest. “I know there is more to the story. And I also know it probably explains your absence. I’m not stupid. Before, if you told me that eyes could change color, and things that go bump in the night are actually real, I probably would’ve laughed in your face. But, since moving to New Orleans I have realized that not everything is black and white. There are areas that most don’t have a clue about.”

  “How do you know this?” he asked instead.

  “Other than the obvious eyes?” she snorted. “I think it’s the way in which you both carry yourself, and the way you speak. I’ve been around other people in this town and I notice it in a few people, but it stands out the most with you both.”

  Zahir had to give it to her. Winny was very observant and smart. He should’ve known that from the beginning when he tried to buy the woman’s silence. He’d had human acquaintances, known them for years, who never suspected a thing. But then he realized that humans never wanted to know more. Truth be told, they wanted to believe what they chose. Nothing less and nothing more. It made for a very limited brain and a progressive world, which was why he usually shied away from close-minded beings.

  Zahir didn’t want to lie to her, so he opted for minimal information. “It has to do with that, yes.”

  When he said nothing else, Winny sighed. “You can trust me, you know. We are still fairly new with one another, but I thought this was-”

  “It’s not that,” he said, interrupting her gently. “It’s about your safety. Winny, there are things happening right now that even I can’t predict. I want to keep you safe.”

  “And telling me won’t keep me safe?”

  “No. It’ll make it real. And I can’t even think of having this problem touch you. You’re too precious for that,” he said before leaning over and kissing her soft, tempting lips.

  He was unable to fight the pull of her mouth any longer. Being with her soothed him. It soothed the dual side of him, calmed him down. He leaned over her further, angling her head and coaxing her lips to open.

  Winny sighed at his ministrations. Kissing the top, bottom, then the corner of his lip, she wrapped her arms around his neck and felt herself sinking further into the bed and pillows. No, he didn’t answer all her questions tonight, but she also knew this was something they both needed. To reconnect.

  It was crazy, because he was still new to her, but it felt like she needed him to function. She felt itchy, and almost jittery when she didn’t hear from him for too long. And by the way, he was holding her against his body, she guessed that he felt the same.

  Is this what falling in love felt like?

  She hadn’t realized that she was whimpering until she broke away from his kiss and gasped out for breath. Zahir trailed soft, open-mouthed kisses along her neck while grabbing her leg and hiking it over his hip.

  “You taste so good, Winny,” he growled as his mouth trailed lower until it was hovering over her open robe.

  She was wearing a thin gown that left little to the imagination. She tightened her arms around his neck and tried to piece together a coherent
sentence. “Zahir, wait. We still haven’t really talked. I-oh god-um need to say some things,” she ended weakly as he turned her onto her back and his hands gently cupped her full breasts.

  He ran his hands over her nipples that were poking through the silk shirt and bent over to kiss her lips once more. She gripped at his hair, as he kept placing kisses on her lips. Zahir settled between her spread legs while raising her short purple nightgown that was driving him insane. He figured he would have to buy her one in every color.

  In between kisses, he answered her statement. “I know, and I promise we will.”

  Winny bit her lip as he continued to lave her sensitive skin with attention and adoration. She never felt like this in her entire life. The way he looked at her, the way he ran his hands over her body, and the way his mouth moved over her reverently, made her feel as if she were some kind of goddess. Once her nightgown had been pulled off, he couldn’t contain the growl of possession at seeing Winny, his woman. Because that was how he saw her, and how she would always be.

  Mine.

  Zahir ran his hands over her satiny legs and traced the pink lace of her panties. “Your skin feels so soft. Like the finest silk,” he said as he placed an open-mouth kiss on her stomach. Winny squirmed from his large hands on her body and melted when he hovered under the spot where her belly button lay. He made her think about plans. Plans that included more than just her when he caressed her that way.

  “Zahir,” she gasped out. But he only shook his head before locking eyes with her. He kissed the inside of her thigh before ripping her underwear, exposing her completely to his gaze. She felt her cheeks heat from how intensely he was gazing at her core. Her entire body was flushed hot and he placed a kiss on her mound before speaking casually.

  “Open for me, Winny,” he husked out.

  “But-”

  “Trust me,” he said enticingly.

  She didn’t know if it was the way he was gazing at her or the way he held her body, but Winny found herself throwing all caution to the wind. She couldn’t explain it, but Zahir made her feel wild.