by Kiru Taye
She broke the kiss, panting. Still holding onto the back of his neck, she stared into his dark eyes. “Ebuka, I love you.”
He stilled as his eyes widened. “You don’t have to say it.”
“I do. I know I was afraid to admit it. But I don’t want to miss the chance to tell you in case something happens.”
“Nothing will happen.”
She shook her head. “We have to be honest with each other. This life I dragged you into, it involves a lot of death. People die around me.”
His eyes searched hers. “I know that. But you saved me from death.”
“Yes. And I’ll keep doing it for as long as I live.”
“And I’ll protect you every way that I can. I told you already to trust me on this.”
She met his gaze and nodded. “I trust you.”
Smiling, he leaned down and kissed her again.
EPILOGUE
EBUKA WAS a man of his word. Xandra’s trust in him stayed valid.
After their night in Arufin, they remained in Lori Osa for another two weeks. They helped Duke Odili take down John Bull Owo, earning their places in the Odili crew.
She had been surprised at the ease with which Ebuka had taken on the role. He’d stayed and covered her during the shootout that ambushed The Baron when he’d gone to visit one of his girlfriends.
A few days later, they returned to Bakili. The welcome from Ebuka’s sister and mother had been overwhelming. More than she had expected. Within days, Xandra was working on the ranch as if she had always been a part of it. It was now her home.
She worried about Himba and what actions he’d planned to take in retaliation for the death of his enforcer. She checked the listings regularly for any kill contracts, but none had her name or Ebuka’s. Still, she couldn’t believe the man would be willing to let bygones be bygones.
Two months later, Ebuka and Xandra were in Opal City for the meeting of the heads of the regional cartel families. Xandra wouldn’t usually attend such a gathering, but Duke had invited Ebuka and her along. She presumed he’d be making the official announcement that they were now part of his team.
Before the main meeting started, Duke introduced her to other members of his crew she hadn’t met. She’d already met Mason and Maddox. But his other capos Rocha and Charles were new to her. Apparently, Rocha was Mason’s brother. However, she disliked Rocha instantly. There was something in the way he looked at her with disapproval.
The person who drew her attention most, though, was Carla Owo, now Carla Odili. Intriguing. John Bull’s daughter was now part of Duke’s family.
After the meeting of heads concluded, Mason directed Xandra and Ebuka into a room where Don Tiye Himba sat along with Zoe.
Ebuka sat in a chair beside Duke and Xandra stood at the back of it. Mason sat in a chair the other side of Duke.
“What is this about?” Don Himba asked, not even bothering to acknowledge Xandra.
Only Zoe met her gaze briefly. But her expression stayed blank. Xandra hadn’t spoken to her since they discussed the hit on Duke. Now they stood on opposing sides.
“I asked for this meeting so that we can discuss the matter of Gemade’s death,” Duke said.
Himba’s jaw tightened. “There’s nothing to discuss. Those responsible for Norbert’s death will pay for it with their lives.”
There it was. The threat Xandra had been expecting. Her body stiffened, and her hands balled into fists. She couldn’t see Ebuka’s face, but she was sure he felt the same way she did, although he didn’t show it outwardly.
“I propose there be no further bloodshed on this matter unless you propose to start a war between the families,” Duke said in a calm voice. “Then again, I suppose you declared war when you allowed one of your men to be used as a weapon by The Baron against me.”
Himba’s face went ashen, and some of his righteous anger seemed to dissipate.
Duke had him by the balls. Raising a finger against another member of the prominent five families amounted to sacrilege and the punishment was severe.
Because Xandra had worked for Himba when she had been sent to kill Duke, Himba was responsible, and Duke could call any forfeit he wanted. Or other members of the families could vote to expel Himba which would make him a crime boss without territory.
A generation ago, the families called a truce amongst themselves, choosing to collaborate and reap the rewards of a world at their mercy instead of fighting for turf. That truce had remained until now.
“So, while Gemade’s death is unfortunate, I’d say it makes us even since you drew first blood,” Duke continued.
“What are you saying? That I should let it go?” Himba seemed to have recovered some of his fury.
“That’s exactly what I’m saying. The people you seek are now part of my family. They are under my protection. If anything happens to them or members of their family, I will take it as a declaration of war by you, and I won’t hesitate to take you and your entire operation out. You know Don Sylvester supports me on this, and the other members of the Families will back me up. And I know the northern families will be interested to know about your involvement in Yahya’s death.”
Himba swallowed. Duke had him over a barrel.
Duke had just been declared the boss of Lori Osa which made him in charge of the largest territory available. The Baron’s former operations were now under his control. He had significant influence, considering the landmass he controlled was equivalent to a small country.
Not to mention that if the northern cartels ever found out Himba had ordered Yahya’s death, he’d have his hands full with a war with them.
There was only one option available for Himba. The alternative was death for him.
“You don’t expect me to just accept those terms without any compensation for my loss,” Himba bit out.
Duke tilted his head as if thinking about it. Himba was trying not to lose face by just giving in to Duke’s demand. But Xandra couldn’t see what Duke would offer that would assuage him.
“I’m willing to forgo the ten percent due to me from your operations in Jokogi. You keep total control, and you let this matter drop here and now.” Duke straightened.
“You’re willing to give up your share?” Himba looked sceptical.
Jokogi was under the Lori Osa territory, which meant anyone looking to do business in the area would pay Duke ten percent to trade peacefully. Xandra didn’t know of any boss who would give up such an income, so she was as surprised as Himba.
“Yes. You can take it as my compensation to you for your loss.”
“Then we’re agreed.” Himba stood and extended his hand.
Duke stood and took his hand.
Xandra exhaled in relief as she placed a hand on Ebuka’s shoulder. He clasped his hand over hers.
Himba didn’t stay after that and headed out. He didn’t even spare her a glance. Zoe did, though, and there was a small smile on her lips.
As soon as they left the room, Ebuka stood and came around to pull Xandra into a hug. “I told you I’d get it sorted.”
Xandra nodded as she clutched his shirt, and her throat clogged up. All her worry about keeping him alive dissipated.
He’d kept his word. He’d done what was needed to keep them alive.
When they pulled apart, Duke was the only one in the room. He had a smile on his face. “Go home. Spend time with your family. Take a few days. Do what you need to do. Setting up the Lori Osa operation is going to need a lot of hands-on-deck. I might need your help sooner rather than later.”
“Of course, Duke,” Ebuka replied. “We’ll be there whenever you need us.”
“Good. I’ll see you soon,” he said before walking out.
Xandra turned to Ebuka.
“Are you sure about doing this?” She waved a hand to encompass everything.
She was an assassin. A killer. She didn’t deserve the kind of love Ebuka and his family had given her. Then again, she was a lucky woman. She shouldn’t
be alive after all the attempts on her life. Still, here she stood with a man who needed her as much as she needed him. She would make the most of each day with him.
He grinned. “I’ve never been surer of anything in my life. Come on, obele. Let’s go home.”
“Whatever you say, boss.” She followed him.
His chuckle filled the air, spreading warmth through her.
She loved that sound as much as she loved the man and looked forward to hearing it every day for as long as she lived.
Thank you for reading Xandra. If you enjoyed this story please leave a review at the site of purchase.
Sign up to Kiru’s newsletter to stay up to date with book news.
Stories in the Enders series
Duke: #1 – OUT NOW
Xandra: #2 – OUT NOW
Keep reading for a special sneak preview at Mason, Enders series #3 by Kiru Taye
BLURB
Mason embodies the Yadili ethos. Run a casino chain on behalf of his friend? Easy peasy. Agree to an arranged marriage to keep his godfather happy? No problem. Then he gets a distress call from a colleague, Sophie, and everything spirals out of control.
Sophie holds her own in a world of ruthless men. On a mission to provide the best environment for her workers, she built and runs Haven. But someone from her past is back with the intent of destroying her. She has little option but to seek out Mason who has always had her back.
Together, Mason and Sophie must battle to survive in a world where betrayal comes in all shapes while confronting feelings locked away for over a decade. Will they realise what’s important before it’s too late?
PROLOGUE
Ten years ago
“Ashawo, give me my money!”
Mason had seen street fights before and had never butted in. If someone was going to pick a fight, then they better be ready to defend themselves or take what was coming to them.
However, it had been a week since his dead father was buried, and he was hurting. Hurting to unleash the ball of rage in his gut. Hurting to be used as a punching bag. Hurting to inflict pain and to receive enough physical pain to mask the emotional ones.
Why had his father gone so soon? He’d been diagnosed with bowel cancer, and within a month he was dead. Mason had been away at university. His family hadn’t informed him until it was too late. He hadn’t had time to say goodbye. To tell his father, he loved him. To listen to the man tell him stories of his youthful exploits one more time.
As the second of two sons, Mason was closest to his father. He loved his mother, but his father had been his favourite person in the world, until his death. The older man had been strict but fair, a hands-on father who had been there for his children in whatever capacity they needed him.
“Why should I give you all my money? I do the fucking work.”
The commotion roused Mason from his melancholy. His hands clenched and unclenched. He’d come to this part of town tonight because this was where the brothels were located. And he’d thought some rough sex would ease his grief. Instead, it looked like he would bloody his knuckles instead.
Angry, he took steps towards the crowd that had gathered on the street. A man in a black shirt and green trousers held the throat of a girl in fitted black blouse and hotpants, slapping her in the face. Her shirt was ripped, revealing bruises on her flat stomach. She looked no older than Mason, about mid-twenties. So skinny, her ribs were visible against her taut skin. Blood dripped from her mouth.
Mason pushed aside two men just standing there. How could they stand and watch a man beat up a woman? People were sick. Cruel.
He yanked the Mr Green Trousers’ shoulder. “Leave her alone.”
The man turned, snarling. “Small boy, waka pass. You know who I be?”
He was beefy, older, probably in his late thirties or forties. Eyes cold and deadly. He could probably beat Mason to a pulp.
But Mason didn’t care right now. “I don’t care who you are. Just leave her the fuck alone.”
“You dey mad?” The man turned to face Mason, shoving the girl aside.
Mason didn’t wait for the man to charge. He raised his left leg and landed a front kick into the man’s groin.
The man grunt as he grabbed his crotch, eyes bulging in pain.
Mason followed it up with a jab and a hook, fists connecting with flesh and bone. The man toppled over, face-planting on the road. Out cold.
The emotional constriction in Mason’s chest eased, and he felt a little better for giving the man a dose of his own medicine.
The girl pushed off the ground, wincing and stomped on the man’s back. “Asshole!”
Then she turned to Mason with the most ridiculous smile he’d ever seen, blood dripping down her face. Not exactly what he expected to see from a girl who was being choked to death only minutes earlier.
“Thank you,” she said through her smile and winced again. “But I was going to kick his balls any minute.”
If he wasn’t still a little wound up, he would have laughed out loud. Brave that she could find humour in her situation.
The crowd had dispersed, going back to whatever they were doing before the commotions started.
“No need to thank me. It was the only way I could get to where I was going. You guys were in my path.” He spoke with wry humour as he stepped over the prone man and continued his journey.
She grabbed her handbag and followed him, half laughing and half coughing. “In your path, eh. So where exactly are you going?”
He shrugged and stopped, facing her. “You should go to a hospital. You’re injured.”
“Hospital?” She laughed-coughed again. “So, some quack doctor can take my hard-earned money. I don’t think so. It’s nothing that won’t heal with time.”
“Go home and rest, then.” He continued walking.
“Home? Are you kidding me? The place I stayed belongs to Bomba over there. Can you imagine what he will do to me when he wakes up? No. I’m not staying to find out. Everything I own is in this bag.” She lifted the fake leather tote slung over her shoulder.
He frowned. “Don’t you have friends or relatives you can stay with?”
She rolled her eyes. “Do you think if I had friends or family, I would be living with a pimp? I’m going to have to find a hotel. Somewhere ridiculously cheap though. But it can’t be in this neighbourhood because Bomba and his friends will find me, which is why I’m following you. No one else around here has been brave enough to stand up against him. So right now, you’re my security.”
She flashed white teeth at him again.
“Oh.” Mason rubbed his chin, unsure of what to do. He hadn’t come here to play the Good Samaritan or pick up strays. Yet, he couldn’t abandon her. “What’s your name?”
“People call me Sophie. And you?”
“I’m Mason. I’ll get you to a hotel.” He would get her somewhere safe tonight and then leave her to her own devices. He didn’t have the emotional capacity to take on her problems. He had his own demons to wrangle.
“Then we better hurry because Bomba’s boys are coming,” she replied, jogging ahead.
He glanced back to find a group of men heading in his direction. Heart racing, he started running. The men gave chase, footsteps pounding on the road.
Find out more and sign up for LAP book news:
www.loveafricapress.com/newsletter