The Bull (The Black Land Series Book 2)

by D. Camille

  “Lance?”

  “Yes, Lance. The guy who just threatened my life.”

  Khayla forced a laugh. “Lance likes to be aggravating, both he and Corvus.”

  “That's Rion Shaw's brother, the land developer?” he questioned.

  She nodded. “And the greediest dude you've ever seen.”

  Ben laughed. “Yeah, I don't think I've seen him without a plate since I met him on the way in.”

  “I apologize for leaving you out here alone,” Khayla told him and he reached for her hand.

  “You can make it up to me later,” he said softly.

  “And just how do you think I'm going to do that?” she asked.

  Ben stroked her hand gently. “Let me take you to my place later for drinks.”

  “I think I'll pass this time.”

  He stopped. “You've passed the last three times.”

  Khayla's eyes narrowed. “And I'll continue to pass until I decide differently.”

  Ben released her hand. “I mean, I'm here with you and guys are making threats to do bodily harm to me. What am I getting out of this Khayla?”

  “The pleasure of my company, I thought.”

  “Look, you're a beautiful, educated and sexy woman. Of course a man wants to get close to you, and I'm a man. Do you think I'm going to keep asking you out when you clearly have no intentions of hooking up?”

  Khayla composed herself. “Look Ben, you're a handsome and educated guy. The next time you ask a woman out, let her know ahead of time that you're expecting an immediate return on your investment. That way, you won't waste your time or hers. Unfortunately for you, I'm not a hook up and never have been.”

  Khayla stood. “Would you like me to show you to the door or do you remember the way out?”

  Ben looked stunned before he got to his feet. “See you around Khayla,” he said sarcastically.

  She smiled. “Not if the Negus sees you first.”

  He glanced over to where the group of men were standing then turned and walked back to the exit. When Khayla looked up again, she was being joined by Rion's wife, Tauri.

  “Hey Khayla,” Tauri said as she took Ben's vacated seat.

  Khayla smiled. “Hey Tauri, you're absolutely glowing.”

  Tauri looked over at her husband. “I have every reason to do so,” she answered in her raspy voice.

  Khayla followed her gaze and sighed. “You got the last good one...”

  “Orion is incredible, but he's not the only one.”

  “You say that because you got the young god,” Khayla told her. “The rest of us are stuck with mere mortals.”

  Tauri laughed. Her husband was given the nickname young god by his Khemetic mother, and it was how he lived his life. “There's nothing wrong with mortals.”

  “Okay, then give up Rion and take one,” Khayla challenged.

  Tauri frowned. “You sound like a fool.”

  Khayla laughed. “I thought so.”

  “What happened to your date? He asked me to show him to the door.”

  “He was a jerk and I had to let him know,” Khayla explained.

  Tauri nodded. “I saw you and Lance going inside earlier. What's up with that?”

  “Nothing.”

  “You two are a damn soap opera.” Tauri told her. “Everybody but the two of you and Khalil, know that you want each other. Even my Granny asked me what was up with you two.”

  “Granny can give up Mr. Henry too. Hell, I'll even take him.” Khayla commented about Tauri's grandfather.

  Tauri laughed loudly. “Girl, Millie Patterson will cut you into pieces over Henry Patterson.”

  Khayla sighed again. “I mean, where is he Tauri? My king, my warrior...the one who makes me his Black queen. The one that wants to make beautiful little strong melanated babies? The one who will take everything I give and return it to me doubled?”

  “Orion told me he found me because he was ready. Maybe your King isn't ready yet?” Tauri said as she glanced over where Lance was standing with all the Negus watching Khayla. “Maybe he's being prepared?”

  “How long do I have to wait?” Khayla complained.

  “Until he's ready, otherwise he's not going to give you what you need.” Tauri told her. “If I knew Orion was out there being prepared for me, I'd have waited an eternity for him.”

  Khayla looked at her. “I'm not waiting that long.”

  Both women laughed as Tauri watched Lance approaching. “Oh, I don't think you'll have to.”

  Khayla looked up as Lance reached her side. Their eyes connected and both remained silent. Tauri looked from one to the other then quickly excused herself, leaving the two alone at the table. Lance grabbed a chair and sat facing Khayla.

  “I know that I came left at you earlier...” he began.

  “Yeah, you did.”

  “I don't want you to be mad at me.”

  Khayla frowned. “And that thought didn't occur to you before you pulled your stunt inside?”

  He lowered his head. “I'm sorry.”

  “Why would you bring that up Lance? After all this time?” she questioned quietly.

  He connected his gaze with hers. “Because I never forgot. I can't...and I don't want to.”

  “We're not going to do this Lance.”

  “I feel you and I'll stay in my lane,” he promised.

  Khayla watched him closely. “What's going on with you?” she asked concerned.

  Lance ran a hand down his face. “Honestly, I can't even tell you.”

  “Is it the business?” she asked. Khayla knew that if it had not been for her, Lance would never have opened a healthy restaurant.

  “Nah, the business is doing great,” he answered. “Better than I ever expected.”

  Khayla touched his arm. “Is it your family?” she asked concerned. She knew about his mother's issues and that he still took care of his brother.

  “They're straight.” He looked over at her. “I'm just going through some kind of...something.”

  She frowned. “Are you sick or something? Dammit Lance, what's wrong?” Khayla tightened her hand on his arm. “This isn't like you.”

  “Calm down,” he touched the hand on his arm. “I'm straight. I just need to chill.”

  “Lance, you know how much I care about you. If something is wrong, please tell me,” she implored.

  Lance gave her a sexy smile. “You want to come and see my new sheets?”

  “You want me to punch you in your damn mouth?” she countered.

  He got to his feet smiling. “I'm about to bounce, so I'll see you at the restaurant tomorrow.”

  “Bye Katydids.” He winked at her before turning and walking to the house.

  Khayla watched him go and admired his sexy walk. Lance had swag patented and bottled. He was the perfect combination of bad boy and sweetheart that no woman could resist. He was the successful business man that maintained his street edge, and it was sexy as hell.

  “Auntie Khayla!”

  Khayla turned to her nephew. Kyros was her heart and she couldn't love him more if she had carried him in her own womb.

  “Hey little soldier. Are you having fun?” she asked as he kissed her cheek.

  He nodded happily. “Can you come over tonight and play Minecraft?”

  “Sure, I'm in the mood to build some worlds.” She kissed his handsome little face.

  “I'll tell Daddy!” he said before running over to his father.

  Khalil returned with his son. “You're coming over?” he asked and she nodded.

  “Where's Buster?”

  “His name is Ben,” she corrected.

  “They're all Buster to me.”

  Khayla looked at her brother. “He's gone and I'm coming over to spend time with my two favorites.” She stood and kissed her brother's cheek. “And you need to stop threatening people before you catch a case.”

  Khalil looked down at his sister. “Tauri won't prosecute me. She likes me.”

  “You need to stop.” />
  He smiled. “Since you're coming over, can you take Kyros when you leave? I need to make a stop before heading home.”

  Khayla agreed. “Of course, we'll see you later.”

  Khalil kissed his sister then turned to his son. “I'll see you in minute; be good for Auntie Khayla.”

  “Yes, Daddy.”

  Giving his son a quick kiss on the head, Khalil looked at his sister. “Don't let him get out of control.”

  “Boy bye...”

  He laughed before he went to say his goodbyes to the couple. Khayla decided to stay a little longer with Kyros and visit with Rion and Tauri.

  *********

  Lance changed into some sweats and a T-Shirt before heading downstairs to get a drink. He needed something tonight to calm him. This thing with Khayla had his head spinning. He felt as if he was out of control and he didn't like that. On the streets you always had to be aware of what was going on around you.

  In the kitchen, he poured himself a glass. While he wasn't a 'temple boy' like Rion and Corvus who didn't drink at all, he wasn't a heavy drinker in any way. He would indulge on occasion however. As he lifted the glass to his lips, his doorbell rang.

  Lance frowned and wondered who was visiting him unannounced. Females knew not to come to his home located in the prestigious Indian Village without an invitation and usually everyone else would call ahead. He walked down the hall to the foyer and looked out the glass door.

  Frowning, he opened it. “What's up Khalil?” he asked.

  “We need to chop it up. Right now!” Khalil answered.

  Lance stepped back and allowed him inside. “What happened?”

  Khalil turned to him. “How long do you think I'm going to keep blocking for you?” he demanded.

  “What?” Lance asked confused.

  He stepped to Lance. “Let me make it plain. How long do you think I'm going to give you to get your shit together with my sister before I drop the hammer on your ass?”

  Chapter 3

  Lance looked at Khalil. “I was just about to have a drink. Since it looks like you've already started, why don't you let me catch up?” He turned and walked down the hall with Khalil on his heels.

  “Do you think I'm playing Lance?” he questioned.

  When Lance reached the kitchen he turned to him. “I don't know what the hell is going on with you.”

  Khalil frowned. “No, I don't know what the hell is going on with your ass!”

  Lance took a sip of his drink. “Okay, what are you talking about Khalil?”

  “Do I look like a damn idiot to you?” Khalil asked. “Do you think I don't see and hear?”

  “See and hear what?” Lance asked sitting his drink on the counter.

  Khalil nodded. “So we playing games now?”

  Lance threw his hands in the air. “I don't know what the hell we doing Khalil! You came here talking about whipping my ass over Khayla. You got the wrong dude. I wasn't on a date with her tonight.”

  Khalil studied Lance. “Are you really this damn dumb, or are you just trying to make me pop off?”

  Lance remained silent and Khalil continued, “You think I don't know how you feeling Khayla? Or how Khayla's feeling you? I'm her damn twin Lance. I know everything about my sister.”

  Lance lifted a brow. “Really? Like what?”

  Khalil's eyes narrowed. “I know that the whole time we were growing up you didn't see anybody but her, then all of a sudden she became invisible to you.”

  “I don't know what went down to make that happen, but I didn't give you any static then, because you weren't ready for her.”

  “She's been back for two years and you still acting like you got forever, wasting time with all these street chicks that you don't give a damn about.” Khalil stepped closer to Lance.

  “So what the hell are you waiting on?” he gritted out.

  Lance looked Khalil in the eye. “Damn Khalil, you're serious.”

  “When do I play games Lance?”

  He looked confused. “You mean you actually want me to be with Khayla?”

  Khalil stepped back. “Lance, I've watched you grow up man. I know who you are and I know how much you love my sister, even if you don't realize it.”

  “You opened a damn restaurant for her. You're there whenever she needs you and I know that if anybody tried to hurt her, you'd be on their ass before I could.”

  “Of course that's the man I want with my sister,” he told him. “Khayla has done everything for me. She's sacrificed a part of her life because of my choices, and I can never repay her. She deserves to be happy - to have a king who loves her and to have her own little brown babies.”

  Lance looked away, shocked and deeply touched. He and Khalil rarely if ever got deep with one another as Khalil was usually threatening him and Corvus. In addition, Khalil wasn't that dude you wanted to talk to if you had a problem, that was usually Rion or Brandon. However, Khalil was the one you called when you wanted something done, especially if it called for some street justice.

  Lance looked back at his friend. “Man, Khalil...I don't know what to say. I never thought...”

  “Never thought what?” Khalil asked.

  Lance shrugged. “Never thought you'd think I was good enough for Khayla. I figured you'd want her to hook up with somebody like Rion or Brandon.”

  Khalil frowned. “Brandon?”

  Lance laughed. “Oh yeah...maybe not Brandon.”

  “Is this because you didn't finish school?” Khalil asked seriously.

  He nodded. “Yeah, Khayla's a damn doctor.”

  Khalil shook his head. “Not that it matters but you live in a damn mansion. You own several successful businesses including gas stations, barber shops, beauty supply stores and a restaurant in addition to properties all over the city. Hell you make more than I do, and I have a Master's degree from a University.”

  “I admire your hustle Lance. You did your thing and nobody can take that away from you. You chose a different route and you got to where you wanted to be. You ain't no punk and you handle your business. That's why you can be with my sister,” Khalil finished.

  Lance picked up his drink and took another sip. “I think I missed my chance with Khayla.”

  Khalil laughed. “If you had, she'd be married by now. I can only block so much. Khayla has a mind of her own and she follows it. If she wanted someone else, she'd have him.”

  Lance sat the glass down then placed his hands on the counter and shook his head. “She doesn't want to give me a chance. She told me that tonight.”

  “She doesn't want to give womanizing, no commitment ass Lance a chance...and she shouldn't,” Khalil told him.

  “Khayla will always be number one, always has been.” Lance grabbed his drink again.

  “Then show her man. It's what she's been waiting on.”

  Lance looked back at Khalil. “So you were blocking Ben tonight?”

  “Really didn't have to 'cause Khayla iced his ass.”

  Lance laughed. “He was a punk.”

  “Yeah, my sister needs a real man. Punk ass dudes need not apply.”

  “I appreciate you coming by like this, Khalil.” Lance replaced his glass. “You're right, I need to get my shit together if I want Khayla. I gotta get my mind right and show her she can trust me again.”

  Khalil raised a brow. “Again?”

  Lance smiled slyly. “Like she used to when we were kids.”

  “Don't play with me Lance,” Khalil warned.

  “So when you're my brother-in-law, will you stop threatening to beat my ass?” Lance asked smiling.

  “Save that clowning for Corvus. I'm not the one.” Khalil headed to the door and Lance followed.

  At the door he stopped and turned back to Lance. “Don't fuck up and hurt my sister or else this little love fest that we had tonight will turn into a blood bath. Feel me?”

  “You know I would never hurt Katydids,” Lance vowed.

  Khalil nodded. “And watch my son the ne
xt time he's with you.”

  Lance laughed. “Yeah, the little homie got me. I gotta keep an eye on him.”

  Khalil shook his head then walked out the door. Lance closed and locked the door before heading to his living room. He took a seat on the sofa and laid back against the cushions expelling a breath. What a day, he thought. First, he got all in his feelings with Khayla, and he still didn't know why he did that. Then, Khalil had dropped his bomb that he wanted Lance with Khayla. What in the hell?

  Lance had never worried about getting Khalil's approval regarding Khayla, but he had to admit that he had been touched by Khalil's support of him. Normally, Lance didn't care what people said or thought about him, but this was Khayla's twin and having Khalil on his side was one less problem in his life. Not that it would matter to Khayla, because like Khalil said, she had her own mind and made her own decisions. That's what he loved about her. No matter what anyone else had thought of him, she had always been on his side...even after he'd hurt her.

  To this day, Lance couldn't shake that awful ache in his heart that had formed when he'd given Khayla the brush off that summer so long ago. It was one of the hardest things he'd ever done in his life, and that was saying a lot since he'd dropped out of school to care and provide for his mother and brother. All while he was trying to make as much money as he could and stay his ass out of trouble.

  “Katydids, why do you have me so twisted again...?”

  *********

  Khayla sat at the table watching her nephew playing with Rion, Brandon and Corvus. Kyros was her heart. Since the moment Khalil had brought him home from the hospital, he'd become their baby. She'd tried her best to fill the void of his missing mother and Auntie Khayla was his favorite.

  As she continued to watch him, her mind wondered if she would ever have a little soldier of her own. While she wasn't pining away for a family and children, if the right man came along she certainly had no qualms about it.

  She smiled as she thought about Tauri's words...the right man was being prepared for her. Well, if he was, the brother was taking his sweet time because at the moment there were little to no prospects in sight. Khayla knew what she wanted and she wouldn't settle for anything less.

  She wanted a strong brother, like an ox or a bull. In addition to his strength, he had to be smart and sexy with that Detroit hood. He had to be able to switch from ties to Timbs, and be able to step out to a concert or simply Netflix and chill. He had to know who he was and where he came from. The brother also had to know where he was going. The last thing Khayla wanted was a brother with no drive or direction. She was trying to be a wife...not a life coach.