Heart So Reckless

by K. C. Mills

  On my way out the door, Boyce hit me back. “Done.”

  “You sure he can pull it off.”

  “Yeah. I have insurance.”

  “Do I want to know what that is?”

  “No.” One word and I could hear the smile in his voice. I left it alone.

  “Aight get there. I’m on my way and about to hit up Lobo. Not a got damn thing better happen to them Boyce. I mean that shit. They’re on your watch if you get here before I do”

  “Understood.”

  He ended the call as I backed out of my driveway. My next call was to Lobo.

  “Yo.”

  “Where you at?”

  “The crib, what’s up?”

  “Which one?”

  “Dungeon.”

  Good he was down the street. Shit was playing out in my favor.

  “Aight we ’bout get some chocolate cake. Park across the street. I’m heading there now. Keep eyes on the place for me. Text me when she gets there.”

  “Who?”

  “My life.”

  “What’s up, Red?”

  “She’s visiting. The baby’s with her. Make sure you have a good eye on them.”

  “Eagle eye?”

  “Yeah, you know niggas be trying to get with her and I’m not having that shit.”

  “Got it. I’m moving now. She’s good. Trust.”

  I ended the call. I gave him enough to understand what I needed. It was gonna take me thirty minutes to get there but I was about to try and cut that in half. I knew Lobo and Boyce would protect Peyson and Reid the same as I would, but they weren’t me. I needed to make sure I didn’t just fuck up by putting this shit in motion. The more I thought about it the faster I drove.

  Now!

  My hand moved to the door and Lobo stopped me quick.

  “Easy. There are too many witnesses, he ain’t gonna touch nobody that’s under your protection while he has that many eyes on him. Crazy or not that nigga is not trying to do a bid. He also knows he wouldn’t live it long enough to do one if he breathes on her too hard with that many witnesses who can point the finger at him. Plus, Boyce will drop that nigga with one shot. His only goal right now is to make you come to see him. He wants it so bad he isn't smart enough to think this thing through. He won’t expect you to come for him this fast. We’re good, Red.”

  I gritted my teeth and eased my finger back on the trigger of my gun a little more. It was aimed right at Narcos head. I could see the laser on him and knew that I could drop him but because of the angle where I was, Peyson was right behind him holding Reid. I couldn’t risk my bullet moving through him and hitting one of them. Boyce’s angel was from the side. He was able to shoot without hitting Peyson or Reid, so I had to wait. It had my fucking pulse racing but I had to wait.

  Seconds later Narco backed away. I could see the fear on Peyson’s face and almost got out again.

  “See, no harm no foul. Now lets to vent that niggas head.” I eased up when I noticed Narco moving further away from Peyson and get to his Bike. He pulled on his helmet, zipped his jacket and then started it up. I left him briefly to see that Peyson hadn’t moved.

  When Lobo noticed what I was looking at he tapped my arm. “I know you want to go to her but you can’t not right now. We either move on this or the shit won’t happen. I’mma call mama and tell her what’s up. We gotta go.” Lobo lifted his phone and pointed at Narco who was pulling out of the parking lot but he waited for me to respond. When I did with a head nod and he pulled off too.

  “Mama go outside and get Peyson. Just do it. Keep her there until we get back. Please don’t ask me questions, just go get her. She’s outside the restaurant. Aight preciate it. He’s with me. Come on ma, we always good, you know that.” He glanced at me before he said goodbye and then ended the call.

  “She got her.” I didn’t say a word. I just kept my eyes on Narco as he pulled further ahead of us. He was a few blocks ahead of us.

  “How far we gonna let him go?”

  “Not far. We only have about another mile before we hit cameras. The tags right?”

  “Yeah. I switched ’em before I left and this will be stripped before the sun goes down tonight. We’re good.”

  “Aight, pull up now then.”

  Lobo grinned as his picked up speed. Narco rounded the corner making shit a lot easier. We knew every inch of this neighborhood. He was pulling onto a private street where there wouldn’t be any traffic. Not long after we were inching up to his left and his head turned just long enough for him to see me before I pulled the trigger. It pierced through his helmet, his body jerked and fell off his bike which went sliding across the street. Lobo slammed on brakes, backed up and when he stopped I lifted my nine from the floor of the stolen truck we were in and got out. Standing over Narco, I could tell he was already gone but I fired two more shots into his chest making sure the target was his heart, just for insurance. After I was back in the truck and we pulled off. Done!

  After dismantling the silencers from both my weapons, I lifted the backpack that I was gonna put them in so that I could hand them off to Boyce to get rid of for me.

  “So, I guess you’re officially done,” Lobo stated cutting his eyes at me. He felt some kind of way about it but he also understood. I could never really be disassociated but I needed as much space as possible.

  “I have to be. I can’t do this shit to her again or I’mma lose her, and I’m not about to lose her.”

  He nodded but kept driving. I knew him just about as well as I knew myself, so I could tell he was thinking.

  “It don’t change shit with us, and you know it isn’t gonna happen overnight, but I need to be done with this shit.”

  “Why you explaining shit to me like I’m your girl or something?” And here it was. He smiled big ass hell, and I shook my head, laughing at the same time.

  “Because your ass is over there looking like you’re ’bout to cry and shit like you need a got damn hug.”

  Lobo burst out laughing and shot back quickly. “Nigga fuck you. I’m good. I don’t need you up my ass twenty-four seven.”

  “That’s what you say now.”

  He chuckled and raked his hand over his head. “I’mma miss this shit tough for real. It’s always been us, but I get it. I’m trying to be where you are in a few years myself. It isn’t gonna be the same without you.”

  “You got Boyce.”

  “Man, fuck Boyce. I think he low key needs meds. His ass is efficient as fuck, but anybody who likes to watch bodies being dissolved in acid needs some certified help.”

  I laughed at the look he gave me. He was right. Boyce was official as hell but a little odd. I guess you had to be to handle the shit he handled.

  “He’s also loyal as fuck and I trust you with him.”

  “Shit, me too, that nigga is crazy as hell. He ain’t gonna let shit get to either one of us.”

  I nodded to agree and that was the end of it. My path was set, and so was his. Right now, I needed to get to Peyson to make sure she was good. I had just put her in a really fucked up situation, but it was necessary and she wasn’t touched. I knew this was a risk, but I was gonna make it right with her that was my word.

  “Aye, sit up for a minute.”

  “Where are you going?” She damn near panicked just that fast and it really wasn’t sitting well with me but I understood. The past twenty-four hours likely had her head spinning. The last four more than anything. First we had to work through our issues because of Sasha showing up at my house and as soon as that was settled and things felt right again, she had to listen to Narco telling her that he was going to put a bullet in my head right before he basically threatened to violate her once he did it.

  After everything that happened at the restaurant, I figured she couldn’t take the hours drive to my house so since her apartment in Buckhead was closer we ended up here. For the past hour we had been in her living room with her basically balled up in my lap with Reid cradled in her arms asleep agai
nst her chest. Peyson barely said anything at all other than telling me what Narco said to her. I assured her that it wasn’t a problem but of course she refused to believe me. It was the reason why she wanted to be right up under me, so for the past hour, I gave her that. But right now I needed to call Lobo to make sure the other details were handled.

  “I need to make a call and you need to call your mother. You didn’t show up and she’s worried as shit.”

  “You already talked to Pree.”

  “Yeah but they need to talk to you. Call your mother or at least your sister and let her know you’re good. I’m just gonna step in the kitchen for a minute. I won’t be long.”

  The lie that I shot Pree about Peyson being sick from something she ate didn’t fly. I knew she didn’t believe me, but I assured her that she was okay. She threatened me, telling me that if anything was wrong with her sister, she was coming for me in a major way. I couldn’t really be mad at her because the whole situation sounded suspect as hell.

  Peyson just stared at me like she wasn’t trying to let me move anywhere, so I exhaled and tried another approach. “I know you’re worried, but you don’t have to be. We’re good Peyson. You have to trust me on that.”

  “But, he…”

  “Fuck him. Listen to me. He can’t touch me, and he can’t touch you either.”

  “How can you know that for sure? He was there today.” She sat up so quickly that she woke Reid up. She whined a little until I took her from Peyson and settled her against my chest.

  “He was there today because I wanted him to be. He wasn’t gonna do a damn thing to you. I was there, and so were Lobo and Boyce. We all had eyes on you, and with one shot, that nigga was dropping.”

  “You were there? Why the hell would you even let him get that close to me, to her?”

  “Because it was the only way that I could make sure he never had a chance to get to you when I wasn’t around.”

  “That doesn’t make sense.”

  “It makes perfect sense. I wanted him there, so he was there?”

  “Why would you want that?”

  “So that I could kill him.” I looked her right in her eyes and I could see the exact moment when it clicked for her.

  “You used me to take a mans life?”

  “A man that was going to take mine or yours or Reid’s, if I didn’t take his first.”

  She sat there dumbfounded for a few moments longer before she finally stood. “I’m going to call my sister.”

  “Hold up.” I stood and she held her hand up. “I’m fine and I’m not about to tell her what really happened so stop looking at me like that.”

  I stepped back and let her go. I knew she needed a minute to process what I just told her so I was gonna give her that. While she left me there, I kissed the top of Reid’s head and removed my phone from my pocket to call Lobo.

  “What’s good fam?”

  “Ain’t shit. We clean?”

  “Yeah. How she doing?”

  “Pissed at me again but she’s good. I had to tell her how everything went down.”

  Lobo chuckled before he responded. “She ain’t put you out?”

  “Hell no and she better not try. She can be mad all she wants but she’s gonna do it up under the same roof and in the same bed in a few more hours.”

  “That’s fucked up, Red.”

  “Nah that’s life. Or rather hers right now as far as I’m concerned.”

  “I hear you. Just let her go to sleep before you or she might cut yo ass while you’re asleep.”

  I smirked and glanced towards the back of her apartment. “She might think about it but there won’t be any follow through.”

  “You keep thinking that if you want. Aye, but check it. You know they found a body today.”

  “Nah, I didn’t hear shit about it. Anybody we know?”

  “Not personally, but he’s from around here.”

  Good, they found the body.

  “They know who did it?”

  “Nah, no word. I don’t think there will be. You know how shit plays out around this way. Cops don’t care, and niggas don’t speak on things that don’t have shit to do with them.”

  “Yeah twelve don’t give a fuck and the block is loyal. But I’mma holla at you later. Let me go check on her.”

  “Aight, we’ll get up tomorrow.”

  “Bet.”

  After I ended the call I looked down at Reid who was now fully awake and staring at me with her little face all balled up.

  “You made at me too?”

  She puckered her lips and then smiled making me return on. “That’s what's up. You gotta always be on my side baby girl.” If I didn’t know any better I’d swear her little ass gave me a head nod. I chuckled at the thought and went to go find Peyson.

  When I leaned into the door frame of her bedroom she looked up at me from her bed with her face all balled up.

  “You mad?”

  “Yes.”

  “Aight you can get that. Your sister good?”

  “Yes and no I didn’t tell her anything.”

  “I wouldn’t care if you did. You would be the one trying and explain that shit because if she asked me I wasn’t gonna admit to a damn thing.”

  Peyson rolled her eyes and then looked at me again. “Is this normal?”

  “No.”

  “Will it happen again?”

  “No.”

  She narrowed her eyes at me and I chuckled. “That fake as mean mug is not going to change my answer. It won’t happen again. That’s my word.”

  “He’s really dead?”

  “Yeah. That bother you?”

  “No.”

  “You sure?”

  “She pushed out a short breath. “Was he really going to try to—”

  “Yes.”

  “Then no.”

  “You still mad?” Those damn eyes of hers rolled accompanied by a smile on her face, so regardless of her answer, I knew if nothing else she was in a better place.

  “Yes.”

  “Well can you be mad and still eat because I’m hungry as fuck right now?”

  She rolled her eyes once more but I noticed a soft smile crept through. I relaxed a little. There wasn’t a damn thing good about what I put her through today but I would do it a million times more if it meant I didn’t have to worry about her and Reid every time they walked out the door. Not that other shit couldn’t happen but having a threat like Narco wasn’t something I could rest easy about. That was handled and now I could breathe a little earlier. She might not ever understand but I didn’t need her to, I needed her safe and for now that was guaranteed.

  Peyson.

  “He fits right in while standing out at the same time.”

  “Huh?” I missed whatever my mother had said because I was so caught up in watching Red talking to my father along with a few of his very wealthy, very connected peers and Red looked like he belonged. He seemed relaxed with his hands deep in the pants pockets of the customer fit Tom Ford Tux he wore that mirrored the one my father wore with a few minor difference like the lapels and the cut of their jackets. When I was able to peel my eyes away from him to give my attention to my mother she grinned looping her arm through mine.

  “I said, he fits right in and stands out at the same time which you didn’t hear because you can’t focus on anything but him.”

  “That is not true.”

  “Oh contrary, sweetheart. It is the absolute truth but I understand. He’s quite handsome and charming and you better keep an eye on him before one of these old hoes tries you.”

  “Mom.” I narrowed my eyes at her and she giggled. “Old ways tend to creep out when it comes to the men in our lives. I’m sure you understand.” She winked at me and then looked over at our guys. “Oh baby girl. You’re in love and so is he. I can’t understand how I never realized that you didn’t have those same feelings for Linus.”

  I sucked my teeth at the sound of his name. It annoyed me to no end to even thi
nk about him. “You know that he threw a full blown tantrum when your father called him and mentioned that it would be best for him to simply donate this year and not to show up.”

  “Did he really?”

  “Yes, he did. Your father didn’t appreciate it either. The call didn’t end well. Needless to say, Linus got the point and I can’t image that he will find his way anyway near you any time soon.”

  “Oh trust me. That was the least of my worries.” Red would have another body on his list if that happened.

  “Well, we may have had a rough start but Redmon has more than proved that he deserves a place in the family and more importantly by your side.”

  “As much as I appreciate the sentiment, he was never competing for either of those things. He didn’t have to.” I cut my eyes at her and she smiled slyly.

  “You definitely have it bad for that one.” She winked at me just before she was being pulled away by a few of her colleagues. At that exact moment, Red’s eyes met mine and seconds later he was shaking hands and leaving the group of men he had been talking to. I watched as he neared me looking every bit of perfection. And sex. His long legs moved with confidence, one arm swaying with his stride while the other remained in his pocket. His expression was neutral but his eyes…those damn eyes devoured me causing an adrenaline rush that had the hairs on the back of my neck standing at attention. My pulse quickened and my lips parted slightly in anticipation of feeling his against them and I did. As soon as he was close enough he kissed me.

  Red’s hand moved the exposed skin on my back where my dress dipped low enough for his fingers to press into the curve of just above my butt. My soft frame met with his solid muscular one at the same time his mouth covered mine. It was short and sweet, just enough to drench my panties but not enough for anyone to suggest we get a room.

  When I tried to create some space he held me tighter before his lips brushed my ear. “Give me a minute or I’m going to attract a lot of attention. This fucking dress…” his eyes lowered to mine and I bit down on my lip watching as he eyes closed briefly. When they opened again he shook his head. “How much longer we have to be here?”