by KR Bankston
“Hi,” he greeted as she stopped in her tracks. “It’s been a long time Lauren,” Blue told her gently as she still stood speechless. “You’re still beautiful,” he added as Kaitlyn shook her head trying to clear the cobwebs.
“Blue,” she said softly, almost questioning her vision at the moment.
“Yes, Lauren, it’s me,” he told her taking a step toward her.
“What, where have, I mean --,” she got out as he closed the gap and stood directly in front of her now.
“I’ve missed you so much,” Blue told her, reaching out and stroking her face gently.
The gamut of emotions running through him right now threatened to overtake him. He took a deep breath and calmed himself. They were entirely too close for him to mess up now. She was standing right in front of him and all the years of waiting were about to pay off. He saw the tears fill her eyes, softly wiping away the one that overflowed.
“Blue, how did you find me, here of all places,” Kaitlyn asked, the lump in her throat painful.
“I’ve been looking for you since you left me,” Blue told her. “You didn’t keep your promise,” he chided without malice.
Kaitlyn averted her eyes. “I’m sorry, I just,” she told him and stopped mid sentence.
“You wanted to forget me, forget us,” he questioned as she shook her head no.
“I just needed to forget the hell,” she answered quietly.
Kaitlyn finally returned her gaze to his own as Blue smiled reassuringly at her.
“It’s all right Lauren,” he told her sweetly. “I forgive you.”
She smiled slightly then seeming to gather herself a bit more.
“There’s so much to catch up on,” she told him before stopping again.
“How did you get into my room,” she asked giving him a look.
“Told the desk I was your husband,” Blue replied.
It was a lie, but she had no way of knowing that. She chuckled lightly at that. Kaitlyn’s mind was spinning. She was thrilled to see him; thrilled that he was alive and seemingly doing fine. Still there were soft alarm bells going off in her mind. Something about his demeanor was off, but she couldn’t put her finger on it. You’re tripping, her mind chastised. You haven’t seen the man in years, of course he’s different to you, it immediately dismissed her suspicions.
“I see,” Kaitlyn told him as he smiled again still looking into her eyes.
“So, can an old friend take you to lunch,” Blue asked.
“Yeah, I think I’d like that,” Kaitlyn replied.
Unable to stop himself, Blue kissed her softly. “I’m sorry,” he quickly apologized.
“None needed,” Kaitlyn replied honestly.
She had so many questions for him, what had he been doing all these years, and she wanted a real answer to her earlier query of how he found her.
“Let me change if that’s okay,” she told Blue as he graciously told her to take her time.
Waiting until she’d gotten into the shower, Blue pulled out his phone and made the call.
“I’m here and she’s coming with me,” he told the party on the other end.
“Excellent,” was the reply as he acknowledged it and disconnected.
Kaitlyn returned to the room moments later changed and smelling divine.
“You’re still damned sexy Lauren,” Blue remarked as Kaitlyn blushed slightly and thanked him for the compliment.
“You ready,” she asked as he rose and told her he was.
“What are you in the mood for,” Blue asked.
“I don’t know, surprise me,” Kaitlyn replied smiling and shrugging slightly.
Smiling back Blue told her he could certainly do that as the doors closed and he pressed the lobby button.
29
“I’m glad you found time to come see me again,” Shango told Dee as she once more entered his room.
He’d called her earlier when she told him she was working but could spare a couple hours after she got off and changed. Shango was a bit taken aback, not entirely used to a woman making him wait. Still he’d accepted her offer, handling various business dealings in the meanwhile until she arrived now that it was after 7PM.
“You want a drink,” he asked once more enjoying some vodka.
“Nah, not tonight,” Dee replied calmly.
“Hmph okay,” Shango replied sitting on the bed as she came and joined him flipping on his TV.
“Long day,” he asked giving her a look.
“Long enough,” she replied calmly.
Putting his glass down, he began massaging her neck and shoulders as Dee closed her eyes and sighed softly.
“Mmm, nice,” she complimented.
Shango smiled and continued his work, his hands taking in the shoulder blades and now her lower back. Dee smiled slightly knowing very well what he was up too, but still finding his touch very pleasurable. Shango was good at what he did. It was the only reason she’d agreed to see him again. Dee didn’t believe in wasting time with men who had no clue.
“Why don’t you let me make you more comfortable,” Shango said softly in her ear.
Dee smiled slightly and shrugged. Taking that as his clue, he began unzipping the dress she wore; pulling her to her feet as he slowly removed it from her. Shango licked his lips again taking in her hot pink almost nothing bra and matching lace panties. This woman is sexy as hell, he continued to think, kissing her body softly as she still stood before him. He took his time removing the bra first, enjoying her succulent breasts, nipples hard as he worked his tongue around and around, hearing her moan softly. Still holding her tightly, Shango began sucking them more forcefully as Dee groaned deeply this time, loving his skill. Willing himself to move on, he began softly licking her stomach as his hands caressed her firm butt and thighs. Dee’s head fell back as he began removing her panties using his teeth. Wicked man, she thought smiling inwardly. She was definitely looking forward to a replay of the great sex they’d had the night before. Shango removed her panties, working his way back up to her throbbing sex, placing one leg on his shoulder as his tongue made contact.
“Mmm damn,” Dee murmured not sure how much longer she would be able to maintain her balance while he worked her over.
Shango seemed to sense her dilemma; rising and kissing her again as he casually backed her into the wall of the suite. With support now, he kissed his way back down her body and picked up where he left off. Dee came quickly as he sucked her clit, blowing on it gently in intermittent spurts.
“Aaah,” she sighed evenly as the sensations rippled through her body.
Shango’s manhood was screaming at him as he once again found her lips. Dee tried to tell him to get the condom, but he had a mind of his own this evening, plunging his throbbing hardness deep inside her as he held her almost spread eagle against the wall. Shit, the man has strength and stamina, I’ll give him that, Dee thought as Shango began thrusting deeply inside her hitting her clit and g-spot simultaneously. Her eyes rolled back in her head and until she got the orgasm his skill was promising, she didn’t give a damn what he did to her. Shango heard her sex gushing softly as he plunged in and out of her. Damn shame I had to come hours down the road to find pussy this damned good, he thought breathing hard now almost at the finish line. He felt Dee’s nails pressed deep into the flesh on his back, spurring his movements as the urge to let go became stronger and stronger.
“Shango, damn,” Dee cried out loudly as she came hard, him right behind her groaning deeply as they both shuddered, becoming still, breathing hard.
*****
Ray was absolutely furious as he continued to read the note. He’d gone to check on Brent and see what progress was being made when he arrived to find an empty room, no explanation, and the note he now held.
“What would you like to do, Mr. Lockhart,” Rahja asked calmly.
Closing his eyes and breathing deeply Ray’s mind continued to work. As outdone as he was with his son’s stunts, Brent was his son and
Ray didn’t play about his family.
“I need things set up here, then we’re taking a trip,” he told Rahja who nodded, immediately pulling out his cell phone.
While they sat he arranged the small army that would protect India, Necie and Diamond from any intruding force. After that was done and Ray’s approval given, Rahja rose telling him he was going to get the necessary items and manpower to make the trip.
“That’s fine,” Ray replied his mind still racing.
Alone now, Ray pulled out his cell and called Santana. He quickly brought him up to speed on what was transpiring now, leaving out the portion of Brent’s stay at Mountain View simply telling him of the abduction.
“Rahja and I are leaving within the hour,” he told Santana.
“Not without me,” was the immediate reply as Ray thanked him, disconnecting.
He quickly called Rahja and arranged more protection for Charisma and Ayana.
Satisfied for the time being Ray, let himself relax a bit. Entirely too much drama to contend with right now, he thought wearily. Ray was extremely disappointed with Brent’s behavior. He’d actually been seriously contemplating turning over the entire operation to him and Santana, wanting to relax and spend time with India and their new child. Now that wouldn’t happen anytime in the immediate future. Brent’s greed and selfishness made Ray realize he still had a lot more work to do with the young man. He needs to begin to use more reason, more logic, he thought as he sipped the liquor in his glass. His cell vibrated and he smiled seeing the text from India asking if he were all right. He quickly texted her back that he was fine, simply handling a late business deal. He added a line that he would be home soon and she’d better be in bed. Her response was a smiley emoticon, sticking its tongue out.
Ray chuckled slightly shoring his resolve to make this trip and handle the ensuing threat so he could return to his life. What about Brent, his mind questioned. Ray decided he would make that choice once the imminent danger was removed and he’d had time to think about it. Rising he headed out of the office to his car, getting inside and heading toward his home. Once India was in bed and asleep they would leave, Ray continued to plan. He would explain it to her as a simple business trip. You’d better pray it all works out the way it should, his mind told him as Ray sighed deeply. He was getting too old for all the extra drama and one of these days he was almost sure he might not make it out alive.
*****
Tariq, Mook and Shells were enjoying a drink at the club as they relaxed finally. It had been a long and hectic day.
“Shit, I’m glad everything is finally done,” Mook threw out as Tariq agreed with him.
“Tomorrow it’ll all be worth it though,” he added as the other men murmured agreement.
“We’re hooking up with Jacoury, going to take in some skin when we leave here,” Mook began, looking at Tariq.
“You down,” he fished, having a feeling the woman Tariq was seeing was near.
Smiling slightly he told them he might as well. Mook smiled telling him that was good to hear as he rose and stretched.
“Got to keep my eye on Tae tomorrow,” Shells tossed out as they all readied themselves to leave.
Mook grumbled slightly as Tariq gave Shells a quizzical look. He explained that he’d told Tae the whole story about Layla and the market and she was still pissed with the woman. Tariq chuckled.
“Hmm, yeah, we’ll all keep an eye and make sure those two don’t end up in a room alone,” he threw out as they burst into laughter walking outside now.
Tariq locked the door as Shells suggested they ride together.
“I can drop you all off to pick up your trucks, or at your house, whatever you want to do,” he told them as Mook and Tariq agreed climbing inside.
Mook sat up front with Shells as they began to talk and smoke a blunt. Tariq’s mind was racing thinking about Kaitlyn and the text she’d sent him earlier. She had to fly back home for an emergency but assured him she would be back tomorrow night long before the opening. He was saddened they wouldn’t be together tonight, but pushed it aside knowing he would see her tomorrow. You’re in too damned deep, his mind warned him yet another time.
“Here Top, you need to hit this,” Mook told him breaking his thought.
Tariq took the blunt and inhaled deeply, letting the acrid smoke invade his lungs and relax his mind. He needed to keep his mind off Kaitlyn. Deciding he would get as blitzed as possible at the strip club, Tariq told them to stop at the ATM so he could get some money.
“Got have something to make it rain on them hoes,” he quipped as they all burst into laughter and pulled into the bank.
They arrived moments later after their stop and picking up Jacoury, pulling into the parking lot.
“OK, now don’t go in here and get in trouble,” Tariq joked as Mook and Shells swore they were only going inside for the wings they sold.
Everyone cracked up over that quip and headed to the door. The bouncer hassled them only momentarily until he realized who they were, then opened and held the door for them, requesting VIP treatment. Settling back in his chair at the table, Tariq let the gyrating mocha sister smiling at him take his mind off the dilemma he still faced and the impossible solutions he was trying to come up with.
*****
Kaitlyn came to only to find herself immobile. Her arms and legs were chained to the solid oak bed she lay atop. What the hell is going on, she wondered trying to remember how she’d even gotten here. She and Blue had gone to lunch at Maggiano’s a popular Italian eatery in the city. They’d laughed, had some wine, talked about the past and everything he’d been doing since he got out of prison. They paid their tab and rose to leave, but that’s where her memory ended. She couldn’t recall anything else until opening her eyes now.
“Hello,” Kaitlyn called out.
“Blue,” she tried again trying to stay calm and not panic.
You should have followed your mind, Kaitlyn kicked herself. She knew there was something off about him. Now she was trapped and God only knew what he had planned for her. She caught her breath as the door opened. Turning her head toward the sound, Kaitlyn’s eyes grew big as the shadowy figure approached her.
“Lauren,” he said softly recognition of his voice scaring the hell out of her.
“No,” she breathed softly trying to move away from him as he walked closer.
“No,” she yelled more forcefully this time.
“Blood that is my blood,” he spoke again, in fluent French.
Kaitlyn began to cry hysterically screaming no again and again as he reached out a gloved hand and touched her.
It was too much and she passed out. Standing up again and regarding her for a few moments more, King Diesel turned and walked out of the room leaving her alone again. He returned to the room where Blue waited, still trying to stay his breathing and blink away his fury before King Diesel noticed. The man sat down and began removing the mask. Blue knew he was depraved but tonight he’d taken it to a whole new level. King Diesel had one of his contacts make the mask, an exact facial replica of Carlo Cisneros, almost a year ago. The voice was easy enough, using simple recordings from the trial and an impromptu interview he did with a reporter back in the day. Blue wasn’t exactly sure just how much more he could take when it came to his terrorizing Lauren.
“Go to her,” King Diesel said finally turning and regarding Blue. “Make her believe what you tell her, or --,” he trailed off as Blue again used every ounce of restraint he had and quickly nodded his understanding, leaving the man’s presence.
Walking back into the room where Lauren was still unconscious, Blue gathered himself. He wasn’t stupid. King Diesel was watching his every interaction and the microphones in the room recording his every word.
Blue reached out and gently stroked her face. She began to stir slightly, her eyes suddenly popping open as the terror returned to them.
“Shh, it’s me Lauren,” Blue told her sweetly as her eyes narrowed in anger.
“What did you do to me,” she fired off. “What the hell is going on, where the hell am I,” Kaitlyn railed, her eyes darting around the room looking for the figure she’d seen earlier.
“Lauren, baby, you have to trust me,” Blue began. “Everything is going to be fine,” he assured her as Kaitlyn returned her gaze to him, suspicion filled.
She heard the sound then, softly at first, but now it was beginning to grow louder.
“Do you hear that,” Kaitlyn asked, fear replacing the suspicion.
“Hear what baby,” Blue asked calmly, still regarding her.
“That,” Kaitlyn threw back, the voice clear, and the volume growing louder.
“I don’t hear anything, Lauren,” Blue soothed, lying.
He knew the plan and he heard her father’s voice reciting the incantation just as she did.
“You don’t hear him Blue, you don’t hear his voice,” Kaitlyn threw back becoming unglued once again.
“Shh, baby calm down, you’re hearing things,” he told her as she looked into his eyes.
Maybe she was losing it, Kaitlyn thought. It wouldn’t be the first time. Still, why was she here and why did he have her held prisoner.
“Blue, please, I don’t understand,” she returned the tears falling now.
Blue’s heart was breaking but he had to stay strong. For both their sakes and sanity he had to stay objective and see this thing through to the end.
“Rest baby,” Blue told her sweetly the room now silent. “I promise I’ll explain later,” he added for good measure as Kaitlyn’s confusion still rested on her face.