by KR Bankston
“I can take care of both of us, and if your parents stop paying for school, I got that too,” he told her as she frowned slightly.
“Shh, don’t ask the why, just know I got you covered,” Sa’Cari said simply.
Ashlyn’s mind tumbled thinking about his statement. She knew that he had to have some form of income to afford the apartment, the car, and the things he had on a daily basis. She recalled then that his father was deceased and assumed the man had left him well taken care of.
“I just,” she began as he kissed her deeply holding her tightly, bodies pressed together.
“You’re my wife Ashlyn, and I’m going to take damned good care of you, starting right now,” Sa’Cari declared as she stopped fighting and surrendered to his will.
He felt her relax and began stroking her body anew as he spread her and slowly entered her taking his time making love to her.
“Yes,” Ashlyn breathed as Sa’Cari thrust into her. “Baby, feels so good,” she moaned as she came hard.
He kissed her in response continuing his quest to completely consume her as she continued to moan quietly. His mind raced as he made love to Ashlyn. Her parents were becoming a problem and he had to figure out a way to solve it and quickly. Sa’Cari breathed Ashlyn and being without her was an impossibility in his mind. Take her to Vegas, his mind told him. Money wasn’t an issue and he knew she’d never been, so she wouldn’t be suspicious of his true motives. Hop a plane and take her next weekend, his mind told him as Sa’Cari smiled and kissed her neck softly. Ashlyn continued to moan and writhe beneath him as he pleasured her and she came yet another time.
“My Ashlyn, always and forever,” he told her softly as she told him yes and they began kissing deeply once more.
Sa’Cari found her g-spot and Ashlyn’s gushing wetness let him know he was on target as she came hard once more and he came right behind her looking very forward to next weekend and Las Vegas.
31
There was no clock in the room but Kaitlyn knew with her internal clock it was morning and a new day had dawned. Ice is going to be looking for me, so is Tariq, her mind spun. She was sure Tariq had already begun looking for her once he showed up at the suite and she wasn’t there last night. I have no way of telling either of them where I am, Kaitlyn thought before realization dawned that she didn’t even know where she was. The door opened and she tensed, fully expecting Carlo again. You were imagining yesterday, Carlo is dead, her mind told her as she forced herself to believe the explanation. Blue came into view carrying a tray. He set it down on the dresser before walking over to her.
“Good morning baby,” he greeted her sweetly.
“I’m going to let you go to the bathroom, and freshen up, okay,” Blue told her looking into her eyes.
His voice was sweet, but she saw the danger still in his eyes. Shaking her head yes, she waited for him to unlock the cuffs and help her from the bed. Kaitlyn obediently went into the bathroom, stripping her clothes and stepping under the spray. Her mind was of course spinning trying to figure a way of her predicament, but so far she was coming up empty.
The bathroom had no window, neither did the room she was being kept in. The only way in or out was through the door Blue had used. Finishing the shower she got out, drying herself and putting on her clothes. Seeing her suitcase her heart sank. She knew now Tariq would simply think she left. Searching the bag and her purse she didn’t see her cell phone. Now she was sure no one would be looking for her. All Blue had to do was send a message from her phone and on one would be the wiser. Tears clouded her vision but she refused to let them fall. Sitting on the bed she ate the breakfast he’d brought, noticing the plastic cutlery. He’s not stupid, I’ll give him that, Kaitlyn brooded. Blue came back into the room as she finished the meal, smiling and telling her he was glad to see she’d eaten.
“Blue, what is going on, why are you keeping me here,” Kaitlyn tried again.
He came and took the tray from her, sitting down beside her, looking deeply into her eyes.
“I promise this will be over soon, then I’ll tell you everything you need to know,” he replied as she sighed deeply.
“Are you going to kill me,” Kaitlyn asked evenly.
“No,” Blue told her immediately. “How could you think something like that of me,” he asked, hurt that she did.
“Blue, I hurt you, I mean I just kinda deserted you,” she explained looking down at her hands now.
“Lauren, I understand why you left,” he told her, lifting her face to his again.
“I just don’t think you realized how very much I loved you, still love you,” Blue told her quietly, kissing her gently.
“Blue we were young then, kids,” she tried, a little unsettled that he still carried a torch for her all these years later.
“I was a grown man Lauren, and I loved you like a grown man,” he corrected without malice.
“So much has changed Blue, so much has happened,” she tried again.
“Have you changed Lauren, I mean really,” he threw out giving her a look as she frowned slightly.
“The woman I knew at 16 was smart, savvy, cold blooded if she needed to be, but loyal and honest,” Blue told her.
“Has that changed,” he fired as she swallowed hard.
“Blue I was wreck then,” she told him allowing some of her guard down.
“I mean, I honestly always asked myself how the hell could you want to be with me, knowing that my own father had stuck his dick in me the same way you were,” Kaitlyn told him evenly, never taking her eyes off him.
Blue gave her a look.
“Why the fuck would I hold that against you Lauren,” he returned acidly.
“That would be like blaming a rape victim for being attacked, how damned shallow would that make me,” he asked right in her face now.
Kaitlyn began to cry softly as he sighed deeply and pulled her into his arms. “Lauren you’ve spent your whole life running,” Blue told her gently. “Hell, aren’t you tired, aren’t you ready to just rest and be who you are,” he asked as she continued to say nothing and lay in his arms.
“I can give you that Lauren, I can let you be yourself without strings, without question or condemnation,” Blue continued.
“You don’t have to decide right now,” he began anew. “Think about what I’m saying, Kaitlyn Ross is a dead white woman,” he told her as he heard her crying once more.
“I love Lauren Cisneros, with my whole heart, and I want her back,” Blue told her as she broke and began to sob deeply holding him tightly as Blue held her back letting her cry.
Finally spent, she fell asleep still in his arms as Blue patiently laid her back down and fastened the cuffs to her legs and arms, cleaning her face, kissing her lips gently as he turned and left the room glad it was Saturday and ready once again for the grand finale.
*****
“You’re going to stop running out on me,” Shango teased as Dee once again dressed to leave him.
“You won’t even be here after today,” she threw back smiling at him as she fastened the last button on her skirt and picked up her purse.
“Why you trying to act so cool, you know you enjoyed me,” Shango told her as Dee chuckled again.
“Well of course I did boo, I came back didn’t I,” she threw out coming over and kissing him.
“So when I come back to Atlanta, can I call you,” Shango asked, making plans to do that very thing.
He liked Dee, liked her a lot.
“Sure you can do that,” she told him, pulling out her lipstick and applying it. “Call me later if you have time before you leave,” Dee told him turning and heading out of the bedroom into the sitting room and the door.
“OK, and don’t be giving up my cookies to nobody else,” Shango told her walking into the room, still naked.
“Now, now, boo, you can’t be claiming something that’s not yours,” Dee told him door open now.
“Not yet,” Shango said simply looking direct
ly into her eyes as she smiled calmly and walked out of the door letting it close behind her.
Shango headed for the shower readying himself for his day. He had a few things to get lined up before tonight. Standing under the spray he thought about the magnitude of the assignment, his adrenaline already flowing. Shango loved a good kill and tonight promised to be on point. He arrived back in the bedroom finding the light blinking on his cell indicating a missed call or message. He saw the message icon and clicked on it, smiling as he read.
“Excellent,” he said quietly turning his attention back to getting dressed.
After pulling on the jeans and boots, Shango pulled the large black duffle from the closet. He began loading and arranging the guns contained. He put the magazines in the three .9mms he was bringing, as well as the .380’s. He’d brought the Desert Eagle, but was only going to use that if necessary. His favorite toy was the Colt M16 sub machine gun. That was his party favor, Shango thought chuckling aloud. He also carried three large hunting knives for those occasions when silence was a better companion than the boom of shells exploding.
The cell vibrated again and he once more read the text message.
“This just keeps getting better and better,” Shango murmured and laughed again.
He checked the bullet proof vest making sure it was in working order. Getting himself killed was not part of the plan and Shango took every opportunity to ensure his own safety. This time the phone rang and he sighed deeply answering.
“What do you want,” Shango barked as Roman chuckled.
“Is that any way to greet a friend,” he threw out as the man quickly reminded him they were nowhere near being friends.
“My feelings are hurt,” Roman threw back as Shango sucked his teeth and told him to get to his point before he hung up.
“OK, OK, sheesh, so touchy this afternoon,” he teased as Shango glanced at the clock.
It was a little after twelve so technically the cop was right. Roman told him he simply needed to know when he was coming back as well as supply him more information about the thing he needed researched.
“OK, fine, I got it,” Shango replied still loading his weapons.
“Now get off my phone,” he returned disconnecting before the detective could say anything else.
Reeling his mind back in and redirecting his focus, Shango zipped the bag, putting his T-shirt on over the Kevlar vest, and lifting the bag from the bed, turned and headed out of the suite. It was time to start the day.
*****
Ray was looking out of the car window as they stopped once more to fuel up. He was still livid about the abduction of his son and when he arrived at the instructed meeting point was going to show the abductors how very livid he was. He’d called and checked on India who assured him she and the baby were fine. After disconnecting Ray checked with the other sentinels who assured him Necie and Diamond were fine. Santana called Charisma receiving the same report. They were almost in Atlanta and he was getting antsy. Willing himself to calm down he began talking to Rahja and Santana once they began to drive again.
“What did you bring,” he asked, giving Rahja a look.
“.380’s, .9’s, modified double barrels, ak-47’s,” he answered as Ray nodded slightly.
Santana’s mind was racing as well. He wanted a chance to put a few holes in the morons who’d snatched his best friend as well. He was still in awe of the power Ray possessed and called into play when he needed too. The man was no joke and he sure hoped Brent was over any crazy plans he had about disrupting their lives or hurting the unborn child he and India shared.
“We should arrive just as darkness begins to fall,” Rahja told them interrupting both their thoughts.
“That’s good,” Ray replied as his cell vibrated.
Checking it he sent a quick reply and thought nothing more about it.
“I don’t understand why people always want to act new and make you show the uncivilized side,” Ray murmured as Rahja nodded and Santana said nothing.
“I understand Necie saw Jacoury when she went to visit her childhood friend,” Ray said simply, switching gears without warning.
“Yeah, but it was only a social dinner,” Santana replied feeling the need to clarify for Ray.
“Hmm, I see,” he replied, going on to ask if that would become an all the time thing.
“I honestly don’t know Mr. Lockhart,” Santana replied. “I mean I know Brent wasn’t happy about it at all, but --,” he trailed off as Ray again grunted.
Of course he couldn’t allow Necie to divorce Brent, but that didn’t mean he would allow his son to abuse her either. He would make sure Brent paid reasonable restitution for his actions toward her that fateful afternoon, but after that he needed them on track. Ray had already set wheels in motion to ensure another child came into play, though he hated to think of her conceiving out of the horrendous act Brent forced on her. Dismissing all other thoughts for now and concentrating on getting his son back in one piece; Ray closed his eyes and tried to rest. He needed to be fully alert and on his game once they arrived in the city as the drama would begin on a real scale then.
*****
Tariq smiled as he read Kaitlyn’s message. She was reassuring him she was on her way back and would be in town just as the opening began. He was bit sad he wouldn’t see her before the club, but he would make up for it after they connected. His cell vibrated and he answered sighing deeply.
“Yeah,” he said simply.
“Hey Tariq,” Cyiarra greeted him.
“Yeah, what’s up,” he threw back, not in the mood for conversation with her.
“Nothing, I just wanted to catch you before you got busy and tell you good luck tonight,” she told him quietly.
Tariq felt immediately bad for his brusque treatment and thanked her amiably.
“I’m really proud of you and I know it’s going to be a success,” she added as he again told her thanks.
“I don’t want to be your enemy, Tariq,” Cyiarra tried.
He sighed deeply telling her the same.
“I can’t be what you want though CiCi, and that’s the point I’m trying to get you to see,” he explained patiently.
Cyiarra sighed deeply telling him she was really making an effort to get to that place.
“I hope my coming tonight won’t be a problem,” she fished.
Tariq told her it was fine and he was happy she would be in attendance.
She immediately had a glimmer of hope, totally misconstruing his statement. Thankfully she didn’t voice it as she told him okay and that she would see him later tonight.
Disconnecting Tariq sighed once more and pushed the conversation out of his mind. He grabbed his wallet and keys heading out to run a few more errands and of course a final check at the club, where Mook, Shells, and Jacoury were meeting him. Then he was headed to the barbershop to get himself presentable, after that off to the tailor to pick up the suit he’d had made just for the event. Finally he had to stop at the local radio stations and drop of the VIP passes they’d agreed to give out during the day in various promotions.
“Going to be quite the night to remember,” Tariq murmured aloud smiling still as he reached the truck and climbed inside.
Mook called as he drove shooting the breeze about the strip club the night before.
“I thought Kim was going to kick my ass when I waltzed in at damned near 4AM,” Mook joked.
Tariq laughed telling him he heard concealer worked well on a black eye as they both cracked up.
“Now you know I had a little talk with her and Miss Fatty and all was well,” Mook threw back as they continued to laugh and talk.
Tariq saw his truck as he drove up, disconnecting and getting out.
Shells and Jacoury joined them moments later. Unlocking the front door they walked inside.
“OK, everyone do a good look this time, because if we can’t get it fixed right now, its going to stay that way until Monday or so,” Tariq admonished as th
ey all fanned out and began to check various parts of the club.
Mook checked the lounge area finding everything to his liking. Shells the patio area and kitchen, both were ready to showcase. Jacoury and Tariq were checking the main dance floor, the DJ booth and the restrooms.
“Seems like we’re good Top,” Mook told him as they all gathered once more in the front.
“Yep, everything is a go,” Tariq replied as everyone began to compare notes of tasks for the day.
“The women are all already at the salon,” Mook told him, noting that Tae, Jaleesa and Kim all went together.
“Yeah, I’m headed for a cut myself,” Tariq replied as Mook told him he was too.
Shells was heading to get his dreads tightened, Jacoury was going along for the ride, having gotten his cut the day he left heading to Atlanta.
“All right cool, let’s all meet back here at 9:30PM,” Tariq said as they all nodded and everyone headed to their own direction.
It was almost time.
32
Champagne corks were constantly popping as the guests glasses were being refilled again and again. Memoirs had officially opened almost two hours ago. The club was magnificent and patrons were still buzzing about the hardwood floors, hanging chandeliers, and multi room layout. The black and crème was offset beautifully by the interchanging pattern of the hardwoods and shiny black laminate of the counters and bar area. There were built in couches lining the walls of the bar area, fully stocked with every conceivable liquor created. The dining area was equally as decadent, also done in black and crème’s with golden accents. The DJ was putting on quite the show as people mingled and danced to their favorite tunes. Tariq smiled as he sipped the cognac looking out over the throng of people. Mook made his way over, congratulating his business partner as Tariq returned the compliment.
“You seen CiCi,” he asked giving Tariq a look.
He smiled and told him he had.
“She looks good tonight Top,” Mook threw out as Tariq again smiled.
“Yeah she does,” he admitted, finding the woman once more on the VIP stage dancing with her friend and another guy.