Her Protector

by D. Camille

  Kyle shrugged. “Do you really want to know?”

  Kent felt his head about to explode. “Yeah, dude let me know.”

  “Even though you’re an Uncut Diamond and from what I understand, a pretty successful investment broker...you really clown too much for people to take you seriously and you have a reputation with so many women that I don’t trust you with Lotus.”

  Kent lifted a brow while trying to wrap his mind around what the hell Kyle was saying. “You don’t trust me with Lotus?”

  Kyle sighed. “I’ve already told her that if you do anything to hurt her, I’m going to handle you.”

  Kent frowned. “You think so?”

  “You planning on hurting her?” Kyle demanded.

  “Of course not!” Kent exploded. “Why would I hurt Lotus?”

  “You were mean to her before,” Kyle told him and Kent froze.

  He looked out of the windshield. “Did she tell you that?”

  “Yeah, she said you treated her like a freak.” Kyle informed him. “I asked her if she wanted me to beat your ass, but she said no.”

  Kent looked at him with hard green eyes. “You might as well stop thinking that you’re going to do something to me,” he told him firmly. “’Cause that’s not happening dude.”

  “Don’t hurt Lotus.” Kyle warned.

  Kent looked at his watch then started the car. “Lotus Masters called me and I answered. Everybody else can fall the hell back.”

  He steered the car back onto the road. “Including you.”

  Kyle shook his head. “Ok, Kent… but I meant what I said.”

  Kent glanced at him again. “Yeah, me too Kyle.”

  The rest of the drive was in silence as both men prepared to handle business. The Black Diamonds had taught them that no matter what was happening between them personally, business always came first and foremost.

  They arrived at the old train yard and Kent parked off to the side of one of the buildings. Turning to Kyle, he said, “This is where we separate. I’ll take the inside; you watch for any visitors.”

  Kyle nodded before they both exited the vehicle. Kent watched as Kyle headed to a good vantage point to look for uninvited guests then walked inside the empty building. Drawing his weapon, he stepped inside and began to look around.

  His green eyes were keen as he took in the surroundings. Spotting a closed door, quietly he walked over to look inside when Lotus’ words came to mind. Kent shook his head to clear it.

  “That damn girl got me scared as hell.”

  Gingerly, he reached for the knob then turned it quickly before stepping back. Tilting his head, he glanced inside the empty office and calmed his heart.

  “Why can’t you be a regular girl?” he asked himself then smiled. “Then you wouldn’t be Lotus.”

  Kent continued with his inspection then waited for Dennis. Kyle had asked if Kent had handled business before and Kent had supplied a patented answer. When he’d trained with Sean, they hadn’t used just the shooting range. Kent was still in awe of Sean’s skill with weapons, although his was getting closer to that level.

  When Trent had first approached him about becoming an Uncut Diamond, Kent had thought he was crazy but when Trent had explained why they did what they did, Kent was all in. Attending a HBCU, he’d learned a lot about being a proud black man in America and protecting the sisters.

  He’d found that weapons were his main interest and with a teacher like Sean, Kent had learned more than he’d ever imagined. Now he was a specialist and didn’t hesitate when it was time to put in work. Kent knew that Lotus didn’t understand the full extent of what the Uncut Diamonds work entailed. That was something that he’d have to explain to her, very soon it seemed.

  The door opened and Dennis entered with a sly smile. “What’s up Kent?”

  “You tell me Dennis,” Kent asked lifting his weapon and pointing it toward Dennis, who threw his hands in the air.

  “Hey! Wait a minute!” Dennis protested. “What is this?”

  “Me beating you to the point,” Kent explained.

  Dennis smiled nervously. “Look Kent, I know you. You’re a stock broker. You don’t want to do this.”

  Green eyes narrowed. “You don’t have a clue about me.”

  “I know you’re trying to protect that pretty doctor from Warren Harding,” Dennis told him.

  Kent stepped closer. “He’s next on my list.”

  Dennis backed up with his hand still in the air. “Look, I just came to give you a message.”

  Kent waited.

  “Warren just wants you to back off and let him have the woman. He’ll keep his family from hurting her,” he explained hastily.

  “Warren Harding won’t get near Lotus and his family has more than me to worry about,” Kent told him.

  Dennis frowned. “So you think you’re going to shoot me and walk out of here? I’m a police officer.”

  “A dirty one,” Kent informed him. “Your computer was checked at your office based on a very reliable tip to Internal Affairs. IA found all the dirt that you’ve been doing.” Kent shook his head. “You’ve made a lot of people angry, implicating all those officers and businessmen.”

  “There’s nothing on my computer at work!” Dennis protested.

  Kent nodded. “Oh there was plenty. My friend in LA took care of that.”

  “You set me up, you bastard!” Dennis yelled.

  “You set your own dumb ass up,” Kent replied. “You fucked with the wrong people.”

  Dennis began to sweat. “Ok look, I can help you-”

  Two shots rang out in the empty building as Dennis fell to the floor. Kent turned, instantly on guard to see where the other shot had come from.

  His green eyes were confused as he watched the man approach after putting his weapon away.

  “I was wondering how long you were going to let him talk.”

  “Sean, what are you doing here?” Kent asked confused while lowering his weapon.

  Sean smiled. “Making sure you remembered your training.”

  Kent glanced over at Dennis on the ground. “What do you think?”

  Sean walked to the body and looked down at the single bullet hole in Dennis’ head. Kent followed and looked at the same thing.

  “How the hell did you do that?” Kent asked.

  Sean looked at him. “I knew where your shot was going. Good job, who’s next?”

  Kent was still staring at the single hole that had taken two bullets. “Uh, Warren Harding.” He looked at Sean. “Kyle told you where to find me?”

  “Kyle didn’t see me.” Sean smiled again. “I saw him though.”

  “Damn,” Kent said putting his gun away. “Remind me to stay on your good side.”

  “I shouldn’t have to remind you,” Sean said pointedly.

  Kent nodded. “So the plan is to leave him here, let the squatters find him and report it.”

  Sean agreed. “The two bullets will make them think it was a professional hit.”

  Looking at the body again, Kent agreed. “It was.”

  The two men headed outside and signaled for Kyle who joined them quickly. He looked at Sean in question.

  “How’d you get inside?” Kyle asked.

  “I’m a Black Diamond.”

  Kyle stared at him. “I was watching this entire area. I don’t know how you got past me.”

  Kent frowned. “I’m glad it was Sean and not somebody trying to kill my ass.”

  “I guess you’re just lucky,” Kyle told him.

  Sean looked between the two then addressed Kyle. “You weren’t supposed to see me. You would’ve seen anybody else.”

  “Is everything cleaned up Kyle?” Kent asked impatiently.

  Kyle nodded. “Yeah, no traces of us being here.”

  “Let’s go then,” Sean instructed. “I’m riding with you two.”

  “How did you get here?” they both asked.

  Sean began walking towards where the car was parked. “I’ll
let you two figure that out.”

  They both watched him then looked at one another. “That’s why they’re the Black Diamonds,” Kyle told him.

  “Damn, I guess so.” Kent agreed before they joined Sean at the vehicle.

  Kent took the driver’s seat with Sean next to him and Kyle took up the rear. “Where are we going now?” Kent asked.

  “You’ll fill me in on updates about Lotus on the way to her apartment,” Sean told him.

  Kent froze. “Uh, we’re going to Lotus’?”

  Sean nodded and Kyle smiled in the back seat. Kent glanced in the mirror and saw his grin before turning his attention back to the road.

  Kent began speaking to Sean, “Well, she got that card today at work…”

  ******

  Lotus finished making her dinner which consisted of soup and a turkey sandwich. She wasn’t going anywhere near fixing any other dishes. Her phone rang as she sat her meal on the table.

  “Hi Lily,” she answered.

  “What is going on with you Lotus? Momma is going crazy and she wants to get on a plane to Atlanta.”

  Lotus sighed and took her seat. “Tell Momma I’m fine.”

  She went on to fill Lily in on what happened earlier in the day and that Kent and Kyle now had two agents outside of her door.

  “Where are they?” Lily asked.

  Lotus shrugged. “They said that they had some business to take care.”

  “Have you seen Sean yet?” Lily asked.

  “Sean? Is he in Atlanta?” Lotus questioned.

  “Yes, he’s there.” Lily confirmed. “You’ll see him soon. He’s coming to check on you.”

  Lotus rolled her eyes. “You didn’t have to send Sean, Lily.”

  Lily quieted. “I did Lotus. There’s more to this than you know.”

  “What are you talking about Lily?”

  “The Hardings.”

  Lotus frowned. “What about them?

  “I used to be involved with Wayne Harding.”

  Lotus stared at her food. “Was it true, the stories about him?”

  Lily quieted for a moment. “Yes…”

  “Did he hurt you too?” Lotus demanded.

  “Yes…” Lily answered again.

  “You never said anything Lily!” Lotus told her. “Why wouldn’t you tell us that he hurt you?”

  “I was ashamed Lotus,” Lily answered. “I didn’t want you to know that I’d been in that type of relationship, plus you were so young.”

  “When Warren asked me out, I questioned him about Wayne. He explained it away, saying that Wayne had some personal issues,” Lotus explained. “And since you’d never mentioned anything about him, I didn’t think that he’d done anything to you.”

  “I wish you’d never connected with him,” Lily told her.

  Lotus sighed. “Me too.”

  “Do you have feelings for him Lotus?” Lily asked cautiously.

  Lotus looked at her phone. “Hell nah! I know who my man is.”

  Lily shook her head. “When are you going to tell us who this mystery man is?”

  Lotus smiled. “He’s not a mystery anymore.”

  “Really?”

  “Yes,” Lotus answered happily.

  Lily laughed. “Okay, so tell me about him.”

  “He’s fine, he’s sexy, he’s funny and he’s smart.”

  “What’s his name?”

  “It’s Kent.”

  Lily frowned. “Kent who?”

  It was Lotus’ turn to frown. “Kent Baker.”

  The line was silent for a moment. “Trent’s friend Kent?”

  “Yes, Lily.”

  “Kent is the man you’ve been waiting for?” Lily questioned confused.

  Lotus picked up her sandwich. “I’m not liking your tone, Lily.”

  “I’m sorry Lotus. I’m just…surprised.” Lily confessed. “Does he know this?”

  Lotus took a bite and chewed. “He does now.”

  “I always thought it was Kyle,” Lily told her. “You two seem so close.”

  “Kyle is a good friend, but he’s not the one.” Lotus took another bite.

  Lily paused. “Kent…hmmmm….”

  Lotus laughed. “Yes Lily, Kent Baker’s fine, hoe ass is the man in my visions.”

  Lily laughed too. “Actually, I can see you two together.”

  “Honestly, when I first saw him in my dreams, I didn’t want to accept it. I was like how can the Universe do something like this to me, but now that I’m getting to really know him…I like him, a lot.” Lotus confessed.

  “He likes to act a fool, but when it’s time to get serious, he gets down to business. He’s trying to deal with all of this because it’s like a Harry Potter movie to him right now,” she finished.

  “Is he still scared of you?” Lily asked.

  “We’re working on that.”

  ‘’I don’t want you to get hurt Lotus,” Lily warned.

  Lotus smiled at her sister’s protectiveness. “We’re taking it slow, although my honey pot is on fire. I don’t know how much longer I can wait.”

  Lily shook her head. “Is he your soul mate or your sex mate?”

  “Uh, he’d better be both,” Lotus pointed out.

  “You know, you didn’t have to save yourself for him,” Lily told her. “He has plenty of experience.”

  Lotus picked up her spoon. “I wasn’t really saving myself for him, there just wasn’t anyone who made me want to go all the way there.”

  “And Kent does?”

  Lotus smiled. “Oh yes…that boy is so damn sexy and he knows it.” She took a sip of her soup. “We’re still in the touchy, feely stage right now. He likes to touch and I like to feel. He hasn’t made it to the next level yet. It’s too soon.”

  Lily closed her eyes. “You’re twenty-seven Lotus. If you want to make love to a man who you’re attracted to, there’s no specific waiting period, as long as it’s your choice.”

  Lotus paused. “I know Lily, but I think I’m a one-man woman. I only want him.”

  “Then I hope that he’s all you wish for, Lotus.” Lily told her sincerely.

  “So far, he is…” Lotus licked her lips. “In every way.”

  Lily chuckled. “He is very handsome.”

  “He’s fine as hell with those sexy green eyes,” Lotus corrected.

  “I think you like his bad boy persona,” Lily pointed out.

  Lotus gave a sexy laugh. “I love it.”

  “You sure you can handle all that?”

  “I will die trying,”

  Lily laughed loudly. “You are a mess Lotus.”

  “That’s why you love me,” Lotus boasted.

  “Yes, it is and that’s why I want you to be safe.” Lily told her. “Sean is bringing you back to LA with him.”

  Lotus dropped her spoon. “What?”

  “The Hardings are dangerous and we need to get you away.”

  “Lily, I have a job and a man now,” Lotus told her. “I can’t just up and leave.”

  “This is serious Lotus,” Lily continued. “You can put in for some time off.”

  Lotus stood. “Even if I was granted the time off, what about the man part?”

  Lily sighed. “Lotus, you waited this long for him, he’s not going anywhere.” Lily explained. “And after what happened today, there’s no way we’re leaving you there by yourself.”

  “Kent and Kyle are here,” Lotus protested.

  “Lotus, if Sean has to kidnap you, he will.”

  Lotus threw her hands in the air. “Who the hell are you all?”

  “Sean will be there for a week. That gives you time to tie up your loose ends,” Lily said firmly.

  “How long am I supposed to be gone?” Lotus demanded.

  “Until we clear this all up, so ask for at least three weeks.”

  Lotus’s mouth opened wide. “Three weeks!”

  “It may not take that long, but to be on the safe side, let’s say three,” Lily told her. “You c
an visit with your niece and nephews.”

  “You know I love Lilac and the X-Men, but Auntie Lotus Flower is trying to get her honey pot stirred right now.”

  “Lotus…this is serious.”

  Lotus’ eyes narrowed. “What are you not telling me?”

  “I’ll explain everything when you get here.”

  She took her seat again. “Momma is worried about you. Do you want her to come to Atlanta?” Lily asked.

  Lotus shook her head. “No, I don’t want that. If I’m in danger, I don’t want Momma here.”

  “So you have several days to get your honey pot stirred before you get here. Tell him to make sure he gives you enough to hold you over for a few weeks.”

  “Is that what Sean did before he left?” Lotus asked sarcastically.

  Lily smiled. “Oh yes…my warrior handles business in and out of the bedroom.”

  Lotus’ bell rang and she went to answer with the phone in her hand. She peeked out of the small glass and saw Sean along with Kent and Kyle.

  “Well your ‘warrior’ is here so I’ll talk to you soon.” Lotus ended the call and opened the door. She was greeted by Sean’s warm smile.

  “Hello Lotus.” He hugged her briefly.

  “Hey Sean,”

  Lotus returned his hug, then greeted Kent and Kyle as the men entered the apartment. She showed the men into her living room then turned to Kent. “Can I talk to you in private for a minute?”

  He nodded with a concerned green gaze. Lotus smiled at the other two men in the room. “Please, make yourselves comfortable. This will only take a minute.”

  Sean watched the two leave the room then turned to Kyle.

  “I’m just here working on a case,” Kyle informed him.

  ******

  Inside her bedroom, Kent took Lotus into his arms. “What’s wrong?”

  She lifted dark eyes to his. “Lily called…they want me to go back to LA with Sean when he leaves.”

  “What? Why?”

  “They think it’s too dangerous here for me right now,” she explained.

  “For how long?” Kent asked.

  “She says three weeks.”

  He frowned. “Almost a month?”

  Lotus nodded. “Unless this is all cleared up sooner.”

  Kent stepped away. “What about your job?”

  “I have the time but I’ll need a few days to get everything in order,” Lotus explained.