Intensity

by Eden Fortae

  “You’re shitting me.”

  “His motivation to get me has reached sky high levels since. His baby is in my bed, and the fact that he can do nothing to stop it has him gunning for me ten times harder. If by chance he is able to get me on something, you’d lose money, because I guarantee he’ll do everything in his power to find an avenue for the DA to stick me with life. I can’t make you money behind bars.”

  Arturo considered it. Nodded as if he were having a conversation with himself and essentially agreeing to whatever the voice in his head was saying.

  “This is true. I believe you’re skilled enough to make me money from a cage, but we are in agreement. Should I consider your brother, here?” Casually, he motioned toward Kash. That question brought Antonio satisfaction for all the wrong reasons. In so few words, he could ruin Kash. Bury that bitch and pay him back for this bullshit. Words alone, though, would never be enough and Antonio knew this was a test.

  “You should consider anyone that thinks they’re man enough to fill my shoes, but don’t give him clout off of my name. Run him through. Make him prove his loyalty to you just like I did. See how he handles the blood on his hands if he can fly below the radar, and if he can demand respect in the streets to strengthen your name. If you do choose him, I’m done. I will not show him the ropes in any shape or form. His life and death mean nothing as soon as I clear your gates.”

  By the conclusion, Antonio was looking Kash dead in the eyes. The alarm was there, and he could not bring himself to give a single fuck. The bastard knew what he wanted when he went behind their backs. For that reason, none of them would watch his.

  Arturo followed his line of sight then stood, smoothly fastening a few buttons on his suit jacket.

  “Gentleman, if you will excuse us for a few moments, I would like to speak with Antonio. Please, have a seat, and we will return shortly.”

  The others seemed reluctant to do so, but they stood back while Antonio and Arturo walked out.

  The sound of women’s laughter grew louder as they passed the room where the ladies were gathered around a TV and on their phones. The ones they passed in the corridor openly ogled Antonio, blowing kisses and winking. After being led to a game room fitted with a pool table and array of TV screens covering one entire wall, he was offered a shot of whiskey that he knocked back without hesitation.

  “You know, Antonio, where there is tall grass there’s bound to be snakes. The key is to keep your grass cut and force them to be visible. In other words, let your brother show his true colors and never forget how he has painted himself.”

  “He’s not my brother. I see that, now.”

  Art chuckled, pouring another shot for Antonio. “You say that, but I know your heart. Your loyalty is authentic. Despite the shit he came to me with, you will not turn your back on him. You get that from your father.” The look he gave Arturo was enough to induce more chuckles. “That quality is why I made sure your father was protected in prison. Javier could have come home a lot sooner if he dimed me out. He was a big fish to them, but I was the entire ocean. He could have sold me out to gain his freedom and instead, he ate that time. The police kept approaching you as a boy and not once did you cower or break. You stood strong just like your father. That’s why I took you in. That’s why I treat you like a son.”

  Arturo took his own shot and leaned against the bar while smoothing back his slick grey hair, “But, do not mistake my love for you as immunity. I do not believe it, but if the police end up on my doorstep because of the tiny bit of caramel you’re chewing on, it will rain blood and bullets over everything that you love.”

  “Understood.” Just a short and sweet reply was necessary. The threat was necessary, thanks to Kash. Challenging Arturo was like slitting your wrists and jumping into shark-infested waters. Antonio was in no way, shape, or form stupid enough to do so.

  “Good. You also understand that I will need you to do something for me before I can let you go, correct? To ensure that you are not thinking of betrayal.”

  “Yes, I do.”

  “Very good. I will let you know what that is in due time. Until then, you seem tense. You need a few of my girls to help you relax?”

  “I appreciate the offer, but I should get going.” Even if he were not pissed to the point of wanting to hurt Kash, he would not have been interested. All he truly wanted was to go home and fight his nephew for Kya’s attention.

  “You’ve really been bitten, huh? I’ve seen the girl, and I get it, but is she worth being your only and giving up so much?”

  He had asked himself the same thing since realizing that sex was not enough. Was Kya really worth changing for, worth swallowing his pride and his fears to try the things that had never once interested him? The jury was still out on that, and rather than giving an answer, he pushed his empty glass toward Arturo for another drink.

  The house was quiet by the time he made it home. Being after midnight, it was not hard to understand why. Before heading upstairs and toward the flashes on the wall from the TV, Antonio took to one of the lower level bathrooms to clean off his hands. Once the meeting with Arturo wrapped up, he moved his truck out of view and waited for Kash to exit the gates. The moment he did, Antonio let loose on his old friend, throwing punch after punch, swinging at anyone who dared to stop him. It took for Arturo to come out and put a gentle hand on his shoulder. Wordlessly, Antonio got in his truck with Donny following close behind but said nothing on the ride back.

  Still, he was pissed. Still, he felt disrespected. Still, he wanted violence as an outlet.

  The light marble sink filled with crimson water. The thick spray washing over Antonio's knuckles revealed the first signs of bruising and cuts made when his fists connected with teeth. Knowing that he’d knocked one of the man’s teeth out had done little to sate his bloodlust. Repeatedly kicking him in the ribs and stomach, also failed to provide him with the satisfaction that ending his life would have. His friend. The friend he had pulled into his family after watching him fall apart over the murder of his father, had actually stabbed him in the back.

  That hurt Antonio more than anything.

  Looking up into the mirror, the blood staining his shirt suddenly put him in the mind of Kya and Anthony. They could not see him like that, eyes hooded and clouded by a murderous haze, clothes a reflection of the man he did not want to be around them.

  On his way up the steps, he pulled off his shirt and used it to wipe away any blood that might have been on his pants. Since the denim was dark, spots of red were not visible. Regardless, he wanted it off. Just as he was going for his belt, he entered his room and found Kya and Anthony snuggled in his bed, sleeping soundly. The sight stopped him in his tracks. The unwanted feelings surrounding his heart kicked up, and all he could do was stare. All he would have done was stare if they weren’t sitting up, leaning against each other and looking uncomfortable.

  After a quick shower and change of clothes, he found Kya and Anthony in the same position with his nephew’s head against her chest, and hers positioned oddly against the headboard. With as much ease and care to not awaken them, he pried Anthony from Kya’s arms and hoisted him up to his shoulder. His nephew opened his eyes for a second but was lulled back to sleep by the hand moving across his back. Like a pro, he was able to pull the sheets back and place Anthony in his own bed without waking him again. However, as he stood to leave, he realized his efforts had not worked with both.

  She was smiling at him. Obviously half asleep but smiling in a way that took off some of the stress of his night.

  “You’re going to be a great father someday.”

  As he approached her, he placed a kiss on her forehead and folded her into his arms, “No, I’m not. Come on. Time for me to put you to bed, now.”

  She went without a fuss and let him put her back in bed where she curled up against him.

  “Did you get everything taken care of?”

  “Yes.” The less she knew, the better. She was already put of
f by his place in that world, and the last thing he wanted was to tell her that he had beat a man unconscious and would probably have to commit murder before he was free.

  “We’re good.”

  “Good. I started to get worried when I didn’t hear from you hours in. I was going to call, but I didn’t want to interrupt.”

  “Don’t ever hesitate to call me. Especially if something’s wrong.”

  “I’ll try to remember that. Little Tony and I had it covered without you. He ate more pizza than I thought he could.”

  “It surprised you how much that little monster could eat, didn’t it?”

  Something between a laugh and a yawn vibrated against him, “Yeah, it did. I saved you some, though.”

  “I appreciate that. I appreciate you having my back by being here with Anthony, too. He’s a handful and not your responsibility. I don’t think many people could handle him or want to on such short notice.”

  She laughed again nuzzling her face against his chest, “He’s not a handful to me. He’s a typical energetic kid. One that’s determined to make me fall in love with him, but a normal kid nonetheless.”

  Antonio raised his brows just as she tilted her head back to see his face. He took advantage of that and kissed her lips then trailed his hand up and down her back to help her sleep. Something about her saying that called to his heart, once more. For reasons unknown to him, he loved Kya’s connection with Anthony. More and more she was doing the very thing she spoke of. She was determined to make him fall in love with her. The idea of it scared the shit out of him and was why he had not answered Arturo’s question.

  Now, with her in his arms, calming the ferocious beast inside of him he could say unequivocally that Kya was worth being his only, giving up everything, and so much more.

  Sunday morning had come and gone. Anthony woke up extra early and rather than waking them, he went to the kitchen, helped himself to the cereal Kya bought for him and was kind enough to share it with the puppy to Antonio’s horror. After doing some quick research, the alarm died down having read that dry cereal is not harmful to dogs. Once calm, Kya made them all breakfast that they ate while watching Meet The Robinsons. When the movie went off, she insisted that she start preparing for her interview with the magazine, to which Antonio agreed. From there, he called his friends to help move her things from her apartment. As if being small and cute wasn’t enough, Anthony did everything he could to help the men.

  To say thanks, Kya made them Sunday dinner. While they ate, she retreated to the room deemed as hers and began to set things up. Before the guys left, they each thanked her for cooking. Donny joked about moving in, and Jermaine was actually humane. Christian took Anthony with him and left Kya alone with Antonio who’d found amusement in staring at her ass and slapping it as she moved about the room. Her slapping his back turned into a playful wrestling match and sex on her sewing table. The loss of time resulted in oversleeping, scrambling to get things set up at the last second, and ended with smiles as she wrapped up her first interview.

  Maxine Foster was a woman to admire. At the age of thirty-two, she was already considered to be one of the most highly favored journalists in the entertainment business and praised entrepreneur. She had received several awards and was literally the push that had furthered so many careers. At first glance, her appearance was intimidating. As a tall woman with locs down to her lower back, she radiated grace that outshined the expensive dress suit and designer pumps she wore. Yet, when she smiled and when she spoke, it was like talking to an old friend, providing Kya with what she needed to get through it without fear.

  The questions she was asked ranged from Kya’s motivation, inspiration, and her childhood. It took all she had not to cry when speaking about her mother. No, it took for her to see Antonio in the doorway with Wylie in his arms to keep her from crying. He was supposed to be at work but obviously left early to be there with her.

  “Once again, Kya, I want to thank you for granting me this interview. Most people don’t realize how important or how much of an honor it is to be a star's first interviewer. You get to experience them before they have reached the highest point.”

  “No, thank you, Ms. Foster. The honor comes from being interviewed by such a successful woman. I can only hope to obtain the same level of respect and notoriety as you in my coming years.”

  She smiled brightly and warmly, “Keep making these gorgeous gowns and I have no doubt that you will. By the way, you should consider an official name for your work. Something that will stick with people.”

  “Like, Rich Gowns?”

  “Or maybe Kya Cortes. That has a nice ring to it, and I can just hear the reports or famous women wearing Kya Cortes, now.”

  From over the woman’s shoulder, Kya caught Antonio staring at her and suddenly blushed. Noticing, Maxine turned, and her smile widened.

  “Well, hello there. Maxine Foster of Prestige Magazine. The only magazine in America to feature the best up and coming African talent.” She extended her hand to him, “Although you’re already established, you should let me interview you sometime.”

  “Nice to meet you, Ms. Foster. You’d interview me despite being Cuban?”

  “Honey, that tan doesn’t come from the hours in the sun. We are all African. The melanin may be lacking in some, but we are all African.” Having said that, she handed him one of her cards and headed toward the photographer she brought with her.

  Antonio closed the distance between him and Kya, kissing her quickly at first then deeper to express how much he enjoyed it. When he pulled back, she rubbed her puppy’s head grinning at them both.

  “What are you doing here so early?”

  “You seem so stressed when I left for work this morning that I wanted to check on you.”

  “Me and Wylie?”

  Antonio grinned. Since he got her that dog, he seemed to be trying to keep his distance. He acted as if he did not want to get attached to him, but it wasn’t working. “He ran toward me when I walked through the door, suddenly learned how to talk, and begging me to pick him up.”

  “He was whining?”

  “He was whining.”

  She laughed, and he smiled again, seemingly pleased by the sound, “Are you going back to the site?”

  “Do you want me to go back?”

  “No. It’s still raining out so maybe we can finish out our lazy day?”

  “I’m with it.” He kissed her again as Maxine and her photograph grabbed their things to go. On the way out, Maxine asked Kya for her number and if it was alright if she shared it with a few people she knew in high places. Of course, Kya agreed, and as the woman left, she felt excitement. For the first time in a while, she was content.

  TWENTY FOUR

  As big as the bed was, Kya felt it sink around the new presence. Since Antonio had kissed her goodbye some time ago, she opened her eyes in a panic and sat up defensively. Karrina stared back, a look of amusement in her eyes while the rest of her face was uncharacteristically gloomy. Had it not been for her heart beating frantically, Kya would have thought she was dreaming. Karrina never passed up a chance to laugh at her friend’s expense. However, there wasn’t so much as a giggle.

  “Again with this, Rina? I thought we left the creeping in and watching me sleep at my apartment.”

  Rather than addressing Kya with a witty or smart-ass remark, Karrina looked down at her hands— another indication that something was off. With the backs of her hands, Kya rubbed her eyes. Once cleared, she looked her friend over carefully and immediately began to worry. Karrina usually stepped out in full face makeup. On days that she really wasn’t feeling it, she still wore eyeliner and mascara. Today, her face was as bare as the day she was born aside from the puffiness beneath each eye. Aside from that, she should have been at work.

  “Karrina, what’s wrong?”

  She watched her lower lip quiver as she looked up. Karrina seemed to be debating something internally. Perhaps, trying to find the right words to e
xpress herself. Whatever the case, Kya decided not to press it and waited. In her own time, Karrina would say what she needed. Until then, Kya was drowning in suspense and becoming alarmed. Was it Christian? Something wrong with one of her family members? No, if that were the case, Antonio would have been there, too, or at least called. Then again, if there was something wrong with him, how could he call?

  Kya was just about to hop out of bed when Karrina finally moved. Instead of words greeting her with an explanation, a rectangular box was pulled from her bag, with it, her eyes closed.

  “I knew something was wrong, but I told myself to give it another week. That week passed, and I gave myself another week. It’s been an entire month and some days, now, and everything makes sense. I’ve been snapping at Chris for the smallest things and can never say why. I’ve been getting more than enough sleep, but three hours after I wake up, I’m super drained. I feel like I have to pee every three minutes and… I don’t want to take this.” She trailed off, shaking her head, squeezing her eyes shut.

  “After everything you just told me, I don’t think you really have to.”

  Karrina’s reaction was immediate. Her eyes flew open, she dropped the box in her lap and buried her face in her hands.

  “No! No, don’t tell me that! You were supposed to tell me that it’s all in my head. That I wasted my money on this because my body is just playing tricks on me.”

  “I wouldn’t be a friend if I lied to you. With that being said, I have never been pregnant or thought I was, Rina, so you can’t take my word for it. You can only accept my suggestion and take the test.”

  Her breathing increased. It became so labored that Kya sat forward and ducked her head to see her face. As suspected, Karrina was crying silently, and it baffled her.

  “You don’t understand. I can’t be. He deserves better. He’s always deserved better than me, but I was too selfish to let him go.”