Intensity

by Eden Fortae

  “Really? I get four bands for just holding up a phone while you’re on speaker? What other jobs do you have for me?”

  Donny smiled over his shoulder, “The day will come when you’ll wish you never asked that question and you’ll find yourself a part of our family, following this pendejo to hell and back.”

  “This is more than I made selling weed for a month. Where do I sign up for my family membership?”

  While they laughed and joked, Antonio drove away from the scene with his lights off. Before he could get back home to Kya, he had to make several stops, which included grabbing his shooter from the other side of the train station, wiping down the car and weapons. The entire time, he reeled over that threat and took it as seriously as if it had been made by Arturo himself.

  Kya was in the kitchen when Antonio walked through the front door. From the sound of his boots, he was on his way up to the bedroom before the aroma hit him.

  “What are you doing up?” He looked tired. Through and through he looked like he was ready to fall out but wanted to know why she wasn’t resting.

  “I thought you might be hungry when you came in.”

  He stilled. His lack of motion was similar to that of a cat. His entire body was stiff and one of his brows raised, “You mad at me?”

  “Not at all. If I were, you’d be fixing your own breakfast.”

  “Are you going to ask where I’m coming from this early in the morning?”

  Kya shook her head as she spooned eggs onto plates for them both.

  “Why not?”

  “Because, we’re not in that kind of relationship, Tony. I don’t think you would leave me in bed to go be with another woman and unless you did, where you’ve been is really none of my business.”

  Rather than being pleased by that, Antonio looked irritated. “Baby, those words falling from such tasty lips is every hustler’s dream. But, I want you to feel like there isn’t any question you can’t ask me or anything you can’t say. We don’t have trust issues with each other, but we should have that open line.”

  She considered it. Internally, did leaps and cartwheels. He wanted them to communicate. Unlike most men, he wanted her to say what was on her mind regardless of what it was. More and more this man was winning her over. More and more she was becoming powerless to stop it.

  “Ok then. Why did you leave me when I was so comfortable stealing your body heat?”

  He smiled and sent her heart in a frenzy. “You can have my body heat any time you wish, baby.”

  “You’re supposed to be answering my question.” She couldn’t help but smile back.

  “Kash called me saying he was in trouble. After everything that’s been happening lately, I just knew he was setting me up. Deep down, though, I couldn’t shake it. Donny and some other guys went with me. Jay and Chris stayed here to watch over you.”

  She frowned, “They were here? I’ve been up basically since you left. I never saw or heard them.”

  “That was the point. You knowing they were here would have had you worrying your pretty little head over me, and I could not have that. You were supposed to be sleeping just as peacefully as you were when I was beside you.”

  “Yeah. If you go to sleep with a teddy bear and someone takes it out of your arms during the night, you’ll notice.”

  A boyish grin crossed his face, but he still looked tired. He rounded the counter, pinning her where she stood with his hands flattened on either side of her. “Teddy, huh? Is that what you think of me?”

  “In a way, yes. You’re not the classic kind, though. You’re the one that’s been through hell, missing an eye, and wears patches just to keep the stuffing inside. Tortured, still cute, and all mine.”

  “As long as I’m yours.”

  Funny how a kiss between them could do so much. Not even twelve hours prior they were upset with each other. Now, he was kissing her to carelessness and making her wish they could stay there forever. Just like that. Only in fairy tales could a story end that way. She knew it and as soon as the kiss was broken, she solidified that fact.

  “Is everything under control, now?”

  “For now. I think it’s time we talk about protection for you.”

  “Protection? Like a gun?”

  “While I find the idea of you being armed incredibly sexy, I meant security. I don’t know what’s going on with Kash or want to take chances. Besides that, the shit that happened at your apartment still has yet to be resolved. You need someone that can watch your back when I’m not able.”

  “So, you’re going to hire some extremely buff woman that can pick up this house to guard my body rather than a man that might make you homicidal?”

  He smiled again, kissing her forehead, “You know me so well.”

  As Kya laughed, he kissed her again and again, his hands finding their way to her side where he grazed her bare skin beneath her shirt. The front door opened, and they both paused, staring into the hall Wylie ran through with his little barks.

  “Well, hello there!” They heard someone say as the puppy quieted down.

  “I’m surprised to see you here.” An older woman with deep brown curls down to her breasts walked into the kitchen with Wylie, eyes on Kya. “Make that double surprised.”

  Initially, Kya was confused. Then it dawned on her that Antonio had once mentioned a housekeeper. After being in his home for two weeks, it confused her as to why they were just meeting.

  “You just couldn’t stay away, could you Miri?”

  “Not if I wanted my husband to see our next anniversary. Would you believe me if I said I missed working?”

  “Unfortunately, I would. Kya, this is my housekeeper, Miriam. Miri, this is Kya. She lives here, now, seduces me, and makes me do crazy things.”

  Kya punched him in the arm, he and Miriam both laughed.

  “It’s nice to meet you, Ms. Miriam. Tony tells me you’re like another mother to him.”

  “Did he?” She seemed surprised. “With the way, he’s always putting me out of work, I would expect him to think of me as nothing more than a pest.”

  “Making you go on vacation is not putting you out of work.”

  “It is when the vacation is an entire month.”

  “Her birthday and wedding anniversary are two weeks apart, Kya. It makes more sense to be off the whole month, does it not?”

  She started to answer, but the look the housekeeper was giving her put her in the mind of her mother. It was one of those ‘if you know what’s best for you,’ looks. So, to save her own ass, Kya put both of her hands up in mock surrender and pulled her lips in.

  “I knew I was going to like her. I see one of you cooked breakfast already. Now that I’m back there will be no more of that unless I’m unable.”

  “That means you’ll have more time to work on your dresses and take advantage of me.” Realizing Miriam heard him, Kya shook her head. “If you ladies will excuse me, I need a shower and a quick nap before work. Miri, I want to hear about all the things you put poor Henry through in the last month.”

  “Poor Henry is going to come live here if you really feel that bad for him.”

  “Fine with me. Maybe that old school pimp can teach me how to tame this wild one.” Kya moved as if she were going to hit him and he skillfully dodged her, grinned as he walked out of the kitchen. She had every intention of following him until Miriam called her name and waited until he was out of earshot.

  “I’ve been working for Antonio for nearly five years. Never have I known him to bring a woman here. The fact that he’s moved you in since I took leave means he’s really invested in you. I’m not trying to offend you or be rude, but I want you to understand how serious this is.”

  He said she was like a mother to him and she could see it. Some would feel this woman had no place and no right to say what she said, but it spoke highly of how close they were that she was comfortable doing so.

  “You don’t have to worry, Ms. Miriam. I’m here with the best intentions
. You’re obviously trying to protect his heart, and I appreciate that. The fact is, he would break mine long before I’d even think about denting his.”

  Content with her reply, the woman extended her hand, “In that case, you can just call me Miri. Let me know if he does so much as to touch you the wrong way. I’ll iron a crease in all of his jeans.”

  With that, they shared a laugh that would become one of many.

  TWENTY SIX

  “What the hell do you mean you still haven’t told him?” Kya leaned away from Antonio as she whispered harshly into the phone. Walking Wylie together first thing in the morning had become a regular part of their day. It was a means of spending time together without being interrupted. This particular morning had been different. An unanswered text per Antonio’s request turned into a phone call that Kya chose not to ignore. One whole minute into the conversation and she was wishing she had.

  “I tried. I came close so many times, but I lost my nerve looking into his eyes."

  Kya handed the leash to Antonio, holding up one finger while she put distance between them. He knew of his sister’s pregnancy and had kept it a secret, but still, she valued the privacy of their friendship and thought it best if she did not reveal any other details until Karrina was ready.

  A little more than ten feet away from him, she continued speaking in a hushed tone.

  “It’s been a month, Rina! In that time, you could have given him the test or even written a letter. What are you waiting for? A big belly to tell him for you?”

  “No. Maybe. I mean, I noticed a little pudge last night and I thought it might be easier to just let him see it and ask.”

  Kya rolled her eyes, looking up at the yellowing leaves blowing against the pinkish-orange sky.

  “And what would you tell him when he does? That you’ve already been to the doctor and know when you’re due?”

  The other end of the line went silent. During that long pause, Kya found herself looking over at Antonio as he knelt down and rubbed her dog’s head. She could not fault Karrina for her lack of courage. She had no idea where Christian stood on the topic of kids. If he felt like Antonio, the fear was reasonable. The mere thought of how adamant he was that he would not be able to give her that gift still weighed on her mind each day. Breaking her heart to silently ache.

  “I don’t know,” she finally answered with a deep sigh. “I’m so scared. I know I need to grow up and just do it, but I’m scared out of my mind.”

  Now, it was Kya who paused. Again, she looked over at Antonio and tried to put herself in the same position.

  “What if I’m there? Do you think you could do it if I’m in the next room?”

  “I think.”

  “Good enough for me. Bring Chris by the house for dinner. We’ll wing it from there. Just know that this is it. If you don’t tell him tonight, I will. And that’s a promise, Rina.”

  “Yes, mother.”

  Kya mimicked the grin that she knew her friend was wearing on the other side of the phone.

  “Text me the time and if you want us to bring something.”

  “Will do. Now, get off my phone. You’re interrupting boo time. He’s probably going to make me pay for this with sex.”

  “I did not need that image. Thanks. Bye!”

  She laughed the whole way back to Antonio and Wylie. Thankfully, the rest of the walk was without questions concerning the phone call or why they were suddenly hosting an impromptu dinner party. He just took her by the hand and led her back to the house, the rest of their time filled as usual.

  With Miriam’s help, Kya was able to get dinner ready by the time Karrina and Chris arrived. As soon as they walked through the door, Kya zoomed in on her friend’s jeans and how tight they appeared to be. After Chris hugged her, he made for the kitchen where Antonio was helping Miriam with something. As soon as he disappeared through the hall, she slapped Karrina on the arm.

  “When you said a pudge, I’m thought you meant you look like you gained a few extra pounds. Tramp, you look like you didn’t know when to walk away from the buffet line.”

  “Are you calling me fat?”

  “I’m calling you obviously pregnant. You have Victoria Secret bra Ad breasts, now. You really could have just pulled up your shirt and ended this madness.”

  “No, I couldn’t! Wait, really? My titties look that good?” She looked down, cupping them with a satisfied grin.

  “For real, Rina.”

  “Ok, ok. So, what do we do?”

  Kya shrugged, folding her arms over her chest. She’d spent the entire day trying to figure out what role she’d play if she had to step in. Without really knowing Christian, she’d come up with nothing. Now that he was there and sharing a laugh with Antonio, she could think of no other way but to watch him in Karrina’s presence and go from there.

  “Still wing it, I guess. Give me some kind of signal when you’re ready to talk to him, and I’ll find a way to get your brother out of the room with me. I’ll keep my phone near so you can text when you’re ready for us to rejoin you.”

  Karrina bit down on her lips, along her lower lashes, unshed tears. “What if he isn’t happy?”

  “I truly doubt that, but if he’s not, you know everyone else will be. I am like you’re having my baby.”

  Tears began to fall and instantly were wiped away. “Sorry. This kid has me doing all kinds of extra shit. Thank God for waterproof makeup. You ready to do this?”

  “If you are.”

  Hand in hand, they joined the men in the kitchen. The evening was going smoothly with a lot of laughter and good conversation. They’d eaten, said goodbye to Miriam, and were relaxing in the main living room, watching some comedy special that failed to hold Kya’s attention. Every now and then, she spared a glance at her friend, waiting for a signal that seemed as if it would never come.

  The moment she finally met Kya’s gaze, they exchanged looks that ended with Kya shaking her head. Karrina was still allowing her fear to get the best of her and she was done babying her.

  Leaning back and out of Antonio’s line of sight, Kya texted Karrina to get her brother out of the room. Upon reading it, she received a curious glare, but she was done entertaining the questions, as well. From deep within she mustered the sternest expression. To that, Karrina inched to the edge of her seat.

  “Hey, big brother? I’ve been meaning to ask you about the store I’m thinking of buying for my own makeup studio. It’s on 125th, but still needs a lot of work. I’d like to have the inside revamped. You think you could give me an estimate on how much it would run me to do all of that if I pull up the pictures for you?”

  He took her phone and scrolled through the small collection. “Everything seems pretty cosmetic. I’d need to do an actual walk-through. What would you want to change?”

  “The floors, the lighting, I want the ceiling to floor mirrors and a bathroom that doesn’t look like it’s supposed to have a glory hole. I’m going for very modern and clean. Something that fits my personality in colors.”

  “If you’re going to be here for a while, I can draw out some things to get an idea of what you’re going for.”

  Karrina took the opening and stood. “You don’t mind, do you, baby?”

  No longer invested in what was on TV, Christian shook his head, making himself comfortable where he was, “Not at all. Don’t break the bank on me.”

  “I never said you were paying for my shop.”

  “And I never gave you a reason to believe that you’d pay for it, either.”

  The two smiled at each other with so much love that it gave Kya confidence to go forward with grabbing the bull by the horns. Karrina leaned down and kissed him square on the lips. She and Antonio left them alone with synchronized laughter from the TV. When Christian looked up at Kya and smiled, she fully understood how Karrina was able to lose her nerve. His hazel eyes were always intimidating. They gave off this sense that he could see straight through to her soul. Straight to the truth and eve
r hidden secret. However, she could not let that deter her. Not when her best friend needed help.

  “You give me so much hope. You and Rina, I mean.”

  “For what?”

  “That one day, I’ll have the same kind of love that you have. With most couples, you can’t see their friendship, but I see yours. You talk, you play, you love.”

  He cracked another smile that was short lived. “You don’t think you have that with Tony?”

  No. Their union was bittersweet. The thought made her bite the inside of her cheek.

  “Not like you and Rina. Tony is controlled. He has to be in control. He would never loosen up enough to let love run things or for us to be on the level you’re on.”

  “He also said he’d never be exclusive with one woman, yet, here you are living together and making him spend more time at home than ever before.”

  “As true as that may be, none of it is set in stone. We could split up, and I could move out. You and Rina are so attached, it’s like you’re made for each other.” Not wanting him to touch on the subject of her relationship, Kya quickly added, “Could you have ever guessed that you’d be in love with your best friend’s sister?”

  “I think so.” A series of emotions washed over Christian. In the end, he settled on a dazed look that almost made him seem far away. “I met Rina first. From day one, I felt protective of her. There was just something about her that I couldn’t shake. My friendship with Tony allowed me the chance to act on what I felt. Part of it, anyway. Every boyfriend she thought she was going to have, I was right by her brother’s side to scare the assholes off. As she became a woman, I had to keep myself in check. What once was a cute girl, was suddenly a gorgeous woman, so strong and full of life. I was even more protective of her then, but for a different reason. I wanted her.”

  His smile returned full force. “Her mom gave her a party after she graduated from beauty school and I was blown away by the dress she wore. Just… how beautiful she was. I think that’s when I saw her for the first time because, after that, I was always aware of her. She would be dressed in ripped jeans and cut up shirt with her hair in a sloppy ponytail, and I was drooling. She had the balls to make the first move about a year later, and I gladly broke the bro-code. The moment I met her, I never would have guessed that it would be one of the most important days of my life because that was the day that I met the woman I’m going to grow old with.”