Stepan nodded and followed him out of the doors of the trailer and onto the construction site that belonged to the Marino family. They figured since she was working with them to kill her own blood then dying on their property was a good place for her to go.
“You did the right thing, brother.” Alexei said to his brother after noticing he still looked to be in some sort of trance.
“I know I did. But that doesn’t mean this kill isn’t bittersweet.” He replied and both men stood back as Jason and Tari’s clean-up crew carried Elise’s body outside and began to bury her on the lot before pouring wet cement on top of the shallow grave.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Will laid there and listened as she let out how she'd felt about her aunt Elise over the years. He stayed quiet because he knew she needed this. He knew she needed to release all those pent-up feelings. Once she was done they just laid there in the room for a few minutes not saying a word.
"Thank you." She mumbled, but he was able to hear her due to how close they were.
"For what?" Will asked.
"For being here with me and loving me even when I tried to fight you on it." She replied.
"You can't run from what's real, Cori."
"I know that now. I'm done running."
"Good, because this time I'm throwing my Nikes on and chasing your stubborn ass." He said causing them both to laugh. Shortly after they both fell into a peaceful sleep while in each other’s arms.
Chapter 43
A month later
“It is truly crazy how everything played out for us.” Nefertari said as she and Cori sat on a bench inside Grant Park feeding the ducks.
“Girl, tell me about it. These last couple of months have been a roller coaster ride for sure.” She laughed. Just a few feet away from them were Will and Jason who were both tossing a football around with Kiyan.
“Nothing short of it.” Tari giggled before continuing. “To be honest, I’m not even sure how I’ve made it these last couple of months. All I know is that I have been tried and tested so much that there were times when I definitely doubted myself and if I was even cut out for this business.”
“And what are your thoughts about it now?”
“I don’t think there’s a way anybody can really be ready for this life, Cori. Even if you’re brought up in it, life will throw you a curveball in a minute and you’ve gotta be ready to handle it.”
“That’s true. My father trained me himself but if you had of told me I’d be in a coma because of a hit my aunt ordered on me I definitely wouldn’t have believed it.”
“You know what helped me get through all the bullshit?” Tari asked with her eyebrow slightly raised and Cori shook her head no.
“My team. I’ve got a solid foundation backing me. Even with our backs against the wall, they never lost sight of what was most important and loyalty like that can’t be bought.”
“You’re starting to sound like your brother talking about loyalty.” Cori laughed and Tari couldn’t help but join her. She watched as Cori’s eyes wandered over to Will who just so happened to be glancing in her direction.
“I’m so glad you and Bullethead over there decided to work things out. I swear I’ve never seen him so happy before.”
“For the first time in a long time, I’m happy too. I fought so hard to let him in but he didn’t care, he just barged his way into my heart… And to tell you the truth, I’m not mad about it either…” Cori chuckled. “So what are you going to do next, Tari? You’ve got an entire empire at your feet.”
“First things first, mama needs a vacation.” Tari stated matter-of-factly before both women burst into laughter and slapped five.
“There’s nothing wrong with that. You earned it.”
“As soon as I get everything squared away here, I’ll figure something out. For right now though, I just want to cherish moments and times like this where life is calm and serene because you never know when a shift is going to come.”
Epilogue
Three Months Later
Nefertari and Kiyan strolled through Chicago O'Hare International Airport, ready to start their vacation. Kiyan had no idea where he was going, all he knew was that his mother said it was a surprise and he loved it when his mother surprised him. That usually meant there were new toys in store for him.
"Mommy, I still can't know where we're going?" Kiyan sang as they walked up to the gate and stood on line.
"No. If I tell you it won't be a surprise. Just relax and know that you're going to love it." Tari smiled at her son who simply turned around and watched his surroundings. As they waited their turn in line, Nefertari's phone rang and she answered it.
"I'm glad I caught you, Tari."
"We just arrived at the gate. How are you?" Nefertari asked Terrence.
"I'm always good. I should be asking you that though. I know you've had a hectic year."
"Hectic is an understatement but I'm still standing and I'm here to stay."
"That's my Tari." He chuckled. "So, everything is still working out?"
"Yes. Thank you so much, Terrence. When Trent first died I figured I could take on his role and do it all but I realized that I can't. But you gave me the tools and the team that I needed to raise above it all. Thank you."
"There's no need to thank me. You are my family and no matter what, family will always ride with you - whether you're bound by blood, bond, or love. That's some of the realest shit I could ever tell you."
"Always dropping knowledge."
"Is Kiyan awake?"
"Of course he is. He is too amped about his little getaway, he doesn't even know where we're going."
"Let me talk to him for a second." Nefertari told Terrence to hold on and she handed the phone to her son. As soon as he heard Terrence's voice on the other end his eyes lit up with excitement.
"Hey Pop Pop. Yeah, mommy won't tell me where we're going but I bet I'm going to have lots of fun... Yeah, Pop Pop? I always hold it down, just like you and Daddy told me to. I gotta keep Mommy safe... Yes, I'll make sure Mommy takes lots and lots of pictures. I love you too Pop Pop." Kiyan handed the phone back to his mother who then placed the phone back to her ear.
"Tari, I'm going to let you go but I'm so damn proud of you, girl."
"I know." Tari blushed.
"No seriously, I am. I always knew you were strong. Your parents made sure of that. But the type of strength you've shown since Trent's passing is unmatched. You've held your ground, made moves and you continue each day like nothing has happened. That's fucking courage. I'm so blessed to have you as my daughter in law." Nefertari brushed hair out of her face as tears began to fall.
"Terrence why would you make me cry before I get on this flight. You know my makeup was on point before you called me." She giggled and Terrence joined in on the laughter.
"Be safe, Tari. I'll talk to you both when you get back. I love y'all."
"We love you too, T."
Once the Stevens pair boarded the plane, Nefertari got Kiyan situated with his tablet and headphones before preparing herself to play catch up on some work. Before she could open up her second email, she got an incoming FaceTime call on her iPad from Chase. She popped her own headset on and answered the call.
“Hello, beautiful.” Chase greeted her as soon as she answered. Nefertari’s smile grew the moment she heard her friend’s voice.
“Hello, gorgeous. What are you up to?”
“Chase, who that? That’s T?” Jason asked walking up behind his wife with his face scrunched up.
“Yes, now move and let me talk to her.” Chase laughed nudging Jason out of her way but he wouldn’t move.
“Hey Sis, we got news. Big big news!”
“Jason, can I tell it please? Move boy!” she said nudging Jason once more before turning her attention back to Tari. “So we did it.”
“Did what, Chase?” Nefertari pondered for a moment until a thought popped up in her head. “Am I going to finally be a godmama?”
“What? Girl, no not yet… But this is just like having a baby… We found a new location for a second Stevens Moving and Hauling business.”
“Do you guys really think we’re ready for a new location? We just got everything situated with the one at home.”
“Trust me, we’re more than ready. Skip and Fallon flew down to Miami to meet with the realtor, and they both agreed to set up shop whenever you’re ready.”
“Yeah sis, don’t trip. We got you.”
“I know you do.” She smiled. A few seconds later, Nefertari heard another voice enter the room.
“Hey, Jason, when do you plan on calling Tari? I wanted to chop it up with her about that Miami move.”
“Is that Rell?”
“She knows now.” Jason laughed before turning the iPad to face Rell.
“What’s up, Rell?”
“T, the new spot is going to be big for us and I already did the renovations for the one here. I was thinking maybe I could down there and set up shop with Skip and Fallon since I’m already familiar with protocol and whatnot.”
“I’ve got an even better proposal.” She began. “How about you run the Miami location.” She suggested.
“Rell, I think that’s a dope idea.” Jason added placing a hand on Rell’s shoulder.
“Hell yeah!” He exclaimed.
“We’ll go over the details when I get back.” She assured him.
“And when do you plan on coming back ma’am?” Chase asked taking her iPad back from the men and walking away from them.
“I’m not sure yet. But this vacay is well-needed.”
“Well do what you’ve gotta do, girl.” Chase expressed. An incoming alert notified Tari that her other line was beeping.
“Hey, Chase, this is Will, I’ll call you when I land.”
“You better! Kiss Kiyan for me.”
“I will.” And both women disconnected the call. Seconds later, Tari answered the phone for her brother.
“What’s up Apple Head?” he said to her as soon as she answered.
“You tell me, Bullethead.” She giggled.
“I just wanted to check in and make sure you made it safely on your flight.”
“Yeah, we just boarded. Should be pulling off shortly. What about you and Miss Romanov, how’s your vacation going?”
“You know we’re just living it up in Bora Bora, nothing major.” He chuckled.
“Yeah whatever. Will, I am so happy that you’re settling down. You deserved a shot at love and happiness.”
“Cori is definitely one of a kind. I’ve never met another woman that even comes close to her.”
“That’s because the Romanovs are a rare breed.”
“I guess the same could be said about us, huh?” Will said and suddenly Tari’s interest was piqued.
“Think about it, Chicago is known for some shady cats. Hell, you’ve gone up against a couple of them and we’re the last ones standing. I guess that makes us the last of a dying breed of real ones.”
“I never thought about it that way… In that case, I guess we are.” She giggled. The pilot got on the overhead and announced that they would be taking off in a few moments.
“I’ll call you once we land and get settled. Go ahead and enjoy your lady. Tell Cori I’ll call her in a little bit.”
“Will do. I love you, Tari.”
“I love you too, Will.” A few seconds later, the flight attendants went through their spiel for flight procedures, Nefertari looked at her son who was smiling and playing his game. Everything she had done was for her son and his happiness, and she’d do it all over again if she had to.
Sitting back in her seat, Nefertari replayed the last couple of months in her head. She knew her life would change once her husband died but she didn’t realize how drastic that change would be. She had finally come into her own as the Head Honcho and to be honest, she knew she couldn’t have done it on her own. Her team made her strong and for them, she’d push forward. The Status Quo of Sven Power and its affiliates had been raised with the merger of Sven and the Romanov family, and they were just getting started.
The End
Acknowledgements
If you have made it this far, thank you. Thank you for taking a chance on yet another Monique Chanae novel and thank you for not giving up on me as an artist. I won’t hold you long but I do have some very important people I need to thank and acknowledge who have been riding this journey alongside me.
Ever since I was a little girl I knew I wanted to write. While everybody else wanted to be a police officer or a dancer, I wanted to do great things with my pen and that’s what I’ve set out to do ever since I could put my pen to pad. I want to thank the man upstairs for blessing me with such an amazing talent.
To my family who is literally the foundation that keeps me grounded while at the same time keeping me going; my aunt Ms. Angela Tillman – you stepped up to the plate and held it down on the homefront. I don’t know where I would be if it was not for you by my side. My beautiful daughters, Anari and Kimora – thank you for encouraging me to keep going. Taka Lamar, Craig Tillman and James Gachette – thank you for being consistent men in my life. My heart belongs to you.
To my literary sister Tnicyo Young, this was supposed to be your birthday present. Guess I’m a little late this year; but it’s better late than never. Thank you for giving me that extra push even when I’m being a stubborn brat.
And to anyone who has ever read a Monique Chanae novel. You’re the real MVP. _____________________________ insert your name here; I love you!
Love Mo
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