by Love Belvin
At least, that was who Popov resembled to me over the years.
I swung my arms, another act of apathy. “I’m just expressing barbershop talk with you. It’s what Black men do. I have no dog in the fight either way, and neither does my father.”
He slammed his sizeable fists on the table in rage. “I’m not a fucking rat and I can prove it to you!”
“Again, it is of no concern to me. I’ve stated my purpose of being here.” I needed that clear in the event the room was bugged which it likely was not. I wasn’t expected here tonight.
“What’s the other problem?” his thick tongue requested.
“That one’s the biggest. The woman your fuckin’ rigger targeted to deliver Double E Bags his dinner was my wife. You’ve put my wife in harm’s way and insulted my only sister.” I bounced on the balls of my feet, changing my stance. “You done fucked with the wrong Ellis, Popov. I’m sorry no one told you.”
A feral shriek pealed from the noisy blonde. Rory yanked her head back with force.
“Easy, Ror,” I mildly warned.
“Bitch tried to head butt me in my pussy!” Rory griped.
Jamil and Johnson snickered across the room.
I smiled. “She can feel your balls even if they aren’t on you anatomically, is all.” My eyes were on Popov.
His gaze rolled below. “I’ll wait to hear on your father. My offer won’t be so generous next time.”
A struggle could be heard outside the door. A man shouted then quickly grunted. Next, a suppressed gun went off. I could discern all of this under the vibrations from the speakers above us in the club.
Popov chuckled. “I told you my men will be down soon.”
The door opened and in fell a body. The man had fair skin with dark glossy hair. My regard rolled over to Popov and I watched recognition wash over him.
My smile returned. “It is my duty to deliver your message to Double E Bags. However, it is in your best interest to sleep with one eye open and make the most of your last days breathing.”
There was a flash in Popov’s blue eyes when he glanced up from his fallen soldier to me. It was good. Finally having his attention was good.
With the door still open by my guy guarding outside, I sauntered out, being sure to leave the private club patronized by mostly Russians and Ukrainians as discreetly as we’d arrived.
Johnson held the car door opened for me when I stepped outside. I glided into the cool air-conditioned space and loosened my tie. Seconds later, the front doors were closing after my security slipped inside. There was another issue concerning me. How could Popov be cooperating with law enforcement if he sent one of his men to kidnap my niece? That would never be a ploy of the federal government—the government in general.
A copy of the paperwork from the lead detective referred to the informant as USSR. That was an acronym for the Soviet Union. One of the republics it was composed of was Russia. The informant was a member of The Commission. The only party amongst them that could match the USSR nickname, something the agents used for anonymity of their source, was Popov. I allowed my mind to wrestle with that.
Thirty minutes into the commute, Rory sat beside me in the shadows of the dark coasting the highways. The lights from oncoming traffic on the opposite side cast moving illumination into the Maybach as Johnson relaxed to the lyrical expressions of Young Lord behind the wheel.
“What you thinking, S.Q.E.?” Rory asked as we wheeled into traffic.
I pulled in a hefty breath, brows lifting. “Soil my fuckin’ hands.”
I felt her big ass eyes on me but refused to acknowledge her. Rory knew the level of depravity I was willing to reach to extirpate the empire and livelihood of one Feodor Popov. It would take great implementation, however, combining the intelligence and tenure of my warfare team and the large number and strength of my father’s, the Ellises could set the entire fucking Garden State ablaze.
“That nigga Popov ain’t like weak ass Damien,” Rory shared next to me. “He ain’t low key like Rizzo, or sloppy like Lopez. That message you delivered was real clear...a fuckin’ blatant threat.” I nodded my acknowledgment of her heeding. “We ain’t got shit on him. They army ain’t deep like ours, but them muthafuckas sharp as fuck. They ‘on’t miss when they shoot, and trust me, them bullets gone fly soon.”
“Say what the fuck you have to say,” I demanded.
“I know we gets busy, but Popov is another level type of vicious. Them Russians’ll turn you into the beast you swore you ain’t never wanna be. Going to war with them’s gonna put you in ya bag. It’s gonna jeopardize the legit businesses—all of them shits.”
I lay back on the headrest and emptied my lungs. My gaze was out of the window when I explained, “Rory, the man could’ve killed my wife. If he lives, I can’t be her protector. I can’t not eradicate him from the same planet my Nalib lives on. She needs peace of mind.” There was a long period of quiet hovering over us before I informed. “No, I’m not the type of man to take on this war, but it’s the one that chose me when that muthafucka came within an arm’s distance of my wife, and I’ll see it through.”
I had to. Once again, being Earl Ellis’ son had derailed my vision for my own life. For the first time, I feared for my son, my future children. What life was I birthing them into? Would they be free to choose a life of legal free will unlike me?
When the handle clicked on the door, I pushed up from the pillows against the headboard of the bed. Sadik quietly closed the door behind himself. He began into the room and those kaleidoscopic irises found me, causing my belly to flip over. His regard roved over me slowly from top to bottom. That’s when I noticed the housecoat I was wearing—his—had slipped from my shoulder and opened at the thigh.
I tried hiding my pleased smirk when I used my finger to invite him over to me. With a casual pace, Sadik meandered over to me, stopping at the foot of the bed. I took to my knees and crawled over to him. His eyes traveled over to the baby asleep in his bassinet near the bed. When I reached Sadik, my lips brushed against his, catching the faint scent of brandy.
I reached for the hem of his black t-shirt, thinking it was unusual attire for him on a weekday. He helped me pull it up his torso and over his head. Then my hands reached the buckle of his belt. I kissed him again, loving his eyes closing submissively as I neared him. He didn’t touch me as I released his belt and unbuttoned his jeans.
“How long’s he been sleep?”
My eyes rolled over to the baby resting on his side. “About an hour. He tried waiting up for you. I told him Stacy would be sending your dinner up and I may eat with you.”
Sadik’s face cracked into a lazy grin. “And his sleepy head couldn’t wait for his old man?”
I giggled. “Maybe he’ll catch you when he wakes for a bottle in a few hours. Lay down. I need to inspect you.”
He scoffed, but did as I asked. “Dinner’s being delivered up here? I see you’re enjoying the trimmings of Elliswoods Palace.”
With a short giggle, I nodded.
When he was seated and scooted back as I instructed with a push, he asked, “Inspect? For what?”
“A few days ago, it was a busted hand. I didn’t push for answers, but feel I should at least know your condition before I jump you like I did last night and this morning. I don’t want to break you.”
Sadik laughed as I removed his shoes and socks. He chuckled as I pulled at his boney toes to peep in between. Then I climbed his legs, enjoying the jollity on his face, thrilled I single-handedly put it there.
I removed the housecoat, revealing my matching black lace and satin bra and underwear set. His smile dissipated and eyes darkened to a molten miscellany of golds and browns. “You’re not mad at me anymore?” he asked, gazing down my torso.
I didn’t look pregnant, didn’t regularly feel evidence of life in there either. But loose skin from S.Q.E., II hung over my pouch. Sadik didn’t seem to mind or notice. He certainly still touched me with the same reverence he di
d the very first time.
“I’m frustrated about your views on your family, yes. But more than that, I want to be what you need as a wife and mother of your children.”
My hands roamed all over his hard, golden case. I inspected the hairs and ink of his chest, each roll of his abs. When I made it to the orange trail beneath his navel, Sadik grabbed my hands with his busted one.
“Don’t start what we can’t finish,” his warning was throaty.
It wasn’t my plan to make love to him, I honestly only wanted to extend the olive branch. However, he was right. Me removing his pants could open a road I must travel.
“Okay,” I gruffed, face folded animatedly. “Inspection passed, I guess.”
Swiftly and smoothly, I was lifted and landed on my back. Startled, I was out of breath as I beamed up at him. Sadik’s mouth was centimeters away from my own. The aroma of brandy could be tasted on my lips, he was so close. Those feline eyes examined my face with possession.
“You’ve discovered my weakness, Nalib?” He scowled.
I nodded, struggling to hide my mirth. “I have the power, Sadik.” The confidence in those words gave me a new sense of strength.
Slowly, he nodded. Sadik grabbed my thigh, a piece closest to my sex with such authority. “That you do. Be careful how you execute it. I’m an Ellis; abuse of power won’t be tolerated.”
“Only if your authority acts in favor of my heart.”
There was a moment that passed between our warring spirits. In his eyes, I saw a concoction of love, adoration, and mistrust. Sadik still doubted my feelings for him. Tonight, I wouldn’t fight to defend myself: I’d have to allow my actions to.
“Have you heard the good news about Iban? He’s awake.” Sadik nodded again, still appearing entranced. “Did you visit him?” This time he shook his head then ducked to kiss my neck. My eyes fluttered and I clenched his arm, allowing the sensation of arousal to course through me. “Are you going to?” I whispered.
After a period of torture from his soft, full lips and viral scent around me, he murmured. “It’s a consideration.”
I swallowed, eyes blinking. “He needs you more now than ever.”
“And I need you now more than ever,” he shared between tongue strokes to my beating pulse.
He took my hand and guided me down his opened jeans to his growing erection. My legs widened involuntarily. His fingers crawled beneath the bed of my panties, strumming a purposeful cadence on my tight nub.
I’ve been wet all this time…
My head rested back and eyes closed. “Have you talked to your mother about this?” I asked, fighting the blanket of lust coming over me.
“Queen has had her hands full with other obvious matters concerning Iban and my father. Just like you have your hand full with…me,” he croaked, and it was then I realized I’d been stroking his thickness.
I removed my hand then pushed him onto his back, straddling him once again. “I don’t want this feud continuing in my name,” I made clear, almost touching his tempting lips.
A “V” formed in his forehead. “It’s about betrayal, lack of boundaries, and decades of power tripping. If Iban had killed you and my son, it wouldn’t have been because you were Abshir’s sister. It would have been because of the power surge Earl enjoys when puppeteering his children’s lives. It would have been because once again, I didn’t do things his way and followed his path. In return, he sicced his dog on you. I still don’t know what made Iban leave without killing you that night at your parents’. It’s not what we do, not what we were taught. We shoot until our target is dead, or we are. We’re still here because we’re that good, Bilan. It’s nothing short of a fuckin’ miracle that you’re on my lap now. That my child is just feet away from us.”
My spine withered and I sighed. “But we are, Sadik.”
“Months later, my brother, my so-called best friend, brought a gun into my home with the intent of murder.”
“His own,” I tried to remind him.
“I’m not convinced of his intent. That dog my father created didn’t have enough of threatening my family, although his master did. I’m sorry I’m not a perfect man. Sorry you finally see how defective my family is. I’ve permitted your wishes to stay at Elliswoods Palace until this issue with my father’s latest nemesis is settled, but don’t push me beyond that, Nalib. Don’t abuse the power.”
“Sadik…”
He silenced me with the shaking of his golden head. “This conversation is closed. Tomorrow is a long day, from the meeting with the builders for our new property—”
I sucked in a breath. “New?” My eyes were large with surprise. “We got the property I chose?”
“I told you I’d search heaven and earth for the desires of your heart. We close on it next week. Tomorrow, two building companies will come to present their designs. You choose which one you like best. They’re both aware of my desire to begin next week. Elliswoods Palace is my parents’ home. We need to build our own for our family, create our own legacy.”
I nodded in submission, eyes falling to his taut chest. “My O.B. appointment is tomorrow afternoon. We find out more about the baby I’m carrying.”
“Yup. Like how long he or she has been between us unknown,” his delivery now gentle, tender. My eyes trailed down to his fingers caressing my belly, worshipfully. “I didn’t plan this one either,” he croaked. “but I’m so fuckin’ happy you’re pregnant again, Nalib. I want you to have all my babies.”
I exhaled a trembling breath as my stomach flipped. “How many?”
Those inspired greens flicked up to me. “How many can you handle?”
“I don’t consider myself a vain woman, but I don’t want my body ravished by pregnancies.” I stroked my sex over his hardness. “I’d rather be ravished by you.”
His gorgeous orange hues raked from the point of where our bodies met to my face. “I’m going to fuck you now, Nalib,” he announced, voice husky.
His hot hands gripped my hips on a slap, pulling me over his erection about to burst through his pants.
“What about your dinner?”
“They didn’t tell you? After the second knock, the food is left at the door.” He lifted to kiss me. “Now, turn over. Let me see that ass, Nalib.”
My eyes blinked for clarity as my back was to the reception desk. I knew the nurses were ear hustling—more like ogling me; they always did when I came here.
“Pardon me?”
“Stop it!” my mother shouted into the phone, unusually angry and undoubtedly emotional. “I didn’t ask for your help, Sadik. And you’ve made matters worse!”
“Because little Marco ran back to his mother about a busted lip?” I murmured.
“He didn’t say a word! His wife did after she viewed the surveillance video of you and your men walking into his garage. His teeth are gone, Sadik!”
My eyes closed and I rubbed the corners at the bridge of my nose.
Shit…
What a rookie move that could have cost me. The last thing I considered when going to Marco Rizzo’s home was surveillance.
“Why are you so upset, queen?”
“Because I just finished telling you how tired I am, Sadik! Exhausted!” Her screaming wouldn’t cease. “I have a lot going on between your father and brother, I don’t need any more dissension in my family than what we already have!”
“There won’t be,” I tried to assure her.
“There won’t be?” A vile snicker pushed from her belly, it seemed. “It’s too late for that, son. Catena Rizzo made it clear, Liza won’t be visiting our family indefinitely.” There was a pause as I switched the weight of my body from one hip to the other. “Did you hear me? I won’t see her anymore. And what rights do I have if her father is incapacitated?”
I pinched the corners of my eyes again. “I’m sorry, queen.”
“Yeah, Sadik, but do you understand sorry can’t repair this mess? Every problem can’t be resolved with violence or the
assertion of yours, your father, or Iban’s will. I thought if anyone understood this, it was you.” That felt like a slap in the face. The last time I felt this level of rebuke from my mother was when she found me fucking one of her staff members in the pool house one spring break. She was evidentially hurt by it. This was no different. “I have to go.”
Queen didn’t give me a chance to acknowledge her request to end the call. The line went dead. I pulled in a long breath and turned toward Rory, handing her the phone.
“Think you need to get back in there, big bruh,” she advised.
When I stepped back inside of the examination room, the first thing I noticed was Bilan’s concerned gape on me as she lay on the table with her lower body naked but for the medical tissue sheet covering her. Her legs were spread wide, feet planted in the stirrups. Dr. Clifford didn’t acknowledge my re-entry. He was too busy spitting medical jargon to his nurses.
“What’s going on?”
Bilan pulled my hand to her chest. “You almost missed the heartbeat. We tried to wait. But something’s wrong with the machine, and he’s going to try again.”
Dr. Clifford rolled back to the exam table with a squeeze bottle. “Okay,” he chirped. “Let’s try this again.” He squirted gel on her belly, then rolled a handheld device over it.
Several galloping cadences could be heard. It was strange.
“Hmmmm…” Dr. Clifford hummed, listening in. “That’s odd. It’s doing it again.” His hand roamed, trying to track a clear sound. After a while, he gave up. “Okay,” he sighed. “Clearly something’s malfunctioning with my equipment, but what we were able to catch was an undeniably clear heartbeat. It’s strong and viable. Both my ultrasound machines are down, ironically. In a future prenatal visit, I’ll take a look in there to see if big brother will be getting a brother or a sister.” He smiled at Bilan.
My wife appeared uneasy. Her smile was devoid happiness, and that bothered me. Dr. Clifford not being his usual goofy self didn’t help either.
