by Blue Saffire
Toby lifts my legs onto his shoulders. I dig my fingers into the sheets at my sides. If you would have told me, as a little girl I would meet, fall in love, and make love to Toby Black, I would have called you a liar.
Now, I know it was destined for me to meet, fall in love, and make love to Toby. I can’t see myself any place else in the world.
~B~
Toby
I lift one of her braids and twirl it in my fingertips. Kamara is fast asleep, with a glow on her cheeks. A smile takes over my lips.
Today has been amazing. I couldn’t have asked for more. Listening to her voice, holding her in my arms. It’s been what I’ve needed all this time.
My phone rings, breaking the trance I’m in. I kiss Kamara’s forehead and move for my phone. I walk out into the hallway, not wanting to disturb her.
It’s my baby brother, Ry. I smile. I miss my family. I mean, really miss them. I’ve been gone for far longer than this few weeks. When I get back home I need to make up for some lost time.
“What’s up,” I answer the phone.
“Hey, shithead,” Ry calls back through the line.
I chuckle. “What do you want?”
“I wanted to check in on you. Thought maybe you would want some company,” Ry says earnestly.
“I’m getting there, kid,” I rub the back of my neck, looking back towards the room Kamara is sleeping in. “I don’t know. It’s pretty lame around here. The neighborhood isn’t what it used to be. An older crowd has bought the beach up.”
“Shit, I used to like that place. Remember those sisters a few houses down?” Ry chuckles.
“Yeah, I also remember their dad trying to kick our asses,” I laugh.
“Bro, it’s so fucking good to hear you laugh,” Ry almost sounds hurt through the line.
“I told you. I’m getting better,” I try to reassure him.
“Good, if you need company Brax and I can come down. Just say the word. Love you, Bro.”
“Love you too. I’ll be good. Just going to take a few more weeks like Dad wants,” I reply back.
“Do what you need to, later, Toby.”
I smile wider. “Later, Ry,” I say and hang up.
I feel good. I know we have a long way to go. There are a lot of obstacles before us, but I keep telling myself Kamara and I can overcome anything. As long as we are together, I can make anything happen to keep her safe.
I seriously don’t give a shit about that bitch ass king that thinks my woman is his. If he fucks around and comes for me or my woman, I’ll have his ass and his crown too. I mean that shit.
I think of how thin both Kamara and I look. I double back to the bedroom for a pair of boxers. I’m going to cook my baby a feast. It’s time we get back to ourselves.
I have my family and my girl. What else do I need? I’m on top of the world again.
chapter Seventeen
Almost Caught
Kamara
I push my burning limbs forward, I will not punk out. Toby’s long limbs push him forward effortlessly. I hate him at this moment.
He’s been feeding me like a horse, now he wants to workout. Ugh, someone tell this man I’m a royal princess. Shouldn’t someone be running for me.
I laugh out loud at my silly thoughts. Toby looks over at me with a smile on his lips. I would really like to know how he is still so gorgeous, with sweat dripping everywhere.
“You got this, Baby,” he croons.
I roll my eyes and push to keep up with him. I want to scream, but I grit my teeth and dig in. My calves are burning.
The upside, I’ve gained back ten pounds in the last two weeks. I’m not repulsed by looking in the mirror anymore. Toby has gain most of his weight back as well.
Those dark circles, under his eyes are no more, which makes me so happy. I love seeing him looking so healthy again. It’s the reason I could not bear to turn him down when he asked me to run with him.
When the house comes into view, I thank God and take a fortifying gulp of air. I’m convinced Toby hates me, when he bursts forward, leaving me in the dust. He knows I’m competitive. I can’t just let it go.
I dig deep for that last bit of strength and take off after him. Toby is a show off. He turns and starts running backwards. I’m so frustrated with him, I run right at him.
Toby throws his head back, laughing, as he comes to a stop. I jump right into his arms and he catches me without a second thought. I wrap around him and bury my sweaty face into his neck.
“I hate you,” I murmur.
“No, you don’t. You don’t know how to hate me, Baby,” he chuckles.
“You’re going to carry me the rest of the way,” I demand.
“Is that an order, Princess?”
“Yes, carry your princess into the house. You will need to draw her a bath as well,” I say, lifting my nose in the air.
“Ha, you know you’re taking this too far, right?” Toby laughs and nips my chin.
“You asked,” I tease.
“A bath it shall be, your highness. I’ll even cook your royal lunch,” Toby chuckles.
We make our way into the house, me still in Toby’s arms. Toby freezes, when the sound of booming voices filling the house greets us. Toby’s cheeks are flushed and his golden eyes are wide.
I slide out of his arms and stare up at him. I go to speak, but he shakes his head and covers my lips with his finger. I blink away my shock.
He leans in, to whisper in my ear. “It’s my brothers. Go to your place. I’ll call you, as soon as I can.”
My stomach drops. Something tells me it will not be as easy as he thinks to break away from his family. I nod and quickly peck his lips.
Toby cups the back of my neck to deepen the kiss. He kisses me like it’s the last time he will ever get a chance to. My stomach sinks lower. I don’t want this to be goodbye.
“I love you,” he whispers, when he breaks the kiss, much too soon.
“I love you too,” I mouth silently and take off through the door, we just came through.
Walking out of that door feels like I’ve just altered my life forever. I’m leaving a part of me in that house. A part of me that I need, more than even I know.
~B~
Toby
I’m sweating and it’s not from the run, I just finished with Kamara. My family is nosey by nature and profession. Kamara has shit everywhere.
We’ve practically been living together for the last two weeks. We’ve been spending most our time here. From time to time, she goes to get some of her things and to move about her place so that nothing look suspicious to whoever has been watching her.
“Finally, I’m starving,” Brax grumbles, when I step into the living room.
Noah slaps him in the back of the head. Wyatt just glares at him. I laugh. I’ve miss these guys.
“Damn, you look good,” John says, coming to pull me into and hug.
“Yeah, you look like you,” Felix says, pulling me in next.
“Pussy will do that to you,” Ry says, from the couch, not moving to greet me.
He stares at me with a knowing look. This kid sees way too much. We all are good at our jobs, but Ry never turns that shit off. He sees what no one else does.
He tilts his head to study me and I look away. I spot a pair of Kamara’s shoes in the corner and clench my jaw. I ignore Ry and move to get a glass of water.
“What are all of you doing here,” I ask after downing the water.
“Nice to see you too,” Wyatt snorts. “Little asshole.”
“Fuck you,” I toss back. “I just wasn’t expecting you guys.”
“We figured we’d come surprise you, since you’re due back in the office next week,” Noah shrugs.
“Cool,” I shrug back, trying to play it off.
“So, is Ry right? Have you been down here diving in some pussy all this time, while we’ve been busting our asses to cover you,” Brax folds his arms over his chest and glares at me.
“Since
when do I answer to you?” I throw back.
“Whatever you’ve been doing it looks good on you,” Wyatt replies.
“Thanks, listen, I need a shower. What do you guys have planned?”
“Food,” Brax mumbles.
“Told you to eat before we left,” Ry shakes his head.
“Well, I didn’t. Can we please figure this shit out so I can eat? One of you cooking or are we going out?” Brax fusses.
“I don’t have much left. You know I planned to head back so I started finishing things off,” I say quickly. “We can head out somewhere.”
“Good, I’ll get a head start. You can meet us there after your shower,” Braxton says, starting for the door.
“You’re an asshole,” Felix chuckles.
“Love your ass, too,” Brax tosses up his middle finger.
I shake my head at my brother, but I’m grateful to him at the moment. All of my brothers, except for Ry get up to follow Braxton out. I groan internally.
This kid can be as big a pain as Brax sometimes. I stare at him and he stares back at me, as everyone leaves. He tilts his head at me again.
“You found her,” Ry says, when everyone’s out of ear shot.
“Found who?” I ask, not giving anything away.
“Come on, man. I may be the youngest, but I’m not the dumbest. You’ve been in love with Kamara, since high school. It took me a while to put it together, but I figured it out. Did you find her?”
I sigh and rub the back of my neck. “Don’t know what you’re talking about, but even if I did, it’s not something I want to broadcast to the world,” I reply.
“It’s cool. I’m not going to say anything. I just don’t want to see you hurt again,” Ry says sincerely.
“I’ll be fine.”
“Sure, I hope so. You weren’t looking good, Bro. I’m happy for you. I hope whatever happened, you guys can work it out. You’re always happy when you’re with her. I can see the difference,” Ry nods to himself.
“You think you’re so smart. Do you miss anything?”
“Nope,” Ry says, with a satisfied grin.
“Wipe that smile off your face. Never said you were right,” I grumble.
His smile falls. “Sure. Whatever, now go get showered. I’m starving too,” Ry frowns.
“Whatever,” I laugh.
I snatch up Kamara’s shoes and a few other things, I notice. I take them into the bedroom with me. This is going to be a long day. I miss my baby already.
chapter Eighteen
Twin Fish
Kamara
I haven’t seen Toby in a month. We talk every day and every night. I miss him so much. He has been tied up with work. His brothers have been giving him a hand full of bounties and some surveillance cases. Toby says they are paying him back, for the month they spent covering for him.
I understand, but I miss him terribly. It isn’t helping that for some reason, my mother has decided to move in with me. I’ve been living on my own since college. I’m still trying to figure out this new need to be a mother hen.
“Ogeima,” my mother calls me from my thoughts.
I look up from the text I just sent Toby, to find her staring at me. It is not that she is staring, but the way she is staring. I want to fidget, but I know she will scold me for it.
“Yes, Mommy,” I reply.
“Is there something you aren’t telling me, Ogeima,” she says sternly.
I push my phone into the pocket of my dress. I’m stalling for time. I knew my mother wasn’t just here to be here. She’s been watching me like a hawk.
I groan internally. My mother is like a dog with a bone, when she wants to be. Ever the queen, she keeps a finger on the pulse of everything. Even in her silence. It can be very scary at times. I have to remind myself that I’m an adult.
My mother clicks her tongue, when I don’t reply. “I was not born yesterday. I see the stars in your eyes to match the ones in your belly,” my mother places her hands on her hips, pokes her lip out, and nods her head at my stomach.
I furrow my brows, placing a hand on my stomach. I’m lost. Yes, I have been sending text to Toby. I know I haven’t been able to hide my smiles, from time to time.
I get the stars in my eyes, but I am lost from there. My mother scoffs and shakes her head at me. I wait for her to clarify her words.
“Ahem, you don’t know, do you,” she clucks her tongue again. “You carry some man’s child, as you run from another,” my mother accuses.
My head whips back. “That is not true and it is not my choice to have to run from a man I have never known,” I say defensively.
“But you have known a man,” my mother points at me.
I look down at my feet. I will not lie to my mother. I feel her move towards me. Her fingers catch my chin and lift it.
“Girl, please,” my mother starts, her African accent thick. “You think I don’t see. Your father did not think of what would happen to you children here in another culture. His first concern was our safety.
“When your grandmother called to warn me of twin fish, your brother had just come to ask my advice about your niece and nephew. I assumed the crowned fish were his,” My mother presses her lips and shakes her head.
“I see it in your face. You are with child. The twin crowned fish belong to you. Who is the father?”
I shake my head, denying her words. I do the math in my head and slowly stop shaking my head. My lips begin to tremble.
“Ahem, ha, you see it. You know I am right,” my mother nods. “Who is the father?”
“I cannot say,” I murmur.
She kisses her teeth. “You will not tell me, but you will tell your father,” my mother commands.
“I cannot,” I reply.
I will not drag Toby into this. King Afafa is sure to get wind of this. I will need to cover my tracks from this very moment. This will not be looked upon favorably.
I could be put to death for this. So many thoughts run through my mind, as I think of what this could mean for me, Toby, and my children.
“You fear King Afafa.” It is a statement not a question.
“Don’t we all? He will see this as a disgrace. He is already furious with our escape. He grows angrier by the day, in his search of me,” I reply.
“Humph, let me tell you something, girl. The Devil can only imitate truth. A true king does not have to steal a throne or a queen. King Afafa’s days are numbered. He has no right to our kingdom, any more than he has a right to the throne he holds.
“Give it time. The politics and treachery that hold us from our home will fall before our eyes. We don’t have to fear. No weapon formed, my little one.
“I have seen much in my life. Your father and I have fought side by side for our land and our people. There is a warrior in you,” she covers my chest and smiles.
“Your father has wanted to keep you covered, but you shall roar one day. It will be the sign you are ready to be Queen. Now, girl, you will tell us who the father is,” my mother says her last words more firmly.
“Are you asking as my mother or my queen?” I ask holding my head up.
My mother scoffs and levels me with a look. “You want to play this game, Ogeima,” she clicks her tongue.
“I will honor your request, as my queen, but as a mother, for the first time in my life, I intend to be defiant,” I answer honestly.
“I will let you keep your secret for now. As I have said. You will tell your father,” my mother glares at me. She then switches to her mother tongue, talking more to herself. “This is not the way. I would never defy my mother. I did not raise you this way. We come here to America and my children lose their minds.”
In English, she narrows her eyes at me and says. “Honor me as queen, defy me as mother. I will still beat you, pregnant and all. Ha, little girl, please.”
I stifle a laugh, as she turns and continues to rant to herself. My mother is not going to let this go. I am shocked she took that so well, withou
t commanding the answer as my queen.
I love my mother. She understands me. I know in her heart, she understands my fear. It is the only reason she didn’t dig into me like the Nigerian mother, warrior, and queen she is. I got a serious pass today.
I say a prayer of thanks, before running to grab my shoes and purse. I need to confirm what she has said. I am going to be a mother.
~B~
Toby
I would give anything to have Kamara in my arms. It’s been much too long, since I last saw her. My brothers took over that last weekend. It was like we were teenagers all over again.
Don’t get me wrong. I hadn’t had that much fun in longer than I could remember. While I longed to get back to my girl, I couldn’t deny getting to spend time with my family. Although, under Wyatt and Noah’s watchful eyes, I never even made it to say goodbye to Kamara. Before I knew it, my brothers insisted on riding with me back home.
“No, Felix, that’s all I have so far. This guy has been held up in the building all fucking day,” I grumble into the phone.
It has been a long day of collecting intel for one of our newest clients. I’ve needed my focus, but my mind has strayed to Kamara more times than I can count.
“Alright, but send what you do have. This guy is pretty persistent. I want to get this case going and close it out, ASAP,” Felix replies back.
“Hey, he’s coming out, call you back,” I say, ending the call from the console in my car.
I snap a few pictures, before reaching for my tablet to upload notes to the system Felix built, for instant sharing of data. I’m in the middle of typing in the last of my notes, when Kamara’s name pops up on my phone.
I absentmindedly hit the accept button, with a smile on my face. Then it hits me. She’s calling, not texting. Kamara knows I’m working. We usually text, when I’m working.
“Babe, what’s up,” I ask curiously.
“I need to see you,” Kamara rushes into the phone.
“I’m trying to come down there this weekend. I was hoping you could sneak over to the house at night,” I reply.
“No, Toby, I need to see you now,” something in her voice sounds off.
I look up through my windshield. My target is already on the move. I decide I have enough for now. Felix can get started with what I’ve sent him.
