“The most beautiful child in the world was a gift to me that was taken away. I painted this because it is my prayer …”
Jai gripped the man’s hand to hold him steady.
“When I was a little boy …” she looked up at the first row of students and said, “Yes, all artists start out as babies in the artistic world.”
The class chuckled.
“The pastor of my church would walk the aisle at the beginning of Sunday morning service,” she continued. “He would recite the following verse from the Psalms …” She flipped the page. “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.” She gestured to the hilltops in the painting, and then the image of a sky above the earth. “My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.”
She spoke the next part of the verses and moved onto, “The Lord is thy keeper; the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand.” Her hand whipped across the shadows on the bottom of the painting that represented the shade. “The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.”
Her manicured fingers traced the circular image of the sun with the moon’s echo right behind it. “The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: He shall preserve thy soul.” She splayed a hand over the image of the little girl that had been had painted towards the top of the painting. “The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.”
Silence reigned in that room as the students and Jai took that in. Tears streamed down Temple’s face as she tried to gather her composure.
“This painting,” she said after a few moments, reading from the document, “Was my prayer to God to keep my little girl safe. And if He couldn’t keep her safe, at least give her the strength to survive whatever came her way.” Her voice broke on those last words. “She was taken from me in the ugliest of ways. Greed. Human greed can do more damage than anyone can imagine. Because people have not learned that there is enough bounty for all of us, and it is given in the measure it is willing to be received.” Temple raised her head and looked at the students. “I can only hope that one day …”
The guest left Jai’s side and moved forward, one step down, then another.
“I can … only …” Temple’s gaze narrowed as she watched the movements of the man inching toward the front of the class. Her gaze widened with realization before her lips trembled with so much emotion, she couldn’t speak.
The students turned to follow her gaze and a trickle of questioning conversation ensued and then faded to a tense silence.
He had made it halfway, but was forced to grip the armrest of the nearest chair to brace himself, then paused as though unsure he should go on.
Jai accepted India from Daron and adjusted her in his arms, but she craned her neck to watch what her mother was up to.
Temple’s hands balled into fists as though she was trying to steady herself. She inhaled deeply as her eyes misted once again, then blurred to the point no one could see the color of her eyes.
The man took a tentative step forward and that’s all he was able to do before Temple barreled toward him and straight into his arms.
One of the students nearby wiped their tears, and whispered, “Glad I’m wearing the good mascara today.”
A few other women nodded. Even the guys, who probably weren’t comfortable with such a powerful display of long-held affection, misted up as well.
Reno and Shaz left their seats close to the front of the auditorium. Dro and Kaleb rose from the rear seats and flanked Jai on both sides. Vikkas reached for India and she squealed her delight. Daron gave Jai a head nod. He promptly returned that action.
All of his brothers insisted on being here for Temple and Jai in this moment. Something that Khalil had insisted. Be there for the highs as well as the lows. Experience your lives together and you will be richer for the experience.
Dwayne walked down the steps, moving toward the image on the screen, taking in its beauty before turning to the class and saying, “You don’t mind if I take over for the rest of today?”
Elvin Drescher had not released Temple, who lay her head against his chest, relishing the moment of connecting with a man who she had longed to see since he’d abruptly disappeared from her life.
“Actually, I think this right here is the lesson for today,” she said. Temple turned her face toward Jai and mouthed the words, “Thank you for this. Thank you so, so much.” Then she smiled. “Yes, that’s not all you’re good at.”
Jai winked, then released a soft laugh over their private joke.
“Shaz, are you crying?” Dro said, elbowing him in the side.
“I’m telling you, allergies and whatnot,” Shaz protested, brushing the last tear from his chin.
Kaleb chuckled, and the rest of the Kings joined him.
ABOUT THE KINGS OF THE CASTLE SERIES
Books 2-9 are standalones, no cliffhangers, and can be read in any order.
Book 1 – Kings of the Castle, the introduction to the series and story of King of Wilmette (Vikkas Germaine)
USA TODAY, New York Times, and National Bestselling Authors work together to provide you with a world you’ll never want to leave. The Castle. Powerful men unexpectedly brought together by their pasts and current circumstances will become a force to be reckoned with. Their combined efforts to find the people responsible for the attempt on their mentor’s life, is the beginning of dangerous challenges that will alter the path of their lives forever. Not to mention, they will also draw the ire and deadly intent of current Castle members who wield major influence across the globe.
Fate made them brothers, but protecting the Castle and the women they love, will make them Kings. www.thekingsofthecastle.com
King of Chatham - Book 2 - Reno
King of Evanston - Book 3 - Shaz
King of Devon - Book 4 - Jai
King of Morgan Park - Book 5 - Daron
King of South Shore - Book 6 - Kaleb
King of Lincoln Park - Book 7 - Grant
King of Hyde Park - Book 8 - Dro
King of Lawndale - Book 9 - Dwayne
Cover design by J. L. Woodson - www.woodsonstudio.com
Naleighna Kai is the USA Today, Essence®, and national bestselling and award-winning author of several controversial women’s fiction, contemporary fiction, Christian fiction, Romance, erotica, and science fiction novels that plumb the depth of unique love triangles and women’s issues. She is also a contributor to a New York Times bestseller, one of AALBC’s 100 Top Authors, a member of CVS Hall of Fame, Mercedes Benz Mentor Award Nominee, and the E. Lynn Harris Author of Distinction.
In addition to successfully cracking the code of landing a deal for herself and others with a major publishing house, she continues to “pay it forward” by organizing the annual Cavalcade of Authors which gives readers intimate access to the most accomplished writing talent today. She also serves as CEO of Macro Marketing & Promotions Group which offers aspiring and established authors assistance with ghostwriting, developmental editing, publishing, marketing, and other services to jump-start or enhance their writing careers. She also founded NK Tribe Called Success for her clients who participate in literary events and media advertising as a group and produce creative projects and anthologies.
Naleighna was born and raised on the Southeast side of Chicago, the setting for most of her novels and where she is currently working on her next books: Mercury Sunrise and Wife-in-Law.
Find her on the web at www.naleighnakai.com,
FB Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/naleighnak/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NaleighnaKai
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naleighnakai/
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Group: www.nktribecalledsuccess.com
www.thecavalcadeofauthors.com
Naleighna Kai
novels that may interest you whose characters and storylines are intertwined in King of Devon.
Loving Me for Me – Devesh Maharaj’s story
Slaves of Heaven – Gabriel Chamberlain introduced the concept for what Khalil used for The Castle.
Rich Woman’s Fetish – Sanjay Bhandari’s story
My Time in the Sun – Tony and Kari’s story, one of the sex trafficking survivors
Southern Comfort – Ali and Joy’s story
Was it Good For You Too? Tailan and Delvin’s story
She Touched My Soul – Maya Gervais’ story [Temple’s lawyer]
Loving Me for Me
Will they survive her tragic past, his traditional family, and those who would rather see them dead than in love? Though Devesh’s culture and status along with a secret Reign planned to take to her grave has kept them apart for nearly five years; a chance meeting brings them face-to-face once again. This time, Devesh, a wealthy Californian bachelor, is determined to be with Reign despite his family’s wishes. The couple has more at stake, forcing them to confront their deepest fears, overcome unforeseen obstacles, and challenge the media as well as enemies who are closer to home.
Devesh finds ingenious ways for them to manage their rocky relationship terrain since Reign heartbreaking life has left her with the kind of trust issues that resurface along with a few “reckless exes.” He soon puts everyone on notice that he believes love is ‘til death do us part—even if Devesh has to send someone to an early grave to protect her.
Rich Woman’s Fetish
Gina Wright escapes a hellacious life by doing the unthinkable— selling the use of her womb to the highest bidder among rich, childless couples from more affluent areas of Chicago. She even accommodates their “special” requests ranging from participating in forbidden fetishes to more complicated liaisons. Gina uses them to amass a fortune, then sets out to fulfill her own dream, one that is shattered in an instant when a freakish accident steals a gift she has always taken for granted.
Years later, Gina learns that one of her surrogate daughters has been forced into the illicit world of drugs and prostitution. When the police and FBI turn a blind eye, Gina risks the anger of her former sponsors and lovers to have their children search for the younger sister they know nothing about. One daughter turns to a criminal mastermind to help locate the teen; another puts her career in jeopardy when she seeks justice in her own deadly way. The search puts a dangerous spin on their already chaotic lives as the women learn more about trust and love and how to depend on each other to do the impossible.
Slaves of Heaven
“I love the Octavia Butler vibe of Slaves of Heaven. The storyline is distinctly Naleighna Kai and uniquely original.”
—Crystal Hubbard, National Bestselling Author
The Heaven Project starts with these words, “If we have to kill all of the men to take the women, so be it.”
Gabriel Chamberlain’s dynamic plan to overcome issues that plague the world by creating a society ruled by a stronger class of women, is met with deadly resistance. His hand-chosen people are forced to begin the perfect life within The Heaven Project in a secluded location. Then a fatal action by one of his wives changes the plan altogether, plunging The Heaven Project into the very darkness they were striving to escape.
Twenty-five years later, jealousy between Gabriel’s sons, David and Robert, leads to a tragic series of events that will unravel the peaceful fabric of Heaven life. Robert purposely seduces one of David’s concubines, and the brothers square off in a battle of wills that sets the stage for The Heaven Project’s complete downfall. When Robert exacts his revenge by killing all Heaven men who oppose him and capturing the women for his own sordid purposes, David scatters his wife and concubines to the four corners of the United States to keep them safe.
Time passes, and a woman known simply as Mari Sheldon, is living a reclusive life in Chicago. But that changes the day Chase Caswell, a bad boy with a troubled past, walks into her life. The inexplicable attraction between them is enough to bring Mari out of her shell and makes her willing to take a chance on love. Unfortunately, Mari is kidnapped by someone looking to get their hands on a hidden fortune as well as the rest of Mari’s sisters who hold the keys to unlock the past and a more promising future. Chase is forced to travel to several continents to uncover his own family secrets and rescue the woman he loves. He finally teams up with a small band of rebels to launch a vicious attack, hoping to free the imprisoned women and children while restoring The Heaven Project to its original purpose.
She Touched My Soul is a gripping, engaging novel of loss, love, and everything in between.
Michael “Magic” Arrington’s sudden fame and startling climb up the music charts skyrocketed him into the world of Hollywood glitz and glamour. While all was exciting and wonderful at the beginning, the shady undertakings of the music business caused his life to take a downward spiral, ultimately separating him from his family and his hold on reality. Then he met Maya.
Maya Gervais has completely distanced herself from her past, even going as far as changing her identity to protect her from the one man who wants her dead. She is a civic-minded lawyer who champions for clients who are victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse. So trusting someone enough to fall in love was never a consideration, especially since it could cost her much more than she was willing to give.
After the two have a chance meeting at a concert, a daring escape leads to an exploration of pain and pleasure that sets them both on the path to healing and an into an unlikely romance. However, the path to blissful happiness is never an easy one, as they both have their own demons to confront, including Michael’s jealous manager and Maya’s reluctance to deal with things she would rather forget.
My Time in the Sun
Kari’s perfect life comes to a screeching halt during Sunday morning service when her husband’s enemy stands and tells the entire congregation, “Our first lady was a prostitute. A fourteen-year-old prostitute at that. Not exactly the kind of woman we want our little girls to imitate …”
Kari Baltimore barely survived a horrific experience when she was forced to take drastic measures to protect an innocent child. Years later, she’s put the past behind her, owns a successful business, and is married to a wonderful man who loves her like no other. All the sordid secrets that she’s managed to keep hidden, even from her husband, resurfaces with a vengeance when Terrence Henderson, a man who is hellbent on having the church for his own sordid reasons, shares her past with everyone and causes a rift that is not easily mended.
Tony Baltimore’s plans for the saints to “take the church to the streets” has been met with staunch opposition by the board, deacons, and members who believe that staying on the “safe side” of Chicago’s police brutality and gang problems suits them just fine. When Terrence uses strong family ties to the church to publicly disgrace Kari as a sure-fire way to take over, a media firestorm ensues, and heated membership split soon follows. Tony makes strategic moves to protect his wife from anyone and everyone coming against her—including members who are so “heavenly” minded that they’re no earthy good. When the smoke clears, no one will ever be the same.
Southern Comfort
USA Today Bestselling Author, Naleighna Kai, brings another unconventional story about finding a deeper love in the most unlikely places. The moment Joy’s estranged mother shows up on her doorstep and drops off a mysterious child, she’s forced to put her first year in college on hold. Two years later, she totally abandons her dream of becoming a civil engineer altogether, when her mother reappears with yet another child from her drug-addicted sister. Twice is enough, and the third time isn’t a charm as Joy’s outright refusal makes her an outcast from her crime-riddled family. With so much responsibility at a young age, she’s never allowed herself to dream of having an intimate relationship. Until a chance meeting ten years later at the most unlikely of places.
Ali serves as the bridge that brings his fath
er back into the family fold, by marrying the woman they choose for him. Now, the last child is off to college and his multi-million dollar businesses are thriving, his wife reunites with the man she abandoned to fulfill her family’s wishes, freeing Ali to embark on a journey to find the love he deserves. When he lays eyes on Joy, one word comes to mind—lost. Until that moment, he didn’t realize he has a “savior complex”, but something about the elusive woman pulls at Ali’s heartstrings and makes him take a risk.
Joy and Ali are forced to navigate the murky waters of obligation, karma, and other more deadly challenges to find their way to love.
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