by KR Bankston
“Sure Top, no problem,” he replied rising, and heading out the front door.
Tariq waited fifteen minutes before he and the rest of the men gathered, headed out following DeNoah.
*****
Jalen was still trying to catch his breath as Ian hit him another hard blow.
“I’m asking again,” he raged, cornering his brother once more. “Did you let her go,” Ian yelled punching Jalen hard to the jaw once more, kicking him in the side.
“No, I told you,” he replied, wheezing trying to breathe.
Ian yoked him and held him against the wall, right in his face, his eyes blazing.
“You don’t wanna fuck with me brother,” he growled angrily. “If you want out, then leave, but don’t fuck up my plans,” he told him coldly, deadly accurate.
Jalen’s mind was spinning. He was terrified Ian would kill him. Still he stuck to his story. “I came in to let her go to the bathroom just like you told me Ian,” Jalen pleaded. “I untied her and let her stand up, she blindsided me,” he repeated for the sixth time since Ian had entered the room.
Jalen at first thought everything was fine. It had afterall been three days since the woman escaped the house. Ian hit him twice to the midsection again, dropping him on the floor.
“Don’t get it twisted Jalen,” Ian told his brother coldly. “Nothing will get in the way of my revenge,” he hissed. “Brother or no fuckin’ brother, I will put your ass to sleep,” Ian told him as a final point, stepping away and allowing Jalen to upright himself against the wall.
“Ian, I’m telling you what happened,” Jalen began again.
He was definitely making plans to leave Atlanta and never look back. He would give back every dime of the money. He had definitely bitten off far more than he could chew dealing with Ian and the life he lived.
“Hmph,” Ian replied still regarding him angrily.
“How can I make it up to you,” Jalen began again, trying a new tactic.
Ian seemed to think that over for a while before speaking.
“There’s a pick up I need made,” Ian began. “I just got KiKi home, so I don’t want to leave her alone just yet,” he went on as Jalen nodded.
He still didn’t know the full story on his brother’s obsession with the woman, but he knew enough to know Ian would kill anyone who tried to separate them again.
“I’ll go for you,” Jalen readily volunteered.
“Hmph, yeah I guess,” Ian replied, calling out for Creeper and Pirate.
The two materialized moment later and listened intently as Ian explained the nights task.
“No problem,” Pirate replied as Ian nodded and left them to work out the details. Heading up the stairs he smiled thinking of Kaitlyn lying in his bed waiting for him to join her.
20
Jacoury and Ramell were following DeNoah waiting to see exactly where they would end up. They’d followed him to Mardi Gras where he had indeed done as instructed and checked the club, evening remaining for another two hours. Ramell had suggested that Tariq, Mook, Jaron and Shells head out and both he and Jacoury would remain and watch DeNoah. He knew his cousin was anxious and exhausted. Ramell also knew the others had significant others waiting for them. They turned onto a familiar street and Jacoury grunted slightly, almost positive they were headed for the same abandoned warehouse he’d followed DeNoah too the other evening.
“This fool needs a cap in the worst way,” Ramell grumbled.
He and Jacoury were both armed and killing DeNoah was absolutely no sweat off their brow.
“Yeah, sad thing is, he too stupid to even know he been found out,” Jacoury remarked as they watched DeNoah turn into the buildings parking lot, just as Jacoury expected.
Just like last time, Jacoury saw several other vehicles already parked, and the solitary light burning in a corner of the building.
“We’ll give his ass a few minutes, then we’re going to find out what the hell is going on,” Ramell told his friend.
Jacoury replied he was more than ready, pulling out and checking the .380 he carried. Ramell checked his own .10mm. They watched DeNoah approach the entrance and saw the door open. He was greeted by an unremarkable man, dressed casually; who nervously peered around outside making sure DeNoah was alone.
“Further proof some bullshit is up,” Ramell remarked as Jacoury grunted his agreement.
Sitting another ten minutes, the two men finally got out of the car and began carefully making their way to the building and its occupants. Jacoury was trying to peek inside the one lighted window, but the dust and dirt was so thick he couldn’t see anything besides outlines of what he assumed were people.
“Let’s just listen,” Ramell whispered when they found they had no visual.
Getting as close to the door as they dared, both men grew quiet, steadied their breathing and put their ears to the wood door hung inside the concrete reinforced wall. Ramell eyed Jacoury as they both heard the same thing and had the same thought. They withheld comment and continued to stand still listening to the things going on inside the warehouse. Hearing movement, Ramell quickly moved away, Jacoury right on his heels. They couldn’t chance going back to their car and being seen should someone open the door, so they chose to scurry behind the other side of the building, finding an easement they could duck into and be concealed from plain sight. Jacoury heard a couple of the men talking as they came closer to the end of the building where they hid. He and Ramell observed as the men lit cigarettes and continued to shoot the breeze. They quickly finished their smokes and headed back inside the building. Deciding they’d heard enough, Ramell and Jacoury carefully headed back to their car. Driving home they discussed the ramifications, telling Tariq, and how they wanted to kill DeNoah.
*****
Jaron came inside the townhouse careful to be quiet and not disturb Gabrielle. It was after 3:00AM and he knew she was fast asleep. Making his way to their bedroom, he slipped into the bathroom and showered, emerging moments later and carefully joining her in bed.
“Are you all right,” Gabrielle asked sleepily.
“Yeah baby, I’m fine,” Jaron told her, kissing her forehead gently. “Go back to sleep.”
Gabrielle instead rose and went into the bathroom herself, returning after she washed her hands and rejoining him in bed.
“How was school,” he asked, seeing that she was awake now.
“Good,” Gabrielle replied. “We started at the hospital today, remember,” she added as Jaron told her he did.
“You enjoying it,” Jaron asked, stroking her face gently.
Tonight had been exhausting and he was really glad to be here with her.
“Yeah it’s really cool,” Gabrielle told him, snuggling closer to him.
Jaron smiled and put his arm around her. She began kissing his chest, turning him on. “Don’t you have class,” he asked half heartedly.
Jaron was already at attention and ready to make love to her.
“Not till 10:00AM,” she replied as his lips found hers and they began kissing passionately.
Gabrielle moaned softly as Jaron aroused her. She was on fire from his touch.
“I missed you so much baby,” Jaron murmured.
Gabrielle returned the sentiment as he pulled her on top of him and her warmth enveloped him.
“Mm, Jaron,” Gabrielle murmured as they made love.
He was holding her hips, rolling in rhythm with her own movements, sighing softly. Gabrielle cried out as she reached orgasm, her walls closing in on his hardness and driving him wild.
“Damn girl,” Jaron moaned as he came hard, holding her tightly.
“Now, we can go to sleep,” Gabrielle teased, climbing off him and laying down beside him.
Jaron kissed her again, pulling her close; eternally grateful she was in his arms.
*****
Tariq put the bottle of vodka on the table beside him as he sat in his den. Sleep was not on his agenda at the moment and he needed to do something
to dull the seething anger he felt in the pit of his soul. All he could hear in the house was silence. Kaitlyn wasn’t here. He didn’t know where she was, if she was okay, and if Ian had done something crazy to her. The latter thought made him take yet another shot from the bottle. What the hell is this fools problem, Tariq brooded. He could understand loving someone, but Kaitlyn hadn’t been with Ian for years now. When the hell was he going to let go, Tariq thought, the answer glaring in his face. He hates you and he’ll never let you and KiKi live in peace, Tariq’s mind continued to tell him.
“He better not hurt her,” Tariq growled, pulling the .380 from the hidden compartment in the chair and checking the chamber.
He wanted to go out and ride around some more, but he remembered what Ramell told him. “You need to be home,” Ramell spoke. “KiKi’s smart, and if she finds a way to escape, you need to be in place in case Ice is right behind her.” Tariq sighed deeply, praying his cousin was right and his wife did indeed find a way to escape Ian’s depraved grasp. Tariq’s mind went back to all the history between the three of them. From the beginning Ian had been a thorn in their relationship. He’d muscled his way into Kaitlyn’s life and forced her into a relationship with him. Even after they’d gotten together again, Ian just wouldn’t let go. Tariq sighed deeply again. All he wanted was to be happy, live his life, and love his wife. Thinking about her, he smiled slightly despite the circumstances. Tariq thought back to their impromptu wedding in Las Vegas. He’d taken her there for the weekend after all the drama had died down. They’d spent the evening dining, enjoying shows and gambling. “So you ready to marry me or what,” Tariq asked as Kaitlyn chuckled. “You know you don’t wanna get married,” she teased. “Hustlers don’t marry,” she added as Tariq scoffed. “I’ve always wanted to be married,” he returned as she gave him another look. “Are you drunk,” Kaitlyn teased once more. Tariq laughed before pulling her to him and holding her close. “KiKi, I love you, with all my heart,” he told her sincerely. “I want you to be mine, forever,” Tariq added, kissing her softly. “You’re serious,” Kaitlyn questioned, tears in her eyes. “Yes baby,” he replied as she finally said yes and they found a chapel.
“Now I can’t get this damned psycho to leave us alone,” Tariq grumbled once more as his cell vibrated. He checked the display seeing the message from Ramell. Frowning slightly, he texted a quick reply back and put the instrument back on the table beside him.
“When I get KiKi back, I’m getting the hell out of Atlanta,” Tariq decided.
There was far too much drama, too many bad memories, and Ian’s tentacles were everywhere. He wanted a fresh start; a new beginning for them to start their family finally and just be. The vodka, coupled with the sadness and exhaustion, began to take their toll as Tariq’s eyes became heavy. He laid his head back on the chair, said a silent pleading prayer for his wife’s safety and his ability to find her, before his body overtook his mind and shut down as sleep mercifully found him.
*****
Kim heard Mook come in. She was up waiting for him. He’d been in the streets almost three solid days now and she was about to give him the blues about neglecting her. He walked into the room and the look on his face silenced her. She could see the deep anguish etched into the small frown he was carrying.
“Hey girl, what you doing still up,” he asked, immediately changing his demeanor.
“I was worried,” Kim told him calmly as he walked over and sat on the bed beside her.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to worry you,” Mook replied subdued.
Kim didn’t know what to make of his mood. He was deeply disturbed about something, but until he decided to share, Kim was just at a loss. That’s how Mook was. He told you things when he was ready for you to know. Not a moment before.
“I love you, you know that right,” he said out of the blue, looking right into her eyes.
“Yeah boy, I know,” Kim replied smiling at him.
Mook smiled slightly, leaning in and kissing her lips.
What is going on, Kim thought behind the calm façade she maintained. He was quiet as he continued to observe her. She didn’t think she’d seen him like this in a very long time.
“I need to relax,” he told her rising finally. “Come take a shower with me,” he added, holding his hand out.
Kim took his hand, getting out of bed and following him into the shower. She adjusted the water, knowing how he liked it and they climbed into together. Kim lathered him, gently massaging his shoulders as he held her.
“Baby, I need you to be careful when you’re out, seriously,” Mook told her, looking once again into her eyes.
“I promise,” Kim replied as he smiled and kissed her again.
Mook began lathering Kim, his hands lingering on her breasts as he massaged them gently.
Touching her, all he could think was how empty and alone he would feel if someone had taken her like they’d taken Kaitlyn. As much as he knew he couldn’t control his dreams, Mook vowed to never think of Tae or any other woman that way again. Kim was his heart and he loved every sexy, chocolate, inch of her fine ass, Mook mused becoming visibly aroused.
“Am I adding to your tension,” Kim teased, seeing the erection.
“You did it on purpose,” Mook replied, kissing her neck, his hands on her perfect butt.
“You asked me to come shower,” Kim threw back.
“Well, you did it, so how are you gonna undo it,” Mook asked, giving her a look.
“You’re terrible,” Kim teased once again.
Mook said nothing as he pulled her to him, kissing her deeply, his hand sliding between her legs, parting her lips and stroking her clit.
“Mmm,” Kim moaned as his fingers found their mark.
“You like that,” Mook asked breathing erratically in her ear.
“Don’t play Mook,” Kim teased, biting his chest playfully.
“Oh you wanna get rough huh,” he replied loving her actions.
Kim chuckled as Mook went to his knees, propping her leg across his shoulder. “Mook, damn, stop,” she murmured as he gripped her clit between his teeth and teased it with the tongue stud.
Kim wasn’t even sure how he’d learned to do that, but she absolutely loved it. Mook snaked two fingers inside her dripping honeycomb giving her the ride of her life.
“Aaah, yeah, yeah, baby, shit,” Kim moaned as the first orgasm hit her hard.
Mook didn’t break stride, sucking her hard and fingering her deeper.
“I, um, hell, um,” Kim mumbled incoherently.
He finally began kissing his way up her body, much to her relief. She wasn’t too sure how much longer she could have remained standing with the sensations he was bringing.
“Can I really get it tonight,” Mook asked huskily.
“Yeah baby, do you,” Kim replied, still on fire.
He chuckled slightly, moving behind her and bending her forward.
“Hold on,” he told her, referring to the side of the tub.
Mook slid deeply inside Kim, holding her hips tightly as he slowly and deliberately went in and out of her, driving her wild as his erection massaged her throbbing clit with each movement.
“Yeah Mook, baby, get it,” Kim told him, needing another orgasm.
Mook’s hands grasped both her breasts as he drove himself all the way in her and Kim screamed in delight, coating him again as she came hard. Turned on, Mook spread her legs even farther, dipping his hips and increasing his speed. Kim was drenched from the multiple orgasms as she felt him expand inside her, calling her name loudly and filling her to capacity with his finish.
21
Lauren was still brooding thinking about Ian when he entered the room finding her awake.
“Hi baby,” Ian greeted her sweetly, coming over and kissing her cheek gently.
“I need to go home,” Lauren threw out wanting to see his reaction.
Sighing gently, he sat down on the bed beside her.
“KiKi, I know you
’re feeling guilty and stuff about Tariq,” Ian began patiently. “But baby you know in your heart you belong here with me.”
She remained silent, never taking her eyes from his. As twisted as he seems from Kaitlyn’s memories, he seems to really love her, Lauren thought behind the façade.
“I’ll let you send him a letter and I’ll have a messenger deliver it,” Ian told her. “How’s that,” he asked, hoping she would agree.
“So I can’t leave if I want too, I’m your prisoner,” Lauren threw at him again.
“Baby, I’m not trying to keep you prisoner,” Ian replied. “I love you KiKi, surely you have to know that by now,” he pleaded. “I just want us to be together like we should have always been,” he added as Lauren sighed slightly but said nothing else.
Ian rose, telling her he was going to shower and left her alone again. Lauren continued to think, glancing around the room at the various items. Her eyes fell on a manila file folder, piquing her curiosity. She stealthily rose and walked over to the huge antique mahogany dresser that matched the huge 4-poster she’d just risen from, and removed the small box sitting atop it, opening the folder. He does his homework, I’ll give him that, Lauren thought reading the file on her. The pages held long detailed notes about her condition, her mental state, how she’d created a separate identity and blocked out her past. Who the hell would want to live everyday remembering this bullshit, she thought angrily, flipping the page and seeing her mother’s handwriting. Intrigued she began reading. She never knew what happened to the journal, assuming Carlo had either thrown it away or kept it carefully hidden.
Lauren’s eyes began to tear as her fury grew seeing the vividly detailed description of her rape and the beginning of her life of torture. I hope that bastard rots in the jail they sent him too, she thought, unaware of his death years earlier. Why does he have all this shit, Lauren continued to muse, flipping through mountains of other notes and paperwork about her life since her liberation from Carlo. She even saw detailed notes on her life with Tariq now, well Kaitlyn’s life, Lauren corrected herself. Finally flipping to the last page she saw notes Ian had made. I’ll help her be herself again, he’d written. No one knows or understands KiKi like I do. When Lauren returns and she will, Tariq won’t have a clue what to do with her, but knowing what she had to have experienced given Carlo’s reputation, I will, because I am her soulmate. Lauren frowned deeply and closed the folder.
