by D. Camille
Danielle smiled. “That’s very impressive, that five men can maintain such strong relationships when you all are so different.”
“We don’t let our differences come before goals. We all want the same thing for the city although we go about it in our various ways,” Khalil informed her.
“You mean, some of you perform for the system?” she teased.
He threw his head back and sighed. “Yeah, some do.”
“You have to admit that some of us are needed in the system.”
Khalil’s dark gaze held hers and he took a deep breath. “As long as those in the system don’t conform to the powers that be. I'm for truth, no matter who tells it. I'm for justice, no matter who it's for or against.”
“Thank you Brother Malcolm,” she said with a smile.
“The wisest Black man of his time.”
Danielle nodded. “I think there’s a pretty wise Black man sitting across from me, too.”
“I’m just trying to do my part,” Khalil said quietly. “To make a better place for my son and all of our Black youth to come after me.”
“There’s nothing sexier than a Black man who knows who he is, and isn’t afraid to use his power,” Danielle told him softly. “I’ve never had a man like you come through my courtroom or into my life.”
He stared at her. “I’ve never had a Queen command me the way you did that day. I had no choice but to submit to your strength and power, then I wanted to feel them both, all over me.”
His phone rang again and he glanced down. “It’s Kyros.”
She smiled and began to clear their plates from the table to give him some privacy with his son. A few minutes later, Khalil found her in the kitchen washing dishes. He eased up behind her and placed his arms around her.
“I could’ve helped,” he whispered in her ear.
“I’ve got other plans for you,” she told him. “How’s Kyros?”
Khalil kissed her neck. “He’s good. It’s bedtime so Khayla is about to tuck him in.”
She heard the longing in his voice. “You miss him.”
He sighed. “I have to admit; I always do when he’s away from me.”
Danielle turned to him. “I think that’s beautiful. I’m sure he misses you too.”
“It probably sounds like I have some attachment issues,” Khalil confessed and she put a finger to his lips.
“It sounds like you unapologetically love your son and that’s what more of our young men need in their lives,” Danielle told him softly. “I watch young boys come through my court begging for the love of their fathers, fathers who have hurt them, abandoned them, or misused them.”
“It’s wonderful to see a man who openly loves and adores his son. Kyros will grow up to be a man who won’t hurt women because he’s seen what real love is. Whenever he looks at you, he sees the epitome of love.”
She removed her hand and stared up at him. “And I see the same thing...”
“Danielle…” Khalil lowered his head and kissed her as he lifted her from her feet. She wrapped her arms around his neck and he wrapped her legs around his waist, sliding his hands under her nightgown to feel her naked flesh.
“You are so beautiful and so kind…,” he whispered in her ear. “I cannot withhold anything from you Queen.” Moving slowly to her mouth, he licked her lips slowly. “Tell me how to please you…”
“Reserve that side of the bed for me.”
******
“Okay little soldier,” Khayla said to her nephew. “You talked to your Daddy?”
Kyros nodded as he climbed into the bed. “Yes, he said to tell you and Uncle Lance goodnight.”
Lance walked into the room and took a seat on the bed next to his wife. “Goodnight little dude.”
“Goodnight Uncle Lance.”
Khayla leaned down to kiss his cheek. “Do you need anything?”
Kyros looked thoughtful for a moment. “Auntie Khayla, do you know my Mother?”
Lance felt Khayla tense. “Yes, I know her. I knew her before you were born.”
“Daddy said she couldn’t take care of me,” Kyros told her.
Khayla chose her words carefully, because the last thing she wanted was a showdown with her brother. “Your Daddy is right.”
“I don’t remember her. I don’t even know what she looks like,” Kyros said quietly.
“You were still a baby the last time you saw her,” Khayla confirmed.
He smiled at Khayla. “Daddy said that you took care of me.”
“Because I love you and you’re my little soldier,” she said with a smile.
Kyros looked at her and Lance. “What if my new Momma can’t take of me either?”
Khayla looked at her husband, who placed a hand on her shoulder. “When your Daddy gets you a new Momma, he’s going to make sure that she can,” Lance told the boy.
“What if she doesn’t want to?” Kyros asked.
“Then she’d never be your new Momma,” Lance informed him.
“Do you want a new Momma, Kyros?” Khayla asked.
He nodded. “My Daddy needs a Queen.”
Lance shook his head. “That’s your nephew.”
“He said the Judge might be her,” Kyros told them.
“Do you like the Judge?” Khayla questioned as only a nosey sister would and Lance gave her a look.
Kyros smiled. “Yes, she’s pretty and she makes good cookies!”
“Cookies!” Khayla asked.
Lance squeezed her shoulder. “That’s what’s up. I like cookies too.” He looked at his wife who was the health nut.
“And she has video games at her house for Kam.” Kyros added. “Fun games.”
Khayla frowned. “My games aren’t fun?”
“I love Minecraft, but I like racing cars and other stuff too.”
Lance laughed. “It sounds like the Judge’s house is like Disneyland.” He looked at his still frowning wife then at Kyros. He leaned down to the boy and whispered, “Don’t worry little dude, my baby is going to have all of that stuff too.” He winked at him.
Khayla turned to Lance. “What did you say?”
“I said it’s time for Kyros to go to bed so I can put you to bed.” He kissed her softly and stood to his feet before helping her.
“Goodnight Auntie Khayla.”
“Goodnight Kyros.” Khayla said before walking out of the room in front of Lance. In their bedroom, she turned to him.
“I’m going to kick your ass!” she told him.
Lance smiled and pulled her into his arms. “What did I tell you about that?”
“She gives him cookies and video games!” Khayla protested.
“She lets him be a kid, Khayla.” Lance told her. “Both you and Khalil are a little too damn militant for your own good.”
“Little dude is about to turn seven, not seventeen,” he pointed out.
“What do you mean?” Khayla asked.
He gathered her close. “I’m saying baby, remember when we were kids? We played games, all the time. We ate freeze pops and Pushups from the ice cream truck. I chased you all around the playground.”
He kissed her cheek. “We did kid shit.”
“You don’t think we let Kyros be a kid?” Khayla asked.
“The boy is trained in self-defense Khayla,” Lance told him. “Hell, he had me scared to sleep in my own damn bed.”
“You’re just a punk.”
He laughed. “I think Judge Baxter is just what Khalil and Kyros need. Thank god he didn’t hook up with another Black Panther. Poor Kyros would be walking around in a damn beret with a shotgun on his back.”
Khayla punched his arm. “That’s not funny.”
“Come here Katydids,” Lance said before lowering his head and kissing her full lips. “I love you and I’ve always loved you, but our baby is going to be a regular kid.”
She pouted. “I didn’t know you wanted cookies.”
“I can give up cookies, because I have these sweet lips.” He
kissed her protruding lips again.
“You can really see Khalil with a judge?” she asked.
“Your brother is completely sprung. I don’t think he cares that she’s a judge, to him she’s the woman who’s unlocked his heart,” Lance explained.
Khayla smiled at him. “When did you get so philosophical?”
He pressed his forehead against hers. “When I married this pretty girl with big fronts.”
“She turned you out?” Khayla teased.
He nodded. “From the very first time.”
“I love you too Lance and I’m so happy about our baby.” She smiled at him. “If we have twins, we can catch Rion and Tauri.”
Lance frowned. “Nobody is trying to keep up with crazy ass Rion and his five kids.”
“With Khalil almost off the market, I guess Corvus is next,” Khayla guessed.
“I don’t know what’s up with him,” Lance said shaking his head.
Khayla looked concerned. “Is he alright?”
Lance shrugged. “He’s just been acting strange.”
“How can you tell? It’s Corvus.”
“I can tell. He’s been my best friend since we were in elementary school. I know him.”
Khayla studied him. “Did you ask him?”
“Yeah, he says he’s cool, but something’s different.”
“He does seem to be growing up some,” Khayla acknowledged. “He’ll tell you when he’s ready.”
Lance nodded. “He’s going to New York with Khalil on Monday.”
Khayla froze. “Khalil’s going to New York?” she yelled.
Lance sighed and lowered his head. “He’s going to find out what’s up with this Spencer dude and Melody.”
“He’s going alone?”
Lance shook his head and looked at her. “I just said that Corvus was going with him and Malachi’s going too.”
“What if this man is dangerous?”
“He’ll be fine Khayla. You do remember who your brother is right?” Lance questioned.
Khayla shook her head. “That damn Melody. I swear, if my brother gets hurts…”
Lance cut her off. “Your brother will be fine and Kyros too.”
“Now I need for you to calm your ass down and take care of our baby. The Negus have this under control and we don’t need the Nigist interfering, this time,” he told her pointedly.
Khayla held on to him. “Who is this man Lance, and why does he want my nephew?”
Lance held her closer. “We’re going to find out, Ma. I hope for his sake that he’s not doing any dirty shit because no one will be able to stop Khalil or any of the Negus.”
Chapter 12
Khalil sat on the plane staring out of the window at the gray sky. The dreariness seeped into his heart as he thought of the little boy and beautiful Queen that he was leaving behind. He was angry that he’d had to interrupt his life to deal with the woman seated next to him and her shenanigans.
He closed his eyes and remembered yesterday’s dinner with the four of them, Danielle, Kyros, Kam and himself. They’d laughed and played with the kids after dinner and Danielle had even coerced Khalil into playing a video game, much to Kyros’ delight.
Khalil had watched the happiness on his son’s face in this environment. Danielle had openly deferred to Khalil on all requests while subtly encouraging him to give his approval. He appreciated how skillful she was at doing that.
The entire ride home, Kyros had gone on and on about how much fun he’d had with the judge, who had encouraged him to call her Danielle, which Khalil quickly amended to Ms. Danielle. She had smiled at him and agreed without argument.
Kam and Kyros enjoyed each other immensely and chatted the entire time they were together. Khalil had watched as Danielle transitioned them seamlessly from eating to drawing to playing games and finally desert. She assisted in fielding their many questions as well as getting them ready to go home.
The evening had felt like something he and his son had never experienced together…a full family. Growing up, Khalil and Khayla had both of their parents and every night of their young lives was like the evening at Danielle’s. This was something that he’d always wanted for his son, but he’d refused to settle down until the right woman came along.
As far as the right woman, Khalil had no doubt who that was. Judge Danielle Baxter was a Queen who wielded much power and it entranced him. Their night together was one he’d never forget and longed to repeat on a regular basis. She really hadn’t needed the aphrodisiacs and potions he’d brought along. Danielle was a hot, sexy woman who wasn’t afraid to express herself in any way.
He squirmed in his seat thinking about exactly how she expressed herself and Melody looked over at him.
“Are you uncomfortable?” she asked.
Khalil glanced at her. “I’m fine.”
Corvus was seated on the other side of Melody and watched the pair as Malachi sat across the aisle on his computer. Most of the passengers around them were engrossed in their computers with headphones on as this was a business charter.
“Well, if you wouldn’t have seated me between you two, like a prisoner, and gotten first class seats, you’d have more room,” she complained.
“The flight isn’t that long, you’ll survive.” Khalil told her.
Melody frowned. “Well since I finally have your attention, can we talk about Kyros?”
“What about him?”
“Why are you sending him to that Afro Centric school?” She asked. “He’s needs to be in a more diverse atmosphere.”
Khalil frowned at her. “You went to an HBCU. What the hell are you talking about?”
Corvus rolled his eyes and looked away.
“That’s exactly why I’m concerned,” Melody began. “Surrounding yourself with one culture of people limits your ability to network.”
Khalil lifted a brow. “You have lost your damn mind.”
He turned to her. “Let me tell you something, the only thing that limits our people from the ability to network is the brainwashing that came along with the end of a damn whip! That separatist house negro, field negro mentality was created for that very purpose, to keep us divided and under control.”
Corvus shook his head because she’d lit Khalil’s fire and there were no extinguishers in sight.
“We’re not in slavery any more Khalil, in case you haven’t noticed,” Melody told him.
“Thousands of slaves were freed, and thousands more could have been, if only they’d known they were slaves,” Khalil responded.
Melody frowned. “Are you calling me a slave?”
“I guess that Black college education was worth something,” he commented and turned back to the window.
“Was it Khalil?” Melody challenged. “You could’ve been renowned worldwide with your intelligence, but you settled to work in a community center in the hood!”
“Aw shit,” Corvus mumbled under his breath then put a hand to his head.
Khalil turned back to her with angry eyes. “My life is none of your damn business, but since you want to go there, okay. Let’s see…I’ve done what I wanted to do in life. I’ve raised MY son, and built in MY city, for MY people. What the fuck have you done Melody?”
“You didn’t finish college, you walked away from your child and now you’re chasing after some disturbed ass dude who’s possibly after your son, trying to get him to marry your ass!” Khalil finished.
Malachi looked up from his computer at the pair. Glancing at Melody, he shook his head and returned to work. Corvus focused on the screen in front of him because there was no way in hell he was interfering in this one. Melody had written this check and her ass was about to cash it.
Melody turned away and stared at the seat in front of her. “This is why I walked away. You don’t know how to treat a woman.”
Corvus frowned and looked over at Malachi.
Khalil nodded. “I agree. I only know how to treat a Queen.”
“Damn…” Corvus
said putting a hand to his mouth.
“Spencer said he was worried about what Kyros was learning from you,” Melody said looking him over.
“Spencer’s only concern now is staying alive.”
She frowned. “I’m concerned too. I don’t want him to mimic your penchant for trying to dominate people.”
Khalil looked at her. “You’d rather he’d be dominated by dudes like Spencer? You want him to cower and bow down to his own systematic demise?”
“Everything is not black and white Khalil!” Melody argued.
“If you believe that, then you’re a fool.” Khalil told her simply.
Her eyes narrowed. “No, you’re the fool. What has all this Black First gotten you, huh?”
“Oh you think because the white boy flies you in First Class and puts you up in expensive hotels, he’s doing something?” he questioned. “You can trace every dollar he spends back to the exploitation of black people, I guarantee you.”
“You know what Black First has gotten me Melody? Respect and honor.” He answered. “See, the Black Queen respects and honors me because I know who I am. I don’t have to impress her with only material things…” He smirked. “I have many ways.”
Melody glared at him. “I swear, you’re such a…”
“Stop, this won’t get any better if you keep talking,” he warned. “I’m not going to sit here and let you disrespect me in any way, especially when you have no ground to stand on. You’re not going to question how I live my life, how I raise my son or anything else.”
“You haven’t held back your opinion on my life!” she snapped.
“You’ve involved me in your life,” Khalil corrected. “I couldn’t care less what you do but when it includes my son, then hell yeah, you’re going to hear ALL of my opinions.”
She folded her arms. “Let’s just get to New York. I hope this is all a misunderstanding and we can just get past this and go on with our lives.”
“The fact that I’m on this plane Melody, and I’ve left everything I love behind to deal with this situation, is an indication that I don’t think that’s going to be the case.”
******
“So Miss Thang, how was your weekend?” Toya asked Danielle over the phone.
