by King, Deja
Sosa stopped fooling around and returned to her seat, while Emilia pulled the photographs from her purse and spread it across the oak coffee table. Emilia pointed her finger at the pictures and Semaj looked down at them.
“Fuck y’all got a picture of this bitch for?” Semaj asked, irritated at the mere sight of her face as she picked up the photo. It was a picture of Gabe and a girl, the chick looked like Paris. Confusion swept over her. “This must be some joke or something?”
“When we were in Jamaica I could’ve sworn I seen this bitch. I was staring at the broad so hard ‘cause I remember deading her myself. So when I got back I had to go through the flicks of our victims. Then this what I find. You know we had some of our henchmen following her for a minute before we got Paris’ ass just to make sure it was the right chick, because I remember Gio saying she had a twin.”
“Gio said something about you didn’t wanna put nobody else in it so we just got at Paris,” Sosa joined in an added. “I wanted to murk both them bitches though.”
“I never knew Paris knew Gabe. How do she know him?” Semaj said to no one in particular.
“What you know about the sister?” Marcela asked. “Is she in the streets?”
“From what I know the chick is corny. But what I want to know is what she doing in Jamaica?” Semaj asked, perplexed.
“My point exactly. That’s why I looked back at the snapshots we had taken of her. And learned that one of the sister’s had been kicking straight bo-bos with Gabe. We don’t know which one of them it is because the bitches is really identical,” Sosa said. “Now the Paris chick sister all in Jamaica surrounded by hustlers and goons. What got me tripping is how Gabe was with these same
Jamaican mu’fuckas. Did the sister know Gabe too or something?” she probed. “Did they fuck around?”
“Paris never really talked about her sister, so I really can’t say. But from what I do know she didn’t date street niggas. Vega told me, because he used to date the chick. She refused to get serious with a dopeboy though and left him alone. That’s when Paris started doing that crazy shit I was telling y’all about. Faking like she was her twin sister.”
“Ain’t this some real movie shit?” LuLu chimed in. “I say we just kill the sister too. Just because this shit don’t sound right.”
“If it don’t sound right it ain’t right. So what you suggest for us to do, Maj?” Emilia asked.
“You already know. Send someone to take care of the job. Make it clean though and they ain’t gotta torture the broad or nothing. They say she wasn’t an evil bitch like her sister,” she said, venom in her voice. The thought of Paris infuriated Semaj. “I hate even discussing anything to do with that snake ass bitch and I don’t want to continue this conversation.”
“Now that we got that understood. What’s up with expanding to England?” Sosa asked.
“I don’t know. That is a huge step to take and y’all know London ain’t my favorite place. Nothing good came from that trip last time but my connection, so I’m not really sure.” Semaj shook her head. “Something about the town gives me an eerie feeling. The crazy thing is sometimes it could be a good feeling then next bad. Shit is mad weird.”
“Well, now that you establishing a working relationship with the Queen ain’t shit to worry about. She connected like the interstate and muthafuckas know not to cross her.”
“She trusts you enough to have private sit-downs with you and everything. The Queen normally don’t do no shit like that unless she’s known you for years. Might as well take her up on her offer. We ain’t got nothing to lose, but everything to gain in the process.” Emilia said. “Dial her up.”
Semaj nodded her head in agreement and dialed Valentina’s overseas number.
Valentina greeted her as soon as she answered the phone, “Semaj? I thought you’d never call. How’s everything? I heard we’ve finally got our man.”
“Yeah, we’ve finally got ‘em. We’re just waiting for him to wake from his coma. Because of your help, I can sleep better at night and I wanted to thank you for that. But I also wanted to speak with you regarding that offer you proposed. Is the offer still on the table?” she asked, getting straight to the point.
“It never left. I can set something up for you out there immediately. I already have a few people that you can link up with and you can take it from there. With Pelpa gone I’ve been losing out on a lot of money.”
“No need to worry about that any longer. I’ll make it happen for you. I owe you big time. Thank you.”
“You don’t owe me anything but your loyalty, Semaj. With that I’m paid in full,” Valentina stated with sincerity. “Everything will be set up for you upon arrival from housing to transportation.”
“Again, thanks for everything and I’ll be in touch.” She said before hanging up and then turned to her cousins. “Don’t just stare mu’fuckas. Get yourselves together we got a plane to catch. It’s time to see what some of these British pounds be looking like, baby.”
London, England
Quasim sat at his office desk that overlooked his nightspot Club America and dragged from a thin cigar. He’d accomplished a lot in the Kingdom, seeing more money than he had ever seen in all of his days of hustling back home. No one other than Quasim had come to town and taken over like he had. His confiscation of territory had been an easy one, especially with his man Nasah wiping out everyone who resisted partnership, although little to none refused his business proposition. It was too good an offer to turn down and the Londoners were hungry. The British dopeboys dug his hustling strategy, because they had been small time balling until Quasim brought a hustle across the globe that had them eating good.
Quasim arose and walked over to the picturesque glass front window where he could see all of the activity of his upscale club. Quasim had to admit, he was even impressed at how immaculate that place was. The floors were made of white marble, and the walls were made of white porcelain which gave the feel of being on a cloud. But even with Quasim possessing everything in the world a man could want—money, power, respect, it held no value because he wanted the woman. It all meant nothing without Semaj sharing it with him.
She had said that she’d hit him up, but hadn’t and for some reason he felt that she wouldn’t. It was a blow to his heart. I thought we was gonna try again, this time slow, Quasim thought. But Semaj was gone again, and from where he was he felt as if he’d never see her again until she unknowingly walked through his club’s door and—
Semaj, Emilia and Sosa led the way as they entered the nightclub, the remaining Milano Hitters behind them. The rest of Semaj’s entourage was bodyguards. The girls walked over to the reserved VIP booth solely sectioned off for them.
“This mu’fucka a’ight. Looks like some shit back home for real,” Sosa said as she leaned to whisper into Semaj’s ear and followed behind the club’s escorts that led them to their private booths. The tables were filled with bottles of champagne and the girls sat down at the booth in the corner and waited on the man Semaj was there to see. They had to make sure that they had a clear view of the club, so they were aware of their surroundings.
Semaj sat back watching as most of the women in the club flocked toward the door. She laughed, remembering the days when she sought ballers, and already had a feeling that the women were waiting on the kid that she was there to discuss business with.
“You looking hard. Thought the trip wasn’t about that nigga?” Semaj teased as she sipped on the bottled water. “I see you squinting your eyes and shit.”
Sosa smacked her lips, and a beam of guilt spread across her face. Her cheeks flushed and her mocha skin looked as if it had been kissed by roses.
“Bitch trying to play like she ain’t checking for the nigga. I know this shit is business but, him being in charge is just an added perk for your ‘lil hot ass!” Semaj laughed as she nodded her head to the beat and watched as the man approached them.
Nasah wasn’t the flashy type dude and didn’t rock an
y jewels, leaving his boyish features and laid back demeanor mysterious. His under the radar appearance would have the average eye never guessing his role, but gangster recognize gangster and that’s what Nasah was.
Nasah formed a slight smirk when he saw Sosa surrounded by her girls. He grabbed a bottle of champagne from the moving waitress before approaching their table. He was actually shocked to see her. “So, you really are the Sosa to see huh?” he said excitedly in a thick Cockney accent.
“Nah, I told you I’m me,” she said sassy but sexily. “This is my people. She’s the one you’ll be dealing with. If you cross her then I’d be the one you’ll deal with. Feel me?” Her voice even and serious. “This is my cousin, Semaj Milano,” she said as she waved her hand toward her cousin. They often introduced Semaj by the family’s surname to avoid any confusion.
Nasah kissed Semaj’s hand respectfully and then said bluntly, “My man might wanna wife you. Not cop from you,” he acknowledged, taking in her feminine allure with a touch of coldness that would make any true hustler want her on his team. Nasah had known about some of the situations Quasim had back in the States, but without names he barely knew a thing. Quasim was careful with what he shared with anyone. Although he fully trusted Nasah, he didn’t want to chance being discovered, so he kept many things to himself. Nasah was almost certain that his man would be checking for the half-Dominican beauty though. “My people will escort you upstairs to discuss business,” Nasah told her.
“I thought I’ll be rapping with you. ‘Sup with this other shit?” Semaj asked with skepticism.
He laughed lightly, liking how she cut through the bullshit and got straight to the point. “I’m the one who controls pick-ups and our turf. Who you’re about to meet handles the connections. Don’t worry, you’ll get along with him fine. That nigga don’t trust a soul either. So I know y’all will get along perfectly.” Semaj nodded and he said, “Joell shoot her upstairs to the boss.”
What is she doing here, Quasim thought completely surprised, as his eyes followed Semaj to the VIP section in the rear of the club. Disappointment crossed his face as he attempted to keep his sights on her. He could barely see the incomings and outgoings because they were placed in an area so far back. He was straining his vision. This plug needs to come the fuck on, so I can search for baby girl. Fuck taking this mufucka so long, he thought impatiently as he checked the time every other second.
Quasim’s goon lightly knocked on his door but it had gone unheard because he had been so focused on keeping his eyes on the section Semaj was in, but had no idea she had slipped from his view only to be walking into his office. “Your party has arrived,” Joell said as he ushered Semaj inside. She took a seat on the opposite side of the executive desk.
Her potential buyer stood behind the plush leather chair with his back turned toward her as he stared through the glass front. The smoke from his cigar danced in the air, annoying the hell out of Semaj. Fuck this nigga think I am? Trying to get down to business and he probably eyeing these hoes. The Nasah nigga gotta be mad bugging to think I’ma get with this dude. Never mix business with pleasure, she thought to herself. It was as if she’d eaten her words and chocked on them when Quasim turned around to face her.
Semaj looked at him and was at a loss for words. She couldn’t believe it. Here she had tried to erase all memories and escape every thought of Quasim only to be across the country and run into him. She sucked in air as she prepared an explanation, but stared at him unable to find the right words to say. The chemistry between their gaze was magnetic. She was so struck she had forgotten to exhale, leaving her chest swelled.
Finally she was able to speak and said, “I’m so sorry that I haven’t gotten back to you, Quasim. I have every intention of setting up that meeting with you and Gio. Maybe I was taking my time, because I wasn’t ready to talk to you about us.” Semaj turned away for a second feeling herself getting weak as her eyes got lost in Quasim’s stare. “You know as deep as our feelings run for each other, it’ll never work between us. Our love is forbidden.”
Quasim stood there with a vacant gaze in his eyes. Semaj usually had the ability to read Quasim, but this time she was unsure what he was thinking which made her want to put her guard up, but as ruthless as Semaj had become her soul was still soft for Quasim. “Don’t tell me you involved in the family business,” he finally said breaking his silence. “Please, tell me this is some sick joke you’re playing, right?”
Semaj shook her head no, implying that she was the head of the Milano family business without actually having to say it. He already knew. It was obvious and there was no way to hide it. Both of his hands shot to his head as he shook it from side to side. “This life is not for you, Maj.”
“This what I’m on now, Qua. This is all I know. Life has fucked me over so many times. Every time I tried to do right, fate came through and let me know the joke is on me. Over and over, I lost the people I love most. My mother, my father, my auntie, my. my son and then my husband. He backstabbed me for this same shit, Qua. So I understand what you mean, but there is no other way for me to live. This is all I’ve known for a long time. I’ve learned to accept the good and the bad as it comes.”
“You deserve better than this shit,” he said, his eyes filled with sadness.
“There isn’t a better life in the cards for me. I don’t know if it’s crazy, but I love this life. I love the power. I love how it makes me feel. I can’t lie to you. That’s why I said I learned to take the good with the bad and when my day comes that they put me in the dirt I just hope they bury me a real bitch.”
“You think living this life make you a real bitch? You can’t be serious,” he stated, his head shaking from side to side.
“Yes I am serious. This is who I have become now, Quasim,” Semaj replied truthfully.
“You have to get out. Your grandfather will let you walk away. You had so much potential. I can make a few phone calls to Al-B and you can get back into the movie world. You have options. Promise me you’re going to walk away. I can’t knowingly let you lead a life of self-destruction. This is a man’s game. You gotta get out.”
“I just can’t,” Semaj admitted. “In this world you come in on your feet but you leave out in a coffin. Me personally, wouldn’t have it no other way. I breathe for the mob. This is my life,” she quoted her mother. “This me Qua. I can’t change that.”
“Baby girl, this ain’t a Scarface movie. The director can’t yell cut and stop that bullet from putting you six feet under. You ready to die for this shit? Huh? When you in this life, everyday death is knocking on your door, quote that shit.”
“I hear everything you saying, Quasim, but I’m good with my decision. I don’t want to die, but I ain’t scared of it no more.
Burying your child will do that to you. The Semaj you knew doesn’t exist anymore…she’s dead. She died when she had to bury her son. This mob shit is what breathed life back into me. It gave me a reason to live again. I’m alive because I am the Mafia Princess.”
Quasim had to admit to himself that the Semaj he fell in love with no longer existed. She was now simply a memory that he would have to hold on to. The woman standing before him was void of any innocence and not a drop of remorse ran through her blood. It was actually a tragic sight. Semaj was in too deep. There was no doubt in his mind that she would ride-or-die for the family business.
Quasim had wanted better for her. He had never planned on leaving the game, but when Semaj entered his life it made him want to change his ways for the better. He wanted to give her a better life. Seeing how fucked up it had been, Quasim decided to leave his lifestyle behind and marry the woman of his dreams. For her only, Quasim was willing to let it all go. Their future had seemed so bright back then, and visions of her becoming a top actress flooded his brain and him as a legitimate business man crept in his mind. It would have been so perfect, so beautiful and a happy ending. But that all changed when fate had forced them apart and Quasim learned she was par
tly responsible for the death of his father.
Even with that information Quasim still believed that there was a chance they could start over and make it work. But now he realized that Semaj had fully transitioned into a woman creating her own life. She was the Milano Princess and rocked hard with the Milano Hitters and he could only imagine the deadly combination. With Gio having no sons left, and no longer directly involved in the game, it was inevitable that Semaj would eventually step up. Her mother had, and unlike the golden years of the mafia, the wives and daughters weren’t just playing the back. Many had become implicated in the mob business.
Despite what she had become, it didn’t make Quasim love her any less. She was no longer the misguided young girl that he
needed to mold. She had become a powerful businesswoman.
“Semaj, I can’t judge you on anything that you do. I understand that you’re not supposed to speak about it and I’ll never question you on your family business. If this is the life you’ve chosen then so be it. But damn this shit crazy,” he said, still taken aback by her presence.
“’What’s crazy, me being your new connect?” She joked, but it was obvious that it was the truth.
“So basically you telling me the deal is a go?”
“Don’t worry Qua. I’ll have a talk with my grandfather soon enough. That problem of yours won’t even exist here soon.”
“You got it like that now huh, big shot?” he teased as they exchanged pleasant smiles. Quasim still had the ability to melt her heart with just his smile and his intoxicating scent hadn’t changed either. When Quasim stepped forward and kissed Semaj gently she couldn’t resist him. So she kissed him back.
“Do you think we should try this thing again? I want us to fall in love like we did before,” he said in between their lips touching.
“Even when I was married I still loved you. I’ve never stopped loving you,” she confessed. “Since the day we met I’ve fell in love with you and haven’t fallen out. I…I just…I just was too weak to be alone. I thought you were dead and I needed someone to love me, so that eventually our love could fade away someday. That day never came. But now you are here. I’m here. We’re here together,” she whispered, knowing that there was no way that she could be without him.
