#author p

Final Part 1 of 3

I’m a big Steppa – Flow Millie

Recollection

Laurent’s POV

I awoke with every part of my body aching. The last thing I remember is my wife pointing a gun at me. Things went dark after that. I struggled to open my eyes, wincing at the pain as it traveled throughout my body with each thought of movement I have.

As my senses started to come back, I can hear the beeping machines and people talking around me. I waited for my double vision to clear and tried to calm my breathing. I am not familiar with none of the voices I hear.

I had to quickly weigh my options and decide against moving to escape as I waited for my body to calm down from the pain.

“He is coming out of the coma, let’s make sure we continue to ease him off the anesthesia”

“let’s make sure we keep the tracheostomy intact as he is still going in and out of consciousness”

“Notify Mrs. Bourgeois that her husband is awake” Is the last thing I heard before I went back into slumber.

I awoke sometime later to the face of an angel. Was I in heaven? It never occurred to me that I wouldn’t make it into heaven, but I know God stay side-eyeing me.

“Hi” Was whispered from her lips.

I wanted to return the greeting but realized I had something blocking me from speaking. I remember the doctor mentioning something about me needing assistance to breathe.

As I continued to come too, I noticed that the pain I had was not as bad as when I first woke.

“Don’t” she stated firmly as she read my mind. She knew that once I realized I could move that I will rip all this shit off me so that I can protect us at any cost.

“This is a safe location” She hesitated out the next words “I..I brought you here”

Just then, I remembered. I remembered that my baby shot me.

I saw a quick moment of guilt in her eyes, then it quickly went away.

“What have I created,” I thought to myself.

“Our son needs you” She responded as she noticed the glimmer in my eyes signifying that I remembered the events that got me here.

“I don’t regret shooting you, but I will regret saving you if you think things will go back to how they were” She spoke with confidence.

“Don’t mistake this gesture for a chance to test me” She grimaced out.

Several weeks later….

“Boss, we are happy to have you back”

“Back? I never left” I stated with a grimace as I continued to focus on instilling fear back into what was left of my team. My wife really did some damage. She managed to put fear in my team that I never could. I had to start over as I couldn’t have them fearing my wife more than me.

I shook my head with a smirk. I created a monster.

I wasn’t fully healed from the bullet wound that barely missed my heart, but I would never let anyone see my weakness.

I popped a pain killer when needed and kept it moving.

In addition to losing my team to my wife, we constantly battled for power. We fought for power during the day and made love at night. She put up a tough wall but, in the bedroom, she is in my territory, and I haven’t lost a battle yet.

“Has my wife left for her meeting?”

“No sir, she is scheduled to leave within the next hour”

I pushed him out the way as I headed down to my wife’s office. He gracefully fell to the ground as he knew not to show any type of reaction to me. It was almost as if he thanked me for pushing him.

I caught her just as she was exiting her office.

“I thought you were leaving in an hour”

“No, your team thinks I’m leaving in an hour” She stated with a poker face.

Fuck, she is in business mode. Probably going to fuck some shit up.

The way she outsmarts my team is starting to get embarrassing.

“Baby, can we talk?”

“I have business to handle, Lau” She stated with no type of emotion towards me.

At that moment her guards moved as if they were closing in on me to do something if I continued to hold her up.

I looked around as if they were approaching someone else, anyone else, because surely, they are not approaching me.

“One more move and I will take you both out with your own guns before you even realize what is happening” I gritted out. They looked to my wife, and she waived them away. They left only after her command.

“Damn, I created a monster I chuckled out”

She didn’t laugh because it was true.

“I need five minutes” I stated in a serious tone. No matter how hard she acted, she knew when I was serious that it would be a struggle if she planned to ignore me.

She opened the door to her office and led the way in.

“First, Nay, what the fuck you wearing? You going to do business dressed like that?”

“You planning too..”

“Don’t try it!” she spat out as she knows what I am going to say next.

‘I’m sorry baby but you know I don’t like it when you dress like that to be around other men”

“Dressed like what?” she grimaced.

I sighed. I didn’t want to make this more of an argument than it already is. “Like, you are sharing what is mine with someone else” I didn’t care if she thinks I’m insecure, because I am when it comes to her. I’ve always been that way when it comes to my baby.

“You are full of shit! I wear what the fuck I want, and you know that. No matter how sexy I am the men around me know they will never get this pussy” She stated with a heightened shrug.

“They better not” I gritted out.

She shook her head and sighed. “Lau, what do you want?”

“Look what you do to me” I quickly changed the subject as I used my hand to put emphasis on my growing groin area.

She rolled her eyes and moved to leave.

I gently grabbed her arm and she jerked away from me. “I don’t have time for your shit!” She yelled out.

“Baby” I cooed as I gently approached her and caressed her cheeks.

“Can you take care of daddy?” I pleaded in the sexiest voice I could muster up.

Once I felt the tension leave her cheeks, I knew that I had her. She went into her office bathroom and grabbed two towels for clean-up.

I went to her desk and sat in her chair which immediately reduced the pressure on my back. Was her chair better than mine? I questioned as she decorated both of our offices.

She gently and seductively lowered her body in front of me as her knees met the plush pink carpet that adorned her office floor.

She carefully draped one of the towels around her neck and shoulder to protect her outfit and gave me the other towel to hold while she went to work.

My mouth began to water as I got excited about feeling the warmth of hers.

“Nay” I whimpered out as she loosened my pants and reached in to pull my dick out.

Each time her hand touched my skin, my body shivered. She made me so sensitive.

She slowly allowed my dick to slide into her mouth, staring at me with seductive eyes as she absorbed inch by inch until the tip of my dick reached deep into her esophagus.

When she paused and just let my dick sit in her throat as saliva gathered, I almost lost it.

“Ba..baaby” I stuttered out as I refrained from tugging her hair too hard and messing up her look.

I didn’t want to temp doing anything that will make her stop.

She began to stroke my dick with her mouth, I lost perception as my eyes rolled to the back of my head.

‘Fuck, Nay!” I yelled out as she picked up her pace.

I pulled out and got ready to grab the towel that I placed next to me in her chair. Instead, I yanked the towel she used to protect her outfit as I closed my eyes and released on her dress.

I opened my eyes to see two piercing daggers looking at me.

It took everything in me not to smirk. I told her I didn’t want her wearing that shit around anybody but me.

“You’re a fucking asshole!” She yelled out.

I shrugged. “Baby, you can change into something else” My smirk forced its way out.

“I should’ve finished the job” She gritted out.

I clutched my chest as I knew she was referencing shooting me.

“You love me too much” I cooed as I got up and held out my hand to help her up and noticed my juices sliding down her chest onto her dress. I grabbed the other towel and attempted to clean her off.

“Don’t!” She yelped as she exited her office to go clean up and change.

Present day

Laurent’s POV

I woke from my sleep as the plane experienced some turbulence. It irritated me that my dream was interrupted. I missed my baby. I smiled reminiscing on those times. It took a lot for us to get to where we are now. Eventually, we calmed down enough to fall deeper in love and vowed to leave the past in the past.

I looked over at what was left of my team as they continued to confirm coordinates.

I found where my wife is being held. Actually, they reached out to me threatening to take her out if I didn’t comply with turning over my empire. They just don’t know, I’ve had this threat before, and it did not end well for detective Stacy, and it won’t end well for whoever is behind this. If one hair is out of place their death will be slow and painful instead of quick.

I plan to play along until I can secure my wife’s safety, after that it will be a bloodbath. An unmerciful one. I love it when my opponents underestimate me. Thinking I only have a team in Paris. They will soon find out that this is not the case.

My wife and I expanded farther than they could ever imagine. We good in any hood and can back up our threats, everyone knows us, we are worldwide. 

Angel’s POV

It’s been a few weeks since Laurent barged into our home, and we agreed to keep Ry safe. He is with my kids safe and away from harm. My husband and I are still on pins and needles, but we know we have to go through with this. Larry still wants me to back out. Especially, when I broke down crying after I found out Anaya is pregnant while being held in captivity. I made my husband promise no harm would come to her as it was not in the plan.

I remember the chilling call he got and put on speaker phone

 “We have his wife; she is feisty and has killed a few of my best men”

“We are starving her until she learns some sense. We know this will work since she is pregnant and doesn’t want to lose her baby, I’m sure” One of the men spoke coldly into the phone.

“What!” My husband yelled out. Quickly taking a breath to adjust his tone as he remembered we made a deal with the devil.

“I mean that is not a part of the plan” He calmly stated.

“Larry, whom do you think is running things?” The person on the other end of the phone gritted out.

“That’s not what I paid for” my husband gritted out.

“Watch your tone, Nigga”

“We will go ahead and feed that bitch but if she kills another one of my men by trying to escape it’s over for her…and you”

I swallowed hard at the promise in the voice of the person on the other line.

“Also, the price just went up. I want double your remaining balance” He stated before hanging up.

I looked up at my husband with watery eyes. He knew this would happen. I would be too weak to stomach this plan.

My husband interrupted my daydream as he barged into our room with a look on his face, I couldn’t explain but I knew what it meant. The plan is fully in action, and he will have to leave me soon to make sure it gets carried out.

“Larry, I’m coming with you”

“No, baby I won’t involve you in this part”

“You don’t have a choice” I calmly stated letting him know I will not let him go alone.

Lesedi’s POV

It’s been a week since I willed my body to move and left the hospital. I’m not sure my parents know as I told the hospital I feared for my safety and to keep my release confidential. I know it didn’t work as my uncle probably threatened them, but I haven’t heard from anyone so maybe they felt bad for me enough to hold off for now. My uncle’s guards left without a word and left my sister to me to care for. I don’t know what the fuck is going on but I’ve never seen his guards disobey him.

I was able to call my girl Adalene to come and get my sister. Me and Adalene have our issues, but I knew she would take care of my sister because she still loves me.

Chapter 10

Larry’s POV

I took a deep breath before I opened the door. I slowly exhaled as I began to unlatch the locks making sure to have my hand on the trigger of my gun before I turn the knob to open the door.

As I opened the door while brandishing my gun, I quickly noticed that he did not come alone. I expected him not to be alone, but I did not expect to see my nephew, Ryland, standing behind him looking away from my direction. I quickly placed my gun out of his sight before he could see it, but it was too late for my brother not to notice. He let out a sly grin before he spoke.

“Ryland say hello to your uncle Larry” he spoke out. At that moment, Ryland turned around with enthusiastic eyes that said he was happy to see me.

“Uncle Larry!” My nephew sang out.

I let out a low sigh while thinking to myself what kind of game is he playing with his own son?

“Can we come in?” My brother asked with a straight face. I wanted to say no but looking out at his team beginning to surround my home, I figured it would be best to attempt to play along. Also, I couldn’t turn my nephew away.

I stepped aside as Ryland was the first one to quickly walk in. I know that he is probably looking for his cousin’s to be here. I wish they were to keep him company and give him some normalcy but I’m also happy that they aren’t here so that I know they will stay safe.

As my brother attempted to follow behind Ry, I held out my arm slightly to halt his movement.

He looked at me like I was crazy.

“You sure you want to do this?” He spoke out and I immediately knew what he meant. He wanted to confirm if I really wanted to fight him in front of his son, with his team as back up. I could only think of Angel and my first thought was if I lost, what would they do to her?

I removed my arm to let him pass. I looked out at his team secretly dispersing around my house with a mug that let them know that I wasn’t as scared as they assumed me to be. I will fight, even if I lose. That would’ve been the case if I was here alone but not today since my wife is here.

“Ry, go and find your cousins” My twin commanded. I can tell that he was stressed. The façade he put on at the door was fading fast.

“They are not here” I quickly responded. “Ry, your aunt’s in the kitchen” I followed up and then watched him run into the kitchen. I heard Angel let out a yelp of surprise and then asked Ry to come and give her a hug.

It’s amazing how we can still act like we are a normal family for the sake of the children.

Angel walked out of the kitchen leaving Ry to gather the ingredients from what I heard her mention to bake some chocolate chip cookies. Knowing my nephew, he would make those cookies his own by adding a few extra ingredients.

“Lau” My baby gritted out addressing my twin. I could tell that she was trying to show strength on the outside but on the inside I’m sure she was panicking like me to the room full of silent unknowns between all three of us as we stood staring at each other.

Not long ago, I was sharing the heartbreaking plan with my wife that involved my twin’s wife. What if he knew? I was sure that the team I worked with was careful. They are the best and known to be the best but so is my twin. He could be here to even the playing field by taking my wife.

“Angel” My twin returned the cold greeting back to my wife.

“If you think!” I stepped in front of my wife to cut her off. We did not need to escalate things with Ry in the kitchen or if it meant that my wife will be put in harm’s way.

“Baby, please go and help Ry. Please?” I further begged with my eyes. She let out an exasperated sigh and I knew exactly why. Just last night we agreed that we were in this together and I’m already excluding her.

She left the room, but her energy remained. I picked it up and finished what my wife started as I spoke to my twin in a low harsh tone.

“What the fuck do you think you are doing coming to my home, surrounding it with your fucking team! You’re not scaring anyone!” I almost yelled out but regained control of my tone before I could disturb the innocent people in the kitchen.

My twin raised an eyebrow, seemingly unmoved by my outburst.

“I don’t’ want my son to hear this” He responded and for a moment, I saw vulnerability in his eyes. It was short lived, and I almost didn’t believe that I saw it. I nodded towards the door that led to our basement where my studio and the kids game room was located.

I let him lead the way as I followed. I didn’t feel comfortable having him walk behind me.

Once we reached my dance studio, I turned to my twin as he sat down on a couch.

“you got the floor” I gritted out in the harshest tone. I still had my gun tucked in the back of my jeans. Knowing my twin, he knew it was there too and I’m sure he did not come here empty handed.

  He chuckled before he let out a grunt. I could tell that he did not want to have this conversation. Whatever he needs to talk about will show a side of him that he doesn’t want me to see. I can tell.

“you are getting real bold twin, I’m proud” he continued as I stared straight through him.

“Look” He took another moment to pause before he spoke again. “You are going to do something for me and I’m not asking”

I jumped up and attempted to pull my gun from behind me but before I could stand up good my twin was on me and had me in a headlock. I struggled to break free, cursing myself for not being more calculated in my moves. As much as I despised my twin, he always had better control of his emotions.

“Lau, you got two seconds to let me go or”

“Or what!” He spat in my ear.

Suddenly, he was on the floor and I was free of his hold. It happened so fast that he had a moment of shock on his face.

“Or next time I won’t go easy on you” I stated as I pulled my gun out and held it at my side.

He chuckled and held his hands up in a false sense of surrender as he stood back up. I felt a sense of accomplishment and control. There will not be anything that I will be doing for him today or ever.

His chuckles turned into an evil grin as he points to his ear. Then I realized that he was still able to communicate with his team. “Fuck!” I cursed.

“Right, behave or she will be dead before you can get up those stairs” 

It took everything in me to hold in the rage I was feeling right now.

“Now, if there will be no more interruptions” He continued.

“As I was saying, you will do something for me and if you fail at this, I will have no mercy for you or your family.”

“Likewise.” I stated letting him know that if something was to happen to my family mercy would not be in my vocabulary either.

“I need you to keep Ry safe” there was a pause and a brief moment of silence between us.

“What?” I questioned more to myself than to him thinking that if anyone could keep his son safe it should be him.

“I have some “things” to take care of and right now my son will be safest with you since those “things” know that we do not like each other and would not suspect my son to be here.

I had to keep my composure. I was able to read between the lines. Those “things” he mentioned were people, my people, my team that I hired. That meant that the plan is working, and he doesn’t have many options left. I know that the team he has with him today is all that he has left.

My brother was good at hiding his emotions, but his eyes were starting to give in. He doesn’t know where Anaya is, and it is killing him. He needs me to keep Ry safe so that he can focus on his wife.

“I nodded slowly” Thinking to myself that I need to agree to keep my wife alive. I also will feel better sending my nephew to safety with my kids.

Angel’s POV

I was on edge and Ry sensed it as I made many mistakes to a simple chocolate chip cookie recipe.

“auntie, are you okay?” Ry asked with genuine concern in his little innocent heart.

“Yes, Ry Ry. I’m just a little tired”

“Auntie, you sit down. I got this he chuckled out” reminding me of my husband with his laugh. Just like Sedi had a lot of Lau’s traits, Ry picked up a lot of Larry’s without even being around him much.

Several moments ago, I saw my husband follow his twin down the stairs to our basement. I don’t know what Lau wants or is here for. I don’t like the idea of my husband being along in the basement with him.

I sat down on pins and needles, pretending to watch Ry as I waited for my husband to reappear unsafe and unharmed.

Laurent’s POV

I know my twin didn’t want to help. I could see it in his eyes. That is why I didn’t ask and commanded his cooperation.

“I will do this Lau but only because I love Ry. You got some nerve when my son is in the hospital because of your influence.” He spat out.

I held my hands up. I couldn’t argue with that point he was right, but I had nothing to do with my nephew getting shot. I didn’t care to explain that to my twin as it would be a waste of time.

It seems that his anger grew after that, so I pointed to my earpiece to remind him of what is at stake and begin to leave the basement and head back up the stairs to say goodbye to my son, for now.

My mind was all over the place. I wouldn’t imagine what my wife was going through. I received bits and prices of info from my remaining team. She was taken but we don’t know by who or why. No demands nor ransom. We only received brief confirmation that she is still alive.

I hated to have to come to my twin for help, but I must make sure my son is safe and if none of my enemies would suspect that I came to my twin for help. They all know that he is my enemy too.

I just know that if she is harmed there will be a bloodbath for all those involved. There will be one anyway just for taking her. I’m ready for war. I will do whatever I need to make sure she is home safe, even if that means I don’t make it.

“Ry” I called out as I reached to top of the stairs.

“yes, papa!” he yelled in response. I walked into the kitchen where Angel continued to give me the coldest stare. I wondered if I need to be more afraid of her because my twin was easy to handle but Angel was a bit of a mystery and sneaky like me.

I shook it off.

“Ry, you going to stay with your Aunt and uncle for a while. Mommy and daddy have some business to take care of”

“Where is mommy?” I wasn’t expecting that question, especially in front of Angel. I saw her move in her seat.

I squinted my eyes at her before I responded to my son.

“Mommy is home, I’m on my way to meet her” I lied to my son. It’s sad to say that in this line of business lying to him has become easy for me to not only him but everyone.

“Can I talk to her on the phone? Mommy always say goodbye to me if I will not see her for a little while”

“I will tell her to call you when I get home. But in the meantime, I want you to be good for your aunt and uncle and listen to them, okay?

“yes, papa”

I gave my son a hug and kiss and then headed out the front door holding back tears that I did not want my team to see. I have to get my family back to together and keep them safe by any means necessary.

  Anaya’s POV

“Bitch, you try that shit again and we won’t give a fuck that you are pregnant!”

The leader of this so-called gang spat at me as we both stood over two of his men that are dead at my hands. This was my second attempt escaping. I knew after the first attempt to escape that they must’ve had orders to keep me alive and they must’ve come from someone very powerful to allow me to kill members of their team twice with no repercussions. Five men dead by my pregnant hands and I’m still alive.

“Get her out of my face” He spat to his team as they roughly dragged me away.

“No meals for today” he followed up by threatening to starve my baby. No worries I had a plan for that. I never ate all of my food and stashed items like juices, crackers and jerky because they had better shelf life. I specifically asked for those types of foods for that reason. I knew that starving me and my baby would be one of their torture tactics, but they were rookies and didn’t catch on to any of my calculated plans. That is why I was able to attempt to escape twice.

I knew that I would need to play my cards right for my next escape attempt. Although they were rookies, they were starting to Catch on. I also know that I may meet my match and not win the fights against all of them.

I was thrown back into my holding room. I shot a bird at the two men before they closed me back in. They reinforced the locks. I went to look for my food and tools used to escape, and they were gone.

“Fuck!”

Chapter nine.

Angel’s POV

My husband and I must’ve stared at each other for what seemed like hours, only for it to be a few intense moments.

I cleared my throat “I’m in” I repeated clearly and more confidently than the few moments before.

“My love” He sighed out through tired lips. He wouldn’t fight me on this. He couldn’t

“So, we will go over everything once you get out of the shower” I almost demanded, wanting to keep my emotions in check.

Anaya’s POV

I let out a sigh out into silent and dull room they have placed me in for the last several hours.

“Fuck” I hissed put. How did I let this happen?

I’m angrier with myself than the people on the other side of this door. 

All I could think about is getting back to my child, husband and protecting the love that is growing in my belly.

I don’t want to fathom what my husband is going through right now.

Laurent’s POV

“This way Ava” I shook my head as my wife did not pick up after I called her for the third time. I know she may still be mad, but she knows that we cannot afford to not check in. One small slip up, with all the enemies we have could be detrimental.

“Find my wife” I spoke to one of my team members before I followed Ava into her brother’s room.

I know that it will be good for him to see her as it has been years. No one knows that I make sure she gets the top care and best doctors and psychologist to treat her. She a little girl that go through so much because of her mom.

I won’t lie and say that I don’t feel somewhat guilty too.

“Brother!” I heard her tiny voice yell out as Sedi opened his eyes with surprise. She ran to hug him, and tears immediately began to run down his face.

“Don’t cry, she cooed as she wiped a tear away”

Sedi then looked at me. I’m confused by the look that he is giving me. It’s filled with anger and rage. I dismissed it as confusion and surprise. I took that as my cue to leave them to bond. I walked out of the room and left them with two of my men to find out what is going on with my wife.

“Where’s my wife?” I questioned one of my men as I walked up to him. 

“Sir” He almost whimpered out. I knew then that something’s wrong and if it has anything to do with my family I’m painting the whole town with blood.

“I..I can’t get in touch with anyone. I’ve called all our locations and nothing. I even tried to contact the bunker you have hidden, and no one is responding.”

I know why he is hesitant to tell me. This was not allowed from my team. When I call they know to pick up? So, what the fuck is going on.

I feel a sudden rush of anger take over me. I can only think of my wife, my son and our unborn child. 

“What the fuck are you trying to tell me?” I clenched out through my teeth as my hands went around his neck.

“I…I” He tried to explain as he gasped for air.

I slowly released the tight grasp I have around his neck, remembering where I am. Remembering that right now I need to be strategic and find out what the fuck is going on before I spazz out on everyone.

“Get my plane ready” I gritted out to him as I walked away, placing my phone to my ear to call my wife to the hundredth time today. 

With no one picking up, I have no idea if my family is safe or not.  

I walked back to Sedi’s room but did not go in. I grabbed one of my guards and told him to keep Sedi and his sister safe. I let him know that if anything happens to either one them, there will be severe consequences. I didn’t have to go into detail for him to understand what those consequences are.

“They better not even catch a fuckin cold before I get back!”

Larry’s POV

I stepped into the dimly lit room wondering how this conversation was going to end. I want to protect my wife from this. She is not capable of the evils that they have planned.

I’m in too deep now, so I have no chance, but I want my wife to remain not a part of this. She can’t be. It’s too much.

“Baby are you asleep?” I questioned in a hopeful tone.

“No honey” I heard in between a yawn she let out. 

“Fuck” I whispered to myself.

“I heard you” she chuckled out as she got out of the bed and came to wrap her arms around me.

I gently pecked her lips and then kissed her forehead. Relishing in her now. After we talk about this plan I know that there will be a shift in her character, in her mind and her mood.

“Honey, I know that you want to keep me safe and I love you for that, but this is my family too. Tell me what I need to know” 

I let out a sigh, I didn’t want to tell her what I just found out. I didn’t want her to feel guilty.

I looked into my hearts eyes and said the one name of the person that she wouldn’t admit she still cared for.

“Anaya”

Laurent’s POV

“Fuck!..Fuck!” I yelled out as I pounded my fist against the seat I’m sitting in. I’ve been flying for hours and will land back in Paris within the next hour. My mind has been racing and going non-stop.

I need to know that my family is okay.

I tried to hold back the anger I will have for my baby if she is doing this because she is mad. She knows my weakness and the safety of my family is the one thing that will drive me insane.

………..

Pulling up to our home. I’m trying to keep my composure and nerves at bay until I find out what is going on.

 As soon as my car came to a stop, I hopped out, straightened my tie and smoothed out my suit before I headed into my home.

I just knew that I would find my baby in our room pissed and our son in the kitchen taking cooking lessons.

Once in my home, I headed to the staircase taking three stairs at a time. I first checked our offices and didn’t let the presence of none of our teams being there bother me.

I then headed to our master suite.

“Good one, baby” I whispered to myself.

My heart dropped as I entered and instantly felt the coldness of our room.

“Nay” I whispered out to no one.

I raced down the stairs to the kitchen and then to my son’s room, soon I’ve checked every room in our mansion, exhausted from the pain that now took over my chest.

This house is completely empty, only the two men that I brought with me is here. Normally we have both of our teams here for protections around the clock.

I immediately got on my phone calling key members of our teams, only to get no answer or disconnected numbers.

“What the fuck!” I yelled out as the thought of my family being in danger started to sink in.

I’ve been careful all these years to avoid something like this. How the fuck did I let this shit happen.

“Sir”

I snapped out my misery for a moment.

“We’ve located some of our team, or what’s left of both teams”

“What?” I gritted out

“Sir, we’ve been severely compromised, something happened at the compound, several of our own turned on us”

“Fuck!” I yelled out

“My wife and my son?” I demanded an answer he better have.

“Ryland is with the remaining team in a safe location. They also have your mother. Whoever this was wanted to hurt everyone that you love”

I let out a sigh of relief as my heart began to pick up its normal rhythm after hearing that my family is safe.

“My wife?” I asked as soon as I noticed that he didn’t mention her. 

“We… we don’t know” He paused for my reaction

“What the fuck do you mean, you don’t know!” I yelled as I invaded his personal space. 

“She..She was at the compound…They took her” He almost whispered out.

I closed my eyes and gritted my teeth and tried to calm myself. I don’t have many on my side right now and I need to keep everyone alive. So, ripping his throat out right now is not an option.

How did she even know about the compound?

“Take me to the compound”

…………….

“Careful sir” I looked down and flashed my light at the broken computer screen I almost stepped on.

We are making our way through the compound in dim lighting as most of the lights no longer worked.

No one is here, at least not alive. There are bodies everywhere. Bodies of my team members only. 

I don’t know what the fuck happened, but I do know that I will kill to find out. If my wife and our baby has been harmed I don’t know what lengths I will go to for my revenge.

We quickly made our way to the security room to view the surveillance videos.

“Sir, they cleaned them all. We have nothing here” One of my team members spoke out while trying to recover the footage.

“Fuck” I exhausted out.

“Sir, they found something in the back”

I quickly found my way back to the area of the compound where there are flashlights moving about.

“Move” I quickly shoved two of them out of the way as I entered the room of the person I’ve held captive. I’m not too concerned about her vitals now. If they killed her that would save me some time from doing it myself later.

I heard whimpering sounds and followed my ears to the far corner of the room.

They left this bitch alive?

I quickly went over to her and snatched her up.

“What the fuck happened?” I questioned with intimidation that made her quiver in my arms. 

Silent whimpers were all that I could hear.

“You better start talking!” I yelled into her fear-stricken face.

“I …I…I don’t know…I heard gunshots and hid under the bed”

I let her go and she fell to the ground. Helpless and useless.

“Find my wife and take me to my son!” I demanded as I began to exit the compound.

“Sir, what do we do with her?” One of my men asked.

“I don’t give a fuck! Lock her back up!”

I looked back to her one more time before I exit and thought that I saw an evil smirk on her face.

I brushed it off as my mind playing tricks on me in this moment of stress.

“Sir, your car is ready”

I focused on composing myself as I made my way out of the compound. I don’t know who to trust right now and the thought of my love and our child not being okay is eating away at my sanity.

I must make sure that my son is safe.

Angels POV

I ran down the stairs as our doorbell incessantly rang repeatedly.

“Coming” I sang out as I jogged to our front door. 

I’ve tried to control my emotions and mood for the past few days. After the conversation that I had with my husband a few days ago, I feel like I don’t know how to breathe.

I pretended that I didn’t care what happened to her, but he saw right through my bullshit.

I peeped through our peephole and see the silhouette of the last person that I would expect to see on my doorstep. 

“Laurent” I whispered as I ran away to get my husband.

“Who was at the door baby”  ..Are you okay?” He questioned after seeing how I am panting.

“Its. Its” I swallowed to catch my breath.

“Baby?” he asked hesitantly.

“Laurent!” I whispered out harshly as if Laurent was already in our home and I didn’t want him to hear me say his name in such a panic.

“What!” He almost jumped out of his skin and then came back to reality quickly going to our closet to find his gun.

“Honey? What are you doing?” 

“Protecting my family” he stated firmly.

“Larry, we should just ignore the door, he may know something”

“Love, ignoring my twin will not make him go away, I think you know this” He stated with eyes fearful of what the outcome will be.

“I want you to stay in the kitchen by the back door and leave if you hear anything other than us talking, even if we are silent, I want you to leave”

“Larry-”

“Angel, please do this for me, baby?”

“Okay, honey” I responded while trying to control the nervous shaking of my body.

I watched my heart head to the front door. I said a silent prayer that this will have a good outcome. I know Lau, and he has our home surrounded by now. If he is here for revenge, he will have it. On both of us. There will be no escape for me.

“Shit” I groaned out.

I’m awake but for some reason I cannot open my eyes or move. I try to open my eyes again, only to feel like my body is still asleep while my mind is awake.

I groan out in misery. At this point, I’m sure that this must be a dream. I attempt to relax so that I can try to wake myself up.

I feel the cool surface of the hardwood floor against my left cheek and arm. Where am I? And why am I sleeping on the floor? I wonder.

I try to move my body again, hoping that the movement will somehow wake me up.

I notice the floor getting warmer.

This is just a dream I tell myself.

There is a strong stench that enters my nostrils. It smells of sulfur and iodine. I immediately begin to choke and gasp for air.

This is just a dream. I continue to chant in my head as the floor and stench both become unbearable.

The choking and searing of my skin become intolerable, and only then was I able to move my body and jump up.

With my eyes open and my senses still tingling, I rubbed at my cheeks and arms, sure to find burn marks. There is nothing there.

I released the breath that I was holding and gasped for air to smell the familiar scent of the dense Oakwood flooring and walls of the attic.

I stretched my eyes and looked around the room that I’m still in.

“Why am I still in this fucking attic?”

I asked to a seemingly empty room.

I shook my head to myself and then used my right hand to shield some of the sunlight that was shooting in through the windows.

That was a crazy ass dream. I thought to myself. Thinking that the warm floor must have been a result of the sun beaming down on me through the windows. I didn’t even bother rationalizing the smell.

 Maybe I farted or something, shit. I had as an afterthought as I patted my pockets for my phone.

When I couldn’t feel it in my pockets, I looked around the room, paying attention to the floor.

I spotted my phone vibrating in a corner by the stairs that I used to come up here. I grabbed my vibrating device and wondered how in the hell I fell asleep up here.

I made my way down the steps of the attic and rolled my eyes at the ID of the missed caller. This nigga acting worse than my girl right now, I thought to myself as I accepted his next call.

“Bro, why you blow up my phone like this?”

“Oh, my God Larry!” He screamed into the phone.

“You act like we didn’t just talk yesterday bro, what’s up?”

“Larry, what the fuck! I call you for two days straight!”

“You Lie” I retorted annoyed with my twins’ antics.

“Larry, you head okay? Look at the date on your phone nigga”

I grumbled my annoyance and pulled my phone away from my ear to look at the date displayed.

I must say that it was a good thing that I made it downstairs to the carpeted area of the house because when I saw the date on my phone and that my twin was right, it slipped right out my hands and hit the carpeted floor.

“What the fuck” I whispered to myself as I stared at my phone while in a daze.

I snapped out my daze a few moments later from hearing a faint voice screaming my name.

I bent down and grabbed my phone off the floor.

“Larry?” I heard the voice much clearer now.

There must be an explanation for this.

“What Lau?” I responded annoyed after clearing my throat.

“You okay? You are acting strange. Why you not answer your phone for two days and acting like you don’t know what day it is?”

“Lau, you act like I have to answer all your calls. I’m good bro. I just mix up my days”

“Larry, you know even make any sense right now” my brother rushed out sounding panicked.

“Lau!” I screamed agitated into the phone so that he would drop the subject.

“I called police and had neighbors looking for you bro, we about to do missing person report. Our friends and family go crazy!” my brother continued

“I tell our fans…”

“Look I gotta go. I need to book my flight to New York so that I can meet you in time for our video shoot” I quickly cut my brother off.

“Right, you supposed to fly back on yesterday. What happened twin?” my annoying brother continued to prod.

“Don’t worry for that. I’ll see you when I get there” I stated before I disconnected the call.

I stared at the now black screen on my phone as it vibrated from the trembles of my hand. I’m starting to feel nauseous.

“What the hell happened?” I whispered out loud into my grand-mere’s empty home.

Suddenly I felt my bowels come alive. It felt like I have been holding it for days. I rushed to the downstairs bathroom. Grabbing my bag with toiletries on the way. I just knew that I was going to die from this.

There is so much that I can’t explain right now. Figuring out how I held myself for two days was just one of many questions that I have.

I was paranoid the whole time that I used the bathroom.

An hour later, after engorging on food and water, I was locking up the house with my things packed in my rental car. I had a strong urge to get far away from here. It feels like I am being pushed away.

I decided that I would just drive to a friend’s house and clean up before I book my flight to New York.

I don’t have time to look for answers. I’m just going to let this go. I know my twin won’t let it go. I’m just going to have to curse his ass out one good time.

….

I exhaled the recycled air on the plane that was mixed with smells of hot food and light fragrances of cologne. Dinner was being served on this last-minute flight I could get on my friend’s buddy pass. I was happy that she had it to offer. Of course, she felt it necessary for me to use it after I fucked her brains out. I didn’t do it for the pass, I fucked because I needed to release and she and I used to have a lot of fun when me and my twin visited here in our younger days.

Once we touched down into “The big Apple” I contacted our assistant Alana to let her know that I would need a ride to my apartment.

Once I got my luggage I headed to the side of the airport that my assistant will be picking me up at. I decided to pull out my phone to see what kind of mess my brother created on social media by panicking like the lil bish that he is.

Not paying attention to the path I was walking on, I bumped into a petit woman.

I hurriedly looked up from my phone to apologize.

I choked mid apology as her eyes immediately captivated me. I feel like I’ve known her my whole life.

“Excuse me, I am sorry” I rushed out after clearing my voice box.

She simply stared at me for a few moments before she moved to continue her path.

Something in me made me gently grab her arm.

“I’m sorry to intrude but do I know you?” I asked.

She was beautiful and if I didn’t know her I felt like I should.

“I don’t believe we’ve met” she stated before removing her arm from my gentle grasp and continuing her path.

I readied myself to follow her to inquire more but we got stopped in our tracks. There was a woman standing before us dressed in all black. Her face isn’t covered but I still couldn’t make out who she is and why she is standing mere inches away from us

I looked around to see if anyone else noticed this strange person. Her appearance is the type that is sure to catch some blank stares or slow gazing watches.

Nothing.

People are walking and going about their day as if she wasn’t standing there sticking out like a sore thumb.

I look to the woman I just bumped into to see if she’s seeing what I’m seeing since no one else has noticed.

The look on her face confirms that she sees what I see and I noticed a small glimpse of fear etched into her features.

“Do you know her?” I ask.

She doesn’t respond and continues her path away from me.

I hurriedly walk behind her and then immediately stop in front of her.

“Where you go? I know you see what I see. Why is that weird woman staring at you?” I ask almost every question that is flooding my mind right now.

“She’s not here for me” She simply shrugs and attempts to walk away again.

I gently grab her by the arm and plea with my eyes for further explanation.

She jerks away from me and continues to speak.

“Look, sir, I don’t want to have anything to do with what you have gotten yourself into”

“What, I”

She cut me off to further explain.

“Vous apportez cette malédiction sur vous-même” (You bring this curse on yourself)

“tu parle français?”

“No but I know that you speak it, Mr. Bourgeois”

“You know me?”

“Non” she responded with a smirk.

“what else do you know about me?” I asked in English.

“I know that you need to walk that way while I continue this way. Please stop speaking to me” She stated carelessly as she pointed in the different directions that we should take.

“Wait, I not leave until I know what the hell is going on” I exclaimed as I gently grabbed her arm to halt her in her path.

“I can’t, sorry, the longer that I stay around you the more I will open myself up to being a bystander of this curse”

“Curse?” I questioned further

“Bye, Larry” She stated and rushed away.

I looked around and noticed that both women were gone and completely out of my sight.

“What the fuck just happened?” I whispered to myself.

  ………..

Now back home in my apartment, I felt a little ease but not enough. That is why I am currently pacing in my room.

Something is wrong. I keep telling myself only to fight with myself to try and brush this off.

The whole car ride home, my assistant Alana kept checking on me in her rearview mirror. If I don’t get myself together, everyone will notice that I’m losing it.

Like clockwork I see my phone lighting up across the room.

I let out a small sigh once I notice who the caller is.

“What Lau?”

“Larry, you at you place? Why you no call me bro?”

“Nigga, I just got home!” My brother is normally annoying but he is being extra right now. I think he believe in that stuff Grand-mere into.

I don’t care what kind of weird shit just went down earlier today, I’m not falling for it. Grand-mere had a hustle, a weird one but it was hers.

“Why you are being annoying bro?” I continued to dig into my twins’ anxious mood.

“Stop it Larry, you know this shit weird. You know something happen at Grand-Mere’s home!”

“Nothing happen, you believe in that stuff Grand-mere do? Why?” I exclaimed as my twin is clearly irritating me.

“Whatever, bro you ready for this meeting we have?”

Another sigh escaped my lips, I completely forgot about that meeting.

“I be a little late, hold them for me?”

“Larry!” I heard my brother yell into the phone before I quickly hung up.

………

One hour later I am leaving my apartment for a meeting that started thirty minutes ago.

I’m getting ready to step into my Uber when I heard a familiar voice yelling my name.

I look up to see my twin, running straight towards me.

“This nigga late too?” I say to myself.

I continue to look in the direction that my twin is running. Something is off. Why is he in such a panic?

I close the car door and get ready to walk towards my twin. As soon as I stepped in his direction, time stopped and all that I could hear is tires screeching and a loud thumping noise.

Panic slowly takes over my body as I notice what has happened. With my body still in shock, I willed myself to move towards the unresponsive body.

I fall to the ground as my words and thoughts escape me.

“Help!” was all that I could muster up.

  ………………………………………….

Chapter Eight

Anaya’s POV

I stared into her fearful gaze as I began to speak to try and suppress my hurt.

“I guess I should taste it huh?”

I immediately watched her forehead crease as she battled between feelings of fear and confusion.

“I guess I need to try it so I can understand what the fuck you got that has these two fools risking their marriages and livelihoods over you”

She lowered her head as I continued to let out my frustration about finding her here.

“I guess I will have to be the one to rid us of you once and for all”

She cowered further back into her bed.

“How would you like to die Chantel? Or can I call you Chani?” I stated with the most venomous grin.

“I really think that I should see what all the fuss is about” Moments of silence passed between us before I watched her slowly lift her head. My smirk instantly turned into a grimace once I saw the look on her face.

 “What the fuck are you smiling for, bitch?” I spat out with venom in my voice.

“Because” She paused for a moment to clear her throat.

“Because—today is a good day” She finished.

My face morphed into one of confusion.

What the fuck is this bitch talking about. I thought to myself.

“Confused?” She asked reading my thoughts.

When I didn’t respond fast enough she became more aggressive in wanting a response.

“Bitch, I asked you a question!” She spewed out with vitriol in her voice.

She moved to get out of the bed and my reflexes instantly started to kick in.

I began to move steadfastly towards her. My stomach dropped as soon as I felt two muscular arms wrap around me to halt my advance.

“What the fuck?” I whispered to myself.

I intended for those words to come out louder but the shock and disbelief of what is happening right now almost knocked the life out of me.

“Jean-Paul” I gritted out through clenched teeth.

“I hope for your sake and everyone that you love, you are putting your hands on me because you don’t want me to harm my unborn child”

“Don’t respond to her” I looked across the room to see who has the audacity to give an order to one of my team members. I own these muthafuckas and I am possessive.

“Yes Boss” came from behind me and the grip on my arms grew tighter.

I’m losing control of this situation, I thought to myself. My team has been corrupted. I mentally prepared myself to go into survival mode.

I will kill as many as I can if it comes to that.

I jerked my body to try and free myself of Jean-Paul’s hold.

He moved his arms to get a tighter grip on my body.

“Fuck” I whispered to myself. The fact that none of my other team members jumped in in to help me confirmed my status now.

“Well, well I guess the tables have turned, huh?” I heard a snaky tone speak out.

Lesedi’s POV

This muthafucka really showed his face? He has the nerve to come here after what happened? I peered at the back of his head as he spoke with my nurse right outside of my room. I asked the nurse earlier in the day to keep my door all the way open. I didn’t want any more surprises after only gaining consciousness a little over a week ago.

To have rage running through your blood and not be able to move more than an inch to react to it, is pure torture. To know that the person you put all your trust into would do some fucked up shit like this has me seeing red.

Their conversation ended and he turned to come into my room. Fuck this family shit, I continue to think to myself. I quickly closed my eyes so that this nigga can think I’m asleep.

I felt his presence as he stared at me while he stood over my bed.

“Get your rest Sedi, I promise I take care of whoever did this to you”

I could feel my chest getting tighter after every word he spoke.

This nigga thinks that I’m stupid. He plans to take care of it himself?

“I plan to hang around for little bit. I got a surprise for you. I be back when you wake up”

I felt his presence leave the room. I slowly opened my eyes and painfully shook my head. It’s going to take a lot practice to get back to using my motor skills but as soon as I’m able to walk I’m coming for his ass.

Larry’s POV

I walked into our bedroom to unsurprisingly find my wife still awake staring into space. I’m sure she didn’t get any sleep last night. After I left the hospital I had to make a quick stop at the secret location and get new instructions.

The instructions were not what I was expecting and the shit has me tormented inside. I’m praying, no begging that my wife decided to let me handle this alone. I couldn’t bear getting her caught up in this or further having to tell her the new plan and that it is currently being put into action. They neglected to tell me that they corrupted a good majority of my brother’s teams.

Reality has surrounded me and I’m sick because we have a chance at winning. I knew this when I hooked up with these guys but I didn’t realize the full damage until now.

I climbed into the bed and pecked her cheek before climbing back out to head into the shower. I want to avoid the answer that I am sure she is about to give me.

“Honey”

I stopped in my tracks mid-way to our bathroom.

“We talk baby, I need to jump in shower first” I stated swallowing hard after.

Chapter Seven

Laurent’s POV

“Imma do you dirty. You think you love me now? I think you should be worried” - Khelani

It’s been a week since my baby confirmed that we will be adding to our family. I haven’t felt this happy since Ry was born. This new addition has me thinking about my family and their happiness and safety even more. I will continue to do whatever it takes to make sure that they always have those two things.

“Sir, she’s ready to see you now. She’s been prepped and lightly sedated”

I walked into the strategically lit room. The lighting was to make sure the environment is calm and welcoming.

I stopped a few feet away from her. It took only a few seconds for her to notice my presence. A soon as her eyes met mine, I deeply frowned.

I cleared my throat and spoke, “So, I hear you doing really good. I like that, the sooner you get to where I need you to be at the better” I stated nonchalantly.

I waited for a response from her, knowing that it wasn’t going to come. Since she has been in my care, she has never spoken a word to me. She only communicated with certain members of my staff.

“You don’t have to talk to me just know that you will talk when I need you too” I stated as I turned to head out.

I stopped in my tracks when I heard a low chuckle fill the silence of the room.

I slowly turned around and leaned against the door as we stared at each other.

She shook her head leisurely side to side.

I continued to stare with a smirk on my face knowing that she would choke and not say anything.

“hmph” I let out before I lifted myself from the wall and turned to leave.

“Coward” I heard her voice hoarse out as soon as I began to open the door to her space.

I left the door ajar and walked right over to where she is sitting on her bed, invading her personal space.

“Coward huh? That’s the best you can do after all this time? You can do better than that” I spat out

She turned her head away from me as a tear rolled down her left cheek.

I wiped at the tear and grabbed her chin, forcing her to look at me.

We stared at each other for a few moments before I let my hand drop from holding her chin. I got up and quickly exited the room.

I was met by one of my team members as soon as I left the room.

“Sir, we just got some news that we think you need to hear”

“What is it? I don’t need this fancy ass intro you doing”

He cleared his throat, “your nephew, Lesedi has awaken from his coma. The doctors are hopeful that with therapy, he will fully recover from his injuries”

“When did he wake up?” I asked knowing that if it wasn’t within the last twenty-four hours, I had to add his doctor to my list of tortures.

“We got a report that is was a week ago. The doctors never notified us first per your instructions.”

“Fuck!” I screamed out.

“Get my flight ready. I want the whole floor cleared. I need surveillance  on my brother, I don’t want to run into him and have to jack his ass up like last time. I’m going to avoid his ass for the sake of my nephew”

I called my wife while I was exiting the location. Her assistant picked up the phone instead, so she must be busy. I demanded to speak with her right away and for some strange reason her assistant continued to stall.

I decided that I wouldn’t wait on hold any longer and will have to speak with my wife once I land in the states. Just as I was about to hang up, she picked up the phone.

“Hi Baby”

“Hey, my love, why you place me on hold for so long?”

“I apologize Lau, I was in a meeting. I came as soon as I could honey.”

“I stepped away from my meeting to take your call, my assistants say that it is urgent, what is going on baby?”

“Sedi come out of his coma”

I heard a gasp immediately followed by whimpering and tears on the other end of the line. I know part of her being so emotional is the fact that she is happy for the news but the other part is because she is hormonal due to her pregnancy.

She cried because one of her plants died on yesterday.

“Baby..that..that is great news!” She muffled out through her tears.

“When do we leave, I can’t wait to see him?” “How are we going to see him with Larry and Angel there? I know that they haven’t left his side. When did he wake up?” She continued to ask through her tears.

She waited anxiously on the other line for my responses to her questions.

“Calm. baby, I can only answer one question at a time” I chuckled out.

“Lau” She sniffled out.

“Okay, sweetheart, I’m sorry”

“He awake a week ago and I’m still pissed no one tell me until now. I plan to deal with his doctors and nurses”

“I have surveillance on Angel and Larry so that I can visit without any hiccups”

“I” She repeated back to me.

“Yes, I, you not travel to the states right now it still too dangerous for you since Lesedi attackers still on the loose.” “Until we catch them you and Ry stay where I know you safe”

“You know that I do not like for you to dictate on my travel plans Laurent, if it is not safe, then make it safe!”

“Baby, please, no argue with me I will not let you go and that is final. Once we catch Sedi’s attackers you will be free to travel outside of Europe as you please”

“I’m free to travel now, nigga!” my wife spat into the phone.

I sighed before I responded firmly.

“We’ll talk when I get back from the states my love”

“If I let you come back!” she spat into the phone before she ended the call without saying goodbye.

Angel’s POV

The last week almost feels like a blur. With the news of Lesedi waking up, Larry and I decided to put the conversation that we desperately needed to have aside. We both went into care mode for our son. I assured my husband that our daughters are safe and checked on them regularly. I know that we had unfished business but the joy of our child waking up has overshadowed that now.

When we leave for the hospital, we leave as husband and wife, the staff, doctors and nurses all addresses us as such. But at home it is different. I am distant from my husband and he knows why so he never pushes me.

The doctors are expecting Sedi to fully recover but it will be a while before he is back to where he was before he was attacked. Sedi will never be back to one hundred percent. There is just some of his motor skills that he will not complete recover, even with therapy. I cried like a baby when the doctor sat us down to give us that news. To think that my baby has been stripped of some of the use of his youthful limbs due to hate has done something to me.

I’ve never considered my husband’s rage until now.  Why he felt the need to go through such drastic measures to protect our family.

“Goodnight baby, I’ll see you when I return from hospital” he spoke softly as he turned to leave. I knew that he would be going back. Most nights he stayed with Sedi until the early morning. We never slept together much since I confronted him and I know that he cannot take it. He just doesn’t know how to get me to come around this time.

“Honey, wait” I stated in a low whisper that barely reached his eardrums.

He turned to face me with eyes so full of despair.

“I want in” I rushed out with my eyelids pressed firmly together and I took in a deep breath to calm my racing heart.

“What you say baby?” he asked with a face full of confusion.

“I wan’t …mmmhmm…I wan’t in”

“I love you baby but I not sure of what you speak of right now. I give you what you want when I come from visit our son, I promise” He stated as he kissed me on the forehead and then turned to leave again.

“Larry!” I called out after him, stopping him in his tracks yet again.

“Oui bébé”

  “I know that you’re not going to believe me”

“What the matter baby? What wrong he asked in a panicked voice.

  “I’m tired and angry” I solemnly spoke.

  He rushed to me and rested his hands on my cheeks.

  “Angel, I’m sorry baby, I know you hate that I do what I do but I do it for my family. I”

  “That’s not what I meant, Larry” I stated cutting him off.

He gave me a confused look.

“I’m tired” I gazed into his eyes as he waited for me to continue

I let out a sigh before I continued to speak. “I’m tired of worrying about the safety of our family Larry”

“I want be a part of the solution, I hated what you did at first but every time I see my son, I want to make sure nothing like this ever happens again”

He walked over to where I was sitting on the bed. I felt the mattress dip due to his weight soon followed by him pulling me into his arms.

“My sweet Angel, I know this hard baby but we get through this. I can’t let you get involved baby if something happens to me, I need you here for our babies” he cooed those words into my ear.

I pulled his right hand into mines, no matter how angry I am at him for doing what he did and behind my back, I’m still deeply in love with him.

“I think that is selfish” I spoke despite the thin air in the room.

“It’s not, Angel, I don’t want to put you and the kids in anymore danger, baby”

“It’s selfish because you mad yet another choice for me and our children without allowing to make my own choice or make it with you. I know he risk, that is why I want in, to increase our odds”

“Angel, we not gon do this baby. This can’t happen and that Is final”

“Larry, baby let me in. We can come up with a plan to limit my exposure. You of all people should know what it feels like at feeling helpless in protecting your family”

“Baby-“

“Honey” I turned around and entered a stare match between myself and Larry.

“Angle, no its too much”

“Let me have my own choice, Larry”

“What about making a choice that is in the best interest of our children?” He almost spoke out with too much venom in his tongue.

The level of stress and frustration in me toppled over. Before I knew it, I was up yelling and crying as I paced in front of our bed.

“Fuck, Larry! Can you take this feeling away from me then? What am I supposed to do? I have our daughters in hiding and my son is fighting just to walk again! I can’t just sit back and hope for the best! I want to make sure it happens!”

I felt my husband’s strong arms wrap around me and lift me up off the floor due to me collapsing to knees as I gave into my tears.

“Angel” He whispered against my temple. I felt wetness on that area of my skin after he moved away and I knew It is a result of his own tears flooding from his eyes.

Moments felt like hours passing by as he rocked me in his lap and placed tender kisses to my neck and collarbone area.

He spoke through my lite sniffles while I calmed down.

“You stay behind the scenes and I tell you everything but what we do stay between us. You will be good for this with your legal background, but baby, I not can let us get caught for this. It very important, our lives will depend on it”

“Promise me that you not give me a tough time and keep an open mind”

“I promise honey” I whispered through my almost nonexistent sniffles.

“I tell you more after I come back from hospital. Give you more time to think before we make it official”

“I want this Larry” I assured him

He came and sat back on our bed by me after getting up to prepare to leave.

“Angel, baby we have to be sure because I know that you will not like this plan baby”

I assumed they planned on attacking or killing Laurent.

“I understand that it will be-“

“Non baby, we may win but either way your heart will break with what we have planned. But I need to know that you won’t sabotage once you learn of it”

He kissed my forehead and got up to leave as I sat and contemplated on his words.

“Heartbreak” I whispered to myself.

“I will just have to find a way to put it back together” I spoke to no one the room as I felt my heart become numb.

Anaya’s POV

Pulling up to my husband’s secret location gave me the feeling of complete satisfaction. Even with this accomplishment, I felt that what is inside will defeat me.

My team noticed Laurent slip up when he called me from that location to let me know of Sedi’s improved health. I’m happy for my nephew’s progress but I am also happy that it was enough of a distraction to allow my husband to let his guard down.

It was just enough time to track him. I regularly track my husband and he has never called from this area. A few hours later and we confirmed that this building had to be it since its hidden behind other buildings and guarded.

After a couple of bullet wounds and broken limbs to his people by my team, we gained access to his compound in less than an hour after arriving.

My husband needs to do better in choosing who protects this place as his people have absolutely no tact.

Unofficially touring this place, I learned of my husband’s many other dealings that were unknown to me. I’m taking notes.

I forced my way through some more of his guards to access what seemed to be living quarters. I went to the only one that is occupied for the moment and spotted someone sleeping under the covers when I moved closer to the person, I noticed that it is a woman.

Moving even closer pulled a gasp from my lips as I knew this woman, better than I cared too. She popped her eyes open in shock and quickly sat up because of my intrusion.

I felt my heart pain at the sight of her but I kept my steel like composure on the outside. I chuckled to myself as I spoke to her.

(Continuation of  the “Sex: 3 One shot and the short story “Always”)

Part 2

  “Always and forever, each moment with you

Is just like a dream to me that somehow came true

And I know tomorrow will still be the same

‘Cause we’ve got a life of love that won’t ever change” - Always and Forever by Heatwave.

  “I love you Imani Marie” I praised and loved on my baby as all hope that I had is now lost. There is complete silence outside of where we are trapped.

No one is coming for us.

The silence is a dead give away that death has won. I can no longer expect to hear “baby are you okay?” from my lovers. This is the end for them, for us.

I willed my tears to stop flowing in an attempt to make a last minute effort to protect my child.

“No matter what happens, fight!” were the last words I heard.

Fight.

I reached behind myself to feel the cool metal weapon that was placed behind me by my love.

“You can do this, for her” I whispered to myself.

I moved my baby to a more secure spot in this limited space of a trunk.

First, we have to get out of here. I thought to myself. I adjusted my body to sit up as much as I could so that I could push myself against the seat to force our exit.

“Oh my God!” I screamed out as my body jerked away from the seat and I fell on my back as the car began to move.

I clammored to my little angel to make sure that she was still securely swaddled in her padded blankets of protection.

“Oh my God!” I panicked.

They know we are in here.

“Where are they taking us” I mumbled out as tears began to blur my vision.

I yelped out as the limo began to pick up speed.

“Please” I prayed, hoping that I would be heard.

Soon the car came to an abrupt stop and I panicked even more.

“Okay,okay fight!” I whispered out harshly.

I know that this is bad.

As bad I wanted it to be my loves driving the car, I know that it wasn’t possible.

The driver took the keys when he left us in the beginning.

I slowed down my breathing and attempted to calm myself down.

I have to be ready for whoever opened this trunk.

I kissed my baby, praying that this wasn’t a kiss good-bye.

I grasped the cool metal gun and removed the safety. I squeezed my eyes tightly together before I reopened them to gain focus.

This is it.

I couldn’t hear much but I knew the deafening silence meant that they are coming, soon.

Fight.

I repeated the last words I heard my love speak before I heard a click and the trunk slowly creaked open.

As the light began to feel the small space I raised my gun prepared to kill on first contact.

“Baby, you okay?”

Was my mind tricking me? Stay focused. I thought a I kept my gun poised.

“Fuck!” was all I heard when the trunk fully opened and the gun was revealed.

“Wait! It us!”

My hands trembled as I looked at two blood stained bodies.

I began to cry as I lowered the gun and tremble into myself.

I began motionless and numb to the happenings around me and only remember being lifted out of the trunk and carried away.

I came back to reality when I heard rushed conversation as I am being carried up steps. I focused my eyes and realized that we were entering our home.

I panicked as I didn’t see my child. She is out of my view.

I jumped out of Laurents arms.

“Wheres Imani?” I panicked out.

“Baby calm”

“No! where is my baby? I began to hit at his chest”

He then grabbed me and carried me into our home.

“Where is my child!” I continued to scream and kick making him grip me even tighter.

My movements instantly stopped when I heard my baby girl cry out for me.

I jumped out of Laurents arms and pushed him away as I ran to her room where she was resting safely in her crib.

“Shhh, I’m here my sweet baby” I cooed as I picked her up.

A few moments later, I laid her back down to go and wash up so that she can feed. This is not how I wanted her first day home to be. She was not supposed to go through this emotional trauma.

As I made my way to our bedroom to shower, I noticed the other people in our home. There are men walking around with guns, in the open around my child.

I made a u-turn and went to find the two men that are responsible for this.

I stopped in my tracks as I follow their voices into the kitchen.

“Stop being baby” Lau chuckled out as Larry grimaced from him removing the bullet from his upper arm with some kind of medical tool.

“Fuck!” Larry yelled out as his brother focused on his task.

This isn’t the first time one of them has gotten shot and I’m sure this is not their first time in a shoot-out. I’ve heard the horror stories and I want to believe that they have guardian angels that are hard at work.

I’ve never had to experience that part of their lives. They would never put me in harms way. They would never put Imani in harm’s way.

How can they control it?

Since they continue to want to live this lifestyle, myself and my child are at risk.

My temperature is rising as I watched them laugh this off like this was all in a day’s work.

My passion to run to Larry and cuddle him to make sure that he is okay completely went away when I noticed their nonchalance of what just took place.

Fuck them both! I thought to myself as my breathing pattern changed and I began to seethe.

They finally noticed my presence and looked up at me with robotic eyes.

“Everything okay, baby?” Larry asked

“I don’t know, you tell me? You are in here laughing and catching up like old friends after what our family just went through.” I stated with anger.

“E” - “No, I don’t want to hear any excuses because there are none!”

“Baby, we know this hard but–”

“What? Huh? Are you telling me that my child can’t even make it home without having her life threatened. What if one or all of us didn’t make it. What if she lost her parents today!”

Laurent got up and washed his hands and made his way over to me. Of course, as always coming to touch me when I don’t want to be touched. I believe they think there touches solves every problem that we have. Or maybe they feel me slipping away and want to touch me to bring me back.

“Don’t fuckin’ touch me!” I yelled out as he got closer to me.

He immediately cowered back. He knows this is not the time push me to my limit.

“E, we not need this we just go through…”

“Fuck you and your brother!” I yelled a the top of my lungs unable to control the vitriol coursing through my veins.

“You don’t even care about the well being of your child!”

“E! You not say that to me!” Larry yelled back

“I don’t want to live like this anymore, fuck you both!”

Larry jumped up from his spot, wincing a little at the pain he must feel running through his damaged limb.

He quickly walked up to me with blood still seeping down his arm.

He was now filled with rage at what I am insinuating.

“You don’t say that to us! You not know what we do to keep our family safe today!” Everrryday! He yelled at me.

“Fuck youuuuu!” I cried out.

Laurent pulled me away and dragged me to our bedroom.

He sat me down on our bed and I immediately pushed him away. He looked at me with sorrow filled eyes.

“Get out! I yelled at him.

He immediately left the room. Closing the door softly.

A few seconds later, I heard him cussing at Larry in french.

This is too much. My newborn is only a few rooms away and she has to deal with this negative energy.

Over the years, I stayed and tortured myself but I refuse to allow this lifestyle for my child.

I’m tired of their empty promises. When I got pregnant I was told that they would be out of the drug game before Imani was born. That promise was adjusted as the months went by to eventually being just a conversation we had with no guarantees.

I got up. Holding my head, remembering that i need to freshen up so that I can feed my child.

As soon a I began to walk,  I felt a grinding pain in my head. I felt dizzy and immediately sat back down.

I know that the stress of this situation has taken a toll on me, and possibly my child’s health. I decided that we will go see my doctor in the morning to make sure everything is okay.

  …………………………….

Several hours later, I’m cuddled up in this thick cushioned rocking chair that cost a fortune. My baby girl is finally asleep and my eyes are starting to drift.

They’ve left me alone since the big blow up and hesitated to come into the nursery.

I don’t want to go outside of these doors and face my glooming reality. I will stay here in bliss with my little love bug.

I know that this will not last all night as they do not like to sleep without me, and they will want to come in and spend some time with our new baby girl.

“E” I heard a soft voice call out as the door to the nursery creaked open.

I ignored it, hoping that it would just fade away and my peace returns.

“Baby- how is she?” He continued as he stepped into the nursery. I knew that it would only be a matter of time before one of them came in. Only my least favorite right now decided to come.

He walked over to the crib and looked at our daughter with eyes of love.

She was sound asleep but moved a little to acknowledge his presence.

She knows her pappa, very well.

After a few moments, he looked over at me. “You come to bed?” He almost begged using his inside voice as to not disturb our baby.

I continued to ignore him.

He then grabbed the baby monitor that was sitting near her changing station and picked me up against my will. There is very little struggle as I’m tired and do not want to wake up our daughter.

I assume that he is carrying me to our bedroom but we headed in the opposite direction towards our sitting area. I’m assuming our room is too close to the nursery and he doesn’t want to wake our baby up if things get too loud.

He sat down on the couch while holding me tightly in his arms as he glued me firm in his lap.

Although i’m sleepy and tired I found the energy to roll my eyes because I don’t have the patience or energy right now to be bothered.

I laid my head on his chest and began to drift off to sleep.

“No, baby…we need to talk” He whispered in my ear.

“I don’t want to” I whispered back as a yawn escaped my lips.

“E, I not feel right by what happen today” He whispered back

My ears perked up, but my eyes stayed closed.

“I’m sorry for yell on you. You not deserve that after what we just go through. I know it a lot but we making things right so you and Imani never have to go through that again.”

There was a short pause.

“We fucked up and we feel awful. We feel not think clearly for safety and we will never slip up like that again, baby.”

“How can you be sure?” I whispered back

Silence, as I expected.

I removed his arms that are securely wrapped around me. I didn’t bother to look at his face right now. I knew that it would be full of sadness. I got up and headed back to the nursery, where I can be at peace.

Once back in the nursery, I checked the feeding chart that I started at the hospital. It is close to her feeding time. This was all new for me and her but I loved the bond that we have and would do anything to make her happy.

A couple hours later, my sleep was disturbed again. This time by the other that I do not care for at the moment.

He didn’t say a word, he just picked me up and carried me to our room. He laid me in our bed, the baby monitor was already sitting on the nightstand. He looks like the definition of tired right now and his twin is nowhere in sight. He probably out there somewhere making it “safe” for us as he claimed.

I moved to get more comfortable, relishing in the comfort of our bed right now.

He climbed in behind me and pulled me into him and I entered back into my light mode of sleep. I knew that I wouldn’t fully be able rest my eyes with my baby girl only a few rooms away.

I knew that I would be the only one in this bed when I wake up as he will leave and join his twin.