Thin Ice 7 - Echoes of Reckoning Read online

  “You could have called, texted,” Ian said calmly, turning on the light as she quietly came into the bedroom.

  Kaitlyn stopped in her tracks the light blinding her momentarily as she blinked waiting on her eyes to adjust.

  “I’m here now,” she said simply, no hint of anger or sarcasm.

  She was simply choosing not to address the statement.

  “Where have you been,” Ian asked again, rising and walking in front of her.

  “Out,” Kaitlyn replied, her eyes meeting his.

  Her expression begged him to leave her alone, but Ian wanted answers.

  “Out where,” he returned, his irritation beginning to grow.

  “What the hell,” he mumbled, examining her closer and finally seeing the blood on her clothing, and spattered on her shoes.

  “What have you done KiKi,” he asked softly, his eyes finding hers again.

  “I warned the bitch,” she replied simply as Ian frowned deeply.

  “Who baby,” he questioned carefully once again.

  “Your whore, Ananda,” she replied the temper flaring.

  “I haven’t been with Ananda, KiKi,” Ian told her honestly.

  She chuckled slightly telling him she knew.

  “She called earlier, left you a message,” Kaitlyn enlightened as she undressed and went to the shower.

  Ian waited patiently, his mind whirling as she showered and finally returned to their bedroom.

  “And the message made you go see her,” he tried, hoping Kaitlyn hadn’t killed the woman, but pretty sure she had.

  “Yes,” Kaitlyn replied acidly. “She was spouting some bullshit or other about a baby and her losing it, and that you should know,” she growled.

  Ian sighed lightly.

  “Ananda wasn’t pregnant by me, KiKi,” he patiently answered.

  She smiled again.

  “I know that too,” Kaitlyn replied. “It was the fact that this trick thought I was joking with her ass,” she told Ian as he grunted and nodded.

  “So you just beat her ass,” he questioned wanting to know one way or the other.

  “At first,” Kaitlyn replied. “But then I realized the trick wasn’t going to stop, she would have called again, she was in love with you Ice,” she finished as he sighed deeply.

  “I didn’t love her,” Ian reassured her as Kaitlyn stepped close to him and put her arms around his neck.

  “I know,” she replied softly as they kissed.

  Ian couldn’t lie and say he was all that upset about Ananda’s death. He was just worried about Kaitlyn and the hair trigger she seemed to have these days. The soft kisses to his neck took his mind off any further contemplation, as the kisses went lower and he finally felt the warmth of Kaitlyn’s mouth on his quickly growing erection.

  2

  Cyiarra and Layla were still laughing and joking as they walked into Baccheus. Everyone was already in place and the celebrating had already begun. They were celebrating the set up in Atlanta putting the final pieces in place for the move in the next few weeks.

  “Hi, baby,” Tariq greeted Cyiarra sweetly, hugging Layla as well.

  “Everyone this is my best friend Layla,” Cyiarra told them, introducing each of them by name.

  Layla said hello as everyone invited them to sit down while more drinks and food were ordered. As she enjoyed the food and drink, Layla took in each of the people surrounding Tariq, concluding he had some very attractive associates. I don’t think I’ve seen this many good looking, fine, sexy ass men in one place in a long time, she thought behind the smiling façade as she took them each in. She took her time taking in Ramell and Jacoury, admiring each of their sexy well put together frames. Layla’s gaze lingered on Mook, loving the beautiful chocolate skin and sexy lips he possessed. There was one however that took her breath away when she looked at him. Damn, I have got to see if he wants to come out and play, she thought taking Shells in.

  Layla loved the dreds, the creamy cocoa skin, beautiful smile and accent were making her panties wet as they all conversed. Glancing briefly at his girl, Layla didn’t think the woman was much competition. She was pretty yes, but those types were usually frigid or a pushover. Shells rose as if on cue and headed to the men’s room. Layla casually excused herself and headed to the ladies room located down the same hallway. She lingered around long enough for Shells to emerge, head down as he smoothed his shirt, bumping right into here.

  "Scuse me gurl, I didn’t see ya dere",” he told her smiling amiably.

  Layla smiled back telling him no harm done.

  “Where are you from, Shells,” she asked sweetly, wanting to keep him alone with her for a moment.

  “New York, but I come from Jamaica,” he replied still being friendly.

  “Mmm, okay, that explains the accent,” Layla continued to flirt.

  Shells smiled and said nothing more, trying to step around her and return to the party. He knew if Tae caught him here in the hallway with the woman there would be hell to pay.

  "Come now, everyone will be lookin’ for ya," he said referring to her sudden departure knowing it would spark curiosity amongst the bunch, as he walked away and Layla smiled at his back.

  Oh I’m going to get some of that, she thought wickedly, giving him a few moments before discreetly making her way back to the group and taking a seat once again.

  Everyone was having a great time, some feeling a bit better than others as the liquor flowed freely. Tariq admittedly was a little tipsy when he felt his phone vibrate. Having enough presence of mind to leave the group, he headed to the men’s room. Arriving he checked the phone smiling as he read the text. Quickly sending one back, he deleted all traces and placed the instrument back in his pocket. Deciding he would answer his call of nature, he stepped up to the urinal as Mook walked in.

  “Your ass is lit,” Mook teased.

  Tariq chuckled and told him he was feeling pretty good.

  “Hmph,” Mook replied chuckling as they washed their hands.

  “What’s up with this Layla chick,” he asked giving Tariq a look.

  Shrugging lightly he told Mook the woman was Cyiarra’s best friend since back in the day.

  “Hell maybe with her here for a little while, CiCi will stop being so damned clingy and needy,” Tariq threw out irritably.

  Mook was slightly taken aback. This was a side of Tariq he’d never seen. The man seemed to honestly dislike the woman who had his child and kept his home.

  “Maybe she just feels the distance Top,” Mook threw out carefully.

  Tariq again sighed, shrugging, before he answered.

  “I’m not out there like that Mook,” he replied, looking his partner in the eye. “I know you and Mell don’t like what I’m doing, but I swear it’s only once a week and we aren’t out there like that,” he explained as Mook raised both hands in surrender and told him he wouldn’t bring it up again.

  Thanking him the two men returned to the party, picking up where they left off.

  ******

  Gabrielle was careful to put on the hat and scarf before she left home. It was a habit now, not to come out in public without her aides. Taking a deep labored breath she was happy to simply be alive. She thought back to the past year and the day she walked into her and Ray’s bedroom finding Rahja waiting for her. “Let’s not make this difficult,” he told her calmly, pointing the loaded .380 at her. “Come,” he spoke once more as Gabrielle obediently followed. She had a very bad feeling as they entered the den and Ray sat sipping his drink, regarding her calmly. “Gabrielle, have I not been good to you, to a fault I might add,” he addressed her calmly. Shaking her head yes quickly, she opened her mouth to try and speak, when Rahja told her to shut up. “You will not speak unless Mr. Lockhart requests it,” he barked angrily. Her eyes pleading with Ray, Gabrielle waited on him to address her once more. “You tried to play me for a fool Gabrielle,” he told her, the anger showing on his face. “I would have made your life a fairy tale,” Ray told her get
ting right in her face. “Now I’m going to make it a nightmare,” he said simply, giving Rahja the signal. Gabrielle remembered searing pain and then blackness.

  As she rode in the car headed to town for shopping she continued to remember. She woke later tied to a chair in an abandoned warehouse, mouth gagged as Rahja watched her emotionless. Seeing that she was awake, he rose, turning his back as he arranged items on the small table he stood in front of. Finishing his task he returned his attention to her and she saw the malice in his eyes. Glancing at the table Gabrielle saw the things he placed there, her eyes growing huge with horror. Rahja chuckled seeing her fear as he came closer, speaking calmly as he addressed her. “You should never have stolen from him,” Rahja told her. “He left your torture up to me,” he went on gleefully. “I have studied you. You are the type of woman who beguiles men with her beauty, then takes their manhood from them,” he told her turning back to the table and donning the rubber gloves. “I’ve decided to rectify that problem,” Rahja told her coldly, holding the small cup like container in his hands.

  Gabrielle flinched now, her hands instinctively going to her face as she recalled the memory. Rahja poured the caustic cleaner on her skin, watching as it began to burn and blister her exceptionally fair complexion. Making sure the angry welts and scars wouldn’t fade with time, he finally pulled a screaming Gabrielle from the chair and washed her face, stopping in its entirety the mixtures acidic qualities. The tears came again as they sat at the light and she looked out into the ocean in font of them. Her face was permanently scarred garnering gawking stares and whispers wherever she went. Gabrielle was thankful for her cousin Zeke. After Rahja finished with her face, he’d beaten her, sodomized her, before pushing her from a moving vehicle with $100 pinned to her. Gabrielle remembered walking until she reached a major highway, collapsing just as a vacationing family passed her on the interstate. Thankfully they stopped and took her to the local hospital where she was able to contact Zeke. The police questioned her about the attack, but Gabrielle feigned the inability to identify her attacker.

  “We’re here,” Zeke told her softly seeing her crying again.

  She smiled slightly drying her eyes and got out of the car, scarf and hat in place. I never thought this would be my life, Gabrielle thought sadly. She hadn’t told Zeke, but she had plans. Ray Lockhart wasn’t going to get away Scott free just yet, him or that snake Rahja that worked for him. Smiling a tad underneath the scarf, Gabrielle continued to plot her revenge.

  *****

  “Hello darling,” Ray greeted India as she arrived at the house.

  Even with him and Gabrielle apart, India refused to live with Ray. She told him they both had lives and she didn’t want to cramp his style or hinder his movements. Ray loved the independence of India. Things were wonderful once again and he truly did accept her apology for cheating on him. India had gone to great lengths to explain the why’s of the encounter and Ray had to accept his own responsibility in helping to drive her there.

  “How was your day,” he asked as she told him about her showing at the gallery.

  India was doing very well with her sculptures, slowly making a name for herself within the artistic community.

  “I heard you won your case today,” India teased slyly as Ray chuckled and asked how she’d found out.

  “I have my sources,” she continued to laugh as he pulled her close, kissing her softly.

  “Are you hungry,” he asked.

  India told him she’d grabbed a quick dinner with some friends after the gallery closed.

  “That’s fine,” Ray replied pleasantly as he made them both a drink and they headed into the den.

  Making themselves comfortable on the couch, they began to talk again, enjoying each other’s company.

  “How’s Brent these days,” India asked making conversation.

  Ray told her everyone was fine and that he and Necie were considering another child.

  “Oh ok, cool, how old is Diamond anyway,” she threw back as Ray continued to stroke her slightly.

  “She just turned 10,” he replied as India chuckled saying they were getting old.

  “Speak for yourself old lady,” Ray teased.

  India burst into laughter and they continued to enjoy one another’s company. Ray’s touches began to get more intimate and she knew he wanted her. Turning to him, they began to kiss. Ray was immediately aroused as he found her breast and began squeezing gently. India moaned softly loving his actions. Pulling away, Ray stood and took her hand helping her off the sofa. They headed into the master bedroom, standing and lovingly undressing each other. India loved Ray’s body. The man was still well sculpted and muscular. It was hard to find even a semblance of fat on his body as her hands caressed the chest and began unbuckling his pants.

  Ray returned the favor, stripping India and immediately taking her breast into his mouth. He loved her so much. He never thought he could feel as deeply for her as he did now all those years ago when she gave herself to him at 18.

  “Mmm Ray,” India moaned breaking his thought as he returned his attention to her, moving to the other breast now.

  Pushing her gently into a sitting position, they both lay back onto the bed, him between her legs as he continued to suck her nipple and she moaned her pleasure. Ray’s hardness rubbed gently against her clit as he moved on top of her.

  “Yesss,” India sighed softly loving the sensation and very close to orgasm.

  Ray returned to her lips kissing her tenderly.

  “Do you love me India,” he asked, searching her eyes.

  “Yes Ray, you know that, with all my heart,” she returned earnestly, curious why he’d asked the question.

  Satisfied with the answer, Ray kissed her again, entering her as she opened up and gave herself freely. India’s hands slid down his back, grabbing both the firm butt cheeks and pulling him deeper inside her. Ray loved the way she felt, the way she was moaning softly, the way she was saturating the bed with her pleasure. He felt her body spasm and felt her nails in his back, signaling her orgasm. Ray pushed himself deeper inside her, kissing her ear lobe softly as he felt the flow of his seed pushing upward.

  “I love you too India, with all my heart,” he whispered hoarsely as the orgasm reached full throttle and his semen surged deeply inside her.

  India felt him, but said nothing, her mind still reeling from the revelation of his words spoken moments earlier. They’d hadn’t used a condom, Ray hadn’t pulled out, and India had the sinking feeling they wouldn’t be quite as lucky this time.

  3

  “Is everything in place,” King Diesel asked calmly.

  He was standing inside his penthouse apartment overlooking the city, taking in the view for the last time.

  “Yes,” Blue replied simply.

  King Diesel mumbled softly before lighting the cigar and inhaling deeply.

  “This is your last opportunity to back out,” he told Blue turning and looking directly into the man’s eyes.

  Blue immediately assured King Diesel he was fine with the arrangement and hadn’t changed his mind. He’d already spent three long years watching King Diesel put every piece in place. Blue had no intention of walking away when he was finally within arm’s reach of the one thing he wanted more than life itself.

  “Good, we’ll leave within the hour,” King Diesel spoke once more breaking Blue’s thought.

  Nodding his understanding he once again left the man alone with his thoughts. Continuing to gaze out of the window, watching the steel machines whizzing to and fro on the dotted roadmap below his window, King Diesel contemplated the thing he was about to do.

  He smiled a bit thinking about the day Blue was brought to him and the offer he’d made him. “Good afternoon Mr. White,” King Diesel greeted, using the man’s legal name. “How are you doing King Diesel,” Blue replied calmly, his eyes betraying his unsettled fear. “I suppose you’re wondering why you’re here, hmm,” King Diesel again asked. Blue nodded but said n
othing. The corners of his mouth lifting ever so subtly, King Diesel began to speak again. “I want to make you an offer,” he began cryptically. “If you decide to take the offer, I promise you, I will give you Lauren Cisneros on a platter,” he told him as Blue’s eyes lit up at the mention of the woman. Knowing he had his full attention, King Diesel laid out his entire plan and what he wanted and expected from Blue. The young man had agreed without hesitation. King Diesel finished his drink thinking what a great move that had been for him. Blue was an excellent solider and now he was a skilled assassin.

  The knock at the door interrupted further contemplation. King Diesel called out come in and waited for the party to enter. He knew the morning would be filled with visitors. They were readying themselves to leave Chicago and set up headquarters in Atlanta.

  “Sorry to disturb you King Diesel,” Mason told him entering the room and taking a seat as he was directed onto the crème Italian leather sofa.

  “It’s not an issue Mason,” King Diesel returned.

  “I’m headed for the airport,” he told him as King Diesel nodded his understanding.

  “Do you have everything you need,” he asked as Mason told him he did for now.

  “The weapons and other necessities will arrive via highway,” King Diesel told him as Mason immediately voiced his understanding.

  His cell went off and King Diesel asked Mason to excuse him as he left the room and the man was alone. Sitting still he thought about the chain of events they were about to unleash. Man’s got to do what he has to do, Mason brooded as King Diesel came back apologizing for the interruption.

  “Call as soon as you’re settled,” he began talking to Mason again. “We should only be hours behind you,” King Diesel added.

  Mason rose. “I will, King Diesel, no problem.”

  He left the room and King Diesel made yet another call.

  *****

  Ryan watched Rayne as she played, smiling at her energy. She’d recently turned two and was a bundle of energy and never ending questions.