Thin Ice 5 - Checkmate Read online

  “Miss Kim, mm, shit,” he murmured his pace increasing even more.

  Kim felt his manhood begin to pulsate and knew he was close. Sliding her hands down his back, she gripped his sexy butt, pushing him even deeper inside her causing his finish to fill her as Mook groaned loudly, breathing hard, collapsing atop her.

  *****

  Jaleesa was at her end. What was she going to do? How could she get out of the trap she found herself in? Sighing deeply she opened the small note and read once again the message contained. Grabbing her keys she headed out, arriving at the small motel far off the beaten track. She’d left the baby with Jacoury, telling him she was playing bingo. Jaleesa hated lying to him, but what choice did she have? Until she could figure a way out, she had to play along. Getting out she headed to the front desk and retrieved the key that was left for her. Jaleesa walked the short breezeway to room 309 and used the key to enter. She heard the shower running and let go a small sigh of relief. Putting her purse down, Jaleesa sat and tried to collect her thoughts and calm her nerves as she looked around the room once again. It wasn’t shabby like some she’d been to or seen on TV. It was quaint in a manner of speaking. The queen sized bed was covered with a flower patterned comforter, blood orange being the dominant color. The drapes were a solid orange of the same depth hanging on a plain white metal rod. There was the one small table and chair that she sat in, contained.

  Jaleesa could tell it was a place used for extended stays as it contained a microwave and small refrigerator. The closet had a plain wood stained sliding door that opened to a wooden rod and wooden hangers to place clothing. The 32” full size TV sat on the dresser with mirror attached. She heard the shower stop as her sense of dread once again deepened.

  “Hey,” he greeted her, smiling slightly once he discovered she was inside the room.

  “Hi,” Jaleesa returned softly.

  “You wanna shower,” he asked walking over to her wrapped in a simple towel.

  “Not now,” Jaleesa returned.

  He leaned down and kissed her lips softly as she forced a small smile in return. Pulling her from the chair, he kissed her again beginning to undress her. Jaleesa again forced her mind off and allowed him to complete his task.

  “You’re so damned sexy,” he whispered in her ear, taking her hand and leading her to the bed.

  Pressing her nails into her palms, Jaleesa forced herself not to cry. She was wholly humiliated as he began kissing her chest. She knew she had to show some emotion or all the shame she endured would be for naught.

  “Mm, that’s nice,” she spoke softly, hoping she was pulling off the act.

  He took the nipple into his mouth in response to her declaration. Jaleesa again closed her eyes and fantasized. She didn’t dare think of Jacoury, knowing it would break her and she could never go through with the act. Instead she thought of Ryan and the love they used to make. Pushing her gently into the bed he climbed in with her, kissing his way down her body and tasting her intimately. Jaleesa continued to think about her time with Ryan as he brought her to orgasm. It wasn’t that he lacked skill, Jaleesa was simply guilt ridden cheating on her man.

  “Mm, Tweety,” he whispered softly pushing himself inside her.

  Jaleesa felt him and pushed him gently.

  “Where’s the condom,” she asked fearfully. He smiled and kissed her deeply.

  “This is what I want,” he told her calmly. “And we both know I’d better get what I want, now don’t we,” he threw out as she swallowed hard and whispered yes.

  Going back to his pleasure, he began thrusting into her once again.

  As she endured, Jaleesa prayed he wouldn’t be a complete dog and pull out as he reached orgasm. She was on the pill so pregnancy wasn’t a concern, but she didn’t want his semen inside her. She still had a man to go home to. Jaleesa felt him sucking her neck as he continued to have sex with her. Oh god, please don’t let him leave marks again, she panicked. Fortunately she’d managed to cover them until they faded and Jacoury was none the wiser. Jaleesa thought about the hold he had over her. If she dared tell him no, or tried to end things before he wanted too, he promised her he would take away her life. Needless to say Jaleesa believed him.

  “So good baby,” he groaned as she felt his manhood began to swell and expand inside her.

  “Please pull out baby, please,” Jaleesa begged as forcefully as she dared.

  “Mmm, you belong to me,” he hissed biting her neck hard, thrusting deeply a few more times before she felt his semen surge inside her.

  He rolled off her moments later and lay beside her, eyes closed, dozing lightly. Jaleesa continued to fight tears and despair. She didn’t see a way out of the hell she was enduring at his hands. There were no statues of limitations on murder and with her faking her own death there was yet another felony added to the list. Jaleesa would never get out of prison. She would never see her son or her man again ever. The stakes were too high for that to happen and if a screw between the sheets twice a week was all it took to keep that at bay, Jaleesa resolved she would do what was necessary.

  “I miss you when we’re not together,” he whispered, making her jump slightly.

  “I miss you too,” she lied smoothly.

  He kissed her neck as he nibbled her ear lightly.

  “I’m glad to hear that,” he told her, his tone making the hairs on her neck stand at attention. “I want to see you four times a week,” he told her making it clear the request wasn’t open for debate.

  “Please, I can’t,” Jaleesa tried before he pulled her to him holding her tightly.

  “You find a way,” he told her evenly as Jaleesa again swallowed hard and nodded yes.

  “Good, now go get your shower, I know you have to go,” he told her good naturedly.

  Jaleesa wasted no time rising and heading for the bathroom. After he heard the water running and was sure she was in the shower, he pulled out his cell.

  “Good evening Agent Colbert,” Nero greeted him.

  “Hey Nero,” Kai returned. “Tell Mr. Lockhart everything is going according to plan and I will have what he needs soon.”

  Nero cheerfully told him that was good news and they would be in touch. Disconnecting Kai smiled, enjoying the fringe benefits of his job more and more with each tryst he and Jaleesa had together.

  5

  Ian watched his club patrons enjoy themselves smiling at how quickly and how well things had fallen into place. Utopia was every bit the hotspot that Infusion had been in Atlanta. Ian was still setting things in order for the VIP entertainment he’d envisioned. Missouri was a veritable goldmine for the services he offered. Sighing lightly he again thought of his older brother Ryan, and how much he missed him. Jalen was trying and to his credit, doing much better in the business. He still hadn’t confided what was so heavy on his mind these days and that was beginning to bug him. Ian didn’t like secrets within his organization. It caused drama and dissension, a pattern he definitely didn’t want repeated. Ian had learned a lot in the last few years dealing with the issues that plagued his empire and ultimately caused its demise and him leaving the place he’d known all his life. Dismissing the thought for now, but planning to question his brother again later, Ian returned his attention to the club.

  He saw Brent and Santana enter and head toward his office. Ian motioned his bartender to refill his glass and then made his way to the office where the two men had ventured moments earlier.

  “How’s it going,” Ian greeted walking into the office to find them waiting.

  “All good, Ice,” Brent returned smiling. “How’re things with you,” he added as Ian told them he was fine.

  “What’s next on the agenda,” Santana asked, ready to get down to business.

  He wanted Ian to go ahead and make a move on the crew in Indiana soon. That was prime territory and every day they waited they lost more potential income.

  “Disposing of Shaft,” Ian replied calmly.

  The question showed on t
he men’s faces. Ian chuckled slightly explaining the situation.

  “Are you serious,” Brent asked incredulous.

  “Quite,” Ian returned.

  Shaft fancied himself the blackmailer these days, telling Ian he had incriminating evidence he was going to turn over to the police unless he got Utopia back.

  “You think he has anything,” Santana asked, noticing Ian’s demeanor.

  “No, he’s bluffing,” Ian replied slightly amused at the man’s nerve. “It’s the point of making him an example for anyone stupid enough to try and follow suit,” he went on as both men spoke their understanding.

  The knock on his door disturbed their meeting.

  “What,” Ian barked, annoyed at the interruption.

  “I’m sorry Ice, but there’s a dude here insisting on seeing you,” Carver told him.

  Ian sighed deeply looking into the man’s eyes trying to decide what he wanted to do about the uninvited visitor. Carver had been with him since Peppermints, being shot during the robbery attempt. He knew if the man interrupted, he must have found some merit in the assertion of the visitors need to see him.

  “Who is he and what does he want,” Ian threw back irritably.

  “He didn’t give a name, just said he had to see you,” Carver again explained.

  “Do you mind,” Ian asked, looking toward Brent and Santana.

  “Nah, it’s straight,” Brent answered as Santana nodded his agreement.

  “Fine, send him back here,” Ian told Carver who nodded and closed the door.

  No more than five seconds passed before the door opened and Carver again stuck his head inside.

  “Here he is boss,” he replied calmly stepping aside as Ryan walked in the door and Ian dropped the glass he was holding, splintering as it hit the floor.

  *****

  Jalen caressed the barrel of the .380 continuing to watch attentively as the couple made their way from the restaurant to the parking lot. He frowned deeply as Shells pulled Tae to him, kissing her as they arrived at the truck and prepared to get inside. Jalen was glad Ian hadn’t balked when he told him he was taking a weekend to himself. He had to see her, to know what she doing now and if she was still with Shells. Gleaning the answer to his last question caused the anger to rise and almost spill over, as he watched Tae caress her lovers face. Jalen couldn’t understand why he was still so deeply attracted to her but he was. He wanted nothing more than to be in Shells place right now. He should have been the man holding Tae in his arms, kissing and caressing every sexy and sensual part of her. Soon enough, Jalen thought darkly, smiling as he pointed the gun at Shells and pulled the imaginary trigger in his mind.

  Starting his own vehicle, Jalen continued to follow them wanting to know what else their evening out entailed. He hadn’t seen the child with them, though he knew Tae had given birth about a year or so earlier. He didn’t know the child’s sex or name however, but he was working on it. Jalen wasn’t upset about that. Besides, with a child that young the transition of him becoming daddy in their life would be simplistic and quick. The trucks right turn signal broke his thought as Jalen again began paying attention and turned as well, the huge neon sign directly in front of him advertising the Soca and Dancehall. He watched once again as Shells got out and went to the passenger side opening Tae’s door and helping her out. She’s still so damned sexy, Jalen continued to brood taking in the woman’s shapely legs, following the curve of her calves to her thighs, hips, sexy tapered waist and full firm breasts, as she walked with her man.

  Jalen thought green was a good color on her. The dress was form fitting allowing his imagination to run rampant while his manhood fought its primal urge to rise to the occasion. You’re out of your league on this one, his mind told him. You need to ask Ice for help, Jalen’s common sense was trying to weigh in.

  “I don’t need him,” he spat defiantly.

  Jalen wanted to do this on his own. When his brother found out anything about it, the coup d'état would be complete. Tae would be on his arm and in his bed. Jalen got out of his truck putting the sunglasses on and heading to the front door of the club. The bouncer asked for ID and the $20.00 cover charge before opening the door and allowing him inside. He stood at the opening to the dance floor while his eyes scanned the club. He finally found them tucked away at a table in one of the dimly lit corners. They were kissing again as Jalen’s eyes narrowed in hatred taking in the sight. Stopping one of the waitresses he asked for vodka and cranberry. Receiving his drink, Jalen found a table across from them on the other side of the club. Here he could continue to observe and plot without interruption. Not that they would have noticed anyway. The couple hadn’t stopped softly kissing and caressing each other since he walked in. Enjoy it now fool, Jalen thought hurriedly downing the drink and requesting another. Jalen frowned deeply watching the last kiss turn passionate, with the couple rising and paying their tab immediately after, walking out of the front door and he was sure headed home to make love.

  *****

  Ian couldn’t form words to express what he felt looking into his brother’s eyes. Carver chuckled aloud as Ian turned his head toward him.

  “You better be glad,” he joked with his bodyguard before the man closed the door and left them alone.

  Ian quickly introduced Brent and Santana to his brother before asking them to give them a few moments alone. Both men graciously acquiesced and headed out into the club.

  “What the hell,” Ian asked as soon as the door closed behind them.

  Ryan sighed deeply and explained his whereabouts for the past few years. Ian commiserated and shared his own turmoil with his older brother, who explained his meeting Creeper and Pirate, finding out where Ian was now.

  “Yeah, those two were excellent additions,” Ian spoke, regarding the two men.

  Ryan immediately agreed, bringing him quickly up to speed on things in the Bayou.

  “Jalen’s in now,” Ian told Ryan who frowned deeply.

  “How the fuck that happen,” he asked irritably.

  Ian again explained the how’s and why’s with Ryan taking in every word.

  “How is he doing,” he asked giving Ian a look.

  Sighing lightly Ian honestly told him the man was holding his own, but he wasn’t sure how much conviction he held in keeping the empire running.

  “That’s why he should have stayed with her,” Ryan threw out regarding their mother.

  Ian then told him about the woman’s death and Jalen’s responsibility for it.

  “Hmph,” Ryan returned. “I’m slightly impressed.”

  Ian chuckled and told him he was too.

  “I can’t tell you how damned happy I am to see you sitting in that chair,” Ian told his brother the emotion overtaking him.

  Ryan smiled and rose once again embracing his brother, the connection once more restored. Finally ending the embrace, they gathered themselves and began talking again.

  “You and KiKi back on track yet,” Ryan asked carefully knowing it was still a sore spot for his brother.

  Ian sighed deeply telling Ryan the whole sordid story, ending with the pending custody proceedings.

  “Hmph, bet old boy ain’t happy about that shit,” Ryan mused chuckling slightly.

  Ian laughed as well telling him he wasn’t.

  “So you finally get to see her tomorrow,” Ryan asked again as Ian nodded yes.

  “We got this, Ice, don’t sweat the little shit,” he added seeing the worry on his brothers face.

  Ian smiled at the declaration, the reality that he had his big brother back once again bringing a smile to his face. Tomorrow was a new day and he would deal with whatever came their way then, for now he just wanted to enjoy the return of his best friend.

  *****

  Nikki knew she was looking good. The stares she got and the lame pickup lines added confirmation as she made her way through the club. Normally she didn’t do miniskirts but this one was tasteful, not trashy, so she wore it. The fire red sk
irt was tapered at the waist and form fit over her ample hips and butt. Her thighs and legs waxed smooth and glowing softly from the generous helping of body butter she’d used earlier. The black and red top she’d paired with the skirt was see through, the lacy Victoria Secrets lingerie on display as were her perfectly shaped melon breasts. Nikki finished the outfit with 3-inch black peep toe stilettos. She’d been to Utopia a few times, but it had never been bumping like it was tonight. Ice has done a seriously good job, she thought admiringly. Ray had instructed her to bring documents for the custody hearing to him, needing them signed tonight. Her boss had somehow managed to get before a judge tomorrow, even with it being the weekend, for a petition he was trying to get entered and enforced. If Ray could pull the maneuver off, Ian would get immediate temporary custody of Tajdra.

  “Hey sexy, how about a dance,” the baritone voice spoke in her ear.

  Nikki turned to the sound expecting to find a beautiful Adonis on the other end. Much to her chagrin in his place stood an unattractive, ashy, troll.

  Sucking her teeth, Nikki rolled her eyes and turned away continuing her journey finally making it to the private hallway where the offices were. Carver greeted the sexy woman asking if she were lost. Nikki smiled slightly, identifying herself and stating her purpose for the visit. Carver apologized for not knowing and she graciously told him there was no need. Carver turned and motioned Nikki to follow him down the hallway toward Ian’s office. She took in the ambiance of the décor as she passed. As much as she knew Ian was a criminal in every aspect of the word, the man had impeccable taste. Nikki firmly understood how he’d managed to stay under the radar all these years and continue his illegal enterprises. From casual observations everything about Ian Bailey seemed legit. He wasn’t flashy or gaudy. He dressed well, but always within reason. He didn’t wear huge rope chains with diamonds blinking at every person who passed.

  “Here we go,” Carver spoke aloud breaking her thought as he knocked lightly on the door.