La Bella Mafia (18 page)

“Congratulations,” Lisa said as she tucked the paperwork securely in her briefcase. “You are now the proud owner of . . .” The woman paused and said. “What are you going to name it?”

“The Davinci,” Miamor replied.

“Has a nice ring to it,” Breeze stated. “How did you come up with that?”

“Because I'm going to make this a work of art,” Miamor answered surely. Leena pulled a bottle of Champagne out of her oversized bag and popped the top. The girls squealed in excitement as the bubbles overflowed.

“We don't have glasses,” Breeze said.

“Than hit it like a thug B, stop being so prissy,” Leena teased. Breeze laughed as she tilted her head back as Leena poured champagne in her mouth. The girls laughed as they each drank a bit in honor of their first official day as owners of The Davinci Resort and Casino.

 

Carter emerged from the prison and looked up at the sky. It was the first time that he had seen the sun without wires and barbs interrupting the picture. His appearance was different. He had grown a full beard and his body was chiseled to perfection from the time he had dedicated to his body. His face held a scar from a fight that had broken out on the yard, but still his swag was the same. His walk was still powerful, his stare still deadly, and his mind sharper than ever. The past five years had changed him and for the better. He looked back at the prison as he thought,
I'll never let a man put me back in a box. Ever.

As he strolled over to the black Maybach that awaited curbside he frowned as he removed the prison issued shirt, revealing a white wife beater underneath. He was relieved to see Brock, his old driver. It wasn't the first face he wanted to see, but seeing as how he had been released 6 months early and wanted to surprise Miamor he would have to be patient.

“Good to see you Boss,” Brock stated.

Carter slapped hands with the seven-foot killer and pulled him in for an embrace before stepping into the car. He smiled when he saw the Cubans waiting for him in the seat. He quickly clipped the ends and sparked a match as he puffed the cigar to life.

As the smoke danced in his mouth he savored the feeling of freedom as he melted into the leather seats. “I thought that would be your speed boss.”

“My nigga you thought right,” Carter said.

“Where to?”

Carter tossed the prison shirt out of the window as the car pulled away from the curb. “Take me to the nearest Neiman's my nigga. It's been four and a half years since I've seen my bitch. I want to walk back into her life and be the same as she remembered,” Carter said.

 

 

Time seemed to stand still when he saw her. Five long years had passed and he sat back admiring her as she walked through the beautiful casino, smiling graciously at the players. The dealers seemed to fawn after her. He could see the admiration in their eyes as she blessed each of them with a bit of her presence, even if only for a second. The casino and resort was flawlessly designed. He saw Miamor's personality throughout the entire establishment. She had chosen every detail from top to bottom and its modern vibe was impressive. She had gutted the place completely and if the crowd was any indication than business was booming. He couldn't be more proud. Miamor moved around the casino like a fish swimming through water. This was where she belonged. She was in her element and he found her incredibly sexy. The way she commanded respect. The way her beauty stood out amongst the sea of people. She was radiant and in that moment he didn't think it was possible to love anyone more than he loved her. His eyes scanned the room and he immediately peeped Fly Boogie, sitting back hawking Miamor's every move. She was protected and he made a mental note to hit Fly Boogie off with some bread for being so on point. He didn't want to interrupt. Instead he turned around and walked back out of the door. Miamor was busy right now . . . busy holding him down . . . busy being the boss and he wouldn't interrupt that. He would re-enter her life when the time was right.

 

 

Miamor felt the hairs on the back of her neck stand and she turned around, scanning the room to see why she was suddenly paranoid. She felt eyes on her. It was the murder mama in her. She always knew when something in the universe was off. She felt like she was being preyed on. She tensed and as soon as her smile turned into a frown Fly Boogie was out of his chair and across the room at her side.

“You good?” he asked.

“Yeah, yeah,” she said as she shook her head. “It just feels like someone is watching me.”

“The entire room is watching you ma, you're the star of the show,” he said.

“This feels different. I just need to go upstairs for awhile and regroup. I'd feel much more comfortable if I wasn't naked down here,” Miamor said.

“You don't need your strap ma. You're protected within these walls. Anybody breathe on you too hard, I'm plugging em',” Fly Boogie stated. “Relax. Nobody's here to hurt you. The people come here to see you, because you make them feel like you know each one of them. You're like a drug ma. They can't get enough and as long as they see your face them wallets stay open. Do you. I got it.”

Miamor nodded and continued to seduce the room, but she still couldn't shake the eerie feeling that had suddenly killed her vibe.

She saw Leena coming through the casino. Impeccably dressed and cuffing legal documents in her hands. “Hey, where are you headed?” Miamor greeted her. They kissed once on each cheek.

“I'm headed to financial to drop off these insurance papers and then I'm conducting interviews for a housekeeping manager,” Leena said.

“Where is Breeze?” Miamor asked as Leena began to walk away, obviously in a hurry.

Leena shrugged. “If I see her, I'll tell her you're looking for her.”

“And the kids?” Miamor asked, yelling after her.

“They're with Aries.”

Miamor nodded and tried to go about her day but something was nagging her. She had no idea that Carter was free but she would soon find out.

 

 

As soon as Miamor stepped into her suite the overwhelming aroma of fresh flowers invaded her senses. Her mouth dropped in an O of surprise as she looked around. She was baffled. This was a romantic gesture and although she was aware that Fly Boogie was fond of her, he knew his place.
He would never cross that line. Would he?
she thought, confused. She picked up her phone to call him. If he was responsible for this she had to correct this problem. She didn't like how good the gesture felt. It was time to create some space.
I've got to put some distance between me and his charming little ass,
she thought with a smirk as she shook her head. Perhaps being her personal goon was becoming a bit too personal. She was flattered but she was also taken. She would give nothing but heartbreak for the young kid. She hit the dial button and placed the phone to her ear as she made her way further into the suite.

“Hello,” he answered.

“Fly, we need to . . .” she halted her step and stopped mid-sentence when she looked out on the balcony. A shadowy figure stood, overlooking the strip. Alarm shot through her. If Fly Boogie was on her line . . .
who the hell is that?
She thought.

“Hello?” he asked again.

“There's someone in my suite,” she whispered. She hung up the phone and tip toed to the couch where she kept a gun tucked under the cushions. She removed the small .22 and let the gun lead her to the balcony. It was dark. The only light that illuminated the space was the glitzy lights from the streets below.

“The only reason I'm talking first instead of plugging you with holes is because my suite is full of flowers. Who the fuck are you?” she asked.

“Ask questions last next time ma, never give a nigga a chance to catch you slipping.”

The gun fell from Miamor's grasp as she cupped her mouth in complete shock. “Carter?” she whispered. He turned toward her, his hands tucked in his Gabbana slacks. “Oh my God,” she whispered as tears filled her eyes. Suddenly Fly Boogie's boyish charm was the furthest thing from her mind. Carter Jones was a man . . . her man . . . and he was 100 percent all man. The way he hung the Italian cut suit made her heart swoon as she ran into his arms, their lips meeting while his hands roamed all over her body.

“I missed the shit out of you Miamor,” he said, practically growling into her ear. She could hear his need and feel it too as he pulled her behind into him.

His kisses stopped her from speaking and his fingers ripped her panties to shreds as he lifted her leg, leaning her against the balcony door. When he filled her she gasped. It had been so long since she had felt him inside of her and she fit him like a glove. He grinded and she bucked hungrily, his face buried in her neck as lust took over them. His dick hadn't been wet in five years and it was too long for him to do any real damage. When he came, he didn't pull out. He spilled his seed inside of her. He would give her ten babies if it meant their souls could unite. Panting, he placed her on her feet and rested his forehead against Miamor's. Her hands touched his face, to make sure that this was real. She had dreamt of their reunion so many times that it felt like she was in a daze. “If you ever leave me again, I'll kill you,” she cried, her tears burning her eyes as they slid down her cheeks. “Five years was too long. It felt like a lifetime.” She wept. Finally, able to free the turmoil that she had concealed since the day he had been taken away. There was no better feeling than his embrace as he wrapped her in his arms.

“Shhh, I'm back Mia. I'm home and I'm never leaving again. The only thing that will ever take me away from you is death,” he promised.

KNOCK! KNOCK! KNOCK!

“Who the fuck is that?” Carter asked as he adjusted his clothes. She pulled her skirt down and followed him inside as she wiped her eyes.

“It's probably Fly,” she said. “I called him when I saw you standing on the balcony.”

“My
murder mama
called Fly Boogie?” he asked. “He your body guard or something?” Carter asked.

“He's not the same kid he was five years ago,” Miamor said. “He's put in a lot of work for me over the years. I trust him.”

“Yo Miamor!” Fly Boogie's voice came through the door.

Carter pulled it open and Fly Boogie's eyes widened. He was caught off guard at Carter's presence. “Oh shit, my bad fam,” he said. “I thought there was a problem up here. I didn't know you were home. When you touch down? Welcome back.”

“Just now,” Carter replied.

“You good?” Fly Boogie asked Miamor directly. She nodded, giving him a half smile. She could see that his feelings were slightly hurt by Carter's presence. They had spent a lot of time together over the years. Now that Carter was home that would surely cease. She was recognizing the signs of a crush from Fly Boogie, she hoped that Carter wasn't getting the same vibe.

“She's good,” Carter confirmed, answering for her. “We can chop it up tomorrow li'l homie. I hear you've helped hold shit together in my absence. I'll get with you. Have a good night.”

Carter closed the door dismissively and turned back to Miamor. “Where's my son?” he asked anxiously.

“He's at home with Magdalena and Aries,” Miamor said.

“This ain't home?” Carter asked looking around.

“No, this is just a suite that I keep here at the casino. I'm usually here all day. I like to rest or switch clothes without having to leave the property,” she revealed. She grabbed his hand and pulled her into him. “The home that we've built here is amazing Carter. It took so much work and so much time but we did it. I did it . . . for you. I'll show you everything tomorrow. We might as well spend the night here. C.J. is already asleep and you and I have a lot of catching up to do,” she whispered seductively. She planted a kiss on his full lips and then dropped to her knees. Carter's head fell back in bliss as she went to work. She was determined to show her man just how much she had missed him. Tonight would be all about his pleasure.

“I'm so proud of you Carter. Tonight belongs to you,” Miamor said as she stood in the doorway, watching as the resort tailor hemmed Carter's pants to his Gucci suit. He looked exactly the same. The five years away had done nothing to age him. The only change she could see was the scar that ran along the side of his face. Even still he was the most handsome man she had ever seen. If anything, the scar added character. The years apart had almost made her forget how much his presence filled the room. Carter Jones didn't even have to speak. His aura was simply boss and Miamor felt a silky wetness building between her legs just from looking at him. Carter shook the Asian man off. “Thank you Xuan,” Carter said, calling the man by name. He was making it a point to learn each one of his employees and considering that Xuan did excellent work, he used him every day. He adjusted his steel grey jacket and twisted his cufflinks as he stared at his reflection. Retrieving his money clip from his inside breast pocket, he removed a hundred dollar bill and handed it to the elderly man.

“Thank you, Mr. Jones.”

Carter nodded and Xuan left the room. Miamor came up behind him, wrapping her arms around his shoulders as they stared at the perfect image of their reflection in the full-length mirror.

“I couldn't have come this far without you ma,” he said.

“Neither could I,” she replied. “Just because you missed the past few years doesn't mean that anyone has forgotten the work that you've put in. You are the king Carter. It's time that Vegas witnessed your crowning.”

“What's the status on Zyir and Monroe?” Carter asked.

“Everything's fine. They will be here. Tonight the Cartel will be whole again. There are no missing pieces. It will go perfectly . . . trust me,” she said. She kissed the back of his neck and then walked out of the room, leaving him to his thoughts. She had an entire glam squad waiting for her at home.

 

 

Breeze could barely breathe as she waited for Zyir's plane to land on the private clear port. Loneliness didn't quite describe the despair that had fallen over her while he had been locked away. She had fallen into a state of depression . . . one that she had hidden well but depression all the same. She didn't have a child to look after or to substitute for the love that Zyir gave her daily. So without him, it was just her and it had been a struggle to get through every single day. Letters and phone calls did nothing for her soul. Over the past few years her heart had deflated but as she saw the lights from the incoming plane she knew that all of her pain was about to be erased.

She had driven herself. She didn't want anyone to witness their first moments together. It was intimate . . . private . . . and she wanted Zyir all to herself. She got out of the car . . . too anxious to wait inside the captivity of her BMW X5.
Why am I nervous?
She thought. Butterflies danced in her stomach. As the plane gently touched its wheels to the ground it brought a forceful wind with it. Her expensive dress and flawlessly silked hair blew all over the place, but she didn't care. She held her breath as the plane's door slowly opened and a staircase was attached to its side.

He emerged, suave like a model out of GQ magazine. He was already dressed to escort her to the grand opening. A man in a suit had never looked so good. He stood at the top of the steps, mesmerized at her beauty. It had been so long since he had laid eyes on her that the image had become fuzzy in his head. He had forgotten how truly radiant she was. His memories had done her no justice and when he saw her kick off her red bottom heels and start running to him full speed, he smiled. He walked down the steps and she jumped into his arms, practically tackling him to the ground. His usually prissy princess didn't seem to mind that her custom Alexander McQueen gown was covered in dirt from the unpaved landing strip. She cried a river as he fisted her hair, while kissing her passionately.

“Welcome home Zyir,” she whispered. “Never ever do that me to me again.”

“I won't B. That is my word,” he replied. He stood to his feet, attempting to dust off his clothing. “I take it we're not going to the grand opening?” He reached down to help her up and then scooped her into his arms as if she were a new bride.

“The last place I want to be is around a bunch of people. I want to go home and I want you to put a baby in me tonight,” she whispered. “I want a piece of you that I get to keep forever. It's time to plant seeds Zyir. It's time to grow our own family. I'm not comfortable in Las Vegas. The Cartel doesn't feel the same. Aries is here and as long as she's around I don't want to be.” Breeze had held her tongue about Aries because she knew that her presence was necessary. Zyir was the only one she could speak openly with and she had no problem admitting, “she is not and will never be on my team. She scares me.”

“You telling me you want to leave?” Zyir asked. “Did she threaten you B?” It took quite a bit to get Zyir angry, but the thought of malicious intent against Breeze was all it took.

“It's not what she says,” Breeze replied. “It's what she doesn't say. She has a vendetta against The Cartel. She tries to hide it, but I will never fully trust her and I don't feel safe. She's too close for comfort.”

“Don't worry about that tonight. As a matter of fact I'm home. Don't worry about that ever again B,” Zyir said as he placed a hand around her shoulder and pulled her in for a kiss. “Consider it handled.”

 

 

“Daddy! Daddy!” Monroe II was a replica of his father and as the eight year old came rushing to him with the speed of a young athlete, Monroe felt emotion burning his eyes. It wasn't until this very moment did he realize how much time had gone by.
Damn, I've missed too much,
he thought sadly. When he had been locked up his son was a toddler . . . three years old to be exact. Now he was a big kid and Monroe was feeling conflicted about how he hadn't been around to raise him. He remembered the lessons that Big Carter had drilled into him. There had never been a day that his father had not been there. He couldn't remember one time that he had wondered,
Where is papa?

As his son wrapped his hands around his waist Monroe held him tightly as he stared at Leena from across the room. She didn't see him but he admired her as he spoke to his son. “I missed you man,” Monroe stated. “You been taking care of your mama, being the man of the house?”

“Uh huh,” Monroe answered.

“You held it down like a G, I'm proud of you son,” he said. “I know I've missed a lot, but I won't miss another day. That's my word and if a man don't have his word he . . .”

“Don't have nothing,” Monroe II finished. Monroe nodded. His son had a roughness about him that reminded him of his brother Mecca and it took everything in him not to drop a tear. There were cameras all around him. The media had covered his release as if it were a red carpet event, but his goons kept them at bay. He didn't want anyone to get too close as he reunited with his family. This was a personal moment. “Ma will be glad that you're back. She was sad while you were away,” Monroe II said.

Monroe frowned and looked his son in the eyes. “Why do you say that son?”

“She would cry every night when she thought I wasn't listening. After she put me to bed, she would go in her room. She said your name in her prayers all the time,” his son informed.

Monroe pulled his son in for a hug and then straightened out the collar to his oxford shirt, making sure his son was put together well. “You will never hear your mother cry another tear over me.”

“Your word?” Monroe II asked.

“My word son,” Monroe responded.

He stood and watched as Leena talked to a group of people. The casino was impressive and he sat back admiring what their women had built as pride filled his chest. Leena had held up nicely under pressure. Ironically, the weakest link of them all had turned out to be a diamond after all. The grand opening was a success as the massive crowd slightly obstructed his view, but he maneuvered until he had come up on her from behind.

Leena smelled his signature perfume before she saw his face and she interrupted her conversation with the mayor to turn around to search for him. She was breathless when she spun and found him staring her directly in the eyes.

He caressed her face with both hands, cupping her cheeks as he gave her a single kiss on the forehead. “Hey you,” he greeted as if no time had passed.

“Hey you,” she responded.

He pulled her onto the dance floor.

She giggled slightly, feeling as if this were a dream. “Gangsters don't dance,” she said.

“Yeah well this gangster has some making up to do, so dancing, holding hands, midnight strolls through the park, I'ma be doing all that sucker shit until I've made up for my absence,” he said with a charming smile. Happiness melted all over her face. “You like that cornball shit huh?” he laughed.

She shook her head, “No, but I love that you know that you have some ass kissing to do. The new G-series Benz truck will do just fine,” she replied.

“Oh really?” he asked, finding her incredibly sexy. She had changed . . . grown . . . come into her own during his time away. He loved this new version of her.

“Absolutely. A prison bid is one of the cons of being married to a kingpin. Sparkly diamonds and foreign cars are some of the pros,” she replied. She planted a seductive kiss on his lips and whispered in his ear. The cameras from the paparazzi flashed all around them but the couple was in their own little world. “I missed you Monroe Diamond. Welcome home daddy.” She pulled his hand and led him off of the dance floor. “Now let me show you around your new casino.”