The Streets Or Me: A Louisiana Love Story (3 page)

I walked inside of Sam's looking around for Killa. I really didn't wanna meet with him, but I knew if it was about business then I really had no choice. I finally spotted him at a table in the back with his driver/bodyguard Rocko. I walked over and greeted Rocko as he pulled out my chair for me to sit. Killa was on the phone so I just I looked through the menu until he was done. The waitress walked over so I decided to order a shrimp po’boy with cajun fries and a sweet tea. After she took my order, I just stared out the window waiting for him to finish up his call.

I hated being around my dad and he knew it. Ever since I was a kid, he was never really around for me or Chino, but Chi still remained close to him while I distanced myself. He always tried to use his money or gifts to buy my love and affection, but it never worked. It only made me pull further away and when I met Legacy, he gave me the love, affection, and attention that Killa didn't. Now don't get me wrong I love my father, I just hate his lifestyle because it always seemed to come before his family. I mean true, he provided nothing but the best for us, we never wanted for shit, and we lived a life fit for royalty, but what was all of the materialistic shit without real love and quality time. Finally, he ended his call and turned to me with that perfect smile that made his amazing hazel eyes shine.

"Baby girl, thanks for meeting me, you look beautiful," he smiled.

"Thank you, now what is this all about?" I asked.

I really had no time to beat around the bush nor play games, especially not with Killa.

"I see you still just as feisty as Queen," he chuckled referring to my mom. "I guess I'll get straight to it then. I'm leaving the game soon and-"

"Hmm congratulations, I guess Queen finally got fed up with this life huh," I cut him off.

"Haha, I guess you can say that," he chuckled. "Queen wants to move to Miami and-"

"Why Miami? Why not stay in Louisiana close to Chino and me?" I cut him off again.

See that's the shit I be talking bout! His ass been in and out of state moving weight, and meeting plugs for as long as I can remember but now that he leaving the game, he and my mom wanna leave Louisiana to start a new life in Miami. What kind of shit is that? I don't believe for a damn second that moving to Miami was my mom's idea, this is all his doing.

"It's not like you really want me here close to you Khyia, I practically begged you to meet with me today," he said. "Besides, this was Queen's idea and you know I at least owe it to her to-"

"You owe it to my brother and me to actually be a father to us dad or should I say Killa," I cut in. "You were never there for me and now that I actually want to give you a chance, you're just leaving. That's bullshit! I don't believe for one second that mom wants to leave us, it's all you!" I yelled.

"Khyia, I didn't invite you here to discuss our nonexistent father-daughter relationship. I fucked up things between us and I was wrong, this move is what Queen wants and that's what I'm doing for her," he said.

"Whatever, is that all you wanted because I got shit to-"

"You have shit to do with Legacy, I know. That's not all I wanted to discuss. What I have to say next involves Legacy and the busin-"

"Hell no!" I cut him off.

I knew this shit was coming, I just fucking knew it. Since Legacy was younger, Killa was always telling him how he had the potential to be the next "King of Louisiana" when he got older.  If he kept that strong street mentality that he could one day take over his spot. This was the main reason I was against Legacy getting back into this game. smh

"You don't even know what I was gonna say," he sighed.

"Yes I do. You're retiring, and you want Chi, Luke, and Legz to take over the business. Chi or Luke can have it but Legz isn't, this shit was only temporary until we made enough money to get us the fuck out of here," I said.

"And how far do you think temporary money is gonna get the two of you, huh Khy," he asked. "Think about it baby girl, if Legacy helps Chino and Luke takeover the business that means more power and control of Louisiana as well as other states in the South. Khyia this-"

"You just don't get it do you?" I cut him off. "All you ever cared about is this damned business, you never gave a shit about your family now you want to subject my only brother, your nephew, and the man that I love to the same shitty ass, dangerous lifestyle you lead. It's not gonna happen dad, Chino or Luke can do it, but Legacy won't be doing it," I said.

Call me wrong for saying he never cared for his family, but whatever it is what it is.

"If I never gave a damn about my family, I never would've risked my life and freedom to make sure my family was taken care of," he said. "I was the same as Legacy with a fucked up jail record so a real 9 to 5 was out of the question for me. The only reason I was hardly around for you and Chi is simply because I wanted to protect you both from this life and the danger that came with it. Your mother didn't want this lifestyle either, but-"

"If you were protecting us then how in the hell did you let Chino fall into this lifestyle at 12 years old? He got expelled from school because he was slanging for you, and if it wasn't for the fact that you had dirty ass cops on your payroll and Uncle Kevin being captain of the force, he would've been in juvie until he was what 18! And when it comes to mom, you gave her no choice but to accept this bullshit lifestyle that you love so much. She worried herself sick wondering if the two of you were safe, so don't you dare tell me you gave a damn about us. It was this life that you love so much, not us!" I cut him off.

"Chino made a choice to take from my stash and start slanging on his own. You saw what you wanted to see and believed it, he knew what he was getting into, he wanted to be like me, and as a father I gave him a choice to do right and be better than me just like I gave your mother the choice to stay or walk away and she chose to stay by my side exactly the way you chose to stay by Legacy's side, but the difference between you and Queen is the fact that she stayed away from the life and let me be the provider for the family. You on the other hand won't-"

"You don't know shit about what goes on between Legacy and me. He has the power to-"

"He has the power to be the next biggest kingpin in Louisiana with the mentality to match but he won't make a move unless you tell him to make a move," He yelled making me jump. "You swear you despise this lifestyle so much, but you definitely didn't hesitate to jump head first in it with Legacy and-"

"I wasn't gonna let him do it alone, as his woman it's my job-"

"It's your job as his woman to let him be the man and make his own moves. He has the mentality to build an empire out of this drug game. He can gain so much power and control that he never has to worry whether you and your future children have to want for a thing no matter what happens to him, but you gotta let him do it on his own. Hell, you could go finish college and get your business degree. Then help him figure out a way to go legit. This game is dangerous and sleazy as hell, but with his mentality he can make it work way better than I do."

"I’m not trying to lose him the way I lost you. I love him too much," I replied.

"If you trust him and support him then you have nothing to worry about. He won't turn out like me and let this life take control of him, he’s got a better head on his shoulders than me. I let the thirst for money and power take over me, and make me forget what was more important which was my family. I fucked up our relationship, but don't let what I did burden you forever. Legacy loves you and he wants to provide the life you deserve, just allow him to do so without reservations," he replied. "I gotta go, but Khyia please understand that no matter what I did or the lifestyle I lived, I loved and still love you more than anything in this world. I hope you can forgive me one day," he kissed my cheek.

I just sat there as he and Rocko walked out. Once he was gone, tears began to roll down my face as I thought about what he said. Maybe I am using what my dad did to me control the way I am with Legacy. I know he has the mentality that every street king needs, but will that mentality takeover and make him lose sight of us?

"How did it go with Khy?" I asked.

I was sitting in Killa's office at his warehouse waiting to discuss this takeover business with him, but I honestly wanted to know how his meeting with Khyia went.

"She's Queen's daughter through and through, just as feisty as she wants to be," he chuckled.

"Yea, that's one of the things I love to hate about her," I smirked thinking about her smart ass mouth. "Did you discuss the takeover with her?" I asked.

"I did, but like you and Chi said, she's not having it," he sighed.

"I knew that was coming, so what now?" I asked.

"We’ll give her time. Khyia is feisty and stubborn, but she has to understand that as your woman she has to trust that you won't hurt her the way I did. She needs to know that this takeover opens up a new world for the two of you which means more money, and a better chance of living the life you both dreamed of," he said.

"I mean I already know that much, but Khy just doesn't wanna see it that way and I don't know why," I sighed running my hands throw my curls.

I know I promised Khyia that this street life would only be temporary, but now I'm starting to think this permanent takeover might be the best move. I mean we need all the money we can generate if we plan on leaving Louisiana and building a better life. I just wish she'd hop onboard and allow me to be the provider 'cause no matter what she thinks or feels, she need to know that I got us.

"It's because of me," he knocked me from my thoughts. "She doesn't wanna lose you the way she feels she lost me. It's no secret that I wasn't around much for Khy nor Chi, but I did my best as a father to give them the life that I didn't have growing up. I felt like if it meant being away from them most of the time then that's just what it was. She doesn't want the street life to take over you like it did me," he said.

"I told her that I wouldn't let that happen. I can't see myself letting this business take me away from the woman I plan to spend the rest of my life with," I replied.

"I know that and you know that young blood, but you gotta make Khy know and understand that," he said. "Prove to her that you can handle this takeover and still be the man she wants you to be. I'm putting you on a trial run while I'm down in Miami for the week. I got three drops that you and the others will handle for me. I need to make these drops with no problems and prove that ya’ll are ready, then we can discuss more of the takeover. You also need to talk to Khyia about all of this because there will be a team meeting the moment I get back and we need her onboard. Can you handle that?" he asked.

"Consider it handled. I'll have Khyia in agreeance before you get back," I said

"Good, now we’ve gotten that out the way, I gotta get ready to head to the airport to meet Queen. I'll be contacting you and Chi about these meetings on when you need to be there and who you need to meet," he replied raising from his seat.

"Aight we can handle that," I said dapping him.

He nodded and we parted so that I could meet with Khyia and discuss this issue; I just hope it all goes well.

I watched as Legacy talked intently over the phone to Chi and Luke. Ever since they were teenagers the three of them have been thick as thieves in the game. They never made a move without each other, even when Legz quit the game the first time, they still ran together. Watching Legacy handle business, the way he did had me seriously thinking about what my father said about letting him be the man and allowing him to give me the life that I deserved. I just hope this decision doesn't backfire and have me looking crazy or leave me hurt.

He finally ended the call and turned back to me with a slight smile on his face. He gestured for me to come over to him and he snaked his arms tightly around my waist as he stared intently in my eyes.

"You know I love you more than anything in this world right?" he asked.

"Yes I know and I love you so much more," I smiled as he kissed me softly. "So what's up with Chi and Luke?" I asked.

"We had to discuss these business trips that we are taking on for Killa in a few days," he replied.

I raised my eyebrow in confusion because nobody, not even Killa, told me about any business trips that the guys were going on. That's my main damn issue with this damned business. If I'm here as your rider, then I need to be informed on every aspect of the business whether I’m going to be at your side or not.

"Don't look at me like that Khy, I thought Killa or Chi told you," he said.

"Killa ain't told me shit and I haven't talked to Chi since last night. He damn sure ain't told me shit either, so why don't you inform me on these damned meetings," I pulled away from him.

He let out a deep long sigh before he spoke.

"While Killa is away with Queen, he setup three drops. One in Texas, one in Arkansas, and the other in Atlanta. He ain't give no serious details just told us it was a trial run to see if we really ready for this takeover," he said. "Speaking of the takeover, baby we need to talk," he eyed me intently.

"I know, so you wanna start or do you want me to start?" I asked.

"How do you feel about the whole takeover situation?" he asked.

"Honestly, I don't want you to do it 'cause I feel like I'm going to lose you the same way I lost my dad. I know I still have him in my life, but we don't have that real connection like a father and daughter should. Simply because he wasn't around physically or in any aspect really," I said. "I feel like if you go in as a partner with Chi then that'll take you away from me the same way it took my dad away from me, and like I said before Legacy, baby I don't want to lose you to this game or anything else," I added.

I felt hot tears stream down my cheeks just thinking about this entire situation. Legacy is my heart, I love him with every single thing that I have in me, and I know if I lose him then my heart won't beat the same.

"This is a big deal Khyia. I mean taking full control of the game means so much more for us, all of Northeast Louisiana will be ours to control. I want this for us, I know I promised it would only be temporary but Khyia I could achieve so much more being a permanent asset in this game," he said. "I mean don't you love the fact that I can buy you anything you desire without having to worry about the price or nothing?" he asked.

"Legz, you know I love the things that the money buys, but baby, I love you so much more," I replied.

"I know that much baby, but come on baby this is a major opportunity for me as well as Chi and Luke; hell for you too," he kneeled in front of me. "Baby just let me be your man and your provider, I can do this," he said.

"You sound like Killa now," I sighed as he wiped my tears. "Is this really what you want to do Legacy?" I asked.

"Taking over the game with my boys and providing for my girl, that's the only thing I want to do," he said grabbing my hands.

"It's just so much more dangerous," I said.

"I know, but I'll be careful. I've always been careful," he replied.

"That also puts more exposure on me as your girl leaving me as a vulnerable asset to the game," I said.

"Nothing's gonna happen to you Khy, I'll protect you like always."

"Legacy, I'm scared."

"You don't have to be as long as you have me."

"I don't want to lose you."

"You won't lose me baby, in no way, shape, or form."

"You promise?"

He just kissed me as he lay me back on the bed with his hands roaming my body. It's been about two weeks since we've been intimate, mostly due in part to me not really feeling him but I think he's about to change that. He shed himself of all his clothes as his hands slipped under the mini dress that I was wearing. He pulled my panties to the side and entered me roughly causing me to whimper.

"I don't wanna make promises I can't keep Khy," he said as he deep stroked.

"Leg-"

"I'm doing this for you...for us. Let me be the man Khy," he growled.

Each time I tried to speak, his strokes got deeper and harder making it impossible for me to speak. Legacy knew that I would be down for whatever he wanted to do, just like I knew he couldn't make me any promises that I wouldn't lose him to this game. It was dangerous and he could be gone in the blink of an eye. This takeover makes him, Luke, and Chi bigger targets to the enemy than they were before. I just hope I don't regret agreeing to this decision.