Ronnie squirmed underneath Mea’s dead corpse like she was trying to break free the moment Relic mentioned a robbery. It confirmed what Kennedy already knew. Her anger superseded her nerves, and she removed her glasses with her face contorting into a scowl. Ronnie mustered up enough will to bulge her eyes in shock as Kennedy inched closer and squatted, so the bitch could hear her.
“You know, my brother told me once to never allow disrespect because it won’t stop after the first time. That was my mistake for letting your ass slide, Ronnie. Do you respect me, now?”
She stood up and moved aside, keeping their reprisal short and sweet since Ronnie was too busy choking on her blood to respond. Relic aimed, and Kennedy turned away as bullets rained into Ronnie, reminding her of the type of nigga she’d gotten herself wrapped up with.
It reminded her of Relic’s infamous title in the streets, as well as with the Feds, although he was more than abig fish. Relic was a fucking shark. Powerful, aggressive, and predatory to anythingor anyone obstructing his path. He was the head of the snake like his family claimed, and the blue-eyed devil like Judith had dubbed him.
He was a fucking monster like he’d admitted to being, and the proof was dead in her face. Relic had made certain he’d left Kennedy with no choice but to believe it as true.
She jumped when his hand wrapped around her arm, dragging her to the car faster than her feet could keep up. He slung her into the back and shuffled inside behind her like he knew her stomach was doing a dance of rising and nosediving, experiencing the rollercoaster he took her on. Los pulled away from the scene of their odious crime, and Relic’s arm hooked around her neck as her body reacted to her stunned state, producing a round of vomit she gagged on before forcing it back down.
“You aight back there, Kennedy?” Los checked on her through the rearview mirror with a gibe stare, waiting for her to prove him right.
He’d told Relic that including her in their scheme was risky, but allowing her to witness them putting niggas on ice was downright reckless for more reasons than one. Not only did it make her an accomplice; it made her a potential liability if she ran her mouth out of fear once realizing she wasn’t built for their lifestyle. Los couldn’t grasp what the hell is folks was up to with Kennedy, but he wasn’t above putting a stop to it if shit got out of hand. When she didn’t respond, Los shifted his gaze to Relic, whose eyes gleamed with agitation while snuggling Kennedy against his side.
“She’s good. Kennedy isn’t new to this shit. She’s true to it. Right, Larenn?”
His slit eyes flicked at her, and in fear of her stomach winning if she opened her mouth, she nodded instead. Los laughed.
“If you say so, folks.”
“I do say so. You’re more worried about her than you were worried about your wife, nigga. That’s why your ass is divorced. Focus on driving. Let me worry about mine.” After goading Los, Relic kissed her cheek and hovered his lips there to hiss, “Don’t fucking embarrass me, Kennedy. You better hold that shit in until we’re alone. Konprann?”
She didn’t respond but slid his shades over her rolling eyes. Relic removed his gloves and tossed them inside of a bag of items his cousin would douse in gasoline to set on fire later.
“Y’all heading to the airstrip, right?” Los verified, and Relic hummed a confirmation. Kennedy dallied her veiled eyes toward him at a detail he’d held out on.
“What are we going to an airstrip for?”
“You’ll see when we get there. Just sit back, relax, and enjoy wherever life with me is about to take you, Larenn. I come with just as many perks as I do problems.”
Kennedy hummed, rested her head back, and crossed her arms over her chest to oblige his request while hoping his perks helped to overlook the egregious decisions she’d made. Decisions that convinced her to believe she was just as much of a monster as Relic, and that he’d chosen her as hispartnerbecause they were one in the same.
They were more equally yoked than Kennedy cared to admit.
“Larenn, if you plan to eat, I’d advise you get up now before they make an announcement for our landing.”
Relic’s voice breaking into Kennedy’s sleep made her eyes shoot open to dart around before recollection seeped in, settling her nerves. She yawned and rolled on her side to stretch across the luxurious blue and gold stitched sofa bed that she’d collapsed on as soon as they boarded their private flight. When Relic told her that he came with just as many perks as he did problems; he hadn’t told a single lie.
Kennedy had tried not to seem impressed when he’d guided her onto their awaiting chartered jet, but her front hadn’t lasted once they’d boarded the spacious aircraft. It was ten times better than first class, and had she not been so damn tired, she would’ve gained her initiation into the mile high club to thank Relic for sharing his affluence. She made a mental note to do it on the flight home.
“I’m up,” she grumbled, forcing her body to lift from its relaxed position.
Her mouth downturned after noting Relic was in the same club seat at the pull-out table where he’d been before she’d dozed off. An empty plate and glass of water sat in front of him, so at least he’d eaten, but she highly doubted that he’d slept. The shades covering his eyes as he scrolled his phone prevented her from finding proof.
She stood and meandered to the seat across from him, sitting before she removed the cloche from her plate. As if knowing food was in its near future, her stomach growled while she inhaled the aroma of eggs, sausages, bacon, and a crispy croissant that she picked up first to attack.
“I take it, your stomach is better.”
Her eyes flicked up at Relic, who put down his phone to give his undivided attention. She shielded her chewing mouth with her hand and nodded before unwrapping her utensils to grab a fork, scooping a hefty bite of eggs to eat next. He watched her with a fervent stare.
“What do you have to say, Relic? I’m not eating lady-like enough for you or something?” she quipped, making him lift a hand in the air while removing his shades with the other.
“I didn’t say shit about how you’re eating, Larenn. Do your thing.”
He reached for a slice of her bacon but then jerked his hand away when she pretended to stab him with her fork. She picked up one for herself, taking a bite as she moaned like it was the best thing she’d eaten in her life.
“This weak ass, flight food ain’t all that. Stop it.”
