“How’s business, Pops?” Jax asked as the waitress brought more shots over to the table. I couldn’t help but chuckle becauseshe fought to keep her eyes busy to avoid another encounter with my dad. “Are you still getting a steady flow at the casino?”
“Yeah, everything is what it’s supposed to be,” he stated as he mugged the waitress until she placed the last glass on the table before taking off. “Every month doubles the previous one. Plus, your mother’s childcare services and your aunt’s spa are still a hit to this day with the ladies. The family is doing well.” He held up a shot glass, and we all toasted to that. “So well that I was thinking about handing over the extracurricular businesses to Mitch, or having someone buy me out. I have to set up something with Marshall and see what he thinks.”
For as long as I’d been alive, my father has run the streets of Willow Springs. Even with the casino bringing in more money than he knows what to do with, he still dabbled in illegal activities. My siblings and I never wanted for anything growing up, and we never needed to deal with drugs or anything of that nature. The illegal shit we did was simply of our own accord.
As I listened to them speak about this upcoming football season, someone at the bar caught my attention. Sipping my drink, I said nothing as my eyes followed the cutie to the bar. Blossom Reid was prettier than any photo could do justice. The tight denim jeans she wore fit her petite frame just right, causing my dick to jump in my Amiri jeans. Although I could only see her side profile, her smile enhanced the brightness of the room. The men at the bar were in a trance just by looking at her, but she paid them no mind. She was too busy laughing and speaking to an unknown female, one that I would soon be accustomed to as well.
“What the hell are you looking at, Slash?” my father asked as he waved his hand in front of my face. “I hope you’re not about to have a manic episode in here because I’m telling you right now, you’re on your own.” He twisted in his seat and followed my line of vision. “Who the hell is that? She’s cute.”
“Yeah, Mama, that was your so-called husband speaking about another woman.” Jax chuckled as he held the phone up to his ear, causing my dad to snap his eyes toward him. “You want to speak to him?”
Staring like a deer in headlights, my dad jumped from his seat, causing his chair to fall to the floor. The look of fear flashed in his eyes, and I couldn’t help but shake my head.
“You’s one ignorant-ass nigga,” he said as he seethed and stared at Jax. “It be the lil’ niggas that come from your own nut sac that do you the worst.” Pointing at my brother angrily, he leaned forward and got in his face. “If I get my ass beat tonight, I’m calling the law on your mother. I hope you sleep well knowing she’s in a holding cell for twelve hours for domestic violence. I can’t stand y’all lil’ niggas.”
Turning to leave, I stuck my foot out to trip him, causing him to damn near fall. He pulled his Glock from his waist, tapping his thigh as he glared at me.
“Shoot me and watch I call Mama.” I smirked. “If you think you’re in trouble now, wait until she finds out you pulled a gun on me.”
Throwing his hands up in exasperation, he stomped his mad ass out of the lounge as the patrons either covered their chuckles or got out of his way. There weren’t a lot of things that scared my dad, but he didn’t play the muthafuckin’ radio when it came to the wrath of Breonna McKnight.
“Who is she?” Jax asked, nodding toward the bar. Blossom was now seated, still talking to her friend with the attention of every male around. My jaw ticked at the sight. “You holding out on me?” he continued to ask, fishing for information.
“Nah.” I reluctantly pulled my eyes away from her as I drew my vibrating phone from my pocket. “Just monitoring a potential situation, is all.”
Jamir:
The cameras have been set up in the home and office. I’m sending you the link to access. Also, the keys are at your house on the island. I hope you don’t mind, but your chef was there and I ate one of your protein bowls.
Me:
What’s mine is yours, baby brother. I appreciate you. Check your account.
Jamir:
Thanks, JJ. Be safe and love you!
Me:
Will do. Love you, bro.
Eyeing me, Jax shrugged his shoulders as he continued to eat and vibe. One thing about my twin brother and I was that we told each other everything. We were literally best friends. He knew if there were a real issue, he would be the first to know.
Still in the dimly lit booth, I continued enjoying my night out while I periodically watched Blossom. I didn’t know what she did or didn’t see—what she did or didn’t hear—the night I killed John. I did know that before I allow a potential problem to occur, I’ll eliminate it.
As pretty as she is, she isn’t above dying.
Snifff!
“Ah shit.” I held my head back and pinched my nostrils as I inhaled. This was my second line of the night, and I was feeling good. The week had finally come to an end, and I wanted to relax and get my mind off the bullshit I had to face on a daily basis. Being a business owner has its perks, but lately, it’s been one fucking thing after the other. Tonight, I wanted to relax at one of my favorite gambling houses to ease some of the stress.
“Hey, pretty lady.” I reached out and grabbed the wrist of a waitress who was walking past me. I’d just lost my third straight hand in blackjack, but I had faith that my luck would turn around. “Let me get a double shot of Hennessy.”
Giving me a small smile, I tucked my bottom teeth between my lips and watched the girl switch her thick ass away. It was a Friday night, and I had money to blow, so I would be seeing if I could pay for a little of her time later. Technically, I was broke since I was already in the red with Dame, but he and I were cool enough that he let me run a tab. That was the main reason I chose his gambling house over the big casinos to indulge in my habits.
Dame had a hole-in-the-wall spot that wasn’t all to known to the public. Located near the outskirts of Sunset Valley, it was a hidden gem. From horses, dogs, slots, and casino card games, he had a little bit of everything. Tonight’s vibe was perfect after the week I’d had. Old-school blues blared through the overhead speakers as people chattered amongst each other in front of the various televisions and games, betting on everything in sight. Not only that, but a few of the fellas had some of the best drugs you could get your hands on.
I love my tribe.
