“Aw, that’s so sweet,” Nivéa said, touched by her sincerity.
She watched Nyla bat her long eyelashes and curl up in Kerri’s embrace. The whole interaction warmed her heart.
“Ohhh, wait a minute, little lady. Grammy doesn’t have anything but dust in these.” Kerri said as Nyla shifted toward her chest and opened her mouth.
Nivéa cracked up, especially because Kerri had given herself a name. She thought it was cute.
“She’s a little greedy. Plus, she just woke up. I’m going to get her a bottle since I pumped earlier. Would you like to feed her?”
“Heck yes. I’d love to.”
They laughed in unison.
“Thank you again for everything, Mrs. Knight.”
“Don’t mention it. That’s what family does, baby. I can stop by and help anytime.” Kerri concluded.
∞∞∞
Inside the black Tahoe, Jeezy pumped lowly through the speakers as Domo turned onto the long, wooded industrial road. Ahead lay the Ravens’ clubhouse, a building painted matte black with silver-gray accents. A detailed raven with wings spread wide, feathers edged in steel gray, and talons gripping a crowned skull was proudly displayed across the front wall, making it clear whose territory this was.
Danger sat in the backseat, jaw locked tight, his gun clenched in his hand. The throbbing in his leg had dulled; rest had made it manageable. He felt calm…too calm. But the nap wasn’t what calmed him. The thought of what was coming did.
Revenge was close.
With their lights turned off, both SUVs navigated a dark side lot behind the clubhouse, stopping just far enough for Danger to walk comfortably while remaining unseen, per Crown’s orders. The engines died, and Danger stepped out, favoring his leg but never breaking stride. Smoky was right behind him, close enough that he could feel his presence without turning around, while the rest of the members fanned out cleanly.
They cut through the side lot and slipped between trees and parked bikes, moving strategically. As they inched closer, they split. Danger spotted the first guard posted near the side entrance. He was a prospect, young and relaxed with his head bowed, buried in his phone. The screen lighting his face was just enough for Danger to lock in on him in the darkness. Swiftly, he raised his weapon and fired. The shot was clean and quiet, the silencer doing its job as the body dropped with a soft thud.
“What the fuck?” The member positioned at the front of the door turned, pulling his gun as he tried to register the noise.
But it was too late. Smoky crept up on him and fired, the bullet catching him in the back of the head. His body crumpled just as the other, blood splattering against the brick wall and streaking the metal door.
Inside, the music thumped through the walls as a few Ravens bobbed their heads to the beat, unaware. It was late. Most of the members had already dipped. Only eight were still holding the clubhouse down. One was leaning back against the bar, nursing his drink. Another lingered near the wall, lost somewhere between the music and his own thoughts. Near the stage stood Kilo, the road captain, his attention fixed on their usual dancer moving beneath the lights.
Just like Crown had paid her to do, Candy was putting on a show, ass naked, rolling her coke-bottle frame seductively. She kept most eyes locked exactly where they didn’t need to be. While they watched her body, she always watched the room, clocking movements, exits, and positions. She was the one who fed Crown the real intel, how many members would likely be present at the time, and where they’d be posted. Money talked. Bullshit walked. She’d earned every penny.
Danger stepped inside first, taking the lead. In one smooth motion, he slid the suppressed pistol into his waistband and drew the Desert Eagle. He was done being quiet.
He wanted noise.
He wanted his presence known.
He wanted to look into the eyes of his enemies and see fear.
The moment he rounded the corner, he opened fire, spraying everything in sight. Chaos followed. Remaining Ravens scattered in panic, trying to take cover while grabbing their guns. Chairs scraped violently across the floor, and beer bottles shattered against the walls as they bust back. Candy screamedand ducked behind the stage, playing her role as if she had no idea what was happening.
The gunfire exchange went on for a while. Black locked down the bar while Smoky and Domo cleared the back hallway. The rest guarded the front just in case more Ravens arrived.
Eventually out of bullets, Kilo crept up and rushed Danger from behind. He went straight for the leg, kicking it hard, knowing exactly where the weakness was since he was the one who had put the bullet there. He planned to fuck him up and take his weapon. He never got the chance, though. Danger’s head was clear now, and he was focused. He pivoted and drove an elbow into the side of Kilo’s head hard, rattling him.
As Kilo became disoriented, Danger smashed his gun into his face, then followed up with the move Crown had just taught him, sweeping with his good leg and taking the nigga off his feet in one clean motion. Pain shot up his injured leg, sharp and unforgiving, but he welcomed that shit. Pain had never felt so good.
Danger stood over Kilo, gun aimed at him, and a cold smirk cutting across his face. He wanted to put a bullet in his head badly. Not only was he the one who shot him, but he was also the name Tommy had given to Crown as Lil Mo’s killer.
“You had to know I was coming for you, bitch ass nigga.” He said, then squeezed, the Desert Eagle ripped through Kilo until he felt satisfied.
When he finished, Danger moved through the rest of the clubhouse, checking corners and bodies, ensuring nothing could rise again. His eyes landed on the dancer, and he nodded towards the door, signaling for her to leave.
