“No,” I answered. “We gather proof that Kai is corrupt and show where his money is really coming from. We make him toxic, so nobody wants to stand next to him politically. Then we quietly cut off the Crown’s income. We interrupt the ways they make money and force them to spend more than they’re bringing in until they can’t sustain the pressure.”
Legend nodded slowly. “That’s cleaner and a lot smarter.”
Saint ran both hands down his face, still breathing hard. “Or we could just walk away from this shit.”
Icon’s voice cut through the room. “We don’t walk away.”
Saint looked at him. “We got money. We don’t need this shit.”
“This is about legacy and our kids’ futures,” Legend explained. “And we don’t get bullied off something we built.”
Saint’s jaw flexed. He wasn’t convinced. He was just containing himself.
I stepped closer, getting his attention. “You want to win? Or you want to feel good for five minutes?”
He stared at me, and I didn’t blink.
Finally, he exhaled sharply and stepped back. “Okay, damn! Fuck! But when it’s time to get active, don’t hold me back.”
I gave him a slight nod. “When it’s time, I won’t.”
RHYTHM BROOKS
I stood in front of the full-length mirror on the back of my bedroom door and stared at myself.
“I don’t look pretty enough,” I muttered.
Joi, sitting on the edge of my bed scrolling through her phone, looked up slowly. “Girl, if you don’t stop.”
I turned slightly, examining every angle. As the featured artist for the biggest show of my life, I needed to look the part. I wore a fitted black gown that hugged my curves from my shoulders down to my hips before falling into a sleek, floor-length silhouette. The fabric looked expensive but was soft enough to flow when I walked. The neckline dipped just enough to be feminine without being too much. The back was open, showing smooth brown skin and the delicate line of my spine.
My locs were pinned into a sculpted updo that framed my face and exposed my neck. A few soft pieces were left loose to keep it romantic instead of stiff. My makeup had my skin glowing, cheekbones highlighted, brows done, dramatic lashes, and a deep berry lip that made my smile sultry.
And somehow, I still felt like the girl who used to paint at her kitchen table.
Joi stood and walked over, spinning me gently toward the mirror. “You look like the featured artist. You look fucking beautiful. Stop fussing over yourself.” I swallowed as she glanced at the time. “You were supposed to leave out ten minutes ago. You’re going to be late to your own damn show.”
Joi was babysitting tonight. I hated that she wasn’t going to be there, but I refused to risk depending on Kodi tonight, and my only other babysitter was my mama, and she would’ve disowned me and her grandchildren before missing this show.
I stepped out into the living room, smoothing my dress down one last time.
“KJ, be good,” I told him as he sat on the couch watching his tablet.
“Kinsley, listen to Auntie Joi.”
Kinsley nodded with a mouth full of donuts.
My nerves erupted as I walked toward the door. Sincere and I had already taken my pieces and the supplies for the live painting to Voss the day before. All I had to do was walk out of the door.
I wasreallydoing this.
This wasreallyabout to happen.
My dream was about to come to fruition.
Suddenly, I couldn’t breathe.
Then there was a knock at the door.
