

## Rich Boy Mafia

## Demettrea

Copyright © 2015 Demettrea

Published by Sullivan Productions, LLC at Smashwords

### Smashwords Edition License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your enjoyment only, then please return to Smashwords.com or your favorite retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

### King

What's good? It's ya' boy King. Most of y'all know me from my brother's book Love, Lies, and Obsessions. Well this ain't his shit. So sit back, chill, get comfortable and let my girl, Demettrea, tell my story. You'll get an inside look on my life, how I found love, and how niggas tried to take my spot. But y'all know that aint happening without a fight. Shit, I'm King Pierre, bitch!

## Chapter One

"I'm just in one of them moods. I feel like fuckin'. Wanna lay up in somethin' wet and punish somethin'. I got a taste for some pussy. I feel like fuckin'."

Plies blasted through the Bose sound system as King cruised down Seven Mile in his cocaine white Escalade. It was a hot summer day, at least ninety degrees, and he was feeling nice. He grabbed the kush filled blunt from the ashtray and lit it as he thought back to the argument he'd had with Tish earlier.

"So how long you been fucking that nigga? Huh, Tish?" He'd given her a deadly look as he asked the question. He did everything in his power not to choke her. He had never been a woman beater but in that moment he wanted to put his hands on Tish.

"Please, now you want to pay attention because I'm fucking somebody other than you? How many bitches have you fucked since we been together, King? So miss me with that bull shit." He couldn't believe this bitch was making excuses for sleeping with the enemy.

"Yeah, but you go and fuck the one nigga I got beef with. Bitch, you ain't loyal. You a snake and I'm through with yo ass. So pack ya' shit and be gone out my house by the time I get back."

"Nigga, please! I aint going no damn where. I live here just like you do."

This bitch done lost her mind, he'd thought. "You know what? You can have this shit. I'm out." He'd always known that Tish wasn't wifey material but damn did she have to be a hoe?

Coming out of his thoughts he shook his head. King wished he would have known five years ago that she'd be sleeping with his enemy. She denied it but he had proof and to make matters worse she terminated a baby that she claimed was his. She said she wasn't ready for a baby. The truth of the matter was she didn't know who the father was. He was pissed because Tish knew how bad he wanted a baby. In light of this fucked up situation, King decided to go back to his old ways. His motto was 'Fuck hoes. Get money'. He believed it in that order too. He didn't need a bitch like Tish. He was a fine specimen and could have any woman he wanted. He had smooth caramel skin and long jet black hair that he kept braided. Standing a full 6'3 and weighing about 250 pounds of solid muscle that was tatted up, King had a walk that said 'I'm that nigga'.

When King pulled up to his trap on Strathmore he saw Rahsaan, Javon and Rob chilling on the block. He parked his ride and hopped out leaving the sound system blasting. "What's good yo?" He gave Rahsaan a fist pound.

Rahsaan threw his head back. "Same shit, different day. What you getting into today, boss?" Rahsaan was King's right hand man. The two had been best friends since grade school and were more like brothers than anything. They shared a bond that couldn't be broken. When Harlem passed on the torch to King that put RBM in a good position and King brought Rahsaan right along with him.

"I was trying to hit up Onyx. I wanna find me a little mami to chill with. You down?" King pulled out a bag of Kush and tossed it to Rahsaan.

"Hell yeah." Rahsaan was eager as he checked out the bag of Kush.

"Well meet me at the crib around ten and we can head out. I'll see if Javon and Mike wanna go but knowing them niggas they do."

"Aight yo. I'll check you later." Rahsaan gave King a fist pound.

Jumping back into his truck King pulled off in route to April's house. April was a jump off he fucked with from time to time. She was a red bone that stood 5'5 and had a banging body. She rocked her short hair in a Halle Berry cut. If she wasn't a hoe she would make any nigga happy to call her wifey. But everyone knows that you can't turn a hoe into a housewife.

When King pulled up to April's house she was sitting on the porch braiding hair. That's what happened in the hood though. There was kids getting wet in the fire hydrant, old ladies on the porch gossiping about everybody, and fiends standing on the corner trying to get their next fix. April lived with her mom who thought they were sisters. She really didn't care what April did. She was the type of parent to smoke a blunt and have a drink with her kids.

"What's good, ma?" King stepped up on the porch.

April stood to her feet and greeted him with a hug. "Shit. Just trying to make this money. What's up with you, daddy?"

He bent down and whispered in her ear making her giggle. She knew exactly what King wanted and she was ready and willing to oblige.

April threw a quick glance over at her client. "I'll be right back, Sheila?" Sheila huffed causing April to turn up. "Whatever, trick. You barely paying me anything so chill. I'll be right back out." April walked in the house with King on her heels. As soon as they stepped into her bedroom April dropped to her knees and went to work. King loved when she gave him head. She gave a different meaning to the name Super Head. She took all nine inches of King's throbbing dick into her mouth letting it hit the back of her throat never once gagging.

"Ahhh fuck. That's right. Suck that dick." King's declarations of pleasure made April go faster. She was sucked relentlessly. Minutes later King erupted in her mouth and she swallowed every last drop.

"You good, daddy?" She gave him a self-satisfied grin.

"Hell yeah. How much you need?" King pulled out a wad of bills.

April's mouth began to water. She was the true definition of a hood rat. She knew King wasn't cheap and she'd be able to get that new outfit she saw at Rainbow and still have enough to get her hair done. Never mind that her kids needed summer clothes. She was out for self. "Whatever you give is cool."

King peeled off five one hundred dollar bills and placed them in her open palm before turning to leave. "Aight, ma. I'll hit you up later."

~ ~ ~

When King and his crew walked through the doors of Onyx they were bombarded by females. Everybody knew who RBM (Rich Boy Mafia) was and everybody wanted to be down with the crew. Females fought for the chance to be wifed by someone in RBM and niggas simply wanted to be down. They were young and getting money. Some folk didn't like it but no one challenged them except for Jarelle Banner and his eastside crew.

King and his crew headed to VIP and took a table towards the back where they could see everything that was going on. King didn't play that sneaky shit. In this game you had to be aware of your surroundings.

"Dammmnnn! She got a fat ass. She needs to come on over here. I'll gladly give her all my money." Rahsaan was pointing to a light skinned chick that had just passed their table.

"She is looking right." King cosigned. He was ready to get his drink on and maybe find a chick to take home tonight. In the midst of checking out the crowd their waitress came over and took their drink orders.

"Give us a bottle of Ace and a round of Bacardi shots." King couldn't get his drink fast enough.

"Okay, fellas. I'll be right back." The waitress walked away and King turned his attention towards the door at a group of females that had walked in.

"Damn, fam! Look at them chicks that just walked in with Tracy. They bad as hell." One in particular had caught his attention. She looked to be about 5'6, maybe 135 pounds, and she wore her hair in long curls that fell down her back.

"Oh that's just Tracy's girls." Rahsaan replied. He immediately rose and headed over to the ladies. He smiled and greeted Tracy with a hug. "What's good, ma?"

"Hey, bae. I didn't know you were here. Where you sitting at?" Rahsaan had been kicking it with Tracy for a good year. He was in love but wouldn't dare admit it.

"Come on now, ma. You know how we do. Straight VIP. Come on y'all chilling with us tonight."

The four women gave no objection and followed Rahsaan to RBM's section in VIP. As they crossed the club they caught all of the evil glares from females wishing it was them sitting with RBM. But none of that bothered Tracy or her girls. They were as bad as they come. Tracy was Dominican and a firecracker. She was originally from The Bronx but her family moved here when she was ten. Tracy was a mocha colored beauty that stood 5'8 with a nice ass and 38C cups. She wore her hair long on one side and shaved on the other rocking the Cassie look well. Chrissy was a lighter skinned chick and was a little on the thick side. A size sixteen to be exact, but she had a flat stomach. Most said she favored the actress Lauren London. Tamika was 5'9 and was a model. Mixed with black and Dominican, she had dark, smooth skin and long hair. Lastly there was Ryan, the beauty that had caught King's eye. She was a red bone who wore her hair in a neat bob, had breasts that were perfect handfuls, and lil' mama had ass for days. At 5'5, Ryan was the shortest of the clique.

"Fellas, we have guests." Rahsaan took the liberty of introducing the ladies. "This is my lil' mama, Tracy, and her girls Tamika, Chrissy and Ryan."

King was still stuck on how fine Ryan was. She commanded attention when she walked in a room. Everything about her said "Boss Bitch". He had to have her.

"How are you ladies doing tonight?" King spoke addressed the group but his eyes were on Ryan.

"We're good." Chrissy spoke showing all thirty-twos but King wasn't paying attention. Ryan had his attention. She smiled when she noticed that he was fixated on her.

"Well have a seat." King lifted his shot glass and smiled at the ladies. "Drinks are on us tonight." He downed his shot of Bacardi and was pleased as Ryan took a seat next to him.

Leaning over King whispered in her ear. "So, Ms. Ryan, tell me something about yourself."

She smiled. She was fine and he was single. What harm would it do to have some fun?

"Well, I'm a laid back person. I have a son, and I love to cook."

_Damn, the full package,_ King thought. "So, Ms. Ryan, ya' man always let you out alone?"

She smiled again as his breath tickled her ear lobe when he whispered to her. "I don't have one but if I did I wouldn't need his permission to go out."

King smiled this time. "Well if you were my woman I wouldn't let you out of my sight. You too damn fine to be alone."

Ryan looked at King and could tell that he was tipsy. She laughed. "You are a mess boy."

"You know how to roll, ma?" King asked Ryan as he pulled a blunt and a bag of Kush out of his pocket.

"Yeah." She confidently took the weed and the blunt out of his hands then proceeded to roll his blunt for him.

King eyed her cautiously. Yeah I'm a have to check this one out. She doing shit for a nigga already and shit, King thought.

"Here you go." Ryan handed the blunt to King.

"Thanks, ma." He sat back and smoked while watching Ryan. She was bad as hell and he wanted her in every sense.

Ciara's "Body Party" came on and the girls got excited. Chrissy jumped out of her seat. "Come on y'all lets go dance." Chrissy led the pack to the dance floor.

King watched as Ryan moved. She was dancing as if she was a professional. King was stuck on her body movement as her swaying lured him in.

"Close ya mouth man." Rahsaan laughed at his partner's obvious awestruck demeanor.

"Nigga, fuck you." King responded.

Ryan was in her zone when someone bumped her. It was Diamond, a chick from around the way that got with niggas and set them up to be robbed. It was no secret that she and Ryan didn't like each other.

"My bad." Diamond smirked before walking off.

Chrissy saw the whole thing and headed in Ryan's direction. "What's the deal? Do we gotta beat a bitch down tonight?" Chrissy was the outspoken one of the crew.

Ryan shook her head. "Naw we good." She continued to dance as her eyes connected with King's. She turned away quickly and felt her face flush. He was cute but he was a bad boy and she didn't need that in her life.

It was a good night. Everyone was chilling and having fun. King was faded and feeling nice. "Damn, if she move like on the dance floor then I know she a beast in bed." He voiced his thought out loud.

"Damn nigga you been watching home girl all night." Rahsaan chuckled.

"Yeah but she seem a lil' stuck up... like she need some dick or something."

They laughed and Rahsaan pointed to the Ciroq in the middle of the table. "Well I hope it work out homie. Pass that bottle."

"I know King ain't strung out over some pussy he ain't even had yet." Javon joked with his boy as he drew deeply from a blunt.

"Nigga fuck you. That right there is gone be wifey. Watch what I tell you." King was convicted in his declaration.

"Yeah okay, nigga." Javon shook his head.

Three songs later the ladies rejoined the fellas and they all chilled for a few hours before the club started to clear out. King was first to stand to leave. "Well, fellas, it's been real but I'm out." His eyes scanned the VIP section in search of Ryan. He needed to get her number before he left so that he could see what was up with her. He moved away from his table but before he could make it across the floor to her gun shots rang out. King pulled out his .9mm and shot back in the direction of Eddie, Jarelle's boy. The rest of RBM saw what was going down and followed suit. Why the hell these fools wanted to shoot it out inside of the club was beyond him. King was well trained with firearms and with one hit he took Eddie down.

"Let's go!" King's security shouted as he ushered the crew towards the back of the club where a car was waiting. In his haste King spotted Ryan crouched down hiding in a corner. Without any words he snatched her up leaving a red trail behind them. King's security was two big 300 pound guys. They burst through the back doors and put King in the car before the driver pulled off.

Ryan was in a state of shock. She didn't even notice that she'd been hit.

"Ma, you're bleeding. Let me see your arm." King spoke calmly. She was already shaken up and he didn't want to alarm her further. The pretty girl just sat there as King examined her. "It's fine," he told her. "It only grazed your arm but we'll have the doctor come look at it."

She just shook her head. King felt bad. He knew Ryan was a good girl and what she just saw back there wasn't what she was used to. King was heated but tried not to show it in front of her. He liked her but he didn't know her yet. In his head he was plotting ways to put Jarelle six feet under. The ringing of his phone brought him out of his thoughts.

"Yeah?" He answered gruffly.

It was Rahsaan. "You good man?"

"Yeah. I'm good man but I'm pissed. Them niggas done fucked up and now it's a war in these streets for real. I'm about to start dropping niggas like flies. Niggas shooting at me in the club. What the fuck!" King was heated all over again.

"Well we need to make some moves ASAP. Until we do though lay low, man."

King appreciated Rahsaan's concern. "I hear you man. Let Ryan's girls know that she's with me." His eyes wandered over to the emotionless Ryan.

"Aight man. Hit me up later." Rahsaan hung up the phone without any further questions.

King scooted close to Ryan. "You okay, ma?"

She just shook her head. Ryan didn't know what had happened back there in the club but all she could focus on was the fear of not making it home to her son. As bullets were flying her life had flashed before her and she thought it was the end. But then along came King who she felt had literally saved her life. She was thankful for him. "Thank you." She was finally able to voice the words running through her mind.

"It's all good, little mama. So where am I dropping you off at?" He needed to drop her off so he could take care of business.

Ryan rattled off the address to him and he told the driver where to go. Fifteen minutes later they pulled up to a rough area near Brightmoore. This was a hood that King didn't frequent too often. This was where the stick up kids got you at. King quickly got out and opened the door for her.

"Thanks again," she said demurely as she held her wounded arm.

King reached out and pulled her to him hugging her tight. "No problem, little mama. I'm gonna have somebody come look at your arm."

Ryan inhaled the scent of his Curve cologne and was momentarily caught up in his aura.

"Well I have to get going but if you need anything just call me." He interrupted her moment of euphoria and passed her a card with his information on it.

"Okay." It was the only thing she could find to say before turning around and heading inside of her house.

## Chapter Two

It had been two weeks since the shooting and Ryan was back to her normal routine. She hadn't seen or talked to King since that night. She had his number but she didn't know if she should use it so she didn't. Besides King had more important things to do than to be bothered with her.

"What are you thinking about, girl?" Tracy waved her hand in Ryan's face. "I've been talking to you and you're zoning out."

Tracy and Ryan were the closest out of the clique. They were tight as ever and had been rocking with each other since grade school. For that reason Ryan couldn't lie to her homegirl. "Girl, I was thinking about King's fine ass."

They laughed. Tracy shook her head and made a simple statement. "Call him, girl." Tracy knew her girl was too prideful to make the first step so she'd decided to secretly invite King out to the block party that was taking place that weekend.

"Girl, no. That man is busy. Plus I have enough on my plate than to be trying to hook up with some random dude right now."

"Girl, bye! King is just what yo ass need, boo-boo: a nigga to put it down and take control." Tracy took a sip of her drink and allowed her advice to sink into Ryan's head.

They were having one of their regular lunch dates and this type of heart to heart session wasn't unusual. Ryan shook her head and tried to deflect. She wasn't ready to admit how lonely he really was. "You are a hot mess. Anyway how are things between you and Rahsaan?"

"It's going pretty good. That's my baby and he takes care of me in every way possible." Tracy laughed. "But I'm not sure if I'm ready to settle down and commit to just him."

Ryan's right eyebrow rose. "Why not? I mean you too seem perfect for each other and you can tell he cares for you a lot."

"Girl, he's too wrapped up in the street life. I think if I get too involved then I'll get hurt. So I keep my feelings at bay." Tracy laid her cards out on the table and Ryan's heart went out to her.

"Awww, sis! I think you're in love." Ryan teased Tracy and threw a fry at her.

"Shut up. So um... you _are_ going to the block party this weekend right?" Now it was Tracy's turn to change the subject. The block party was an annual event on the west side and everybody and their mama attended. All the hustlers came and showcased their old school cars and stunted. Their crew went religiously every year.

Ryan shrugged. "Yeah, I'll be there. Cameron is with his nana anyway so why not."

Tracy was satisfied with Ryan's answer. Now all she had to do was think of a way to get King there. She really felt that King and Ryan would be a good fit and she didn't want that gold digging bitch, Tish, to get her claws back in him. Suddenly it dawned on her. She didn't have to wait until the block party to hook her girl up. She knew a way that she could get things popping a little sooner. Sticking a pin in her thoughts, Tracey threw her napkin on the table and smiled. "Well I'm gone 'cause I have a date with my boo. I'll holler at you later, chick." She grabbed her Birkin bag.

Ryan gathered her things as well. "Alright then, mama. Call me later."

~ ~ ~

Ryan was at home asleep when her phone rung. She sat up and looked at the Caller Id. It was Tracy. "What, girl?" She answered the phone groggily.

"Don't be answering the phone like that! Anyway I wanted to know what you had up for the night."

"Not a damn thing," Ryan responded.

"Good! Now get yam ass up and get dressed 'cause we're going to a party."

Ryan pulled the phone away from her ear and looked at it. Maybe she was hearing things. Tracy was crazy if she thought she was going to a party. "Naw, boo. I'm good. You have fun with that, chick."

"Bitch, don't play with me. Now get dressed and be ready when I get there." Tracy hung up before Ryan could utter another word.

Ryan threw the covers back over her head and screamed. She was definitely not in the mood for a party. She especially wasn't in the mood to party with Tracy. Tracy was known to get drunk and get into some shit whenever they went out. Reluctantly, Ryan got up and headed to the shower. After a good ten minutes she got out and headed to her closet to find her outfit for the night. As she was looking through her wardrobe she was thankful that having Cameron didn't change her size much. She had been able to lose the baby fat fast therefore making it easy to fit in her old clothes. This was a plus since she liked to dress nice.

Being a hustler's girl had given her a lot of perks until Jarelle left her. She knew that she wasn't the only one Jarelle was seeing but he took care of her until she told him she was pregnant. Ryan shook her head at the thought of Jarelle. It had been almost five years since she'd last seen him. He left her pregnant and broke. Thank god that her mom and her friends had been there for her.

The ringing of the phone brought Ryan out of her thoughts. She knew it was Tracy seeing if she was ready. She was good for that too: calling back to back.

"Hello?" Ryan tried to sound upbeat.

"Are you ready yet?" Tracy sounded anxious.

"Almost. Give me about twenty minutes and I'll be ready."

"Okay, chick." Tracy hung up and Ryan continued searching for an outfit to wear. Finally after ten minutes she settled on a one shoulder, black Gucci dress that stopped right above her knees. It fit her figure like a glove and showed off her curves. She accessorized with a gold choker and Diamond studs. On her feet were gold glittered peep toe Louboutins. She swept her hair up in a bun and put on some M.A.C. lip-gloss and was ready to go when Tracy knocked on the door another ten minutes later.

Ryan hugged her quickly. "Hey, girl. Let's go."

Ryan locked up and followed Tracy to a 2013 Audi A7. Her jaw dropped in shock. "Bitch, who car you pushing?" Ryan slid into the passenger's seat as Tracey took the driver's seat.

"Rahsaan's." Tracey cheesed. "You know that boy loves me."

Ryan was surprised at how serious Tracy and Rashaan were. Tracy wasn't one to put her feelings out there like that Ryan could tell that they were in deep. She was happy for her girl though.

"Awww, aren't y'all cute." Ryan joked as she ran her finger over the interior of the car.

"Whatever." Tracy gave Ryan the middle finger.

"This is my shit." Ryan got hyped when Kendrick Lamar's Swimming Pools came on. "Turn that up!" Ryan rocked on to the bat and fifteen minutes later they pulled up to a mansion in Bloomfield Hills. There were cars everywhere. Tracy had to park almost a whole block away.

"Who's house is this?" Ryan asked as they got out the car.

"King rented it out for his birthday party." Tracy walked up to the door and avoided making eye contact with Ryan.

Ryan was pissed at her for not telling her ahead of time. "Bitch, you ain't slick. You knew what you were doing."

Tracy just smiled and proceeded on inside the house. The duo was immediately hit on by guys as they made their way through the crowd. Tracy smiled and flirted back but that's as far as it went. She knew Rahsaan didn't play and wouldn't hesitate to fuck her up. Ryan on the other hand was just blatantly uninterested.

"Hey, Tracy, I'm gonna grab a drink." Ryan gave her girl a heads up but Tracy was too busy dancing to respond to her. Ryan rolled her eyes and walked on over to the open bar. She smiled weakly at the bartender. "Can I get a Hennessey and coke please?" She surveyed the immaculate house as her drink was prepared. _Damn this house nice as hell,_ she thought.

"Damn, what a birthday!"

Ryan turned to see King standing behind her. Her heart fluttered but she decided to play like she barely remembered him. "Hey, King, right?"

"Yeah. So what made you come show a brotha some love?"

His staring made her nervous. She tried not to look hi in the eyes. "Well I came out with Tracy. I had no idea it was your birthday, but ummm... happy birthday."

"Thanks, ma, but it would be even happier if you chilled with me for the night." King grabbed her hand. Ryan didn't hesitate to follow him. They headed to the game room where a pool game was going on. They laughed and joked for a few hours before the party started to clear out.

"Well, fellas, it's been real. Thanks for celebrating with me but I'm out." King stood to leave. He didn't mind leaving people in the house because it was rented and insured. He looked at Ryan. "Call me tomorrow ma. I wanna take you out."

"Okay." She agreed even though she had no intentions of calling him.

Rahsaan gave King a pound. "Aight yo. Holla at me tomorrow. I got a few things I need to run by you."

"Fa'sho." King headed out the door. Feeling a little tipsy he stumbled to his car. Quite a few bottles had been passed around throughout the night.

"Hey, sexy. You need some help?" Diamond appeared out of nowhere.

"Hell yeah, ma. Let's roll." King was happy about the fact that he was about to get laid. He was so drunk and horny that he didn't know he was about to be set up.

A shadow appeared behind them and halted their escape. "Uh, sorry, Diamond, but he's not a trick. He's just a little tipsy. I got it from here." King might have been tipsy but he'd remember that voice anywhere.

"Look, Ryan, this ain't got nothing to do with you." Diamond was pissed that Ms. Goodie Two Shoes was trying to ruin her money.

Ryan ignored her and proceeded to help King to his car. All King could do was smile at her. "You care about a nigga huh?" His speech was slurred.

"Don't flatter yourself." Ryan helped him into the passenger seat. "Where are your keys?"

King dug in his pocket and passed her his keys. Ryan closed her palm around them and pointed at the drunken cutie. "Just stay put while I go find your friends to drive you home." She closed the door and headed back inside the house looking for the other members RBM. After a ten minute search she came to the conclusion that they had either left or were all up in rooms with chicks. She headed back outside to King's Escalade. "Careless ass niggas," she muttered under her breath. When she opened the door King was peacefully snoring. She hated to leave him to get on the road and kill his self or somebody else. After careful thought she decided to take him to her apartment to sleep off his buzz. She hoped she wouldn't regret it later. After sending a text to Tracy letting her know what was up she hopped in the driver's seat.

Ryan pulled out of the parking lot and took the thirty minute drive to her apartment complex located on the Westside of Detroit. She parked, shut off the engine, and she got out to head over to the passenger's side. Taking a deep breath she opened the door and shook King awake.

"What's up, ma? A nigga trying to sleep." His speech was still slurred.

"Ugh!" Ryan shook her head in frustration. "Come on so you can lie down and sober up."

King mumbled unintelligently but got out the truck. He staggered to the door behind Ryan. Lucky for him her apartment was on the first floor so she didn't have to worry about him falling down any stairs. Ryan opened the door and helped King to the couch. As soon as he hit the cushions he was out. Ryan removed his shoes and grabbed a blanket from the linen closet to cover him up.

_Damn he fine as hell,_ Ryan thought as she made her way to her bedroom. She didn't know what it was about him that made her want to help him tonight. Even though she didn't know him that well she had heard of him. She knew that he was the leader of RBM. Ryan undressed and put on a pair of boy shorts and a cami before climbing into bed. She needed to get a good night's sleep before it was time for her to go to work the next morning.

## Chapter Three

Ryan rolled over to her alarm clock going off. It was 6 A.M. and time to get ready for her job at Target. She hit the snooze button and went back to sleep only to awake again ten minutes later. She was dead tired from working two jobs but bills had to be paid. She swung her legs over the edge of the bed and stretched. Ryan headed towards the kitchen to make coffee forgetting that she had a guest.

"Damn, ma. You always look that good when you wake up?"

She jumped. "Oh shit! I forgot you was here." She ran back to her room to grab her robe. When she returned King was putting on his shoes.

"Thanks, lil' mama, for making sure I didn't kill myself last night."

"You're welcome." Ryan proceeded to the kitchen with King behind her.

"So Ms. Ryan, what you up so early for?" King eyed her seductively. Something about her was turning him on.

"I have to go to work." Ryan was feeling him too much. She tried to keep her feelings in check by keeping herself busy until he left. He wasn't the type of guy she needed in her life. Their lifestyles were much too different.

"Damn, ma, on a Saturday?"

"Yes. I have two jobs. Bills have to be paid." She sat a cup of coffee in front of him.

"Thanks, ma. Where ya nigga at and why he not taking care of you?"

She looked at him sideways before answering. "One, I don't have a man. I told you that before. Two, even if I did I am more than capable of taking care of myself."

"Okay, Ms. Independent. Well I'm up and thanks again for last night." King got up and let himself out of the front door. Once she heard the door close Ryan let out a deep breath which she didn't realize she was holding. She had never seen somebody so fine with so much swagger. She had to control herself because King was a bad boy and she didn't need that in her life. She would only end up with a broken heart. After she calmed herself down she walked into the living room to lock the door knowing that her neighborhood wasn't the safest.

~ ~ ~

After leaving Ryan's apartment King headed home to shower and nap before he started his day. Since Harlem had passed the torch to him he had been making power moves and his pockets were overflowing. Life was good. All he needed was that ride or die chick. He really had thought that he had that with Tish. His mind shifted to Ryan. She was bad as hell. Most of all she seemed to be a good girl. He didn't know what it was about her but he wanted her in the worse way.

After a good nap King was refreshed. He looked at the clock and saw that it was after four. It was time to get his day started. King showered and dressed. He donned all black Levi's, white tee, and a black Detroit snapback. On his feet were all white Uptowns. After spraying on Armani cologne he grabbed his keys and wallet then headed out of the door. He was headed to a block party in the hood. It was always live when they gave parties in the hood. Everybody and their mama were guaranteed to be there. He was hoping to run into Ryan since she lived over that way. King hopped in his candy green Caprice Classic with twenty-inch Giovanni rims. That was his favorite car to drive because it was old school. He hooked it up with a nice Bose sound system and kitted the whole inside out. He rarely brought that ride out but today seemed like a good day to do so. When he pulled up on the block everybody was just getting started. Grills were going, the neighborhood kids were running up and down the street, and the chicken heads were in full force looking for their next sponsor.

King parked his ride and got out. After chilling on the hood for a good ten minutes he saw some his boys chilling so he headed their way. They were kicking it with some bad ass females. He didn't notice until he got closer that one of the females was Ryan. She was looking good in her pink halter top and white shorts. One thing King liked was pretty feet so he glanced down at her toes and saw that she had perfectly manicured toes inside of a pair of Gucci sandals. He wasted no time claiming what he thought was his. He walked up and grabbed her from behind and whispered in her ear. "What's good with you, Future?"

She couldn't help but smile. "Hey, King. I see you sobered up." Her tone was sarcastic.

He bent down and kissed her neck before speaking to his boys. "What's good, fam?"

Javon and Rahsaan spoke back then King wasted no time turning his attention back to Ryan. "We gon' have to work on that mouth of yours." He was still holding on to her.

"Whatever," she replied. "Now can you let go of me? I don't wanna have to beat one of your groupies' asses."

"Man, you good. I'm a single man unless you ready to be wifey."

She laughed. "You aint ready for me, King."

He kissed her neck again. He was awakening feelings in Ryan that she wasn't familiar with. This was scaring her yet she felt daring. Something was saying throw caution to the wind.

He turned her around to face him. "I am if you stop playing games, ma."

She barely came to his chest but since he was so tall King liked short females. Ryan looked up at him and smiled before responding. "We'll see. I gotta watch you first, King."

"Damn, Ryan, I see you. Why you didn't tell me this was you?" Chrissy looked King up and down.

"Because it wasn't anything to tell." Ryan smiled. "King, you remember my friends Tamika and Chrissy." Ryan reintroduced everyone.

King nodded politely at the other women. "It's nice seeing you ladies again but if you don't mind I'm gonna steal wifey for a little while."

Ryan was enjoying the attention she was getting from King. It had been close to five years since she dated anybody and she was more than ready to jump back in. King took her by the hand and they headed to his car. Ryan ran her finger over the hood. "I love this car."

"Thanks. This is my baby." He sat on the hood of the car and pulled Ryan between his legs. "So when you gon' stop playing and let me take you out?"

"Soon maybe. We'll see." She looked at him seductively. Her heart pounded as he pulled her closer and placed his hands in her back pockets.

"So tell me something about you, ma." King looked her dead in her eyes. He felt like a bitch for falling for this chick that he barely knew. It was something about Ryan that made him want to fast track their relationship.

"Well, let's see... I'm twenty-four, I'm a very outgoing person, and umm...I already told you that I have a son. His name is Cameron and he's five."

"Where is little man at now?" The excitement in his voice was unmistakable.

Ryan thought he was a little too happy about her having a son. What she didn't know is that King wanted kids. He just hadn't found the right person to have them with. She shrugged off her curiosity at his eagerness. "My mom has him. He's always ditching me for his nana."

They laughed then King got serious. "You know I'm digging the hell out of you right?"

"I'm feeling you too but let's take this slow and see where it takes us." Ryan had already been through hell with Cameron's father. She didn't need a repeat of that. She decided take things one day at a time and whatever came from it would be.

"That's cool but know that you're mine now. So if you got any lames around tell 'em ya man said it's a wrap." King didn't wait for her to respond before he pulled her in for a kiss. Ryan thought it was cute that he was staking his claim. She kissed him back relishing in how soft his lips were. A soft moan escaped her lips. She had to check herself because she wasn't trying to put on a show for the whole block. She broke the kiss.

"What you doing?" King took her lips captive again. This time it was longer and Ryan opened up more. She sucked his tongue which only turned King on more. He was the one to pull back this time. "Damn, ma. Let me find out." They shared a laugh.

"So besides running RBM, tell me something about yourself." It was her turn to ask questions.

"I'm real big on family and I only let a few people into my circle. I hate disloyalty and I'm romantic. I mean erotic massages and bubble baths... the whole nine. I like to make sure my woman is completely satisfied both mentally and physically."

Ryan was taken by surprise at his response. "So why the hell are you on the market? You seem like the total package."

"Like I said before, I hate disloyalty. The last relationship lasted five years but she cheated with my worst fucking enemy. That was unforgivable."

Before Ryan could respond Tish walked up with her girls as if on cue. They were looking like the hood rats they were while being loud and smacking on gum. Tish had attitude written all over her as she pointed her finger at Ryan. "So this must be why you can't answer your phone. Hmm."

"Man, back the hell up." King gave Tish the look of death before taking Ryan's hand and walking away. "C'mon let's go grab something to eat ma."

They fixed plates of food and found an empty table to occupy. Ryan was quiet the whole time. She was trying to figure out a way to approach the situation. She liked King but she wasn't one for the drama. King knew what was on Ryan's mind but he waited for her to ask what she wanted to know. After a good fifteen minutes of silence Ryan finally spoke. "I know you don't owe me an explanations but who was that? Because truthfully I'm not one for the drama." She looked down at her plate and picked over her food.

"That was the ex I was telling you about." He grabbed her hand. "Trust you have nothing to worry about. There is nothing between me and her."

Ryan wanted to believe him but it was hard. She was just going to have to sit back and watch how this thing with King played out. "I'm gonna take your word for now but it better not be no shit." Her warning came out sternly.

King liked her feistiness. "I got you, ma. It's something about yo lil' ass that's making a nigga wanna settle down. The fucked up part is I barely know you but I swear it's something about you." King smiled at her.

"So what are your plans for the rest of the day?" Ryan abandoned her plate and watched King eat.

"Hopefully I'm hanging out with you unless you already have plans."

"I'm free until tomorrow. Cameron is with his nana so it's whatever." Ryan hoped she didn't regret saying that.

"Since you put it that way, let's go." King stood up and Ryan followed.

Tish couldn't believe how King had played her. Yeah she slipped up and fucked with Jarelle but it was a one-time thing. She couldn't fathom the idea of not being with King. He was a boss and his money was long. She had to figure out how to get him back. She'd be damn if she let some stuck up bitch come and take what belonged to her. She started plotting immediately and knew that it wasn't going to be nice for King's new chick. She had invested too much time into him to let some uppity bitch steal him.

## Chapter Four

King woke up with Ryan on his brain. He hadn't seen her since the block party a week ago. He had been handling business with Emilio, his connect. Looking at the clock that hung on the wall adjacent to the bed he saw that it was 9 A.M. He headed to the bathroom to release his bladder. After checking his phone for messages he decided to text Ryan.

**King** : What's good, future?

**Ryan** : Nothing. What's good with you?

**King** : Just getting up. So can I see you today?

**Ryan** : That can be arranged.

King was all smiles. He jumped up and headed to the shower so that he could start his day.

~ ~ ~

Waking up to a text from King instantly brightened Ryan's day. She had been going through hell this last week. Bills were piling up and it seemed as if she couldn't work enough hours to compensate. She hated that her son's father wouldn't step up. It had been almost three years since she spoke to him and she had been about five months pregnant the last time she saw him. It was like he just disappeared off of the face of the earth. If she hadn't run into him a while back she would have thought he was dead. She'd seen him at the mall hugged up with another female and a little boy that looked to be about five years old. She was hurt because he acted as if he didn't even know her. Then and there she vowed to never let another man close to her again and now here she was letting King in. She just hoped that she didn't regret her decision.

Ryan rose from bed and checked on Cameron who was still sleeping. Leaving his room she headed to the shower. She wanted to look presentable when King came over. Before she could reach her bedroom there was a knock at the door.

"Damn!" she said out loud. She didn't expect him to get there so soon. She checked herself in the mirror and then headed to the door. When she opened it her mouth dropped. She knew King looked good but damn. He was rocking blue Polo shorts with a white Polo shirt. He had on blue and white plaid Polo shoes and he smelled good. He had a fresh haircut and the Gucci frames on his face just set off his whole outfit.

"What's good?" King hugged her tightly.

"Hey. Come on in." Ryan stepped aside to let King in. She felt awkward because she was dressed in a pair of Pink Victoria Secret crop pants and a white tank top. Her hair was in a messy pony tail and she didn't have on any makeup. But little did she know King liked her natural look.

"Did you want something to drink?" She avoided eye contact as she tried to strike up a conversation. "I have Pepsi and bottle water."

"Naw I'm good. Can you turn on the game though? The Heat are playing the Spurs and I got some money on this game." King sat on the couch and made himself comfortable. Ryan turned on the game and sat down next to King leaving a little space between them.

"Come on over her. I want you close to me." King pulled Ryan close to him.

Ryan was beginning to have feelings that she shouldn't have been experiencing this early. It had been so long since she had been with anybody and King was waking up things in her. She got comfortable and laid back on his muscular chest as he wrapped his arms around her.

"This is what I'm talking about." He kissed the top of her head. "I like how you feel in my arms. I could get used to this shit." They sat quietly watching the game until Cameron woke up. He walked in the living room looking for Ryan.

Ryan noticed him and sat straight up. "Hey, little man. How was your nap?"

He walked over to her yet stared at King. "Good."

"What's up, little man?" King held his hand out for a five. Cameron gave him five and smiled. That warmed King's heart. He really liked Ryan and knew that he had to get along with her child.

"What's your name?" Cameron asked King.

"King. What's yours?" Ryan liked the fact that King was getting to know her son. Not many guys do that. Usually their main goal is to sleep with her. That's why she didn't date. Her son was her number one priority.

"Cam." He had an inquisitive look on his face. "You play with cars?" He was trying to feel King out.

"I do. I love cars. Maybe we can go to the store and get some new cars for us to play with."

Cameron's eyes lit up and that made Ryan happy. She was sad to have to interrupt their conversation. "Come on Cam, we got to get you ready to go with Nana."

Cam got excited and ran to his room to get ready. Ryan smiled at King. "I'll be back. I have to get him ready because I have to work tonight so he's going with my mom." Ryan moved to get up only to be stopped by King. She giggled a little. "Come on, King, I gotta get him ready." The truth was that King made her nervous. He was too good to be true. She just knew it was some skeletons in his closet waiting to be released.

"Why don't you stay home?" He continued to hold her. "We can watch movies. Me, you and little man."

"As much fun as that would be I can't. I have bills to pay." She got up and headed to Cam's room.

King hated that she had to work two jobs but Ryan seemed like the type that was too proud to take help. She was independent. He had to figure out a way to help her so that she wouldn't have to work so hard. He continued to watch the game while Ryan got Cam ready. When she was done she returned to the living room with a fully dressed Cameron following behind her. Ryan joined King on the couch while Cam sat at his little table and played with his cars.

King pulled Ryan close and whispered in her ear. "I like you."

She smiled. "I like you too King."

He was looking her dead in her eyes. "No, I don't think you understand how much I like you. This shit is creeping me out cause I ain't never got close to a female this quick but yo little ass got me gone." They laughed.

"Is that a good thing?" Ryan asked.

"Hell yeah. I can tell you're a good girl. I need a chick like that by my side. Somebody I can trust. Somebody to hold a nigga down and lift me up when I'm down."

Ryan was taking in everything that King was saying. Whether or not she believed it was the question. All niggas talked a good game when they wanted to fuck. "I hear what you're saying, but it's just talk. I need action boo."

"I got you, ma. Believe that." He ended the conversation. King really did like Ryan and was planning on doing everything in his power to show her just how much. They chilled until it was time for her to go to work. She allowed him to drop Cam off at his Nana's and her off at work. There was no way he was letting her catch the bus. He told her that he'd be back to pick her up as well. What Ryan didn't know was that King owned a few businesses including a clothing store and which he needed someone to run. He thought Ryan would be the perfect person to do so. He chose to mention this to her as he opened the door to let her out of the car.

"So I have this clothing store you could manage. It'll definitely be more money than you make at this job."

"I'll think about it." His news was surprising and even though it sounded nice she had to be sure.

He didn't know what it was about her but he was definitely falling hard and fast.

~ ~ ~

King cruised down Grand River. He was going to check on his traps. Being in the game he had to make sure he stayed on top of his workers. He couldn't afford any slip ups or for niggas to take him as being soft. When he pulled up Javon and Rahsaan were out on the block along with a few others. King stepped out the car and the chicken heads that were strutting down the streets broke their necks to see who was stepping out of the Caprice Classic. "Damn you looking good, King," they called out. King wasn't interested in the chicken heads at all. He tossed up his hand and spoke but kept it moving.

"Damn, they choosing, nigga," Javon joked. "The hoes be all over this pretty nigga."

"Shut the fuck up nigga." King shot back while giving Rahsaan a fist pound. "What's good, homey?"

Rahsaan was known as the party boy of the crew. He was always getting into something. "Same shit different day. What you got up later?"

"Nothing at all. I was thinking about hitting the motorcycle club later." King's phone beeped and he pulled it out to check it. He had a message from Tish and that irritated him. He couldn't understand why she was still hitting him up. He told her ass it was over.

"What's up with that fine chick with the big ass?" Javon asked.

King didn't know what had come over him but he grabbed Javon up real quick. "Watch ya fucking mouth, nigga."

Rahsaan had never seen King act this way over a female. _Shit must be getting serious between them two,_ he thought. He grabbed King off of Javon. "C'mon, dawg. It ain't that serious."

King let Javon go and gave him a look that said 'Don't fuck with me'. Rahsaan shook his head. Ryan must have been something special.

Javon threw his hands up in defeat. "My bad, dawg. I didn't mean no harm. I had no idea it was that serious between y'all." It wasn't that he was scared of King but he had mad respect for him. He never wanted to cross the line of being disrespectful.

King nodded. "It's cool just don't let that shit happen again."

Javon gave King dap and the beef was squashed. King had surprised his self. He couldn't believe how he had reacted to Javon disrespecting Ryan. He told himself that he needed to back off because he was getting serious way too quickly.

"What time we rolling to the motorcycle club tonight?" Rahsaan asked.

"Well I gotta pick Ryan up from work at twelve. So any time after that."

"Alright then hit me up and I'll meet you there."

King consented before hopping in his car to leave. He still had a while before he had to pick Ryan up so he headed to his mom's house. Helen Pierre was as feisty as they come. She bugged King about giving her grandbabies. She complained about her age and often worried that she wouldn't live to see King's children.

When King walked in he smelled food as usual. He headed straight for the kitchen where Helen was cooking greens, macaroni and cheese, roast beef, and potatoes.

"Hey, Ma." King kissed Helen on her cheek.

"Hey, love." Helen was a short petite woman. She had caramel complexion and long brown hair that hung to the middle of her back. It was said that her roots stemmed from Indian and Irish which was where her grade of hair came from. King favored her a great deal. The only difference was his height which he obviously got from his father.

"Ma, why you always cooking all this food and it's just you here?"

Helen made him a plate. "You know you and your friends always come over. I'm just used to it I guess." She shrugged as she sat and joined King at the table.

"So how have you been feeling, Ma?" King asked between bites of food.

"I've been making it. I can't complain because the lord woke me up this morning." That was Helen Pierre: always happy. King never saw his mom down in the dumps even when she struggled to take care of him. He always wondered how a woman that had been through so much cold still remain humble and thankful. He saw how hard his mom worked and he vowed to do everything in his power to take care of her. He didn't want his mom to worry about a thing. And now that he was in a position to do so, he took very good care of his mom.

"That's good to hear, Mom. This food is good ma." King said in between bites.

"Thanks, baby. So what do you have planned for today?"

"I'm gonna stop by and see Harlem for a minute and after that I plan on chilling with this chick I met." Helen raised her eyebrows and King laughed. "Chill, Ma. She's different than Tish. She's hard working and independent."

"Well you just be careful. I don't want you getting caught up with these fast hussies. Most of them just want you for your money. You are a good man, King, and you deserve a good woman." Helen never judged her son for his street dealings. Just like him she was a product of the hood and she knew you had to get it how you lived. She didn't like it but it is what it is.

"I appreciate you, Ma." He adored his mom. She worked her ass off to provide for him as a single mother. Now it was his turn to take care of her and that he did. He moved her out of the hood to a four bedroom home in Bloomfield Hills that sat on two acres. He wanted his mother to live comfortably and have a place for her future grandkids and the rest of the family to come to. It was equipped with five bathrooms. One main bath and one in each bedroom. There was a state of the art gourmet kitchen with stainless steel appliances, a wine cellar, an exercise room, and cathedral ceilings throughout the entire house. It cost King a great penny too. 2.5 million to be exact. But when it came to those he loved he spared no expense.

"Alright, mom. I'm about to get out of here. I deposited some money into your account so you should be good for a minute. If you need anything just call me. I love you." King hugged his mom.

"Okay, baby. Be careful and come on by here with that girl you told me about. I'll cook Sunday dinner so I can get to know her." Helen wanted to meet the girl who obviously had her son head over hills. She could tell by the way his eyes lit up when he mentioned her that he cared a great deal for this one.

"That sounds like a plan, Ma. I'll see you Sunday." And with that he left.

~ ~ ~

Ryan was tired as ever. She had actually been considering taking King up on his offer to run his clothing store. It would definitely bring in more money than her current jobs. Something had to give because bills were constantly piling up and Jarelle's deadbeat ass wasn't helping her at all.

It was a quarter till eleven and almost time for her to get off. King was a life saver. Because of him she didn't have to catch a cab home at this late hour. She cleaned her area and then headed to the back to grab her things. She was more than ready to go. She would actually be able to sleep in because Cameron was staying the night with her mom. When Ryan walked outside King was there talking to the security guard. When he saw her come out the door he looked up and smiled. He said bye to the guard and walked towards Ryan. "Hey, love. You ready to go?"

"Yes. I am extremely tired." They laughed and he took her hand to lead her to his Range Rover.

King liked the fact that Ryan didn't get all googly-eyed over his rides or the fact that he had money. He'd had his share of gold diggers and was ready to settle down and start a family. He helped Ryan into the car then got in on the driver's side. "So are you too tired to chill with me for the night?" King asked as he pulled out of the parking lot.

Ryan looked over at King and studied his features. He was mixed with something but she didn't know what. He had an exotic look. His skin was flawless. She didn't know what it was about him but her guard was slowly falling down. "Not at all. Cam's with his Nana for the night so I'm free."

That was all King needed to hear. He pushed the accelerator to eighty and headed to his house in Bloomfield Hills. He had to be feeling Ryan because he never brought chicks to his crib. Tish didn't even know about this one. He'd rarely stayed at the apartment that they shared. He was actually in the process of moving all his things out.

Thirty-five minutes later they pulled up to a 5 million dollar home in Bloomfield. Ryan tried to act as if she wasn't impressed but she had never seen a house so immaculate. Even when she was with Jarelle he wasn't doing things this big. King's house was 17,000 square feet and sat on 4.43 acres. It had five bedrooms, six full baths, and two half baths.

"We're here." King killed the engine, got out, and headed to the passenger side to open Ryan's door for her. They walked up the pathway to the front entrance and King opened the door. He sat his keys on the table in the foyer and proceeded to give Ryan a tour.

"Why do you have such a big house and it's only you?" she asked as they made their way upstairs to check out the bedrooms.

"'Cause I want a family and when I do have kids I want them to enjoy this." His answer was sincere.

"Well this is more than enough space for a family. I've never seen anything this huge in my life. And this carpet, oh my god." King laughed at Ryan's silliness.

"C'mon. Let's go chill in the family room and watch a little TV because I know you're tired." He led her to the family room where they kicked it and watched 'Love and Basketball' until Ryan fell asleep. King sat there with her head in his lap and watched her sleep. He could definitely get used to this.

~ ~ ~

The ringing of his phone woke King up. He tried to sit all the way up and realized that Ryan was still laying on him. He struggled to reach in his pocket to grab his phone.

"Hello?" His voice was muffled.

"You need to come to the spot. Shit just got real." With that the call ended. King couldn't believe his ears. That was his boy Rahsaan calling. Apparently Jarelle and the Eastside Boys were up to no good and King was ready to handle their asses. He didn't understand why niggas wanted to beef over money. There was plenty to be made for everyone. One thing his brother, Harlem, had taught him was to always eat with those that are loyal to you. Never leave them hanging. So whenever he ate well so did Rich Boy Mafia. His crew was like a second family to him but now these Eastside niggas were getting out of pocket and had to be dealt with ASAP.

King shook Ryan awake. "Hey, ma. I got to go handle some shit. Are you going to be okay here by yourself?"

"Yeah go ahead. I'm going to lay in one of those big ass beds you have up there."

He laughed. "Go ahead, ma, and make yourself at home. Nobody but my family knows about this place so you have no worries. I'll be back as soon as I can.

Meanwhile on the other side of town

"I almost had those muthafuckas!" Jarelle yelled as he paced the floor. He had tried taking out a few RBM members but was unsuccessful. He thought by taking out some of King's goons that would flush out King himself. He was a hard man to touch. What Jarelle didn't know was RBM was national. There were well over five hundred members in all parts of the United States.

"Hell yeah but that nigga King was missing in action," Rico chimed in. "I wanna pop that nigga personally and take his ass off the map. But for real, this shit has to be planned out to the T because you know once that nigga Harlem gets wind of this beef he'll come out of retirement and then we'll have bigger problems on our hands. That's the last nigga I wanna have beef with."

"Nigga shut yo bitch ass up!" Jarelle snapped. "Ain't nobody scared of Harlem's ass. He bleeds just like anybody else. That nigga don't run shit no more. Stop being a bitch and let's take over this territory. Fuck RBM. It's all about the Eastside, my dude." Jarelle hated King with a passion. He wanted his spot at the top and was willing to do anything to do it. He didn't see the trap he was setting for his self. If they thought Harlem was a force to be reckoned with then they had no idea who King Pierre was. He was that nigga.

"I want y'all to be ready at all times," Jarelle stated. "King's reign is up. That spot belongs to me now and I will get it by any means."

Boo didn't like the way that sounded. He was a street nigga but he wasn't a killer. He only dealt with Jarelle because he had family to take care of and with a felony it was hard for him to get a decent job. He really wasn't feeling this whole takeover. RBM was nothing to play with and he knew that but Jarelle didn't care. He just hoped he didn't live to regret it later.

"I hear you, man." Steve decided to speak up. Steve spoke. He was Jarelle's brother and right hand. They were as opposite as night and day but were close as ever. While Jarelle was the hot head Steve was the cool and calm one. "Maybe we _should_ devise a solid plan to get at King. You know that dude is hard to touch. I mean we all want this just as much as you but we don't wanna go in blind."

"Fuck a plan. I want that nigga now!" Jarelle shouted.

"Alright man. Do it your way but don't say I didn't warn you. RBM is getting money right now. They got security so damn tight you can't even shake their hand without getting shot. But do you, bruh." Steve left the room.

Jarelle hated that his brother tried to front on him in front of everybody. He was the one in charge and either Steve got down or Jarelle was going to lay him down. Brother or not he didn't take too well to someone going against him.

~ ~ ~

When King pulled up to the trap house on Strathmore the block was quiet. He didn't know what the hell had transpired but he was about to find out. It was like a ghost town when business should have been transpiring. He killed the engine and hopped out. King was at his wit's end with this shit. He was at the point where he was ready to retire. It was too much to deal with. Even though he was that nigga, too many others wanted his spot. If only they knew what the job required they would rethink it. King walked right in the house which pissed him off. If they had just got into some shit then why the fuck was the door unlocked? He was about to start demoting niggas real fast. He couldn't afford for his operation to go down. His brother

and his crew worked too hard to build this empire and he'd be damn if he let him down.

"Why the hell is the door unlocked and what the hell happened? It's dead as hell out there." King ranted out loud as he walked through the house.

Javon met him in the hallway. "I just got here. From what I hear Jarelle and his crew did a fucking drive by. Nobody was hurt but them niggas still need to be handled. We closed up shop until you give us further instructions. We 'def don't want heat from the po po." Javon was the only other person besides Rahsaan that King trusted out of the crew. He had respect for the rest of his them but if shit hit the fan he couldn't guarantee that they wouldn't snitch which was why they knew little or nothing about his operations.

"Well until further notice we're shut down. I don't need no heat from the pigs. Javon, make sure everyone is compensated for the next three weeks while we decide our next move." With that King walked out the house leaving everyone to wonder what was next for RBM.

~ ~ ~

When King got home Ryan was in his bed asleep. She was rocking one of his shirts and King loved it. He undressed and climbed into bed beside her. He pulled her close and fell asleep with her in his arms. When Ryan woke up hours later King wasn't in the bed but she could smell food so she knew where to find him. She headed downstairs and found King in the kitchen cooking. _Damn a man that cooks,_ she thought. King was full of surprises and Ryan was loving it. He was on the phone when she walked in so she sat at the table patiently while he finished his conversation. He looked up and smiled at her then wrapped up the call seconds later.

"How'd you sleep, ma?" He rose from the table and placed a plate of food in front of her.

"Good as hell. That bed is like heaven." They laughed.

"That's good. Well eat up and enjoy." He joined her at the table with his own plate.

"Damn you cook too? I'm definitely keeping you around." She joked before taking a hearty bite.

"That's cool, ma. I told you I had you. Just ride with me and you won't have to worry about nothing."

## Chapter Five

It had been a little over two months and King and Ryan were kicking it tough. She had quit her job at Target and was working full time running King's clothing store. She loved it because she wasn't fully dependent on King and was able to bring in enough money to take care of her son and spend time with her new boo. Today she was meeting his brothers and their wives. She was nervous because she wanted them to like her. She wasn't sure how they would receive her. From what King had told her they were all pretty close.

"Come on, Cam! Come put your shoes on. King will be here soon."

Cameron came running out of his room. "Yay, King's coming!" He was excited. Ryan loved the fact that King bonded with her son. Not many men do that with kids that don't belong to them. That drew Ryan to King even more. She helped Cameron with his shoes and brushed his hair. Just as they were grabbing their coats there was a knock at the door. Ryan looked out of the peephole to see King standing there looking good enough to eat. Ryan had to control herself because her hormones were all over the place. During the whole two months that they had been dating there was no sex. King was the perfect gentleman. They would kiss and make out but he would stop it before it got any further. Ryan thought it was something she had done but when King explained to her that he wanted to get to know her and make love to her mentally first she understood. He wanted their first time together to be special because Ryan wasn't just a piece of ass to him.

Ryan opened the door and King pulled her into his arms. "Hey, ma." He kissed her on the lips. He got horny every time he kissed her. Her lips were soft and left King wanting more.

"Hey," Ryan responded after their kiss.

Cameron ran to King. "King!"

King let go of Ryan and picked Cameron up. "What's up, little man? You ready to go have some fun?" King adored Cameron and couldn't see how his father, whoever the jerk was, wouldn't want to claim him. He was a bitch made nigga in King's eyes. Cameron was such a smart and fun kid. He was a splitting image of Ryan and he obviously adored his mom. He was like the man of the house and King always told him to make sure he took good care of his mom.

"Yes." Cameron asked. "Is there gonna be kids there?"

"Yes, sir. I have nieces and nephews that will be there. Matter of fact you might get along perfectly with my nephew, Harlem. Let's go so we can eat 'cause I'm hungry." King led the way to his truck with Cameron still in his arms. Ryan followed closely behind.

When they arrived at Harlem's King could tell that Ryan was nervous. "Look, ma, my family is cool as hell. You are a down to earth person and I love you so they'll love you as well."

Ryan heart rate increased. She couldn't believe that he said he loved her. She had strong feelings for him but he had actually said he loved her.

"Okay." She had a little more confidence now. "Let's go then."

As always King got out and walked around to open her door. After helping Ryan he got Cameron out of the backseat and they proceeded towards the backyard. Mia, Harlem's wife, was the first to approach them. "Hey, brother! Hey, Ryan girl. I've heard so much about you."

"Hey, sis." King hugged Mia.

Ryan smiled weakly. "Hey. I've heard so much about you as well. Mia, right?"

"The one and only," Mia replied. Ryan thought Mia was really pretty. She looked as if she was mixed with something. She didn't know for sure because King had never mentioned it.

"And look at this little one. How are you little man?" Mia asked Cameron.

"Fine." Cameron smiled at Mia. She instantly fell in love. Mia grabbed him from King and took him where the other kids were playing in the game room.

"He's fine, ma," King said easing Ryan's mind about Mia taking Cameron away from them. "They have a game room which is probably where she took him. Let's go meet the rest of the fam." They headed to the gazebo where King's mom was hiding from the sun.

"Hey, Ma." King greeted Helen with a kiss on the forehead.

"Hey, baby. And who do we have here?" Helen looked up smiling. She had heard nothing but good things about Ryan and couldn't wait to meet her.

"This is Ryan, Ma. Ryan, this is my mother." King introduced the two most important ladies in his life.

Ryan reached out to shake Helen's hand but Helen gave a mock frown. "Girl, if you don't get over here and hug me." They laughed and Ryan hugged Helen. Before they could make their way to the rest of the family they all made their way over to Ryan and King.

"What's good, bro?" Harlem greeted his younger brother.

"What's good with you?" King responded.

He introduced Ryan to everyone including Kita, Markie, Tez and Yvette. The family took to her immediately especially the women which was unusual. They all liked Ryan and thought that she was good for King.

~ ~ ~

"So, Ryan, how old is Cameron?" Yvette asked. The ladies were sitting in the den drinking wine while the guys were downstairs smoking.

"He'll be five next month," Ryan replied.

"Awww. What are you doing for his birthday?" Mia asked.

"I haven't decided yet."

"Well make sure you let us know so we can bring the kids."

"I most definitely will." Ryan liked the ladies but she felt out of the loop. They were all used to the finer things and lived in big ass mansions while she lived in the hood. She didn't know how long she'd be able to hang with them before they found out. Usually women like them were stuck up and only hung with their own kind and she definitely wasn't one of them.

"I see you ladies are enjoying yourselves," Harlem said as the guys entered the den smelling of Kush.

"We were just making sure Ryan felt at home." Kita crossed her legs and spoke for the group.

"That's good, sis, because she'll be around for a while." King looked at Ryan with a serious glint in his eyes.

"Awww," the women said in unison.

Harlem was happy for his brother. He saw the love he had for Ryan and judging by the way King looked at her he knew it was real. He had that same look when he first started dating Mia.

"Enough of the mushy stuff. We're gonna get out of here. Thanks for the food and having us over." King turned to shake Harlem's hand.

"Anytime, bro," Harlem replied.

"Hey, Ryan, we are gonna do some shopping and have a girls day this weekend and we would love for you to come." Mia looked at her pleadingly.

"Uh...I'll let you know. I may have to work."

King didn't know what the deal was with Ryan. He didn't have her working at the store on the weekends. He made a mental note to ask her what was up.

"Oh, okay" Mia sounded a little disappointed. "Well let me know what you decide. You're more than welcome to join us."

"Yeah I'll definitely let you know."

King and Ryan left the den and headed to the kids room to grab Cameron. He was enjoying his self with his new friends. "Awww, man! Do we have to go now?" He gave them the sad puppy dog eyes.

"Yes we do. You can play with them some other time, okay?" Ryan felt bad. He was an only child and this was the first time he'd really gotten to play with other kids.

King caught the expressions on the face of both mother and son. "I tell you what, little man, this weekend I'll take all of you guys to the movies and the arcade. How does that sound?"

"Yay!" All of the kids screamed and ran to King.

"Alright, this weekend it is. Now let's go so we can get you ready for bed, Cam." King spoke in a fatherly tone. Ryan just watched him in awe. _This is just too good to be true._

"Why don't yall come to the house with me tonight?" King asked as they drove away from Harlem's house. "I would really like to be up under you tonight."

"We can do that." Ryan leaned back in her seat. She was in love with King but didn't know if she could keep up with his circle of friends and their lifestyles. It just wasn't her. She figured she would just enjoy it while it lasted.

When they pulled up to King's house both Ryan and Cameron were asleep. King looked over at Ryan's peaceful figure and smiled. He had fallen hard for this woman. He just hoped he didn't regret it. He was ready for a wife and kids and he could most definitely see Ryan as his wife. He shook her awake. "We here, ma."

She sat up and smiled at King before getting out of the car. King grabbed Cameron from the back being careful not to wake him. He carried the child up to the room right next to the master bedroom in case he needed them. It was the room his nephews used when they stayed over. It was decorated in a Spiderman theme and everything a little boy could want was in there. He laid the boy on the bed, took his clothes off, and tucked him in. "Goodnight, little man," he whispered as he left the room.

Ryan had been standing in the door way watching the whole thing and found herself wishing King was Cameron's father instead of Jarelle. He was so good with him and Cameron loved King.

"Come on lets go have some us time." King brought Ryan out of her thoughts. She smiled up at him. He was definitely a good man and she was gonna do everything in her power to keep him for as long as she could.

"Go ahead and get comfortable while I jump in the shower, ma." King headed into the master bath the moment they entered his bedroom. Ryan could hear him starting the shower. He was sexually frustrated. He had been dating Ryan for a few months and he hadn't had any sex. He didn't want to pressure her or make her feel like he just wanted to fuck so he dealt with his issues in the shower. He wouldn't dare sleep with another woman because he loved Ryan and he believed in loyalty.

As he was soaping up he heard the bathroom door open. He figured Ryan had to use the bathroom so he paid it no mind. The next thing he knew the shower door was open and Ryan was standing there naked. "Can I join you?" She looked up at him seductively. This was his first time seeing her naked and boy did she look good.

"Hell yeah you can join me." They shared a laugh as she got in with him.

"Here let me wash you up." She took the wash cloth from his hands. She soaped up the wash cloth and began washing him slowly from his shoulders to his chest. She moved down his stomach and by the time she reached his dick he was fully erect. Ryan wasn't disappointed at all. He was well blessed down there. Ryan dropped to her knees and took King into her mouth which took him by surprise. She let it go all the way in until it reached the back of her throat.

"Oh shit!" King moaned. Her mouth was warm and it felt good. Ryan was giving him head so good that she could put Super head to shame. King wondered if her pussy was just as good as her head game because baby girl was on point. She was doing such a good job that King was about to bust but he didn't want to go out that way. He pulled her up and kissed her hard but sensually. He was ready to tear her pussy up. He picked her up and pinned her to the shower wall and in one quick thrust he entered her. She gasped at his thickness but then the initial pain she felt turned to pleasure.

"Damn, ma! Yo shit tight as fuck!" King was pumping in and out of her and she was throwing it right back at him.

Ryan had never felt so much pleasure in her life. She was on the brink of a major orgasm. "Oh shit, King. I'm 'bout to cum baby!"

"That's right, ma. Cum all on this dick."

A minute later she exploded all over him. He followed right behind her shooting his seeds all up in her. "Damn, ma. That shit was heaven. Let's wash up and take this to the bed 'cause I'm not done with you."

Ryan giggled. They washed each other up and then headed to the bedroom where they went a few more rounds before falling asleep.

~ ~ ~

_Ring. Ring._ King's his cell phone woke Ryan up. King was knocked out and didn't hear a thing. Ryan laid back down thinking that it would eventually stop ringing. After all it was three in the morning. It had finally stopped only to start again. Ryan shook King awake. "Your phone is ringing nonstop." She was annoyed.

"What the hell? It's three in the morning." He looked at the Caller Id. It was Tish. He wanted to send her to voicemail but he didn't want to look suspicious in front of Ryan so he answered. "What?!" He was clearly annoyed as well.

"Well, damn. That's how you answer the phone when I call?" Ryan could hear a female's voice on the other end and she waited to see how this would play out.

"Why the hell are you calling my phone?" King's voice was laced with attitude.

"I miss you, baby," Tish whined.

Ryan had heard enough. She started to get up but King pulled her back down. He slightly moved the phone away from his ear. "Lay back down, baby. This isn't important at all." He held the phone in the air and made a face. Reluctantly he put the cell back to his ear and barked into the mouth piece. "Get the fuck off my line and stop calling me. You pissing my girl off." With that he hung up and cuddled back up with Ryan. He kissed her neck. "I'm sorry about t hat, ma. I'll have my number changed first thing in the morning." He closed his eyes and went back to sleep.

Ryan couldn't help but wonder if she would have problems out of his ex. She was not one for the drama and she didn't want to think about the possibility of losing King. She cuddled up close to him tried to go back to sleep.

~ ~ ~

Ryan didn't know when she had fallen back to sleep but it was now daylight out and King wasn't next to her. She got up and headed to the bathroom to wash her face and brush her teeth. She looked in the cabinet and found a new toothbrush. When she was done she headed back to the room to get dressed before heading to check on Cameron. She didn't have any clothes here so she grabbed one of Kings T-shirts and a pair of basketball shorts. She was so small that she had to tie the shorts in a knot for them to stay on. After dressing Ryan made her way to the room where Cameron was only to find that he wasn't in there. She heard voices downstairs and made her way down the spiral staircase toward the voices. They were in the kitchen. Ryan stood in the doorway and watched King interacting with her son. It was cute.

Her shadow caught his eye and King looked up. "Good morning. You want breakfast?"

"Sure. What are we having?" She joined them at the table.

"We made waffles, Mom." Cameron was excited.

"Really? Well I'll definitely have one."

They had breakfast as a family and then headed to the den to watch TV. King had promised Cameron that they could watch The Avengers after breakfast. He put the movie on and got comfortable on the couch with Ryan lying across his chest while Cameron laid out on the floor.

"I like this," King whispered in Ryan's ear.

"Me too." Ryan smiled.

King liked it so much he thought about her staying there permanently. Cameron would be starting school soon and it was a great area for kids to grow up. He was ready to make it official with Ryan. "Aye ma, what you think about you and little man staying here with me? There's way more space for him and the schools are great in this area."

Ryan turned to look at him. She didn't know what to say. Was she ready for that step? Would he get tired of her and her son? "That's a big step. I really have to think about that one King." She looked him in the eyes and saw the sincerity but she had to make sure it was the right decision for Cameron.

"I hear you, ma." The disappointment in his voice was unmistakable.

Ryan didn't want to hurt him but she had to make sure that this was going to work. She liked the comfort of having her own space and not being dependent on anyone. This was definitely something she had to think about.

~ ~ ~

King was chilling at the motorcycle club with RBM when he saw Jarelle and his boys walk in. "Look at that pussy ass nigga. I bet money he about to start some shit. I still owe his ass for shooting at me in the club a few months back. But his time is coming sooner than he thinks." King felt his waist for his piece. He was never one to be caught slipping. He never left the house without his gun and a bullet proof vest.

"Please, those niggas don't want none" Rahsaan replied. "They are in our territory. One wrong move and they'd never make it out alive."

King surveyed his surroundings and noticed that Jarelle was looking at him. He gave him a nod and then smiled. Most people would have thought he was being nice but Jarelle knew it was a sign of disrespect from King. He shook it off now because he was outnumbered but he couldn't wait until the day that he ended King's life.

It was a quarter to two and RBM decided to leave the motorcycle club. Jarelle and his crew had left a few hours before but King had a feeling some shit was about to pop off.

"Yo, Rah, you strapped, bruh?" King asked.

"Always," Rahsaan responded taping his waist. King gave him a look that let him know it was about to go down. Just as King had suspected there were dudes posted on the corner. They tried to be discreet but being in the game had taught King to always be aware of his surroundings. He spotted Jarelle's goons almost as soon as he stepped out the door.

They hopped in Rahsaan's old school Caddy and headed in the direction of an isolated car parked a little ways down the street. Once they were close enough, without looking at the goons, King addressed Rahsaan. "Bruh, you see them niggas?"

Rahsaan's response was shooting at the car through his open window. He had such a good aim that he shot the driver right between the eyes. King followed suit and popped the passenger right between the eyes as well. They left the scene before it got hot.

"Those niggas will learn eventually to stop fucking with me. Let's see how they feel about losing two of their soldiers." With that deed done it was time to head home.

~ ~ ~

Jarelle was beyond pissed that King had one up on him. He had lost two of his best soldiers and now he was ready to put some hot shit into King once and for all. He shot Boo a fiery look. "How the hell did y'all let this happen?"

"We saw him come out of the club and we were ready for him but obviously he spotted David and Mookie in the car."

"We thought we were being discreet but out of nowhere they shot them," Rico responded.

"Well they done fucked up now. I'm going after everybody until I get King's ass."

Rico knew shit was about to get bad and quick. Something had to be done. He couldn't afford to lose his family because of Jarelle's hot headed self. Rico knew exactly what he had to do.

## Chapter Six

Tish had been watching Ryan at the clothing store. She was ready to put her plan into action to get her man back. It was past time for Ryan to go. She pulled her Chanel sunglasses over her eyes and exited her car. When she walked in the store Ryan was helping a customer. Tish stood there patiently waiting for her to finish.

"Can I help you?" Tina, sales clerk, asked.

"No thank you. I need _her_ to help me." She pointed at Ryan.

Ryan had seen Tish when she entered. She knew sooner or later she would have problems with her but why would the chick bring drama to her job? She finished with her customer and walked over to Tish. "What can I do for you?" Ryan asked.

Tish moved in a little closer. "You can start by leaving King alone. We were doing just fine before you and ya' little brat came along. This is the only warning I will give you."

Ryan couldn't believe the nerve of this chick. She laughed. "Listen sweetie, make this the only time that you approach me about _my_ man. You had ya' time and now I'm here." Ryan walked away from Tish and headed to her office in the back. She wasn't going to give Tish the satisfaction of seeing her act a fool but if she had to she would.

Tish on the other hand thought she'd get a rise out of Ryan but now that her plan had backfired she felt defeated. Maybe she had lost King for good and she had no one to blame but herself.

~ ~ ~

King was chilling at the barbershop with Cameron getting haircuts. He had taken on the father-figure role and loved it. They did things together like getting haircuts, wearing matching outfits, and sometimes they went to ball games. King was happy to have Ryan and Cameron in his life. They brought purpose.

"You ready to go, little man?" King asked as he paid for their haircuts.

"Yeah."

They headed out to meet Ryan for lunch. King helped the little guy into the car and they drove off. Cameron looked over to the large man. "King?"

"What's up, little man?"

"Are you my dad now?" That question threw King for a loop. He did think of his self as Cameron's father. Hell, you didn't have to be the biological parent to be considered a father. Lately he was doing everything for Cameron that a father does.

"I'm not but I will be if you want me to be." King was careful with his answer. Cameron seemed satisfied with it.

When they pulled up to the restaurant King gave his keys to the valet and he and Cameron headed inside Andiamo's to meet Ryan for lunch.

"How can I help you, sir?" The hostess greeted them with a smile.

King smiled back proudly. "I'm meeting my wife for lunch, Ryan Carter."

The hostess looked up the name. "Right this way sir." She showed him to the table where Ryan was waiting. "Kim will be your waitress and she should be right over. Enjoy your meal." The hostess handed them their menus and walked away.

"Hey, baby." Ryan leaned over and gave King a kiss.

"What's good, ma?"

"Hey, mommy! You like my haircut?" Cameron showed off his cut excitedly as he wiggled in his seat.

"Yes, I love it baby. Did you have fun today?" Ryan inquired about their day as she sipped from her water glass while looking over the menu.

"Yeah, my dad took me to get new shoes."

Ryan spat her water out. She didn't know if she had heard him right. She looked at King for clarity. He just smiled at her and winked. She knew then that she loved him more than anything. They enjoyed their lunch and Ryan told King about Tish coming to the store. He assured her that he would handle it and trusting him she left it at that.

~ ~ ~

It had been a month since Ryan moved in with King and she loved every minute of it. Cameron was happy as well. His fifth birthday was approaching and King was doing it big. He didn't have kids of his own so he spoiled Cameron and treated him as if he was his.

"Babe, I'm gonna go pick up the cake so listen for the door. Everybody should be here soon." King kissed Ryan on the lips before taking off.

"Okay be careful, bae." Ryan shouted after his retreating figure as she continued preparing the rest of the food for Cameron's party. Moments after King left the doorbell rang. She wiped her hands and headed to the door to find Markie and Kita standing on the porch with their son Markel. "Hey guys come on in. King will be right back. He went to get the cake."

"Okay cool." Kita followed Ryan to the kitchen. "You need help with anything, girl?"

"Actually everything is done. We can start taking this stuff outside."

The ladies worked together to get everything outside and nicely set up. It was the middle of July and sticky hot. They had the pool filled and ready for the kids. King spared no expense for Cameron. He wanted to make sure he had the perfect birthday. He had cotton candy machines, clowns, face painting, a dunk tank that Harlem agreed to sit in, and a bounce house. Ryan was thankful for King. He had come in her life at a point when she was down and had picked her all the way up. She didn't know what she would do without him now and didn't want to find out.

"Okay everything is ready," Ryan said taking a final look around. "King should be back with the cake and everyone should be arriving soon."

"Girl, chill. You don't have to be so stressed. It will be okay. I'm telling you King and Harlem throw big ass parties like this all the time. You will definitely get used to it."

Ryan shook off her nervousness. "You're right. I just want my baby to have a good time."

"And he will. Now let's go have a glass of wine while we wait." Kita led the way back inside but Ryan was a little apprehensive. She couldn't have wine but she didn't want to tell Kita that. She'd recently discovered that she was pregnant with King's baby. She hadn't told him yet because she just didn't know how. Her last pregnancy didn't go so well. Jarelle had left her pregnant and broke without looking back. She couldn't bear to go through that again. Taking a deep breath she decided to just take the glass of wine that Kita Jovially poured up for her and pretend that she was drinking it.

~ ~ ~

King had picked up the cake and his gifts for Cameron. Over the last few months he had really bonded with the kid. He had bought him a Detroit Pistons jersey just like the one he had and a matching pair of Jays. He also got him a snapback to go with it. He wanted them to go to the game matching like father and son. When King finally arrived back at the house everyone was already there and the party was in full swing. Tez was on the grill and Harlem was in the dunk tank while the kids tried their hardest to knock him into the water. He sat the cake on the table along with the gifts he had bought. All of RBM was there and came bearing gifts. King made his way towards his mom to speak.

"Hey, lady! How you feel?" He kissed Helen on the cheek.

"Hey, baby. This is a nice party." Helen reveled in the love her son was showing her.

"Thanks, Ma. I'm gonna go speak to Ryan's mom. Let me know if you need anything." King walked off and approached Ryan's mother. "Hey, Ms. Carter. How are you today?"

"Hey, son. I'm doing just fine." Evelyn Carter was very fond of King. She knew what he did for a living but she also knew that he was also doing positive things. Most importantly he treated her daughter and grandson well and what more could she ask for?

"That's good. Well if you need anything you let me know." He walked off to go find his girl. She had been working hard all day and he wanted to let her know she had done a great job. He found her in the kitchen making more punch. He walked up to her and put his arms around her tightly. "Hey, sexy." He whispered seductively in her ear.

"Hey, baby."

"What else needs to be done?"

"Nothing."

"Well let me know what you need done because you have been working hard all day and I'm here to take the load off you."

Ryan smiled. He was always so attentive to her needs. She loved him for that. He was a thug in the streets but a family man at home. "Thanks, baby. Let's go outside and mingle with our guests."

"Let's go. I'm ready to watch our son open his gifts."

Ryan smiled at the King. She liked how he said 'our son'. She knew then that he would accept this baby if he so readily accepted Cameron.

Once the party started winding down and almost everyone had left King retired to the basement to kick it with his brother and a few of his RBM peeps.

"Aye yo, King where did you meet Ryan at again?" Eddie asked him.

"Why, nigga?" King got defensive. He didn't like the fact that Eddie was asking about his girl.

"Chill, bruh. I was just wondering because I heard that she was Jarelle's baby mama."

The entire room got quiet. King's entire demeanor went from cool to pissed in a matter of seconds. "What the fuck did you just say?" He didn't want to believe that his Ryan would deceive him like that.

"I'm sorry man but that's Jarelle's baby mother up there," Eddie repeated cautiously.

"And how long have you known this shit?" He was gunning for Eddie but Harlem was holding him back.

"About a week. I wasn't sure so I checked it out first and I just got confirmation today."

King hit the wall next to him leaving a hole in it. He was pissed. Without further conversation he headed upstairs with Harlem in tow. In his heated rage he went straight to the den where the ladies were chatting and walked straight up to Ryan. "Get the fuck out!"

Ryan didn't know what the hell was going on. She wasn't sure if she had heard him right. "Excuse me."

"Get your shit and get out of my house. I can't believe I fell for a set up bitch! The whole time you probably was going back giving this nigga info on me." He was seething.

All the ladies were confused. With the way King was fuming no one knew what Ryan had done and if she was in danger if she continued to sit there any longer.

"What the hell is going on King?" Mia asked confused.

"This bitch is Jarelle's baby mama." King pointed at Ryan accusingly.

"The dude y'all got beef with?" Mia asked.

"One in the same."

The other women seemed to move away from Ryan at that moment. They were starting to feel as if Ryan had suckered them as well. But Ryan's face was apologetic and frightened. She had never seen King so angry. "I had no idea, King. I would never do nothing like that to you. I haven't even talked to that ass hole in five years."

"You have ten minutes to get the fuck out." His warning was final and he wasn't up for any further discussion. He stomped away leaving the ladies behind to deal with Ryan.

"Oh my god." Ryan began to cry. "I swear I had no clue and now he thinks I set him up. I love him. I would never do anything to hurt him."

Mia believed Ryan and so did Harlem. Mia moved close to the girl and put her arm around her to try to comfort her. Harlem spoke to her reassuringly. "It's cool, sis. I'll calm him down and he'll come to his senses." The large man walked away.

Ryan turned to Mia and revealed her secret. "Mia, I'm pregnant. Where the hell am I gonna go?" Her tears began to fall heavily.

"Oh lord." Mia held the girl a little tighter. "It's okay, mama. You can come home with us until we figure this out."

"But he don't love me no more. Just like that he don't love me no more. He wouldn't even let me explain."

"It's okay, sweetie. He's just upset. Give him some time to cool off. You and Cameron will be alright with us until then."

Ryan didn't understand how things went from sugar to shit so fast. And now here she was pregnant and alone again.

~ ~ ~

King couldn't eat or sleep. It had been two weeks and he missed Ryan like crazy but he couldn't shake the idea of her setting him up. He had let a woman cloud his better judgment and he vowed to never let it happen again. Everything in him wanted to say fuck Ryan but his heart was saying something else. He needed to get his mind off of Ryan so he headed to the motorcycle club to chill and gamble a little. He wasn't a big gambler but he did it occasionally for fun. When he walked in his crew was already there which was normal for them. It used to routine for King as well until Ryan came into the picture.

"What's up, bruh?" He greeted Rahsaan with sadness in his eyes.

"Ain't shit. I'm surprised Ryan let yo ass out the house. You know you be all booed up and shit." Rahsaan joked.

King wasn't one to blast his business so he just laughed the joke off. If his boys didn't know that he and Ryan were beefing then he wasn't gonna volunteer the info. "Nigga fuck you. Let's play this game so I can take yo money." He flagged down a sexy waitress. "Hey, waitress! Let me get a bottle of New Amsterdam." King and Rahsaan proceeded to play a game of dice.

"Come on baby, wifey wants a new pair of shoes!" Rahsaan shouted as he threw the dice. "Oh yeah seven eleven." Rahsaan was on a roll.

After a few hours of playing and a couple bottles of New Amsterdam King was tipsy and ready to go. He was horny as hell but his girl wasn't there to relieve the stress. A cold shower was in order.

~ ~ ~

Just like King was suffering so was Ryan. She wasn't eating or sleeping well. Everything just seemed so pointless to her now. She had rearranged her life and it centered around King. Without him all she had left were Cameron and her growing fetus. Laying there on the bed in Harlem and Mia's guestroom was all she had the energy to do.

"Come on, sweetie. You have to eat for the baby." Mia was trying to keep Ryan healthy for the sake of the baby but it wasn't looking too good. "We don't want anything to happen to the baby."

Ryan shook her head. "I don't want that stuff. All it's gonna do is make me throw up. I can't hold anything down and I'm nauseated."

Mia felt bad for Ryan. She'd had an opportunity to really talk with Ryan the night of Cam's party. As it turned out Ryan actually didn't know that King was beefing with Jarelle. She hadn't spoken to him in about five years and Mia believed her. She was in love with King and he was being an ass. Mia sighed and sat the food down. "I'll leave it right here on the nightstand in case you get the urge to eat. If you need me just call." Mia headed downstairs to fix the kids' lunch. Since Ryan had been sick she was taking care of four children now but she didn't mind because Cameron wasn't bad at all. He was a sweetheart.

"Auntie Mia, when is my daddy coming to take us home?" Cameron greeted her at the bottom of the stairs. Mia's heart broke. It was a shame that adults brought children into their mess. This child was innocent and didn't even understand what was going on. But what was she supposed to tell him?

"Soon, baby. Now go on and get ready for lunch. I'll call you down in a few." Mia walked to the kitchen and pulled out her cell. She was about to give King a piece of her mind. No matter what he and Ryan were going through he had taken responsibility for this child and he needed to live up to his responsibilities.

"Hello?" King answered with a sullen tone.

"Get yo narrow behind over here and spend some time with Cameron. He has nothing to do with y'all's shit. That boy is looking for you to come take them home. Now it's not my place to tell him what's going on and I won't but you better show him that you still care for him 'cause I know you do. You took him in as your son so stop being a dead beat." Mia hung up before King could respond.

King couldn't believe Mia had just went off on him but she was right. He was on his way to the barbershop to get a haircut but turned around determined to go get Cam. They could go to the barbershop together and then chill for the rest of the day. When he got to Mia's house the kids were outside playing in the backyard. Cameron saw King immediately and ran to him. "King!"

"What's up little man?" King swept the child up.

"Are we going home now?"

"Naw we going to the barbershop and then we can do whatever you wanna do after that."

"Yay!"

King didn't notice Mia approaching him. "Thanks for listening big head," she said walking up behind him.

"Thanks for getting in my ass, sis." He put Cameron done and hugged Mia. "I appreciate you."

"Anytime, brother." King grabbed Cameron's hand and walked never noticing Ryan watching them from the window. That was all her heart could take. The mixture of dehydration and heartbreak had taken its toll on her. She collapsed right there on the floor in front of the window with her last vision being King's retreating figure.

~ ~ ~

Ryan woke up to the sounds of monitors beeping. She didn't remember what had happened but she had a headache. From the looks of things she was no longer in the comfort of Harlem and Mia's plush guestroom but the sterile, freezing confines of a hospital room.

"How you feeling, sweetie?" Ryan turned to her right to see Mia sitting in the chair next to her bed.

"My head hurts. What happened?"

"I'm not sure but I found you on the floor passed out. Could be dehydration and with you being pregnant..." Mia's voice trailed off. "King is on his way."

"Why? He made it clear he wants nothing to do with me." Tears threatened to fall as she remembered the hurt that had lead her to stay at Mia's in the first place.

"Because he is the father of your baby and you both still care about each other. I thought it was a good idea to call him."

Ryan looked away. "Can you get the nurse to give me something for this headache?"

"Sure thing. I'll be right back." Mia rose to walk out just as King walked in.

"Hey, sis. What's wrong with her?" He hugged Mia and spoke softly into her ear. He'd almost gotten into a car accident when Mia called to advise that Ryan was in the hospital.

"Not sure but I think dehydrated and stressed which is not good for the baby. So don't go over there stressing her out even more 'cause if that's what you're gonna do then you should just leave now." Mia withdrew from the embrace and gave him her serious face. She wasn't playing when it came to Ryan's health.

"Baby?" King was dumbfounded. "She's pregnant?" He was jumping for joy on the inside but was still so uncertain about the woman he'd come to love.

"Yes. And the fact that you dumped her and put her out has been stressing her out like crazy."

King felt like shit. It was his fault that she was here. Mia walked exited the room to give them some time alone. For a good two minutes King just stood at the door watching Ryan. He was afraid to go over to her. He still didn't know if she was being disloyal or not but the fact still remained that she was pregnant and he could be the father. Slowly King he walked over to her bedside.

"Hey, how do you feel?" His voice had no emotion at all. It wasn't that he didn't care but he was still unsure of where they stood.

"I'm good. You didn't have to come." Ryan turned away from King. "I don't need a pity party."She didn't want anything to do with him after the way he had disrespected her and put her out of his home. As far as she could tell he didn't care that she and Cam had nowhere to go.

"C'mon don't be like that, ma." Her indifferent demeanor was tearing his heart in half. She continued to ignore him but he kept talking. "So how far along are you?" King asked.

She figured that Mia had told him about the pregnancy when she advised him that she was hospitalized. "Ten weeks," she responded dryly.

"So what's the deal with you and this Jarelle cat?" King asked the dreaded question but wasn't sure that he wanted to know the answer.

"Well had you asked me that a week ago instead snapping on me for no reason in front of everyone running my son's birthday party we probably wouldn't be here right now."

King nodded his agreement. He knew she was right. "True... So are you gonna tell me or not?" He had to know. This dude Jarelle was gunning for him every chance he got and if Ryan knew anything about it she had to go.

"Jarelle is Cameron's father but Cam doesn't know him because he left me when I was five months pregnant. Did I know you and him were beefing? Hell no. I would never try to set you up. And just in case you forgot, you were the one that pursued me not the other way around. I have enough to deal with than trying to set somebody up."

Once again King felt like shit. "I'm sorry, ma, but in my line of work I have to be careful. I didn't know what to think when I found out that you and dude had a child together. I know I probably should have come to you correct rather than going off but I wasn't thinking. Hell, this nigga been trying to kill me for the longest so anybody that's associated with him is guilty by association."

Ryan understood where he was coming from but she was still pissed at him for assuming rather than asking. "It's cool. No hard feelings. Cam and I are good, believe that." Hell she didn't even believe that but she wouldn't give a man the satisfaction of knowing she was down and needed help.

"So are y'all gonna come home?" He asked the question but in his heart he knew she wasn't coming back as much as he hoped she would.

"Seriously?" She turned to face him with her tear stained face and blood shot eyes. "Look at me. I'm stuck in the hospital bed because of you. You put me and my son out on the street and stressed me out beyond belief. And now you want us to come back? I'm good, King. I can't handle my man not trusting me. Especially when I haven't given him a reason not to trust me. As far as the baby you'll be able to be in his or her life, no doubt, but I have to do what I need to do to remain stress free so I can raise Cam and this baby without this." She held up her arm indicating the IV attached to it.

King was crushed. In a matter of months he had gained and lost the love of his life. This street shit was for the birds. He had more than enough money but now he was alone once again. He didn't even respond to Ryan. He just walked out of the room and out of Ryan's life per her request.

## Chapter Seven

It had been two months since King walked out of Ryan's hospital room and they still hadn't reconciled. They were cordial because of the pregnancy and Cameron. He still considered Cam his. This was supposed to be a happy time for him. He was about to be a father but he wasn't even with the mother. He tried to focus on his empire and not Ryan but that was hard. He was in love and it was driving him insane.

"Dude what the fuck is up with you? I've been sitting here talking to you and you ain't said shit." Rahsaan was concerned. They were counting money and King was spaced out. That just wasn't like him.

"I'm good, bruh. Just stressed the fuck out."

Rahsaan knew his boy was tripping over Ryan but he needed him to get it together. They couldn't afford any slip ups. The Eastside niggas were gunning for them hard and they needed to stay one step ahead.

"Look bruh, I know you and sis going through y'all shit but we can't afford for you to be off ya' square. We gotta put these niggas six feet under before they hit us first. I'm gon' need for you to get it together." Rahsaan went back to counting. He hoped for King's sake that he worked this thing out with Ryan because one wrong move could cost them their lives.

King looked at the time on his iPhone. He had to go with Ryan to the doctor. He lived for these visits lately. It afforded him an opportunity to be near her. "I'm out man. I gotta go take Ryan to the doctor." King stood to leave while Rahsaan was continued to count the money.

"Alright, bruh." Rahsaan shook his head. "I'll call you and let you know what the count is before I make the deposit."

"Alright, bro." King left and headed to Harlem's house to get Ryan. He was glad that she was still staying with them. At least he knew that she was being taken care of. During the whole ride over King was in deep thought. He needed Ryan back at home where she belonged. He needed his son at home too. Although Jarelle had fathered the boy, Cameron was his. And now Ryan was giving him a child sharing his bloodline. He couldn't wait to hold his baby.

King nodded at the security officer at entrance to Harlem's subdivision, rode through the gates with ease, and pulled up to his brother's home and dreaded going inside. As much as he longed to be with her, Ryan had been throwing him shade lately and he was sick of it. He had fucked up but that was damn near two months ago. King grabbed his cell and headed towards the front door. Since he was well known King had no problems getting into Harlem's gated community. He knew he'd have no problem with his brother's personal security either. Harlem and his family had been through so much in the past that he had security guards at his home and wherever his wife and kids went. He took no chances.

"What's up Benny?" King asked the security guard that was at the front entrance of Harlem's house.

"What's good?" Benny spoke back cordially. He was a cool dude. Military trained and loyal as hell. He did everything in his power to protect Harlem and his family.

King walked in the house to find everyone in the media room watching a movie. He sat down next to Ryan and whispered in her ear. "You ready to go, ma?" He asked.

Ryan scooted over to put some distance between them and nodded her head yeah. Today was just a normal appointment but King was still excited. He always wanted kids and even though he thought of Cameron as his, he was happy to be having one of his own.

Mia mouthed 'see you later' to Ryan and she mouthed it back. This would be the first time that they would be together alone in months. Cameron was usually with them but not today. Ryan was nervous. She loved King but it just wasn't the same anymore. She didn't feel the trust from him and without trust you couldn't have a relationship.

King opened the door for Ryan and helped her in before heading to the passenger side. Ryan played on her phone trying to ignore him but it was hard. He was looking good as hell in his grey Trues, white tee and on his feet was a fresh out of the box pair of Cool Greys. He looked as if he had just left the barbershop. Ryan crossed her legs to keep her pussy from reacting but that didn't help at all. It was like whenever she saw King her kitty had a mind of its own and it had been a good two months since she'd had any.

They rode in silence for awhile before King spoke. "Are you nervous?"

"Not really. I've been eating pretty well. I haven't been throwing up so I should have gained some weight. But we shall see when we get there."

King smiled at her. She was actually talking to him and not being sarcastic. That was progress as far as he was concerned. "I'm sure you'll be fine but you'd be better at home with me where I can take care of you and make sure you feeding my baby right."

Ryan rolled her eyes at King. "Honey, I'm feeding your baby just fine. Mia is making sure of that."

"Yeah but it's my job not hers."

. She didn't respond and he turned his attention back to the road. The conversation ceased until they pulled up to the doctor's office in Bloomfield Hills. As usual King got out and opened the door for Ryan. He helped her out and they made their way to the building. King signed Ryan in and in the partially empty waiting room.

"So what's been going on with you?" Ryan asked. She was trying to start a conversation with him figuring it was pointless to be completely salty towards him since he was there out of concern for the health of her and the baby.

"Just been hitting the streets kind of hard. I mean ain't shit else to do unless my son is with me." King looked through his phone as he spoke.

"Oh, that's what's up." Ryan didn't like him being in the streets because she knew how Jarelle got down. If he was really coming for King there was no telling when or how his crazy ass would strike. She was really scared for King but wasn't going to tell him that.

"Ryan Carter." The nurse called. The duo rose and the nurse led them to the back. "Go ahead and get undressed from the waist down and then put this around you, Ms. Carter." The nurse handed her a paper exam gown. "Doctor Morris will be in to see you soon." She left out to give Ryan privacy.

"You want me to step out too?" King asked her.

"Naw, you're good." Ryan undressed and laid back on the exam table. This brought back memories from her pregnancy with Cameron. The only difference was that she wasn't alone. She applauded King because even though they weren't on the best of terms he was still there for this baby and Cam. That made her love him even more. Before she could find herself getting lost in mushy thoughts and feelings about King Dr. Morris entered the room.

"Good afternoon, Ms. Carter. Let's take a look at this baby." King watched as Dr. Morris squeezed blue gel on Ryan's stomach and when the baby's heartbeat came through the monitor King almost shed a tear. That was his baby in there. He didn't know what he was looking at on the screen but the fact that he could hear the heart beating was enough. Ryan noticed the look on King's face and that made her happy.

"I'd say you are doing pretty good to be carrying twins." It got so quiet that you could hear a pin drop. King always wanted kids and the fact that Ryan was giving him one was good enough but two at the same time was even better.

"Come again doc." Ryan looked at Dr. Morris like she was crazy. This was the first she'd heard of twins growing in her uterus.

"Oh, you heard right, Ms. Carter. I don't know how we missed this before but there are two little babies in there. It looks as if baby A is taking all the nutrition from baby B so we will have to give you some iron pills and vitamin D supplements. Please make sure you take those prenatal vitamins." Dr. Morris wiped the blue goo from Ryan's belly and continued on with her speech. "Now being that you are carrying two fetuses and our bodies are really only made to hold one baby at a time this pregnancy would be considered high risk. Don't be alarmed. Women have multiples every day, but please take it easy. That means no work, stay off of your feet, and don't be scared to take help. There is a very good chance that you will deliver prematurely."

Ryan was still in shock after the Doctor had left the room. She'd heard the doctor rambling off instructions but hadn't been able to process anything past 'carrying twins'.

"Close ya mouth ma. It's gonna be okay." King could tell that Ryan was thrown off guard by the news. He grabbed her clothes and helped her get dressed. She was quiet the whole time. "You know this mean you're coming home right?" He spoke with a firmness that was undisputable. "And I don't wanna hear shit. You not about to risk losing my kids."

Ryan knew by his tone that he wasn't playing. "Yeah," was all she could say. She wanted to go home with King but she didn't want them to go through the drama again. She couldn't handle it right now. He finished dressing her, made sure they got her prescriptions, and then led her out of the doctor's office.

"Are you hungry?" King asked as he began the drive to Harlem's house to grab all her things. King wasn't playing when he said she was coming back home. He'd be damn if something happened to his kids because she was being prideful. If she didn't want nothing to do with him that was fine but he was gonna make sure his babies came as close to their due date as possible.

"Not really. I just wanna get this stuff and lay down."

"I tell you what, I'll drop you off at the house so you can lay down and I'll get your stuff."

Ryan liked that idea better. This pregnancy was tiring her out and she was exhausted from keeping up a front with King. "That sounds like a good idea. I'm just too tired to do anything."

King headed to his house so that Ryan could rest. He tried to mask the smile creeping upon his lips. When he pulled up in front of his house he helped Ryan out the car slowly. She was now carrying precious cargo. "Come on, let's get you upstairs."

Ryan was starting to feel handicapped. "King, I can walk up the stairs. Jesus, I'm not disabled you know."

"Chill out. I told you I won't let nothing happen to my kids so whatever I need to do to insure that, then so be it."

Ryan knew he was just being cautious but it was a bit annoying. She allowed King to help her settle down on their soft bed and she almost sighed because she'd missed the plush sheets and pillow top mattress.

"I'll be back in a few," he told her as he propped her feet up on a pillow. "I'm gonna grab your stuff and pick Cameron up. If you need me just call me, ma." He left the room feeling glad to know that the love of her life was safe and sound in the place where she belonged.

~ ~ ~

King pulled up at the same time as Harlem. "What's up, bruh?" He greeted his brother.

"Ain't shit. How are things with the baby?" Harlem asked

"Awww shit, nigga, we went to the doctor today and found out we're having twins. We don't know the sex yet but I'm happy as hell."

Harlem saw how happy his brother was and that was all that mattered. He knew how he felt because he'd had that same look when Mia was pregnant with Harley "Congrats, bro. We definitely gotta celebrate."

"Fo'sho. But let me get her stuff so I can go pick up Cameron."

"Wait! I know you didn't force that girl to come home." Harlem was joking but King didn't find it funny at all. He gave Harlem the finger before walking off.

~ ~ ~

Ryan was laying in the bed sick. She needed someone to talk to about King. The only person that came to mind was her girl Tracy came to mind. Ryan dialed her number and Tracy answered on the first ring. "Hey, chica!"

Ryan smiled at how loud and full of life her friend was. "Hey boo. Guess what? I'm having twins."

Ryan had to move the phone away from her ear because Tracy was screaming. "Aaaahhhhhhh!!!! I'm so freaking happy. I get two god babies at once."

"You sound just as happy as King," Ryan said.

"Awww. So papa was happy huh? That's good."

"Yeah he made me bring my ass home too." They laughed.

"I told you to stop playing with that man. He loves you so let him be there for you. Hell _he's_ Cam's father. Fuck Jarelle. He has been the only father Cam knows. Don't mess this up, boo. I know y'all have issues but you have to see it from his point of view. He's a street nigga and very cautious of everybody." Tracy always told Ryan the real deal whether she wanted to hear it or not. That's why they were friends.

"Thanks, Tracy. I really needed to hear that."

"You're welcome, boo. Now get some rest so my babies can be healthy."

Ryan hung up with Tracy feeling better about her relationship with King. She loved him with everything in her. She was just scared.

~ ~ ~

King had picked Cameron up from his Nana's and they were headed back to the house.

"Where are we going King?" Cameron asked.

"Home. We're going to cook dinner for mommy and take care of her. She's not feeling too good."

When they pulled up to the house Cameron got excited. He was back home where his room and all his toys were. He hopped out the car before King and ran to the door. King's housekeeper opened the door and greeted them. Before Ryan had moved in he had a cleaning service come twice a week but when Ryan and Cam came to live there he hired a live-in housekeeper/nanny to help. He didn't want Ryan to feel overwhelmed. "Hey, Consuela." King greeted her.

"Hi, Mr. Pierre. Cameron." Consuela was heaven sent and definitely would be of good use when the twins came.

"You can take the rest of the night off. We're good." He dismissed her and he and Cam went to the kitchen to cook dinner. They made homemade chicken noodle soup for Ryan. When it was ready they placed everything that she would need on a tray and headed upstairs where Ryan was sleeping peacefully. King put the tray down on the nightstand and sat on the bed next to Ryan. "Wake up, ma." He whispered in her ear while brushing her hair back gently. Cameron stood beside him watching the scene.

She woke up and smiled. She hadn't seen Cameron in two days. Seeing her son standing by her bedside with a joyful expression warmed her heart. "Did you have fun with, Nana?"

"Yeah, but I'm happy to be home." Cameron gave his mom a quick kiss and headed out in pursuit of his room.

"Are you hungry?" King asked.

"A little. Why? What did Consuela make?" Ryan sat up.

"I relieved her for the night and I made you soup. Something that'll go down easily."

She smiled. "Awww. Thank you. It smells good."

King fed Ryan and surprisingly she didn't throw up. "Glad you liked it, ma," he stated as she finished the last bite and he sat the dishes back on the nightstand. "Come here." King pulled Ryan up on his chest and they just laid there. He was happy that she was home. This was the love of his life and no one could ever take her place.

~ ~ ~

"Aye, Jarelle, Nini said she saw yo baby mama at the clinic with that nigga King. What the hell is that about?" Boo asked.

"What the hell you mean she was with that nigga? And what the fuck she doing at the clinic? I'ma fuck that bitch up if she on some snake shit." Jarelle was fuming. He knew he was wrong for not helping Ryan but she was still his baby's mama and now she running around town with the enemy making him look like a damn fool. She was definitely gonna pay for this.

"Look, I don't know the deal. Nini was getting a checkup and she saw ol' girl there. Now that's a clinic for pregnant women so my guess is she carrying that nigga's seed. So what we gon' do 'cause that shit foul as hell." Boo knew that hearing this info would get Jarelle hyped up. He was ready to start making some big dough and as long as Rich Boy Mafia was around that wasn't going to happen. So they needed to eliminate the competition and take over.

"Find that bitch and bring her to me!" Jarelle was mad as hell. No one was going to stand in the way of him getting that top spot. Especially not some bitch from the hood.

"I'll see what I can do 'cause if she's fucking with that nigga that'll be hard to pull off, man."

"I don't care what you have to do but I want that bitch ASAP!" Jarelle banged his fist on the table. He couldn't believe Ryan. He was going to make her pay for disrespecting him.

## Chapter Eight

Ryan was four months pregnant and showing quite well. The twins were growing good and her morning sickness had subsided. Thanksgiving was approaching and Ryan wanted to have everyone over for dinner. King had decorated for her since she couldn't do much.

"Aye, baby, can we decorate the tree while the family is over? It would be so much fun." Ryan smiled at him innocently.

"Whatever you want, baby," King said as he kissed her lips. King loved to spoil Ryan and she enjoyed every moment of it. He loved having a family. He used to envy his brother and his friends but now he had his own family to make memories with.

Ryan slightly waddled into the den where King was setting up shop to watch the game. He noticed that she seemed to be tired more often and was getting bigger quickly because she was carrying two babies. He sat on the couch and she climbed on his lap struggling to get comfortable. King rubbed her back and she instantly became relaxed. She loved nights like this.

~ ~ ~

It was Thanksgiving Day and the family was set to come over. Ryan was excited about the large family gathering. King was excited for other reasons. "Hey, baby, what time did you tell everyone?"

"I told them four. That gives me enough time to get everything finished."

"Well it's almost four. Why don't you go upstairs and shower? I'll handle the rest."

Ryan kissed King and headed upstairs. They'd had that one issue but somehow they had overcome it and were closer than ever now.

Ryan enjoyed a quick hot shower and had just walked out of the bathroom still drying off when King walked in the room. "Damn, look at that ass." He wrapped his arms around her damp body.

"Boy move. I need to get dressed before everyone gets here." Ryan tried to push King off of her.

"Come on, ma. We still got time. Just let me get a quickie." King kissed her neck knowing that was her spot. That was all it took. He gently pushed her forward onto the bed. She was now on all fours and he unbuckled his pants allowing his dick to spring out hard as ever. In one swift motion he entered Ryan from the back and that was all she wrote.

"Damn, ma! Your shit wet as fuck!" Whoever said pregnant pussy was the best ain't never lied. King was fucking the shit out of Ryan when the doorbell rang.

"Baby....the...door." Ryan could barely get her words out.

"Fuck that door. This shit is too good." King kept going.

"Oh shit that's.....my...umm...spot." Ryan called out.

"Cum on this dick, ma. Let that shit out."

Ryan was on the verge of a major orgasm when the doorbell sounded again.

"Shit I'm cuuuummmming!" King yelled out. He exploded and Ryan followed.

Ryan collapsed on the bed as King hurriedly redressed and headed for the door.

"Damn, nigga. What the fuck y'all in here doing?" Harlem fussed when King opened the door. "Got us out here standing on the damn porch with this food

"Nigga, shut up. We was upstairs. I didn't hear the door."

Harlem gave him a knowing look. King gave him the finger and they laughed.

"Hey, brother." Mia spoke as she walked in the door behind her husband.

"What's up, sis?" King took the dish out of her hands.

Cameron walked in with Harlem Jr. and the rest of the kids. He had spent the night at Mia and Harlem's. "Hey, dad." He offered King a hasty greeting as the tribe headed upstairs most likely to play video games.

"Ryan should be down in a minute," King advised as the adults entered the kitchen. "Dinner is done. We're just waiting for the rest of the family to get here."

It took another twenty minutes before everyone had arrived. Once everyone was in place they said grace then everyone dug in and enjoyed themselves.

~ ~ ~

While the guys were watching the Lions play King announced that he had something to say. Harlem turned the TV off and everyone turned to King who was smiling proudly. "First, I wanna say thanks to everyone for sharing the holiday with us at our home. We enjoyed every minute of it. Second, I want to say thanks to my beautiful woman for making it all possible. I love you, ma, with all my heart. You and Cameron complete me and I wouldn't know what to do without you in my life." King lowered himself in to one knee in front of Ryan who was sitting on the couch. He presented her with a 2.5 canary yellow princess cut diamond. "I would be the happiest man on earth if you married me."

The whole room fell silent waiting for Ryan's answer. Her eyes grew huge staring at the engagement ring. She was in complete shock. She knew King loved her but she never expected this. "Yes!" She was exasperated as she accepted his proposal.

Everyone applauded and yelled out congrats. King slid the ring on her finger and kissed her passionately. He was on top of the world. Nothing could come between them now. Or could it?

## Chapter Nine

Ryan was leaving her doctor's appointment. King couldn't make this one because he had a business meeting to attend so he'd gone solo. She was thirty-six weeks and the babies could come any day according to her doctor. Not thinking anything of the car that was following her Ryan went about her business and headed home. She was happy that her babies would be here soon and that she was marrying the love of her life. Things just couldn't get any better. When she arrived home King still wasn't there and Cameron was with Mia so she figured she'd be able to get a nap in. It was Consuela's off day so Ryan knew she'd have complete peace and quiet. As soon as she stepped on the porch she felt a presence but before she could turn around someone's hand pressed against her mouth with a cloth. Instantly she passed out.

~ ~ ~

"Well, well, well, look who came to visit me." Jarelle laughed.

Ryan tried to focus on her surroundings. Why the hell was she with Jarelle? "What the hell am I doing here?"

"You aren't in a position to be asking any questions."

Ryan was scared for her life. King didn't know where she was and she worried about the safety of her babies.

Jarelle glared at her. "Now I need for you to do a few things for me. If you cooperate then you live. As for your little boyfriend I can't say the same. I need you to tell me where he and the rest of RBM meet. Then I need for you to get him alone at dinner somewhere without security or anybody. Just the two of you."

Ryan looked at him like he was crazy. "King is too smart for that. There is no way he'd fall for it. Besides I'm not willing to do it anyway." There was no way Ryan would set King up. She'd die before she did that.

Smack! She nearly fell out of the chair she was sitting in. She winced in pain from the blow. Jarelle bent down to her level and whispered in her ear. "You will do it or your son will pay with his life."

Hearing him talk about Cameron made her alert. She didn't want to make a choice but if she had to it was going to be her son. "Fine. I'll do it," she said through gritted teeth.

Jarelle stood up smiling. "I thought you'd see it my way. And Ryan..." He looked at her sternly as he spoke. "Don't fuck with me on this." He looked over at boo and nodded. "Drop this bitch off on the corner somewhere," he ordered.

~ ~ ~

Ryan woke up to beeping sounds. She didn't know what had happened. For the second time in the last year she found herself confined to a hospital bed. She started to panic when she felt her stomach. It was flatter than it should have been. "My babies! Where are my babies?!"

King walked in the door when he heard Ryan screaming. He had yet to find out what happened. All he knew was that he had received a call from her cell phone. An older lady had found her on the corner passed out and bleeding. The lady called 911 and Ryan was rushed to Oakwood Hospital. By the time King got there they had already delivered the twins by emergency C-section. They already learned from a previous ultra sound that she was carrying a boy and girl. Together they had agreed to name them Christian and Chasity. Christian weighed two pounds and three ounces while Chasity was two pounds even. King cried when he saw them fighting for their life. He couldn't believe how small they were. He knew that whoever was responsible for hurting Ryan would pay dearly. Because of someone else his babies were fighting to hold on and his fiancée was in shock.

"It's ok, ma." He sat on the bed and cradled her in his arms. "They're fine."

Ryan looked up at King and cried. It was then that she remembered exactly what had happened. "I'm so sorry, King. I didn't mean to. He said he was gonna kill Cameron." Ryan was rambling and King had no clue what she was talking about.

"Who said what about Cameron?"

Ryan took a deep breath and explained how Jarelle had her snatched from their house and threatened to kill Cameron if she didn't set him up. She told him how they had dumped her on the corner while the car was still moving. The trauma had caused her to go into labor. King processed the information and from the look on his face she knew he was heated.

King patted her leg. "I'll be right back, ma. Get some rest." He stepped out in the hall to make a call. "Put the word out. There's a hundred thousand dollar bounty on Jarelle's head. Dead or alive. This muthafucka has got to go." He hung up and made sure that there was a security guard on watch outside of Ryan's room and the hospital's nursery. He couldn't take any chances on something else happening.

## Chapter Ten

The twins were now two weeks old and were doing well. With any luck they would be home within a month or two. Ryan was leaving the hospital from another long day with the twins. Between Cameron and the twins she was dead tired. King had been running the streets a lot lately due to the beef with Jarelle. He had security with Ryan at all times. He wasn't taking any chances. She wasn't allowed to drive herself anywhere.

"Ms. Carter, are you ready?" her driver asked.

"Yeah, I'm ready."

He opened the door for her and made sure she was in. After checking their surroundings he got in the driver's seat. They pulled off with security trailing them on the route home.

Boom! The deafening sound assaulted Ryan's ears heard as the car collided. She wasn't sure what had happened but the car had definitely run into something. She looked around her but couldn't see anything because of the thick cloud of smoke. "Vinny, are you okay?" she asked as she struggled to undo her jammed seatbelt. No response. Swallowing hard she asked again. "Vinny, are you okay?" Still no response. Ryan started to panic. She decided to get out and see where the security guards were but she never had a chance.

"Get out the car, bitch!" She was pulled right out the car and tossed into a black van where a guy awaited her in the back holding an Ak47. _Damn,_ she thought. _Here we go again._

~ ~ ~

It was going on five in the evening and King was exhausted. He had been in business meetings all day. He was investing in more businesses and had been running numbers off to people since early morning. Most people didn't understand why he didn't go to school for accounting because he was just that good with numbers.

When he got home Ryan wasn't there which was weird because the last time he had talked to her she was leaving the hospital headed home. He dialed her cell phone and it went straight to voicemail. Something was telling him that something wasn't right. He dialed her cell again only to get the same result. He then dialed the security that was supposed to be with her but there was no answer. "What the fuck is really going on?" he asked out loud. As if on cue his phone rung.

"Bruh, shit just got real. You need to meet me at the spot ASAP." Rahsaan hung up immediately. King's instincts were right. Something was wrong. He quickly headed out the door to meet Rahsaan.

When King got to the warehouse in Chesterfield just about all of RBM was there including his brother and his crew. He knew this wasn't good. "Get to it and don't play with me. Where the hell is my girl?" he demanded.

"When that shit went down with Jarelle snatching Ryan, Ava and I knew extra security was needed. So we made sure it was covered. Long story short he has her again but we know where she is and we're ready to go get her. The only other thing is Cameron was snatched from Ryan's mother house too. So we have to be extra careful because their lives depend on it."

For a minute all the air in King's lungs seemed to leave. His son and his wife were gone. He tried to hold it together but they were his weakness. Harlem walked over to his brother and hugged him. "We got this, bro. No worries. We coming up out of there with your son and your wife and we pumping them bitch made niggas full of lead." King wanted to believe Harlem but he wouldn't be convinced until his family was home.

## Chapter Eleven

"So, Ryan, you thought you could fuck with a nigga and live huh?" Jarelle laughed while touching Ryan's face.

She couldn't spit in his face like she wanted to because her son's life was as stake. So for now she had to play by his rules. "What do you want Jarelle?" she asked through gritted teeth. Tears were falling and her heart was racing. She knew how cut throat Jarelle could be. He didn't give a fuck about anybody.

"I told you I wanted you to help me set up that bitch as baby daddy of yours." He lit a cigarette and propped his feet up on his desk.

"Never." The tears fell harder. She didn't understand how she'd ended up in this situation. She silently prayed to god that she would leave out of there with her life.

"Baby, you don't have a choice. That nigga thinks he's untouchable but I'm gonna show him that he ain't and you're gonna watch me torture and kill his ass." Jarelle took a puff of his cigarette. "Get this bitch out of here," he said to his goons.

The big Suge Knight look-alike grabbed her up and took her to a secluded room. Once she was inside he locked the door. There was wood and bars on the windows and the only thing in the room was a bed. Jarelle had managed to put her in a makeshift cell.

~ ~ ~

He was in the room again for what must have been the third time since they'd placed her there. Spewing insults and threats about what he was going to do to King, Jarelle was behaving more monstrous than she'd ever known him to be. To make matters worse she was afraid that he was going to rape her in the confines of the secluded room. As he moved closer to her a boom resounded. Jarelle jumped with his gun drawn and snatched Ryan up. His eyes were fixated on the door that had just been kicked open. "Well, it looks like your boyfriend came to join us." Jarelle smirked and grabbed Ryan tighter.

Before Ryan could respond King, Harlem and the rest of RBM were face to face with Jarelle. King's jaws were cinched tight with anger. "Yo, let my girl go. You want me, well here I go, bitch!"

Jarelle smiled and pushed Ryan out of the way.

"Mommy!" That got everyone's attention. Cameron zipped through King's group before anyone could pull him back. Ryan didn't know where he had come from or that the Eastside members even had her son. Instinctively, she ran to his side and placed her arms around him. When King drew his gun so did everyone else. Jarelle was standing there stupidly waiting for his crew to come. What he didn't know was that they were already dead.

"Take him and get out of here now!" King told Ryan never taking his eyes off Jarelle.

Jarelle moved towards mother and son which made it hard to shoot. King didn't want to make a mistake and hit Cameron or Ryan. Jarelle was about to get what he deserved. He had put Ryan through so much but he was about to find out why King was the top dog.

RBM parted to allow Cameron and Ryan to pass through them but before Ryan could reach the exit gun fire erupted. She ran fast with Cameron secured safely in her arms. She silently prayed that King made it out alive. She couldn't fathom the idea of living without him.

"It hurts, mommy," Cameron whined.

"It's okay, baby. We're almost at the car." Ryan didn't realize what was wrong. She thought she was holding him too tight as she ran through the maze of the building they were holed up in. She ran until she found an exit that lead to the fleet of cars she knew belonged to RBM.

"Mommy, it really hurts!" Cameron cried out as they reached King's car. That's when Ryan noticed the blood on his shirt.

"Nooooo!" She cried out. She was in a state of shock. This couldn't be happening. Not to her baby. He was too young.

"Ryan, what happened to him?" Mia yelled snapping her back to reality. Ryan hadn't even noticed her sitting in the driver's seat of Harlem's ride.

"My baby's been shot." Those were her last words before everything went black.

~ ~ ~

King sat in the waiting room comforting Ryan. She was an emotional wreck. She sat in the chair balled up still in her blood stained clothes. It has been three hours since they had heard anything on Cameron's condition.

"Family of Cameron Carter." The doctor was finally there and everyone rushed over to hear the announcement.

"What's his condition doctor?" King asked.

"Not good at all. The bullet hit a major artery and we have him on a ventilator. The next twenty-four hours are crucial. He's not responsive at all and that doesn't look good. We also had to give him a blood transfusion because he lost so much blood. I'm sorry."

Ryan broke down. "God. Noooooooo! My baby."

King tried to hold her up without falling apart his self. "Come here, ma. I got you." He rubbed her back and tried comforting her as much as possible but it was hard. Everyone stood around crying and feeling bad for Ryan. No one knew what to say to her.

"What am I gonna do without my baby, King? Huh? Why did this happen to him?" Ryan was

hurt. Cameron was her first born. Sure she had the twins but Cameron was her baby.

King was feeling a surge of emotions. Things were about to get real ugly and fast. His head was all fucked up. This street shit was getting to be too damn much for him. But could he walk away and leave it alone? The allure of the game was a muthafucka. You risked your life and the lives of your family all for the almighty dollar. At first it started out as a means to survive for King but the more money he made the more hustling he did. It was like a drug within itself. But as we all knowwith more money came more problems. It also brought more bitches. The fast life was what it was about. How had he managed to get so sucked into the game? How had his life ended up in such shambles?

~Flashback~

When King's brother Harlem put him on he was skeptical at first because King was just sixteen. Then they didn't know they were brothers. They were just homies from the same hood trying to make it. Harlem was sort of predestined to be in the game. Their pops, Charles, was a major player in the game in the eighties and wanted a son to take over. Unfortunately their sister Ava took that role. Harlem didn't want all the attention and problems that game with ruling the streets so he played the background.

Don't get it twisted though. Ava may have been the boss but Harlem had a lot of clout and niggas respected him and in turn King got that same respect being associated with him. Respect came even more when it came out that they were brothers. Now King is the leader of RBM (Rich Boy Mafia) one of the top drug cartels in the north. There are well over five hundred members spread across the United States. I guess you can say they were the new "Black Mafia Family".

King was first introduced to the dope game at the age of fifteen. This cat named Big D put him on as a lookout and a year later he became a runner. King was tired of watching his mom struggle. There were times when the lights and gas were shut off because his mom had to choose between food and utilities. It was then that King told himself he was going to make enough money to take care of her. It hurt him to see her struggle the way she did. That shit got old quick. Being a runner was how he met Harlem. He was three years older than King and was doing big things. At first he was skeptical about putting King on. He would always tell him that he was better than the dope boy shit. But how could King watch his mom struggle to stay afloat? After a few months of kicking it with Harlem and learning new shit he finally put King on. He moved up the ranks rather quickly because he was hungry and most importantly, loyal. Loyalty will definitely get you far.

King turned down Barlow and as usual during the summer time there were kids out and about. The hood ice cream truck was posted probably selling more than just ice cream. King pulled up in front of Javon's baby's mama house. They had a meeting and Javon couldn't drive because he had a suspended license so King was playing chauffer.

King blew the horn and it took Javon a minute before he came out the house.

"Damn nigga it took you long enough," King told him as he got in the car.

They were riding down East Seven mile. It was hot out and niggas was acting a fool. You had the hood rats out trying to snag a baller while the crack heads walked up and down the street with forty ounces in their hands looking for that next hit.

"My bad man," Javon apologized. "Trina ass always wanna argue and shit."

King just laughed. "That's what the hell you get for having a baby with a hood rat." Javon was a young nigga but King kept him on his team for two reasons: he was loyal and he was hungry.

"It's all good. I've been thinking about getting my own crib anyway. I can't deal with her loud ghetto ass." Javon knew that no matter how much he talked about it he wasn't leaving Trina. He was in love with her and had been since they were younger. Trina was there when he didn't have a dime to his name. She was his hitta.

"Yeah, okay man. If that's what you have to tell yourself to sleep better because we all know yo' whipped ass ain't going nowhere. Open the glove box and fire up that blunt my dude."

They headed to the spot where RBM held their meetings. Today King was meeting with his crew and demoting a few people as well as let a few go altogether. Money had been coming up short and one thing he didn't play about was his money.

"You know it's about to be a bunch of angry niggas right?" Javon asked as he took a toke of the blunt." It's a lot of talk about the way you running shit."

"Frankly I don't give a damn. These niggas can either get with it or step. I started this organization. I run it and ain't shit gone change unless I say so." Niggas was about to learn why his name was King. He was the king of these streets. 'The Real King of Detroit' to be exact.

"I hear you, dawg. You know I've been down with you since day one and nothing about that will ever change. Just thought you'd like to know what was being said."

"I appreciate it, bruh. You been riding with a nigga and we break bread together because of your loyalty." He respected Javon. He was a real cutthroat nigga. They had grown up in the Brewster projects together and now they ate together. He was actually one of the first people King brought on board when RBM was started.

They pulled up to the warehouse in Chesterfield that King had gotten some chick to buy. He was always careful not to put shit in his name. You never knew when the feds were watching. Plus these chicks be so hung up for the dick that they'd do any and everything you ask of them.

"You ready man?" King asked Javon. King's best friend and right hand nigga Rahsaan was already inside waiting for them along with the rest of RBM. Everyone was in attendance from the corner boys to the lieutenants.

"Let's do this shit."

They walked into the warehouse and all conversation ceased. King loved the respect that was given for higher authority. Too bad some of these niggas was just as fake as a hood rat's hair. "Let's get this meeting started," he ordered. "First, I'd like to start by saying thank you to everyone that has showed their loyalty to RBM. For those of you who have been disloyal I feel for you." King shook his head as if he was really sorry for the unfortunate bastards. "With that being said Brandon, JoJo, Shorty, Mack and Deon you all have been promoted to Lieutenants. The rest of you ass kissing, disloyal greedy muthafuckas are dismissed. If I were you I would stay clear of RBM. Lieutenants if you see any of these niggas kill 'em on site and that's an order. Meeting adjourned."

**~Present~**

He didn't know how this had happened but he had plans for Jarelle. The bastard had used Cameron as a getaway. While the crew had been trying to make sure Cameron and Ryan got out safely, Jarelle had pushed open another door, fired a shot in Cameron and Ryan's direction, and jetted causing wild gun fire to erupt as he snuck out through a secret passage of the old building. King became angry all over again thinking about how Jarelle had pulled a fast one. But this wasn't over by a long shot. King had it covered.

"Come on, ma, let's go home and shower and change and then we can come back." King spoke softly to his love. "There's not really much we can do for him right now. It's all in God's hands."

Ryan was like a walking zombie. She didn't respond she just followed him like a child followed their parent. Her son didn't deserve this at all. Once they got home King ran a bath for her. He helped her in and washed her up. He knew she needed to relax but didn't know how to help her cope with the agony. This was _her_ son that was fighting for his life. Although King considered Cameron his too Ryan had birthed him. He couldn't imagine the torment she felt on the insane because of this situation. He was just as hurt but he knew that he needed to be strong for Ryan. He also needed to stay alert. Jarelle was still running free and King wasn't going to rest until he was six feet under.

He helped Ryan out of the tub and dried her off. He even had to dress her because she just sat there with no emotion and no response to anything. He didn't like her like this at all. "Come on, ma. Get in the bed and rest."

She finally looked up at him and tears trickled down slowly. King just held on to her and let her grieve for her child. "Let it out, ma." He rubbed her back. The more she cried the more irate King became. He held her until she fell asleep. King laid her on the bed and covered her up. He had some shit to handle and needed to do it before she woke up.

He headed downstairs and grabbed a drink. As he thought about the recent events he tried to focus on what needed to be done but it took a minute to collect his thoughts. He knew that a lot of bloodshed was forthcoming and after it was all said and done he was taking his family and getting the hell away from Michigan. It was time for new beginnings with Ryan and the kids.

~ ~ ~

Ryan woke up screaming. She had been having nightmares about Cameron getting shot. It had been a whole week and still no change in his condition. She didn't want to face the fact that she may be burying her son soon. It was not something she was looking forward to doing.

"You okay, ma?" King had been watching her sleep. Since the shooting he barely slept. He would sit up in the chair across from their bed all night. He was lucky if he closed his eyes for five minutes. How could he dare to rest peacefully with Jarelle still breathing?

"I'm good. I want to go to the hospital." She looked up at King.

"Okay. Get dressed and we can go." He figured they could visit the twins and check on Camron. After Ryan got dressed they headed out the door. You would have thought they were celebrities or politicians with the way security surrounded them. But King wasn't taking any chances. He never left the house without a bullet proof vest these days and heavy security. Shit was real.

When they arrived at the hospital two guards got out of the car with them and escorted them inside. They went to the NICU to visit the twins first. Chasity had gained a pound within the last week and was breathing on her own. Christian had gained a pound but was still on oxygen. They both were doing better than the doctors had expected at their age.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Pierre and Ms. Greer," the nurse greeted as they entered the NICU.

"Hey, how you doing?" King responded.

Ryan just waved. All she wanted was to see her babies and they understood that. She needed something to keep her mind off of Cameron. She sat in a chair and King sat next to her while the nurse passed her Christian and him Chasity. They were still rather small so they couldn't tell who they looked like. Out of everything that happened the only good thing was the twins and they were thankful for that. King couldn't wait to show them off to the family. No one had seen them in person because of the situation. He was being extra cautious so the family had only seen pictures of the twins.

Ryan and King sat with the twins for close to two hours before deciding it was time to go up to see Cameron. They prayed daily that he would open his eyes. The one thing that kept them going was the fact that he had not been declared brain dead. There was still hope. King walked down the hall holding Ryan's hand. The walk to Cameron's room seemed to take forever. As they approached the door Ryan became nervous. They never really knew what to expect when they entered the room.

King stopped her before she went in. "Look ma, everything will be alright. He'll pull through this. He has too." He tried to convince himself more so than Ryan. Ryan smiled at him. He was being strong for her but she could see it in his face that he was just as worried as she was. They headed inside and surprisingly Ryan held it together. She walked over to Cameron's bed and kissed his forehead.

She thought about Cameron running around the house. He was such a happy kid. What she wouldn't give to see that again. "Hey, baby boy. Mommy misses you and loves you very much. I need for you to get better so that I can take you home. Your brother and sister are doing great and they're waiting to meet you." Ryan's voice cracked but she held it together.

Before she could speak again the nurse walked in.

"Good afternoon. I just came to see how he was doing but I'll come back." Nurse Wyatt had been Camron's nurse since he was brought in. She had been taking good care of him. When Ryan and King weren't there Nurse Wyatt would sit and read to Cameron. She once told them that she had faith that he would open his eyes. He was too young and still had a full life to live. Nurse Wyatt left the room and Ryan continued talking to Camron. Two hours later and he was still the same. After checking in on the twins once more they left the hospital. This was going to be a long journey but they would travel it together.

## Chapter Twelve

It had been two months since Cameron had been shot and his condition hadn't changed. The doctors were asking Ryan to take him off of the ventilator but she refused. She had faith that he would pull through. They were getting ready to visit the twins and Cameron when the phone rang.

"Hello?" she answered.

"Yes, is this Ms. Greer?" It was the hospital and that had her worried.

"Yes it is. Is everything okay?" Ryan asked concerned.

"Yes. Cameron is no longer using the ventilator. He hasn't woke up but he's breathing on his own. The doctor wanted to unhook him and see what would happen and surprisingly he's breathing on his own."

Ryan was pissed and happy. She was pissed because they didn't have her permission to play with her son's life. She never told them to take him off. But she was happy because he was breathing on his own.

"Oh my god. Thank you so much. We're on our way up there now." She hung up and ran upstairs to tell King the good news. This day was getting better by the second.

~ ~ ~

By the time they got to the hospital Cameron's condition had changed for the better. He was now wide awake. King couldn't believe it. Sitting in the room with Cam he appeared to be the same vibrant little boy he'd always been.

"Dad how long do I have to stay here because I'm ready to go home?" That made them

laugh.

"Hopefully not too much longer, little man." King needed to catch up with Jarelle before Cameron was released. If he shot his own son then there was no telling what else he was capable of and he wasn't taking any chances with his family's lives

~ ~ ~

He received a text from Rahsaan telling him they had found Jarelle. That got him hype. He didn't want to leave Ryan and Cameron but he had to take care of this situation.

"Hey ma, I gotta go handle some shit but I'll be back as soon as I'm done."

She gave him a look as if she didn't approve.

King tried to reassure her. "Don't be like that, ma. I have to do this or it'll be me six feet under. Mia's on her way up to sit with you until I get back."

"Okay," she said still with uncertainty in her voice.

King kissed her and assured her once more that he'd be back.

~ ~ ~

As King drove to the warehouse he thought back on his first encounter with Jarelle and the Eastside Boys. RBM was still fresh and making a name for themselves. This one cat named

Eddie had approached him about getting down with RBM. King had always been good at reading people and he knew this cat was as sheisty as they come so he wasn't messing with him. Eddie didn't like that. He obviously felt some type of disrespect but King didn't care. He was building an empire and wasn't about to let anybody come between that. Plus the west side and east side had this unspoken beef. They just don't deal with each other and as long as they stayed on their side of town then everything was cool. But these niggas were stepping out of bounds.

Following Eddie's hurt feelings the Eastside Boys called themselves trying to take over RBM territory but King wasn't about to let that happen. The rival crews had been at war for the last five years or so. But that was all about to end tonight. Those niggas were weak without Jarelle and King held Jarelle's fate in his hands which meant his ass was about to die.

~ ~ ~

Ryan had been praying every day that her son woke up and God answered her prayers. She knew it was probably bad to wish death or harm on someone but she wished nothing but the absolute worse for Jarelle. How could someone shoot their own child and have no remorse what so ever? She knew she didn't want King to leave but she hoped they did find his ass and kill him. She wanted him to suffer like her son had. Visiting the nursery, Ryan received more good news. The twins were ready to come home. No oxygen was needed or anything. Chasity was now weighing in at five pounds even. Her brother, Christian, weighed five pounds and four ounces. God was truly good. All good news aside, Ryan was worried about King. Everything that had happened over the past year had her on edge. She just wanted him to come back to her in one piece.

~ ~ ~

Ryan had fallen asleep and when she woke up Cameron was laughing with Mia.

"Hey, sleeping beauty." Mia spoke.

"Hey, girl. How long have I been sleep?"

"I've been sitting here playing the Wii with my nephew for a good two hours but you looked as if you needed that nap."

Ryan looked up at the TV that had been wheeled in. "How the heck did you get a Wii in here?"

"I have my connections. Besides I can't have my nephew in here bored."

"Girl, you are a mess. Well since you're here with him I'm going to go check on the twins." At least someone would be here with him and he wouldn't be by his self.

"Yeah go ahead. We good in here. Ain't that right, Cam?" Mia was a cool ass chick.

"Yeah we good." Cameron cosigned on the statement.

"Okay cool. I'll be right back." Ryan went to the NICU to see the babies. They were still so small but at least they would be coming home with her this week. Things were finally falling into place.

~ ~ ~

When King pulled up to the warehouse in Chesterfield he saw that RBM was already there. He loved his crew because they were as loyal as they come. He made sure both of his guns were ready before proceeding towards the building. When King walked in and saw Jarelle hanging from the chains that shit made his day. This nigga had been gunning for King since forever and now here they were face to face. King was definitely going to have fun with this one.

"So we meet again," King said as he walked towards Jarelle. He looked at the table to see a blow torch lying there. His crew already knew how King got down.

"Fuck you!" Jarelle spat.

"You're talking real greasy for a nigga that doesn't have control over his own life right now." King pulled out both of his guns and laid them on the table. He took his time taking off his jacket and rolling up the sleeves of his shirt. Shit was about to get messy. King could have just killed Jarelle and been done with it but he wanted him to suffer like Ryan had. He wanted him to feel the pain that their son felt when he was shot.

"Just fucking kill me you bitch ass nigga! I ain't got shit to lose anyway." His wish would be King's command as soon as he tortured his ass.

"Strip this nigga. I want to burn his fucking flesh with this torch." His whole facial expression changed.

King put the protective mask on his face and grabbed the blow torch and went to work. By the time he was done with Jarelle his legs were barely hanging on. There were pieces of flesh everywhere. It was a gruesome scene. Some of the RBM members had to walk way. Jarelle had passed out a few times from the loss of blood. Now that he had suffered a little bit it was time for King to play Grim Reaper. King picked up his gun and pointed it right between Jarelle's eyes. He let off three shots and that was all she wrote.

## Chapter Thirteen

King was glad that this shit was over. He had finally caught up to Jarelle and fixed his ass for good. Now he could live happy with his family but for some reason he felt like there was still shit brewing. He just had to keep his eyes and ears open for the bull shit to manifest.

King had just pulled up to the hospital when he saw Mia leaving.

"What's up, sis." He greeted her with a hug. She had been a big help and King appreciated her being there for he and Ryan.

"Hey, brother. I was just chilling with Cam and Ryan."

"Thanks, sis. I really appreciate you. That situation is taken care of. So now when I bring my family home we won't be looking over our backs every few seconds."

"That's good to know. Well I'm out. By the way, those babies are your twins especially Christian."

"I know right. Be careful and call me when you get home so that I know you made it safe, sis."

"Okay, will do."

King headed inside the hospital to see his kids. He couldn't wait until the end of the week when all of them would be released to go home.

He went to see the twins first but they were sleeping so he headed to Cameron's room and he was sleep as well. Ryan was asleep in the chair looking so uncomfortable. King walked over and woke her up.

"Ma, wake up. Let's go home and get some rest."

She looked up at him with worry in her face. "I don't want to leave him."

King understood how she felt but he also knew she was dead tired. She needed her rest.

"We can come up here first thing in the morning, okay?"

She smiled at him and took his hand that was stuck out towards her. King helped her up and they headed home.

~ ~ ~

Today was the big day. Cameron was coming home. Thank God. They had two more days before the twins would be coming home and King did everything in his power to make sure everything was ready for their arrival. He made sure that Cameron's room was cleaned and ready. He even went out and bought Ryan a present just to show her how much he appreciated her for giving him not one but two babies.

"You ready, King?" Ryan asked coming down the stairs.

King looked at her and smiled. The twins gave her a little extra to hold on to. She was thick when he met her but she was stacked now. Her breasts were fuller too.

I haven't had a chance to hit that in a minute, King said to himself. Yeah I was definitely getting some later.

"What are you smiling at?" Ryan asked.

"Yo sexy ass." He kissed her lips. "Come on let's go."

When they arrived at the hospital Cameron was ready to go. Ryan helped him into the clothes that they had brought for him to go home in.

"Hey, little man, you ready to go?" King asked.

"Yes. I want to sleep in my own bed and this food is nasty."

They all laughed. It was good to see him smiling and happy. After signing his discharge papers they headed out. Things seemed to finally be getting on track.

The family wanted to come by and see Cameron but King told them to wait until the weekend. He wanted Cameron to get comfortable and thought it was best to let Ryan spend a little time with him.

King had to hit the streets and he knew Ryan was going to be pissed but he had to make sure business was in order. He had a few packages to deliver to Javon so that he could make sure the runners were stocked. Business was booming and he was into the game heavier than before now that the competition had been eliminated. He had just recently set up a meeting with Emilio to discuss expanding. The distributor had been pleased with King's work thus far since King had been making him a lot of money.

Shit was going so good that he had been looking at a few properties to buy for Ryan. King wanted her to have her dream home to raise their kids in. He was even looking at vacation spots. This shit was crazy because he never did this shit for another female. He once thought that he had that with Tish but time and time again she proved him wrong. From the first day they'd met he thought she was going to be the one. It was funny how things changed.

~Flashback~

"Yo, King. Shorty over there giving you the eye." Rahsaan pointed to a fine chocolate shorty. Everything about her said 'Bad Bitch." King was at The Pink Kitty for a meeting. It was an upscale strip club that catered to the elite businessman. It was one of the first things he had done legit. This drug shit wasn't going to last forever so he was investing his money wisely.

"She is bad yo but I gotta get in the back for this meeting. Send her a bottle on the house and let her know I wanna kick it with her." King headed to the back for the meeting with a few potential buyers. If things went well with this meeting then he would be bringing in some big money. His supplier, Emilio, had that pure coke and that would put them on the map for real. They were already making a decent amount but with these new buyers shit could get real.

King walked into his office to meet with the very wealthy and prominent people from Texas, the state in which they were trying to expand. These men had all types of connections from judges, cops, and even the damn government. It would definitely benefit King to have them on his team especially since he was still fresh in the game. He made a mental note to thank Emilio for the connection.

Emilio was like a father to King and Harlem. When Harlem retired and passed the torch to King he had introduced King to Emilio personally. With King now holding the reigns Rich Boy Mafia finally had the chance to shine. They had bid their time and worked their way up. Now King had his own team of loyal niggas. King was a boss.

~ ~ ~

The meeting had gone well and now they were celebrating. King had just opened up a few doors for RBM and everyone involved stood to make a pretty penny while also having protection from the police. They didn't have to worry about raids or doing fed time as long as they paid what was due. King made sure documents were signed so that if a nigga switched sides then their asses would go down too. The pigs weren't about to make money off of RBM and still try to fuck them.

Javon told King that the girl from earlier had sent her number. She was fine and he needed to get his shit off. King put her number in his phone with the intentions of calling her later. Right now he was celebrating with his crew. It had taken a whole week before he spoke to her. They found out they had a lot in common and decided to get together. The first date went well and they became inseparable. Within a year's time Tish was King's main chick.

~Present~

Tish had been plotting and scheming to break up King and Ryan. She hoped Ryan wasn't getting too comfortable with King because it was time for her to go. She felt as if Ryan was borrowing King for a while but the queen was back and ready to take her place on the throne.

_That uppity bitch thought she had hit the jackpot_ , Tish thought. Tish had a plan in motion that would tear them apart and give her room to slide right back in King's life. She had been watching them come and go for the past week. Every since King had gotten rid of Jarelle he'd loosened up on security. Big mistake on his part. Although King kept his business confidential she knew about him killing Jarelle just like she knew a few other things. That tidbit of information just might come in handy in case he didn't cooperate. Tish believed in having a Plan B.

She watched the happy couple leave the house. It was time to put her plan in motion. She slid her Chloe sunglasses on and fixed her blonde wig. It didn't take long for her to get into their lightly secured house. She made her way to the hallway near the master bedroom and handled her business.

"Let's see how King feels when he finds out about his perfect princess." She laughed.

Quickly Tish handled her business and crept out the back door just as quietly as she had come. Now it was time to wait for the results.

~ ~ ~

Ryan had a long day and all she wanted to do was bathe the children and get them ready for bed. She would be glad when Consuela came back from vacation. Ryan loved her babies but it was hard work dealing with twins.

"Baby, I'll take care of the kids. Go ahead and shower and relax. I got this, ma." King nearly pushed her out of the bathroom.

That's why Ryan loved her him. He always knew when she needed a break and had no problem taking over. Ryan headed to the master bathroom to start her shower. All she wanted to do is relax. The past year had been very eventful between the births of the twins, Cameron getting shot, and the mess with Jarelle. Now they were finally able to chill with their family without the drama. She stripped out of her clothes and stepped in. The warm water was inviting. She let the water run over her face as she let go of the stress. For a minute she forgot all about her responsibilities. She was in her own world. That was short lived when King stepped in the shower with her.

"Baby, where are the kids?" she asked.

"The twins are sleep and Cam is playing the game. Now hush and let daddy take care of you." He picked Ryan up and placed her against the wall with her legs resting on his shoulders. He took his tongue and teased her clit before sticking it all the way in. He fucked her pussy with his tongue and it didn't take long for her to cream all in his mouth. King was a beast when it came to eating pussy.

"Shit, bae!"

He started licking faster and that was all it took. Ryan was leaking again and he sucked every drop out of her. He stood her back up and washed every part of her body. That's what she loved about her man. He took care of her needs and even though she gave back he never looked for anything in return. He was definitely unselfish. Ryan knew that she was lucky to have him in her life and felt that things could only get better. At least she hoped so.

~ ~ ~

King had been receiving texts from an unknown number. The shit was pissing him off because they would say slick shit like "Did you tell her about us?" or "Did you have fun fucking me?" He didn't want Ryan to see that shit because it was apparent that someone was playing games. He also didn't want to change his number because that would make him look suspicious. King had to get to the bottom of this. He had a friend that worked with computers trace the number but he came up empty handed. It was a burn-out and couldn't be traced. King was going to have to go about this a different way. The last thing he needed was someone coming between him and Ryan.

King was headed to meet Rahsaan and Javon at the trap. They had to count money, pay the crew, and re-supply them. Ryan had been talking his ear off about getting out of the game but that shit was in his veins. He lived that shit and it made him a lot of money. Hell they didn't call them Rich Boy Mafia for nothing. King had a love affair with making money. He owned The Pink Kitty Strip Club, a barbershop and two clothing stores. Plus he was looking into a record label. Javon would be the first artist. That boy was ill with the mic. Yeah King was all about making money.

He pulled up to the trap on Strathmoore which was their biggest money maker. Rahsaan and Javon were already there when he walked in. They had the counters already out and waiting.

"Let's do this," king said as he sat down.

They started counting and three hours and four counts later they had a quarter of a million dollars. That was damn good for a month's worth of work. King had told them that white boys would pay top dollar for some dope and he was right. RBM was no joke. They had set out on a money making mission and had accomplished it. They thought Black Mafia Family was doing the thing, but it looked as if RBM had taken their place.

"Alright I'm about to go put this shit up. Make sure I got two lieutenants following me and stay alert." King had a lot of money on him and this neighborhood was known for having jack boys.

"On it boss man," Javon replied.

Things were looking real good for RBM. It couldn't get any better than this.

## Chapter Fourteen

King had been in the streets real heavy lately and Ryan was afraid something was going to happen to him. Call it intuition but she had a feeling in her gut that shit was about to get ugly. The twins were two months now and getting big. Cameron was always with Mia being that it was summer. He had grown pretty close to Harlem Jr. Today Mia took all three of the kids so that Ryan could have a much needed pamper me day.

She was headed to Twelve Oaks Mall to do a little shopping. It was crowded but she had managed. After parking her car she headed inside. She strutted in like the bad bitch that she was. Ryan was rocking blue jean shorts that had rips in them, a studded bra that was covered by a ripped tank, and studded black Giuseppe Zanotti heels. Her hair was in a fishtail braid and she was on point with her makeup. Ryan's waist was small and her hips were wide but looked good after having twins.

Her first stop was Macy's. It was one of her favorite stores. Ryan wasn't paying attention and bumped into something hard. When she looked up she was staring in the face of a god. This man was so fine she was speechless. He was at least six feet and was chocolate. He had a bald head and his muscles were ripped. _Damn I think I just came from looking at him_ , she thought.

"My bad, sweetie. Are you okay?"

She could hear him speaking but didn't know what he'd just said. "Huh?"

"I asked if you were okay, ma?" His voice commanded attention and she wanted to give him all her attention.

"Um, yeah I am. Sorry I wasn't paying attention to where I was going."

"It's all good, ma. So what's your name?"

Ryan knew she should have apologized and kept it moving but she didn't. It would be a decision she'd later regret.

"Ryan and yours?" she asked.

"Imran. So can I shop with you, ma?" He smiled at her showing his pearly whites.

Hell why not, she thought. It's just shopping right?

"Sure." She returned the smile.

They headed towards the women's clothing and made small talk.

"So, Ms. Lady, where 'ya man at?" he asked while staring at her.

He was so damn close that his Armani cologne was raping her nostrils. Damn what was it about this man that had her not giving King a second thought? She sized him up without being too obvious. He was fine but he didn't have anything on King yet she was all in his grill. For a split second Ryan imagined herself rubbing his bald head while he ate her kitty cat. _Lord what was wrong with me? I have a man at home. Well in the streets rather._

"Um... he's...uh...he's at home." She stuttered.

He moved closer. "Do I make you nervous, Ryan?"

Hell yeah she wanted to yell. "Nah, why would you think that?" She played it off.

He licked his lips and then moved away. "No reason at all."

They continued to shop for another thirty minutes before she decided to wrap it up. "Well, Imran, it was nice kicking it with you but I have to go." Ryan headed towards the exit.

"Well if you ever need anything or just an ear to listen call me." He passed her a business card with his number on it. She studied the card for a minute and learned that he was a record exec. He was nice but this was where it ended. The truth was she had a man and entertaining the thought of another one wasn't going to happen. She put the card in her purse so he wouldn't think anything of it and told him goodbye.

~ ~ ~

Imran thought Ryan was fine as hell and wanted to get to know her. He didn't think she was happy at home because she was way too comfortable in his face. He was going to sit back and wait for her call because he knew it was coming. Imran looked down at his watch and saw it was time for him to head to a meeting. He was meeting with Rich Boy Mafia about a few deals. From what he had been told they were some cool cats so if all went well then it was another business venture. They were actually looking for a distribution deal and Imran was the man to give it to them.

Imran pulled up to the office of Game Over records and headed up to his suite. That was his label and it was doing some hot shit right now. He had two artists that were on tour and sales were out the roof. All Imran needed was a down ass shorty by his side.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Johnson. Your scheduled meeting is ready to start." Selena his assistant passed him a folder with some files in it.

After making sure he got what he needed from the office Imran headed to the conference room to get this thing started. Three RBM members were in the room: King, Javon, and Rahsaan. Imran had met with King a while back but this was the first meeting with Javon and Rahsaan.

"What's going on, guys." Imran greeted the crew as he sat down.

"Nothing much. Just trying to get this money," King replied.

"I hear that. Well I listened to his demo and I am impressed. I definitely would like to work with you guys so here's some paperwork for you to look over. Once you've looked over them and if you're still interested let me know." Imran slid the folder over to King.

King's phone rang. He looked at the screen then silenced it.

Two minutes later Imran's phone rang. Unlike King he took the call. "Excuse me, guys. Hello?"

"Hey Imran." It was Ryan. "I need a huge favor. My car won't start and my fiancé isn't answering his phone."

"I got you, ma. Text me where you at." Imran hung up and began to quickly wrap up the business at hand.

"Well fellas that was a good friend of mine who needs my help. Call me if you have any questions."

They all shook hands and Imran headed out to pick up Ryan.

When Imran pulled up behind Ryan's car she didn't get out. She was so busy texting that she didn't notice him. He tapped on the window to get her attention. She looked up and smiled before rolling the window down.

"Pop the hood, ma, so I can see what's wrong." She loved the way he took control.

Imran headed to the front of her car to see if he could pinpoint the problem. "Try to start it."

Ryan tried to turn the engine. Nothing. It wouldn't even turn over. Imran put the hood down. "It looks like we need a tow truck. Go ahead and sit in my car and I'll call a tow truck. Once they get here I'll drop you off to wherever you're going."

She smiled again even though he knew she was probably pissed that her dude hadn't answered the phone. Ain't no way I'd leave my girl without a way to contact me, Imran though. And dude slipping because he giving me time to spend alone with his shorty."

Imran made a private call to his boy, Mike, who owned a tow truck company and told him to come in about an hour so he could chill with Ryan. He walked over to his car and hopped in the driver's seat.

"You good, ma?" He looked over at her sitting in the passenger seat.

"Yeah just trying to call my fiancé again but he's not answering the damn phone." She seemed frustrated.

"Well I got you, ma. When the truck gets here I'll take care of it and then we'll get you straight."

"Thanks so much for everything. I really appreciate you." She looked at him with sincerity in her eyes.

Everything in him wanted to take her home and kiss away the sadness that was in her eyes. But she belonged to someone else. Imran would continue to play the friend role and be there for her. He knew she'd eventually find her way to him.

"Most folk wouldn't help someone that they just met like this." She was thinking out loud and hoped like hell that she didn't sound nervous.

"I told you I got you, ma. Anything you need just let me know. I don't know your situation with dude but I'm here when you need me." He unexpectedly leaned in and kissed her cheek. Surprisingly she turned and he was met with her juicy lips. Imran took that as his cue and deepened the kiss. He pushed his tongue inside and she accepted. Before Imran knew what had happened baby girl was on his lap grinding and his dick was hard. If Mike wasn't on the way Imran would have fucked her right there. But he wanted more from her than just a fuck. He stopped her.

"We can't do this right here, ma," he said as he tried to regulate his breathing. "I respect you more than to just fuck you. Especially in a car."

She looked at him stunned at first then gave a nervous smile. "I'm so sorry. I got caught up. We...ummm... we shouldn't have gone that far anyway." She climbed off him and fixed her clothes.

Imran called Mike to see how far away he was because he had to get away from shorty. If he didn't he wouldn't be held responsible for his actions.

"The tow truck is ten minutes away," Imran announced disconnecting the call. Where am I dropping you off at?" He had to hurry up and get her home. It was going to be hard for him to stay away from Ryan because she was a bad bitch.

~ ~ ~

King saw that Ryan had been calling him but he was handling business at the time. He decided to deal with her when he got home. He figured if it was important she would have texted him or left a message. When he walked in the house it was quiet. He checked the kids' rooms and they were sound asleep. He sauntered to his bedroom where Ryan was asleep as well. King undressed and climbed in bed pulling her close to him. He loved this girl with everything in him. As soon as he wrapped up these business ventures it was going to be just him and her. He was going to do something really nice for her because he knew that it was rough with him working a lot. He was just trying to secure their future. He wanted nothing but the best for her and the kids.

King woke up the next day to an empty bed. He looked at the clock on the night stand and it read 7:35. Ryan must have been with the twins. He got up and headed to their room so that he could help her with them. She was feeding Christian and Chasity was still sleeping.

"Hey, ma. You want me to take him?"

She didn't look up at him at all. He felt a bit of tension in the room.

"Nah I'm good," she answered dryly.

What the fuck was her deal. He ignored her attitude and walked out the room. King wasn't in the mood for her tantrums. He decided to get his work day started since he obviously wasn't needed at home.

King hopped in the shower. He was in deep thought. What was really happening between him and Ryan? They used to be so close but it seemed that lately they were strangers living together. No sex, no communication, no nothing. King knew he had to fix this before he lost her for good. He got out of the shower and dried off before heading to the room. Ryan was there sitting on the bed.

"What's up, little mama?" he asked as he went to the closet to get his outfit for the day.

"Where are you going?" she asked with just a bit more attitude than she should have.

"I got shit to take care of, ma. I'll be home early tonight. Don't worry."

She rolled her eyes. "Whatever, King." She walked out and King couldn't chase behind her because he was still wrapped in his towel.

Quickly, he just got dressed and headed to find her. King had to make sure they were good before he left the house. He found her in the family room watching TV. He sat down and pulled her onto his lap.

"What's wrong, bae?" King asked her.

"First off I never see you anymore King. Second I was fucking stranded yesterday and you didn't even answer the phone. My car wouldn't start."

King felt like shit. "I'm sorry, ma. I was in an important meeting with the record execs even though that's not an excuse. I'm sorry. I love you, ma, and everything I'm doing is for you and my kids."

"But none of that is worth it if you're not here with us, King." She had sadness in her eyes and that shit cut him deeply. He knew he needed to wrap all this business shit up soon.

"I know, ma. It won't be too much longer I promise." He kissed her pouty lips.

King could feel his dick get hard. It had been a minute since he was up in her. She was now facing him and grinding on his dick. King pulled her breasts from her shirt and sucked each nipple. Her breasts had gotten bigger since she had the twins. She scooted back a little so she could access his dick. She pulled it out and started playing with it. Her hands felt good but he knew her pussy would feel better.

"Stand up," King demanded.

She did as instructed and he pulled her boy shorts off before motioning for her to climb on his dick. She began riding him slow and steadily.

King was blown away by how good the shit felt. "Hell yeah, ma. Work them hips." He smacked her ass. She was in her own zone and King was in heaven. That was one thing he loved about her. She knew how to please him and vice versa.

"Damn, ma. That shit stay wet for me, huh?"

She looked at him but said nothing. King flipped her over and entered her from the back. That was her favorite position and King's too. He loved watching her ass jiggle as he hit it from the back. King sped up and she took that shit like a pro considering he was a good eleven inches and thick.

King was on the verge of busting. "Shit, ma, I'm about to cum!"

"Me too. Ooh right there, bae. That's my spot. I'm cumminggggg!" She creamed all over his dick and the sight of her juices alone made him bust all up in her.

They sat for a minute getting their bearings. Reality set in though because King was still about to leave and she was still pissed. Things would get better, they had too.

## Chapter Fifteen

It was two months since Ryan had seen Imran. Since that day in his truck she had kept her distance. She still thought about him even though she shouldn't have. She knew that she loved King so she made sure to stay clear of Imran. Today King was having some people over from the record company. Things had been going good for RBM and Javon was set to release his first album so King wanted to celebrate. He had Ryan prepared a feast and the kids were at her mom's for the night. Around eight that evening everyone started to arrive. Ryan was putting the finishing touches on the food when she heard a voice she'd never forget. It sent chills up her spine. _It couldn't be_ , she thought.

"Hey, King, where's the bathroom at, man?"

Ryan could have pissed on herself. What the hell was Imran doing in her house and how the hell did he know King?

"Baby, can you show my boy Imran where the bathroom is please?" King smiled at her pleadingly.

Really? Why was this happening to her now? "Um, yeah sure." She was nervous as hell.

Ryan walked ahead of Imran who followed her quietly until they made it upstairs. "Damn that's a nice view from the back."

She stopped in dead in her tracks. "Hold up now. Don't disrespect my man in his house." She pointed to the closed bathroom door.

"But you wasn't saying that shit in my car." Before she could respond he pulled her in his arms and kissed her.

Ryan tried to protest but he didn't let go. He pushed her up on the wall and lifted her skirt pushing her panties to the side. She tried with everything in her to push his hands away but to no avail. This nigga was bold as hell. He inserted one finger then two. She couldn't believe that he was standing in her house finger fucking her and making her pussy wet. Before she knew what happened this nigga had her cumming. Ryan couldn't even speak. Here she was letting this nigga finger fuck her in the house that she shared with her fiancé. Where they do that at? The tears fell as she silently cried into Imran's buff shoulder. She never wanted to do anything to hurt King even if he was being an ass lately. Five minutes into the encounter he let go of her and whispered in her ear.

"When you ready for me, daddy will be waiting." He walked away without even using the bathroom.

What the fuck was that. This nigga was brave. Didn't he know King would kill them both? She went to the bathroom and fixed herself up before joining everyone downstairs.

During dinner Ryan sat next to King. She felt like shit because of what how just happened between her and Imran. He didn't make it any better by stealing glances at her throughout dinner. Ryan wanted this shit to end already.

"Hey, bae, I'm not feeling so well. I think I'll head up to bed." She had to get away from this whole situation.

"Alright, ma." King kissed her and for some reason she felt like Imran was watching her. Ryan headed upstairs without looking back.

~ ~ ~

Imran had no idea Ryan was King's girl until the dinner party but the fact that she was doesn't make him want her any less. He was the type of man that saw something he wanted and went after it and Ryan wasn't exempt. The fact that he was feeling her up while her nigga was downstairs told him so. After they finished dinner Imran headed home with Ryan on the brain. He was going to have her when it was all said and done. No disrespect to King but he wanted little mama.

The next day he got a text from Ryan.

"I knew she couldn't stay away," he said out loud.

**Ryan:** What we did was wrong and it can't happen again. Please stay away.

**Me:** I can't do that, ma. I want you and you want me so stop playing games.

**Ryan:** Goodbye Imran.

He didn't respond. If she didn't want to fuck with him right now then it was cool. He decided to chill on Shorty until she came to him. He had a feeling she would, just like he'd had a feeling that she would contact him after the way he made her cum in her own house. He couldn't focus on her indecisiveness right now though. He had money to make.

~ ~ ~

King couldn't pinpoint it but something was up with Ryan. It was like whenever he was home she wasn't and when they were home together she avoided him like the plague. He didn't even do shit. But he wasn't about to kiss her ass.

King was sitting on the couch when he heard a phone go off. He looked at his phone but it wasn't his. That's when he noticed Ryan's phone on the coffee table. He picked it up to see that she had a text. It didn't have a name by it so he read it thinking nothing of it. His blood pressure rose as he processed the message. Instantly he fled upstairs where Ryan was lying on the bed.

"What the hell is this?" He passed her the phone.

She surveyed the message then looked at King as if she really didn't know what was up. "I'm assuming they have the wrong number."

"Yeah okay. Let me find out." He walked out of the room and out of the house. He needed to calm down. Something deep within was telling him that he was losing Ryan. King headed to the Pink Kitty to look over some paperwork. He was looking into selling the club since he was trying to settle down and marry Ryan. The club just didn't fit in with him trying to be a family man.

"What's up, boss man?" Toya, the barmaid, smiled at him.

"What's going on, Toya?" King headed to the office without stopping for small talk. He needed to get in and out before they opened. When he got to his office he grabbed the folder that he needed and headed right back out. King wanted to go home but he didn't feel like being around Ryan. For some reason he felt like she was hiding something and until he found out what it was he was being careful. King hoped for her sake she wasn't doing any sneaky shit but his gut was telling him something different.

~ ~ ~

_That was close_ , Ryan thought. She had told Imran to stop texting her but every once in a while she'd get a text from him. She had to get this shit under wraps before King found out. She couldn't risk losing him. Knowing that he had left the house Ryan called Imran back to let him know that nothing was going down between them. While she was attracted to him sexually she was in love with King and no one could take his place.

"What's up, ma?" He answered the phone just as cool as ever.

"Look, stop texting me. There can never be anything between you and me. I have a man that I love."

He laughed. "Alright, ma. If you say so." He hung up.

For some reason she felt as if shit would only get worse. Ryan headed to the kitchen to get dinner started. Her mom had the babies and Cam was with Mia. It was time to cater to her man. She had been neglecting him lately because of her own selfish reasons. She knew what kind of nigga he was before she got involved so she needed to show him that he had a down bitch. She fully understood that what she won't do another bitch was waiting to do and she'd be damned if that was going to happen.

Ryan decided on spaghetti, garlic bread, and fried chicken. Once everything was done she went upstairs to shower. When she got cleaned up she put on some boy shorts and a cami and pulled her hair up in a ponytail. Before she could head back down stairs she heard King's car pull up in the driveway. Ryan happy about spending the evening with him kid free.

"Hey, baby." She greeted him as he walked in.

"Hey, ma." He kissed her passionately which was something he hadn't done in a while. That was a good sign.

"Dinner's ready and the kids are gone. So it's just us."

"That's what's up. Let's eat 'cause I'm hungry as hell."

They went to dining room where they ate and talked, something else that hadn't been done in quite some time. But it just felt like some shit was lurking in the shadows waiting to ruin them.

~ ~ ~

King didn't know what was up with Ryan but he wasn't complaining. She was back to herself and business was good. What more could he ask for in life?

"That was good as hell, ma. Where are the kids anyway?" He asked because he didn't see any of them when came in and Cameron hadn't join them for dinner.

"My mom has the twins and Cam is with Mia as always."

They laughed which was something else they hadn't done in quite some time. It seemed as if King had his girl back and that was a good thing because the time was soon coming for them to finally get married.

"That's cool." He smiled at her seductively. "Let me help you clean the kitchen so we can go chill and spend some much needed time together."

That made her smile and King realized how much he'd missed her smile. He planned on making sure it stayed there permanently.

"Hey ma what you think about us getting married ASAP?" he asked her as they lounged on the couch watching Friday, one of her favorite movies.

Wedding talk had ceased since the incidents with the twins and Cameron. She turned around and faced him. "Are you serious, King?"

"Hell yeah. You already gave me my kids, Cam included, and I know I wanna marry you so why wait? I need to change that last name and Cam's too." King was serious as hell and made a mental note to call Mia and get her help in giving Ryan the wedding of her dreams. She deserved it and so much more.

Ryan couldn't contain her excitement. "Well let's do this then!"

That was the happiest moment of King's life besides the day his kids were born.

## Chapter Sixteen

Tish was getting closer and closer to getting King but he didn't know it yet. That camera she had placed in their house definitely came in handy. She now had evidence of Ryan hugged up with Imran even if she really was just trying to stop him. No matter what she said to defend herself, she didn't look so innocent on video. Tish had met Imran a little while back. He was trying to holler but she really wasn't interested. During their conversation she found out that he was about to do business with King and instantly she knew that was her way in. It's sad what a nigga would do for some pussy. Imran wanted Tish but when she showed him a pic of Ryan's ass he was foaming at the damn mouth. Tish knew then that she had him in on her plan before she even told it to him.

She devised a plan for Imran to do business with King as planned and keep him as busy as possible so that he was unavailable to Ryan. Imran would bump into her at the mall and from there find a way to get close to her. She also planted cameras in their home, so she had the footage of Imran and Ryan's risky encounter. Tish knew it was a devious scheme I know but when you want something or someone as bad as Tish wanted King you'll stop at nothing to get it.

Tish had been calling King's phone for a while now and he had no idea it was her. She just liked to hear his voice. She wasn't crazy, just in love with a man. As she sat across from their house with her Chloe shades on she watched Ryan get the twins out of the car and go into the house. She couldn't wait until the day that bitch disappeared. She felt that Ryan had taken what was hers and payback was a bitch named Tish. She pulled off thinking of the day she and King would be together and that shit made her pussy wet. The very thought of having him to herself was more erotic to her than watching a flick.

"Yes lawd!" She spoke her thoughts out loud. "He's going to be mine again soon. Real soon." She laughed at her own devilment.

~ ~ ~

Ryan hadn't heard anything from Imran which was a plus. Today was all about her and her girls. She had become really close to Mia, Yvette and Kita. They were some real down to earth chicks and she was glad to be associated with them. She still hung with her girls Tracy, Chrissy and Tamika but she saw a lot more of Mia and the girls because their men hung tight. Ryan pulled up at Chili's and headed inside. They were having lunch and doing a little retail therapy.

"Hey, chicas!" Ryan greeted the trio as she approached the table.

"Hey, boo!" Kita was the loudest of the crew but the one that took no shit.

"I'm so glad we got together because I definitely needed a girls day. Juggling twins is no joke."

They all laughed.

"Welcome to my world," Mia joked. "Hell I may not have twins but I almost have a basketball team. Shit if I hadn't got on the Depo shot Harlem's ass would have knocked me up again. It's like his ass don't shoot no blanks." Mia's ass was crazy too.

Ryan had heard about her and some of the shit she did for Harlem. That was one couple that she admired. They had that hood love that everybody wanted. They had been through hell and back but still managed to come full circle. They had a bond that was unbreakable and that's what she wanted with King. They were getting there but we still had a ways to go.

"So how's things with King been?" Yvette asked. "I heard he signed a distribution deal with Game Over Records." She was the sweet one of the crew, the one that wanted everyone to get alone.

Ryan shrugged. "He hasn't told me too much about it. I guess when everything is in order he'll tell me what's up. But things have been going good with us. He even asked if we could get married soon."

"Awww shit! Get it, Ry!" Kita cheered loudly.

Ryan was really happy to have met these ladies. They didn't down each other and they motivated and stuck by one another like real sisters. "Yeah I'm excited. He even wants to adopt Cam and change his last name. I mean why not? He takes care of him just as he does the twins. That man is amazing." She smiled at the thought of how good King was to her and the kids.

"That's so good. I'm happy for y'all. So we have a wedding to plan y'all!" Mia as excited.

"Yes we do," Yvette cosigned. "Let's get to it."

The group laughed and joked around for the rest of the afternoon. They did their shopping and then went their separate ways with the promise of getting together soon.

~ ~ ~

King had just come from a meeting with the record company and was exhausted. All he wanted to do was lay down next to his queen. He saw a manila envelope laying on the porch as he ascended the steps. He picked it up and took it in the house. It was addressed to him but he had no intentions of opening it tonight. He sat in on the table in the foyer where all of their mail usually ended up. It felt like a DVD but it was probably someone submitting a demo. He had been getting a lot of those lately. He would just watch it tomorrow.

King headed upstairs to his bedroom where he knew Ryan was waiting. It was something about coming home to her every day that brightened his mood even when he'd had a bad day. Ryan was sleeping on her stomach peacefully. It was something about her that just made King's heart flutter. He knew he was in love from the first time he saw her. King undressed and climbed in bed with his wife to be and fell asleep.

~ ~ ~

King woke up to the sun shining bright in the room. He didn't know what time it was but he must have slept pretty late because Ryan was gone and he usually felt when she moved. King headed to the bathroom to relieve himself then downstairs where he could hear laughter coming from the kitchen.

Ryan was cooking and the twins were in their bouncers. Camron was sitting at the table talking with Harlem Jr.

"Hey family." King made his presence known.

"Hey, dad." Cam spoke.

"What's up, Unc?"

King swore that boy was so much like Harlem it was funny. He looked like him and acted like him.

"Hey, baby," Ryan cooed. "So what are your plans for today?"

"I'm chilling today, ma. A nigga tired and all I want to do is chill with my family today. Maybe we can go out to eat or catch a movie or something." He had been neglecting his family because he was working so hard to secure their future but no more. He was going to make sure he made time for them no matter what.

"That's cool with me. We can eve grill some stuff and invite the family over if you want."

That's why he loved her. She was always so giving. "Yeah we can do that. I'll call everyone up after we have breakfast."

After they ate breakfast the kids went upstairs to play video games and Ryan cleaned the kitchen. King decided to watch the DVD that had come in the mail the previous day. The package didn't have a return address on it and when he opened it up the DVD itself didn't have any words it which was weird. Intrigued, he popped it into the DVD player and sat down. Maybe this act was something worth looking at.

Nothing could explain the feeling he felt when the picture popped up on the screen. He saw murder. He didn't even remember going into the kitchen or how he got there but his hands were firmly around Ryan's neck and all he could see was red: the color of blood.

"You trifling ass bitch! You fucked that nigga in my house? Huh?" He wanted answers but didn't realize that Ryan couldn't breathe. The color was draining from her face and he didn't care. His mind was filled with images of her hugged up with Imran in his house and it looked as if they were fucking.

King finally let her go. "I don't ever want shit else to do with you," he stated breathlessly. "You better be glad for the sake of my kids that I'm letting you stay here. But if it doesn't concern them don't say shit to me. You are fucking dead to me." King stormed out.

Ryan sat on the floor crying. How the hell did he find out? King had his facts wrong. She hadn't slept with Imran. She'd tried to stop his advances. She had to figure this mess out and quick. She couldn't lose King.

~ ~ ~

King made his way to Game Over Records with murder on his mind. He couldn't believe the same nigga he broke bread with and invited to his home was fucking his girl. He was about to beat the shit out of Imran. Ryan had gotten a pass because of his kids otherwise he probably would have killed her.

He walked right pass the receptionist and into Imran's office. He was in a meeting but King didn't give a damn. He walked over to Imran and his fist connected with the man's face before he could utter a word. King then commenced to beating the shit out of him. He beat him so badly that he wasn't moving. King hadn't taken any notice to Imran's business associates begging him to stop or calling the police. By the time he'd come out of his blind rage King was in cuffs. He couldn't believe he'd gotten into all this drama over a female whom he thought loved him. Once again he had been played and now he might be facing attempted murder charges. How could he explain this to his kids? What was going to happen to RBM now?

To Be Continued.....

# **About the Author**

Author Demettrea is the national bestselling author of the Love Lies and Obsessions series. She also wrote Rich Boy Mafia and addicted to love. Although she lives to read romance, she writes Urban fiction. She is currently signed under Leo Sullivan's company Sullivan Productions LLC.

# **Other Books By This Author**

Please visit your favorite ebook retailer to discover other books by Demettrea:

Rich Boy Mafia

Book 1

Book 2

Book 3

Book 4

Love Lies & Obsessions

Book 1

Book 2

Book 3

Heaven Sent

Heaven Sent

Heaven Sent: The Reunion

If I Was Your Man

Reckless Love

Black Scorpion

Addicted to Love

# Connect with Demettrea

I really appreciate you reading my book! Here are my social media coordinates:

Friend me on Facebook: Tynessa Unbreakable Watson

Find me on Twitter @authordemettrea

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