Ch. 8 (RWM) :Daring to show one's self

“I never speak, but I say all. I seem indifferent, yet I’m quite intrigued. I gaze with blindness, yet my eyes surveil like those of a hawk. I appear incoherent, though I’m well aware. I show the unwillingness to assist, yet I bleed through exploit. My posture stands disgruntled, but I am full of passion. My mind is intricate but holds secured intellect. I shriek to intense audible, yet I overhear equivocation. I portray phobias of pillage but remain gripped by excellent confidence. I seem uncommendable, yet I am adequately humble. You seek the beast of my dark nature, yet all of these accusations barely scratch the surface. The question is, what exactly do you think of yourself?”

I ran until sweat trickled from my face, making its travel down my chest and back. My muscles were on fire, growing weak from strenuous exertion. I watched myself in motion through the mirror, the wire of my headphones sticking to my bulky chest. My basketball shorts were merely a sponge, soaking up the excretion and my heart pounded, on the verge of imploding. An itch in my ear stretched its way to my nose as I let out a huge burst of debris--blood left to trickle down my philtrum, dripping onto the treadmill. Gripping the handrails, my veins pulsated as I proceeded to finish my eight-mile run. Reaching my desired destination, I pressed the stop button with a ferocious growl of overstimulation.
Standing in the kitchen with a water bottle to my lips, Sky entered the room as if she had been looking for me.
“Oh my God! Why are you covered in dry blood?
“Eh, it’s nothing, babe.” I shrugged, taking another long sip.
Sky grabbed a nearby hand towel, wetting it in the sink. I couldn’t help but stare at the voluptuous posterior that perked up her neon spandex, gaining the achievement of mental pleasure. I crept up behind, placing my cold lips to her shoulder blade.
“I could just eat you up,” I whispered, running my hands from her belly to her ass, pulling her against me. "Just completely fucking devour you.” My tone deepened.
“Mmm… stop it, Malice, before you drip blood on me.” She faintly giggled.
“Awe, why? You never seem to mind having any other bodily fluids of mine all over you.” I dragged my unkempt face up and down the smooth of her back.
Sky gasps as I tightened my grip on her hips. Tilting her head back, she fell into me helplessly, closing her eyes with an expanded chest. “You are so profound, Malice.” She whispered, turning to face me.
“Which is uncontrollable on your behalf.” I groaned, staring down at her chest, longing to throw her up onto the counter.

Sky took the damp towel to my face, clemently wiping away my native warrior paint. Dragging the cool fabric down my sternum, her motion slowed, gazing at my chest. Catching her interest, I flexed my muscles and my chest bulbs upward, magnetizing her hands to my tight flesh. Lips barely parted left for a twitching brow as I overlapped her hands with mine, tightening up even more.
“Jesus Christ...” Sky said faintly.
I felt my cheeks pull up into a self-assertive smile as I hoisted her up onto the counter top. “I absolutely love it when you indulge in my stature.” I kissed up and down her neck, hearing her laugh.
“Babe..." I felt her body begin to crumble with every kiss I left upon heated flesh.
"Let me fuck you--right here, on this counter top." I could feel the aggression coming on.
Sky pushed against my chest in dismissal, meeting my eyes filled with starvation. "What did you take?" Her voice was smooth like honey. "I know you're on something."
My jaw tightened and I groan from frustration. "Molly. But that isn't why I'm wanting."
“You ran the treadmill while rolling your fucking face off?" Sky's tone became serious, holding a staid gaze.

To interrupt our little 'Ronde Vu', my cell phone vibrates across the counter. I became apprehensive thinking it was Kokoh on the other end. Instead, it was Trenton.
“Dude, what fucking number are you calling me from?”
“A payphone.”
“Why? Where are you?”
“I traced your call from the other day and decided to come find you.”
I shook my head in disbelief. “Are you fucking retarded? You can’t come here!”
“Why the hell not?”
“Because A, you’re going to get killed, and B, you’re gonna get me killed, dammit!”
“What the fuck is wrong with you, man? You’re talking all crazy! What the fuck are you getting yourself into, Malice?” His voice became stern.
“Ugh, where are you? I’ll come meet you--I guess.”
“Right outside Madison.”
“Stay put, I’ll be right there.” I slammed my phone down, startling Sky.
“Who was that?”
“Trent...” I sighed. “I have to go meet him. His fuck ass drove here to find me. Do you want to come?”
“Of course, and can you stop doing drugs before exercising? I don’t want to end up reviving you.”

We parked the bike behind a bank, waiting to hear back from Trenton. He claimed he was in front of a fast food restaurant which could've been anywhere. I laced my fingers within Sky’s as we scurried across the street spotting Trent and Tiffany, waving us over. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t happy to see him again as he pulled me in for a brotherly hug.
“Wow! Look at you, Mali.” He squeezed my biceps. “You’re huge!”
“And you have a fucking beard!" I boffed. "Besides, I’m not as built as you, but thanks.”
Then the awkward hug came from Tiff and my stomach sucked in from its strange, round feeling.
“This is Sky.”
“Goddamn, bro. She’s fucking gorgeous!” Trent placed his hand on the small of her back, pulling her into his embrace.
“Nice to finally meet you, Malice has told me so much about the both of you!”
“Has he now? Hoping all remarks were positively factual.”
“He’s never said anything too terrible.” Sky gave a friendly wink.
“Ahh, she’s a charmer all right.”
"Who's hungry? I know I am!" Tiff patted her overly cylindrical belly.

We grabbed a bite to eat at some pizzeria, reminiscing on past times while giving Sky the spotlight. I rested my arm on the back of her chair, finding myself completely lost in her like I always do--mirroring her smile. When the conversation became a round of 21 questions, I gritted my teeth with irritation. I only told Trent certain things about what Sky and I were currently sabotaged into doing in order to protect ourselves. It was bad enough he made the travel all this way and I wanted to feel all but stuck in a corner. He and Tiff sat in bewilderment, but wouldn't you too, if you are told your best mate is working for a drug lord while trying to dine?

“Look, I know how you are, Mali. You’re my other half. I want to help you out as much as I possibly can, but you have to let me.”
I shook my head. “No, I will not put my brother through the treacherous soil that I have been forced to drag my own soul over. I refuse!” My stare intensified as the muscles in my jaw ticked.
The wrinkle of his brows denoted disappointment. “Those dissipated embers may cause you to suffer, but what brother do I stand if I am not directly by your side during battle? When the ash settles, I want to be the vital drop that rebuilds you, helping you rise again.” He lightly placed his hand on Tiffany’s belly.
A zephyr blew the redolent of spring through my nostrils while my mind contemplated over his proposition. The truth tore at my gut, knowing his words held sincerity.
“What are you going to do, babe?” Sky clutched my thigh.
“Take them to Kokoh. He’ll know what to do--considering they were ones to partake in that incident as well.”

I motioned for them to follow my lead up to his house. Showing up unannounced probably wasn’t the best idea, but I needed his guidance. Especially since Trent refuses to take no for an answer. We stood quietly inside Kokoh’s living room waiting to be escorted back to his office. I was always nervous when over at his house, though, he was always a pleasant creature--charming, pristine and whatnot, it was something about him that always halted my breathing.
Kokoh was partially seated at the corner of his desk, a glass of scotch rested on his highest knee while casually flipping through sports channels.
“Good evening, sir.” I cleared my throat, his eyes flickering in my direction.
“Malice!” He sat his remote down onto the desk. “How unexpected. What--uh--brings you by?”
“I---erm--have someone I’d like to introduce you to that might be of your interest.”
His eyes narrowed behind his crystal glass. “And who might this mysterious fellow be?”
“One who bears the same burden as me.”
“Well, that is just interesting. Bring him in.” He said sharply, getting to his feet.
I poked my head out into the hallway, motioning for Trent to come on. He stood before Kokoh with his arms placed appropriately in front of him, letting Kokoh enter a moment of physical study.
“My, my, do we not stand burly and poised? What is your purpose, young man?”
“I’m Trenton Manzetti, sir. I request to possibly work for you.”
“What is the reason for your foolish solicitation?" His eyes were steady, serious and focused. "I see two fine gentlemen standing in juxtaposition before me. Yet, you come to me asking to grant you permission to be a part of something that holds a level of danger you could only dream of? No matter how much you entreat my pardon, it will clasp your soul..." He made a fist, strangling thin air. "Incessantly squeezing until your final breath.”
Trent was silent for but a moment. “No. I ask you to assist me financially so that I may take care of my family.”
Kokoh quirked his head in curiosity. “Malice, how much do you trust Mr. Manzetti? Hmm?" He strode in our direction with a spark of madness held in his eyes. Taking a long fingered hand to Trent's jaw, reaching the other to the back of his head, Kokoh looked over at me. "If I were to break his neck right here, right now...how affected would you be?" Trent was too frightened to move. "Let us be in solitary for a moment, please?”
"Of course." I headed for the door when Kokoh stops me.
"Malice...do you trust me?" I stared at him for the longest moment.
"Yeah, I do."

Patiently waiting in the living room along with Tiffany and Sky. They spoke quietly amongst one another, causing my ears to itch in inquisitiveness. When my patience couldn’t spread any thinner, the possibility of Kokoh’s rejection still wrestling my hopes. The creak of Kokoh's office door gained my attention.
Trent walked out expressionless, his hands shoved deep in his jean pockets.
“What’s the verdict?”
“I guess I’m now a partner of yours.”
I dropped my head in dismay. “Christ... I didn’t want you getting involved.” I groaned.
“Too bad, your boss seems to believe otherwise. Besides, my life decisions are not based upon your outlook, even though it may be in my best interest. I still need to be greater and do what needs to be done.”

Drift didn’t seem to mind having another partner in crime. Just like I had to, Trenton joined our everyday ritual of a hardcore workout. Impinging us both, Trenton proved his worth through continuous loyalty, driving his heart and soul into everything he did. We were the real dream team all right.
I wasn’t a fan of our next job in the slightest. Our customer was one labeled as a ‘regular’ at the SEM Gentlemen’s club. A notorious Colombian named Juniper Augustine was one of the largest cocaine buyers in the area and favored Driften’s product. Kokoh charged $32,000 per kilo for his shit and this guy wanted three. Since Tiffany’s pregnancy had her feeling ill this evening, she stayed out in the car with Sky as a watchdog while the guys and I went in. Sky was all about keeping her company--an accessory to the 'Femme Fatal' gossip.
“Here’s your ear piece, and baby, please be careful.” Sky ran her hands up the silk fibers that blanketed my chest, kissing me intimately.
Feeling her tongue enter my mouth, tickling against the roof brought on a groan, holding her face in my hands.
“God, you kiss like a fucking siren.” I stood back, ensnared by her ways.
Before letting me go, Sky took in my bottom lip with her teeth, smacking my ass. “I’ll be cueing in and out while you boys talk "business"." We both chuckled.

I had a tough love for the way she illuminated sex appeal, yet always knew how to keep it casual business, never letting my ego get ahead of itself. Entering the club, I watched half-naked women attempt elegance while trying to mask their story of a harlot. I nonchalantly give my back holster an adjustment while getting stamped. The man we sought was busy throwing a myriad of cash to one of the dancers on the center stage. Trent headed straight for the bar, leaving me and Drift to approach Juniper, alone. I felt his eyes burning through his sunglasses as his head turned in my direction--a peculiar smile sinking into his dimples. Pulling out a stack of ones from my back pocket, I stood within close proximity while conspicuously throwing a few to draw his attention.
“Glad you could make it.” His tone was bland.
“The pleasure is mine. I looked forward to standing next to a man so affluent and discerning such as you.” I flashed a sarcastic smile.
We both chuckled as he reached over to shake my hand. “Please, have a seat.” He gestured.

Without immediately bringing up the topic of business, Juniper insisted on a normal conversation. Buying us a round of tequila shots, I sagged comfortably in the cushion of a bowl-shaped chair in the color of whore red. The DJ presented each dancer by name while they filed out, promenading along the stage. I glanced at a few, silently giggling to myself while Sky poked fun at their stage names. One dancer, in particular, brushed her fingers through the back of my hair, grabbing my immediate attention. My head turned in her direction, briefly meeting her over shoulder glance before disappearing into the dressing room.
Buying two more rounds of shots made the room sit at a tilt and I was ready to get this shit done and over with.
“Getting drunk in there, babe?” Sky's laugh echoed in my ear.
“He keeps feeding me fucking shots. What do you expect?”
“Well, don’t let him gain the ability to sway you and jeopardize our objective.”
“I’m trying,” I mumbled.
“What was that?” Juniper looked at me.
“Oh--I--uh, I said, I’m dying." I struggled to stand. "I have to use the men's room. Excuse me."
Making my way, that very same dancer walked through me, nearly knocking me off balance.
“Whoa, shit! Apologies, Ms.” I wobbled.
“It’s okay, Malice.” She struck a high brow.
“What? Did you just say my name?”
Before I could receive an answer, she vanished once again. I staggered into the bathroom resting my hand against the wall for stability. I felt like I pissed forever before realizing I was almost dozing off. Coming to solid consciousness, I splashed cold water onto my face before returning to our table. Drift was talking to a dancer about getting a lap dance.
“You all right, bro?” Trent look worried.
“Yeah, just a little buzzed.”
Drift held out a crisp bill, nodding towards whoever was behind me. Soon, I felt hands slide over my shoulders, cupping above my chest. “It’s so good to see that you’re alive, baby. I began to desperately worry.” The familiar voice said.
Running a finger down my arm as she walked around to enter my view, I was left in wonder. I squinted to be certain of what I saw or in fact, whose face I was staring into. Straddling me, the woman began grinding against me in a very familiar manner. My eyes ran down her abdomen, landing upon the tribal on her thigh.
“Nicki? What--in--the fuck are you doing here?” I bit out.
“I’ve still kept in touch with Tiffany for like the past few months.”
“Are you fucking serious?” I slapped Trenton in the back of his head. "So now you're some exotic stripper?"
Nicki popped open the top buttons of my shirt, spreading it apart to analyze the contour of my chest. That old expression of sensuous desire flickered in her eyes.
“You are so fucking different now.” Her nails dragged down my pecs.
“Different how?” I took her hands from my chest with subtle force.
“Look at you." Nicki hunched into me harder, arousing herself. "I could just take you right here, in front of everyone."
I laughed only to feel the sudden reminder of Sky stabbing me right in my pecker. I was over Nicki, I knew I was. Our sex was great, it always had been so and a first love always carries a small place of your heart, but reminiscing shortly follows up with the reason why you two were no longer together.
"I bet you'd just love that, wouldn't you." I tightened my grip around her wrists, never leaving her eyes.
With a sigh, she became defensive. “Yet, you’re still a smartass.” Nicki hopped up from my lap, taking the empty seat beside me.
“Really, Nicki, why are you here?”
“I wanted to feel safe, and I thought the only way that was even possible was by being close to you.”
“Nicki, I-...” I paused, hearing Sky come through my ear monitor with a sly remark.
“Yes, I understand that you believe you’ve found your mate. But there’s something so different about you that I’ve never seen before. Look, we can save the sappy talk for later. If ever you’re interested, I’m residing in a small townhouse three streets over.”
"What about school? Did you just drop everything to live like white trash?" Nicki's hand struck me across the face and Driften was two seconds from taking her by the throat.
"Sorry..." Nicki aggressively exhaled. "You may think you know me and have your shit figured out, but you're making it by just like the rest of us."
I knew what she meant, that night at the train station had us all mentally terrorized. Downing the amber liquid to its last drop, my stomach sat ablaze and Juniper released a chuckle.
“Malice, do you know this woman who seems to have you quite flustered?”
“No, she was just leaving.” My gaze hardened.
"Asshole." Nicki stood abruptly to her feet but I grabbed a hold of her arm with warning.
“If you knew what was good for you, you’ll be smart and get the fuck out of here. I mean it!"
“What?” She asked perplexed.
“Either you end this conversation now, or the blade in my back pocket will.” Driften forced a grin.
"We are far from finished.” Nicki scoffed.

“Let’s condone the procrastination on business. If you boys try to stiff me, I will watch you suffer before me like a goddamn denouement of a horror movie. There’s curare in those shot glasses before you. The plant has been inside a calabash to keep it well preserved for months now. My family produces it back in Colombia.” He smiled.
“What does curare do, exactly?”
“It causes weakness in your skeletal system.” He wetted his lips. “But the dose inside your glass is enough to cause death by asphyxiation. It’s so powerful that it causes paralysis of the diaphragm within minutes. What trauma to undergo, right? You will drink it willingly, or when you walk out those front doors, my gunmen will cap your heads clean from your shoulders.”
“It’s under the table, beside your left foot.”
“You made it look like a damn gift?” He glanced down, snapping at one of the bodygaurds standing nearby.
“How else was I to bring it in here? I told the doorman it was your birthday. Don’t believe me? Move the tissue paper.” Drift adjusted his shoulders.
Juniper's eyes shifted downward, taking a peek inside with a nod. “Clever.” He poked his bottom lip out, handing the bag over to the mysterious body gaurd. “Did you come in a black Lamborghini?”
That's when I felt my heart jolt, thinking about Sky. “Why do you ask?”
“Because one of my men just asked, so he can give the two females seated inside your payment.”
Drift was skeptical about answering but flicked his head in response. “You may take your leave, the deal has been concluded.”

We quickly made our exit, nearly fleeing back to the car once our feet met asphalt. One yank away from tearing Drift’s driver side door from its hinge, I relaxed only after verifying the safety of Sky and Tiffany. I dramatically pulled Sky tightly into my arms, hearing the breath leave her from an overbearing squeeze. “Are you okay?” I exhaled, kissing her forehead.
“Yes, I’m fine. Are you? You seem jittery.”
“I’m just glad you’re okay is all. This shit is perilously unpredictable and unforgiving.” My lungs felt fragile.
“The gentlemen were very nice, Malice, it’s all right. But... I do have one question." Her eyes narrowed. "Who the hell is Nicki?”
Chills rode up my spine, finding myself at a loss for words. Snatching me by the jawline, Sky crashed her lips into mine, sinking her nails in deep. Cradling the back of my head almost in the same way Kokoh held Trent, I felt my hairs burn from a tight tug--Sky's cheek left flush with mine. "Don't worry, baby. I know you're mine."