Misunderstood (Toussaint Mafia #4)

Chapter 3

“ P our one out for my nigga Beanz,” Ossa remarked, spilling cognac on the ground of the new warehouse in the Luxor borough.

The building blended seamlessly into its surroundings, almost invisible to the naked eye. Looking like a building that could be great for renovating when, in reality, it was already occupied. The new owner, Ossa Toussaint, had transformed the warehouse into something far more elegant than they had ever seen before, leaving Masami undeniably impressed. Shocked to see her brother, but very happy with his presence. Nano told her they were getting drinks to discuss reconciling the family. Instead, he took her through this underground tunnel in Luxor that few people knew about. And there they were in the new Toussaint warehouse.

Masami poured her drink on the ground, her eyes drifting toward her older brother, Ossa, who seemed to walk with an extra bounce in his step. There was a fire in his eyes she hadn’t seen before—it excited her, but it also scared her. If he was back to fix things, to put the family back on top, that would be good. But if that fire was for revenge, it worried her. The DEA was still lurking in the shadows, keeping a low profile, and the last thing she needed was for Ossa to stir up trouble. Not now.

Sitting across from Masami, Nano, dressed head-to-toe in black, lifted his glass. “To Beanz.”

Another request from Nano that she knew now came from Ossa. He wanted everyone in all black, but Masami felt like the aesthetics didn’t matter. What they needed was a plan. The streets were already ruled by a black mafia. She wasn’t trying to step on anyone’s toes by coming back. She wanted to create something new, something that had never been done before—something fitting for them.

“We don’t need a war right now, Ossa,” Masami said, standing up. “I’m glad you’re back, but I can see you’re ready to pop your shit.”

Ossa’s hazel eyes flicked toward her, his frown deepening. But before he could say anything, she continued.

“To reclaim our top spot, we’ve got to work hard together , as a family. We need moves that generate income, because this life we’re in? It’s a business. If we come up with a new way to make money that the other families respect, they’ll make room for us. We’ve got to prove our value. Carlos showed us that legacy don’t mean anything. They don’t care about who we were . Let’s show them who we are ,” she finished, her voice strong as she glanced around the warehouse, filled with their most trusted henchmen.

“Are there bullet holes in your body, Masami?” Ossa asked calmly, but she knew better than to take the bait.

“Also, it’s a good idea to mingle with the other families. Show them we’re not bitter, maybe even throw a few parties to get everybody relaxed. They’re probably freaking out, thinking the DEA might come for them next. We need to show them we’re not scared,” she said, walking over to Ossa at the table.

Ossa ran his hand over his bald fade as Masami stood beside him. When she glanced at him, expecting a rebuttal, he chuckled. Ossa didn’t come across as broken. In fact, he looked bigger than before. His muscles filled out a custom black Armani suit, and he carried himself with a firm stance and an even louder presence. He had a way of commanding attention the second he was in your space.

“Have you ever taken a bullet, Masami?” he asked again.

Masami glanced at the men around the room, ready for war, then shook her head.

“No,” she replied quietly.

Ossa nodded, his jaw tight.

“Then don’t ever tell me how the fuck to feel. You’re right. When it comes down to it, it’s all about the money. I found us additional sources of income. We need to be strategic with the DEA around, but we not gone let them stop what we have going on. Aye, Nano, bring in the papers,” Ossa then turned to Masami. “Don’t ever pull that shit again. Show me respect and I’ll do the same, sis.

As Ossa moved around Masami, she couldn’t help but roll her eyes at his obnoxious display of dominance, which she detested. Ossa walked over to the table, where their men were gathered, and Masami quietly followed behind him. The room grew quiet as Ossa presented a graph map of Marcy Falls, and everyone leaned in closer to get a better look.

“This is where the new money trail begins with the x. I bought the ports, and I have a new connect for us. Our job is to keep the port open for drug import and export. Whoever does business with us have to hide it from port authorities because if they get caught it’s on them. I made it clear that if the port authorities find anything their smuggling it’s on them. But it’s our job to make sure their product is safe at our port once it passes inspection,” Ossa explained.

While looking at the graph paper, Masami considered the limitless possibilities.

“Who’s the connect?” she questioned, wishing she thought of the idea.

“I’ll tell you later. We have to hang tight until the port is done with its rebuild. I’m intentionally not doing much to avoid attracting any extra attention. We have to pay the mafia and be respectful, as Masami advised. We’ll soon be in charge, but for now, we need to play our role. Now onto the Chery’s,” Ossa frowned grabbing the paper.

Rolling the paper, he went to the front of the room as Masami sat down.

“I don’t give a fuck about Revvy or what orders were given when I wasn’t there. Never will a muthafucka be able to say they blasted on me or my people and go on about their life. I want all Chery’s wiped out. I want them swimming in Lake Michigan. Get it done discreetly and with no repercussions. Nano will break down to you all the way you can handle them and if that’s too clean for you, then don’t do it. As for Rocco and his bitch ass daddy as my nigga NBA said,” Ossa smirked, making a few men chuckle.

“I want them niggas for myself. No talking, no forgiveness, no getting over it. Them niggas gotta go, it’s up for them. It’s good to be back and if y’all are in this room, then y’all really have love for the Toussaint mafia. We appreciate that shit and just know we are not bottom of the barrel niggas. Sticking with us will be your best decision,” Ossa said as Nano handed the henchmen briefcases full of cash. “And now you’ve got a new car sitting at your crib. Loyalty should always be rewarded,” Ossa added with a smirk. The henchmen, impressed by his generosity, came to his side, dapping him up and praising him for the gesture.

Masami was stunned by her brother’s Godfather-like actions. Once the room was clear, she retrieved a pre-lit blunt and ignited it, filling the air with the pungent scent of cannabis.

“Welcome back, Ossa, or should I say Nino Brown,” she smirked.

With a chuckle, Nano pulled out his car keys.

“I gotta shoot some moves. There are people outside the door and men on the streets. Welcome back,” Nano greeted Ossa with a dap before leaving.

Ossa looked around the warehouse as he grabbed another water.

“When I was shot, my only thought was saving you all. I didn’t want Imani or my baby or any of my sisters to die, but I couldn’t do anything about it, and it really messed me up, Masami. One reason a nigga can’t sleep right now, just being real. Then, when I was on what felt like my damn deathbed, finding out that mom was actually not, my momma fucked me up. But the worst part was when grandpa said my fake mom and uncle are still alive. I know I can be uptight and focused on other things, but seriously, sis, can I just catch a break? It’s a good thing I’m not on some Rambo shit, going around shooting people. I’m really feeling the pressure,” he confessed.

Masami nodded, understanding his pain.

“I know and I’m sorry if you thought that’s what I was doing. My biggest concern is your safety. Having you alive is our ultimate blessing, Ossa. We can’t afford to lose you, we honestly wouldn’t survive,” Masami poured her heart out to her brother.

“I’ll try my hardest to make sure y’all won’t. This port is gonna be hooked up through a cartel connection I got, thanks to the Matins. They heard about the shooting and reached out to me,” Ossa spilled the beans.

Masami frowned when she thought about the Matins.

“I didn’t know they were connected to the Cartel. Will the Founding Members approve?”

Ossa drank three bottles of water before standing.

“The mafia and cartels have a history of working together. Money is money as long as your smart. I’ll run it by Sean since grandpa isn’t in the picture. This shit is crazy, and pops is still on the run, not giving a damn about us. Do you see now how fucked up that nigga is?”

Masami poured another drink, thinking of her father. He never reached out to any of them, and if he were alive, it would be so hurtful.

“Do you think he’s dead, Ossa? The DEA could’ve killed him like they did Beanz and Reuben,” Masami asked, her voice low.

Ossa smirked, then let out a small chuckle.

“Masami, you can’t be serious right now, sis. You and I both know pops clipped them. They knew too much, and you know how paranoid he is. He don’t trust nobody—not even us. I’m positive he’s alive, just hiding out somewhere, hoping we’ll clean up his mess like we always do. But I’m not stepping in this time. And as for Jazmine, I don’t wanna talk about her. I’m done with that. I don’t need to see her or the other woman they said had me. I’m good,” Ossa said, quickly shutting down any talk about their mom.

Masami nodded, knowing her oldest brother was anything but good.

“So, you and Imani are here to stay, right?”

When his wife was mentioned, Ossa grinned.

“Yeah, we back for good, and it’s time to get our shit together. Because niggas must have us misunderstood if they think for a second we was gonna take this shit sitting down. Hell no, we’re getting back everything pops snatched from us—and then some. You game?” Ossa asked, his eyes burning with intensity.

Sitting up in her seat, Masami raised her glass to toast her older brother. He might’ve been walking the line between sanity and chaos, but he was back. He was alive, and for that, she felt a sense of relief. For the first time since finding out their mom was still alive, she had hope—hope that everything they lost could be theirs again.

“I’m with it. Let’s get it,” she said with a smile.

Unknown Number:Hi, Masami baby. How’s everything going with you? Can we meet and talk today? I can pull up wherever you are. Heard Ossa’s back—is it true? Hit me back when you get a chance. I love you more than you know.

Masami’s heart raced as she briefly stared at the message. Her mother’s return didn’t feel real sometimes. Her life at the moment felt like a never-ending nightmare, a twisted reality she couldn’t escape. Instead of replying, she flipped her phone over and looked back at the cards on the table.

“Yeah,” she mumbled, while the dealer revealed more cards. Upon seeing she was over 21, Masami frowned. “Another hand,” she grumbled.

“I’m tired,” Maia sighed, her voice heavy with exhaustion.

Masami shot her younger sister a disapproving look. Promise had already filled her in on how down Maia had been since Kalvin left, and now Masami was keeping her close, making sure everything was straight.

“Tired? Girl, last I checked, you didn’t even know what sleep was, staying up worrying about stuff we can fix for you,” Masami shook her head while scooping up her cards from the table.

“Let me find out Promise been running his mouth to you, and we’re gonna have a problem. I’m fine, and I don’t need you or him worrying about me,” she snapped.

“Damn, y’all pretty as hell. My name is Jay, can I get you beautiful ladies names?” a tall handsome man flirted walking up smelling like Dior cologne as his jewels sparkled under the casino lighting.

Masami paid the man no mind as Maia glared at him.

“Our name is Promise Marceline,” she snapped, and the man left immediately.

Masami giggled while checking her cards. So far, her hand was turning out pretty decent. Despite losing $4,000, she was determined to recover her losses before she departed.

“You love your nigga, I get it,” Masami teased. “But you should. He’s a good man Savannah.”

With a snicker, Maia playfully nudged Masami’s arm.

“Yes, I do love him, so stop it. I love him so much, it’s scary. Sometimes it doesn’t feel real. Like I’m waiting for him to fuck up,” Maia revealed, holding her lemon drop.

Masami signaled for the dealer to continue hitting her, then glanced at Maia.

“Don’t do that. It’s the fastest way to ruin a good thing. It’s a toxic and self-destructive mindset. You deserve to experience all the love that Promise is giving you. Know that,” Masami smiled.

“ Aww thank you. Imani is usually my go-to for mushy stuff, but it seems like you and Boston are trying to come for her spot lately. I’ma have to let her know that she has competition. Have you had a conversation with Jazmine yet?”

Masami quickly shook her head, eyes planted on the cards before her that the dealer was shuffling. When she saw the next card the dealer dropped, her face flushed with anger, and she kicked out her leg in frustration. “What the hell, you could at least give me something I could use,” she muttered with a frown on her face.

As the dealer dealt Masami more cards holding in his smile, Tallulah and her crew came over. They were dolled up and sparkling with jewels, making the men around them stare.

“Oh, look it’s the Toussaint family. Hey Maia and Masami! I had no idea you guys were back in action. That’s great and kudos to you for handling the embarrassment so well. Anyone else would be ashamed, hiding in the house, scared to even show face but not you all. You have easily stepped outside like being shunned from the family sits right with you. I mean maybe it was always in the cards for you all to be on the outside looking in,” Tallulah smirked, walking up.

Maia coolly sipped her drink while Masami glanced at Tallulah with knitted brows.

“Outside looking in? You must be talking about how you feel whenever you see one of the niggas you fuck, with their wives out somewhere and he pretends you don’t exist. We could never feel shame sweetheart. If you could walk your slutty ass outside with your head held high, why can’t we? You already know we never lost motion. Don’t come in here acting tough bitch and get your wig snatched because you already know I don’t have nothing to lose. I’ll drag you up and down this casino floor with a smile on my face. I can tell you right now they ain’t gonna lift a finger to help you,” Masami replied, then told the dealer to hit her again.

Tallulah grinned wider, planted her hands onto her hips before taking a step back.

“Oh, me and everyone else n Marcy Falls is aware you don’t have anything else to lose. Also, I can handle this on my own. I don’t need their help. Maia are you planning to help your sister snatch my wig? You already know my brother don’t tolerate no foolishness, and he don’t care who it’s from. Enjoy your evening and try to stay out of trouble tonight ladies. We already know you all can’t afford to have any more drama attached to your name,” Tallulah teased, laughing as she walked away.

“Promise won’t be a fan of mine for long because on everything I love I’m gonna end up killing that stank breath, Meilani wanna be ass hoe,” Masami mumbled, grabbing her favorite YSL candy glaze gloss from her denim nano bag.

Maia finished her lemon drop and nodded.

“We’ll be killing her together. Don’t leave me out of that one,” she replied, smiling at Masami.

Masami rolled her eyes at her words.

“Yeah, we’ll see if you pull up on her when the time comes. You were quiet as hell when she was over here, and I know it’s not because you’re scared, which tells me Promise got you in check. Never thought I’d see the day Maia Toussaint backed down from a fight. And who’s the woman with temporary custody of Kalvin?” Masami asked casually, though she was itching for answers, especially with Promise being tight-lipped about the woman she wanted to track down.

“Swear, you’re so extra sometimes with the stuff you say. I ain’t backing down from anything. I beat her ass once, and I’ll do it again, you already know that. I’ve just been chilling’ because I have more important things on my mind than arguing with her. And it doesn’t matter who has Kalvin. Right now, Masami, we need to be on our best behavior,” Maia explained.

“Best behavior? I don’t even know what the hell that means. Just give me her name, and I’ll go right into her house and get Kalvin myself. No bullets, no fighting,” Masami shot back.

Maia shook her head, frustration in her eyes. “Please, just leave it alone.”

“Listen to your baby sister, cause it sounds like you’re about to get into some reckless shit right now,” a deep voice chimed in, grabbing both Masami and Maia’s attention.

Maia’s eyes widened, and she was the first to rush into AR’s arms. After hugging him, she pulled back and smiled, giving him a once-over.

“Damn, you look old,” she said with a smirk.

Ariz chuckled, running his hand through his curly taper. He still had that thick, soft hair that perfectly complemented his warm, umber-toned skin. Masami sat there in shock, a lot less welcoming than Maia. Running into Ariz was the last thing she expected. He had gone from being like a brother to her to something more during their teenage years. While he didn’t give into the things Masami wanted from him it hadn’t stopped her in the past for at least trying with him. Back then, her dream was to be his wife, have his kids, and build a life together. But when he left Marcy Falls without warning, it shattered her. She never got the chance to live out that fantasy with him.

“Sup, Masami? Can’t speak?”

The scent of Valentino Uoma Born in Roma radiating off his skin almost made Masami melt in her seat. But she had to play it cool, ignoring the urge to run straight into his arms. With a casual nod, she communicated silently before turning to the dealer and requesting more cards.

“I see you still got that attitude. Still think you runnin’ things, huh Miss 9 th ward?” Ariz said, sitting down next to her.

Masami rolled her eyes, a mix of annoyance and something deeper creeping in—something she wasn’t ready to admit. She hadn’t heard that nickname in what felt like forever. Back when she was younger and chasing after Ariz, she’d go out of her way to scare off any girl who even thought about getting close to him. Even the older girls. Ariz had jokingly called her "Miss 9th Ward" after she beat up a girl two years older than her just for looking his way. After that, the nickname stuck. And while Masami used to pretend she hated it, deep down, she loved that Ariz had given it to her.

“And I do,” she smirked.

“Don’t mind her. I can’t believe you’re back again. It’s a blessing to have you and Ossa home. We missed you, and damn—you got big. Tattoos all over you, we can barely see the skin on your neck. And that hair, I see you got that from your Dominican side. How miss Daniella doing? I know she still look young as hell,” Maia chimed in, laughing.

Masami couldn’t help but to frown at how her sister was fangirling over Ariz. She knew it was petty but still it made her feel a way. Because why was Maia acting like Ariz was the finest nigga she had ever seen? Masami didn’t like that.

“Maia, aren’t you engaged?” Masami snapped. “You’re doing way too much. First you hug the man like he just got back from the Army now you talking about his hair and shit. What would Promise think of that? Wipe that drool from your mouth, sis and calm your ass down.”

Maia’s smile faded, and she gave Masami a weird look.

“And that’s where you lost me. Ariz is basically like my brother. You’re too cranky for me right now. I’m going home to my fiancé Promise who wouldn’t feel a way about nothing that happened because he already knows what’s up. See you later, Ariz,” Maia replied before walking off.

Ariz nodded to Maia as Masami’s frown deepened.

“You can leave with her,” she murmured, gripping her lemon drop tightly.

Ariz studied her silently, making her feel incredibly uncomfortable. Masami could feel his eyes scrutinizing her appearance, or perhaps simply fixated on her. Whatever it was, it sent shivers down Masami’s spine.

“Hit again?” the dealer asked.

Masami nodded, feeling the warmth of Ariz’s arm as he placed it around the back of her seat. When he stretched out his long legs, he shook his head in disbelief.

“Nah, she’ll pass,” Ariz spoke up.

The dealer’s gaze shifted from Masami to him, causing a frown to crease Masami’s forehead.

“I want another hit,” she declared.

As the dealer flipped over the card, her heart raced, realizing she was one point away from 21. Her shoulders sagged as she collected the cards and retrieved the chips she had kept in the bet.

“I see you are still bullheaded as fuck. Any real gambler would have known to let that shit slide. You was always testing the limits. Doing things on your own time, even if it wasn’t in your best interest,” Ariz commented. His eyes traveled over her briefly before he licked his lips. “Come with me to my truck real quick Miss 9 th Ward. I wanna spark up.”

As Ariz rose to his feet, Masami glanced around with a puzzled expression, her brows knitted together. She felt like she was on the set of Punk’d, questioning who the hell Ariz thought he was trying to control because it couldn’t have been her. She hadn’t seen him in years and there he was acting like he hadn’t been absent from her life. It made no sense, and Masami wasn’t in the best headspace to deal with his intoxicating presence.

“ Ariz ,” she pleaded, “please give me some space. I wanna gamble and enjoy my night. You’re back, which is good for some people but as for me? I really don’t give a fuck about you being here,” Masami flashed him a sweet smile and then looked at the dealer. “I’ll take another?—”

“Maia was right. You grumpy as fuck and I don’t like that shit. We both know I’m not about to go back and forth with you about nothing,” Ariz exclaimed, picking Masami up and tossing her over his shoulder as if she were a petulant child.

Masami’s jaw dropped in disbelief.

“Are you for real right now? Put me down!”

Masami tried kicking her legs while Ariz held onto her thigh as they traveled through the casino. He was carrying a grown woman on his shoulders, and people didn’t seem to notice or care as they continued to gamble.

“Chill out with all that yelling,” Ariz frowned dapping up the guards near the exit door of the second level of the casino. “Sup, my nigga? I ain’t seen your ass in a minute now,” Ariz spoke, and Masami tried to lift her head to see who he was talking to.

“I know it’s been a minute. I been working and didn’t have a chance to come back to the “D” to kick shit with you. Had a baby girl last week, wanna see the pictures?” The guard asked.

Anger surged in Masami as blood rushed to her head. She couldn’t believe Ariz was having a conversation inside of the casino like he wasn’t holding her against her will.

“Who gives a damn about those pictures? Ariz, stop being stupid and put me down! I’m gonna call Ossa,” she complained.

“Aye, I didn’t even realize that was Masami you holding,” the guard chuckled, making Ariz join in with him. “What’s up, girl? And shit just get up with me before you go,” the guard said through his laughter.

Masami closed her eyes in anger, thinking how the guard would’ve made Ariz put her down if her family was still in power. It was clear that her family was a joke to many people in Marcy Falls and that fact alone stung because she wasn’t used to the disrespect.

“Keep laughing until Nano pulls up on your fat ass and we’ll really see what’s good,” she grumbled, and Ariz slapped the back of her thigh before she could really go in on the guard.

“My bad, I didn’t mean nothing by that Ms. Toussaint,” the guard apologized quickly, his voice filled with concern.

“It’s all good and you can relax. I’ll make sure Nano knows you wasn’t disrespecting her. I’ll be down here in a few days to kick shit with you, take it easy my nigga,” Ariz told the guard.

Exiting the casino, Ariz walked off and then carefully placed Masami back on her feet. With a swift movement, he activated the alarm on the gunmetal grey Cyber truck and proceeded to the passenger’s door. In a chivalrous manner, he opened the door for Masami and smirked, causing the diamonds on his teeth to glimmer on the casino rooftop garage.

“You gone fight with me some more or get inside of the truck? I didn’t even know we had beef, what’s up with that?” he questioned her gripping the top of the trucks door.

Seizing the moment, Masami carefully observed Ariz, and everything clicked. She realized why her sister, who was very much in love with her man, had gushed over him. Just like he used to do when they were younger, he managed to capture your attention. While Ossa’s popularity stemmed from his Toussaint background, it was Ariz who had captured the attention and admiration of every woman in Marcy Falls who was in her age group. He made you wonder if he was a sucker because he had a bordering-on-pretty appearance about him that couldn’t be ignored. It didn’t help that he possessed thick lips, with slanted dark brown eyes and heavily lashed lids. His hair, which was insanely thick and curly, had a soft texture that made it a pleasure to touch. Additionally, it was styled into a curly tapered fade. He had a neatly trimmed beard that sat close to his face, and he sported tattooed sleeves and a tattoo on his neck. His dimples were pronounced when he smirked, and his presence exuded an intimidating aura. In short, he was the kind of man that every woman secretly desired.

Without causing another scene, Masami went to his truck and climbed up the step. Ariz prevented her from falling and she sank into the ride’s soft leather. The truck’s interior was incredibly futuristic, with a larger screen than her old Tesla’s. Despite the truck being too big for her, she still vibed with it.

Ariz settled into his seat, his dark gaze sliding over to Masami. “I’d ask how you’ve been, but I know that’s a loaded question. Instead, tell me about yourself. Whatever happened to that modeling agency you were gonna start, ma?”

His question caught her off guard, and her frown softened as she looked over at him. It was strange seeing him as an adult. She’d always known he’d be fine as hell—he was the man even as a teen. But the grown-up Ariz? He made her heart race, and she couldn’t stop herself from soaking in every detail.

“I see you still like doing that weird shit on me,” Ariz teased, making Masami crack a smile.

Staring at him was nothing new, and he knew it.

“A lot has changed. I’m not that young girl anymore, Ariz.”

Ariz started up his truck, filling the air with the smooth melodies of soft R her eyes still heavy with sleep as another yawn overtook her.

“Yes, I’m parked on the first floor.”

Ariz drove away from the parking spot, headed towards the first floor of the parking garage and Masami licked her suddenly dry lips. She pulled her fob from her bag while clearing her throat.

“Well, thank you for… whatever this was. I know Ossa is glad to have you home. Look for the black Audi parked near the handicap spot.

Ariz pulled up to her car, and she hit the locks to her vehicle. As Masami was about to open her door, Ariz grabbed her arm again.

“Allow a man to open the door for you, Masami. Relax, ma,” he schooled her.

Nervously, Masami watched Ariz exit the truck and open the door. She emerged from the truck and found herself stuck between Ariz and the powerful vehicle.

“Well, thanks again,” she said, her breath catching in her throat as she glanced up at him.

Ariz stared down at her intently, chewing on his bottom lip before nodding. He pushed the strands away from her face that was coming out of the claw clip, and he swallowed hard. He stepped back and cocked his head to the side before smirking.

“Good seeing you, Masami.”

Masami rushed around Ariz and slipped into her car. She hurriedly started her ride before pulling away. All the while her heart was racing as her G-strings were so soaked that she was certain it was a puddle in her sweats.

“What the fuck was that?” she muttered hand shaking on the wheel as she headed back to the loft that Promise had given her.