Misunderstood (Toussaint Mafia #4)

Chapter 7

“ H ow do you like it?” Boston asked knocking on the door.

Maia couldn’t respond as she peered down at the text on her cellphone.

Kalvin: I think Kygo is downstairs. So far he hasn’t said anything to me, but I do hear him talking about doing something to you and Promise. I’m okay but I wanna come home.

Maia felt her blood boil as she understood what was happening. She was gonna have to break the law. There was no other way around it. She’d tried to do things the right way. Allow for the justice system to do its job but it was taking too long. Weeks were going by as Kalvin had to endure days of being held up at Shayla’s dusty ass two story home that was in the middle of the hood. Now Kygo was starting to come back around, and Maia couldn’t have that.

She took a deep calming breath before replying.

Maia: I’ll handle it. Don’t be scared and press the button if you need us.

Maia: Promise I need you. I’m at the bridal shop.

Maia put her cellphone away as Boston stepped into the dressing room. Boston covered her mouth as she looked her over.

“You look so beautiful sis,” Boston said softly.

Maia looked at the custom Valdrin Sahiti gown and swallowed hard. She was so focused on Kalvin that she hadn’t been able to admire how gorgeous the designer wedding gown looked on her. She was at her final fitting and that much closer to saying I do to her man. The style of wedding gown she was wearing was an off shoulders mermaid shaped dress with pearls and silver sequins fully embroidered with silk threads with 3d details on the upper part. It was custom and Maia had no room to gain any more weight in her ass or else she would surely bust out of the dress.

“Come show everyone, I can’t believe how gorgeous you look, damn!”

Boston pulled Maia out of the dressing room before she could respond and they went into the private room where her sisters, mom and Promise family was. Jazmine eyes watered over as Boston tugged Maia into the room where they were sipping champagne.

“Oh my God you look so beautiful baby! Just gorgeous,” Jazmine gushed covering her mouth.

Maia beamed, feeling beautiful as her family started to take photos of her.

“I must say even with the hips and ass you are looking like a princess in that gown,” Maxine admitted holding her champagne flute.

“It wasn’t anything other than that to say because my daughter looks gorgeous. Doesn’t she?” Jazmine asked Maxine.

Maxine nodded quickly and Maia snickered at how quickly Maxine was cowering to her mom.

“Yes of course Jazz! She looks stunning, right Tallulah?”

Tallulah gave Maia a flaccid smile while holding her glass of champagne.

“Sure, she looks great. I plan on getting a dress just like that when I get married,” she said in a snooty tone before pulling out her cellphone.

Masami walked over to Maia and grinned while looking her over.

“That hoe could never. She already know ain’t nobody marrying her stank pussy ass, she needs to be soaking this moment in. It’s the only time she’ll be in a place like this unless Peace and Promise pay or threaten a nigga to marry her,” Masami snickered.

Maia giggled, making sure to not laugh too hard. The dress wasn’t uncomfortable, but she was still careful to not do too much until it was her big day. She didn’t want a bead out of place on her gown.

“I see Maxine’s daughter is jealous hearted like her,” Jazmine noted walking up to Maia.

Maia nodded as Masami walked away. Jazmine looked Maia over and smiled at her lovingly.

“You are gonna be the prettiest bride ever. Does he make you happy? Does he make your heart feel safe with him?” she asked quietly.

Maia thought of the questions and Promise before nodding.

“All of that and then some,” she replied truthfully.

Jazmine pulled her into a hug and smiled. She pulled back and retrieved a small black box from her Chanel bag. She opened the box before passing it to Maia.

“It belonged to my mom. She saved things for me and gave them to my sister before she passed away. Family heirlooms that her mother had saved for her. I was able to get most of them refinished in real gold and I saved them for you all. These are called Creole hoops, and I hope that you cherish them and maybe one day pass them down to your daughter.”

“Hey ladies, I need to speak to Maia real quick,” Promise’s deep voice cut through the moment as he stepped into the back area.

“Promise! You’re not supposed to see the bride yet—it’s bad luck! But... she’s right there,” Maxine said, gesturing toward Maia with a grin.

Jazmine shook her head while looking at Maia. However, before she could cut into Maxine her son did.

“Ma, we discussed this. Any other slick remarks you got will have you banned from the wedding. Me and Maia don’t need luck, we got love. Ain’t that right, Maia?”

Maia blushed and winked at her mom.

“I got the good twin,” she whispered to Jazmine before going over to Promise who instantly placed his hands over his eyes when he saw her. “I’ll be right back everyone.”

Maia pulled Promise down the hallway and giggled when he groped her round ass.

“You look thick as fuck in this dress, Maia. Got my shit hard, baby,” he professed walking into the room with her.

“Keep that in your pants and keep them eyes closed,” Maia smiled.

Maia slowly took off the dress making sure to not harm the zipper. She picked up the gown and placed it onto the large lounge sofa before turning to Promise.

“Ah!” she gasped at the sight of Promise stroking his hard dick. The way it curved and was so beautifully colored made her mouth water at the sight of it.

“Come here, Maia,” Promise said lowly as he stroked his member.

Maia wearing G-strings with no bra padded over to Promise. She dropped to her knees and in between his legs while smiling. Promise leaned down and kissed her full pouty lips sensually as his free hand fondled her heavy breast. Maia couldn’t get enough of peering up at her fiancé. Promise was all man, and though she’d never say it out loud, she knew he had those pretty boy looks that his hard demeanor often made people overlook. But she noticed everything about him—from his full lips to his groomed beard and those slanted, syrupy-brown eyes. Maia loved it all, from his thick lashes to the mole on his neck and his smooth, chestnut-hued skin that was covered in tattoos. She gave him a gentle smile, taking in every detail as she stared at him.

“I love you, Maia. Only you,” he swore against her lips.

Maia began to massage his balls while peering into his eyes.

“Only you, I love,” she repeated.

“Well show out on your dick then, gobble it up, ma.”

Promise sat back and Maia grabbed his shaft. Like he’d showed her she began to blow on the mic. Finessing his dick like it was an instrument and in many ways it was. It was an instrument of pleasure and life, and she vowed to love the dick forever. Take care of the dick and be good to the dick. So, gagging on her man wasn’t an option. Maia allowed for the tears to gather in the corners of her eyes as she swallowed the dick. Promise went so far into her mouth that he touched the back of her throat, and he wasn’t stopping there. His hand gripped her braids as he looked down at her adorningly.

“Suck this dick Maia, get sloppy with it, ma. Damn,” Promise groaned and tweaked her nipples.

Maia moaned as she went faster, nastier on the dick. Sucking at unnatural speeds, even hurting her damn neck to make him release. When Promise leaned down to rub at her engorged clitoris she turned into Super Head Jr. Maia wined her hips wanting to get off as she swirled her head on his member. She bobbed and stroked his balls until his release was shooting down her throat.

“Oh fuck, damn,” Promise groaned rubbing her clit faster. Promise pulled Maia up once he was done releasing and placed her onto his hard shaft. Maia whimpered as she got comfortable on his dick. “Now it’s my turn. Relax and let me talk to my pussy, I been thinking about her all day and shit,” Promise spoke pulling her close.

Promise started to bounce Maia on his lap while holding her waist and she couldn’t stop her thighs from shaking as she instantly started coming.

“Maia, I know you not in there fucking! Act like you got some class! What the hell has gotten into you?” Masami hissed through the door.

Maia’s head fell back as Promise looked up towards the door.

“She coming, sis!” he yelled out before pounding into Maia from the bottom. Maia’s mouth fell open as Promise leaned forward and started to slowly suck on her pebbled nipples. Maia’s eyes watered as pleasure traveled through her body.

“Baby, this dick feel so fucking good. My goodness, I’ma cum again,” she whined. “Why are you doing me like this baby?” she asked teary eyed.

Promise pounded the dick into her making her body convulse onto him. He held her tightly as he worked her hard on his shaft and Maia started to squirt before squealing at the top of her lungs.

“I’m cumming. My goodness its cumming!” she yelled not giving a damn where she was, and Promise kissed her hard to quiet her down.

“Fuck,” she groaned against his lips as her thighs shook uncontrollably.

Promise fucked her through the release before climaxing himself. When he was done he sat back as more pounding ensued on the door.

“Now, Maia, I’m sure you and him could have waited for all of that. These people are ready to put us up out of here and what happened to waiting until after the marriage?” Jazmine huffed on the other side of the door and Maia’s cheeks flamed with embarrassment as she looked at Promise.

“I’m sorry!” she squealed before leaning forward and kissing Promises lips lovingly. “I love you, I can’t wait to be your wife and have all of your babies,” she whispered before kissing him again.

“I love you too, sexy. Why did you need me to pop up over here,” Promise asked grabbing her ass.

Maia stopped smiling as she remembered the text she’d received from Kalvin.

“I want you to help me kill—” before she could get the rest of the sentence out, Promise was kissing her again while looking deeply into her eyes.

“Sayless and don’t speak like that again in public, baby,” Promise mumbled against her lips.

Hours later, while Promise was out handling business, Maia was chilling with her sisters on the wrong side of town. The last thing she wanted to do was go behind Promise’s back, but she felt a strong need to see for herself what was happening in the streets. Promise thought they were going to Target, but that was just a cover—they were actually on Black Bottoms’ side of town. Maia knew there was a good chance Promise’s guards would spot her, but she’d deal with that later. Right now, she just wanted to be with her sisters, catching up on life while keeping an eye on the opps.

“Are you happy with your wedding dress, Maia?” Masami asked, frowning. “’Cause it seemed like all you were worried about was having sex. When were you gonna tell us you finally got with Promise?”

Maia sighed, sipping her 1942 and Coke from her red cup.

“I didn’t know I needed to make an announcement. And, actually, I love my dress,” she replied. “Listen, we just started having sex recently, after I practically begged him. I was having a rough moment and needed comfort. All I can say is it was worth the wait. Promise is better than I could’ve imagined. Even after we’re done, I can still feel him in me.”

Maia shuddered, making her sisters wrinkle their noses.

“I don’t need to know all of that shit,” Masami frowned.

Maia laughed.

“I mean, it’s the truth. I’m telling you in hopes you’ll take it as a sign to get yourself a man. I know you’re lonely—you gotta be,” Maia said, shaking her head.

Masami waved her off, lighting up her blunt.

“Bitch start having sex two days ago and now she wanna try to give me advice. I’m good, I don’t need a man,” Masami retorted.

“But do you want one though Masami? Like I get it, we all can provide for ourselves, but you can’t tell me that you don’t want someone to be by your side. I couldn’t imagine going through everything that we’re going through now without Yaseer. I would be so fucked up,” Meilani admitted.

Masami blew smoke from her mouth while shrugging.

“Why when a woman chooses to be alone it’s a problem? Men never have to go through talks like this. In fact, they’re encouraged by their friends to be single. When I want a man I’ll find one. Okay? And I don’t need you all looking at me like I’m the pitiful sister. Ain’t shit sorry about me. I’m fine, regardless of the people running down on us, I got money, and I love myself. That’s all that matters for the moment. I’m genuinely okay with it being just me. End of discussion. Now why didn’t you tell me that Jazmine would be at the bridal shop? I’m tired of seeing her face,” Masami replied.

Maia looked at Masami like she was crazy. “Well, she is our mom, and I’ve decided to forgive her. Boston has as well, now you and Mei need to catch up. Look at the way dad treats us. You all have to know that mom felt that times ten. He’s a piece of shit and I won’t hold the past against her. Yes it still hurts to know that she left us, but I won’t harp on that. She’s human like us and she made a mistake. I want my mom back so I’m choosing to forgive her,” Maia smiled at the thought. “Hell, I missed her like crazy. If we can forgive these niggas and everybody else that has done something wrong to us trust and believe we can forgive our momma. I can’t believe y’all really mad at her like this. This shit is crazy because in your heart you have to know that she tried to get us, at least I know it and I’m done being angry with her.”

Masami hit her blunt again as Meilani placed the cap onto her water bottle.

“I don’t wanna talk about it. Jazmine can do what she wants. I honestly don’t want to deal with it right now,” Meilani admitted in a sad tone.

“But why, Mei? Don’t you think dad hurt her too? I mean she’s?—"

“Let it go, Maia! I don’t wanna fucking discuss it, damn!” Meilani snapped and Maia tossed her hands into the air.

“Done. Shit I’m not trying to be tussling with your angry, big ass in this little car,” Maia grumbled making Meilani flip her off from the front seat of the Mercedes.

“Is that Namari?” Masami asked as they were ducked off in the rental across the street from one of Rocco Chery’s bars.

“I think so. I can spot that botched ass BBL from over here,” Meilani mumbled peering out of the window. “That’s probably who had Revvy’s bitch ass hyped up at the meeting,” she frowned.

“Exactly and I wonder if Boston knows that her old BFF is talking? We should run down on her lil slutty ass. I know she was fucking with Jaquis,” Masami remarked, and Maia rolled her eyes.

“Girl you didn’t even wanna fuck with Jaquis,” Maia laughed.

Masami shrugged.

“It’s still the principle of the whole thang. It’s principalities involved in this,” Masami replied sounding like the character Big Worm off the movie Friday.

Maia and Meilani laughed until Kygo emerged from his old school in the lot and went into the bar with a few of his boys that Maia had never seen before. Kygo was dressed like he hit a lick and even that made Maia roll her eyes.

“This nigga. He must be on their payroll. Kalvin said he heard Kygo hyping up the Chery’s. That’s how I knew where to find him. He’s always been a fanboy ass nigga,” Maia remarked, getting comfortable in her seat.

“Don’t say I ain’t warn you. Because I did,” Masami mumbled, and Maia smacked her lips.

“Girl kiss my ass. Over there dressed like we in the Matrix with that black and leather on. I said dress incognito. Not like we’re going to some BDSM fashion show. Damn, y’all ain’t put in no work in a while huh?” Maia frowned pulling her black hoodie over her head.

Meilani sporting black leather Helmut Lang pants with thigh high boots and a black turtle neck shrugged as she popped the cap on her water bottle.

“You said wear all black. You ain’t say shit about us dressing like we Kanye. Anyway, I can’t believe we’re the laughing stock of the city. Meanwhile daddy is on the run and left us to deal with the mess he made,” Meilani frowned looking out of the window.

“There’s Rocco old ugly ass, we should up the scope on him,” Masami grumbled as Rocco pulled up to the bar in a black SUV that had two black SUV’s trailing him.

“I see you been hanging with Nano. The last thing we need to do is have a shoot-out with him. We’re gonna let karma get him instead,” Maia remarked, making Masami and Meilani look at her strangely.

“The only kind of karma he deserves is the kind that connects to a bullet that goes inside of a pistol. Stop hanging with Boston we are the world ass and remember what your last name is. We’re Toussaint’s, we always get our lick back and that nigga is on borrowed time,” Meilani told her before starting the Mercedes and driving away.

Two days later Maia drove her new vehicle, a beautiful custom Rolls Royce truck to her engagement party with her sisters riding shot gun. This would be there first event stepping out as a family since everything had gone down and she wanted it to go smoothly. It was important that her sisters got along with not only Maxine and Tallulah but their mom as well because everyone was looking for them to crack. She was still suffering from slight insomnia so Maia couldn’t stop the yawns from slipping between her pouty lips as she pulled onto the highway with her guards following after them.

“We all know that life is coming at us hard right now, but we have to put on our best faces. Everyone will be in attendance, and we can’t let them see us falter. Right?” she asked slowly easing into the conversation with her family.

Boston who had been quiet since she’d arrived at Maia’s penthouse looked at her from the backseat.

“The Chery’s won’t be there, will they?” Boston asked.

Maia shook her head at Boston’s silly question.

“Of course, they won’t be there. However, I do need to talk to you all about Tallulahoe, Maxine and our mom. Its concerning the event and your behavior,” Maia replied reaching for her energy drink, needing the caffeine to give her the boost to get through her evening.

“Our behavior?” Meilani snapped from the backseat and Maia cleared her throat knowing her sisters wasn’t going to make anything easy for her.

Maia exhaled before speaking.

“It’s like this, like Boston I’m about to be a Marceline. Now Peace doesn’t care how you all treat his momma and sister. However, my nigga doesn’t play that shit so neither do I. He doesn’t like drama, so I need for everyone to be on their best behavior. I will talk with them as well,” Maia explained making her sisters look at her crazy before laughing.

Maia became angry the longer her sisters laughed like she’d told them a joke.

“Promise can kiss my ass. We are dealing with a mountain of bullshit and his biggest concern is those hoes he share his bloodline with?” Meilani snapped. “Shit I’m trying to save my fucking marriage. I don’t give a fuck about his momma or his sister. I’ll tell Promise mean ass to his face that I don’t fuck with his family. Ain’t nobody scared of your nigga but you, Maia,” she said angrily.

Maia rolled her eyes not offended but more so angry with her sisters response.

“Okay you all are clearly missing the point,” she mumbled as Boston started to go in.

“And don’t come for my husband. Yes, he would like for me to be cordial, but Peace is realistic. He knows how his people get down. Promise is the son that’s trying to make this blended family something it will never be. He wants that Huxtable’s type of family. Peace said he’s always been that way and that’s cool, but it will never happen,” Boston said grabbing her belly.

Maia gripped the steering wheel tightly ready to hurt her sisters.

“I’m sorry if I led with the wrong thing. Yes Promise would like for us all to get along with his mom and sister but its bigger than that. Above anything we need to show some love to momma tonight. We need to come off as a happy family and not give them anything else to talk about. It would be best for us to come off as a united front. I’m asking you all to put your feelings to the side and do what’s right for the family. Our namesake that we love so much. The only way we can rebuild the legacy that our father destroyed is by coming together. If you want to restore the family then you can act cordial. Ignore Tallulahoe and her momma and show Jazmine some love. If you want to keep us on the outs, paying dues like some fucking workers then act a fool. But you gotta know that if you show your ass at my engagement party, I’ma cut you off and you will not be invited to my wedding. You could also count on me running down on you and slapping the taste out of your mouth for the disrespect but hey do you. That’s all I’ma say about it.”

Maia flashed her sisters a tight lipped smile before turning on the music and speeding the rest of the way to the venue.

The moment Maia and her sisters stepped into the newly renovated Harbor Hall, they were enveloped in a mesmerizing world of opulence and romance. The air was filled with the delicate scent of roses and lilies, their petals cascading from every corner in a breathtaking display of floral extravagance. Moissanites twinkled in the soft glow of chandeliers, catching the light, and casting a shimmering dance across the room.

The grandeur of the occasion was evident in every detail. From the cascading bouquets of roses and orchids adorning each table to the elegant crystal vases overflowing with blossoms, no expense had been spared to create an atmosphere of sheer luxury for Maia and Promise. It was in fact so stunning that Maia’s eyes watered and she briefly stopped walking.

“You like?” Meilani asked walking up beside her.

Maia nodded and quickly gathered her emotions.

“I guess I do,” she smirked.

Meilani pulled her close as they soaked in the beautiful arrangements Meilani’s business did for the party.

“I will make sure that the sisters are behaving. You and Promise are good for each other, and I love that for you. I really do, Maia with your lil mean ass,” Meilani spoke sincerely.

Maia smiled at her words appreciating them.

“I love that for me too and thank you, this is so beautiful. If only the rest of the family was here.”

Meilani cleared her throat.

“Yeah but they aren’t and right now we’re gonna focus on the people that are. Also, I see that you and Boston are sipping moms Kool-aide and its cool. She’s your mom and you want to have her in your life like most kids would. What I can say is don’t get your hopes up too high. She could be gone again without warning because a bitch like that can’t be trusted,” Meilani allowed for her words to linger between them before walking off.

Maia was briefly lost in Meilani’s words before laughter grabbed her attention. Her eyes peered around the hall, and she watched guests mingle while sipping champagne. They couldn't help but be captivated by the inviting serene ambiance of love. Above them, suspended from the ceiling, were intricate arrangements of flowers interwoven with strands of moissanites, that Maia simply loved. Meilani had given her all to ensure that Maia’s night was memorable, and Maia adored her sister for that.

“Wow, this is all for me and my man,” Maia mumbled feeling the jitters building in the pit of her stomach that came from happiness and joy.

“I must say besides the ghetto hey girl pony tail you clean up nicely,” Maxine remarked with a snide tone as she walked up wearing all black as requested with Tallulah by her side.

Maia turned to Promise’s mother and sister with a small grin on her face. For the night Tallulah was coming harder than ever. Wearing a red lace front that appeared to be growing from her scalp. It was flowing in soft waves down her back as she sported a black sleeveless gown that accentuated her curves. Her makeup was soft and matte like Meilani’s and she wore matte red lipstick same as Meilani. Her eyes held pure disgust in them as she looked at Maia.

“You look—cute,” Tallulah frowned. “Where is my brother? Shouldn’t he be greeting the guests with you? This is ghetto already. I could never,” Tallulah gagged before fanning her face with her Judith Lieber clutch.

Maia giggled as she used her left hand to smooth out her ponytail.

“No, you are so right, you could never. And I think it’s pretty safe to say you won’t in this lifetime but listen I have something very important to speak with you two about. Come let’s find your table,” Maia said taking Maxine and Tallulah further into the exclusive hall that was overlooking the falls in downtown Marcy.

In one corner of the hall was a blues singer softly crooning about love while guests hummed along from their tables that were beautifully decorated. A few couples swayed together on the dance floor, lost in the romance of the moment, while others admired the stunning floral arrangements.

Maia took Maxine and Tallulah to their table that was occupied with other members of the Marceline family, and she smiled at them. The table was near the front of the room close to she and Promise table. It was breathtaking the way the flowers laced with real moissanites covered it and not even Tallulah could hate as she sat down quickly and swiped a few moissanites from a rose petal.

“I must say this is a dream. Very pretty and when my girl gets married I’ll make sure to hire you as the help of that event,” Maxine said sitting down slowly in her velvet black Versace gown.

Maia could see that Maxine had recently gotten Botox as her face was tighter than women five years younger than her with no fine lines in sight. Maia maintained her cool since they were already inside of her party and chose to step closer to Maxine and Tallulah. Despite her ponytail hitting the floor she dropped down lower as she looked at both women.

“I’ll keep this short and cute. Tallulah may never get married let alone have kids. I’m sure she’s ruined that uterus of hers anyway. Boston could be having a girl which she probably is and yes she could have more kids, but I will more than likely have the first male heir to the Marceline empire,” Maia took a moment to take in what she was saying. Simply the thought of having Promise kids filled her with glee. A pure love that she couldn’t explain. “If I have Promise son, Maxine do you know what that will make me?”

Maxine looked at Maia as if she were crazy before tooting her nose into the air.

“Nothing of importance but?—"

Maia raised her hand cutting off Maxine’s response.

“But the woman to bore his son and that will be enough to place me at the top Maxine. Promise loves you and your daughter greatly, but I will be above that. That’ll give me all the power I need. The power to say whose left with what and who will get this in the event of someone’s death. I mean even if I don’t have his kids I will still have that say so. You’re widowed and your daughter is a whore. You two are at the bottom of the fucking totem pole Maxine. It’s time for you to be humbled and I’m here to give it to you, mother-in-law . Because if you don’t watch what you say and how you act towards me and my family, especially tonight, I will give you two hell. You will be left with nothing and when I do give Promise kids you won’t be able to see my child let alone have a bond with it.”

Maxine gasped at Maia’s words.

“I can’t believe you’re speaking to me this way,” she huffed, clutching her Chanel pearl necklace. “To think I was actually praying for you when I heard you all were no longer in the life . I was sad for what was coming for your pathetic little family. But then I heard my good sister Jazz was back, and I rejoiced. I thought we’d turned over a new leaf. But clearly, you’ve forgotten that you don’t hold any power anymore, Maia. My son marrying you is him throwing you a bone. Maybe you don’t realize it, but your family is a joke, and everyone’s laughing at you all. Becoming a Marceline would be a saving grace for you, same as it was for Boston. My only hope is that you girls don’t taint my sons, because they are good men who deserve equally good women. It would be nothing for me to find your replacement, Maia—a sweet mafia girl who’s in the life and ready to be a docile, stay-at-home wife, cooking in the kitchen for Promise. Instead, he has you, a loud, ghetto girl who doesn’t know her place. It’s clear Jazmine didn’t raise you all with the way you behave. I am not the one to play with, Maia, and you should know that by now. You don’t want to cross me, sweetheart,” Maxine retorted, her lips narrowing into a thin line as she frowned at Maia.

Maia stood and adjusted her long ponytail before shrugging. The things Maxine were saying wasn’t anything she wasn’t expecting so it didn’t hurt. Especially coming from her. Maia licked her lips before peering down at Maxine.

“ Sweetheart , if I told your good sis Jazz how you talk to her daughters, I’m sure she’d dog-walk your old ass up and down this hall. Do you really think Promise would prefer some kitchen, ready-made wife over me? I told him from the start I don’t cook, and he said he has chefs. The last thing your son’s worried about is my cooking, Maxine—I can assure you of that. And one more thing: you don’t wanna cross the woman signing the checks and sucking the dick. Remember that and enjoy your evening. This really is a night to remember.”

Maia fixed her dress and gave them one last grin before walking off. Before Maia could get far she was being pulled into strong arms and a warm, hard body that smelled of Dior and weed. She closed her eyes as Promise held her tight.

“I picked up Kalvin and he’s over at the food table. I gotta say you look so fucking beautiful. This shit is crazy. Damn, I wanna slide up in you so bad right now,” Promise groaned settling his face into the crook of her neck.

Maia blushed as he held onto her. He was always open with her concerning his affection but never had she seen him show so much PDA. She gathered he was in a good ass mood.

“Your ass must be tooted. Come on nigga, don’t forget what we do for a living. Have niggas thinking that marriage turning you soft and shit. We gotta let them think you still the evil twin,” Santino another Mobb boss said to Promise as he walked up.

Promise let go of Maia and she could see that his eyes were hanging low. He was definitely feeling good and looking so fucking handsome in the process. Promise wore black slacks with a silk embroidered Louis Vuitton collared shirt along with black LV sneakers. He sported three chains the biggest one being his Marceline chain and the jewels on his wrist and in his ear were shining on him. His hair was freshly cut as well as his growing beard and he was exuding boss energy. Maia grabbed his hand as she peered up at him.

“Right, we don’t want niggas to think you done turned soft because of me,” she teased.

Promise smile fell as he looked from her to Santino.

“Shit, let a nigga try it and see how it ends for them. I ain’t even gotta call my lil demons up. I got my best shooter with me, Maia got my back, don’t you sexy?”

Maia could feel her walls overflow for Promise as she nodded.

“I do and I’ll lay anybody down that thinks they gone take this man from me,” she spoke with a certainty that he could bank on.

Promise smirked loving her feistiness.

“And that’s why you gone be my wife. Let’s go pop some bottles,” he remarked pulling her off.

“Y’all two muthafucka’s belong together!” Santino yelled out as Promise and Maia walked away.

Maia giggled while the photographer began to snap photos of everyone at the event making sure to focus on her and Promise. Promise took Maia to their table that was facing the hall, and they sat down. Shortly people mingled before Masami who was hosting the dinner along with the other sisters made everyone that wanted to give the wife and husband to be a toast stand in line.

Maia noticed that her mom was standing in line first and she tried to keep her emotions at bay as Meilani’s earlier warning came to the forefront of her thoughts. Jazmine looked stunning in a black pantsuit that stuck to her toned frame while her black and honey blonde hair was in loose curls and falling past her shoulders. Her beautiful eyes held love in them as she hugged all of Maia’s sisters before speaking.

“I won’t stand here and act like the past didn’t happen. I can’t erase that but what I can say is that this is a match made in Heaven. Me and Maxine have been through so many things together and to know that my girls are tied to her sons warms my heart. Promise you have grown to be such a handsome, strong man. Your father would be so proud of you,” Jazmine said and Promise nodded while his left hand was planted on Maia’s thigh.

“Appreciate it,” he said lowly.

“Of course, and Maia you are perfect the way you are. Don’t change your feistiness, don’t stop smiling and never forget that you and your fiancé is what love should be. The happiness surrounding you and the joy we all see in your eyes—that’s what love is. I’m so happy for you, baby, and I know you’ll be an amazing wife and mother. Congratulations,” Jazmine said, stepping over to Maia with a warm smile.

Everyone inside of the hall clapped while Maia and Promise hugged Jazmine. Jazmine grabbed Maia’s face and smiled while looking at her.

“My beautiful, Maia. You did that girl,” Jazmine grinned.

Maia giggled feeling like a child all over again. She nodded and her mom went to sit down which was next to Maxine and Maia couldn’t stop smiling. She understood why Boston was quick to forgive her. Having Jazmine around filled the void that was in her life. Jazmine seemed to know her thoughts, hell her fears and she slayed the fears so easily. She reaffirmed her and gave her love. She provided all of the things that their sorry ass daddy didn’t, and it felt— good .

“The past happened but don’t ever think your mom doesn’t love you. I can read people good, and she loves the fuck out of you sexy, don’t forget that,” Promise mumbled as Peace came over.

He handed Promise a gold bottle of Ace of Spades while smirking. The twins exchanged a brotherly hug before Promise sat beside Maia and his brother began to speak.

“Y’all know I couldn’t get married without this nigga doing the same,” Peace joked grabbing everyone’s attention.

Maia even smiled while she stared over at her man that was sitting back in his large throne like the king he was.

“Stop staring at me like that, Maia,” Promise said lowly.

Maia held in her giggle as she leaned towards him.

“And what if I keep looking at you like this? What you gone do?”

Promise leaned towards her ear and licked his lips.

“Fill that pussy up with a baby tonight and marry you in the morning,” he whispered before sitting back.

Maia exhaled as she looked away from Promise and to his brother wondering if it was real. Like was her being in love with a man that loved her so fucking hard it made her smile possible? Because Maia honestly never knew being happy with a man like she was could be real. She thought it was for Disney books and fairytales women told their daughters at night to make them smile.

Maybe God was throwing her bone and a blessing, and she planned on not fumbling either of them.

“I know Maia’s sisters wanna speak,” Peace said grumbling the last part and making Boston roll her eyes before he smirked. “But I had to say something real quick. This man is beyond my brother. He’s my protector, shit my father at times and my biggest headache when he not agreeing with me. This my family and we blood in. I’ll die for him and to see him getting married to no lie his fucking twin in woman form blows my mind. This nigga deserves it, and I wish y’all the best. I really do, just make sure the first baby a girl so my kids can claim the throne first,” Peace jested making a few people in the hall laugh.

“Nigga, we popping out all boys.” Promise grinned standing.

Promise dapped up his brother and Maia stood to give him a quick hug before reclaiming her seat. When Maxine stood to speak, Maia stopped smiling and prayed the old bitch took her threat to heart because she wasn’t playing with her ass. If she had to take off on her she would.

“I’ll make this quick and no introductions need to be had. Everyone knows who I am,” Maxine said arrogantly, head held high in the air with a smug look on her face.

Maia watched her sisters fight hard to hold in their remarks as Maxine continued.

“I love my son and him being the boss of this family has been a great blessing for us. If you all haven’t heard, we’ve recently bought more buildings in Detroit and Chicago, and we are opening up BedPeace in Miami along with Vegas very soon. This family is thriving, and my late husband would be very proud of what our sons have accomplished. I can’t wait for my son to become a husband and to one of Jazmine’s daughters no less. This is a great day indeed, congratulations,” Maxine said, and everyone clapped as Promise stood to hug his mom.

“Sexy, come here,” Promise said nudging her arm.

Maia snapped out of her thoughts and stood. On autopilot she gave Maxine a hug before sitting down. Meilani stood and looked from Promise to Maia with a small smile on her face. Meilani cleared her throat as she held her glass of champagne. She looked thicker but as always it was going to her hips and ass really making her live up to the Meilani the Body moniker.

“Like Peace, I had to say something because to be here witnessing Maia smiling like this is a blessing. My baby sister is the hardest woman I know, I mean besides Masami,” Meilani teased making Maia grin. “But honestly she’s a rider and to see her riding for the right man shows me that God is real. Maia deserves every blessing that is coming her way, and you do as well Promise. This feels right and I wanna wish you two a happy engagement and happy marriage. If nobody can get it right, something is telling me you two will. Congratulations,” Meilani said making Maia stand.

Maia rushed to her sister and held her tightly.

“You better tighten up, you know your skanky ass sister-in-law is watching us,” Meilani whispered. “Bitch came in here looking like the Temu version of me and shit. She’s real life crazy.”

Maia laughed pulling back.

“She is, but where she gets it wrong is that there can only be one Meilani. Love you, sis,” Maia said with a smile.

Meilani relaxed at her words. “I love you too,” she replied softly, the words still feeling new for both of them.

Maia and Meilani reclaimed their seats and Kalvin walked up. Maia couldn’t stop grinning at how fly he looked in his black slacks and black collar long sleeved Prada shirt. He was wearing a fresh cut and staring at her with a genuine smile that warmed her heart. He was growing into a young man, and she prayed that he was able to accomplish all that he wanted out of life.

“I just wanna say that I love Maia. She’s the best big sister I’ve ever had, and Promise is cool too. Not only are they good to each other—they’re good to me, and…” Kalvin paused, shaking his head with a smile. “And I like the family we have. Congrats, Maia and Promise.”

Maia and Promise were out of there seat showing Kalvin some love as everyone took photos of the moment. When the toasts were over, and the party was back in motion Maia stood near the buffet table as Fred walked up. He passed her a card as he smiled down at her.

“Congratulations Maia. We really are excited for this union. I love to see how you all have moved forward after everything happened. That’s a strength that you surely get from your father. Enjoy your night and you should read that card now.”

Fred walked off before Maia could respond and she opened the card. Maia felt nervous as she moved the hundreds out of the way and looked at the writing.

Congrats baby, send money to this address pronto. Two deposits of $8,000. Do not go over ten thousand Maia. Papa loves you.

Maia looked at the address and when she peered up Promise was standing before her. He said nothing as he read over the card.

“Fred gave you this?” he asked, and Maia nodded. Promise smirked while shaking his head. “He gone have to get his self out of this shit. I already had to pay off Santino to get the stocks back from your CBD bar that your pops sold to him. You not saving him, Maia. You hear me, ma?” Promise asked folding the card and placing it in his pocket.

Maia sat the money onto the buffet table while looking up at Promise. She hated that a small part of her actually felt bad for her father. He had truly mind fucked them.

“I hear you,” she replied.

Promise leaned down and kissed her cheek.

“Good now let’s go wrap this night up so I can get you home and put you to bed,” Promise replied taking her away from the table as Maia tried to not think about her father and his demands.