Misunderstood (Toussaint Mafia #4)

Chapter 17

“ I would say that the biggest thing he’s ever done is see me for who I am, much like I’m sure he’s done for all of you. Liam is everything that is right in this world. He’s a man, a friend, a big brother, a business owner, and today we celebrate all of that,” she laughed, smiling so wide that Masami found herself smiling alongside her. The woman stopped talking and turned to Lyfe, his amber eyes peering up at her as he stroked the bottom of his beard. “Happy birthday, Liam,” Bijou spoke softly.

She leaned down and whispered something in his ear that made him look away. Masami was only there to witness Lyfe in his element with Bijou so she could know in her heart that they were good, even when they were apart.

“Thanks, love,” Lyfe replied, his voice thick with emotion.

Masami swallowed hard, and when she shifted in her seat, Bijou was back at her side, sitting down.

“Sis, come speak,” Shameek said, his eyes low and red-rimmed.

Masami’s brows bunched together as she felt put on the spot. She wasn’t part of Lyfe’s harem and didn’t want people to think he had it like that, although a nigga like him could if he wanted.

“Yes, go say something, girl,” Bijou encouraged, grabbing her water bottle.

Masami cleared her throat as she stood. It was a black-tie dinner, and black was her favorite color, so she easily pulled it off. She wore a black latex mini dress that showcased her 15-pound weight gain. For the first time in her life, she had a little booty with some jiggle to it, and she was loving it. Masami paired it with strappy Amina Muaddi heels and a black YSL clutch, opting for soft matte makeup and black lipstick. Her bob was in a sleek braid that reached her waist, and she knew she looked sexy. Hell, she felt it, and despite their lack of motion, Lyfe showed it with the way his eyes seared into her as she approached the front of the table inside the backroom of the restaurant.

Masami handed Lyfe his birthday card, and he nodded as he looked her up and down. Lyfe was, well, Lyfe—always fine but extra saucy on his birthday. He sported black slacks with a black Fendi printed short-collared shirt and a black sport coat. His ginger taper was evenly lined up, and his amber eyes held a brighter glow that night. Masami knew it was because of Bijou. She didn’t have to ask; Lyfe had a palpable connection with Bijou. Even he didn’t realize it, and she was okay with that. Lyfe was such a good man that you rooted for the nigga even if he wasn’t with you.

“You look nice, ma,” Lyfe said, putting his card away in the gift bag beside his seat.

“Yeah, sis came in on her shit per usual,” Shameek grinned from his seat, pouring himself another drink.

Masami blushed and smiled quickly at the room of twelve before looking back at Lyfe. In the short time they’d known each other, they had been through a lot. She had so many regrets with him, which was another reason she had shown up. She wanted to sincerely apologize one last time before she said goodbye.

“Lyfe is a man that lives up to his name—unless you catch him on a bad day,” she smiled. Everyone laughed, knowing how grouchy Lyfe could sometimes be. “But his anger doesn’t last long. Hell, me being here is proof of that. He loves hard and shows compassion when it’s time to. It takes a strong person to do something like that because even I’m not that mature.”

“Shit, me either,” Shameek grumbled, earning a smile from her.

“And even though our paths didn’t lead us down the same road, it doesn’t mean it wasn’t worth the ride. Lyfe showed me things I never thought I would see. He called me out when I was wrong and loved me when I needed it. I’m so happy he was blessed with another year of life because, baby, we couldn’t have it any other way. Happy G-day to the biggest boss in Baymoor Falls,” Masami smiled.

“Now you capping for that nigga,” Shameek frowned as Masami smiled down at Lyfe.

Lyfe stood and pulled her into a warm embrace. Briefly, Masami closed her eyes as he held her, enveloping her in his touch, scent, and protection.

“Thanks, love, and you look good, ma. I like the weight gain and shit,” Lyfe whispered before letting her go.

Masami smiled once more before reclaiming her seat. As the night went on, she found herself at the bar inside the restaurant with Bijou, sharing a laugh. Masami appreciated the fact that she could get along with Bijou without any issues. It just showed the type of man Lyfe was and the hold he had on women. Because of their respect for him, they acted like ladies toward one another.

“Me and Shameek were watching everything with your family online. How are you? And don’t lie. We might not be besties, but I care about you, Masami, as a friend. How has it been since Vegas?” Bijou asked.

Masami stopped smiling and exhaled. She looked at Bijou’s pretty face and shook her head.

“I’m making it. My father is still missing however, they are starting to give us back the power to operate within our companies which is cool. Other things have happened as well.”

Bijou’s eyes narrowed as she looked at Masami.

“What else? You’re not going to jail, are you? I have a good lawyer, and we will fight this shit.”

Masami smiled. “It’s not that; it’s this.” Masami cleared her throat as she raised her hand, showing Bijou the ring she’d been keeping discreet since being there.

Bijou’s eyes widened as she snatched Masami's hand up.

“What the hell! When did you get married? Masami, this is so beautiful!”

Bijou’s loud words garnered the attention of Lyfe and Shameek, who weren’t far away from them. Before Masami could put her hand away, Lyfe and his brother joined her.

“Damn, your matrix ass knows how to find a nigga with some money. He dropped a bag, but you deserve it. Now who is this nigga? Why didn’t you introduce him to your brother and shit?” Shameek frowned.

Masami smiled as she watched Lyfe stare at her indifferently. “It’s my brother’s best friend. His name is AZ,” she replied, giving out his nickname.

“Well, congrats are in order,” Bijou smiled.

“Thank you,” Masami said, still eyeing Lyfe.

“Well,” Bijou looked around the space before peering over at Shameek. “Let’s go grab some more food. I am kind of hungry. Masami, come see me before you go.”

Bijou gave Masami a tight hug before walking away with Shameek. Lyfe took up her seat and captured Masami’s hand. His eyes stared down at the ring as he licked his lips.

“I was wondering who put this big ass ring on your finger, love. Shit is fly,” Lyfe finally spoke.

He let her hand go and Masami was able to look into his amber gaze. They shared a brief intense look before she broke it and rubbed the back of her neck.

“It’s a lot going on and my life has changed drastically, as you can see, Lyfe. Some for the good and some for the bad. I see yours has changed as well. Is Juju living here now?”

She wanted to deflect because talking about her life was a bit much for her.

Lyfe relaxed in the seat before shaking his head. He placed his hands on his firm stomach like he had a big belly as he cleared his throat.

“Nah, she’s here visiting. Are you really good, though?”

Masami nodded.

“I am,” she said softly.

Lyfe reached out with his left hand and grabbed her hand. He looked at the ring again before shaking his head.

“Who is this nigga? I don’t want no fucking nickname, Masami. Keep it real with me.”

Masami looked at Lyfe as he held her hand and it hit her that them being together wasn’t meant for them. Aesthetically, Lyfe was everything. His looks were top tier, and his manners would make you love him. However, the spark, the fuse of electricity that she felt with Ariz, wasn’t there. It had never been, and it wasn’t until she got in Ariz’s presence that she felt that feeling of connectedness.

“His name is Ariz, and I grew up with him. I crushed on him hard when I was younger and when he came back, things moved fast. Especially because the marriage wasn’t planned. It sort of happened and instead of us annulling it, we wanna see how it goes.”

Lyfe let Masami’s hand go at her words.

“You love him? Is he good to you or just good for the family?”

“He’s good to me,” she replied, not having to think about it.

“And he ain’t on no snake shit? You know how your lifestyle is. People could be something they say they not and that’s no shade to you, love. I’m just saying,” Lyfe spoke.

Masami’s brows knitted. She quickly waved her head; not sure what Lyfe’s words were coming from.

“Ariz would never lie to me or bring me harm,” she snapped before gathering herself because the reality was she had no reason to be angry with him. Masami scooted up in her seat and grabbed Lyfe’s hand while looking in his eyes. “Lyfe, I came to say goodbye and also to apologize. I regret the minute I walked into that café and disturbed your life for those months. You didn’t deserve that and trust me when I say I regret it so much. I am so sorry for everything I ever did to hurt you. I do love you,” she spoke carefully.

Lyfe swallowed hard.

“I understand and I love you, too. But the same way you feel about him, I feel that for her, and you know that, right?”

Masami eyed Bijou, who was on the other side of the room with Shameek stuffing her face and she smiled. If anything, Bijou was the only woman she could stomach seeing Lyfe with. Bijou made it impossible to hate her.

“I do and I’m happy you two are getting your happily ever after. How did it happen?” she asked, letting his hand go.

Lyfe smirked. His happiness washing over his face as they spoke of Bijou.

“Honestly, it’s still in the works, but when it’s real, you can’t run from it. I wish you the best Masami. Goodbye sound depressing as shit love. You still cool with Juju and Shameek. I hope you come through and kick shit with us when the mood hits you. We will always be connected, you know?”

Lyfe rose, and Masami stood with him. She peered up at him as the times they shared flashed briefly through her mental. She nodded as the ending of the chapter of her life they shared came before her. Lyfe was special, enthralling and ultimately not the one for her, still he taught her so many things. Things she had taken with her into her new union with Ariz.

“I will. Bye Liam.”

Lyfe grazed the bottom of her cheek before smirking. He leaned down and tenderly kissed her cheek, then looked into her eyes with his amber gaze.

“Bye, Masami.”

Toussaint Girls

Maia: How was the party Masami? You cheat on your husband?

Meilani: Yeah, I forgot to ask how it went and that’s not funny, Maia. Damn, some of us are having serious marriage issues right now.

Maia: Some of us? Girl, you are the one having marriage issues. Not some of us, and I was just playing. I see your cranky today. SMDH.

Masami rolled her eyes at her sister’s petty messages. She quickly replied to the thread before lighting the rest of the candles.

Masami: I was able to say goodbye to him. That’s it, now leave me alone.

“Damn, what’s all of this?” Ariz’s question tore Masami away from her task at hand and she accidentally dropped the lighter.

Masami grabbed the lighter from the plush rug and turned to Ariz. Back from his brief trip to Detroit, he looked handsome as always. Even sexier because she hadn’t seen him in three days, which felt like forever to her. She perched her widening hip against the fireplace in the living room and studied him. Unlike Lyfe, who had been on his grown man shit the night before in his slacks and button up, Ariz looked like he’d walked out of a dice game and damn, it made Masami’s pussy wetter. Tattered Denim Tears jeans hung off his waist as he sported a clean white crew neck t-shirt with three chains, the thickest one having a circle pendant of him and his mom hanging from it. Ariz housed a fresh taper with a crisp lineup, and she could smell the Baccarat drifting her way from where he stood. His eyes were low, and she could tell by his gait that he was feeling good. Slowly his dark pupils slid up and down her oiled up body and he licked his lips.

“You know Ossa had this taped to the door?” he asked, dragging a paper from his back pocket.

Masami rolled her eyes. She was gonna make it her mission to go tell on Ossa to his wife as soon as she woke up in the morning because she was tired of his bullshit.

“Do you care about them papers or coming over to greet me?”

Masami knew it was cheesy, but she couldn’t stop herself from playing the song that she carefully selected for Ariz when he came home.

Hey baby

I wish you could see what I have on right now

You so sexy, imagine how

Intense it would be

To hold me right now

Masami just knew her sisters would never stop teasing her if they saw her in that sexy lace one piece, with her titties and ass hanging out, and her makeup all done up while she played Destiny’s Child’s T-shirt for Ariz. She couldn’t help herself. Ariz sparked something deep inside her, something that made her feel alive in ways she hadn’t in a long time. Even if she wasn’t ready to admit it out loud, being with him was changing her, and she loved the woman she was becoming because of it. Masami found herself scrolling through recipes, excited to cook for him. She slept in his t-shirts when he wasn’t around, breathing in his scent like it was her own personal comfort. And every time she heard his voice—whether in person or on the phone—her heart skipped a beat.

Watching sports with him? A whole vibe. Traveling with him to Detroit? She was on cloud nine. Even the smallest things, like strolling through the farmers’ market, felt like they were on a getaway. It didn’t matter what they were doing—if it involved him; she was smiling. Truth was written all over her face. She was falling for him hard, and everything about him had her feeling some type of way.

“Fuck them papers,” Ariz mumbled, dropping them. He advanced on Masami and grabbed her face. She blushed and stared at him, hoping he wasn’t bullshitting her like Lyfe said. “I missed you, Masami. Give me a kiss with your sexy ass.”

Ariz didn’t wait for her to respond as he pressed his full lips into hers. Masami held onto the sides of his arms as she kissed him back passionately. Ariz’s tongue worked its magic as his hands traveled lower. Being mannish, they couldn’t help themselves as they groped her ass before slapping it hard. Masami yelped, then moaned as Ariz massaged her cheeks.

“You so damn beautiful Masami,” he spoke sincerely against her lips, deep voice laced with love and adoration for her.

Masami closed her eyes, becoming emotional at his words. She swore she wouldn’t cry this time they had sex. He was gonna think she was crazy, and she wasn’t.

Well, not that crazy.

Yet there he was, making her feel more than she wanted to, show more emotions and open up even more of herself up to him. He never played fair when it came to her heart.

“There go them tears, why you crying, Masami? Talk to your husband?” Ariz asked, placing wet kisses down the sides of her neck that set her skin ablaze with lust. While his hands groped her ass. “This ass getting some weight to it,” he groaned, jiggling it.

Masami clenched her eyes tightly as soft moans escaped her lips.

“You smell so good, but I need you to tell me what’s on your mind. You okay? Who I gotta run down on?”

Masami’s breath hitched when his lips found her rigid nipples. She felt her legs shake as he started to bite them with enough pressure to make her tight walls gush with excitement.

“I don’t hear you talking,” he mumbled around her nipple before flicking his tongue against it rapidly.

Masami grabbed onto his arms as she licked her dry lips.

“I missed you and for some reason it’s making me emotional,” she whispered as Ariz picked her up.

Ariz carried Masami into the kitchen and laid her on the island, moving the tray of fruit she made to the side, ensuring they didn’t fall. He opened her legs and stood between them before sticking his finger in the cool whip that was on a platter with fresh fruit. Ariz then deposited the cool whip on the outer lips of her vagina as Masami peered up at him lustfully.

“I missed you too, and it’s okay if that makes you emotional. I’ll take that over anger any day of the week. Don’t be scared to share how you feel about me because I’m never going to hide how I feel for you. Okay?”

Masami nodded, her heart racing. She wanted to say more but was too afraid. She couldn’t bring herself to say she loved him, fearing that he might not say it back.

“Damn, you look so sexy. Thank you for all of this, Masami. I’ma show you how much it means to a nigga,” he said and leaned between her legs.

The moment Ariz’s tongue connected with the cool whip that was on her vagina, Masami moaned loudly. She grabbed his head and closed her eyes as his tongue feasted on her sex like a starved man. Zeroing in on her clitoris and licking away at it until her levy broke and her walls overflowed for him.

“Oh, shit!” Masami whimpered.

She clenched her eyes tightly, and it still wasn’t enough to stop the tears from falling. Before she could come down from her high, Ariz was pressing his thick member into her center. Long hard strokes that tapped into a new part of her that had never been touched, he made his mark. Ruining her for any man who even thought they could come after him and make love to her body. Ariz with ease, while staring down at Masami lovingly worked her body, giving her passionate strokes as he sucked the delicate skin on the side of her neck.

“Baby, I can’t take it,” Masami whined in pleasure, tears slipping down her face.

“Nah, you can. I got faith in you, baby. Stop that whining and open up some more. You said you missed me, said you was mine, well I need for you to show me that. Let me have it, Masami,” Ariz spoke, lips pressed against hers as he worked her harder, thrusting so far into her center that her mouth fell open.

Being the dutiful wife that she was, Masami obliged and gave Ariz all that he was requesting of her. His lips connected with hers and he kissed her passionately as he pumped into her long enough for both of them to explode.

Masami awoke hours later to the powerful stench of weed smoke. Ariz rarely smoked in the bedroom, so she was confused when she sat up to him, resting near the foot of the bed. She rubbed the sleep from her eyes, fatigued from the lovemaking.

“Hey baby, is everything okay?”

Ariz put out his blunt and stood up in those gray joggers that hung just right. He moved over to the dresser, rummaging through the top drawer for a moment before returning to the bed. Masami rubbed her sleepy eyes, the blanket barely covering her body, as he laid a black photo album on her lap.

“This is one of my family albums. Go ahead, take a look, ma,” he said, his voice low and raspy, as if he’d just come back from handling something serious.

Masami glanced around the room, noticing the fresh clothes tossed near the dresser and a pair of sneakers he definitely didn’t have on when he came in. “You stepped out?” she asked, curiosity creeping into her voice.

Ariz nodded, flipping open the book for her. “Yeah, had to take care of some business. Look through the album, Masami.”

Masami studied him for a few moments before doing as he asked. She smiled immediately when she saw his baby pictures. He was so adorable—chubby cheeks, a mass of black hair, and slanted eyes. She could see his Black and Dominican heritage in the photos. His mother was gorgeous, with flawless skin, a wide smile, and a curvy frame.

“Look at Miss Daniella. She is bea—” Masami spoke, but her voice faltered as a stone dropped into the pit of her stomach. She stared at an image of his mom with Revvy, both holding Ariz. Revvy looked younger, but she could still distinctly tell it was him, that mischievous smirk still on his face. Masami felt her hand shake as her thoughts raced.

Ariz placed his hand on her leg and flipped the page in the book. Masami saw Ariz with Revvy and his mom on vacations, then photos of him hunting with Revvy. Next came pictures of Ariz with Cage and Rocco as children, even pre-teens. However, as Ariz grew older with each page, the less she saw of him and his father’s side of the family.

When Ariz closed the book, Masami looked at him. Her hand flew back before she could stop it, and she slapped him so hard that her ring cut his lip. If she had a gun, she would for sure pull it out on him, but unfortunately he softened her up so much that she now kept her gun in the safe.

Masami felt like a clown as tears streamed down her face. She couldn’t believe what Lyfe had said was real, but it was. Was Lyfe in on the play as well? Were they working together to get her back, and for what? What could she offer them?

“You working with Lyfe?” she eventually asked, wiping her face.

Ariz looked at her with knitted brows. “Who?”

Masami shook her head. She tried to climb out of bed, but Ariz pulled her close, restraining her arms as his face moved to the crook of her neck.

“Masami, hear me out, baby. Like you, I once wanted to please my pops, too. I always wanted to be a part of the Chery Mafia, to be out in the open with my people—people I just wanted to love me. So even as a man, I sometimes find myself taken back to my younger years, caught up in past trauma. That’s how I agreed to coming up here Masami, because what was told to me was that Boston killed my little brother. I was expected to come and find out if it was true. Get information out of you if I could, but you see things went another way. I always fucked with y’all heavy and from the start I wasn’t feeling what I was doing. I let my pops know that early on, too. But like your father, he isn’t an easy man to tell no to. Me and you ended up clicking and by chance the marriage happened. I told Revvy I was done with the play and tonight I told him no again. I’m sorry for coming at you on some foul, sneaky shit. It’s not in my character to be that way and it’s not who I am, ma.”

“Yes, the fuck it is. I want you to let me go right now, Ariz. I won’t say it again and like your bitch ass daddy, you will soon be on the end of a bullet with him,” she expressed coldly.

Ariz sighed, pulling her in tighter. Masami was fuming, but no matter how hard she struggled, she couldn’t break free from his embrace.

“I’m falling in love with you, Masami. The last thing I wanna do is shoot it out with you. I’m gonna make everything right so you can forgive me, ma. I promise, baby,” he explained, sincerity dripping from his words.

Masami swung her head as her eyes watered again.

“You can’t and the minute I get a chance, I’m killing you, Ariz.”

Ariz kissed the side of her neck, making her skin crawl.

“I told Revvy tonight that I’m done with the play. Honestly I never started the shit because not once did I tell them anything about you or your people. Masami from the start it was about us, and you know that. I need for you to search past your anger and look at what it is. Me telling Revvy that the play is over is ending whatever connection I got to them muthafucka’s and I’m fine with that. I’m willing to go to war with them over you. That’s how strongly I feel about you, Masami. I know you don’t believe me, but I’ma show you I have your back, because I do. Don’t give up on me, ma. I can’t let you go, especially not like this. I love you and I’ma make this right.”

Ariz held her tight after speaking and all Masami could do was think of ways she could kill him and his deceitful family.