Misunderstood (Toussaint Mafia #4)

Chapter 23

“ W e won’t keep you all long. Many things have transpired since our last meeting. Good news and a lot of bad. We would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to our friend Juan for the loss of his son, Carlos Toussaint. Despite how things ended, he was a part of the legacy that is the Michigan Mafia, and we won’t downplay that because of his abuse of power in the end. The great news is that the FEDS have left town. The cases are dropped, and everything is back to business. With that being said, we are reintroducing the Toussaint family with a new leader in the fold. This is a man that has taken the oath and decided to be the head of his family. Ossa Toussaint is now the boss of the Toussaint mafia. The Toussaint mafia is again a part of the five families, and they will be respected as such. Ossa has decided to refurnish his father’s estate, and we have agreed to that. Ossa who will be your underboss?” Sean asked, standing at the front of the room along with the other two founders and their grandfather, who was no longer a part of the mob but there out of respect for the Founding Members.

Ossa stood and Masami couldn’t think straight as she watched her brother take on a roll that they had both given their all for. Never in a million years did she think they would become a part of the mob again, yet there they were. She watched Ossa smirk, and she could see the joy in his eyes because she understood it. Yes, they had their warehouse hustle, and Ariz had the building for her to scout models, but the reality was being in the mafia was what they really wanted. Change was good, but sometimes you are who you are. And for Masami and Ossa the mafia was bleeding through their veins. It was a part of them that they didn’t want to change. Now Masami tried to think of how she would fit into the fold of things with Ossa as the boss of the family.

“Masami,” Ossa spoke cooly, and her eyes bounced up to him, surprised. Her mouth opened slightly, and Ossa cocked his head to the side. “Oh, you don’t want that spot?”

Masami nearly broke the heel on her YSL pumps as she jumped up.

“I do,” she said as calmly as she possibly could.

Ossa nodded; eyes narrowed in on her.

“Cool, then it’s set. We blood in and blood out, right?” he asked.

Masami looked at her older brother that she loved with all of her heart, and she nodded, honored that he chose her as his underboss.

“This time it’s really for the family,” Masami replied, garnering a smirk from Ossa.

“Fasho,” Ossa agreed.

Masami and Ossa reclaimed their seat and when Masami peered across the table at Revvy, she shot him a wink as he vibrated with anger in his seat.

“Welcome back and we are excited to see how the new generation of Toussaint’s add to the family,” Sean spoke.

“How’s Boston doing? I heard she went into labor at the nail salon awhile back,” Revvy smirked from his seat.

Masami’s worried eyes shot over to Ossa as she sat down. The last thing she wanted was for her brother to shoot Revvy inside of the warehouse. Especially because he didn’t have the okay to kill him. She watched her brother maintain his cool as he relaxed in his seat.

“She’s a lot better than the muthafucka’s who about to be in the dirt for making her go into labor,” Ossa retorted and Revvy sat up in his seat.

“Is that a threat? Lil nigga, don’t you ever fix your half breed ass mouth to speak to me that way,” Revvy snapped.

“Revvy, I can’t understand why you and the late Carlos tend to think you can bend the rules. We said months ago to dead this beef bullshit. I see that you’ve done everything but that. We need to speak with you alone. Everyone can leave,” Fred spoke up, eyes on Revvy.

“Actually, we’ll be talking with him and you as well Fred,” Sean spoke up grabbing everyone’s attention.

Fred seemed to have the color drain from his face as he took a step back.

“Excuse me?” Fred frowned.

Sean shook his head.

“No confusion involved. We received emails from Carlos with evidence that you was helping him steal money and that you yourself was in on some of his crimes. You can say goodbye to everyone Fred for they will no longer see you and running won’t help,” Sean retorted as the guards pulled out their weapons.

Fred dropped his head and rushed to the back of the warehouse. Masami stood among the men in the warehouse, her expression unreadable as she made her way outside. As soon as she stepped out into the chilly breeze, she lit up the thin joint between her fingers, taking a long drag as the weed settled into her system. She tilted her head back, staring up at the bright sky, letting the moment calm her.

“Congrats, Masami,” Yaseer said, coming up behind her.

Masami didn’t bother looking at him, her eyes still fixed on the sky as the cold air brushed her skin.

“Instead of speaking to me, go be a husband and father to your family,” she muttered, her voice low and dismissive.

Yaseer shook his head, walking off without another word.

“Come on, Masami,” Ossa called out, already sliding into the driver’s seat of a sleek black BMW.

Masami took one last look at the sky, wondering how her father would feel seeing the world move on so easily without him. With a sigh, she headed to Ossa’s car. Once she was inside, Ossa lit up a blunt and pulled out onto the freeway, heading towards their borough. They drove in silence, Masami too deep in her own thoughts to speak.

When they finally pulled up to the estate—the house they grew up in—Masami felt a lump in her throat. She took one last hit off her joint, then tossed it out the window as they parked near the fountains. Contractors were already on the property, tearing things down, and she sighed.

“I can’t believe Fred ass was stealing too. This shit crazy,” Ossa said, cutting the engine and turning to her. “You know this house belongs to all of us, right?”

Masami shook her head, her gaze still on the old home. “I don’t want it, Ossa. Too much pain in those walls.”

Ossa opened his door and stepped out, pausing for a moment. “I get it. Let’s take a walk, Masami.”

Ossa exited his car and Masami followed suit. They traveled into their childhood home and Masami could feel her emotions swell within her as she noticed Ossa was damn near gutting the home from the ground up. He was breaking up her father’s favorite black and white flooring along with tearing down walls.

“I wanna first apologize to you for not running this by you. Everything was happening fast, and I didn’t wanna ruin it for you because I know how long you wanted a seat at the table. I wanted you to be surprised, so that’s why I couldn’t tell you about me taking the house and all the other shit. You would have had a million questions like you always do. You ready for us to get back into the life?” Ossa smirked, looking as relieved as she felt to be back in the Michigan Mafia.

Masami thought of the tumultuous life she had in the Toussaint home as she walked beside her brother. There were a few good days and numerous bad ones. It was strange because even though she never wanted to live in the house again, she still had moments of fondness for it.

“I am. I had months to think about what I wanted to do with my life, and nothing felt right, nothing but what happened today. It’s who we are, even if the people we love don’t understand it. Is Imani okay with this?”

Ossa nodded as he led Masami into the kitchen. Masami couldn’t help but to glance at the bottom cabinet that released her into the kitchen and placed her into a world of chaos the day she shot her mom.

“Imani understands what the life means to me. She might not always like the shit, but she gets it. I have to find a way to balance it out and I will because I’ll die before I lose my family. She knows what it is, though. We discussed it and she let me know what she wasn’t gone put up with. I swear the minute she got close with y’all is the minute she started with the attitude and shit,” he frowned, leaning against the marble island.

Masami grinned as she thought of her beautiful, fierce sister in love.

“Well, she has to be like that to handle you. When I first met her, she was mean as hell, so don’t act like we changed her. You need to admit that you ended up falling for a woman that is as headstrong as your sisters and your mom. It is what it is,” she shrugged.

Ossa hazel eyes searched around the kitchen in deep contemplation.

“Guess I did. How my nigga, AR doing?” his transition from one topic to another was so casual that if Masami didn’t know him she wouldn’t have thought anything of it. However, she did know him, and she knew he was fishing for answers. “He feeling better? His mom said you haven’t been there in days.”

Masami peered down at her fresh Russian manicure, then at her feet that were planted in a pair of white Bottega Veneta strappy heel sandals. She looked back up at her brother and shrugged.

“I cook food for him weekly, I have mom drop it off or I take it to the front desk of the building and have them bring it up to him. I make sure that his clothes are done, and I’ve been helping Nano with running his fight club in Detroit. Ossa, I’m not sure what else he wants from me? His guard follows me practically everywhere I go. If Ariz wanted to have me in the penthouse, then his guard would be pestering me about going there, right?”

It was a lie. It was a big lie, but Masami wasn’t interested in discussing Ariz and how she was handling him.

“Okay,” Ossa nodded. He put out his blunt and rubbed the low cut waves on his head. “So, you signed the papers, then?”

Masami dug her nails into her hand as her irritated eyes shot to Ossa. How was she gonna be his underboss when he got on her nerves so damn bad at times?

“Let’s discuss what you plan on doing to this house and how we are gonna make some real money now that we’re back. It could be months before the ports start pulling in good money for us.”

Ossa stepped off the island and shot her an annoyed look before shaking his head.

“I’ll say this and leave the shit alone. With everything we’ve done, I don’t think we’re in a position to judge anyone. Especially a nigga that took a bullet for me and would die for you. He’s like my fucking brother and trust if he wasn’t I would have killed his ass the minute I found out you was with him. However, I spared him because at the end of the day y’all grown. And I trust him. Even if I wasn’t comfortable with the marriage, I know that I could die at any moment and rest easy knowing that my sister was with someone that would take care of her. When I saw that what he was feeling about you was real, that’s when I backed off. He fucked up,” Ossa noted, shaking his head. “We all have but tell me, did he care enough to try to make it right? Did he own up to his mistakes? That’s the shit that matters, sis. Yeah, it hits different when somebody you care for hurt you, but shit happens. None of us are perfect, Masami. Now come your big-headed ass on so I can show you the plans I have for the house. It’s gone be so nice, all y’all gonna wanna move back in this bitch with them niggas y’all got,” Ossa remarked.

Masami playfully rolled her eyes and followed him out of the kitchen as she mulled over his words.

Two days later, after dropping off food to Ariz she met Lyfe for lunch on her side of town. She smiled as she pulled into the lot of one of her favorite bar and grille spots on the Northside. She honestly felt like her family would never have a chance to be in the mafia life again, yet there they were, being granted another lifeline and she appreciated it greatly. Already she, along with Ossa, was implementing ways to bring more revenue to the mafia and ultimately get him to the Don seat. Yes, they fucked with Yaseer, but in the end they were always gonna root for the Toussaint family to be on the throne.

It was only right that way.

Masami quickly applied her lip oil and as she was pushing the car door open, she received a text message from Ariz.

Ariz: Thank you for the food. I really appreciate everything you’ve done for me, ma. Can I spend some time with you today?

Masami looked at the message, not sure how to reply before closing it out completely and tossing her phone into her baby pink Hermes Kelly bag. She exited the car and tugged at her too tight jeans as she headed into the bar and grille. As she approached the hostess desk, her eyes fell onto Lyfe, who was standing near the bar area that was facing the hostess stand. He leaned against the bar, looking dapper as ever in his tattered denim jeans, vintage DU PONT racing NASCAR jacket along with wheat Timbs. His ginger hair was evenly faded, and his beard was longer, yet it suited him. His amber eyes locked in on her, and he smirked as he headed her way.

“I found him,” Masami told the hostess who was looking her way.

“Okay, let me know if you all need to be seated,” the hostess spoke politely.

Masami advanced on Lyfe, and he shook his head.

“Where the hell this come from?” Lyfe mused grabbing her hips playfully.

Masami blushed as she pushed him off her. He grabbed her arm and pulled her into a warm embrace. Masami was able to exhale as she hugged Lyfe near the front of the bar. She closed her eyes and enjoyed his presence mixed with his alluring scent as he held her tightly.

“Even after all the bullshit, life’s great ain’t it?” he asked lowly.

Masami pulled back and smiled as she peered up into his eyes.

“It is,” she whispered.

Lyfe nodded.

“I got us a booth over here,” Lyfe told her, pulling her along.

Masami walked with Lyfe to the booth that was near the right side of the bar, and she took her seat. As Lyfe sat across from her, she noticed how amused he looked while placing his phone and truck fob onto the table.

“What?” she frowned, holding back a smile.

“I saw at my party that you were getting thick, but you unlocked a new level in this bitch. You look good, love. I see you wearing bright colors and shit. No more black,” he noted, and Masami peered down at her soft pink sweater that she’d paired with her fitted jeans and ankle boots. “Hair getting back long and shit. You still married?” Masami nodded for some reason, feeling bad that she’d taken off the beautiful ring, and Lyfe sighed. “You love him,” he said, more of a fact than a question, and slowly she nodded.

“I do,” she murmured, wondering if that was normal. “He hurt me though,” she sighed.

Lyfe relaxed in his seat and when she peered his way, he lifted his hand where she’d accidentally shot him. As he put his hand down, the server showed up. After ordering drinks and appetizers, Masami grimaced.

“I know I’m no one to judge and again, I’m so sorry I did all of that to you. It’s just this is different,” she huffed as Lyfe looked her way. Even without saying it, she knew what he was thinking. “Okay, it’s no different,” she had to relent, even though her pride was trying to force her from doing such a thing. “I’m shocked that he would do that, and I’m hurt. After losing my place in the life, losing you and my dad, I was relieved to be in his presence. He gave me this feeling I had never felt before. I thought it was real,” she revealed.

Masami grabbed her water as Lyfe cleared his throat.

“Was your feelings for me real?” he asked.

Masami nodded while sipping her water and he tilted his head.

“Then why not take his word for face value? You came into my life under the same circumstances. From what Ossa told me, he was doing what his pops asked of him, same as you. He wanted his father’s love, same as you. Seems to me like you met your equal and that’s not to be shady at all, love. I’m saying you and him both feel that emptiness inside from your pops and together y’all was good. I mean shit, look at you. Love looks good on your ass, so why push that away? He came clean, even took a bullet for your brother. You can’t sit here with me, wanting me to forget about the past things you did when you can’t forgive your husband. That’s not what a real muthafucka would do and you are one of the realest women I know. Stop being prideful and forgive him. Shit, it took a lot for me to let you back in, but I did. I value your friendship, and I can’t see myself not having you in my life. Are you seriously willing to divorce him and move on because he did the same thing you did to me? If so, that’s gone make me look at you differently.”

Masami took offense at his last remarks.

“What do you mean, look at me differently?”

Lyfe tugged on his chin hairs while peering her way.

“If you feel so violated that you can’t forgive him for what he did when I forgave you for all the shit you did to me, I’ma feel like a sucka ass nigga. Simple as that love because it’s gone make me question myself. Like why I showed you something that you couldn’t even show the nigga you claim to love?”

Masami shifted in her seat as her pretty face fell into a frown.

“I don’t claim to love him, Lyfe. I love him.”

“Then act like it. Shit, show him you do. Love is a verb, Masami. It’s also not just for the good times, ma. You know that, shit me being here shows that love takes you out of your comfort zone. If I didn’t have love for you Masami, you would be dead. Do you really understand that?” he questioned, sitting up and placing his elbows on the table.

Masami stared at him as her heart raced.

“I would have killed you right after I had sex with you. I could have easily had my uncle’s people not only take you out, but your family, too. Love is the reason you’re still breathing. This has nothing to do with Juju. This is about me and you Masami, you following me?” he asked, reaching across the table to grab her hand.

“I am,” she spoke softly as the drinks were quietly brought out.

Lyfe thanked the server before diverting his attention back to Masami.

“You told me that even despite the lie and set up, you loved me, and you even gave me your body, right?”

Masami nodded, not able to look away from Lyfe as he spoke and held her hand.

“Because I did, and a part of me still loves you. Just not in that way,” she stopped speaking and Lyfe smirked at her.

“I’ma grown man, love. You don’t have to coddle my feelings. You love him more, right?” With no anger in his eyes, he told her, as if it was obvious. Masami nodded sadly while looking at him. “Then why is it so hard for you to show that?”

Masami shook her head, despising the feeling of being wrong about something.

“It isn’t,” she defended and instead of responding, Lyfe let her hands go and sat back to drink his drink.

When he was done, the conversation shifted to Juju. Her progress with being on her own again outside of the mental facility and Masami was glad for the shift in conversation. After lunch, Masami traveled to Ariz loft. She was stuffed from the food she’d eaten and had even placed a to go order for a steak for Ariz, knowing how he loved a good cut of beef. As she entered the loft and found two or Ariz’s workers packing up boxes, her smile slipped from her face.

“Where’s Ariz?” she asked, noticing the men were packing away the items inside of the kitchen and dining room.

“He should be on the balcony. I told that nigga to get some rest, but he said he’s ready to go.”

Masami quickly grew uncomfortable at the thought of Ariz leaving. She placed the food onto the counter before heading to the balcony. She spotted Ariz in black Chrome Heart sweats standing near the railing while speaking to his beautiful mom. Masami took a few calming breaths before stepping onto the balcony and interrupting their private moment.

“Hey beautiful! I love the weight gain, I see my son has been feeding you,” Daniella grinned, pulling Masami into a warm embrace.

Masami hugged Ariz’s mom tightly as she noticed the desolate look in Ariz’s eyes as he peered her way.

“Thank you and it’s been all me. He cooked in the beginning but now he doesn’t even wanna make himself a bowl of cereal,” Masami fibbed, knowing Ariz still cooked regularly even after the shooting.

“Me not cooking, imagine that. Plus, what the fuck I need to cook for when you letting your old niggas take you out to eat?”

Ariz lit his blunt at his words and, although it was on the cooler side, Masami’s skin warmed at his accusatory tone.

“A friend is the key word,” she snapped.

Ariz chuckled with anger and slight hurt flashing across his face.

“He bout to be a memory you keep running to him. I don’t give a fuck who he related to. That nigga gone end up on a t-shirt fucking around with you,” Ariz responded, and Daniella shook her head.

“Now see we are not about to do that and you two are not about to place bad juju on this rental property. Fucking it up for the next people that wanna move in.”

Masami looked at Ariz’s mom strangely.

“Rental property? I thought he was trying to leave,” she spoke, and Ariz sat in the chair on the balcony as Daniella smiled at her.

“No, Ariz wants to place this property up for rent because my father has given him a wedding gift. You know that house that wasn’t too far from your childhood home on Baylor Drive? I believe Mary and Jeff once stayed there?” Danielle asked.

Masami frowned until she remembered the lush estate that almost rivaled her Toussaint estate that she grew up in. It was more modern than her family home and spacious, boasting an indoor and outdoor pool with a basketball court and over four bedrooms. It was stunning and the thought of living in such a gorgeous place instantly lifted her spirit.

“I do. Wow, that place is so beautiful. I can’t wait to start moving my stuff in,” she replied, and Daniella laughed.

“I know right, I told my father to drop a bag on my baby, but he did more than that. It’s paid for and will be a great place for you all to build a family. I mean, I can’t always be young; I have to eventually be a Gigi,” she mused.

“Masami doesn’t wanna live with me, ma. I can either rent it out or sell it,” Ariz frowned.

“I wish you would, I would beat your ass myself. I’ma go in here and make myself a plate of that food Masami cooked earlier for you, and I want you two to kiss and makeup. Geez, shit has gone on long enough. Both two bullheaded people. I already know my grandbabies gone end up being bad as hell,” Danielle fussed, entering back into the loft.

Masami went to the railing and closed her eyes as the cool wind nipped at her skin.

“I’m not playing, Masami. You gone make me seriously hurt that orange hair having ass nigga,” Ariz grumbled.

Masami knew he was upset, but she couldn’t stop herself from smiling. She peered back at Ariz and saw he was wincing while hitting his blunt. His boy was right, he should have been in bed resting. However, he seemed to be obsessed with moving around now that his therapist told him he was okay with going back to his regular lifestyle.

“You are only supposed to be up out of bed in moderation and we should talk,” she swallowed hard and exhaled before going over to Ariz. Masami went to him and he pulled her onto his lap. Slight pain covered his face as he looked up at her.

“Tell me you can’t forgive me, and I’ll give you what you want. I won’t force you to stay married to me, let alone move into a house and start a family. I love you, but I wouldn’t do no shit like that.”

Masami began to breathe harder as she studied his face. She still remembered the days when she would rest in her childhood bedroom dreaming of Ariz. Wondering if she would ever have a chance to be his woman. Be in his life as more than Ossa’s little sister, and there she was. She was his, had made love to him and experienced all that she thought he would be. But damn, it had come at a cost. Masami gently caressed his handsome face, taking time to brush her fingers over his full lips and thick eyebrows. When Ariz gripped her hip, she exhaled.

“I’m not in love with Lyfe. I thought I was because outside of crushing on you, I had never felt feelings for a man. However, when you came back into our lives, I saw that it wasn’t the same. The things you make me feel scares even me and it was easy for me to let go with you. Easy for me to let you take the lead and fall,” Masami stopped speaking as Ariz tossed the blunt. His hands went to her waist, and she gave him a gentle smile. “We are too much alike, Ariz, and that scares me the most because you are the one person that could end me. Despite that, to come in here and think you were trying to leave me had me ready to pull my gun out. I’m in love with you and I do forgive you. Thank you for protecting Ossa, but I need for you to care about your own life too. For me and for your mom, so please leave Revvy and that side of your family alone. Now we are back in the mafia, and he can’t do anything to us. He doesn’t want the Founding Members coming down on him for breaking that rule. So, it’s dead, it’s done, right?” she asked.

Ariz stared at her briefly before nodding.

“Rocco been MIA but when he pop back out who knows what type of shit he gone be on? They put a bullet in me, Masami. That’s a hard pill to swallow. Shit, I’m not a part of the mob.”

Masami wanted peace and to make money. Nothing more because war was costly and too time consuming for her.

“Please, for me. Let it go,” she urged.

Ariz gripped her hip as he licked his lips.

“I’ll leave them alone. You don’t have to worry about that, but I have some requests for you. No more staying out at your sisters places or the hotel. No more spending days away from me. We back to us and if you go see that orange nigga, I’m going with you. Okay?”

Masami nodded, knowing it was best while being low key excited to be back up under Ariz. She missed their talks, movie time and sex. It wasn’t purely sexual, but she missed even the connection of having him inside of her. Ariz was her plus one, the man she felt was placed on earth for her and she didn’t want to lose him over pride.

“It’s a deal,” she whispered, hiding her grin.

Ariz smirked, showing his beautiful set of teeth.

“I would never lie to you again, Masami. I’m so sorry I hurt you baby, now give me a kiss. A nigga been waiting on a kiss from your pretty ass,” he groaned.

Masami blushed as she leaned forward and kissed Ariz passionately on the lips, making Danielle tap on the window and cheer them on from inside of the loft.

“Let’s go in the room real quick. I want you to sit on it,” Ariz spoke against her lips.

Masami looked from him to his mom, who was standing near the window watching them.

“Not with all them people in there and your momma is watching us,” she whispered.

“Come on ma. My shit is hard as hell. I’ll take care of them,” Ariz replied, tapping her waist.

Masami stood and watched Ariz stand slowly. They traveled into the loft, and he grabbed her hand as he looked at his mom, who was observing them with a silly grin on her face.

“Oh, you don’t have to say nothing to me. I know what time it is. I’ll make my plate to go and take the boys with me. I know it’s time for that makeup sex and I get it. As long as you two on one accord, I am not complaining. Welcome back Masami. Now y’all go work on my grandbaby,” she cheesed and strode off.

Ariz shook his head as embarrassment flashed across Masami’s face. She had honestly forgotten how forward and young, acting Ariz’s mom was, but she loved that about her.

“Come on, ma,” Ariz spoke, taking her through the loft.

When they entered the bedroom, Masami was shocked at the beautiful flower arrangements lining the wall, along with the designer bags on the dresser. She watched Ariz close and lock the door before she spoke.

“What’s all this?”

Ariz dimmed the lights and headed her way.

“I was planning on cooking for you until I got a text from one of my youngins that you was out with that nigga. No lie, it hurt, but I wasn’t worried. You not the cheating type, mad or not.”

Masami peered up at him as he grabbed the bottom of her top to remove it.

“I’m not,” she agreed softly.

Ariz kissed her lips again before taking off her clothes. Once they were naked, he led her over to the bed and rested on his back. Masami slowly mounted him as his eyes devoured her naked frame. Ariz’s hands had a way or exploring her body with an adoration that made her eyes water. Even as her stomach now had a jiggle to it, Ariz seemed to love it. She stared down at him as he massaged her hips and ass before licking his lips.

“I love you,” he told her, unashamedly, easily, with reverence, and she felt his words in her soul as she slid down his thick erection.

“I love you too,” she moaned.

Masami leaned down and pecked his lips as he gripped her waist. Slowly she started to bounce on him, then with every movement she felt herself becoming free again. They were onto bigger, and better things and nothing could get in the way of that. Not even Revvy and his hating ass son.