Prologue

Trenton and his wife, Vivian were on their way to their baby shower. They were very
excited and happy to finally add to their family. When they found out they were
having a baby girl, Trenton was ecstatic, he couldn't wait to teach his baby girl the
world and more. Vivian too was excited she just rather a boy because she knew she
sent her parents through hell and back and didn't want karma to bite her in the ass.
As Trenton pulled up to the curb of the hotel, they could see there were way too
many cars parked in the area. As the couple walked into the Hyatt at the Bellevue,
Trenton led the way to the XIX Cafe where their shower was being held.
As soon as they entered the room they were hit with an overwhelming,
"Congratulations!" from all of their guests.Tears began to fill Vivian's eyes, she left
Trenton's side and went to hug her mother, father, and sister.
Trenton started to follow behind her,but was stopped by a woman in a tight blue
dress with a wig that made he look as if she was disguising herself. As he studied
her face he thought she looked familiar, he figured he'd just seen her around.
Trenton tried blowing her off with a "Hi" and " Thanks for coming", but before he
could even walk away the woman grabbed his arm, pulling him back in her
direction.
" It's me Janelle." she stated in a low, hushed tone.
Trenton swiveled on his heels studying Janelle's face, before pulling her into a tight
embrace. Instantly it clicked on him who the woman standing before him was.
"It's a shame you don't even recognize your own mother." Janelle said.
"What are you doing here? How did you know I was here? Is everything okay?" He
asked bombarding Janelle with all his questions at once.
" Trent I'm fine I just came--" She was cut off by the ringing of a cellphone, Trenton's
cellphone.
He held up a finger and told his mother, "Hold on a minute." Before retrieving his
phone from his pocket. He glaced at the screen and it was his bestfriend, Quincy
calling him.
"Aye, Wassup Q!" he excitedly said into the phone."Where you at man?"
"Aye man, me and Camilla gon' be a lil late but we'll definitely be there." Quincy
stated , matter fo factly. "Sorry we were runnin' late and you know how traffic is
comin' from Camilla's mom's place. We had to drop the boys off, we're comin'
though."

" Hey man all I know is you better be here for your man and your god-child ." Trent
joked on the phone.
"Hey T, we'll be there as soon as we can." Quincy said hanging up the phone.
Trenton put his phone back in his pocket and turned his attention back to his
mother.
" What were you saying?"
" Trent I was coming to let you know th-that--" she stalled nervously looking around
the room.
Trent looked at his mother and his eyes scanned the room just as hers did. He
noticed two guys that looked out of place.
" What is it ?" he asked with urgency in his voice, he had sensed her nervousness.
Tears began rolling down her high cheek bones,"They made me do it !" she cried
hysterically. Janelle felt horrible betraying her only son like this. He had done
nothing but good for her, even when she was at her lowest low and all she could do
was turn to drugs, he'd still look out for her and make sure she was okay.
Getting frustrated, Trenton looked around the room and when his eyes landed on
the two guys, he noticed they were looking right back at him with their hands
reaching for their waists. Trent immediatetly did the same, reaching for his piece,
but he realized that he left it inside the car because Vivian asked him to, he cursed
himself for not being strapped. The next thing he knew bullets were flying
everywhere, he quickly took for cover behind a stone pillar, pulling his mother,
Janelle with him.
Screams come from every direction. While in the midst of flying bullets and people
scattered everywhere. Trenton tries his best to keep calm, but as he peaks around
the pillar he sees bodies dropping like flies and blood everywhere. He immediately
looks around the room for Vivian but she is no where in sight.
"Nooo!",screams a woman from the other side of the room. Trenton looks in that
direction and sees Vivian's mother cradling someone's head to her chest. He dared
not to believe it was his wife.
"My baby's been shot!" she screams again through tears.
"Stay right here don't go anywhere!" Trenton demanded Janelle.
Coming from behind the pillar after the shooting stopped he ran to his mother-inlaw's side, sitting on the floor, and sat next to her. Trying to calm her down he
grabbed her shoulders and then it hit him, Trenton finally looked down and he
realized she was holding a unconscious Vivian. Trenton's vision began to blur, he

almost blacked out until he felt the warm steel pressed against the back of his
head.
"Get the fuck up now!" yelled the unmasked man standing behind him.
Trent slowly got up from his knees looking at Vivian's almost lifeless body, "Call an
ambulance."He said while looking at the floor. "It's gonna be okay."he whispered
more to himself than to anyone else.
The unidentified gunmen still had his Magnum .357 trained on the back of Trent's
head. Without thought or hesitation the gunmen aimed and shot at Trent's mid-back
immediately piercing his right lung.
Janelle watched the entire scene from behind the stone pillar. When she saw her
only son getting shot she instantly shrieked at the horrific sight.
The second gunmen looked in her direction and fixed the barrel of his 9mm at
Janelle's head, killing her on impact.
Hours Later...
A barely conscious Vivian was rolled into the hospital and the doctor proceeded to
emergency surgery to check the status of her unborn baby and to deliver her baby.
All through this process Trenton was also having an emergency procedure to
remove the bullet from the
Magnum .357 and his right lung.
Meanwhile, Quincy, Trent's best friend and his girl, Camilla were in the waiting
room, impatiently awaiting to hear the status of their best friends, Trenton and
Vivian. Quincy began to think about all of the memories he'd shared with his right
hand man. His brief thoughts were interrupted when Camilla raised from her seat
and the doctor walked towards them.
"Hello I'm Doctor Carter," he said introducing himself. "Well as of right now I can't
confirm the condition of Trenton Downing's physical health because he's still
recovering. But as for Vivian, I sorry to inform you that she has died due to labor
complications, we have delivered their healthy baby girl, if you like you can come
and see her."
"You mean to tell me you can't tell me the status of his health? What the hell does
that mean? Look, you delivered their baby, now are they okay or not?" Quincy
yelled.
Camilla looked at Doctor Carter then at Quincy, her tear-streaked face held a look of
confusion. She placed her hand on Quincy's shoulder trying to calm him down, that
obviously didn't work because he continued to go off on the doctor.

"Look Doc all we want is answers and what you're tellin' us ain't what we lookin' for!
How the hell is Vivian dead?" Quincy got angrier trying to fathom the thought of her
being dead. She was like a sister to him.
"Baby calm down, let's go see the baby." Camilla suggested. "Have they named her
yet?" She asked directing her question to Doctor Carter.
"Trenton stated before going into surgery that he wanted to name her Amara
Janelle Downing."
"Well that'll be her name." Camilla said trying to sound enthusiastic.

Chapter I
"Damn girl you taste good!" York said as he kissed my neck and felt on my blooming
bud below my waist.
His driver opened the door to let us out. York hadn't even noticed the gesture as he
continued to feel on me.
When his drunk ass finally realized we weren't alone he got out of the car dragging
me along. I adjusted my black wig, fixing my bangs and finger combing the long
tresses.
Once we entered the lobby he walked straight to the elevator, without
acknowledging the receptionist.
York was stripped of all his clothes except his boxers. He carefully laid his gun on
the nightstand before tending to me. My jacket and pants were the only items
detached from my body, while I was still in my shirt and panties.
I tried to let out a pleasurable moan, my attempt was useless as he continued to
slobber on my neck. The stubble on his chest rubbed against my breast.
Worst foreplay ever! I thought getting agitated just listening to him plant sloppy
kisses all over my upper body.
Just as York began to move to my most prized possession, below my waist, he
looked up at me only to stare down the barrel of his very own semi-automatic
beretta.

His eyes seemed to fill with fear and ecstasy. I was turning him on even more yet I
was still getting ready to take his life.
"Damn baby it's like that? I thought you liked my handiwork," he slurred, looking
down at my lower lips, which were completely swollen. "Who sent you?" He
managed to ask me.
The only reason I was turned on was because of how easily I was getting ready to
go in for the kill. In no way, shape, or form was it York's sorry ass attempts.
"I hate to have to rain on your parade, but I only came to handle business." I said
while sitting up and and adjusting my legs so that he no longer had my most
intimate possession in his view.
His drunken state sent him into a rage, and he began to curse me out, calling me all
kinds of bitches and hoes, non-stop.
"Bitch do you know who the fuck I am. You comin' at the wrong one. You better hope
you kill me, 'cause if not I'm comin' for your ass bi--"
Before he could even call me another bitch, I made sure to silence him once and for
all.
My name was Amara Janelle Downing and I was nobody's bitch.
Chapter II
After getting dressed and putting on my pants and black leather jacket. I made sure
to wipe everything down in the hotel room. I wiped York's gun down and laid it next
to him making the scene look like a suicide.
His brain matter decorated the wall behind him. I left the hotel room after making
sure nothing in the room linked me to the scene.
Just as I walked outside, my brother, AC pulled up in a stolen, beat up Buick Century.
"How did it go?" He questioned me, referring to York.
"How do you think it went?" I retorted, taking offense to his question."He'll be
making headlines sooner or later. He got a dose of what he deserved." I answered
while taking off the wig I used to disguise myself.
It was two in the morning and I was ready to get home and get out of these smelly
ass clothes and take a shower and sleep.
Earlier That Day
"Amara promise me you'll stop this!" My father pleaded in a stern tone.

I was now twenty-three and gonna do what I damn well pleased.

"Daddy stop what?" I asked, annoyance written all over my face. I was tired of
having this same conversation with my father. I knew what consequences came
with me choosing my profession, he seemed to be the only person worried about it.
I just feigned ignorance in attempt to get him off my back.
I set the finishing touches on my make-up, applying my NYX lip butter in Gundrop as
my father ranted on and on about how I knew what he was talking about. Every
other word he said just went in one ear and out the other.
Once he became silent I looked at him through my vanity to see him leaned against
the doorframe. He was waiting for me to say something but I didn't have a response
because I was barely listening in the first place.
I moved around my room towards my closet to find the perfect pair of shoes to sport
with the black lambskin leather Balenciaga jacket I was wearing. After a few
minutes of the internal debate between Jason Wu's black leather high-heeled
sandals or the black and gold Saint Laurent ankle strapped sandal heels. I choose
my latest purchase from Saint Laurent.
I sat on my bed and slipped on my one thousand ninety-five dollar shoes.
Walking over to my full-length body mirror across the room, I checked my
appearance, only to confirm what I already knew. Even though I was a slim chick
with B cup breasts, I had plump, round behind to make up for what little I lacked. I
was gonna be the baddest chick stepping out tonight.
My slightly slanted, dark brown eyes were as piercing as the night time sky. My full,
salmon-colored lips always drew in attention. My naturally curly golden-brown hair
was tucked under a black, long wig.
"Look dad, I got business to handle so I'll be back a little later tonight." I notified my
father while grabbing my keys.
"Don't wait up. Love you." I added, kissing him on the cheek and making my way
towards the front door.
Moments after settling in my Mercedes Benz C-class coupe, I picked up my phone to
call my god-brothers, Gunna and AC. Just after the third ring I saw headlights in my
rearview. Knowing who it was I ended the call.
"What's up lil sis, you ready?" Gunna asked as he and AC entered the interior of my
car.
This nigga got some nerve. I thought inwardly to myself.

Gunna was the type to always test people, whether it being their patience, courage,
endurance, or existence he was always the one you could count on to bring the
scrutiny. At twenty-six he was the younger brother of the two and he was the less
mature of the two. But I could always count on him to liven things up and show me
a good time.
As for AC he was forever serious, always on edge. He never found time to get out
and have fun unless the job called for it, this was something I'd picked up from him.
Although I still knew when to let loose and relax.
"What kinda question is that? You already know the answer!" I replied taking pride in
my profession.
"We'll see!" AC said trying to call my bluff.
I started my car, then looked back at AC and Gunna.
"What'chu waitin' on?" Gunna asked in total oblivion.
I snapped my head in his direction, sizing him up. "For y'all to get the fuck out my
whip, that's what! Y'all ain't ridin' wit' me." I stated with a light chuckle, half joking,
half serious. "You too," directing my last statement towards AC.
"Aye, watch who you talking to." he said back to me in all seriousness.
He thought because he was twenty-nine and the oldest, he could talk to me and
Gunna any kind of way.
Gunna looked at me with a 'you damn sure better' look on his face, in agreement to
what his brother had said.
I rolled my eyes at Gunna's goofiness and AC's stuck up ass.
After the duo got out of my car, before closing my car door AC threw a manilla
folder in the backseat.
I already knew what it was. Without even looking through the contents to confirm
my thoughts I tossed the folder in my gloved-compartment.

I pulled up to club Two-Twelve with Gunna and AC in tow, right behind me.
Before getting out of my car, I checked my make-up looking into the mirror on my
sun visor. Pulling out my lip butter and reapplying it, I got a knock on the driver side
window I damn near was about to blow somebody's top off. Only to see it was
Gunna's childish ass playing around like always.

I stepped out of my car and AC, Gunna, and I made our way to the entry point of the
club.
As soon as we entered we went our seperate ways, in search of the owner of the
club, York. He wasn't that hard to spot.
He was in the VIP section with a bunch of groupie hoes on his dick.
I positioned myself at the bar in the middle of the room, giving myself the perfect
view to watch his every move.
I ordered a Orange Cocktail getting comfortable and adjusting to my surroundings. I
danced to the latest hit from Jeezy as it pumped through the bass filled speakers
while sipping my cocktail.
One of the female bartenders approached me, "The drink here is courtesy of Mr York
himself, on him."
She handed me another Orange Cocktail, as soon as I looked in York's direction he
smiled and winked at me showing me his gold teeth. Before turning around I
returned a weak smile.
It wasn't long before I seen York in my peripheral, walking in my direction.
Jackpot, I thought to myself I knew it wouldn't be long before York played himself
into my hands, at that point I made direct eye contact with my brother, Gunna, just
to show him I knew what I was doing.
"Wassup ma," York said closing in the space between us.
This cocky ass nigga had the nerve to be all up in my face, his breath smelled like
he had been drinking all night.
Giving him the same weak smile, I accepted his offer when he asked me to join him
in the VIP area.
I followed behind him as he lead the way with his hand in mine.
As York and I reached the elevated part of the club, one of his groupie hoes bumped
me and tried to size me up. If I wasn't tryna handle business, I would've put my foot
in that hoes ass. Instead of losing my cool I continued to follow York as he lead me
to a cushioned seating area. As soon as we sat down another trick walked up to
York, "Daddy can I get you anything?" she asked him as if she'd been demoralized.
" Yea get me another drink. You want anything to drink--," he paused and looked at
me to finish his sentence.
"It's Tiffany and no thanks." Tiffany was the first name to pop in my head so I just
ran with it.

"What you tryna do tonight? I hope you taste as good as you look." He asked me.
I smiled and whispered back in his ear, making his member slightly rise.
Just as I seen AC walk past the VIP booth, towards the bathroom, I excused myself
from York and followed behind AC.
Once I made it to the restroom AC was outside the men's room waiting for me. I
pulled him into the ladies room.
"Is he buying it?" He questioned.
"Hell yeah, he's drunk as a skunk. All he think I am is a good fuck."
"How long you think it's gonna take for you to get him outta here?"
Thinking of a easy way to convince AC that I had this in the bag, I simply said, "You'll
see!", handing him my car keys so he could take my car home.
Walking out of the restroom, I turned back around when AC called me back inside.
"Baby girl it's eleven thirty-seven. We only got a couple hours left to wrap this shit
up." He reminded me while looking at his gold Cartier watch.
"Okay Damn!" I said while making my way out of the ladies room.
On my way back to York I see him throw back two shots with his homeboys. This
may just be easier than I thought.
As Soon as I sat next to York, He reeked and his eyes were bloodshot.
Slipping his arm around my waist he leaned toward me and whispered in my ear.
The next thing I knew we were walking out the back of his club, getting into his
town car where his designated driver waited for us.
The Next Day
The next morning I woke up to my phone ringing. Without looking at the caller ID I
just picked up.
"Wake yo ass up and turn to channel 10 now!" Looking at the screen to see it was
Gunna's super hype self.
I groaned as I reluctantly got out of bed and turned on the television and turned the
channel, what I saw caused a sly smile to grace my lips.
"We're now on location where a body of a young man was found at Super 8 motel
here in Bellmawr, New Jersey, authorities haven't identified the body or ruled the
cause of death, but as soon as they get that information I'll be sure to update, until
then, Grace back to you."

I turned the tv off and made my way down to the kitchen to make a quick breakfast.
Cracking my eggs and placing them in the pot my phone rang again, this time it
was Benny, the guy that hired me and my brothers to kill and rob York. I wondered
to myself what he was calling me for, we always handled business through AC.
"Hello?"
"Meet me at Honey's on Fourth at noon, and come alone." Benny's voice boomed in
my ear. Without even giving me a chance to question him or respond he hung up.

Chapter III
Just before I was getting ready to leave to meet up with Benny I got dressed in a
simple grey tank, hip hugging jeans, my all white Jordan Concords, and my floral
bucket hat.
Climbing into my Benz, I made my way to Honey's Diner. It took all of twenty
minutes just to get to this restaurant across town. I raced the sun as it graced the
skyline.

The entire drive, my attention continued to divert to Benny's reasoning for this meet
up. Like why in the hell Benny wanted to meet with me, alone at that, without my
brothers. Just as I slowed at the yellow light ahead of me, I pulled out the same
manilla folder from last night that AC handed to me.
Shifting through its contents, "It look like twenty-five g's to me." I thought out loud.
"Hell if it ain't about the money, what is--" My thoughts were cut short by the
honking of horns behind me. Growing irritated I blew my horn back before
accelerating the gas.
I arrived at Honey's about ten minutes earlier than expected. Within those ten
minutes I began to think what this meet up was about. I thought of calling AC and
asking him did he know anything about this, I decided not to and that I'd just see
what it was that Benny called me for.

"So you want me to leave Philly and go to Michigan without my brothers?" I asked
Benny trying to make sure I heard him right.
"That's exactly what I'm saying." He said bluntly.
"Benny we work as a unit, I'm not to sure how I'm supposed to get the job done
without their help." I had never been sent to kill without my brothers, I would
definitely be out of my element in a whole other state.
"You did kill York on your own, Amara I've got faith in you, I got a friend in Detroit
that I owe a favor to, I told him I would send you to discretely handle his business.
He's going to pay you fifty grand for each head." That was twenty-five thousand
more than Benny had ever paid me for one job.
After hearing Benny say this I began to take the offer into consideration.
"When am I gonna meet this so called friend if yours?" I questioned, although Benny
was pretty confident, I still had to get a feel of this guy for myself.
"He's coming down in a few days, I'll set something up. With that being said, the
other reason I called to meet up with you was to pay you in excess for the job you
did."
Being that I made my own money, I had always wanted to get out of Philly so I
wouldn't constantly be looking over my shoulders, but everything I ever knew was
here in Philadelphia, this was home. Even though I hadn't heard anything about
people gunning for me, deep down I knew that I needed a fresh start. The only
downside would be that the freshness wouldn't last long before I had to dirty my
hands again.
A Couple Days Later

A couple of days had passed since my meet up with Benny and today was the day
his friend would arrive.
I called Benny to see what was up with this offer, but he didn't answer instead he
shot me a text; 7 o'clock Dinner at Zahav's. Come dressed formally and come ready
to handle business. I took offense to the text after reading it, anytime it was implied
that I wasn't prepared I received it as an insult. It felt like people were constantly
testing me because of my feminism. Yes I was a female but that's no reason , but I'll
show them better than I can tell them. I was just as serious about my business as he
was.
That Night
"Don't fuck this up, Amara!" Benny walked in front of me and lead us into the
restaurant.
"Benny, are you serious right now? You must've forgot who you talking to! I'm the
best at this. I thought you had faith in me."
"I just know you better not fuck this up." Benny gave me a serious glare.
I was sick and tired of the constant disrespect, these men continued to
underestimate me. I wasn't having it. I held my composure and bit my tongue, and
continued to follow Benny.

Chapter IV
Before sitting at the reserved table, I greeted Benny's friend and his crew.
"Nice to finally meet you, Amara."
"It good to finally meet you too, Mikeal." Benny looked at me with a suprised
expression after stating Mikeal's name. I guess he was wondering how I knew his
partners name.
"Why don't you two have a seat." Mikeal politely suggested, pointing towards the
two available seats at the round table. His Israeli accent very potent.
"So Miss Amara, I hear that you've got a very favorable expertise that could be used
in my circle." All eyes were on me as Mikeal continued to talk.
"Tell me, what is a beautiful little lady like yourself doing with such a ruthless
character?"
Before answering his question I looked at the few faces surrounding the table. "My
father was as ruthless as they come, but the day he lost his wife he decided to trade
in his throne and raise me to be the woman I am today." My voice stern and
confident.
I could see the wheels turning in Mikeal's head as he conjured up a question. "Who
exactly is your father?"
At that moment I became hesitant to answer his question simply because of his
status.
What if Mikeal knew my father and didn't like him? What if he sent those people to
kill my parents? What if he didn't know my father was still alive?
As these thoughts raced through my head but I kept a straight face. I didn't know
how to feel at that point. Fuck what he thought, the past has passed.
"My father is Trenton Downing." I stated looking Mikeal square in the eyes. I couldn't
tell what he was thinking but I knew the mention of my fathers name had brought
some kind of recollection to him.
"I knew your father Amara, he was once a wise man. I remember when he reigned
over this city."
"He still is a wise man.".
The look Mikeal gave me told me he was suprised to hear that my father was alive
and well. Mikeal gave Benny a look, as if Benny should have informed him about it.

Benny didn't know who my father was and would much rather it be that way.
"Impressive," placing his napkin on his plate he added, "I've made up my mind that I
would like you to join me and my team in Detroit. In a couple if days I will fly you out
so you can meet up with everyone and get acquainted." Looking me dead in the
eyes, Mikeal stated, "Be looking forward to your first mission."
Mikeal stood from the table as the waitress came towards him with his coat. He
exited the room without a single word.
Chapter V
As Benny and I walked out of the restaurant I began to wonder, What in the hell is
Benny getting out if this?
"So how did I do? Did I fuck it up?"
"Hell yeah you fucked it up in there!" I could hear all the excitement coming from
his voice. "A, girl you're gonna be makin' moves you're moving to the D and you're
partnering with a very wealthy man. "
"What are you getting from this?" I questioned knowing he was a little to antsy for
me to be moving up.
"He's going to provide me with better quality product for a lower price. Shit, I
couldn't resist that, he wanted you in exchange. Word got around that you're a
savage."
"Damn Benny that's how we do family now? Just shipping me off like I'm some
fucking slave? Huh?"
"Amara you're looking at this wrong, you're talented and I knew this would be a
great opportunity for you to make more money." Once we got to my car he stopped
me to look at me. "You like family to me, I'm looking out for you the same way you,
Gunna, and AC would for me. Babygirl, I know you deserve better so I granted you
this chance to do things bigger and better."
So why didn't AC and Gunna get this opportunity?We are a team.
The Next Day
Aunt Camilla and Uncle Quincy invited everyone over for brunch at their house. AC
was the first to arrive, my dad and I were granted access through the large gates
and into the circular driveway. I parked behind Aunt Camilla's Range Rover. As soon
as we stepped out of my vehicle, Gunna approached us in a brand new two-door
Bentley coupe. He had the top down and his girlfriend,Kim in the passenger seat. He
bobbed his head and rapped along to Kevin Gates' lyrics. Uncle Quincy came out of
his two-story home shaking his head at his sons bold behavior.

As he made his way outside, he came down his driveway looking pissed. He'd
bypassed us to approach Gunna with a scolding glare. Finally, Gunna removed the
key from the ignition shutting off the car.
"Nigga dont bring your ass up here acting ignorant! It's ten o'clock in the morning
and you got the nerve to pull up to my house showing your ass! You better not be
high or your mother is gonna put her foot up your ass!"
"Pop, calm down. Aight! And I ain't high." He defended.
"You better act like you got some goddamn before you walk into my house!"
Kim interviened trying to break the tension between the two, "Hello, Mr Turner."
Uncle Quincy smiled at her and turned around to go back inside.

"AJ When you plan on having some kids and giving us some grandbabies?"Camilla
asked.
Gunna bursted into laughter,"How is that possible momma?"
I looked at her with stretched eyes, "First I would have to find a man. Secondly, that
is not my top priority right now. AC already has Lil Ace. Shouldn't that be enough for
y'all?"
"Sis when you plan on having kids when you old and dry like the Sahara?"he joked
while laughing.
Jia, my best friend and AC's baby mama intervened. "Oh No! Lay off my best friend,
okay? You just mad!" Jia said, coming to my defense.
"Mad at what?" Gunna questioned while laughing.
I looked cross the table shooting him a menacing stare. Before I continued to eat I
flipped Gunna off.
"We need to figure out our next move. Have you talked to B lately, He wont seem to
answer my calls?" AC directed at me.
"Why would I be taking to him? Thats your partner, our business is handled between
you two."
"He told me you two were meeting up. Wanna tell me what the hell you two were
discussing if business is handled between me and him?"

Everyone in the room was silent as they anticipated my response. AC gave me an

intense stare, I returned the same stare back at him.
"I'm gonna be making a few moves on my own." I said while looking between AC
and Gunna to see their faces.
"On your own? What happened to us being a unit, a team?" He asked with hostility
in his voice.
"You know what, Fuck it! I'm visiting Detroit in a couple of days and potentially
moving there in a few weeks," I said a little louder than I intended, "and I won't be
working with you and Gunna anymore! I feel that it's time I do me without being in
you and Gunna's shadow!
"The fuck was you gonna tell us this shit, A?" Gunna asked out of concern.
"Truthfully, I hadn't planned on telling you at all, I knew you'd act like this." Getting
up from the table I stormed out of the house all the way to my car.
Who in the hell did AC think he was to be coming at me like that? I thought quietly
as I drove to the home me and my father shared. I ran to my room. Going into the
closet I pulled out two large duffle bags, one was empty and the other held some of
my earnings. Reaching at the top of my closet I retrieved three large suit cases. I
began packing my stuff for my trip to Detroit, I had to get the hell away from Philly.
Even Though the 'D' wasn't that far I would still feel leverage and know what it
would be like to hold my own. I guess I stayed after all these years just to learn the
ropes.
I was tired of living in AC and Gunna's shadow. This big move to Detroit would allow
me to claim my own and be known as Amara for a change.

Chapter VI
Later That Day
"When were you going to tell me, I'm your father?, my dad asked as he watched
me as I sat on the floor filling up my first suitcase with clothes from my closet.
"Daddy, I know but at least you know now!" I sighed.
"Babygirl," he walked over to my bed to have a seat, "you don't know anyone up
there!"
"That's what it's about, its time I meet new people for a change," I said, looking
away from my luggage and looking up towards my father. "I'm sick and tired of
living in you guys' shadows. I'm trying to find me, become my own person!" I
exclaimed.
Taking a deep breath, he took a minute to exhale.
"Okay. Fine, as long as you promise to visit me at least twice a month."
"Deal."

The next day was spent packing up the last of my things and my dad and I stuffed
the few bags of luggage into my trunk. As I was placing my things in my car my best
friend, Jia pulled up.
I was sure my father had probably called her over to talk me out of going away to
Detroit, but that wasn't happening because I was determined. My brother who is

also Jia's boyfriend, AC had been calling me all morning but I choose to ignore them,
not ready for another dispute between the two of us. Neither was I in the mood to
listen to his antics an him flipping out on me, or trying to convince me that I should
stay.
Jia stepped out of the car looking as gorgeous as always, her amber skin glowed in
the morning sun with a bronze hue. The olive colored sundress she wore
complimented her curvaceous shape perfectly. Before making her way over to us
she moved to the backseat of the car, revealing Ace, my nephew. He ran into me
with his arms stretched. "Auntie Mara!"
"Hey Aunties man, how you been?" I spoke out before kneeling down and kissing his
forehead. "Did you see Uncle Trent?"
Gasping in surprise, he reached for my dad. "Uncle Trent," He yelled.
As my dad stuffed the last few bags into my car we went into the house to chop it
up a bit.
"Really bitch? You didn't even have the decency to give me the heads up or at least
tell me you were considering moving away from me?" Jia fumed as we reached my
room.
I rolled my eyes and blew out air. "Look not right now, okay. I don't need the whole
world to be mad at me." I stated a as we walked downstairs where my father and
Ace were watching TV.
"Whatever. Listen, you know that I only came in support of you, but also to let your
ass know that I'm going to Detroit with you too, only for the first few weeks or so.
Just until you get settled in."
"Ohh No! AC put you up to this so he could know my dealings. Hell no, that's not
happening!"
"Actually I put her up to it," my father stated, butting into our disagreement. "You're
too mad with AC, Gunna ain't gonna look after you 'cause he can't do that for
himself, so Jia was the one to ask. She's your best friend and she'll keep eyes on you
making sure you're safe."
Looking between the both of them, shaking my head I gave in.
"Whatever. But what about Lil' Ace?"
"He has a father!"
"Hoe I'm not waiting on you to get your shit packed so you better do it now or go
shopping in Detroit!"
"Calm down, I'm already packed. I just need to drop my baby off. Can you take me?"
Jia asked with pleading eyes.

"Alright, hurry up!" Grabbing my car keys off the kitchen table, I said my goodbyes
to my father and promised him Id be back when everything was settled before we
headed towards my car. Jia grabbed his car seat before entering the passenger seat.
Once I pulled up to AC and Jia's place of residence before getting out of the car she
invited me in, I declined.
"Does AC even know you're coming with me?"
"Yea he seen my packed bags, I told him I'm going for a meet and greet with my
clientele there."
"Oh, make it quick honey, we only got four hours before Mikeal sends our flight."
"Okay damn you've been rushing me the entire time, I know you and AC aren't on
good terms right now but you two are going to have the conversation eventually."
"That's fine. It won't be right now though, can you please get out of my car now!"
"Suit yourself," she said with shrugged shoulders.
Getting out of my car, I relieved Ace from his car seat to say my goodbyes and
shower him with kisses. As I got back into my car I watched as they walked into the
house. Preoccupied with my phone, I didn't even notice AC coming towards me until
he opened my car door.
Sorry to my few readers I know I haven't been updating like I should but I
promise to update every two weeks.
Thanks to those who support me and read my story.
Don't forget to vote and share this story if you're enjoying it!
Love NyTazia
Look Sis I didnt come out here to bite your head off, I just wanna let you know Ima
always be here for you and if you need anything while in Detroit, call me.
Regardless of me being salty about this situation, Im still a phone call away, and
youre blood, my lil sis.
Aww Hell naw, dont your ass be tryna get all soft on me I let out a chuckle and he
joined.
Ace gave AJ bearing, loving hug after looking at her to see her nod her head. He
kissed my forehead and reminded me to be safe. After Jia and I said our goodbyes
we were on our way to Detroit.
After our flight courtesy of Mikeals jet, we had arrived in Detroit, our chauffer
dropped us at our hotel so we could check in.
Later that evening Mikeal invites Amara over for dinner with her new family.

The sun was falling, as the moons light ascended the horizon. I arrived to Mikeals
doorsteps graced in my suede Louboutin thigh high boots and a fitted black
turtleneck dress. Seconds after I rang the doorbell a beautiful Lebanese woman
opened the door
Hello, you must be Amara, Im Zaina, Mikeals wife. She said smiling as she
welcomed me into their house, I followed her as she led me to the dining room table
where everyone from Mikeals team was seated. As I walked further in to the room I
got all kinds of stares from the eyes around the room; some said, What is this bitch
doing here? while others said Damn shes fine!
Mikeal stood up and introduced me, This Is Amara, the newest member to our
team
Boss we dont need any body to count our money or cut the dope we already got
bitches to do that! One of the six young men said.
Aye bruh, chill out! Listen to what Mikeal has to say.
Dre shes not here to partake in any of that. Shes a markswoman
And a damn good one at that! I dont take insults too lightly so watch your mouth
baby boy.
All of the young men, except Dre laughed.
Amara this is Elgin, Mikeal stated introducing the tall, handsome, dark-haired,
young man. Tomorrow youll be working on an assignment together.