MY BROTHER'S BEST FRIEND

Seems Like Only Yesterday Part 2

King POV

As I immersed myself in studying Ciauna's peaceful slumber, I couldn't help but be captivated by the ethereal aura surrounding her.

The soft glow of the dim night-light delicately kissed her face, casting a gentle illumination that highlighted her relaxed features and the rhythmic ebb and flow of her breathing.

It was as if her chest moved in perfect synchrony with the very melody of the night, harmonizing in a symphony of tranquility.

Her hair, a majestic crown of ebony curls, cascaded in graceful waves around her head, resembling a halo of darkness that framed her serene expression.

Each strand seemed to possess a life of its own, swaying softly as if dancing to a silent melody only they could hear.

In this fleeting moment, the concept of time seemed to lose its grip, as if it had momentarily forgotten to march forward.

The weight of the world, with all its troubles and burdens, faded into insignificance, allowing me to fully appreciate and cherish the exquisite beauty and profound tranquility unfolding before my eyes.

However, the serenity of the moment was abruptly shattered by the piercing ring of my phone, jolting me back to the harsh reality that awaited beyond the confines of this peaceful sanctuary.

*Ring*

*Ring*

With a mix of frustration and concern, I disentangled my hands from around Ciauna's body, my fingers swiftly grasping the phone from the nightstand.

Hesitating for a moment before finally pressing the answer button.

"Hello," I gruffly spoke into the phone, the sadness in my tone betraying the calmness that had been shattered.

"Kingston, where have you been? I been trying to reach you. We need you here. It's urgent," he sternly demanded, his words leaving no room for discussion.

"I been at the warehouse. What do you need," I whispered out lying trying not to wake Ciauna?

"What do you mean, what do I need? You know exactly what the fuck I told you yesterday. It's time to go boy," he said frustrated that I hadn't been answering his previous attempts to reach me.

I listened to my father's words, his tone filled with a combination of urgency and anger.

"Dad, I need some more time. I can't just drop everything right now," I responded, my voice tinged with frustration.

I looked over at Ciauna, a wave of conflicting emotions washed over me.

On one hand, I longed to protect her and keep her shielded from the dangerous world my father wanted me to enter.

On the other hand, my loyalty and sense of responsibility towards my family and the death of my brother tugged at my heart, reminding me that my father's request couldn't be ignored indefinitely.

My brother, Lonzo, was next in line to run the cartel. It was something he was very passionate about.

Him being no longer alive, left me with the burden of continuing the family legacy.

There was a heavy pause on the other end of the line, and I could almost envision my father's stern expression. "You have to understand, Kingston, this is bigger than just your own desires. Everything I have worked so hard to build is in danger. I need you, son," he urged, his voice a mix of urgency and concern.

Turning back to Ciauna, I gently brushed a strand of hair away from her face.

"Please dad, I- I just can't leave right now," I begged.

She was my solace, my safe haven. The first girl to show me real genuine love, fondness my mother failed to show me.

"What's stopping you from leaving Kingston. Give me a reason," he asked heavily breathing over the phone?

But there was no running from the sins of my bloodline, no escaping the dark shadow that loomed over my existence.

I went silent.

As badly as I wanted to tell him about Ciauna and I, I knew that he wouldn't understand.

He'll instantly go back and tell Leel. Continuing to disregard me staying.

What's the point of trying to reason with him?

His words felt like chains wrapping around my wrists, binding me to a fate I had desperately tried to escape.

"I'll be on my way," I said ending the call immediately feeling a sense of regret wash over me.

Shadows danced around me, whispering secrets of the underworld.

I had grown up surrounded by these dark whispers, but tonight, they seemed louder, more menacing.

I knew that, in the morning, she would awaken to find me gone.

Leaving her without a word felt like the ultimate betrayal, but I couldn't risk her safety or involve her in the dangerous world I was forced to navigate.

I wished I could leave her a note, a small token of explanation and apology, but the risks were too great.

My father's reach extended far, and any trace of our connection could put her in danger.

As I turned away from her sleeping form, I promised myself that this would be the last time I would ever do something like this.

I would find a way to protect her from afar, to ensure her happiness and safety, even if it meant sacrificing my own.

Leaning in, I kissed her softly, savoring the bittersweet taste of our love.

As I pulled away, I tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, memorizing every detail – the curve of her lips, the sparkle in her eyes – as if it were the last time.

I pressed one last kiss to her forehead, imprinting the memory of her against my lips.

My breath hitched as she shifted in her sleep.

With one last look, filled with the love I could no longer express, I silently walked away, leaving Ciauna behind.

I was swallowed by the darkness of the night.

As I stepped into the unknown, the weight of my decision remained heavy on my shoulders.

I soundlessly entered the back of the suv.

"You can go," I signaled to my driver.

The city lights flickered past the window, a blur of colors that mirrored the chaos brewing within me.

Doubt and regret gnawed at my insides, but I pushed them aside, burying them deep within the recesses of my mind.