Page 15 of Roulette: The Madam

I enhanced my eyebrows with the brow powder I swore by. Once they were in perfect condition, I opened the foundation I discovered in the drawer.Rather. I was certain she had collected the contents of my vanity. Chemistry didn’t know the first thingabout makeup. However, he knew I loved it as much as I loved money.

“Do you two plan on telling us what that’s about?” Roaman asked.

“Because I’d like to know. I woke my son up answering this call,” Egypt chimed in.

“Mine too,” Rugger agreed.

“Chino broke the rules.”

“The rules? As in more than one?” Range asked.

“Psalms has been telling me I need a break. I could use a vacation.” Rugger yawned. “Royce. Put me on the next flight to Clarke.”

Oh, perfect.It was an exact match and glided flawlessly across my skin. I painted my entire face and then followed up with concealer.

“Killing a man is not a vacation, Rugs. He means like– a beach. A cabin. A–” Rome explained.

“Murder of the man who played with my sister. Better than any beach. Any cabin. Any–”

“If I wanted Chino dead, I would’ve killed him myself, Rugger. I’m well-capable.”

“I’m still waiting on the details, because even if he doesn’t die, he can spend some time in my chair,” Rather suggested. “Sounds like he needs therapy.”

“I walked in on him fucking Kiara.”

“So, two bodies. Say less. Baby–” Rugger was no longer whispering.

From the projection in her voice, I knew she was no longer lying down. I peered at the phone to see it had been set on the nightstand beside her bed.

I fanned the glue before laying the natural set of lashes on top of mine for a slight enhancement. I hated the dramatic batwings that most preferred. It diminished the beauty of my other features, in my opinion.

“Wake up. I need you to get Psalem. I’m going on that vacation you’ve been suggesting.”

“No she’s not, Psalms. Rugger, leave that man alone,” I warned.

“He just needs therapy,” Rather insisted.

“Rather–” I called out.

“What? Sounds like he’s dealing with the weight of your absence and just needs someone to talk through it with. I can be that someon–”

“He had someone to talk to. Someone to lay up with. Someone to fuck on. Someone to nut in. Because, from the look of her stomach, they will be welcoming a baby in about five months. Six months at best. And, I’ll be at the shower enjoying the meatballs and rotel dips. It’s the only time I’ll indulge in such– uh– what’s the word I’m looking for?”

“Bullshit.” Range finished.

“I’m talking about the food,” I told her.

“Me, too,” she snickered. “The only thing that comes from plates like that is stubborn fat in unwanted areas. Girl, don’t do that to yourself.”

“Well, I could use a little fat in a few places. My ass for starters. I want it ridiculously big at some point in my life,” I confessed.

“The lies she tells,” Roaman whispered.

“Bullshit, again,” Range repeated. “Because we all know you are head over heels for your frame and wouldn’t change it, even for baby shower meatballs prepared for two traitors. I’m kicking her ass when she drops the baby, fair warning.”

“Range–” Rome called out.

“I think she should, honestly,” Egypt countered.

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