The Bull (The Black Land Series Book 2) Read online

  The Bull

  The Black Land Series Book 2

  By

  D. Camille

  This is a work of fiction. Names, Characters, places, and incidents are products

  of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real.

  Any resemblance to actual events,

  locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is

  entirely coincidental.

  The Bull

  Copyright© 2016 D. Camille

  Sable Sistars Publishing, LLC

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this book may be used or reproduced electronically or in print without

  written permission, except in the case of brief

  quotations embodied in reviews.

  EMAIL: [email protected]

  WEBSITE: www.dcamille.com

  TWITTER: dcamille_maat

  FACEBOOK: Author D. Camille

  DEDICATION

  This book is dedicated to my Bull.

  ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

  I would like to give thanks to the Universe for provision, creativity and power.

  To the Goddess Team for keeping me focused and on track.

  To all my readers who support me and my works, I appreciate you.

  Table of Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Epilogue

  Taurus Zodiac Sign – “The Bull”

  Earth sign; ruled by Venus.

  Pleasure seeking, loves control, dependable, grounded, provokes slowly, and highly sensual in nature.

  Chapter 1

  Lance Johnson relaxed on the grounds of the estate that sat adjacent to the Detroit River. His close friend, Rion Shaw and his new wife Tauri, had recently purchased the property and were hosting a house warming party for family and friends.

  Looking around the yard at the gathering, he turned his attention to the water as Rion joined him at the table.

  “What's up Negus?” Rion took a seat across from him. “Flying solo today?”

  Lance looked over at him. “Yeah, even playas need a break sometimes.”

  Rion laughed. “You wouldn't be a playa if you handled your business.”

  “Man, don't start that Rion,” Lance complained. “Just because you wifed up and having a village of babies don't mean everybody looking for that.”

  Rion studied his friend. “On the real Lance, what is the problem with you and Khayla?”

  Lance turned to the water.

  “Is it Khalil?” Rion asked. Khalil was Khayla's twin brother and a full-fledged Black Panther.

  “Nah, it's not Khalil.”

  “Another woman?” Rion questioned.

  Lance frowned turning back to him. “I'm not caught up on any of these females out here.”

  “Then what man? Khayla is smart, beautiful, and sweet; and you've been in love with her since you were like five.”

  “I was ten,” Lance corrected.

  “And now your ass is damn near thirty,” Rion reminded him. “She's not going to wait forever.”

  Lance shrugged. “I’m turning twenty-eight and I didn't ask Katydids to wait for me.”

  Rion glanced toward the door leading outside from the home and nodded. “And apparently she's not.”

  Lance followed Rion's glance and spotted Khayla entering the party with a tall, dark dude beside her.

  Both men looked up as Rion's wife approached. She brought a plate of food to the table and sat it in front of her husband before bending down to kiss his lips.

  “Mmmmm...” She straightened. “I brought you some food because your brother, Corvus is here. It might be all gone before you get back inside.”

  Rion wrapped an arm around her waist pulling her closer. “Thank you, goddess.” Gently he sat her on his lap before cradling the area that held his child. “Did you eat already?”

  Tauri smiled. “Between my Granny and your mother, I've eaten everything possible. I can't eat another bite.” She looked across the table. “Hey Lance, you should go get some food too. You know Corvus won't leave anything for anyone.”

  Keeping his eye on Khayla, Lance nodded. “Thanks Tauri.”

  Lance stood to his six-foot two height and headed in the direction of the house. On the way he had to pass Khayla and her date. Stopping in front of her, he stared down into her face taking in her caramel complexion and dark slanted eyes. He skimmed past her full pouty lips and high cheekbones.

  “Hello Khayla.”

  She smiled up at him. “Hello Lance, this is Ben. Ben this is Lance,” she introduced the two men.

  Lance nodded. “What up?”

  Ben returned the motion and the two men looked each other over before Lance turned to Khayla.

  “Can I talk to you for a minute?” he asked and she lifted a brow in question. “About the restaurant.”

  Lance owned a healthy food restaurant as one of his many businesses, and Khayla basically ran and managed that endeavor. Her background in natural health and passion for the community had driven her to encourage Lance to venture into this area.

  Khayla turned to Ben and smiled. “Can you excuse me for a moment?”

  He nodded and she continued. “Why don't you find a seat and I'll be right back.”

  Ben gave Lance one more look before heading in the direction of an empty table. Khayla turned and followed Lance inside the house and down a hall. Inside one of the empty rooms he stepped inside with her behind him. Quietly he closed the door and turned to her.

  “What did you need Lance?” she asked looking up. His milk caramel skin was smooth, and his dark hair and goatee were well maintained.

  He leaned back against the door and folded his arms. “What's up with you and all these dudes? You were just with that FBI dude at the club a little while ago.”

  “What?” She asked confused.

  Lance frowned. “Why you keep showing up with different dudes everywhere?”

  Khayla placed a hand on her ample hip. “Who in the hell do you think you're questioning Lance?”

  “I'm questioning you!” he snapped.

  “You need to fall the hell back Lance before I beat your ass like I used to!” she threatened taking a step forward.

  Lance smirked. “I'm a grown ass man Khayla. You think I'm going to let you beat my ass?”

  “Get the hell out of my way. I can't believe you called me in here for this bull!” Khayla headed towards the door and Lance stood firm.

  “How long are we going to do this Khayla?”

  “I swear Lance you have one minute!” she told him angrily.

  They stared at each other for a long moment before he spoke, “Fine.”

  Lance moved away from in front of the door, but when Khayla stepped up to open it, he placed a hand above her head from behind to keep it shut.

  Khayla froze as she felt his body behind hers. “Why are you doing this Lance?”

  He bent to whisper in her ear. “Because everybody remembers their first time Khayla, especially when it was the first time for both of them.”

  Kha
yla caught her breath staring at the door in front of her.

  “Do you remember Katydids?” he whispered.

  She reached for the knob and turned it slowly before Lance stepped back and allowed her to open the door.

  Khayla didn't glance back as she walked out of the room, and Lance watched her go before he became lost in his memories...

  Nineteen-year old Lance opened the door to his new house on the east side of Detroit. He and his best friend, Corvus Shaw had been introduced to a real estate agent who had made an impression on both young men prompting Corvus to want to become a real estate mogul and convincing Lance to own his own property.

  The tiny house had two bedrooms, what could be described as a living room/dining room combination and small kitchen, but it was his, and he owned it. Lance had dropped out of high school when he was seventeen and began using his hustle skills full time to provide for himself, his mother and his younger brother, Miles.

  He’d sold T-shirts, CD’s, caps and anything else that wouldn’t land him jail. His group of friends, who called themselves the Negus, stayed on his ass about not doing anything illegal. Lance didn’t have a problem with that as he had no desire to become a part of the system.

  Stepping back from the door, he allowed Khayla to enter his new domain while smiling down at her. She stepped inside and looked around.

  “This is nice Lance,” she smiled back at him. “I can’t believe you have your own house.”

  Lance leaned back against the door and shrugged. “I’m going to have one way bigger than this one day. This is just a start.”

  She turned to him and smiled. “I believe you. You’re very smart.”

  Lance lowered his head. Khayla knew everything about Lance, and she still thought he was smart. He’d dropped out of school primarily because he’d always been told the opposite.

  He pushed away from the door. “Let me show you around.” She nodded and followed him on the two-minute tour that ended with his bedroom.

  Khayla took a seat on his bed as he stood in the doorway. She spread her hands on the new comforter he’d purchased to impress her. Khayla had agreed to come check out his new spot since she was back home from college.

  “So this is where the magic happens?” she teased.

  He shrugged. “If magic is sleeping my ass off after working my ass off…then yeah.”

  Khayla watched him as he came to sit next to her.

  “My life is hustling to get where I want to be. I don’t have time for anything else, I got people counting on me,” he explained.

  “I’m proud of you Lance. I know you’ll do all the things you want.”

  He smiled at her then looked her over. “I bet those college dudes are all over you at Hampton.” Lance looked at her ample breasts and thick thighs.

  Khayla blushed. “No, you do know my brother goes there too?”

  Lance laughed. “Khalil giving them the business huh?”

  She nodded. “He wouldn’t be Khalil if he wasn’t.”

  “I guess not,” he joked. Everyone knew not to mess with Khalil, with his Black Panther background; he was as militant as they came.

  “Are you home for good now?” Lance asked.

  Khayla shook her head. “Khalil and I are going back for our Master's.”

  Lance nodded. “That's what's up.”

  He leaned back on his elbows stretching out his muscled body in a white T-Shirt, jeans and Timberland boots. “Thanks for coming by Khayla.”

  She looked him over lounging on the bed. “I wanted to see your place; besides you promised me dinner too.”

  “You want to get some soul food? Mac and cheese, greens, corn bread?” he asked.

  “You know it!” she answered staring down into his face. “You know how we get down.”

  Lance studied her pretty brown face and sexy slanted eyes. “I missed you Katydids.”

  Khayla laughed softly at the use of his nickname for her. A name he’d used since they were little. He’d told her she reminded him of the chocolate and caramel candy.

  “You missed me punching and hitting you?” she asked.

  He winked at her. “I know what that means.”

  “What?” she asked lifting a brow.

  Lance gave her a look as he sat up. “Okay…so you ready to eat?”

  Khayla frowned. “What does that mean…okay?”

  He sighed. “This is what it means Khayla…” Lance leaned over and kissed her lips softly then pulled back staring at her.

  Khayla continued to stare at him and Lance thought about why he’d kissed her. He’d always had it bad for Khayla, since the first time he’d seen her. She’d been two years older, but he hadn’t cared. Khayla was fine, and she was tough. She’d punched him so many times that he’d become numb to her blows, instead calling them love taps.

  She had been away at college and despite her protests, Lance knew the dudes had been swarming. Eventually there’d be one who wasn’t afraid of Khalil, so Lance decided to make his move while she was home.

  “Lance…” she said quietly still looking at him.

  “You know I caught feelings for you a long time ago Katydids. So I’m putting it out there. I know that whatever you want, you have to go get it.” He touched her face. “I want to make magic with you Khayla.”

  Khayla bit her lip and looked away. “I’ve never done that Lance,” she whispered.

  He lifted her face to his. “Me either, Khayla.”

  She looked confused. “What? You’re lying.”

  Lance shook his head. “I told you baby, I’ve been hustling not hoeing.”

  Khayla digested his words then looked at him again. “You want to with me?” she asked quietly.

  He laughed. “Uh, these new sheets and comforter didn’t just magically appear for no reason.”

  Khayla glanced down at the warm, colorful comforter on the bed. “You got these for me?”

  “Girl, I don’t care about no damn bed covers. Yes, I wanted it to be nice for you,” he confirmed.

  She frowned. “You’d better not tell anybody…EVER or I swear…”

  Lance cut her off by kissing her again. When he moved back, he whispered against her lips, “I swear I will never tell another soul…”

  *********

  Lance came back to himself standing in Rion’s house. To this day he’d kept his word to Khayla. He’d never told another person about that summer; not even his best friend Corvus, who knew just about everything about him.

  He’d never even mentioned it to Khayla until today. What had driven him to do it, he didn’t quite understand. Something about seeing her on the arms of other dudes was starting to get to him, although he’d had his fair share of women on his own arm.

  When Khayla had returned to school, they’d stayed in touch, and when she’d announced that she had decided to become a Naturopathic Doctor, it was then confirmed in Lance's mind that Khayla Lewis had now placed herself completely out of his reach. He was doing his thing and had big plans, but he’d never be a doctor or anything remotely like that.

  Khayla’s family had not been rich by any stretch of the imagination, but they had been a solid foundation for the twins. Khayla and Khalil had both graduated with honors and had gone on to attend a prestigious HBCU. Khayla was surrounded by the best of the best when it came to dudes, and Lance was not about to get his heart broken. He'd learned the art of survival at a young age.

  When Khayla had returned the next summer, Lance had become an all-out player. He'd stopped using his heart, since it would always belong to one woman. Instead, he used his body to release the frustration of not having the one he wanted. To say that making love with Khayla had been special would be the understatement of the century. He’d yet to meet a woman who could make him respond the way Khayla Lewis had.

  Khayla had gone on to obtain her degrees and now was part of a small practice in Detroit. She also provided health counseling at the community center where her brother, Khalil was the Director. Lance
and Khayla had agreed that they would put their summer in the past and still remain friends because of the affection they'd always have for one another, even if they'd never be together as a couple. In addition, Lance and her brother were part of the Negus, the kings of the city, so they were all in constant contact with one another. Also, Lance was one of the Godfather's to her nephew, Kyros.

  When Lance was looking to start a new business, he'd talked to Khayla, and she'd convinced him to open a healthy restaurant in the hood. Access to healthy food was a huge issue in the community, and inadequate healthy food choices for African-Americans was becoming an epidemic. Lance had agreed with Khayla's passion and made the business a reality for her with the promise that she would help make it a success.

  Working with Khayla on a daily basis and seeing her practically every day only reminded Lance of one thing...the girl who'd stolen his heart. No one had to tell Lance that Khayla was special. He'd known that from the first time he’d seen her. No one had to tell him she was beautiful and smart. Nobody even had to tell him that he loved her more than anything in this world. What he needed to know was how he was going to get her to ever trust him again with her heart.

  Lance exited the room and headed back to the backyard. Walking slowly through the kitchen, he spotted Corvus spooning food from a full plate. Lance shook his head at his brother. He called Corvus his Day One, because since they'd met, he'd always been there for him. They'd met at city summer camp where all the Negus had attended as children. Corvus and Lance had been the youngest of the group and had immediately bonded as only elementary school boys could. They were the bane of everyone's existence with their clowning and wicked ways...and were the same to this day, until it was time to handle business.

  Corvus' stepfather, along with Brandon's father, sponsored the annual camp for inner city kids to give them something to do and keep them off the streets. Brandon was now the Head Prosecutor for the city and a part of the Negus along with Rion, Khalil, Corvus and Lance. They had become a tight knit group who had love for the city that raised them and were committed as grown men to give back all they could to make their home a safe and livable place.