The Last Kings by C.N. Phillips Read Free Book Online Page A

You know? And I think you feel the same way. I could stay, but what for? To make Grandma Rae happy? What about my happiness? I want money . And I want it now. Like right now . I mean, did you see that briefcase full of money, Mocha? All that currency. I’m trying to get like that. I feel that I can hold my own against any nigga without an army behind me. I’ve been around this shit my whole life. It’s only right that I take my rightful place in the game. Then take the throne; or one of them.”
    When I was done, Mocha didn’t say a word. Instead, she stared into my eyes, and I looked back wondering how much of an idiot she thought I was. When she finally did speak, there was something different in her voice.
    â€œSadie, there’s a lot more that comes with that shit. People get put on every day and never make it to Coopa’s level. Instead, they usually end up six feet under. You know, you watch the news just like I do. You know that these niggas are snakes, especially if they see a bitch getting paid big money. So are you sure you want to take a blind dive into this shit?”
    I didn’t even have to think about it.
    â€œRats are going to rat, and snakes are going to hiss. The game will never change, Mocha, and the potential danger doesn’t scare me . . . It excites me. Shit makes me want to cum. I’m almost twenty years old, and I know this is what I want to do.”
    â€œHow are you going to do it? Huh? Are you going to be out on the corners selling that shit yourself? So you can get bumped up by the feds?”
    I could tell Mocha was getting frustrated, but I also could tell that she knew, like I knew, that my mind was made up. I shrugged my shoulders at her again.
    â€œRay got me,” I answered her simply.
    â€œRay doesn’t want you to live that lifestyle. Didn’t you hear what he was saying?”
    â€œNo,” I shook my head disagreeing with her. I thought about my cousin, I knew him better than anyone, even his best friend. “He wouldn’t have let us see what went down if he was serious about me not being in the game.” I saw a look of understanding spread across Mocha’s face. “He was testing us, Mocha. Don’t you get it? I don’t know what Ray has planned, but you heard what that dude said about Coopa, and I could tell by Ray’s face that it was true. I know my cousin; he’s just waiting for me to call.”
    It took me a while to put two and two together, but I’d finally figured it out. Ray could have easily dropped Mocha and me off at our dorm before he went to handle his business, but instead, he took us with him. He wanted to see how we reacted to the cutthroat life he lived. He had always been like that, ever since I’d come to live with Grandma Rae. He was always testing me. But little did he know, I was ready. Mocha gave a long sigh and shook her head. Some of her curls hung loosely from her ponytail.
    â€œOK, Sadie, if this is what you want . . . I’m down. But, bitch, if I die, I’m killing your ass.”

Chapter 6
    While Mocha was in her English class, I decided to pay my Grandma Rae a visit. I felt a little guilty, especially since I was planning to go against her wishes with my schooling, but I couldn’t help the fact that I missed her. I always liked to check on her just to see how she was getting along being in the house by herself. I used the key she’d given me to enter her house, and, of course, I instantly smelled a wonderful aroma coming from the kitchen.
    â€œGrandma Rae?” I yelled out into the one-story house, closing the door quietly behind me.
    I took my coat off and put it on a hanger in the hallway closet. To my right was Grandma Rae’s living room. It was nice size with black leather furniture sitting on the softest tan carpet. There was a black wooden table in front of the furniture, and the entertainment center was against the wall. Her flat-screen