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always went above and beyond to make her feel as included and loved as possible. It was something they did annually for her, and somehow, every single year, the children’s party transformed into an adult party. Raven and Nikki were both wearing swimsuit tops and shorts that left nothing to the imagination. It was unusually hot outside as the sun blazed brightly. Michigan didn’t normally warm up until late June, but as Raven watched her little sister and the rest of the kids splashing around in the pool, she was anxious to sit around in her bikini and enjoy the beautiful day. Everybody in the backyard came from nothing, but they were now working with legit businesses while holding reign over the city streets . . . all thanks to the leadership of Benjamin. Benjamin was the king, and the hustlers, along with their wives and children, were the courtship of his kingdom.
    “What did your dad say when you came in last night?” Nikki asked nosily.
    “He was mad, but he’s over it now. My mama invited Mizan to the party. I don’t know if he gon’ show up though. I haven’t heard from him yet. I don’t know if he’ll call cuz my mama threw salt in the game when she told him my real age,” Raven explained.
    “Rae! You and Nikki come in here and grab some of this food! Y’all ain’t just about to be standing around looking cute. Come help me, Justine called out to the pair.
    They went and grabbed the silver pans of side dishes that Justine had whipped up, and carried them outside. Liquor flowed freely and the smell of weed was potent in the air as old school music played inside the house. They may have lived in lavish luxury, but there was nothing snobbish about the royal family. The scent of soul food permeated the air, while the sound of dominoes being smashed on the tabletops resounded throughout the backyard. Benjamin and Justine kept it all the way real, all the time. They were good peoples and enjoyed the family environment as they celebrated their youngest child. They all felt safe because there were no outsiders in their club. Trust was at 100 percent among the men, so they each felt comfortable, so much so that Benjamin allowed everyone to let loose and enjoy the party without putting men on post to guard his home. It was all love because everyone in attendance had pledged their allegiance to Benjamin and vice versa.
    “Raven, come over here ... I want you to meet somebody,” Benjamin called out.
    “Damn, who is that?” Nikki commented as she lifted her hand to block the sun so she could get a better view.
    Raven turned in the direction of her father and lifted her sunglasses when she saw the same dude she had seen the night before at the corner store. “I don’t know, but I’m about to find out,” she told her friend as she placed her glasses on top of her head and walked over to her father.
    “Ethic, this is my daughter, Raven ... Rae, this is Ethic. He works for me,” Benjamin stated. Before they could say anything to each other Justine called Benjamin into the house. “Rae, go to the store and grab some more ice for the coolers!”
    “I’m blocked in!” she yelled.
    Benjamin pointed to Ethic. “Ethic will take you. He’s new in town. It’ll give you a chance to get acquainted.”
    “So you’re from Missouri?” Raven asked, making small talk as she and Ethic walked to the front yard.
    He nodded as he led her to his car and opened the passenger door for her. She hopped in and then slid over into the driver’s seat. When he made it around to the driver’s side she held her hand out. “I’ll drive,” she stated with a smile.
    He opened the door and said, “A little girl like you can’t handle my whip, ma ... scoot over.”
    “Oh, I can handle it just fine. I’ve ridden bigger things,” she insinuated, not moving an inch. “What, you don’t want your little girlfriend from yesterday to see me driving your car. No offense, but somebody like you needs to upgrade. I would think you