He frowns. “You’re an asshole. You know that?”
“An asshole you’re not getting into.”
He rolls his eyes. “That’s not it for me. Listen, what I want is to know that Ny is always happy and taken care of. Emotionally, financially, physically, mentally. We each give her those things but neither as a whole.
“With you, I know no matter what happens she’s good. She’ll be happy. I do my part, you do yours. Like when we were kids, and she wanted to go on the merry-go-round but couldn’t hold on for long.
“You were there to hold her up. I was there to push. Her smile and laughter made my world, and I was so grateful to you because I didn’t have to tell her I couldn’t make something happen for her. Am I making sense?”
I stare at him and process his words. I remember that and I felt the same way. I would have figured it out, but I was glad he was there to help. She was so happy. It was then I knew I’d do anything to keep that smile on her face. We were so young, but I knew.
“Yeah, I actually get it.”
“Hey, baby,” Ny sings as she walks up behind Jace and presses her face against his back.
“What’s up, gorgeous?” He winces and turns to pull her in front of him as he dips his head to kiss her.
I left him at the apartment soaking last night after he took a few blows during that fight. I did feel bad when I saw the marks across his back. I didn’t think he was going to jump in the way he did.
Turning my attention to NY, I take in the silk robe she has on, and my thoughts go to last night. Make-up sex might be my favorite. Given how often I piss her off, I can’t wait until next time.
“Babe, did you eat? I’m starving,” she turns to say to me.
“I left you some eggs and bacon in the warmer. I need to get out of here. You’ll be with Jace today. He’s making a pickup.”
“About Essence—”
“She’s coming back. I need her to complete the task. Then I’ll handle her. She’s not a problem you need to think about.”
“Who are we picking up?”
“A girl in Hollis. File’s right there,” I reply and finish my juice.
I round the counter and pull her into my arms for a kiss goodbye. I knead her ass over the silk robe. I’m sure it’s sore from last night.
“Be safe, allow Jace to control the situation. I’ll try to come back up this evening.”
She smiles up at me. “I won’t hold my breath. I saw your schedule. Call me, I’ll be happy.”
“That I can do.” I peck her lips. “I love you.”
“I love you too.”
I turn to Jace. “I want this one. Don’t let her back out. Make it happen.”
“Got it.”
Nyla
I sit on the porch of this really nice house in Hollis, Queens. You wouldn’t know from looking at this house that there’s a woman getting her ass beat damn near every night. People make assumptions all the time without knowing what’s going on behind closed doors.
I give thanks that I have two men who love, provide for, and protect me, while poor Reeshemah has a fuckboy I can’t wait to put on his ass. Like how does this happen? I read her file, she’s smart, she used to be outgoing. She’s stunning. I haven’t seen many women close to my complexion with green eyes. They stand out on her face.
I sigh. Love will have you doing all types of things when you lose yourself. I’m not judging. I just don’t want Reeshemah to remain in this situation. She…no, all women deserve better.
“Hello, can I help you?” I look up to find the woman I’m waiting for staring at me cautiously. Her voice even sounds timid.
“J the Curator sent me.”
Her face lights up. “Oh, that was fast. Come on inside.”
She looks around as if to make sure no one is watching. The fear in her eyes is palpable. It makes my blood boil. I can’t wait to teach her to defend herself. She’ll never have to fear anyone ever again.
She scurries into the house as I follow leisurely behind her. The place is just as nice on the inside and smells really nice. She leads me into the living room still looking nervous.
“So, how does this work? Donny will be home soon so we need to be quick.”
“I’m sure you were given your options.”
“Yes, I can stay here and die. Or learn something new and change my life. What will I be learning?”
“Does that even matter?”
“No, not really,” she gives a small scoff. “As long as I’m not selling my body, anything is better than here.”
“You won’t have to sell your body, but I’ll teach you how to use it as a weapon. You will become feared and not the other way around. We pay well and all we ask is for your loyalty and respect.”