“So violent. I don’t get what he sees in you. You’re not even the submissive type,” she says in disgust.
“From what I hear you weren’t filling the role that well yourself,” I toss back.
“Listen. I’m giving you one last chance to back off. Things have changed and I want to fix things with John. We have history. We can make this work.”
I look at her, I mean, really look at her. I don’t think she’s that crazy. It’s more stupidity than anything else going on here.
“Yeah, good luck with that. Now get out of my way.”
“I’m warning you. Back off or you both are going to feel my wrath. Don’t make me play my hand.”
I snort. I get up in her face. “Play your hand, your foot, your face for all I care. You keep playing with me, I’m not going to warn you, honey. I’m going to lay you down right where you stand.”
With that, I shove her out of my way and get into my car. Enough is enough, let her keep playing with me. John isn’t going to have to worry about her, I’ll handle it myself.
Chapter 49
Last Warning
John
“Baby, just buy a dress. Heck, you can wear pants for all I care. You’re getting on that plane no matter what,” I growl into the phone.
I walk over to a table of ties, not really giving a fuck about buying one. I’m waiting for Torque to come out of the fitting room in his new Tux. Hopefully, the kid hasn’t outgrown it since his last fitting.
“Why is this so important to you?”
“You’re family. You and Torque should be there,” I reply.
And I love you and want you by my side. The words are on the tip of my tongue. I’ve been in love with Roni for a long time, something I want to tell her sooner rather than later.
“No one will miss me if I’m not there.”
“Bullshit. You may try to keep everyone at arm’s length, but that doesn’t mean that it works. Not with my family. My mother will have my balls if you’re not there and she’s coming for your ass next,” I say.
It’s the truth. Mom will kill us both. Bean and Noah have already asked if she’s coming to the wedding. They will be disappointed if she doesn’t come as well.
“Grr, why didn’t you come with me?”
I turn and lean my butt against the display table. “For what? You’re like a professional shopper. You never need me any other time.” I laugh.
“Don’t be a dick, John. I can’t decide on anything.”
“Why not?”
“Because I don’t want to go,” she snaps at me.
I laugh harder. “Suck it up, cuteness.”
“Fuck you, John. I’m going to show up in chaps and pasties and see how you like it.”
I’m really laughing now. I sober up and drop my voice. “We can save that for after the wedding.”
“Humph,” she murmurs. “Check the picture I just sent you.”
I open my text and find the picture she’s referring to. She looks stunning. It’s a purple, lace dress that molds to her body and plunges down the front. Not too revealing, but it compliments her toned shape and full breasts. It stops right above the knee, showing off her sexy calves.
“You look perfect. Get that one,” I say.
“Are you kidding? I was joking. I’m not wearing this.”
“Yes, you are. Buy it. If you don’t, I promise I’m going to spank your ass.”
I know I’m pushing it, but I’ve been tearing that wall down piece by piece. I want Roni so bad my head hurts. This dance we’re doing isn’t enough anymore.
“Just so you know, I’m not wearing a collar. An ankle bracelet, maybe,” she teases.
I bite my lip. “Have you seen Nick and Sephora’s bangles? We could always do something like those.”
“Whatever, John.” She laughs. “You really want me to get this dress?”
“Yes. I want to watch you in it all day and peel you out of it at night,” I reply.
“Fine. I’ll get it.”
“That’s my girl.”
I turn to see Torque has stepped out of the fitting room and he’s looking for me. I wave to get his attention and head over to him. He looks as nervous as Roni sounds.
Speaking of which, I wrinkle my brows. “Babe, you still there?”
“Yeah, I’m here,” she says tightly.
“Everything okay?”
“Peachy. I’ll call you back.”
She hangs up without allowing me to reply. I stare down at my phone in confusion. Something has been going on with Roni other than not wanting to go to this wedding. She just won’t tell me what.
She’s been in her head since she said she took that drive to the beach. That was two weeks ago. Something is annoying her, but she won’t fess up to what.
“So, how do I look?” Torque asks, grabbing my attention.
I smile at the kid and pat his cheek. “Y’all do your sister proud.”
He’s entire face lights up. I once thought he had a crush on Roni. I’ve come to learn that while her attractiveness isn’t lost on him, she truly is the big sister he’s never had. He respects and loves Roni and would do anything to make her happy and proud of him.
“Cool,” he says and bobs his head, trying to play off how much my words have affected him.
“Come on, we have a few more errands to run. Let’s getting home before Roni does.”
Roni
For two weeks, I’ve been tolerating this nuisance. Does she really think she’s been stealth? I caught her watching me while talking to John.
Little does she know; I’m watching her too. I’m watching and waiting for my opportunity to handle her and get away with it. It’s only a matter of time.
“Will that be all, Ms. Black?”
My eyes light up when the salesclerk calls me by my fake last name. I can see Missy in the reflection in the mirrors on the wall behind the register. She’s seething.
Hearing my last name is enough to bring her storming over to me. “What did she just call you?”
“Not today, honey. I need to get my nails and hair done. John and I have plans for a date. Don’t want to keep him waiting.” I lean into her ear. “Although the punishment might be worth it.”
When I pull back the crimson color on her face is priceless. I laugh right in her face and turn back to the clerk and hand over my card. I don’t have time for the foolishness.
“Yes, thank you. That will be all.”
When I have my things in hand, I turn and look Missy over. “You’re still here? Last warning, sweetheart. You are barking up the wrong tree. It’s going to get you hurt.”
Chapter 50
My Answer
Roni
“This has been fun,” Torque says.
I look over at him as I swing back and forth on the hammock I’m lying in, one leg hanging over the edge. Night has fallen and a light breeze is flowing. Little does he know; I drove us out here in hopes Missy would follow.