Chapter Thirty
Tizzy
It's been a few weeks since I finally got my story out, and let me tell you, Devon's words did wonders for my soul. I feel lighter with each day and with every one of his crooked smiles.
My problem now? I don't feel like punishing myself anymore. I feel free, and I want to live. I want to walk down the street and get to know the town. I want to have coffee at the diner in the middle of town. Actually, is there a diner in the middle of this town? Well, I want to figure that out, too. You know, like Gilmore Girls and all that Jazz. I think it's like that. Lyra had always watched that show, but I had only ever caught it at first glance.
The problem is, until we figure out who’s been stalking my behind, I’m supposed to stay indoors and underground to keep me safe. Blah, blah, blah. Do I understand it? Yes, but I also know I promised myself a long time ago that I would never let anyone control my life again. For the past few months, that's exactly what's been happening. This freaky-deaky stalker has kept me prisoner in my own home because of a little bit of fear. That ends now.
As I stomp down the hall toward my man's office, I refuse to be distracted by his charms this time. I’m all about determination. Getting to his door, I push it open, not waiting for my invitation.
“I’m putting my heels down!” I announce to the room. Omen, Devon, and Cesar all turn to look at me. I place my closed fists on my hips and stare them down, showing the intimidation tactics I’ve learned from these guys after months of study.
“Uh… okay. What exactly are you demanding, Bunny?” Devon asks, confused. Still, he pushes his chair back from his desk and pats his lap, inviting me to sit. I smile and start to head that way, until I realize I’m supposed to be demanding things, and I can't do that if he’s touching and kissing me. I’ll never convince him to let me leave. He’ll just end up convincing me to go down to our bed.
Really, is that such a bad thing, though? I mean, a romp in the hay with…
“Bunny?”
Oh right!
“I need some fresh air! I’m here to demand release,” I state.
“Umm.. you're not in prison here, Tiz. You can go outside,” Omen states with a duh look. Stomping my heels, I try again to get my point across.
“I don't just want yard time.”
“Again, not in prison,” Omen clarifies before I continue, ignoring him.
“I’ve been stuck in this building, within these walls, for months now. I can't handle it anymore.” Devon starts to open his mouth, but I hold my hand up to stop him before he can argue. “I’m not asking for a parade in my honor… yet. I’m asking for an hour, two tops, and one shopping trip, and I’ll be good for a little bit.”
I hold my breath as he looks at me with a hard stare but soft eyes. I know he wants to make me happy. He wants to say yes more than anything in the world. If he had his way, he’d never tell me no, but I also know he is scared to death of something happening to me. He’s told me his biggest fear is losing me just as much as mine is losing him. Still, I can't keep living like this. My big personality and even bigger hair are growing out of this place, and I need to stretch out a bit.
“One store,” Devon finally states, and I can't help the squeal that leaves my mouth.
“Yes! I’ve been dying to go to this craft store right outside town. I want to get new tablecloths for the tabletops in the bar.” I start making a list of everything I want to get while we’re gone.
“Prez….” Caesar starts, but Devon holds up his hand.
“Tizzy’s right. She’s been locked away here for far too long. Omen, you’ll stay back here and look after all the guys. Caesar, I want you riding with me. You’ll stay outside the store while I escort Tizzy in. Keep your eyes peeled.”
“Do you really think this is wise, Prez?” Omen asks, raising a brow at Devon. They look almost worried, which makes me wonder if I’m being a bit hasty. This place isn't so bad, really. I could wait… no! I want to breathe and see the outside. It’s my life that's in danger, and, to be honest, I’m ready to flush this stinky turd out and get it all over with.
An hour later, I’m in Devon's truck, and Caesar is on his bike, tailing us. I’m bouncing in my seat as we pull off the dirt road that snakes for miles through the woods from the back garage, and onto the main highway.
“Don't pout, Bunny. You got your way. You got out of the compound, and we’re going shopping.” Devon chuckles, reaching over the middle console and placing his hand on my thigh.
“Yeah, but I thought we were going to get to ride your bike,” I say dejectedly. I would have loved the air and sunshine surrounding me in peaceful bliss.
“You would have frozen your hair clean off in this weather,” he chuckles.
He might be right about that, actually. Still, he doesn't need to know that. Moments later, though, that's all forgotten because I see the big sewing machine with blinking lights that signals the craft store up ahead.
Yes, yes yes! It's about to happen! I’m going to get so much fabric the clubhouse will be swimming in it.
“Which color do you think we should get?” I ask, opening the door to the truck and jumping down before Devon even has a chance to get out. I know he’s going to fuss about it, but I'm too excited, and he was taking too long.
“Bunny, at least let me get the truck shut off first.” He chuckles before pulling the key from the ignition and hopping out of the truck.
“EEK!” I rush to the doors of the store as I hear Devon behind me.
“Eyes peeled for anything. Any sign of trouble, signal me immediately,” he tells Cesar.
“Of course, Praz.”
“Wait up, Bunny, let me get the door… never mind.” I hear from behind me as I rush through the front doors of the store.
For the next half hour, I look at every single fabric design this store sells, rushing from one end to the other. Devon tries to keep up with me at first, but after a bit, he settles for standing in the front of the section and watching me go back and forth. I’m in the process of pulling out a bright yellow and pink fabric buried at the bottom of a shelf, on my hands and knees, when I hear a woman's voice from the aisle over.
“I need him to see me. If he sees me, I know he’ll remember me. You're so close now. Just need to get him close. How do I do that? Think! Stupid, stupid, stupid.” It sounds like she’s hitting herself on the forehead, and I feel bad for her. I’m just about to ask if she needs help when I hear her speak again.
“Oh, hello there. Um, I’m so sorry, but can I get your help for just a minute? I need that roll right there, on the very top shelf.”
I shrug, thinking she found a worker or something, and return to my task. That is until I hear another familiar voice.
“Yeah, sure,” Devon says, causing my ears to perk. Maybe once he’s done helping her, I can get him on his hands and knees over here for this pink and yell…
“Keep your hands where I can see them. No quick movements.” I hear the woman say, much quieter this time. That has my whole head perking up.
All stealthy like, I crawl over to the shelf between the two tows and slowly move one roll to the side so I can see what's going on. The blood in my veins turns to fire as I realize this woman has a gun pointed into Devon's back and her other hand on his side. What in the fidget spinners is going on here? Who is this woman? Devon must think the same thing as me, because he voices the question.
“Who the fuck are you, and why the hell do you have a weapon pressed to my back?” he asks in a soft and calm voice. Yeah, obviously, he hasn't caught up with the gravity of this situation.
“You haven't gotten a good look at my face. Once you do, I know you’ll recognize me right away. Especially after all the gifts I’ve been sending. Should have never taken this long to get you alone, but that bitch just won't let you out of her sight. Speaking of, we need to get out of here before she comes back. Come on,” she says frantically. I can't tell if she's talking to herself or to Devon, but either way, I can't let this crazy woman get my poor sweet honey buns alone. I’m just thinking about tackling her from the back, but Devon turns around, looking over his shoulder, and meets my eyes. He subtly shakes his head, and I know he's telling me not to do something crazy.
He might be right, too. Seeing as the gun is placed right in the middle of his back, half hidden by her body. To anyone looking, they just look like any normal couple, but I know everything could come crashing down around me with one wrong move. The gun could go off, and he could go down, and I know for a fact I wouldn't be able to live if that were to play out.
Still, there's no way in heaven and earth I'm letting her get away with my man… alone.
“We are going to walk out of here slowly. Don't even try to signal anyone. We’re gonna go out the back and hop in the silver van parked in the alley.”
Her words snap something in me, and I know what I have to do. Caesars right out front. I just need to send him a message. I crawl that way, and then another thought hits me. What if we chase her, and she gets away? Then, I’ll never see Devon again.
“Think, think!” I tell myself. Then it hits me, and I can't stop the smile on my face.
I’ll keep close AND get a message to Cesar. I just have to hurry.