Chapter 19
It was funny that as soon as I opened my eyes, Jill Scott’s “The Way” was the first thing on my mind. As my eyes adjusted to the sunlight, they perused the room, noticing Truce wasn't there. Jill forgotten, I was now nervous, thinking I had done something wrong for him not to be lying next to me.
Jela, calm down. He’s probably somewhere around the house.
I was tweaking out, and I blamed last night.
It was better than the first time we had sex.
Although bold and abrasive, I was still a little timid when initiating our first time together.
I was scared of what he’d think of me with the way I sucked him off, even going as far as sucking his gooch.
I thought he’d push my head away, but when he didn’t, I knew this man would let me do anything I wanted to him.
I was never one to be shy in the bedroom.
My mother, believe it or not, schooled Jas and me on how to be forward when engaging in sexual acts.
She told us it was okay to explore and be open.
We learned there should be no limitations if we liked or loved them enough, unless he wanted his ass eaten or fingered.
That's when we should abort the mission and cut our losses.
He’d want you and the next man too, she used to say.
That's how I knew about the sensitive flesh between a man’s balls and anal region.
I used to fuck Damien’s brains out until he switched up on me.
After seeing his true colors, I barely wanted him to touch me, which only resulted in black eyes and busted lips.
He thought I was cheating on him, which was stupid as hell, because the nigga never let me out of his sight.
Last night, I let down all my inhibitions with Truce. Partially because I was drunk, but I also wanted him to have all of me. I truly missed him those three days he was back in Muskegon. Now, I was wondering if I had gone too far last night as I looked over at the space beside me.
Sliding out of the bed, I grabbed his T-shirt from the chair by the window and went to relieve my bladder.
I brushed my teeth and finger-combed my hair since all of my hair products were downstairs in the guest room.
I left the room to wake my baby when I heard Truce’s voice downstairs.
I looked over the balcony and watched as Truce placed Scottlyn on her feet.
One hand recording her on his phone and the other holding her little hand.
“Come to Uncle, Chunks. Come on… Let’s show Mama that you’re walking now.” I looked on as he let go of her hand and Scottie wobbled toward him, giggling away. “That's right, baby girl! Let’s get them steps in.”
She took ten unbalanced steps before she fell on her tush, laughing and crawling the rest of the way to him. My heart expanded as I rushed down the stairs.
“Scottie Pie! You did it!” I shrieked, hurrying over to them and taking her from Truce. I kissed her face repeatedly, and she kissed me back. “My big girl. I love you so much!” My eyes watered looking at her pretty, golden face. She was truly my sunshine on a cloudy day.
“Good morning, beautiful,” Truce said, pulling my attention to him.
My cheeks warmed. “Good morning, handsome.”
He pulled me in by my waist and pecked my lips twice. I felt a tiny hand mush my face back, which caused me to laugh again.
“Uhhh!” Scottlyn squealed, reaching for Truce.
I stood with my mouth open in shock, not believing my own child had just turned on me. “Seriously, Scottie Pie? Wooow. I see how it is.”
Truce snickered, taking her from me. She lay her head on his shoulder, completely ignoring me. “Chunks, don’t do Mommy like that. I just wanted a kiss.”
He leaned forward to kiss me again, and she bopped him on his forehead. “Ahhhh!” she screamed.
We both fell into a fit of laughter just as the doorbell rang. Truce checked the camera on his phone before nodding toward the hallway. “Go throw on some clothes for me. There are some people I want you to meet.”
I nodded and went to the guest room where my luggage was. Tossing on some jeans and a hoodie, I made my way back down the hall. Watching as Truce opened the door to a group of men, I shifted my weight to be more alert of the strangers.
“Juan. Good to see you,” Truce greeted, shaking hands with the man leading the pack.
“Good to be seen.”
“Come on in.” They all filed into the foyer as I looked on, confused.
Four of the men were so tall, they blocked the doorway, and I chuckled at the fact that Truce could have easily blended in with them if he were suited up.
“Cute kid,” Juan complimented.
“Thanks. Can you say hi, Chunks?”
Her little hand came up as she waved. I noticed the little Cartier bracelet on her wrist, identical to the one I now had that Truce gifted me last night.
“Juan, this is Jela Jackson. Jela, this is Juan Miller, a good friend of mine.”
“It’s lovely to meet you, Jela,” he said, extending his palm to me.
I accepted his large hand. “You as well.”
Truce nodded to the group of men. “Follow me. Come on, baby.”
He took my hand as we all headed into the living room.
Since we hadn’t put away the party decorations yet, there was only one couch and chair available for sitting.
Juan took the chair while Truce and I sat on the couch.
He handed Scottlyn over to me as I continued to look at the men unsure of their company.
“My apologies. I’d offer your men a seat, but the little one had a birthday yesterday, so it’s kind of crowded,” Truce said.
Juan shrugged. “They don’t need to sit. We’ll only be here for a quick second anyway.”
Truce nodded. “I hadn't had a chance to brief you about this, J, but these men are going to be part of your security team while I’m away. I invited them here so they could meet you and understand what the job entails.”
My stomach felt queasy, but I shook my head in acknowledgment, letting out a breath. “And there goes my reality.”
“A temporary reality,” he countered, then turned to Juan. “A hundred thousand for a six-month stay. I’ve got a pool house outside with four bedrooms and all of the amenities everyone will need. I’ll need two of you to escort her anytime she leaves and take shifts guarding the house. Fair?”
Juan nodded. “Sounds fair. Ms. Jela… meet Sosa, Benjamin, Timothy, Ramone, Jason, and Carlyle.”
“Nice to meet you, Ms. Jela,” Sosa said, coming over and shaking my hand. “You don’t have to worry. We’re going to make sure you remain safe and protected at all times,”
“Thank you. Can you all excuse me for a moment?” I asked, standing and hoisting Scottlyn on my hip.
Truce smiled. “Sure, baby. I’ll meet you upstairs after I’m done here.”
I walked away and headed up the stairs, feeling overwhelmed. He shouldn't have to do this. Things shouldn’t be this way. If only I had dodged the damn bullet meeting Damien on the beach that day, none of this shit would be happening. But then I wouldn't have my Scottie Pie, and that thought hurt.
I entered Truce’s room and took my phone off the charger to call my mom. I sat on the chaise lounge by the window, giving Scottie her LeapFrog, and dialing my mom. She picked up almost immediately.
“I just love seeing your name on my screen,” she voiced. I could sense the smile in her tone.
I smiled. “Hi, Mommy.”
“Good morning, baby. Why do you sound so sad?”
I began biting my thumbnail, deep in thought. The spirit of Damien was getting to me, and I began to feel afraid again.
“I’m scared.”
“Why? Is Truce doing—”
“No, no… it's not him,” I interrupted her while chuckling. I had to stop her before she drew her own conclusions and put Truce in the box with Dame. “He’s hiring a security team to stay here with me when he goes back to Muskegon.”
“Oh, that’s good, right? You and my Sweet Pea will be guarded and protected while he’s away.”
“I know, but… he shouldn’t have to do this, Mommy. Maybe I should call Damien and try to reconcile with him. At least try to calm him down…”
“Baby, listen to me,” she started before taking a beat to collect herself.
“If you contact him… it’ll only make things worse.
Think about how many times he has made you believe he was going to do right by you, then still did you wrong.
Damien is not going to reconcile with you, Jela.
You gave him too much power. He manipulated you to believe we were against you when really, we were against him.
“I’ve always told you the fool me once rule. Don’t be a fool twice, baby—it’ll be all on you. Accept what Truce is doing for you. I have a good feeling about him, and I can tell his spirit is genuine.”
I bit my lip and looked out at the beautiful view of the snow coating the trees. “You’re right, Mom. I just wish I wasn't going through this. I just want to live my life and take care of my baby.”
“And you’re going to do just that. That nigga can’t win if he ain’t right within.” We both laughed, but that couldn’t be the furthest thing from the truth.
“I love you, Mommy. I’m so glad to be back home with you guys’.”
“I love you more, my love. Can I have my Sweet Pea today? I just miss her face and want to spend some time with her.”
“Of course. She’d love that.”
“Okay. I’m going to go to the market and get some more fruits and milk, then I’ll be by to pick her up.”
“Okay. I’ll have her ready for you.”
“Talk to you soon.”
“Okay. Bye, Mommy.”
“Bye, baby.”
I hung up just as Truce entered the room. He came over, scooping me from the seat, then sitting down with me while I secured Scottie on my lap.
“What's wrong, Mama?”
I shook my head, not wanting to be dramatic.
“Don’t do that, J. Talk to me,” Truce urged me.
“I was just… All of this is a little overwhelming, but I'm okay now.”
“You sure? I’m only trying to make sure you’re good.”
“I know, and I appreciate you so much. You didn’t have to do half of the things you’ve done. The fact that you’re putting your life and relationship with your brother at risk for me makes me feel bad.”
“Look at me.”