9. Sage
SAGE
By the time I parked outside the county jail, my hands were literally shaking.
Imagine my surprise when I got a call from a lawyer after a full day of not hearing from KD’s crazy ass.
The lawyer explained that KD had been arrested the day before but had something for me.
I couldn’t even get past the fact that KD was in jail to find out what the hell he had for me.
I was furious when I found out that KD was arrested for beating Jaylen’s ass at the freaking training center.
I begged him not to do anything irrational, and he’d done exactly that.
I had the right to act crazy after the way Jaylen played with me.
Still, there was no excuse for my behavior.
KD had absolutely no reason to put his hands on Jaylen.
I was so pissed that I could have cried.
I wanted to strangle him for resorting to violence.
I needed to know why the hell he would do something like that.
By the time the lawyer explained that KD had gotten Jaylen to sign my studio back over to me, I was sobbing into the phone.
I didn’t need to lose him when I had finally let myself have him.
He’d managed to get arrested while simultaneously getting those papers signed. That was something only KD could do.
KD had already posted bail. He was just waiting for me to come pick him up. I got out of the car and marched up to the door of the building. The last place in the world I wanted to be was back at the county jail, but there I was.
“Sage!”
The sound of someone calling my name made me freeze.
I was an hour and change away from home and at a jail of all places.
Who the hell would even know me here? My wheels were still turning when it hit me.
I turned toward the voice to see my brother Supreme stalking across the parking lot toward me.
He was furious. I was pretty sure the man right on his heels was one of his bodyguards, but it wasn’t our brother Eamon.
“You care to tell me what the fuck is going on?” he asked once he was in front of me.
“Good morning to you too.”
“Don’t fucking do that!”
“Do what, Supreme?”
“Whatever you think you’re doing to throw me off. That shit might work with Pop but not me. Why the fuck have I been getting calls and messages all morning of people saying that my manager is in jail for beating up Jaylen Jackson?”
My eyes slammed shut at his revelation. Of course, some nosy bastard would tell him what happened. Sometimes I forgot the people in my life were famous. I did well to keep myself out of the spotlight.
Jaylen wasn’t that kind of celebrity, so it helped. Supreme, on the other hand, was all over the radio and TV. Of course, someone would connect him and KD, especially after he attacked a professional athlete in a public place.
“Sage, what the fuck is going on? Why the hell is KD in jail for beating up your baby daddy? Did he put his hands on you? I will kill him.”
“No,” I said, quickly shaking my head.
“Well, what’s going on? What was he even doing there?”
“He was helping me.”
“Helping you with what? Why did you need KD’s help?”
“I didn’t need his help, but you know how he is sometimes. I didn’t know he was doing that.”
“Doing what, Sage? What did you need help with?”
“Jaylen left me for his assistant,” I revealed.
“What the hell? When did this happen?” Supreme questioned.
“I found out about a week ago. She’s pregnant and everything. We’re losing the house, and they moved in together on the other side of town. I kinda lost it and went over there and broke up a bunch of shit. They had me arrested, and I called KD to bail me out.”
“Damn, Sis. I’m sorry to hear that. Are you good? You know you can come and stay with me and Jrue.”
“I know. I didn’t want to be a burden on you, Brother.”
“Stop doing that! You are not a burden, baby girl. We love you. Not because we have to but because you’re such a good person. Sage, you’re selfless, strong, funny as hell. We don’t love you just because you’re family. We love you because you’re you.”
Why the hell was he trying to make me break down out here? This was not the time for a sentimental conversation, but damn, I really needed to hear that.
“I know,” I said, choking down the lump in my throat as my brother pulled me into a hug.
“Wait, why did you call KD to get you? Why didn’t you call me or Pops?”
“He was already in town. He came to JJ’s game. Plus, I didn’t want to hear a lecture.”
“Sometimes you need to hear a fucking lecture. You knew better than to pull that shit, Sage.”
“I know,” I whined.
“Now what the hell made KD put his hands on that boy? I know why I want to stomp his ass, but what happened, Sage?”
I sighed, dropping my shoulders as I prepared my answer. “Jaylen and his new girlfriend are trying to sell my studio. Jaylen had the paperwork set up to where he was the owner. KD told me that he would help me fix it.”
“I know he calls himself having a crush on you, but why would he get into your relationship shit. Are you fucking him, Sage? I told him to stay the fuck away from you.”
I guess it was now or never.
“I’m not just sleeping with a random guy.
It’s KD, and yes, we’re seeing each other, Supreme.
” His eyes ballooned as if he was expecting me to say something different.
I might as well add the fuel to the fire before it bursts into flames.
“Well, actually, we’re doing more than seeing each other. We’re married.”
“Married! Since fucking when?”
Everything around us seemed to stop as Supreme stared at me wild-eyed like I had a head growing out of my neck. Why was I more nervous talking to my brother about my secret marriage than my own father? Obviously, both of us had forgotten that he was not my dad.
“Since I found out I was pregnant with JJ. I was scared and had no clue what I would do. Jaylen accused me of trying to trap him and told me to get rid of it. KD asked me to marry him and offered to help take care of us. I knew he would be there for me, so I did it. A couple of weeks later, when Jaylen acted like he’d come to his senses, I went and moved in with him.
I tried to get our marriage annulled, but KD refused to sign the papers.
Back then, it felt like a stupid mistake.
Now, I feel like I’ve just been running from the inevitable my whole life. ”
“So, my sister’s secret husband beat up her cheating baby daddy, and I’m completely in the blind on the whole thing. What y’all doing? Trying to get a reality show?
“I’m sorry. He wanted to tell you. I made him keep it to himself. I figured when me and Jaylen got engaged, I would push the issue, but that never happened.”
“Y’all are fucking crazy! The two of you have been married for ten whole years and just walking around here acting like nothing ever happened.”
“We’re in love, Supreme. I know how much your friendship means to him. I hope this doesn’t become a problem.”
“Is he good to you?” he quizzed.
“Yes, so good, better than I thought I deserved. That’s why I’ve always pushed him away.
He’s been helping me work through that. He even got Jaylen to officially sign over the studio.
I’m not sure if the paperwork will hold up in court since I’m like one hundred percent sure that they were signed under duress, but he got them for me.
His lawyer already filed them and everything. ”
“He’s such a fucking idiot,” Supreme mumbled.
His eyes shifted, and I followed them to the door where KD was walking out of the jail. Taking off, I jogged over and threw my arms around him. I didn’t even realize how much I would miss him until it was night and I was lying in his bed alone.
“I’m OK, Princess,” KD assured me.
“Good, because I’m going to kill you for getting arrested,” I said, shoving his shoulder hard.
“Did my guy file those papers for you?”
I nodded. “Yes, and thank you again, baby.”
“Not your pretty-boy ass getting locked up for putting hands and feet on a nigga,” Supreme teased as he walked up.
“He knows,” I whispered before backing up to give them space to talk.
KD shrugged. “I had to make shit right for my girl.”
“Your girl? From what I just heard, she’s way more than your girl. Seems like y’all forgot to let everybody in on your nuptials.”
“It wasn’t like that. I’ve always wanted what was best for Sage. Even when ol’ boy came back in the picture, I didn’t want to leave her alone. Just in case things didn’t go as planned, I wanted to make sure that she knew I had her back.”
“Y’all have to admit this shit is a little crazy,” Supreme said, shaking his head.
“Oh, it’s more than a little crazy,” I admitted.
“Love makes you do crazy things,” KD added.
“You’re right about that. So, it goes without saying that I don’t give a damn if you are married. I will still fuck you up about my sister.”
“I wouldn’t expect anything less.”
“And thank you for handling my light weight. I would probably lose every sponsor I have for kicking Jaylen’s ass. That don’t mean I wouldn’t do it for my girl.”
“I know, man. Now that the world knows she’s my wife, I plan to make sure she’s good for the rest of our lives.”
“I’m holding you to that. I told you since the day we met to stay away from her. Since you found that too hard to do, now she’s your responsibility.”
KD nodded and extended his hand for Supreme to shake. “I wouldn’t have it any other way, brother.”
“I like how you two clowns are talking about me like I’m not standing right here.”
“I’m sorry, Princess. You know I love you,” KD said, grabbing my waist and pulling me to him.
“I love you too, Klever.” I blushed.
“I missed you while I was gone. You took care of my girl for me?”
“No, I wanted to wait for you so you could handle her in your special way.”
“You know what? I don’t even know what the fuck that means. Let me go before I throw up in my mouth,” Supreme said, shaking his head as he walked away.
“I love you, Brother. Thank you for always looking out for me.”
“Uh-uh, I already said that’s that man’s job now,” Supreme announced.
“Oh wow! You want to do it like that?”
“Yes, ma’am. Refer to your husband with all your wants, needs, and all that from now on.”
“You know I got you, right?” KD asked, tightening his grip on my waist as he turned me to face him.
“Yes, I do, and I’ve got you too.”
“I’m trying to do this forever, Princess. You with me?”
I winked. “Forever and ever, baby.”
Snatching up my hand, he pulled me behind him. “Let me get you home and show you how much I appreciate my good girl.”
“Yes, sir.”