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Like you used to
But it has to be true.”
The room erupted in a firestorm of snaps, claps and one woman yelled, “He better come correct or keep it moving!”
“If he don’t do you right, I will,” a handsome young man wearing a blue blazer and jeans said after the racket died down.
“Hold on, buddy. It’s just a poem. I’m doing right by her now and forever,” Jacob responded to the man as he walked to the edge of the stage where I exited. “We need to talk,” he said close to my ear, clasped my hand in his and started toward the door.
“Jacob, I came here because I needed time away from home.”
“Then, what’s that poem about?” he asked, continuing the beeline down the stairs and toward the front of the club. “You know what, don’t answer that. You will have all the time you want, either to yourself or talking to me, once we leave here.” He stepped in front of me and opened the front door. “This is no place for you to be hanging out. When my guy told me you were on this side of town, I immediately had Henry drive me over. You know this isn’t safe.”
So, Tasha didn’t tell him where I was.
“My God, Jacob! You see for yourself that it’s a relaxed crowd. There is nothing wrong with this place,” I said, suddenly on the defensive side of the poetry spot I’d spoke so ill of upon my arrival.
“Well, you’ve had your time out. I hope you enjoyed yourself. It’s time to go, so I can show you I do want you more now than ever. I didn’t realize you felt neglected, or that I had gotten so distant from you.”
“You didn’t have to have me followed to figure that out, Jacob.”
“You’re going to have security with you until I feel you’re be safe without it. That’s nonnegotiable. If there’s one thing this whole ordeal with Justine’s ex being found murdered taught me is that I would be crushed if anything happened to you, Montana or Junior. You three mean the world to me. I’ll do whatever is necessary to keep you safe, even if it means protecting you from yourself.” Jacob tugged my arm and pulled me down the sidewalk toward his car.
“Jacob, I don’t want to be followed everywhere I go.”
“I feel better having security protect you when I’m not available.”
“Speaking of available. I thought you had an important meeting you were attending.”
“Destiny, I’m available at the drop of a dime to come to you. All I have to do is hear of some funny business like you coming to a club on the west side, and I will end a meeting with a filthy stinking rich Japanese supplier at the snap of a finger. Mr. Fukui can wait. I’ll finish our meeting whenever we’re good. After hearing what’s on your mind tonight, I’m not so sure about that, and I don’t like being unsure about anything.”
I started to walk away from him, but he grabbed me by the waist and drew me back to him. Standing behind me with his arms holding me in place, he yanked me around and forced me to face him. “What was the meaning of your poem in there?”
“I have a lot on my mind.”
“The meaning?”
“I didn’t even know that was going to come out like that.”
“The meaning, Destiny. It’s obvious something’s going on in your beautiful mind that’s bothering you,” he touched the side of my face. “You’ve been pulling away from me and I don’t understand why you would do that when you know I’ll never let you go.”
“It’s not me that’s pulling away,” I told him, spitting fire into his orbs from mine. “It’s you.”
“Destiny, I would never pull away from you. As much as I crave to be with you every moment of the day, that’s the least of your worries.”
“Yeah? Well, what did that look in your eyes mean that night when Justine mentioned the colors in our bedroom and study? You looked like the life had been siphoned out of you. Since then, you’ve been acting overbearing and had security hovering over me when you’re not home. They follow me everywhere I go like there’s something you’re hiding and don’t want me to find, more so than for my protection.”
“There is something I need to tell you, Destiny,” Jacob said, his voice freefalling, dropping octaves as he spoke. “We can’t talk about it out here in this parking lot, though. Let’s go.”
Judging by the aloof, remorseful look he bestowed upon me, what he had to say would be explosive. He promised he’d always be truthful, and I promised him the same, once we entered our marriage. I had the unnerving feeling his truth would be our undoing.
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Young Adult Series: Sarmiento Sisters 1 & 2
Sarmiento Sisters 2
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