Page 30 of Emani's Way

I open the door, and Maddox and Frank follow me inside. Maddox grabs my hand before I move any further into my house, but he instructs me to disarm the alarm by the door. Once the alarm is off, I’m surprised when Frank pulls out a gun and continues into the main living area.

I look up at Maddox, and he just pulls me to him and kisses the top of my head. At this point, I don’t know what to think. I’m so confused about why someone just threw a brick through my window that I just stand staring after Frank instead of peppering Maddox with all the questions that are running through my mind.

“It’s all clear. The police are on the way. Can you log into your camera for me, Emani?” Frank questions.

“Uh, yeah, sure.” I shakily unlock my phone and go to my camera app. I hand over my phone, and Frank nods.

“I’ll wait out front,” Frank says as he walks past us and back out the door.

“So, he’s not just a driver.” It’s the only thing I can think to say at the moment.

“No. Frank is head of my security team.” Maddox leads me into my kitchen and helps me sit on one of my barstools.

He calmly fixes me a glass of water then hands it to me. I sip it slowly as I watch him through weary eyes. Nobody has ever had any reason to throw a brick through my window until I started dating Maddox. It can’t be a coincidence that two of his tires were flat. I’m pretty sure his excuse of running over something was a lie.

“Should I be worried?” I don’t know why I asked because I already know the answer.

“No, Sugar. You don’t have to worry about anything. I’ll find out who did this and why.” Maddox’s words are genuine, but I’m still scared.

“I should probably go stay with my parents,” I say, thinking out loud.

I don’t want to stay in this house by myself just in case they decide that one brick isn’t enough.Lord above, what if they shoot next time!

“We will wait for the police, and then you will come to my house where it’s safe. I’ll have the window repaired and more security cameras set up tomorrow. I’ll take care of you, Emani. I promise.” Maddox tenderly kisses my lips in reassurance.

But I still feel the worry deep in the pit of my stomach.

Chapter13

MADDOX

I don’t have any idea who the fuck is trying me, but they are dead when I find out. The audacity of somebody to think they can throw a fucking brick at me is insane. Although there wasn’t anything written on the brick, the message was loud and clear. Somebody didn’t want me with Emani, and they were making it known.

Emani’s camera didn’t pick up much since we were partially standing in front of it. All I could see was a dark two-door car driving by. I couldn’t even make out the type of car it was. And even though Frank has eagle eyes, he was only able to get partial plates because of how fast everything happened.

It was definitely unexpected, even though I should’ve been on high alert after my tires were slashed. And unfortunately, Emani nor Mr. Simmons’ cameras picked up who did that either.

I told Emani to pack a bag, and now she’s getting settled in my bedroom while I make some necessary phone calls in my office.

“This better be good, Reid,” Niro Dalonzo’s raspy, accented voice sounds over the line.

Niro is the cousin and security expert for the Dalonzo Organization. We’ve known each other for years. The Dalonzo’s started out on my father’s special client list, but three years ago, I picked them up. Let’s just say they give me a lot of billable hours.

“You know I wouldn’t call if it weren’t,” I reply.

I hear shuffling around, and a woman’s voice before a door shuts. I can’t say that I’m surprised that Niro isn’t alone this time of night, even though he’s one of the scariest motherfuckers who has ever walked the planet. And even though most men cower in his presence, most women throw themselves at his feet in worship.

“What’s up?” Niro finally comes back to the call.

“My girl had a brick thrown through her window, and my tires were slashed outside of her house all in one night. I need to know who did it,” I answer, getting straight to the point.

“Was the target you or your girl?”

The question gives me pause even though it shouldn’t. There’s no way anyone would be after Emani. She’s an art teacher for middle school kids.But her father isn’t.

“You know what, I’m not sure.” I have to be completely honest so that Niro can search for every possible avenue.

“What’s her name?”