Page 14 of Intentional Foul (The Complexity of Love #2)

“He is legit. But I trust no one. Cover your ass. If I have to get involved, people won’t be alive when I leave,” she said.

Accidentally finding out who my aunt India actually was blew my mind.

One of my college teammates got wrapped into a point shaving deal with a loan shark.

He targeted me and Marquise because we wouldn’t play along.

One minute we were leaving practice and the next we woke in a warehouse.

Aunt India and her assistant entered the building with a gun.

She shut everything down, sending us to the car.

A light flashed before she exited the building.

She made us promise to not tell mom. I’ve been intrigued from that moment.

“Can you send me a fake copy with me as owner but put the masters in Jhae’s name?” I asked, and she nodded.

“Don’t tell Marquise you saw me. I plan to interrupt his little party tonight. He should be tired of sex by now,” she said.

I shrugged because we both knew he held no plans of slowing down. He masked his pain by sleeping with different women and creating more broken relationships. I wanted more for him, but Dr. June said he had to want it.

“Love you, Auntie.”

“Do me a favor? You see the older black woman in the flower-print dress?” she asked.

A thin woman sat at a table playing chess with an older man. He had a wandering eye. She hit him twice in two minutes to bring his eyes back to the board.

“Take her these flowers. When she asks who sent them, smile and walk away,” she said.

The guy next to India passed her a bouquet of yellow and pink flowers. She extended them to me, and we both stood at the same time. As we moved in opposite directions, I paced myself, making it to the table.

“Walter, keep yo old ass eyes on the board,” the older woman said.

“Excuse me, beautiful. I believe these are for you,” I said, interrupting the game.

She leaned back to give her attention and perked her shoulders as I extended the flowers. As I examined her face, those eyes were familiar.

“See, Walter? This is how you treat a lady,” she said as she took the flowers. “Who are these from?” she asked.

I smiled and left them to enjoy their game.

Thirty minutes later, I pulled back up to the hotel.

My heart raced with the thought that my woman could be gone.

Jhae was slick and in fight or flight mode with me.

I rubbed my hands together at the thought of us lying in bed together.

The privilege it would be to caress her body and listen to her soft snores.

I tapped Jhae’s hotel room door and stood waiting. It took them five minutes, but Tyrus opened it for me. Jhae sat on the couch with her legs and arms crossed. I navigated to the empty seat next to her, leaving no space between us. From the tightness on her face, I knew she was upset.

“What’s wrong?” I asked.

Jhae tried moving, but I secured her elbow to pause her movement. She turned her body toward me. “You know what’s wrong with me,” she said.

With a gentle tug, I had erased the small crack of space between us.

“Jhae, let’s try the complete story,” I demanded but she remained quiet.

The resistance of this woman deepened my love and resolve.

“Moe wants his money, and the label called. They are shelving her album. Side note, Malcolm, are you really in love with Jhae? I mean, this could get messy. Women process things differently from men,” Tyrus interrupted, earning a look from Jhae.

“Listen, use him as your muse. It is clear you will not be going anywhere,” Tyrus continued.

I loosened my grip on her arm as she snatched it away. “Malcolm and I are getting a divorce or an annulment. His mother is my best friend,” Jhae yelled, and Tyrus scoffed at her statement.

“Tyrus!” she said between gritted teeth and he shook his head.

He came to the conclusion that Jhae failed to explore. I was not going anywhere. There would be no divorce or dissolution of our marriage. She narrowed her eyes at her manager and I chuckled, gaining their attention.

“My people are working on the label situation. How much money do I need to put up for the album, label, marketing, tour or whatever my wifey needs?” I said.

“Malcolm, noooo,” Jhae pleaded as she rotated her body toward me.

“Five to ten could get us going. If we find a distribution deal, it could save us some money and put us on the global map,” Tyrus said.

Jhae turned my face to her and mouthed the word no. I wanted to kiss her glossy lips and say yes afterward.

“Alright, set everything up and I will transfer the money over,” I said.

“You do know I’m talking about millions?” Tyrus confirmed.

My eyes traveled up to meet his, with Jhae gripping my face. “I’m kissing you,” I said.

She hesitated before fully releasing me.

“Yes, I’m aware you were speaking of millions.

Not that it’s your business. I spent over ten thousand on Jhae’s bags and jewelry within a week.

Wifey gets the world and everything about this label better be in her name.

My lawyer will review the final documents after they are prepared.

Yearly audits of the money will be conducted and every dime of our money better be accounted for—including your salary.

Whatever rapper or feature she wants, make it happen,” I said.

“Damn, yes, sir. After the masters are secured, I will get to work,” Tyrus said.

Jhae bolted from her seat. “I’m not taking your money. Fuck it, you don’t listen to me. Malcolm listens to no fucking body,” she screamed.

Tyrus moved to say something, but I paused him with my hand. I scanned her slim, thick body and her skin hugging jeans. My little brat , I thought to myself.

“Music Note. I heard you, and I see you. You are afraid right now, which is fine. I’ve entered your life and snatched your security blanket from you. However, as your husband, I will push you to greatness. I know what you are capable of.”

Jhae’s eyes danced around the room before she reclaimed the seat next to me.

Tyrus’s mouth parted slightly as he focused on us.

I’ve listened to Jhae’s dreams about where she wanted to take her music.

She couldn't get there if she was too afraid to jump. As long as she had the safety net of the label, she would play follow the leader. I’m going to push her, even if it makes her uncomfortable.

I’ll be the bad guy to allow her to shine.