Page 22

CHAPTER 21

Jourdan

I thought I had trust issues, but Stephon had me beat. While I was loud and outspoken about how I felt, Stephon quietly made sure there was no way you could cross him. His security acumen was an added benefit. The man was scrupulous. We left my house an hour ago, and he’d checked every door and window before we left, as well as the cameras. When we returned home, he did the same.

Home.

Just that fast, I had claimed my new life and wasn’t planning to look back. All I had to do now was convince my brother and Tayla to move to North Carolina. I hadn’t even told him I’d gone through with his little proposal. My brother thought that if I married Stephon, it would keep me contained. What he failed to realize was now I was a lioness running wild with a damn lion behind me. I was ready to fuck shit up .

I waited for Mike to take us to the airport while Stephon took a few phone calls. We could have just driven one of our cars, but he didn’t want to risk anyone fucking with them. His words. I hadn’t seen Mike since the night I ambushed him. I was sure he wouldn’t recognize me anyway because I looked different. At least, I was hoping. I’d snuck up to him and administered the ketamine before he’d even had a chance to fight. I was surprised that Stephon had let him keep his job.

“Baby, let’s go. Mike is outside,” Stephon said from behind me. I stood to grab my small carry-on bag. I didn’t need much; I would get it there if I’d forgotten anything. My father had always taught me to pack light when scouting a target. Anything unnecessary would slow me down. Stephon was also carrying a small bag. We were the same; maybe that’s why my soul had attached to his.

We filed out of the house, with Stephon locking the door. He opened the door to the SUV and slid in behind me. We pulled off and were on our way. About fifteen minutes into our drive, Mike began to peer at me through the rearview mirror.

“Have we met before?” He asked, leaning his head to the side in question.

“You might have Mike. She was at the firm’s garage the day you passed out,” Stephon said. I smacked my hand hard to the front of Stephon’s chest; he laughed in return.

“I’m sorry, where are my husband’s manners? I’m Jourdan Rockwell.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Rockwell. Yeah, I’m glad I passed out that night. Did y’all hear the news?” he asked .

“No, what news?” I quickly spoke up.

“Burks died that night. I should have been driving him. As you know, I was incapacitated. The authorities think it’s foul play and that a woman may have been involved.”

“Yeah, man, the women will get you every time,” Stephon said. He was staring out the window, so when I hit him this time, it caught him off guard. He swiftly grabbed my leg at the thigh and pulled me over to him.

“You trying to get like Yoncé? Because I’m seconds away from telling Mike to roll up the partition. You’re making me horny, and when I’m horny, I’m going to fuck,” he whispered sternly into my ear.

“Steph, I didn’t know you were married; when did that happen?”

“He just saved you,” Steph whispered, kissing my face before answering Mike.

“Yesterday, actually. You know I don’t put all my business in the street. Over this one, though, I’m quick to let anyone know.”

“I feel that. Well, we’re here, have a safe trip, man. Call if you need me to be here for your return,” Mike said as Stephon helped me out of the SUV. I noticed Stephon was a lot like my brother in terms of modesty. Even though they both could afford private flights, we were currently taking a commercial one. I didn’t mind either way as long as I safely arrived at my destination.

It was Thursday, so the airport was busy. I groaned at the half-mile-long security checkpoint.

“Baby, relax. We’re not waiting in this line. Our flight had pre-check,” he said as he took my hand and navigated us through the crowd. We were only a few minutes early before boarding, which shocked me because Stephon liked to be super early. We barely sat down before the first class was called to board. We quickly found our seats before the stewardess came.

“Would you like a blanket, beverage, or snack to get you through your flight?” She asked, smiling all in Stephon’s face as though I weren’t sitting there. He had started to smile back before I interrupted.

“Yes, please; my husband and I would like a couple of packs of Biscoff cookies and Sprite.”

“Ahem, yes, of course, I’ll be right back.”

“Don’t be friendly with these hoes on this plane, Stephon. Ahem, my ass, she about to find herself knocked out like Mike in that bathroom back there.”

“Jourdan, that flight attendant was just doing her job.”

“Yeah, attending to her ho-ish desires on this flight. Keep smiling at her like that, and your ass will be joining her on her nap,” I said. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see all of Stephon’s teeth and those damn dimples before he busted out laughing. The stewardess returned with what I’d requested. She leaned down again and touched Stephon’s arm to get his attention. I didn’t miss when she lightly traced the vein in his forearm with her fingers as she waited for him to take the items .

This ho!

I leaned over and took them out of her hands, purposely scratching her with my ring. She winced and looked at where I’d drawn blood.

“Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry. Did I scratch you?” I said as I made a show of acting concerned. I stretched my hand out, showcasing my wedding ring and band for added effect.

“You know this man here, he just went overboard with the ring, but he knows I’m worth every dime. Isn’t that right, Babe?” I said, leaning in to kiss him. He wasted no time placing his lips on mine, letting his tongue take the lead.” He broke away after he’d had his fill.

“I love you,” he said. Goosebumps immediately spread over my entire body. His words caught me so off guard that my eyes widened. I didn’t know what to say. I wanted to say it back, but I just smiled. It was probably the biggest smile anyone had seen since my father. He seemed amused by my expression and leaned over to give me one more peck on my lips. The stewardess scoffed and stomped off.

“Stephon, if a hoe puts her hand on you, break it,” I said, mocking his tone. He gave me another loud laugh before the flight attendants started their flight spiel. Shortly after, we were wheels up.

JFK airport was just as busy as CDU. I appreciated that we didn’t have to wait for luggage. We’d just picked up a rental and walked onto the deck to find its location. I’d walked ahead of Steph as he finished the transaction, but he wasn’t far behind. I occupied myself on my phone as I walked toward the sliding glass doors. When the door opened, I collided with a body. Looking up, I saw that it was a familiar face.

“Sincere, oh my gosh. It’s been forever. What are you doing on the East Coast?” I asked. I felt him behind me. I didn’t need to look to know he was there and that he was pissed. I could feel the heat radiating off his body. I glanced down to see that Sincere’s hand was still at my waist, where he grabbed me to stop me from falling.

Aw, Shit!

Stephon didn’t say a word as he squeezed Sincere’s hand so hard I could hear his bones cracking. Sincere let out a quick yelp before he suppressed his need to scream.

“Sincere, is it? Never put your hands on her in any capacity. I’ll be the one to catch her if she falls.” Sincere nodded, and Stephon, who towered over Sincere, gave him a pat on the back before letting go of his hand.

“It was good seeing you again, Jourdan,” he said before he continued through the sliding doors.

“How do you know him?” Stephon asked.

“I know Sincere from the neighborhood I grew up in. He works with Ice now. Right? Goes by Sin. He's one of the few faces that I've actually seen that I can put a name to. I didn’t know he was on this coast, though. ”

“Hmph.”

“Hmph? What in the hell does that mean, Stephon?”

“He was transferred here. I don’t know what he’s up to, but I don’t believe in coincidences. I think his ass works with Miller in some capacity. Aside from all that, I don’t trust his ass. Now, let’s get out of this airport. Breaking that nigga’s hand made me hungry.”

“Shut up, no, it didn’t. Your ass needs to have a seat on some lady’s couch. Sometimes people will touch me for valid reasons, like me being ready to fall, Stephon,” I said and laughed.

“I’ll book a double appointment then. Sometimes, people doing their jobs will have to ask me if I need anything,” he laughed. I immediately stopped, pushed him, and started to walk away.

“Touché Stephon, tou-fucking-ché.” I said sarcastically.

“You don't even know where or what car,” he yelled, still laughing at my expense. I would aimlessly walk all over this parking deck before telling him he was right again.