Is It Revenge Or Love?

Infiltrated

~Jaylene~

I watch the kids as they work on a task, helping out where I’m needed. The person I was would have never found herself here, working with these kids. I’m beyond ecstatic that I’m not that person anymore.

These kids are amazing and will brighten your darkest day. Even though I went through everything I did over the weekend, the last few days at work have had me forgetting all about it. I’m so grateful to these little humans; they have no idea how much joy they bring to my life.

I haven’t heard from anyone after blocking my parents and Deon. I haven’t even heard from Monroe, though I like to act like that fact doesn’t bother me. He and I went to dinner and an event. That doesn’t constitute anything important between us.

I continue with my day, only having to deal with the issues that come from the kids, which are nothing at all. I pack up my things and get in my car, thankful that another day has passed without Deon showing up. My mom hasn’t shown up either, and I consider myself beyond lucky. I should have known that I was too excited too soon.

Amber’s home when I get there, singing along to the music playing while cooking. The scents from the kitchen cause my stomach to rumble. I swear I ate lunch, but something about her cooking pulls me in. “What are you making?” Amber laughs and shakes her head.

“Just get comfortable and meet me back here. It’s almost finished.” I nod and eagerly rush to my room to change. I decide to take a quick shower. The kids were especially hands-on today; their hands weren’t always in the best stages.

I take a quick shower and hop out. I put on a comfortable lounge outfit and put my hair up in a messy bun. When I step out of my room, I notice the music has changed. Don’t get me wrong, Amber’s pretty eclectic with her music interests, but what’s on now is throwing me off. She has music on that one would play if they were trying to seduce someone. I know Amber very well, so I know there is no romantic interest in me.

The next song plays, and it further confuses me. We went from Silk- If You to H-Town- Knockin’ Boots. Maybe someone popped up, and Amber is entertaining. I turn back to my room to grab my phone. Maybe she sent me a message that I missed.

My phone is dry, and there has been no message. I’m pretty stumped and cautiously turn back to the kitchen. A voice starts to sing along with the music—a male voice I know very well. My stomach drops, and my body suddenly becomes cold. I tuck my phone into my pocket and slowly walk toward the dining room.

The first thing I see is Amber sitting in a chair at the table. She looks up as I make it to the entryway, and her eyes are almost pleading with me to run away. I can’t leave her like this, knowing I’m the reason she’s stuck. “So I expect you to help me with Jaylene. I mean, from what I gather, you two are best friends. I’m sure you have a lot of influence over her.” He walks over to the table placing a platter down before taking a seat. “Just let her know that she and I belong together.” Amber looks at me, still trying to communicate with her eyes. I ignore her message and shake my head. I watch her close her eyes before opening them again. Her eyes are set on Deon, and I pull my phone out. An idea hit me, and I’m not even sure if it makes any sense, but I’m going to go with it. I dial the number and turn the volume all the way down. I place the phone back in my pocket.

“Yeah, we are best friends, so it shouldn’t surprise you to learn that I have no intention of endorsing a relationship with you.” Deon clicks his tongue and sits back in his seat.

“Now Amber, you really don’t want to make me mad.” I pick that time to walk into the dining room, my eyes trained on the back of Deon’s head.

“What the hell are you doing here?” I walk over to the side of the table where Amber is. I stand by her side and take a quick look around. There are two men in black suits standing at our door. I’d imagine there are two more outside. This is how he got Amber to let him in and sit down.

“Is that any way to greet your future husband?” I scoff and roll my eyes.

“I’ll ask you again: what the hell are you doing here?” Deon bangs his hand on the table.

“I’ve let you get away with a lot lately, but you are quickly running out of rope. Sit.” I say nothing, not moving from my spot. “ I said SIT !” Okay, I’m not going to lie; Deon is a little scary right now. I know it will take him nothing to send those men after me, and I’m not equipped to push them away. I slowly sit in the chair next to Amber. We grab each other’s hands under the table, the only insecurity I will show. “Good. Now you will listen to me like you should have at the party.”

~Monroe~

Butterflies erupted in my stomach when her name lit up my screen. I closed my eyes and told myself to calm down. This is simply about revenge, so there’s no need to be excited that she called.

I connect the call, but before I can speak, I hear that bastard’s voice. It’s strained and seems far away, but I know that voice. I’ve heard it so much in my nightmares that I could never mistake it. I can’t make out everything being said, but I know there’s an issue.

I quickly text Dixon and message my team. I’m not sure what’s going on, but whatever it is, it’s not good. I keep the phone to my ear, happy when the voice gets louder and clearer. The issue is what the voice is saying. It’s taking everything in me not to lose my sh.it.

I grab my keys and hurry to the front door. It opens before I’m able to, and Dixon is standing in front of my door. He holds his hand out, and I sigh and hand him my keys. As much as I want to argue against him, I know that it would just waste time. I need to get to Jaylene as soon as possible, and I know I’m too upset to drive myself. I hop in the passenger seat, and Dixon wastes no time taking off.