Is It Revenge Or Love?

Help Her?

~Jaylene~

I never thought my life would look like it does now, but here we are. I have no idea how I got here or how to get out of it. Walking out of Monroe’s office had me in a daze as I let his words wash over me. I have no idea what to do or what would be the smartest move.

When I make it to the living room, Amber jumps up and grabs my wrist. She pulls me through the dining room and into the kitchen. She pushes us through the back door and places us on lounge chairs surrounding the pool. I look around at the clear sky, breathing in the fresh air. I notice a few men in all black walking around the grounds. “Well?!”

“What?”

“Don’t do that sh.it! That man in there offered up marriage and I want the details!” I sigh and fill Amber in on the conversation we had in his office. Amber is on her feet, pacing back and forth. I sit and watch her, wondering how she hasn’t gotten dizzy by now. “So, what are you going to do?”

I lay back on the chair and stare into the sky. “I have no idea, Amber. Deon is gunning for me and has gotten really close twice already. It’s only a matter of time before he succeeds. My parents are helping him along the way and I have to keep my distance from them. His proposal makes sense, but marriage is serious. I expected to get married for love, not to solve a problem.”

“That makes sense, but you are in a tough spot. I think you should really consider going for this. If nothing else, you gain protection from those other crazies in your life.” Amber has a point, and I guess I can’t be worried about the meaning of it all. This man is offering to help me out of this crazy situation that I find myself in. He’s the only one in my life looking out for me other than Amber. Maybe I should do the safe thing and just say yes to this crazy proposal.

~Monroe~

I stare at Dixon, not sure if I should be offended or entertained. The longer I look at him, the more visibly uncomfortable he looks. “I don’t mean any disrespect sir, I’m just confused. You wanted revenge on her, so letting this happen to her would give you that. Offering marriage is taking more work from you, including more resources.” Dixon makes a good point, but it’s already out there, and there’s no taking it back.

“What would you have me do? If I let them have her, how do I get my revenge?”

“Wouldn’t leaving her to live a life like that be revenge enough?” I shake my head and sit up straight in the chair.

“I want MY revenge on her, not allow them to do whatever they want. I don’t know what they’re playing at, but I can’t sit back and watch it happen.” Dixon says nothing but walks up to the window, looking out at the land below. “Have you looked into the company yet?”

“We just started, but it looks like Jaylene’s family company will be the easier one to get to for now.”

“Explain.”

“We are still researching, but it looks like they aren’t as stable as they seem to the outside world. It looks like they rely on every cent they bring in. One missing payment could spell their end.”

“I think I may have to pull that thread and see how that unravels.”

“I guess that’s one way to get back at Jaylene. You would be taking away her inheritance.” I shake my head and down the rest of my drink.

“No, not at all. Jaylene doesn’t use family money, she makes her own. Taking her family business will not hurt her in the slightest.”

“Why do it then?”

“You heard her father as well as I did. You saw what happened at the party. Her parents are sh.it people, and there’s no reason not to make them suffer. They should pay for what they are trying to do to her.”

“Sir, I apologize ahead of time for what I’m going to say, but,” Dixon looks around the room as if he is terrified to say what he’s thinking.

“But?”

“Well, it just seems like you are investing a lot in helping Jaylene right now.”

“Maybe I am. Just imagine how much more that fall will hurt her after all of this. Trust me Dixon, there’s always a method to my madness.”

~Unknown~

“Did you deliver the message that I asked you to?” I listen to the response on the other line. “Well, what was his reaction?” I listen more, and my anger starts to flair up. “What do you mean, you don’t know? What’s the point of you being there if you don’t keep tabs on this stuff?” My hand grips the phone tighter, and I want nothing more than to hurl it at the wall in front of me.

“What is it love? What has you so angry?” I wave him off, not wanting to be interrupted.

“You just do the job you’re being paid to do, and nothing more. I want results, or you will pay for it!” I disconnect the call and toss the phone on the couch. His hands immediately find my shoulders, and he rubs them gently. The softness of his hands brings calmness, and I let my head fall back.

“You really shouldn’t let yourself get so worked up. You are too beautiful to be so stressed.”

“I know you’re right. It’s just that we have a golden opportunity right now that I don’t want to pass us up. This has to be done right, you know?”

“I know, love and it will be. No matter what I have to do, I will make sure this happens as it should.” I smile and close my eyes, enjoying his hands on me.

“I… I’m hungry.” f***k!

“Where the hell is Josie?! I’m fu.cking sick of dealing with this!”

“I will handle it. Just stay here and when I get back, I will finish helping you relax.”