Roses are Red ( Book 2 )

Feliz Cumpleaños

Jamir

I thought about killing her. Dreamt of it even. That's why I didn't sleep. Every moment wasted sleeping, Rose slipped further and further away . And the woman responsible remained breathing.

2 months shes been missing and 4 months pregnant at that. I felt cut off from my lifeline. Did Sandra Ludo even exist. I didn't think so, being as we couldn't place her a*s no where. All this waiting for nothing.

"I don't think so?" she spoke in my head.

"How would you know." I responded to nothing. I laid outstretched across the bed we never slept in. Fully clothed down to the shoes I wore.

"Are you even alive?" I asked no one. "Do you know that I'm trying to find you." I expressed somberly. I felt like this was my fault. The lifestyle she never wanted to live. This Sandra woman coming from no where. Rose asked me to stop but I didn't.

These skills that were forced on me. This life I never really wanted. Now, finally a moment where I can use what I know to free my wife and their useless. I'm useless. I sighed feeling the madness urging me into action. I'm sure If i resort to other means I'll find Sandra quick.

Wait for Milla ....

"Too late . I need to find you now."

I sat up, letting my feet hit the floor. I pulled out my phone, checking on my little one. A habit I picked up, when I'm restless. The phone was the only light in the room. I paused checking the time and froze on seeing today's date.

"feliz cumpleaños Rosalina"

Dorinda

"You said by her birthday or before." I said untangling myself from ShaMilla's embrace. She groaned, rolling on her back and rubbing her temples. "I know what I said." She retorted sitting up in the bed. "These things take time." She answered nonchalantly.

"Tuh!" I mumbled, shoving my leg into my PINK joggers. "A roast takes time." I snapped, pulling my shirt down as she watched me lazily. "Court takes f*****g time." I went on, flopping down on the bed. "But finding my friend, takes time We DONT f*****g HAVE!" I spazzed, staring at her.

"Dooorrriiinnndddaaa." She whined. " No ! I don't care ShaMilla. You better find this b***h TODAY!" I demanded, leaving the room. " Can f*****g kill a room full of people in seconds but can't find one bitch." I mumbled angrily. ShaMilla says that we're making progress but I needed results. s**t is starting to look real funny to me, how two assassins, a weapons specialist and a technology wiz couldn't locate one person.

" Surrounded by incompetent fools ." I breathed, pulling my hair into a tight ponytail, and sliding on my thick jacket. I had my hair in twists . With Rose gone I was beginning to run out of hairstyles. Good thing I had my own way of gathering info and ShaMilla's time was up. Time to make some real moves and I don't care if they approve what I'm doing or not .

Stuffing my feet into my ugg boots, and slinging my arms in my cozy coat. I snatched up my bag and opened the door . I was halted by a tall figure, already standing outside my door. I looked up to see it was Jamir. He didn't acknowledge me, just brushed past as soon as the door opened wide enough.

My hand dropped down, from gripping my chest . " You scared the s**t out of me !" I shouted at his back . Mir paid me no mind, continuing down the hall . I groaned in frustration as I shook my head and continued on my way out .

Pulling out my phone, I descended the steps texting Juni . She replied quickly letting me know she was in place. Juniper has really helped me out these past weeks . Stepping up in the club and helping with this Sandra thing . She didn't know the details but, I had a feeling she's done this before .

I got in my car, heading to Starbucks. Juni and I have only been texting outside of the club but, I asked her to meet me there. I felt like Milla wasn't motivated like me to find Rose . I knew they never saw eye to eye but damn . The girl could be in real danger and your dating her best friend. I shook my head clearing those thoughts.

I hated to think ShaMilla didn't care but, it was becoming clearer to me that she didn't. I parked far from the door, since it was packed this morning. After entering, I found Juni and sat with her . She looked dressed for the weather.

It was chilly out so, a brown jacket much like my own, was draped on the back of her chair . Her sweater was cream and rested off her shoulders and her black brown slacks complimented her, even when sitting down. Her heels were creme as her sweater but, pointed at the toe . She greeted me with a hug before we got comfortable and sat at the table .

She ordered me a Snickerdoodle hot chocolate and a muffin, which I was grateful for . " Thanks Juni ." I cooed sipping on my beverage, as she reopened her laptop . " No problem hun. You seem to have had a ruff start this morning." She noted, focusing on the screen.

" You can say that again. " I breathe rubbing my temple, and placing down my mug . But nevermind that, whatcha got for me ?" I asked excitedly. She smiled in response to my enthusiasm. " Sandra accepted my friend request buuut she doesn't post much ." She went on, making me frown . " Don't look like that ." Spoke Juni shaking her head .

" I still don't see why we can't just inbox her . I'm sure you guys can meet up like that ." She reasoned, as I avoided the question, by drinking my drink. " I told you she can't know I'm looking for her ." I told her, resting my arms on the table.

" Well some girl tagged her in a flyer . Seems like she's going to a party . Today actually. " Juni explained. I quickly turned the laptop out of her grip, to face me . " Where !" I demanded, as my eyes searched the screen, but there's was no address . " If I had the laptop maybe I could find out . " stated Juniper, crossing her arms . " My bad ." I admitted, sliding it back to her . " Uh huh ." She nodded, getting back to it .

My bag vibrated, so I dug my phone out .

Mean a*s? : Where are you ?

I rolled my eyes, stuffing my phone back into the bag. Juni noticed my ruffness, watching me slightly, across the table. " You okae ." She asked softly . I could tell she didn't want to pry . " Im GREAT ." I stressed, tightening my ponytail. I started playing with my zipper, as I nibbled on my bottom lip.

" Okae !" I gasped. " So Rose is missing and has been for like a Month now . ShaMilla is supposed to be getting her back and Milla's really good at these things but, now it seems she can't do anything. " I rushed out, feeling overwhelmed. I sighed deeply as Juni watched me . Starbucks was pretty crowded and it seemed no one heard my outburst.

" I kinda figured Rose was gone ." Juni broke the silence as my eyes landed on hers . " I mean, you two are like sisters and I haven't heard you speak of her in a while . Plus It's her birthday and your here with me ." She went on as I nodded. Of course it was obvious. I realized that I dropped the ball . I was so worried about Rose that I couldn't act normal. It was bound to come out eventually.

" How long have you known ?" I asked timidly. She shrugged, sipping her own beverage. " Since Jamir came in that night . I realized who he was after you went to handle it . I know it's not my place so, I waited til you wanted to speak on it ." She explained, making me smile . " Your a real one Juniper. Thank you ." I told her honestly.

" No problem hun . When you hired me, we became a team . I got your back . " she smiled. " anyway I can help let me know ." She finished, typing on her laptop again . I was grateful for her words and I really needed to vent . " You have helped a lot actually and that's the thing ." I confessed, getting her attention.

" Mir has been distant which is understandable but, nothing's happening. It's like were on pause, even though we know how serious this is ." I went on as she nodded in understanding. " I'm trying to play my part but, at the same time I don't know them . " I pouted slightly.

" I keep finding out these new things, you would think I would know by now . " I explained my thoughts. " It bothers me how I'm always caught by surprise." I vented. These weren't new ideas. Ive been thinking this for awhile. Saying it out loud, just felt like maybe I was right.

" I think you should relax ." Spoke up Juni . She smiled lightly, lightening the mood . " It's okae to look at everything but remember how you got here." She explained, making me take pause and really hear what she had to say .

" You feel safe with ShaMilla. That's a no brainer and I'm sure she cares deeply for you too. " she went on, reaching over to grip my hand. I nodded. " It's been what ? A year and look how close you've grown . She's probably doing alot more than you know but, she's gotta keep you safe also. " She pulled her hand back .

" Look at it this way . If she drops the ball you will never forgive her and I don't think she would risk that ." Juniper told me honestly. I took it in and realized she had a point . I knew I loved ShaMilla. I realized this on my own but, I'm afraid that I'm just a pit stop for her . If she really loved me, she'll find Rose.

I told myself I was right. " Thanks, I needed to hear that ." I sighed, making her laugh. " Your okae hun and Rosalina is strong . You gotta be strong too. " she added, and I nodded in agreement. " As for the Jamir situation..." she paused to think.

" You gotta put your self in his shoes. I'm sure I'd be losing it right now but, Mir seems closed in . I think he needs you guys more than ever. It can get dangerous once your left alone in depression." She explained her thoughts.

" Depression?" I tested the word on my lips. That word and Jamir didn't belong in a sentence. He was better than that . Stronger. But. I couldn't help the image of his eyes popping back into my head . Like a storm behind them. " Maybe. " I conceded, deciding to being a little more attentive to him.

Juniper shrugged, finishing her drink . It was noonish now, having been here for about 2 hours I think . " Well alright Juniper, Keep me posted." I announced, gathering my bag, and taking my stand . " Okae Rinda. Be safe." She cooed, hugging me tightly before sitting down again. I guess she was gonna stay awhile longer.

" See ya !" I called out behind me, walking out. It warmed up a bit but I still felt the bite of the air. I got in my car and took my time getting home. Once at our complex, I quickly parked and headed up. I knew Milla was pissed by now. With me not responding to her texts. She would just have to deal with it . I needed time to myself, every once and awhile.

Once again I was startled by Jamir. He opened the door, just as I reached for it . " You seriously get on my nerves." I groaned . He didn't move out of my way . " Come with me real quick . " he stated, forcing me to step back as he came out and closed the door. " Where to ?" I asked, crossing my arms. I remembered Juni's words but I still had my suspicions.

" To my old apartment. It's Priscilla's birthday too you know." He answered me blandly. I nodded, feeling bad for prying. I didn't understand why I had to go, but I did wanna wish her happy birthday . " Okae. " I responded, falling into step behind him . " What are you doing for it ?" I asked, before crashing into his back .

Jamir halted, right in front of me . " Well damn." I complained, rubbing the sting from my nose . " My bad." He mumbled, continuing forward to his car . " I had Scilla last year, so Kailey will have her this time. " he answered my earlier question,unlocking the doors. " Yeah, but aren't you gonna be there too ?" I pried, confused. I got inside and buckled up.

Rose told me about the party at the Tattoo shop last year. I'm certain Kailey was there, even if it was Jamir's turn. " Mir, Im not understanding..."

" Kailey thought." He interrupted me, and cranking up . " With everything going on, today might not be the best time to be around Scilla. Since it is Rosalina's birthday too." He finished, watching the road . Sheesh. That's kinda harsh coming from your sister. I knew Kailey was distancing Scilla from all this . Jamir included.

" How are you holding up ?" I asked boldly. " I'm fine ." He answered me automatically. Clearly a response given multiple times. " No really." I pressed as we came up to a red light . He just looked at the road. No emotion, just staring really. " I can relate ." I began, making him look at me . His stormy eyes focused.

" To what your feeling I mean ." I continued, not breaking eye contact. Juniper said he needed us and I needed him to pull it together. He had to find my sister.

" I feel her absence everyday. I wonder if she's well." I went on as he watched me. He pulled off after the car behind us honked. I took that moment to gather my thoughts.

" We just gotta find her and get her back. We can't dwell on the fact that she's gone..."

" But she is gone." Spoke Jamir. His voice held malice in it, as his grip tightened on the wheel. " I can't even wrap my mind around that . " he spat. " I lost my mother before I could even know her. My father forced me to leave my sister and I couldn't get to her until years later after he died . " he explained as I grew silent and stiff. " By the time I found her, she didn't need me anymore and she had a baby. " His voice saddened.

" It took me a long time to get my family together and then Rose came around and I realized I missed a piece." I listened to him and for the first time, I felt where he was coming from. Seemed like he's been losing people all his life. Even a man like him, would begin to question themselves after that.

" Last year I dropped the ball and Rose had to pick it up. I even put you in danger." He continued, making me shiver. I remembered being snatched inside that day. The panic I felt. " I can't keep dropping the ball like this. I gotta think about my child being taken away from me . My woman dying cause I'm not doing everything I can .."

" Hey HEY. " I reasoned. " Slow down . " I told him softly.

" First of all Scilla is safe here with you . And secondly Rose is alive and well. " I said with confidence.

"I would Know if she was dead ." I looked over to him, realizing we were parked outside the complex. " You would know too." I told him, urging him to agree with me .

I finally realized what's been going on with Jamir. He was beating himself up this entire time.

We did not have time for this and we can't un kidnap her . " Look Jamir. " I spoke reaching for him . I rested my hand on his shoulder as he looked at me somberly. " Rose wouldn't want you to lose yourself finding her. We can get her back Together." I smiled softly." It's not your fault but we can fix this."

Jamir looked at me for a moment before a small smile played on his lips. " I appreciate that Dorinda." He responded kindly. " No problem. But don't think I'm letting you off the hook. I'm telling Rose all about Elise." I teased getting out. I heard him laughing at me and smiled. Happy to see I lightened his mood.

" I hear you and that's fine. I plan on telling her myself. " he confirmed catching up to me . " but Thank you really. You have no idea how much your words helped me out. I can see why You and Rosalina were friends." He explained, continuing forward.

We had to stick together in order for this to work. We needed each other. Even if we don't see eye to eye. All of us had the same goal . To save Rose. " You should come with us." Spoke up Jamir, breaking me from my thoughts, as we crossed the lobby to the elevators. " huh ?"

" I'm taking Scilla skating and then to her favorite restaurant." He explained as the doors closed. " Awh that's sweet . " He snorted, "I created a monster with expensive tastes. The restaurant has a formal attire dress code always." He chuckled. " Ouu in that case. Count me in ." I laughed along taking the lead . " You should wait here and we can surprise her." I suggested as he nodded. Jamir lounged against the wall pulling his phone out .

" Ya know, I never took you as the guy that plays games on his phone." I mentioned before opening the door and leaving him in the hallway. It felt weird being in here without an escort. I never really hanged out here before . I heard soft moans coming from around the wall and moved deeper into the apartment.

Kailey and Raw-lo was deep into each others embrace. Their clothes coming off piece by piece with lusty moves on the couch. I stumbled into some real s**t and quickly covered my eyes. I turned my back to them as my mind raced. Oh what if Jamir saw this. My mind flashed to him just waiting in the hallway. I spun around quickly moving towards the two.

Kailey sat on top of Lo . Straddling him as his hands roamed her body hungrily. I had no idea where Priscilla was but I knew Jamir couldn't see this. " Stop it ! " I whispered angrily. I repeated myself a little louder, still trying to keep it down . Kailey shot up , sitting on Lo as their eyes widen. " DORINDA!" She shrieked, trying to cover her exposed breast. Her b*a was unclipped in the front and she desperately tried to fix herself . " Shuuuuusssssshhh!" I urged frantically. "Fix yourself! Hurry up!" I commanded with no explanation. I didn't have time.

" Where's Scilla ? " I asked quickly, while she sat on her own a*s and Lo stood to pull up his pants. I rolled my eyes at the sight, placing my hands on my hips. " You have no idea what almost happened." I stressed.

" What almost happened?" Questioned Jamir entering the room. Lo sat down quickly. His shirt on the ground by Jamir's foot and his pants still unbuckled. I face palmed myself, shaking my head. Kailey pulled her shirt over her head and stood up. Silently zipping up her pants. I looked over to Jamir as the room remained silent. The only one moving was Kailey. Totally ignoring the situation and getting herself together.

No longer did his face seem calm. Our previous conversation was long gone from his mind . Jamir looked like one thing and one thing only. Pissed the f**k off. " What the f**k is going on ." He spoke, stepping forward slowly. " No one answered him as he continued towards us at a measured pace. I could see him assessing everything and forming his own conclusions. " Jamir wait."

" I'm not talking to you Dorinda." He stated smoothly. His velvety voice scared me . It sounded like he had made a decision. He paused just a few steps away . I was on his left closer to the door and Kailey stood next to the couch . Lo stayed on the couch but had the sense to get dressed. I could tell he was nervous. I would be too with the way Mir was watching him. Clenching and unclenching his fists.