Roses are Red ( Book 2 )

Day One

Jamir

Numb. Thats the only way to describe it . ShaMilla insisted that we were to wait until morning to confront Elise . I hated waiting . There's no telling what Rose could be going through right now . I sighed standing up . I've been dressed for hours . WAITING . I had on my camouflage BAPE joggers with the matching hoodie . An all white shirt and Nikes . Ironically, I didn't want to wear black at all . Rosalina probably would be smiling seeing me dressed this way .

We stayed at the house last night . I wasn't going back to the apartment and Milla didn't trust me by myself . I shook my head walking as I rolled my medicine. Im a grown a*s man and I didn't like being handled. I only agreed to get the ball rolling . I couldn't go back to my loft . See her things, smell her perfume.... I cringed, inhaling the smoke . How could I let this happen .

There was a knock at the door, breaking my thoughts. I didn't answer but the person came in anyway . Of course it was Milla, dressed in an Adidas blue and white tracksuit and all white shell toes . Looking like the American Flag , with her hair pulled into a ponytail.

" How long have you been up ?" She asked as I smoked my joint . " Awhile " I stated, she nodded coming over to me . She reached for the joint stopping halfway, I shrugged, passing it to her . We remained quiet as it burned down . My eyes dropped feeling the numbness spread .

" I need you to be smart about this . " she began facing me . " I know your mind is telling you to jump into action but we gotta work together to find Rose ." I flinched at the end and she noticed it . " I understand how you feel bro . "

" Do you ?" I snapped . " Did your woman get kidn*pped right under your nose, while you was playing house . " I stressed lowly . " Not your fault..." " f**k outta here . You didn't even like her and Im supposed to believe your here to help . " I brushed her off walking away . " Don't question my loyalty on your f**k up . " she stated coldly and I knew I pissed her off .

" I don't gotta f**k with ha, you do . Stop bitching about what happened and get your s**t together . You and I know that if Elise is involved, then this is on both of us . " she reminded me . We stared at each other. I saw our entire past in her eyes and shuddered looking away . " Your right . " I agreed heading for the door as she followed.

" I know . Lets just be mindful and take things slow . Im sure the motive was to capture her, not kill or else this would be another conversation and we would be in black . " she joked making me stop and mug her . Milla just walked around me, going downstairs. I let it go, descending the stairs and entering the living room .

Dorinda was there . So was Kailey and The fellas . It was only 9:00, so we let Scilla stay in . I wanted to shelter her from all this . The plan was to have Rose safe and sound before their birthday, and hopefully Scilla wouldn't ask questions before then . " Good Morning . " Dorinda smiled nervously as Milla came to sit with her . " Morning." I answered dryly.

ShaMilla told me about their trip to The Grotto . Apparently, Rinda handled herself well . She didn't freak out or nothing and I could tell they were closer from it . Most importantly she kept her mouth shut about it . Rose didn't even know the details . I asked her, just to make sure for Milla .

ShaMilla's past was something no one knew all the details to . I only knew the part I had to play but nothing before really. That was a tight nipped secret and if Rinda wanted to know, Milla would test her before uttering a word . " It's a nice house . " she said playing with her fingers, trying to make conversation. " Thanks " I retorted, staring off leaning against the wall .

" Sooooo ..." my sister spoke up next to Raw-lo . A little too close to my liking, I raised an eyebrow at them . Lo scooted away, so I relaxed but Kailey rolled her eyes . I made a note to limit their interaction . We didn't need anymore unnecessary drama and I didn't want to f**k Lo up for flirting with my sister .

" Who's Elise ?" Asked Kailey making everyone look to me . " She's Rosalina's assistant . " Milla answered for me . " And Jamir's ex . " added Dorinda looking directly at me . I returned her stare . " Yoo forreal !" Blurted Raw-lo as Dupree shook his head at his older brother's outburst . " Not important . " I stated firmly . " Why it isn't ? " questioned Dorinda, glaring at me .

" Maybe my bestfriend wouldn't of hired her had she knew before . " she went on as the room grew silent . " Elise took Rose because of your dog a*s !" She shouted as Kailey hopped up . " We don't know who took Rose . " Kailey reasoned calmly. " Rinda I feel you but Mir wants to find Rose just as much as you do . Let's not make this about who he dated before her . " my sister explained. I shook my head at her as Dorinda rolled her eyes .

" All y'all do is keep secrets from each other ! This is hopeless!" She cried, leaving the room . ShaMilla stood to follow before we shared a look . This was getting messy quick. I dated Elise years ago when we were both young and dumb . I was pushed into a situation with her and we worked well together . I honestly thought I loved her but she was too insecure . Elise would always suspect I was cheating, which I never was . I'm not that type of nigga . It's easy to get p***y but hard to find a wife . My father taught me that . Once ShaMilla came into the picture, she went into overdrive. Saying I was f*****g Milla on the side and that I had to choose.

Milla saved my life at the time and we were closer then I ever was with Elise . I gained a long time friend and lost my girl. I wasn't bothered, since I knew deep down that I could never be the man she wanted . Rosalina was different. She accepted me, even if she didn't agree with all of me . She never tried to change me into a better man . Rose made me want to be a better man to deserve her .

Kailey came over to me . " You ok ?" She asked quietly as I shook my head . " Rose is gonna be fine Mir . Your gonna get her back . Last year she came for you and nothing could stop her . Not even Meanor . " she laughed, making me smile a bit . " Your gonna get her back . I know it . " she confirmed her words before . I nodded, feeling more at ease . " Thanks K-bomb" I said making her roll her eyes . " you know I hate that nickname ." She fussed going back to the couch . I chuckled under my breath, heading through the living room and turning down the hall .

Raw-lo and Dupree were here for more than protection . Lo was an arsenal specialist and Dupree was a wiz with gadgets. He made most of my technology at my office . Dupree tweaked Milla's bike for a grappling g*n and Raw-lo created the 180 shotgun . I brought them in on things hoping to speed things up with finding and taking Rose back .

Rounding the corner, I came to the bedroom Rose picked for Scilla . Of course I had to have a room here for my princess. I never thought about kids until Scilla . She was the first person to soften me . Since she was born, my mind always ran to her well being . I may not have created her but she was mine . Kailey use to run from her responsibilities, one of the many reasons her and her mother bumped heads so much . That was in the past and Kailey has come a long way as a single mother.

I didn't mind stepping up though . I made it my purpose to give her a life better than all of us had before her . Not to mention she's how I met Rose . I entered her spacious room . I had it designed like Kim Possible since she took a liking to it this past year. The walls were army green and black . More boyish than girly . KP and her goofy a*s sidekick, were spray painted on the wall furthest away from her high bed . Her bed had a canopy . The top was a crown and each point held a color that cascaded down . I sat on the bed watching her for a moment . Her soft curls wild across her pillow. She looked more like Kailey now, than ever . I wondered if I had a daughter, would she look more like me or Rose .

I brushed a curl from her face . Waking up, Priscilla yawned, stretching and rolling over to face me . " Morning Papa . " she smiled, rubbing her eyes. I felt happy for the first time since last night, just seeing her smile . A thought occurred to me . " Why not uncle Mir ?" I teased, trying to see something . She scrunched her face in confusion. " But your more than that . " she reasoned and I raised a brow . " True, I'm your God father too . " I joked seriously, rubbing my chin .

"God daddy . Daddy ." she shrugged lying down " It is all the same . " she reasoned making me laugh . She giggled and I paused to hear her bell like voice. My heart outside of my chest was right next to me and all I wanted was Rose . I wanted Kids with her . To experience this with my infatuation. I sighed, clearing my thoughts and looking to Scilla .

She was watching me and I knew I spaced out . " Your leaving ?" She asked sadly . I shook my head smiling at her . " No, I will be back but be good and watch your mother ." I told her as she nodded sitting up . She was in some pjs and they were all black making me chuckle . She grinned at me sticking her hand out . We did our handshake and I kissed her forehead. " Nunca puedo ir demasiado lejos de ti. " ( I can never go to far from you . )

"Go brush your teeth . " I told her standing to leave. I helped her climb out of her bed, instead of using the mini 3-step stairs on the side . I swung her in a circle before putting her down. She laughed, batting her hair out of her face .

" Is Leana up ? " she asked as I froze . Catching myself, I smirked, squatting to her level. " lets give Lena a break . Maybe your mami wants to do your hair . " I suggested as she eyed me . " Si." She nodded walking off . I let out a breath and exited the room before she mentioned Rose again . I told Kailey to help Scilla before I left .

Now outside, I noticed ShaMilla talking to Dorinda and headed over to them . Dorinda noticed me first but said nothing as Milla ended their conversation turning to me . " You ready for this ? " she asked as I shrugged and unlocked the doors to my Lincoln. Without another word, we filed into the car and I pulled off towards Slayed Life .

-

After about 20 minutes of radio commercials, we arrived at the shop . I don't why I thought it would be closed . No one knew she was gone . No one felt this absence of something vital gnawing at them . I sighed parking. Milla looked at me . " It will be fine " she spoke, misinterpreting my sigh . I wasn't too worried about Elise, surprisingly. I just nodded my head getting out of the car . She opened the door for Dorinda, and we all headed inside the shop .

" Welcome to Slayed Life, the only way to live ...." greeted Charity, before she looked up to see us . The shop was somewhat empty, except for two women prepping their stations . " Good Morning Jamir, where's Rose ?" She asked, since I didn't respond . " She's with her mom . " piped up Dorinda, smiling as she came from behind ShaMilla and I . " She wasn't feeling too well after her doctors appointment ." She lied, prying for information already . I had a new found respect for Rose's bestfriend . It was clear to me, that Rinda and I were on the same side .

" Oh, Hey Rinda." She beamed as the two of them embraced each other . " I figured as much . Rose was eating everything editable in here . " she joked . " Do you think you could run the shop for a bit . " Dorinda asked Charity sweetly . " At least until she feels better . " she went on to say as Charity shook her head .

" I couldn't but Elise could . She's in the back. " she stated, as I went towards the back . " Why don't y'all take today off, while we get things situated. " spoke Milla behind me . I stopped to look behind me, seeing Milla turn the sign at the door from open to closed . " uhm okae . " said Charity, slowly gathering her things as Milla turned her attention to the other woman. " I have clients coming in today ." Snapped a short brown skin girl with tiny cornrows or something. Looked like it was painful or like a maze .

The other, was taller and latin with long hair . She just got her things and left, while Milla walked over to the short one . Dorinda got in between them quick . " We will reschedule them for you ." said Dorinda in a fake nice voice, pushing her towards the door. " Buh bye now ." She teased, pushing her out . The girl rolled her eyes, but stomped away towards where she parked.

Charity laughed going out next . She highfived Rinda before leaving and Dorinda locked the door . " Alright, let's confront this b***h . " she stated dusting her hands off and striding forward . She bumped me as she walked past me, making Milla laugh as I rolled my eyes .

We walked to the back where the lockers were . Dorinda reached the office first, entering without knocking . And ShaMilla was telling me to slow up earlier . She shoulda checked her gurl instead . Following behind Dorinda, Elise eyes went huge as ShaMilla and I came in . I closed the door after me and turned to face her .

I felt nothing looking at her . Old memories, long forgotten lingered but nothing else . Else stood behind Rose's desk, which irritated me . Dressed in all white, with designer s**t from head to toe . I noticed she was still flashy and materialistic. Elise looked sad at first, but that quickly switched to anger . I assumed Dorinda was talking before we came in, but now Elise was clearly pissed .

" What the f**k are you doing here Jay. And here comes your b***h in heat . " she spat, staring off wrong taking shots off rip . " Watch yourself E" I warned her, calming myself. She kissed her teeth coming from around the desk as Dorinda gave her space . " Why are y'all here . I can't say I'm not surprised y'all are still together. " she chuckled sarcastically. I stepped towards her not wanting her to utter another word . She tensed bracing herself.

I met Elise at the Academy I attended, when I was younger. It was brutal but I was great at what I do . So, I excelled . I became top of my class but in order to graduate. I had to complete a finally task as a group . I was paired with Elsie, and another guy named Micheal Fenton, whom Elise married after we didn't work out . She was my equal at the academy and that's why we were placed together. Elise was not only brilliant but she specialized in hand to hand .

I don't hit women, but if this b***h acts up, I'll humble her real quick .

Dorinda

" Why are y'all here . I can't say I'm not surprised y'all are still together. " Elise cackled sarcastically, standing in front of Jamir and ShaMilla . Did she say together? I stared a hole at the side of ShaMilla's face but she wouldn't meet my eyes . " Jamir is with Rose, we didn't know you work for her . " ShaMilla explained calmly as a surprised Elise shook her head .

" I can't believe this !" She stressed, throwing up her hands and gathering her things to leave . I never liked this b***h . Elise always seemed fake to me and if she thought she was gonna walk out of here, like she don't know whats going on . She got another thing coming . I stepped in front of her, blocking her from going to the door . " Where's Rose ?" I snapped , ready to get some answers.

" How the f**k should I know !?" She shouted back at me . " Rinda, no ." Milla cautioned me, coming over to us . I rolled my eyes holding up my hand . " f**k that . We came here for answers. Y'all acting like this is Love and Hip Hop . I want to find my friend ! " I argued . " I don't care how you know each other and we will discuss this new information on your " friendship " later." I glared at her . " Wait, Rose is missing ?" Asked Elise as I rolled my eyes .

" b***h you knew ! " I screamed stepping to her as Milla grabbed me . " I had nothing to do with that Jay ." Elise put down her things .

" Look, I just started working here. I had no idea you were dating her . You know me Jay, this isn't my work . " she reasoned, as Jamir eyed her . Jamir looked tense as if he was waiting for something. " If it were me, she'd be dead already " she cooed with a smile . That was it for me .

I launched myself from Milla, and swung on Elise. I connected at first, until she ate my punch, pulling me in by my wrist , and placing me in a choke hold . " Let her go . " ShaMilla growled as I struggled against Elise . " Ask nicely ." she taunted . Thank goodness I wore sneakers. " She hit me ." said Elise, releasing me and pushing me toward Milla .

I was embarrassed at first, but Jamir moved swiftly, snatching her a*s by the throat, and pinning her to the desk " Don't play with me Elise ." He threatened, his voice dripping with malice. " You alright " ShaMilla whispered to me as I shrugged her off, ignoring her . " I... do.. it ." She mumbled conserving air . " Let me go " she breathed. I saw Jamir's hand squeeze . " Now " she gasped as he released her harshly . Elise, rubbed her throat sitting up on the desk . " I didn't take Rose ." She croaked . " Honestly, I like her as a person . Had I knew Jay was her boyfriend, I would have left this sectary s**t alone . " she explained.

" So I'm just suppose to believe that this was a coincidence?" Jamir spoke, balling his fists as she shrugged . " I really don't care what you believe." She spat, standing up . " So what now?" She asked boldly . I had to say Elise held herself well . Her outfit wasn't even wrinkled and she looked totally at ease . Elise wasn't fazed at all, even though she was just assaulted . I didn't feel as though she was lying to us, but I wish she was . " Now, you tell us about the hospital." I spoke up as she looked to me .

" she had an appointment." said Elise matter of factly . " I don't know what for . It's not my job to know that much . " she huffed, smoothing her clothes down . " She rescheduled a lot though ." She went on making Jamir restless . He was pacing at this point thinking as we got the pieces we were missing. " Look . That's all I know ." She stated irritated. " Can I go now ?" she asked as Mir stopped pacing to shake his head .

" nawh, you need to stay and keep the shop going ." He told her, making her kiss her teeth . " I don't think so . I quit " she said on her way to the door . Milla moved quickly, slamming her against the door making me jump . Mir gave them space as ShaMilla held her uncomfortably against the door, with their backs to us. " I owed you that one . " she taunted in her ear as Elise struggled unsuccessfully. I didn't like witnessing this .

Despite how I felt about Elise, I didn't like how much Milla enjoyed doing this to her . Milla was smiling at this point. Totally in control and Elise could not break free . " Now, we let you talk and show your a*s but you know I'm not here for it . " she warned her, bumping Elise's head to the door . She crumbled a bit, but Milla held her up . " Your gonna run the shop in Roses absence. " she ordered, letting her go .

" Your gonna do what your paid to do and If I have to come back here, because you thought you could get away ." She warned, squatting to where Elise was on the floor . Once at eye level she paused .

Suddenly, there was a knife in her hand . The thin blade danced across her knuckles as Elise eyed the weapon . Her eyes following as it moved . ShaMilla stood, opening the door . Stepping over Elise, she exited the office . I watched her leave smoothly.

I wanted to know more about her and now I had a preview. Elsie was looking at Mir, who stared back blankly . I felt like I was intruding but I wasn't gonna leave the two of them alone . " Jay .." she began but he shook his head . " So you hate me now ?" She asked, getting to her feet . " You walk in with that b***h but you hate me . " she stressed as he just watched her . " Come on Dorinda ." said Mir leaving the office as well .

I followed after him but Elise grabbed my arm . I snatched away as she held her hands up . " Your dating Milla right ." she questioned as I eyed her . " Yes ." I confirmed for the first time out loud . She nodded, going back to the desk .

" Then she told you why Jamir and I broke up ?" She went on as I rolled my eyes, shrugging . " what does that have to do with her ?" I snapped, irritated at the fact that I truly wanted to know .

" It has everything to do with her ." She laughed . " Jay and I were fine until she came alone ." She went on in a bitter tone. " ShaMilla and Jay got close fast . They would always pop up together " I turned on my heels to leave . Tired of my time being wasted . Reaching the door, I paused on her next words . " Jamir cheated on me with ShaMilla " she finished, as I spun to face her . " You mean....." she nodded . " Jamir left me for ShaMilla ."

-

I caught up with everyone at the car . " I'm about to head over to Lupita." Stated Jamir as I walked up . I couldn't even look him in the face . " I gotta let her know what's going on . I'm sure she will find out soon enough. " he explained as I stood there . I didn't know what to do with myself . Milla watched me in her peripheral, but I couldn't face her either .

I tried to watch, as they talked amongst themselves. Looking for a tell, about their previous relationship. Best friends my a*s, I thought rolling my eyes . It took Rose going missing for this s**t to come out . I shook my head as I tapped my foot. The more I thought about it . The angrier I became .

" We're gonna head back to the house . I'll call an uber, so you can go do what you need to do ." said Milla breaking my thoughts. " Bet." Stated Jamir getting into the car . He pulled off without another word, not even looking my way . Jamir seemed different. Like he wasn't here with us all the time . He seemed hollow , as if he needed something to keep him going . I felt for him before, but now I wasn't too sure . With what Elise told me, I don't know if I really know Jamir and ShaMilla. My best friend is missing and I'm stuck with two strangers trying to find her . The uber didn't take long to get to us . Only a couple minutes but I stayed silent. I had nothing to say to ShaMilla .

ShaMilla

She was pissed . That much I could tell . I watched Dorinda out the corner of my eye . This situation Rose created, was really getting out of hand . Who gets kidn*pped at a hospital!? All those witnesses and you couldn't get away or create a distraction. I racked my brain over and over again . There were so many ways, this could've all been avoided.

I peeped over at Rinda as she scrolled through her phone . She was ignoring me on purpose but I didn't care for her attitude. At least I had an excuse to stare at her . Dorinda was beautiful past the definition of the word. She had soft curves that stood out nicely in her jeans . The laces on the side, did wonders for my imagination . Hugging her in ways that should be illegal. The crop top she wore, hovered just above her toned stomach . I loved how fit she was . It showed that she cared about her health and proves she could keep up with me . I stopped lusting after her as my phone notified me to the Uber's arrival.

" Dorinda." I began as she kissed her teeth. I just chuckled, upsetting her even more . That attitude didn't faze me one bit . I'm sure Elise couldn't help but blab about my business to Rinda . She never liked me and I stole her man . I laughed louder entering the 4-door car . Dorinda eyed me but said nothing . I didn't feel the need to explain myself. Especially when she didn't even have it in her to ask me about it . Rinda can be mad all she wants but I did nothing wrong and I'm not gonna act like I did . There's more to the story than me and my best friend getting off . s**t happens and things change . I can barely remember when we dated, it was so brief . If it wasn't me, it would have been someone else . Elise damn near pushed him into that decision.