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*ERIC*

It’s been days since I last heard from Jamira. The last time I saw her was during the sleepover. This cycle is really getting to me. Whenever I see her, it’s exciting and mind-blowing, but then she suddenly goes silent.

This drives me crazy and makes me want to be even closer to her at the same time.

I took Kayla to school on Monday morning and again this morning, but she wasn’t there. That’s not like her. I texted and called her once, but she didn’t answer. She would have replied by now.

My mind went racing, and I almost forgot that I was in a meeting with one of the most powerful men in the city. We all knew who he was and what he was about. It was typical mafia stuff. I can’t tell you how many meetings we get with people like him who want us to “help” with their paperwork and fix the numbers.

We don’t usually mix with them because it can quickly become dangerous. I value my workers and their lives, so I try not to get involved in those kinds of affairs. However, I will say that this guy is persistent. This is his third time meeting with us this year. It says a lot about his character.

“Okay, well, we’ll look over the papers you’ve presented and get back to you,” I said, ready to leave.

“Surely this isn’t just your way of getting me out of here, is it?” he asked, his voice filled with suspicion.

“I assure you, Mr. Thorne, if there’s any way we can help, we’ll let you know.”

“Alright, Mr. Wilkes. I hope you can see why this partnership would be beneficial for us both.”

“I’m sure it’s all in here,” I said as I shook his hand.

Walt and I left the conference room and headed back to my office. I sat down and let out a heavy sigh. I threw the folder on the desk and rubbed my temples.

“This guy doesn’t give up. It’s clear he’s laundering money and has a system that needs to look legitimate.”

“Wouldn’t helping him just bring more money to us?”

“It could, but it could also mean more problems if he’s caught.”

“Well, let me have a look at it.”

I handed Walt the folder and said, “Sure, have at it.”

As he flipped through the pages, Walt started sharing more office gossip. He was ridiculous, as usual. I was here to listen, though.

“So, the office gossip is that Valerie has a thing for her boss, and Angie isn’t too happy about her talking about going in for the kill.”

I couldn’t help but laugh. “Eww, Walt, you can’t be serious.”

“So serious. And I found out Yoon and Dante are the other two guys she’s been with.”

“Yoon,” I asked, surprised.

Yoon was our tech guy. He didn’t talk much and rarely left his office during work. Come to think of it, not many of us knew much about him. Dante, on the other hand, wasn’t a surprise. He was a damn good worker, but he put me in mind of a passport bro. He went after all the interns, and one year, they fought over him in the parking deck one morning.

That was the year the interns got fired, and Dante was suspended without pay for four months. Since then, he’s been more careful where his cock goes.

“Everyone is also saying how much they’ve noticed you’ve been glowing and seem to be happy. I guess getting some was the solution after all,” Walt winked.

I rolled my eyes. “I see what you’re doing, and I’m not telling you anything.”

“Ah, come on, man. I need something. I’m waiting on your sister to come around, and in the meantime, I figured I’d live vicariously through you.”

I laughed and said, “That’s what you have Angie for.”

He didn’t like that answer at all. It was true, so I didn’t care. I looked at my watch and saw that it was noon. I looked at Walt and told him I was going to lunch and would be back in time for our next meeting. He groaned since he couldn’t come this time. I told him I’d rather go alone.

I got in the car and made a plan. I was going to go by Jamira’s house to see if she was there. If that didn’t work, I’d go by her friend’s house. I didn’t want Walt in my business, so I told him he couldn’t come. I didn’t need to be reminded of how crazy I was for doing this. I didn’t care.

When I arrived at her house, I noticed that no one was there and the driveway was empty. It took a few minutes for me to recall the road that led to her friend’s house, but I eventually found it. I was thrilled to see her car parked out front.

I sent her a text message, but she didn’t respond. I called her, but she didn’t answer that either. I called again, and this time, I left a voicemail message. Just as I was about to hang up, she showed up at the door and walked out to her car. I opened the door and let her in.

She had on a jacket that was zipped all the way up and tied at the neck. It wouldn’t have been alarming if she hadn’t been wearing shorts and slides. I tried to kiss her, but she only gave me a quick peck and started looking down. She seemed more reserved and distant than usual. This was not like her.

“Hey baby, I missed you.”

“Eric, you can’t be here right now.”

“Why?”

“Ayana’s mom is back, and she doesn’t really like visitors,” she said coldly.

“What’s going on, Jamira? Why are you so distant?”

I reached out to touch her arm, but she pulled away. I was confused until she turned her head, and I saw a mark on her neck. It looked like a bruise.