LOGIN“ Of all the times to show up, you choose now.” I gruffed at him, helplessly watching the departing back of Nicki. He followed my gaze to her figure. His attention reverted and he shrugged like he couldn't care any less.“ You and your people always put her in harm's way. She's safest when she's away from you.”“ A single incident shouldn't decide my capacity to protect my woman,” I snapped at him. He scoffed, lips curved in a demeaning smirk. “ I gathered that she was shot sometime ago…in front of your family residence…while in your car.”Every word came out like a stress of its own, bringing along a reminder of that day. “ You did nothing to the conspirators who had her shot. Or did you?”“ Anyone's head hanging up on a spike? Anyone jailed? Anyone in a cell at least?”“ No…obviously. Because she's not your family. I imagine if that would be the case if your sister, Vicky, or your sweet Akilla was in her shoes. No…obviously. Because you…you will demand for the heads of all those i
Another Monday. Another week to bear Nicki's avoidance. “ You can't be serious! Not after everything we have gone through few weeks ago because of your stubbornness!”She folded her arms across her chest. “ So, it is stubbornness to you? How was I supposed to know they weren't from him?”“ Nicki would have known. You have been blinded by your rage and unforgiveness that you ignored every sign. Sure, you couldn't wait to disappear and leave me alone.”“ Oh someone seems hurt. What happened to proceeding with the divorce and all that?” She retorted, hands akimbo.“ I bet that's why you have petitioned for it. Isn't that so?” I retorted, annoyance burning like hot coals in my chest. She paused, tearing her gaze away from me. “ It is not you. It is Micheals. Yes?”However brief it was, it drafted the script I hadn't thought of, hitting home like lightening. Michael pushing for the divorce on behalf of Nicki. That dickhead!!“ I would like to take my leave…”“ Nicki, I am still your husb
“ You don't carry arms into a place like that,” I told Vicky over the phone. “ This is not something I can involve the military in.”“ I understand your point, but she might not be with them. Going in there is like getting entangled with the devil for no good reason. Wait, let us confirm that they have her. For all I know, your girl might be finding her way home now.”I paused for awhile, but the next time I spoke, my tone dropped like ice in my own ears. “ Sister…time is what she may not have.”I got off the phone and turned to Melissa. “ Just before you try to convince me to stay back, bear it in mind it could have been any of you.” I said to her, and the rest of the team gathered in my office. “ She's my wife. If making a deal with the devil is what it's going to take, I will dine with him.”Seconds after I left the building, I felt my pocket for my phone. Empty I reversed, and lumbered inside. Melissa met me downstairs, wearing the widest smile I have ever seen on her.“ She di
Maya came up with an idea. Catch a rabbit and put the jacket on it.And that I did. After long hours, bruised elbow, sprained ankle and a broken nose. I have seen worse.“ I guess that is it. We just have to run in opposite direction of the rabbit.”I nodded in agreement, hoping that the rabbit doesn't come running after us. “ Now that I think of it, you can't be menstruating when you're pregnant. You deceived me.” She complained, wearing a rueful look.“ I'm grateful you didn't realize that back there. Deceiving you was vital towards a convincing act.” I explained, dragging my sprained ankle across the forest floor, while trying to fix my nose. Climbers barricaded most ways, like eternal sentries guarding secret treasures. I broke out a strong stick from a fallen bough, breath about my arm size, making a way deep into the forest, while Maya followed closely behind. “ How did they pull up your grandfather's voice and how are you sure we are not running from the good guys?”I halted
Words, carefully chosen, and one of them was "home". Right outside the door, he could hear me, but nothing stung inside. I felt plain and empty. Lighter, with nothing bearing down on my chest like a sack of grain." Sister Nicki," Maya called again. This time, like she could not recognize me. I turned my attention at her with a slank stare. She looked muted by the intensity of my gaze. " Go home and pack. I'm taking you with me." I spoke casually, straightening up to leave."I don't want to go with you." She protested, firm on the decision with an unyielding gaze. It came with a hum in my ears, striking past archives to open a closed chapter of our memories. I don't trust her enough to leave her with Aaron in the house. Not in the current state. " This is not up for a debate,” I insisted, about two feet away from the door. “ I said so as your guardian. Let's go..."" If this is how you intend to leave the Devinsky family. I do no concur. You both are hurting. Do you not see that wha
It felt tasteless on my tongue when I said it the first time. His eyes shifted, flickering like a faulty bulb. The way his eyes narrowed, lips pressed tight, reinforced my decision. This is not something I would want to hear. “ No. Keep it to yourself.” I said, and took up the spoon. The broth reached my tongue with a sting. “ Urhh! This has vinegar.”“ I did mention that it is bitter.” He droned, with his gaze fixed on me. I felt like coughing it out, but that would bring him closer…he might say something. Something that would eventually break what is left of me. So, I took it. Slowly at first. When I couldn't bear the intensity of his gaze, I downed the whole broth, face contorted from the bitter sting. “ Thank you,” I whispered, dropping the plate. “ Do excuse me. I would like to get some fresh air in Mr. Li's garden.”I got up to leave and seconds later, his hands were firmly wrapped around my waist.“ I'm sorry, Nicki—”“ No, Aaron. I don't want to hear it. Please –”“ Out of m
41“ Sister?!” He quizzed. “ When have you ever let someone outside our family call you that?”“Shut up!” She punched his rib again. “ Ouch! You want to take her around? Goodness!”Fighting his taunts with a glare, she takes my hand and leads me away. “ Let me show you around,” she repeated with a
“ You must be joking.”“He wouldn't do that now,” I thought, scooting across the leather to create space.A brief smile tilted his lips, followed by the soft scrap of his zipper.My heart flew over the roof. And so did my legs out of the limo.I leaned back on the body of the vehicle, panting for b
Ice cold, like frosting, he wears even eyes as he glanced around. Our eyes never met. He is clearly avoiding my gaze.I heard some of the girls at the back giggle. One of them adjusts her ravenhair and peach blouse. She gives her friends a look in search of approval. They nodded and she snapped her
I take a moment to calm down my erratic heartbeat. An acidic taste burns my taste buds. My throat feels clogged, yet I can't help but wonder the best way to make an introduction.“ Why are you out so late?” I asked gently. She looks down to her feet. “ You can tell me,” I said, stooping to her leve







