Valiant Williams could only remember that her life has been of chaos and utter tragedy.
FLASHBACK: AGE 3 - Author's POVA housefire burns wildly at the old house on a hill, destroying everything in its path. Pictures and clothing and toys for a girl toddler. A little red wagon sits untouched in the dirt front yard as the firemen work to control the inferno. Valiant watches on with curly brown pigtails and tears in her deep brown eyes."God dammit," her grandmother spits to Valiant's mother Phylicia, "you bastards are going to be the death of me!" Zenobia watches as her house burns and her other grandkids along with neighbors and passers-by are littering the sidewalk in amusement because this is nothing new."I have been trying to help out you worthless children, and you just keep destroying your lives! I deserve better children than this. At least one of my nine children made something of themselves!" She's referring to Joan, the eldest child and most successful.Zenobia was twice married and had nine children with three men. Joan was a legit bastard as her father hadn't married her mother, but she was fortunate and had accomplished what she set out to do. She'd gone to college, joined a sorority, opened a business, and began dating a senior non-commissioned officer (NCO) at the local military base. She was the pride and joy in the family.Phylicia was the seventh child and the most vulnerable to harassment and mistreatment from her mother. She had a fragile mind and a big heart. She loved and did for others, but she kept falling into traps that took her too far from reality. She was the black sheep."Momma, I won't even he-ya when the fire broke. Why you always blame me for bad thangs? I ain't had nothin' to do wit dis," Phylicia said, defeated and verbally bullied. Her southern speech was difficult at times to understand, especially to newcomers.The years of stress, heavy drinking, and hard drug use billboards her face and body, making her look decades older. "I jus' want my pictures, I hope they can save 'em." She looked up to see the progress made on the fire and the crackles that once populated the atmosphere no longer gave prominence.The house was partially destroyed, but it left the family homeless. It was a sudden prophecy for the little girl; she would have to come out of the fire and shine bright.This was a memory that Valiant remembered when people asked her about her childhood. The day her life had been set on fire and burned her with searing pain. There was no turning back. Her life would present obstacles, but it was as if the heavens knew when she was named that she would prevail.AGE 19 - Valiant's POVThe swampy Georgia air reminded me of the childhood and consequences of decisions I'd tried to leave behind. I was only back here to give closure to a nightmare that created voids in me so deep that light could never go there.He'd been extradited on a warrant for his arrest and brought back for trial on a case that was still open. A few years ago, Zayvion, my youngest brother, had lied in an investigation that gave him a walk while pinning charges on my then boyfriend and current fiance, Roman.Checking my wristwatch and phone in an alternating manner, I waited for my name to be called so that I could make my visit quickly. I was due back to the airport in a few hours heading westward again. I was going back to a promise that was made to me.My mind began translating the various conversations around me in the waiting room. The deep southern drawls, the long strings of lazy words forming idiotic sentences and street slang meant to keep informants from snitching littered the air, I shuddered in anxiety.Looking around, I was at least grateful to the bastard incarcerated for helping me see a better life for at least a little while. The dingy, dark county jail was no place for me, and I had to stomach it all until my time was up to see the imprisoned selfish aşshole.The timing couldn't be any more perfect, I scrambled to my feet at the call of my first and last name. I prayed silently that no one would know me and that a brawl wouldn't break out, causing a lockdown."Valiant Williams? Is there a Valiant Williams here to see Driggs?" The pudgy sheriff stood proud at the junction between the dark waiting area and the brightly lit service counter with a clipboard in hand.I stepped up to him, placing my items on the metal detection belt, and announced my presence. "I'm here. I'm Valiant Williams." I smiled politely at the older man. He smiled back, probably grateful he encountered someone who looked like they had some sense.I allowed him to have my driver's license, and while I waited for him to enter the information into the computer, I noticed that he had burns on his hands. The scars were bright red up against his pale white skin.My mind flashed back to the time many years ago before my troubles began with the house fire that threw me into forbidden abuse and permanent trauma. I contemplated how things would have been had I had perished."Aw-righty ma'am! You're good to go. Just step through the metal detector with your arms hanging loosely by your sides." He took a pause as i signed the paperwork, "I hope that man in there gets his act together. You sure are a beautiful one."I smiled back and pushed my wavy tresses behind my ear, "Thank you, sir, have a good day, and be safe. Don't work too hard."He replied back, blushing, "Thank you dear, good day!"I was led back to a demarcated room where there was a stainless steel rimmed shatterproof plexiglass separator that housed two-way telephone receivers and bolted in place hard plastic chairs in sets on either side."Driggs is in stall number nine. You have thirty minutes with him." A female officer spoke hurriedly to me then turned on her heels to leave.I walked with determined steps without an ounce of pity or hesitancy. When I saw Roman Driggs sitting in his orange shirt and pants, I rolled my eyes, easily annoyed and pissed that I didn't make the better decision when I had the chance to.This man had conned me, my heart, and the opportunities he took from me for his own selfish gains. He smirked at me and winked. I reminded myself that going to jail for any reason was not wise.I picked up the receiver, not caring about sterilization, I needed to say the shịt on my chest and get out before he had a chance to poison me again."You look like death warmed over, I bet you wish you had my cooking right now." I spat fluently in my viciously sharp tone. My eyes never left his."It's good to see you, Vee. You're looking good, but then again, you always did. That's how you trapped me." I sneered, and he licked his lips, most likely remembering how I tasted."Anyway, it's been months, and it took you long enough to get here. How's my son? Can I see a picture of him?"He was too calm and conceited. But I was about to change all that."Unfortunately, for you, I've come to share with you some important news. So I'll be quick because I have a flight to catch."I rummaged through my structured leather bag, pulling out a folder, sitting it in front of me."Yeah, I know you won't be sticking around, but to be clear with you, I don't want my son around that man. My lawyers are preparing to fight you for custody."I snapped."You ruined my life but that much you already know. I trusted you, and you misused it. You chose to take my vulnerability to exploit me, and that is the worst. So I don't feel bad to let you know," I held up a picture of my son, "he's not yours. We don't have any children together."His face dropped, looking at the little boy and then back at me. Roman saw it and he knew better. He had questions and I had answers."You fūcking bịtch! You lied! You lied! You let me believe he was mine! I can't believe you!"He became unraveled at the revelation, and I just sat back waiting for the next opportunity to let the hammer fall. I needed to crush the rest of his hope and dream of us.I held up the next item, the baby's birth certificate, and watched the madness. I smiled wide, taunting him."You shouldn't be so upset, Ro. We're even now. There's nothing attaching me to you or your millions, whatever is left of it. And, I'm going off to the Air Force soon. I have emptied the house as it's been seized and sold the car. I will mail your mother your engagement ring and the proceeds from the car. It might help you with some expenses."With that, I put all my documents away, preparing to stand and leave when I saw him crying."Val, I would have been content not ever knowing. I know it's too late, and I've made some bad mistakes. If I could take it back, I would. This hurts, today, I have lost everything. You win, you win.""This might be the first time you've ever spoken a truth. Your last sentence is my respite. Have a good life, Roman."I hung up the receiver and walked back the way I came feeling empty and like I hadn't won anything. A little over a year ago, I could've survived without ever meeting this man and his "friends," but here I was pleading with God for hope.Except there was one that set fire to my being. I loved being ablaze for him. He could only do it.I got to the airport early, checked in and and got through TSA. Absent-mindedly, I moseyed over to the off-duty store when I saw a glimpse of someone that I wanted to see so badly that it hurt. I hurried along with the only bags I had, a small duffel and my structured shoulder purse. I walked closely behind the person of interest, hoping to just talk with him. I needed to talk to him to tell him that I was ready.My face showed signs of distress, and the tears made it more dramatic. Dressed in a boyfriend style blazer, dark skinny jeans cuffed at the ankle, a fitted white tee, and a pair of Tieks, I could have been shooting a movie. One of the terminals had just released its passengers, and the rush of business professionals darted out along with children on summer vacations dragging their parents to the bathrooms flooded the walkways. I was losing my target, so I pushed until I thought I had him cornered. I was chasing a skilled killer, one who could off me and hide the body foreve
Reece's POVValiant had returned to the ranch a few days ago and I had taken my son from her. I didn't want to talk to her, I mean I couldn't talk to her. I looked at my baby Regal Vincent Shields, he was strong and determined much like his mother and me. When he had fallen asleep, I knew I had to do some more soul searching. The woman I loved and disliked the most kept me in a constant cycle. She'd been hurt the most in her life but she loved to see others treated well and succeed. All others except me. "Fūck it." I murmured, stepping back from the crib where my little heart. my saving grace laid sleeping on his back. I turned on the baby monitor, checked the water levels on the humidifier and set the air purifier before walking out of the door. Funny how I could condition his atmosphere in this way and still harbor this unease for his mom. Making my way to my room, I slipped into my black tactical shirt, pants, boots and gloves readying to head out to what me and the guys called
Valiant's POV "Sweetheart?" I heard Papa calling out to me. "Where did you go? I have been here for over ten minutes, watching you. Are you okay?"The memories were pushed back to the dark recesses of my mind as I dropped my eyes to my feet. I don't want him to see me like this his face reminded me of the one I wanted to hold. "Listen darling, it doesn't look like you two have reconciled. I'm gonna take Buddy and the guys out hunting for a few hours. Madre has Regal, and you should take that time and head into town.""The guys?" I stammered. I hadn't seen them in well over a year and hadn't spoken to them in about four months when they called to congratulate me on having the baby. I missed them so much, especially Todd. "Yeah, they got in a few days ago but had some things to sort out with Reece. They are staying a few more days. Maybe you'll see them before you ship." He earnestly replied, not knowing that I needed their support to help me. It was strange that Todd hadn't at least
Roman's POVIt's been a few days and I was at a loss. Val had finally left me, I knew it was coming. I waited with bated breath for her to tell me sooner than later of her plans to disconnect. Even before we moved from Georgia to Texas, I knew she was in love with Reece and only with me out of obligation. He was the good guy, everyone loved him and he was great at everything. Of course, she would fall for him. It was evident that Valiant couldn't resist his charms. He had told me about her before I had seen her with Jonas. Reece came into my apartment one night smelling of whisky and sex rambling about how he'd try to get her out of his mind. That night, he was with a girl he'd been dating for a few months, but he couldn't finish the do with her because his mind was clouded with this new woman. He'd broken it off with his constant, telling her he was interested in someone else. Needless to say, it didn't go over well. There was a big fight. Anyway, fast forward a few months, and I
Roman's POVThat night, I took her in every position testing her limits and when she said that she couldn't, I adjusted. I needed her for more than the one reason I sought her out. When I was done with her, she'd passed out from the multiple orgasms I had given her. I looked at her tangled hair, sweat laced body and her deep and settled aura of sated desire. Beyond gorgeous, a bevy of emotions washed over me. The next morning I dictated to her what my expectations were, assuming my unspoken position of authority as her boyfriend. I would fūck her into submission if she challenged me now knowing how she responded to my efforts on last night.Her kinks were whatever mine were and whatever her body could handle. This was too easy. Over breakfast I announced, "I'm meeting your family today, so call them and let them know." Her complexion paled and she protested. "I think we should wait, I'm not ready for you to meet them." The sass that dripped off of her made me batten down my domin
AUTHOR'S POVWhile Roman considered all that had transpired up until he found out her secret, he was angry at himself. All in his life was being upended because he was too gullible and sloppy. The same people he was trying to either evade or placate stay close to him. So close that they were his shadows. He had considered all the ways he had tried to woo Valiant Williams and make her submit to him completely, but she was too intelligent. The woman was older than her age and wiser than any tree owl. She had book and common sense, and her background made her a triple threat by making her street wise. The o lnly thing missing was her exposure to it all in the real world, and thanks to Ro, he was showing her how to get her credit hours. The natural way she made friends and deciphered her enemies was too scary. It was like God had given her His eyes, and she could disrupt rules while making new ones that everyone had to abide by. There were no decisions that she made without having a go
Valiant's POV My body had started to ache while laying on the cot, the mattress was unbearably thin causing my body weight to sink into the sharp metal coils. I laid there exhausted from fear and lack of patience waiting to be discovered as missing and rescued by the man who currently resented me. In my head and before my eyes that were closed, I cursed Roman in my head. He was the reason I was caught up with Lettie in the first place. She was the one he cheated on me with right before he discharged the army. She was the other woman. I was incredibly incensed and outrageously pissed off at the whole scandal. They literally made my sins look like white out and plain printer paper. This crazy bịtch was the bain of my existence and my dislike for her was turning into hatred. The kind of hatred that would cause a person to go Norman Bates, functional and psycho all in one slaying. Lettie's only goal in life was to annoy the hell out of me until I banged my head on the pavement in a
Reece's POV Dad had taken me and the guys out to the cabin in the hills to hunt but little did I know it was also for an intervention. I guess they'd grown tired of my stubborn ways in not forgiving Val. This girl had hurt me more than anyone I've ever met in my life. I loved her and was proving to her that I could and would protect, provide and love her and our son. Yeah, granted I had left some very big important things out concerning who I was and some of the covert missions I had to complete but I know she would never understand or go for a guy like me. I had been told that I was good looking and desired by many women but I could care less. Shockingly to many, I wasn't the sleep around type. My parents taught me to respect myself and to respect anyone I was interested in. They had married young and had me young so I always wanted marriage and children. Besides that, my familial heritage was really wealthy. I was careful not let it slip and amass a groupie or goldigging fiasco