"He asked if I'm coming to the wedding." Zelma's words keep replaying in my head. After she said that, I kindly said, "Oh, okay. Well, I have to get to work. See you around." Is Jude marrying Deena? I'm so upset that I'm trembling. Once I'm settled at work, I call Lana. Lana asks, "How do you know it's Jude?" "I just know." "Well, why do we care? Ken's amazing. Please, let's move forward. Ken's a good man." "You're right. Let me focus. Love you." "Love you more." We got off the phone, and I called Marisol. She answers, "Hey, Ajay. This is a nice surprise." "Can you meet me after work?" "What time? I'm flying home tonight." "For the wedding?" I ask. Hesitant, she asks, "Who told you about the wedding?" "Can we meet?" "Sure." I tell Ken I need to run to the bank during lunch. He leaves with another coworker, and I head to her hotel. Marisol opened the door, and all I saw were teeth. Of course, she's at one of the best hotels in town. After I'm seated, she says, "We should'

I'm running so fast that my calves are burning. But behind me, I hear horrifying shrieks and moans. Finally, I reach Jude's home, and everyone is already on the front porch. I stop at the walkway, gasping for air.Marisol rushes down to aid me. Soon, others follow her lead. Justine asks, "What happened to you?"Heaving like a child, I can't formulate the words to explain. A few servers, Marisol and Justine, escort me inside and upstairs to a guestroom. Marisol asks everyone, including Justine, to leave us alone.Before we talk, I use the bathroom. My falsies were missing, and mascara was smudged across my face. I went from looking like a princess to a clown. I find a jar of whipped shea in the vanity drawer to remove all the makeup and wash my face. Once I look sane, I reenter the bedroom.Marisol ended her call and then faced me. "Who are you talking to?" I ask.Her answer is interrupted by a knock on the door. Marisol asks, "Who is it?""Mama."Marisol opens the door, and Mama immed

Justine returned home with Emelia to gather my belongings while Mitchell and I did all the paperwork needed. Mitchell says, "Because we're more like an agency or business, not just a resident, the Knights require we submit information on anyone visiting our location. I'm not using your real name because you're seeking safety, correct?"I nod yes. Winking, he says, "Bruce taught us well. We got you covered." "Lots of people come here seeking refuge?" I ask."Nah. But since we're a "ministry," we like people to feel safe when they feel lost, alone, threatened, or whatever.""Why'd you emphasize ministry? Are you one or not?"Analyzing me a moment, poking out his lip, he answers, "No reason."Emelia returns alone. She's a stocky Latino woman with dimples. There are three bedrooms on the second floor. Lifting her keys, she unlocks one door, saying, "This is the best room in the house. Sweet dreams.""Thanks, but I'm not going to bed just yet."With a nod, she placed my suitcase inside t

While they're screaming, Reggie and I start searching for a plan of escape. He removes a switchblade and starts cutting through the back of our tent. The moment he's done, our entire tent is kicked over, and we scream for bloody murder.The lights pointed toward us are blinding. Then we hear, "Stand with your hands lifted in the air!"Hands lifted, I see Mitchell, Emelia, Andrew, and two other Knight brothers. Mitchell and Emelia are in camouflage, while the Knight boys are dressed in all black. Glaring my way, Andrew says, "The island laws and rule handbook distinctively instruct there is no camping allowed on this island. Each of you will be charged a fine of $3500, as stated in section 11C. No one is allowed to leave the island until this fine is paid."Mitchell's glaring at me when he adds, "All underage minors parents will be charged, but anyone over 18 years of age will be charged as an adult."Jonas scoffs, "This is wack. I'll pay for everyone myself, even the minor. We're ju

Knowing Ajay was here for the wedding, I purposed to be late for my dress rehearsal. Once dressed, I snuck through a guest room window and hid near the woods' entrance. After Ajay entered, I followed shortly after. When I reached my front porch, Micah hugged me, whispering, "I love you, brother. I only want and hope the best for you. I'm sorry we fought earlier." I end our embrace with a nod and then detour into my dining room, where I come up behind Ajay. The closer I get, the more intoxicating her perfume fragrance is. Her body looks fantastic from the back. Now, behind her, I lean into her ear. Quickly, she turned to face me, and she looked stunning.Her innocent eyes gaze through me. Those near-neon pupils assure me a monster is being birthed inside her. The longer I stare, the more I want to kiss her. Instead, I turn cold towards her and cringe as I walk to Deena.Although I'm interacting with our wedding guests, I'm watching Ajay. Soon, I see Micah invading her personal space.