I smirked. “I love you more, beautiful. I’ll love you even more when you finish those oxtails.” She laughed and mushed me while we walked out of the den. “Let me use the bathroom, so I can finish putting up your door.”
“Okay, baby.”
We parted ways, and I made my way down the hall to the bathroom, bypassing the spare room and seeing Jela inside, rocking Chunks and wiping her tears. I pushed the door open a little more, and once again she turned away so that I wouldn't see her face. I walked further inside and over to her, taking her chin in mine.
“You’re too beautiful to have so much misery weighing on you. I can take you away, if you want me to. Just say the word.”
“Why? So you can fuck me?”
Ouch.
“Contrary to what you believe, I don’t need my brother to tell me who to fuck. I wouldn't pursue you until you’re healed and away from my brother.”
“Healed? What do you mean by healed?” Her defensive posture alarmed me, but I kept my cool. “Did Neveah tell you my business?”
“I meant internally, Empress.”
“Empress?”
“You're an empress, Jela—a queen. You should be treated as one because your vibe and your aura exude it. I can tell you were somebody back home. You just allowed someone to stifle the person you once were. Just say the word, and I can help you.”
“Why do you want to help me?”
“Because you're worth it.”
“I’m not buying whatever you're selling, Truce. I feel like you only showed interest in me and kissed me because your brother put my ass on a platter for you.”
“I’m not going to try to convince you of anything, Jela. I’d rather show you who I am instead.”
“I don’t know… I have to go. I’m not feeling good today. I only came to get my baby and go.” She placed Chunks on the bed and began packing her bag.
I slipped her phone from the dresser, putting my number inside, then handed it to her. “Think about it for me, okay? I’m staying at the Renaissance now. Should you decide to come, call me, and I’ll have a car come for you and Chunks.”
She didn’t respond, and I didn’t expect her to as I left the room.
I knew I was crossing the line with her, but I couldn’t deny that four days ago, I became enamored by the beautiful, broken empress. I couldn’t stop myself from getting involved in whatever was happening between her and Damien. Seeing her tears, again today, ignited the empathy in me, making it a priority to put her on my agenda. I was determined to see Jela happy. She’d shown me a glimpse when we went toGo-Time.
I wasn't trying to be with Jela beyond a cordial friendship, but I did want to give her peace where I knew she needed it. I knew my pursuit would put my brother and me at odds, but her having no one here to protect her or someone for her to confide in made my decision to choose her happiness over my brother’s easy.
Was it fucked up? Yes.
But with the way Dame was moving, I saw our relationship dwindling, and I prayed this decision wouldn't be the end of us as brothers for good.
I hugged and kissed my moms goodbye and stepped out onto the porch with Neveah trailing behind me. Jela had left hours ago with Chunks, but I saw her and Neveah talking and hugging before she left. Throughout dinner, I hoped she would text or call me to take me up on my offer, but of course, my phone was dry. I expected it, though.
Now, I was heading back to my room to shower and get some sleep before my meeting in the morning with my team to brief them before the grand opening. With Christmas being around the corner, I wanted to make sure everyone was prepared before sending them off to enjoy their holiday. I was stepping into a new season of my career, so the people I chose had to be ready to work just as hard as me, if not more.
“What’s up, Nev?” I asked, turning to her once we made it outside.
“Can we get in your truck? It’s cold as hell.”
I chuckled. “My bad. Come on.” I walked her over to my truck, helped her inside, and then got inside, turning the engine over. “Talk to me,” I told her, turning the heat on and warming the seats.
“I’m not telling you this to upset you or for you to confront Damien. So, keep this to yourself. Like… don’t even mention it to Jela, if you happen to be in her space again.”
“I got you, Cuz.”
“Okay… Jela had a miscarriage. I had to take her to the hospital because Dame basically disregarded why she was bleeding a river on their couch. I know you want me to move in with them, but I really don’t think that shit is going to work. She needs to get out of that house, immediately. If she don’t, I’m afraid he’s either going to kill her or she’s going to kill herself.”
