“Every Superwoman needs a Superman, and every villain has a downfall. Let’s just pray she doesn’t become my kryptonite.”
I couldn’t believewhat I was about to do.
As I looked around the place that held me captive for almost a year, I battled with myself on whether I should leave. This was going to be a disaster. Damien was going to murder me, but if I could get Truce to take me back to Detroit, I’d feel so much safer there with my people.
Taking Scottlyn away from him was a big risk, especially since her first birthday was mere weeks away. My heart was beating something crazy in my chest that I had to pace to get myself under control.
When I looked at Scottlyn sleeping soundly in her car seat, I knew I was making the right decision, but possibly with the wrong person. For some peculiar reason, I trusted Truce. I didn’tknow the man from a can of paint, but his energy didn’t give me malicious intentions.
I felt that he genuinely wanted to help me, and I was in dire need of help. That didn’t stop me from being scared of what would happen once I left here. Mommy always told me to do it scared. Whatever I set my heart to do, I should do it afraid because the outcome could be beautiful.
The ringing of the doorbell almost made me jump out of my skin. I hurriedly took long strides to the door to see who it was. Seeing Neveah on the other side of the door gave me goosebumps. She had instructed me to disable the camera footage so Damien couldn’t see me leave. I was so fucking scared that I was barely able to unlock the door.
“Hey,” I acknowledged her.
“Hey. You ready?”
“Would it sound crazy if I said no?”
She gave me a flat smile and took my shaky hands. “I know you’re scared. To my knowledge, it takes a woman seven times before she’s ready to leave for good in situations like this. I won’t tell you how to live your life, and I also won’t beat a dead horse by telling you you’re doing the right thing. Only you know what will happen if you continue to stay here.
“I may not be too fond of what’s going to happen between Dame and Truce, but what I will say is that allowing Truce to help you will be the best decision you’ll ever make. Think about everything you’ve lost being here, Jela. That’s all I’m going to say.”
Those stupid-ass tears returned, but I knew what I had to do if I wanted to survive. “I’m ready.”
“Good. Do you have your phone?”
“Yes.”
“Leave it. He’ll be able to track you if you take it. We can get you another one tomorrow.”
I nodded, even though I didn’t want to leave it since all of my photos and videos were inside. Since Damien took my phone the last time, I routinely backed up my phone on iCloud, so I was hopeful they would be there when I got a new one. Leaving the phone on the table, Neveah grabbed my duffel and Scottlyn’s bag. I lifted her car seat, and we left the house.
I didn’t look back because I felt like I’d turn into a pillar of salt or stone if I did, or worse, chicken out. We loaded inside of Neveah’s Blazer, and she pulled away from the prison I once knew.
The ride to Truce’s hotel was silent. My nerves were shot, and I felt like I was about to have a nervous breakdown. I didn’t want these two brothers at odds over me. Truce didn’t know me, but he was doing what no one else in his family was brave enough to do. He was offering me a way out.
Thirty minutes went by, and we were pulling into the luxurious hotel’s parking lot. I closed my eyes and said a silent prayer of protection, then got out of the truck. Before I could retrieve my baby, Truce appeared from the lobby and headed in my direction. The man was just a walking sin. It should have been a crime to look that damn good.
He approached me, looked down, and smiled. “I’m glad you came.”
I didn’t speak as we stared into each other’s eyes. A core memory of our time at the arcade flashed before me. The feel of his soft lips and determined tongue had a chill running down my spine, and I looked away because this wasn’t that. I wouldn’t sleep with Truce—I couldn’t. I had a strong feeling that I’d fall for him if I did.
My head lowered, but he lifted it back up. “You’re safe, Jela.”
I nodded my head as he grabbed our bags and Scottlyn.
Neveah got out of the truck and hugged me. “You take care of yourself, beautiful. I’ll come by tomorrow to keep you company, if you’re up for it.”
“Of course… Thank you, Neveah.”
“No worries. Take care of yourself.”
“I will.” I kissed her cheek and followed Truce inside the hotel.
It was beautiful. The bright lights and modern appeal of the lobby let me know that we were in luxury. I knew that just from pulling up to this fancy-ass hotel.
We bypassed the front desk and took the elevator up to the thirteenth floor. My nerves had settled some, but I was still shaking like a leaf. What was going to happen next? How could I stay in this hotel with this God of a man and not think of the possibilities? This was insane. Damien was going to kill me.
