Episode 1×17 “Burning House”
Written by: Chris Coleman/Kelly Zollo
Warning: Episode contains language, strong sexual situations and content
Guest Starring: Eva Green as Joelle Beaumont

 

Philip knew avoiding her wasn’t the answer. Hell what was he supposed to say to Max right now? I believe that my ex-fiance little sister is a sociopath and killed her? At first it was just to find out what happened to Veronica. Then when he stumbled onto Scarlett’s little scheme with Mason well it made him more curious. It was exactly eight months ago when he first delivered the first letter it also happened to be the night Steven Kincaid died. Stalking Scarlett was one of the most satisfying things he’d ever done. Especially when he found Veronica’s diaries. The disturbing things that went on in that home. The Nichols looked kind the all American family but they were twisted and he thought his family was bad. In her diary Veronica revealed that she feared for her life.

A diary that constantly haunted him. How could he move forward when everything was still there eating at his entire soul. If she killed Veronica he’d get her peace. That was something he promised her no matter what. As he grabbed his keys Philip knew it was time to drive Scarlett even more crazy. He heard she thought it was Diego. He would use that to his advantage. As he grabbed his jacket he thought carefully. Kendrick had placed the club under siege exactly what was he to do with himself? For the last few years he wanted to work off his own name and became a shrewd businessman in his own right. However he was needing his father power to prove to Max he was the man for her. Walking outside he saw Jon standing there just waiting.

“Don’t you have someone else to harass Harrison? Sorry no new information today for you.” Philip pressed the elevator button on the condo.

Jon looked at Philip and folded his arms as he leaned against the wall. “I just honest feel you know a little more than you are saying.”

“Ironic, just like I begged your department into finding out if Veronica really drowned. A swimmer since the age of ten just was swept away. Well that sound like something well suspect. Now unless you have reason to be here this is private property. So I’d appreciate if you leave.” Philip said disgusted with the gall of Jon. This man really bothered him. Everything about Jon’s arrogance made him want to punch him. That night he sent Scarlett the first message. That bitch killed Veronica and stole every portion of her life. It disgusted him that he knew the truth. That the police wouldn’t even listen to him.

“Tell me Jon do you think you deserve my support when you all closed the investigation on Veronica. I didn’t see a damn thing and I can’t remember anything out of the ordinary so get the hell out of my house. I’m not playing Jon go!” Philip roared as he saw Jon wasn’t budging nowhere.

Jon saw the rage in the man face. Veronica Nichols murder was painful but the girl drowned and it was accident. Somehow he’d gotten it misconstrued that Veronica was murdered however seeing the conviction in his eyes it made him wonder what Philip knew. Offsetting his rage against the police department it truly alarmed Jon. Had Philip uncovered something they all hadn’t? That was a question he had to ask himself. As he looked at him.

“If you tell me what you may have seen then I’ll assure you that Devin and I will reopen Veronica Nichols murder investigation. Look if I missed something I will find it. Sometimes I see things in puzzles and I saw the puzzle closed. If I have to pull out the pieces and dig deeper I will. I just have to solve who killed Steven. Then I promise I’ll be your bitch.”

“My bitch.” Philip laughed and having a inside man in the police department would be helpful. Considering that Scarlett had a gut full of a Fraiser. It was reprehensible what that bitch did to Mason and Zach. Not only that he knew she was involved in Dante mysterious death. That was something that he knew for certain. “Listen Mr. Harrison, my life is very much involved with activities that make it unfortunate for us to be seen together. You being at my house isn’t helpful. But I did see something that night and if you give me your word. You promise me that you’ll open up her investigation again. Well I’ll assure you that I may can remember the make and model of the car that sped past me and almost drove me off the road.” This could be just what he needed to get Scarlett. A vicious dog that once he tasted a bit blood he wouldn’t be satisfied until he had the corpse.

“Okay, one thing before I give you any information about this car. You are quite the lover no doubt to have my sister second guessing Thor. That’s years of history as you know. I will say that if you hurt my sister in any way I will dismantle you. My mother destroyed us enough and I refuse to let some average officer of the law hurt her. You see I hear that Skye is back and she’s causing all sort of hell for my sister. She’s making her feel insecure something she’d never admit. If you hurt her I’m going to come after you and I think that you know that I don’t do mobby shit. I do the twisted and demented shit that will fuck your head.” Philip said as he felt certainly like his father. It was something that he would say to him.

“My head is fucked up as it is so can you save the tough ass big brother act. I’ve used it once or twice before. Skye is here but that doesn’t mean anything against Cassie and my relationship and you know your sister. She wouldn’t be happy to hear you butting your nose in her private affairs. Now are you going to tell me what you saw?” Jon asked actually nervous about his feelings exploding with both Skye and Cassie. Biting his lip he knew it was now or never. Folding his arms he gave him a stern look on his face.

“A green SUV with blue letters on the license plates. G25 was the first three digits and I was going to report him but considering I had some illegal paraphernalia well did not want to be busted.” He watched Jon write the information down. “It was a man though when I looked up I saw a cap before I nearly passed out. Anything else detective?”

Jon knew he had just gotten a major break. “What were you doing on this side of town?”

“Get out.” Philip said opening the door. “Oh detective Veronica was on the swim team. I guess all that impressive army training and you didn’t know that my fiance was an excellent swimmer. Not only that but the depraved notions that you people didn’t look into all the secrets that I know. Now what fun would it be if I told you exactly what I know and you never found out.” Closing the door he leaned against it. A dog to a bone. He’d just sent one of the smartest cops he knew on Scarlett ass. However would Zach understand that he was played. That he was a dumb tool on her belt full of tricks.

Jon looked back at the house on his way down the steps something wasn’t right and pulling out his phone he texted Braden that he needed to see him soon.

*********

As the limo pulled only miles away from Zerick’s childhood home. How couldn’t she be nervous? All her intuition had told her that he wasn’t good. Her body was screaming a entirely other thing. She’d been silent since they arrived in London. Before then her shoes and fashion fetish was all she could talk about. Simon played her game. Talia knew that he’d be asking the big questions soon enough. As she started to fidget with her hands to keep her body occupied. Touching her long hair she exhaled looking over at her best friend. “You told me not to get involved with Anderson. You said dating people who are emotionally unavailable is the worse thing you can do to yourself.” Lowering her head she thought about her affair with Anderson. “He did something to me. He made me feel cheap and stole my self-worth.” She then looked at the floor. “It took a long time for me to figure out what Talia wanted out of life and you know what I wanted more than anything? Someone to care about me and only me. So I promised myself no more married men until him.”

It had been a lot of soul searching but Talia finally knew. She finally knew what she had to do. For years she was just a ditzy assistant now she was publicist and if she wanted to keep climbing she’d have to stab someone. Why not someone she knew was lying to her. As she looked over at Simon. “You had whole other life with Raven but you came to DGI. You’ve seen a lot as a baby lawyer and you’ve proven your worth to this family we’ve aligned ourselves with. I haven’t and if I have too I’ll sell out someone to do it. Especially someone who has no problem lying to me.”

The trip to London was needed so that they could get the inside scoop on Zerick’s story and he ignored the phone calls and texts, no doubt Talia was getting them too. Another scandal though this time it was one that the company could use another Devonshire heir. He typed a reply back to his assistant as he let Talia ramble on about everything with Anderson Kincaid a well kept secret you had to keep secrets if you wanted to work at DGI. He learned a long time ago that was the sacrifice that you had to make to stay in this world with the Devonshire family. Looking over at her he squeezed her hand she did the right thing with Anderson who was a cad and was not going to leave Cara. He was glad that she had come to the conclusion on her own but he could tell that this was a very different situation it was something that they needed at DGI.

“I would never ask you to sell yourself Talia but you and Zerick have chemistry and he is hiding something both of us know that. The only way to get that is to have you get as close as possible to him and we both know he wants to fuck you silly.” He could tell that she was still stressed about it as he looked at her and then out the window pushing up the divider. He didn’t trust the man in the front seat for what he and Talia were going to discuss next about Zerick. Talia was his friend first and if she said no they would look into another way. “You and I go way back. You go way back with a lot of us as DGI and as much as Lowell wants to know what Zerick is oto he would never want you compromised for that. You say the word and we look at another way Talia right now you have the power because he doesn’t see you or what you are up to.”

Well didn’t Simon have a way with words? Fuck me silly? That was true Zerick’s lust for her burned brighter than the stars in the sky. The worse part was that she burned for him just as hotly. That wasn’t the issue the issue was that once she found out and she compromise herself would she be able to let go? Zerick and her were chemistry ladden. Every time they were in a room it crackles with tension. She shook her head nope. This wasn’t a moment to turn back and he wasn’t Anderson. A man who played her entirely as the car stopped Talia nodded thinking about what he was saying.

“There is shame in the weak Simon. I’m not weak so I have no shame in what I’m doing. If I have to get sexual I will. If I have to make him think I’m in love and he has a in I will. I am prepared for whatever consequences come with it.” She said honestly but she knew that she would be protected and safe no matter what. Finding out why he was here was her goal. As she looked at the address from the investigator report. “What about you? Using your old connections with Raven that couldn’t been easy. I know you two didn’t end well and your families are very close.” The driver opened the door as she stepped out looking at Simon. “Okay handsome butch it up for me we’re supposed to be newlyweds looking for our old friends Greer and Zerick.”

“No you’ve never been weak Talia quite the opposite it is why we have so much respect for you at work. Make him think he wants you and nothing else we all know where Chauncey’s dick is lately and that has to be bothering Zerick no matter what he says to you.” Simon said knowing how jealous lovers could be with each other granted he knew Mason wasn’t fuckign Scarlett. He however was always jealous when Mason would go to her when he would talk about her and no doubt Zerick was feeling the burn of Chauncey fucking his wife. “A man knows trust me Talia and he is not happy with Greer. It shows at work you remember Egypt he is desperate to trust a new lover and he choose you.”

“I made a few calls with Raven’s assistance not something I enjoyed doing given who her current employer is but a necessary one. We have our cover story then right we are a young couple looking to reconnect with our old friends the Westwoods. Last we heard they were here visiting his family..” Simon said as he placed a fake wedding ring on as he watched Talia do the same. It had taken a lot of convincing from Raven to look into Zerick’s story for them and of course a lot of money,. He considered that closed now he scratched Raven’s back with Ronan she in return scratched his with Zerick. “You are about to witness me playing butch and trust me it is something you are going to tell all our friends about. Though honestly don’t ruin it completely I like to keep my mystery are you ready?”

“Ready as I will ever be and I have to tell Dani about this.” She giggled as she walked up to the cobblestone pathway into a luxurious estate. It was stunning and nothing like Zerick said his childhood was like. He’d already lied to her. If he was a orphan and grew up here this would be like hitting the lottery. Slowly she knocked on the door and looked over at Simon. They were ready to find out something. She just wasn’t sure what. This was interesting though, Talia leaned into Simon as if she whispering something romantic. “You know he said he was adopted. He’s a orphan and this doesn’t seem like little tiny Tim’s house.” Talia flipped her hair when the door opened as if she was laughing amazingly at something. Looking at the incredibly stunning woman who opened the door she smiled.

“Hello, we are looking for Greer and Zerick our friends!” She said taking Simon hand playing with it. “Where are they? We haven’t seen them in so long.”

Joelle Beaumont looked at the two strangers slowly not recognizing them at all. “Zerick hasn’t lived here in many years. I have never met his wife.” She said moving her hair from her face. “Pardon me. I’m painting the outside of the house come in.” Joelle walked to the outside and a vineyard was behind the house. “Is he in trouble because the family really doesn’t have anything to do with him. We don’t have any extra money to help him out after all he did drop off the face of the earth almost ten years ago. I’m happy he’s alive but Zerick doesn’t live here anymore and never will again. Whomever Greer is I don’t know so now that you know that. Is there anything else I can help with?”

Simon played the laugh off well as he pulled Talia to his side and then he looked around the house. Joelle was going to be a tough one to crack he could already tell and he leaned down to kiss Talia’s check stepping forward he held out his hand to Joelle. “Mrs. Beaumont Simon Grant. We just got married a few weeks ago and this was the last known contact information I have for him the number I have no longer works. He introduced me to this little firecracker right here our senior year. Been with her since then and we finally took his advice and the plunge. Sorry I can’t get enough of her.”

“We really do need to track Zerick down in college we were so close and I got an unpleasant call about a week ago saying that his mother was in trouble. He never spoke much about his family he told me it was too painful but I would like to inform him of what I heard about his mother.” Simon said hoping they were selling it well enough people were hard to read and right now he was trying to read Joelle. Talia was pulling off newlywed well though and if he was straight he would have so taken her to bed in real life Anderson was an idiot. “Please if you have anything at all that could help track him and Greer down that would help.”

“You two don’t know a lot about Zerick huh? He lies a lot. Zerick was a smart kid and fully aware that his mother was alive. She suffered a great mental anguish because that man. She couldn’t send him to her sister or parents. God Zerick was um a handful. If she’s ill he doesn’t want to see her.” She said softly looking to the ground. “I’m talking too much this isn’t my business. My parents are the one you should be talking too.” Noelle looked at the pond in her backyard. “He had these bloody illusions that he was something more than a brat that was orphaned. He always dreamed big. His mother though she was temperamental to say the least and my mum and her were tight as thieves. I used to call her aunt Katie she was from this little city in the states. After mum found aunt Katie in bed with dad. Well you know the rest you are Zerick friends.”

Talia mentally took down what this woman was saying. Katie was that Zerick mother name? “I’m sorry to be so blunt but Zerick told me he was orphan.” Talia said looking at Simon with knowing eyes. “I just um always had sympathy for Zerick because I was adopted also. It’s something we became friends over and to hear.”

“See I’m saying too much. My parents are really private about the time Zerick lived here. He was troubled. My father caught him once hurting another boy brutally. He’s a ticking time bomb that Z-man. I love him like a brother but he is very volatile and angry. He has a demon inside of him where that heart should be. I just know he’s special if he loves you he’ll never stop. If he fights for you.”

“I’m sorry but I need to speak with Greer and Zerick so maybe your parents have a number for him or something.” Talia looked at Simon seeing that she was shutting down. Her eyes begged him for something else. To pull another shred of the truth about Zerick’s past.

“Oui.” Joelle rushed to the kitchen and pulled out a pen a paper. “This is my father’s number and my mother cellie. I hope find him and tell him to come home we miss him.”

Simon took the number from Joelle they had got what they came for. They had a number to track down Zerick’s real past with his family everything at their fingertips. He almost felt like Talia was going to give something away it he was impressed with how calm she still was. He offered Joelle the best smile he could they learned two things Zerick was not an orphan and his mother’s name was Katie. Information they could use when push came to shove with everything at DGI Lowell would be pleased.

“Thank you this will help us immensely. I do have to ask about his mother was Katie well this last time you heard from her. Do you happen to remember anything at all about the city she was from?” Simon asked giving the woman the best puppy dog eyes he could to sell the game. He pulled Talia closer and kissed her lips slowly. “It may help to go there if we can’t find more information.”

Joelle looked attachment they clearly had to Zerick. These were the second group of people  in less than a week looking for her pretend brother. A ruthless man who would kill her if she exposed anything of substance about him. She had told him about the first person but this young couple really seemed to be his friends. Leaning on the archway of the Victorian home Noelle bit her lip.

“Listen you two seem sweet but if I were you I’d stay clear of Zerick and his wife. I know him. He is a monster and the sooner you figure that out the better you will be. Zerick is consumed with revenge and you both are how do you Americans say it losing a winning game so be very careful of what you do. He is all about his endgame and whatever it is I feel so sorry for who it’s pointed at.” Noelle said softly as she looked at them. “Last I heard she was married to a studio executive in Hollywood.”

Talia filled a little feeling lost should she be involved Noelle was basically saying how twisted he was. Was he playing her? Was her experience becoming evidence to see Zerick was a monster. She has obviously uncovered something and Simon face said it all as she slowly bit her lip. “Thank you for your time. We will find them good day Joelle.” She took Simon hand as they walked out the estate she felt her heart starting to pound. Was she in over her head? What would Zerick do to her if he found out she was onto him? For some reason she knew that Zerick wouldn’t hurt her. Suffering was something entirely different. Talia grabbed Simon hand and looked at him.

“I know that we are onto whomever Zerick is after but are we going to uncover something that the Devonshire’s don’t even know? I’m scared not of him but what we are going to find.” Talia commented looking at Simon. “She seemed afraid of him didn’t she?” This could be one of the biggest clues in closing in on exactly who Zerick is. “Katie, well we know that and we know a lot of people in Hollywood. Let’s see if we can find out who gave birth to Zerick shall we?”

Simon took in the information about everything that had happened with Joelle yes he got the vibe that she feared Zerick. That information was sitting on him chilling for a few moments she was afraid of him that meant they should be as well. Looking at Talia as they left he nodded his head at her it was a lot to take in but she was right, hearing his phone buzz with some contacts he knew they had to get back to Atlas Falls. Mainly so she could run the PR mess and he needed to go visit Ronan.

“We have to keep our guard up as soon as we can I will arrange a day for us to go to LA I will make a few contacts to find out what I can. In the meantime watch him like a hawk Talia if she is afraid of him which she clearly was that means we should all be watching.” Simon said as he opened the door for her and nodded his head to their driver. Moving to sit inside he leaned his head back. “Until then though judging by your phone and mine we’re both needed back in Atlas Falls for now.”

*********

Hunter thumbed through some paperwork on his desk for the new casino deal land acquisition soon the concrete would be poured and it seemed that the city was now behind them a hundred percent. All it took was Ronan behind bars and it happened with the police finally capturing his father’s killer. He was wondering how Brooke was holding up she had grown close to Ronan though he felt that was never right for someone of her status and breeding. He supposed that was something that they all had to be grateful for that Ronan was out of Brooke’s life. He picked up some of the city contracts on his desk as he saw the door open for Max to be on the other side. Sooner or later she would have to come here no doubt and he could tell by the look on her face that she had received the papers.

“What can I do for you Max? Don’t you have to be at the company or something like that? Then again maybe you are instead supposed to be in Philip’s bed. I don’t care anymore if you want the truth we aren’t the same people we were Max. This is in both of our best interests.” Hunter said looking at her knowing from her facial expression this was not going to be easy she would fight him on this. He got up from his desk to close the door behind her watching as she took a seat on the leather chair across from his desk. “Just sign them Max we can both be happy that way no messy court date, no dragging each other through the mud. I know given the scandals recently that is the last thing that your family or mine needs.”

Max was furious had been since she awoke at the mansion and got called to the maid at the door to get handed divorce papers. Thankfully her parents had already left the mansion for work and no one was there to watch her receive them. Maybe Bliss but she hadn’t seen her sister since their talk and she wanted to keep it that way instead she had dressed and decided she was going to go see Hunter. The drive over was filled with mostly silence and the news on the radio between Rory’s stripper scandal, the oil merger deal with SandStar and apparently Dani being pregnant their plate was again full. Walking into Hunter’s office she had brushed by his secretary and she didn’t care if she interrupted him at work. She took a seat while he spoke and wanted to laugh at him, he thought she was going to roll over and sign?

“Get your boxers out of their bunch we simply have things to discuss did you even think before you filed I had to look at them at the mansion. Thank God my parents were not home do you really think with everything recently on the news that my family needed this right now Hunter? Or maybe you were hoping for it that way you and Bliss could keep fucking under my nose.” Max said leaning back in the chair and watching the color drain from his face. So he thought that she didn’t know about that he should talk to her sister since Bliss was giving away the information sleeping in his clothes. “She looked quite mused in your shirt.”

“I don’t ask who you’re fucking but we all know who it has been for the last year Max. Honestly I would have filed regardless of everything going on in the press with your family. Though at least this seems like good news compared to the other shitty articles in the past.” Hunter said he knew that the press with Bliss had been bad, Rory had been getting reamed over the coals for dating a stripper. Jackson’s past antics put the family in a bad name while there was scandal in Jackson having a baby it wasn’t near as bad as the drug exploits were. “If you look on the bright side this means that the divorce can be handled quickly and quietly. With your brothers clearing the way for it to be done that way.”

He saw her face scrunch up and he let out a laugh she really thought that he wasn’t serious about divorcing her he was whether that reality hit her now or later it didn’t matter to him. He closed some of his folders as she spoke about his affair with Bliss they had been of course not trying to let people know but he supposed it was out now. It had been out since they visited Walter’s party where the press apparently chose instead to run with another story. “We were never going to have a family Max or do the whole entire kid thing like Chauncey and Logan did. Or now what Jackson is doing with Dani, you didn’t want that. Bliss wants those things it doesn’t make what we did have years ago bad it just means it wasn’t right for the both of us. We don’t have to be ugly about this unless you want that.”

Max wanted to laugh in his face at the entire kids and family argument he was going to be so disappointed when he learned that Bliss had a child already but she would honor what she knew there with her sister. Despite hating Bliss Fox didn’t deserve that to be put through more trauma and neither did Bliss if Dimitri got wind of what Bliss was planning. She didn’t want children she wasn’t exactly maternal by any means but that didn’t mean that the divorce didn’t hurt not to mention a judge could still hand him part of DGI. She wasn’t bitter about not having a family with Hunter she had better things to do and bigger fish to fry in the business world.

“A family Hunter and what you think Bliss will give you that? It must be nice to just move between us and fantasize about having a child with my sister. Chauncey and Logan hardly even knew each other. Jackson seems happy with Dani.” Max said looking at him for a moment before she leaned forward taking out the divorce papers and tossing them on the desk unsigned. She leaned back while they glared at each other. “I’m really not interested in your games with the divorce you see you’re fucking my sister. You want to walk away with nothing prove it let me file and you sign. Unless you’re already scheming to get my part of DGI. That’s not going to happen.”

“Bliss is what I want Max what is so hard to realize about that? She is who I see myself with she’s smart, vibrant, loyal, funny we have a great time together. When was the last time that you wanted any of those things with me. It’s been years and I sat there and I let you have your career when I wanted to start a family I gave in to make you happy.” Hunter said looking at her it had to come to this he was ready to move on with his life with Bliss ready to be past Max. Ready to put their entire marriage behind them and move on like adults. “You never once asked me if I was happy Max and clearly we weren’t when you went out and started having your affair with Philip. People should be happy when they get married, they should want the same things long term we don’t.”

“If I waited for you to file you and both know it would never happen, you would drag this out you like the tile of our names together the legacy it represents. You know your father would rather die than ever let you go to Philip or be with him. I actually don’t need DGI and you don’t need my inheritance I was trying to be mature about all of this. A judge however might decide different.” Hunter said handing her back the papers she wanted to be difficult at the moment but he was putting his foot down he wanted the divorce done. All it would take is her signature they would be done in under a month. “Just sign them Max don’t make me drag you through court. Don’t make this ugly I will if I have to but I don’t want too.”

“You don’t know that maybe I would have a change of heart and file you have never given me a chance now have you? You think Bliss is so perfect you have a lot to learn about my little sister Hunter and when you do I can’t want to see you burn.” Max said looking at him having what she needed to hurt him and Bliss if needed he had no clue about Fox. Fox the son of a prince and Bliss’s biggest secret that was the best part. She held Bliss’s destruction in her own hands she wouldn’t use it just yet of course she was going to keep her word. But once Fox got to America all bets would be off once Bliss’s plan was put into motion. “You really want to throw away years of marriage for my sister? Tell me this is what you really want Hunter deep down in your bones.”

“Your name was ruined the moment the truth about your daddy fuckign whores and Carla Luciano was out. It was ruined the moment that your mother revealed that she had an abortion that got rid of her spawn with Walter how does that feel Hutner that your parents are just as terrible as my father?” Max spat that was something that irritated her the code that Hunter lived by in their marriage thinking that his parents were perfect. Everytime he would question something her family did that was a little on the questionable side only his was just as bad if not worse. “I think I’ll see you in court then in fact I’d love to tell a judge everything and let him decide for himself what we both should get out of this. I won’t let you do this Hunter make a fool of me in the papers.”

“Well then I guess I’ll be seeing you in court then won’t I Max don’t you have a bed to be in a company to run even though you’ll never be your brothers? I have better things to do with my day than sit here and run circles around you.” Hunter said looking at her and knowing that the gloves had come off as he walked to the door opening it for her to exit. He watched as she got up from her seat wondering what she would do she glared at him for a moment before leaning in to kiss him. Backing up he shook his head. “Get out Max we’re done.”

“Such a shame Hunter throwing this away for her but I’ll see Bliss really isn’t everything you have built her up to be at all.” Max said glaring at him as she slipped back on her coat and walked out of city hall of course people were watching and that was what she wanted. They could watch as she set fire to Hunter the best way she knew how destroying Bliss when the time was right.

*********

Clicking on the news in the kitchen of the brownstone he knew that today was going to be amazing. The morning news was on and he walked to the fridge. Jackson wanted to make his girl breakfast in bed because lately Dani had been sick all the time. It was as if nothing she ate stuck. She vomited all afternoon and she said it was food poisoning from her dad’s event. He just wanted to take care of her because today she actually woke up with an appetite. Now he had always sucked at cooking except one meal, breakfast. He could whip up a gourmet breakfast call it a gift from the many nights he woke up in women’s bed. He’d watched plenty of girls make breakfast and it was a skill not to be taken lightly.

Jackson instantly started making Dani favorite pancakes banana walnut while bacon was in the oven. He cracked a few eggs and dropped in sour cream something Skye taught him. He whipped until bubbles formed and it was light and airy. Jackson began to chop cheddar cheese for the eggs as he saw Dani appear from upstairs. He wanted to spank her with the spatula wearing nothing but her bra and panties with a robe. Walking over to her he kissed her lips playfully. “I got breakfast on and I’m going to get the paper. Then I’m squeezing some fresh orange juice.” He walked outside picking up the paper and then rushed in to flip the pancake. As he opened the paper. Jackson eyes bulged out of his sockets. This couldn’t be correct. The newspaper was reporting Dani was pregnant. He laughed when did the newspapers start printing tabloid fodder just as he saw Dani sneaking bananas.

“Hey those aren’t for you it’s for our baby.” He laughed waving the newspaper. “Can you believe this?” That’s when he read the fine print on the front page article. Danielle Fraiser medical records exposed. Turning the page he quickly saw all of Dani’s history from when she broke a bone at six until now was in the news. Just then Mika Lewis came on reporting the news saying Dani had an miscarriage and that she was currently ten weeks pregnant. This was impossible. “What is this babe? Why are they saying all this?”

Dani had finally woke up with an appetite and decided that she would tell him, he was starting to ask more questions and she didn’t like lying to him. Not to mention he was really worried about her health with her being so sick and she pushed off a doctor. She had looked in the mirror and wondered how much longer her stomach would be able to hide anything and instead put on her robe to go downstairs. Breakfast smelt amazing and for once it didn’t make her want to rush and vomit, she kissed him when he went to get the paper and then picked up a banana just in case nothing sat after eating. Only her ears zoned in on the story running on the news and panic set in the speculation that the news anchor was going on about. Her eyes met Jackson’s confused and hurt face and she couldn’t even deny it, shaking her head she noticed her hand was shaking and placed the banana down.

“It’s not fodder it’s true.” She said quietly watching his face for his reaction and she was pretty sure she saw anger in it and worse hurt she caused. She looked at the paper and took it away from him wanting to know what they were printing as Mika spoke about her emergency room visit and the speculation that she had an abortion. Who in the hell would do this it was not their business is this what Lex meant at the party? Would her dad do this? Jackson’s silence though was what was upsetting her more. “Say something I wanted to tell you. I was waiting for the right time.”

Jackson’s head was spinning first was she saying the abortion truth or the pregnancy. He needed clarification. When Mika kept speaking and her face was painfully reacting to the words. A gauntlet of emotions ran through him. On his face it registered as anger first. Would she have a abortion? That wasn’t his place to judge if she did. Then it hit him hard. All those mornings she was sick. Not wanting any cocktails. Eating at random and weird times of the night. He lowered his head as he looked at her. Then she said it was true and he felt a sharp dagger running through his gut. This must of been how she felt when she saw him using. That’s all he wanted to do right now. Is find the nearest line or hit. Gritting his teeth he stepped back and saw the pancake was burning but he didn’t care at this point.

Jackson tried to stay calm but didn’t know what to say. “I’ve bared my soul to you over and over again. Told you my lowest and you couldn’t tell me about an abortion?” He said looking at her. “I’m going to war with one of the other most powerful families in Pennsylvania and you couldn’t tell me.” He bit his lip. “I wish I could be angry about the baby but I’m not. I would have been ecstatic to know I’m a father. I would have if I heard it from the woman, I love mouth and not a fucking reporter!” Jackson screamed at her as he stopped himself. “You’re pregnant. Are you pregnant Dani and have been keeping it from me? After you made me swear to keep it one hundred with you? Are you making a fool of me? Is this a joke? Do you I think I trust easy? And now you’re a liar!” He screamed at her. “I’m going to be a dad.” He was spinning in emotions as he stepped back seeing her walking closer to him. “You lied after all that you lied. You couldn’t even tell me?”

Punching his fist into his hand he looked at her with tears in his eyes. “When were you going to tell me?”

Dani heard Mika keep talking and between that watching Jackson crumble and the burning pancake she turned off the TV. She tried to remain calm with Jackson she did not have an abortion and he had no idea what it felt like to go through what she did essentially alone. Zach and Dante taking her to the emergency room flashed into her mind only for her eyes to focus back in on him as she turned off the burner on the stove and then moved the pan back to cool. She didn’t like lying to him, she knew it was stupid when Kelsey told her not too but she was stubborn too and didn’t want to risk anything till she was sure. She could feel herself jump when he yelled at her and felt the sting in her eyes as she shook her head at him wanting him to understand that she was just waiting and scared. Scared about everything for them, she wasn’t sure how she felt now though seeing him step back from her like she was plague.

“I found out in Egypt and with everything going on with Natasha and the deal I wanted to make sure everything was alright before I told you. You were finally in a good place we were finally in a good place. What happened with Lex…” She started and then she saw the anger when she even mentioned Lex’s name and instead of anger at Lex she could swear it was aimed at her. Her hand was still shaking as she looked at him she wasn’t going to tell him when he was this worked up about the fact she lost the baby with Lex while Lex was out fucking Maggie. Frankly she didn’t want to relive it all over again. “I love you, you know that. I’m sorry I was planning on telling you after the news conference with Natasha that was why I wanted us to go away. I hadn’t even told my family about us getting engaged and then this happened. Please listen to me.” Dani said looking at him pleading with him on this. She got he was angry but he was starting to scare her that it was all going to crumble all over again.

“Dani I don’t care what happened before me. I told you that right? I don’t care if it was an abortion or miscarriage but you just have this entire half of your life I don’t know about.” He said shaking his head. “You know I was a homeless urchin for months and you know some of my darkest moments. Yet I don’t know yours because you don’t trust me. You don’t trust me and you think I’m going to use again.” As badly as he wanted to, Jackson couldn’t do it if he wanted to. Thinking about that kid inside of her needing him. “You say you love me but that was weeks ago. What if something happened on the plane rides? God did you think about any of that? Have you been taking care of yourself?” Jackson lowered his head feeling stupid. “You were vomiting in my face and I thought it was food poisoning.” He laughed at how stupid he truly was.

He was so mad right now he didn’t know what to do. “What about me? Huh? Didn’t I deserve to share this burden with you? I don’t care about a press conference, DGI, or my family. I wanted it with you but you’re a liar. You hide things from me. God I don’t know you. I don’t know you at all.” Jackson laughed a little. “The player finally get’s played, I guess this is how it feels? What were you going to do? Just hide your bump until I started to notice your belly expanding? God Dani I was spanking you and so rough in Egypt. God what if I hurt you? What if I hurt our baby. What if I’m no good like my father or your father. I need some time away from you. I need my sister.” Jackson started to walk upstairs to his phone. He immediately texted his sister for her location.

Everything that he was saying to her was the complete truth and she had no excuses for it on her end at least none that she knew to defend her actions. He had shared things with her things he never did with anyone else, hell he let her go to his sessions with him she wiped at her eyes hating that she did this to him worse them. When he brought up if she thought he would use again she knew her face gave her away, it was constantly on her mind and yes she felt guilty about that. She didn’t trust him with everything that happened with Lex and that was her issues not his, something she had been trying to work through on her own without letting him in. He didn’t need to know that she was still insecure about everything with them, with sex with him, with not being enough for him at the end of the day. In the words of her cousin, Lex had done more than a number on her. Watching him walk up the stairs she followed him ignoring her ringing cell phone and watched as he packed a bag.

“Yes I thought you would use again alright? I’m sorry I didn’t tell you. You have no idea how sorry I am. I wanted the timing to be right and to make sure nothing was wrong first before I told you. I went and saw Kelsey as soon as we got back.” Dani said realizing that another lie slipped out that her cousin knew over him this was not how she wanted to tell him. He was so angry at her and she got that he had a right to be and she moved to the bed to try and stop him from packing. Losing him would break her she already knew that losing what she had with Lex hurt but it was nothing compared to losing him. “You care about DGI and your family. I know you do, you care about winning your dad’s approval and I thought you were under enough pressure with that. You have to believe me I was going to tell you. I wanted to tell you but not like this.”

“My deal was because you believed in me. I made that deal and I thought we were on the same wave length. I tried my hardest to be the man you need. I guess I will never be the man you need. You think I care about my father’s approval when I’m about to be a father? You know what I need air from you.” Jackson said in the way only a Devonshire could. It was cold and meant to put a lot of space between them. Stepping back he looked at her in the eyes and saw the sadness rushing over Dani. When it hit him that Kelsey knew before him. “My father said that the Fraiser’s always stuck together. I never understood that until now. You told someone else about our child before you even opened your mouth to me about it. I was rough with you. Were you trying to lose our baby Dani? You begged me to be rough!” Jackson picked up a vase and threw it across the room.

“You lied and kept lying. All this time everyone was worried about Jackson hurting Dani. What about me!” He screamed so loudly it echoed throughout the brownstone. “What about me? Huh? You were so worried I would betray you that you betrayed me. How am I going to trust you? I don’t know you. I don’t know you because if you could sit here and lie for weeks to my face about our baby. Just so you know don’t come looking for me. I’m done right now with you.” Jackson said walking over to her wiping her eyes. “I trusted you and I know me using was a mistake and stupid. But I trusted you to be everything to me. To not be like the women that have used and lied and betrayed my trust. I opened myself to you in ways I never had. I need time to see if I can get over this because how am I to know how much longer you were going to keep this going. I love you but you’re a hypocrite you demand loyalty but won’t give it back.” Biting his lip he leaned down and kissed her belly. “Daddy sorry he’s yelling I just need some air.” Grabbing his bag he headed for the door. “Don’t come after me Dani.”

Dani looked at him he was being so cold to her and honestly she wondered how they came to this. He touched her face and she turned her head away almost flinching he thought she would chase after him after what he just accused her of? Anger surged through her at his ugly accusation that she’d get rid of their child. She’d been there done that with accusations of killing something and never again. She wiped at her eyes when she looked at him in the doorway and got her resolve together she stared at him as coldly and as icily as she could. He wanted to just quit at the moment so could she. Her baby was the priority now and she certainly could do it on her own. If he wanted to be there for the baby that was fine but she wasn’t going to force him to stay with her.

“Get out of my house the fact you’d even accuse me of trying to get rid of our child tells me everything I need to know. I’ll let you know when my next appointment is. I told Kelsey because she’s a fucking doctor and I didn’t want to get my hopes up-” Dani said stopping from unleashing on him about everything with Lex she didn’t owe him an explanation. She shook her head at him as she bit back bitter tears at him everyone left her at the end of the day. Men especially. “I’m sure now that I’m knocked up you’ll find someone to fill your needs now. Leave your key on the table when you leave. I’ll have your things sent over to the mansion.” She finished looking at his face and she hoped he saw it how much that accusation sliced at her to the very core.

Turning away from him letting the tears fall she walked back up the stairs to her room shutting the door behind her. She leaned on it sinking to the floor. Burying her head in her hands and sobbing, she ignored the ringing cellphone on her nightstand with her mother’s ringtone.

Jackson took out his phone and texted his twin quickly. He needed the only person in the world who could stop him from being destructive. “Glad to know I can know when my child has an appointment Dani.” He said slamming the door. Jackson swiftly turned punching the wall a few times until his knuckles started to bleed. Grabbing his bag he screamed out in frustration and disappointment. Jumping into his sports car he sped off into the day hoping that Max could help him make sense of this.

*********

Selina hadn’t been in the Devonshire mansion since she left Chauncey at the alter. It wasn’t a place she was welcomed at the moment. Her godfather no doubt was disappointed and Jackie hadn’t returned any of her calls. Her godparents got her through so much when her mother died. To see them turning their backs on her hurt a lot. She knew she was crushing the image that Lowell constructed of Chauncey but she also knew they loved her. The butler opened the door and she breezed in with shopping bags. She’d gotten Maddie a couple of things. Her daughter was about to graduate into high school. What girl didn’t want a makeover before high school? Today was just about Selina and Maddie. As she walked upstairs she saw Chauncey and Maddie at the piano. They were playing together she leaned on the door and smiled. As much as she and Chauncey didn’t work she loved his relationship with Maddie.

“Ahem.” Selina said waving bags, and her daughter came rushing to her with hugs. “Hey me and your dad have to talk for a little won’t you see what I got you? It’s almost graduation Maddie.” Twisting a curl of her blond hair from her face. Selina walked into the room with a smile. “You sounded amazing you can still play. Remember when we were in school and you played Whitney Houston on the piano for me. I will always love you that’s we used to say to each other when we were kids.” She walked by him sitting down. “I don’t expect you to forgive me now. I know I hurt you but we were best friends before lovers. I still love you as a friend but we didn’t work as um lovers. Can we co-parent that little girl? She’s amazing and I love you for giving her to me. For trusting me with her. I’m just sentimental she’s growing up and I hope our relationship can do the same.”

 

Chauncey knew what he had to do as the piano played along with the news in the background a small tug happened on his lips. Jackson’s life was now starting to unravel and the fallout from that alone would be worth everything that was going to happen. He looked at Maddie with a warm smile as Selina took a seat next to him thinking that they were going to co-parent. No he had other plans in mind including ruining Mason’s practice to start with and making sure Maddie was no where near her. Greer had been invaluable making him see the light where it needed to be now that Dani was pregnant. Maddie was all he had to win favor with his father and he wasn’t about to let Selina have a hand in that.

“Logan liked to hear me play and I have been thinking about this quite a bit Selina ever since you left me at the altar and used the wedding we paid for to marry Braden. In fact ever since then you could say I’ve been awakened the news today you coming here it’s all going exactly how I wanted it too.” Chauncey said getting up from the piano he walked to the wet bar pouring himself a drink. A double scotch on the rocks called for a celebration at least he saw her eyes narrow at him and then looked at her. “I will still be filing a counter suit about your arrangement with Maddie you see she is my flesh and blood not yours. I need her by my side and not with you and Braden poisoning her about our family. If I don’t win there and I will I have every intention of destroying Mason’s practice your choice.”

Selina sat silent for a moment letting his words sink into her body. As she looked around the room she thought about Logan. How different Chauncey would have been if she was just alive. Logan, Chauncey, Anderson, and herself all went to school together. When she left Chauncey the first time it was because him and Logan were so perfect. She completed him and the darkness behind his eyes wasn’t their. Slowly she stood up nodding her head. This day was bound to happen. Well she didn’t think he would drag Mason into this. Chauncey always loved Mason and to see him attack him in there war was low. Low even for her ex. She strolled to the wet bar and poured her tequila imported from Mexico. Lowell always kept the good stuff on lock. Taking a deep sip she looked at him.

“You go after my blood and I will hurt you in ways I don’t know how. I am fiercely protective over my little brothers and that girl.” She said as her voice cracked. “That girl who you couldn’t do anything to her hair. That girl who I stayed up countless nights while she sick and you were at DGI. That girl who doesn’t have my blood she has my imprint on her life. I took her to mother and daughter recitals. I’ve broken my back for her and you. Now what I did, looking back was a mistake and I can’t make it right. I can’t because I was careless and selfish. Don’t do this.” She said walking to him and taking his face into her’s. “Look at me I love her just as if she came out of my body. I know I hurt you and the Devonshire’s. I know what I did and I love you as friend always and I love your family. I’m sorry but don’t do this. Don’t punish me like this please don’t do this.”

“Me going after Mason shouldn’t be a surprise for you Selina you see you made the fatal error of turning on me and DGI. I’m going to start with bleeding his clients one by one I’m then going to make a call to the state bar about him falsifying an adoption.” Chauncey said watching her take a drink and then walk towards him. When she touched his face he threw her hand off his chin and stepped back Greer had made him see. See what he truly was the real heir apparent and nothing else mattered but that he had to protect Maddie and her place. “What can I say Selina losing you to Fraiser of all people hurt worse than Logan dying letting him around my kid is just insulting and I don’t want her associating with trash. You see Greer has made everything so much more clearer now.”

“I fucked her you know on our wedding day I want you to know it that when you were planning this I was having my way with her in my hotel suite. I was going to fuck her too after we were married it is nice to not have a woman nag me for once to be a better man, who finally sees me for the bastard I am.” Chauncey said watching her face and the anger he wanted that with her, he wanted her so angry that he had a rock solid case to get her away from Maddie. Prove she wasn’t even fit to be raising Maddie and a judge would agree with him even if he didn’t morally people could be bought. “Once Mason is disbarred you haven’t heard the best part I’ll be taking Maddie from you and even DA Fraiser won’t stop me.”

Selina face showed a grimace of pain at Chauncey. “My brother was just facing felony charges and I got them down to misdemeanors that might not even be on his record. Do you think I’m going to let you snatch my other brother practice and his career? Then let you snatch a little girl that I love more than you’ll ever know? Oh you have another thing coming. Prove that Mason drew up bogus adoption papers. Prove that I didn’t get them from I don’t know another lawyer and filed them with Mason? Prove it? You have none so when you’re done trying to bleed his clientele. I have proof you inflated your profit margin and made yourself look better than Max. Or should I just forget that? Greer?” She scoffed as she shook her head. “Oh is this what this is about? Being a man because of that slut? No Chauncey we won’t. We won’t be going through this I gave you joint custody and I’ll be keeping it. Trust me I think everyone knows I’m a more fit parent than you’ll ever be. You’re too vain and power hungry to really care.”

“You slept with her on our wedding day and expect me now to show sympathy because I married Braden. You aren’t half the man he is. You’re weak and insecure about everything. You need someone to play puppet master to you because you can’t do it alone. You’ll never beat Jackson because you’re always going to be by yourself. No matter how many whores are in your bed you’re alone Chauncey and always will be. Even Logan knew to get the hell away and out of dodge because of the royal douche bag you become. So try to hurt my brother and I’ll expose everything I know about you and the Devonshire’s. I’ll make it so hard to get away from and I’ll paint you into the most vile man.”

“I do wonder who you had to betray this time to get Jamal out of his trouble but we all know that the feds want Ronan more than putting Jamal in a jail cell. I find that the most surprising thing you can come up with that you think an old lover got Jamal off. How about you ask your new husband about why Jamal is really off then again I am sure he would love to hear about how you backstabbed him too.” Chauncey said sneering at her he’d bet Braden didn’t know about that he’d been around Selina more than Braden, saw a callous business side of her that no one else did. She thought she was so smart he was going to show her and let her know that you didn’t screw over him or his family. “I don’t have to prove it you see that is something you haven’t figured out. I only have to make it look like he did and do you really think my father wouldn’t back me when it came to Maddie? He’d make sure whoever needed to be bought off was just that bought off.”

“I also know that you fucked Braden the night of the fundraiser so don’t take the high road Selina it doesn’t suit you when it’s hypocritical. I do wonder what your mother would have thought about that little move bedding him while promising to be with me. Didn’t you have issues when your daddy was getting close to Ophelia all those years ago. It must sting to repeat his mistakes.” Chauncey said years ago he would have been kinder to her he supposed but they were past that now he had no desire to play childish games with her he was onto bigger things thanks to Greer. “Watch yourself Selina one day Greer could be Maddie’s mother and then what you’d bad mouth her? You see this is why you’re going to drop this entire thing I don’t want to crush you but I will if I have too.”

“Why would I do that? If I have too Chauncey I’ll watch an entire kingdom burn. It will from the root to the last leaf on the tree. I will leave no stone unturned and I will come back. You take Maddie from me and I will have nothing to hold back the rage I’ve felt being stifled by you..” She walked to the piano bench and took a chair. Taking a long sip of her drink she looked at her ex-fiance and started to laugh. She couldn’t help it then the tears started to fall. “Our mothers wanted us together, we should have remained friends and I know I emasculated you. I know I put you in a position to have to strike back at me. What I’m asking isn’t logical for you but I’m saying that I want to be a parent to our daughter. To your daughter because she sees me as mom. She only knows Mason and Jamal as her uncles and my father and your dad as her grandparents. The Jensens have no connection. You know how losing my mother affected me. Now don’t strip her of a mother again.” Selina got up shaking her head.

“No I’m not going to cry. I’m not going to pretend to be all happy go lucky. We are going to be adults damn it and we are going to fix this.” Selina walked to the door and slammed it then locked it. Grabbing his face she made him look at her. “Is this who you want to be? Is it? Is this who you truly want to be? This monster because if so look.” She turned his head to the mirror. “Look who are becoming and you used to say you’d never be like him. You’d never be like your father or treat your children like weapons. What are you doing Chauncey? What has happened to the man I used to love?”

“Maddie already lost her mother the moment she was born I’ll do whatever I have to Selina to ensure that she remains a Devonshire. If that means placing you out of her life I will the only reasons the Jensen’s aren’t a huge part of her life are because they live on the other side of the country.” Chauncey said coldly looking at her, he had loved her at one point but Maddie always knew how Logan died he had made no secret about it. Selina may of raised her and helped with her but she was still a Jensen too and he wouldn’t take that from Maddie. “Maddie wants a relationship with the Jensen’s now that she is older she can have that. You are simply someone I was going to marry at this point you have no rights here as far as Maddie is concerned and any judge would see that seeing how you had to trick me into signing those papers.”

“I’ve gave you fair warning you see I won’t bend over backwards any longer and let you walk all over me like your new husband will. Emasculated me? No my dear you can do that to Braden all you want I’m not him. I think I’ll tell him just to see you squirm how you went behind even his back.” Chauncey sneered at her watching her in the seat between the embarrassment she did at the wedding and Jackson closing the oil deal what could he say he was tired of being and playing nice. Greer had showed him how much he could be, what he could be and he was enjoying being who he was for the first time in years. His real self a selfish, rotten bastard and he hoped to live up to his father’s name. He stared at himself in the mirror the smile coming to his lips before he turned back to look at her. “That man is gone and you know what Selina it feels good to be rid of him. Do see yourself out do I need to call security to escort you?”

Selina exhaled and saw nothing but a evil man and a man consumed with power. Licking her lower lip she tried not to take a deep breath. She’d come to him like an adult and he just wanted to see her burn. Stepping back she knew he was right. The Devonshire’s could erase that joint custody order and dismantle her. As she took a deep breath her stomach was dropping. Biologically she wasn’t her daughter but she was there every step of the way. She was her sweet little girl and everyone knew that Selina understands Maddie’s loss and pain now it was her. The rage she felt at this moment was undeniable.

“I know the way out I used to live here. I won’t lie to her when she asks why. You are blackmailing me to leave her. I knew this would happen but I promise you one day you will need me and I am going to crush you just like you tried to do me at this moment. Let that little tart fill you with illusions of grandeur but what you will do is fail. You will fail because you are heartless and one thing Lowell isn’t is heartless. You rot in hell. Nobody will think about you eventually because you are hateful and you will in turn you will have no one.” Selina rushed out of the music room.

Greer appeared from Chauncey room wearing his shirt with her hair messed up. “Bye Selina.” She said waving at the older woman. Turning around she rushed into Chauncey arms kissing him playfully. “I’m starving but I have to go see my husband and I um heard a rumor. He’s canoodling with Talia Rose. Maybe I can get my divorce now?”

*********

Zerick grabbed a towel from the edge of the pool as he heard his cell phone ring, the swim had done him good. He was able to clear his head from the party and everything that was going on with Talia. The woman was confusing him which was a first he had many women before but never one that set him on edge as much as she was. She as hot and then cold, pulling and then tugging him back looking around the empty pool area he picked up the phone.

“Hello.” Zerick said patiently into the phone before making his way inside the house to the kitchen. He went to say more only to see Greer join him in the room, she was no doubt behind everything going on with DGI now. He leaned back on the counter listening to the caller intensely. “Thank you for the information. Tell Mr. Devonshire I will handle it. Goodbye. What can I do for you Greer? Shouldn’t you be off working your charm and skill on Chauncey as we speak now that he’s flying on cloud nine? Bold move I’ll give you that leaking the girls medical records.”

“Already did that. You should see poor Selina she is devastated and Chauncey I’d say he is very satisfied with himself. Well I had to prove we were a team. A true united front.” Seeing her father willed her back into the game. Zerick thought he was running the show but she has a secret and she knew something more than him. Her father was on his ass and once Pierre LeClerq smelled blood well he wouldn’t stop until he found the truth.  She was getting sick of having to pretend to be loyal to both men. When they both would drop her. Greer had dreams bigger than just being a wife. Maybe that’s what all these other girls wanted but she wanted it all. The mansion, the man, and the killer job. First she had to secure DGI from the Devonshire’s which was turning out to be more fun than she ever thought. One thing wasn’t fun uncovering the fact that Zerick her best friend was someone potentially that could stab her in the back.

As she sprawled out on the couch she was wearing a skin tight dress that showed off her killer body. Tall and lean which was used to her advantage on situations like this. Slowly licking her lips she pouted when she saw Zerick hungry eyes ravaging her body. “And here I thought I wasn’t the flavor you wanted. I swore you were in the mood for some Chinese.” Making a dig at Talia who she was honestly jealous of. They had a bond before the shoe obsessed airhead came into the picture. “Now I’m playing Chauncey? Can you say the same? Are your emotions in tact when it comes to the most exquisite rose I know, Talia.”

“Well I’m glad that you at least showered when you came home. Having arrows pointing at everyone and building Chauncey up is what the plan was always supposed to be about. I’m glad to hear you are finally onboard with that again.” Zerick said going to the fridge and grabbing a bottle of water opening it to take a sip. She did look delectable there on the couch sprawled out for him like a banquet. He walked towards her sliding his hand up her bare leg watching her face was she loyal he doubted it and that would be her downfall in the end. “Do tell that everything else in place I have already made a few calls about Selina’s brother just in case.”

“Careful Talia is off limits Greer I’m not fucking her now am I? I still have you in my bed but then again you don’t seem very interested in being there anymore now do you?” He watched her looking at his hand and it slid up her thigh brushing the fabric of her dress perhaps that was all he needed. For them to be back inside the bedroom together get fantasies about Talia out of his head get back on track. Talia had made him weak and he had no desire to be that anymore with her weak. “So do tell how as New York you didn’t call till late when you got in. I want details how did you get the records if you were in New York?”

“I can’t tell you that, it’s a secret and if I reveal all my sources how am I going to spy on you?” She purred to him as she took his hand. As she spread her legs she looked inside of his eyes and guided his hand into her hotness. Looking into his eyes she leaned over and kissed him. “Haven’t you figured out I’m thinking of you every time I’m fucking him. So I wanted to make you jealous about Chauncey call me bad but I know what I want. I know who I want.” She said commanding attention. Greer sexuality was something that most men couldn’t resist however Zerick could. It was telling he was so easily falling under her spell.That meant one thing he was really starting to care about Talia.

Throwing her head back as he slowly placed his fingers inside of her she smirked. “Nobody is off limits. Remember we promised ourselves that? If the Pope, Mother Teresa, and Ghandi all were in our way what were we to do? Run them down and step on the ashes of their bodies. Now you’re telling me I can’t play with Talia? No Zerick she on the table and I think her affair with Anderson would make interesting  news since I’m such good friends with Mika and gave her that exclusive.”

Zerick couldn’t help it as his finger dipped into her tight pussy, he was always mesmerized by that side of her the sexual side of her. His fingers moved slowly her mouth said the words he at one point really wanted to hear but he knew better, he doubted she was thinking of him when she fucked Chauncey. He leaned down with his free hand moving her dress straps to the side and exposing her bra, his head dipped slightly and his tongue rolled over her nipples biting softly through the fabric. Feeling her body react to what he was doing he couldn’t help but smirk against her breasts.

“I’m changing the rules Talia is off limits and I will deal with her Greer that is if you still want this, want me what I can give you and your father. You expose anything about Talia and her affair with Anderson I’ll bury you.” Zerick said twisting his fingers just slightly to her g-spot watching her legs shiver just a bit he was already rock hard watching her reacting to his touch but he was serious about this. Talia’s affair with Anderson was his trump card with her and something that he was not going to let out just yet. Lowell needed to trust him and be in his pocket Talia was the key to that. “Lowell is the key remember that Greer therefore we need Talia’s trust. Does he do this to you get you off like this?”

“I remember but don’t forget that we aren’t here to spoil one fruit we are here to conquer DGI. I have kept my eye on the prize but you need a.” Greer softly released a seductive moan as she leaned forward. Wrapping her hand around his tie as she pulled him closer. Everything in her body started to shiver. The saddest part is if Zerick could honestly open up she could give herself to him completely. They were quite the power couple however Chauncey and she fit so completely. Her body was electrified from his touch as her hand unbuckled his pants. Slowly touching his already erect penis she bit her lip as she kissed him deeply.

Slowly she laid back and looked deeply into Zerick eyes. Welcoming him to her body without saying a word. To be honest in a perfect world she’d balance both men between her life. Zerick brought out the thrillseeker that she’d always been. Chauncey however was a match he matched her in every way. This was a man of mystery but for some reason she knew they’d always be in each other lives. Greer tongue was exploring his mouth tasting the liquor on his breath.

“She can’t do this. Just like he can’t make me cum like you.” A seductive purr escaped Greer her mouth. “Fuck me Zerick. Don’t forget that I’m the one with you at the end of this. Not her.” She seethed at him with sex dripping off every word.

Zerick had been willing to walk away and not play her little game but then again he felt himself rock hard for her as she leaned back and opened those legs to him. He took a step towards her undoing the buckle on his pants and his zipper, he bit his lip. His hand traveled up her thigh spreading her for his pleasure before shoving his cock into her. He felt her squeeze him and flexed his hips upwards making sure he hit that back spot that made her moan. His eyes were wild as he moved in and out of her, yes he wanted Talia but fucking Greer had always been on another plane with him. In theory he should feel badly about throwing her under the bus in the long run but he wasn’t built like that

“How is this love?” Zerick asked he pounded her again watching her throw her head back, he pinned her arms to the side when she reached out to him. He wasn’t in the mood to have her touch him no this was about reminding her what was at stake for them both. “Tell me Greer does he do it like this? Does he feel this good inside of you?”

“Not like you.” She purred as his cock slide inside of her. With a gasp she knew their bodies were in tune with each other. As she slid her nails down his back. Zerick wasn’t who she loved but who was? This was a job and she had to treat it as such. Never quite sure what they were to each other Greer knew one thing. When this was over someone would be the winner and loser. Her true goal was at the end to be the one in power. If sex was something to use against him so be it. Greer clenched down letting him hit her spot as her eyes rolled in the back of her head.

Zerick thought he was so smart. Reminding her that Chauncey was her goal was that his intention. “No he fucks me harder and rougher.” Greer declared somehow knowing that neither of them were present. They were having sex but weren’t completely here. Squeezing tightly her eyes locked in on him. “Chauncey is a consummate lover. Now are you going to satisfy me?” Greer said crying out in pleasure as he sped up. She was so wet that she was about to burst in pleasure. Knowing that her body was about to release.

Zerick didn’t bother with a response to her instead he gave her what she apparently craved at the moment him pounding into her. He wasn’t in love with Greer not in the way a real man or husband should but they had been lovers and friends at some point in their lives. He kept moving feeling her tightening down on him and closed his eyes imagining it was Talia he was sleeping with. It took him a few moment before his eyes snapped back open that had never happened before fantasizing about someone else. Instead he leaned down close to Greer’s ear and nibbled on her earlobe feeling her starting to shake, he pounded harder and faster before grunting feeling himself explode inside of her. She was still tightening on him while he moved their bodies sweating, she was still quivering when he pulled out.

“I assume you are satisfied now?” Zerick asked looking over at her and moving some hair from her face, they had always had chemistry but even now her mind looked like it was elsewhere. The problem with their game was he had too much to lose and he wasn’t sure if he could really trust her any longer. He pulled up his pants watching her laying there and almost considered reaching out to her instead he adjusted his clothing back. “Just remember what we need Greer and you and your father will get everything you both deserve.”

Greer canoodled with Zerick as she looked into his eyes. She saw secrets, she saw lies, and she saw genuine concern. As she saw his entire body changed when he got up. It was like for a moment he let down his guard and now he was icy again. Moving the hair behind her ears as she bit her lip. “Don’t worry.” Her voice cracked wondering if he really even cared about her. Clearing her throat she put on her armor too. “I will do my part we need to be starting phase two.” Rolling out of bed she grabbed the sheet feeling embarrassed that she gave into those childish notion. Zerick and she will never be it was just a dream of running away.

*********

Kendrick walked into the condo building quite the place that Yasmine was putting her mother up in since she had gotten back into town. He didn’t bring the guards or the men with him, honestly it had been so silent since the hit on Ronan. A hit that unfortunately for him and Brenda had been a failure he was still waiting for confirmation on who saved Ronan but he had a feeling Ronan’s reach had worked its way south. He could tell he got a few raised eyes from security but as he rode the elevator up and the doors closed something heavier was on his mind. His promise to Gina all those years ago to watch after Yasmine, he had failed at that. Merci and he were also getting more intense and he felt like he was betraying Gina another way. Reaching the door he knocked and waited when the door opened and he came face to face with Trisha he spoke.

“Trisha can I come in?” He asked waiting for the woman that he felt was like second mother to him to let him in. When she opened the door and he made his way inside her new place he took off his hat and looked at the half smoked cigarette in the ashtray. “Is Yasmine here?”

Trisha had been watching the news ever since she moved and when Ronan was finally arrested she knew what that meant as she stared at Kendrick in her home. He was the man in charge now she shook her head if his momma only knew now. She moved back to the kitchen table taking a drag as he asked about Yasmine hadn’t he dragged her babies into this mess in the first place? Yasmine was bound to get herself killed at this rate but he didn’t need to know that, Yasmine was out working her plan as she put it to get the hell out of the mess she was in. Flicking the burnt ashes into the ashtray on the table she looked at Kendrick exhaling as the smoke left her lips.

“She ain’t here. What are you doing Kendrick? I know you loved my Gina I know why you came by today but she wouldn’t want you doing this.” Trisha said seeing the pain on his face, she knew what today was for Kendrick the day he found out about the baby Gina was carrying. He looked like something was on his mind she knew that look she’d practically helped raise him. “She certainly wouldn’t of wanted her baby sister stripping and taking off her clothes for your club do you not remember those promises you made to her?”

“Yasmine didn’t listen to me when I said I’d take care of you and her no instead she sent to Ronan herself and once you make a deal with the devil Trisha you know you don’t get out of it.” Kendrick said with a softness he reserved for very few women in his life his mother, Gina, Trisha and Yasmine. He could maybe count Merci on there too but that was not something he was going to think about right now. “I need to talk to her tell me where she is. Let me guess off with that little bitch Devonshire?”

“Shouldn’t you be warning her how he is going to use her up and spit her out? You and I know how fairy tales play out for our folk. Maybe her plan is an heir though that might just get her out. I work the drugs now ma and you ain’t going to stop me from doing what I need to do. She doesn’t show up for work that reflects badly on my cred. So tell me where she is Trisha.” Kendrick said he didn’t like being so cold or hollow but something had changed ever since Money died, Ronan was arrested and it all became his.

“Gina would be turning over in her grave.” Trisha spat out wanting to scold him over all of it when the door opened and she saw Yasmine enter. She saw the color drain from her baby girls face the fear coming that Kendrick had found her but she didn’t think Kendrick would really kill them. Despite working for Ronan and being part of the organization he owned their family a debt and he was raised to stand by his words. “Look who stopped by.”

Yasmine without hesitation reached into her back pocket. She had a razor blade and was assured that if she had too she’d use it. To be honest the feeling of utter disgust dwelled in her. Slowly shifting her eyes she saw her mother discomfort she didn’t know what to feel. Looking at Kendrick she sat down on the old couch she’d gotten from a donation center. He was a weakling how could he couldn’t wipe away her debt she’d never know. Kendrick made this powerplay and it doesn’t just give her the way out.

“Ma, why you let him in? I’m retiring from it all Kendrick and I mean it. My momma safe and I don’t want to strip anymore. I don’t want to sell fucking drugs anymore and if you think I’m going to be a mule any longer man you got the game all misconstrued. You supposed to be the king now wear crown. I’ve worked my ass off and more than paid my dues for the rehab. Let me go Kendrick for my momma, for Gina, for me and my happiness.” Yasmine said passionately. Folding her arms she looked at her mother. “Ma, I love Rory.”

“I let him in to knock some sense into him if your sister was here-” Trisha started only to stop and compose herself it was days like this that got to her sometimes. Using a breathing technique she learned at the facility instead she knew her limits and stopped from getting overworked for a flare up. “You think Rory loves you? Honey he loves the fact he’s slumming to rub it in his daddy’s face wasn’t he with that designer chick a while back Val something or another friends with that Kincaid girl? Baby girl it pains me to see you so naive.” Trisha folded her arms as she looked at Kendrick and then back at her daughter.

“Your ma has a point. I have to be the way I am at the club Yasmine with Ronan out the boys look up to me now I’m the one they fear. You don’t come back I look like a weak man that can’t handle my shit and I can’t have that.” Kendrick said he’d force her if he had too to come back at least until he could figure the shit out, he let Yasmine go it looked like favoritism was at play something he could not afford. For now he kept his cool he wouldn’t be pushed unless she did it thought he knew where to push if he had to now Rory and her mother. Granted he would never harm Trisha, Rory was fair game as far as he was concerned though. “You’ll be at work Yasmine or old man Devonshire may just get a visit from me and some boys or better how about Rory himself. You think he’d still love you once they roughed him up maybe let his rich world troubles look like candy at the end of the day. I’m not asking I’m telling.”

As the words left his mouth she saw no way out. No matter what she did or what she felt he was going to make her do this again. “Get out. I’ll see you at the fucking club but you ain’t fam man. You ain’t shit but the mothefucker who got Gina killed. You’re a murderer you hear me.” If he wanted her to hurt she knew how to hurt him. How to make him suffer the same way she was. “I’m glad Gina didn’t have a chance to see what you became. Hell I’m glad that she never had that baby. Your DNA is flawed you call me family but let me grope me at night. You call me family but let men spray me with alcohol. I’m glad Gina is dead because she’d never love a pussy like you.” Yasmine opened the door.

“Don’t ever come back here and I hope somehow you and all the other big men in the mob. In the gangs and every other person. You the man. You just like a rapist taking me when you want. Taking my body and my mind. You can’t have my soul though. You can’t have that. I’m going to be done soon. I’m going to be free of you.” Looking at her mother she shook her head. “And you. You are a miserable woman if you can’t just let me be happy. I should have never cared enough to get you clean. You should OD on a floor somewhere because you are just as miserable as him.” Yasmine stormed to her room.

Kendrick watched her storm up to her room, her words affecting him more then he would care to admit. He cast a glance at Trisha it was what had to be done, he was the man now, people looked up to him. The cartel looked to him now that Ronan was out. He felt his phone buzz and looked at the message this couldn’t be happening this was his chance. He didn’t say another word to Trisha as he walked out. Ronan was still alive and he knew he had to make his move soon there was only so much time he had left.

Trisha watched him go and bitter tears threatened to fall for all of them for the horror of the words spoken on both Kendrick and Yasmine. She wiped at the stray tear that fell down her face realizing what was happening  power move, worse agony over what her own daughter said to her. The urge to use again hit and remembering her sessions she took a deep breath walking into the kitchen and picking up her phone to text her sponsor she needed a meeting and she needed it fast.

*********

Standing outside of DGI was a out of body experience for Tess. How couldn’t she be all up in arms? This was supposed to be her’s. Her life with Lowell not Jackie’s. As her stomach dropped as she saw the famous art work she told Lowell about. This was one thing they always bonded over, high art. Now to see that Jackie had reaped the rewards of her taste. No Lowell didn’t have a original bone in his body it was always someone else’s idea or thoughts. Her teeth gritted as the security tried to stop her from going upstairs. Tess just gave him a look letting him know that today wasn’t the day. Today she had another Devonshire she was looking for. SHe had to make Max back off of Hunter. It was simple quite frankly the girl was a daddy’s girl. Hearing all the salacious things Lowell did in his past was enough to make her wet with excitement. Wearing a DVF jumpsuit with gold accessories she felt regal. Max had made it her job to hate Bliss well she’d make it her job to hurt the little bitch. As she stepped off the elevator she saw Jackson office and directly across was her twins.

Slowly approaching the door. Tess walked inside and removed her blazer as she sat down in front of Max. “Hello, young lady.” She said with a snark in her voice. “I’ve asked you to get off of my daughter’s back. Hell I yanked those extensions if I’m not mistaken. Look I’m going to ask once and only one more time. If I have to come again I assure you it won’t be pretty. My daughter was embedded with all the class I never had. Now I won’t say it again you keep bullying Bliss and I’m going to step on that perfectly long neck and crush it. Understood?” If she was anything like Jackie her outrage would be enough to kick up as much sand as she needed to blind her with the real low blows.

Max was looking over some paperwork on her desk about her business plan which of course Chauncey had sent back to her for more fine tuning just because he handled the money he felt like he knew better than her? Honestly ever since the run in with Hunter at City Hall her had had been going pretty much to shit though she supposed to had to still play the part for Bliss. A truce if you will had been called for her nephew’s sake. She glared at her secretary as she came into the office after Tess and waved her back away from them. Tess had a lot of nerve to even sit down in front of her after what she did at Chauncey’s wedding and how had she gotten in the building. She leaned back in her leather chair and laughed Tess thought she was intimidated by her and by her lies she had another thing to learn.

“What is between Bliss and I is just that between Bliss and I, you’re nothing to me Tess nothing else and coming into my office to threaten me isn’t very smart now is it? My father probably prefers younger models. You’re sagging a bit you should make a botox appointment.” Max sneered looking at Tess her lip curved up a bit at the older woman. Her father’s mistress and the person that was more responsible for her parents marriage ending. “You and I don’t have anything to discuss just like me and Bliss. At least from what I hear she’s learning from her mistakes with a married man unlike you.”

Tapping her heel into the the marble on Max desk she leaned forward taking a piece of complimentary candy. Then opened her purse pulling out a compact. Popping it into her mouth then looking at her reflection then snapping it closed dramatically. “Darling you’re wrong my surgeon does wonders.” Dusting her hands off she looked up at Max. “On contraire I believe we have a lot to talk about. You blame me and Bliss for your parents downfall. I think you need a history lesson my dear. I wasn’t even your father first mistress. That’s the sad part I thought I was special another one of many women your father bedded.” Flipping her long blond hair she felt the hate steaming off her and she knew she had Max right where she wanted her. She was going to dig a well of fear into this little witch. She’d back off Bliss or she’d feel her wrath a thousand times over.

Tess leaned forward and saw the hurt in the little girl’s eyes she would crush her. Hurting the Devonshires in a much more intimate way. This would cause all sort of drama she didn’t care though, scandal should have been Tess middle name. “Audrey had the most stunning voice. That’s when the symphony was still here oh it was amazing to hear her sing. It was haunting and beautiful. I was only sixteen when I first saw your father and I must say Jackie was just breathtaking. They looked like something off of Dynasty or fabulous movie. My father was taking me to the opera and Lowell looked at me. Not in the way he looked at Jackie or Audrey. I knew then. I knew that I’d have one day. Jackie cheered for his mistress at many of events. It was sad when she lost your little brother or sister. Then she had all those kids by Forbes the ones she never wanted. Then I came and told her I had a baby by Lowell, when I came back to America once. I heard she slit her wrist a day later. I was flying home to Athens at the time. It was when I had my other.” She stopped looking at Max hanging onto every word. “The weirdest thing was she knew about Bliss. From moment she was born and didn’t kill herself until the 90’s. That’s ironic right?” Standing up she walked to the Italian coffee machine in Max office. Pouring herself a cup.

“So you see darling you shouldn’t hate Bliss, if you hate her then you might as well hate almost every woman in the tri-state area.” Tess said sipping her coffee.

“The fact you have to have surgery speaks wonders unlike my mother. I blame you for spreading your legs and then taunting my mother for years on end that you were the one that belonged with my daddy. Bliss I just hate for fucking my husband.” Max said looking at her and then her back stiffened when she mentioned her father’s affairs. None of them had ever been confirmed she would give her dad that if true the man knew when to cover his tracks with everything if it was. Her mother though was an entirely different matter her mother never deserved it if it was true. “You’re a lying old hag with no proof it would be your word against my father’s and I think I’d trust his over yours any day of the week. You’re an old shriveled up has been debutante that got knocked up by a man that didn’t want her. Truth stings doesn’t it?”

“Audrey was the same a debutante that was infatuated with my father until she married Forbes and got a life of her own too. You seem to think that Audrey had a special place in my dad’s heart he liked the opera he loved to take my mother too it, end of subject. You think I haven’t heard all this before? I have.” Max said not giving anything away to her on the other end of her desk. People gossiped about her father and Audrey right up till Audrey’s suicide and it was one of the reasons the feud she had with Cassie started. “You’re a vile and vindictive bitch to spread lies like that that he has other kids out there and even if he did newsflash they’re still not my mother’s are they? That must be what burns you the most that even after all the game you tried to play with him you were nothing more than a fuck to him and Bliss let’s face it was an obligation.”

“Bliss wasn’t an obligation such big words for such a small brain. All those vacations Bliss was there just across a Island or possibly in a boathouse or cabana over. Now let’s face facts little girl. I hold something more precious than your mother. I have the last.” Walking over to the desk she smirked at Max seeing her face getting redder. “What’s the matter dear you looked flushed? Audrey wasn’t a debutante you dummy she was your father’s first love. She was the one that slipped through his fingers and right into Forbes. Know your history you little twit. Don’t believe me you are sleeping with Audrey’s son. Just bring it up in pillow talk and see what he says? Has he said anything about his beloved mommy? Or does he just sweep it under the rug? It’s because him and Cassandra were unwanted. She never loved Forbes but like me, Jackie blocked it. She was good at the in the eighties. Your mother was dramatic and problematic much like you in your youth. I could go on all day.” Once again affirming that Audrey affair with Lowell was what drove her to suicide.

“I’m so many things my dear but an obligation isn’t one. I have two beautiful children and I’m so proud of the women they’ll be. My little girl’s one is a princess and the other is in boarding school in Switzerland. Even without their father they did good.” She said placing the coffee mug down. “Anyways I’m here to see Lowell about my seat on the board. I’m quite bored with informing you on your very own history. How ironic is it that you are dating Philip now. I wonder when you fuck someone else will he slit his wrist. You know you’re a whore Maximilla. Don’t pretend with me I see the darkness in you.”

“You really are delusional aren’t you that my father really wanted you there? No he wanted his daughter there you see I’m a big girl enough to admit that, he loves all his kids in his own way. You though? You were the woman he needed to fuck to get out of his system and then go back to my mother.” Max said staring at her and she gripped the pen in her hand  reminding herself she had a part to play. A part for Bliss the truth was what Tess was telling her could be completely true and crushing to their mother and family and she wanted nothing more than to knock her down a peg or two. “Philip and I don’t have time for pillow talk we both don’t need it. Devonshire’s rarely need that you should know about that didn’t he just use you to go back to my mother?”

“I pity your other brat who is probably just as screwed up as Bliss is you know what is the sad part my mother is more of a mother to her than you will ever be. That is how much higher of a standard she is compared to you.” Max broke eye contact with Tess seeing her phone buzz with a texts from Jackson. She’d heard the news reports and honestly she wasn’t sure how Jackson was doing or what was going on. No doubt the news reports were likely fucking up his relationship with Dani and the last thing she wanted was to hear he was going to go back to using. “While the history lesson has been enlightening I have to make a few calls and go to a few meetings. I actually work for a living something that you know nothing about.”

“I would tell you how I worked your father but darling it’s about ten hours early for a erotic bedtime story.” Tess said standing up. The little dig about Bliss and Jackie connecting was enough to drive her mad. She didn’t want her children ever to be close to that woman. The woman who ruined the chances of them ever having a future. She’d planted the seed in Max head about her beautiful daughter. Let’s see if she took the bite. As she turned around and looked at Max one last time. “Oh Maximilla do know that you are his favorite daughter much like Chauncey was his favorite son until he met the better one. Bliss is you just so much lovelier and she has a title Princess of Ilsa De Cruces. What do you have but a broken marriage and sham relationship with a Montgomery. Knowing is growing little Max. You will never be anything to him as long as you slink with the son of Forbes Montgomery. Such wasted potential. Choi.”

Tess walked away as she walked down the hallway she saw Lowell office and shook her head. Not today. Not now. She’d have her moment and when it came she’d be the new Ms. Devonshire. She just had to push Max even more into resenting her father. Then the proven feminist would of course call for a divorce. Jackie will listen when all the sins of Lowell roll out and she’ll get what she wants. Her chance at the man she was supposed to be with for years. She just had to keep on Max and Jackie.

“I don’t need sex advice from you and really you weren’t that good now were you if you couldn’t even rank up there for my father.” Max seethed watching and glaring at Tess across the seat from her and she wanted to laugh or snap Tess’s neck she couldn’t decide. The fact that Tess was a board member wanted to make her throw up, how insulting. She watched her leave her office and then released her hold on the pen to lean back in the leather chair and take a few breaths.

Tess wasn’t right about who she was she was always going to be her father’s favorite Bliss and her princess status or not. Chauncey was replaceable because his head wasn’t in the business game at the moment. She looked at her phone and the text from Jackson before deciding to call it a day and head home. While she packed up her bag she did let the words about Philip linger and fester her father likely would never approve of her with Forbes’s son. Stranger things had happened but she didn’t want to talk about her love affair with Philip at the moment. Looking at her phone buzz again she really needed to find Jackson to talk to him about everything.

*********

Jon was watching American Ninja Warrior alone on the television after a rough interrogation of Philip. That guy knew who was at the Kincaid mansion or at least knew something more than he was telling. Walking to his study Jon clicked on the light. Inside was a board with KC picture in the middle. “It all started with you KC.” Man he missed that guy he was a dear friend to the group. Devin, Braden, himself and KC were best friends. It was how it always had been and always would be. Directly under KC picture was newspaper clipping of Steven and Carla. “Then it somehow spins into you two but how and why.” It wasn’t Ronan style to kill him especially after months of telling everyone Steven owed him big time for gambling debts. Everything in his gut was telling him it wasn’t Ronan. Just as he circled Lowell who was missing three hours around the murder. Then their was Brenda who also vanished an hour before the murder. Philip never confirmed or denied if it he saw a vehicle that night. If he could get him to communicate with him but it must been a Montgomery trait. Cassie hadn’t talked to him since the night at Club XES. He’d left messages and everything.

Looking at his two main suspects he felt it could be Brenda or Lowell he had to start looking at this case from another angle somehow. Jon was deep into thought when he heard the doorbell ring and he looked outside and there she was. He opened the door. “Skye now is not a good time, I’m trying to get some work done. Look how about we go out for breakfast and talk.” He suggested trying badly not wonder what was underneath her coat. “I just want to be alone.”

Skye adjusted her trench coat as she made her way up the steps of Jon’s house it hadn’t changed the house he wanted to fill. Cookie cutter with a white picket fence and everything she shook her head at those memories that was in the past. Ringing the doorbell she hoped he liked what was underneath, word on the street was that Cassie had rejected him again and she knew that Jon could only take so much of that. He deserved to have a good time and honestly the only time she felt good about herself was with Jon who had seemed to see a different side of her. Not to mention Merci was entertaining company again and that was not her cup of tea to not be getting any while Merci was. She bit her lip at Jon when he opened the door still handsome as ever, his shirt open just slightly and reminded herself she was going to wait to be invited in.

“I just ate actually but I was hoping that we could talk? I stopped by the cafe for breakfast and I am pretty sure that your mom and Julia were staring at me more like glaring. I wanted to come see you I know that since the wedding things have been off for us and then you were with Cassie but listen I heard that Cassie doesn’t want you Jon. If she did she would have called you by now I don’t know or be here.” Skye said looking at him and swung the coat slightly letting him see the bare legs and she could see his chest rise and fall. He wanted her again wanted to play the game with her again. “I’m here Jon she’s not. You know if you want to know what is under the coat by all means invite me in and I’ll show you.”

Jon felt sick to his stomach at the feeling of giving in. He needed someone between this case and finding out that Philip considered Veronica death to be a murder. His head was spinning plus his board wasn’t making any sense. All he could do was pray that all of this came together. That couldn’t be the only thing he could and should be praying for. His relationship status with Cassie was complex. One moment she was jealous of Skye the next she was putting him on the bench. The truth was nobody was going to put him on the bench anymore. Dani didn’t want him, Cassie was acting aloof but here was Skye. She was always here and waiting on him. As he lowered his head feeling ashamed of what he was thinking. He looked up and smiled at her with his boyish eyes glowing in excitement. Moving out the way he let Skye into his home.

“Skye, I am trying to make this work with Cassie and I’d appreciate it if you’d stop.” He said looking at her supple legs. Then it crashed on him. Cassie wanted the thrill of feeling chased. Why would he wait on her when Skye was right here. Lusting and wanting him knowing he secretly wanted her. God the things that were going through his head should get him locked up. Skye’s body was a wonderland and that glimpse was all he needed. “You want me?” He said pinning her to the wall. “Answer my question? You want me?” Jon asked as he pulled her coat open. Without seeing a response he knew it had to have her. “Good because I want you too.”

Skye had to suppress the smirk that was jumping to come out when he swung the door open for her to invite him in. So it was true that something was going on with Cassie and him that he was going to invite him in meaning they were on the rocks. She pouted at him playfully for a moment when he shut the door behind her and let her hands run over his shirt collar. She could take his mind off work she was good at that with Jon. She had been willing to indulge in the foreplay for a moment and tease him button by button but instead she found herself pinned to a wall. Her hips pressed into his seeing his eyes roam over the silk bra and thong she had on seeing the lust.

“Of course I want you Jon I just don’t want to share you or have your family casting me nasty looks when I enter for service. Are you going to finish what we started this time or is your sister here to ruin the mood?” Skye said her voice husky when she said it, breathing in his scent on his neck while they stared at each other. This was what she needed the thrill of him pounding her against the wall reminding him what they had together wasn’t all bad some of it was good damn good. “Are you going to be the upstanding guy or the one I know the wild solider who likes it dirty. She would never have to know it could just be for Jon while you figure things out. I can’t say rubbing this in her face though wouldn’t make my day it would.”

“I can’t make my sister or mom do anything.” Jon said with a seductive stare in his eyes. Letting his hand run down her side. Her bare skin sent shivers to his fingertips. Cassandra had to get it through her head. She wasn’t his only option. This time she had waited too long. “Skye if we do this I’m depending on you. I’m depending on you to change. I can’t be with someone my family hates.” He said leaning his head on her’s. “I can’t fight it anymore you are my weakness.” Letting his hands remove her jacket. He sucked in her fragrance which smelled like some exotic fruit. Hell she’d always been forbidden fruit why would that change? The silk bra and panties made him long for what was to come even more. Her body somehow became even more tighter. As he kissed her neck and slowly let his tongue drag down to her bra. Only letting his breath on her skin he saw her starting to become a victim to their passions. He kept going lower and lower until his tongue traced her belly button. With his strength he grabbed her two legs placing them on his shoulders and pulled her panties to the side. On his knees he looked into her eyes and buried his tongue inside of her sweetness.

His tongue moved like a hurricane and before he knew it he felt her legs shaking. His sexual prowess wasn’t to be fucked with. One thing he knew once sex became involved it was hard to shake him. Passion was his game and having her pressed against the wall unable to move. He feasted on her sweetness. Letting his tongue massage her clit as she seemed to be in undeniable pleasure. “You still taste the best.” He said as his head flew back down between her thighs. Knowing that Skye was vulnerable to some good head. It was her weakness she’d be a puddle in a moment. Juices were running down his mouth as he held her up with one arm. Slipping off his jogging pants he clutched his now throbbing penis. Coating his penis with her juices as lubricant he finally placed her down. Seeing the precum dripping from himself he knew he was ready right now to punish her. Then swooped her into his arms. Carrying her into the room Jon unfastened her bra. It was a carnal desire he couldn’t bare to hold back anymore. Jon needed a release and Skye came at the perfect time.

“I’m going to fuck the shit out of you if you don’t mind?” He lowered himself on top of Skye and plunged into her tightness. Her body felt different but so familiar at the same time. It was amazing. “I needed you Skye.”

Skye looked down at him knowing that he was caught in her now as his lips moved down her body she tried to not shake it had been so long since she was with him. She tilted her head back and closed her eyes letting his breath tickle on her skin. When his mouth started tracking her skin though she threw her head back and let out a moan when his tongue pierced her, her hand went to the wall for leverage while her other hand fisted in his hair, fuck he was still good. Her hips rolled into his mouth while her mouth opened and closed panting when he broke away to speak she was fairly certain her eyes narrowed at him to finish the job. Rolling her hips back into his mouth when he continued she felt her orgasm right at its peak when he stopped.

She glanced down at him when he freed himself and felt her desire swell even more for him. She’d thought about this a lot since she had been gone him fucking her the way Jon made her feel and that was the difference Jackson never looked at her like Jon did. Jon was dangerous for her in that way Jon made her feel something more than just a hookup or a fuck her. She was shaking when he carried her to the bed and her legs parted for him and she nodded her head at him before he plunged into her. Her hips arched into him pulling him all the way in letting her body adjust to his size and her mouth opened moaning into his ear. “Fuck me Jon. I needed you too.”

Jon gulped in air his entire body felt like he was lost inside her. It was tight still and familiar and her look in his eyes. She wanted this so badly and he did also. As he rotated his hips inside of her letting his curve drive inside her walls. Kissing her neck slowly letting his tongue trail to her ear biting it remembering it was a turn on for Skye. He couldn’t believe how wet she was. It was so gushy. As he the wave and started to hit her clit. Pulling her hair to bring her back, kissing her he rocked her in faster. The sensuality of this moment was taking him back to 2009 back when they first met. He felt her nails digging into his skin and knew he was hitting her spot. She was dripping all over his sheet.

Lowering his head Jon feasted on her nipples as he bit them savage but tenderly. Watching her face giving into the passion of the moment. His hands covering her body and he couldn’t breathe right now. He felt himself swelling and he couldn’t hold back much longer. Looking at the clock they’d already been going for thirty minutes. When they were having sex they lost time it always happened. Gasping for air he looked her in the eyes. “I’m going to cum.” He said releasing a soft moan almost ready to blast off.

Skye couldn’t help it as she threw her head back arching her hips while he began to move what was it about Jon that he knew exactly what she needed? That was the difference it always felt like more with Jon and to ensure it stayed in her mind alone she closed her eyes letting her body do the talking for her while he fucked her. She didn’t know how long she laid there him plowing into her before he pulled on her hair and she let out a cry, he was so hard and it felt so good. She looked up at the ceiling for a moment and followed Jon’s eyes over to the clock looking down at him sliding in and out of her. Her hands went to his back digging in watching his face contort at the action. She was close she could feel herself dripping onto the sheets.

“Jon.” Skye managed to moan out testing his stamina at this point she got a thrill out of this part making him come apart for her. Clenching down on him even harder while she adjusted her leg around his hip her eyes rolled into the back of her head. She reached up nibbling on his neck watching his eyes just slightly saw his hand moving to her clit. “You know you want to Jon do it, let me show you what you’ve been missing. Me screaming your name right as you unload.”

Jon kept plowing with a thunderous strokes as he wrapped his hands around her hips. He started to hard body her until he felt her rivers flowing down his legs. Hearing Skye’s passionate screams in his ear he felt like he was going down the rabbit hole. Jon wasn’t done he didn’t want it over she was releasing her vice grip because she was cumming. Next thing he knew it gave him extra lubrication to go even faster. Skye and Jon sexual chemistry was always something to behold. This however felt like their bodies were reuniting from a long missed party..

As he swelled up thrusting as hard and deep as he could, Jon started to grunt in complete ecstasy. Before he knew it he was screaming her name. “Skye fuck!” He felt the initial explosion as he flooded her wetness even more. The next one was unexpected he was shooting. Jon started to quiver as their bodies slid to the floor. Wrapped up in each other he kissed her neck. Turning her face he tongued her down again. “Don’t leave me again.” He whispered in her ear touching her sweaty body.

Skye closed her eyes letting him finally take her to the edge as she moaned into his ear, her body jerked against him thoughts of what she was doing for Lowell far from her mind. Her body was still shaking and she couldn’t help the scream that came out again when he kept going one thing about Jon he always knew what her body needed. She felt her body sliding off the bed as he lowered them to the floor and he finally came hard inside of her. She had missed this with Jon the only time she was remotely her real self was with Jon with Jackson she was to high to remember the sex half the time. She turned her head eagerly into his when he kissed her, letting their bodies calm.

“I did miss you too Jon and I’m back for good this time. I just had to get myself together you know everything was so confusing after that night.” Skye said remembering that night all too well when Jon caught her fucking Jackson the fight that ensued. There were of course other reasons she had to leave but he didn’t need to know about them, that was in the past. “I was a mess back then and you tried to save me from it I just wasn’t ready.” She heard her cell phone ring and reached over to her purse seeing it was Lowell she ignored the call before looking back at him. “I am curious to know though how dear Cassie will feel about this.”

“Can we not talk about Cassie and I’ll refrain from speaking out Jackson. Who I heard your couldn’t stay away from recently. Skye what we did.” Jon froze wondering if he just made the biggest mistake of his life. “Skye I just need some time man can we um. Can you um. I just need some alone time man. I just cheated on the woman who made me open up my heart after Dani. You are beautiful and sexy but I need some time.” He leaned in and kissed her lips. “You alright?” Jon asked knowing that she might be mad. “I really don’t know why that happened I care so much for Cassie. I think I love her but maybe once I kissed you. Maybe I was wrong and I don’t want to hurt anyone.” Lowering his head. “Please for me.”

Skye refused to tense up when he started in on the pillow talk and she was glad it was dark so he couldn’t see the scowl. Must she lose to everyone Esme, Dani and now that bitch Cassie? The only reason she went sniffing after Jackson was because Lowell paid her and then she knew the best revenge, to suck it up. Report back to Lowell as needed with what he wanted she was the girl to that Jon just proved himself all over again. Every other woman but her became his priority which only reaffirmed their past. Rolling to her side she pushed back the bad thoughts feeling Jon drift off to sleep she looked at her phone possing it back on the table ignoring the calls from Lowell. Once she was sure he was asleep she got up taking her phone with her and then took pictures of the board for the murders debating for a few moments the money won out as she sent them to the contact on her phone.

*********

Scarlett woke feeling fat and miserable the sacrifices she had made, she had to keep reminding herself the last few months the pay off would be worth it. A healthy baby that she could hold over Zach’s head her get out of jail free card if you would. Afterall no one wanted to see the mother of their child in prison for murder, which brought her back to Dante. She really hadn’t of meant for it to happen like that they were just supposed to have a talk. Dante was supposed to walk away tell Zach it was over no harm no foul but no he wouldn’t let it go and had grabbed her. She did what she had to do and if he hadn’t of been an asshole about all of it she would have called an ambulance too. There was nothing she could do about it now though, walking into the kitchen she put on the kettle of water for some tea.

Sacrifices she reminded herself. Gone were her days of partying on the club, of hooking up for the pleasure of it and maybe just maybe scoring a little on the side for a good time. She made her way to the kitchen table to go over the bills she had received more like things she could send in to her financial advisor to pay. She didn’t pay bills and that is when she stopped at the unmarked manila envelope on the table, she closed her eyes the plain typing staring back at her. It could be something important her mother had told her she needed to remain more calm lately stop thinking someone knew what she had done.

She slid her finger into the envelope and watched as the pictures came tumbling out of course there were some of her and Zach fucking in his boathouse right around the time they conceived the baby. Then there was the others that caught her eye those pretty lines of coke she was snorting off one of the srippers at Club XES, her hands shook she hadn’t done that since she found out she was pregnant but then again she knew that would hardly matter to Zach. Shaking her head she picked up her phone sending a text to her mother about the situation, they had to be extra careful. Anger swelled through her Zach could never know that was it at the end of the day. She heard the kettle whistling and walked to the stove to turn it off when she heard the door open, reaching into the drawer she reached for a knife only for her to see a briefcase appear. Instead she closed the door and did what she did best turned on the water works.

“Mason I am so glad you stopped by I know I was terrible and caused all this trouble but I’m really scared now.” Scarlett mumbled being careful to hide the more incriminating pictures the plan had to stay in tact meaning Zach had to be none the wiser. “Whomever is watching me has been doing it for a while my God what if they hurt my child?”

Mason had a long day at the office and had been preparing his own case in his head how was he going to explain this to his father? Leaving a very pregnant Scarlett in the dust for years they had sold this illusion that they were together and in love. He had been staying at his office most nights and had returned home to gather his things. What he didn’t’ expect was Scarlett pregnant and hormonal crying in the house. He had no idea where Zach stood in all of this and it wasn’t his business but shouldn’t Zach be somewhat caring about her and her unborn child? Shaking his head as she pulled back he knew he couldn’t be cruel to her if he wanted too.

“You really should be talking to Zach about this Scarlett he is a cop he could help you and I am sure if someone is threatening you or the baby he would want to know. You have nothing to be scared about they’re just pictures you know?” Mason said looking at her and then at the photos he knew she was being stalked that was happening months ago before the wedding mess. She was certainly scared then but she had pulled herself up from that and he thought they had stopped. “If you are that worried maybe Zach can get a detail on you or something like that for protection.”

Scarlett knew that she had him wrapped around her finger and what better way to pull at his heart strings than fearing for her own life and that of her unborn child. What was it that her mother had told her she would have to put on a performance at all times? Wiping her eyes as she pulled back from Mason, she let the tears flow and slightly grabbed her stomach before waving Mason off seeing his concern. Taking a seat on the couch she then let in a few breaths seeing Mason sit down beside her he was there.

“I’m fine. Zach and I haven’t talked much and right now I feel so alone Mason. You’re leaving to be with Simon you have no reason to stay here. Zach hates me and the fact that he knocked me up what if he is the one doing this?” Scarlett said looking at Mason planting the seeds early enough in his head. It was perfect. “Not that I think Zach would stoop that low but you saw him right after he found out.”

Mason considered her words Zach had been angry when he found out the news that didn’t mean that Zach would go off the rails at her though. He knew that she was hormonal and that it was best to not aggravate that further than he had too. In honesty he didn’t think Zach was doing any of what Scarlett was accusing him of it seemed so unlike the Zach that he was getting to know.

“Scarlett how about you just calm down and we keep an eye on this alright? We can call and get security to start watching the condo more carefully.” Mason said trying his best to ease her and not send her into one of her raging panic modes.

“Are you saying that I’m making this up? Zach was upset about the baby and I already know that he doesn’t want me to have the baby.” Scarlett insisted looking at him, she felt the tears in her eyes perfectly played.

“Don’t cry ok let me make a few calls and I’ll talk to Zach for you. You need protection Scarlett.” Mason said squeezing her shoulder and then getting up from the couch to go into the other room to make the calls. Part of him wanted to help her she was really shaken with the photos that much was a given. He really didn’t think that Zach was behind it though and if anything he felt that Zach needed to know what was going on. He made sure that the coast was clear before he pulled out his phone and sent Zach a message.

Hey I know you and Scarlett ain’t tight or shit right now but…someone is threatening her please look into it.

Scarlett leaned back on the couch watching Mason get up and go into the other room and the tears quickly disappeared as she pulled her hand to her face. Crying on cue should be an art in her opinion and if there was a word for her at the moment she would coin herself an artist. She leaned down rubbing her ankle even though the mark was long gone, Dante gripping her leg was still fresh in her mind. No one knew about that and no one ever would all she had to do was play her cards right. If she knew anything about Zach after fucking him was that soft heart he had would be wrapped around her child and that was exactly how she wanted it. Closing her eyes she let the smile creep onto her lips, he wouldn’t know what hit him when it all came out.

*********

Tony entered the safe house making sure to remember why he was here their son was in trouble despite everything between he and Ophelia that was the most important thing. They as a family would come out ahead of this even if it would forever change them all. Jamal was always a bit of a rebel and he had always let him come and go as he pleased. Perhaps that was their fault now that he was in the position that he was in. He and Ophelia could have done better. Nodding to the officer at the door he opened it walking inside to see Ophelia in the kitchen cooking and Jamal on the couch on his phone. Ophelia always cooked when she was upset that was always something he admired about her, at one point he had loved that about her had he not? He shook his head that was a long time ago.

“Mole? I do remember the smell. Jamal.” Tony said looking at Ophelia and then over at Jamal. He was glad that Jamal was ready to talk that was something that he was glad about. Since the arrest the tension had been high between them all and Jamal had been the focal point of that. He looked at the door to the house and saw the police officers sit down outside, it felt so strange. “I’m glad you both called.”

Ophelia nodded her head at him mole, something her mama had taught her when she was younger it took time and patience. She had the day off from the hospital and what better way to cook than to see Jamal to keep an eye while she did. She still couldn’t believe that this was her life, that Jamal had done what he was accused of. Jamal was a good kid that was how she and Tony had raised him this behavior was so unlike him and that was the confusing part. Where had she gone wrong as a mother? Where had she and Tony failed.

“You are right on time it is nearly done. Jamal was just about ready to explain weren’t you?” Ophelia asked offering her ex a smile to calm things between them before they got into the heavy stuff. Despite her affair with David and how they ended she felt that they owed it to each other to remain friends or at least cordial with each other. So far they had achieved that except when Selina got in the way. “Your father and I are both waiting.”

Jamal bit down on his bottom lip. How could he explain everything? When he saw his mother eyes he knew it was time. His father constant disappointment was apparent also. He’d brought shame to the Delacroix family even though he was always in shame. Shame his parents weren’t together when they should be. Shame that he was richer than every other black kid he knew. It was a guilt that came with that. That he’d seen most of North America before he was five. That he traveled more than any other African-American man he knew due to his family fortune.

“It started when I was um twelve. I had just met our cousin Devin. He was just becoming an officer and dad was invited. He brought me there and somehow Devin and um dad got into a big fight. I heard him say that dad was a sellout. I googled what a sellout was. I never thought my dad was a fake. Devin struggled and hearing it then seeing it. I saw people at school all looked at me different. I didn’t know what food stamps were and I never shopped an Walmart in my life. They laughed at me in school for talking proper english. I guess learning how to formal dance and not learning how to grind wasn’t black enough. You know what’s worse talking to latinos about my privilege you know that uncle Lupe said they didn’t have running water?” Jamal wiped his eyes. “I was ashamed that I had so much more than my cousins, and everyone who looks like me.” Picking up the game controller he started to play so that he didn’t have to look at them.

“So when college rolled around I was on a campus full of people who didn’t know me. I just wanted to be normal and not be the rich guy. At first it was just picking up a blunt. I’ve haven’t done anything harder than weed. Then I just started being Jamal from Philly around campus. It wasn’t long before I was at party and I had a bag of weed. I sold it all in like twenty minutes. Then I had black friends for the first time. I had latinos and I wasn’t Jamal Delacroix. I was just Jamal and I didn’t have a name to live up too. I didn’t have to be prim and proper Jamal. I didn’t have to tell people that my dad owns some of the best restaurants in the world. I didn’t have to tell them that my mom was a world class doctor.” Folding his arms Jamal started to tear up even more. “Then Kendrick approached me and said I could make a little money. I didn’t want to but it was fun. It was thrill and next thing I know I was the biggest drug dealer on campus. I started hanging with the most corrupt individuals I’ve ever been around. I saw someone be killed in front of me. I knew I was in trouble. They killed because petty reason.” He said throwing the controller at the television. The glass cracked as he fell to his knees.

“Now you all in danger man and it’s my fault. If Kendrick or Ronan kills Selina or Mason it’s my fault. I just feel lost and I’m so sorry. I had so much guilt that I had everything. I literally messed up our lives and now I have even more guilt and anger. I never should have been ashamed of you two. You were the best parts of me and I just failed both of you.”

Ophelia had been right in the middle of shredding the chicken when Jamal started and she stopped midway through. The things he had seen and then the feelings that she never knew about. She remembered the argument between Tony and Devin one that seemed to be what set them apart now but she never thought it reflected on Jamal at the time. Jamal had been so young at the time and she knew that he wanted both his cultures in his life and she thought they had tried enough to help him get that. She looked to Tony for support on the matter she needed him to be a man and set their son right. Wiping her hands she quickly served up the food to then walk to Jamal and wrap her arms around him.

“Your father and I wanted the best for you. The best schools, the best lifestyle so that you wouldn’t have to struggle. Lupe, your cousin likes to run his mouth Jamal you know that. I worked hard to get where I am and I know your father did too. That is why Devin’s mother doesn’t take the money when we do offer it.” Ophelia said trying to wrap her head around things, Jamal had friends in their circle didn’t he? Then it did hit her most of his friends were white. “So this was about having different friends than you had growing up? Wanting to fit in somewhere else?”

Tony felt for him that wasn’t the problem, the problem was that instead of talking about it he went out and was selling drugs. Drugs, something that he had avoided minus those hits back in the day with Lowell for some board members to pass the time. He took his kids out of where he grew up to avoid all this shit. It was a huge reason that he wanted to help his sister, but her pride would never let him and it was something he always heard about from Devin. Folding his arms he didn’t know what Ophelia wanted him to say about it, he would never feel disappointed in Jamal but he expected Jamal to come to him. Did his own son fear him that much?

“But drugs Jamal? There were better ways to come to us about it. You have money, my God you have money why did you need to make a few bucks on the side? Did you ever think why I moved here to this part of town when I invested in DGI? So you and your siblings would have the advantages.” Tony said trying his best to stay calm though it was trying his patience. His solution was to join the mafia and sell drugs. Of all the plans Jamal could have come up with that was something that bothered him the most. “Thank God your sister made the call she did for you to save you from this. Thank God that the FBI is watching us all now. Say what you want about Devin but he was at least man enough to come to me and tell me like it was. You could have came to me Jamal. I would have let you have your account to in your words go to Walmart to shop.”

“You don’t get it. I said you’re the problem. Putting money in my account is the problem dad. I wanted for one second not to have a trust fund. For a moment to not be just rich and I wanted to be a normal man. A man that didn’t need my damn daddy’s money don’t you see? I’m sick of being a spoiled trust fund kid. Man you know what kills me? That for once I was making money and didn’t have to ask you for anything. I’m so pissed because I’m telling you why and all you can say is why? You still don’t get it. I was dogged in high school because I was whiteback read. I wanted a connection to being black or latino? I want to be normal and not know what caviar taste like.” He huffed as he looked at his mother.

“I just wanted to be normal and not have to wait for a job at DGI like Selina. Not having the white man say yessa massa. I don’t want to be Selina and marry into the Devonshire’s.  I don’t want to be a man who dies knowing that he didn’t do it his way. And was this way stupid as hell? Yeah it was. I just fell into it. I can’t be the only one who notices that I’m the only black kid? And what about all the black lives being killed on the streets? You tell me how Rory deals with it and how I’m dealing with it? How many times was I pulled over in the Aston Martin? But in my truck I rode around town with all the drugs  in the world. You see being a black rich man is no easier than poor black man.”

“I’m the problem? Do you hear yourself right now? There is nothing wrong with being rich Jamal just like there is nothing wrong with struggling either. I thought we taught you to look beyond rich and poor and black and white, clearly we failed at that. If we did your sister wouldn’t have married beneath her station but she did it to be happy that is what I want for you all. You said you didn’t want the money but then went out and sold drugs for money with the mob!” Tony said his voice rising just a bit and he realized he was losing his temper something that was rare his father did it growing up. He had vowed long ago that it would be different for him. “You were never going to be normal Jamal that wasn’t in the cards for you.”

“Tony stop he’s trying to explain it in the only way he can. Jamal I see young kids like you all the time come into the hospital gunshot wounds or stab wounds. The cartel is real Jamal they don’t care about your skin color, much like some of the police.” Ophelia said seeing Tony glare at her, it was how she felt with the news now days she felt that tensions were escalating more and sometimes the police shot before they thought. “What you won’t say it I will. Police sometimes think they’re above the law.”

“I understand exactly what you are saying. I’m not blaming you pops, damn I’m just saying that my life is different than from all other black kids. I wanted to be normal but when I saw a man’s brain splattered on the the pavement I knew I wasn’t normal. I was stupid dad. I saw someone killed because they were testing my loyalties to them. I don’t know man. I don’t know if I can sit here and pretend that I’m a good guy because I didn’t say anything. I didn’t do anything about what I saw. I just let a family grieve so dad I’m sorry that I did this. I know it was stupid but I wanted to feel. I wanted to feel like I was a man but I never felt more like a man.” He said with a low growl looking into his momma.

“Don’t hate me please don’t. I tried to get out but I don’t even care why I got in it now. I know that isn’t my life. I know that I don’t belong. I don’t belong in the hood because I’m a man of privilege. Dad I love you and mom. I’m stupid and it was stupid.” Jamal said looking at his parents.

“I could never hate you Jamal I get that you were so caught up in this. We both get that don’t we Tony?” Ophelia said pulling Jamal to her and hugging him even tighter maybe too tight.

They had gone so wrong as parents that was clear now and Jamal wanted to fix his mistakes and own up to them. She ignores the darker parts of her son’s statement that he’d seen someone killed and said nothing. There was no sense now to be upset about it and he was put in an impossible position.

“Would you like your mole on the meat or on the side?” She asked hoping to lighten the mood.

Tony nodded his head at them both he got what Jamal was trying to accomplish. He didn’t like the ways he went about it. He looked out the window at the cops and then back at Jamal they could never know what he just said and he wondered if the house was bugged. He’d make a few calls to Gideon and find out who was assigned to watch the house. His mind was scrambling at the moment if they knew Jamal say thugs it would be worse than what it was and be learned through Lowell that money always talked. The irony was not lost him the privilege that gave his children and him alone.

“It’s alright son, it’s alright you aren’t going to jail and we’ll figure a way out of this I swear it to you.” Tony said pulling Jamal to him for a hug and for the first time since the mess strayed he let out a breath it was almost over. “I suppose we should replace the tv though don’t you say.”

“On the chicken.” He said smiling looking at his parents as he looked at the television nodding. “Pops can we wait? I think I just want to hear my parents tonight.”

*********

Yasmine was by the pond in the swing. The Devonshire mansion looked like something from a romance novel. It was truly breathtaking. Rory   invited her over since the entire stripper thing came out. The truth was she missed him so much it hurt sometimes. The laughter and the nights they shared together. She missed the cologne he wore just to bed. She was wearing boxer braids in her hair, a pair of leather overalls shorts one off the shoulder of course, a white midriff tank-top, a flannel shirt tied around her waist, and a pair of wheat Timberland boots. She didn’t have to be a princess now. This was Yasmine normal look something that made her feel comfortable. She was sort of a tomboy but loved to play like a girl once and while. Being a stripper brought out her fem side but she could hit it like a boy street dancing. Hell better than any boy. Looking over at Rory approaching with lemonade she smirked.

“So you called me all the way from Scottswood for some lemonade boy bye.” She said standing up teasing him. “Jk boo.” Yasmine laughed as she nervously clicked her nails on the swing. “I know I was fucked up for walking out. Ronan threatened my moms and she all I have. I know I had you too but I just couldn’t see myself without my momma. He knew where she was and no matter what he’ll always know. What I guess I’m saying is that I don’t know what else to do. I was trying to get out and it keeps pulling me back in. The streets don’t let you go once they have you. I’m learning that.”

Rory walked across the grass with the lemonade he was glad when Yasmine finally called him so that they could talk to each other. The press had been all over him since Egypt and he was now thankful that instead they decided to pick on Jackson’s scandal with Dani instead. It meant he and Yasmine could get a break on everything and talk he missed her. He missed everything with her making love, spending the days together, helping her with her math. He knew she had gotten some raised eyebrows when she came in with the staff but he didn’t care she still looked beautiful to him. He placed the glasses down on one of the tables and then went to the swings with her.

“I called you because for once the press won’t be in your face or mine to ask questions they’ve moved on to the next scandal with my brother. I’m sorry if they’ve been bugging you so much you didn’t fuck up but you should talk to me Yasmine. I told you that I would help you with your mother and I meant it but I can’t do that unless you let me.” Rory said looking over at her and he was sorry about the press with her. He also knew that his parents were hating the coverage their son with a stripper was not something that was going to win him son of the year or anything like that and he knew that now. He still felt Yasmine was worth it though. “I want you to quit the club Yasmine. If you want this with me you have to quit that’s not even negotiable anymore. I can’t be associated with the club while working at DGI in this way.”

“Is that why you called me here? To boss me around?” She said sipping the lemonaid. “Look I thought you’d get it by now. You still don’t and I guess that’s what people said about the rich shit. I’m happy to have you in my life but until I figure out how to keep my mother out of harm’s way. Then this is my life. You tried to throw money at Ronan and it didn’t work. I should have known better I’m from the streets not you. I just got caught up in the fairytale of it all. You are special to me you know. You make me see I’m not only a stripper but I’m a dancer and smart. This world is different from yours Rory money rules but status is everything. If you get fronted on by a little rich boy who is to say you can’t take over his domain? That’s how people in the streets see it. He not letting me go Rory and as badly as I want to quit I’m smart enough to know that if I do my momma and I are dead. Or even worse she dies and I’m still a stripper. At least in my way I have a chance to get away. I have a chance to be free.”

Slowly moving closer to him she looked him in his eyes. “You know how badly I wanted to call you? I got an audition to dance for the school I always wanted to be in. Rory you weren’t sex or just a one night stand. You were everything a girl like me could dream for a man. A real man and it sucks but I placed myself in this stupid shit. Yet I did place myself in the fire and now I got to deal with how hot it’s getting.” Yasmine looked down. “I’m going to get out Rory and I just hope it isn’t too late for us. I just gotta move on my own time not yours.”

“I’m not trying to boss you around. I don’t get it because it makes no fucking sense you and your mother would move in here or to one of our properties you would have security on you twenty four seven. I would do anything to keep you and your mother safe if it means that you never have to go back inside that club and sell your soul and that is what you do. That is what you told me eats you up inside so stop and quit. Ronan isn’t dumb enough to go after you here.” Rory said looking at her for a moment before looking at the grass on the lawn. She was being so stubborn and sometimes that was not a bad thing but this time it was not one that was amusing to him. “I want better for you Yasmine and I will do anything to make it happen. Take your audition and get the hell out of the club.”

He wanted her to know that he meant it ever since they broke for a bit and he fucked Tess when he was drunk he wanted to be better for her. She could never know about Tess that was imperative Tess meant nothing to him and never would. He knew he had to choose his next words carefully very carefully with her so she understood why it couldn’t continue with her as a stripper. He took a breath part of the fairytale was the expectation of his name and that was a heavy burden right now with everything that had happened since the fundraiser and the wedding. His brothers were making waves, Max was making waves and so was Bliss he had to make his name.

“You can’t strip if we continue this Yasmine someone of my breeding doesn’t do that. I have a huge app launching soon that really could put me on the map at DGI and finally make my dad like look my way. I future CEO can’t be dating a stripper that sells drugs they just can’t.” He said looking at her and hoping that she was hearing him about what he would and could do to make her dreams come true.

“Ok.” She said standing up knowing this was the end. “I’m not happy to be stripping I want you to know that but I visited with Kendrick and momma today. He’s going to let me go. I saw it in his eyes. Give me time to fix this shit okay? Please let me fix what I’ve placed myself into. My loan is almost paid and my momma is getting healthy. I got a week left and I’ll never be on that type of stage again. Rory just can you hold out one more week. Don’t give up on us for one more week while Kendrick and I finish our business. No more drugs, and no more drama okay?” Yasmine looked in his eyes. “In one week I’ll be free to be with the man I love.” She said softly. “I’m working it out but you can’t push it. My mom was the one to secure my freedom. Isn’t that crazy all that protecting of her she ended up stopping the onslaught of me losing you. She didn’t like me dating you for some reason. She then saw how happy I was. I get to love you for the rest of our time soon enough.”

Rory had all the girls looking but he only had eyes for her. Yasmine saw his smiling face. “It’s over but I’m asking for more time to get out. To clean up the rest of my messes. I feel like I’ve been by myself my entire life and I guess that’s the problem when you meet someone like you. You’re not going to let me be alone. I hope you feel like I do because I truly feel like we are connected. Yes I get that I can’t be a stripper and your girl. All the things we been through Rory, can we just kick it? Without the tabloids? Just friends right now?” Yasmine winked at him as she playfully as she nuzzled his neck with her soft kisses. “If you can catch me.” Yasmine ran toward the middle of the field as she saw Max and Jackson in the gazebo. Rory wasn’t far behind her. “I want you to know you haven’t let me down. You saved me Rory.” She said collapsing on the plush and soft green lawn.

Rory knew that he wanted his relationship with her to work the problem right now was that everything was still very much so a mess with them. His father would never accept her and he was fairly certain neither would his mother that was a problem they could make his life hell. She was asking for a week and he only hoped he could give her that looking over at her and seeing her smile though he felt like shit. She could never know about how stupid he had been with Tess ever that would destroy her and them and it was nothing. It was a stupid drunken mistake he made he watched her run to the grass and followed her seeing Jackson and Max in deep conversation. It was times like this he wished he was closer to his brothers Chauncey no doubt would be all about him fucking around Jackson though he wondered what advice he would give seeing how much he had changed.

“A week Yasmine and then you quit.” Rory said grinning at her when he finally caught her before pulling her to him and kissing her. His hands went to that wild hair of hers cupping her face he’d missed her so much. Kissing her, making love to her, spending time with her. She wasn’t from his world and that was what was the best part about her he could be real with her. When he pulled back he saw his father and mother walking out of the house and hoped they were going to go confront Jackson about knocking Dani up instead his body filled with dread when his father split from his mother and finally made his way to them. “Dad what can I do for you?”

Lowell watched his youngest son looked at the girl in front of him. Last week Simon brought a profile on Yasmine Khol. The youngest daughter of Trisha Khol a old whore who was spread around the elite for drugs. Slowly walking down the grass he felt an impending sense dread if rumors were true. “I suggested you stop this madness with this riffraff however you must have lost your mind. Rory she is a stripper and Jackson knocked up a Fraiser have you all lost your minds? This is unacceptable Rory and ask Jackson, I’ll snatch every one of my hard earned dollars from you. You’ll be poor as the whore who slides down a pole for dollars. Now get this guttersnipe out of my home. And when you come back I suggest you find someone else to date. Or else I’ll ensure you’re cut off.” Lowell looked at Jackie disgusted face. “Shut up, I’m playing hard ball and I’m sick of playing with all of you. Jackson fix your mess with Dani because I won’t lose a Devonshire to a Fraiser and Max.” He paused looking at his daughter. “Anyone but a Montgomery.”

Yasmine let go of Rory hand and slowly started to walk away. She wouldn’t let him get disowned for her and Lowell was a dick. Today she knew that she and Rory were back. She knew that they had each other back. “I’ll see you Rory oh and Mr. D go eat a dick.” She said as security followed her out. “Black girl coming through no I’m not stealing! And I also know why the caged bird sings.”

Rory looked at his father as he watched Yasmine leave did he have to be so fucking rude all the time to her? His siblings could fuck whoever they wanted without reproach half the time hell Chauncey was sleeping with Zerick’s wife. Jackson was with Dani and everyone knew that Max was fucking Philip. Not to mention he was pretty sure Bliss and Hunter were together now too. Yet he was the bad guy because Yasmine was poor, fuck that. He was the one with a huge app coming out that had shown any interest in actually learning the business that wasn’t handed to him.

“You know what dad fuck you. You screwed Tess got her pregnant with Bliss yet everyone is supposed to pretend that didn’t happen. You let my siblings do whatever and I mean whatever the fuck they want not to mention who and you treat Yasmine like trash. The only trash I see right now is you.” Rory bit back looking at his father sometimes he wondered if they were more alike that he would ever admit. He wasn’t the best guy sometimes he knew that take the other night with Tess but he tried God how he tried. “I’ll see you at work in fact I’m going home for now you want to cut me off do it. I don’t need your name to get me anywhere unlike my siblings.”

“I don’t trust her Rory and you aren’t going to love a stripper. You won’t bring shame to our family. Not only that but is she supposed to be seeing Kendrick? I mean if she was truly done with that lifestyle why is she with Kendrick? Why was he just over her home earlier. I watch all and I know all. You won’t be with her or else I’ll steal that app, I’ll take your fortune, and I will ruin you. Now cross me if you want Rory you ask Jackson how well turned out for him.” Lowell stormed away not daring to look at Jackie’s infuriated glaze.

*********

Greer couldn’t believe it when the fairy princess Simon told her that Natasha was in Atlas Falls. Arrive at the country club where he said he saw her and Chauncey. This bitch didn’t give up. First in Egypt now she was coming to her town and trying it. Her father had given her a mission and to be honest Natasha threatened everything she was doing. Chauncey penis always got him into more trouble than his brain. She was dripping in a extravagant minks shawl she unbuttoned it as she handed it to one of the waiters. Wearing a white and gold DVF jumpsuit and spiked Jimmy Choo pumps she was dressed to the nines. Greer sat by Natasha who was drinking at the country club no doubt given a master suite by Jackie and Lowell.

“A glass of champagne for us both Frances, Moet was your favorite correct Natasha.” She eyed the other woman with a contempt as she tapped her nails on the marble countertop. “I highly doubt you came here after our little trip for tea and crumpets. Natasha let me make it abundantly clear I’m married to Zerick and I won’t be giving up Chauncey either. Now either you can be Chauncey other woman or you can step back before I bulldoze you. Darling the choice is yours but um I wouldn’t bet against the house. You see no matter how exotic the flower I’m a rose. Classic and always in style.” Greer touched Natasha hair. “You look stunning darling you must tell me where did you get your jewels.” Sipping the glass of champagne as the waiter handed it to her Greer tilted her head. “Or I can take them, just like I can take you.” Leaning into whisper to Natasha. “I would hate to make your life miserable but we both know that would be a lie.”

“You remembered, how sweet,” Natasha purred as she took a sip of the champagne and turned to look at her old enemy. If she hadn’t watched the bartender pour it she would have assumed it was poisoned. “Oh dear, in this light I see the years have not been good to you,” she said making a face as she crossed her long legs over each other. “Well, not much you can do about bad genes, poor dear. My real estate agent suffers the same issue. It’s awful. The sooner I find a house the better, I can barely stand to look at that beastly woman,” she said letting Greer know she had plans to stick around Atlas Falls. She smiled as the realization dawned on the woman’s face. “I do have to look after my new interests.”

She smiled slowly as she took another drink as Greer whispered in her ear. “That was quite a show you put on with Chauncey the other night. You couldn’t have noticed that his eyes never left mine while he was fucking you like a common whore.” She turned her head to look Greer in the eyes, as she stroked a finger along the woman’s jaw. “I don’t think I’ll be leaving any time soon. Not alone, anyway,” Natasha said as she watched the spark of hatred in her eyes. “No doubt Chauncey’s growing tired of sharing that tired old snatch of yours with Zerick Westwood.”

“Sweetie we went to the same school together so if I’m looking old then you must look ancient.” Greer seethed back. So the bitch was planning on staying in Atlas Falls. That was fine when she was done she’d ensure Natasha was run out of Atlas Falls. As she twiddled her fingers she smirked at the woman. She was testing her and then Greer let out a laugh. “You mean we looked at a woman who is wrapped up more cloths than a medieval princess? I was surprised you got to touch yourself while watching us. Trust me it’s tight that’s why Chauncey can’t stay away. I’ll be done with Zerick soon enough and I’ll be Ms. Devonshire. You will be vanquished poof begone sand witch before I throw water on you and you melt. Listen to me if you take on step toward Chauncey I’m going to break you. I’m going to break SandStar and hell maybe I’ll fuck daddy and I’ll be your new mommy.” Greer said sweetly never losing her cool. What was she going to do? How was she going to rid her of this town.

Standing up she tapped her shoulder. “Let me show you around with the country club. What’s most important to remember about the real estate market is that you won’t find anything. I’m going to make sure of that. And if somehow you do slip through the cracks I’ll terminate the lease. You aren’t welcomed here and if you stay I swear this means war. I will do everything in my power to eliminate you. You do understand that right Natasha? I’ll find out every dirty secret and I’ll give it to your beloved daddy or uncle. I’ll bury you bitch because this isn’t a game this the real big leagues princess and I assure we all play for blood.”

“I’m sorry, you’re going to… break me?” Natasha asked, not holding back a laugh. “It’s always the same old song and dance with you. I’ll enjoy watching you fail miserably yet again. Only this time, your beloved Chauncey will also get to see it. I don’t envision him cavorting with a underachiever. Now that we’re together again, you’ll remember how that feels again… over and over,” she said flashing the cheap tramp a beautiful smile. Greer was always beneath her.  She played a good game but Natasha could see right through the act she put on for everyone else. “I think I’ll skip the tour. I have dinner plans with the Devonshires.”

Natasha didn’t react to the threat to discover her secrets but she knew she’d have to stop her before she found out and told her uncle. She’d been stupid to get involved with Noah. The sex wasn’t even that good, certainly not worth losing her family’s empire. If she had to slit Greer’s throat in the middle of the night to protect what was hers, she would. This nasty whore wasn’t about to take away her inheritance because she couldn’t keep her man happy. “You’re pathetic,” Natasha told her as she stood and downed the rest of her champagne before calling for her wrap. “All this for Chauncey Devonshire’s cock? I’m sure it’s not that good but taking it from you will make it so much sweeter. Desperation isn’t an attractive look for you.”

“Neither is loneliness on you but it reeks through your pores.” As she grabbed her fur from the maitre d she saw the look on her face. When they were younger it was always a competitive game. One would one up the other. Natasha would become a star pianist, Greer would win the nationals in fencing. It would go on and on finally ending when she went to Paris with her father. The relationship between them had been a fight since they were young. “Just so you know the cock isn’t what I want. I want it all bitch. I want the mansion, the name, and the prestige.”
The maitre d helped her with her mink. “Natasha we always have had a problem with each other. Even though you look amazing. You have a company they need. You aren’t Devonshire material darling. You have a heart and beneath all that bravado and Chauncey will pull it out and eat it.” Greer looked at her. “And if he doesn’t I will and find all your dirty secrets. Knowing your father he put some sort of contingency in his will. You have to be a good girl while I play so dirty. Or at least that what the corporate world says. You have to keep your morals. What if I exposed you? Or showed the world just how much you love a big white cock instead of a Egyptian one. I mean you are a vivacious woman everyone should know it.”

“Lonely, ha? Who says I’m lonely maybe I want a husband that will respect me. Clearly Zerick doesn’t with you did you see how he was salivating over Talia? You are the one that will be lonely Greer not me but it is amusing that you think otherwise.” Natasha said taking a sip of her champagne knowing right where to hit Greer the hardest her marriage to the illustrious Zerick Westwood, known womanizing whore. Rumor had it in Egypt that dear Zerick was out with Talia in the streets while his wife stayed home. “I doubt Lowell would approve of you for Chauncey you don’t have the breeding for it. You see that is something that they do desire hence why I was invited to dinner.”

“SandStar is good business for DGI, DGI is good business for SandStar can you say match made? What could you possibly offer that I don’t? Who says I can’t play with Chauncey I had him wrapped around my finger and if I would have entertained him in Egypt, well we both know how that would have ended don’t we?” Natasha said her tone full of ice and venom, a slight shrill to it for flair. Play dirty Greer had no idea she’d screw Chauncey and then take what she needed a place at DGI thanks to Jackson’s foolish offer of a seat and the last name to go with it. “Better not play with a snake Greer you’re likely to get bit and we both know I can bite. I am sure Lowell would love to hear all about you and your family you know the real family. Not to mention how you and Zerick met.”

“Well I say this war darling.” Tapping her clutch on the bar marble counters. As she leaned into Natasha ear. “Listen very careful cunt, if you tell Lowell or anyone about my father I assure you. Oh I assure you that your beloved faja will not make it. Your sad and pathetic uncle will be wiped away. Your little cousins wiped away.  I’m not the same little girl who you are used to playing with. I have much bigger balls than I did and if I recall I’m the top fencer in London. I’ll stab you. I’ll slit your throat to keep what I want. So if you are really stupid enough to think that I’m going to let you take what’s mine. Oh bitch this is going to be much more fun than I thought.” Greer bit down on her lip with a mischievous smile.

“Don’t think that I won’t decimate your life because I’ve always hated you. I’m giving you fair warning you cross a line there’s no going back. You see tonight was your declaration but tomorrow is my first day of utterly gutting you until you bleed out.” Greer smiled as she saw the bartender shocked by her words. “Watch out bitch I’m coming for SandStar and you.”

Natasha leaned back in her chair holding her glass of champagne up in a fake toast with a small smile watching the horror on the bartender’s face. “So it begins then.” She said quietly sliding a bill across the bar and looking at her phone she had a future to map out and well she was never one to be late.

*********

The smell of food made him sick as he played over his eggs and fruit that the cook made for him. He sipped his juice still so confused. Jackson knew his dig at wanting to hurt their baby was low. She had just saw how low the Devonshire’s could strike when hurt. He wasn’t sure if she would like him after this. Hell all he wanted to do was find Yasmine and score a eightball. Tapping his foot he turned on the television to see TMZ still reporting on the pregnancy and her past. Not only that but they had followed Dani to Zach’s house where Kelsey was staying also. Seeing her screaming no comment at the pesky reporters made his heart drop. What had he done? Yes he had every right to be pissed at her but he pushed her away. He felt betrayed and that was in his right. Being hurtful and a asshole wasn’t. Rubbing his hands together he lowered his head saying a little prayer. “Please God let me have my family back. I’m sorry.” Jackson mumbled as Max was right there.

Jackson jumped up and grabbed his twin for dear life. The hug was only for a few seconds but it felt like an eternity. “She’s been lying ever since the beginning. I just thought she was perfect but I guess I placed her on a pedestal before I knew that she was a liar. She just didn’t tell me and I tell her everything and I feel played and stupid. Once again I’m Jackson Devonshire the joke of the media or of the family. What is Chauncey going to say? He’s going to rip me to shreds and she led me to that fire.” Jackson saw his twin was weighed down with something it was in her eyes. He could always tell. “Max? Are you alright?”

Max made her way through the mansion after driving around town trying to figure out where Jackson was his erratic texting had worried her. When she had seen his car in the garage she knew it had to be bad to end up back here. She had stopped in the living room watching her mother actually excited about the news of being a grandmother again only when her eyes zoomed in on Dani on the screen she could tell something was really wrong. Her fears were confirmed in the kitchen watching her brother almost break down and she knew why he called the urge to use. She wrapped her arms around him letting him hug her and when he pulled back she bit her lip at the information.

“What happened? I just saw mom in the living room beaming she is happy about it and Dani looked like a glazed over broken doll on TV. Did you even hear her out on this? Let’s face it Dani Fraiser is a lot of things but when it comes to you conniving bitch is not one of them. I doubt the woman that lied to dad to cover for your ass was playing you all this time or did this to hurt you.” Max said wanting Jackson to tell her what happened given his state and Dani on TV something happened. When he asked about her she put the briefcase down she would tell him about Hunter but right now the priority was making sure he was stable. “How do you even feel about all of this, how does she feel? It’s pretty big news.”

Jackson was so enraged with the betrayal he didn’t take a look at how it felt. He didn’t know how he felt about the entire thing. On one hand who didn’t want children on the other here he was barely sober about to bring a life into the world. “I had a relapse a couple of months ago. She somehow stayed and here I am acting like a neanderthal when she doesn’t show the same type of trust. You and Bliss helped me after she caught me using. I’m angry with Dani but I love her no less. I’m excited for the baby though I never thought I’d have myself together enough to even take care of a child. I just was a ass and I feel badly but Dani can’t be a hypocrite. She can’t demand unwavering trust and then doesn’t give it to me.” Jackson said tapping his foot down.

“I want a boy badly so I can show Chauncey and dad what it’s like to raise a well adjusted male. None of us are sane or even have sanity. We choose these horrible choices and we deal with them. I’m taking control over my child’s life they won’t be a Devonshire weapon or pawn.” When Max ignored his concern he grabbed her hand and walked her to there spot in the courtyard where the roses were in bloom and the gazebo housed a cool breeze from the impending heat coming. “I asked about you, you know? I’m not just a tragic figure I can walk and chew bubble gum. I can mope about my fiance being a liar and help the most beautiful girl in the world.” He smiled at his twin. “I mean you are my twin in all. You have to be stunning.” Jackson teased playfully. Unable to stand the kitchen anymore he made his way outside to the gazebo seeing Max following him.

“Did you ever think that maybe your sobriety was what was on Dani’s mind too? Listen I’m not justifying keeping it from you but I do get her side. You proposed to her? When did that happen?” Max said looking at him she got that he was mad but she really didn’t believe that Dani lied about getting pregnant to hurt him or trap him or do anything else that was rushing through his mind. Skye and Esme would play games with him that was who they were Dani wasn’t that type of a woman. She’d never seen a woman stay with her brother like Dani had, love her brother like she did. “Dani’s not Esme or Skye Jackson you know that she fucked up by not telling you but shit look at the timeline of your entire relationship from her perspective. You two were hooking up for months before even actually giving anything a shot what was she supposed to do bare her soul to you when she thought it was just fucking for you? Obviously whatever happened with her ex fucked her up kinda like how Skye and Esme twisted you in knots too. What exactly did you say to her when you found out that made you an ass?”

Max took a breath sitting out in the gazebo and saw Rory with Yasmine she still couldn’t believe that shit Rory was with a stripper her parents would have a field day with that. When Jackson asked about her though she knew she had to tell someone. “Hunter filed for a divorce I got the papers this morning and then went to city hall to confront him that was why I didn’t answer your calls or texts right away. I then had that meeting that work. He’s going to move onto Bliss of all people can you believe that he’s already planning this entire life with her a house, picket fence and kids and I’m just the bitter ex-wife and sister.” Max said she was still hurt and angry about Hunter divorcing he for Bliss that still stung and she knew it would be a wound she would have for a while. “Everything is so fucked up for me and Hunter and despite what you think I don’t hate Bliss.”

“Look my sobriety is my demon. It’s a monkey on my back and I don’t know if I’ll ever get rid of it. Who would have thought I would be here? I mean I love her Max and I hate how she played God in the situation. She took the joy out of me finding out that I’m going to be a father. I accused her of wanting to hurt herself kinda.” Jackson said biting his lip as he folded his arms shaking his head knowing Max was about to snap. The look on her face said it all. “Look at you siding with a Fraiser.” He said sarcastically. “I’m tired of her playing victim and hiding all this stuff with Lex. I have been a open book about Skye and Esme. I love her more than anyone but she can’t keep hiding miscarriages and these things from me. When she knows I slept on a bench.”

Jackson listened to her talk about Hunter and as a man he couldn’t blame his old friend. He understood the bough breaking from a man’s point of view. Max cheated and made him feel worthless. Bliss came into the family with guns blazing and scarily she took a pieces of Max life systematically. “You so hate her, you were the only girl and now dad has another apple in her eye.” Folding his arm. “Trust me we all felt it but you especially because you were once the only girl now it’s two or three or four hell who knows how many kids dad truly have. Just know twin you are his first born daughter. Like Chauncey you two can do no wrong. I have to say I don’t agree with Hunter and Bliss it’s wrong but what can you do? They are in love Max.”

Max stared at him did he really tell Dani to fuck off after everything was he insane? She wasn’t like Dani’s biggest fan they wouldn’t be braiding hair and shopping anytime soon but she knew how good she was for Jackson. “I’m not siding with her if I was in her shoes I would have done the same thing. The only one who took away your joy in finding out was some nosey ass reporters haven’t you even asked how they got her medical records? Don’t you think that she would have wanted to tell you and not been bombarded by the press. You’re not going to like this but if I were her I would have told you to go to hell. No wonder she looked like shit on the news.” Taking a breath she paused this was his mess he wanted to push Dani away that was on him.

“I hate that she has a part of dad’s attention now. I hate that everyone loves her like she’s so perfect. He really hurt mom and I really hope there aren’t more of us running around. It’s just hard Jackson Hunter and I have been together forever and now it’s all just gone. He’s with Bliss and I’m with Philip and it’s complicated.” Max said looking at Jackson she wanted to tell him more about Dimitri and everything but it was not her place. She saw their mother getting closer and could already tell how happy her mom was about the news of Dani’s pregnancy, she glanced at her brother. “For now don’t squash mom telling her you and Dani are on the outs she’s been through a lot ever since that Tess bitch came back to town.”

Jackie had been watching the news and saw Jackson come home and she had to wonder what it was all about. She was happy about the news even if it was surprising and part of her was relishing in no doubt the horror on Walter and Lauren’s faces. Part of what Lowell said was now on her mind no doubt Walter would be salivating to take away the baby from her son’s hands. She looked at Jackson and then over at Max. “I do hear congratulations are in order. I had hoped Dani would be with you where is she?”

“She’s going to see Walter and Lauren so that they won’t have their worlds ruined by the news.” He said with signature charm. Without saying a word he knew he was showing his worry. “What if I’m a horrible father? What if I can’t give them what you and dad have given to me? I love her so much and sometimes I wonder if it will consume me. It will suck me up whole and never let me go. I’m confused on who I am. You know as a man. I’m just figuring out all the successes in being in a real relationship. Now I have a child coming in the middle of it. We were perfect for each other and what if a baby changes everything?” He took his twin hand and his mother’s.

“What if I’m horrible? What if I can’t measure up to what you and dad have shown to me? I mean how do I live up to Lowell Devonshire as a father that’s a new pressure. I’m so happy and confused all at once. I love that baby and I should be with my woman. Oh my God I’m an idiot and you are amazing little sister by two minutes right mom?” He looked at the original two most important women of his life. “I think I’m going to marry her soon mom. I think this is the best thing that has ever happened to me.”

Max kept her mouth shut about where her brother and Dani were to their mother knowing full well Dani was hiding at her cousin’s house. Her mind drifted to Hunter and Bliss, the secret she was carrying with Fox an act it had to be agreed upon, though she wished Bliss would just do it already. She looked over at Jackson squeezing his shoulder. “You’ll do fine. How about we we go get something to eat dear brother. I am sure mother has calls she wants to make informing the rest of the family the news.”

Jackie pursed her lips for a bit pondering his questions the only way to know if he would be a good father was to see him try. She understood those fears kids changed things sometimes, people grew apart but she also knew it could bond a couple more. She hugged her son for a moment before pulling back. “I think you and Dani if you want this to work will find a way to make it work. Kids change things Jackson but those changes don’t always have to be scary or bad. I will say that is your decision at the end of the day. I would be delighted to have her and you around more besides we could use another wedding at this rate. Max is right I should really start making calls your aunt and cousins no doubt will be ringing.”

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