Page 94 of Mine, Forever

“What about redemption?”

He considered it for a moment. “Perhaps, redemption is something we take seriously here.”

“Ronni helped me dispatch of John Lambert who killed your daughter.”

“I am aware.”

“Surely that helps.”

“One good act does not outdo the original.”

“So my mother meant nothing then?” I angrily spat.

“Do not speak so emotionally, boy. I’ve heard of your career as Jett Black. I am impressed. It must pain you to have to reach out for help from me.”

“I see it rather as broadening my horizons and my connections.”

“You have a smart tongue. I like that. What are you suggesting?”

“Partnership, or more likely an understanding. You know I control the city, I have connections in all places, we could share information, join our forces.”

“You could join the Brotherhood.”

It was tempting, but from what I know of the brothers, their wives are treated like birthing vessels. I could never do that to Ebony. She was my equal in every way. Another problem would be all brothers are treated equally, I couldn’t do that. I’d been my own boss for far too long to even consider going into a non-ruling role.

“I have too much already. I run my crew, my clubs, and I have connections in the government. Not to mention, I also have the Stilettos under my power now.”

Not exactly the truth, but it was something I could use to help Ronni. He was contemplating what I was saying, his mouth moving up at the corner in a way that told me I had won him over.

“Veronica is safe,” he said. “We can be called on from time to time, but we are not to be mentioned in any altercation.”

I nodded. “That’s fair.”

We stood up, shaking hands to seal the deal. I was eager to get back to Ebony with the news.

I was almost out the door when I heard him calling my name. Turning around, he was coming toward me.

“You would have made my little girl proud,” he said, putting a hand on my shoulder. “She wanted a better life for you than this, but it seems you’ve come out better than what she could’ve ever imagined.”

I nodded my thanks and left before I overthought what he was saying. It wasn’t exactly the outcome I wanted, but I got there without violence.

That had to be a first.

York looked up suddenly, getting in the car before me.

“Home. I need to see Eb.”

“She’s not at home, she’s at the office.”

I frowned, knowing I’d told her to rest for the afternoon. “I told her not to leave without someone.”

York shrugged. “She doesn’t follow orders well.”

EBONY

My cell went off to alert me to a message just as Jett walked through the office door looking at me ith an expression I could only figure was angry. My assumption was proven when he picked something up off the desk and slammed it against the wall, letting it smash all over the floor. I pulled my cell from my pants and put it on the table, hoping he didn’t read the message.

“What’s up?”

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