Page 17 of Possessing the Prince

His father slowly nods his head and retakes his seat behind the desk.

“Fine.” I clasp my hands behind my back and start to take a tour around the room. “First, you will not interrupt me as I talk. Second, you will not question my methods. My skill set requires a disciplined environment, and my rules must be followed. I will not have you running on emotions and going off half-cocked. Third, you will do exactly as I say without deviation until this problem is solved. You need my protection, and I will not tolerate interference or lying. If you cannot agree, I will protect Abena, no matter what, but you two—” I point between him and Thomas. “—will be on your own. Do you agree?”

Thomas speaks again. “Yes, we agree.”

“Chief Owusu, I need your verbal consent as well.”

The look he gives me could kill, but beggars can't be choosers. “Fine,” he manages to squeeze out.

“Very well. Thomas, pour your father another drink. He will need one.” I turn to Kofi, still sitting on a couch, and nod. He crosses his leg over his knee and gestures for me to proceed.

“Abena and I have been married for a little over a week. We eloped because we did not want to take the chance of you refusing. She is my wife, and I am her husband.” I do not tell them it is a marriage of convenience. The less they know, the better. I still do not know if I can trust them not to sell Abena out.

Chief Owusu huffs and attempts to stand, but Thomas places his hand on his father’s shoulder and coaxes him back down.Smart man.I look at Thomas, and once I am satisfied I will not be interrupted again, I continue.

“Now that I know our marriage puts a target on her back, she will need to be in my care twenty-four hours a day. Security will be provided to her and your household, courtesy of me. I have some friends that own elite security services in Dubai, so I will dispatch them at once. We will not hide our marriage; you cannot be afraid of people like this. They get off on your fear. However, we will not make a large show of it, either. There will be no ceremony or large party. We need time to make a plan.

“You will keep in contact with Chief Apeagyei and stall him until I tell you to let the cat out of the bag. Under no circumstances will he see Abena. They do not know where my Kumasi home is, and that is where I am moving us. Also, soon we will go on a trip to the Maldives. It will be a honeymoon of sorts. That will also buy us some time.

“Finally, Abena must not know the extent of danger she is in. I do not want her worried. I will ensure she is comfortable, happy, and safe. You are to stay away from her, is that clear?”

Thomas and his father nod. It seems as though their faces have aged ten years in the last ten minutes.

“If any of my directions are broken, I will take Abena out of this country and leave you two to fend for yourselves. If I get wind that you are trying to barter Abena again for your filthy lives, I will kill you both. Do you understand?”

“So now you threaten our lives? How dare you…” Chief Owusu starts, but Kofi interrupts him.

“My brother is being generous because he loves your daughter. He cares very little for you. So, I would not try his patience any further tonight, Chief.”

I walk over to the bar to pour myself a drink. I knock it back and nod toward Kofi. I turn to Thomas and Chief Owusu. “Very well, we are leaving. I need to get back to Abena. Remember my words and do not stray. I will call with further instructions and details tomorrow. Have a good night, gentlemen.”

I turn and never look back. I will never return to this house of lies again, and neither will my wife.

Safety

Abena

Senya is awesome, even if he is a possessive son of a bitch.The way he stood my father down for hitting me today was not only hero-worthy, but it was hot as hell. However, I understand that Senya’s protection comes at a price. I know the moment I am in his house, in his bed, and in his world that he will never let me go. I may as well kiss my British royal contract and career in London goodbye.

I tried to slow-walk the inevitable by using our fake engagement period as a month to center myself and lay some ground rules before facing marriage to a prince who is used to being in control. I thought if I could refrain from having sex with him for a month, he may be able to think clearly. He would be able to see all my flaws for what they are and realize I’m not wife material at all. Now, It looks like that’s not going to happen.

We both knew it was going to be an uphill battle with my father and brother. I didn‘t even want Senya to bring Adom to the knocking ceremony because he has the patience of a wildebeest and the temper of a wet tiger. Senya needed no help in that department because his temper is about the same when it comes to me. But I knew Adom would never be able to stand by if Chief Kwabena or Thomas Owusu said anything untoward about Senya. He loves his brothers fiercely. To him, after so many years of alienation, family is now everything. But Maya said he insisted on going. So, I decided to pray instead of protesting. I actually prayed Maya would send him off to war sated and relaxed this morning. Nevertheless, violence ensued.

Now Maya is riding with Adom and I to the McCarthy Hills home he prepared for us. I’m glad Adom had the foresight to pick her up. She’s already making me feel better because she’s talking me off the ledge. When we pull up to the house, my breath escapes me. It is amazing. All white and gleaming, just like the house I grew up in.

“Wow, this is what Senya bought for you guys!” Maya squeals. Your home is gorgeous.”

I look around and grimace. “This isn’t my home, Maya. This is Senya’s home, and I don't know what I’m doing here.”

Maya shakes her head. “Abena, you can’t think like that…you have to make the most of this situation.” She grabs my hand and shoos Adom out of the car. I’m grateful for the privacy.

“Abena, your father is a jerk. A dangerous one. You might have men trying to kidnap you. And you are an emotional wreck. If you don't get yourself together, I promise you, Abena, you will fall off the wagon. We need a plan for sobriety.”

I exhale and look up at the ceiling of the limo. It has a large moon roof, so I open it to get some air. “I know, Maya, but I don't know if I can really do this. I wasn't prepared to play house so soon. Everything about Senya is proper and perfect, and I have no idea how to be a proper wife. What was I thinking?”

“That you need him more than air.”Damn, how did she know?“That no one else can make you feel safer.” Maya knows my conflicted feelings all too well. There was a time when she was scared to yield to Adom as well.

“Abena, you married him. It’s done. It’s time to put on your big girl panties and hold up your end of the bargain.” She takes both of my hands in hers and meets my eyes. “Senya needs you, Abena, just as much as you need him. His transition to prince has not been easy for him. He’s even had death threats.”

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