Page 33 of Sire: On Your Knees

I dropped the duffel on the bed before sitting beside her. Very gently, I shook her awake. Her eyes didn't pop until I began kissing her face. She giggled as she regained consciousness.

"Hey, you," she murmured before yawning and stretching. I remained silent, using this time to memorize every detail. "What? What is it? Why do you look so serious?" I gave her a half smile, then nodded to the duffel. She hadn't noticed it at all. Leaning forward, she zipped it open to find all the money inside. "JaSire... what is all of this?"

"You are free to go. You deserve the best in life, and I hope this money can help you find whatever that looks like for you."

Her mouth fell open in surprise. "Are you serious?"

I nodded. "Very. It's all yours. Pretty girls deserve the world." Tears flooded her lash line. "Novi, you know I hate it when you cry."

She sniffled, using the back of her hand to wipe away her tears, only for more to follow them. "I know, I know. I'm just shocked."

I nodded, understanding where she was coming from. Standing slowly, I left her with this. "I have to go handle some business. My driver will take you wherever you want to go."

Each step that carried me away from her was heavier than the one before it. Why did doing the right thing have to be so emotionally draining? My heart was beating so fast you couldn't convince me I hadn't just run a fucking marathon. I was almost at the door when her voice made me pause.

"JaSire... thank you."

I couldn't turn around because I wasn't sure what I would say or do. I didn't want to influence whatever decision she made, which was why I had to leave immediately. "You don't have to thank me. Your freedom was always what you deserved."

Strolling out of the door, I headed straight to the elevator. I took it down to the garage level to see what she would decide. Either she'd be waiting for me to come back, or the doors would open again to set her free.

I slid into the driver's seat of my M8. I sat there silently, too afraid to take my eyes off the elevator for even a second, watching and waiting. When I heard the elevator bell chime, I knew what she'd decided. It still didn't prepare me for seeing her step off the elevator with the duffel bag strapped to her shoulder.

It looked like she'd dressed in a hurry, as if she was afraid I'd change my mind. My back slammed into the seat as defeat crowded every corner of the car. I should've known better than to believe Noonie would really want a future with me. I'd done too much damage to her.

I didn't blame her for wanting to get far away from me, but it didn't stop the burning sensations in my heart. I clutched my chest, realizing this hurt even more than losing my sister. Maybe because I was goofy enough to imagine a future with the world's most beautiful woman even though I knew she deserved better.

I watched the black truck disappear from the garage, carrying my heart with it. Tears burned in the back of my eyes, but I refused to let them fall. I wasn't a simp, and I wouldn't start now. Even though it hurt to see her leave, I knew I had to let her go. I allowed my chin to fall to my chest to steady my breathing. I squeezed the steering wheel, needing something to take my frustration out on.

Why couldn't I ever get a happy ending? I would never have genuine love, but I could admit the little time I spent with Noonie changed me in some ways. She helped me see there was more to me. Her belief in me was the only reason I felt like I could carry CCB on my back.

Becoming CCB chairman wasn't going to leave room for hurt feelings, so I decided to focus all my attention on where it would be useful. The transition wouldn't be easy, and some members were likely to have an issue with it. I couldn't let Noonie's leaving make me too vulnerable. Niggas would smell it from a mileaway. My father already doubted me, but I wouldn't allow my heartbreak to be another reason for him to.

"Ugh!"

I threw down the shirts I was attempting to fold for my suitcase. The eviction notice did not surprise me on the door when I arrived. I was just thankful my things hadn't been discarded because this was all I had. Well... my eyes floated over to the duffel bag full of money. I could buy a whole new wardrobe with all the cash Sire sent me off with.

Plopping on my bed, I stared up at the ceiling before fiddling with my bracelet. I was preparing to leave town and start over somewhere new, but all I could think about was that big dick chocolate drop. For months, all I wanted to do was escape that penthouse. Yet, now I felt so weird being away from it... and away from him.

Sire was far from perfect, but I think that's what I loved most about him. I understood why he could be so cold and standoffish. He'd been through a lot. More importantly, it didn't make him unworthy of my love. I shook my head, realizing that was the real issue here.

I'd fucked around and caught genuine feelings for the man who threatened my life numerous times. The same man who kidnapped me and turned me into his housemaid. And let's not get started on the ways he'd turned me out.

I'd gone into that penthouse a scarred virgin with a hole in her heart. However, somehow, I left feeling more healed and whole than I ever thought possible. Then I left without saying goodbye. I figured that's the way he preferred it since he gave me the cash and dipped. It seemed foolish to wait around, but now I was regretting my decision.

There had to be a reason I couldn't get him off my mind. I still felt his lips and hands on my skin. I heard his deep voice mumbling freaky shit in my ear. It was so real it sent chills down my spine. Balling up the shirt I was trying to fold, I sat up and tossed it across the room.

It happened to land on a picture frame... the one photo I had of me and my sister, to be exact. Walking over to my dresser, I lifted it and smiled sadly. If Alayshia couldn't have a happy ending, I at least deserved to have mine. I knew it wouldn't be possible without speaking to him.

I wasn't even sure what I would say. Hey, I know you violated me in numerous ways, but you have my heart... It sounded ridiculous, no matter how accurate it was. Even still, I knew I had to go back. I left a part of me in that penthouse, and one way or another, I was going to get her back.

With my mission in mind, I walked toward the front door. I paused when I saw a folded piece of paper right in front of the doorway. I knew it wasn't there when I came in, so I picked it up, thinking it was probably another eviction notice. My heart stopped beating when I opened it to read its contents.

Knovah, I'm so sorry. If you got this letter, that means you're still alive. I'm at 4568 Hubbard Road in Richburg, SC. Please come so we can talk.

Best friends forever,

Taria

---