Page 100 of Rhet

“What?”

“I know he hurt you. It will never happen again. I promise.” HIs eyes go cold when he says again.

“Rhet, it’s really okay,” I didn’t want to be responsible for a man’s life.

“It’s not. If he can do that to you. He’s done worse to other women.” He looks away because his statement was final.

“Can you drop me home, please. I want to see my mom.”

I really want to see her and have her hug me up. Hoping she remembers she’s my mom today.

I need some quiet so I can figure shit out. I don’t want to do this anymore. Maybe I should come clean and tell Rhet exactly what’s going on. But Mr. C has the key to my brother being able to walk again.

“You okay, Ms. Woods?” Julian asks.

Tell them now, Zeeta. “Yes, I’m fine.”

Julian squints his dark eyes at me. I adjust myself in the seat as it feels like he’s looking through me. As the car pulls up to my house, I feel mentally drained.

“Take tomorrow off,” Rhet says.

“You’re sure?” I ask as I reach for my bag.

“You need to look great for Saturday. Right now, you look like shit. So I’m sure.”

“Wow, Rhet, you really know the way to a woman’s heart.” I gather my stuff.

“You have a heart? Either way, take tomorrow off. You will need it,” he smirks at me “I will have someone pick you up to get back home. Call me when you’re ready leave here.”

It all sounded great to me. I get time to think, space from Rhet, and a chance to figure some things out. I need this break.

“Bye Julian, thanks again.” I step out of the car not bothering to look back, walk up my home’s stairs

“Hey, wait up.” Rhet comes out of the car and walks up to me.

“What do you want now?” I stomp my feet.

“Stuff your attitude back up your backside. I’m just walking you to your door.”

I’m too tired to fight or have a clapback. As we reach the door, I feel a touch at my elbow.

“I’m really sorry about today. I didn’t mean for you to get arrested.”

He takes my wrist and looks down at it. “I will take care of everything later on today. I promise.”

“Thank you.” I take my key out, open the door, and go inside, leaving Rhet standing on the front step.

RHET

Julian pulls up to a beautiful condo on the beach. I don’t expect less from Kozlov. I met this Russian when I had just become head of my family and he, the head of his. We met at a card game, and we have been friends ever since.

We enter the lobby of the condo, no one stops us. No one searches us for weapons. However, I can see the concierge on the phone, he must be telling Kozlov’s men I’m here.

Julian stands beside me; his face somber. He’s ready for action if I need him. The elevator doors open, and we step in.

“What’s up your ass, Julian?”

“You like her?” he says while he looks up at the numbers on the elevator.

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