Chapter
Eight
Heir
I appreciatedMarz dropping off my things before he handled the rest of his business. Even before he came back, I knew when he’d left the firm, because my parents took turns calling me. Eventually, I broke down and told them everything. Of course Daddy was ready to go in guns blazing and Mama was just happy I was safe. I told them both not to worry because Marz had taken care of their protection, but I also made it clear that they were not to engage with Jay if he came around. He hadn’t tried to reach out to me yet, but in case he went to their home, I needed them to know what was going on.
A part of me was hurt that he hadn’t reached out but that felt silly. The man had agreed to kill me. Why did I expect him to call and see if I was okay? I still hadn’t completely processed everything that happened and why, and honestly, maybe that was for the best. Since I couldn’t do a grocery order, Tim went to grab a few things for lunch and dinner. I was so bored I cooked a large spread for lunch, but they refused to leave their posts, soI had to take their plates out to them. Tonight, there would be two different guards, and the fact that they’d gotten a schedule in place further confirmed I’d be here for a while.
I worked for a few hours and took a shower before fixing dinner, but when Marz arrived with bags of food, I realized I wouldn’t have to. Despite the circumstances, I couldn’t help but be happy to see him. Even with it being May, it was still fairly windy and cool out. The low 70s weather made it easy for him to comfortably dress in sweats and a t-shirt that clung to his muscular frame. Every time I saw him with his locs pulled up, I wanted to grab them and kiss him. To ensure I kept my hands to myself, I leaned against the counter as he set the food on the island.
“Everything okay?” I asked, hoping he had good news.
“Yeah, I guess. Ya ex is still alive if that’s what you want to know.”
“Thank you, Marz. I know that probably doesn’t make sense to you, but I appreciate you letting him live.”
With a sigh, Marz started pulling items out of the black bags one by one. I could smell the barbecue even if the bags didn’t have a restaurant name on them.
“You hungry?”
“I could eat.” Pushing myself off the counter, I walked across the kitchen to grab some plates and serving utensils. We navigated the kitchen together as if we’d done this a million times before. While I fixed our plates, he got our drinks, napkins, and utensils.
As we got comfortable at the island, my mouth watered at the sight of the ribs and grilled chicken with all the fixings. I loved a good barbecue spread, and this smelled like it was going to taste like we’d done it ourselves. When Marz casually took my hand into his and blessed the food, my smile spread. I certainly wasn’texpecting that from him, so it took me a few seconds to process what was happening.
We ate in a comfortable silence, then he told me he was going to shower and change then give me the answers I’d been waiting for about who he was and what he did, which I appreciated. I’d been anxiously awaiting his arrival to be in his presence, yes, but also for his truth.
While I waited for him to finish his shower, I called Daddy back to assure him that I was still okay. I knew they were worrying, regardless of me telling them that I was fine. That was another reason I was ready to go home.
“Alright, bae,” Marz said, walking into my temporary room. “Let’s talk.”
I patted the bed with a smile, causing him to chuckle.
I didn’t bother cutting the TV off, opting instead to lower the volume. For this conversation, I wanted no distractions. Since I didn’t want to rush him, I remained silent and allowed him to start talking when he was ready.
“I’m the manager of The Force Training Academy. We train men and women physically, emotionally, and mentally for work in security and protection. My pops started it over twenty-five years ago. It’s still his, but the original plan was for him to give it to his sons when he retired. However, Neptune and I kind of had different visions for our life. So I’m currently managing it and he’s a full time trainer, but that’s not the end goal for my life. I also freelance as a bodyguard and enforcer, which is why I’m equipped with what I am, including this safehouse, and able to do what I do.”
“Whew. Okay. That makes me feel a lot better. I thought you were a drug dealer or something.”
Marz chuckled with a shake of his head. “Nah. I have worked with drug dealers and mafia organizations in the past, which was how I ended up at Iman’s office. I was there talking about apotential position as his enforcer, but the vibe was off, so I had already made up in my mind that I wouldn’t work for him by the time I was heading out. Then I saw you, and of course I wasn’t going to leave without reconnecting with you.”
Lifting his hand, I kissed it with a smile. “I’m glad you stuck around. Not just because you saved my life but because I get to be here with you. I really did miss you so much, babe.”
“Why’d you leave me that night?” Marz questioned.
That question was one I’d asked myself several times over the years. Every time I missed the excitement of that night. Every time I met a man who didn’t give me the same feelings Marz did. Every time a man failed to satisfy me as well as Marz did. Every time his face invaded my memory. Every time I felt his touch on my skin. He’d branded me in more ways than one that night, and back then, that was the scariest part of all.
Shifting slightly, I turned more toward him, even though I initially avoided his eyes. “I was embarrassed. I’d never had sex with a man that quickly. That was completely out of character for me. Usually, I make men chase me for a while and prove they’re worthy of me, and I just… gave myself to you with no hesitation. I was such a hopeless romantic back then, and when I woke up and really processed what I’d done, I convinced myself we couldn’t have a future together because of how fast we moved. I’d lost a little respect for myself, and I figured you wouldn’t respect me either. So I just… left.”
“First, you giving yourself to me on the first night or after a year wouldn’t have changed my level of respect for you. I didn’t give a fuck about a timeline, because you were the first woman that made me feel. Yeah, a man does love the chase, but in that moment, it wasn’t necessary. To me, what we had was on a level that didn’t require games. We were open, honest, and on the same page, and that made me respect and want you more.”
“That was a very mature perspective to have. Clearly I wasn’t mature enough to handle what you were on back then.”
He smiled with a shake of his head as I chuckled. “That was probably the only mature thing I had going on. I was reckless and wild as fuck back then. My parents raised me better than I was living, and maybe I was in no position to treat you the way you needed to be treated consistently. Either way, everything happens for a reason. I hated that you left me, but I knew I’d get you back.”
“I just knew you’d forget about me.”
Sucking his teeth, Marz climbed out of bed. “Nah, Wifey. You’re unforgettable.”