Lewis sighed and shook his head as he shifted uncomfortably, his face turning an even darker shade of crimson, No Ma’am, with as much, um, skin as you were showing.
Why ? I smirked at Lewis as he opened and closed his mouth, Well ?
Can we just cut the crap and get back to the point ? Leon hissed as he glared at Lewis.
Fair enough. I studied my nails as I spoke. I didn’t like the card I was about to play, but I had had enough.
Maybe I should let what I overheard, oh I don’t know, I leveled my voice and met Leon’s flat stare, slip. Say that I fear that one of my guards is the snitch.
Leon tensed, his voice tightening as he spoke, I maybe a lot of things, Ma’am, but I am no mole. Be ready in a hour. Leon stepped within arms distance, And I’m warning you, you try anything stupid, I’ll personally put a bullet in you.
You wouldn’t dare. I shot back. However, Leon’s tone left no room for doubt that he would do just that.
Try me, Ma’am.
Lewis watched the exchange with equal parts awe, confusion, and hesitation.
Okay. I flashed a smile of victory to the two men. Since we got that all cleared up and I got you to agree to take me shopping, I’m going to go get cleaned up now.
Leon looked stunned as Lewis chuckled, Damn, we got played. He patted Lewis on the shoulder as he turned to walk out. You better call Darrell and let him know you were bested by our charge.
Leon looked from me to Lewis and back. It was his turn to act like a fish out of water.
I told you two, but just like all typical men, you didn’t listen. I left the two men and walked back to the bath.
Damn, she’s good. I could hear the amusement in Leon’s voice.
I quickly showered and towel tried my hair before wrapping the towel around my body and walking out to my room. I took three steps and stopped as Darrell cleared his throat.
You are not going out, Lea. His mouth was set in a tight line as he held out a robe. Put it on and sit down.
I took the floor length, rose colored silk robe and walked back in the bath. I slipped it on and sighed heavily as I reentered the bedroom.
They owe me. I crossed my arms over my chest defiantly.
No, they don’t. You’re not a two year old child Lea, so stop acting like it. If you don’t, you’re only going to make things more difficult for yourself.
I sighed once more and sat on the bed by Darrell as I pulled my robe tight. Your right. I’m sorry. I played with my fingers. But I really would like to go shopping.
There are plenty of clothes for you here,
I cut Darrell off as I threw my hands in the air, Again, who said anything about clothes, besides they already told me that. And as beautiful as those things are, they really are not my style. They’re, I searched for the right words and frowned, too rich for my blood.
Darrell smirked and shook his head. Get use to it Lea. Carter isn’t going to let you walk around looking like something he dragged in off the streets.
I fell back onto the bed and clenched my fist at the irony. Really ? Because that is pretty much exactly what he did.
Darrell paused and snickered, Yes, I guess he did.
Can’t I at least have some say in my daily outfits ? I don’t like the idea of having to wear what someone else chooses for me.
I sat back up and then stood, walking into the bath and grabbing the comb before going to work on detangling my damp hair.
I don’t see why not for brunch and casual wear, but Carter has chosen your dinner wear for the week.
I am not some freaking Barbie doll that he can play dress up with, I hissed from the bath. Besides, he’s not even going to be here.
Are you always so damn difficult ?
Just within the last few years, I answered honestly as my voice shook slightly.
Ever since CeCe was killed, and my parents chose fame and fortune over me, I had surrounded myself with a wall of defiance and smart ass comebacks, that way it would be tougher to feel and tougher to get hurt again.
I let out a squeak as Darrell walked in and spun me toward him, his voice soft. Carter chose you Lea. For whatever reason, he has seen something in you that he has not seen in any other woman.
I clenched my jaw and gripped my comb tighter.
Do you know how many women out there would love to get the attention from Carter that you are getting ? How many of them are pissed that he didn’t choose them ?
I narrowed my eyes, They can have him.
Even as I spoke the words, I recalled how Carter’s lips felt against my skin and shivered.
Darrell noticed the tremble and raised an eyebrow, Really ? Because I think that even though you refuse to admit it, he has gotten under your skin just as much as you have gotten under his.
My mouth opened and closed as it refused to utter any contradictory words.
Darrell let out a small chuckle, What’s wrong ? Cat got your tongue, Lea ?
Phish, no. I pushed past Darrell and walked toward the dresser, but stopped cold as he continued to talk.
I believe that like I believe Tara doesn’t want Carter all to herself.
A surge of jealously reared it’s ugly head and I drew a steady breath to calm the swirling rage within the pit of my stomach.
What the hell is wrong with you, Lea ?
I shook my head and grabbed some underwear.
Darrell’s chuckle turned deep and heavy. Yes, he has definitely gotten under your skin.
What ever you want to believe and helps you sleep at night Darrell. I walked into the closet and grabbed a pair of white jeans and a coral colored tee and a pair of sandals.
My thoughts were scattered as I walked past Darrell without looking at him, his laughter following him out of my room.
I dressed and made my way to the kitchen, Lewis and Leon stepping in behind me as I exited my room.
Asses, I muttered when they flashed me their victory smiles.
Mahalia. I greeted chirpily. The woman turned from the stove as I walked into the kitchen. What are we making tonight ?
Mahalia smiled softly and threw her rag over her shoulder. Ms. Lea, she drawled out her greeting, a hint of secretive knowing in her eyes. You sure seem, oh I don’t know, overly happy this afternoon. She raised her eyebrows three times in quick succession at me.
I choked on the breath I was taking and ignored the snorts of my two guards as they stood on either side of the doors. Whatever you are trying to imply, I can most definitely assure you, it did not happen.
Yet, Mahalia grinned as she walked to the pantry.
What the hell do you mean, yet ? I practically ran after the woman and bumped into her strong back as she stopped and reached above her head for a bag of rice. I rubbed my nose as I backed up, Ow.
What do you think I mean, Ms. Lea ?
I shrugged my shoulders and backed out of the pantry, allowing Mahalia to exit with the small room.
If you can’t answer then you should never assume anyone is implying anything, Ma’am.
Mahalia sent me a playful wink as my two guards snickered.
Ugh, this is all so freaking infuriating, I whined and flung my hands in the air. I spun and faced the guys. And what the hell are you two laughing at ?