Committed, p.9
Committed, page 9
Laz eyed Remy up and down, then he laughed. “So, what I’m hearing is that you think you’d be better suited for her.”
“Well, I wasn’t thinking that, but yeah, I do.”
Laz burst out laughing. “Man, my lady is way too much woman for you. You couldn’t handle her even on your best day. I suggest you quit fantasizing about my wife.”
The man’s blue-eyed gaze darkened, and a vein in his forehead popped out. It looked as if Remy wanted to say more but kept his mouth shut.
Laz moved away from the vehicle and approached him but managed to stop an arm’s length away. He didn’t trust himself to get any closer. “And if your dumb ass even thinks about stepping to her, it won’t end well for you.”
Remy’s blond eyebrows pulled into a perfect V. “Are you threatening me?” Remy moved close enough for Laz to smell cinnamon on his breath.
“No.”
“No, he wasn’t,” Ashton and Parker said at the same time.
So focused on Remy, Laz hadn’t realized that they had moved closer, along with Ted, and were crowding them.
“I wasn’t threatening you. Just stating a fact.” Laz didn’t bother explaining what he’d do to him if he ever got word that he made a pass at Journey.
Instead, he said suggestively, “She’s got a wicked mouth and tongue.” An eerie calmness settled over him. “If you approach her the wrong way, she’ll definitely put you in your place. I’m not threatening you, but I suggest you tread lightly with my wife. Don’t take her beautiful face and slammin’ body for weakness. She’s a beast and will send you away with your tail between your legs.”
“Well, we’ll see.” Remy grinned.
“Okay, that’s enough,” Ted spat as Laz, with his fist balled and seeing red, took a step forward simultaneously.
Ashton, like a snake in the grass, moved quickly. He grabbed Laz’s good shoulder and turned him with force. Parker was behind Laz and nudged his back, both men effectively moving him away from Remy.
“We’ll catch you later, Ted,” Ashton said over his shoulder as they guided Laz the way they came. “Remy…it’s been real.”
“You should’ve let me punch the guy because I have a feeling before this is all said and done, it’s going to happen.”
“Not if we can help it,” Ashton said.
“You can let me go now,” Laz ground out and shook out of Ashton’s hold.
The moment they backed off, Laz removed his gloves and dug into his jacket pocket for the burner phone that Myles had slipped to him the night before.
“Who are you calling?” Parker asked as they walked up the alley back the way they came.
“Someone I should’ve called yesterday.”
Laz dialed a number he knew by heart. As the phone rang, he pulled a single cigarette and lighter from the inside pocket of his leather jacket and lit it. He had promised Journey that he would quit, and he had. Well, at least for the most part. It was only when he was stressed that he lit up.
He took a long drag from his cigarette, then tilted his head back and slowly released smoke into the cool air. A second puff, and he could already feel the tension rolling off of him.
The person finally answered, growling into the phone. “Who the hell is this? Do you know what fucking time it is?”
“C-Dogg, it’s Laz. I need your help.”
Chapter Twelve
“Thanks for getting some of the girls together. I really needed a change of pace tonight,” Journey said to Egypt, who sat in the back seat of the SUV with her.
Typically, the wives of Supreme Security met up once a month on a Saturday for dinner and drinks, usually at one of their homes. With the emotional turmoil Journey was experiencing, she couldn’t wait for the next meetup. It wasn’t scheduled for another couple of weeks, but she needed some bonding and conversation now.
“Not a problem. I’m glad you called,” Egypt said, squeezing Journey’s hand. “It’s nice to get out, and it gave Junior a chance to hang out with his Uncle Nelson.”
Journey smiled. She couldn’t imagine big, tough Nelson being on babysitting duty. Especially looking after an active one-year-old.
Nelson wasn’t related to Egypt, although, for years, they led everyone to believe that they were brother and sister. Actually, Nelson was her handler when she was in WITSEC many years ago. Egypt had been assigned a few handlers through the years, but she and Nelson had kept in touch, even when he left the US Marshals.
Journey leaned over and whispered in Egypt’s ear, “Thanks for talking your husband into letting us all get together.”
Originally, Kenton had shot down the idea, claiming that the guys were already spread thin. He also hadn’t thought it a good idea for Journey to be around the other women in case she really was in danger.
Journey wasn’t sure what Egypt had said to her husband to get him to change his mind, but she would be forever grateful. If she had to go home to that empty house, she would’ve driven herself nuts.
“Be sure to thank Dani, too,” Egypt whispered back, and Journey agreed.
Dani, Ashton’s wife, owned the Double Trouble bar with her brother and had come through big-time. Journey had suggested that the wives meet at her and Laz’s house. She figured that made the most sense since security was already stationed there.
That was another idea Kenton hadn’t liked. He didn’t come around until Dani offered up the bar for them to use.
The wives were proving to be just as resourceful as their men, and Journey had to think of a way to thank them for coming through for her.
A short while later, Kenton pulled in front of the bar. He and Angelo climbed out of the front seat at the same time. Their moves were perfectly in sync. Journey wasn’t sure if that was training or just instinct. Either way, it was no wonder that Supreme was one of the most elite security firms in the country.
After glancing around and checking their surroundings, the guys opened the back doors.
“You two already know the drill. Don’t even think about leaving here without us or going outside for any reason,” Kenton said as he escorted them to the bar’s main entrance while Angelo stayed with the truck.
The year before, when Dani had almost been kidnapped, Ashton had insisted on around-the-clock security, especially when she was working. Now there were always two security specialists on duty who blended in with the crowd.
“Jay, if anything feels off or if anyone approaches you who you don’t know, signal for one of the guys or text me,” Kenton continued. “Until we figure out this situation with Laz, we don’t want to take any chances, all right?”
“Okay,” she said, accepting the one-armed hug he gave her before he pulled Egypt to his side.
Journey didn’t stick around to watch the two play kissy-face. She might’ve been thrilled that her friends found each other and fell in love, but when her own marriage was on shaky ground, seeing happy couples hugged up to each other triggered her insecurities. For a person who once had never planned to get married, she couldn’t imagine her life without Laz. She wasn’t sure what she’d do if he left her for good.
Realizing her thoughts were veering into depressing territory, she lifted her head and pulled her shoulders back. Tonight was about having a good time with her girls.
Journey strolled into the building, and the high energy coaxed her further inside. She held her purse close to her side and squeezed by a small group of people standing around one of the tall tables. As she weaved around others, she noted how busy the bar was for a Sunday evening. It probably had to do with several basketball games and other sports playing on the wall-mounted televisions hung all over the large space.
Double Trouble wasn’t just some hole-in-the-wall bar. There was plenty to do for someone who just wanted to get out of the house and hang with friends. The small stage and a dance floor at the back of the building were well used when there was live entertainment. Pool tables and dartboards were stationed in the far-left corner of the building. When the weather was nice, people often sat outside on the large patio deck that offered a great view of the city of Atlanta.
Journey was nearing the last booth when she saw a familiar face. Tony Price, her ex. His surprised gaze met hers, and his smile was warm and inviting, like usual. They had parted on good terms…sort of. After dating for years, Tony wanted marriage. More specifically, he wanted to marry her.
She told him repeatedly that she had no intentions of getting married—ever. At the time, her career was everything to her, and she couldn’t see herself tied down. That didn’t mean she hadn’t loved Tony, but she hadn’t loved him enough for that type of commitment.
Never say never, her sister Geneva had once told her. That was shortly before Journey started dating Laz and, within months, married him.
It was then that she realized that she might’ve loved Tony, but it wasn’t an I-can’t-live-without-you type of love. Nothing like what she felt for Laz. There were times when her deep love for her husband scared her to death. She never knew she could love someone as completely as she did him.
Needless to say, the first time that she and Tony ran into each other after she was married had been uncomfortable. He reminded her then that she’d told him that she didn’t want marriage, that she wasn’t the marrying type. In the end, though, he wished her and Laz well.
That had been several years ago, and since then, they’d been friendly whenever they saw each other.
As he stood from the booth, Journey took in his appearance. Though there were some differences, he was still a nice-looking man with skin the color of mocha and friendly dark eyes. When they dated, he was always well-groomed, wore his hair closely cropped, and was a conservative dresser.
Now, at almost six feet tall, his previously slim runner’s build was replaced with a man who clearly lifted weights. He wasn’t super muscular, but the lightweight blue sweater he was wearing molded over his well-defined upper body and emphasized his broad shoulders. His hair was a little longer. Not quite an afro, but getting there, and the mustache and beard was neat but longer than she would’ve ever imagined he’d wear it.
“Well, if it isn’t the most beautiful ADA in the world,” he said by way of greeting, and hugged her.
“I see you’re still a sweet talker,” she said, grinning.
“I’m speaking the truth.” He leaned back slightly, and his gaze traveled the length of her. “You look amazing.”
“Thank you.”
If her skin was lighter, he’d be able to see her blushing. Now that she ran into him, Journey was glad she had opted to wear the red off-the-shoulder sweater dress that molded over her curves and her tall, knee-high black boots that demanded attention. All week, she dressed professionally in her designer suits, but her weekend attire gave her a chance to express her fun, carefree side.
“This is a pleasant surprise. When did you start hanging out at bars?” Tony asked, still eyeing her with interest.
“Actually, I don’t hang out often, but I’m meeting some friends here.” Not wanting to talk about herself, for fear he’d ask how her marriage was, she redirected the conversation. “How have you been? How’s business?”
They talked for a few minutes, and she listened as he told her how he was expanding his computer repair business. Journey was glad that he was doing well.
“So, are you seeing anyone?” she asked.
He had told her a lot about what was going on in his work life, but she was curious about his personal life. He had always wanted to get married, and she figured that, after they broke up, he would’ve found someone to settle down with.
His left brow lifted, and a crooked grin spread across his handsome face. “Why? Are you interested? Because if you’re—”
“I’m not,” she said quickly with a laugh. “I was just curious. That’s all.”
He laughed with her. “I’m messing with you. I know Laz would never let you go.”
He and Laz had met and were cordial, especially since they were both active with Save Our Boys, a nonprofit organization.
Tony had been on the board of directors for years. The nonprofit focused on young men from age fourteen to twenty-five who came from violent and abusive households, providing them needed guidance in life. It also supported those whose families had been ripped apart by drugs and addiction. The organization successfully got the boys off the streets and into apprenticeships and other career programs. Laz had been volunteering for the last few years and wholly supported their mission.
“And to answer your question about me being in a relationship, I am. It’s fairly new, but I’m hopeful.”
Journey nodded. “Well, I wish you all the best.”
Tony’s smile grew as he looked past Journey, and she turned to see who had caught his attention. She groaned inside as her college nemesis approached them. Tamar Warner, wearing a gorgeous white suit that hugged her curves, made her way toward them, looking like she had just stepped off the cover of Vogue.
No one could ever say the woman wasn’t a beautiful sister. Her hair—which was fake—cascaded down in waves over one shoulder. The style accentuated her ebony face that looked professionally made up, and her confident walk snagged just as much attention as Journey’s had when she walked in.
Tamar’s steps faltered when she saw Journey, but she quickly recovered. She plastered on that familiar fake smile, the one she used when she was in the public’s eye as a city councilwoman. Journey saw her out and about more lately since she was gearing up to run for the US Senate.
“Hey, boo,” Tamar said, stepping around Journey and placing a quick kiss on Tony’s lips.
Interesting. Journey hadn’t seen that coming, but considering the way Tony lit up at the sight of Tamar, he was definitely taken with the barracuda.
“Journey, it’s been a while,” Tamar said by way of greeting, looking her up and down. “You look…the same.”
Journey laughed. She wouldn’t have expected any other comment from the woman. Tamar had always been jealous of her. They had attended law school together, and there was always some not-so-friendly competition between them. And while Journey had gone on to pass the bar, as far as she knew, Tamar never did. Instead of going into law, she opted for politics.
“Oh, and don’t worry, I’m not making moves on your boo,” Journey said, struggling not to laugh. The term of endearment wasn’t one she used often, but its false trendiness seemed to suit Tamar. “And on that note, I’d better get to my friends. Tony, it’s always great seeing you.”
“Same here, Journey,” Tony said with his arm around Tamar. “Oh, and I hope to see you and Laz at the Save Our Boys fundraiser Saturday.”
“We’ll be there,” she said and turned to leave, unsure if that was true.
Laz wasn’t a big black-tie-affair type of person, but that was one event they usually attended annually. They had their tickets, but right now, she wasn’t sure of much when it came to her and Laz.
Finally, she reached Dani’s office. They probably would’ve used one of the party rooms, but Dani had already rented them out. Instead, she offered up her office. Journey hadn’t cared where they met as long as there was alcohol and food. She was craving both.
She knocked before pushing the door open, and the scent of oregano, garlic, and a host of other spices made her mouth water. Dani and one of the servers were serving dishes filled with barbecue wings, baked ziti, Caesar salad, and garlic bread.
As if on cue, Journey’s stomach growled.
“Hey,” she said as she entered. She was getting ready to close the door behind her but spotted Egypt rushing toward it.
“Hey, ladies. Come on in,” Dani said, giving her a hug before turning to Journey. “How you doing?”
“I’m hanging in there.” Journey hugged her back. “Thanks so much for hosting the impromptu get-together. I really appreciate it.”
“Glad to do it. I know if it was me, you’d do the same.”
That was true. One thing about their small group, they were there for each other whenever needed. Dani was new to the wives’ club, but she had fit in immediately.
“I hope you’re hungry. We have plenty of food, wine, and even some hard liquor, just in case.”
Hamilton’s wife, Dakota, and Angelo’s wife, Zenobia “Zen” strolled in a few minutes later. As they all fixed their plates, conversation flowed easily. The stress that Journey had been carrying around for the last twenty-four hours started to fall away. She was so grateful for her sister-friends, her tribe, and she was glad that they could come together.
“Sorry I’m late, ladies,” London, Mason’s wife, said as she entered the office. “My little one didn’t want me to leave and used all of her tricks to try and get me to stay home.”
London, known as “Tiny” to her husband, breezed in wearing a soft pink sweater under a denim jacket and hip-hugging blue jeans with a pair of pink stilettos. She definitely didn’t look like a mother of five. Journey didn’t know how she managed. The woman couldn’t have been more than 5’3” and a hundred and twenty pounds, but the stay-at-home mom ran her household like a pro.
After hugging everyone, she sat at the table next to Journey. “How are you holding up?” she asked.
“I’m all right. I appreciate you guys coming out tonight. I just needed some sister love.”
“Girl, we should be thanking you,” Dakota said, pouring more wine into her glass. “It felt good leaving the kids with Ham. Although I’m sure by the time I get home, the house will be a wreck, and at least one of them will have a tummy ache.”
Hamilton and Dakota had two kids under three and a fourteen-year-old son from Hamilton’s first marriage. Dakota was another amazing lady. The former stuntwoman was a total badass with a black belt in tae kwon do. While raising kids and running her household, she owned and operated a dojo and taught self-defense classes.
As Journey glanced around the table, she wondered how all of her friends managed to balance family time and a career. They made it look so easy, rarely missing cookouts, birthday parties, or anything that involved their Supreme family. Yet, she acted as if she couldn’t even take time to spend with a husband and daughter she loved to death.
