Page 125 of The Protection Agreement

Me: It’s not a joke. She was a bit tipsy when she asked me to marry her, and I said yes. We got married.

Jonah: Fuck you, Bruce. I’ll be there this evening. I’m coming to get her.

Looking at the time, I’m guessing he’ll be here by close of business today. I quickly make plans to leave and head home to prepare for Jonah. I call Ice.

“Hey, boss.”

“Where is she right now?”

“In a meeting. I’m looking at her.”

“Good,” I sigh. “I just notified Jonah that I married Lexi. He didn’t call to yell at me. He’s on his way to pick her up. Do not let her out of your sight.”

“Got it.”

“I’ll call you about the next steps. Wait for my call, and thanks, Ice.” I hang up and exhale.

I don’t know how to manage this storm that’s coming my way. The only thing I know is, no matter what, I must not fight him. Jola loves Jonah very much, and I could ruin us if I fight Jonah.

I spend the next few hours trying to work, but my mind is clouded with ways to handle Jonah.

Jonah: I’ll be there in thirty minutes, asshole. She’s leaving with me!!!

I immediately call Ice. Shit is about to hit the fan, and I don’t need her here while her brother and I throw punches at each other.

“Hey, boss,” he answers on the first ring.

“Do not bring her straight home. Take her for a fucking ice cream. She can load up on extra sprinkles as much as she wants, but do not bring her here for another hour. Shit is about to go down,” I say sharply. He knows how to keep her safe.

“Do you need me? I can keep her with Malik in the office and come stand by you.”

“No. I need you with her. This is personal between Jonah and me. I don’t want her to see the ugliness between us.”

“Alright, I’ll bring her by in an hour.”

“Thanks, and do not fucking leave her side,” I command. It seems I have pushed Jonah too far, and he just might overreact and do something crazy like grab her.

“Got it, boss.”

I hang up and get ready for the storm named Jonah that’s coming my way. We need to hash this out between us without her present. I know they are close, and I can’t break that, but she and I are also fucking solid.

I drink, hoping it will help control my emotions. My alarm alerts me to his presence. This time, I open the door and let him come up. I already gave him the unit number. I leave my door open when he knocks.

“It’s open,” I yell from across the room.

He strolls in, anger pouring out of him, just as expected. I try to steady myself. Hopefully we can resolve this calmly, though I highly doubt it.

“Where is she?” he asks angrily.

“Not here. I figured you and I should talk first,” I reply in a controlled tone. He scoffs and takes angry steps toward me.

“Fuck you, Powell! I’m taking her away from here, and this fucking marriage is getting annulled. I thought you were a stand up guy, but you’re a fucking asshole, just like your father!” he yells.

I ignore the attack on my father. Control, I remind myself.

“She’s not leaving here,” I say. “She’s never leaving me,” I add inwardly, my hand tucked in my pocket, trying not to lose control and launch at him.

“Oh yes, she will. What did you think would happen? That I would sit back and accept this when I paid you double your usual rate every fucking month to protect her and not touch her?” Anger pours off him.