Page 130 of The Protection Agreement

I nod, though I’m scared about what Jonah might request of Bruce. I hope it won’t be a tough request. As soon as we step into the hallway, I see Bruce from afar, jumping to his feet. Worry, anticipation, and anxiety are written all over him. We get closer to him and Ice. I want to go to him, but Jonah keeps me with him.

Then Jonah utters his request. My eyes widen, and I know for Bruce it’s a big request. I get out of Jonah’s grip and race to Bruce.

Chapter seventy-five

Bruce

“I’ll accept you staying married to my sister on one condition,” he pauses, like he’s waiting for a drum roll. My whole being buzzes. “That you get on your knees and ask me nicely for her hand in marriage, and IF I say yes, you agree to give her a proper wedding,” he announces with a smile.

Motherfucker.

She gets out of his arms and comes straight into my arms.

“Please, for me,” she whispers, her eyes plead. I gently caress her face.

“It’s okay, sprinkles.” I smile. She doesn’t realize that, as much pride as I have, I’ll gladly lay down that pride to keep her with me, just as I would charge into war for her. My hand cradles her face. “For you, Jola, I’ll get on my knees and beg,” I say to her, and kiss her temple then put her beside me.

“If I beg, your answer is YES, correct?” I ask, challenging Jonah.

“If you ask me nicely,” he retorts with an annoying grin.

“You won’t stand in our way.” I volley.

“Like I said, IF you ask me nicely. The same way I asked you nicely a few months ago to, please, protect her.” Fucking asshole.

“This is payback?” I ask and state in the same breath.

“Life’s a bitch. What can I say?” He shrugs. I can tell he’s enjoying this moment. “I warned you not to touch her, but you didn’t listen, so now you have to beg me to keep her.” He grins as I exhale.

“You should have warned me that she had the power to steal my heart.”

She squeezes my hand and I squeeze hers back. He shrugs.

I get on my knees and turn to Jonah.

“Jonah Lloyd, may I, Bruce Powell, please have the hand of your sister, Alexis Jolaade Doherty Lloyd, in marriage?” I say without malice to him as I turn and wink at her.

I see her teary eyes. He rocks on his heels with a wide grin on his face. I bet he’s relishing this moment, the same way I did months ago.

“Yes, you can marry my sister,” he says. I’m up fast with her in my arms.

“Motherfucker,” he says.

“Right back at you,” I reply before kissing her.

“Can you please not do that in front of me? I’m still trying to wrap my head around this,” he sternly says. Jola and I laugh.

Ice comes to hug us.

“My ice cream melted,” Jola exclaims.

“No, I put it in the freezer for you,” Ice says.

“Thanks, Ice.” She moves towards the freezer.

Jonah turns to me. “I think I have an idea on who is after her.”

My brow creases, as my mind questions if he already knows.