Page 62 of The Protection Agreement

“When did you decide to show up?” I ask him.

“Dad called me all excited last night and said it would be nice if I showed up.”

“So, you suddenly listen to Dad?” I question.

“Not exactly. I had to see what was making him so excited. Besides, I wasn’t really doing anything and figured I’d show up anyway,” he snickers.

“Stay away from her,” I state, locking eyes with him.

“Come on, man. You are just her bodyguard, right?” he snickers again.

“That, and the fact she’s my girl, so keep your fucking distance.” My words are delivered succinctly.

“Didn’t seem like she was into you when she sat next to me,” he snickers a third time.

I know he’s trying to bait me, and he’s close to winning because I want to punch him. I resolved that the opportune moment for a justified punch would come, but not this morning.

“Is that so?” I sneer.

“Seemed so. She was happy and flirting with me.” He smirks.

I know he’s lying. It’s unlike Jola to flirt with guys, and certainly not when I’m close by.

“It was all a polite ruse. I won’t say it again, stay the fuck away from her.” My voice is calm, but he knows my bite is lethal.

I get up and leave him there. I find Jola and my dad puzzling. Her eyes meet mine the moment I walk in and I know all her smiles earlier were fake. She didn’t want David next to her. I move closer and kiss her temple. She smiles for real this time.

Ice and I watch them doing their thing, and I signal Ice to walk with me. He follows me and we step outside and stand by the window where I can see directly inside the house.

“I might need you to hang around,” I state, trying to control the anger in me.

“I wasn’t going to leave her before, and now that David is here, it’s best I stay.”

“Thanks,” I say.

He knows my brother and I are like water and oil on a hot stove. I need him as a buffer. David and I were never close, even growing up, and that gap grew bigger when I went into the military. It felt like Dad needed me to go so David could be himself. I can’t decide if Mom spoiled him or if it was Dad, but he has always been spoiled. Once he got involved in drugs, he became worse. Stealing and getting beat down became a norm for him. Dad had tried rehab, but he always relapses. He’s probably okay for right now, which is why he rushed over, but how long will that last?

I dislike when he tries to bait me, and I know he’s doing it now with the way he’s sniffing around Jola.

“Did you sleep well?” Ice asks, interrupting my thoughts.

“I always do when I’m here, and even better when she’s next to me in bed.” He smiles.

“Did you talk with your dad last night?”

I nod. I must tell Ice; I can’t keep him in the dark.

“Yeah, turns out that, if I had stolen Jonah’s girl, it would have been preferable to what the reality is.” I sigh.

“What’s the reality?” I’m quiet for a beat because I’m still grappling with the newfound reality. The wind blows and I let it pass through me. I turn to him and say:

“She’s a Lloyd.”

His forehead crinkles as his jaw drops in shock. “She is Jonah’s younger sister,” I break the last straw of the news.

“Holy fuck!” he whispers. “That explains his willingness to beg you and pay double.”

I nod. I don’t tell him that I’ve been sending the payment back. Only Grayson and my accountant know that information.