#Newstory
�PROTECTED �
A thrilling, humorous romance story that will blow your mind and make you pull your hair with suspense.
***
Episode 1

"Emily get up you will be late for the market"
I sigh, I have been awake for the better part of the night, it's just past five and I need to go to the market, sigh.
"Emily, wake up"
"Anti, am awake, just give me 5 minutes"
"You don't have 5 minutes, if the bus leaves you, market for today will be cancelled"

I sigh as I stand from my narrow bed, it's not as if I don't want to go, am just so tired, I got beaten by the rain yesterday, my bones ache .
I stand up and don't bother bathing, it will be useless, I braid my long hair and tie it into a chignon, the onitsha market is not a place for long hair.
I make my way out and see my aunt's husband sitting by the TV, this morning he is already smoking, and inside the house at that.
"Good morning, brother".

He looks up at me, the way he does makes me feel dirty, I don't like this man, one bit.
"Good morning Emily, how was your night?"
He asks this while blowing smoke into the air, it takes all I have not to gag, I hate cigarettes.
"It was fine thank you,"
I bend in front of the chair to find my bag, I think I threw it here sometime yesterday night, i see it wedged between two chairs and I grab it, I stand and glance at my uncle to see him lick his lips while staring at my backside.

I hate this man, he is a pervert.

Amjust 19 and that does not seem to bother him, it also does not bother him that I am his wife's sister, no, he makes passes at me anytime he can.
Brushes against me in a way that is not necessarily bad but makes me uncomfortable, he doesn't do all this in front of his wife, he saves his best attitude for her.
I can't wait to leave this house, when I do, am never coming back.

My aunty is not much better, she hits me anytime she can, she hates me, I don't know why, its not as if I asked for this.
I have asked a million times where my parents are but I don't get any answers, i have no clue, I just have to bear this existence untill I have enough money to get me out of here.
I plan to go to Lagos and learn fashion designing, I have my waec certificate, when I make lot of money, I will go to university, it is my dream..

I exit the sitting room and walk to the kitchen to get my basket of bananas, I sell bananas at onitsha market to travellers, on a good day, I can get about a thousand naira as gain .
I don't bother tell them that I am leaving since they won't care, I walk to kelechi's compound.
Kelechi is my best friend, her father drives a bus to the main market every day, I get a ride with them.

When I get there, I see her loading the bus with bread, she sells bread, they have a local bakery, they are kind of rich.
"Chi, good morning"
"Good morning Emily, come and help me"
I sigh,I am tired of telling everyone that my name is not Emily but Emilia, they have killed the name so much,my aunty calls me, Emile, she is even worse.

I help her load her bread and she turns to me.
"Wait here I have to go get my apron, ok?"
She leaves, Hey, I didn't carry my own, thank God I remembered, the sun is just rising, when she returns I tell her to help me watch my basket that I just want to go inside to get my apron .
"Be fast o, papa will leave soon, he is just eating"

I shake my head, kelechi's dad is always eating, his stomach is so big that I can sit on it and my leg will not touch the ground.
I giggle at my mischievous thoughts, I make my way into the house but stop short when I hear my aunty and uncle whispering.
Why are they whispering, no one is inside with them, I stop, not making my presence known, I listen.

"We just have to sell her to the people, you know we need the money for us to travel to abroad"
That was my uncle, sell who? Are they talking about me?
"Are you sure they won't harm her?, They might be ritualists, we should just marry her to okoro, he is willing to pay us more money"
That was my aunty, sell me?, Marry me? She is saying it so cruelly, as if I should thank her that she didn't kill me herself.

"No, na, people will think we are wicked, let's just sell her, we will tell them she ran away with a boy, that's better"
I can't see them, but am sure my aunty is nodding, I make my way out quietly and go back to kelechi's compound.
"Madam be fast, papa wants to leave"
She calls in a kind but exasperated voice, I don't reply, am too numb with shock.
"Where is your apron?, You sef, you forgot what made you go back home"

I don't respond and she frowns.
"Magic, are you ok?"
My middle name is magic, only kelechi calls me that.
I open my mouth but her father approaches us and I shut up,
"later"
I mutter, she nods.
I climb into the bus and look forward, today's Discovery has made me realize one thing.
Am never coming back to this house again.
Am going to run away.

*****
Don't go anywhere oo. The story has just begun so sit in your seat and relax and don't forget to like.

� PROTECTED �
By Bebe Ernest
Episode 2

"They said what?!"
I shush kelechi as she shouts in outrage.
"They want to sell you, how wicked can this people be?"
Kelechi is aware of what I go through at home.
It's about 2 hours after we get to the market, I have sold most of my bananas, I just told kelechi what I heard and she is not happy.

"Kele, what do I do?"
"You can't go back there,that's for sure".
I nod but ask
"Where do I go? I don't have any relative that I know of "
She nods, she is quiet for a while, I sell groundnut to a boy that approaches me, the market is busy and crowded but I feel like am alone.
"Ha!, Have got it!"
I turn to kelechi as she exclaims.
"What have you got?"
"You are going to run away"
"I have already decided that"
"You will go to Lagos, the city is big, you can hide better there"

"Kelechi, lagos? who do I know that lives in lagsos, I don't even have enough money"
"Magic, you have about 14 thousand with you don't you?"

I nod, I don't go anywhere without my money stash.
"And also the money from these bananas cost about 6 thousand, you will take that also, I mean, they deserve it".
I nod, she countinues .
"I will give you my 10 thousand for my bread, you will go to Lagos, I will give you the phone number of one of my boyfriend, you will stay with him untill you can rent your own house"
I shake my head no,
"Kele, your father will kill you, what will you say happen to the money"

"Oh don't worry, I will tell him that some of the customers have not yet paid, in a week time I should be able to replace the money"
I nod,. "But how sure are we that your boyfriend will be at the address?"
"He will, I was supposed to go see him next month remember?, You can stay with him for a while, you will get settled and you will move out, simple".

Kelechi is making this sound so easy but I know it's not, and besides, what other option do i have?
She squeezes some naira note into my hands, I don't look at it but I know it's a lot of money ..

"In fact, take my purse, put the money inside, be careful, I hear they use to steal in Lagos."
How am I going to repay this girl?
"Kele..."
"Ehn ehn, none of that, let me just find a piece t paper so I can write down Andrew's address"
Andrew must be the boy Friend, I nod, she leaves for a while and come back with a piece of paper and a phone.
"What's that?". I ask her?

"Have you never seen a phone in your life?, Bernard over there gave it to me, I want you to have it".
I feel tears rush to my eyes.
"Kele..".
"Ehn ehn, don't thank me yet, this is andrews address, I will give him a call and tell him to expect you, you have to leave now".
I sigh

. "kele, do you think this is wise?".
"Yes I do, now stand, let's find some bend down select clothes for you to buy"
"What are you going to tell my aunty"
"Am going to spit on her and scratch out her eyes if she so much as look at me wrong"
I trust kelechi, she can do that.

********
We get to the bus station and it's almost noon, I have a Ghana must go full of clothes we bought at some cheap rate, it on top my head, kelechi has gone to pay for my ticket.
I wait around, she arrives .

"Here, this is your ticket, don't loose it, when you get to Lagos call me, I programmed my number into your phone, "
I nod, feeling overwhelmed.
"Make sure you call me, eat good food, work, find a place to learn your fashion designing, ok?"

I nod again.
"Kele...."
"No don't thank me yet magic, Don't, I know you will be a great woman, all am asking is that you don't forget me, ok?"
"Never, kelechi, never"
She nods and give me a tight hug, she let's me go.

"Here, some bananas and bread incase you get hungry on the bus"
I laugh, just like kele to actually think of that.
"I love you kelechi".
"Abeg,oyibo film Don spoil you, but I love you too Emilia".

Ha!, She said my name correct this time.
The bus driver starts calling passengers on to the bus, I turn and climb in, I sit at a window seat and o see kelechi looking at me, I wave, she waves back, she looks to be holding back tears, I can't hold mine, a tear falls.

The bus starts moving, I keep on staring at her untill the bus pulls away and she becomes a speck, I noticed that not once did she move away.
Thank you God, for good friends.
I turn forward in the 18 sitter bus, clutching the purse kele gave to me.
Lagos here I come.

TBC...

�Protected�
By Bebe Ernest
Episode 3

Justice.
"If you look closely sir, you will see that this year's profits has greatly increased since we started the charity scheme."
I just stare at the scumbag doing the presentation.
Hell, am bored out of my mind, I hate coming for presentations, I leave that part of business to my sister julliet.

But since she has a child and a fiancee I decided to help.
Good thing I did too, if not I would not have noticed that this guy and some other A-holes in the company has been fleecing me.
I run an automobile company, I run a tight ship, no stray penny gets lost without being accounted for, this man and his cohorts are in for a big surprise.

He is trying to bluff his way through the presentation, hoping I won't notice that the company fund reserves has been tempered with.
I will give him 3 minutes to think he has gotten away with it before I crush him.

Just because I dropped out of my party and no longer want to contest for governorship this year does not mean I have lost my wits, it means am strategizing.
He opens his mouth to speak but I lift my hand, he quiets.
"Mr Collins, I am not here to talk about my charity fund today,"
"Oh but sir,.....…"


I lift my hand again, he shuts up.
"We both know you've been stealing from the company, I want those funds returned in an hour's time or you and your family will be leaving under a bridge".
I can hear some exclamation from the other suites sitting at the PT but I don't say anything, I just stare at scumbag Collins.
He nods, I nod I get up.

"Have a nice day gentlemen"
I pick up my bottle of water and take a swallow.
Today's my nephew's 7th year birthday, I cant be late.

***********
We got to Lagos at about 7, Jesus, this place is big, it is also populated.
I step out of the bus, am very scared, have never been away from home.
Is my aunty finding me? is she scared? Does she even care??
Am so confused on what to do, I raise the phone kelechi gave me, how do i even use this.
Am approached by an haggard looking young man, am instantly on alert.

"Lady, do you want me to help you carry your bag to any bus stop?"
I glance at my bag at my feet and am taken aback by such kindness, people are so kind in Lagos.
I shake my head no, I don't really need any help, I just have to find Andrew's address.
He walks away to ask someone else and I realize it's his job, that he is being paid.
I feel foolish for thinking he was asking out of kindness.
I look at the phone again and dial Kele's number.

"Hey, Emily, are you there yet?"
She is speaking in whispers, am instantly concerned so I ask what is wrong, I can hear shouting in the background.
"It's your aunty, she is here, she thinks, mama and papa are hiding you"
Just like my aunt to be presumptuous.
"Kele, am so sorry for causing all these trouble"..

"Don't bother, it's alright, I guess you are there already, good, find Andrew's and call me when you do, I was not able to reach........"
The phone makes a sound and suddenly it goes off.
Eee, I used it to play games when I was bored in the car, how do I reach her now?.
I feel suddenly alone, I look around and I see a cab with taxi sign on top.
I walk to it after dropping my phone in my ghana-must-go, I will charge when I get to Andrew's place.

"Driver, here, am going to this address"
I hand the slip of paper to the driver and he glances it it.
" Ha, madam this place you are going to is very far o, we are at mile 2 now and you are going to ikotun, it's going to cost you about 5 thousand."
O my God, that's a lot of money.
"Oga driver please carry me for 2 thousand na"
He hesitates a bit before asking me to enter, am glad.

When we get there, I pay him his fare and I get down. Lagos must have the same landmarks in different places, I think I saw a statue more than once.
I approach the gate after asking around for the house no, the area is dark and looking like it's a bad part of town.
I enter and I see a man sitting outside, he looks to be receiving fresh air.
"Good evening brother"

"Good evening girl, how may I help you?"
"Sir am looking for Andrew, is he around"
"Who are you?"
"Am a friend of his".
"Well Andrew's friend, Andrew has traveled not too long ago, about two hours ago, you missed him"
The man was speaking but I was no longer interpreting, Andrew traveled ? How will I survive?.

I thank him and I make my way out of the house, it was at that moment I remember I forgot my ghana-must-go in the taxi drivers car, my phone and clothes are gone.
This is just too much, I begin to cry, my purse is with me but for how long? I can see some guys looking at me like am fresh meat.
I hail a taxi and get in, I ask him to take me back to the bus park at mile 2.
He smiles kindly at me and I smile back, I stare out the window.

When we get there I count out 2 thousand from the money and give to him.
"No my daughter, this is too much, "
he gives me back 1500 and I realized the first taxi man cheated me, i shake my head.
Magic, you fool girl.
I walk back and I explain my situation to a night guard I see there and he nods.

"This is not a place for a lady, but I understand, you can stay for the night but tommorow you have to leave."
I nod, grateful.
I sit on a chair he offered me and I make my self comfortable as could be.
Well welcome to Lagos magic

�Protected �
Episode 4 & 5

The sound of gunshots was the first thing I heard, I jerk awake, i realize I must have slept off, I stand up and am immediately jerked back.

"Shh, don't make any noise, it's agang war, they will kill anybody they see"

Am instantly scared, o my God.

"They will leave soon enough when the police shows up, just be quiet".

I nod, this goes on for quite a while, I keep hearing the gunshots, sometimes shouts of Pain . Sometimes people speaking Yoruba.

I can't believe my first night in Lagos and am spending it crouched under a shed with a man that smells like yesterday's sweat

. My life.

Soon enough I hear the sound of running foots step coming towards our direction

I instantly tense, am going to die!

Am too young to die.

I feel the security guard beside me tense too.

The footsteps pass and I let out a shaky breath. Oh thank God.

I spoke too soon because another set of footsteps comes running again but this time they don't pass, they stop, infact if feels like that are actually coming towards the she'd am in.

I muffle my whimper when the tarpaulin is drawn back and a man enters.

He is exactly how I will imagine a gangster to be.

He looks surprised to see us and immediately points a gun at us.

"If you shout I will blow a hole through both of your heads"

I nod while lifting my hands in a sign of easy.

He nods while still training his gun in us, he cocks his head and seems to be listening for something.

He teases when the first set of feet comes back, I don't know how I know it was the first guys but I just do.

"You are sure you didn't see anyone pass through here"

This question is asked by a person outside and I instantly get that the person outside must be a security operative.

"Yes boss, no one went through here, Simon took out a guy that passed out back"

By took out I think he meant killed, oh sweet Lord.

The man before us seems to know this person they took out because he instantly tenses and I know that if it wasn't dark I would have seen pain flash through his eyes.

"Ok, get Jerri and the rest of the guys, today's operation was a burst, get the cargo and let's go, the local police will deal with clean up"

"Yes boss"

The other guy walks away, I don't know what made him do it, I really don't.

The security guard shouts and calls for the man outside and instantly he is shot in the head, I feel warm blood spray on my face.

Jesus.

The men outside run towards our shed but gangster has already begin to run away, I cry as I see the security guard is dead.

O my God.

The tarpaulin is whipped back for the second thing this night but I don't care, am crying so hard I can't breath.

I look up with tear filled eyes and I see a man staring down at me, it's then I realized I must have slumped down.

When he speaks I don't understand what he says but I recognize his voice as the one being called boss.

"Are you ok miss?"

I nod negative still crying.

"Did you see the man?"

I can't reply and I realize am gulping in air, I think I will faint.

The man kneels down and embraces me.

"Shh, little one,shh, it will be fine."

I don't think it ever will be fine



Protected
By Bebe. Ernest

Episode 5

MAGIC.
The man who called himself Justin was talking to someone else, he took me to an office place and I can see many computers, am sure I saw more than one holstered gun.
Am curled on a chair with a mug of something hot, well it was hot when it was given to me, now it's warm, I didn't bother drinking it, it tasted like Ash to me.
I tried to clean most of the blood, it got out but the one on my clothes didn't, I don't have a change of clothes so,


Am still shaking, a man got killed in front of me, that does not happen in onitsha, I feel so alone.
"How are you holding up?"
I jerk in shock, the Justin man is standing in front of me, by the way he is staring at me, am sure he has been standing there for a while.
I don't respond I just gaze at the ground.

"Hey,"
I still don't respond.
He crouches in front of me and touches my leg fir a bit. I still don't glance up.
"If you don't answer my questions sweetie, we will have to find out where you are from and send you back".
That got through to me, I twitched, he noticed.
"If you talk then I can help you, I promise."
I slowly raise my head, he is kneeling in front of me and on a closer look u see he is not that old, maybe 25 at most.
"So you wanna tell me?"
I nod.

"Good, first, what's your name"
I open my mouth to answer but I see some of his co-workers gather round, I tense, the feeling of being watched is not one am used to.
The man notices and he tells them to go away, they do so without question and am immediately better, I get the feeling this man is an higher up.
"So your name?"
"Magic, my name is magic, Magic Emilia obi"
I don't know why I gave him my middle name as my first name but I felt compelled to do so, I want a new beginning.
"Magic, nice name, ok magic, tell me how you got to be in that shed"
I shake my head negatively, I don't want to relieve that awful moment again.
He seems to understand because he nods and smiles gently, he slowly lifts his hand, as if asking for permission, and begins to stroke my hair .
I don't know I have been craving human touch because his touch opens the flood gates of my tears.
I tell him everything, about how my aunty treats me, how my uncle almost harmed me one day when my aunty was away, how they were going to sell me, how I ran, Andrew's travelling, my stolen bag and finally how scared and alone I feel.
When I finish I realize he has stood up and maneuvered me in a manner that I am now sitting on his lap, while he comforts me.

"It's ok, it's ok, let it all out"
I gulp in air and am suddenly exhausted, I only have my purse containing my money with me, that's all, no where to sleep, nothing at all.

I just want to sleep and forget today ever happened.
"You ok now little one?"
I nod and lift my head from his chest, he gently places me on the couch again and am grateful, if a little embarrassed that I blubbered in front of this handsome man.
I must not be as exhausted as I feel if I have the strength to admire his handsomeness.
"So, you have no relative at all in Lagos?"
I shake my head no . He sighs.
"I will make sure my boys see about getting your bag back from the taxi driver ok?"
I nod, grateful.
"I don't know how long that will take little one, so in the meantime you will be coming home with me"
I instantly tense, am not going anywhere.
He notices because he laughs.
"Good, at least you understand that there are dangers attached to following random men to their house"
I don't answer, Lagos has not been good to me, I don't want to be a victim again .
"But you are still going to come with me"
"You are a random man sir"
He laughs again, I like his laugh.
"I know, little one but I have to keep an eye on you, you are very vital to thus case, you saw the face of the killer, you are our only lead"
Am still not convinced.
"I have a sister, she lives with me, she has a son, I promise nothing will happen to you there."
Am swayed, a nan that has a sister living with him can't be that bad, right?
"And we have position open at my house, you will some minor work and you will get paid, feeding and accommodation included."
Ok that seals the deal, how bad can it be?
I nod.
"Good, let's go, it's just 3 in the morning, we both need some shut-eye"
"Shut-eye? What does that mean?"
"It means sleep, little one"
I nod but I respond.
"Am not little"
He laughs.
"Whatever you say little one"
He calls me the name again but I don't take offense because I love his laugh.

*******""********"""""******"""""*****"""**
MAGIC.

when we get to his place, am instantly overwhelmed, it's a mansion, I have never seen ahouse like this in my life except in movies.
He leads me inside after he we get down from his car, I can't seem to close my mouth, it's even bigger inside, even in the darkness.
He doesn't turn on a light , he explains that it will wake his sister, I nod
He leads me to a room, it's the biggest I have ever seen, my whole house back in onitsha will fit into the room.
"This will be your room,ok?"
I nod .
"Make yourself comfortable, I will get you some change of clothes, tomorrow we will discuss how to get you some clothes"
I nod, he leaves and comes back with a big polo shirt and a boxer, I blush.
He says good night and leaves, I bring the shirt to my nose,it smells like him.
I take my bath in the biggest bathroom I have ever seen and get into bed, I realize ni am hungry, but that has to wait till tomorrow.
I close my eyes and send a silent prayer to the heavens .

Thank you Father for sending me an helper.

******"""*****"'''******'''*****'''*'''''******"

Justice.
I get home really late , around about 4, I was out in the office going over some new contract proposal we got from a company in the states.
I don't turn on a light because it disturbs julliet, i just make my way to my room in the darkness, I strip while dumping my clothes in the ground.
I enter my bathroom and take a quick bath, exhaustion pulls at me,am so tired.

I exit and I manage to pull on my boxer before collapsing on the bed, am immediately asleep.
If I wasn't so tired I would have heard my door open, I would have felt my bed dip as another body rests besides me,I would have woken up as the person snuggles close.
But I don't, I am tired and asleep,am dead to the world.
Tomorrow, Tomorrow.

Protected �
By Bebe Ernest
Episode 6

MAGIC.
Am dreaming, it's a nice dream, am pressed against something warm, hmm, no wait, the warmness has come closer and wrapped me.
I love Mr Justin's house, everything is so welcoming.
I snuggle deeper, am going to sleep forever.
My stomach growls, am hungry, I can't sleep forever , le sigh.
I almost giggle in my sleep, I got that from a movie I watched once, the actress said le sigh, ha, I know some fancy word.
I feel my self drifting back to sleep and I gladly want to but my stomach growls again, louder this time.
I get smashed into my warm cocoon and I hear a very male voice say..
"You feel so good Selene, don't go anywhere, let's stay like this for a while".
I tense instantly, oh no!
I must have done it again. It happens to me anytime I go to bed hungry, I sleep walk.
it always pisses aunty off, anytime she punishes me by sending me to bed hungry, I get up in the night and sleep walk.
She says it's my way of insulting her.
I can't believe it's not a dream.
I slowly open my eyes and I am assaulted by a very male chest, I think it's Mr Justin.
But on a closer look, this is an older version of Mr Justin.
What do I do?! Mr Justin never told me he had a brother!
I begin to panic.
I mentally slap myself, now is not the time to act like a village girl, get yourself together.
I look again at his face, he is sleeping peacefully, he must think am his wife, he's so handsome.
I carefully extricate my self from his hands, I think I have gotten away safely until he sighs and pulls me closer.
"Selene..."
I muffle my cry of surprise when his hands wraps around my backside and pulls Me much more closer.
Father Lord, let this man wife not enter this room at this time.
I wait for a while, and when I feel like he has finally drifted off I pull a way again, my stomach choose that moment to growl horribly loud.
I tense.
He doesn't move.
Thank God.
I crawl to the edge of the big bed as best as i can, it feels like I was swimming on the bed, it is that big.
I get to the edge and climb out, thank you Lord!
I begin to tiptoe out but a very calm voice says.
"Stay".
I freeze.
"Turn around"
I turn.
"Now, explain to me how the hell you got into my room".
***************************************
Justice.
It was a nice dream, a very good one, I dreamt of Selene, any dream of Selene is a good one.
I feel good, I want to sleep for ever.
I feel movement on the other side of the bed . I can't sleep for ever.sigh.
I open my eyes when I hear foot step, I see a girl, yes a girl walking towards the bathroom, I can't remember bringing a girl home last night, and it's definitely not julliet, my sister.
Were julliet is tall and slender, this ..this ..girl is petite and small, I could crush her with my hand, and her hair, her hair is everywhere.
"Stay"
She freezes, good, I like when my commands are heeded.
"Turn around"
She does, I get assaulted by the brightest gray eyes I have ever seen, it's second was that of Selene, but this one is silverer, this one is more expressive, it's currently telling me it's scared.
I don't care.
"Now, explain to me how the hell you got into my life room".
"Good morning sir"
She greets, the eff?
I just raise my brows, she about starts crying, I just stare her down.
"Sir,! It was a mistake!, I did not mean to...."
"I don't care, who are you"
"My name is magic, Mr Justin brought me home yesterday"
Magic,? Mr Justin? I think my brother is now slumming it, I can't believe he would bring an apparent peon into how house, wait, my house .
And Mr Justin? The shit? What is she 6? Even my nephew Alec, julliet's son does not call Justin Mr.
"What are you doing in my room?"
"Sir..."
Ha, I see what is going on here, she came home with Justin and that wasn't enough, she believes she can get the cream of the crop
Fool.
"You came in here to seduce me?"
Her face blanks in confusion, she is a very good actress, just like her the girl she shares the same eye color with,they are both actresses.
"Am sorry to disappoint you but I like my women more mature, you obviously are a child,come back when you are a lot older"
I can see tears rush into her eyes and I dont care, not a little bit.
"You got Justin and I don't know how, but am telling you, get out now before you LovePeddler your self a lot more, he won't fall for you."
She blanches like I slapped her, ha, seems itty bitty here likes my brother a little too much.
"Now you may get out"
She nods sharply, and walks towards the bathroom, this fool.
"The door is the other way slowpoke"
I see a blush suffuse her cheeks and I shake my head, what a nutcase.
She exits the room and I sigh, I can't believe I thought she was Selene, I fall back on my pillow.
I turn my head and I get on my pillow and I get a whiff of scent, it smells like baby powder.
What a child.
I tell myself this but I find my self pressing my nose into my pillow to get more of the scent.
The hell.
****
This no be blackmail oo, but I may begin posting 4 chapters a day if you like more. Come on, it only takes a sec.

�Protected �
Episode 7

MAGIC.
I feel tears rush down my face, ugh, I can't believe am crying over some silly words a stupid human being said.
Ugh.
He is an ... An...an...
A-HOLE!

There I said, I don't curse but this warrants for cussing. I rush to the room Mr Justin said is mine and get changed quickly into my blood stained clothes.
Am leaving.
I get my purse and I match to the door, I fling it open and come face to face with Mr Justin.
"Ha, there you are, I was about to, ....are you ok?"
I match pass him, I have stopped crying but that does notean I won't leave this house.
I walk downstairs and toward a door that looks like it might lead outside.
" Hey, magic where are you going?"
I don't answer, it's not in my character to be rude but right now am as pissed off as Medusa's snakes.
I open the door with my all my strength, gosh it's heavy.
"That's the laundry room, little one"
Oh heavens, am so embarrassed.
I don't let it deter me though, I match pass him and I pass a dinning room, I enter and I finally I see a door leadt out.

Am held back.
I turn, Justin is holding my hand and looking at me imploringly.
"What happened little one?"
I break down, and cry, he hugs me to his chest.
"Shh, it's alright"
I can't believe am crying like a baby, where's Emilia? Where has she gone to? Emilia never cries, never.
"Tell me what happened?"
I explain and he tenses.
"Am so sorry that happened to you little one"
He says this while stroking my hair, that feels good, too good, I take a deep breath and his scent feels my nose.
I like this man, I blush, he is my saviour.
I go to take another breath but a clearing of throat pulls me away from him and I look over his shoulder.
I see a man and a woman eating, or it seems they were.
The woman is currently sitting on the man's lap.
The man is glaring at both Mr Justin and I .
I guess we interrupted something.
Opps.
"Magic, meet my sister, julliet, and her fiance, Sage"
"Good morning ma, sir"
She looks at me from my head to my toe and I get a feeling she is not pleased to see me in Mr Justin's arms.
God I hope she is not like the man upstairs.
She glances away from me and turn her attention to Mr Justin, she just dismissed me. Witch.
"Who is this J?"
I can see the man called Sage stroking her back and I see him perusing me also from head to toe, but this time there is no emotion in his eyes, he is looking at me the way he will look a ceiling fan.
Jesus, are all rich people like this, well my Justin isn't.
I blush at my thought.
"This sister kin is magic, she is a stray."
I might not have gone to the university but I know what stray mean, that hurt.
My hurt disperse when I see him wink at me, he was just joking.
"Where did you get her from?"
I am tired of being talked about like I wasn't there.
"Her--is standing right here, you know".
I almost slap my mouth, this is a wrong time to be mouthing off.
I panic at what she will do, but she smiles and stands up from Mr Sage's body and walks to me.
"I like her Justin, she doesn't scare easily"
I am shocked

. What?
"Hi, am julliet, that's my soon to be husband Sage"
She says this while putting her hand out for a shake, I glance at Mr sage and I see him watching me with still no emotions.
I guess that's how he treats everybody, I instantly feel better, they are not snobs, Amen..
I shake her hand.
"My name is magic"
"Beautiful name".
she pulls me into a hug.
"Go on, you can tell me all your secrets, you can cry, am here for you"
Am shocked, I glance at Mr Justin for guidance and he winks.
I don't know what to say, I needn't have bothered because my stomach growls.
Ugh, embarrass me much?
"Ha, you must be hungry, come let's eat"
The woman julliet leads me to the dinning table, I can see some rice, I want.
My stomach growls, I blush.
"You can't eat the rice chit, my little bird is everything but a cook, have some toast and coffee"
I glance at Mr sage at his words, he speaks?
He must have seen the question on my face because he winks.
Holy God, all the men in this house are handsome, even the bastard upstairs.
I get some toast, no a lot of toast, I spread some jam and I devour.
I haven't had anything to eat since the day before yesterday.
When I become full I slow down and I glance up to see them watching me, i blush.
"It's ok magic, we all get hungry sometimes"
I smile and sip some coffee, oh it's so sweet, bittersweet, like a walnut.
It turns sore in my stomach when I hear his voice and words.
"So tell me brother, where did you get this animal from?"
"Justice!...."
This comes from julliet, The man upstairs, his name is justice, it suits him, his eyes are so black and painfilled.
What happened to him?
"Good morning July"
Am shocked because he says that so softly, and I know he loves this woman called julliet.
He fist bumps Mr Sage and he takes his seat at the head of the table.
Am compelled to call him master.
"So Justin, still waiting, what is that gutter trash doing in dinning room?"
"I would appreciate if you tune down the animosity a lot , brother."
Mr Justin says and am surprised to see he looks angry on my behalf.
Le sigh.
Mr Justice lifts a single eyebrow, he looks so intimidating.

"Am listening"
Mr Justin explains my situation, everything, I mean everything, my coming to Lagos, everything, he explains that I will be working as the new house keeper since it seems the other one left.
Am beyond embarrassed.
Miss julliet had tears in her eyes after listening to my story, but master justice is not impressed.
At All.
"So, let me get this straight, she is the new, house slave......sorry, maid?"
He asks and Mr Justin nods.
He picks up the carafe of coffee and pours some in a mug, he takes a sip of the black coffee and I almost die.
He is handsome, albeit a big bastard.
He see me watching him and he lifts a single eyebrow again.
He picks up the carafe and lifts his hands and leaves it, it shatters and black coffee spread everywhere.
"What the hell justice?"
That was miss julliet, Mr sage chuckles, Mr Justin sighs.
Master justice does not respond to them but he speaks to me.
"Go on girl, clean up this mess, this is a warning to you"
I just stare.
"You are the hired help and soon you will be gone, you do not bloody dine with us, you eat in the kitchen like a rat, you get it?"
He says this calmly and I am forced to nod.
He looks away and grabs a newspaper and starts reading, he does this like there isn't coffee spreading everywhere on the marble tile. Like he didn't cause it.
A-shole.
For episode visit www.dapalace.com

�Protected �
Episode 7

MAGIC.
I feel tears rush down my face, ugh, I can't believe am crying over some silly words a stupid human being said.
Ugh.
He is an ... An...an...
A-HOLE!

There I said, I don't curse but this warrants for cussing. I rush to the room Mr Justin said is mine and get changed quickly into my blood stained clothes.
Am leaving.
I get my purse and I match to the door, I fling it open and come face to face with Mr Justin.
"Ha, there you are, I was about to, ....are you ok?"
I match pass him, I have stopped crying but that does notean I won't leave this house.
I walk downstairs and toward a door that looks like it might lead outside.
" Hey, magic where are you going?"
I don't answer, it's not in my character to be rude but right now am as pissed off as Medusa's snakes.
I open the door with my all my strength, gosh it's heavy.
"That's the laundry room, little one"
Oh heavens, am so embarrassed.
I don't let it deter me though, I match pass him and I pass a dinning room, I enter and I finally I see a door leadt out.

Am held back.
I turn, Justin is holding my hand and looking at me imploringly.
"What happened little one?"
I break down, and cry, he hugs me to his chest.
"Shh, it's alright"
I can't believe am crying like a baby, where's Emilia? Where has she gone to? Emilia never cries, never.
"Tell me what happened?"
I explain and he tenses.
"Am so sorry that happened to you little one"
He says this while stroking my hair, that feels good, too good, I take a deep breath and his scent feels my nose.
I like this man, I blush, he is my saviour.
I go to take another breath but a clearing of throat pulls me away from him and I look over his shoulder.
I see a man and a woman eating, or it seems they were.
The woman is currently sitting on the man's lap.
The man is glaring at both Mr Justin and I .
I guess we interrupted something.
Opps.
"Magic, meet my sister, julliet, and her fiance, Sage"
"Good morning ma, sir"
She looks at me from my head to my toe and I get a feeling she is not pleased to see me in Mr Justin's arms.
God I hope she is not like the man upstairs.
She glances away from me and turn her attention to Mr Justin, she just dismissed me. Witch.
"Who is this J?"
I can see the man called Sage stroking her back and I see him perusing me also from head to toe, but this time there is no emotion in his eyes, he is looking at me the way he will look a ceiling fan.
Jesus, are all rich people like this, well my Justin isn't.
I blush at my thought.
"This sister kin is magic, she is a stray."
I might not have gone to the university but I know what stray mean, that hurt.
My hurt disperse when I see him wink at me, he was just joking.
"Where did you get her from?"
I am tired of being talked about like I wasn't there.
"Her--is standing right here, you know".
I almost slap my mouth, this is a wrong time to be mouthing off.
I panic at what she will do, but she smiles and stands up from Mr Sage's body and walks to me.
"I like her Justin, she doesn't scare easily"
I am shocked

. What?
"Hi, am julliet, that's my soon to be husband Sage"
She says this while putting her hand out for a shake, I glance at Mr sage and I see him watching me with still no emotions.
I guess that's how he treats everybody, I instantly feel better, they are not snobs, Amen..
I shake her hand.
"My name is magic"
"Beautiful name".
she pulls me into a hug.
"Go on, you can tell me all your secrets, you can cry, am here for you"
Am shocked, I glance at Mr Justin for guidance and he winks.
I don't know what to say, I needn't have bothered because my stomach growls.
Ugh, embarrass me much?
"Ha, you must be hungry, come let's eat"
The woman julliet leads me to the dinning table, I can see some rice, I want.
My stomach growls, I blush.
"You can't eat the rice chit, my little bird is everything but a cook, have some toast and coffee"
I glance at Mr sage at his words, he speaks?
He must have seen the question on my face because he winks.
Holy God, all the men in this house are handsome, even the bastard upstairs.
I get some toast, no a lot of toast, I spread some jam and I devour.
I haven't had anything to eat since the day before yesterday.
When I become full I slow down and I glance up to see them watching me, i blush.
"It's ok magic, we all get hungry sometimes"
I smile and sip some coffee, oh it's so sweet, bittersweet, like a walnut.
It turns sore in my stomach when I hear his voice and words.
"So tell me brother, where did you get this animal from?"
"Justice!...."
This comes from julliet, The man upstairs, his name is justice, it suits him, his eyes are so black and painfilled.
What happened to him?
"Good morning July"
Am shocked because he says that so softly, and I know he loves this woman called julliet.
He fist bumps Mr Sage and he takes his seat at the head of the table.
Am compelled to call him master.
"So Justin, still waiting, what is that gutter trash doing in dinning room?"
"I would appreciate if you tune down the animosity a lot , brother."
Mr Justin says and am surprised to see he looks angry on my behalf.
Le sigh.
Mr Justice lifts a single eyebrow, he looks so intimidating.

"Am listening"
Mr Justin explains my situation, everything, I mean everything, my coming to Lagos, everything, he explains that I will be working as the new house keeper since it seems the other one left.
Am beyond embarrassed.
Miss julliet had tears in her eyes after listening to my story, but master justice is not impressed.
At All.
"So, let me get this straight, she is the new, house slave......sorry, maid?"
He asks and Mr Justin nods.
He picks up the carafe of coffee and pours some in a mug, he takes a sip of the black coffee and I almost die.
He is handsome, albeit a big bastard.
He see me watching him and he lifts a single eyebrow again.
He picks up the carafe and lifts his hands and leaves it, it shatters and black coffee spread everywhere.
"What the hell justice?"
That was miss julliet, Mr sage chuckles, Mr Justin sighs.
Master justice does not respond to them but he speaks to me.
"Go on girl, clean up this mess, this is a warning to you"
I just stare.
"You are the hired help and soon you will be gone, you do not bloody dine with us, you eat in the kitchen like a rat, you get it?"
He says this calmly and I am forced to nod.
He looks away and grabs a newspaper and starts reading, he does this like there isn't coffee spreading everywhere on the marble tile. Like he didn't cause it.
A-shole.

�Protected�
Episode 8

MAGIC.
It's been five days since I got to this house, I found out that that there is a system to how. N things work, I have gotten used to it.
After feeling sorry for myself that I have had no contact with kelechi because of my phone, I got myself together.
After one failed breakfast, forgetting to wake up early, and almost burning the kitchen because i don't know how to use the gas, i think I have gotten the hang of it.
I met miss julliet's son, Alec, he is cute as can be, am sorry cool, he is cool.
Am currently cleaning the kitchen, this place is spotless, I don't even know why they need an house keeper.
I stand when I hear the door open, its Alec.
"Yo, magic, watcha doing"
I found out that Alec and his mother just came from the states not too long ago.
I love the way he speaks, his accent is like an oyibo man own.
"Alec, as you can see i was cleaning."
He nods.
"what can I do for you?"
"I want cookies, some of my friends will be coming over, I want chocolate chip cookies"
Okay.......
"What are cookies.?"
He looks at me like??
"Are you joking?"
I shake my head no, way to go magic, show the boy you are as dumb as they come.
"Magic, cookies are like the best thing ever"
I nod.
"But what is it exactly"
He shakes his head.
"Wait here"
He leaves, I countinue with my cleaning, in a while he returns.
He has a phone with him, Jesus the phone is so flat, and it has an Apple on the back.
I want one.
"Here see, read this, this is a cookie, and how to make one"..
I read the screen and I see a cookie is an American version of biscuit, it's a lot bigger.
I nod.
I can bake, but not very well, I can try to replicate what i see.
I get the needed ingredients and I begin with Alec standing beside me.
As I knead the Dough I feel at peace, I begin to analyse how far I have come in the previous days.
I ran away from home, I witness a murder, am more or less in withness protection right now.
I know I have nothing to be happy about but at least I am alive.
I haven't been sold to any person now .
Even though living in this house is not ideal, at least I have a roof, a job, some money and food.
I can ask for nothing better.
If I can just get kelechi's number, everything will be perfect in my world.
I and Alec cut the dough into different shapes and sizes, I catch him eating it sometimes but I don't say anything, just warn him that he should be careful of stomach ache.
He smiles, I do too.
"Magic, you have flour on your nose"
"I do?, Am just going to clean it ok....."
I stop talking when the door opens, I glance up and my stomach tightens when justice enters.
What now? Cue Rihanna's voice.
"What are you doing"?
"Am sure it's obvious....."
I close my mouth when his face darkens.
"Yo, uncle justice".
"Yo, Alec."
He looks away from me to Alec and back.
"Come".
He exits and I follow after throwing a wink at Alec.
I walk upstairs and enter his room, he is standing by his bed shirtless.
I gulp. Uhh?
He looks up and I believe the word I would use to describe him is smoldering.
"These are some of my sleeves, I want them back before tomorrow"
I finally notice the pile of clothes at his feet.
I nod, I can do that.
"They are dry clean only, am sure you can manage to get this done right?"
I nod. No need to insult me.
He walks to his bathroom, dismissing me.
I grab the pile of clothes, they are not even dirty.
I walk to the laundry room and I see a big washing machine.
How do I use this stuff?
"Whatcha doing?"
I turn to see Alec enter.
"Am trying to figure out how to use this stuff"
"Cool, I think you just have to press this button."
He presses it and the machine whirs, wow, magic.
I put all the clothes, white, black, gray, blue and all, I add some detergent and bleach and water and I close it.
"I think we have to time it"
I nod and we time it for 30 minutes, we go to the kitchen and the cookies has risen, we place it in the oven and we wait.
15 minutes later when the timer goes off, I bring out the cookies, we leave it to cool before putting it in a jar.
I take a bite of one and , hmm, yummy.
Alec takes one and I remember I have clothes in the machine, I look at the time, it's been one hour.
Sweet jesu.
I run to the laundry room, Alec at my feet, i open the machine and i bring out the sleeves.
O my God.
This is not right.
There are no longer whites in the soaking pile.
They are either black or shades of Gray.
O my God.
"I think we shouldn't have added that bleach"
I nod my head.
Am dead, justice will kill me.
What do I do?

Protected
By Bebe Ernest
Episode 9

MAGIC.

I am pacing my room, what do I do? Father Lord, am finished.
I can see it, master justice will ask me to pack up and leave.
Where will I go? Oh Lord.
I look at the time, it's past 7 in the evening, he should be back now and he will be expecting his clothes .

Oh God, this is a typical example of my village old women pursuit me, again what do I do?.
Ok.
I have to get things in perspective.
I have to tell him, I have to apologise.
I glance at the pile of clothes again and I almost loose my wits.
I ironed them after trying to wash them by hand again, I rhino I mad it worse.
Sweet Lord.
Am so stupid, I mean who adds bleach to coloured?
Me apparently.
I grab the perfectly ironed clothes and match to hi room before I loose my mind.
I knock, no answer, I put my ear on the door and listen.
I can hear soft rock music, he is inside, but he can't hear me because if the music.
I send a silent prayer to God, please let there not be any woman in there with him.

My death will be definite then.
I open the door slowly, I don't see him, I open it more widely and I see him.
He walking out on the running thing.
I think it's called a treadmill.
I stand at the side for a while, i
expect him to notice Me but he doesn't.
Seems I'm have to suffer for this.
I call out, he doesn't seem to hear.
I walk to the music player and press a button, the music goes up, oh no.
I press another button and it increases.
Bt this time he has stopped and is watching me like an irritating bug.
I smile at him nervously and countinue pressing buttons.
How many does this thing even have.
This is not helping my case, my village people o.
He walks to me and holds my wrist as I go to press another button, he switches the music off and turns to me.
He glances at pile of clothes I am holding and lifts his eye brow.
I yank on the wrist he is still holding and he let's go.
"Am sure you have an explanation for you being in my room without I calling you in".
I nod, he walks to the treadmill and gets his water, he takes a swig and cleans his face with a white towel.
"Am listening girl"
I kneel, I have no other option.
He turns and his trademark single eyebrow goes up.
"As much as I like my women in this position, you are not my woman, and I see no reason why you should be in that position."
I notice he doesn't tell me to stand up.
Bastard.
"I ruined your clothes, am so sorry"
His eyes hoes to the clothes and comes back to me.
"Do you know how much they cost?"
"I don't sir and I promise to pay".
"Oh you do? " He asks.
I nod.
"They are custom made, direct from the maker, one cost a hundred grand, and I reckon you ruined 8, do you have 800 grand lying around, girl?"
He says the girl likes it's a curse.
And hold on, what happened to people getting there clothes at bend down select.
If it wasn't that miss julliet gave me some clothes I had lanned to go buy some at a used clothes store.
I Definitely don't have 800 thousand lying around.
I tell him this.
"I thought so"
He peruses me for a while, he is standing over me, am still kneeling.
"Get up"
I wince, am sure he is going to hit me.
He walks to his desk and seats, he gestures to a chair and tells me to take my seat.
Am surprised.
I seat down and he speaks.
"Tell me about you"
Wow, this is a surprise.
"What do you want to know sir"
"How old are you?"
"Am 19, my birthday is December 21st".
He nods.
"That means you are almost 20 in four months time?"
I nod.
"My birthday is December 21 too"
I smile, wow.
He asks some series of question, some I want to do, my dreams, even if I have a boyfriend.
I blush when he asks that and I tell him no.
I tell him everything, as in everything, about kelechi, about my dreams of wanting to be a fashion designer, how I want to go back to school, when am done he nods.
I glance at the clock on his table and I see we've been talking for over 30 mins.
"I have friends coming over in an hour, I want you to prepare some appetizers, just fruits or something"
I nod.
"Make sure there is an abundance of whiskey and cognac and a little bit of wine ok?"
I nod.
"Crushed ice too."
I think I can do this.
I nod.
"You can leave now"
I stand up but hesitate, he raises an eyebrow.
"What do I do about the clothes sir?"
He waves an hand.
"Throw them away, use them as nightclothes, I don't care"
I nod, how rich is this guy that he can throw away 800 thousand worth of clothes?
I pick up the clothes and exit.
I think I and master justice are officially friends.
Yay.

***************************************
I think everything is going well, I have served him and his friends thier drinks and appetizers.
It's past 10 and there are no signs of this coming to an end.
Am standing on standby incase he wants to something else.
Am so sleepy.
Maybe it was the sleep that made me make a mistake.
But what I got I totally did not deserve.
He calls me in to the dinning and I see he has about 5 friends over, I greet and turn to him.
"You called sir?"
"You peon"
Am taken aback, i know what that means.
"Is there anything in that head of yours? Is there anything you can do right?"
"Sir....."
"You slowpoke, I told you to offer whiskey not whisky, what is wrong with you?"
I hear some of his friends swallow thier laughter and I feel tears rush to my eyes.
"I didn't.know...."
"You never do, do you? That's why you were almost killed....."
I gasp, the tears spilling out.
"Get out of my sight, I don't want to see you, fool."
I run upstairs, crying.
O God.
My chest.
I think its going to break.
I cry and cry and cry untill I finally fall asleep.
Tomorrow, Tomorrow

Protected
By Bebe Ernest
Episode 10

MAGIC.
It's morning, I don't come out of my room, I can't find the will to, am tired.
I glance at the clock it's past 6, I have to go prepare for Alec to go to school, it's a Monday morning.
I stand, as I pass my mirror, I stop and stare at my self, what exactly about me tells people am stupid.
Don't I look good enough?

I have long black hair, it's almost to my waist, I have silver eyes, a nice body, don't I deserve some respect?
I sigh and make my way out.
I go to the kitchen and make some coffee, I get Alec's backpack and food flask ready.
I make a stack of pancakes, I take them to the dinning with freshly squeezed juice and some maple syrup.
I set the table and I see Mr Justin enter.
"Good morning Magic"
I nod.
"You not going to join us? I noticed you haven't for a while now"
"Am fine sir"
He nods, miss julliet comes, i greet and exit to go get Alec's backpack.
As I enter I see Alec already sitting and Master justice entering.
I stiffen.
"Yo, magic, you not going to join us?"

I shake my head, my eyes on the ground.
"I will be in my room If anyone needs me"
As I exit I glance at master justice and I see him reading the news papers looking unconcerned.
I vaguely note that Mr Justin and miss julliet are watching me.

***************************************
JUSTIN.
I watch magic leave and I turn to my A-hole of a brother.
I don't normally concern my self with things like this because am a person who observes rather than talk but my brother is acting like a little bitch.
"What did you do?"
He just keeps reading, I pull the paper out of his hands, he slowly lifts his head.
"Keep her away from me Justin"
"What's your deal with her? You are an a-hole but never to this extent"
I hear julliet cough.
"Baby on board brother kin".
She points at Alec who is staring back and forth at I and justice.
"I am an a-hole we have made a fact out of that, then what makes you think that I would be kind to your little stray".
"Well maybe I thought you would at least have some human feelings"
He just rolls his eyes.
What happened to my brother when I was gone? He was always so free and out going, down to earth, always ready to help.
This greedy, snobbish man In front of me is person I don't know.
"What happened to you brother?"
Julliet leans forward, waiting for his answer.
He looks me in the eyes and says.
"The day you tell me where you go to every Saturday and Sundays, that is the day I will sit and talk about my feelings with you. "
He waits but I don't reply, that is one thing I can never talk about.
He seems to get that.
"That's what I thought, this is my house and I make the rules, you don't like it, leave".
He stands up calmly and leaves.
I sigh and lean back in my seat.
Well Hell.
★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★
MAGIC.
By two pm, am more than hungry but I can't just go downstairs.
Ugh, I hate this.
I turn again on my bed, am wearing one of justice's sleeves, I mean I can't let it go to waste can I?.
And also the man is so big, his sleeves almost get to my knees and the hand encompasses all of mine.
I hear a knock on my door.
I stand and walk to it, I open and see julliet standing there with another woman.
"Miss julliet, how may I help you?"
The woman with her speaks.
"You were right julliet, she is beautiful"
I blush, she is talking about me, that feels good.
I turn to miss julliet and I see her looking at my choice of wardrobe .
I blush again.
I open the door wider and they enter.
"Magic, meet Sandra Jacobs, she is the sister of my fiance"
I shake her hand, she is as beautiful as Mr sage is handsome.
"Magic is a very cool name, who are your parents?"
"I never knew them"
"Aww, that's shitty, I love mine, I can't imagine not knowing them."
I nod, even as I blush at her cuss word and she smiles,.
"We are going to the pool to do some manicure, you want to come?
Miss julliet asks and I know Master justice must have told them what happened for her to come try to cheer me up.
I shake my head no.
"There will be champagne and strawberries"
I shake my head again, Sandra pulls me.
"Actually you don't have an option, Justin told us to kidnap you"
I blush, feeling good, I see julliet grimace, she must suspect I have a crush on mr Justin.
They pull me down the hall, I am still wearing master justice's sleeve.
They pull me to the pool and we get comfy.
Sandra starts on my hand and starts filing.
"You have lovely fingers"
I thank her and she continues in silence, miss julliet plies me with chocolate and strawberries and champagne.
I love.
After a while miss julliet asks.
"So do you have a boyfriend?"
I don't respond but I lift my head when I feel both of them watching me.
"Are you talking to me?"

. They nod.
"Oh no, I don't"
Sandra nods.
"Do you?"
I feel compelled to ask Sandra.
"I am going to get married to Justin, he just doesn't know it yet."
I still, she is mr Justin's girlfriend, I feel julliet watching me.
I nod. "that's good"
"We are not dating yet, but we will"
I frown, i.dont understand.
"He will fall in love with me, just watch."
I laugh so hard, I like this woman, she knows what she wants.
Julliet joins me.
I mistakenly spill champagne on me and squeal.
"What? are you alergic to liquid?"
I nod.
"I hate cold water"
I say this while cleaning my body so I did not see them share a look.
I am so surprised when I am pulled and pushed into the pool.
My nail polish will be ruined but it was funny so I burst out laughing.
Am threading water and doing so.
I feel good.
I climb out, soaking wet and they are laughing at me.
I push Sandra in and I squeal as she splashes water at me.
"Stop!"
She doesn't, miss julliet is laughing untill I push her in.
I laugh so hard my eyes burn with tears.
Ha.
***************★★*****************
Justice.
I watch her, she is beautiful.
I look away again, am standing at my window, they can't see me .
I look again , I can't help myself, she is laughing.
I remember how she felt in my arms the other day, I like how she looks in my clothes, I remember her smell on my pillow.
I take a step forward, I stop and shake my head, I can't do this again.
I can't like someone again.
I turn away.
I walk out of my room and down the stairs to the kitchen, I turn the corner and bump into her. Magic.
She squeals, laughter in her voice.
It dies when she sees it's me.
I feel something, I don't like it so I lash out.
"Stay the hell away from me girl, are we clear?"
"Crystal clear sir".
I watch her walk away, head down, hurt, i dont care.
Or so I tell myself.
For more episode visit www.dapalace.com
***
tbv

I had a strong feeling that Justice was falling for Magic...that's why he was rude to her. I'm loving this story!!!

Protected
Episode 11 & 12

MAGIC.
It's been a week since miss julliet took me to the pool to have a manicure session, I haven't had that much fun in a long time.
I remember master justice's words to me the other time, they didn't hurt me, instead it made me realize how lonely he looked.
I stand in front of my mirror and think.
I tilt my head, why can't they see it? why can't his siblings see he is heartbroken?
Oh well, it's none of my business, I have to go prepare dinner now before all hell is let loose.
I wonder what I should cook, miss julliet gave me a menu but I feel like doing something different.
Am gonna prepare my famous pot roast, and I can match it with baby potatoes .
I start cooking and after a while when it seems that the food is about to be ready, I start setting the table.

I walk out of the kitchen with the first dish to see miss julliet and Mr Sage going at it.
Oh my.
I think he is trying to swallow her tongue.
I blush, I have never so much as being kissed so this level of making out makes me uncomfortable.
I exit and come back with another dish and they are still at it, Mr sage seems to be whispering something to her and she is smiling dreamily.
I feel a twinge of jealousy, I want that, I want someone to be so in love with me they don't notice when someone enters the room.
Alec and Mr Justin enter and I stand a little ways back in case they need something.
"Gross mom, I can't believe you were sucking face with sage, eww much? I am your child do you want to scar me for life?"
I almost giggle at Alec's words but his voice stops me. Justice's voice.
"My nephew is right sage, just because I give you permission to stay over does not mean I want to see you eat my sister for dinner".
He says this as he enters, and I nearly swallow my tongue.
He's wearing ripped jeans and a white polo, with bare feet, his hair looks wet.
I love his feet

. Le sigh.
I catch my self when I see what I am doing, no no no, we are not having girly feelings for the bastard, nope, nada, zilch.
I tune in to the conversation to hear Mr sage say..
"You wish you had to give me permission J, we all know I own you".
Justice laughs and am stunned speechless, he laughs?
He has a nice laugh, I sigh out loud.
All eye turn to me and I stand straight.
I can't believe I did that out loud, what is wrong with you magic?!
I back away a little but Mr Justin's voice stops me.
"Hey, little one, come join us"
I shake my head, no.
"It's alright sweets you can join us, justice won't mind".
That was miss julliet, I glance at justice and I see him filling his glasses with water.
I nod, I look around , the only seat available is next to master justice.
Well damn.
I take my seat tensely.
"I can see you prepared something different today"
I nod, waiting for master justice to comment after Mr Justin makes this observation, but he doesn't, I am surprised.
In the last few days he has found all opportunity to criticize me.
Salt was too much, coffee too thick, the sauce too light, even I was breathing too loudly.
He criticizes everything.
I serve my self and I take a bite, as I do I see that it really tastes good.
Alec is stuffing himself and he has oil on his chin.
I take some serviette and wipe his face, he smiles with his mouth full and I grin.
I turn back to my food .
"Am gonna be traveling the day after tomorrow magic"
I raise my head at miss julliet words and i tilt it in question, she countinues.
"Sage's parents will be coming from the Caymans in 5 days, he wants me to meet them"
I can see she is nervous about that so I smile.
"You will do fine, they will love you".
I say this and she smile.
"Well I will be with Alec, so you don't have to worry"
I say this but she shakes her head..
"A will be coming with me, I want them to meet him too."
Mr sage takes her hand and entwines it with his, I nod, it only makes sense.
"It's the weekend, I won't be at home too,"
Mr Justin says,
That's right, mr Justin never stays at home on the weekends.
Wait..
Does that mean I will be alone with master justice?
Am dead.
My life is dead ass over.
"I will be traveling too, no need to look so lost girl".
Master justice says and I relax, I instantly go tense again when I finally realize what will happen.
I will be left alone.
I hate been alone.
"Will you be okay alone magic?"
I nod and smile thinly, "I will be fine" I say.
I won't be fine.
I clench my fingers when I feel a tug of pain at my abdomen.
Just great, I have to go and have cramps when everyone won't be at home.
That would make it more lonely.
My life.
*******************
Justice.
I shake my head as I lie on my bed, she is such a bad liar, magic.
I could see clearly that she is not ok being left alone.
I shake my head again as I drift off.

*****************
Justice.
I make my way to the airport gate, I am so damn late, my flight is leaving soon.
I won't be late if the girl called magic had remembered to iron my gray sleeve. Dunce.
I make my way to the gate but remember I left my briefcase, I turn, oh shit.
I hate rushing for anything.
My PA decided to fall sick this morning, I won't fault her, she is pregnant.
I had to do everything by my self.
Sage came to pick julliet up this morning, she would have helped.
An impromptu flight to Cameron is not how I planned this trip.
I grab my briefcase and close the door, I turn looking at my wristwatch, 15 minutes more, mercy.
I bump into someone and I lift my head.
Oh eff no.
"Well hello there darlin'"
She purrs and I feel myself getting sick.
"Selene".
"Well hello sugar, fancy meeting you here"
"Am in a hurry Selene, I don't have time for this"
She pouts and frowns, once upon a time that would have made me move the Earth to please her but now it just makes me sick.
I feel bile rise to my chest and I clutch my briefcase, she is touching my chest,.my elbow, I don't like that, I step away, she steps forward.
"Didn't you miss me?".
"I have yo go selene"
I walk past her and she calls after me.
"Call me sometime so that we can catch up"
That wasn't going to happen, the bitch.
I feel my temperature get high and I think, oh hell.
I don't need this today, this meeting is important.
I wish I can tell that to my rapidly growing pulse.
Just like Selene, always there to turn my life upsideTomorrow

MAGIC.
Oh my God, I feel like dying, my stomach hurts, I haven't even started my flow and my stomach hurts like hell.
I roll on the ground of my room, the thought of going out to buy sanitary pads is a very daunting task I don't want to perform.
I roll over on the ground again, oh sweet Lord, when will this end?

I close my eyes for a while, I open them when I hear a car drive into the driveway.
Oh Lord, hope a visitor is not coming to see the Maxwells today,
what are those gate men doing, letting someone in when they very well know nobody is around?
Am just gonna stay here until the person leaves.
I drift off but as I hear a door bang I open my eyes.
That sounded like master justice's room, he leaves on the opposite hallway from mine so I have gotten used to the creaks and groans of the door.
I groan, did he forget something?
I wait for a while, waiting for him to leave but I drift off again, the pain was too much.
About an hour later I open my eyes and I see that it's almost sunset, I don't think master justice left.
I walk downstairs to prepare something for it, my stomach is still giving me problems, I still have to go get sanitary pads, ugh.
I make a little bit of spicy rice cakes and I place it on the dinning.

I wait for a while, leaning against the wall, he doesn't show up, I ring the bell to signify that food is ready.
I wait for a while, he still doesn't show up.
Is he even around?
Does he want me to bring it upstairs?
I place the food in a tray and walk upstairs, I knock, no response.
I balance the food on one hand and open the door with the other, I see his figure on the bed, so he did hear me.
Bastard.
I place the food on his desk and I turn to leave.
I stop, I turn around.
He is lying deathly still.
Wait, is he still wearing his loafers?
I am going to regret this, I just know it.
I walk slowly to the bed, I see him sleeping but there's a fine sheen of sweat on his forehead.
He seems to be having a restless sleep based on the way his eyes are moving under his eyelid.
I go to the foot of the bed and kneel, I take one of his legs and gently pull his shoes off, I pull his other one off and I start in on his socks,as I do so I notice that his feets are cold
He has nice feets but they are ice cold, he has been wearing shoes it Should have been warm.
I stand and walk to the head of the bed, he is clutching his pillows and murmuring .
I place my hand on his head and hot damn.
I can totally boil yam on it.
I pull the bedsheets away and I see he is fully dressed, I pull off his jacket and unbutton his sleeves, he rolls away.

No no.
"Hey big guy, you have to let me UnCloth you, promise it will make you feel better"
He seems to hear because he rolls back and stays still.
I take off his shirt, that thing was hard, I stand and glance at the clock, it's past 8.
I go to his bathroom and get some water and a towel, I walk back but stop abruptly when a twinge of pain goes through me.
Ha, my stomach.
I go to the bed after powering through the pain and I begin to Pat him down with the cold towel.
He pulls away, oh no.
"You have to stay still sir, it only walks that way"
He throws the towel across the room.
I become angry.
"Justice!, So help me God, if you do not stay still so I can try to reduce your fever, I will tie you to this bed.....". I can feel tears trying to push through.
"Am in pain, please work with me here". I sniff.
He groans,

. "No tears....." He says softly.
"If you don't want me to cry, stay still,"
I say just as softly and he nods slowly.
I get the towel and I start again.
I try to reduce his fever as much as I can.
When am done , i glance at the clock, it's past 10, my stomach still hurt like hell.
I stand up and go to leave, he holds my hand and I turn.
He says a word. " Stay...."
I sit back down.
"Am not going anywhere, I just want to make some rice porridge so you can take some flu medicine"
He let's go and I exit the room, when am.done with the porridge it's almost 11:30, am so tired.
I go back and he is mumbling, about Selene and a some other things.
I wake him and he opens his eyes slowly and turns to me.
"You have to eat this so you can take some drugs"
"Not... hungry.."
"Please? Just a bite?"
He sits up a little and I know I won.
I spoon feed him a little and he gets in some porridge, he looks so pale, and fragile, so different from the justice I know.
What Happened?
I make him take some drugs and he lies back.
I stand with the tray to leave.
"Please, don't go, stay, for just tonight"
Am shocked, he says please?
Am tempted to tell him no but I don't.
I just drop the tray on the ground and walk back to the bed.
He makes space for me by shifting, well guess he wants me on the bed.
I tie my hair and I gently sit on the bed and I lie.
The moment I do he pulls closer and rests his head on my stomach.
Well.....
I place my hand on his hair and begin to stroke, he instantly relaxes.
Well this is different.
I feel his breathing go soft and I know he is asleep.
I don't think I will be able to sleep.
My body betrays me as I fall into a deep and calm sleep.
It was so deep that I didn't feel him raise his head, I didn't feel him pull the covers around us, I didn't feel him kiss my head softly.
I was sleeping, I didn't know.
Tomorrow, Tomorrow.

For more episode visit dapalace.com

Protected
By Bebe Ernest
Episode 13 & 14
***
Sorry for late update guys.
***

JUSTICE.
I watch her sleep, she whimpers and smile in her sleep, so adorable, she rolls over into my chest and her hair falls into her face.
I brush it out of the way and her she moans, her hand goes to her stomach, she whimpers, i frown, what's wrong?
I watch her for a while as she sleeps,


I think about what happened yesterday, after seeing Selene, I became sick, I could not travel under that condition.
Seeing Selene always gets me like that, I mean I loved the girl for the better part of 5 years.
I feel bile rise to my throat again at what she took from me, the bitch.
I feel my self getting worked up, so I rest back on the bed, it won't do me good to be sick again.
when she wakes, I instantly know, I close my eyes to see what she will do.
She sits up a little and pulls away, she goes to stand but I pull her back, she squeals and turns as she falls on the bed.
"Good morning"
I say and she winces, what? Was I that bad to her?
"Good morning sir"
I frown.
"Drop the sir thing, my name's justice."
Surprise flashes through her eyes , just as it does pain follows.


"What's wrong?"
She shakes her head. "nothing"
"Don't lie to me, itty bitty, what's wrong"
She blushes and hides her face with her hair.
"I have cramps and my stomach is hurting me"
She says it in a rush, that it takes some seconds to understand.

I wince, I know what a pain that could be, I always took care of julliet when she got her period.
"Lie back, give me some minutes."
She does so while looking at Me like she is waiting for me to pounce on her, ok maybe I was really bad to her.
I stand from the bed and I feel an headache Lance through my skull, I guess am not as ok as I thought.
I exit the room and walk downstairs to the kitchen, coughing all the way, I hate having the flu.
I open the fridge and I see some ben & Jerry's ice cream.
Rocky road, that's julliet's favorite, i dont know if she is one of those girls who feel better after they eat sugar, or if sugar makes her cramp more painful.
As I grab this and some spoons I walk upstairs and a thought occurs to me.
She has never gone shopping, does she have sanitary pads?
I enter my room and I see her trying to make her escape.
"Thought I told you to stay on the bed, itty bitty?"
She turns guilty eyes to me and climbs back on the bed.
I climb in too, her eyes light up when she sees the ice cream, well I guess she is one of those girls that feels good after taking sugar.
I open the tub of ice cream and I hand her a spoon.
She takes a big bite and I feel it safe to ask.
"Do you have pads?".
I should not have asked, I see that now, She starts choking on her ice cream and spew some everywhere.
Blood flows to her cheek in a severe blush as she cleans her mouth, I think she is shy.
She looks away.
"Well do you?"
She shakes her head no, I thought so.
"I was going to get yesterday, but..."
"You had to take care of me, has it started, I mean...."
I nod my head to the vicinity of her abdomen and she blushes again while shaking her head no.
I lean over her and grab my cellphone, I scroll through my numbers and I see her looking lost while eating her ice cream, I grab the remote for the big plasma in my room and I tune it to a telenovela.
She immediately starts watching, girls and this shit.
I dial my PA's number.

"Good morning boss man"
Only Lydia can get away with talking to me like that, well seeing as she is 10 years older than me and I am a God father to both of her kids, I think she deserves some slack.
"I need some pads lyddie"
I see magic glance at me.
I hear silence over the phone.
"Lydia?, Did you hear me?"

"Hear you loud and clear boss man, but am thinking if you need some pad for writing or the girly kind?"
I like lyddie, I do, she is badass at her job and she takes shit from no body, but right now she is getting on my last nerve.
"Lydia, get some tampons, pads, tissue, anything, I want it in my house in an hour"
I glance at magic when she tugs at my shirt.
"Can she please get the Always brand? and some pain relieve drug?"
I hear Lydia take in a deep breath on the other end of the phone.
"Boss man?...…you have a woman with you? On a Saturday morning?"
I raise an eyebrow, what's that supposed to mean?
"Lydia, just get the shit here, I know you heard her request".
I disconnect, I know Lydia will either be here or she will send a delivery guy, she is competent like that.
And also I pay her a ton of money for her to be at my beck and call even on weekends.

(Let me just say, arrogant much?-bebe)
I turn to magic and she is watching her show while eating her ice cream, I pull her into Me as I settle back on the headboard, she stiffens but after a while relaxes.
I take my spoon and eat a bite of the feté, I grimace, how do girls stomach this shit?

She looks at my expression and giggles.
Ha, glad my plight looks funny to her.
After a while I feel rather than see her gather herself, as if she has something to say.
"What is it bitty?"
"What happened last night"
I tense, I don't like talking about my weakness
. Selene.
"It's ok if you don't want to talk about it"

"I saw Selene on my way to the airport"
"Your girlfriend?"
I stiffen.
"That b**ch is not my girlfriend"
"Ok....."
I sigh.
"Selene is my ex, when my sister julliet traveled to the states, I started dating her, I thought she was good, kind, wife material even"
She nods, I go on.
"I was wrong, i was so wrong"
"What did she do?"
I take a bite of the ice cream, I need something Cold to clear the storm in my stomach.
"I found out she took money from my father"
She nods again.
"You see during that time, she told me she was pregnant, I was overjoyed, we were going to keep the baby, get married, but I had a crisis in my company at that time, I was just so busy, it looked like I might loose my company"
I feel her stiffen, she leans and place the tub of ice cream on the night stand, she turns her full attention to me.
"I think she thought I would loose the company too, I don't know why she did it, her parents are very wealthy"
I feel pain run through me as I remember the day, the way I ran from the airport when I got the news from Lydia that Selene just left my father's office and she seemed to be on her way to the hospital, and not for a check up.
Magic grabs my hand and I feel the pain fall back.
"Long story short, she took money from my dad, decided I wasn't worth it, decided my baby wasn't worth it so she aborted my seed."
Tears fills Magic's eyes , she climbs into my lap and gives me a big hug.
"I wanted that Baby with everything I had, she killed my child."
I feel her tears soak my shirt and I wonder, who is this girl that is crying for a child that is not hers?
Hurting for a man that was cruel to her.
"I channeled my anger into my company, a company my dad refused to help me salvage because it was left to me by my mother"
She shakes with great sobs.
"I am successful, I am great, I have everything now, any child of mine will never know suffer"
I stroke her head as she cries, I feel free, light even, I feel ok now that I have told someone about my Amelia, my baby girl.
Who is this girl?
This girl that gives of herself without wanting anything in return?
Who is this girl that has woken emotions inside me that I tried to ignore?

***
MAGIC.
We spend all of Saturday and Sunday in bed, only getting up to bath, eat or use the toilet.
We talked about everything and nothing.
How I want to go to school, my fashion designing dream, everything, he says he will look up some schools for me.
I didnt really hold that to mind, because it was at the same time
His PA brought my stuff, I wanted to go get it but he stopped me, saying something about gossipping and nosy ass people.
It's Monday, I have to wake up now, reality has set in, I wake up early and exit the bed, before I leave he holds me back.
"Where are you going?"
He mumbled.
"I have to go and get ready for miss julliet and Mr Justin's arrival"
"Miss and Mr, so cute..."
He says this sleepily and he turns letting me go.
I exit the room and just in time, because Alec bounds in as i step into the hallway.
"Magic!"
"Hey, Alec, how was your trip?"
"It was awesome!"
I nod as he passes me.
I enter my room and quickly take my bath and I go down stairs.
As I prepare breakfast I think about what justice told me.
I can't believe some women can be that despicable, throwing away your baby for money.
I feel anger on Justice's behalf, I mean who does that.
I feel my self getting worked up so I make an effort to relax.
Well it was shot to hell when justice enters the kitchen.
"Good morning"
I greet, he nods, looks like we are back to master - slave interaction.
I sigh.
I turn to the toaster and in pull out a loaf of bread.
I turn to see him standing right behind me.
I squeak.
He kisses my temple, am stunned motionless, what?
I turn to him.
"Did you hear me itty bitty?"
I shake my head no.
"I can't have breakfast, I have work at the office, I have to go, just came in to tell you"
He came in to tell me
Since when?
I nod, his other words get through to me so i tug on his shirt, he turns to me.
"You were sick, can't you take today off?"
He shakes his head and strokes my hair out of the way.
"Can't baby, but will be back early"..
Baby, I feel tingles run through me.
Oh boy.
I nod and he grabs a greasy bacon with a serviette and exits.
Jesus, Mary and Joseph.
I set the table and I see everyone is present except Mr Justin and master justice, of course.
I ask about Mr Justin and miss julliet says he isnt back yet from where ever he went.
I nod.
"So how was your trip?"
I ask and julliet turns to me away from Mr sage.
There's something about their relationship now, it seems deeper in a way.
"It was awesome, Sage's mother got me this bracelet".
She holds out her hand and I admire.
"It looks good"
She beams, I turn to Alec and I wipe grease off his face.
He beams.
"So how was your weekend? I heard justice was around,"
I choke on my juice, did he say something? Is she angry?
I nod.
"My weekend was fine, it was ok"
I don't look at her but I feel her looking at me speculatively, I hear Mr sage say .
"Jackpot"
What does that mean?

********************
MAGIC.
It's the afternoon, am trying to mow the lawn, so I don't hear Mr Justin calls over the sound.
I squeal when someone taps me.
I jump a little.
"Calm down little one, it's just me"
I clutch at my chest as I bend to off the mower.
"Good afternoon sir, you are back"
"Yes Magic, I am, I have some good news"
I dust my hand and wait for the news.
"We found your bag and everything seems to be intact"
I squeal .
"Where is it?"
He points to in the direction of the house and I take off running, I hear him following me.
When I enter, i see julliet poking at to the bag with her feet and looking suspiciously at it.
I almost laugh, I guess it does look out of place in the granduer of this house.
"Is this yours?"
She asks, I nod as I kneel and open it looking for something specifically.
I squeal as I see the phone kelechi gave me.
I turn around and I throw myself at Justin.
I kiss his cheek as he spins me around.
"Thank you, oh thank you so much"
I laugh, when he stops spinning me I see justice standing at the door way looking indifferent.
Oh shot.

***************************************
Justice.
All day at work, I could not function, I thought of her, magic.
Lydia came in and tried to make me talk but I just told her to stay out of my buisness.
She let's off.
I glance at the clock and I see its past two.
Might as well close up shop, am not getting anything done as I sit down here mooning over a girl like a puppy.
I exit my office with my briefcase and I about heard Lydia's mouth hit the floor in surprise.
"Boss man you are going home?"
"Seems so, forward all calls to my private phone"
I walk towards the door, I stop at her words.
"Who ever she is boss man, keep her, she is good this time I can tell,"
I don't respond just exit..
On my way home I pass a mall and i pull into their parking lot.
I exit and walk inside.
I go to the confectioneries aisle and I get some Rocky road ice cream, seems she liked it on Saturday, I get some Hershey's kisses chocolate and a some milky way chocolate.
As I walk to the cashier I pass a phone aisle.
I peruse the various brands and I settle on an iPhone, I get it and make my way to the cashier.
She needs a phone, I get it .
I pay and I exit.
I drive home.
I feel good about this.
Imagine my surprise when I got to my house and I see my stupid brother who has a death wish by the way, spinning her around.
And the woman seems to be kissing him right back.
What the ever loving hell?
I know she had a little bit of a crush on my brother, it was obvious, I expected nothing less seeing that he saved her.
But I thought julliet put her on the right track.
Justin is Sandra's.
She sees me and she stop, taking a step away from Justin.
Good at least subconsciously she knows I don't like that shit.
"Good afternoon Justy"
I kiss julliet on the head as she makes her way to me.
"What do you have there? Are they for me?"
I shake my head no, I walk to magic and I hand the bag to her.
I walk out of the room and into the Hallway.
Am pissed.
As I leave I hear julliet ask.
"So what the hell really happened during the weekend?"

For more stories visit www.dapalace.com

Tbc

Protected
By Bebe Ernest
Episode 15 & 16

JUSTICE.
When I know enough time has passed for everyone to be in bed, I make my way to Magic's room.
I knock and I get no response, I open the door and enter and she is sitting on the bed watching me.
I climb on the bed and position my self, my back resting on the headboard and my legs crossed.
I look closely at her and I see her holding the phone case and another small broken phone.

"What's that?"
I ask with a nod towards her hand.
"I thought.... I thought you were angry at me?"
She says and I almost smile.
"Anger is a strong word"
"What are you then?"
I decide to ignore her question, I pull the phone casing from her hand and I open the wrap.
The brand new sleek iPhone falls out, she gasps.
I look at her with my eyebrows raised.
"Don't tell me you've never seen a phone"
She blushes.
"I have but not one this beautiful"
She says this while raising the piece of junk with a rubber band around it lookalike of a phone.
I nod.
I lean over her and plug the phone in on the wall socket.

"Is there any one you want to call?"
She nods...
"Your best friend?"
She nods again.
"Why haven't you done so?".
I ask while nodding at the thingy in her hand.
"I think its dead for ever, it won't turn on and I don't have the charger".
I nod.
"No worries then, when that one powers on you can call your friend"
"But I don't have her number in my head"
"Let's up it come up when you switch Sims."
I reach over her and get her new phone, I hear her pull in a breath when our chests brush, I almost smile.
I switch Sims of both phone and I power on the phone, she squeals a little.
After a while I go through the contact list.
"So?! Is the number in there?"
She asks excitedly, I shake my head and she deflates.
"Tomorrow, we will take your other to the mall tomorrow to try and get it to power on, ok? Then we can get your contacts from it."
She nods .
I go on to show her the things her new phone can do and soon she is smiling.
We open a Facebook account, an instant messenger, WhatsApp and even an Instagram account, she followed all the top fashion designers.
She knew them all and can even spell.
Not that I don't think she can spell, just that am surprised she is that good at it.
I have to really find out about a university for her.
I turn to her when she tugs on the hem my shirt, I like that shit.
"Can I ask you a question?"
"Depends, what do I get from answering?"
She frowns confused.
"Go on, ask away"
She takes a deep breath and I brace myself, this will not be a good question.
"Why didn't you ever arrest Selene?, I mean, isn't abortion illegal in our country?"
I nod.
"Her parents are very influential and good people, at that time I was going to but to what end? They will just get her out and am sure they will saddle me with a name, a name my company didn't need at that time.
So I locked up, and besides, her parents are like one of the major share holders in my company, good people, a relationship ruined like that because of their greedy, selfish daughter would have been irreparable and again , major shareholders"
She nods.
"But that doesn't mean I won't pay her back in her own coin itty bitty, she won't see it coming"
She nods and i get that she totally got me.
"She will deserve what ever comes to her"
I nod.
"Of that you are right magic"
She narrows her eyes.
"What?"
"You just said my name, for the first time"
I smirk, well well well.
Someone is observant.
"You like me saying your name baby?"
She blushes.
"Well I don't hate it"
Ha sneaky.
I pull her face to mine.
"Will you not hate it if I kiss right now?"
Her eyes widen and I see something in there.
What?
No way.
Nah.
But.....?
"Have you ever been kissed?"
She blushes and refuses to meet my eyes by playing with her phone
"Eyes on me magic"
She slowly raises her eyes.
"Have you ever been kissed?"
She shakes her head no and I almost weep.
So effing innocent.
I pull her gently to me and she comes willingly.
"Am going to kiss you now, break the kiss when ever you want itty bitty"
Her eye widen, I don't let her say anything because I kiss her.
At first she is motionless, I nibble on her lip and she opens for me.
Good girl.
After a while she seems to get the hang of it because she kisses me back like a pro.
I break the kiss.
Well what do we have here.
She turns glazed eyes to me and stares at my lips.
"Again?"
I ask and she nods.
I kiss her again, this time harder and much more longer, I break the kiss and whisper in her ear.
"You taste so much better than anything or anyone I have or will ever have"
She goes still in my arms and I frown.
"What's wrong?"
"Please leave my room."
The eff?
"You said what Magic?"
"Leave my room"
I stand from the bed and I pace a little.
I turn to her, pissed.
"Is this what you do? You lure guys in by being sweet and when you have them grasps you tighten the noose?"
Hurt flashes in her eyes, but am too far gone to care.
"Was that even true? Was that even your first kiss? Or you made that up to make you look innocent?"
She kneels up in the bed and points to her door.
"Get out!"
"You don't have to say that twice bitty, am going".
I exit and i slam the door as hard as I can.
Whatever.
They are all the same.
I enter my room and I fall on my bed.
I think about what happened, I go over my words and.....
"Oh shit"
I understand now why she is angry,
'better than the one I will ever have?'
Who says that?
So tactless, justice, you slowpoke.
I sigh as I rub my palms on my face.
And the harsh things I said, and after the girl gave me her first kiss nonetheless.
Ha, justice.
I go to stand but stop.
Tomorrow, Tomorrow.

MAGIC
"Hey, magic? Can you hear me?"
I turn to Alec, I must have zoned out again.
"Am sorry Alec, am a little tired"
He nods.
It's the next morning after the theatrics last night.
How could someone be so sweet and venomous at the same time?

And beside what was I thinking?
I heard he was an aspirant for the governorship position earlier this year.
What chance do I have?
What do I have to offer.
Am never going back to him.
I feel my self getting angry as a knead the pancake batter.
"Magic?, I think you are killing the pancake".
I stop when I see I have almost scattered the batter.
After I set the table, I take my seat.
Everyone is present except his majesty himself.
Am beginning to feel good that he is not coming when he makes an appearance.
Ha, my life.
"Good morning family"
He greets cheerily.
"Wow you are happy."

Julliet observes and I become angry, he shouldn't be Happy, he is a monster.
I begin to shred my pancakes into little shreds when Justin holds my hand.
"Are you ok, little one?"
I smile sweetly at Justin and I see justice scowls at the edge of my vision.
Well take that your highness.
I lean to Justin and I feign interest in his shirt.
"Wow, that's a nice shirt Justin, is it new?"
Justin raises an eyebrow and I smile so sweetly my tooth almost ached.
Alec glances between me and Mr Justin.
"Well damn"
"Alec, language"
Julliet says and countinues.
"The atmosphere this morning is severe, so can we all just go ahead and eat this delicious feté in front of us?"
I nod.
All through the meal I found all excuse to talk to Justin, I laughed, I smiled, I awwed, I frowned.
I did everything I could to get back at justice.
He scowled all through the meal and I almost smile.
Good, there is no way he will be happy and I am angry.
After the meal, I clear the dishes and i walk upstairs to bath.
I feel so good right now.
As I open my door I am yanked back and pulled into Justice's room., He pins my back to a wall, my hand over my head.
"What the hell was that show for?"
I blink innocently.
"What ever do you mean?"
"Don't play games with me itty bitty, am not in the mood"
I get angry.
Oh no.
Hell no.
"Let go of me justice"
"I will let go of you when I want to."
"Leave me alone"
He ignores me.
"What the hell was that behavior about just now?"
"You don't get to ask that, you are not my father, then again, you are nothing to me."
"I very well am, woman"
"If I am your woman, you would never act the way you did last night"
I yell at him and he stills.
He says quietly.
"I didn't mean a word of last night.."
"You did justice, don't insult my intelligence, I know you did, you even used you name for me in anger"
"I did no..."
Oh whatever.
"If you are sorry justice, just say you are"
"Fine am sorry, am sorry, I didn't mean a word of what I said, I was an ass"
"You were, a fine one at that"
I say quietly.
He chuckles
"So am I forgiven?"
One more thing.
"Never use your name for me in anger again justice, I like it,"
He nods and kisses my head.
"I won't"
"Good, and you are forgiven."
"That's good, now, I will tell you this, never ever flirt with my brother to get back at me, it was a low blow"
I nod, "Am sorry"
"So you are gonna go get ready so we can hit the mall?
I nod.
But wait.
"You don't think am using you for your money right"
"No baby, I have too much of it, you can't spend it in your life time"
So Arrogant.
I nod, I turn to leave, I turn back.
"I have nothing to wear, well nothing that will be up to your standards"
He goes to his closet and brings out a white polo.
"Put this on over a blue jeans, tie it at the back, it should do".
I nod, I grab the shirt and turn to leave but I turn back.
"Aren't you going to work today"
"No magic, I want spend the day with you"
I nod.
I turn to leave.
But turn back, I open my mouth.
"If you don't leave itty bitty, I will tie you to the bed and have my wicked way with you.
I blush as I flee his room.
CLICK ON THE THE LINK BELOW TO READ EPISODE 17 & 18
https://dapalace.com/protected-episode-17-18/

Protected
Episode 17

MAGIC.
"Do you like this one? What about that one? This one looks like it will look great on you"
He points at another gown, shoe, shirt, I almost roll my eyes, I have never in all my life seen a man that loves shopping, is he even real.
"You like shopping, don't you?"
He shakes his head no as he fingers a polo shirt, I frown dubiously.

"I don't like shopping, but I like shopping with and for you"
I blush, that was seriously sweet.
We are at the mall, we've dropped my phone with a repairer guy and he says he will be done in about 2 hours.
(So you see Fabian, they did not come to the mall to charge phone-bebe)
In the meantime he wants us to shop, I initially thought it was for him but i found out he wants to spoil me rotten, I mean when did we get to this stage?
I mean, we are wearing matching outfits, white polo shirts and blue jeans, and white sneakers, he made me put my hand in his back pocket.
'He doesn't want me to get lost', his words not mine.
Gone is the man who was so cruelly harsh to me, and in his place is a sweet, kind, loving and handsome man.
Where is justice and what have they done that him?
Is it an alien invasion?
I chuckle at my thought, he turns to me.

"So you don't like these?"
I tune in and I almost faint at what he is holding up.
He is holding a pink lace bra and panties set.
What! Where is this man from.
I quickly take it from his hand and hang it back.
"Are you embarrassed?"
"Well duh"
"You don't have to be, I have a sister remember? I have been buying these things before I could walk".
"Well am not your sister"
"Well that you aren't".
He gives me a smoldering look and I think I fainted for a minute.
He turns back to the rack and grabs the panty set and adds it to the ever growing pile.
"I didn't...."
"I know you liked it itty bitty, I could see it in your eyes"
I blush and turn away, my eyes snag on a hot pink sneakers, I want.
He seems to notice because he beckons on a shop attendant and she comes forward but not before throwing me an hostile look.
Well....
"Can we have that? In a size 7?"
She nods, all smiles for him.
He just looks indifferent as he says..
"And...." He glances at her name tag,...."Isabella, if you are rude to my girl one more time, I will buy this mall with you in it"
She pales, scared.
"Yes, Mr Maxwells"
He nods dismissing her and turning to me.
"See anything else you like magic?"
I shake my head, no.
"Well we just have to make you like it"
He goes on to buy me some dresses, gowns, jeans, slacks, tops, some high heeled shoes, sneakers and some undies and bikinis.
What! I have no idea how I will sneak this past julliet, I hope she is at Sage's house, am scared her and Justin will think am a gold digger.
I see we are getting some attention and a guy even has a phone out recording justice as he points at stuff while holding my hand.
I suddenly feel a bout of self-consciousness, I pull my hand from his and step away from him.
Am sure I don't look as good standing next to him, I shouldn't ruin his image.
He stops, turns to me and smiles.
"Don't worry itty, am proud to have you on my arm"
He says this while wrapping his hands around my waist.
(Ha, who knew the great justice can be sweet? It's a miracle-bebe)
I smile and i tuck my hand into his back pocket.
When we are done we go to check out and round everything up.
"That will be a two hundred and eighty five grands sir, are you paying in cash or by a transaction?"
My heart palpitates, I tug on his shirt and he turns to me, I whisper.
"Let's return these stuff, it's too much".
He turns to me fully and grabs my face in his hands.
"You are worth this and much more , Bella.
(Swoon, zinny , godiya, Mandy, Brenda, oluwadare, Carmen, Dara and Dorcas, that was for you, you guys are worth a million stars in the sky)
I blush and he turns to pay, I don't make a sound.
Am too stunned.
After that the store manager comes and tells us he will be of assistance in taking this to the car .
Justice just nod, he must be used to this kind of treatment.
After, we go to the phone repair shop and am glad to see that the technician is done.
I give him my phone and he inputs Kele's number.
Wow!
Am so happy I turn to justice and give him big loud kiss on his cheek.
He looks stunned because he is staring at me without blinking.
I turn to the technician and thank him, we pay our fee and we exit his shop.
I can't wait to call kelechi.
As we make our way out we pass a pastry and ice cream kiosk.
"You want some sugar?"
I nod, he hands me his card.
"You want some?" I ask.
"Get double of anything you want, I will have what you are having"
I nod and I turn to the kiosk, he is waiting so I have to be fast.
As I place my order for a vanilla and chocolate chip mash I turn to watch him.
I see a woman approach him and I stand straight, I don't like that.
I immediately notice his posture become wary.
Who is she?
I get my order and I pay, as I walk closer I could hear what they were saying or should I say she was saying.
".........I know, I know you miss me in your bed J, we can go back we can be so good again."
"Selene......"
I see that justice looks about to puke.
Oh.
No.
Hell.
No.
I walk to them casually and I wrap my hands around justice waist and I pull him from her grasp.
"Whose this baby?"
I ask and he blinks at me in surprise but he throws his arms around my shoulder.
"Baby?"
I hear the bitch ask and I smile sweetly at her.
"Am Emilia, whom might you be?"
"Am the mother of his child"
I feel justice arm tighten on my shoulder.
This bitch did not just bloody go there.
I might be green and a village girl but I don't allow people walk all over what I consider mine.
I don't know what made me do it .
Oh .
Wait.
I know, her voice is terribly painful in my ears.
So I stuff my delicious iced vanilla and chocolate chip ice cream in her face.
She should be glad it is something sweet.
My poor ice cream.
She squeals as it plops on her chest, spreading on her dress as it rapidly melts.
I see people watching the show and a few seem to be recording it.
Good.
I tuck my hand in justice pocket and I say innocently.
"Come on baby, lead the way, I still wants some ice cream"
He looks at me, looks at Selene and busts out laughing.
I mean a full belly laugh.
I don't blame him , she looks like a drowned raccoon with her mascara running all over the place.
Ha.
Justice leads me to the parking lot and when we get there he plops a big kiss on me.
Right on my lips.
Ok wow, That was worth it..

Protected
Episode 18

Justice.
I know I shouldn't laugh, I know I should scold her, what she did was wrong, that is what I should be saying but I can't.
That shit was seriously too funny.
And that thing about using her first name, Emilia? My girl is badass.
She seems to be expecting a scolding because she is wringing her hands and looking nervously at me.

I just drive.
No comment.
When we get home she comes down from the car and flees inside.
To the kitchen I presume.
I get her many packages and I take them to her room.
After this is done, (it took two trip, she didn't show up for any) I find her.
She is in the kitchen as expected, chopping cabbages.
She stops when she sees me.
I take the knife from her, no need for her to chop her fingers off.
I back her against the counter and she breaths hard, looking at everywhere except for me.
I open my mouth....
She beats me to it.
"Am sorry"
She blurts.

I raise an eyebrow.
"Why are you sorry?"
"I embarrassed you, am sorry, just that I was so mad at her, she was rubbing on you and then she brought baby Amelia up, I just got so pissed, am sorry"
I nod, it's a good thing she can admit her fault.
I stroke her hair out of her face, and I say.
"Am not scolding you magic, am just worried"
She frowns.
"Selene is a bitch, she might target you because you stood up for me and also you embarrassed her."
She nods, I countinue
"Am not saying what you did was necessarily wrong, am just saying , pick your battles baby, you are too good for the likes of Selene"
She nods and I kiss her head.
"Glad we are on the same page baby, am gonna leave you to it"
I say this and I exit the kitchen to my room, I pass by julliet's room, seems she is not around.
I go on to my room and try to get some work done, I really have to.
After a while I get in to the zone and I go through some contracts, finally getting some work done.
I hear my door open after about 2 hours, I don't raise my head, I know it's her, am attuned to her.
"Hi"
She says and I lift my head, she's standing there looking nervous.
What now?
"What wrong itty bitty?"
"Do you have a moment?"
I lift my eyebrows but I stand and go with her.
She leads me to the Green House.
What are we doing here ?
I ask.
"Not a fan of pollen baby"
"Just give me 5 minutes".
I nods.
She steps forward and brings a flower pot, in it I can see freshly dug soil and a baby sun flower.
Ok..
"This is a baby sun flower, based on what you told me seems baby Amelia would have been born in the year of the sun"
I nod, still not getting where this was going.
"This baby sun flower represents baby Amelia, we are going to nurture her untill she grows big and strong, she's ours"
I stand still not comprehending, who is this girl?.
She begins to wring her hands nervously.
"Why did you do this?"
I ask and she blinks, she looks scared, like she thinks she did something out of line.
"Tell me"
"I thought.......I ..... Thought since you lost Amelia, that you could channel some anger out of you, am not trying to say a flower can replace your baby I just..."
I pull her to me and i hug her, this girl, this woman Is going to bring me to my kneels.
No body has ever done something so thoughtful for me before.
If I was a man that cried, I would have broken down right about now.
"So....." She hesitates. "So you like it?"
"I love it magic, I love the sunflower, I love the flower pot, I love it."
She nods and hugs me closer.
I look closely at the pot and I see she even engraved Amelia in cursive writing on the flower pot.
I kiss her head.
"You are wonderful, you know"
I say this as I lead her back to the house..
When we get to the threshold of the sitting room, I pull her to me and give her a soft kiss.
She kisses me back.
I break the kiss and kiss her head.
I hear a throat clearing and I turn, I see julliet and Justin and Sage sitting on the ground, they seem to playing a board game.
Well they were playing a board game, now Justin just looks pissed.
"What's going on?"
Justin asks and I feel magic stiffen, she just notices them.
"I don't know what you mean Justin"
"I mean you practically mauling my ward in front of me"
I turn to magic, she looks close to tears.
"Go on upstairs baby"
She looks into my eyes and I nod.
"It's fine, go upstairs, I will be there soon"
I kiss her head and she leaves but not before throwing Justin and julliet a pleading look.
"Now we can talk Justin, am sure what you just witnessed was self explanatory"
"Oh yes it was, what is your game?"
He says this while standing up, sage just pulls julliet to himself and they watch.
"My game?"
I ask.
"Yes your game, she is the same girl you insulted, you degraded, what suddenly changed"
I sigh, have had enough theatrics today to last me a lifetime.
"I will admit I was harsh to the girl Justin but....."
"She is 19, your a governorship aspirant, she has nothing to offer, why?"
Ok now am getting angry.
"I very well know she is 19 Justin, I know we are not on the same social standing, oh am aware, but I don't know, I just know I want to be close to her, she is light, she is everything"
"Don't get me wrong Justice, am happy you are in love , I just don't want you to hurt the girl, she has being through too much"
I nod, but wait in love? Am not going there.
"I will Never hurt her, not intentionally"

That seems to satisfy him, he nods.
"Congrats bro"
I nod, I turn to Sage.
"Let me have it"
"That was some seriously sappy shit justice, you should check if you are still a man"
I flip him the middle finger, I can't blame him, I gave him shit too with julliet, the ass.
"Am happy for you Justy"
Julliet says.
I nod
"Gotta go make my girl know shit is alright with you guys"
They nod and I exit.
I walk upstairs and enter her room, she is playing on her phone.
I climb on the bed and position myself.
"How angry are they?"
She asks as she puts her phone away.
"They are cool"
She doesn't look like she believes me.
She opens her mouth but I beat her to it.
"You called your friend?"
She shakes her head no.
"Why?"
"Am scared," she whispers, I understand, I would be too.
"Am here baby, you can call her, I will hold you as you do"
I whisper back and she nods, she dials the number.
She places it on speaker phone.
"Hello"
The voice over the line crackles.
"Hello kele"
There is a pause and a.....
"Emily? Is that you?"

Protected
By Bebe Ernest
Episode 21

After that announcement last night I was shook.
Dinner countinued as usual.
If I was someone else I would probably be scared for Selene.
Justice got this looks in eyes and I knew all hell will be let loose soon.
Damn.
And here I was my greatest fear was not to be mocked.

It's the next morning.
I am in the kitchen, as always making breakfast, am trying to toast some bread and fry some bacon.
It's going smoothly.
After breakfast I go to my room. And I start watching TV.
What ever justice said yesterday about a party must have been a joke.
I settle into my bed and I almost burst out laughing because the movie was a comedy.
Oh I so love my white movies.
I was getting to the best part when my door burst open.
Sandra and julliet and another lady sweeps into my room, acting for all the world like it's there's.

What now? cue Rihanna's voice.

"Hello Ma Cherie"
That was sandra, i get up and kiss her cheek.

"Hi, Sandra, julliet"
I turn to the other lady.
"Oh, magic, this is Tamara, my cousin"

(So who remembers this lady? Comment.)

I exchange greetings and I see that they have a big garment bag with them.
I open my mouth to ask but julliet beats me to it.
"Tamara, is a stylist, she is good with make up and colours"
Ok....
That's cool but what's my business?
She answers my unspoken thought.
"You are going to a party with justice, you have to look the part."
Are these people for real?
"Are you guys for real?"
"I don't know what that mean but yes, we are real."
That was sandra, I shake my head, this is so strange.
I take everything in, Sandra is perched on my bed, julliet is standing in front of my dresser and the lady Tamara is going through my design pad.
Well what?

"Isn't it too early to start dressing up? I mean it's just past 12"
They look at there selves and burst out laughing.
Ok.....
"No bella, getting ready is never too early, well come on, you have to get your hair done"
That was Tamara, she pulls me in the direction of my bathroom.
Before I know it I am being undressed, my hair is being fried, ok maybe not fried but it felt like it.
My nails are getting polished, my legs are waxed.
That thing hurt so bad.
I am plied with chocolate and gossip.
I found out Tamara is a mother of one, she lives with her boyfriend they love themselves but they are not married, his mother is a witch.
I find out that Julliet went through a tough time when she first arrived in Nigeria from the states.
(If you wanna find out, refer to my first novel(The Homecoming), can't talk about here)
She had a really tough time.

Then finally I find out that Sandra has had a crush on Justin forever.
Well what!

"I mean the first time I knew I was in love with him was when he helped me from the rain about 2 years ago,
He covered me with his jacket, it was so hot, I wished he would have kissed me."
Sandra gushes and I almost die, I blush deeply, talking about k-sing and any form of intimacy is still a tricky subject for me.
They notice my blush.
Of course.
"Tell me bella, you've never k-sed justice?"
Tamara asks and I blush.
"Eww, Tammy,.that's my brother"
"Oh shush girl"
Sandra says.
"Well? Tell us, I want to know too." julliet says
I shake my head.
"Oh come on, don't be shy"
That's Tamara .

"I have k-sed him.."
I say hesitatingly

"Ohhhh"
The three of them say and lean from there seat.
"Well go on"
"But am scared that I don't know how to do it properly"
I say and they lean back.
Well....
"Am sure you are superb at it"
Julliet says.
"Really?"
I ask insecurely.
"Yeah baby girl, I mean the man is smitten with you"
Sandra says
I smile and blush.
"Yeah am sure he is, I mean wait, how am i sure? I feel like I am not up to standards, he is rich I am poor."
"Don't let him hear you say that sweets, you are a Maxwells now, even if it doesn't work out, you will always be a Maxwell,
You don't have to care what people will think, he never says sorry for his decision, he has never, he will never"
Julliet says and I am reassured.
But wait.
"He never says sorry?"
I ask.
"He never, not ever"
"But he told me sorry the other day"
All eyes turns to me in surprise and scepticism.
"Justice told you sorry?"
I nod.
"Oh my God magic, you totally tamed my brother."
Julliet says and I smile in confusion.
"Voila"
Tamara says and she turns me to the mirror, she has been working on my make-up.
I look at my self and it takes me a while to realize the reflection am staring at is actually my self.
I look so beautiful, yes I do, and am me.
I turn and I feel tears rush to the surface.
"No no, you can't cry, you look too beautiful to cry"
Sandra says and I smile.
"Thank you so much for this, I love you guys."
"We love you too"
We hug and share a moment.
"And for the dress..."
Julliet produces a long red dress.
I gasp.
It's an original Michael kors.
"I can't wear that, it's sacred"
They roll there eyes.
"We know you are a cloth freak magic but you tots deserve this, it is a limited edition"
Ok, that was not helping the case.
I take a deep breath and I grab the gown I walk to the bathroom and I change.
When I come out I feel like am walking on air.
They look at me in awe and am nervous.
I step in front of the mirror and I look at myself.
The gown is blood red, it has a droopy back and front, you can see the dimple on my back side.
It's rightly scandalous.
I love it.
The front is embedded with little pearls, I was showing a lot of cleavage.
I love it.
I smile at the girls.
Julliet produces a silver high heel and I feel like Cinderella.
I wear it and I totter on the heels, I almost fall..

I looove it.
I wear studded pearl earrings anda dropping pearl necklace a diamond bracelet all provided by julliet.
I almost cry, I look prettier than Cinderella.
I turn and I hug them again.
This time Sandra hands me a silver clutch purse and am set.
Through all this I can see it's almost 9 in the evening.
Ha.
Now i see why they wanted us to start early.
I walk downstairs with the girls leading me.
I gasp inaudibly.
He looks so handsome in his black tux and black inner shirt.
He turns to me and I forget to breath.
He is staring at me and I am immediately nervous.
He takes my hand when I get to the last step and he raises it to his lips and k-ses my palm.
"You look beautiful bitty"
I blush and he k-ses my cheek.
"So you ready to kick Selene's butt?"
I smile and nod.
Tonight will be a good night.

Read episode 19 & 20 @-: www.dapalace.com

Protected
By Bebe Ernest
Episode 19 & 20

MAGIC.
I watched him sleep last night, he looked good while doing so, I could not sleep, I mean am sure julliet and Justin think I seduced their brother.
Gosh.
Am finished.

I think I have to woman up and talk to them.
Yes I will do that.
Put things in perspective, if they no longer want me in their house, I will understand.
There was an upside to last evening though.
I spoke with kele, it was lit.
I explained everything, ok maybe not about justice, I just told her about all the trials I went through when I first got here.
She was sympathetic, told me Andrew is back now if I wanted to return.
Good to know, keep my options open..
I shared my address and she shared deets on what was happening in onitsha
Apparently my aunty and uncle are always quarrelling now.
Seems she doesn't do any house chores again, I always did everything.
And seems that she has caught him cheating, mutiple times.

He even hit on kele.
Eww.
Sometimes I ask myself if I am actually related to them..
It's the morning after and I have to get to the kitchen.
I have some sauce to make.
Justice left my room about an hour ago when I was still sleeping.
I have to cook but I still have to talk to Justin and julliet.
I quickly have my bath and I go downstairs.
It's so nice wearing something new, this short jumper feels nice.
It's in a lovely shade of green.
I think it was in last year's summer collection.
I can't believe am wearing something so sophisticated.
I Pat my body with a smile as I get to the kitchen.
I quickly make some rice, sauce, side dishes like deboned chicken, some Salads and a plate of fruit.
(Have I told you guys I want to be a world class chef?-bebe)
I get this recipes from the internet and the food Network.
There have been some trial and error.
If julliet knows how much food I waste in my quest to make these sophisticated dishes, she would scream.
But they turn out alright.
Today I will be needing food as a gift of the gods.
I hope it bribes julliet and Justin.
I set the table and I ring the bell.
Am so nervous.
Julliet comes down first rubbing her eyes.
Seems master sage went home yesterday.
Alec follows and for some reason he looks like he is sweating.
"Yo, magic"
"Yo, Alec"
Justin follows and i think maybe justice has gone to work.
"Justice Is working out, that's were Alec is coming from too"
Julliet says this when she sees my gaze at the door.
I grimace, so much for keeping it cool..
I turn to her and Justin.
"It's not about the money"
I blurt and she blinks.
Well you can take the girl out of the village but not the village out of the girl.
Where are you from Magic,? blurting out that kind of stuff, in front of Alec no less.
Justin replies me though.
"We didn't think you were with our brother for the money, magic."
It's my turn to blink.
"You didn't?"
Julliet answers.
"It was so obvious the other day, you were trying to make him jealous by flirting with Justin"
I blush.
"I...."
She goes on.
"We like what we see magic, we like the changes he is portraying since you came, ok , maybe not the first changes."
She says it jokingly.
"You are good for our brother and we like that".
I smile but I say.
"Am not rich, am a nobody"
Justin says this time.
"Good thing you are now a part of the Maxwells family, eh?"
I blush at his kind words.
I am so grateful to this people.
"Ok so now that that is done, can we eat? Am starving"
Alec says and I smile.
He is so grown up for his age.
I open the plates and the smell of the dish wafts out.
Divine.
"Looks good baby girl"
I almost squeak, he came up behind me.
He kisses my temple and he sits.
"Good morning famz"
"Eww Justy, slang is not for you"
Julliet says and I frown.
"Who is famz?"
"Famz is a shortened form of family"
Alec says while stuffing his face full of chicken.
I almost die.
Magic, you village girl.
"We have to bring you up to speed on slangs, girlfriend, tots have to"
Julliet says and I nod.
"Tots is a shortened form of totally."
She says.
Le sigh.
This people.

*******
So breakfast went well, I mean after my blunder, they gorged themselves on my meal.
That is one place I can never go wrong.
After the meal, justice went to the office.
Justin left too and dropped Alec at school on his way.
Julliet went to the office too.
She looked like a hot secretary, all dolled up in a suit with a turtle neck and cropped jacket.
I am shopping.
Well, am trying to get some groceries.
We are fresh out.
As I lift a small sack of potatoes my phone pings.
Ha, my phone.
I bring it out and I see multiple texts.
Text 1-julliet.
'please grab some Coco pops for Alec and some ice cream and some Matini mixes, we might have a girls night!'
I send her a quick thumbs up smiley .
Text 2.- Justin.
'Get some grapes please, I have a craving'
I send a quick okay.
Seems everyone knew I was coming to the store.
Text 3-Big guy.
I didn't programm his number like that, he did.
'whatcha doing?'
I smile, leaning against the wall, dropping my shopping basket.
'Am at the store, you want anything?'
'you are not ready yet for what I want baby'
'what makes you think so'
I can't believe I'm so bold.
'shop baby girl, see you at home'
I smile as I close the messaging app and I pick my basket.
As I lift my head my heart goes cold.
I blink and I loose the vision.
I think I just saw the gangster from the murder scene.
I look around but no one is near.
Maybe I just thought it.
Maybe it was because I spoke about it with kele last night, my subconscious is still scared.
It's playing tricks on me.
I nod as I continue shopping.
When am done I move to the liquor isle.
I get some Matini mixes and some whisky.
You might think I am a pro but no, I had to browse that.
As I pick a bottle that say 'cherry wine', am pushed from the back and I fall, the bottle crashing and breaking as it hits the ground.
A big piece lodging in my palm.
Blood instantly Wells up, I think I cut it very deep.
I turn and I see Selene standing there looking smug.
"That's right you gutter slum, that's what you get for embarrassing me"
My hand hurts so bad, and am losing a lot of blood.
A store attendant comes forward and begins to help me up.
People are watching.
I just smile through my pain.
"It's actually pathetic that as beautiful as you are you do not know how to use pronoun"
She frowns.
"Gutter and slum means the same thing, bozo, maybe you should check your dictionary sometime"
I say this and the store attendant chuckles.
Selene growls and walks away.
Now that she is gone I almost cry.
My hand hurts so bad.
I feel my self getting dizzy.
Oh hell.

MAGIC.
Walking around with a big gauze on my hand is not fun.
I mean Am so embarrassed.
I can't believe Selene got the slip on me like that, ugh.
Am trying to make dinner with one hand.

Guess what?
It's not working.
I power through and finally concoct something.
I set the table and I ring the bell, I stand with my hand behind my back.
It's late in the evening so all of them should be back.
I don't want to have to explain to everyone that I was attacked by Selene
They all come down and I greet
"Hey magic, did you get the grapes?"
That was Justin, I nod.
"They are right on the table"
"Thanks little one"
He takes his seat, julliet and Alec does too.
Justice enters and takes his seat.
I feel my chest swell with an unknown emotion..
He looks so handsome .
He speaks without turning to me.

"Why aren't you sitting magic?"
Oops.
I didn't think of that.
I quickly make an excuse.
"Am going to eat in my room"
All eyes turn to me, even Alec drops the yam he was nibbling on.
So much for incognito magic.
You idiot.
"What's wrong?"
Julliet asks.
"Are you sick? Or wait, are you angry at any of us?"
She looks close to crying.
Jeez.
Where did she come up with that?
"No, no, I don't hate anybody, I mean am not angry at anybody and am not sick, I just want to be alone"
"Why?"
Justin asks and I almost growl in frustration.
Do I need an excuse to be alone?
"Itty bitty, what's wrong?"
I sigh.
"Nothing, am just..."
"What happened to your hand"
Alec asks.
In my nervousness I brought my hand forward to wring.
I can see some speck of blood , I think I pulled my stitches.
Magic, you slowpoke.
Justice seats up and points a finger at me then at the seat beside him.
I quickly take my seat.
"Now, tell me Emilia, what Happened to your hand?"
I spout out everything and when am done I take a deep breath.
"Let me get this straight, Selene attacked you?"
I nod
Justice asks calmly and I nod, he is so calm so am positive he won't be angry.
Am also sure he won't think am a pushover.
"Selene attacked you and you didn't instantly call me, you even went to the hospital by yourself, stitched your palm by yourself without me there,"
"Uh oh"
Julliet says
I nod my head,. I don't know if he is asking a question or stating a fact, i just nod again.
His voice is rising and I don't think that's a good thing.
I shift back in my seat.
"First off baby girl, you do not get hurt, secondly, you tell me when someone threatens you, and thirdly, Selene is dead"
"Justice...."
That was Justin.
"You can't kill Selene, it's going to take a lot of work to hide her body"
"I don't fucking care"
I almost gasp, they are talking about killing a woman like they are discussing the weather.
"Let's think about this guy's, my son is sitting here, I don't want him to think violence is the best answer"
"Violence....awesome"
That was Alec, julliet is also not surprised.
Am wondering, are they used to this?.
"Justin, get me Selene's location now"
Justice says and Justin leaves, nodding.
What?
Wait, his family knows about Selene but not what she did?
It must be hard keeping such a secret to himself.
I open my mouth, his eyes cut to me in anger.
Ok.....
"Justice,...."
I start.
"Not now itty bitty"
I scowl.
"You did it again, you used your name for me in anger".
He turns to me.
"You do not get to do that right now magic, you made a mistake when you refused to call me as soon as you were hurt
You do not get to be angry, you do not get to make me feel guilty, you as well as hell do not get to be hurt without I f-king doing something!"
He used the f word twice now he must be angry.
I almost slap myself.
Of course he is angry magic.
"Can we stop cussing?, My son is sitting right here"
Alec just stuffs more yam down his throat and watches the drama.
I don't know what made me do what I did next.
Oh wait.
I know.
Am sick of the tension.
I frown and he raises an eyebrow, I scrunch my face up and I let the water works start.
I cry so hard.
He falls for it.
Jackpot.
"Baby....."
He pulls me from my chair and into his lap.
"You don't have to cry"
I sniffle .
"You don't have to hurt Selene, well not physically"
I glance at at julliet and she gives me an hidden thumbs up.
I go on.
"We don't have to stoop so low as to hurt her, we can just take something dear from her".
He Pat's my hair.
"Are you going to cry?"
I shake my head.
Justin enters.
"I peg her location at her family mansion, seems they are having some type of soiree, she Is planning"
What?
How did he get that so fast?

"That's it"
Julliet says
"That's what?"
I ask through my fake tears.
"We get you to the party tomorrow evening"
She says.
"Yes that's right, you go and justice deals with her from there."
Am not comprehending.
This family, seems thier mind works together.
"Yes, that's what we will do, I am I was sent an invitation"
What?
He turns to me, justice.
"Get ready bitty, we are going to a party"
Who are this people?

***

what a nice story.

am author apprentice, i like this narrative i think i have a teacher here already

Protected
By Bebe Ernest
Episode 21

After that announcement last night I was shook.
Dinner countinued as usual.
If I was someone else I would probably be scared for Selene.
Justice got this looks in eyes and I knew all hell will be let loose soon.
Damn.
And here I was my greatest fear was not to be mocked.

It's the next morning.
I am in the kitchen, as always making breakfast, am trying to toast some bread and fry some bacon.
It's going smoothly.
After breakfast I go to my room. And I start watching TV.
What ever justice said yesterday about a party must have been a joke.
I settle into my bed and I almost burst out laughing because the movie was a comedy.
Oh I so love my white movies.
I was getting to the best part when my door burst open.
Sandra and julliet and another lady sweeps into my room, acting for all the world like it's there's.

What now? cue Rihanna's voice.

"Hello Ma Cherie"
That was sandra, i get up and kiss her cheek.

"Hi, Sandra, julliet"
I turn to the other lady.
"Oh, magic, this is Tamara, my cousin"

(So who remembers this lady? Comment.)

I exchange greetings and I see that they have a big garment bag with them.
I open my mouth to ask but julliet beats me to it.
"Tamara, is a stylist, she is good with make up and colours"
Ok....
That's cool but what's my business?
She answers my unspoken thought.
"You are going to a party with justice, you have to look the part."
Are these people for real?
"Are you guys for real?"
"I don't know what that mean but yes, we are real."
That was sandra, I shake my head, this is so strange.
I take everything in, Sandra is perched on my bed, julliet is standing in front of my dresser and the lady Tamara is going through my design pad.
Well what?

"Isn't it too early to start dressing up? I mean it's just past 12"
They look at there selves and burst out laughing.
Ok.....
"No bella, getting ready is never too early, well come on, you have to get your hair done"
That was Tamara, she pulls me in the direction of my bathroom.
Before I know it I am being undressed, my hair is being fried, ok maybe not fried but it felt like it.
My nails are getting polished, my legs are waxed.
That thing hurt so bad.
I am plied with chocolate and gossip.
I found out Tamara is a mother of one, she lives with her boyfriend they love themselves but they are not married, his mother is a witch.
I find out that Julliet went through a tough time when she first arrived in Nigeria from the states.
(If you wanna find out, refer to my first novel(The Homecoming), can't talk about here)
She had a really tough time.

Then finally I find out that Sandra has had a crush on Justin forever.
Well what!

"I mean the first time I knew I was in love with him was when he helped me from the rain about 2 years ago,
He covered me with his jacket, it was so hot, I wished he would have kissed me."
Sandra gushes and I almost die, I blush deeply, talking about k-sing and any form of intimacy is still a tricky subject for me.
They notice my blush.
Of course.
"Tell me bella, you've never k-sed justice?"
Tamara asks and I blush.
"Eww, Tammy,.that's my brother"
"Oh shush girl"
Sandra says.
"Well? Tell us, I want to know too." julliet says
I shake my head.
"Oh come on, don't be shy"
That's Tamara .

"I have k-sed him.."
I say hesitatingly

"Ohhhh"
The three of them say and lean from there seat.
"Well go on"
"But am scared that I don't know how to do it properly"
I say and they lean back.
Well....
"Am sure you are superb at it"
Julliet says.
"Really?"
I ask insecurely.
"Yeah baby girl, I mean the man is smitten with you"
Sandra says
I smile and blush.
"Yeah am sure he is, I mean wait, how am i sure? I feel like I am not up to standards, he is rich I am poor."
"Don't let him hear you say that sweets, you are a Maxwells now, even if it doesn't work out, you will always be a Maxwell,
You don't have to care what people will think, he never says sorry for his decision, he has never, he will never"
Julliet says and I am reassured.
But wait.
"He never says sorry?"
I ask.
"He never, not ever"
"But he told me sorry the other day"
All eyes turns to me in surprise and scepticism.
"Justice told you sorry?"
I nod.
"Oh my God magic, you totally tamed my brother."
Julliet says and I smile in confusion.
"Voila"
Tamara says and she turns me to the mirror, she has been working on my make-up.
I look at my self and it takes me a while to realize the reflection am staring at is actually my self.
I look so beautiful, yes I do, and am me.
I turn and I feel tears rush to the surface.
"No no, you can't cry, you look too beautiful to cry"
Sandra says and I smile.
"Thank you so much for this, I love you guys."
"We love you too"
We hug and share a moment.
"And for the dress..."
Julliet produces a long red dress.
I gasp.
It's an original Michael kors.
"I can't wear that, it's sacred"
They roll there eyes.
"We know you are a cloth freak magic but you tots deserve this, it is a limited edition"
Ok, that was not helping the case.
I take a deep breath and I grab the gown I walk to the bathroom and I change.
When I come out I feel like am walking on air.
They look at me in awe and am nervous.
I step in front of the mirror and I look at myself.
The gown is blood red, it has a droopy back and front, you can see the dimple on my back side.
It's rightly scandalous.
I love it.
The front is embedded with little pearls, I was showing a lot of cleavage.
I love it.
I smile at the girls.
Julliet produces a silver high heel and I feel like Cinderella.
I wear it and I totter on the heels, I almost fall..

I looove it.
I wear studded pearl earrings anda dropping pearl necklace a diamond bracelet all provided by julliet.
I almost cry, I look prettier than Cinderella.
I turn and I hug them again.
This time Sandra hands me a silver clutch purse and am set.
Through all this I can see it's almost 9 in the evening.
Ha.
Now i see why they wanted us to start early.
I walk downstairs with the girls leading me.
I gasp inaudibly.
He looks so handsome in his black tux and black inner shirt.
He turns to me and I forget to breath.
He is staring at me and I am immediately nervous.
He takes my hand when I get to the last step and he raises it to his lips and k-ses my palm.
"You look beautiful bitty"
I blush and he k-ses my cheek.
"So you ready to kick Selene's butt?"
I smile and nod.
Tonight will be a good night.

Protected
Episode 22

MAGIC.
Am so nervous, Jesus, we got to this shindig about 20 mins ago and I feel so out of place.
Even though am wearing a kick-ss gown and I look pretty enough to eat, am just still me a green girl from a backwater village in onitsha.
I sigh softly.
Am on justice arms and that alone should have been enough, but the looks am getting are not helping.

He has stepped away to talk to some acquaintances.
I know what julliet said and I understood but it so hard you know.
I walk to the bar, am feeling kind of dizzy.
I signal for a waitress and she steps forward, she is wearing a black gown, I notice the catering staff are wearing something similar.
"Good evening ma'am, how may I help you?"
Am instantly taken aback, me ma'am?.
If I hear.
"Oh, please just call me magic, I love your dress by the way"
"Thanks ma'am, am zinny, am the head waiting staff, those guys over there are with me, they are Abdul, Fabian, Carmen, Mandy, godiya, ola, Vicki, Amma and Dare, we were just admiring your dress,
They want me to let you know that you look beautiful and we are prepared to serve you well this evening.
If you need anything just signal"
I almost die, am overwhelmed, I can't believe people think am pretty, I mean, what?

"Thanks Zin, I will let you know, right now can I please get a glass of sparkling water?"
"Right on that"
She steps away and returns and she gave me a sweating glass of sparkling water, I take a sip, refreshing.
As I take another I feel Justice's presence beside me and I turn.
"Am so sorry about that bitty, I had to make the rounds with some of my colleagues"
I nod, I understand.
"S'oright, I made a friend"
I signal at Zin and she steps forward.
"Hi, zinny this is my.....this is justice,my ... guardian, justice, zinny, my new friend".
He throws her a nod and she looks starstruck.
I won't blame her, she looks exceptionally handsome tonight.
I can't believe we haven't placed a label on what we are, I was almost going to call him my boyfriend.
Thank God I saved my self from experiencing that embarrassment.
I mean what would I have done if he had said we were not dating.
Somebody shoot me.
I take another drink and he gently massages my neck.
Hmm.
Soon we are approached by an older couple.
Justice stands straight and I know, I just know this are our guests.
The man is tall and Noble looking, like he is from old money, he has dark hair with some streaks of white.
In his days am sure he sowed some wide oats.
The woman on the other hand looks like a force to be reckoned with, she has attitude.
She breaths and walks it.
Her head is held high, she looks to be in her late 30's but I know she is older, much older.

The thing that strikes me most is her silver eyes, they looks like molten silver.
I can see pain in there depths, deep pain, she has experienced a loss.
A staggering one.
I can see the same pain mirrored in the man's eyes.
But when they see justice, they smile, they respect him.
And he respects them too I can see, the way he is standing changes, his demeanor changes too.
He drops his arrogance.
They get to us and he bows waist deep.
I like I should curtsy.
"Maxwells my man, bring it in"
The man says in a boisterous voice.
Justice embraces the man, I mean a full embrace.
"George, it's so nice to see you, thanks for your invitation"
He separates and turns to the woman, he bends and kisses her cheeks, both cheeks.
"Margaret, you look stunning as always"
"Oh justice, flattering will get you everywhere"
She says in a surprisingly soft voice.
They turn to me and am assaulted with nerves.
"Margaret, George, this is my girlfriend , Emilia."
Apparently he has no misgivings on giving our relationship a label.
I feel good.
I smile and I give a little bow.
"Good evening madam and sir, thanks so much for having us, it's a great party"
Am surprised when I am pulled into a hug by Margaret, ha.
"You look so beautiful my dear"
She says this while kissing my cheeks.
I smile and blush.
Magic style.
"Thank you madam"
"Please call me Maggie or mother, am as well a mother to your boyfriend"
I smile, pleased.

George shakes my hand and I greet.
Justice leads all of us to some seats and I seat beside him.
"So tell me magic, where are you from?"
She says this while reaching for her husband's hand and immediately I can see they love themselves.
Where was Selene spawned from?
"Am from ontisha ma, my name is Emilia magic obi"
I say and I see her exchange looks with her husband.
Am sure they don't approve, now that they've found out am not from a wealthy socialite home.
But surprisingly they don't let it show.
The conversation goes on and am instantly pulled in, soon am bantering with George, am siding with Maggie.
I laugh, I see we get some looks from the other guests.
Time flies, justice gets me a drink.
We talk with the Efosa's some more.
I find out they are from a part of Edo State but settled in Lagos State because their company is doing good here.
They are so warm, making me feel welcomed.
We even exchange numbers, Maggie and I.
I ask again, where was Selene gotten from?
A ditch?
Then again the snake has not shown herself yet.
My gauze pulls at me, making me remember the pain of the glass embedding itself into my fingers.
As if I conjured her up she shows up.
Magic why?
"Greetings parents"
She says as she leans and kiss George's head and kiss Maggie's cheek.
She settles herself in a seat beside justice.
I don't like that, i lean forward and I place my hand on Justice's arm, he turns to me and kiss my cheek.

I glance at the Efosa's and they look uncomfortable.
Poor people.
"So justice, fancy seeing you here"
He just turns to her and gives her a cold look.
She places her hand on his arm too and I clecnch his arm.
"I would appreciate Selene if you don't touch me "
She looks taken aback and she drops her hand, looking pissed.
I swallow a laugh.
The conversation is dead.
This woman singlehandedly ruined the mood.
That's a fit.
We are approached by a man.
"Congrats, Selene, on the baby, that's a wonderful news"
I frown.
What?
The man walks away and she looks at him as he goes with a frown.
Her parents frown too.
A woman in a blue dress comes up and she hugs Selene.
"Selene!, You are having a baby! such a good news, but wait,...."
She mocks whispers.
. What are you going to do about the herpes?"
"Herpes?!"
Maggie shouts.

The woman walks away and I finally get what was happening.
I almost smile.
"Mama....."
Selene begins but another, wait about 5 people approach us.
All around I see people whispering about the sickness Selene has.
Selene is looking around and I see maggie looking around pissed.
"What is going on?"
Selene shouts and I hear laughter.
Maggie is so embarrassed George is looking disappointed.
"Selene Imade Efosa, you have herpes?"
Maggie scream.
"Mama, I don't....."
"I am so disappointed Selene, I can't believe I gave birth to this excuse for a child"
George says.
"This has to stop, Selene, your accounts are frozen, your houses and cars you can't use, untill you cure your self, until you become more responsible, you are cut off, better go learn how to work"
Maggie says and I was correct, she has attitude.
"But mama...,papa...."
"No buts imade, you are cut off, I can't believe this."
George says.
It pains my heart to cause this people pain but Selene deserves it.
It will be a sight to see the princess reduced to a pauper.
She growls and walks away, on her way she slips and falls on her face, the tray a waiter is holding tips and falls on her body.
Embarrassment complete.
Burn.
Justice pulls me to my feet after that.
"We will take our leave now, am sorry about this evening"
We stand .
"Am so sorry about this justice,we will talk tommorow in the office"
Justice nods and pulls me outside.
When I get out I burst out laughing.
Yup, tonight was a good night.

Protected
By Bebe Ernest
Episode 23 & 24

MAGIC.
"Ok let me get this straight, she fell right on her face, like on her face on her face?"
Julliet asks.
And I nod.
She bursts out laughing again, well they burst out laughing.
Tamara and Sandra are here too.
Sage is too.
It's the morning after the party blast last night.
We are having breakfast, we have a full house.
Tamara didn't go home last night and Sandra slept over.
We are having breakfast and rehashing, they seem to find it amusing.
Well I know I found it amusing.
"Man, you've gotten weak, that blow was too small, kill her more"
Sage says and am surprised.
Ruining a girls life and her relationship with her parents was not enough?
What was their definition of enough?
"You should know me better than that sage, that was the beginning"
He says meaningfully at sage and sage nods.
Seems sage knows about Selene's folly.
He has a dark look in his eyes. Sage.
I almost shiver.
Poor selene.
"Just as long as you don't kill her, that's all am asking"
"Trust me lil bro"
Justice says and turns To me..
"Hey baby, you got chocolate on your lip right there"
He says.
I wipe with a serviette.
"Now?"
He leans forward and cleans my lip with his thumb .
I smile.
"Thanks"
I turn to my meal and I see everyone watching us.
Opps..
"I can never get used to a softer side of justice"
Sandra says.
"It's because you only like soft guys brat".
He says affectionately and everyone groans.
"Burnnnnn"
She sticks her tongue out at him and I smile.
"So what are we doing today?"
Julliet asks.
"Am going to the office"
Justice and sage say simultaneously.
Julliet shakes her head.
"Nope, nada, zilch, we are having a pool party"
She says with glee.
"Yay! Partay!"
Alec shouts and I smile.
"Ok if you guys need anything let me know, I will be in my room"
Justice turns severe eyes to me?
"Why?"
He asks.
Am sorry am I invited?
I smile nervously.
"Am I invited?"
"Hells yeah"
Julliet says and I smile.
Justice just shakes his head at me.
Opps again.
*****
After breakfast I change into a bikini and one of justice white sleeves.
My bikini is in pink and it's perfect.
I make my way down stairs and i grab the drinks cooler with one hand, I was going to get the other one but my gauze.
"Let me help you with that"
I turn and I see sage.
I smile at him and I thank him.
I stop at his next words.
"I like you magic, I really do and i like the way you make justice feel"
I smile.
"But let me get this straight, if you hurt him or I find out out you are here for any other reason than you said in the first place,
I promise you, I will destroy you, I will ruin you and you won't know where you start and where pain ends.
Are we clear?"
My smile drops.
Well that answers my question about Sage knowing.
He sure knows and he has misgivings about me.
"Sage, I promise....."
"For you and for me I hope your promise mean something magic."
He says and I understand, he I scared for his Friend.
He loves his friend.
I drop my cooler and I hug him.
He looks surprised.
"Thank you Sage"
I say.
This big dangerous man is scared for his friend.
I can see it.
I lean up and k-s his cheek.
"I promise to let you when it all get too much Sage".
He nods.
He has lost some of his severe look.
I pick my cooler and I leave.
I walk to the pool and I see Alec playing with another little boy.
I turn in a 360 degree and I see sage settle behind julliet.
She looks like an angel in a white bikini.
Sandra looks like devil impersonation in her blood red bikini.
She is in the water with Tamara who is in a blue bikini.
And here I am in pink.
I must look like Barbie.
Ugh.
I see a man discussing with Justin.
Am confused, do I know him?
I drop the cooler and I sit on a chair .
"Do I have to tell you to get your a-s here magic?"
I hear justice holler .
I blush.
"Get your a-s over there magic"
Sandra shouts and I stick my tongue out at her.
I stand and I make my way to justice.
When I settle beside him he pulls me into his lap.
He settles a big sunglass on my face and i smile.
After a while I ask.
"Who is that?"
I nod at the man.
"That's Tamara's boyfriend petr and her son Daniel"
I nod as I pull close to him.
He k-ses my shoulder.
"So Sage gave me the talk"
I say as I lean to grab a pop drink.
"The talk?"
"The 'if you hurt him talk'"
I say with a smirk.
He groans.
"That sappy Fool"
He calls at sage who is talking to Alec.
"Yo, fool"
Sage lifts and turns his head as if he is really a fool.
"Yes slowpoke?"
"You love me don't you?"
Justice asks.
And I giggled.
"You sure you still a man, you sappy slowpoke?"
He asks and justice flips him the bird.
"I will appreciate if you stop calling the father of my unborn children names brother".
Julliet says and I almost burst out laughing.
"And I will appreciate it sister if you don't refer to that A-hole as the father of your unborn children sister".
Now i laugh.
This family, even though dysfunctional, they love themselves.
"Yes julliet, just because I know it doesn't mean i want to hear it, or think it."
Justin hollers as he takes a swig of his drink.
"JJ, you are siding with justice?"
She asks indignantly.
"That's what it is sister kin"
Justin says and she flips him the bird.
Wo.
I laugh real hard.
Sandra laughs too.
Tamara just shakes her head as she snuggle close to petr.
Am sure she is used to this..
Justice k-ses my shoulder again as Justin and julliet continue bantering.
"So tell me itty bitty, do you want anything?"
I decide to be a little mischievous.
I open a button of my sleeve.
"Hmm, I want a lot of things"
He smirks.
"You sure you ready for where you are going with that?"
He asks as I unbutton the sleeve and throw it up.
"Wow!, You go girl!"
Julliet shouts and I blush.
Justice just continue watching me.
"The question big guy is if you are ready for this package"
I say loudly for the others to hear.
"Burnnnnn"
Sage and Justin and Petr shout.
Alec and Daniel just gorge themselves on apples and chocolate.
"Challenge! Challenge! Challenge!"
Every body shouts.
And I try to raise an eyebrow like him, I fail, I just raise both.
"So, watcha gonna do about it big guy?"
I didn't see it coming, i swear I did not..
He rolls me over and lifts his hand.
"Tickle monster!"
The others shout .
I am below him.
I frown.
What's that?
I soon find out.
He raises his hands and descends on my ribs.
I squeal.
Oh my God.
This was tickle monster.
I laugh so hard.
"Stop, please stop,"
I beg him.
"You want me to?"
I nod.
He countinues.
"You really want me to?"
I nod.
"K-s me"
He says.
"Justice!"
I yell.
"Oh well"
He countinues.
"Please stop"
"You know what I want, itty bitty"
"Just k-s the man sister"
Tamara says.
Oh hell.
I mash my lips with his and he instantly stops, pulls my head to him and deepens the k-s.
I raise my hand to his shoulder and I hold him to me.
He breaks the k-s and whispers in my ear.
"Taste good baby"
I blush and I close my eyes as he nuzzles my neck.
When I open my eyes I connect eyes with....
Kele?
I pull away as i sit up, justice rolls up with a frown.
"Baby?....."
He says with a question, he follows my gaze, they all do.
He stands up.
"Who the hell are you?"
He asks with the coldness of the former justice.
I stand and I hold his arm.
"It's alright justice, that's my friend, kelechi.”

MAGIC.
Am still frozen.
I dont know why I can't seem to sum up enough excitement.
Don't get me wrong, we've been talking on the phone, texting each other.
I have enough updates on her to be safely sure that our relationship is on the good track
I remember texting her my address one night.
But am so surprised she is here.
"So, I came all the way to Lagos just to make sure you were not added to a local body peddling society
And all I get is you standing over there like you just saw a car wreck"
She says with here kele attitude and I finally get my self.
Justice drapes my sleeve over my shoulders and I wear it and button.
Kele watches this speculatively.
I can see as clear as day that she doesn't like this situation.
At all.
Like at all.
I throw a smile at justice and i walk slowly to her.
Just for a moment I wonder who let her in and let her walk this far without alerting any of the Maxwells.
When I get to her I throw myself at her she catches me.
This close I feel a sense of melancholy.
I smell her kele smell.
A special blend of cherry scented perfume and a cinnamon spice scented perfume.
I missed her I realize.
She kisses my cheek and she breaks the hug.
"How have you been?"
She asks and I nod.
Behind me I can hear the others breaking the up the party.
Am so sorry one of my problems ruined things again.
Not that kele is a problem.
I feel justice walk up to us behind me.
I turn to him because kele does so as well.
"Kelechi, meet my boyfriend justice, justice meet kelechi my bestest best friend"
All through those many phone calls and texts not once did I mention I had a romantic entanglement over here in Lagos.
I can see the betrayal in her eyes.
I don't know why I never told her.
I felt like she would not approve.
Justice just raises an eyebrow at her and then turns to me with cold in his eyes.
What now?
"It's getting chilly out side magic, bring your friend in".
He says this, I look around and i see everyone has gone inside.
Ok.....
Seems they wanted to give us privacy.
I nod my head and I lead kelechi inside.
When we get to my room I begin to strip the sleeve.
"When were you planning on telling me?"
She asks and I halt on my way to my closet.
"Kele....."
"Do you know how worried I was?, I thought maybe something would have happened to you"
"Kele......"
She doesn't let me get a word in.
"You were so naive, I was like, since am free I should come here and help you get sorted,
Imagine my surprise when I come in and I see you looking all cozy with the master of the house."..
"Kelechi.... please...."
She suddenly gasps.
"Is he making you do things? Is he forcing you to do things?"
I open my mouth but she countinues.
"Grab your things, we are leaving this house now, come on".
Ok....
She countinues.
"I knew it, I knew something was wrong, I felt it, how could you be so stupid Emily?"
Now am getting angry.
"Just hold on for a minute there kele"
She stops at my outburst.
"What makes you think I want to leave? Leave and go where?
And also I would appreciate it if you don't insinuate that my boyfriend is a rapist.
I mean come on, is it so farfetched that I could get an handsome, rich boyfriend?
These people have been nothing but a blessing and good to me.
They literally pay me to eat for them.
I have been here for 2 months and I feel better than I have felt in all of my life!
So don't badge in and assume things, don't come in here and act jealous kele.
Please"
I realize I raised my voice so I take a deep breath.
"Is that so?
If they are so good then what happened to your hand? Uh?"
We both glance at my gauze ...
"Accidents happen kele, even you know that"
I say.
She laughs dubiously.
"Two months in the city and you think you know it all? You think you are a big girl now?
You are still a blind naive village girl magic, the earliest you get that the earliest we can leave here".
"I am not leaving, you are not my bloody mother!,
You are nothing to me,
Nothing you hear me?"
She is quiet for once.
I regret the words I said as soon as I said them.
But I go on.
"Just be happy for me kele, that's all I ask".
She doesn't say anything so I sigh.
"Am going to go prepare lunch now, it's what am paid to do,
You can stay here for the night, till anytime you want,
You can use my room.
I will find somewhere else to sleep."
I say this and I lean down to kiss her cheek.
She is staring at the TV, she doesn't say a word.
I sigh.
I go get a change of cloth and I walk to the bathroom.
I change.
I have to go cook but first I have to go get kelechi's carry on from the ground floor.
I glance at her as I exit she is still standing, but now staring out the window.
I exit and I go downstairs.
I see everyone looking pensive.
Am sure it's not for me.
I listen and I hear grunting coming from the work out room.
Am surprised, the room is far away.
I finally notice that justice is missing.
I glance at julliet, she doesn't meet my eyes.
I feel the weight of sage eyes on me and I look at him.
There is disappointment in them.
Oh hell.
Today did not go as planned.

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO READ EPISODE 25 & 26
https://dapalace.com/protected-episode-25-26/

[Beyond Captivating
Y Op. Amina
Episode 25

Lucas POV:
My whole form felt like a ten ton weight when i tried opening my eyes ...
What came to my thought at once was the horror image of that woman,
how she had beat me up and raced towards me like some criminal ...
but I was fast to ignore the twinge of the heaviness it bought ...

I opened my eyes slowly
At first all I saw was double,
With a skipped heart I tried squeezing my eyes shut to ward the dizziness away...when I opened my eyes this time I glance around only to realise I was in my room alone,
I sighed
Gosh thank God I was dreaming, did I actually kissed that horror
what got over me?
And she, she she ...

Damn if I hadn't fled for my life she
nearly destroyed my face in that dream...mtchii,
What kind of human being is she,
I almost manage a chuckle but when the flashed came once more, I had to scratch my itching butt...
"wait!!!!, what am I saying, i was with her, I was kissing her, when she suddenly hit on me, that was no dream, And how ......how did I get home
when I felt a strange kind of pain on my face...
I frowned.
Wait Lucas. Calm down, its not what you think

Slowly i closed and opened them almost immediately
No Lucas, calm your breath,
I tried calming my breath but when I felt a more piercing pain on my lips
Instantly it felt as if am about to die,
"it can't be??"
It can't be, how can she just beat me up like some criminal just because I touched her butt, where is that done?

With a double pounding heart I stared wide eye at the ceiling more like a guy who had just been attacked by chickenpox slowly I raised my hand to my face,
A jolt of shock made me sat straight on my bed, I winced a little...
But never am I worrying about an head ache .. my looks mattered.
I patted my hands on my face
When I felt a plaster, I tried swallowing my saliva,
When I felt more plaster,,
I jerk off the blanket, almost falling i raced towards the mirror...i battered my lashes in front of it as if what I just saw wasn't really me ..

I touched my face slowly and squeezed my eyes shut like a man in the grip of a muscle spasms
"No it can't be, that's not you Lucas"
I muttered shaking my head in shock ...
I slammed my finger on the mirror while grinning
"that's not me,it can't be me, how can a .... "
When I realise it was really me, I widened my eyes back at mirror and it just felt as if the ground should open up and swallow me raw
"she destroyed my looks ,,"

I hold on to my head while I shockingly stared back at the mirror
"Ground ground ground,"
Disgustingly I removed all the plaster on my face and groan at the pain it brought...
When I saw different kinds of bruises , I staggered on my feet ..
"Emergencyyyyyyyyyyy, amblanceeeeeeeeee" I shouted in shock
when the door suddenly clicked open ...
A middle aged family doctor I recognised as Mr Edwin's came all looking calm and glad
"Oh Lucas you are awake, thank God"
Without giving him breathing space i raced towards his direction.

"Mr Edwin's call am ambulance right now I need to get a surgery done"
He smiled looking up at me as if what I just uttered was something much bigger than my mouth ...
He shook his head and walked further into the room
"Calm down Lucas those are just bruises, it would close up in no time ...and who told you to remove those plasters,"
I struck my eyes at him, this time i raced towards him and lock him in the collar ..I gritted my teeth hard while I cut on the words gently.

"If you do not call an ambulance right now am gonna jump off that balcony"
"Hey hey hey, its not up to that " he patted my arm
"Its not up to what, look at my face, its up to what huh huh?" I shouted at him,
"Lucas, you are strangling me man "
I scrunched my face up before releasing my hold on his shirt ...I ached my brow and darted my gaze around.

"You calling the ambulance or what, where the hell is my phone, mum mum" I shouted
"Am gonna jump off that balcony and I mean it" I raced towards my closet before he called out..
"You've got to let me take care of that wound or it might get infected, especially the ones beside your lips"
after getting out off my stinking shirt that kept smelling of that woman, I raced out and towards the balcony ...
I hope this man stop me, I don't wanna die no no no no.

I raised one leg all ready to jump off the balcony
"Stop this Lucas"
when I felt his hands pull me back
I sighed ,,
Thank God he stopped me pooffff... That was close
but yet to make it look real I stubbornly struggled out off his hold and raced back
"Let me jump, you call the ambulance or am gonna jump "
"the hell is this Lucas somebody help" Mr Edwin's call out.

But yet I kept struggling out of his hold
"Lucas stop it, Lucas"
my mums shaky sweet accent came with a scream ,
So this woman love me this much, either they get me into an operating room and get this bruises hell out of my face or I jump off this balcony
she holds on to my second arm, but my hands were tightly gripped on the balcony steel while I struggled more at their hold ....
"either I get a surgery or i jump off this damn balcony mum"
"Those wound are just bruises Lucas, it would close up"

She shouted but never am I listening
"The horror you hired look at what she did to my face mum"
when I stared back at her, I saw how scared she was,
Her face was shadowed with fears and different kinds of fright ....
So this woman love me ...
"Lucas your face is fine, the bruises would close up "
I raised one of my leg up this time .....
"I cant live with this kinda face mum, don't you get it "

"Lucas you are fine, okay ...please just"
"Never am I listening " I cut on her words
"leave him, let's see if he jumps or not ..."
When I heard her voice my breath caught up in my lungs
I choke back a lump In my throat I was so sure would be about half of the size of a base ball...
i felt anger and fear knotted in my stomach at the thought of how she brutally hit her fist on my face ,,
my fine face
I widened my eyes to space
I had to ground my teeth hard against the urge of roaring into airs
But When the flash back came once more, my head instantly hit on a crack ...
"Come on jump, hahaha you spoilt brat "
"Did she, did she''
"Silvia I'll handle this" i heard mum call to her softly ...

"Ma'am he isn't gonna jump, he is a fake??"
I struggled a little and battered my lashes
How did she know that, what kind of horror human being is she
And did she
Did she, just call a whole me ....spoilt brat??
..I squeezed my eyes shut and groaned
when I opened them the airs blowing around hit me hard and it felt as if am about to die,
I dropped my leg on the ground and gritted my teeth.

with fury burning on rage i turn and there I found myself tiptoeing angrily towards her direction
"Lucas, where the hell, stop" mum and Dr Edwin's call out
But there I grabbed her by the neck and pushed her hard until i pinned her against the wall ....
"You horror"
Look at my face, you did this to me just because I touched your butt, are you a virgin huh answer me" i shouted
I sent her my dead angry look but the amusement i saw at the corner of her lips made my shudder.

What kind of horror is this
"Get your hands off me Lucas, or am gonna hurt you"
I pinned her hard against the wall this time
While mum and doctor Edwin's drag me from behind but I kept struggling off their hold, am gonna strangle her to death
"Lucas, stop that, you are hurting her "
Mum call out but never am I listening
"What kind of heartless human being are you huh, I even saved your life or else you could have died like a chicken back in the hurricane"
"Watch your mouth Lucas" she warned while she struggled from my hold but never am I listening ...

Am gonna wretch her neck
"Just because i touched your butt, you did this to my face"
I glare at her irritatedly like I would look at a used c-ndom
"like you've never been f-cked before huh answer me "
Suddenly it felt as if the earth should crashed me into space when I felt her hard kick hit on my balls ...
I bite back a groan and released my hold on her
I struck my eyes up in pains only to meet with her hot slap ...

"Good lord" almost immediately i hit my form on the ground
She was all prepared to pounce on me when mum and doctor Edwin's held her back...
I hold on tightly to my privates while I stared at the angry look in her eyes,
there was tears in them this time while she struggled to freed herself ...
"Never would you talk to me that way, let me kill this crazy son of yours ma'am, never would you address me rudely again you locust beans ,, "
When she freed herself she raced toward me but I was fast to roll off my bed before she would send me to an early grave ...
...
I raced towards my bathroom and locked myself up only to hear her scream some more ....
"I hate you Ugly, come out and let me destroy more of your face, you nut"
I staggered and sat at the edge of my tub to bite back more of the pain of her kick and hot slap,

I came to a conclusion the best to do to keep from seeing her horror face everyday was just to give myself some space from all this ...
"Have gat to call Zion"
When her scream finally subside I opened the door gently to peep only to see her wrapped in my mums arms
while she cry her heart out".
"What what what !!!, what's wrong with her,"
"Mum are you getting that horror outta my room or what?? "I called out

*******

Beyond Captivating ��
By Op. Amima
Episode 26

Celine :
Past :
Click 12:am in the morning ...although i hadn't had a blink of sleep cause of my eye contacts but at the sight of the wall clock, I jump out of bed while I race uneasily around my room like a person whose life depended on it.
I wish I could faint ...God
Finally ,,
Finally the day I am to meet with Lucas, o.m.g...hoooooooooohaaa.....
Quiet enough not to wake the whole house up ..I can't believe i found myself racing breathlessly around.

...what if am seeing him already ...
Will i perhaps faint or just stand to admire him.....
Will I gasp out loud or jump on him ...
How I wish God to just propone the day and send the night here all ready I can't wait anymore....
Yaaaaaaayyy
You might be Thoughtfully wondering how it got to the next day right ..... of course Lucas postpone the meeting ...
at first the thought of how Nate must have tricked me got me wild...

"Am sorry Celine, Lucas couldn't make it tonight, so I had to let you know earlier"
After he said those words, the smile on my face faded instantly..
I removed my sun glasses and slowly reset myself on the passenger seat ...I looked into space for a moment not wanting to believe what he just said almost immediately i started crying while i sent him different kinds of names

"You freaking jerk, dog, gold digger, you tricked me"
"Calm down Celine if I wanna trick you, l wouldn't pick your call or even be meeting with you right now , pls just stop crying and let me dial his number okay"
I tried calming my breath, but my mind and heart wouldn't stop throbbing at the thought of not meeting with Lucas
But when he did dialed his contact, the mere tone of his s*xy voice on the loud speaker make me wanna faint ...

"Nathan, apologies man... . won't be in tonight, but tomorrow night I'll be there promise ..."
"Okay, no prob man" Nathan replied
The flash back of his apology tone through the phone got my legs crumbling ...
Lordddddddddddddd
I can't believe he is even as s*xy as anything even when he speaks
Yaaay almost quietly I raced in front of mirror while I keep posing on how am gonna walk ..
Come on Celine like this,
Another style,
Bend low ..
Cat walk or dog walking
Does he likes it chest in...
No no no chest out ...

Thumbs up Celine, your c -cup is full enough..
How am I gonna stare at him
I removed my hair net before flinging my just made Brazilian weave on to the side ...
How about this kind of s*xy look,
Lips pouting while smiling ...
Or this kind of tinted look ...
Eye lashes coming down and coming up seductively ..
No no, biting my lips slightly along with a wink ...
Good idea.

Wait wait ...what if i give him a lap dance, damn that would be so killing.
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhahaha
Once more I found myself racing to the side of my bed while I hugged on tightly to my pillow..
I wish he could be in my arms already, to kiss him, to touch that broad chest of his down down and down to his .....hulala
Omg Celine, bad bad thought ..I hugged on to my pillow while I layed flat on the tiled floor of my room ...

The mere thought of seeing him naked already scrub out any possible senses that's might have so left in my brain in turn sending some crescendo of feelings to subside in me ...each time taking me frantically nearer to some mysterious submit of sensation ...
Damn I kissed my pillow repeatedly before standing to race back to the mirror...
"What if i tweak, how is he gonna react ,wait come on Celine let's do some practice "
And there slowly with my two hands on the floor I started tweaking while I watch as my butt keeps slapping against each other ...
"There Celine come on, you can do it, yeah, yeah, yeah ...

. Roll it, shake it ...twist, twist, ....
I swear the mere sight of my body is gonna drive the guy crazy "
Breathlessly I lay flat on the floor once more after tweaking to the music in my head
Gosh tonight would be the best night ever ...celineeeee, come on let's goooo
..
It wasn't long before morning to surface in full though ...but yet I found myself warning mother nature before I tiredly walk into the kitchen
"morning you should have surfaced earlier, you know I am to meet with him today"
Yawning after scratching my butt ...I poured myself a cup of water before gulping it in ...
"hullala" I was so sure the sound of my laugh sounded like a cat.

"Celine what could be making you so happy, which one is hullala, another kind of slang"
My mums voice almost send me into shock
"Oh mum, yeah I mean, when, I didn't see you, when did you walked in"
"did you say walked in, I've been in here all along, as old as you are, you could still be sleep walking" she shook her head grimly
"Guess I didn't notice sorry about that mum, good morning "
I moved forward to peck her...when I saw the frown on her face I knew immediately it was because of the sight of all kinds of touch up on my face
"I barely recognise you Celine, wait!!!! what did you do to your face, what's with this in your eyes"

"Mum, this is dope, you know dope kinda fashion,"
I struck out my tongue slightly more in a way rich girls does their mouth while forming braggy...
She was moving forward to touch my face but I was fast to bounce backwards...
Like bounce bounce , that hand ...........on my face... no way.
"Mum, you don't have to stare at my face disgustedly...see let me explain you see this one is from Clifengle Eyelash Extensions okay, this other one is.

Haute Winx, the eye contact is from Blinx Exotic Eyes.... one of the most popular in all of cape town and this last one is from eyes wave fluttertique, they are all costly mum,"
I twist my hips a little just to show her how happy i was
All this while she opened her mouth slightly while she keeps glaring at me as if I was some kind of magician displaying different kinds of magic.

"Mum why are you staring at me like you just saw a ghost, nothing to get scared of ,its just some touch up of different kind of catty eye lashes, with a close up of a glistening eye contacts, kinda new fashion you know"
I said to her with all broader smile before gulping back another cup of water
"Khaaa sweet water" I dropped the cup before moving towards the refrigerator
"All of that on your face alone Celine"
I nodded but when I glance back to study the irritation on her face an odd feeling watches over ...
"so who are you to meet today that could send you waking up around this kind of time, its just 7:30 Celine its unlike of you"

I licked some of the peanut butter I took from the refrigerator... While I keep putting some on my already iced bread...I wasn't answering though I kept shaking my hip and humming non exist kind of song...
"This is stupidity Celine ,, you are going to resume college anytime sooner, is this how you gonna start flaunting yourself so all those bad guys would notice you,"
I grin towards her before shaking my head slightly...
"Mum , this is not flaunting, its called dope, kinda twenty first century style you know" this time I turned my lips to the side exactly the way rich girls does their thing
"You are so hope less twenty first century," she shouted,

the devilish expression on her face makes me shudder a bit though, but pity she doesn't know I would anything just to get the attention of my Lucas
"latest tonight I don't wanna see all those on your face" she hit the pale so was holding on the table before racing out of the kitchen but thankfully I was fast to call back to her
"I won't be home tonight mum, wanna go spend sometime with my friends"
"What's with her .
..what !!!!!!is my face really that worst"...
I was busy touching my face and staring into space but the scream around almost send my foot off the ground ...

I stare at the wide eye expression on my two sister face ,, being at ten and the other at twelve, they could be the worst kid ever,its just so annoying cause they are one kind of loquacious kids who could talk till the end of time
I hate having them around God,they annoys me really
I roll up my eyes...
"What is it again you two"
"Aunt Celine, is that you" Janet who is the eldest asked ,chubby and kinda irritating with words , with that big cheek and tiny mouth of hers she could talk till the end of time, it just so strange and kinda weird on my part instead she keeps getting more fatter and fatter ....kai..
I stare at her just like the way rich girls would stare at a rotten tomato like ..what
I roll up my eyes and sighed.

"What!! Its me Celine, are you blind"
They raced towards me all ready to touch my face but I was fast to bounce back ...
"Shit, you touch my face, you die"
"Aunt Celine, if not for your voice, I would have argued this face is not yours" laura returned with a wicked kind of smirk on her face at ten she seems smarter and kinda weird, the moment she starts talking to dolls like a real human being, I found myself racing away from her ...
"Sillies, wants wrong with you guys ,you making it look as if my face has changed totally, what if I apply make up"
They stare at each other before laughing out loud
"Haahaha we should start calling you aunt rihanna then.."

They keep howling, and laughing out loud... The mere sight of their face sends my blood boiling immediately i reached out for a large kitchen spoon
I scowled angrily and race towards them all ready to spank them in the head but they were fast to race out with their school bag
"Pls your natural face is better aunt rihanna"
"You two weirdos its better you do not show your face around me, or else" I called out to them but they were far gone
I was starting to give in to their words but at a moment i shook my mind away from it ..
"Mtchii"

"Whatever, am just trying to look good for my Lucas...." I said the words like a chicken who has just been attack by a special kinda sickness,
Let them say whatever
"time to go shopping for a s*xy dress" I shake my hips almost immediately before moving into my room...

*****
7 clock at night..
"That" Diana said
"is the most s*xy dress ever"
She grinned happily
"Hope its s*xy enough" I surveyed myself in the mirror while I blink my catty eye lashes along rapidly so I could see clearly
"Far from s*xy Celine, it so obvious you are not wearing a bra, the guy would definitely go crazy"

"Of course the gown hardly even has any back, i just Hope your date is so cute celine," Anabel ran to wrap her hands around me from behind
"Just Send a video to the group chat pls"
Joy who was busy painting her nails said boredomly" I wish we could have a date too but mtchii...
"Don't feel bad, don't worry girls ,, i would surprise you"
When my phone rang I grin happily before reaching my hand into my bag, when I saw Nathan number,
My heart nearly fall out of my chest ...
"He is calling me already girls"
Careful not to fall with my double high hill, I ran out of the Anabella room and towards the exit ...

"Girls, I will give you a call,"
"Babe, be a good girl" they call out ...
I knew the girls noticed how wildly have been acting strange lately, am very sure I would be the talk of the matter after I left ...they knew me enough, have never been this way cause of a date especially to an ordinary commoner...but pity they never knew the cause of my uneasiness ..
I laughed out in joy before jumping into Nathan car...
I could see the Humor dancing around his eyes as he stares at me...

"Wao, Celine ...you are damn s*xy.. I barely even recognise you,, and what did you do to your face"
"Make up"
"Wao, babe, " he laughed ...
"I can't Believe you did all this just for Lucas"
Not taking his eyes away from me, he click on his seat belt while he keeps scanning my whole
I shot him a glare and smile before tucking my hair shyly behind my ears ..."
"Stop staring at me that way Nate, please let's go already,"
Not replying he smile s*ductively before cutting on the drive ...

And As the car chugged up and over the rugged hillside, I realise i could not contain the happiness in me anymore...it kept wailing of his name oh lord give me the heart to behave myself if I get to see him real...
The Journey seems longer than I expected, I kept touching up on my make and moving uneasily on the seat ...Nathan and i chatted a little ,,we laughed at each other jokes ..
I asked him about his relationship with Silvia and all sort... At some point I was starting to feel sleepy but when Nate drove into this estate, I had to gasp out loud.

"Its the rich guys club Celine,, right from block one to the end, "
The roads were edged with more of
the greenery, richer in some of the low lying spots, there were lights everywhere, every corner... that shaded the opposite side was more like an island ...
Gosh this place is heaven, Buildings, few and far between, were
low and well organised, overgrown with vegetation in others.
With the lights high and bright above it all, though, there was no sense of depression.
Rather, there was only sense of freedom of modest luxury, and of simplicity made out of urban splendors.

"Wao Nate, how come, I mean no one would thought this place is just a club"
"Yea that's because it is mainly for rich kids,"
After reaching out for my hand, I took his while he supported me out of the car ...
I could hear different kind of music blaring from the inside ....and as he led me in I realise all possible thought that might occupied my thoughts fled away in turn replacing it with a lot of excitement
Who would ever thought the me, would be in this kind of luxurious place
It's freezing outside but when Nate led me inside i was flushed with different kinds of warmness ...

I watched as Nate sends his hi to few people before leading me into the elevator...
"Lucas is at the tenth floor Celine"
He smile and took my hands gently when he noticed how uneasy I was

. he gasped...
"Celine, see this guy is cool okay, I made all possible best he has no kind of attachment with him so don't be scared,, he is all yours tonight ..."
Almost nervously I shook my head
"But I just don't know how am gonna contain myself if I see him, you know"
He smiled warmly
"Although he might be very good looking, that one is a fact ,,all you have to do is just sigh in and out before sending him your hi, you are good babe"
When I noticed he was scanning my whole, I pat his arm ...

"Stop that look"
"You are just too s*xy Celine, with this your make up and all ..seriously I barely recognized you, but you are pretty, and don't worry, so far you are pretty, that ...Lucas do love pretty girls, you know with this believe that he is very good looking, so he doesn't go for ugly girl" he roll his eyes before smiling ...
"Nate how come you got to have so much connection with the rich guys"
"I work at a club remember, so I do meet different people ,,come on it almost eleven, you know am still gonna drive back home"
I nodded towards him before adjusting my dress to my body ...

When we landed, the top floor was heaven itself, I had to gasp out with the way every where was glittery like glass ...
Nate led me forward,
I wrap my arms around myself and move along but this leg of mine wouldn't stop trembling ....
God is all this for real..
When we entered into this room, you could tell it was a special kinda reserved part of the club which is mostly for billionaires,
my eyes had to adjust to the darkness. There were multicolored flashing lights on the dance floor, but they are not bright enough to reach beyond that. It's was crowded with girls and guys who were having so much fun ....

And as we make our way in ....the dancing sweaty bodies press and rub up against me. But I don't mind though, cause i noticed it's the fastest way to get across the room. I feel their eyes on me as I pass. Pity they never knew I was a club freak myself...
The walk into the top part Lucas was took a while, and i started wondering why he got to hide himself up to this length....but it wasn't long for me to understand ....cause when Nathan did led me into this room....it was only occupied by four guys ...

The most popular sons of the billionares
There
when I sighted them it was as if I wanted to faint ...
God
If they could all look this handsome how is Lucas gonna be, before I realise it I started to glance around ...
And where is he
Nathan led me forwards to them.
He shake theirs hands while I watch them chat a little ,

When he did turn to introduce me to them.., my eyes went huge, I realise I was starting to tremble like a stupid low life ...
Gosh this is so embarrassing,
After the introduction...
It was privilege cause I got to shake hands with the sons of a billionaires....
....
Waooooo, god..they told me am beautiful... Heaven heaven
Suddenly I watched as Nigel move forward to take my hands instantly my knees crumbled beneath me, he was fast to grab me though
''Are you all right?''

I stared into his dreamy eyes. "Huh?"
i took in a deep breath and picked up a slight cinnamon scent. The pleasing aroma tickled my taste buds
His light brown eyebrows rose slightly as he asked once more
"Are you okay?''
Gosh he also Smells like Paris ,,
Heaven heaven heaven did he just touch me ..
Kai kai kai I wanna faint
when he did let me go ...he took my hand and slowly his lips went down....
"You are truly a beauty "

His charming smile, dark hair and hazel eyes warmed my skin. He wore a white, unbuttoned
shirt, revealing a strong chest with solid muscles all the way down.
my heart picked up more beats.
I staggered but Nathan was fast to grab me ...
"I got her"
he smile towards Nigel before stylishly moving me to a corner
"Celine are you here to disgrace me or what, you are suppose to behave like one rich girl cause this guys never"
He smile towards the guys once more before turning his gaze on me.

"This guys only roll with rich girls okay"
"Look at you, you are trembling like a Christmas chicken ... what if you saw Lucas "
"Am sorry I'll compose "
At the mentioning of Lucas, I won't lie, my head did a little banging of excitement mixture fear
"OK let's go meet him then, he is inside, just compose okay"
I smile towards Nigel who was staring at me all along before heading inside with nathan
each of my steps was like a tonic to my heart ...it just felt as if i was outside in the night with the air so dark cold and regenerative and laden with the saint of the rich wet earth.
my legs walk like a dream as I followed Nathan and when he opened the door to this room ..Lucas was standing with his back towards us.

The first fact was ,,
my senses flew away to the mass I just couldn't describe how s*xy and breathtaking his back view was
,second fact was my heart was beating like a bata drum, the mere sight of him nearly choke all breath out of my lungs
and the third fact was I realise as I began to tremble like a fool it was then that Nathan had to call to him
"Hey Lucas man"
And when he did turn like some sort of model in an alien world.

*******
Guess what happened next ....me self dey wonder wetin happen there sef

Beyond Captivating
By Op. Amina
Episode 27

Silvia POV:
Like crying my heart would lessen the pain ... Would it
I wish I had break his neck instead,
who gave him the right to talk to me that way
does he even know how i was raped and molested
...does he even know how i got to live with that through the years ....
It hurt so much,

it hurt me in here and as much as I try to hold it in ... I couldn't help the tears, all possible sounds around me was gone ...the thought of being betrayed by the only man have ever loved and trust sends a different kind of swells in my head ...this time I was crying like a kid ....
I just don't know why someone could keep me that long and still let another guy took my virginity to the extent of getting me pregnant..
A wicked kind of guy who could only take advantage of a lady only by r*ping her while unconscious, I just wish I could see Nate, I wish he crosses my part one day so I could give him a dim mak in the neck..

Visiting the club he works a countless times was always a fruitless trial ..
his whereabouts was still a mystery even to his co workers ...the worst of it was I never even get to meet any of his family or friends ...or maybe he'd even been lying to me right from the start ,about a dead parent and being an only child who had to hustle ,,
I was a so naive, a fool in love yet
The bastard traded my innocence to make his money ...

My stomach made a little churning as more of my tears fall
I felt my pulse racing, ..the
sense of vibrations whirring within me just wouldn't stop..
After Mrs Tyson led me out Lucas room ..
Sharing my heart out with her seems to lessen my aching heart a little ...
Guess I was a little relieved in a kinda way I haven't been in years ...not because of the Shelter or the luxury comfort she offered but in a kinda of way my heart knew this special kind of peace....

A regular peace that seems to float into my brain and out with a particular kind of relieve
At the thought of it all over and over again ..I think it was because she promised to help me find whomsoever Jamie father was....
I just wanted to meet him, oh how much I wish to meet him before taking his life...
Nate and the bastard made my life this way, they made me a single mother who doesn't even know how pleasurable the feeling of love making was

They deprived me of all the feeling I wanted to experience with someone I love, the dream of making love in a balcony that shows a whole lot of skyscraper. . The feeling of being loved and to be loved ...
The feeling of striping my man naked and making love to him the way I wanted to ...
I wouldn't deny how the touch of that bastard had taken so much effect on me,
But I couldn't help it ,,I just felt he wanted to use me just like I was being used when r*pped,
That's it.

I wonder if he even know what love is, I doubt if he'd ever fallen in love??...and it serves him right ,by destroying his face he got what he deserve..
And I swear as long as am in this house if he crosses my part am gonna break his neck ...
Mrs Tyson had left me strictly undisturbed in a room I realise was her study ...leaving me alone to my thought after consoling me was the best she could do for me...after every drop of my tears has ended I realise the whole episode of my life was just some unmitigated disaster from every point of view...

I wish my life was like that of Celine who dumps men instead, if I hadn't had Jamie who gave me so much happiness, what would have been left of me by now,
at first i was convinced the r*pe was done by Nate but when i went for a DNA with Nate hair in a comb he left with me, It was confirmed his blood and that of jamie was strongly negative....

All I did was love the bastard and how sweet would it be of he were real with me and I to give him Jamie as the fruit of our love ...
How much I hate him
Can I even fall in love again??
Can I ??
I swallowed whatever tears that might be threatening to come out ...
Instead i tried shifting my thought away from every bit of how pained I was...and it worked
I was studying how neat and tidy Mrs Tyson study was when I sighted a picture ...
I moved towards it and picked it up,,.

How come the family has such good look ,,
...Mrs Tyson and a lady I guess was her daughter was smiling broadly while Lucas arms was crossed around his dad..
I touched his lips on pictured and shuddered a bit ..
I swallowed my saliva twice and start to wonder what prompt this kind of feeling ??, when will I admit my world had turn into topsy turvy....

. there is no room for any kind of emotion..although his devilish looks could drive any sane woman off their foot but I had to remind myself am here to work and I would be a fool to feel any kind of attraction towards him...
Yet
Why do I feel like kissing the bastard in spite of all he did
... Despite my inner turmoil i smile a bit with the thought of him wanting to jump a balcony cause of few bruises ...
what a baby ...

I was busy admiring how good looking he was in the picture but jumped a little when the door to the study opened
Mrs Tyson appeared with a Maid who was holding a tea tray ....
Her smile was just so soft and rich
What an elegant woman
"ma'am" I smile towards her before dropping the picture
"I can see you are a bit okay now Silvia"
"Yes ma'am ,, I thinks so "
"Thanks heaven for that "
I smile as the maid gave me the tea before turning on her heels, I took a sip and gave Mrs Tyson an appreciative sigh before taking my seat.

"Thanks ma'am ,"
She gave me a brief motherly smile before moving forward to caress my arm
"U're welcome,,"
The atmosphere was quite a bit
I was forced to stare down at my tea for a moment before gazing up at her
"Ma'am I think am gonna go home to check up on my son ,,you know and packed few of my cloth"

"You don't have to stress yourself Silvia, I already send my driver, Zion and few guard over to settle those at least today is Friday, your son can spent the weekend with you here ..they should be here soon"
I stared up at her as my inside bubbled with joy
With tears of happiness, I sipped my tea a little before clearing it away
"Thanks ma'am ,, you are such a mother, thanks”

"No problem dear, come let me give you a tour around the house before showing you to your room,,I think its ready now"
I nodded expressionlessly before following her out of the room.
After the tour of the house .....Mrs Tyson and i with few maids came back upstairs before moving forth towards a room which is exactly besides Lucas ...
My eyes went huge ,
Why would she choose my room to be beside this bastard son of hers ...
Of course she wants me to break his neck this time..
I noticed his door was closed ,I bit my lips a little and start to wonder what he was doing inside,,

Gosh its almost 6 pm the fool wouldn't even come out of his room because of few bruises ...
As big as he is ,, why does he always behaves like a baby ...
but I was mute ..
I could only stare at Mrs Tyson smiling face as she opened the door
"And this is your room Silvia"
I swallowed glancing around rather wildly at the large modern four poster bed which took pride of the place ...
"Its so lovely" I was forced to gasped out ,,,
Gosh it was double the size of room at home
"It has its own dressing room and bath room ..." She demonstrated.

"hope you feel comfortable dear" she smiles broadly and order the maids to go arrange only God knows what
I turn back at her and smile...
"Ma'am , but Lucas room is just at the opposite, I mean beside "
She interrupted my words ....
"Not far from him is the best way to get your job done dearie don't you think so "
I swallowed my saliva and nodded
"I will right back dearie ,, just look around ,, you can freshen up if you want to"
I nodded and smile nervously towards her before she turned on her heels

*****
Lucas POV....
After freshening up, I had lunch before taking some pain killer...
This whole time I spent the entire time locked up in my room ,,berating myself for being a seven kind of fool ,,what had gotten into me for kissing her like that ?
Kissing an horror kinda of woman
Now how am I even gonna live with this bruises on my face ...
A whole Lucas Tyson
.. who would ever thought a woman...
A mere woman could do this to me,
moving tiredly...I walked towards my mirror and touched my bruised lips...
the pain it brought instantly sends a churning to my stomach.

My fine lips ...I touched it as though I was touching a gold ...
Of course my lips is,, every part of my body is ....
I know I shouldn't have taken her like that ,,but should kissing and touching her prompt to the extent of destroying my face..
Physically, i felt worst. Psychologically,
I felt worsen ,yet i found myself continuing to brood despite all my
attempts to forget about her ....
I wish i could just get the thought of her out from my head ... Her behavior this morning was exactly like ......goshh.

Nothing but an horror,, the abrupt swing from a sick lady to a tyrant, was beyond my understanding.
What the hell is wrong with her
I glance around my room quietly ...
I just hope she'd left already...
And what will mom hire some one like her for..
She doesn't fit in any position around here ,,
When the flash back on how I kissed her came ,,my heart made a rapid beating ....
I beat on my chest repeatedly before moving away from the mirror...
What i don't understand was she kissed me so hungrily...

She kissed me as though she hasn't been kissed in years ,yet gosh that woman is just so hard to understand ...
I stared into space for a while and found myself fumbling at the stupid thought of having her in front of me while I give that lips of hers the best love making ever
Gosh have never wanted anyone in my whole life, she aroused me so bad.

But what's with this anger of hers??
No matter how hard she tried to hide under a man skin,,with that body of hers she's still a woman ...
I realise my private had start to tickle in a bind of emotional jumble only for my eyes to go huge when I stare down at it
Damn, I slid my hands on the length before cursing at her.

Despite being an horror she could still make me feel this way huh ...
Despite giving me the beating of my life ,,she could still make me this hard
I gave myself a long level look before heaving a sigh ...
Whats with this image of hers in my head seriously I found this rather strange as an international playboy ...
If its all about this coincidence night I had with her ,

Then Lucas it seems you are hopeless ,you've striped countless of girls ..get that in your head ...
I was forced to
Step out to the balcony for some fresh air, I realise the weather had turned gorgeous...
And At a moment I found myself smiling at the thought of wanting to jump off the balcony ....
She is such an horror really, how does she even know I was faking it ..

I stared up at the sky for a while before
..closing my eyes and tilting my head back, I reveled more deeply in the sensual master piece of the atmosphere. The balmy tropical breeze fanned through
My hair, and slapped on my
face with the gentleness of a whisper, tenderly baring my features to the healing flow of the
trade winds.

Each breath i took of the moist air brought growing relaxation through my limbs and sending my
my thought along with the mixture of how beautiful she was , how fresh her body was when i had stripped her...
How soft she felt under that robe ,, suddenly I was sent to the image of her sending her fist on my face ,,how she was shouting and slapping me like some horror
God I opened my eyes quickly before I would faint at the mere thought of that

Gosh Lucas behave ...behave,you have so many women at hand for you to start thinking of one particular horror kinda woman..
I shook my head before sliding my hands on my hair , when I glanced down the balcony ,,this time I had to blink rapidly as three of my friends drove in with their sport cars,
At the sight of the taunting expression on Elliot and jack's face ...

It was as if the world is about crashing into airs
Gosh it was so obvious mum told them everything ,,
Damn
this two taunter's are here to taunt me,,I rack my hands through my hairs and cursed more
At first I was so glad I already put a lock on my door but when I remember jack has this kind of master key that could open any door ...I found my running round my room thinking of what next to do ....

The last thing I wanted now is for those two taunter's to start tauting me ...
, damn
I jerk in a polo and a much longer short before racing out of my room ...
I thought of going down the stairs but at the sound of their laughing bass voice downstairs ,, I raced back ,
quietly I closed the door to my room and raced to the next ...

After rushing in I was fast to put a lock on it ...
And when I turn,
my eyes went huge ,,i was shocked and stunned only to stand like a rock on the door way ..she was standing with her back towards me ,
Wrapped in a towel which was showing enough of her fresh thighs, her raven black hair, was fanned on her shoulder ,, once taken aback by her beauty I thought I could just stand there and drink in the sight of her until time went still.

I closed my eyes and opened just to make sure i wasn't day dreaming ,, but damn it was no dream ,, it was her ..looking like the goddess of moonlight...
She shakes her hips a little and hum to the song she was listening to ....
The sight of her moving butt makes more of my eyes went huge ...
Lucas turn quietly and get out of this room right now .

Get outttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttt
but the voice went unheeded, I swallowed repeatedly as i stare at her from her head and down to the toes .
Damn
......this woman is .......
My eyes fell on her butt once more as it shake a little rapidly this time ..
Gosh I had to shift my head sideway
While i struggled convulsively to swallow the tingling feeling underneath me
Then, with a deep breath, i lifted trembling fingers on my face and when I glanced back this time ...

My breath choked out of my lungs as she dropped her towel ,,,
My god ...
I was about racing out when my head hit on the door ...
Ouchh
I glanced back at her

Her head swung back as it held into collision with mine,
Now there was anger and coldness in them as She shouted ....
"Lucas "
she struggled to tie the towel around herself ...
"Lucas's what the hell," ...
"I am........m......I didn't .......its not what you think Silvia"

I was fumbling with the locks this time as more waves of inner heat overwhelm me.
"Gosh what have I done, open up this damn locks"
Curiosity got me glancing back and there she was racing towards me all full with rage ....
"Am going kill you "
"Silvia no no its not what you think "
I shook my head rapidly ....
"Its not what you think"
"You bastarddddddd"

****
Guess what happened next guys

Beyond Captivating
By Op. Amina
Episode 28

Present :
Celine POV

Celineeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
The silence that followed the calling of my name confused me,
His hands went straight to his face, as he fights back tears,
When he dropped them
His eyes were blazing as it reflect fire...
My eyes went huge
Frightened by the glittering reflection of it ..i struggled to inched my self up but he was fast to grab me closer to his arms,,

Slowly he sat and lean against the wall which was all occupied with Lucas pictures ...he draw my form forward in between his laps...gosh how much i hurt but i could only watch as my blood slid down of my leg
He clung my head to his chest
Instead all i smelt in him was nothing but danger

.. Lord have mercy, is this a pay back to all I did to my friends ,please lord
i was starting to tremble with the thought of him strangling me to death, but he didn't instead he only c*resses my hair, before burying his head into my neck ...i m-an slightly as he trailed kisses all over my neck and up to my ear
"Tell me all other stuff i need to know about you Celine and.... "

He paused for a Moment, I was rooted to the spot I am curiosity made me glance back though only to realise he was staring at me .....
My heart began to pound in reaction to the pain I saw in there..., I was fast to shift mine though cause I couldn't look at him, I dare not, all he ever does is love me even when he knew I was still in love with another,
I knew all he wanted was for me not to reveal myself to Lucas, but at this point I have to think of myself too..

I'm still in love him no matter how hard I try getting him out of my head...
With shuttered eyes i turned to stare at him once more only to realise his eyes was still on me, what was he thinking about ,Goddd..
Where should I start,
I thought of no other way to delay my response only by leaning closer and placing my lips on his ...

At first I thought he would reject or maybe hit my head on the wall but he didn't..
A hot salty tears trickle down my cheek as he open up to me ...as sweet as he could be I just wish he hadn't love me this much...
At the touch of his lips, the last four pained years filled with lies and deceit swelled my head,

I released my lips from his and all i could do was wrap my arms around him and cry ...
I betrayed him after all he did, after being so caring and loving
After making me forget about the pains of aborting..
Even though I kept asking after Lucas all those years he visited my school yet that doesn't gave him enough reason to let go..
But look at me ...here I am treating him as though he wasn't man enough, as though he wasn't even handsome enough, as though he hasn't satisfy my s*x drive enough ...
What is it do I want again?

What is this about Lucas thats making me go crazy??
A man that doesn't even know my name talk of remembering whether I existed anymore ...
But heaven knows I tried to love you Nigel, but Lucas images keep getting in the way...
He neither patted my back nor say any words ...after crying my heart out I cleared my tears and started unbuttoning my blouse..
I wasn't wearing anything beneath ,,
I was so intrigue by the way he always watched my seduction display, Nigel has this kind of eyes that could seduce a woman right at the sight of them..

And him looking so groggy and quiet makes him looks as s*xy as ever..I couldn't help it
Immediately, his eyes met with my two full and heavy c-cups he stare at
them for infinitely long moments before even blinking. Then, with a deliberate slowness i took his hands and placed it on them before reaching out to start unbuttoning his shirt
This time His d-ck was in control as he gasped, I know how hard he wanted to hurt and spank me ..but his hands were weak ...

He c*ressed his hands all over my upper body..I could only watch as he does his magic, before inching my head to take his lips into my mouth,
I could feel his tears as it trickle down...
Instantly more guilty feeling watches all over me,
Oh Nigel,

I yanked off his shirt and wrapped my self around him to feel the warmness of his body ..I shifted my head and took his lips into mine one more ...
His body felt too good against mine
his arms too strong, his lips too heady. I was captivated, he was like a willing prisoner that encircled my world ..
His hands rubbed my back as he sucked more on my lips , then all too slowly he crept down to the hem of my skirt and began this exploration on my skin...

I felt a wild sensation that got me calling out a name ..My body arched against him in intuitive response, my arms coiling around his neck with a fierceness driven by passion ...
More like a father would place his child, he placed me down.

He knelt there and stare at me for a moment before wiping off the remaining of his tears ...
He wasn't speaking yet ..and all I could do was wonder what he was thinking about..
Instead of pulling off his belt, he buckled it back before reaching out for his shirt ..
Shocked I pull myself up and covered my top body with my blouse...

"Nigel wait" I tried stopping him but he pushed my hand away...
"Nigel please ,"
"Celine, you know what, have had enough, just go ahead and do whatever you like, the Tyson's mansion is opened, all you need to do is just to walk right in and remind Lucas of who you are,"
He stood up and stormed angrily back to my room..
"Nigel wait please,"

almost hurriedly I jerked in my skirt and met him almost half way to the exit ...
He grabbed his car keys but I was fast to wrap my arms around him from behind, almost like a rock ...
He pushed me and there I found myself wincing in pain on the sofa...
"You are a b*tch Celine, a total b*tch,"
He holds on to his head, and walked to the side before turning back to me ...
Anyone would realise he was going crazy ...
I shake a little when he shouted
"And I being a total fool I can't believe fell madly in love with you..despite having so many girls around me I went crazy for you Celine, just you ....and in all possible way I've shown you damn it ,,

have shown you how much i could love you for you even after Lucas did all he did to you ,,but look at you, I was about making love to you in there and i all you could do was cry out Lucas name huh, you stupid b*tch "
My eyes went huge, did I cry out his name, did I? I didn't
I was about reaching out to him but shuddered a bit when he sent me a warning finger, his eyes were red,and his face was filled with pains and different kinds of horror
"From now on, I do not know you ,and you on the other hand stay away from me, okay ....if I see you around me, am gonna rip off that neck of yours"

Tears was dripping down my face the whole time, all I did was cry out his name as he rushed out angrily ..almost breaking the door
"Nigel please don't leave me, nigellllllll"
Wrapped in the arms of desolation, my kneels gave out on me as my eyes drop out more floods of tears, it just felt as if an heavy weight was packed in bundle and being buggled into non but my heart, the thought of not seeing Nigel anymore sends me to the mass of unending tears ...
"What have I done God, how can I want two men all to myself at the same time, godddddddddddddddd" i cry out loud

******
Back to the past ....

With sharp in take of breath, my eyes went huge at the sight of him ...instantly I found myself holding Nathan arms for support ...
My lips was slightly opened as my stare lingered at every inch of him...
How can ,
Is he really from this world ..
His phone was clung to his ear as he spoke through it ,he holla at Nate who steady my form before moving closer to shake hands with him ..

I was glad the room was red and dark, my trembling form wasn't that obvious though ....thank Goodness.
Nate was making his way out of the room when he holds my arms and dragged me to a corner ...I was fast to speak though
"Nate please tell me this is Lucas in front of me, God he is so deadly handsome " I whispered while i shake happily like a fool
"Yes he is but behave yourself Celine, am leaving now, if you f-ck yourself up, then its up to you," he whispered back

"Wait ,wait wait Nate"
And there he was gone ,
I stood with trembling legs for a moment
and slowly when i turn i almost melted when i saw him staring at me...his gaze lingered from my head and down to the toes ...
My legs was shaking beneath me damn
I cursed at myself... compose compose Celine...

I breathed in and out before trying all possible best to hold my stand...
I couldn't look up at him, afraid with the thought that I might faint .....
Gosh
Before I realise what was really happening ...he took my bag from me and threw it on the bed
My lips were magneted, I couldn't talk ,,couldn't think ,,and didn't wanna believe this was a reality either ...

My mouth went slightly open as
He twirl me around just to check me out, and now stopping in front of him...
my eyes roll to back of my head ..
At the tone of his sexy voice ,,
"You are a babe, a thick babe and very s*xy"
Am finished ..am finished
Did he just say am s*xy
When I close my eyes to breathed in his smell, my head swelled to the edge of busting when i smell floral, mixture pear and lush
I staggered only found my self leaning on his chest ...

"Hey" he called softly ..
Am leaning on his chest..
Lucas Tyson chest ...heaven heaven heaven ..
The cat in me bubbled his tail..
He chuckled before tipping my jaw up ,
I couldn't look at him but i felt his stare on my red lips ..when he finally took them to his, it was as if i was floating in the mid airs goshhh never have I known an aesthesis as good as this ...

He was so sweet and waoooooo...
I realise I haven't even introduce myself, but i came to a conclusion
Celine that can actually come later ....he is all yours remember
the only thing that mattered now was to get close to him so close that nothing can tear us apart ..
He kissed me more deeply this time while his strong hands slid down my butt..
He pressed my hips against his
And there I found my heart racing ...
I realise any thought of backing out now would be useless ...

And when he finally released my lips he unbuckled his belt and there when I slowly looked into his damnly handsome face his gaze was lingering on my c-cups instead ...
He smile s*ductively...
"You got a nice b*obs,"

My heart told me to stop him, at least for us to get to know each other first, but I couldn't utter a single word, I was crazy, the thought of someone as good looking as he making love to me sends my brain floating far away ...
He inched further after getting out of his trouser, without wasting time he grabbed me by the shoulder and slowly bought me unto the mattress ..

We helped each other out of our cloths
few minutes after his kisses, and caresses there I am on the bed already gasping out his name as we get business done...
After going three rounds already, he lean up and wore his shorts before pouring two cups of wine for us both..

I felt loved and heart swelled, I can't believe he could be so good in bed ...
I let him took charge though cause showing him the stuff am made of this earlier of our meeting wouldn't be much of a good idea ... he offered me a cigarette ..I took it with happiness while we drink, smoke and laughed to whatever he was saying....

I couldn't get my eyes off him ...
Despite being in a red dark room, his looks lighted the whole atmosphere, he was like an angel from a space not known in this world ...
I wouldn't wanna use the word handsome, he was totally beyond captivating, his teeth glistering white as it twinkle in stars ...his strong body was enough to tempt any girl to beg him for a cute nice sex ...

He was a perfect picture to any woman's fairy tale , after having enough to smoke and drink,I forgot about everything, my thought and all was filled with nothing but him....
Few minutes he pressed on a player and there he watch me while I dance crazily, slowly and there the practice I did wasn't a waste ...my tweak got him crazy..,

"Damn, baby damn, look at your ....goshh"
The red room got the whole scene wild and s*xy, the happiness I felt at that moment knows no bound ..
he was forced to pull me in between his lap when he couldn't take it anymore ...
And there with the lap dance I was giving him, I couldn't believe my ears when he told me he love me ...
"I love you baby come on"
Guess I got that stored in my brain, only to notice he was already drunk ...
We pull each other on the bed ...
Another hours of uncountable rounds got us sweating ...

And when he finally slept I can't believe I found myself laughing with the sight of his fine lips slightly open while he snore ..
I guess this should be the best night he ever had ...I blew out an heavy sigh before leaning on his chest for a deep and comfortable slumber...

*****
Waoooo
I woke up to a broader smile on my face the following day
The flash back on last night charade got a smile pulling on my face ...
I yawned
when I noticed he wasn't beside me my heart skipped....I glanced around, after wrapping the duvet around me I walked hurriedly to bathroom ....when he wasn't there either I rushed back inside only to see bundles of cash on the bed....

I gasped
It wasn't long for me to realise ...he thought I was one of those b*tches that came to spent the night ..
Lorrrddddd.......I covered my hands on my face before my kneels gave out on me

*******
Guys abeg one word for our aunty Celine ooo

Protected
Episode 29

MAGIC.
I am watching him sleep, he is sleeping so quietly.
I woke up about about 4 hours ago, it's just past 7, I could not sleep.
I hear a knock on the door and I get up gently and pad to the door.
I open it and Justin is standing there.
"Good morning sister, you doing okay?"
I nod as I step out, not wanting to disturb justice.
"You sure?"
I nod again.
"I wanted to talk to your man"
"He's sleeping"
I say.
"Well wake him up, he might want to hear thi...."
The door opens and justice steps out, immediately pulling my back to his front, he places his chin on my head.
"You were awake weren't you?"
I ask.
I feel his nod on my head.
I turn partially.
"Couldn't sleep?"
I ask.
"You weren't sleeping itty bitty, I couldn't sleep"
I lean up and peck his lips.
"I love you"
I pronounce.
"I love you"
He says back and I finally smile.
"Since that is done can we get back to why I am here?"
Justin asks.
I totally forgot he was standing there.
"Well?"
Justice demands, seems he doesn't like Justin interrupting..
"I have a lead"
Justin says and justice nods.
"Let me put on a shirt, I will be down stairs in 5"
Justin nods and walks away.
I kiss Justice's chest and I say.
"Am craving coffee"
"Am craving you"
He states matter of facty.
I blush.
"Am going to go prepare some,see you downstairs in 5?"
I ask, he nods.
I begin to walk away but he calls after me.
"I love you"
He pronounces.
"I love you more"
I say and he smiles, I smile too and i go downstairs to the kitchen.
I begin to make coffee, I check the fridge on what to make for breakfast but kele shows up.
"What are you doing?"
She asks.
"Am trying to make breakfast miss obvious"
I say and she rolls her eyes.
"Am sorry I led your guardians right to this place magic"
She says as she helps me break some eggs.
"It's alright, they would have come sooner or later anyways"
I begin to toast some bread and she fries the egg.
Julliet enters.
"Good morn....."
That's all she gets out before she runs to the sink and starts puking
I walk to her with a bottle of water from the fridge.
"I think it's time you see a doctor Jules."
She nods while rinsing her mouth
"Ya, I think so too."
After I finish making breakfast I set the table and I see that justice and Justin and Sage and Petr are already there, they seem to be making plans.
I set the table with Sandra and Tammy and Kele's help.
We begin to eat and conversation flows.
"So....., Are you going to tell me what you think Just?"
I ask.
Am sure he has connived with justice to keep me in the dark but am having none of it.
He glances at justice and I do too.
"Itty bitty....."
"You have to tell me, it's about me"
I say.
He sighs.
"Fine, tell her"
Justin nods.
"We believe the present wasn't from your guardians"
I nod, he continues.
"I believe actually that the present came from one of Justice's ex partner, Collins."
What?
"How's that my business?"
I ask.
Everyone stares at me like I just asked why the sky is blue.
"Magic, you are dating one of the most powerful men in Nigeria, am sure I don't have to tell you that you might be a target"
Justin states.
"Oh"
"Yes, oh is correct,. My boys are currently trying to pinpoint his location so we can bring him in for questioning"
I shake my head.
It doesn't make sense.
"If this guy is mad at me then why did he use such a message, blood and a cryptic letter saying I can't hide for ever?
Hide from what?"
"We don't know how his minds work yet magic, that's why we want to bring him in for questioning.
When we do , I am sure we will get to the bottom of this."
I nod.
Am good with that for now.
At least it's a relief to know my guardians haven't stooped to the level of sending threat messages.
I finish my breakfast and Sandra and Tammy help me clear the table.
As i go to sit again justice pulls me to his lap.
He kisses my cheek, I just snuggle closer.
I don't want to be away from him.
I don't know why, I feel like we are both living on borrowed time.
"You feel it?"
He whispers
I nod.
God please let nothing happen to my relationship with this man.
"Am never going to let you go baby girl"
He says to my hair and I smile.
I turn to the table to see sage frowning at julliet.
"You ok little bird?"
She shakes her head no.
"What's wrong july?"
Justice asks
"I don't feel so good justy"
She says.
"I think she Is preggo"
Kele says while casually texting on her phone.
Andrew no doubt.
Everyone halts.
"I mean come on, she has been having constant morning sickness, it's so obvious"
She says as her phone pings again.
Julliet looks scared, sage just looks neutral.
I think congratulations are in order.
"Am going to be an aunty! Again!"
Sandra says excitedly.
Leave it to her to dispel the tension.
The guys begin to congratulate sage and julliet, I stand up and hug her.
She is starting to look happy.
I turn to justice and he is grinning.
"Your gonna pay for putting my sister in a family way without getting her to the altar slowpoke"
Justice says to Sage.
"I plan on changing that very soon, like in a week soon"
Sage says, julliet turns to him.
"We are not getting married in a week Sage, there are many plans to make, lots of plans"
Sage just shrugs.
"You have one week to make them then, little bird"
"But....."..
"Am not staying one more day without making you my wife little bird"
Aww.
She melts at that.
I can hear wedding bells.
She smiles and leans up to kiss him.
"Ugh, gross"
Both Justin and Sandra says simultaneously.
Those two have chemistry, they are just not accepting it.
I smile as I settle back into justice chest.
"Wanna get married?"
He whispers in my ear.
I nod.
"Really?"
He asks suddenly serious.
I nod again
I turn to him and whisper.
"I don't see why not"
I say.
He sets me gently on my chair and he gets on one knee, the table quiets.
Oh.
My.
World.
"Emilia Magic, please marry me, I carried this ring all last night waiting for the right moment but it was ruined, it was supposed to be your gift, am sorry it's late, please marry me?"
I just nod, dumbfounded.
He slips the ring on and kele woots.
"Ya, baby!"
Kele shouts.
I laugh as he stands and gives me a big kiss.
He pulls me from my seat and into an embrace.
I smile and I ask.
"So this was supposed to be my gift?I thought you got nothing for me, I wasn't complaining."
"Yeah this was supposed to be your gift, also with the car in the garage and a beach house I got for you in the Bahamas.
And also with the studio i opened for you in the basement, all this was supposed to be your gift but timing"
I nod.
"You got me all that?"
"I will get you the world if you want baby"
He says and I laugh as i bury my head into his chest.
I hear Sage say.
"So who's sappier now? Asstard"
"Screw off asshole"
I laugh louder.
Am so happy.
"Oh I know what, let's do a double wedding"
I raise my head at julliet pronouncement.
"Should we?"
I ask.
"Hells yeah"
All the girls shouts and we squeal simultaneously.
"How do you cope with the squealing?"
Petr asks.
"We just do."
"We have so many preparations to make"
Tammy says.
I nod.
Not for once did I think that it was too soon or it was too fast.
I am just going with my instinct and my instinct says I should marry this man.
I glance at him and he is laughing at something Petr said.
He looks gloriously handsome.

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Protected

By Bebe Ernest

Episode 30

 

It’s 5 days after Christmas, it was awesome.

We had a party.

Although this time it was a small affair.

I loved it.

And also, it’s my wedding day.

Surprise!

Ha.

I am so nervous.

The ceremony starts in about an hour, we have to drive to the church.

Am already ready.

Kele steps in

“You look lovely Emilia”

She says and I almost cry.

“No, None of that, Tammy will kill me if you ruin your make up”

She says and I smile, swallowing my tears.

Kele is my bridesmaid.

I didn’t invite anyone except Maggie and George.

I had no one to invite.

Am not sad about it.

My family is right here.

“I love you magic, am really happy for you”

Kele says and I give her a hug.

The door opens.

“Time for bride to be in church little one”

Justin says as he steps in.

He is the one giving me away today.

I will have it no other way.

I smile and take the hand he is holding out.

Am wearing a simple white gown and my veil is edged in lace.

I can’t wait to see julliet in church.

Mr Maxwell Maxwells will be giving her away.

I don’t know where he came from, justice found him.

Am kind of getting that they don’t like him much.

“So you wanna do this?”

Justin asks and I nod.

Let’s get me married.

******

Justice.

If I was asked a year ago if I ever thought there will be an instant where I would be nervous, I would shoot the person a look and tell him to shut the hell up.

As


am standing here now in this church waiting for my soon to be bride I can feel my palm sweating.
I glance at sage standing besides me, we are each other’s best man, he doesn’t looks much better.

Petr leans forward and whisper.

“I would appreciate it, if you guys don’t look like you are about to take a dump”.

I scowl at him and I would have flipped him a middle finger if I didn’t think everyone was watching.

I know Sage feels the same way too.

He looks like he might just about kill the a-hole.

The fool just chuckles, good thing for him that I like him.

The keyboard starts and I stand straight.

Here goes.

The big double door of the church opens and Alec and Daniel step in first.

I look beyond them waiting for my Prize.

I see her.

She looks Marvelous.

I feel a rush of something in my eyes and I swear to you it is not tears.

She smiles at me behind her veil and i feel my chest constrict.

They get to me and Justin places her hand in mine.

I see my father(The a-hole) place my sister’s hand in Sage’s.

I smile at magic and everything is right in my world.

Everything.

Because everything I have, own, like and will ever dream to posses is standing right in front of me..

We turn to the minister and I prepare to make the best decision of my life.

*******

Am so nervous.

I clean my palm on my simple night gown.

Am officially a married woman.

Ha.

Emilia Magic Maxwells.

That has a nice ring to it.

EMM.

My initials will be killer.

I glance for the thousandth time at the bedside clock.

We are in a 5 star hotel for our honeymoon, we will be traveling out to my beach house in morning.

We are to spend the night here.

My husband is in the bathroom.

Jeez, my husband.

Still can’t wrap my head around it.

The reception went off without a hitch.

Except one time when it seemed a slightly tipsy Sandra was fighting with Justin.

I just think it’s chemistry.

Sage just shook his head and leaned towards justice.

“Do something about that”

He had said and I had frowned.

If they like each other won’t they start a relationship by themselves?

I didn’t get a chance to ask because Sage rushed julliet out of the reception hall.

I think they are staying next door to us in the penthouse suite.

I clean my palm again as I glance at the bathroom door.

Am so nervous.

The bathroom door opens and he steps out.

His eyes immediately comes to me.

“Hello wife”

He says I smile.

“Hola, husband”

He smiles back at me and walk to the couch am sitting on.

“Did you enjoy today”

He asks.

“It’s the happiest day of my life”

I say.

“Then why do you look constipated?”

He asks with a chuckle.

“Justice!”

I say as I hit his chest playfully.

He grows serious.

“We don’t have to do anything if you don’t want to little bit”

He says and I smile.

I believe him.

“I want to ”

I say.

“You sure?”

I nod.

He picks me up and slowly makes his way to the bed.

He


deposits me in the middle and leans over me.
“I love you”

He says.

“And I love you”

I reply.

*******

Moving was the first thing to wake me up, as I open my eyes I glance at the bedside clock.

Past two in the morning.

I had been spooning with my husband.

“Where you going?”

I ask sleepily.

He kisses my shoulder.

“The bathroom , will be back in a moment”

I nod.

“I want chocolate….”

I say sleepily

“I will see what I can do baby”

I nod, I lean my face up and he kisses me.

I fall back on the bed as he rises.

After a moment I hear a door open and I don’t bother lifting my head, a shadow falls over my face and I smile.

“Do you have my chocolate?”

I ask.

A hand clamps around my mouth and my eyes flies open.

“Don’t make a sound.”

The gangster says and I nod quickly.

He pulls me from the bed to standing.

The sheets fall away and am left standing in just my undies.

“What did you tell them, did you tell them about my face?”

I shake my head no, fear pulverizing my bones.

“Where’s your husband?, You girl are a hard person to find, been tracking you for close to 5 months now,..

Even had to send that fool Collins to rattle your man to see if he would let up on the security for a sec but no, he tightened it”

Wait?

Collins was in cohorts with this man.

And I had a security detail I didn’t know about?

“You have to come with me, I don’t want to hurt you, am just scared, I don’t want to go to prison,

I have to kill you, it’s the only way”

I am afraid but I nod, I have to get this man out of here before justice returns .

I don’t want anything happening to him.

I point at my night gown and he let’s me go.

“If you shout, I will kill you here and now”.

I nod as i pick my nightie.

I quickly put it on and step towards the door.

He follows.

Am filled with hope that we are almost gone when ….

“Hold it.”

Justice says calmly.

I can hear the fear in his voice.

Fear for me.

The gangster produces a gun and my chest constricts.

“Don’t want to hurt anybody, just let me go with her”

Justice just raises an eyebrow and I think.

Oh hell.

Protected

By Bebe Ernest

Episode 31

 

Justice.

“I don’t want to hurt anybody, just let me go with her”

If this fool from hell thinks he is going anywhere with my wife, he has another thing coming.

I presume this man is the gangster.

I had heard voices in the bath room and I listened..

I had gotten a feel for the conversation and I knew what was happening..

Thank God hotels keep phones in their honeymoon suite.

Justin has been alerted and should be on his way here.

Sage is standing at the door right now and that should be enough backup.

Well that was what I thought untill the man produced a gun.

Now am scared, not for me but for my little bit.

“Just let her go and we will come to a compromise”

I say .

“Am sorry man, it’s nothing personal, she has to go, you too.”

I frown.

“Why don’t I offer you some money and you can travel out of the country, no one will find you abroad”

He seemed to be considering the offer.

I would prefer he didn’t consider it with a gun to my wife’s head.

I send magic a look.

Just hang in there baby…

“What do you say man, money and you will disappear, I can get you 10 million this night”

He shakes his head.

“No I don’t trust you, no, if you and her die, everything will be solved, solved,

Your brother, he killed my brother, he killed him back there in the garage, you and her have to go,

He has to feel pain”

Am getting that he is panicking, that’s not good he has a freaking gun to my wife’s head.

“Man….”

I


say as I take a step forward.
He points the gun at me in panic, magic whispers in fear.

“Dont come any closer!, I will shoot her! Don’t come any f-king closer”

I begin to panic.

“Don’t take a step or I will shoot you and kill her”

I nod as I raise my hand..

“Leave her and you can take me, please I beg you”

I say and he trains the gun on me more.

“Don’t say another word!”

I nod.

I think he is a loon.

I hear footsteps coming from the hall outside.

He hears it too.

“You called the police?!”

I shake head.

I look around and I see what looks like a heavy sculpture.

When he glances at the door again I lift it and swing..

It hits his leg making him buck and fall.

Thank God for the years of playing high School football.

Magic runs to me.

I pull her in for an embrace.

The door opens and Justin shouts.

“Your hands in your head”.

“A-hole….!!!!”

The gangster shouts and I hear a loud bang.

Magic screams and I turn, I see Justin tackle the gangster and I think.

Ya, everything is good.

I turn to magic with a smile and she is crying..

What?

I open my mouth to ask but I feel moisture seep out.

I touch it and bring it to my face.

It’s blood.

I frown, that’s all I know before the world turn black.

******

Magic.

He might not live.

That’s all I can hear in my head, it’s all that has been ringing in my head for the past 5 days.

My husband is currently lying in a coma and he is showing no signs of waking.

Am sure I look like death.

I can tell you I feel like death.

The doctor said there’s a fifty fifty chance of him waking up.

Since the bullet lodged in a part of his spine he has gone into a coma.

After he was shot I vaguely remember Justin’s men carting the gangster away and Justin calling an ambulance.

I remember the feel of blood on my hand as I try to put pressure on his back to stop the bleeding.

Am so scared.

I hold his hand now hoping for a twitch, anything that will tell me he has woken up.

I rest my head on my hand and I pray, I pray to God that he should listen and bring this man awake.

After a while I feel a touch on my shoulder.

I turn and I see the guys standing behind me.

“Want you to go and freshen up baby girl”

Sage


says and I shake my head.
I see julliet looking worn out, Justin doesn’t look any better.

Sandra looks like she has been crying for eternity.

I feel tears rush to my eyes again.

“I can’t”

I whisper.

“Am gonna stay here, I promise to let you know if he makes any movement”

Sage says and I nod.

“You promise?”

He nods.

“I promise.”

I stand and I take the bag kele is holding out to me.

I kiss sage on his cheek and I turn to julliet.

“Take care sweets, the baby”

I whisper and she nods.

I walk to the adjoining bathroom and I take my bath.

I feel so dizzy, I haven’t had a thing to eat in a while.

I can’t stomach anything.

I exit the bathroom and I hear Justin arguing with someone.

“You can’t tell her about that now!”

Who is he talking to?

I step out and I see everyone has left except Sage who is leaning against the wall and Justin who is talking to…. George?

“She has to know..?”

“What she shouldn’t be doing now is stressing, her husband is in a coma”

“She’s m…..”

“What’s going on ?”

I ask .

Sage stands straight.

“It’s nothing little one..”

I just sigh.

“Just tell me”

I say .

“Magic….”

George starts and Sage throws him a look, he quiets.

Sage turns to me.

“Listen to me Baby girl, no matter what you hear, no matter how it may seem that justice betrayed you, have it in mind that he had your best interest in mind ok?”

I nod.

Am scared.

Justice, I think, I need you.

They both exit leaving me and George.

He smiles at me, I would have returned the smile had I had the strength.

I just say.

“Tell me George”

“Magic….”

“Just tell me, I can take it”

He nods.

“You, magic are our daughter, I and Maggie’s daughter”

I feel a wave of dizziness overtake me.

Say what now?

 

Protected

Episode 32

 

“You said what?”

“You are….”

“I heard that part, but how…..?”

“We suspected, the first day we met you, we thought it was a mistake, I mean there are other children named magic all over the world am sure.

When you were born we named you after a charactet from our favorite book,

 

About 6 months later you were kidnapped, your nursemaid took you away.

We searched for over 5 years but I had to stop because Maggie could not bear the pain anymore.

We…..”.

I stagger back into a chair.

I mean I always thought my name magic was unusual, I just thought it was something in passing.

I never…..

“So you are saying my aunt and uncle are not my relatives?”

He shakes his head no.

“You are an Edo girl my love, we found out the people you were staying with were your kidnappers, your aunt she was your nursemaid”

I don’t believe.

“But why, ? didn’t they ask for a ransom?”

“We sent them a ransom many times, I believe they didn’t know what to do that’s why they never brought you to us”

 

I nod dimly.

My guardians were never my guardians.

I understand now, why my aunt always seems angry at me, never letting me talk to strangers, why my uncle found no qualms in ogling me.

I never felt like I belonged.

Until I met justice….

I glance at my husband then to George.

“Justice knew? They all knew?”

He nods.

“They all did, after the party I brought my suspicions to him, I mean you had silver eyes like Maggie’s and Selene’s,

We did a DNA test, it came out positive, we did some investigatons, we found out that yes, your aunt and uncle we’re indeed responsible for the kidnapp,

Am so sorry magic, am so sorry that you went through all that, we were devastated, we thought…”

I shake my head.

“Please leave”

I say and he pauses.

“I have to think about it, please I want to be alone”

He nods.

“I will be here for you my sweets, your mother is just beyond the door, she is in pain for your pain, baby girl”

I don’t say anything and he exits.

I bring my leg to the chair and I wrap my hands around it in a ball.

They knew, they all knew and they never said anything.

I feel used.

Is that?……

Is that why Justice dated me?

Because am rich?

I feel tears come as everything I believe is tested.

What do I do?

********

2 weeks later.

I am painting on my pad as designs come.

I raise my head and I glance at justice.

He’s still unconscious.

All his wounds are healed but he is still in a coma, the doctor said it’s not unusual.

It’s been two weeks.

It has been a hectic 2 weeks.

After my meltdown, I finally talked to George and Maggie.

I can’t believe Selene and I are siblings.

Ugh

Far be it for me to say her finding out was a success.

She made a big scene and called me some names that I haven’t heard before in my life.

Mom just told her to shut up and she shouldn’t forget that she is still on probation.

Apparently my elder sister does not like having a sibling.

It’s nice getting to know my parents.

My former guardians has been sent to jail for kidnapping and maltreatment of a minor.

The
gangster is still awaiting trial and Collins the gift sender is enjoying a six month imprisonment.
It hasn’t been a dull two weeks that’s for sure.

I spoke to the guys and they told me they kept it a secret under Justice’s command.

Kele is overjoyed and she seems to believe I should ask for a private jet as some sort of welcome back home present.

I smile as I think this thoughts.

I miss my man.

I bend my head and I continue.

I miss Justice so much, I think as I paint.

“Mag..ic”

I can’t believe am hearing voices, I shake my head.

“Itty…bitty”

I lift my head to see justice trying to sit up.

I scream a little.

I fling my drawing pad down and I run to the bed.

“Don’t move, don’t move, I will get the doctor”

I make to turn away but he holds my arm in a surprisingly firm grip.

“Are you ok baby girl?”

He asks and I feel tears rush to my eyes.

Just like justice to ask about me when he is just waking from a coma.

I nod and he let’s go.

I run out of the VIP room to the nurses station.

“Please get a doctor, my husband is awake”

“Yes Mrs Maxwells”

I run back to the room and I see he is unconscious again.

I feel like I dreamt the whole thing.

A doctor enters and I tell him.

“It’s ok Mrs Maxwells, it’s not unusual for them to loose strength and fall into a sleep ,

It’s a progress that he is finally awake”

I nod my head in relief.

The doctor does some inspection before he exits.

I sit on a chair beside him and I rest my head on his arm.

God.

Thank you.