Page 86 of With Wine Comes War

“Darius, that would be great, actually. I need to make a trip to your house soon anyway to visit your gram.” Alex was extremely fond of Ella and her family. She took everything about this personal because of them.

He laughed and said, “Yeah, she doesn’t want you to forget about her just because I work with you now.” She laughed and her face lit up. I could tell that she really loved what she was doing, how she was helping them, and that she was able to get Darius involved like this.

“Oh, I could never forget about her. She was my first favorite person in your neighborhood.” I’m glad I’ll be able to help with this project. I look forward to seeing what else Alex can come up with as far as future projects also. She could be my goodwill ambassador. God knows I don’t put enough effort into charity as I should. Writing checks isn’t very hard and not as involved as I could be, especially not after Alex opened my eyes to what I had really been doing in those neighborhoods. Displacing families and not giving a shit where they went after we paid them off isn’t really the legacy I’m hoping to leave for my future family. Damn, when I think about it that way, I’m really an asshole, aren’t I? Okay, this is my redemption and I’m going to make sure that I do everything in my power to help.

Chapter 23

ALEX

OH. MY. GOD!What the hell is that alarming noise? Is the building on fire or something?

Roman yelled, “Turn that damn thing off already.”

I started laughing when I realized that was the timer for my alarm. Holy crap that thing is loud.

“Sorry, damn, not oversleepingwith that, are we?”

“Why is that your alarm sound? That’s fucking horrible.” He still had his hands over his ears.

“You woke up, didn’t you?” I gave him a playful tap on his arm.

He reached over and said, “Give me that thing right now, I’m changing it.” I laughed as we fought for supremacy of my phone.

“Nope, not going to happen.”

He took a shower to help him wake up and I packed a bag of clothes to change into. Bruce said they had a place to shower and change, so I was all set to get ready after training.

Roman met me out in the living room dressed in a nice white button up shirt, gray slacks, a brown belt and brown shoes. I was tempted to skip training tonight, looking at the man in front of me. I hope this feeling never wears off. That was always my fear getting into a relationship, the honeymoon phase. Although, Roman and I have already gone through so much drama that I’m sure there was no room for a honeymoon phase. We skipped right over that.

“So, you seem to be fine with me going by myself to training.”

He smiled but still looked a little weary.

“Well, I don’t really have a choice and I’m damn sure not watching you train again. I think you’ll be fine in your car, plus we’re connected on life 360.” This was news to me.

“Ummm, when did this happen?” I stared down at my phone thinking it was now a tracker and it was freaking me out. Can someone really do that to your phone without their knowledge?

“Sorry, I did it yesterday when you were in the shower. Not because you moved in or because I’m trying to control you, but…I’m just kidding, you should see your face.” I reached out and smacked his arm.

When I got to the gym, I warned Bruce that I may not be 100% due to a lack of sleep. He didn’t take it easy on me.

“Your opponent doesn’t care how much sleep you’ve had, and neither does the defendant. In fact, he’s hoping you’re not 100%, just want to let you be aware of that.” He’s getting into my head, this is good. I needed that. I didn’t want to get too comfortable just because I’m now playing house with Roman. Sleep or no sleep, I’ve got to be on my game. Thank you, Bruce.

I got in the ring and put everything I had into my training. I felt good and forgot that I needed sleep or that I might be tired. After I showered and changed into a black long sleeve maxi dress with black espadrille wedges, I sat with Bruce for a minute to thank him.

“You’re welcome. I’m not going to sugar coat anything for you during this training. I know you’re using this more as a self-defense class and I don’t want you to come in here thinking this is just an aerobics class at the Y.” He patted my shoulder.

“I appreciate that. I don’t need to be complacent where this is concerned. I need to stay focused and make sure I go in there ready and I’m in control.” He nodded with a Bruce-like smile…none.

“That’s right. I know you’ll be strong in that courtroom. You’ve got a lot of support behind you too, so don’t worry about a damn thing that loser says. Don’t let him or his lawyers rattle you.” I’m so glad no one knows what I’m really going to do in there. This training is giving me the courage to see this plan through. I hope I don’t lose any friends over it. I may need to talk to Bruce about my plan though. He may be the only one that will understand.

I turned up the radio on the ride over to the Santoros. I texted Roman to tell him I’m on my way.

ME: “Hey babe. I’m on the way but I’m sure you already know that ;)” I thought he could use a little poke.

ROMAN: “HA HA. :) I’ll see you soon.” What a pain in the ass.

As I pulled onto the very long driveway, I turned down the music and admired the scenery. I pulled up to the most beautiful castle-like home. I know I’d already seen it in the daytime, but at sunset this place was breathtaking. I had a nice welcome waiting for me, too. Roman was standing out in the huge driveway with the Santoros and their children. There was a big white dog running around outside, and it was headed my way.

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