Page 38 of Dreaux: The Corporate Assassin

The betrayal from her is deep, but my hands are tied.

Zoo:

What are you saying, Dre?

Me:

I accept the assignment.

Exiting the text thread to Rosier, I wrapped my arms around Denim and pulled us both down on the couch. With her laying on top of me, I let go of all thoughts of doubt. My job is to serve and protect the Family from all enemies. This time, it just so happens to be my mother. Just like her husband, she has to go. Zoo had agreed to handle her, and I had agreed to handle the sex trafficking ring. As I went back to rubbing my fingers through Denim’s scalp, I closed my eyes and got more comfortable. I hate what the relationship with my parents came to, but it’s no fault of mine. Maybe they can reconnect in the afterlife and discuss if turning their back on their only son was worth it.

“Haveyou been enjoying the time with your father?” I stared at my daughter as she ate her ice cream. It was his weekend with her, but I wanted us to spend a little time together before dropping her off. “He told me you guys have been playing a lot of fun games at his house.”

Co-parenting with Bryce has gotten better, and I was thankful. He’s been spending more time with Briley, and while I haven’t been vocal about it, I’m glad he’s been stepping up more with her.

“Yes! He plays with me now and watches all of the princess movies!” She was beaming, and I couldn’t help but giggle at all of the ice cream splattered over her face. “I like his new house more than I like the old one.”

Nodding, I listened to her sing the praises of her dad. He’s been sticking to the schedule of getting her every two weeks at his apartment in the city. At some point, he will have to transition her to the home he shares with his wife and kids, but the current plan has worked so far, so I wouldn’t criticize.

“Are you ready?” I watched as she finished the last bite. “Your dad just texted me and said he’s ready for you to come over. Something about making pizzas and bracelets.”

“Oh my gosh! Yes!” She jumped from her seat and ran over to me. “Help me clean myself, Mommy, so we can go!”

Chuckling at her urgency, I cleaned her face before we hurriedly made our way outside. Her father’s apartment wasn’t too far from the ice cream parlor, so it took us no time to drive there.

“Make sure you have lots of fun, okay?” I ruffled her cute little curls as we stood at his door and waited for him to open it. “I will be back to get you on Sunday.”

Mumbling a response while she played on her iPad, I chuckled to myself at how the device was a blessing and a curse. When her father finally opened the door, I gave him a polite smile before letting Briley’s hand go. Looking at Bryce, I assumed today was an off day for him because of how relaxed he was dressed. I rarely saw him out of suits and ties, so I was pleased to know he was being a dad when Bri was over.

“Hey, baby!” He smiled as he bent down and kissed Bri’s forehead before she dashed inside. Chuckling, he dragged his eyes back to me. By the smirk on his face, I knew he was about to annoy me. “You know… there’s a kiss for you, too, if you want it.” Scanning my body, he pulled his top teeth over his bottom lip. “You look good, Denim.”

Today, I had some business to attend to, so I was dressed in a simple black blazer and slacks that hugged my body. I was in no way attempting to impress Bryce, so his compliments did nothing for my ego. Instead, I scrunched up my face and pushed past him. “Bryce, move.”

The mother in me had to always check and make sure things were the way they were supposed to be before I left my child in his care. I’d thoroughly researched the area and apartment complex, and although it wasn’t somewhere I expected Bryce to rent, it was nice and seemed safe. Turning back to face him, I noticed his gaze had been on my ass. Snapping my fingers to make a point, I waited until his eyes met mine before speaking. “She’s excited about whatever plans you two have, so I hope you’ve had plenty of rest. She just had some ice cream, so maybe save any additional sugar for tomorrow.”

“Got it,” he replied, smiling as he ran his hand down his face. “I admit… I’ve dropped the ball with her, but I’m thankful for the chance to make it right. I’ve been enjoying every second of our time together, so I appreciate you for agreeing with this new arrangement.”

Giving him a small smile, I browsed the space once more. Everything was up to par, so it was time for me to head out. No matter how good we were at the moment, I didn’t want to be around him any longer than I needed to be. Bryce and I could be parents, but we would never be friends.

“Well… you two have fun. I have to go.” I stepped past him and headed for the front door, only for him to grab my wrist. Halting and looking down at his hand on me, I slowly dragged my eyes up to him. “Is there a problem?”

Stepping closer, Bryce attempted to touch my face, but I took a few steps back until my back bumped against the door. Frowning, I tried to snatch away from him, but he wouldn’t let me go.

“There’s nothing wrong with us rekindling what we had, Denim.” He caressed my cheek as he stared at me. “You’re already the mother of my child, so there’s nothing wrong with me getting what’s technically mine.”

“Yours?” I asked, holding in the vomit that desperately wanted to escape from the close proximity.

“Mine,” he reiterated as he stepped even closer, mushing his body into mine. “I’m the only one that’s put a baby in you, Dee. You haven’t dealt with a man since me, and?—”

“And who said that?” I asked as I raised a brow at him. “Just because you haven’t seen me with one doesn’t mean I don’t have niggas.” I smirked at his eyes darkening. He was pissed. “Sorry to break it to you, but me being single has nothing to do with you, Bryce. My focus is on my daughter and my job. You need to focus more on the kid instead of the mother because, I promise… I don’t want you.”

This time, when I pushed him off, he moved. The look of anger wasn’t missed, but he had no reason to be upset. He and I haven’t dealt with each other in a long time, and we never would again.

“You’ve been having different men around my child?” He fumed as I placed my hand on the doorknob to leave. “I don’t want Bri seeing her mother be a whore and think that behavior is okay.”

“I’ll see you guys on Sunday,” I called over my shoulder as I opened the door. His comments meant nothing to me. “While you’re worried about me and what I have going on, you need to have a conversation with your wife if you want my child to eventually start visiting the home you share with your other kids. There’s no sense why she’s more comfortable in your‘new house’versus the one you share with your family. I won’t tell you again… I’m not playing when it comes to my daughter. Fix your face and show my baby a good time.”

Stepping out, I closed the door behind me. I rolled my shoulders and took a deep breath before I made my way back to my truck. Bryce had a way of pissing me off, and I hated when he got under my skin the way he did. After taking a few moments to gather myself, I headed to my next destination of the day. Hopefully, the information I received would put me back in a better mood.

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