Page 80 of Zimyra

I feel a hand bear down on my shoulder. I jump at the weight of it. It startles me. Gives me flashbacks. My heart races as I see flashes of that man grabbing me, hitting me, and then I break away from it and remember I’m in a safe place. No one is going to attack me here. And this hand on my shoulder…

I’ve felt it before. It’s Axel. Knowing that it’s him makes my body warm, and yet it’s causing me a bit of anxiety. He leans down and whispers in my ear, “Can I talk to you for a minute, please?”

I get up from the table and follow him through the clubhouse doors that lead out to the lobby where my desk is located. Safely away from my tenants, I can speak freely. I doubt if they would be able to hear me over the jazz music, anyway. I ask, “What is it, Axel?”

“I asked you a question.”

“Which is?”

“How are you?”

I sigh, feeling an instant headache coming on. Is he really asking me how I am again?Again? What the heck? This broken record needs to stop playing because my head can’t take it anymore.

Fed up, I throw my hands up in exasperation and snap, “I have enough people asking me how I am. I’m good! I don’t need you checking up on me every five minutes, Axel! I’m good. I’m fine. I’m fine. I’m FINE! How many more times do I have to say it? Did I not say that to you when you asked me earlier?”

“You did, but—”

“Then why are you still asking me? I answered you, and you insist on pestering me with the same question over and over and over again! My God! Please just stop!”

“Why are you raising your voice at me?”

“Because you won’t leave me alone. Stop bothering me! For the hundredth time, I’m fine! And do not touch me,ever. Don’t grab my arm, don’t put your hands on my shoulder, don’t touch my face, do not touch me, period! You work for me. That’s the extent of our relationship. Understood?”

I see the moment I think I broke him. He frowns, then slides his hands into his pockets and says evenly, “Yes, ma’am. I understand.”

Finally. A breakthrough…

He turns to walk toward the exit but then stops abruptly, looks at me again, and says, “Just know that this man whoworks for youwill be out in the parking lot until you’re done with your event to make sure you’re safe.”

“I don’t need you to do that, Axel,” I say, but he’s not hearing me. He simply turns away from me and exits.

I squeeze my eyes shut, then take a few breaths before I return to the clubhouse. I suck in a breath, go back to my seat, and fall right back into conversations with my tenants. I pretend I’m having the time of my life when really, I’m a complete wreck.

I know it, and I have a feeling that Axel knows it.

That’s why he won’t leave me alone.

CHAPTER 23

“It’s her,” I say toMurphy as soon as he answers the phone. I hear music and loud noises in the back, so I know he’s at the bar. Meanwhile, I’m sitting in my car in the parking lot at Atlantic, waiting for Zimyra’s shindig to be over.

“What are you talking about, Ax?”

“My father told me that he married my mother because she was the one woman he couldn’t walk away from. He said I would meet that woman, and I have.”

Murphy laughs. I’m not offended by it because he knows me better than anyone. This isn’t me. I don’t fall for chicks. I’ve never chased a woman – never thought aboutwife-inga woman. Now, I’m thinking about all kinds of things because I’m falling for her. I’vebeenchasing her. She’s on my mind constantly and there’s nothing I can do to stop it. I tried. I failed. I’ll keep failing because everything in me wants her. I need her in my life, and that’s the truth.

Murphy says, “Man, you almost had me there for a minute. But for real, what’s up, Ax?”

“I’m not joking, Murphy. I’ve met that woman.”

“Who? The girl at the complex?” he asks in a way that I know he’s frowning.

“Yes.”

The line goes silent as he soaks this in, realizing I’m serious.

“Are you sure?” he asks.

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