Page 20 of Saved By the Game

“Don’t start that scary stuff, baby. No one is getting on my property to harm you. The only reason Janice got throughis because security knew her face. I have my property protected like Fort Knox. He moved closer to her and walked her up to the house. Now let’s go to bed, so you can tell me your business plans.”

As soon as they made it into the house Bella went to the bathroom to freshen up. From the look in her eyes, she appeared tired. Adonis was happy to have her home. He couldn’t wait to hear about what she thought about the business space. She came out of the bathroom in a sexy leopard print night gown. “Hey, baby, can you put some lotion on my back?” She asked while handing him her favorite body lotion. He put the lotion all over her back as she requested. “Thank you. That feels good. You don’t have to hire your interior designer for my business space. I believe I can decorate it myself. I want to continue with the pink floral wallpaper all around the space.”

“Sounds good to me sweetie. He continued to massage her shoulders, then his phone rang. “I’m sorry babe, but I have to take this call.”

“What’s going on Agent Bradley?”

“I’m calling to let you know that Brian Porter’s trial date is next week. We have evidence of a female accessory in the murder for hire. Between you and me, the female accomplice is now in custody. I could get fired for sharing that information with you. Federal agents typically don’t disclose details about ongoing investigations. The accomplice was involved with the money transaction to pay the hitman. All three people are now off the street. I’m not sure of the female accomplice’s relationship to Brian but she was picked up visiting him in jail. She could have possibly found out about his relationship with Kybella which gave her motive for revenge. We’ll investigate everything to solve this case. The Feds will find out the names of all women Brianhad while with Kybella.It is a tort like alienation of affection or criminal, where a third party can sue for interfering with a romantic relationship. We would need to know the names of the third party to build a case for legal action. We would also still need evidence to prove damages. The names of the other woman could also help us to understand the scope of betrayal in the case. In all having the names of the other women help to build the story of the case. I’ll in touch.”

Adonis hung up the phone confused. He didn’t understand how to ask Bella questions about Brian’s possible side chicks. His plan was to keep her mind off her past life. Now Agent Bradley wanted him to question her to help with the case. He needed God more than ever to help him handle the situation. It was getting hard to handle the relationship with legal matters being inserted while trying to help heal Bella. He cared about her, so he was willing to do whatever it took. “Lord, I need you to continue to guide me and give me the strength to be the man Kybella needs during this crisis.” He prayed and went back into his bedroom. He was hoping he could finish the body massage he was giving Bella. The only problem was once he got back in bed, Bella was sleeping like a baby. He put his warm duvet comforter over her gently, allowing her to rest. The disappointment made him sigh in frustration. He let it go and picked up his Bible. As he was reading scripture, he heard God say,Trust me with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.

13

Kybella Vonshire

It had been a year since Kybella had seen her mother and sister. The day had come to pick them up from the airport. All she wanted to do was hug her mother and lay on her lap while telling her all her problems. Her mom was always there to solve every problem, except the abuse she endured by Brian. Life had changed for Kybella. If anyone had told her that accepting Jesus’ calling over her life involved enduring hardship, not as punishment, but as way to grow in strength, empathy, faith, and starting anew, she would have rebuked it. Her suffering wasn’t meaningless; it was a part of a greater plan to serve others through what she’d overcome. The airport was bustling with people trying to make it to their plane on time. The airport schedule on the screen read that their flight was on time. She waited patiently to see her family appear in the baggage claim area. As she observed all the people, she noticed her family hadn’t arrived. Fifteen minutes later, there they were with their baggage in hand. Bella ran to her mom. “Mom, you made it! I’m so happy to see you.”

“And what am I chopped liver?” Samantha asked.

“Hey sister. “So what’s the label, boo, bae, or just some dude?”

“Dang, nosey. You didn’t give me a chance to tell you. Malik, this is my sister Kybella. Bella this is my boyfriend, Malik Brewer.”

They both looked at each other like they’d seen a ghost. “What’s wrong baby sister? Why do you look so scared?”

“Oh. Your boyfriend looks like a bodyguard I know.”

“My boyfriend is a bodyguard at my university. I’m an assistant coach. We have several high earning NIL players that require guards. I met him while he was working. What a small world.” Samantha giggled as she held onto Malik’s hand tightly.

“Well, isn’t that ironic. I’ll tell you all later about how I know him. Malik, please allow me the chance to talk to my family in private. I know you all will only be here for a few but I hope you all will enjoy your stay still. I wanted to share my news with you in person.”

She grabbed her mother’s hand and walked them to the car. Malik walked away so they could converse privately. It was evident he was in an uncomfortable situation. He clinched his bottom lip the entire way to the limo.

“Lovely! My daughter is always so thoughtful. She got us a limousine ride from the airport. Are we going to your new home or to a hotel?”

“Mom, you ask too many questions. You will see once we’re there. I’ll tell you everything once we arrive.”

After a restless hour drive, they arrived at Chateau Ferguson. “Welcome, Ms. Vonshire.” The guard said and opened the gate.

“Bella, whose home is this? Are you taking us to one of your celebrity friend’s home my darling?”

“Come on mom. You can get out of the car now. We’re here.” Bella giggled. “Well, baby, you can’t trust anyone but Jesus. My mother always said, ‘If you don’t know where you are or who you’re with, you’re already in danger, and closed mouths don’t get fed.’” Mama Vonshire projected, eyes narrowing.

“Welcome to Chateau Ferguson,” Adonis greeted them all at the door. He extended his hand to shake hands of all that came through the door. That was until Malik stepped up. “Um, what’s going on? Why did you bring Malik to my house? I made it clear we were done.” Adonis announced.

“Babe, let’s go in the room for a second.” She smiled to play everything off. “We’ll be right back family. Please make yourself comfortable in the living room.” She announced while taking Adonis into the bedroom.

“Babe, I wasn’t aware Malik was coming with them. I didn’t know until I met them at the airport. My sister, Samantha, just informed me that he’s her new boyfriend. She’s clearly catching feelings for him. He’s got her sprung. I guess it runs in the family.” She giggled.

Adonis took a deep breath. You should have texted me first before bringing him. It would have been easier to deal with the situation if I’d have been more prepared. I fired the man abruptly because he didn’t do his job. What if he was still upset about it? It could’ve been a situation that resulted into a fight.”

“I’m sorry honey. You’re right, I should’ve communicated better with you. It won’t happen again. Please forgive me.”

He pulled her close to him. Towering over her, he reached down and gave her a loving kiss. “You don’t need to ask me for forgiveness. Everything is okay. Nothing or no one could ever come between us. I was caught off guard, but we’re good.” Shestared at him in his eyes like he’d taken a piece of her soul with his kiss. “Malik is here because of your sister. I know you care about your sister. I care about you, So, I’m willing to work things out with him, for you. Now let’s go and catch up with your family. I need to get to know them better.”

“Mother Vonshire, my name is Adonis Ferguson. I’m Kybella’s new boyfriend. It’s nice to meet you. I see where she gets her looks from, as you are as beautiful as your daughter.”He spoke admiring her all-white linen suit and pearls she wore. Standing tall with a natural long grey ponytail that flowed to the middle of her back. She reminded him of Tina Knowles.

Mother Vonshire blushed from the compliment. Thank you darling. It’s nice to meet you as well. My daughter has a lot to tell me about her new life. I have many questions. I’m a widow. I wish you could have met my wonderful husband. I miss him so much.” She said while looking down in disappointment.

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