Feeling her small yet curvy frame melt into my arms, was one of the highlights of my day. Life before her was okay, but after spending months exploring and doing romantic shit with her, life was bland. It was more bland than a saltine cracker. Imagine my surprise when I found that my lady lived in that huge compound and was living like a real-life princess prisoner.
Anger filled me because I couldn’t protect her from his beatings or when he chose to take advantage of her sexually.Fuck!I screamed inside of my head because she deserved much better than that bitch ass nigga.
Whenever the moment presented itself, please believe I was rocking his shit. I pulled into the parking lot of MJ’s favorite fast-food restaurant and ordered his usual. I watched him through my rearview mirror, and he laughed at whatever he was doing on his tablet.
It was heartbreaking that his own mother had abandoned him, and now the only woman best to be around him, was snatched away. I wasn’t sure what I could do, but I had to do something to get Era back. Once I grabbed his food, we headed home. I hadn’t had much of an appetite since our split.
That was saying a whole lot because my appetite was ravenous. I chuckled to myself because that was the hold that Era had on my heart. I knew she said all that shit to protect me and herself, but I felt like a bitch ass nigga because I was so helpless.
I had no idea how to help. Men were supposed to protect the women that they loved, and I felt lower than flea shit because I couldn’t. As I pulled into my driveway, there was a luxury model sedan parked when a tall and muscular dark-skinned man climbed out, then helped a chocolate brown beauty from the back seat. I placed my SUV in park, before I climbed out.Fear didn't fill me but worry did, because I had no idea who they were or what they wanted. The striking beauty wearing a designer fitted, pastel pink pants suit, removed her shades as she walked towards me with a smile. The tall man stood behind her as he eyed me suspiciously. I knew my expression mirrored his because both of us were curious.
“Are you Muse?” she probed.
“I am. Who are you?”
Her smile broadened as her eyes roamed over me in an appreciative manner. “I see why she’s so smitten with you. She was right. You are beautiful.”
“I’m sorry who is she and who are you? Also, how did you find me?”
“My apologies. My name is Temi Hopes, and I’m here on the behalf of my sister, Era. Well, she doesn’t know that I’m here. Being married to a multi-millionaire provides me with the resources I need to find just about anybody, now you and I need to talk. ”
“Era! How is she?” I asked frantically.
“She’s a walking zombie without you. Syris is obsessed with her, and this life isn’t for her. Myself, along with my other sisters, Sasha and Monet, were born into this life, but this is not for Butterfly. She saved my daughter, and it wasn’t until that moment, that I really saw her. If I don’t try my hand at saving her, then Syris will kill her because he refuses to live without her. Now, invite me in because we have a plan to hatch. But hear me well, whatever we have planned, I don’t want Syris dead. I want him paralyzed. Are we on the same page?”
“Absolutely!”
Raheem Devaughn’s musicechoed throughout the mansion as my partner, Hill, a few hired hands, and myself mixed drinks for Syris’s extravagant masquerade party. I was dressed like The Phantom of the Opera as I watched Syris and Era like a hawk. The white, half-mask shielded my identity from them. All Syris’s wives surrounded him, but Era was the only one trapped to his side by the firm grip he had around her waist. I handed a guest a flute of champagne, then admired Era’s attire for the evening.
Her size fourteen curvy frame was draped in a form fitting mint green, mermaid gown. It was sheer with darker green lace embroidery that matched the jewelry she wore. When I looked closer, I noticed she was the only one not wearing a mask. I bet it was because he wanted to spot her at all times. Damn. Mizz Lady must have had magic between her legs because that nigga was sprung. Either way, this was his last day holding my woman hostage. While I wiped down the bar, our song by Maxwell began to play, and I stopped. Not only was that our song, but that was also Temi’s signal.
When I looked up, Sasha was making a beeline for Hill at the bar, Monet was speeding upstairs, and Temi stepped away with Syris. Era stood there alone, and that’s what I needed. Walking towards her stealthily, I stepped behind her, then swiftly pulled her into my arms.
“Ahh!” she gasped, and I held her tightly. Her body was stiff until I whispered into her ear. “Mizz Lady, I’ve missed you so much. Life has been so dull without you.”
Era relaxed, and I heard her sniffling. “I’ve missed you too, but baby, you can’t be here. If Syris spots you, he will kill you. Ican’t take that chance. You have to go, now!” she quietly shouted and panicked.
“Breathe, baby, breathe. Listen to the sound of my heartbeat only.” Era’s body slightly rattled in my arms, and it was truly heartbreaking to see how much she feared him. Soothingly, I rubbed her back as I spoke softly into her ear.
“Remember the night this song was playing, and we shared our first real kiss? Not only that, we created a lopsided flower pot, and we slept soundlessly into each other’s arms. I’ve missed holding you and feeling you. You’re everything to me, Era. There will never be a day that goes by where you will feel unloved, not safe, and most importantly, forced to do anything you don’t want to do or give up your pottery. I know how much you love it, and it’s grown on me now too. Just say you want to be with me as much as I want to be with you, and I’ll take care of the rest.”
Slowly, we separated and stared into each other’s eyes. “Muse, I would risk it all for you because I love you so much.”
I smiled then looked up to see Monet heading toward us with a sleeping Poppy and a small bag. Looking back at Era, I smirked. “I’m glad to hear that because plans are set in motion. Listen to every direction that Monet and Sasha tell you, and I’ll see you shortly.”
“Wha--what? Wait! What’s going on?” she inquired, confused.
“Era, follow their directions. I’ll see you two in a bit.” Monet walked up, and I nudged Era to her before I turned away and sped to Syris’s office. When I made it outside, there were no guards present, like Temi planned. Eric had hauled Syris’s guards away, so there would be no distractions. I removed my mask and evening jacket, then stepped inside. Walking into Syris’s office, he was sitting behind his desk, while Temi sat across from him.
“Who the fuck are you?” he questioned with too much bass in his voice for my liking. Temi looked on in fear as her eyes darted back and forth between us.
“I’m Muse.”
Syris lowered his eyes, and he nodded as if in an ah-ha manner. “You’re the bitch ass nigga that want my Butterfly. Am I right?”
“Wrong! I’m the man that already has my lady.”
“That’s a muthafuckin lie!” he shouted, then opened his drawer but it was empty.
