Page 208 of The Fire We Make

“Let’s get a few things straight,” he said, taking a step forward. Jermaine retreated with each step but Glock kept coming.

“I don’t have no ‘boss’. I’m a grown ass man. Second of all, respect, like wives, are earned, not bought with daddy’s money. But you wouldn't know anything about that, would you?”

Jermaine’s nostrils flared. “I’d like to speak to my fiancé alone,” he said instead of acknowledging Glock’s words.

Glock turned to Joy and she nodded, letting him know it was okay.

Without another word, Glock shoved past Jermaine, heading in the direction of the loading dock.

She turned, finding Jermaine standing there holding a bouquet of flowers and a smile that didn’t reach his eyes.

“What do you want?” she asked, not returning the smile.

“I came to talk to you,” he answered.

“I don’t have shit to say to you.”

He clacked his teeth with a tsk. “Come on now, love. We’re about to be married. Don’t you think it’s time for a truce?”

Jermaine brought one hand from behind his back, producing a bouquet of flowers.

“What’s this?” Joy scowled.

“A peace offering,” he said with a smile.

He extended his hands and Joy’s scowl deepened.

The bouquet made her stomach turn.

The red roses mocked her and the thought of taking them from any man but Ace made her soul revolt at the betrayal.

She stepped away, not even attempting to accept them.

“What? You don’t like roses?”

“No,” she lied.

Jermaine chuckled and lowered his arms back at his sides, a few petals dropping onto the marble floor as the bouquet dangled above it.

His eyes fell to her chest and only then did she realize she was touching the necklace. She didn’t drop her hand though, instead continuing to call upon the comfort it gave her.

Jermaine’s eyes darkened as he zeroed in on the movement but he didn’t speak on it. Instead, his lips spread in a smug, teasing grin.

“Guess I should have figured that,” he shrugged. “Normal women like roses… but you’re not normal, are you Rose?”

Joy cringed.

She didn’t like the way he said it. The way he leered down at her with disdain and accusation.

Like an indictment and a reminder that she didn’t deserve good things.

“No, I’m not. And you’ll do well to remember the hole in your shoulder should you ever forget that,” Joy tossed back.

Jermaine’s teasing smile hardened. “You know you’ll pay for that right?” He taunted, stepping closer.

“Being in your presence is penance enough.”

“I’m just getting started, my love.”