Page 54 of Risking it All

“I’ll pay it back.”

“It’s up to the St. Thomas family to accept it. I heard them niggas was into sex trafficking. That’s why I was surprised to hear that she was marrying him.”

“She didn’t exactly have a choice, and obviously, all her father cares about is money. Apparently, they knew all about his trafficking business and didn’t give a damn. She told me how he makes them keep their virginity so he can use them to leverage his deals.”

“The arrangements don’t work like that, though. We all grew up together mingling, getting to know each other so the transition to husband and wife would feel natural. Why would she let them convince her to marry a St. Thomas?”

“Didn’t you hear me? She didn’t have fucking choice! She wasn’t eligible for the marriage pool anymore. According to her, no one wanted her after you decided that you didn’t. I’m pretty sure she hates your guts too. She says you ruined her life and her self-esteem. Remind me to fuck you up when I see you.”

“Damn, all I was doing was trying to get out of that shit. I didn’t even think about what would happen to her. She seemed so gung-ho to go through with it. All those girls just want to be wives. They don’t care who they marry.”

“Well, she was just trying to be a good daughter. When that plan fell through, she spiraled into depression. She tried to fucking kill herself in the hotel the next morning after we met. I found her passed out in the bathroom.”

“Wait, did you have sex with her, Saw?” Reed asked.

“I don’t see how that’s any of your business anymore.” I retorted.

“They are going to fucking kill you, Sawyer.”

“I’m not worried about that shit. What do I need to do to help her?”

“How many people are you prepared to kill?” Reed questioned.

“How many do I need to kill?” I asked him.

“Oh wow, this nigga’s serious,” Reed mumbled under his breath.

“I’m dead serious. What do I need to do, Reed?”

“Honestly, I think you gotta go see your dad, bro. That’s the only way.”

“You mean I have to get back in the business?”

“That’s the only way they will even consider accepting your bid.”

“So, I have to kiss his ass, and I still gotta buy her.”

“The St. Thomases are going to want their money back. I can guarantee they care more about that than a wedding.”

“I’m kicking your ass for putting her in this position.”

“I had no idea it would play out like that. I might be able to pull some strings on my end, but that would mean I would have to talk to my parents too.”

“You’re just as much at fault as the rest of them for throwing her away. The least you could do is make a few calls.”

“The last time I spoke to my mom was like five years ago. She reminded me that I had been cut off, like I gave a fuck. I cut myself off when I pulled out of the deal.”

“So, she don’t even know you have a daughter?” I asked.

“She knew Faith was pregnant when she tried to run her off. She didn’t care what became of the baby back then, so she doesn’t get to worry about how she’s doing now,” Reed mentioned.

“I get that.”

“I’m not letting them mess my baby up like they did me.”

“Imagine what Zenia is going through, bro.”

The line was silent for a minute before Reed groaned. “OK, give me a few days. Don’t do anything until you hear from me. I say you get in touch with your dad too.”