Free Beware 2: The Comeback by Shanora Williams Page B

“If I’m going to do this, take you back, it has to be on my terms. It has to be worth it, Ace.”
    My brows narrow. “What do you mean?”
    “I mean you have to promise me that you won’t go back to what you were, no matter how tempting it is for you.”
    I swallow hard.
    Shit .
    I’m about to lie to her, and I know it. I don’t want to, but she doesn’t understand. I need to find out who tried to tear me down. I need money. I refuse to go without. I know she still has the diamonds. Bianca told me, but if anything ever happens to me again, I want her to keep that, save it. I’m a man. I won’t ask the woman I love for money. That’s not me. I’m supposed to provide.
    The thing is, I have enough to get by. But during those two months after I escaped West’s wrath, I gave over half of my money to my men’s families. Gerrick, Tye, and Wes. Even Trent, my loyal driver. Fortunately, he’s still alive. He got away, and he’s living a better life. A clean life. I didn’t see him. He deserved better than to be in my presence again, so I gave the money to his sister and told her to give it to him. I’m definitely not broke, but I’m not as rich as I once was either.
    “Ace,” she calls, pushing up on her elbows and looking me over.
    “Yeah… heard you.”
    Her face straightens as she pushes back and sits up. Caressing my cheek with the pad of her thumb, she whispers, “You can’t go back. Promise me you won’t go back.”
    Fuck. A promise. One I know I won’t keep. When I go, I won’t tell her. I won’t let her know what I’m up to. “I won’t go back, London.”
    She nods, leaning forward to place a passionate kiss on my lips. I savor it, groaning as I pull her into me, finishing what we’d just started.
    As I toss her back on the leather, her lips part, but she spreads her legs wide open, allowing me all the access I need. Grabbing her hips, I hoist her up, positioning my cock at her entrance.
    And as I slide in, taking it inch by savory inch, her eyes gradually shut, and she pants, lifting her dress to toy with her taut, pink nipples.
    I’ve just lied. To the woman I love, I lied.
    But I don’t lie without reason. I’m protecting her. My son. Us. I want the best for my family before we enter the realm of eternal and everlasting bliss, and the only way that can happen is if I cut off all loose ends. Those loose ends start in New York.
    I have to go back.
    I must.
    I owe it to myself.
    I owe it to the crew that died for me.
    If I don’t go back and figure out who it was that tried to ruin and end me, I’ll never be able to live with myself. I’ll never have the peace of mind I long for.
    I can’t live in vain.
     

 

     

     
    Cold Case Love – Rihanna
     
    I don’t know what the hell I’m doing.
    I don’t even know how I allowed my body to trick my mind into coming out with Ace. I know Greg will be home in four hours or less. This gives me just a few hours to get answers from Ace.
    The driver pulls up to a restaurant on Malibu beach. As the spike of my heel plants on the concrete, I stare ahead at the fountain sprouting colors of gold and silver. When we walk by, I spot koi fish of various colors swimming in the fountain.
    So peaceful.
    So tranquil.
    Lovely.
    As we step onto the balcony of the restaurant, Ace adjusts his tie before pulling out my seat. I steal a glance at him before sitting, forcing a smile. I slide in, and he takes the seat next to me. Pressing my lips, I take a look at my surroundings. I admit, this is nice. It’s close to 70 degrees out. A nice breeze brushes past my bare shoulders. I tighten my scarf around me, peering from the glass railing to the shimmering blue ocean water. The setting sun soothes me, the small amount of heat comforting, and I relax a little, realizing I should be enjoying this moment—Ace’s company. I shouldn’t be so wound up. I should be happy.
    Yes, I’m confused and torn, but I love him. There’s no doubt about it. And no matter how