Ms. Understood

LOSS

I stood in the living room, consoling my mother. She, along with my younger brothers, was devastated by the death of my father. My rage was seething underneath my calm exterior, and all I could think about was revenge.

No one but immediate family were allowed to attend the funeral. Of course, many of his old buddies were upset about my decision but understood.

The ones that didn't like it could take their chances and confront me. I was waiting.

A week after burying my father, there was silence in the streets. Everyone was tight-lipped, wanting no parts in the potential war that I may start.

Now, I was looking at everyone suspiciously. No one seemed to be an ally except for Laurent. He was ready to go to war with me, but I couldn't let him get involved in this...he needs to focus on his new life with his wife.

I thought about Magnolia and worried that she would become a target if I pursued getting payback for my father's death. She was the only reason for me not to cover these streets in blood.

I had an idea of who was responsible for my father's end...Max Stokes. I figured there would be some sort of blowback because of the gold bars myself and a few friends got a hold of.

He was pissed but was too pussy to come at me directly. So he decides to take out my elderly father.

You take something from me...I take something from you.

My teeth grinded, staring at the note that I found next to my father's severed hand. I could still smell his blood, and my heart broke that I couldn't protect him.

Sitting in my home office, I felt a presence in the doorway. I looked to see Magnolia standing, not saying a word. She's been here but gave me my space.

She would leave plates of food at different times of the day without saying anything or run me a hot bath. Just her presence was enough, and she knew exactly how to support me without being overbearing. I stared at her choker. It looked really good on her.

"Hey."

She didn't move. "Hey."

I lifted my hand, gesturing for her to come to me. I moved back so she could straddle my lap. Without words, she wrapped her arms around my neck, and I did the same to her body.

We held onto each other in comfort and silence.

Hearing her take slow, deep breaths calmed me. My hands squeezed her soft behind, and I was absolutely relaxed. Magnolia is my safe place, my peace, and my sanity.

"I'm not going anywhere...ever."

"Yeah?"

"Yup, you're stuck with me."

I smiled at her words, thankful she ever gave me a chance in the first place.

"Thank you, baby."

My phone was buzzing. I knew it was for something concerning my father. Magnolia got up to give me privacy and headed for the door.

"Hey."

She stopped at the sound of my voice and looked at me.

"I love you."

She gave me a soft smile. "I love you too."

Magnolia walked out, and I took my call. I wanted my revenge without any harm coming to her or anyone else in my family. Killing Max Stokes wouldn't be enough.

"Hey Doc...yeah, I'm taking it one day at a time."

I let everyone think I'm too busy grieving with my family. I'll take care of Stokes' entire bloodline myself.