Ms. Understood

DENY

Seeing Veronica outside my door made me internally laugh. I must treat the women in my life really well because even the ones that betray me think everything is cool with us.

Or maybe they don't feel like I am what people say I am. They assume they're so special in my life, or I'm a man of honor that no matter what they do to me, I won't hurt them.

For the most part, I do try to spare women. Killing them makes me seem brutal because we are not equal in strength. But there is always an exception.

The delivery guy walked up next to Veronica as I sent my texts on my phone. I pocketed my cell, then opened the door.

I paid for the food, and once he left, I looked at her.

"How can I help you?"

She gave me a smirk. "I could say how, but would you really help me?"

"What are you doing here, Veronica?"

"Of course, I came to check on you. I haven't spoken to you in months and I was concerned."

Images of Max Stokes and her together flashed through my head. I remember Dottie never liking Veronica. I had my doubts but tried to stay quiet to keep peace between them and until I had concrete evidence of her being deceptive.

"I'm fine. I need to go eat."

"Can I come in? I won't interrupt your breakfast."

"Veronica, what do you need to tell me?"

"Nothing, I'm just doing my usual check on a friend."

She started to look nervous. I got another scent in the distance, and I smiled, realizing someone else was near. She was trying to set me up.

"Oh really?"

I talked as I sat the bag of food on the side table next to the inside of the door. Without warning, I snatched her into the door and closed it.

"Leo, what are you doing?!"

I took Veronica's purse off, then grabbed the gun from the back of her pants. She took a hard swallow as I removed the clip of her gun.

"Was this your idea or Max?"

"What?"

I slapped her, causing her to take a step back. My tolerance was no longer available. I was now staring at an enemy.

"You know that I know about you and Stokes. That's why you're here."

"You've always been trouble, Leo. You trust the wrong people, love the wrong people, and piss off the wrong people. You don't know when to play nice and sacrifice for the bigger picture."

"No, I don't kiss ass to get what I want or in your case...suck dick."

"I do what I have to do to survive and maintain my lifestyle."

"Yeah, everyone knows you do. That's why they come to you, Veronica. You'll do anything for a check."

Her evil stare was felt as I grabbed my phone, sending another text to the appropriate parties.

"L-Leo, all this could have been avoided if you didn't take that gold. No shootings or betrayals, and your father would still be alive."

KNOCK! KNOCK!

There were two men on the security screen. She had relief on her face.

"You're right. My father would still be alive, and so would you."

Veronica's eyes widened while I lifted her by the throat. She swung and kicked until a loud crack came from her neck.

Her body went limp, and I watched the security monitor. A few of my allies were handling the situation outside my door.

I open it, handing Veronica and her things to them. Once I closed the door, I heard a soft voice behind me.

"Is that the food, baby?"

I loved hearing Magnolia talk just as much as I enjoyed her moans. I smiled as she yawned, stretching her arms.

"Yeah, let's eat."

***

An hour after Leo and I ate breakfast, big Jim came to pick him up. He looked really serious while he dressed and grabbed one of his guns from the cabinet in his bedroom closet.

"Is everything okay, Leo?"

"Yes, baby. I need you to stay here...do not leave under any circumstances."

He kissed my lips, then my forehead, and left with Big Jim. I told myself that there wasn't anything to worry about, but I wasn't convinced.

I talked to Joan and did some remote work. It kept my mind off of Leo for a little while, but I just stopped.

Laying in the bed without him was agony. My hopes for the best were fading as the sun set and the darkness took over the skies.

I went into Leo's home office to get a bottle of tequila. When I walked in, my heart fluttered. There was a small box with a yellow bow and a card.

To the love of my life and future wife. Happy birthday, baby.

I gasped after reading the card and lifted the bow covered lid off the box. Inside was a velvet box opened with a beautiful round diamond ring.

"Oh yeah, my 21st birthday is tomorrow."

I was super happy but worried, not knowing if I was supposed to open my gift. I tried on the ring and squealed with excitement.

I put it back, then took a few shots of tequila. Within fifteen minutes, I was snoring on the couch.

It was morning when I woke up in a cold sweat. I was groggy and went directly to the bathroom to take a shower.

When I got out, what I saw made me scream.

Magnolia....

"Leo?"

I went to touch him, and my hand went through his body.

"No, no, no...NO LEO! NO!"

I became light-headed and fainted.