Killer Queen

4.

Thelma's pov

TW: GUN VIOLENCE AND MENTIONING OF SMUT

As we settled into Marquez's lavish mansion in New Jersey, I couldn't help but marvel at the opulence surrounding me. The grandeur of the estate was a stark contrast to the modesty of my upbringing, and I found myself feeling both awed and out of place in this new environment.

Valerie, on the other hand, seemed to relish in the luxury, her eyes lighting up with excitement as she explored the expansive grounds. But it wasn't long before her attention was captured by Derek, Marquez's right-hand man, who had a charm about him that seemed to draw her in.

I watched quietly from the sidelines as Valerie and Derek engaged in playful banter, their laughter echoing through the halls of the mansion. There was a natural chemistry between them, a spark of attraction that was undeniable, and I couldn't help but feel like an outsider in their presence.

As they flirted and laughed, I busied myself with exploring the mansion, taking in the elegant decor and luxurious furnishings. Despite the beauty that surrounded me, I couldn't shake the feeling of unease that gnawed at me from within.

While Valerie and Derek seemed to hit it off effortlessly, I couldn't help but feel like I didn't belong in this world of wealth and privilege. My upbringing had been humble, and the idea of rubbing shoulders with the elite felt foreign to me.

But as I wandered through the halls of the mansion, I couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration for Marquez's accomplishments. He had built an empire from nothing, rising to the top of the criminal underworld through sheer determination and cunning. And now, here I was, a part of his world – whether I belonged or not.

As I made my way back to the main hall, I caught sight of Valerie and Derek sharing a moment of laughter, their faces alight with joy. Despite the pang of jealousy that tugged at my heart, I couldn't help but feel happy for them. They deserved a moment of happiness amid the chaos that had consumed our lives.

As I approached Derek, my curiosity getting the better of me, I interrupted the moment he shared with Valerie. Their embrace broke as Derek turned his attention to me, a look of surprise flashing across his face before he composed himself.

"Thelma, what's up?" Derek asked, his tone casual as if nothing had just transpired between him and Valerie. "Where's Marquez?" I inquired, trying to mask my unease. I needed to know Marquez's whereabouts, especially if he was involved in something that could potentially affect us. 

Derek paused for a moment, his gaze flickering between Valerie and me before he finally responded. "He had to leave. His wife, Julia, is giving birth to twin girls," he explained, a hint of admiration in his voice. The news caught me off guard, my mind reeling with the revelation that Marquez was married. I had never considered the possibility, too preoccupied with the dangers that surrounded us to think about his personal life."Married?" I muttered under my breath, the realization sinking in as I processed the information. 

Derek nodded, his expression somber. "Yeah, he keeps his personal life pretty private. But family comes first for him," he said, a note of respect in his voice. 

I couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt at my ignorance, realizing that I had been so consumed by my concerns that I had failed to see Marquez as anything other than a powerful figure in the criminal underworld. But now, faced with the reality of his family life, I couldn't help but wonder what other secrets he harbored beneath his stoic exterior. 

As Valerie and Derek exchanged a knowing glance, I couldn't shake the feeling of being an outsider once again. The world of crime and power was a complex web of alliances and betrayals, and I was just beginning to realize how little I truly understood about it.