Bands of the Unpaid Dowry

Chapter 33

"They're currently still in custody. But their father is arguing for a forfeiture." The contours of Jace's visage hardened upon hearing his lawyer.

"He's trying to buy his way out again. See to it that it doesn't happen." His stern voice cut across the device looking through the window he stood by.

"Don't worry Mr. Elrod. With the number of artists, they have stolen from and the careers they've ruined, I can assure you that they will be detained. I'll work to see that they receive jail time."

"Good. I'm not going to be around for all that, so I trust that these matters are in your capable hands." He stuffed one hand into the pocket of the sweatpants he wore.

"Without a doubt."

"Thank you, Shay." He heard the man exhale lightly with a breathy chuckle.

"Always a pleasure." Jace took out the air pods from his ears and finally allowed his stony face to stretch when he heard the music that moderately bounced off the walls of Millicent's home.

They had returned to Ghana at the end of the week of his exhibition, one of the most massive showcases he had ever had, especially after he decided to do a mini exhibit titled 'The Redemption' for the other artists who had been conned by Gwen and her brother.

He trekked out of the room he used and walked into the kitchen to find Millicent with her hair up in a ponytail, humming and dancing to the upbeat music. Bringing his strong arms to his chest he crossed them and inclined himself to the doorpost of the kitchen, a little smile resting on his face while studying the lovely woman who had her back to him, placing a pan on the hot plate of the stove. Aprons seemed like an unnecessary addition in the homes of most Ghanaians he had been to and Millicent was in that category which made his eyes squint in concern. When she finally turned to return to her work on the counter, she shrieked at seeing him because he was dressed in black like a shadow and her hand reached up to clutch her chest.

"My God!" She screeched in her dialect and Jace's smile broadened in an apologetic manner. "Why are you standing there like that?" He didn't respond as he watched her resettle and rinse out some rice.

She felt the heat of his eyes on her and peeked through her lashes to see his unwavering eyes on her.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" Her eyelids lifted higher when she turned her attention to him who was still leaning on the wooden frame of the door with accusing eyes on her.

"Don't you think you owe me something for taking advantage of me so easily and then throwing me out of your home?" The nasal whine in his complaint caused her to sweep away the smile lingering in her eyes with her lashes.

Jace pushed off the hard wall when he saw her coy expression and how she turned her gaze away. He sauntered forward to the counter, standing opposite her with a teasing grin. His commanding presence caused her to look up and she squeaked when she saw him so close. Her body unconsciously stepped back when the intense eyes of the man she loved gave attention to nothing but her. Jace's lashes danced with every shift of her body at his passionate stare.

"I told you I don't remember anything." Millicent stepped back to working on the food she was making.

"Maybe I should remind you." Jace spoke suggestively which made her head snap up, but he was no longer in front of her where the counter separated them, so her eyes began to scan around the kitchen, and she was stunned to turn and find him breathing hotly down her neck. She jumped back. That's all she had been able to do since that night - escaping his forwardness - because he wanted to get an answer to why she did what she did when in fact she had no reason.

"Jace!"

"Mhm?" He languidly questioned, eyeing the space she had put between them. He had enjoyed goading her. Millicent was not a shy person; she always had something to say back to him even though she said it in the sweetest and kindest way possible. This, apart from when they were getting to know each other and when they were intimate, was another time she was being demure, and he was enjoying every moment of it.