BY DEMARCO'S STANDARDS (Part 5)

Pink Pride

Three day's has passed since Demarco left. Within hour's after his departure I received a delivery of pink roses and the most gorgeous pink dress ever. Retiring to the privacy of my room I held the dress close to me and cried as Capone rubbed his wet nose against my arm offering his comfort. Seeing the pink dress had a major impact on my heart. For once I felt like he had listened to me and cared about more than just his wants or sleeping with me.

Does Demarco truthfully love me? He may but I find it so hard to believe. His actions sometimes suggest otherwise. When he knelt down and caressed my belly I wanted nothing more than to give in to him but the truth is I'm scared. I'm scared that he can't love me the way I need to be loved or he won't love me as much as I love him. What if he constantly compares me to Sam or will always love her more. I don't think I could handle that type of heartbreak so it's best to avoid it all together.

When  he named off all her likes to me yet couldn't name one thing about me it hurt like hell. I'll never live up to her in his eye's. Then to top it off his mother hates me. It seems I catch it from all corners when it comes to this family. A girl can only bare so much and maybe I'm crazy but I want that once in a life time love. That fairytale storybook where I'm all he see's, feels and hears but until he breaks his walls down and let's me in completely I'll never have that with him. I do understand why he shields his heart and is overprotective but it's not fair to me it he can't open up one hundred percent.

The next day I gave in to all my shouldn'ts and buzzed his phone. I knew by now he had to have replaced his broken phone. Everyone of my calls were sent straight to voicemail. On my last attempt I left a heartfelt message in a teary voice.

"I'm sorry Demarco. I love the roses and the dress took my breath away. I really wish you would talk to me but I understand why. I understand that your mad. I'll give you time to cool down if that's what you need,  but please return my call soon. I love you Dem, I do. The reason I know this is because you can make me cry. I've never cried over a man the way I cry over you. I didn't cry over my ex, no I cried because I thought I was a failure and I don't want to fail you. I love you but I'm so scared you can't love me the same or love me like you did her and I don't want to be your second choice, second best. I want to be your everything. I'm sorry I wasn't brave enough to say this to your face but I didn't want to see the look in your eye's if you can't love me back the way I need. Anyway just call when you feel up to it, okay? Bye Dem".

Hanging up I took a deep breath. It felt good to have finally come clean with him but now I feared his answer if he even contacted me back that is.

Two days passed and still no word back. I assumed he was either super mad or my worst fear was confirmed.  By lunch that day my phone rung and I saw Laney's name run across my screen. "Hello". I answered somewhat questionably.

"Where is my son? You know he has a job to do here, his home, his country?" She asked impatiently.

Taken back by her rude tone I replied as nicely as I could. "I'm sorry Mrs. Harper but Demarco left hour's after you did. I haven't heard from him since".

"What do you mean he isn't there? He's surely  not here." She snapped.

"He left maybe four hour's after you. Him and Cole both. I've called him a few time's but haven't gotton an answer". I tried to reason with her.

"Neither have I " she mumbled with a hint of worry. "I must go now Ivy".

"Wait". I said stopping her from hanging up. "If you hear anything please let me know. I'll do what I can on my end and follow back up with you".

"Sure". Was her only reply before she disconnected.

My palms started to sweat as all sorts of thoughts came to me. This was it. This would be my first official problem as queen. This is where I could possibly gain the respect of my men as well as the Harper's, well mostly Laney. Calling my men in I ordered them to check the cameras at the airport and report anything back to me immediately.

Twenty minutes later they informed me of several unknown men going aboard Demarco's plane but never stepping off. When Cole and Demarco boarded the plane took off. After hearing this I told them to go to the control command room and find out where the plane went. Within an hour they reported back. "The plane had landed in oddly enough Flordia. I made preparations to fly out immediately with my men. I slipped into my pink dress Demarco had given me and strapped my weapons on. Once I boarded the plane I phoned Laney to fill her and on my findings.

"Good job Ivy". She said making me feel proud. "Mrir,Ari and I will meet you  in Flordia at this airport. If London happens to call you, you haven't spoken to me. Got it?"

"Yes". I stammered. "But I don't want to anger him".

Laney let out a throaty laugh. "Just leave him to me Ivy".

Several hours later my plane landed in Flordia. As I stepped off I saw Laney and the other's coming to greet me. "I've already located their plane and it's empty other than our men's dead bodies which is being handled. However either Dem or Cole was able to scratch some info onto the plastic arm rest. The person responsible for this is that new leader back home. That's all we know as of now. I've got men scouring the video footage as we speak to get a identification on the car or plane they may have transferred over to. If it's a car I can track it through traffic cams but if it's another plane I'll have to track to the next airport."

She started walking briskly toward her awaiting car and I was amazed at how poised she was given the circumstances. She had it all together and Miri stood just as strong as her mother. I knew then just what it meant to be a queen and knew I had some growing to do. I was in the presence of the best of the best. Laney shot me a smile and patted my belly. "How is my grandbaby doing?"

I nodded my head and answered. "She's a strong little one. I'm doing good".

"Great". Laney said then added. "As Demarco's mother Ivy I can't allow you to get involved. You can follow along but you or the baby mustn't come into harm's way. Am I understood?"

"But, I love Dem." I protested.

"I'm sure you do. My son is amazing but your safety is my responsibility as well at the moment. You've done a great job so far".

Miri laughed. "Mom your starting to sound like Pape."

Laney laughed. "Or maybe your Pape just always sounded like me. Speaking of which, there's the long legged bastard now. Miri had me the needle in case I need it".

"Babydoll?" London's voice vibrated over to us.

Laney gave him her best sultriest smile. "Baby isn't the weather beautiful here? I just had to take a short break from the colder temps. Baby the sun just glisten's off your beautiful skin and makes me weak".

London's mouth quirked up a bit as if he was trying to conceal his smirk. "Babydoll cut the shit. I've got you red handed. I'll be taking over from here girl's".

"No you won't Harper". Laney retorted stamping her tiny foot up at this huge man. She went to jab the needle into his arm but London was quicker. As delicate as possible he disarmed her making sure she didn't even flinch with an ounce of pain. Laughing he squirted the liquid from the needle and tossed it aside. Bending down he kissed her head and pulled her into him. "What's the next step Boss lady?"

And just like that London made her smile.

Finally the men returned with the news we had been waiting for and I knew beyond a doubt I would be the one to rescue my man.