Astray (See No Evil Book Two)

Chapter Twelve

I put on my shades, waiting with Paul to get my bag from baggage claim. As much as I didn't want to, I came to New York to pick up the things my mother left for me. The lawyer didn't tell me much over the phone, other than my mother wrote a will when she first got locked up and if I wanted the things she left. I wasn't too sure if I wanted anything from Hazel, but I could at least go through everything and see what it is.

"It's cold as shit here", Jaivon said standing next to me.

I guess he didn't trust me to come here by myself, and I can't say I blame him. He knows better than to send me out of city limits alone, because I wouldn't come back. Had he sent me here without any chaperones, I would've went to the closest borough and went ghost. And by the look on his face, he would've been lost here anyway. It was obvious he's never been here before. Hell, it wasn't even that cold.

"I got the bags, boss".

"Let's get this shit over with".

I put on my shades and followed Paul out of JFK airport, and into the car that was waiting outside for us. Being back home felt different. Not because I have Jaivon with me, but just the smells and the surroundings were different. It's like I'm not the same person I was when I left. These streets don't recognize the new me, nor I them.

"So, where are we heading to again?" Jaivon asked me.

Paul got into the passenger side of the car and the driver pulled away from the curb. I wasn't used to someone else driving other than him and I don't think he was used to it either. I didn't hear the conversation, but I'm assuming Paul knew the driver.

"My old foster home".

"You sound like you don't want to go".

"I don't".

"So, why the hell did I spend money on these plane tickets and why am I missing out on cash I could be making?"

"Look, I don't want to be here just as much as you don't. But I owe it to my mother to get whatever it is she left for me".

"Were you and her close?"

I hesitated. "The closest we were going to ever get".

I avoided any conversation with Jaivon the entire ride to Nancy's. I look at him as my boss, not my friend. So, when he gets in the mood to be inquisitive it makes me nervous. I never know Jaivon's intentions behind the shit that he does. I feel like there is always some type of evil motive behind it. Ever since I realized he went as far as raping me, the fear I have in him is unmatched by anything else I've ever felt. I never stood up to him like I did with Chavonne. Don't know why, but I just didn't.

I didn't want to step foot into Nancy's place again, but since this was my last known address, they had no choice but to bring everything here. I bet her old ass went through my shit and picked out what she wanted. I took a deep breath, still not making a move to get out the car to go inside.

"What's wrong?" Jaivon asked.

"I just ... haven't been here in three years".

"You need me to go in with you?"

"No, I got it".

"Well, get the molasses out ya ass, I have shit to do".

I swallowed hard and knocked on the window to let Paul know he could open the door for me. Never understood why Jaivon treated Essence and I like employees yet gave us the same benefits of living wealthy as he has. Sometimes I feel like Paul works for me too, as much as he does for me.

"I'll be outside the door waiting for you, Ms. Barnes".

"Thanks Paul".

He winked at me, which calmed my nerves a little. I rang the bell to be buzzed in, praying that Nancy had choked on a candy bar and died, and it's another bitch in there waiting for me.

"Who is it?" I heard Nancy say through the speaker. Guess God isn't listening to me today.

"Simone".

There was silence than the loud noise of her letting me inside of the building. I jogged up the steps, by passing all the younger kids she had cleaning the place. They looked at me, their eyes telling me to help them. I knew it was nothing I could do for them. If I had a big ass place I would take them to live with me and burn this bitch to the ground. But dreams are for bitches who have time. I don't have time.

I walked into Nancy's office, instantly surprised when I saw her. She didn't look like trash like she normally does. The state must be coming in here to inspect her, because the bitch got on her good wig and all.

"Came to pick up your dead mother's shit?"

"Yeah, what you haven't taken for yourself".

"She didn't leave you anything that I wanted".

She went under her desk and handed me a black metal box. It had a key hole, but I don't recall ever having a random key and I didn't know what it went to.

"Is there a key?"

"Maybe it is, maybe it isn't".

I rolled my eyes and turned to walk out. This bitch will die being as unnecessary ass, I just know it. Her last words are going to be some bull shit.

I walked out of this building and slid inside of the car once Paul opened the door for me. Jaivon was on the phone with someone, and whoever it was, they put the biggest smile on his face. Not the evil one he typically gives me, but a genuine happy smile. He saw I was back in the car and quickly ended the call.

"Did you get everything?" he asked.

"Yes".

"Good, we have to go back".

"So soon?"

"Yes, my son is in town".

Son? I didn't even know he had kids. He hopped back on the phone to reserve our flights. The driver took off towards the airport and I just stared at the box, wondering what was inside.

**************************

Jaivon rushed inside, excitement oozing from him. He was like this the whole flight back. Like a kid who knows what they're getting for Christmas or some shit. I slowly followed behind him, still holding the box in my hand. I tried looking for Essence, thinking maybe she could help me crack it open, but she was nowhere in sight. Either she was avoiding me or out on the job. Either way, I wasn't about to see her.

"There's my boy!" Jaivon said, hugging the unknown person that was sitting on the couch. His back was to me, so I couldn't really see who it was. I was curious, because again I never knew the man had children. Weren't even any pictures around the house of them. Hell, it was barely any pictures at all.

"Son, I want you to meet my lady".

Lady? Who the fuck is his lady?

"Kane, this is Simone. Simone, this is my son, Kane".

Holy hell. Kane turned around to face me. When those light hazel eyes connected with mine, I saw all the confusion that I knew he saw as well. What the fuck are the odds that my superhero is the son of my dictator. I was happy Jaivon was still soaking in his excitement, or he would've been able to see the tension quickly.

Kane held his hand out to me, halfway smiling.

"Nice to meet you".

I shook his hand and quickly took mine out of his grasp.

"Same to you".

"Well son, Martha is my housekeeper. She'll get you settled into your room. How about the one right next to your old man, huh?"

Kane smiled at Jaivon, but I could tell it was a fake one.

"Sure thing, Pop".

"Good! Martha, get him to his room".

Martha nodded and led Kane to the steps. He took one last look at me over his shoulder, then continued up the stairs.

"I didn't know you had children", I said to Jaivon.

"A lot of shit you don't know about me".

He grabbed my hand and pulled me in the same direction Martha and Kane just went. We walked right passed my room, and I started to panic. We bypassed Kane, who quickly looked up from the bed, confused. Jaivon pulled me in the room and closed the door behind him.

"I ever tell you how beautiful you are, Simone?"

He caressed my face, making me jump. He grabbed my hands and pulled me closer to him.

"You don't have to be afraid. I won't hurt you".

"You already have". It was out of my mouth before I could stop myself.

He stepped towards me and I took a step back, making me fall backwards on the bed. It was exactly where he wanted me. I tried to get up before he could make a move, but he was too quick. He laid on top of me, putting all his weight on my body.

"You smell so good, baby", he said, louder than what he needed to. I knew then what was up. He wanted to show off for Kane.

He quickly pulled down my leggings and underwear in one swoop, then he was on top of me again. He kicked my legs open with his knee and slithered back up my body. I felt the tip of his tongue trace lines on my neck, and I shivered with fear.

"That's it baby, respond to daddy's touch".

He locked eyes with me, then leaned in and forced his tongue in my mouth. Spit transferred from his mouth to mine, and I felt myself gag. I felt the slightest touch from his fingertips on my neck then he gripped it, almost choking me. Those eyes turned furious as he aggressively pushed himself into my walls. He tightened his grip on neck, eyes never leaving mine.

"Say you like it", he grunted. He had his grip so tight, I could barely speak. "Say it!"

"I like it", I choked out.

"Louder".

"Jaivon-"

He suddenly pulled out of me and flipped me onto my stomach. He forced himself back inside of me, slapping me hard on my ass. The pain was so excruciating, my eyes began to fill with tears. I felt so humiliated, knowing Kane was just on the other side of this wall. He wouldn't save me, no one will. Because to them, I like it, just like Jaivon wants to me to say.

He put his mouth to my ear, still violently pumping. "You better moan, you selfish bitch. Or I'm going to throw your dumb ass friend into the streets and let the hustlers get at her. You want that?"

"No", I whispered.

He smacked my ass again in the same spot. "Then tell me who's your daddy!"

"Y-you are".

He smacked the spot again making me yell out in pain.

"Yeah, just like that".

I continued to scream, just like he asked me to. All I could think about was Essence being out by herself and some men trying to take advantage of her. I can't let that happen. So, every way Jaivon wanted me positioned, I did it. Every noise he wanted me to make, I made it. Everything he wanted me to say, I said it. I did everything he asked until he was sprawled out beside me, snoring from exhaustion. I curled into a bowl on the other side of his bed and cried myself to sleep.