Little White Lies (editing)

Day Boulevard

Wow we hit #2 in BWWM! Thought it deserved a celebration. Here ya go two days early‼️

Vincent stood amongst his men at one of their underground hideouts. Now was the time to lay down the law and the truth about Iris. And eliminate anyone who had an issue with it.

"I called ya down today because it's time we get somethings straight. We haven't located Patterson and Giordano but that's the least of my concerns. As you know Patterson's ex wife has come back to the house." The men nodded expectantly seeing bad they were all curious as to why she was back.

"That's because she's my woman. No I didn't stutter and ya heard exactly what I said. She is no longer the black woman or negro woman. In my house she will be referred to as Iris or Mrs. Madden. Nothing less. And the little one is Jolene." Vincent looked out amongst his men evaluating their faces. Most of them were surprised. A one disgusted.

"Now I'm open to all objections so feel free to tell me now." Vincent said politely.

The disgusted face stepped forward "Sir that's ridiculous. A negro woman-" The bullet went through him so quickly, it took the men some time to realize Vincent pulled his gun that fast.

"Anymore objections? I promise I'm very open to listen." Vincent said watching the men and their vow of compliance. He nodded "Very well then. Don't say I didn't give you the option."

Vincent dragged the man to Andrew who was a professional at body disposal. He hopped back in the car to arrive back at his home to see Jolene and Iris.

When he got to the house he looked around for them but only found a note explaining James took them to the grocery story. Vince decided he would rest for a minute until their return.

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"Mama how about this?" Jolene said holding up a box of cookies. "Put it back Jo." Iris scolded. Jolene groaned placing the box back.

"Mom we have enough vegetables and meat!" Jolene aspirated. "Keep it up Jo and I'll put the ice cream back too." Iris said looking for cheese. Jolene zipper her lips and put the imaginary key in her pocket.

"Iris?" Iris turned around quickly to be face to face with Anthony. A smile grew on her face as she embraced her friend joyously. "Anthony my goodness! I've missed you! How are you?"

Anthony's heart was beating so fast. Iris looked even more beautiful than usual. Her hair was longer, she slimmed out and her eyes danced with happiness. She was beautiful to him before but she looked so much happier. It made Anthony happy to see her.

"I've been alright. You look stunning wow!" He inhaled looking at her appearance. Iris blushed "Oh stop it! I'm the same old Iris." She laughed. Anthony's eyes floated down to Jolene. He hadn't seen her since she was born.

He squatted down to see her "Wow Miss Jolene you've gotten so big!" Jolene smiled politely. She didn't know how she felt about this man. He looked at her mom the same way her papa did. It was weird.

"You've got the same eyes as your mother." Anthony smiled. Jolene giggled "That's what my papa always says." Anthony cocked an eyebrow in confusion.

"You still communicate with Rupert? The gangs been looking for him forever. He got involved with the Italians and has been off the map ever since." Anthony scratched his head.

"No. I'm not in contact with Rupert and would appreciate it if you didn't tell him you saw me." Iris said quietly.

Anthony was confused. If she wasn't referring to Rupert as papa then... No... HELL NO. Anthony's breaths became sharp.

"Iris are you-" before he could finish his sentence her glanced at her hand where a dazzling diamond ring sat. Different from the one Rupert gave her that she stopped wearing.

"What is this?" He asked grabbing her left hand inspecting her finger. Iris bit her lip nervously. This could go two ways.

"I'm engaged..." she mumbled. "Already?! You ran off and got engaged?" His voice cracked.

Iris looked at him confused. "Ant I'm sorry I didn't tell you I've been gone for so long!" She rubbed his shoulder.

"To who?" His voice lowered. That was the question Iris would not answer. "Iris it better not be him." Anthony's voice grew dark. Iris looked around for James but he must have been distracted by food items.

"Anthony listen-" Anthony punched the wall next to them making items fall down. Jolene hid behind her mother and Iris took a step back. "After everything he did to you! He raped you Iris! He terrorized you and your husband. He called you a wh*re!" Anthony yelled.

Iris was wondering where the people were why was there no one else in this area. She bent down to Jolene whispering "Go find James and stay with him." Jolene looked at her mom hesitant to leave her alone. Iris gave her that look that says "do as I say." Jolene quickly ran off.

"Anthony it's complicated. Things were different when we spent time together. Trust me I know what he did was not okay and a tiny part of me still resents him for that, but I love him." She exhaled.

Anthony looked ready to combust. Loved him. She loved him. "Well then f*ck me right?" He laughed dryly.

"What? Anthony you're the most loyal friend. You've been there for me forever I would never throw you aside!" She reached out to him and he moved away.

"I'm in love with you Iris! I've been in love with you since I first met you!" His eyes red and emotional. Iris's heart dropped. How did she miss this?

"Anthony." She said sympathetically. He shook his head. "No you're not about to become a white man's wh*re you're better than that!" He cried. Iris flinched at the impact of his words.

"I've think I've had it with being called a wh*re lately." She chuckled humorlessly. "Anthony I really valued our friendship but if you can't come to terms with this I'm sorry but it wouldn't be respectful to my fiancé to be around you."

Anthony was raging now. She was going to leave a friend of 8 years for a man that took advantage of her. "F*ck that Iris I'm not letting you ruin your life."

He grabbed her attempting to pull her out of the store. He didn't realize Iris was such a strong lady. "Get off Anthony!" She shrieked clawing at his arms.

"Quit it Iris!" He growled "I'm helping you!" Iris's looked around frantically. Many people just avoided eye contact didn't want to interfere.

Suddenly the soft click of a gun was heard and Anthony and Iris froze. "Let her go." James's voice rang out. Anthony felt the cold metal against his skull and hesitantly let Iris go.

Iris moved to James's side picking up Jolene. "Iris you're making a mistake." Anthony tried.
"No you made a mistake touching the boss's wife." James hissed.

"Ask him who 3 hit Douglas is Iris!" Anthony snapped. James whipped the pistol across his face knocking him off his feet. "You love the back of this gun huh?" James squatted to him.

"Let's go ladies." James pulled Iris and Jolene in walking them to the car. People recognized James as one of Lion's men and instantly avoided eye contact.

Iris sat quietly in the car. She just played with Jolene's hair and helped her out when they got to the house.

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Vincent woke up to the sound of the front door opening. He put on some clothes and head to the kitchen.

Iris and Jolene entered the house but Iris didn't say a word. She just gave him a flat smile before putting the groceries away.

James patted Vincent on the back. "You're in for a long explanation boss."