The Monarch Room

by Danielle James

  “She’s my child. I’ll do what I want with her.”

  “No. You won’t. Nothing gives you the right to hit her like that!” I’m sure the next second wasn’t nearly as long as it seemed from my vantage point. Roman slammed his fist into my father’s face and he stumbled backward, clutching his mouth. “Now you have a busted fucking lip too,” he spat. When my father moved his hand away, he revealed a mouth full of blood.

  Shit, Roman fucked him up.

  “I want him in jail!” My father yelled so loud, I flinched and covered my ears. Roman put his arm around me and it washed away the anxiety that was starting to slowly choke me.

  Of course, Palmer was on the phone in a heartbeat calling the cops. They were going to take Roman away from me. My worst fear was happening and there was nothing I could do about it.

  “Please, don’t call the police,” I begged.

  “He assaulted me and all you care about is him going to jail? He deserves to be in jail with the rest of the filthy animals like him.” I ignored my father and turned to Roman.

  “Why did you do that? What do I tell River, Roman?” My voice wobbled and he hugged me tightly.

  “Zuri, it’ll be fine. Look at me.”

  “Don’t talk to my daughter!” My father gripped my shoulder and snatched me backward, away from Roman. He lost his shit. Roman slammed my father against the wall and they fought like wild men until the police showed up and yanked Roman up by the collar.

  “Please, don’t take him!” I squeaked. My voice got swallowed in the sea of commotion though. So many bodies and voices were clamoring, shoving, and pushing. I got lost in the mix of it all. I wanted to run after Roman but they were dragging him out in cuffs. It was pure chaos.

  Since I couldn’t get to him, I rushed outside to the parking lot and sighed with relief once I saw Duke still there. “What the hell is going on?” He asked, opening the door for me.

  “He had Roman arrested,” I blurted, my hands trembling.

  “Zuri, tell me where you need to go,” he said, looking into my eyes. I had to make a split decision. I had to go to the only person I knew could help Roman without a doubt.

  “Take me to the Clermont Compound.”

  **

  When I arrived at the Clermont’s home, Maurice immediately made me a cup of warm tea while Collette called Henri and they met me in the kitchen. “Dear, what happened to your face?” Collette asked.

  “My father hit me. Where’s River?” I asked, looking around.

  “He’s taking a nap. You need to tell us what happened,” Henri frowned as he looked at my face. I sipped gingerly on the green tea Maurice handed me and told them the entire fucked up story while they sat captive. When I was done, Henri stood to his feet, had Maurice bring his coat then took me by the hand.

  “Collette, look after River. I’m going to get our son.”

  **

  Roman

  ​My knuckles were starting to bruise as I sat in a holding cell across town. The cop that threw me in there kept staring at me while things bustled behind him. Finally, I asked why he was so fixated on me.

  “Your name is Clermont?” He asked.

  “You helped process me. You know my name.” I wasn’t in the mood for small talk. It felt like everything was ruined. I’d never pass up a chance to protect Zuri. I only wondered how I’d get out to see my son.

  “Any relation to Henri Clermont?” He asked, lifting a thick eyebrow. I opened my mouth to answer him when the entire space turned into a vacuum. I’d never heard things get quiet all at once that way. I looked toward the doors where everyone stared and saw my father walk in with Zuri behind him.

  She went to my parents.

  Smart girl .

  “I want him out. Now .” My father growled, slamming his fist on the counter. He couldn’t see me, but I could see him. He looked like a madman. He never once mentioned my name or his but everyone scrambled for him. They knew who he was. Not many people knew my father by simply looking at him. Most people had to have a certain level of clearance to even know his name.

  He wasn’t a celebrity unless you were on his payroll, which meant he had the entire police force on his damn payroll. Why was I shocked? The man signed off on a prison to be built. Of course, he had the cops in his pocket.

  Every single one of them.

  “Show me the imbecile that actually put handcuffs on my child! Show me!” He roared and the walls shook. Everyone pointed to the officer responsible for putting me in the back of the squad car.

  For once, I was happy to have Clermont privilege.

  My dad railed into the officer and snatched the badge off his chest. “You’ll be lucky if your children ever work after this nonsense! Where is my son?” The officer in the back with me scrambled to unlock the cell.

  “Sir, Mr. Clermont, sir…I asked if he was related to you.” The officer swallowed and I walked out of the cell. Zuri jumped into my arms and kissed me like nobody else was around. In that moment, nobody else was around.

  Everything vanished.

  Walls melted, the floor disappeared, and sounds were muted. I held her for as long as time allowed. “I’m okay,” I whispered in her ear. She nodded, wiping her eyes. She didn’t want to move her face from my chest and I didn’t want her to. I wanted to hold her forever.

  “Let’s go,” Dad frowned, stalking through the station like a lion. “I want this paperwork to disappear along with his files.” He said quietly to the woman at the front. She nodded and fired up the shredder as we walked out.

  **

  “You should have immediately let them all know who you were, Roman! You’re a Clermont!” My father didn’t waste any time laying into me once we were back inside of the Clermont bubble.

  “I know. It wasn’t at the forefront of my mind. My sanity was gone. The only thing on my mind was knocking Okolo’s head off.”

  “Yes, Dr. Adam Okolo,” my father sounded sinister. I could tell he was concocting something in his dark mind. “I know you think your family is full of monsters but you can’t keep being such a goddamn goody two shoes. If name-dropping your family will get you out of jail then for God’s sake do it! Every officer in this state knows better than to lay one piece of metal on the wrist of a Clermont.” He was on his second glass of gin.

  “I hear you, Dad,” I sighed. I couldn’t fight him right then. He got me out of jail and made the entire thing disappear. I’d let him have his moment. Besides, I was tired. I wanted to go home with River and Zuri and take a long nap.

  “I’m having dinner tonight with two special guests and I want both you and Zuri to attend.” I jerked my gaze to his and frowned.

  “What? You really think we’re in the mood for dinner guests?”

  “It’s happening, Roman. I’ve taken the liberty to request Dr. Okolo and Mr. Palmer’s presence at dinner.” Zuri tensed beside me and she finally lifted her sleepy head.

  “You invited my father to dinner? Mr. Clermont, I…”

  “Zuri, call me Henri. Now, it’s already done. I want to see you two there as well.”

  “How did you pull that off?” Zuri asked.

  “Your father wouldn’t dare turn down an invitation to dine with the CEO of the Legacy Group. Palmer wouldn’t dare turn down the donation to his school.” Of course, that’s how he lured them over.

  Money was their love language.

  “You mind if I have some time alone with Zuri?” Dad looked at me, then Zuri and nodded. He left the room to find my mother and River.

  “I don’t know about this dinner, Roman.” Zuri’s eyes were nervous.

  “We’ve been through a hell of a lot, princess. We can get through this dinner.” I kissed her forehead and she sighed.

  “What does your father have up his sleeve?” She quizzed.

  “He wants to grandstand. I can almost guarantee it. I usually hate when he does this type of shit but I’ll let him go this time because your dad and Palmer have pissed me off. I’ve never throw
n my privilege around but I’m making an exception this once.”

  “He’s going to let them know they fucked with the wrong man,” she smirked a little but I could tell the cut on her lip hurt. It pissed me off all over again. I’d have to keep my cool at dinner.

  “Exactly. You don’t have anything to worry about. Something tells me your father will be putty in your hands after this.”

  “Yeah, right,” Zuri snorted and nuzzled her lips against my neck. I drank in her warmth like bourbon. Smooth and slow.

  “Let’s get this shit over with so Daddy can properly congratulate you on being a high school graduate.” I skimmed the bridge of her nose with the pads of my fingers and smiled at her. In the midst of all the drama and chaos, I did remember her telling me her diploma was on Palmer’s desk.

  “Mmm, I can’t wait.” She kissed me and poked my dimples at the same time, making me laugh a little. “Let me see your hand,” she demanded. I held it out and she sighed, looking at the bruises. “Is it weird that I think this is sexy?”

  “Yeah. A little.”

  “Shut up, Roman. You’re not supposed to agree,” she laughed.

  We made sure to spend time with River before the theatrics of the night ensued. Zuri and I put him to bed in his room and then we sat around the dinner table waiting for our guests. I made sure Zuri was right beside me. I didn’t want her feeling the least bit intimidated by her father.

  “Mr. Raymond Palmer and Dr. Adam Okolo have arrived, sir.” Maurice introduced the two douche bags once they got there. I heard them before I saw them. They both commented on how beautiful the house was as they were escorted into the grand dining room.

  My father stood to greet them both, shaking their hands with a smug smile. When he moved out of the way to take his seat, Palmer and Okolo’s faces broke into a million tiny shards.

  “What is the meaning of this? You are supposed to be in jail and Zuri what are you doing beside him? Move this instant.” Okolo fired off questions and commands like he lived there. My father clapped his hands once and the room fell silent.

  “I’m sorry, Dr. Okolo, do you perhaps live in this house without my consent?”

  “No, of course not sir,” Okolo straightened his tie and smiled.

  “Then you have no authority here under my roof, correct?”

  “Right. Excuse me. Forgive me. Are you aware that my daughter is sitting at the table with Roman…” My last name got stuck on his tongue once he realized his faux pas. Palmer stood cemented to his spot by shock.

  “I’m sorry, Dr. Okolo, what is this young man’s name?” My father grinned and leaned forward.

  “Roman Clermont ,” he said, letting his shoulders sag. The weight of defeat must have been heavy.

  “Ah, yes. Correct. Have a seat, gentlemen. I want to talk.”

  “Good evening, Palmer…Okolo,” I nodded in their directions and they wore the biggest smiles when they looked at me. There were no more distasteful frowns. It was such a fucking shame.

  “Good evening, Mr. Clermont.” Palmer looked nervously from me to Zuri. “Miss Okolo, good evening.”

  “Good evening, Principal Palmer,” she said, rolling her eyes. “Hello, Father.”

  “Zuri, you look beautiful tonight.” It took everything in me not to bloody his mouth again. Zuri rubbed my knee under the table and I calmed down a bit.

  “I’m so glad we’re all acquainted. Now, I understand my son was fired from Palmer’s school based on your personal recommendation, Dr. Okolo.” My father never once dropped his smile.

  “That was a huge misunderstanding.” Okolo had never sounded so polite before. He practically pulled down my father’s pants and kissed his ass. It was amusing to watch but that was about it. Nothing about it gave me joy. “I never knew Mr. Clermont was a part of the Legacy Group Clermont’s. To be honest, I never knew the Clermont family was behind the Legacy Group until earlier this evening.”

  “What does it matter?” I snapped.

  “My apologies, Mr. Clermont,” Okolo said, lowering his gaze.

  “Yes, Roman, you have my sincerest apologies too. We had no idea. This was a huge misunderstanding. If we’d known who Roman was, we would have ensured he was protected.” Palmer pled to my dad.

  “That’s such bullshit. The only reason you’re remorseful is because you know who I am now. That shouldn’t have mattered. Beyond your alleged suspicion of me sleeping with Zuri, everything else you did was out of line.”

  “Was that suspicion accurate?” Okolo quizzed.

  “Yes,” Zuri spoke up clearly, looking him right in the eye. I thought he would fly off the handle but he didn’t. Instead, he smiled like she gave him a birthday gift.

  “That’s amazing. I knew my beautiful daughter would find an amazing young man one day. It is an honor that you want Zuri, Mr. Clermont. Please, she’s yours. Consider everything forgotten and old news.”

  “Yes, I agree, Roman. This is old news. You’re welcome to have your old job back if you’d like.” I laughed in Palmer’s face and shook my head.

  “My old job back? You’ve got to be fucking kidding me, Ray. I don’t want a goddamn thing from you except for an apology. Not just to me, but to Zuri as well.”

  “Well, you heard the man. Apologize!” Dad boomed. Both men jumped and Palmer stammered out a bullshit apology that didn’t mean a thing.

  “You really should apologize. You’re a piece of fucking trash. You berated your own daughter almost daily. You hit her. You were supposed to be her protector and you failed. You were cruel to such a sweet girl…” I exhaled and calmed myself down so I didn’t jump across the table and strangle him. “Then you want to gladly give her to me like she’s some kind of fucking trinket once you find out that I’m a Clermont? You shouldn’t be allowed to be a father.”

  “You know, he’s right,” my father said, extending his pointer finger. “I need for us to be in agreement here, Adam.”

  “Of course, sir. Whatever you want,” Okolo grinned.

  “I need you in on this too, Raymond.”

  “Yes, I’m here to help.”

  “Wonderful. I’m glad you two are so accommodating. Now, Adam, I need for you to ease up on Zuri. I expect that since she’s now a high school graduate, that she has free reign as she responsibly sees fit. I expect that once her birthday arrives she’ll be a free woman and not a little girl anymore. You wouldn’t do anything to hinder her, would you?”

  “Oh, of course not, Mr. Clermont. Can I call you Henri?” Okolo asked with his eyes full of hope.

  “Absolutely not. You haven’t earned one scintilla of respect from me because you’re sitting in my face and smiling like idiots. The only reason Okolo isn’t on the first thing smoking back to Nigeria is because he’s Zuri’s legal guardian and he’s scheduled through October for life-changing surgeries for some very sick people. You, Palmer…your job is done. You have no saving grace.”

  “Well sir, my father-in-law is…”

  “I know who your father-in-law is! I spoke with him this afternoon after you had my son arrested. He thinks you’re disgusting and he can’t wait for you to be out of a job.” Palmer blinked rapidly and cleared his throat. I don’t think the wine was enough to get that bitter taste out of his mouth though.

  “Well, as amusing as this all is…I’m hungry and I’m sure Zuri is hungry too.” I kissed the back of her hand and she smiled.

  “I am,” she nodded.

  “Of course, beautiful girl.” Dad called for the food and dinner was served. It should have been served cold with the way revenge bit at Okolo and Palmer.

  **

  “You know, even though it was funny, watching my father tear your dad and Palmer a new one, it didn’t really make me happy. I’m happy because you finally graduated and we don’t have to go back to Aspen Grove. I’m happy that your father is acting like a civil human being even if it is phony.” I pulled River’s door almost closed and moved closer to her.

  “I’m happy too. Now
we just have to wait for my birthday and it’s me and you. All day. All the time.” She kissed me over and over and I picked her up in my arms.

  “All day. All the time?” I carried her into my room and laid her on the bed.

  “Uh huh.” Her arms slid around my neck and I slid between her legs. Heat poured from her pussy and I felt her magic weaving around me, making me feel whole again.

  “I love you, Zuri Okolo.”

  “I love you too, Roman Clermont.” I inched her panties down and the heat intensified making my dick painfully hard. “Now, can you fuck me, Daddy?”

  No more words were needed or used. I freed my dick and thrust into her, pulling the most erotic sound from her pouty mouth. I sank so deep I touched her soul and I didn’t stop. I couldn’t. She was so wet and feeling her without a barrier was insane. I was home.

  I pushed her shirt up and feasted on her full breasts while she cried my name into the air. The way she said it was so sweet. It was like fruit ripe on the vine. I slowed down to stare into her eyes.

  They gripped me like they always did. I couldn’t wait to give her the world.

  “I’m about to cum, Roman!” She squeaked while I filled her tight little pussy up with my inches. I watched how she pulsed and hugged my dick and it drove me crazy. I gently squeezed her clit and she let loose another orgasm, soaking my cock. She rolled down my balls and I couldn’t hold on.

  I emptied into her and shut my eyes. She was the ultimate. She was everything. She was mine.

  We laid beside each other and I stared at her while she fell asleep. My heart was full. It seemed like an entire lifetime had passed since I dreamt of her mink brown eyes and had the feeling they would ruin my life.

  Everything came to pass in ways I would have never predicted. The thing about having your life ruined was that it always started over. Rebirth was never a smooth and comfortable transition. Becoming a butterfly was no easy task. Zuri made it look effortless though.

  **