by Kenya Wright
“Do you like the dress?” I pointed to the floor where she’d thrown the dress I bought her. “I know it was a bad time to give it to you, but still. . .”
At least, it’s not green. That would be going too far.
The limo moved through the city. Near the high downtown buildings, the sunlight dimmed. I leaned against my own window. Up ahead, the clouds grayed and darkened. A storm approached from the front.
I’m doing the right thing. How can you go too far, when it comes to love?
Love required conflict and games. It was like a book. In the best novels, a reader only flipped the page if the hero had obstacles knocking against him. The joy of reading was in the journey. The struggle. It was entertaining to watch a person chase toward destiny. And as a lover, I had to get my partner turning the page, keep the story fast-paced and exciting. Thrills on every line.
She will never understand.
She was in danger. I knew the drill in emergency situations like this. When she crept close to danger, I had to step in and save her. Currently, she tip-toed toward hazardous territory.
And she’ll hate me more for saving her, even though she’ll have no idea that I did.
In the past, I’d played too much with her considering myself a gamemaster.
Puzzles were my favorite game. The true test of a person’s knowledge. I enjoyed putting pieces together in a logical way and searching for the correct solutions. And Dawn was my biggest puzzle of all. She was a bundle of mathematical problems. Solving her would’ve been a significant contribution to scientific research.
But I could never break into that maze of a mind. Money didn’t work. Love didn’t either. At least not my love. She needed more. And her disinterest made her more attractive to me. The more she ran away, the more I chased, hoping for some recognition of patterns and order. She kept me confused.
And I would’ve been fine with watching her from a distance, but she had to move to the wrong city. She has to get out of Miami.
I turned back to her. “I’m sorry. I didn’t think you would come with me if I asked.”
Rage blazed from her. She wouldn’t even look at me. And that was a damn shame.
Such a complicated woman. Those full lips begged me to capture and suck on them. Even her face was an intricate diagonal pattern—beautiful, big eyes and a pointed nose, high cheeks, and olive skin.
The first time I saw her, everything stopped working on my body. I craved her instantly, wanted her writhing and arching under me in my bed. From the first moment she spoke, I wanted to hear her voice hoarse from screaming out my name over and over while I fucked her hard and raw.
With her in the limo right now, I wanted to hold her close to me as I ran my fingers through her hair. Those soft brown tresses would slip through my fingers. It had been a long time since I’d tasted Dawn. Although I knew there would probably be no chance of reuniting with her, my body hummed with excitement.
Dawn is in danger and you too, if you don’t take the focus off your dick and back on her.
“I don’t like the jeans and shirt.” I cleared my throat. “And before you yell, I didn’t vote for Trump. I just hate the shirt. It’s too crass.”
She turned my way. “What the fuck are you doing?”
“The dress is a gift. I chose red instead of. . .green. I figured you would like it. Chinese brides wear red for luck—”
“Caden!”
“Yes?”
“Why did you take me away from the store and—”
“I’m keeping you safe.”
“You’re the person that’s dangerous.”
“Don’t worry. I’m not kidnapping you.”
Anger blazed over her face. “You’ve already kidnapped me!”
“Kind of, but not really. I’m leaving you alone in an hour and taking you back to your house. We just have to go Max’s first.”
She held out her hands. “Why the hell are we going to see him? I don’t even talk to him anymore.”
“Did you know that he lives across the street from you?”
She paused.
“He does.” I dug my hands in my pants, pulled out my new Rubik’s cube, and showed it to her. “This is called a Sudokube. See all of the numbers.”
Instead of four different colors, white covered each square and a black number was written in the center. The numbers ran from one to nine on the sides.
I continued, “The goal is to solve Sudoku puzzles on one or more of the sides before going to the other side and—”
“I don’t care about your puzzle.” She glared at me. “Why are we going to see Max?”
“Shouldn’t the question be, why is he living across the street from you?” I rotated the right side of the cube. The toymaker had come up with a great idea in combining Sudoku and Rubik’s cube, but this was no match for me. “When I realized that Max lived next to you, I gave him a visit.”
“Stay away from me and my. . .”
I looked up. “What? Your boyfriends or friends?”
“People who I know.”
“Hmmm.”
I’d been watching Dawn and those two spoiled boys—Freddy and Max. Once I called and messed up their game, Dawn left them and returned to the States. They gave her distance. A false sense of distance. My men watched them get closer and closer—Max secretly living like a drunk across from her apartment and Freddy creating the most revolting cakes and delivering them to her. Gallant efforts on both of their parts, but they didn’t have the ingredients that made one a man.
They saw Dawn as some cute little toy to compete for. I’d been happy to watch them continue their stupidity. But then danger came to them and I had to step in.
“Interesting. The people that you know.” Careful not to repeat the motion on the cube, I rotated it in the other direction, grabbed the right sequence, and let my fingers dance along the rest of the moves as if the toymaker and I had choreographed the performance together. “It’s too late for all of that. I like meeting my girlfriend’s friends.”
“I’m not your girlfriend. Stay away from Max and Freddy.”
A pang hit my chest. I didn’t like the way she said Freddy’s fucking name. It might’ve been my own mind spinning illogic, but I could’ve sworn that she moaned the damn word.
Ignore it. You’re just being jealous.
I checked the number pattern on one side, was satisfied, and turned the cube to the right.
“Max had a lot to say to me,” I said.
“I bet he did.”
“You think he’s full of shit?”
“I think that what he has to say about me is none of your business.”
I glared at her. “We were on a break, not broken up.”
Her voice rose. “I broke up with you.”
“We talk all the time.”
“You call me like a psycho no matter where I am and scare the shit out of me.”
Smiling, I looked her. “You like when I call.”
“No, I fucking don’t. It’s mental and you have a problem.”
“I know that.”
“Then get some help.”
“I am.”
My two men stirred next to her.
“Listen.” Dawn gestured to me and then her. “What we have. This sick twisted shit. It’s dysfunctional.”
“Yes.” I held one finger up. “But dysfunction triggers codependency.”
“What does that have to do with anything?”
I examined the cube. Two sides showed the proper order. Now I had to solve the other two sides. I glanced at the window. Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock. We’d be at Dawn’s apartment soon. I’d have to rush the solution.
Tick. Tock.
“Caden?!” Dawn yelled.
“Sorry.” I rotated the cube. “We’re an enmeshed romantic relationship. One partner’s sense of purpose is based on making extreme sacrifices for the other’s needs.”
“And who the hell is sacrificing?”
“You are. You gave away your fr
eedom for me.” I solved one more side on the cube. Now I had a final one. “Stop interrupting. I’m dropping knowledge.”
“Oh sorry,” she muttered. “I had no idea you were dropping knowledge.”
“So, we’re a codependent relationship. I have a significant degree of unhealthy clinginess toward you.”
“It’s called stalking.”
“I depend on you for my fulfillment and self-worth. And this love affair has gone on for so long that in some ways you’re dependent on the unease.” I turned the cube over and made sure all the numbers were in their proper order. “You’re so used to the dysfunction that I bet if I went a month without calling you, you might go crazy and think something is wrong.”
“Let’s try it.”
“No, I can’t do that to you.” I tossed the solved cube to Dawn. It landed on her lap. “To my princess. Here’s proof of my skills and devotion.”
She snatched the cube and slung it back. There was good energy in that throw as the cube hit the window next to me.
“It appears my queen woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning.” I rubbed my hands together. I needed something in them.
“We have to stop this. Caden, you have to stop this.”
“Trust me. It will all make sense later.” I checked my watch. We’d be there in five minutes. “What do you think about my knowledge on relationships now?”
Silence.
“I have a therapist,” I said. “That’s what she said our problem was.”
Dawn returned to her window. “And did your therapist tell you that you had a borderline personality disorder?”
“I’m not borderline. Those are the guys with patterns of unstable moods and behavior. I’m many things, but I always remain consistent. Those people always have intense episodes of anger, depression, and anxiety. Since I’m always winning, I hold no anger or depression.”
“Perhaps, you have a narcissistic personality disorder.”
“I’m too perfect for that.”
“Clearly.” She crossed her arms and continued to watch the buildings and cars rush by the window. “I bet if you spend some quality time with your therapist, she’ll have a list of disorders that you qualify for.”
“That’s not nice.” I dug both of my hands in my pockets.
The limo parked in front of her house.
Everything is working out as planned. How long will it be this easy?
I checked the time, opened the door, and held it for her. “Let’s go.”
She looked at her condo and turned to the driveway. “Where’s my car?”
“It’s being towed back.”
“That’s a whole bunch of extra shit when you could’ve just met me outside after I finished shopping.”
“I’m extravagant.” I extended my hand to hold hers.
Not taking my gentlemanly gesture, she stormed off across the street. “Which apartment does Max live in?”
I quirked my eyebrows. “You really had no idea he was over here?”
“No.” She shook her head. “When I stop talking to people, I simply move on with my life. But apparently, I don’t attract those types of guys. I attract the stalkers.”
“Yeah. You’re a magnet for freaks.”
We approached the stairs and climbed them.
I pointed in the direction of Max’s place. “His apartment is the one the end.”
“And then after this talk with Max, or whatever, is over, we’re done and I’m getting a gun.” She increased her speed. “I want you out of my life, starting today.”
Those jeans hugged that ass so perfectly. God was a deceptive teasing power. Nothing like Dawn should’ve been able to walk this earth. What did God expect from me as he dangled her sweet flesh in front of my eyes?
Pay attention.
She knocked on the door. “And what is Max supposed to tell me anyway?”
“I have no idea. It’s a big secret about Freddy. I think he was worried about him.”
Come on. Let’s get this started.
No one opened the door.
I knocked again.
Two of my men reached us and stood on my side.
I checked my watch.
Come on.
“He’s not here.” She looked at me and shrugged. “Are we done?”
“No.” I banged on the door. “Max, open up, man. It’s Caden.”
She raised her eyebrows. “It’s Caden? Are you two besties now?”
“We’ve talked a few times.”
“Why?” she asked.
“I needed information on your new lover.”
“Freddy and I are not together anymore.”
Yeah, but you knew I meant Freddy and not Max without even saying his name. Admit it, he’s your new lover.
Sighing, I turned to my guards. “Open it up. We don’t have all day.”
The guards approached Max’s door.
Dawn backed up. “Wait. What are you doing? You can’t bust in there.”
“We can.” I motioned for them to continue.
Like most of the buildings in her neighborhood, the landlords didn’t have luxury and maintenance in mind. The door appeared worn. One of them kicked. The other slammed his side into the surface. It took no time for them to break in. Barely three slams and a few kicks.
And then a horrific smell hit us.
A godawful one.
A decrepit signal of the worst truth on life.
Death.
“Fuck.” I grabbed Dawn before she looked inside and pulled her away from the opening. She was such a small thing. I pulled her back with ease and then let her go. “No. Come over here.”
“What the hell is that?” She held her hand over her nose.
“Let my guys check it out first. I don’t like that smell.”
Fuck.
My stomach twisted. I knew what was going on without walking in. One could never forget the scent of death. When someone died around you, it was impossible to forget. That odor remained in the dark parts of the mind.
Back in Max’s apartment, movement came from inside. Surely my men knew what had happened. Maybe they were checking to see if someone else was in there hiding and waiting to attack.
I can’t let her see what’s making that smell. She doesn’t need the nightmares.
I ran my fingers through my hair and gave Dawn a sad look. “I don’t think we’ll be talking to Max today. Come on.”
I took her hand.
Confusion swam in her gaze. So smart, she stayed where she was and didn’t try to go into the apartment. “What’s going on, Caden?”
“You’re in trouble. I think that’s what Max was going to tell us. I figured as much.”
She took her hand away from mine. “How am I in trouble?”
My men chose that moment to come back outside.
I looked at one. “Is he dead?”
Without saying anything, they nodded.
“What?” Dawn jumped back in shock. Her fingers shook. “Are you joking?”
“No,” I said. “I figured someone was dead from the smell. I was just hoping that it wasn’t him.”
Death always smells like death. It’s the easiest thing to copy.
“No.” Dawn shook her head. “No. This is crazy. I don’t believe you. This. . .this is one of your games. That doesn’t even make sense.” Dawn hugged herself more and continued to back away. “What are you talking about? Why would Max be dead?”
I walked her way but made sure not to get too close. “I’m getting you out of here.”
“No.”
I formed my fingers into fists and then released them. I hadn’t been used to her going against me in a long time. Everyone else listened and did what they were supposed to do. With Dawn, I either had to shut the fuck up or be the aggressor. I calmed myself. “My men and I will escort you over to your house to get a couple of things.”
“I’m not going anywhere with you, Caden.”
“You don’t have to stay with me, bu
t you will stay in a hotel of my choosing this evening. Right now, I’m calling the cops. I’m not leaving you alone until we know what happened to Max.”
She looked at the door. Her words came out hoarse. “Max is not dead. None of this makes any sense”
“He is dead and now it’s time to let me take care of things.”
Fear was a simple tool.
For example, when faced with the shocking reality of death, the mind imploded. A wise man said that we all lived in some form of pre- or post-traumatic stress. We were either afraid to die or scared that the ones around us would go. Then once we finally lost someone—which was inevitable—the earth ripped open and the dark sky weighed us down. And so, we teetered back and forth between those two stages—fear of death and fear of others dying.
“Do you want to see him?” I pushed. “I can walk in with you or let you go by yourself or—”
“No.”
I didn’t think so. The smell is too strong.
She hugged herself closer.
“Let me watch over you for a few days. I want to make sure you’re not in danger. Max had said Freddy was acting erratic. That Freddy was dangerous, had bought a gun, and been saying a lot of crazy things. Max was worried for your safety.”
“That doesn’t sound like Freddy at all.”
“Yet,” I took her hand. “this is what Max said.”
“Then why didn’t he walk across the street and tell me himself?”
Good point.
I responded, “Max tried, but you wouldn’t open the door.”
“His death wouldn’t have anything to do with me.” She searched the ground as if looking for answers. “Even if Max is dead, he had a lot of gambling debts and—”
“Then if that’s true, you’ll be back in your apartment by tomorrow morning. But for now, you’ll come with me.” I guided her away from Max’s horror show.
She followed, not taking her hand from mine. “Caden?”
“Yes.”
“Is this one of your games? You’re not playing at something or—”
“I’m not that crazy, baby.” I glanced over my shoulder and gave her a serious look. “I don’t kill people.”
She stared at me for longer than I was comfortable with. Dawn had a way of peering through the layers of my lies and revealing the demon inside.
