Hook'd

by Taisha S. Ryan

  "Doubt that."

  "And why not?"

  "Because..." She shrugged, unable to conjure up a response.

  "Because, why? It's you, and you're unlovable?" Yasmine assessed with sarcasm. With a sigh, she shook her head. "You know what I don't get about you, Reese? You spend all your time, uplifting women and empowering them to be better, yet you don't do the same for yourself."

  Reese fell silent, staring at her glass. That hit her deep.

  "You're a great woman. Successful. Strong. Sexy as hell. Any man would be dying to have you. Including, Cameron." She rubbed her shoulder. "We all can't do it alone, love."

  Drenched with emotion, Reese dabbed her moist eyes with her tissue.

  "I just want you to promise me something. And I mean this..." Yasmine stared her. "That you won't let any man, or what anybody did to you in the past...stop you from being happy. Can you promise me that?"

  Her throat tightening, she nodded.

  "I promise," she whispered.

  Chapter 37

  "Please remove your jewelry, shoes, keys and any loose items you may have and place them in the bin."

  Reese placed her things into the plastic bin, before stepped through the corridor of the metal detector. Before she took another step, the security guard stopped her, and searched her once more with the hand-held metal detector. Reese gazed at the long line of people behind her. Mainly of women, from mothers, to wives, and girlfriends, as they awaited their turn to see their loved ones confined behind those steel doors.

  But not her.

  She had a different agenda.

  Reese stepped into the visitation room, occupied by correctional officers guarding every corner, as inmates and visitors sat around small tables, conversing.

  She sat around the empty table, her heart pounding in her chest. The whole trip here, her nerves had been haywire. She never thought she would ever do this. She had driven 5 whole hours to upstate New York, a far cry from her own hometown in New Rochelle. But she needed to make this trip. She had to face him. It was the only way she could truly move forward with her life.

  When the dark toned man appeared at the entrance, her heart stopped. He stood there, dressed in his navy blue overalls, matching the uniform of the other inmates within the room. The first thing she took notice to, was his change in weight. The man she remembered had a much more slender physique. But over the years, he had gained an ample amount of pounds, his face noticeably fuller than before. His hair was also different. The cornrows he once sported, had grown into waist length locks he now kept pinned up into ponytail. A full thick beard coated his face, a vast difference from the goatee she remembered. She sat there in shock as she took in the appearance of the man she hadn’t seen in over 10 years. He looked like a totally different person. Had it not been for those familiar features, such as those dark bold eyes, his thick nose, full lips and leathery scar across his neck, she would've never recognized him.

  He seemed to be just in shock.

  And she understood why.

  She was no longer the same slim young girl he first met years ago, wearing corn rows and bamboo earrings with her trendy gear of those times. Nor was she the same weak woman with the bruises, he always found pleasure in beating for sport.

  She was none of that.

  She was a beautiful, well accomplished woman who had succeeded without him. Who had become everything he said she wouldn't.

  He walked toward her. And she forced herself not to cower away, reminding herself that he couldn’t hurt her. He could never do so, again.

  Reese sat up straight, adjusted her cream sweater, brushed the lint off of her black slacks, then took a deep breath.

  Escorted by the two correctional officers, he approached the table and sat across from her. For a while, he took in her features. As she did the same. Despite everything, as much as she hated it, he still held a piece of her heart. Something she would never get back. He was her first love. The only man she truly ever did love in her lifetime. And for that, she could never truly hate him. No matter the pain he put her through.

  None of them said a word. Both absorbing the reality of the moment.

  "I almost didn't come here, today," she broke the silence. "I always told myself, that I would never look back. But, I wanted to see you face to face.”

  He said nothing. Listening.

  "The other day, I had a good friend tell me something that really resonated with me. She said, I spend all my time uplifting other women, but I have yet to do the same for myself. And you know what? She's right. All these years, I've allowed you to hold me back from my happiness. I've allowed you to break me. To make me feel like I wasn't worth love.”

  She swallowed the lump in her throat. "But now, I realize that’s not true. I've been through so much. I've struggled. Been broken. Gotten back up again. And despite what you put me through, I'm still here. Standing strong."

  He kept his gaze on the table, soaking in her words. And it only embedded a sense strength she thought she never had. Years ago, she would've never imagined she would be sitting here, face to face with the man who put her through hell. But here she was. Pouring her heart out.

  "I'm no longer that weak woman you've beat down. Or the one you said wouldn't be shit. I now a run women's shelter for battered women and it's doing well. In fact, it’s one of the most successful organizations in the city. I'm making a difference, and I'm proud of that." She fought back tears, struggling to keep her strong tone. "And no matter what you've done, or what you've said, or how much pain you've put me through, I'm always going to keep pushing. And I'm going to do what makes me happy. I'm going to love. I'm going to love with everything I have. Because, I deserve that."

  Silence fell over them. Her words lingering the air. Reese fought back the rushing emotions, not allowing herself to break down in front of him. She had done that too many times in the past. He would never see her tears again.

  He continued to avoid her gaze. She almost demanded him to look at her. Like a man. Her tongue itched to spew everything on her chest. To break his spirit like he had done to her many times in the past. But, as she sat there, she realized he just wasn't worth it.

  "You know, on my way up here, I had so many things I wanted to say to you that I never had the chance to. But I realize you're not even worth it." She shook her head. "All I really wanna say, is that I forgive you, Leon."

  He met her gaze.

  "I do. And I wish you the best...I mean that."

  His face saddened with guilt, as he swallowed his words. Good. Because she didn't want to hear them. Not even an apology. She didn't need that...not at this point in her life. It was too late. She just came here to say her piece and leave.

  Reese gathered her things and stood up. "Oh, and one more thing." She faced him, pressing her palms against the table with a glare. "Don't you ever call my phone again. Or I swear to god, I won't take it so lightly next time."

  A slight frown formed his features. She strutted away with her head high, as she walked away from her dark past and stepped into the future awaiting her.

  For the first time, her soul feeling free.

  *

  Rain danced across the atmosphere, showering the city within the brisk night. Reese stared at Cameron as they laid in each other's embrace, admiring how peaceful he looked even in his slumber. It felt so good to have him here again. The specs of city lights peering through the glass window, gleamed on his face within the darkened apartment, giving her a clear glimpse of those features she loved, especially during his time of quietude.

  All night, she had been laying here. Thinking. After what transpired today, the burden in her heart had been lifted. She had faced her demons and she was proud of herself for that. She had come so far. Had survived so much. And she deserve to be happy, she owed it to herself.

  That meant taking a risk with Cameron. She realized how much of great person he had been to her these past months. The truth was, he could've had any woman in the world
he wanted. Yet, he was here, sticking through it with her, despite the walls she had built up around him. Any sensible man would've run for the hills by now. But he didn't. He had been patient with her. And she appreciated it. She truly did.

  "Cam?" she whispered.

  He didn't respond.

  "Cam."

  "Hmm..."

  "Can we talk?"

  He peaked at her. She felt bad waking him, since he was probably exhausted from his long trip home, but she needed to get some things off of her chest. With a sigh, he rubbed his eyes and yawned.

  "What's goin' on?"

  She let out a deep breath. "I know it may seem like...I'm always guarded with you. But the truth is, I haven't been in a real relationship since my ex-husband."

  His attentive gaze on her, he listened.

  "We met when I was 18, just after I left foster care. I was living on the streets at the time. But when my ex-husband came along...everything changed. He was the only one that seemed to care about me. Back then, I never had that growing up. So to have someone there, that seemed to love me and care for me, meant the world. We were together for 4 years. And I loved him deeply." She traced her fingers across his chest, reminiscing.

  "We ended up getting married a few months after we met. He used to be really into the streets, back then. Sold drugs and everything. But me being so young and in love, I didn't care. As long as I had him, that was all that mattered. And for a short while, everything seemed to be perfect, you know?"

  A deep sigh left her lips. "But then eventually, I started to see a change in him. He would just get so angry, and so...cold, to the point I couldn't even recognize him. First it would be him, trying to control me. Like always wanting to keep me in the house, never wanting me to have any friends. Telling me what I should and shouldn't wear. Then it would be the insults after that. And the stuff he would say..." Her heart pained as the dark memories haunted her. She remembered everything. Every insult. Every word. Those would forever stick with her.

  "He did everything he could to tear me down. And I believed every word..." She bit her trembling lip. "Then soon after, the beatings began. He would hit me. Choke me. Spit at me. He even put a gun to my head, threating to kill me if I ever left him. So, I stayed..." Her eyes filled with tears. "The worst four years of my life."

  Cameron held her, soothing her in his embrace.

  "Where is he now?" he asked.

  "Prison. He got 20 years for dealing drugs."

  "Good. I'm glad his bitch ass is locked up. 'Cause if he was out there somewhere, I'd kill the mutherfucker myself." His cold words gave her shivers, and she knew he meant every word.

  He kissed her forehead. "I'm so sorry you had to go through that, baby. You didn't deserve that at all."

  They laid in silence, listening to the rhythmic patter of the rain.

  "Thank you."

  She met his gaze. "For what?"

  "For trusting me enough to open up about something like that."

  "So, you're not wishing you chose someone with less baggage?" She gave a sad smile.

  "No," He whispered, wiping her tears. "I have everything I need right here."

  Chapter 38

  A tired yawn left Reese's lips and she turned up the radio to keep herself awake. Tonight, she was just heading back from Tribeca after celebrating Yasmine's birthday. The event took place at a 5 star lounge, where they danced, laughed, and had a good time. Yasmine, whom was known to throw an extravagant birthday bash each year, kept the occasion much more intimate this time, inviting just a few friends to enjoy her night.

  Maybe she shouldn't have stayed out so late, given that she an early flight to Vegas tomorrow morning. With Cameron's fight just days away, she would be right there in his corner supporting him. And she couldn’t wait. The flight was in less than 5 hours, and she had yet to pack. Silly her, for waiting the last minute. She just hoped she would have the energy to even open up her suitcase.

  Reese pulled into her driveway, relieved to be home. She could already hear her bed calling her name. She stepped out of her car and rushed to her front door, shivering from the brisk winds engulfing her in its path. She fiddled for the correct key, then opened the door. As she stepped inside of her darkened home, she basked in the welcoming heat. It felt so good to be home. She locked the door behind her then flipped the light switch, only to scream at the sight.

  He sat on the couch like a monumental statue, his presence as chilling as the cold night air. Clad in a grey suit, with a fedora hat cocked to the side, he gave a small smile.

  "How're you doing, Sharese?"

  "What the hell are you doing in my house?!?"

  Slick took a sip of liquor from his glass. "Mind if we talk?"

  "No, we don't need to talk about anything! Leave now or else I'm calling the police." She pulled out her phone.

  "That wouldn't be a good idea."

  "Oh, it wouldn't? Try me."

  He aimed a pistol at her and she gasped, dropping the phone.

  "Have a seat."

  She stumbled into the living room and sat across from him.

  "Good girl." He nodded, placing the chrome pistol on his lap. She stared at the weapon, her heart racing with panic. "Don't be scared. I'm not gonna hurt you...well, unless things go a different way...then, you know."

  "How did you get in here? And how do you know where I live?"

  "I'm Slick, baby. I know everything."

  "What do you want from me?"

  "Just to talk. I got sick of the phone conversations."

  She squinted, confused. "What are you talking about? We never..."

  A dark smile lifted his lips, and in that instant the reality struck her with a hard blow.

  "Wait, that was you the whole time?"

  "I like to play around, sometimes." He shrugged.

  She couldn't believe it. All this time, she thought it was her ex-husband. Only to find out it had been him the whole time. But it didn't make sense. How? Why?

  "It'll all make sense in a minute." He finished the last of his drink, then lifted the empty glass. "Great Cognac by the way."

  Her stomach curled with disgust. Just the thought of him in her house, invading her privacy made her sick. Her legs fidgeting, she fleeted her eyes around the room, figuring out what to do. She couldn't run and scream for help. He would just kill her on the spot. She didn't even have her phone nearby to call the police. And her hand gun was upstairs in her room.

  She was trapped.

  "Mmm-mmm-mmm."

  She met his gaze as he stared at her frame. She cringed at the way his lustful gaze traced her breasts through the V neckline of her dress, before sliding down to her legs exposed under the hem draped just above her knees. She sat up straight, covering her legs with her dress.

  With a grin, he grazed the barrel across his thick beard. "Cam's always been an overachiever when it came to women."

  "What the hell do you want?"

  "I’d like to make a deal with you."

  "A deal?"

  He reached over and picked up the bottle of Cognac from off the coffee table. "Mind if I...?"

  She glared at him without a word. He thanked her and poured more into his glass.

  "So, you and Cam's been getting pretty close lately." He took a sip and nodded with satisfaction at the taste. "Aye, I'm gonna be honest with you. All my years of knowing Cam, I've never seen him act this way over a woman. But here's the thing, though. The fight's coming up. And I have a lot on the line. The last thing I need is some distractions, if you know what I mean."

  "I don't, actually," she shot back.

  "You watch boxing?"

  She didn't respond, wondering where he was going with this.

  "Just a simple question, beautiful."

  "Not really, no."

  "Well, let me tell you a secret about the sport. To win, it's not just about how well you can fight. Naw. It's all psychological. It's up here." He tapped his temple. "See, to win you have to know how to manipulate
your opponent. Get inside that person's head. Know his weakness. And Cam's weakness is the same as his strength. And that's his heart.

  "See the thing about Cam is, his heart is too big. When he loves something, he gives it his all. Boxing, friends, his team. His woman. And it works against him, more than he even realizes it. Now, he's a gifted motherfucker, don't get me wrong. Best boxer in the world, if you ask me. But this right here..." He tapped his chest. "He's weak. He thinks he's ready for the fight, but he's not. And I know before he even gets in that ring that he's going to lose that fight."

  "What's your point?"

  "End it."

  She frowned. "Excuse me?"

  "End the relationship." His dark orbs pierced hers. "Like I said, I have a lot riding on this fight. And I have no problem eliminating anything that gets in the way of that victory."

  "Is that a threat?"

  "It's a fact."

  Their eyes battled in the heavy silence. She couldn't believe what he was telling her. She wanted nothing more than to beat his ass herself.

  "Look, to make this easier...I'll do you a favor." He reached inside of his blazer, and pulled out an envelope. "Fifty grand. You end it and it's yours."

  He had the nerve.

  "I don't want your damn money."

  With narrowed eyes, he took another sip of his drink.

  "You think that impresses me? This whole...I'm-too-good-for-shit act, you got going on? I see through that. I know what you're really about. You're just like any other bitch. Just with him to gain something out of it. So, what is it? His money? Fame? Attention?"

  Reese stood up. "Get out."

  "We're not done talking."

  "I said get out of my house. Now!"

  "I need an answer."

  "Fuck you. That's my answer."

  He licked his lips with a cool smile. "I'm just tryna make it easier on you. I don't mean to cause any trouble."

  Fed up, she stormed across the room and picked up the phone off the hook. She had enough. She pressed the button, only to gasp at the sudden yank of her hair. The cold steel pressed against her temple.