13 | Got Me

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"If they knew how real you are, they'd probably clap hands in your presence"
- Omen

"Dad, I read the contract the other night, every single page. What is your issue with Bailey anyways?" I adjusted my AirPod in my ear, listening to the security's audio feed from Jerrell's office. One of the first things my dad taught me was to keep your ears and eyes open, wherever they don't reach you create more.

"She's fucking up my plan. I need her ass taken care of, and if you can't do it then I'll do it myself." A small smirk grew on my face while I began highlighting my corrections onto the quarterly projections of one of our sub companies.

I know exactly why Mr. Price wants me dead. I also know that Jerrell isn't ready to hear the truth about his father. People hate my father because of how blunt he is when they should actually be looking out for the ones who don't want to live in their truths. I can't wait until I finish school so I can make the trip down to Jamaica and rain on everyone's parade. Where people went wrong is underestimating me and the position that I play. I am a product of my father, and for that I'm not going to slip up and let anyone ruin the empire he's built. It'd be in Jerrell's best interest to realize how much of an upgrade I am to his life. Any inkling of an attempt on my life and we'll automatically acquire the little bit of business that his father has. Not that we need it.

"Unc, I think it's best we chill out for now. We have to get acquainted with the business side of things." Ju's voice sounded off. With a slight sigh, I highlighted a couple more numbers and composed a email to the CFO and CEO of the company whose financial report I'm reviewing. My father has built a brand off of his name away from the drug organization and that's where my focus lies on. Rogers Industries acquires large failing businesses and helps them become greater than they were. We work on their marketing, rebranding, bring in new staff if necessary, and fix their finances. Usually we'll either resell them back to the original owners, or become permanent board members of the company.

"I have a meeting to get to. Be expecting a call soon." Frank's voice rung out and I'm assuming the call was ended. I paused what I was doing to tune into the only conversation I cared to hear. What Jerrell and his father discuss holds no weight to me, Ju is the one he tells his true thoughts to.

"Unc is tripping right now. He's willing to fuck over the business for some personal vendetta? That's crazy to me."

"I don't understand why he wanted me to marry Bailey if he wants her dead so bad. From my understanding, the entire point of this marriage is to expand the business and nothing should be bigger than that." I'm glad you realize that.

"I hate to be the one to say this, but Unc's word holds no weight anymore. You and Bailey are in charge and that's the only person you should be consulting with. Now how much do you trust Bailey? How is your communication with her?"

"Bailey is legit, she's also calculated. Every time I think I've figured her out I end up being wrong. She knows what she's doing and I don't know exactly how I feel about that. She knows shit she's not supposed to." It's definitely things I'm supposed to know, you just don't want me to know them. I slightly rolled my eyes and continued listening to the conversation.

"Look at it as a good thing. The more she knows the better she can help out. The amount of work we're used to is nothing compared to the workload under Ronald. It's better that we have someone who is able to guide us rather than us going in blind."

I don't know why everyone assumes I'm just so clueless. My dad has been teaching me the business since I was old enough to retain information. Just because I'm not out in the streets pulling guns on people does not mean that I don't know anything. I used to have to sit in on conference calls with my dad so I can translate conversations for him and let him know when numbers weren't adding up. The only reason I haven't gone into business mode with Jerrell is because I've been trying to focus on actually building a personal bond with him. Somehow he's taken that as me being naًive.

"If you really want to break the contract just get her pregnant." I smacked my lips while shutting down my computer and locking up my desk.

"I wouldn't dare do anything like that. School is Bailey's top priority right now and I would feel like shit if I got in the way of that. Besides, I want things with Bailey and I to work out. It's rare that anyone gets an opportunity this great and I'm not about to ruin it because my dad can't think straight. If shit goes left, we're the ones getting the shit end of the stick. My wife is beautiful as hell, she's beyond intelligent, our vibe is on point, and she's not afraid to be on some freaky shit. We're going to be straight." That's what I've been waiting to hear. I cut off the audio feed and removed my AirPods, slipping them into my pocket.

"Jerrell?" I called out while knocking on his office door. The door opened and I gave Josiah a small smile. He nodded his head, returning my smile as he walked out the office. I made my way into the office and took a seat on the edge of his desk.

"Are you hungry? You've been in your office all day." He spoke while resting his hand on my thigh.

"Those financial reports are a complete mess. I'm definitely ready to eat, though. Essence went with LJ and Tone to pick up some Filipino food. What have you been working on?" I questioned while glancing over to his computer screen to see his calendar up.

"Trying to set up these meetings. There's only one in particular that can't be done via video so I'm trying to schedule it this week before you leave."

"Who? Where? Why?"

"The Black Mafia. Miami. Formal introductions. They're under new management, same as us. They just only want to do first introductions in person for security reasons." I nodded, paying more attention to the way his lips moved than the words coming from his mouth.

"I understand that, and I'm excited to go down to Miami even if it's just for a meeting." He stood up, moving to stand in between my legs, placing his hands on top of my thighs.

"We can go out on a date while we're there." A smile quickly formed on my face, completely distracting me from what I came in here for.

"I would like that. We need to talk though." I placed my hands on top of his and stared up into his eyes. "I don't want you to think that I'm ever trying to be sneaky or deceptive. You and I have yet to have a conversation about business. It doesn't mean that I'm ignorant to what's going on around me. Getting to know you has been my top priority for the summer. Nothing more, nothing less. When you're ready to start talking business we can have a conversation. I just want to keep wife Bailey and business Bailey separate. Meaning if we're on a date I don't want to hear anything about work."

"I'm just trying to figure you out, Bay. You have my head fucked up." I circled my arms around his neck and leaned up to kiss his lips.

"Correction, YOU have your mind messed up. There's nothing to figure out when it comes to me. I'm an open book for you. You just have to be more direct with your questions. I'm not hiding anything. Do you trust me? Don't answer to please me either. I want you to be completely honest." I don't expect him to fully trust me, because I definitely don't fully trust him either. Well it's not necessarily him that I don't trust, it's the influence his father has over him.

"I trust you, Bailey. I haven't come across any reasons not to. My concern is that I don't know what to expect from you."

"Expect to get whatever you give me. I'm not about matching energy, but I'm also not about over extending myself. I believe we've built a great bond with each other. On the other hand we still don't know much about each other. We have more than enough time to learn about each other. What exactly do you want to talk about?" I'm hoping he says business, because a personal conversation will definitely lead into conversation about our fathers and I'm not in the mood to get into that at the moment.

"Let's talk business since we have this meeting coming up. Do you want to delegate positions?" He questioned, his entire demeanor switching up. He pulled back from me and walked over to take a seat in his desk chair.

"What is everyone good at?" He knows everyone better than I do.

"Essence is a planner. She handles blueprints, shipment schedules, dates for drops. Jade is a con artist, it could be because she's white, but she can negotiate the hell out of anything. LJ is the numbers man. He can tell you the exact amount of some money just by the weight. His count is never off. Tone is the enforcer. Don't let the goofy demeanor fool you, he's one of the top underground street fighters. He's also big on torture tactics. Then there's Ju, he's my right hand. He's extremely observant, and never quick to talk. Where I'm quicker to react, he's more levelheaded and patient."

"My cousin, Malcolm, is a weapons dealer. He didn't leave with my uncles and dad back to Jamaica, so he can be very beneficial to the team. Do you have a business phone?" The only person I communicate with on my personal phone is Cam. Even my dad calls and texts me through our business phones. Something about not wanting his messages and calls traced.

"No, I should probably get one though."

"Don't worry about it. I'll send a text to the warehouse to get six phones dropped off by end of day today." I pulled my phone out my pocket and began typing the message to the warehouse line.

"Can you show me how to use this damn system while you're at it." I let out a laugh at the frustration in his voice and slid off his desk. I pulled one of the chairs that was in front of his desk around to the other side so that I was sitting right next to him.

"It's a bit tricky, but once you have it down you'll be able to pick up little tricks for it. Don't bother memorizing the password, it's going to change every time you login." I grabbed the mouse and began navigating him through the system. It took a couple hours for him to start getting the gist of it, but I know it's going to take a couple days for him to pick up the hang of it.

"What are you going to be going to Harvard for?" It didn't cross my mind until now that I don't know any of this yet.

"Business, with a minor in Linguistics. My father is very good at what he does, but what limited him has been his lack of understanding when it comes to different languages. He had me teach him Spanish because he figured he could take that to several different countries and he was wrong. Not every Latin person speaks Spanish. You can't go to Cuba and conduct a business meeting with basic Spanish. It's similar in some sorts, but you'll quickly get lost in the conversation."

"I know Spanish as well, but that's all I know. What other languages do you suggest I learn?" Learning another language is hard as hell. I also realize there will be times where Bailey might not be accessible due to school and I need to be able to communicate effectively.

"I'd say Mandarin should be your next step. The Chinese bring in a lot of revenue for us, and we own a casino in Macau. I actually believe we have to be there this New Years for the unveiling of the hotel. I have to double check the calendar though." Ronald's calendar is all over the place with events and meetings. I'm just relieved that Bailey is the one who took on the task of organizing and managing it.

"That shit just sounds complicated." I groaned while laying back on our bed.

"I'm not even going to lie to you, it is hard. You're smart though, and you pick up on things quickly. Sign up for an online class and I'll practice with you on your free time."

"Who do I reach out to about formally introducing myself and the team to the workers?" I need to get all my questions out now because once Bailey leaves I'm on my own.

"No one. The dinner was the only introduction needed. Everyone who was in attendance are the only ones allowed direct contact to either of us, and by direct contact I mean contact to our delegated crew. That's why I mentioned assigning positions. The direct members of our crew will be the only ones who meet with us face to face, and the only ones with contact to our business and personal lines. You and I aren't directly involved in anything, we just run the operation. Everyone down to the runners are aware of who we are and our positions. Who they are is none of our concern."

Hearing that took me back some. This is really a whole new lifestyle that I have to adjust to. I'm used to making runs, not being at the top. This is probably going to be the biggest adjustment I've ever had to make. Being around Bailey is a shell shock as it is. I know if it was any other chick I would have already failed at this shit. Bailey is used to this lifestyle and she's helping not only myself, but my team adjust as well. In the matter of weeks we've been out of the country for the first time, driven cars on our wish lists, and shopped at stores we didn't even bother attempting to window shop at.

"Why would your dad choose my dad for this deal? They hate each other and aren't even on the same level business wise. Why wouldn't he have gone with someone equal to him?" This has been the main thing eating me up. This all seems too good to be true to me and I'm just waiting for the rug to be snatched from under my feet.

"From a business standpoint, it's not about the money it's about the work ethic. It's difficult to find anyone on the level of Rogers Industries who doesn't have entitled and lazy children. This deal was also something that will stay under the radar because it doesn't look like a monster power move. From a personal standpoint, I believe my father did this to prevent your father and my mother from being together. It's a deal so grand that anyone would be stupid to turn it down, even if it means sacrificing love."

"Love? I don't know anything about your mother, but I assure you that my father is in love with my mom." She nodded slowly, and I could tell she knew something that I didn't. I chose to ignore the voice telling me to ask her about it. I don't want to know anything that'll possibly hurt my mom.

"I get it. That's why though. You come from humble beginnings, so you're going to work twice as hard to keep this. You're going to be receptive to me teaching you the business and the lifestyle, because you know how it feels to have less. You've also had enough money to not be reckless about it. You're a perfect balance. That's why my dad chose your dad for the deal. They grew up together, so they're well aware of how the other one operates." Makes sense.

"I just hope I'm not in way over my head." I confessed to her.

"It's not just you, Rell. You're all I have. My father and grandmother are gone. This house is full of your family. All I have is Cam, and I can't even talk to her about the business, only Rockwell Industries. I have to put my trust in you, because there is no one else for me to confide in. This business stuff is light work. I've been doing it since I was a child. I'll teach you everything you need and want to know. Just don't leave me hanging."

"I got you as long as you got me. I promise you, Bay. Do you know how to shoot a gun?" She nodded her head while fiddling with her fingers.

"Yes. My dad trained me in our back yard."

"Do you know how to fight?"

"No. Who would I need to fight though?" I shook my head and sat up in the bed.

"Change Into some workout clothes. I'm going to teach you how to protect yourself. You're about to be in another country by yourself, Bailey. Our marriage is public knowledge now. I don't want that lame ass nigga trying you and I'm sitting on a seven hour flight to get to you."

"I feel like you're being dramatic, but okay." She walked into the closet and I followed behind her. She stripped out of her pajamas and put on a sports bra and some biker shorts.

"I'm far from dramatic, Bailey. People are crazy, and you need to be prepared for everything. You won't always be able to grab a gun." I set a mental reminder to assign a personal guard to keep watch of her while she's in England.

Big thank you to novelsbybcj for making this banner for me!

The Black Mafia is from camisha_neverscared book Pusha Man's Girl, if you haven't read it yet I highly suggest you go check it out, some of her characters will be appearing in the next chapter. The book is extremely good as well. One of my current favorites.

Bailey will be going back to school soon. How do you think this separation is going to be for the both of them?

What are your current thoughts on Bailey and Rell's trust? Do you believe they're making progress or backpedaling? How do you think they'll do business wise?

Would you be interested in seeing a POV from any of the other characters? Let me know. Also, Malcolm has been added to the characters list.

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