1. It's Time
~Nevaeh~
My name is Nevaeh Adele Perez. I’m 24, married, and still living under the watchful eye of my parents and one stubborn bodyguard. Nearly a year ago, I married a man to save my father’s life. All I know is that he had become mixed up in a dangerous crowd, stole from them, and I was the only way out. Apparently, one of the kingpins thought I was a perfect prize for his son and offered a deal.
I wasn’t forced to accept. I chose to save my father by agreeing to his terms. My dad wanted to spare me from giving up my future, but I wouldn’t have it. Here’s the twist though, the man I said my vows to wasn’t the one whose last name I took. He was simply a proxy, you know, a stand-in groom.
It was strange. I always expected my wedding day to be an extravagant event with a big gorgeous dress and a man I loved but life doesn’t always deliver you the things you desire. Before the ceremony, I was given a list of rules. I read them every day and still can’t believe they’re real.
#1- Refrain from searching for any information on Bellemy Perez. This includes anything related to his family and business.
I was informed this was the most important of them all. Also, I was warned if I tried to dig up some dirt, I’d get busted, which was terrifying at first, but as time goes by, I find myself tempted to defy it.
#2- Never leave your home without the appointed guard.
That would be Rowan. He’s about 6′5, 300 pounds, and as surly as they come. He never takes his stone-eyes off me and sometimes, I have to remind him the bathroom is no place for him to follow.
#3- Outside of your home, avoid speaking to strangers, not including- business workers or acquaintances. This refers to someone who is overly friendly or seems to be pushing for information that you may or may not know.
Yeah, that one was my first real sign this marriage could be trouble. I mean, I’m a social butterfly so this has been a bit of a challenge.
#4- Do not speak your husband’s name to anyone. Only the people aware of the contract are privileged to Mr.Perez’s true identity.
Again, weird, but I know he’s probably trying to keep himself under the radar. If his father is so powerful he could wipe mine of this planet, I can understand where he would need to be a secret for my safety.
#5- Refrain from sexual activity with anyone, in any fashion, and never remove your wedding bands.
Hmph, I often wonder if he’s following this one as well. In all manner that matters, we are married.
#6- You must remain available at all times for communication via text with Mr. Perez, using the phone he has provided for you.
Well, I’m completely okay with this one because it gave me the chance to get to know him. He isn’t fond of me texting first. He prefers that I wait. It’s never long, though. About 5 months into our marriage, he started sending me sweet little good morning texts so the door for my replies is always open.
Waking up, I peer around the purple walls of my room until my eyes land on the small yellow nightstand beside me. I immediately check my both of my phones. It’s become a habit to attend to the one my faceless husband gifted me first. It was already set up with his contact information and a picture. I wasn’t sure the guy in it was him since all I could see was the back of him, but I assumed it was. I look at the text.
-Good morning, Nevaeh. What're your plans today?-
-Sorry, just got up and I don’t have any for today. You?-
-The usual.-
-And that would be?-
-Nice try.-
-Can’t blame a girl for trying. We’re creeping on our year anniversary and I still don’t know anything about you.-
-You’ll learn in time.-
I roll my eyes because he’s been saying the same thing since week four.
-Yawn, old words, new day.-
-Mouthy this morning, are we?-
-Slightly. This arrangement is getting ridiculous, Bellemy. Why would your father insist on this deal if you had no intention of being involved with me? It would be nice if you could, at least, let me see what you look like. Is a picture too much to ask?-
-If you recall, you agreed to the terms.-
-You’re right, I did when I thought I’d be meeting you in a few weeks, not a year or 20. Anyways, you best get to your secret life. Your wife will be growing old and sour with Rowan.-
I flop that phone down, sighing, and lift the one my parents bought me to see a text from my best friend Daisy.
-Mocha Bean, 10?-
Looking at the time in the left corner, I realize I have an hour to get ready. I really need some girl time because my husband has annoyed me already.
-Yes, Love! See you soon!-
I toss the covers off as I leap from the bed. Then, rush to open my door. As usual, my bodyguard is sitting in a chair, staring at me with wrinkled brows and crossed arms. His bald head is shining and lips are upside down.
“Hey, Big Guy, coffee at Mocha Bean?”
“No,” He grumbles.
“Oh, sounds like you could really use some,” I playfully tell him. “We leave in 30.”
“Boss know?”
“I’m sure he will as soon as you tell him.”
Huffing, I spin away, loudly shut my door, and go to my closet. Feeling cute, I find a sassy, white, wrap-around blouse to go with a navy blue skirt. My hair and makeup take no time at all since I decided to go light. Once I’m downstairs, Rowan stops me, holding up his phone. It’s usual for him to snap a picture of my outfit before leaving the house. He clicks away as I walk into the kitchen. He's sending Bellemy the photo.
My parents are sitting at the table chatting so I bend down and kiss my dad on his cheek, following the action with mom.
“Morning, Folks,” I tell them, snatching a few grapes off mom’s plate.
My dad looks over the newspaper. “Morning, Princess. Going somewhere?”
“Just getting a cup of coffee with Daisy. You working today, Papi?”
His frown makes me feel a bit bad because I know he’s still unhappy about this marriage he caused. “Sadly, yes. You saved my life, but my debt remains unpaid until Bellemy decides to steal you away.”
Mom growls, dropping her fork. ”Sí, no hablamos de esto, ¿recuerdas?" (Aye, we don’t speak of this, remember?)
“Chill, Mamá,” I shout, “It’s just us and Lurch over there!”
My eyes automatically shoot to Rowan as he stands there in his concrete form, and watch him pull out his cell. Then, he points at the ceiling. “Boss says, you need more clothes on.”
I scoff and wave his words off. “Tell the boss...his rules never said I had a dress code. Maybe add, when he gives a little, I’ll return the favor!”
“I guess you don’t want your frou-frou coffee very much! You won’t leave this house without a wardrobe change!”
Mom turns her angry orbs to the messenger. “Rowan, this is still my house and I don’t appreciate you raising your voice at my daughter!”
“I’m sorry, ma’am,” He replies, looking unphased. “But I have my orders. If she wants to leave, she needs a longer skirt and a higher shirt.”
Again, he waves his phone in the air, making me pull out my own to settle this issue.
-My outfit is fine!-
-It’s asking for trouble! You can wear what you want when I’m around, but no wife of mine will be out in public that way, without me there!-
-Maybe you should come and stop me...Until you start acting like a husband, I only adhere to the rules I signed.-
Dismissing the next beep, I shove the phone back into my bag, trot by Rowan, and straight out the door to the vehicle he drives me around in. It’s a royal blue SUV with tinted windows. He’s never said it, but I’m pretty damn sure it’s equipped with bulletproof glass and side guns.
To my great pleasure, my guard keeps his mouth shut and follows me. Inside, I think back to my odd wedding day.
10 months prior, I was sitting in my father’s office with my parents, a JP, and a scary young man covered in tattoos. He was reading me the contract, constantly touching his oily black hair. He turned the papers my way and pointed to a signature line that was marked with a yellow tab.
“If you accept the terms of this arrangement, sign below, and we will continue with the ceremony.”
I nodded, dropping the tip of my pen to the paper. However, I stopped and looked up at the proxy. “Just so I’m clear, I won’t even get to see the man I’m about to take as a life partner until he allows it?”
“That’s correct.”
“Why? Does he have some sort of birth defect? Is he scarred up? Ooh, does he have beady eyes and tiny lips?”
The man dressed in a leather vest and holey jeans groaned, glaring at me. “You’re in violation of rule one...already.”
“Oh, right, my bad!” I gawked at the 6 rules and more terms than I could count, reminding myself it was for my father so I had the nerve to give them my autograph.
Now, Bellemy and I text every day, sometimes all day. It wasn’t like that at the beginning, though. He very rarely sent a message and when he did, it was a short way to remind me of my new life, not that I could have forgotten with his dog following me.
We pull into the small coffee shop parking lot and I get out after Rowan does his area scan. He makes me walk in front of him until we get to the entrance and reorders are positions. I pause as I step through the door, smirking up at him.
“Can we be nice to Daisy today, Lurch?”
“If she doesn’t talk to me, perhaps.”
“Not what I was hoping for, but I can deal with that.”
Inside, I spot my friend’s tall and skinny body sitting on our normal creme colored sofa. As always, she dressed beautifully professional. She doesn’t work, but she stays groomed as if she is a powerful woman.
The little building isn’t very popular, but it’s charming. Whicker furniture fills the majority of the area and every little table has a flower and a small bowl of mints.
Rowan takes his protector stance off to the side, but close enough to hear me speak. Of course, he has to be certain that I’m sticking to the rules.
Daisy shakes her head at me.“Your man’s still being overprotective, huh?”
I sheepishly smile, looking down at my wedding bands. It felt stupid to have an engagement ring since there never was one. “Yes, I’m stuck with Lurch. You would think that you’d be used to this by now.”
“I am. I just don’t know what to think of the fact I’m your best friend and have never met your other half. When is Peter going to make time for you and yours?”
I try not to laugh. Since I couldn’t tell her Bellemy’s real name, I called him Peter. It had absolutely no connection to the jar of peanut butter in my hand when I announced my nuptials, either.
“He does do that...he’s just busy!”
“Too busy for his wife?”
“Daisy, drop it! We go through this every time we see each other!”
“Because nothing ever changes!”
I look down at my Caramel Frappuccino and moan, pulling the straw to my lips. “It’s not really any of your business, Daisy. I knew what I was getting into and I’m fine. Stop dredging up the same crap. Tell me how your love life is.”
Her face quickly shifts from piqued to bored as she fiddles with her short, blonde hair. “Eh, it’s going.”
“What happened with Sam?”
“Nothing...he’s perfect, I guess. He’s just addicted to his job.”
I shrug. “Well, he’s a CEO. It sorta comes with the territory.”
Rowan’s phone rings and I watch his eyes cut to me for a second before he turns away. I want to hear what he’s saying since he has never shown so much worry. I shush Daisy, doing my best to zone into his part of the call.
“Are you sure...Well, I don’t see how they would find out...No, Sir, your wife's been following the rules...Uh-huh, got it, noon.”
Daisy clears her throat. “Everything okay, Nevaeh?”
“I-I don’t know,” I reply as Rowan kneels next to me.
He whispers in my ear. “We have to go. Say your goodbyes and make them count. It’s time. You have 5 minutes.”
My heart stops as I gawk into his blues. He’s concerned and the sight of it drys my throat and pushes that moisture from my pores. He backs off as I shake the nerves away, attempting not to alarm Daisy.
It doesn’t work. Her hazels spring open. “What’s wrong?”
“I have to go. Something has come up. Peter needs me with him. I’ll call as soon as I find out more.”
“Is he okay?” Her face shows actual anxiety.
“I don’t know, ” I say, tugging her into a hug, squeezing tightly. There’s no telling when I’ll see her again. “I love you, Daisy. Don’t worry about me and I’ll see you soon.”
“Okay, let me know what’s going on. I love you!”
Rowan is extra cautious as we exit the shop, keeping his hand on my arm. Once I’m in the vehicle, he rushes around and sighs, peering at my baffled face through his mirror.
“You should check your phone, Mrs. Perez.” Doing what was suggested, I find numerous texts from Bellemy. I skip over his reply from the clothes topic.
-You won’t hear from me for a few days, but don’t concern yourself.-
-Nevaeh?-
-Damn it, woman, you’re supposed to keep my phone in sight at all times!-
-Well, your wish is coming true. I won’t be home to greet you upon your arrival, but my staff will tend to all your needs. Let your father know, his debt is paid.-
I’m not happy that he seems so bothered by this. On top of that, the multiple messages trouble me because he normally waits until I answer back. I start tapping the screen.
-Are you alright, Bellemy? I’m a bit nervous. This is all so sudden.-
-I’m fine. Don’t reply, I’m busy.-
With a moan, I toss my head onto the tan, leather headrest. I honestly believed this day would never come. Now that it’s upon me, I know I’m not ready.
My situation was always there but never seemed real. It’s nerve-wracking when I realize I have to leave my parents, not knowing if he and his father will keep their end of our deal.
The rest of the ride, I fight back tears, skipping through a handful of scenarios that may be headed my way.
Great suspense
yea great