Page 69 of Raw Honey
Ice sits down, placing his cuffed hands on the table. He says, "Honey, what are you doing here?"
"What? Not happy to see me?" I tease.
"Of course I am, but when they told me I had a visitor you were the last person I expected to see. Something happen?"
"No, not yet. But if you don't step in and nip it in the bud, something will."
"What's going on?" he asks.
"Ice, look, I know you've got your reasons about having Sainte here, but I'm telling you, he's bad news. You need to send him packing before he ruins everything."
"Honey, I can't do that. I've known Sainte for years and I trust him, just like I trust all my brothers. He's here for a reason and he needs to stay."
"Ice, you don't get it. He's moving in on Emma, and she's letting him!" I say in a furious whisper. The last thing I want is for the security guard by the door to know our business.
And to my surprise, Ice laughs. Not a chuckle, but a wholehearted laugh.
"Stop laughing, Ice, this isn't funny. He's fucking with your woman. You need to stop it!"
He stops laughing, but I can still see the mirth in his eyes. His amusement is really pissing me off; the situation is not funny! He reaches for my hand, but before he touches me, the guard says, "No touching." Ice quickly rescinds the gesture and looks at me apologetically.
"Honey, darling. When have I not known what I was doing?"
"Well, I guess as long as I've known you … never," I say.
"Exactly." He pauses. "I have my reasons for having Sainte here. Trust me when I say that I have nothing to worry about where Emma is concerned."
"But you don't see them," I plead. "They're always together. Always laughing together and this morning, I swear they were snuggling on the couch."
He laughs again and says, "I don't have to see them. You've always trusted me; you have to trust me now. I promise, there is nothing to worry about."
"But …"
He shakes his head. "No buts. Just trust me."
"Ok." I put my head down.Why do I feel like I was just scolded?Shaking these feelings away, I ask, "So how are they treating you?"
He laughs again. "Good. I get three meals a day and roof over my head."
"That's not what I meant." I roll my eyes.
"It's ok. The food sucks and I sure as hell miss your cooking, but other than that and being away from home, it's all good."
"I hate seeing you in here in that god-awful orange jumpsuit."
"What, orange isn't my color?" he teases.
"Are you gonna get out of here soon?"
"Vince is hopeful, but we don't know anything for sure."
The guard interrupts, "Two minutes."
"Well, I better go. I'm sorry if I stepped out of line, Ice. I was just worried for you."
"I know. You've always looked out for me and it means a lot."
He smiles and then turns to the guard and says, "I'm ready." The guard gets up and walks over to him. When he gets behind him, Ice stands up and turns toward the door. He looks back at me and says, "Thanks for coming by. It's good seeing you." He pauses and then adds, "Remember your promise."
And suddenly I remember. Right before he left for Ireland, he asked me to look after Emma for him. I thought I was.
"Bye, Ice. Take care of yourself," I say as the tears begin to well up into my eyes. Him being here fucking sucks. I hate it and it breaks my heart that he can't be home with his family.Damn you, Emma.
Right after he leaves, the guard who brought me to this room comes to the door. "Miss Benson, I'll escort you out."
I nod and get up from the chair. We leave the same way we came in and he walks me all the way to the door.Well, that accomplished nothing.I can't help the way I feel and I still think that he is being too trusting of Sainte. I don't care what Ice says, I'm not gonna let them out of my sight.
