Page 129 of The Protection Agreement

Jonah stares at me like I’ve lost my mind. I can see the anger brewing in him.

“And he took advantage of your state of mind and married you. So, fucking typical of a Powell. Who in their right mind would marry a woman that asked him to marry her when she’s drunk? It makes no sense,” he says through gritted teeth.

“Maybe a man that loves said woman and knows that, if she was sober, logic and promises would cloud her judgment to her true emotions,” I answer quietly. He releases a deflated sigh.

“I love him, Jonah, and I know that with my whole being that he loves me too. He’s good to me and he’s also good for me, Jonah. Bruce is a bit more protective than you are when it comes to my safety,” I say. He scoffs. He takes a seat and beckons me to sit too. I take the seat next to him. He turns his chair, then mine, so we are facing each other.

“Tell me what you love about him.”

I smile for the first time. Jonah is willing to listen. This is good.

“I love that I feel protected and safe with him.” I pause. “I love that he anticipates my needs before I even realize the need. I love that he doesn’t dismiss my nightmares; instead, he holds me and shelters me from everything that might trigger them, so I can sleep peacefully.” I chuckle. “My first night here, I couldn’t sleep so I went into his room and slept on the floor. He didn’t ask me why I came in or why I slept on the floor. I did it again the second night. By the third night, he bought a comfortable sofa for me to sleep on. He never once tried to push me out, he just accommodated my needs. Even my puzzle needs.” I pause again.

“Go on,” Jonah says, no more anger in his voice.

“He thinks I’m unaware but every time I go out, he has extra bodyguards around me while trying to make me feel normal, like I’m just another girl going out for cocktails with friends. I know he doesn’t care about my last name or my money.” I pause and watch my brother before continuing.

“We have great chemistry. I can communicate whatever I’m feeling just by squeezing his hand or a look right at him. We have a fiery passion for each other, and I know I’m undoubtedly in love with him. He’s my shelter in every season and my home,” I say boldly, looking right at my brother.

“When did he find out you are A J Lloyd?”

“We’d just started dating and he took me with him to visit his dad. He didn’t want to leave me alone with Ice for the three day weekend. He doesn’t like me being alone.”

“You met Brandon Powell?” he asks in shock.

“Yes, he was kind to me, and he told Bruce that I’m A J Lloyd, because he knew my mom and he knew Dad.”

“Do you think he would accept you as his daughter in law?”

“He already called to congratulate us. He is jubilant that Bruce and I got married,” I answer.

“So, New York, did he really have business when you were there or did he come for you?”

“I don’t know if he had business or not, but I know he was worried that I might not sleep well and he doesn’t like me taking my pills when he’s not around. He had extra guards monitoring my room for safety.”

He nods and sighs.

“Please say yes, Jonah,” I plead.

“The hospital, did he stay with you?”

“He never left my side, even when Ice promised him that he would keep me safe, he didn’t leave,” he sighs.

“I know Bruce is a stand up guy, and he saved my life when most people would have looked away and let me die because our fathers hated each other, but he didn’t.” He chuckles. “If we remove the fight between our dads, would I have picked him for you?” He is quiet and my heart races with eager anticipation. “Yes, I would have said yes to you marrying him.”

“Please, say yes, Jonah,” I quickly interject, my voice filled with a desperate plea. “I can’t imagine living without him, and I certainly don’t want a life where you and I are not talking. Please, say yes.” He exhales.

“I will say yes on the condition that he does what I ask of him.” His tone is determined.

“What will you ask of him?” I ask wryly, my heart thumps in fear. I know my brother, he’ll push Bruce to the limit.

“Why don’t we go and ask him?” We both stand to our feet and he takes my hand.

“Are you absolutely sure about this marriage, Sprinkles?” he asks. I hear concern in his voice.

I pause for a moment and look him straight in the eye. “I’m certain, without a shadow of doubt,” I state.

“Good, then let’s go and ask him what he must do to keep you as his wife.”