Shackled (The Lord Series) by Carlos
228. Tyson - Eeny, Meeny, Miny Moe I

Olivia, Ansel, and Diva have been gone most of the day. I sit in the rocking chair on the front porch, watching the front gate for any signs of them returning, while thinking of what she told us this morning.

*You are not worth my time.*

God, that hurt. And it's not like I have the right to complain, not after what I did, but it hit me like a train.

Levi is right. I have to get my knees ready. I wonder, if I present her with my heart on a silver platter will she consider listening to me? What exactly am I going to tell her, huh? I need to get my shit together and win my girl back. She might never forgive me, but she is the one I want.

It's past dinner time, and night has already fallen, but the lights coming from the house illuminate the front yard all the way to the fence.

Olivia hates me.

A few days ago, I would not have cared, but now? It's pure agony.

The front door opens and Rueben steps out on the porch with two glasses of whiskey in his hands. He hands one to me and sits in the other rocking chair, close to me.

"You look like you need a drink and some company," Rueben says when I stare at the amber liquid in the glass. It reminds me of Olivia's eyes. "So, what's been eating you all day?"

I stretch out my legs in front of me. "How do I make Olivia forgive me?"

Rueben takes a sip from his drink. "I don't know. I've never asked for forgiveness in my life."

"Yeah, me neither. But we need to start somewhere."

Rueben takes his time to think. "I think your plan of bringing her the heads of those who raped her is a good start."

I laugh nervously. "Did you know she always wanted a big family? At least five babies. Now she doesn't want any."

"Do you blame her after what Malaky did to her? Us? And God knows what else she's had to endure all these years."

"And we never once believed her. We accused her of enjoying being fucked by all those old geezers. What the fuck was wrong with us?" I drain all my whiskey in one long swig. "Jason used to drug Olivia. Do you think he did the same to us?" "I don't see how."

I rub my temples. "There is something there and no matter how hard I try to catch it, it evades me. Why do I still think Olivia is a whore? It's driving me crazy. Something is wrong with me, man." Rueben slowly savors his drink. "Do you think we should go to the Elders?"

The lights coming from a car reach me before I can hear the engine. Finally, Olivia is back home. I won't lie and pretend I wasn't scared she would leave without giving us a chance to make things right with her, because I was shitting my pants. But thank fuck she is home. Now I can start thinking about how I'll fucking grovel. "I think it would be for the best," I say, as I get up and go to the main gate and open it. Seconds later, a car enters and parks in front of the house. Not Ansel's car but one that I swear I saw before but can't remember where. The driver's door opens and a woman climbs down. Great, just fucking great.

"What the fuck are you doing here, Alma?" I snarl.

"I came to check on Olivia because you assholes took away her phone, the one I brought for her the last time I was here. Since I have no way of knowing if she is dead or not, I came to see her." "Go home," Rueben tells Alma. "Besides, Olivia is out shopping with Ansel."

"Right," Alma says sarcastically. "Like I would ever believe a word coming from your mouths." And with that Alma quickly climbs the stairs and enters the house before Rueben can stop her.

I rush after her because I want her away from here by the time Olivia returns. "Woman, why can't you understand that we don't want you here?"

Alma sits on the couch, next to the fireplace. "I don't care. I also came to see Mose since he didn't even bother to show his ass at work today. Where is he anyway?"

"Probably making dinner," Rueben replies as he closes the front door.

Alma smiles. "Dinner sounds lovely."

Knowing Alma is not going to leave any time soon, I turn on the music system. A song I haven't heard in years starts playing. *Evil* by *Hish*.

Alma takes out her fancy phone and starts texting.

I take out a cigar and light it. After a few drags, Alma suddenly looks up at me, coughing. "That is rude."

I shrug. "My house, my rules."

"I don't know how Olivia puts up with you and your blood-brothers," Alma huffs.

Rueben drops in one of the armchairs. "You better ask yourself why no man is willing to put up with you."

Alma flips him the bird. "Fuck you, Rueben."

I take a puff and before Rueben can say some snarky remark, I say, "Not tonight." My head starts to feel funny before a wave of anger hits me. "I don't feel like putting up with your shit right now." Suddenly the lights go off.

"What the fuck?" Rueben mutters.

"It happens when you don't pay the bill," Alma comments.