by D. Camille
“Earlier you said that you weren't your father. I don't see any damn difference,” Joanna told him.
Jordan felt Sage's hand on his leg. She was attempting to calm him, he knew. Jordan placed both hands on the table and glared at Joanna. “You know Joanna, it's funny that you have such a low opinion of my father when you cheated with and married that bastard Carl Harrison,” he said in a hard tone.
“You can't judge me Jordan!”
“The hell I can't!” he returned. He felt Sage jump and immediately turned to her.
Turning back to Joanna he said, “I'm done talking.”
Joanna looked down at the table and Jordan looked down at Sage. He leaned over and kissed her on the head. “I'm sorry. I don't want to upset you.” He took her hand and brought it to his lips.
Their lunch arrived and Sage attempted to eat her meal with the tension at the table. Jordan, true to his word had not said another word to Joanna In fact he hadn't even looked her way. All of his attention was on Sage and making sure she ate as much as possible.
Jordan's phone buzzed and he checked it. Looking at Sage he said, “I'll be right back.” After Jordan walked out outside to take his call Sage looked to Joanna.
“He won't help you if you don't stop antagonizing him,” Sage told her. “He's not your ex-husband. He's your son.” Sage continued, “You've hurt him very badly and it's not fair of you to come to him this way without any remorse or contrition for what you've done.”
She picked up her fork. “And if you've come to hurt him again, you'll have to deal with me.” She stabbed her chicken. “And believe me, the people who you think are trying to kill you now, will look like a tea party.” She put the chicken into her mouth.
Joanna was shocked and it showed. Sage lifted an eyebrow and continued eating her food watching Joanna.
When Jordan returned Sage had cleaned her plate. He smiled and gave her a kiss. He finished his own lunch then looked over at Joanna who had barely touched hers.
“Where should we drop you Joanna?” Jordan asked firmly.
“The hotel is fine.”
Joanna checked into the hotel refusing Jordan's offer to pay. She went to her room and immediately grabbed the phone dialing a number.
“Hello.”
“It's me Joanna.”
“Are you inside?” they asked.
“No. Jordan wouldn't let me stay at his house. He's more of a bastard than his father was,” she snapped.
“What are you going to do now?”
“I think I've found a way in.” She sat down on the bed. “He's completely his love with his little pregnant live in girlfriend.”
“She's pregnant?” the person on the other end questioned.
“Yes. She's a little feisty, but I'm sure I can handle her,” Joanna commented. “She's going to help us bring Jordan down.”
“You have to get to him or everything we’ve put in place will be destroyed,” the voice instructed.
“I will,” she declared. “Nothing will get in my way. Jordan will get what both he and his father deserve.
“Yes, he will,” the voice agreed. “I’ve been waiting a long time.”
After Jordan and Sage returned from lunch he'd gone directly into his office and she had retired to her private room. Pulling out her phone she called her brother.
“Baby Goddess, what's up?” he greeted her.
“I need you.”
“What's wrong?” he became instantly on alert.
“I need you to get me some information,” she informed him.
“Okay,” he agreed. “On who?”
“Joanna Black-Harrison.”
“Jordan's mother?” Ray asked looking at the report he'd just pulled after receiving a call from Sean earlier that morning.
“Yes,” she confirmed.
“What's going on?” Ray asked. “Why are you checking out Jordan's mother?”
“She's here and I believe she's trying to hurt Jordan,” Sage relayed.
Ray believed the same thing. “What do you want to know?” he asked.
Sage replied, “Everything.”
Ray sighed. “There's not much to tell. She was married to Carl Harrison up until a few months ago. She's never worked a day in her life. She's accustomed to money and wealth, the more the better. She married Jordan's father when she was eighteen. Jordan was born when she was twenty. She has no other children. I guess after knowing Jay, I can understand that,” he said sarcastically.
“Ray.”
Ray laughed. “Okay, other than that she's clean. No red flags. Whatever she's doing she's done a damn good job covering her tracks,” he commented. “Or she has someone helping her.”
“But who?” Sage inquired.
“Guess that's what we have to find out Baby Goddess,” Ray told her.
Sage's eyes narrowed. “I guess we do Sun God.”
At the same time Jordan was in his office on the phone with Sean.
“The report didn't come up with much Jordan,” Sean told him. “Since her divorce from Harrison she's been laying low. Not much activity.”
Jordan leaned back in his chair staring out the window. “She's here for a reason.”
“She was trying to stay at your house?” Sean asked confused.
“Yeah. Gave me some lame ass excuse about somebody trying to kill her.”
“What?”
Jordan sighed. “Yeah and if she's here to cause trouble, I might do it my damn self,” Jordan turned back to his desk. “The last thing I need is Sage being upset.”
“How is Sage?” Sean asked.
Jordan ran a hand down his face. “She's still not eating and she's really tired although she won't sit her ass down.”
Sean could hear the concern in Jordan's voice.
“But she and the baby are okay, right?” he asked.
“Yeah, the doctor said she just needs to rest and eat more snacks until her appetite returns.”
“Good.” Sean said then, “Look Jordan, I know I've told you before but, let this Harrison thing go. It's taking up time you could be spending on Sage and your baby,” he told him. “And with Joanna showing up, this whole thing is starting to look like a Pandora's Box.”
Jordan was silent for a while.
“I'm starting to agree with you,” Jordan admitted. “I don't like Joanna being around. Something is not right and my gut is telling me this Harrison business is at the core.”
“What are you going to do?” Sean asked.
Jordan shook his head. “I need to find out why she's here and what she's planning.”
“How are you going to do that? She's not just going to come out and tell you.”
Jordan put a hand to his face. “I don't know. I guess I'll just have to wait her out.”
“Well we'll keep a tail on her.”
“Thanks. I'll check in with you later,” Jordan told him.
“Okay.”
Jordan ended the call and sat contemplating. Why was Joanna here? After all these years? What did she want He knew for a fact that Joanna looked out for herself and her needs only. She'd started an affair with Carl Harrison while she was still married to his father then she'd left her only child never contacting him as if he had not even existed. As far as Jordan was concerned he didn't owe Joanna a damn thing. She was a selfish and conniving bitch in his opinion and he wasn't letting her anywhere near Sage and his baby. She'd soon learn that he wasn't his father. If he chose, Jordan could be ten times worse.
Later Sage found Jordan lying on the sofa in the media room watching sports. She laid down next to him and he placed his arm around her.
“Hey pretty girl. What have you been doing?” he asked.
She shrugged hugging him. “Nothing.”
“Are you ready to eat?” he asked watching her.
She sighed. “Jordan I had a huge lunch.”
He checked the watch on his arm. “It's almost dinner time now,” he told her.
“I just want to lie down with y
ou,” she said placing her head on his chest.
“Then you'll fall asleep,” he said.
Sage shook her head. “No I won't.”
Jordan looked down at her. “Yes. You will. You always do.”
Sage hugged him tighter. “I won't this time,” she said smiling.
“I don't understand, if you're tired, why you don't get in the bed?”
She snuggled closer. “Because you're not there,” she said simply.
He gave her a soft look then settled her against his chest and she laid there for a few minutes.
“Why do you think your mother is here?” she asked.
“I don't know why Joanna is here, but I intend to find out,” he said rubbing her back.
Sage smiled. “She thought I was the maid.”
“She would.”
Sage smiled some more, then turned thoughtful.
“Sean said that you stopped celebrating your birthday when you were seven. Is that the same time that she left?” she asked glancing up at him.
“Yeah,” he said remembering his last birthday. “But you made up for all the ones I missed.” He smiled.
Sage lowered her head. “I'm not going to let her hurt you,” Sage said against his chest.
“She can't anymore.”
“She won't ever again,” Sage confirmed.
She was quiet for some time and then Jordan heard her soft snoring. He shook his head smiling then kissed the top of her head. He'd wake her up shortly for dinner.
Chapter 24
A few days later, Jordan found Sage in her office looking over paperwork. She looked up as he entered and smiled.
“Hi Jordan.”
“Hi Sage.” He smiled back at her coming around her desk. He took her hand for her stand and then took her seat settling her on his lap placing his hand on her stomach.
Looking at her he said, “I came to make sure you’ve had lunch.”
Sage rolled her eyes. “Yes Jordan. I’ve eaten lunch!” she said frustrated with him regarding her eating habits.
Jordan watched her for a second. “Baby, I know that I’m on you about eating, but right now I have to be You, and our baby are the most important things in my life,” he told her. “I’m not trying to upset you I just need to make sure that you’re okay.”
Sage lowered her head to his shoulder. “I know Jordan and I’m trying. I really am.”
“I know you are,” he said touching his lips to hers.
“Oh!” she said touching her belly.
“What's wrong?” Jordan asked concerned.
She waited and felt it again. Raising bright brown eyes to Jordan she said, “I think it's the baby! She's moving!”
Jordan watched her as she took his hand and placed it over the spot she'd felt the movement. She placed hers over his and together they waited. Then it happened... a tiny flutter and then another. Sage and Jordan felt their baby move together for the first time as his eyes held hers.
“The Gods Jordan!” she said in awe.
“It's incredible.”
“Pretty soon she'll be here with us,” Sage smiled rubbing her tummy.
“Yes. He will,” Jordan said pointedly.
Sage shook her head. “It's a girl Jordan. I know it.”
“How do you know Sage?” he asked skeptically.
“Because I asked the Universe for a girl,” she said simply. “When I want something with all of my heart I ask the Universe for it and it comes to me,” she announced.
Jordan watched her. She never ceased to amaze him.
He nodded. “Okay Sage, what was the last thing you wanted with all of your heart that you asked the Universe for and it came to you?”
Her smile lit up the room. “You.”
Jordan smiled and kissed her softly. “So if I asked the Universe to marry you, would it come to me?” he asked watching her.
Sage kissed him back. “Maybe you should give it a try and see?” she said softly. “But you have to want it with all of your heart.”
He looked at her. “I do pretty girl.”
“I guess we'll see then,” she said smiling.
He continued to rub her stomach still recovering from feeling his baby move for the first time.
Jordan was still on high after experiencing the baby's first movements. He was still amazed at the beauty of it and the beauty of Sage. She never ceased to amaze and confuse him and he loved every minute of it. He was on the elevator headed back to his office when he got a Code Black alarm on his phone. He entered his office and found Ray and Sean waiting for him. The looks on their faces told him this was definitely an emergency. He took his seat at his desk and waited.
Sean spoke first. “Ray has discovered a security breach,” he announced.
Jordan nodded slowly.
“Someone has been accessing information to Black Diamond’s financials.” Ray reported.
“How long?” Jordan asked.
“Recent. Last few days,” Ray answered.
“Do we know who the leak is?” Jordan asked.
“We've plugged it,” Sean responded glancing at Ray.
Jordan nodded again. “What else?” Jordan knew there was more.
“Someone with a lot of money has been checking into you, Black Diamond Holdings, Carl Harrison and Harrison Industries. They've paid a fortune to keep their identity hidden.” Sean relayed. “Ray had to go deep to even get this bit of information. Whoever they are they want to remain anonymous.”
Jordan rubbed his chin. “So someone is trying to set up both me and Carl Harrison?”
“Joanna,” all three men said simultaneously.
“But she's not doing it alone,” Jordan knew this without a doubt. Initiative and ingenuity were not exactly her strong suits.
“Whoever she's working with is almost untouchable, invisible. They're even outside of our reach,” Sean commented.
“Then how in the hell do we find them?” Jordan asked frustrated.
After meeting with Jordan and Sean, Ray went down to talk to his sister. He knocked on her office door and entered upon her call. She came around her desk to hug him and he couldn't help but notice how lovely she looked. Her skin absolutely glowed and she had the look of a very happy woman.
“Sun God! I'm so happy to see you,” she said hugging him as close as her belly would allow.
“Baby Goddess, you look amazing girl.”
She smiled at him. “Thank you,” she said going back to her chair. Ray took the chair in front of her watching her.
Sage looked at him and could feel his energy.
“What's wrong?” she asked immediately.
Brown eyes met brown eyes.
“It's Jordan, isn't it?” she whispered.
He nodded.
Sage's hand went to her stomach. “Is he okay?” she asked in small voice.
Sage and Ray didn't keep secrets from each other. Well not too many.
“For now, but even I can't protect him at this point,” he told her.
“From what?” she asked.
Ray sighed. “Not what, but who.”
Sage looked confused. “I don't understand.”
Ray explained the situation to Sage she listened attentively. When he was done he sat back and watched her.
Sage's mind was reeling. Someone was out to get Jordan and his mother was helping them? Even Ray couldn't find out who this person was? What was going on? She looked at her brother.
“You’ll need to come out of retirement,” he told her, breaking into her thoughts. “I know you wanted to put that life behind you bu ut you're the only one who can do this. Jordan’s life may depend on it.”
Sage closed her eyes and felt her baby move. Their baby, created from the love they shared. Sage would never let anything happen to Jordan. Ever. He was her life, her love, her everything. If it meant going back to her old life she would do it in a heartbeat.
“Does Jordan know?” she asked.
Ray shook his head. “No. I'll let you te
ll him what you want.”
She looked at Ray. “You'll help me?”
“Of course.”
“When?” she asked.
“It needs to be soon.” Ray told her. “We need that information as soon as possible.”
“Okay. Set it up,” she told her brother and he nodded.
That evening Jordan arrived home to find a candlelight dinner waiting for him out on the patio. He lifted a brow at Sage.
“What’s that?” he asked looking through the door.
“It’s for you,” Sage said coming to put her arms around him.
He held her. “Did I forget something?” he inquired.
Sage shook her head. “No. I just wanted to remind you that even though I’m not as physically appealing as I was, I still desire you.”
Not physically appealing? She really was crazy, Jordan thought.
Jordan looked down at her. “What are you talking about Sage?”
She moved away and shrugged. “Well Jordan, it’s been almost a month since we’ve shared physical love. I mean I know that I’m probably not looking my sexiest right now, but…” she trailed off not looking at him.
“Actually Sage, it's been thirty one days and around fifteen hours to be exact,” he told her. “I know because I’ve counted every minute.”
She looked over at him in confusion. “Then why?”
“Because I didn’t want to do anything to hurt you or the baby.”
Sage came back to where he was standing. “But the doctor said we could.”
“Sage, for days you weren’t eating and you were exhausted every day,” he explained. “It had nothing to do with me thinking that you’re not sexy or appealing.”
“You are even more beautiful to me now than ever. If you knew how badly I want to make love to you, you wouldn’t even stay in the same room with me.”
She smiled a sexy smile and grabbed his tie. “Okay. Let’s do it,” she whispered. “I promise I’ll be gentle with you.”
“I should take a shower first,” Jordan said backing away.
Sage held his tie and pulled him back. “Nope. You’re going to give it to me right now,” she told him.
Jordan knew any more stalling and she’d throw him on the table. However, he still had reservations and it showed on his face as Sage read his thoughts.