I walked into the restroom and saw Courtney checking herself out the mirror. I rolled my eyes. I didn't really want to talk to her, but since she saw me, I guess I didn't have a choice but to speak.
"Hi," I greeted, going to the mirror near the door.
"Hi; Asia, isn't it?"
"Yes."
"It's great to finally meet you. I know we've crossed paths but never had a chance to formally introduce ourselves."
I smirked, while she smiled brightly. She went into her purse, pulled out her lip gloss then applied it to her lips. She looked back at me with a devilish smirk.
"It's too bad that Bryon missed the banquet tonight. Everyone's been asking about him since he's no longer on the force."
I turned to her, wondering what she was talking about. "What do you mean?"
"I mean the police force. I didn't know he was actually serious about his marketing job since he's been a detective for so long."
I raised an eyebrow, which made Courtney smiled brighter. "Oh, I guess Bryon never told you about his other profession."
I folded my arms. I wouldn't give her the satisfaction of thinking I didn't have a clue about what she was saying. I decided to just play along with her.
"You really are trying to find problems between Bryon and me. Just so you know, he has told me everything about his other profession. We don't hide anything from each other."
"Oh really? So you're still with him, knowing that he was investigating your husband and his cousin? If that's the case, you are just as twisted as he is. From my knowledge, he's using you to get information to throw your husband in prison. But I guess that's not happening now since he was kicked off the force."
I glared at her. Although I was trying to be strong, my heart was breaking in two. If Courtney was telling the truth, then Bryon had lied to me the entire time. I didn't want to believe that, but it did explain the way he'd been acting towards me, especially when we first met.
"What's wrong, Asia? Cat got your tongue? I thought you said you knew what was going on?"
"I do."
"So why do you look surprised?"
"I'm not."
She picked up her purse and looked at me. "You may think you know Bryon, but you don't have a clue about who he really is. I hope you have a great night."
I looked in the mirror at my reflection. Courtney's words kept coming to me, and I shook my head in disgust. I wasn't sure how to digest any of this information. What could Bryon be investigating about Dwight? Yes, Dwight had made mistakes in the past, but he'd never done anything illegal; at least not that I knew of. As for Warren, he'd always been sneaky, so anything was possible with him. But Dwight was different. He would never risk his life to do something crazy. Something was definitely off about this situation; hopefully, I'd get the answers I needed to piece it all together.
After splashing some water on my face, I left the restroom and saw Bryon still talking to the same business owner. He looked at me with a smile. I tried doing the same, but couldn't. He frowned, asking me with a look if everything was okay. I nodded and went back to the group I'd been speaking with earlier. I needed something to distract me. Hopefully, Courtney was just trying to get a rise out of me, but I really believed she was telling the truth, which hurt even more.
***
We stayed at the mixer another hour before calling it a night. We went up to our room in silence until Bryon spoke.
"Is everything okay? You didn't seem like yourself after you left the restroom."
I didn't even look at him as he opened the door and we walked in. I went and sat on the bed while he closed the door.
"Baby, talk to me," He continued. "What's wrong?"
"Do you have another job besides being a business owner?"
He looked confused and tried to sit beside me, but I moved away from him.
"Why would you think that?"
"Just answer the question. Do you have another job?"
"Asia, you have to hear me out."
"Just tell me, please."
Bryon sighed and looked at the wall. "Yes, I did. I was a detective for the police force for four years."
"Were you investigating Dwight and Warren?"
"How did you –?"
"Answer me, Bryon! Were you investigating my husband and cousin-in-law?!"
He put his head in his hands and sighed. "Yes, I was."
I shoved him then stood up. I was getting my bags when he came up behind me, trying to hold me, but I pushed him away.
"You lied to me, Bryon! You knew who I was that day in the coffeehouse and you tried to get information out of me. How could you do that?!"
"That was the plan at first because I was assigned to do it. I didn't know I would fall in love with you. That's the reason I'm off the case. My boss found out about us, and he suspended me."
"If he hadn't, you would still be on the case, wouldn't you?"
"No. I told Jason I was going to find a way out because I couldn't keep hurting you."
"Is Jason a detective, too?"
"Yes, he is."
"So the agency is just a front?"
"Sort of. No one really knows we're detectives, except for our mom. She figured we needed another profession in case we decided we didn't want to be in law enforcement anymore."
I sat on the edge of the table and shook my head. "I trusted you. After everything I've been through, I trusted you in my life and in my heart."
"I know, that's why I didn't want to do it anymore. You have got to believe me when I say I love you, Asia. You have changed my life so much in such a short time. You've changed my views on the idea of love. You made me want to be in love."
"Is that a lie, too? Did you think it was a challenge to smash the married woman you're investigating? I mean, you had a reputation as the 'love them and love them' type, so this was probably just another notch on your damn belt!"
"Stop it, Asia! I never told you about this because I didn't want to hurt you. Tyrone Foster is someone we've been trying to throw in prison for years, and unfortunately, your husband and cousin-in-law are involved. Jason and I had to do what we could to get them off the streets; my boss wanted me to interact with you to see if you knew anything about them."
"How would I know anything if Dwight never told me anything?! I didn't even know he was doing anything illegal! And who is this Tyrone Foster?"
"He's a known drug dealer in the city. He pushed his drugs on mostly teens; he even have a few of them pushing for him. Anyway, some of his drugs were fatal too. We believe Warren is his right-hand man who not only helps him sell but also finds ways to make money to fund the drugs. One way is by laundering money from the companies he works for. Dwight also has a hand in this, but not the way you probably think."
I continued staring at him, not knowing what to believe, but I was curious to know how Dwight was involved.
"At first, we believed that Dwight was helping Tyrone push drugs; that part was true, but I found out recently that it was all an act. He's been undercover the entire time, Asia."
I suddenly felt faint. I quickly moved to the armchair near the table and sat down. This was all unbelievable! The two men in my life had been lying to me. But I guess I deserved it considering everything I'd done recently.
"So you're telling me that Dwight, my husband, is a detective?"
"He's been a Fed for two years, A. He told me at your dad's birthday party."
"That's why you've been so distant since then. And you couldn't tell me this?! "
"I need to know how you found out."
"Courtney told me!"
He nodded. "Figures she would. Damn b –"
"Oh no, there's no point in calling her that. You've been lying to me for six months. You could have told me what you were doing."
"I didn't want you to be involved. You didn't need to become involved just in case Tyrone or Warren retaliated."
"But you lied. I already had my husband lying to me and now you. Do you know how I feel
about liars?"
Bryon laughed. "Technically, you lied too when we met, so I guess you're talking about yourself as well."
"But you already knew I was married, didn't you?"
Bryon smirked, making my pussy throb. I should be mad at him, but he looked so sexy right now.
"I see how the way you're looking at me right now. You can't be mad at me. In fact, you want me right now."
"No, I don't."
He came over and kissed me. Everything in me wanted to take his clothes off and make love to him. Although I was physically attracted to him at the moment, I couldn't get over the fact that he'd kept his other profession a secret. It didn't sit right with me.
"Bryon, stop!"
He slowly let go of me and looked into my eyes. "Asia, I'm sorry for what I've done. But just know that I love you. I hope we can get through this; I know we can get through this."
I walked to my bags, thanking God that I hadn't unpacked them. I was going to the door to leave when Bryon stopped me.
"Don't. I'll leave. I'll see if there's another room available."
"You don't have to. I can get a way back."
"Just stay the night, A; we'll figure everything out in the morning."
I nodded and watched him pick up his bag. He quickly looked at me then walked out of the door.
Before he did, I walked to him and cleared my throat.
"Courtney confirmed my suspicions, but I actually heard everything from your own mouth."
He turned around, and I folded my hands together.
"You thought I was asleep when you were talking to Jason, but I wasn't. I heard everything, but
I didn't want to believe it. Everything was going so well, I thought maybe I was just dreaming
it. I never imagined that it would actually be true."
"And you didn't talk to me about it?"
"You didn't want to tell me, so I guess we're even now."
Bryon sighed and opened the door. As soon as he walked out, I locked it. I started breathing erratically, so I went over to the armchair to sit down. I couldn't believe another man had lied to me. Just when I thought things were good between Bryon and me, he messed it up by lying. Just when I'd put my heart out there for him.
Now, I was back to square one. I needed to do what was best for me, and that was being by myself for a while.
Bryon
After paying double for another room and telling Jason everything, I slept for two hours. I couldn't believe what had happened. I knew I shouldn't have talked on the phone while Asia was present, but I really did believe she was asleep. I guess I'd been slipping a lot lately because my detective skills had gone to shit.
It was early morning, and I went back to Asia's room to see if she was up. I used the key card I had and opened it. Neither she nor her belongings were there. She must have left in the middle of the night; I was more hurt than frustrated.
I went back to my room to gather my things, and my phone rang. When I saw it was Jason, I answered.
"What's up, bro?"
"Just seeing how you were doing. I went by the flat and saw Asia moved some of her things out. She must have left as soon as she confronted you."
I sat on the bed and sighed. I couldn't blame her, but I wondered how she left when we rode together.
"I guess she took the bus back to Houston," I said, rubbing my hair.
"I'm sorry, bro, but you knew this was going to happen. She was going to find out and hate you for it."
"I'd rather have told her myself."
"You actually did, just not to her face."
"I'm going to head back. Maybe I can try and talk to her again."
"What you need to do is give her some time to think about everything before speaking to her again. It's not going to do you any good to talk to her now."
"Where did she go if she moved her things out?"
"Maybe her friend's or to her dad's."
"What about you and Maxie? Since A knows, she might tell her."
Jason sighed. "I told her. I had to since our cover's been blown."
"How did she take it?"
"Of course she was pissed. She even threw me out of the bed, but we talked it over, and she sort of understood why I withheld the truth. Now I'm worried about her safety. If anything happens to her or our child, I don't know what I'll do."
"Nothing will happen, Jase. Tyrone doesn't know anything about our family, so you don't have to worry about that."
"You don't know that, B. He could be looking us up just like we do him. If I were you, I'd still protect Asia, but maybe from a distance. Just until she calm down."
"Once I find out where she is, then I will. I don't have my connections with the force anymore, remember?"
"You don't, but I do. I'll find her for you, bro."
"Thanks, man. Just be safe, okay?"
"You do the same."
I hung up, and my screen saver of Asia in the park popped up. I missed her beautiful smile. I threw the phone across the room, hating how much I had hurt her. I had to find a way to get her back. Not only because I loved her, but I had to protect her. Too much was happening which meant someone was going to slip up, causing more damage to an already volatile situation.
I picked up my bag, grabbed my phone from the floor then headed out the door. There was no point in moping around. I had to fight for the woman I loved. I needed her back in my life.
Asia
I stared out the window at Isha's house, taking in the picturesque view of the lake surrounding her two-story home. I put my knees up and sighed, wishing my life wasn't such a complicated mess. After Bryon left my room, I immediately went to my iPad, found the earliest bus ride back to Houston, and left. I didn't want to face him the next day, so I did what was necessary to not be in his presence.
I asked Isha to pick me up from the bus station, and she gladly agreed. Once I cried on her shoulder for 10 minutes, I told her everything, and she was in complete shock, especially about Dwight being a Fed. Honestly, I was still shocked about that myself.
When I got to the loft, I packed up what I could to take to her place. I figured I could get the rest of my things before Bryon returned. I was sure he was coming back to Houston soon, so I needed to make a move now so I wouldn't run into him; but for now, I just wanted to sit and look at the water since that was the only thing keeping me calm at the moment.
"Hey, sweetie, how are you holding up?" Isha asked. She walked in with two mugs of tea, which I desperately needed.
"I'm okay. And thanks for the tea," I said, taking a mug from her.
"No problem. You know I added a little something extra in that."
"You wouldn't have it any other way," I replied and took a sip. It was delicious.
"I still can't believe Bryon was investigating you all. This entire situation is messed up."
"Tell me about it. Even though I don't want to see him, I can't help but to think about him. Is it wrong for me to miss him?"
"A, you're human; of course you still will. But now that you know about Dwight, how do you feel about him?"
I shrugged. "Honestly, I don't feel anything. He still cheated on me, so this latest development doesn't change anything."
"But he's your husband, Asia."
"He is, but I'm not as upset with him as I am with Bryon."
"Wow, you really do love Bryon."
I looked at her, and she smiled. "If you had any feelings for Dwight, you would be just as furious with him, but you're not. That speaks volumes."
"I think I fell out of love with Dwight after everything happened between us. With Bryon, it wasn't just the fact that he had money; he just had a presence about him that made me want to learn more about him. He's thoughtful and caring and is so supportive of everything I do. You should hear him when he talks about my writing. He was more excited than I was when I gave him the copy of my new book. He's been there for me when I needed it, and I'll always appreciate that."
"Wow, you never really l
et anyone read your stories."
"I know. He had a hard time pulling it out of me, though, but I let down my guard, which I shouldn't have done."
"Asia, you let someone into your heart, which isn't a bad thing. Now you feel scared because you feel you've been let down again. Just take some time to figure out what you want to do with your life and with Bryon and even Dwight."
"I know I still want a divorce. I just have to find the money to do it."
"I think Dwight is more than capable of helping. He did say he wouldn't stand in your way of doing it."
"Maybe so, but I think it's time I do something by myself and not depend on anyone."
Isha nodded, and I l turned to the window again. My phone rang. I wasn't going to answer, but when I saw it was Maxine, I did.
"Hey, Maxie. I'm at Isha's. I'm going to put you on speakerphone."
"Okay."
"How is everything?" I asked.
"I'm fine. I'm sure you heard about Bryon and Jason," she replied.
"Yeah. Wait, you didn't know either?"
"Nope. Jason kept me in the dark, too. I'm really sorry, Asia. If I had known what they were up to, I would have mentioned it."
"It's okay. I know you were furious, though."
"Of course; but after Jason talked to me and told me why, I kind of understood. The department has to maintain their oaths so their covers won't be blown. Even though I'm still upset with Jason, I think I can find it in my heart to forgive him."
"That's fine because he's your husband; you should."
"I understand, but don't you think you could forgive Bryon, too? He was only doing his job. Jason even told me he was looking for ways to be removed from the case so he could be with you."
"He told me that."
"Remember what I said about his heart? Jason just talked to him, and he's not doing so well, especially since you skipped out on him in the middle of the night."
"I had to."
"Don't get me wrong, I'm on your side with this one, but I also feel you should hear Bryon's view and see where things go."
Reclaiming What Is Mine Page 18