Under My Rules

by Rhonda Bowen

  “Glad to share.” Kristoffe slapped his brother on the back. “And can you be nice and share that potato salad? I’m gonna go call Mandy and let her know we made it.”

  Kristoffe disappeared upstairs and Khai caught Portia watching him.

  “I like your brother.”

  Khai licked some mayonnaise off his finger. “Too bad. He’s taken.”

  “No,” Portia slapped Khai on the arm. “Not like that, silly. I mean I like him. He seems like a nice guy.”

  “He is.” Khai searched for a fork. “And he seems to like you too. Which is actually not surprising.”

  Portia rested her cheek in her hand as she leaned against the counter. “Oh?”

  “Yeah,” he picked up his fork. “They all would probably like you.”

  He was about to take a bite when she pulled his fork away and put it back on the plate. When he looked at her, she gave him a knowing look. He sighed and closed his eyes.

  “God, thank you for this food. Thank you for this amazing woman who prepared it for me. Please let her reconsider leaving me stranded. Amen.”

  He started eating again and this time she didn’t stop him. She did sit with him though, not talking, just sharing the silence. And it didn’t feel awkward. Not even a little.

  “I put the package in your office like you asked,” she said after a moment.

  He looked at her. “Thanks.”

  She held his gaze. He knew there was more she wanted to say. He tried to think of everything that was in his office. Anything she might wonder about. Nothing bothered him. There was nothing he was afraid of her encountering.

  “While I was in there, the phone rang. It was a Trent Dwyer.”

  Nothing except that.

  He dropped his gaze back to the plate, picking through his food. He could feel her eyes on him.

  “He was upset. He said he knew what you were doing and he wanted you to stop. He said he was sorry.”

  Khai kept his eyes on his plate. Kept eating. Even though he could no longer taste anything.

  “I know I don’t have a right to ask you.” She drew in a shaky breath. “I shouldn’t have even been listening. But I was in there, and the answering machine was recording the message and I just...he sounded so upset.”

  “What do you want to ask me, Portia?”

  She twisted a lock of her hair around her finger. “What is he sorry about?”

  He pushed the salad around on his plate. “You’re a smart woman. I’m pretty sure you’ve already figured it out.”

  “He’s the one that caused you to go to jail.” She reached out and touched his hand. “He’s the one that framed you.”

  He gave up on eating and stared at the place where Portia’s hand rested on his.

  “And now you’re doing something to him.” She squeezed his hand. “What are you doing, Khai?”

  Her voice was soft, gentle, almost sympathetic as she pleaded her request. But this whole conversation with Portia was weird. It was like his two worlds - worlds that he thought would never meet - were somehow converging on each other. LA Khai and New York Khai. Except, he wasn’t two separate persons. He was one. And now that both of his worlds were mixed together, he couldn’t just go to one to escape the other.

  “I’ve been keeping tabs on him.”

  “And?”

  Khai took in a deep breath. “And, I’ve been basically trailing him financially and tanking all his deals.”

  He heard her suck in a deep breath. After a long moment, she continued.

  “How long has this been going on?”

  “Awhile.”

  “And how long do you plan to do this?”

  He shifted in his seat. “Three years and four months. Approximately.”

  “The exact amount of time you were in jail.”

  “Pretty much.”

  She didn’t respond immediately. He looked up. When his eyes met hers, he almost wished he hadn’t. She reached over and touched his cheek. In a near whisper, she said,

  “Khai, this is wrong.”

  He pulled away from her touch. “How is this wrong? I’m not breaking any laws.”

  Well, except for that time when he broke into Trent’s condo. But it was just that one time.

  “I’m not stealing from him.”

  “No, you’re just making sure he doesn’t make any money,” Her brows furrowed. “Maybe even causing him to lose some money every now and then.”

  Khai nodded. “I like to think of it as ruining his life.”

  Portia sat back, staring at him as if seeing him for the first time. She shook her head.

  “How do you think this is going to end? You ruin his life and then what? You think you’ll feel fulfilled?”

  “Pretty much.”

  She frowned.

  He let out an exasperated breath. “Don’t look at me like that. The way I figure, in three years and four months we’ll be kind of even. He would have lost the same amount of productive years as I did.”

  She narrowed her eyes. “Actually, you’re wrong. Now you have lost six years and eight months. Because you’re wasting another three years of your life caught up in his.”

  She closed her eyes briefly then opened them, reaching forward to grasp his hand again. “I know you’re not interested in God, but I am and I know He wants more for you than this.”

  Her voice softened as her eyes searched his. “You’re a brilliant savvy amazing man, Khai. Don’t waste your time doing this. Let it go.”

  He smiled. “You think I’m amazing?”

  She rolled her eyes. “That’s all you heard?”

  “More amazing than Brady?”

  He knew it was the wrong thing to say the moment the words left his lips.

  “Wow.” She shook her head and stood up. “I’m gonna leave now.”

  On another day, he would have tried to stop her. But the disappointment in her eyes kept him grounded at the kitchen counter. Besides, she had already told him she didn’t want him around anymore, so what was the point of begging? By the time he realized he should have at least walked her out, he heard the front door close. He made it to the door in time to see her car pull around the side of the house and down the street.

  He walked by the office on the way back to the kitchen and saw the package sitting neatly on the center of his desk. He stared at it a moment, knowing exactly what it was. Knowing what was in the package had motivated him to have it picked up, instead of leaving it at a collection center until he got back to the city. At least that’s what he kept telling himself. There was an alternative, however, that he was starting to consider. Maybe he had wanted Portia to find out what he was up to. Maybe he wanted to sabotage their friendship. Even if the whole Brady thing had not caused a rift between them, her finding out about his vendetta with Trent would have. And she would have found out, because she found out everything about him eventually, even the things he didn’t want to tell.

  But maybe this was what he wanted to happen. Because maybe, with Portia out of his life, the uncertainty would go away. Maybe if she was gone, his recent doubts about what he was doing to Trent would go away. And he really wanted them to go away. Because he really didn’t want to stop doing what he was doing.

  “Hey, where did Portia go?”

  Kristoffe was sticking his plate in the microwave by the time Khai made it back to the kitchen.

  Khai shrugged and dumped the rest of his food in the garbage. “She had to leave.”

  Kristoffe leaned against the counter, peering at his brother. “So what’s the deal with you and her anyway?”

  Khai put the meat back in the oven. “No deal. We’re just friends.

  “Sexy friends?”

  A smile twisted his lips as he remembered the day on Portia’s front steps when she asked him the same questions.

  “No. Really, just friends.” Khai shook his head. “This chick won’t even let me hug her too often.”

  Kristoffe laughed. “I like her even more.”
r />   “You just met her.”

  The microwave beeped. Kristoffe pulled his plate out. “Any woman who has you on a leash and gets you to church is a winner in my book.”

  “She does not have me on a leash.”

  “You gave her free access to your house for almost a week while you were in another state. And you sat through a church service with her.”

  “Technically, it was a Christmas service. And it wasn’t even at her church. Though it was her pastor.”

  “Khai, the last time you came to church was the blessing for the boys, that was three years ago. And that’s only cause Mandy begged you.”

  Khai shrugged. “Doesn’t matter anyway, we’re taking a break from the friendship.”

  Kristoffe smirked. “Friendship? Is that what you kids are calling it these days?”

  “That’s all it is with her, because obviously, with her being a Christian and me...not, nothing else could happen.” Khai busied himself cleaning the counter. “It’s better this way anyway.”

  “Is it?” Kristoffe took a bite of his roast beef. “So how come you look so miserable. And I’m not just talking about right now. There were moments at the house last night, and even on the plane, where you would slip into this funk. Don’t think I didn’t notice. I have known you your entire life.

  Khai walked around the kitchen counter and dropped into a chair by the dining table.

  “I have something on Trent.”

  Kristoffe raised an eyebrow but said nothing.

  “It’s...it’s big. He thinks it’s hidden and no one knows about it, so the fool put everything on it,” Khai said. “I think he figured out a while back what I was doing and moved a bunch of his investments into an offshore account and hid it in a shell company. If I hit it...”

  Khai rubbed a hand over his face. “If I hit it, he would lose big time. He wouldn’t recover. Not anytime soon anyway.”

  Kristoffe looked at his plate. “So this is it? The end game. The big play you were waiting for.”

  Khai leaned back in his chair. “Yeah. I guess so.”

  “So why don’t you look happier?”

  Khai ran his hand over his face again. “I guess...” He couldn’t believe he was actually saying it out loud. “I guess I’m rethinking whether I should use it. If I do this... I know what it feels like to have your whole world crushed, that’s all.”

  Kristoffe put his plate down. “Is that a conscience I hear? My, my. God does answer prayers.”

  Khai looked at his brother. “What are you talking about?”

  Kristoffe smiled. “I’ve been praying for years for you to let go of this.”

  Khai frowned. “Why?”

  “Because this vendetta you have is standing in the way of your happiness and your relationship with God.”

  Khai shrugged. “I have no relationship with God.”

  “I know. But I know you know He’s real. We’ve had those conversations remember? I know you’ve been thinking about it.”

  Kristoffe came and sat across from Khai at the table. “And I know the Spirit spoke to you that day.

  Khai looked away. He knew what day his brother was talking about. The last day he was in church before his nephews’ blessing.

  Back then he used to tag along occasionally to spend time with Kristoffe and the family. But one day it was different. One day, he sat in the middle of the hot church building getting goosebumps. It felt like the message had been just for him. Just like he felt that day in the back pew with Portia. And when they made the call for people to surrender their hearts to God he had wanted to walk forward. But instead, he walked away.

  Kristoffe rested his forearms on the table as he searched his brother’s face. “I know why you walked away that day. You know if you choose this path, if you choose Christ, you have to let go of your issue with Trent. You have to forgive him for what he did. And you don't want to do that. But right now, that unwillingness to let go is holding you back from all the amazing stuff God has for you.”

  Khai shook his head. It was like everyone in his life was reading from the same script.

  “That’s exactly what she said before she walked out of here,” Khai mumbled.

  “You know why? Because we’re both right.” Kristoffe laughed suddenly and sat back. “You know what I find the funniest is the way you keep surrounding yourself with other believers. I don’t know if you’re seeking them out subconsciously or if God is bringing them to you, but it’s clear that these are the people you want in your life. You ever wonder why? What’s attracting you to them? It’s the thing inside them. God inside of them. Stop trying to sponge off our relationships with the Man. Get your own.”

  Khai glanced at his brother. “You’re going hard today, aren’t you?”

  His brother nodded. “I’ve been waiting silently. And now that God’s opened the door for this conversation. Now that you’re actually listening and not diving for the exit, I have to get it all out.” Kristoffe reached out and gripped his brother’s arm. “I love you, bro. I don’t want you to be lost. I want you to be in that big family reunion in heaven with me and Mandy and the kids and all the people we love and know. Don’t let this opportunity pass you. Don’t ignore the call.”

  It was a tempting offer. And the desire to take it up was getting stronger and stronger. But, Khai couldn’t yet. Not when he had so much unfinished business. However, he was starting to wonder whether this very business was worth finishing after all.

  Chapter 18

  Triple Crown was in the building.

  Thankfully, Derek had at least warned her this time that the man would be coming through. But that was probably only because he wanted her in a meeting he was having with the basketball star turned rap star turned businessman.

  After Portia’s Christmas party, Derek opted out of taking his girlfriend home and had actually stuck around to help her clean up. They’d had a long talk. And while she still didn’t agree with his plans, they had come to some sort of truce. Derek would agree to look at other options if Portia would agree to just meet with Triple Crown and consider his offer.

  Today was the meeting.

  Portia glanced at the clock and knew she had five more minutes before she had to head to the conference room. She opened her purse and pulled out her sticky-note for the week. With all that had been happening, she now resorted to taking her verse of the week with her during the day instead of leaving it at home. She could use the extra encouragement throughout the day.

  The heart is deceitful above all things

  and beyond cure.

  Who can understand it?

  Whose heart was this referring to right now? Hers? Her brother’s? Triple Crown? Maybe all of them. She sure hadn’t been understanding her own heart of late, especially with it wanting things it shouldn’t want, feeling things it shouldn’t feel, and not being willing to feel the things it should.

  She had worked so hard to structure her life the right way. Between her eating plan, her daily routine, the boundaries she set for herself, she made it so she didn’t have to trust her feelings. Her intuition was all out of whack and she needed something else to guide her. And for a while, it worked well. But now, her feelings gained a strength of their own and were trying to pull her in directions she was afraid to go.

  Milo stuck her head through the door. “James is in the building. Everyone’s headed to the conference room.”

  Portia nodded. “I’ll be there in a minute.”

  Milo bit her lip and peered at her. “You okay?”

  Portia smiled. “Yeah. Just a little tired.”

  “Didn’t sleep again?”

  Portia smiled sheepishly. “What gave it away?”

  “Your eyes,” Milo smirked. “And the two dozen muffins and scones you brought in this morning, which by the way, are almost gone. You sure you okay, babe?”

  Portia drew in a deep breath. “I’ll be fine.”

  “Okay.” Milo tapped the doorframe with her hand. “I’ll tell th
em you’re on your way.”

  The woman disappeared from the entrance. Portia closed her eyes briefly. She wanted to pray, but if she started now she wasn’t sure she would stop so she settled on a few words asking for help before escaping her office and heading to the conference room.

  Portia entered the meeting room moments before Triple Crown, who came with a number of associates. Six to be exact.

  Portia glanced over at Derek and raised an eyebrow. He shrugged.

  “James, glad you could make it.” Derek reached over and shook the man’s hand. “This is our COO and my sister, Portia Wynters. And of course, you know our assistant Milo.”

  The seven foot man shrugged off his fur coat, which one of his associates managed to snag as if it was her only responsibility. He turned to Portia and smiled, revealing enough platinum for a necklace and earring set.

  “Nice to finally meet you.”

  Portia was certain the glass window vibrated a little at the heavy bass in his voice. She shook his hand. His four rings clinked as they touched each other.

  She smiled, but probably not for the same reasons he did. “Likewise.”

  “Let’s get down to business, shall we?” Derek began once everyone was seated. “James, we are interested in having you invest in Solid. But as you can probably understand, we want to ensure that we still have controlling interest in our company. We have worked hard to get to where we are and we want to continue to build this company into something that is going to be able to withstand the changes in our economy.”

  “I completely understand.” James leaned back in his chair. “And to be honest, I don’t really want to get my hands deep in this. I might throw an idea your way every now and then, but I’m just about the money. You cats have been doing the thing, building this slick shoe company and my people say share price is gonna keep going up once you go public, so I figure this is a good place to put my money. Get more return than the bank, you know?”

  “You say that now,” Portia folded her hands together on the table. “But what happens when you decide you want your own shoe line and want to start putting your name on everything? You know we can’t do that right? You’re not exactly family friendly.”