Empress LaBlaque Gideon's Girl (pdf)

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.Imean, like, we didn t know. That s what I thought, he said firmly.Gideon pointed two fingers atthe boys. Now, if I catch you two anywhere around this area again, I mputting a bullet in both your asses.Understand?55Gideon s Girl Empress LaBlaQue Yes, sir, they said in unison.And that s the way it was.I was Gideon s Girl.On the streets, I heard thewhispers.That s Gideon s Girl, they d say.* * * *The New Year came in with a bang.There was food to prepare andparties to attend.Gideon and I were standing in line at the grocery storewhen an older Caucasian broke in front of me.Although he saw Gideon, hedidn t know we were together.In a deliberate display of rudeness, he shovedmy shopping cart out of the way and got in front of me.He mumbled, Niggers and, in the rear in one breath.I gasped, not believing what I was hearing the nerve of some people.Before, I could face Gideon, he had laid hands on the man.He grabbed himby the collar, then ushered him toward the end of the line.During his journey, the man cursed, having left his cart in front of mine.While Gideon walked the man along, they engaged in what appeared tobe casual conversation. What s your name? Gideon asked. The name is Bob.Bob Miller, the man said, trembling. Well, Bob Bob Miller. He pointed to me. That s my girl.Do youunderstand that? Yeah.I understand, he said, briskly nodding his head. The next time you think you re better than someone else, you d betterthink twice, okay? Yeah, I see what you mean.Everyone has rights.I m sorry.Gideon patted him hard on the back of the head. Good.Now, have anexceptional New Year, okay?Not wanting to make a scene, I ignored Gideon s behavior and placedmy items on the counter.When Gideon returned, I cringed. Gideon,please, I begged through my teeth. Let s not make a scene.Gideon pulled his coat apart and placed his hands in his pockets.Sarcasmflew from his lips. What? I didn t hurt him.I just led him to the rear of theline.56Gideon s Girl Empress LaBlaQue You said more than that, I retorted, closing my wallet. Oh, that.I just told him who you are. And who am I? I sassed, staring into his mischievous eyes.Gideon extended his arms with upturned palms. You re Gideon s Girl.Need I say more?57Gideon s Girl Empress LaBlaQueChapter EighteenAlmost every weekend, I d spend the night with Gideon.His homealmost became my home.I knew every nook and cranny.Although, I lovedspending time with him, my mother s care came first.On this particular morning, I prepared Gideon s usual breakfast.Heseemed aggravated that I had to pack my things and go home on Sundays.His eyes followed me around the kitchen. So, tell me again why youcan t stay, princess.I mean, don t you like it here?I placed his breakfast before him and kissed his forehead. Sweetie, I vegot to go home.I have things to take care of.I love you, but other thingsneed my attention right now.He picked up a slice of bacon and took a bite. I know, he said whilemunching, but you could return to me when you re finished.Instead, you drather go to that dismal little apartment in the city. Honey, that s my home and it s closer to my job.I don t know why youhave such a problem with that.Gideon took a sip of his coffee and shrugged. It s just that I miss youwhen you re gone.I cupped his clean shaven face. I miss you too, sweetie, but I haveobligations. I m part of your obligation, he stated flatly.I grinned, lifted his chin and kissed his lips. I know.We have thisconversation every Sunday.You ve got to get used to that fact I work andlive in town.Gideon squinted. Quit.Shaking my head, I admitted, I think you ve had too much coffee.Nowyou re really talking out of your head.His tone seemed defensive. I m always clear. Most times, I said, stroking his shoulders as I walked away.Gideon s eyes followed me toward the sink. I know I need you with me.Turning on the water, I retorted, Gideon Knight, you see me at thecenter almost every evening.Don t you need some air?58Gideon s Girl Empress LaBlaQue What I need is you. I m flattered I really am. I rinsed out a few dishes. But we can talkabout this later. Later, huh? Gideon picked up his fork and played with his breakfast. How can I make you stay?Exhausted from the same old conversation, I puffed a loud sigh andturned. Gideon, please. I reached for my tote and moved toward the frontdoor.Gideon got up from the table and followed, as usual.I d grown accustomed to him trapping me against the front door.Heplaced his arms around my neck. I want you to stay. Gideon.Not again. I pushed him away and turned toward the door. Stay, he said, unyielding. No. I tapered my eyes and tilted my face toward his. I can t. Stay. He kissed my lips and I reveled in the passion.When he released me, I swooned. Gideon, I stammered. What swrong?He reached behind a flower arrangement positioned by the door in thefoyer.He pulled out a red velvet box and my eyes grew large.Afterward, heplaced the box before my eyes and opened it slowly. Stay, he said for thelast time.Inside the box, an engagement ring sparkled.It shimmered like nothingI d ever seen.I opened my mouth, but no sound came out.Finally, I uttered, Ohhh mmmyyy. My hands started to tremble and tears filled my eyes. Yes. I nodded. I ll stay, I repeated, blubbering loudly. Yes, GideonKnight.I will stay. Forever and ever? Gideon removed the ring and placed it on myfinger.Admiring my ring, I repeated, Forever and ever.Gideon kissed me again. Now, put down those bags and let s plan awedding. How, why? I was so excited that my speech did not match themounting adrenaline. This is the day I ve dreamed of.However, I neverexpected a proposal like this.59Gideon s Girl Empress LaBlaQue You have two dates to choose from.February fourteenth, or Februaryfourteenth.I slugged him playfully. So, that s my choice.But this is January andFebruary fourteenth is just around the corner.There is no way to plan awedding& The doorbell rang. Excuse me. Gideon released me and walked towardthe door.He gazed at his watch. Right on time.When he opened the door, two gorgeous blonds stood ready withcatalogs, swatches and patterns. These, Gideon nodded, princess, are yourwedding planners.I was shivering with joy. My wedding planners.Gideon bowed like a prince. Yes, and the church is already reserved.The announcements are ready and the invitations have been printed.If youhad said no, I d have had to eat the expenses. You have this much confidence in me? Joya. He took my hand. You re the little girl who shed tears when Iwas scared.You did your best to make me laugh when your heart was alsobreaking.Those little turkeys that hung on the cafeteria wall we made thosetogether.I placed my hand over my mouth. Those were our handprint turkeys. Yes. His eyes glistened and his dimples deepened. That was yourhand, Joya.And the larger hand was mine.When I found them in an oldbag, I just couldn t part with them. He opened his hand widely and weplaced our palms together. I have no doubt in my heart.We were meant tobe, princess.I hugged Gideon tightly.Tears were streaming down my face.When Ilooked behind him, I saw that my wedding planners were also crying.Rightthen, I fainted dead away.60Gideon s Girl Empress LaBlaQueChapter NineteenWhen I woke up, I was in Gideon s bed.Sitting beside me he declared, Okay, no more surprises for you, young lady.I had no idea you were proneto fainting.I stretched my eyes and frowned [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]

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