Shawnie's POV

"You wanna tell us something about you and Joe?" Jason asks

I laugh and look at Joe. I know he doesn't want to do this, but I'm gonna do it anyway because fuck it.

"Ask him."

"You want him to come sit down on the couch and me interview him? Because I'll get the truth out."

I shrug, "It's fine with me, if it's fine with him."

Joe looks at me like he's going to kill me, and then he shakes his head no at first, but it only took a couple seconds before he was nervously walking over to the couch.

"Yes! Sexy bodyguard. Come sit on the sofa next to your woman." Jason jokes.

Joe laughs. "Want me to take off my shirt too?" He jokes back.

"Whatever makes you comfortable." He says

Joe stands there for a second as one of the staff members puts a mic on him, then he sits down.

"This is going to be good." Jason says

Joe sits right next to me and puts his arm around the back of me on the sofa.

"That's right put your arm around your woman." He tries to instigate.

Joe laughs. "It's not like that."

"It's like that. They said y'all was just in Vegas holding hands and kissing in public. But you can say what you want." Jason says. "So it's interesting that you sat on the couch for questions. I have a few for you. I promise I won't give you a hard time."

"Shoot." Joe says

"So how do you feel about your new fan base?"

Joe chuckles, "Well, it's been unexpected, to be honest. I never anticipated having a 'fan base' as a bodyguard. I'm just here to do my job and ensure Shawnie's safety. But if people appreciate what I do, that's a bonus."

I look at Joe, shocked by his professional response. Amanda had to have told him to say that.

Jason smirks, "Oh come on, Joe. We all know there's more to it than that. You've got quite a following now. Women can't stop talking about you."

Joe shrugs with a grin, "Guess I'm just doing my part to keep things interesting." Joe teases him.

I chime in, "And I'm grateful for every bit of it. Joe's not just my bodyguard; he's a friend who's always had my back. That's what matters most to me."

Jason raises an eyebrow, "You've practically become a celebrity, Joe."

Joe chuckles again, "I promise I didn't sign up for fame, but I appreciate the kind people while have taken a liking to me. Working with Shawnie has been great and I love every second of it."

Joe and I agreed not to say anything about our relationship if directly asked. We're not officially together but we aren't hiding it either. If the news comes out about us then it just does but we're not spilling anything.

"What do you think about her past with her exes?" Jason asks

Joe shrugs. "Everyone has exes. What do you want me to say, I hate them? Chris is cool and my dislike for Drake has nothing to do with their marriage."

"So you don't like him?"

"Who does?" Joe laughs at his own joke.

"Fair point." Jason says. "You know he wanted to crash this interview."

"Not surprised." Joe says

"Joe wouldn't let that happen." I say. Joe and I lock eyes and we hold eye contact for a few seconds.

Jason leans back in his seat, a satisfied grin on his face, "We all see it and you don't have to confirm or deny anything. We know what it is."

Joe and I laugh.

Jason then shifts to a more serious tone, "One last thing. You've kinda surprised me with some things you've said and I'm sure others would like to know who you are. So, who are you?" Jason asks

I take a moment to consider his question, "I'm just me." I say with a shrug. "It doesn't matter who I am to any of you. There's nothing you need to know. Anything else that goes on with me, the public doesn't have to know. I know that may be hard for some people to hear, but I didn't choose this life for myself. Yeah, I could've easily not dated them but I did and I was pulled into this and somewhat forced to deal with it. So now that I'm in a position where I can remove myself, exactly what I'm gonna do."

"What's your plan?" Jason asks

"Move to a quieter place where I can have privacy and raise my kids without people or photographs trying to take photos of me every time I try to leave the house. That's all I can do. I just wanna be normal again."

Jason nods in understanding.

As I say those words, I feel a sense of determination. It's time to take control of my life and create a more peaceful and private future for myself and my children.

"But you know you're not normal anymore. People really care about you." Jason says

"I understand that but I would like for you guys to lay off." I say. "This life ain't for everyone and I'm one of those people."

"I understand." Jason says. "....I'm happy for the two of you. I'm happy you sat down with me Joe. Shawnie, I'm happy you're happy and I wish you all the best. This was quite the insightful conversation. Thanks for being so candid."

Joe nods, his arm still casually resting on the back of the sofa, "Of course, Jason."

I nodded in agreement, "Yeah, it's been great!"

Jason chuckles, looking between us, "You know, I've got to say, the chemistry between you is undeniable. But I won't press any further. We'll leave it up to the fans' imaginations."

Joe smirks, "Sounds like a plan."

"Thanks again for having us, Jason." I say

Jason grins, "Anytime. Shawnie, you know I love you. You're welcome back anytime if you choose to come back. And Joe, keep being that 'sexy bodyguard' the fans can't get enough of."

Joe laughs, shaking his head, "Will do."

"So this was that tell some but not tell all, as Drake said." I say with a hint of playful sarcasm.

Jason laughs heartily, "You just had to do it. Didn't you?"

I chuckle, giving a half-smile, "I'm a bit of an asshole."

As the interview wraps up, I offer my gratitude to Jason, feeling a sense of relief that I've managed to get through this without revealing too much. Just enough to get my point across without doing too much damage.

As we walk off set, Joe's arm now around my shoulders in a protective and friendly gesture, I can't help but feel grateful for his presence. Our unspoken agreement to navigate this situation together, the way handles everything with ease and humor – it all adds up to a connection that goes beyond what words can express. I'm so happy he's in my life.

As we were walking back to the dressing room Amanda spoke up.

"You did good." Amanda says walking behind us.

I didn't say anything. I felt like I was going to throw up. I know this shit is going to piss Aubrey off and that's not because I put out secret info about him it's because I spoke about him period. The fact that he found out about this interview and tried to show up lets me know he was coming to mess it up. I wonder how it's going to go when he drops off Atlas. I might have to avoid him for a couple of weeks until after the interview airs.

**********

The next night, Joe and I were nestled in bed, enjoying a brief moment of privacy before Chris and Aubrey were due to drop the kids off. I wasn't entirely sure where my dad and Ben were, but it seemed they were together, hopefully giving me some breathing room.

I was in that blissful space between consciousness and sleep, relishing the gentle kisses Joe planted on my skin. He had a habit of doing that, and it never failed to make me feel cherished. I loved how he always had his hands on me. He really understands the physical part of me and the fact that he's the same way makes this perfect.

As Joe's touch grew a bit more amorous, I couldn't help but feel a bit torn. On one hand, his affection was welcomed and enticing, but on the other, I was really trying to squeeze in a much-needed nap. I think he's trying to go for round three.

"You know I love every inch of you." He whispered, his fingers tracing patterns on my thigh while he pressed soft kisses onto my shoulder blade.

His words and his touch sparked a warmth within me, despite my drowsy state. Joe's way of expressing his feelings is always so genuine and reassuring, now that everything is all out between us. I couldn't help but smile, even as I struggled to keep my eyes open.

I let out a contented sigh, feeling lucky to have someone like Joe in my life – someone who not only protected me but also made sure I felt loved in every possible way.

"I know, Joe. I love you too." I murmur softly, a genuine smile forming on my lips. Turning over onto my back, I find myself met with Joe's lips, his touch a surprise. Our lips meet in a sweet, romantic kiss, a tender connection that speaks volumes without the need for words.

I love this man so much.

He pulls away from me and looks into my eyes, his hand still caressing my body.

"I have something I need to do." He says

"No..." I give a fake pout.

"I would like to stay here and cuddle with you too but I have some business to take care of." He gently kisses my lips. "Plus, you're half asleep anyway." He chuckles.

"What business?" I ask

"Business I don't want you to worry about." he replies.

My brows furrow slightly, "Does it have to do with your sister?"

"Yeah, I'm gonna go see him." he admits, pulling his underwear on as he gets out of bed.

I sigh, "I don't want you to. You said—."

He cuts me off, his tone steady, "I said I was gonna talk to him... and I'm going to talk to him." He steps into his pants and slips on a t-shirt.

"What if things don't end well? Maybe I should go with you."

"And do what? You being there would just be a distraction for the both of us. I need to talk to him man to man and I need to look him in his eyes when I tell him she was my sister." He says

"Joe...I know how you can be with him. You have a temper. He's going to say something you don't like and you're going to snap. I just don't think it's safe... for either one of you."

Walking over to my side of the bed, he bends down and kisses my forehead, his lips warm against my skin. "I appreciate you being worried about me, but you know I'm fine." he reassures. "I'll be back in a couple of hours."

I grip his hand gently, my concern still evident, "I don't think you should go."

His tone takes on a more determined edge, "I'm going."

I release a reluctant sigh, unable to sway him from his decision.

"I love you. I'll be back." He says

"I love you too." I say as he walks away. I can only hope that whatever conversation he's about to have goes well and that he returns safely.

I pray he doesn't end up in jail.

A couple of minutes later, I hear my phone buzz on the nightstand. I pick it up and it's a text from Joe.

Joe: Mercedes and Dori are looking for you.

I roll my eyes and lay there for a few seconds. That's just only because I didn't want to get up, but I got up anyway. I threw on a robe and met them in the kitchen.

As I approach, their voices become clearer. They're deep in conversation, and from what I can gather, they're discussing Joe and me. I pause, leaning against the wall just out of their line of sight, deciding to eavesdrop for a moment.

"He made her look at herself and made her clean up her act. That's why I like him for her." Dori's voice chimes in.

"He doesn't seem a bit controlling to you?" Mercedes responds, her skepticism evident.

"I think there's a fine line between being controlling and being protective. Joe strikes me as the protective type. He cares about Shawnie and wants the best for her. I know you see that."

Mercedes seems hesitant, voicing her concern, "I just worry that she might lose herself in the process."

"She's done that already with Drake." Dori counters. "Don't you think she would be cautious of that by now? Shawnie's not stupid. I believe she's learned from mistakes she's made in her past. She's not trying to relive any bad decisions."

"I would hope not." Mercedes concedes, still unconvinced.

Dori pushes her point, "And relationships are about growth. Sometimes that means stepping out of your comfort zone and adapting. Give her some credit. And Joe is completely different from Drake. Don't compare them. He's good for her. I know it."

"Okay, whatever you say." Mercedes says

Dori's voice turns more assertive, "Just let her do her without your opinions nagging her. You bring her down every time you bring up the conversation, and I know it hurts her."

"Well, someone has to be the one to tell her."

"But it doesn't have to be you all the time." Dori retorts. "She's happy, I know you see it. Just leave her alone."

Feeling compelled to join the conversation, I step out from my hiding spot, catching both of them off guard.

"It's true that Joe's presence has led to positive changes in my life." I interject, their heads turning toward me in surprise.

"Hey!" they both exclaim in unison.

With a determined expression, I continue, "I get what you're saying, Mercedes. But honestly, I don't feel like I'm losing myself. If anything, Joe encourages me to embrace who I am. I hate that I have to keep explaining and defending my relationship to you, my blood."

Their surprised expressions shift to realization and a touch of remorse. I stand my ground, letting them know that my relationship with Joe is my choice and one that I'm confident about.

"I'm sorry but you know how I am. I feel you're moving fast." Mercedes says

"You keep saying that and I feel like we have this conversation every time we get together now. If it doesn't work out, that's on me. Okay? Leave it alone."

"Fine." She says in defeat.

"I know you love me and you just don't want a repeat of my past relationships. This one is completely different. Joe is different. If I had any doubts I would share that with you but I don't. I'm so in love with him and he feels the same. Joe would never do anything to hurt me and I know that for a fact." I explain. "Just let me enjoy this. I've never had it before."

"It's true, I've never seen you like this." She says

"Because I've never felt this way."

"I'll try to let it go but as soon as I see something I'm addressing it."

I laugh. "Okay, Mercedes."

"Good. I'm happy we could clear the air." Dori says.

"I'm not happy." I say. "I'm worried about Joe. He went over to Aubrey's to talk to him about his sister."

"That's bad." Dori says. "Let me call Jey to let him know." She pulls out her phone.

"No, don't." I interject. "I don't want him to think I told on him. I don't know how much the twins know about Joe's plan before me but Joe will get upset with me if I intervene."

"So if he flies off the rails and decides to try to kill him, or better yet actually follows through with it, you're just supposed to let it happen?"

"Yes." I say. "One thing I know about Joe and this situation is he's accepted his fate when it comes to the consequences. It's his sister and I understand he wants justice and I also understand he wants to take care of it. The only thing I can do is hope he makes the right decision. Hope that he knows coming home to me is more important than getting his revenge."

"And you're fine with this?" Dori says

"I have to be. I have to let him handle that. That is his story." I say

"I understand it but I just want to know why he didn't ask me to help. I've been itching to inflict pain on someone." Mercedes says, "And I would love to make Drake pay for some of the shit he did."

"You're not in that life anymore." I say

She sighs. "I know but it keeps calling me."

We all laugh.

*************

Aubrey's POV

I had just got in from a night out with some friends. Following the announcement of It Was All A Blur tour, we had a small get together to celebrate. I was going on the road for three months, something I haven't done in six years. It was actually an accomplishment for me. So much has happened within that time frame and I've released so many albums without touring, it was time and I needed it. I was actually looking forward to getting away and being on the road for some months.

I walked into my dark bedroom and closed the door behind me. I took off my jacket and threw it on the bed, followed by my shirt. I took my phones and wallet out of my pockets and sat them on the nightstand, then turned on the light that was there.

My phone buzzes, interrupting the quiet of the room and pulling my attention. I glanced at my personal phone without picking it up, and I noticed a missed call. Without hesitation, I called the contact back and placed the phone on speaker

"Are you busy?" A distinct East London accent came through the phone's speaker.

"I just got in, what's up?" I responded, settling in for the conversation.

"I need 50 thousand." she stated straightforwardly.

"I'll send the wire first thing in the morning. What do you need it for?" I ask

"Shopping." she replied with a chuckle, her tone unapologetic.

I laughed as well, her directness always managing to amuse me. "Alright. How about I add a little on top, and I'll send for you. I need to see you."

As we talked, I absentmindedly began taking off my jewelry – chains, watch, ring – setting them on the nightstand as I listened to her voice on the other end.

"Okay. When? I'll be ready." she agreed.

"I'll work out the details tomorrow and let you know."

"Sounds good." She says

The conversation shifted, becoming more personal as I revealed my feelings. "Lilah, it's been a while since I've seen you, and I miss you. You need to come here more often."

"Or you could come here. I think how things are is perfect. I'm not in your face and you're not in mine, but when we get together we have fun. You're changing the agreement."

"Yeah, but I want more." I admitted, my honesty slipping out.

"What are you going on about? Keep it casual." She says

I reiterated, "Yeah, casual." I say, though deep down, I couldn't shake the desire for a more meaningful connection. My thoughts wandered to the women in my life, particularly Lilah, whom I liked the most. But she wasn't the type for relationships, preferring to keep things light. Despite that, I couldn't help but want the depth I had once shared with my ex-wife. I still want my ex-wife but that's not an option. I'm forced to live like this. It's depressing.

"Alright, I have to go. We'll talk when you send the money." she said, ending the call.

"Aight." I respond to her but the call had already ended. I walked over to the chair and sat down to take off my shoes. Once I got both of them off, I sat them to the side and as soon as I did that, I saw someone walking out of my bathroom, scaring the shit out of me.

"Good evening, Mr. Graham." Joe says, leaning on the wall opposite of me.

"What the fuck are you doing in my house? Get the fuck out." I say. How did this motherfucker get past my security and cameras?

"If you're done feeling sorry for yourself, I'd like to discuss some things with you..." he goes into his pocket and pulls out his phone. He does something on it then he walks over and sits it on the ledge of the fireplace.

I don't say anything, I just watch him. What the hell is this about?

"Shawnie ain't here..." I say

"Oh I know exactly where my girl is. I'm not here about her." He says

"Your girl?" I chuckle. "Okay..."

"So you're still throwing money around, huh?"

"I don't know what you're talking about." I say

"Trying to buy a relationship. That's what you do. You entice women with your money and lifestyle and as soon as they're roped in you abuse them."

"What? You're way off, Joe. What is this about?" I say getting more oissrd off by the second.

"I told you I had something planned for you, didn't I?" He asks, then waits for me to answer.

I ain't answering that. What the fuck does this bitch want?

He shrugs. "Okay, you don't have to talk, just listen." He starts pacing the floor in front of me.

I have to admit I'm a little nervous. Joe popping up in my bedroom freaks me out. How was he able to get into my house?

"If you yell for anyone, I'll kill you. If you try anything, I'll kill you." He says, standing in front of me. ".... I've been patiently waiting for this." He says

"Kill me? Boy what the fuck are you talking about? What do you want?" I ask

"Why did you try to show up at that interview?" He asks. I should've known Shawnie would put him up to this. I'm tired of her sending him after me.

"I needed to tell my side of the story. I'm not going to let her keep talking bad about me, making me look bad." I explain. "You know she lied."

"You don't even know what was said. How do you know she's lying?" He asks. " You weren't there."

"Because I know she's lying on me."

"By telling the truth?"

"...everyone doesn't need to know what went on..." I say

"You're scared she's going to say something to hurt your reputation, but that's exactly what needs to happen. People need to know how you really are."

"I have to maintain my image. I have million deals on the line. I don't need her out her making me look bad." I could lose all of that." I say.

"You make yourself look bad all on your own." He says, looking down into my eyes. "I've asked and I've told you multiple times to stay away from her. You keep popping up, ruining shit..."

"Jason asked me to come. He was trying to do an interview with both of us." I say

"SHE DOESN'T WANT TO SEE YOU." He snaps

"I was asked to be there." I say

"No you weren't. You don't even like him. Stop lying. But that's okay. Ima fix this situation right now..." .

"What you mean?" I ask confused. What the hell is he about to do?

"So let's talk....." he says calmly, then sits on the bed in front of me. "I've been nice to you and despite the things I know about you, I spared you."

"What are you talking about?" I say, irritated. This nigga is crazy.

"Do you know the story about my sister?" He asks

"I know she was killed or something. I don't remember everything Shawnie told me. Don't really care..."

He smirks. "My sister's name was Josie and she was 25 years old when she drove herself off a bridge because of someone she thought was her boyfriend. I don't like to talk about her because it's a sensitive subject for me, but my sister had a lifestyle that I didn't quite approve of, because I felt it was dangerous ...."

"Okay...?" I look at him confused. I don't give a fuck. Why the hell is he here?

"I wanna share this..." he says. "She danced at two different clubs in Vegas. I made myself feel better about her profession by working at the door as a bouncer. I refused to see my sister like that so I worked outside. I thought it was perfect. I could watch her and if something happened, I'm right there to handle it. Without my knowledge, one day she met this guy and they started talking. It was different because guys tried to talk to her all the time, but she always shut them down. She didn't like getting to know the guys who came into the club. She looked at them as fans." He says. "But this guy, he wasn't a regular guy, he was well known and had money. Lots of money and he took a liking to my sister and she became his goto."

"Your sister must've been hot." I laugh at myself.

He looks at me like he wants to beat the hell out of me but he doesn't. He just continues.

".....He exposed her to a lifestyle that I feel wasn't meant for her. She was already in a lifestyle we didn't approve of then he started flying her places, and passing her all this money, more money than my sister knew what to do with. She started to change, then she started calling this guy her man. I didn't know much about the guy so I asked her about him but she wouldn't tell me. Whatever, I figured I'd figure it out sooner or later. Months pass and this guy is still around. Flights, jewelry, expensive clothes, more money, the same bullshit for months. I finally asked her, what's going on with him, and why doesn't he come around. She didn't have an answer for me, but the very next time I saw her she popped up with a new car. She also popped up with some bruises. This went on for another few months. I would see little bruises here and there, not putting two and two together. I started to notice her overall demeanor was changing. She wasn't herself. Little bruises turned into big and more often bruises. That's when my mom and I tried to talk to her but she wouldn't talk to us. He bought her a condo, I feel it was to get her away from us. I think she was telling him we were asking questions." He explains. "One day, she said they were done and he kicked her out of the condo he bought her. So she came home." He shakes his head from side to side.

I just exhale in defeat. I don't care but I know he's going to tell me anyway.

"I was pissed but I thought with no info, I couldn't do anything...at least they're broken up, right? So I left it alone." He says. "A couple weeks later, something told me to log into her phone account...so I did... endless text messages of my sister begging for attention from this man. Begging this man for the meaning of what they were and you know what he said?" He looks at me waiting for me to answer him.

"..... what?" I say nonchalantly. Why am I even still here listening to the pointless ass conversation. I don't care about his sister.

"Nothing. He stopped responding to her. She texted and called him for a month and he never responded to her. That sent her into a deep depression. She quit working and stayed in bed all day. My mom and I tried to shake her out of it but she was so gone over this man." he says. "One day he called her. He said he wanted to see her. I told her not to go. I said it was a bad idea and to just leave that relationship where it was. She agreed and told me she was going to stay home. I went to work later that night but a couple hours later my mom called me, telling me my sister had killed herself."

"That's unfortunate." I say, nonchalantly. I don't give a damn about this man and his dead sister.

"To make a long story short, she went to see him. Seems like they argued, he beat her, and sent her home." He says. "I looked into her account again...there were two phone calls around the time she was killed—I'm sorry, she killed herself." He corrects himself.

Why the hell is he telling me this?

"One from me and the other from Drake."

To be continued...