Double Vexation ( A Harper's series. book 11)

Life Is Funny

" you will always be my friend Zoe and I'll always help you when you need me. I'll take care of it okay". I said.

Zoe nodded and stood up. It was obvious that she was angry at my choice. "Don't walk away mad girl". I half laughed.

She gave me a chilly glare and gritted out. "You have made a very horrible mistake Duel".

With warning in my tone I replied. "Do not go near Chelly. Yes, I am your friend but if any harm comes to her I will see you buried" .

With a jerk of her head she sped off. The next morning I awoke to the family hustling about preparing to leave. After bidding everyone goodbye, well except for Zoe. She left very early. I packed me a small bag. Just enough clothes and essentials to last a week. After Chelly's graduation I was on my way to New York to take care of this problem. No one knew that I was leaving. My parent's assumed I'd be on a graduation trip with Chelly.

By the time I made it to the ceremony everyone was already seated. Quietly I made my way through the rows until I found my waiting seat beside of her parent's. "Sorry I'm late. My family left out this morning" . I offered.

They only nodded and remained focus on the ceremony. Me, I moved every few seconds. Sitting still and quiet isn't my style and drove me crazy. Finally I saw my girl take the stage to give her valedictory speech. Before she begin I watched her scan the audience in search of her parent's and possibly me. Chelly spotted them first before she saw me but when she did I could see the change in her eye's. It was as if she came to life. I listened as she spoke and couldn't help but feel pride at how smart my girl was. However there was one part of her speech that stood out to me. "In life you will face many different paths that consist of many different risks. My advice is to take the path that scares you the most. It's those scary paths that teach you who you are and can lead to wonderful thing's. Don't be afraid, just take the first step".

Was I Chelly's scary path? I couldn't help but wonder but before I could think on it too much the ceremony moved on. Finally I watched her graduate and join us. After her parent's hugged her she was left for me. Instead of throwing her arm's around me she just stood in front of me. "You can't be mad on this day". I joked.

" I'm not mad, I'm just wondering if you're all here this time? Are you still iffy on us or... "

I laughed and cut her off by smashing my lips to hers. This was right. I never felt this whole kissing Zoe no matter how I tried to. My blood begin to zoom through my veins as every sense I owned came alive. It was if my soul was buzzing like that of a powerline. "It's you Chelly. I need you in every sense of the word. You'll never need to worry about Zoe again."

Chelly hugged me back tight and for the first time I felt whole. Her parent's headed on out to the restaurant they had chosen to celebrate and I followed behind with Chelly. This is when I broke the news to her. "After I eat I have to leave for New York for a few day's on family business" .

"Duel we just fixed thing's and now you're running off". She pouted.

" I know but it can't be helped. It's family business and they need me. I promise I'll be back within a week if not sooner. " I promised.

"Go if you must but once back you are all mine". She declared.

Grinning I said. "I wouldn't have it any other way melon".

Before we exited the car to go in I handed her a small box. "Graduation present".

Chelly smiled and opened it to see a plain silver bracelet with an engraving charm dangling from it. She read the engraving out loud. "Property of DH".

Laughing she said. "Wow, so romantic".

" I thought so too". And I was serious.

"I love it Duel Harper and I love you too. Thank you".

" No, thank you Chelly for giving me so much more than you realize. Now wouldn't it be romantic if I just tossed you on the hood of my car right here, right now in front of all".

Chelly laughed. "Well if you didn't have to run off so soon we could go back to your place and finally break in that pool". She teased.

I let a low growl out. "As soon as I'm back I'm taking you away for a few day's and you'll be my prisoner. Do you know what I do to my prisoners?"

" No , but I can't wait to find out". She retorted smartly.

I almost caught myself saying that you never want to find out what I do to my captives but stopped. After we ate Chelly seen me off. We hugged for a long time and shared a even longer kiss. As I pulled off I looked in my rearview mirror at her. I knew I'd be back as soon as I could. The devil himself couldn't keep me away.

I hope everyone had a happy mother's day!!!

So are you surprised that Duel chose Chelly?

How do you feel about Zoe now? Anyone feel differently after this chap?

Is Duel really over Zoe?

Wonder what lies ahead for him in New York?

Don't forget to comment and vote!! Love reading everyone's comments!!

The next chapter is going to be paralyzing! Thought I'd give you a advanced warning!!!