Page 2

T he estate's quiet settled around me as I leaned against the bathroom sink, my weight shifting off my bad leg. It had been a month since the ambush, but it felt like I’d taken the bullet yesterday. A fractured bone and a still-sensitive wound—it was hard to admit I’d been down for this long. I’d taken hits before, but none that left me feeling so vulnerable. And I hated it.

My grip tightened as I turned to Dream, who was watching me with that mix of worry and resolve she’d carried since I came back here to heal. She’d been by my side every day, helping me in ways I hadn’t expected. Now, she was at my side, ready to help me into the shower. I didn’t want her to; hell, I wanted to handle things myself.

“You don’t have to do this,” I muttered as she placed her hands on my shoulders, steadying me as I took a cautious step.

“Damier, don’t start. You know I won’t stop,” she replied, her voice calm but with a firmness that left no room for argument. I let out a sigh, but I was secretly glad she was here.

I tried to steady myself on the small bench in the shower, and I felt my balance shift for a second. Dream’s grip was immediate, her touch grounding me as I steadied myself again. I looked over at her, both frustrated and grateful. She wasn’t going anywhere.

When the water finally hit my skin, washing away the aches of sleepless nights, I felt some of the tension melt, if only for a moment. Dream was there, washing me with gentle hands that didn’t shy away from the scars or bruises. Her care was as steady as her gaze. We didn’t talk much; we just shared a silence that spoke louder than anything we could say.

After the shower, she helped me put on fresh clothes, guiding me with patience that I never expected. We made our way back to the bedroom, and soon enough, my mother’s chef arrived with breakfast. The smell of fresh eggs and seasoned bacon was a comfort, and I felt some of my tension ease. The peace, though, didn’t last long.

There was a knock at the door, and then Hocus came in. His face was as serious as I’d ever seen it, and I knew he wasn’t just here for a casual visit.

“Morning, bro,” I greeted, nodding for him to come in. Dream shot me a look as if checking to see if I was okay with her staying, but I gave her a small nod. I wasn’t keeping her out of anything anymore.

Hocus nodded back at me and cast a brief glance at Dream. “Got some information. Damian’s been spotted with Kita,” he said, his voice low.

The words hit me, my stomach twisting. Damian with Kita? That was a combination I didn’t need. The idea of my brother teaming up with someone like her was enough to send my already tense mood spiraling. I didn’t want Dream around for the deeper part of this conversation, though. She didn’t need to be in the middle of this mess.

Dream, ever perceptive, sensed it immediately. “I’ll leave you two to talk,” she gently said, touching my shoulder as she left.

When she closed the door behind her, I turned back to Hocus, who didn’t waste a second.

“You think Damian had something to do with the hit?” he asked, eyes sharp as he crossed his arms, leaning against the wall.

“Maybe,” I replied, my jaw tight. “But the job was sloppy, my nigga. Damian’s always been impulsive, but even he would’ve put more thought into it if he was trying to get to me.” I paused, weighing the possibility. “Still, he might’ve sent someone, thinking I wouldn’t see it coming.”

Hocus nodded, taking it in. “That sounds about right. Could be he was testing the waters. I’ll keep an ear out and see what comes up in the streets.”

“Good. And if he does start showing up in places he shouldn’t, I want to know.” I didn’t have to say the rest. Hocus understood. We’d been through enough to know what needed to be done if Damian overstepped again.

He reached out, and we did our usual handshake, one that held the weight of loyalty and trust. Then, he left, closing the door behind him. As I leaned back, letting my guard down just for a moment, I heard a soft knock at the door, and Dream stepped in.

She gave me a questioning look, her brow furrowed. “Everything alright?”

“Just business.” I met her gaze, deciding there was no use in keeping secrets. “I haven’t told you, but since we are getting so close, I have to warn you. I have an unhinged identical twin. My brother’s trouble, Dream. If he ever comes around you, I need to know immediately. And don’t entertain anything he has to say if he tries.”

She crossed her arms, her eyes searching mine. “Damier, I’m not going to let him scare me. You don’t have to worry about that. I will let you know if he tries me, of course.”

I almost smiled, seeing the determination in her eyes. She was stronger than she knew, and part of me felt grateful she was here despite the danger around us.

I watched as Dream’s eyes softened, her worry fading just enough to let something warmer take its place. Her presence was steady and calming in a way I hadn’t felt in a long time. She took a step closer, and I let the tension roll off me as I reached out.

“Come here,” I said, my voice low. “Lay with me.”

She raised an eyebrow, a small smirk playing at her lips, but she didn’t hesitate. She crossed the room and gently settled onto the bed next to me, mindful of my injured leg. I pulled her closer, feeling her warmth against me, and for a moment, it was like the pain in my leg faded into the background.

She moved so she was on top of me, her hands trailing down my shoulders, then pressing into my chest as she met my eyes. I cupped her face, pulling her down for a slow, intense kiss, letting the closeness take over. I felt the soft pressure of her body over mine, her curves fitting perfectly against me as we melted into each other.

We moved with a gentle rhythm, careful not to aggravate my leg. She was mindful, taking her time, and I found myself lost in every touch, every whisper between us. The world outside faded away, replaced by the quiet intimacy of the moment. Dream took my manhood from my sweats and pulled her panties to the side. She was wearing a nightgown, and I was thankful for the easy access. Dream rode me slowly, and she was wet. Her pussy was driving me wild, and I couldn’t wait until I healed so I could explore her.

When we finally pulled away, our breaths mingling in the silence, I realized just how much I needed her with me. I’d been carrying the weight of too many things alone, but with her, it was like I could finally breathe. She stayed there, curled up against me, as we drifted into a peaceful sleep.

And for the first time in weeks, I felt something close to whole.