Page 15 of Defending the Post (The Complexity of Love #3)

As the numbers grew in the elevator, I prayed Jhae’s ass was sleeping.

I preferred my walk of shame to be conducted in silence.

The doors opened with us still connected, regardless of the multiple attempts I made to free myself.

With the lights being off, the view of the city shined through the living room window.

I moved in the direction of his bedroom to be pulled back.

“After you shower, let’s game,” he suggested.

“It’s after midnight. I’m going to bed,” I said, twisting my hand to find freedom.

“You made time for them, make time for me,” Marquise requested.

I kicked off my shoes before I entered the bathroom. As I removed my makeup, my phone danced across the vanity.

Tracy

Y’all fucking?

I tossed my head backward as I scrambled for a way to defend myself.

Me

No, only friends. He is crazy.

Tracy

Ha. He was pissed about you being at the party.

Tracy

You didn’t tell me bye or nothing.

Replaying the interaction between Marquise and I, he didn’t allow any reaction time. He gripped my hand and pulled my ass through the crowd.

Me

I’m sorry.

Tracy

He playin’ for keeps.

Me

Marquise is a hoe and we both know it.

Tracy

WAS a hoe. Girl, fuck him and spend his money.

Me

We are friends.

Tracy

Whatever. Noah came back for you.

I covered my makeup free mouth at her comment because I forgot about him. Keeping Marquise from carrying me out of the party became my sole purpose.

Marquise

First you turn on the water and then lather with the soap.

I couldn’t help but laugh at his text message.

Me

Go to bed.

I slid off my rings, and placed my earrings and necklace on the vanity.

Marquise

Hurry up. You made time for a party. Make time for me.

A faint giggle left my mouth as I flipped over the phone and proceeded through my shower routine.

It took me forty-five minutes to shower and moisturize my skin. Marquise burst in the door right as I pulled the string on my shorts. His grill and gold chains no longer adorned his body.

“I could’ve been naked while you kicking in the door,” I said between gritted teeth.

Marquise folded his arms, leaning against the door frame.

“Let’s go. Where is the energy you had at the party? The Alien Lord is waiting,” he said.

I mimicked his stature, folding my arms. “I told you I was tired.”

“That’s not gon’ work. You got dressed up for the party with your makeup, a fresh haircut, and ripped jeans. After you get busted you want to give me the tired version of you,” he said.

I knew this party would be the topic of conversation between us for a while.

“I’m going to bed,” I announced.

“Nah, You would’ve been shaking your ass right now if I wouldn’t have showed up.”

Marquise escorted me past the bed to his sitting area. Blazing and Guns beamed on the screen. Arguing with him would wake up Jhae and Malcolm, something I wanted to avoid at all costs. I stood at the edge of the sectional watching him select the black controller.

“Marquise, I want to go to bed,” I announced.

He extended his hand toward me, and I stomped to the seat next to him. I motioned to sit, but he slid my body onto his lap. I tried lifting myself, but he gripped my waist.

“Relax,” he whispered his command in my ear with authority.

With one arm, he pulled me back into his body. Despite my size, he manhandled me with ease, nestling me between his legs. He shifted his body, extending one leg on top of the ottoman. I sighed as I rested my back against his chest.

“I’m pissed off right now. I can’t sleep,” he announced with calm anger

“Why?”

The game menu appeared on the screen, and he navigated his player.

“I came home and the person I wanted to see was at a party. You’ve been mean as fuck to me all week but dressed up for other men,” he said. “Erin, I don’t miss people, but I missed you. You not being here triggered me.”

Guilt pinched at me. When Tracy invited me to the party, I jumped at the opportunity to avoid a confrontation with him.

“You don’t miss people because you won’t emotionally invest,” I said.

He paused the game. “People are unpredictable. Like you showing out tonight.”

Sitting up, I folded my arms tighter, seething in anger. Marquise sat forward, causing my back to meet his chest again. He kissed my temple, but I shied away.

“Erin, I’m speaking facts. Don’t get upset,” he said, pulling me backward.

Another kiss landed on my temple. “Best friends don’t sit on each other and kiss, Marquise,” I said and moved to get up.

He tugged me backward, planting me back in the spot I tried to abandon.

“Stop inviting other people’s expectations into our friendship,” he said. “Relax.”

Fleeing was a losing effort, with him blocking my attempts to stand. I propped my feet on the ottoman to find some level of comfort.

“Now, back to what I was saying. I can’t sleep because my mind is racing,” he said.

“And playing Blazing and Guns is going to help you rest.”

“No, but holding you will,” he said and prodded his head in my neck. “Erin, stop pretending to be upset. Let me calm down and we’ll get in bed,” he said.

“You don’t seem upset to me, Marquise.”

“Trust me, I’m pissed the fuck off. I wanted to flip those speakers off the platform searching for you.”

I didn’t respond, instead, I rested against his chest as he started the game.

Marquise

After the first planet, Erin had drifted off to sleep. The last four hours I’d been a shell of myself. I came home to no Erin and lost my shit. Ivey tracked her phone, exposing her location. I walked into the party with the intention of shutting it the fuck down, but she came willingly.

The entire ride home, I questioned everything about myself, including the arguments.

I heard Pops’ voice telling me to slow down, but I couldn’t stop myself.

Right now, I could punch a hole in the wall.

I’m sexually frustrated, annoyed, but holding her in my arms was all I wanted to do for days.

Pausing the game, I lived in the moment of her resting on me.

Despite being visibly upset, Erin still left the party, trusting I wouldn’t hurt her.

This woman got a hold on me, and I couldn’t understand why.

My phone vibrated, interrupting my thoughts.

Unknown number

You must have a girlfriend.

I scrolled through the thread and identified the caller through the messages. It was Mo, Brittany’s roommate.

Unknown number

I thought I was your favorite.

I blocked the number before I sat my phone down. It’s going to be a hassle, but I needed to change my number. I ended the game once Erin moved her head again.

“Weirdo, let’s get in bed,” I said after I gave her a light shake.

She tilted her head back with closed eyes. I moved my legs first and then hers. She yawned as she struggled to stand without assistance. I tugged at her elbow to guide her to the bed.

“Best friends don’t sleep together,” she said while groggy.

“If I was a woman, we wouldn’t be having this discussion,” I said, and she perched her lips together.

“Be glad I’m too tired to argue with you.”

Erin climbed in bed but crawled her ass to the opposite side. I climbed in after removing my shirt. I observed the space between us, determining the distance between us wasn’t going to work. With my bed being custom-built, it was bigger than most people’s.

“Party girl, you’re too far away from me,” I announced, but Erin nestled her head in the pillow.

“Good night, Marquise.”

Being nice, I repositioned myself in the middle of the bed. I slipped my hands underneath the comforter and slid her to me. With her back to my chest, I wrapped my arm around her waist.

“Women sleep on opposite ends,” she murmured.

I chuckled at her smart-ass mouth but remained quiet as she snuggled into me.

The clock exposed the time. With the blackout curtains, it was pitch dark in my room, but it’s noon beyond these doors. Erin rested peacefully underneath me, and I determined this would be our new normal.

“What time is it?” she asked with closed eyes.

“Why, you got another party to attend?” I teased.

“I’m not apologizing for going to a party, Marquise. Let it go,” she said, and I smirked.

I zoned in on the fresh design in her hair and noticed the various holes in her ear. She would have piercings, and I bet she’s got a few more tattoos somewhere on her body.

“Why do you need to know what time it is?” I questioned.

Her eyes popped open. “Because I have to go to work.”

I jerked my head back at her statement. Our next three games were home games. Malcolm and Jhae were going to be pinned in the room fucking.

“Jhae is busy. She doesn’t need your assistance,” I said.

Erin’s nose crinkled as her face tightened due to my response. I knew her smart ass mouth wasn’t going to let that slide. “She can do that because she is the boss,” Erin countered.

“Call in. We have plans today. No ass shaking though,” I said.

Erin’s small fist landed on my chest. “Cancel them. You should have asked first. I have to work,” she said.

“Can’t do it. Get dressed and we’ll grab some brunch” I said.

“Marquise I. . .”

“I’m not interested in your excuses. I’ll let Jhae know you’re sick today,” I said, interrupting her protest.

Erin turned on her side and I pulled her into me, lining her neck with kisses. She squirmed and giggled for a release.

A knock came at my door, forcing me to release her.

“Yo,” I said.

“Bro, you saw Erin? She isn’t answering and Jhae’s worried,” Malcolm said.

“Open the door,” I instructed.

Erin tried to duck underneath the linens to conceal her face, but I wouldn’t allow it completely. Malcolm twisted the knob, sticking his face in the room. He smiled as he eyed Erin’s hair.

“Good morning, Erin,” Malcolm teased.

“Hi, Malcolm,” she said underneath the comforter.

“Tell Jhae Erin is calling in today. She had too much fun entertaining other men last night,” I said.