Page 22 of Defending the Post (The Complexity of Love #3)

Chapter Eleven

Public and Private

Marquise

“ W hat happens if you allow them to go unprotected? Can you trust that you equipped them enough to make a good decision?” Dr. June asked.

This was my third session with her this week. Once again, tears flowed down my face. She was asking me to let go, and I didn’t think I had the willpower to do it.

“Son, allow us to protect you,” Pops said on the video visit.

I called him after my second visit, apologizing. Dr. June informed me I put him in my protective bubble. Asking for Khaira all the time was rooted in my trauma.

“Pops, she’s asking me not to care,” I said to the screen.

I could tell from the background Pops was in his office. Thinking back, I can’t believe I objected to him joining the family. He has been my rock in ways Mom couldn’t and didn’t understand.

“Dr. June is asking you to care differently,” he said, and I wiped away a tear.

“I don’t know how to,” I said.

Dr. June gave a warm smile before she spoke.

“Allow me to help guide you to a healthier way of caring. It will take time. You will not change overnight, but the work must be done. My request of you today is to talk to Malcolm and explore his reasoning for talking to Toni. You are to listen, ask questions, and support the decision.”

“I got you. Haven’t I kept my word?” Pops followed.

“Thank you, Pops,” I said.

“Good work, Marquise. The only person you’re allowed to protect is you moving forward. I’ve informed the family that you have resigned from your role as protector.”

I chuckled at her comment, but I was scared as hell as I said goodbye.

I fell back on the bed to gather my thoughts before I hunted down Malcolm.

This conversation could wait, but I wanted to get it over with.

I hadn’t held my woman for six days. I was sexually deprived, and we played Houston that night.

The last time we played them, I got a tech for roughhousing with Brock’s big ass.

The sound of the door opening pulled my attention.

Malcolm pretended to run at me with his arms up, mimicking a wrestler.

I rolled out of the way before he made it to the bed.

We did this as kids until one of us got a black eye.

Mom chewed us out over the phone, but Granny saved the day.

Malcolm had me locked in a bear hug before I could fully leave the bed.

“Say the words,” he quoted. “Say it.”

“You’re the better twin,” I yelled.

Malcolm’s strong ass tightened his grip around my core, squeezing my arms before loosening. I pulled away from him, bolting from the bed as he laughed.

“You know I be lying, don’t you,” I said and joined in with the laughter.

“What happened in therapy?” he questioned.

I blocked the TV, leaning against the stand. “I need to ask you something,” I said.

“Yes, you are my best man,” he said.

I tossed an empty sports bottle at him. “I’m serious. Why do you keep connecting with Toni? It makes me uneasy.”

Malcolm sat up and we folded our arms, right over left at the same time.

“I want to learn about our family roots. We need to know about our history, including health concerns. When I meet with Toni, we talk about life and her childhood, nothing more. I do want to meet her family, but that’s it.

Anissa Shaw-Jefferies is our momma. I will kill for that woman.

Even though she is giving my wife the cold shoulder,” he said.

Mom and Jhae not talking impacted the entire family. The energy wasn’t the same. The holidays were a fucking mess with us trying to split our time. We missed Jhae’s energy, laughter, and her potato salad.

“Toni asks you for money?” I questioned.

Malcolm chuckled before he motioned his head no.

“She won’t even allow me to pay for lunch.

For the most part, she cries the entire time we are together.

Toni is in nursing school. If she asked for money, I would give it to her, but I ain’t crazy.

What makes you uneasy about knowing our bio mom? ” Malcolm asked.

We sat in silence for several seconds.

“We shared a womb, Marquise. I’m not going to judge.”

“I don’t want you to connect with them and forget about me.

I agreed to share you with Jhae. I don’t want you to bankroll their family because you’re generous.

Toni represents the past. I want to move forward, but she is a memory that haunts me.

I don’t want a relationship with her, and I need my decision to be okay,” I said.

Malcolm was slow to speak as he digested my words.

“Marquise, I share you. You don’t think that bothers me?

You were all I had against Winston. But over time and with Dr. June, I realized you’ve got my back even if you create your own life.

Erin is good people. She is doing me a solid right now.

Jhae sent me those pictures, and my God,” Malcolm said, and my head jerked backward.

“Chilll out, you know my woman fine... but twins don’t mean we share everything, including Toni. And you know Jhae is the only woman who has unlimited access to my money. I’ll stop sweating you about Toni,” he continued, and we slapped hands.

“Baby, your energy is trash right now. What’s going on?” I asked, pausing our private game.

“Nothing,” she whispered.

It’s eleven in Toronto, meaning it was eight in L.A. Erin’s been quiet and distant, and it triggered me. I hit a video call to get a glimpse of her face. Those brown eyes appeared in the video.

“Erin, what’s going on with you?”

The light from the video game hit her face, displaying her glossy eyes.

“What’s wrong?” I asked.

My body went on alert as my shoulders tensed and my breathing grew heavy and weighted. A lazy smile appeared on her face before it faded. She turned off the TV, leaving the room pitch dark.

“Erin!”

“You need to calm down. The person you are ready to fight is yourself. I can’t do another damn road trip. It’s been eight days, Marquise,” she expressed.

After those words left her lips, my smile made a grand appearance. Women have told me before they missed me, but coming from Erin meant something different. My dick was semi-hard from her admission.

“Eight more days, baby,” I confirmed.

“Call in sick. I need a few days with you,” she said, and I laughed.

Fuck, this woman got my dick hard and my heart bleeding.

Erin

“This is Q97, the jam. You guys heard about ‘Golden Heart’ from Jhae’s new album Complexity . I’m here with the beautiful artist herself,” DJ Spin said.

I sat in the back, making sure everyone kept to the strict guidelines I gave them. No one was to ask any questions about Malcolm and Jhae’s relationship. If she brought it up, then it’s fair game.

“Jhae, the album is charting number one on all streaming services. What made you drop the album in the middle of the night?” DJ Spin asked.

After the game last night, Jhae looked over at me and said, “drop the album.”

I hit the appropriate buttons, and it was uploaded on all streaming services, and I created some lyric videos for “Golden Heart” and “Forbidden.” We already had this interview planned with the radio station, and things aligned perfectly.

“It was the right time,” Jhae answered.

DJ Spin hit the keyboards and various sounds played.

“Tell us about the album,” he said.

“This is for the lovers. My heart sang every lyric. I would leave the studio in the wee hours of the morning in tears. I want people to fall in love again,” she said.

“I’m just gonna say it, I think ‘Golden Heart’ has taken the number one spot from ‘A Timeless Love Can Wait.’ Aye, argue with yo momma, but it’s been on replay. I sent this song to my wife,” DJ Spin said.

A few of us chuckled at his comment. I continued checking her emails and social media. People were digging the album and pissed because the tour dates were sold out.

Marquise

I didn’t get my answer.

I covered my mouth as I read his message.

“Will there be more tour dates?” DJ Spin asked.

“I will need to get with my manager and creative director. We have so many great things in store for the fans. Please follow my social media and get on my mailing list for details.”

Me

Marquise, stop it.

Marquise

Let me taste it when I get home.

I refocused on the interview to keep from heating up.

“Who is the person opening up the album? Is he a new artist?” DJ Spin asked.

Jhae leaned away from the mic and giggled. “No, it’s my brother-in-law. Shout out to Marquise,” she said.

Me

Jhae gave you a shout-out.

Marquise

Cool, but I’m worried about arching your back.

“How is working with Icey?” DJ Spin asked Jhae.

Jhae D Records was serious about Icey. The rebranding of his website and social media gained attention to the point Tyrus flew to Houston. We have brands reaching out for deals and other artists wanting a feature.

“Icey is a phenomenal talent. The album is cold. He is working hard in the studio all the time. He takes his craft seriously. Speaking of which, Icey, can I get a remix, sir?” Jhae said, and the room cackled. “Y’all, Icey does not play about his money or his music,” she added.

Me

I’m at the radio station.

Marquise

It’s wet, ain’t it?

Me

Go to treatment.

“Weirdo.”

I thought I was dreaming, as I squinted my eyes, making out Marquise’s face. Sleep fueled excitement traveled through me as I shed the blanket. Sitting on my knees, I extended my arms in his direction. He pecked my lips repeatedly before I could ask questions.

“You said you wouldn’t make it until tomorrow,” I murmured against his neck.

“I lied,” he said.

These last four games had me sick to my stomach, especially when Marquise rolled his ankle. He told me not to worry about it, but I did the opposite. I pulled him down by his shirt, wrapping my arms around his neck.

“My baby misses me,” he said after he kissed my neck.

“Yes, I miss you,” I said, squeezing him hard and tight.

“Do I get to taste you tonight?” he asked, and I shook my head no.

Before we have sex, we need to have a deeper conversation. I knew we were not friends, but we hadn’t defined anything.

“I thought you missed me,” he said between laughter.

“I do.”

“But not enough for me to make you cum.”

I rolled my eyes because my pussy was already wet, and if he pressed the issue, I would give in.

He kissed my neck again. “Be glad I’m tired because I know you would let me,” he said, and I blushed.

I lined my lips with lipstick as Marquise kissed my neck. He had been a zombie most of the day, only getting up two hours ago. Tonight was his father’s birthday party, and we were going to be late.

“Your lips are still dry,” he said, and I laughed.

Marquise pressed his hard dick against my ass as he kissed me.

“Tonight, you gon’ let me count those tattoos?” he asked, and I fought the desire to moan in agreement.

Marquise’s lips continued to align my neck and heat rushed to my middle.

“Stop, we have to go,” I said, softer than I should have.

We glared at each other in the mirror with loaded eyes. “We need to establish some things before we have sex,” I said.

He wrapped his hands around my waist and waited for me to continue.

“I don’t do casual sex, Marquise. Either we’re in this as a couple or we’re not,” I said.

Marquise kissed my cheek. “Erin, we have been in a relationship since the first game I met you. I meant what I said when I claimed you in the text message,” he said.

I blushed at his statement. “What are you saying?” I asked for clarity.

“You’re my woman and my first official girlfriend,” he said with confidence.

Marquise pulled his vibrating phone out of his pocket and answered a text from Malcolm. He angled the camera at us and snapped a picture.

“I’m about to post this on social media. I’m officially off the market,” he said, but I grabbed his phone.

“Wait, let’s slow down. Can we keep things private for now? I want the focus to be on you and the playoffs,” I said facing him.

I leaned against the vanity, but he stepped away. He moved my hand when I reached for his black button-down shirt.

“Why can’t I post the picture, Erin?” he questioned.

I jerked my head back, wondering why this was a big deal. Marquise’s social media was mainly basketballs and cars. He had never posted a woman before, including his sisters.

“I’m not saying you can’t post the picture. What I asked is for you to wait. Give us time,” I said and reached for him again.

Marquise wouldn’t allow me to touch him. Instead, he exited the bathroom, and I followed.

“Okay, what is happening here?” I questioned.

Marquise snatched his jacket from the back of the sectional without saying anything.

“Hello, do you not hear me talking to you?”

“Erin, let’s go before we are late,” he said and moved toward the door.

My eyes bounced around the room in search of what the hell was happening.

“Can you please tell me why your mood changed?” I asked.

Marquise opened the door and left me standing in his bedroom. I scoffed at his behavior and left in search of him, because none of this made sense to me. Everyone was gathered in the living room, waiting to leave, but I didn’t care.

“Marquise, are you serious? What is wrong with you?” I questioned.

“Erin, I’m not in the mood. Can we please leave?” he said, and I folded my arms in protest.

“Y’all good?” Malcolm asked, as he waved his hands between me and his brother.

“I’m trying to figure out why you would agree to be my woman, but we can’t tell anybody. What woman doesn’t want to be on her man’s social media? Something you need to tell me, Erin?” Marquise said.

I threw my hands in the air at his comment.

“Because I asked you to wait until we are established,” I hit back.

“Erin, what the hell do you think we’ve been doing for the last three months? Do you know how much pussy I turned away for this? Nothing is good enough for you, not even me,” he said.

I saw red as I glared into his eyes. “You know what, don’t let me stop you. Have all the pussy you want. None of those bitches stopped for a second to give a fuck about you. Poke your dick into every hole you can,” I said.

“Bro, you’re out of line,” Malcolm said.

“You worry about your perfect ass woman. She doesn’t have any problem announcing your relationship. All I do is protect y’all and I don’t get shit in return, including support,” Marquise said and walked out the door.