Page 80 of Rebound

“You’re a vicious one, aren’t you?”

“She was flirting with you.”

“Yeah, but I didn’t care.” She huffs and attempts to move away, but I grab her around the waist and pull her back against my chest. “I’m wearing your brand proudly, Lotus. I haven’t looked at another woman since you came back into my life.”

She leans against me and I feel her relax a little. “You can look, Trick.”

“I don’t need or want to. And it’s impossible when you’re around. When you’re not, I’ve got the visual of you spread out for me playing on a loop.”

“The first or second time?” she whispers and my cock jumps.

I’ve relived every single minute of the night I knocked her up. Her legs shaking as we fucked on the kitchen floor and when she had them on my shoulders once we finally made it to my bed.

“Both,” I reply and her ass shifts against me. My dick’s ready to punch through all the layers and bury himself inside her. We remember and we want it again.

“Hi everyone! Thank you so much for coming out tonight. We know it’s hot as fuck, but we appreciate you being here.”

Tamara leans away as Millie speaks, but I keep my arm around her, because I need a little protection for the fucking tent in my pants.

“In case it wasn’t clear yet, Jon and I got married over the weekend. Between our two families, we got so tired of waiting for them to decide details. So we eloped!”

Everyone claps as the couple turn to each other. There’s nothing but love in their eyes, love that cannot be faked or replaced. I wonder if I look at Tamara like that. The way I feel about her is intense and it scares me often. I’ve never openly admitted, even to myself, how much I’ve always loved her. I feel it every single time we’re around each other. Even doing the simplest thing like making our morning beverages.

“Refill those drinks and find your seat. We’ve got a delicious spread prepared. But most importantly, we’re so happy to celebrate this big day with all of you. And to the three women who helped me through every heartbreak and fight, I’m sorry I couldn’t steal you away for the weekend. But you were there in spirit,” Millie adds and Tamara sniffles. “Enjoy!”

The guests move towards the table and start finding their name cards. I realise quickly that it’s randomly placed, so Tamara and I are definitely not going to be sitting together. She notices this too and huffs.

“If you’re next to Vinitha, I cannot be held responsible for what might happen.”

I laugh and squeeze her side. “All you need to do is remember that while I’m sitting next to someone else, I’m thinking about whether or not you’re wearing panties.”

“I guess you’ll have to wait to find out.” With a smirk she walks off, checking name cards until she finds her spot. I chuckle and hand my glass to a passing waiter before I go to find my seat. Like she predicted, Vinitha’s on one side and Jonathan’s brother on the other. Even without looking, I can feel daggers shooting our way, but I make it a point to focus on the other side instead.

Twenty-Seven. More dangerous

Tamara

While I’m not surprised Millie got married, I am a little upset they did it without us. She’s been engaged for a million years, so I’m glad it finally happened. And judging by her glow, this is the happiest she’s ever been. That’s all I want for my best friend. After she introduces me to a bunch of guests, I head to the bar where Vera’s chugging on a glass of wine.

“Oh my god, look at your belly!” My cousin sets her drink down and puts both hands on my stomach. Like the baby knows she’s there, they kick up a storm.

“That means the baby likes you.” She grins and I drop my voice to a whisper as I say, “You should have seen Patrick, Vee. He talked to my belly and cried. The man is going to ruin me.”

“We’ve been telling you this for weeks now.” She rolls her eyes and knocks back her drink before calling for another one.

I ask for a ginger ale and lean against the wooden surface beside her. Even though the nausea is gone, the baby and I have finally adjusted to the flavour of this damn drink.

“Just so you’re aware, if you elope, I will murder you.”

Vera chuckles. “Does a registered wedding count as an elopement?”

“If I’m not invited, yes.”

“Jeez, fine. We’ll just have to wait until you pop my new favourite kid out before we make any plans.”

I eye my cousin. “Hold on a minute, did he propose?”

She shakes her head. “No! Just thinking out loud.”