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My honeycomb invited him deeper inside of me. Greedily, it sucked his fingers while lubricating them with my sweetness. I oozed as we swapped saliva.

“I love you, Roulette.”

His remorseful plea raised flags within and all around me. I pulled back, reciting the words that he heard more often than not.

“As you should.”

Chino had more pieces of my heart than any man who didn’t share my blood and would ever have. But, it wasn’t solely his. I understood as a young girl that I wasn’t like the others. Weddings and hearts didn’t quite appeal to me.

I didn’t grow up with my life’s goals including marriage, love, and children. I wanted money and I wanted plenty of it. Anything that would keep me from obtaining as much of it as I could before my time on earth ended was simply not of interest.

Being head over heels for any human happened to be one of those things. I loved Chino as deeply as my heart would allow. Judging by the way Malachi loved Anna and Aeir, Milo loved Nature, Makai loved Glacier, Mercer loved Vallei, Teddy loved Egypt, Rather loved Priest, and Rugger loved Psalms, my love was surface-level.

Nonetheless, I loved him as much as I could ever love a man, although it was at a minimal capacity compared to those around me. My father had been clear when he told me that my reality would never resemble anyone else’s and that was the beauty of individualism. He’d taught us all to be our own kind of special. I wasn’t the exception and neither was my heart.

I kissed his lips once more and made my way toward the bed. His pensive gaze pinned me down against the mattress. I spread my legs, taking one across the head of our latest prize. My comfort was designed by two pillows behind my back, a hand on the brown beauty’s head, and her tongue against my clit.

Familiar eyes bowed in shame. A dagger pierced my heart. My irises found Chino again.

“Roulett–” he groaned as if his pain was more valid than mine.

As if he wasn’t the one in violation of not one, but two of the three rules we’d always followed. He removed himself from her wetness. His raw dick was offensive. My brows raised with concern, disgust, and apprehension. I masked my true feelings with a smile and a nod.

“Continue,” I demanded.

I had no interest in discontinuing their moment of passion. Being present would tell me everything I needed to know about their betrayal and the extent of their connection. Until I was completely satisfied with my wealth of knowledge and the number of orgasms I had, I wouldn’t be leaving.

They both owed me their bodies for the night. It was the least they could do to start repaying their debt. Because, instantly, they were both on my short list of debtors.

Involuntarily, my eyelids sealed themselves. My head fell backward. My center pushed forward, desperate for the gratification that was sure to come from the skillful tongue pressed against my clit.

“Mmm.”

Kiara twirled her tongue around my most sensitive nub, sucking it into her mouth after every few seconds. There was something special about a woman pleasing another woman. It was unparalleled to anything else. Because they knew exactly what women needed to reach our peak, their performance was top-tier.

Unmatched . Their desires were met through their prey. For everyone, it was a beneficial arrangement.

“Fuck,” I whispered, lifting my head slightly and opening my eyes.

Two fingers slipped into my asshole as her thumb penetrated my pussy. Her mouth never left my clit. It remained the priority.

The mounting pleasure made me squirm beneath her. Her fingers explored my interior as her tongue demolished my exterior, sending me crashing against the steep mountain top. My eyes found Chino, again.

His thrusts into Kiara were slow, methodical, and so damn forceful. Her body pushed forward each time his waist touched her ass cheeks. She felt good to him. She felt good to me. And, that revelation was enough to send me spiraling.

“Uh fuck!” I breathed out. “Oh fuck. Shit.”

Chino’s eyes never left me. He watched me as I watched him watch me unravel. My center throbbed, contracting against Kiara’s thumb. She pushed it deeper inside of me and flicked her tongue across my clit at an insane pace.

“Yes. Yes. Yes. Yesssss–”

A stream of my fluids forcefully escaped my pussy, aiming for the ceiling. The waterworks began. Kiara took advantage of the opportunity, she dug two fingers deep inside of me, twisted them upward, and beckoned for more. Because I’d been deprived for far too long, her request was granted immediately.

Shamelessly, I soaked the sheets beneath us. My chest lifted and fell dramatically as I closed my eyes, silently praying to be spared from the painful pleasure of my orgasm. Kiara was no rookie. She understood her assignment well and performed with the precision of a pro.

They–

I am not their first partner .

The thought plagued and excited me at once. Had she been the timid girl I knew her to be when it came to things of this nature, I wouldn’t have experienced her at this level. Chino had turned her out. Chino had tried to turn her into me .

As the facts began piling up, my elbows met the mattress. Chino penetrated me, giving me exactly what I’d been missing while on the island alone. I was simply a good time for the island people, but I refused to indulge in sexual activities with them.

Not because I was afraid or didn’t want to upset my partner, but because I understood the power of my pussy. I also understood and respected their way of life. I’d have the residents losing their minds and going against their culture for a taste of my nectar.

I loved what Teddy had created and didn’t care to interfere with the religious and cultural practices of his people. It was forbidden in my book because surely I’d turn them out just as Kiara had been in my absence. Though she was far from a saint, she wasn’t as seasoned as she was now.

“Uhhhhh.”

Her mouth was on my pussy again. Chino stroked me from behind, well-calculated and well-aware of where my secret button was buried inside of me. He grazed it each time he withdrew himself from the deep end.

His chest rested on my back. His breath was against my neck. His fingers were in my hair. He lowered it before pulling me up by the back of my neck. My silky bundles fell to the side, giving him unrestricted access to my spot. His spot. Our spot. He kissed it gently. Then, roughly. His teeth sunk into my skin, making me clench the muscles of my pussy.

“I’ve missed you,” he revealed. “I’m sorry.”

His strokes grew in speed and intensity. Each felt better than the last. Chino’s dick was unbelievably good. It had my words jumbled and my speech delayed. I didn’t know what to say or how to feel so I remained silent.

I grabbed his face, pressing his lips into my neck. He bit down, again, promising to bring me to my peak with Kiara’s assistance. I was near.

“I’m sorry, baby,” he apologized against my skin. “I love you… so much. I’m sorry.”

His confession bruised my heart. The sinking feeling prolonged my climax.

“Shut up,” I begged. “Shut u– uhhh.”

Kiara showed little mercy on my clit. Paired with Chino’s stroke and obedience, I was undone. I crouched, trying to free my private parts from their possession. My attempt was useless. She sucked me further into her mouth. Chino’s thighs crashed into me over and over.

Whap.

Whap.

Whap.

Shiiiiiiit–

He was fucking me as if his entire life was dependent upon my satisfaction.

It does , partially .

So did Kiara’s, but she’d proven worthy of life on earth and my roster. My 9mm bullets wouldn’t meet the bone of her skull or the matter of her brain.

She’s valuable. And has been in the wrong position since she began.

“Mmmmm. Fuc–”

She belonged in the front of the house, not the back. With a mouth as lethal as hers, Chino had better hope I didn’t confiscate her for my new lineup before leaving his residence.

Because, frankly, there would be one. He’d broken the rules. There had to be consequences. There would be consequences.

And, by the time I was finished with him, he’d better hope he could stop his heart from bleeding. Because I wouldn’t. Not even Google would be able to properly diagnose him for his condition.

“Jus– like– that,” I whimpered.

Chino was no fool. He understood very clearly that there were a few people you didn’t cross in this world. A Childers was one . Your karma would be coated in lead or so unbearable you wished it was.

Whap.

Whap.

Whap.

I couldn’t bear the sound of our unification. It was loud and bold. It was obnoxious. It was wet. It was slimy. It was evidence that Chino had been missed. It was evidence that the person he was fucking in my absence was a beast. It was arrogant, demanding of me what I had come to give.

“Uhhhhhh– fuckkkk– I’m cumming,” I groaned, feeling the currency travel through my entire body at once. Everything grew sensitive. Everything grew still.

As my eyelids collided with each other, I released. Suddenly, I grew limp. Soft. Vulnerable. Chino followed. He grew rigid and then softened behind me. His chest rested on my back. His lips were against my ear as Kiara feasted on my remnants, causing my body to convulse.

“Stay,” he begged.

I could feel his heartbeat against my back. He took shallow, nervous breaths as he waited for my response. There wouldn’t be one. I untangled my limbs with theirs and climbed down from the bed.

My feet touched the floor, regenerating my power. Vulnerability escaped me. Disappointment rescued me. My nose pierced the air as pride swelled my chest.

Don’t ever be anybody’s fool, Roulette. Not even mine .

Words of wisdom from my father carried me across the room where I began to regain my strength. My orgasm had weakened me to the point of immobility. Wobbly legs led me toward the bedroom door. Just as I met the threshold, a gentle voice halted my stride.

“Madam,” Kiara cried. “I didn’t mean for things to go this far.”

She reeked of despair. I could smell the fear seeping through her pores.

Coward .

I turned around, taking a good look at Chino and Kiara.

Pathetic .

My eyes roamed their faces and then their bodies, simultaneously. Though both were pleasant to the naked eye, it was the imperfection of Kiara’s midsection that caught my attention.

Clawed at my eyeballs.

Melted my skin.

Splintered my heart.

Stole a breath.

Tampered with my heart rate.

I tittered and angled my head as my lips turned upward. She was thin, much like me. Kiara’s stomach was as flat as the stage our dancers pranced around all night. When she was committed to the gym for months at a time, her six-pack was visible. She had abs to envy on her best days. And, now, she sported a small, barely noticeable bump.

“Roulette. Stay. She is leaving. I–”

“No, no. It’s late, and it’s dangerous outside of those doors. You should stay, Kiara. I’m leaving.”

“You don’t have to. I’ll go. I– I’m sorry,” she expressed with both hands in front of her.

“You are,” I agreed. “Continue as you all have been in my absence. I’ll be going now.”

“Roulette. Stay,” Chino called out behind me.

I turned around, tossing a hand over my shoulder, before yelling, “Congratulations. Tell me where to send the shower gifts. There will be plenty.”

Admittedly, I loved children and the events leading up to their birth. Children simply weren’t in my life’s plan. Showers and gatherings for a gender reveal had the best food and enough joy to pass around a few times. I wasn’t privy to many celebrations but made it a point to show up at the few I was invited to.

Hopefully, Chino had plans to share the details. Because I’d surely be in attendance. The innocence of the child had nothing to do with the acts of their parents. Though I didn’t plan to be in Chino’s life, he’d been a big part of mine, and blessing his child, no matter the circumstances, would be a pleasure.

“Roulette!”

Chino’s footsteps were loud and boisterous. They followed me down the steps as his lips began blabbering insecurities and apologies that I wasn’t interested in.

“I’m sorry. I fucked up. I’m man enough to admit that. I– She was just always there, Roulette. Holding shit down at the spot in your absence. I never looked at her that way.

“I didn’t. Hardly even paid attention to her when she was in the same room as me. But, shit– I just– one day she started reminding me of you. The way she handled business. The way she commanded the house.”

I slipped into my underwear and dress. Chino’s semen was spilling out of me, reminding me that we hadn’t gone for a second round and my center was still throbbing for more. Not more of him, but more of something.

Something filthy. Something big. Something dirty. Something black. Something that would fill me to the brim. Something ridiculous. Something forbidden.

“The way she made sure everything was running smoothly even with the FEDs breathing down our necks. And, when it all went downhill, she was emotional. Overwhelmed. And, I became something to her that I shouldn’t have. Something I shouldn– Roulette. Talk to me.”

“Goodnight, Chino. Go back inside. Your pregnant girlfriend is waiting for your return. Chasing me is pointless. My mouth is on the next dick already.”

I slid into my ride and attempted to close the door. Chino’s hand stopped me. With a shake of my head, I slid my hand on the side of the seat where Chemistry had been generous with his offering. I removed the gun from the holster as Chino’s face contorted.

What a fucking waste…

“Fuck you mea–”

I pressed the steel against his chest and tilted my head. Our eyes locked.

“I don’t have to check to see if my brother has one in the chamber because we both know he does. Your voice is extremely annoying, Chino. If you say another word to me I will prove that you aren’t invincible. One call and my sister will be over here in minutes to clean up the mess your heart will make once it explodes from a single bullet. Do not try me. Tonight is not the motherfucking night. So move. Move before I put you on the ground where you belong. Dog .”

Chino began to retreat. Slowly, he took steps backward. The bulge in his hunter-green briefs was visible, even in the dark of the night. I nearly strained the muscles in my eyeballs as they rolled continuously.

A shame. All of that dick has gone to waste.

I slammed the door behind me, peeved that Chino’s access had to be revoked. Because it wasn’t him that I was addicted to. It was his dick. Now that Kiara was carrying his child, it was hers to keep.

Trina blasted through the speakers, reminding me that I was still that bitch, but my head was elsewhere. I needed something more resonating. She wasn’t telling me anything I didn’t already know.

I shuffled the music in my library. As the universe would have it, Meg was the next voice I heard.

“Dear fuck nigga, still can’t believe I used to fuck with you. Popping Plan Bs cause I ain’t plan to be stuck with you.”

Word for word, I matched Megan’s energy, feeling every word that came from her lips and mine. Eventually the song ended, but I tapped the button on the steering wheel to replay it.

Again.

Again.

And, again.

By the end of the fourth replay, I was at the gate of my new home. Small, fine bumps lifted my skin as its beauty consumed me.

He knows me far too well .

Chemistry would go down in history as the greatest provider in this lifetime.

And the next, because we’ll be sure to find each other .

I dug into the zipper of my bag and retrieved the set of house keys that Teddy had given me before my departure. The gold was in pristine condition. I was anxious to age them with signs of usage over the next few years.

As I slid out of the SUV, I silenced the engine with a push of a button. The heaviness in my chest kept my feet planted on the concrete that led to the five-bedroom home Chemistry had secured for me.

Though it was completely possible for me to purchase my new home and furnish it to my standards, I was forbidden from making large purchases. They were reserved for Teddy’s account. He’d made that very clear to us as we matured and our accounts did the same.

I shoved the gold key marked with a black dot into the door and quickly gained entry. Red rose petals met me at the foyer. My right hand gripped the Glock 9 in my purse. I removed it, aiming it at the nothingness that led me toward the kitchen.

On the counter was a bottle of champagne, submerged in ice inside of a gold bucket. Beside it was a mountain of cash, neatly arranged in stacks of ten thousand. A handwritten note leaned against the bills. I lowered my gun to take the note into my hand.

The red ink scribbled across the torn piece of paper made my entire frame tingle. I was covered in warmth. And suddenly, the heaviness of my heart wasn’t a result of discovering my boyfriend of six years had impregnated my manager of operations.

I wish I could be there.

Today. Every day.

I love you, kid.

This lifetime. Every lifetime.

I was given eight soulmates.

Having you as one swells me with pride.

God is quite generous, even for monsters.

Teddy.

Consider the bills a contribution to your newfound success. There’s more to come.

I sighed, savoring the sound of his voice.

It was him . The man of little words who suddenly had so much to say.

The children. They’d softened him around the edges. They’d brought out a much more tolerable side of Chemistry that we never thought we’d experience.

It was him . He was the reason I swiped a single tear from the corner of my eye. I shook away the rest as I patted my eyes in an attempt to push them back into my body. Lonesomeness crept up my throat, threatening to choke me to death.

It didn’t matter that Rather was a mere fifteen minutes away or that Range was approximately six minutes away. Neither did it matter that Rugger would be returning soon. Royce’s proximity hardly mattered either. My heart and head were at war. Because, no matter how many of us were here, he wasn’t. Our father wasn’t. Our mother wasn’t.

“Ugh. Get it together you crying ass bitch,” I chastised with a groan. “Fucking crybaby.”

I folded the note and pressed it against my chest.

One.

Two.

Three.

Four.

Five.

I allowed five seconds to pass, giving me a chance to get myself together.

“That’s your one,” I warned, sliding the note in my purse and replacing it with the champagne bottle.

I twisted the muselet and tossed it on the counter. My fingers surrounded the cork before pulling.

Pop .

The familiar sound brought a sense of exultation. I’d made my way back to Clarke and the visit wasn’t temporary. I was back home.