Page 21

FOURTEEN

The seven o’clock hour had come and gone. Yet, there was no sign of the man I was set to meet. This wasn’t his usual approach to potential partners. I’d learned from Roulette that this meeting was unlike any other. I wasn’t sure how to process the notion, so I didn’t. Instead, I waited.

And waited.

And waited.

And waited.

The knock at the door never came. So, at ten o’clock, I emerged from the room with my stomach touching my back and my throat dry as sandpaper.

The do not disturb sign was still on the door when I exited. I took the elevator to the second floor. In the corner, I stood with my hands collapsed in front of me. I headed down the long hallway after the doors parted for my departure.

Restaurants covered every end of the second floor. There were options galore. However, I quickly settled on Marsai Steakhouse . Upon entry, I was greeted by the host.

“Evening, sir. Reservations?”

“Uh. No.”

“Then the bar is open for you to enjoy. But, unfortunately, we’re booked for tonight and every other night for the next year.” He chuckled at the last bit of his statement.

“Oh yeah?”

“Yes. Our guest reservations are booked far, far in advance.”

“I prefer the bar.” I shrugged, not very interested in a table.

“Then that works out perfectly. Room number please?”

“5109.”

“Mr— Kingston? ”

“Yes.”

“Follow me, please.”

He grabbed a menu and led me through the restaurant. We passed the marble slab that served as a bartop. Confused, I continued, wondering where the hell he was headed. When we finally stopped at a secluded table, deep in the back of the restaurant, I tilted my head to see if he had hearing devices.

“We passed up the bar a minute ago.”

“I’m aware, sir. What I neglected to tell you is that we always reserve two tables for guests of our Presidential suites. Just in case you decide to make your way down, we want to make sure there’s always room for you here.”

I nodded. “Appreciate it.”

I unbuttoned the jacket of my suit and took a seat with my back toward the wall. The seclusion of the table had me tucked away from the crowd, but I could see everything and almost everyone. I grabbed the large menu and unfolded it to begin the search for beverages and entrees.

A Manhattan.

Alligator for a starter.

Chef’s special, seafood edition .

I tutted, realizing I had stolen Roulette’s entire order. The drink was the only difference. She was a sucker for a Chef’s Special as long as there was seafood involved. Learning her inside, out was one of the most rewarding experiences in life thus far.

She was as complicated as they came, but somehow, I understood her. I understood her logic. I understood her moves. I understood why she was who she was. I understood her heart. I understood her hesitation. I understood she wasn’t monogamous by nature.

And though I struggled with the idea, I didn’t struggle with her. And, since I’d reconnected with her, I knew, beyond a shadow of doubt, that my dick was the only one she’d experienced. Her pussy said so. And, the urge to end a life hadn’t visited me in some time.

I lowered the menu and quickly discovered I was not alone. My eyebrows crinkled, forming worry lines appear on my forehead. I placed a hand on my hip, ready to put my fire to work. Before my hand reached the butt of my gun, three guns were on the table. Sitting, but they were all facing me.

“They didn’t stop making guns when they made yours. If I wanted you dead, you’d be dead. But, your death wouldn’t bring me peace. It would bring me pain. She’d never forgive me.”

The Chemist .

“Chemist.” I nodded, lowering my hand.

“I am not here on business, Israel. I am here because you are getting very close to someone I love dearly.”

“Roulette.”

“The world will bleed if anything happens to her.”

“She’s not involved with a man that has anything going on that would bring her harm.”

I was retired. There was no need to worry about Roulette’s safety when she was with me, away from me, or at all. She was covered. My bullshit would never touch her doorstep. I wasn’t built like that.

“She, in fact, is.”

“I’m retired.”

He tipped his head in my direction and grabbed the water from the waitress before she had a chance to sit it down. He placed a hand in the air when her mouth parted, prepared to speak.

“We’ll need a minute.”

“Yes, sir. Of course.”

When we were alone again, he lowered the water onto the table.

“That might be.”

Baffled, I waited for an explanation.

“Liaison, huh?”

“Yeah. To get the women of this operation out of the direct line of danger.”

He chuckled, reminding me of Rome’s response.

“Direct line of danger?” He asked.

“I didn’t stutter. My words were incredibly clear.”

“They were. Accurate, though, not so much.”

“How do you figure?”

“Because anyone who crosses paths with the women within our organization is in the direct line of danger. Not only them but their mothers, sisters, fathers, aunts, uncles, and everyone else they love.

“When it comes to my sisters, no one is off limits. No one. I won’t know boundaries. Entire lineages will be discontinued. Down to the pet fish. They all know it. So do you.”

“Still.”

“I appreciate your concern, but there is a place for you somewhere else in this organization.”

“I’m listening.”

“And, I’ll begin telling you once you handle your first assignment.”

“First assignment.” I chuckled. “What might that be?”

“Question–”

“I might have an answer,” I assured him.

“Your wealth is– well, let’s just say that you have no reason to even consider a position in this organization. What is your reason?”

“Allies. It’s better to have them.”

He laughed, shaking his head. “That’s not it.”

“I’m bored.”

“Neither is that.”

I nodded, accepting that he wouldn’t settle for anything other than the truth. “It’s lonely at the top.”

“Not anymore.”

I read between the lines he’d drawn. But, there was still one missing piece to the puzzle.

“The assignment?”

“Eliminate your competition.”

“Had a chance to look over the menu?” The waitress returned with her pen and pad.

I’d forgotten my selections. I reopened the menu to find the specific listings to make sure they were my final choices.

“Yes. I’ll start with a Manhattan. And, for a starter, I’ll ta–”

I looked up from my menu to give the waitress my full attention. Unfortunately, the empty seat across the table captured it first.

“Sir?”

“Uh yeah. Alligator for the starter. And, the Chef’s Special. Seafood.”

“Got it. Anything else?”

“No. Just my drink. Pronto.”

“Coming right up.”

My phone chimed on the table. I removed it from the linen to find a text from an unknown number.

Their affairs are not mine to get involved with, but she’s different. Word of advice: Do not force yourself onto her. She will retreat. She hates feeling as though she isn’t in control of her destiny. Don’t strip that away from her. She takes pride in creating her own narrative. Allow it or at least allow her to think she is doing so. And spend your money. All of it if you have to. You’ll get it back. I’ll make sure of it.

I rested my body on the hood of the car with the engine still running. It had been four days too many since I’d laid eyes on Princess. Watching as she walked out of her front door, dressed in a red silk dress with pumps to match, became the highlight of my evening.

She was sophisticated beyond words. And, it wasn’t a choice of hers. It came as natural as breathing. I hadn’t witnessed her in anything other than heels but once. Even around the house, she clicked and clacked in mile-high stilettos.

I extended my right arm as she approached. When she was only inches away I wrapped my hand around her neck, pulling her into my chest and up to my lips. She closed her eyes, savoring the moment. I was savoring her.

Her taste.

Her scent.

Her hair.

Her nails.

Her brains.

Her beauty.

Her makeup.

Her subtle curves.

Her sophistication.

Her everything .

“Seriously?” Malaya’s voice was startling.

I was so caught up in the moment. Caught up in Roulette. I hadn’t noticed she’d exited the house shortly after. I wiped the sticky lipstick from my mouth and stood up straight.

“My bad, baby girl.” I laughed, realizing she’d never experienced me with a woman.

I kept my relations as far away from Malaya as I possibly could. But, Princess was different. She’d be around.

I wrapped my daughter in my arms, covering her body almost completely. It was so good seeing her. Business trips left me with so many unresolved concerns. There was always a chance that the plans I’d made for Malaya didn’t fall through. This time, they didn’t. But, Roulette’s presence allowed me to breathe. She had everything under control.

“Are those eyelashes on your eyes?” I queried, cupping her chin and lifted her face up to make sure I wasn’t seeing shit.

“Roulette helped me put them on. They’re still holding up. I’m only missing two. I’m going to replace them before I go to school in the morning.”

“Speaking of school, how has it been?”

“Better since Roulette slapped Haleigh’s mom. Every time I walk down the hallways now, I hear Bow Down bit – Well, you know the song.”

Nervously, she chuckled, realizing she was close to using profanity. I’d never heard anything as foul come from her mouth. I was left with uprooted eyebrows and an ear angled toward her.

Something was different about my daughter and it wasn’t her choice of words. I was certain they crossed her mind when she was alone or with friends although she’d never expressed them.

There was something else. An unfamiliar sparkle. An unfamiliar confidence. An unfamiliar smile. An unfamiliar aura. She was being influenced. And, the influence was brightening the dimness of her light. My heart smiled. So did my face.

“No, I don’t know the song. Please enlighten me.”

“It’s a Beyonc– Nevermind. I’m going inside. Have fun you two and be back at a decent hour. I’ll be waiting.”

“Will you now, because you’re sleep by eight every night,” Roulette challenged.

Learning Malaya as swiftly as she had was reassuring. From their chemistry, one would assume they’d been around each other all their lives. Roulette had grown up around so many women that she’d adjusted to Malaya’s presence effortlessly.

“Shhhh. I don’t want the neighbors hearing you and trying to kidnap me after eight.”

I sniggered, unable to conceal my laughter. Suddenly, she’d even become a comedian.

“They will die a slow, cruel death if they do,” Princess warned, “You hear me neighbors.”

The interaction was even comical because the neighbors couldn’t hear either of them. They were at least a quarter of a mile down the block.

“Before you go inside, baby girl, these are for you.”

I peeled off the bouquet of pink roses, leaving the red tucked in the corner of my arm.

“For me?” Her eyes lit up.

“Yes. For you.”

I didn’t want her to reach the age of thirty to realize she wanted flowers from a man. Roulette had taught me a valuable lesson. As her father, I wanted to begin traditions that would elevate her standards and enhance the lists I found on her desk describing her ideal partner.

I was no fool. I knew boys were on the way. Her interest was piqued. However, she was dedicated to her education at the moment.

I wasn’t sure how long that would deter her from the male attention she sought, but I was hoping I had at least another year or two before I was checking niggas at the door. I wasn’t ready and neither was she.

Unlike most fifteen year olds, she was truly a fifteen year old. A child . One who stayed in a child’s place without ever swerving in the lane reserved for adults.

“They are so pretty. Oh my God. Look at them. Hello, babies. I’m going to take such good care of you.”

“They’ll die, Malaya.”

“Hush, they’re alive for now and I’m going to keep them alive as long as I possibly can.”

“Have your way, baby girl.”

“Cold water. A few ice cubes won’t hurt. If you’d really like to keep them longer, put them in the fridge at night. Just like florists.”

I watched as Malaya nodded, giving me those eyes that halfway broke my heart and halfway healed it.

“Dad–”

“Yes, baby girl,” I responded. “Yes. To whatever you’re thinking, yes.”

“Yay. And, it’s a mini fridge in my bedroom by the way. Not for food, but for my roses. I want the see-through one. So I can make sure they’re well during the night.”

Sighing, I nodded. “Alright. Order it. I’ll have Raquim pick it up.”

“Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Love you, bye.”

That’s her. That’s the bubbly, live-spirited Malaya I want around all the time .

She kissed my cheeks and then bolted toward Roulette’s front door.

“I have a feeling I’m going to have to pry her out of my house. Out of my bed , specifically.”

The look of disgust on Princess’ face was a facade. It was apparent she was enjoying Malaya’s presence. She lived with a house full of siblings until she was in her mid-twenties. This was nostalgia at its finest.

She wouldn’t be prying Malaya out of her home. She’d be begging her to stay for another night and another night and another night. Eventually creating a space for Malaya to stay as long as she wanted.

“She’s been in your bed?”

“Since the very first night. My personal space doesn’t exist at this point. Well, only when I’m at the club some nights, tucked away in my office.”

“You’re going to have a problem on your hands,” I told her, sucking the skin of my teeth.

“At least it’s a good problem. A tolerable problem. A respectful problem. She’s getting a little expensive, but nothing’s wrong with an expensive problem. I’m one myself.”

“And you’re rubbing off on her.”

I reached into my pocket to retrieve my wallet. She watched as I slid the credit card out and pushed it in her direction.

“For the both of you.”

“Limit?”

“Don’t insult me, Princess.” I pecked her lips. “There’s no limit when it comes to you two. Now, let’s go. These are for you.”

I handed her the red roses. She gave me the same eyes Malaya had seconds ago. With a shake of my head, I asked, “What is it, Princess?”

“Can I have a fridge, too? The one with the glass door so I can see my roses at night, too?”

I sighed. “Yes.”

“Thank you.”

I rounded the car and opened the passenger door. “Get in, woman.”

Clarke’s skyline was incomparable to anything else. The beauty was awe-striking. Under the city lights, we rode hand-in-hand with the skyscrapers of downtown Clarke serving as our backdrop.

Roulette was lost in her thoughts, taking in the scenery as she listened to the soft tunes playing on the stereo. Exhaustion dampened her liveliness. She’d yawned three times since I’d gotten her in the passenger seat.

Guilt consumed me. I brought her hand up to my lips at the realization that I’d unknowingly introduced her to a new project, a new responsibility that she took on without question. Without regard. Without hesitation.

She didn’t date men with children. She didn’t want any children of her own. Now, I understood why. She didn’t trust herself. She didn’t know how far she’d go for them. She didn’t know how much of herself she was willing to give to them. She feared giving them every piece of her she had, not every piece she had to offer. All of her. Every inch. Every ounce. Everything.

Sorry, Princess .

It was complicated. I was complicated. Our situation was complicated. But, the world I was building was a world I wanted her to be a part of. Malaya was the center of that world before she came along. Now that she was here, she was right there with my daughter. I prayed she understood that because it would help her better understand me.

“Tired?”

She nodded, resting her head on the seat. Another yawn distorted her words.

“I am.”

“You want to turn back? I can take Malaya home for you to get some rest. I’ll come back later tonig–”

“No. I need to get out of the house, Israel. Between work and–” she paused, realizing she was admitting to the struggles of motherhood although she wasn’t a mother.

“Malaya,” I finished her sentence for her, “You haven’t gotten much rest or enjoyed yourself, so you need a night out.”

“It’s not like that.” She sighed. “It’s really not like that.”

“If it is, that’s okay. I understand. I’m often in the same position. But, what I want you to understand is that she is my responsibility, Princess. If ever her presence is too much, too tiring, then I will relieve you of that stress. I’m not immune to your– habibi, I know how you feel about childr–”

“That’s not how I feel about her.”

“I don’t want you to take on too much too fast.”

“She’s not too much. I’m just adjusting. Give me time. I’ll be fine.”

Stubborn. It didn’t matter the situation. Roulette was the same all the way around the board.

“Besides, Israel. She needs me. I feel it. She needs me. Being with me heals something inside of her a little more each day. The girl she is today is not the girl I met that day. She is not the girl that cried on my shoulder in the back of the car.

“She’s someone different. And, the change has everything to do with whatever is happening between us. That makes me feel good. Makes me feel like I’m doing something right in the world. I’m no stranger of sabotage. I’m sure Rome told you that too. I thrive in chaos.

“I like fucking it all up so that I have something to fix. Keeps me busy. Keeps my ADHD in check and me out of the doctor’s office. I didn’t break Malaya, but helping fix her feels so much different from anything else I’ve done. I’m contributing to society. It needs more young women like her.

“She’ll pay it forward. I know she will. I’m blessing the next young girl and I don’t even know her. Malaya will do the work, though. I know she will. Besides, it’s my job to make motherfuckers believers.

“Haleigh will never assert herself in such a negative manner again. Trust me. So, technically, I’m saving a few girls from her wrath, teaching her a lesson, and building up Malaya in the process. Full circle.”

“Teaching her a lesson?”

“Her and her low iron, oily scalp ass mother.”

“Princess–”

“I tried to slap the Mabelline off that bitch,” she admitted.

“I’m sorry, you did what?”

“Nothing.”

“No. Not nothing. What did you do?”

“Got my baby’s lick back. The right way.”

“No one has put their hands on Malaya.”

“But they put their mouths on her, speaking to her outlandishly. That’s as cruel as physical touch. Nevertheless, they’ve both learned not to fuck with that one.”

“Princess, you can’t go up there clo–”

“I’ve made myself clear, Israel. You can’t bring her into my life and expect me not to treat her like my own. And, by my own, I mean blood. Whether it’s a sibling, cousin, niece, nephew, or child.”

“I can respect it.”

“Thank you.”

“I’m happy for you,” I admitted.

“Happy for me?”

“You’re not above fixing something you didn’t break to begin with. That means the world to me, Princess. Malaya means the world to me. And, you’re right. The girl I witnessed tonight is not the same girl from a week and a half ago. Everything is different, down to her smile.”

“She’s a girl’s girl, now.”

“Is she now?”

“Um hmm. It’s exciting. Rome is taking her to rehearsal with her. As soon as she lands this next role, Malaya will be front and center. They have classes at the theater. I hope she still finds ballet interesting enough to try out for placement.”

“Me too. She’s actually nice on the floor.”

“I know. She was showing off with Rome in the living room. My sister thinks she has something. That’s all Rome needed to see. She’s going to do everything in her power to make sure Malaya succeeds.”

“Just like you– does it run in your family?”

She nodded. “Yes.”

“Good thing she’s considered a part of it, now.”

“She is.”

I kissed her hand a second time as we pulled up to our destination. I exited and then helped her out of the car.

“Crack the windows or my roses will die.”

“I cracked mine, Princess.”

“Thanks.”

The lake glistened in the dark. The air was cooler near the sparkling water. I removed my jacket and placed it on her shoulders. She laced her fingers inside of mine, looking up at me with so much adoration.

“What’s up, Princess? Something on your mind?”

“No,” she lied, lowering her head to make sure she wasn’t getting her dress dirty.

She lifted it slightly with her right hand and then her eyes were back on me. Leaning into me, she threw off my balance.

“You trying to end my life?” I joked.

“No. Because, then I’ll never suck your dick again in my life and that is an awful life to have.”

“You fucked up in the head. You know that?”

“Um hm. That’s what they tell me.”

“Well, now, I’m telling you.”

She paused for a moment, taking interest in the path we were walking. We adapted to the silence. The water crashing against the rocks was therapeutic. So was she.

“Water.”

She broke the silence.

“What about it?”

“You like it.”

“I love it.”

“So does my brother. You remind me a lot of him. Grumpy. Good-hearted. Caring. Menacing. All serious. Non-tolerable.”

“Is that right?”

“Yes. And he loves the water. Probably more than he loves any of us.”

This was Roulette. Pure. Attentive. Observant. Quiet. Calm. Underneath it all, this was who she truly was for the most part. However, those moments didn’t last very long because they bored her easily.

They were safe. They were predictable. And, uneventful. So, she kept busy. Several establishments held her attention. She had three businesses in total and was working on a fourth one. Her plate was always full.

“I doubt it, but I’m sure it comes close.”

“What’s the deal with it? What’s so special about it?”

“It’s freeing. It’s liberating. It’s boundless. It’s powerful. It’s peaceful and chaotic at once.”

“Like life for me.”

Her observation was spot on.

“Just like life is for you,” I confirmed.

We approached the lone table, set for two on the edge of the shore– where land met water .

“I guess the sounds of nature won’t help your need for sleep. But, fuck it. I’ll cradle you in my arms like a baby if you happen to doze.”

“Will you, now?”

She smiled, allowing me to pull out her chair. She sat and I squatted until my long legs were bent forward and we were face to face.

“I will, Princess.”

“I’m fine, Israel. I just needed to get out of the car or I would’ve fallen asleep.”

“You were well on your way.”

“Thanks for keeping me alive with conversation.”

“My pleasure.”

I kissed her quickly. Her lipstick didn’t budge this time. She reapplied it in the car, and it felt differently. It was apparent she’d changed the brand or the kind. It wasn’t shiny. It was dry, settling in the small cracks of her oversized lips.

“Roulette?”

“Hm?”

“As much as I love my name rolling off your tongue, I’d like it if you got acquainted with other names. Ones that don’t include my government. It’s not always– best .”

“It isn’t,” she agreed.

I lowered my frame slightly. She looked down at me, licking her tongue across her coated lips. She was deep in thought, considering her options. She was a swift thinker. A very wise and knowledgeable girl. I knew the words were at the tip of her tongue. She was just waiting for the perfect one to speak.

“Rae–”

I chuckled, shaking my head.

“El, like everyone else calls you.” She chuckled, slightly offended by my disapproval.

“You’re not everyone else, Princess.”

“Well, Rae.”

Sighing, I shrugged. “Rae, then.”

“Or Baby . Or Bubs . Or Fella . Or, I don’t know, handsome. I’ve never given a man a name other than the one his mother has given him. But, at the same time, I’ve never felt things for another man tha–”

She paused and took a deep, regretful breath. A forced smile concealed her true emotions.

“I like Fella. I like Baby. I like Bubs. And, I like you. A whole hell of a lot, Roulette. And, feeling things for me you’ve never felt for another man is okay. In fact, it’s preferred. Because, I feel things for you I’ve never felt for anyone else, too.

“I can't quite put it into words yet, but when I can, you will be the first to hear it. Don’t shy away. There’s no need to. You feel differently because I am different and the same goes for me. You’re unlike anything else I’ve ever known, Princess. You’re a dream.”

I stood to my full potential and pulled her chin up by my index finger.

“And, if you need more time thinking of something that fits you and comforts you , I’ll wait. I just wanted to put that on your dome.”

Before I could take a single step in the other direction, Roulette was out of her chair, towering over the table as she interlocked her hands around my neck. She stepped closer and closer until our bodies met. I grew rigid against her.

“I know that I’m different. I’ve known it from a young child. So did my family. I’m aware that I’m not the safest option and I never will be, but our time together brings me so much joy. It makes things make sense that never have in this head of mine.”

As she spoke, she lowered her right hand until she reached my elongated tool. It was threatening to bust the zippers of my pants.

“Princess,” I warned.

“Yes, Big Fella?”

Pre-cum oozed from me slowly at the sultriness combined with the sex in her tone. Dating Roulette was a priority. With our demanding schedules, it was the only time we truly had to peel back one another’s layers and deepen our connection. And, I loved to see her put that shit on.

Though she didn’t require a special occasion to get dolled up because it was a ritual of hers, she added a special touch each time I convinced her to spend more time alone with me. But, she was making it difficult to stay the course.

Roses.

Her home.

Dinner.

My home.

My bed.

Her uterus.

Her peak.

Her home.

Her bed .

Staring at her from feet above her smile as she rested on her knees. Her dress was lifted. She was careful not to stain it on the fabricated beach shore that was a great idea of the developers who made the lake a walkable strip.

“We’re supposed to be eat– ing .”

She unbuckled my belt and pants effortlessly.

“We’re about to feast, Israel. On each other.”

I peered across the grassy plains at the trailer. The chef was inside preparing our dishes. Having Roulette unleash the beast within her at the moment meant risking our privacy. Though I didn’t give a fuck, I wanted to make sure I wasn’t putting Roulette in an uncompromising position. Her comfort was prioritized in every situation. It didn’t matter how ideal they were or wasn’t.

“The chef is in the trailer. He’s a good distance from us, but– fuck! ”

Wordlessly, she responded. The tip of my dick disappeared in her mouth. My hesitancy was resolved.

She was so warm. So wet by the mouth. I struggled with the idea of allowing my head to fall backward or observing the music she was making with her lips, cheeks, tongue, and throat.

“Uhhh fuck, baby.”

Shit, Princess. My choice was questionable, but I couldn’t resist the view. She was perfect. She was the prettiest on her knees, looking up at me. She didn’t blink. Neither did she miss a stroke.

Her saliva made such beautiful melodies. She was a fucking mess already and she’s just begun. I clenched my ass cheek, trying to keep my nut rooted deep in my scrotum.

Clear nails with red tips collapsed around my dick. They worked in opposite directions, working me to the core. My shoulders sagged. I didn’t know how she did the things she did with her tongue or her mouth, but I was going to make it my life’s work to make sure she never had a reason to do that shit to anyone else.

“That’s it, Princess. Eat that dick. Eat that motherf– shit.”

She heaved, nearly folding her body in half. Still, her focus was never affected. Her eyes were still on me, peering through my fucking chest where she was growing at a rate that had me shaken to the core.

I touched the back of her throat with each stroke of her neck. Gurgling sounds coming from her mouth sent me into overdrive. She was destroying any chances of survival for the pretty dress she’d chosen for the night.

I’ll buy her a hundred more.

Money wasn’t an option. Neither was spending it. Whatever Princess’ heart desired she could have. The head on her shoulders was too good to deny her. The pussy between her thighs was too slippery and tight to deny her. That mouth on her beautiful face was too slick to deny her.

“Get u– fuck .”

My nut had broken ground. It was no longer in my scrotum. It was headed up my shaft, ready to fill her mouth with my minions.

“Ge– Princess.”

She ignored me, too lost in her own pleasure to care about the climax of mine. Verbal warnings wouldn’t deter her. But, she felt too good to eject dick from her mouth.

“This motherfucker ’bout to cum,” I warned.

Her eyes tightened to slits. Her throat deepened. And, her strokes quickened in pace. She was unmanning me. Right on the lake. Right on the sand. Right in the open. And, she didn’t give a fuck who saw it.

Combined, the thoughts sent me into overdrive. I stiffened, allowing her to have her way with me.

“FUCK,” I groaned, planting my seeds on her tongue. “Fuck. FUCK. Shit .”

I removed my dick from her warmth. Her eyes were bright and big, sparkling in the darkness of the night. I squeezed her jaws, forcing her mouth open. There wasn’t a trace of semen. Her depletion of my seeds brought me peace.

“Good, Princess,” I complimented, “Now, on your feet. Hands on the table.”

Wordlessly, she followed instructions. Hypnotized by her sheer existence, I observed every move she made. I didn’t want to miss a single detail. She was much too entertaining. My attention was undivided.

The dress she was trying too hard not to stain was covered in saliva. Roulette’s liberation freed her from the threads. Her naked, impressive frame blessed me with its presence. She was perfection. Her dark areolas peaked. Her bald pussy sat between her legs, spacing them out slightly.

Her lips.

Her stomach.

Her eyes.

Her nose.

Her legs.

Her arms.

Her hands.

God had been generous with her beauty. She had a face worth living and dying for. Perfection was found even in her imperfections. And, she smelled like fully bloomed florals and obsessive amounts of vanilla.

When her hands collided with the table, my eyes closed, involuntarily. She was simply too good to be true. An anxious, regretful sigh left my body as I thought of all the things I would do to her and all the boundaries I’d cross of hers to make her mine before my time on earth ended.

My hips met her ass cheeks. I leaned forward, gripping a handful of hair in my hands. The smile on her face as I forcefully made her look back at me revealed just how much of a special case Princess was. And, I loved that shit. I hadn’t found a thing I didn’t love about her. Even her desire for polygamy was intriguing. It just didn’t align with the vision I had for us. For her .

“You’re unbelievable, Princess. Skin so soft,” I breathed into her ear, “Mouth so powerful. Body so stunning. Pussy so fucking goo–”

“Ughhhhhhh.”

I entered her, closing my eyes a second time.

Goddamn .

It had only been days since I’d been inside of her, but it felt like weeks. Months. Years. Her pussy gripped me, pulling me deeper as her arch deepened.

I plunged into her, continuously. Slowly. Methodically. Healing things inside of me that I didn’t know were in need of healing. Curing things inside of me that I didn’t know were in need of healing. Shifting things inside of me that I didn’t know needed shifting. Fixing things inside of me that I didn’t know needed fixing.

“Baby–”

“There we go, Princess.”

It sounded even better than hearing Israel roll off her tongue.

“Wai– Baby, pleas–”

“Un un,” I declined, knowing exactly where her pleas stemmed from. She was almost on top of the table, trying her hardest to relieve the pressure that was mounting.

“You got this, Princess. Accept it– accept every inch of this motherfucker.”

“Ummmmmm— Isra— oh God. I’m gonna–”

I stroked her longer, harder, and slightly faster.

“Uhhhh– Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Uhhh.”

She splintered. Beautifully. But, we were far from finished. She’d awaken the beast within me. It needed company. I wouldn’t find contentment until hers was reawakened and they danced off in the dark together. Hand-in-hand.

I loosened my grip around her hair and let it fall down her back. I had a seat in the chair behind me as she gathered her bearings. Turning around to face me, she wore a smug on her face. Her pussy was still contracting. Her stomach was still caved.

“Fix your face, Princess. And, climb up. Your chariot awaits you.”

Obliging with a nod, she placed a foot on both sides of me. As she lowered her pussy onto me, her lips joined mine.

Fuck. She feels like mine .

“Shhhhh–” Roulette warned, creeping into her home.

“You scared of a teenager?”

“Have you met teenagers?”

“Mine.”

“Listen, they can be– alot . Have you tiptoeing around your own shit. And not because you’re afraid of them, but you don’t want the bad energy roaming in your vents. If they are in a funk, they will make sure everyone around them knows it and is in one, too.”

“Malaya isn’t like that, though. She’s always got good energy or sad energy. There’s hardly an in-between for her.”

“Which I’ve noticed, but you still have to be careful.”

She placed her things on the counter and opened the fridge.

“Care for one?”

She held up two bottles of water.

“Yeah.”

I lifted my hand, waiting for her to toss one of the bottles. Instead, she turned and walked over to the nearest set of cabinets. She set the waters on the island and then removed two glasses from the open cabinet.

When she returned to the ice maker, she filled them with ice. I watched in complete awe as she uncapped both bottles and poured them into the cups. She, then, proceeded to open a drawer under the island. Two coasters appeared.

She placed them both on the counter and slid one in my direction. She placed the glass of water on top of it. In disbelief, I accepted the glass and tipped it the second it touched my lips. When I lowered it, half empty, I noticed hers was surrounded by her fingers, but there was a glass straw up to her lips as she sipped. I tilted my head, trying to comprehend what was happening.

“What?”

“For water that could’ve stayed in the bottle?”

“Not in my house, Big Fella. If I can help it, plastic will never touch my lips. It doesn’t promote my personality well. In fact, it blemishes it.”

“Blemishes it?” I chuckled.

“But dick in your mouth doesn’t?”

“It enhances it. Elevates it. God, it polishes it up really nicely.”

She switched her head from one side to the other, rolling her neck as she stood proudly behind the island.

“You’re a fucking trip.”

“Must be one really good adventure, because you haven’t cancelled and returned to life before Roulette yet. You keep changing the itinerary, prolonging your stay.”

“And you keep allowing it. So, we’re both enjoying it, it seems.”

“Ok. Ok. You have a point.”

With a full belly and an empty nutsack, I tiptoed into Roulette’s bedroom behind her. Though I’d suggested the guest bedroom, she refused to leave her silk sheets and pillow cases to Malaya alone. According to her, there was enough room for us all.

It wasn’t until we fit comfortably in the extended King bed that I realized she wasn’t lying. I got comfortable under the silk sheets that she was completely obsessed with, quickly understanding why.

Once she settled in, I pulled her closer. She was in between Malaya and I, right where she wanted to be. I pushed my nose between her shoulder and neck, right where I wanted to be.