Page 99 of Steel

He laughed. “What do you think I’m gonna do to you, baby?”

He smirked as he walked into the bathroom. I gathered myself and stripped down to finally join him. He was already under the water when I entered. I stood there for a moment before sliding my wig off and placing it on the counter. When I stepped into the shower, he turned to face me. His eyes landed on my braids, and he smirked.

“Looking like Cleo fromSet It Off.”

I slapped his arm. “Fuck you.”

He laughed as he handed me two washcloths and a fresh bar of natural black soap. We showered in silence but kept stealing glances at each other. Time had been good to him. His body wasso fit and toned. I just wanted to wrap my legs around him and bury myself in his skin.

As we rinsed off, I felt him come up behind me. His arms came around me, cupping my breasts as he peppered my shoulders with kisses. His touch wasn’t sexual, more like he was trying to refamiliarize himself with my skin. His caress was gentle as his hand roamed my body. In this moment, I didn’t feel an ounce of insecurity. There was a time when he loved every roll and every pound.

“I missed you,” he whispered.

“I missed you too.”

He reached behind me to turn off the shower. After giving my ass a hefty slap, he opened the door and pulled me out behind him. We dried off, then brushed our teeth, and headed back into the bedroom to dress. While he slipped into a pair of basketball shorts, I slipped into the oversized T-shirt and boxers he left out for me.

As Kerrion removed the pillows and pulled back the covers, I nervously rubbed my hands together. He looked back at me and chuckled.

“You scared?” he asked.

“N-no.”

“Then come on.”

He climbed into bed and motioned for me to join him. I kicked off my slippers and crawled in, making myself comfortable. He stared at me for a moment before sliding his arm under me and yanking me to him.

“I said I need to touch you. Why you wanna be so far away?”

“I’m . . . sorry?”

I didn’t know if that was the proper response. I was so fucking nervous right now, my body was trembling.

“Neha, baby, you gotta calm down. Why are you so nervous?”

“Because I don’t know how to take this, Kerrion. What are we doing?”

“Cuddling.”

I sat up and looked at him. “No. What are we doing? ‘Because it wasn’t too long ago, you hated my guts, and rightfully so. Now I’m not sure if you’re trying to get in them.”

He laughed. Actually laughed.

I folded my arms. “I’m so serious right now. I . . . I have feelings here. The more we’re around each other, the more I realize I?—”

I paused, trying to decide if I should bear my truth. If I said it out loud, there was no going back. No taking it back.

“I still love you, Kerrion. “

He sighed as he sat up. “Listen to me. I never hated you. I couldneverhate you, Neha. Did I want to choke the shit outta you when I found out about Nayelli? Yes. Did I want my sisters to jump you? Maybe. Would I have done it? No. I’ve loved you too much to ever harm you or let someone else harm you.

“I was hurt. You broke my heart when you left, and you broke it again by keeping my daughter from me. The love I have for that little girl made me forgive you. Not only that, I had a talk with my father about the whole thing. After you told me the truth, I could see where I played a part in all this. I don’t want to be angry with you.”

He gently grabbed my neck and pulled me to him, pecking my lips.

“I need to know I’m safe to let my walls down with you again. There hasn’t been another woman that got the version of me you did. No woman I’ve loved as much as I loved andstilllove you. You were home for me, Neha. I’ve wandered for ten years, and I’m ready to find home again.”

“Wh-what are you saying to me?”