Page 51 of The Devoted Husband

“I can’t believe I thought I could do this without you.”

“I can’t believe I hadn’t shown you how real my love for you was, and you felt like you had to.”

“Well, you’ve definitely shown me now.”

Her eyes lowered to the beautiful ring she’d been wearing ever since they made things official. If Dante had gone that far out to ask her to be his woman, she couldn’t wait to see what he’d do when he asked her to be his wife.

“And I’ll never stop.” He kissed the top of her head. “I’m going to court you for the rest of our lives. I never want you to doubt how I feel about you.” He kissed her cheek. “How much I love you.” He kissed her neck. “How happy I am to be with you.”

“Even with all the drama?”

“Even with all the drama. I love you, bae. Nothing will ever change my commitment to you.”

Sitting up slightly, Sade put the bowl of popcorn on the side table behind his head. She straddled him, then lowered her lips to his. With all the hell happening in Memphis, Sade found solace in going through it with Dante by her side.

As his hands lowered to her ass, Sade circled her hips against him. It wasn’t long before their bodies were connected as one. The slow ride she took them on had her toes curling as she moaned his name. The moment wouldn’t last forever, but Sade was grateful for the pleasurable, climactic escape.

The Day Before the Return to Memphis

The day had started perfectly. They swam in the ocean. While she painted, Dante read. They grilled chicken and fish with corn on the cob and salad as a great day turned into a great evening. Now, Sade was so uncomfortable she didn’t even want to get in bed.

Her stomach seemed to have grown while they were away, and she was having more issues with her back. The cramps in her stomach made it difficult for her to breathe. She gripped the island in the kitchen, opting for short, choppy breaths that only intensified the pain.

“What’s wrong, Day?” Dante asked, walking over to her. Absently, he tossed his water bottle into the trash.

“My back is killing me, and these cramps came out of nowhere.”

“Try to take some deep breaths with me.”

She shook her head and squeezed her eyes shut. “I-I can’t.”

“Yes, you can, and you’ll feel better too. Breathe through them with me.”

Dante took her hands into his, guiding her through deep breaths until the cramps subsided. He helped her get into bed and surprised her when he pulled her heating pad out of his bag. Sade laughed as her eyes watered.

“Figured you might need this.”

“You’re a lifesaver.”

“I’ll give you a massage and put you to bed.”

“Thank you, baby.”

Sade rolled over onto her side and allowed Dante to put the heating pad on her back. She used it for about twenty minutes before he removed it and massaged her back until she fell into a peaceful sleep.

Back in Memphis

As soon as Sade took her phone off airplane mode, the notifications started to pop up. She stared at the text from an unknown number. Knowing it was from Jones made her want to ignore it, but a part of her was curious about the video attachment.

“All right, Smiley. The bags are inside. I’m about to go for a run. Do you need anything before I leave?”

Forcing a smile, Sade shook her head. “I’m good, Tay. Enjoy your run.”

He gave her a kiss on the forehead before heading out. Sade showered and climbed into bed, where the urge to watch the video consumed her. Finally, she surrendered to her curiosity and opened it. The first thing she saw was her mother’s tombstone, which caused her to sit up in bed.

When Jones came into view, he said, “I wonder how your mom would feel if she had to grieve you like Patrice, Trina, and Willow’s moms are grieving them.” A slow smile lifted the corners of his lips. “Too bad she’s already dead.”

A clipped scream escaped her before she slapped her hand over her opened mouth. Tears flowed from her, but they weren’t sad tears. They were angry tears. That was the final straw. Now...Sade wanted him dead.