Page 19

Chapter Fifteen

"Britain, you were supposed to be helping me with this wedding. You've been AWOL for two weeks now," Jadey groaned with a long pout as she spoke to Britain over the phone. A simple phone call to help her decide which flowers should be used to decorate her wedding turned into her slandering Britain. Jadey had no idea Britain was heading to the Hamptons today until the phone call.

Britain chuckled as she placed her bags in front of the door. "Jadey, I'll be back in four days," she assured her best friend.

She overheard Jadey smacking her lips. "Fine. Just make sure you get enough sleep so you can be up for our cake tasting."

Britain sighed. "Shouldn't you be taking Kaymen for cake tasting?"

Jadey rolled her eyes at the mention of Kaymen. "I love him, I really do, but dude is gonna make me buss a cap in his ass," she muttered while giving Kaymen a side eye. "Yesterday, I couldn't make it to his event because I had to work, so he promised that after work and his event he would take my parents and me out to dinner, but as soon as he came home, we fucked, and he fell sound asleep. Like, who does that, Brit?"

"Alright, Britain. Shorty is wilding, telling you any and everything. She'll call you some other time." The phone transitioned over to Kaymen who was rushing Jadey off the phone, causing Britain to laugh. She was glad Kaymen hadn't pillow talked about her and Priest to Jadey. She wasn't ready to inform Jadey of what she had going on with Priest. Britain knew she wouldn't be able to hide it from Jadey long since Priest and Kaymen were so close, but she wanted to keep this part of her life to herself for the moment.

"Alright, Kay. Good luck with Mr. and Mrs. Eze," Britain wished him luck with Jadey's impractical parents.

Kaymen sighed. "Pray for me, Brit. Enjoy your time in the Hamptons. Don't have too much fun, though," Kaymen chuckled, knowing that the Hamptons were Priest's go-to. Little did Britain know, the Hamptons were where Priest actually resided. Whenever Remy joked about it, he would laugh it off like it was some bullshit for him to actually live there, but it was the best option for him. It gave him a sense of isolation and relaxation. It was… home.

Priest was very selective about who he took home. Only his mother, Jazzy, J'Ru and Kaymen frequented his Hamptons home. Now Britain was going. He wasn't going to stress the importance of her staying at the place he considered home instead of his penthouse. He was just going to go with the flow. She'd find out sooner or later.

Britain chuckled, catching Kaymen's drift since he was well aware of the time she and Priest had been spending together. "Got it, Kaymen. Byeeee," Britain sang before hanging up. Slipping her phone into the pocket of her oversized denim jacket, Britain heard her front door open. She wasn't concerned, since she was aware that it was Priest coming in from his place.

"Yo, Gioia!" he called out to her as he locked up behind himself. "Why so many bags? You know it's only four days, right?"

Britain let out a little laugh as she heard his footsteps progress toward her bedroom. "I know, but I have outfit changes, and some of my make up is in the smaller bag."

Priest chuckled as he stood behind her in the mirror while she ran a brush down her now straightened hair. "You won't need many clothes," he advised her with a light smirk as he craned down, applying a light kiss to her cheek.

Britain couldn't contain the laughter that sprung out of her. "You seem so sure about that." She hiked her head up so she could eye him.

Priest licked his lips slowly, reminiscing on the steamy sex session they shared the night before. "We should head out. I have something planned for you," Priest told her.

Impressed by how much effort he was putting into her enjoying herself and enjoying life, Britain turned around in his arms, wrapping her arms loosely around his neck. A smile graced her face, and this time, it was an open one, the one Priest overly enjoyed. Priest couldn't help but to reflect her wide smile. They looked like two overindulgent kids, staring deeply at one another.

"I appreciate this," Britain expressed her gratitude. Priest shrugged as if it were nothing.

"Gioia, you bring me joy, so I gotta do the same," he declared. It instantly flashed her back to their first date, their first moment of intimacy without being physical. That same ear to ear smile remained on Britain's face.

After Britain made sure she had everything for her four-day trip, she and Priest headed out of her apartment. He helped her into the car after placing her bags in the back seat. Once he got in, Priest started the vehicle and exited the parking lot.

"Okay, before we actually get on the interstate, we have to get mad fucking snacks ‘cause I'm hungry all the time." Britain stuck out her bottom lip as if she were a child.

Priest chuckled, finding her infantile ways amusing. "There's a rest stop an hour in. You think you can hang in there for that long?" Priest glanced at her for a moment before putting his eyes back onto the road.

Britain shrugged a bit. "Ya girl stays prepared." She unzipped her purse, extracting a zip lock bag she packed with gummy worms to appease her sweets craving.

Priest shook his head with a laugh. "And you never had a cavity?" He furrowed his brows as he pointed to the bag of candy. Britain always managed to have some type of sweets.

Britain shook her head with an arrogant smile. "Nope. Hopefully my kids won't have any either."

"Your kids?" Priest chuckled. "Mine too," he agreed with her.

Britain glanced over at him, a light smile on her face. "You look so… revitalized and replenished." She reached out, caressing his face. Priest always had a compelling aura to him, but lately, he seemed much livelier. Those eyes remained dark as they always would, but Britain could sometimes see a streak of brightness within them. She wouldn't assume he was happy since he had yet to confirm or clarify, but it made him look ten times better.

Priest licked his lips containing the smile that wanted to take over his face. His shoulders motioned in an up and down manner. "I've been sleeping lately," he responded as he gripped the steering wheel.

"Good sleep I hope," Britain said.

Priest nodded in confirmation. "Great sleep," he exaggerated as he utilized his free hand to grip Britain's exposed thigh.

"Wow, I wonder who's been the cause of it?" Playfully, she laced her words with sarcasm.

Priest laughed, knowing she was fully aware of who the cause of his recent good night’s rest was. Shrugging, he leaned back in his seat. "Some shorty named London ," he playfully eased out as he took the interstate that they had to grow accustomed to for the next three hours.

Britain jokingly cut her eyes at him since he knew how much she didn't like being called anything besides Britain, Gioia, and Brit by him. "You have one more time to call me London . My name is Britain," she warned him, using her fingers to imitate a gun that she shoved into Priest's face.

Priest gently took ahold of her wrist, guiding her hand to his lips where he applied a kiss to the back of her hand. "Chill out, Paris . Who said you were London, anyways?" he continued to tease. Britain rolled her eyes, not taking him seriously. "I'm joking," he assured. "It's ‘cause you always win, but I don't want your head getting mad big off of it," he jested.

Britain laughed. From the time they'd spent together, he was able to recognize the fact that not only was she competitive, but she was also arrogant with it. There were just a few things no one could tell Britain without hearing about it forever.

"I pray for your health," she absentmindedly admitted. Her face instantly heated up in embarrassment by how silly she thought she sounded.

Priest glanced at her momentarily, slightly shocked. His brows furrowed as if he didn't believe her, but what reason did she have to lie? "You serious?" he asked her. There was a slight hope in his tone. It was like he was hoping Britain actually cared about his well-being.

Britain sheepishly nodded her head. "I have. Since last week. Has it been working?"

Priest chuckled. Ironically, as of the week before, he'd been well rested, well fed, and leveled out spiritually, along with emotionally. "You're a real gem. You know that?"

"Well, thank you." Britain smiled proudly as she angled herself so she was facing him while he remained attentive to the road.

A silence consumed them both. Britain took in Priest's entire being and aura while Priest lingered in his own thoughts, processing the fact that Britain actually cared about him more than people he’d known for years. Others may have viewed Britain praying for Priest as something small and minuscule. However, Priest took it as something big, something to be grateful for.

For a slight portion of the drive, it remained as such: quiet. They eventually ended up hand in hand. Like always, Priest had to touch Britain in some way.

"You ever been in a committed relationship?" Britain asked. The question had been stuck on the tip of her tongue, but she never found the right time to ask. Although all he did was fluster her with his deep questions, she didn’t want to do the same to him. She got him to open up fairly quickly, so she knew he could shut it all down just as fast, maybe even faster.

Priest let out a whistle, indicating the question was a little heavy for his liking, but he was going to tell the truth, nonetheless. "I have been. It was a few years ago, though." He shrugged. Britain nodded, satisfied with his response.

"Why'd it end?" Britain eased out another question.

Priest sighed with a slight shrug of his broad shoulders. "I wasn't the best to her, and she wasn't the best to me. Someone had to go. It just so happened to be her." Priest shrugged again.

Although he had no intentions of hiding anything if it was pertinent to his situation with Britain and its growth, he still managed to speak in code about it. Britain could tell a sour taste had resurfaced in his mouth.

"Are you over her?" Britain could help but to ask.

Priest glanced in her direction momentarily before nodding his head. "I've been over her. If I wasn't, I wouldn't have brought you into chaos. Not that type of guy," he explained.

Britain nodded again, satisfied with his response as well. It was evident that he had a lot of love for this woman, but Britain could tell it wasn't enough to have him backtracking to her. He seemed pained by something, but she couldn't tell what it was.

"I'm not her," Britain let out, giving clear indication that whatever the woman prior to her had done wasn't something she would do.

Priest chuckled and nodded. "And I ain't him," he clarified in the same sense, causing a little smirk to appear on Britain's face.

As the drive progressed toward the Hamptons, they finally met their hour mark, resulting in Britain being anxious to finally stop at the rest stop. Priest parked the Range Rover at a gas pump, deciding he might as well fill up the tank while he was at it. He opened Britain’s door, and she stepped out of the vehicle and thanked him. Hand in hand, they entered the rest stop. Britain slipped her hand from his. "I left my wallet in the car. Hopefully they accept Apple Pay."

Priest peered down at her. "Keep your money. This trip is for you to enjoy yourself without spending," he enlightened her.

"Hmph," Britain pouted, causing a light laugh to pool out of Priest. "I could get used to this." She nodded her head.

Priest gently put his arm around her shoulder, letting her lead him about the rest stop. She picked up every snack that caught her attention that she could carry in her arms. Once she was finished, they made their way back to the counter so the clerk could check them out. After a smooth and easy transaction, Britain and Priest exited the rest stop. He made sure to get Britain in the car before he went ahead and pumped the gas.

"You good?" Priest asked her as he started the vehicle.

Like a satisfied child, Britain nodded with a beaming smile. Exiting the premises of the rest stop, Priest and Britain set out onto the road toward the Hamptons again. "Only chicken heads eat those," Priest shamed her with a twisted look on his face as he side-eyed Britain’s choice of Flamin' Hot Cheetos.

Britain dug into the bag of chips, extracting one out and holding it up to Priest's lip. "Chill out before I crash." He chuckled as he gently pushed her hand away.

She cackled, amused by the smug look on his face. "They're not that bad. You're being dramatic." She pulled the chip back, indulging in it instead. Priest let out a light laugh as he shook his head. She couldn't lie and say she wasn't slightly bored by the drive. Priest didn't offer any music, and she for damn sure wasn't going out on a limb to turn his radio on without his consent, but that was before she was bored out of her mind, and when she wasn't being infatuated by his looks and voice. Mustering up the courage, she reached out and turned the radio on.

Priest eyed her. "Whatever you about to play better be something fire," he warned her jokingly.

"We gotta ease into the fire shit, Kanaz," she teased as she connected her phone to the Bluetooth. Taken aback by the use of his middle name, yet thoroughly impressed at the fact that she remembered it, Priest nodded his head, granting her permission to listen to anything she so pleased without cutting it off midway when he wasn't feeling it.

"Alright then, Dulce." He smirked at her. Britain cringed slightly at the sound of her middle name. As if her name wasn’t unique enough, her mother added Dulce as her middle name, causing everyone to scrunch their face up whenever they said it out loud.

"Don't call me that." She lightly hit his arm, causing a laugh to seep out of him.

Agreeing, Priest nodded. "Cool, I'll just call you Mocha. That's what your mama calls you, ain't it?"

Again, Britain ended up cringing. That was a household nickname, something only her family called her. "Can we just go back to calling me Gioia?" she groaned dramatically.

Priest smirked. He was glad she liked his personal nickname for her. "Why you like Gioia so much?" he questioned with a raised brow.

Sheepishly, Britain shrugged, not wanting to embarrass herself by sounding like she was so head over heels for him. "I like the meaning behind it, knowing I'm a joy to someone besides myself," she chuckled lightly. "Plus, it's cute, and it came from you."

Priest smiled lightly at her as he glanced at her momentarily before focusing back on the road. There wasn't much traffic since they were on the open road, but he kept focus. He had no verbal response for her, only an action. He reached over the console, gripping her thigh in an affectionate and assuring way.

"Lean your chair back," he instructed her while keeping his eyes straight ahead. Britain furrowed her brows as she gave him a look of confusion.

"What? Why?" She questioned him, pondering the purpose of reclining her seat. Priest shot her a quick glance. His look was convincing with his dark eyes that bore into her soul and his bottom lip bitten between his perfectly aligned teeth. "Priest," she whined. "Right now? Really? You're driving."

Priest nodded his head in response to her questions. "I know how to multitask. You're well aware of that," he smirked. Priest was the only man who knew how to please her body in different ways all at once. The feeling was not only overwhelming and flustering, but it was also crave-worthy.

Britain said nothing in return. Instead, she did as she was directed and reclined her seat. "Prop your legs up," he instructed her once more. Without any questions or rebuttals, Britain did as she was told and propped her legs up, opening them to emulate a graceful butterfly.

She laid her head back, not wanting to face the devilish look Priest had embedded in his eyes. He knew what he was capable of when it came to Britain's body, and he took full advantage of that. He liked seeing her squirm, hearing her call out his name, and watching the beautiful love faces she made.

Britain's breathing hitched as she felt the cold air from the vents breeze through the dark nude lace thong she was wearing and tickle her pussy. Priest’s hand trailed down her inner left thigh, his thumb gently gracing the sides of her pussy. Britain bit down on her bottom lip, preparing herself for the feeling Priest was about to bestow upon her.

Britain lifted herself a bit, allowing Priest to slide her thong off her bottom half. She now laid in the seat bare, her pussy lubricated with anticipation. "I wanna hear you, Gioia. Understand?" He gave orders that made Britain feel compelled to obey.

Priest feathered his hand over her wet folds, causing Britain to readjust herself slightly. Teasing her, he glided his middle finger up and down her slits, causing her to anticipate him penetrating her. A moan quivered out of Britain as she felt Priest slowly insert his finger into the wetness of her folds.

His technique was precise. He stroked his fingers in and out of her at a steady pace, curving them upward, precisely hitting her spot every time. His ability to do so while driving on the interstate at 85 miles per hour baffled Britain.

"Oh, fuck! Priest!" She threw her head back in endless euphoria, calling out his name just like he requested of her.

"You're so wet, Gioia," he throated out in his husky, deep baritone voice while shifting his orbs from the road to Britain. Britain panted, unable to find leeway to catch her breath. He began stimulating her throbbing clit while motioning in and out of her. A small arch formed in Britain's back as her eyes clenched shut.

"Priest! You always fucking do this to m-me!" she whimpered, imploring him to show her some type of mercy. As much as Britain wanted to cry, she built a dam, restricting her tears from cascading down her flawless, airbrush-like make up.

Priest let out an amused and egotistical chuckle. When he glanced over at Britain, her body seemed to be building up in overwhelming pleasure. "Play with your clit for me," Priest ordered her as his eyes drifted back onto the road.

Britain did as she was told, sliding her left hand down and positioning it above Priest's which was still stroking in and out of her wetness. Britain slowly feathered her fingers over her clit before matching Priest's pace. The attention she was giving her clit combined seamlessly with the deep plunging of Priest's fingers. Her mouth slowly grew agape as the arch in her back heightened.

"Cum for me, Gioia." Like always, it seemed like Britain's body only needed permission from Priest before the gates of her soul opened and she was cumming all over his fingers.

Long moans stringed out of her as she panted breathlessly. Gliding his fingers out of her, Priest marveled at the glistening coat her pussy left behind. Britain couldn't help but stare at Priest in awe as she watched him slip his fingers into his mouth, tasting her as if she were a one of the finest delicacies he'd ever tasted.

"What the fuck?!" Britain gasped when she felt her body endure another sudden orgasm that ripped through her body immediately after the first one.

An amused chuckle flowed out of Priest. "That couldn't have been that surprising, Gioia." He shook his head with a hint of sarcasm oozing from him. Britain gave him no response. She simply laid in her seat, processing the amount of control Priest had over her body.

"You're the devil," she murmured as her stare seemed dazed.

Finding her funny, Priest couldn't help but to throw his head back in laughter. "Ironically, my name is Priest," he clarified with joking sarcasm. "I'm far from the devil, I'm?—"

"A sex god?" Britain reached into her bag for her hygienic wipes. She cleaned herself up to the best of her ability. She pulled her panties back on and then readjusted her dress back down around her thighs. With a smirk, Priest shrugged his shoulders, trying not to seem vain. "How do you do me so well the way you do?" Britain asked in deep curiosity.

Priest licked his tender lips, still tasting Britain's sweet taste coating them. "It's all in your mind. Physically, I'm just like any other nigga you’d fuck and forget about later. However, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, it's more than just me making you cum and me getting a quick nut. It's an understanding— a deep one. I guarantee you will never find someone who could please you the way I do. Your physical being could have many. However, your mind, emotions, and spirit can only have one. I'm that one," he concluded with a light smile. "You understand?" Priest glanced over at her for confirmation.

"How are you so sure?" Britain couldn't help but question his confidence. She never confirmed he was the one; he just confidently assumed.

With a smug and arrogant smirk, Priest shrugged. "Must I demonstrate again?" he teased as he reached his hand over the console to attempt to slip it back underneath her dress. Britain immediately stopped him by brushing his hand away. She didn't think she was ready for another one of those long-lasting orgasms. Her body needed some recovery time.

"What the fuck have I gotten myself into?" Britain laughed to herself lightly.

"I'm good for you. I promise," Priest teased her while licking his lips. He had a good grip on the steering wheel as he kept his attention fixed on the road.

As they grew closer to the Hamptons, they enjoyed each other's presence as Britain's shuffled playlist sounded through the car.

An hour later, they had finally drifted away from the busy city life of Harlem and entered the beautiful city of Amagansett on the east side of the Hamptons. "Oh, my goodness! Priest, look at the beach!" Britain squealed in excitement as she marveled out the window.

Priest laughed at her excitement, finding it innocent and cute. "We're pulling in now."

"We're this close to the beach?" Britain asked.

Priest nodded. "We're on the beach," he clarified as he parked the car in front of the home.

"This all you, Priest?" She raised her brow, not wanting to get all excited for nothing.

Priest nodded his head in confirmation. "All me. I gotta show you the deed for you to believe me?" he joked with the raise of his brow.

Britain shook her head, confirming that wouldn’t be necessary. "Talk your shit then, Priest." She jokingly brushed his shoulder off. Priest laughed along with her as he parked the car.

Getting out, he immediately made his way around, assisting Britain out of the car.

"This place is gorgeous." Britain looked around the exterior of the home. The two-story home wasn't too big for Britain's liking. It was just right.

Priest handed Britain his keys. "Go ahead and give yourself a tour. I'll get your bags out of the car," he instructed her before he went ahead and began hauling her bags out.

Britain did as she was told. Once she entered the home, she was in awe. There was so much natural light within the home, and it paired well with the deep gray and classic white color scheme that decorated it. Everything looked picture-perfect. The floors were spotless, allowing Britain to see her reflection in the gorgeously polished tiles.

"You like?" Priest entered the home behind her, sitting her bags by the door.

Turning on her heels, she faced Priest with a smile etched on her. "I love it," she assured as she stood on her tippy toes so she could wrap her arms around his neck.

"I've got a lot planned," he enlightened her, pecking the corner of her lips.

Britain’s lips curled into an infectious smile. "Should I go get ready?"

Priest shook his head. "I just need you make up free and your hair pinned up," he informed her, causing Britain to raise a brow.

"Sounds like you wanna shoot a fade," she playfully hit his chest with a light fist.

Priest laughed, finding Britain amusing. "You definitely not in my weight class, lightweight ass," he teased.

"Priest, I'm a problem out here in these streets. You hear? I'm heavy." Britain cupped her rear, trying to exaggerate the size of it. Priest shook his head with a light smirk.

"Get'cha ass on." He waved her off and directed her upstairs.

As Britain ascended the stairs, she did a light twerk, entertaining him. "This ass is three handfuls Priest," she continued to joke, causing him to just laugh.

Priest followed her up the steps with her bags and directed her to his bedroom. As Britain entered the bedroom, she glanced around the room completely.

"Hmm, how many unholy spirits you had on this little bed, Reverend ?" Britain teased as she pointed to the California king.

Priest eyed Britain, trying his best not to crack a laugh at her. He shook his head lightly. "If you must know, London , not many people been on this bed. I like protecting my energy."

"That doesn't excuse how many evil spirits you've given the dick to," Britain scoffed lightly with a smirk.

Priest released a laugh. "You would count as one of those evil spirits. Right?" He raised a questioning brow.

Britain screwed her face up at him. "I'm an angel, heaven, and everything in between," she retorted with an innocent bat of her lashes.

Priest nodded, his bottom lip bitten between his teeth. "Gimme that same look tonight." He gripped the crook of Britain's neck, minimizing the distance between them.

Realizing Priest's demeanor had shifted into a much more serious and lusting one, Britain gulped down her nerves lightly and nodded her head. After a brief and heated make out session that took them both by surprise, Priest assisted Britain in getting undressed after she ridded her face of her make up.

"Put this on." He aided Britain with gliding on the royal blue silk robe.

Once the robe was over her bare body, she tied it around her waist before looking up at Priest with her brows bumped together. “What’s this for?”

“Questions defeat the purpose of a surprise,” was all he throated out before taking her hand and ushering her down the staircase. Nerves stirred within Britain as she followed behind him.

They halted at a set of double doors which opened to a gorgeous view of the relaxing beach. The beachfront greeted them with the soothing sounds of the deep blue waves crashing against the shore.

Britain’s eyes scanned the area in awe. She noticed the massage table that was set up in the center of the deck with a smiling woman standing alongside it. Britain turned on her heels to face Priest. "This… is it for me?" she asked in slight disbelief.

Priest nodded with a smug smile, realizing he succeeded in pleasing her. "I want to show you the joy in life. Here's a part of it.” He motioned toward the massage set up. "This is my masseuse, Diane. She's gonna loosen you up a bit and work out those kinks in your back. Diane, this is Britain."

The two women shook hands. Britain couldn't help but notice how smooth and soft Diane's hands were. She was positive her body would melt at the start of the massage. "Will I be seeing more of you, Mrs. Justice?" Dianne smiled as she offered Britain a hand to assist her onto the massage table.

Britain was on the verge of correcting Diane to let her know she and Priest weren't married and she wasn't Mrs. Justice, but Priest spoke up instead. "You will, Diane," he assured the masseuse of Britain's future presence in the Hampton home. "Enjoy yourself, Gioia. I'll be inside," he finalized before slipping back into the home.

Diane took care of Britain's robe, concealing Britain's bare bottom half with a white folded sheet. "It's nice to see him have someone around finally," Diane stated as she applied the warm oil onto Britain's back before working it in with her soft, cloudlike hands.

"He's usually here by himself?" Britain asked Diane, a spark of curiosity lighting within her.

Diane nodded her head. "All the time. He considers himself the popular loner." She remembered the phrase he used to explain his state of always being alone. "I guess that's finally changed with you around. If I must say, you two seem to radiate off each other," Diane complimented.

"Thank you." A smile pranced onto Britain's face. She was glad Diane couldn’t see how much she was gushing at the thought of Priest. She now wanted to live up to her name, Gioia. Just as much as Priest wanted to show her the joy in life, Britain wanted to be his joy in life.

Britain was determined.