Page 38

Chapter Twenty-Nine

The next day, Britain slowly eased on top of Priest with her camera clutched in her hand. Making sure the flash was off, Britain aimed the lens down at him to capture him in his natural state. He was at peace as he slept. His breathing was steady, and his nostrils flared with each breath he took. Holding down the shutter button on the camera, Britain allowed the view to focus before taking the photo. She held the button again, taking a burst of photos of him asleep. The sound of the camera quickly shook Priest awake.

"Gioia, this how you gonna wake me up all the time?" he groaned as he tossed his arm over his eyes.

Britain laughed. "Catching you while you're awake isn't as good as catching you while you're asleep," Britain told him as she clicked through the photos she had taken. "You’re so handsome when you’re at peace."

Priest shook his head as he rubbed the sleep from his eyes. "Is that right?"

Britain nodded in confirmation before easing off of him. "I could've used some more sleep. You know that?" Priest smirked as he rose out of bed.

Britain shrugged carelessly. "Really?" She screwed her face up. "You looked like you were begging me to wake you up."

Priest chuckled while shaking his head at her. As he made his way to the bathroom, Britain followed suit. He eyed her oddly as she shuffled behind him with a smile on her face.

"Yo." He side-eyed her. "What's good with you?"

Britain shrugged. "Nothing," she said while pulling herself up to sit on the marble countertops of the his-and-hers sinks.

Not fully convinced that nothing was going on, Priest proceeded to brush his teeth and wash his face. Britain did the honor of drying his face with a face towel as he stood between her legs. "Let it out," he urged her, assuming she had been bottling up something she wanted to tell him.

Britain smacked her lips as she wrapped her arms loosely around his neck. "It's nothing, okay?" she assured him. "Last night was just a touching moment, and waking up to see you this morning is something I look forward to every day." She smiled before peppering light kisses onto his lips.

"You wanna move out here?" Priest suddenly asked her.

Pulling away from him slightly, Britain eyed him with a crazed look. "As in live here with you?" She tilted her head to the side in a questioning manner.

Priest nodded in confirmation. "Yeah. When we leave trial, we'll come here. We'll sleep here, cook here… everything."

"What about my place and your place?" Britain probed.

Priest shrugged as if the two barriers Britain questioned him about were nothing but light work. "Jazzy could stay in the penthouse, and I can handle your place for as long as I have to." He offered solution after solution to her.

Britain let out a heavy sigh. It was a lot to think over. "It sounds wonderful, P. It really does, but?—"

Priest eyed her. "If you're not for it, I get it. I just thought things would be cool out here. Get away from a few things," he shrugged.

"Timing is bad," she said. "Any other time, the answer would be yes." She didn't want Priest to think she was declining the offer because she wasn't. Leaving the city of New York to head toward the outskirts of the Hamptons was just far too sudden and miscalculated.

Priest nodded his head. Rejection wasn't something he would dwell on often; however, he was slightly anticipating a yes from Britain. "Let me know when the timing is right." He gazed into her eyes.

A small smile spread across Britain's face as she wrapped her arms back around him. She rested her head on his shoulder as both of his hands were planted on the sink's countertop on either side of her. The mirror that took up the majority of the wall on the opposite side of the bathroom allowed Britain to see how toned his muscles were as they flexed through the wife beater he was wearing.

"Most definitely," Britain asserted before applying a subtle kiss to his neck.

Priest's massive and strong hands gravitated to her smooth thighs, and he gave them a slight squeeze. Lifting her head, she eyed Priest with an amused smile, and he responded with a smirk. He pulled her closer to the edge of the counter, widening the space she had made for him to stand between her legs. Her navy-blue silk night gown that stopped mid-thigh rose as her thighs spread. Priest licked his lips slowly as his eyes never left hers.

"What do you wanna do today?" Britain asked Priest with a bat of her long lashes and her exuberant smile.

Priest lowered his head to her neck and graced his soft lips against it. "You." His raspy voice snaked into Britain's ears like the perfect melody. Britain could feel her body become taken with warmth as a sudden flutter invaded her stomach.

Britain hiked her perfectly arched brow up at him, slightly taken aback by how forward he was being on this fine morning. "Oh, word?" She placed her hand on her chest to indicate that she was pleasantly surprised.

Priest chuckled while nodding. He lifted her off the counter and placed her small feet on the cold tile floor, causing a shiver to run up Britain's spine. She felt his massive hands grip her sides as he positioned her the way he preferred.

Priest tucked his bottom lip between his perfectly aligned teeth as he bent Britain over the sink. A satisfied smile pranced across her face as she eyed him through the mirror. He had definitely brought out a much nastier side of Britain. They enjoyed the thrill and the exhilaration, not to mention the endless orgasms.

The night gown’s short length caused it to rise completely over her ass now that she was bent over the counter. Priest marveled at the sight of Britain’s pantyless bottom half.

He reached down to grace his finger over her slits, immediately coming in contact with her wetness that had begun to flow at the sound of his husky voice. Her insides did backflips as she anticipated the positions Priest planned to contort her body into next. She shuddered at the thought of how long he would last before he came and let her recoup.

"Get to the point," Britain urged him, grabbing ahold of his wrist and tossing his hand to the side before he could initiate foreplay with her core.

Shaking his head, Priest let out a light chortle. "You call the shots now?" His dark orbs peered down at her.

With a smirk playing on her face, Britain shrugged. "You listen to me, don't you?"

Licking his lips, Priest decided not to respond. Instead, he eased his morning wood into her wetness, causing Britain to inhale sharply. She clenched the sides of the sink in hopes of giving herself some leverage to keep herself together. Priest enjoyed seeing her squirm and falter. He did everything he could to make sure of it. As Priest’s left hand gripped her side, his right hand was wrapped in her hair, giving it a slight tug.

The perfect collision of pain and pleasure powered through Britain's body as she deepened her arch per Priest's request. Priest worked his hips, stroking her at a mild pace and causing the collision of their skin to sound off and echo throughout the huge bathroom. His eyes never detached from hers in the mirror as he gazed into the depths of her soul while she quivered at his deliverance of pleasure.

Britain's mouth hung agape as moan after blissful moan crept out of her. With his dick deep inside of her as he stroked her at the perfect pace, Britain was left breathless. He groped her rear end, sending a harsh smack to her ass. A piercing scream sounded from her as he arrogantly stood behind her.

Britain had noticed how much he enjoyed eye contact during their previous endless sessions. It definitely wasn't one of her strong suits, but Priest made eye contact so comfortable for her. She could stare into his eyes after tears stained her make up and sweat crowded the creases of her face. He accepted her all, and even her flaws were turn-ons.

Priest unclenched his tight grasp of her hair before snaking his arm around her so his hand was secured around her neck. The notion was one Britain was familiar with and found enticing. The light squeeze he gave to her prepared her for what was to come. Without warning, Britain received powerful back shots as he accelerated the pace of his strokes.

"Priest!" She bellowed in passion as her legs began to shake.

“Take this dick, Britain,” he ruggedly throated out through clenched jaws.

Her wetness splattered against him as he continued to pound into her senselessly. Their chests heaved as adrenaline sparked through their bodies. They had both mastered each other’s bodies. Just as well as Priest knew Britain, Britain knew Priest. She was okay with him taking the lead and dominating her, but Priest loved when she wowed him with her sudden peak of control. He could admit that Britain brought something different to the table when they were fucking. She knew how to manipulate and work him just like he did her. With a deep arch, Britain mustered up the strength to roll her hips and throw her ass back onto him. His husky groans and growls roared out of him as he tried to contain himself and prevent her from knocking him off his square. Britain continued to combat his movements with her own. Their eyes never parted from each other, and she saw how much he was holding back in the clench of his jaw and the furrow of his bushy brows.

Although Britain wanted to bask in the victory of making Priest cum first, she simply couldn't hold onto the built-up euphoria and the pressure that accumulated in the pit of her stomach. She found herself releasing a string of loud moans as she came all over his dick. With an accomplished smirk, Priest found himself rising to his peak right behind her.

He eased out of her before cumming, while Britain breathed heavily in hopes of recuperating. "You enjoy wine?" Priest's husky voice traveled through Britain's ears.

Weakly, Britain nodded her head as she felt him reach down to clean her up with a wet washcloth. "Good." He smirked down at her, satisfied with the fact that she actually liked wine. They had shared a glass of wine once or twice, but he wasn't too sure whether Britain only drank socially or if it was something she liked doing at her own leisure. "We're going to a vineyard. That's what we're doing today," he announced.

A few hours later, Britain could feel the heat of the sun greeting her skin. It amazed her how the fresh aroma of salt water remained nestled in her nostrils from the night before. They had enjoyed the chance to unwind as they sat close to the shoreline watching the rapid waves crash onto the grainy sand underneath them. Britain truly appreciated the conversation they had the night before. It was so open and held so much emotion. It wasn't until they had that conversation that Britain realized she was willing to be with Priest as long as she could.

Now, the two were enjoying the half-hour ride to the vineyard, music playing lightly in the background.Giving in to Britain's desires, Priest drove with the top down on his convertible. As he sped through the nearly empty streets, the wind graced over them and through their hair. It was a liberating feeling. Priest sometimes even caught Britain sitting with her smile ear to ear as she enjoyed the wind and sun against her skin.

"You look beautiful," he complimented her with a slight smile.

Britain's lips curled into a full grin as she turned to face him. "Thank you, P." Britain fused their hands together before bringing his knuckles up to her lips to kiss them. The small gesture made Priest fall into bliss. She nurtured him just as much as he needed her to, and it was incomparably the best feeling ever. Britain made him feel wanted. She made him feel like he was more than just Priest Justice, the heathen who corrupted the streets of New York. She saw him for his sensitivity, his generosity, his intelligence, and his impeccable ability to just forgive and forget. Britain was honestly the first woman to love him wholeheartedly and without any judgment.

Arriving at the vineyard, Britain was in awe. The sight of the vibrant green plots of land that spread for miles graced her eyes. Her nose filled with the harmonious aroma of fresh grapes that were being picked from the fields that went on for miles. "It's so pretty here," Britain squealed like a small child.

Priest chuckled. "I knew you would like it here. You love nature." He wasn't much of an earthy guy himself, but Britain was beginning to make him appreciate nature and the beauty within it, especially when he was enjoying it with her.

"You've been paying attention," Britain said with a light laugh as the two walked toward the entry of the vineyard.

Priest nodded his head. "I always pay attention," he claimed as he positioned her in front of him.

Upon entry to the vineyard, Priest and Britain were met by an exuberant young lady who welcomed them both with warm smiles. "Mr. Justice, it’s a pleasure seeing you here again," The woman, whose name Britain soon learned was Julia, greeted him. Britain couldn't help but to side-eye Priest. He was familiar with everyone. Who knew he had enough time on his hands to ever visit a vineyard far before bringing her?

"Who else have you brought here? Paula?" After the conversation about Priest's prior relationship, a part of Britain worried that she was just having a rerun of what he shared with Paula, but she didn't want to come off as crazy. Paula had been to the Hamptons home, and Britain wondered if Paula had experienced all the joyful moments Priest was allowing her to experience now.

Priest picked up on the hint of jealousy that doused Britain's tone, finding it amusing. He craned down, placing his lips near her ear so he would be heard concisely. "My mother," Priest murmured so only she could hear the correction of her false assumption.

Britain felt her face heat up in embarrassment. She couldn't believe she had just gotten played for being aimlessly jealous. She should have known what she could have been walking into when she asked that question. For some reason, she truly believed he was going to admit that Paula had accompanied him to the vineyard. She was wrong, though. Everything Priest was experiencing with Britain was fresh or something he had done on his own. It would bore him if he handled their relationship the same way he had handled his relationship with Paula.

Priest snaked his arms around Britain's petite frame that stood more than a foot shorter than him. "It's cute to see you being jealous and stuff, but don't ever sweat my past dealings. They're in the past for a reason," he whispered into her ear.

Britain felt compelled to nod her head in understanding. She felt as though she had made a complete fool of herself by jumping to conclusions.

They followed Julie through the vineyard which was crafted in decorative pieces made of fresh oak. The interior of the place gave a homey cabin feel which made it all the merrier atmosphere to drink wine. Julie eventually got Priest and Britain set up with detailed menus of all the wines they served.

To start off the day, they were offered the opportunity to choose two well-crafted bottles of wine, white or red. Britain had the privilege of choosing since he truly had no preference and claimed that she was far better at picking wine than he was. She started them off with something that wasn't too strong since they had the entire day at the vineyard to drink. Outside of the vineyard, Priest and Britain sat across from each other at a wooden picnic table that had other patrons’ names carved into the wood. Julie served Priest and Britain their wine along with two small wood carving tools to carve whatever they wanted into the table.

Britain took a sip of her red wine, savoring the sweetness of it. Priest eyed her intently, waiting for a valid reaction so he could go ahead and taste his. "It's good," Britain assured him.

"Good." He nodded. "I trust your judgement," he said as he lifted his glass of red wine to take a sip for himself.

Britain sat her glass down while eyeing him. "Sorry about that," she apologized suddenly.

Priest furrowed his brows. "About what?" he asked.

Britain shrugged her shoulders. "Y'know, making assumptions like that.”

Priest let a smooth chuckle filter out of him before he reached across the table to cup Britain's hand in his. "I'm not mad," he assured her. "It's cool. Just know everything I'm doing or willing to do with you, no other female got the chance. This is a once in a lifetime experience, beloved." He smirked arrogantly, causing Britain to roll her eyes.

"Yeah, whatever." She waved him off jokingly.

Priest held her hand up to his lips where he applied a subtle kiss along her knuckles. "Swear to you, it is."

Involuntarily, Britain's lips curled into a grin that spread across her face. "I love you, playa," she professed, still managing to be playful.

Priest laughed. "I love you too, playa," he professed right after he leaned over the table to apply a kiss to her lips.

Laughter overtook them within the conversation they were having over their glasses of wine. As he spoke with Britain, Priest occupied himself with carving something on his side of the table.

"Who's been calling you?" Priest glanced up from the table to eye Britain who was declining another phone call.

Britain waved it off. "Just Jadey." She set her phone on vibrate and slipped it into her small purse.

"Playing mad?" Priest asked with a small smirk.

Britain shook her head with a loud scoff. "I'm not playing mad. I am mad," she clarified. "She shouldn't have put me in a situation like that."

"Okay," Priest nodded. "But how is being angry benefiting you now?" He raised a brow.

Britain shrugged her shoulders. "I don't know, but it is."

He laughed at how quickly she tried to brush the conversation off. "Gioia, it's good to forgive," he reminded her, causing a long sigh to draw out of her.

"Yeah, but I can't forget," she snapped out in a quick response.

Priest nodded his head. "Yeah, but no one is asking you to forget. Always forgive, never forget."

She let out a deep sigh before shaking her head. "I can't. She betrayed me."

"And a million other people are going to do the same shit," he pointed out. "The point is you have to decide whether the friendship is worth dealing with it and overcoming it. Life is about what and who you can and cannot tolerate," he preached to her.

Britain sat across from him with a look of realization on her face. Priest smirked cockily at the fact that he taught her something. "I just put you on game. Don't forget that." He winked at her.

With a small laugh, Britain rolled her eyes. "Yeah, whatever." She waved him off.

Priest reached over the table, gently lifting her head with his index finger gently to lock eyes with her. "That's what you say when I'm right."

Britain grabbed ahold of his wrist, moving his hand away from her face so she wouldn't have to admit that he was indeed correct. Priest found her little attitude funny, so of course, he continued to harp on the fact that he was right.

Once they finished their glasses of wine, they handed in their glasses. "Awe, that's cute." Britain smiled before kissing Priest's cheek. At the table, Priest had taken his time to carve Gioia & P into the wood of the table. "What's this?" Britain pointed to the small sign he had carved next to their names.

"I love you in sign language," he enlightened her while holding his hand up and gesturing the sign.

Britain puckered her lips, indicating that she wanted a kiss, which he granted her. "How did you learn sign language?" Britain asked as Priest led her toward the acres of grapes which they were free to pick at their leisure to make their own wine.

Priest picked a bunch and placed it into his wooden pail. "Funny story," he began with a hearty laugh. "I fucked this one shorty that was deaf." Britain’s eyes widened in shock at his confession.

"P, are you serious?!" she gasped, only for him to nod while he was still laughing.

"Deadass," he confirmed. "I met her at work while I was doing landscaping. We had the mowers going, so it was loud when I got her number. We texted for a few days, and then we linked. I thought she was just shy ‘cause all she did was nod her head to shit I was saying. We started to fuck, and I didn't realize something was up with shorty until she said my name in sign language instead of moaning it out. I laughed for weeks, G." He doubled over in laughter.

Britain stood behind him, patting his back to help him catch his breath. "You've experienced far too much in your time.” Britain shook her head once he recovered from his laughter.

Priest shrugged his shoulders. "I lived out my twenties. I was wild."

"And now?" Britain eyed him.

Priest smirked down at her as they continued to walk down the many rows of sprouting grapes. "You don't think I've matured?" He swiped his tongue over his lips.

Britain felt her insides do a back flip as sparks ran their course throughout her body. "Yeah," she nodded.

Priest placed his arm around her shoulder, pulling her in closer. "Exactly. Plus, everything worked out from me being wild as hell. I’m fluent in sign language," he shrugged.

Britain laughed while shaking her head in shame at him. "How long were you with this girl for you to become fluent in sign language?" She furrowed her brows in a questioning manner.

"Couple months. We weren't serious. It was just sex and some sign language lessons," Priest shrugged nonchalantly.

Britain couldn't help but let out a howl at the last part of his remark. "You're such an asshole." She pushed him while he too laughed.

After walking a few rows and picking all the pretty grapes they could find, Britain and Priest handed in their grapes to be made into their personal wine. Britain was so invested in the process that she asked more questions than she needed to. Priest just stood aside and let her be excited.

After their wine was made, Priest and Britain were seated for a picnic with a nice charcuterie platter that consisted of grapes, different types of cheeses, crackers, and various deli meats that all complimented their wine. "This was very thoughtful of you." Britain smiled at him as she leaned her back against his chest.

Priest applied a kiss to Britain's cheek. "I'm glad you love it."

Downing some more wine and enjoying the platter, Britain and Priest laughed with each other throughout their conversation. They didn't notice how long they had been engulfed in conversation with each other until they noticed the pink, orange and blue hues swirl the sky while the sun was simmering down.

"Look how the roles reversed," Priest chuckled as he felt Britain's hand attempt to toy with his belt buckle while she wrapped her arms around him. The multiple glasses of wine had marinated in her system, and now she was buzzed. Priest, who was much more of a heavyweight drinker, didn't feel any different than he felt when he arrived.

"You got me drunk on purpose," Britain giggled as he held open the car door for her.

Priest shrugged. "Maybe." He smirked as he pulled the seatbelt across Britain's body to strap her in safely.

He made his way around the car to get in himself. He proceeded to start the vehicle and then headed off in the direction of the house. "You enjoy yourself today?" Priest asked as he divided his attention between Britain and the road.

With a slightly drunken smile, Britain nodded. He couldn't help but laugh at how tight her eyes were due to her huge smile. "I did. Thank you for today, P." She lifted his hand to her lips, applying kisses along his knuckles.

"No worries. I enjoyed myself with you," he assured her.

The voice of Musiq Soulchild circulated throughout the car, the song “Teach Me” pouring out of the speakers. Britain hummed aimlessly to the song while Priest nodded his head.

"Sing for me, P." Britain reached across the console of the vehicle to cup Priest's face in her hand.

Priest smacked his lips jokingly while shaking his head. "Gioia,you're tipsy." He went around her request.

"Am I drunk or tipsy ‘cause now you're confusing me?" She furrowed her brows, causing Priest to laugh.

"Just enjoy the ride back home,Gioia," he chuckled as he leaned back in his seat with one hand at the top of the steering wheel while the other was fused with Britain's hand.

Britain angled herself to face Priest. "So, you're not gonna sing for me?" Britain asked with a small frown.

Priest shook his head. "Nah, that's not my thing," he said, causing Britain to pout even more.

Priest's phone went off in the cup holder of the vehicle, and he picked it up. For the duration of their date, he had kept his phone off, not wanting any interruptions. With his phone turned on, it now began ringing with phone calls and chiming with missed text messages.

Priest answered an incoming call, oblivious to who was calling him since he didn't really glance at the caller ID."PJ, how far are you from the city?!" Jazzy's voice sounded off in his ears, causing him to immediately grow concerned. "We've been blowing your shit up all fucking day!" She shouted in annoyance.

"What happened?" Priest asked, not even bothering to check her for her crude tone.

Jazzy kissed her teeth, full of attitude and completely irritated. "Mirsad got himself into some shit. They shot at the leasing building while Nia was in there," Jazzy explained as she shot cold daggers at Mirsad who sat right across from her.

Like always, whenever he got himself in deep shit that he couldn't get out of, he came running to anyone who could save him. Priest let out a sigh of distress. His last run-in with his little cousin resulted in him embarrassing Mirsad in front of everyone on the block. Priest was sure he made it crystal clear that Mirsad wasn’t welcomed on the block anymore, so Priest was confused about how and why Nia's safety was being compromised. Not only that, but Priest had promised a safe living environment to his tenants, so Mirsad's shit was putting Priest and his tenants in a bind as well.

"Word?" Priest raised a brow. "Where is he?"

Jazzy rolled her eyes. "He's here with me right now. Nia's a bit shaken up," Jazzy explained, sympathizing only with Nia. The life her son was living only ended in situations like this, and Jazzy had no sympathy for him. Priest was sure that whoever was gunning for Mirsad considered this situation warning shots. With Nia being involved, Priest was willing to allow her presence in his home, but Mirsad… that was something he was going to have to consider.

"Listen, I'll be there in a few hours. Don't let him get too comfortable," Priest instructed Jazzy.

Jazzy nodded as she glanced from a shaken-up Nia to Mirsad who was afraid to find out exactly what Priest was telling Jazzy. "What about Nia?" Jazzy asked.

"Just make sure she's alright," he told his sister. The two said their goodbyes before the call ended.

Britain seemed to sober up a bit at the sound of the heavy sigh of distress Priest let out. "What's the matter?" she asked.

"We gotta head back home. Some shit popped off," he said to her vaguely. He was emotionless as he steered the vehicle in the direction of the interstate.

Britain nodded her head, figuring it would be best for her not to question him. She got comfortable in her seat, preparing herself for the two-hour drive back home.

As Priest drove, Britain could tell he was upset, but he masked it well with a natural mug. She eyed him as he tapped a few things on his phone before holding it up to his ear to have a conversation. "Yo, I need you to head to The Groves," he told J'Ru, who was in the midst of a conversation with Kaymen.

"Why? You picking rent up early or something?" J'Ru asked with a furrow of his brows.

Priest shook his head as his jaw clenched at the thought of Mirsad's actions jeopardizing the safety of not only Nia and his business, but also the safety of his tenants. Not only was this drive-by a problem, but Priest knew the press would have a fucking field day with the fact that one of his businesses was compromised by simple-ass niggas who were trigger happy.

"Nah." He shook his head. "Somebody shot it up while Nia was in the office."

"Get the fuck outta here! For what?!" J'Ru exclaimed in shock. He, Priest, and Kaymen had devoted so much time to cleaning up that block and that complex without gentrifying the neighborhood to make it affordable to minorities. Things were going well, so to hear that it got rained on with bullets was definitely a fucking shocker, especially since Priest had been far too busy to engage in anything with the opposition.

"Some shit with Mirsad," Priest informed J'Ru.

J'Ru shook his head. He wasn't really a fan of Mirsad because he was so hardheaded. He reminded him of Priest on steroids, but he really wasn't about anything he was yapping about, unlike Priest. "This little nigga don't fucking get it, do he?"

"Never mind that Ru. Just go check it out for me. I'll handle him," he assured J'Ru.

"I got you. No worries," J'Ru said before they said goodbye to each other.

From the context of the conversation, Britain knew she had no business being invasive about a thing, especially when bullets were involved. She watched as Priest made another call that was answered in a matter of seconds.

"Cyro, I need my penthouse surrounded, and have some tight security head to The Groves to meet J'Ru," he spilled out orders which Cyro obliged to.

The call ended rather quickly, allowing Priest to finally sit his phone down. Not really knowing how to navigate around Priest whenever he was upset, Britain simply reached over the console and tenderly held his tender hand. "Sorry for making you turn your phone off."

Priest shook his head, disagreeing with the basis of her apology. "This not on you," he asserted, not wanting her to feel guilty about him turning his phone off to focus on her. "Shit would have happened regardless," he shrugged.

"Everything gonna be alright?" Britain asked.

Hesitantly, Priest nodded. "Yeah. I'm always good."