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Taking note of no masculine presence when I scanned the common areas just moments ago, I knew the nigga wasn’t here.

Walking into situations blindly was never my thing, but something in my bones told me her need was bigger than my paranoia when I got her text, so I was coming in this bitch regardless of who else was here when I arrived.

Her man could have very well been over when I popped up, and he would have easily been a dead nigga.

Hell, he still might be one if that means taking Mimi’s sadness away.

She laughed dryly at my back. “I haven’t seen or heard from him in days.” I could feel her eyes on me as I moved around the kitchen and warmed up some food. “There’s more of a ‘what’s understood, doesn’t have to be explained’ dynamic to our relationship. I know he’s out with other women and?—”

“You cool with that shit?” I slammed her refrigerator door unintentionally. Hearing that her man was fucking around on her pissed me off. “He’s okay with another man fuckin’ you?”

With heated eyes, I watched as her eyes slowly trailed my body.

Changing clothes on the jet, a black beater and grey sweats were my attire for the evening.

There was an undeniable attraction between us, and it was suffocating at times.

I never acted on it because I wanted our relationship to be platonic.

I didn’t want to ruin the friendship with all the extra feelings and actions that came with fucking someone you cared about.

“Am I cool with it? Of course not. I want a man who’s all about me.

” Her eyes slowly drifted to mine before she nibbled her bottom lip.

“As far as me having sex with another man…” She shook her head slightly.

“He would lose his shit. That’s how things work around here.

The men can come and go as they please, and the women have to just take it. I hate it here.”

Hearing the timer go off, I removed her pizza from the oven before getting her a bottle of water. Walking over to where she sat on the island, I tapped her thighs, and she immediately spread them for me. I pushed down my thoughts as I nestled myself in between her legs, feeding her the food.

“I know it may not seem like it right now, but things are going to work out for you.” I held the pizza to her lips and watched as she took a bite, her eyes never leaving mine. “You deserve a lifetime of happiness and love and to be with a man who sees only you .”

Saying nothing, her eyes stayed locked on mine as she ate. I haven’t been this intimate with a woman in a long time, but it’s a feeling that just seemed so natural with Mi.

“What about you?” she asked once she chewed and swallowed her food. “Don’t you deserve the same thing?”

“A man to make me happy, Mi?”

“Boy!” She giggled sweetly as she slapped my arm, causing me to smile. “You know what I mean. The same way you want all of those things for me, I want them for you too. Are you any less deserving?”

Instead of answering her, I continued feeding her until the two slices were gone.

Love was something I used to want, but it wasn’t in the cards for me.

A long time ago, I would have thought I was deserving and would still be seeking my forever in a deserving woman. But now? Too much time has passed.

“I’m a different case, baby, and I’m okay with that.” I used a paper towel and wiped her mouth clean. She went to say something but stopped herself. I took that as my cue to cut the conversation short and let it rest where it ended. “Come on and try to get some sleep. It’s getting late.”

Taking my hand, she allowed me to help her off the counter.

She cut off the downstairs lights and led me up the stairs to the room.

I knew it was wrong, but I couldn’t help but zone in on the way her ass ate her pajama bottoms. Her nigga was crazy because there was no way I would have time to entertain another woman if I had her at home.

I would be too busy buried inside of her to even form a thought about some other pussy.

“Skip!” she called my name louder than she should have. “Where did you go just now? I’ve called your name twice.”

“You don’t want to know, friend .” I winked at her, causing her to blush. “I know my way to the guest room, so head in.” I nodded toward her room. “I’ll see you in the morning. Get some sleep, Mimi. Tomorrow is a new day.”

Pulling her into my arms, I kissed her forehead and hugged her tightly.

She melted into me, and I knew she needed it.

Reluctantly, I let go because I was starting to feel like I needed it too.

Turning on my heels, I walked two doors down into the guest room I occupied the last time I was here.

The room was decorated with a king bed and dresser, but I loved it because it smelled like her.

Closing the door, I removed my sweats, pulled the sheets back, and climbed in.

I was exhausted and needed some sleep. Before I could doze off, I listened closely at the door opening.

As I lay there in the dark, I could faintly hear Noemi move through the room until she was on the other side of the bed.

Pulling the covers back, she climbed inside and snuggled next to me.

I should have told her that this wasn’t a good idea and to go back to her room.

Instead, I wrapped my arms around her and pulled her closer to me.

Kissing her nose and then her forehead, I held her tightly as we both drifted to sleep.

She called me over to comfort her, and if that meant doing something as simple as holding her while she slept, I was more than happy to deliver.