Chemistry: The Chemist

Chapter 9

The sun hadn’t quite kissed the sky when I opened my eyes, but it was near the horizon. Eden’s still, warm frame reminded me I wasn’t in my bed. I’d made it to hers and crashed, slightly disturbed by my level of comfort.

Heat transferred from her body to mine. One leg was draped over my lower half. An arm curled around my stomach. Her head hadn’t moved from my chest since she’d discarded the dishes she’d used to serve the soup that was possibly responsible for my health this morning. I was much better than yesterday.

Sickness was knocking at my door and I damn near answered. Instead of driving the distance, Aden brought me downtown where I wanted nothing more than to be in Choc’s presence. She was all the medicine I needed, but I wasn’t opposed to the idea of soup when she woke me from my slumber in the late hours of the night.

If only shit was this way always. The purple and orange hues of the rising sun, Eden in my arms, and the silence of the morning was peace I’d never encountered.

It made me wonder if it was even real. Because it should’ve been impossible for something so simple to be so impactful. So satisfying. So gratifying. So amplifying.

Just like the sun, Eden brought light to my dark sky. She illuminated my world, establishing her position and becoming a critical part of my day. Without her, I was operating in darkness. That’s how it had been since I laid eyes on her.

“You’re stewing.” She groaned, turning over.

With her ass pressed against me, she found comfort again.

“I’m thinking.”

“Hmm. About what?” Choc yawned, sleep still apparent in her voice.

I maneuvered my hard dick out of the hole of my briefs and began massaging it while turning over.

“How good this feels.”

The soft fabric slid up her thigh with ease.

“This?”

“Waking up with you in my arms. Forgetting the rest of the world exists, even if only for a little. Yes, Eden. This.”

Because she had one leg hiked and the other straight, I had access to her portal. Up and down, I rubbed my dick against her pussy until it was coated with a thin layer of her lubrication.

“That’s all?” She moaned as I entered her, carefully separating her walls.

They accommodate me well. No resistance. I slid into home base with ease.

“And this, too.”

“And this,” she agreed, twisting her neck until her lips met mine.

Involuntarily, my lids gathered, blackening everything. Though I couldn’t see a fucking thing, I could feel every fucking thing.

Eden’s canal as I stroked her long and slowly. Eden’s body as it begged for more of what I had to give. Eden’s heartbeat was thunderous yet steady just like mine. Eden’s desperation. Her surrender. Her power. Her divine feminine energy. Her light. Her love.

“Cheeeeeem.”

Her scent permeated the air. The sound of our skin meeting, over and over, became the soundtrack to our soulful session.

“Fuck,” I whispered in her ear, pulling her closer with my arm underneath her chin and a hand at the back of her neck.

Her pussy was silk.

“Fuck, Eden.”

As the words left my mouth, my back hit the sheets. She flipped us over, claiming me for the hundredth time as if she didn’t have enough of me already. I hardly recognized the man I was becoming because of her and I wasn’t sure if I was supposed to run for the hills or continue running toward her.

She spelled out trouble for me. But, I’d never been one to evade its uncertainty. I embraced it. I embraced her and whatever came with her.

She established her dominance while still remaining unfathomably feminine. Gentle. Reserved. Sexy as fuck.

Her fingers caressed her tresses as her head fell backward and she continued to come down on me, sliding down my dick so beautifully.

Like something from the hands of a skillful artist, she became art I wanted on my wall. Down every hall in my home. On my body. In my head. The sun’s rise as her backdrop was monumental.

“Ahhhhhhhh.” Labored breathing muffled her moans, yet they remained the greatest sound ever heard.

I gripped her waist, ready to send her flying off the edge. From beneath, I drilled into her, searching for the diamonds she had hidden in her pussy. With my ax, I hacked away at everything eating at her, everything worrying her, everything hindering her, and every doubt she had about us.

Before she came into my life, I was incapable. Things had changed. I was changing. And in the end, Eden would have the privilege of saying she’d experienced a love not even the books compared to.

Her climax was my goal. I needed her to glisten. Just as she had so many times before. As her body grew rigid, I knew it wouldn’t be long. My baby was near and I was right behind her.

“Yessss. Yessssss. Oh–”

“This dick about to cum, baby.”

“Oh fuck!”

Eden hunched forward, curving her spine as spasms from her center made her quiver. Contractions served their purpose, extracting my semen and filling her with my minions.

“Shit.”

Our movement halted. Both of us struggled to regulate our breathing. Once she had hers under control, Eden spun around on my dick and leaned forward. Her tongue traveled the length of my mouth, tapping the roof and then swirling around as if it were unfamiliar territory.

“Choc.” I chuckled, knowing exactly where this was headed.

“Shhh.” She gyrated her hips, slowly, awakening my softened tool.

She was truly amazing. From head to toe, I was still in awe of her.

“Whose is it, Chemistry?”

Staring up at her, I was rendered speechless. My rigidness allowed her to move freely. With her hands on my chest, she placed her feet flat on the bed and bent her knees until she was squatting. Eden never broke eye contact as she unmanned me with her slippery pussy and rare beauty.

“Whose is it, Chemistry?”

My government rolling from her tongue had me ready to bust in her shit, again. I cupped the sides of her face, bringing her down a notch and gaining full control of her destination, the time frame, and the intensity.

“Say my name again.”

“Whose is it?”

She deprived me.

“Ede–”

“Whose is it?” She moaned.

“Say it.”

I pushed forward, lifting from her bed and pinning her to it. I pressed a hand against her head and lifted her ass with the other, making sure she couldn’t run from the blows to her back.

Her defiance would cost her, but it was punishment she thirsted for. It was obvious by the way she scooted her legs upward, shortening her body to deepen her arch.

I fucking love this woman, I confessed with a shake of the head. She’ll be the fucking death of me.

I was balls deep in her shit, stroking with the intensity that matched my feelings.

“Ummmm,” she whimpered but never moved. Never attempted to alleviate the pain. Like a fucking champ, she ate every blow I threw at her.

“Say it, Eden.”

“Whose is it?”

“Yours.” I grunted, giving in first without an ounce of shame.

“Fuuuuuck. I’m cumming.”

“Shit, baby. Cum on this motherfucker.”

“Chemistrrrrrrrrry.”

Mesmerized with her skin, I watched the water trickle down her chest and drip from her nipples. She was squeaky clean. I’d administered her cleansing myself, so I was sure of it.

Perky, dark areolas stared back at me as she massaged the facial cream into my skin. According to her, if I was sleeping over, then I had to abide by her rules, starting with the eighty-six-step skincare routine.

“That’s enough, Choc.”

“Quiet. I’m almost finished.”

She’d said that shit three times, yet we were still standing in the shower. She claimed it would keep my pores open so the product could penetrate and do its job. I didn’t give a fuck whether it did or not, my skin was immaculate without it.

“Is this the last step?”

“Two more,” she hissed as if I was bothering her. As if her hands weren’t in my face and I hadn’t been ready to call it quits minutes ago.

“Baby!”

“Okay, one, then.”

Afraid she’d start the entire process over, I refrained from shaking my head. A heavy sigh sufficed as she picked at the nothingness on my face.

In my opinion, she was only still in my personal space because she wasn’t quite ready to part ways. Her fear of my departure after we dressed was in vain. I wasn’t going anywhere, yet, and neither was she.

“You’re not returning to Roulette.”

“Okay.”

That simple. She didn’t fight me on the decision. That was new, but it was perfect timing. That smart-ass mouth had toned down tremendously.

I wasn’t sure if it was the dick I was giving her or the facade wearing off. Eden was all smoke and mirrors. Baby was gentle at her core. She craved attention, affection, time, and energy just like any other woman with a person she cared deeply for.

“Where are you going when you leave and when will I see you again?”

So fucking predictable. Eden was easy. Quality time was her language of love. Though I didn’t have much of it, I pushed shit aside to make more.

“Wherever I’m headed, you’re going with me.”

“Really? Where?”

“It doesn’t matter, Choc. Don’t start with the questions. Just know that when you’re with me, you’re safest.”

“I know,” she admitted, stepping back and taking me in. “Done.”

“Yeah?” My eyebrows raised. Relieved, I didn’t bother shutting off the water before I stepped out of the shower and onto the plush rug. I’d been held captive way too long.

“Don’t act like you didn’t want to be in here with me!” Eden yelled over her shoulder as she turned the knob to disable the water. “You love the silence. The calm. The–”

“Which is why we’re headed out, so we can have uninterrupted time together. More calm. More quiet. More comfort. You don’t have to hold me hostage in a fucking shower for that. All you have to do is ask.”

I tossed a towel in her direction and grabbed the second one for me.

“Technically, I didn’t hold you hostage. I?—”

“Just shut up, Choc, and come on. We have shit to do.”

“Like pack. How many day?—”

“Don’t insult me. You don’t need anything when you’re with me. Are you hard of hearing or some shit, baby?”

I took her by the hand leading her into the bedroom where we both began to get dressed. The same slow tunes she’d cut on before we headed to the shower were playing in the background, setting the tone for our day. It was gloomy and gray, the perfect weather for the mood we both seemed to be in.

My cell chimed on the nightstand where I’d left it. A peek at the screen and I noticed Aden’s name. He’d sent a text, likely assuring me he was downstairs and waiting whenever Eden and I were ready.

I quickly realized I wasn’t the only one interested in my screen. Eden’s neck stretched as she studied it as well.

“My driver,” I explained.

“Hm?”

“If it’s another woman you’re worried about, then stop worrying right now.”

“What are you talking about?” She tried walking off, downplaying her inquisitiveness.

I pulled her long ass right back, wedging my chin between her neck and shoulder. Before sinking my teeth into her skin, I reminded her of the obvious.

“I’m all yours. For now. Forever. This lifetime and the next. Now that you’re in my system, I can’t shake you. And frankly, there’s no room for anyone else. My heart is full, Choc.”

Her confidence spiked as I freed her. It was in her walk. And the words that left her mouth next.

“It’ll be trouble if you ever tried to shake me,” she claimed, switching toward the closet.

You’re trouble, Choc. Don’t matter whether I was trying to shake your fine ass or not.

She tossed me a brand-new pair of her socks. Without complaint, I slid them on my feet.

“You were right.”

“Me?” she questioned. “That’s nothing new, Chemistry. You have to be a little more specific.”

“What’s with you calling me by my full firs?—”

“Taylor called you by your full name and you had nothing to say about it. Please don’t piss me off again. I’m growing tired of thinking about how smitten she was with you.”

“You wouldn’t be exhausted if you’d handled your business.” Shrugging, I continued, “And nothing is wrong with you calling me Chemistry. I prefer it. I like the way it sounds coming from your mouth.”

“Good, because you look so much more like Chemistry.”

“It’s the same thing as Chem, Choc.” I laughed, folding my hands in front of me while watching her finish up.

Stopping momentarily, she peered in my direction. “What was I right about?”

“I’m an older sibling.”

“I could tell from the moment I met you.”

“How?”

“Your demeanor. It probably sounds weird, but the older children are always natural caretakers. Despite your grumpiness, I saw the true Chemistry. That’s who I trusted with my life that night.”

“What about now?”

“It doesn’t matter what Chemistry I’m getting, I know they all mean me well now. I trust you, wholly. More than I’ve ever trusted anyone in my life.”

“Seven girls.”

“Hm?”

“Seven girls. My father had seven girls, all younger than me.”

“So, you have seven sisters? Seven whole siblings?”

“Seven sisters. Eleven siblings. I was raised by my father. I have four brothers who were raised by their grandfather. Our mother committed suicide and murdered my stepfather before she did it. That’s where we’re headed.”

“To meet your sisters?”

“No. To visit my brothers. It’s not often I’m allotted time to see them, but there are times I force myself to drop everything for them. It’s important to me they understand their positions in my life have never and will never change.”

Eden stilled, taking in all the information I was dishing. After a few seconds, she was active, again.

“You know, Chemistry, you have so many layers to you. I wonder if I’ll ever finish peeling them back.”

“You won’t.”

“I couldn’t agree more.”

She ruffled the sheets, patting them down for any items. I grabbed the other ends, straightening them on the bed as she did the same. Once it was made, we both moved to the floor where underwear and random items had tumbled.

“Where are they?”

“Berkeley.”

With a nod, she replied, “Berkeley is nice.”

“It’s where I was born.”

“I’ll admit I’m both surprised and honored to be on the receiving end of these new developments. You’re so guarded. So hard to penetrate.”

“I have my reasons.”

“I understand.”

“This is my family, Choc. I don’t fuck around when it comes to them. None of them. When you step out of that door out there, everything you know, see, hear, or learn about them must be locked into a vault somewhere in the back of your brain–never to be opened, mentioned… nothing.

“This is not up for negotiation. I’m not silent because I simply want to be. I’m silent because I have to be. I have people to protect. Continuing this thing with me means you’re vowing to do the same.”

She paused, peering at me with sincerity in those big eyes of hers.

“As much as I can, I’ll protect the things and people you love. Cross my heart, hope to die.”

A hand crossed her chest.

No matter how invincible you think you are, you’re human, son. And there’s only so much you can do.

Her words reminded me of my father’s.

“Fair enough. Are you ready?”

Tittering, she shook her head. “I’m a woman, baby. You have seven sisters, have you learned anything from them?”

“In other words, you’ll be awhile?”

“Not exactly, but at least another fifteen minutes. Would you like orange juice or something else from the fridge while you wait?”

“A bottle of water. I’ll get it. Just finish up in here.”

A kiss landed on my cheek as I stalked across the room toward the door. My stomach flipped four times.

This fucking girl, man. My face flushed with heat. The feeling was inexplicable.

“Soooo, he blushes,” she announced in celebration.

I didn’t respond. Her fridge was the first stop. After grabbing a bottle of water, I headed up the set of stairs that led to the loft area above the kitchen. I’d gone over the floor plan several times before ever stepping foot in her place, but seeing was believing.

The very simple, minimalist decor in the space made it look more expansive than it was. White sheets lined the guest bed. A mirror covered nearly the entire wall opposite the bed. I imagined our naked bodies tangled in the sheets and reflected in the mirror.

I took a seat in the chair near the corner that was surrounded by faux greenery. The warmth of Eden’s home made it clear no amount of rooms, expensive pieces of furniture, oversized televisions, staff members, or square feet could make a house a home. It was the people within the space. I’d spent years in my residence, and there hadn’t been a time I felt grounded the way I had when I stepped inside Eden’s space. The feeling hadn’t subsided.

I lost track of time, lost myself in my thoughts as I rested my mind and body on the upper level. Rather had noticed the progress of my mental capacity and the positive effects Eden was having on me. Though she hadn’t realized my progression was due to companionship until Roulette revealed that detail, she noticed the change. That sat well with me.

You’ll fail. You’re not equipped to love anyone. Not even yourself.

Quiet.

Grunting, I sipped from the bottle.

It won’t work. You’re the devil himself. She’s an angel.

Quiet.I shook my head, focusing on the good parts of the unruly thoughts.

She is.

But, she’s a woman. You can’t tr–

“Quiet.”

“Hm?” Eden startled me. I hadn’t heard her come up.

Deflection was my only ally. Jewels I’d purchased clung to her skin. She looked as amazing as I’d imagined she would dripped in ice. She was slowly transforming from an extraordinary woman to one who reeked of wealth and entitlement. The haughty kind. The kind I desired.

I didn’t mind a woman with expensive taste. I had the budget. The only niggas who didn’t were those who couldn’t satisfy the bill. I preferred my women established, entitled, expensive, and egotistical. Nose in the air and hand out every chance she got. Because, anything she wanted from me, she could have.

Additionally, it led me to believe most niggas didn’t have the financial range to fuck with her or fuck on her. Though Eden was the first to check every box, I’d determined my type through the years as I floated through the sea of women beckoning for my attention and getting my dick as a result. It was almost all I ever had to offer until now.

“Is black your favorite color?”

She nodded, confirming what I’d known all along.

“Do you like the Chanel bag?”

“I love it.”

“Figured you could use a black bag for the countless black pieces you have.”

“Thoughtful,” she responded, smiling with her entire body.

“Are you ready, Choc?”

“Yes.”

I took her by the hand when I stood. She trailed close behind as I descended the stairs. She wore slim black pants and a black, snug shirt that exposed her navel. Not even the models in Paris were fucking with Eden. I was still in yesterday’s clothes, but there were clothes waiting where we were headed.

On the elevator, I pulled Eden into me while planting myself in the corner so I could watch everything around us and so the view of the camera was obscured.

“Mister.” She kissed my lips.

“Tell me your dreams, Choc.”

Tossing her head back, she chuckled. When her eyes returned to me, the smile on her face softened. She understood quickly that comedy wasn’t my intention.

“My dreams?”

“What do you want more than anything else in life?”

For a few seconds, she pondered.

“Ease.”

“Ease? Explain, please.”

“Ease. Life has its way of making me feel as though there isn’t a better version possible. Or that I should be grateful for the one I have and not want a better one. So…” She paused, swallowing slowly. “A life of ease, that’s the dream. That’s my dream. I don’t have this big, fancy idea of what life should or could be.

“No big dreams for me, Chemistry. Just… I just crave a more simple, less daunting life. One where I hardly lift a finger or don’t feel guilty for lying in bed all day if my heart desires. Quietness. Calm. Slowness. I love that. I hate rushing through my skincare routine. Rushing through meals. Rushing to answer the phone. Rushing home. Everything is always moving so fast. In my dream, everything slows down. Even me.”

“Sounds obtainable.”

“I think it is. I don’t think it’ll happen in this lifetime, but maybe the next.”

“Have you not learned anything about me, yet, Choc?” I asked, pushing the spiraled strand from her face.

She was rocking a ponytail, but it wasn’t cascading down her back. It was her natural hair in a ball of some kind with two strands hanging in front.

“I have learned quite a bit.”

“Then you should know that I wouldn’t ask if I couldn’t deliver.”

The elevator doors had stood open for some time. They were preparing to close when I nodded toward the exit.

“We can stay right here for as long as you want or we can get moving.”

Eden barely made it through them. They reopened fully, allowing me to pass through as well. We strolled across the lobby and out of the door where Aden was waiting. He widened the door of the truck and greeted Eden, simultaneously.

To avoid additional cameras, I slid in behind her instead of walking around to the other side. As soon as we settled, she continued the conversation we’d cut short.

“It’s not your job to–”

“Eden, don’t make me gag and bound you for talking senseless.”

She didn’t have a quick, witty remark, so she kept quiet.

“You didn’t ask for the world, baby, though I was more than willing to give it to you. Your request was simple. You want peace and quiet. That’s exactly what you’ll have. I won’t wait to give it to you, either. Consider it done. From this moment forward, nothing you desire will be out of reach for you. Tell me. Just tell me and I’ll handle it.”

“Who must I thank for creating you? They did a fine job.”

“You’ll meet him soon enough. I just have one question, Choc.”

“What is it?”

“Does that include motherhood? The life you dream of?”

With a heavy sigh, she nodded. “Yes.”

“Then it’s settled.”

Within the hour, we reached the small, private airport where the family’s plane was gassed and waiting for our departure. I was the first out of the truck. Eden was next, stunning everyone within view with her never-ending legs and confidence. She trekked the runway beside me, looping our fingers and staying close enough for our arms to remain at our sides without stretching forward or backward.

“Mr. Childers.”

“Wendy.”

Staff waited on the tarmac for our arrival. As we boarded the plane, they filed inside behind us. Eden didn’t loosen her grip on my hand until I showed her to her seat. Even then, she pulled me down with her, refusing to lose sight of me. I leaned over, lips to her ear, and teased.

“Did you use super glue?”

I lifted our hands, reminding her she was still holding onto me. She released me, finally.

“Sorry.”

“Stop apologizing, baby. Is there anything you need before I head to the back?”

“To the back?”

“To rid myself of these clothes.”

“I– I’m fine.”

I leaned forward again, this time kissing her cheek before I reached her ear.

“Liar.”

I grabbed her by the hand, forcing her out of the seat and toward the sleeping quarters where there were clothes and shoes waiting. I closed the door behind us and ushered her to the bed.

Easily reading Eden was becoming my favorite task. She wore her feelings on her sleeves now. Hiding them from me wasn’t a chore she cared for. Her laziness was my secret weapon.

“Stop pouting, Choc.”

Her lips parted and curved upward into a smile. “You think you know me so well.”

“I could always know you better.”

I discarded the clothes I had on, exchanging them for something more suitable. A pair of black denim, a Louis Vuitton top, and shoes that matched felt much better, and less restricting.

“The feeling is mutual.”

“Thirty-six. Berkeley bred. Eldest of twelve. Mother committed suicide. Father– father won’t be around too much longer,” I shared, feeling an ache in my chest, but continuing anyway.

“A chemist. Earned my doctorate in five years. Swimmer. Could’ve been an Olympian but that wasn’t where my heart was. Childless, for now. What else is there to know?”

“Since you put it that way, I guess there isn’t much more you can tell me. Everything else is learned.”

“Agreed. But I know hardly anything about you.”

“Chemistry, I find that hard to believe.”

“Fuck what I’ve discovered. Tell me what you want me to know.”

“The middle child. I have a brother and sister, both took wrong turns in life and ended up on the wrong paths. Master’s degree in social work. Discovered later that it wasn’t the career path I wanted to continue down. Quit and stayed home for a while and then boredom consumed me. After leading a black-and-white life, I wanted a bit of color. That led me to Roulette.”

“And then, me.”

“And then you,” she uttered with her lips puckered. Her eyes wandered until she broke into a full smile.

“Fuck you smiling so hard for, Choc?”

“You tell me, first, then I’ll tell you.”

I dipped my head, shaking it from one side to the other. My smile was so fucking big, the sides of my lips were beginning to crack. Whatever voodoo she’d put on my ass was strong and wasn’t letting up.

“Come on. We have to get back up front or the plane will never take off.”

She started behind me, baffled by my declaration.

“Why not?”

“Because…” I paused as we crossed into the cockpit. “No one will be up here to get it off the ground.”

“Chemis– Chemistry. Yo– you’re– Wait.”

Eden was lost for words, stuttering like a kid with a speech impediment.

“Sit there and grab a headset.”

She sat down where she’d been instructed and grabbed the headset.

“You chose water.”

I was instantly taken back to the conversation we’d had some time ago.

“Because I have arms and legs, not wings. But, I never said I couldn’t fly.”

“You’re full of surprises, Mister.”

That smile returned, stopping my heart momentarily.

“Would you have it any other way?”

She shook her head from side to side.

“Good. Now, settle down and put on the headset. Tour the beauty of the state of Huffington, shall we?”

“Yes. Please.”

I began the pre-flight checklist as she adjusted.

“Checklist complete,” I confirmed, speaking into the headset. Daniel was on the receiving end, waiting for my signal.

“Childers 3082, cleared for takeoff,” Daniel responded.

“Staff, prepare for takeoff,” I warned everyone onboard. “Choc, keep your eyes open. You don’t want to miss the views as we ascend.”

The plane started down the runway, and slowly, the nose tipped toward the sky. Our speed increased and so did our altitude as the wheels lifted from the ground.

“Wheels up.”

We continued to climb until we neared the clouds. Once we’d reached the designated height, I was able to relinquish control.

“How are you, Eden?”

I turned around, watching her cheeks peak and her thumb rise.

“I’m well.”

“If you look to the right, you’ll see the Holy Woman statue. Straight ahead is the Cambridge Connect, the longest, highest bridge in Clarke. It leads to three cities in Huffington. One bridge, three cities. She’s a beauty.”

“She is.”

“Cambridge Clearwater River is just beneath her. As hard as it is to believe, the water is drinkable. Scoop a cup and you can see right through it.”

“You feel so far away,” she said into her headset, staring daggers in the side of my face.

“I’m not, Choc. I’m right here.”

I extended my arm and placed my hand on her knee. She rested her hand on top of mine.

“Right here.”

Her body relaxed against my palm. Whatever was troubling her pressed forward, giving her a chance to enjoy the moment, enjoy me. That’s all I wanted for us both. With time, she grew more comfortable and began pointing out familiar structures herself. We’ve delved into the history of our city and others we passed through on our route.

Every wonder of Huffington that was in our path, I was sure to give Eden an aerial view of. We arrived in Berkeley unscathed and in one piece. Fresh off the plane, we piled into the Bentayga and headed for my residence in The Highlands.

The clock struck eight before I could get a grip on time. Nevertheless, tardiness wasn’t excusable, so I was dressed and waiting when Eden descended the stairs in a pair of pants that widened tremendously at the bottom. Her shirt was silk, cut deep down the middle, and tucked in her pants. The risk of boob exposure added a bit of excitement to our night.

I’d have a time watching and waiting for the moment it announced itself and declared the end of our night. Because at the moment, I wouldn’t be able to stop my dick from tearing through my briefs in an attempt to pleasure Eden.

Red soles added character to her attire. She was the prettiest. Her hair was pushed behind her ears, hanging down her back with swirls and swooshes lining her face. Not a hair was out of place. The new earrings I’d gifted her upon arrival were perfect, and so was the clutch that was part of a large wardrobe that was prepared in her absence. It would remain at the house in The Highlands for our impromptu visits.

“Sorry, I took so long. My hair,” she explained, standing in front of me.

“No need to explain, Choc. It was worth the wait.”

“You like it?”

“I do.”

Bashfully, she dipped her head. I lifted her chin. “Let’s ride.”

Hand in hand, we exited. Shortly after, we were cruising through the streets of Berkeley, having ditched the driver.

My city. It didn’t matter how long I resided in Clarke, Berkeley would be home forever. The nostalgia was disheartening. The memories made my time in the city more complicated than it needed to be. But, I was determined to diminish their effects this time around. Eden was with me. Things would be different.

My phone lit up the cupholder. Choc’s eyes were on it before I could see who it was calling. It was becoming abundantly clear she’d experienced things she hadn’t talked about, yet. Someone had led her to believe men were cheaters, all of them. She was responding to trauma. It wasn’t her fault, but I wanted the head of the nigga whose fault it was.

“Who fucked with your heart?”

She whipped her neck in my direction. “Hm?”

“Hm. You heard me, Choc. A name.”

“Chemistry, you can’t go shooting everyone I’ve crossed paths with.”

“You really don’t fucking know me.” I scoffed. “A name.”

I picked up the phone, seeing it was Pops. I didn’t want to keep him waiting, but she wasn’t off the hook, either. If she didn’t give me a name, I’d start digging myself.

“Pops, good evening.”

“Heard you’re in town and haven’t been by to see your old man. You’re not too big for me to lay you across my knee.”

“I got big guns now.”

“Then I hope you know how to use them.” He chuckled.

“I do. But I haven’t been here long. A few hours. I’m meeting those knuckleheads for dinner. Before I leave, I’ll be over.”

“Alright, just making sure you haven’t forgotten about me.”

“Impossible.”

“Well, I’ll see you, then.”

“See ya.”

I ended the call, ready to continue the conversation. Eden wasn’t interested. She hiked the music playing on the radio station, caring nothing about the genre or tune. To my dismay, it was some bullshit. Thankfully, we weren’t very far from Saint, the restaurant of choice.