Chapter 6
SIX
“Mmmm.”
My son’s voice pulled me from the trenches. It had been exactly nine days since I’d been between the thighs underneath the white tennis skirt and I was struggling to understand why. Four of those days, I’d been away on business, but the other five couldn’t be justified. No matter what Rose’s excuse was.
I nodded toward Kleigh, who was returning with the water Princeton had requested by tapping his finger against the empty cup repeatedly.
“Here it comes. Your aunt has it, dude.”
Nodding up and down, rapidly with his finger lodged between his teeth, he turned and found Kleigh standing a few feet away, beckoning for him. He took off running in her direction, happily obliging her request.
The country club my family visited, in unison, once a quarter was equipped with a number of activities for us to indulge. Golf, tennis, swimming, pickleball, soccer, and volleyball were the few we were most interested in during visits.
Today, because the weather was too cool for swimming, the wind was too high for golf, no one was interested in volleyball, and the pickleball court was being painted, tennis was our sport of choice.
“Fuck!” Killian huffed, plopping down on the chair next to me.
He leaned forward, wiping his face with the end of his shirt. Sweat was pouring from his skin. With a shake of the head, he looked over his shoulder at the woman we were all awe of.
She was impressive. In general. Literally. Physically. And, on the court.
“She hasn’t broken a fucking sweat!” He complained, “The fuck type of training that nigga have them in. She’s a beast.”
With a nod, I concurred.
Indeed, she is .
The words I was preparing to speak became lodged in my throat as she approached. As if she hadn’t just kicked Killian’s ass for nearly an hour and a half straight, she planted her hand on her hip without a trace of exhaustion in sight. I watched as her chest rose and fell calmly.
She surveyed the area, purposely avoiding my gaze. A small chuckle freed itself from my lips. Her theatrics were cute. They were tempting, too.
Because, though I’d promised to keep things between us at The Mansion , I didn’t mind breaking her ass off in the worst way in the women’s restroom with the door locked and her face so close to the sink she could smell the H2O from its pipes.
Kleigh and Killian both twisted their necks in my direction. Their curiosity wasn’t allowed much time to pique. Rather condensed their abilities, making it impossible to see or hear anything other than her.
“Kofi.”
She tilted her head, balancing her weight on the other leg. Her breast pressed against the fabric of her cropped shirt. Her eyes darted in my direction.
Just as they locked, her nipples pebbled. She shifted her weight a second time and cut her eyes toward Kofi, again.
“Your turn. Come join me on the court.”
I waited for the response everyone knew was coming but Rather. Kleigh rolled her eyes before words surfaced. Kofi was ruining her chances at forming the unbreakable bond she was trying so hard to build with Rather.
Though he was her heart, she was growing tired of his bullshit, especially when it came to the woman she was beginning to harbor platonic feelings for. He was embarrassing her. That’s where she drew the line, I assumed.
“Take a look around, baby,” he told Rather, “I’m not dressed for the occasion. I can’t keep my Glock on my hip jumping up and down the court.”
Without a word, Rather lifted her skirt, exposing the shorts beneath it. And, underneath them was the print of a baby pistol I was sure was holstered with a strap around her thigh that wasn’t exactly visible.
My dick rose to the occasion. She was hell and it was only one of the hundreds of reasons I couldn’t get her off my brain.
Lethal .
Rather was nothing short of greatness and it was an honor to observe her existence. Because, frankly, that was stunning enough. Even if she never spoke, I’d overdose on movement and silent power alone. She was a force and we were all victims of her all-encompassing nature.
“Any more excuses?”
Kofi’s smile split his face in two almost.
“Convincing,” he admitted, “But, I’m not that nigga, Rather.”
“Good, then, because I had something better than the Rolex in mind this time.”
She took off toward the court, not waiting for him to deny her, again. Instead, she stepped inside of the court and faced the fence in front of her, preparing to play alone with the fence propelling the ball in her direction each time she hit it.
“Nigga,” Killian blurted, “Ninety days my ass. You’d better get your shit together or that fucking girl is going to grill you and eat you for dinner.”
“She can taste my meat without killing me. All she has to do is get rid of that bullshit ass rule sh–”
“Rule?” Killian asked.
Though I was tuned into the conversation, my eyes were in a far, far away place. They were on her, watching as she made due with the shit my brother was spoon feeding her.
“I made it clear I wasn’t stopping my extracurricular activities as we waited to walk down the aisle. She made it clear I wasn’t sliding in that pussy as long as I continued with them.”
“Oh shit–” Killian chuckled, “She’s not a bird brain.”
“Did you expect her to be?” My thoughts rang out, unintentionally.
Fuck .
“Not exactly, but you never know. The smartest women turn out to be the dumbest motherfuckers when it comes to a nigga. The shit you wouldn’t expect or assume she should know better than tends to take the backseat when a man is involved. I’ve witnessed it too many times before,” he explained. “But, how quickly I keep forgetting this isn’t the average woman. Nothing about that damn woman is predictable.”
Absolutely nothing.
Satisfied with his response, I stood and stretched my limbs. “Since her nigga is scared to kick her ass, I will.”
“Hope you’ve set aside some bills. She doesn’t lose and her requests are not average, either. Hence the Rollie on her wrist.”
I don’t lose either. And, a dick in her gut is all I have to gift her. We’ll both leave victorious .
My presence on the court hardly fazed Rather. She continued pounding the ball, waiting patiently as it bounced off the fence. I grabbed a racket and stood on the same fence she was abusing with the ball.
Intensely, I watched her feet bounce in the white sneakers with double Cs on them. They’d cost her a pretty penny, but I was sure she didn’t bat an eye when checking out. Now, she was using them to play tennis, bending them and scuffing them without a care in the world. I made a mental note to double up and send her a second pair.
As the thought crossed my mind, the ball suddenly headed in my direction. Unsure if it was intentional or simply a mistake, I stopped it just before it busted my shit. It would’ve been a nasty sight had it landed between my nose and mouth, busting them both. Unmoved, Rather stood with her hands folded and her breast pushed up on her chest.
The fact she’d attempted to leave me leaking with blood staining my clothes and the concrete beneath me meant almost nothing. Her beauty forced me to look past it all and focus on those pursed lips and annoyance in her stance.
“You’re in my way,” she fumed.
“You needed someone on the court with you. Here I am.”
“ Wanted ,” she corrected, “I didn’t need anyone, Priest. I still don’t.”
The way my name rolled off her tongue, even in frustration, did things to me. Good things to me.
“You’re frustrated,” I revealed, wanting and needing to step closer to her.
So I didn’t raise any red flags or go back on my promise to maintain her comfort, I stayed put.
“ Sexually .”
Her breath hiked in her throat, swelling her chest.
“Pri–” she tried, but was unable to finish because she was interrupted.
“It’s written all over that pretty face of yours.”
She looked off, peeking back at our people. They weren’t interested in our conversation. They were occupied with Killian’s humor.
“They’re not worried about us, Rather, but I am.”
“There’s no us, Priest. Not here. Not right now.”
“Then tell me why you’re flustered? Tell me why you’re short of breath? Tell me why your heart is racing? And, tell me why, without a doubt, I know that if I invited you to that restroom right down there, you’d come?”
“Because I would,” she admitted with a sigh.
Now that we’d established that, I moved forward. There was no need to dwell.
“Where have you been? I’ve missed you.”
“But, not enough to make it clear? Not enough to let me know?”
“Is that what you want, Rather? For me to put effort into–”
“It’s been far too easy. I’ve been too easy. Effort, yes. That’s what I’m requesting.”
“My command,” I told her, heading toward the center of the court on the side where I’d be playing.
Separation was eating me to shreds, but it was necessary. I wanted nothing more than to lift Rather into my arms, slide her shorts aside, and dip my dick in her filling.
“I don’t play for free.”
Her warning was enticing. We neared each other and brought our rackets together. They collided just before we began to step backward, slowly.
“My dick is hard, Rather. I don’t plan to play for free, either.”
“I expect an investment when I win. Twenty-two thousand dollars.”
“I expect to see you in my suite, pussy parted with my dick tapping against your walls when I kick your ass.”
“Not happening,” she challenged.
“It will. So will the twenty-two thousand. It’ll be in your account tomorrow.”
“That’s not how this works. I’ll win, fair and square.”
“It works however I say it does, Rather. Now, shut up and play.”
She closed her eyes, frustrated with our lack of intimacy and her lack of self-control. When her eyes opened, so did her mouth.
“My period,” she explained.
“What?”
“You asked why you hadn’t seen me. I’ve been on my period.”
With a nod, I accepted the new bit of information she was giving.
“Hear me well when I say don’t ever let that stop you again. I’m not a law abiding citizen, Rose. I run red lights.”
This time, the separation lasted until she was bent over, hugging her knees with her palms while trying to catch her breath. I neared the center of the court, watching her struggle as the sun glared down on us both.
“You could put yourself out of your misery by quitting now.”
We were on our third set. I’d won one and so had she. However, she was now down by two points. Another point and I would win the game.
Unlike before, when my family was hardly paying us any mind, everyone was tuned in. Kleigh, my mother, and Nikola were all cheering for Rather. Killian and Kofi roared every time I gained another point.
My father remained neutral externally, but I was almost certain he was daring me to lose to Rather. My success meant more to him than a simple game of tennis.
“It’s not over yet, Priest.”
“It can be.”
“I’m ready,” she panted, standing tall and clutching her racket.
Her fight was commendable but the games she’d played before had weakened her. If I was the first person she’d played, I wouldn’t doubt she would’ve beat my ass. But, that wasn’t the case. She was burnt out and I was just warming up.
I tossed the ball in the air and hit it with the racket. It nearly landed on the ground in the far corner of her barrier. However, she recovered it. Quickly, I hit the ball in the other corner, certain she was in no shape to make it to the other side of the court so quickly. I was wrong. She managed.
“UGH.”
With urgency, she smacked the ball in my direction and ran toward the other side, expecting me to make the same decision twice. She was wrong and that’s where she’d fucked up. The ball landed on the side she’d just recovered it from. This time, the greenery caught it.
“Fuck!”
My features were unchanging as I hung the racket on the hook where it belonged. Eventually, Rather did the same. She said nothing as she bent over, grabbing the tumbler filled with water.
“Just like that,” I expressed, “I want you just like that tonight. Eight. And, don’t make me wait or you’ll find out just how much effort I’m willing to put into you.”
I left her standing where she was and rejoined the rest of the family under the shade.
“That’s what the fuck I’m talking about! Beat her ass,” Killian yelled-whispered, slapping my back.
Our parents were near. It was imperative he remained respectful.
“Barely,” Kofi chuckled.
“Had she not played this knucklehead and your mother, you wouldn’t stand a chance, son. You suck.” My father didn’t sugarcoat things. He said them with his entire chest.
He was right. I couldn’t deny it. Nonetheless, I had won and not for the reasons any of them wanted me to. It was simply because I wanted those legs parted so I could take a swim.
I didn’t bother responding. Instead, I grabbed the bottle of water from the table and loosened the cap. It was one of many Kleigh had brought out in addition to Princeton’s water.
I quenched my thirst while watching every move Rather made. She approached with darkened cheeks and her ponytail much looser than it had been before. My hands wrapped around it as I dug her out from behind was the only vision roaming my thoughts in anticipation of being brought to fruition.
She lowered into one of the oversized, comfy chairs underneath the private cabana our family owned at the country club. I was fixated on her, but her eyes were elsewhere. On the little body I’d played a part in birthing. On my whole heart.
When her hands expanded and she sat up in her chair, my brain refused to advise my lungs to keep working in my best interest.
Rejection, on her behalf and from anyone, was becoming my least favorite experience. Introducing Princeton to people who were accustomed to encountering neurotypical children was at the top of my list. Combined and I wasn’t able to maintain my composure.
“Hi!” She greeted him, trying to entice him with that silky voice of hers. It wouldn’t work.
“I can see you want to come. There’s plenty of room for us both. It’s okay. Can I see your friend there?”
She asked questions with expectations that were simply out of Princeton’s reach. It pained me to hear another one emerge.
“Hmm? Can I?”
“He’s nonverbal,” I explained.
“We’re talking,” Rather said, immediately moving her fingers as she spoke.
Mindblown, I sat up straighter. I planted my arms on my knees and watched as the familiar signs continued.
“In his language and that’s fine with me.”
As her statement concluded, her arms stretched again. This time, Princeton’s legs began moving. Six steps and he was in her space. Her personal space. A place he didn’t visit when it came to strangers. This was his first time meeting Rather. His comfort was baffling.
“Is this your friend?” She asked Princeton, simultaneously signing.
He nodded, drawing gasps from everyone around.
“Oh, he’s handsome. Does he have a name?”
Another nod nearly sent me to an early grave. My father tapped my arm, trying to acquire my attention, but I was unable to divide it. My thoughts were jumbled. My gaze was firm.
“What is it?”
This time, Rather didn’t sign with her hands. Instead, she used one to place it on her ear and angled it in Princeton’s direction.
She was making her expectations known. She was exerting her confidence onto him. She was making him well aware of the response he was capable of. She was encouraging him without trying to force anything out of him.
Princeton’s head dipped slightly, slowly breaking my heart. But, just as quickly, he’d sealed the cracks with the verbalization no one but Rather was expecting. We couldn’t hear him, but we were certain something had come from those lips.
“Hmm? There’s just so much noise around us, I could hardly hear you. What’s his name, again? I’d hate to call your friend the wrong thing. Tell me, again.”
She began leaning in his direction, but before she was able to get too close, the word burst from his small frame.
“Woody!”
It sucked the life out of me. One word. One name. Two syllables.
His excitement was dazzling. His smile, the pride he felt in that moment, was endearing. While we all clenched our chests, the ruckus began.
However, I was lost for words. Kleigh, Killian, Kofi, our father, and our mother all joined in conversation stemming from the shock. Rather, on the other hand, pretended as if Princeton’s verbalization was a normal part of his day. It wasn’t. He hadn’t spoken a single word since he’d been born.
“Woody? Oh yes. Now, I remember. He’s the little guy in Toy Story, right?”
Princeton nodded.
“Yes. Yes. I’ve watched it a few times. Is that your favorite movie?”
Another nod led her to ask a more complex question that would likely get another response from Princeton. The fact she was able to hold his attention for as long as she had was baffling. Yet, I kept my eyes on them both, admiring every movement they made.
“Who’s your favorite character?”
“Woody.”
The same word surfaced again.
“What’s his friend’s name? I can’t remember. The one that wears the helmet. Gosh, I can’t remember,” she lied, trying to coax another word from Princeton.
He didn’t give in as easily. Instead, he shook his head from side to side. Toy Story was no longer on his radar.
The necklace around Rather’s neck was. He laid his head against her chest and tucked his feet beneath him. With the tips of his fingers, he began drawing circles on the dainty chain. Afraid he would become too much for Rather too soon, I beckoned for his attention.
“Princeton,” I called.
His head never lifted. His body never rose. He remained pressed against Rather. She met my gaze, looking me square in the eyes as she shook her head, advising me not to uproot my son.
He’s comfortable , she signed.
He’s safe. She followed up with.
He is only nonverbal for now. Princeton has chosen not to speak and until he’s ready he won’t. But, he is capable of expressing himself. The word he just spoke might be the only one he speaks for a while, but have patience. One day, he’ll have a full vocabulary. It won’t make sense when he begins his journey, but eventually it all will. How old is he?
Five , I responded with my hand.
Time. He just needs time. There’s likely a lot going on in that little head of his. He just needs time. But, remember, even slow progress is still progress . She told me.
Progress in itself is all I need. It doesn’t matter the pace .
Then, he’s on the right track .
Thank you .
So fucking impressive. She could have two-hundred-twenty-two-thousand dollars if she wanted it. All she had to do was say the word. What she’d just done for me, I could never repay her for. What she’d just given us, we could never thank her enough for.
Kofi had to get it right with this one, because she would be his to have in the end. Our time wouldn’t last. But, when it was over, she deserved to be treated well. Very well.
You’re welcome . She signed.
“How do I get my grandson on your schedule, Rather?”
My father wasted no time creating a plan for Princeton.
“Unfortunately, I’m not practicing right now, so my time is plentiful.”
“That’ll all work itself out. I’m sure your brother is working hard to make that possible for you. In the meantime, your new patient is sitting right next to you.”
It wasn’t a good idea to be around Rather alone, even in Princeton’s presence. He napped more often than not. We’d have too much time on our hands and the lines she was trying not to blur, I’d scribble all over.
“How does Thursdays sound?”
“Sounds doable.”
“Thursdays are no good for Princeton,” I interjected.
“Tuesdays?”
“As long as you agree to take him and get him back home,” I demanded, speaking to my father.
For my sake and the sake of our family, sending me to Rather’s house weekly would be catastrophic. I wouldn’t be able to keep my dick out of her.
“Without hesitation.”
“Then, Tuesdays?” She asked.
“Yes. Does two work for you?” My father questioned.
“It does.”
“Then, see you Tuesday at two.”
Her hand rested on Princeton’s head. Her eyes rested on me. My heart, it opened for her. She left it with no choice.