Cristiana
Today hadn’t turned out anything like I expected.
Despite how nervous I was, I hadn’t counted on Reuben’s family reacting the way they did to the news of how we met.
Briefly, before the visit, when he told me they disliked him working and playing at Lustz, I’d contemplated having us lie.
But I hated deceit, so we agreed to be truthful. Look where that got us.
I wondered if my family would react the same way if they knew of my secret life.
I hid my involvement in kink clubs because I knew they wouldn’t be able to handle it.
With Reuben’s family knowing he was part of the lifestyle, I thought that if they rejected me, it would be because of me as a person, not because of my connection to Lustz.
When Tonio all but called me a whore and asked Reuben if he had any idea how many men I’d been with, it hurt.
His words made me feel dirty and undeserving of Reuben, even if he was part of the same club.
People assumed that if you were in the lifestyle, all you did was hop from person to person fucking them.
They were so wrong in most cases. There was a lot of monogamy in our world.
There would be no way Reuben would share me, or I would share him.
We would exclusively play with each other.
It was true I was no virgin when we met, but neither was he, and I knew he had far more partners than I had.
The thoughts swirling through my head kept me busy as the medical staff carried out their orders, and I was shuttled from test to test. I had no idea how long I would have to wait for the results.
My nurse, Maddy, had left to get Reuben.
I needed him with me. Movement at the opening of the curtain surrounding my bed made me glance up.
Standing there was Reuben. I couldn’t help it.
“Reuben,” I cried out, opening my arms.
He darted over and sat down on the edge of my bed. Taking me into his arms, he held and rocked me as he whispered into my ear how much he loved me. I don’t know how long he held me before he peeled himself away.
“How are you feeling?” Worry was readily detectable in his voice.
“I’m feeling fine. I’m tired and I’d like to go home. Let’s hope they get the results soon,” I told him, stifling a yawn. Man, I felt so tired, yet I hadn’t worked or done anything to warrant it.
“Nurse, are any of the results back? I know they take time, but are all of them outstanding?” Reuben asked.
“I’m sorry, but the doctor is the one who’ll discuss all the findings. It shouldn’t be much longer. Try to rest, and if you need anything, let one of us know.”
I didn’t detain her. If she had no results or wasn’t allowed to give them to me, there was no use in badgering her. She was doing her job. Forgetting about her, I got back to Reuben. He looked like he’d been through hell. His hair was disheveled, and his face drawn.
“I’m sorry it took so long, and that you had to sit out there the whole time alone. I don’t think anything is wrong with me. I’m sore and have a headache, but that’s it.”
“It better be. I swear to God, I had no idea they would act like that, Tiana. If I had, I would’ve never taken you to meet them. They want to be all remorseful and talk now. I told them to forget it.”
“When did they say that?”
My memories had returned while I was testing. I recalled what was said and the fight that ensued. I stupidly stepped in when I should’ve stood back. The pain of Tonio’s fist connecting with my face had taken my breath away.
“In the waiting room. They followed us here. After you passed out, I swept you up and headed here. They came after us. In the parking lot, I told them to leave. Later, when Dr. Tinney said I had to go out to the waiting room, I found that they had stayed. I heard sorry, and they wanted to talk this through. I sat away from them until Mikhail and the others came. They’re worried. ”
“Mikhail is here? Who are the others?”
“Tajah, Cady, Alex, Hoss, and Carver.”
This news came as a surprise. I hadn’t expected them to drop everything for this. Wait. That meant… “Is Matea out there?”
“No, Tamara is watching her at their house.”
“No, Tajah should be with her, resting. She just had a baby. Sitting in the waiting room of a hospital isn’t the place for her,” I protested.
“I told them to go home, but they’re stubborn. They said no. Not until they know you’re okay and will be coming home with me tonight. As soon as we get the all clear, they’ll leave.”
“Well, at least you had someone, even if it’s your family. I bet it would’ve been boring sitting there alone until the others arrived,” I murmured.
“Technically, I was alone. They sat on one end and I on the other. I made it clear I wasn’t interested in hearing what they had to say. Maybe we’ll get lucky, and when we leave here, they’ll be gone.”
“Reuben, you can’t cut off your family. I know they upset you, but you can’t sever ties.
I don’t want you doing that because of me.
When you want to spend time with them, I’ll stay away.
I would never expect you to choose me over them.
Unless what they said has changed your mind about me.
” I choked out the last part. The thought that Reuben no longer wanted me, that what his brother said made him wonder if I was a whore, made me sick to my stomach.
My hand flew up to my mouth without conscious thought.
“What’s wrong?” Reuben asked, urgently.
“Nothing,” I mumbled.
“Like hell it’s nothing. Tell me the truth, or I’m calling the nurse,” he demanded.
Knowing he’d do it, I reluctantly lowered my hand and answered. “I felt sick to my stomach. I need to ask. What Tonio said about me, did it change your mind about me, about wanting us to be together?”
Reuben’s eyes widened, then they narrowed. He leaned over the bed until we were almost nose-to-nose. His intense stare made me squirm inside, but I was helpless to look away.
“I’d better never hear you say or imply that again.
There is nothing anyone can say or do to make me not want you, Cristiana.
As for my stupid brother, I will defend you against him and anyone else who dares to slander you.
Tonio was out of fucking line. Once you’re home where you belong, I’ll have that discussion with him and the rest of my family.
I already told them you’re mine, and nothing is changing it. ”
Warmth invaded me, even though I hated the idea of him being on the outs with his family because of me. I reached up to cup the side of his face. His prickly five o’clock shadow tickled my hand.
“I love you, Reuben.”
“And I love you, Tiana,” he whispered before touching his mouth to mine.
The kiss was tender and thoroughly arousing.
If it wasn’t for a throat clearing, who knows how long it would’ve lasted or what else we might have done.
Reuben took his time parting our lips. Glancing over, I saw Dr. Tinney and Maddy standing there.
The doctor wore a disapproving expression, while the nurse was trying not to smile.
“Ms. Perez, you should be resting,” Dr. Tinney chastised me.
“She is. What have you got for us, Doc?” Reuben asked.
“Well, her scans and blood work appear to be normal. There is no indication of anything life-threatening or broken. Your face will be bruised and sore for a while. I’d try to minimize movement and keep using ice to decrease the swelling and pain.
Eat a soft diet for a few days. If you experience any further episodes of fainting or forgetting things, please return.
I have a handout which details the symptoms you should report to your doctor right away and those that warrant an ER visit.
Maddy will take another set of vitals, and then we’ll get to work on your discharge.
Try to take it easy, and no more attempting to break up fights. ”
“That’s great news. Thanks. And she won’t be inserting herself in the middle of more fights,” Reuben assured the doctor.
A brief nod from Dr. Tinney, then we were alone with Maddy. “As soon as the discharge orders are written, I’ll get you out of here as fast as I can,” Maddy said.
“Thank you. We appreciate it,” I told her.
After she left, Reuben sat on the edge of the bed, holding my hand. “I’ll get you home as soon as possible.”
“I think you should tell the others it’s okay to go home. No use hanging in the waiting area when I’m fine.”
“I guess I should. Don’t go anywhere. I’ll be back.”
“Yeah, right, like I could sneak out of here. Go, silly man,” I teased.
He growled, smacked a kiss on my lips, then sauntered out.
I closed my eyes. I hated the thought of being the cause of a rift between him and his family.
I’d have to work on him not to hold a grudge.
I would stay clear of them. If we were to have a family, I’d never deny them access to their grandkids.
We’d find a way to work around it. But that was for another day. Right now, I want to go home.