Chapter 28
I smiled as I watched Devin and Korri trying to pick the perfect outfit for Juri. My baby was finally able to wear real clothes, and according to these two, she had to be the flyest preemie in the NICU. She was taking one-month photos today, and I couldn’t wait to see what they picked out for her.
The three of us were already color coordinated. I didn’t have a second thought about asking Devin to be in the pictures with us, because he was the only father figure she knew outside of my daddy, and he loved her too.
“What about this, lil’ bit?” Devin asked, holding up a onesie that read “Itty, Bitty, But Oh So Pretty” in gold foil letters along a pink tutu.
Korri grinned as she rummaged through the drawer of bows and headbands and pulled out one that matched the outfit.
“Isn’t this cute, Mommy?” she asked.
“It’s adorable. You two satisfied?”
Devin gave me a side-eye. “I feel like you’re rushing us. Is she rushing us, lil’ bit?”
Korri giggled. “Her outfit has to be perfect, Mommy.”
“It is perfect, baby. I can’t wait to see her in it. You said the photographer is meeting us there, right?” I asked Devin.
When I said I wanted to do a photo shoot, he took it upon himself to book the photographer.
“Yeah.” He checked his phone. “She just said she’s on the way, so I guess we should get going.”
He placed the outfit into the baby bag, and we filed out of the room. After locking up the house, we hopped in his car and made our way to the hospital. When we walked into the lobby, I noticed a young woman with camera equipment sitting there. When she saw us, she smiled, grabbed her things, and came over to us.
“Devin. Nice to see you again.”
“Likewise. Baby, this is Alaina Monroe . Alaina, this is my girlfriend, Romi Mitchell, and this is my lil’ bit, Korri.”
Alaina smiled and extended her hand to me and Korri. “It’s so nice to meet you both. I’ve heard a lot about you from this man.”
“You two know each other?”
She nodded. “Devin went to high school with me, and apparently, our fathers knew each other in another life.”
“How are the Jareaus?” Devin asked.
“We’re good. Forever expanding.”
“Y’all are up to what now? Twenty grandkids?”
Alaina giggled. “Very funny, but almost accurate. Everyone knows we are a fertile bunch. Cartel just had number four. Reese just had number three. If you count the honorary Jareaus, we’re at twenty-two with one on the way,” she added, rubbing her stomach.”
Devin laughed. “Y’all took go forth and multiply to a whole new level. Congratulations, though.”
“Thank you. It’s definitely not easy being pregnant with so many kids. They love coming to my house with all the animals. My daughter is ten, the twins are in their terrible twos, and this one gives me a run for my money every morning. I love it, though. I wouldn’t change a thing. Anyway! I can’t wait to meet this sweet baby! These are my favorite shoots, so I’m honored to capture her for you.”
I smiled. “Devin showed me some of your work. You do a beautiful job.”
“Thank you. Shall we get started?”
I nodded, and we headed for the elevator. Once we got off at the NICU floor, we made our way to Juri’s room. I was surprised when I walked in to see the feeding tube and breathing machine were gone. Her nurse smiled at me as we entered.
“Your little angel wanted to surprise you,” she said, standing from the rocker.
Tears immediately flooded my eyes. I shoved my purse into Devin’s hands and went to wash my own. As soon as they were dry, I went straight for my baby.
“Hi, Juri,” I whispered, kissing her forehead. “I’m so happy to see you, baby.”
My emotions were all over the place. I’d been praying hard that she would have a smooth recovery from such a traumatic birth. I was twenty-nine weeks when she was born, and she was currently what would have been her thirty-fifth, almost thirty-sixth week.
We’d been trying to get her to feed for about a week now, and she’d finally gotten the hang of it. I knew they were going to see if she could breathe on her own last night, but to see her doing it had me tearful.
“Hey, Juri,” Korri said, coming over after washing her hands. She fingered her little hand, and Juri grabbed her finger.
I smiled. “I think she missed you, Korri.”
“I missed her too.”
Devin came over and slid his arm around my waist as he peered down at Juri.
“Look at my lil’ soldier,” he said with a chuckle. Juri stirred at the sound of his voice. Her eyes partially opened, making him smile. “Hey, princess. I missed you.”
I heard a camera snapping and looked up to see Alaina capturing a shot of us.
“I’m sorry. I love off guards, and that was too perfect not to shoot. Y’all make a beautiful family.”
I smiled as Devin kissed my temple. “Thank you.”
“I’m gonna get set up while you get her dressed. Korri, you wanna help me?”
“Yes, ma’am!”
They moved to a corner while I handed Juri over to Devin. Grabbing her bag, I gathered her outfit. My heart swelled as I turned back to find him kissing her forehead and speaking softly to her. The bond he’d built with my children was so beautiful to me. I knew they… we… would be forever protected.
I thought about the fact that he pulled up on the chief of police and Patrick’s father on our behalf. The man was crazy, no doubt about that, but what woman didn’t want a man that stood on business about them?
“Devin,” I said gently.
“Yeah, baby.”
“Can I change her?”
He chuckled. “My bad.”
He laid her down and stepped back. I quickly and carefully slipped her out of her hospital onesie and into the one we bought. She was a little fussy as I put on the tutu, socks, and headband, but she calmed right down when I was done.
Alaina and Korri had finished setting up the backdrop for the pictures, and I was too excited to get started. The first couple shots were of Korri in a basket with a simple backdrop. The next few were of her swaddled on a fluffy blanket. We ended with a few group pictures. Korri was excited to finally be able to hold her sister without all the wires being hooked up to her.
Her smile was bright and wide as she posed for the picture. There were shots of me with Juri, me with both girls, Devin with Juri, and finally, a group shot with the four of us. Devin sat on a chair while I sat on his lap. Korri sat on my lap while I held Juri.
“Oh, this is possibly my favorite one!” Alaina exclaimed.
She came over to show us the shot, and my heart swelled in its cavity even more. We looked like we belonged to each other. Tears formed in my eyes as I looked at the picture. There was so much love there. So much peace… I couldn’t take it. If this was the blessing that came from everything I had to go through the last couple of months, I would take it as a peace offering.
I sniffled as I wiped my eyes. “I have a request,” I said.
“What’s that?” she asked.
“Can we get one with just Devin and the girls?”
His head jerked in my direction. “Really?”
I smiled. “You deserve a special moment with your girls too.”
I motioned for Korri to get off my lap and handed Juri to Devin. Korri made herself comfortable at his side. For a moment, I thought I saw tears pool in his eyes, but he pulled it back in.
“Smile for me, papa,” Alaina said, aiming the camera at them.
Devin and Korri put on their best smiles as she snapped away. My heart was so happy in this moment. They just looked like they belonged to each other. I peered over Alaina’s shoulder, in awe of the image on the screen.
Now this was perfect.
After spending a while at the hospital, we left to go get lunch and spend some time with my parents. Devin was in the kitchen with my mom, watching her cook and taste testing everything. Korri was cuddled up with my dad watching his westerns, while Renay and I were in the living room watching the scene in the kitchen.
“You see how your mama is acting up?” Renay said, sipping her glass of wine. “Now if that was us, she would have put us out of the kitchen while she was cooking a long time ago.”
I shook my head. “I know, right.”
Renay smirked. “See, everybody likes your new man. A vast improvement.”
I rolled my eyes. “Whatever. How are things with you and Jakobi?”
She blushed. Actually blushed.
“I think I like him,” she admitted. “I mean, it’s only been a week of communicating with him, but I like his vibe. He’s relaxed, and he’s funny as hell. I mean, it’s no surprise. That family is hilarious.”
“They are some characters. I like them, though. I didn’t expect them to be so welcoming, you know?”
She nodded. “It definitely felt like we’ve known them for years. That’s always a good thing. I love how they immediately loved on you and Korri.” She eyed me curiously. “How are you feeling after… recent events?”
I shrugged. “I don’t feel any type of guilt if that’s what you’re asking.”
“It is. I know you, Romi. You feel bad even when people deserve it.”
“Not this time.”
“Good. I don’t think you have to worry about anybody bothering you again. I still can’t believe he made the chief apologize to you.”
“Girl, I wish you could have heard him on the other end of the line, sounding like a crazy person. I shouldn’t have laughed, but I did. It was funny, but it was also…”
I couldn’t describe to my sister what it felt like having that man demand my respect. She didn’t need to know about the puddle that grew between my legs at his authority. She didn’t need to know that if I’d been anywhere near him after that, I would have dropped to my knees and whipped that big pretty dick out. I blushed, thinking about it.
“Oooo, you nasty,” Renay said, poking me. “You don’t have to say it. That big dick energy turned you on. I see you, little sister.”
“I don’t know what you’re?—”
“Cut the shit, Romi. Tell me. Have you let that man give you some dick yet?”
“No. You know I’ve been healing. Even though I didn’t have her vaginally, I still had to be careful.”
“Oh, so you had to be just as careful when he put his mouth on your other set of lips?”
I snickered. “I mean, he didn’t fold me up or anything.”
She let out a loud squeal and kicked her feet. Our mother rounded the corner.
“What are you two hens cackling about?” she asked with her hand on her hip.
“Nothing!” We both answered.
Renay got herself together before speaking. “Mama, I don’t like how you let Devin in the kitchen but kick us out?”
Mama waved us off. “Don’t be jealous, Renay.”
“Yeah, sis,” Devin said, coming to our mother’s side with a chicken wing in his hand. “Don’t be jealous ’cause your mama loves me.”
Renay tossed a pillow at him.
“Don’t be throwing my pillows, girl,” Mama fussed. “Devin is a guest.”
“Ha! He is not a guest. He’s been here a few times. You really love him, don’t you?”
Mama pinched Devin’s cheek. “He’s becoming one of my babies.”
Devin grinned a childish grin and stuck his tongue out at Renay. “See. You’re stuck with me.” He nudged my mother. “You still letting me taste that sweet potato pie filling?”
“Mama!” Renay exclaimed, jumping up. “Absolutely not, Devin Dillinger! I’ll fight you over that.”
Devin laughed. “You could never beat me, shorty. You can’t even reach me.”
“I’ll stand on something. You better not touch that filling.”
My mother shook her head. “Come get a spoon full, chile.”
Devin snickered as Renay brushed past him. “Brat.”
He came over and hovered over me. “You good, mama?”
“I’m perfect.” Cupping his face, I kissed his lips. “Today was a good day.”
“You deserve that.”
“I can’t wait to get the pictures back. They were so beautiful, especially the last one of the four of us. We looked like a real little family.”
He chuckled. “We are a real family, love. I know we have a long way to go, but you’ve made a nigga really happy the last couple of months.”
“I haven’t done anything but need you to save me, Devin.”
He took a seat next to me. “Have I complained about that?”
“No, but?—”
“No buts. Nothing I’ve done for you was for any other reason than you deserved it. I’m a natural protector, and you’re worth protecting. And for the record, you gave me enough, woman. I have you. I have Korri, and I have Juri. I have everything I need.”
I teared up hearing that. Palming his face, I looked deep into his beautiful brown eyes.
“I…”
“You what?”
I closed my eyes. Dare I say the words lingering on my tongue. Devin cupped my chin, forcing my eyes open.
“Talk to me,” he said gently.
“I love you, Devin. I feel crazy saying that not knowing if you feel the same way, but I can’t help it. I love you.”
He peered at me for a moment before a smile spread across his face.
“You love me, huh?”
“Yes.”
“What if I love you too?”
My eyes widened. “Do you… love me? Do you love me?”
“Yeah, I love yo’ short ass.” I playfully slapped his chest, causing him to laugh. He grabbed my hand and kissed it. “I love you, Romi. How could a nigga not love you?”
“You’re not just saying that?” I whispered.
“Have I lied to you yet, woman?”
“No.”
“Okay then. Now tell me you love me and give me them lips.”
I couldn’t help but giggle as he pulled me close to him, crashing our lips together. Maybe this was soon, but when it felt right… it felt right.
We left my parents’ house about eight. Korri decided she wanted to spend the night with my sister, and Renay was happy to take her. Since we had a kid free night, Devin took me back to his house after stopping by my place to grab a few things. He told me all I needed to bring was clothes because he had everything else. I was a little nervous, and I didn’t know why. I’d been sleeping next to this man every night for two weeks now. I wasn’t afraid of that.
Maybe it was the fact that we had professed our love for each other. Maybe it was the fact that I’d never spent a night in his home. Or maybe it was the fact that tonight, I had plans of finally climbing that damn tree. It’d been a long time… too long… long overdue.
While his mouth and fingers were amazing in their own right, I was dying to know what it felt like to have Devin inside me. I needed it, but more than that, I wanted it too.
“Why are you still standing there?” he asked me from my position at his bedroom door.
I blinked, not even realizing that I hadn’t fully stepped inside.
“Sorry, I was in my head.”
“You good?”
“Yeah, I’m fine,” I said, finally going into the bedroom.
“I’m gonna step over to my brother’s right quick. I’ll be right back. Make yourself at home.”
“Okay.”
He pecked my lips before heading out of the bedroom. Curiously, I went into the master bathroom to see exactly what he said he had for me. I was surprised to find a stand with all the hygiene and beauty products I used. The man had everything, down to the shades of makeup. Three bottles of my favorite bodywash sat on the shelf in the shower. My favorite kind of African scrubbing net hung from a hook.
When did he get all this? How did he get all this? It occurred to me that attention to detail was part of his job. He’d been at my house so much it was nothing for him to pick up on it. Pulling out my phone, I snapped a picture and sent it to Renay.
NayNay: Issa husband!
Me: LOL. What am I gonna do with him?
NayNay: Take advantage of a kid free night and practice making another baby. Use a condom, of course.
Me: I’m nervous.
NayNay: Don’t be. I’m sure Big Papa will take care of you in every way.
I was sure Devin would take care of me. He knew my situation, and he was gentle when we were intimate in other ways. I sucked in a deep breath as I made up my mind. Tonight was going to be the night.
Stripping out of my clothes, I hopped in the shower and gave my body a thorough cleanse and a shave. When I was done, I got out, moisturized my skin, and brushed my teeth. By the time I walked back into the bedroom, Devin was walking through the door with his eyes low. He looked me over and licked his lips at my naked frame.
“Shower,” I said, nodding toward the bathroom. “Meet me back here.”
He smirked. “Yes, ma’am.”
He disappeared into the bathroom and closed the door. I busied myself with removing the throw pillows and pulling back the covers. I dimmed the lights and lit a few of the candles he had placed around the space and turned on some soft music. Planting myself in the middle of the bed, I waited patiently for him to finish. About twenty minutes passed before the door opened, and he stepped out with a towel around his waist.
I gave him a seductive look as I cocked my head to the side and pointed at the towel.
“Drop it,” I commanded.
A lazy smirk appeared on his face as he removed the towel with one hand. I slowly took him in. His body was just so damn immaculate. My favorite appendage jumped as my eyes landed on it.
“Tell me what you need,” he said, taking steps toward the bed.
“You.” I propped myself up on my elbows and spread my legs. “Just you.”
He came to me, running his large hands up the length of my body. His touch sent electrifying shivers up and down my spine. He slid an arm around me and pulled me into his chest, crashing his lips into mine. Our tongues danced to a sensual rhythm as he pinched my hardened nipples.
I moaned his name. “Devin…”
His lips vacated mine in search of that hot spot on my neck. He kissed and sucked on it, before sinking his teeth into my flesh.
“D-Devin…” I moaned again.
His head dipped to replace his fingers as he captured my left nipple in his mouth. Those same fingers migrated between my thighs to my swollen clit. I trembled as he slowly stroked my pearl with his thumb.
“You’re already so wet for me, love,” he stated, switching to the other nipple.
He slid two fingers into the mess I was already making, easing them in and out slowly.
“So fucking tight,” he declared as he stroked me. “This dick might have to stretch you out a little.”
“Stretch me out…” I practically begged.
I panted heavily as his fingers worked magic. I was on the brink of orgasming when he pulled his hand away. His fingers were coated in my essence as he smeared the messiness over both my nipples and my lips. I waited with bated breaths as he licked the sensitive buds clean before doing the same with my lips.
He left me needy with desire as he separated us long enough to grab a condom and roll it on. Joining me on the bed, he pulled me beneath him. Grabbing his dick, he rubbed the head between my slick folds, causing me to whimper.
“Devin… please,” I begged.
Draping one of my legs in the crook of his arm, he leaned in, pushing deep into me. That first stroke stole my breath away. I clung to him as he slowly filled me with every inch.
“Goddammit, Romi,” he groaned, burying his face between my neck and shoulder. “That’s how this pussy coming?”
The connecting of our bodies was amazing. He was firm but gentle in the ways he handled me. Those long, deep strokes had my back arching from the bed.
“Oooo shit… fuck!”
My nails dug into his flesh as I tried to pull him deeper into me.
“Devin… Oh, God! Yes! You feel so good…”
“I know, baby,” he said arrogantly. “Dick that’s made for you is supposed to feel just like this.”
He pinned my arms over my head and rolled his hips into me. My mouth fell open, but nothing came out.
“I told you my ears are sensitive, baby,” he said, going a little harder. “I need to hear you.”
Moans involuntarily poured from me as he stroked me to oblivion. Stars burst behind my eyes as I fell deeper and deeper into his abyss.
“Please make me cum… I wanna cum…”
He chuckled. “Not yet.”
Pulling out, he flipped me over onto my stomach and pulled me up into an arch. The next thing I felt was his tongue against my clit and his finger in my pussy. I reached back to grab the back of his head as I grinded my pussy in his face.
“Shit!” I cried out in pleasure.
I almost couldn’t take his tongue lashing. He brought me to the brink of ecstasy before pulling his mouth away and sliding back into me in one swift motion. The weight of his body against mine brought an almost euphoric feeling. One hand came around my neck as the other slid beneath me to palm my breast while he stroked me from behind.
“Fuck!” He grunted in my ear. “This pussy’s so damn good, Romi,” he declared. “This muthafucka belongs to me, you understand that?”
“I understand… It’s yours… It’s all yours.”
His strokes deepened, and his grunts grew louder, matching my own. They echoed off the walls surrounding us. A string of dirty things left my lips.
“Fuck!”
“Shit!”
“Fuck me… Fuck me just like that…”
He pinned my arms to the bed, and all I could do was lie there and take it as cries of pleasure engulfed us.
He growled in my ear. “Breathe for me, baby. You can take this shit.”
I wasn’t sure if I could take any more. My pussy was so wet that I was certain there was a puddle beneath us. The sounds of him sliding in and out of me did nothing but turn me on more.
“Look at yourself, baby,” he said, pointing.
It was at that moment I realized he’d positioned us in front of the mirror across from the bed.
“You see how fucking pretty you look taking this dick? You love it, don’t you?”
“Yes!”
My eyes closed, but he tapped the side of my face.
“Look at me. Look. At. Me.”
My eyes met his in the mirror, and I almost fucking lost it. His eyes were wild, almost animalistic, like he was the hunter, and I was his prey.
“Devin… please?—”
“Hold it. You cum when I say you can.”
He continued rolling his hips into me, causing the tip of his dick to massage my G-spot.
“I feel it in you, baby,” he said. “This pussy about to juice for me. Tell daddy you’re ready to catch this nut.”
“I’m ready… Give it to me.”
My body didn’t need my permission. When he hit me with those last five strokes, I exploded all over him. I came so hard that I lost my hearing for a second. My breath caught in my throat, and when it finally released itself, I screamed into the sheets. With a final thrust, I felt Devin cum into the condom. He stayed inside me, panting for a moment before pulling out.
The weight of his body shifted from mine as he got up. I heard the water in the bathroom running, and a few seconds later, he returned with a warm towel to clean me up, ending with a smack to my ass.
“Don’t tap out on me now,” he said with a chuckle as he climbed into bed. “Catch your breath, then come hop on this dick and fuck me like you love me.”
I giggled as I rolled over and sat up. What was I going to do with this man?