Chapter 29
I missed my husband.
Damn, I didn’t think I’d ever get used to saying that. I still couldn’t believe that I was a whole married woman. It was sad that we weren’t really getting to enjoy married life because of all the shit going on. Maceo had been on go for days now, damn near from sunup to sundown. When he got home, all he wanted to do was eat, shower, and sleep.
I understood that he was tired, but I missed him.
This morning, I got up extra early and went downstairs to make him breakfast. I prepared a feast of bacon, eggs, sausage, cheese grits, fresh fruit, and pancakes. I smiled as I arranged the items on a tray, along with a glass of orange juice and mug of coffee.
“Girl, look at your hot girl ass being a housewife,” I said to myself with a shake of my head.
If someone told me a year ago that I’d let a nigga sit me down, I probably would have laughed in their face. While I wasn’t messing around with anybody, I was outside partying hard. Then I met this man and let him lock me down. I barely went to the club if I wasn’t going with him or Salima. I was either with my family or his, and I loved it.
I was just beyond ready for this shit with Charity, Quinn, or whoever the fuck she was, to be over. Maceo had clued me in on everything that had gone down. Blane was dead. Their crew of men was dead. That bitch was out here by her lonesome now. I highly doubted that she had time to pull together a whole new team, unless she had people on standby.
The thought of that made me nervous because, would this ever really be over?
Shaking the thoughts from my head, I grabbed the tray and headed upstairs. When I opened the door, Maceo was still knocked out. He lay in bed with one hand behind his head and the other thrown over his stomach. I placed the tray of food on the dresser and pulled back the covers to straddle him. Leaning in, I place feathery kisses to his handsome face.
He stirred slightly as his eyes fluttered open. Looking up at me, he smiled softly.
“Good morning, love,” he said, cupping my face.
“Good morning.”
I pressed my lips to his in the sweetest kiss. His hands slipped beneath my robe and gripped my thighs as he lightly massaged them.
“How did you sleep?” he asked, resting his head back against the pillow.
“Good. You?”
“Decent. I’m tired as fuck, man.”
“I know, baby.” I gently stroked his cheek. “This will all be over soon, though, right?”
“I hope so. I don’t know how one bitch can be this evasive. Jaeda is working on getting a location on her. It seems like every time she gets one, she moves.”
I shook my head. “I hope this doesn’t last too much longer. I’m ready to actually enjoy being Mrs. Dillinger. I just wanna lay up, be spoiled, and maybe pop out a baby or two.”
He chuckled as his hands migrated to my ass. “Can you imagine us as parents? That kid will be hardheaded as shit.”
“No, they won’t, because Mommy Shar don’t play that. They will be well-mannered and respectful until a muthafucka tries them.”
“I can see us getting called to the school now.”
“And I’ll be there with bells on because don’t play with my baby.”
He shook his head. “You thought about names?”
“Of course I have. I know you’ve said you don’t want a junior because you want him to have his own identity. So, for a boy, I was thinking Shameer. For a girl, I was thinking Samira. That would work for twins too.”
“Twins!” he exclaimed.
“You know my mom is a twin. I’m glad she didn’t have twins with Kilow or Damaris.”
“Don’t do my lil’ niggas like that. They’re good kids.”
“They are, but one of them is enough.”
He laughed. “They will be good uncles, though.”
I smiled as I sat back on his thighs. “They would, especially if we had a little girl. Oh God. She and Darlyn would never have any peace.”
“I’m glad you know their daddies and uncles are some straight up fools.” He reached out and rubbed my stomach. “I know you are gonna be even more beautiful carrying my baby.”
“Can you say MILF? I’m definitely gonna be somebody’s fine ass mama, big belly and all.”
He smiled. “I can’t wait to see you waddling around.”
“Are you gonna rub my feet?”
“I’ll give you a whole body rub down.”
“You know how you act. That’s gonna turn into you finding your way between my legs.”
“You know what they say about pregnant pussy being good pussy.”
I rolled my eyes. “I have good pussy period,” I said, snapping my fingers.
“Sholl the fuck do.”
I giggled as I rested my chin against his chest. For the longest time, I stared at him. I’d really married my best friend. Leaning forward, I kissed his lips.
“I’ve missed you… I’ve missed this.”
“I’m right here.”
“You’re gone most of the day, and by the time you get home, you’re tired. I miss our days together. I miss being able to go on dates and shit, baby. I miss being able to go anywhere at my own free will. I’ve been stuck on this compound, and while I love your family, I wanna see other people.”
“Baby, you don’t even like other people.”
I playfully slapped his chest. “You know what I mean.”
“I’m playing. I get you, love. I just want you to be safe. I’d lose my fucking mind if something happened to you, Shar. The world would see a different side of me. You aren’t just my girlfriend anymore. You’re my wife, and your safety is my priority. Plus… I’m not trying to have to fight your daddy this time. Pops won’t be able to save me a second time.”
I giggled. “Yeah… you might want to tread lightly. Daddy won’t give a fuck whose kid you are. Still, you better not hit him back.”
“You really expect me to just let Mr. Paul whup my ass?”
“You can block his licks, but you better not hit him back.”
He shook his head. “That’s insane, Sharina.”
I shrugged. “You know what’s insane, baby?” I asked, sitting back on his thighs.
“What’s that?”
I pulled at the sash on my robe, allowing it to fall open and reveal my naked form beneath it.
“The fact that I haven’t had you inside me in days.”
He licked his lips. “Nah, what’s insane is the fact that I haven’t even tasted that sweet pussy in days.”
“So what are we gonna do about that?”
He didn’t respond verbally. Instead, he threaded his fingers through my hair and pulled my head to his. When his soft lips captured mine, I couldn’t help but moan. Our lips parted, and our tongues danced to a sensual rhythm. His hands explored my body, gripping and groping every part of me. One arm wrapped around my waist, pulling me chest to chest with him as he slid his other hand to cup my pussy from behind.
“Damn, Shar.” He groaned as he stroked my swollen pearl. “You wet as a muthafucka.”
“And this wet muthafucka is gonna drown you.”
“Baby, I swim in this pussy. You could never drown me. Bring that shit here.”
I stood to my feet, hovering over him. Slowly, I peeled away the rest of the robe and tossed it aside. I moved to stand over his face. That skilled tongue slipped out of his mouth as he licked his lips and beckoned me to him. I smirked as I dropped into a squat, hovering above his mouth. Gripping the headboard, I prepared myself for this tongue lashing.
Maceo slid his hands under me to grip my ass and pull my pussy to his mouth. The first swipe of his tongue let me know that he’d indeed missed eating my pussy. He slurped my clit between his lips, releasing it with an audible plop. The way he French kissed the sensitive bundle of nerves had me gasping.
“Oooo… shit!”
My hips involuntarily began to move, propelling me to ride his face. Back and forth. Up and down. Around and around. Grabbing the back of his head, I thrust into his mouth.
“Good boy… Eat this pussy.”
That long, skilled tongue snaked out of his mouth and slipped right into my wetness. Again, my hips moved on their own, slightly bouncing on his tongue.
“Maceo….” I groaned his name.
My hands went to my breasts, pinching my nipples. I tossed my head back, relishing in the pleasure he was giving so freely. As he latched back onto my clit, he slid two of his thick digits into me. My pussy was in a frenzy as he started strumming my G-spot while sucking my clit. My movements stilled, and I simply allowed him to devour me any way he saw fit.
“Fuck!” I gripped the headboard with both hands to steady myself. “Oooo, shit! Oooo… fuck!”
I could feel my orgasm brewing from deep within. My hips started bucking as I rode his mouth and fingers hard and fast. The harder I rode him, the sloppier he got. The combination of him rapidly flicking his tongue and tapping my G-spot finally sent me over the edge. My body convulsed as I came and released all over his face.
My legs trembled as I rolled off of him to catch my breath. My head had barely hit the pillow when he grabbed me by my neck and shoved his tongue into my mouth, kissing me ravishingly. The taste of me on him quickly reminded me why he was my favorite munch. When he pulled away, he peered down at me with a smirk.
“Bend that ass over for me, mama.”
I smirked. “Yes, sir.”
Rolling onto my stomach, I pushed my ass into the air, making it jiggle as he positioned himself behind me. He spread my cheeks, and the next thing I felt was spit trickling down my asshole. Rimming my forbidden entrance, he slid into me with one quick thrust.
“Shiiiiit…” He groaned as he stroked me, long and deep. “Fuck, I missed you.”
“I missed you too, baby.” I threw my ass back at him. “Why are you playing with me like this? Fuck me.”
“Oh, you want me to fuck you?”
He slapped my ass before grabbing my arms and pinning them to the bed. Leaning in, he placed soft kisses to my back as he fucked me harder and deeper. Moans fell from my lips as the tip of his dick kissed my cervix.
I gasped. “Shit!”
“Mmm… that pussy is juicing up for me, mama. How bad does she want this nut?”
“So fucking bad!”
“You gonna have my baby, Shar?”
“Yes! Oh God!”
The harder he fucked me, the wetter I got. It wasn’t long before I could feel the stickiness of our essence coating my thighs. My clit throbbed as his balls slapped against it with every stroke. Maceo pulled me upright, one hand clasped around my throat as the other strummed my pearl.
“She’s throbbing for me, baby,” he whispered in my ear as he continued to stroke my middle. “Go on and give daddy what he wants. I’m about to paint these fucking walls.”
My pussy didn’t need my permission to submit to him. I came, and I came hard. My body trembled against him as he kept feeding me long strokes until his seed spilled into me. With a final thrust, he released me, and I collapsed against the bed, panting heavily. When I finally caught my breath, I eased off his dick and rolled over onto my back.
I absolutely needed that.
Three days later
I sat in the waiting room of my gynecologist, waiting to be seen for my annual. Maceo had been reluctant to let me leave the compound since he couldn’t go with me, but I promised him I’d go and come right back. Since I wanted to drive myself, he made me take his Escalade since it was bulletproof and made sure that Amp was tailing me. I settled for that because I needed a little of my independence back.
Amp followed me into town and was currently sitting next to me in the waiting room. He looked a little uncomfortable with all the stares he was getting from women basically eye fucking him.
“When you head back, I’m going to the car,” he said in a low voice.
I giggled. “You can’t take the heat?”
“Hell nah. That one over there looks like she would pounce on a nigga the minute I give her the okay.”
“You know you’re a handsome guy, Amp.”
“I know that. I don’t need the distraction, though. I’m focused on my money and my ol’ lady.”
“I didn’t know you had a girlfriend.”
“Tanis Greenwood.”
“Pastor Greenwood’s daughter! Get the fuck outta here. How did you pull her? I mean, I know how you pulled her, but again… how did you pull her?”
“Good girls love a bad boy that’s only good for her. Case and point, Salima and Deuce.”
“In my girl’s defense, she really didn’t want that man at first. He wore her down.”
“And he locked her down with a ring and a baby. I rest my case. You’re next.”
I smiled. “I’m having my birth control taken out today.”
“Word? You and Maceo about to give Salima’s lil’ cutie a cousin, huh?”
“Once all of this is over, yes.”
“Good for you. I mean, I thought you would have made him marry you first, but ain’t nothing wrong with that.”
“We are married, Amp.”
His brows furrowed. “Since when did y’all reschedule the wedding?”
“We didn’t. We had a private ceremony that night. Just us, Deuce, Salima, and Darlyn. You can’t tell anybody, though.”
“Oooo, Mrs. Cicely and Mr. Paul are gonna kick your ass when they find out. His too.”
“They aren’t going to find out. When this is all over, we are going to have the ceremony that was planned. No one will ever know.”
He waved me off. “If you say so. You know your moms can smell a secret a mile away. Remember when you started smoking with me and the crew from the old neighborhood? She caught your ass up real quick.”
I laughed at the memory. I’d gotten too high with them and was scared to go home because the shit had me paranoid. When I tried to sneak into the house, of course, my mother stopped me. It didn’t matter that I smelled like I’d bathed in Bath & Body Works to cover the smell of the weed. She’d been with my father too long not to know when someone was high.
Instead of making me come out and say it, she let me stew in my paranoia for a good two hours as I tried to keep it together. It wasn’t until I had a panic attack did she finally step in. I didn’t even get in trouble because I’d punished my damn self.
I laughed at the memory. I was a pro now.
“Sharina Gladden.”
“Text me when you’re done,” Amp said.
I nodded as I stood and went to the back. After collecting my weight and a urine sample, I followed the nurse back to a room to wait for Dr. Beck. I undressed from the waist down and covered myself up with the sheet on the table. It wasn’t long before she came in with her usual smile and bubbly personality.
“Hey, Sharina, girl!”
Dr. Beck had been my doctor for years now, and she’d always been like a homegirl. She’d never made me feel uncomfortable talking about my body or changes it went through.
“Hey, Dr. Beck.”
“How have you been, love? It’s been a while since I’ve seen you.”
“I’ve been okay.”
She smiled as she looked at my chart. “Just a checkup today?”
“That, and I want to take out my birth control.”
“Oh? Is everything okay? It’s not giving you problems, is it?”
“No, nothing like that… If I tell you something, promise you won’t say anything to my mother.”
“Whatever we discuss stays between us. What’s up?”
“I got married.”
“Oh, that’s wonderful! Congratulations!”
“Thank you.”
“So are you and hubby ready to start a family?”
“Soon. I just want the medication to be out of my system before we try.”
“Understandable. Well, we did a routine pregnancy test, and I see it came back negative. Why don’t you lay back and put your legs in the stirrups for me so we can get started on your exam.”
I did as she requested as she washed her hands and slid on gloves. We went through the normal routine of her reviewing my medical history, followed by a physical exam, a pap smear, and discussing my cycle since I was trying to get pregnant. We didn’t even touch on the topic of contraception because, for one, Maceo and I hadn’t used condoms in forever.
Thirty minutes later, I was walking out of the appointment with a recommendation for prenatal vitamins. Amp met me at the door to walk me out.
“I’m starving,” I told him as he opened the door for me. “I’m gonna hit the drive-through at Burger Bliss, then we can head back.”
“Bet.”
He made sure I was secure in the car before hopping in his and following me out of the parking lot. After grabbing my food, we headed in the direction of the compound. As we were driving, I saw the police lights behind Amp. He pulled over, and so did I. I didn’t think he was speeding because I was only going forty-five, and he was right behind me. Looking in my rearview mirror, I watched the cruiser’s door open, and the officer got out.
My phone rang, and I looked down to see that it was Maceo. Pulling my eyes away from the scene behind me, I answered the call.
“Hey, baby.”
“Hey, love. You on your way back?”
“We were, but Amp got pulled over by the police.”
“He speeding or something?”
“Not at—” The sound of a gunshot caused me to jump and scream.
“What the fuck was that!” Maceo asked.
When I looked in the rearview mirror, all I could see was blood splatter on Amp’s windshield and the cop approaching the Escalade. Immediately, I floored the gas pedal.
“Shar! Shar, are you okay?”
“They shot Amp!”
“Who?”
“The cop! Maceo, I think he’s dead!”
I could hear him getting into a car. “Where are you exactly?”
“The outskirts of town, headed home. I had to leave him… Oh God. What if he’s still alive!”
“Are you being followed?”
I looked in the rearview mirror to see the cruiser coming up on me fast.
“Yes!”
“I’m coming. Just keep driving toward the compound.”
I could hear him on the other line with his brothers, telling them to head in my direction. I silently cursed as I came upon approaching vehicles. Putting the phone on speaker, I sat it in the cup holder and prepared to weave around the cars. As I maneuvered, the cruiser followed me effortlessly with the lights flashing. Speeding up, they rammed me in the back.
“Son of a bitch!” I yelled.
“What happened?”
“They hit me!”
Again, the cruiser rammed into the back of me, causing me to veer off the road a little. I managed to get the car back on track and speed up. I made a sharp right turn onto another road, and the cruiser was right behind me. Suddenly, it pulled up to my driver’s side and rammed me from that side, causing the car to spin out of control. The more I tried to straighten the wheel, the worse it became.
Another hit caused the car to flip. I screamed as it tumbled off the side of the road and into the woods. I could hear Maceo yelling my name, but I was too busy bracing myself for impact. The Escalade slammed against a tree, finally coming to a stop. For a moment, all I could do was lay there upside down, trying to catch my breath.
My head was pounding. My arms were all cut up from the broken glass, and my ears were ringing.
“Shar! Sharina!”
I could hear Maceo, but I couldn’t find the phone.
“Baby, are you okay!”
“I’m… I’m okay,” I mumbled.
With a trembling hand, I reached for the button to undo my seat belt. As it gave way, my body slid from the seat. I groaned as I felt around for the phone, finally locating it in the back. I dragged myself over the broken glass and out of the busted window. The moment my body was out, I felt a tight grip on my hair, pulling me to my feet. My body was slammed against the car, and I came face-to-face with Charity dressed in a cop uniform.
She gave me a sinister smile. “Did you miss me, baby?” she asked, fingering my cheek.
The next thing I knew, she jabbed my neck with some sort of syringe. I shoved her off me and swung at her with what little strength I had, catching her in the jaw. I was met with a knee to the stomach, causing me to double over and drop the phone. I already felt weak from the impact of the accident. Whatever she injected me with quickly worked to debilitate me.
“I’m gonna have so much fun with you, Shar,” she said, grabbing my hair again. “Just wait and see.”
My legs felt like jelly as I fell to the ground. I felt myself being dragged over leaves and fallen tree limbs before being pulled upright and dumped into someplace dark. The next thing I knew, it was lights out.