Chapter 10
Chapter Ten
Amena
T he way he made my body feel replayed over and over, like our first time when I was seventeen. Laikin brought me to the cliff each and every time, reminding me of how our friendship turned into more, giving me a piece of his heart. His strokes slowed as he grabbed both of my legs, turned me onto my stomach, and slid a hand up my back. I spread my hands under the pillows, shivering from his touch. I felt like I was a puzzle piece he was putting together. I was powerless to resist him. Tears pooled into my eyes at what I did to us. A delicious shudder shot through my body when the tip of his dick touched my entrance. A wild need passed between us. The nibble on my ear, the warmth of his breath, and the moaning let me know this was home. I turned my head for an urgent kiss, sticking my tongue out. He sucked and nibbled savagely on my breast.
“I hate that I put us in this position for so long.”
His mouth wandered up the tingling cord of my neck. “I’m willing to let the past go, baby. Just say you’re home.”
Laikin pulled back, pushed in deeper, and groaned. Unable to answer, I nodded.
“Come with me, Pepper.” He moved against me, fanning the sparks of arousal, surging to the highest level.
At his soft touch, I trembled. “To our place,” I whispered.
“Come with me and never let go, Amena. I never stopped loving you.”
What we shared was more than love. It was beyond friendship. We were made for each other in this life and after.
“Yes... I’m coming.” It was pure agony of passion, years of despair coming through.
Laikin became more possessive, slapping my ass, gripping the back of my neck, stroking faster and faster. Unable to hold it any longer, I came all over my bed. “Mmm… Laikin, I love you!” I screamed. He released right behind me, then fell on top of me, breathing hard and rubbing up and down my body.
Both hands made a heated path along my stomach up my breasts.
“I love you, Pepper.” He rolled to the side and pulled me into his arms. He kissed me on the lips and lifted me on top of him. “I need more.”
I smiled. “Making up for lost time? You’re going to make me too tired for work.”
“Good dick will do that to you.”
Laying propped against the pillows, he watched me. Grinning, he ran a hand up my thigh, squeezed, then brought his mouth to my right breast. Love rested in his eyes. A hunger I remembered as the pleasures pulsed in my veins as happiness filled me. No longer did I have to be afraid of what the future held for Kayne and me. After the initial shock of seeing Laikin again on the road, after escaping a terrible situation, I stiffened in shock all over again now, seeing him like this for the first time in years.
“I missed your kisses, your arms…”
Moving down lower, I opened my mouth and licked his tip, moaning at the smooth taste. Laikin’s stomach caved and he closed his eyes for a brief moment. I flattened my tongue, sucked him to the base, then pulled back and popped him out of my mouth.
“Don’t stop.” Laikin got harder, and lust danced in his eyes.
I wrapped both hands around him, twisted from left to right, spat on the tip, and kept him on edge, pressing him against my lips and teasing him.
“Amena, fuck…stop playing with me.”
Playing my own games, I took him back down my throat. My nails penetrated his skin and raked down his thighs slowly. I closed my eyes. His hands massaged my hair and kept me at the pace he liked, exposing his lean, muscular body that he kept fit.
“My dick belongs to you, Amena. I promise.” He groaned as I eased him from my mouth.
“My pussy belongs to you.” Sliding down on his shaft, we both moaned as our skin slapped against each other, the sound ringing throughout the room. I was glad my room was far away from Kayne’s, but just in case, I had already locked the doors.
We smashed our lips together as I rolled my hips, fucking him for the rest of the night. With a fevered groan and steady thrusts, explosions of ecstasy fell around us.
* * *
Weeks had passed since our first night having sex. No matter where he was, or what was happening, Laikin was on a mission to not be away from me for more than three days. He’d fly me out if he had to travel or schedule his trips around my work schedule. Kayne enjoyed playing video games or going out for a boys’ night with him and his uncle. I wasn’t allowed to go because they did man things like laser tag and basketball, which I beat both their asses in a few times.
While listening to my client describe her upcoming movie PR tour over the phone, I had some clothes pulled at the studio suite I rented for meetings. My name traveled fast, and I was booked up for the next six months. I secured space to see clients in person, and I was booked for virtual meetings.
“I need a total of ten outfits, and I need something for a celebration party that my husband is planning.”
I held up the pieces. “Okay, so I am thinking we do a mixture of fun, flirty dresses for the morning interviews. Based on the schedule your assistant sent, you have four interviews in one day. I think wearing the crop top and wide skirt could work for on-air live shows.”
Marlowe smiled in the FaceTime camera. “I love that idea, Amena. You’re the best! Send me each look, and I will be in town to try everything on in two weeks.” Marlowe cheered with a hand up in the air.
“Give me until the end of the day and I will have all the looks pulled.”
Marlowe tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. “Thank you again for taking me on last minute.”
“I should be thanking you. Everybody is buzzing about your work in the limited series—and there’s even talk of you being nominated for an Emmy. If everything works out, we’ll both have our names talked about.”
Marlowe blushed. “Speak it into existence.”
The knocks at my door caught my attention. I held a finger up at the camera for Marlowe to hold on, and I ambled over to look through the peephole. I smiled pleasantly at my best friend holding bags of food.
“Marlowe, let me call you back.” I unlocked the top, letting Winter step inside, tapping to end the call as Marlowe hung up her line.
“I smell something good.”
Winter placed the bag on the coffee table. “Honey, your man said to make sure you’re fed and to take a break.”
“You talked to Laikin?”
“I talked to Kayne and Laikin was in the background with your brother.”
Chuckling, Winter opened one bag and shoved the other toward me. I picked out a box of fries, salad, and teriyaki vegetables. “Kayne is addicted to hanging with them.”
“He’s so sweet, he makes me want one. Then I think about changing diapers.” Winter shivered, scrunching up her face.
“Girl, hush. I just imagine you having a nanny for changing the diapers.”
“Right about that part. How’s work going?” Winter took a seat on the L-shaped couch near the window. I went to sit behind my desk, took out the packets of ketchup, poured them on my fries, and placed my napkin on my lap. “Work is busy. When you knocked, I was on the line with Marlowe Shepherd.”
“She’s my favorite actress. Can you get me a picture and an autograph?”
“I can’t promise that. You know my clients hate being bothered when they come here. I sign NDAs and tight contracts.”
Winter drew her drink to her lips. “I can accidently bump into her.” She sank back in her seat and released a burp.
“Well, she’s my next biggest client after Laikin, so I have to make a good impression.”
“Laikin has faith in you, Amena. Stop worrying. You already have your name in magazines and on the blogs as the top stylist in the business.”
I slammed my drink on the desk and rolled my eyes. “Bloggers.” Greed had come awfully heavy to some people these days; they would sell their own family for fame.
“They’re good for some things.”
“Laikin tells me to ignore the crap they write, but it’s hard when I know Kayne will grow up and read some of that mess.”
Winter tipped her head in my direction. “He had to deal with Virgil as his father. I promise whatever they write about you and Laikin will be a cupcake. Speaking of Virgil, has he contacted you?”
“No, last time we talked was about a month ago.”
“You look much happier not dealing with him.”
“His family probably has him on a short leash to focus on his campaign for senator and to leave me alone.”
“I still can't believe he tried to take Kayne from you and that baby barely knows him.”
Winter knew all about my struggles raising Kayne alone in my marriage to Virgil. One night, I had opened up to Laikin’s mom and explained what happened, and she had encouraged me to talk with Laikin about those dark days.
* * *
“Mrs. Trenton, I really hate to put my burdens on Laikin.”
“Child, when you’re in a relationship, your partner is the one that gives you the space to release those burdens.”
“Virgil was a mistake.”
“We all grow from our mistakes. My son told me how you broke his little heart.” Mrs. Trenton gently slapped me with the dish towel.
“Virgil’s family has his whole life planned for him and tried to ruin mine at one point.”
“You can’t look at the past, only move forward. Your parents loved you even if you didn’t think they did.”
* * *
“Laikin has stepped up so much for Kayne. I feel guilty sometimes because he’s not his responsibility.”
“If Laikin wants to be in your life, Kayne will be a priority for him.”
I sat back in my chair. “I can always count on you to keep it real with me.” Laikin was soft, gentle, and so tender around me and Kayne. The world saw a bad boy racer who never took any responsibility, but we got that other side of him.
Winter flicked her wrist in the air. “I know being back in the spotlight is hard, but he’s different than your ex. Comparing them will only lead to doubt and resentment. Let Laikin love you.” Winter commanded as she finished off her dessert.
“Speaking of love, any new dates or boy toys?”
“Same old, same old—drinks and boring conversations at dinner.”
“Does my brother know about those boring conversations? I mean I’m still surprised you two hooked up.”
Winter leaned her head against the back of the couch. “He does—and we are not exclusive. I mean he wants more, but I have to take things slow.” The idea of them together gave me pause at first, me still getting used to them being flirty, but if he could handle me and Laikin, I had no right to give an opinion on their love life.
“Are you both seeing other people?”
She lifted her head off the couch. “Did he say he’s seeing someone else?” Winter’s brows crinkled together.
“Winter, you can’t think he’s going to sit around and wait on you,” I scoffed.
“I need to get my life together.”
“Yep.” Both our heads swiveled to the left as my door pushed open and Kayne led the way inside. Laikin and Brett strolled in with wide smiles on their faces.
Kayne ran toward my open arms, falling into my lap. I bent down to lift him up, raining kisses all over his face. “Surprise, Mommy!”
“A nice surprise! Why didn't you call me?” I stared at Laikin as he bent down to kiss me on the lips. I wiped the residue of my lipstick from his mouth.
Brett walked over to the couch and sat next to Winter.
Laikin extended a hand to cup mine. “Kayne wanted to surprise you.” The brightness in his eyes sparkled; it was clear he wanted to wrap up our little reunion and get me back to bed.
“Laikin, tell your girl that I can be here when Marlowe Shepherd comes! I won't harass her,” Winter promised, amusement flickering in her eyes.
“When is she coming?” Laikin’s long legs spread apart. His hands fell to his sides.
“In two weeks. She has a press run for her TV series.”
Kayne picked up my iPad. I changed it to a blank screen and let him pretend to draw.
“That’s up to Marlowe.” Laikin crossed his arms over his chest. His gaze flew between Winter and me.
“Boo! I can see she already got you agreeing with her,” Winter teased, throwing her thumbs down.
Behind my baby’s back, I flipped her off and she snorted. “Sis, how’s business going?” Brett asked, ignoring Winter.
“Busy, since your friend here gave my business cards out.” Despite trying to fight him on putting my name out there, I loved how generous he was. Laikin winked at me.
“I’m proud of you, sis,” Brett expressed, taking an eggroll off Winter’s plate. She slapped his hand.
“Mommy can I have pizza for dinner tonight?” Kayne asked.
I squeezed him tight, kissing his cheek. “I was planning on cooking, Kayne.”
“Tonight, Kayne’s staying with your brother,” Laikin said.
My brows rose in surprise. “He is? When did this happen?”
“We have a date tonight,” Laikin replied.
Deep confusion marked my face. We had fallen into a routine, and I figured we were past the dating stage. “A date?”
Laikin nodded, dipped his head down low, and whispered in my ear. “I plan on eating you for dinner.”
“All right, none of that weird shit in front of me,” my brother fussed, causing me and Winter me to laugh.
“How can you fuss at us when you’re talking to Winter?”
“Winter’s a friend,” Brett stated. Winter raised her hand to the back of his head and slapped him.
Brett bellowed, “Aye!”
Kayne bent over holding his stomach in laughter.
“Little man, are you laughing at your uncle?” In a flash, Brett stood and stalked towards him, tickling his stomach.
“Laikin!” Kayne screamed in laughter.
“You’re supposed to be on my side,” Brett said.
“I am, Uncle B.” Kayne pat him on the shoulder.
“How much longer are you going to be?” Laikin lifted his arm to check the time on his watch.
I logged out of my computer, putting my paperwork away. “I was wrapping up now, planned on working later at home because I have to organize some things for a client fitting.” Laikin pulled my chair out for me to stand. He picked up my purse and bags from the shelf and handed them to me.
“Since you’re wrapped up in your man, I guess we’ll take a raincheck for the lounge,” Winter explained.
“Winter, you know I hate clubs.”
“Which is why we’re going to a grown-up lounge to have a few drinks and chill with some nice, vibey music.” Winter winked at me.
“How about you come for dinner?”
“Nope, I have a date I can’t reschedule.” Winter wiggled her shoulders. Brett glowered at her.
“Who do you have a date with?” Brett demanded. Grabbing my keys out of my hand, Laikin pulled me away from Winter and Brett’s bickering, pressing in the alarm code to set before we walked out of my suite. They both had big personalities and constantly argued back and forth whenever they got together. Looking back , I could see how the energy they gave off was intense.
Kayne walked in front of us, and I gripped his hand while we stepped onto the elevator.
We headed to the grocery store to grab some things for dinner. Laikin stretched a hand around my waist, pulled me back into his chest, and kissed the back of my neck. Releasing my hand, we climbed out of the car, and I was glad Brett took Kayne with him, so we could have the night to ourselves.
“You should probably stay in the car.”
“Why?”
“Because everybody is staring at us.”
Two of the bag boys stopped talking as we approached the door of Publix. Laikin tilted his head up at them, causing both guys to reach into their pockets and grab their phones for a picture.
“This is why. I wanted to avoid the drama.” I sighed, standing to the side as he took pictures with both. He came over to grip my hand then we walked in the store. I planned on making sea bass, baked sweet potatoes, steamed veggies, and my famous ice cream cookie sundae. Laikin kissed me on the cheek as I reached for a few more veggies and fruits. He kept his head down, staring at his phone.
“How was your day?”
“Good, I had a few meetings with my manager and agent.”
“After your last win, they’ve kept you in the media.” I lifted a bag of fries, shrimp, and grabbed Kayne’s favorite grape juice. He moved closer to me, raised his phone, and took a picture of us together.
“Sarai and my agent have a few movie roles ready for me.” Laikin slid his phone into his pants pocket and pulled me into his chest.
“Oh shit! You’re Laikin Trenton,” a girl walking with a group shouted.
“Time to go.” I pushed the cart forward. Laikin chuckled and trailed me to the next aisle to pick up fish, then headed to the checkout line.
Within minutes, all the groceries had been unpacked. I started to prep the food while Laikin went to shower. Playing some slow jams, I silenced my phone for the night and texted to let my parents know Kayne was staying with Brett.
I swiped up the dish towel to clean my hands, then cut up more onions and poured everything in the skillet, cooking the veggies while the fish baked.
“Food smells good.” Large hands wrapped around my waist as he nuzzled his nose against my neck.
“Babe, I need to shower the day away. Can you watch the food?” I turned my head, lips puckered together for a kiss.
“Shit, I can shower again. You can never be too clean, baby.”
I paused in thought. “No.”
He scoffed, releasing his grip, and I laughed.
“We will never eat if I let you shower with me.”
Laikin pulled me back to his chest, pecking me on the back of the ear. “That’s not true.”
“Laikin, goodbye. Watch the food, please.” I strolled out of his arms. I went to the bedroom, grabbed a pair of shorts and a T-shirt, hopped in the shower, and washed my hair. Finally refreshed, I came out with my hair dried and pinned in a top knot. Smelling the food in the air, I came back into the kitchen to see the plates made up on the island, with two glasses of wine.
“Baby, you set up the food!”
“You cooked, so I set up our plates, and I will wash the dishes afterwards.”
“I actually have the perfect boyfriend.”
“Not perfect, but for you I will do anything. Take a seat.”
Pulling the chair out I sat down, took the napkin and laid it on my lap, gripped the knife, and cut into my food. I moaned at the different flavors hitting my tongue, the sauce I used came from a recipe my mother taught me when I was younger.
“How are we going to navigate our dating life? Plus, Kayne—I don't want him in the spotlight, getting hounded by reporters at his daycare.”
Laikin nodded in agreement and ate more of the steamed vegetables.
“At this point, fuck the reporters. No matter what I got you and Kayne.”
“I appreciate you, but we both know they will pry into my background. You’re already a high-profile athlete.”
“Do you trust me to take care of your heart?” I let him rub the top of my palm on the table.
“I do.”
“Then trust that any crazy shit written will get handled accordingly. I let the blogs run fake stories because it was only me, but I have you and Kayne to protect now.”
“If it becomes too much, will you let me know?"
“What do you mean?”
I laced my hands together. “Virgil will end up seeing everything in the papers and will probably make some statements. Hell, his parents might even try to hurt your career.”
“Virgil doesn't scare me.”
“I’m glad you feel that way, but he’s still my ex-husband, with a lot of pull.”
“Fuck Virgil and let him try to come for you again.”
Laikin pressed a kiss on my mouth, stood to take his empty plate to the sink, and started the water to clean. I ambled to the kitchen to stand next to him, bumping his shoulder. “Pinky swear.” My eyes were fixed on him as I smiled.
Laikin turned to stand with his back against the counter. “Come here.” Laikin pulled me into a hug, massaging circles around my back.
“The only way we work is by communicating, Pepper. Long as I have breath in my body you are not going anywhere. Let the media say what they want-- we know the truth.”
I placed a hand on his chest. “Okay.”
“Let’s go to bed. I want to show you something.”
“What do you have to show me?” I smirked as he took my hand, escorting me to the bedroom. Laikin took out his phone, typed in something, and waved it in my face. I glanced at his social profile and saw that the picture he’d taken of us earlier at the grocery store was posted, with a caption that said, “Me and my rider for life.”
“Laikin, you didn’t.” I grabbed the phone out of his hand, seeing all the comments. Some saying congrats, and other people asking where the hell did I come from.
“Either they get in line or get left behind. My woman, my life.” Laikin lifted my shirt over my head, while I continued to scroll through the comments.
“Let me guess @calliesexyone is your ex.”
“Ignore her.” Laikin unbuttoned my pants and slipped them down my hips.
“ Get with a real woman and not a pick me .” I lifted my hands with air quotes.
“Baby, she’s jealous.”
“Obviously.”
In the blink of an eye, Laikin turned his phone around, grabbed my hand, and placed it on his chest.He snapped a picture, and stepped away from me.
“Laikin, are you serious? I'm naked.”
“Stop worrying, I only got your arm. I don't share, Pepper.” He captured my lips, pulled back, and did something else with his phone and turned it off.
“What did you post?’
“Nothing. Slide backwards for me.”
“I’m going to regret this tomorrow.” I shook my head and spread my legs wide, getting comfortable on my back.