Chapter 25
Alayah
“Okay. I have to say something,” Londyn said as we sat in the break room having lunch.
She’d cooked last night and brought me a serving, so we didn’t go out for lunch today. I looked up from the bowl of chicken and fried rice to find her watching me.
“What is it, Londyn?”
“You’re glowing—like radiating. Either you’re pregnant, which I know ain’t the case, or you got some. Spill the tea, bitch. Did something happen with that fine-ass lawyer?”
I immediately felt my cheeks redden. Every time Killian ran across my mind today, I found myself smiling for no reason.
His mouth did more than affirm and encourage me.
Last night, I reached heights in pleasure that I never thought possible.
I’d had no inkling of a sex drive in so long.
To find myself sexually attracted to him was one thing, but to give myself to him was another.
I never imagined being so bold in asking for what I wanted. Maybe Londyn had rubbed off on me. Hearing the words leave my lips had me looking at myself like, Did I really just ask that? He didn’t disappoint. I loved that he was gentle and reassuring.
“Hello. Earth to Alayah,” Londyn said, waving a hand in my face. “Look at you over there daydreaming.”
I covered my face and gave a girlish giggle. “Yes. Something happened.”
“Something like?”
“We didn’t have sex, but he did…you know.” I gestured suggestively.
Her eyes widened, and a grin broke out on her face. “Was it good?”
“Well, I don’t have anything to compare it to, but it was great. He was so gentle with me, Londyn. He took care of me and respected my body.”
Londyn poked out her lip. “I love that for you, babe. I’ve never dealt with all you’ve been through, but I know how special it makes the moment when the man is thoughtful.” She gave an excited little clap. “I’m so happy for you. Soon, we can compare sexcapades.”
I had to laugh. “Girl, I’m not sure I want to know what goes on in your bedroom. You might scare me.”
She gasped. “How dare you!”
“I’m just saying. Your level of freak nasty would put me to shame.”
She flipped her head. “Well, you know, I’ve been at this a long time, baby. I’ve got skills for days. I’ll put this thang in a man’s lap and have him falling in love.” She stuck out her tongue and twerked in her seat.
I shook my head. “You are wild.”
“You love me though. You won’t say it, but I know you do.”
“I do love you, girl. You’re solid, and I appreciate that.”
She smiled as she slid her chair over and hugged me.
“I love you, too, boo. We have a driving lesson after work tomorrow. You’ve been doing so good.
I think you’ll be ready in another month or two.
Then we have to get you your first big-girl ride.
My brother works at a dealership, so I’m sure I can get you the hookup.
Just ignore him, though. He likes to get under my skin by flirting with my friends.
Pain in my ass. Being the big sister is so ghetto sometimes. ”
I giggled. “I’m finding that out. Adrienne has quite the mouth on her. She curses, and I know it’s largely in part to the way Kennedy spoke to them. Every time I talk to her, I have to get on her about her language.”
“You’re such a mom.”
“I mean, I was their second mother for the first part of their lives, and my job isn’t done now. Even if I never get custody, I want to be in a position to take care of them if they ever need anything from me, you know?”
“I get it. I’m the oldest of eight kids, so big sis gets called for everything. Like, baby, call your mama. That lady gave birth to you, not me. Guess who ends up doing it anyway?”
I laughed. “I’m sure they love you for it.”
“They better. They know how I’m coming about them. I will smile in my mugshot. Ooop! Sorry, girl.”
I waved her off. “You’re fine.”
“Speaking of mugshot. I looked yours up. I see why you were Prison Bae.”
I rolled my eyes and stood to throw away my trash. “Bye, Londyn.”
Her laughter echoed behind me. “You know you’re fine, girl. Walk away slow so I can see all that booty meat.”
I couldn’t help but laugh at her. If she did nothing else, she boosted my confidence.
I headed back to my office. There were only a few minutes left on my break, and I wanted to call and check on my sisters.
With all the bruises and emotional scars they still had, the school had allowed them to work from home so they didn’t fall behind.
My aunt was on top of their studies, making sure they got everything turned in on time.
Sliding behind my desk, I grabbed my phone and called Adrienne and Miyah on a video call.
Thankfully my aunt had gotten them both new phones on the family plan.
“Hey, sissy,” Amiyah answered with a smile.
“Hey, Lay,” Adrienne said.
“Hey. I just wanted to check on you guys. Do you need anything?”
As I stared at their beautiful faces, it saddened me to see them with bruises. I could tell they were healing and could probably be covered with makeup at this point, but still. It was like looking into the faces of my children, and it hurt my heart.
“We’re okay,” Adrienne answered. “We grabbed what we could when we left. Eventually, we’ll go back to the house to get the rest of our things.”
“I don’t wanna go back there,” Miyah voiced.
I sighed. “I know, baby. This will all be over soon.”
“I need my car,” Adrienne said. “I pay the car note and insurance on that. It’s mine, and she had no right to take my battery out.”
“I’ll ask Killian to pick up a battery on his way home, and we’ll go get your car on Saturday. Do you have the keys?”
“Yes. But hold on. Let’s not skip on the part about Killian. Is that your boyfriend now?”
“We’re… I don’t know what to call us, to be honest. I like him. He likes me.”
“Awwww!” they cooed, causing me to roll my eyes.
“Don’t start.”
“What?” Adrienne exclaimed. “There’s nothing wrong with having a boyfriend, Layah. I mean, you’ve never had one, have you?”
“No, I haven’t.”
“And he seems like a good catch. He’s nice, good with kids, he has a good job, and I know he has good benefits. Plus, he’s fine—like really fine.”
“Watch it.”
“I’m just giving credit where credit is due, big sis. He clearly adores you, and we saw you two kissing on the front porch. That didn’t look very friendly to me.”
Miyah laughed. “It was friendly enough.”
“You two are just full of laughs today, huh? I hope you know your schoolwork like you know how to joke.”
Miyah laughed harder. “That’s the most momlike thing you’ve ever said. Yeah, you’re getting older.”
“I’m not even thirty yet!”
“You’re close enough,” Adrienne said.
“I’m about to hang up on y’all.”
Even if they were low-key trying to roast me, I was so happy to have moments like this. They could flame me, and I would take it all in good stride.
“My lunch break is over, but I’ll call you tonight. I love you guys.”
“We love you, too.”
We blew each other kisses before disconnecting the call. I settled into my chair with a smile. At least in some aspects of my life, things were finally feeling normal.
Much to my surprise, when I walked out of work with Londyn trailing me, I saw Killian waiting beside his car.
A smile crept across my face at the sight of him.
He looked so handsome in his tailored suit.
It hugged his biceps in ways that made me jealous.
If I was sitting on a jury while he was in court, I don’t think I’d be able to listen to a thing he said because I wouldn’t be able to take my eyes off him.
“I guess you don’t need me to take you home since your boo is here,” Londyn jested.
“I guess not.”
“See how you didn’t deny that? You know what’s up.” She playfully slapped my arm before pulling me in for a hug. “I’ll see you, boo.”
“See you.”
She walked off toward her truck, and I headed over to my ride. Killian pushed off from his car as I approached him.
“Hey, beautiful,” he said, reaching for me.
“Hey, you.”
I went into his arms and tilted my head for a kiss. He pressed those lips I’d grown to love so much against mine, and I melted right there. Thinking about what his mouth had done to me last might made me moan. He pulled away with a smirk.
“It’s like that?” he asked with a chuckle.
I blushed. “I like kissing you, okay? What are you doing here? I thought you would still be at work.”
“I didn’t have much else on my plate after court, so I left a little early. I wanted to take you to dinner.”
I looked down at my outfit, thankful that I’d put a little effort into my appearance today.
I would have hated to sit across from him in my normal attire of jeans and a t-shirt while he was in a suit.
Today, I’d worn a red-and-white floral blouse with pair of black high waisted, flare-leg trousers, and flats.
“You tired of my cooking already?” I jested.
“Never. I thought it would be nice to take my lady out for dinner.”
I blushed. “Your lady?”
“Well, maybe not officially. I want you, Alayah. I’m willing to wait until you’re fully ready, but I need you to know that. Do you have a problem with being my lady?”
I shook my head. “No, but when did you decide this?”
He stepped back and took my hands. “I told you I had feelings for you back in high school. I never acted on them because I didn’t feel like it was a right time back then.
Being around you since you’ve been home has proven to me that those feelings never went away.
It took me a while to realize that you are the reason I chose a career as a lawyer.
“Every time I step into a courtroom, I fight for people whose voices have been taken from them and they can’t fight for themselves.
I wish I would have spoken up about the things I suspected were going on with you.
I wish I could have done something to help you back then—an anonymous call or something… ”
I placed a finger to his lips. “You couldn’t have helped me.
I was so afraid that I probably would have lied to avoid the backlash.
When you’re terrified of someone, you do anything to keep them satisfied so things don’t get worse, Killian.
That was me, just trying to survive until I could better my situation.
That’s no guilt for you to hold.” I cupped his face and pecked his lips.
“You were exactly what I needed when I needed you, and I don’t take that for granted. ”
Wrapping my arms around him, I hugged him tightly. He buried his face between my neck and shoulder as he hugged me back.
“I’m so happy that you’re home, baby,” he whispered.
Pulling away, he kissed me with so much passion and desire. It wasn’t until the sound of someone clearing their throat behind us that we parted. I looked back to see my uncle.
“Hey, Uncle Clive,” I said, turning around to face him.
“Baby girl. Mr. Lake.”
“Mr. Easton.” Killian extended his hand to shake his. “How are you, sir?”
“I’m well.” He pointed between us. “Is this officially a thing?”
“We’re still working on it, Uncle Clive.”
“I see. Well, do me a favor, son.”
“What’s that?” Killian asked.
“Try not to tongue my niece down in front of me. She may be grown, but she’s still my baby.”
Killian chuckled. “My apologies, sir. I couldn’t help myself.”
“Umm-hmm. I’ll see y’all on Saturday.” He kissed my cheek. “Love you, baby girl.”
“I love you, too.”
He walked away, and I turned back to Killian.
“You ready to eat?” he asked.
“I’m ready.”