“You know I don’t want Monica. I want you.”
“Yes!”
“You better stop arguing with me too!” He demanded, grinding harder.
“Yes baby!”
“I love you. You know that.”
“Yes, baby I love you toooo!”
“Turn over.” He commanded.
Brandy laid on her stomach, ready to receive the frustrated pleasure from her love. He gave a butt a big smack, making her even more aroused, then continued.
“Stop fighting me Brandy. I love you.”
“Yes Daddy!”
Making “rough” love to Brandy was just the discipline she needed. Grinding some sense into her was the only way Charles could get his point across that night, along with getting his rocks off.
The next morning, he emerged from the shower to an apologetic lover waiting by the sink.
“Last night was amazing!” She smiled. “I should piss you off more often.”
“Nooo!” He laughed. “Please don’t do that.”
“I know you love me Charles. I’m just...”
“Scared I know. But we’ve been together for a while now. I know I’m not perfect. And I need to understand your feelings when it comes to Monica’s drama. I’ll do better at that, I promise. But you have to stop this. I mean it.”
“I’ll do better too baby.” She said handing him a towel.
“When you left, Monica and I talked. She finally opened up about Tony. He pushed her into the wall.”
“Wow! That’s heavy.” Brandy said with concern. “You were right. She does need to leave him.”
“I knew it was more than just arguments over nothing. I hope Chase hasn’t witnessed any of that. Now I’m afraid for him to even go over there when he’s around.”
“Tell her that. Monica needs to know that her marriage is putting your son in danger. No telling what Tony would do. Men like that are crazy. She has to get out before it’s too late.”
“I did. So, I decided to keep Chase over here after the summer.”
Frozen in place, flashbacks of Jay almost choking the life out of her popped in Brandy’s head. She could feel the breath leaving her body as the incident replayed. The words of Jay from that night filled the bathroom but only for her. Eyes dazed into the past, she was completely checked out of the current conversation with Charles.
“You ok baby?” Charles asked, noticing her deep in thought.
“Oh. Yea.” She replied snapping out of it. “Just thinking about Chase. I-I think it’ll be great from him to live with you after the summer. I know he’ll love that. Where is he now?”
“At her mother’s. Monica picked him up from the sleepover and took him to his grandparents’ house. I know you don’t want me involved in that, but I do need to keep a close eye on what’s going on.”
“I understand.” She nodded. “We’ll protect Chase together.”
“Thank you baby. He said kissing Brandy on the lips. “I told my team I’ll be in the office later this afternoon.”
“I have to be at work in two hours.”
“Do you HAVE to?” Charles asked touching her forehead. “I think you’re coming down with a fever.”
His hands felt like masculine magic on her forehead. Suddenly giving her a forged cold to stay home for the day.
“You know what?” She let out a fake cough. “I am.”
“Get back in bed.” He grinned.
After Brandy called in sick, they spent a romantic morning in bed. Charles was off to work while Brandy stayed home to catch up on talk shows. Throughout the day, he thought about how he could balance is growing relationship with the intense situation involving Chase and his ex.
________
“Phil, lemme ask you a question.” Charles said, sitting down at lunch. “Have your baby’s mother ever got in between you and your wife?”
“Hell yeah!” Phil answered dousing ketchup on his fries. “They used to get into it all the time.”
“How did you deal with that?”
“Don’t tell me Brandy and Monica are going at it.”
“Not really it’s just...” He paused to think.
“Look man, keep your woman happy and your baby’s mother at a distance. It shouldn’t be that hard for you right? Monica is married.”
“She may not be married for long. Her husband is getting abusive. I’m concerned for Monica but my main concern is Chase.”
“Ooooh I see. And Brandy isn’t feeling that huh?”
“I think she gets it. Well, sometimes. I never really know with that woman. She’s kind and sweet then one minute we’re in an argument and she’s accusing me of wanting m ex back.”
“Well. Do you?”
“NO! Monica is too complicated for me. We’re better off as friends.”
“So what’s Brandy’s problem?”
“I don’t know. That’s the thing. She blows up but I never know where it’s coming from. I give her all my time. I love her. When I’m not with Chase or at work, it’s all about Brandy. Why can’t that be enough?”
“You know what they say.”
“What?”
“Anytime your partner is accusing you of something that means they’re out doing it themselves.”
“Nah man that’s not Brandy.”
“You sure man?”
“Positive. She told me about her ex. She ain’t going back to him.”
“You never know. And it doesn’t necessarily have to be an ex. It can be a co-worker, you know those work boyfriends. Dude at the gas station. Anybody!”
“She’s a little crazy but not THAT crazy! Brandy is all mine. I just need her to stop feeling so insecure when it comes to Monica. I don’t know what to do man. I’m even thinking about marriage with this girl.”
“Maybe that’s what it’ll take. You know, a bold gesture.”
“What!?!?”
“Hey you wanna keep your woman. Put a ring on it.”
“This coming from you?!” Charles laughed.
“Hey, I’m just throwing out ideas man. But if I was in your position, I’d sit them down and tell them what it is. That’s what I had to do with the women in my life.”
“Did it work?”
“Hell no!” Phil laughed. “Shit, I had to keep them from pulling each other’s wigs off.”
“You’re a big help Phil.” Charles shook his head.
“Look, I’ll never fully understand women. Your son lives with you now so he’s good. Now it’s time to focus on you and Brandy’s relationship. Don’t talk about Monica to her, don’t show any concern for Monica while she’s around. Make it all about Brandy. If she’s worth keeping, she’ll get over it soon.”
Charles sat in silence thinking about what Phil’s advice. Determined to try everything in his power to keep showing that his heart only belonged to her.
CHAPTER 5: RIGHT BY HIS SIDE
Summer flew by quickly. But the smoldering heat didn’t stop Chase from enjoying living with his dad, especially in a bigger home with a pool. The little guy also started to look at Brandy as a second mom, and he was the son she was hoping to have one day. Monica, on the other hand, was still battling with Tony. The counseling sessions stopped by his refusal to show up, while she continued to downplay the seriousness of their fights.
In addition, Charles stepped up in showing Brandy that she was the only woman in his heart. Although he really didn’t need to. He played into her attention seeking ways and it got her just what she wanted. Feeling bad about the subconscious manipulation, she decided to take it easy on him as time went on. Dre’s number was back on the block list, and she spent less time seeking out men to boost her ego.
Charles loved waking up to his son, but it lessened the alone time with his lady. It was very noticeable that they were long overdue for a night in with just the two of them. Especially since things were getting better between them.
Due to Monica’s begging along with needing a romantic evening with Brandy, he agreed to allow
Chase to spend a weekend with her before school started.
“Baby! I’m back.” He yelled entering the front door.
“Hey honey. That was quick!” She replied lighting candles in the living room.
They were all set for a passionate staycation. Brandy was dress in barely-there lingerie and Charles took care of buying champagne and everything else needed to stay in for the weekend.
“I’ll put this on ice. Is that new?” He stopped in his tracks, admiring his lady’s outfit.
“Yes. I bought it the other day. You like?” Brandy said showing off the lace bodysuit.
“I love it.” He yelled walking into the kitchen.
“I knew you would!”
Re-entering the living room, Charles stopped and stared once more. Amazed at how his lady got sexier and sexier every time he laid eyes on the loving beauty. With her pecan skin glistening against the lit candles and pixie haircut fitting her gorgeous facial features.
“We haven’t done this in a looong time! I’ve been looking forward to it all day.”
“Well come over here and kiss me baby.” Brandy demanded.
Charles rushed over to his love, wrapping his strong arms around her waist. Rubbing his hands along her bare back, she equally held him tight, tugging on his t-shirt.
“Take this off please. I’m not going to be the only one in here half naked.”
“Yes ma’am.”
“I’ll go get the champagne glasses. You continue to undress for me.”
“Hurry back please.” He requested with a sexy squint.
Watching Brandy’s hips and backside move into the kitchen, his gaze was interrupted by the cell ringing loudly in his pocket.
“You better not answer that!” She yelled.
Charles retrieved his phone to silence it but paused when a familiar name popped up. It was Monica.
“This better be good!” He answered reluctantly.
“Dad!” Chase yelled through the phone.
“Son. What’s wrong!?”
“Tony broke the TV and he’s angry. Can you come pick me up?”
“He did what?”
“Tony’s mad at mama. She’s crying because he broke the TV. Can I stay with you and Miss Brandy tonight?”
“Go in your room and close the door. I’ll be over there in a minute.”
Brandy emerged from the kitchen with two full glasses of champagne. Charles didn’t notice her as he scurried to find his shoes.
“Um baby....”
“Baby. I’m-I’m sorry I gotta get Chase. Tony’s over there breaking shit.”
“What!” She exclaimed, placing the glasses on an end table. “I’ll drive you. You’re not getting into an accident because of this.”
“Thank you.”
Charles was completely silent as she sped to Monica’s house. He sneered out of the window, secretly wishing that she would drive faster. Scenarios ran through his mind, praying that Tony hadn’t laid a finger on Chase. Along with trying understand how any argument would escalate to that level. Monica assured him days before that things were civil. Angry at his ex for not telling the truth, and even angrier at Tony for scaring his son, Charles wished they had taken his car, with a gun in the glove compartment.
“Dial them again. We’ll be there in a few minutes.” Brandy said rushing through a yellow light.
Calling Monica’s cell, he prayed Chase would pick up. The phone went straight to voicemail. As Charles dialed three more times, they pulled into the driveway.
“Do you want me to go in with you?” She asked turning off the engine.
“I dunno....I dunno.” He replied getting out of the car in a panic.
Brandy made the decision to go in. There had to be a rational adult around for the sake of Chase.
Beating on the door, they could hear yelling from outside.
“What the hell?!” Tony bawled slinging the door open.
Charles stood in front of him with bawled fists. Brandy too.
“Where’s my son?” He asked boldly.
“Baby we’re not asking questions.” She said pushing Tony out of the way and barged in.
She found the broken flat screen on the floor along with a broken Monica sitting on the sofa crying into her hands.
“Monica.” Brandy said kneeling to talk to her. “We’re here to get Chase.”
“Dad!” Chase said running out of the back room.
“Come here son. You ok?” He asked holding him tightly.
Chase shook his head no.
“The hell are you two doing busting in my house? You just dropped him off Charles.” Tony yelled.
“Tony stop it! Chase called him.” Monica said through her tears.
“Look man if you did anything to my son I swear I’ll kill your ass.” Charles threatened.
“Man fuck you! This MY house. You want your son so bad, TAKE HIM!” Tony shouted again.
“Keep your voice down asshole!” Brandy chimed in.
“Brandy this has nothing to do with you.” Monica said, finally standing.
“Oh, it doesn’t. Really!?!? My man gets a call from his son, scared because this piece of shit you married is breaking stuff. It’s NOW my business!” She fired back.
“Brandy take Chase to the car. I’ll be out there in a minute.”
“Chuck, how are you gonna let her come in here like that. This is OUR family.” Monica fussed.
“Monica, I don’t know why you’re still dealing with this man but Chase will NEVER come back over here. I don’t care if I have to take your ass to court.” He said as Chase was escorted out the front door.
“You need to check that bitch.” Tony said referring to Brandy.
Before anything else could be said, Charles decked him in the face. Monica screamed wrapping her arms around her waist. The blow was so hard, Tony flew back into the wall; not knowing what hit him. He regained composure and reached behind him as if he were about to grab something.
“The fuck?! Get outta my house before I shoot yo ass!”
“Tony shut up!” Monica yelled. “Chuck what’s wrong with you?!?”
“Monica, you need to go to your mother’s for the night. I don’t need a phone call telling me that Tony put you in the hospital. This ain’t working. Cut this shit out now or you’ll lose your son for good.” Charles said rubbing his fist.
“Chuck! Outside on the porch now!” Monica ordered.
“Look, I’m tired of this. Your relationship is now affecting mine. This can’t continue. Chase is staying with me from now on. He’s not coming back here.” He said as they walked onto the porch.
Tony kept the door open to hear what they were talking about. Pacing back and forth, mean mugging Charles while holding his eye.
Monica stared at the car where Chase and Brandy were sitting.
“So she’s gonna be his mother now?” She snarled.
“Don’t do that. Brandy is not trying to take your place. She’s being supportive. She don’t have to deal with this. But she does it because she loves me AND Chase.”
“I don’t give two shits about your love” She replied making air quotes. “You’re just going to give up on her like you did me.”
“Are you serious? You know damn well we didn’t work.”
“I don’t want you! I want Tony. I LOVE Tony. And we’re going to work this out.” She said trying to convince herself.
“You’re in an abusive relationship.” Charles said, lowering his tone.
“Man what?!? I ain’t never hit that woman Charles. Just mind your damn business! Don’t you got a woman?” Tony said storming into the conversation.
“Tony! Go back inside!” Monica demanded. “Please.”
“He got 30 secs to get tha hell off my porch.” Tony replied with pure evil in his eyes. As if it were the devil himself sending a warning to the two of them.
Monica waited until Tony was back inside to continue.
“He’s never hit me!” She yelled with tears forming.
/> “Not yet!” He yelled back. “Wake up Monica. Look, just go to your mother’s house til this all calms down.”
She stood in silence thinking about what to do. Not wanting to leave her husband but knowing deep down, things were getting worse.
“Do it for Chase!” He pleaded.
“Fine. Can you wait on me to leave?” She asked in a somber tone.
“Yea hurry up.” He replied leaving the porch.
Back at home, they had a short talk with Chase to get full details of the fight and to calm him down. The argument started when Tony insisted on clubbing with his single friends for the night. Monica disapproved because it was his third night out that week. The quick temper from her nagging caused his hands to push the 42” flat screen to the floor.
“Baby thank you for coming with me.” He said joining Brandy in the kitchen.
“Anytime. We’re in this together.” She replied giving him a tight hug.
“I just wanted this night to be special. You’ve been patient this whole summer with Chase and...”
“It’s fine. I love Chase too. It’s important to me that he’s safe. Did Monica make it to her mother’s?”
“Yea. She text me a few minutes ago.”
“You’re still shaken up huh? You think Tony’s on drugs?”
Charles didn’t respond. Brandy finally noticed his hand. Red and beginning to swell from the blow.
“Baby!” She shrieked, grabbing his hand. “What happened?”
“Tony got disrespectful.” He smirked.
She rushed to the freezer to make him an ice pack. Charles poured a glass of whiskey to ease the shaken nerves.
“So much for our staycation.” He said watching his lady nurse the throbbing hand.
“It’s not over.” She smiled. “You know Chase is a sound sleeper.”
Charles looked at her with love in his eyes. Happy that she stuck by him this time, instead of getting mad about their night being ruined due to Monica’s drama.
“What do you have in mind Miss Brandy?” He asked.
“You go check on Chase. And I’ll set up our love den...again.”
“I like how you think. I’ll be back down in a minute.
Before leaving, Charles planted a slow, sensual kiss on Brandy’s lips.
“I love you so much.” He whispered with sincerity. “I’m a lucky man. Move in with me! I want to look at your beautiful face every night before I go to bed.”
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