by E. L. Todd
“Um, bye?” Why was she acting weird?
She marched away without looking back.
What was her problem? I chased after her then gripped her wrist, forcing her to turn back to me. “So, we aren’t even talking to each other anymore?”
When she turned to me, her eyes were wet with tears. She blinked several times so the moisture wouldn’t escape. But a few tears fell.
“What’s wrong?” I asked.
“I can’t believe you slept with her…” She wiped her tears away. “I just…”
Was this a joke? She couldn’t be serious. “So, let me get this straight. You don’t want to be with me but you get pissed off when I’m with someone else?”
She sniffed and looked at the ground.
Her tears didn’t stifle my anger. “No, it doesn’t work like that, Beatrice. If you want me, you need to tell me. You can’t have it both ways. You can’t dangle me forever and assume I’m not going to be with other women. If you want me, claim me.”
She crossed her arms over her chest and stifled her falling tears.
“Beatrice, what do you want?”
She covered her face for a moment then sighed. “I don’t know…”
“You don’t know?” That just made me more upset. “You don’t know? Your tears aren’t giving you some general direction?”
She turned away and walked off again.
“I’m not done talking to you!” I came after her then gripped her by the arm. I pulled her off the path and into the trees. “Get your ass over here!” Then I threw her against a trunk and pinned her down with my body. A quiet scream escaped her lips after I trapped her. “You obviously want to be with me. And I want to be with you. So what’s the problem?”
She breathed hard while my face was pressed close to hers. “It’s complicated…”
“I’m not the brightest guy in the world but I’m not the dumbest either. I’ll probably be able to understand it.”
She tried to push me off. “Conrad, get off me.”
“No.” I held her down. “I’m not moving until this conversation leaves me satisfied. You can’t break down on me when I sleep with other people. No, you aren’t getting away with that.”
She looked away and stared at another tree.
“Beatrice, talk to me.”
She softened under me and pressed her face to mine. “I’m scared.”
“Scared of what?” I lowered my voice to a whisper.
“My dad married my mom and he…didn’t love her. He let her die. He remarried as soon as she was gone. I don’t want that to happen to me.” A few tears broke the surface. “There was so much blood. It was everywhere…and he didn’t even cry at her funeral. He never mourned for her…because he didn’t care.”
Now it all made sense. “Beatrice, we aren’t like your parents. We’re totally different.”
“How?” she whispered.
“Because we love each other.”
Her eyes searched mine and she took a deep breath. When she was upset or passionate, the green color of her eyes was more prominent. They were bright and beautiful. It was unfortunate they were even more gorgeous when she was upset.
I never told a girl I loved her before. It just came out. In the heat of the moment, I blurted whatever came to mind. I didn’t even realize how I felt about Beatrice until I said it. But it made me realize how true it was. The feelings started a long time ago. And I knew she felt the same way.
“But you slept with someone else… How could you do that if you loved me?” she whispered.
“Because I never did.”
Her eyes narrowed in confusion.
“I saw her at the bar and she was so drunk she couldn’t walk. I took her to my place and let her sleep on my bed. I slept on the couch. Nothing happened.”
Relief flooded her face.
“Beatrice, you’re the only one. You already know that.”
She breathed heavily while she stared at me.
“Can we try this again?” I whispered. “And not as friends?”
“Conrad, I have so many issues…you know that.”
“That’s never bothered me. I’ll be here to help you get through them.”
She still seemed unsure.
“Beatrice?”
Her eyes searched mine.
“I’m not going to let you go—ever.” I held her close and pressed my forehead against hers. “I’d never let anything happen to you, and I’ll love you every day and make sure you feel that way. Never in my life have I felt this way about someone. You mean a lot to me.” I stared at her lips. “I don’t even need to tell you this. You already know. Please don’t be scared.”
Her hands gripped my upper arms while she leaned close to me. Her fingers touched the fabric covering my skin. Her thoughts were hidden. I had no idea what she was thinking. She closed her eyes for a long time.
I patiently waited in silence.
She opened them again and looked at me. “I want to try.”
That was music to my ears. My shoulders became less tense and my hands moved to her hips.
“But…I need to go slow.”
“Baby, we can go as slow as you want. I’m not in a hurry.”
She rested her forehead against mine and relaxed further. “I’m sorry for everything, Conrad. I tried to keep my distance from you, but I wanted you so badly. You make me happy. For the first time…I actually trust someone.”
That meant the world to me. “That trust isn’t misplaced.”
She moved into my chest and rested her body against mine.
I enveloped her in my arms and held her the way I always wanted to. My chin rested on her head and I inhaled her scent. She was so small against me, fitting me perfectly. Her arms clung to my waist and she held me tightly. I loved knowing she needed me, that I meant something to her.
“Baby?”
“Yeah?” she whispered.
“Want to come to my parents’ place for Easter—as my girlfriend?”
She paused for a long time. I felt her fingers dig into my muscle. “I’d love to.”
***
When we pulled up to the house, Beatrice stared at it. Flowers were blooming, and the trees were green. The yard looked alive and flourishing. “Do they know I’m your girlfriend?” she whispered.
“I didn’t tell them. But they think it anyway. When I brought you for Christmas, they thought it then.”
“Well, at least I know your family likes me.” She added a light laugh.
“My family loves you,” I said firmly. “They probably like you more than me.”
She laughed again. “I doubt that.”
“I don’t.”
We got out then I carried our bags to the front door. After I got it unlocked, we stepped inside.
“Beatrice is here!” Mom yelled from the other side of the house.
“She is?” Dad yelled.
“I’m here too,” I snapped.
Mom came out and immediately went for Beatrice first. She hugged her tightly. “It’s so nice to see you again, dear.”
Beatrice’s cheeks blushed. “You too. Thanks for having me.”
“Of course,” Mom said. “Anytime. Come over whenever you want.”
Dad hugged her next. “How’s school?”
“Good. How’s work?” she asked.
“Boring.” He laughed then stepped away.
“Um…hello?” I asked. “Your only son is here.”
“Oh, sorry.” Mom hugged me but it was weak and quick.
Dad only clapped me on the shoulder.
Beatrice eyed me and smirked.
Dad put his arm around Mom. “So…still friends?” He cringed like he hoped the answer was no.
Mom clutched her hands together and looked like she was praying.
I rolled my eyes. “No. She’s my girlfriend.”
“Yes!” Mom threw her fist up in triumph. “This is so wonderful.”
Dad squeezed my shoulder. “You have good taste
. You’ve made your mother very happy.”
My face was turning red. “You guys are embarrassing me.”
Beatrice touched my hand. “It’s okay. It’s cute.”
Trinity came downstairs and looked at Beatrice. “We wouldn’t blame you for leaving him.”
“Happy Easter,” I snapped.
Trinity made a disgusted face. “Happy Easter to you too.”
“Hey,” Dad said. “Just get along. Trinity almost died last year.” He gave me a knowing look.
I rolled my eyes. “Stop throwing that in my face every time she and I fight.”
Dad narrowed his eyes at me. “I just want to make sure you remember.”
Mom tried to clear the tension. “I’ll show you to your room, dear.”
“Thanks,” Beatrice said.
“She’s sleeping with me,” I blurted.
Dad shook his head. “Not under my roof. When you get married, we’ll revisit this conversation.”
Beatrice was redder than a tomato.
“Not to have sex,” I snapped. “I like sleeping with her.”
Mom gave Dad a sympathetic look. “That’s sweet…”
“I’m really fine in my own room…” Beatrice shifted her weight awkwardly.
“Dad, stop being controlling,” I said. “Beatrice and I aren’t like that.”
“Like what?” Dad asked.
“She and I…you know…aren’t…” I shrugged, “there yet…”
Beatrice was totally mortified. She looked like she wanted to crawl under a rock and die.
He smirked. “She’s making you wait?”
“We’re taking it slow…not that it’s any of your business,” I said with a growl. “We can sleep on the couch if that makes you feel better.”
Trinity crossed her arms and smirked. “I’m so glad you found a classy woman. I was so worried about what you would bring home one day…”
“Like Slade?” I snapped.
She smacked me in the arm as hard as she could. “Don’t talk about him like that.”
“He’s the definition of trash,” I barked. “Any other guy you brought home would be better than him.”
“Conrad, knock it off.” Dad’s words silenced me. “Slade is a part of this family. Don’t bad-mouth him.”
“You hate him,” I snapped.
“I never said that,” Dad said. “I love him like my own. And so does your mother. He’s not trash. He’s just…”
“Not ideal?” I asked.
“Let’s just stop comparing,” Dad said.
I glanced at Beatrice then turned back to them. “Because there is no comparison…”
Trinity glared at me then turned to Beatrice. “Seriously, what do you see in him? He’s—”
“Knock it off,” Dad commanded.
Trinity sighed then crossed her arms over her chest.
Dad turned his attention back to me. “You can sleep together. I’m trusting you as adults.”
“You know me, Dad,” I said. “I’m always honest about my intentions.”
“I really don’t mind having my own room,” Beatrice whispered.
I didn’t address her comment. I grabbed our bags then carried everything upstairs. Beatrice followed behind me.
I set the bags down by the door then opened the windows. “I have my own bathroom so that’s nice.”
She looked around then sat on the bed. “Conrad, why did you have to embarrass me like that?”
“Like what?” I asked.
“Insisting that we sleep together. Your family is going to think I’m a slut.”
“Believe me, they don’t think that,” I said. “You would know if they did.”
She crossed her arms over her chest. “I still wish you had talked to me about it first.”
I sat beside her. “Look, the fact I asked to sleep with you is pretty indicative of how I feel about you. My parents know I wouldn’t have asked that if I just wanted to be disrespectful.” I looked her in the eye and held her gaze. “If I just wanted to have a good time, I would have snuck in your room instead. So, it’s really not a big deal. Trinity and Slade do it all the time.”
“They do?” She seemed to be a little more relaxed.
“Yeah.” I grabbed her hand and held it in my own. My thumb brushed her knuckles. “You can calm down now.”
A slight smile upturned her lips. “Okay…”
I leaned toward her and pressed my lips against her forehead. “Now let’s have a good time and enjoy the weekend.”
“Okay.”
Chapter Seven
Theo
When I woke up the next morning, Alex was in my arms. She was wearing my t-shirt with no bottoms. When I felt her smooth legs move past mine, it stirred me in an inappropriate way.
My hand glided through her hair and I treasured her in my arms. She was small and petite, but she had the strength to move mountains. And she had the sass to make the strongest men back down.
And she was all mine.
Her eyes fluttered open then she took me in. “Hey, handsome.”
“Ooh…I like hearing that.” I pressed my lips to her shoulder and kissed her gently. Her skin was warm and delicious. My lips traveled to her neck and I kissed her the way she liked. She scooted closer to me, clearly enjoying it.
“How’d you sleep?”
“Great—like always.” I kissed her ear then her chin.
“Your bed is comfy.”
“How would you know?” I asked. “You always sleep on my chest.”
She smirked. “It’s warm.”
I gripped her then forced her to straddle my hips.
When she sat up, she raised her arms over her head and stretched.
I immediately lifted up her shirt and sucked her nipples, loving her chest. I’d seen a lot of titties in my day, but hers were by far the best. “I love these…”
“I can tell.” She fisted my hair while I enjoyed her.
I leaned back and squeezed her hips. When she sat on top of me, it was hard not to think about her bouncing on my dick and giving me the pleasure I craved. But I did my best to control my thoughts. “What are you doing tomorrow?”
She played with her hair and tried to loosen the tangles. “Sleeping in…watching TV…eating.”
“You know tomorrow is Easter, right?”
“Oh yeah.” She shrugged. “It slipped my mind. Gerald invited me to his family’s place again.”
I immediately got defensive. “He did what?”
“His family liked me when they met me for Christmas. They invited me again.”
“You aren’t going,” I snapped.
“I’m not going?” she asked incredulously. “For a second, it sounded like you were telling me what to do.”
“I am.” I liked her strength and attitude but sometimes it bit me in the ass. “I want you to come to my place for Easter?”
“Your place?” she asked.
“To see my family.”
She stilled at the invitation. “Uh…”
“What you do mean ‘uh’?”
“I just…isn’t that too soon?”
“Who cares?” I said. “I want you to come.”
She narrowed her eyes at me. “You’re only inviting me because Gerald did.”
“No,” I snapped. “I sincerely want you to go.”
“Because you feel bad for me.”
“I do feel bad for you.” I may as well admit it.
Her eyes softened.
“But that isn’t why I want you to come. I’m inviting you because I like being around you. And since it’s a holiday, I want to see you even more.”
She studied me for a moment “Theo, it’s okay. I’m fine staying here.”
I gripped her tightly then forced her closer to me. “Either come with me or I’m staying here.”
She looked down into my face. “What if I go with Gerald?”
“Then I hope they have room at the table for me too.”
She smirked. �
�Well, that would be awkward.”
“So just come with me,” I insisted.
She thought about it for a while, her face unreadable. Alex didn’t like sympathy or pity. She seemed to hate anyone who gave it to her. “I don’t know…”
“What don’t you know about?” I whispered.
She shrugged. “I just don’t want you to feel bad for me. Sometimes I can’t tell if people are being nice to me because they actually like me, or if I’m a twisted form of charity.”
“With me, that’s impossible,” I said. “Because I take everything from you.” I kissed the corner of her mouth and let my lips linger there before I pulled away.
She stared down at me with soft eyes.
“Baby, tell me what happened.” She hadn’t brought it up once and I hadn’t asked her. I wanted her to be ready to discuss it, but she never was. Not only was I curious, but I was also desperate to know.
She turned away and didn’t look at me. “I don’t want to talk about it…”
I pulled her close to me and kissed her shoulder. “I’m here if you ever change your mind.”
Her gaze was still downcast.
“What are you afraid of?” I whispered.
Alex turned back to me. “That you’ll think less of me.”
My heart broke. “I promise that will never happen.”
“Yes, it will,” she said sadly. “It’s a time in my life that I try to forget about. I’m not the person I used to be, and you would never understand.”
“How do you know unless you give me a chance?” I whispered.
She closed her eyes for a long time. “Sometimes I hope that if I just forget about it, it’ll go away.”
I leaned against the headboard then rested my hands on her hips. “That’s never going to happen, Alex. You need to confront it, defeat it, and then it will fade. It’ll never disappear altogether, but it won’t be as painful.”
“You sound like you know from experience…”
“No. But I’ve known people from difficult backgrounds. Maybe if you open up to me, you’ll see what I mean.” I leaned forward and kissed the hollow of her throat. “Alex, let me in.”
“You can’t tell anyone…”
“Doesn’t Gerald already know?” I was a little hurt she confided in him and not me.
“No, he just knows I don’t have a family. I never gave him the details.”