by A L Williams
With one final thrust, he cried out and came onto the tub floor and my body tightened as my orgasm was ripped from me. I fell forward, using the wall to keep me upright as I came, releasing all that I had into the man that I loved.
I loved him.
My body vibrated as euphoria washed over me and I dug my nails into his side to keep both of us standing.
When the fog cleared, Dex straightened, swaying on his feet and leaned back against me. I closed my eyes, burying my face in his neck.
I love him.
The words echoed in my head, breaking my heart every moment that ticked by. I loved him. The man who walked into my life and messed everything up. That held my hand through difficult moments. Something no one had ever done. Something I didn’t allow anyone to do.
I kissed his shoulder and pulled him closer. My hands were settled on his hips to stop the shaking.
“That was...intense,” he murmured.
I swallowed around the lump in my throat. “Sorry. I lost control.”
“It’s all right. I needed it, too.” He placed his hands over mine which were settled on his stomach. “We should get cleaned up. That was the original point of getting in the shower.” I forced a laugh and grabbed the body wash with a shaky hand.
When we were finished, we returned to my room. I walked over to the dresser, grabbing some briefs and slipping them on.
Dex pulled his on as I dropped onto the bed. My stomach churned as I exhaled a shaky breath, preparing myself for what I was about to do.
“You need to leave.”
Dex straightened and frowned at me. “What?”
“You need to leave.” I repeated.
“Why?”
“I have to deal with this situation, and you’d be a distraction.”
He flinched. “I didn’t realize I was a nuisance.”
“I have to figure out how to help her and I can’t do that if you two insist on being hostile towards one another.” Bile rose in my throat. The way Izzy behaved towards him was uncalled for. He didn’t do anything, but I needed to hurt him. It was the only way.
“You’re doing it again.”
I blinked. “What?”
“You’re pushing me away.”
I pinched the bridge of my nose. He knew me better than I thought. “I don’t need you to psychoanalyze me. Just go.” I put as much force in my voice as I could, hoping my acting skills were good enough.
“When are you going to accept help from someone? You can’t do everything on your own. I want to help even if I think you should let her deal with her own problems. I want to support you. Why won’t you let me?”
Thinning my lips, I didn’t respond.
He chuckled, the sound anything but amused. He finished dressing. He turned towards the door, peering back over his shoulder. My chest tightened at the tears glistening in his eyes—tears that I caused.” Don’t let her destroy you. You deserve better than that.”
He hurried out, slamming the front door.
I closed my eyes and fell back on the bed, staring up at the ceiling. All I wanted to do was go after him and never let him go. I wanted him, but like most things, that wasn’t an option.
Chapter Thirty-One
Dex
Fucking idiot.
I swiveled in my chair at work, tapping my pen on the desk. It had been a full day since Ra had kicked me out of his house, and I was still pissed off.
Fucking asshole.
My chair hit the side of the desk when I turned back. I looked up, finding the patients eyeing me with concern. Ava stared with an arched brow.
“Sorry,” I muttered, shifting my clipboard around for the millionth time.
“What did he do this time?” she said, scooting closer.
“Nothing.”
“Don’t lie to me.”
I sighed. “He won’t let me help him.”
“With what?”
I explained what happened, ending with him kicking me out, which still stung.
She shook her head. “He really is the stupidest man I have ever heard of. Well, that’s not true, but still. You deserve better.” I looked down at my hand. Hers settled on it.
“I usually would tell you to just dumb his ass and move on. You deserve better. However, I know you love him,” she said.
My face warmed and I looked away.
“Just don’t wait for him for too long. Okay? Life is too short.”
I studied her as something flashed in her eyes and was gone a second later.
“I’ll just give him some time.”
“Dex?” Dr. Bennette said.
I dragged myself from the chair and entered his office. “Do you need something?”
He shook his head. “I just wanted to talk. I’m sorry, I overheard your conversation. My brother is a lawyer and one of the criminal charges he handles is DUI. I can give you the information to pass onto your…friend. He’s good. He may be able to help.”
“Yes.” I blurted.
Dr. Bennette pulled his wallet out of his back pocket, moving towards me. He handed me a business card. I eyed the name etched onto the embossed material. Second Chance Law Firm.
“Tell him I sent you,” Dr. Bennette said.
I slid it into my pocket. “Thank you.”
▽
What the hell was I doing here?
I stared up at the massive building with large glass windows that wrapped around it. The sound of passing cars and the conversations of pedestrians filled the afternoon air. I said I would stay out of it and give Ra some time, but there I was standing outside of the Second Chance Law Firm.
I moved, walking up the steps to the entrance. People dashed up and down around me with briefcases and cup holders with lidded coffee cups, spilling off the sides.
I slipped inside after two lawyers came out. The atrium consisted of shiny tile floors, magnifying the clack of shoes moving down the hall. Elevators lined one side of the wall and across was a welcome desk.
A woman looked up from her computer and smiled. “Can I help you?”
“Yes.” I handed her the business card.
“You’ll have to make an appointment, but I warn you, he is booked.”
“His brother, Dr. Joshua Bennette, sent me,” I said.
She nodded and picked up the phone at her side as I rocked back on my heels.
“Mr. Jenkins. Someone is here to see you,” she said. A muffled voice came through the phone.
The attendant glanced at me. “He said your brother sent him.” There was silence.
“Yes, sir,” she said and then hung up the phone. “Mr. Jenkins will see you. Second floor and the office straight ahead.” She returned the business card.
“Thank you.” I turned and made my way to the elevator.
Entering, I leaned against the wall, grateful that it was empty. My mind drifted to Ra as the doors closed and it started the ascent. I wanted to see him.
Hold him.
My heart ached. He might be an ass hat, but I loved him. I wanted to take away his hurt and even though she was a hot mess, I cared for Izzy. Even if Ra had told me to leave, I could help from a distance.
The elevator dinged and stopped, forcing me to sway and grip the railing. When the doors opened, I stepped out onto a gray carpeted hallway. Straight ahead was a large wooden door that stood probably around ten feet tall. Why did lawyers have to always have such big doors?
I made my way to it and knocked.
“Come in,” said a soft, yet firm voice.
I pulled on the bronzed handle and peeked inside before stepping in. In front of the window a large dark wood desk sat with a computer screen and other office supplies. Behind said screen a man sat, sipping from his mug while looking over some paperwork in his other hand. He wore a suit that was tailored perfectly to his small frame. He put his mug down without looking and picked up a piece of the brownie at his side.
I cleared my throat as I inched closer. He looked up and a lock of his golden brown hair fell into
his face. He stared at me with wide blue eyes before he regained his composure. “Hello, you’re the one my brother sent?” he asked.
“Yes.” I replied.
He stood, straightening his suit and walking around his desk. He walked over to me, holding out his small hand. I reached out and shook it, surprised at how strong it was for such a small timid man. He smirked as if he could tell I was surprised, and I looked down. “I have a friend…” I frowned, not even wanting to consider calling her his girlfriend. She wasn’t. “A friend's roommate who needs your help.”
“How so?”
“She drove drunk and killed someone.”
Sadness appeared on his face and was gone an instant later. He crossed his arms. “Why is your friend and his roommate not here?”
“He doesn't know I came.”
Mr. Jenkins arched his brow.
“Listen, can you help or not?” I asked, annoyed. I didn't have time for his fifty questions.
“As my attendant told you I am booked. My brother may have sent you, but I can’t just ignore my other clients.”
“Please, Ra and Izzy need help.”
Mr. Jenkins froze. “Did you say Ra? Is this Ra by chance an exceptionally large, attractive black man?”
I nodded.
He smiled. “All right. Give me their information and I will get in contact.”
I relaxed and pulled out my phone.
When he was done scribbling Ra’s number on a sticky note, he turned to me. “Would you like to be kept abreast of what’s happening?” I nodded, giving him my number. Ra would not tell me anything. I knew that. He thought he was protecting me. Why did I love the idiot so much?
“You must be the one Ra was talking about. Are things not going well?”
“What makes you say that?” I asked and then I froze. “Wait. Do you know him?”
“He helped me out a while ago.”
“I don’t know what’s happening and it’s none of business, but I do know that based on what he told me he cares for you. I gather the feeling is mutual since you’re here.”
“Yeah.”
He glanced over me but based on the expression he was somewhere else in his mind. He blinked and turned back to me. “Don’t give up.”
I studied him, wondering why he cared so much. “Thanks,” I said
He shrugged and walked back to his desk. I watched him as he took his seat, returning his attention to the paperwork and brownie. Assuming that was my cue, I turned and left. That was easier than I thought it would be.
I just hoped Ra would take the help.
Chapter Thirty-Two
Rashawn
I scrolled through the government webpage about DUI and the court process. Every page made my heart sink to the pit of my stomach. My phone vibrated. I pushed away from the computer and reached for it, eyeing the flash of Keith’s name across the screen. “Hey, I can’t talk right now.”
“I’m calling to help.”
I furrowed my brow. “What do you mean?”
“Just come see me and I will explain. Bring the woman with you. Here’s the address.” He gave me the address and I wrote it down, surprised by his tone. The Keith I knew was timid and scared of his own shadow. We’d only hung out a handful of times, but it was still strange. This man had the same voice and quality, but it was harder. Formal. “See you soon,” He said. He ended the call before I could get a word out. I pulled the phone from my ear and stared at it.
Something moved and glanced back, finding Izzy standing there, looking at the floor. Things had been tense between us since I brought her home and I was still so pissed off I hadn’t let up. I sighed and moved towards her, pulling her into a hug. She tensed and then relaxed, wrapping her arms around my waist and hiding her face against my chest. I kissed the top of her head. She pulled away and pushed up on her toes. I stepped back and she dropped back down, frowning. “Do you still love me?”
“Yes, I always will, but we can’t do this anymore. I can’t do this anymore.”
“Is it him? Has he taken you from me?”
Hearing his name sent pain through my chest. “You and I both know this was bound to happen long before Dex came into the picture. He just made it happen sooner. It’s not important. We need to deal with your current issue. Come on. We have somewhere to be.”
“Where?”
“A friend said he could help.”
She studied me for a moment, sadness and regret shimmering in her eyes, and then she turned and went to her room.
▽
Izzy and I stared up at the big firm as people in business wear rushed down the steps. Was Keith a lawyer? How? He didn’t seem like the type. He was quiet and timid. Lawyers weren’t.
“When did you make a friend with a lawyer?” Izzy asked, pulling me from my thoughts.
“Come on,” I said, leading her up the steps.
When we entered, we made our way to reception. The attendant already knew we were coming and directed us to the second floor. We walked to the large door and knocked.
“Enter,” said Keith, his voice firmer than I remembered. I pulled the door open and moved inside, Izzy following behind. Keith sat behind the desk and when he looked up a bright smile spread across his face. The face I knew.
I smiled and walked over. “You’re a lawyer?” I said, crossing my arms in front of my chest.
He rubbed the back of his head. “Yeah. I don’t really talk about my job outside. Most people wouldn’t believe me anyway.”
“Why wouldn’t you tell me?”
He chuckled. “Would you have believed me?”
I cocked my head to the side. “I will admit I was surprised, but I would have.”
Keith’s eyes softened and then he looked at Izzy. “Hello…?”
“Isabel Alvarez,” she said.
“Nice to meet you. I hear you got yourself into some trouble.”
She bit her lip. “Yeah.”
Keith stood and walked around the desk. “I can’t get you out of this, but we can find a way to lessen the punishment. At least, that’s my goal.”
“Wait, how did you find out about this?” I asked.
He turned to me and smirked. “The chances were slim, but your friend was referred to me by my brother and he so happens to be one of his nurses on staff.”
Dex.
I had never met his boss, but I knew he worked at a doctor’s office. It couldn’t be anyone else. My stomach flip-flopped. The urge to go to him and pull him into my arms and never let go was strong. I swallowed around the lump. Keith watched me with a knowing gaze as Izzy continued to look down. It didn’t matter. He was better off where he was. We were better off apart. If not forever, then at least for now.
You don't deserve him.
“All right, let’s get started. Have a seat.” Keith guided Izzy one of the chairs in front of his desk. I followed and took the other one.
He sat down. “So, tell me what happened?”
As Izzy explained the incident and charges, my mind drifted back to Dex. What was he doing? Had he eaten? Was he at work? Did he miss me as much as I missed him? I groaned.
Izzy and Keith looked at me.
“Sorry.”
When they went back to talking, I peered at the window as sunlight shone through. I got up, walking over to the window. I looked down at the passing traffic. The morning air filled with car horns and loud music. Everything was the same. Not a single thing had changed since Dex and I had met. At the same time, everything had changed. I had changed. I closed my eyes as one of our past dates drifted through my mind.
▽
” You should go to school and follow your dreams,” Dex said into my neck. I ran my hands through his hair as we lay on a blanket on the grass, staring up at the stars.
“We’ve talked about this. I like my job. There’s no point.”
Dex sat up and stared at me. Moonlight kissed his skin, making his hazel eyes sparkle.
“There’s always a point. You c
an’t tell me you don’t still want to be an astronaut.”
I looked aside. “I would love that, but…”
“But?”
“Izzy…”
He scoffed. “You can’t keep putting your life on hold for her.”
“I’m not. I have a happy life. I have a good job.” I sat up. He leaned into my touch when I reached for his face, settling my hand on his cheek. I leaned down and brushed my lips across his, forcing a gasp from him. Pulling back, I searched his face. “I have you?” The words coming out more of a question than a statement.
“Of course you do.”
“That's enough,” I said, kissing him hard before he had a chance to protest. I pushed him onto his back and crawled on top of him with our lips still connected. My hands slid under his shirt as I ground into him, forgetting the conversation as the stars watched us lose ourselves.
Chapter Thirty-Three
Dex
My phone’s ringtone filled the room and I answered it. “Hello?” I said, trying to not sound as indifferent as I felt.
“Hey, Dex,” said Mr. Jenkins.
I shot up into a sitting position. “Mr. Jenkins.”
“Call me Keith. I’m just letting you know they agreed to let me help them.”
I exhaled. “Good.”
“We have talked about what our next steps are and I’m gathering court date information so I can build the case. That’s all I can tell you because of client privacy. I’m not even supposed to be telling as much as I have.”
I smiled. “I appreciate it.”
“ Are you planning on coming to the court?”
“No. I’ve already stepped out of bounds with this. I don’t want to make it worse.”
“Something tells me Ra wouldn’t mind as much as you think he would. I could tell he still wants you.”
I bit my lip. “You don’t know either of us that well.”
“I know want when I see it. Both of you are crazy about each other. Come. It’s on the twenty-second.”
I reached across the bed and grabbed a notepad from my drawer, quickly scribbling the date down and tossing it on the bed. “Thanks.”
“I’ll see you then.”