by Bella Jewel
His eyes flash and he makes a growling sound in his throat. “You know we can’t.”
“Why?” I murmur, pushing myself up to my knees and leaning across the seat. I press my lips to his neck.
Through clenched teeth, he hisses, “Because it confuses every-fucking-thing.”
“No,” I murmur against his flesh, sliding my mouth down and sucking on the dip at the base. “It’s simple. We fuck, we come, we go back to normal. I am fully aware of your choice, Reign. I’ve accepted it.”
“You’re a fuckin’ liar,” he groans as I press my open palm to his hard cock.
“No, I’m a realist.”
He’s right, I am a liar. I have full intentions of taking Slutena down and doing it so she’ll never mess with another man again. In saying that, I’m fully away that doesn’t mean Reign will choose me. In fact, he may very much hate me for it, so this could likely be the last chance I’ll ever have of being in his arms again.
“You know my feelings are all over the fucking place,” he groans when I jerk his belt off and pop his top button. I free his cock, wrapping my hand around it and squeezing.
“Then don’t feel, just do.”
“Tia,” he growls. “Fuck, please.”
“Do you want me to stop?” I breathe, meeting his eyes as I begin stroking his cock. “Because if you do, I will.”
“You know I want you. Shit, I hate how fucking much I want you.”
“Then stop talking, and fuck me the way I need to be fucked.”
I have my skirt up in a matter of minutes and then I’m climbing over him, straddling his hips. I don’t give him the chance to argue, or even try to protest. I know he wants this as much as I do—the pulsing of his cock against my pussy tells me that much. I slowly sink down, taking all of him.
Oh God.
“Reign,” I gasp as he fills me.
“Fuck,” he barks, taking my hips in his hands and jerking his up, impaling me hard and fast.
“Oh God,” I yell, throwing my head back.
“Fuck me,” he orders. “And make it fuckin’ good.”
I love this side of Reign. His hands glide up my sides, under my tank. There he slides them over my sensitive flesh until he finds my breasts. He cups them in his hands and gives them a gentle squeeze. I moan and rotate on his cock faster, sliding my pussy up and down, loving the feeling of him filling me.
“Shit,” he breathes, nibbling on my neck.
I reach over and slide my hands beneath the sleeves of his shirt, squeezing his biceps. I let my nails bite into his flesh as I fuck him harder. Our skin slaps together and our moans fill the small space. Steam creeps up the windows as we both begin running faster and faster to the finish line.
“You better fuckin’ come soon,” he snarls into my neck, biting my flesh. “If you don’t, you’re gonna miss out. I need to come, baby. Now.”
He pinches my nipples and that’s enough to send me over the edge. I scream his name as wave after wave of orgasm rips through my body. He roars loudly and his cock swells inside me before exploding with his release.
It takes us a long time to come down after that mind-blowing orgasm. I nuzzle my face into his neck, breathing him in, knowing that it might be the last time I ever get to feel him like this. Tears sting my eyes at that reality, and as if he knows this, his hands go up to my back where he rubs small, soft circles.
I nuzzle deeper, kissing the damp flesh, never wanting to let him go. There is so much emotion I feel in this moment, and all of it I have to keep inside. He can’t be feeling good either, because regardless of his choice, I know I matter to him. I just don’t know how much.
That’s why I can’t let that woman hurt him.
Even if it means I lose him.
“Tell me something Reign,” I whisper against his skin. “If she wasn’t in the picture, would you have me? Could you . . . love me?”
He’s silent for what seems like forever, then in a quiet, raspy voice he says, “I’d do more than love you, Tia. I’d make you mine. I’d give you my world and my heart. And the best thing about it would be that I know, I fucking know you’d give it all back.”
He’s so incredibly right about that.
It’s just a shame it will never happen.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
Oh sweet mother of all things holy, why, why do I drink?
My head is pounding as I stumble around for my first day back at work the next morning. I can’t find my phone, or my purse, or my lipstick. Who the fuck loses that much stuff? I stagger into the kitchen, dragging a brush through my hair. With my free hand, I press the coffee machine on button.
Need coffee.
My phone makes a beeping sound and I spin around, instantly regretting the decision to move that quickly, but needing to find it while it’s ringing. I hurry around the room, groaning in pain as I get closer to the sound. I find it stuffed under the couch. How the fuck did my purse and phone get under the couch?
Whatever.
I pull it out and glance down; a missed call from my mom. I also see a message from Reign. I click it open and read it.
R: You alive?
Snorting, I respond.
T: Define alive?
A moment later he gets back to me.
R: Good morning, T.
T: Good morning, boss. It’s totally acceptable if I’m, say, three hours late? Right?
R: I don’t like you that much.
T: Ouch, that’s so mean. Can you come and pick me up? I’m fairly sure I’m over the legal limit. I smell like a pot of beer.
R: Sending a car over in an hour.
T: You’re a gem.
R: Never call me a gem again. You’re killing my manhood.
I laugh.
T: You and your manhood. You have to let it go someday.
R: Never. Now go and shower, I can smell you from here.
T: I love how nice you are to me.
I throw the phone onto the kitchen bench and walk very slowly towards the shower.
An hour later I’m feeling slightly more human. I’ve showered, dressed, styled my hair and even managed to force a piece of toast into my belly. A car arrives for me five minutes after I’ve finished my hair, and I quickly gather my purse and hurry out.
Reign’s office is only ten minutes from my house, which is great because I’m sure I’d throw up if it were further. Hangover plus car equals sick Tia. I thank the driver as I climb out, balancing a coffee as I bump the door closed with my hip. I turn and stare up at the large office building. Here goes.
I pass through reception with a cheerful “good morning,” and make my way to the back offices. Reign has a space for me on the days I come in to work, which I am doing more and more of because I like the people. The small office I have is three spaces down from his. I see he’s got a meeting sign on his door, so I don’t bother him.
I go straight to my office and throw myself in my comfy leather chair. I have so much to do. With a groan, I start with my emails. The first one that pops up is one from Reign, dated only this morning. In fact, only about three minutes ago. I stare down the hall to his door. It’s still closed. I click open the email.
To: Tiani
From: Reign
Subject: Morning.
Tia,
I’ve attached some work for you that I need done first thing this morning.
Stop frowning, I pay accordingly.
Reign.
I click open the attachment and groan. It’s a big job; I knew it would be. I quickly reply to the email.
To: Reign
From: Tiani
Subject: Re: Morning.
Reign Braxton,
As a boss, I hate you.
Lucky I like you as a friend.
Is it acceptable behavior if I pay someone else accordingly to do this for me?
My brain hurts.
Tia.
Once the email is sent, I start working through the other emails and then get to work on Reign’s proj
ect. Only ten minutes in, I get another email from him.
To: Tiani
From: Reign
Subject: Re: Morning.
You’re supposed to hate your boss, didn’t you know?
It is not acceptable behavior to pay anyone. Don’t do it or I’ll be forced to take measures to keep you in line.
Your brain hurts because you dress like a street bum, go out, let people sneak their fingers into Mrs. Mufflepuff’s zone and allow very handsome men to fuck you in their SUVs.
Reign.
I chuckle, hitting reply.
To: Reign
From: Tiani
Subject: Re: Morning.
You dipped below the belt bringing Mrs. Mufflepuff into this conversation.
You should be ashamed of yourself.
I don’t remember fucking a handsome man. Sorry.
I’m going to get more coffee.
See you on the flip side.
I don’t even get out of my chair before he replies.
To: Tiani
From: Reign
Subject: Re: Morning.
You’ve hurt my feelings.
Get me a coffee.
Reign.
Smirking, I get out of my chair and walk down the hall to the small kitchen at the back of the office. I step inside and see three girls; one of them includes Slutena. Oh perfect. Just what I need. Obviously Reign hasn’t communicated with her that I still work here, because the look on her face is one of pure shock.
I flash her a smile, and watch as the other girls lean over and whisper into her ear, all while glaring at me. Such children. I pull out two coffee mugs, making a point of taking out Reign’s favorite. I press the machine to start brewing, then I turn and flash the girls an innocent expression.
“Why are you still here?” Slutena asks.
I put my hand to my chest. “Who me?”
“No, the fucking coffee machine.”
“Selena,” I gasp. “I’m horrified with your behavior. I mean, Reign could walk in any moment. We wouldn’t want him to see through your fake bullshit, would we?”
She stiffens, but her eyes do dart towards the door. This will likely be easier than I’d thought. I spin around with a smirk and take out the two coffee mugs, then I brush past them.
“You’re playing with fire, Tia,” she mutters from behind me.
I stop and glance at her. “I’m sorry, speak up. I can’t hear you? I thought you said I was playing with fire, but you couldn’t have said that, because it’s not me who is the lying, cheating whore, now, is it, Slutena?”
I turn and walk back towards the door.
“What the hell did you just call me?”
I grin but don’t turn back. “Oh, honey,” I say loud enough so I know she can hear me. “I didn’t fucking stutter.”
~*~*~*~
“Tia,” Reign says, walking into my office later that day. “Are you causing trouble again?”
I look up at him. “Me? Causing trouble?”
He flashes me a warning look.
“What?”
“Selena told me what you called her.”
I snort. “God, that woman is such a child.”
He glares, crossing his arms over his broad chest. “Tia, I don’t want this to come into the workplace.”
“Well, it technically isn’t her workplace. She’s hanging round because she wants you,” I point out.
He walks over to the desk, leaning against it. “Come on, don’t make this harder on me.”
I sigh. “Fine, Reign, I’m sorry I called her that awful-yet-true name. I won’t do it again.”
His lip twitches and he walks around the desk to see how I’m doing.
“You are tearing through it,” he comments, nodding his head.
Yeah, be impressed. I’m that awesome.
“I am, but I’m going for lunch now. I’m starving.”
He straightens. “I’m up for that. You want to come with me?”
I look up at him. “You sure?”
He shrugs. “We’re hungry, are we not?”
“I thought you needed time to clear your head.”
“Tia,” he says, shaking his head. “You climbed on my lap and fucked me last night. I’m sure we can have lunch together without things getting complicated.”
I stand, lifting my purse. “That’s what you think.”
He laughs and I follow him out. We head down the street to a deli and get ourselves some sandwiches, then we find a table at a local park over the road and sit down. I unravel my sandwich, starving.
“Oh God,” I say, staring at it. “Don’t judge me if I eat this in three bites. I’m so hungry.”
Reign laughs and lifts his sandwich. “No judgment here.”
My food is to die for. I moan as I eat, not stopping until I’m finished. Then I wash it down the orange juice I got.
“So,” he says, finishing up his food, “did the bikers corrupt you the other night?”
I look away nervously. “No,” I murmur.
“You’re not very convincing.”
“Oh look,” I say. “It’s a squirrel.”
Reign bursts out laughing. “Nothing with you is ever dull, Tia. I’ll give you that much.”
I smile warmly at him, and it seems to take him off-guard.
“You want to know something, Reign Braxton?”
He nods, smiling back at me.
“Regardless of everything, I’m so glad I met you.”
~*~*~*~
ONE WEEK LATER
Groaning, I shove myself out of bed and push to my feet. I’ve been ill the past two days, unable to get out of bed for the most part. Reign has been okay with that, because I did all the work he needed me to do before I came down with whatever this horrible sickness is.
Addison and Ciara came over yesterday, bringing me some soup. I never thought it would be possible, but I’ve grown to really like the bikers and their ladies. There’s something so deep about them. They’re always there for each other, no matter what goes on. They have always got each other’s backs.
Plodding towards the shower, I flip my phone over and check it. There is a message from Reign and . . .
Oh my God.
Autumn.
With shaking fingers, I open it, feeling my eyes well with tears. I read the message four times before it sinks in.
A: I’m so sorry I haven’t been in contact. I’m coming home today, Tia. It’s over.
I make a loud, sobbing sound and press the phone to my chest, overwhelmed with emotion. My best friend is okay, she’s okay and she’s coming home. I didn’t realize how much it was worrying me until this moment. I slide down the wall, tucking my knees up to my chest, just giving myself a moment to process.
With trembling fingers, I reply.
T: After I punch you, I’m going to hold you so tight and never let you go again.
I swipe the back of my hand across my face to remove my tears, then I check Reign’s message.
R: Are you still sick?
At his words, my stomach turns. Whatever I ate in the past few days has upset my belly in a big way. I’ve spent two days throwing up. It has not been pleasant. I punch out a reply to Reign.
T: I’m not great.
He replies a moment later.
R: You need to see a doctor.
He’s probably right, but today I’m going to be waiting for my friend. Nothing can stop me from seeing her when she walks through that door.
T: I’ll see one tomorrow. Autumn is coming home today.
Reign doesn’t text back. Instead, he rings. I answer the phone right away, still desperately trying to keep the glass of water I drank only ten minutes ago in my belly.
“Hey,” I croak.
“You sound like crap, babe. Are you okay?”
“I don’t know, something I ate has just made me sick.”
“I’ll come and see you after work. Tell me about Autumn.”
I push to my feet, groaning as my stomach
turns. “I don’t know, she just texted me and said it’s all over, and she’s coming home.”
“Are you sure you’re okay? You sound like shit, Tia.”
“Oh God, hang on.”
I drop the phone and lunge into the bathroom, making it just in time. I drop over the toilet bowl and throw up until my stomach coils tightly, begging me to stop. When I feel it’s safe to move back, I flop onto my bottom and reach out for a washcloth. I dampen it and pat it over my forehead.
Jesus.
I turn back towards my phone, cringing as I realize Reign probably heard all of that. I lift it to my ear and rasp out a, “Sorry.”
“I’m coming over. You need to see a doctor.”
I shake my head. “It’s okay, I just need to rest.”
“No, Tia, you need a doctor. This has been going on for days and you’re probably fuckin’ dehydrated. You won’t argue with me. I’ll be there in an hour.”
He hangs up before I have the chance to argue.
“Fine,” I mutter, curling up on the floor.
I decide to stay there until Reign comes to get me.
It seems easier.
~*~*~*~
“Hey.”
A hand is on my shoulder, shaking me. I flutter my eyelids open to see Reign kneeling down beside me, his expression one of concern.
“Oh,” I croak. “I must have fallen asleep.”
He slips his arm beneath my head and sits me up, wrapping an arm around me. “You’re pale, Tia. Let’s get you to the doctor.”
I nod, forcing myself to my feet with his help. He keeps his arm around me as he leads me down the hall and out to his car.
The entire drive over, I keep my eyes closed and my cheek pressed against the cool glass of the window. Reign gets a park as close to the door as he can, and then helps me inside.
“Tiani?”
I lift my head off Reign’s shoulder, where it’s been resting for the past half an hour while we wait.
“That’s me,” I whisper, getting to my feet.
“You going to be okay?” Reign asks.
I nod, walking towards the doctor. He ushers me down a long hall and into a small, sterile room. I sit down, feeling slightly better.
“What can I do for you?” he asks, sitting down and placing his hands on his knees.
“I’ve been ill the past three days. My boss out there was worried I might be dehydrated.”