Lover's Road (Forever and Always #11)

by E. L. Todd

  I locked the doors and turned off the lights before I walked into the bedroom. She was already lying in bed, facing the wall. I removed my clothes then got into bed beside her. I set my alarm before I lay back and stared at the ceiling. We always had sex when we fought, and I knew this night wouldn’t be any different. We were pissed at each other but wanted to fuck like animals.

  I pulled her to her back then separated her legs, finding her entrance quickly. I gripped the headboard while she placed her legs over my shoulders. We only fucked when we were pissed at each other. We never made love. And right now, I was fucking her brains out.

  Her tits bounced up and down as I pounded into her. Her nails dug in my ass and she pulled me further inside her, wanting it hard and fast like she always did. She was a heathen in bed, and rocked my world every fucking time. She pissed me off and drove me insane, but fuck, I loved this girl so damn much.

  When I felt her tighten around my cock, I knew she was coming. She stayed quiet because she was still pissed at me, but she couldn’t hide that knowledge from me. Fucking more girls than I could count gave me insightful experience when it came to women.

  As soon as she was finished, I came inside her, filling her completely. Her tight and wet pussy always felt amazing. Even when I was angry with her, I couldn’t deny that. I stayed inside her for a moment, looking down at her. “Mine,” I barked.

  She held my gaze, not intimidated by the look. “Stop acting like a caveman.”

  I grabbed the back of her neck. “Mine,” I repeated. “All of you. Parts of you. Everything. It’s mine and I don’t fucking share.”

  “That’s never changed, Ryan.”

  I finally pulled out of her and released her neck. “If I can’t work with women, then you shouldn’t allow this random guy to help you.”

  “He’s not random,” she snapped.

  “So you’ve kept in touch with him this whole time?”

  She shrugged. “Kinda.”

  “Married?”

  “Divorced.”

  I growled. “I don’t like this.”

  She rolled her eyes and turned on her side. “I don’t give a shit, Ryan. Good night.”

  I stared at her back before I spooned her from behind and fell asleep.

  Janice was on my mind exclusively the following day at work. I wondered if this guy had a thing for her in college and thought he’d have a chance now that he was divorced. What if he pressured her? What if he pursued her? What if he expected something in return for arranging her dream job for her? The possibilities circled in my mind endlessly.

  I met Cortland for lunch, but Sean and Scarlet tagged along.

  “What are you doing here?” I asked my sister.

  She raised an eyebrow. “Why are you an ass today?”

  I rolled my eyes. “You’ve been at the office a lot.”

  Sean hooked his arm around her waist. “She keeps me company.” He winked.

  “TMI.” I turned to Cortland. “Split a pizza?”

  “Let’s get a combination,” Scarlet said.

  I glared at her. “You need a whole pizza to yourself. Get your own, fatass.”

  Cortland eyed me. “You really are in a bad mood today.”

  I teased my sister all the time, but everyone seemed to hear the anger underneath. They all knew me pretty well.

  After we ordered, we sat down. Cortland waited for me to share my thoughts.

  “Janice has a new job,” I said sadly.

  Scarlet sipped her soda. “Aren’t you happy for her?”

  “She said some guy from college arranged it.”

  “So?” Scarlet glared at me.

  “I just don’t like it.”

  “Don’t be a pig,” she snapped. “She’s really excited about this. Ryan, this is her dream job, something she always wanted at R and R. Don’t spoil it for her by being an ass.”

  “You don’t get it,” I snapped. “I hate knowing I can’t protect her. When she was home all day, I knew no one would bother her. But this…it’s out of my control.”

  Scarlet glared at me harder. “If she feels threatened, she’ll leave.”

  “You didn’t,” I snapped. “Carl kept harassing you but you stuck around.” That was low, but it was my darkest fear, that someone would treat Janice like that. She was my whole world. I’d be nothing without her.

  “I had to pay rent. I didn’t have a choice.”

  “You could have moved in with Sean,” I countered.

  “We weren’t together at the time. It wouldn’t have worked.”

  Sean looked uncomfortable. “I’m with him on this one, Scar. Sorry.”

  She turned her wrath on him. “What?”

  “I understand why he’s nervous. The idea of you working outside the house would make me uneasy too, after everything you’ve been through. I love that you stay home all day and come visit me when you have free time.”

  “Thank you,” I said.

  “That doesn’t justify ruining her dream.” Scarlet wasn’t backing down. “You need to be supportive, Ryan. Janice is a smart girl. If some guy messes with her, she’ll shove her heel into his ass. Don’t doubt her.”

  She would never understand. I didn’t bother arguing.

  But Scarlet opened her big mouth and continued. “You’re just jealous, Ryan. You can’t handle the idea of other men checking her out, but you love it when women do it to you. You want to lock her in the apartment all day so no one will know she even exists. That’s no way to live.”

  “You make it sound like she’s a prisoner,” I snapped. “Which she isn’t. Believe me, this would have gone quite differently if this ‘friend’ of hers was a girl. Men don’t help women just because they feel like it. They want something in return.”

  “My dad isn’t like that,” Sean said.

  “Well, that’s one exception,” I countered.

  Cortland stuffed a slice into his mouth then swallowed it. “I think you should let it go, Ryan. If she feels uncomfortable, she’ll tell you and you’ll work it out. But fighting with her isn’t going to help.”

  I didn’t feel like talking about this anymore. I was quickly replacing Sean as the asshole of the group. “How’s it going with Monnique?”

  “Good,” he answered.

  “Everything back to normal?” Scarlet asked.

  “We’re taking it slow,” he said. “But she’s jealous of Hazel.”

  “Why?” I asked. “You’re just friends, right?”

  “Well…” He crinkled a napkin in his hand. “There’s something I never told you guys.”

  “Ooh…” I rubbed my hands together. “This sounds interesting.”

  “Hazel wanted to have a purely physical relationship. I said no.”

  “What?” I snapped. “Why the hell would you say no?”

  “Because he loves Monnique,” Scarlet said quickly.

  “So what?” I said. “You didn’t owe her anything at the time. If she didn’t want you to fuck other women, she shouldn’t have left you.”

  “Don’t be mean,” Scarlet said.

  “Why are you the moderator today?”

  “I am not,” she said, offended.

  “You’re always the moderator,” Sean said with a laugh.

  Scarlet finally backed off.

  I turned to Cortland. “Did you tell Monnique that?”

  “Yeah,” Cortland answered. “She was a little insecure about it.”

  “Good.”

  Cortland shook his head slightly. “She doesn’t want me to hang out with her anymore.”

  “You said no, right?” I asked.

  “Yeah,” Cortland answered. “But I know the whole thing makes her uncomfortable.”

  “That’s too damn bad.”

  Cortland eyed me. “I know you hated her for a while, but I love her and want to make it work. I’d appreciate it if you were more respectful toward her.”

  I clapped his shoulder. “No problem, man. I want you to be happy.”

/>   “I appreciate that.”

  Scarlet’s eyes softened. “You guys are so cute.”

  “Cute?” I asked incredulously. I scooted far away from Cortland. “I like boobies.”

  “Me too,” Cortland said quickly.

  “I just said you were cute,” Scarlet said. “I didn’t say you were gay.”

  “Same thing,” I answered. I turned back to Cortland. “I’m just glad you stood your ground and didn’t let Monnique boss you around.”

  “She didn’t boss me around,” Cortland said. “I just know she’s a little jealous over it. But when she sees that Hazel and I are just friends, she’ll get over it.”

  “Does Hazel know about Monnique?” Scarlet asked.

  “No,” Cortland said. “I haven’t told her.”

  “I wonder how that will go,” she said.

  Cortland shrugged. “I’m sure it will be fine.”

  We settled into a conversation about one of Hazel’s performances and her graceful dance moves, but my thoughts lingered to Janice. I wondered what she was doing and how her first day of work was. I wondered if that creep was staring at her ass every time she walked passed his desk…

  I pulled out my phone and texted her. How’s your first day going?

  Like you give a shit.

  My baby knew me well. I’m being genuine.

  It’s great. I love it. Everyone is so nice and they took me out to lunch.

  I wanted to know if her ‘friend’ was among those people. I shouldn’t ask but I did anyway. Having a good time with your ridiculously nice friend?

  Go fuck yourself.

  Damn, I lost her. How’s the work load?

  She came back. Not much different than Scarlet’s company, but now I oversee other people. So, there’s a little more responsibility. But I love it anyway.

  She used the word love a lot. I could tell she really liked it. I’m glad you’re liking it.

  Bullshit.

  I smirked even though I knew I shouldn’t. I’m sorry I’m being an ass. I just love you so damn much. My concern comes from a good place. You know that.

  I do.

  I miss you.

  I miss you too.

  So, we’re okay?

  Nope. You’re still a pig.

  I smiled again.

  I need to get back to work. Ttyl.

  Love you.

  Forever and always.

  I returned the phone to my pocket. She and I were both hot headed and stubborn. We argued like we hated each other. There were days when I was certain we did. But the love deep within conquered everything else. While I knew Sean and Scarlet loved each other, I felt like they were so combustible that they could end at any moment. I never had that fear with Janice. We could fight and say horrific things to each other, but we would never cross that line. We would never leave each other. We would always love each other. No matter what.

  5

  Sean

  I made an appointment for the fertility clinic next week. Honestly, I was scared to death about it. I really wanted to have kids the natural way, where each child would be half of Scarlet and half of me, but I would accept it if it couldn’t happen. I just didn’t want Scarlet to go through that. I’d known her long enough to understand she would place the blame on herself. She’d feel horrible and never let it go. For that reason, I hoped everything was okay. And if it wasn’t, I hoped it was a problem with me, not her.

  Losing a child once was hard enough. I didn’t think I could go through that again. When my wife cried in my arms, in insufferable pain, I felt weak and pathetic. There was nothing I could do to make it better. I couldn’t throw money at it and make it go away. I failed her as a husband.

  I should have ensured she was completely stress free. I made her upset on a daily basis, I pushed her too far, and she suffered through the ordeal I called my mother. I’d hate myself forever. I didn’t deserve to have Scarlet in my life. Sometimes I wondered if she was mentally retarded for choosing to settle down with me, a loser.

  After we had dinner, we snuggled on the couch and watched TV. Scarlet naturally lost all the weight she gained, and now she was back to where she was. Her stomach was flat and her hips were smaller. She was sexy in every way, but I did miss the baby bump. I would always miss it.

  The doorbell rang.

  Scarlet sighed. “We really are a hotel.”

  “Well, it’s not Mike. He would just walk in,” I said sarcastically.

  “So would the others.”

  “God, it’s probably my mom.”

  We both cringed.

  We were on better terms with her, but we still didn’t adore her. Now the heat had been shifted to Mike and Cassandra. While we enjoyed the respite, we wished there wasn’t a problem to begin with. A part of me hated my mom for stealing my dad away. I know I’d see him more often if my mom weren’t such a bitch.

  I left the couch then opened the door. When I saw my dad on the other side, bags at his feet and over his shoulders, I knew something wasn’t right—at all. “Dad?”

  “Hey, kid.” His voice indicated everything was normal, but his face didn’t. I saw the sagged lines of despair and the depression in his eyes.

  I stared at his bags. “What’s going on…?”

  He shrugged. “Can I stay with you for a while?”

  My blood was pounding in my ears. My heart thud so harshly, I felt it against my ribs. I was speechless, panicked. “You’re always welcome here, Dad.”

  “I thought so. If not, I knew Scarlet wouldn’t mind.” He grabbed his bags and carried them inside. I hauled the remaining ones into the entryway. When Scarlet realized my dad was here, she approached the entryway, the same look of alarm on her face.

  “What’s going on?” she asked.

  My dad stood tall, like he always did, but his hands were in his pockets. “Your mother and I have decided to get a divorce.”

  That knocked the wind out of me. During my youth, my friends from school went through their parents’ divorce but I never understood what the big deal was. But now it hit me. I didn’t even like my mom, but the idea of my parents not being together was something I couldn’t process.

  “Oh.” Scarlet tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “I’m sorry.”

  He nodded. “It’s been difficult. But I didn’t see any other way.”

  My head was still spinning. “What happened?”

  He sighed then rubbed his chin. “Your mother’s behavior has gone on long enough. While I love her very much, she isn’t the woman I married. When I tried to talk some sense into her, it backfired. While I would prefer to work out our relationship, sadly, your mother can’t be reasoned with.”

  “Wow.” I couldn’t think of anything better to say.

  He clapped my shoulder. “It’ll be alright, kid. Your mother and I both love you just as much. That will never change.”

  That wasn’t what bothered me. “It’s just…weird.”

  My dad gave me a soft look. “I know. But we’ll get through this.”

  Mike came down the stairs. “Did I hear you right? You’re divorcing Mom?”

  My dad nodded.

  Mike breathed a sigh of relief. “Good. You can do way better than her Dad. That bitch is a terror.”

  My dad’s eyes widened. “Shut your mouth or I’ll rip it off.”

  Mike backed off. “Sorry. I just think this is a good decision. I love you, Dad. And I can’t imagine how you could possibly be happy with that bit—woman.”

  He returned his hands to his pockets then looked at the house, not paying any attention to us. “The papers will be signed soon. I hope you don’t mind letting me stay for a short while.”

  Scarlet hugged him. “You can stay here as long as you want, Dad. This place is too big for the two of us.”

  “Three of us,” I added, glaring at my brother.

  Mike glared back.

  “Everything alright?” my dad asked.

  Mike shrugged. “Cassandra and I got into a
fight.”

  “It must be pretty bad if you’re staying with your brother.” The disappointment was evident in his eyes.

  “I slept with her friend. She’s having a hard time handling it…”

  My dad gave him a look of hatred. “How could you do that to the poor girl? I thought you loved her? That’s no way to treat someone.”

  “No,” Mike said quickly. “It happened before I even knew Cassandra. But the shit hit the fan a few days ago.”

  “Oh.” Andrew calmed down slightly. “I see.”

  “And I don’t know how to make it better…”

  My dad rubbed his shoulder. “From the moment I saw you two together, I knew she loved you, son. She’ll get passed it. Just give her time.”

  “I hope so.” Mike put his hands in his pockets and sighed.

  “I’ll get your room ready,” I said.

  Mike and I carried everything to the spare bedroom. Scarlet made sure the sheets and towels were clean and new. A flat screen was on the wall, and the windows opened to the ocean. My dad should be comfortable there.

  He sat on the bed and rested his hands in his lap. Even though he carried himself with pride and strength, I knew his shoulders were sagging with grief. He always shielded me from pain and he seemed to be happy all the time. This was the first time he couldn’t hide it. And seeing my dad in pain was unbearable.

  I sat beside him. “Can I get you anything?”

  He rubbed his palms together. “No.”

  Whenever I was at my lowest point, my dad always knew the right thing to say to make me feel better. His words of wisdom went straight to my heart and made me rethink everything I thought I believed in. I wished I could do the same for him now. “It’ll be okay.” It was weak, but it was all I could think of. My dad always took care of me. I never experienced the reversal of roles before.

  He nodded. “I know, son.”

  “Do you want to talk about it…?”

  “There’s nothing to say, really.” He released a deep sigh. “You’ve seen your mother in action for the past year. She’s lost sight of what’s important. All she cares about is money and social circles.” He rubbed his chin then stared at the floor. “Your grandfather worked in a factory his entire life. He made minimum wage for twenty years and still managed to give me everything I needed. These items weren’t tangible to money. He gave me love, joy, hope, respect, and happiness. And that’s all I needed.