Love In A Hopeless Place (BWWM Romance)

by Anna Rudolph

  “You can’t tell me what to wear, or eat or do while I’m working there, especially since you won’t be my direct boss.”

  Bryce nodded, “It’s a deal.”

  They shook hands and Lateisha stood to leave. She had a feeling this wasn’t going to go as smoothly as she planned.

  *****

  Bryce watched Lateisha leave before he stood.

  “Thanks for getting her on board. I appreciate it.” Bryce turned to Becky just before he walked out.

  “I didn’t do it for you. I still don’t like what you’re doing here and how you’re taking advantage of her. But Lateisha needs a more stable, better paying job no matter what. Just don’t hurt her or I’ll hunt you down like a dog,” Becky flashed a large smile and practically pushed Bryce out of the apartment.

  Scratching his head he descended the stairs, wondering if Lateisha was at the bus stop yet. She shouldn’t take the bus alone at night in the city, it wasn’t safe. Bryce stepped into his Town Car and told Gerry to drive down the street to the bus stop. Sure enough Lateisha was perched on the edge of a bench looking at her phone. Probably surfing social media or whatever the kids called it.

  Bryce asked Gerry to stop at the curb and rolled his window down. “Fancy meeting you here.”

  Lateisha snorted and approached his window. “You need a better line.”

  “That I do. Can you please get in the car and ride home with me. I hate you sitting here alone in the dark waiting for the bus.” Bryce motioned to the car.

  “I’m not alone,” Lateisha gestured towards the likely homeless man curled in a ball at the end of the bench.

  Bryce shook his head. “Fine. Do what you want. I don’t know why I even bother.”

  Bryce rolled his window back up and Gerry began to pull away.

  “Wait! I’ll go with you. But only because I’m exhausted and I don’t think this bench is big enough for the both of us,” Lateisha said, again gesturing towards the man.

  She climbed into the limo and pressed against the door when it closed. Bryce got the signal loud and clear. She wanted him to leave her alone.

  *****

  Lateisha bolted from the car before Gerry had even put it in park. Being trapped in a car with him for fifteen minutes was too much. Now she knew why he was avoiding her.

  “Lateisha!” Bryce yelled from the hallway after she stepped from the elevator.

  Lateisha turned but kept walking; she didn’t want to talk to him about anything right now. There was too much of a risk that she could ruin everything.

  “I’m really tired,” she fake yawned while opening the door to the penthouse and slipping inside.

  She almost closed the door and locked it behind her but Bryce would think she was crazy. Shedding her jacket by the door, she hung it in the closet quickly and took off towards the hallway that led to her room.

  “Please wait,” Bryce said, this time he sounded defeated.

  Lateisha stopped, sagging against the wall. Bryce approached her from the front door slowly and the look in his eye almost made Lateisha bolt again. He was looking at her like she was his last meal. How he could go from being the domineering businessman to the lust filled lover was an anomaly to Lateisha; especially since he acted like being with her was the worst thing in the world.

  “What more do you want from me, Bryce.” Lateisha’s voice came out just above a whisper.

  Bryce didn’t answer, but stalked towards her instead. Lateisha’s heart rate picked up, slamming into her chest so loud that Bryce could likely hear it across the room. When he reached where she stood, Bryce didn’t speak; he leaned down and captured her mouth with his. In that moment Lateisha knew, running from him was no longer an option.

  Chapter 7

  Lateisha gasped on contact, the sound lost between their kisses. He always caught her by surprise even though she was expecting it. The kiss became deeper as Bryce delved his tongue into her mouth. Lateisha reciprocated, sucking on his tongue. Bryce moaned, nipping her lip. Without warning or breaking contact, Bryce wrapped his arms around Lateisha and scooped her up. He headed the opposite direction down the hall, towards what Lateisha could only assume was the master bedroom. Gently depositing her on the bed, Bryce resumed the frantic kisses, all the while trying to shrug off his suit jacket. Lateisha grabbed it and pulled it down, the sound of ripping filling the room.

  “Not again,” Bryce breathed a hint of a smile in his voice.

  “Sorry,” she muttered.

  The thought was soon forgotten as Bryce’s mouth crashed back into hers, taking her breath away. They made quick work of removing the rest of their clothing, where it ended up, Lateisha didn’t care. Once undressed, Bryce settled back over top of Lateisha, his mouth finding hers again. This time the kisses were softer and lingering, as if Bryce didn’t want to forget how she tasted. Lateisha’s hands roamed over his body. The feel of his lean muscles against her hands made her shiver and the heat between her legs build. Being with him was like nothing she had ever experienced before, and Lateisha didn’t want to waste a moment regretting it.

  Bryce pulled back from her a bit, lowering his hand between them. His fingers found her clit and slid through her moist folds. Lateisha moaned, her back bowing off of the bed as Bryce slipped a finger inside of her. He slipped a second finger in, stretching her from the inside, and began moving his fingers in and out slowly. It was torture but the best kind of torture. Lateisha could feel herself becoming wetter and her orgasm build. Bryce slipped his fingers out and circled her clit. He repeated the process until Lateisha was writhing all over the bed with the need to come.

  “Please,” she begged, bucking her hips against his hand.

  “Not until you tell me what you want,” Bryce whispered in her ear.

  Lateisha shivered with pleasure. “I want you to make me come.”

  Bryce sped up his pace, impaling her with his fingers and rubbing her clit until she was screaming out and riding the waves of her orgasm that kept rolling over her. She relaxed back against the mattress and Bryce rose over her, positioning himself between her legs.

  “Don’t get too comfortable,” he said with a smirk, “I’m not done with you yet.”

  Lateisha’s arousal began to build again at his words. She hoped he wasn’t done yet.

  *****

  Bryce pressed his hard and throbbing cock at the seam of Lateisha’s pussy, trying to maintain what little control he had left. She looked exquisite laid out before him on the bed and it took all of his power not to ram deep inside of her. He had the baby to think about as well as Lateisha. She grabbed a hold of his ass, pulling him to her and Bryce snapped. The hell with control when all he wanted was to be inside of her. He surged forward, his cock sliding deep into her tight wetness. It felt so good that he growled deep in his chest. He could still feel the spasms of her orgasm as she tightened around him. Leaning forward on his hands he pumped into her gritting his teeth to keep an even pace. Lateisha grabbed his ass again and he almost lost it.

  “Turn around,” he said through gritted teeth.

  Lateisha flipped quickly onto her stomach and Bryce pushed forward into her slick channel, going deeper this time. Lateisha cried out, begging him for more and Bryce began to move faster. He could feel Lateisha begin to tighten around him and the sensation made him move faster. The sound of their love making turned Bryce on even more and he gripped Lateisha’s hips and sunk into her deeper. She reached around and grabbed his ass, her long nails digging into the flesh. The feeling was pushing Bryce to the brink and he slowed until he could get more control.

  “Faster, baby,” Lateisha moaned, pushing her ass back to take more of him.

  Moments later she screamed his name, and he felt her orgasm squeeze his dick. The tightness pushed his pleasure higher and before long he found his release. Bryce collapsed on top of Lateisha, being careful not to crush her. He pressed kisses to the back of her neck and between her shoulder blades. She tur
ned and smiled up at him. That was when Bryce knew he couldn’t let her walk away from him ever again. Not today and not in seven months.

  *****

  Lateisha watched Bryce sleep, confusion on her face. Afterwards he had hugged her from behind, spoon style, and wouldn’t let her up. The change in his attitude was unnerving and Lateisha wasn’t sure what to make of it. After he fell asleep, she gently rolled from under his arm and stood. That’s where she found herself, standing next to him and staring. Maybe he was emotional towards her because he knew she was having his baby? It wasn’t that he wanted her, but he associated her with his baby. Relieved to have an answer, Lateisha turned and tip toed from the room. She stopped at the kitchen on her way by and grabbed some water and a scoop of peanut butter, hoping some food would calm the nausea she felt. Once in her room, Lateisha reclined on her bed, unsure of what would happen next.

  *****

  Bryce sat up on his bed and looked around. Was it a dream? No, Lateisha’s uniform was still in a pile on the floor. The room was dark and a tiny sliver of moonlight shone between the curtains and into the room, illuminating the strewn clothing as if mocking him. Bryce stood, aware that he was still naked, and headed to his bathroom. When had Lateisha gone from the room? With a furrow of perplexity marring his brow, Bryce turned on the shower and stepped under the scolding spray. Maybe she wasn’t feeling well? Bryce wasn’t sure what it was that made her leave but he wanted to find out. What they shared last night was amazing and Bryce wanted to make sure she knew that. Something changed in Bryce last night about his feelings for her. He knew it would change everything but he also knew he didn’t care.

  Toweling off, Bryce stepped from the shower, walking into his large walk-in and pulling on a t-shirt and sweatpants. It was almost four am but Bryce wasn’t tired anymore. Gathering the pile of clothes to put in the laundry room for his house keeper to take care of, Bryce left the room, the urge to see Lateisha strong. He grabbed a glass of water from the kitchen and headed down the hallway opposite the hallway of the master. His intention was to talk to Lateisha whether she wanted to or not.

  *****

  Lateisha stared at the ceiling for what felt like hours, willing the sun to come up so that she could start her day and not think about Bryce. Sighing she thought about what happened between them only a few hours ago. Remembering only made her want him again so she shut that down quickly.

  Why wasn’t it a good idea to want him? She thought, turning to her side.

  Because he would use her, take her baby and throw her away. He didn’t want her; she wasn’t good enough to run in his circles, it would never last. Right. That’s why. Sighing heavily again, Lateisha checked the time on her phone for the fifth time. This is the only time in history she actually wanted to go to work, and then she remembered it was ultrasound day. Cursing silently under her breath, Lateisha got up from bed and pulled on a sweatshirt. She hugged the sweatshirt to her chest as she stepped from the room and right into Bryce’s chest.

  “I’m so sorry.” Bryce grabbed her arms and steadied her on her feet before letting go.

  “It’s alright. I couldn’t sleep.” Lateisha hugged the sweatshirt closer, not looking him in the eyes.

  “I think we need to talk,” Bryce said, his voice sounding wary.

  This is it, thought Lateisha as she pushed away from the door frame and brushed past him, this is where he nulls the contract.

  “I really don’t think there is anything to talk about,” she answered, stepping into the kitchen.

  The lights flicked on by themselves and Lateisha jumped. She would never get used to the automatic sensor lights in this house. Without seeing him, Lateisha could feel Bryce walk up behind her as she rummaged in the fridge for the milk.

  “There is. There is a lot we need to talk about.” He rested his hands on her shoulders and she froze, his touch burning through her sweatshirt.

  She shrugged him off and closed the fridge, moving to the other side of the large kitchen island.

  “Bryce,” Lateisha began, trying to think of how to start. “We made a mistake again. My hormones are raging and I know you probably regret it too…”

  “You regret it?” Bryce frowned, a look of hurt passing across his face fleetingly.

  The look was gone within seconds and Lateisha thought she imagined it.

  “Well, don’t you? Think about it. You are attracted to me because I’m carrying your baby. That’s all. Let’s not confuse the issue and make this more difficult than it has to be.”

  Bryce nodded, his face solemn. “Right. I guess you’re right.”

  He turned as if to walk away and Lateisha felt her stomach drop. Is she wrong to lie about how she feels? No, it’s for the best.

  But how do I feel? She wondered.

  Not willing to explore that at this time, she let it go. For a moment, she watched Bryce as he began to retreat from the kitchen. Couldn’t they still be friends? After all, she was having his baby.

  “Bryce, wait.” Lateisha hurried across the room and grabbed his arm. She ignored the electric jolt at the contact and waited for him to turn before removing her hand.

  “Lateisha,” he muttered with defeat.

  “No, don’t say anything. We can be friends. We have to be. I’m having your baby for God’s sake. Let me make us breakfast and we can just talk.”

  Bryce looked at her and smiled, the smile that made her want to drop her panties, and nodded. “I guess you’re right. You can cook?”

  Lateisha laughed and play smacked him on his arm. “Of course I can. I make a mean pancake.”

  The next two hours went by with ease. Lateisha felt comfortable in his kitchen, and surprisingly his home, and made them breakfast. They chatted for awhile while they ate and then slipped into a comfortable silence to finish up. Lateisha left him sitting at the table and walked to her room to change for the appointment. She hoped this was the last time she had a slip, because she may not be able to resist what he was offering the next time.

  *****

  Bryce watched Lateisha walk out and scratched his head, literally. He couldn’t figure her out. One minute she seemed like she wanted to be with him, the next she was pushing him away and then she wanted to be friends. After she shot him down before breakfast, Bryce was ready to give up and avoid her for the duration of the pregnancy as much as possible. Their interactions at breakfast changed his mind. They fit, like the clichéd pieces of a puzzle. They didn’t have to talk to communicate and he knew her very well after meeting her only two months ago. Bryce never felt about a woman what he felt with Lateisha. Just because they were from different worlds, didn’t mean they couldn’t be together. Their breakfast together renewed his determination to get her to be with him. He was even considering nullifying the contract and asking her to raise the baby together.

  One step at a time, he scolded himself as he dumped the remainder of his coffee in the sink.

  Bryce moved through the house, the opposite side of the house from Lateisha, but he could still feel her presence in his home. He liked it. The smells of their breakfast, the few odds and ends she added to his living room to make it more cozy and the idea that he wasn’t alone in this huge sterile world of his. The feeling she gave Bryce was like no other and he was resolved to make her his. He dressed quickly, pulling on his favorite suit and combing his hair just right. In his world, appearance was everything.

  Bryce walked out into the living area and Lateisha stood, perched on the edge of the couch. Her hair was in a ponytail, the tight black ringlets catching the light streaming into the large picture windows and giving it a blue hue. She was wearing a white button up shirt, which tapered at the waist and dark skinny jeans. She looked beautiful.

  “Ready?” She asked, reaching for his hand to help her up.

  Bryce pulled her to a stand and froze.

  “Well?” She asked, her hand going to her hip.

  Bryce cleared his throat, finding his voice. �
��Ready as I’ll ever be.”

  Lateisha laughed and grabbed his hand again pulling him out the door. He longed to pull her to him and wrap his arm around her shoulder, but it would have to wait. He just had to make her see that being without him was not an option.

  *****

  Nerves gripped Lateisha’s gut as she waited for the doctor to call her back. She wasn’t sure why she was so anxious. It wasn’t her baby. She resisted the urge to rest her hand over her stomach, an action she had to resist a lot as of late. It wasn’t wise that she still hadn’t signed the relinquishing of parental rights form. She wondered silently why Bryce hadn’t mentioned it lately. Stealing a glance his way, she drummed her fingers on the chair’s arm. This place took forever. An unsuspected wave of nausea gripped her and she swallowed hard. Now was not the time to be sick.

  “Are you alright?” Bryce asked, looking at her with concern.

  “Just a bit nauseous. I wish they would hurry up.” Lateisha gripped the arm of the chair, willing the nausea away.

  When it seemed she may actually have to run to the bathroom, the door swung open and the perky nurse from the last visit called her name. Lateisha sighed and stood up, the motion making her even sicker. Without thinking she grabbed onto Bryce’s arm to steady herself.

  “Is she alright?” The nurse asked, running to her side.

  “Nausea,” Bryce said, guiding Lateisha back to the room.

  “Oh dear! I’ll see what we have for her in the back. Get settled in the room and I’ll be right back.”

  Bryce helped her onto the table and she smiled at him as a way of saying ‘thank you.’

  “Can I get you anything?” He asked, his eyes filled with concern.

  Lateisha shook her head, and then regretted it. “I just need to lie down a minute.”

  Five minutes, a Zofran and ginger ale later and Lateisha felt well enough to continue. She glanced at Bryce, who didn’t take his eyes off of her the whole time. His eyes were creased with worry and Lateisha felt bad for making him worry about the baby.