Ballers 2: His Final Play

by Blue Saffire

  “No it isn’t, Nico,” I try to interject, but he lifts his hand to me.

  “Yes, it was. You were under the impression that I didn’t want you to have our children and that I wouldn’t standby you if you became pregnant again. That is wrong, no matter the outcome, I wanted to be with you. I would have stood by you,” Nico says with pain in his voice. “For this, I am very sorry.”

  “Nico, I did what I did to keep from hurting you, but I also did it for myself. I was selfish as well. I had to do this for me. It has been so long since I stood on my own two feet, and relied on my faith. You have asked me to spend my life with you once, but in order to be your wife I had to find my own strength. I have that now,” I pause and remove the tray from my lap. I place it on the night stand and then I climb out of the bed.

  I make my way into the closet and retrieve the journals and the phone I have kept all the photos and videos for Nico on. I hand Nico the journals and start to send the files to his phone. Lanya starts to stir on her father’s chest so I take her into my arms.

  “I am afraid I used the last of the pumped milk,” Nico says absently as he pages through the journal.

  “It’s fine. I will feed them. You work through those. I think they will explain things to you better than I can,” I say as I latch Lanya on. N.J. wakes as if he knows his sister is eating and he is not. Nico hands him over than sits up and starts to read.

  We sit like this for hours like a family. My heart swells as I watch the wide range of emotions that cover Nico’s face the whole time he is reading. I was very detailed in every journal entry. Sometimes I think I poured out too much. Only time will tell.

  ~B~

  Nico

  I don’t know what pains me more. How lonely Reese was feeling or how much she wanted me with her. It is all here in her journals. The days she packed her bags to come home to me. The relationship she has built with my Mama. Uri’s visits to make sure she was okay.

  Her entries say a lot about the woman Reese was, as well as the one she has become. My favorite entry is the day she found out she was having twins. It was one of the days she almost came back to me. Sim locked her in her room. That cracked me up, because I could see Symphony doing something like that. Reese tried to call me that day, but Sim and Michael scrambled her phone.

  I can’t stop shaking my head at the lengths the people I love went to, to ensure that I would be a father. I was beyond pissed in the beginning, but now, especially after reading Reese’s journals, I can’t find it in me to be angry with any of them.

  I wipe a stray tear as I watch one of the videos Reese sent to my phone. It is from the day she found out the sex of the babies. The entire ultra sound was recorded.

  Reese’s face comes into the shot after the babies are pointed out on the screen for the camera. Her face is tear stained and she has a beautiful smile on her face.

  You see that, Nico. I’m keeping them safe for you. We will have a little girl and a little boy. We’re getting so close, baby. I can’t wait to come home to you. I miss you so much. I hate that I’m doing this without you, but it will be worth it. I will see this through. Love you so much, Nico.

  “I do,” Reese’s voice brings me back into the room.

  She had gone to check on the children. I decided to run her a bath. Today has been amazing. Just the simple things have brought us back together in a way I cannot describe. Reese was right. Her journals and the videos got through to me in a way she wasn’t able to. I had already forgiven her, but now I understand.

  I stand to my feet, pocketing my phone and hold my hand out. “Come,” I say as I hold my hand out.

  Reese comes to me hesitantly at first. When she takes my hand I draw her into my chest. I cup her face with my other hand, rubbing my thumb over her lips. Her big brown eyes lock with my blues and I don’t know if I will make it to the end of the week. I need to make love to my woman.

  I dip my head and nip at her soft lower lip. Reese surprises me when she breaks down in tears as she clings to my waist. I pull away and look at her in concern.

  “Reese,” I question.

  “Please don’t stop. I’ve just waited so long for you to kiss me,” she sobs softly.

  I suck in a breath. “Let me make this up to you,” I whisper in her ear. I pinch her chin between my fingers and lift her lips to mine. This time I deliver a searing kiss. I devour her sweet lips like I have never tasted them before.

  I peel her t-shirt over her head and toss it to the floor. Her breasts are so full from breastfeeding. She is at least a cup or two bigger now. I have tried not to watch her like a starving man, when she is feeding our children. Right now her breasts are begging for my attention as they spill over the tops of the cups of her bra.

  Reese looks down at her body and frowns. She goes to wrap her arms around her waist, but I block them and pull her into me. Her soft body feels so good next to mine.

  “Don’t hide from me. You are gorgeous Reese, the most beautiful woman I have ever seen,” I capture her lips again as my hands roam her curves.

  I hook my fingers into her sweat pants and push them down her thighs. I am face to face with her mound as I lift her feet out of the pants one by one. I lick my lips in anticipation of getting reacquainted with her taste and scent.

  I shake the thought off and lift to my full height. I lead Reese to the bath tub and help her in. When she settles, I pull my phone from my pocket and start a playlist we once made together.

  Reese looks up at me with questioning eyes, when I sit on the edge of the tub without removing my pants. I smile down at her as I reach for the body wash and a cloth. Reese looks away with disappointment on her face. I place the body wash down and cup her face to turn it back towards me.

  “All good things come to those that wait. Let me pamper you, Cara mia,” I dip in for a reassuring kiss to her lips.

  “Thank you, Nico,” Reese purrs as I begin to massage her back with the soapy cloth.

  “Anytime, my love,” I reply and she sags into my touch.

  CHAPTER FORTY-SIX

  What I Want

  Reese

  “You aren’t going to believe this,” Tam squeals into the phone. I shift N.J. in my arms and pull the phone away from my ear. I want to be excited about whatever Tam is excited about, but I am exhausted, horny and annoyed.

  Nico has become more affectionate, but we have yet to become truly intimate. I have wondered if he is punishing me for what I did. I’m annoyed because the chemistry is there. I see the way he looks at me. It is ten times as intense as it used to be, so for the life of me, I can’t figure out what he is waiting for.

  I look down at my sweats and spit-up covered t-shirt and roll my eyes. He might be turned off by the mess I have become. I shake my head at that thought. He has told me repeatedly how beautiful he thinks I am now.

  “Did you hear me, hello Reese,” Tam says into the phone.

  “No, sorry, what was that,” I sigh at my wayward thoughts.

  “Brad knows how upset I was that you weren’t at the wedding. He called Uri and Nico to ask could we get married there on the vineyard, so you could be there,” Tam gushes.

  “Really,” I say truly excited. I really was bummed that I missed her wedding. Watching it through streaming was nice but it wasn’t like really being there for my girl. “Oh my God, when. This is so exciting.”

  “We leave tonight; we’ll be arriving in the morning. It’s Brad’s bye week,” Tam exclaims.

  My face falls. “But it’s so cold, Tam. We have small children. You don’t have to do this for me,” I say sadly.

  “Have you met your brother-in-law or my husband? They are making this happen. Something about a tent off the house or something. Whatever, what matters is that you are there this time. Your parents are flying in too. I was so happy they said they would come. I know it is more because their grandbabies are there but whatever.

  “I just want you to know you are going to be in the wedding party. Brad is setting it up
so that we are pampered all day before a night time wedding,” Tam says excitedly.

  “Wow, well, I guess it is all settled. I will be seeing you tomorrow,” I laugh.

  “Yes, all of your girls are on the way,” I furrow my brows as Tam giggles. I feel like she is leaving something out. “Listen, I have to go pack. Talk to you later and get some rest.”

  “Later, honey. You do the same. Kiss those cuties for me,” I say with a smile on my lips.

  “You do the same. I’ll be keeping my daughters away from that little heartbreaker, N.J.,” Tam chuckles.

  I throw my head back and laugh. “Whatever girl, bye.”

  I hang up and I look down at my son. He is handsome. I thought he was going to have my eyes at first, but his eyes change from blue to hazel-blue. Lanya is her father all the way. N.J. may look like a little Nico, but I show up here and there, not with my daughter. She is a pretty version of her father to a tee. Nico swears she has my lips, but I don’t see it.

  Speaking of Nico. Where is he? He didn’t say a word about Tam’s plans. I guess she wanted to be the one to tell me. I get up from the window seat where I have been sky watching. I turn to see Donatella walking into the room.

  “I’m not taking no for an answer,” Donatella says with her hands on her hips. “You are handing over that baby and I am taking his sister too. You and my son are going to enjoy a night together…alone.”

  I laugh and shake my head. Donatella has been trying to take the babies off our hands from day one. Nico and I were both reluctant to let them out of our sight. Right now, I am so tired I am not going to put up much of a fight.

  “I’ve pumped plenty of milk. I have no idea where Nico is with Lanya. I’ll help you find them,” I yawn.

  “No you will not. Go upstairs, take a bath and then get dressed for dinner with your man. I will take care of these little ones. I left a dress in your room. Tina and I found something in the shops that should fit you now,” Donatella says as she takes N.J. and shoos me away.

  “Thank you,” I sing as I head upstairs to our side of the house.

  I enter our bedroom and walk over to the bed. I gasp as I find a gorgeous Roberto Cavalli dress. I know this dress cost a fortune. That nut Val has lost her mind. For one, I don’t even think I can fit into it. I sigh and brush a hand over the dress. If it doesn’t fit I will have to find something.

  ~B~

  Nico

  I enter the bedroom to have my breath taken away. Mama and Valentina promised they would take care of Reese’s attire. I was nervous at first. Reese’s body has changed so much. She wanted to cover herself the other night, but her body is stunning.

  She has stuck to her yoga and meditation routine from her pregnancy. It shows in her slim waist and toned legs. I don’t know what she sees in the mirror, but I see perfection. Reese speaks of baby fat and I’m still trying to find it.

  Right now, the grey, black, and silver dress she has on proves my point. Her sides are revealed and her breasts are displayed in the most delicious way. This night will be pure torture.

  I look at Reese’s face in the mirror and she is looking at herself in awe. She bites her lip and turns to the side to get a view of her backside. Her ass looks amazing in that dress.

  My feet are moving before I tell them to. I walk up behind her in the mirror and wrap my arms around her waist. I plant a kiss to her bare shoulder.

  “You are absolutely stunning,” I whisper in her ear.

  “Really,” she replies touching her wild hair, before righting to twist the stud in her ear.

  I turn her in my arms. “Yes, really,” I say before capturing her lips.

  Reese moans into my mouth as she clings to the lapels of my suit jacket. I deepen the kiss tugging her head back by her hair. I move to plant kisses down her neck. I growl when I feel myself becoming too aroused.

  This is not a part of the plan. I pull away and place my forehead to hers. “Woman, you drive me crazy. Come, we have reservations,” I say before planting a tender kiss to her swollen lips.

  g

  Reese looks beautiful in the candlelight. I haven’t been able to take my eyes off of her all evening. Her smile is lighting the entire room. I got us a private room in one of my favorite restaurants here in Italy.

  I wanted to have Reese all to myself. Tonight is important. Reese has a choice to make. I hope that it is the one I want, but if it isn’t…I don’t even want to think of that as an option.

  I lift my glass to my lips and take a sip of wine. I watch Reese’s eyes follow my tongue as I lick my lips. I smirk and set my glass down.

  “Reese,” I say to get her attention.

  “Yes,” she answers breathlessly.

  “I found this in your drawer,” I say as I pull her engagement ring from my pocket. “I’ve asked you to marry me a dozen times, a dozen different ways. You always told me no, because you were worried you couldn’t give me what I truly wanted.

  “I have always wanted you. I would have married you a long time ago, even if I only received you. However, being the amazing woman you are, you have given me two of the most precious gifts in the world, my son and my daughter. So, I’m going to ask you again, Reese.

  “This time with no grand gesture, none of the things that get in the way. I won’t demand it of you and I won’t argue with your decision. This is you choosing me this time. Will you marry me, Reese?” I look into her eyes as I hold my breath.

  I need her to choose me. I need her to see my love for her and say yes to me. I understand what she did and why, I even understand why we are not married yet, but that is even more reason why I need her to make this choice.

  “Nico,” the breath I was holding leaves my lips as I prepare to tell her that I can’t do this. If she can’t not be my wife, I cannot do this anymore. “I would love nothing more than to be your wife. I’m sorry I waited this long,” Reese says with a small smile on her lips.

  I sit in stunned silence for a moment before her words sink in. When they do I am on my knees in front of her crushing my lips to hers. I kiss her until we both need to come up for air.

  I pull away and slip the ring back on her finger where it belongs. It once again fits perfectly. Reese cups my face. “You are what I want, Nico. You are what I have always wanted.”

  “Let’s go home.”

  CHAPTER FORTY-SEVEN

  With this Ring

  Reese

  I thought Nico was going to take me home and make love to me last night. That never happened. Now the house is buzzing with my friends. Brad is really going all out for this. We have been pampered all morning.

  I really didn’t expect us all to get the full treatment, but I am not complaining. I needed this. If I can’t have sex, I need some type of release. The massage and facial were just what the doctor ordered.

  Evening has fallen and the wedding is nearing. We are all receiving finishing touches to our makeup, when my mother stands and comes over to me. I was a little surprised when Tam asked my mom to join us. I mean she’s not a part of the wedding party.

  “You look gorgeous, honey,” My mother says with tears in her eyes.

  I turn to her and smile. “Come on mom, no tears. It’s not even my day,” I laugh.

  “Well,” Tam whines as she walks over with a garment bag. “See what had happened was… Nico, see he is sort of my boy now and he asked me to get you ready for your wedding without you knowing until it was time for you to get dressed. So….yeah, this is your dress that I flew in from New York with me, mind you. So you can’t be mad at me.”

  I sit and look at Tam like she is stupid for several minutes. “What heifer,” I finally say.

  “Reese,” my mother laughs. “We are all here for your wedding. Nico waited until all of your friends and family were free to fly in so that everyone would be here. So come on child get your butt in that dress. You are smaller in some places so we may have to do some tacking. So come on.”

  Alee pulls me from my seat as I sit in sh
ock. Stacey and Tam start to unzip the garment bag. When I see the dress I fell in love with the day I bought it, I burst into tears.

  “Oh no,” Alee whines. “You’re going to ruin your makeup. You look amazing girl, pull it together.”

  I nod my head and try to dry up my tears. It all makes sense now. I wanted the stylist to just pull my hair back into a bun, but Alee and Tam insisted I go with something else. The stylist rodded my hair and now the front is pulled back off my face and the rest is resting against my shoulders in tight curls.

  Everyone works to help me into my gown. My mother works her magic and the gown fits perfectly with me only having to take it off once. The vintage lace gown covered in crystals was a treat to myself, and I am happy for it, as I look in the mirror.

  It fits better now than it did when I bought it. I wave my hands at my face as I feel myself tearing up again. I have been through so much with Nico. I mean this is the man that sat on the bathroom floor and cried with me that lost time we lost a child. The same man that looked at me like I could hang the moon after I gave birth to our two children.

  “I didn’t think I could love him anymore,” I think out loud.

  “Me either,” Tam and Alee sing in unison.

  We all burst into laughter. Donatella strolls into the room with a smile on her face. When her eyes land on me in my gown, I see them tear up.

  “Oh, Bella, my son is going to lose his thoughts. You are so beautiful. All of my babies are grown and married now. I feel …old,” Donatella frowns.

  I throw my head back and laugh. Nico and his siblings must get their youthful looks from their mother. She still looks great.

  “Well, you look great,” Alee speaks my thoughts.

  Donatella waves her off. “Come,” she waves her hands at me. “Let’s not keep Nicoli waiting a second more. He has wanted this day from the day he first saw you, yes.”

  I nod my head and smile. I’m getting married. I still can’t believe it.