Simon stilled her hands and stepped back. A rush of air shot between them and shocked her burning senses. “Regina. We need get some sleep.”
She closed her eyes and then opened them to the blackness of the hall. “Sleep?” She spun.
Simon was on the other side of the bed tossing the large pillows on the floor. “Yeah. We both have long days tomorrow, and only a few hours before they start.” He bounced on top of the covers with his back to her.
She dropped her jaw and gawked at the scene before her. “You’re not changing?”
He squirmed. “No need. I’ll have to change in a couple of hours anyway, so why bother?”
“And you’re sleeping on top of the blankets?”
“I’m in my street clothes.”
“Seriously?” She shifted her weight. There was something funny going on, and she planned on finding out what.
Simon let out a heavy sigh. “I’m exhausted. We can talk more tomorrow. ‘night.”
She turned out the light. Sitting on the edge of the bed, she glared at his back, trying to control her breathing and growing rage. Things had been running hot and cold between them all day. His behavior signaled that things were once again cool. Her body, however, had not received the memo. She inhaled deeply and stared into the darkness beyond the doorway, trying to subdue the tingling between her legs. It was an exercise in futility. No meditation was going to work—only one thing would.
She eased over to Simon. Mashing her breast against his back, she curved her arm over his side and caressed his chest. He shuddered and his breath quickened. So, I guess you’re not all that tired after all, hmm counselor? Let’s see how awake you are. She moved her palm down his body, enjoying the way her touch made him quiver. She nibbled at his ear. “Are you asleep yet?” She scooched her hips against his tense buttocks. Their breaths joined in a frenzy of passion. “Babe,” she whispered.
Just as she reached the top of his pants, he halted her progress with a firm grip. “Damn it, Gina,” he panted, “you have to stop now.” He pushed her hand behind him and writhed to the edge of the bed. “Go to sleep.”
She propped on an elbow, reeling from the rejection. He’d never denied her before. Even when he was exhausted, Simon manage to summon the strength necessary for at least a quick romp to send them both over the edge. Things were beyond cool; they were frozen, and he laid there like a block of ice. “This is bull.” She wasn’t going to allow him to just roll over and not explain himself.
She smacked his back. Simon winced, but the strike had no impact beyond that. Neither did the second and third ones. She filled her hand with hair and yanked his head back.
He yelped and grabbed her wrist. “What’re you doing? Let go.”
“No.” She jerked his head while she spoke. “You expect me to believe you’re too tired for sex? I know you better than that. You were ready to give up eatin’ ‘cause you couldn’t wait to get busy.” She released her grip and kneeled on the bed with her hands on her hips. “What the hell is goin’ on, Young?”
“All right.” Simon turned over, rubbing the top of his head. “When I was on the phone with Marc before, I sorta agreed not to be with you until I had a chance to explain things to him.”
She scoffed, waiting for some indication that he was joking. “Excuse me?” He better be freakin’ kiddin’. Regina jumped onto the floor. The lamp on the night stand rattled as she paced between it and the end of the bed. “Let me get this straight. My brother ordered you not to have sex with me, and you agreed?”
His face became stoic. “Yes.”
She raised her hands in the air and slapped them against the sides of her thighs. “Unbelievable. What is this? Are we in 15th Century North Africa or something? Did he threaten to take back his goats?”
Simon rose and approached her. “Listen. He was angry, and I didn’t wanna make things worse.”
She punched his chest. It barely made him move, but it felt damn good. “No, you listen. Nobody decides who fucks me but me. I spent half the night in front of that computer fighting people who were tellin’ me not to be with you. My entire brand is in shambles, but I’m standing up to them to keep you in my life. Now you tell me one word from my brother sends you scurryin’ for the hills?”
“I’m not.”
“Then what the hell would you call it?” She pushed at his chest with both hands and stormed to the bedroom window. I’m the only one fighting. If he isn’t willing to stand firm against Marc for us, what about his mother or the world? She closed her eyes and swallowed the pain welling inside her throat. “I thought I was important to you.”
“You are.”
“Obviously not as much as my brother’s hurt man feelings. She folded her arms. “You know what? I think it is a good idea for you to go back to your place.”
“Babe.”
She heard Simon’s bare feet padding the floor. “No.” She turned and glowered. “Marcus didn’t give you permission to touch me, right? So, you should leave.” Regret choked at her throat, but no way was she apologizing. She was weathering a ferocious storm while he ate Chinese, napped and arbitrarily decided to deny her any solace in his arms.
Simon lumbered out of the bedroom. Tears started streaming the moment the sound of the front door slamming reached her ears.
She turned off the lights and found her way under the blankets. Simon’s side of the bed was still slightly warm. She buried her nose in his pillow. She felt so alone and fought the urge to call him back to hold her. Everything was slipping out of her grip, and knowing how to stop it was lost to her.
***
Regina staggered out of the bedroom. She balanced on the mahogany desk and searched with throbbing eyes for the source of the ring piercing into her ear and making her head pound. “Hello?”
“Hey, lady.”
“Hi, Toni.” She leaned against the bedroom door. Her heart sank at the sight of the empty bed.
“I’m calling to check on you. How’s it goin’?”
“Not good.” The tears renewed and streamed down her cheeks. “Simon’s gone.”
Chapter 22
Marcus Confronts Simon
Simon was no stranger to being in places where he was less than welcome. It didn’t take too long for him to figure out at the Young family gatherings that he was definitely the odd cousin, with his tan skin, “exotic eyes” and dark features that clashed against the white skin, and light eyes of the other children. None of the adults said anything directly, but it was clear that his was not the most wanted presence in family photos.
It was never like that when he hung out with Marcus. Wherever they were, Simon was sure of his place and value. He wasn’t so much anymore. He shifted his weight in front of his friend’s door. He’d fouled up things majorly. A bunch of pictures circling the internet of him and Regina pawing each other was one of the worst ways for Marcus to find out about their love affair. He was so enraged that he kept Simon waiting to talk to him. I need to cool off from this was as the only response Simon got after asking multiple times for them to meet. He finally decided to just show up at the apartment.
Swallowing, he winced at the sharp pain shooting at the back of his mouth. He rubbed his throat. Stress-induced exhaustion from arguing and worrying about Regina and fighting with Marcus was already taking its toll. The new pain surging down his esophagus meant he would soon have to struggle with some kind of nasty sickness. Just one more thing. I’m so tired.
He wrapped his knuckles on the door, waiting for the storm. He dropped his arm to his side and released an achy sigh when he saw Toni’s open-hearted face.
“Hi, Simon.” Her smile comforted his frazzled nerves.
“Hi, Toni. Is Marcus in?”
“No, I’m sorry, he went to play basketball. Why don’t you go meet him at the court?”
“Yeah, Thanks.” He started down the hall when Toni’s voice stopped him.
“Hey, Simon. Why don’t you wait for him here? You aren’t dressed to pl
ay, and I wouldn’t want you just standing around.”
“Okay. Thanks.” Toni offered him a drink. He flopped on a stool and messaged his throat while his hostess went into the kitchen.
“Here you go.” Toni said with a forced lightness in her tone.
“Thanks.” Simon stared into the mug. “How is she?”
Toni sighed. “Stressed. Social media has been brutal.”
“I’ve seen.” Simon sipped his coffee. “She won’t talk to me. I want to be there for her, but-”
“She’s barely talking to anyone.” Toni touched his hand. “She’s trying to focus on how to handle this. It’s all complex. Neither Marc nor their parents can even get in touch with her.”
“Yeah, but, I think there’s a special silent treatment just for me. She never answers my calls and only responds to text messages and emails with a single word like “fine,” “okay” or “busy.” She’s really mad about the agreement I made with Marcus.”
Toni’s spoon rattled on the counter. “I don’t blame her. I mean, what the hell were you thinkin’? How could you give into that asinine demand?”
Simon dipped his head and rubbed his thigh. “I thought I was doing the right thing. I didn’t want to make Marc any angrier. I know it sounds stupid.”
Toni rolled her eyes and folded her arms. “Sounds stupid? It was beyond idiotic. Listen,” she rounded the kitchen island, tucking her bob behind her ear, “normally, I wouldn’t even talk to you after the stunt you pulled on my girl, Gina, but I can see how hard you two have fallen for each other, so I’m gonna help you out.” She crossed her legs on the sofa and pointed to the overstuffed armchair. Simon obeyed the petite woman and moved to the seat. “I’ll attribute your foolish behavior to you not having any sisters and thus being clueless about women beyond how to get between their legs. Marc, on the other hand, knew better and played you foul.”
He squinted at her sideways. “What do you mean?”
She stuck out her index finger and held his gaze. “You should’ve told him to go to hell. Do you have any idea the message you sent Gina by agreeing to that juvenile bro-pact? You basically made how Marc felt more important than her, and at a time when she needed you at her side the most.”
He slammed shut and rubbed his throbbing eyes. “Damn it.”
“Yeah, and you caved into him while she was struggling against a whole army of people condemning her for being with you. So, you basically told her that you aren’t willing to fight for her—she’s not worth the hassle.”
“That’s not true.”
Toni straightened her posture and pulled at the hem of her top. “Maybe, but I’m not the person you have to prove it to. Gina needs to know that she’s the most important person in your life.”
“She is, Toni. All I want to do is hold her and let her know how much I love her.”
“Then you’ve got some work to do.” The door locks clicked. She looked over his shoulder. “Starting now.” She got up and walked into the kitchen.
Simon inhaled and stood like a warrior. It wasn’t only Regina he’d have to convince about her importance.
“Sweetness,” Marcus pronounced in a booming voice, “Your man has returned triumphant.” His gleeful smile faded. He snarled and lunged, seizing Simon by the front shirt and pinning him to the wall.
“I came to talk, man.” Simon’s feet almost dangled in the air. He tried pushing Marcus away, but the man was like a stone pillar. There was no way of escaping his steely grip without starting a fight. “You told me to wait until the end of the week.”
“It wasn’t long enough. I’m still ready to bash your face in.”
“Marc, just listen to him.” Toni fruitlessly shoved between the two men. “This isn’t helping anybody, least of all, Gina. How do you think she’d feel knowing the two of you are fighting?”
Marcus looked at his wife and loosened his grip, but nudged Simon on more time before stomping towards the kitchen.
“Look, Marc, I wanted to tell you.” Simon braced himself on the counter.
Marcus let out a wry chuckle as he opened a bottle of water. “You wanted to tell me that you were fuckin’ my baby sister?” He jerked the bottle at Simon. “I knew something was goin’ on when you were acting all funny that time I mentioned her. But, no, I convinced myself that it couldn’t be possible.” Water sputtered out of the top of the bottle. “Simon would never do something so slimy as to hook up with his best friend’s sister. I can trust him. Maybe not other guys. Them I have to watch, but I can trust Simon!” Water sprung around Marcus, splashed his shirt and sprinkled his beard as he slammed the crushed bottle on the counter.
“I know what you must be thinkin’.”
“Yeah, what’s that?” Marcus crept towards Simon like a lion stalking his prey.
“That I’m just usin’ Gina.” He managed to control the shakiness in his voice. He put his hands to his side and stood fearless to Marcus’s approach.
Toni positioned herself in front of Simon just as Marcus reached him. “Come on, Marc. Cool down.” She held her hands against her husband’s hulking chest. Marcus stopped, gently lifted her at the elbows and set her on her feet behind him.
“That sounds about right.” He bumped Simon’s chest with his. “Toni, I need to talk to my friend alone.”
“Do you really expect me to leave the two of you like this?”
“Please.” Simon’s heart leapt into his throat when he heard keys rattling but he remained firm.
“Only if you promise not to bust each other up or anything in my home.”
“I won’t break anything.” He turned his head briefly when the door clicked closed and then peered back at Simon. “What the hell are you playing at?”
“Marc—"
“You think you can get away with treating my baby sister like one of your string of hoes ready to jump on your dick when you call?”
“I’m not.”
“Oh, Come off it, man. Remember, I was your roommate. I saw how you treated women. You’d pick ‘em up, bounce ‘em in your bed and then right out the door. You barely even knew most of their names.”
Simon scoffed. “Like you were lonely until Toni came along? Besides, I was honest with them. I let them know I wasn’t lookin’ for anything serious.”
Marcus formed two formidable fists at his sides. “Were you honest with Gina? Did you run the same lines on my sister? Did you let her know that she was just a piece of ass?”
Simon groaned and paced a small distance. “I’m tellin’ you, it’s not just a sex thing, man. I care about Gina. She means something to me.”
“Please,” Marcus spat. “You’re lying to me and yourself. You’ve been screwed up about women ever since Samantha.”
Simon glared at Marcus. “She has nothin’ to do with this.” It was messed up for Marcus to mention the woman that tore through his life and heart.
Marcus sneered. “Oh, I think she does. You never got over what she pulled, and now you’re draggin’ my sister into your bullshit and crappin’ up her life.”
Simon closed the distance between them. “And how, exactly, am I doing that?”
“Well, she was just fine before you. She had a successful blog and a powerful voice. Now, her career is in jeopardy. People are attacking her and she won’t even talk to me—all because she got involved with you.”
“Are you seriously takin’ the side of a bunch of close-minded bigots who—wait.” He took in Marcus’s frame. “Do you agree with them? Are you mad because Gina’s with me, or is it that you can’t stand the idea of your sister with someone who isn’t Black?” Rage charged between them in a way it never did before.
“Get out.” Marcus’s voice quaked with anger.
“Yeah, but get this in your head, man. Gina and I are together. No matter how mad you get, I’m not letting her go.” He bumped Marcus’s shoulder as he passed. “She’s in my life, and she’s staying there.” He stormed out of the door. It was a bad idea to try and talk Marcus into a
ccepting my relationship with Regina. I think I just made things worse. We’ve had our strains, but our friendship may not survive this one.
***
Simon lumbered on aching legs up the subway stairs. Beads of sweat rolled down his forehead and stung his burning eyes. The fight with Marcus racked his throbbing head. The harsh words they exchanged wrenched his gut. How can I make things right and keep my best friend?
Wiping away rivulets with the back of his hand, Simon braced himself on the wall of the small elevator in his building. Everything hurt. Even the small jolt as the elevator moved upward made pain ripple through him. He tried to dial Regina’s number as he trudged down the hallway, but everything swam on the screen. I need to talk to her. She has to listen. We can make this work.
He fell against the open apartment door. The pain in his eyes faded in the darkness. He kicked off his shoes and dropped each article of clothing as soon as he managed to shrug or pull it off. He bumped the kitchen counter, knocking over a stool before stubbing his foot on the armchair. His pants fell onto the hallway floor. The cool sheets made him shiver more violently than before. With only his boxers on, he wrapped the blankets around his body and over his head. Pale blue light filled the impromptu tent. Unable to stop shaking or thinking, Simon stared at Regina’s smiling image. What will I say to her? His usual razor-sharp wits dulled from the pain surging through him. Limbs and head became too weighty to lift. Soon, he was out cold.
Chapter 23
Heart to Heart
“You’ve gotta be kidding me.” Regina peered through the peephole. “Go away, Marc. Now.” Exhausted from another night at the keyboard, she shuffled back to her desk. It was not the time for him of all people.
My Way to You (Brothers in Law Book 1) Page 16