My Way to You (Brothers in Law Book 1)

by Lyndell Williams

  “Didn’t we say no to that name last time?”

  “Yeah.”

  “I still like the name Justice.”

  Regina peered at Simon over the book. “Justice Young, and her father’s a lawyer?”

  Simon draped his arm around Regina’s shoulder and laid his hand on her stomach. “Hey, maybe she’ll be a lawyer too.”

  She rested her head on Simon’s chest. “Then you definitely don’t want her name to be Justice. Imagine, the first Black, Asian American woman on the Supreme Court—Justice Justice Young? That’s corny as hell.”

  “Fair enough.”

  Regina sat straight, her eyes alight with excitement. “Hey, how about Justine? It means just and upright.”

  Simon smiled. “I like it.”

  “Put it at the top of the list.” Her phone rang as Simon reached for the pad and pen. “Hello? Yes, this is Regina Kent.”

  Simon’s stomach twisted. He turned to her. “Gina.” Regina raised her index finger.

  She met Simon’s gaze. “Jeremy Stacks took a plea? No. I have no comment.” she stared down at the phone screen.

  He held her shaking hands. “Gina.”

  “Does this mean it’s over?”

  Initially mute, he searched for the right thing to say. More than anything, the calm that settled around them needed to be preserved. The wrong thing might send Regina spiraling back down. “The DA will probably want you to make a victim impact statement at sentencing.”

  “I don’t want to.”

  He lifted her head by her chin. “Then you don’t have to.”

  “Good. I’m finally feeling a little like myself again. I woke up and wasn’t consumed by visions of that day or his face. I was able to just breathe, you know? I think if I have to be in a room with that monster again, it’ll all go away.”

  Her phone rang again. Her eyes narrowed. “Not one of my contacts.”

  “It’s probably another reporter.”

  She held down her phone’s power button. “Can you text Marcus, Toni, and my parents and let them know to contact me through your phone?”

  “Will do.”

  Regina leaned back onto Simon’s chest and opened the book. “Now, what letter were we on?”

  Chapter 38

  Doin’ It Well

  Regina stared in the mirror. A series of keloid scars made by Jeremy’s teeth lined around her areola in a crescent shape. No matter what she used, they were not disappearing, determined to be a continual reminder of her past torment. She’d worked to make sure Simon didn’t see them, which was one of the reasons why intimacy was avoided like the plague and strained her marriage.“Not anymore.” She pulled the bodice over her breast and exited the bathroom. “It’s time to get the rest of my life back.”

  She couldn’t help but smile when she saw the playlist titled “My Gina” on the smart tv’s music app screen. She rubbed the remote button with her thumb and pushed. The same music that Simon played in her apartment caressed her ears and permeated through the room. She dropped her lids and swayed her hips as she backed away from the coffee table. Instead of memories of the horrible Instagram episode, her mind drifted to how close they were before the posts ripped between them.

  The passion in Simon’s eyes were the first thing. They’d burned so fiercely. She rounded the side chair to the center of the room and bent her head back. Thoughts of her love’s fingertips emblazoning a trail down her breast came next. She raised her arms and rotated her shoulders to the rhythm. Not feeling him for so long gouged a pit of yearning into her very core. Apparitions of hungry lips expertly traversing her skin created bumps down her arms and every place on her body where the real ones had been. Months dragged like years.

  Her husband was very patient with all the rejection. There were times that she sensed his longing. Initially, his advances were triggering, and the torture of that night flooded through her. She’d stiffen and flee. It got to a point where he just stopped sitting or lying too closely to her in bed. Therapy sessions helped Regina purge some of the trauma, so she eventually functioned. Her desire for Simon reemerged from the pain and fear, but her physical scars would then prickle and shut her down, causing a rebuff that made them both wallow in anguish.

  Regina broadened her stance and gyrated, led by the sensual tempo. The large expanse of the baby she carried in front of her didn’t keep hips from moving the same way they always had, beckoning strong hands to guide them. They demanded Simon-—all of her did.

  She turned and froze. Her gaze landed on Simon standing with one hand hovering his coat over the entryway rack. Both their mouths agape, she panted while he took in her body covered in a full-length white gown that hugged every curve. His stare lingered on the brown thigh peeking through the long slit.

  He dropped his everything to the floor. “Gina.”

  The dress was on purpose. She was going to entice her husband and have him despite the mixture of desire and terror jumbling inside her. Nothing, not even the scars Jeremy left, would keep them apart any longer. “Come here.” She rubbed her tummy and put her hips back to work.

  Simon kicked off his shoes and socks and strode to the center of the great room. Regina turned and backed into him then melted against his body. Hot breath rushed over her neck. She reached behind to jibe their hips. His already hard cock pressed into her bottom and drove a surge of passion that flushed out any apprehensions. Weaving her fingers through his hair, Regina moaned, dropped her head against his shoulder and turned it until their lips barely touched.“You feel so good.”

  “Oh, Babe.” His shaky voice matched his quaking chest tightened with raw need. She was so beautiful. His hands floated along her curves—afraid to actually touch. Simon wasn’t sure which he feared more—Regina’s rejection or an inability to control the hunger tearing through his body. He wanted her so much and for so long. Regina brought his hands to where she undulated. He gently dug his fingertips into her luscious hips. Her heady scent and alluring sighs made him dizzy. “Are you sure?”

  She turned in his embrace and hung her arms around his neck. She pressed a finger to his lips. “Shh. No more doubts, okay? I want you, Simon.”

  He covered her mouth in an unrestrained, torrid kiss. Despite what she said, he still waited for any indication that she was going to be triggered. When she accepted his passionate embrace, he began to caress her curves. They had been terribly missed. He filled his hands with her buttocks, even plumper because of the pregnancy. He nibbled her neck and slid a palm upward until it cupped her enlarged breast.

  She sucked in a breath and pushed against his chest. It tightened. I must be rushing her. She’s not ready. He cast his gaze down to their feet. “I’m sorry, Gina.”

  “No. It’s fine. I liked it.” She took him by the hand. “Let’s go to bed.” He obediently followed two bouncing buttocks.

  Regina seated Simon on the black and taupe pinstripe blankets and stood in front of him. He slipped his hands under her dress and dragged her panties down to the floor. He held her gaze and rediscovered her soft folds. She threw her head back and dug her nails in his shoulders. He went further. There was no stopping now. To do so would mean utter despair. He smiled with satisfaction when Regina snatched away from him. She was ready.

  He noticed her apprehension when she sat down. “Simon.” Anxiety replaced his triumph.

  No, no, no. Please don’t turn me away. I can’t take it. Simon tucked a braid behind his wife’s ear. “You’re not ready?”

  Regina tilted her head. “Oh, hell yes, I am. There’s just something I’ve been keeping from you. It’s one of the reasons why I’ve been hesitant about sex.” She picked at a loose thread on the comforter. “Do you remember when I told you I was bitten?”

  He nodded and stroked the soft white fabric covering his wife’s leg.

  “Well, I have scars. I didn’t want you seeing them.”

  Simon cupped the same breast as in the living room. “This one, right?” Jeremy was still a barrier.
Regina’s inhibition about dressing in front of him all this time made more sense. All the denial because she’s afraid of what I’ll think about a few scars? He had to ease her anxieties. Regina was the thing he wanted most in the world, and he was going to make sure she knew it. “Show me.”

  She continued to stare out the window as she nodded.

  The fabric fell away. After her initial flinch, Simon traced the semi-circle formation with his finger. They were overshadowed by her delectable nipple bidding him to play. He arched his eyebrow. “The girls are bigger.” He cast a roguish grin.

  She laughed at the air and sniffed. “Yeah, that’s one of the perks of pregn—.”

  Simon drew the nipple between the roof of his voracious mouth and tongue. He crept a hand under the dress and pinched the other nipple between his thumb and finger. Regina sucked in air and leaned away. He wrapped an arm around her back and nudged her closer. He wanted her—all of her—to hell with scars.

  “Yes, like that,” Regina groaned. She yanked Simon’s tie and shirt off and threw his back against the bed. His pants and underwear hit the floor. He lay prone with her kneeling between his legs. She pulled down her bodice and freed both breasts. He eased them until she pushed his hands away, bent down and filled her mouth with him.

  She sucked and licked until he begged for mercy. “Gina, stop. I can’t. Please.”

  Her thighs warmed his sides. His hips and torso welcomed the weight of wife and baby. Regina pinned Simon’s gaze and reached between them, squeezing and sliding her hand up and down. The pleasure of her insides enveloped him. Her breast jumped to the motion of their lovemaking. The large mound underneath them did as well. She was his, carrying his baby, and driving him out of control. He stilled her hips. “Wait.” His chest burned to catch enough air.

  “Am I too heavy?”

  “No, it feels too good. I’m going to explode.”

  She brought his hands to her breasts. “Me too, Simon.” She resumed. “Me too.” The cries of their mutual release almost shook the windows. He felt a warm gush over his groin. Regina crushed his sides between her thighs, continuing to convulse until she finally fell on the bed in a heap.

  She heaved her whole body for breath. Simon looked down and gasped. “What the hell?” He rolled on his side. “Gina. I think your water broke.”

  ***

  “Oh, my God, Toni, it was so embarrassing.” The black mid-size car rolled down the tree-lined Queens streets. Regina noticed a steady increase in size of the houses as she got closer to her mother-in-law’s. “Simon wouldn’t listen to me no matter how many times I told him I was okay. He insisted on going to the emergency room.”

  “Aww. He was a worried daddy.”

  “More like nuts. He raced around the apartment like it was on fire. I finally convinced him to take me to Dr. Algiers’s office. She took pity on me when I called. Although I think it may have been worse.”

  “Why?”

  “She could barely hold in her laughter when she told me that my water hadn’t broken, and what I experienced is called a female ejaculation.” Regina glimpsed sideways at the rearview mirror. Of course, the driver was listening. She cocked her head. “Are we almost there?”

  He lowered his eyebrows and shifted his glance back to the road. “Yes, Ma’am.”

  Toni’s giggling wafted through the phone. “I can’t believe you never had one of those.”

  “Well, I didn’t. Have you?”

  “Oh yes. Not like every time but enough to make me want to put up with your brother. He’s quite good.”

  “Why did I ask?” The car parked in front of a huge Tudor-style house. Simon’s childhood home was slightly bigger than hers. “I’m just coming to Alice’s house. I’ll talk to you later. Bye.” She struggled with her tummy out of the car. The driver put a suitcase carrying enough clothes to outfit her and Simon for the weekend next to her on the porch. “Thank you. How much?”

  The driver raised his hand. “It’s already paid for, ma’am.”

  Alice appeared before she could knock. “Gina.” Small arms surrounded her. “Come in.” She swatted at Regina’s hand. “No, he’ll bring the luggage inside, won’t you?”

  Regina sent the driver a sympathetic stare and handed him a large bill. “Thank you.”

  “Look at you.” Alice touched the top of Regina’s belly. “You must be ready to have my granddaughter.”

  “I am.” Regina’s gaze followed Alice down the tan wainscoted entryway. A formal living room lay at her right and a dining room to her left. In front was a grand staircase. “Dr. Algiers said it will be any day now.”

  “Then it’s a good thing we’re going shopping. We should be finished in time to have dinner with Simon. I’ve prepared his old room. My driver will be here in five minutes.”

  ***

  “No, Alice, no.” Regina stared at the tiny floral print sleepwear. “I’m not buying $50 pajamas for a newborn.”

  Alice shook it. “But it’s so sweet. I’ll pay.”

  “You’re not buying $50 pajamas for a newborn. I have a job, and I don’t have $50 pajamas.”

  “You’ve said no to everything. You’re going to have this baby any day and you have nothing in the layette.” Alice reached in her purse. The girl was being stubborn. She probably wants to buy some clothes from one of those stores with people in blue vests. I’ll not have it. “Now, your mother may be lecturing in Greece, but she told me to contact her if you became difficult about buying baby clothes.” She put the outfit on the table and slid her thumb across her phone screen. Adrian and her immediately hit it off when they met at the wedding. The two were now a unified force of matriarchy to keep the next generation of Youngs and Kents in line. Even Marcus was wary of them. “Do I need to call your mother, Gina?”

  Her daughter-in-law folded her arms and pouted her full lips. “Fine. One.”

  Alice grinned and put her phone away. “Why don’t you go over there and select a dress for her to wear home? I’ll get the layette together.”

  Regina glanced at the dresses and smiled. “Okay, but don’t go crazy Alice.”

  “Go.” She laid a pair of pajamas over her arm. I can’t get just one. Gina is being unreasonable. One pair quickly became ten. She walked towards the cashier. It would be too late for her daughter-in-law to protest if the clothes were already purchased. She scanned the store for Regina and narrowed her eyes at the scene before her.

  Regina was sliding clothes across a rack. Behind her was a woman with a name tag studying her suspiciously. She hovered around Regina without saying a word. When Regina moved to another rack, the woman trailed a few feet behind. The shifty-eyed clerk provided no help when a dress fell to the floor and Regina struggled to bend down and pick it up.

  Alice strode to the register and sat the stack of clothes on the counter, not allowing the cashier to say a word. “Yes, I’m interested in these, but first, I would like to speak to your manager, Collin.”

  “Right away, ma’am,” bubbled the cashier before she called for the manager.

  A tall, well-dressed, man emerged from his office and stood next his employee. He bent slightly over the counter garnering a smile that only went as far as his mouth. “Ah, Mrs. Young. It’s good to see you again. How can I help you?”

  Alice jutted her chin in the air. “Hello, Collin. I come here quite frequently. Every time one of my friends or family members is expecting a baby, grandbaby, and so on.”

  “Yes, Mrs. Young. It’s a pleasure to serve you.”

  “Usually, I’m satisfied with the service I receive, but I’m not pleased with the way my daughter-in-law is being treated. She’s ready to have her baby and needs a full layette. Despite plenty of attendants around her, no one is offering her any assistance.”

  Collin stood to his full height and peered across the store. “Well that’s not acceptable at all. Where is your daughter-in-law?”

  Alice pointed. “She’s right there.”

  Collin continued to scan
the store. “I don’t see her.”

  Alice placed a hand on her hip. He obviously was looking for an Asian woman. “Really? You don’t see that clearly pregnant woman right there?”

  He raised his eyebrows and shaped his mouth into an ‘O’, finally realizing that she meant the Black woman. “Oh, yes.”

  “Is there any particular reason why your clerks don’t think she’s worthy of their service?”

  “No, of course not, Mrs. Young. There must be some mistake. Gretchen.” He waved the woman shadowing Regina to come.

  “Alice.” Regina called and wobbled to the register at the same time. “I love this one, but It’s very expensive.” Gretchen stopped behind her.

  Alice ran her hand over the dress and smiled at the beaming Regina. “Then she’ll have it. You,” she snapped and pointed to Gretchen, “take this.” The wide-eyed associate looked at her manager’s glare and obeyed. “Follow my daughter, and carry whatever she selects until she’s finished.”

  Regina’s eyes flashed. The corners of her mouth twitched, indicating that she knew why Alice was being so condescending. “Thank you. I did want to look at some more dresses.”

  “Then have at it.” Alice glanced at the tall manager.

  “Yes, Mrs. Young,” He reached in a small glass refrigerator behind the counter and took out a few different bottles. He rounded the corner and presented them to Regina. “Would you care for something to drink? We have water and juice.”

  “No, thank you. Oh.” Regina’s eyes widened and jaw dropped. She gasped and stared down at the water pooling around her feet from underneath her skirt. “Ma.”

  “Don’t worry.” Alice lifted a stack of pajamas and dropped them around Regina’s feet. She then stomped the foot of her designer heel on one and wiped around Regina’s shoes. Baby didn’t like anyone messing with her mama either. “There, that’s better. Do you have any plastic bags, Collin?”

  “No, Mrs. Young, but we’ll get you some towels. Gretchen.” The irked clerk raced across the store and brought back a stack of baby bath towels. “Don’t worry about paying, Mrs. Young. We’ll take care of everything here.”