by M. Skye
Turning away from her, he just ran his hands over his face and exhaled into the air. Feeling her arms come up over his chest, he pushed them away and grabbed her hands. “Look, you have to go home. I can’t let this go any further.” He knew this probably wasn’t what she wanted to hear and he could just hear the lecture he would receive if his brother, Will, ever heard about this. He had warned him about being alone with these girls and now he had gone and proved him right.
Trying to let her down easy, he gave her hands a gentle squeeze. “I’m not looking for anything, and I shouldn’t have let it get this far. I apologize.” Reaching out and slapping him, she didn’t say a word and stormed past him and out of the locker room door.
Looking out into the empty room, Liam knew he had made the right decision. Getting involved with a girl like Kimmy would only cause trouble he didn’t need. The truth was, he actually wasn’t looking for anything serious. He wasn’t looking for anything at all. His focus was on preserving his family’s legacy. Nothing else meant more to him.
Chapter Five: Let Me Go
Trying to get out of bed, Draya felt her hips being grabbed and before she knew it, she was on her back. “It’s time to get up, Damien. I have to get ready, and I’m sure you have something to do at home. How are you going to explain being out all night?” This was the third time this week that he had been in her bed overnight. She was really starting to question what was going on with him. He had been so kind and gentle with her lately that she almost regretted wanting to end things; almost. The truth was, she wanted to be done with this farce of a relationship, she needed her own man.
“You let me worry about that. All you need to worry about right now is giving us a good morning.”
“Again? Aren’t you tired?”
Running his hands between them, he pushed himself inside her and she drew in a deep breath. “I’m never too tired to be inside you.” Grabbing her legs, yanking them up around his hips, he pushed his full length inside her and she clawed at the sheets. She was convinced this was all a game to him. It was like the more it hurt, the more pleasure he got. “Slow down,” she whispered, wanting to catch her breath. Hearing this, it was like he took it upon himself to do the exact opposite and threw his body into a rhythm of bed rattling thrusts that left her legs shaking from the force. She had her eyes clenched shut, expecting to ride out the pleasure and pain sensation, but opened them quickly when she felt his hand running down the side of her neck.
Slowing up, he caught her off guard and when she moaned, he leaned down to kiss her full lips. Sliding his hands up to grip hers, he pulled them both above her head. Taking her mouth, he allowed his tongue to discover her taste over and over again, and she felt herself growing overwhelmed by the sheer passion he was giving her. She hadn’t felt this way in so long, she had almost forgotten how good it was when he actually slowed down and made love to her. So many nights, when he was tossing her around like some common trick off the street, she yearned for this. She had begged him to give her a little more, especially since he swore he wasn’t having sex with Deena anymore, but each time he made her feel like she wasn’t worthy, until now.
With her lips trembling, she returned his kiss, and a shiver of longing tripped up her spine, sending chills across her breasts. This was what she wanted, but she knew it was just an illusion. He always knew how to exploit her yearnings. All she ever wanted was someone special, someone who cared about her, someone she could truly love. As much as she wanted to believe he was that person, even she had to let go of the fantasy at some point.
Moving his hands across her body, he paused to caress her intimately while his tongue danced with hers. Hovering, his fingers found their way under the sheets, and with a flick of his wrist, they went flying into the air.
“You’re beautiful, Dray. So beautiful,” he whispered, taking her by surprise. It had been so long since he said anything like that to her that she was caught off guard.
Pulling out of her, just to flip her over on her side, he slid behind her, pulling her hair back enough to align their lips once more. Kissing her mouth, letting his breath tickle her lips, he slid his hands down to grip her breasts and rolled his body into hers. Letting the sweet sounds of their lovemaking surround the room, he lowered his lips to her ear and nibbled a bit before rushing his tongue out to soothe it.
“I love you, Dray. I promise I do. I just need you to know I’m never going to make you feel like I don’t ever again.”
Sliding his hands down to grip her hips, he rolled himself harder into her. “Uuhh, Damien.” She’d waited so long, all her life, to be swept away like this, and even though she knew it was total bullshit, she allowed herself to indulge. “Damien, yes. Give me more,” she cried.
“You got it.” His hands were under her now, digging into the softness of her ass and gently spreading her legs apart. Her sensitive skin responded with a flare of heat that raged through her entire body, and for a second, she felt like she was floating. There was something so magical about having him dominate her this way, no matter how much of an ass he was.
“Oh, yes,” she cried out letting the excitement show in her voice.
“I promise, I’ll never hit you again. I don’t even know why I did it or where it started, but it’s over baby. From here on out, I’m going to treat you like the most important thing in my world because you are.” Stroking her deeply and slowly, he just kept working her over and she kept her eyes closed. She had heard these words so many times before and if she thought there was a shred of truth in it, she would have turned and wrapped her arms around him, but the reality was, she knew this was just an empty promise. Every time he started to get sentimental and felt like she was slipping away, he hit her with this and she had fallen for it every time until the next black eye or bruised rib appeared. The truth was, their relationship was toxic, he was rotten to the core, and she was damaged.
Riding out the waves, listening to the sweet lies he whispered in her ear, she felt her climax coming and tears streaking down her face. For as wrong as she was for being with him, she knew she deserved better. She knew she wasn’t raised this way and she knew what she had to do.
After Damien’s climax washed over him, she just stayed in bed waiting for one of his famous excuses. When it never came, she wondered what was up. He had never stayed this long and she felt like something was going on. When he laid back down next to her, it further heightened her suspicions and she turned her back to him, trying to gather her thoughts. Wrapping his arms around her, he pulled her closer and exhaled against her shoulder.
Squeezing the fresh set of tears down her cheeks, she realized when he felt them because he grabbed her tighter and turned her to face him. “Why are you crying Dray? Didn’t we just have a good night?”
Sniffling, wiping the tears from her cheeks, she nodded her head and he leaned in to place a gentle kiss on her trembling lips. “The night was good, but what happens when this wears off? I’m tired Damien. I can’t keep going back and forth. Every time I get comfortable, I’m reminded that you don’t belong to me. I don’t want to share a man anymore. I just want to be happy.”
“I tried to leave her. I was going to do it and you stopped me. You wanted it this way, and now… I just don’t know. What has changed so much that has you so anxious? Why are you suddenly acting like you can’t deal with it?”
“I’ve changed, Damien. I know what I want and what I deserve. This isn’t enough anymore. I want a life and a family someday. You can’t give that to me. You’re so worried about what people will think and you just don’t...” Stopping in mid-sentence, she thought about what she was going to admit to him and slid back. She wasn’t sure admitting that she thought they should be over was the best option when they were so close. She was afraid of being within arms reach of him.
“I don’t what?” His voice was low and she didn’t sense any hostility, but he had tricked her like that before. The first time he hit her, she was completely surprised because
it was over something small that he shouldn’t have reacted to. Trying to choose her words carefully, she covered her face and he reached out to pull her hands down. “Talk to me, Dray. What don’t I do?”
“You don’t know how to love me. I used to think you did, but it just seems like all I am is a person for you to lay up with and take swings at. What did I do to make you this way? You’re so different, so much darker than what I remember. When I first came back, you were a good person, so was I. You loved your wife and your family, what happened to you?”
“You happened,” he sighed. “I love you. I promise I love you. I just... I just… sometimes I wonder why you deal with me. I’m not stupid. You are the most beautiful woman I have ever laid eyes on and I know there are plenty of younger men that catch your eye. I just don’t want you to leave me one day.”
“But it’s okay for you to leave me? Do you know what it feels like when you leave my bed and I have to think about you going back to her? I know I did this to myself, but it hurts. Each day, I feel like you chip away more and more of my soul and I can’t keep doing this. If I keep this up, there will be nothing left of me. Is that what you want?”
Damien lifted his arm causing her to shudder and he looked surprised. If was as if it was finally taking hold in his mind how afraid of him she truly was. “Damn,” he sighed, running his hand over his face. “What the hell have I done? Am I really that bad? I never wanted you to be afraid of me.” Running his hand down her cheek, he pulled her closer and leaned his forehead against hers. “I’m so sorry, baby. I... I have no excuse. I will never put my hands on you again. I know I’ve said it before, but believe me this time. Come here.” Pulling her into his arms, he ran his hands down her back and exhaled. “I’ll fix it.”
“How are you going to fix it? Are you going to leave her? Because the last time I checked, that was going to be the only way things would be fixed. But you can’t do that because then all your church friends will know you’ve been sneaking around with me. I would never be able to show my face again and you would be thrown out of the church. Be realistic, the only way to fix this is to end things now. Let’s part as friends and agree that this was never going anywhere.”
“I can’t be friends with you, I love you.”
“I know you think you do,” she snuggled closer to his chest, “but we need to say goodbye.” Climbing out of his lap, she walked over and reached for her robe. Feeling his eyes on her, she turned, tying the robe and gave him a gentle smile. “It was a long bumpy ride, but I will never forget you. You changed my life Damien, always know that.”
“You changed mine too, baby,” he called out, throwing his clothes back on. Watching him get dressed, she felt all types of emotions running through her, one of which was relief. She had loved this man since she was eighteen, but it came with a lot of heartache. She had been through so much with him and now that was finally coming to an end. She stood looking at him until he was down to the last article of clothing. He flashed the smile that won her over and her insides melted. She hadn’t seen this side of him in so long, and it was refreshing to part this way. “Just so you know Draya, you might be ready to walk away, but I love you. I’m about to fight for you and for us.”
“Damien...”
“I’ll win you back Draya. I know we have work to do, but it’s not over.”
With that last declaration, he walked out the door and she flopped down on the bed. She knew she should be impressed by his will to fight for her, but it only made her want out even more. She was trying to break free of the hold he had on her, but it was hard when he was being sweet. His sweet side is what drew her in, and the memories had sustained them over the years. Now, all she wanted was a clean break, but everything about this morning showed her that wasn’t possible. She hated to admit it, but as long as the love was there, there was never going to be a chance to end amicably. Things were going to get so much worse before they got better.
Chapter Six: That Girl
“You sure I’m invited to this? I think when a woman invites a man somewhere, that invite is just for that man,” Will hissed as they walked into the doors of Draya’s restaurant. He had been hanging out at the gym when Liam had the bright idea of inviting him to the event. Liam had gone back and forth about attending the tasting and ultimately ended up deciding to come.
“She said to bring a date, so here you are.”
“I’m not your date, you jackass. You better hope I don’t see any single women here or you’re on your own.”
“If you meet any single women, you’re on your own. We all know who embodies the charm in our family. I’m sorry, big brother, you just didn’t make the cut.”
Laughing as they walked further inside, Liam looked around the restaurant and was pleasantly surprised. It wasn’t that he didn’t expect it to be nice, because he did, but he wasn’t expecting it to be so lavish and plush on the inside. The last time he had seen this place was before he left Atlanta. Back then it was only a shell of what Draya had built it up to be.
As soon as they were where all the other guests were, drinks found their hands and Will let out a low chuckle. “Your friend sure knows how to throw a party. Where did you meet this girl?”
“She’s one of my clients. She owns this place and another like it across town.”
“Wow, that’s impressive.” Will took a sip of his drink. “How old is she? Is she single? Give me the details on this girl.”
“First of all, her name is Draya. I don’t know her status because she’s my client, not someone I’m trying to get into bed with, and I think she is twenty-five.”
“Okay, playing coy, are we? Well, what do you know about her?”
“I know she’s standing right behind you and you should turn around and say thanks for the invite.”
Turning around slowly, Will came face to face with Draya and Liam let out a quiet laugh. He had never seen his brother so lost for words and it was hilarious to him. Will was always the outspoken one and here he was, speechless, looking at the stunning beauty in front of them.
Looking at Draya, he knew exactly what his brother had to be thinking. She always looked good when he saw her, but there was something different about her tonight, she was radiant. Not able to tear his eyes away, Liam just watched as she electrified the room with her bright smile and entranced his brother with her sparkling personality. In the times he had been around her before, it seemed as if she had the weight of the world on her shoulders, but now, he was seeing the girl Brittney told him about. The one who could captivate an entire room with just a single look.
“Hello, guys,” Draya reached out and hugged Will and then passed him to hug Liam. Falling into her embrace, Liam inhaled her scent and held her tightly against his chest. Pulling her back, he looked over her appearance once more and just held his breath for a second. She was absolutely stunning.
“Hey, you. This is some event. When you invited me to a tasting, I thought it would be a little more…uh…low key. This place is outstanding.”
“I’m glad you could come.” She stepped back, slightly blushing and Liam shuffled his hands nervously. “Who is this you have with you?”
“You said to bring a date, and I brought my brother, Will. He’s been dying to meet you ever since we walked in the door.” Grabbing for her hand, Will placed a light kiss on it, and Liam could tell he was taken with her. He actually wasn’t surprised because the group she had previously stepped away from still had men with their eyes trained on her. There was one man in particular that seemed to be burning holes through Will with his eyes every time he touched her, and it made Liam feel a little off. Pulling his brother away from Draya, Liam tried to remain calm, but it hadn’t escaped him that the man was still staring.
Trying to put some distance between them, Liam noticed when Draya’s mood deflated. “Well, guys, I think I might need to make my way around the room.” Forgetting about the man watching, Liam reached out and grabbed her arm. “You’ll come back when you’r
e done? I mean, I don’t really know anyone here and you kinda invited me.”
Giving him a sweet smile, she nodded her head and he let go of her arm, smiling back. “Yeah, I’ll come back. Rico, my partner, tells me there is someone I need to meet about investing and once I’m done, I’ll swing back by. Is that cool?”
“It’s cool.”
“Good. I’ll send Rico by to say hello to you boys.”
“Sounds good, we will look out for him.”
Will waited until she walked away and then his gaze was on Liam and crossed his arms over his chest. “So now it all makes sense.”
“What?” Liam huffed.
“There is more to you and this girl than you’re letting on. What’s going on, little brother?”
“Nothing is going on. I’ve been training her for a little over a week. She had to cancel one night, and I think she felt bad, so she invited me here.”
Letting out a low laugh, Will let it show that he was unconvinced. “Okay, if that’s all it is, then why did I feel like you were just blocking me? Why did you cut me off when I was clearly making a play for her? You might want to act uninterested, but I’m no fool. She’s a beautiful girl and someone if going to get a shot, why not me?”
“I have no problem with that, but it wasn’t about you. I was watching the room when you two were talking and I saw something that was a little off.”
“Off?”
“There is a guy here that was looking at you and he gave me a bad vibe. I just wanted to put some space between you two. I didn’t want a scene and I really don’t know what she has going on.”
“So it seems like you left something out, little brother.” Will crossed his arms over his chest wearing a devious smirk.