by Sadie Grubor
We descend the stairs, fake excited smiles on our face. Taking our places on the couch, Xavier covers us with the throw blanket. His hands slide under my shirt, shoving my bra out of his way.
Sneaky fucker.
Twisting my neck, I glare up at him and whisper-growl, "Do you even realize how difficult it is to get Thelma and Louise back in bracatraz?"
"Bracatraz?" he blurts the question, causing the girls to look back at us.
I drop my head and cover my face with my hand.
Xavier
"Hey, birthday boy," Red taunts, dropping into a chair next to me.
"Oh shit, that's right," Jackson says from my other side. "So, old man, you hitting your mid-life crisis?"
Unfolding my arms from across my chest, I lift a middle finger on both hands—one for each of the bastards.
They laugh out loud and draw Sid's attention from where she's setting up her cameras. She glances between both the fingers I'm serving up to the assholes next to me and laughs too.
Red smacks my hand out of his face.
"Don't get your panties in a twist," he says with a chuckle.
Rolling my head toward him, I say, "You're older than me, so I don't know why you're laughing."
"I'm just in a good mood." Red grins wide.
There's something about his smile, the light mood, and it's got me curious.
"Did you just get laid in the dressing room?" Jackson asks, picking up on the something too. "And if you did, you're a hypocrite. You told me," he points to his chest, "I couldn't fuck Liza back there."
Red chuckles. "Nah, man, I didn't get laid in the dressing room. I just found out today I'm going to be a dad."
My mouth drops open.
"No shit!" Jackson exclaims, pushing out of his chair.
"No shit," Red confirms.
"Congratulations," I finally say, coming out of my shock.
Putting my hand out, he takes it before pulling me into a one-arm hug.
"Fuck, that's awesome," Jackson pats Red on his massive shoulder.
"I never thought I'd have kids," Red admits, rubbing his chin. "Shit, I didn't even think about having them. Then Bethany…" he lets the words drop off.
"Well, it's great fucking news," I say.
"I'm fucking jealous," Jackson admits, dropping back down into the seat next to me.
"You guys want kids?" I ask.
Does Sid want kids?
I move my eyes to her, watching her pose one of the new performers. Under the weight of my stare, she turns and meets my eyes. Her brows rise in question. Grinning, I give a small shake of my head. She rolls her eyes and flips me off.
Heat, desire, need, and clarity burn through my veins, causing the hair on the back of my neck to stand.
I fucking love her, I'm going to marry her, and I'll get my kid in her soon enough.
The certainty of the moment is almost debilitating.
"Are you trying to knock up my star?"
Red's growl snaps me out of my sudden revelation.
"I wish," Jack says with a sigh. Lifting his arm, he motions to Liza as she steps out from the backstage area. "She's got her birth control on fucking point."
"Point?" I ask.
"Doesn't miss an appointment for her shot. She's got her schedule down to a goddamn science," Jack grumbles. "I can't tell you how many times I've been tempted to fuck her schedule up somehow."
"Probably not the best way to handle things," I offer.
"I know," he growls. "She makes me crazy."
Glancing at his face, I catch the look in his eye and the way he smiles at her.
I shift my eyes back to Sid and stare at her ass when she bends over.
"How's that going?" Red asks.
Keeping my eyes on her, I answer, "Good."
"Just good?" Jack presses.
"What's wrong with good?" My question comes out a bit harsher than intended.
"Nothing," Jack quickly concedes. "You know what, I think we need to celebrate. Let's get some drinks."
He stands and heads for the bar. We follow him.
Music fills the room, the performers posing for Sid as she moves around them with her camera.
"To Daddy over there," Jack announces, raising a shot glass in Red's direction.
"To fatherhood," I raise my glass. "And to hoping you have a boy—trust me, you want a boy," I tease.
We toss the shots back.
"One more," I exclaim and lean over the bar.
Hands grip my hips right before someone thrusts against me.
I straighten and turn to look down.
Sid stands there, grinning.
"I need you," she states.
"Do you?" I ask, my question full of innuendo.
Her lips purse.
"Now you're a spokesperson for Summer's Eve?" She crosses her arms over her chest.
I raise a one brow in silent question.
"You sound like a douche," she explains.
Jackson bursts into laughter.
"Never mind." She turns away from me. "Red, I need you."
"I'll—"
She puts her hand over my mouth.
"Snooze you lose, now Beth's baby daddy is going to help me move something."
She narrows her eyes on Red and snaps the fingers of her free hand.
"Let's go, Hulktoo," she orders.
"Hulk what?" Red asks.
"Just get over here and help—"
I lick the hand still covering my mouth, cutting her off.
She turns her glare on me and pulls her hand away. Glancing at her hand, then back up to me, she wipes her palm over my face.
"That's gross," she says in disgust. "You have no idea where my hands have been."
Before I can respond, she's walking away with Red.
"I'm not sure how the hell you handle her," Jack says.
I lick my lips as my eyes follow her ass.
"I don't," I respond.
"Don't what?" he asks.
"I don't handle her," I explain, turning my eyes to him. "I just love her."
Sidra
"Why are you so nervous?" Liza asks through the phone.
"His wife will be there," I say with a healthy dose of why-the-fuck-are-you-even-asking-me-that included.
"Ex-wife, Sid," she responds.
"Technicalities," I snap. "In twenty minutes, I'm going to be in a room with Xavier's family—"
"I thought you liked his family?"
"I do," I whine. "Obviously, I'm in love with his parents, Ember is great, and Kami…well, we have the understanding to tolerate each other."
And it's true. After Kam stepped forward to somewhat defend me against Ambria and then found out about Rotten Bananas, things were easier for us. I didn't get bitch mode, but Kami is definitely more reserved like Duncan.
"So, it's just Maria who has you worried?"
"I guess," I respond on a sigh, throwing myself back on the bed.
"Why?"
"She's his best friend, Liza, and the mother of his kids," I explain. "If she hates me, what do you think is going to happen between the two of us?"
"I think you're over thinking this," Liza states, "Every time Lyra or Cass have mentioned their mom, there is nothing but kindness toward you."
"That's in front of her kids. You know how things change when it's just woman to woman." I sigh, again.
"I'm a little out of my element," Liza confesses.
"What?" I quip.
"You sound like a girl," she explains. "I don't know what to do."
Her giggle is quiet, but I hear it.
"The next time you open a drawer, an envelope, anything…" I begin to warn.
"I don't even care," Liza laughs. "You're talking to a woman who gets glitter in all kinds of places on a nightly basis. You can't threaten me with glitter."
"Damn it," I growl. "Curse your stripper-like ways."
"Take a deep breath and just be you," she advises. "If someone doesn't like you, then fuck 'em."
A laugh bubbles up.
"Fuck 'em?"
"Fuck 'em," she repeats.
An hour later, we pull up to Xavier's parents' home.
"Why are you so quiet?" he asks, parking behind a silver luxury car.
"The girls already here?" I try changing the subject.
"You know they are. Now, tell me what's wrong?"
"Nothing," I quip.
Unbuckling, I hurry out of the car.
Xavier exits and moves around his SUV.
"Did you guys plan something else I don't know about?"
"What?" I ask, surprised by how close he is so quickly. "Oh, yeah, we got you male midget strippers," I deadpan.
Taking a deep breath, I head for the front door. Then, I realize he isn't following.
Turning around, I find him statue still next to the car.
"Are you coming?"
"Promise me you're kidding," he demands.
"What?"
"About the strippers," he growls.
Rolling my eyes, I sigh.
"Of course, I am. Do you really think I'd do that with all the kids here?"
His eyes twitch for a moment.
"Come on!" I exclaim.
"Swear to me on your Avengers dildo collection."
"I swear," I drawl.
Exhaling loudly, he finally starts moving.
"Mom," the girls shout, dragging me by my arms.
Xavier follows, laughing.
If I could flip him off, I would double middle finger him so hard.
"This is Sid," they announce, shoving me forward.
A thin, pale woman sits in a large overstuffed chair. Her hair is dark brown and cut in a chin length bob. The large smile she wears meets her bright light brown eyes and eases some of my anxiety.
"Hello," she moves to stand.
"Don't get up," I blurt, putting my hands out.
"Nonsense," she argues.
A tall man with brown hair hurries to her side, taking her arm.
"Gil, I'm alright," she says with a sigh, but allows him to assist her.
Once on her feet, I discover she's taller than me. Almost so much so, I need to look up at her.
"Sid," she say, smiling around my name.
Two steps forward and her arms come around me. I reflexively embrace her in return.
"Thank you," she whispers in my ear, giving me a squeeze.
"I didn't—"
"You've been there for my girls," she starts, pulling back, but holding my shoulders. "When I wasn't able—" she stops, beginning to choke up.
"Really," I interrupt, "It wasn't…I mean, they're great girls."
Wiping at her eyes, she nods.
"Thank you."
"Hey, babe," Xavier greets, stepping up and kissing the side of her head.
The stab of jealousy I feel surprises me.
"What's wrong?"
Goddamn it, he's too perceptive.
I shake my head and snap myself out of my ridiculous feelings. "Nothing."
His brow furrows.
"Leave her alone," Maria orders. "She's meeting your ex-wife for the first time and I'm a blubbering idiot." Then, she turns to me. "This is my husband, Gil." She motions to the tall, thin man who looks the complete opposite of Xavier.
"Let's sit," Maria suggests, "we can have girl talk."
Great, girl talk. Kill me now.
"Your face gives a lot away," Maria notes.
I hurry to sit in a chair next to her.
"Not much for girl talk?" She settles back into the chair.
"Um…" I hesitate.
"You two, leave us to talk." She waves Xavier and Gil off.
"No way am I leaving you two to alone together. Sid's fine with me here."
"Excuse me?" I snap, not liking his do-as-I-say tone.
"What?" he quips.
"Go away," I order.
He opens his mouth to protest, but I raise one brow and threaten, "You remember your birthday request?"
His mouth snaps shut.
"Good boy." I force a sweet smile.
Maria's soft laughter takes my attention away from a grumbling Xavier.
"Oh, I do love you," she says between laughs.
After fifteen minutes of awkward conversation, Maria finally shatters the thin glass wall between us.
"I have to know what his birthday request is," she practically moans.
"You sure you want to know?" I scrunch my face.
She nods.
"Listen, I know our closeness can be hard to deal with." Her hand comes to my arm. "It took Gil a couple years to understand, but please trust me when I say there is nothing but innocent affection. To say it's like brother and sister is too weird because we have the girls, but honestly, it's very family love, not romantic." She gives my arm a squeeze and sits back. "Now, knowing Xave and his possessive tendencies, he wants his name tattooed on your ass or something."
"He's always been the jealous type?" I ask.
She lifts one shoulder.
"I wouldn't say that exactly."
"What would you say?" I ask, my curiosity peaked.
"When we were together, he would get jealous and did have a possessive nature. He doesn't like to share."
"Oh, I've been told," I snort.
She smiles, staring.
When she doesn't say anything for a few minutes, I finally ask, "What?"
"It's so good to see him love someone again," she confesses.
"Oh," I whisper.
"And it's even better to see someone love him," Maria adds.
Tears sting at the back of my eyes.
"I don't think I know how to show him the way he wants."
The moment it leaves my lips, I look at her, wide-eyed.
Her smile grows into a large grin.
"Just the fact that you're worried about it confirms everything I need to know, Sid." Grabbing the arms of the chair, she pulls herself forward. "Xavier is very man's man," she states, making sure our eyes are locked, "but he doesn't exactly love easily. You are the first woman since our divorce where I see the change in him." A loud laugh leaves her, making me jump. "I saw it months ago when he came to visit."
"Months ago?" I furrow my brow.
She nods.
"Bravo for shoving a sequin bra in his mouth." She laughs harder and claps. "He grumbled about getting one stuck in his teeth for twenty minutes while he plotted his revenge," she continues with a laugh.
"Whew," she exhales. "The amount of time he spent bitching about you…" She shakes her head. "I knew he was a goner."
I can't hold back my grin.
"Now that I've met you, even in such a short time, I totally get it." Maria reaches out once more, this time taking my hand. "The man he is now, with you, is who he should be, and I'm so excited to witness it."
I bite my lip, holding my tears at bay.
"Don't be afraid to show him he's yours."
Giving my hand a squeeze, she releases it and sits back.
"Now, about that birthday request?" she asks, bringing the conversation back around.
"Well played, you sneaky bitch," I compliment.
She smiles.
Sidra
Holding the robe tightly around my body, I stare at myself in the mirror.
"You can do this," I try to convince my reflection, but that bitch is looking at me like I'm insane.
"Sid," Xavier knocks on the door before turning the knob and opening. "No robes allowed."
I look at him through the mirror. He stands in the open doorway buck ass naked.
"You've seen me naked like hundreds of times," I argue.
"During sex, sure," he concedes. "But the girls are with their mom until tomorrow evening. We have the entire house to ourselves and you said I could have whatever I wanted."
"But I thought you'd want anal or something," I contend.
"It's my birthday," he retorts.
Growling, I peel the robe off my body.
"Who the hell asks
for a naked night?" I exclaim, turning to face him.
His eyes rake over my body, bold and assessing.
Swallowing, I cross my arms over my chest.
"Uh-uh." He grips my arms and pulls them away.
Instead of releasing them, he wrenches me from the bathroom into the bedroom.
"You're really going to make me walk around naked until tomorrow night?"
The way his eyes slide downward, slow and seductive, my body flushes. Arousal pulses beneath my skin, zeroing in on my clit like electric pulses.
"You are so beautiful," he says, his voice husky.
Jerking on my arms, he pulls my chest to his.
The touch of our skin sends goosebumps all over my body. My clit throbs in time with my rapid heartbeat.
"And you are all mine," he says with a grin.
Leaning down, he brings his mouth to mine.
Instead of kissing him, I say, "Lay on the bed." I lick his lip. "Mine."
He lifts his head, a dazed expression on his face, but does as I ask.
Kneeling on the mattress, I crawl up his body until my face hovers over his.
I dip down and lick his mouth again.
"Mine."
He inhales sharply.
Inching down, I run my tongue over his neck.
"Mine," I growl.
In my peripheral, I watch his biceps tense.
Moving farther down his body, I stop at each nipple, his stomach, and each hip, licking and claiming.
His eyes follow my every move, making me feel bolder. The heat, lust, and desire in his eyes turns me on to the point where I want to rub my pussy against his leg just to get some relief.
Brushing my hair to one shoulder and out of the way, I grip his hard dick. It pulses beneath my touch, making my pussy clench. Xena is in full Amazon Warrior mode, demanding to conquer.
Running my nose from the swollen tip of his cock to the base, I inhale the pure, raw scent of him.
I close my eyes and go lower, licking one ball.
"Mine," I growl, my voice a raspy and full of lust.
I repeat my motions with the other ball before flattening my tongue at the base of his cock and swiping up, swirling at his tip.
"Mine," I claim, taking him into my mouth.
"Fuck," he groans, fingers sliding against my scalp.
Hand fisting my hair, he guides my head over his length.
Unable to deep throat—I have a fucking gag reflex—I take him halfway with my mouth and pump the rest with my hand.
"Sid," he rumbles, "stop." He pulls my mouth off him by my hair.