My arms wrapped around her tiny waist and I pulled her to my chest, feeling safe. Whenever I felt her, I felt hope. As long as she was okay and we were together, everything would be all right.

  She pulled away then cupped my face. “I’m glad you’re okay.”

  “Me too.”

  She searched my eyes, the concern shining through. “Thank god you’re quick on your feet.”

  “And paranoid,” I said bluntly.

  Her fingers moved into my hair and massaged me. “You’ll be okay. You’re safe now.”

  “I know.” I didn’t need to tell her how terrified I was, even now. “At least they have no interest in you or the kids.”

  “We’re all the same,” she said. “You are me and I am you. So don’t sweep it under the rug.”

  I would never be as important as my wife or kids but I didn’t make the argument.

  “Sit down and have some dinner. It’ll make you feel better.” She led me to the table then sat beside me. Her hand was on my back and she rubbed me gently. “Do they have any leads?”

  I shook my head. “He was gone when they arrived. He probably took off after he fired the shot.”

  She continued to massage me.

  “I’m carrying a gun from now on.”

  Scarlet was against guns. She didn’t want me to have them in the house for the longest time but she came around. This time, she didn’t object. “That’s a good idea.”

  I nodded.

  “But Sean?”

  “Yeah?”

  “Aim to kill.” She said it seriously, which was unlike her. When she was put in the situation to kill, she couldn’t pull the trigger even though her enemy wouldn’t have granted the same mercy. “You need to get rid of this man or he may never stop hunting you. If it comes down to you or him, it better be him.”

  “You have my word.”

  She rubbed my forearm. “Let’s have dinner and not discuss this anymore. I’m sure it’s the last thing you want to talk about.”

  My wife knew me so well.

  “After dinner we’ll shower and make love.”

  Whenever our bodies were connected and our souls touched, it shielded my mind from my terrifying thoughts. When I got lost in her, it healed me. It made the rest of the world seem quiet. It made everything better, somehow.

  Chapter Eight

  Arsen

  Silke and I went shopping at the mall. I needed new clothes, and Silke was more than happy to help me pick them out. Hand-in-hand, we walked through the mall then found the clothing store. I needed dress clothes for work, and Silke made it clear she would love to dress me up.

  Silke walked to a rack full of black vests. “You’d look good in this.” She felt the fabric in her fingers.

  “Yeah?” I came up behind her, my hand on her waist. When my face was pressed close to her neck, I could smell her scent. It aroused me but relaxed me at the same time.

  “With dark jeans. It would be casual but dressy at the same time.”

  “I’ll try it on.”

  She searched for my size then held it as she continued to look around.

  I took it from her hand. “I’ll carry it.”

  She gave me a playful look. “It’s easier to spend money when I have two free hands.”

  “Spent all the money you want,” I said seriously.

  “You’re going to regret that…” She looked through the clothes then found a collared shirt. “This color would look great on you.”

  It was gray. I usually wore dark colors anyway. “You know best.”

  She found my size then handed it to me.

  “How do you know my measurements?”

  She kept walking and didn’t meet my gaze. “I touch you all the time. I can figure it out.”

  I smirked then continued to follow her.

  “I like these.” She found a few undershirts that were skin-tight.

  I didn’t normally wear those but if she wanted me to I wouldn’t question it.

  She drifted around the store, picking out jeans and other items.

  I stared at her ass most of the time, unable to help myself.

  “Sir?”

  I stopped and turned. A young blonde woman was smiling at me. “Yes?”

  “Do you need any help?” she asked.

  I turned to Silke. She was on the other side of the store, distracted by the assortment of ties to choose from. I looked back at the blonde. “No, I’m okay. But thank you.”

  “Should we get a fitting room for all those clothes?” She gave me a friendly smile.

  “That’s a good idea.”

  She took them from me then looked me up and down. “Started a new job?”

  “No, I just need more dress clothes.”

  “Well, if you ever need a personal shopper or assistant, I’m more than willing to help.”

  “It’s okay,” I said. “But thank you.”

  “And not just at this store…anywhere.” Her meaning was implied.

  Did she not see me with Silke? Or did women always like men who weren’t available? “Actually, I have my girlfriend for that.”

  “Oh.” She suddenly turned cold.

  I was suddenly yanked down and warm lips pressed against mine. Silke wrapped her arms around my neck and kissed me hard, showing more affection than was appropriate for a public place. Then she quickly pulled away and gave the blonde a dirty look. “Come on, Arsen.” She grabbed my hand and yanked me away.

  I smiled as she pulled me along.

  She reached the ties then placed each one against my neck. She carried on like nothing just happened.

  “Catty, are we?”

  “Slutty, is she?” she countered.

  “I like that,” I said. “It was hot.”

  “That she hit on you while you’re out with your girlfriend?” she asked angrily.

  “No,” I said with a chuckle. “That you walked over there and showed her whose boss.”

  “Well, she’s an idiot if she thinks she can get away with that.”

  My hand moved to her ass and I squeezed it. “Yes, she is.”

  She moved my hand away then returned her attention to the ties. “You like any of these?”

  “I like whatever you like.”

  Her lips stretched in a slight grin as she faced me. “Good answer.” She picked out a gray tie, along with a purple one. “These will do. Now let’s try on those clothes.”

  “Whatever you say, Beauty.”

  Like always, she melted at the nickname. She grabbed my hand and walked with me to the changing room. When she passed the blonde she gave her a dirty look then put my hand on her ass.

  I squeezed it playfully.

  I walked into the changing room with Silke then looked at the pile of clothes. “This is going to take a while.”

  She took a seat then crossed her legs. “And the fashion show begins.”

  I tried on the dark jeans she picked out and put on the gray collared shirt and black vest. I eyed my appearance in the mirror then turned to her. “Your thoughts?”

  “Turn around.”

  I did as she asked, giving her my backside.

  “Your ass looks great.”

  “Why, thank you.” I faced her.

  “Keep it.”

  “Okay.” I didn’t argue with her. “Even if I didn’t like it, I wouldn’t object. If she thought I looked attractive in the clothes that was all that mattered. I tried on the next outfit. “What do you think?”

  “Love it. Next.”

  I stripped down to my boxers then grabbed the next shirt.

  Silke pulled out her phone and took a picture of me.

  “What are you up to?” I asked playfully.

  “Nothing.” She continued to snap pictures.

  I approached her then looked down at her. “Who are you going to share those with?”

  “No one.” She gave me a playful look. “Just myself.”

  “And what are you going to do with them?”

  She shrugged. “That’s my business.”

  “Oh really?”

  “Yep,” she said defiantly.

  I grabbed the brim of my boxers then pulled them off. I held her gaze as I did it.

  Her eyes widened as she stared at my cock, not bothering to be discreet about it.

  My cock was hard from grabbing her ass, so I had something to show off. “Now take a picture.”

  Her eyes darkened and she held up her phone. “I think I will.” She took it then smiled as she stared at the screen. “Yum.”

  “Let me know what you do with that.”

  “Maybe I will…maybe I won’t.”

  “I’m going to have to start charging for those.”

  “With what?” she challenged. “What does a wealthy man want, if not money?”

  My cock twitched in response.

  She eyed it then smiled. “Oh, I see.” She grabbed my ass and pulled me closer to her. My crotch was in line with her face, and my cock hung out, hard and long. While she stared up at me, she grabbed the base and massaged it gently.

  I swallowed the lump in my throat when I realized what was going to happen.

  She leaned forward slightly then pressed the tip to her closed lips. She placed a gentle kiss on the skin then licked it like a lollipop.

  Oh my fucking god.

  Silke looked up at me the entire time, watching my reaction to her. My chest rose and fell with deep breaths. Her mouth felt wonderful and I struggled not to release a thankful moan.

  Silke opened her mouth wide and took me in, going as far as she could.

  I immediately put one hand against the wall, balancing myself so I wouldn’t fall over. The pleasure she was giving me was enough to knock me over.

  She pushed me into her throat over and over, closing her eyes every now and then as she got into it. Sometimes she used her hand on my shaft, amplifying the touch.

  “Silke…” My words came out as a whisper. This was the first time she’d given me a blowjob since the last one about two years ago. I’d forgotten how amazing they were. Now I remembered why guys loved them so much.

  She grabbed my hands and forced them into her hair. My fingers felt the soft strands and I gripped them, holding on. She purposely gave me the control, amplifying my pleasure tenfold.

  I rocked into her slowly, not giving her more than she could handle, and tried not to moan in joy. Her warm mouth felt so good, and her tongue ran down my base every time she sheathed me.

  I wasn’t going to last much longer. Silke gave amazing head. I tapped the side of her head, silently telling her I was going to come. She knew what the gesture meant since I used to do it when we were together. She used to swallow, but I didn’t know if she was still comfortable with that.

  When she didn’t pull away I knew she wanted me to come in her mouth. My hands gripped her slender neck and I rocked into her harder. She still gave her tongue as I moved and then she massaged my balls.

  I held my breath as I came, trying not to release the moan sitting in the back of my throat. I closed my eyes then pressed one hand against the wall for balance. Silke swallowed all of it then sucked everything off my tip.

  I caught my breath as I finished and I loosened my hold on her neck.

  She pulled me out of her mouth then gave me a flirtatious look. “So, is that adequate payment?”

  “Definitely.” I staggered back and looked at the rest of the clothes I had to try on. After that amazing orgasm, I just wanted to go to sleep, not try on a million outfits. “I’m sure it all fits. Let’s go.”

  ***

  I just got home from work when Slade texted me.

  Yo. You wanna ball it up?

  I assumed he meant basketball. Sure.

  Half an hour?

  Yeah.

  Slade had never asked me to do something before, so I assumed it was because I was officially dating his sister. I appreciated the offer. The entire family made me feel welcome and didn’t treat me like an ex-con.

  I met him at the courts wearing a t-shirt and running shorts. “What’s up?”

  He fist-pounded me. “Hey, man. Thanks for meeting me.”

  “Thanks for inviting me,” I said politely.

  “Do you play?”

  “I did in prison.”

  “Then you must be good,” he assumed.

  I shrugged. “I’m not terrible but I’m no Le Bron James.”

  “Well, I’m awesome but I’ll go easy on you.”

  “Thoughtful of you.”

  He and I played a game of one-on-one. Slade was good like he said, but I was his equal. It clearly surprised him judging the shocked expression on his face when I scored as many points as he did.

  We were both sweaty by the end of the game. My muscles ached from their intensity, and I had a stitch in my chest.

  “You’re better than Cayson,” he said.

  “I’ve never seen him play.”

  “He’s pretty good but you’re better.”

  Why did that matter?

  “I’m glad. My sister needs a guy that’s good at basketball.”

  I wasn’t following his reasoning. “Why is that?”

  He shrugged. “Who’s going to teach her kids the trade?”

  “I’m sure Silke could,” I said. “She’s pretty good at sports.”

  He shook his head. “Nah.”

  “Well, I’m glad I have your approval.”

  He grabbed the ball the spun it on his finger. “Food?”

  “I’m starving.” I hadn’t eaten dinner yet.

  “Sweet. Let’s head to Mega-Shake.”

  We walked a few blocks before we walked inside and ordered our food. Then we sat in a booth facing each other.

  Slade inhaled his fries like he was being timed in an eating contest.

  “How’s the wedding planning going?”

  He shrugged. “Ask Trinity. She’s doing all of that.”

  “Are you excited?”

  “I just want to get married. I don’t care where or when.”

  I sipped my soda then felt my phone vibrate in my pocket. I pulled it out and checked it.

  What are you doing tonight? It was my lady.

  Kissing you, I hope.

  Funny. I was thinking the same thing.

  Our playful relationship was back, and I was grateful. Want to come over in an hour?

  How about now?

  I’m eating with Slade.

  She responded immediately. My brother?

  Yeah.

  Oh. Well, you can tell me about that when I see you.

  I put my phone away and went back to eating.

  “Silke?” Slade asked.

  “Yep.” I smiled when I thought about her.

  “I’m glad you guys got back together,” he said. “But I admit, I was glad when you guys broke up.”

  “I understand.”

  “But if you worked that hard to get her back then you deserve her.”

  “I appreciate that,” I said.

  “So, we’ll be brothers-in-law,” he said. “I figured we should hang out more.”

  “I’d like that. I’ve always wanted a sibling.”

  “I can be that for you. I’ve always wanted a brother but I got stuck with a dumb sister.” He took a huge bite of his burger and could barely chew it.

  “Silke is the most intelligent woman I’ve ever met.” I wanted Slade to like me, but I wasn’t going to bash on Silke with him. I didn’t have a single negative thing to say about her. She was perfect.

  “Then you need to get out more.”

  I laughed in spite of myself. “Well, I was in prison for a while. No intelligent women there.”

  “That’s so cool.”

  “What?” I asked.

  “That you were in prison,” he said. “Any time someone messes with you, all you have to say is that and they’ll back off.”

  “I don’t exactly throw that around.”

  “You should,” he said. “By the way, you want to work out with me?”

  “Sure.” Ryan and I went pretty often. He could join us.

  “I’m trying to bulk up. Trinity is always making comments about you.” He rolled his eyes. “I want her to be impressed with me.”

  Slade wasn’t nearly as large as I was, but he was tone and lean. He had the body of a runner, but with more muscle tone from weight training. I couldn’t picture him as a body builder. He didn’t seem to have the skeletal frame for it. “Sure. But I’m sure she likes you the way you are.”

  “Well, obviously,” he said. “But it wouldn’t hurt to make myself better. When you got a hot babe like Trinity, you got to give her a reason to stick around, you know? A million other guys want to replace me.”

  He said cold things sometimes, but then he said other things that were incredibly flattering. His brutal honesty made him endearing. It was clear he loved Trinity, even if he didn’t always express that in the right way. “It’ll be fun. Sometimes I go with your dad.”

  “Dad has been going to the gym religiously since I can remember,” he said. “It’s ironic because he wears jeans and sweatshirts he’s had for twenty years and they’re covered in holes, but he’ll take time out of his day to hit the gym or play ball with my uncles.”

  “Exercise is important.”

  “But he’s lazy as hell. He’s the polar opposite of my mom.”

  “Running a business and hitting the gym makes him sound dedicated to me.”

  He shrugged. “I guess he’s only lazy when it comes to his wardrobe.”

  “I’m not big on clothes either. Actually, Silke just picked out a few things for me.”

  He released a sarcastic laugh. “I could never let Trinity shop for me. She would have me wearing ridiculous shit. She’s into fashion, so everything she likes is too progressive for me. One time she tried to get me to wear pink pants.”

  I tried not to laugh. “You would have rocked them.”

  “Well, duh,” he said. “But I would have given every interested gay guy the wrong idea.”

  “True.”

  “And Trinity gets so jealous when chicks hit on me.” He was smiling as he said it. “It’s hilarious.”

  “I have a feeling you’re more jealous than she is.”

  “She gets hit on left and right so it is annoying,” he said. “But I don’t get jealous. I know she’s loyal to me.”

  “I think so too,” I agreed.

  “Speaking of which…” He put down his burger. “I’ve never been protective of Silke because she and I have never been very close and she’s a big girl, but…I will kill you if you fuck with her.”

 

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