by B. Love
When they were done eating, Hudson tried to help her clean, but she insisted on doing it alone. She did, however, ask him to stay and talk to her while she washed the dishes and put them in the dishwasher. Reina confessed that birthdays had never been a big deal in her family. This was the most extravagant thing anyone had ever done for her, and as her eyes watered, she took a moment to compose herself.
“I just…” Her chin trembled as she looked up at him from the sink. “Really appreciate you. And I wanted to show you that tonight.”
Seeing a woman cry had always been Hudson’s weakness. If he cared about her, that was a double weakness. And Reina? Well, that damn near tore his soul apart.
Walking over to her, he cupped her cheeks, tilted her head, and connected his lips with hers. She completely forgot that she was washing dishes and grabbed his arms with her wet, sudsy hands. Pulling them away immediately, she yelped before rushing out, “Babe, I’m so sorry,” as Hudson laughed.
“That’s fine, Golden. It’s water and soap.”
She nodded as she turned and dried her hands. “I got something for you.”
“This is more than enough.”
Her head shook as she leaned against the sink. “Nope. Go to our room, get in the middle of the bed, and close your eyes. After I give you your gift, I want you to give me the gift between your thighs.”
Not having to be told twice, Hudson headed for their room. It wouldn’t have done him any good to stress the fact that she didn’t have to get him anything for celebrating her for her birthday. So, he decided to just go with the flow. Once he was comfortably out of his clothes and in bed, Hudson closed his eyes and inhaled deep breaths to relax.
When he felt the bed dent, a smile spread across his face. His heart began to race in anticipation. It didn’t matter what she got him, he appreciated the thought behind it. Usually, Hudson was the one catering to his woman. They always felt as if he didn’t need them to buy him anything or do anything for him because of his money and staff. So for Reina to have taken the initiative to cook for him and get him something… the act of service only made him love her more.
Reina straddling him, allowing Hudson the opportunity to wrap his arms around her.
“Okay, open your eyes.”
He did, first connecting them with her eyes. Hudson looked down at the envelope that was in her hand and chuckled.
“What is this?” he asked, instead of just taking it to find out.
“Here.” Reina took him by the hand and placed the envelope inside. “Open it.” He did, and as he looked over the card, his heart plummeted as soon as he realized what it was.
“I know how much you love nature, and how important legacy is to you, so I thought this would be nice.” She shrugged as her voice lowered. “I had a thousand planted in your name.” Hudson looked over the picture of the historic sign planted in the front of his land that read – The Hudson Gray Grove. “This way… you will have a legacy outside of your family. Something that will last for thousands of years. And you’re also helping restore damage done in the…”
Allowing the envelope and its contents to slip from his hand, Hudson roughly took her bottom lip into his mouth. She had just given him the most thoughtful and considerate gift he’d ever been given. Not only did she take into consideration his love for nature and wildlife, but she also provided a way for him to help the world and leave a legacy behind at the same time.
Having a thousand trees planted in his name, presenting an opportunity for his children to see his name and show it to generations of grand and great grandchildren to come was enough to have tears threatening to pour from Hudson’s eyes. And if he thought about it for too long, they would surely fall.
Fuck it.
They fell, without his permission, but he didn’t give a damn.
Pulling away, Hudson inhaled a deep breath as he picked the card up again. Releasing a shaky breath, he looked at the picture again. Reina’s fingers wiped the tears that were sliding down his cheeks away. Unable to look into her eyes, he whispered, “This is the best gift I’ve ever received. The only things that will top this are the days you become my wife and bear our children. Thank you, Reina.”
Lifting his head by his chin, Reina forced him to look into her eyes. He closed them, not wanting to appear weak. She giggled quietly before kissing his eyelids. Then his nose. Finally, his lips.
“I love you, Hudson Gray.”
“I love you too, but you not about to make me look like more of a punk in this moment than you already have.”
She laughed louder this time. “You do not look like a punk. It’s actually sexy as hell to see you express your emotions and gratitude.”
The moment his eyes opened and connected with hers, she kissed him. And the intensity of sharing an intimate kiss with her as he stared into her eyes made his dick harden underneath her.
“Inside. Now,” Hudson requested, pushing her dress up and her panties to the side.
Giggling at the feel of his tongue swirling around her neck, Reina lifted up, allowing him to position himself at her opening. She slid down onto his shaft, covering his dick with the warmth of her walls. It felt so damn good Hudson had to fight his premature release. Gripping her hips, he guided her movements as she rode his dick, convinced that there was no better woman or feeling for him than this.
Chapter 12
Reina
Tonight was everything Reina dreamed it would be. Four months had passed, and she’d finally started school. Their first week in, they had a recital. It was recorded and would serve as a reminder of how far they had come on their graduation day. Reina had no intention of inviting her mother to the recital, but Rico told her anyway. That whole… get along as a big family thing had been a total joke. Around Hudson, Laditra was on her best behavior, and it didn’t take long for Reina to realize it was because she wanted access to his money as a doting mother-in-law.
Their trip to Paris was just what Reina needed to get her mind right. It was a full week of love, romance, theater, and ballet. When they made it back to Memphis, Reina made up in her mind to take full advantage of the opportunity to find true love that she’d been blessed with. She vowed to make the most of every moment they had together, and before their wedding, she would tell Hudson the truth. He deserved to be able to choose if he wanted to spend the rest of her life with her or not.
Since coming to that conclusion, things had been back to normal between the two. They hadn’t had any arguments, disagreements, or off moments, and Reina could not have been happier. Whether he chose to marry her or not, Reina was content with making the most of every day that they spent together up until their wedding day.
After the recital, Reina showered and changed, the met Hudson and her family in the galley area. At the end of her performance, her mother stood on her feet and was the reason the entire audience requested an encore performance from her. At first, Reina thought she was just being extra in front of Hudson, but she couldn’t ignore the tears that were in Laditra’s eyes as she rushed over to her.
Pulling Reina into her arms, Laditra squeezed her tightly and rocked her from side to side. For the first time in a really, really long time… Laditra’s embrace was soft, yet hard. Tight. Filled with sincerity. It took Reina a moment to let the moment settle, but when it did, she hugged her mother back.
“I am so, so proud of you.”
After placing a kiss to her cheek, Laditra returned to where her brothers and Hudson were standing. Before she could get to them, she was stopped again by a few of the women she’d met at school. She took a few pictures with them then finally made her way over to Hudson. He handed her a bouquet of red roses, melting her heart when he told her that he loved her and was proud of her.
Her brothers each gave her hugs and told her congratulations, then they all took pictures before heading out for dinner.
On the entire drive to the restaurant, she held Hudson’s hand. Every so often, he’d kiss it, creating an even hot
ter fire between her thighs. She wouldn’t have even been there if it wasn’t for him, and she couldn’t wait to get him home to thank him all over again. Laditra was fairly quiet the entire ride, and when she did speak, it was on the phone. She called a few friends to tell them about Reina’s performance and how proud she was.
How talented Reina was.
How beautiful she looked.
As much as Reina wanted to believe that her mother was sincere, she’d burned her one too many times at this point. Unfortunately, Reina was taking every sweet thing she said and did with a grain of salt. She wouldn’t allow Laditra to ever play her again.
When they made it to the restaurant, Reina’s heart was overjoyed when she saw Jessica and Brooke waiting for them. The reservation was in Hudson’s name, so they were seated towards the front waiting for them. She hugged them both, struggling to accept the love that was surrounding her – even that which appeared to come from her mother.
Once their table was ready, Hudson led her over to it by her hand. It was no surprise for her to sit next to him, but what did catch everyone by surprise was Laditra’s desire to sit next to Reina. Going with the flow, Reina told her mother that she was okay with them sitting by each other. Whether Laditra was genuine or not, she wasn’t going to let anything ruin her night.
Conversation flowed freely around the table. Brooke’s son, Anthony, entertained Bentley since they were a year apart while Rico went back and forth with Wykeem about who the greatest wrestler of all time was. Jessica and Brooke took turns talking to each other and Reina, and Laditra hopped in their conversations whenever she could. Besides occasionally talking to Rico, Hudson played the background.
He may not have made his presence known vocally, but the feel of his hand on her thigh or holding her hand was a constant reminder that he was near. That she was safe. That was one of the things Reina loved about Hudson. When other people were around, he never appeared possessive of her. He allowed others to bask in the light of her glow, but he was always there when and if she needed him.
Taking his chin into her palm, Reina pulled him close and kissed his lips. She rubbed her nose against his as she confessed, “I’m so blessed to have you, Huddy. Wait ‘til I get you home.”
He smiled before planting another kiss on her lips. “Are you happy, bae? Really happy?”
Smiling as she nodded, there was no need for Reina to question why he felt the need to ask that. Her back and forth mood swings made it hard for him to trust that she was okay… even though she would say that she was.
“I am. Are you?”
“Happier than I’ve ever been in my life. And I owe that to God and you.”
Pulling back, she stared into his eyes with love pouring from hers as she caressed his cheek with her thumb.
“Hudson?”
“Yea, Golden?”
“I want to have your ba–”
“You don’t waste no time, do you, man?”
All eyes went to the man who was hovering over their table. His eyes zeroed in on Hudson, who looked as if he had no idea who the man was. Sitting straight, Reina placed the right side of her body over Hudson’s. She’d learned, he was a gentleman… but he ain’t take no shit either. And the last thing she wanted was for him to act a fool in this nice ass restaurant. Especially with her crazy ass mother and brother in the same room.
That was one thing she could say about Laditra. She may have put her children through some bullshit, but she didn’t let anyone else bother them. And Rico was down for whatever. That was one of them main reasons Reina tried to keep a close eye on him too. He’d already been suspended for knocking somebody out, and they’d only been in school for two weeks. The last thing she wanted was for him to get in some real trouble his last year of high school.
“Who you talking to?” Hudson asked, pushing Reina off him slightly, but she quickly grabbed his hand as Laditra sat up in her seat and Rico stood.
“Do we have a problem, son?” Laditra checked, eyes remaining locked on the man standing in front of them.
“That’s what I’m trying to find out,” Hudson answered. “Be easy, bro,” he directed towards Rico.
Rico sucked his teeth, reminding Reina of herself as he slowly sat down.
“You just wrote my sister off like she never existed to you. She gave up her fucking life for you. And you ain’t waste no time moving on to the next bitch.”
“Bitch?” Laditra repeated, standing to her feet.
Hudson chuckled as he released Reina’s hand and stood. “I don’t know who you are, but I’m sure you have me confused with someone else. My family and I are trying to enjoy our night, so I’d appreciate it if you left.”
The man smiled as his head tilted and Reina’s heart dropped. Was this Tierra’s brother? Was he about to blow Reina’s cover? Laditra looked down at Reina, and the look on her face must have said enough for Laditra to know things were about to get real.
“I don’t give a fuck about what you got going on. I wanna know why a man as rich as you let his fiancée’s family struggle to bury the woman he claimed to love.”
“Okay…” Laditra lifted her hands as she stepped in front of the man. “You clearly have him confused with someone else.”
“Who is your sister?” Hudson asked, stepping behind his seat to walk over to the man, but Reina quickly stepped in front of him as Laditra called for security.
Thankfully, they’d already been looking and started to make their way over. The man laughed, anger growing by the minute.
“You know who my sister is. The fuck is your problem, my dude?”
“Is there a problem here?” the first security guard asked, stepping closer to the man.
“Nah. Ain’t no problem,” he answered, looking only Hudson in his eyes. “I’ll be seeing you.”
“Fuck it. You can see me right now,” Hudson offered, loosening his tie.
“Huddy,” Reina called, gripping his hand and placing her free hand in his chest. “Tonight means too much to ruin it because some asshole confused you with someone else.”
Looking down at her, Hudson’s eyes softened. “I don’t tolerate that disrespectful shit,” he reminded her, to which she quickly nodded.
“I know, baby. And if we were in the streets, I wouldn’t be asking you to let it go. But we aren’t. And my brothers are here. Please.”
Nostrils flaring, Hudson’s head cocked to the side. He looked at Wykeem and Bentley who were staring at him… watching his every move. With one nod of his head, Hudson sat back down as he mumbled, “You got it, Reina.”
She sat back down too, thankful for her mother for a change. Laditra followed the man out, and Reina was sure she’d get him to tell her what he knew. Or what he thought he knew. But that queasy feeling that consumed Reina months ago had returned. And there was no part of her that felt like this situation would blow over any time soon.
Chapter 13
Reina
Reina hoped this would turn things around between her and Hudson. It seemed as if the tables were reversed. Ever since their dinner after the recital, Hudson had been different. Though he didn’t mention the man… Reina knew what he’d said had gotten to Hudson. Maybe not in the sense of him feeling as if the man knew him, but not knowing who he’d encountered over the past two and half years had started to really fuck with him again.
Yesterday, he’d gone to the doctor to see if there was anything he could do to regain his short term memory, and after his doctor told him that it was literally just a waiting game Hudson shut down for the rest of the day.
Trying to lift his spirits, Reina stopped by his office after school and brought him lunch. Nothing fancy, just a grilled salmon salad for her and blackened catfish for him. After knocking lightly, she stepped into his office, expecting him to smile at the sight of her. He didn’t. Instead, he grumbled a quick hello before returning his attention to the paperwork he was reading over.
For a moment, Reina just stood there with the bag in her hand
. This wasn’t the first time she’d visited him while he was at work, but it was the first time she’d felt intrusive in doing so. Hudson never looked at her without smiling and staring, but he hadn’t looked at her for more than a second before practically dismissing her presence.
“I um…” She looked around his office before her eyes settled back on him. “Brought you lunch since you didn’t eat breakfast.”
“Thanks,” he mumbled, picking up a stack of papers and letting them fall onto the floor by his feet. “You can sit it right there.”
“Is it…” Reina paused, unsure if she even wanted to ask anymore. “Is it okay if I eat with you?”
“I’m probably not gonna eat any time soon, Reina. Just wanna work right now.”
Chuckling quietly, she walked over to his desk and sat the bag down. Staring down at him, she sucked her teeth before pressing the palms of her hands into his desk.
“You can’t look at me, Hudson? What the hell is going on with you?”
Chucking his pen down onto his desk, Hudson sat back in his seat and gave her his attention.
“Just go home, Reina. I don’t want to talk to you right now, aight?”
Slow and disbelieving, her head shook as her chin trembled. Her mouth twisted to the side as her body caved. Reina’s stare was long and riddled with pain before she broke eye contact and spun around to head for the door.
“Shit,” she heard fall from his mouth quietly. He leaped from his seat as he called her name, but she ignored him as she opened his door. Before she could make it down the hall, Hudson was grabbing her and turning her back in his direction as he ran his palm down his face. “I’m sorry, Golden. That came out a lot harsher than I meant for it to.”
