Love Me Always

by Peyton Banks

  Joshua’s brows furrows. “I’m not going to ever hurt you, sweetheart. You and only you have been the only woman for me. No other woman I dated in the past ever came close to what I had… or have with you.”

  Tears brimmed in my eyes from his words. I was just about to speak, but this time Joshua hushes me, by placing a finger against my lips.

  “Give me your complete trust, baby. Give me your heart.”

  Oh, my God. Joshua didn’t even realize that he had always had my heart… even when I thought otherwise.

  Joshua’s fiery brown gaze searched mine. His grip on my waistline tightened.

  I smiled when Joshua brushed a stray tear away that slid down my cheek. “My trust and my heart is yours—”

  I barely get the words out my mouth before Joshua slams his thick, succulent lips down on mine. Joshua’s tongue enters my mouth and swirls, capturing mine in a tantalizing dance. He tugged my body closer to his, the stroke of his tongue causes my pussy to throb, the nip of his teeth against my bottom lip made me moan. His big hands slide down to grab my ass. I love to feel the hardness of his dick against my body, as he began to grind.

  “Make love to me,” I panted. I could feel my heart slamming against my chest from the anticipation of Joshua being inside of me.

  Joshua’s sexy stare caresses over my face, as he slowly releases my lips. He grinned, and my pussy pulses.

  “I plan to do just that,” he replied.

  This time, he takes my hand and leads me over to the bed. Our clothes seemed to melt off, as we helped one another remove them.

  Joshua pushes me down on the bed and hovers over me. His head dips and caresses his mouth against mine, then his mouth moved to my neckline. Joshua’s mouth trailed against my flesh, slowly leaving a burning path in its wake. I luxuriate in the hard feel of his masculine body against mine.

  Joshua’s hungry, ravenous mouth trails all over my body, before returning back to my mouth. He cupped my face between his hands; my mouth opens to his delving tongue.

  I moan when one hand cups my breast, and he gives it a gentle squeeze before his fingers give my nipple a pinch. “The taste of you is addictive,” Joshua grunted out. His thick arms move beneath my ass, and his dick bumps against my slick folds.

  My hips arched, and my thighs opened wider to receive every thick, hard length of him inside my core.

  My back arched when Joshua captured a brown pebbled nipple into his hot mouth. He sucks and gives a long pull, as a jolt of electricity shoots straight to my core. I cry out when his pulsing shaft slammed home. I roll my hips with each of his ferocious thrusts.

  “Shit,” Joshua grunted, “you have some good pussy. So tight and wet.”

  “Mm, it feels so good,” I moaned.

  Joshua’s deep grunts filled the room with my salacious moans. My hips undulate up, down and around, as his dick glided in and out of me. Joshua was big enough that his girth bumped against my clit with a grind.

  My thighs tightened around Joshua’s trim waist, as his dick plunged deeper inside my wetness. Joshua’s mouth slid back down my neck, his breath was deliciously hot against my flesh. The room now filled with the scent of our passion, the sound of his grunts and my whimpers.

  “I love the way I feel inside of you, Jada.”

  “Mm, I love the way you feel inside of me,” I panted.

  “So fucking wet,” Joshua grunted. His breath caressed my ear, as he continued to thrust into me harder and faster.

  Suddenly, without warning, my pussy clenched, and I’m thrown into bliss as I orgasm. “I’m cumming!” I shout. My slick core clenched and pulsed around Joshua’s hard length.

  “Fuck, I’m cumming,” Joshua joined me in falling over the cliff. Joshua’s mouth captured mine. His tongue intertwined with mine. He thrust even deeper than he did before, and I can feel the hotness of his seed splash against my shuddering wall.

  Joshua rolled over, pulling me on top without disconnecting from my core. I lie there against his chest, with his beating heart against my ear.

  “I love you so much, Jada.” Joshua caressed my back, as he spoke. “I will never chance being without you again. You will marry me, won’t you?”

  Surprise and joy rush through me at the same time. “What will you do if I say no?” I teased.

  “Kidnap you and not let you out of my sight until you say yes,” Joshua responded, without a bit of hesitation.

  “Yes, I will marry you, Joshua,” I said, as he hardened inside of me once again and proceeded to make love to me all over again.

  The next day, Joshua went and purchased me a four-carat, solitaire-cut diamond ring as my engagement ring. Suffice it to say, I felt like the happiest woman on earth. I even whispered a prayer of thanks… thanking God for a second chance at love.

  Epilogue

  Jada

  One Year Later

  When I was younger, I dreamt of a life with Joshua until that dream blew up in flames and turned into ashes. I thought when I fell in love with Joshua when I was a teen, I understood all there was to know about love. But many years later proved me wrong. Today, I stand before God, vowing my love, loyalty, and trust to a man that I will spend the rest of my life with.

  Now, I understood as a woman that I cannot run away from love because of fear and doubt. I had no more doubt that I’m ready to begin a new life with Joshua. Today, my dreams rose up from the ashes and turned into something beautiful.

  Today is my wedding day. I didn’t want a big wedding, but one with close family and friends. My dad giving me away, as I made my way down the aisle in a princess cut dress with lots of tiny white beads at the halter. The scooped back dipped all the way down to the small of my back.

  Asia, my maid of honor, wore a pretty lavender dress, and she was escorted by my younger brother.

  Samuel, one of Joshua’s pro basketball friends, was his best man. Samuel was tall like Joshua, but he oozed cockiness. I noticed him and my friend Asia sending one another hot, simmering gazes since he arrived.

  Asia’s little cousin, Micah, carried our rings, and my dad and I followed Micah up the aisle to the minister.

  Joshua’s eyes stayed glued on me, until my dad placed my hand in his. My dad kissed me on my cheek and whispered in my ear, “Your mother would have been so proud.” I didn’t miss the gleam of tears in his eyes, as he made his way to his seat to sit beside my stepmom of the last four years.

  I gave my dad one last glance, before turning to my future husband.

  “Jada, you are so beautiful. I can’t wait to get you all to myself,” Joshua whispered against my ear.

  “I can’t wait either,” I replied, as joy radiated through my heart. I couldn’t believe that this man would be my husband in a matter of minutes.

  The minister cleared his throat to get our attention. “Joshua and Jada have written their own vows. Joshua you may begin,” the minister directed.

  “Jada,” Joshua began, as his dark brown gaze turned serious. “I first fell in love with you when I was only a boy. I thought I had lost you and all the love we shared because of a foolish error in my judgment. I thank God every day that you gave me another chance, and now I stand before you a man that wants to spend the rest of his life making you happy. I want to wake up to you every morning and lie down with you every night. I want you to one day bear my children. I promise to never betray you. I’ll never let a day pass without proving to you that you are my number one priority—that you are loved.”

  Happy tears slid down my cheeks. Joshua wiped them away with his thumbs. “I love you,” he mouthed, with a big grin on his handsome face.

  I smiled so wide, that my cheeks began to ache.

  “Jada,” the minister prompted.

  “Joshua,” I started. “I knew since I first laid eyes on you all those years ago that you would somehow change my life for the better. I was a sad and depressed young girl when we first met. You walked into my life like a breath of fresh air. I could finally breathe and smile again.�
��

  Joshua’s eyes began to gleam, as he stared down at me. His hand tightened on mine, as I continued to speak.

  “We were only kids when we first fell in love, but even as teens, we knew that we wanted to be together for the rest of our lives. I thank God that you didn’t give up on me in all the years we were separated. I’m glad that God gave me the sense to see the good, upstanding and loyal man that you are. I’ve been given a second chance to have you by my side forever, and I won’t ever take you for granted. Today, I promise before God, our friends and family to love you and stand by your side always.”

  Joshua grinned and squeezed my hands again. The minister finished the ceremony and we exchanged rings.

  “You may now kiss the bride,” the minister directed.

  “Finally,” Joshua said, dragging me into his arms. Dipping his head, he planted a slow, thorough kiss against my lips. Our tongues tangled, and the people oohed and aahed until Joshua finally released me. I fanned my face and laughter radiated throughout the building.

  After the ceremony, our family and guests congratulated us on our marriage. Our reception was held at the Renaissance building along the river walk. The DJ played a variety of music for the young and old in attendance.

  “Come dance with me, Mrs. Perry,” Joshua said, once the wedding planner directed us to the dance floor.

  Joshua swept me into his embrace and placed a soft kiss against my mouth. We slow danced to The Matrimony by Wale.

  All eyes were on us, the new, happily married couple, as we had our first dance together as husband and wife.

  The song ended and Samuel, the best man, stepped up to the mic. “It’s time that I make the toast,” he said, getting everyone’s attention. Everyone grabbed their preferred drinks from the servers.

  Joshua held me close, as we turned our attention towards Samuel.

  “I’ve known Joshua since we ended up on the same team, The Kentucky Wildcats, back in 2008, and both of us got traded to the same Pro NBA team. He was and still is an upstanding guy. I’m so glad he finally snagged the woman of his dreams because this man never got over his first love. Let me tell you, Joshua would go on and on about Jada. He would reminisce about the things they did as kids, and he was adamant to going back to claim his woman one day. Joshua’s unending faith and tenacity should give all of us who seek our one true love hope for the future.”

  It didn’t go unnoticed when Asia and Samuel’s gazes clashed, and she blushed.

  “To love, and a lifetime of happiness!” Samuel said, finishing up his speech.

  “Thanks for that, Sam!” Joshua called out with a big grin on his face.

  “Anytime buddy,” he returned, giving us both a smile.

  Soon, Asia was up and giving her speech.

  “As you may know, I am the bride’s maid of honor and best friend. Jada is one of the sincerest and sweetest people I know. Through the many years I have known her, Jada has shown anyone she comes in contact with respect. To know her, is to love her. Today, she gives me hope that one day I will find my life partner and one true love. It’s with great joy to find that true love never ends. Today, I want to thank both of you for being a part of my life and thank you for giving me a chance to celebrate the love you two share. To Jada and Joshua, and a forever love.”

  “Here, here!” the guests applauded.

  The celebration went on for hours. Joshua leaned down and whispered against my ear, as we danced to another slow song.

  “Are you happy, Mrs. Perry?”

  “Ecstatically so, Mr. Perry,” I replied.

  “Forever,” Joshua said, before meshing his lips with mine.

  “Forever,” I whispered, knowing that our second chance was just the beginning of our lifetime of happiness.

  The End

  About the Author

  Theresa Hodge is an Alabama native - loving mother, wife, sister, aunt and friend. She is at her best when she is able to bring happiness to others. She loves to read almost as much as she loves to write fictional stories. Theresa finds writing therapeutic at times, especially during the loss of her oldest sister from breast cancer, which birthed her “Ask Me Again” Series. The compilation led to her writing several other books, including her bestselling “Noelle's Rock” series, among many others.

  Additionally, Theresa has a love affair with poetry. She began writing poetry at an early age, and it served as a catalyst for her growth as a writer.

  If she can bring a smile to your face and encourage someone else along her journey, she considers it a blessing beyond measure.

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  Fractured Light

  A Darkness Series Novella

  ALLY VANCE

  TRIGGER WARNING

  Contains scenes of violence and darker scenes which may affect readers sensitive to issues of abuse.

  BLURB

  For three years I've loved David, even as I feared him. His hands were cruel, his words spiteful; and yet I stayed. Until one day he ruined me almost beyond repair.

  * * *

  As I lay broken in the hospital, I sense something has changed. Officer Brandon saved my life, and he's determined to help me pick up all my fractured pieces and bring the light back into my dark world.

  1

  Derrick

  Another call out. A domestic disturbance in one of the apartment buildings in the district. The report says the couple involved are Mr. Smythe and Miss Castillo. The memory of the last few scenes I was called to visit flash through my mind. When will the nightmares end and happiness come for those who are suffering?

  I hate these calls, but my superior knows I’m one of the few who won’t let the abusive liars walk. Normally I’d have Officer Molly with me to assist in these cases, but since she’s on maternity leave, I’m partnered with Nicholas. He’ll be able to take care of the attacker while I see to the victim and determine whether they need medical care. Given the volume of urgency from the caller who reported the disturbance, I’m not entirely sure what we’ll find.

  It’s late so there’s little traffic to impede the time it takes to attend the scene. Leaving the hazards and our blues flashing, Nicholas and I exit the car and head into the building. Entering the elevator, we push the button and wait. When we get to the second floor, we locate apartment 23 and I knock loudly on the door.

  “Police! Open up!” I call out.

  The sounds of a scuffle followed by voices and crying, quickly stifled, come through the wood, and we draw our weapons in preparation. We don’t know if the perpetrator has a gun, but the intimidation factor of us being armed and ready should help diffuse the situation enough for us to take stock.

  The door opens a few inches, the chain latch preventing it from opening any wider. A hand with dirty nails and broken skin on the knuckles wraps around the warped wood, and a flushed face with bloodshot eyes and an unshaven jaw peers through the gap at the two of us.

  “What can I do for you, officers?” the man drawls, his lip curling with a sneer as he sizes me up.

  “Mr. Smythe. There was a report of a disturbance originating from your apartment, and we’re here to investigate the allegation,” I say, not faltering at his clear disdain for me.

  “Nothing going on here. You’re wasting your time,” he dismisses, but the furtive glance over his shoulder and the way his hand clenches the door isn’t fooling me.

  “May we come in?” I ask politely, but we all know it’s not a request.

  His eyes flicker between me, Nicholas, and behind him, and I know he doesn’t want to, but with an aggrieved sigh, he shuts the door briefly and unhooks the latch.

  “Sure, be my guest,” he responds sarcastically as he opens the door fully.

  Nodding to Nicholas, we both holster our weapons, but remain alert. Entering the cramped home, I take in the minor amount of mess on the floor, and on the wall, I see the cracked glass in the photos of this slimy asshole with his arm wrapped ar
ound a pretty young woman.

  “Officers, I’m not sure why you’re here. But as you can see everything is fine. Those nosy fucks next door need to mind their damn business.”

  “We just have a few questions to ask you,” I state, and he rolls his eyes in annoyance.

  “Sure,” he repeats, dropping heavily into the armchair nearest the television.

  “There was a report of a disturbance from one of your neighbors who heard shouting and screaming coming from your apartment. Care to explain what they heard?” I prompt, not buying into his smooth bullshit.

  “I was watching a horror movie. Maybe she just got spooked,” he dismisses, uninterested, but his eyes keep looking over my shoulder.

  It takes everything in me not to turn my head to follow where his gaze is aimed as I dutifully take notes. Nicholas is standing tense beside me, and I know, like me, he’s not believing a single word coming from this asshole’s mouth.

  A droplet of blood beads on Mr. Smythe’s knuckle and slides slowly down his finger.

  “How did you get those injuries?” I inquire.

  “These? Got them at work, musta split them open again,” he says, wiping his knuckles on his dark jeans.

  A heavy thud sounds from behind us, and his eyes narrow furiously.

  “Check that out,” I order Nicholas without hesitation.

  Mr. Smythe shifts in his seat, and his hands ball into fists

  “It’s just my dog, Aura,” he blurts out, “The little bitch musta knocked something over in the bedroom. I’ll sort her out once you’ve gone.”

  I don’t reach for my gun, nor do I stop Nicholas from investigating, but I’m alert to any sign of aggression from Mr. Smythe. The sound of a door opening reaches my ears. I don’t look around, though. My attention is focused entirely on Mr. Smythe.