Be My Forever: A BWWM Romance (Make It Marriage Book 2)

by Nia Arthurs

  I stare at the back of his head as he leads me forward.

  Thick brown hair.

  Broad shoulders, strong enough to shelter me from any storm.

  To bear the weight of the world.

  A task he carried out bravely ever since he was a kid.

  Troy grew up taking care of his mother. He stood in line to collect food stamps. Bought the groceries. Got clothes from Goodwill. Missed out-of-state basketball games because he couldn’t afford them. And he didn’t complain.

  Things got better when he met us. Still, he carried such heavy responsibilities at home.

  I hate that I’m burdening him.

  Hate that he has to take care of me.

  Hate that I’m anything like his mom.

  I wiggle my hand free when we get to my bedroom door. “I’m fine.”

  “As someone who uses that word a lot when it doesn’t apply, I call B.S.”

  He’s throwing my words right back at me. That draws a smile.

  He steps closer. “I’ll tuck you in.”

  “It’s not—”

  He swoops me up, bridal style. Into his arms. Pulls me close.

  Our faces only inches apart.

  Brown eyes burn into me. “Argument over?”

  I nod.

  Fighting requires the kind of energy I just don’t have.

  Troy carries me to the bed. He balances one knee on the mattress.

  It dips. He lowers me onto the pillow. Steps back. Turns to leave.

  I snatch his wrist.

  He stops and glances over his shoulder.

  “Stay,” I beg.

  He turns completely. A flicker of uncertainty crosses his face.

  I pat the side of the bed. “I’m not going to try anything.”

  “That’s not what I’m worried about.”

  I scoot back.

  He sighs. Kicks off his shoes. Gets in with me.

  I cuddle close.

  He holds me tightly.

  His arms are comfortable.

  I fall asleep.

  That night, I dream about the room with the plastic stars again.

  The door opens and the footsteps thud slowly.

  The weird, cheerful music plays again.

  I shake in fear again.

  Don’t touch me. Please don’t touch me.

  Then I wake up.

  Dripping in sweat.

  Terrified.

  My heart pounding.

  Troy pulls me in. He’s still sleeping, but his lips find my forehead. Places a gentle kiss there.

  It’s instinctual.

  Like he’s paying attention even when his eyes are closed.

  I soak him in. Press myself as close to him as I can.

  The terror slinks away.

  I stare at his face.

  He blinks. Meets my eyes. Are you okay?

  I nod.

  For now.

  But Troy won’t be here all the time.

  Sooner or later, I’ll have to face the monsters in the closet alone.

  Troy kisses my cheek. Settles his chin against the side of my face. “I’m not going anywhere, V.”

  My heart thuds even harder.

  It’s the right thing to say.

  And damn if that doesn’t make me fall for him a little more.

  Twenty-Three

  Troy

  I leave Venus sleeping in bed.

  Sunlight steals into the room.

  Sharp rays of shimmering gold.

  It points to the bed.

  To Venus.

  She’s curled up in the sheets, her mouth slightly slacking. Slender hands are pressed beneath her brown chin. Voluminous curls spill all over the pillows.

  It’s my fault.

  I should have remembered that she wears a bonnet to bed. Hopefully, her hair’s not too tangled.

  I rub my chin. Then the bridge of my nose.

  My head’s aching like I didn’t sleep a wink last night.

  Damn. This is pathetic.

  A promise, a hug and a wash was all I could give her yesterday.

  Today, that won’t be enough.

  Not with everything she’s going through.

  There’s got to be more I can do for her.

  Something tangible.

  Something that will drain all the anger building in her veins.

  And mine too.

  The fury…

  The rage…

  I need to tear someone up—preferably the pedophile who texted her, threatened her, did Lord knows what to her…

  Fumbling for my phone, I check for new messages.

  TEALE: Fred Bateman.

  TEALE: That’s the name on the registered account.

  TEALE: Still working on the second number.

  I sigh.

  ME: Thanks.

  I want to look him up, but I choose to make breakfast instead. That bastard’s profile will always be there.

  I flip the last pancake and slide the crackling bacon into a plate.

  My phone rings.

  I check the screen, hoping it’s Teale.

  But it’s not.

  It’s Evan.

  Guilt flogs my chest.

  I press IGNORE and set my phone face down.

  Last night, I kissed Venus.

  A mistake.

  I shouldn’t have touched her. I can’t have her.

  And I can’t look Evan in the eyes knowing my desire for her won over my loyalty to him.

  Soft footsteps pull me out of my thoughts.

  Venus stands at the base of the stairs in her little shorts and tank top. Messy curls dangle over her left shoulder and back. She yawns sleepily. Slender legs shuffle toward me.

  My heart turns over.

  I want her.

  Every inch of her.

  Her soul.

  Her secrets.

  Her darkness.

  I’d take them in my hands. Treasure them. Because they’re a part of her.

  I’d protect her to my dying breath.

  I’d love her until she forgot every thought.

  But my love isn’t what she needs.

  Not when her world is turning over.

  She gets closer. Looks up at me with those deep brown eyes. “Morning.”

  “Morning.”

  “You made breakfast.”

  “Yeah. You hungry?”

  “Not really.” She frowns. Stares at the ground. Then she meets my eyes again. “But I wouldn’t want your hard work to go to waste.”

  I offer a strained smile.

  She pulls out a chair. Sits.

  I clear my throat. Struggle to find our way back to normalcy. “Are you going into work today?”

  “I have to pay for my apartment, even if I’m not living in it.” She reaches for a pancake.

  I slide the syrup closer to her.

  She thanks me with a nod. “Besides, I have to get revenge on Kayla for matching you with someone behind my back.”

  “Kayla?”

  “Yup.” Venus takes a bite. Munches. Swallows. “Did you think I set you up with Charisma last night?”

  I lean my elbows on the counter. “You are my matchmaker.”

  “True.”

  “Not a big leap.”

  “I guess you’ll just have to fire me. In this case, I don’t want to be good at my job.”

  A knot tightens in my stomach. “Venus…”

  “Don’t.”

  “I’ve thought about this.”

  “That’s your problem.” She side-eyes me. “You think too much.”

  She looks so damn appealing. Even when she’s being saucy.

  “There’s a lot to consider.”

  “Like my brother? He’d get over it eventually.” She sets her fork down. Stares at me like she’s gearing up to fight. “And my job? I’m good and I’ll get that promotion some other way. If it’s the no-dating-a-client thing, I’ll just get fired. Any other objections?”

  She’s stubborn.

  Damn. I ado
re her.

  Even if I have to be the mature one between us.

  “You love your job.”

  “Some things are more important.”

  “Still…”

  “What? What else is there? I’ve already told you I don’t care about your age. Unless…” Her smile wavers. The gleam in her eyes fades. “It’s because of what we found out last night. About what might have happened to me…”

  “Hell no.” The fact that she’d even think that breaks my heart.

  “Then why? I’m not crazy.” She squeezes her eyes shut. “You kissed me last night. I didn’t force you.”

  Can’t argue with facts.

  So I say nothing.

  Her eyes pop open. Brown. Vulnerable. Trusting. “You want me, don’t you?”

  “Yes.”

  No sense hiding it.

  Wanting Venus has never been the problem.

  “But things aren’t that easy.”

  “Who cares?” She laughs darkly. “My life is a freaking mess right now. I have no idea what’s real and what’s fake anymore, but the one thing I do know”—she stares into my eyes—“is how I feel about you. How I’ve always felt about you.”

  I study the slight tremble in her words. The red-rimmed edges of her eyes. She’s coming undone.

  I want to find all her broken places and hold them together. I need it as much as I need my next breath. As much as I need her to be happy. As much as I need anything.

  “Come here.”

  She stops. Appraises me.

  I motion at her.

  She moves out of her chair and climbs into my lap.

  I slide my arm around her waist.

  She rests her head on my shoulder.

  I inhale her scent.

  She fits so perfectly. Feels so right in my arms.

  “You, Papi, Mrs. G, Evan—you’re the only people that gave a damn about me. You know that, right?”

  “I know,” she mumbles.

  “I don’t want to lose you. Any of you.”

  She sits up. Her hair tumbles over her eyes. She holds it back with a hand. “You won’t.”

  “You’re too important to me.” I move a stubborn curl that pops out of her grip back with my fingers. “I want to be careful.”

  “You want to go slow? I can do slow.”

  I give her a disbelieving look.

  “I can.”

  “And Evan…”

  She groans. “Can we put off telling him for a bit? I want to live long enough to sleep with you.”

  I chuckle. Touch her shoulder. “We should tell him. Today.”

  She groans again.

  “At least about everything else that’s been going on.”

  She thinks about it. Holds out a hand. “Deal.”

  I wrap my fingers around her wrist. Pull her in. Seal the deal with a kiss.

  Her lips are soft.

  Pliable.

  “Mm.” She pulls back. Wraps an arm around my neck. “I like this already.”

  There are a million reasons why this is wrong.

  But I nod.

  Because the truth is…

  “I like it too.”

  Twenty-Four

  Venus

  “Knock, knock.” My door eases open. A brown paper bag with Brew Drop’s logo on the center pops into sight.

  “No one’s home.”

  “I brought an apology,” Kayla says, everything but her arm still hidden behind the door.

  “Cinnamon buns?” I scoot out of my chair and strut around my desk.

  She shakes the bag. “Among other things.”

  “Hm.”

  The door opens. She shuffles through, her eyes on me.

  “I didn’t say you could enter.”

  “My arm hurts.” She rotates her shoulder as if I’m to blame. “And people were watching.”

  I fold my arms over my chest. “You think bringing me breakfast is enough of an apology?”

  “It was all I could think of.”

  “You lack creativity.”

  “I’m not you, okay. I don’t…” she gestures to the paper bag, “do this.”

  I laugh.

  “What?”

  “You’re cute. I see why Brendon likes you.”

  “I told him what happened yesterday. You should know that he called me out on your behalf.”

  “I’m sure he softened the blow later too.”

  She blushes. “There was that, but I got the message. I was out of line and—”

  “Troy and I are dating,” I blurt.

  Her jaw drops.

  A big, cheesy grin spreads on my face.

  So much crap has happened.

  There’s more in store.

  But I’m stupidly, foolishly happy.

  And I needed to share it with someone.

  “Venus, that’s… great.”

  I tilt my head. “You don’t sound convinced.”

  “No. I mean that. It’s just so sudden. How did… I mean…”

  “We were talking about his date last night.” I lean against my desk. “We both got jealous. It forced us to face the truth. In a sense, we owe it all to you.”

  “You’re welcome. I guess.”

  “But you still suck for going behind my back like that.”

  She winces. “Noted.”

  “And…” I drop my gaze to the floor, “about me being closed up—”

  “Oh, no. Venus, please. Forget I said that. It was low. And I’m the last person who should be accusing anyone of keeping secrets. That was so hypocritical.”

  I shake my head. “You were right. I do have a habit of holding people at arm’s length. I don’t know. I just… I have a problem with trust. It’s why all the guys on my rotation never stick around for long.”

  “The Itch Scratchers?” She smiles.

  “Right.” I swallow hard.

  Problems with intimacy.

  It’s a symptom of childhood abuse, but I don’t want to think about that right now.

  I’d rather fantasize about Troy.

  And all the ways I plan on speeding up this ‘go slow’ agreement we’ve struck.

  “With Troy, it’s different. He’s always been around. I’ve been in love with him since as long as I can remember. He’s like a part of me. It’d be ridiculous to hide something from myself.”

  “I’m happy for you. Honestly. Congratulations.”

  “Thanks.”

  “But,” she chews on her bottom lip, “what about the company? He’s still technically a client. If they find out you two were together on the job…”

  “I’ll hand in my resignation if I have to.”

  She gasps. “Venus, no way. This is my fault. I sent in Troy’s match. If anyone’s getting fired, it’s me.” She jerks her chin down. “I’ll sort everything out. I promise.”

  “Okay.” I happily open the bag and grab a cinnamon roll.

  She gives me the dark eye. “Aren’t you concerned? I could get fired.”

  “Your boyfriend is a billionaire. I think you’ll survive.” I chuckle. “Even if you’re fired, he can buy the entire company.” I plop into the chair across from her and kick up my legs. “Let me know when you clear that up. ”

  Kayla scowls.

  I chew happily.

  “Well, thanks for forgiving me. I guess.”

  “You’re welcome.” I sigh contentedly. “You should mess up more often. I like getting snacks personally delivered.”

  Kayla shakes her head, but a corner of her lips tilts up. “Troy has his hands full.”

  “He sure does.”

  Still half-smirking, Kayla leaves.

  I make a few phone calls to check up on clients and then I text Troy.

  ME: Did you call Evan yet?

  My phone rings almost immediately.

  I pick up, my body melting into the armchair as his voice rumbles over me.

  “Hey.”

  Ah…

  It’s like a magic spell.

  Any
time I hear or see or think about Troy, nothing else matters.

  “Hey.” I twirl my hair.

  “I was just about to call you.”

  “To say something dirty?”

  “Something dirty.”

  I chuckle. “Now whisper it.”

  He lowers his voice. “Something dirty.”

  I laugh so hard someone knocks on my door asking if I’m alright.

  “I’m fine!” I yell to my concerned co-worker and then I mumble into the phone, “People will think I’ve gone crazy.”

  “If they think that, they’re slow on the uptake. You’ve always been crazy.”

  “And what does that make you for wanting a crazy woman?”

  “An idiot?”

  I bark out another laugh.

  I can hear Troy smiling on the other end even though I can’t see him. “I just wanted to check up on you. See how your day was going.”

  My heart melts.

  He’s so freaking sweet.

  How the hell am I supposed to keep myself from jumping him the minute I get home?

  “Kayla just dropped off some cinnamon rolls.” I glance at the paper bag on my desk. “She apologized.”

  “You accepted it?”

  “Yeah. She’s my best friend.”

  “I’m glad.” He pauses. “I told Evan to meet us at Fernando’s tonight.”

  “That little Mexican restaurant?”

  “We can go somewhere else if you like.”

  “No, that’ll work. I’ll see you then.”

  “Okay.”

  The conversation’s over and I have work to do. I’m sure he does too, but we both linger on the phone.

  I roll my eyes closed.

  Picture his handsome face. His chest. His rows of abs. That delicious V going down to his...

  “What are you thinking?” Troy asks.

  “About my hands all over you.”

  “Where exactly?”

  “Mm… if I tell you, you’ll want me home for lunch.”

  “You mean dessert?”

  “Uh-uh, Mr. Maddox. This doesn’t count as going slow.”

  “No, it doesn’t.” His voice is low, sexy. “We can make an exception.”

  “How convenient.”

  “Fine. You can suffer.”

  “I still have my fantasy.”

  His voice is crackling with wicked intent. “Not as good as the real thing.”

  My breath thickens.

  My body starts to cry out for his touch.

  I need cold water.