Intensity

by Eden Fortae

  A decision was made. Fuck his games and fuck sipping slowly. She was going to need another cup.

  SEVENTEEN

  Just being that close to her managed to ease the strain and stress of his day. Seeing her was enough to make the flames that still burned for her feel more like a raging forest fire.

  Half expecting Kya to turn around and slap him, Antonio braced for it. Instead, she pried his hand from her waist, finger by finger, and turned to face him. From behind, he had the pleasure of admiring the way her dress hugged her hips until it reached her thighs. From behind, his imagination went to work with the possibilities of what awaited him in the frontal view. A face with very little makeup, features that called to him in his sleep and even when he blinked.

  What he was expecting was nothing like what he received. Kya’s painted purple lips twisted. Her pretty brown eyes swirling with lingering pain and anger. Both a sign that she was not to be played with.

  Again, expectation got the best of him. Rather than a snide and sassy remark parting Kya's lips, she said nothing as her shoulders sagged and she walked away with his sister. He knew she was not ready for that kind of closeness, but he needed it to selfishly sate himself.

  To his right, he heard a low whistling and as a result, spared his father a fleeting glance.

  “You can tell how deeply a woman is hurt by how silent she becomes. I don’t know her well, and I’m almost positive that her hurt is rooted.”

  No shit old man.

  “Yeah, I’m working on fixing it.”

  “By the looks of things, not very hard.”

  Again, Antonio looked over at his father growing a little irritated by the unsolicited advice. Adding fuel to the fire, Javier motioned him over to the grill as if wanting to speak a little more privately. Although the family and friends that were around seemed preoccupied with each other, Antonio took the necessary steps to keep the conversation between them.

  “I had no intention of ever telling you this story because I know how much you love your mother and don’t want to give you more reason to resent me. However, I am because it may help you.” He took a long deep breath making it clear just how much he did not want to proceed.

  “When I was on trial, a lot of shit that your mother had no knowledge of came out. I watched her try to remain strong as she listened to a woman that I had no business with, dish out intimate details of my betrayal. The first time I was able to see her without the presence of others was from on two different sides of bulletproof glass. In the beginning, I had done everything possible to make sure that beautiful face had a smile on it and in a moment of selfishness and carelessness, I stole her reason to be happy. That day, she was so silent. Only spoke when it was required. I hated it more than not being able to touch her. I had to fix it. I had to try my best to make her realize that she was everything I wanted and needed despite my actions.”

  Antonio felt his teeth grinding. His father was right with his assumption. Hearing how hurt his mother had been only pissed him off more.

  “I had to ask myself if I wanted her to stop being angry with me or if I really wanted her. Ask yourself the same thing, Tonito. Do you just want her to stop being mad at you or do you really want her?”

  “Both.” His answer was swift and unequivocal.

  “No, listen to what I’m saying, Tonito. Are you only interested in Kya not being angry anymore or do you really want her?”

  This time he thought about it. In his previous answer, he was speaking of the fact that he was tired of not being able to just talk to Kya like they used to. Of not being able to take her melodic laughter like a happy pill that could cure everything that was wrong in his world. Those things were things he wanted desperately. Just to be able to pick her up from work or take her to dinner would be satisfying enough. Even if it meant they had nothing more. Although, more was what Antonio truly desired.

  “I really want her.”

  Just as he said that Kya came back outside with an aluminum pan in her hands followed by his mother and sister. He felt like a bitch for loving the idea of her helping his mother in the kitchen and had to shake his head to rid himself of that shit.

  “Well, there she is and here’s your chance to show her.”

  Helping Elia served as the best distraction for Kya until there was nothing left to do but take a seat within the shady part of the yard. Just her and her cup. Every time someone walked in, Karrina popped up from her chair and abandoned her only to lead them to Kya. It did not surprise her that everyone greeted her with a knowing smile, but no one was smiling harder than their cousin Donny.

  As he held out his hand to Kya, he grinned like a child that got away with stealing a cookie. He seemed to take pleasure in introducing her to his parents, an older man that resembled Javier with a head of short grey curls that were very appealing thanks to his still dark goatee and a tall Asian woman that instantly pulled Kya in for a hug.

  For the most part, the atmosphere was laid back, relaxed, and gave off a feeling of family that Kya could not remember experiencing with her own blood. Her father’s family consisted of snooty, stick thin bitches that loved to point to her ass and thighs and call her fat. Her mother’s family, limited to elderly Aunts and Uncles that lived in other states.

  Halfway through her first cup of punch, Kya was able to let go of the tension brought about by her comparison, as well as Antonio and the dull burn created by his touch.

  “Great news everyone!” Christian walked out the back door with Anthony up on his shoulders. “I brought the shrimp!”

  “Hey! I’m no shrimp!”

  “But you’re tiny and kind of look like a bug. You sure you’re not a shrimp? Maybe one of us should take a bite to see if you taste like one.”

  At that, a woman that Kya had not yet been introduced to walked over to the little boy and playfully nipped his cheek while dragging her fingers across his belly. Something about her was familiar enough for Kya to stare. In doing so, she saw the woman motion with her hands. She signed something that Anthony and Christian both found to be very amusing.

  “She signed to him that he doesn’t taste like shrimp, but he does taste like feet.”

  So caught up in the beauty of that woman, Antonio’s arrival beside her went unnoticed. Somehow, he was able to fold his six-foot-plus frame into the chair beside her and observe her enough to know what she was thinking. Instead of allowing his presence to annoy her, Kya brought her cup to her lips, feeding the buzz already bringing her to a comfortable state of peace.

  “Did you get the flowers? You look beautiful as always.”

  Again, she opted to say nothing. A quick smile and that was all he would get. The intent was not to be a bitch, but not give off a false sense of forgiveness. Although seeing him with his hair out, tattoos on his arms exposed, and the dark shadow of stubble reclaiming the skin along his jaws spoke to the sexual parts of her being, seeing him also reminded her of the last time they were together. It reminded her of why she should have declined the invitation to be a part of something that had nothing to do with her. It threw back the fact that he manipulated her with sweet words just like those.

  She stood, smoothing out her dress. Where she was going didn’t matter. As long as it put distance between them.

  Antonio’s hand shot out and circled her wrist. He stood directly in her path, ducking his head to gain the eye contact she sought to avoid. Orbs the same shade as honey finally locked with his. Through his features, it was evident that he was bothered by the raw emotion that changed her softness to rightful anger.

  “I don’t want to make you feel like coming here was a mistake. I just want the chance to talk to you. Maybe for you to scream at me or whatever it will take to make things right.”

  “Because you realize how boring life is without having me to play with?”

  “Because you brought something to my life that I had not realized I was missing.”

  They were only words. Just sweet words that held no meaning i
f she did not allow it. Kya kept repeating that in her head in hopes that the warmth in her heart would fade. When she tried to pull away from Antonio, his thumb brushed over the back of her hand, and he stepped closer, clutching her chin between his thumb and index finger.

  Why? Why did his touch always forge a path of heat that spread throughout her body? Why was it that everything he did caused such an impact? Why was a man that admitted to being a liar, so irresistible?

  Antonio did not ask for permission nor did he wait for a sign before leaning in and planting a short but sweet kiss on her lips. At first, Kya was pissed having felt like he tore down the walls she worked so hard to put up. Then that same heat was back. Warmed her lips to the point that they felt swollen.

  “We don’t have to talk right now. After everything is over here, we can go for a walk or whatever you want. Think about it.”

  He let her go a second later and was walking toward Donny and Christian when suddenly he stopped and came back with the beauty that held her captive moments before.

  “Kya, this is my big sister, Julie. The way you were looking at her, I figured no one had introduced you yet.”

  Rapidly Julie signed something to him and turned back to Kya.

  “Nice to finally meet you.” To Kya’s surprise, Julie’s words were clearly spoken. Low with a lot of effort, but clear.

  “Can you tell her that it’s nice to meet her, too?”

  “You just did,” Julie responded instead of Antonio. “I can hear a little, and I read your lips.” Her smile revealed those dreaded dimples. However, Kya could not figure out what it was about Julie that she found so alluring. Maybe it was the fact that she had an adult version of her son’s baby face. Heart-shaped and damned near perfect. Perhaps it was merely her kind spirit shining through her eyes.

  “I’m sorry. Please forgive me for staring. You’re so beautiful.”

  “Thank you! You are stunning yourself.” Quickly she signed something to her brother, to which he replied with his hands making it evident that Kya was no longer apart of the conversation. The shift made it seem as if she were intruding and was her cue to walk away. However, before she could, Antonio grabbed hold of her for the second time, and Julie beamed, walking away.

  As if his earlier kiss were not enough, he leaned into Kya, pressing his lips to her ear. “She said if I’m smart I’ll make you her sister-in-law before her son grows up and makes you her daughter-in-law.”

  He prepared himself to head to his friends again when Kya turned the tables, grabbing hold of him. “And what did you say back to her?”

  “I told her, Anthony would have to fight me for you.” Their eyes met; briefly, his hand slyly slipped down to clasp hers. “Come. My Uncle should be blessing the food soon.”

  She should have pulled her hand free. A minute ago, she should have told Antonio off for kissing her. At that moment, she should have stopped and held firm to let him know that while she considered a talk, they were not the couple he wanted people to believe they were. Yet, she allowed him to lead her like the weak bitch she felt she was every time he came around. Too caught up in his aura. Seduced by his charm.

  Suddenly, Kya was smacked hard against the hip. A full breath was stolen from her lungs as she worked to stay on her feet. Two small arms wrapped around her.

  “Hi, Kya! Guess what? Uncle Chris took me to the toy store and let me pick out three games for my Wii-U and got me a new monster truck with a remote to it. You want to play one of my games with me? I’ll teach you.”

  First Javier and his kindness, Antonio and his seduction, now Anthony and his cuteness?

  Thanks to him, Kya was able to pull herself away from Antonio. As best she could, she hugged him back. The boy was growing on her and just like his Uncle, it was happening, too, fast. Having met him for the first time that morning, there was no way he should have been embracing her so openly nor should she have been comfortable enough to stroke his hair.

  “You’ll teach me? You’re such a sweetheart.”

  “Sorry, Bro,” Christian popped up on the other side of them patting Antonio on the back, “ I intended to warn you, but as you can see, your clone has begun to move in on your woman.”

  “I see. We’re going to have to teach him.” The two shared a look and without warning, pounced on Anthony. Christian locked the boy's arms behind his head while Antonio sent playful jabs to his stomach and chest. The laughter he filled the backyard with also found its way to Kya’s heart. Subconsciously she added Anthony to the growing list of reasons why she should allow Antonio to have another chance. With that chance, she stood to gain things that no set amount of money could buy. Things she always longed for.

  Because fate is a slimy, knowing, bitch, Antonio looked up and smiled a smile that prompted another sip from her cup. Those sips turned into gulps after grace was said and Karrina returned from the store with more beer and other forms of alcohol for those who were not brave enough to take on Elia’s punch. Together they sat in the chairs situated beneath the tree overlapping the fence where they ate, and Karrina filled her in on the family drama.

  Despite the harsh glares he was receiving from his sister, Antonio’s presence never decreased. He supplied Kya with a plate of food, practically waiting on her hand and foot between talks with his boys and helping with the grill. Every time he came back, it was with something for Kya. Small bites of food for her to sample and cups of water to help balance the alcohol drowning out her thoughts and concerns.

  All too soon the bright orange glow that once washed over the yard was quickly replaced by darkness. Tiki candles kept everything visible, and while many were leaving, the party was still going.

  Drunk was the wrong word to describe what she felt. Lovely and tipsy were a much better fit. Although she found everything amusing, she was able to sober up enough when Anthony came and made himself comfortable between her and his Aunt. Karrina, however, was beyond the limit. Proved it as she clumsily pulled the little boy from his chair to her lap.

  “This my baby.” She slurred, planting big kisses all over his face. “You know you’re my baby, right, mi sobrino? You can come to my house any time you want, and I’ll feed you cake and candy for breakfast because you are my baby and you can have whatever you.”

  “Cake for breakfast?”

  “I said what I said! Don’t judge me, bitch.”

  “Ohhh, Aunt Rina!”

  “Dammit, kid!” She reached for her purse in the other chair only to have Christian walk up and get it for her.

  “What do you need?”

  “A dollar.”

  “Because she said a bad word, again.”

  “Chris, I swear if you tell me to watch my mouth...”

  “You’ll what? You probably can’t even stand up on your own, right now.”

  She made a face. One that said challenge accepted. Just as clumsily as she pulled Anthony into her lap, she tried to ease him into his own chair. Before he had the chance to hit the ground, Kya caught him and brought him against her. Without hesitation, he rested against her legs, dropping his head on her shoulder.

  Karrina stood and almost fell back down. Had Christian not been there to catch her, she would have fallen hard and the laughter ripping through the night would probably be pleas for help.

  “That’s what I thought. Let’s say good-night to everyone while you can still speak actual words. Come on, Antman, your mother, should be done cleaning up, now.”

  “Go ahead and get her to the car. I’ll take care of him and meet you there.”

  “You good enough to walk on your own?”

  “I’m better than she is. Go. I’ll be right behind you.” Kya had decided to slow down on the drinking hours ago. Back when she caught herself undressing Antonio with her eyes. All evening he doted on her. Made sure she was comfortable and had more than enough to eat. To all who knew of the situation, he probably earned a slice of forgiveness. Kya could agree with that. He did win the right to talk to her, at least. One more c
up of that punch and talking would have been the last thing they did.

  Hand in hand with Anthony, she made the short trip to the house, through the hall, and into the kitchen. Elia and Julie were putting away the last of the food with Javier and Antonio alongside them. At the sight of his mother, who signed something to him, Anthony let Kya’s hand go and gave her a hug.

  “You’re coming to my house to play Skylanders with me, right?”

  “Yes. One day soon.”

  “You promise?”

  “Aye, gemelo? What if I buy you another Skylanders game to keep at my house. You can come over there to play with Kya?”

  Over his house? So, he was already anticipating her being in his home, again. Kya didn’t like that. Immediately she questioned if Antonio had something up his sleeve with the talk they were planning to have. A trick that filled him with enough confidence to say that in front of her.

  “Yes! And we can play it on the big TV in the basement?”

  “Of course. We can get the Wii-U from your room and take it down there.”

  “Ohh! Can we do it tonight, please?!”

  “Next weekend. You’re staying here with Papi and Abuela tonight. I promise I will come to get you and we can go get the game together.”

  “Ok.” Anthony reluctantly agreed. Antonio scooped him up into his arms and gave him a tight hug that chipped off another piece of ice. If that wasn’t enough, Kya heard Antonio tell the boy he loved him. Anthony responded in kind. He unabashedly kissed his nephew on the top of his head and let him down. In the same manner, Antonio regarded his mother and sister. Both women came to Kya with open arms and smiles that were in no way forced.

  Julie hugged her first, followed by Elia. She said something to her in rapid Spanish and nodded at Antonio in the end. If the look she gave her son was telling of what she’d just said, Kya figured she won his mother’s approval. Javier approached her as soon as Elia pulled away. His goodbye was a wordless wink and a slight smile. Just as deadly and seductive as she previously thought.