by Posey Parks
“Looks like everyone is enjoying themselves.”
“Babe, you ain’t seen nothing yet. Wait until the D.J. arrives…” She glanced at her watch. “In an hour. Timothy had a custom dance floor installed just for special occasions. There are designated game areas set up. I love the outdoor theater. I was hoping tomorrow night…” Carmen closed the doors to the refrigerator and wrapped her arms around my waist. “You and I could sneak in a little alone time outside,” she smirked, peering into my eyes.
I leaned down capturing her lips. “We can definitely do that.”
“What the hell is going on in here,” Timothy growled.
His eyes were slits and he balled his large fists staring at us. I felt like I was about to get pulverized on the football field by their number one wide receiver. I won’t bitch down to them.
“Timothy, I’m kissing my woman. Something everyone does when they are in a relationship.”
“Everyone in relationships fuck too…” He inched closer. His dark brows lowered. “So that means your banging my sister.”
Carmen jumped between us. “Timothy, drop it.”
My lip curled at one end. “It’s ok, sweetheart. Your brother doesn’t intimidate me.”
I glared into his eyes. “If we were fucking yes. But we aren’t.”
I raised my finger. “If I was fucking your sister, I’d have no problem telling you I was. Again, she’s my woman and soon to be my wife.” I inched closer.
His eyebrows wrinkled. “Wait, what?”
“We’ll discuss my marrying your sister in one moment. Carmen has been scared shitless to date. If she wasn’t dating me, I doubt she would have brought a guy home to meet the family. She’s painted this picture of you guys meant to intimidate most men. All men. Except for me. And she knows that. Don’t you sweetheart?”
“Yes,” she stated clearly.
“Carmen isn’t worried about me getting my ass kicked. She just doesn’t want to see the men she loves fight.”
Carmen fell to my side clutching my hand.
He gave me the once over. “So, what because you are some rich white boy you think I can’t crush your pretty face?”
I dropped my head back in laughter. “Don’t let my father’s position as the governor of New Jersey fool you. I was born and raised in Newark, NJ. The Magarelli men are some tough motherfuckers.” I extended my hand.
“Once again. I am here to meet and get to know Carmen’s family.”
He glanced between Carmen and I. “You two have a united front. Cute.” He gripped my hand. “You’ll have to ask my father, Pete, and me for Carmen’s hand in marriage.”
“Honestly, I wouldn’t have expected anything less. I know she’s your sister and you want nothing but the best for her. I will always put her first.”
His lips slowly curled upward as his heavy hand landed on my shoulder. “Thanks, Dominic.”
“No problem, what are future brother-in-law’s for? I’ll crack open a bottle of Ciroc and we can discuss the Patriots hopefully returning to the AFC championship.”
He laughed. “Now you’re talking.”
CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE
CARMEN
My hand slammed against my heart. I released the air from my chest. That was close. There was not a chance in hell my man would’ve backed down. He told me on the flight here he’d ask for my hand in marriage and if they said no, he’d still marry me.
His words sent shivers down my spine. Dominic was the only man I could ever love. I couldn’t believe he hadn’t tried to make love to me. Too many times, I’ve rolled over in the middle of the night, grabbing his cock. Once he gripped my face, staring into my eyes. “We don’t have to rush.”
Those green eyes roamed my features. Fuck, I wanted him to devour me. I was the woman he chose to spend the rest of his life with. Every woman’s eyes on campus shot daggers in my direction as Dominic and I strolled across campus hand in hand.
“Carmen, we have the rest of our lives to make love.” His tongue stroked my neck as he slid his hand inside my panties and clenched my ass. A loud moan slipped from my lips. Nuzzling my nose into his dark hair my fingers dug into his shoulders and my nipples hardened against his chest. I circled my drenched pussy against his abs.
“Go back to sleep, Carmen.” Dominic laid me on my back. “Good night.”
He rolled on his side and jerked off. I wanted to take care of him but I knew I had already pushed him too far.
“Carmen, Carmen!”
I blinked twice, turning to my mother.
“Girl, where were you?”
She glanced across the yard at Dominic, playing horseshoes with dad.
“Oh, I see. Do you think about him all the time?”
I sprayed water seasoning on the ribs, then turned the meat using the metal tongues.
“No. Dominic, would never allow that to happen. I have classes until one or two in the afternoon most days. Sometimes I work late into the night. The second I’m in the lab, my focus is centered around my project. Times like this where I can think about us and steal a glimpse of him feels nice.”
She grabbed my shoulders and kissed my temple. “Your first love will always hold a special place in your heart.”
“I know.”
Didn’t make sense to inform her Dominic and I were forever. She’d learn soon enough.
My brothers whooped Dominic’s ass in Spades. He in turn won all the cash they had on them in Poker. He laughed when I hopped on the dance floor with my cousins and did the Cha Cha slide. We didn’t have a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. My family partied all day for the holiday.
I dipped into the house and called April.
Hey, Carmen! How are you?
Good. I miss you. I smiled.
I miss you too. Sorry I couldn’t be there. The shift I’m working will allow me to pay my mother’s mortgage.
April picked up a second job because her mother lost her job. She was helping her mother until she could get back on her feet.
I’m on my way up there. I want to help you financially.
No, Carmen. I got this! Now tell me how is your family treating Dominic? Your brothers can be complete ball busters.
We laughed.
You know they gave him a hard time. But now they’re warming up to him.
Good to hear. Girl, here comes my boss. I’ll talk to you soon. Happy holidays.
I frowned. Happy holidays, April.
She disconnected the call.
Dominic knew April was my best friend, but didn’t know she was struggling financially. He would’ve offered to help. My best friend wouldn’t have been pleased I told her business. One day I’d let him know how I planned to purchase April her own coffee shop. I was so close. I smiled inside.
Since Dominic was our guest, mama told me to prepare his plate first. He asked me to pile the fried turkey on the sturdy paper plate. Later that evening, I found Dominic sprawled across the sofa in a food coma. He probably never ate so much food in his life.
My brothers and father stole time with my boyfriend. Around ten that night they drove to a cigar bar. To say my family loved Dominic was an understatement. Timothy and Dominic became the closest out of the three. My brother gave Dominic season tickets.
∞
The wind whipped through my hair on the deck of the Magarelli yacht. Dominic said his mother loved Miami. Their travel time was scarce over the years, but every other summer growing up they vacationed in Miami or Italy.
I clutched the banister as we sailed. My mother sunbathed under a large yellow brim hat. My brothers were deep in a sports conversation on the other side of the deck. I laughed inside. Somethings don’t change.
“Carmen,” Dominic called. I peeked over my shoulder.
My father followed Dominic out of the state room.
“Yes.” I smiled.
Dominic dropped to one knee. My family closed in around us. He slipped his hand into his pocket and retrieved a small dark blue box. Dominic ope
ned the box revealing the oval shaped diamond ring.
My eyes widened. “Oh my god!”
“It’s been a little over a year since I laid eyes on you a second time. The first time I saw you… He exhaled. “My heart raced in my chest. Unfortunately, that wasn’t our time. But that day at the coffee shop when I finally properly introduced myself to you. I knew you were the woman I’d waited for my entire life. You didn’t make our interactions easy, but I guess what man doesn’t enjoy a challenge. I have to thank your brothers for that.” We all laughed.
A single tear rolled down my cheek.
“Here we are, finally. Carmen Cadence Drake will you marry me?”
My hand flew over my mouth as the tears flowed. “Yes. Yes, Dominic, I’ll marry you!”
He slid the ring onto my finger, then snatched me off my feet, hugging me tight. My family cheered.
“I love you, baby.”
“I love you too, Dominic.”
He placed me on my feet. My mother swooped in, grabbing my hand, gawking at my engagement ring. “I understand you aren’t getting married until after graduation.”
“Right. He’s special, Mama. What other drop-dead gorgeous guy would entertain the thought of marriage to a chemistry nerd who’s first love is science?”
She tilted her head and teared up. “That’s so sweet, Carmen.”
I embraced my mother. “I know.”
~
Dominic sat front and center as I strolled across the stage and received my PHD in Chemistry. At the end of the ceremony the class of two thousand sixteen threw our caps into the air. I was excited all the research I’d done over the years would finally pay off. No more weak ass paychecks. Not that I needed the money. Dominic insisted on paying my rent and for any other necessities’ and desires. He spoiled me rotten. I never asked for anything. Dominic took it upon himself to buy me what he felt I needed. He was right though. I’d show up to work in a T-shirt and jeans for the rest of my life instead of walking into the lab on my first day in a beautiful navy dress suit. My coworkers thought I was a famous person because of Brian and Hugo always lurking when Dominic wasn’t around.
Let me back up. Two thousand and sixteen wasn’t a good year for Dominic. He didn’t graduate again. This time the hurt and sense of failure loomed in his eyes. The mafia business consumed my fiancé. I barely saw him between January and June. We texted or Facetime every day while he was in Jersey. I didn’t know how to cheer him up. When he returned home, I jumped into his arms and sobbed tears of sadness and joy. All I wanted was my old Dominic back.
“I missed you, Carmen,” he murmured into my tousled hair swaying back and forth in the center of the living room.
“You did?” I questioned.
He pulled my wet face from his neck and stared into my brown eyes. “Yes, of course I did. Why wouldn’t I?”
He lowered me on the plush leather sofa, massaging my arm. “We aren’t graduating together.”
He caressed my face. “Yeah, I am upset. I can only be upset with myself. But I don’t want you to feel bad. Ok?”
I nodded.
He kissed my tears away. “June two thousand and seventeen I should finally graduate, then we’ll get married.”
Fuck, another year of no sex. Shit, I was disappointed. I thought about giving his grandfather a piece of my mind. After all Dominic’s running the business had set him back again. I didn’t want to ask Dominic if we had to wait to have sex. He appeared stressed. I left the subject alone.
∞
Dominic only had four classes to complete but because he still flew back and forth to Jersey frequently, I barely saw him. It was so bad; I didn’t bother calling Dominic. I called Brian and asked if Dominic had returned from Jersey. He said he drove him straight to the law library. My heart broke. He was killing himself to complete his degree.
Walking through the law library doors, I scanned the tables. Dominic was hunched over the rectangle wood table reading a thick book. I strutted across the room and sat the plastic bag on the table.
He glanced at me then returned his attention to his studies. “What are you doing here? You should be asleep.”
I sat at his side retrieving the piping hot containers from the bag.
“You need to eat.” I stirred the bisque soup. “Open up, Dominic?”
His eyebrows wrinkled. “Carmen, you can’t feed me.”
There was no more five o’clock shadow. Dominic sported a full-grown caveman beard. Not sure the last time he paid a visit to the barber. This was a man who prided himself on an impeccable appearance. He was still sexy just rugged.
“I can feed you or I’ll sit here with you all night.”
He sighed glowering me.
I blew the hot soup then shoved the goodness into his mouth. After three bites, he removed the bowl from my grip and continued eating on his own.
“Where were you? I’ll test you.”
He nodded.
There was nothing worse than watching Dominic fall apart. Every now and then he’d show up at my apartment. He’d knock on the door like the building was on fire ordering everyone to evacuate. I ran to the door and peeked through the peephole. Dominic’s arms draped over the door frame, staring at the floor. I swung the door open.
“What’s wrong?” I scowled.
His hungry eyes met mine. He swooped me up into his arms, slamming the door behind him. He pinned me against the wall in the living room.
“I need to fuck you,” he growled biting my neck.
“Dominic, slow down.”
He snatched the T-shirt over my head, then ripped my panties off.
“Are you ready to be fucked?”
My clit throbbed as he sucked my nipples.
I didn’t know how to answer him. That was not how I envisioned my first time. My heart beat a thousand beats a minute. I could barely catch my breath. Dominic stalked down the hall and threw me on the bed. He slipped his T-shirt over his head and unzipped his pants. Hovering over me he slid his dick from his boxers and stroked his shaft. Dominic’s tongue swirled around my other nipple.
“Dominic,” I whispered. Voice shaky.
He slammed his hand on the side of my head, stroking his cock faster and faster. I ran my fingers through his unruly hair. His eyes rolled in the back of his head as he came all over my stomach and breasts. He blinked twice, stumbling back.
“Shit, baby, I’m sorry. I’ll get a towel.”
“Dominic, you’re having a rough time. You need to relax. Take off the remainder of your clothes, I’ll start the shower for you.”
I was beyond baffled. It appeared the two and a half years of no sex was catching up with him. After his shower, he climbed into bed and fell asleep. He behaved that way three times. Dominic never came on my chest before. It was obvious it was a turn on for him. Women were probably offering to fuck him. He may have turned them down and the moment he returned home he rushed over to my house to come on me. I bet he wanted to come in my face. One day I’ll ask if he wanted to do that too.
Dominic caressed my face. “Baby, thanks for dinner and helping me study.”
His touch brought me back from my memory. I pulled back. “It’s no problem at all.” I chucked the empty food containers into the plastic bag.
“Dominic, I am here to help.”
He sighed. “I know. I missed my study group at six. So, I decided to pull an all-nighter. Thanks for quizzing me.”
“Dominic, we’ll keep going.”
He kissed my lips. “Ok.”
CHAPTER FORTY
CARMEN
Traveling to Las Vegas with Paisley for my bachelorette weekend, during finals probably wasn’t the best time to have fun. This was the first year Dominic and I weren’t in college together.
I stood at the front door peering into his bottle green eyes. Hints of blue and yellow flooded his irises. His lips fell upon mine. His large arms slipped around my waist, pulling my body flush against his chest. My fingers lingered along his s
houlder blades.
My heart thudded my chest and my breath caught in my throat.
“Baby, what’s wrong?”
His deep vocals vibrated my skin. Shit, could he fuck me right now this one time before our wedding.
I swallowed hard. Fuck, I was coming undone before his eyes.
“I-I want you so bad.” My smile rose and fell.
He stepped back, chuckled, scratching the back of his head. He flashed those white teeth behind his beard. His thick, black brows swallowed his beautiful green eyes roaming my body. His black hair was still an unruly mess. I walked toward him fondling his hairy chest. His hands landed on his hips above his relaxed black basketball shorts.
“Sorry I made you wait so long. But soon you’ll be Mrs. Magarelli. Dominic snatched my waist. I gasped. He slammed me against the wall and ferociously took my lips.
“Go enjoy yourself. I’ll be fine. I am passing my classes. So, you don’t have to worry. Brian is waiting for you.”
My eyes widened. “Dominic, I don’t want a bodyguard.”
“It’s not your decision to make. I promised your father and your brothers I’ll keep you safe.”
