by E. L. Todd
“No. Why would I be mad at him?”
“I don’t know,” I snapped. “It’s a hypothetical question.”
“Well, no. We’ve never been mad at each other.”
“Like, ever?” I asked. “Not once? You’ve been exactly the same since the moment you met?”
He thought for a moment then nodded. “Yep. Why are you asking?”
I sighed, jealous that my dad and his best friend never had any problems. “Cayson is mad at me.”
“Why?” He leaned over the counter and ignored the sound of the ink machines and the loud conversations.
“That’s the thing…I really don’t know.”
“Then how do you know he’s mad at you?” he asked with a raised eyebrow.
“He saw me getting pizza with Arsen and he just flipped out. He wouldn’t even talk to me.”
Dad spun a pen in his fingertips. “What exactly happened, Slade?”
“Well, Cayson called me a few times but I didn’t answer.”
“Why not?”
“Arsen was telling me about his psycho baby’s mama and I felt rude taking the call.”
He nodded. “You’re right. That would have been rude.”
“Then Cayson walked inside with Roland a few minutes later after they finished playing ball. He took one look at me then stormed out.”
“You didn’t go after him?”
“I did but he wouldn’t talk to me. Then he said something about me rubbing Arsen’s back…I don’t remember what he said.” It was all a blur at this point. “I’ve tried talking to him but he refuses to see me. He won’t take my calls and he’s never home…I even went to Skye’s place. Dad, I have no idea what’s wrong and I’m clueless as to how to fix it.”
He rubbed his chin as he pondered the situation. “Cayson is jealous you’re spending time with Arsen. As soon as Arsen came to the gang, he was the cool and mysterious guy. He’s been to prison, he used to have a Harley, and now he’s an awesome person. I think Cayson is threatened by him.”
“Like, how?” he asked. “I’m not in love with the guy.”
“But you’ve been spending a lot of time with him.”
“Well, he’s going to be my brother-in-law. I’m just trying to include him.” I felt the anger bubble to the surface.
“I know,” Dad said gently. “But Cayson probably feels like he’s being replaced. Arsen is going to be your brother and he’s hurt he can’t compete with that. I’m sure that’s all it is. He just wants his best friend to stay his best friend.”
“That’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard,” I snapped. “Is he a girl?”
“How would you feel if Cayson spent all his time with Roland?”
“I wouldn’t care at all.”
He gave me a meaningful look. “Yes, you would, Slade. Now go talk to him and tell him he can’t be replaced—even by an ex-con.”
“That’s the thing…he won’t talk to me.”
“Catch him by surprise,” he said. “His mind will be clear and he can come to the conversation without being angry.”
“Like, break into his apartment?”
He rolled his eyes. “No. What does he do after work other than see Skye?”
I shrugged. “He goes to the gym.”
“Meet him there. Then he can’t run away.”
I smacked the counter with my palm. “That’s a great idea.”
“I know,” he said with an arrogant smile. “I’m full of them.”
“I’ll corner him and I’ll rip into him.” I rubbed my palms together.
“Whoa…hold on.” He raised a hand. “That’s not what I said. Talk to him about the situation and be calm. Don’t scream at him and say he’s acting like a girl. That’ll push him further away.”
“But he is acting like a girl!”
“Slade, just be cool. Talk it out. Don’t yell.”
“Well, he’s been avoiding me for over a week…”
“He’s just hurt,” he said. “Be sympathetic.”
I sighed. “Yeah, whatever.”
***
When I walked inside the gym, I was wearing regular clothes. One guy eyed me like I didn’t belong there, but then a curvy brunette made eyes at me. I ignored them both and searched for my prey.
Skye was running on the treadmill. Her cheeks were red and she was covered in sweat. The guy next to her was watching her boobs bounce up and down as she ran. I found it odd Cayson wasn’t with her.
Then I spotted Cayson by the weights. He finished putting the weight plates on the ends of the bar before he stood behind it like he was going to pick it up and do a few dead lifts. There were a few guys around him, minding their own business while they tried to get ripped.
Now that I had my chance, I walked around the different weight stations and made my way to him. When he spotted me, his eyes practically fell out of his head. He was so surprised that he didn’t do anything other than yank his ear buds out.
“Look, I don’t want Arsen. I only want you.”
All the guys around us froze and stared at Cayson with surprised looks.
He glanced over his shoulder then looked extremely uncomfortable.
“I don’t care if he rode a motorcycle and went to jail. He may be a badass but that doesn’t mean I prefer him over you. He’s just a friend.”
The guys kept staring at us.
Cayson kept glancing at them. “Slade, let’s talk about this later.”
“When?” I demanded. “You want take any of my phone calls and you’re never home. It’s the only place I could track you down. Come on, man. I love you.”
Cayson covered his face and sighed. “Dude, stop talking.”
“Why?” I asked. “I’m sorry, okay? I didn’t mean to make you jealous.”
“Let’s go over here…” He grabbed me by the arm and dragged me to the lobby, where there weren’t as many people. “Don’t come at me when there are a bunch of people around.”
“Why not?” I asked.
He sighed at my ignorance. “You make us sound gay.”
“Gay?” I asked. “How?”
He gave me an incredulous look. “You just told me and everyone else at the gym that I’m the only one. Arsen can’t compete with me.”
“Well, it’s true,” I argued. “Why are you so upset about it? You really think that anyone could replace you? That’s crazy, Cayson. You’re my best man, and he’s just a groomsmen.”
His eyes turned serious. “He’s a groomsmen?”
I rolled my eyes. “Dude, he’s going to marry my sister. He’s family.”
“He might marry your sister. They broke up once. They could break up again.” His voice came out edgy.
“Why do you hate the guy so much?”
“I don’t hate him,” he said immediately. He crossed his arms over his chest and wouldn’t look at me.
“Then what’s the problem?” I pressed. “Because I sure as hell can’t figure it out.”
“It’s…” He looked like he was going to say something but then quickly changed his mind.
“What?” he asked. “What is it?”
“He’s all you ever talk about.” His voice came out quiet, hurt. “Then Trinity told Skye you had him over for the game…stuff we used to do together. And you play basketball with him. It’s like…you prefer him over me. And then when you didn’t take my calls it really hurt.”
I’d never seen Cayson so sensitive to anything other than Skye. He was macho the rest of the time. “I am spending time with Arsen. I would have invited you to come along but I was trying to get to know him better. Silke and I aren’t close but I do care about her. She’s my sister. And, she was so sad when he left the first time. I just want her to be happy, and seeing Arsen spend time with me makes her happy. That’s all, man. And when I didn’t answer your call it was because Arsen was having a break down and he was telling me something really important. If I took your call I would have looked like an ass. It was unfortunate luck that you walk
ed inside that pizza place half an hour later.”
He kept his arms across his chest and looked at the ground. “Really?”
“Really,” I said. “You’re my best friend forever. Arsen is a good friend but he’ll never compete with you.”
“Even though he’s buff and used to sell weed?”
I tried not to laugh. “I like my law-abiding, geeky best friend more.”
He finally relaxed then rubbed the back of his neck. “I’m sorry I got all worked up over it…I guess I was just jealous.”
“It’s okay.” I felt the emotion bubble to the surface. It warmed my entire body and made me feel like I was on a cloud. My best friend and I were okay again. Emotion caught in my throat and I tried to clear it.
“So…should we shake hands?”
“No.” I wrapped my arms around him and hugged him instead.
He returned the embrace and rested his head on my shoulder.
We hugged for a long time, longer than usual.
A guy passed us as he walked out. “So…does that mean Skye is available?”
We broke apart quickly and Cayson looked like he wanted to break the guy’s skull in. He tried to grab him but the guy was already out the door, laughing. He stayed a few feet away from me, immediately crossing his arms over his chest.
I backed away and did the same.
“I’m so glad you two finally made up.” Skye came to us, her t-shirt soaked in sweat. “Cayson has been pretty upset for the past few weeks.”
“I’ve been down too,” I said.
She eyed both of us. “How about you guys go to Mega Shake? I think I’m going to head out before I pass out and die.”
“You’re sure?” Cayson asked.
“Yes.” She headed to the locker room. “You girls have fun.”
We both shot her dirty looks.
Cayson turned to me. “So, you want to get a burger?”
I clapped his shoulder. “I would love to.”
***
I came home late that night because Cayson and I hung out all day. We were back to normal and it was like nothing happened. I was glad I took my dad’s advice and we worked out our differences. Who knew Cayson would be so threatened by Arsen? I never saw Trinity get upset when Skye spent too much time with Clementine.
When I walked inside, Trinity was lying on the couch.
“You better tell me when you’re going to be home late,” she snapped the second I shut the door behind me.
“What are you talking about? You texted me and asked where I was and I told you.” She was going to chew me out the moment I walked in the door?
“But you should have texted me the moment you knew you were going to be out late. I already made dinner. It’s courteous.”
“Baby, I’ll eat it anyway. You know I eat, like, every two hours.”
“That’s not the point,” she hissed. “Tell me when you’re going to be late. That’s all.”
“So I have to tell you everywhere I go twenty-four-seven?” I snapped.
Her eyes widened to the size of grapefruits. “Obviously not. Just tell your fiancé you’ll be late. It’s not that difficult to remember.”
“Well, you never told me this before so get off my ass.”
She grabbed a pillow and chucked it at me. “I’m not on your ass. I’m just asking you to do something. You’re the one being a dick about it.”
“I just don’t think I need to tell you what I’m doing all hours of the day.” It wasn’t that big of a deal but I was the most stubborn person on the planet. I just didn’t like being told what to do, even by Trinity.
“Fine. Next time I’m late I won’t let you know.”
“And I won’t freak out,” I argued.
“Ha! We’ll see about that.” She threw another pillow at me and hit me right in the face. For something light and fluffy, it actually kinda hurt when there was force packed into it. Then Trinity stormed into the bedroom and slammed the door.
I don’t know happened but I got really angry. And really turned on.
I marched to the door and tried to open it but it was locked.
“Enjoy the couch, asshole.”
I used my lighter to get the door unlocked then barged in.
She growled at me when she saw me. “You stupid—”
I gripped her by the hair then shoved her hard onto the bed. She was on her stomach and she bounced when she hit the mattress. Her feet were still on the floor and her ass was in the air. I gripped her neck and held her down as I lowered my jeans and boxers then moved her underwear over.
“What the hell are you doing?” She tried to get up but I kept her down.
I got my dick at her entrance then slid inside. “For being pissed off, you sure are wet. Or are you that much of a whore? You’re just ready for anything?”
“Fuck you, Slade.”
I kept my chest on her back and used my weight to keep her in place. Then I fucked her hard while I gripped her neck. I understood Trinity in a way no one else did. I knew what was okay and what wasn’t. If this were too much for her, she would have told me.
Soon, she was rocking her ass back into me so she could take more of me more often.
I turned her face toward me and kissed her while my cock slid in and out of her tight pussy. Her legs were pressed together so it was a tighter fit. My tongue danced with hers then she bit my lip, drawing a small amount of blood.
“You know hurting me only gets me worked up,” I said as I slammed into her.
“If I could slap you right now I would.”
“Ooh…” I fucked her harder and almost broke the bed.
Trinity tightened underneath me then released a moan that sounded like a scream. “Oh god…”
“You like that, baby?” I groped her breast while I moved.
“Uh-huh.” Her face was pressed into the sheets.
My body was ready for the blissful release. “Here it comes…” I gave her my final thrusts then released inside her. I loved this part, and not just because it was an orgasm. I loved coming inside her. Only I had the luxury of doing it. She was mine, totally and completely. I finished then caught my breath. “Now, will you calm down?”
She breathed hard while she lay still. Her eyes were closed.
“Good.” I pulled out of her then leaned up.
She adjusted her underwear and her dress.
When I went into the bathroom, I dabbed at the blood on my lip. The cut had already closed but now there would be a scab. When people asked how I got it I would tell them the truth—that my fiancé enjoys biting me.
When I returned to the bedroom, she was lying in bed. I clearly wore her out. “You doing okay?” I got into bed beside her then held her close to me. Sometimes I liked to be rough with her but I always wanted her to know I wasn’t using her. I loved her—very much. I kissed her neck and pressed my chest to her back.
“Yeah, just tired.” She breathed a deep sigh.
“Do you enjoy it when I take you like that?”
“Yeah…once in a while.”
“If you don’t like it at all, I won’t do it.” I kissed her shoulder. “I just get so mad at you sometimes and I just…need to fuck you. I can’t explain it.”
“You don’t need to. It’s how we got together in the beginning.”
“I suppose.” I kissed her neck gently. “I love you, baby.”
“I love you too,” she said quietly.
I snuggled close to her and listened to her breathe. “I’ll let you know next time I’m going to be late.”
She chuckled.
“What?”
“Nothing.” She chuckled again.
“No, tell me,” I said forcefully.
“It’s just…you make this big deal about not doing what I say. But then you do it anyway.” She laughed. “It’s just funny.”
“Well…you wear me down.”
“No, you’re just stubborn until I wear you down.”
“I think your pussy wears me
down.”
“Same difference,” she said.
I grabbed her tiny waist and began to turn her. “Baby, look at me.”
She sighed then turned over. Her blue eyes shined bright at me. Her hair was messy but framed her face.
“That’s better,” I said quietly. “So, what did you make for dinner?”
“Macaroni and cheese with little cut up hot dogs.”
I smiled. “My favorite.”
“It’s in Tupperware in the fridge.”
“I’ll eat it,” I said. “And I’ll take the rest for lunch tomorrow.”
“You never take a lunch,” she noted.
“I do when it’s my woman’s cooking.” I kissed her forehead.
She visibly melted right before my eyes, making a giant puddle on the bed. She released a deep musical sigh, like she was happy and could never be happier. I liked seeing that reaction. I wasn’t sure what I did to deserve it.
“I love the way you love me.” I cupped her face with my large hand, and my fingers grazed her lips. “You gave me something so beautiful I never would have had without you. I would have ended up alone, a terminal bachelor.”
“I’m sure you would have settled down either way, Slade.”
“No,” I said seriously. “You’re the only woman in the universe who could get me to settle down. Because you’re my soul mate.”
She melted again.
“I’m sorry I’m a dick sometimes. I really need to stop.”
“It’s okay, Slade. It’s who you are and I’ve never had a problem with it. I’d never want you to change.”
It was another beautiful part of our relationship. She accepted me exactly as I was and never tried to change me. But she did try to push me to be better in ways where I could improve. She understood me in a very special way.
“So, everything is good with Cayson?”
“Yeah, we made up. It was just a misunderstanding.”
“And you guys love each other again?”
“We never stopped loving each other.” Then I realized my mistake. “I mean, we’re cool…”
She smiled because she knew she caught me. “Whatever you say, babe.”
My hand moved over her hip and up her waist. I’d known Trinity my whole life but I felt like I didn’t really know her until we started sleeping together. She’s always been in my life but I never bothered to get to know her. She was just…there. How I didn’t notice her beauty and charms was beyond my comprehension. I guess I needed to be drunk to notice them for the first time. “How did you lose your virginity?”
