Toby the Protector

by Blue Saffire

  “I love you so much. You didn’t have to do this,” I exhale.

  “We all put you girls through a lot this year. We thought each of you deserved a car,” he says into my hair. “Although, don’t tell Bean that Noah’s holding on to hers until the wedding.”

  “Are you serious?” I look into his face to ask.

  “Yup,” he replies, wiggling his brows.

  “A wraith,” I squeal.

  “It’s what you wanted,” Toby croons.

  I kiss all over his face. This is such an awesome surprise. I wrap my legs around his waist, as he walks me over to the driver’s side door.

  Toby opens the door and I slide down his body. I give him a heated smile, when I feel him pressed hard against me. Oh, yes, I will be taking care of that very soon.

  I wink at him, before climbing into my new car. It is perfect. I couldn’t have asked for a better one. From the color to the interior details.

  “Is my queen happy,” Toby croons, ducking his head into the car.

  “Always,” I purr, turning my legs back outside the car.

  I reach for Toby’s belt, tugging him forward. I unfasten his belt and unzip the front of his pants. He lifts a brow at me and gives me that crooked grin, I love so much.

  “You do know I did this because I love you. This is not necessary,” he rumbles in a husky, sexy voice.

  “Oh, I know. This has nothing to do with the car,” I say and bite down on my lower lip.

  I lean forward, as I pull him free of his boxer briefs. The pre-cum dripping from the tip, has me licking my lips. I lick through the pearly bead, savoring his flavor.

  “Mmm,” I hum in the back of my throat.

  “You like that,” he pants. “Your mouth always looks so good next to my cock.”

  “I think it looks even better wrapped around it,” I answer back, taking him into my mouth.

  “Fuck,” he hisses, throwing his head back and placing a hand in my puff.

  I look up through my lashes at him. I’m so turned on by the look of him. His head is thrown back, his mouth is open, and his Adam’s apple is working overtime. His flavor bursts in my mouth, my own personal Toby delight.

  I could come from just watching this man enjoy himself. I pull back off of his length, still looking up at him. When he lowers his head, and locks his eyes on mine, I spit on his crown and work the moisture with my hand.

  “That’s my girl. Work that dick like you own it,” Toby grunts through his teeth.

  I reach in between his legs, cupping his balls, as I take him back into my mouth. Toby starts to rock his hips, while I massage his balls. One of his hands goes into the front of my romper, palming my breast.

  I purr around him, the moment he pinches my nipple through the fabric of my bra. I double my efforts, wanting to ride him, but also wanting him to come. My own hips start to move with my own need for friction.

  “I’m cumming,” Toby growls.

  I press the magic spot beneath his balls, causing him to spray my mouth. I hum with triumph. Toby leans forward, placing his forearms against the roof of the car.

  I lick him clean, while I start to wiggle my way out of my romper. I slide pass Toby, to stand up out of the car. I wiggle the rest of my romper off, along with my thong. I practically shove him into the car, with my own impatience.

  Toby chuckles climbing inside, pushing his pants further down his legs. I duck into the car, straddling his lap. Toby cups the back of my neck, bringing my lips to his. Our tongues collide, his essence flavors our mouths.

  I rock my hips against him, as he starts to grow hard beneath me, once again. He groans into my mouth, grasping my cheeks and lifting me. I roll my head back, as I slide down onto him. It is the greatest feeling ever.

  “Damn,” Toby grumbles, when I start to bounce and work my hips on him.

  He looks around me to watch my ass bounce on him. His hands go to palm my cheeks, spreading them, as I ride him. I tighten around him and shiver on his pulsing thickness.

  I suck on my lip, looking into his eyes, when he turns his golden orbs back on my face. In that moment, we connect, I see everything. The awe, the pleasure, the reverence, and the love.

  “I love you,” he groans.

  “I love you too,” I whisper back.

  I’m mid-ride, leaning in to kiss his lips, when his phone rings. Toby mutters a curse and throws his head back. In the Black family, you always answer your phone.

  “Sorry, Baby,” Toby murmurs, tipping us both forward, so he can reach for his phone in his pants.

  I don’t lift from his shaft. I just relish him throbbing inside me. Toby answers the phone on speaker.

  “Yo,” he says when the line picks up.

  “I need you,” Felix’s voice comes through the phone. He doesn’t sound like his usual calm self. Something is off. I hear it right away.

  “I’m there,” Toby replies, giving me apologetic eyes.

  chapter Forty-Three

  Thank You

  Carmen

  “And that is how I became a Black,” Kamara sings, beaming up at Toby.

  “You do know we were just teasing?” Wyatt says, as Kamara and Toby fall silent. “We know Toby did what he thought was right.”

  “Yes, but I just wanted everyone to know our truth,” Kamara replies. “The way we see it.”

  “Wow, that was just amazing,” I say like a goofball.

  “If you didn’t have to live through it, yeah, I guess,” Toby mumbles.

  “Don’t listen to him,” Kamara laughs softly. “It was amazing to live and love through.”

  “Have you roared yet?” I ask.

  Kamara gives me a secret smirk. “Some things a queen must keep to herself.”

  I smile. I don’t think Toby and Kamara are done with the world. Kamara has something in her eyes that says she still has secrets, secrets she can’t wait to reveal.

  “Thank you so much for sharing with me,” I gush.

  “You are most welcome,” Kamara replies.

  I’ve fallen in love with Kamara and Toby, as a couple. Their dedications to each other. The things they’ve endured to be together.

  I think I’ve fallen in love with the Black family, as well. Their undying support is something I long for. It’s not that my father doesn’t love me, he just has strong opinions that don’t always match mine.

  “Still not as good as our story,” Ryan whispers in my ear, bringing me back to the table.

  I turn to him to see the mirth and lust mixed in his eyes. I shift in my seat, surprisingly, closer and not away from him. I’m always drawn to him. It just doesn’t make sense.

  “Who would you like to go next?” Ryan asks.

  “I…I don’t have a preference,” I manage to push out, feeling light headed from just being so close to him.

  Ryan turns his head, I follow his gaze. He looks right at Braxton Black, who frowns back at Ryan. Braxton shakes his head, before Ryan even speaks.

  “Fuck out of here,” Brax growls. “Not happening, Bro.”

  “Dude,” Ry groans.

  “No,” Brax grunts and stands from the table.

  I’m shocked, but I don’t say a word. Something has changed at the table. The entire family becomes tense making the journalist in me naturally curious. However, this is their lives. They don’t owe me their stories.

  Ryan goes to follow after his brother, but I place a hand on his arm. I look up at him and shrug. “It’s okay. I can talk to someone else.”

  “I never break a promise,” Ry says, leaning to kiss my nose. “Just hold tight.”

  Ryan rushes off behind his brother, leaving me staring off behind him. I start to feel awkward, sitting here with his family. I feel like I might be intruding in their lives.

  “It’s not you, Lass,” Cass is the first to speak up.

  “Our family has been through a lot, ever since Toby and Kamara’s wedding,” Nellie explains.

  “Yeah, Brax isn’t an asshole. He’ll actually cha
rm the pants off anyone given the chance,” Cass chortles.

  “Ain’t that the truth,” Wyatt chuckles, looking across the table.

  I turn to see who Wyatt is looking at, but everyone on that side of the table seems to have the same private smirk. It’s not very telling as to who the comment was directed towards. They are three women at the table that I’m not familiar with, from when I covered Toby’s wedding and then there is Heather.

  It could have been directed at either of them. The three are sitting together. John, and Felix are sitting beside each other. I’m not sure if they are tied to either of the women. I’ve seen them both talking to all three.

  I take note of how Felix is leaning into the girl to my far right. When her eyes lock with mine, she gives me a small smile. Felix follows my gaze and smiles as well. He then leans to kiss the girl’s temple.

  That answers one question for me. When I say, my curiosity has gone through the roof. It is on overdrive. I’d be willing to hear someone else’s story, but I want, no I need Braxton’s.

  “We need to get going,” Felix announces to the table.

  Grunts and grumbles fill the table. Everyone begins to rise. I look down in my lap, not sure what I should do next.

  “Are you coming?” Nellie beams at me. “We’re heading to Granny McGowan’s. The estate Toby and Kamara were married on. It’s Lulu and TJ’s birthday. We’re going to celebrate.”

  “Oh, I thought I’d be staying here for the next few days,” I reply nervously.

  “You don’t want to do that. Noah and Bean are taking over the place for their honeymoon. You’re safer with us,” Nellie giggles. “You and your friend are more than welcome.”

  “I don’t know,” I bite the inside of my cheek.

  Nellie’s cheeks darken. “Since Wyatt and I bailed, before you got to us last night, we can tell you our story, while you wait for a verdict on Brax.”

  I feel life fill my veins again. I was bummed when the two of them disappeared, before Ryan and I finished our overheated dance. Nellie and Wyatt were next on my list of, “need to know.” They’re just a hot couple.

  I leap from my seat, ready to become engrossed in the world of Black, all over again. As we make our way back into the house, Nellie pulls me in right from the beginning. This one is going to be good.

  ~B~

  Ryan

  “Stop being a dick,” I hiss at my brother.

  “Fuck you, Ry,” Brax grunts back.

  “Why do I need to do this?” Braxton hisses at me.

  “I promised her everyone’s story,” I huff.

  “Right there, is your fucking problem. Don’t promise shit you can’t deliver,” Brax growls.

  “Come on,” I plead.

  “Wow, Ry, stop just thinking of yourself,” Brax says. “Think about what you’re asking.”

  “Why are you being so unreasonable,” I ask, trying to keep up with Brax’s long, angry strides.

  He stops and turns on me. “I’m not being unreasonable. I’m going to pack my shit so I can head out to Granny’s. Back off with this bullshit, Ry. Go have Wyatt or Felix tell her their story. I’m not telling shit.”

  Brax turns and starts walking again. “You know, I hate when you get like this,” I call after him.

  He tosses me the finger and keeps moving. I want to punch him, but I inhale a deep breath. I put myself in his shoes.

  “Shit,” I grumble to myself.

  I get it. I understand why he doesn’t want to do this. Just doesn’t mean I plan to give up. I never break a promise. Never.

  Epiloge

  Our Reign

  Kamara

  Two and a half years later…

  “Are you sure this is what you want?” Toby asks, with his brows knit.

  “Yes, it is what’s best for everyone,” I reply.

  “I hope you’re not doing this because of me. I told you, wherever you are, I am. If that means moving to Nigeria, then that’s where I’ll be,” he says, with such concern.

  “It is what’s best for our family,” I smile at my husband.

  “But I promised you that when you finished school and the twins turned six we could go. Why the change of heart?” Toby asks.

  “Look around us. We have so much family and love here. I could never take that away from Lulu and TJ. Kwäzē has been managing well enough,” I reply.

  “But the people are ready to accept you. They are expecting you,” Toby insists.

  “It has taken them three years to want me and my family. Some still have mixed feelings about our mixed family. I’m not saying that we are not going to go and visit.

  “I have every intention to go and see my people and to allow them to see me, just as we have been doing. I just think it would be unfair to this baby if they didn’t get to have the love and care, TJ and Lulu have grown to know,” I say with a smile.

  Toby sighs. “You seem to have made…Wait, what? What did you just say?” He hops up from his seat next to me, dropping to his knees before me.

  Toby places his body between my legs. Resting his hand on my still flat stomach. I can see the love and awe in his eyes. He’s been hoping for more babies. It just seems like the perfect time to have another.

  “I said, I don’t want to rip this baby from our family and our home. We can go to Nigeria twice a year, spend a few weeks or months, but this is our home,” I reply.

  “You’re pregnant,” Toby whispers.

  “Yes,” I nod.

  “If there has ever been a day, where I forgot to tell you I love you, I’m so sorry. There aren’t enough hours, days, or years for me to express how much I truly do,” Toby croons, pulling me to his lips to give me one of the most cherished feeling kisses of my life.

  “You have never gone a single day,” I purr, when he breaks the kiss. “I love you too, Toby. Thank you for everything. I just prefer our lives right here. I think it was always supposed to be just Kwäzē. He is doing very well.”

  Toby looks at me and frowns. “I wish you wouldn’t do that. You have done more for our kingdom, in the last four years, than anyone expected.

  “You have practically run a country from the other side of the world. All without taking credit for it. Kwäzē doesn’t do it alone, Baby,” Toby says, and presses his lips.

  “I just want what’s best for everyone. If my brother can continue to travel back and forth, so can I. Just not as much as he does,” I laugh.

  “Mommy, we’re going to be late,” Lulu yells, as she comes running into the living room. “We cannot be late for the party.”

  “Uncle Felix has a new game for me,” TJ comes, following his sister. “Are we ready?”

  “Since when do they run the house?” I ask Toby.

  He twists his mouth and laughs. “Since the day, they were born.”

  ~B~

  Toby

  “I hear you’re having another one,” Noah says, as he passes me a bottle of water.

  “Yup,” I say with a shit eating grin.

  “You guys going to Nigeria at the end of the year,” Brax asks, with sad eyes.

  “Nope, not for more than a visit. She doesn’t want to take the kids away from the family,” I shrug.

  “Thank fuck,” my Dad and Wyatt say in unison.

  We all burst into laughter. The relief on their faces is priceless. I have to admit, I would have gone for my wife and for our responsibilities, but I would’ve missed my family like crazy.

  “Your mother was going to drive me nuts if you left. Shit, she’s been planning to move the entire family if she has to,” Dad sighs.

  “Nora and Nellie have been driving me nuts about Lulu leaving. I think Evan would have taken you leaving hard as well,” Wyatt runs a hand down his face.

  I love that little guy. All my nephews are a trip, but I love each of them. I would’ve really missed watching them grow up.

  “So, you guys would only be missing my kids,” I tease.

  “No, I would miss your ass too. You make a
great babysitter,” Noah chuckles.

  “Right,” Wyatt agrees with a smug grin.

  I point to Jordan’s dad. “Nope, you shut up. I’m not watching that little girl again. I loved it when she was just cute and didn’t talk,” I shake my head.

  My brother just gives me the finger. Yeah, this will work. We’ve been keeping the peace and balance in our lives for this long. I think Kamara’s plan will be just fine.

  Blue Collection Character Tree

  Legally Bound 1

  Bobby Mairettie and Paige Kemble – Mairettie father and mother of:

  Peyton and James Mairettie (Twin Boys)

  Sydney Mairettie and Maria Lynn Mairettie (Twin Girls)

  Legally Bound 2

  Marcus Mairettie and Rita Briggs – Mairettie father and mother of:

  Daniel Mairettie

  Hannah Mairettie

  Legally Bound 3

  Nathaniel (Nate) Briggs and Pamela (Pam) Kemble – Briggs father and mother of:

  Tiffany and Tracey Briggs (Twin girls)

  Nathaniel Briggs Jr.

  Legally Bound 4

  Jasper Briggs and Marie Mairettie -Briggs father and mother of:

  Clay Briggs

  The Mairettie Family

  Grandpa Marcello Mairettie and Grandma Marie Ann father and mother of:

  Marcello Mairettie Jr.

  Andrew Mairettie

  James Mairettie

  Jessie Mairettie

  Lynn Mairettie

  Gianna Mairettie

  James Mairettie and Minnie Mairettie father and mother of:

  Bobby Mairettie

  Sam Mairettie – (Ellen Kensington – Mairettie, Wife)

  Marcus Mairettie

  Marie Mairettie

  The Briggs Family

  Thomas Briggs and Raquel Marinos -Briggs (Deceased) father and mother of:

  Nathaniel Briggs

  Rita Briggs

  Earl Briggs (Younger Brother of Thomas) and Caitronia Marinos – Briggs (Twin sister of Raquel) father and mother of:

  Kelly Briggs – Fecteau (Alexie Fecteau, Husband)

  Jasper Briggs

  The Kemble Family

  Peyton Kemble and Davina Kemble father and mother of: