by K. Webster
Roan scrubs his hand over his face. “I need to call Hollis. Fuck. I need…”
“A paternity test?” I offer. “If he’s ours, don’t we have rights to see him?”
Roan’s face darkens. “Damn right we do.”
I’m shocked at the possibility I might have a nephew, but also nervous for my brother. How will Hollis take this news? And will Sidney cooperate? It sounds like she already refuses to believe Sebban is Roan’s.
“Go call him,” I urge. “We’ll be right here.”
Roan pulls his phone from his pocket and stalks back toward the restaurant. Jordy’s dark eyes find mine, pinning me in place. His face is bruised and he bears cuts from Renaldo’s ass whipping on Saturday, but it doesn’t take away from his handsome features. Jordy will always be hot. If there weren’t a million people nearby, I’d run right into his arms and kiss his split lip.
“You okay? After what went down back there?” he asks. “I didn’t mean that shit.”
I smile at him. “I know. You always have my back, even when it doesn’t seem like it.”
Relief flashes in his eyes. Not sure why he thinks I’d ever doubt him.
“I have to go to that party tonight.” Jordy lets out a heavy sigh. “I don’t fucking want to, but I have to. And I need you to stay away from Renaldo.”
“Don’t worry. That guy gives me the creeps.”
Jordy starts for me, already claiming me with a hungry stare. I’m seconds from leaping into his arms and kissing him, when someone approaches. Jordy jolts and steps aside to face the stranger, rather than pulling me to him like we both hoped.
“Jordy,” Captain Fitzgerald greets.
So, not a stranger.
I shift on my feet, darting my eyes between them. I thought maybe Fitzgerald would be weird around Jordy or treat him like a criminal. Instead, he nods at Jordy, sharing a weighted look with him. Like they’re friends or something. And that makes no sense whatsoever.
“Hey, man,” Jordy says. “Playing hide and go seek seems below your pay grade.”
Fitzgerald chuckles. “Nothing is below my pay grade when it comes to the kids in this community.”
We both smile at him because he handled our situation with such care when Jordy shot those men protecting us.
“I’m about to head back to the station. It was good seeing you both,” Fitzgerald says. “Maybe one day, we can all have dinner together or something. Catch up.” He lets out a heavy sigh. “Not right now because…I’m busy. But later. Sound good?”
Jordy nods at him. “Sure thing.”
As soon as he walks off, I frown at Jordy. “Was it just me or was he being weird?”
“All cops are weird.”
“Be serious,” I say with a laugh.
“He really is busy, I’m sure,” Jordy says. “Don’t worry about it, Little Hoodlum.”
I make a note to bug him about this later when there aren’t people milling about. Our shoulders brush as we walk slowly back down the sidewalk toward the restaurant. It’d be nice to hook my arm with Jordy’s and stroll around like a real couple, but I know better. We can’t flaunt what’s going on between us. For one, my brother would flip his shit. Two, I don’t know how Kayden and Renaldo would take that news. And finally, it’s illegal being that I’m not eighteen yet.
Some laws are stupid.
It’s so black and white. No gray area.
I grew up neglected and sometimes abused. Roan and I were forced to grow up at an early age. We saw and experienced things no child should have to. And when everything went down with Jordy killing those gangsters who my mother willingly allowed in our home, we became jaded adults. We lost our best friend to prison and nearly lost each other in the process.
So for the law to tell me I can’t be with the man I love—the man who has killed for my family and would do it again in a heartbeat if it meant protecting us—I’m just mind blown. That magical eighteenth birthday won’t suddenly make me older and more mature. All that birthday does is signify the difference between me keeping Jordy and me losing him to prison.
It’s all dumb.
But no one’s going to change their laws for me. I’ll just have to wait to make love to him. I’d wait forever and remain a virgin until the day I died if it meant keeping Jordy in my life.
We reach the restaurant just as Roan is hanging up. His eyes are bloodshot and his hair is messy. My brother is a wreck. I rush over to him and hug him.
“Everything okay? Is Hollis mad?”
He pats my back and kisses the top of my head. “No. He…”
“He what?”
“He thinks we need to make sure before we get our hopes up.”
“What if Sebban is yours?” I ask, tilting my head up to look at him.
“I never thought about wanting kids. The way we grew up sucked. But…” He sighs heavily and gives me a sheepish smile. “But if Sebban is mine, I want to be a part of his life. Hollis and I obviously can’t have kids and the subject never arose until now. He said he supports this and if Sebban is mine, he’ll be the best stepdad ever.”
We both grin.
“Are you okay?”
“I will be.”
“And if he’s not yours?” I ask.
“Then it’s definitely a conversation Hollis and I are ready to start having.”
Looks like no matter what, I’m going to be an aunt.
This shitty day took a turn for the better.
Jordy
I exit the bathroom at Roan’s place to find Hollis standing there, waiting to go in. The rat’s blond hair is a mess, he has scratch marks all over his recently filled out shoulders, and hickeys coloring his neck. Someone should give those two the memo that they can’t physically make a baby, though I’m pretty sure they damn well tried.
He smirks as he shoulders past me. I chuckle and then peek in the cracked door to his bedroom. Roan is sprawled out on the bed panting, with the blanket barely covering his dick.
“You gonna be ready in fifteen or am I going to this party alone?” I ask, my brow lifted as I gesture at the state of undress he’s in.
He tosses the blanket away, flashing me his goddamn dick as he saunters over to the dresser. “I’ll be ready,” he calls out over his shoulder. “Gonna grab a quick shower with Hollis. I had to catch my breath.”
Which means we’re not leaving for another half hour at least.
I shake my head at him as he passes and heads into the bathroom. Those two fuck like bunnies. It’d be annoying if I weren’t so happy my best friend is in love. Hollis has been good to him. I feel bad as hell for letting my anger drive me into pushing him off that bridge that night.
Music plays from Roux’s room. I twist the knob and push inside. She’s lying on the bed, staring up at the ceiling, her brows furrowed. I close the door behind me and walk over to her.
“You okay?”
She forces a smile. “Yep.”
Her phone buzzes in her hand. She reads the text, frowns harder, and tosses it away from her.
“You want to talk about who’s upsetting you?” I ask, nodding at her phone.
“Not really. Maybe later.” Her bottom lip trembles like she might cry. “If that’s okay.”
I kick off my shoes and crawl onto the bed with her. She snuggles up against my chest, facing me, blinking the tears out of her eyes. Gently, I stroke my fingers through her hair and admire her pretty face. So beautiful.
Leaning forward, I kiss her plump lips. I ghost my hand along her arm before settling it on her hip. She gasps when I grab a handful of her ass, hauling her on top of me as I roll onto my back. With her dark hair curtaining us in our own little world, we kiss without a worry in the world. As long as I hear that shower going, I’ll take my time with her. Her legs are tangled with mine and her fingers run through my hair, messing it up.
Gentle, slow kisses turn into urgent, devouring ones.
Her legs have parted to straddle me and she shamelessly grinds against my cock.
I love having her in my arms. The only thing that feels one hundred percent right in this world. I squeeze her ass through her yoga pants, wishing like fuck I could rip them off her. My hand slides under her shirt so I can touch her tit. She’s not wearing a bra, which is hot as fuck. I pinch her nipple, loving the way she groans in response.
The shower shuts off and I know I only have a few minutes before I need to bail. Rolling her onto her back, I buck my hips a few times, wishing we were naked and I were inside her. It still feels good to rub against her in ways that make us both moan.
With a chaste kiss to her nose, I pull away from her and climb off the bed. I shove my feet back in my shoes and try to ignore the way my dick throbs painfully in my boxers. Roux is a disheveled mess and I’ve never seen her look so gorgeous before. Her cheeks are red and her wet lips are parted. A sliver of her skin is visible on her stomach from where my hand was only moments ago.
“I wish I didn’t have to go,” I grumble. “I want to stay with you. Fucking Renaldo.”
“You have to,” she says with a frown. “He hurt you last time and that was because of me. I won’t be the cause again. Be careful.”
“I’ll come give you a good night kiss when I get back,” I tell her, my eyes settling on her lips.
“I’ll be waiting.”
Seems like all we ever do is wait for each other.
With a sigh, I finally leave her bedroom. Roan is dressed and walking out of his bedroom at the same time. I meet his stare, hoping to adopt a bored look.
“Just telling Roux bye,” I state. It’s the truth.
He narrows his eyes, glancing up at my messy hair, and then nods. “Let’s go.”
It feels like I dodged a bullet, but I also know my best friend isn’t stupid.
I can’t swallow down the uneasy feeling that has settled in my gut.
The house is crawling with thugs. Everyone looks at Roan and me like we don’t belong. It’s true, but what the hell can we do about it?
We find Kayden entertaining a group of guys. His shirt is off and he has a Glock tucked into the waistband of his jeans. A cigarette wobbles between his lips as he animatedly tells a story that has his idiot friends howling with laughter. Several girls linger nearby, ready to pounce on his dick if he’ll let them.
Unfortunately, this prick has a hard-on for my fucking girl.
If it didn’t land me in jail, I’d fuck him up just for thinking he could have her. As though he can sense my thoughts, he spots me through the crowd and imitates a gun with his finger, pretending to pop me in the head.
“Fucking asshole,” Roan grumbles.
“Same asshole who wants to fuck your sister.”
“I hate him.”
“Join the goddamn club.”
We ignore them and head over to a keg, helping ourselves to some beer. Kayden pushes past his friends to make his way over to us. He’s sporting a black eye, but other than that, he looks fucking fine. I don’t know why Renaldo beat my ass ten times worse than Kayden got it from Ryan.
“What’s up, kid?” I ask, sipping my beer.
“Did you bring Roux with you?” He looks around for her. “Renaldo said she was grounded, but we know better.” He smirks at Roan. “You’re her brother, not her dad.”
Roan shoves him away. “Keep it up, Ramirez. Jordy here’ll take another ass whippin’ from your brother just to watch me knock you on your ass.”
I laugh and Roan joins in.
Kayden fumes, his features turning stormy. “Watch your fucking mouths.” He does some bullshit gangster move, thrusting his hips and gesturing to his Glock.
I set my beer down and crack my neck.
“Or what?” I ask, walking right up to him. “You going to shoot me?”
He licks his teeth just like fucking Renaldo does. “No one would miss you.”
I grab his Glock out of his pants and drive it up painfully under his chin, bringing my nose to his. Despite trying to act like a badass, his eyes widen in fear.
“Keep running your mouth, you fucking pussy.” My spittle splatters his face, making him blink. “I’m going to keep this gun because, unlike your scrawny ass, I know how to use it. I’m not afraid to use it. And I’m having to babysit your bratty ass and may be forced to use it.” I pull back, poking his chest with the barrel of the gun, making him take a step back. “Go play with the other toddlers, baby Ramirez. The men were having a conversation until you interrupted.”
I stuff the gun in the back of my jeans and pick my beer back up. Kayden scowls and starts to walk off, but turns to grin at us.
“Tell Roux I’m gonna do her a solid. Ryan and his dumbass friends are going down.”
“His dad’s a cop,” I remind him.
“So? My brother owns this town. We’ll make it look like an accident.” He shrugs. “Then Charlotte doesn’t have to deal with that psycho. Roux will be happy.”
Renaldo appears like a fucking ghost with Juno beside him. I can’t even look at my brother. I’ve hated him for as long as I can remember, but now that he’s Renaldo’s bitch, my hate has doubled.
“What have I told you about bragging?” Renaldo says, ruffling Kayden’s hair.
Kayden groans. “I was just telling him what’s up with fucking Ryan Cunningham.”
Renaldo’s sharp glare slices through me. “I’ll handle Cunningham.” Then, to me he says, “I can take over from here. I just wanted to see if you’d actually show up.”
Juno nods at me like he’s fucking proud.
What the hell ever. I only showed up because I didn’t want my ass beat, or worse, him fucking with Roux.
“I’ll take that gun back too,” Renaldo says, nodding at me.
I cringe knowing he saw me take it from his brother, and subsequently point it at him too. Rather than being pissed, he seems amused. With a huff, I pull it out and set it in his waiting hand.
“He’s going to get himself shot if he keeps popping off at the mouth to guys who are bigger and badder than him,” I warn. “I can’t follow him to school or the fucking pisser. Teach your boy how to behave, man.”
He nods. “Bye, Martinez.”
“Later,” I grunt out.
Roan and I bail, eager to get the fuck out of there. It’s not until we’re in my car and cruising down the road that I finally breathe a sigh of relief. We’re headed home when Samantha texts me.
Samantha: Come to my hotel.
“Home’s that way,” Roan says when I turn in the direction of where she’s staying.
“Looks like we have to make a pit stop.”
The drive is short, and all too soon, we’re pulling up to her hotel. Roan follows me as we climb the stairs to the second floor where she’s staying. Before I can knock, she flings open the door.
“Hey, honey, come inside.”
We walk into her suite and sit on the sofa. She’s not in her badass boss bitch courtroom suit as per usual. Tonight she’s in jeans and a sweater that pulls too tight over her tits.
“Drinks?” she asks as she opens the mini fridge.
We both nod.
“What’s up?” I ask, accepting a Dr Pepper from her.
“You look like shit, Jordy.” She hands Roan a Dr Pepper too. “Are you okay?”
“Renaldo.” I pop the tab and guzzle down the drink. “You know how he is. Why are we here?”
She glances at the clock. “Meeting. Shouldn’t be but five more minutes.”
Roan sets his drink down on the table. “While we’re waiting, can I get some advice?”
“Sure, baby,” she says, grinning at him.
Sorry, lady, he’s married and bats only for Hollis’s team.
“I used to fuck around with this chick. We pretty much always used protection unless we were shitfaced and forgot. I saw her with this kid today and…” He scrubs his palm over his face. “I think he’s mine.”
Her eyebrow arches up. “Is she suing for child support?”
“W-What? No. She freaked and left. I wan
t to know if he’s mine. Can we do that? If he’s mine, I want to be in his life.”
“I can start the process of getting a judge to sign off on a mandatory paternity test. If that’s what you really want. Once I start this and it’s proven that he is yours, there won’t be any turning back. You’ll be saddled with visitation and financial responsibility until he’s an adult.” She smiles sweetly. “Your call, Roan.”
“If he’s mine, he’s mine. I want to be in his life,” he mutters. “I don’t care what hell it brings me. I’m not sure I can rest until I know for sure he’s not. If he is, I’m going to fight like hell to see him.”
She nods and pulls out her laptop. “I’ll get started. You know my rates?”
“Garrett is going to cover it,” Roan says begrudgingly.
“The sexy doctor, hmm? I’ll take up receiving payment from him later.” She smirks as she starts tapping away on her laptop.
Samantha seems to flirt with anything with a dick. Makes me wonder if that’s all it is. Harmless flirting. If not, she probably gets fucked often with how forward she is.
As she asks Roan questions, I let my mind drift back to Roux. Something was bothering her, but she didn’t want to talk about it. I hate when she’s upset. It makes me want to drop everything and hold her until her world is right again.
Someone knocks on the door.
“He’s here,” Samantha says. “Can you get that?”
I rise and walk over to the door. When I fling it open, I’m not at all surprised to see the man standing there.
“Hey, Tom.”
“Jordy.”
“What’s up, Tom?” Roan calls out.
Tom walks in and we finally begin our meeting.
Roux
Several weeks later…
He won’t give it a rest.
I could block his number again, but he’ll just call from a different one. Wes has gone through three different phones just to be able to text me. I’ve given up on blocking him and just respond to his poetry now. It’s still good. If I erase that day in the classroom where he went a little crazy, it’s almost like I have my friend back. I’m smart enough to know better. He’s clearly forgotten that day.
