Addicted to an Addict

by Honey

  “Welcome to Serenity Springs. How may I help you, sir?”

  “My name is Josiah Bishop. My daughters and I are here for a weekend visit with my wife, one of your residents. Her name is Mink Bishop.”

  The woman smiled. “Oh, you’re Mink’s husband. She talks about you all the time. Have a seat in the waiting area, Mr. Bishop. Someone will come and escort you and your beautiful daughters to your cabin. Your wife will join you there after midday group session.”

  * * *

  “Why are you still wasting that man’s time, Blackbird? You don’t want him. You’re in love with Josiah.”

  “And where exactly is Josiah right now, TiTi?”

  “He’s in Montana visiting his wife.”

  “Now, where do I fit into his married life?”

  Gypsie stared at Tianji through the computer screen, waiting for her smart comeback. Their FaceTime session had taken a turn into the serious zone. All the laughter and joking around had come to an abrupt halt. The pair of lifelong BFFs looked into each other’s eyes as silent seconds ticked by.

  “You’re his administrative assistant and childcare provider for now,” Tianji finally answered, breaking through the awkward quietness. “But you love that man, and he’s got the hots for you.”

  “I’ll admit there’s chemistry between Josiah and me, but I don’t think it’s love. Looking back on it, I believe I had an innocent crush on him for a minute, but I quickly came to my senses and shook it off.”

  “A crush, huh? Bye, Felecia!”

  “TiTi,” Gypsie whined.

  “You’re in love with that man. I can hear it in your voice and see it in your eyes, Blackbird. Who knows you better than I do?”

  “Nobody.”

  “Damn right! We’ve been tighter than cheap shoes on a bunion since we were 5 years old. I know you love Josiah, but I understand why you refuse to admit it. And I respect you for not acting on those feelings. But—”

  “But what, TiTi? If you were me, you’d play home wrecker, seduce the man, and tear his family apart? I’m not built like you. I respect Josiah for standing by his wife, even though I don’t believe she’s worthy of his loyalty. As much as it breaks my heart, I’m cheering for him because I want him to be happy. And if reconnecting with his wife will bring him happiness, I hope God will make it happen.”

  “I can’t argue with you because you’re definitely correct, honey. I would be all over that sexy hunk of delicious fudge. He wouldn’t even remember his cracked-out wife’s name. Those little girls would be calling me Mommy by now.” Tianji laughed like crazy. “But all jokes aside, I’ve got nothing but respect for you, Blackbird. You’re a classy lady. I’m glad you’re not like me.”

  “Yeah, you’re like a male version of Jeremiah. I should box him up and send him to you special delivery.”

  “Hell yeah! Send his ass on up here, especially if he’s a mocha god like his twin brother. I would train him to sit, roll over, and fetch my bedroom slippers, among other things.”

  Gypsie giggled and wrinkled her nose. “Eeeew! You’re so nasty! You and Jeremiah are two of a kind for sure.”

  “Thanks for the compliment, darling.”

  “Well, I’ve got to go. Preston will be here in an hour.”

  “Okay, go ahead and get ready for your boring date with Mr. Accountant. He will never make your panties wet and drop to your ankles with just one touch like Josiah can.”

  “Oh, shut up, TiTi! I’m fine with dry panties up to my breasts as long as I can look at myself in the mirror without guilt. Besides, Preston is a nice guy, so I owe it to myself to see how far this thing between us can go.”

  “It won’t even make it around the corner, honey, because he is not the man for you.”

  “Whatever. Bye, girl. I love you.”

  “I love you too.”

  * * *

  Mink rushed out of group therapy with one thought in mind—she was about to see her husband and her babies. It felt like a million butterflies were fluttering around in her belly as she made her way to Shannon’s office. She was the sweet nurse who had taken her urine and hair follicle samples early this morning. As expected, Mink had tested negative for heroin and all other drugs. All she needed from Shannon now was a copy of the official drug screen report to pass along to her case manager. After that, Mink would go to her room, grab the duffle bag she’d packed last night, and report to the security office. One of the guards would then transport her by golf cart to the cabin that had been assigned to her and her family for the weekend.

  Anxious and on an adrenaline rush, Mink picked up her pace as she rounded the corner, leading to Shannon’s office. As bad luck would have it, she came face-to-face with none other than Greg. She’d been avoiding him since her rendezvous with Norman M.

  “What’s up?”

  “Hey, Greg.”

  He flashed a smile dripping with venom. “I see you’re in a hurry to check out for your weekend pass with your family.”

  “You’re damn right.” Mink placed her hands on her hips and stared Greg down with disgust.

  “You act like you don’t know me no more since you hooked up with ole white dude. I bet when he leaves Monday, you’re gonna be trying to ride my dick again for a treat.”

  “Bullshit.”

  “So, you’ve gone legit now? You’re clean and sober all of a sudden?” He laughed and clapped his hands like he was on the front row at a Kevin Hart comedy show. “You’re a dopie . . . a junkie . . . a plain ole addict who’s wasting your husband’s money, time, and emotions while you’re up here in this expensive drug farm using, boozing, and snoozing with any man who’ll throw you a bone.”

  “Shut the fuck up, you evil bastard,” Mink hissed softly.

  “Go ahead and call me whatever you want, but by five o’clock Monday evening, you’ll be calling me Big Daddy.”

  Greg taunted Mink with laughter when she stormed past him madder than a rattlesnake. She was pissed. The truth hurt, but what could she do about it? She no doubt was faking her way through her treatment program instead of working toward genuine drug abstinence and sobriety. Mink was beginning to think maybe she was incapable of being clean. Her emotional wounds were deep and severely painful. She wanted to release them, but fear wouldn’t allow her to. Her flaws were too ugly and shameful. No one could ever know what she had done in Germany, especially not Josiah. If he ever found out about her past, his love for her would dry up like a river in a drought. Therefore, her sin would forever remain a secret between her and the parties involved. And, unfortunately, the chains of bondage that enslaved her to heroin would never be broken.

  Chapter Thirty-six

  “Mmm . . .” Preston moaned against Gypsie’s parted lips as his tongue indulged hers.

  Most women would consider his kissing game mind-blowing. And his large, slow hands gently palming her ass should’ve been igniting tiny sparks all over her smooth cinnamon flesh. But Gypsie felt nothing. No sizzle. No tingles. Zilch. Nada. It was a damn shame too because he was making all the right moves, and he had been on his A-game the entire evening throughout dinner and the movie. But neither a physical nor an emotional connection was in the stars for them.

  “Oooh . . .” Gypsie pushed against Preston’s chest with her palms and took a giant backward step to break their connection abruptly. Damn! He must have a daddy python down there! That thing is huge and harder than a sledgehammer.

  Preston smiled seductively, seemingly flattered that his protruding erection had gotten Gypsie’s attention. There was a haze in his light brown eyes that were slightly shaded by long, curly lashes. His silky caramel complexion appeared heated with passion, evident by flecks of crimson. Preston was a handsome man, oozing with raw sex appeal. Gypsie couldn’t deny that. His towering, muscular frame and confident gait were enough to make any girl do a double take, even in church. But although he was wrapped in masculine beauty, the clean-cut accountant missed the mark on Gypsie’s companion must-have checklist. Sadly, he c
ould not light her feminine fire.

  “Come here, girl. I can’t get enough of you.” Preston reached out and pulled Gypsie’s petite body snuggly against his again. Squeezing her tiny waist with his long arms, he went in for another kiss.

  Gypsie turned her head, avoiding his lips. “It’s getting late, Preston.” She poked her chest with her index finger. “This girl has to hit the gym and make a grocery run in the morning.”

  “Yeah, but this guy can give you a special workout tonight, will gladly go grocery shopping for you tomorrow, and deliver all of your desired food items to your doorstep by noon. Let me spend the night, baby. I want to make love to you.”

  “Um . . . I . . . um . . . Preston . . .”

  “What’s the matter, Gypsie? We’ve been seeing each other for a while. I thought we were heading toward something serious and possibly permanent.”

  “I’m sorry if I’ve said or done something to make you believe our friendship was evolving into a romantic relationship. Please forgive me because that was never my intention. I thought you understood that from the very beginning.”

  “I heard what you said on our first date.” He frowned and stuffed his hands inside his pockets. “But you can’t blame a brotha for wishing. I’m a good man, Gypsie. You know that. I don’t have any kids, ex-wives, diseases, or creditors. Give me a chance. Give us a chance. I’m willing to do anything to please you or die trying.”

  “I’m sorry, but my heart and head aren’t ready for a commitment right now. It wouldn’t be fair to you to get seriously involved with me when I’m unable to give you my all.”

  “Girl, I want you so badly that I’d gladly accept 20 percent of whatever you have to offer and still give you all of me, plus bonuses.”

  “You deserve better than that. And I’m sure there’s a woman out there somewhere who’d be happy to give you exactly what you’re looking for. I’m just not that woman, Preston.”

  Without another word, Gypsie opened her front door and instantly felt a cool fall breeze wisp around her body. Her heart ached for Preston because he was truly a great catch, but he wasn’t the man for her. And because of her selfless spirit, Gypsie refused to keep him hanging on.

  “So, I guess this is it, huh?”

  “Yes, it is.”

  “Can we hang out now and then as friends?”

  Gypsie shook her head. “That wouldn’t be wise.”

  “I understand. I don’t like it, but I’ll respect your wishes.” Preston kissed her cheek. “You’re a special lady, Miss Robinson. The man who’ll be lucky enough to make you his should be crowned king of the world. He better treat you like a queen too, or he’ll have to deal with me.”

  * * *

  Josiah looked up from his laptop and stared at Mink when she closed the bedroom door.

  “I didn’t think Treasure would ever fall asleep. She kept begging me to read story after story until she could barely hold her eyelids up. It was like she thought if she drifted off, I’d disappear forever. My poor little girl . . .” Mink wiped away the tears trickling down her cheeks. “My insanity has scarred her emotionally.”

  “Come here, baby.” Josiah closed the computer and placed it on the nightstand. Then he pulled back the covers and opened his arms to the love of his life.

  “Oh, JoJo, I’m sooo sorry. I’ve made a big mess of our lives,” she cried as she took a seat on his lap. “My baby girl thinks I’m some kind of phantom, and Gem looks at me like I’m a complete stranger. What have I done to our babies?”

  Josiah wrapped his arms around Mink comfortingly and placed a kiss on her forehead. “The girls are going to be okay. I’ll get them into individual counseling as soon as we get back to Atlanta. Hell, I’m thinking about seeing a shrink myself. And, of course, we’ll do family therapy once you come home to us. Until then, just continue to do well in treatment and pray to God for strength.”

  Mink rested her cheek against Josiah’s bare chest and listened to his heartbeat. It was a strong and steady cadence; the result of healthy living. The warmth of his touch as his hands caressed her back tenderly awakened her sexual hunger for him. The Almighty had created only one man who could make love to her entire body with total satisfaction while reviving her spirit and causing her heart to sing.

  “There ain’t no words to describe how much I love you, JoJo. God knows I don’t deserve you, but you’re still here. I have put you and our daughters through pure hell; yet, you never gave up on me.”

  “I promised to love you forever, and that’s what I’m going to do.” Josiah pulled back and held Mink at arm’s length and looked into her eyes. “Just keep working toward becoming clean, sober, and mentally healthy for the rest of your life, and you’ll never have to worry about me going anywhere. Can you promise me you’ll continue to commit everything you’ve got to recovery?”

  Hell no, I can’t! And right now is the perfect moment to explain why. Tell him about the baby, Mink. Confess it, damn it! Look that man in his eyes and tell him what you’ve never told all of your sponsors, therapists, or doctors. He won’t judge you because he loves you, and he’s committed to your marriage. Reveal the one secret you’ve been hiding all these years. If you don’t, it will continue to haunt you, and you will never be free. Heroin will kill you.

  Mink’s entire body shivered as her conscience continued screaming its appeal for her to tell Josiah her deepest, darkest, and damnedest secret. I can’t! she mentally shouted back in protest. Once again, fear and shame won the battle. Her secret would remain buried deep within her soul until death.

  She forced a smile on her face and nodded. “I promise to do everything in my power to complete the treatment program here. Then I’m going to come home a brand-new woman for you and our babies.”

  Mink solidified her phony promise with a passionate kiss. It felt like heaven to be back in Josiah’s arms again. She found strength and security in his embrace. United, they were invincible and powerful enough to take on the world. With Josiah in her corner, Mink believed she could conquer anything. But heroin was the single force of evil standing in her way.

  When the kiss deepened, and the primitive call of nature enveloped them, Mink surrendered. Josiah relaxed his back against the headboard and pulled her on top of him in a forward straddle. The heat level spiked from fifty to a thousand in a matter of seconds. Desirous moans and the sound of the bed springs yielding to their movements filled the room. Slowly and with great care, Josiah slid the simple blue nightgown over Mink’s head and carelessly tossed it aside. Once again, their lips met in a fiery kiss with so much tongue action that Mink’s heart did the Electric Slide in her chest.

  She threw her head back and purred when Josiah’s hot, moist mouth left her lips and covered her right nipple and suckled. His oral grip and the sensation of his tongue circling the taut tip caused a feminine flood in Mink’s crotch. On instinct, she began to grind her wet goodness rhythmically against Josiah’s stiff penis. Their bodies moved in perfect coordination as the kisses grew more urgent and greedier.

  Mink squealed with sheer delight when Josiah flipped her over onto her back and hovered above her. She offered no protest when he slid her drenched thong from her bottom and down her legs, releasing the aroma of pungent sex in the air. When he stood from the bed with need in his eyes and a sexy half smile on his face, Mink watched him in awe. Torturously unrushed, he rid himself of his wife beater and loose-fitting boxers. Magnificent! she mentally complimented as if she hadn’t been blessed with the honor of witnessing all his splendid nakedness countless times over the years.

  But tonight was special. It was a long overdue reunion. Everything about the moment seemed new and improved. Josiah’s body far exceeded the satisfaction of Mink’s memory, and his dick looked thicker, longer, and more delicious than ever before. Unable to control herself, she reached out both arms to him, ready to devour him from head to toe.

  “JoJo . . . please . . .”

  Josiah smiled teasingly and turned away. He reach
ed into the nightstand for reasons unknown while the pressure between Mink’s thighs began to escalate. Every inch of her anatomy was ablaze. She felt like she would explode if she couldn’t have him now. But in the blink of an eye, the flame was doused like ice water on a flickering candle when Josiah turned around with a condom in his hand.

  “JoJo?” Mink sat up straight in bed. “Why did you bring condoms? You know I can’t get pregnant. I had an IUD inserted eight weeks after I gave birth to Treasure.”

  Josiah sat down on the bed next to her. “I know, but we haven’t been together in a while. And the last time . . .”

  Mink remained quiet after Josiah’s voice trailed off. She knew what he’d failed to say. Why would he remind her about the chlamydia incident at a moment like this? At times, he could be so fucking insensitive.

  “Mink, don’t be mad, baby. I just think we should practice caution until you come home, and we both have physical exams and receive clearance from our doctors. You do understand, don’t you?” He searched her eyes.

  Mink smiled, but she was seething inside. “Yeah, I understand.”

  Chapter Thirty-seven

  “Good morning, baby.”

  Mink smiled. “Good morning to you.”

  “The girls are in the living room watching TV. I came in here to make sure you were still breathing. I think you overexerted yourself last night.” Josiah grinned sheepishly. “If you’re sore, I apologize.”

  “I’ve never felt better. I’m hungry, though. I burned off all three meals from yesterday, thanks to you.” Mink laughed out loud. “You need to feed me, Mayor Bishop.”

  “The kitchen attendant delivered breakfast nearly an hour ago. The girls and I have already eaten. The chef did his thing on the French toast. Your plate is in the microwave. Get up so your man can feed you.”

  “Okay.” Mink sat up in bed, quietly staring at Josiah for a moment.