I've got a new tattoo. Of a branch of magnolia flowers. and today I got my permanent retainer removed. Let's see if it helps with the headaches. I'll get night braces instead. but that's why the update was a bit late.
Cas’ povWhile I had enjoyed having Ripley as my nurse and River and Rose as my helpers, doing absolutely nothing still feels very foreign to me.Not working isn’t that bad. It’s the sitting around all day in a spot that’s getting to me. I need to work out, I need to run. Or something. I need a goddamn drive around town.Go to the beach. Anything that’s not sitting at home watching another fucking movie.It’s just not me. I am not built for this shit.Or maybe it’s that I know that as soon as I am healthy and cleared for work, there’s a shitload of stuff to do. I can’t just sign over the company, there needs to be a transition period. Not just for Kennedy, but for the staff as well.Not to mention I need to go to court and get this divorce finalized, but even all the money in the world can’t speed up the judicial system, it seems.Not that I have all the money in the world. I’m living off my girlfriend right now, and I fucking love it.Things that seemed so normal to me are really spec
Ripley’s povIt felt strange not having Cas home. It felt even stranger knowing that soon he’d finally be free of his job and his family.One thing that didn’t feel strange but actually felt deliciously familiar was the number of times Cas had proven to me that he was back to his old self.While I doubted he was all the way back to his old self, if the doctor gave him permission to work and train, he could also have sex with me.Cas had planned a whole weekend with me, hiring Leticia to stay with the girls during the day and night. But that didn’t mean he had the patience to wait until then.As soon as the doctor’s visit was over, Cas’ hands were all over me. If I had not stopped him, he would have had sex with me in the hospital toilet.While I like the idea of having sex in strange places, a public toilet wasn’t one of them.Thankfully, the girls were tired and slept early, because as soon as I came out of their room, Cas had been standing there, butt naked, sporting a very hard Cas
Cas’ povI could tell you about the boring meetings I’ve had to attend. Boring doesn’t even cut it; it's soul-crushing, frustrating, and fucking irritating to meet with people I don’t like. Not like is another understatement. I fucking loathe most of them.Arrogant bastards that are against any kind of change.And my dad is the worst one.I could tell you about how, when Kennedy arrived, she charmed everyone’s socks off. Not that it made one bit of difference, they all still thought she’d be crap as CEO.Thankfully, me and the other smartest people in the company came up with a plan. I had asked Kennedy if she just wanted to be the face of the company or if she actually wanted to contribute and do the whole nine-to-five thing. And she chose the second option, to my surprise.I could tell you how we decide together which courses at business schools he should attend. Which workshops and which training on the job were necessary for her to be successful at my job.I could even tell you how
Ripley’s povCas tied the blindfold around my head and made sure I couldn’t see anything.“But since I’m blind, how will I know what to do?” I teased. Or maybe I was a bit nervous.“You’re so good at following orders, Ley. You’ll manage just fine.” Cas replied.He began kissing me, exploring my mouth, before traveling to my neck and chest. First he sucked and licked at my breasts through the lace layer, but then he removed my boob from the lace bodice, making me moan loudly.He bit softly into my nipple before sucking hard.This was the second time Cas had blindfolded me, but this time I felt even more nervous than the last. Maybe it was because of the whole “sex fest,” as Cas had dubbed it. Or maybe because some of the toys he had bought were lying near the bed and I recognized some of them.“I want to play with you, Ley.” Cas grunted before moving away.There were a lot of sounds, mostly ripping and opening packages. A wet sound, like ketchup squirting against something, which last t
Ripley’s pov “You can either tell me why you’re in such a shit mood or get out of my house and go for a walk, because I’m not doing this.” I told Cas. How did we get here? Yesterday was perfect. I had woken up to Cas’ playing with my nipples, spooning me while his erection was poking in my back. My core was sore, but I didn’t care. I wanted Cas as badly as he wanted me, and sex fest wasn’t over yet. We spent yesterday in our room, ordering room service, and walking around mostly naked. We had sex in every room, in every position, until it was time to go home and get back to reality. Even this morning, things were fine. I once again woke up with Cas’ erection against my back, but this time two little girls were jumping up and down next to our bed, so Cas Junior had to wait a bit longer. We had eaten breakfast together; I had made Cas some coffee to go, and he gave me a kiss when he left. I knew he was busy, but I still sent him some texts and pictures to keep him up to date. Als
Kennedy’s povI stared at the asshole in front of me. Why, in God’s name, did I ever accept my father's deal? I knew it was too good to be real.Cassius was like me in many ways. We both fucked whoever we wanted to fuck; we both screwed over the people we wanted to screw over, and we didn’t give a fuck about other people’s feelings while doing so.Shit. Now I’m talking like him.No, I am better than that. Better than him.Cassius is weak. How does one change that much overnight? Which one is the act? The arrogant, uncaring asshole that sat in front of me yesterday, or the sweet, loving father and husband he is now with that maid and her girls.It’s disgusting; that’s what it is.I should hate him for what he did to me and for what he made me do. Cassius acts like he’s such a good person, yet he asked me to betray my dad.Daddy has always had a soft spot for me. Always giving me everything I wanted. I only had to bat my eyelashes or pout, and he would drop whatever he was doing to make
Malachi’s pov Exactly what I expected. A princess, a brat. Beautiful, but deadly, just like her father. I don’t know if anyone bought those crocodile tears she spilled on TV, but I sure didn’t. There’s no way it took her almost thirty years to figure out her “daddy” isn’t a good man. Look, I’m a teacher; doing research kind of comes with the job. So, of course, I did my research on Kennedy Bamford before taking this job. Officially, I’m an instructor, or assistant professor if you want to be fancy. I still need to get my postdoctoral degree before becoming an official professor and making the big bucks. So I do need the money… I mean, working as a postdoc doesn’t pay as much, especially when you’re the youngest one there. It takes time and experience to build a resume that’s worthy of a thick paycheck. But I don’t mind; I’m used to not having much, and I make it work. Telling me I look like a Starbucks barrista? What the hell, man? I look dope. I’m like one of the coolest teacher
Kennedy’s povGod, this is boring. I thought those board meetings were tedious, but business class is even worse.My PR team told me to make some videos for my social media page as part of the rebranding, so instead of paying attention, I did what I do best. Make selfies.Malachi, or Mr. Ford, as he said I should call him, was the teacher’s assistant or something? I have no clue what his job is, other than to stand in the corner near the teacher and hand him stuff.Every once in a while, he would glare up at me.I had chosen the seat in the back, not to draw attention to myself. Which didn’t really work, since I am kind of famous. Or, like, really famous.With quick steps, I saw Mr. Ford walking up the stairs towards me.“Can I help you?” He asked in a low voice not to disturb the class.I nodded, “sure, the light here is horrible; maybe a selfie isn’t the way to go.”Mr. Ford extended his hand, and I handed him my phone. But instead of taking a picture of me, he put it in the back poc
Cassius pov“You’re so fucking beautiful.”“Language, dad.” Rose scolded me.I rolled my eyes, “you know what I mean. You are the perfect bride, Raven.”Seeing my youngest daughter get married reminded me of my own wedding. Ripley and I had wanted to do a quick wedding with just the three of us, not knowing at the time she was already pregnant with our middle child, Rayne.After we went to Malachi’s and Kennedy’s wedding, Ripley had wanted to get married in Europe too. But instead of France, she chose Greece.Even now, twenty plus years later, I can still remember how fucking gorgeous the country was. The white building, the blue ocean, my perfect bride in her summer dress.It was simple, but it suited us both. I didn’t need a big fucking wedding. I just needed my girls there. Rose and River wore matching dresses; they were so fucking cute. We had done the official part at home, at city hall. Ripley had asked two of the hotel staff to be our witnesses—two people who were now friends.T
Malachi’s povShe smelled and tasted even better than I remembered. I loved seeing that bump above me as I ate her pussy out. I kept my promise; I made her cum every time she told me she loved me.By the end of it, she didn't seem shy about it any longer; all the awkwardness between us was gone.She loves me, and I love her. And I intend to show her in every way possible.Once her legs felt putty and she couldn't move, I carried her to her room.“This is going to be our room now.” I stated, and she smiled at me.“Can you go inside the closet and grab that little bag for me?” she asked.I did what my woman asked me to do, looking for a small bag. I suspected it was my ring but didn’t want to assume.Once I found the bag, I handed it to her, and she took out a little box."Malachi Ford, you're nothing like what I ever imagined my husband would be like, but exactly what I need. You’re a sweetheart; you love to dance and sing, and your fashion sense is growing on me.”I chuckled at her wor
Kennedy’s povLong story short, I heard everything. Yeah, it’s an invasion of fucking privacy, blablabla. It’s my home! If I want to watch the security cameras for a bit, just to make sure everything is okay, then I can.I mean, it wasn’t like I was spying on them.Okay, I sort of was, but who cares?Malachi loves me. He said so twice now, so it’s like a fact at this point.And if he does get upset I eavesdropped, then he should also get angry at Leon, because that sneaky little man must have overheard my call with Cassius and Ripley.Yes. I talked to them. Of all people.But it wasn’t even about Malachi. They called me to see how everything was going after Juliette’s death and offered their sympathies. It was just a normal conversation until the fucker, Cassius, of course, started annoying me.He asked about the wedding and a bunch of other shit, that doesn’t seem really important right now. And then he started teasing me, like a fucking child.Ripley tried to stop him, well, sort of;
Malachi’s povHow do I even start?I wish I could put this off. I wish I could just wait a bit, but we have to go to France so Leon can say goodbye if he wants to. I read everything I could online about young children and death, and they all suggest letting the kids have a choice.Both the funeral and her burial will take place there.I can’t let my own feelings get in the way. I am angry; I’m sad. I’m so many things, but none of them are important right now.Is that what it’s like to be a parent? Putting someone else first, always? I respect momma in a whole new way.Every time I asked about my dad, did she hurt as well? She never showed it.“Papa?” Leon said, looking at me with big eyes.He’s so beautiful. Such an amazing kid.I swallowed, trying to keep my voice from breaking.Things were awkward between me and Kennedy because we almost kissed. But she was still here, her hand on my shoulder, trying to keep me sane.She’s a good woman. A good mother. And I am lucky to have her here.
Malachi’s pov“Do you believe in god?”Kennedy sighed. Our morning did not get off to a good start. I may or may not have assumed she had told Leon when I saw her holding him and crying.Thankfully I didn’t just yell out something stupid, but the damage was done anyway.The rest of the day had been awkward, and I still had not told Leon about his mother’s death.It surprised me that Kennedy stayed behind after our fight. She could have left. Leon wasn’t her responsibility, and she’s supposed to go to work. But she didn’t.Instead, she worked from home.Leon was now taking a nap, and Kennedy had just ordered lunch, so I thought it was a safe moment to talk to her. Guess I was wrong.“Why?”“I don’t know. Just... do you believe in God?" I asked again.“I’m a Republican; of course I believe in God." Kennedy replied stoically.I don't think that's how it works, but okay.."So you go to church, pray, and all that?"She rolled her eyes, “that’s too much. I just believe in God. And I donate t
Kennedy’s pov“I’m sorry,” I muttered.“What?” Ripley asked.“Don’t make me repeat it, please. You heard me.”Ripley giggled, “you’re sorry for what?”“I don’t fucking know. Everything? I was a bitch to you. I didn’t even want Cassius the way you want him. I never loved the man. It was a pride thing. And I don’t like people messing with my plans. And you messed with my plans a whole fu- shit, how does Cassius not curse around these kids?”Ripley shrugged, “he tries. It doesn’t always work. But you were saying?”“Yeah, you messed with my plans. Threw everything in the trash, actually. Kind of ruined everything we had planned, and even when I tried to fight back, somehow you still came out on top.”“Not every time. I was really miserable, and some of the things you did had a major effect on my and the girls’ lives.”I sighed, fuck… Why isn’t sorry enough? Why do I have to explain myself or whatever.“Look, I can go into a whole thing and explain my reasons. But we both know they were pre
Cassius pov“Um, so, fuck it. Do you want to come over so the girls can play with Leon?” Kennedy’s voice asked me on the other end of the phone.I should have never answered the phone when I saw her name pop up on the caller ID. We were having a relaxing day, the girls were almost ready to take a nap, which meant afternoon sex for me and Ripley while they slept.The naps could last for an hour or sometimes only twenty minutes, but it made things exciting, not knowing how much time we had to spend. And a quicky is still sex.Before I could say no, Ley took the phone from my fucking hands. Sneaky girl.“We’d love to; the girls can nap on the way over.”And now we weren’t having our afternoon sexy time? Hell to the fucking no.But Ripley had said goodbye to Kennedy and handed me back the phone. “Stop pouting, Cas. I’ll make it up to you tonight.”“You better…” I teased my fiancé.She rolled her eyes, “or what?”“Oh, you’ll see…” I winked at her with my smirk that she loved to hate.Ley ig
Malachi’s povShe looked damn good. I had imagined what Kennedy would look like when she was pregnant, but this was beyond my imagination.She looked beautiful and hot. The thought that this woman is carrying my baby is sexy as hell, but I can’t let her see it.Especially not after she disappeared for no good reason.We had talked for those two weeks. It wasn’t like she went no-contact. She just never mentioned she was out of the country.I was dealing with a lot myself, so when she said she didn’t have time for a date, I didn’t really care.Okay, that was a lie. I had grown to enjoy our dates. For someone who acts like she doesn’t care about anyone but herself, she is a very good listener. And she gives pretty good advice too, although a bit cold.But when you’re dealing with death, childcare, a wedding, and a bunch of other stuff, it’s nice to have someone who doesn’t get stressed out. She is calm, mostly because she buries everything. Which isn’t healthy at all. But that’s an issue
Kennedy“So you really don’t see anything wrong with what you did?” Malachi asked over the phone.How could I explain the need to leave for two weeks without giving much of an explanation.Should I just tell them the complete list of shit I am dealing with right now?First of fucking all, I am having a boy. Hooray! But no.Seriously…. My entire fucking life, I had known I would get a girl that would be just like me. It was already a thing to realize that I’d be having a mixed-race girl. Not because they’re not beautiful and pretty—I mean, they’re arguably more pretty—but because it means my daughter will not be a perfect copy.Yeah, now that I am saying it out loud. Or, thinking about it, I realize how crazy that sounds.So I will not be telling Malachi any of that.We found out that we’re having a boy, and his mother was there too. She’s a lovely lady, I guess. Very intimating, but I respect that in a woman. No bullshit attitude.She gave me some speech on how I should treat her son r