AmaijaAfter getting dressed, I head back downstairs. Eriq stands and walks over to me, smiling. “How do I look?” “Stunning,” he says. I blush under his gaze and smile. “So, what time will you be home?” he asks. “The event ends at ten, so probably around 10:30.” He nods. “I wish you were coming.” “That’s okay. I’ll find something to do,” he replies. “Why don’t you go out with some friends? Hit a bar or a club. Just don’t pick up any girls.” I grin.Ding dong. The doorbell echoes through the house. “That must be Vector,” I say. “I’ll walk you out.” He takes my hand and leads me to the door. “Oh, wait. I need to grab something from the office.” He releases my hand, and I dart over, open the door, pick up an envelope from the desk, and return to the living room. “Here you go,” I say, handing it to him. “What is it?” He furrows his brows as he takes it. “Go ahead, open it.” He eyes me skeptically but opens the envelope, reads it, and his eyes widen. “This must
EriqI collapse beside her, breathless after another round of lovemaking. I pull her close, kissing her neck as my breathing steadies. I can’t believe this is happening. Half an hour ago, I was dreading how hard it’d be to get over her, and now I’m in her bed, wrapped up in her after the most incredible intimacy. My head and heart have been in a whirlwind since the moment I slipped inside her. She’s bewitched me. A simple touch or smile stirs emotions I’ve never felt before—intense enough to make my head spin. I’m in love with her. I suspected it before today, but after everything—her words, her touch, this night—I’m certain.“If I’d known it’d be like this, I would’ve jumped your bones that first night,” she says, pulling my focus to her.Her cheeks are flushed, her hair a messy cascade, but she’s never looked more stunning. My heart pounds as I take her in. Yeah, I’m in love. But does she feel the same? No, probably not—she was still hung up on him last week. She likes me more than h
EriqAfter checking a couple of Ami’s emails, I head downstairs to find them. As I approach, I hear voices. “Come on, tell me. You were having sex with that guy—your new assistant, right?” Katya’s voice carries. Girl talk, huh? I pause. Should I go in? Nah, it’d be awkward right now. I hang back, waiting for a neutral topic so I can enter without blushing. “Shh, he might hear you,” Ami whispers. “So that’s exactly what you were doing. How was it? Spill all the details. You know it’s been four years since I’ve gotten any…” Four years? Damn, that’s a stretch. “Shh! He’s my assistant. And you’re choosing not to have sex—you could have any guy you want,” Ami says. “The dating pool’s got urine in it, girl. You know—cheaters, users, or gay,” Katya replies. Ami lets out that cute little laugh of hers. “There are some good ones left,” Ami says. I smile, hoping she’s thinking of me. “I guess he must be something special for you to have that stupid grin on your face,” Katya tease
Amaija“Ami, I’m going to take a shower!” Eriq calls. “Okay!” I shout from the couch, pretending to read on my iPad as I watch him disappear upstairs.Five minutes later, I drop the device and sneak up to his room. I tiptoe to his door, pressing my ear against it to check if he’s still inside. Hearing nothing, I ease it open and dart across to his closet. I’ve been sneaking in to steal his shirts for the past few days. I know it sounds weird, but it’s not what it seems—his scent calms me. Not in a creepy way, I swear.Early in my pregnancy, I dodged morning sickness and thought I’d escape it entirely. Then, two weeks ago, it hit like a freight train—more like all-day sickness, since it’s not just mornings. It only stops when I’m asleep; otherwise, I’m glued to the toilet. I tried everything—Mom even suggested Jamaican remedies Grandma swore by—but nothing worked. The only relief came when I was with Eriq. Then, two days ago, he left a shirt on the couch after a workout, and I noticed
Finally, Ami and I are going on a date. It’s a bit late considering everything we’ve already shared, but better late than never. I just hope she enjoys it. She’s accustomed to the finest experiences, and I’m certain this won’t measure up to some of the extravagant dates she’s been on. Still, I hope it’s enough because she deserves nothing less than the best. My smart, loving, tough cookie with a heart of gold. My little weirdo. The memory of her crawling into my room on all fours makes me chuckle. I couldn’t believe she was the one sneaking off with my shirts, but knowing my scent comforts her fills me with the greatest joy. It means she’s attached to me. Maybe this thing between us will grow into something more than a fling. For me, it already has, but I can’t quite read her. I know she likes me, yet I’m unsure how deep her feelings run. I want to ask, but I’m afraid of what she might say. I shake my head, pushing away thoughts of the future. I need to focus on the present and make to
“She did what? How do you know it’s broken?” Eriq asks, holding the phone to his ear. “Well, I’m in the middle of something. I’ll let you know.” He pulls the phone away as his friend’s voice rises in a frantic scream.“What’s wrong? Is it an emergency? We can cut our date short,” I offer, concerned.“It’s…” He hesitates, then presses the speaker button so I can hear.“Are you seriously going to leave me here?!” Glen shouts through the phone.“Yes, call your parents,” Eriq replies coolly.“I don’t want my parents to see me like this!”“Then call an ambulance. I’m busy. I told you to stop picking up random women.” I furrow my brows, puzzled. What does a random woman have to do with this?“She was hot, and you know our health insurance is terrible. I can’t afford the emergency room fee—especially after getting robbed,” Glen whines.“A woman robbed him?” I ask, stunned.“Yes, and she also, according to him, broke his, um…” Eriq trails off, looking uncomfortable.“Broke what?”“His… his… uh
EriqMy heart nearly stops. I sprint out of the room, ignoring Glen’s shouts as I race for the door. What if Flavio kidnaps her? I’ve never seen him physically harm anyone, but he once set my apartment on fire to get what he wanted. What else might he be capable of? I should’ve known better than to bring her here. I should’ve suspected he might be watching Glen. I should’ve moved away to keep her safe, but I stayed because I couldn’t bear to leave her. Now she’s in danger, and it’s all because I couldn’t stay away. If he touches her, I swear… I gritted my teeth as I bounded down the last flight of stairs and burst out of the building. I run to the car—she’s not there. I scan the area, but she’s nowhere in sight. Grabbing my phone, I dial Flavio’s number. He picks up after the second ring.“Where the hell is she?” I demand.“So, she is important to you?” he taunts.“I swear, if you lay a finger on her, I’ll bury you six feet under.” My voice shakes with a mix of anger and fear.“Finally
Eriq I inhale, trying to calm myself as I stare at the arrogant shit smirking at me. I want to punch in Flavio’s teeth for what he pulled today. However, they outnumber me and are probably all armed. I glance at the three men in the room, one by the door I recognize from the picture and two other men behind him. “Welcome to the family business.” “The family business is an auto shop, Flav. What the fuck was that today?” “This is the new family business. Your little friend will be untouched if you comply.” Anger burns through my body. I clench my jaw, trying to resist the urge to lunge at him. “I already told you I’m not interested in whatever bullshit you have going on. This is not the life I want to live.” “Are you living the life now? I see that pretty little thing you’re with. What will happen when she needs money to do her hair or her nails but her boyfriend is broke?” I chuckle at the thought of Ami needing money from me. “You won’t find it funny when she leaves you for ano
EriqI can’t keep myself from smiling as I peel the potatoes. Her mother likes me. I have one ally in my goal to win over Ami.“Mom!” Jaden runs into the kitchen, snatches the potato peeler from me, and glares at me.What’s wrong with him? He’s acting like the first time I met him. “Mom, why didn’t you tell me you need help? Why did you ask him?”He says, his eyes still shooting daggers at me.“I didn’t ask him. He offered to help. You can help if you want to, but he’s already doing the potatoes. Why don’t you make the dough for the fried dumplings?”“Okay, mom.” He throws the peeler down, walks over to her, and kisses her cheeks.I shake my head, confused, before resuming what I was doing. We all work together in mostly silence for a while.“Are you two done?” Mrs.Klein asks after a while.“Almost,” I say as I look down at the potatoes and see only three left. “Do you want anything else done?”“I’m almost done, mom. You can have me do it instead.” Jaden comes running towards us, his h
Eriq I glance back at Ami, and sure enough, she looks worried. Our eyes meet, and I smile to reassure her before her mother pulls me away. Judging by her mother’s attitude toward me, I don’t think it will be as bad as she does, but I know she is worried for my sake. Which means I have some place in her heart even if she doesn’t love me yet. It gives me hope that maybe someday soon, I can tell her I love her. I have been holding back for the last few weeks and feel I’m suffocating without saying those three words. “I bet he’s Asian.” someone says as we draw closer to the family room. “No, this one is white,” Jaden says. “White, that’s new. How old is he?” “I don’t know,” Jaden says. “I bet two hundred and fifty thou he’s twenty-four.” “I’ll take that action,” “No, you’ve already met him. So both you and Zara are excluded.” I chuckle, amused by their banter. They remind me of my family. I guess all families are the same no matter how much money you have. “So 250, who’s in…” “Ah
AmiI pull my pants on, then my shirt, and grab my shoes. We’re getting ready to leave for Jamaica soon. I frown. Two weeks with my , overbearing family is not my idea of a good time. Especially since I’m still a little miffed, that Mom felt the need to blackmail me into going. She can be so annoying, but I can’t be too upset since Eriq is right. The entire family changed their schedules so that I could go. I mean, even if is overbearing, it is sweet.I feel the corner of my belly stretching, pulling me from my thoughts. I smile as I reach down and touch my stomach. Every time I feel them move, it makes me so happy. Our baby.“Daddy and I can’t wait to meet you.” I sigh, my heart feeling troubled as I remember I haven’t told Eriq it’s his baby. I was going to tell him, but his father for sick, and then mom changed the date of the trip, so it didn’t feel like the right time. I can’t drop this news on him and two weeks with my family at the same time. I’ll just wait until we get back fr
Eriq I inhale, trying to calm myself as I stare at the arrogant shit smirking at me. I want to punch in Flavio’s teeth for what he pulled today. However, they outnumber me and are probably all armed. I glance at the three men in the room, one by the door I recognize from the picture and two other men behind him. “Welcome to the family business.” “The family business is an auto shop, Flav. What the fuck was that today?” “This is the new family business. Your little friend will be untouched if you comply.” Anger burns through my body. I clench my jaw, trying to resist the urge to lunge at him. “I already told you I’m not interested in whatever bullshit you have going on. This is not the life I want to live.” “Are you living the life now? I see that pretty little thing you’re with. What will happen when she needs money to do her hair or her nails but her boyfriend is broke?” I chuckle at the thought of Ami needing money from me. “You won’t find it funny when she leaves you for ano
EriqMy heart nearly stops. I sprint out of the room, ignoring Glen’s shouts as I race for the door. What if Flavio kidnaps her? I’ve never seen him physically harm anyone, but he once set my apartment on fire to get what he wanted. What else might he be capable of? I should’ve known better than to bring her here. I should’ve suspected he might be watching Glen. I should’ve moved away to keep her safe, but I stayed because I couldn’t bear to leave her. Now she’s in danger, and it’s all because I couldn’t stay away. If he touches her, I swear… I gritted my teeth as I bounded down the last flight of stairs and burst out of the building. I run to the car—she’s not there. I scan the area, but she’s nowhere in sight. Grabbing my phone, I dial Flavio’s number. He picks up after the second ring.“Where the hell is she?” I demand.“So, she is important to you?” he taunts.“I swear, if you lay a finger on her, I’ll bury you six feet under.” My voice shakes with a mix of anger and fear.“Finally
“She did what? How do you know it’s broken?” Eriq asks, holding the phone to his ear. “Well, I’m in the middle of something. I’ll let you know.” He pulls the phone away as his friend’s voice rises in a frantic scream.“What’s wrong? Is it an emergency? We can cut our date short,” I offer, concerned.“It’s…” He hesitates, then presses the speaker button so I can hear.“Are you seriously going to leave me here?!” Glen shouts through the phone.“Yes, call your parents,” Eriq replies coolly.“I don’t want my parents to see me like this!”“Then call an ambulance. I’m busy. I told you to stop picking up random women.” I furrow my brows, puzzled. What does a random woman have to do with this?“She was hot, and you know our health insurance is terrible. I can’t afford the emergency room fee—especially after getting robbed,” Glen whines.“A woman robbed him?” I ask, stunned.“Yes, and she also, according to him, broke his, um…” Eriq trails off, looking uncomfortable.“Broke what?”“His… his… uh
Finally, Ami and I are going on a date. It’s a bit late considering everything we’ve already shared, but better late than never. I just hope she enjoys it. She’s accustomed to the finest experiences, and I’m certain this won’t measure up to some of the extravagant dates she’s been on. Still, I hope it’s enough because she deserves nothing less than the best. My smart, loving, tough cookie with a heart of gold. My little weirdo. The memory of her crawling into my room on all fours makes me chuckle. I couldn’t believe she was the one sneaking off with my shirts, but knowing my scent comforts her fills me with the greatest joy. It means she’s attached to me. Maybe this thing between us will grow into something more than a fling. For me, it already has, but I can’t quite read her. I know she likes me, yet I’m unsure how deep her feelings run. I want to ask, but I’m afraid of what she might say. I shake my head, pushing away thoughts of the future. I need to focus on the present and make to
Amaija“Ami, I’m going to take a shower!” Eriq calls. “Okay!” I shout from the couch, pretending to read on my iPad as I watch him disappear upstairs.Five minutes later, I drop the device and sneak up to his room. I tiptoe to his door, pressing my ear against it to check if he’s still inside. Hearing nothing, I ease it open and dart across to his closet. I’ve been sneaking in to steal his shirts for the past few days. I know it sounds weird, but it’s not what it seems—his scent calms me. Not in a creepy way, I swear.Early in my pregnancy, I dodged morning sickness and thought I’d escape it entirely. Then, two weeks ago, it hit like a freight train—more like all-day sickness, since it’s not just mornings. It only stops when I’m asleep; otherwise, I’m glued to the toilet. I tried everything—Mom even suggested Jamaican remedies Grandma swore by—but nothing worked. The only relief came when I was with Eriq. Then, two days ago, he left a shirt on the couch after a workout, and I noticed
EriqAfter checking a couple of Ami’s emails, I head downstairs to find them. As I approach, I hear voices. “Come on, tell me. You were having sex with that guy—your new assistant, right?” Katya’s voice carries. Girl talk, huh? I pause. Should I go in? Nah, it’d be awkward right now. I hang back, waiting for a neutral topic so I can enter without blushing. “Shh, he might hear you,” Ami whispers. “So that’s exactly what you were doing. How was it? Spill all the details. You know it’s been four years since I’ve gotten any…” Four years? Damn, that’s a stretch. “Shh! He’s my assistant. And you’re choosing not to have sex—you could have any guy you want,” Ami says. “The dating pool’s got urine in it, girl. You know—cheaters, users, or gay,” Katya replies. Ami lets out that cute little laugh of hers. “There are some good ones left,” Ami says. I smile, hoping she’s thinking of me. “I guess he must be something special for you to have that stupid grin on your face,” Katya tease