Page 42 of Deacon

“I tried praying over Squeak just now, and she flipped out instead of waiting for the benediction. I used the oil you left over here.”

Silence and ruffling from the other end of the line has me sitting on the bed, focusing on the bathroom. The goofy grin I’m wearing can’t be helped because Squeak is here with me, and all is right in my world again.

“I’m so proud of you, and I’m sure the evidence of your prayer will be the confusion from the enemy. Great job, Prynce,” Ma says cheerily.

Hm. Should I tell Ma it wasn’t the kind of prayer she recites to God or leave it alone?

“I really think I need to get right with God because if I’m gonna be with you… one of us has to be in right standing with God,” Squeak says, reentering the room with her eyes assessing me.

“I gotta go tend to my woman, Ma,” I say, smirking as my heart skips several beats while staring at Squeak wearing nothing but the suit God gave her after entering the world.

“Awe. I love seeing and hearing love from you, Prynce. God bless this union. Cover them, oh God. Bless them. Hold back the hand of the enemy. Lord, block and cancel every plan of Satan concerning them. I trust You, God. I believe You, God. I worship You, God. I call Prynce and Ms. Janelle blessed,” Ma says, and with my eyes watching Squeak’s every move toward me, I remain silent and let her finish her petition for me and my woman.

“Why are you staring at me like this, Deacon?” Squeak asks.

“Along with categorizing every spot, mole, and every feature on your pretty face, I’m trying to patiently wait for you to reach me so I can fuck you back to sleep,” I say huskily.

“Prynce Michael Redmond… why are you acting mannish knowing I’m on this phone?” Ma yells into the receiver, causing me to disconnect the call without answering because, somehow,I had forgotten she was on the line the longer my gaze connected with Squeak.

“You ain’t got no chill, Deacon. Your momma is gonna get you,” Squeak says, laughing.

Pulling her body into mine, I fall back onto the bed, kissing her lips lightly, and pure joy spreads through my body upon seeing desire pooling in Squeak’s orbs.

“Worry more about this dick I’m about to give you and less about Ma. She’ll be all right. Your pussy, on the other hand… Never mind. Guide me home, love.”

Whoever saidsex can’t or shouldn’t fix problems in a relationship hasn’t had a man like my Deacon working overtime while wielding his intense and gratifying stroke game. Being the recipient of multiple orgasms has given me a pep in my step unlike any sip of a five-hour energy drink I’ve drunk after a heavy study session in college. Sharing a bed with Deacon has been exhilarating after going without him for as long as I had. Waking up in his arms gives me the comfort to handle the sadness of not working and becoming a hermit.

“It’s about time you took me out of the doghouse. This separation has been harder than when you lived hours away. How the hell did you let the bullshit between you and Deaconspill over to me?” Tinker Belle asks, walking into the house with a frown that causes my chest to tighten.

Somehow, disconnecting from Tinker Belle happened gradually and unintentionally, which I hadn’t set out to do. The pain of not communicating with Deacon had me self-preserving, which meant pulling back from everyone but my parents.

“Why did you let me? Not once did you pop up at Mom and Dad’s house. You knew where I was.”

Tinker Belle made it easy to distance myself from her because, other than the few calls and texts she sent, she never forced me to remain constant in her life.

“We have been not only friends but sisters long enough for me to know that when you resign your mind to something, it's best to let you work it out. However, my patience was beginning to run thin because, unlike Deacon’s ass… I ain’t do shit to be put on ice for.”

“Mhm. Tick tock, Tinker Belle,” Deacon says, appearing out of nowhere while tapping his wrist.

Seeing Deacon’s bare feet, sleep pants, and T-shirt has me clenching my thighs to fight against the current thumping against my core.

That’s my man! That’s my man!

My conscience screams like a proud lover, causing a smirk to upturn my lips because, somehow, I’ve been hit with a crazy dart.

“What do you mean, Deacon?” Tinker Belle asks, frowning.

“You’ve only got fifty sum odd minutes for this reunion, so you probably shouldn’t waste them on pointless discussions,” Deacon says, and my brows hike, but Tinker Belle beats me to the punch by asking the question entering my mind.

“Why am I on a timeframe and a short one at that?” Tinker Belle asks.

“We’ve got plans, and your needy ass ain’t about to stall them.” With that, Deacon turns and heads toward his man cave without another word.

“Did I tell you about Deacon’s pet?” I interject when I remember what he has in the basement.

“No. I don’t see any evidence of a pet.” Tinker Belle’s eyes bounce around like a tether ball, and a laugh escapes my mouth.

Grabbing her hand, I lead her to the kitchen so we can talk while telling her about my meeting with Carol Ann.

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