Page 16 of The Devoted Husband

“I knew we wouldn’t be able to remain in our own little bubble on the island forever. I felt like your family would be an issue, and they were. On top of that, you’re way too possessive. The fighting over me and putting your hands on me...red flags. I think ending it before you fall harder is best, and I get more attached.”

Tugging his ear, Atlas pulled in a deep breath. “I want to be here for you and my baby.”

“It’s...” She chuckled and licked the corner of her mouth. “It’snotyour baby, Atlas. It’s Dante’s.”

“No, it’s not. You said you never wanted him to know.”

“That’s true, but that doesn’t mean I’m going to stay with you.” Standing, she headed toward the door and opened it. “Can you please leave?”

Standing, Atlas looked around the room before heading in her direction. “I went against my family to be with you. You’re out your damn mind if you think I’m going to let you end things so easily.” When she didn’t respond, Atlas wrapped his hand around her neck and used it to pull her closer. “I don’t think you really want me to.”

“Atlas,” she whimpered against his lips before he kissed her. “I can’t do another toxic relationship again.”

Light laughter escaped Atlas as she clung to the hem of his shirt.

“Nah, that’s exactly what you want.” He lifted her into the air and wrapped her legs around him. “You want me crazy about you.” He kissed her. “You want me to not let up off you.” He kissed her again. That time, she wrapped her arms around his neck. “You want me to work for you because that nigga never did.” He kissed her a third time. And that time, she kissed him back.

Kicking the door closed, Atlas carried her over to the bed.

“This doesn’t change anything,” she assured him.

“Yeah, okay,” he agreed, though he didn’t believe her. And by the time Atlas finished reclaiming her body, he was sure Sade would change her mind.

Sade

The constant vibration of Sade’s phone pulled her out of her sleep, but she was too lazy to roll over and pick it up. As much as she hated to admit it, having sex with Atlas was the stress reliever she needed. Her mind had been jaded after having dinner with Dante over Facetime. She felt horrible for not telling him that she was pregnant and was battling whether she should continue with the secret or tell him the truth.

Though Dante suggested there wasn’t too much she could do to make him hate her,everyonehad a breaking point. Would keeping his baby a secret be his?

The phone rang again, and Sade groaned as she rolled over. It wasn’t her cell phone that time; it was the phone in her suite.

“Hello?” she answered groggily.

“Sade, I hate to call you so early, but it’s an emergency.”

At the sound of her grandmother’s words, Sade’s eyes shot open as she sat upright. “What is it, Grandma?”

“Imani was attacked. It’s bad.”

“Oh God.” Clutching her chest, Sade pulled in a deep breath as her heart skipped a beat—and not in a good way. Heat filled her body as she sat on the edge of the bed. “Where is she?”

“She’s at The Med. She can’t have visitors, but we can go up there to get updates on her and at least be in the same space as her.”

“Yeah, yeah, of course. Um...Let me hop in the shower real quick, and I’ll meet y’all there. Do the twins know?”

“Not yet. I didn’t think we should tell them.”

“I agree. Give me about an hour, and I’ll be there.”

“Okay, baby.”

Sade stood and frantically pulled pieces of clothing out of the closet. Regardless of how things were between her and her sister, Sade took pride in being her protector. Knowing someone had attacked her sister made Sade want to get arrested just to avenge her.

“Atlas!” she yelled, rushing into the bathroom to cut on the shower. “Atlas, you have to wake up!”

“Hmm?” He sat up, rubbing his eyes. “What’s wrong?”

“Imani was attacked. I’m going to the hospital. Grandma said they won’t let them see her, but everyone has a price. I’m going to go up there and see if I can.”

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