Page 16 of A Trial of the Heart
“Selena could pick anybody, but she chose you. Don’t question it or wonder about the what ifs. She’s yours. Stand on business with her.”
He nodded.
“Almost time. I got your back the whole way through. You know that,” I added.
“‘Preciate you, brother.” He held his hand out my way, and we dapped each other up before he pulled me into a brotherly hug. “Love you, man,” he added.
“Love you too. Now, let’s get these drinks going.” I released him.
I was and would always be my brother’s keeper.
Chapter
Eight
Shiloh:
The escalator descended slowly, and Rashad came into view. He stood at the bottom with one hand shoved in his pocket and his eyes raised to mine. Rashad was fine by default, but the closer I got, the more his sexiness showed. He wore navy slacks that were tailored to his frame, a white button up shirt that clung to his muscles but was not too tight, black designer loafers on his feet, a platinum watch wrapped one wrist, and a Cuban link bracelet wrapped the other. His peanut butter colored skin looked good enough to eat. I could just lick the side of his face, imagining a sweet taste. It was clear he was one of God’s favorites. If I knew them, I’d thank his parents for putting in work to make him a work of art. Rashad wasn’t mine, but I couldn’t deny me being grateful I’d been the one he wanted to spend the cruise with.
My heels tapped the marble floor lightly when I stepped off the escalator, sashaying toward Rashad. I was grateful to be his focal point, but he caused my heart rate to speed up out of anxiousness.
“Hey.” My red stained lips curled into a smile once I reached him.
With a look of approval, Rashad licked his lips as his eyes slowly roamed my body.
“Damn…” Rashad let out slowly, his eyes finally reaching mine. “You look the fuck good.”
I couldn’t prevent myself from blushing at his compliment. LeeAnn had helped me pick out my outfit, and from his approval, I knew we had done the damn thing.
“Thank you.” My cheeks hurt from smiling so hard.
Once again, Rashad licked his lips as he stepped into my space, almost prompting me to step back, but I stood firm.
“Shit, I almost want to say fuck what I have planned and take your pretty ass back to my room and fuck you the way you deserve.”
Well, fuck, I thought, already feeling my kitty drip and wanting nothing more than what Rashad had said.
“Let’s,” I mumbled as I gripped the hem of his shirt in my fist.
Rashad had me not afraid to speak my mind and wanting him to always have his way with me. In such a short time, he made me feel a way Daniel had never. He felt like a safe space I never knew I needed.
Rashad leaned my way and pressed his lips against mine, kissing me slowly yet aggressively. Just as I was about to get lost in the kiss, Rashad pulled back and my eyes popped open instantly. He smirked down at me and backed away.
“We have plenty of time for that. Right now, we have plans.” He took my hand without waiting for a response and led the way.
As much as I wanted to go back to Rashad’s room and have him slut me out, I was excited to see what he had planned. So with a smile and butterflies fluttering in my stomach, we casually strolled to the place where Rashad had made tonight’s plans.
“Good evening, Mr. Carter. You and your lovely lady can follow right this way,” the well-mannered host greeted me and Rashad.
“Thank you.” Rashad slightly nodded before following behind the host, pulling me along gently since we held hands. My heels clicked against the floor, tapping lightly, mimicking a slow beat to the perfect love song.
Once we were fully inside, I realized it was just the host, Rashad, and myself. We were in a private area. Before coming on the cruise, I saw the many private packages offered, but it all had to be pre-booked. So, how had Rashad made it happen on such short notice?
Rashad pulled one of the two chairs at the table out, gesturing for me to sit and I did. Seconds later, he rounded the back of my chair before taking the seat directly across from me.
“Mr. Carter, the staff that will care for you and your guest will be with you soon,” the host stated before handing us huge menus I could barely hold.
“Here are some hot towels to get you started.” He placed a steaming hot cloth in each of our hands before strolling off.
