Page 64 of His Reward
“And you would know because that’s exactly what you did.”She frowns, though there’s a faint smile on her lips.“The two of you have been alike in some ways.Shadyways.”
“There’s one big difference.”
She smirks.“Oh, I know.”
I chuckle.This girl always makes me laugh.There’s never going to be a dull moment with my Jujube.
“Thedifference…” I lift her on top of me, sliding my hands up and down her back and over her ass.“…is that he’s going to prison while I got the girl.”
I pull her close for a kiss and she cups my face and kisses my back.My heart feels so full holding her in my arms.She is my best friend’s daughter.It’s wrong to want her.Wrong to have her.The life I want to live with her has challenges ahead when her family finds out about us, but being with her is worth the risk.
Epilogue
June
Three months later
“Good news.We just unpacked the last box.”I pump my fists in the air in celebration.
Malcolm chuckles.“And it only took us a month to do it.”
A cool mid-October breeze sweeps through the open front door as he pushes a long, white strip into the frame.
This house isn’t old, and it’s in great condition, but ever since we found out I’m pregnant a week ago, Malcolm’s home improvement tasks has increased.For instance, he saw a small hole in the front door’s weather stripping yesterday, and here he is, already replacing it.
I fold my arms and lean against the wall, admiring his capability as I watch him work.For the first in a long time, I’m content.I’m not alone anymore.I have a partner who loves me and takes care of me, offering me his strength, support, and protection.
I’ve been so at peace, my prescription sleeping pills aren’t necessary anymore.Although, I’ll take half of one sometimes and tell Malcolm.
That very first time I woke up and caught him between my legs, I was furious.Not anymore.I love waking up to him doing naughty things to my body.The best times are when I awake to him thrusting into me, growling into my ear that he’s going to fill me up with his cum even if I’m asleep.
My parents think I moved into this house with Malcolm to save rent, and for continued protection.Though, they don’t need to worry about the latter since Tyler was denied bail and is in custody.
My sister is the only person who knows the truth for now, though Malcolm and I are planning to tell Mom and Dad soon.We’re hoping the news of the baby will lessen their anger, and make Dad reconsider murdering Malcolm.I’m sure he wouldn’t want his daughter knocked up and alone.
My parents might disapprove of our relationship, but we don’t need anyone’s permission.Our love began eleven years ago when he saved my life.Time and distance changed it and led us here.What matters most to us is each other and our baby.
I stare at the scar on his arm, wanting to trace it like I usually do when we’re snuggled up together.A memory comes to me.It feels like so long ago since that day when we reunited at my parents’ front door.
“You told me once that I saved your life,” I say.“I always wondered what you meant by that.”
Malcolm pauses his task and looks at me.For a second, he doesn’t speak.He lowers his hands from the frame and gazes out at the front lawn.He taps his palm with the tool he was using to replace the weather stripping then meets my gaze again.
“Before the fire, my longtime girlfriend had dumped me,” he begins.
Malcolm’s ex’s name blossoms in my mind but not her face.It’s been so long ago since I last saw her.
“Lydia!I forgot about her.Why did you guys break up?”
“She said she couldn’t see a future with me.”A wry smile curves his lips.“She wasn’t wrong.I had no money, couldn’t hold down a job, and I had anger issues because I drank too much.”
I smile.“I bet she’d regret it if she saw you now.You did a complete one-eighty.”
He holds my gaze.“Maybe, but she made the best decision for me, even though I didn’t know it at the time.A few days after she dumped me, I got evicted from my apartment.I was living in my car until I stupidly parked it somewhere I shouldn’t, and it got towed.Couldn’t afford to get it back either.”
I give him a sympathetic look.“Bad news comes in threes.”
“Tell me about it.”He shakes his head.“I was at a real low point the night of the fire.I’d lost my girlfriend, my home, and my car in a short space of time, and it was all my fucking fault.I felt like a huge fuck up.”
