Hush 2: Slow Burn Page 3

  “When we were little I would get picked on for having strawberry blonde hair, and brown skin with green eyes. I got into so many fights. Marcus would punch boys in the nose for teasing me. My mom was so pretty. She was more of Nate’s complexion with her beautiful chocolate skin, but her eyes were just as green as mine,” Rita laughs. “Her hair was just as blonde too.

  “I bet from looking at Nate and me you would have no idea that we are actually one part African American, one part Italian, and two parts Greek. People’s jaws would drop when Dad would show up to Nate’s football games, calling out proudly, that’s my son. I think more people are accepting of Interracial dating, but they don’t think about what we kids come out looking like. It’s like we are not real to people.

  “Sometimes I used to feel like I didn’t belong anywhere. I was a freak to the black kids and strange to the white ones. My mom was raised by her African-American family so Nate and I weren’t ignorant to any part of our families’ cultures. I’ve been to Italy, Greece, and spent time in New Orleans and Chicago.

  “What I am trying to say is. It might be hard to know that you have lived a lie for so long, but that doesn’t change who you are in here,” Rita places a hand over her heart. “Who cares about ignorant people? You may not have known the truth then, but it wouldn’t have mattered to them. They still would have found something mean to say. All the fights I got into weren’t even worth it.

  “I watched my mom hold her head high and I learned to do the same. A box of dye doesn’t change or strip you of your heritage. You being the lighter version of your sister doesn’t make you any less. From what I know of your dad, he wasn’t himself after what happened before you were born. I don’t think he slighted you intentionally,” Rita finishes wiping at her own tears.

  “As far as Luca goes, didn’t you tell us he seemed to like you with your natural hair color more? Not to mention, you said you haven’t been in the same room with him since before your mom…,” Marie pauses and wrinkles her brows. “Since that woman disappeared. He doesn’t even know your story. So how could he not want you because you are mixed?”

  “He was dating Pam you know,” Rita says pointedly.

  I lift my head to look at my two friends. They both have a point. I am still struggling with what that bitch Angie did. What she took from me, but I shouldn’t be imposing those feelings on my relationship with my dad, Valentina or Luca. My drunken mind tries to rationalize all of this, but right now it is an epic fail.

  All I can think about is the last time I saw Luca before he took off. It was before Vita was born. We had been living together for months. I had stopped going home once that crazy woman flipped out over my hair.

  At first, Luca had started to stay out late or he would fall asleep in different rooms. I had blamed it on my clumsy attempt to seduce him one night. He had gently turned me down, saying we should wait until the wedding night. I had told him I had no interest in waiting until then.

  Let’s just say that didn’t end so well. He stormed off and I was left feeling silly and confused. I had done everything Valentina told me to and Luca still didn’t want to sleep with me. After that night, he rarely spent the night in the same room with me.

  One night I was just plain fed up. I dressed in a purple lacy bra and panty set with a pair of nude heels. I had heard Luca come in and go to his study. I made my way there after giving myself a pep talk.

  I now wish I never had. The look on Luca’s face. I can’t erase it from my mind. It is the look that haunts me now even as I try to tell myself my brown skin and my real mother have nothing to do with why Luca doesn’t love me.

  I hate that that crazy woman’s voice plagues my rational thoughts. Her constant poking at Valentina and me plays loudly, telling me that something is wrong with me, that I am not good enough.

  Tears roll down my cheeks as I think of the times my father did take Valentina to see her mother’s family. I didn’t know at the time that they were my family too. That witch would have a fit about me going, but my dad always put her in her place.

  I loved those trips. I always felt at home, like I belonged. I never noticed that until now. Eventually, those trips stopped because it was just too painful for my father. I wish I would have known they were my family. I would have pushed to go see them on my own. I believe Valentina has gone once or twice.

  “Yes, he seemed to prefer the darker hair. I don’t think he knows any of what’s going on. And yes, I do know about Luca and Pam. He used to call her name in his sleep. She told me about them when we met. Pam said she didn’t want things to be awkward between us. I wanted to hate her, but I couldn’t,” I shrug.

  Rita gives a low whistle. “Why are you into this guy again? I haven’t been around him too much, but from what I know of him and what you have shared, I don’t get it. He seems like an asshole,” Rita says bluntly.

  “Yeah, he can be, but I know him. When he let me in he was a great guy to be around. Maybe I just haven’t a clue. It’s not like I had a boyfriend before him,” I stop to think. My blood starts to boil because Rita is right. Why the hell am I in love with Luca? He left me. I threw myself at him and he took off. The last time I saw him was when Vita was born and then he took off again.

  I start to get pissed about everything all over again. I hate that I was forced to change by one person and then I change myself again for another. I wake up each morning now wishing I knew who the hell I am. Everything is different now.

  I shake my head not able to finish my words. When I look in the mirror now, I see everything so differently. I can’t help but wonder what Luca saw that made him run away.

  “Fuck Luca,” I growl out of the blue.

  Marie and Rita just sit staring at me for a few minutes and then they burst out laughing. My drunk mind releases some of my anger as I start to laugh as well. We are all doubled over in laughter when Jas comes sauntering into the house.

  “I forgot girls’ night was going to be here tonight,” Jas groans and turns to leave.

  “No don’t go,” I laugh. “I think I have overstayed my welcome. Besides, I am the only one drinking. That is a sign that I need to go home and get in bed.”

  Jas shakes his head with a smirk on his lips. “Rita, I just got off the phone with your husband. He is under the impression you are home,” Jas says to Rita with a raised brow.

  I love the care and love you can see in this family. Like I said Valentina and I have a unique way of showing our love. Uri and his siblings seem to be the same. You can tell they care about each other, but it is not like watching the Mairettie and Briggs clans. They are like one big happy family that you just want to be a part of.

  “I think that is my queue. I’ll take you home,” Rita says to me as I lift to my feet shakily.

  I think I could have done without those last four glasses of wine. I stumble over to my purse and start to wobble toward the door. Jas shakes his head at me.

  “Let’s get you to the car in one piece,” he chuckles as he grabs ahold of my arm.

  “Thanks,” I murmur.

  “Call me in the morning,” Marie says in my ear as she pulls me in for a hug.

  “I will see you later,” I say and give her a sloppy kiss on the cheek. I stumble again and Jas straightens me.

  My heart squeezes as I think back to that night Valentina had me get all dressed up in that cream colored dress that was way out of my comfort zone then. Luca had taken care of me after I had too much to drink. I remember him leading me to the car after and kissing my temple.

  It was so sweet and tender. I had fallen asleep against him on the ride home and he had carried me to bed. I woke as he was slipping my shoes off my feet. I know I’m not crazy. There was something in his eyes. A look he gave me before it all shutdown and he schooled his features into the cool mask he gives everyone else.

  Out of frustration I had jumped off the bed and stumbled into the shower that night. Luca was already in bed with his back to me when I got back out. I fought not to cry that night, but as I laid there awake and pissed off something hit me. It was the first night he didn’t call Pam’s name. I remember noticing that fact and finding enough peace in it to finally fall asleep.

  I draw in a breath willing the memory to fade. I can’t keep living like this. I didn’t want to marry Luca in the first place. I was just going along with what Papa wanted. Now I plan to do what Shannon wants. At the moment, I haven’t a clue what that is, but it starts with saying, “Fuck Luca!”

  chapter Three

  Welcome Home

  Marie

  New York

  “What are you doing home so early,” I purr up at Jas as he reenters the house after walking Rita and a very drunken Shannon out.

  “Is a man not even welcome in his own home anymore,” Jas teases as he bends his head to nip at my neck. “And here I thought you loved me.”

  “I absolutely do love you and you know it,” I moan and wiggle closer to him wishing I could melt right into my husband. I can’t believe we have been married for almost ten months already. It feels like so much longer, but at the same time, every day with Jas brings something new.

  I can’t wait to give him our news. I confirmed my suspicions this morning after getting sick at my photo shoot. I can’t believe it has finally happened. Jas has been so patient, but I have been getting so down and frustrated that we hadn’t conceived a baby yet.

  I only took a home pregnancy test. I want to save my first appointment for us to do together. Everything has been going so smoothly. I have been picking up modeling gigs and Jas’s gym and his app program have been a great hit. Now we have a baby on the way and I couldn’t be happier.

  “Then I think you should welcome me home, Baby,” Jas croons into my ear.

  “Ho
w exactly would you like me to welcome you home,” I pull away slightly to look up at him through my lashes.

  “Follow me, Angel. I will show you exactly what you can do for me,” Jas replies with a sexy smirk on his lips. I have come to know that smirk very well. It holds so much meaning and promise.

  There is an electrical current that courses through me as his presence takes over the room and ladens me with a sense of anticipation. I don’t think I will ever get enough of this man. It is almost like our past has been forgotten and we a have fresh start that involves more passion than we could have ever imagined, at least on my part.

  I follow my sexy husband to the bedroom ready for whatever is going on in that sexy mind of his. I thought I trusted Jas before, but now being married to him, I have learned to trust him in a way that comes from deep within my soul. I don’t know what I would do without him.

  Jas stops in front of our bed turning to me and crosses his arms over his broad chest. His blonde hair is a bit messy and is falling into his green eyes. It is one of the hottest looks I have ever seen on my husband. It reminds me that I am the one that can make the controlled man lose it and turn into a mess right before my eyes.

  Jas lifts a brow at me wordlessly. I know what that means and I move forward to obey the silent request. I first step out of my black skirt not removing my grey heels. My white tank top comes off next. I move before Jas in my silver bra and panties.

  I tug at the hem of his t-shirt and he lifts his arms to allow me to remove the shirt from his body. I watch with baited breath as his muscles bunch and flex as I remove the shirt and toss it aside. Jas folds his arms back across his chest as I kneel before him and unfasten his jeans. His shoes are already gone as it is his habit to step out of his shoes at the front door.

  I lick my lips as his heavy erection springs free and bobs before me. My eyes cross as I stare at his delicious member that is pointing right at me. I had no idea a cock could taste so good, but Jas taste better than the finest chocolate I have ever had. Trust me; I have had some damn expensive and delicious chocolate.

  I look up through my lashes at Jas looking for permission to have what I so badly crave. That smirk is back as he tilts his head and inclines it towards me. “You want it, Baby. Take it. Show me how much you want to taste me, Angel,” Jas rasps out through his own lust.

  I almost purr with joy as I lean forward and lick the underside of his shaft. Jas’s hand shoots to my hair and entwines into my heavy locks. I have barely touched him and he is hissing out at me. I love having this power over him. He may rule me in everything else, but we are not going to fool ourselves and pretend he is the boss when he is at the mercy of my mouth.

  “Fuck,” Jas hisses out as I proceed to wrap him within my lips and swallow as much as my throat will allow. “That’s it, Baby, just like that.” He groans as I start to bob up and down on his shaft. I swirl my tongue on his thick girth and his hand tightens in my hair.

  I moan around him as I watch him through my lashes. His eyes are glued on me as I soak his cock with my mouth. His full lips are slightly parted and his nostrils are starting to flare which tells me I am on my way to bringing him to his knees.

  Jas cups my chin and pulls free of my mouth. I watch as his rod drips from my love and affection as he pops free from my lips. Reaching down Jas grasps me underneath my arms, pulling me to my feet. His mouth is on mine in a searing kiss, devouring my soul on the spot.

  “Go get the large black silk,” Jas commands as his large hand squeezes my ass. “I want to watch this gorgeous body of yours move.”

  With a big smile on my face, I pull away and head for our walk in closet to get the silk tie he is talking about. I can feel that my thighs are already slick with my own desire. My clit is throbbing, begging for my husband’s attention.

  I hear Jas growl behind me as I sway my hips. I look over my shoulder and wink at him as I giggle. “Hurry your pretty ass up, Baby, I need inside you,” Jas rasps as he strokes himself.

  I scurry into the closet and locate the black tie and rush back out to my gorgeous awaiting husband. Jas takes the tie from my hand pulling me into him for another kiss. As he nips and nibbles at my now swollen lips, I run my hands up his chest. I love the fact that his muscles flex and ripple beneath my fingertips.

  “What are your plans for me tonight, Boss?” I purr as Jas moves his lips to my neck, flicking his tongue against my skin.

  I moan and move closer to him, needing to feel him skin to skin. “Choose Angel, fast and hard or nice and slow,” Jas whispers in my ear.

  “Fast and hard,” I whimper.

  Jas chuckles against my neck as his warm breath fans my skin. “You always love it fast and hard, don’t you,” he says silkily.

  “Please,” I whimper as I start to pant in earnest.

  “As you wish,” Jas growls gripping my waist and spinning me around, “Hands on the post.”

  I follow his command as he walks my body forward to one of the posts at the foot of the bed. I wrap my fingers around it as best I can. Jas leans his hard body over mine and secures my wrists to the post. His lips make a trip from a tender kiss on the top of my head to a slow trail of kisses down the side of my neck that is exposed to him.

  I am grateful for my earlier decision to wear a messy bun on top of my head. After testing my restraints to make sure they are tied to his liking, Jas hands travel over the curves of my body. I am more than ready for him.

  “You are so sexy, Baby. I can smell your sweet pussy. I need a taste before I fill you up,” Jas croons into my ear causing goosebumps to flare up against my skin.

  I squirm and whimper. Jas slaps my ass to still me as he drops to his knees behind me. I cry out loudly as his large fingers pull my folds apart and his warm breath fans my core just as he takes his first taste.

  His tongue becomes my master. It is insane the talent this man has with his mouth. Jas had talent all those years ago when he first gave me my first orgasm. However, this, the skills he possesses now are phenomenal.

  I rock my hips riding his face as he hums and growls into my core. I can feel my body tightening ready to explode. I know Jas feels it too. He pushes two fingers inside me just at the right moment to send me over the edge. “Oh God, Jas,” I scream into the room.

  I collapse against the post as I come down from bliss, but Jas doesn’t give me any rest. He continues to lap at my folds collecting my juices, starting my journey back to ecstasy once again. Just when I think I am going to splinter into a million pieces, Jas is behind me plunging his thick cock into my tight sheath.

  “Fuck Marie,” Jas grunts and stills. “You are always so fucking tight. I can’t get shit done at the gym because I am always thinking about rushing home to get inside this tight pussy. Do you have any idea what you do to me?”

  “I love you,” I cry out. “I love you so much. You feel so good.”

  That is what I mean to say but I am not so sure it comes out that way. I am sobbing and keening out my pleasure as Jas starts to pound into me. I asked for fast and hard and that is what he is giving me. His strokes are fierce and demanding.

  Jas places a hand on the small of my back pressing down as he shifts us both and bends his knees. At this angle, he has a straight shot at my g-spot. It is so not fair what he is doing to my pussy. I throw my head back crying out because it feels so good.

  “Oh shit, Jas,” I say through dry lips. I have to lick them and try to remember to breathe.

  Jas places his lips to my ear. “You like that my little Dove, you want more,” he grunts in my ear. “Tell your Boss what you want, Baby.”

  “I want you, I need, oh please,” my head is scrambled and I don’t know how to express what I want.

  I should know that I don’t have to. Jas knows me and he knows my body. He grips my messy bun in one hand tugging my head back, thrusting his tongue into my mouth to match his hard thrusts. Then, right when I need him to, he snakes his hand between my legs and starts to flick my clit.

  “Yes,” I cry out as my whole body starts to shake and quiver with my climax.

  “Fuck yes,” Jas hisses into my mouth. “That’s it, Angel come all over my cock. Hold on for me. I’m not ready. Can you hold on a little longer?”