#!oc

☆⠀ OCs.

☆ DAWSON OZZY ANDREW.

through underwear ★ ozzy’s headcanons ★ tanning skin ★ the beach day ★ hyperactivity ★ arguing with him ★ with the kooks ★ fingers ★ panic attack ★ sorry sex ★ polar opposite (mlm) ★ subbing ★ fingers (mlm) ★ breaking up ★

☆ MISHRA MOROZOVA.

Natasha’s facial expression softened, even in anger, I knew I could make her come undone. She swallowed and tears formed in her eyes. “I would really like to go home. I don’t want to talk about this anymore. I need to fill this prescription—” I interrupted her by pulling her into a tight hug, she sobbed into my chest.

“Tash, is this going to hurt the baby?” I questioned as I ran my fingers through her hair. Tasha pulled away and looked at me. “Will what hurt the baby?” she asked. “The medicine” I asked. Tasha shook her head. “It shouldn’t. Dr. James said that I would be fine” she replied. I nodded my head in agreement, “Could you speak with the pharmacist when you drop off the prescription, just to be sure?” I questioned sympathetically. A scowl formed on Natasha’s face as she wiped her tears. “Why the fuck do you care if the medicine will harm the baby?! You’re the reason why I’m taking this medicine!” Tasha fussed. “I’m telling you, I didn’t give you chlamydia” I exclaimed as I whispered chlamydia. “I don’t want anything interfering with the birth of my child!” I argued back, turning her face towards mine.

Natasha pulled away. “Donnie, I’m not gonna go back and forth with you on if this child is yours or not” she huffed, putting her hair into a ponytail. I pulled her by her waist with one arm, pulling her close to me. She didn’t fight me at all. We were body to body at this point, and I held her waist with both hands on each side. I stared into her dark eyes, she tried her best to not make contact, but I knew the calmness of my voice, and my touch would get her. “Believe me when I say I didn’t do this to you. I know I fucked up, but I wouldn’t hurt you like this. Whether this is my child or not, I want you to have a safe delivery, and welcome a healthy baby boy or baby girl.” I expressed.

Since Natasha pulled away from my attempt at lifting her chin to mine, I got closer to her, making my face meet her gaze. I licked my lips before speaking as my hands still rested on her waist. “I’ll always fuck with you Tasha, you got my heart for life, whether it’s my child or not. I won’t stop fucking you; we may be on a break right now, but Jermaine and Mercedes won’t ever come in between us. You know that just as well as I do” I cooed in a low baritone, as her eyes never left mine. The solemn look in her eyes, and the puffiness in them told me everything I needed to know, I was right.

I’m not done with her, I don’t ever want to be done with her. I never want her to leave my life. A baby, nor a marriage, or this fictional shit that she got going on with Jermaine could never change what we have. This shit is messing with me internally, not knowing who could’ve done this to her, and she thinks that I gave her this infection. I had to take her mind off, and keep her in the moment. I had to take my mind off, and assert my dominance. I took the opportunity to place a soft kiss against her lips.

Without any resistance, Natasha followed my lead and deepened the kiss as I pulled her closer to me. I bit and sucked on her bottom lip passionately as I ran my fingers through her hair, massaging her scalp. She held onto me tightly, I could feel her coffin shaped nails tracing my back through my shirt, as low moans escaped her lips. I palmed her ass, cupping it gently as a low growl escaped my lips in between kisses. Her fingers trailed my biceps and down to my forearms, she broke the kiss and glared at me as a tear trailed from her left eye as she held onto my wrists.

“I have to go” she said lowly as she broke gaze. “I… I love you Natasha” I let out as my voice quivered as I felt tightness in my chest. Natasha nodded her head in agreement, and put her hand on the door handle. I stepped to the side as she unlocked her door. She looked at me once more, before getting into her vehicle. I kissed her forehead. “Goodbye Tash” I said to her before leaving.

 NATASHA

Pulling out of the parking lot of Adonis’ condo, I felt numb. The manipulation was real, it was suffocating, it was soft, sensual, and utterly wrong. I had no feeling in me, except a tingle that rushed through my body. I couldn’t wrap my head around how I went from being so angry at Adonis that I wanted to break it off, to hearing the diagnosis play back in my head, to 2     giving Adonis a piece of my mind and leaving, and then… being chased into the parking lot, only to be weak in the knee for the very human being that has me in this predicament.

I couldn’t go home like this in a state of mixed emotions. I decided to call Audrey, it’s been a minute since we’ve spoken, and I needed to get this off my chest.  The phone rang a few times before she picked up, “Hey Tash, what’s up?” Audrey answered. “Hey Audrey…” my voice trailed off as I heard her voice. “Ar…are you busy?” My voice quivered as my mind began to wander. Audrey’s voice went from cheerful to concerned. “I’m just sitting with Tae watching the game, are you okay girl?” she asked. I exhaled heavily as I felt tears forming in my eyes. I shook my head, “Not really. C-Can you come by?” I stammered, trying to fight back tears. “Girl forget Tae. I’ll pick up some food for us, I’ll be there in 30. Can you hold on until then?” Audrey asked. “Okay, thank you” I said tearfully. “I’ll see you when I get there” Audrey said before hanging up.

I exhaled deeply and held onto the wheel tightly as I approached a stoplight. I really needed to get this off my chest, and I didn’t need any judgment. I really hope that Audrey makes it in time before King gets back from running errands. I want Audrey’s honest perspective before speaking with King so that I know how to approach the situation. Cheating on King was one thing, but to become pregnant WITH chlamydia is another. The feeling of guilt overcame me as I was interrupted by loud horn.

Snapping back into reality, the light was green and angry drivers began to go around me aggressively. “Yo, chill the fuck out!” I yelled angrily as I pulled off down the road. I drove to the pharmacy and pulled into the parking lot. I grabbed my purse and walked inside. I decided to take a stroll down the baby aisle to price a few items until I mustered the courage to drop my prescription off at the pharmacy counter. I picked up a pack of sensitive baby wipes when my phone began to ring. I pulled my phone out of my pocket to see that King was calling. “This is unexpected” I thought to myself before answering the phone.

“Hey King?” I answered awkwardly. “Tash, I was just calling to check on you. I haven’t heard from you since breakfast. How did things go with Dr. James?” King asked in a cheerful tone. I gulped hard as I looked around the store and exhaled heavily. “Tash?” King questioned my silence. “Honey I’m sorry, there’s a lot going on in this store. Can we talk when I get home? I know you’re out running errands” I exaggerate before hanging up the phone quickly before putting it in my purse. I clutched the baby wipes to my chest as I felt hot tears stream my eyes. I’m not ready to talk to Jermaine, I don’t want to lose him… not like this. I put the pack of baby wipes back, and I quickly left the pharmacy. I’m not ready to drop the prescription off and have the conversation with the pharmacist. I’m not ready to be judged by this diagnosis. I need a minute before I do this… I’m sure the baby can wait just one more day. I need to process. I need a moment to myself before telling Jermaine, confidently, because right now, I’m a wreck.

 ADONIS

The last kiss to her forehead, and the look in Tasha’s eyes played in my mind. I couldn’t stop thinking about her as I drove home. I missed being in her presence already, looking into her brown eyes knowing that she longed for me. I missed the softness of her lips, the curves of her hips, and the way she made me feel. I know that our connection is strictly physical, but I want to break that barrier and take it to a mental level with her. I want to be there for her in more ways than I’ve ever been, more than what I’ve ever wanted. I want to show her that I can be the father that she’s always wanted me to be for our child. I want to be that full-time lover for her, I want to provide for our growing family.

I just can’t let go of Mercedes. I know it hurts for Natasha to hear me mention her name, and I can’t blame her. It hurts me when Natasha says that she’ll raise our child by herself. I’m not happy at home, but its better than being alone. I can’t trust that Tasha will leave that nigga, and… I don’t know if I’ll ever be enough for her. All the things that I want to be for her, HE’s already giving it to her. He’s giving her the monogamy that she craves, the security that she needs in that big ass house of theirs, and he knows her intimately—that goes beyond sex.

There’s still a sense of uncertainty in her relationship with Jermaine – ME! Why am I the one that she craves when he’s around? Why is it that I’m able to take her places that he can’t sexually? Why do I get the softer, submissive side of her? Or have I been reduced to nothing more than her ‘sneaky link’ that she just so happened to fall in love with?

The night that Tasha and I met at the club, Mercedes was away on a business trip. Mercedes and I had been on rocky terms within our arrangement, and I needed some time to myself. The night that I saw Natasha, I knew that I had to have her. From that moment on, I couldn’t let her go even though I knew from the jump that it could be nothing more. I was wrong for bringing her home to the bed that I shared with Mercedes, but I just couldn’t help myself in the moment.  I became addicted, and the more I saw her, the further I strayed from Mercedes. Me being a man of my word is what got me into this mess, and as easy as it sounds to just leave, I can’t.

Mercedes caught me at a time where I was envious of my brother Erik. Erik has a career in law enforcement, and he always bragged about the women and power that he holds due to his career. There was this one woman that he always referred to as “T”, or the “one that got away” due to his trysts with women. He dated her for 3 years, but he wasn’t ready to commit. He let his selfishness get in the away, and T got tired of it. Apparently, he learned his lesson and settled down with his wife Alexis.

As for me, I wanted to experience that love that Erik shared with T and I thought that I would find it in Mercedes. I had made a bad deal with the previous owners of the gym that my brother helped me fund and I was in a tight spot. I had to resort to some things that I wasn’t proud of, and I never told my brother because I didn’t want him involved. Doing my thing in the streets and briefly working as an escort on the side, that’s when I met her, in the parking lot of the Ritz Carlton. Mercedes was beautiful; she had an unforgettable presence about her. She told me she was in town for a few days, and that she was a director on the road. After a few drinks in the hotel lobby, she convinced me to stay the night with her in the presidential suite. The morning after, she asked me what I did for a living, I told her I owned a business and dabbled in providing pleasure on the side, and she knew exactly what I meant. She didn’t shy away from my honesty, it intrigued her actually. This encounter was off the record, so I didn’t charge her at all for my time. She told me that she wanted me all to herself and wrote me a check for $10k. From then on, I promised her that I would make her time worthwhile, and I convinced her to invest in my gym. From that moment on, we embarked on a relationship shortly after that night and the rest was history. I felt indebted to her.

I never told Erik how I got out of the bad business deal to save my gym. I paid Erik back the money that he invested, and I became the sole owner of CREED-GYM. This was a pride thing for me, and an insecurity of mine that I wasn’t the breadwinner in the relationship. For awhile I lost my sense of self, and I felt like I needed other women around to fill that void. The arrangement for Mercedes and I worked for a long time, especially since she was always away on the road and she had needs that needed to be met. I couldn’t get on a plane to see her, and be at her every beck and call, I had a business to run. On some real shit though, I knew that she wanted more. I wasn’t ready to give her that, and though I paid Mercedes back for the investment, she refused to take my money. I desperately wanted that burden off me, but she believed in me and held me down and never tried to change me. If anything, she loved me in spite of my lifestyle and she didn’t care about spending money on me.

Meeting Tasha put a lot into perspective for me, she didn’t want anything from me, I didn’t expect anything from her. Mercedes wanted to help, and I couldn’t turn down a life-changing opportunity. I didn’t use Mercedes, I gave her the $10k experience that she paid for, and in return, she invested in me, and we fell for one another in the process. However, when I met Tasha, I knew that something was missing, the way that I felt when I was around her was indescribable. Tasha makes me feel wanted and desired, I love how she looks at me. She loves me for who I am and not my potential, and all she wants is me. Even though our time spent is mostly intimate, I learn something new about her, watching her unravel and bless me with the most gracious parts of her let’s me know that I’m worthy of her. Maybe this is what Erik felt like when he met “T”, like a changed man, who wanted to do more than what he's ever done for a woman in his life. Not tryna like a simp but, I want to give Tasha more than what she’s given me, and I don’t want her to feel taken for granted anymore. I don’t want to fathom the thought of losing her—for real… forever.

 **

I returned home to find Mercedes cleaning up the kitchen in a short, sleeveless, romper that hugged her petite frame in all the right places. She stopped wiping the countertops and greeted me. “Hey baby, how did things go at the gym?” she asked with a peck to my lips. “Everything was fine” I replied. Mercedes noticed the stale expression on my face, “Something bothering you?” she asked taking my hand, getting closer to me to close the gap between us. I couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling that I had when I walked in the door.

I shook my head, “Just think I need to lay down Merc” I say looking away. A confused expression appeared on her face. She rubbed my forearms reassuringly, “Do you want to talk about it?” she questioned with a soft voice. I looked down at her and lifted her chin to meet my gaze. I pulled her into a kiss and held her close to me. I broke the kiss and rested my nose against hers, “I think I’ll be okay, just let me rest” I replied placing a soft tap to her ass.

 I went upstairs to our bedroom and stripped down to my boxers to relax. I got in bed, and I felt this strong urge to investigate this situation with Natasha. I unlocked my phone and began to educate myself on chlamydia. I wanted to know the symptoms, medication and treatment options, and how it affects men and women differently. I’ve learned that some individuals don’t have symptoms. Men can experience discharge and pain. Women can experience painful urination and pain during intercourse. Doxycycline or Azithromycin can be used to treat the infection, but if ignored it can cause further complications in women. “Shit!” I said to myself. What if Tasha found this out when she found out that she was pregnant? That’s probably how the doctor found this out when running tests to ensure she was indeed pregnant.

“Hey babe?” Mercedes yelled from downstairs. I locked my phone and rolled my eyes. “What’s up?” I shouted back. “Can you come here?” she asked. I sighed and snatched the covers from my body, “What the fuck” I mumbled to myself. I headed downstairs and rubbed my eyes in frustration. I stretched and let out a yawn as I reached the bottom of the staircase. “What you want?” I asked Mercedes as I watched her set out pots and pans on the stove. “Were you asleep? I’m sorry” she said slickly as she admired my physique. “I didn’t mean to disturb you” she said as she took my hand and sat me down at the island and straddled me. She spoke in a sultry tone, “I wanted to make your favorite steak with mash potatoes tonight and have a candle lit dinner. I was thinking maybe we could continue to ‘practice’ on making a baby”. She placed kisses down my neck and removed the straps of her romper. Mercedes pulled me into a passionate kiss as I gripped her lower half roughly, slapping her ass. “I can get a late start on dinner” she whispered in my ear as she dragged her tongue down the side of my earlobe.

Damn she’s been on one lately, but I couldn’t shake the feeling of uncertainty with Natasha. I picked Mercedes up and kissed her slowly as I walked us to the couch. Placing her on the couch, I watched as she removed her romper swiftly. My kisses trailed from her lips to her chest, leaving hickeys as I held onto her waist. A low grunt left my lips as my nails dug into her thighs. Mercedes and I locked eyes, and I couldn’t get the image of me having Natasha on the island today out of my mind. My eyes widened as I shook my head to get the image out of my head. I felt a tight feeling in my chest as I moved away from Mercedes. I retreated to the floor and glared at Mercedes’ naked body. Just from the looks of this angle, it really made everything worse. All I saw was Natasha’s lower half with her baby bump… my baby in her. Mercedes got out off the couch and crawled towards me, like an animal in heat, she pulled me into a kiss and straddled me. “I know you not running from me” she said seductively.

I broke the kiss and stroked her hair from her face. “Babe when I said I needed a minute alone, I meant it. I don’t want to give you no whack dick right now. Not like this” I replied nervously, trying to get myself together mentally. Mercedes sighed and I could see her nose twitch as it began to turn red. “Bae” I said as I attempted to turn her face to me as she snatched away from me. She got up and put on her romper. I got up and wrapped my arms around her and held her from behind. “I’m sorry” I reassured as I kissed her neck. “Can you fold the laundry and start the next load for me?” she asked dismissively. She escaped my embrace and wiped her eyes before disappearing to the bathroom.

I didn’t want to be intimate with Mercedes at all. But, I had to play the game with her to appease her. I couldn’t get Natasha off my mind and it’s getting harder for me to hide my true feelings for her. I unloaded the clothes from the dryer and put them into the laundry basket. I took them upstairs to our bedroom and I began to fold them. Mercedes and I didn’t believe in gender roles, we believed in serving each other and getting the job done. I placed the folded underwear into the drawer, I came across a bottle. I pulled it out and found a prescription vial that read: “Mercedes Smith: Doxycycline 100mg, Take 1 tablet by mouth twice a day for 7 days. Quantity 14”.

 MERCEDES

Adonis has been acting strange lately since we’ve made up. I don’t know what’s bothering him and I can’t put my finger on it. It’s like, he doesn’t look at me the same way that he used to. The other night, when he apologized for putting his hands on me, he hadn’t made love to me like that in a while. That night, I was over the moon, I felt like I had my man back. The way he touched me, showed appreciation to my body and loved on me all night, I couldn’t get enough!

This morning, we enjoyed laying up together, just enjoying each other’s company, when out of the blue, he got a call from work. Ever since he came home from work today, he just hasn’t been the same, and I’m worried. I make these elaborate plans for a candle lit dinner, and I throw myself at him to get some dick before dinner and he just stops and stares at me; and tells me that he “can’t” do this because he ‘needs a minute alone’. What is it that’s weighing so heavy on him that he can’t talk to me about it?

I gathered my thoughts as I poked at the softened potatoes that boiled in the pot. I pre-heated the oven and I pulled the marinated steaks from the fridge. I grabbed my cast iron skillet and placed it on the stove eye, turning it on I dropped a pad of butter inside to melt.

I walked into the living room to check my phone when my shirtless husband came downstairs hastily. “Everything okay?” I asked putting my phone down. Adonis was silent; his facial expression was very stern. He pulled a small bottle out of his shorts pocket and placed it on the island, “What the fuck is this?” he questioned, “Babe it’s just a”—Adonis turned the bottle around and I could see the prescription label on the bottle, my doxycycline. I felt my stomach drop to my ass, and I took a step back from island and looked away. “Answer me!” Adonis yelled, slamming his fist on the island to get my attention. “It’s medicine!” I argued back. Adonis walked around the island and got in my face towering over me, I stared at his feet avoiding eye contact. I felt like a dog with my tail tucked between my legs. Adonis gripped my chin roughly, forcing me to look at him. “Don’t play dumb with me Merc, what the fuck is this medicine for?!” Adonis asked gruffly through gritted teeth.

I snatched my face from his grip as I backed against the wall, Adonis got closer to me, I stepped to the side and he grabbed me by the wrist, “I’m asking you nicely to talk to me, I’m trying to be an adult about this” he pleaded. I looked down at my wrist and Adonis let go. I was afraid of what he might do, I’ve seen him angry, but never like this. I let out a deep breath and took a step back from Adonis. “It’s an antibiotic for treatment” I said lowly. Adonis’ facial expression read annoyance filled with anger. I felt the pressure to come clean and I was so ashamed. Tears swelled in my eyes, “It’s an antibiotic…For chlamydia” I said above a whisper. With one swift motion Adonis grabbed my neck, yoked me up against the wall, pinning me there forcefully. “Mercedes no! You.. fucking had chlamydia? How?! You fucking cheated on me?!” He said through gritted teeth, fighting back the tears that formed in his eyes. I held his wrist as I tried to pull back against him, I hit my head against the wall harshly. “Shit!” I yelled out in pain. “Answer me!” Adonis yelled as he thrusted me against the wall with a tighter grip around my neck.

“You’re hurting me!” I struggled to let out, trying to catch my breath. Adonis loosened his grip on my neck letting me go, I held my neck and struggled to breathe. “BITCH!” Adonis yelled as he stood in front of me, plunging his right fist into the wall to block me from moving, while his left hand blocked the other side,  boxing me in. “I said answer me”, his eyes never left my gaze. I could see the anger in his tear-stained eyes. I was trembling with fear, I had never seen him like this. “I-I-I had it for about two months” I stammered in fear. “I thought that I had a bad UTI.. a yeast infection of some sort and—” “TWO MONTHS?! We’ve been fucking married for 3 months Merc! How could you possibly think that it was a yeast infection?! MERC!” Adonis yelled in my face. I placed my hand on his chest, Adonis’ swatted my hand away, “Don’t fucking touch me!” he said backing away. “Who was he? Are you still seeing him?” he questioned?

 ADONIS

“I’m not seeing Grant anymore!! I… I should’ve cut it off a long time ago--” she exaggerated tearfully. I interrupted her immediately, “But two months ago Merc? We’re fucking married! Anytime you feel like you may have a “womanly disturbance” You tell me! But you kept this shit from me! You fucking this nigga raw and you brought that shit home to me, in our bed, knowing you were fucked up down there! So what made you go get checked? When the shit didn’t go away?!” I questioned angrily. She looked at me with tearful eyes and embarrassment. “Yes” she said sadly.

I grabbed her by both arms and looked at her intently. I shook my head in disgust as I bit my bottom lip, “You really had me fucking you raw, eating your pussy, and this whole fucking time you thought you were going through “womanly disturbances " and turns out you had chlamydia?! How fucking selfish do you have to be Mercedes?! I’m the most understanding man ever, and I wouldn’t dare trip about not getting any from you!” I explained. “Don’t do that!” Mercedes interjected! “If at any time I didn’t give you what you wanted, you always left me or you threw it in my face about who you could screw and how other women would be glad to have your dick! Donnie don’t try to act like you’re so perfect! Nigga you do your dirt too!” She yelled in my face waving her index finger at me like a gun, getting ratchet with me. This girl is a trip if she think she can bruise my ego. “You sit up here and pressure me to have a threesome, I go through with it just for you. I put up with your shit, I made you who you are today! You were nothing but a gym rat who almost had to file for bankruptcy and a fucking escort!! Mercedes yelled getting in my face.

“You’re the stupid ass bitch who paid $10k for this dick!” I shot back, pushing her into the wall, causing her to fall to the ground. Mercedes mouth fell agape and her facial expression grew cold. Anger filled her eyes as I got down on bended knee to her level staring her down, “I paid for you to get out of the streets. I wanted better for you, I believed in you! Don’t you ever disrespect me!” she spoke sharply. Mercedes’ hand swatted against my face and I picked her up and threw her onto the couch in the living room, I got on top of her and pinned her down. “Don’t you ever put your fucking hands on me you grimey bitch! You fucked around me on me and did this shit to me! Yet you want me to give you a fucking child?! You walking around here doing childish shit like this?! But you want me to be grateful for the fact that ‘you’ took me off the streets?! BITCH I AM THE STREETS!!” I yelled in her face putting my hands around her neck. “How fucking could you Merc?!” With a scrunch in her nose and a scowl on her face, Mercedes managed to spit in my face to get me off of her as she escaped from the couch.

I clenched my jaw at the thought that, that was some disrespectful shit that she just did, and she knows it. She fuckin spit in my damn face! I wanted to hurt her in the same way that she hurt me, selfishly, with no regard for others. I went upstairs to the bedroom and I found Mercedes sitting on the edge of the bed with a knife. “This how we doing things now Merc?” I asked gruffly. My bottom lip was wedged between by teeth, staring at her sitting there calmly with this cute ass pocket knife in her hand. Mercedes was on edge and full of adrenaline, her right hand shook as she held the knife. “Stay the fuck back Adonis” she warned as I walked into the bedroom.

“I’m not going to hurt you” I professed as I held my hands up in surrender, walking towards her. She eyed me angrily as I bent down to her level, sitting on the floor a few feet away from her. Her hands continued to shake nervously with the knife. I could see the fear and sadness in her tear stained face. “Merc” I said lowly. “I’m sorry” I said looking into her eyes sincerely. “I didn’t mean for it to go that far. I’m just..”-- “This isn’t the first time that you’ve put your hands on me Adonis!” Mercedes interjected sharply. I dropped my head in disappointment, “I know and—” “And this is inexcusable! How do you expect for me to trust you?” Mercedes questioned.

 I glared at her and got up from the ground, “You wanna talk about trust?” I questioned with a furrowed brow. “I’m not the one bringing home chlamydia and not telling my partner about it! I’m not still keeping up this dumb ass arrangement that YOU started!” I blamed angrily. “You really thought it was okay to not tell me that you had chlamydia! I don’t want a foundation like this, nor do I want to try for a child and you doing shit like this” I profess. Mercedes stood up and stared in my eyes with remorse, “I said that I was sorry Donnie. I got the necessary treatment that I needed, just to make sure that I wouldn’t pass it onto you” she reassured.

I looked away from her as I watched the knife fall from her hand. “I’m sorry that I spit in your face, I’m sorry that I didn’t tell you about Grant –” “If you didn’t catch chlamydia, were you going to continue seeing him?” I questioned sincerely. Mercedes sighed as uneasiness crept to her face, “I don’t know” she said lowly, “It isn’t fair to continue to lie, but, honestly, Adonis, I can’t say if I would or wouldn’t continue seeing him had this not happened. What was I supposed to do when you would leave me here alone at night? Turn me down when I wanted you, refuse to spend time with me and just “keep” your word with marrying me just to appease me? Adonis I have feelings and needs just like you do. I put this arrangement in place because I knew that I couldn’t be what you needed at the time that we met, and I wanted to make things easier for us until I was ready to come home and commit—” “And when you did come home, I kept my promise of marrying you. I told you that I would do it” I argued.

“And I never felt like I truly had you Adonis!” Mercedes admitted, getting upset. “You paid me back for the investment, we had our engagement party, and even then, the night before, I was away on business. I only agreed to keep the engagement party, because I wanted to save face. Adonis, we’ve been rocky for a long time!” Mercedes confessed. “Then why still pressure me into marrying you if you’re not happy?!” I questioned, “Why keep me here if you don’t want to make it work?!” I questioned angrily, feeling my emotions getting the best of me. “I never had the chance to tell you how I felt because you’d always run away from me! There was always something that had to be done at the gym, something had to be taken care of with your brother Erik, or there was a business conference going on! Don’t bullshit me! Grant was just something to take the pain away because I felt like I was losing you. When I was having problems down there, I didn’t know how to tell you because… you and I hadn’t been intimate for quite some time and I knew that if I did tell you there would be a possibly that I’d risk losing you… forever. I thought that if I could handle this situation myself then maybe we could start fresh, and actually start living like a married couple.” Mercedes said taking my hand, sitting me on the bed.

I pulled my hand away from her, and I scooted away. I didn’t know she felt that way, and I was doing a pretty shitty job of keeping myself available to her to keep her off my tail. I sighed. “I wish that you would’ve been honest with me, before it got that far. You asked me to be up front with you and marry you and I kept my word” I reminded. “Donnie, you’re sneaky… I know you didn’t give up outside pussy cold turkey. I know that there’s other women. Unfortunately, I was the one who got caught. I have to own up to that. I know that I’m wrong for starting this whole arrangement, but you have to take accountability and admit that you’re not the innocent one here either. I know you’ve been sleeping around on me, with multiple women.” Mercedes edged on. The tightness in my chest grew the more she spoke. I could take her saying that I’ve been with multiple women, but I’d never let her know that I got her best friend pregnant. For as long as I can withstand, I’ll play my part as the dutiful husband, and deny, Deny, DENY!

 I glared at Mercedes and sighed. “This isn’t about what drove you to do what you did. It’s about you being honest with me about a life altering decision.” I laid on the bed and stared at the mirror on the ceiling, staring back at the both of us. “I haven’t been in a great place with you because I’ve been feeling a disconnect. I haven’t been running to other women, but marriage is scary Merc. I’ve been feeling out of place ever since I found out that my brother got married and got that law enforcement promotion. As much as you’ve supported me, you never took my money and for awhile I felt like I was indebted to you. Even though you never made me feel that way, that burden weighed on me the more you pressured me for marriage. I married you because I wanted to know how my brother felt, I wanted to share his happiness. He always talked about this woman who got away, but seeing him with Alexis, I knew he was truly happy; and I wanted that for myself. I’ve been stressed out at work, I tell you that I just want some alone time, and here you go pressuring me for sex. I go along with the shit for a minute, but I stop you because I’m really not in the headspace for sex. You catch an attitude. You ask me to fold clothes for you, I do it. I put your shit away, and look what I find? A prescription bottle of whoop ass with your name on it.” I say sitting up. I move closer to her on the bed and we lock eyes “How do you think I’m supposed to feel Merc? You’ve been pressing me for a damn baby, and you pop up with chlamydia, you’ve been sleeping with me and having me do all this sexual shit for you and you hid this from me?!”

My vision blurred as I felt my eyes glossing over and my nose twitch as it turned red, (I had to sell this shit, to get her mind off the infidelity accusation) “As a man, and as your husband, I’m ashamed, I’m embarrassed, I don’t… I don’t know if I feel comfortable calling you my wife right now” I admit. I removed the wedding band from my finger and placed it on the bed. I walked out of the bedroom and disappeared to the garage. I hate to say this, but I can imagine how that nigga Jermaine felt when he found out about me and Tasha in their bed. As much as I played on her emotions, all I could think of was Tasha and how this is hurting her. I wonder if she’s told Jermaine, would he react the way that I did? Would he call it off with Tasha?

 NATASHA

I arrived home to find Audrey’s car in the driveway. I walked into the house and called her for her, “Audrey?” I called out as I walked through the living room, and into the kitchen. “Audrey?” I said once more. I noticed that the kitchen door to the patio was open, “He always forgets to close this door” I remarked. As I went to close the door, I could hear laughter. I walked outside to find Audrey and King on the back patio laughing. “Tash!” King said happily pulling me into a hug. “I’ve missed you” he said placing a kiss to my cheek. “I got us some food, I figured you’d like Italian” Audrey said opening the big bag. “I… I thought you were out running errands” I said to King, looking puzzled.

King smiled, “I just came home to change clothes, I’ve been at the gym. I was just about to head out the door when Audrey showed up with food. She told me you were expecting her” “Yeah…” I said staring at him. I felt awkward seeing him, knowing that my heart was breaking as he smiled at me. I needed King to leave so that I could talk to Audrey in private, confidently.

Given the awkward energy that King and I have been experiencing since I’ve attempted to come onto him, while “purging” my feelings for Adonis by the pool the other night, I’m still uneasy about King being jolly and affectionate towards me. Honestly, King’s behavior is giving mixed signals, he knows that I want him, but I’d be doing myself a disservice by giving myself to him, knowing that I’m longing for the fullness of Adonis to cure this emptiness inside of me. I do love King, I really do, but the hold that Adonis has on me, it’s DEEP. The kiss that I shared with this man, had me rethinking my diagnosis, foregoing my initial reasons for coming to see him to confront him. Parts of me want to say “fuck his marriage”, take this medicine, and live this quiet life full of selfishness with him. But I have a conscience, I’m cheating myself of the love that I deserve, I’m robbing myself of the care that I long for in other areas that don’t consist of a sexual situation.

King gives me that security that I crave. King reassures me that I will be fine in his arms, and in his presence. King fucks me good, and loves me with every being in his body. King only has eyes for me, and has never made me question… even when he cheated on me with Korryn; I know that was purely out of revenge. This man would do anything for me, yet I’m content with stomping on his heart and he doesn’t deserve that, I don’t deserve him. I don’t want to let him go, because deep down in all of my wavering, I do want to do life with him. I want endless love, multiple kids, and this big house with him. As much as Adonis caters to me sexually, I can’t see Adonis giving me a life like this—I can’t see Adonis being that family man that would wait on me hand and foot, and instill morals and standards into our children. When it comes to King, I’m not settling, I just never explored sex with someone like Adonis and a part of me wants that with King, but I never want him to think that I’m missing sex with Adonis. I want to feel uninhibited with King, I want to give me every inch of me with my very being. But, because of what Adonis and I shared in King and I’s bed… sometimes I never know if we’ll ever recover from that—let alone Adonis’ existence in general because I know that King feels a way about Adonis having access to my body in such a compromising manner. Sometimes I wish that I could get inside King’s head, and just know a fraction of what he’s thinking when it comes to me. I know that I do love him, and I want to make this work, and I’m willing to do whatever it takes to see this relationship through.

I took a seat at the table and pulled the boxes of food out of the bag. “I got your favorite, spaghetti” Audrey exclaimed. “Thank you” I said grabbing the forks out of the bag. I could feel eyes on me as I sat down and began eating. I looked at King who had his eyes on me, “Do you want a bite?” I asked as he was in a gaze. “No” King replied with a smile. Audrey was like a fly on the wall watching the two of us, “Tash, he wants you. He’s trying not to be extra in front of me, get up and see what he wants, I’m not going anywhere” she cooed happily. Honestly, I was really hungry, and wanted to enjoy my food and get this talk out of the way, but King was acting so weird around me, I needed to see what was up.

I got up from the table and took King’s hand as we walked into the kitchen, he closed the patio door behind us. I took a seat at the island and went straight to the point while King pulled up a chair to sit in front of me. “So what’s up? Why are you staring at me like this? The kiss on the cheek?” I questioned slightly aggressively. King’s jaw clenched as he was in deep thought. “I’ve been thinking” he stated he as he placed his hand on my thigh. “About?” I questioned with a  furrowed brow. “I haven’t been giving you much attention lately, I’ve neglected you actually… and I want to apologize.” King said looking at me sincerely. I felt caught off guard, so I looked at him like the Waka Flocka meme and just said “Okay” awkwardly, because I was hungry, and I really wanted that plate of spaghetti.

I got up from my seat, ready to go back to Audrey when King pulled me into his lap, causing me to straddle him. As our eyes were fixed on each other, King looked so peaceful, and I stared at him anxiously wondering why would he do this right now. His hands rested on my waist, I could feel his lower half pressed against me as he stared at me with longing eyes. King caressed the side of my face softly before pressing his plump pink lips against mine. This kiss was passionate, it was sweet, it was something that I haven’t felt in a long time. I cupped his face as my coffin shaped nails grazed his earlobe. A soft moan escaped my lips as my hands traveled to the back of his neck while his hands palmed my ass sensually. I didn’t know that I needed this kiss in this moment, but I’m so glad that he touched me. My body longed for him, I could feel my insides screaming as he caressed my back. Pulling away from King, I rested my nose against his, my mind went back to the intimate moment that I shared with Adonis in the parking lot. I rested my hand on King’s chest, “I needed this, I needed you” I sadly. “I’m sorry. I wanna make it up to you, when I get back. I want to talk about everything. I’m sorry that I’ve been cold towards you. I –” I pulled King back into a sensual kiss, and held onto him tightly. A tear rolled down my cheek as our faces were pressed against each other. King broke the kiss and wiped my tears, “You know we’re gonna be okay right?” he asked reassuringly. I nodded my head in agreement.

King placed a peck to my lips, “I’m gonna let you and Audrey have some time together. We’ll finish this when I get back?” King questioned. I got up from King’s lap and watched as he straightened the chairs. “I’m fine with that. Don’t be gone too long” I suggest. I pulled King into a hug and held him for a moment. He kissed my forehead. “I’ll see you when I get back. I love you” King promised. “I love you too, Jermaine” I reassured.

I left the kitchen and walked outside to the patio to talk with Audrey. I opened my box of spaghetti and began stuffing my face. “So what did King want?” she questioned. I slurped the noodles around my fork before speaking, “He just wanted to talk” I said. “Bitch, you’re glowing, did you get some dick?” Audrey inquired. We both laughed, “No… do you really think it would’ve been that quick?!.” I started off, “We just had a long overdue conversation that needed to happen” I stated before giving myself another forkful of spaghetti. “Mhmmmmm, whatever you say girl” Audrey teased. “Make this quick so that I can let you two have some alone time. What is it that you wanted to talk about?” Audrey questioned.

I wiped my mouth and sat back in my chair and glared at Audrey with uneasiness. “Girl….” My voice trailed off. “I’m in some deep shit” I stated, I began to look off into the backyard to distract myself from the topic of conversation. “Tash, what’s up? You sounded emotional over the phone” Audrey asked anxiously. I shook my head at the thought. “I got a disappointing call from the doctor today” I said feeling myself getting choked up.

 JERMAINE

It felt good to tell Natasha how I felt just to clear the air between us. I’ve been too hard on her, and I know she feels neglected. I know things haven’t been easy for her with this pregnancy, and our relationship has been pretty rocky lately, I don’t want her to feel like she’s being punished for being pregnant. We don’t know who the father is, but why put her through hell when she’s potentially carrying my child?

I’m far from selfish, and I have needs that want to be met just as well as she does, and I want to make good on being that comfort for her. It’s never just about sex for me, I want her to feel wanted, desired, and safe. I had a few items to pick up for the house, and I wanted to pick up some sparkling grape juice, and some chocolate covered strawberries for tonight. I’m planning for some intimate time for us, so that we can unwind and put some things behind us. I don’t want to feel like I’m living with a roommate, I wanna get back to loving my woman.

I grabbed my phone, and keys and I was ready to head out the door when I realized that I had forgotten my wallet. I walked around the house to retrace my steps when I was interrupted by a phone call. I took the call and stood by the kitchen door when I realized that I had taken my wallet outside when I was standing out on the patio talking to Audrey. I was into my phone conversation, but I could hear a bit of yelling going on. I told my homeboy that I would call him back, and I decided to listen in, but stay a distance away from the door so that I wouldn’t be seen.

“What did the doctor say?” Audrey asked. “I have chlamydia” Natasha confessed. “WHAT?!” Audrey yelled. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing, and I wanted to know the truth for myself. I quietly opened the door and closed it quietly so that they could continue talking. “How would you have gotten it? Have you talked to King?” Audrey asked. “ I haven’t, I wanted to talk to you first, because after the doctor called me, I went to talk to Adonis” Natasha stated. Audrey’s facial expression changed as she saw me walking up to the table in the distance. Her eyes had widened and Tasha questioned her, “Audrey what’s wrong?” Tasha asked as she turned around to see what Audrey was looking at.

 NATASHA

My stomach dropped to my ass as I saw King walking towards me. “Tash I’m gonna go now, I think that you and King should talk” Audrey said nervously as she stood up from her seat and grabbed her jacket out of the chair. “Audrey you can—” “I really don’t feel comfortable talking about this while King is here. I really think that this is a conversation that should be had without me. You two really need to talk!” Audrey emphasized while walking away from the table nervously, trying to avoid King at all costs. Audrey hastily left King and I, slamming the patio door on her way out. I gulped harshly and stared at King as he clenched jaw, He grabbed his wallet from the table and took a seat in front of me.

“You wanna tell me what I just heard?” King asked firmly. I scratched my head nervously, attempting to look confused, “I don’t know, how much did you hear?” I questioned sarcastically. By the look of King’s facial expression, he had enough of my antics. He exhaled deeply and rubbed his face in frustration, “The part where you failed to tell me that everyone knows that you have chlamydia, except me”. “Everyone doesn’t know King” I reassured, “I just—” “So if everyone doesn’t know, WHY DO TWO PEOPLE WHO DON’T PAY FUCKING BILLS HERE, KNOW ABOUT YOU HAVING A SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTION?” King asked as his voice raised at an octave, he stood from his seat pointing his finger in my face as he yelled.

I shielded my face and curled up into the chair trying to hide my face from him, “HUH?!” he yelled out of anger. “I don’t know” I mouthed as tears streamed my face. “Just because this bitch brought you food, that don’t mean she’s taking care of you! I AM! That nigga ain’t did shit for you, and you still running your lil ass over there and now look atcha, ya pussy fucked up! That nigga don’t “love” you!” King emphasized love with air quotes as he scolded me. “You don’t pay a damn thing in this motherfucker! I DO!” King expressed, hitting his chest. “I don’t ask you for shit! All I ask is that you keep me happy, keep us happy.. you can’t even do that right!” King said angrily, he picked up his chair and threw it across the yard, the chair landed into the pool.

I remained in my seat as I wiped my eyes thinking ‘What if this kid isn’t his? If he could pick up a chair and throw it into the pool, what would he do to me?’. “Jermaine, I’m sorry” I apologized as I got up and walked towards him. He was standing in front of the pool, watching the chair sink to the bottom. I took King’s hand reassuringly, I caressed the side of his face, causing him to look at me. He snatched himself away from me. “Baby, I was wrong. I should’ve came to you first, and I know it looks bad but—” King put his hand up, cutting me off. “Not right now Tash” King said as he walked away. I followed King into the house as he walked into the kitchen. “Are you going to let me apologize?!” I asked frustrated. King grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge, “Say what you gotta say. I won’t be here when you wake up in the morning” King said nonchalantly taking a sip of water. I squeezed myself between King and the fridge just to get his attention, “What is that supposed to mean?” I questioned.

King ignored me and proceeded upstairs to the guest bedroom. I struggled to keep up with him and I called after him, “Jermaine!” I felt a bit winded and I stood at the threshold of the door, watching him grab a duffle bag from the closet. King placed the bag on the bed, and grabbed some clothes from the closet. I sat on top of the duffle bag that rested on the bed. “You’re not going anywhere” I said firmly with folded arms. “I can’t stay here” King replied shrugging his shoulders. “I’ve tried to explain myself Jerma—” “And I said I don’t want to hear it, King replied. He placed one hand on my thigh and used the other hand to pull the bag from underneath me. I grabbed his arm and we locked eyes. “Please” I pleaded with watery eyes. “This isn’t what you think that it is, and I’m sorry that I made it that way. Jermaine, just hear me out” I pleaded as I held onto his arm, clutching it. King sat beside me, he removed himself out of my grip. “Tash, I’m trying to be as calm as possible. I don’t want to say or do anything that I’ll regret. I’m not in the headspace to have this conversation.” King confessed. “I want to believe you, but I can’t do this right now. The longer that I stay, the longer you’ll continue to treat me this way” King said getting up to resume packing.

“So what are you saying?” I questioned. “I need space from this relationship Tasha” King said simply. He zipped his bag and walked into the bathroom to grab his toiletries. I got off the bed and I stood by the door. “I don’t want space” I whined, stopping him in his tracks. His tall frame towered over me as he refused to make eye contact with me as I looked up to him. I wrapped my arms around his waist and stared at him as tears fell from my face. “You’ve been making a lot of decisions for this relationship, it’s time that I make some of my own” King stated as he tapped my arm, signaling for me to let go. I ignored his request. “All I want is you” I pleaded. “I don’t want him, this isn’t about him—” “It’s always been about him. You’ve never stopped messing with him. He’s the reason why I don’t sleep in our bed anymore. He’s the reason why Audrey left today, he’s the reason why I’m leaving you. I don’t want to be in a relationship that doesn’t include me Tasha. I have to protect me!” King exclaimed. “I have to do what’s best for me, and right now, this ain’t it. I don’t want a liar, I don’t want a cheater, and I sure as hell don’t want chlamydia” King expressed in a snarky tone. His course remark felt like a dagger to my heart. I let go of his waist, and I stepped aside as I watched him pack.

I walked downstairs to make myself comfortable on the couch, when King came downstairs with his bag in hand. As I watched tv, King walked into the living room and grabbed his keys off the table. “Don’t wait up” he stated. I got up from the couch, “How long will you be gone?” I asked. “I’ll be back when I’m ready to get the rest of my things” King responded. My heart dropped, sadness was written all over my face, “You don’t mean that” I argued, feeling defeated. “Just like you didn’t mean to cheat on me” King remarked as he turned on his heels. King threw his bag over his shoulder, and headed for the door, leaving me speechless.

I took a seat at the table, blessed my food, and ate a forkful of eggs. “You know you didn’t have to cook breakfast” I exclaimed. “It’s fine. It would be rude of me to only cook for myself.” King expressed. My facial expression changed as I dropped my fork. This nigga had a lot of nerve. King immediately rushed over to pick up the fork. I struggled to grab the fork, and he got it before I could. “You don’t have to—“ “I didn’t mean it like that Tash” King interrupted, looking me in my eyes. “It would be rude of me to eat without you. That’s what I meant” King reassured as he got up from the ground and placed the dirty fork in the sink.

My chest heaved up and down slowly as he handed me a clean fork from the drawer, I was still on edge for how he treated me last night, and I’m a bit salty about not getting a text back from Adonis. I glared at King as he returned to his seat. “I’m sorry if I upset you” he added. Cutting to the chase, I interrupted his ‘nice boy’ act. “Is this some kind of peace offering from last night?!” I asked at an octave. King chuckled to himself, “Damn, we still not over this?” he questioned. I stood to my feet with one hand on my hip, “You tell me. You’re the one with the ‘nice boy’ act cooking me breakfast and shit.” I scoffed.

 King took a bite of his bacon and wiped his hands with a napkin, the look in his eyes read that he was fed up. “I’m not tryna argue this morning. It’s a new day. Whatever we said to each other last night, is what we said. Why are you still…. Hostile?” King questioned as he stood to his feet, towering over me. My eyes locked with King’s as his expression was cold and unchanging, his jaw clenched, and his skin as golden as ever. I was turned on by his ‘I don’t need you’ attitude. I couldn’t help but feel my heart strings being pulled as I watched the tension between us brew, my eyes traced his tattoos and chiseled body.

I caved internally the longer I stared at him. I squared my eyes at him, trying to gain my composure as I felt the bad bitch energy in me dying. My mind played back to last night and all of those feelings came rushing in. I sighed heavily before speaking. “Jermaine, I felt rejected last night and… to tell you the truth, I’m not over it” I admitted. King knew that anytime that I called him by his government name, it meant that I was serious; for some reason, it was like a soft spot for him.

King sighed in frustration and sucked his teeth. He relaxed his shoulders and proceeded to rest his hands on my shoulders. “What do you want me to do?” he asked in a softer tone. The sensation of his skin against mine caused my skin to flush, my face immediately turned red and he knew it. I felt hot internally, I even smiled a little. Deep down, all I could think about was Adonis, and why I made him leave, I’m still just so unhappy and uneasy about the fact that he’s married. I caressed King’s wrists and stared into his eyes. I felt that rubbing them, maybe the pain would go away. If I stared at him any longer, maybe I could forget all about Adonis, and King and I could pick up where we left off.

 King took my hand and caressed it, staring in my eyes. He placed his hand on my waist and moved closer to me. “I don’t wanna entice you, when we’re both hurting. I can’t help you, when I can’t even help myself” King spoke softly. I felt my heart drop into my ass at those words, and a tear instantly fell from my cheek. We were interrupted by my phone ringing on the table. I quickly moved away from King and answered immediately. “Hi Ms. Daniels, this is Dr. James, how are you this morning?” she questioned. “Cassandra! Dr. James, I’m fine, how are you?” I replied. “I’m well. I’m so sorry to bother you. We just got your results back from the lab and I was calling to see if you could come in so that we could speak about them” Dr. James added. I walked over to the window, away from King and felt panic set in. “Sure, is everything okay?” I questioned nervously.

“I have a few questions for you, I’d love to discuss them when you get here. I’ll be in the office until 2:30, see you then Ms. Daniels” Dr. James replied before hanging up. I kissed my teeth in annoynace, feeling a rush of nervousness and anxiousness shoot through my body. “Everything okay?” King asked walking up behind me. I jumped and turned around, “I have to go to Dr. James’ office” I said nervously.

 “Want me to go with you?” King asked eagerly. “I’d rather you not. I think I can handle this” I say anxiously leaving the kitchen.

 I arrived at Dr. James’ office in a hurry. After speaking with her assistant, I patiently waited for her as I clutched my camel Birkin bag nervously waiting for her to appear.

A few moments later, Dr. Cassandra James walked in happily greeting me. “Thanks for meeting with me on short notice Natasha” she said before taking a seat. “it’s no problem” I said anxiously with a smile. “So I wanted to get right to it, I didn’t want to discuss this over the phone, but, your labs were pretty abnormal” Dr. James stated. I looked at her with confusion, “Is the baby going to be okay?” I asked with concern. “Ms. Daniels, your baby will be fine. As long as you take these meds accordingly, have a talk with Mr. Umaru, and come back to see me within a week”. “Meds? What do I need to talk to Jermaine about?” I asked in confusion.

I felt like Dr. James was beating around the bush, and I didn’t want to mince words, but I know she wouldn’t have called me to her office about pre-natal care. I didn’t want to be informal, but I had to go there, this lady has seen all my business, and will be delivering my child in the coming months. “Cassandra, can you tell me what’s going on?!” I asked in suspicion. Dr. James sighed, “Natasha, your labs came back abnormal because you’ve contracted chlamydia” she spoke softly.

I stared at my doctor in disbelief. I was emotionless, frozen, yet boiling on the inside. The thought of all possible partners between King and I in the past year scanned through my mind and my heart felt heavy. She couldn’t be serious. There is no way that Adonis would do me like that, and King sure as hell wouldn’t... Or would they?

“I’m sure there’s been a mistake Dr. James. Could you run it again? I—” “I’m sorry, Ms. Daniels, I was just as surprised as you are, but these are the results. I know that things happen, and there are certain things that we can’t control, but let’s focus on the health of your baby. You and your spouse can discuss the nature of your relationship once you leave this office” she encouraged. I had never felt so humiliated in my life to hear those words. I dropped my head and listened to Dr. James’ instructions as she handed me the prescription.

 **

I left the office in disbelief. I don’t know how I’m going to get home with this on my mental, but this would be the longest drive of my life. Dr. James encouraged me to take deep breaths, relax, and refrain from expressing my emotions negatively, as this can cause more stress on the body and harm to the baby. Damn whatever she has to say right now, I’m not in the mood for any calm shit! I need answers as to who gave me this shit!

I got in my car and I immediately called Adonis. He forwarded my call to voicemail. “Not today! NOT TODAY ADONIS!” I yelled as I clicked his name to call him back. Again, he sent me to voicemail. I huffed angrily and sent him a text message, “CONDO! RIGHT NOW!”

 ADONIS

I’m laying in bed next to Mercedes when I see Natasha’s name pop up on my phone. I’m still getting out of the doghouse after I put my hands on Mercedes by accident. What could Natasha want right now? “Is everything okay?" Mercedes asked as she snuggled up under me. I kissed her forehead. “Of course” I reassured. I was placing my phone back on the nightstand, when another call from Natasha came through.

“Can I just get some peace and quiet today?” I huffed in annoyance. “Just turn your phone off” Mercedes says as she sits up to look at me. As soon as I rejected the call, a text from Natasha read “CONDO! RIGHT NOW!” I sighed and looked at Mercedes’ longing eyes. “I’ll turn it off as soon as I get back babe, there’s some shit going on at the gym that I have to take care of it” I lied, getting out of bed.

Mercedes sighed in annoyance, “I promise I won’t take all day. I’ll be back soon” I said pulling her into a kiss. “And you better be!” she chimed. “I love you” Mercedes urged. “Love you too” I replied solemnly. I knew in my heart that last night didn’t change anything between Mercedes and I. I was wrong for putting my hands on her, and in a moment of weakness, I seized the opportunity to give her what she wanted, and I provided the sex that she desperately craved.

 I took a quick shower and headed out the door. I received a text from Tasha letting me know that she lost her key, and to meet her at her car. I knew she was lying about losing her key, she probably trashed that shit once I told her about Mercedes and I being married, I can’t say that I blame her.

 I pulled up next to her black BMW and got out of the car to greet her. She was on her phone, and I tapped on the window. Natasha rolled down the window, “What’s good?” I asked. She didn’t make eye contact at all. She locked her phone and looked straight ahead, “Can we go inside and talk?” she asked lowly. “What you do with your key? I know you didn’t lose that shit” I said playfully, biting my lip, knowing that would get her attention. Natasha glared at me. Her eyes were puffy and red, as if she’d been crying. The longer we stared at each other, the more tears swelled in her eyes and fell. I stuck my hand in the car to unlock the door. I opened the door and pulled her into a tight embrace, pulling her out of the car, closing the door behind us. Her hands were on the back of my neck as she pulled from my embrace and we locked eyes.

I felt a strange feeling pulling at my chest, and I knew that I couldn’t ignore it. Natasha’s tearful eyes searched mine as we stood there in silence, holding each other.

 NATASHA

His embrace, and the scent of his cologne swept me off of my feet. It’s only been a day, maybe two and here I am, in his arms. I hated him for how he made me feel the other night, but I craved his touch so much that I couldn’t deny myself of this moment. Pulling away from his embrace, I rested my hand on Adonis’ chest. “I hate you” I said lowly, looking away into the distance.

Adonis moved closer to me and pressed his body onto mine against the car, he lifted my chin to adjust my focus to him. “You don’t mean that” he whispered softly. My thumb grazed his bottom lip, “But I do” I said feeling my heart sink in my chest. Adonis looked away from me, and I could tell he started to get choked up as his jaw clenched. “Let your window up, we need to go inside and talk” he exhaled.

I grabbed my purse, let up my window, and locked the car door. I followed Adonis into the building. Once inside his condo, I dropped my purse on the couch and stood by the window that gave a beautiful view of the city. “You wanna tell me why it was so urgent that we needed to meet?” he questioned. “Am I interrupting a moment between you and your wife?” I questioned sarcastically. Adonis scoffed and looked at me snidely, “I’ma let that one slide, just because” he kissed his teeth. I rolled my eyes in annoyance and walked into the kitchen to grab a bottle of water.

Taking a sip, I glared at Adonis, who stood at the other side of the kitchen. “Maybe we should consider going separate ways Donnie” I admitted. Adonis walked towards the island took a chair out in front of me to take a seat. “Where’s this coming from?”  he asked. I shrugged my shoulders and looked in his eyes, “I mean think about it. You’re married, I no longer have use for this condo, and I’m pregnant. Why don’t we cut ties now and just live separate lives? Neither one of us want to let go of our significant others, but being in the moment with each other leads us into uncompromising situations, such as this pregnancy” I confess. Adonis took my hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. “Baby, I’m sorry for how all of this has turned out, and I’m sorry for the unfortunate circumstance that I’m in with Mercedes. Tasha, I can’t cut ties with you… not like this” Adonis remarked. He got out of his chair and towered over me. Lifting my chin with his index finger, Adonis lowered his gaze to mine. “You know how much I care about you” he whispered. “D, that’s not enough for me… not anymore” I said lowly, feeling myself get choked up. Adonis swiftly picked me up and placed me on the island, standing in between my legs.

Adonis placed small kisses to my neck, and I quickly moved away. “D, I can’t… I can’t give you that part of me anymore” I argued. Ignoring my rejection, Adonis pulled me into a rough, but passionate kiss. This kiss that had been brewing between us since we laid eyes on each other. I threw my arms around him and wrapped my legs around his waist, pulling him into me as close as possible. The tips of my fingers grazed through his scalp as I let out a soft moan in between kisses. Adonis caressed my body fervently, groaning at the feeling. I pulled away from his embrace and stared in his eyes as mine watered. I wanted nothing more than to give myself to him on top of this island, right here, right now. “Whatever you need me to do, I’ll do it for you. I’ll be better, for us Tash” Adonis confessed, breathing heavily.

Adonis wiped my tears as I pulled him into another long, deep, kiss. Adonis groped and yoked my body up so quickly. I felt like the wind had been knocked out of me as he laid me on the island so gently, placing kisses down my stomach. I felt myself getting hotter as the kisses intensified and all resolve left my body. The lower Adonis kissed me, the louder Dr. James’ voice echoed in my head, “Natasha, your labs came back abnormal because you’ve contracted chlamydia”. In that moment, I sat up on the island instantly and pushed Adonis away. “I can’t… I can’t… I CAN’T!” I yelled in tears. “What the fuck Tash?!” Adonis shot back. “This is all your fault, and I can no longer be a part of it. Adonis I’m tired.” I said wiping my tears. “I’m tired of you manipulating me into thinking that it’s just ‘us’ in the moment. In the moment with each other, it’s all that we have, and Adonis, these moments are costing me my life!” I yelled at him. “Where is this coming from?” Adonis asked confused. “YOU! Everything that I do with you, it comes back to me! TENFOLD! I can’t take this shit anymore!” I snapped. Adonis pulled me down from the island and held me by the waist. “How about we just relax? I didn’t mean to aggravate you. I’m sure it’s just the hormones” Adonis cooed as he brushed my hair behind my ears. My eyes widened in anger, “Hormones?! Don’t sugarcoat shit with me Adonis.” I say pulling out of his embrace. Adonis took his seat in front of the island and adjusted himself, he looked frustrated and defeated. “Explain to me Tash. Why would I leave from the comfort of my bed with Mercedes, just for you to play with me , either you want me or you don’t” Adonis stated matter of fact. Perplexed, I squared my eyes at Adonis. “Explain to me why you throw her name around so confidently yet I bet she doesn’t know where you are right now.” I snapped. “It’s none of her business” Adonis replied.

 “This isn’t getting us anywhere and you know it. If you ‘love’ her like you say you do, stop answering my calls and texts and just let me be. Stop trying to get the last drop of me on your tongue. Stop trying to fight what you know you aren’t ready for.” I argued. “You wanted me for yourself, and once I was no longer of use for you, you chose the person who you refuse to knock up, to spend the rest of your life with.” I spat. “It’s not true.. Tash. You know I’m a man of my word” Adonis chimed. “What does that have to do with anything?!” I questioned. “It has to do with everything! Tasha, I know I’m not perfect, and I know I haven’t been the best to you, but dammit I don’t know how to show you that I’m here for you, that I’m here for us” Adonis pleaded. “God! I can’t let you continue to play in my face like this shit is okay! Fuck your damn word and just admit that you’re a fucking cheater but you don’t wanna let her go!” I yell. “If you love her, stop dragging me along! Leave me be so that I can figure this shit out on my own. Clearly you’re not man enough to keep your word for me. I was never enough for you, I never mattered to you” I said feeling myself getting emotional.

“Tash you know that’s not true” Adonis began, “Adonis, I don’t know what to believe anymore. You’ve fooled me, impregnated me, and you’ve given me chlamydia!” I barked. “Chlamydia?! I…” Adonis’ expression changed immediately. “I’m sorry! You know I wouldn’t” Adonis said trying to touch me. My hand swatted at his face immediately. “No you’re not fucking sorry!!! You did exactly what you wanted to do with me!!!” I yelled continuously hitting him in the face. Adonis pushed me away, “Tasha I wouldn’t dare! You’re carrying my child, you know that I’ve only been with you and Mercedes.” Adonis pleaded. “I need you to know that I wouldn’t put you or my child in harms way.” Adonis reassured.

“I think it’s best that I leave you to figure out how I got chlamydia, while I sort out the details of who the father is. Whether King wants to be in this child’s life or not, I’m raising this baby on my own, without you. I don’t need the key to this condo anymore, and I don’t need you to fill the void for me. All I need to be, is a damn good mother to my child!” I spat. I grabbed my purse and headed for the door. Adonis was on my heels, and he stopped me before I could turn the doorknob. “I need you to know that I’d never—” I placed my finger over Adonis’ lips, “Take it up with your fucking wife. Stay the fuck away from me, and don’t contact me about this child” I snapped before walking out of the condo.