Untitled

Cody Rhodes x reader

She is Bloodline. Cody is the enemy. Roman is the one who swore to keep her safe. He's forbidden. She's forbidden. Yet they always cross paths...

A slow-burning, forbidden trope romance with lots of angst.

List | EP.1 | EP. 2 | EP. 3 | EP. 4 | Now | EP. 6 | EP. 7 | EP. 8 | EP. 9 | EP. 10 | EP. 11 | EP. 12 | EP. 13 | EP. 14 | EP. 15 | EP. 16 | EP. 17 - End | 13k words x | MasterList

A/N: I hope you love this!! Thank you everyone for the love that i have received so far from this series!! This isn't fully proof read...

The silence after the second buzz was heavier than anything the brothers had said all night. You could feel their eyes on you, not harsh, not accusing, but sharp in a way that made your skin prickle. The room felt smaller with all of them still there, the air thick with a tension none of you knew how to break.

You kept your phone in your hand, screen down now, as if hiding the name could erase the reaction they’d already seen. Your fingers curled around the device, knuckles pale, pulse fluttering beneath your skin. You tried to steady your breathing, but every inhale felt too shallow, every exhale too loud.

Jey was the first to move. He shifted slightly on the bed beside you, not pulling away, not crowding you, just adjusting enough to study your face more closely. His voice was soft when he spoke, but there was a new edge beneath it, a quiet alertness.

“You changed when you saw that notification.” It wasn’t an accusation. It was an observation. A truth spoken gently, the same way Solo had spoken earlier.

Jimmy leaned forward, elbows on his knees, his eyes narrowing just a little. “You didn’t even open it, and you still reacted.”

You swallowed hard, your throat tight. “I didn’t—”

“You did,” Jimmy said, but his voice wasn’t sharp. It was careful. Concerned. “It was small, but we saw it.”

Solo stood closest to you now, not looming, not pressuring, just present. His expression was unreadable, but his eyes were steady, watching you with that quiet intensity that always made you feel seen in ways you weren’t ready for.

He didn’t ask anything. He didn’t push. He just waited.

And somehow, that was worse.

You looked down at your hands, your fingers still trembling around the phone. You tried to force your expression back into something neutral, something safe, but the damage was already done. They had seen the softening. The breath you didn’t mean to release. The tiny flicker of something warm breaking through the fear.

Jey spoke again, his voice low. “Whoever it was… they matter to you.”

Your heart lurched painfully.

Jimmy’s gaze sharpened, but his tone stayed gentle. “We’re not mad. We just… want to understand.”

Solo finally spoke, his voice quiet but firm. “You don’t have to tell us the name. But don’t lie about what you felt.”

The words hit you harder than you expected.

Because he was right. You had felt something. Something you weren’t ready to name. Something you weren’t ready to explain. Something that made your chest tighten and your stomach twist, and your breath catch all at once.

You closed your eyes for a moment, trying to steady yourself.

The phone buzzed again in your hand.

A third message. Same name. Same effect.

And all three brothers watched your reaction like it was the key to a truth you weren’t ready to give.

The third buzz vibrated through your hand, sharp enough to make your fingers twitch. You kept the phone face‑down now, as if the name glowing beneath the screen could burn straight through your palm. The room felt too warm again, the air thick with a tension none of you knew how to break.

Jey was the first to speak. He shifted slightly beside you, his knee brushing yours, his voice low and careful.

“Be real with me Uce… was that a guy?”

The question wasn’t harsh. It wasn’t jealous or judgmental. It was protective. Quietly protective. The kind that came from someone who had spent the entire night imagining the worst.

Your breath caught. “Jey—”

He lifted a hand gently, stopping you without touching you. “I’m not asking to get in your business. I’m asking because you looked… different when you saw that name.”

Jimmy leaned forward, elbows on his knees, his eyes narrowing just a little. Not in anger — in focus. He was studying you the way he studied opponents in the ring, looking for the smallest shift, the tiniest tell. “You softened,” he said quietly. “Just for a second. Like whoever it was… mattered.”

Your stomach twisted.

Solo stood closest to you now, not looming, not crowding, but present in a way that made the air feel heavier. His expression didn’t change, but something in his posture did — a subtle tightening of his shoulders, a quiet readiness that made your pulse jump.

He didn’t ask if it was a guy. He didn’t have to. He was waiting for your answer to the twins.

You swallowed hard, your fingers curling around the phone until your knuckles ached. “It’s not— it’s complicated.”

Jey’s brows pulled together, his voice softening even more. “Complicated how?”

You shook your head, your throat tight. “I don’t want to talk about it.”

Jimmy exhaled slowly, rubbing a hand over his jaw. “We’re not trying to push you. But if some guy’s involved… we need to know if he’s trouble.”

There it was. The protectiveness. Not loud. Not aggressive. Just steady and instinctive, like a reflex they couldn’t turn off.

Solo stepped closer, his voice low and calm. “Did he hurt you?”

Your eyes snapped up, startled. “No. No, he didn’t.”

Solo watched you for a long moment, his gaze steady, searching. “Did he help you?”

The question hit you like a jolt. Your breath stuttered. Your eyes flicked away. It was just a tiny movement. Barely noticeable.

But Solo saw it. Of course he did.

His jaw tightened almost imperceptibly, a quiet shift you wouldn’t have caught if you weren’t looking right at him. Not anger. Not jealousy. Just… protectiveness. Heavy and silent.

Jey noticed the shift too. “So it was a guy.”

Jimmy leaned back slightly, his voice dropping. “And you don’t want to tell us who.”

You didn’t answer. You couldn’t.

The phone buzzed again in your hand.

The fourth buzz rattled through your hand, sharp enough to make your fingers twitch. You flipped the phone face‑down again, pressing it into your thigh like you could smother the name glowing beneath the screen. Your pulse was racing, your breath uneven, your face too warm.

You forced your expression into something neutral, something steady, something that didn’t betray the way your stomach had just dropped.

“I’m just… tired,” you said quietly. “It’s been a long day.”

It wasn’t a lie. But it wasn’t the truth either. And the timing was too perfect to hide.

Jey’s head tilted slightly, his eyes narrowing with a softness that somehow made you feel even more exposed. He didn’t move away from you. If anything, he leaned in a little, studying your face like he was trying to read the thoughts you were fighting to bury.

“You weren’t tired thirty seconds ago,” he said gently.

Jimmy shifted forward, elbows on his knees, his posture tightening in that quiet, protective way he had. His eyes flicked from your face to the phone in your hand, then back again.

“You’re trying to brush us off,” he said, voice low but steady. “Why?”

Your stomach twisted.

You shook your head, trying to keep your voice even. “I’m not brushing you off. I just… want to lie down.”

Solo stepped closer, slow and deliberate, his presence filling the room in a way that made your breath catch. He didn’t look at the phone. He didn’t look at the twins. He looked only at you.

His voice was quiet, but it carried weight. “Your hands are shaking again.”

You froze. Because they were. Your fingers trembled around the phone. Your breath hitched. Your chest tightened. You curled your hand into a fist, hiding the tremor, but it was too late. They’d already seen it.

Jey’s voice softened even more. “Whoever’s texting you… they’re getting a reaction out of you.”

Jimmy’s jaw tightened, not in anger — in concern. “If it’s a guy, just say so. We’re not gonna jump down your throat. We just want to know if he’s someone we need to worry about.”

You swallowed hard, but this time you forced yourself to look away from the phone, to the quiet tension filling the room instead. The brothers’ eyes weren’t sharp or accusing — they were heavy with concern, a silent promise to stand guard even if you didn’t speak.

Jey’s voice softened, careful not to push too hard. “You don’t have to say anything you’re not ready for.”

Jimmy’s gaze flicked between you and the phone, then back to you. “But we’re here. Whatever it is.”

Solo’s presence loomed close, steady and unyielding. “We’ll protect you. No matter what.”

You swallowed again, the weight in your chest shifting — not lighter, but somehow less alone. The phone buzzed once more, but this time you didn’t reach for it. Instead, you let the silence stretch, letting their quiet strength fill the space where your words wouldn’t come.

The protectiveness in the room deepened, not as a burden, but as a shield — a silent vow that you wouldn’t have to carry this alone.

Jimmy was the first to break the silence.

He leaned back slightly, but the tension in his shoulders didn’t ease. His eyes stayed locked on your face, searching for something you weren’t ready to give. When he finally spoke, his voice was low, steady, and threaded with a quiet warning.

“Look… mystery guys?” he said, shaking his head slowly. “They’re never just nothing. Not when you react like that.”

The words weren’t meant to scare you. They were meant to shield you. A brother’s instinct tightening like armor.

He wasn’t accusing you. He was preparing to protect you from someone he didn’t even know... yet.

You felt your throat tighten.

Jey shifted beside you, his knee brushing yours again, grounding you. His expression was softer than Jimmy’s, but no less serious. He studied you for a long moment, his eyes gentle but impossibly perceptive.

Then, quietly, almost like he was afraid of the answer, he asked, “Did he make you feel safe last night?”

The question hit you like a breath you weren’t ready to take. Your chest tightened. Your pulse stumbled. Your eyes dropped to your lap before you could stop them.

You didn’t answer. You couldn’t.

But the silence was enough.

Jey exhaled slowly, the sound soft and heavy. He didn’t push. He didn’t pry. He just nodded once, like he understood more than you’d said.

Jimmy stood first, running a hand over his face, the protectiveness still simmering beneath his calm exterior. “Alright,” he murmured. “We’ll give you some time. But if this guy shows up in your life again… we’re gonna want to know who he is.”

It wasn’t a threat. It was a promise.

Solo lingered a moment longer, his presence steady and grounding. His eyes met yours, and for a second, the room felt too quiet, too intimate. He didn’t say anything — he didn’t need to. His silence carried more weight than words.

Then he stepped back.

Jey squeezed your shoulder gently before standing. “We’re right next door. If you need anything - anything - you call.”

Jimmy nodded, his gaze lingering on your face, still protective, still worried. “Don’t let some guy mess with your head,” he said softly. “Not after everything.”

Solo was the last to move toward the door. He paused, his hand on the frame, his voice low and certain. “You’re not alone tonight.”

And then they were gone.

The door clicked shut with a soft finality, and for a moment you just sat there, staring at the empty space where the brothers had been. Their presence had filled the room so completely — warm, heavy, protective — that the sudden quiet felt almost disorienting.

The air shifted.

Without their eyes on you, without their questions hovering in the space between breaths, the room felt bigger. Colder. Too still. The kind of stillness that made your heartbeat sound louder than it should.

You exhaled slowly, your shoulders sagging as the tension you’d been holding finally slipped through the cracks. Not gone — just loosened. Just enough to breathe.

Your phone buzzed again.

A sixth message.

The sound cut through the silence like a blade, sharp and impossible to ignore. You stared at the device in your hand, your pulse quickening all over again. The screen was still face‑down, but you didn’t need to flip it to know whose name was waiting.

Cody Rhodes.

You swallowed hard, your fingers tightening around the phone. The brothers’ voices echoed faintly in your mind — Jimmy’s warning about mystery guys, Jey’s gentle question, Solo’s quiet certainty.

You lifted the phone slowly, your hands still trembling, the weight of the moment settling over you like a second heartbeat.

For the first time since last night, you were alone with the truth and Cody’s messages were waiting.

You stared at the phone for a long moment, your pulse thudding in your ears. The room felt too quiet now, too still, like the air itself was waiting for you to make a choice. Finally, with a breath you didn’t realise you were holding, you turned the phone over.

The screen lit up instantly.

Cody Rhodes 6 messages

Your chest tightened.

You tapped the thread.

The first message blinked up at you.

Cody: You okay?

Your breath caught. It was simple. Direct. Full of concern, not pressure.

You scrolled.

Cody: Just checking you’re safe and feel better.

Your stomach twisted — not in fear, but in something warmer, something you weren’t ready to name. You could almost hear his voice in the words, that quiet steadiness he used when he didn’t want to scare you off.

Another message.

Cody: If you need anything… anything at all… I’m awake.

Your fingers tightened around the phone.

You shouldn’t have felt relief. You shouldn’t have felt seen. You shouldn’t have felt that small, involuntary softening in your chest.

But you did.

You scrolled to the next one.

Cody: I’m not trying to push you. Just want to know you’re alright.

Your throat tightened. He wasn’t demanding. He was actually caring. He wasn’t asking for explanations.

He was giving you space — the kind of space that didn’t feel like abandonment.

The fifth message was shorter.

Cody: Please tell me you’re safe.

Your breath hitched.

And then the last one, sent just minutes ago:

Cody: I can call if you need someone. Just say the word.

Your heart dropped straight to your stomach.

Not because you were scared. Not because you were overwhelmed. But because the offer was so gentle, so careful, so unlike the pressure you’d been under all night that it made something inside you ache.

You sat there on the edge of the bed, the glow of the screen lighting your face, your hands trembling again — but not from fear this time. It was from the weight of being cared about in a different way that you have never experienced before, for the first time in your life.

Your chest felt tight, too full, too warm. Your eyes stung unexpectedly. Your breath came uneven, not from panic, but from the sudden, overwhelming realisation that someone outside your world — outside the brothers, outside the pain, but inside the chaos, had noticed you fall apart and hadn’t looked away.

You pressed the phone to your chest for a moment, eyes closing, trying to steady the rush of emotion rising in your throat.

Your fingers hovered over the keyboard for a long moment, the screen glowing softly in the dim room. You typed a few words, deleted them, typed again, deleted again. Nothing felt right. Nothing felt like enough.

Finally, with a shaky breath, you forced yourself to keep it simple and plain.

You: I’m good. My brothers checked up on me.

You stared at the message for a second, your thumb trembling over the send button. Then you hit send.

The message barely had time to settle in the thread before the three dots appeared.

Typing.

Your heart jumped.

He replied instantly.

Cody: Good. I’m glad you weren't completely not alone.

Your breath caught.

Another message appeared immediately after.

Cody: But… are you actually okay? Not just “good.”

Your chest tightened, a slow, warm ache spreading beneath your ribs. He wasn’t asking out of obligation. He wasn’t checking a box. He wasn’t trying to wedge himself into your night.

He was paying attention.

To your words. To what you didn’t say. To the space between the lines.

You swallowed hard, your eyes stinging again. You weren’t used to someone noticing the difference. You weren’t used to someone caring enough to ask twice. Your thumb hovered over the keyboard again, but this time you felt more confident in your words.

You: I feel better now. Really.

You hesitated, then added:

You: My brothers checked up on me. I’m okay.

You hit send before you could overthink it. The reply came almost instantly — so fast it made your breath catch.

Cody: Alright. If you’re sure…

Another bubble appeared immediately.

Cody: I can stay awake a while longer if you need someone up with you.

Your chest tightened at the offer — not because you needed it, but because he meant it. You could feel the sincerity in every word, the quiet readiness to be there for you without asking for anything in return.

You typed slowly, your fingers steadier now.

You: It’s okay. You should sleep. I’m alright, I promise.

A pause. Then:

Cody: If anything changes, you text me. Doesn’t matter what time it is.

Your throat tightened again — that same warm ache spreading through your chest.

You: I will. Goodnight, Cody.

His reply came a second later.

Cody: Goodnight. Get some rest.

You stared at the screen for a moment, letting the words settle, letting the quiet comfort of them sink into the spaces that had felt so raw just hours ago.

Then you set the phone down beside you, the room finally feeling a little less heavy, a little less cold.

For the first time since everything fell apart… you felt like you might actually sleep. And somewhere, in another room, Cody Rhodes finally let himself sleep too — only after knowing you were safe.

You woke slowly, the kind of slow where your body felt heavy but your mind wasn’t racing for once. The room was dim, the curtains still drawn, and for a moment you just lay there, staring at the ceiling, letting the silence settle around you.

It felt… different.

Not fixed. Not healed. But steadier.

Your chest didn’t feel as tight. Your hands weren’t trembling. Your thoughts weren’t spiraling.

You exhaled softly, the breath warm against the cool morning air.

Then you noticed your phone on the pillow beside you — exactly where you’d fallen asleep holding it.

Your stomach fluttered.

You reached for it slowly, thumb brushing the screen. It lit up instantly.

1 new message Cody Rhodes

Your heart gave a small, traitorous jump.

You opened it.

Cody: Morning. Hope you slept.

Simple. Soft. Not demanding anything from you.

You felt your lips curve — not a full smile, but something close. Something real.

You typed back:

You: Morning. I did. Thank you.

You hesitated, then added:

You: Hope you slept too.

You hit send before you could overthink it.

The reply came a few seconds later — not instant, not hovering, just… present.

Cody: I did. Good to hear you’re okay.

Warmth spread through your chest, slow and steady, like sunlight creeping through a window.

You set the phone down gently, letting the moment settle. For the first time in days, you didn’t feel like you were bracing for impact the second you opened your eyes.

You stretched, rolled your shoulders, and sat up. The room was quiet, but not suffocating. The weight from last night hadn’t vanished — it had just shifted, softened, become something you could carry without breaking.

A knock sounded at the door — soft, careful.

“Hey,” Jey’s voice came through, gentle. “We’re heading to the arena soon. You good?”

You glanced at your phone again, at Cody’s message still glowing on the screen.

You took a breath.

“Yeah,” you called back. “I’m good.”

And for once, it wasn’t a lie.

The ride to the arena was unusually calm.

Morning light filtered through the tinted windows, soft and pale, brushing over your skin in a way that made everything feel a little less heavy. You sat in the backseat with Solo, as Jey sat at the front with Jimmy driving with one hand on the wheel, the other tapping lightly against the leather.

No one spoke at first.

It wasn’t awkward — just quiet. The kind of quiet that comes after a long night, when everyone is still taking stock of the pieces.

Jey was the one who finally broke it.

He glanced at you, his voice low, gentle. “You sleep okay?”

You nodded, fingers brushing the edge of your phone in your lap. “Yeah. Better than I thought.”

Jimmy hummed, glancing at you through the rearview mirror. “Good. You looked rough last night.”

Jey elbowed him lightly. “Bro.”

“What?” Jimmy shrugged. “She did.”

You rolled your eyes, but the corner of your mouth twitched. “Thanks, Jim. Really sweet.”

Solo didn’t laugh. He was watching you — not intensely, not uncomfortably, just… observing. Making sure. His voice came quiet, steady.

“You look better today.”

Something warm flickered in your chest. “I feel better.”

Jimmy’s eyes flicked to your phone again. “That because of the guy who kept blowing up your messages?”

Your breath caught.

Jey shot him a look. “Jimmy.”

“What? I’m just asking.”

You swallowed, keeping your gaze on the window. “He was just checking on me.”

Solo’s head tilted slightly. “He helped you last night?”

You hesitated — not long, but long enough for all three of them to notice.

“Yeah,” you said softly. “He did.”

The car went quiet again, but the energy shifted — not tense, not angry, just… protective. Heavily protective.

Jey leaned back, arms crossed loosely. “As long as he’s not messing with your head.”

“He’s not,” you said quickly — too quickly.

Jimmy raised a brow. “You sure?”

You nodded, eyes dropping to your phone. “He was just… kind. That’s all.”

Solo’s gaze lingered on you a moment longer, unreadable. “Kind is good.”

The car settles into a quiet that feels heavier than before. You stare out the window, fingers brushing your phone, your thoughts drifting to Roman — to the way he watches everything, to the way he reacts when he feels out of control.

The words slip out before you can stop them, “Are you going to tell Roman?”

The car goes still.

Jimmy’s hand tightens on the wheel. Jey turns his head toward you slowly. Solo’s gaze sharpens, unreadable.

Jey speaks first, voice soft but firm. “We’re not running to him like tattletales.”

Jimmy nods. “If you were in danger, yeah — we’d tell him. But this?” He gestures vaguely toward your phone. “This ain’t danger.”

Solo’s voice comes last, low and steady. “We don’t tell Roman everything.”

You blink, surprised.

Jey leans back, arms crossed. “You’re our sister. Not his responsibility.”

Jimmy adds, quieter this time, “We’re looking out for you. Not reporting on you.”

And Solo finishes it, the words simple but carrying weight:

“What you tell him is your choice.”

You exhale slowly, tension easing from your shoulders.

For the first time, you realize the brothers aren’t just protecting you from the outside world.

They’re protecting you from Roman too.

You exhaled slowly, the tension in your shoulders easing just a little.

The car rolled into the arena parking lot, the building looming ahead. As Jimmy pulled into a spot, Jey got out of the car and opened the door for you, “If he ever stops being kind,” he said quietly, “you tell us.”

You looked at all three of them — their concern, their protectiveness, their unspoken promise — and felt that same warmth from earlier settle deeper in your chest.

“I will,” you said.

And for once, you meant it.

Your brothers tapped your shoulder, saying that they were going to go ahead to the locker room and leave you.

The arena was buzzing the way it always did on show days — voices echoing down the hall, production carts rolling past, the faint thump of someone testing the sound system. But as you stepped inside, everything felt strangely muted, like you were moving through a softer version of the chaos.

You were still in that quiet morning headspace, the warmth from Cody’s message lingering in your chest, the brothers’ protectiveness still wrapped around you like a shield.

You didn’t even make it ten steps before you heard your name and shout.

“Oi!”

You turned just in time for Rhea Ripley to stride toward you, boots heavy against the concrete, eyes locked on you with laser focus. She didn’t slow down. She didn’t smile. She didn’t even blink.

She grabbed your wrist and pulled you into a side hallway, away from the traffic.

“What the hell happened to you last night?”

Her voice wasn’t loud — it didn’t need to be. The concern in it was sharp enough to cut through steel.

You blinked, startled. “Rhea—”

“No.” She held up a hand, eyes scanning your face like she was checking for bruises. “Don’t ‘Rhea’ me. You vanished. You didn’t answer your phone.”

You swallowed, guilt and warmth tangling in your chest. “I’m okay. Really.”

She didn’t buy it. Not immediately. Her jaw tightened, and she stepped closer, lowering her voice. “Did someone do something to you?”

The question hit you harder than you expected — not because it was true, but because she cared enough to ask.

You shook your head quickly. “No. Nothing like that. I just… needed a break, Triple H even said so. Then later, my brothers checked on me. I slept. I’m okay now.”

Rhea studied you for a long moment, her eyes narrowing like she was trying to see past your words, past your calm, past the mask you’d worn last night.

Then, slowly, her shoulders loosened.

“Good,” she muttered. “Because I was two seconds away from tearing this whole place apart looking for you.”

A laugh slipped out of you — small, but real. “You don’t have to do that.”

She smirked, crossing her arms. “Please. I’d do it for fun.”

You rolled your eyes, but the tension in your chest eased even more. Rhea’s presence always did that — grounding you, steadying you, reminding you that not everyone in your life demanded something from you.

“You look better today,” she said, softer now. “Like you actually slept.”

“I did,” you admitted. “For once.”

Rhea nodded, satisfied. “Good. Keep it that way.”

You hesitated — just a beat — then stepped a little closer.

“Hey… there’s something I need to tell you,” you said quietly. “Something important that happened last night.”

Rhea’s brows lifted, concern flickering back into her eyes. “Yeah?”

You shook your head gently. “Not now. Later. I just… wanted you to know.”

Rhea didn’t push. She just nodded once, firm and steady. “Whenever you’re ready.”

You smiled — genuinely, fully — and she nudged your shoulder with hers.

“Come on,” she said. “Let’s get you ready before someone else tries to stress you out.”

You followed her back into the hallway, your mood lighter, your steps steadier.

But as you turned the corner, your smile faded.

Because there, just ahead, you saw Roman Reigns walking into the Bloodline locker room — Paul right behind him.

Your stomach dropped.

Rhea noticed the shift instantly. “You good?”

You exhaled slowly. “Yeah. Just… need to deal with something.”

Rhea raised a brow but didn’t push. “If you need backup, you know where I am.”

You nodded, squared your shoulders, and headed toward the locker room.

Time to get it over with.

The hallway leading to the Bloodline locker room felt colder than the rest of the arena — like the air shifted the closer you got. The hum of backstage chatter faded behind you, swallowed by the heavy silence that always seemed to cling to this part of the building.

Your boots echoed against the concrete, each step slower than the last.

You could see the door ahead. Slightly ajar. Light spilling out in a thin, sharp line across the floor.

Your stomach tightened.

You stopped a few feet away, inhaling slowly, trying to steady the flutter in your chest. The warmth from Cody’s message, from Rhea’s concern, from your brothers’ protectiveness — all of it dimmed under the weight of what waited behind that door.

You could hear voices inside.

Roman’s low, controlled tone. Jimmy’s lighter one. Jey’s quiet responses. Solo’s silence — always the silence.

You closed your eyes for a second.

Get it over with.

Your hand hovered over the door. Your pulse thudded in your ears. Your breath came shallow, tight.

Then you pushed it open.

The moment you stepped into the Bloodline locker room, the atmosphere shifted like someone had slammed a door on the rest of the world. The air felt heavier in here, thicker, as if the walls themselves were holding their breath. Roman stood near the centre of the room, broad shoulders squared, arms folded across his chest in a way that made him look carved out of stone. His head lifted slowly when he heard the door, and the second his eyes locked onto yours, the room fell into a silence so sharp it almost stung.

Jimmy straightened from where he’d been leaning against the counter. Jey’s expression tightened, his gaze flicking between you and Roman. Solo didn’t move at all — he just watched, quiet and unreadable, the way he always did when the tension in the room thickened.

Roman didn’t speak at first. He just stared at you, his eyes scanning your face with a precision that made your skin prickle. When he finally spoke, his voice was low, controlled, and far too calm.

“Where were you last night?”

The question hit harder than if he’d shouted. You felt it in your chest, in the way your breath caught for a moment before you forced it steady. You kept your posture neutral, your expression composed, even though your pulse was thudding in your ears.

“I needed space,” you said, your voice quiet but steady. “I needed to clear my head.”

Roman’s jaw tightened, a muscle ticking beneath his beard. He took a slow step toward you, not aggressive, but deliberate — the kind of movement that made the air between you feel charged.

“You disappeared,” he said, his tone still maddeningly calm. “No call. No message. Nothing.”

You swallowed, your fingers curling slightly at your sides. “You didn’t call either.”

That stopped him. Just for a second.

His eyes narrowed, the faintest flicker of something — surprise, irritation, guilt — breaking through the mask he wore so well. “I didn’t know what happened to you.”

You let out a breath, not dramatic, just tired. “You didn’t ask.”

The silence that followed was suffocating. You could feel the brothers watching, feel the tension rolling off Roman in waves, feel the weight of everything unsaid pressing down on the room.

Roman stepped closer again, close enough that you could feel the heat radiating off him, close enough that you had to tilt your chin up slightly to hold his gaze. His voice dropped even lower, rougher around the edges.

“You think I didn’t care?”

Your throat tightened, but you didn’t look away. “Only my brothers checked on me,” you said, the words slipping out before you could soften them. “Only they messaged. Only they came to find me.”

Roman’s expression shifted — not dramatically, but enough that you saw it. A flicker of something sharp, something wounded, something he didn’t want anyone to see. His nostrils flared, and he exhaled slowly through his nose, as if trying to keep something inside himself from breaking loose.

“I had people looking for you,” he said quietly, almost defensively.

You shook your head, your voice barely above a whisper. “Not me. You didn’t look for me.”

The words hung in the air like smoke, impossible to ignore.

Roman’s eyes softened — barely, but unmistakably — and for a moment, the mask slipped. You saw concern there, real concern, buried under layers of control and pride and responsibility. You saw the way your absence had unsettled him, even if he refused to admit it.

“You’ve changed,” he murmured, his voice rougher now, less controlled. “Something happened.”

Your stomach twisted. He wasn’t guessing. He wasn’t fishing. He was reading you the way he always did — too well, too closely, like he could see straight through the walls you’d built.

You straightened your shoulders, forcing your breath steady. “I’m fine.”

Roman didn’t believe you. You could see it in the way his eyes tracked every micro‑expression on your face, in the way his jaw clenched, in the way his breath slowed like he was trying to keep himself from reacting too strongly.

“You’re hiding something,” he said, his voice low and certain. “And I’m going to find out what.”

Your pulse spiked, heat rushing to your face, but you didn’t flinch. You didn’t back down. You just held his gaze, even as the air between you crackled with tension.

Roman finally stepped back, exhaling through his nose, frustration simmering beneath the surface. “We’ll talk later,” he said, his tone clipped, final. “Go get ready.”

You nodded once, turned, and walked out — your heart pounding, your breath uneven, your skin buzzing with leftover adrenaline. The door shut behind you, sealing the silence inside.

And you knew, without a doubt, that this wasn’t over.

You walked down the hallway with your pulse still unsteady from the confrontation, the echo of Roman’s voice lingering in your chest like a bruise that hadn’t fully formed. The arena lights buzzed faintly above you, casting long shadows across the concrete floor. You kept your head down, trying to breathe through the tightness in your throat, trying to shake off the heat of Roman’s stare and the weight of everything he hadn’t said out loud.

You turned a corner, heading toward makeup, but stopped when you heard voices drifting from the partially open door behind you. Roman’s voice carried first, low and controlled, the kind of tone that made the air feel heavier even when you weren’t in the room with him. You froze without meaning to, your hand hovering near the wall as your breath caught in your chest.

“She’s hiding something.”

The words were quiet, but they hit like a punch. Your stomach twisted, your fingers curling against your palm as you leaned just slightly closer, careful not to make a sound. Roman’s voice was steady, but there was an edge beneath it, a frustration simmering just under the surface.

“I know her,” he continued, each word slow and deliberate. “I know how she moves. I know how she talks. I know when something’s wrong. And something’s wrong.”

There was a pause, long enough that you could picture him pacing or rubbing a hand over his beard the way he did when he was trying not to snap. You swallowed hard, your heart thudding painfully against your ribs.

Solo’s voice came next, quiet and calm, the way it always was when he was choosing his words carefully. “She said she needed space.”

Roman let out a breath that sounded more like a contained growl. “Space doesn’t make someone look like that. She was shaken. She was scared. She wasn’t herself.”

Another pause. You could almost feel the tension radiating from the room, thick enough to choke on.

“She didn’t tell me where she went,” Roman said, his voice dropping even lower. “She didn’t tell me who she was with. She didn’t tell me anything.”

Your throat tightened. You pressed your back against the wall, trying to steady your breathing, trying to keep your presence hidden.

Solo spoke again, still calm, still measured. “She wasn’t alone.”

The silence that followed was sharp and immediate. You felt it like a physical force, like the air had been sucked out of the hallway.

Roman’s voice came next, softer but far more dangerous. “Who?”

Solo didn’t answer right away. You could hear the hesitation in the quiet, the weight of the choice he was making. When he finally spoke, his voice was steady but not revealing. “She’s safe. That’s what matters.”

Roman didn’t accept that. You could hear it in the way he inhaled slowly, in the way the room seemed to hold its breath.

“Someone got to her,” he said, his tone tightening. “Someone helped her. Someone changed something in her. I saw it the second she walked in.”

Your pulse spiked. You pressed a hand to your chest, trying to quiet the pounding.

“I want to know who it was,” Roman said. “I want to know who she went to. I want to know who she’s talking to. I want to know who she trusts more than me.”

The words hit you like a blow. Heat rushed to your face, a mix of fear and anger and something else you couldn’t name.

Solo’s reply came after a long moment. “Let me talk to her first.”

Roman’s voice sharpened. “Solo.”

“She’ll tell me,” Solo said, still calm, still steady. “If she wants to.”

Roman exhaled slowly, the sound heavy with frustration. “Find out what happened. I don’t like being kept in the dark.”

You stepped back from the wall, your breath unsteady, your chest tight. You knew you should walk away, but your legs felt rooted to the floor. The weight of Roman’s suspicion pressed against your spine, and the knowledge that he was getting closer to the truth made your skin prickle with heat.

You finally forced yourself to move, turning away from the door and walking down the hallway with quick, quiet steps. Your heart was still racing, your mind spinning with everything you’d just heard.

Roman was looking for answers. Solo was trying to protect you. And you were standing in the middle of a storm that was only just beginning.

You walked fast at first, almost too fast, your boots hitting the concrete in uneven, hurried steps that didn’t match the rhythm of your breathing. The hallway felt colder than before, the fluorescent lights buzzing faintly overhead as if the whole arena had shifted into a different frequency. Roman’s voice still echoed in your head, each word replaying with a weight that made your stomach twist.

She’s hiding something. Someone got to her. I want to know who she trusts more than me.

Your hands were shaking. You didn’t notice until you reached up to push your hair back and your fingers trembled against your temple. You curled them into a fist, trying to steady yourself, but the tremor stayed, a reminder of the storm you’d just walked out of.

You turned another corner, forcing your steps to slow, forcing your breath to even out. You needed to get yourself together before anyone else saw you like this. Before anyone asked questions you weren’t ready to answer. Before Solo found you.

Because you knew he would.

The makeup room was warm and bright, the overhead bulbs casting a soft glow across the mirrors. The moment you stepped inside, the noise of the arena faded into a distant hum, replaced by the gentle clatter of brushes and the low murmur of stylists chatting quietly among themselves. Normally, this room grounded you. Today, it felt too bright, too open, like every emotion you were trying to hide was sitting right on your skin.

You sank into the chair, letting your shoulders drop as you exhaled slowly. The stylist approached with a soft smile, but her expression shifted the moment she got close enough to see your face clearly.

“You alright?” she asked gently.

You nodded quickly. “Yeah. Just tired.”

She didn’t believe you, but she didn’t push. She just started working, brushing foundation across your skin in slow, steady strokes. You focused on the sensation, on the warmth of the brush, on the soft pressure against your cheek. Anything to ground yourself. Anything to pull your mind away from Roman’s voice and the way he’d looked at you like he could see straight through your ribs.

You stared at your reflection. Your eyes looked too bright, your jaw too tight, your shoulders too tense. You tried to relax them, rolling them back, inhaling deeply through your nose. It helped, but only a little.

You closed your eyes for a moment, letting the stylist’s movements steady you, letting the warmth of the room soften the cold knot in your chest.

You told yourself you were fine. You told yourself you could handle this. You told yourself Roman wasn’t going to break you today.

But your hands were still shaking.

You felt him before you saw him.

It was subtle at first, just a shift in the air behind you, a quiet presence settling into the room with a weight that didn’t belong to anyone else. The makeup room had been warm and bright, filled with the soft hum of blow dryers and the gentle clatter of brushes, but the moment Solo stepped inside, the atmosphere changed. Not tense. Not heavy. Just… still. Like the room itself recognized him and quieted out of respect.

The stylist paused mid‑stroke, her eyes flicking over your shoulder. You didn’t need to turn around. You already knew.

You opened your eyes slowly, meeting your own reflection in the mirror just as Solo appeared behind you. He didn’t crowd you. He didn’t speak. He just stood there, tall and steady, his expression unreadable but his eyes focused entirely on you. There was something grounding about him, something solid, something that made your chest tighten in a way you weren’t prepared for.

He let a few seconds pass before he spoke, his voice low and calm, meant only for you.

“You heard us.”

Not a question. A quiet acknowledgment of the truth.

You nodded, your fingers curling around the edge of the makeup chair. “Yeah. I did.”

Solo stepped closer, not enough to touch you, but enough that you could feel the warmth radiating from him, enough that his presence wrapped around you like a shield you didn’t know you needed. His gaze stayed on your reflection, studying the tension in your shoulders, the tightness in your jaw, the way your breath kept catching in your chest.

“He’s worried,” Solo said softly. “He won’t say it like that, but he is.”

You swallowed, your eyes dropping to your lap. “He’s angry.”

“He’s both.”

The makeup room was quiet except for the soft hum of the overhead lights, the kind of quiet that made your heartbeat sound louder than it should. You sat in front of the mirror, staring at your own reflection — the tension in your jaw, the faint redness around your eyes, the exhaustion you couldn’t hide anymore. Solo stood behind you, leaning against the counter with his arms folded, watching you with that calm, steady presence that always made you feel a little less like you were falling apart.

Your throat tightened. Roman’s voice still echoed in your head — sharp, accusing, demanding answers you weren’t ready to give. The memory made your stomach twist.

“He thinks I’m lying,” you whispered.

Solo didn’t rush to reassure you. He didn’t tell you Roman was wrong or that everything was fine. He just watched you in the mirror, his expression calm, his voice steady.

“He thinks you’re not telling him everything,” Solo said quietly. “That’s different.”

You let out a shaky breath. “But I’m not telling him everything.”

Solo nodded once, slow and understanding. “I know.”

You swallowed hard, your fingers curling around the edge of the counter. “He wants to know where I went. Why I left. Who I was with.”

Solo’s eyes softened, but he didn’t look surprised. “Yeah. He’s trying to fill in the blanks.”

You looked up at him in the mirror, your voice barely above a whisper. “Are you gonna tell him something’s off with me?”

Solo held your gaze, and for a moment the room felt impossibly still. His expression didn’t shift, but something in his eyes did — a flicker of loyalty, of protectiveness, of quiet understanding.

“No,” he said. “Not unless you want me to.”

Your breath hitched, the tension in your shoulders loosening just a little. But Solo wasn’t finished. He stepped a fraction closer, lowering his voice even more, making sure only you could hear him.

“But I need to ask you something.”

Your heart skipped. “What?”

Solo’s eyes softened again, the edges of his voice gentling in a way that made your chest ache.

“Were you with someone?”

The question wasn’t sharp. It wasn’t suspicious. It wasn’t Roman’s interrogation. It was careful. Protective. A quiet attempt to understand so he could shield you from whatever storm Roman was building.

You looked down at your hands, your voice barely steady. “I… I don’t want to talk about that.”

Solo nodded once — not disappointed, not frustrated, just accepting. “Okay, then I’ll wait.”

He stepped back, giving you space, giving you time, giving you something Roman never did.

A choice.

“When you’re ready,” Solo said, his voice soft but certain, “you’ll tell me. And I’ll be there when you do.”

Then he turned and walked out, leaving you staring at your reflection, your pulse racing, your chest tight, and your heart pounding for reasons you weren’t ready to name.

The walk to gorilla felt different this time. Normally, the backstage energy before a Bloodline segment was electric, almost ritualistic, but tonight the air felt thick, like every step you took was pulling you deeper into something you weren’t ready to face. The crowd noise rumbled through the walls, a distant roar that should’ve grounded you, but instead it made your pulse quicken.

Your boots echoed against the concrete as you approached the curtain, the familiar hum of producers and crew buzzing around you. Someone handed you the Bloodline lei. Someone else gave you a time cue. You nodded, but your mind was still tangled in Roman’s voice, still replaying the overheard conversation, still feeling the weight of Solo’s quiet question.

Were you with someone?

You hadn’t answered. You weren’t ready. But the truth sat heavy in your chest anyway.

You adjusted your gear, smoothing the fabric over your hips, trying to steady your breathing. You weren’t scared. You weren’t fragile. But you were unsettled, and that was worse.

Because you knew who was waiting for you.

Roman stood several feet away from gorilla, half in shadow, half in the glow of the monitors. He wasn’t talking to anyone. He wasn’t preparing. He wasn’t even pretending to be distracted.

He was watching you.

His arms were folded across his chest, his posture relaxed but his eyes sharp, tracking every movement you made. He didn’t blink. He didn’t look away. He didn’t soften. He studied you like he was trying to solve a puzzle he didn’t like the shape of.

You felt his gaze settle between your shoulder blades, warm and heavy, almost suffocating. You didn’t turn to face him, but you didn’t need to. You could feel him like a presence pressed against your spine.

The crew called the cue.

Roman finally moved, stepping forward to take his place at the front of the group. He didn’t say a word to you, but his eyes flicked over your face for a fraction of a second, searching for something he still hadn’t found.

Then the music hit.

The arena erupted the moment The Bloodline stepped through the curtain. The lights flashed blue, the pyro cracked, and the crowd roared with a mix of awe and anticipation. Roman walked ahead, commanding the space with every step, the Tribal Chief's aura radiating off him like heat. Jimmy and Jey flanked him, their expressions serious but composed. Solo stayed close to you, just a half‑step behind, his presence steady and protective.

You walked with them, but your chest felt tight, your breath shallow. The ring felt miles away, even as you stepped into it.

Roman took the mic first.

He didn’t look at you. Not directly. But you felt every word aimed at you anyway.

“Last week,” Roman began, his voice low and controlled, “there was weakness in this family.”

The crowd reacted immediately, a ripple of noise rolling through the arena.

Roman continued, pacing slowly, his eyes scanning the audience but never lingering on you for more than a second.

“And weakness… is unacceptable.”

Jimmy and Jey exchanged a quick glance. Solo didn’t move.

Roman’s voice dropped lower, “But we handle our problems. We fix what’s broken. We tighten what’s loose. Because this family doesn’t fall apart. This family doesn’t run. This family doesn’t hide.”

Your stomach twisted. You knew exactly who he meant. So did Solo. So did your brothers.

Roman finally turned his head, his gaze brushing over you like a blade, “This family stands together.”

The crowd cheered, oblivious to the tension simmering under the surface. Roman stepped closer to the centre of the ring, his posture tall, commanding, unshakeable.

“And if someone out there thinks they can get between us… if someone thinks they can pull one of mine away from me… they’re gonna learn real fast who they’re dealing with.”

Your breath caught.

Solo shifted slightly beside you, subtle but noticeable, like he was ready to step in if Roman pushed too far.

Roman lifted the mic again, his eyes locking onto yours for the briefest, sharpest moment. “The Bloodline is stronger than ever.”

Roman’s final words lingered in the air like smoke, heavy and suffocating, settling over the ring with a weight that made your chest tighten. The crowd roared at his declaration, the arena vibrating with the force of their reaction, but none of it softened the tension simmering beneath the surface. You could feel it radiating off Roman in slow, controlled waves, the kind of pressure that made the space around him feel smaller, tighter, more dangerous. Jimmy and Jey stood on either side of him, trying to look composed, but their eyes kept flicking toward you, toward Roman, toward the invisible fault lines forming between all of you. Solo remained close, his posture steady, his expression unreadable, but you could sense the alertness in him, the way he was ready to move if Roman’s temper snapped.

Roman lifted the mic again, preparing to speak, when the arena lights shifted. A ripple of noise rolled through the crowd, a wave of recognition that grew louder and louder until it became a roar. You felt your stomach drop even before the music hit.

Cody Rhodes stepped out onto the stage.

He didn’t rush. He didn’t posture. He didn’t smirk or taunt or play to the crowd. He walked with a calm, deliberate confidence, the kind that made the entire arena lean forward. His eyes scanned the ring, lingering on Roman for a moment before shifting to you. There was no judgment in his expression, no pity, no smugness. Just awareness. Understanding. A quiet acknowledgment of everything you’d been carrying.

Roman’s jaw tightened, his nostrils flaring as Cody approached the ring. Jimmy and Jey exchanged a look, their shoulders tensing. Solo shifted subtly, stepping half a pace in front of you, not enough to draw attention, but enough to make his intention clear. Protect first. Question later.

Cody climbed into the ring, microphone in hand, and the crowd erupted again. He waited for the noise to settle, his gaze steady, his posture relaxed but purposeful. When he finally spoke, his voice was calm, almost gentle, but every word carried weight.

“Roman… you keep telling the world that The Bloodline is stronger than ever. But from where I’m standing… it doesn’t look like it.”

The reaction was immediate. Gasps. Shouts. A ripple of shock that spread through the arena like electricity. Roman’s expression didn’t change, but the air around him did. It tightened. Darkened. Hardened.

Cody didn’t flinch.

“I talked to Triple H earlier today,” he continued, his tone steady, his eyes never leaving Roman’s. “And he told me something important. He told me she needed a break.”

Your breath caught. Roman’s head turned slightly, his eyes narrowing.

“He told me she’s been carrying more than anyone realises. He told me she’s been pushed past her limit. He told me she needed space.” Cody gestured toward you, not accusing, not exposing, just acknowledging the truth that had been ignored for too long. “And instead of giving her that space… You dragged her out here to prove a point.”

The crowd reacted again, louder this time, sensing the shift, sensing the tension, sensing the truth.

Roman stepped forward, his voice low and dangerous. “Stay out of my family’s business.”

Cody didn’t back up. He didn’t raise his voice. He didn’t match Roman’s anger. He simply held his ground, calm and unwavering.

“I’m not in your business, Roman. I’m telling the truth. And the truth is… strength isn’t control. Strength isn’t fear. Strength isn’t forcing someone to stand beside you when they’re barely holding themselves together.”

Your chest tightened, the words hitting deeper than you expected. Solo’s eyes flicked toward you, checking your reaction, making sure you were steady.

Cody continued, his voice softening but his message sharpening, “Strength… is letting someone breathe.”

The arena fell into a hush, the kind that only happens when thousands of people are holding their breath at the same time.

Cody lowered the mic slightly, his gaze shifting to you for a brief, grounding moment before returning to Roman. “You don’t have to prove anything tonight. Not to him. Not to anyone.”

Roman’s fury simmered beneath the surface, silent but unmistakable. His eyes burned into Cody, into you, into the space between you that he couldn’t control.

Cody lifted the mic one last time.

“The Bloodline isn’t as strong as you want the world to believe.”

The crowd exploded, the noise crashing over the ring like a tidal wave.

Roman didn’t move. Solo didn’t blink. You didn’t breathe.

And in that moment, with the entire arena watching, the truth settled over the ring like a storm cloud.

The Bloodline was cracking. And everyone could see it now.

The second you stepped through the curtain, the noise of the arena faded into a distant, muffled roar. The hallway felt colder than before, the lights harsher, the air tighter. You barely had time to catch your breath before Roman spoke. His presence filled the space instantly, heavy and suffocating, the kind of pressure that made your pulse spike before he even spoke.

He didn’t yell. He didn’t need to.

“Is that why you didn’t come back after the meeting?” Roman’s voice was low, controlled, but there was a sharpness beneath it that made your stomach twist. He stepped closer, his eyes locked onto yours with an intensity that felt like it could pin you to the wall. “You listened to him and not me?”

Your breath caught. You opened your mouth to speak, but Roman wasn’t finished.

“You disappear. You come back different. You won’t tell me where you were. You won’t tell me who you were with.” His jaw tightened, the muscle in his cheek ticking. “And now Cody Rhodes walks out there and speaks for you?”

He took another step, close enough that you could feel the heat radiating off him, close enough that your heartbeat stuttered in your chest. “Tell me the truth,” Roman said quietly, dangerously. “Is something going on between you and him?”

The words hit you like a slap.

Not because they were true — but because of the way he said them. Accusing. Possessive. Threatened. Jimmy’s eyes widened. “What? No way. She wouldn’t—”

Jey shook his head, baffled. “That ain’t her. That ain’t what’s happening.” But Solo… Solo didn’t say a word.

He stood a few feet behind you, silent and still, but something in his expression shifted. His eyes narrowed just slightly, his posture straightening, his gaze flicking to you with a new kind of clarity.

It clicked.

All the secrecy. All the tension. All the moments you looked shaken but refused to explain. All the times he asked gently and you said “not yet.”

He didn’t know the details. He didn’t know the truth. But he finally understood the shape of it.

Someone mattered. Someone Roman didn’t approve of. Someone you were protecting.

Roman stepped closer again, his voice sharp enough to slice through the air. “Look at me when I’m talking to you.”

Your back hit the wall behind you, your breath catching, your chest tightening. Roman wasn’t touching you, but the force of him was overwhelming, suffocating, too much.

Your breath hitched, your throat tightening, but before you could respond, another presence shifted behind you, and that was the moment Solo moved. He stepped forward with a quiet, deliberate finality, placing himself directly between you and Roman. His broad frame blocked Roman’s path completely, his presence a wall of calm strength.

He didn’t shove. He didn’t posture. He didn’t raise his voice.

He simply stood there.

Roman’s eyes snapped to him, sharp and incredulous. “Move.”

Solo didn’t move. He kept his shoulders squared, his stance solid, his voice low but steady. “She doesn’t owe you an answer right now.”

Jimmy and Jey froze, their confusion turning into shock. They had never seen Solo do this. Not to Roman. Not for anyone.

Roman’s jaw clenched. “This is family business.”

Solo didn’t blink. “I know. That’s why I’m here.”

The tension in the hallway thickened, the air turning electric, the silence stretching so tight it felt like it might snap.

Roman’s eyes burned into Solo’s, fury simmering beneath the surface. “You’re protecting her from me?”

Solo’s voice didn’t waver. “I’m protecting her. Period.”

Your breath hitched, your chest tightening with something sharp and unexpected — relief, fear, gratitude, all tangled together.

Roman exhaled slowly, the sound heavy with frustration and something darker. “This isn’t over.”

He turned sharply and walked away, Jimmy and Jey scrambling after him, still whispering to each other in confusion.

Solo didn’t turn around right away. He stayed in front of you, still shielding you, still steady, still calm. When he finally looked back at you, his voice was soft, but his eyes were serious. “You don’t have to tell me everything,” he said quietly. “But I get it now.”

Your throat tightened. “Solo…”

He shook his head gently. “When you’re ready.”

The hallway felt unbearably still after Roman stormed off, the echo of his footsteps fading into a tense, vibrating silence that clung to the air like static. You stood there pressed against the wall, your breath shallow and uneven, your pulse still racing from the confrontation you hadn’t been prepared for. The fluorescent lights above buzzed faintly, casting a harsh white glow that made everything feel too sharp, too exposed, too real. Your hands trembled at your sides, the adrenaline still coursing through you, your chest tight with the weight of everything Roman had thrown at you. You could still feel the heat of his anger lingering in the space he’d occupied, like the air itself hadn’t recovered from his presence.

Solo remained in front of you for a moment longer, his broad shoulders squared, his posture steady, as if he were making absolutely sure Roman wasn’t coming back. His breathing was calm, controlled, the complete opposite of the storm still raging inside you. When he finally turned to face you again, his expression softened in a way that made your throat tighten. His eyes scanned your face with a quiet, careful intensity, taking in the tension in your jaw, the way your shoulders were still locked in place, the way you were trying so hard to hold yourself together even though the ground had just shifted beneath your feet.

He didn’t speak right away. He didn’t rush you. He simply stepped closer, lowering his voice to something warm and steady, something that felt like a hand reaching out in the dark. “Come on,” he murmured, his tone gentle in a way that contrasted sharply with the confrontation that had just taken place. “You don’t need to be here right now.”

You nodded, though your body felt stiff, almost disconnected from your mind. Solo placed a hand on your back, not pushing, not guiding with force, but offering a point of contact that grounded you instantly. His touch was warm, steady, reassuring, and the moment his palm settled between your shoulder blades, something inside you loosened just enough for you to breathe again. He began walking, slow and deliberate, matching his pace to yours, making sure you didn’t feel rushed or pulled or handled. He wasn’t dragging you away from Roman. He was walking you toward safety.

The hallway stretched ahead of you, long and dim, the distant hum of production equipment blending with the muffled roar of the crowd still reacting to the segment. Each step felt heavy at first, your legs stiff from the tension, but Solo stayed close, his presence a quiet shield that absorbed the leftover shock vibrating through your body. He didn’t look at you constantly, but he checked on you in small, subtle glances, the kind that said he was paying attention to every shift in your breathing, every tremor in your hands, every flicker of emotion you tried to hide.

When you reached a quieter corridor, one far removed from the chaos of gorilla and the prying eyes of crew members, Solo finally slowed to a stop. The silence here was different — softer, calmer, almost protective. He turned to face you fully, his hand dropping from your back, but his attention never wavered. His expression was unreadable at first, that familiar stoic calm he wore like armour, but as he studied you, something gentler broke through. Concern. Understanding. A quiet kind of loyalty that didn’t need to be spoken to be felt.

“You’re shaking,” he said quietly, not as an accusation, not as a question, but as an observation spoken with a softness that made your chest ache. He reached out, his fingers brushing your forearm lightly, giving you the chance to pull away if you wanted to. You didn’t. The contact steadied you, anchoring you in a way you hadn’t realized you needed until that moment.

“I’m fine,” you whispered, though your voice betrayed you with its unsteady edge.

Solo shook his head slightly, his eyes never leaving yours. “You don’t have to be fine right now.” His tone was low, warm, almost soothing, the kind of voice that made you feel like you could finally exhale. “What he said… what he asked you… that wasn’t fair.”

Your breath hitched, the memory of Roman’s accusation flashing through your mind with a sharpness that made your stomach twist. Solo saw it. He saw everything. And instead of pressing, instead of demanding answers, he stepped closer, lowering his voice even more.

“I’m not asking you to explain,” he said. “I’m not asking you to tell me anything you’re not ready to say. I just want you to breathe.”

The words hit you harder than you expected. Not because they were dramatic, but because they were simple. Kind. Human. Solo wasn’t trying to control you. He wasn’t trying to interrogate you. He wasn’t trying to claim you. He was trying to steady you.

You inhaled slowly, your chest rising with a shaky breath, and Solo nodded as if he could feel the tension easing out of you inch by inch. He stayed close, not crowding you, but offering a presence that felt safe in a way you hadn’t felt all night.

“You’re not alone,” he said quietly, his voice steady and certain. “Not with me.”

The quiet hallway felt like a different world compared to the chaos they’d just escaped. The distant roar of the crowd was nothing more than a faint vibration through the concrete floor, and the harsh backstage lights cast long shadows that made everything feel strangely hollow. You stood there, your back against the cool wall, your breath still uneven, your chest tight with the remnants of Roman’s fury. The adrenaline that had kept you upright during the confrontation was fading fast, leaving your body trembling in its absence.

Solo stayed close, not touching you now, but standing near enough that his presence wrapped around you like a shield. His expression was calm, but his eyes were sharp with concern, watching every small tremor in your hands, every shaky inhale, every flicker of emotion you tried to swallow down.

“You’re still shaking,” he said softly, his voice low and steady, the kind of tone that made your throat tighten even more. “You don’t have to pretend you’re okay.”

You tried to speak, but the words tangled in your chest. You pressed your lips together, willing yourself to stay composed, to stay strong, to stay in control — but the pressure of the night, the confrontation, the accusations, the fear, the secret you’d been carrying alone — it all crashed into you at once.

Your breath hitched. Your vision blurred. And the dam finally broke.

A sob tore out of you before you could stop it, raw and unsteady, your hand flying up to cover your mouth as if you could shove the sound back inside. Your shoulders shook, your knees weakening beneath you, and Solo moved instantly, stepping forward with a quiet urgency that didn’t startle you — it steadied you.

He reached out, his hands gentle but firm as he guided you away from the wall, his touch grounding you in a way that made your chest ache. He didn’t pull you into him, didn’t force comfort on you, but he stayed close enough that you could lean into him if you needed to.

And you did.

Your forehead pressed against his chest, your fingers curling into the fabric of his shirt as the sobs came harder, shaking through your whole body. Solo didn’t tense. He didn’t freeze. He didn’t ask questions. He simply lifted a hand to the back of your head, his palm warm and steady, his thumb brushing slow, soothing circles against your hair.

“It’s alright,” he murmured, his voice a low rumble against your ear. “Let it out. You’re safe.”

The words hit you like a second wave, and you cried harder, your breath breaking in uneven gasps. You’d held everything in for so long — the fear, the guilt, the confusion, the pressure — and now it poured out of you in a way you couldn’t control.

Solo stayed still, solid, unmovable, letting you cling to him without hesitation. His other hand settled on your back, not pushing, not restraining, just anchoring you, keeping you from collapsing under the weight of everything you’d been carrying.

After a long moment, when your sobs softened into shaky breaths, Solo lowered his head slightly, his voice barely above a whisper. “You don’t have to tell me what happened,” he said. “Not tonight. Not if it hurts.”

You swallowed hard, your voice breaking as you tried to speak. “I… I can’t. Not yet.”

“I know,” he said gently. “I’m not asking.”

You squeezed your eyes shut, your forehead still pressed against him. “I didn’t mean for any of this to happen.”

“I know.”

“I just needed space. I just needed time.”

“I know.”

Your breath trembled. “I’m scared of what he’ll do if he finds out.”

Solo’s hand stilled for a moment — not in shock, not in judgment, but in understanding. Then he resumed the slow, steady motion, grounding you again.

“He’s not gonna hurt you,” Solo said quietly. “Not while I’m here.”

You let out a shaky breath, your fingers still curled into his shirt, your body still trembling, but for the first time all night, the fear loosened its grip on your chest.

Solo didn’t need the truth. He needed you to trust him. And you did.

The quiet hallway still felt thick with the remnants of your breakdown, the air warm from the closeness of Solo’s body and the steady heat of his hands as he held you together. You were still pressed lightly against him, your forehead resting near his collarbone, your breath uneven but slowly stabilizing. Solo didn’t move, didn’t rush you, didn’t loosen his hold until he felt your breathing settle into something less frantic. His hand remained on your back, slow and steady, grounding you with every gentle pass of his thumb.

That was when you heard footsteps — hurried, uneven, familiar.

Jimmy and Jey rounded the corner at the same time, their expressions tight with worry and confusion. They stopped dead in their tracks when they saw you in Solo’s arms, your eyes red, your cheeks damp, your body still trembling slightly from the aftershocks of everything you’d been holding in.

Jimmy took a step closer, his hands lifting slightly like he wanted to reach for you but didn’t want to intrude. “We didn’t know he was gonna go off like that. We thought he was just… talkin’. We didn’t know he’d—”

Jey cut in, shaking his head, his voice low and pained. “We should’ve stepped in sooner. We should’ve said something.”

Solo tightened his arm around you just slightly, not possessive, not territorial — protective. A silent message: She’s not alone. Not anymore.

Jimmy’s eyes flicked to Solo, then back to you. “You okay? You want us to get you outta here? We can take you to the locker room, or—”

You shook your head weakly, your voice barely steady. “I just… I needed a minute.”

Jey exhaled, rubbing the back of his neck. “Damn. Roman really messed up this time.”

Solo’s jaw tightened at that, but he didn’t speak. He didn’t need to. His presence said everything.

Jimmy stepped closer, lowering his voice. “You don’t gotta explain nothin’. We just wanna make sure you’re good.”

And for the first time, you realized — they weren’t confused anymore. They weren’t questioning you. They weren’t doubting you.

They were worried. They were hurting for you. They were on your side.

The hallway felt colder than usual as you walked between Solo, Jimmy, and Jey — the three of them forming a loose but unmistakable shield around you. It wasn’t planned. It wasn’t discussed. It just happened, the way instinct takes over when something fragile needs protecting. Jimmy walked slightly ahead, glancing back every few steps to make sure you were keeping up. Jey stayed at your side, close enough that you could feel the warmth of him, but not close enough to crowd you. Solo walked behind you, silent and steady, his presence a quiet anchor that kept your breath from spiralling out of control.

Your fingers curled around the strap of your bag, knuckles white, your heartbeat thudding unevenly in your chest. The confrontation earlier still clung to your skin like static, every word Roman had thrown at you echoing in your mind. You weren’t ready to face him again — not really — but disappearing without a word would only make things worse.

Jimmy slowed as you approached the locker room door. “You sure you wanna do this right now?” he asked gently, his voice softer than usual.

You nodded, though your stomach twisted. “I just… I need to tell him I’m leaving. I don’t want this to blow up more than it already has.”

Jey exhaled, rubbing the back of his neck. “We got you. We’re right here.”

Solo didn’t speak, but when you glanced back at him, his eyes met yours with a quiet certainty that steadied you more than anything else could have.

You took a breath — shaky, uneven — and pushed the door open.

Roman stood near the benches, his back half‑turned, his posture rigid with barely contained frustration. Paul Heyman hovered beside him, hands clasped nervously, eyes darting toward the door the moment it opened. The room fell silent as the four of you stepped inside.

Roman turned fully, his gaze landing on you first, then flicking to the three men flanking you. His jaw tightened, the muscle in his cheek ticking as he took in the sight — you, guarded on all sides, protected from him.

Paul swallowed hard, sensing the shift in the air.

Jimmy cleared his throat. “She just wants to talk, Uce.”

Roman didn’t look at him. He kept his eyes locked on you, sharp and unreadable.

You stepped forward, your voice soft but steady. “I’m going to my hotel room.”

Roman’s expression didn’t change, but something in his posture did — a subtle tightening, a flicker of something dark behind his eyes. “Now?”

“Yes,” you said quietly. “I think it’s better if I go. I don’t want to make things worse.”

Paul shifted nervously, glancing between you and Roman like he was watching a bomb tick down.

Roman took a slow step toward you. “Are you leaving because of what happened earlier?”

You swallowed. “I’m leaving because I need space. And because Triple H told me to take a break.”

Roman’s jaw flexed. “You didn’t listen to me.”

Your breath caught. “Roman—”

“You listened to him,” he said, his voice dropping lower. “You listened to Cody. Not me.”

Jimmy and Jey exchanged a look — confused, hurt, protective.

Solo didn’t move.

You forced your voice to stay steady. “I’m not choosing anyone. I’m just trying to breathe.”

Roman stared at you for a long moment, something raw flickering behind his eyes. Then he exhaled sharply, the sound heavy with frustration and something deeper.

“Fine,” he said, his voice low and tight. “Go.”

You nodded, stepping back toward the door — and that was when you heard it.

Soft. Barely audible. Not meant for you.

But you heard it anyway.

“I’m losing her.”

Your breath froze in your chest.

Paul’s voice came next, hushed and urgent. “My Tribal Chief—”

Roman cut him off, his voice cracking in a way you’d never heard. “I’m losing her, Paul.”

You didn’t turn around. You didn’t breathe. You just stepped out of the room, the door clicking shut behind you like a final punctuation mark.

The moment the door closed, your knees wobbled. Jimmy reached out instinctively, steadying your arm. Jey’s hand hovered near your back, not touching, but ready if you needed him.

Solo stepped closer, his voice low and steady. “You okay?”

You nodded, though your eyes stung. “I just… I didn’t expect him to say that.”

Jimmy exhaled softly. “He ain’t good with losing people.”

Jey shook his head. “He ain’t good with admitting it either.”

Solo didn’t say anything. He didn’t need to. He just stayed close, his presence warm and grounding, the only thing keeping you from falling apart right there in the hallway.

You started walking with Jimmy, Jey, and Solo flanking you like a silent escort, their presence forming a protective wall around you as you walked down the hallway. Your chest still felt tight from everything Roman had said, your breath uneven, your fingers curled around the strap of your bag like it was the only thing keeping you upright.

The hallway was mostly empty — except for one person.

Cody.

He was leaning against a production crate, scrolling through his phone, but the moment he heard footsteps, he looked up. His eyes landed on you first, and something in his expression softened instantly — concern, recognition, something warm and quiet that made your stomach twist.

Then he saw who you were with.

Jimmy. Jey. And Solo walking close behind you.

Cody straightened slowly, his brows lifting just slightly, not in judgment, not in surprise — but in understanding. He took in the way your shoulders were tense, the way your eyes were still a little red, the way Solo hovered protectively at your back.

His gaze flicked to Solo for a brief second — not hostile, not challenging, just acknowledging the unspoken truth between you all.

Then his eyes returned to you.

You didn’t stop walking, but your steps faltered for half a second — just long enough for Cody to see the exhaustion in your face, the weight in your posture, the silent plea for space you didn’t have the words for.

Cody didn’t say anything. He didn’t call out. He didn’t approach.

He just gave you a small, soft nod — a quiet I see you — and stepped aside to let you pass.

Your breath caught, your chest tightening, and for a moment you wished you could stop, wished you could say something, wished you could let yourself lean into the warmth in his eyes.

But you kept walking.

Solo’s hand brushed your back, steadying you. Jimmy and Jey stayed close. Cody watched you go, his expression unreadable but undeniably gentle.

And that was it.

Brief. Quiet. But enough to change everything.

By the time you reached the hotel, the night felt like it had stretched into something endless, heavy, and frayed at the edges. The brief car ride with Solo, Jimmy, and Jey had been quiet — not uncomfortable, just thick with unspoken worry. They didn’t ask questions. They didn’t push. They simply made sure you got to the door of the hotel safely, each of them giving you a look that said call us if you need anything before letting you go.

You carried that silence with you as you stepped into your room, closing the door behind you with a soft click that felt louder than it should have. The moment you were alone, the weight of everything hit you all over again — Roman’s voice, Solo stepping in, Cody’s eyes when he saw you, the way your brothers hovered protectively, the way your chest had felt like it was collapsing in on itself.

You dropped your bag onto the floor and sank onto the edge of the bed, your hands trembling slightly as you pressed your palms against your thighs. The room was dim, lit only by the soft glow of the bedside lamp, and the quiet was so complete it made your breath sound too loud in your own ears.

You barely had time to exhale before there was a knock at the door.

Not loud. Not urgent. But firm. Familiar.

“Open up,” Rhea’s voice called softly. “It’s me.”

Your chest tightened. You pushed yourself to your feet, crossing the room with slow, heavy steps. When you opened the door, Rhea didn’t wait for an invitation — she stepped inside immediately, her eyes scanning your face with a sharpness that made your throat tighten.

She closed the door behind her and turned to you fully, her expression softening the moment she saw the redness around your eyes.

“You said earlier you needed to tell me something,” she said quietly. “So tell me.”

You swallowed hard, your breath catching as the pressure in your chest rose again. Rhea stepped closer, her hand brushing your arm in a grounding, careful touch.

“Sit,” she murmured.

You sat. And the moment you did, everything inside you cracked open.

“I don’t even know where to start,” you whispered, your voice trembling. “I’ll just start off by what's just happened because tonight was… too much.”

Rhea nodded once, her posture relaxed but attentive. “Start with whatever’s hurting the most.”

You inhaled shakily. “Roman. The way he talked to me. The way he looked at me. The way he—” Your voice broke. “He said he’s losing me.”

Rhea’s eyes softened, but she didn’t interrupt.

“And then Solo stepped in,” you continued, your breath hitching. “He stood between us. He protected me. Jimmy and Jey were confused, but they were worried. They walked me out. They made sure I got to the car. They made sure I got here.”

Rhea’s expression warmed, her voice dropping to something almost tender. “And what happened last night?”

You exhaled shakily, your fingers twisting in the blanket. “Triple H told me to take a break. He said I needed space. And I did. I really did. But when I went back to my room… Cody showed up.”

Rhea’s brows lifted, but she didn’t look surprised.

“He didn’t want anything,” you said quickly. “He just… sat with me. He didn’t push. He didn’t pry. He just stayed. And then—” You hesitated, your cheeks warming. “His pinky brushed mine.”

Rhea’s eyes softened even more. “And?”

“It felt… intimate,” you whispered. “More intimate than anything I’ve felt in a long time. It wasn’t even a real touch, but it felt like he was saying, ‘I’m here. I’m not going anywhere.’ And I didn’t realise how much I needed that until it happened.”

Rhea placed a gentle hand on your knee. “Did he stay with you?”

You nodded, your voice barely steady. “He stayed for a long time then left. But then he messaged me. He said he’d stay up if I needed to talk. He said he’d call if I wanted him to. And today when he saw me with my brothers… he didn’t say anything. He just… looked at me. Like he was worried.”

Rhea leaned back slightly, studying you with a quiet, thoughtful intensity. “You like him.”

Your breath trembled. “I don’t know what I feel. I just know that when he’s around, I don’t feel trapped. I don’t feel watched. I don’t feel like I’m disappointing someone. I feel… safe.”

Rhea’s voice softened to something warm and steady. “You’re allowed to feel something for someone who makes you feel safe.”

Your eyes filled again, tears slipping down your cheeks.

“And whatever happens next,” Rhea added, her hand squeezing yours gently, “you’re not dealing with it alone. Not anymore.”

You leaned into her shoulder, your body finally relaxing, your breath finally slowing, and for the first time all night, you felt like you weren’t drowning.

Not with Rhea here. Not with Solo watching out for you. Not with Cody quietly waiting on the other end of his phone.

Not anymore.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR READING 💗💗 Not solo being the best older brother 😭😭

Next Part <3

a/n: sorry for the delay on this guys! i hope you all enjoy the first chapter of the warmth between us!!!

word count: 4k

tw: just a touch of angst and maybe some fluff! 🥰

Shutting the door behind her, Valentina flipped the sign on her flower shop's door from closed to open. The crisp morning air had her in a good mood for today’s predictably not so busy Tuesday. Opening up barely a month ago, Valentina had come to learn Tuesdays were typically the least busiest day of the week. Streets were empty, barely any cars around, let alone people, especially on this side of town.

To say the least, Valentina surprisingly enjoyed when it was busy. Not only because of the fact she was making her well earned money, though that was surely a plus. She just enjoyed interacting with others. She didn’t get the chance to interact with many people often, so when she could it was always appreciated.

But then again…what did she expect moving to a big city. All alone..no family, no friends, just her and her puppy, Aurora.

It was a sad and quiet experience, but in some way peaceful? She’d never felt so at peace before, but also never so bored.

Valentina has always leaned to be more on the shy side. To people she didn’t know, she was quiet, barely speaking at all. But when she warmed up to someone they’d never hear her shut up.

Nonetheless, opening 'Marianna’s' had always been her dream. From a young age it's all shes ever wanted. Her grandmother, whom she named her flower shop after, was one of the large influences for her love for gardening. Valentina would spend her whole summer break planting flowers all around her house, street, neighborhood. Valentina loved the concept of caring for something so beautiful, it made her feel like she has a purpose.

The phone ringing behind her desk cut off her thoughts. She dropped the pink roses she was holding and rushed to the phone.

"Hi, I'm Valentina, how can I help you?" she asked with a relatively cheerful tone. She didn’t get phone calls often, most people would just drop by. It was simpler that way. She had come to learn when people called, most of the time they had orders.

"Hi! I believe i'm calling ‘Marianna’s’?" The voice on the other side of the phone seemed to come from a woman. She sounded friendly and like she was around her age.

"That's correct,” Valentina wondered who would be calling bright and early at this time. It was unlikely to have customers this early, and rarely did she ever get phone calls. “how can I help you?"

"I actually work right beside you. Reigns Enterprises." Valentina always took notice of the large building, the building which was practically attached to her little shop. It was absolutely humongous, towering over every building in sight. She was impressed they even took notice of her building.

"Wow, really?"

"Yes! My husband’s cousin is actually the CEO," Valentina paused. She had heard of Roman Reigns. The CEO of Reigns Enterprises. She knew he was known for his hostility and hard work ethic. The voice on the other side of the phone spoke again “It's kinda his birthday, and well, we know he doesn't like to do much..so we just thought we'd order some flowers for him. Something small, but meaningful.”

"Aw! That's really sweet of you guys! Is there anything specific you'd like?" A big company like Reigns Enterprises ordering flowers meant a lot. If she made a good impression, the possibility of them ordering again would be likely. "Not at all, we know absolutely nothing about flowers! But, just one small favour, would you mind dropping the flowers off here? I know you may be busy but the streets out are kinda dead.”

Valentina glanced outside, the streets really were dead empty, no one in sight. Plus, it'd be cool to drop off flowers to such a professional company. "You know what, sure!"

"Just tell the people at the front, Naomi ordered flowers. I'll let them know too in case."

Hanging up the phone, Valentina skipped around her shop putting together the best bouquet she could. Grabbing a mix of red and pink roses, she tied it up the bouquet, and locked up her shop. Within less than a minute Valentina was walking into the absolutely humongous, slightly intimidating building.

The interior Reigns Enterprises was nicer then the exterior, if even possible. Valentina could even see her reflection coming off the spotless white floor. She approached the two female sectaries, who gave her a look up and down.

She blushed as she remembered her dress wasn't exactly appropriate to wear in a place like Reigns Enterprises. She smiled kindly before beginning to speak.

"Hi! I'm Val-"

"Yeah, we know, the flower girl. Head on up to the the last floor. Last door in the left hallway." The secretary was straight forward, she had a pair of large square glasses on, with an oversized yellow blouse. She had a look of disapproval on her face. A small frown came across Valentina's face, but was quickly covered up by smile.

She stood in the large elevator with the flowers tucked under her right arm. Following instructions she was headed to the top floor, nervously smiling the few employees that would hop on and off the elevator at each floor.

Knocking on the two large doors, Valentina awaited to finally meet Naomi. Instead what she didn't expect was male voice to respond in a "What?" that sounded so ever bothered.

Valentina gulped softly, before opening the door slowly. There sat a man, an undeniably handsome man, his hair slicked back perfectly, a suit the hugged his seemingly perfect body, and she couldn’t ignore the bothered look spread across his face.

She hadn’t realized she was staring at him, he looked at her dumbfounded. She fiddled with her fingers nervously, speaking in a small voice.

"Hi, i'm Valentina. I'm here to drop off the flowers that were ordered." The man looked at her intently. His face began turning a bright shade of pink, alongside his ears, indicating one thing, anger. “What fucking flowers? I didn't order anything."

"I got a call- They told me-"

"Well, I didn't fucking call. How stupid are you? Do you know who I am?" Valentina was visibly taken back by his sudden lash out. Her cheeks began to heat up of embarrassment. She hadn’t been exposed to this behaviour for…awhile now.

"No..I don't know who you are.." she whispered nervously while staring at the floor. He scowled darkly.

"I own the fucking building your standing in." His voice oozed pure confidence. Valentina peered up at him, as it all clicked. Who else would have a large office at the very top of the building? Roman Reigns.

"Oh my god. I'm so sorry. I believe I was supposed to drop these off to someone by the name of Naomi," Pure fear overcame Valentina's body, wondering if the stories shes heard of this man were true. His brows furrowed slightly. In attempt to be respectful she began to address the reason she was sent here in the first place. "Happy Birthday by the wa-"

"That's it! That's fucking it! Get the fuck out of my office!" His hands slammed harshly on his desk. Valentina's body shook in surprise. She didn't expect that. Tears came to her eyes out of pure shock. She dropped the flowers on the floor and she could feel the tears coming.

Without second thought she ran out of his office, scrambling to the emergency exit staircase. Running down the steps, she left the building, heading back to her own shop. She couldn't believe people were actually so mean.

————

"Roman! I can't believe you acted that way! She seemed so sweet!" And beautiful Roman thought to himself. He couldn't believe Naomi actually ordered flowers for him. He rubbed his temples for what felt like the 100th time today.

He was just having a frustrating day, and took it all out on the girl who was told by his dumbass secretaries to come up to his office. He could see the way her eyes watered when he yelled at her. The guilt was now all settling in while Naomi was telling him off.

"I want you to go down there, right now and apologize." Roman chuckled at her words. "In your fucking dreams." Naomi looked at Jimmy for back up. Jimmy scoffed, before then taking notice of Naomi’s very serious look.

"C'mon Uce. Ole girl really did seem nice. Naomi had her on speakerphone. She seems real passionate bout her job." Roman looked daggers his way, while Jimmy looked at the floor, stifling his laugh. Jey, sat on the sofa, also trying not to crack up.

Roman could still vividly remember the way her pretty brown eyes were full of warmth. And how sad they looked after he acted like a goddamn nutcase.

She was beautiful either way though. That was one of the first things he noticed about her. Her beautiful eyes, the way they looked so soft and kind, her soft full lips, and her perfect figure. She was undeniably beautiful.

"I'm not taking no for an answer, Roman." Naomi spoke like she could get Roman out of his seat to go apologize. But, he also knew she wouldn't stop bickering to him about it till he did so. If there was one thing about Naomi, it was that she’s determined. Roman admired the hustle, but also got pissed off time to time.

"Fine," he spoke gruffly. "Don't expect me to fucking mean it though."

"I'll come with you, uce." Jey spoke his eyes moving from his phone to Roman. "Anything to get away from Sami ass."

The pair began to leave the room, Roman moving as fast as he could to just get this dumb shit over with. Jey however taking his sweet time, slightly causing Roman to want to yell at him.

“Her name is Valentina by the way!” Naomi called out as they left the room. A stunning name for a stunning woman, Roman thought to himself.

Roman and Jey both looked up at the girlish flower shop. It was called 'Marianna’s" the whole place was decked out in colour. How fucking ironic. Roman did wonder how the name ‘Marianna’s’ applied to her. Naomi called her Valentina, so this definitely resonated elsewhere.

"Let's do this, fast."

The door of the flower shop was so small, Roman swore if he straightened out he would have a fucking concussion from the short ass doorway. The smell of fresh flowers was all over the small shop. He saw the familiar girl sitting on a crate, sorting out the different coloured roses laid across the floor.

He couldn't seem to ignore the small frown on her face. The frown he may have had something to do with. He didn't know why, but that made his heart twitch. The fuck.

"Hey, sweetheart." Jey spoke slyly catching Valentinas attention. She softly smiled, her plump lips pressing against each other. "Hi, anything I can do to help you?"

Roman didn't know why, but he didn't like Jey talking to her. Calling her sweetheart and shit. That wasn't his place to do so. She got up from the crate she was sitting on and walked towards Jey. She then realized he wasn't exactly alone.

Her eyes moved from Jey to Roman, her smiling dropping. "My big cousin wants to apologize to you.." Jey started talking. Her eyes widened slightly. Roman moved a few steps towards her, maintaining eye contact.

"I'm sorry for speaking to you the way I did..it's- it’s just been a rough day, that's all." He spoke in an exhausted tone. He truly was exhausted. Always being in his office, and living off of 4-5 hours of sleep wouldn’t exactly make him the happiest person.

Her small smile reappeared as she nodded her head understandingly. "It's okay, I get it. We all have those days."

For some reason that made Roman feel even worse. He knows damn well if someone spoke to him that way he’d be pissed the fuck off, but she was so easily forgiving. It made him feel like shit all over again.

She was naive. He could read people well, and knew she was the type to forgive and forget too easily. He realized his anger had slightly simmered down too.

He nodded his head at her before turning around to leave. That's when he realized Jey wasn't moving. He was in a trance staring at her, with a small smile playing on his lips. She giggled when Roman pulled him back roughly by his shoulder catching his attention.

"Time to go. Now." Roman once again didn’t know why, but he felt angry all over again that Jey was looking at her like that. Like he wanted her. He doesn't even fucking know her.

The two left the shop walking back to the building.

"Don't try no shit with her." Jey looked surprised by Roman's tone. He sounded almost possessive. "Why not? You like her?" Jey said half jokingly half serious. His big cousin has never told him off regarding anything to do with a girl. Roman looked at him with a small scowl.

"Fuck no. Just don't try no shit." He spoke with a unwavering voice. He sounded convincing. "Aight, Uce. You got my word.”

------

The last thing Valentina expected from Roman was a apology. More surprisingly, a seemingly genuine apology. Her thoughts were cut off again by the door opening. This time a beautiful woman, a woman with a dark complexion walked through the doors of her shop.

"Hi, I'm Naomi. We spoke over the phone," Valentina was now also wondering what Naomi was doing here. “I’m also here to apologize for that whole misunderstanding. I shoulda been more clear with the secretaries instead of sending you straight to Roman’s office.”

Valentina did not expect that. Her eyes widene, not exactly knowing how to respond. “Oh um- that’s totally okay! Mistakes happen.”

Naomi walks towards her, leaning onto a table. “I just thought i’d come here to chill for a bit, feels good to actually interact with a female. I’m stuck with stupid men alllll day long.”

Valentina giggled softly before she decided to switch topics out of curiosity. “Was the man that came here with Roman your husband?”

Naomi laughed loudly. “No, that’s actually his twin brother, Jey.” Twins? “My husbands name is Jimmy.” Naomi looked at Valentina before beginning to speak again.

“You know what, tomorrow head on over to the building, and bring some of your pretty flowers,” Her eyes danced across the shop taking everything in. “You can help me decorate for the business dinner we’re hosting. We don't need anything super crazy, maybe just a little something to make the atmosphere look a little…happier.”

Valentina thought it through. It didn’t seem like a bad idea, and Naomi’s right, some female interaction even for her would be nice. “Sounds good, i’ll be there!"

Naomi smiled pleased, she stood up straight and walked to the door. “Be there 9 on the dot! See ya, Val!”

----

Walking into the same building that almost had her shedding tears, Valentina felt a wave of anxiety in her stomach. She had her rolling stand full of boxes with all sorts of flowers and decorations.

She was almost..scared? Not necessarily scared of the people, just the situation. Roman.

He’s all that’s been on her mind. The way he was utterly upset with her, but also genuinely apologized to her.

Maybe he wasn’t as bad as he seemed?

This time Valentina didn’t bother approaching the secretaries. Naomi texted her to inform security would just let her in, and she could go straight to her office.

Walking in, there Naomi stood laughing with two men. Twins. The man with the shorter hair who she recognized to be the man who came with Roman yesterday. And the other man with longer hair, hair that was coloured half red, that was obviously Naomi’s husband.

“H-hi..” Making her presence aware.

The trio all turned to look over with smiles on their faces. Valentina took in how similar the twins looked, hair being a way to tell them apart.

“Yay, you’re here!” A smiling Naomi walked over linking arms with Valentina.

“This is my husband Jimmy,” Naomi pointed at the man with long hair. Jimmy smiled kindly at her, with a small wave. “Wudup?!” Valentina could already tell Jimmy was a ball of energy. “And this is Jey, my brother in law.”

Jey seemed to be a little more serious. But a smile formed on his face nonetheless, added alongside a small nod.

“Aight! Let’s start then!”

While working on putting the meeting together, Valentina couldn’t ignore the way Jey kept on staring at her. Jey would stare at her for minutes on end, looking like he was trying to figure her out. It almost gave her a weird feeling in her tummy. She didn’t know if she liked him staring at her or not.

However, within 30 minutes, the four of them had the meeting room looking happier, more alive. Naomi had a look of proudness on her face. “We did a pretty good job.”

“Damn straight. Wait till Roman sees this he’s gonna be impres-”

The door behind them opened abruptly. Turning around, there Roman stood. Valentina took notice in his perfectly pulled back hair, and his sleek black suit. He looked…well..like a business man.

“You guys did a pretty good job,” Roman glanced around the room, with almost a hint of impression on his face. Valentina wanted to impress him.

Unaware of the fact he was staring almost directly at her. Valentina’s cheeked turned a warm shade of pink as she broke eye contact. She could still feel his eyes on her and as she looked down at the floor.

“O-Okay, i’m gonna head out..”

“I’ll walk you ou-” Jey was cut off by Roman. “No. I’ll walk you out.”

A scowl appeared on Jey’s face which was quickly followed by his fists clenching, then unclenching. Roman took notice immediately, barking, “Is there a fucking problem?”

“Nah, Uce. No problem at all.”

Naomi and Jimmy shared worried glances taking in the situation. Jey was a hothead, and Roman was just…well, Roman. Roman had an amused look on his face, with a small smirk playing on his lips. He always got what he wanted.

Everyone knew the cousins could get along well enough, and in the blink eye turn into each others fucking enemies. Its just the way Roman and Jey have always been. No one questioned it. There was no need to. It’d been this way since they were kids.

---

Walking into the elevator together, Valentina couldn’t help but notice the strong masculine scent coming off Roman. He smelt…expensive.

“Ya’ll did a good job, I can give you that.” His tone wasn’t hostile like yesterday. He sounded like a genuine normal person.

Valentina always loved hearing positive feedback from people regarding her job. This was definitely something she would not be taking lightly. The Roman Reigns just told her he was impressed with her work.

Her cheeks once again felt heated as she replied hesitantly. “Thank you…it..means a lot.”

“How long you been into flowers?” Valentina surely didn’t expect Roman to keep the conversation going. It was unlike him to.

“Well…my grandma introduced me to more so gardening. We used to plant all sorts of flowers though. When I was younger i’d always help her garden in our backyard. Every summer it was all we’d do.” Valentina felt a wave of emotion come through her. Eyes watering at the thought of her favourite person, Valentina felt so suddenly small and vulnerable. “I miss her so much..”

Roman’s eyes softened at her words. He stared at her as he debated on how to reply. He wasn’t all too good with this feelings shit. “I understand…loss is hard on everyone,” Debating if he should continue speaking, he settled on not being a total dick. “Everyday it gets easier and easier. I promise. Can I ask when your grandmother passed?”

Valentina eyes widened in surprise to Roman’s reaction. She didn’t expect any comfort from him. And especially not a follow up question. Today was completely full of surprises.

She smiled softly at the thought of her grandma. The kindest, most caring, and beautiful person to ever grace her in life.

“She passed away about 3 months ago. She had just turned 83. I actually opened this flower shop in honour of her. She taught me all about flowers and gardening.”

Roman nodded his head, with an unreadable look on his face. “Shit, so her death was recent. I’m not surprised you’re still upset about it. It was recent. But, like I said, day by day, shit does get easier.”

A smile spread across Valentine's face. Roman couldn't help but softly smile back at her. This damn girl was contagious. He didn't know why but a smile on her face, made him feel....at ease?

The elevator opening stopped Romans thoughts. He moved aside for her to step out first. He didn't know why but he felt the need to be kind to her. Poor girl owned a small flower shop, and looks like she’d cry is anyone raised their voice at her. He had some lingering guilt in him from his little breakdown he had yesterday.

Walking out the doors of the elevator, Valentina couldn't help but notice the nasty side eyes the same secretaries were giving her. She never liked have eyes on her, and felt herself becoming nervous.

Breathing out as they finally leave the building, Valentina goes to thank Roman. "I really appreciate your advice," she truly did. He obviously seemed to know what he’s talking about. It couldn’t help but to cross Valentina’s mind if Roman has ever lost anyone that meant a lot to him. Nonetheless she replies in a simple way. “And you’re right. Day by day things do get easier."

Roman nodded with a small smile on his face. Walking to the front of Valentina’s flower shop, Roman planted his feet, eyes lingering from the bottom of the shop, to the top.

“I’ll give to you. You’ve done a pretty good job with the place already. I see people walking round here with flowers all the time recently,” Valentina blushed profusely over his praise.

His eyes moved back to her, he looked unsure of what to say next, but spoke with confidence nonetheless. “Tell you what, if you need any business advice, or even someone to talk to, you know where to find me.”

He was so bold. Valentina could barely respond with the mixed emotions coming over her. She barely mumbled out a quiet “thank you,” before smiling softly, staring at the floor. “I appreciate it.”

Roman nodded his head, his eyes moving over her once more before he turned around, walking back to his building, leaving her with a bundle of emotions to unpack.

sugar talkin'

summary: Treasure knew better than to fall for pretty words. She already had a man at home, even if the relationship been dead for a minute. But when quiet, observant Jimmy Uso starts slipping into her space during late nights out with her girls, she finds herself craving the one thing she swore she wouldn’t fall for again: A man who knows exactly what to say. And sugar talking can only sweeten a bad situation for so long.

fanfic is 18+ NO MINORS ALLOWED

warnings: explicit content, solo-masturbation, finger-fucking.

word count: 14.k (another lengthy one)

smut warning: it’ll come in the story randomly so PLEASE PLEASE look out for it I’m not really good at writing ✍🏽 smuts but I am improving at the moment

Jimmy Uso x Treasure

comments, likes, repost are appreciated I would love the constructive feedback in what area I need to approve in. 🤍

ALSO! I don’t not want nobody stealing my fanfics or take it as theirs that will be an issue fasho so keep it cute respectfully.

I only own my OC along with the make up scenarios

again mdni you have been warned.

title inspired by the song “Sugar Talking” by Sabrina Carpenter

thanks to my friend @charmed-dreamssss for helping me with the summary 🫶🏽

TAGS ⬇️ lmk if you wanna be tag 🏷️ @pinkwithhearts @sharmelasworld @spiicii @theusotwinzcom @mingisfavgf @trippiexlove @wisteria-bae @yourleogf @555sage @wrestlingprincess80 @jeyseyes @liv4jey @uceyjucey @mikaelsonharem7 @yyaktayak @lyricailove

@bebesobrielo @skyesthebomb @aikosilo @papireigns-05 @punksyeet @dreamgirljey @paigereeder @magnificentbouquetmusic @antanamobay @keenagurl @spiicii @lovelyjay45 @episodes-ff @randomwordprompts

@charmed-dreamssss @mselenalovebug @bloodlinesbabe93 @justazzi @xbriexx @luuvprincess @yana3sworld @shanthefemalerapper @bloodlineslut @sheaabuttaababyy @myleelovesfood @shes2real @violetmuses @xnightmarexpunkx @sualeo

EP5 .☘︎ ݁˖

Chicago, Illinois - 9:47AM Jimmy’s house.

At 9:47 am, the sun was rising and a cool breeze flowed from the vents in Jimmy's house. Sunlight streamed through the curtains in his bedroom, and he could hear birds chirping outside. Jimmy had his strong arm wrapped around Treasure's waist, resting his chin on her shoulder, sleeping soundly like a bear.

The events of the previous night had exhausted Treasure, leaving her completely still in her sleep. This made Jimmy pull her closer, as if afraid she might slip away.

She turned to face him, burying her face in his neck just as his eyes began to flutter open. Looking down at her sleeping form, he fully woke up and reached for his phone on the nightstand beside him.

As he rubbed his eyes to clear the sleep, he noticed a message from Jey and several from Liv.

Three messages from Josh 🫥

Two messages from Liv🍬

Josh🫥: wake yo ass up fool Josh🫥: u and treasure make up? Josh🫥: dawg

He rolled his eyes, typing his thumbs away.

Jimmy🩶: don’t pmo it’s too early in the morning Josh Jimmy🩶: and yea we made up we good now

Bubbles appeared.

Josh🫥: make up sexxxxx 😭😭

Jimmy chuckled while grinning.

Jimmy🩶: stfu bro 😭😭I swear yo ass is annoying 😭

Josh🫥: I’m just saying dawg at least yall made up unlike how you with ol’ girl yal were so toxic 

Jimmy🩶: you mean she was toxic I didn’t do shit and she still acted a fool 

Just thinking about it made him uncomfortable.

Josh🫥: yeah she was hella toxic but I’m glad u with someone who actually gives a fuck fr fr 

He looked down at Treasure, seeing her face all smushed up in his neck with her arms tucked in like a dinosaur.

Jimmy🩶: yeah but imma catch u at the gym later 

Josh🫥: aight then twin

After finishing his text to Jey, he quickly moved on to Liv’s message, replying that Treasure was doing well—then he set his phone back on the nightstand.

Once that was done, he instantly wrapped his arm around Treasure’s waist, pulling her in closer—almost smothering her since she was already so near.

His hand slid down to her backside, giving her a few gentle rubs, squeezing just a bit, and he heard a soft whine escape her lips that made him laugh.

All he could think about was the events of the previous night, replaying them repeatedly in his mind.

Just hearing her moans 

Her squirming 

Fingers tangled up in his curls 

Making her make a mess on his face

It affected him, making him crave more of her. He felt his erection straining against his sweats, prompting him to adjust himself slightly.

Jimmy glanced down at Treasure, who was still asleep and unaware of what was going on. He carefully removed his arm from around her waist and slowly got out of bed to avoid waking her.

As he stood up, he stretched and noticed his erection was quite prominent. Reflecting on the previous night stirred his desire even more.

He made his way to the door, closing it behind him as he walked down the hallway to the bathroom. Once inside, he turned on the light and shut the door, hearing it click shut.

Approaching the shower, he loosened his sweats, pulling them down along with his PSD boxers, and watched as his seven-inch erection sprang out, hitting his stomach like a boomerang.

He leaned his back against the cool bathroom tile, letting out a heavy breath as his hand wrapped around himself. The friction felt good, but it was nothing compared to the memory of her skin.

“F-fuck, T-treasure.” Jimmy moaned softly.

Every time he closed his eyes, he could still taste her, the vivid image of last night flashing behind his eyelids. He picked up the pace, his thumb rubbing over the head as he let out a low groan, wishing it was her hands tangled in his hair instead of his own.

He kept his eyes locked on the shower wall, entirely lost in the thought of how she had whined when he touched her, using that exact memory to drive himself faster until he was right on the edge.

“Hmm, fuck baby.” 

His breathing turned into shallow, ragged pants, his knuckles turning white from how hard he was gripping himself. He closed his eyes again, visualizing the exact way Treasure looked underneath him, her hips moving against his, making a total mess.

“Oh fuck, I’m finna nut. Ohh shit.” 

That thought broke him. A choked-off groan escaped the back of his throat as his body went rigid, spilling all over his hand and the floor. He leaned his head back against the wall, chest heaving as the intense rush slowly rippled out of him.

“Jesus fucking Christ, what is this girl doing to me?” he said to himself.

After a minute of just breathing, he finally shook himself out of it, reached over to turn the shower dial to hot, and stepped into the steam to wash off.

Meanwhile, in his bedroom, Treasure woke up from her sleep, stretching her body and letting out a soft groan as she searched for Jimmy in the sheets, but he was not there.

Rubbing her eyes to clear her vision, she realized he was missing. Hearing the shower running down the hallway, she lay on her back and reached for her phone that was beside her.

Upon unlocking it, she noticed Giovanni had called her about ten times, leaving voicemails and a few text messages as well.

Giovanni’s voicemail: baby I’m sorry can you come home so we can talk about this? I didn’t mean to put my hands on you. You know I wouldn’t do that to you baby. That’s not me you know that’s not me baby.

She scoffed at his voicemail.

She didn’t even know him anymore 

She didn’t even know the man she was dating anymore 

Recalling how Giovanni pulled her hair, and her pleas for him to stop that he ignored, truly shattered her heart.

Treasure felt no desire to read his messages, aware that he was just making one excuse after another. If she was honest, she was tired of it.

She chose to ignore his messages, noticing that Liv had sent her a text.

Two messages from Liv🍬

Liv🍬: goood morninggggg girlyyyy Liv🍬: did yall make up?

Treasure typed back.

Treasure🧘🏼‍♀️: good morning  Treasure🧘🏼‍♀️: and yea we did make up

Last night's memories rushed back to her, repeating in her mind. The way Jimmy's tongue moved around her clit, savoring her as if she were his final meal, left her craving more of him.

His big hands feeling all over her body.

But didn’t know how to say it 

Or didn’t have the courage to tell him

Liv🍬: yasss that’s what I love to hear girl u have to spare me the details 

Treasure rolled her eyes with a grin on her lips.

Treasure🧘🏼‍♀️: u always want the details 

Liv🍬: well duhhh girl I need to know everything did he at least take care of u?

Oh he took care of her alright very well.

Treasure🧘🏼‍♀️: yes he did 

Liv🍬: good just had to make sure he wasn’t lying when I texted his ass buuut did that fool Gio texted u? 

Treasure🧘🏼‍♀️: 🙄🙄 yeah that nigga did left hella text messages and miss calls even a few voicemails just lying his ass off 

Liv🍬: omfg he’s annoying already but I wouldn’t text him back at all after what he did yesterday

Treasure🧘🏼‍♀️: yeah 

She didn't even want to think about Giovanni anymore when she’s sleeping in Jimmy’s bed—wearing his clothes that fit her like a gown.

Liv🍬: u got any plans today?

Treasure🧘🏼‍♀️: hmm not sure unless Jimmy wants to do something then yeah

Liv🍬: ouuu love when a man plans things 

She shook her head as she heard the door open, looking up to see Jimmy entering the bedroom with a towel wrapped low around his waist and another damp towel for his hair.

Her eyes took in every detail of him.

From his wet skin glistening in the sunlight streaming through the curtains, to his abs peeking out, and the tattoos shining in the light.

She was captivated by how handsome he looked that morning, especially when he smiled, making her melt instantly.

Jimmy noticed her admiring him and shook his head with a grin as he walked toward her. When he sat on the bed, it dipped under his weight as he leaned back, his eyes never leaving hers.

“Good morning, mama.” Jimmy said.

“Good morning.” Treasure replied.

She began feeling all shy all over again covering her face.

He chuckles. “What mama?”

She shakes her head. “N-nothing.”

He didn’t believe her, extending his hand to draw her closer, which made her yelp and laugh simultaneously—now finding herself on his lap with his hands on her hips to keep her steady.

She had never been this near him while he was unclothed, with just a towel covering his face and his damp, messy curls falling into his eyes.

Her gaze shifted from his face to his body, as if she wanted to reach out and touch him, but hesitated.

Jimmy took notice saying something. “You can touch me ma, I’m not gon bite.”

“Y-you sure?” She asked softly.

“Yes baby, you can touch me all you want. I’m not going anywhere.” He replied.

That was her signal to explore his body up close. She placed her hands on his tattooed chest, rubbing down to his stomach and back up to his chest again.

Next, her small hands moved to his face, her fingers gliding over his wet beard, her thumb brushing his lips. She pushed his messy curls aside to see him better.

He looked dangerously attractive for no reason.

Now, her fingers were tangled in his curls, massaging his scalp as she heard him groan, the sound making his chest rumble. Treasure felt his face against her neck while she continued to massage his scalp.

“Does this feel good?” 

“Too good mama, keep going.”

Treasure kept massaging his scalp as his hands slipped inside her shirt, rubbing her back—he placed a wet kiss on her neck that sent an electric shock down her spine.

“What’chu.” Kisses her neck. “Wanna.” Kisses her neck again. “Do.” Kisses. “Today ma?”

He looked up at her with those almond-shaped puppy-like eyes keeping his arms wrapped around her waist.

She played in his curls.

“Hmm, I don’t know…maybe go shopping?” She says.

“Shopping huh?” he said, amused, squeezing her ass playfully.

Treasure kept massaging his scalp in a lazy manner while she felt him gently pressing his lips against her jawline.

“Yeah, maybe get some new things there.”

“You gon’ let me spoil you?”

It’s been a while since she’s been spoiled by someone else other than Giovanni before he lost his job, so she felt unsure about it.

She didn’t have an answer.

“Hm mama?” Jimmy asked.

“Hm?” Treasure responded with a soft hum.

“I said you gon’ let me spoil you?” He says.

“I don’t know jimmy…it’s been a while since I’ve been spoiled…I don’t want you to spend all your money on me.” She replied.

Jimmy looked up at her smiling. “Ma, let me spoil you. You too pretty not be spoiled.”

“Jimmy—“

“Let me do it please?” She couldn’t say no, especially the way he added that ‘please’ to his sentence made her sigh deeply.

“Okay, okay. I’ll let you spend your money on me.” Treasure said.

He kisses lips a few times before pulling back.

“Good, now bring yo’ pretty ass here.” That’s when he had stood up holding her up by her legs causing her to giggle as her arms were around his neck feeling her back hitting the cool sheets of his bed.

He floated above her chain, which swayed softly as he positioned himself between her legs, their fingers intertwined and her legs around his waist.

Feeling his weight on her like this, their foreheads touching and noses brushing, he placed gentle kisses on her cheek.

Another kiss followed, moving from her jawline down to her neck, causing her to squirm beneath him—trailing back to her lips, where they exchanged a few pecks while gazing into each other's eyes.

Treasure tilted her head, freeing her fingers from his hold to wrap her arms around his neck as they passionately kissed in his bed—his tongue slipping into her mouth, making the kiss messy.

Jimmy secured his strong arms around her waist, ensuring she wouldn’t slip away from him.

“la'u pepe aulelei o a'u uma.” He muttered. 

He let his tongue swirl inside her mouth while she tangled her fingers in his messy curls. He slowly released her waist and began to lift her long shirt, which was his, to get a glimpse of her body.

As soon as she sensed him lifting her shirt, she pulled back from the kiss, removing his hands from the fabric, feeling a wave of insecurity.

His expression on his face softened. “What’s wrong mama?”

“I-I…don’t want you to see…my body…”

“Why not baby?” 

Treasure was never insecure about her body until Giovanni said something about it, ever since then she’s lost confidence.

She avoided eye contact with him, not saying anything.

“Look at me baby.” Jimmy said. 

And she did.

Searching something in those dark brown eyes of his.

“You’re beautiful baby you hear me? Don’t let nobody, not even that fool tell you otherwise, like look at you. How can a man like Giovanni fumble something like this huh?” Jimmy kisses her lips trailing it down to her jawline, then her neck until he reaches her chest fingers tugging in her shirt.

She gazed down at him innocently nibbling on her bottom lip.

“sei ou vaai pepe.” God the way he spoke in his language did something to her that made her obey everything he was saying.

He gently lifts her long shirt that he allows her to sleep in, revealing her stomach. He continues to pull it up until her perky breasts are visible.

He licked his lips at the view of her bare body before him, seeking her permission to touch her perky breast.

“Y-you can touch me…” Treasure stumbles, feeling her cheeks getting red.

“Yeah baby?” Jimmy asked.

She nodded her head.

This allowed him to plant soft kisses on her chest before taking hold of her breast.

He massaged both breasts, teasing her nipples until he took her left breast in his mouth while continuing to massage the other, making her arch her back and moan his name.

“J-jimmy!” She moans.

He swirled his tongue around the nipple while watching her squirm and throw her head back against the pillow.

As he pulled away, he heard a popping sound from his lips as he did the same to her right nipple.

“lalelei susu faapena pepe.” He groaned.

Treasure sensed a warm puddle forming between her legs as Jimmy caressed her breasts. The way his eyes darkened with desire excited her more than anything else—she was aware of his arousal beneath the towel he had tied around his waist.

“J-jimmy b-baby…p-please.” A nickname slipped through her lips as he paused for a moment looking at her.

She just called him baby.

“What’chu say mama?”

“I-I, it s-slipped out!”

Jimmy had a smirk on his lips. “Nah, you’ve been wanting to say that since you met me.”

She covered her face once again feeling embarrassed as she heard him chuckle at her shyness.

“You’re so cute when you’re shy. You know that Ma?” Jimmy said.

“Stopp jimmy.” Treasure whined, letting her country accent slip.

“Stopp jimmy.” 

Treasure removed her hands off her face glaring at him. “Stop mocking me.” 

“Me? I did that?” He said jokingly, pointing a finger at himself.

She scoffed. “Yes you, I’m talking to you.”

“Didn’t know you were talking about me.” He could see her pouty face as he pressed a soft kiss on her pouty lips. “I’m playing baby.”

They kissed a few more times before locking eyes with each other as Jimmy moved her hair to the side of her ear.

“You wanna sleep some more before we head out?”

Treasure nodded her head. “Yeah, just for a little bit…can we stay like this?”

“Of course, baby, whatever you want.”

With that, Jimmy had laid his head on her chest, wrapping his arms around her waist underneath her while she wrapped hers around his neck—her manicured nails rubbing against his back.

Before long, Treasure’s eyes grew heavy again. Jimmy’s warmth and the soothing circles he drew on both ends of her hips with his thumbs lulled her right back to sleep. He followed soon after, arms locked around her like he had no plans of letting go anytime soon.

✎ᝰ.

The mall was buzzing with the usual weekend crowd, but Treasure barely noticed any of it. Jimmy’s hand stayed low on her back the entire time they walked, occasionally slipping under the hem of his oversized hoodie to brush against her bare thigh. Every time he did it, a little spark shot straight between her legs.

They wandered into a few stores, but it was when they stepped into Bath & Body Works that the air changed.

The moment the doors opened, a wave of sweet, fruity, and floral scents hit her all at once — vanilla, coconut, strawberry, warm amber. The store was bright and colorful, shelves lined with lotions, body sprays, candles, and scrubs. Treasure’s eyes lit up a little as she started browsing the displays.

Jimmy stayed close behind her, one hand resting on her hip as she picked up a bottle of Warm Vanilla Sugar body lotion and brought it to her nose.

“Mmm… this one smells good,” Treasure murmured, turning to show him.

Jimmy leaned in, took the bottle from her hand, and squeezed a little onto his fingers. Without asking, he gently grabbed her wrist and started rubbing the lotion into the back of her hand and up her forearm in slow circles.

“Smells sweet,” Jimmy said, voice low as he worked the cream into her skin. “Just like you.”

Treasure bit her lip, watching the way his big hands looked against her smaller ones. The lotion was warm and silky, and the way he was rubbing it in felt way more intimate than it should’ve in the middle of a store.

He brought her wrist up to his nose and inhaled deeply, eyes half-lidded.

“Yeah… this one’s dangerous,” he murmured. “Might have to buy the whole set so I can rub it on you later.”

Her cheeks warmed as she glanced around to make sure nobody was paying attention to them. Jimmy didn’t seem to care. He picked up another scent — something warm and spiced — and held it out to her.

“Smell this one too, mama. I wanna see which one I like better when it’s all over your body.”

He was standing close now, chest almost touching her back, his voice low enough that only she could hear him. His fingers kept lazily stroking the lotion into her skin while he waited for her reaction.

Treasure’s heart was beating faster. She could already imagine him rubbing lotion all over her later… and she had a feeling he was thinking the same thing.

Her eyes scanned the colorful shelves, and she bit her lip as she grabbed a few more bottles. She was already feeling warm from the way Jimmy had rubbed that first lotion into her skin like he was marking her.

She turned to him with a small, playful smile and held up a creamy white bottle.

“This one’s called Warm Vanilla Sugar… I already like it,” she said softly, then reached for another. “But smell this one too.”

She picked up a soft pink bottle — Strawberry Pound Cake — and squeezed a little onto her inner wrist. Before she could even offer it, Jimmy gently took her hand and brought her wrist up to his nose. He inhaled slowly and deeply, eyes locked on hers the whole time.

“Mmm… that one’s sweet as hell. Smells like something I’d wanna lick off you.”

Her cheeks burned. She quickly grabbed another bottle — this one a warm, golden Amber & Vanilla — and rubbed a little on the side of her neck. Jimmy didn’t even wait. He stepped in close, one hand sliding around her waist under the hoodie as he leaned down and pressed his nose right against her neck, breathing her in.

“Fuck…That one’s dangerous. Makes me wanna bury my face right here.”

Treasure’s breath hitched. She could feel his warm breath on her neck, his fingers lightly stroking the bare skin of her waist under his hoodie. Her nipples tightened under the thick fabric, and her pussy gave a needy little throb.

She tried to stay focused, reaching for one more — a rich Coconut Milk lotion. She squeezed some onto her fingers and held her hand out to him.

Jimmy took her hand again, but this time he didn’t just smell it. He slowly rubbed the lotion into her palm, then slid his fingers between hers, massaging it in while staring at her with dark, hungry eyes.

“You keep picking shit that’s gon’ have me wanting to taste you in the middle of this store,” Jimmy said quietly, only loud enough for her to hear. “You doing that on purpose, mama?”

Her heart was racing. She could feel how wet she was getting between her thighs, especially with how close he was standing and how his hand kept casually slipping under the hoodie to touch her bare skin.

She looked up at him with those same innocent eyes from earlier and whispered, “Maybe…”

Jimmy’s jaw flexed. He leaned in closer, lips brushing her ear.

“Keep picking scents then. But just know… every one you make me smell on you, I’m rubbing it on a different part of your body when we get home.”

Treasure’s cheeks were burning hot. The way Jimmy was rubbing that Coconut Milk lotion into her skin, the low rumble of his voice in her ear, and the filthy promise he just made about rubbing every scent on different parts of her body later… it was too much.

She quickly pulled her hand back, heart racing as she glanced around the store to make sure no one was watching them. Her thighs pressed together under the oversized hoodie, trying to calm the ache that had started building between her legs again.

She cleared her throat softly and looked down at the bottles on the shelf, pretending to read the labels even though her mind was still spinning.

“Um… we should probably start heading to your mom's house, right?” Treasure said, voice a little higher than usual as she tried to change the subject. “She wants to have mother-daughter quality time”

He raised an eyebrow, clearly amused by how fast she was trying to switch gears. He didn’t move back, though. He stayed right where he was, one hand still resting low on her waist under the hoodie, thumb slowly stroking her bare skin.

“Yeah… we can head that way in a minute, but you was just picking out all these scents for me. You don’t wanna grab a couple before we go?”

Treasure bit her lip, still avoiding his eyes as she picked up the Warm Vanilla Sugar lotion again and held it out like a peace offering.

“This one’s nice. We can get this and the strawberry one if you want. They’re not too strong.”

Jimmy chuckled softly, that deep sound vibrating through her as he took the bottle from her hand. He leaned in close again, lips brushing her ear.

“You shy now?” Jimmy murmured, clearly enjoying it. “You let me suck on your titties this morning, now you can’t even look at me in the middle of Bath & Body Works?”

Treasure’s face got even hotter. She lightly pushed at his chest with one hand, trying to create a little space between them.

“Jimmy, stop,” Treasure whispered, half-laughing but still flustered. “People are gonna hear you.”

He grinned, finally giving her a little mercy as he grabbed the two lotions she picked and a matching body spray.

“Aight, aight. I’ll behave… for now.” He leaned down and kissed her temple. “But we still getting these. And when we get home later, I’m keeping my promise.”

Treasure didn’t say anything back. She just nodded, still shy, and followed him toward the register, her hand slipping into his as they walked.

After leaving Bath & Body Works with a small bag in hand, they continued walking through the mall. Jimmy kept Treasure close the entire time, one of his large hands resting low on her back, fingers occasionally slipping under the hem of his oversized hoodie to brush against her bare thigh or the curve of her ass. Every time he did it, Treasure’s stomach fluttered.

They stopped at Foot Locker first. Jimmy browsed the wall of sneakers while Treasure stood beside him, shifting from foot to foot. The cold air from the vents kept brushing against her bare legs and making her very aware that she wasn’t wearing anything underneath the hoodie.

Jimmy glanced over at her and smirked.

“You cold, mama?” already knowing the answer. He stepped behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her back against his chest while he looked at shoes over her shoulder. His hands stayed on her stomach, thumbs slowly rubbing circles just below her breasts.

“Pick out a pair you like, I’ll get ‘em for you.”

Treasure shook her head quickly, cheeks warming. “You don’t have to do that…”

“I know I don’t,” he said, giving her waist a little squeeze. “I want to.”

They left Foot Locker a few minutes later with a fresh pair of shoes for her.

Next was Kay Jewelers. The bright lights and sparkling displays made Treasure slow down. Jimmy noticed and gently tugged her inside. He stood behind her while she looked at the cases, his front pressed lightly against her back.

“You like anything?”

She pointed at a simple silver necklace with a small heart pendant. Before she could say anything, Jimmy was already waving over the sales associate.

“We’ll take that one,” Jimmy said smoothly, then looked down at her with a small smirk. “So you got something to wear when I’m not around… and something to remind you who you belong to right now.”

Her face burned. She tried to hide her smile by looking down at the glass case.

From there, they headed to Windsor. Treasure browsed the racks of dresses and cute tops while Jimmy leaned against a pillar nearby, arms crossed, watching her with dark eyes. Every time she held something up, he gave his honest opinion — usually something that made her flustered.

“That one’s short as hell,” he said when she held up a little black dress. “I like it. You should try it on so I can see how it looks when I bend you over later.”

“Jimmy!” Treasure hissed under her breath, glancing around to make sure no one heard him. He just chuckled and kept staring at her like he was already undressing her in his mind.

Finally, they made it to Hot Topic — her favorite store.

The second they walked in, Treasure’s face lit up. The loud music, the dark aesthetic, the racks of band tees, anime merch, and alternative clothing instantly made her feel at home. She started moving from display to display with more energy, touching hoodies and graphic tees while Jimmy followed behind her, amused.

He watched her get excited over a few things, then leaned down and spoke quietly near her ear.

“Go ahead and grab whatever you want, baby. I’m paying.”

Treasure looked up at him, surprised. “You sure?”

He nodded, eyes soft but still carrying that heat from earlier. “Yeah. You been real good today… letting me rub lotion on you, wearing my clothes with nothing underneath…” He smirked. “Least I can do is buy you some shit from your favorite store.”

She bit her lip, trying not to smile too hard as she started picking out a couple of things — a cute cropped hoodie and a graphic tee she’d been eyeing for a while.

Jimmy stayed close the whole time, one hand resting on her hip under the oversized hoodie she was already wearing, thumb stroking her bare skin while she shopped.

They left the mall with several bags in hand — new shoes from Foot Locker, the necklace from Kay Jewelers, a couple of cute pieces from Windsor, and the two Bath & Body Works lotions plus a graphic tee and cropped hoodie from Hot Topic. Jimmy carried most of the bags in one hand while the other stayed wrapped around Treasure’s waist, occasionally slipping under the oversized hoodie to give her ass a subtle squeeze as they walked through the parking lot.

Once they were back in the car, Jimmy glanced over at her with a small smile.

“You good?”

Treasure nodded, still feeling a little warm from everything that happened today — the way he rubbed lotion on her in the store, the teasing, the shopping, the way he kept touching her like he couldn’t help himself.

“Yeah… I’m good,” 

The drive to his mom’s house was quiet but comfortable. Jimmy kept one hand on the wheel and the other on her leg the whole time, thumb slowly stroking her bare skin. Treasure stared out the window, nerves starting to creep in the closer they got. She’d met his mom before, but this was different. This was quality time. Recipes. Mother-daughter stuff. It felt… serious.

When they pulled up in front of the house, Jimmy parked and turned to look at her.

“You sure you good with this? I can come in with you for a minute if you want.”

She shook her head, offering him a small smile. “No, it’s okay. Go to the gym with Jey. I’ll be fine.”

He studied her face for a second, then leaned over and kissed her slow and deep, one hand cupping the side of her neck. When he pulled back, his forehead rested against hers.

“Text me if you need anything, aight? And don’t let my mama work you too hard in that kitchen,” Jimmy said with a smirk. “I’ll come get you after we finish at the gym.”

Treasure nodded, biting her lip as he gave her one last quick kiss before getting out and walking around to open her door. He helped her grab the bags and walked her up to the front door.

His mom opened it before they even knocked, already smiling wide.

“There’s my girl,” she said warmly, pulling Treasure into a hug. “Come on in, baby. I got everything set up in the kitchen.”

Jimmy gave Treasure’s hand one last squeeze and winked at her.

“Be good,” he murmured low enough for only her to hear, then turned to his mom. “Don’t be telling her all my business, Ma.”

His mom laughed and shooed him away. “Boy, go to the gym. We got woman business to handle.”

Treasure watched Jimmy walk back to the car, her heart doing a little flip as he looked back at her one more time before driving off.

She turned back to his mom, who was already leading her inside with an arm around her shoulders.

“Alright, baby,” mama fatu said with a bright smile. “You ready to learn how we make our famous sweet potato pie? And maybe a few other things while we at it.”

Treasure smiled, feeling surprisingly comfortable already.

“Yeah… I’m ready.”

✎ᝰ.

Jimmy pulled into the gym parking lot still half-hard from dropping Treasure off. The image of her standing in his mama’s doorway wearing his hoodie, looking all shy and pretty, had him gripping the steering wheel tighter than necessary. He killed the engine, grabbed his gym bag, and headed inside, already knowing Jey was probably waiting on him.

The familiar smell of rubber mats, metal, and faint sweat hit him as soon as he walked through the doors. Music thumped low from the speakers. He spotted Jey over by the bench press, already warming up, shirt off, tattoos on full display.

“’Bout time, fool,” Jey called out with a grin, dapping him up. “I was starting to think you got lost in Miss Treasure.”

Jimmy smirked, dropping his bag. “Shut up.”

They started with the bench press. Jimmy loaded the bar while Jey spotted him. As soon as Jimmy laid back and wrapped his hands around the bar, his mind drifted right back to Treasure.

The way she had looked up at him this morning with those big innocent eyes while they were kissing and how she moaned his name when he was sucking her titties earlier had him weak as hell for her.

“Damn, you smiling like a fool,” Jey laughed, bringing Jimmy back. “What, she got you that gone already?”

He  racked the bar and sat up, wiping sweat from his forehead with the bottom of his shirt.

“Man…” he shook his head, still smirking. “You don’t even know.”

Jey raised an eyebrow, curious. “Oh yeah? She that good?”

Jimmy didn’t answer right away. He laid back down for his next set, but his mind wasn’t on the weights. It was on how soft her thighs felt when he ate her out last night. How she tasted. How she sounded when she came on his tongue. How she looked this morning wearing his long t-shirt and then his hoodie to the mall, legs bare, letting him rub lotion all over her in the middle of Bath & Body Works like she didn’t know what she was doing to him.

He pushed the bar up with more force than necessary.

“She got me fucked up,” Jimmy admitted after he racked it again. “In the best way.”

Jey chuckled, switching spots with him. “You sound like you ready to wife her already.”

He didn’t deny it. He just grabbed his water bottle and took a long drink, mind already fast-forwarding to later. Picking her up from his mama’s house and seeing what she learned in the kitchen. Then taking her back to his place… probably peeling that hoodie off her slowly and putting his mouth on every spot he rubbed lotion on earlier.

His dick twitched in his shorts at the thought.

Jey noticed the faraway look and laughed again. “Yeah… you gone, bro.”

Jimmy just shook his head, a small smile still on his face as he got ready for his next set.

He was already counting down the minutes until he could go get his girl.

Once he finished his set and sat up on the bench, chest heaving, sweat rolling down his back. Jey was still grinning at him like he knew something.

“Man, you really over here smiling and shit while you lifting,” Jey said, loading more weight onto the bar. “I ain’t never seen you like this over no female before since you was with ol’ girl.. What she do to you?”

He wiped his face with the bottom of his shirt, then grabbed his phone from his bag. He unlocked it and stared at the screen for a second before typing.

“She just… different,” he muttered, still looking at his phone. “Ain’t on no bullshit. She real. And she got that soft shit about her that make a man wanna protect her and fuck her at the same time.”

Jey laughed loud. “Ohhh, so it’s like that?”

Jimmy didn’t answer right away. He was too busy typing out a text to Treasure.

Jimmy🩶: How you doing over there with my mama? She ain’t working you too hard in that kitchen is she?

He hit send, then looked up at Jey with a small smirk.

“She let me rub lotion on her in the middle of Bath & Body Works earlier,” Jimmy said, voice low. “Had her picking out scents and letting me smell ‘em on her skin. Whole time she was getting shy but still letting me touch her. Then she got in the car wearing nothing but my hoodie… legs out and shit.”

Jey shook his head, laughing. “Yeah, your fucked.”

Jimmy’s phone vibrated. He looked down quick.

Treasure🧘🏼‍♀️: I’m good 😊 Your mom is really sweet. We’re making sweet potato pie right now. She keeps asking me questions about you though 👀

Jimmy chuckled under his breath and typed back.

Jimmy🩶: She nosy as hell lol. Don’t tell her too much. And tell her I said stop tryna steal my girl.

He stared at the screen a second longer, thumb hovering before he added another message.

Jimmy🩶: You still wearing my hoodie?

He locked his phone and slid it back in his bag, but his mind was already drifting. He could still see Treasure standing in his mama’s doorway earlier, looking all nervous but excited. Could still feel how soft her thighs were when he had his face between them last night. How she sounded when she came. How she looked this morning with his nut all over her tits, trying to hide her face like she didn’t just have him weak.

Jey clapped him on the shoulder, snapping him out of it.

“Aight lover boy, you up on these squats or what?”

Jimmy stood up, rolling his shoulders, but his phone was already on his mind again. He was itching to see if she texted back.

“Yeah… let’s get it,” he said, but his head wasn’t really in the gym anymore.

He was already thinking about picking her up later. Already thinking about how he was gonna have her tonight.

Jimmy was on his third set of squats when his phone buzzed again. He racked the bar, wiped the sweat from his face with the bottom of his shirt, and grabbed his phone quick. Jey was already smirking at him from the leg press machine.

“Man, you checking that phone more than you checking your form,” Jey said, laughing. “She got you trained already.”

He flipped him off but couldn’t hide the small smile as he read the text.

Treasure🧘🏼‍♀️:  Still wearing it 😌 It smells like you. Your mom keeps giving me this look every time I fix the hem… I think she knows I don’t have anything on underneath 😂

That made his dick twitch in his shorts. He could picture her perfectly — standing in his mama’s kitchen in nothing but his oversized hoodie, those thick thighs on full display every time she moved. The thought of his mom catching on made him chuckle under his breath.

He typed back fast.

Jimmy🩶: Good. Keep it on. I like knowing you walking around my mama house with my smell all over you and nothing underneath.  

He stared at the screen for a second, thumb hovering, then added another message.

Jimmy🩶: I miss u tho might need to put my lips around them pretty ass pussy lips of yours again tryna see you cum again mama.

He locked the phone and slid it back in his bag before Jey could clown him again, but his mind was already gone.

Jimmy kept thinking about how she looked this morning — eyes all wide and innocent while she watched him playing with her titties.

“Yo,” Jey called out, snapping him back. “You gon’ finish this set or you just gon’ stand there daydreaming about that girl?”

Jimmy shook his head, smirking as he got back under the bar.

“Shut up and spot me.”

They moved through a few more exercises — deadlifts, pull-ups, some core work — but Jimmy’s focus was shot. Every time he closed his eyes during a set, he saw Treasure. The way she massaged his scalp, feeling all over his body so innocently while straddling on his lap.

His phone buzzed again while he was doing planks.

He dropped down and checked it immediately.

Treasure🧘🏼‍♀️: Jimmy stoppp 😭 Your mom is literally right next to me rolling out pie crust and you talking about eating me out 

Treasure🧘🏼‍♀️: hmm someone is hornyyy🙂‍↕️🙂‍↕️

Jimmy grinned, biting his bottom lip as he typed back.

Jimmy🩶:  hell yeah I am Don’t let my mama work you too hard. I still need you to have some energy left for me later.  

He paused, then sent one more.

Jimmy🩶: And when I come get you… that hoodie is coming off the second we get in the car.  

Jey walked over, towel around his neck, shaking his head.

“You really in love with that girl already, huh?”

He didn’t even deny it this time. He just locked his phone, slid it in his bag, and grabbed his water bottle.

“Maybe,” he said, still smirking. “Now mind your business and finish your set.”

But even as he said it, his mind was already on later — picking her up, seeing what she learned in the kitchen, then taking her home and finishing what they started this morning.

He was ready to wrap this gym session up.

Treasure stood at the kitchen counter, sleeves of Jimmy’s oversized hoodie pushed up to her elbows as she carefully measured out brown sugar for the sweet potato pie filling. The fabric still smelled like him — warm, clean, and masculine — and every time she moved, the hem brushed against the tops of her bare thighs, reminding her she wasn’t wearing anything underneath.

Jimmy’s mom, Mama Fatu, stood beside her rolling out pie crust with practiced ease, humming softly under her breath. The kitchen smelled like vanilla, cinnamon, and sweet potatoes. It was cozy. Warm. The kind of domestic moment Treasure hadn’t experienced in a long time.

Her phone buzzed on the counter.

She glanced down and immediately felt her face heat up.

Jimmy🩶:  hell yeah I am Don’t let my mama work you too hard. I still need you to have some energy left for me later.   Jimmy🩶: And when I come get you… that hoodie is coming off the second we get in the car.

Treasure’s stomach flipped. She quickly locked the screen and set the phone face-down, heart racing. Her pussy gave a soft, traitorous throb at the thought of him peeling his hoodie off her the moment they were alone again.

Mama Fatu  glanced over with a knowing little smile. “That boy texting you again?”

She let out a small, nervous laugh, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “Yeah… he’s at the gym with Josh.”

“Mmhm,” his mom hummed, clearly amused. “That child been smiling at his phone like a fool since y’all started talking. I ain’t seen him like this in a long time.” She gave Treasure a gentle side-eye. “You must be doing something right, baby.”

Her cheeks burned hotter. She focused on stirring the filling, trying to ignore the way her thighs pressed together under the hoodie.

Her phone buzzed again.

She hesitated, then peeked at it.

Jimmy🩶: You still wearing my hoodie with nothing under it?  

Bet my mama don’t know you in her kitchen looking all innocent but really out here being nasty for me 😏

Treasure’s eyes went wide. She quickly turned the phone over again, biting her lip hard to keep from smiling — or moaning.

Mama Fatu chuckled softly, not even looking up from the crust she was crimping. “Go ahead and text him back, baby. I ain’t gon’ peek.”

She let out a shaky little laugh, cheeks on fire. She picked up the phone again, thumbs hovering as she tried to think of a reply that wouldn’t get her in trouble.

She typed quickly

Treasure🧘🏼‍♀️: Jimmy you are so bad 😭 Your mom is literally standing right here and you talking crazy.  

She paused, then added one more line before she could stop herself.

Treasure🧘🏼‍♀️: …yes I’m still wearing it. And nothing underneath. Happy now? 🙄

She hit send and immediately regretted how bold that last part was. Her heart was pounding.

Mama Fatu wiped her hands on a dish towel and looked over at her with a warm, motherly smile.

“You know,” mama fatu said gently, “Jimmy’s had a lot of girls come around over the years. But you… you different. He looks at you like you already his. And the way you look at him back?” She gave Treasure a knowing little nod. “Y’all got something real. I can feel it.”

Treasure’s chest tightened in the best way. She smiled softly, still feeling the heat between her legs from Jimmy’s texts.

“Thank you, Mama Fatu,” Treasure said quietly. “That… means a lot.”

His mom reached over and gave her hand a gentle squeeze.

“Now,” she said, brightening again, “let’s get this pie in the oven so you can tell me more about how my son been treating you. And don’t you dare leave out the good parts.”

She laughed, cheeks still warm, and glanced at her phone one more time — waiting to see if Jimmy would text back before she got too deep into this mother-daughter conversation.

Treasure was still smiling softly from Miss Anita’s words when the older woman suddenly let out a small sigh and shook her head, like something had just crossed her mind.

“You know…” Mama Fatu started, wiping her hands on a dish towel as she leaned against the counter. “I mentioned this at that little get-together we had a while back, but it’s been on my mind again lately.”

She looked up from the pie filling she was stirring, her stomach doing a small flip at the sudden shift in tone.

Mama Fatu gave her a gentle but serious look. “That girl Jimmy used to mess with… the one he was with before you came around. Lord, I never liked her. Not one bit.”

Treasure’s hand slowed on the spoon. She stayed quiet, listening.

“They were toxic, baby. Real toxic,” Mama Fatu continued, her voice low but honest. “She had him all twisted up — arguing, fighting, making him feel like he was never enough. Always drama. Always some mess. I used to tell him, ‘Son, that ain’t love. That’s stress.’ But you know how these boys are… hard-headed.”

She shook her head again, lips pressed together like the memory still irritated her.

“I used to pray he’d wake up and see what she was doing to him. And when he finally did… whew.” She let out a small laugh, but there was no humor in it. “I thanked God. That girl was no good for my son. She didn’t bring out the best in him. She brought out the worst.”

Treasure swallowed quietly, her fingers tightening around the spoon. She could feel her heartbeat in her chest. Hearing about Jimmy’s ex like this — especially while standing in his mama’s kitchen wearing nothing but his hoodie — made something twist in her stomach. Not jealousy exactly… but something close. A quiet, uneasy curiosity mixed with the tiniest flicker of insecurity.

‘Was she prettier than me? Did she do things I don’t do? Did Jimmy love her more?’

Mama Fatu must’ve noticed the shift in Treasure’s face because she reached over and gently touched her arm.

“But you…” she said, her voice softening again. “You different, baby. I can see it. The way he looks at you? The way he talks about you? That boy is gone. And I ain’t seen him this happy and calm in a long time. You bring peace to him. That other girl never did that.”

Treasure’s cheeks warmed. She looked down at the pie filling, stirring slowly so she wouldn’t have to meet Mama Fatu’s eyes right away.

“I… I don’t know what to say,” she admitted softly. “He hasn’t really told me much about her.”

Mama Fatu gave her a knowing little smile. “And he probably won’t. That chapter is closed. But I just wanted you to know… I see how he is with you. And I like it. I like *you* with him.”

She felt her chest tighten in the best and most overwhelming way. She nodded, voice quiet.

“Thank you, Mama Fatu.”

The older woman patted her hand once more before going back to the crust like she hadn’t just dropped that bomb.

“Now,” she said, brightening again, “let’s get this pie in the oven before my son comes back acting like he starving.”

She smiled, but her mind was still spinning. She could feel her phone buzzing again on the counter — probably another text from Jimmy — but she didn’t reach for it yet.

Her thoughts were too full.

Treasure kept stirring the pie filling slowly, the wooden spoon moving in lazy circles as the warm, sweet smell of cinnamon and vanilla filled the kitchen. Her heart was beating a little faster than before. She could still feel the weight of Mama Fatu’s words hanging in the air.

She hesitated for a moment, biting the inside of her cheek before she finally spoke, her voice soft and careful.

“…What was her name? The girl Jimmy used to date.”

Mama Fatu paused what she was doing and glanced over at her. There was no judgment in her eyes — just understanding.

“Her name was Tasha, They were together for almost two years. Off and on, mostly.”

Treasure nodded slowly, still stirring. She could feel the heat from the oven warming her bare legs under Jimmy’s hoodie.

“What… what made it so toxic?” she asked next, her voice even softer. “You said she had him twisted up. What did she do?”

Mama Fatu let out a small sigh and wiped her hands on her apron. She leaned her hip against the counter, giving Treasure her full attention now.

“She was controlling, baby. Always accusing him of things he wasn’t doing. Always starting arguments over nothing. She’d go through his phone, show up at his house unannounced, cuss him out in front of people… just messy. And when he tried to pull away, she’d cry and make him feel guilty. It was a cycle. He was always stressed, always fighting. I used to hate seeing my son like that.”

Treasure’s stomach twisted a little. She finally looked up, meeting Mama Fatu’s eyes.

“Did he… love her?” The question came out quieter than she meant it to.

Mama Fatu gave her a gentle, knowing look.

“He thought he did at the time. But love ain’t supposed to feel like that. That wasn’t love, baby. That was attachment mixed with drama. When he finally walked away for good, it 

She reached over and gently touched Treasure’s arm.

“You don’t gotta worry about her, you hear me? That chapter is closed. And between me 

Treasure felt her cheeks warm again. Sheback down at the bowl, stirring see how much her.

Her phone buzzed on the 

She didn’t reach for it right away. Her mind was too full — thinking about this girl Tasha, wondering what she looked like, what she had that made Jimmy stay for two years… and wondering if she could ever compare.

Still, a small, selfish part of her felt relieved hearing how much Mama Fatu disliked her.

Treasure took a quiet breath and asked one more question, her voice barely above a whisper.

“…Did she ever come around here? To your house?”

Mama Fatu shook her head firmly.

“Once. And I told Jimmy after that, ‘Don’t bring her back here again.’ I meant it.”

She gave Treasure a warm, reassuring smile.

“You though? You can come over anytime. You belong here.”

Treasure smiled softly, heart fluttering in her chest even as her mind kept turning over everything she just heard.

Her phone buzzed again.

This time, she picked it up.

Treasure picked up her phone from the counter, trying to keep her expression neutral while Mama Fatu continued rolling out the pie crust beside her. She unlocked the screen and immediately felt her stomach flip at the new messages from Jimmy.

Three messages from Jimmy 🩶

Jimmy🩶:  can’t wait to see u when I come pick u up mama imma need that, couldn’t even focus on my workout but all u can think about is u  Jimmy🩶: wanna kiss you, touch you, rub my fingers all over that pretty pussy of yours ma. Wanna hear you moan my name loud knowing who u belong to. Jimmy🩶: I need u bad mama

Treasure’s cheeks burned hot. She quickly pressed the phone against her chest for a second, heart pounding. The mix of his filthy words and the memory of this morning had her thighs pressing together under the hoodie. She could already feel herself getting wet again just from reading it.

But then her eyes drifted back to the counter, and her mind went somewhere else.

Tasha.

The name sat heavy in her chest now. She couldn’t stop wondering what Tasha looked like. Was she prettier? More experienced? Did she do things in bed that Treasure didn’t know how to do yet? Jimmy had been with her for almost two years… that had to mean something, right? Even if it was toxic.

Treasure stared at Jimmy’s dirty texts again, but instead of just feeling turned on, a small, quiet insecurity started creeping in.

What if he’s comparing me to her? What if I’m not as good? What if he gets bored of me too?

She swallowed hard, trying to push the thoughts away, but they lingered. Her fingers hovered over the keyboard, unsure what to even reply. Part of her wanted to say something flirty back… but another part of her suddenly felt a little small.

Mama Fatu glanced over and raised an eyebrow, noticing the shift in Treasure’s face.

“You alright, baby?” she asked gently. “You got quiet all of a sudden.”

Treasure forced a small smile and quickly locked her phone, setting it face-down again.

“Yeah… I’m good,” she said softly, even though her mind was spinning. “Just… thinking.”

She picked the spoon back up and started stirring the pie filling again, but her heart wasn’t in it anymore. Jimmy’s texts had her flustered and aching between her legs… but the conversation about his ex had planted something uneasy in her chest that she couldn’t quite shake.

She glanced at her phone one more time, screen still dark, and wondered if she should even text him back right now.

Treasure stared at Jimmy’s messages for a few more seconds, her thumb hovering over the keyboard. Her body was still reacting — cheeks warm, pussy softly throbbing from his filthy words — but her mind kept circling back to Tasha. To the two years. To the toxicity Mama Fatu described.

She didn’t feel as bold anymore.

She typed back slowly, keeping it short and a little distant.

Treasure🧘🏼‍♀️: lol I’m still wearing it… your mom is right here so I can’t really talk like that right now   Treasure🧘🏼‍♀️: We’re almost done with the pie. Take your time at the gym  

She hit send and quickly locked the phone again, setting it face-down on the counter. No emojis. No teasing back. Just… safe. Neutral.

Mama Fatu was humming again, sliding the pie into the oven, but Treasure could feel her glancing over every now and then. She tried to focus on cleaning up the counter, wiping down the mixing bowls, but her thoughts kept drifting.

*What if he expects me to be like her?*  

*What if I’m too shy… or not experienced enough?*

Even though Mama Fatu had reassured her, the insecurity still sat heavy in her chest. Jimmy’s texts had her wanting him so bad… but now she felt a little guarded. A little unsure.

Her phone buzzed again on the counter.

She didn’t pick it up right away. Instead, she kept wiping the same spot on the counter, heart beating faster as she waited to see what he’d say next.

Jimmy was in the middle of a set on the leg press when his phone buzzed on the bench beside him. He finished his reps, racked the weight, and grabbed his phone, wiping sweat from his forehead with the bottom of his shirt.

He opened Treasure’s message and immediately frowned.

Treasure🧘🏼‍♀️: We’re almost done with the pie. I’m good.  See you when you finish at the gym.

That was it.

No teasing. No shy little emojis. No “stoppp 😭” like she usually sent when he talked nasty to her. Just… short. Dry. Not like her at all.

Jimmy stared at the screen for a second, thumb hovering. He could feel the shift in her energy through the text. Something was off.

Jey walked over, towel around his neck. “You good, uce?”

“Yeah,” Jimmy muttered, still looking at his phone. “Just… she actin’ a little different all of a sudden.”

He didn’t wait. He typed back right away.

Jimmy🩶: You good? You seem quiet all of a sudden.  

He stared at the screen, waiting. When she didn’t reply immediately, he typed again.

Jimmy🩶: Did my mama say something crazy? Or did I do something?  

He paused, then added one more message, softer this time.

Jimmy🩶: Talk to me, mama. You was just letting me rub lotion on you in the store earlier and now you actin’ distant. What’s goin’ on?

Jimmy locked his phone and set it down, but his mind wasn’t on the workout anymore. He kept glancing at it every few seconds, waiting for those three little dots to pop up.

Something had changed between when he dropped her off and now. And he didn’t like the feeling sitting in his chest.

Jey raised an eyebrow at him. “She good?”

Jimmy shook his head slowly, still staring at his phone.

“I don’t know yet,” he said quietly. “But I’m about to find out.”

He grabbed his water bottle, but his focus was completely gone. All he could think about was getting to his mama’s house and seeing Treasure’s face for himself.

✎ᝰ.

Jimmy kept glancing at his phone between sets.

Nothing.

No reply from Treasure.

He sent those last three texts over fifteen minutes ago and still… nothing. Just read receipts. She was definitely seeing them.

He tried to shake it off and focus on his last set of deadlifts, but his head wasn’t in it. Every time he bent down to grab the bar, his mind went straight to her. The way she’d gone quiet. The short, dry replies. Something had shifted and he could feel it in his chest.

Jey noticed.

“Uce… you good? You been checking that phone like it owe you money.”

Jimmy racked the bar harder than necessary and wiped his face. “She stopped texting back. She was good when I dropped her off, now she actin’ all short with me.”

Jey gave him a look. “You gon’ finish this workout or you about to dip?”

Jimmy didn’t even hesitate.

“I’m out.”

He didn’t bother with the rest of his sets. He grabbed his towel, chugged some water, and started packing up his bag while Jey just shook his head, half-laughing.

“Damn. That girl really got you wrapped already.”

Jimmy didn’t even deny it. He just dapped Jey up quick.

“I’ll hit you later.”

He was already walking toward the exit before Jey could say anything else.

The whole drive to his mama’s house, Jimmy kept one hand on the wheel and the other checking his phone every few seconds like it might magically light up. It didn’t. Treasure stayed quiet.

By the time he pulled up in front of the house, his stomach was tight. He killed the engine, sat there for a second, then got out and headed up the walkway.

He didn’t even knock — just used his key and stepped inside.

The smell of sweet potato pie hit him immediately. He could hear his mama’s voice in the kitchen, talking about something, and then… Treasure’s softer voice answering.

Jimmy walked into the kitchen and stopped in the doorway.

Treasure was still in his hoodie, sleeves pushed up, standing at the counter with flour on her hands. She looked up when he walked in, and for a split second he saw it — that little flicker of something in her eyes. Not the usual soft, warm look she gave him. Something smaller. Distant.

Mama Fatu turned around with a big smile.

“Well look who decided to show up early,” she teased. “Gym must’ve been boring without your girl.”

Jimmy gave his mama a quick smile but his eyes stayed on Treasure.

“Yeah… something like that.”

He stepped further into the kitchen, moving straight to Treasure. Without saying anything else, he gently took her hand — the one with flour on it — and pulled her a little closer to him, his other hand resting on her waist under the hoodie like he always did.

His voice dropped low, just for her.

“You ain’t text me back.”

It wasn’t accusatory. Just quiet. Concerned.

Treasure looked up at him, lips parting like she was about to say something… but nothing came out right away.

Jimmy’s thumb brushed slow circles on her waist, eyes searching her face.

“What’s goin’ on, mama?” Jimmy asked softly. “Talk to me.”

Treasure’s heart jumped when Jimmy walked into the kitchen. He looked fresh from the gym — still a little sweaty, muscles pumped, that concerned look in his eyes as he came straight to her.

She felt his big hands on her immediately — one taking her flour-dusted hand, the other sliding under the hoodie to rest on her bare waist. His touch was warm and possessive, just like always.

“You ain’t text me back, What’s goin’ on, mama? Talk to me.”

Treasure swallowed hard. She didn’t want to bring up Tasha. Not here. Not right now in front of his mom, and honestly… not at all. She didn’t want Jimmy thinking she was insecure or digging into his past. She just wanted to push it down.

She forced a small smile and shrugged lightly, looking up at him with what she hoped was a convincing expression.

“I’m okay,” Treasure said softly, squeezing his hand back. “Really. We just got caught up in baking and I lost track of time. The pie smells good, right?”

Mama Fatu was watching them with a knowing little smile but didn’t say anything, just turned back to the oven to give them a moment.

Jimmy didn’t look fully convinced. His thumb kept rubbing slow circles on her waist under the hoodie, like he was trying to read her through her skin.

“You sure?” he asked, voice low so only she could hear. “You was texting me earlier… then you went quiet. If I said something wrong, tell me.”

Treasure shook her head quickly, leaning into his chest a little, letting his scent and warmth calm the uneasy feeling in her stomach.

“I’m good, Jimmy. I promise, Just… tired from standing in the kitchen, that’s all.”

She reached up and gently touched his chest, trying to distract him with affection instead of the truth.

Jimmy studied her face for another long second, then sighed softly and kissed her forehead.

“Aight, But we gon’ talk about it later when we get home. I don’t like when you shut down on me.”

He pulled her closer for a moment, hugging her tight against his body, one hand still possessively on her waist under the hoodie. Treasure melted into him even though her mind was still spinning with thoughts of Tasha.

Mama Fatu cleared her throat with a smile.

“Alright y’all, the pie’s cooling. Jimmy, take some home with you. Treasure did most of the work.”

Treasure gave his mom a grateful smile, still staying tucked against Jimmy’s side.

Just as Jimmy grabbed the warm pie dish from the counter and Treasure picked up her small bag of things, Mama Fatu stepped closer and gently placed her hand on Treasure’s arm, stopping them before they could walk out.

“Hold on a second, baby,” she said softly, her voice warm but serious.

Treasure turned to face her, heart still heavy with everything she’d heard earlier about Tasha. Jimmy stood right beside her, one hand resting protectively on her lower back.

Mama Fatu looked between the two of them, then focused on Treasure with kind but knowing eyes.

“I don’t know what’s going on in that pretty head of yours right now,” she said gently, “but I can tell something’s weighing on you. Whatever it is… don’t let old stories mess with what’s happening right in front of you.”

She gave Treasure’s arm a light, reassuring squeeze.

“Jimmy’s past is just that — the past. That girl had her time and she ruined it. You? You’re here now. And I see how my son lights up when you’re around. Don’t dim your own light worrying about somebody who couldn’t even keep hers shining right.”

Mama Fatu pulled Treasure into a warm hug, holding her for a moment before letting go.

“You hear me?” she added with a small smile. “You’re good for him. And he’s good for you. Trust that.”

Treasure felt her eyes sting a little. She nodded, swallowing the lump in her throat.

“Yes ma’am,” she whispered.

Jimmy stayed quiet, but Treasure could feel his hand gently rubbing her back, steady and comforting.

Mama Fatu turned to her son and pointed at him. “And you — take care of this one. Don’t make me have to remind you.”

Jimmy gave a small smile and nodded. “I got her, Ma.”

With that, Mama Fatu handed them the pie and shooed them toward the door with one last warm smile.

“Call me tomorrow, Treasure. We still got more recipes to go through.”

They said their final goodbyes to Mama Fatu at the door, the warm pie carefully placed in the back seat. Jimmy opened the passenger door for Treasure like always, his hand lingering on her lower back as she climbed in. The oversized hoodie rode up her thighs as she sat down, and she quickly tugged it back into place.

Jimmy got in on the driver’s side, started the car, and pulled away from the curb. The second the house was out of sight, the comfortable silence between them shifted.

He didn’t even wait until they reached the end of the block.

“Alright, mama,” Jimmy said, voice low and serious as he glanced over at her. One hand stayed on the steering wheel, the other reached over and rested on her bare thigh, squeezing gently. “What’s wrong? For real this time.”

Treasure’s stomach tightened. She kept her eyes on the road ahead, fingers playing with the strings of his hoodie.

“I told you… I’m okay,” she murmured, trying to sound convincing.

Jimmy wasn’t having it. He gave her thigh another squeeze, thumb stroking the soft skin there.

“Nah. You been acting distant since I picked you up. You barely texted me back, and when you did it was dry as hell. Something’s on your mind.” He paused, glancing at her again. “Did my mama say something that got you in your head?”

Treasure bit her lip, heart racing. She could still hear Mama Fatu’s voice talking about Tasha — how toxic they were, how pretty she was, how she had Jimmy twisted up for two years. The insecurity was sitting heavy in her chest, making her feel small.

She shifted in her seat, the leather cool against the backs of her bare thighs.

“I just… got tired, that’s all, The kitchen was hot and we were talking and… I don’t know.”

Jimmy let out a small breath, clearly not believing her. His hand slid a little higher up her thigh, under the hem of the hoodie, warm and possessive.

“Treasure.” His voice was softer now, but firm. “Talk to me. You know I hate when you shut down like this. Did something happen while I was at the gym?”

The car felt smaller. His scent — fresh from the gym mixed with his cologne — filled the space. She could feel the heat of his palm on her skin, the gentle way his fingers kept stroking her thigh like he was trying to coax the truth out of her.

She wanted to tell him. She wanted to ask about Tasha. But the words kept getting stuck in her throat.

Treasure shifted uncomfortably in the passenger seat, the cool leather sticking to the backs of her bare thighs under Jimmy’s oversized hoodie. His hand was still on her leg, warm and heavy, thumb stroking slow circles that normally would’ve had her melting. Right now it just made her feel exposed.

“I’m fine, Jimmy. Really,” she tried again, forcing a small smile as she finally glanced over at him. “Your mom and I just had a long day in the kitchen. The pie turned out good though. You should be excited about that.”

She reached down and gently placed her hand on top of his, like that would convince him.

Jimmy’s jaw flexed. He didn’t pull his hand away, but he also didn’t accept the deflection. He kept his eyes on the road for a moment, then looked straight at her when they stopped at a red light.

“Nah, Treasure. Stop that, You ain’t fine. You went from letting me talk crazy to you in the store and texting me back all shy… to this dry-ass energy the second I picked you up. Something changed.”

His hand slid higher up her thigh, fingers slipping fully under the hem of the hoodie now, gripping the soft, bare skin there.

“I ain’t stupid, mama. And I hate guessing games. So tell me what’s really going on.”

Treasure’s heart pounded. She could feel the heat of his palm so close to her pussy, the way his fingers flexed like he was fighting the urge to touch her more. The car suddenly felt too small, too warm. She squeezed her thighs together instinctively, but that only trapped his hand tighter against her.

“I just…” She swallowed hard, looking out the window instead of at him. “Your mom mentioned some stuff about your ex. That’s all. It got in my head a little, but it’s nothing. I’m over it.”

Jimmy went quiet for a second. The light turned green, but he didn’t move right away. His grip on her thigh tightened just a little.

“Tasha,” he said flatly, like the name left a bad taste in his mouth. “She brought her up again, didn’t she?”

Treasure nodded slightly, still not looking at him.

Jimmy let out a slow breath, then finally started driving again. But his hand never left her thigh.

“Look at me,” he said after a moment, voice softer but still serious. “I don’t want you sitting there comparing yourself to her. That shit is dead. She’s the past for a reason. My mama told you the truth — it was toxic as hell. I was young and dumb and stayed way longer than I should’ve.”

He gave her thigh a firm, reassuring squeeze.

“But you? You different. You make me feel shit I ain’t felt with nobody else. So whatever my mama said… don’t let that shit make you pull away from me. Aight?”

He glanced over at her again, eyes dark and intense.

“And when we get home… I’m taking this hoodie off you and reminding you exactly who you are to me.”

The rest of the ride home was quiet, but the air between them felt thick. Jimmy’s hand stayed high on her thigh the entire time, fingers possessively stroking her bare skin under the hoodie. Every so often he’d squeeze, like he was reminding her she was his. By the time they pulled into his driveway, Treasure’s heart was racing and her pussy was already wet from the tension and his constant touching.

As soon as the car door shut behind them, Jimmy didn’t waste time.

He took the pie from the back seat and set it on the counter the second they stepped inside. Then he turned to her, eyes dark and hungry.

“Come here,”

Before she could respond, he pulled her into him, backing her up against the wall in the hallway. His mouth was on hers instantly — deep, demanding, and full of everything he’d been holding back since the gym. His tongue slid against hers as one hand gripped her throat gently, the other sliding straight under the hoodie to cup her bare ass.

“Been thinking about this all day,” Jimmy growled against her lips, squeezing her soft flesh hard. “You had me worried as fuck in the car… now I’m gon’ remind you who this pussy belongs to.”

Treasure moaned into his mouth as he lifted her effortlessly, her legs wrapping around his waist. The hoodie rode all the way up to her hips, exposing her completely. She could feel how hard he was already, his thick, curved dick pressing against her bare pussy through his sweatpants.

Jimmy carried her straight to the bedroom, kissing her the whole way like he couldn’t get enough. He dropped her onto the bed and immediately pulled the hoodie up and off her body in one smooth motion, tossing it aside.

“Fuck…” he breathed, staring down at her naked body. “Look at you.”

He climbed on top of her, mouth latching onto one of her nipples while his hand slid between her thighs. Two thick fingers rubbed slow circles over her swollen clit before pushing inside her soaked pussy.

“Already this wet for me?” he groaned against her breast, curling his fingers deep. “Even after you tried to shut down on me earlier… this pussy still knows who it wants.”

Treasure arched her back, moaning loudly as he fingered her with steady, possessive strokes. His mouth moved to her neck, sucking hard enough to leave a mark while his thumb kept rubbing her clit.

“Jimmy…” she whimpered, hands gripping his shoulders.

He pulled back just enough to look her in the eyes, still working her pussy with his fingers.

“Don’t ever doubt what you mean to me, That ex shit? Dead. You the only one I want. The only one I need.”

He kissed her again, deeper this time, grinding his hard dick against her thigh as he fingered her faster.

Jimmy hovered over her, completely clothed while she lay naked beneath him, legs spread around his hips. His fingers were buried deep in her soaked pussy, stroking that perfect spot inside her while his thumb circled her swollen clit. Every slow, deliberate thrust of his fingers made her whimper and clench around him.

He leaned down, pressing his forehead against hers, eyes locked on hers with an intensity that made her chest ache.

“Don’t ever shut me out like that again I don’t give a fuck what my mama said about Tasha. That shit is dead and buried. She couldn’t even keep me happy for two years. You? You got me smiling like a fool all day, rushing out the gym ‘cause I couldn’t stand you being quiet on me.”

He curled his fingers deeper, hitting that spot again as he kissed her slow and deep.

“You hear me, Treasure?” Jimmy whispered against her lips. “You’re the only one I want. The only one I’m thinking about when I’m at the gym, when I’m in the shower, when I’m beating my dick like I did this morning. That ex? She never made me feel like this. Never.”

Treasure moaned loudly as he added a third finger, stretching her open while his thumb kept perfect pressure on her clit. Her hands gripped his shoulders, nails digging in.

“Jimmy… fuck…” Treasure gasped.

He kissed down her neck, sucking hard on her pulse point before pulling back to look at her again.

“You’re mine now, mama. This pussy is mine. This body is mine. And I’m yours. I don’t want nobody else. So stop letting old shit get in your head. You’re better than her in every way — the way you touch me, the way you look at me, the way you make me feel when I’m inside you…”

He pumped his fingers faster, the wet sounds of her pussy filling the room as he ground his hard, curved dick against her thigh through his sweatpants.

“You feel how hard I am for you?” he groaned, voice getting raspier. “That’s all you, baby. Ain’t nobody else doing this to me. Just you.”

Jimmy leaned down and took her nipple into his mouth, sucking hard while his fingers kept working her closer and closer to the edge. His free hand gripped her throat gently, thumb stroking her jaw.

“Tell me you understand,” he said against her breast, eyes flicking up to meet hers. “Tell me you know you’re the one I want.”

Jimmy’s fingers were relentless — thick, deep, and curling perfectly inside her soaked pussy while his thumb rubbed tight circles on her throbbing clit. The wet, filthy sounds of him fingering her filled the bedroom as he sucked on her nipple, eyes locked on her face the entire time.

Every word he said hit her deep, melting away some of the insecurity even as her body trembled under him.

When he pulled back from her breast and demanded, “Tell me you understand… Tell me you know you’re the one I want,” Treasure couldn’t hold back anymore.

“I hear you, Jimmy… I hear youuu, fuck—” she moaned loudly, her voice breaking as his fingers hit that spot again. Her back arched hard off the bed, thighs shaking around his hand. “I hear you, baby… oh my god—”

Jimmy groaned in satisfaction, his eyes darkening with lust and relief. He sped up his fingers, fucking her deeper, wetter, the heel of his palm grinding against her clit with every thrust.

“That’s right, mama,” he rasped, voice thick. “You hear me? Good. ‘Cause I’m not playing with you. That ex shit don’t mean nothing. She never got this pussy dripping like this for her. She never had me rushing home, hard as a brick, just to get inside you.”

He leaned down and kissed her messily, tongue sliding against hers as he kept fingering her harder. His hand around her throat tightened just enough to make her head spin in the best way.

“You’re the only one who makes me feel like this,” he growled against her mouth. “The only one I want moaning my name. The only one I wanna come home to wearing my hoodie with nothing underneath. You understand?”

Treasure nodded frantically, whimpering into his mouth as the pressure built fast between her legs.

“Yes… yes, I understand,” she gasped, her walls clenching tight around his fingers. “Jimmy, please—”

He smirked against her lips, adding a third finger and curling them perfectly.

“That’s my good girl. Now cum for me, Treasure. Show me this pussy knows who it belongs to.”

His fingers moved faster, deeper, his thumb pressing firm on her clit while his mouth claimed hers again. The reassurance, the dominance, the way he was completely focused on her — it was overwhelming in the best way.

That’s when she snapped.

Everything Jimmy was saying — the deep reassurance mixed with that rough, possessive tone — finally pushed her over the edge.

“Oh my god— Jimmy!” Treasure cried out loudly, her voice cracking as the orgasm crashed through her hard. Her back arched sharply off the bed, pushing her full tits into his chest. Her pussy clamped down tight around his thick fingers, milking them rhythmically as wave after wave of pleasure ripped through her body.

Her legs shook uncontrollably around his hand, thighs trembling violently as she came all over his fingers. Fresh wetness gushed out, soaking his palm and dripping down between her ass cheeks onto the sheets. She couldn’t stop the loud, broken moans spilling from her lips as her walls fluttered and squeezed him desperately.

“Fuuuuck… yes… Jimmyyy—” she whimpered, eyes rolling back, nails digging deep into his shoulders.

Jimmy didn’t stop. He kept fingering her through it, slow and deep, drawing out every last pulse of her orgasm while whispering hot against her ear.

“That’s it, mama… cum for me. Good fucking girl. Look at you soaking my hand… all that for me.”

He kissed her through the aftershocks, swallowing her moans as her body twitched and trembled beneath him. When her orgasm finally started to fade, he slowly pulled his fingers out of her dripping pussy and brought them to his mouth, sucking them clean while staring down at her with dark, hungry eyes.

“Fuck, you taste so good,” he groaned. “And you look even better when you’re falling apart for me.”

Treasure lay there panting, chest heaving, legs still twitching slightly. Her body felt boneless, but the heat between her thighs only grew stronger as Jimmy stripped his shirt off, revealing all those tribal tattoos and hard muscle. His sweatpants followed, his thick, curved dick springing free — already rock hard and leaking for her.

He climbed back on top of her, pressing his bare skin against hers in that intimate skin-to-skin contact she was quickly becoming addicted to.

“You still with me, baby?” he asked softly, brushing damp curls from her forehead while the head of his cock rubbed teasingly against her sensitive, soaked folds. “Or you need a minute?”

His voice was gentle, but his body was radiating pure hunger.

Treasure’s legs were shaking violently, thighs trembling uncontrollably as the intense orgasm continued to ripple through her body. She couldn’t stop the soft, broken whimpers escaping her lips, her chest heaving as she tried to catch her breath.

Jimmy slowly pulled his fingers from her dripping pussy and gently spread her legs wider. Instead of climbing on top of her right away, he moved down her body, pressing soft, soothing kisses along her inner thighs.

His lips were warm and gentle against her oversensitive skin, kissing and licking the wetness that had dripped down her thighs. Every kiss sent little aftershocks through her, making her legs jerk and twitch against his shoulders.

“Easy, baby… I got you,” he murmured between kisses, his voice low and tender. “You came so fucking hard for me. Look at these pretty legs shaking… that’s all mine.”

He took his time, kissing one thigh, then the other, sucking lightly on the soft flesh while his hands rubbed slow, comforting strokes up and down her legs, trying to calm the trembling. His damp curls brushed against her skin as he moved closer to her still-throbbing pussy.

“You’re so beautiful when you fall apart like this,” he whispered, pressing a lingering kiss right above her clit. “So wet… so sensitive… and all for me.”

Treasure let out a shaky moan, one hand reaching down to thread through his curls as her legs continued to tremble around his head. The mix of his gentle kisses and the filthy praise had her head spinning.

Jimmy looked up at her from between her thighs, eyes dark and full of lust, but also something softer.

“I meant every word I said earlier,” he told her, voice husky as he kissed her inner thigh again. “Tasha could never make me feel like this. Never made me rush home just to taste this pussy. You’re the only one, Treasure. The only one I want.”

He gave her one more slow, soothing kiss on her thigh before his tongue flicked teasingly over her swollen clit, making her hips jerk.

“You still shaking, mama…” he groaned softly, kissing her again. “Let me take care of you some more.”

sugar talkin’

a/n: ngl ive been making a lot of lengthy ass chapters lately but its worth it yk? And our girl Ressi dont need to be insecure about no hoe fr fr she the baddest.

previous ep

sugar talkin'

summary: Treasure knew better than to fall for pretty words. She already had a man at home, even if the relationship been dead for a minute. But when quiet, observant Jimmy Uso starts slipping into her space during late nights out with her girls, she finds herself craving the one thing she swore she wouldn’t fall for again: A man who knows exactly what to say. And sugar talking can only sweeten a bad situation for so long.

fanfic is 18+ NO MINORS ALLOWED

warnings: heavy making-out, mentioned of abuse, oral (f receiving)

word count: 12.3k (another lengthy one)

smut warning: it’ll come in the story randomly so PLEASE PLEASE look out for it I’m not really good at writing ✍🏽 smuts but I am improving at the moment

Jimmy Uso x Treasure

comments, likes, repost are appreciated I would love the constructive feedback in what area I need to approve in. 🤍

ALSO! I don’t not want nobody stealing my fanfics or take it as theirs that will be an issue fasho so keep it cute respectfully.

I only own my OC along with the make up scenarios

again mdni you have been warned.

title inspired by the song “Sugar Talking” by Sabrina Carpenter

thanks to my friend @charmed-dreamssss for helping me with the summary 🫶🏽

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EP4 .☘︎ ݁˖

Chicago, Illinois - 10:30AM Mama Fatu’s house.

It was ten-thirty in the morning, and the sunlight streamed through the curtains downstairs while birds chirped outside. The house was enveloped in silence, with only the sound of Jimmy sleeping soundly.

He and Treasure were nestled together on the couch, her head resting on his chest and his arms wrapped protectively around her waist as they both enjoyed a peaceful slumber.

Their breaths were in perfect harmony.

However, that tranquil slumber was abruptly interrupted by the vibration of Jimmy's phone on the coffee table, prompting a groan of annoyance from him. He opened his eyes slowly, noticing Treasure sleeping soundly on his chest as he gently reached for his phone.

He noticed that his brother was calling, so he decided to answer it.

“What Fool?” Jimmy asked out of annoyance, voice hoarse from sleep.

“Where yo’ ass at dawg? I had to open up shop for us cause yo’ ass was sleeping.” Jey said over the phone.

Jimmy paused for a moment to blink before glancing at his phone, noticing it was 10:30 AM.

“Shit…” he cursed underneath his breath.

“Yeah, no shit sherlock. Bring yo’ ass.”

He gazed down at Treasure, who stirred in her slumber, brushing her hair aside to reveal her face more clearly. She appeared so serene while she slept.

He placed the phone over his ear. “I’m kinda of tangled up right now.”

“What’chu mean tangled up?” 

It got silent for a moment before Jey got the hint.

“Oh shittt, is Treasure with you?” 

“Yeah, but she’s sleeping right now.”

“Okayy, my boy. I see you got some.”

Jimmy rolled his eyes.

“Nah, we kept it slow and steady at her pace. Not doing allat with her.” Jimmy said, watching her shift in her sleep.

“Such a gentleman.” Jey replied.

“Unlike someone I know.”

He could hear Jey smacking his teeth over the phone. “Man, whatever. just bring yo’ ass to work after you and shawty get done cuddling it up.”

“Bye twin.” With that, Jimmy ended the call and set the phone back on the coffee table, wrapping his arms around her waist in a protective embrace once more.

All he could recall were the events that unfolded between them the previous night.

It was imprinted in his brain like crack.

It happened so suddenly.

Them passionately making out

Marking each other’s bodies 

Then back to kissing

The thought crossed his mind, causing a smirk to form on his lips.

At that moment, he heard a gentle groan from Treasure as she stirred, her eyes fluttering open to survey her surroundings, realizing she had spent the night on the couch with Jimmy.

She shifted her gaze to Jimmy, who was already awake, offering her a warm smile.

“Good morning, Miss Sleeping Beauty.” He said.

She whined, hiding her face in his neck which made him chuckle.

“What time is it?” She asked, voice groggy from the sleep.

“It’s 10:30 in the morning.” Treasure nodded her head—lying back down on his chest listening to his steady heartbeat.

She could feel his warm hands underneath the blanket rubbing against her back. 

“I gotta get up though ma.” 

Treasure whined softly, “do you have to get up?”

“You comfortable where you at?”

“Yes, and you feel so warm, cuddly like a teddy bear.”

Her affectionate demeanor brought a smile to his face as he looked intently into her rich brown eyes, mirroring her actions by gently tracing her finger down his chest.

“Well, I have to get up for work. Before Joshua calls me again complaining in my ear.” Jimmy says.

She smacked her teeth. “Five more minutes.”

“Treasure.”

“Five more minutes Jimmy, Pleaseeee.” She was giving him puppy eyes, something he couldn’t resist causing him to sigh, nodding his head as she smiled at him.

Jimmy shakes his head. 

“You’re something else mama. You know that?” 

“That’s because I get whatever I want.”

“Oh really? You think pouting like a puppy is going to get you anything you want?”

“Yes, indeed.”

They both stared into each other’s eyes for a moment before chuckling.

“A’ight, whatever you say mama.” Jimmy said.

A hush enveloped them, with only the sound of birds chirping and cars driving by—Jimmy intertwined his fingers with hers, gently toying with her digits.

“Yo’ hands are tiny as fuck.”

Treasure shot him a look.

“Well you have big ass hands so of course my fingers are gon be tiny.” 

“Touché mama, but c’mon I gotta get ready for work and take you home.”

A chill ran through her veins upon hearing that, and for some strange reason, she was reluctant to return home.

Not in this state, with hickies marking both sides of her neck and even on her thighs. The previous night had been intensely passionate for both of them.

It caused her to sit up abruptly, a look of confusion on her face.

“I cannot go back home looking like this.” She says, showing off her hickies on her neck which made him grin. “Fix your face now.”

“What? I’m just admiring my masterpieces, that's all.” He said.

Treasure rolled her eyes and started to stretch her body, emitting a soft groan that caused her shirt to ride up, revealing a glimpse of her lower body, while Jimmy simply observed her.

He gradually sat up too, keeping her steady on his lap, his shirtless torso adorned with hickies and his hair in disarray.

While she was distracted, he gently took her chin and pressed a tender kiss against her lips.

“Jonathan.”

Jimmy looks at her innocently, titling his head.

“What mama?”

“You cannot be doing that.”

He sat up straight, leaning in closer to her face, allowing his tongue to moisten the lower part of his lips.

“Why not hm? You wasn’t saying that last night.” Jimmy teased.

She instantly fell silent, averting her gaze from him as her cheeks began to flush with color.

“That’s what I thought.”

She smacked him on his arm. 

“Shut up, I swear you’re annoying.” She clapped back.

Jimmy laughed softly at her, shaking his head as his smile grew broader. It was at that moment they heard footsteps descending the stairs, capturing both of their attention. They turned their heads to see Mama Fatu making her way down, noticing the two of them.

“Good morning you two.” Mama Fatu greeted them, with a grin on her face.

As soon as Treasure got off his lap and settled beside him, they quickly composed themselves, prompting Mama Fatu to chuckle as they made their way into the kitchen. There, she began gathering ingredients for breakfast from the fridge and cabinet.

Meanwhile, Jimmy rose from the couch and walked over to the kitchen to embrace his mama with a hug and a kiss on the cheek.

“Morning Ma.” Jimmy replied.

She checked the time on the clock and started prepping for breakfast. “Dont you gotta be at work boy?”

He rubbed the back of his neck, briefly looking at Treasure before redirecting his focus to his mother.

“Yes, Ma’am. But I overslept so I’m finna get ready right now.” 

“Alright Son, are you taking Treasure home?”

Jimmy shakes his head. “Nah, not yet. I was going to later on though.”

Mama Fatu had a smile on her face. “That means she can stay for dinner then.”

Dinner?

She darted her attention towards Treasure, smiling at her. “Would you mind staying for dinner dear?”

“Yes, of course I can. I don’t have anything planned tonight.” Treasure said.

“Perfect.” Mama Fatu replied. “Why don’t you come help me cook some breakfast.”

Treasure rose from the couch and made her way to the kitchen, where Mama Fatu and Jimmy were busy. She started assisting Mama Fatu in preparing breakfast while Jimmy observed them closely.

He watched as she selected the seasonings for the eggs, adding them to the bowl one by one before whisking them together, appreciating the moment of connection between his mother and her.

Suddenly, his phone buzzed, indicating that Jey had sent a message—he knew Jey would be on his case for arriving late as if he owned the place.

“A’ight, imma get ready and head out before your son gets all pissy.” He announced.

“Okay dear, drive safe okay?”

He kissed his mother on the cheek. “I gotchu ma.”

He locked eyes with Treasure, who offered him a subtle smile, likely thinking that he felt shy about expressing his feelings in front of his mother, before she redirected her focus to the eggs.

However, her smile faded the moment she glanced away from him.

He noticed it as well.

While she waited for the skillet to heat up, listening to Mama Fatu chatter away about something, she suddenly felt a pair of strong arms wrap around her waist, causing her to flinch. Turning her head, she saw his tall figure looming over her.

“Yes?” She asked.

They locked eyes, their noses nearly touching, lips almost brushing against each other. It was as if she was holding her breath, captivated by the depth of his almond-shaped gaze.

“Your smile dropped.” He mentioned.

Damnit

She pretended like she didn’t drop her smile. “It didn’t.”

“It did and I saw you. We lying now?”

“I’m not lying Jimmy…” Treasure set the pan spray on the skillet, allowing it to heat as she attempted to free herself from Jimmy's hold. However, he drew her nearer to his chest, whispering softly in her ear. “Stop runnin’ from me mama.”

His deep voice sent chills down her spine.

“I-I….” He pressed a passionate kiss against her neck, causing her knees to weaken beneath her.

She cracked the eggs into the skillet, starting to cook them while stirring until they transformed into a fluffy scramble, adding cheese for an extra burst of color and taste.

Jimmy leaned in to plant another lingering kiss on her neck, followed by a gentle peck on her cheek before he finally pulled back.

“I’ll see you later aight?” Jimmy said.

Treasure nodded, fully aware that her mind was racing with countless thoughts after everything that had happened, and she had so much to share with Liv about last night.

As his footsteps receded from the kitchen, she kept preparing breakfast alongside his mother. Then, Mama Fatu made a comment that caught her attention.

“My son is a very affectionate man, once he gets attached he changes into a whole different person. You seem like a great young lady for him and.” She paused for a moment eyeing down at Treasure’s neck. “I can see that he didn’t waste no time with marking you?”

Treasure felt embarrassed trying to hide her face as Mama Fatu playfully hit her on the arm. 

“I’m just teasing you dear.”

All she could do was smile at her hoping that today would go smoothly.

✎ᝰ.

Afternoon came around as the shop was steady with folks coming in for appointments to get cover ups on some stupid tattoos folks would get or get their tattoos done, Jimmy had just got done with a client that came in for a cover up as he was telling his client about changing the saniderm wrap after 3 to five days before cleaning it and replacing it.

The music was booming in the speakers in the background as everyone was doing their task, Jimmy wiped down his station making sure that his area was sanitized before the next client had showed up.

That’s when Jey had spoken up. “Soooo are we not going to address the elephant in the room.”

Jimmy glanced at his brother as he tossed a paper towel into the black trash bin, raising an eyebrow in curiosity. “And what is that?” 

Jey aimed his Apple Pencil at Jimmy's neck, which was covered in hickies, as if he didn't care at all about hiding them before coming to work.

He looked at himself in the mirror spotting the hickies.

“What about them?” Jimmy asked nonchalantly.

He smacked his teeth at his brother. 

“Dawg, c’mon. you got all of those hickies on your neck. Don’t be acting nonchalant about it.” Jey replied.

“I’m not acting like anything.”

“Then just admit that you and treasure were messing around last night at mama’s house.”

Jimmy shot him a look. “Don’t say it like that.”

Jey had his hands on his hips like a typical dad. 

“Then how do you want me to say it?” He asked.

“Don’t say it like we fucked, it was nothing like that last night.”

Silence hung over them as the music changed to a different song hearing the bass booming. 

“What was it like then?” Jey questioned him.

Jimmy stroked his beard, fully aware that his brother would persistently nag him for a real answer until he finally provided one.

“We were in a heat of the moment last night, that’s all.”

Jey had looked at Jacob then back at Jimmy with a suspicious look on his face. “That wasn’t the ‘heat’ of the moment last night from what I’ve seen. It looks like yall wanted to do all of that kissing and tonguing each other down for a minute ever since you met her at the club.”

He rolled his eyes at him. “Believe what you want to believe.”

“See here he go being in denial again.”

“I’m not in denial about anything.”

“You are in denial about it because why are you being this hostile?”

Before he had the chance to speak, he felt his phone vibrating in his pocket. He quickly retrieved it, unlocked his device using Face ID, and checked his notifications. Among them, he noticed a message from Treasure along with several other alerts.

One message from Treasure🧘🏼‍♀️

Treasure🧘🏼‍♀️: hey dummy hows work?

He chuckled, typing his thumb away.

Jimmy🩶: it’s been steady for a min,  and I’m getting questioned by my own brother rn.

Treasure🧘🏼‍♀️: about what exactly?

Jimmy🩶: about the hickies on my neck.

Bubbles appeared.

Treasure🧘🏼‍♀️: oh I’m sorry…I didn’t mean to mark u up like that last night 

Jimmy🩶: it’s all good mama u don’t need to apologize we were just very deep into it last night.

Very deep into it.

He saw bubbles appearing then disappearing.

And reappearing again.

Treasure🧘🏼‍♀️:  oh okay, Liv hasn’t said anything about it yet.

The 'oh okay' response felt insincere, especially when she changed her tone to mask the fact that it was actually bothering her, even though it clearly was.

He noticed all the little things about her.

Typing his thumbs away.

Jimmy🩶: did me saying that bother u?

Treasure🧘🏼‍♀️: no it didn’t but I understand tho we were in a heat of the moment last night consumed by weed and alcohol.

Jimmy🩶: Treasure.

Treasure🧘🏼‍♀️: no I get it but it’s okay tho, but imma ttyl bc Liv is yappin my ear off.

Jimmy muttered a curse under his breath as he watched her activate Do Not Disturb on her phone. He set his own phone down beside him, let out a deep sigh, and rubbed his hands over his face.

His brother and cousin quickly picked up on his stress, noticing his agitation right away.

“You good twin?” He asked.

He nodded his head, hearing the door bell ringing.

“Yeah, yeah. I’m straight, we got a customer coming in, let's focus on work.” 

Jey remained silent, ending the conversation as he walked toward the entrance to welcome the customer. In the meantime, Jimmy prepared his station for the customer, reflecting on the entire discussion he had with Treasure, aware that he needed to meet her after work.

She seemed so conflicted about it. The way she ended the conversation and placed her phone on DND.

It seemed as though she was accustomed to this specific scenario in her relationship with Giovanni; however, the reality was that Jimmy was completely different from Giovanni in every way.

He didn’t want her to overthink things.

He wanted her to communicate with him.

Breaking these kinds of habits.

In a bustling salon across town, Treasure and Liv were surrounded by satisfied clients who were coming in and out, all pleased with their new hairstyles. Soft R&B music filled the air, complemented by a TV playing in the background for the clients' entertainment.

Liv couldn't help but notice that her best friend had yet to mention the hickies on her neck, nor had she acknowledged them at all. Treasure seemed preoccupied, barely checking her phone throughout the day.

This lack of communication made Liv anxious.

She was aware that Treasure and Jimmy had indulged in alcohol and weed the previous night at his mother's house, which likely led to an intense makeout session and possibly more after Liv had left.

Determined to get to the bottom of things, Liv planned to pull Treasure aside when the salon quieted down. After her last client departed, she seized the opportunity.

Treasure was busy tidying her station, sweeping up hair clippings and tossing plastic from a hair product package into the bin. As she worked, she felt a tap on her shoulder and turned to find Liv standing right behind her.

“Yeah?” Treasure spoke.

“Let’s talk bestie.” Liv said softly.

“Okay.” She stopped sweeping the floor placing the broom next to the chair—grabbing her phone while following Liv towards the couches in the lobby.

Once they sat down on the couch that’s when Liv said something.

“Are we going to talk about the hickies on your neck and why you’ve been avoiding checking that phone?” She says.

Treasure sighed deeply. “There’s nothing to talk about, when we were just in the heat of the moment last night. It didn’t mean anything.”

Liv raised an eyebrow. 

“Did he say that?”

“Well…” she trailed off. “Not exactly like that, but he said we were deep into it.”

She saw Liv slap her hand against her face. 

“And you assumed he said something like that? Oh we were in the heat of the moment. That sounds like something Gio would say but Jimmy doesn't seem that type of guy.” 

She didn’t understand why did it bother her so much.

“Bestie, you’re pushing him away, you know that right?” 

“I’m not trying toooo. But fuck man.” She said running her fingers through her hair in frustration.

“Ressi, all of those things you and him were doing together. Isn’t that what you want?” 

Yes it is what she wants.

“It is….i can’t stop thinking about it you know? It’s like I wanted more and more from Jimmy.” Treasure confessed.

“Then why don’t you tell him that then? And if it’s because of Gio girl fuck him like honestly. You cannot let Giovanni ruin this for you.”

Giovanni was the main reason why, all of those insults from him through their messages and putting her down like she was nothing to him.

When’s she’s been everything to him.

Just for him to act like she doesn’t matter.

She held her head down.

“So it’s because of Gio ain’t it?” Liv asked.

Treasure nodded her head not looking at her hearing Liv scoffed underneath her breath.

“I’m so sick of his ass Ressi, and I don’t like this version of you.”

“He’s been blowing up my phone since last night at the party, just questioning me. I don't even think I want to go back there…” she replied.

“See nah, you a grown ass woman he don’t need to be acting like that for real. Lemme see your phone.”

Without a moment's hesitation, she handed Liv her phone, watching as Liv unlocked it using her password. As she scrolled through the notifications, it became clear that Jimmy had sent her several texts, followed by a flurry of messages from Giovanni.

“You’ve been ignoring Jimmy too?”

“I-I…didn’t mean to…what is he saying?”

Liv read through his messages.

“He just said that he was coming to see you at work during his lunch break, and that he misses you including some other things.” That caught her attention that he missed her.

“He misses me?” 

She nodded her head showing her his messages.

Now she felt bad for ignoring him. “I feel horrible ignoring him over something small that could’ve been talked about but I avoided that.”

Liv wrapped her arm around her shoulders.

“Y’all can still talk about it but you cannot always run away from things like this.” Liv said.

“Yeah, you’re right.” Treasure replied.

At that moment, they heard the doorbell ringing, thinking it was just another client. However, as they emerged from the lobby, they were surprised to find Jimmy waiting there, holding two bags of food in his hands.

Naturally, Jey and Jacob were right there with him.

“Hey, mama.” Jimmy said.

She gazed at him with a smile as he tilted his head, suggesting they find a secluded spot to eat and converse without anyone eavesdropping.

Treasure glanced back at Liv and the others, silently pleading for assistance by mouthing the word 'help,' but they all responded with a shake of their heads.

“They’re going to make up to be honest.” Jey said.

“Oh most definitely.” Liv agreed.

As soon as they found a secluded spot, Jimmy closed his truck door with a satisfying click. He handed Treasure her favorite meal—a bag filled with lemon pepper wings, accompanied by ranch dressing and a side of fries.

How did he know that this was her favorite meal?

A heavy silence enveloped them as they shared a meal in his truck. Not a single word was exchanged; they simply listened to the sounds of passing cars.

Treasure was uncertain whether to break the silence or let it be, occasionally stealing glances at Jimmy. She noticed a ketchup stain on the side of his mouth, prompting her to wipe it away with her thumb, which caught his attention.

“You had something on the side of your mouth.” Treasure mentioned.

“Oh shit thanks.” Jimmy said, wiping his mouth with a napkin.

And then it went silent once again.

Treasure tugged at the hem of her shirt, letting out a deep sigh of frustration as she gazed at him.

“I’m sorry…I didn’t mean to ignore you over something small like that…when I could’ve just talked to you about it. I’m just so used to these types of things with Gio…and I know you aren’t like him but…” she vented.

She continued on, "I understand that last night was just us in the heat of the moment, maybe it didn’t mean as much for you as it did for me…because it’s been so long. So long since a man has given any type of affection or given me attention.”

“I miss it…but I always have this voice in the back of my mind saying that I don’t deserve this…I-I don’t know it sounds stupid.”

She exhaled gently, as if she had been holding her breath for an eternity—gazing out the car window.

He remained seated, gazing at her as she expressed her frustrations about having to pause eating his food.

“Treasure, look at me.” He said softly. “Look at me mama.”

That’s what got her.

Treasure locked eyes with him, peering into his almond-shaped brown eyes as if she were on a quest to uncover something hidden within them.

“I get it I really do, I don’t want you to shut me out. Just talk to me. I'm here for you don’t feel scared to talk to me about anything you hear me?”

She nodded her head.

“Good.” All she could do was smile warmly at him, feeling his hand gently cradling her chin, his thumb softly gliding across her cheek as she leaned into his touch, embracing it.

“teine ​​aulelei” Speaking in his language that she didn’t understand made her tilt her head confused like a puppy.

“Hm?” Treasure responded.

“I said pretty girl in Samoan.”  She hummed in response, taking a bite of her lemon pepper wings and finding out he was speaking his language suddenly attracted her.

“What else can you say in your language?” 

“You’re interested?”

Treasure nodded her head. “Indeed, you sound sexy….talking like that…”

Jimmy grinned. 

“I do huh?”

“Mm-Hmm I wanna hear more.”

His massive hand seized her throat, drawing her face nearer to his, his lips grazing her ear, leaving her utterly disoriented.

Whispering in her ear. “tama aulelei, e vave ona avea oe ma a'u.”

Placing a wet kiss on her cheek then her jawline. 

“tama o le a sa'o oe.” He says softly 

“What’chu whispering in my ear boy?” She asked.

“Some sweet shit mama.”

“Oh yeah?”

All he could do was stare into her deep chocolate brown eyes, shifting his gaze from her lips back to her eyes. He completely lost track of the food that lay before them.

Her cheeks flushed a bright red as she turned her head away, feeling overwhelmed by his irresistible charm.

He gently grasped her chin, licking his lips in anticipation.

“vaai mai ia te au pepe.”

She started to feel flustered. 

“J-Jimmy, our food is gonna get cold.”

Jimmy glanced down at their food with an indifferent look, his mind elsewhere as he admired her beauty, which was clearly for her own benefit.

He shut the lids of their meals, carefully placing them back into the bag one by one, the sound of crinkling bags filling the air as he set them in front of her. Then, he slid into the backseat, leaning against the plush leather of his truck.

With his arms stretched across the seat, he waited for her.

He gestured for her to join him.

Treasure paused momentarily, scanning her surroundings to ensure no one was watching before she climbed into the backseat, settling onto his lap. As she did, she felt his hands instantly move to her ass.

He began to rub in gentle circles while she grasped his shoulders for balance.

“You’re very touchy you know that.” Treasure said.

He grinned.

“Ion hear you complaining though mama.” Jimmy replied as he continued to rub circles around her ass.

“Maybe because I like it.”

He tilted his head. “Oh for real? Tell me what else you like me doing to you.”

She gently ran her fingers along his tattooed arms, locking eyes with him. His dark gaze made her feel a rush of nerves, as if he were silently expressing a desire to consume her right there in his truck.

“I like it when you…kiss me, touch me, make me feel seen like I matter, make me feel wanted. And I like it when you show dominance wrapping your hand around my throat…and if I’m being honest..” she expressed while taking a moment. “It turns me on…”

She noticed a subtle shift in his facial expression as he straightened up, still holding her on his lap.

“It turns you on when I do this.” Jimmy's hand encircled her throat while she gripped his wrist, her gaze fixed on him as she bit her bottom lip.

That made him chuckle knowing that she was a little freak, a shy one at that.

“You a little freak aren’t you baby?” He said softly seeing her nod her head.

“Only for the right person.”

“Am I the right person to bring it out of you?”

“Mm-hmm.”

He nodded his head looking at her lips then back into her eyes before saying. 

“Stick yo’ tongue out fa’ me then.”

Her eyes went wide open at his request, already feeling her cheeks getting red and he noticed it right away, placing a soft kiss on her cheek getting her warmed up.

He kissed her cheek once more trailing it down to her jawline towards her neck as she felt this electric shock down her back.

Her pussy started throbbing something she hadn’t felt in months.

Jimmy was giving her bite marks causing her to moan softly, she could feel how hard his dick was underneath her making her pussy throb even more.

Once he trailed his kisses back up to her cheek he pulled back looking at her seeing her face all flustered that made him chuckle at her seeing how cute she looked.

Planting a soft kiss on her lips with his eyes locked onto her deep chocolate brown eyes, as she tenderly massaged his curls, fully aware of his fondness for her touch.

One kiss turned into Two kisses 

And the third turned into four

After that it started to turn into a whole makeout session in the backseat of his truck.

Her fingers tangled deeply in his curls, causing him to grip her ass tightly, his nails pressing into her skin as she let out a hiss of pain.

She ground her hips against his lap.

Their kiss was chaotic, tongues dancing within each other's mouths, one taking control over the other as if they had done this countless times before.

Muffled moans and groans escaped from both their lips.

As she continued to grind on his lap, he held her steady, guiding her hips to move rhythmically against his hardened member.

With one hand around her throat and the other on her hips, he directed her movements as they lost themselves in a passionate make-out session.

“Ou shit mama, just like that.” Jimmy muffle between kisses.

Jimmy had bit the bottom of her lips pulling it back before going back into the kiss making it sloppy.

“fuck, jimmy, fuck.” Treasure muffles back.

His erection pressed firmly against the fabric of his sweats ignited a fire within him as he gripped her tightly, lifting Treasure and drawing her down onto him.

With his feet firmly planted on the floor for enhanced stability, Jimmy lifted and thrust his hips against her. Each movement resonated with their intimate moments, the outline of his erection rubbing against her, while the damp fabric of her panties pressed against her clit.

He broke away from the kiss, trailing wet kisses along her jawline, kissing it gently as she moaned his name.

“Jimmmy.” She whines.

Jimmy looks up at her with his almond-shaped eyes watching her crumbling on his lap.

“o le a le pepe? o le a.” He whispers gently in her ear. “o le mea lea na e mana'o ai purinisese.”

Treasure melted at the way his native language rolled off his tongue to smoothly have her mind all tangled up all over the place.

Couldn’t even form words together earning a slap on her ass.

“Huh baby?”

“Y-yes…”

“What?”

“Yes, Jimmy, yes. Jesus.”

He smiled, biting his lower lip, captivated by the sight of her. Watching her hips sway and her head tilt back as she clung to him for balance put him in a trance.

“Looking so sexy mama, grinding on my dick like this.” Jimmy grunted.

“You feel so big jimmy…” Treasure moaned.

“You want this big dick inside of you mama? Hm? Is that what you want?”

Without even thinking,  being too caught up she says. “Fuck me, come fuck me.”

This prompted him to lift her and press her against the leather seat of his truck, securing her hands above her head while he locked his gaze onto hers.

Seeing her chest heaving up and down.

“Not like this treasure.”

Treasure’s facial expression changed into a confused expression.

“What? Did I do something wrong? I’m sorry I shouldn’t have said that I—“ Jimmy pressed a soft kiss on her lips to shush her troubled spirits.

They make out for a second finger being tangled in his curls once more pulling him closer so they could be closer together.

Chest to chest

Foreheads pressing against each other 

Nose brushing against each other 

She moved her head to the side letting her get lost in the make out session.

“You don’t want me?” Treasure muttered.

Jimmy pulled away looking deeply into her brown chocolate eyes.

“Of course I want you, been wanting you since I’ve seen you at the club with your girls.” Jimmy said softly.

They kissed some more.

“you scared?”

He chuckled at her bold statement.

“me scared? never that.” She kissed his soft lips more, caressing his salt & pepper beard.

“sure seems like it.” Teasing him made Jimmy clench his jaw tightly.

Circling his large hand around her throat bringing his lips closer to her ear so she could hear him loud and clear.

“keep on with that teasing shit mama, and I’ll take yo’ ass home with me ass bent over on the bed fucking the shit out of you.” That made her freeze in her place listening to his voice changing into a deeper tone made her pussy throb for him.

And he didn’t even know.

“that’s what you wanna do to me?”

“Mm-hmm sure do, you real bold little girl.”

“Maybe because I miss you.” Her eyes went wide open when she said it so casually seeing that sly grin on his face.

Dipping his head down to press a wet kiss on her cheek.

“You miss me?”

She felt a wave of embarrassment as she giggled, covering her face with her hands. How could she possibly miss a man she had only known for three to four days and already feel such a strong attachment to him?

Jimmy gently took her hands away from her face.

“Don’t hide your face now after saying that.” Jimmy teased.

She rolled her eyes at him. 

“I’m embarrassed.” Treasure replied.

“Don’t be.”

A hush fell over them, with only the sound of cars passing by one after another as they locked eyes. Treasure absentmindedly twirled his curls, as if her fingers were destined to be there, until she finally shattered the silence.

“Do you think this is wrong?” She asked.

“What baby?” He responded.

“Doing this with you…all of this..”

Jimmy sat up straight in the backseat, while she reclined on her back, enjoying the gentle caress of his hand on her thigh.

“I mean I don’t wanna ruin what you got goin on with yo’ man at home.”

Treasure smacks her teeth at him. “It was already ruined once he stopped showing me affection and attention just out of the blue…I don’t wanna feel like I’m using you or anything….thats not what I want…what I’d yearned for.”

“Then tell me what do you want then?”

She played with her fingers not saying anything, she knew what she wanted in a man and Giovanni was not giving it to her.

She had to look elsewhere.

Biting the bottom of her lips she sighed.

“I just want a man to love me, appreciate me as much as I do for them, you know? Love on me, fuck me. Do whatever to me. I have to beg for things like that whenever I’m with him…”

“I can give you all of that.”

“But I don’t wanna feel like I’m using you jimmy…like you are too precious.”

At that moment, he lifted her onto his lap, securing her with his hands resting on her hips to ensure she remained steady.

“Listen to me ma, you aren’t using me I know how you feel whenever you're around me. You smile, you get all nervous, shy. You get irritated when I tease you for your country accent slipping out. You get turned on when I touch you or kiss you and make you do things you have never done before.” Jimmy said.

He continued on with his thumb caressing her cheek. “Does he cross your mind whenever you with me?”

No he doesn’t  She doesn’t even think about him whenever she with jimmy.

“N-no…” Treasure responded with a soft voice.

“Then no this doesn’t feel wrong, but like I said before we can go at your pace okay? We don’t gotta rush into anything when I’m still tryna get to know you.”

“I am too…”

He held his hand out initiating them to create a handshake.

“I gotchu Treasure, I’m here if you need me.” They both created a cute handshake between them having Treasure smiling from ear to ear as he placed a soft kiss on her lips.

“I’m right here you hear me?” He said.

She nodded her head. “I hear you.”

“A’ight then. Cmon so we can head back in before they start trippin.”

✎ᝰ.

Treasure had finally returned home after Liv dropped her off. As she walked up the steps to her apartment, her mind was filled with the recent moments she shared with Jimmy, causing her to lightly touch her lips with her fingertips.

Checking her phone, she noted it was 6:30 PM, realizing it was time to prepare for dinner at Mama’s Fatu house once more.

Just as she approached her door, ready to unlock it, she spotted Giovanni standing there, the door wide open, arms crossed, and his jaw clenched.

Looking pissed.

“Where the fuck you been at Tres? You haven’t read my messages?” Giovanni questioned her.

She strode past him, unwilling to engage with his nonsense after the messages he sent the previous night while she was at Mama Fatu's house. As she entered their bedroom down the hallway to drop her purse on the bed, she could hear his footsteps approaching from behind her.

“Don’t you hear me talking to you? You must be deaf huh?” He said.

Treasure continued to walk away, ignoring him as she removed her clothes one by one, tossing them into the dirty laundry bin beside the dresser without a second thought about the hickeys on her neck or the mark on her hips.

Giovanni immediately noticed when she pushed her hair aside, prompting him to stride towards her, grabbing her by the arm while she stared at him as if he were insane.

“Where the fuck did these hickies come from? You been fucking another nigga behind my back?”

She could if she wanted to.

“Let go of me Gio, I don’t have time to deal with this tonight.” Treasure said.

He scoffed. “Oh? You don’t have time tonight huh? But you have time to fuck some other nigga and not answer my messages.”

“I wasn’t fucking nobody Gio, you’re being delusional.” She responded, yanking her arm away from him.

Treasure headed inside of the bathroom where he followed her with heavy stomps.

“Tell me who is he?”

“Who’s who Gio?”

“Don’t play fucking stupid with me Tres.”

“I’m not playing. I don't know who you talking about, and can you get out please so I can take a shower.”

As she was about to turn on the shower she felt him yanking her by her hair causing her to yelp looking into Giovanni’s eyes in fear.

“W-what the fuck are you doing?! You’re hurting me Gio!” 

“Oh I’m hurting you? When you can come home the next day not answering my text or calls then show up with fucking hickies on your neck like I’m some dummy.”

She would have to come up with a lie somehow.

She tried fighting him off with the strength she had only for him to yank her hair harder than before.

“Ouch Gio! Let Go!” Treasure shouted.

“Not until you tell me who you’ve been fucking.” Giovanni replied.

“Nobody! I’ve got these from Liv! We were just playing truth or dare at her house!” 

Treasure sensed his grip starting to slip, giving her the chance to shove him away and land a stinging slap across his face, causing him to stagger back, clutching his cheek.

In retaliation, he struck her back with force, causing her to collapse onto the cold ground, feeling a warm trickle run down from her nose. As she touched her nose, she felt the blood streaming down, triggering a rush of panic in her heart.

She looked up at him, seeing his face filled with regret.

“Tres—“ Treasure threw her hand up at him.

“Get the fuck out now.”

“I didn’t mean—“

“Get out! Now!”

After he left the bathroom, closing the door behind him, she was left there, vulnerable and frightened. Gathering her strength, she rose from the cold floor and caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror, where she saw blood trickling down her face.

In a state of panic, she quickly reached for some tissue paper, dabbing at the blood on her nose, only to realize that her lip was also swollen and bleeding.

“Fuck…he cannot see me like this…” She whispered to herself.

She successfully tended to her wound before stepping into the shower to cleanse her body.

The sound of the front door slamming shut startled Treasure, causing her to flinch in fear as she entered the warm water that cascaded over her body, letting out a deep sigh.

Maybe Liv was right.

Maybe she should leave him before it gets worse.

But it was already starting.

He had put his hands on her which she didn’t expect him to do knowing him for so long.

This wasn’t the same Giovanni she met back in college.

This wasn’t the same man she lost her virginity to once they got together.

This isn’t the same man that would shower her with gifts, kisses, anything she wanted.

No this was a whole different person that she didn’t know anymore.

She lowered her head, allowing the water to cascade down her back as tears started to stream down her cheeks, her own sobs reverberating through the hallway.

Jimmy must never find out about this. The only person she could confide in was Liv, but the thought of Liv insisting she tell him—or worse, doing it herself—terrifies her.

For now, she must keep up the facade.

Treasure kept sobbing, her lashes becoming wet as she leaned her head against the wall, pouring her heart out in tears.

She sniffed her nose. “I cannot believe he would do that to me without even thinking…”

“Just straight slapped me like I didn’t matter.” Treasure said to herself.

Making her shake her head. “Jimmy cannot know or he’ll be pissed. But he’ll be even more pissed if I don’t tell him.”

She cursed underneath her breath running her fingers through her wet hair.

What am I going to do? What am I going to do? What the fuck am I going to do?

That’s all she could think about in the back of her mind.

“I’m going to have to tell Liv…she’s gonna be pissed.”

After enjoying a long shower, she began preparing to go to Mama's house. With her makeup perfectly applied, hair elegantly curled, and a generous spritz of perfume, she felt a surge of confidence.

Glancing at her phone, she realized it was time to leave. She picked up her purse and keys, opening the bedroom door to a still silence.

Noticing he was absent from the couch, she recalled that he had departed earlier following their disagreement in the bathroom. Her heels clicked rhythmically as she made her way to the door.

Turning back, she shook her head in disbelief while locking up, then walked to her car. After unlocking it and sliding into the driver's seat, she shut the door beside her, tossed her purse onto the passenger seat as usual, and inserted her keys into the ignition, turning it on.

She glanced at her reflection to ensure her lips were shining with gloss and her lashes were perfectly in place while she styled her hair. The address was already programmed into her GPS as she began playing 'Constant Bullshit' by Summer Walker, the bass thumping in the car.

She fastened her seatbelt, hearing that reassuring click that confirmed her safety, and checked her surroundings before pulling out of the parking lot.

On her way to the destination.

Treasure was enjoying the music as she drove to Mama Fatu’s house for Sunday dinner. This was her second visit to meet Jimmy’s family, but this time, Liv wasn’t by her side.

She sang along to the lyrics, word for word,

Bar for bar.

It felt all too familiar, reflecting her current situation with Giovanni.

Reflecting on his impulsive decision to strike her, he wished to convince himself it was unintentional, yet she knew better… it seemed as if he was eager to unleash his pent-up frustration on her, just as he had done before.

A lengthy drive across the city led to the Fatu family's gathering spot in the suburbs.

She arrived around 8:30, parking behind several cars already lined up along the street—Jimmy’s customized truck and a few others she didn’t recognize. The sound of music drifted softly from the open windows: a blend of classic R&B, laughter, and the clinking of plates.

Treasure inhaled deeply, adjusted her top, and ascended the steps. Just as she was about to knock, the door swung open.

Jacob appeared, clad in a fresh graphic black tee and black jeans, a golden chain glinting around his neck, his gummy smile lighting up his face.

“Yooo Treasure what’s good! Jimmy said you was coming.” Jacob said.

She moved her hair to the side. “Y-yeah…didn’t want to miss it, is Jimmy here?”

He stepped aside letting her come in.

“Yeah he’s out back right now with the guys, you want me to let him know you’re here?”

Before she could say anything she heard some call out her name gaining her attention as she had seen Jeyce running up towards her.

“Miss Treasure!” Jeyce shouted, making her appearance known.

She hugged him tightly smiling at the little boy.

“Hey, Jeyce. I see that you kept your hair fresh in that durag huh?” Treasure teased.

Jeyce nodded his head showing off his hair that made her giggle.

“Sure did! Well my pops made me because I kept forgetting.”

Treasure smiled at him.

The aroma of the house was divine: tender oxtails simmering, garlic wafting through the air, plantains sizzling in hot oil, and cornbread just baked to perfection. Voices mingled together—Roman was raising his voice at Jey over something happening outside, children were darting about, and the hearty laughter of the uncles filled the space.

Mama Fatu emerged from the kitchen, her apron sprinkled with flour, and her face brightened with a warm smile the moment she saw Treasure.

“Treasure my dearest! I was worried you weren't going to show up!” She pulled Treasure into a hug that smelled like home-cooked everything. “Come, come, you hungry darling?”

 Treasure laughed softly, already feeling the warmth seep in. “Starving. Smells great here.”

“Good. Go grab a plate dear.” Mama Fatu smiled at her.

She made her way to the dining room, where a lengthy table was overflowing with food, and chairs were already occupied halfway, with everyone engaged in lively conversation. As the sliding glass door opened, the guys entered, and Roman was the first to notice her, giving Jimmy a gentle nudge.

“There go your’ girl cuz.” He teased.

“She ain’t my girl.” 

“Not yet, hey Treasure!”

She smiled at him. “Hey Joe.”

That was the moment she and Jimmy locked eyes, but there was something unsettling about his gaze—his eyes darkened as if he believed she had done something wrong.

This frightened her.

The guys were seated next to one another, while Jimmy sat beside Treasure, remaining silent. Plates were passed around, food heaped high—oxtails tender and falling off the bone, rice and peas, collard greens, and mac and cheese, golden and bubbling.

As grace was recited—hands clasped around the table, heads bowed—she stole a quick glance at him before he sensed her gaze, prompting her to shut her eyes.

Once grace was finished, everyone dug into their meals, chatting over one another, passing dishes around as Treasure took a forkful of mac and cheese, savoring the delightful flavors that danced on her palate.

She hummed in contentment, her eyes fluttering shut.

“This is so good, the best thing I ever had in a while.” Treasure said.

“I’m glad you like it dear. I mean look at my boys.” Mama Fatu replied.

She snickered. “They’re big boys that love their mothers cooking can’t blame them.”

The room was alive with laughter as the kids, having finished their meals, dashed through the back door, leaving the adults behind. Meanwhile, Treasure continued to enjoy her food, tuning in to Jey's chatter with Jimmy and Roman.

As she savored her meal, she felt a hand resting on her thigh, drawing her attention. Looking down, she realized it was Jimmy's hand, his thumb gently stroking her thigh while he listened to his brother's conversation.

This gesture brought her a sense of comfort, yet she remained puzzled about the way he had looked at her earlier.

“Treasure my dearest, I hear you’re from the countryside.” Mama Fatu mentioned, wiping her mouth.

“Yes ma’am, I’m a Houston girl born and raised.” Treasure replied.

“What made you come to Chicago?” 

“Wanting to grow my salon business honestly.” 

“Jeyce was telling me something about your salon business.”

She chuckled knowing Jeyce probably said something the moment he got his hair done.

“I bet he did, that little boy is something else.” She said.

“Is your family from Houston as well?”

She nodded her head. “Yeah, they’re more country than me I must say but they love it down there.”

Mama Fatu nodded her head smiling. “Hopefully we could travel together one day soon have some mother and daughter bonding.”

Jimmy had coughed on his spit as soon as he heard that looking at his mama like she was crazy.

She rolled her eyes, waving him off.

“Don’t mind his dramatic ass, lemme tell you ever since he was with that one girl. Oh honey I didn’t like her pain in my ass.” Mama Fatu expressed.

“Mama!” Jimmy shouted.

“What? I’m being honest. I didn’t like her.”

What girl? 

She glanced at him, seeking answers, but quickly averted her gaze, not wanting to push him into discussing something he was reluctant to share.

It appeared he was upset with her over an issue and preferred to address it privately.

Mama Fatu clapped her hands, gaining their attention.

“That’s another story for another day, but it’s time to clean up the table. Jonathan, Josh, Joe please take out the trash while I clean up the dishes.” She said.

“Time to get slaved, damn!” Jey had rubbed the back of his head looking at his mother pointing her finger at him.

“I didn’t raise you to be lazy.”

“My fault ma, my fault.” As the guys stood up from their seats to dispose of the trash, Treasure observed them. It was then that Jimmy lightly brushed his hand against her shoulder, prompting her to turn and look at him.

“When I get done with this imma need to holla at you for a minute.” 

Treasure felt her heart dropping down to her ass.

“Y-yeah…okay.” 

As she approached the trashcans where Jey and Roman were, a wave of panic washed over her. She couldn't help but wonder what on earth he wanted to discuss when he returned.

Jimmy looked so pissed off at her and she didn’t know why.

She immediately grabbed her phone out her purse and started texting Liv.

Treasure🧘🏼‍♀️: Bitch why does jimmy looked pissed off?

Liv🍬: he is?

Treasure🧘🏼‍♀️: yes! He looks pissed off at me! I didn’t do anything wrong did I?

Liv🍬: well….

It suddenly dawned on her that she had confided in Liv about the incident with Giovanni back home, where he had been physically aggressive towards her. Liv had warned her that if she didn't inform Jimmy about it before going over, she would take matters into her own hands and tell him herself.

Treasure🧘🏼‍♀️: Olivia don’t tell me that u told him right?

Liv🍬: abusing my government is crazy butttt I did and I told u I was going to do it if you didn’t 

Fuck she thought to herself.

Treasure🧘🏼‍♀️: u couldn’t give me time to tell him?

Liv🍬: you said that u were unsure to tell him knowing that he’ll be pissed which he had every right to be but I know u bestie u wasn’t going to tell him

Im so fucked  I’m so fucked 

Treasure🧘🏼‍♀️: well great now he’s pissed at me and wants to talk to me after he gets done doing what he was doing

Liv🍬: I’m sorryyy bestie but yk I love u and he needed to know I mean yall are technically messing around lately 

Treasure didn't refute that, yet it didn't alter the reality that in just a few minutes, she would find her head held down like a misbehaving puppy as soon as that sliding door at the back swings open.

Treasure🧘🏼‍♀️: I’m so cooked bro now I wanna go home

Liv🍬: aht aht don’t do that, u need to put on your big girl panties and own up to it. If he stays mad then let em be mad okay?

Treasure🧘🏼‍♀️: sigh okay…I’ll text u for updates

Liv🍬: alrighty girl

She let out a deep sigh, running her fingers through her hair as she inhaled and exhaled through her nose. The sound of the sliding door closing made her flinch, and she could hear three deep voices in the background.

She didn’t dare to look back, fully aware that his gaze would be piercing through her skin, so she feigned interest in her phone for the moment.

As she scrolled through Instagram, resting her hand under her chin, she glanced at everyone’s stories and reels.

In the midst of this, she felt someone clear their throat, drawing her attention. Turning her head, she saw Jimmy’s tall figure looming over her, a beer can in his hand, looking down at her.

“Yes?” Treasure answered.

“C’mere so we can talk.” Jimmy replied, cocking his head towards the back where they can talk in private.

Treasure remained silent, not offering any excuses to dodge the conversation as she tucked her phone into her purse and followed him to the back.

Once outside, Jimmy closed the sliding door and leaned against the wall with his arms crossed, while she stood there nervously playing with her fingers.

An awkward silence enveloped them, with only the sounds of music from inside the house and the laughter of children breaking the stillness.

Until Jimmy broke the Silence.

“So when was you gon’ tell me about yo’ boyfriend putting his hands on you Treasure?” Jimmy questioned her.

Shit here we go

Before she could say something he cut her off. “Why did I have to hear it from Liv instead of you? Hm?”

“I-I’m sorry…I was going to tell you…but I didn’t know how…knowing you’ll react like this…” Treasure replied.

“Of course imma act like this when he put his fucking hands on you Treasure.”

“If I would’ve told you then what Jonathan? It would make the situation more complicated than it already is when he believes that I’ve been fucking around.”

He pointed his beer can at her. “Don’t abuse my government name.”

She felt her body shaking as she tried to brush it off.

“I’m sorry, you're right. I should’ve told you…” she apologized.

“One thing about me is that ion like hearing shit from nobody else unless it comes from that person, if we gon be messing around like this and build trust I need you to trust me Treasure.” He explained.

He was right 

He needed her to trust him

If this was going to work

Jimmy pushed himself off the wall walking towards her way.

“Lemme see.”

“J-jimmy…”

“Lemme see Treasure, don't play with me.” She followed his command, feeling his hand gently support her chin as he noticed the scar on her split lip, causing his jaw to clench tightly.

Treasure gazed into his eyes, which were brimming with fury, yet he maintained his calm demeanor as he let out a deep sigh.

“Should’ve told me.” Jimmy said softly.

“I-I was scared…” Treasure replied.

“Scared of what? I’m not gonna hurt you Treasure but I will correct you if I have to.”

A tingling sensation coursed through her when he spoke those words.

Perhaps she could find a way to escape this situation.

Treasure embraced him, her arms around his neck, while his hands rested on her hips, their faces mere inches apart.

She pressed her lips softly against his, and he looked down at her, responding to the kiss.

“I’m sorry Jimmy.” Kisses his lips. “I’m really sorry.” Kisses him some more. 

Jimmy wasn't no fool; he knew what she was doing and it was not going to work on him either, remembering what she had said about getting her way for certain things.

“You think you slick huh? Quit playing with me Treasure. You not having your way this time.”

“I said I was sorry though.”

“And I hear you but you ain’t having yo’ way.”

Damn I thought that would work.

She released her embrace from around his neck, stepping back and noticing only her lip gloss smudged on his lips, giving them a shiny appearance.

They remained silent about the moment as he opened the sliding door, stepping aside to allow her to enter, the sound of the door closing behind them echoing in the air.

A wave of embarrassment and sadness washed over her, guilt evident on her face as she observed him walk towards the guys, acting as if nothing had occurred.

This left her spiraling into overthinking.

✎ᝰ.

The living room was filled with everyone enjoying the changing music, while Kyomi found herself in the kitchen, savoring a sip of wine that glided smoothly down her throat.

As she swirled her wine glass, she took another sip before setting it down on the kitchen island. She then pulled out her phone and noticed a few messages from Liv.

Three messages from Liv🍬

Liv🍬: just checking in on u sis Liv🍬: how did the talk go with jimmy? Liv🍬: he still mad at you?

She typed back.

Treasure🧘🏼‍♀️: I’m not okay I feel so bad for not saying anything to him I feel like he hates me

Liv🍬: what? Don’t say that he’s just upset that’s all has he said anything else to u?

Treasure🧘🏼‍♀️: no he’s just been distant from me yk? I can’t even look at him honestly…😟

Liv🍬: omggg ressi it’s okay 

Treasure🧘🏼‍♀️: it’s not I feel my emotions taking over me, I’m trying to keep my composure.

She took another glance at him seeing him smiling and laughing with his brother and cousin which made her heart ache.

Liv🍬: why don’t u take a moment to get it together 

Treasure🧘🏼‍♀️: I’ll do that but I might just call it a night tbh maybe we will talk tmr idk

Liv🍬: you leaving?

Treasure🧘🏼‍♀️: yeah…I’ll just stay the night at your place I’ll just make an excuse 

Treasure set her wine glass down on the counter and grabbed her purse, making her way upstairs toward the bathroom, catching his eye as she did so.

He noticed her expression faltering as she ascended the stairs, sensing that she needed a moment alone before she could hold it together any longer.

The bathroom felt familiar to her, as if she had lived in this house ages ago. She opened the door, stepped inside, and closed it behind her, sitting down on the toilet with her left leg trembling beneath her.

Anxiety surged within her, making her feel as though she had jeopardized their relationship when all she needed to do was communicate her feelings to him.

She inhaled and exhaled through her nose, attempting to steady herself and prevent tears from ruining her makeup.

Treasure fanned her tears away with her hands, keeping her head held high as she fought against the urge to cry.

“You’re okay Ressi, you’re okay.” Treasure said softly, huffing heavily. “He’s just upset at you that’s all, you guys will talk and make up right?”

Giving her flashbacks of her and Giovanni being like this before and they didn't talk for about a week.

This scared her.

She didn’t want that with Jimmy.

Once she had composed herself, she let out a deep sigh and rose from the toilet, making her way to the mirror to freshen up before leaving.

She tidied her curls and ensured she reapplied some lip gloss, carefully wiping the corners of her mouth.

“Just tell his mama that you have to get up early in the morning to open the salon.” She said to herself before throwing her purse over her shoulder.

As she opened the door, a rush of cool air greeted her skin, immediately following the sound of the bathroom door closing behind her, her heels echoing down the hallway and all the way down the steps.

Upon descending the stairs, she noticed Jimmy was nowhere in sight. She shrugged, assuming he was with either Jey or Jacob, and reached into her purse for her keys as she made her way to the front door.

Just then, she heard someone calling her name and turned to see Jey approaching her.

“Yo! Treasure you leaving?” Jey asked.

“Yeah, got things to do in the morning.” Treasure lied with a slight smile on her lips.

However, she was confident that Jey would trust her, especially given the way he stood with his hands on his hips, looking at her intently.

“That’s not why you leaving huh? You leaving because of my brother right?”

She sighed. “It is…he’s mad at me Joshua and i don’t know what to do but to leave. Give him his space you know? I didn’t expect him to be upset like this.”

“That’s how he is sis honestly that’s like one of his pet peeves.”

She played with her keys. “You don’t think I should leave?”

“Honestly no, I know he cares about you and likes you but you have to let him in—in order for this to work out and you leaving right now would shut him out completely.” He said.

Ouch

That hit her immediately.

“I don’t wanna shut him out…I just don’t—“ The sliding door shut behind them, prompting them to glance back as they noticed him entering the house, likely having just finished smoking a blunt to ease his anxiety.

Their eyes met as he tilted his head, observing her holding her keys at the front door, puzzled about her presence there.

This curiosity compelled him to approach them.

“That’s my cue to leave, so y’all can make up.”

Jey turned and walked away after giving his brother a quick fist bump, heading outside with the other guys, leaving him and her alone once more.

Jimmy's hands rested in his pockets, hovering over her petite frame, which made her feel anxious as she looked up at him.

“Yes?” 

“Where you goin?”

“I was heading home.”

He raised an eyebrow. “You leaving me already?”

“I-I…got things to do jimmy…” she said nervously.

“Do you now?” She nodded her head fiddling with her keys until he took them out of her hand out of the blue.

“Jimmyyy give me my keys.”

He shook his head. “Nah, tell me why you leaving actually?”

Shit 

“Jimmy cmon I need to go.” Treasure begged.

“Tell me Treasure.” Jimmy demanded with a low tone in his voice.

She smacked her teeth at him, “Fuck…I’m leaving because…you’re mad at me…and I don’t know if can handle you being mad at me all night…so I just made the decision to head home for tonight…”

She continued on. “I know I should’ve told you…I was wrong for not telling you about it but I didn’t want to make the situation worse okay? I’m sorry…”

He could see tears forming in her eyes as she looked away from him trying to keep her composure—she knew she wasn’t getting those keys back.

“Go sit down and wait for me.” He says.

She blinked. “What?”

“Go ahead and sit down, wait for me you staying with me tonight at my place.”

Well that took a turn.

“O-okay…” she replied as she walked past him feeling his hand smacking her on the ass causing her to yelp looking at him.

“Go on mama.” Cocking his head towards the living room.

She followed his command, making her way to the living room to take a seat on the couch, her gaze fixed on him—his unexpected behavior left her feeling perplexed.

Why was she spending the night at his place?

What was he going to do to her when they went there?

Treasure watched him hug his mother 

Dabbed up his brother and cousins 

Along with hugging his nephew.

Hearing Jeyce say, “you better protect her or I’ll beat you up.”

She couldn't help but chuckle at the sight of his mother handing him bowls filled with food, just in case they decided to share a meal together at his home.

“Make sure she eats son okay? And take care of her.” Mama Fatu said.

“You know I got her ma, she’s safe with me.” Jimmy replied with a smile on his face while placing a soft kiss on his mother’s cheek. “Drive safe son.”

He gazed at her, clutching bags of food in his hands, tilting his head toward the door, prompting her to rise instantly, with her purse slung over her shoulders.

As she moved toward the door, Mama Fatu embraced her.

“He’ll take good care of you dear okay?”

She smiled at her. “Okay.”

As they bid farewell and stepped out the door, Jimmy wrapped his arm around her waist, guiding her down the stairs toward his truck.

The brisk air greeted them as they exited the house—upon reaching his truck, he opened the door for her, allowing her to enter first before closing it gently and making his way to the driver's side.

He set the bags down on the floor of the backseat behind them before sliding into the driver's seat and shutting his door.

After fastening his seatbelt, he inserted the keys into the ignition, started the engine, and adjusted the air temperature to ensure they were comfortable and warm.

“You ready?” Jimmy asked.

“Y-yeah…” Treasure replied.

He put the truck in reverse gear as he backed out of his mother’s driveway checking his surroundings while Treasure looked outside the window not saying anything.

This was gonna be a long night.

✎ᝰ.

After enjoying a warm shower, Jimmy had offered her some extra clothes that were a bit long but draped over her like a gown, with his shirt accentuating her curves perfectly. Just as she was about to head to bed, she heard him calling her name from his bedroom.

Curious, she peeked her head out to find him lying there shirtless, his tattoos on full display, a Cuban link chain resting around his neck, and his hair still damp.

“Hm?” Treasure answered with a hum.

“C’mere mama.” Jimmy replied, signaling her to come inside the room.

As she entered his bedroom, she noticed the care he had taken in decorating it, just like the rest of the house. She closed the door behind her, hearing it click softly.

Unsure of what to do or what he desired, she hesitated to meet his gaze until she heard the bed creak. Stealing a quick glance, she saw him rising from the bed and approaching her.

When he stood before her, his towering height made her feel diminutive, forcing her to look up at him. His eyes held an emotion she couldn't quite put into words.

“What?” She questioned him. “Did you need anything..? Am in trouble—“

Jimmy gently cradled her face, planting a soft kiss on her lips that momentarily surprised her before he effortlessly lifted her by her thighs as if she were weightless.

He carried her towards his bed, both of them lost in a passionate kiss that was delightfully messy, her fingers entwined in his damp hair.

Treasure felt the cool sheets of his bed against her back as his fingers intertwined with hers.

He lovingly pressed his lips against her chest, then turned her onto her back, Nestled between her legs, he showered her with tender, lingering kisses that traveled from her neck to her chest and down to her stomach, making her squirm beneath him.

“W-wait….i don’t know…if I could jimmy…” She breathed, nails digging into his back.

He looked up at her, eyes dark and focused. “Could what baby?”

She felt embarrassed to say that never had an orgasm before, not even with Giovanni just remembering him saying something was wrong with her.

“I never had an orgasm before jimmy…I think something is wrong with me.” 

That’s what she believed.

His facial expression changed. 

“Baby there’s nothing wrong with you, he just ain’t do it right lemme take care of you please.” 

She felt the urge to argue with him, insisting that she couldn't go through with it, yet she held her lips tightly together and nodded in agreement.

Every touch was intentional and prolonged. He moved with determination, as if he had a message to convey—but he took his time. His goal was to leave her gasping for air, to be the only man who could stir such emotions within her—not Giovanni, just him, and only him.

He knelt beside the bed, pulling her closer as he placed gentle kisses along her thighs, his eyes fixed on hers, completely entrancing her.

Without a moment's pause, his fingers found her clit, moving in slow, sensual circles.

“W-wait—“ Treasure started to reply, but was swiftly hushed by a fervent kiss. He pulled back just a bit, his eyes radiating a commanding intensity. Jimmy's fingers moved away from her clit, slowly pushing two fingers inside her, curling them upward, causing Treasure to gasp sharply. A victorious grin appeared on Jimmy's face as he watched her respond to his caress.

“Relax baby, relax.” He spoke softly.

Wrapping his arms around her thighs, he buried his face between her legs. As he kissed her intimately, she paused, looking down at him with a mix of surprise and desire.

Jimmy started to tease her intimately, his tongue expertly exploring her most sensitive areas, making her squirm with pleasure as her body tightened slightly, encouraging him to lock eyes with her. “Relax, pretty girl, I gotchu baby.”

She yielded to his calming voice, her body relaxing under his spell. Restlessly, she wriggled, attempting to stifle the soft moans that escaped her lips, but Jimmy was determined to draw them out of her.

He teasingly explored her curves, momentarily retreating before plunging back in, eagerly traversing her unexplored regions with his tongue, which craved his touch.

His tongue danced with skillful finesse, smoothly navigating her wetness as he savored the soft sighs escaping her lovely lips, sounds he cherished deeply. “How does this feel, mama? Does it feel good?” He cooed at her.

Her fingers danced through his messy hair as she nodded, at a loss for words, prompting a soft chuckle from him below her.

He was enjoying every second, gently exploring her clit with his mouth, delighting in her escalating pleasure as she instinctively tried to retreat. However, he quickly drew her back, holding her exactly where he desired her. “What I say mama? Relax.”

“I’m s-sorry…” she mewled out.

She experienced a sensation of weightlessness, her thoughts blissfully clouded and still tingling from the effects of the weed. Each time his tongue made contact with her clit, powerful waves of pleasure coursed through her, leaving her breathless. Her eyes rolled back in pure ecstasy as she surrendered to the overwhelming feelings, allowing her body to melt under his skilled touch.

As he delicately slid two fingers into her welcoming warmth, a soft gasp escaped her lips. His fingers curled just right, expertly teasing her g-spot, drawing out moans that filled the room as she tightened around him.

“Taste so good Ressi.” He groaned out in the air.

Hearing him say her nickname only her close friends called her had her feeling some type of way.

“J-Jimmy…F-fuck…” Treasure let out a soft moan as she looked down at him, witnessing him savoring her as if it were his final meal of the day. In reaction to his tongue and fingers exploring her, she began to sway her hips, rolling her eyes back in pure ecstasy.

She began to move her hips in response to his tongue and fingers, her eyes rolling back in sheer ecstasy. Treasure felt her climax building stronger with each gentle pull on her clit. When he inserted two fingers, he skillfully curled them, thrusting in a steady rhythm that enveloped her in a blissful daze, reminiscent of gazing at a sky filled with stars.

She pressed her lips together, tilting her neck back against the pillow. “Jimmmyyy.”

He grinned against her skin, his fingers skillfully stimulating her g-spot, causing her to surrender to the surges of ecstasy from his touch. He was awakening her passions, his warm body enveloping her throbbing core.

“I’m right here baby, talk to me. you finna make a mess on me mama?” Jimmy emitted a deep growl, sending ripples of sensation through her body that echoed profoundly within her.

“I-I feel s-something….i feel something…” Her voice was just a soft whisper as he explored further with his fingers, his tongue moving with fervor while she clutched his biceps firmly, her impeccably manicured nails nearly piercing his skin.“You feel what mama? Talk to me.”

The fervent nature of his movements rendered her completely speechless; the pleasure he was delivering pushed Treasure into a frenzied state. In mere moments, she found herself quaking and writhing, craving her climax, her eyes rolling back in sheer ecstasy.

“Jimmmyyy, I’m cumming. I’m cumming!” That’s she she had snapped almost as if he broke her into pieces.

The sound of her sharp cry echoed as the waves of pleasure enveloped her, her body shaking while her essence gushed forth like a flood, and she could hear him eagerly savoring it as if it were a life-giving elixir.

“There she go baby, look at you. you did so good mamas.” Her body quivered with anticipation, feeling tears coming down her eyes.

He slowly pulled his fingers away from her, mesmerized by the way her chest rose and fell, her legs shaking with anticipation. Positioned between her thighs, he placed soft kisses on her neck and lips, trying to soothe her, while his fingers glided in gentle circles on her thighs, murmuring sweet nothings into her ear.

“Breathe out mama, I’m right here.” His voice flowed with a deep, luxurious quality, reminiscent of honey softly murmuring in her ear. When his lips grazed her cheeks, a surge of warmth enveloped her, causing a tightness in her throat. Slowly, she permitted herself to relax, yielding to the calming embrace of serenity.

He flipped them over, with her comfortably resting against his chest as he reclined on his back. She could hear the steady rhythm of his heartbeat while he softly traced circles on her back—she had never felt so utterly drained at that moment. Her eyelids started to flutter as she fought to keep them open, until he eventually commented on it.

“Get some sleep Ressi” Jimmy reassured her.

“A-are you still m-mad at me?” Treasure replied with a drowsy lilt in her voice.

“No baby I’m not mad at you anymore, get some sleep mama.” 

Jimmy softly kissed the top of her head, his hands tenderly drawing circles on her back, offering the comfort and reassurance she longed for, away from any turmoil. In his arms, she discovered her safe haven.

He felt Treasure beginning to stir in her sleep, her gentle snores escaping as he watched her peacefully nestled against his chest. With a satisfied sigh, he shut his eyes, letting himself fall into slumber while holding Treasure close.

sugar talkin ‘

a/n: wellll this was another long oneee. work has been whopping my ass fr fr I don’t be having time to write anything only when I’m off work sooo I hope yall enjoy it 🙂‍↕️

previous ep

Part 2 contains some smut this time. Enjoy ^^

Part 1

The following minutes after Roman proposed to you, the internet literally exploded. Thousands of tweets, TMZ headlines, a video from this special moment uploaded on the WWE’s YouTube channel- everyone was talking about this viral moment. But as expected, it wasn’t long before people found out who you were, and, of course, there was the outrage over the age gap.

@uceywifey: Chile, she could be his daughter

@.tribalprincess: No wonder Roman didn’t have his wedding band anymore, he really kept his divorce a secret

@iyotrashcan: that’s so disgusting girl run away💀

@drewmcinburger: these are two grown ass adults, who cares

@bloodl1nesupremacy: this family surely has a thing for younger women, @uceyjucey I’m talking to you lame event cheat man

@solosasscrack: man idk I just wish them the best, seems like their family keeps growing

@xoxoliiiiv: Roman Reigns being a groomer wasn’t on my bingo card-

@whoopthattrickkk: they seem to be happy and I’ve seen bigger age gaps, mind y’all business damn

@_thebigtime: everyday that man finds a new way to disappoint me 🫩

@triplehemorrhoids: His kids seem to love her tho

It was expected, and you couldn’t blame anyone for thinking that the age gap was kind of disturbing, but it didn’t matter to you because at the end of the day, it was nobody’s business but yours and Roman’s. You’ve seen people making all kinds of shit up regarding the news: he divorced his ex wife for you, he was cheating with you, he’s a predator, you’re a gold digger… oh well, whatever helps them sleep at night.

Personal Best 19

🤍 Pairings: Coach!Cody Rhodes x Female Reader

🤍 Summary: Are we prisoners, or are we free? It's a thin line.

🤍 Warnings: 18+ only, Minors DNI!, Explicit Sexual Content, Power Imbalance (coach/athlete), Strong Language, Implied Age Gap (but age appropriate, as always), Workplace-Adjacent/Semi-Public Settings, Slow Burn

🤍 Word Count: 5.1k

🤍 Links: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19