Thirty Eight

Thirty Eight


AALIYAH 

His masculine frame stands still, surveying the pen that once used to house Jim and Jay. How time flies, from a distance, I can feel his pent-up emotions pouring out, the hurt embroidered in his hard mass.

With gentle steps, I approach him. I encircle his solid frame from behind, my tender touch seeking to offer solace. 

His strong arms find their place upon mine, fingers tracing delicate patterns along my skin. I rest my head upon the sturdy expanse of his back, silently urging him to confide in me

"Thanks, Aaliyah," he murmurs. With a tender gesture, he guides my hand upward, bringing it to his lips, his warm breath caressing my skin in a gentle kiss. 

"They are greatly missed," I respond softly, my voice laden with compassion. 

He turns, his eyes locking with mine as my arms remain wrapped around his strong frame. "Yeah, if I had the power to change certain things, there's one thing I wouldn't alter: the scars on Hector's chest caused by my claws," His gaze shifts to his hands, his fingers tracing over the sharp claws that had left their mark. "He deserved it and more," 

"You have every right to do what you did, and besides, you're being kind enough to let it slide. Not everyone would be so forgiving, no doubt he would pick on you next time considering your nature."

He scoffs, his lips forming a tight line. "That's not in my nature," he boasts "He will regret the day he crossed me. I am patiently biding my time, waiting for the perfect moment to strike back." A mischievous glint dances in his eyes. "Let the men worry about scars and revenge. By the way, I heard the physician came today. Have you been attended to?"

I nod in response, tilting my head upwards to gaze at him.

“It's evident, seeing that you almost passed out from the marathon sex.” He makes jest of me. So typical of him to do that.

“It wasn't because of that.” I defend.

“Indeed. Even when we were slow.”

"Jeez! Knowing you and your way with words, you were undoubtedly slow," a smirk dancing on my lips. "I won't elaborate further."

Cupping my face, he drew me closer, his lips hovering tantalizingly close to mine. "You are radiant, my love," he whispered. "And it's all thanks to my magic sperm."

"And even more." I couldn't resist amplifying his playful comment 

He kisses my plump lips, still studying my face. "Really, what did the physician say is the problem?”

"Your sperm." I tease.

He pulls his face back slightly to look at me. "You know I absolutely adore compliments," 

"For real though, that compliment deserves to be framed," 

"Definitely doing that," his lips meet mine in a playful kiss that produces a "muak" sound.

Taking his hand in mine, I gently guide it to rest on my stomach. I didn't receive the same reaction as I did with Hunter. Was Hunter truly the father, or could it be because I’m no longer wearing the badge, so I don't need the extra energy?

His gaze shifts down to my stomach, waiting for my response. "Is my sperm in there?" 

I nod, allowing him to interpret my coded response, a knowing smile spreading across his face. "I'm with a child," My eyes fix on him, searching for the tiniest hint of a reaction. 

"But if you don't want to be involved..."

"I want all of it". Tears glisten in his eyes. He is an emotional beast, a passionate lover indeed. 

"But there is a problem," I continue.

"What is it?" 

"I don't know who the father is, so, I chose you because you are the dearest to my heart."

In an instant, he scoops me up in his arms and spins me around. As he set me down, my eyes slightly misty, I struggle to regain my balance.

"Why did you do that?" I asked, still catching my breath.

"Because you're simply the best," he whispered, his lips tenderly pressing against my forehead.

"You didn't let me finish,"

"You've said the problem, is there more? You're making me scared."

"That's not the problem," I reply, my words catching his attention. 

"Hector is not having it,"  my brow furrowing in concern. "He also claims that the baby is his."

"You told him you choose me, right?"

"I did," I whisper. "But..."

"Let me worry about that," he interrupts me. "He's in for a lifetime ride, and I can't promise it won't be bloody. Just focus on taking care of my baby, and let me protect you. From now on, you'll have a separate room and only the best meals."

I nod in affirmation. I get a takeaway too, I blush.

“What the hell is going on here?” Hector's baritone resonates, sending me flying from Hudson’s arm.

I step aside, scared of the impending doom. "Hector, you have to calm down and listen...”

“Aaliyah, please step aside and don't intrude. Let me focus on this beast full of shenanigans.”

Hudson throws his hand forward, slapping Hector hard in the face. It's as though he knew this moment will come and he seized it.

Hector recoils, his cheek stinging from the impact. He unleashes a lightning-fast punch, connecting squarely with Hudson's nose. Blood instantly erupts from the injured appendage.

I rush to Hudson, the same time he launches at Hector, tossing me to the side from our collision. I land butt-hard on the stone floor, screaming in terror. They both rush to my side, to confirm if I am okay.

The moment of concern is short-lived when they keep throwing punches at each other, Hudson flings Hector to the floor with so much vigour, and sits on him, delivering hard blows on his face, exerting his revenge. Hector throws him to the side, having his piece of flesh.

Their fight draws the attention of people around. I crawl on the floor, navigating my way through their fierce claws as they fight dirty.

Linda rushes to my side, helping me up, it's not strange that she is here, knowing her love for gossip. 

She guides me away from the danger zone, leading me towards the corridor. Her grip on my arm was firm but as we reach halfway, she releases me, her voice barely audible amidst the chaos.

"I'll be right back," she promised, her eyes filled with excitement. Without waiting for a response, she darts back into the crowd, eager to witness the unfolding spectacle first-hand. I knew better than to place my trust in her words.

I walk gently, dragging each foot, scared of the outcome of their encounter. Very soon, everyone will get a sip of the juicy news. Right now, my priority is to get to the confinement of my room which is safer my me, and take my next leap, not minding where I land.