Page 88 of Rather: The Therapist

“I expect an investment when I win. Twenty-two thousand dollars.”

“I expect to see you in my suite, pussy parted with my dick tapping against your walls when I kick your ass.”

“Not happening,” she challenged.

“It will. So will the twenty-two thousand. It’ll be in your account tomorrow.”

“That’s not how this works. I’ll win, fair and square.”

“It works however I say it does, Rather. Now, shut up and play.”

She closed her eyes, frustrated with our lack of intimacy and her lack of self-control. When her eyes opened, so did her mouth.

“My period,” she explained.

“What?”

“You asked why you hadn’t seen me. I’ve been on my period.”

With a nod, I accepted the new bit of information she was giving.

“Hear me well when I say don’t ever let that stop you again. I’m not a law abiding citizen, Rose. I run red lights.”

This time, the separation lasted until she was bent over, hugging her knees with her palms while trying to catch her breath. I neared the center of the court, watching her struggle as the sun glared down on us both.

“You could put yourself out of your misery by quitting now.”

We were on our third set. I’d won one and so had she. However, she was now down by two points. Another point and I would win the game.

Unlike before, when my family was hardly paying us any mind, everyone was tuned in. Kleigh, my mother, and Nikola were all cheering for Rather. Killian and Kofi roared every time I gained another point.

My father remained neutral externally, but I was almost certain he was daring me to lose to Rather. My success meant more to him than a simple game of tennis.

“It’s not over yet, Priest.”

“It can be.”

“I’m ready,” she panted, standing tall and clutching her racket.

Her fight was commendable but the games she’d played before had weakened her. If I was the first person she’d played, I wouldn’t doubt she would’ve beat my ass. But, that wasn’t the case. She was burnt out and I was just warming up.

I tossed the ball in the air and hit it with the racket. It nearly landed on the ground in the far corner of her barrier. However, she recovered it. Quickly, I hit the ball in the other corner, certain she was in no shape to make it to the other side of the court so quickly. I was wrong. She managed.

“UGH.”

With urgency, she smacked the ball in my direction and ran toward the other side, expecting me to make the same decision twice. She was wrong and that’s where she’d fucked up. The ball landed on the side she’d just recovered it from. This time, the greenery caught it.

“Fuck!”

My features were unchanging as I hung the racket on the hook where it belonged. Eventually, Rather did the same. She said nothing as she bent over, grabbing the tumbler filled with water.

“Just like that,” I expressed, “I want you just like that tonight. Eight. And, don’t make me wait or you’ll find out just how much effort I’m willing to put into you.”

I left her standing where she was and rejoined the rest of the family under the shade.

“That’s what the fuck I’m talking about! Beat her ass,” Killian yelled-whispered, slapping my back.

Our parents were near. It was imperative he remained respectful.

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