Page 17 of Jagged Edges

“What did I do that was so terrible that you can’t even keep your dick hard long enough to fuck me all of a sudden?” She asked, much calmer than she had at the airport. This Cash, I could handle.

“This,” I pointed to my limp dick, “has nothing to do with you, so don’t sweat it.”

After a moment of silence, she continued, “Who is she, Bello?”

“Nobody you know,” I confessed, helping Cash up from the floor.

She said nothing more, instead following me to the bathroom so that I could give her a towel to clean herself with. Once she returned to the bed, I headed for the bathroom. I needed a fucking shower to empty my balls and clear my head.

When I returned,Cash was fast asleep under the sheets. I headed for the kitchen to grab a bottle of water and then made my way out onto the balcony. My thoughts were spiraling as I took a seat and unlocked my cell. I dialed one of the only numbers in my contact list. Something within me knew that she was awake, too.

“Bello,” Trinity answered, concern lacing her tone.

“I’m good, Trinity,” I chuckled.

“Oh, good,” she sighed with relief.

She was the closest thing I had to a mother and she took her job seriously. She worried much more than she had to, but I got it. It was just something that women did, especially when it came to the people they loved.

“What are you doing up this late?” I uncapped the water in my hand and sipped it.

“Melonie’s friend, the one with the birthday coming up, wants a hotel room for this weekend and I’m having trouble securing one. Everything is booked and she specifically requested Huffington Hills. You called at the perfect time because I was wondering if you had any connections to get her booked for the weekend?”

My heart swelled at the mention of Brisk. Though her name wasn’t mentioned, I knew that she was the topic of discussion. It would be hell getting a spot in the Hills so soon. Everything was booked for months in advance. Luckily, I had a solution.

“She can have the loft for the weekend,” I suggested.

“Your loft?” Trinity asked, as stunned as I was but at this point, there wasn’t too much I wouldn’t consider for the girl I barely knew.

“Yeah. I have plans this weekend and don’t mind lending the keys as a favor.”

It wasn’t a favor. Helping make Brisk birthday meaningful was a priority and this was simply my way of contributing. Even from a distance, I wanted to be involved.

“Oh, wow. This is the best news I’ve heard all day. Melonie is going to flip. She’s been so worried we couldn’t pull this off,” Trinity celebrated.

“Tell Melonie, uncle Bello to the rescue,” I chuckled before having another sip.

“Now that we’ve gotten my issue resolved, what’s yours?”

Silence followed as I wondered how I’d say the next few words. Trinity waited in silence, too, but I could still hear the even breaths she took on the other end of the line. She was mother in so many ways, which made it incredibly difficult to spit out anything pertaining to Brisk. But, I had to.

“I met a girl,” I admitted, leaving out a few details that she’d possibly wanted to know. But, still.

“And…” She encouraged me to continue.

“We’re not dating or no shit like that but I met her. And, I like her. Like, Trin… I’m talking some shit beyond my comprehension.”

“And…” She kept me talking.

“And, there’s another woman in my bed right now. I tried having relations…”

“You tried having sex with her. Talk to me like a human, Bello. I’m not your mother and I’ve told you that a million times,” she fussed.

“Then why does it feel like it and why are you fussing at me?”

“Continue, please. And, talk to me like you sister and friend, the roles I take pride in most.”

“I went soft. As soon as I slid in her, Trin. That has never happened to me. To make matters worse, I doubled up oncondoms. The thought of her touching the skin of my mans was repulsive. Thing is, I’ve been involved with this girl on and off for years. Sometimes - maybe once or twice - even running in her without a glove.”

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