Page 10 of Roulette: The Madam

Words of wisdom from my father carried me across the room where I began to regain my strength. My orgasm had weakened me to the point of immobility. Wobbly legs led me toward thebedroom door. Just as I met the threshold, a gentle voice halted my stride.

“Madam,” Kiara cried. “I didn’t mean for things to go this far.”

She reeked of despair. I could smell the fear seeping through her pores.

Coward.

I turned around, taking a good look at Chino and Kiara.

Pathetic.

My eyes roamed their faces and then their bodies, simultaneously. Though both were pleasant to the naked eye, it was the imperfection of Kiara’s midsection that caught my attention.

Clawed at my eyeballs.

Melted my skin.

Splintered my heart.

Stole a breath.

Tampered with my heart rate.

I tittered and angled my head as my lips turned upward. She was thin, much like me. Kiara’s stomach was as flat as the stage our dancers pranced around all night. When she was committed to the gym for months at a time, her six-pack was visible. She had abs to envy on her best days. And, now, she sported a small, barely noticeable bump.

“Roulette. Stay. She is leaving. I–”

“No, no. It’s late, and it’s dangerous outside of those doors. You should stay, Kiara. I’m leaving.”

“You don’t have to. I’ll go. I– I’m sorry,” she expressed with both hands in front of her.

“You are,” I agreed. “Continue as you all have been in my absence. I’ll be going now.”

“Roulette. Stay,” Chino called out behind me.

I turned around, tossing a hand over my shoulder, before yelling, “Congratulations. Tell me where to send the shower gifts. There will be plenty.”

Admittedly, I loved children and the events leading up to their birth. Children simply weren’t in my life’s plan. Showers and gatherings for a gender reveal had the best food and enough joy to pass around a few times. I wasn’t privy to many celebrations but made it a point to show up at the few I was invited to.

Hopefully, Chino had plans to share the details. Because I’d surely be in attendance. The innocence of the child had nothing to do with the acts of their parents. Though I didn’t plan to be in Chino’s life, he’d been a big part of mine, and blessing his child, no matter the circumstances, would be a pleasure.

“Roulette!”

Chino’s footsteps were loud and boisterous. They followed me down the steps as his lips began blabbering insecurities and apologies that I wasn’t interested in.

“I’m sorry. I fucked up. I’m man enough to admit that. I– She was just always there, Roulette. Holding shit down at the spot in your absence. I never looked at her that way.

“I didn’t. Hardly even paid attention to her when she was in the same room as me. But, shit– I just– one day she started reminding me of you. The way she handled business. The way she commanded the house.”

I slipped into my underwear and dress. Chino’s semen was spilling out of me, reminding me that we hadn’t gone for a second round and my center was still throbbing for more. Not more of him, but more of something.

Something filthy. Something big. Something dirty. Something black. Something that would fill me to the brim. Something ridiculous. Something forbidden.

“The way she made sure everything was running smoothly even with the FEDs breathing down our necks. And, when it all went downhill, she was emotional. Overwhelmed. And, I became something to her that I shouldn’t have. Something I shouldn– Roulette. Talk to me.”

“Goodnight, Chino. Go back inside. Your pregnant girlfriend is waiting for your return. Chasing me is pointless. My mouth is on the next dick already.”

I slid into my ride and attempted to close the door. Chino’s hand stopped me. With a shake of my head, I slid my hand on the side of the seat where Chemistry had been generous with his offering. I removed the gun from the holster as Chino’s face contorted.

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