Page 44 of It's Love I'm After

Finally!

My mind echoes the single word dancing in my head from the minute Nana’s rant turned from me to Mom.

“I’m not sure why that’s relevant to this situation. You’re talking about more of Chaniya’s indiscretions, and I’m simply agreeing. If she?—”

“No matter how many stones you toss in Chaniya’s face, she will never be him. Either let her out of this one-sided feud or deal with the effects of the ass-whupping I’m about to deliver to you. I’m sick of this bullshit from you. Chaniya didn’t have a choice in her existence, so either stop punishing her for your mistakes or nurse the continuous black eyes you’ll have if I hear any other negatives you spew toward her. Matter of fact, go the fuck home, Vernise. I’m tired of looking at your miserable ass.”

“Fine, but you find someone else to help you with your child,” Mom says to me with enough venom to stop my heart before snatching her purse and leaving.

“Mm.” I moan when Germayne thrusts into me, bringing me out of my inner thoughts.

Contrary to what Germayne might have thought, my silence with him had only been due to dealing with the fact that Mom gave up on me. I have been battling guilt about our fallout with the excitement and freeing feeling of no longer dealing with her vile attitude or damaging words toward me. No part of me is sad that she walked out on Caleb and me, because loving my son and despising me is nasty work.

“Stay with me, baby. This is the only thing you need to be thinking about,” Germayne utters before covering my lips with his, growling deep in my throat.

After spending the day with Germayne, the three of us came back to my place, where we watched several movies before Caleb fell asleep. Germayne carried Caleb to his bed and tucked him in as I watched with water resting on my eyelids. No man I’ve dated or allowed in Caleb’s presence has ever been as gentle and caring as Germayne. My heart damn near leaped out of my chest when Germayne kneeled to say a quick prayer over Caleb.

“Deeper,” I whisper when Germayne breaks our kiss.

Germayne grasps my wide hips while raising and lowering me onto him while thrusting upward with all his strength.

“Fuck! You feel amazing, Cha-Cha.”

Lost in nirvana, I’m unable to respond, instead allowing my body to communicate what my lips can’t in the moment. Up, down, up, down, Germayne and I create a rhythm of harmony unique to our coupling that’s delicious, mind-blowing, and soul-tying. Yet, I’m enjoying every minute of the intimacy within our mating. This is the perfect way to end what shaped up to be a great day.

“Get your phone, Cha-Cha. Cha-Cha, your phone.” Germayne’s sleep-heavy voice penetrates my comfortable and peaceful sleep, causing me to stir awake when I register the tapping on my bare butt.

Scratching my head, I grab my phone from the charger and answer the incoming call. “Hello.”

“Your mother called me, talking about missing her grandson. I told her ass to ride the short bus straight to the gates of Hell,” Nana says, causing me to giggle lightly.

“Good. Neither of us needs that toxic foolishness anymore. Either she can find a way to get over her hangups and apologize, or she can continue getting updates about me and my baby through you.”

Feeling movement, I see Germayne turning over and raising the blankets over his head, and a smirk forms. We didn’t go to sleep until sometime early morning because Germayne said he needed to remove the backup I caused in his dick and ensure he didn’t become replaceable. What Germayne doesn’t know yet is that I’m already in love with him. I’m just waiting for him to meet me over the ledge before I express the sentiments of my heart.

“I don’t know where I went wrong with that girl. I feel responsible because I’ve heard her utter little digs at you over the years but didn’t pay it any mind. For that and my part in not speaking up sooner, I’m sorry, Chaniya. Your mother’s problem is hers alone, but protecting your peace is what’s necessary right now, so let her miserable ass suffer until she gets herself together. Caleb’s support circle didn’t stop or begin with her,” Nana rants.

My chest pinches, and my eyes mist because I’ve been living with Mom’s mess forever, but at this point, I choose me over her interactions with Caleb. Protecting my mental ultimately means protecting Caleb’s outlook on life, which is my only priority in life.

“Thanks, Nana. I hate to rush you off the phone, but it was a late night, and I want to return to the strong arms lying idly in my bed.”

“I see hardheadedness didn’t end with Vernise and Velma. Unlike Vernise, I won’t crucify you for it. Can you make me a promise, though?”

A grin upturns my lips because I have no idea why Nana is whispering like there’s someone other than the two of us on the line.

“Depends. Ask, and we’ll go from there.”

“If you marry that man, limit my interaction with that Jezebel he’s related to.”

“Deal.” I snicker.

“I love you, Chaniya Katia, and there’s nothing you can do about it.”

Warmth spreads across my chest, jubilation fills my body, and joy fuels my heart, causing it to beat erratically.

“I love you too, Nana.” With that, I disconnect the call, preparing to snuggle against Germayne’s back until he shifts to face me. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to wake you.”

“No worries. You have the secret ingredient to put me back to sleep.” His words hit me in my core, causing it to thump enthusiastically at the thought of having Germayne between my legs again.

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