Page 42 of Intentional Foul
My body tightened with unreleased anger as I ate the rest of my food. On the last bite, I pushed back the bedding. Sitting the plate on the table, I gripped a pillow and my phone. Malcolm observed, but didn’t say anything. I stuffed the pillow underneath my arm, took my phone and bottled drink, heading for the living room. Malcolm bolted from the bed, blocking my exit. We moved from side to side as I tried to get around him.
“You do know I defend grown men for a living,” he said.
I continued to try to maneuver around his slim but muscular body with no success.
“Jhae, you will never sleep on the couch. I love when you’re pissed. When we get better acquainted, I’ll tame your attitude,” he said.
I threw the pillow and my bottled drink to the floor and darted toward the bathroom. Before I could take a second step, I found myself hoisted in the air. With my back to his chest, I tried kicking for my release, but nothing happened.
“You remind me of a cartoon character,” he said with laughter, moving us toward the bed.
“Put me down. Now!” I requested.
“Ask me nicely and I will consider it,” he said, and I kicked wildly.
After several minutes of erratic body movements, I paused. “Malcolm, can you please release me?” I asked through gritted teeth.
“Yes, beautiful, but ask nicer next time,” he said and kissed my ear.
As soon as my body hit the bed, I tried crawling to the other side. My left leg was the only part of my body I could lift. Twisting my head, I noticed Malcolm had secured my leg. He pulled me back to him and flipped me onto my back. Glaring up at him, I waited for him to move, but he only peered down at me.
“Jhae, I’m holding you tonight and every night moving forward.”
I folded my arms across my chest, wanting to protest, but I gave up. It would be useless if he continued to catch me. I can’t outrun him and he’s stronger.
“Fine. But there will be a barrier between us and...”
“I’m not doing none of that shit. We are getting into bed and going to sleep. I’m not going to touch you anywhere you don’t give me permission to,” he interrupted.
“Whatever!”
Malcolm released my limb, and I crawled to my side of the bed. Once he drifts off to sleep, I’ll go sneak to the couch. Before I climbed underneath the linens, he handed me my phone. I wanted to snatch, but I thought better and took it, placing it beside the bed. Malcolm pulled back the bedding and laid down as I sat up.
“Your neck gon’ be hurting, being stubborn,” he said.
We sat in silence as the TV blared, and thunder soon joined. My pride wouldn’t allow me to lie down.
Malcolm
Jhae’s unwillingness to lay next to me was amusing. After she dangled her head this last time, I ended it.
“C’mon here,” I said in a more authoritative tone than usual.
I lifted from the bed, pulling the bedding back. With my index and middle finger, I motioned her to me. “Music Note, don’t argue with me. You’re tired,” I said before the wrinkles could form on her forehead.
Jhae snuggled down into the bed and I secured her elbow before she could settle. I pulled her into me, trapping her with my hand. She turned her back to me in one rough motion. I tugged her stubborn ass closer to me, removing the gap she left.
“Your resistance turns me on. You should keep doing it,” I said and kissed her earlobe.
She was out in ten minutes with her light snores. Holding her sent the rhythm of my heart into overdrive. I’ve dreamed of the day I could hold her in my arms. She smelled of fruit and passion. Jhae rolled over, facing me, and I observed her beauty. Everything on her face was molded to perfection by her lips and nose. A hard thunder boomed and Jhae’s eyes rushed open as she jumped. She tried raising up, but I stopped her forward movement.
“I got you, Music Note. It’s thunder,” I whispered, and she laid back down, closing her eyes.
She moved her head more into my chest and I didn’t want to go to sleep. I wanted to stay awake all night and take mental pictures of her beautiful face.
“I’m not doing it,” Jhae said, as I ear hustled from the sitting area.
Jhae couldn’t wait to push me out of the bedroom this morning. She found herself enjoying our cuddling session and malfunctioned.
