Page 88 of Intentional Foul
“Jhae, you are headed up the wrong way. We have an extra seat,” Anissa said.
I shook my head yes and followed them to their seats.
Once we sat, we played pass the baby with Khaira, but she ended up with Anissa. I’m thankful Khalil sat between Anissa and I. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be able to breathe. The lights dimmed momentarily, and a spotlight hit the middle of the floor. Music boomed as the team ran in for introductions.
“At the Power Forward position, number six, Marquise Shaw- Jefferies.”
“At the Shooting Guard position, number eight, Malcolm Shaw-Jefferies,” the announcer said next.
The crowd screamed in excitement. Khalil and I remained seated. I moved to leave, but Khalil gripped my hand, stopping me from being the coward I am. Once the lights popped back on, the team began their shoot around.
“Show up for him, Jhae. You guys can figure it out later,” Khalil whispered to me.
I pressed my inner tear ducts with both index fingers to stop the tears from rolling. Khaira reached for her dad, and he kissed her puffy cheeks.
“Key! Key!” Khaira said, pointing toward the basketball court to Marquise with her pink headphones covering her ears. Next, she said, “Mal! Mal!” she said, pointing at her brother as she stood in Khalil’s lap.
Malcolm and I made eye contact, and I frantically shook my head no. He would’ve come over and ousted us if I didn’t stop him. Malcolm diverted his attention to his sister. They both waved at her and my heart sank into my stomach. He was disappointed, and we both knew it. Khalil patted his heart at Malcolm, and they shared a father and son communication.
I was dazed while the game flew by. Malcolm took his anger out on the basketball court. He played lights out in the first half. At the end of the fourth quarter, I wasted no time getting out ofthe arena. The walls were closing in on me. Once the L.A. air hit me, my lungs inflated again.
I knew our marriage was over because I couldn’t face Anissa. My first stop was our bedroom. I packed a bag and bolted downstairs. I’m beyond thankful I didn’t sell it after Malcolm encouraged me to do so. Stepping back inside my old condo, the homey atmosphere had long gone. My stuff was there, but it didn’t have the same meaning. I sat at the table and tried my ring on for the last time. My phone vibrated next to me, and I glared at the messages.
Khalil
Malcolm is worried about you.
Hubby
Music Note.
Marquise
We got your back.
Anissa
Jhae, what is going on? The guys are upset and why are you having panic attacks. Talk to me.
I didn’t respond to anyone’s text messages; instead, I sat in stillness until the doorknob turned. Standing, I remained by the kitchen table as he entered. The expression on his face gave me no insight into his mood. Right now, I couldn’t really tell if he was upset or didn’t care. Hopefully, tonight’s win would be enough for him to overlook my cowardly act. He examined the room, chuckling at my bag resting on the couch.
In three large steps, he was on me, attacking my lips. The taste of him was intoxicating, filling my body with the liquid courage to submit to his every demand. Ripping his lips from my face, he turned me around and stretched me across thetable. Every nerve in my body responded to his domination. He removed my shirt and ripped the side of my required black lace panties. He left me bear with only lust covering me. The gripping of his large hands inched underneath me, lifting my waist to his middle.
A stinging sensation hit my ass cheek.
“Tell me why you didn’t keep our agreement?” he asked.
Pleasure surged through my body.
“I-I didn’t sit where you told me,” I murmured.
He slapped the same ass cheek again.
“Why didn’t you have on your ring, Jhae?” he asked.
I exhaled, leaving behind a moist imprint on the table.
“I hid it,” I mumbled through his rough pleasure.
