Page 161 of The Ninth

“Awww! You introduced me and called me Devyn.”

“Please be quiet, Ding-a-ling. Where the hell my fucking wife at, folks? What she doing? How she feeling?”

I thought about my words carefully. The last time I spoke for Cassandra, I was wrong as hell. But at the same time, this man is the love of her life. Plus, it’s been three weeks since the...break up? Split? I don’t know.

“She’s just been at the salon, the gym, and home. She doesn’t really do much of anything else. She never talks about it. Cassandra definitely seems down, but she’s still going.”

“Hm...” he looked at the floor. I could tell he wanted more from my response.

“I somewhat care about you and I care about you and Cassie’s relationship a lot. I want to be honest and may be overstepping. I met Juan. I was around the both of them just a few times but...never really in a casual setting. More in passing. It was honestly hard for me to be around the two of them because I don’t really condone cheating. And...I felt bad for Juan.”

“SO, FUCK ME?!”

I cackled, “Oh, no. I felt bad for you too. You were a part of our argument. I knew and Cassandra knew this was going to hurt you. She always planned on telling you which was...shocking. But you all were going to work through it. Her and Juan...he was never a choice. Never an option. You could see the hope and desperation to be one on his face. She was stern. And clear. It never gave anything else. It never felt like that was her man. She didn’t love him like he did her. I felt bad.”

His hazel eyes scanned my face before looking away. They felt like lie detectors and it seemed like I passed. He just nodded, turning away. “And don’t be beefing with hoes in my brother’s shit!” he yelled while walking away. I chuckled, shutting the door behind him.

I made myself comfortable on Duke’s couch. Sliding my shoes off, I curled into a ball, throwing the blanket over me. My sketchbook that remained in here found its way into my lap. I felt too excited to draw for just a few minutes.

The past three weeks with Duke have been insane. I haven’t slept alone since the night before we had sex. We’re constantly going from his place or Cassandra’s. That means I see her and K3 often. Both of them sad. Both of them working heavily. Cassie’s salon is coming out beautifully. Neither of them has contacted the other.

My probation period at the shop ended. I tattoo full time and have my own booth. The girls are still at The Ninth. We see each other almost daily when going to check on Cassie. I can tell she appreciates having people around.

I heard the office door open and shut. After hearing the lock click, I knew for a fact it was my man. My teeth dug into my lip as I attempted to stop my smile. I’ve been waiting on this man to touch me all day.

His cologne found me before his hand grabbed the blanket. My eyes trailed up his body as he slowly pulled it off of me. He had on a black True Religion shirt, matching jeans, and Timbs. This man looks so good. Before he could touch the cushion I was already in his lap, straddling him.

“You’re everything, beautiful...”

He looked into my eyes as his fingers softly ran down my hair. I wanted to look away or change the subject like I normally would. But to be with Duke is to accept all the compliments and professions of love. The moment you doubt his words, that sexy ass deep frown appeared on his face. Instead, I smiled, leaning in and kissing him.

I laid into his chest as my arms snaked around his neck. His hands gripped my hips, pushing me down onto him. They hungrily glided in between his hands as I rubbed myself on him during our kiss. The kisses with Duke never failed to leave me breathless.

“Thank you, baby. You always blow my head up.”

“I would never lie to you... This is a face I will never grow tired of seeing.”

As we looked deep into each other’s eyes, my hands found their way beneath his shirt, pushing it up. A slow smile appeared on his face as I shook my head. Feelings of love I haven’t even expressed to him yet invaded the space between us.

“I can’t keep my fucking hands off you, baby boy...”

“Who said you had to? This yo shit...right?”

“Right.”

“Take them fucking clothes off, my Devyn.”

I immediately yanked my top over my head as he pulled his shirt and beater off. My hands tried their best to maneuver my hips out of my jeans since his hands took my breasts captive. A moan left my mouth as his sucked and kissed all over them.

Finally, he allowed my body to fall over onto the couch as he laid down behind me, unbuckling his pants. My eyes squeezed shut tightly, anxiously awaiting for him to enter my body. He lifted my leg and...

“Shit...”

Duke had a way of fucking you and making you feel like it was the first time he’s ever been inside of you. There were no quickies. No rushing. It always felt like he was so appreciative of being able to be with me. As if he won the opportunity of a lifetime.

My head fell back against his shoulder as he slowly stroked in and out of me. His hand ran down my thigh and to my clit, circling it slowly. A small, grateful smile played on my lips as his lips kissed my forehead and the side of my face.

“Your pussy loves me...” he chuckled.