Page 14 of Rekindle

We moved side to side as he hummed a song. “When we get back to Chicago, you are not going back to your apartment.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Good girl,” he growled.

Then both hands gripped the hem of my pajama pants with the intention of pulling them down. I was ready and wet for him.

“Morning, guys.”

Gareth’s hands stopped, and he stepped away and gave my cousin Tina a look of contempt as she entered. I thought she had left along with the other family members last night.

She had a smirk on her face as she walked to the refrigerator to get some juice.

“I have a phone call to make. I’ll be back,” he said and left both of us.

I was never close to Tina. Never spoke to her about my goals or personal things.

But since it was Thanksgiving weekend, I guess we had to be grateful for our families. Right?

“Are you guys planning to live together?”

“No. At least not right now.”

“Just asking. Tio Ricardo would not like that arrangement.”

I remained silent but I knew there was more she wanted to say.

“Gareth just wants to use you.” I remained calm and continued cooking. “I guess Gareth likes to keep it tight-knit. Keeping things under wraps is his specialty, especially with projects and now you. Did he tell you about me?” I turned my head, giving her my undivided attention. “We went out on a couple of dates and fucked. His dick works wonders on a woman’s pussy. It must be the reason why women love him so much.”

The room was warm, but my body grew cold at the news. “What are you talking about?” I asked evenly, trying to pretend the question didn’t bother me.

Tina put her glass down and leaned on the counter with her elbow. “How was he last night? You thought no one knew? You two totally fucked.”

“That is none of your business.”

“That’s fine. But at least have some respect for your father’s house. Can you imagine the proud Ricardo Vega finding out that his precious daughter was fucking under his roof?

“Since when have you cared about my father’s feelings or mine?”

“I don’t really, but just watching the huge disappointment on his face will be everything for me. Gareth plays the game well, Nina. You won’t last long.”

“Compared to my eight months and your five minutes. I beg to differ.”

That smirk of hers disappeared. Finally got her to shut up but I couldn’t stay here a minute longer. I tried to make my way out of the kitchen, but not without her blocking my way.

“He will always have options.”

“Yes. He had plenty of options, but he chose me.”

I couldn’t hear it anymore, so I pushed past her and walked away from the toxicity spewing from her mouth.

I knew coming home for the holidays would backfire. I stopped in my tracks and thought of the happy moments I had yesterday seeing my parents and with Gareth last night. But the lie and deceit outweighed them.

He dated Tina and he hadn’t said a thing. The thought of my family finding out what we did in my bedroom last night angered and embarrassed me. And to think my cousin had that leverage.

“What happened?” he asked, coming down the hallway with a concerned look.

I tried my best to whisper but couldn’t. “She knows.”