She looked down at her fingers, plucking at her nails. “Once upon a time, I wanted a family. I told myself if I ever had children that I would be nothing like my mother, and their father would be nothing like mine, whoever he is. My babies would be loved and respected.”
She said that with conviction, and I could tell that she meant it.
“They would be lucky children to have you as a mom. Watching you care for your sisters then and now, Mama Bear would be nothing to play with.”
She giggled. “I wouldn’t. There are very few things that take me out of character, but my kids most definitely will.”
“I’m glad to see you have hope for the future.”
“I’ve been thinking a lot about my future lately. I think I want to open a natural hair salon. I’m thankful to Uncle Clive for this job, but for the first time, I have a chance to have something of my own. I have to make that work for me.”
“I got you. Whatever you need to get that up and running, I’ll help with. If you need somebody to sweep those little beady beads off the floor, I can do that, too.”
She laughed out loud. “I appreciate that. I do want to take an apprenticeship or something, just so I can learn a little more first.”
“I like the way you think. There’s always room for improvement.”
A satisfied smile played on her face. She scooted a little closer to me, pausing for a moment before resting her head on my shoulder. She slid her arm around mine, then laced our fingers. I placed a kiss to her forehead as we settled back into the movie. Aside from the audio, it was quiet and still.
That was until the flashback of Harper and Mia making love. Alayah sat up, squirming slightly. Her eyes averted from the TV, and she looked over at me. When I caught her staring, she abruptly looked away.
Again, I asked, “Something on your mind?”
“Can I ask you something?”
“Anything.”
“It’s personal.”
“Ask your question, love.”
“When…When’s the last time you’ve been with a woman?”
“Oh, well it’s been a while—like eight months or so.”
“Have you had a lot of partners?”
“I can’t say that I have. Five at best.”
“Would you say you satisfied them?”
I chuckled. “I haven’t had any complaints if that’s what you’re asking. Why so curious?”
She gave me a look. “I’ve never…I’ve never been with anyone willingly. I never had a traditional first time, and I don’t…you know.”
“Masturbate?”
“Yes. I’ve never had the desire until recently. I don’t know if I’m ready to have the full experience.” She took a deep breath. “What I’m trying to say is I want to experience something pleasurable. I don’t trust any other man to take care of me the way I think you would take care of me, Killian. I feel like you would respect my body and not make things as awkward as I probably will.”
She hesitated for a moment, before throwing caution to the wind and straddling my lap. Those enticing brown orbs peered down at me as she raked her nails through my beard.
“Do you want me, Killian?” she asked.
I nodded. “Yes.”
“You have my consent.”
I stilled in my seat. Did she just give me permission to pleasure her?
