Giselle fell over laughing, swiping the tears from her eyes.
“They are all of that and then some,” she agreed, hugging her legs against her chest.
“When we met, I was in the gray when it came to women and relationships. If I’m keeping it a buck now, Prischa was a block for me. It didn’t keep bitches from wanting to fuck, but I didn’t have to be in a relationship with them if they thought I was in one with her,” he expressed. “You spark something in me.” His piercing eyes connected to hers. “Something that makes me want to go a little harder and keeps me on my toes. Only you give me that feeling.” Those words and the way they rolled off his lips mesmerized her.
Heavy had to know how handsome he was, even when he was sporting that resident scowl. She thought it was sexy. How could she deny him wanting to be a father after all this time? She knew it was wrong. A big part of her wished she had followed her instincts nearly four years ago when she found out she was pregnant.
“Can you let me back in? You can’t breathe life into me then take it back. You gotta stand on it, princess.”
“What is it with you and this stand on it, shit? Something else from your childhood?” she sniggered and shook her head.
“Pretty much. My parents gave us all our game early.”
“I don’t always feel like I belong anywhere. I’ve heard people refer to you as dangerous since I’ve been here. Known to make an example out of anyone, but to me… you’re this safe space. I don’t have to keep up a façade because you see right through it anyway.”
“That pretty face is only part of who you are. You’re smart, and a lot tougher than you look. Plus, I see that heart of gold you try to hide from the rest of the world.” He cupped her cheek and stroked it with his thumb. “I’m going to check on this soup and those two, then bring you something to eat.” He picked up her remote to her Roku TV off the night table and handed it to her. “Find something to watch, and don’t fucking move.”
Even though she was sick, her lady parts were healthy and reacting to Heavy’s orders with pleasure. Even being married to Alonzo, she carried a lot of the weight of the household and taking care of the kids. She had grown used to doing it all. Now, Heavy was forcing her to sit down and allow him to lighten the load. She imagined a few times what it would be like if and when he found out about Harlee and Heir, but reality had exceeded her expectations.
He kissed her forehead before moving to the door and leaving her room. Giselle curled up to one of her pillows and flicked the TV on to the HGTV channel.
“These two decided they wanted to come to you.” Minutes later, Heavy strolled in with a twin in each arm.
He gently set them on the bed, and they crawled around until they both spread out around Giselle on the queen-sized mattress.
“Oh, come here. How are you two feeling?”
“My head is all fuzzy still,” Harlee complained, grabbing her loose ponytail.
“My nose is dripping,” Heir chimed in, pressing his hand against his nose.
“I’m going to get the soup and crackers. You need to try to eat something before I give you more meds,” Heavy announced.
Harlee snuggled closer to Giselle and rested her head against her chest. Heavy returned with a serving tray accompanied by three bowls and a pack of saltine crackers for them to share. He set the twins up so they could eat on the opposite side of Giselle. Surprisingly, they all finished the soup and washed it down with 7Up. Giselle decided to give them a bath and change their pajamas. Once the two of them were settled in her bed, Heavy gave them another dose of medicine, and they were out not much longer after that.
Giselle lay on her regular side of the bed while Heavy stretched out on the other side. The twins were between them; Harlee sprawled at the head closer to Heavy, and Heir at the foot, turned away from his mama. She yawned and rested her head against the pillow as Heavy took in the moment. Reaching down, he ran his fingers through Harlee’s soft hair, and she scooted closer in her sleep. She hadn’t realized until just now that these were the moments she’d been missing. The comfort they took in their father was beautiful to witness.
“You need a bath too.” Heavy reached out and stroked the top of Giselle’s head.
“You trying to tell me I stink?” Her nose wrinkled cutely, and she snickered.
“You do kind of smell like Mentholatum and cough syrup.” Heavy slowly sat up.
“Gee, thanks.” She watched him move to the bathroom door and listened as he cleaned the tub then ran her a fresh bath.
Beside her bed on the night table, her phone vibrated against the wood. Frowning, she squinted at the screen and saw that it was an unknown number calling. For the last week, that hadrandomly been the case, but she assumed it was a telemarketer or some scam likely shit. Even now, she let it go off again as Heavy approached her side of the bed.
“You good?” He checked with her, noticing the uneasiness on her face.
“Yeah,” Giselle replied, shaking off the odd feeling and sitting up on the edge of her bed.
“Come on.” He grabbed her hand and pulled her to her feet.
With his hand resting against her waist, he nudged her toward the bathroom door. The aroma of bath salts and her cashmere vanilla bubble bath coated the air, and he’d turned the lights down for her, and she was grateful for it since her entire body was sore.
“You know I can help wash you off if you need me to.” Heavy reached out to help her out of her robe first, and she simpered at him over her shoulder.
He slipped his fingers under her spaghetti straps to her nightgown and slowly lowered it off her shoulders. His lips pressed into her skin, and her eyes closed in bliss. Heavy’s fingertips brushed across her flesh, sending a swarm of goosebumps over her arms. Her nipples poked through the thin material, and her neck rolled so her head could rest against his muscular chest.
