Cali thought that once upon a time, but she had gone too far and crossed boundaries that Rio would never let her forget. She tested every part of his manhood because of her selfish desires. One thing she learned about men was that they always valued themselves above anything. Cheating was a no for them because they had too much self-respect. Rio was full of pride and all the macho shit that made a man. He was a man’s man; a leader that would never allow someone like her to disrespect him.
“Girl ain't no coming back from what happened,” she confessed, carefully choosing her words. “It’s done.”
“So, that means there’s no chance for reconciliation?”
Cali looked at her through the mirror. “None at all.”
Rozalin nodded. “Okay, well, I’m sure you’ll find someone better. God didn’t stop making men after he made Rio. You’ll be alright.”
“No, he didn’t stop making men, but he never made another one like Rio…” She paused for a moment, trying to collect her thoughts. “Rio is rare. He took really good care of me. He made sure all of my needs and wants were met. I didn’t honor him like I should've, and I didn’t give him the loyalty that he gave me. I understand why we had to come to an end. I just hope the next woman he gets with don't have to be punished for my mistakes.”
Imagining Rio with another woman made her chest ache with regret. Still, Cali wanted Rio to be happy.
“That’s big of you, Cali. I meant it when I said you’ll be fine. I’m about to get this pixie back on track and make sure of it.” Rozalin winked.
Despite her resistance, Cali was glad to be back in her chair. Nobody slayed a pixie cut like Rozalin, which was why she had been her stylist for the last seven years.
“Yeah, make me look human again.”
“Don't worry, boo. I got you.”
Ivory: Where u at?
Irish looked at the message before her regard fell on the inspiring view before her. In a matter of twenty-four hours, she’d gone from missing Noble, to fucking Noble, to being in St. Lucia with Noble. Jade Mountain was their exact location. Irish hadnever seen anything more remarkable in her life. They were in their sanctuary aka their room with views of the Caribbean Sea. The mountains were off in the distance while the waves in the ocean caressed her ears. Without a fourth wall, their sanctuary was open to the panoramic views of the island.
Irish: I took a quick trip. I’ll be back soon. Don't tell Van.
Swiftly, she powered her phone off just as Noble walked over to her. He was a dream that she wouldn’t mind submerging her subconscious in if he promised to stay by her side. His milk chocolate shell glistened with sweat. His fine artwork was displayed over his hills of muscles. He peered at her with eyes that penetrated her heart then licked his lips. Irish felt sick in the head at times. How could she love a man so much that she’d risk her friendship of almost twenty years? Never experiencing this, for the first time in her thirty-two years, Irish didn’t care.
“Here, I made you a drink.” He passed her a glass.
“Thank you.” She smiled. “You're too sweet. I still can’t believe you brought me here. How much does this place cost a night?”
He frowned, immediately causing her to laugh.
“What?” She feigned innocence.
“Don't ever ask me how much something cost. Just know that I got it.”
Noble indeed did have it. They had private concierge along with a personal chef. Again, Irish was blown away because she hadn’t experienced things like this. Her and Van would do getaway trips to Miami and sometimes New York. She couldn’t believe how much she had been missing out on life. Not once had she been overseas, visited different countries, or tried culturalcuisines. She hadn’t explored much in life and Irish painfully felt so behind.
Standing on her tippy toes, she kissed his lips. Being here with Noble was sinfully dreamy.
“Can I talk to you?”
He nodded and ushered her over to the sitting area that was located by The Galaxy infinity pool. Noble sat, legs cocked open while lifting his glass to his lips. Irish turned toward him, inhaling a deep breath.
“Can I trust you?” she genuinely asked.
Noble bobbed his head while grabbing her hand. “You can trust me with anything, Pumpkin. I hope I’ve shown you that.”
“I know I just…” Her eyes descended to her lap. “There’s a lot I want to reveal but it scares me because I’ve held a lot in over the years.”
Noble took the glass from her hand and sat both of them on the coffee table. Pulling her close, she rested her head on his shoulder as he wrapped his ink-filled arms around her waist.
“Whatever you want to tell me you can. If there’s something you don't, then keep it to yourself until you're ready.”
“That’s the thing”—she faced him, admiring his intense eyes—“I want to tell you everything. I want you to know what I’ve been through. I need you to understand me, completely.”
