We Belong Together Read online

  Janice rolled her eyes. “Why is my son so lazy?”

  “Get over here,” I said firmly.

  Slade sighed then obeyed me, coming to my side.

  My dad made a whipping noise. “You got him by the neck, Trinity.”

  Slade glared at him then turned his attention on me. “Morning, baby.” He leaned down and kissed my forehead.

  Janice’s eyes softened when she watched him. “Awe…”

  “Shut up, Mom,” Slade hissed.

  “It’s time to get up, Slade,” I said. “Have some coffee and get ready.”

  He sighed but didn’t argue with me. He grabbed some coffee then joined us at the table. He leaned back in his chair, his eyes closed. His chin was covered in hair from not shaving for days, and the hair on his head looked like a disaster. He started to lean toward the left in his chair, clearly falling asleep. Then he jerked awake then corrected himself before he did it all over again.

  Janice shook her head while she watched him. “I’ll never understand why you stick around, Trinity, but please don’t go anywhere. Only a super woman could put up with my son.”

  “Trinity…” Slade mumbled in his sleep.

  His father kicked him under the table. “Wake up, sleepyhead.”

  “Boats!” Slade sat up quickly, jerking awake.

  “Boats?” his mom asked.

  “What the hell were you dreaming about?” I asked.

  He rubbed the sleep from his eyes. “Now I’ll never know because you jerks woke me up.”

  His dad kicked him again.

  “Ouch!” Slade kicked him back. “Shit, I’m awake.”

  I smirked while I watched him across the table. “When you’re finished with your coffee, go get ready.”

  “Okay.” He didn’t argue with me.

  “I can’t even get him to listen like that,” Janice said.

  Ryan gave her a knowing look. “I think Trinity can barter with him in a way we can’t…”

  ***

  After saying goodbye to his parents, we headed home.

  Slade was still grumpy and in a bad mood.

  “What’s your problem?” I asked.

  “You know what my problem is,” he said as he clenched his jaw.

  “I really don’t.”

  “When I don’t get my morning sex, I’m a dick.”

  “Well, I didn’t know when you were going to wake up,” I argued. “It could have been hours.”

  “You still could have came back to my bedroom and did your womanly duties.”

  “Duties?” I snapped.

  “Yes, pleasing me is your responsibility.”

  “Responsibility?” My voice moved up an octave.

  “Yes.” He kept his eyes glued to the road. “I want you. All the time. Give me what I want or I’ll get angry.”

  “You can’t just demand things like that from me.”

  “You bet your ass I can. You can do the same too.”

  “That still doesn’t mean I owe you anything.”

  He gripped the steering wheel. “You said you could ask for things in a relationship. Those are your words, not mine.”

  “Well, you’re taking it to a whole new level.” I flipped the page of my magazine and kept reading.

  “At least I’m telling you what I want, when I want it. There’s no room for misinterpretation. Unlike you, who chooses to be quiet and shuts off from me when you’re upset and angry.”

  “Not the same thing…”

  “Yes, they are,” he said firmly.

  The conversation died and we spent the rest of the drive in silence. When we reached my house, Slade carried our bags inside and set them in the bedroom. I immediately started a load of laundry, putting Slade’s boxers with my underwear and his t-shirts with mine. I usually did the laundry while he took care of the yard and my car. Routines had been established a long time ago, unspoken but real.

  I turned on the washer then added the soap. When I caught him in my peripheral, I looked at him. “What?”

  He leaned against the wall, his arms across his chest.

  “Sorry. I mean, what can I do for you, master?” I added a curtsy.

  He grinned from ear-to-ear. “I like it. Keep it up.”

  I rolled my eyes and returned to the laundry.

  He continued to stand there.

  “What?” I put my hand on my hip and looked at him.

  “Move in with me.”

  That was the last thing I expected him to say. “Come again?”

  “Move in with me.” He left the wall and came to my side. “I know I’m here all the time anyway but let’s make it official. I like watching you do our laundry. I like being home with you every night. I like visiting my parents as a couple. I like all of it…”

  My heart fluttered in my chest. The idea of sharing a home together was my greatest joy. I wanted Slade all the time. Even when he pissed me off and we screamed at each other, I never wanted him to leave. Forever wouldn’t be long enough.

  “Is your silence a yes?” he asked.

  “Actually, it’s a no…”

  His eyes fell in sadness. “Why?”

  “I don’t think my dad would approve of us living together.”

  He sighed in annoyance. “Trinity, you’re a grown woman and can make your own decisions.”

  “But he pays for this house and my bills. I can’t do it unless I have my own finances taken care of. It would be wrong.”

  “Well, then live with me at my apartment. It’s not as nice but…”

  “That isn’t yours either. Your dad pays for that.”

  “Well, I’m here all the time anyway. I just thought it made sense…”

  “I know.” I rubbed his arm. “I want to live with you too. But it’ll have to wait until we both graduate. When we move back to the city we can get a place together. How about that?”

  Hesitation moved into his eyes but it disappeared quickly. “Yeah, I guess we’ll figure something out…”

  Sometimes I wondered if a long-term commitment still scared him. We hadn’t discussed it in months and I knew he wanted to take it slow. He needed more time to be the man I wanted—needed. Instead of rushing him or asking, I just let it go. “But in the meantime, you can stay here as long as you like—but keep the rest of your stuff at your apartment.”

  “That’s better than nothing.”

  I turned back to the washer and loaded the rest of the clothes.

  Slade came behind me and pressed his chest into my back. His lips moved to my ear, breathing hot breaths onto my skin. He didn’t speak or move, just holding me there. He grabbed my hips slightly and pulled them back, causing me to bend over. Then slowly, he pulled off my jeans and underwear. When I heard his jeans hit the floor, I knew what was coming.

  He moved back over me and turned my head so I could look at him. Then he pressed his lips to mine and breathed into my mouth as he slid inside me. Every inch of him felt wonderful. I moaned as I felt him move inside me.

  I knew Slade was communicating with me without the use of words. Sometimes he didn’t understand what to say or how to express himself. That’s when he would take me like this, at any place in the house, and kiss me while he moved inside, slow and gentle. His lips massaged mine, telling me he loved me without actually saying it. He told me I was beautiful, that I was perfect. His hand wrapped around my waist and rocked me onto him, controlling me. He sucked my bottom lip just before he broke our kiss, still moving into me. “You’re my princess.” He stared into my eyes and kept moving. “And I will do a better job of treating you like one.”

  They were words I’d wanted to hear my whole life. But I never expected Slade to say them. Moaning and groaning, we made love against my washer, saying a lifetime of words without speaking.

  ***

  Slade and I returned to our quiet bliss for the next week. Whenever we were away from the others, hidden away in my cozy home, our relationship was different. We were tender and loving, whispering to each o
ther while we cuddled under a blanket. We talked about our favorite books and gave each other massages. The nights I spent at home with him were the best of my life. When I had to choose between him and Reid, I was scared I made the wrong decision.

  But I definitely didn’t.

  He was a risk I was afraid to take. I was certain I would get hurt. But our love only grew the longer we were together. I still got jealous when I saw other women flirt with him, but I just threw myself at him and claimed him. That seemed to make the girls disappear. We weren’t as affectionate around the others, but when we were alone together, we didn’t hold back. We had quiet conversations over dinner, and some nights we didn’t talk at all. We made love spontaneously, but we also did it every night and every morning. In the dark places of my thoughts, I feared he would get tired of me. He’d never had sex with the same person for so long. But he seemed to want it every day as much as the previous one. I realized I needed to let go and trust Slade. In my heart, I knew he was my forever. The road wasn’t always smooth and there were bumps and holes, but we would get there. Because, I couldn’t imagine my life without him. And I knew he felt the same way. Maybe he was afraid of marriage now, but I knew he was more afraid of being without me.

  After dinner, I walked to the mailbox in front of my house. Vogue was supposed to come in that day, and I was eager to get my hands on it. I opened the mailbox and searched through the mail. Once I found the magazine, I immediately opened it, too excited to wait until I walked back inside.

  A car pulled up at the curb directly next to me.

  Curious, I looked.

  A black Range Rover shined in the light of the overhead streetlamps. And it was one I recognized.

  “Trinity?” Reid came around the engine, concern in his eyes.

  Was it really him? “Reid?” I dropped the mail, not realizing it slipped from my hands.

  He closed the gap between us, wearing a gray suit with a black tie. His eyes were just as blue as I remembered them, and I could read the emotion just as much as before. He looked down at me, his eyes focusing on my leg. “I just talked to your father…he told me what happened.”

  I was still in shock that he was there. “What do you mean…?”

  “Your accident. He just told me.” He eyed my left leg. “I’m so glad you’re okay. I know I’m a bit late but…I just had to see it for myself.” He took a deep breath and let the air out of his lungs.

  Now I understood. “Oh, yeah I’m okay. I couldn’t walk for a few months but now I’m as good as new.” I tried to sound positive so he wouldn’t feel bad for me. I could tell my accident was painful for him.

  He rubbed the back of his neck. “I’m glad you’re okay. I would have came sooner if I’d known…”

  “It’s okay, Reid. Don’t worry about it.”

  He sighed. “I’m sorry I disrupted your life like this. I just had to know…”

  I placed my hand on his arm, comforting him. “I appreciate the visit.”

  He smiled slightly then spotted my mail. He grabbed the pile then handed it to me. “I’m sorry I startled you. I didn’t anticipate you being right outside your house.”

  I chuckled. “It’s okay. It was an odd coincidence.”

  “So, everything okay?” he asked. “Just in general?”

  “Yeah…no complaints.” I knew he was wondering about Slade even if he didn’t ask. The subject was too awkward so I didn’t bring it up. “How are you?”

  “Good.” He nodded his head. “Just work and stuff…no complaints.”

  I chuckled. “The bank is doing well?”

  “Yeah. It’s really fascinating,” he said sarcastically.

  “Well, it’s hard to be creative when you’re just counting money all day.”

  “And hoping people don’t pay off their credit cards so we can just charge them interest.” He said it in a positive way but he sounded slightly bitter. “So, how’s the fashion going?”

  “I’m going to be an intern at Vogue when I graduate.”

  “Awesome.” His eyes burned in excitement. “I’m happy for you. I’m sure you’ll love it.”

  The front door opened then slammed hard. The sound made Reid and I turn our heads immediately.

  Slade stepped out, his arms by his sides. The threatening look on his face was directed at Reid. He didn’t look happy to see us talking at the end of my sidewalk. Actually, he looked like he might kill Reid. Then he started to march toward us, the blood lust in his eyes.

  “Slade, stop.” I gave him a hard look.

  He stopped in mid-step.

  “Go back in the house or wait on the porch.”

  He clenched his jaw while he stared at me. Then he glanced at Reid, the blood lust returning. His entire body shook as he forced himself to turn around and walk back to the house. He stood on the porch then leaned against the pillar, staring at us.

  I knew we would have a huge fight once I walked back inside that house.

  Reid turned back to me. “So, still with Slade then?”

  I nodded. “Yeah…”

  “At least you can control him now.”

  “Not without difficulty,” I said with a weak laugh.

  “Is he giving you everything you want?” Emotion was in his eyes.

  “Yes. And more.”

  He nodded his head in approval but his eyes showed his disappointment. “I’m glad to hear that. You deserve the best.”

  “No, you deserve the best, Reid.” I meant it. He was a sweet and caring guy. “Are you seeing anyone?”

  “Not really,” he said with a shrug. “I haven’t hit it off with anyone.”

  “You will,” I said firmly. “I know you have a lot of admirers.”

  He blushed slightly. “Not really. But thank you for the compliment.”

  “Wrap it up!” Slade gave us both a threatening look.

  Reid smirked. “I guess I should go…”

  “Yeah…”

  “I just wanted to see if you were okay. And now that you are…I’ll be on my way.”

  “It was nice seeing you, Reid.”

  “Hold on, I brought you something.” He opened the passenger door then came back to me, holding a boutique of yellow flowers. “For you.”

  I smiled as I took them. “Thank you.”

  He nodded then stepped away. “Good bye, Trinity.”

  “Bye, Reid.”

  He got into his car then drove away.

  I stayed at the curb until he was out of sight. When I turned back around, Slade didn’t look happy. He marched back inside then slammed the door, acting like a jealous gorilla. I sighed then followed him.

  Slade was pacing in the living room, about to scratch my eyes out. “What the fuck was that about?”

  I placed the flowers in a vase then filled it with water. “He came to see if I was okay.”

  “And why wouldn’t you be?” He marched to me and got in my face.

  I put a hand on his chest and pushed him back. “He heard about my accident and wanted to check on me.”

  “The accident that happened four months ago?” he asked incredulously.

  “He ran into my dad recently.”

  “Whatever,” he snapped. “You aren’t in his life anymore. He had no right coming here.”

  “Slade, calm down. He just wanted to know if I was okay.”

  “If it’s been four months, then obviously you are.” He ran his fingers through his hair. “Fucking asshole.”

  I cocked an eyebrow. “Uh, I don’t think that makes him an asshole. You’re the one acting like one.”

  “And he thinks he can bring my girl flowers? I don’t think so.” He reached for the vase, about to break it.

  “Knock it off!” I pushed him back. “Don’t you dare touch them.”

  He breathed so hard his nostrils flared. “He was just trying to be nice. And he didn’t know if we were together or not.”

  “I bet he was disappointed,” he snapped.

  “You made it pretty clea
r I was taken, Slade.” I rolled my eyes when I remembered how he stomped around like a gorilla in a tree, throwing a hissy fit. “And I told him how happy we are together.”

  He calmed down slightly. “You did?”

  I nodded. “He won’t bother me again. You can calm down now.”

  “He won’t?” He looked to me for assurance.

  “Yes.”

  He eyed the flowers for a moment before his anger ebbed away. “Sorry I got upset…”

  “Upset?” I laughed. “You mean you flipped the hell out. God, it was embarrassing.”

  “Like you don’t throw a hissy fit when you see me with girls.”

  “It’s not the same thing and you know it. Reid didn’t come here to sleep with me. He just wanted to check on me.”

  “Well I, your boyfriend, can do that.”

  “Again, he didn’t know if we were together!” I walked away, unable to take this ludicrous behavior for a second longer.

  Slade grabbed me then pinned me against the wall. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry.” He breathed onto my face, making me feel warm.

  “Are you really?”

  He nodded. “I’m crazy when it comes to you. I wish I could change that but I can’t.” His voice was soft, no longer angry.

  “Slade, I wouldn’t want you to.”

  He kissed the corner of my mouth before he pulled away. “Really?”

  I nodded my head.

  “So, it’s okay if I’m jealous?”

  “Once in a while…”

  He grinned then kissed my neck. “Thanks for letting me off the hook.”

  “Off the hook?” I asked incredulously. “I don’t think so. You have a lot of making up to do.”

  His eyes narrowed. “I like where this is going…”

  I moved to my washer then sat on it. I pulled my shirt off, just sitting in my bra.

  His eyes darkened then he came to me. “I’ll start now.”

  Chapter Seven

  Cayson

  I held the envelope in my hands and saw whom it was from.

  NYU.

  My future rested in the envelope. If I were accepted, the rest of my life would be set in stone. I’d be in the same city as Skye, the woman I’d share my life with. But if I were rejected…then I’d have to figure out a different plan.