Rubbed Raw - Omitted Scene 9 – Christmas Eve

Giovanni and I were invited to Christmas Eve at his Uncle Antonio’s house. We picked up his mom and drove to the next town where his mom’s brother lived. His dad was an only child, so that was the only blood uncle he had. His mom also had a sister who lived in New York City. She was supposed to be there as well.

I sat in the middle seat, nervous about meeting the rest of Giovanni’s family. In our seven months as a couple, we had not gone to any family functions other than dinner at his mother’s. It seemed that every night we were invited somewhere, we had a gig. That time of year we were able to take a break from playing, so finally we could say yes.

Dressed as conservatively as I could, I hoped it was good enough. I wanted to make a good impression on his family. I prayed none of them saw the pictures of me practically naked on our CD. That could be quite embarrassing. From what I knew, his family was religious and very old school.

Maria sat next to me quietly. She rarely traveled in Giovanni’s van. I wondered if she thought about her husband, since it had been his van before his death. Giovanni admitted that was why he would not replace it, although it was terrible on gas. It made him feel close to him somehow.

It would be a traditional Italian Christmas Eve dinner. I had no idea what that meant, but we were to only bring deserts. In my hands was a coconut pie I had baked. Maria had made dozens of mini cannolis. They looked so good. Everything she made was amazing.

Once we were near the house, Giovanni parked at a bakery. I turned to him. “We need something else?”

“I always bring bread.” He kissed my lips and jumped out of the van.

His mother and I rarely talked about anything but him, so I wasn’t sure what to say to break the silence. I mulled over asking about his father. However, I didn’t want to upset her.

“Have you set a date yet?” Maria suddenly asked.

I lifted my hand and admired my engagement ring. “He didn’t tell you?”

“He mentioned something about Las Vegas, but not when exactly.”

Checking for Giovanni, I looked out the windshield. He was nowhere in sight. “February, maybe Valentine’s Day. I was worried the chapels would be booked up that day, so didn’t want to set my heart on the date.

“So romantic.” Maria patted my hand. “He’s more like his father than I realized.” She sighed and looked out her window. “Wish he could have seen the man our boy became.”

I wish I knew what to say to that, but there was nothing other than, “Me too.”

“That place was a madhouse,” Giovanni said when he returned. He smiled at us both as he stowed the bags in the back. “You guys OK?”

“Yeah, we’re good.” I met his eyes and he leaned in for a kiss. “I love you.”

He cupped my chin. “Love you too.”

The size of Uncle Antonio’s house shocked me. It compared to Jon Harris’ place. I had heard he was a plumber and expected something simple. Boy, was I wrong. Whose plumbing did he do? Then I realized it was best not to ask questions and just enjoy the holiday.

When Giovanni opened the front door, the amount of people in the front room alone overwhelmed me. I had not expected a crowd. He had a huge family. His mother took the food we carried and walked toward what I expected to be the kitchen.

Without prompting, people hugged and kissed me as I was introduced. I lost track of names quickly. Aunts, uncles, great-aunts, great-uncles, cousins, grandparents, friends, there had to be dozens of them. Several of them lifted my hand and admired my engagement ring.

Giovanni had the biggest smile on as his arm hugged my shoulders. “February,” he told his uncle Antonio, who we had finally found in the crowd. “In Las Vegas. I’m flying mom over. If you guys wanna come, that would be cool.”

His uncle smiled and kissed both my cheeks. “Welcome to the family.”

“Thanks.” I buried my reddening face in Giovanni’s chest and whispered, “Why didn’t you tell me there would be a hundred people here?”

He laughed and hugged me. “Relax. They’re my family. They all love you too.” He nuzzled my neck. “I think you met everyone. Do you play pinochle?”

I looked up at him and shook my head. “I know poker and rummy, but that’s about it.”

“I’ll teach you.” Giovanni tugged me to a family room off to the side. There was a table set up for eight, a leather couch and a large flat screen television. “When I was a kid, me and my cousins used to sleep in here.”

Several men around our age sat around the table. “I’ll deal you in,” one of them called to Giovanni.

I stood back as he sat in an empty chair and just watched. They laughed and talked like they saw each other daily. My family was much smaller and we didn’t have huge celebrations except for weddings. It was interesting to see that he was close with even his extended family.

Maria soon found her way into the room and smiled at her son. She stood next to me. “I could use some help if you’re bored.”

“Sure.” I wanted to be as close to her as I was to Chad’s family. “What do you need?”

She took my hand and tugged me to the biggest kitchen I had ever seen. My awe overrode the overwhelming smell of fish. When I came to my senses, it hit me all at once. I wrinkled my nose, wondering if someone worked at a fish market.

Then I looked at the dishes being prepared, almost everything was some type of fish. I didn’t think to ask Giovanni what we were having for dinner. I liked fish, but there were some things I could not identify.

“Um, I’m confused,” I leaned close to Maria. “Why are there so many different types of fish? I though we’d be having pasta.”

Her eyebrows rose. “You don’t like fish?”

“I do, but… what is that?” I pointed to what looked like chicken cutlets in oil.

Softly laughing, she replied, “Cod. You’ll like it.” She flipped the breaded fish then came back to me. “It’s family tradition to serve seven different seafood dishes on Christmas Eve. We’ll have pasta too, but no meat.”

I nodded. In my family we had ham and roast beef, a very different tradition. “I’ll try anything.”

“Good. Good.” She patted my back. “Can you peel those potatoes?”

Standing over the trash can, I started peeling. Around me, most spoke in Italian, which I didn’t understand. Maria spoke in English though.

An elderly woman pinched my cheek. “Sei così bella!” She smiled and looked up at Maria. “Dov’e Giovanni?”

I looked to Maria, having no clue what she said, except for my man’s name.

“Nonna says you’re beautiful,” Maria explained. She looked at the elderly woman and said, “He’s playing cards.”

I was glad she explained who she was. There were too many people to keep the names and relations straight. She was Giovanni’s great grandmother. Nonna threw up her hands and walked away. I didn’t ask why, just continued with the potatoes.

Giovanni came into the room just as I finished with the last one. He planted a kiss on my cheek then lifted lids on the stove.

Quickly, Nonna waved her hands at him, “Aspetta, Aspetta.”

He rolled his eyes. “OK, but I’m hungry.” She glared at him and handed him a slice of bread. “Fine, I’m going.” He ripped a chunk of bread off with his teeth and came back to me. “She hates men in the kitchen. Good thing you’re not like that.”

I put my arms around him. “Nope. The kitchen is fun sometimes.” I winked.

He grabbed my ass and kissed me. Then he yelped. “Hey.” He looked behind him. “Nonna, she’s my girlfriend.”

Maria was several feet away. “You should know better, Giovanni. No touching before the wedding.”

“Nonna, times have changed.” Giovanni sounded serious. Then Nonna swatted his ass again with a towel as she muttered something in Italian. She glared at him until he let me go. “OK. OK.” He stepped back, but met my eyes. “When we get home…” He winked.

I got the message loud and clear. “Be good.”

“Never,” he whispered in my ear. “You like me bad.”

That was true. “Naughty is more like it,” I softly told him.

He cringed when Nonna whacked him again. “I’m going. I’m going.” He gave me one last kiss then disappeared again.

Once the tables in the dinning room were set, Maria shouted, “Time to eat!”

The food was laid out buffet style in the kitchen. Everyone filled a plate and moved on to the dinning room or living room. There were too many people to sit together. I just watched until Giovanni found me.

“You do eat fish, right?” He put a hand on the small of my back. “I didn’t think to ask.”

I smiled. “Yes. Just not really sure what some of that stuff is.”

“Not worry. Just try it.” He grabbed a plate and loaded it to the brim. “Everything’s good.”

Hesitantly, I picked up a plate and checked all the platters. Then I took a deep breath and scooped a little of almost everything on my plate. I followed Giovanni to the living room and sat with him and his cousin Annette.

“So you’re the woman who stole my nephew’s heart?”

I looked up to see a woman a few years younger than Maria. “I guess so.”

“Crystal, this is Aunt Pauline, my mom’s sister.” Giovanni used his fork to gesture her way. “Aunt Pauline, this is my fiancée.”

I held out my hand. “Nice to meet you.”

“Glad someone finally snatched him up.” She smiled at us, approvingly. “When’s the wedding?”

“February,” Giovanni replied, excitedly.

In my eyes, twenty-three was young to be serious about someone, but his family seemed to think otherwise. I wondered what age most of them married at. When Giovanni squeezed my hand, I turned to him. He looked happier than ever.

After eating a few things on my plate, I lifted a breaded round piece up. “What’s this?”

Giovanni bit his lip. “Calamari. Just try it.” He had some on his plate as well.

I bit into it and still had no clue what it was. It was a bit chewy, but good. “I like that.”

“Good. It’s squid.” He laughed.

I smacked his arm. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“So you’d try it.” He shied away from my next blow. “Hey, you like it. Chill.”

Pretending to pout, I waited for him to apologize like I knew he would.

“Crystal, sorry I didn’t think you’d get upset.” He put an arm around my shoulders. “I thought you’d laugh too.”

I reached up and whispered, “Make it up to me when we get home.”

“Oh, hell yeah.” He looked around. “Good. Was worried Nonna was gonna smack me again.” He pointed to my plate. “Eat.”

Conversations sprouted around us. It was nice to see Giovanni interact with his family. Unlike in public, he was relaxed and comfortable. He could be himself. I was very happy we went. He needed to spend time with his family.

About two hours after dinner was cleaned up, dessert was put out. I helped set that up as well. There had to be almost as many choices as at dinner. I didn’t think I could eat another bite.

When Nonna wasn’t looking, Giovanni put his arms around me from behind. “My family really likes to eat, huh?”

“Yeah, I see that,” I replied.

He kissed my cheek. “Maybe next year we can have this at our place. I was thinking maybe we could turn the extra bedroom into a dining room. It might be a bit crowded though.”

“But what about the baby?” I asked.

Maria was suddenly at our side. “Baby? You’re pregnant?” She sounded excited rather than upset.

“No, mom,” Giovanni answered. “But, we plan on trying after we get back. You’ll get your granddaughter soon enough.” He slid his hands over my abdomen. “So, next Christmas, there should be a baby in here.”

I leaned back on him. He sounded thrilled about the idea. “If it happens right away.” Although terrified of being a mother, I couldn’t burst his bubble completely.

“Have faith.” His lips brushed my ear then he whispered, “We’ll make love day and night until it does. You’ll see.”

Rubbed Raw - Omitted Scene 8 – Fear of Pain

The next day, I woke up a bit early. Rosario had gone to the strip club again to meet up with “Bambi” and did not come home. I quietly used the bathroom then went to the kitchen. The plan was to wake Giovanni up with breakfast in bed. He had been holding back sexually, worried he was going to hurt me again. I wanted to encourage him to touch me again. I missed it and it had only been 24 hours.

When I had two plates of scrabbled eggs, French toast, bacon, fruit and orange juice on a tray, I crept through the apartment to our bedroom. I had left the door on a crack to make it easier. Setting the tray on the dresser, I smiled at his sleeping form. He was on his back, an arm over his eyes. The other hand was wrapped his hard cock.

I bit my lip and watched him slowing stroke his dick. “So sexy,” I whispered to myself. He gasped and moved his legs. I was so glad I left him completely exposed. “God, I need you.”

Closing my eyes, I tried to repress the desire. Otherwise, my plan would be blown to hell. After a few deep breaths, I removed the t-shirt I wore and carried the tray to the bed. When the bed sank beneath my knees, he shifted, his hand searching for me in the bed.

“Crystal?” His eyelids fluttered slightly. “Hey, you’re up?”

I put the tray down where I had laid not twenty minutes before. “I got a surprise. Close your eyes and open your mouth.”

He grinned. “Can’t wait.”

As quiet as possible, I stabbed some eggs and put it in his open mouth. “Tell me what that is. Keep your eyes shut.”

“Mmm, eggs with cheddar, just the way I like ’em.” He chewed slowly, savoring it. After swallowing, he got up on his elbows. “Don’t wanna choke and ruin the fun.” He opened his mouth again.

I smiled. He rarely allowed me full control or indulged me in silly things like that. I cut a piece of French toast and swirled it in the dish of syrup on the tray. Carefully, I put that in his mouth.

“Your favorite.” He smiled then chewed that as well. “Better than mine.” He let out a soft moan and licked syrup off his lips. “Nice contrast.”

I put a straw into a glass of juice and touched the tip to his lips. “Suck.” I bit my lip as he complied. “Goddamn… so sexy.”

“Your turn.” He started to sit up.

I pushed him down. “Not yet. This is fun.” I put the glass down and forked a slice of kiwi. “Next.”

“Tangy.” Giovanni’s face screwed up in concentration. “Um… uh… kiwi, right?”

“Yes.” I ran a hand over his thigh, turned on by the game. Then I pulled back, so I wouldn’t take things too far. “You like this?”

He nodded. “It’s different… and fun.”

“Good.” I picked up a strip of bacon and put it in his mouth. “Bite down.”

He chewed and groaned. “You’re spoiling me.”

I ate the other half, hunger getting the best of me. “You need it sometimes.” Then I fed him a cantaloupe ball. “I have enough for both of us. Just enjoy it.” I continued alternating items until his side of the tray was clear. In between, I ate some as well, but I liked the way he reacted to each bite.

No longer hungry for food, I put the tray on the floor and lay on top of him. “So, think I should do that again?”

He opened his eyes and smiled at me. “Yeah.” His hands ran down my sides then grabbed my ass. “Kinda romantic and sorta kinky.” He moved me so my moist folds rubbed his erection. “Next time we need to add stuff we can eat off each other’s bodies. That would be fun.”

“Sounds like it would be.” I kissed his lips, his jaw and his neck. Then I sucked on his earlobe, hoping he liked it as much as I did. I whispered, “Do you want me as much as I want you?”

“Yes,” he gasped, clutching my hips. “But, I’ll hurt you.”

My lips moved over his neck again. “No you won’t.” I dragged my tongue over his jaw. “I need you.” I shifted my body until the head of his cock nestled against my clit. Slowly, I rolled my hips and moaned. “Need you.”

A hand slid over my ass. Then fingers teased my pussy. “Need me where?”

“There.” I whimpered as a fingertip slipped in. “Please.” I felt desperate for him.

He slid it in a bit more. “This good?” When I shook my head, he grinned and pulled it out.

“Enough with the fucking teasing!”

His hands moved up my body. “Feisty today, huh?” He took my breasts in his hands. “So perfect.” He squeezed them then rubbed my nipples with his palms. “Mmmm you’re getting wetter.” He lifted his hips, rubbing my clit with his shaft. “Think I can make you cum just like this?”

I shook my head, unable to talk, too consumed with need.

“This’ll be fun.” He moved his hands, thumbs slowly caressing my hardened nipples. His hips rocked up and down.

I gripped his arms, my head back. The pleasure was indescribable. His shaft slid between my folds and against my clit over and over again. Quickly, an orgasm started to build. My head lolled down and I caught the expression on his face. He was getting off on it.

“Cum for me.” He went faster. “You look so hot… fuck this feels good.” He let out a short moan. “Hurry up so I can fuck you.”

Seconds later, I cried out, my whole body trembling with pleasure. “God, Giovanni!”

“You’re so beautiful when you cum.”

I collapsed over him and he rubbed my back. “So… go—od.” I took the time to recover then got to my knees again. “How did you do that?”

“I watched you and could tell what worked.” He gave me an evil grin. “Then I exploited it.” He lightly massaged my thighs as his erection twitched against my ass cheek. “You came all over me. I think your wet enough now.”

He reached over to the nightstand. I watched him pull out a condom. After opening it, his hands disappeared behind me and I felt him roll it on. Then he lifted his cock until it prodded my honey hole. I sank down on him carefully.

“Is it hurting you?”

“I’m fine,” I assured him. I was and did not want his fear of causing me pain to get in the way. Taking my time, I lifted and dropped only allowing a few inches in. Then I sped up, taking in more at a time.

When I winced, he closed his eyes. “It’s too soon. I’m hurting you.”

“No. I just went too fast.” I wanted it to work.

He pulled out and rolled us until he was on top. “Let’s try this angle.” Slowly, he penetrated me again. His eyes met mine. “Still OK?” I nodded and grabbed his biceps. He laid down on me, his weight on his forearms on either side of my head. “You need to tell me if it hurts.”

“I will,” I whispered.

One at a time, I lifted my legs up and wrapped them around his back. He groaned and withdrew before thrusting in again. His was depth shallow, his pace languid.

“Does it hurt?” His breath was ragged.

“You’re barely moving. I’m fine, really.”

He kissed my neck. “It’s better this way.” His hips jerked a bit and I felt his balls hit my ass. “Aaahhh… you feel good.” He moaned again as he gave me another gentle stroke. “Missed this.” His mouth moved up my neck then to my lips. The loving kisses trailed across my face to my ear.

His slow moves were killing me. It felt good, but wasn’t progressing. I wanted to lift my hips up to him, but his weight only allowed for minimal movement.

“You know I won’t cum this way, right?”

“Why not?” His body tensed a bit. “Can’t we just make love? We always fuck.” He sighed as he withdrew and pushed back in. “I wanna try it, please.”

I exhaled loudly. “That’s not why you’re going so slow.”

He closed his eyes. “I feel like I’m gonna make you bleed again.” He pressed his lips to my neck and kissed me several times. “When I saw the blood on the bed I almost puked. I don’t know how I hurt you so bad. I love you.” He nuzzled my ear. “I can’t do that to you again…” The emotion in his tone made my heart ache.

“You won’t.” I cradled his face in my hands and made him look at me. “You were drunk and I asked for it. I didn’t feel the tear until after.” My lips brushed his. “If it starts to hurt that bad again, I’ll stop you.”

He shook his head and pulled out. Shocked, I watched him leave the room. Then I came to my senses and jumped from the bed. I found him in the living room, pacing, his dick still rock solid.

“Giovanni…” I came up behind him and grabbed his arm. “Giovanni let it go. We need to get through this.” I plastered my body to his back. “I’m OK now.” My nails ran down his abdomen and over his hips. He shuddered, but didn’t reply. “We have to have sex again.” I grinned and decided to tease him. “Or I’m gonna get a complex. You don’t want that, do you?”

He sighed and reached back, hands splayed over my ass. “I want you, but I can’t stop thinking about it.”

I let my hand wander down and fondled his sack. “Let my body help you forget.” Slowly I massaged each testicle, drawing several moans from him. His cock twitched and touched my arm. “You like this.” My voice was low and throaty, filled with desire.

When my knuckles pressed against his perineum, he groaned loudly. “Yes.” He thrust his hips forward. I massaged gently at first, listening to his tortured gasps. Then I pressed harder and he shuddered again. “God, suck me. Please.”

“No. Fuck me,” I whispered.

He stood his ground, so I let my middle finger graze his ass. “Shit… please.” He was definitely desperate. I pushed the tip in and he growled, “Fine. Get on your back.”

I backed up and squealed in victory.

“Floor, now!”

I looked up at him. He face was serious, a dominate look in his eyes. He grabbed the blanket on the sofa and spread it over the carpet. Then he pointed at it. I settled on my back and waited, unable to hide my excitement.

He pounced on me and growled again. “How do you get me this worked up?” He leaned on his forearms, hips between my open legs and searched for my entrance without use of his hands. His hips shifted and then moved forward. “Yeah...” His cock slowly slid in.

“Mmmm,” I gasped as he thrust in again, deeper that time. “Fuck me hard.”

He closed his eyes. “Not yet.” He kept his rhythm calm until he bottomed out. His hips ground into mine. “You still OK?”

“Yes… please,” I begged. My legs circled his waist and I locked my feet together. “Fuck… me.”

He withdrew slowly then grinned. He leaned down and sucked on my neck. Then he drove into me quickly. “Fuck…” Ground deep then did it again. He moaned into my throat. “Feels good…” He thrust harder and harder, his breath becoming ragged.

I gripped his biceps and my back arched. It was the perfect rhythm. The head of his cock bumped my sweet spot consistently while his pubic bone rubbed my clit and his sack hit my ass with every downward stroke. Pleasure built quickly. My eyes rolled back and my nails dig into his skin.

“Oh God… fuck… Giovanni!”

My entire body convulsed with orgasm. I cried out again, consumed with constant pleasure. Aftershocks plagued me for minutes on end. The only thing I could see was a white light until I heard the faint sound of a door opening. When my back arched again, I saw feet near the front door.

Rosario had come in. He smirked and watched us. When my mouth opened, he put a finger to his lips and folded his arms over his broad chest.

Giovanni’s face was buried in my hair, as he moaned. My pussy still rhythmically gripped and released his shaft, driving him crazy. I hoped he didn’t look up. He would flip out. My eyes widened when Rosario silently walked around the back of the couch, eyes still glued to us.

Suddenly Giovanni rolled us until I was on top, cock still lodged deep within. “Ride me, my love.”

“Close your eyes,” I quickly demanded. Seeing his brother would ruin everything.

After Giovanni’s eyes shut, I turned to see Rosario leaning against a wall in the hallway. His eyes were wide and a bulge was growing in his pants. He rubbed it and winked at me. I forced myself to ignore him and lifted my hips. My hands splayed over his belly.

“Come on, Crystal. I need to cum. Please.”

I closed my eyes then rolled and rocked my hips, up and down, back and forth, grinding at the end every time. Within seconds, my mouth opened and a moan escaped. It was amazing. Rosario watching excited me somehow. Giovanni grabbed my thighs and started helping me go faster. I gasped and cried out loudly, my pussy tensing hard.

“That’s it. That’s it. That’s it, baby!” Giovanni roared and held my hips down, his fingers digging into my skin. “Fuck!” His cock throbbed and his body trembled. He pulled me down and hugged me. “Feels like it’s been weeks.” A door opened. “Bro, you better not’ve watched us.”

“I didn’t see nothing.” Rosario’s door closed.

Giovanni whispered, “Did he watch us?”

I wasn’t sure how to answer. “Would that piss you off?”

“Kinda.”

“What would you do it he did?”

“Depends.”

I frowned. “On what?”

He sighed. “If it upset you or not.” He kissed my lips. “Does it?”

“No.”

“I’m gonna kill him.” He struggled to get out from under me.

I slapped his chest. “Stop. We were fucking in the living room. How was he supposed to know?”

“True.” He exhaled loudly and calmed down. “But he should know better. He knows I don’t like him seeing you.”

I kissed his lips and cupped his cheek. “Let it go. He’s not gonna change. It’s not like he touched me.”

“Yeah, OK.” He hugged me and exhaled loudly. “Maybe we should go get some clothes on.”

After getting to our feet, Giovanni headed to the bathroom and I stopped at our bedroom door. I heard something. Curious, I padded down the hall to Rosario’s room. The sounds were coming from there. He gasped then moaned. He had to be masturbating. When I faintly heard my name, my mouth dropped.

I listened to his groans of pleasure until the bathroom door opened. Then I kissed Giovanni’s cheek and closed myself in there alone. Rosario staying there was an awful distraction. However, I was determined to keep him at arms length, like always.

After a shower, I walked out in a towel. Rosario came into the hallway at the same moment. He winked at me and whispered, “Thought of you the whole time.”

I didn’t know how to respond.

He stepped towards me until our bodies were inches apart. Then he leaned down, his lips brushing my ear. “I woulda made you cum a lot more.”

I jerked back and rushed to the bedroom.

Giovanni was pulling a T-shirt on. “You wanna go out to lunch? Maybe take a ride by the water?”

I hugged him. “Sound nice.”

“Good. I need to get outta here before I knock my brother out.” He pulled me closer. “He was fucking jacking off in his room. Bet he was imagining you on his dick.”

I sighed. “Let it go. Thinking and doing are two different things. I would never sleep wit him. Never.”

His body relaxed. “Thanks. I needed to hear that.” He kissed my forehead. “Even though I knew you wouldn’t.”

Rubbed Raw - Omitted Scene 7 – Strip Club Night – Part 2

The next morning, as Giovanni and I ate breakfast, we heard laughter. One of the voices was definitely female. We looked at each other and smiled.

Suddenly, a very young woman appeared, followed by Rosario. He grabbed her and pulled her back to him. “I’m not done with you yet.” His boxer briefs made his erection obvious.

She was clad in one of his tank tops, her ass cheeks only half covered. “I’m gonna be bowlegged.” She pulled away.

“Good.” Rosario chased her down the hall.

I shook my head. “Were we ever like that?”

“Kinda.” Giovanni ran a hand over my bare thigh. “I still can’t get enough of you.” He stabbed a piece of pancake with syrup and fed it to me. “And we get to play every day. He has them for a few hours and throws them back in.” He grinned at his weird joke.

A thump on the bathroom wall next to the kitchen, made us both turn our heads. Then a female cry echoed. Next Rosario’s muffled grunting came through.

“Fuckin’ again. Damn.” Giovanni put a hand over the crotch of his pajama bottoms.

I looked at him sideways, knowing he was trying to hide his growing cock. “Didn’t you tell me he fucked a new girl or two every night?”

“Yeah, but usually by the morning, they’re gone.” He glanced at the doorway. “I don’t remember any staying over, to tell the truth.”

I listened to the constant cries from the bathroom for a half a minute. “Maybe he’s trying to get all he can before he goes back.”

“Maybe.” Giovanni finished his food. “He just seems different. I guess I couldn’t expect him to enlist and come home the same guy.” Our eyes met. There was worry in his.

“You OK?”

Giovanni closed his eyes. “Just thinking about other friends who…” He took a deep breath. “I know a guy who went to Afghanistan. He came back a mess. Hope Rosario don’t have to see that kinda stuff.”

I put a hand on his arm. “He knew what he was getting into.” I was worried as well, but kept that fact to myself for his sake. “I’m proud of him.”

“Don’t get me wrong. I am too. I’m just…” He looked down. “He’s my only brother.”

I got up and sat on his lap. “I know.” I wrapped my arms around him. “But he’s staying stateside.”

“That can change.”

I sighed. “True.”

Suddenly, the noise from the next room died down. We looked at each other. Then a door opened and we both turned to the hallway. The giggling began and soon Rosario and his friend appeared.

Rosario winked at us and kept walking to his room. The girl seemed to have other ideas and stopped just in view. She lifted her tank top enough to show us her bare ass. Then she started dancing. Without a pole, she used the entryway to slide up and down, each downward trip her top lifted.

I smiled when Giovanni gripped my side and his back stiffened. His brother moved to the wall across from the kitchen and smiled as the dance continued. Then she moved to him and rubbed her body all over him.

“Can you go another round?” She went down to her knees and pulled his underwear down. “How about some encouragement?” Her mouth had his shaft engulfed in seconds.

Rosario’s head went back. “Fuck, Bambi.” He groaned loudly. “I love when you tug on them.”

That was definitely a stripper name. I shifted my body and smiled. Giovanni’s dick was hard as a rock. “You like to watch, huh?”

“You know I do sometimes.” His voice was soft. “That time with Phil and that girl was hot.” He put an arm around me and tugged me against him. Then his lips brushed my ear. “Fuck, I wish that wasn’t my brother.”

With a look of need of my own, I glanced at him. His eyes were glued to the action in the hallway. “Did this used to happen a lot?” I asked quietly.

“Kinda.” Giovanni’s hand slid up the back of my shirt. “But I never had someone here to help me compete.”

“Compete?” That was a shock.

He grinned without turning his head. “Yeah, always wished I could.”

I smirked and turned at the sound of movement.

Rosario was pulling Bambi towards his room. “I want you on your knees, babe.”

When I heard the door close, I got to my feet. “I’ll be right back.”

“Hey, wait.” Giovanni pulled me back to him. “I had an idea.”

I smiled and touched his face. “I gotta pee.’

“Oh.” He slapped my ass.” Hurry back.”

I used the bathroom then checked the kitchen. Giovanni was cleaning up. I turned to Rosario’s room, where loud moans and cries were prevalent. His door was open slightly. No way could I pass up a peek.

The young Bambi was on the bed, on all fours. Rosario knelt behind her, holding her hips. I watched his cock as it slid in and out of her in a quick rhythm. She gripped the sheets with every thrust, obviously enjoying it. He suddenly noticed me and winked then he wiggled his tongue at me, letting me see his piercing. My pussy clenched and I held back a gasp of longing.

“Shit,” I muttered to myself and backed away. Then I heard a plate fall. I rushed to the kitchen. “You OK?”

Giovanni looked up at me. “Yeah. My hands keep shaking.” He waited until I was about a foot away and yanked me to him. “I need to do something about this.” He ground his erection against my belly. “I always got hard when he brought chicks home.”

“I have no idea why.” The sarcasm dripped from my mouth. I grabbed his neck with both hands. “It’s got me all wet and horny too.”

He groaned loudly. “Don’t say things like that.”

“Tell me what you did when he was fuckin’ in the next room.” My eyebrows rose as he thought about it. “You can’t say you just went to sleep.” I pulled his head down to me and whispered in his ear. “Did you touch yourself?” It was turning me on to imagine him in his room masturbating while Rosario was having sex.

He sighed when I brushed my lips over his neck. “Yes.” He let out a groan of need. “I jerked off the whole time he fucked then thought of you when I came.” He grabbed my ass. “I pretended you were right there watching and we were competing to be the loudest couple.” Suddenly he flushed a deep red. “Shit. I can’t believe I told you that.” He looked away.

I turned his face back to me and looked into his eyes. “I think it’s flattering. I thought of you back then too.” I gave him an evil smile as dreams from the past floated through my head. “I woke up with wet panties quite a few times.”

His tender touch of my cheek startled me. “We both wanted this for so long.” He placed a gentle kiss on my lips. “No more pretending or dreaming. It’s real.” Gripping me tight, he pressed our bodies together and kissed me with more passion.

Without a thought, I returned the kisses, gradually opening my mouth with each one. When his tongue plunged in, I moaned, needing him. Two days of celibacy had to end. “I need you.”

Giovanni backed me up into the table, getting more aggressive. One hand was on my face, the other on my hip. “You sure?” He gasped and covered my mouth again.

I could only nod as he pulled at my pajama shorts and panties.

“Fuck, why do you have clothes on.” Trying not to laugh, I bit my lip. When he had me bottomless, he lifted me up and placed me on the table. “I’m gonna fuckin’ explode.”

I cried out when he thrust two fingers into my pussy.

“That hurt?”

I shook my head and whimpered while he reached in deeper. “God, Giovanni.” He worked fast, rubbing my sweet spot repeatedly. Within seconds, my pussy gripped him again. “Aye.”

"I don't have a condom."

To my own surprise, I replied, "Don't care. Give it to me."

He tugged his pants down to reveal his straining cock. Without another word, he took my ass in his hands and probed my wet hole. Then with a sigh of relief, he slowly slid inside. He pulled back after only a few inches and thrust back in.

I clung to his hair and buried my face in his neck. It hurt… a lot more than I expected it to. I gasped, wishing I had held it in. Instead of worrying, he moaned and gave me a deeper stroke. My entire body shuddered as he ground into me fully. I wrapped my legs around his hips, my feet against his ass holding him still.

“I love when you tighten around me like that.” He groaned and pulled his head back.

The kiss surprised me, but it was a welcome distraction. I moaned, wanting to make love with him. Then he took control and withdrew a bit before pushing back in. I winced and involuntarily tightened my pelvic muscles.

“Goddamn, girl.” He thrust a few more times then stopped and lifted my chin. “It hurts, don’t it?”

I stared at his chest. “Just keep going.”

“No.” He pulled out and I dug my nails into his neck. “See… Can’t take my dick yet, can you?”

I shook my head, knowing his fingers weren’t quite as wide. “I’m sorry.”

“Hey.” He tilted my face up, holding it in both hands. “There’s other ways to cum.” He took a step back. “Lay back and I’ll take care of you.”

I put my hands on his shoulder. “How about I give you a blowjob?”

“Mmmm, maybe after.” He leaned me back. “Now, let me get started.”

When I was on my back, Giovanni positioned my feet on chairs and opened my legs wide. Then he squeezed my thighs, massaging them deeply. His thumbs moved inward slowly, until they pressed against the very top, a breath away from where I wanted them.

He stood over me and looked into my eyes while a finger swiped up through my folds. I shuddered with need. Leaning down, he lifted my top with his teeth and licked my belly tattoo. His finger still teased my pussy with tentative touches. Until he moved it down and smirked.

“Love this pussy.” He winked and pushed a finger into it. “This is good too.” His thumb grazed my clit. “Love watching you cum.” His other hand dipped out of sight.

I got to my elbows to watch him stroke his erection. “Love watching you cum too.”

“Wanna see me cum?” He moved his hand up and down faster. “Would it excite you?” I nodded, and his head went back a bit while he jerked his cock harder, paying close attention to the head. “Fuck…” He twisted his fingers inside of me. “Want… you... to cum… too.” He took in a shaky breath then stopped pleasuring himself and pulled his fingers out of me.

I was about to protest, until he crouched down and ran his tongue over my pussy. He flicked my clit then went down. Fleetingly, he licked my ass then moved up, dancing around my entrance. I planted my feet and my hips rose. He pushed the tip of his tongue in slightly. Then he tortured me by avoiding my sensitive areas.

“Please…” I begged.

He met my pleading gaze and smirked. Then he thrust his fingers in again as he sucked on my clit. I could feel his body shaking, so he must have been stroking himself as well. He moaned against me, which sent shivers up my spine. His fingertips rubbed my sweet spot harder.

“Giovanni… Giovanni,” I cried out, hips lifting, back arched, exploding within. A light rush of fluid ran over his hand as I screamed. He extended the orgasm by keeping up the vigorous rhythm. I was gasping for air, gripping the table’s sides.

Then suddenly he pulled away. “Fuck, Crystal.” I looked down my body in time to see semen spurt onto my belly in long streams. He covered the entire tattoo and then some. “Shit that felt good.” When we heard a door, Giovanni scrambled to get my clothes back on me. He got his pants up just as Rosario appeared.

“I still win.” Rosario winked. “But… you are louder, Crystal.” My face heated up as his intense eyes lit up. “Next time we’ll fuck in the same room.”

Giovanni practically growled, “No fucking way.” He stepped in between us. “I’m not giving you another chance at seeing her naked.”

Bambi came in the room, dressed in a skimpy outfit and giggled. “Good aim.”

“Huh?” Giovanni stared at her, clueless.

She pointed at my still exposed belly. “You came in a circle.” Her high-pitched laugh filled the room.

Still on my back, I looked down my body and realized Giovanni’s semen had pooled into a circular puddle. “You are a good shot.”

He followed my gaze and grinned. “I had a good target.” Then he grabbed a towel from the oven handle and wiped the mess off me. “You guys staying for breakfast? I made pancakes. They’re on the stove.” He helped me up then pulled me into his lap on a chair.

“Sounds good,” Rosario replied. Then he turned to Bambi. “You wanna come by later and fuck again?”

She giggled. A habit that was quite annoying. “I gotta work tonight. If you meet me there, I’ll go home with you.”

“We’ll see.” He kissed her strongly. “If not, I’ll come by when I get leave again, okay?”

She gave him a sultry smile. “Wear your uniform next time. I love a man in uniform.” She started walking away from the room. “I got class in an hour. I gotta go.”

I bit my lip as he followed her. “High school, you think?” I leaned my head on Giovanni’s shoulder.

“Maybe, but I bet she’s a stripper.” Giovanni wrapped his arms around me tightly. “I’ve never met a girl named Bambi who wasn’t.”

I was about to ask how many strippers he knew, but Rosario came in the room.

“Bro, wasn’t she hot?” Rosario asked as he strode into the kitchen.

Giovanni looked up at him. “Yeah, I guess. Stripper?”

“Hell yeah!” Rosario grinned. “And, man… is she good. Chris almost flipped when I got her to come home with me.”

“She looks like she’s sixteen,” I interjected.

Rosario sighed. “She just turned eighteen. I checked.” He opened the refrigerator. “I’m starving.”

“On the stove, remember?” Giovanni laughed. “She wore you out, huh?”

Rosario pulled out juice and made himself a plate. Once at the table, he raked my body with his eyes then sighed. “That girl’s like an energizer bunny. Perfect for me.”

We sat there silent for a few minutes. I started to imagine the night Rosario had with Chris and Chad.

Oh God, Chad! Did he bring a stripper home too? I guess with the stress he’s under, he needed the release. The hottest stripper he and I had seen on our trip to a club a few years ago came to mind. He always told me he didn’t like fake women. Was that just so I didn’t feel inadequate next to them? Oh, God. What if he started dating her and I was pregnant? What if Giovanni left me and I was all alone?

To ease my mind, I asked, “Um, did Chad have fun too?”

Rosario smiled widely. “I was shocked, but he seemed to. First time to he went to a club I think. He always told me no. Used to just be me and Phil. Mark’s a pussy too.”

Giovanni put his hands on my shoulders. “Did he sit in the back and sulk?”

“Hell no.” Rosario was suddenly animated. “We got him shit faced and told all the girls he needed a good lay.”

My stomach lurched and I bolted to the bathroom. I locked myself inside just before my breakfast came up. Tears were falling as I held my hair back and waited for the spasms to end. Then I sat on the floor, sobbing. It was a sign I hoped never came. Morning sickness was impossible to hide. Wait a minute. Why would it start so early?

“Hey, you OK, Crystal?” Giovanni’s voice was filled with worry. When I didn’t answer, he knocked. “Crystal.” He tried the door. “Open the door. What happened? Are you sick?”

After washing my mouth out, I took a few breaths and tried to calm myself. “I’m fine.”

“No you’re not,” he insisted. “I heard you throw up.” The door creaked, most likely because he leaned on it. “Let me in.”

Reluctantly, I moved and opened the door. I couldn’t look at him. The guilt ate at me.

He quickly came in and shut the door. Then he crouched down to me. “You feel any better?” He lifted my chin. I closed my eyes, still ashamed at my reaction. “Look at me. It’s OK.”

I shook my head, unwilling to break his heart.

“We can stay home today if you don’t feel well.”

That caught my attention. I had thought he realized hearing Chad had gotten laid spurned the episode. The jealousy I still held when it came to Chad was ridiculous, but real none the less. It was a double standard though. I hated him being jealous of Giovanni and me. It wasn’t fair at all, but I couldn’t help it. I was still attached to him. Glancing down at my abdomen I thought, Maybe I would be forever.

“We’re going to Chad’s.” Giovanni kissed my lips. “Unless you’re not up to it.”

Unsure, I opened my eyes. “I think I’m OK.” It was a soft reply, but I was able to manage it.

“Good. Hop in the shower so we can get a move on.” With another kiss on my lips, he left the room.

Within an hour, we were at Chad’s front door. He answered, but look like the walking dead. “You look like you had a blast.” Giovanni patted his shoulder as he walked in the house.

I smiled at him and kissed his cheek when he leaned down to me. “Hey, Chad.”

“Hi, baby. Missed you.” He held my gaze for over a minute, not saying anything. Then he pulled back, strange behavior for him. He turned to the hallway. “Chris, they’re here!”

My eyebrows rose. “Chris stayed?”

“Yeah.” Chad looked around. “He was the DD last night. Bet that wasn’t easy.”

Rosario chuckled. “He had two drinks and just stared at the rest of us drinking.” He paused. “I was a dick about it though. I kept handing him a shot and taking it back. Funny as hell!” He sat on the couch, holding his gut in hysterics.

I was impressed, since Chris had a bit of a drinking problem when he started singing with us. Then I heard Chris’ voice, a few rooms away. A door opened and footsteps followed.

Chris came from the hallway that led to the bedrooms with a woman in a short revealing dress. “Thanks for last night. I’ll call you next weekend.” He turned to Rosario and winked. I was sure that meant he would never call. When she was gone, he headed straight to the refrigerator and stood there staring.

I watched him debate between beer and iced tea, wondering if it was truly a hard decision. He looked torn. Then he turned and caught my eye. His face dropped. Quickly, he grabbed the pitcher of iced tea and poured himself a glass. I moved back to Giovanni, feeling like I was making him nervous.

Rosario was telling Giovanni stories about the night before. Giovanni sat next to him on the couch and he pulled me down on his lap. He had been acting very possessive since he caught Rosario and me in the bathroom.

“One of the chicks was a fan,” Rosario went on. “She seen me sing too. All the girls found out we were in a band and flocked to us. It was so fuckin’ cool. The rest of the guys there weren’t too happy, but fuck them. It was great.”

I smiled then looked up at Chad who sat on the loveseat. His face was red as a beet and he looked at his bare feet. My faced paled. I had not seen a second woman in the house, but had she left earlier? His expression told me something happened.

“You shoulda seen Chad.” Chris was animated as he talked. “One of the girls couldn’t take her hands off him. Then I paid her to give him a lap dance. He kept saying he didn’t want it, but I wasn’t having that. We held him down and she climbed all over him.” He laughed and we all did the same. “When she felt his dick she got so excited. He freaked out when she opened his pants. It was so fucking funny! He had such a hard-on. Then she pulled it out and…”

Chad stood up and interrupted, “Yeah, yeah, great story. Fuckin’ shut up!”

Everyone turned to him and stared. Except for me, I was looking at my hands. I could see what happened next, the stripper on her knees, sucking his cock and him cumming down her throat.

Rosario’s hands moved, but I didn’t attempt to look up. “What’s wrong? You embarrassed?”

I couldn’t help but look up to see if he was.

He looked angry. “No. It’s just…” He glanced at me. “Stop talking about me like I’m not here.” He stalked to the kitchen and grabbed a beer, finishing it in one long pull. “I was drunk off my ass. What happened was because of that.”

“Chill out, Chad.” Rosario stood up. “Didn’t you have fun?”

Chad put the empty bottle next to the sink and looked down into it, hands on the counter. “I guess. Change the fucking subject. Talk about Chris and what’s her face getting it on the champagne room.”

“Dude,” Rosario walked over to Chad and but a hand on his shoulder. He whispered something and Chad shrugged. “She’s not available anymore.”

Chad moved away from him. “Stop reminding me.” He sighed when his phone rang. Then he pulled it out and answered. “Hey, Dom.” He looked up and our eyes met. “Yeah, we did.” The one sided conversation was confusing. “You can if you want. Everyone else is here.” He put a hand on his head, like he had a headache. “I think he’s still asleep… We’ll get his car later.”

“Who’s still asleep?” I asked the air, hoping someone would answer me. No one did. With a shrug, I got up.

Giovanni grabbed me by the waist. “I want you here.”

“I have to go to the bathroom. Relax.” I bent and kissed his lips. “I’ll be right back.”

Truthfully, I wanted to splash water on my face so I could relax. I left them to tell Giovanni more stories and walked towards the bedrooms. Before I opened the bathroom door in the hallway, I was pressed against it.

“Help me with my headache, babe.” Tommy whispered in my ear and ground his erection into my ass. “Sliding into your pussy would do the trick.”

I reached back and was shocked to run my hand over bare skin. He was naked! Then he quickly pulled my shorts down to my thighs. Shocked at the bold move, I didn’t know how to react.

The head of his cock teased my panties. “That girl last night don’t cum like you do… and she just laid there when I fucked her. I miss how you squeeze me and scratch me and grind against me when I’m deep inside you.” His deep voice sent shivers through me and made heat flood my loins.

How could I resist him? He was so fucking sexy. He knew exactly what to say and do to get me where he wanted me. Suddenly, he pulled my panties aside and thrust into me. Not feeling pain was a shock, but was not remotely as thick as Giovanni.

“Ah, yeah.” He groaned and withdrew before driving into me fully. “Feels so good…” He held his position for a full minute then pulled out. “I gotta get a condom.” He yanked me towards the last bedroom.

When I fell on the bed and the door closed, I came to my senses. “No, Tommy. I can’t.” I got to my feet and adjusted my clothes. “I have to be faithful to him.”

Arms wrapped around me from behind and his erection poked my ass. “Please. I never needed it like this. I’m hurting, babe. Please.”

“Does that work on groupies?” I almost laughed.

He grabbed my breasts. “I don’t need a line for them. They get naked with just a look from me.” He sighed. “Guess I’m gonna have to find one to drown myself in. How can you leave me in this condition?”

I tried to pull out of his arms, but he held tight. “Tommy…”

“No one’ll know.” One hand slid down my body. “We’ll both cum fast.”

I jumped when his fingers dipped into my shorts then my panties. “Please…”

“Please what? Please fuck me?” He breathed into my ear and licked my earlobe. “Please…” He pushed a finger into my pussy. “Please finger me ’til I give in?”

Gasping, I had no idea what would deter him. He pushed another in and caressed my G-spot slowly. Agonizingly slow. “Please…” It seemed that no other word was in my vocabulary at the moment.

“I can do that.” He rubbed me with more intensity, fingers thrusting fast and hard. “You first then me.”

Seconds into it, spasms of pleasure consumed me. I whimpered, not wanting anyone to know. However, when I heard him rip open a condom, I found my voice. “I can’t, really.”

“Then just blow me.” He put pressure on my sweet spot again. “I gotta cum, babe.”

A door closing loudly made us both jump. I used the distraction to pull away from him. “I’m sorry, but I—I can’t do this… to him again.” Tears filled my eyes. I tried like hell to keep them at bay, but a few fell.

“I made you fucking cry?” Tommy grabbed his pants and quickly put them on. “Don’t cry. I’m sorry.” He stood in front of me, taking my hands in his. “I just wanna get laid.” He pressed his forehead to mine. “I thought you’d understand. I don’t want you to cheat on Giovanni.”

“Sex is cheating.”

He sighed. “I don’t see it that way, but guess you’re right.” He lifted my hand up and kissed my palm. “Your pussy makes me lose my fucking mind sometimes.”

I was glad it was just a sexual attraction. “He won’t let us mess around anymore.” I met his desire-filled gaze. “Unless he changes things, I can’t.” With that, he let me go and I ran from the room.

Not wanting to give him a chance to stop me, I locked myself in the master bathroom. After using the toilet and splashing water on my face, I looked at my reflection. “What the fuck is wrong with you?” I asked myself. Tommy was off-limits and so was Rosario. Yet my reaction to both of them was not what it should be. “Get a grip and ignore how hot they are.” Both of them were sexy men. That fact could not be disputed, but giving in to either was a dangerous game. “I can be faithful from now on.”

I opened the door. Chad sat on his bed, sitting quietly, staring at the floor. I froze. The last thing I needed was another one of them coming on to me. At least Chris was safe. That didn’t matter. In front of me was an obviously distraught Chad.

"We can't Chad. It's not right."

He looked up, but only a bit. "I know. That's not why I'm here." He hesitated. "Baby... when will we know?" He avoided my questioning gaze.

"I guess if nothing happens in a few weeks I'll take a test." I thought about asking what really happened at the strip club. “Chad, did you…”

He interrupted me with, "I feel so fucking bad I did this to you." He waved me to him.

Reluctantly, I moved closer.

He met my eyes, tears in his and pulled me into his arms. "If I could take it back I would." He ran his hands down my back grabbing my ass for a fleeting moment. "Sorry." His hands moved up. "You feel OK? Are you getting sick or anything?"

"Chad..." I closed my eyes, trying to forget burying my head in the toilet that morning. “I’m sure its too early for that. Even if I am…” I took in a shaky breath, terror filling me. Fear of hurting Giovanni. Fear of being a mother. Fear of being alone.

He hugged me tightly. “I never meant for it to happen. You felt so good and I just came.” His voice lowered. “God did I cum.” He let out a sigh. Silently, he held me for a while. Then he took a deep breath. “Last night was… I got so drunk I don’t remember everything.”

“Just like…”

His fingers flew over my mouth. “Don’t say it.” He looked at my flat belly. “I didn’t have sex, OK? I couldn’t do that, knowing what you’re going through. She just played with me until…” He looked down. “One of the bouncers saw us and I almost got thrown out. But, the girl… I don’t even know her name. She told them she started it.” He kissed my stomach. “My baby means more to me than getting off.”

I ran my fingers through his hair, unsure if he meant me, or the baby that I could be carrying. His body relaxed against mine as I slowly massaged his scalp. I knew his headache had to be bad. Hangovers made his head pound. I gently moved back and then onto his shoulders. His hands dropped to my thighs while his head rested just under my breasts.

“You feel like shit, don’t you?” I quietly asked.

He nodded slowly. “I have no idea what they got me to drink.”

The bedroom door opened slowly. “You guys OK?” Giovanni stood in the doorway with a concerned look on his face. He stepped inside and closed the door. “You crying, man? You alright?”

“He’s in pain,” I replied for him. “I swear nothing’s going on but a massage. They shouldn’t have made him drink so much.” I was glad Chad hadn’t moved as I kneaded his upper arms.

Giovanni put his hands on my shoulders and kissed the top of my head. “Leave the door open, please.” He nuzzled my neck. “I’m sorry I still get jealous… I was getting worried you threw up again.”

Chad’s whole body stiffened. I rubbed his back, trying to soothe him.

“I’m OK.” I leaned my head back on Giovanni’s chest. “I can’t leave him like this. He’s my…”

Giovanni kissed my temple and placed a finger over my lips. “He’s your best friend. I knew that going in.” He let out a sigh. “Next time let me know what you’re doing, OK?”

“Sorry. It wasn’t expected.” I closed my eyes as he brushed his lips over my ear. Having their bodies against mine was starting to drive me up a wall. “I could feel the pain.”

With another kiss just under my ear, Giovanni whispered, “I’m in pain for a different reason.” He pressed his hips to my ass, letting me feel his growing cock. “I can’t wait ’til you feel better.” He pulled away as quickly as he appeared. Then he was gone.

“You been… getting… sick?” Chad’s voice was unsteady, but quiet. “God, baby.” He held me tightly again. “I’m so sorry.” His body shuddered, but I didn’t hear him crying again. “I’ll make him understand. I swear.”

I waited until he relaxed. Then I looked down and lifted his chin, keeping my voice soft. “It doesn’t mean that, Chad. I just wasn’t feeling so great this morning. It takes weeks for hormones to change things. I think.” I was grasping at straws.

“But, baby…” He pursed his lips and sniffled. “It’s been a few days.”

“Three Chad.” I reminded him. “It’s too soon.” I smiled at him. “Stop thinking about it.” I caressed his face and wiped a tear away. “Let’s go inside and make breakfast together.”

The huge smile I got was addictive. I smiled right back. “Just no grabbing my ass at the stove.”

“Fine.” He slid his hands up and squeezed my ass cheeks. “I’ll just have to work that out of my system now.” He released me and grasped me again. “Love this ass. Wish I fucked it before you left me.”

My mouth dropped. “You what?”

“Sorry. I never told you I wanted to try it.” He framed my face with his hands. “I was terrified I’d hurt you. I’m a bit big for something like that.”

“You never have?” It came out with a squeak of fear.

He pulled my face down and kissed my forehead. “No. You’re the only one who wasn’t scared of my dick.” He paused. “Well maybe at first you were, but we made it work. I’d be just as careful up your ass.”

“I can’t, Chad.” I shivered, imagining the pain.

“Hey, hey, I was just saying. I didn’t mean we should try it.” Chad stood up and held my head to his chest. “Sometimes my mouth don’t listen to my head.”

We stood there until we both had calmed. Then we headed to the kitchen and started breakfast. Giovanni watched from across the room, but didn’t interrupt our comfortable routine.

After about thirty minutes, Chad and I had piles of eggs, bacon, English muffins and hash browns on the kitchen table. Everyone dug in while Chad got glasses and I took out juice and served coffee.

Chad sat on my right and sipped his coffee slowly. He hadn’t taken a bite from his plate. I turned to my left. Giovanni shoveled food in his mouth as if he hadn’t eaten that morning. Obviously, something worked up his appetite. The others were just as famished. I picked at my food.

“You need to eat,” Chad whispered in my ear. “You know why.”

I smiled at him to hide my fear and put some eggs into my mouth. “Better?” Since I had lost my breakfast earlier, I actually was hungry.

“Yeah.” Chad rubbed his temples before tearing a piece of buttered muffin off with his teeth. “We playing Charlie’s tonight?”

Chris looked up. “No, The MetalLands.”

“Cool.” The right side of Chad’s mouth turned up. “We got some new stuff they’d love.”

Rosario lifted his glass of iced coffee. “To Chris, without him you guys would still be playing the lowly bars and club we used to!”

We all raised a glass or mug and clinked them together. I was so glad he wasn’t jealous. He was truly happy for the rest of us. That week though, he was reaping the benefits.