5. Derek’s Destiny

DEREK

Despite having a fleet of luxury cars in my garages, I couldn’t tell you the last time I actually drove one. I was usually being chauffeured or on a tour bus, yet here I was, whipping around Juniper in Destiny’s Accord. The steering wheel felt foreign in my hands. I was gripping it tighter than necessary and I was grateful nobody was really outside in this small town to judge my rusty driving skills.

Thankfully my passenger princess was distracted, silent for the most part but texting at lightning speed. Who was she talking to? Giggling and shit.

I was already nervous about my driving, but the idea of going to her house equally had me on edge. All because I couldn’t keep my slick-ass milkshake comment to myself. Now, I was sweating bullets. I had performed in front of thousands of people every night for years, but this girl, Destiny, had my palms sweating as I wondered how far she was trying to go tonight and if I’d live up to her expectations after all this time.

“Oh my God,” she giggled, breaking the silence.

“Who’s that?” I finally asked, using her comment as an opening.

“My mom,” she answered without looking at me, still texting.

“She good?”

“She just used the word ‘pussy,’ and I am beside myself,” she laughed.

I laughed too and shook my head in disbelief. “Mrs. Boseman ain’t use that word. Stop lying on her.”

I didn’t know what she was up to now, but back then, Mrs. Boseman was straight-laced, working downtown at the bank, and always tried to keep Destiny on the right path. She did a damn good job with that too. Des got straight A’s, was in all the extracurricular activities, and was just a good girl overall. Mrs. Boseman had a vision for Destiny's future, one that didn't include me.

Mrs. Boseman used to try to keep Destiny away from me, and looking back, she wasn’t wrong for that. Most of the adults around here didn’t want their kids to have anything to do with me. I got bad grades, liked to fight, had no respect for authority, and wanted to be a rapper instead of going to school like everybody around here was trained to do.

The only bad thing Destiny ever did was be with me and sneak off with me behind her mama's back. But damn, those were some of the best times—so simple and carefree. Especially when we used to go down to the river and lay on the rocks in the middle of the stream, just talking. The water would rush around us, drowning out the world, making us feel like we were the only two people on earth. It was in those moments, lying on those sun-warmed rocks, that I felt like I could be anyone or anything, as long as I had her by my side.

“I’m so serious,” Destiny said, showing me her phone. “She said she’s shocked I’m giving up the pussy so quickly.”

I almost ran the car off the goddamn road. “What the hell?”

Destiny laughed, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “You know I tell my mama everything. I told her we had a long talk and you’re about to come over, and that was her response. I gotta keep her away from Helen next door, Eden’s Mama…she’s a bad influence, I swear. These mamas be so out of control.” Destiny shook her head, a bemused smile playing on her lips, like the roles had reversed and she was now raising Mrs. Boseman.

But shit, I laughed my ass off, wondering the same damn thing. I was ready to fight for my life when it came to Des. I wasn’t even thinking about sleeping with her anytime soon. I just wanted her back. I wanted her to know I was real about fixing what I broke. So yeah, I was just as surprised as her mama that she wanted to give up the pussy too, or at least let me eat it.

I pulled into the driveway, already knowing where I was going because she told me she bought Mr. Townsend’s old house and fixed it up. Ant had dropped me off at the diner, and I planned on walking back home, so this worked out transportation-wise. I killed the engine and looked over at my dream girl.

“You know, if you’re having second thoughts, we don’t have to do shit but watch a movie and then I’ll walk home,” I said sincerely, giving her an out.

Destiny looked at me with an unreadable expression and then sucked her teeth. “Boy, get in this house,” she commanded and got out of the car.

“Yes, ma’am,” I said, following her inside like a puppy, feeling my heart race with every step.

Walking into the house felt like stepping into a physical manifestation of Destiny’s personality. It was warm, feminine, and classic. A lot of browns, tans, and creams in the decor, except for the bright-ass flowers I’d sent, which she had spread throughout, making me smile. I made sure to lock the front door behind me before following her to the bedroom, closing that door too, feeling like I’d just been given access to the most sacred place on Earth.

I kept looking around, taking in her space. This is where my baby slept. God damn, she had a lot of books around this motherfucker. One thing about Destiny, she was always reading something, even back in the day. She always had a crime thriller in her hands and loved watching shows like “Snapped” and “First 48.” That’s probably why I gave her that fucked-up news over the phone instead of in person. Part of me was probably scared of her ass back then. She was so sweet and quiet, but those are the ones you gotta watch out for.

“I know it’s not a fancy mansion or a penthouse,” she started, her voice tinged with a hint of insecurity as she looked at me, eyes searching for any sign of judgment.

I looked at her, standing in the corner, trying to make herself smaller. The room seemed to hold its breath.

“Nah, this is perfect, Des,” I said, maintaining my distance on the other side of the room. “I’m proud of you. I love your home. And I hope you allow me to spend more time here with you.”

Her eyes softened, and for a moment, she looked bashful, a hint of the girl I used to know shining through the woman she had become.

“One day, I hope you’ll let me give you the world,” I said softly, my voice filled with emotion. “But right now, I love and admire what you’ve built for yourself. It’s beautiful, just like you.”

She smiled at me, a smile that lit up the room, making everything else fade into the background.

“If I never left, you think it would be me and you living here together?” I asked her, unable to help wondering what that scenario would have been like as I continued walking around her space.

Des was now sitting on the bench in front of her bed, unzipping her boots. She always wore boots and sweaters even in the heat. I don’t think that girl ever got her blood checked to see if she was anemic; shorty was always cold even during a Juniper summer.

“There was never a timeline where you didn’t leave, Derek. It was already written,” she said almost solemnly.

That made me feel a way for some reason.

I went over to her and dropped to my knees, moving her hand out of the way so I could take her shoes off for her.

“Maybe I would’ve got a trade, opened up my own mechanic shop or something,” I suggested as I took her shoes off.

“Maybe, but…you’re too big for Juniper, Derek, always have been. This place couldn’t hold you for too long,” she said.

I looked up at her, a lump forming in my throat. “Still, I can’t help but wonder.”

She sighed, a hint of sadness in her eyes. “Wondering doesn’t change anything. We both made choices, and we have to live with them.”

Her words hit me hard. I gently placed her boots aside and took her hands in mine, looking up at her. “I’ve made some fucked-up choices, Des, but being with you was never one of them. I just... I just didn’t know how to balance it all back then.”

“We were young, Derek. Neither of us knew how to handle the changes that came with your new life.”

“How many kids you think we’d have by now?” I chuckled, pulling off her socks, my fingers grazing the delicate skin of her ankles.

“With how irresponsible we were, thinking the pull-out method was foolproof when we didn’t have money to sneak off and buy condoms, we’d have our own reality show: Derek and Destiny’s Dozen,” she joked, her eyes glinting with humor and nostalgia.

I laughed with her, shaking my head at the memory of those reckless days. We never thought things through, caught up in the heat of the moment, relying on luck and youthful ignorance. By the grace of God, we never had to face those consequences. Guess my pull-out game was strong, but my prayers must’ve been stronger because I was always on edge until Des would tell me she was on her period. Tonight, well, she only wanted the Milkshake Special, so we should be good.

Her shoes and socks now off, I couldn’t resist the urge to put her toes in my mouth, but she quickly snatched them away, giggling.

“Derek, I’ve been at work all day, at least let me shower,” she laughed, a sweet sound that tugged at my heart.

“I don’t know if I can wait,” I admitted, my voice low and eager.

“Just a quick two-minute wash up,” she said, hopping up before I could stop her.

I sighed and started taking off my shoes and clothes while she disappeared into the bathroom. Stripping down to my boxers and undershirt because Destiny never played about people sitting on her bed in outside clothes. The room smelled like her— vanilla and something uniquely her, a scent that brought back a flood of memories. The anticipation built with each passing second, my heart racing as I listened to the sound of water running in the bathroom.

She lied, though. It didn’t take two minutes; it took her seven before she finally emerged from the shower, walking into the bedroom with a shy smile, holding her towel around herself. She walked toward me and stood between my legs as I sat up on the edge of the bed.

I looked up at her, my heart pounding. "You’re so beautiful, Des. I’ve missed you so damn much," I said, my voice thick with regret.

"I missed you too."

I pressed my head against her stomach, just holding her, feeling grateful as fuck for this moment because I wasn’t sure it would ever happen again.

"Can I see you, baby?" I asked, looking up at her.

She bit her lip and hesitated, “This is not the same body you remember,” she said.

“Why would it be? You’re a grown-ass woman now, and every part of you is even more beautiful than before. I know it’s better.”

She slowly released her towel, revealing her incredible form to me. My body had changed so much since we’d last been together. I was bigger, harder, more sculpted. But hers was more beautiful than ever—curvier, softer, her grown woman weight sitting in all the right places, making her even more perfect.

"You’re flawless, you know that?" I asked, running my hands along the curve of her backside.

She rolled her eyes. "Derek, stop lying."

"I’m serious, Princess. I hope you look in the mirror every day and realize how beautiful and fine you are. Your body is perfect. And if you ever forget, I won’t hesitate to remind you," I said, planting a tender kiss on her belly button. "Feels so good in my hands."

She shivered at my touch, her breath hitching slightly. "You always knew how to sweet-talk," she murmured, a hint of a smile playing on her lips.

"It’s not sweet talk if it’s the truth," I said, my voice low and earnest. "I’ve missed everything about this body, Des. The way you feel, the way you smell.

“All the model bodies you’ve seen and mine is flawless?” she asked, her voice tinged with doubt.

“Yeah,” I said without hesitation, “and I’ve missed it. I missed you.”

Her eyes softened, and for a moment, the walls she’d built around herself seemed to crumble just a little. "I’ve missed you too, Derek. More than you know."

The air between us was thick with tension, every second stretching out like an eternity. I would wait all night if I had to, but I needed to check in with her again to make sure she was truly ready to break her celibacy streak. Cause if she did, I planned to devour her like a starving man at an all you can eat buffet.

“You wanna talk first or…,” I asked, leaving the question open, my voice low and earnest.

“Derek, we just talked for hours in the diner. You said you wanted to see what I taste like now. Were you just talking, or are you gonna back it up?” she challenged, a playful yet serious glint in her eyes.

Oh shit, okay. I smirked, feeling the adrenaline surge through me. “Whatever you want, I’m willing to give, Des—no hesitation.”

“Good,” she replied, her voice steady and full of intent, her eyes never leaving mine.

Without another word, I pulled her face to mine and kissed her deeply, letting all the years of longing and regret pour into that kiss. Her response was immediate, her hands tangling in my locs, pulling me closer. I could feel the urgency in her touch, the need to reconnect, to erase the distance that had grown between us.

I stood up and lifted her effortlessly. As I laid her down gently on the bed, I looked into her eyes, full of desire. “I been missing you so bad,” I whispered against her lips.

Her hands roamed over my back, pulling me closer. “Then show me, Derek. Show me how much you’ve missed me,” she breathed, her voice trembling with anticipation.

Dropping to my knees in front of her, I prepared to worship at her feet like I always should have. I placed her legs over my shoulders, the scent of her already familiar and casting a spell on me as I disappeared between her legs. She was breathing hard, nervous.

I kissed the insides of her thighs, both sides, savoring the softness of her skin. Then I kissed her mound. Using my thumb, I revealed her pearl to me. It was fat, and calling my name so loud I couldn’t help but suck on it immediately, causing her to jump back.

“I’m bout to make up for a lot of time Des, don’t run from me,” I said, pulling her closer to the edge of the bed and bear-hugging her thighs so she wouldn’t be able to move again. That first taste told me everything I needed to know—I was about to have the best meal of my life, and not even she was going to disrupt it. “It’s just me Princess, relax and let me take care of what’s mine.”

I took my time, savoring every moment, every reaction. Her hands gripped the sheets, her body trembling under my touch. Her moans filled the room, the sound of pleasure made my heart race. I moved my tongue with purpose, each stroke designed to bring her closer to the edge.

“Derek… oh God,” she breathed, her voice shaky with desire.

I held her tighter, my tongue working its magic with a fervor that went beyond mere desire. I wanted her to feel every ounce of my my devotion. This was more than just physical; it was a promise, a vow to never let her go again.

She felt like a slippery snake in my hands, writhing in response to my relentless sucking and tongue-fucking. Her body twisted and turned, but she wasn’t going anywhere—not on my watch. Each flick of my tongue, each graze of my lips was a promise of my commitment, sealing the bond between us with every shiver and moan.

“Don’t stop,” she pleaded, her voice filled with desperation.

“Never,” I murmured against her, the vibrations sending shivers through her body.

Still holding her around her thighs, I stood up, lifting her ass off the bed while holding and eating her like I was in a fucking watermelon-eating contest. No crevice was safe from me. I looked down at her, and her eyes were rolling in the back of her head and fluttering, no matter how much she tried to focus on me. My baby was gone. High as hell. I needed her higher, so I stuck two fingers in her and began twisting them as I continued to lick and suck on her clit.

Her screams for me were so loud I thought she was gonna wake up the whole damn Juniper, but, God damn, all the songs I’ve ever made, her whimpering for me was the most beautiful sound I ever heard. I needed this shit on a track so I could hear it over and over. She was so loud and wild, it sounded like I was torturing her instead of pleasing her, like I was dragging her through the haunted corn maze down at Old Man Jenkins' farm that she wanted to go to every damn year although she was terrified of it.

“I’m sorry, baby, but I was right… you’re even sweeter than before,” I said, coming up for air but not giving my fingers a break.

I dropped back down to my knees, face still locked on her pussy, watching her watch me. She tangled her hands in my locs as her body began to shake more, her breathing became more erratic, she was clenching around my fingers. And I was ready for my prize, ready to drink from the fountain I’d been deprived of for too long. There was a thirst only she could quench, and finally, I’d be a satisfied man.

“Derek, baby!” she cried as she began bucking on my face.

Hearing her call my name like that, in the throes of pleasure, was everything I’d dreamed of. I kept going, determined to give her everything she deserved. Her climax built up, each moan, each tremble, bringing her closer. I was relentless, my tongue and fingers working in perfect harmony to drive her over the edge.

“You got too good at this,” she cried, her nails digging into my scalp, a desperate anchor as she trembled beneath my touch.

“Mmmm-mmmm,” I hummed in agreement, refusing to lift my mouth from her for even a second. The vibrations of my voice sent shivers through her, amplifying her pleasure. This was better than anything—better than any milkshake I’d ever had.

“Derek, please!” she screamed, her voice a desperate plea as her back arched so far back I thought it was going to break.

Her body shook uncontrollably, her cries growing louder, more urgent. I could feel her teetering on the edge, and I intensified my efforts, determined to push her over. With one final, guttural scream, she shattered, her orgasm crashing over her like a tidal wave.

I held her tight, anchoring her to this world as she rode out the storm of pleasure. Each pulse, each contraction around my fingers, was confirmation of the intensity of her release.

“Derek!” she gasped, her voice breaking, tears streaming down her face from the overwhelming pleasure.

I didn’t let up, wanting to prolong this moment, to give her everything she needed and more. Her hands gripped my hair tighter, pulling me closer as if she couldn’t get enough.

As the waves of her orgasm finally began to subside, I gently eased my fingers out, kissing my way back up her body. Her breathing was ragged, her eyes glazed with the aftershocks of ecstasy.

“I told you, Princess. I got you,” I whispered, pulling her into my arms, holding her close.

She looked at me, her eyes filled with satisfaction, and nodded. “I know,” she whispered back, her voice trembling. “I know.”

Destiny was a trembling puddle in my hands, whimpering as she tried to regain control of herself. I held her chin, guiding her to look at me as I planted kisses on her cheeks, lips, and neck, each touch a promise of stability and love.

“Did I make you feel good?” I asked, licking her juices off my beard, savoring the taste, already hungry for seconds.

“So good,” she whispered, her voice barely audible, eyes glazed with pleasure.

“That’s all I want, to make you feel good. Bring you pleasure, no more pain,” I murmured against her skin, my lips trailing a path of devotion. “Say the word and I’ll give you more right now.” I smiled, the hunger in my eyes matching the desire in hers, ready to worship her all over again.

“Derek, I… ummm…” she started, her voice trailing off, eyes filled with uncertainty.

My hand still holding her chin, I gently tilted her face to meet mine. “Talk to me, baby,” I urged, my voice soft yet insistent.

She looked down, breaking our eye contact.

“Use your words, Princess. Tell me what you need right now so I can give it to you,” I coaxed, my thumb brushing lightly across her jaw.

She looked back at me, her eyes shimmering with vulnerability and longing. “Make love to me,” she said, her voice a fragile whisper.

I let go of her face, searching her eyes for any hint of doubt. Feasting on her had brought me immense pleasure, but her reaction, her trust in me, was the true reward. Plus she for sure had gotten her.

It had been five long years since anyone had been inside her, twice as long since I’d felt her around me. I needed her to be sure, for both our sakes.

“You sure, Destiny?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper, heavy with emotion.

“Yes,” she said, her voice gaining strength, eyes brimming with determination and desire.

“You’ve been celibate for a long time, Des. I wanted to give you some relief, but I don’t want to rush into—”

“Derek, I’m grown, and I’m sure. I get to decide and change my mind whenever I want. I want this right now,” she insisted, her voice steady and resolute.

I sighed, the weight of her words sinking in, then leaned in to kiss her deeply.

“I didn’t bring condoms. I wasn’t planning for this,” I admitted, my forehead resting against hers, breath mingling.

“I’m clean. I can show you my results,” she said, reaching for her nightstand. But I stopped her, my hand gently covering hers.

“I believe you. I’m clean too. Just took a physical before my tour five months ago, and I wasn’t with anybody the whole time.”

She looked at me, skepticism flickering in her eyes. “You’re not fucking groupies on tour anymore?” she asked, her voice tinged with disbelief. Not gonna lie, that hurt a little bit.

“I’m not him anymore,” I said softly. "I told you."

Her eyes began to water, and I could see the pain in them—the pain I caused with my bullshit. Pain I’d do my best to erase.

I slipped my fingers back inside her; she was still soaking wet, stretched out, and ready for me, although I had no idea we’d be taking it this far tonight.

“You’re still the only girl I’ve been with raw,” I told her, my fingers playing her like a finely tuned guitar. She squirmed beneath me, still sensitive, her breath hitching with every touch. “You’re still the only girl I trust.” I put her left toes in my mouth, savoring the softness as my fingers continued their rhythm. “If you’re serious about this, let me apologize for what I’m about to do. I’ve been dreaming about this for so long, Des,” I said with a devilish smile, feeling her body respond to my words.

Her eyes widened with anticipation, her lips parting as she whispered, “I’m ready.”

I let go of her foot and removed my fingers, bending down face-to-face with her center, spreading it open with my fingers.

“Daddy’s coming home,” I said to her kitty.

“You’re a dumbass, you know that?” Destiny giggled.

“Hey, gotta give you something to go back and tell you mom and your friends,” I said full of humor, taking my shirt off and throwing it to the ground, followed by my boxers.

“Fuck you!” she spat, causing me smile.

She had no idea how much I liked that attitude.

“That’s it, baby, keep that energy,” I said standing tall.

She looked down at my length now that I was naked, her brows furrowing in surprise.

“I don’t remember it being like that, Derek,” she said, her voice tinged with worry.

“It’s the same dick you had a million times, Des,” I replied, trying to reassure her.

“No!” she pointed at it, eyes wide. “It’s longer or wider, or something.”

“More lethal for sure now that I really know what to do with it,” I said making it go round in a circle.

“Father God, don’t let this man kill me,” she muttered, looking at the ceiling with praying hands, causing me to chuckle as I gently opened her legs with my knee.

“I’ll take my time, get you used to me again,” I promised, my voice a husky whisper. “Don’t worry, you’ll fit me like a glove again. You’re tailor-made for me, crafted to my specifications. I’m about to remind you just how perfect we are together. And after this, I don’t want nobody else playing in it,” I said, my tone dripping with possessive intensity, as I began to ease my way into her.

We both gasped at the sensation, the tightness, the heat. It was like coming home. The feeling was indescribable, almost surreal. What did she put in this pussy?

Her body tensed, then relaxed. The sensation was electric, every nerve ending alive with the connection between us. The heat of her enveloped me, pulling me deeper into the abyss of our shared desire.

“God damn, Destiny,” I moaned, savoring the way her body welcomed me, wrapped around me. I inched in slowly, giving her time to adjust to my size, feeling every inch of her, the familiarity mixed with a newfound intensity.

Her nails dug into my back, and I felt her shiver beneath me. “Take your time, Derek,” she whispered.

“I am, Princess. I promise,” I said, my breath hitching as I began to move, each thrust deliberate, each motion a testament to my need for her. I watched her face, the way her eyes fluttered shut, the way her lips parted with every gasp, every moan.

“Derek...” she whispered, her voice trembling with need.

“I’ve got you, baby,” I reassured, my hands gripping her hips, holding her steady as I began to move, slow and deliberate. “Just feel me. Let go. I’m here.”

I could feel her body responding, muscles tightening and releasing, drawing me in deeper. Each thrust a symbol of the years of longing, the nights spent apart, the love that had never faded. Her moans filled the room, a sweet melody that spurred me on.

“You were made for me, Des,” I murmured, my lips grazing her ear. “Every part of you, designed just for me. And I’m never letting go again.”

I wanted to savor every second, but damn if my mind wasn’t swirling with thoughts of how much I loved this girl. Really loved her. Every movement, every touch, every sound she made was a reminder of what I’d lost and what I was desperate to reclaim. I wanted to go back in time and kick my younger self for ever thinking life could get better than Destiny Boseman. She wasn’t just a part of my life; she was the best part.

I needed her. I’d been walking around for over a decade without a heart, just a big-ass hole in my chest that I tried to fill with all kinds of bullshit. But now, feeling her beneath me, around me, hearing her breath hitch, her voice trembling with emotion—it was like that hole was finally being filled. Something real, something vital, was there again. I was alive again.

I looked down at her, her eyes closed in ecstasy, her lips parted as soft moans escaped. I wanted to capture this moment, hold it close, and never let it go. The way her body responded to mine, the way she clung to me, it was like coming home after a long, grueling journey.

“You feel that, baby?” I murmured against her skin. “That’s us coming back together. That’s me loving you, making up for all the lost time.”

“Don’t stop,” she pleaded, her voice raw and urgent.

“I’m not stopping, Des. Not until you’re completely mine again,” I vowed, my pace increasing as our connection deepened, each thrust, each touch, binding us closer together.

I put some toes back in my mouth and stroked while I also circled her clit with my thumb. I couldn’t even make out the words she was saying as she pulled the sheets into her palms. I loved the sight of her like this, the sounds that came from her throat, the sounds of me swimming in it.

“Fuck, Derek…I’m gonna cum!” she screamed.

"That's exactly what I want, baby," I smiled, my voice dropping to a husky whisper. "I want you to lose yourself in me tonight, while I drown in you."

I threw her legs over my shoulders and leaned forward, still playing with that pearl and started sucking on her nipples. The triple combo was gonna take her out in no time. The overstimulation caused her to begin shaking under me, and gripping me like a vice.

“I feel that kitty tightening up, baby. You gonna come for Daddy? Huh, Destiny?” I asked.

“Yes,” she purred.

“Give me that nut, Des,” I demanded. “Give it to me now,” I said with a smack to the side of her ass.

And her body listened. She came so hard her screams scared the shit out of me a little bit, but I knew I wasn’t hurting her, so I kept going—the strokes, the stimulation of her pearl, the kisses on her breasts.

“Derek! Holy shit! Holy shit!” she screamed as she fell apart.

“Good girl, Princess. Good fucking girl. That’s how I want it,” I praised. “I love how your body listens to me.”

Her lips were quivering as she tried to focus on me, but her eyes kept closing.

“Proud of you, Princess,” I coached as she started to come down from her high.

I gave her breasts and pearl a break, kissing her deep, tasting the sweetness of her lips, as I continued to stroke her. My hands roamed her body, feeling every curve, every inch of the woman I loved. Taking advantage of that dancer's flexibility she still had, I pushed her knees damn near to her ears, opening her up completely to me. The sight of her, spread out and vulnerable, made my heart race even faster.

“Derek,” she cried.

“Yes, Princess?”

“I love you. I love you so much,” her face was so wet from tears as I tried to keep mine in.

“I love you too, baby. Always have, always will. And I’mma show you,” I said, my voice thick with emotion as I stroked deeper, drawing moans from her lips. “I’ll keep showing you. I love you so much.”

I pulled out, flipping her onto her stomach with a swift, smooth motion.

“But first, I need some more nut up out of you,” I said, my voice dark and demanding as I pulled her to her knees. I reentered her, spreading her cheeks wide to get the best view of going in and out of her, watching the creamy evidence of her desire coat me.

She tried to push off me, her body trembling.

“Uhhh-uh!” I barked, delivering a sharp smack to her ass that echoed in the room. “You said you wanted this dick, Des. Take it.”

“Uuhhhh,” she screamed into the bed, her fingers gripping the sheets tightly.

“Let me see that shit you were talking before, baby,” I taunted, smacking both sides of her ass in quick succession. “Throw this ass back on me.”

“It’s too big, Derek…I can’t,” she gasped, her voice breaking.

Smack!

“I don’t wanna hear that, Destiny. I know you weren’t saying shit like that when you were giving my pussy to all them niggas at college. Stop playing around and fuck me!” I demanded, my tone leaving no room for argument.

She looked back at me with a glare that could have shot me dead, and a devilish grin crept across my face because she was about to give me exactly what I wanted.

“Asshole!” she spat, thrusting back with such force that it almost knocked me over.

“That’s it…” I said, gripping her ass tight, holding on for dear life, my eyes closed as I rode the wave of her anger and passion. “Get mad, baby. Teach me a fucking lesson.”

Her thrusts grew more forceful, each one a testament to her frustration and desire. The intensity between us was electric, the air thick with the heat of our past and the raw, unfiltered emotion of the present.

“Fuck me like you hate me, Des. That’s it, just like that…” I repeated, gripping her to make sure this wasn’t a dream.

She bucked back, meeting me thrust for thrust, each collision sending shockwaves through my body. My toes curled, and I found myself screaming like a bitch until I couldn’t take it anymore.

I wasn’t ready for this to end yet, and neither was she. I pulled out, much to her dismay, and flipped us so I was under her.

“Slide down your pole, Princess,” I coached, my voice husky. My eyes rolled back in my head as she slid down on me, our hips meeting in a perfect union.

“Oh my God!” she shrieked when our hips met. “I can’t —”

“Yes you can, baby. You’re in control,” I reassured her with a smack on her perfect round ass.

She started bouncing on me, each movement driving me closer to the edge. I opened my eyes to see her looking down at me with determination, her fingers digging into my chest.

“That’s it, baby. This is your dick. It’s yours,” I moaned over and over, barely able to keep my eyes open as she manhandled me.

This was the life! Jesus Christ. She threw her head back, and I began pinching her nipples, which elicited a gasp of surprise.

“You don’t fight fair,” she moaned, her voice thick with pleasure.

I smacked her ass cheeks, smiling up at her. My baby. The love of my life. So fucking beautiful and perfect. The room was filled with the sound of our bodies colliding, the scent of sex heavy in the air. Destiny’s movements were wild and unrestrained, her hair cascading around her as she rode me with everything she had.

I reached up, gripping her hips, guiding her rhythm. “That’s it, Princess. Take what’s yours. Make me feel you.”

“I’m gonna come again, baby,” she moaned, tears running down her pretty face.

“That’s what I like to hear,” I said, taking the reins and grinding up into her as I worked my waist.

She screamed so loud at me taking control, she was close.

“Play with the kitty for me, baby. I’m holding you; you ain’t going nowhere.”

She did as I said, right hand on her clit, the left pinching her nipples one by one as I’d done earlier. Guess she liked that. Noted.

“Cum inside me, Derek!” she begged.

She sounded so good begging, her voice filled desire and desperation. But then it hit me: she said she was clean, but there hadn’t been a word about birth control. I should’ve asked, but I was too far gone now, lost in the heat of the moment, and this was Destiny. Whatever happened, happened. If she wanted my baby, then I was damn well going to make sure that motherfucker went straight to where it needed to be.

I started grinding harder, deeper, my every thrust more desperate and intense. She responded in kind, her movements wild and frantic, her moans rising to a fever pitch.

“Des! I’m ’bout to put all this nut in you, girl!” I warned, my voice rough and strained.

“I’m coming too - Derek - I…!” she cried out, her words barely coherent, lost in the haze of her impending climax.

Before I could fully register what she was saying, her body convulsed around me, her orgasm triggering mine in an explosive rush. I had to hold her tighter, my arms wrapping around her like a lifeline as we both surrendered to the overwhelming pleasure.

A raw, primal scream tore from my throat, echoing her cries, making me sing like a canary out this bitch. “Milk this dick, Des!”

“Derek!” she screamed, her voice a mix of ecstasy and relief.

We sounded like wild animals. I was never loud like this. Talking like this. She had me out of character. Until suddenly, she collapsed on me, and a couple of jerks later, I’d completely emptied inside her.

The intensity of the moment left us both trembling, our bodies locked in a cocoon of raw, unfiltered passion. I wrapped my arms around her, holding her close. Our hearts pounded in sync, a rhythmic drumming that filled the room as we struggled to catch our breath.

Everything we’d been through, all the pain and heartache, had led to this. The intensity of our connection pulled us into a shared abyss of fulfillment and exhaustion, a place where nothing else mattered but the beating of our hearts and the mingling of our breaths.

She lay there, her head resting on my chest, her fingers tracing idle patterns on my skin. I could feel the warmth of her breath, the softness of her body molded against mine. It was a perfect, fragile moment, suspended in time. We had fought hard to get here, and now, in the aftermath of our shared passion, we were united in a way that words could never fully capture.

Our shared silence spoke volumes. We were two souls, once lost, now found in each other. The journey had been long and arduous, but in this moment, everything made sense. We were home.

“I was always coming back for you, Princess,” I found myself admitting, my voice thick with emotion. The weight of those years, the regrets and missed chances, poured into those few words.

“I know,” she whispered, still lying on top of me, her warmth a balm to my weary soul. I stared at the ceiling, trying to hold back the flood of feelings threatening to spill over.

“I just needed to know I was worthy before I did,” I continued, my voice barely a whisper. It was a confession long overdue, a truth I had carried with me through every success and failure.

She took a deep breath, her chest rising and falling against mine, then raised her head to look at me, her chin resting on my chest. Her eyes, filled with understanding and lingering pain, met mine. “You’ve always been worthy, Derek.”

I shook my head, the guilt and self-recrimination rising like a tide. “Nah, I was a fuck-up. I was—”

“A kid,” she interrupted gently, her voice steady. “A kid who went from running around Juniper to being a millionaire overnight. As much as I want to be mad, and still am sometimes, as a grown woman, when I look back, I understand what happened. It doesn’t make it hurt any less, but logically, I understand.”

Her words were a soothing balm, yet they also cut deep. A stupid-ass tear slipped from my eye, and I hurried to wipe it away, embarrassed by the vulnerability she always seemed to draw out of me.

“Derek, if we do this again, we’ll be starting fresh like you said. Beating yourself up for the rest of your life about something you did at 18 is not gonna help us,” she said, her voice firm yet tender, cutting through the remnants of my self-doubt.

My stupid ass must have still been crying because she reached up, her fingers brushing away the tears streaming down my face. Her touch was gentle, her eyes filled with an understanding that pierced through my defenses.

“I forgive you, Derek,” she whispered, her voice a balm to my wounded soul. “You need to forgive yourself.”

Those words hit me like a freight train. I had no idea how badly I needed to hear them until that moment. It felt like a dam breaking inside me, years of guilt and regret pouring out all at once.

“You mean that, Des?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper, thick with emotion.

“Yeah,” she replied, her own tears now falling. The sight of her crying, her vulnerability mirroring my own, twisted something deep inside me. It was as if all the pain and heartache we’d both endured were laid bare in that moment, raw and undeniable.

I reached up, my fingers trembling, and wiped away her tears, mirroring her earlier gesture. “Thank you,” I choked out, my voice breaking. “Thank you for giving me another chance.”

She nodded, a small, brave smile tugging at her lips. “We both deserve it, Derek. We both deserve to be happy.”

“I just wanna be good for you,” I said, brushing my hand over my face, wiping some tears in the process.

“Be good for yourself,” she responded softly. “And by default, you’ll be good for us.”

She was right. I had to find peace within myself, and eventually, I would become peace for her instead of the source of her pain. I had everything in the world I could ever want, except Destiny by my side, and I needed to know that I had her locked in, because I was hers.

“You tryna have my baby, Des?” I asked, looking into her eyes, searching for the truth.

She laid her head back down on my chest, her voice calm and nonchalant. “I’m gonna take a Plan B in the morning. Or I can have it delivered tonight if you think I’m playing too close by waiting till tomorrow.”

Her words hit me like a punch to the gut, a pang of disappointment surprising me. “Why?” I heard myself ask, the question slipping out before I could stop it.

She looked back up at me, confusion etching her features. “Why wouldn’t I? We said we’re gonna try this again, get to know each other as who we are now. Bringing a baby into it right away would be crazy, no?”

I wanted to argue, to say no it wouldn’t be crazy because we’d known each other forever, loved each other forever. In my heart, this felt like the restart of us forever. We’d talked about marriage and kids way back anyway. But she was right. We were older and wiser now. I needed time with just her, to get to know her as a woman before making her a mother. But damn, the thought of seeing her belly grow with my children, of "Derek and Destiny’s Dozen," didn’t sound too bad at all.

“Well, when it makes sense for us, I’ll be ready,” I said, my voice a mix of determination and longing.

She smiled softly, her eyes reflecting a mix of relief and hope. “I know you will be, Derek. We’ll get there.”

I nodded, holding her tighter, feeling the promise of our future wrapped up in this moment as I prepared another question.

“So, ummm, now that you gave up the pussy already like your Mama said,” I chuckled, trying to lighten the mood, “What does this mean for us?”

Destiny shifted, laying her head down on my chest, still on top of me with me inside her, limp and leaking. She took a deep breath, her fingers tracing idle patterns on my skin.

“I’m thinking, I make you sweat it out a little more,” she giggled.

“What?” I asked, running my fingers through her hair, a bit of unease creeping in.

“I did give it up real easy, real fast…doesn’t mean I’m your girl though. Just meant I was horny,” she said, looking at me with a mischievous grin.

“You serious right now, Des?”

“Yeah.” She sat up, her expression turning more serious. “Told you, we don’t all bow at your feet. I know in your big city you get whatever you want, whenever you want, however you want. But if you want more of this”—she pointed at her heart—“and this”—she pointed at that beautiful, sweet pussy—“you’re gonna have to do more than give a couple of apologies and good dick.”

I looked at her, feeling a mix of frustration and admiration. “So, what do I need to do, Des?”

She smiled, a little softer now. “Be here, be present. Actions speak louder than words, Derek. I need to see that you’re serious, that you’re committed to making this work.”

“You let me cum in you though. Obviously I’m down for the ride, and I thought you were too,” I protested, trying to make sense of how she could let me release in her but still not tell me I was hers.

“I am, but damn, let me have some fun and torture you for a little bit. Can you do that?” she giggled, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

“I can do that,” I said relenting, my voice steady. “I’m all in, Des. I’ll prove it to you.”

She nodded, her eyes searching mine. “Good. Because I’m worth it, and so are you. Let’s see if you can keep up.”

With that, she leaned down and kissed me softly, a promise of what could be if I played my cards right.

She pulled back, her eyes locking onto mine with a mix of tenderness and resolve. "You made me thirsty," she murmured, her voice soft but steady. "I’m gonna get us something to drink."

I gave her ass a smack as she walked away with that post-love wobble.

“Weak-ass legs, hurry back so I can rearrange them guts some more!” I called out, feeling the need to tease her.

“Fuck you!” she yelled from the kitchen.

“Can’t wait,” I shot back, my heart lighter than it had been in years.

Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. Who the hell was coming over here at this hour? I heard Destiny pivot from the kitchen and start heading to the front door, so I threw my boxers on and hopped up to see what was going on. I know this is Juniper, safe and all, but still.

“I’m coming!” Des called out, grabbing a robe hanging in the guest bathroom door and securing it around herself.

She opened the door, and there stood Nate Jacobs in a damn police officer's uniform. Nate was almost as wild as me growing up—almost. So to see him as a cop was crazy.

“What’s going on, Destiny?” he asked, his voice serious.

“Is everything okay? Is my Mama okay?” Destiny asked, her voice tinged with panic now that she saw it was the law at her door.

“I actually came by because your next-door neighbor said she heard some noises coming from over here. Said there was a lot of screaming and it sounded like a cat was dying.”

“Oh my God,” Destiny said, backing up and covering her mouth in embarrassment.

I chuckled from behind the wall before stepping out. “There was a kitty getting murdered in here, Nate, but I took good care of it,” I said with a wink at Destiny.

Destiny looked like she wanted to kill me but couldn’t help laughing. Nate’s eyes widened in surprise before he burst out laughing.

“Derek Harris, I’ll be damned,” Nate said, shaking his head. “Should’ve known it was you causing all the ruckus.”

“Good to see you, Nate,” I said, extending a hand.

“I’ma hold off on shaking that hand,” Nate chuckled.

I looked at my right hand, realizing it had been knee-deep in Destiny not too long ago. “Yeah, you right.”

“Just like old times, huh?” Nate said, his eyes flicking between us, a knowing smile playing on his lips.

The weight of his words hung in the air, thick with the conversation we just had. Neither of us said anything.

Nate laughed, shaking his head. “Looking forward to catching you at the Jubilee, man. It ain’t every day we get a superstar around here.”

“It’s gon' be dope,” I smiled, feeling the thrill of being back home, the air charged with nostalgia.

All of a sudden, the night was shattered by the screeching of tires and a loud bang. Nate spun around, instinctively reaching for his belt as he stepped into the yard, eyes scanning the darkened street. An old yellow Monte Carlo roared past, its engine growling like a beast unleashed. The driver leaned out the window, a wild grin on his face, and shouted, “Catch me if you can!”

Nate’s shoulders sagged as he turned back to us, exasperation etched in every line of his face. “Jenny outta town again, ain’t she?” he asked, glancing at Destiny.

“Yeah, meant to tell you yesterday, but I got distracted,” Des replied, shooting me a meaningful look.

Nate chuckled, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Shit, alright. Let me go see bout Mr. House’s crazy ass. Just keep it down, alright? Don’t want Mrs. Jenkins next door thinking there’s an actual murder happening.”

Destiny nodded, her cheeks flushed. “Thanks, Nate. Sorry about that.”

“No worries, Des. Just doing my job.” He tipped his hat and turned to leave. “Y’all have a good night now.”

As the door closed, Destiny turned to me, her eyes sparkling with a mix of embarrassment and amusement. “You get on my nerves,” she said, shaking her head.

I pulled her into my arms, planting a kiss on her forehead. “And you love it.”

She sighed, leaning into me. “Yeah, I do.”

With a swift motion, I picked her up, her legs instinctively wrapping around my waist as I carried her back to the bedroom. The soft glow of the moonlight through the window cast a halo around her, making her look like an angel in my arms. I laid her back on the bed, and we continued where we left off.

We made love with a fervor that felt almost desperate, like we were making up for all the lost time. Mrs. Jenkins probably called Nate again cause I was tearing shit up at 97 Blithe Ave. Destiny begged me to tap out, her voice a blend of laughter and pleading, but I didn’t. Not until she was a trembling, boneless mess, whispering how much she loved me until words failed her, her body quaking with the aftershocks of our connection.

By the time we were done, she was unable to stand, her strength completely sapped. I wasn’t expecting to reconnect so quickly in heart, body, and soul, but I was grateful. As I held her close, feeling her heartbeat slow against mine, I knew this wasn’t fleeting. This was real, and I was ready to put in the work to show her I was in for the long haul.

The Juniper Juneteenth Jubilee was just the beginning. Our real journey was just starting, and I couldn’t wait to see where it would take us. As I watched her drift off to sleep in my arms, I felt a sense of peace I hadn’t known in years. We were back, and this time, I wasn’t letting go.

The door to the past was finally closing, and a new chapter was beginning. And damn, it felt good.