Page 49 of Kisses Behind the Spotlight

Now I know I got the type of love that niggas pray for.

I smiled as pictures of us after becoming official were displayed. Homecomings, being hugged up in the cafeteria, prom, and any other high school pictures were thrown in there. I looked over at Jameera, and she was tearing up.

Anybody can love you at your best,

but can she love you at your worst?

Down on dialysis and losing my way,

depression tried to take me, but you never walked away.

Hearing the song brought me back to the most vulnerable days of my life. Hence why it was especially for Jameera. A few pictures of us in the studio, Jameera in her element styling my dancers for my first tour, and random pictures we took traveling over the years. Our growth was my favorite part of the montage. I found my way out of that dark place through the music, and we’d been up since.

After ten years you’re still my favorite part of life,

I hope you’ll do me the greatest honor and become my wife.

“Q!” Jameera sat up at that last line.

I was already out of my chair and bending to my knees as the montage continued behind me. The lights came on, and I pulled Jameera’s fingers into my trembling hands.

“Jameera,” I started as she excitedly bounced in her seat. “The day you walked into the AP Computer Science class during freshman year of high school, I knew I was going to shoot my shot. It took me some time. You were spoiled as fuck, my name didn’t mean shit to you, and that made me want to go even harder. We started as study buddies, and eventually became good friends. The day I grew the confidence to ask you to the movies, I never imagined we’d spend the next ten years falling in love over and over again. Choosing each other through every storm. Growing. Thriving. Surviving some of the worst times.

“I couldn’t imagine my life without you. The last week taught me that more than anything. You love me when I’m right, and appreciate when I can admit that I’m wrong. You’ve taught me that the things we love most deserve patience. You’ve shown me nothing but love and loyalty. Even when I didn’t deserve it. I want to spend the rest of my life proving why that wasn’t a mistake.”

Jameera was sobbing, using her free hand to gently pat away her tears. I used my free hand to pull the custom velvet box out of my pocket.

“Jameera Alicia Clayton, would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”

“Yes, Q!” She shouted, leaning forward to hug me.

I broke the hug and slowly slipped the ring up her finger as the silent theater erupted in applause. My grin went from ear to ear, we were about to get married.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Xain

EARLIER THAT MORNING

Iwas expecting Khaleesi’s warmth, her sweet scent, and even that smart mouth from the moment my eyes cracked open. Instead, I woke to disheveled sheets and the empty spot beside me. The spot was cold. She had been gone for a while. After all the fucking we did, I felt disrespected waking up in the bed alone.

Pulling myself out of bed, I took a shower, got dressed for the day, and headed for her riad. She was already gone.

On the walk back to my riad, I texted Khaleesi.

Me: Where you at?

Demon Seed: I had the hotel arrange a car service to take me to the museum so I could get started.

Me: You could’ve woke me up.

Demon Seed: I need space. The car service will also take me back to the hotel.

That was the shitty start to my day. Khaleesi was trying to fuck and duck me like I was a bitch. The fuck did she mean she needed space? I no longer believed in that. She could have space in my riad. The terrace or the courtyard would give her plenty of space.

It was cooler that day, and Khaleesi was wearing a light blue Gucci knit wool cashmere cardigan with a shearling collar and a pair of denim jeans. I’d noticed her beauty before. You’d have to be blind to miss it. However, now, I was savoring every glimpse I caught of her, and yearning for a minute of her time again.

The cropped-style cardigan left her stomach exposed, displaying her purple heart-shaped belly ring. Flashbacks to my tongue brushing across the metal object flooded my mind. Now that I knew what she looked like naked, and felt like wrapped around my dick, it was hard to focus. Her large areolas were a few shades darker than her caramel skin, and I could still feel their warm, smooth flesh gliding across my tongue.