thecheckeredpatio

[thecheckeredpatio]

I just finished editing the revised version of their story. I’m gonna need a hiatus. Cause this will be professional published.

One day.

Soon.

[thecheckeredpatio]

I just revised a more professional version of this story. Think I’ll keep the smutter stuff on here. But it’s starting to actually flow like a book. 📕

[thecheckeredpatio]

We Need II Talk

KiY

“There you are. We need to talk.” His voice bellowed through in emptying home. He looked out of breath and the sweat from his brow let me know that he sprinted all the way here. “Don’t you dare lift another box.”

“It won’t stop the inevitable.” I said coldly. “I’m leaving.”

“Mierda, princesa.” His eyes ran down my body. Even though we’re broken up, I cringed the way his look shoot arrows throughout my boiling veins. But his, remained brimstone. Unshaken by the stubbornness. “You thought by saying that, I would care. I would chase you down until the ends of the earth if I—“

“If you what?” I cut him off. “Marry me? Is that it?Marriage can’t solve anything here.” I turned from him, picking up another box before I came crashing down into the ground, with me alongside it. He reached, but went instantly still.

“Don’t do this,” he begged me. “We’re too close. Closer than we have been before. I’ve changed. You know this much.” But it still isn’t enough. My inner voice locked away the truth.

“Exactly. Me too. ” I explained. We stared at each other in a lifeless home. I fidgeted my key around my ring and dropped it on the cold countertop. “This was a mistake.”

“Kiy—“

“Don’t.” I said, but it was too late. My eyes released so pressure and I was bawling. I dropped in my knees and he grabbed me instantaneously. I didn’t know how long I wept in his arms for. But it wouldn’t stop. It spilled between the both of us. And he didn’t protest. He didn’t utter any senseless nonsense to convince me otherwise. He knew how much it was breaking me apart.

“Okay, amour. Shhhh. Shhhhh.” He soothes me and pats my back against his chest. “Take care of yourself. And when you’re ready—“ He takes my weeping face between his hands and caresses the sides with his thumbs. “Please. Por favor. Regresa a mí.”

Mike

I don’t know what happened. One minute I’m preparing myself to let go the only woman I’ve ever loved and the next….

Fucking inacreditável.

She’s biting down my bottom lip. So hard, a drop of blood spilled in-between them. I licked off its access and kept kissing her. I could’ve easily stopped it, but the thought of never touching her again…. Fucking shook me.

We collided so desperately. I picked her up and swung her legs around my torso. My hands hiked up her shirt, squeezing the fullest of her breasts. Our lips and tongues mushing against each other, somewhat vigorously. We hit a wall with an even more rigid impact. A dent could’ve been placed. Well, it didn’t fucking matter. It wasn’t our problem anymore, anyway. If it meant to connect one more time, if it meant to use the pent up energy I’ve been fuming all this time…..

It was going to be a long fucking night.

“My god!” She pleaded, her hands clawing my back. “Just fucking put it in.”

“Since when do I listen to you?” My hands went over her mouth before I seeped two fingers down her throat. She could’ve choked, but I didn’t care to be careful. She wasn’t the only one displeased with this entire situation. I’m done with this love nonsense. I’ll never open my heart to anyone again. She’ll never witness me in such a vulnerable state.

“You’ve never stopped.” Her words were mumbled against my two fingers, but I shut her up with my hands mulling around her pussy. She was so damn wet for me. It was maddening to be this attracted to her— and yet—so destructive. She’s my ticking time-bomb and she bloody well knew it.

“I don’t want to hear you talk.” I said sharply. My hands were really working her insides and she rode her cries against me. “Just fucking scream orgasms all over my hand.”

She did. And when it was over, I let her body sink to the floor. I backed up to unbuckle my belt. She will be crying out for much more soon. “Bend over.”

Her eyes narrowed, but she rose to her feet and executed my instructions. I positioned her hands on the wall, and I spread her legs apart. I deepened her arch further before my tongue touched her anus. She yelped when my fingers penetrated her lower back. Despite her resistance, I intensified my pressure, pushing my hand deeper into her arch while simultaneously lowering her down. This wasn’t a tug-of-war; her body was still mine, even if her heart wasn’t. And for now, that was all I required.

“Squirm again.” I told her. “I will keep you in this position all night.” She whimpered at my fingers stroking the insides of her clit. She’s been ready for me for awhile, I’m just drawing out (as she would put it) the inevitable.

“Mike-“

“No.” I sucked in air sharply and covered her mouth with the same hand I was playing with her with. I knew her well enough that she got off in tasting herself. “You won’t ever address me again. If you really want to cum, you will behave accordingly.”

Her whimpers turned into full blown rage. But her voice was soft and demanding. “I need to….. please let me.”

“Not until I say so.” I responded. “Any sooner, I’ll start you over all again.”

“But the moving crew—“

“You think I care about them walking in?” I chuckled slightly. “You wanted this. I’m finishing what you’ve started.” Then I put space between us and let her juices drip down the side of her leg. They were shaking, with anticipation or fear, I couldn’t tell which. But what I did know is that her body was still mine. Her legs prompted this much. I lowered my briefs and let my dick spring up. It’s been hard since she’s bitten my lip. And it was going to show her how much of that was a mistake.

“Michael, “ her voice displayed wearily. “Please.”

“That’s enough begging.” I almost snapped. “You lost all rights to reason when you left. Don’t get confused on what this is. You’re just fucking horny. And ignoring that would be a disservice to me.” I slid in her asshole that was already opened partially, waiting to be pounded into oblivion. She screamed at the pain but I continued to push my way through. It may look morally wrong, but I wasn’t going to coddle her though it. Not this time. We both knew what this was. This was closure.

“Your legs aren’t far enough apart.” I kicked my leg to sweep her stance more. My fingers grazed her pussy and she shuttered against my hand. “Relax….Good. I’m all the way in.” My fingers pressed against her ass and she buckled down a few times when I hit a sensitive spot. My smirk was easily placed. She will never erase me this way.

There was a knock on the door, followed by several knocks after that. She turned back, her eyes widened attentively. It was as she predicted. The moving crew came early. I had two choices. I could stop what I was doing and let her leave. Or…. I can imprint myself in her ass as many times as necessary. Enough for her to realize she wasn’t going anywhere.

No sin mi.

It wasn’t that difficult to decide.

“If you move, I’ll start over.” I warned her again. “Do you want that?” Last time I’ll ask her opinion tonight. With the quick shook of her head, she resumed looking at the wall. I couldn’t help but smile even more. “Good answer.”

The knocks got more reliquary than the polite ones before. I didn’t blame them—they had a job to do. Too bad the job wasn’t getting done. Not even close. Not with her piercing screams raising to the ceiling and my 9 inch length all inside her.

“More.” She pleaded endlessly through her panting. “I need—“ Her sharp breath cut off her words as my hand snaked inside her pussy. I placed three fingers inside as the speed began to rapidly increase. From the sounds of her mouth, the wetness collided against my fingers and my dick deep down her stomach—I almost came. Almost. But I switched gears and pulled out of her ass and into her pussy. Her nails scratched against the walls, an obvious paint job ruined.

This was dangerously close. But I could not let up. Nor did I plan to. She was mine. Ella es mia. Whether she might say otherwise, didn’t seem so threatening. And she will realize soon enough, I’m pounding away every inch of doubt into her now.

“Mierda!” I fought with all my might, but I poured so much of myself into her. We were both very high off each other’s temperance. I slowly let her go, willing her to catch her breath. Then she turned around and stared back at my soul. Her eyes teary and filled like big new moons, darkened with remorse.

I was utterly and completely fucked.

KiY

When we pulled from each other, I felt my heart crack into a million pieces. I felt the world we made crumble between the space of silence and distraught. What was I fucking doing. Why did I think that would settle so many unanswered questions? So many swirling emotions. I had hoped for clarity but it never came. Even though we both did, all over our past memories locked into this apartment.

He didn’t say anything. We were both stunned at the fact we had sex in the middle of the kitchen and foyer. The fresh paint was ruined and covered the top of my nails. This was a disaster. A fucking disaster.

“What are you thinking?” He asks me, giving me an opening. We were done fixing our clothes. I hung back near the ruined wall and he sat against the island countertop. His arms were crossed, flexing his biceps against his loosen silk shirt. Has he been working out more lately ? I had lost all sensibility. Maybe I was imagining too much. He waved his hand to get my attention again and my eyes fluttered up.

“What?”

“I asked you a question.” He scolded me, his voice lowered a few octaves. He was getting impatient.

What am I thinking? It’s not like I didn’t hear him. I didn’t know how to respond. Not after what just happened. I wanted out of this—to think on my own merit. My own will. But every sense of me walking away fell through, when he pounded my body against this wall pavement.

How could I leave his timeless smile? His warm but rich aroma. It filled the entire space, surrounded us in mahogany and Burberry. My lungs were consumed by every scent imaginable. And it all belonged to him.

“Kiy,” he hopped from his spot and closed the gap between us. He took my hands and placed them over his shoulders. The instantaneous sensation of his skin against mine jolted me out of my thoughts. Warmth enveloped every vein in my body. His hands were around my waist, pulling me closer. His head tilted forward and touched mine gently. “Are you… really leaving me?”

“No.” I finally answered. And a breath of relief cuddled between us. “I’ve-uh-I’ve decided to stay. But—don’t make me fucking regret this.”

“Mi princesa-” he squeezed my ass with increasing intensity. He tugged upward while his lips pressed against mine. His smirk didn’t surprise me. “-I will show you nothing but a sea of disappointments.”

[thecheckeredpatio]

NINE LIVES 🐈‍⬛👑❤️‍🔥🏩

Mike

“BOSS.”

“Did I say you could interrupt me?”

“We found her.”

My head turn silently from staring at the mindlessly humans invaded the sidewalks like a fucking swarm of fishes. I faced the window again, my jaw clenched. “What are you waiting for? Where is she?”

“By the docks. There was a problem with—uh-she—“

“Spit it out, Xander.”

“She almost drowned.”

My eyebrows creased as I walked out my office. Then I gave the order without a single thought. “Send a medical team there right now. I’ll be there soon.”

You foolish girl. It was all in a matter of time.

Kiy

Fuck.

My head. I must’ve hit it somehow. Served me right from jumping head first into the water when I saw them coming. Why can’t they just leave me alone? And if they’re after the treasure, they can forget it. It’s from my past. It’s the only lead I have to where I come from.

I woke up in a hospital bed with expensive sheets and a suite bigger than my own apartment. My eyes blinked. Where….

“So, you’re finally awake.”

His voice froze me in my tracks. I clutched the sheets tightly around me and noticed his imposing figure leaning casually against the doorframe. I hadn’t even heard him enter. He moved with an eerie silence, yet I felt like a trapped animal within his domain.

Shit.

“Wh-why….. are you here?”

“It’s funny. I thought you’d be more grateful to someone who just saved your life.” As he walks, it’s as if the world has stopped spinning. His strides take an eternity to reach me. “What is it now? The sixth time?”

“Fuck you.” I turned away from his gaze, and within seconds, he flung his coat over the couch and hastily rushed to pin me down to the bed. I attempted to wriggle free from his grasp, but his larger hand held both of my wrists firmly against the wall. My heart pounded in my chest at an alarming speed. His eyes glazed over me before he smiled, devoid of any emotion.

“Try that again.” He warns me. “And you’ll be missing a tongue.” He used his dominant hand to pulled it from my mouth. I winced as he latched onto it, pulling my lips closer to his. He seals his threats into my mouth and I’m fuming with rage as he doesn’t pull his lips away. He’s kissing me so roughly, and no matter how much I swarm, he had no intention of letting me go. When he finally got up, I don’t look at him anymore. All I do is sit in a hospital bed, in a suite I knew he paid for. I felt so fucking useless. He laughs at my state and tilts his hand forward to caress my face. I turned abruptly. He just sighed and stared out the window, soaking up any moonlight. “I’m sure you know resisting me now is futile. I own you, my little kitten.”

I snarled at him, showing my fangs. He blankly smiled in response. My claws were revealed and I almost made a mistake to scratch the fucking smirk he has plastered. But the doctor walked through the door and I had to behave.

“Miss, you nearly had a terrible fall. Why did you jump into a freezing lake when you can’t swim?” He asked, holding his clipboard firmly. His glasses rose in concern, and I had to slow my breathing to respond.

I let out a sigh and feigned an innocent response, one that wouldn’t prompt further questions. “Yeah, sorry about that. I guess I’m a bit clumsy. I was trying to avoid something.” My gaze shifted back to Michael. We locked eyes for a moment as the doctor continued to examine me.

He examines charts and X-rays displayed on a whiteboard. He compares his notes and then smiles reassuringly. “There’s no internal bleeding or head trauma. I believe you’ll recover well.” I sneezed loudly in the middle of his expression. He patted the back of his neck before continuing, “However, you do have a cold. I recommend drinking plenty of warm fluids and using a heating pad.”

“She’ll have everything she needs,” Michael replied, disregarding the doctor’s formal address. He glanced at his watch before turning a page in a book. “Are the discharge papers ready?”

“Uh-yes, yes.” The doctor looked flustered. It was only normal because Michael never announced himself and moved with a predatory stalking grace. It appeared as though he was oblivious to his presence. “They’ll be with the receptionist, waiting for—“

“I’m leaving,” he declares, disregarding the rest of the doctor’s words. “Wear this out. I’ll meet you in the car.” He dropped a bag on my lap that exuded luxury and sauntered past the doctor, exiting the hospital. I was aware that it was foolish to believe I had a chance to escape. He wouldn’t be careless enough to abandon me in a hospital with multiple exit routes. I was familiar enough with him to know that he had posted Xander and Davila just outside the door.

“If that’s all, doctor. I would like to change.” I said, not looking in his direction. Mike was incredibly embarrassing when he acted this way. And I couldn’t stand him at all. Not even a little bit.

The doctor bowed out. “Yes, of course, Miss. I’ll be leaving now. Please remember to take your medicine.”

I rose from the bed, revealing my wrapped body as the curtains were drawn open to the public. My turquoise markings were lined all along my body and covered most of my back. I gazed down the window, witnessing Michael already issuing orders to his numerous henchmen before I completely pulled down the window blinds, scorched. My fangs grew too sharp and scraped the inside of my mouth. Immediately after the door closed with a loud slam, I slashed the sheets off the bed.

MIKE

She’s heading your way, sir.

Good. Don’t lose sight of her until you know she’s arrived. I don’t need the headache.

Understood, sir.

I ended my telepathic conversation with Xander. Him and his mate Davila been working with me for years. I trusted them to handle her temper. That woman. Tsk. I unbuttoned my suit jacket and loosen my tie. Then I noticed something burning just above where we parked. My lips couldn’t help but to turn over at the rushing flames seeking freedom. Seems my kitten has thrown a little tantrum. She managed to set the entire suite on fire. Smoke bursted through the windows above and sherds of glass shattered. I stopped it in mid-air and dissolved it into ground powder. She made my life a living hell when she got like this. But I reluctantly do what I always do and go into protocol.

Davila, control that fire. Signal Astrane if you need his oceanic powers. Xander—make sure people are out of the way and away from the toxic air.

But sir—Kiy—

I’ll handle her. Do as I say.

I got out of the car and waited for her to emerge from the front entrance. Pissed or not—she’s fucking mine. There was an explosion on the first floor before the entrance slid and revealed her in a white tailored suit. She did not complete the look with the blackened vest. She left the top of breasts exposed and tempting. She slit the pants up the sides, revealing her tattoos glowing in the moonlight. This fucking woman. I shook my head and smiled at her extradite sighting. It was the most customized three piece suit of its time and she slices it in her utter defiance. But … she looked so fucking sexy, I didn’t care to address it. I opened the backdoor for her to get in.

“Quite the exit, kitten.” I said as she throws her dagger eyes my way, but I ignored her piercing stare and lowered my eyes to her chest. “You could’ve hurt a lot of people.”

“You’re one to talk,” she retorted. Her hair brushed against me as she playfully flicked it across my face. “Aren’t you in a hurry? Let’s get going already.”

“All in time, my sweet catnip.”

Kiy

Ugh!

He wouldn’t stop staring at me since we entered his privately owned limousine. He sat across from me in the back seat, legs crossed and hand pressed against his cheek, utterly bored.

“Could you please stop staring at me?” I asked him.

“Now, why would I do that?” He exhales a cloud of smoke from his mouth before responding with a pleasant tone. “Call me impressed. I thought you had everything under control.”

“Don’t patronize me,” I clicked my tongue against my teeth. “A single mistake doesn’t negate years of dedicated practice.”

“I see.” He finally glances over at the window. “We’ll be arriving soon—“ He pulls a teal box out of his pocket. His blackened, gloved hands lift its lid and extend it to me. “You must make a decisive choice.”

“Decisive?” I scoffed, snatching the box from his hands and slipping the dazzling pink oval pear ring onto my ring finger. It glistened against the flashing lights that surrounded us. He remained steadfast in his assertion. “That’s a peculiar way of describing an entrapment.”

He laughs heartily, his laughter echoing throughout the limousine. “You never cease to astound me with your impertinent mouth. Is everything you do solely driven by your wit and clever remarks?”

I smirked against my hand, watching as flames danced between my claws. “Would you like to find out?”

“Now—“ He removed his gloves one by one and pulled me against his lap. My reaction was too slow, and I couldn’t stop his arms from squeezing my waist. Lightning flickered between his eyes, and suddenly, I felt exhausted. “Don’t be provoked, my sweet kitten. It’s for your own good.”

If I didn’t know any better, I would’ve thought he drugged me. But even though it felt like that, his powers were far greater than my own. For now. I had to give him credit from getting the best of me. I woke up to the sound of a jet engine blowing through and our take off in full force.

“Where are you taking me?”

His eyes peered at me slowly. He takes his time eyeing my entire body. I looked down and noticed my suit jacket was gone and all I had left was a black laced bralette that made my top of my breasts peaked out. He gets up from his seat and starts taunting me. I jerk my hands and they’re tied to the chair. Fucking clever. Always two steps ahead—isn’t he? So fucking arrogant. So fucking vile. So—

“If you keep cursing me out, minha….” He spins my chair around and graciously his fingers along the back. Then he catches it and leans down, closing each arm around me. His face inches away from mine. Smoke lingering between the two of us. “….You’ll hurt my feelings.”

“I wasn’t--“ then my eyes widened. “Did you hear my thoughts just now?”

His grin confirmed that he wasn’t revealing anything to me. It was a shot in the dark but I could not let that happen. This man already had too much leverage.

“Tell me,” I pleaded. “Please.”

“Oh? So she does know the word?” He says, dropping his hand between my thighs as literally static rising from each touch. He dips each finger and pushes against my skin, hot enriched thread shocks me over and over. It’s annoying friction railed me.

“Mike,” I breathed out, and his gaze turned dark.

“What?” His eyes flickered blue streaks around them. “You think after the stunt you pulled, I’d let you slide.” Puff filled the air again as he turned devilish. “Don’t make me fucking laugh.”

“You’re playing with wild fire here,” I cautioned him. He gripped my chin and pulled it up to his head.

“Fortunately, I know how to control them.”

[thecheckeredpatio]

LIBRARY 📚 MEET

Kiy

“What?”

“I’m just simply curious.”

“Oh?”

“Well, I’ve been trying to figure this out. You haven’t looked at me once.” He batted his full eyelashes with a neutral smile. He’s the one that called me down to meet up at the library. Now he’s questioning me like I wasn’t the one waiting on him. “Not since I’ve arrived. Not this again. This is what you’ve been reading. For an hour? What’s more interesting than me?”

I chuckled, flipping a page. We were on the library’s rooftop that had the glass greenhouse attached. I was leaning against my book bag, legs stretched out and crossed over one another. “Wouldn’t you like to know?”

“Duh. Whole point in me asking you.” He takes the book from my hands and scanned the top of the chapter I’m on. “Star crossed lovers?”

“When are they not ?”

“Okay, let’s try this again.” He throws the book across and it hits the floor in a great thud. I creased my eyebrows. He kneels down and our eyes connected with something else entirely. His hand snakes up my thigh with his fingers pressed deep within my skin. It’s enriched so much sin. His grip latched on my leg for dear life and created an explosion of rigid heat. “Next time—don’t ignore me.”

“Since when do you get needy?”

“Kiy—“ His voice lowered as a warning.

“I’m just implicating a point.”

“Smart ass.”

I smirked. He never could be more desirable. “Yet, you’re the one ready to take me. Right here and now.”

“Think I won’t?” He half-threatened as his fingers inch closer and closer to a naughtier spot, sparking my inner thighs to flames.

“No.” I lied to him. It was a square-off. His eyes darkened with sinister plots and whimsical expressions as he tested only waters he cared about. Mine.

“Yeah………. Okay.” He smirked as his hand swipes even further in my openly ripped jeans. He moved my panty line by the tip of his fingers and lightly pressed the top my opening. My clit instantly gave me away. He pulls his fingers completely back and I gasped sharply. He paused before licking me off his fingers and tilted into an expression of a satisfying win. I wanted to curse so much. “Seems I got the attention I’ve wanted. Now… what to do with it?”

“Go fu-“ He silenced me with the same fingers. His fingers pushed my tongue, he teased it, then pulled it out from my mouth.

“Uh-uh-uh. There’s no room for you to talk.” He snakes his tongue out from underneath his bottom lip and stared down at mine. Then works his luscious eyes to corner me. “Your times been up.”

[thecheckeredpatio]

Fortune ✨ has nothing to do with Us

“He’s called for you again,” the seamstress says as she puts the finishing touches on my dress. “Twice.”

“I can’t imagine why.” I told a bold faced lie. I know exactly why one of the strongest Gatekeepers in this realm, wanted an audience with me.

“Well?” She picks away at her needle, “You gonna respond or not?”

My head shook, changing the subject. “How much longer? I have to be in the throne room in an hour.”

“Oh, stop your fussing.” She waves her head. “No meeting about the fates of this land, will start without you. You’re a legend after all, Miss Valerikye.”

“I appreciate your candor. But there’s simply no need.”

With some fabric and a magical hand later, she spins me around toward the mirror. “You know, if I’m not too forward Miss. I hear he’s a hell of hunter. Took down a whole fleet of hollows just before your arrival.”

“Amusing.” I say, holding an eye roll. “But I’m afraid—strength alone—can’t wins one’s heart.”

“Say…….would an audience do the trick?”

“What are you—?”

“He’s just outside, Miss.”

There’s really no avoiding him, is there? I huffed and quickly changed back into my shiny armor.

“Send a bird when it’s finished.”

She bowed, taking the gown away. “As you wish, Miss.” I had to ignore her small giggling as I made it out the door.

“Gatekeeper of the Golden Bloom.” I addressed him. He was leaning against a cherry tree, a stem hanging out of his mouth. When he saw my shadow, he slowly lifted his face and showed me all his glistening teeth. “Why are you trailing me?”

He flicked the cherry bit and rose up to greet me.“Is it customary to get to know my future wife?”

“That’s a bold exuberance.” I said. “I don’t recall ever agreeing.”

“But you heard the Gods,” he replied. “This was never something you could hide from. It’s an inevitable destiny for us to be reunited.” My hand closed his mouth swiftly.

“I suggest you watch your tongue.” I warned him. “Such vile won’t be tolerated.”

He swiftly disintegrated my knife when he removes it from my hand. He pulls my arm towards the ground to knock me down, and I swiftly slid across, catching him off guard. I wiggle free from his grasp and grab his foot, causing him to lose his balance. I shift my weight onto him and aim next choice of weapon—my bow. He raises his hands in a smile.

“You won’t agree with me,” he whispered, “But we are destined to bring this about.”

I let out a sigh, lowering my bow and causing it to disappear from my grasp. I swiftly rose to my feet, lifting him up as well. “And they say I’m losing my mind.”

He pulls me back to his chest, dusting off my armor. “Can you at least believe my eyes? They won’t lie. I think… I’ve loved you for lifetimes.”

I got out his grasp, trying to take the first step to the castle. “I have a job to do.”

“So do I.” He trailed me yet again.

“You—might be a vexing disappointment.”

“I know, you don’t feel that to be true.” He says, before blocking my route completely. “Your eyes, too, can’t deceive me.”

I wanted to murder him. But it wouldn’t be wise to kill the only gatekeeper who is capable of controlling the northern fleet of hollows. I sniffed and continued walk more forcefully, not breaking any more stride. “Alright, Keeper. How do I get rid of you?”

He materializes before me, harnessing a faint trace of our sun’s energy to enhance his physical form. A smile graces his lips. “I propose a single date at Celestial Tavern. Ensure that you have a delightful time. Do that. And I’ll guarantee that you won’t fall for me.”

“You have an accord for now.” I let the wind pull me away from him. He looked up towards the sky as I ascended. “You have until twilight tomorrow. Don’t waste my time.” I try to suppress the memory of his smug smile as I approached the castle throne room.

“Ah Miss Valerikye.” The guard greets me first with a secret pledge, kneeling. “You must be tired after an earnest journey.”

“No need for that.” I gestured him to stop bowing. “Where’s the King?”

“Your brother remains perpetually in the dark when it’s about sunrise.” The Queen entered the room, and I bowed, lowering my head. She lifted my head before greeting me with the most radiant smile. “Raise your head, Kiy. Even in marriage, you are more than just a sister-in-law to me. And as the townspeople tend to gossip, I have heard that you are not far behind in that regard either.”

I intend to punish that seamstress. That dress must be held up to perfection, like a diamond glass. “Your Majesty, forgive me. But I believe that townspeople know nothing more than an ant with no farm.”

The Queen laughed humorously when she patted my shoulder. “Yes, you are indeed Ralphion’s blood.”

“Which brings me back to inquire his whereabouts.”

“He’s with the round table. The Zestrians are making quite the uproar at the Seven Gates.”

“Should I call my captain?” I suggested. “If there’s war on the brink—“

“You must not hasten, Kiy.” The Queen walked over to the monumental statues of the royal family. She was a proud Zestrian herself until she fell in love with my brother. The Queen sighed, “I only want you as a guest, tonight.”

“But—“

“Are you to disappoint your Queen? Your only sister-in-law?”

“No, your Majesty.” My head bowed in solidarity.

Her smile grew more intense than ever before. “Very well. Please allow Hellga to get you settled. Someone should be responsible for running your bath-water soon.”

I bowed in my departure and exited the throne room. I hated being sidelined. And that’s exactly what happening. I needed to get in touch with Gabriel. King or not—he relies upon my strength to make sure our realms don’t plummet on his behalf.

But all that for now need not matter. Tiredness from the journey started to capture my entire being. I wanted nothing to do but soak in the hottest whirlpool and clear my head from any other sweat—

Val?

I ignored the rumbling, husky voice that pulled the strains of my subconsciously cold mind.

Val, you can’t simply ignore me like this. I need to know you’re okay. There have been reports of—

I remove my armor and peer down my eyes into the darkness of the night. Though, I’m pretty certain it was daylight while I arrived. This realm is frictionless by time. It never has been something I got use to.

What is it, Gatekeeper?

Thank for the fucking stars. Don’t move. I’m coming to see you.

You will do no such thing. You need not worry. The castle is heavily guarded.

Val, the guards are no where to be found. I think this is a coo. Where’s your brother?

The Queen-

I ceased my telepathy. Because I felt like an utter fool. I’ve should have trusted my gut to see the King myself. I quickly came up from the water of the tub and threw on any gear I could find.

Val, stop. I can feel your anger increasing. This isn’t all on you. Now for the gods sake—tell me where you are.

Stop trying to be the bloody hero !! I’m out for her head.

Nothing fueled me more than a petty betrayal. If the Queen was truly behind this, she would pay for it with her life, and I wouldn’t hesitate to take her down. I swiftly flew through the corridor, forcefully breaking the locked chambers. If she genuinely wanted to stop me, she had to try harder than that. I heard the commotion coming from the western gate; hollows were attacking the remaining guards. Undeterred, I continued my advance. My proximity to the King had become evident, and my priority was to save my brother first.

My bow materialized out of thin air as I targeted the hollows that crossed my path. I didn’t stop, not even for a moment. The wind flared and spun wildly in my direction. I was determined to blow up this castle if that’s what it took. I landed hard between the bridge and the round table grounds. There were clear signs of explosions. I carefully scanned through the debris, holding my breath tightly. Suddenly, I felt a hand pull me, and he nearly lost his life.

“Michael?” I questioned, but I knew exactly who he was. This bloodthirsty Golden man wouldn’t give me a moment’s peace. His eyes glowed with radiation, as if he had just finished a brutal fight.

“Are you injured?” he asked, then unleashed a fiery blast at a group of hollows. “I might have a way to locate your brother, but the risk—“

“Do whatever is necessary to protect the King, as it is your duty.”

“That might be true, but you’re also my responsibility.” Mike responded with such intense criticism. “If I hurt you, I won’t be able to forgive myself.”

“I trust you,” I said. “Please, do whatever you must.”

“Stay grounded for a while,” Mike warned me before taking off, his body engulfed in lingering flames. Fortunately, I heeded his advice. His ability to manipulate radiation was truly remarkable. He could control the radial plasma within his targets’ bodies. However, he rarely used this power due to the potential for significant casualties. Despite this, I implored him to unleash a powerful blast that I could not handle with the whirlwind shield protection. As I watched, my defense absorbed the impact, causing the hollows to drop within seconds, as did some of the guards.

Are you still with me?

What’s your report ?

I found him. There’s a bunker just southeast from your position. Wait 5. Then, meet me there.

Thank you, Gatekeeper.

I’d asked you to stop calling me that a while back. My name is Mike, and I prefer it when you call me by that name.

Alright, Mike. I trust you’re doing well.

Yeah, it was much quicker than your approach. What did you tell yourself? Could a tornado of chaos reveal them?

Am I safe to fly ?

Yes. Beautiful Val.

It’s Kiy. Don’t make me regret telling you that.

I will hold your secret close to my heart for a thousand more lifetimes.

I suppressed the fluttering butterflies within me, knowing that wasn’t the opportune moment. My mission was to find Gabriel and his treacherous bride. I nocked an arrow to my bow, amplifying the wind’s pressure, causing it to spiral and force the door to burst open. With Mike hot on my heels, I surged forward.

“What will you do when you see her?” he shouted amidst the chaos behind us.

“Exactly what I excel at,” I said without hesitation, nocking an arrow to my bow. The Zestrian soldier fell before Mike, who halted a few feet away from him. “Delivering results.”

“My dear Kiy, I would be utterly devastated to be your adversary.” Mike swiftly rescued me from a falling debris cloud. I was left bewildered by his emotions, which intensified a thousandfold. He, too, experienced the rage that I had been grappling with. “I hope you know that I do not oppose your decisions in this matter.”

“Good. Because I never ask permission.” I declared, kicking down the final door. The round table of guards, engrossed in a large map of the Seven Gates, looked up at me. There, standing before me, was my brother—the King—clad in gleaming knight armor that shone like brand-new silver.

“Thank all the Goddesses,” Gabriel exhaled and gestured for me to come closer. “I’m relieved you’re safe. I was about to say something, but I don’t think it’s important anymore.”

“Your wife ending my life? That’s impossible for a Ralphion like me,” I said, scanning the room. “So, where’s the traitor?”

“Kiy, I understand your concerns about Rose. However, she has become entangled in a more extensive plot.” Gabriel explains, glancing back at the map they’ve been diligently investigating for some time now.

“I don’t care if she was a pawn. You knew who you married,” I insisted to tell him. “And you knew the consequences if Zestians got out of hand.”

“Kiy,” Mike gently pulls me back a bit, sensing my hesitation towards the King. After witnessing Gabriel’s horrified expression, I realize he was right to advise me to be cautious.

I soften my tone. “What do we know?”

“Well, for one thing—we have a very good chance of containing them,” the inferno Knight said. His gleaming red armor had a slight crack running down the middle. It seems like they’ve been putting up a fight here as well.

“We’ve managed to neutralize half of the castle. I’m not sure about the rest, though. It’s outside the gates that I’m concerned about.” The crystal Knight said. Her armor, adorned in oceanic tones, appeared to withstand their magical attacks. However, she appeared to be more exhausted than most.

“I can survey our options and gather information.” Mike interrupted. The seven knights remained steadfast in their gaze. However, the King denied his request.

“That won’t be necessary, Golden Gatekeeper,” Gabriel replied. “I would like you to accompany Kiy on a more challenging task—“ He paused before adding, “Please assist her in guarding Rose.”

“Are you completely insane?” I slammed my fists on the table.

He chuckled and smiled at me, completely disregarding my rage. “Perhaps. But when you experience love, you will be too.”

“We will honor your wishes with our lives, your Majesty,” Mike patted his chest with a secret Ralphion gesture. I rolled my eyes and huffed at the order my brother had just given us.

“Michael, wasn’t it?” Gabriel approached him with a proper greeting. After they embraced, I overheard him whisper, “She can be quite a challenge, you know. I hope you comprehend this before you propose.”

“Gabriel!” I exclaimed in utter disbelief. Amidst a looming war just beyond the Gates, he chooses to crack jokes. Unbelievably rigid.

They both smiled at me before he responded, “I do, Your Majesty-“

“Gabriel,” the King persisted, patting his shoulders incessantly. “You’ll be part of the family soon. Enough with the formalities.”

Mike smiled and returned to my side. “You have nothing to worry about, Gabriel. Your sister, as bold as they come, will be in good hands. Rest assured.” He nodded, pleased with his answer. I refrained my own vile.

“I’d like to know where your wife is,” I said, gesturing to shift the subject.

Gabriel looked at me with such contempt. “She’s in the bunker. In our parents domain.”

Tsk. I made my exit before any other words escaped my mouth. Mike trails me as we walked even north from Gabriel’s domain.

“I can sense that he cares deeply for you, Kiy.” Mike attempted to help me understand the King’s viewpoint.

“Please don’t lecture me about what I already understand.” I tried to hold back my tears. “However, his heart is burdened and has been corrupted by her influence.”

“Perhaps having a conversation would help you comprehend her underlying reasons for all this.”

“I don’t need to comprehend motives. My sole purpose is to save our people. Not to be assigned to a trivial babysitting detail.”

“Kiy.” Mike stopped and pulled me against the metallic metal fence. It was the first barrier before we reached where my parents had built their defenses. “Promise me you’ll clear your mind before we enter there. Promise me—you’ll give me nothing to worry about.”

“Michael—“

“Promise me.” Mike interlocked our fingers and a rush of electricity flew over us. I tried to ignore his pull but it was hard. He knew that I would soften up to a more commandeering approach.

“Fine. I promise you I’ll have a clear mind.” I broke our connection and the electricity fell out of my reach. “But I won’t play nice.”

“I’ll receive what I can.” Mike smiles and swings the gate open for us.

I drew the patterned code along with wall and it glowed bright red. The metal door opened with a whooshing sound and I see the Queen, trapped like a prisoner. Her clothes weren’t in the best shape and she looked almost lifeless.

“Kiy, is that really you?” She shields her eyes from the sunlight. “The heavens must be playing a cruel joke on me. For you to come here and end my life.”

I grabbed a metal chair and sat adjacent by her side. Mike stayed a safe distance. The Queen, who was detained, still had enough power to disable his. I kept my expression neutral. “Rose, no one here intends to harm you. However, let me make one thing abundantly clear—my brother has always been under my care and protection.”

“How is Gabe?” She hugged her body tightly, causing shivers to run down her spine. Although the temperature wasn’t cold, it felt as if her powers were reacting without her conscious control.

“Alive,” I glared into her eyes. “No thanks to you.”

“I did not lead them here.” The Queen spoke softly, and turned her attention to the ground. “The Zestians planned this long before we were even a contender.”

“Is that so?” I couldn’t help but let out a sarcastic tone. “And did they also plan your wedding vows, your commitment to our realm, and all that jazz?”

“Kiy—“

“Stay away from this, Mike,” I warned him. “She won’t die under my hands. But by the power of the gods, I will find answers.”

“You don’t have to believe me,” the Queen assures. “You don’t even have to pretend to like me. But you must understand that I would never have allowed Gabe to be in danger. My love for him is so profound—it pains me to be apart from him for so long. I never intended to be manipulated in this manner. Our alliance—our wedding was a solemn commitment to prevent this very outcome from occurring.”

“Well, it happened.” I kicked the chair underneath me. The Queen did not flinch as it crashed down. Mike—however, grabs me to take a step back from her. “So as the Queen of the most powerful realm, what are you going to do about it? How will you aid my brother?”

The Queen doesn’t respond immediately. However, when she glances between me and Mike, she smiles and says, “One day, you’ll comprehend the weight of a heart that carries for him. You’ll also find it impossible to justify your actions.”

A gust of wind whipped across her face, and Mike forcefully pushed me outside the door. “Wait here for me. I won’t be long,” he said, sealing the door before I could object. In a fit of panic, I let out a high-pitched scream.

[thecheckeredpatio]

TCP

X. CHECKMATE

Kiy

“You gotta tell me something.” He turns from the railing and a sense of familiarity washes over me. He’s flicking ashes off a lit blunt and tipped it off.

Our visitors left hours ago. I knew something was up when we were soaking in the bath in silence. Not uncomfortably, but it was enough to reminisce about what exactly happened. He held onto my eyes as he caressed every inch of me. Bubbles so soapy between us, it was crazy not to feel our energies intertwine independently. It’s fucking addictive. Staring at his soapy, drippy silhouette had me feeling all types of things.

We were lounging in a greenhouse, right on the side of cottage. It was still connected, to where the spa and office were a few feet away. But enclosed with so many plants and greenery, it felt we transported into this beautiful oasis.

Both clean and in brand-new velvet robes. With the blunt still lit between his fingers, he pulls it towards my lips. I eyed him before inhaling the fire and then puffing it out.

“What are you searching for here?” I slumped in the last bit of air I had before my lungs were inflamed by his mouth. Too stunned by his act, when we pulled apart, I just watched him readjust as he sat at the end of my lounge chair, his expression still toward the darkened scenery, slowly watching daybreak.

“Kiy.” He called my name. Then I knew what he wanted me to say.

I shrugged. “So….now you know I don’t share well.”

“And you know I ain’t mean that.” Mike flicked his fingers against the blunt before pulling to his lips. When he exhales, he continues, “What are you thinking about me? You know—after everything that’s happened?”

My opinion hasn’t changed. I’m still madly in love with this man. More now than ever fucking before.

This time, I sat up to comfort him. “That wasn’t my first time with multiple people—“ His eyebrows rose so high and almost spoke, but refrained. “Or with the same sex. I thought you knew that.”

“Well, I assumed…,” he trailed off, shaking his head as he surveyed the surroundings. It was as if he was searching for the right words amidst the snow-covered trees. “Sorry.”

“For what? I had a ball.” I chuckled and sat across his legs. My hands wrapped around his neck and I kissed his cheek so softly. “You really was scared?”

“Shit. Sort of.”

“Why?”

“Because I’ve never seen you with anyone else. And you haven’t seen me either.”

“We covering a lot of firsts rapidly fast,” I continued to puff before adding, “But wasn’t that the point of all this? Screwing over all the doubts?”

His head turned to me, almost offended. “That’s why you think I proposed?”

“Well—“ I paused. “Not entirely but yeah. I thought……that could be a factor.”

He scoffed so loudly that it hardened my expression. Before I could say anything, he looked at me with a softer tone. “I proposed because I was so desperate to stay with you—as my wife.”

“Mike—“

“Let me finish. Please.” He caught my lips again. “Kiy, you don’t know how terrified I was, seeing you then. It’s unbelievably mortifying. These unforgettable emotions start rising every time you smile or laugh—and I’m like, ‘How could I let that go?’ I couldn’t. Won’t. Ever. Even if I had no plan. I just knew at the end of the trip, you had to be mine. You’re mine, and that feeling—that source of your love—was pure happiness in my eyes. And it’s the first time I’ve ever—shit—baby. I didn’t mean to make you cry.”

I shocked myself, as my hand touched my face and was soaked my own tears. A soft smile tugged at the corners of his lips, and his blunt crashing in the ashtray. His palms brushed against my tear-streaked face, leaving a lingering impression. “I—“ Hiccup. “I didn’t even realize.”

“You’ve never been so fucking….” His words were lost between my lips. But I’d imagine he would say something like stunning or radiant. Anything that compared me to the hottest star amongst the galaxies.

“I love you.” I whispered against his ear.

He stands up with me between his arms. He kissed my forehead, then my cheeks. And my neck. Whole time I’m giggling like a fucking schoolgirl. “Mi querido amor, te adoro con una intensidad que trasciende los límites del universo”.

My dearest love, I adore you with an intensity that transcends the boundaries of the universe.

[thecheckeredpatio]

TCP

VIIII. Gambit

Mike

I’ve never felt this intense fire to be inside her, more than I do right now. I slid out of X to leave him a gasping mess on the floor. Without so much of a hesitation, my dick swelled inside her and I became irritable. I wasn’t sure why— but I needed her to show me how much she loved me. How much she cared. Even with everything out in the open, her body was my proof that I’m still hers.

But ….

How did she feel about seeing me now? I couldn’t dominate her. Would she even want that? And I don’t want to cause her pain, but did she need me to? Every once in awhile? My head was pounding against my skull. How do I turn it off and on—

“Mike,” She centers my face. My eyes looked into hers, while stroking every once of her body. “Kiss me.” My lips crashed hers like an unforgiving typhoon. She strips my dry-fit and throws it against the wall. She’s violently clawing the fuck out of my back. We collide in a different way. A way I think I could get use to.

“Well, fuck.”

I heard but it wasn’t her voice. It was Dahlia’s. Probably observing us but I didn’t stop. I kept going until Kiy screams could be heard into the next fucking town. I released all I had before we stopped, then I slowly pulled out of her. I turned to see X and Dahlia, awaiting my next move. Dahlia sits comfortably in the chair like she didn’t witness me fucking just now. Like it was a normal day for her.

“So,” She scans over Kiy’s body, who was still exposed. And I wanted to shield her. But Kiy stopped me. Her hand pushed me slightly to get a clear vision of both of them. Dahlia continued, inching closer and closer to us. “Is sharing… still an issue?”

“No, not for him.” Kiy answered for me before she meets my gaze. I was in awe of her yet again. “But he’s mine. So with all due respect-this is the last time you’re touching what’s fucking mine. And in return—“She leaps off the desk and plays her breasts, baiting them “You can have me too.”

X’s mouth watered and I wanted to punch him. I refrained. This is her ultimatum. And I’d agreed with it. I wanted to. Whatever I could to make her happy. One last night of fucking them. And then…. It’ll just be me and her. Like I promised.

“Lovely. Then, it’s a deal.” Dahlia doesn’t hesitate to shake her tongue all over Kiy’s breast before pinching her. “I’m having you first, cupcake.” Kiy twisted her legs to prevent squirming. I was surprised. It’s not that she couldn’t handle pain, but I was worried how much she could take.

“Safe word her, Dahlia. Or I’ll fucking step in.” I warned.

“Right. Sorry. I’ve been eager since I met her.” Dahlia says sorrowfully. “Sweetie—can you give me one?”

“Frosty.” She smiled, leaning her head back at me. I chuckled at the joke that only she and I understood. Dahila looked between us both.

“Okay, you have secrets. It’s cute,” Dahlia continues to hold Kiy’s body hostage. Her hands already skates inside her pussy and I swear I almost saw her eyes roll back. “But a deal and deal, which means—at this moment—your dripping body is my toy.”

“Watching this,” X leans forward to bait me and my arms crossed my chest, unweighted. “Kind of gets you thinking, doesn’t it?”

“Just say what you want.” I said, over all his ridiculous riddles.

“Fuck me.” X begged, tugging on my joggers. He’s going to think I’m hard because of him but it doesn’t fucking matter. Truth is I was enjoying the show more than I thought. “Please.”

“Suck me off.” I ordered. X obeyed, dropping to his knees, and pulled down my joggers before his mouth was filled with my dick. I gripped his head as I used his mouth as a fucking tool. I didn’t need to be careful while handling him. I pounded into the back of his throat, then I found myself staring right into Kiy’s climax. I released before I caught myself. Shit. I didn’t want to do that, but X shallowed my cum, then snakes his tongue all over to clean me up.

I picked him off the floor and pinned him against the wall. My back was turned so I couldn’t monitor what they were doing anymore. But I’d hoped she enjoyed what I was doing. Even if it was with someone else.

And a man.

X moves to face me but I violently turn him back, his body collided with the wall. Then I pinned his hands above his hand. My lips started moving all over him. And he moans more and more. I bite him. He shakes with my lips wrapped around his throat. My hand grips his ass, then smack him before I pull his pants down. I spread his legs evenly, and I bend him over the edge of the chair closest to the door. I don’t give him a warning when I enter him. And he arches his back as the pressure increased. I wasn’t going to miss this, but I’d be lying if I said it didn’t feel good. His asshole was fighting and clenched my dick every time I moved. I caressed him to fucking relax. He sighed against my fingers moving and I pounded him within several beats of my entire strength. He gripped the chair hard and screamed out, fucking erected. My hands pulled his face backwards to kiss me. I let him get a last gripping kiss in before we both reached our end.

[thecheckeredpatio]

TCP

VIIII. GAMBIT

Kiy

I tried not to compare. Dahlia was a fucking goddess who looked like she never aged. And X was a tyrant, almost the same height as Mike. Dark and beautiful. They lived a different lifestyle. One I could only dream of.

But—

I noticed how uneasy both made him. I wasn’t so foolish. Dahlia had to be older. Much older. She’s extremely experienced in places that are fucking nonexistent to me. And X-

I breathe in a breath. This was dangerous. Very dangerous. Then, as if my mind failed me. I imagined all of them together. My hands gripped the counter as images started to pour out….

Like equally beautiful chess pieces moving towards to claim the Queen.

Mike being their handler. He mentioned he was a dominant. Could he miss that? I couldn’t fully give him control. Would he resist that? I don’t fucking know. Nor do I want to. I just kept playing in conversation I had with X over in my mind.

“So, ‘future wifey,’” he said, taking a bite of the brownie batter and holding it to his tongue. “You being taken care of properly?’”

My eyes cornered him, before taking out the baking pan. “Why would you assume otherwise?”

“Ha.” He chuckled softly before placing the brownie back into the mixer. “You got me. I only wanted to know more about you.”

“Just ask.” I stated.

His eyebrows raise before he nods. “Has he told you?”

“He doesn’t have to,” I say. “It’s written all over your face.” I cracked an egg loudly.

“Am I that easy to read?”

“You’re that easy. Period.”

“Damn!” X exclaimed, clicking his fingers. “You got bite. I could see why he chose you.”

“We chose each other.” I corrected and looked at him intently, his hungry gaze fixed on me. “Now, ask me what you really want.”

“Closure.” X shifted the batter and brushed his shoulder into me before reaching for the pan. “And if you’re willing keep an open mind.”

“I’m willingly to do more than that.” I grabbed the pan from under him, and he smirked in response. I poured the brownie batter evenly, without even glancing at it. I didn’t need to look to know that it was spreading correctly. “Mike is who I’m marrying, regardless.”

“Well, alright then.” X rolls up his sleeve and opens the oven to put the dough in. Then, he whispers across my ear. “We’ll just have to see, won’t we?”

“Need a hand?”

I glanced up to see Dahlia, a few feet away, leaning against the archway. I was busy placing the finishing touches on the brownies: red velvet cheesecake topped with chocolate-covered strawberries. I smiled, as sweet as possible. “No thanks, I’ve got it.”

She pulled up a bar stool and tapped her hands against the counter. “You’re different.”

“How can you tell?”

She shifted her arms to lean against the counter, looking utterly bored. “Usually, people would have a plethora of questions. But you’re as silent as a mouse.”

This time, I scoffed. “Sorry to disappoint.”

“I never claimed to be unimpressed,” Dahlia said as she rounded the corner, trying to get a better look at me. “I’d say I’m more impressed.”

“Why aren’t you in there?” I asked her, placing the brownies on a more detailed plate.

She sighed dramatically. “Because it’s a boys’ club right now.” Dahlia winked as she placed her overly large acrylic nails on my shoulder. “You know how rough they can be.”

My eyes refused to widen at her comment. I could not let the images behind that office flood my mind again. Not because I would be angry or upset …. But because I would want a front row seat to everything. I would want to see him in action 1000 percent.

“Oh, darling,” she shook her head, then gently pulled my chin. “This won’t do. I can smell the eagerness off you. You know curiosity killed the cat ?”

“I’m not a fucking cat.” I told her. “Excuse me—I have brownies to deliver.”

Dahlia skates one off the top before plopping her ass on the island counter. The one I was recently fucked on. I barely heard her say, “Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

My nerve was gulped down in one swallow. I shouldn’t be this fucking shook up. I know the person I’m marrying. I know all the ends and outs of his morality. I know Michael. I know Mike. I don’t need any outside influence to stir me into a fucking panic frenzy. Mike promised me to always be here. So I’m doing the same. And whatever happens in getting there, is going to be our fucking mess to clean up. I knocked, I respected his privacy.

“Come in,” Mike’s voice sounded huskier. I pushed the door open with my elbow as I brought the plate to my stomach to steady myself. Once inside, I noticed X kneeling by the desk, blindfolded. His hands frantically moved across the floor as the rope descended and swung around the chair beside him. Mike glared at the robe, breaking free. “Did I say you could be released?”

“N-no-“

“No-what?” His teeth clenched. “Don’t get cute just cause my wife is here.” He waves me over, and I joined him. He placed the plate on the desk and positioned me in front of him. He kissed my neck and smacked my ass. A moan escaped my lips.

“No, your Majesty.” X begged him and I saw his lip twitch a little. “Please show me mercy.”

I turned to Mike and he responded with, “Tie him to the desk.” I didn’t question it. My hands found the robe within minutes. I moved X to stand, then I weaved the rope between the pillars of its legs. Mike rewarded me with a deepened smile. “That’s my princess. Now—we should give him something to hear.”

Before I could respond, Mike kissed me passionately, causing me to nearly knock the brownies off the desk. He began tearing my clothes, shredding my graphic tee and shorts to bits. He was pint up with rage. He lowered his head and lifted me up to sit next to X, completely exposed. Despite the humiliation, I wasn’t embarrassed. Even now, I yearned for his touch. Nothing changed for me. His fingers enveloped me completely, and I gasped.

“Majesty—“ X called. He started to squirm while in a gripping position.

“Shut up.” Mike ordered him. “This is your punishment. And I choose to give it to you, while I fuck…..the love of my life.”

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

“As you wish, your Majesty.” X growled. I would feel sorry for him, if Mike wasn’t toying my body like a fucking gum ball machine. He got impatient and his tongue perilously fell inside of me. Stroking any ounce of continuous contingency. I was also being made aware that he needed a quick release.

“Don’t come.” He told me. Then he released X from his holding and removed the blindfold from his face. “I want you to come on his fingers.”

“Are you—? You’re serious?” X stood in shock and awe.

Mike kissed my pussy to show how serious he was. Before he wiped his mouth, he dragged his tongue all across X’s neck before grabbing his throat. “You disobeying me again?”

X reply staggered. “Fu-fuck no.”

Mike smiled against his cheek and whispered “Good. Now fucking do it.”

X dropped in front of me, and eyes my body. His eyes were so wide that I couldn’t stare back. I looked in Mikes direction as he leaned back against the wall, arms folded around his chest.

X asked me carefully. “Can I?”

“Yes.”

His lips licked his fingers before they slowly penetrated me. I braced myself against the pressure when I opened my eyes. There, looking down at both of us, was Mike, his expression steady. The door was slightly ajar, but he caught it with his foot. Dahlia had to become restless out there, but Mike wasn’t inviting her in. Not yet. My mind couldn’t slow down enough, and I couldn’t come.

“Maybe, this will help,” Mike says, and he positions X from behind. When his hands lowered, he licked his hands and put it in between Xs ass. X almost yelped at the touch of his owner. Then Mike glanced at me before inserting himself into X bit by bit. “Watch him take me in, Kiy. Watch him enjoy it.”

“Fu…..” I panted as X did not stop moving his fingers inside me. I could not turn away, I’m compelled the more he pounded into X, harder and harder. And X pleasures grew louder and louder. Fuck, I bursted all over a fucking stranger’s fingers. And it felt so fucking exhilarating.

[thecheckeredpatio]

TCP

VIIII. GAMBIT

Mike

Our oasis being over was the farthest from my mind. We carried out so many rounds after she taunted me. At one point, I thought my dick would go limb. But my thoughts are on replay. Her on top of the counter, covered in berries and fruit. My mouth started to drool continuous from the sight. I rolled ice all over her body. Her moans were a fucking symphony.

Somehow, ice cream got involved.

She—Fuck. I don’t have any words. We’re back in the living room, as my fingers caressed her underneath the blanket. The fireplace cracked in the background was the only noise continuing through out the room. She passed out after the long bath I gave her. I smirked silently, knowing she must be relieved to see me give in. I’ll do everything I possibly could, to please her body. I took her left hand. Her ring caught the firelight, and it sparkled like a diamond. I really proposed to her this morning. And she said yes.

Gripping questions were about to consume my mind, but I told them to fuck off. I loved her. I’m in love with her. And that was enough to make me feel better. I looked at the digital clock, hanging above the fireplace. It was a little past 6:30pm. I stretched and kissed Kiyanna before her light snoring continued. I could make her dinner before I go out on my run.

I left her a note by her hot plate of food to reassure her and prevent her from feeling anxious again. I had hoped that in time, she would realize that I wasn’t leaving without her. I had changed, and I firmly grasped the laces of my shoes. The snowfall had ceased, and there were a few squirrels and rabbits along the trail I had chosen. Despite the pounding wind against my face, my legs continued to move effortlessly, and I felt an overwhelming sense of invincibility.

“Boss.”

My feet came to a halt, sinking into the snow. I peered into the inky blackness, but there was no one there. I glanced down at my smartwatch and noticed that the walkie-talkie was active. I pressed the button to activate it. “What’s the emergency?”

“You might have a visitor soon.”

“Nah,” I told him. “If this is about tour dates—let X handle it.”

“That’s who’s coming to see you.”

I inhaled sharply and clicked my teeth. “And he’s bringing her?”

“Yeah,” he radioed back. “She threatened him, if he didn’t.”

I kicked the snow off from my heel. I can’t catch a fucking break. I started running towards the cottage again. “How much time I got?”

“Five minutes.”

Fuck. Well—that’s just fucking fantastic. I had to get there before she does. I had to explain to my new fiancée, the old habits I’ve suppressed before seeing her. Because when I made my decision to have her, old shit never mattered. But there was this rumbling that I could not shake in the pit of my stomach. When I made it back to the cottage, there was already a second Tesla parked outside.

Double Fuck.

I burst into the doorway, greeted by laughter and applause. My eyes widened in confusion. Dahlia clutched my fiancée’s shoulders as they talked about me. X was busy preparing his second plate of food. I didn’t need to see him clearly to make that out. And there was an expensive bottle of wine shared by everyone.

“Amour,” Kiyanna greeted me with a kiss. “Your team is a riot. Dahlia has revealed all your secrets.”

I felt a lump in my throat. “Oh, she has, hasn’t she?”

“Mikey, where have you been hiding this gem?” She asks, leaning against the kitchen counter. Her oversized fingernails drip wine into a glass. “She’s delicious.”

I ignored her and pulled Kiy to the side. “I’m sorry they crashed.”

Her eyes were reading into mine. Then, she smiled cheerfully. “What for? I’ve been having so much fun learning about you. Apparently, you’re a diva on tour.”

I swung my arm over her, my eyes narrowing and scoffing, “These people simply can’t grasp proper etiquette.”

“Bullshit.” X said with his mouth full. I tried not to be too disgusted. “You just micro managed the shit outta everything. That ain’t good, chief. You’ll break out in hives by the time it all ends.”

“Remind me, why are y’all here again?” I didn’t conceal any sarcasm. “Exactly,” I replied. Kiy tugged on my jacket, attempting to distract me from my thoughts. However, I had no good ones towards them.

“Okay,” Kiy interrupted, trying to keep the peace. “Why don’t you all talk in the office? I’ll bring out some brownies.”

I grabbed her arm before she entered the kitchen. I made sure to keep my voice as low as possible. “You don’t have to do anything for these freeloaders.”

“Mike,” Kiy said, “I want to make a good impression. These are the first people we’re hosting since our engagement. Please let me do this.”

I couldn’t resist her whimsical voice, let alone her adorable expression as she gazed at me now. “Fine. I’ll be gone for about half an hour, tops. Then I’m kicking them out.” My lips brushed against her forehead and she giggled. My eyes caught Dahila, who was watching, but I quickly grabbed my own food and headed into the office. I didn’t care if they were following behind.

I kicked my feet up on the mahogany desk and began eating. Dahlia came in first and shut the door. She leaned against the back wall, her eyes locked onto mine with a lustful gaze. “I meant it, when I said she was delicious. I see why you’re together.”

“Like I needed your approval.” I muttered in between bites. “Let’s get this over with, the sooner the better.”

“Awww, see that’s not fair.” She waved her finger before sitting down across from me. “You were never good at sharing.”

I laughed. I know she’s not in her right mind. “She’ll never go for it, you know. And I’m not asking her to.”

“Why do you think X stayed behind?” My eyes almost murdered her. I stood up so fast and she blocked my exit. “Easy now. Don’t act too rash. That temper of yours can really hurt someone.”

“Dahlia. Move.”

They don’t understand her. Kiy has been through enough trouble on this matter. I wanted to do everything to make her feel safe with me. And I just started to. But if they ruin everything—then I will kill them. I won’t hurt Kiy at all and I didn’t know how far she could go. X and Dahlia are swingers. And I got roped into their crazy fantasies. But it had been ages since.

“Fine,” she huffed. “But you’re going to be in for an interesting show.” I almost let the door hit her when I exited. But I didn’t care to check if it did.

Once I returned to the kitchen, X was the first to spot me. He was engrossed in kneading dough, and both he and Kiy were wearing holiday aprons. She didn’t notice me; instead, she turned to check the oven temperature. A smirk tugged at the corners of his mouth before he resumed assisting Kiy with the brownies. “You okay, chief? You look like you seen a ghost.”

I approached Kiy and she was slightly startled. Flour had caked on her face, so I gently wiped it off. Next, I cupped her head. “You alright out here? With him?” My voice clearly held my annoyance.

“Yeah,” She remained clueless and I relaxed a little. “He just shared tour stories you guys had. I’m jealous.”

“Don’t be.” I told her, before X and I shared a look. “It was so long ago.”

“Yeah,” Her pouty eyes were turning me on. “But you were able to see the world.”

“And so will we.” I kissed her deeply. Not caring if he were watching or not. I knew she probably felt embarrassed, but I didn’t want her to. My eyes cut towards X, pointing down the hall. “Office. Now.”

He grabbed the spoon of batter to carry with him before giving Kiy a wink. “Don’t finish this without me.” I tugged him along to keep him from flirting with my fiancée.

I shut the office door loudly. My blood started to boil. When they came around, I could never feel easy. “Y’all had your fun. But now—you better get to business before I really throw y’all out.”

[thecheckeredpatio]

TCP

VIII. Check

Kiy

I had a single goal for him: to stop being do incredibly cautious. We didn’t need to be careful in each other’s presence. Now, as his new fiancée, I felt compelled to show him what it’s like to take risks and leave things to chance. Was I also afraid? Yes, fucking terrified. But I wanted my demons to become his playground. It was thrill that he could silence the most indulgent voices. And I needed him.

So

fucking

badly.

“Now, where’d you run off to?” I heard him a few kilometers away. My mouth was enclosed with my hands. I hid within the storage closet between the Hot Spring and the office. The door was slightly cracked open with a silver of light. I had a view of the glassed door, seeing the steaming water rise from above. My memories were vividly filled with us together in there. I touched my body, my breasts were tender. I was completely undone now. “Fuck—princess. You couldn’t wait for me, could you?”

My eyes fluttered open as I was caught in a moment of self-pleasure. Standing at the doorway, looking slightly out of breath, was my man who had caught me. A smile tugged at the corners of my lips as I addressed him, “Why don’t you enjoy the rest of the show?”

He initially remains still. Until, he glances a couple of boxes and uses them as a throne. As he sits, his eyes transform into an expression of awe. He appears completely composed. His face remains calm while he enjoys my body’s view. “Then you should fucking continue.”

I raised my breasts to my lips and took a slow, sensual suck. He flexed his fingers and gently rested them against his thighs, giving me his undivided attention. My hand slowly descended to my clit, and I began to swirl my fingers around the top, intensifying the pleasure. My eyes followed his gaze, and he remained captivated. I gradually increased the speed, dipping my fingers into my hole and releasing the cream that only heightened my arousal. My pleasures were not silenced—in fact, they grew louder with each release of pressure. I felt a surge of heat emanating from him, gazing intently at me. He was a watcher, after all, and I wanted to ensure that this was the most extraordinary show he would ever witness in his life.

“Don’t come.” He growled, leaping from the boxes and stopped my hand from moving. His speed was swift, leaving our hearts pounding heavily. His hand mounted mine above me. “Not without me.”

I laughed a little, but he seemed quite irritable. “Does it bother you? To be toyed with?”

“You’re pushing your luck.” His left hand covers my throat before he nibbles all over me. “I’ll take it from here. I found you—didn’t I? So let me enjoy my prize.”

“As you—“ my breath caught between my throat. He didn’t give a warning this time. My pussy throbbed around his dick and he digs more into my hole. The pressure of us colliding so suddenly, was unbearably strong.

“This is the only thing I want from you,” he says. When he thrusts up, my body hits the stonewall and I’m completely trapped between his movements and solidarity. “Your screams… your sexy… fucking moans. They’re all mine.”

It turned me on the more he claimed me. The more he took charge after watching me go on without him. It was a level of irritation and confinement that cloaked him murdering my pussy, just now. My hands were wrapped around his back, and I’m clawing at his sweater that never came off.

“Ha. Fuck.” My release lasted a fucking lifetime. How could this one act bring out so much rawness from within him? He looked…. Like he could devour me.

“Don’t squirm this time.” He licked his lips before raising me higher against the wall. My body shook when his tongue found me within seconds. It was a roughness of the top layer that his tongue, increasing strokes against my walls. And I felt every lick and suck he made against my pussy. My hands placed on top of his shoulders, for constant balance. My walls pulsed and within seconds, I’m leaking out so much. “That’s a good princess. Let me taste you more.”

My eyes bulged out of my head. It felt like an eternity until my fiancé’s lips met mine. He gazed into my eyes before gently placing me down. With a single scoop, he lifted my naked body out of the storage closet, bridal-style. His hands are positioned on my ass and upper back. They felt incredibly warm against the coolness of my skin. “Practicing, are we?” I teased him.

“No,” He smirked, mesmerizing me. “I’m just not done with my meal yet.”

[thecheckeredpatio]

Just a Tycoon 🌊🧜🏽‍♂️🐚👑

(Mike and Kiy reimagined as Greek god and goddess.)

“You won’t be honest.”

“I have nothing to tell you.”

“No—you’re just not going to admit to me. Not without a hanging price.”

“You think I’m that egotistical?”

“I think you don’t want me to answer that.”

“Fuck you.”

“Remember, that’s what led us to this situation? Or did you forget your piercing screams shattering the Earth’s undertow?”

“I feel overwhelmed. I can’t do this anymore.”

“You’ll follow my instructions from now on, at least. Until you’re honest with yourself about your true feelings for me.”

“I wish you dead.”

“Fortunately, I always am. What else could I be?”

“You don’t own me.”

“That’s not what the gates say. Certainly not how you got here.”

“Fucking hydronic idiot.”

“I’m losing my patience. You either tell me or you die.”

“You won’t kill me.”

“I wouldn’t have to.”

“Okay, tyrant. You win.”

“Out with it then.”

“I arrived here because I was certain you could manipulate him.”

“And?”

“I was certain I could convince you otherwise.”

“And you understand how fucking idiotic it seems? For me to kill a man who’s un-killable? Even after everything…. We’ve….. fuck.”

“I have no control over his rage.”

“The fuck you don’t. You laid there with me. Was my stroke that mind blowing powerful?”

“You really want me to answer that?”

“Did you seduce me? Only to kill my brother?”

“No.”

“Was any of it real?”

“Yes.”

“I…..don’t believe you.”

“Then don’t ! This was a waste of time. I should have not taken us this far.”

“You’re the queen of the gods and now you’re questioning your integrity?”

“Fuck off Poseidon.”

“No. Because if I’m fighting him, you better get me a well deserved reason to risk my own life.”

“I’m not…. Alone.”

“Meaning….”

“In about nine months, you’ll have an heir.”

*crippling silence*

“Fuck, Hera.”

[thecheckeredpatio]

TCP

VIII. CHECK

Mike

I firmly believe that this woman has been a heavy influence on my impulsive decision. Before we left the cottage, I needed her to be mine. Not just a relationship. Cause that wasn’t enough. She needed to have my last name. And be by my side, always.

And truth is—-I’m blown out of my mind, she fucking agreed. Kiyanna was going to be my wife by New Year’s.

My eyes peeked at her sleeping against the window, as we drove back to the cottage. I had one more surprise for her. But I think it could wait until the morning. I did just wear her out, back then. I had to give her a break. I don’t understand why these pulses keep coming up, but she never turns me away from her. We’re both trying to make up for lost time. As I carried her out, I noticed a small group of rabbits hopping around the snow. I grinned. It’s too early for kids, but yeah—- she would have them someday. And they would be ours and we would be a family. But for now, I just want to enjoy my fiancé. Enjoy her scent, her smile, her goddess of a body.

“Hey sleeping princess,” I said, noticing her waking up from her nap. I placed her on the couch near the fireplace. I already had a cup of steamed tea in my hand. I knew my lady.

“Guess you sort know me. We’re home, already?” She questioned, rubbing sleep out of her eye. She took the cup from me and breathed in the aroma. Then, she smiled.

“Not sort of. I do.” I kissed her forehead and scooted close to her. She snuggled up to me, as my arm stretched against the back of the couch. “But yeah, we’re home. How do you expect to keep up with me ?”

She made a frown. “Hey! It’s been a heavy few days alright? And my body hasn’t gotten use to fucking like rabbits yet.”

I almost spit out her tea I took a sip of. “My bad. I’ve been a lot huh?”

“No—that’s not what I’m saying.” She caressed my face. “Just give me some time. I’ll recover a lot quicker, you’ll see.”

I chuckled. Always the champion. “Okay. I’ll make a pact with you.” She looked at me, curiously. “If it ever gets to a point where it’s too much, I’ll give you space.”

“Michael,” she says. “I can handle your sex drive. There’s no need for that.”

“Well, alright then.” I was once again impressed by her. “But you will let me know, won’t you?”

She exhaled. “Fine. But it won’t get to that point.”

“Yeah, well…” I trailed off. “There’s a lot I still haven’t done yet. With you.”

She chuckled into her tea. “Is that supposed to scare me?”

I bit my tongue. It should, I thought. “No. I’m just being real. There’s things I wanna try too.”

“Like?” She probes me, looking from her tea and back at me.

“Like…. toys.” I mentioned, and she didn’t flinch. “And binding and food—“ I looked at her and she locked eyes with me, almost immediately.

“So you’re BDSM crazed?”

“Not entirely. But I’m not just all vanilla.”

“Good,” she sips from her cup before grinning widely. “That makes two of us.”

“So,” I wanted to ask her more. “Are you a watcher or a doer?”

“Both. Are you-?”

“Both.” I replied. “I have dominant traits but—“

“As a switch—“ She smiled like she had all the cards. “It’ll be hard for you to own me.”

“I figured, you were something like that.” I shook my head, but a smirk was shining on my face. “This outta be fun then.”

“Maybe—you’ll discover something about yourself you never knew.”

“Like?”

“Like,” She puts her cup down and climbs over me. Her lips so close to my earlobe. “Not being in control all the time.”

Her voice made me shudder a little. “You have me there. What you mean, specifically?”

“I mean-“ her fingers trail up my earlobe as she rubbed the back of it. The sensation fueled me instantly. “Role playing… feathers…. masks.”

“I’d never did that,” I stated. “But I trust you. Just like I hope you’ll trust me.”

“I do.” Her lips kissed me so softly, a groan came out. She giggled and kissed me again. And again. Fuck. Like I said before. Dangerous.

“We should stop.” I said the one thing I don’t mean. “At this rate, I’m not sure if I can control-“

Her undressing shut me right the fuck up. She removes her cardigan and drops it. She continues walking, shedding another long, fuzzy sock and dropping it as well. My head tilted to the side before I got up to follow her, she already past the kitchen. The lights were out, and only a few candles were burning, casting a shadow on her curvy silhouette as she dropped another sock and kept moving. My legs moved slower as I tried to catch up, but it felt like she was leaving me a trail to follow her. Tsk. This woman has no idea what she’s gotten herself into.

She wants to play hide-and-seek, but that game—I never lost. My mind held no ending when I finally caught sight of her. It was infuriating, an insatiable hunger that gnawed at me, a craving that could never be fully satisfied. Perhaps it was a remnant of our connection back then. If there was even a chance that these cravings could be extinguished, she held the power to silence me. Damn, she was right. Not having control might be liberating, at the very least. That’s why she’s playing this game with me. She doesn’t want me to think; she wants me to act on instinct. And lately, my instincts have been to claim everything that belongs to me. Her body, in particular, has become mine.

[thecheckeredpatio]

Unzip me 🤐❤️‍🔥🫦

MIKE

I didn’t mean to bring her home. But here she is, with her tiny dress on laying perfectly across my sandalwood leather couch. The way the fabric hugged her curves wasn’t fair to me. If I’m going to be the nice guy, at least let me have a fighting chance. She must’ve had a lot to drink. When I went to have a smoke, I saw her leaning against the dingy wall outside the club.

“Where… am I?” her eyes met mine as her mouth snapped shut. She sat up and immediately removed a throw blanket. I was relieved to see that I wasn’t the only one feeling hot in this apartment.

“Safe.” I told her. “You really shouldn’t drink alone. This city feeds on pretty types like you.”

“Ha.” She reached into her purse and I leaned back against my living room wall, maintaining a reasonable distance between us. We were strangers, and it was probably better that way. I noticed that it was a weed pen. After she exhaled, she offered it to me. “It’s the least I can do,” she insisted.

I straightened my spine before lifting my hand towards her. As our hands met when I took hers, a surge of electricity coursed through me. When she quickly averted my gaze, I sensed that she felt the same connection. A quiet smile tugged at the corners of my lips. After exhaling the smoke that burned my lungs, I inquired, “How’d you end up there?”

“I was with a friend.”

“A guy?”

“Umm. Yes.”

“I already don’t like him, but go on.”

“He said he needed to step out for a busy call. That it would only take a few minutes.”

“And you believed him?”

“Excuse me for not wanting to assume.”

I refrained from what I really wanted to say. She’s too naive. “Uh-huh. Then what happened?”

“Well,” she began, biting her lip. My eyes met them directly. It was a gentle tug before her bottom lip curled up. “After hours passed, so did my drinks. I didn’t realize how bent I was until I stepped outside for some fresh air and then—“

“You found me,” I breathed out the smoke from her pen once more.

“Now, it’s my turn to ask you something,” she said, extending her hand to signal me to pass. I had decided that sitting next to her wouldn’t be so bad after all. “Why did you rescue me?”

I nearly choked, not on the smoke, but on the realization that she had no idea what I was thinking. “Rescue? Why do you think that’s what I did?” I asked, seeing her completely oblivious to the storm of thoughts racing through my mind.

“Well,” she ran her fingers through her hair and shifted her weight back toward the couch. It was cute how straightforward she was, yet she still exuded a nervous anticipation. “What would you call a stranger who looks out for another stranger?”

“I don’t fucking know. A good samaritan?”

“Cute,” she crossed her legs and seemed to be staring at me. At least she’s not as helpless as I had thought. “I see you got jokes.”

I scoffed and moved a little closer to her. Her arm was barely touching mine. But it was enough to send shocks in every single direction of my veins. “What do you want from me?”

“Maybe a name first.” She suggested, flickering a lighter in the air. I suppose her pen wasn’t strong enough to release any tension she had before.

“It’s Mike.” I tried not to pay attention to the joint that moved past her lips. My eyes were down at the dully stained carpet that was by her legs. Her tattooed, beautiful legs.

“Okay, Mike.” She chuckled softly before passing the joint to me. “I’m Kiy. Thanks for saving me.”

When I looked up, her expression almost made me drop the joint on the couch. She’s such a tease. And I’m falling for her every set-up. I took a deep breath to calm down. More importantly, I had to hide how hard she made me by moving so little.

And—-

She didn’t have to move much—a cross between her legs. A lift of her exposed shoulders. Her manicured hands resting on the couch’s shoulder. She looked calm. Too calm to be in a stranger’s house.

“Should I call you a ride?” What the fuck am I saying? I didn’t want her to leave yet.

“Have I exceeded my time limit?” She joked, and started gathering her things. Fuck. Fuck.

“No.” I blocked her hand, reaching her purse. She held the most precious gaze. “That’s not—what I wanted to say is—if you’re comfortable, I can take you home in the morning.”

“Oh Mike.” She crossed her leg across mine, caressing me tightly. “Your move then.”

I chuckled so much, grabbing her thigh tighter and licking my lips in between. “You sure about that?”

“Seems like you already know my answer.” She started to bite her lip and I rushed over to complete it for her. When our lips collided, I heard a slight moan being released from her lips. I laid her down on the couch and stroked her leg, hooking on my waist. She felt so god damn soft. Every touch felt like lingering static beneath my fingers. I couldn’t resist any more of her.

“Can I—“ I stopped to ask, but her expression seemed slightly annoyed. Had she waited for me all along to make a move ?

“Mike, unzip me.” She smiled softly and pulled herself up as we sat in position again.

Well….. Fuck.

—————————————————————————

KIY

This beautiful man who I only met an hour ago in his well cleaned apartment—might have saved my life. The least I could do was make his night more memorable.

“Unzip me, Mike.” I said for the second time since he was frozen at the zipper at the top of my dress.

“What? Oh, of course.” He sounded nervous, and I chuckled silently, sensing his trembling fingers locating the pulldown. When he finally pulled it, our eyes met.

“What’s the matter?” I asked him.

He chuckled and tilts his head to the ceiling. “I can’t believe I’m about to say this but….”

“You don’t want to.”

“No. Fuck I do. God. Look at you—“ His hand slowly brushes my exposed skin, and I held in a rippling breath. “But you just got outta a sleazy situation. Who the fuck would I be….if I were to take advantage of that?” He shakes his head. “The timing just isn’t right.”

I smiled, perhaps he was indeed an anomaly after all. “Don’t worry about it. I’m not pressing you. I just read the vibe wrong.”

He almost stared through me. “Believe me, no you didn’t. But I want to know some things about you first.”

My eyes fluttered. I was stunned. “Sure. What you wanna know?”

“How’d you end up out here?” He gets up suddenly and goes upstairs. His loft was meticulously decorated with modernized furniture and adorned with a striking black and white stainless steel staircase that ascended to his bedroom. After changing into comfortable clothes, he tossed a few items onto the couch. I lifted up some shorts and a tee, and as I stretched the tee, I noticed that it was longer than my neckline. It read San FranTokyo. My eyebrows raised as he leaned against the top railing. “Change into that and give me your answer.”

I shrugged as I pulled my dress over my head. Once it finally reached my fluffy hair, I noticed his eyes intensifying. He had each arm propped against the stainless bar, and I could see how hard he was gripping it. I suppressed my amusement, realizing he had a glimpse of what he had called off. I wondered if he regretted it now. However, he didn’t come down. Instead, he waited for me to respond.

“I’m an art student.” I said, finally wrapped into a graphic T way too big for me and shorts way too large for my waist. I plopped down on the couch and grabbed the nearest snack: popcorn. But now just any popcorn. Carmel kettle was my only kryptonite. “Downtown San FT isn’t that far from where I study.”

“Grad school?”

“Yeah.”

“Figured. You seem too classy for campus freshmen there.”

“You go there too? To SFTA?”

“Well, yeah,” he rubbed his neck. I hadn’t noticed the tattoos adorning his knuckles and shoulders before, but now my eyes were drawn to them. His ink was always visible, but perhaps something had changed to make me truly notice them. Then, he began making his way downstairs. I suppose he finally regained control of himself. “I did. I’m undecided about everything—at the moment.”

“Why is that?”

“Nice try.” He pulled a caramel kettle out of my hand and feeds it to himself. I try to ignore the millions of flips my body made just now. “We’re on you now.”

“What else you want to know?”

“Family?”

“Not with me.”

“Married?”

“Do you see a ring?”

“Okay. Okay. Just checking. So why aren’t you?”

“Do I ask you misogynistic questions?”

“Come on. I’m not being sexist. I just don’t get it.”

“What’s not to get?”

“How can a woman as beautiful and attractive as you are…. Not have a ring ?”

“Because—“ I took a breath. I didn’t want to go off. But this was a button for me. “My peace of mind is more important.”

He leans his head back on the couch. “But ain’t coming home to someone else peaceful enough? Having dinner ready? Have something in your cup?”

“Why? You offering?” I cut his expression open with my apprehensive gaze. For a minute, it seemed like he wanted to give in. Whatever was going through his mind subconsciously ceased, and his gaze turned neutral.

“I’m just trying to understand you.”

“I’m not one to play games with love. It’s not something I’ve ever really considered. But that doesn’t mean I don’t care. I pour my heart into my hobbies, my work, and my life. And for now, it’s been working.��� I tried to explain the best I could. “For now, it’s all I need.”

Mike doesn’t say anything more. He just looks up at the ceiling and exhales. Like it wasn’t the answer he was expecting. Then he exhales smoke from his mouth before saying, “Sounds lonely.”

“You’re one to talk.” I muttered between stuffing my face now with his popcorn, nearing the bottom of the bag. Out of all the topics we could be discussing, why was this the one thing that made me so fucking uneasy? But he could not fool me. He, too, was fucking lonely.

Then, he laughs so hard that it made me drop the rest of my sulky thoughts into my chest. I ended up laughing with him. As my head now rested on his lap, he grabs me closer to him. His eyes peered down in a pure glimmer. His haze was catching up to him. And mine just settled in my stomach.

“I’m going to say something that might make you jump,” he said calmly. He looked down as my eyes widened at his words. “I’m going to try to love you.”

He was wrong. I didn’t jump. I fucking soared. “And why would you want to do that?”

“Because….” He flicked the lighter once more. “I feel like I was destined to.”

[thecheckeredpatio]

Throughout this DURATION of the series, I’ll post spins offs. Like different universes with the same characters. Maybe it’ll make sense. Maybe it won’t. But the point is to sit back and enjoy the ride. ✌🏽

[thecheckeredpatio]

TCP

VII. Absolute Pin

Kiy

Time evidently stopped. It’s like my body was there, but my mind burst out into a scene that I never imagined. We were on our first date and on the most romantic carriage ride. The Christmas lights on every tree, passing us. My breathing quickened as I gazed upon the love of my life, holding out the most enchanting object.

A ring.

I blinked, and for several minutes, I couldn’t find the words to say anything except, “Why?”

“For many reasons,” his long eyelashes fluttered before he shook his head. The curls made the snowflakes descend even further. “A lot of them are escaping me right now. Maybe it’s just my nerves or the fact that you’re so incredibly beautiful. But with everything that’s happened before, I won’t lose you again. I made a promise. And even if you don’t say anything—”

“Yes!” I exclaimed, my heart pounding in my chest. “Yes! Oh my god, yes! Of course! I’ll marry you, Michael.” Even though we had only dated for two seconds, I had always known that he was the one I wanted to spend the rest of my life with.

“Thank the fucking stars,” he muttered, removing my glove and placing the ring on my finger. It shone against my skin so brilliantly. He knew me better than anyone else. This was the most exquisite jewelry I had ever worn. “I’d thought you’ll say it’s too early.”

“It is,” I told him. “But we matured enough. We know enough to make this work. I’m in love with you, Michael. And that’s all I need to know.” My dazzling hand lifted up to caress his face. He sighed against the cool of my touch.

“You’ve made me so happy, saying yes,” Mike says, squeezing my hand tightly. “I’m gonna give you the world.”

“You better.” I joked when the carriage ride came to a complete stop. I observed that people were beginning to assemble for the Christmas tree ceremony. “Let’s go, husband. We need to find a good place to—“

I was abruptly pulled back down and jolted into his arms. His voice growled. “Say that again. I’ll personally make sure we never leave this carriage.”

“But we agreed-“

“And I lost.” He admitted to me. “Now, be discreet. But you’re going to be mine.” When his eyes were lit on fire, I relinquished all my control. Fuck—-he’s sexy when he demanded his way.

“Come here and take what’s yours.” I baited him, licking my lips from top to bottom. “Husband.”

Mike locked the door and pulled the shades from the windows of the carriage. He scans me once before smirking. “It’s a good thing I chose that dress huh?” He started to unbuckle his pants and lowered them. He sat back down, motioning me to fill him up. “You gonna enjoy the next ride I’m about to give you.”

I straddled between his thighs, and his hand moves my thong around. His mouth grips my neck as he plays with the string, entangling them between his fingers, then pushing in my walls. I held my face against his shoulder—not wanting to react loudly. But it was like I was deprived from his touch. We removed as little as possible, but I craved him to be inside me. And his fingers were exactly where I fucking needed them to be.

“You’re doing so well, wife.” He praised me. “Not a sound yet. Too bad it’s not gonna last.” He lifted my ass underneath my dress, and his dick swells me like no fucking tomorrow.

“Fuc—“ He kissed me hard, and my screams are silenced in his tongue. His hot breath was the only thing I could concentrate on. He thrusts me against my groin and my thighs clenched down even further, our rocking had to be so strong now. But there was no outside noise. No one bothered to stop us. I was relieved, and I stopped caring. I just wanted him to continue to fuck me. I wanted to continue his ride. The only ride that my insides were stimulated by.

“You’re close, aren’t you?” He asked me. He covered my mouth with his right hand, then used his left to stroke my pearl. “Come for me, princess.” I shook so fucking much. I had to steady myself against his shoulders, not to feel dizzy with ecstasy.

I climbed off and kneeled back down. He was going to feel amazing. I needed him too. My mouth cloaked his dick with my spit and I slid my tongue out, pulling him slowly in. He jerked, almost immediately.

“Shit. You—“ As he grabbed the top of my head, we hear a knock. Two knocks now. I look at him, but his eyes were unfazed. “You better not stop, princess.”

Well, I couldn’t disobey my husband. Now— could I? I hid my grin against his skin, continuing to blow him. His breaths were heavy and he had no care of how loud he was. People obviously knew what we were doing now. He groaned as he finished in my mouth, I waited until he came. Then, swallowed the rest of him down. He pulled me up and wiped my face off with handkerchief he had. It was silence before we gathered ourselves together.

“Better face the music.” I made a joke before we disembarked from the carriage. “There’s no way we’re going to be able to come back.”

“Who fucking cares?” He chuckled, ensuring that I held his hand tightly as the ring glistened in the light. “I have the only thing I care for.”

[thecheckeredpatio]

TCP

VII. Absolute Pin

Mike

She keeps glancing at me, as if I won’t notice. I wonder what’s truly in her mind. I couldn’t help but grin. “Kiy, use your words,” I teased. “I’ve noticed you’ve been staring at me.”

“Have I?” she asked, but I knew my side glance was the only way to show her that I was aware. “Okay, it’s just—How are you so calm? We’re about to face the public.”

My head tilted. “It was your idea to leave the cottage. You seemed pretty excited before.”

She waved her hand dismissively. “No! I am! This will be our first public date, and I—“

“I know,” I interjected, taking her hand in mine. “I’ve been thinking about this too. It’s a big deal.”

“I just haven’t been on one,” she confessed. “A real date, I mean.”

“Well,” I said in my most swathed voice. “Now, you have.”

Her eyes shone like the sun’s direct connection. “How can you be so…?”

“Radiant?”

“I was gonna say poised.”

“I believe in us, and I was destined to be with you more than fish were meant to swim.”

“But when we do—-all hell breaks.”

“Well, I would rather be torched to hell than to be separated from you again. You’re—“

“Irreplaceable?”

“I wanted to say irresistible.”

“Always the charming one,” she remarked with a smile as her hand gently caressed the side of my face. I had to resist the urge to get lost in her presence. Perhaps, things haven’t changed as drastically as we had anticipated.

“For you, I am,” I said, my eyes instantly locking onto hers as I parked beside the venue where the Christmas gathering was happening. “Now, let’s embrace the typical Christmas couple dynamic.” My lips pressed against her forehead before she gave a hearty chuckle.

The townspeople were quite festive, with booths set up to the left and right of us. Her arm looped around mine as we walked side by side. I couldn’t help but notice her face lighting up every time we passed a venue stand. Pleasing her was going to be a breeze.

As we reached the last venue stand, I fished out my wallet. There, they had these mesmerizing stainless steel snowflakes that caught the rainbow’s rays from the sky. She stood there, transfixed, staring at them.

“How much is it?” I asked the vendor.

“No, Mike. I can’t ask—“

I intervened before my girlfriend could convince me not to get her one. I gently placed my hand on her lips. “I’m getting it because it means the world to you. I pay more attention to you than you realize.”

“Aww, isn’t that sweet?” the elderly vendor remarked, her silver hair concealed beneath a cozy crochet scarf. “For the young couple—-it’s 60 dollars.”

“I’d like two, please.” I handed her the cash, and she carefully boxed up the snowflakes, wrapping them well.

“Merry Christmas, you two.”

“Merry Christmas.” We both echoed, as she handed us the gift boxes, our eyes gleaming with anticipation.

“We haven’t even been on our date for five minutes,” Kiy says, hugging her gift box tightly to her chest. “And I already feel like a giddy schoolgirl.”

“Then, my job is almost complete,” I said, nudging my way to the next event. There was a line forming for a carriage ride, pulled by reindeer. “Let’s take a ride,” I suggested.

“Excuse me, sir and madam,” the carriage driver exclaimed. “You’ve been randomly chosen to skip the line.”

Kiy looks at me, bewildered. But my lips remain sealed. There was nothing I was willing to divulge, nothing that she could simply experience for herself. As I assist her into the carriage, I slid in beside her and draped the wool blanket over her legs. “Are you comfortable?”

“Michael, what are your plans?” She asked me, her eyebrows raised. Her expression was so intense that I could feel her about to burst with excitement. But instead of answering her, my arms around her shoulders, squeezing her tight to me.

“Wouldn’t you like to know,” I teased, playfully nudging her. She responded with a flick of her tongue. In that moment, I felt an irresistible urge to kiss her. So, I did. Our lips met. As we pulled away, I noticed a fine layer of dust sprinkling across the road. “Look—it’s starting to snow again,” I remarked, a hint of amusement in my voice.

I believe my distraction was effective. She extended her glove to catch the delicate snowflakes falling from the sky. I observed her intently, my eyes fixed on every movement. She has always been such a kind and gentle soul.

“Mike?” she called out, her voice filled with concern as she gently placed her hand on my thigh. “What’s wrong? You’re… scaring me.”

I let out a sigh of relief. “This trip wasn’t a random decision.” I reached into my coat and pulled out the blue box. “I might have given you a clue to come to this specific event. But—” I opened the Tiffany and Co. box in front of her. Her eyes widened in surprise. Inside was an onyx teardrop, with diamonds encircling its borders. It was the perfect ring for my perfect princess.

“Kiyanna, I’d be honored if you would be my wife. Will you marry me?”