TOTAL ECLIPSE: The Evolution (Sin City Heat Series Book 7) (26 page)

When he made it back to the living room, Jerra had slipped her feet back into her heels and was sitting in one of the chairs facing the sofa. Her hands were folded demurely in her lap, her face composed and expressionless. But behind the façade she showed him, Darrell saw the wariness in her eyes that told him she wasn’t really sure what reaction to expect from him.

He sat down in the middle of the sofa across from her and spread his arms across the back of it. “Gotta say I’m surprised to see you here. Everything alright?”

Jerra cleared her throat and fidgeted around in the chair. “I…Yes, everything’s fine. I hope you don’t mind that I let myself in.”

Darrell shrugged. “Not at all,” he said. He waited, deciding to follow her lead.

“I realize this is your…personal space.” Obviously nervous, Jerra licked her lips. “Would’ve served me right if you hadn’t been here alone. Aside from your cousin, I mean.”

Darrell’s gaze never faltered. He deliberately refrained from addressing her statement. Instead, he asked, “How was the party?”

“It wasn’t really a party. As Justin said, just more of a get together at his house.”

Darrell’s eyes narrowed. “So the party was at Justin’s house?”

“Yes, but it wasn’t a–”

“I heard music in the background when you called me, people laughing, I’m sure there were drinks and food. Sounds like a party to me.”

“Alright, fine!” Jerra snapped. “It was a party. Satisfied?”

“There’s no need to get upset.”

“I’m not getting…!” Flustered, Jerra took a deep breath. This man could work her nerves like no other. She lowered her voice and tried again. “I’m not upset.”

“Good.”

“Anyway, it seems as if you had a full evening. It’s good to see that you and your cousin are getting along well. He seems nice enough.”

The corner of Darrell’s mouth quirked upwards in amusement. “I wouldn’t exactly call Hawk ‘nice’, but he’s a good guy. So are his brothers.”

Clearly frustrated from his brief answers, Jerra’s eyes flashed in irritation. “It’s just that from what Keisha told me about him when they met at Angel’s, I was expecting him to be a first class asshole.”

Darrell smirked at the description. “He can be.”

              “She also said things got so intense that he and Dom almost had to be separated.”

“It was a tense situation. I think if the two of them had met under different circumstances they would’ve gotten along just fine.”

Jerra slipped a stubborn curl behind her ear and nodded. “So how was dinner?”

“It was fine.”

“When, um, I spoke with you earlier, you said you were having dinner with someone. Was that…Hawk?”

Darrell leaned forward to rest his elbows on his knees. After regarding her for a moment, he asked a question of his own. “Is that why you came by? Because you thought I was with someone else?”

“No,” she answered quickly.

“Good because I would’ve been insulted if you had. I’m your husband, Jerra. Of course I’m not goin’ to have dinner with another woman. Hawk and I grabbed a bite before heading out to
Club Ecstasy
.”

Relief clearly showed on her face, but it was almost immediately replaced by curiosity. “You went to
Club Ecstasy
?”

“Yes,” Darrell answered slowly. “I wasn’t invited to go anywhere else tonight, now was I?”

Jerra’s eyes darted around the room before they came back to him. “About that…I’m sorry. I didn’t handle it very well.”

“No, you didn’t.” Darrell wasn’t angry any longer, but he needed to make something clear between them. “Jerra, you and I? We’re better than that. I know we’re going through some thangs right now, but that don’t mean we can’t try to get along and communicate with each other, you know?”

“I agree. No matter what happens we’re always going to be connected because of D.J.”

Darrell frowned, not liking the sound of that. She made it seem as if they were never going to get back together. “Yeah. We are. And as far as me deciding to get a nanny, I shouldn’t have thrown it out at you the way I did, but–”

Jerra scooted to the edge of the chair and leaned forward, eager to make her point. “We need to talk about that, Darrell. I really don’t think–”

“But I’m not changing my mind.” Darrell finished his sentence as if she hadn’t interrupted.

“What?” Jerra blinked in surprise.

“You heard me. Like you said, other people make situations like this work. Just to reiterate what I’ve said before, our living arrangements are temporary. However, in order for this to work effectively for
us
, we’re going to need help. Yes, my job is flexible, but there are times when I have to go to meetings, or travel out to a job site. Normally, I know ahead of time when I’ll need to do that. On those days, it’s easier and less stressful for everyone involved if I have someone to watch D.J. here.”

Jerra was silent for a moment before saying, “It’s just that I don’t want him to feel…abandoned, I guess. And that has more to do with my own guilt than anything else. I’m away from him so much now, I just feel better when you’re able to be with him when I can’t be.”

“I understand that, baby, but again, it’s not going to be every day. Two, maybe three days a week. Plus, I’d rather he be in his own space if possible, than me picking him up from camp and having to bring him to my office on the days I have to go back.”

Jerra studied Darrell’s face. From the tone of his voice, she knew him well enough to know he wasn’t going to change his mind. Her face clouded with worry, she stood up and took a few steps. Wrapping her arms around her body, she stood with her back to him as her mind raced over the events that had taken place over the last month.

“I…I just wonder…” Unable to complete the thought because of the emotions that had gathered in her throat, she swallowed hard.

“You wonder what?” Darrell asked when she remained silent.

“Did I make a mistake going back to work? Do you think I’m being selfish?”

Sighing heavily, Darrell stood up and slowly came up behind Jerra. He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her against him so that her back rested against the hard wall of his chest. It was an instinctive act to comfort her, protect her.

Jerra resisted for only a few seconds before she allowed herself to relax into his body. Her head fell back onto his shoulder. For just a little while, she wanted to absorb his strength, wanted it to be enough to sustain both of them the way it always had been.

Darrell leaned down so that his cheek rested against hers. “You didn’t make a mistake and you’re not selfish. Don’t ever think that.” When Jerra tried to argue her point, his arms tightened around her. “You’ve always been the center of our family, the glue that keeps all three of us a cohesive unit. If going back to work is what you feel you need right now then you do that, ‘cause I got you.” He tilted his head to the side in order to see her face. “Okay?”

A tremulous smile finally appeared on her lips as she nodded. “Okay.”

Darrell stared at her with eyes that caressed and admired. His hands splayed flat against her stomach, then moved to her waist. “You’ve lost weight. Too much.”

“Come on, I think we both agree that I could’ve stood to lose a few pounds.”

Darrell’s scowl was quick as he turned her around. “I’m serious. I noticed it yesterday. You gotta take care of yourself before your body shuts down and forces you to.” He brought a finger up to trace the faint shadows underneath her eyes. “You’re not getting enough sleep, either.”

“I know. It’s been so busy and hectic at the firm. I’ve been away from the workforce for a long time. I guess I just feel like I have a lot to prove to everyone there who looks at me as if I’m some token brought in to disrupt the status quo.”

“Are you worried about your performance?”

“Hell no. I can run circles around everyone there.”

“That’s my girl.” Darrell cracked a smile. He looked as if he wanted to say more. Instead, he reluctantly dropped his arms and stepped away. “You should’ve gone home to get some rest instead of coming here.”

Feeling bereft from the loss of his body’s heat, Jerra briskly rubbed her arms. “I just thought we should talk.”

Darrell glanced down at his watch. “It’s almost two in the morning. It could’ve waited.”

Jerra immediately got defensive. Stepping around him, she picked up her purse from the chair. “Sorry. Never let it be said that I can’t take a hint. I’ll go.”

“You know that’s not what I meant. You’re welcome here any time.” Darrell’s eyes swept over her nice and slow. “Day or night.”

Jerra rolled her eyes. “Are we back to that again?”

“Back to what?”

“The ‘no strings sex’ offer.”

Darrell laughed softly. “I was only lettin’ you know you didn’t need an invitation to come over. I never said it had to include sex…unless you want it to.”

Jerra had the good grace to look embarrassed. He was right. He hadn’t actually said anything about them having sex. Even when he’d embraced her and offered her comfort, it had been a genuinely sincere gesture.

“I…I just don’t think it would be a good idea. It would only cloud our issues and make things more awkward between us.”

Darrell stepped closer. He reached out and curled a silky strand of her hair around his finger. “It wouldn’t have to be. Maybe it’s just what you need to help you relax. Take the edge off.”

Jerra tossed her head away so that his fingers released her hair. “You’re trying to seduce me.”

“Is it working?” he grinned.

She shook her head, but couldn’t stop the smile that curved over her lips. “I don’t think so.”

Darrell stared at her for a moment longer then shrugged. “I promised not to push and I won’t.” He moved to the side to allow her to pass. “Come on, I’ll walk you downstairs to your car, make sure you get off safely.”

Jerra tried to hide her surprise at how easily he’d given in, but Darrell noticed her frown. She almost seemed…disappointed. For a second, his face reflected his confusion at the mixed signals she kept sending him. Did she want him to pursue this or did she want him to back off?

Darrell shook his head. Nah. He was leaving the ball squarely in her court for this one. He wasn’t being arrogant, but he knew that he could easily get her into bed. That wasn’t a question. However, he didn’t want it to happen like that. He wanted
her
to freely make the decision to come to
him
.

The silence stretched between them as the standoff continued. Her features now fixed so as not to give away her thoughts, Jerra folded her arms as if to indicate she was finished with the conversation.

Recognizing the body language, Darrell gave his head a little shake. Muttering to himself under his breath, he started towards the door.

Jerra’s sculpted brows wrinkled up in a delicate frown. “What did you say?”

Darrell kept walking and didn’t bother turning around. “Nothin’. You ready?”

“No. I’m not.” When he still didn’t acknowledge her, Jerra’s voice rang out with a hint of an edge. “I said I’m not ready so get your ass back over here, Monroe.”

Pausing, Darrell kept his back to her for the briefest of moments then turned around. With his head cocked to the side, he pointed to himself and asked, “Get my…what?”

CHAPTER 30

Jerra tossed her purse back down on the chair and stared at Darrell. “You heard me.”

Darrell let out a surprised chuckle. Taking his time, he strolled back into the room. “Alright. I’m here. Now what?”

Ignoring his question, she walked over to the state of the art stereo system Darrell had installed, and went through his digital collection of songs until she found what she was looking for. Moments later, soft music streamed through the speakers to fill the room. 

“What are you doin’?” Darrell asked, curiosity crinkling his brow.

Moving past him without speaking, Jerra pranced back to the couch and sat down. Leaning back, she crossed her legs and spread her arms out along the plush cushions of the sofa the same way he had done. Continuing to mimic his earlier disposition, her eyes leisurely skimmed all 6’2” of his fine, mouthwatering frame.

The white, button down shirt he wore was tailored to fit the width of his shoulders, the wide span of his back, and his streamlined waist. Jerra’s eyes lingered on the dark jeans and black Timbs. Darrell knew she
loved
to see him in those particular jeans. The fit of them was just…
mmph
!

Other than his wedding ring, the only jewelry he wore was his Rolex, a black leather corded necklace with a small silver anchor hanging from it, and a diamond earring that twinkled in the lobe of his left ear. Her attention went back to the necklace and lingered on the anchor. She’d given that to him several years ago. It wasn’t anything exorbitantly expensive, but it was special and held a deep meaning for both of them. When she’d spotted it while shopping in the mall, it had immediately reminded her of him and what he meant to their family. If, as he said a few minutes ago, she was the glue that held the three of them together, then he was most definitely the anchor that steadied them, held them down, provided security and support. Her mainstay. The fact that he wore it even now touched her deeply.

Her eyes swept over him again. The look as a whole was undeniably grown and
extremely
sexy. She swung her crossed leg back and forth, anticipation coursing through her veins like the waters in a rapidly flowing river. Her husband’s body was a thing of pure perfection. It was what women fantasized about. Lusted after…the same way she was doing now even though she knew she shouldn’t.

Jerra quickly pushed that thought aside. She didn’t want to peel back that layer and ponder over what she was getting ready to do. She honestly hadn’t intended to have sex with Darrell when she let herself into the condo several hours ago. Or maybe she had. God knows she missed him. Missed
this
. She’d be lying if she said she hadn’t been thinking about the offer he’d made over a month ago before he left the house. She had needs. They both did. Even now, the attraction they felt for one another pulsated strongly between them.

Jerra was tired of abiding by the rules, even if they
were
rules she herself had put in place. She needed this, was tired of lying alone in the humongous bed they used to share, thinking about it. So many nights she’d battled her urges, fought to stop herself from picking up the phone and inviting him over to soothe her sexual itch. Tonight, she would lower her defenses and accept everything he had to offer.

A small smile played around the corners of Jerra’s mouth. The attraction between them practically sizzled. Instead of waning over the years, it had only grown stronger. The longer he stood there and stared at her with those ridiculously sexy eyes of his, the more tempted she was to tear his clothes off and beg him to take her right then and there, but thankfully she managed to resist.

“You want to tell me what’s going on in that beautiful head of yours?” Darrell asked. “You look extremely satisfied about something.”

Jerra decided it was time to turn the heat up a notch. “Not yet. But I plan to be.”

Darrell’s eyes seared over her body. “Is that right…”

“Yes. Really. But first...” Jerra was ready, anxious actually, to view what she knew awaited her underneath the clothes. She pointed at him and twirled a finger around. “Take it off, Eclipse.”

Darrell tried to hold back his smile but failed miserably. He sure as hell didn’t have a problem with doing that if it was what she wanted. “My pleasure.”

When his fingers went to the top button of his shirt, any hint of teasing on Jerra’s face disappeared. Literally forgetting to breathe, she kept her eyes peeled to the small glimpses of skin that became visible as each button slipped through the buttonholes until the shirt hung open.

Finally Jerra exhaled. She settled deeper into the couch, her heavy lidded gaze never leaving Darrell for a second. Feet slightly apart, his muscular body undulated in an unhurried wave as he put on a show just for her. Watching her husband move was a thing of absolute beauty. He was positively breathtaking. Darrell didn’t need a crowd or a spotlight; he had the art of seduction down to a science. Besides, this was a VIP exclusive performance. As far as Jerra was concerned, she was the only audience he would ever have again.

Darrell’s eyes stayed on her as well, seducing her without having to say a word, allowing his hands to be her hands, touching his body the way she craved to touch him. Jerra swallowed. She remembered seeing him dance at Aleesha’s bachelorette party. His stage presence and charismatic personality had captivated every woman in the room…including herself, no matter how hard she tried to resist him. Although a natural dancer, it wasn’t so much his moves that turned her on. It was more his attitude and confidence. The combination of the two together made him sexy as
hell
. She struggled to slow her breathing, as he came closer, but God…he was so damned virile. So masculine.

His fingers skimmed down his stomach, one abdominal muscle at a time until he got to the bulge filling out the front of his pants. Seeing that her attention was fixated on that part of his anatomy, Darrell grasped a handful and squeezed. Jerra’s thighs tightened, pressing together in reaction, her hips undulating in small circles, ready to cum at any minute.

“Anything you see, you know you can have anytime. You want some of this, sweetheart?” he asked temptingly.

Jerra’s answer came out raw and barely discernible. Clearing her throat, she tried again. “Yes.”

Darrell growled. Circling his pelvis painfully slow, he took his time and unbuckled his belt. “Open your legs for me, baby.”

His eyes remained fastened on her smooth thighs until she complied.

“That’s it. Touch yourself for me.” His teeth bit down on his lip, his dick now hard as steel in his hand. “No, leave your panties on. Are they wet, Jerra?”

Closing her eyes as her fingers came in contact with the saturated thong, Jerra whimpered and nodded. Licking her suddenly dry lips, she opened her eyes and watched him as her hand moved over her sex to pleasure herself. This is what she’d fantasized about every night since he left, but refused to masturbate to get relief. She wanted the real thing, wanted to feel him inside of her, feel her swollen lips close around him until he was as deep as he could go. Now that it was within her grasp, she planned on getting that and so much more.

Darrell unsnapped his jeans and walked between her thighs. Jerra’s legs opened wider, sending him an invitation to come and take what they both already knew was his. A knowing smile played around Darrell’s lips. Reaching out, he ran his fingers down the side of her face, using the faintest of touches to outline her lips with the slightly calloused pad of his thumb. When Jerra’s tongue slipped out to lick his skin and suck his finger into her mouth, the smile on his face faded, swiftly replaced with a look so agonizingly intense it warmed Jerra with its scorching heat.

“Come here,” he whispered, his voice raspy and hoarse with need. 

With her heart pounding wildly in her chest, she scooted up a little and sat on the edge of the couch. Darrell weaved the fingers of both hands through her hair. Framing her head to hold her still, he slowly lowered his mouth until he got within inches of her lips.

“Do you know how beautiful you are?” he asked her. “How much I want you?”

Jerra lowered her eyes, but Darrell’s hands tightened a little and pulled her head back, gently forcing her to look at him.

“After all these years…” His voice grew so soft it was barely audible, almost as if he were talking to himself. “You got me twisted around your little finger, and you don’t even know it.”

Jerra’s lashes fluttered closed. She thought she’d known that. She’d thought the two of them had established a bond that was impossible to breach, but…

She heard Darrell sigh before he brushed the lightest of kisses over her forehead and both cheeks. Like a gentle mist surrounding her, Jerra felt the seductive warmth of his breath on her skin. Her lips parted, but the anticipated kiss never came. Instead, he removed his hands from her hair and straightened to his full height. Her wide eyes showed her confusion. Although his expression was once again arrogant and cocky, she knew she hadn’t imagined the raw desire and lust on his face.

She was getting ready to call him on it, but before the words could form, Darrell took his shirt off and tossed it to the floor. Jerra purred, eagerly running hands over his shoulders, chest, and stomach. How in the hell could his skin feel as smooth as satin, yet be so deliciously hard?

She leaned forward and sprinkled whisper soft kisses over his stomach. Grunting quietly with pleasure, Darrell stared down at her, smoothing a light hand over her hair. When her tongue peeked out to lick his skin, the muscles in his abs grew taut, popping out like defined, square bricks.

His eyes tightly closed, Darrell hissed her name.

“You like that?” she whispered.

Darrell chuckled, but the sound ended up caught in his throat when her hand cupped and squeezed the bulge in the front of his jeans. He opened his eyes and peered down at her with a hint of warning.

“Keep on taunting that beast if you want to,” his voice grew hoarse and raspy with need. “Once he’s loose, there ain’t no stoppin’.”

“Maybe I don’t want to stop. Tomorrow, everything goes back to normal…right?” Her eyes never left his face as she waited on his answer.

“Yeah. Normal.” Darrell’s tone sobered somewhat. He didn’t want to think about tomorrow, and he didn’t want her to think about it either. All that mattered was the here and the now. Covering her hands with his, Darrell guided them to his zipper.

“For now, how ‘bout you handle that for me.” Darrell’s voice was soft and mesmerizing. “You have no idea how good I plan on making you feel tonight. No idea.”

Jerra nibbled at her lip as she attacked the zipper. Working it down over his erection, she didn’t even try to hide her impatience. They both knew what this was about so there was no need to pretend. When she went for his black boxer briefs, though, Darrell stepped back out of her reach.

Jerra cut her eyes up at him questioningly. That’s when she saw the playful gleam in his eyes. He was deliberately toying with her to make a point. Well, they would see about that. Jerra was determined to bring him to his knees before the night was over.

Sitting back, she pulled her dress down to cover her thighs. Leaning back and resuming her initial pose, Jerra nodded towards the remaining clothes he wore. “You can finish anytime, Monroe.”

Darrell chuckled under his breath, but propped his boot up on the arm of the sofa and untied the laces before kicking it off. He did the same with the other boot and removed his socks. After peeling his jeans and black boxer briefs down his muscular thighs and stepping out of them, he stared at Jerra in a way that told her she was in so…much…trouble.