A DEAL FOR A LIFETIME

chapter 15

                         BETHEL

I walked out of the bathroom, my heart pounding as I saw Rico holding a glass of whiskey, still staring out over the balcony. "Do it, do it," my mind urged, but doubt crept in. What if he rejects me? I would regret this forever. But he won't reject it, I reminded myself. He likes women. I took a deep breath and moved to stand behind him.

"What do you want, Bethel?" he asked quietly, not turning around. I stayed silent.

"You're deaf now, right?" he said, finally turning to face me.

"You…" He trailed off as soon as he saw me, eyes wide in surprise.

"What the hell are you doing?" he asked, almost yelling. I reached out, placing my hand on his chest.

"What about giving you something for standing up for me?" I suggested, my voice low and hesitant.

He stood there, dumbstruck. I began to unbutton his shirt, my fingers trembling. He smirked, then suddenly leaned in and kissed me. It was passionate, gentle, and I felt a rush of emotions. It was different from the first time—this one felt real.

"Why don't we take this off," he said, reaching for my bikini. I grabbed his hands to stop him.

"Not yet. I think yours should go first," I said, trying to regain some control. He looked confused.

"Do we have to argue every time?" he asked, starting to button his shirt back up.

"What are you doing?" I asked, alarmed.

"Putting my shirt back on because I don't want you to seduce me anymore. I have someone to beat up," he said, and my heart skipped a beat.

"Beat who?" I asked, dread creeping in.

"Your best friend, darling. I'm very smart. (1) You can't just throw yourself at me. (2) Do you think I would let you and my cousin talk alone without finding a plan to talk to your worthless best friend? And (3) I overheard you talking to him in the bathroom. I'm not that easy to fool," he said, a triumphant look on his face.

"They are madly in love with each other," I said desperately.

"Love? Does love even exist in my family?" he scoffed.

"Yeah, I guess your mom and dad," I said.

"Who cares? I'm so going to beat the hell out of him," he said, storming out of the room. Panic set in. I quickly grabbed his white robe and ran after him.

"What do you want from her?" I heard Rico say as I entered Jasmine's room.

"Rico, I promise I can explain, but please don't hurt him," Jasmine pleaded, standing protectively in front of Cole.

"I guess you would want to go back to your father," Rico said, his voice dripping with contempt.

Cole stepped closer to Rico. "Can't you just let her be?" he asked, anger evident in his voice.

"You son of a bitch," Rico spat, punching Cole in the face. "You can beat me as much as you want, but you can't keep me away from Jasmine. She is my life," Cole said, blood dripping from his lip.

"Stop it, Rico!" Jasmine yelled, but Rico ignored her, landing another punch. I tried to intervene, but Rico's fury was unstoppable. Cole was bleeding badly.

Desperate, I stepped between them. Rico's fist swung and connected with my head instead, sending a sharp pain through me. Is this how Cole feels? I wondered, my vision blurring.

                  RICOSHAWN

I felt like killing this jerk. Jasmine and Bethel kept shouting, but I never expected Bethel to step in and take the hit meant for Cole. I could see she was dizzy, and then she passed out.