The First & Last Summer

Chapter 9

Lukariah's POV
She was beautiful. Taraji was always beautiful but — she was older. And more confident. And snappy. And really fucking bratty. When I first saw her again I thought she was some poor hookup august had brought round. But when she turned around and my mom said her name I was absolutely blown away.

Thick black hair that fell to her mid back and curtained her shoulders. She had grown into herself in ways I didn't ever think she would. Her hips had grown wide and her ass thick. Her thighs thicker. Her chest had also grown. Her skin was as caramel as the day she had left. She had that shawl on so I couldn't see her arms.

She had this cute glare on her face, her buttoned nose scrunched up in disgust. Her crisp chocolate eyes staring with a glare. Her hair was free that day. It was the same day she punched me, and made me remember all the shit I did. She was taller now. Around 5'7, 5'8. She had an air about her. An appeal. My eyes always found hers whenever she was in the room.

And when I saw her, sobbing under august. I couldn't imagine in a world where Tara would sleep with august. Not only is she mine but august is a piece of shit. When her big brown eyes found mine it was like all relief had washed over her. And that fueled the fire to my protective anger. Not saying it's a great thing. The moment she gave me confirmation I just flew in. I couldn't stand the fact that he even thought he could touch her, and even more so forced his touch on her.

I wasn't sure what happened. I just know I beat that asshat black and blue. Then my dad beat him black and blue, and I watched. One thing about the bohemian of a man was that if he wanted to. He could. If he needed to? He would. We didn't say a thing as we drove home. It was silent. Once out of the car he looked at me, "I'm proud of you" and went into the house.

I headed up to my room after washing my knuckles of the blood. She looked so — something within me wanted to devour her whole. I wanted to consume her being and thoughts. Not how that fucking perp he did, I want her to want me to control her. I want her to want me to make the decisions. I want her. I brushed my fingers through her thick curls. She nuzzled into my hand and my heart pounded.

I sighed gently. I went into my closet and changed into sweats and a white shirt. I came back out and slid into bed. I pulled her into my chest. She wiggled softly, she turned in my arms and nuzzled into my chest. "Thank you.." she whispered. "For..?" I asked playing in her hair.

"For protecting me.." she mumbled. I heard her sniffle. "And for catching him before he did something horrible.." she whispered. She pulled herself in. I grabbed her hand and lifted it to my ear. She paused before she rubbed softly. She shuddered out a small sigh before relaxing in my arms. I wasn't and probably never will be 100% sure why she calmed down so much rubbing my ear.

But if it helped her, it helped. She fell asleep almost immediately. If I moved she woke up and went back to rubbing. It was like a pacifier almost. Once she did fall asleep for the fifth time I rubbed her back. I wouldn't move till morning. She wanted me here and I was happy to be. I kissed her forehead and she nuzzled into me again.

She was so damn cute.

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Taraji's POV

I shuffled against my bed, something firm and soft blocking my way. I grumbled softly as I pushed against it. "Trying to shove me off the bed, princess?" I heard. My eyes shot open and I looked up at Luka. "Oh- woah-" I mumbled looking at our tangled bodies. My hand nuzzled across his ear. "Uhm.. I'm sorry.." I mumbled quietly looking up. He pulled me closer and rested his head on mine.

"Don't be, it seemed to be what you needed in the moment." He mumbled. I slid my hand down and onto his chest. I pushed my ear against his heart. The slow thump pleasuring my ears. I lulled off again.