I Wanna Be.

Part 38

                                                                  Mani

He slid the paper halfway from the envelope, his brow furrowing as confusion swept across his face. But then, as his eyes scanned the first few lines, that confusion was replaced by a wide-eyed, breathless shock.

"Wait, let me explain," he said.

"Explain what, Rome? If you really wanted to know, all you had to do was just ask. You was acting as if her possibly not being yours didn't bother you."

"Just let me explain," he said, getting up from the couch.

"Don't even worry 'bout it," I said, and started walking in the direction of my room.

He jogged up behind me and wrapped his arms around my waist. I tried as hard as I could to move, but Rome was undoubtedly strong.

"Let me go, Rome," I said with annoyance in my voice.

"Nah, we gon' talk about this shit. I'm not gonna let this lil' misunderstanding ruin this. I fucked up, I'm not perfect, Mani. Don't blame a nigga for just wanting to know. 

All you had to do was ask.

 Alright," he said, "is Romai my daughter?"

"Yes, she is, Rome. I wouldn't have named her Romai if I wasn't a hundred percent sure."

He said, "And I swear to God, I'ma believe that."

He unwrapped his hands from around my waist and grabbed the envelope. Half of the paper was still hanging out, but the result of the test was at the very end. He put the paper back into the envelope and started tearing it into pieces.

"There. I told you I'ma trust whatever you tell me, and I meant it. Now, come here."

He sat down on the couch that he was previously sitting on and patted the seat next to him and spoke again.

"I said, come here."

I rolled my eyes but still walked in his direction, dragging my feet. I finally got to the couch, and as I was about to sit down, he tugged at my shirt. Then patted his lap and said,
"Come sit here."

I was hesitant at first, but I just gave in and did as I was told. I straddled his lap, keeping my eyes locked onto his. I wasn't even settled in good enough before I felt his growth rising up to the occasion.

"See? Problem avoided," he said.

"Yeah, problem avoided, but it shouldn't have never been a problem in the first place," I spat back.

"Stop tryna make shit a bigger than it have to be," he said.

His hand shot up, gripping my chin. Before I could even process what was happening, he yanked me closer, erasing the space between us. His mouth crashed against mine, the kiss rough, hungry, like he was trying to remind me what I've been missing.

He pulled back just enough to grip my neck, his thumb brushing against my pulse like he owned it.

"I like this new feistiness," he murmured, voice low and sharp, "but I'ma have to fix that."

A grin spread across his face, and my stomach twisted because I knew exactly what it meant. He had me, right where he wanted me. Back under his control, whether I was ready to admit it or not.

"Whatever, Rome," I said, pushing myself away from his chest, but he was stiff and solid as a rock. He didn't budge at all. He smirked with this dark, knowing look in his eyes.
"Whatever, huh?" His voice was low and seductive. "You know you love me, Mani."
"Don't flatter yourself, Rome," I said, rolling my eyes.