I looked up at Khari who was staring at particularly nothing. He had been quiet since we'd made it back to his apartment. I wasn't sure what to say. His father was killed by his stepmom. Although he didn't like him, I'm pretty sure he was shocked. I rubbed his arm causing him to look down at me. "You're okay?"

He nodded his head, sighing a little. "Yeah. Just never thought I'd have no parents."

I sat up a little so I could look him in his eyes. The pain I was searching for wasn't there, but it's not like I expected him to be sad about his father's death. "You still have family though. Randy, Danielle, Kaleigh, and me. You also have your grandma back home."

He nodded his head. "Yea, I know. Can't believe she did it, ya know?"

I nodded my head in understanding. It's only so much a woman can take from an abusive man. She probably didn't see any other options, but to do so. "Are you going to the funeral?" I looked at him as he nodded his head. I lifted my eyebrows in surprise. I was shocked, to say the least. "Do you want me to go with you?" He looked at me, seemingly trying to read me. "Allow me to be there for you." I pleaded.

He nodded, deciding not to protest. A small smile formed on my lips as I kissed his cheek. I was intrigued to find out more about Khari while also being in his corner. He has seen where I've grown up so I'd like to do the same. My phone vibrated on the bed causing me to grab it. It was just a few emails from clothing companies I needed to unsubscribe from. I felt Khari move from behind me which caused me to look up.

He was unbuttoning his shirt as he moved into the bathroom. I admired his physique once the piece of clothing was off. He had tattoos everywhere, and I found it rather attractive. Although tattoos were never my thing. It looked really good on him. He came back into the bedroom and smirked at me causing me to blush. I was caught.

"You like what you see?" He looked at her as he begin to unbuckle his pants. Unable to find the words, I just nodded my head. I wasn't sure what he was doing, but I felt like I had to look. Once his belt was off, he took off his pants exposing his boxer briefs. My eyes immediately followed the long trail and my eyes widened at his size. I heard him chuckle lowly as he slipped on a pair of shorts.

"Umm, is that real?" I asked causing him to double over in laughter. I tried to look serious, but his laugh was too infectious. I ended up joining him. "I'm serious, Khari. How you not break a girl's cervix?"

He got back into bed, pulling me closer to him and I laid my head on his bare chest. "I will be gentle with you." He said simply.

I looked up at him. "You're so sure that you will be my first." I smirked.

He shrugged his shoulders lightly. "Will I?"

"If you act right then maybe.." I responded nonchalantly. Again, he chuckled and unexpectedly, he smacked my ass. An unexpected moan escaped my lips causing him to smirk. The sensation of pain and pleasure had me confused. Not even Duane had done that. He took his big, muscular hands and squeezed it gently, while simultaneously rubbing it. I sighed gently, adoring the booty rub. I never understood why girls loved it until now.

We sat in silence, comfortably. The only movement in the room were his magical hands. After a few minutes, I grabbed his hand and brought it to my lips, kissing the back of it gently. I then locked our fingers. "Are we exclusive?" I asked softly.

"Do you want to be?" He asked with his deep baritone.

I looked up at him. "I don't like to share."

"Neither do I.." He responded. "I'd like to think that I'm your man and you're my woman."

I placed light kisses on his neck and chest before moving to his lips. He deepened the kiss causing me to place my hands on both cheeks. Pulling away slightly, I looked at him. "You're bringing out a side of me I've been wanting to come out for a while now." I said honestly.

"What's that?" He asked.

I bit the inside of my mouth before answering. "I'm more carefree. When I was with Duane, I had to maintain a certain image. When I'm with you, I can be me. I like to live life and I felt like I had to be reserved because of the people that were around me. Especially my mom. There's not a care in the world as long as I'm with you. I like it."

A smile formed at the corner of his lips. "Sometimes I wish I was a bird."

"Why?" I asked curiously.

"They have the most freedom. Sometimes I wonder why they stay in one place when they can fly anywhere they like.. I'd ask, but I'd have to ask myself that same question." I thought it over for a minute, and looked at him.

"There's a world out there to conquer."

He nodded his head, agreeing. "Indeed. So, I'm about to start soaring. Reach my potential. That's what you brought out of me."

"You will soar." I agreed with him, placing another kiss on his lips. "Once this funeral is over, you must leave the past in the past, babe. To reach this potential, you have to bury it. Forgive, but don't forget. It has to be done." I searched his eyes for any protest, but I didn't find it. He simply nodded his head. "I hate the way it happened, but he can't hurt anyone anymore. Your mother is in a better place than all of us."

He remained silent for a few minutes before speaking up. "You think she'd be proud?"

I got comfortable on his lap and nodded my head. "Of course. Her baby boy has grown." I giggled as I pinched his cheeks. He swatted my hand away causing me to giggle harder. "But seriously, I'm sure she's smiling down at you. The dreams have became softer, right? Like, you're able to touch, talk, and feel?"

He shook his head. "I don't know. She ain't came back to me since that night. That's why I asked do you think she'd be proud of me." He formed a little sad expression. I understood why he could think that she wouldn't. He expected her fully to come back to him once he got his life in order with God.

"Don't be sad, babe. She'll be back. She probably feels like she doesn't need to right now."

"Maybe cause she sent an angel." He looked at me. My heart fluttered as his eyes moved down to my lips and before I knew it, he had moved in for the kill. His lips were warm and smooth as they brushed against my own. Moving his right hand up to the nape of my neck, he seized my lips once again with his own only this kiss was more powerful, more passionate sending heat to my cheeks, butterflies to my stomach and taking my breath away all at the same time.

I didn't want to break contact with him and as if realizing what I wanted my hands moved into his hair. I allowed my lips to part, this time to let his tongue explore my mouth and my own tongue feeling the pure pleasure of exploring his. His hand searched the small of my back and into my hair. When we finally pulled free, His eyes were wild and I knew they matched my own a smile crept across his face sending a stupor grin a cross my face as well. With my hand in his he planted a sweet kiss on the back of it.

"I got you wrapped around my finger." I whispered into his ear with a smirk on my face.

"Indeed."