Beast, Part Two (The Church #5)

Date Night

chapter seventeen

Summer

T onight was the big night. It took me the full two weeks to set my plan up. If everything goes smoothly, not only will I remind Gabriel of how good we are together, but it will also cut down the tension in the house and show everyone I can be an asset.

Although there hasn’t been another blow up like that day in the hallway or when Gabriel accused Maksim of trying to get with me, there is still a bit of hostility in the air. I’m hoping this will smooth everything out and help ease some of that tension.

“Where do you want these lights?” Maksim asks as he steps onto the back porch with the string lights I ordered.

I was able to convince Maksim and Zel to not only help me, but to join us tonight as well by bribing them with some of Malia’s fudge brownies.

“I’m going to hang them up in that tree where the fire pit is.”

He takes the lights over to the area I have designated for tonight. The plan for the evening is to enjoy dinner, dancing, and play some couple games. One of the reasons I’d planned it for two weeks out was because I wanted to make sure when we ordered everything it had time to show up. Everyone places their orders under Ms. Reese’s name.

“Summer, you have a package,” Ms. Reese says stepping onto the porch holding a small box.

I drop the flowers I was gluing to the arch and rush over to her.

“Is it my dress?”

Ms. Reese smiles. “I think so.”

I was so nervous my dress wasn’t going to make it here in time. The thing I’m most excited about showing tonight is this dress. Although green is my favorite color, black is Gabriel’s. Trina and I spent hours over the phone trying to find the perfect black dress. Something sexy, but not slutty. I wanted something that would make Gabriel’s jaw hit the floor but not too inappropriate that anyone else felt uncomfortable.

Taking the package from Ms. Reese I look over the label. It was indeed my dress.

Ms. Reese chuckles. “I can’t wait to see you in that dress. You’ve been dying for it to come for a week.”

I blush. I know I tore this poor woman’s nerves up about checking the arrival. All the other ladies ordered their dresses through Ms. Reese as well and they got theirs back quickly.

“It’s gorgeous,” I say shyly.

“Mmhmm,” she hums putting her hands on her hips. “Gorgeous enough to have a certain someone ready to strip you out of it?”

My entire face heats up. I clutch the package to my chest as embarrassment fills me. Does everybody know how desperate I am for Gabriel? I wonder do they think I’m crazy or delusional for even trying.

Ms. Reese places a hand on my arm. I look up into her soft eyes.

“Everyone in this house has done crazy things for their menfolk. Don’t be ashamed.”

“You think this is all for nothing?”

She chuckles. “Sweetheart, it’s as obvious as night and day that man loves you. He’s just being hardheaded like most men. Trust me, I know,” she says rolling her eyes. “Now, what do you need me to do?”

I appreciated how much help she’s been. Not only has she been crucial at watching the kids for us. Gabe loved Granny Reese. But she has also been good at keeping us all straight.

“I still need help with this flower arch.”

She smiles. “Then let’s get to work.”

It takes me, Ms. Reese, Maksim, and Zel only two hours to get everything set up in the backyard. The other girls offered to help, but I wanted it to be a surprise for them.

Standing in front of my bathroom mirror I examine myself once again. My braids are parted down the middle and hanging down to my waist. The curly hair coming from the braids have been revived and are looking full. My make up is very light, but the black liner on my eyelids accentuates my almond shaped eyes. Trina calls it a cat eye look. The deep red lipstick has my lips looking fuller than usual. The black dress is simple. The hem falls to my mid-thigh. The sleeves and entire back down to the top of my ass is peek-a-boo lace cut outs. The neckline is heart shaped which is perfect for my small boobs. However, the beauty of the dress is the sides. Both sides are cut out and the peek-a-boo lace design continues there as well.

“I don’t know. This isn’t too much?” I ask Trina over the Facetime call.

“Girl, hell no. You look absolutely fuckable.”

I cut my eyes to her. She knows the overall goal of this night. But that doesn’t mean I’m not trying to be classy.

“I’m serious, Trina. Do I look sexy but elegant?”

She rolls her eyes. “Summer, you look good. I mean I would have done way more make-up but that’s just me. Now, you’re going to put those heels on, go out there and enjoy the night you worked hard to create. And regardless of if baby daddy gets his shit together or not, you are going to have a good time. You need it. Hell, the whole house needs it.”

In that she was right. Even though I was hoping tonight ended with me and Gabriel back together, if we got nothing else from this night but good vibes and laughs, it would all be worth it.

“You’re right,” I say. “I should be going. I still have to set the food out.”

“Alright. Call me tomorrow and let me know how it went. Love you.”

“Love you too.” I pick up my phone and disconnect the Facetime call.

After putting my heels on, I head out the bedroom. Ms. Reese is watching the kids tonight while we enjoy our time. For dinner, I ordered a simple surf and turf platter from a steakhouse.

After Gabriel bought me clothes, Priest gave me a credit card with an alias name. He told me I could use it to get whatever I wanted. Until now I haven’t touched the thing.

I finished putting the final touches on the food table and stood back to admire my work.

“Wow,” Brooklyn says behind me. I spin around to take her in. She looked absolutely stunning in her red romper. Brooklyn had the kind of shape that looked good in anything she wore. Not even pregnancy can take away from her figure. Hawk was standing beside her in a button up and dark wash jeans. He looked very nice with his shaggy hair back from his face.

“You are wearing that dress,” Brooklyn says, eyeing me.

“Thank you.” I push my braids over my shoulder. “You’re looking gorgeous too.”

She flutters her lashes at me in a joking manner as she rubs her belly.

“Thanks for doing this, Summer,” Hawk says, pulling Brooklyn into his side.

“No problem,” I wave him off. “You guys can take a seat at the table underneath the flower arch.”

Brooklyn grabs Hawk’s hand and leads him to the table in the yard.

Ari and Many are the next to show up. Ari is wearing a burgundy skater skirt with suspenders and a white turtleneck. Her curly hair is in a high puff at the top of her head. Many has on a T-shirt that matches her skirt and black slacks. They look adorable.

Malia and Seth walk out next. Malia has on a black body-hugging dress with a deep V-front. She also had one of those bodies that could wear a brown paper bag, and she would be stunning. Seth is wearing a simple white Tee with a leather jacket and dark jeans.

Fem and Priest walk out together. Fem is wearing a black catsuit that makes her seem like she’s six feet tall. Priest is wearing a gray button up with his sleeves folded up and black jeans.

Zel and Maksim walk out next. It brings me joy that they also got dressed up for the event. Maksim is wearing an actual blazer over his crisp button up. Zel has on a black turtleneck and gray dress pants.

“Little sister,” Maksim says in his gruff voice. “I do not know how I feel about this dress.”

I do a spin. “What? You don’t like it?” I tease.

“You’re going to get us all killed tonight,” Zel says plucking a grape off the fruit tray and popping it in his mouth. “But I’m here for the entertainment.” He walks away with his hands stuffed down in his pockets.

“Should I change?” I ask Maksim.

He chuckles. “I’m with Zel. I’m here for the entertainment.” He heads to the table with the others.

Now I was feeling very insecure about my dress decision. Maybe I should go in and change.

“Summer, come sit,” Malia calls out.

Fuck it, I’m here now. I head over to the table with everyone else.

“As soon as Gabriel gets here, we can eat,” I say to everyone.

“Is he here?” Seth asks. “I thought he left.”

My heart falls to my feet. Did I do all this for his attention, only for him not to attend? Yes, I wanted us to have good night in general, but this was for him.

“Oh,” I say shaking my head. “Well, I guess we don’t have to wait. We can eat.”

“It’s okay,” Maksim says. “We can wait.”

“No. really. Go grab food.”

“You don’t have to tell us twice,” Ari gets up. “We are starving.”

Many stands and joins her. Everyone else gets up and heads over to the food table.

“For what it’s worth, you did a damn good job with this,” Malia says placing a hand on my shoulder.

“And you look drop dead gorgeous doing it. It’s his loss,” Brooklyn adds as she makes her way over to the table with Hawk at her heels.

We all fill our plates with food. The chatter is pleasant, and everyone seems to be happy at the moment.

“Steak and potatoes,” Priest says. “You’re my type of girl, Summer.”

“Only thing she’s missing is your Jello cup for after your meal, grandpa,” Brooklyn jokes.

I laugh. Suddenly everyone seems to go quiet. I look up to find them all staring at me. However, I quickly realize it isn’t me they are staring at. I turn around to find Gabriel behind me. He’s wearing a dark green Henley with a black leather coat. The buttons of the shirt are undone showing his chest. His black jeans are pristine and his usual black combat boots are on. His long dark blonde hair is hanging down with a messy side part. He looked so damn good if I’d had panties on, he would have melted those bitches off.

I notice way too late he’s holding a bouquet of sunflowers in his hands.

“You got me flowers,” I say even though it’s obvious.

He doesn’t answer. Instead, he stares down at me, his nostril flare as if he’s having a hard time breathing.

He shuts his eyes and the paper around the flowers crinkle underneath his death grip.

“Your dress,” he groans.

“I knew it,” Zel says behind me. “We're all about to die.”

A few chuckles sound off from behind me.

Gabriel opens his eyes, and his shoulders drop a little. “You look beautiful.” Although the words leave his mouth, his face looks as if he’s in pain.

“Thank you,” I say. “And thanks for the flowers.” I hold out my hand to take the flowers from him. He places them in my palm. I place my plate down on the table behind me.

“I’m going to go put these in water. You guys can finish fixing your food.”

I walk into the house and into the kitchen. A few days ago, I saw a glass vase in the cabinet. I pull it down and fill it up before unwrapping the flowers and putting them in the water.

When I turn around, I’m startled to find Gabriel behind me. His jacket is off and in his hands. My mouth waters at the way that henley fits snugly over his muscles. I’m so busy staring that I don’t realize he’s holding out his jacket to me.

“What’s this for?” I ask.

However, he doesn’t reply. He just holds it out toward me. The strain on his face and the pleading in his eyes tells me that he’s battling something.

Finally, he says. “Please.”

Zel’s words comeback to me. “ We’re going to die.” It’s obvious Gabriel is battling the voices in his head. I didn’t want to do anything to trigger him. Without question, I take his jacket and slip it on.

“Thank you,” he says.

We head back out to the others. As soon as I slip out the door everyone turns and stares. Seth groans and Zel laughs.

“Pay up,” he tells Seth.

Seth pulls out a twenty from his pocket and hands it to Zel. Gabriel and I quickly fix plates and join the others at the table.

The night is going smoothly. We’ve eaten, laughed, and danced. Now, we were all sitting around the fire pit. The lights in the trees over our head setting the mood.

Fem is sitting in Priest’s lap, his hand resting on her thigh. Brooklyn is sitting on one end of the double couch with her feet in Hawk’s lap. Ari is sitting on the arm of Many’s chair. Zel and Maksim are sharing the other couch. Malia and Seth are sitting in two chairs beside each other. Gabriel is sitting in another chair across from where I’m standing.

“Alright,” I announce. “Priest this question is for you and Fem. What’s your significant other’s favorite color?”

“Not fair,” Zel says. “You gave them an easy one?” For the game section of the night, he and Maksim teamed up.

“She asked you if Maksim is left or right-handed. It doesn’t get any easier than that,” Priest tells him before turning back to me. “Her favorite color is blue. But more specifically turquoise.”

“Aww baby,” Fem says leaning down pressing a kiss on his lips.

“Now what’s his favorite color?” Brooklyn asks. “I’m guessing it’s that retro green color all the appliances were colored in the 70’s.”

Using the index cards my questions were written on I cover my laugh.

“Shouldn’t you be flying off into the night to kidnap children from their beds?” Priest asks Brooklyn.

She rolls her eyes at him and gives him the middle finger.

“His favorite color is black,” Fem says before her sister can reply. “And gray.”

I glance over at Gabriel. I wonder if that’s why his favorite color is black as well. When I look at him, he’s already watching me. His gorgeous eyes staring deeply into mine. It takes everything for me to look away from him.

“Okay, Seth and Malia. What’s your partner’s favorite movie to watch?”

Malia giggles when Seth turns to her. “Star Wars. Preferably Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi,” he says.

“For Lucien, it’s the same,” Malia answers. “Although he likes the newer ones as well. And Seth’s favorite movie is American Psycho.

“That doesn’t surprise me,” Brooklyn mumbles before taking a sip of her sweet tea.

“Alright, Many and Ari.”

“Hold on,” Fem says. “You aren’t asking Beast any questions. Beast, what’s Summer’s favorite color and movie?”

“Yeah,” Zel adds. “And which is her dominate hand.”

“Zel, give it a fucking rest,” Priest argues.

“Her favorite color is green,” Gabriel answers. He’s watching me closely. “Her favorite movie is Love and Basketball, and she’s right-handed.” He cuts his gaze over to Fem.

“Okay, Micheal Myers, you better prove you know your woman,” Brooklyn jokes.

“Alright, I have a question for the men,” Zel says leaning up in his seat. “If you really want to prove you know your girl, what’s one thing you know about her that she doesn’t know you know.”

“Oye,” Maksim grins rubbing his hands together. “That’s a good one.”

“Hawk and I have no secrets,” Brooklyn says with her head held high.

“Does he know you slip into men’s dreams and suck out their soul?” Priest says taking a sip of his bourbon.

She flips him off again.

“Brook watches Harry Potter movies when no one is around.”

Brooklyn gasps as she swings her head toward Hawk.

“Yay,” Ari sings as she claps. “We can do a marathon tomorrow. I have an extra Hermoine wig you can wear.”

Brooklyn groans and shoves Hawk shoulder.

“Malia watches threesome porn in the bathtub at night.”

“Seth!” Malia shouts. Her entire face turns red.

“Fuck, that’s sexy,” Maksim groans.

“Ari was born with an extra finger,” Many admits in his nasally tone.

Ari swings her head in his direction. “How do you know that?”

He shrugs. “We found your baby picture hidden at the bottom of your closet.”

“A third finger doesn’t surprise me,” Zel says shaking his head.

“Fem made out with her twelfth-grade science teacher.”

Fem’s jaw drops as she looks back at Priest.

“Wait,” Brooklyn gags as if she’s about to vomit. “Are you talking about Mr. Getty? He kept smiling at me in the hallway once, I thought he was crazy.”

“How did you find out about that?” Fem asks Priest ignoring her sister.

“Hold on,” Brooklyn says leaning up in her seat. “Didn’t he die in a car crash that year?”

“Oh, he was dead before that car crashed,” Priest shrugs.

I don’t even want to know how he knows that.

“Summer feels like she isn’t contributing to the household. Which is why she went out of her way to make this night successful. She feels like she’s useless and in the way.”

Part of me is shocked that he knew this, but I should always suspect that Gabriel is somewhere around. Of course he overheard my conversation with Trina that night. When he mentioned me not being able to leave, it should have dawned on me he heard all of the conversation no matter how low I said it.

Now, I’m standing in front of everyone feeling naked and bare to them. It’s like they can see every insecurity I have. I look away from their faces.

“Well,” Brooklyn says getting my attention. “Summer needs to know that she is part of this family and even if she does nothing but take up space, she will never be useless to us. We are a group of misfits. She doesn’t have to do anything other than be herself to belong.”

“I second that,” Malia adds.

“As do I,” Priest says. One by one the others agree with Brooklyn.

I fight back the tears of being so completely vulnerable and then having them all tell me I was part of the group. When I look at Gabriel, he’s watching me. He studies my face and then subtly winks at me.

He didn’t reveal what he did to be mean or to make me look crazy. He knew my fears and wanted me to understand that I was accepted. It was the sweetest thing he could have done.

“Alright, my turn,” Zel announces. “Maksim sings love songs in the shower.”

“You slimy worm,” Maksim shouts.

I toss my head back and laugh as Maksim gets up and chases Zel around our chairs. Eventually, we get back to the game. We talk and laugh until about midnight.

Beast

I shouldn’t be here. I should go to my room and put space between us. However, from the moment I saw Summer in that dress, I’ve wanted to be exactly where I am right now. In her room away from everyone.

I watched her for weeks stress over making tonight the best night for everyone. At first, I thought it was only about her plans to get my attention, as if she’s ever lost it. But after paying closer attention to her tonight, I realize how much Summer was trying to be the perfect hostess. I realized it wasn’t just me she was trying to appease.

I know what I said in front of everyone seemed rude, but I needed her to see that my brothers, Priest, and their women thought of her as family. She thought she added nothing to this household. I know that stems from her insecurities about her past of being a drug addict. But we all had jaded pasts. She didn’t have to walk on eggshells around us to make herself fit in.

The shower water cuts off and my cock hardens further. It took all my strength to keep me from walking in that bathroom and pinning her against the shower wall.

The bathroom door opens and Summer steps out with a towel wrapped around her body. She startles when she sees me.

“Gabriel, what are you doing here?” she asks.

My breathing picks up. I shut my eyes as I imagine the beautiful deep tawny skin that stretches over her body. The memory of how her hot, wet center squeezes my cock so snuggly it feels as if it was made for me. I can almost taste her sweet essence on my tongue.

“Tell me to leave,” I croak out as I imagine all the ways I want to fuck her.

Her head tilts to the side as she stares at me. A slow smile lifts her beautiful lips.

“Why would I tell you that?” She walks over to me stopping between my legs.

The smell of her body wash hits my senses along with the heat from her recent shower.

She doesn’t move, she just stands there, her legs wedged-between mine. Her chest right at my eye level.

“You should leave,” I tell myself.

“You should cut her open and lay her spleen on the fucking floor,” the demon encourages.

I shut my eyes to drown out the voice in my head. If there was no other proof that being in her room right now was a bad idea it’s hearing that voice. He’s a reminder that I’m not stable enough to be here. I thought it was bad when I realized she was wearing that dress around my brothers. In no way did I think my brothers were looking at Summer, but the voice in my head was relentless.

“Look at me, Gabriel,” her soft voice pleads.

I open my eyes to find Summer’s deep brown ones staring at me. She reaches out and touches the side of my face. Her touch feels like heaven. It nourishes me as if I’ve been starved of it for years.

“Are you alright?” her brow creases with concern.

Not being able to resist myself, I slowly move my hands up her sides until I get to the top of her towel. Pulling at the tucked ends, I unwrap the fabric and drop it at her feet. She stands before me bare. Her dark chocolate nipples sticking out. I exhale sharply, causing her peaks to pucker even more.

With my eyes locked on her I lean forward and take one nub into my mouth. Summer moans and rolls her head back.

I take my time lapping her breasts. Sucking one into my mouth while I tug at the other with my fingers. She buries her hands into my hair, pressing my face into her flesh. I grab the back of her thighs and drag her onto my lap. She straddles me, grinding her center into my pants-covered crotch. I dip my tongue into her mouth, swallowing her whimpers.

Her flavor bursts across my tastebuds as I take command of her tongue with mine. Needing more of her, I stand, turning her around so that she is closest to the bed. I then lie her on her back and lean up. She is fucking breathtaking lying on the crisp white sheets. Her brown skin standing out in contrast. Her lips swollen and slightly pink from my kisses.

I rake my eyes down her body until I get to the triangle between her legs.

I grab her leg under her knee and lift it up until her foot is planted on the bed. Grabbing the other leg, I do the same until she is spread wide open. My mouth waters at the sight of her glistening lower lips.

“Open your pussy for me,” I demand as I tug at my aching length behind the confines of my jeans.

She slides her hand down her body until her thin fingers slide between her fat lips, parting her folds.

She moans as she rubs circles around her nub.

“Please,” she begs when I make no move to touch her.

I still don’t trust myself, but I can’t allow her to ask me for anything I know I can provide. Getting to my knees between her legs, I bury my face into her center and inhale. Her sweet scent has me releasing my cock. I bury my tongue into her warmth. She cries out when I latch my mouth around her nub and suck. I tug at the head of my dick, before wrapping my hand around the shaft and jerking off.

Summer buries her hands in my hair and pulls at the strands as I eat her pussy as if it is my only nourishment. She creams over my face as I continue to roll my tongue over her nub. Her body squirms underneath me as I take her to her heights. I know immediately when she cums. Her legs lock around my head and she screams. Her essence rains down on me. I drink every drop, slurping at her center.

When she goes limp, I stand to my feet. Her eyes widen as she looks at my length. My cock is so hard it’s an angry purple. She lifts up from the bed, sliding off the edge she gets on her knees.

With her eyes locked on me, she places my dick in her mouth and immediately takes it to the back of her throat.

“Fuck,” I hiss. Watching the way her full lips look around my pole has me ready to explode.

Summer does her best sucking me off. My toes curl at the suction she has around me. Even though I know I should stop now, I don’t. I’ve come too far. Grabbing her braids, I tug her off me. She stands up. I kick out of my boots and shrug my pants off my ankles using my feet. Once I’m left in nothing but my shirt, I lift her up. She wraps her legs around my waist. I walk us backward until the back of my legs touch the chair in the room. I take a seat.

Summer straddles my lap. She lifts up slightly and lines my cock to her opening. We make eye contact as she lowers her body onto mine. Nothing, and I do mean nothing feels as good as Summer’s pussy.

She starts a slow ride. Rolling her hips up before dropping them back down. Not once do we break eye contact, nor do we speak. I think we both know that saying anything would destroy the moment. This doesn’t fix anything between us. I still couldn’t be with Summer. And I know that she was hoping that’s what this meant. However, I couldn’t make myself stop. I know that made me selfish, but I couldn’t think about it right now. Not while her warmth had me trapped inside her.

Cupping her ass, I pull the cheeks apart as I direct her up and down my shaft in a much faster pace.

She coos when I start to fuck her from the bottom. The wet sound her juices make has the room sounding like we’re cooking something creamy. Still, we do not look away. In her eyes I see how much she loves me. I see the desire, the hope that we will find our way back to each other. I hope that in my eyes she sees my desperation. She sees how hard I’m working to protect her. I hope she can glimpse how much she means to me despite not being able to be with her.

She stops moving and cups my cheeks in her hands. Her brown eyes narrowing.

“I love you too,” she whispers.

At her words, I shut my eyes, hold her body to mine and lift my hips pushing all the way in her from the bottom. I fuck her hard and fast. She cries out, tossing her head back. She cums on my shaft once again, squeezing it so tight my nut shoots from me like a cannon.

I growl as I fill her womb with my seed.

Still holding her, I lift up from the seat and carry her over to the bed. I lay her between the sheets. In no time, Summer falls asleep. I watch the rise and fall of her chest. Crushing guilt rains down on me. I fucked up. Without a second’s delay, I redress, then turn and leave the room. I have to let her go.