Chapter 19

Chrysti and Jalen spent the whole day doing ... nothing..., and it felt great. They never left the apartment. Chrysti can’t deny how much she enjoyed just being with Jalen. Her instinct said this was dangerous, but her heart had never felt so full. This is exactly what she needed. For once, she was not fighting herself, overthinking, strategizing, or planning an escape. She was just existing with him, and it was effortless. This wasn’t some grand, passionate, whirlwind romance moment, it was quiet intimacy. It’s the kind of thing you only did with someone you’re completely comfortable with; with someone you loved. Chrysti didn’t do love anymore, or at least, that’s what she’s told herself, but today proved her wrong. She wore his hoodie, play-wrestled with him, watched trash reality TV, and ate pizza in his lap. That’s love and she knew it. That’s why her instincts were screaming that this was a bad idea.

That night they had sex again, and at that point, there was no denying it anymore. There were no more excuses or pretending that it was just sex. She had given in, and she knew that Jalen knew it too. He could feel it in the way she held onto him that time, like she didn’t want to let go, the way she whispered his name, and the way her body responded to him, not just with pleasure, but with trust. When he finished inside of her again, Chrysti didn’t flinch, panic, or second-guess. She just wrapped her arms around him tighter and let it happen because deep down, she wanted this. Maybe not the consequences, or the risk, but she wanted him.

On Monday morning, Jalen had to go to work and Chrysti had to go workout before her first client call. She stood in front of the bathroom mirror, staring at her reflection, her thoughts and emotions at war with each other.

“Oh god, what have I done?”

But also...,

“I really don’t want to leave Jalen right now...”

She splashed cold water on her face, as if that would somehow wash away the overwhelming mix of anxiety and desire swirling inside her.

Jalen was still in bed, his arm stretched across her side of the mattress, the warmth of where she had been still lingering. She should have left already, should have been at the gym, getting her mind right for the day. Instead, she was still here, standing in the bathroom of a man she swore she wouldn’t get attached to, debating whether to climb back into bed with him or bolt before reality could catch up to her.

Her logical mind screamed at her.

“You let him finish inside you. Twice.”

“You were supposed to get the Plan B, and instead, you spent an entire day playing house with him.”

“This isn’t you, Chrysti. You don’t do this. You don’t trust men. You don’t fall like this.”

Then there was the other voice. The one that was softer and came from her heart. The one that whispered:

“But didn’t it feel right?”

“Didn’t it feel amazing?”

“Haven’t you ever felt this safe, this wanted, this ... loved?”

Chrysti closed her eyes and took a deep breath, gripping the edges of the sink. This is betraying all her principles that she had established concerning men. She knew it and felt it in her bones, but still ... she didn’t want to leave.

Forty-five minutes later, Jalen walks Chrysti to her car. Jalen could see it all over her face, how her eyes lingered on him, how she hesitated as she reached for her car door handle, and the subtle bite of her lip. Chrysti didn’t want to leave, and truth be told, he didn’t want to leave her either.

She stood there for a second, keys in her hand, but making no real move to get inside.

“I had a great time with you,” she finally admitted, her voice softer than usual, almost vulnerable.

Jalen stepped closer, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. “Me too,” he said.

She looked up at him, and for a brief moment, it felt like she might just say screw it and stay. That she might just climb back into his arms and let the world wait a little longer.

Then she remembered he had to go to work too, and then she exhaled, shaking her head as if snapping herself out of whatever trance she was in. “I need to go.”

Jalen nodded, though he could still see the reluctance in her eyes. He leaned down, kissing her gently, slow and deep, as if trying to make the moment last a little longer.

When he pulled back, he smirked. “You sure you don’t want to come with me to work?”

Chrysti let out a soft, breathy laugh, shaking her head. “You’re trouble, Jalen.”

Finally, with a sigh, she opened her car door and slid inside. Jalen leaned down, resting his forearm on the window frame as she started the engine.

“I’ll see you soon, Chrysti.”

She hesitated for just a second before nodding. “Yeah ... soon.”

She pulled him into one last soft kiss on the lips before pulling out, but as she pulled away, disappearing down the street, Jalen couldn’t shake the feeling that something had shifted. He felt like after this weekend, Chrysti wasn’t going to be able to keep running from him.

The Beyonder watched from ... well ... the beyond.

He observed silently, a knowing gaze fixed on the unfolding events of Jalen’s life. He had watched as each woman, in their own way, had become part of something greater than themselves, woven into a prophecy far beyond their comprehension.

Chrysti, despite all her resistance, had fallen. Not just into Jalen’s arms, but into the undeniable fate that had been set in motion long before she ever met him. She didn’t know it yet, but she was now carrying his child. The final piece of Jalen’s destined lineage was nearly in place.

“Jalen has done well,” the Beyonder mused to himself, his voice echoing through the vastness of the cosmic void. “Only one remains...”

His presence remained unseen, unfelt, but his influence lingered in the world below.

One more woman. One more child.

And then, the true purpose of Jalen’s journey would begin.

Chris Westward’s response to the divorce filing arrived swiftly, and it was as aggressive and dismissive as expected. Through his high-powered legal team, he formally contested every single financial request Megan had made, making it clear that he had no intention of giving her a dime. His legal response was cold, calculated, and condescending, typical of a man who had always viewed Megan as a possession rather than a partner. The message was clear:

No alimony.

No financial support of any kind.

No division of assets beyond what was explicitly outlined in the prenup.

It was a clear attempt to pressure Megan into walking away with nothing. Chris’s lawyers also threatened to scrutinize Megan’s personal life, implying that they would investigate any infidelity on her part to challenge any claim she had to financial relief.

When Megan and Karla sat down to review the response, Karla wasn’t surprised. This was exactly the kind of response she expected from Chris.

“He thinks he can scare us off,” Karla said, tossing the papers onto her desk. “Typical narcissistic bullshit. He thinks you’ll fold. That we’ll back down.”

Megan, though visibly shaken, was not deterred. If anything, Chris’s arrogance fueled her even more.

“So, what do we do now?” Megan asked.

Karla smirked. “We remind Chris that he’s not untouchable.”

The very next day, Karla filed a formal counter to Chris’s refusal, doubling down on the financial evidence they already had against him. Thanks to the copy of the prenup that Jalen retrieved, Karla was able to highlight clauses that Chris was trying to ignore such as the clauses that could force him to pay out more than he was admitting to. Karla presented evidence of how Chris financially manipulated Megan, restricting her access to funds and keeping her economically dependent. They also had receipts of Chris using marital funds on mistresses, escorts, and gifts for other women. If Chris wanted a fight, Karla was ready to take it public.

Karla knew Chris cared more about his reputation than money. The threat of a public trial and his dirty laundry being exposed was going to be the real pressure point. By responding the way he did, Chris underestimated Megan. He expected her to break and fold. What he didn’t realize was that she wasn’t fighting alone. Jalen had her back and Karla was a legal shark prepared to go for the kill.

Back at her office, Karla leaned forward, her expression serious as she clasped her hands together on her desk.

“Megan, listen to me. Chris isn’t just going to roll over. He’s going to fight dirty, and I guarantee you, he’ll send someone to watch you.”

Megan tensed. “You think he’ll actually hire a private investigator?”

Karla nodded. “Absolutely. That’s what men like him do when they feel cornered. He’ll want to find something, anything, to discredit you. He’ll be looking for proof that you were unfaithful before you left, that you’ve been reckless, irresponsible, or that you’re hiding something.”

Megan swallowed hard, her hand instinctively brushing over her stomach. She was only about ten weeks along, but she knew this pregnancy was her biggest vulnerability. If Chris found out, he’d use it against Jalen, against her, against everything.

“Be aware of your surroundings,” Karla said, “If you feel like you’re being followed, don’t ignore it. Notice cars that seem to be around too often. If you see someone at a café one day and then ‘randomly’ see them again somewhere else, assume it’s not a coincidence.”

“Okay.” Megan said, nodding.

“Also, if Chris is desperate enough, he’ll have someone dig through your garbage. I know it sounds crazy, but don’t throw anything out that hints at your pregnancy. No ultrasound paperwork, no vitamin bottles, no pregnancy tests, nothing. If you need to throw something out, shred it first, then throw it away in a public dumpster.”

Got it. Megan responded calmly, hanging on to Karla’s every word.

Karla continued, “At least for now, you and Jalen should not be seen together in public. If Chris gets photos of you two together, he’ll twist the narrative. He’ll try to paint you as an adulteress who left him for another man, even if the timeline doesn’t match up. If you need to see Jalen, it has to be in private. No restaurants, no coffee shops, no parks, nothing where you could be spotted.”

Megan swallowed. She hated not being able to be seen with the man she loved, but she understood what the stakes were.

Karla paused before continuing, “Be careful with your phone and emails. If Chris has access to your old accounts, he could still be monitoring them. Do not text or email anything about the pregnancy. If you need to talk about it, do it in person.”

Megan exhaled, feeling the weight of the warning settle over her. “I knew he’d fight back, but ... this is next level.”

Karla nodded. “Chris is vindictive as hell. He thinks he owns you. The moment he realizes he can’t control you anymore, he’ll try to destroy you. That’s why we have to stay ahead of him.”

Megan clenched her jaw. “I won’t let him ruin this for me.”

Karla gave her a reassuring look. “Then follow my lead, and we’ll make sure he never sees it coming.”

Jalen received Karla’s warning while he’ s at the Horner Property. He was in the middle of securing the final drywall panel in the guest house when his phone buzzed in his pocket. He pulled it out and saw Karla’s name flashing on the screen.

“Yo, Karla. What’s up?” he answered, tucking the phone between his ear and shoulder while wiping sweat from his forehead with his forearm.

Karla’s tone was firm. “Jalen, I need you to listen carefully. Chris might send a private investigator after you.”

Jalen stopped mid-motion, his expression tightening. “Me? I figured he’d be watching Megan, but why the hell would he waste money on me?”

“Because you’re a threat to him,” Karla stated. “Chris isn’t stupid. He’ll put two and two together. He knows Megan left him, and if he can find proof that you and Megan were involved before she filed, he’ll try to paint you as the reason the marriage fell apart. That could give him leverage in court.”

Jalen sighed and ran a hand over his buzzed hair. “So, what do I do?”

“Be aware of your surroundings. Watch for the same cars trailing you, especially if you notice them outside your job sites, gym, or apartment. If someone starts asking too many questions about you, be cautious. Even workers at your job sites could be approached.

“Next, just like I told Megan, if you two need to meet, do it in private. No restaurants, no coffee shops, nowhere he could have someone snap pictures. I don’t even want you picking her up or dropping her off at the shelter. They might have people watching. Also, remember that Chris is a lawyer. He knows how to subpoena phone records if it gets to that point. Don’t text or email anything that may give him ammunition to use.”

Jalen sighed as he absorbed Karla’s warnings. “I understand.”

“And finally, and this is really important, Jalen, if Chris finds out where you are and tries to start something, WALK AWAY. Don’t give him the satisfaction of reacting, because that’s what he wants. Something to use against you.”

Jalen exhaled through his nose; his jaw tight. “Man, I hate this sneaky-ass, snake-in-the-grass bullshit.”

Karla’s voice softened just a little. “I know, but if we play this smart, we’ll win. You just have to be patient and let me handle the fight in the courtroom.”

Jalen took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “Alright. I got you. I’ll watch my back.”

Heidi sat in her room with her laptop open, scanning listings for apartments far away from Bartow County. She had already narrowed down her search to a few promising places in metro Atlanta: Brookhaven, Sandy Springs, and Vinings. Her heart pounded as she clicked through pictures, imagining herself in a place where her parents had no control over her. This had to be done before they found out she was pregnant and could try to stop her. She had no plans to tell them Jalen was the father, which would only make things worse.

As she bookmarked three locations to visit on Saturday, her phone vibrated.

Jalen.

She smiled to herself before answering. “Hey, you almost done for the day?”

“Not yet,” Jalen said. “Karla just called me. She thinks Chris Westward might have people watching me too.”

Heidi frowned. “Jesus. Is this guy that desperate?”

“Yeah,” Jalen muttered. “But I’m not letting it shake me. Speaking of, how’s the apartment hunt going?”

Heidi felt her pulse quicken. “I found three places I want to check out. I was hoping ... you’d come with me Saturday?”

Jalen smiled on the other end. “Of course. I want to make sure you’re somewhere safe.”

Heidi exhaled, relieved. “Then it’s a date.”

Chrysti is a wreck. She knows what she wants, but part of her is still desperately trying to get her to reconsider surrendering to her feelings for Jalen. She sat on the floor of her bedroom, knees pulled to her chest, her mind a chaotic warzone.

One part of her mind was screaming: “What are you doing?! You’re falling for him. You’re letting yourself fall for him.”

The other part? “You already fell, dumbass.”

Her entire body still ached from Jalen; a deep, satisfied soreness that only made things worse. She wanted him again. That was the problem. She thought back to their lazy Sunday together. There were no expectations or pressure, just existing with him, laughing, watching TV, playing around like two idiots. It had felt so ... right.

She pressed her hands into her face. “Goddamnit!”

She had never felt so seen, so desired, so ... cherished, and it was breaking her down. If she gave in fully, if she surrendered to this, and Jalen ever betrayed her heart, she wouldn’t survive it.

Voice 1: That’s why you need to walk away. Now.

Voice 2: But what if he never hurts you? What if he’s the one?

Chrysti’s breath hitched because that’s what she was really afraid of. Not that Jalen would betray her, but that he wouldn’t.

A text came in. It was from Jalen. Of course.

Chrysti stared at her phone, thumbs hovering over the keyboard, frozen.

Jalen: “Hey. Thinking about you. I still feel awesome from the weekend with you. Can’t wait to see you again.”

Her heart lurched. There it was. The thing she was desperate for but too terrified to admit. Reassurance.

Voice 2: Look at that! He’s thinking about you! Checking in on you! What more do you need to see?! Just embrace this!

Voice 1: No. No. NO! It’s too risky. You KNOW we can’t survive another heartbreak. We just CAN’T.

Her fingers tightened around the phone as the two warring voices in her head screamed at each other.

Voice 2: What if he’s different? What if he’s actually different?

Voice 1: Every man seems different until they prove they aren’t.

Chrysti clenched her jaw, stomach twisting. It shouldn’t be this hard. Jalen had done nothing wrong. He had been kind, thoughtful, and genuine. He made her feel special in a way she had never let herself believe was real before, even with six other women in his life, incredibly.

So why was she so afraid? She chewed her lip, staring at the message. If she responded, she was choosing him. If she ignored it, she was choosing safety.

“Goddamnit.” She said to herself again.

Chrysti inhaled sharply. Then, before she could talk herself out of it, she typed three words.

Chrysti: “I can’t wait either.”

And sent it. Her stomach dropped.

Oh, fuck. She just chose him.

Voice 2: You did the right thing, Chrysti. Jalen will show you he’s the one. You’ll see.

Chrysti exhaled, staring at her screen, heartbeat pounding. She had done it. She had let herself choose. No overthinking, talking herself out of it. Her phone buzzed almost instantly.

Jalen: “Good. I’ll call you later, beautiful.”

A sharp warmth bloomed in her chest. Damn him. Why did he have to be like this? Why did he have to make this feel so easy? Chrysti pressed the phone against her forehead, eyes squeezed shut.

Voice 1: This is dangerous. You KNOW this is dangerous.

Voice 2: Or maybe this is right.

For once, Voice 1 in Chrysti’s head had no comeback.

On Friday evening, Karla sat cuddling with Jalen at her condo. Her fingers traced slow circles against his chest as they sat curled up on her couch, the dim glow of the city lights spilling in through the windows.

“How are you feeling about Chris Westward?”

“I don’t want to talk about the case.” Jalen responded quickly. “I feel like I haven’t been giving you enough of my attention lately, and I’d rather just focus on you right now.”

Karla looked up at Jalen, studying his face. She could tell the case had been weighing on him, but she also knew him well enough to recognize when he was setting something aside for the sake of someone else.

“You’re always worrying about everyone else,” she murmured, tilting her head slightly. “When do you let someone take care of you?”

Jalen smirked, shaking his head. “I don’t need taking care of. I just need moments like this.” He kissed her forehead, then her cheek, before pressing his lips gently against hers. “I’ve missed you.”

Karla exhaled softly, letting herself melt into him. He always knew the right thing to say, always knew how to make her feel like she was the only woman in the world when she was with him, even though she knew she wasn’t.

“I missed you too,” she admitted, running her hand up his arm, squeezing slightly.

Jalen tightened his hold around her, pulling her closer so that she was practically on top of him. “So, let’s make up for lost time.”

Karla’s lips curled into a knowing smile. “I like the sound of that.”

She shifted in Jalen’s arms, straddling his lap slowly, deliberately, her soft silk robe parting just enough to tease the skin underneath. Jalen’s hands slid naturally to her hips as she settled above him, her warmth already seeping through the thin fabric between them.

“You sure you’re in the right headspace for this?” she teased, brushing her lips against his.

Jalen smirked. “With you? Always.”

Their mouths met again, this time with more hunger. Karla kissed him deeply, her fingers threading through the back of his hair as she pressed her body flush against his. The kiss was slow, sensual, but laced with that unmistakable electricity that always surged between them.

Jalen’s hands moved up her thighs, slipping beneath the edge of her robe, his thumbs stroking the soft skin there around her ass. Karla’s breath hitched as he traced slow, possessive circles.

“You’ve been on my mind all damn week,” he murmured against her lips. “Every time I’ve closed my eyes, I’ve been seeing you.”

Karla pulled back slightly, her lips parted, eyes locked onto his. “Then stop picturing me and have me for real.”

Jalen stood up with her in his arms, her legs wrapped around his waist as he carried her to the bedroom like she weighed nothing. Karla held onto him grinning as her forehead pressed against his the entire time, feeling his strength, presence, and intent.

Once inside the bedroom, Jalen laid her down gently onto the bed and let his eyes roam. The robe had fallen open just enough to reveal the lace bra and panties beneath, deep burgundy, delicate, and barely there. Jalen swallowed hard; his gaze heated.

“You’re fine as fuck.”

She arched a brow, tugging at the hem of his shirt. “Take this off.”

He obeyed, peeling the shirt over his head and tossing it aside, revealing the hard ridges of his chest and the lines that made her thighs clench involuntarily. Karla sat up, her lips brushing over his abdomen as she kissed her way down, her fingers trailing over every muscle, claiming every inch of him.

Karla pulled down his shorts and boxers and what she was looking for sprang up ready for her. She smiled as she wrapped both of her hands around his hardened cock and began stroking gently. His cock was so big, solid, and firm. She loved the way it felt in her hands. She decided not to waste any more time. A moment later, she leaned her head forward and her lips made contact. Jalen tilted his head back and shut his eyes as he felt her warm lips kiss the head of his cock before they parted allowing her tongue to slither out. Karla’s tongue glided slowly along his shaft, teasing the underside as her hands kept a firm, sensual rhythm. She wanted to savor this and show Jalen just how much she’d missed him. Her lips then wrapped around the head, and she slowly took him deeper into her mouth, her eyes closing as she fully embraced the moment.

Jalen let out a low, guttural groan, his abs tightening as his right hand gripped the nightstand behind him. “Fuck ... Karla...”

That sound, the way he said her name like it was the only thing tethering him to reality, sent a rush of heat through her core. She bobbed her head in a slow, steady rhythm, using one hand at the base while her other hand cupped his balls gently. She wanted to hear him fall apart and take him to the edge and back again. Jalen’s left hand instinctively moved to her hair, grounding himself in the moment as his breathing grew more ragged.

Karla pulled back just long enough to lick a trail up his length, kissing the tip before whispering against him, “You needed this, didn’t you?”

Jalen’s voice was thick with lust. “I needed you.”

Karla smiled, then slowly took him into her mouth again, this time deeper, faster, letting her throat relax as she pushed herself further. Her hands joined the mix now, pumping him in a twisting motion along the same path as her mouth. Jalen hissed through his teeth, gripping her hair tighter now.

“Shit, baby ... you’re gonna make me—” he warned. Karla didn’t stop right away. She went a little harder and hungrier. Her wet mouth glided over him with ease now, the obscene sound of her sucking him echoing through the bedroom. Then she suddenly pulled back with a soft gasp, saliva trailing from her lips to his cock. She looked up at him, eyes dark, lips swollen. Jalen opened his eyes and looked down at her with his eyes screaming “What the fuck?” at her.

She smiled a mischievous smile.

“I want you inside me,” she said, her voice a husky command, “Now.”

Jalen then lifted her effortlessly, laying her back onto the bed. Her robe was gone now, discarded somewhere in the sheets, leaving her in that barely-there lace. He leaned down and tongue kissed her, tasting himself on her lips.

His hand slid between her legs, stroking her through the lace. She was soaked. Dripping.

“Damn, girl...” he murmured, sliding the lace to the side and teasing her entrance with his fingers.

She arched against him, breathless. “Don’t tease me. Just fuck me.”

Jalen pulled her panties off, tossed them aside, and lined himself up, his tip pressing against her entrance. Then he slid inside her in one smooth, deep stroke. His cock pushed its way into the deepest depths, her pussy walls expanding inch by inch to make way for the massive but welcome intrusion.

Karla gasped, her legs wrapping tightly around his waist as he filled her completely. Jalen groaned, his head dropping into her neck as he bottomed out inside her.

“Goddamn, baby ... you feel unreal every time.”

He started to move, deep and slow at first, grinding into her with control, precision, force. Karla clawed at his back, her moans coming faster now, her whole body reacting to every thrust.

“I missed this,” she whispered. “I missed you.”

Jalen kissed her hard, devouring her words with his mouth as he picked up the pace, fucking her harder now, deeper. Their bodies moved in together as she ached into him as much as possible, giving him access to reach as deep as her cervix. The sheets twisted beneath them, her moans rising with every stroke.

Karla’s nails dug into Jalen’s back as he drove into her with deeper, more urgent thrusts. She was quite sure it hurt him how much her nails dug into him, but she also was sure that he didn’t mind the pain. Her legs were locked around his waist now, holding him there, not letting him go even if she wanted to, which she absolutely didn’t. Every time his hips met hers, it sent another burst of white-hot pleasure tearing through her. He was so deep, so thick, and the way he moved inside her made her feel like she was unraveling one stroke at a time.

“Jalen—fuck—right there, right there...” Karla gasped, her head tilting back as she gripped his arms, riding out the overwhelming rhythm.

Jalen gritted his teeth, sweat beginning to form along his temples as he kept thrusting, his body pressed flush against hers. “You feel that?” he growled into her neck. “That’s me, every inch of me, right where I belong.”

“God, yes, baby...” Karla moaned, her whole body tightening underneath him.

He shifted slightly, angling his hips to hit her deeper, harder. Karla cried out, her fingers gripping the sheets now, her entire body trembling as he hit that perfect spot over and over again.

“I’m gonna come,” she warned, voice high and breathless. “Jalen—I’m—”

“Do it,” he growled, thrusting harder. “Come on this dick, Karla.”

That was it. Karla’s body arched off the bed even more as her orgasm slammed into her, hard and fast. She cried out his name, her legs shaking, her pussy pulsing and clenching tight around him. Jalen groaned loud as hell, the way she squeezed him sending him right over the edge with her.

“FUCK—” he growled, slamming into her one last time as he emptied himself deep inside her, his release pulsing in long, hard waves spraying her walls. His arms trembled as he held himself above her, breath ragged, head spinning from how intense it was. He stayed there for a moment, still inside her, their bodies slick with sweat, and their hearts racing in sync.

Then Jalen lowered himself slowly, collapsing onto his forearms and kissing her again, slower and softer this time. Karla’s fingers ran up and down his back now, her body still trembling in the aftershocks. She didn’t speak. She just let herself breathe with him.

Eventually, Jalen rolled to the side, pulling her with him so that she was still tucked against his chest. One arm draped over her waist, possessive but gentle. Neither of them moved for a long time.

“I needed that,” he said quietly. “With you.”

Karla smiled faintly, her face buried in his chest. “I know.”

A few minutes later, Jalen asks her, “How are you actually doing? With the baby and the other women and all? You’ve been strong and steady this whole time, but are you actually okay?”

Karla stared at the ceiling for a long moment, her fingers idly tracing along Jalen’s forearm as he held her against him. She felt warm, safe, even vulnerable in a way she rarely allowed herself to be.

She turned her head slightly to look at him, studying the sincerity in his eyes. He really wants to know. That was one of the things that set Jalen apart from other men. He didn’t just assume she was okay, didn’t just accept the strength she presented at face value. He asked and he cared.