“I understand a man doing whatever it takes for the woman he loves,” he’d said. “But if I’m going to invest, I want you to be smart about it, Lennox. I’ll provide the capital if you’re made a partner.”
But this wasn’t just my plan. Naima and I had talked about it—her smart, beautiful eyes full of caution as I laid it all out for her. She’d listened, asking the right questions, challenging me, making sure I wasn’t just trying to save her but genuinely offering a path forward. It had led to one of the most intense nights of my life, her body wrapped around me in some acrobatic move that had my toes curling and agreeing to do anything she wanted me to do. Instead, she granted my wish; her whispered approval only driving me more insane.
He had been different that day, his suit impeccable as always, but his voice softer, the sharp edges of his usual demeanor dulled by something that looked a lot like regret.
“You know, Lennox, I wasn’t always this hard,” he admitted, his fingers toying with a pen on his desk. “When your motherwas here, she had a way of balancing me. I lost more than her when she died. I lost myself.”
I sat down across from him, the gravity of his confession pulling me in. “I know, Dad. I felt it too.”
He nodded slowly, his gaze fixed on the window. “I thought pushing you would make you strong, make you better than I ever was. But I see now that all I did was push you away.”
I swallowed hard, the weight of years of misunderstanding and hurt hanging in the air. “I wanted your approval. I wanted to be enough for you, but I also wanted to be myself. At the retreat, with Naima, I found out who I really am.”
His eyes finally met mine, and I saw it—the ache, the love, the fear of a father who didn’t know how to bridge the gap between us. “Then go after it. Be the man you’ve found there. If this retreat is what makes you whole, then build it. I’ll back you, not just with money but with my support. I’m proud of you, son.”
The words settled into me, warm and unexpected. I stood, and he did too, and when he reached for me, it was a real embrace—strong, unguarded, and healing. For the first time, I felt like his son, not his project.
Naima had already returned to The Three Bears and managed to get Selena and Tasha on board with a meeting.
“What I’m offering isn’t just financial backing. I want to bring something to the table—a vision for The Three Bears that keeps its authenticity but lets it reach even more people. With the investment, we could expand the fitness facilities, add a wellness lounge, and enhance the guest experience. Imagine classes with personalized fitness plans and mindfulness sessions, where guests leave not just feeling relaxed but with the tools to keep improving their health long after they’ve left.”
The room went silent, each of them taking in my words. Selena nodded, a smile breaking through as she turned to the others.
“I think we could give it a shot,” she said, her gaze flicking to Tasha. “As long as we’re all in agreement.”
Tasha pursed her lips, but after a long moment, she nodded. “Fine. But if you slip up or try to change the spirit of this place, you’re out. ButafterI kick your ass.”
Biting back a smile, I nodded. “Understood.”
Naima touched my hand under the table, her fingers lacing with mine. As I looked around the room, I felt a new sense of purpose settle over me. This was where I belonged—and I was ready to prove it.
Weeks later, the partnership had transformed into a tangible reality. We’d taken our time, getting to know each other again, slowly rebuilding trust, piece by piece. I spent more time connecting with her, exploring the quiet forests with her, talking late into the night about everything from childhood memories to our plans for the future.
The more time I spent with her, the more certain I became that she was the one. She was my anchor, my light, and everything I did now was with her in mind.
Now, as I looked around the upgraded gym, the walls lined with new equipment and the sound of guests laughing and working out, I felt a sense of peace. This place had become more than a retreat; it was my home, my purpose.
And then there was Naima. She was my heart. My future. My peace.And I had to have her now, I thought, as I led her into the newly inserted steam room to test it out while everyone else seemed occupied.
Moments later she was squatting over my dick, her hands rising and tangling themselves into her hair as she balanced herself—bouncing her wet and tight pussy on my dick.
God, this woman wasjust right.
22
NAIMA
Six months had passed since Lennox came back—six months since the truth cracked us open and love, somehow, found its way through the fracture.
The ache had softened into something steadier—still pulsing with passion, but rooted now in truth.
The retreat was on blackout week—no guests, no classes—just time for the staff to rest, reset, and prepare for the fall sessions. The cabins sat quiet in the early light, and the stillness felt like a deep exhale after months of hosting.
I woke to dawn curling through the windows, the scent of cedar and cool mountain air drifting in. Beside me, Lennox slept on his stomach, one hand splayed over my waist like he was holding the world in place.
Even in sleep, he looked carved from sunlight—light brown skin, golden-bronze locs scattered across the pillow, lashes brushing his cheeks, lips parted just enough to steal my breath. The faint glint of amber in his eyes would catch me later, when he woke, and I’d fall again—like always.
I slipped from the bed, careful not to wake him, and padded to the kitchen, my red amethyst pendant cool against my skin, grounding me the way it always did.
