Opposing Affair

Chapter 8: You Deserve Love Again

Julianna

A few days later, I'm awake and alert, lying in a hospital bed, my shoulder heavily bandaged but on the mend. The room is quiet, the blinds drawn halfway to let in the morning sun. My parents have been calling non-stop. They even tried to come see me, but I told them not to. I hear footsteps approaching, and soon enough, Ramello steps into the room, looking like he hasn’t slept in days by the look of his untrimmed beard.

“Hey,” he says softly, his eyes scanning my face as he moves closer to the bed.

I managed to smile a small smile despite the soreness. “Hey.”

“How are you feeling?”

“Sore, but alive,” I reply, my voice raspy.

He nods, relief washing over his face. “The doctors say you’re healing well.”

“Thanks to you,” I say sincerely. “I heard you subdued the attacker and kept Selah safe.”

His expression softens. “I just did what anyone would have done.”

“You did more than that,” I insist. “You protected us both. And Selah… she’s okay?”

“Yeah, she’s been spending time with your campaign manager, Cassie. She’s been great with her, keeping her occupied and happy.”

I nod, grateful beyond words. “Thank you, Ramello. I mean it.”

He leans closer, placing a reassuring hand on my arm. “You don’t have to thank me, Mama. This won’t stop us.”

The determination in his voice is palpable, and I find comfort in it. But there's another challenge ahead—uncovering the full truth behind the attack.

“Have you found out who was behind it?” I ask.

He sighs, shaking his head slightly. “We’re still investigating. The assailant is connected to Lance Norris. He’s been trying to use political contacts to undermine both of us, but you’ve been his maintain target.”

I feel a sharp pang in my stomach at the mention of Norris. The memories of my time with him come flooding back, and it takes all my strength to keep my expression neutral.

“Lance knows my weaknesses. We’ve work together almost every day.” I didn’t go into detail, but my words cause Ramello’s brow furrows as he listens, his grip on my arm tightening gently.

“Julianna, if there’s anything you need to share about Norris, I’m here to help.”

I consider telling him everything but stop myself short, instead choosing to hold his gaze firmly. I remind myself that Ramello is still my opponent in this campaign no matter how bad I have it for him. “Thank you, but I can handle this.”

“Whatever happens,” he reminds me, “I’ll be here for you.”

Over the next few days, I’m visited by supporters, friends, and Selah, who insists on bringing me homemade cards and flowers. My campaign team meets regularly, strategizing our response and strengthening our security. Ramello is a constant presence when no one is around, working closely with his friend, Marcus to gather the evidence needed to expose Norris and his associates.

After I am finally discharged, Selah and I go to Detroit to stay with my parents while I recover. The familiar warmth of their home wraps around me, providing a safe space where I can start to heal. I hear Selah's laughter echoing through the halls as she plays with her grandparents and a some of her cousins.

I sit with my mother, Delilah, in the kitchen, sipping tea. She watches me carefully, her eyes lined with concern.

“How’s the shoulder feeling?”

“Better,” I reply, massaging the bandage. “Still stiff, but I’m healing.”

She reaches over, covering my hand with hers. “And how’s your heart?”

I look up at her, seeing the worry etched across her face. “It’s getting there.” The shooting caused my heart rhythm to be abnormal and the doctors were concerned.

“Good,” she says firmly. “Because you need to be well for Selah. She needs her mother—and she needs someone who can be there for her as a father figure.”

The weight of her words settles heavily on my shoulders. I know she’s right, but the idea of letting someone in after Darnell’s death is daunting. “Mom, it’s not that simple. After losing Darnell, it’s been hard.”

She nods knowingly. “It’s been hard for all of us. But, honey, you deserve love again. You deserve happiness.”

I shift uncomfortably in my chair, swirling the tea in my mug. “And what if I’ve found someone?”

Her eyes light up, her mouth forming into a small smile. “Well, have you?”

“Maybe,” I admit, thinking of Ramello.

My mother raises an eyebrow. “Is it Ramello Rhodes? The way you two look at each other when you think no one notices is crazy. Y'all may be fooling America, but y'all are not fooling me.” I was going to try to lie anyway since I promised to keep our affair a secret, but my mother, as she stated, could look at me and would immediately know. There’s no point in hiding it from her and I trust she wouldn’t tell anyone.

“Yes,” I say softly, my cheeks warming. “But you can’t say anything because of the election.”

“Well, I don’t necessarily agree with all his approaches, but I can respect the man for being there for you,” she says, her tone supportive but firm. “I believe he’s a good man, Julianna. Just make sure he’s the right one for you and Selah.” If we were in a different world, he would be perfect.

Six weeks later, I’m back in Washington, D.C., my shoulder is feeling much better, and my determination and focus are stronger than ever. My campaign team throws me a small gathering, and Selah bounces around joyfully as people congratulate me on my recovery. I try to enjoy the evening, but my thoughts keep drifting to Ramello. I wish that we met under different circumstances. I want to be in his arms again, but I knew the possibility of it was slim, especially since my attack and since Lance and Tom are targeting me.

Two hours into the party, my phone buzzes with a text from an unknown number: Meet me at 850 Springrose Street, room 303.

My heartbeat quickens. Is this a trap, or is someone trying to intimidate me? I glance around the room before deciding to follow through, my curiosity overriding my hesitation. I walk over to Cassie and Nadine. “Hey, can you keep an eye on Selah, I have to take care of something.”

I trust Cassie and Nadine with my daughter. Nadine smiled, “Of course. You know we love her.” I smiled at the girls and told Selah that I had some business to take care of and to stay with Cassie and Nadine tonight. She didn’t protest but hugged me tightly.

I arrive at a..... hotel? The receptionist paying no attention of me walking in and straight to the elevator. When the doors open, lights casting long shadows in the hallway greet me. Room 303 is at the end of the hallway. I barely knock before the door swings open, and I’m pulled inside. For a split second, my instincts flare up until I recognize his warm smile.

“I missed you,” he murmurs, wrapping his arms around me as he kisses me deeply and we're immediately swept up in each other's touch. My fingers run through his waves of his hair, and he wraps me up in an embrace that makes everything else—the campaign, the threats, the lingering worries—fade into oblivion.

"I missed you too," I manage to say between kisses, the words slipping out like a confession.

His hands travel down my back, holding me securely before he lifts me effortlessly into his arms. My breath catches as he carries me through the barely lit suite, his footsteps quiet on the carpet as he takes us into the bedroom.

He sit me down gently on the edge of the bed, and I look up into his eyes, searching for the solace and reassurance I desperately crave. He presses a soft kiss to my forehead, brushing stray strands of hair from my face. Forehead kisses were intimate and a sign of love. Could he be falling for me? Am I falling for him? I shake those thoughts out of my head and focus on this sexy ass man in front of me. He is shirtless, and I’m able to fully get a good look at his body. His physique speaks of discipline and strength, with muscles that ripple beneath smooth, deep-brown skin. His shoulders are broad, and his chest is well-defined, with small specks of hair leading to powerful arms that suggest he invested his time to exercising. His abs are etched in tight lines down to his waist, where the hint of a V-shape dips beneath his dark joggers.

I pull the strings of his joggers which urges him to come closer. No words needed to be said. He knows what I want, and I have the power to get it. I pull his pants down and take him into my mouth. I hear him take in a breath as one of his hands wraps around my head to push me closer.

“Damn, you do that so good mama,” he grunts. A smile tug at my lips as I continue to suck him off. I increase my speed causing him to lose control.

“f**k, Julianna,” he calls out. He's close. I can tell by the hardness of his shaft in my mouth, but it didn’t stop me, nor did it stop him from releasing himself into my mouth. I get up, but he pushes me back down. “Julianna Daniels, you didn’t really think I'll let you get away with that, did you?” The amusement and desire fill his eyes.

“Maybe just a little..,” I pinch my fingers.

He shakes his head. “Nah, Mama, that’s not how this works.” Suddenly, he’s lifting up my skirt and pulled my panties down my legs. My legs are in the air, my center wet and open for him. He grabs my legs pulling me closer to him, my ass now hanging off of the bed. I grab his shaft and he immediately become hard. He lines himself up and sinks into me. I miss the feeling of his warmth inside of me. He pushes deeper and faster which only has me yelling out. “Ramello,” I moaned.

“We talked about this, Mama. What’s my name?” He thrusts harder.

“Mr. Rhodes.” My voice was barely a whisper. I look him in the eyes. He matches my gaze before leaning down to kiss me feverishly.

“I lo-“ he stops himself. “Fuuuuckkk!” He pumps harder.

My legs tremble as I’m at the peak of my climax. When I did have my orgasm, it was so intense that stars flashes before my eyes. Ramello’s groans of desire begin to rise, and shortly after, he stops just to place me on top of him. I ride him reverse cowgirl, and I love having the feeling of being in control.

I continue bouncing up and down on his member before he pulls my back to his chest and f***s me senseless. Another orgasm rips through me and his moans fill the room before he releases himself into me.

In the quiet aftermath of our passionate affair, I rest my head on his chest, tracing circles along his skin as he runs his fingers through my hair.

“I needed this,” I whisper.

He presses a kiss to my forehead. “So did I.”

He seems off, which prompts me to ask if anything was wrong.

“I just wish things were different,” he answers.

“Me too.”

He tilts my chin up and presses a kiss on my lips. I look at his eyes and I see something flicker across his features. It’s a look of longing, something that I could totally relate to.