Someone Like 'Family'

Naomi tries to place a knock on the door to Soonie's apartment but she hears a voice. A soft gentle almost ecstatic voice coming out of the room.

Or two even.

She had texted Naomi a few hours ago that she intends to stop by her apartment after work before heading back to that huge, empty mansion.

Naomi pulls out her phone, trying to dial Soonie's number but she hears a moan. And then another and it only seemed to grow louder and louder.

“Fuck!”

“You like that? Uh?”

“Yes! Just like that…you feel so good..”

Naomi's cheeks coloured, she didn't know Soonie was in a relationship or that she was into….risky stuff. Maybe she should leave and come back an hour later.

She didn't want to interrupt Soonie and her partner. Hell, she wouldn't want anyone to interrupt her if the case was reversed.

The door swung open suddenly, it was Soonie, barely dressed. It was almost like she knew Naomi was standing right outside.

“You're here.” Soonie smiled.

“Yes. I uh….I'll just come back later. I don't want to interrupt anything..”

Soonie waves her off. “Chase was just leaving..”

Before she could ask who Chase was, a huge man appeared behind Soonie, all muscles and a pearly set of whites. Chase grabs his top from the bed and swings it on, sending a wink Naomi's way.

“Hey gorgeous.”

Soonie rolled her eyes. “She’s married, Chase. Knock it off.”

Chase's grin only grew wider. “That's exactly my type.”

Naomi was too stunned to say a word. This man was flirting with her without a filter and she was just…stunned.

“Get out of my apartment Chase..”

Chase steps out, taking Naomi's hand in his and placing a gentle kiss on it. “It's nice to finally meet you..”

He leaves before Naomi could ask any question. What did he mean by that? Her eyes returned to Soonie in question.

“You had a boyfriend?”

Sooni winces. “I wouldn't say he's my boyfriend but he's something for sure..”

Naomi's eyes returned to Chase as he walked down the hallway, all 6 '2 muscular feet of him! Damn, he's a looker!

“Come on in.”

“Don't you have to clean up first or something?” Naomi asked, stealing a glance at Soonie’s very disorganised bed. There was a used condom on the floor and a noticeable wet patch on the bed.

“Get your virgin ass in here, missy!” Soonie teased, pulling Naomi into the apartment.

Naomi settled on the soft cushions in the room as Soonie did a little cleaning here and there.

“I tried to get him to leave before you showed up but…you know.”

Naomi chuckled, she wished she did. Not when Damom refuses to have sex with her.

“I don't. Damon apparently has something against virgins. I guess.”

Soonie shakes her head, pulling off her bedsheets, replacing it with a new clean one. “That's his loss. You're a catch and he's just way to blind to see it. I hope he stays blind honestly.”

Naomi chuckled, leaning closer into the couch. It felt like a safe harbor. Soonie’s apartment was a stark contrast to Damon's huge and almost lonely mansion. Her apartment was a cozy, art-filled space that smelled faintly of jasmine and old books.

“His mother invited us for a family dinner and all I can say is…it was a disaster..”

Sonnie stops cleaning and turns to Naomi in concern. “What do you mean it was a disaster? What happened?”

“I moved into his house because I wanted to make things work with Damon. But visiting his family and seeing how much he wants me far away from him, I don't think I can do this anymore…”

Soonie went silent, her eyes filled with Vincent. “My goodness.. Naomi…”

Naomi sniffs. “ I was hoping that I'll be able to find answers. I believed he had a reason for staying away from me for six years but now I feel like he just can't stand me…”

“I told you he wasn't worth it!” Soonie said.

Naomi sobs, “I know, I just wanted to see if things would be different if he saw me. If he would have a change of heart or something. I just…”

As Naomi finished, a tear finally escaped and traced a hot path down her cheek. The dam had broken.

Without a word, Soonie moved from her seat and wrapped her arms around Naomi. “Don't cry! You've shed enough already because of him. He doesn't deserve it..”

Naomi leaned into the hug, finally allowing herself to feel the hurt. Soonie's arms were warm and her embrace felt like a shield against the world. Naomi buried her face in Soonie’s shoulder, a single sob escaping her lips.

Soonie held her, stroking her hair gently. The moment stretched on, and Naomi eventually began to feel a strange shift in the hug. Soonie's touch wasn't just comforting; it was lingering.

Her hand on Naomi's back moved in slow, deliberate circles, a little lower than necessary. The hug itself tightened, pressing Naomi against her in a way that seemed…different.

Naomi pulled away, wiping her face. “I'm okay now.”

Soonie held Naomi at arm’s length, her thumbs wiping away the tears from Naomi's cheeks. “Are you sure?”

Naomi nodded. “I'm okay. I'm doing great at the office and everything else is okay. Who cares if Damon acts like an asshole?”

"Forget about him. You look exhausted, and you're freezing," Soonie said, her voice soft and laced with concern.

"Let me make you something to eat. I have some fresh vegetables from the market. I'll make your favourite. It will make you feel better, I promise."

Naomi nodded, a smile on her face. "That sounds great. Thank you."

Soonie nodded .

"Just sit tight. I'll be right back."

As Soonie disappeared into the kitchen, Naomi sank back into the couch, pushing all the thoughts she had about Damon away.

She came here to forget him and Soonie was just the person she needed to talk to. She was the only one who understood what she was doing. Soonie was the closest thing to a family that she had…