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Chapter 3: The Trial

Sitting in the middle of his cell cross-legged, Erik meditates. He envisions the trial ending favorably, in which he wins his as well as Ashtyn's freedom. He hears footsteps approaching, but he doesn't open his eyes until he hears a voice say, "It is time."

Erik opens his eyes to see Okoye standing at the threshold of his cell. Her expression is stern, as she stands before him with her arms crossed over her chest. Clearly, her mood regarding him hasn't progressed beyond showing visible displays of aggressiveness. Animosity flows from her in waves, making the air around them thick with tension. However, if it is her intention to make him uncomfortable, it didn't work.

Quite the contrary, Erik finds her behavior more entertaining than anything else. With little to no simulation, due to the cramped confinement within his cell, he is starving for human interaction. Furthermore, he is delighted that the thought of him is still eating away at Okoye's psyche. Despite his incarceration, he hasn't been forgotten.

"Good morning Okoye. How are you today?" Erik addresses her in a pleasant and overly chipper tone. Okoye's expression is priceless. She is at first surprised by his tone, then her mien changes into a scowl as she considers his possible motives. He smirks, happy to see that he has successfully pissed her off.

"Come, your trial awaits you," She orders.

"You aren't still angry with me, are you?" He inquires, as he places a hand over his heart, feigning emotional hurt.

Okoye marches towards him. Demonstrating to Erik two things; that she is not amused by his antics, or afraid of him. Erik finds her bravery to be a positive trait of her personality and somewhat respectable, though he would never tell her that. He remains seated on the floor, seemly unbothered by her as she makes her way closer. Erik looks up to meet her eyes as she towers over him. He had planned to continue his mockery of her, but soon he is perplexed; because she is no longer scowling but is now smiling. Though his face remains impassive, Erik cannot help but worry by her sudden change in demeanor.

"Justice will prevail today, and you will suffer the consequences of your actions," Okoye states. There is such confidence behind her words that for a moment Erik's bravo falters. Then, he thinks of Ashtyn, and how he cannot live the rest of his life without her and he regains his self-assurance.

Standing to his feet, Erik's chains rattle, as he meets her eyes; a brief standoff ensues. Their stare-down could have lasted for hours, but Erik breaks it with another arrogant smirk and replies, "We will see about that."

"So, we shall," Okoye counters, as she walks behind him to unlock the chain that anchors him to the back wall of the cell. Erik automatically heads towards the cell's exit, where three other members of the Dora Milaje are waiting to escort him to the royal court.

"Only four guards. I am insulted," Erik jokes.

"No worries, we have just a many escorting your wife. Moreover, we have received orders that if either of you gives us any issues that we can use lethal force if necessary. Imagine that," she says. The not so subtle warning is left hanging in the air. He should cooperate if not for himself, for his wife's sake, who clearly the Dora Milaje will not hesitate to kill if anything goes wrong during their transportation. He visibly goes rigid as the meaning of her words sinks in, and she adds, "Ah, the false king does have one weakness. Does he not?"

Erik only moves forward, unable to look at her; because he feared that he will confirm what she already suspects. Ashtyn is indeed the only way to truly defeat him. His love for her is unmatched by any other desire that he may have for anything else within the entire world. She is the air that he breaths and the blood that flows through his veins. His love for her is life itself and without her, he would fade to darkness.

Erik cannot help but feel indebted to T'Challa for his part in saving his wife's life. T'Challa could have wounded him beyond repair by allowing Ashtyn to die. However, he chose to save her instead. Despite their differences and Erik threatening on multiple occasions to harm those closest to T'Challa; he showed Erik mercy by sparing his wife. One day he will have to repay T'Challa for his good deed because the thought of being in his debt is more than Erik can tolerate.

Nevertheless, Erik shakes the notion away, knowing that he must refocus on the task of proving his case to the royal court. As they are approaching the royal court, Erik sees two members of the Dora Milaje guarding its entrance. Okoye gives the women a nod and they open the massive door to allow them entry. Once inside Erik's quickly scans the audience for Ashtyn, and one other person. To his delight, they are both presents.

Ashtyn watches as Erik's eyes scan the crowd. Though his eyes meet hers, his gaze does not linger. However, she didn't take his lack of attention as a sign of disregard. He had to remain focus on the task ahead of him, and now isn't the time for longing looks of affection. If everything goes as planned, they will soon be free to be together once more and will have plenty of time to express their love fully. The thought of him and her being within each other's arms once again nearly cause her to become overwhelmed with emotion. She misses his touch and his tender kisses upon her skin.

Seeing him standing just a few feet away from her. Ashtyn feels prideful because she is his, regardless of the presume dishonor that she should feel; due to him standing trial for his crimes against Wakanda. Despite his shackles, Erik still gives the vibe of supremacy as if he is still king.

His confidence is contagious. W'Kabi, whose trial is to begin immediately after, is present and standing off to the side. However, prior to Erik's arrival, W'Kabi was subdued, but after Erik had arrived, he visibly perks up. Perhaps, seeing Erik so unbothered by the charges against him has given W'Kabi hope.

The council consists of all the tribe's elders, with T'Challa sitting on his throne. Ashtyn side glances T'Challa, whose only focus appears to be Erik. She wonders if he truly will keep his word and remain impartial. It seems highly unlikely and somewhat alarming to her that he wouldn't say anything adverse regarding Erik. Especially considering how he and his family had bear the brunt of Erik's wrath.

Suddenly, T'Challa's eyes flutter and brakes away from Erik only to look in Ashtyn's direction. Ashtyn quickly casts her eyes away, not wanting to make it known that she has been watching him. She only chances a glimpse when she thinks that he is no longer looking, and thankfully he was not, but someone else is…Nakia.

Ashtyn's eyes are drawn to Nakia's. The slightly wild look of her eyes didn't scare Ashtyn as much as it unsettles her. Ashtyn shifted uncomfortably within her seat as she attempted to refocus on the trail. Yet, she could still feel Nakia's stare. Thankfully, once the trial begins Nakia loses interest in her and opts to observe the ongoing trial. Ashtyn not knowing what to make of the strange exchange pushes the odd occurrence out of her mind and resumes her focus on her husband.

The leader of the mining tribe, who is coated with red clay-like paint all over, speaks, "Erik Killmonger, birth name N'Jadaka, son of Prince N'Jobu. You stand trial for grand treason, specifically regarding your intent to use Wakanda's resources to further your own agenda. Moreover, you refused to satisfy the conditions of ritual combat. How do you plead?"

Without hesitation, Erik proclaims loudly, "Not guilty. I exercised the rights fully entitled to me as the sovereign ruler of Wakanda during battle," the audience gasps.

"A battle that you orchestrated," Chimes another tribe elder, this time from the river tribe.

"A war bound to happen with or without my interference," Erik corrects. "For years you all were fed lies, by the former king, T'Chaka. You withheld your resources from the rest of the world. Did you really believe that shit wouldn't come back to haunt you?"

"Mind your tongue, you hoodlum," The woman elder from the merchant tribe warns.

Erik scoffs and says, "You mutherfuckers are something else. When I was the king you all agreed with my methods or at least didn't object. Now that I am in shackles," Erik holds up his hands to show his cuffs. "You don't know me anymore."

"You placed yourself in those chains," Says the elder from the Mining tribe.

"Naw, you put me in these chains. T'Chaka put me in these chains! I am a prince of Wakanda. I challenged T'Challa in ritual combat and won the battle. If not for outside interference T'Challa would not be here sitting on the throne as king."

"What madness are you speaking," Asks the river elder.

"I cannot explain because I am was not there, but there's someone who was and has no reason to represent me in a favorable light."

"Who is this witness you speak of?" The merchant elder inquires.

"I call Priestess Zoya to the floor," Erik announces. Everyone in the crowd looks around to find Zoya sitting among them in the audience. She is clearly shocked by Erik's request. She makes her way to the floor, the crowd parting to allow her through. She is forced to stand undesirably close to her tormentor, Erik, who has on multiple occasions terrorized the woman.

Ashtyn sucks in a harsh breath, knowing that anything Zoya says could potentially be detrimental to Erik's case. Ashtyn couldn't understand Erik's reasoning for calling on Zoya, she is the last person that she thought would provide a good character reference for Erik. However, Ashtyn believes in her husband and knows that banking on Zoya's testimony is a risk; but one that Erik has thought out carefully.

"Zoya, tell everyone what you truly think about me," Erik orders. Zoya looks at his eyes wide and slack-jawed. She then looks to T'Challa and to the members of the council as if asking for permission to voice her opinion. "Don't look at them. Look at me," Erik commands harshly. "I am the one who asked you the question. This is your time, free yourself. Again, what do you think about me?"

Zoya voice is low at first as if she is unused to voicing such negative opinions. However, as she continues to speak it is obvious that she is finally unleashing all the anguish she had endured under his rule. She tells the royal court how he had physically grabbed her and intimidated her with his very presence. To this Ashtyn chanced a glance at T'Challa and could see his anger over her mistreatment, though he remained silent. Hearing Zoya's recap of her experiences while serving during Erik's rule nearly brought tears to Ashtyn's eyes. Ashtyn wasn't blind to her suffering, but now she sees that she didn't fully comprehend the magnitude of her misery.

Once Zoya had finished telling her tale. Ashtyn could see the hatred within almost everyone's eyes, and it was all focus in Erik's direction. Ashtyn could only hope that this is the outcome that Erik had planned for.

"Wow, I sound like a true monster. Don't I?" He directs the question to everyone in attendance. Ashtyn looks around to witness the expressions on the crowd's faces. Some showed no emotion, while others express their rage over his audacity to address them. "So, it can be assumed that anything she says couldn't possibly be in my favor. In fact, she has more reason than most to see me locked up for the rest of my life."

The audience is puzzled by his admission and only glances at each other as if to see what others thought about his proclamation. He smiles coyly as if they are all playing right into his hands. Ashtyn is clueless as to what he hopes to accomplish. During their brief time together to discuss the case, he was cryptic as to what his plan was to win. They were being watched closely, and surely anything too explicit would have been overheard. The only thing Ashtyn knows for sure is that he does have a plan.

Along with the rest of the spectators, Ashtyn waits to see the outcome of his supposed miscalculation of calling upon Zoya as a witness. Ashtyn herself couldn't imagine that Zoya could even provide her with a good character reference and Ashtyn hadn't ever physically threaten her. Whatever play Erik is making is a longshot and possibly the only viable card he had left to play in his hand. Ashtyn swallows hard in anticipation for what is to come.

"Zoya," He says addressing her directly. Zoya, who still must be afraid of Erik wipes away tears from her eyes. She looks at him with a mixture of anger and fear. Clearly, she doesn't want to be anywhere near him, but she stands her ground as he takes a few steps towards her and says, "You have served as a priestess for many years, haven't you?"

She nods, but Erik demands that she vocalize her response she does. Her voice gives away the inner turmoil that she is experiencing. Erik continues his line of questioning, not bothering to address her fear. He inquires, "What kind of ruler was T'Chaka? Would you say that he was fair, kind?"

"Objection!" Exclaims the merchant tribe leader. "What doesn't the late King T'Chaka has to do with your case?"

Erik turns towards around to face the tribal leaders to say, "I need to establish the standard of treatment that servants of the palace were accustomed to prior to my arrival. You say that I am on trial for not consenting to ritual combat, but that isn't the truth. In truth, I am on trial for being an asshole; I just want to prove something to you all. This is a crime against me, but I digress. I will get to all of that later. For now, I request the court to allow me to continue my line of questioning."

The tribe leaders look at one each other and are unable to find a suitable reason why he cannot continue. Though Erik isn't given an outwardly sign that he may continue he does so anyway and asks again her treatment during T'Chaka's rule.

"King T'Chaka was a great champion for Wakanda," Zoya declares. However, something about the way she says the statement feels off to Ashtyn. She has spoken with Zoya many times before and she could feel somehow that her words weren't quite the truth.

Erik smiles and says, "He was a great leader, uh? Tell me how you came to be a member of the priesthood."

"I was groomed to be a priestess since my birth. I am from a neighboring tribe, outside of Wakanda's protected borders. At age twelve I was to be delivered to the royal palace for a lifetime of servitude."

"But you were sent to the royal court much sooner than that. If I read your record correctly you came to live here at the age of nine. Why?"

Zoya's eyes widen in shock. It is obvious that she hadn't expected him to know about her past. She looks frantically to the tribe leaders for an out, but Erik rushes her with questions. Nearly backing the poor woman into a corner both literally and figuratively. No one comes to her aid, because the same authority that Erik exercised during his rule seems to suffocate the room of oxygen; causing everyone to become dizzy under Erik's spell.

Ashtyn knows the feeling. Erik has a way of seducing all, making one crave dark desires. The audience wanted to know just as badly as he wanted to tell them about the dark side of T'Chaka. It is then that Ashtyn thinks of the royal family. She looks at Ramonda, who face is one of disgust and anger; though like a true lady of elegance she somehow manages not to voice her disapproval. Ashtyn then rests her eyes on Shuri, whose expression is that of concern. Ashtyn rips her eyes away from her too afraid that what was to come next may ruin the young princess's image of her father.

Ashtyn thinks of her own father and how she hasn't spoken to him in so many years. Now here she was in Wakanda. Would she ever see him again? Though their relationship isn't what it was when she was young, she could tell that Shuri idolized her father, the same way she did in her youth. Ashtyn could only hope that whatever was going to happen next would be painless for Shuri as possible.

Erik continues to press her for answers. Zoya blurts out, "I was sold to the royal family to pay off a debt!" She confesses. The audience is shocked by her announcement and erupts in gasps and loud whispering. Ashtyn too is overtaken by the news; never would she suspect such a thing. Ashtyn looks over to T'Challa who hasn't move since the beginning of the trial and still has not said anything; impressively he still chooses to remain silent. Despite the troubling news that his father was a slave owner, T'Challa still says nothing. Therefore, permitting the accusations to stand.

"You are nothing more than a glorified slave," Erik says. Yet, his words are no longer harsh and unkind; but sympathetic. "Why were you sold?"

"My family's crops fail two years in a row. We were destitute. In my family, the firstborn is to be given to the palace as a tribute to the king. So, there's a long history between my family and the royal palace. My father petition for a loan from King T'Chaka, who refused to grant my father's request. Instead, he demanded that I be given to him sooner than originally scheduled. He didn't give any reason for needing me sooner than my time, and my parents were unwilling to part with me before my expected time. They begged for him to reconsider his decision, but he wouldn't yield. He tore me away from my mother's arms and I never saw them again."

"So, you are a victim just like me of his authority. You never asked for any of this. Can you see that I didn't either? I am only the monster that I was made to be, my intention when I ruled Wakanda was to keep the horrible things that happened to you and to me from happening to anyone else," he says. Ashtyn can see that Zoya has been convinced. His manipulation was so smooth that if Ashtyn didn't understand the nature of her husband she would have been seduced by his words as well.

Turning to face the audience he says, "I'm am not a saint. I have wronged you all in many ways, but I have never hidden who I am from the world. I will never pretend to be someone I am not. T'Chaka put on the shroud of a righteous king, but he was far from it. I wanted to empower our people and protect them, even when the enemy comes from within. During T'Chaka's reign, villages were invaded, colonizers tore families apart, and he did nothing. Is it because he acted in his own self-interest? Were you any safer under his rule?"

While his words are still resonating, he turns to address Zoya, he asks, "When I was your king did you ever question my ability to keep Wakanda safe?"

"No," She answers. The audience erupts in gasps. The tribal leaders attempt to regain control over the trial. It takes a while but eventually the chatter dies out.

"But that doesn't change your treatment of me. You objected me to horrors that no one should ever be subjected to," Zoya states. Yet, her words aren't as convincing as they once were, her voice lacks the convictions that it once had.

Erik approaches her, his chains jiggles as he does. He says, "I will not apologize for my actions. It is simply not within me to do so, but I personally never wanted to hurt you. I am a product of T'Chaka's poor decisions, same as you."

Ashtyn sits in awe. Has he managed to convince everyone that he isn't the beast that they believed him to be? Zoya adds nothing more and the tribal leaders allow her to take her seat. The conversate among themselves for a moment. Before the mining tribal leader announces, "We will reconvene tomorrow to give our verdict."

"Oh, hell no," Erik says.

"Pardon?" The mining leader replies appall by his outburst.

"I said hell no are you going to put me back in that cell, while y'all take your time to decide my fate. I demand a verdict. There aren't any other witnesses to call. Everything regarding my case is public record. Are do you all need more time to find something else to pin on me? No, we ain't about to do that. This case is nothing more than no one likes the fact that I was king for a time. In fact, I am the one who has been victimized by the people of Wakanda."

The audience is shocked by his statement and begin murmuring amongst themselves. Yet, the river tribe leader holds up his hand to silence them. He asks, "What crimes has Wakanda committed against you?"

Erik smiles, and says, "T'Challa's ritual combat challenge against me was unlawful. The rules specifically state that no outside inference is permitted. If anyone is unable to continue the battle they are to submit to the winner. No way after being thrown off the top of a waterfall should he in any condition to continue. Am I to believe that he magically healed himself? As I see it…I am still the crowned king and have been unjustly prosecuted."

The tribe leaders are taken aback by his accusation, and clearly, do not agree with his assessment. They begin to deny his claims, but T'Challa finally speaks, "He is right."

His announcement is a shock to everyone. His mother attempts to stop him from saying anything more, but T'Challa politely quieted her. He then says, "He is right ritual combat clearly states that no one may receive assistant of any sort. I was comatose and if not for the help of my family and friends I would be still asleep or worse. By all rights his claim has merit," T'Challa approaches Erik and stands before him. He meets his eyes and asks, "Do you still wish for me to challenge you for the crown?"

This is the moment of truth, Ashtyn thinks. They haven't had a moment alone, not truly, and she doesn't even know if he still desires to be king. She holds her breath wondering if indeed Erik would accept T'Challa's invitation. A beat of a moment passes, before Erik says, "No. I don't need to be king anymore, but there is something I want."

"That is?"

"Freedom, for me and my wife," Then Erik looks over to W'Kabi and adds, "And allow for W'Kabi to return home. He was only following my orders."

Ashtyn looks a see that W'Kabi is surprised by Erik's request to have him freed as well. His surprised expression eventually gives way to admiration and gratefulness. Though he is no longer useful to Erik, maybe could be considered a liability; because his own case hasn't been proven against Wakanda. Erik still hasn't forgotten about him. For that W'Kabi is eternally grateful to him.

T'Challa ponders Erik's request. Then asks, "You no longer want the crown? What about all the blood you have shed to get to me?" T'Challa says, challenging Erik's claim.

"The blood I that I've shed, the lives I took cannot be undone. The ends use to justify the means, but now…I believe differently."

"Change your mind?" T'Challa questions.

"More like a change in heart," Erik replies. As his eyes, drifts to Ashtyn. Her heart flutters knowing that his lust for power no longer comes before their love for each other.

"T'Challa follows Erik's line of vision. When his eyes land on Ashtyn, she rips her eyes away from Erik to hold T'Challa's gaze. Only briefly did Ashtyn consider Nakia and her ominous stare from early, but now isn't the time for her to concern herself with such things. She must do everything in her power to convince T'Challa to grant Erik's request; with pleading eyes, she beseeches him.

T'Challa gives her a small smile, and Ashtyn can only hope that it is a positive sign. He takes a deep breath, then says, "I will agree to your terms, but on one condition."

Erik smirks as if he suspected nothing less. He asks, "What is it?"

"New threats are always arising. Some of them may require more than the Black Panther to overcome. If a time comes when I need you, you must swear to me that you and your wife will answer the call."

Erik stood staring at his cousin surprised. Of all the things that T'Challa could have ask of him, to be his back-up wasn't something that he would have ever pictured. Erik must ask, "What makes you think you can trust me? That I will honor any promises that I give to you?"

T'Challa smirks, and he walks closer to Erik and leans in to whisper into his ear. Only Erik can hear the words being utter by him. Whatever was said immediately has Erik in agreement with T'Challa and the two men do the unthinkable and seal the deal with a firm handshake. T'Challa then turns to face everyone and proclaims their freedom. Unlike all the other bombshells that have been dropped throughout the trial, this time because it was the king who spoke; all remain silent. T'Challa orders the removal of Erik's chains. Reluctantly, Okoye obeys, the look of disgust on her face is apparent.

Once his chains have been removed, something within Ashtyn snaps. The reality of him being free hits her with such force that she leaps out her seat and runs towards him and embraces him. Erik holds her within his powerful arms, and she sobs tears of joy into his chest. She can feel his heart beating, though he refuses to show his happiness as openly as she, Ashtyn can tell that he is glad to have her within his arms once more.

T'Challa watches their display of public affection with a muted gaze. Ashtyn sees him and mouths, "Thank you," something that she knew her husband will never tell him, but she feels is right to do. T'Challa offers a small smile and nods in acknowledgment of her gratitude.

"If you desire you may leave the palace," T'Challa says. "However, I will not force you to."

T'Challa and Erik share a glance, for a moment, before Erik says, "We will return with W'Kabi to live in his village. I don't think my lady is comfortable here."

"As you wish." T'Challa acknowledges. He then nods farewell to them both and instructs the Dora Milaje to help them gather their belongings. If Okoye has anything negative to say she chooses not to verbally express her concerns, she brushes past them in a hurry. W'Kabi attempts to speak to her, but she refuses to acknowledge him. His face falls and he is hurt, but he clears his throat and says, "Upon our arrival to my village you are more than welcome to reside in your previous lodging,"

"I appreciate it brotha," Erik says. W'Kabi walks away, perhaps to head for home.

Erik and Ashtyn head to the room where she has been staying to retrieve her and Erik's few belongings. She had kept his things upon his arrest. With her suitcase open she folds her and his clothing and packs them. She is bent over arranging the various articles of fabric to ensure that she can pack away as much as possible. When she feels the familiar hardest pressing against her ass. Erik grinds into her and she moans recalling the last time they were together.

"Do you know how much I have missed you," He says. The longing in his voice is so evident.

"I have missed you too," Ashtyn says.

"I need you now. I can't wait any longer," He says as he unzips his pants. She obeys completely submitting to his will she hikes up her dress to allow him entry. It didn't matter to her that members of the Dora Milaje are just outside of their door. Or, if they hurry, they could be alone in their villa; at W'Kabi's village and make love there without any possible overhearers of their lovemaking session. Yet, the idea of waiting any longer to physically reconnect is not something that appeals to either of them.

Before entering Ashtyn, he swaps her the entrance of her sex with his fingers. Bringing his fingers to his nose he breathes her in, savoring the familiar scent. The thoughts that entertained his mind during his incarceration, were of her. How he had imagined all the freaky things and ways he wanted to take her once he has been freed. Now that he is, he could, and damn it he will have her. Not wasting a second more he enters her. Almost painfully slow filling her with himself. Her body stretches to accommodate him, and he notices that she is tighter than usual.

"Fuck…" He hisses, as he begins to move inside her. "Your body has nearly forgotten me." Ashtyn attempts to say something in response, but all she can manage is a moan. Erik smirks loving how dazed she is, he says, "Don't worry I got you. I going to remind that pussy who it belongs to." His rhythm picks up and she begins to scream his name. Though Erik wasn't at all ashamed of anyone possibly hearing her screams, in fact, part of him took pride in the thought of everyone knowing that she is his. Yet, he knows that Ashtyn would be mortified to know that the entire palace overheard them.

So, he brings her upwards, pressing her back to his hard chest, and covers her mouth with his hand. Finally, with his hand working as a sound buffer, she is free to scream as loudly as she wants, and she does. He continues to work her over, not only satisfying his own need but hers. It feels too good to be with her again, that even he is finding it difficult to remain quiet. At times, soft moans escape from his lips. Yet, he regains his control over his sensual pleasures being satiated by her body, but just barely.

It doesn't help that his wife is bouncing up and down on his dick like it is a polo stick. It is then that it occurs to him that a quickie is something that they probably should never do, considering once they start it is difficult for them to stop. Nevertheless, he must put an end to their love scene. He trails kisses to her earlobe and says in her ear, "This is only a prelude to what is to come. You might cum now but later when we are back home, we are going to fuck like wild animals. If you don't get pregnant after this, trust me you will next time. Now show me how much you missed me and make me cum."

His words penetrate Ashtyn deeply. Causing her to quiver with desire and will to show him her love for him. She picks up her pacing and bounces harder. He holds her, his legs never wavering as he stands with her embraced within his arms. He bites his lower lip as he succumbs to the waves of pleasure traveling throughout his body. She whimpers against his hand as she too feels her orgasm overtaking her. They collapse onto the bed before them. He doesn't immediately release her. Instead, they remain entangled with his member is still nestled inside her.

Accept for their efforts to catch their breath, the room is silent. Ashtyn is basking in the afterglow of the reunion when she hears Erik confess, "Being without you was like death to me. I can't go through that shit ever again."

"Neither can I," She agrees.

"No matter whatever happens promise me one thing."

"What, baby?"

"We will fight our way out of any situation that will separate us. We will find each other if lost, and we will always have each other backs."

Ashtyn turns to look at him and she can see the pain within his eyes. He may appear strong and perhaps indestructible, but their separation was clearly harder on him than she ever could imagine. She would sacrifice anything to never see that look on his face. She vows, "I will die before I let anything ever take you away from me."

Erik humorlessly chuckles. Remembering her near-death experience being the reason why he is indebted to T'Challa in the first place. "I would rather you live and fight by my side."

"Then I am your girl."

"I already know that. Let's get the hell out of here. I want to address some things with you in a more private location." He says with an evil gleam in his eyes as his hardening member began to swell within her. He wants to take her to their villa, where she could be free to express herself. Yet, his body has other plans. As she begins to grind against him, he realizes that leaving, for the time being, isn't going to happen. Fuck it, she is going to have to be okay with being heard because he is going to break her offer proper right now. "So much for a quickie," He says as he hears a moan escape Ashtyn's lips.

A/N: Thank you so much for reading. Sorry for the long wait for an update. Appreciate you all! Concrete Lily.