by D. Camille
Tara watched as Diamond lowered her face into her hands.
“Now he’s hot and sexy, and all I want to do is kiss him, rip his damn clothes off and feel his perfect body.” Diamond murmured.
Blinking, Tara waited for her to continue.
“He’s so smart, and strong…and sensual…” Diamond finished, lifting her head. “Dammit, Tara…that boy has my mind all messed up.”
Tara laughed. “As he should…”
Standing to her feet, Diamond walked over to the window. “I’m ready to go all in…everything else be damned. I want that man,” she confessed. “And nothing is going to stand in our way…not Justice, not my Daddy, not Lilac, or anybody else.”
“Lilac?” Tara asked confused.
Diamond turned back to her. “Girl…she threatened me over Xavier.”
“Our Lilac?”
“I hate when you do that,” Diamond told her with a frown. “Xavier’s little sister, Lilac…yes.”
“She is dangerous…” Tara commented.
“She may be,” Diamond lifted a brow. “But, she still don’t want none of this…”
Tara smiled. “You know the rules, but then again…Justice did, too.”
Diamond sighed. “I want this mission to be over. I want to go home with Xavier and see what being a normal couple feels like.”
Tara scrunched her face.
“Well…our normal.” Diamond corrected. “You know, my Daddy dated my Momma for a while before they got married.”
“Weren’t you born like the day after their wedding?” Tara asked.
Diamond looked at her. “More like a month, so get your facts straight.”
Tara laughed. “I understand what you’re saying. I remember dating Stephen and it was a wonderful time in our relationship. I’m sure Xavier wants the same thing.”
Diamond smiled. “We walked in Central Park today…” She sighed. “And took pictures together…”
“Ooooh, let me see.” Tara said excitedly.
Taking out her phone, Diamond pulled up the photos and handed the phone to Tara.
“Wow, you two look so good together.” Tara told her flipping through.
“He’s going to a party on one of the buses with the rappers tonight.” Diamond frowned. “The dude said there would be blunts, bitches and booze, for everybody…”
Tara handed Diamond her phone back. “That’s another part of the business, and I’m so glad Stephen never really got into that.”
Diamond put her phone away. “I know it’s his cover, and he does have to play the part…but thinking of some woman all over him, makes me want to handle some things.”
“It’s a cover, Diamond.” Tara reminded her. “Don’t lose your focus.”
“We’ll see how deep this cover will go,” Diamond commented.
The door opened and they both waited until the handsome man arrived in the living room. Tara got to her feet then walked into her husband’s embrace before he kissed her softly.
“Hello, love…” Steph greeted her.
“Hello, Stephen. We’ve been waiting for you.”
Steph looked up, then smiled. “Hello, Diamond.”
“Hey, Stephen. How are you?”
He took a seat and guided Tara down onto his lap. “I’m good, now that I’m back with this sweet woman.”
Tara smiled down at him and Diamond laughed.
“I’m so glad I put you two together.”
Tara frowned. “Don’t start that Diamond.”
Steph chuckled and looked at his wife. “I just met with your cousins and everything is good. I need to get them some information, though.”
She nodded. “Okay, are you ready for dinner?”
He agreed and Tara turned to Diamond.
“We’ll get some dinner, and then maybe I can show you around the Boroughs, B?” Tara tried her New York accent.
Diamond looked at Steph. “Why do you let her keep trying to do that?”
He laughed. “Because she’s my love and she can try as much as she wants…”
“What? I’m getting better…” Tara complained.
“No, you’re not…” Diamond told her. “But you’re still my fave…”
Tara frowned at her. “Thank you, Diamond.”
“Let me take you beautiful ladies to dinner,” Steph told them. “And Diamond, Xavier is having me send Tara’s detail with you back to the hotel.”
Diamond rolled her eyes. “I swear, those guys act like we’re helpless,”
“They want you safe,” Steph told her. “We all do.”
She grabbed her bag. “Fine, let’s have dinner because I have work to do later tonight.”
Tara looked at Diamond. “What kind of work?”
“I’m monitoring the team with Skye, as the others attend this bus party.” Diamond informed her. “Six is going as Xavier’s body guard. Justice is attending with this little dancer he met, to get information out of her, and Lilac and Jade were invited by some of the other crew.”
“So, Skye and I are relieving Alex,” Diamond finished.
“Diamond, remember that Xavier is undercover…” Tara warned.
Diamond smirked. “Xavier, had better remember that this is a cover.”
Tara sighed. “This is why Uncle Ray never liked the team hooking up together.”
Steph frowned. “Who’s hooking up?” he asked.
“Xavier and Diamond,” Tara told him.
“Thanks Tara, for letting us tell everyone,” Diamond complained.
Tara looked at her. “This is my husband, who happens to be helping on this mission,” she told Diamond firmly. “And I don’t lie to him…or keep any secrets.”
Steph smiled and kissed her face. “Thank you, love.”
Diamond rolled her eyes. “Well Stephen, can you not tell anyone back in LA?”
“I don’t socialize with all of your parents,” Steph told her. “I just work for them and see them at family gatherings.”
Laughing, Diamond said, “And that’s probably more than you ever wanted…”
He nodded. “Sometimes…”
“Stephen!” Tara protested.
“Tara, you know your family. Your grandparents?” He lifted a brow.
Tara nodded slowly. “Yes, I guess you’re right.”
“Hell yeah, he’s right.” Diamond agreed. “I don’t know how he does it. Most guys would have hauled ass a long time ago.”
Steph smiled. “I was kidnapped for this woman. I’m never leaving her side.”
Diamond laughed as Tara looked at Steph. He kissed her gently, then got them both to their feet before the trio headed out to the waiting car to take them to dinner. Inside the vehicle, Diamond’s device buzzed and she smiled.
Have a nice dinner with Tara.
She replied.
Thank you. I will. Are you getting ready for tonight?
Xavier answered.
Yes, dinner with the rest of the team before we head out. Skye will meet you at the hotel.
Diamond nodded and typed…
Thank you for today…it was beautiful
She glanced up at Tara and Steph, in each other’s arms before the reply came.
Goddess, I will make every day beautiful for you, because you’re the beauty that inspires me in every way. Watching your strength has made me stronger…being in your presence and experiencing your divination, has made me worship you…and having your love confirms that the Universe has shown favor on me, for which I am eternally grateful…
Diamond inhaled and held her breath for a moment. Tara looked over at her as she typed on her device with a sappy smile on her face.
I have no response to that…except, if I didn’t already love you…you’ve shown why I’d be a damn fool
Looking up, Diamond caught Tara’s gaze before her fave smiled at her.
“I know who that is,” Tara told her.
Diamond returned her smile then returned her attention to the screen, reading his reply.
She closed her eyes and remembered their private time together. Diamond could still feel his lips on hers and his hands on her body. Her thighs tingled from his touch as she looked down at the ‘x’ on her chest and remembered his warm mouth kissing her there.
Do you two even care that people are monitoring these devices? Damn, you need to switch to a private line.
They both looked at Alex’s message and Diamond chuckled while responding.
Sorry, Alex. I’ll see you later, Xavier. Be safe tonight.
Xavier also replied.
Alex, we need to talk, privately. Diamond, I will check in with you later, my Goddess.
They all agreed and ended the chat as Diamond arrived at the trendy restaurant with Steph and Tara. Once inside, they were seated immediately. The married couple sat on one side with Diamond across from them in the booth.
“So, what are the two of you going to do here in New York?” Diamond asked.
Steph gave Tara a sexy look and she flushed.
“Okay, no need to answer,” Diamond told them. “Next question…”
“I came to check in on the tour and the office here,” Steph said. “And to give Tara a break from Mommy duties…”
Tara smiled. “Yes, I have some other duties while I’m here.”
Diamond shook her head. “Y’all are Grandpa Justin and Grandma Carolyn for real…”
They all laughed as the waitress came to take their drink orders. When she left, they looked at the menu.
“You didn’t have to be away from the team, Diamond.” Tara told her. “I would’ve understood if you didn’t have time to see me.”
Diamond looked up and smiled. “I always have time for my fave…plus this was a rest day for the talent. They’re all partying tonight.”
“So you and Xavier?” Steph asked Diamond, and she grinned.
“Yes, me and Xavier.”
Steph nodded. “He’s a great performer. I was just telling him today that we’d sign him if he wanted a career change.”
“I wish the hell he would,” Diamond replied and the couple laughed.
“You don’t like the X-Ception?” Steph questioned.
Diamond lifted a brow. “I like certain aspects of the X-Ception. The rest he can leave on this damn tour. Sexy girls love thugs…what the hell is that?”
“I never knew Xavier had any thug,” Tara commented.
“That Benjamin Rucker gene…” Diamond said, shaking her head.
Steph looked at Tara in confusion. “Who is that again?” he asked.
“It was Uncle Sean’s alter ego.” Tara answered. “The very deadly side…”
“I don’t want to know.” Steph said turning back to his menu.
Diamond smiled and began perusing her own menu.
“Hello, Diamond.”
Three heads looked up at the man standing beside the table. Steph looked to Diamond before responding.
“Jason, what are you doing here?” Diamond asked.
He laughed. “It’s a restaurant and I’m having dinner. I saw you and wanted to say hello.”
“Hello.”
Jason smiled at her terse response, then turned to Steph.
“Stephen Worthy, right? CEO of Watson Entertainment?” Jason held out his hand and Steph stood to look him in the eye.
“Yes, who are you?”
“Jason Stewart. I do PR and Publicity for musical talent. I’ve been trying to get your company to sign some of my acts for a while.” Jason explained.
Tara and Diamond shared a look as the men continued.
“We don’t sign rappers,” Steph told him. “Especially if they have a negative image of women…”
Jason nodded. “The X-Ception is with you, though?”
“He is,” Steph agreed. “And none of his lyrics degrade women…I made sure of it.”
“He isn’t hard core, and now I know why.” Jason said. “So that’s the type of acts you sign?”
Steph smiled. “No, he’s the exception.”
Diamond laughed and Jason glanced at her.
“Is there anything else I can help you with?” Steph asked. “I’d like to have dinner with my family.”
Jason lifted a brow and slid Diamond a look. “Family?” he questioned, turning back to Steph.
“Yes,” Steph told him firmly, with no further explanation.
Nodding, Jason got the message. “Well, let me not interrupt your dinner.”
He turned to Diamond and said, “Maybe I’ll see you later at the bus party?”
Diamond replied. “The X-Ception will be there.”
“I hope to see you as well.”
“Enjoy your dinner, Jason.” Diamond told him.
He fixed his expensive tie. “You do the same, Diamond.”
Turning back to Steph and Tara, Jason said politely, “It was nice to meet you. Maybe we’ll do some business in the future?”
Steph looked at Jason. “Enjoy your dinner.”
Jason gave Steph one last look, before departing. After he was gone, Steph sat back down and looked at Diamond.
“Who the hell is that?” Steph asked her.
Diamond frowned. “Jason Stewart. He’s the publicist for one of the top acts. We believe he might have some connection to all of this.”
Steph and Tara frowned. “Why is he all over you?” Tara asked.
“I’m Diamond Black.”
Tara sighed. “Diamond…”
Diamond shrugged. “He thinks he can show me the finer things in life…”
Steph shook his head. “If only he knew your family.”
“Right,” Diamond agreed. “I don’t need a man to show me anything, but his love…and one man has shown me that, all of his life.”
Chapter 16
Xavier, Six, Justice, Lilac and Jade walked out of the elevators heading to where the buses were parked. Six had his earpiece in to connect with the monitors.
“Can you hear me?” Six asked.
“Yes, you’re clear.” Diamond answered.
“And we have eyes on you, too.” Skye told her brother.
Six nodded. “We’re going to split up at the bus. Who has Lilac and Jade?”
“I do,” Skye answered. “Diamond has the guys.”
Six rolled his eyes. “Why am I not surprised?”
“Okay, Six…let’s just get this over with.” Diamond told him.
“Keep me updated on locations through the earpiece,” Six instructed.
“Got it,” Skye replied.
When the group arrived at the outdoor party around the bus, Xavier was greeted by a few of the other performers, before Justice, Jade and Lilac went in search of their targets. The music from inside was loud and bumping, while people entered and exited. Six stayed by Xavier’s side as he was invited on the bus.
“The bus is wild! Come on and get in on this shit!” One guy told him, eyeing Six.
“I got this, Six…” Xavier told him.
Six paused. “Are you sure?”
Xavier glanced at the bus and nodded. “Yeah, hang around out here.”
“Okay,” Six replied.
Watching Xavier walk away with the other guys, Six checked in.
“Keep eyes on Xavier. He’s on his own.” Six said, firmly. “I’m checking on Lilac and Jade.”
“I’ve got him.” Diamond responded.
Xavier climbed on to the bus and was greeted by a huge cloud of weed smoke. He inhaled and decided to try to not do that too much, to keep his head clear. Inside the bus, he saw a pole set up where one woman was sliding up and down. Off to the side, women were twerking to the thumping bass.
On the tables were bottles, and all types of drug paraphernalia. With the other guys, he took a seat and was immediately passed a blunt. Xavier took it and became the X-Ception…
Diamond listened and watched her screen. From Xavier’s c
hain, she could see across from where he was sitting and half-naked women dancing.
“Hit this shit X-Ception!” the dude told him.
Xavier looked at the rolled up cigar then held it out and examined it. “What you got in here?” he questioned.
Diamond’s eyes widened when she saw the blunt in Xavier’s hand.
“That good shit,” the guy told him, with a wide smile covered with a grill. “Gone head and suck on it…”
Shaking her head, Diamond continued to watch.
Rolling the cigar in his fingers for a moment, Xavier took two quick hits before attempting to pass it back.
He nodded. “That’s decent,” Xavier told them and they laughed.
“Hit it again,” they urged him on.
Two more puffs and Xavier sniffed, before handing it to the dude eagerly waiting next to him.
“We poppin’ bottles!” The cry rang out through the bus before Diamond heard corks popping through the microphone.
Xavier turned to the other guys. “So this what y’all do on this tour?” he asked.
They laughed. “Yeah, this one of the best. We do it every year, if we performing or not…just for the action.”
Xavier looked up as the big breasted, young woman poured him a drink into a glass, then handed it to him. “Here you go, sexy.”
“Thanks,” Xavier took it and nodded.
Diamond saw the breasts in her screen and pulled back.
The young woman smiled at Xavier. “I’ll be back.”
Xavier smiled and she filled glasses for the other guys before moving away. Turning his attention back to his subjects, he asked, “What kind of action?”
“You can make some money, even if you not on stage.”
“I’m wit’ that.” Xavier agreed. “How many stacks we talkin’.”
One smiled. “Nigga, stacks on stacks…”
Xavier chugged from his glass, to not appear too anxious. Nodding his head to the beat, he looked around slowly, then turned back to the guys trying to interpret their thoughts, but got nothing but sexual positions as they stared at the dancing women.
“So what a nigga gotta do to get on?” he asked.
They smoked and drank, while looking him over. “Gotta get checked out…”
“By who?” Xavier asked as the door opened and pandemonium broke out as Lil D entered the bus.