by Mary Smith
Jenessa glanced through the pages and then went back to the beginning reading it more closely. Shade sat at the other end of the couch, and Mikayla rested against the arm.
“You’re working with Jean?” Jenessa finally looked up.
“Yes, with his fall jewelry line,” she confirmed.
“Who did you sleep with to get that gig?” Jenessa glared.
Mikayla tossed her arms in the air. “Forget it.” She went to grab the contract, but Shade jumped in between them.
“Enough. Both of you.” His tone wasn’t loud, but he got his point across. “Help your sister,” he demanded Jenessa. “Stop being hateful,” he instructed Mikayla. Then left them both alone.
Neither of them talked for several seconds. They only stared at each other, barely blinking.
“Jarvis got you this job.” Jenessa spoke first.
“Are you asking a question?”
“Making an observation.” She sighed, held her hand out and stood up. “May I see It again?”
Mikayla gently handed the contract over to her and sat down on the couch. Jenessa paced the living room, studying over every word.
“Truthfully, this is a good deal,” she commented, taking a seat again. “You will receive fifty percent of the sales, which is an outstanding cut. The deal is for two years but has a promise clause to extend it. Plus, you don’t have to move to New York City. Just attend mandatory meetings and events,” Jenessa explained.
“What’s the downside?” Mikayla knew there was always bad news.
“Well, you wouldn’t be able to go back to college. Jean’s demanding a number of items and specific times. I’m not sure how you can do it all. Plus, you’ll be at Jean’s beck and call. It doesn’t specifically say it, but it’s the impression I’m getting from the contract.” She handed the papers back.
“I already figured most of that already.” Mikayla slipped the contract into her purse. “How much do I owe you? I can send it through PayPal.”
“It’s fine.” Jenessa waved her away.
They sat several seconds in silence. Mikayla actually felt uncomfortable and decided it would be best to leave. Just before she stood to do so, Jenessa spoke up.
“We’ve not spoken in a long time.”
“Not my fault. You’re a bitch,” Mikayla told her with full eye contact.
“Stop calling me a bitch.”
“Stop being one,” she countered.
Jenessa rolled her eyes.
“Look, Nes, you don’t see it yet, but you will hit rock bottom, and I believe it’ll be soon.” Mikayla stood. “You’re going to be alone, and it’ll be your fault. No one else’s.” She didn’t wait for a response. She simply walked out of the house and to her car.
“How do you feel?” Elexis asked refilling Mikayla’s Hi-C for the second time.
“Like a double-edged sword. I was happy to see her and glad she didn’t scratch my eyes out. Then again, she still doesn’t see what’s happening around her.” Mikayla took a sip of her drink. She came home, found Elexis and completely unloaded on her about everything that happened to her.
“I know how much you miss her,” Elexis said sadly.
“I do, but the truth is the truth. She keeps pushing us all away, which is only going to cause her pain.” But it would. If she knew Jenessa was alone, she truly couldn’t bear it.
“She’ll come around. I can’t imagine her pain.”
Mikayla nodded. “I know. She absolutely lost it when their baby died. I can’t fault her emotions for that. She’ll always carry that pain.”
“But she needs to see the support around her as well,” Elexis said exactly what she thought.
“I hope she realizes it before Shade finally gives up all hope on them.” Even saying the words broke her heart. “If he divorces her, it would kill us all.”
“Maybe her seeing Shade leave could kick her back into reality.” Elexis shrugged.
“You’re probably right.” Mikayla sighed.
“So, what are you going to do about the contract?” Elexis changed the topic.
“I’m going to sign it. I like going to college, but it’s not for me.” Mikayla always knew school wasn’t her forte. Sure, she did well, but her passion was in creating things. Deep down, she knew it. This would give her two years of outstanding experiences. Who knew where it would lead to? But she wanted to see what this future held.
“Have you told Jarvis any of this yet?” Elexis inquired.
“I haven’t but will later. I’ll probably go—”
The doorbell interrupted her sentence. Elexis went over to answer it. A couple of seconds later, her eyes landed on Jarvis carrying a bag from her favorite sub shop.
“Hey.” She stood up to give him a kiss. “I was just talking to Elexis about you.”
“All good, I hope.” He flashed his sexy smile.
“Nope, I told her what an asshole you were,” she joked.
“It was all good,” Elexis confirmed. “Nice to see you, Jarvis.”
“Wait,” he called out before she left. “I texted Dag and got you a sub as well.” He opened the bag pulling out the subs and individual bags of chips. “I thought we’d all have dinner,” he suggested.
“Thank you, Jarvis. It’s very kind of you.” Elexis beamed.
Mikayla refilled her glass and pulled a couple of bottles of water from the fridge for Jarvis and Elexis. They sat around eating their subs, having small conversations in between bites.
“How did the photoshoot go?” Mikayla inquired.
“The equipment is new and a bit stiff, but overall I think it went well. The photographer seemed happy.” Before taking another bite of his sub, he asked Elexis, “Are you really a virtual teacher?”
She smiled. “I am. I love it too.”
“How does it work?”
Jarvis’s question led Elexis to go into great detail about the process and her classes. Mikayla was always impressed by Elexis’s dedication to her job.
As they finished their food and cleaned up their mess, Elexis and Jarvis finished their back and forth discussion about virtual schools pros and cons. Elexis said she had work to do before leaving Mikayla and Jarvis alone.
“How was your day?” He wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling their bodies together.
“Strange,” she admitted. “Let’s go sit in the living room.”
Leading him to the couch she wondered why she suddenly became nervous. This was Jarvis, her boyfriend.
“You look scared,” he commented.
“Not scared. Anxious,” she corrected.
“Why? There’s no need to be.” He put his arm on the back of the couch as she curled her legs under her.
“I went to the appointment with Joy then headed off to Jean’s,” she began. “He acted strangely then gave me a new contract.”
“A new one?” Jarvis’s furrowed brow showed his confusion.
“He’s giving me a larger portion of money and wants me to be with him full-time for the next two years,” she further explained.
His eyes went wide. “Are you kidding me?”
“Nope, but that means no more college while I work with him because I’ll be traveling back and forth to New York City and Jean can be demanding.”
“True but think of all the doors this will open. I mean, Jean’s a bit nutty, but a powerhouse in the fashion world. Even if you only do the two years people will flock to you wanting to use your talents.” He smiled. “I’m so proud of you.”
Tears burned behind her eyes from the love Jarvis displayed. “I also saw Jenessa today.”
“Oh.” He slightly gasped. “I need to tell you something.
“What?”
“I saw her yesterday.”
Mikayla almost jumped to the conclusion that she didn’t want to believe. Jarvis wouldn’t go behind her back. She knew it. Therefore, she waited for him to finish talking before losing her cool.
“She asked how you were doing. I told her we went on
a little vacation. Then, in no uncertain words, I told her she needed you and Shade.”
“Thank you for saying such nice things.” Mikayla gave him a tender kiss and was glad she didn’t jump to any conclusions.
“You’re not mad because I talked to her?”
“I’d be upset if you tried to sleep with her or if you didn’t tell me. You just talked to her.” She shrugged. “It’s not a big deal.”
“Just so you can be aware of this, I’m only fucking you.” He winked.
Mikayla rolled her eyes. “You’re always thinking of your penis.”
“It’s my favorite body part, and I believe it’s very intelligent.”
His comment caused her to laugh loudly. He pulled her closer giving her a kiss.
“I missed you today,” he said against her lips.
“Me too, but I had to work today.”
She pushed him down to lay on the couch. Their lips connected and the kiss turned passionate quickly. She moaned and their tongues battled for a while before they had to separate for air.
“I need to feel the belt tonight,” he whispered against her ear as he nibbled on the lobe.
“We can’t do it here. The walls are too thin.” Mikayla pouted because she wanted the same thing.
“Jackson is still at my place,” he angrily growled. She knew he hated that.
“Hotel?” she suggested.
“Walls are too thin there as well,” he said, and she could see his wheels spinning.
“I have an idea. Hang on.” She lifted herself off him and grabbed her phone.
Mikayla: L., is there a room available?
Lakota: For you?
Mikayla: Yes, I’d like to bring Jarvis. I’ll vouch for him.
Lakota: You’re always welcome to a room. I’ll have one ready when you get here.
Mikayla: Thank you.
Turning to Jarvis, she said, “I’m driving.”
As Mikayla turned onto the road toward Passions, she noticed Jarvis become very nervous. She felt the same as she parked the car.
“This is where I worked at,” she said, turning the car off.
“Okay.” He rubbed his temples. “Um…I need to make something clear.”
“I’m listening.” She sat on pins and needles waiting to see what was going to come out of him.
He cleared his throat. “I’m a member here.”
She pushed her jealousy away. A part of her figured he might be a member, but she tried not to think of the other girls inside touching her man.
“Let’s go in.” She got out of the car and went to knock on the door.
The doorman opened the slit and saw Mikayla then Jarvis. He opened the door and let them come in.
“Go see her first.”
Mikayla knew where to go and Jarvis seemed to follow. She wondered how many times he’d come here. Had he been with Lakota? She had to know him too. Jarvis only went to the best in every regard. Obviously, he had a session with her. She was the best.
Lakota opened the door before Mikayla could knock.
“My, my, my.” She smiled. “This is going to be fun. Come in.”
As soon as the door closed, Mikayla went on the defense with her hands on her hips. “You knew us.”
“Yes.” She sat in the middle of the couch.
“Did you play us?” Jarvis questioned.
“No,” Lakota firmly said. “You both confided in me. I never betrayed either of you. I simply helped you both see how stubborn you each are and made sure you saw the light.”
“You played us,” Jarvis groaned in anger.
“Nope. I was helping a client and an employee,” she innocently stated.
“Your policy is clear. Clients and employees aren’t allowed to date,” Mikayla reminded her.
“You two never went into a room together. In fact, neither of you even knew the other was here,” she informed them. “And it’s my rule. I can do with it as I choose.”
Mikayla glanced at Jarvis and then back to Lakota.
“You two need to stop being, for lack of a better word, you. Just be together and be happy.” Lakota stood up. “You both love each other and are open with each other. So, grow up and get over this extremely minor detail.”
“Yes, ma’am,” they answered in unison.
“Go enjoy yourself.” Lakota opened the door. “Room four, Jarvis. Mikayla get ready.” With that, they were dismissed.
Mikayla went to her locker. She didn’t want this to be just a client. She loved Jarvis. This would be a loving moment between them. She kept her black leggings on and slipped into a red tank. She had several belts she enjoyed using. Choosing a well-worn brown leather one, it was the very first belt she ever used on a man. She made her way to Jarvis, who was ready for this scene.
Coming into the room, her heart raced. Jarvis laid naked on his stomach. His firm body spread eagle waiting to be tied to the bed. His muscles tensed when she touched his warm skin. She didn’t say anything as she moved with ease securing him to the bed.
“What’s the safe word?” she whispered close to his ear.
“Unicorns,” he answered, moving to face her.
“Good.” She leaned in and kissed his cheek, something she never did with anyone else.
Mikayla stood back and examined where to hit him first. Belting had a precise direction as not to harm the submissive. She folded the belt in half, snapping it together. This made Jarvis jump, thus bringing a smile to her face. Taking a deep breath, the first strike hit the meatiest part of his firm ass.
Jarvis let out a deep moan.
Mikayla waited several seconds. She laid the second strike just above the first one. The red stripes began to glow, and she struck him for the third time. Then again and again. Jarvis pulled on the restraints, showing his strength as the iron bed rods creaked. His ass, now a royal red, burned. Mikayla knew not to go any further. Dropping the belt, she went to retrieve the ointment for him.
“No,” he moaned. “Leave it.”
“I need to—”
“Please.” He glanced at her over his shoulder.
She agreed and quickly released the ties to free him. He moved faster than she’d imagined he could do. He pushed her chest onto the bed but kept her feet on the floor.
“Fuck me, Jarvis.” She managed to get the words out just as he thrusted into her. The small tint of pain only excited her and she rocked against him.
Digging his nails into her thick hips, he pounded himself deep inside her. Their moans and pants echoed around the room. Jarvis wound his hand around her long black hair, pulling her head up.
“I’m not going to last,” Mikayla groaned out each word.
“Me…either.” Jarvis picked up his pace.
Mikayla was highly impressed by his stamina after being belted. Her body tightened as she yelled out his name. They both met their release at the same time. He rested his forehead in the middle of her back. She couldn’t breathe. Not because he was on her, but because her entire body shook as the aftershocks of the orgasm pulsed through her.
When Jarvis pulled out of her, he laid on his stomach on the bed next to her. They faced each other with smiles on both of their faces.
“I’m going to put the ointment on.” She rose from the bed. Her legs were like jelly, but Jarvis’s ass was beginning to welt.
“Okay.” He didn’t argue.
She carefully rubbed the cream on his red wounds. “This one might bruise,” she commented.
“That’s fine.” He chuckled, not appearing to be worried about it. “I’ll just be sitting down gently for the next few days.”
“But it was fun.” She wiped her hands off with a small hand towel.
“With you, it seems as if I can’t last more than five minutes.”
Mikayla laid on the bed again. “I’m not complaining.”
“I am.” He grinned. “I need to stay in you longer.”
Laughing she rolled onto her back. “We’re working together just fine.”
Jarvis slowly moved into a standing position. Gently pulling up his boxer briefs and jeans, he hissed when they reached his ass.
“Hurt?” Mikayla couldn’t help but smirk at her handiwork.
“Love is pain, right?” He winked and buttoned his jeans.
“Your ass is very red,” she commented while moving toward him. “And I like it.” She kissed his lips, letting the love wash over her. Her first thought was if she’d ever been this happy before.
Mikayla couldn’t think of one time.
Walking into Jarvis’s condo, Mikayla hid her laughter. His expression said it all…Jackson was still there.
“I don’t like them hanging out,” he whispered, hissing in her ear.
“They’re just friends. Plus, I think they both need each other.” From the way Joy and she talked, there is a lot about Jackson people don’t know. There was a story there, but Mikayla couldn’t figure it out and Joy wouldn’t betray his trust.
“She could’ve picked someone else,” he groaned as they moved further into the condo.
Mikayla noticed they were sitting close but by no means in a romantic way.
“Hi,” Joy greeted them both. “Have a good night?”
“We did.” Mikayla smirked trying to keep the details to herself. “Hi, Jackson.”
“Hello, Mikayla.” He nodded.
She watched Jarvis sit down—very carefully—but said nothing to Jackson. Only glared at him.
“Are you staying the night?” Joy questioned.
“Somehow he talked me into it,” Mikayla said.
“I should be going.” Jackson stood. “See you tomorrow, Jarvis.”
He gave him a stiff nod but said nothing else.
“I’ll walk you out,” Joy said, following him to the door.
“You need to be nice to him. He’s trying,” Mikayla warned Jarvis.
Jarvis rolled his eyes, making her giggle.
“I’m rubbing off on you,” she joked.
“You can rub me anytime.” He flirted.
Mikayla was about to say something else but stopped when Joy came back into the room.
“He’s a friend, Jarvis. You can cut out the evil looks.” Her hands were on her hips, giving him a narrowed glare.
“Why him?” Jarvis shot back.