“Ahh, Mr. Collins there you are,” an older man who looked to be in his fifties greeted them as they walked towards the door that read “Backstage.”
“Ms. Copeland has been waiting for you. She’s excited to meet your special guest,” the man said turning.
Stacey froze.
Andre turned to look at her, confused.
“Ms. Copeland? As in Misty Copeland? We’re meeting...,” her voice trailed off as Andre’s smile widened.
“Come on, baby,” he encouraged, pulling her close.
They made their way backstage and Stacey couldn’t help but feel nervous, but excited as they passed a few of the corps dancers who’d just been performing on stage. Minutes later, they came to a closed door where the man, who Andre informed Stacey was the art director with the American Ballet Theatre, knocked.
“Misty your guest is here,” he yelled through the door.
Within seconds, the door opened and Stacey found herself face to face with her dance idol. “Oh my God,” she whispered under her breath, not wanting to appear too overzealous.
“Hi, you must be Andre and Stacey, please come in,” Misty Copeland, ever gracious, welcomed them.
Stacey felt like she was walking on cloud nine as she entered into Misty’s dressing room. Andre presented Misty with a bouquet of flowers that Stacey had been too preoccupied to even notice were in his hand. When she finally found her words, Stacey introduced herself and Misty welcomed her with a hug. Stacey couldn’t stop gushing and telling Misty what a big fan she was of hers. When she told her that her only regret was she didn’t have her hard copy of Misty’s book for her to sign, Andre pulled her book from under his arm and handed Misty a pen to sign. Turns out, Andre had Stacey’s aunt pack her hard copy for this very occasion. They talked for a few more moments, in which Stacey congratulated Misty on her recent rise as principal. Stacey even shared her own ballet past with Misty, who seemed very interested. They talked for about fifteen minutes until they finally excused themselves to let Misty go and greet other fans.
Stacey was in a daze as they walked back to the awaiting limo. She’d never in a million years thought this was where Andre would bring her. She hadn’t been to the ballet in years, thinking it would be too painful to watch a performance, but seeing it tonight, she realized how mistaken she was. She remembered all the beautiful aspects of the art form that made her fall in love with it when she was just a child.
She clutched her now signed copy of Misty’s book to her chest as they descended the stairs. She hadn’t spoken a word since they left Misty’s dressing room.
“You’re awfully quiet.” Andre turned to her as they stopped at the limo. He waved off the driver as he opened the door for Stacey. “I know bringing you here was a risk and you might not…” His words were cut off as Stacey launched herself into his arms, wrapping her arms tightly around his neck.
“Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!” she exclaimed as she kissed all over his face, causing Andre to laugh. “I don’t know what to say besides thank you and that doesn’t feel like nearly enough,” she admitted. “This night was amazing!” she almost shouted.
“You don’t have to say anything else. I wanted you to have this experience. When I saw you talking with Hwan a few weeks ago about the ballet, I could tell you missed it, not just as a performer, but as someone who appreciated the art form,” he told her. He pressed a kiss to her forehead and widened the door to help her inside.
Stacey’s heart was so filled with gratitude and appreciation for this man. She’d never been with someone who observed her so closely to be able to read her so well. Her heart was so full with love for this man she couldn’t hold it back any longer. As soon as he closed the door of the limo, she scooted next to him, gripped his face between her hands and kissed him with all the passion she had for him. She first kissed each corner of his mouth before licking the outline of his lips, the same way he’d done to her so many times. She felt Andre’s hands at her waist, but he let her take control the kiss. She pried his lips apart with her own. When his mouth opened, she let her tongue explore every inch and crevice of his mouth. When Andre groaned in appreciation, she deepened the kiss pouring all of her emotion into it. Before getting too carried away, she pulled back needing to tell him how she felt.
“I need to tell you something,” she panted, as she struggled to catch her breath. She looked into Andre’s lust filled eyes that also took on a curious look. “I don’t want you to freak out or get weird, but I love you,” she admitted.
Andre pulled back an inch to stare directly at her. She couldn’t read his expression.
“I’m not asking you to say it back or drop to one knee and ask for marr—” Her words were cut off by Andre’s lips. He kissed her with the same ferocity and emotion she’d just kissed him with moments before.
Stacey couldn’t keep her hands still as she stroked his chest and abs. She felt Andre’s fingers curl around her thighs, seconds before she was lifted off her seat and turned to straddle his lap. Andre peppered kisses down her jawline, stopping to nip at her earlobe and nuzzle her neck. Stacey lifted her hips slightly to help Andre who pushed her dress up over her hips. She soon heard the sounds of her ripping lace panties, and the cool air as it hit her now exposed nether regions. She wasn’t cold for long as Andre’s warm, sturdy fingers made their way to her labia, massaging and stroking.
“Mmm,” she moaned against his lips.
“Say it again,” he commanded, pushing one finger into her wet core.
Stacey’s breath caught in her throat at all the wonderful sensations coursing through her body from his intimate contact.
“Say it again,” he demanded, his voice thick with need as he added another finger.
“I love you,” she moaned loudly, instinctively knowing that was what he wanted to hear. Stacey began pumping her hips on his fingers, already feeling the buildup of her impending orgasm.
“You’re so fucking beautiful right now.” Andre’s voice was filled with wonder and lust, causing Stacey to cream even more. She enjoyed his fingers, but needed him inside of her.
“Andre, I need you.” Stacey didn’t care if she was begging at this point. She moved her hands down to unbutton his belt and pants. She heard Andre press the button to tell the driver to take the scenic route but was so caught up in trying to release him from his pants, she didn’t have time to think about it.
“Fuck!” Andre cursed when she finally released him from his pants.
She began working her hand up and down his long shaft, using the drop of precum at the tip as lubrication. Looking down, she licked her lips in anticipation of taking him in her mouth, but was stopped when she tried to scoot off Andre’s lap.
“Not this time, baby. I won’t last if my cock gets anywhere near your mouth. Come here.” His voice was thick with arousal as he helped her position herself just above his fully erect cock.
They both moaned out loud when Stacey slowly slid down onto his hardness. Once fully seated on him, she began a methodical rhythm that had them both experiencing pure bliss within seconds. Stacey threw her head back in ecstasy as she continued her rhythm, grinding on his cock. She felt Andre’s fingers at the back of her dress as he lowered her zipper. He pulled down the top half of her dress, freeing her breasts. Once they were free, he pulled her close to latch onto one protruding nipple. He twirled his tongue around, first one nipple, then another, at the same time he maneuvered his thumb around, angling it to massage her swollen clit.
“Ahhh, Andre,” Stacey panted, feeling her pussy walls tighten. Seconds later, she tumbled over the edge as her orgasm slammed into her with force. She gripped Andre’s shoulders and threw her head back as her orgasm overtook her.
“So fucking sexy,” Andre growled.
Stacey didn’t have time to come down from her first orgasm before Andre lifted her, changing their positions, and pushed her back against the seat without pulling himself out of her. Stacey barely felt the warm leather against
her skin before Andre began pumping into her wildly. He alternated between deep and shallow strokes, driving Stacey crazy once again.
“Say it again!” he commanded, staring down at her with such intensity it caused her eyes to water.
Andre canted his hips and pounded into her at a faster rate.
“Andre!” Stacey panted.
“Say it again!” he demanded.
Stacey could barely breathe as another, more powerful orgasm lingered just out of reach. Andre’s fingers began plucking at her hardened nipples again.
“Fuuck! I...love...you!” she panted as her orgasm crested.
“Goddamn!” Andre groaned as his own orgasm rose. He moaned deeply as he buried his face in between Stacey’s neck and shoulder, spilling all of himself into her.
Stacey held him for long minute until his tremors subsided. She stroked her hand up and down his back, while he inhaled her scent. Even coming down from her bliss, she realized she didn’t regret telling Andre she was in love with him. It was a truth she’d come to realize before they’d left for New York.
Nevertheless, she noted how although he demanded she say it again and again during their lovemaking, he hadn’t said it back.
Chapter 18
Jennings stepped out of his rented sedan and entered the dingy motel room. He’d come to Atlanta with the purpose of getting his company back, and he knew just the way to do it. He had spent the last month and a half after the holidays taking notes of Collins’ schedule and putting together his plan. He knew exactly where Andre’s weak spot was, and if he was going to get his company back, he had to use it to his advantage.
Jennings made sure to close and lock the door behind him before heading straight to the bed where he’d left an untraceable cell phone underneath the mattress. Removing the phone, he dialed the number of the muscle he’d hired for this job.
“Yeah.” The gruff voice at the other end of the phone answered. Jennings’ face settled into a snarl. He hated doing business with these type of people, but for this type of job, he needed someone who wasn’t afraid to get their hands dirty.
“Is everything in place as we discussed?” Jennings spoke without preamble.
“We’re on it. We will have to wait until this Friday, possibly catch her off guard on her way to that club she performs at,” the man told Jennings.
“Friday? What happened to Wednesday? Doesn’t she work late on Wednesdays? That’d be the perfect time to snatch her.” Jennings’ voice was filled with frustration and agitation. He wanted this over and done with. The woman was inconsequential to him. Just a means to an end. She meant a lot to Andre. That was obvious from all the time they spent together. He could use her to get Andre to do what he wanted him to, which was give his company back.
“Yeah, and as you should know, she always has an escort Wednesday nights. He still meets her every Wednesday, even drops her off and picks her up most of the time now.” The impatient voice came back over the line.
“Shit!” Jennings swore under his breath, running a shaky hand through his hair. I need a drink, he thought as he ambled over to the rickety wooden dresser. Opening the top drawer, he found his flask and bottle of whiskey right where he’d left them. Taking a swig from his flask, Jennings plopped down on the squeaky bed.
“Look, we’re also going to renegotiate the price,” the deep voice continued in Jennings’ ear. “I’ve done some research on this Collins and you never told us he was some major business mogul.”
“Ha!” Jennings scoffed. “He’s a thief who steals businesses. He wouldn’t be shit without his daddy’s money!” The irony of that comment wasn’t lost on the man on the other end.
He chuckled. “Seems like that’s a trait you’d identify with,” he mocked.
“What was that?” Jennings demanded defensively.
“Nothing. Listen, I don’t know what your problem is with this Collins, and I don’t care. But given his standing in the business world and financial position, this job is definitely more risky. The price has gone up. Add another twenty-thousand to our agreed upon price. I’ll expect half by this Wednesday and the rest once you have the package.” And with that, Jennings heard a click on the other end, alerting him he’d just been hung up on.
“Son of a bitch!” he yelled. They’d already agreed upon a price of fifty-thousand for the kidnapping. This project was beginning to take longer than Jennings had originally anticipated, and costing him more. In the end, he knew it would be worth it. He would get his business back, plus some, and be able to move on and resume his normal life.
Jennings pulled out his phone to make another phone call to put the other part of his plan into motion.
“Hello?” the feminine voice answered.
“Maria, we’re moving forward with the plan,” Jennings began.
****
Andre distractedly reached for his vibrating cell phone, keeping his eyes on the spreadsheet on his computer screen. He’d been going over reports all day and was actually hoping it was Stacey calling him to discuss their plans for the evening. They were supposed to have dinner that evening. It’d been a busy month and a half since they returned from their New York trip. Stacey began her counselor position full-time and was settling in nicely in that role. Andre smiled as he remembered the plans she’d shared with him to service more clients. It was obvious she thoroughly enjoyed what she did. He looked forward to watching her grow in her profession. Am I thinking long-term? he pondered as he picked up his cell.
Andre sighed and pressed the ignore button, seeing it was Maria who was calling. For weeks now, she’d been calling or texting. She would text or leave messages saying she needed to speak with him. As far as Andre was concerned, they had nothing to speak about. They hadn’t seen or spoken to each other in months, not since the night of the gala. Andre remained steadfast in his parting words to her. They were through.
Before Andre could go back reviewing his reports, his office phone buzzed. “Mr. Collins, Mrs. Collins is here to see you,” his assistant chimed over the speaker. Andre knew Nikola and Devyn were out of town for the next few weeks, both for business and pleasure, so he knew this Mrs. Collins could be none other than the woman who’d given him life.
“Mama. To what do I owe this surprise?” Andre questioned his voice full of adoration, as he reached down and gripped his mother in a bear hug.
“Hi, sweetheart. I was in the neighborhood after having lunch with Diane around the corner, and thought I’d stop by and say hello,” she informed him before placing a kiss on his proffered cheek.
Andre eyed his mother, dressed in a black pantsuit with an off-white silk blouse. She looked radiant and so full of life. Seeing her this way always brought him a sense of peace and joy. There was a time, after his father’s death when he believed the vivacious and bubbly woman who raised him was gone forever too. That had nearly destroyed him, even more than his father’s death.
“Come in. How is your friend Diane these days?” he asked, ushering her into his office and closing the door.
“You should know, seeing as how often you’re at the club now,” she teased, cocking her head to the side with a knowing smile plastered on her face.
Andre knew she was referring to his presence at Stacey’s performances. She performed at least two to three weekends a month, and he refused to miss any of her performances.
“Keeping tabs on me, huh?” he joked.
“Of course. Who else is going to make sure my baby boy is doing well?”
Andre merely shook his head and chuckled. He knew to his mother he would always be her baby boy.
“Speaking of doing well, I never got a chance to speak with you about the graduation dinner you hosted for Stacey. It was a lovely gesture, and her family was a pleasure.” Iris’ blue eyes sparkled as she remembered the events of that night. “And it appears things are serious between you and Ms. Coleman. Is my assumption correct?”
Andre stiffened in his seat. He knew his relationship with Stacey wa
s serious. Very serious. He just wasn’t sure about love and marriage. Years ago, he’d sworn marriage wasn’t for him. Now, he had his mother in his face asking the very same questions he’d been asking himself. It’d been over a month since Stacey told him she loved him, and despite his reluctance, he reveled in those words every time she said them. He often demanded she tell him in the middle of their lovemaking. Her cries and declaration of love as she came had him coming harder than he’d ever come before. Just thinking about her shivering form as she panted his name and yelled out her love for him had him shifting in his seat. He knew every time he heard her utter those words, she owned another piece of his heart.
“No need to answer that. I can see it in your eyes,” he heard his mother’s words break into his ruminations. He kept his gaze lowered to avoid his mother’s knowing glare. It was bad enough he’d just gotten lost in thought thinking about Stacey orgasming as she screamed her love for him, but to do so in front of his mother? Andre tried to think of a way to change the subject when his mother’s next words threw him.
“We’ve never talked about that night. What you went through that night and the long months after your father died.” Iris’ voice was filled with compassion and concern.
Andre’s breath caught in his throat. It’d been so long since he thought about that dark period in his life. He felt his chest tighten, and he closed his eyes trying to fight his brain as it fought flashbacks of those dark moments. He attempted to inhale deeply as he tried to shove down memories of his mother screaming out in agony. Blinking his eye open, he looked into the azul colored eyes he’d inherited. He saw the reflection of pain in those eyes, a look he had become all too familiar with over the years. He averted her gaze to avoid the fact that the pain he saw wasn’t for her suffering, but for him. He knew his mother was feeling for him. Concerned for him.
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