by Deja King
“The reason Chrissie was so frantic was because someone left pictures on her desk from that night when we were making love.”
“What? Oh shit, do you have any idea who did it?”
“No I don’t, but Andre, I’m worried.”
“Baby, don’t stress yourself, we’ll figure something out.”
“Figure out what? This is, like, out of our control.”
“Listen to me,” Andre said as he lifted up her chin so they were eye to eye. “I know I haven’t said this, but I love you. I fell in love with you from the first moment I saw you. That may sound farfetched to you, but it’s true. Honestly I don’t care who finds out about our relationship. What we share is way more important to me than some movie or acting career. We will get through this together, I promise.”
“I don’t know what I would do without you, I love you so much. Now that we’re together I can’t imagine us being apart.”
“We won’t be. I put that on my life.” Andre lay Tyler down on the couch and they began making love. As they got lost in each other’s embrace, they both thought this would last forever.
After throwing up the little bit of breakfast she did eat, Chantal was climbing the walls. She paced the floor back and forth for about an hour until she finally reached her breaking point. “Shari, I think I’m about to have a nervous breakdown,” Chantal said timidly through the phone.
“What’s wrong?”
“I just got off the phone with T-Roc. He told me Andre and Tyler are in love.”
“What? Are you sure?” Shari reluctantly asked, concern for Chantal instantly setting in.
“He is positive they are seeing each other and with that being true I know Andre is probably in love. It was in his eyes last time I saw him, which was weeks ago. He hasn’t even really called me. Shari, I feel like I can’t breathe. The mere thought of Andre leaving me to be with someone else makes me feel like I have no reason to live.”
“Chantal, don’t say that please. You have so much to live for. You’re an amazing friend. Look at everything you did for me regarding Chris. You hooked me up with that beast of an attorney and now my bank account is right. He even managed to have Chris set up a college fund for Alex. I couldn’t have maneuvered any of that without you. You’re my best friend, Chantal. I need you. I know you’re hurting right now, but there are other men.”
“Not for me. Andre is my life. Shari, I have to get him back. Tyler Blake will never love him the way that I do—no woman will.”
“So what are you going to do, Chantal?”
“I have no choice but to go to LA and fight for my man.”
“Then I’m going with you. But let’s leave in a couple of days so I can get Alex situated. I want to be there for you like you were for me.”
“Thanks, I appreciate your support but I need to do this on my own. I’ll call you when I get there, though.” When Chantal got off the phone with Shari she practiced the conversation she would have with Andre. She had to convince him that they belonged together and that some fling with his costar was meaningless. But no matter how many times Chantal went over the conversation in her head she couldn’t fight the fact that she believed his relationship with Tyler was much more than a meaningless fling.
Shari was beyond worried about Chantal. She had never heard her best friend talk like that before. Chantal was the last person she would ever think would say she had no reason to live. It was freaking her out. Chantal was truly like a sister to Shari and she couldn’t imagine her life without her. When Shari caught her boyfriend Chris doing the dirty deed with his male counterparts, Chantal was the first person she wanted to run to. Shari knew that Chantal would have all the answers and turn a negative situation into something positive. That was exactly what she did, too. Chantal nursed her broken heart back to health and made sure her pockets got laced for all her pain and suffering. There was no way Shari was going to let anything happen to her best friend.
T-Roc leaned his head back on the bed in his hotel suite as the blond beauty gave him the best head of his life. Her professional skills were so amazing T-Roc thought she should teach a class or at least give well-instructed pointers to the many women who couldn’t get it right. T-Roc actually preferred a magnificent blow job over sex; he figured it was less risky, too.
“Oh baby, I’m about to cum,” he moaned as he pulled on the woman’s ringlets. As relaxed as he was, T-Roc lifted his head so he could watch the woman swallow all his cum, which turned him on more than anything. “You’re unbelievable.”
“I bet Tyler never gave you head like that,” Chrissie remarked as she licked her lips.
“No, actually Tyler never gave me head. If I remember correctly she said that was only done strictly for her man, and as you know, we never got that far.”
“You say that with disappointment in your voice.”
“No sense in rehashing the past,” T-Roc said, abruptly getting up from the bed.
“I guess having sex with Tyler’s best friend must really boost your ego.”
“Actually having sex with you is just a bonus. Your information is what makes you so invaluable.”
“I still don’t understand exactly what you’re trying to accomplish by knowing Andre and Tyler are sleeping with one another. Why do you even care?”
“That’s not for you to worry about. You just continue to do what I ask and funnel the information I need.”
“I feel bad about deceiving Tyler. When I showed her those pictures you sent to me she was really upset.”
“Excellent, that means what you said worked.”
“What I said was for her to stay away from Andre and she basically refused. I think she’s in love with him.”
“I doubt it,” he said with certainty. “But even if she thinks she’s in love it won’t last long. That relationship will end just like all her other ones. None of the men she gets involved with are right for her.”
“So who is, you? Is this what your whole plan is all about, to get Tyler back? Are you using me so you can get her back in your bed?” Chrissie was now putting on her clothes, feeling cheapened by the idea of T-Roc still having feelings for her friend.
“What are you getting yourself all worked up for? Whatever my plans are for Tyler don’t concern you. You and I enjoy each other’s company. That’s all that matters.”
“No. Not if you’re just using me until you can have the woman you really want.”
“Everyone uses everyone, Chrissie. Stop acting like a dizzy blonde, it’s not very flattering. You had no problem fucking me and discussing Tyler’s personal business during pillow talk, so don’t try to be morally correct all of a sudden. It’s a little too late for that.”
“Answer me this: Were you ever truly interested in me, or was I just part of your well-orchestrated plan when you just happened to run into me at my favorite restaurant?”
“Does that even matter?”
“Yes. So answer the question. I want to know.”
“Honestly, it was a setup but you’re selling yourself way too short. You’re great in bed and you know how to swallow me just right. I would’ve fucked you whether you knew Tyler or not, but because you do, it definitely made you more appealing.”
“T-Roc, you are truly a cruel, heartless man. I can’t believe I let you play me like the fool you must think I am. But we’ll see who will have the last laugh,” Chrissie said, picking up her purse to leave. Before she could exit, T-Roc grabbed her arm.
“Don’t do anything stupid, Chrissie, like tell Tyler what we’ve been up to.”
“You mean what you’ve been up to.”
“However you want to state it is irrelevant to me, but what you say to Tyler is. It wouldn’t be wise for you to cross me, Chrissie. I promise you I’ll be your worst sort of enemy.” The look in his eyes sent a bolt of fear through Chrissie’s entire body. She’d heard that T-Roc was a ruthless businessman and she was well aware of the drama he put Tyler through when they dated, but this warning w
as more sinister.
“Get your hands off of me, T-Roc,” she said, yanking her arm free. “Don’t worry. Your little secret is safe with me, but don’t count on me to pump any more information to you. I’m done.”
“You’re done when I say you’re done. If I need to know something I will be calling you and you better answer your phone. I don’t take kindly to being ignored. Now give me a kiss good-bye,” he said as he gripped her face and gave her a hard peck on the lips. Chrissie stormed out in tears.
“Okay, that’s a wrap for the day,” William shouted out to the movie crew. As he gathered the staff to go over some last minute script revisions for tomorrow’s schedule, Andre took advantage of the chaos to speak to Tyler.
“Meet me at the Beverly Hills Hotel in an hour. I got a bungalow for us,” Andre whispered and then jetted off to his trailer. Tyler was excited about being alone with Andre since William had occupied all of her time for the last couple of days. It was becoming increasingly annoying spending time with William when all she could think about was Andre.
When Tyler arrived at the bungalow the room had flowers everywhere and a box was placed on the table with a card attached. The card read:
To the love of my life. It’s finally complete with you in it.
Love, Andre
Tears instantly filled Tyler’s eyes. But then when she opened the box her tears were replaced with a stunned scream. To her surprise, the most beautiful pink diamond she had ever seen greeted her. Tyler stood, frozen, admiring the gorgeous bauble and didn’t realize Andre had walked in.
“Tyler, will you marry me?” Andre asked, now down on bended knee. Tyler was still standing with her mouth open, not acknowledging the reality of the situation.
“Is this really happening to me?” she asked, looking down at Andre who was the vision of the prince charming she had dreamed would someday sweep her off her feet.
“If you say ‘yes’ it will,” he responded with a nervous chuckle. Although he knew in his heart that Tyler was in love with him, he wasn’t confident that she would accept his proposal.
“Of course I’ll marry you,” Tyler gushed. Andre picked up the box and took out the pink sparkler and placed it on Tyler’s finger. They both admired how beautiful the ring looked on her and when Tyler leaned down to kiss Andre she noticed a tear slowly running down his face. “Oh, Andre, I love you so much.”
“Not as much as I love you,” Andre declared. They began undressing each other with a level of intense obsession that neither had ever experienced. Andre lifted Tyler up and carried her over to the plush king-size bed. When he laid her down, he stood for a moment and stared. She looked more radiant than ever before. Her skin sparkled against the ivory silk sheets and her long wavy hair glowed as if dipped in the purest water. She was the epitome of perfection and Andre felt blessed that she would be his wife.
After Chrissie left, T-Roc waited patiently for an update regarding Tyler and Andre. This was more than business to him; he had an emotional investment. It was imperative for his scheme to go off without a hitch, especially since Chrissie was now catching feelings. The last thing he wanted or needed was for her to fly off the handle and have a “clear the conscience” moment with Tyler. Even with his threat he wasn’t sure Chrissie was strong or wise enough to take his warning seriously. The sooner the bomb dropped the closer he would be to getting what he wanted.
When T-Roc’s cell phone rang he immediately recognized the number of his hired help. “What’s it looking like?” was T-Roc’s phone greeting.
“I just got word that the lovebirds are shacked up in a bungalow at the Beverly Hills Hotel.”
“Cool, is your informant working on the inside?”
“No doubt.”
“This is beautiful.” T-Roc laughed. “I need you to get moving on this. Get the special delivery to William Donovan from Tyler telling him to meet her at the location ASAP.”
“Already done. I even put the key inside so there won’t be any knocking. William Donovan will walk right in on Romeo and Juliet.”
“See, that’s why I fucks with you. You know how to handle your business.”
“Just remember that when you send my next payment,” the coconspirator added before hanging up.
T-Roc sat back in the bed thrilled by the news. He was counting on all hell breaking loose shortly and William sending Andre packing, and then calling him, begging to have him replace Andre as Damian. Soon he would be the one playing Tyler’s love interest and Andre would become a distant memory.
As Tyler straddled Andre, he couldn’t seem to go deep enough. He wanted to go farther inside of her; although he was filling her up, she wanted even more of him. Tyler’s head was tilted back as her body was engulfed in pleasure. Andre massaged her breasts while stroking her in that special spot that was sure to give her a powerful orgasm. They moved their bodies in unison as if they were one and within an instant climaxed and then collapsed in each other’s arms.
“Hmm, that was wonderful,” Tyler said under exhausted breath.
“Tell me about it. We keep going at it like this you’ll be popping out a baby every year.”
“No, I don’t think so. I barely have a chance to spend quality time with Christian.”
“Don’t you think you should start making time? Kids grow up so fast.”
“I know, but I want to provide him with a good life and you need a lot of money for that.”
“Tyler, I have a lot of money. Actually more than I can spend in this lifetime. Whatever I have is yours. You’re going to be my wife.”
“That means so much to me, but I want my own money. I’ve been in relationships where the man controlled all the funds and it led to nothing but trouble.”
“No, you were just involved with the wrong man. Our life together is going to be different, I promise you that.” Tyler couldn’t help but passionately kiss Andre with those words of security.
“So, this is why you haven’t let me touch you in weeks. You were too busy fucking this piece of shit,” William said. Tyler jumped up, stunned to find William positioned in front of their bed.
“William! What are you doing here?” Tyler shrieked, distress written on her face.
Andre remained calm in the bed and it was obvious he could care less about William’s unexpected visit.
“Tyler, put your clothes on right now, we’re leaving,” William directed her as if she were his teenage daughter getting caught with a high school boyfriend. To Andre’s surprise, Tyler jumped up and started putting on the slacks and blouse he had ripped off only an hour ago.
“What are you doing? Get back in this bed,” Andre said with authority. Tyler looked at Andre with confusion. Her body wanted to snuggle next to his strong muscular body, but her head told her to do as William demanded.
“Do as I say, Tyler.”
“Man, you need to step off. That’s my fiancée you’re trying to dictate to.”
“Your what?” William laughed. “Mr. Jackson, I don’t know what you think is going on between you and Tyler, but I can promise you she’s no more your fiancée than I am.” Andre leaped out of bed, immune to the fact that his manhood was swinging in front of William, and grabbed Tyler’s hand.
“Do you see this two-million dollar ring on her finger? This is my future wife. Recognize,” Andre said, full of confidence. Throughout this whole ordeal Tyler had only spoken a few words. The drama was playing out between the two men in her life and she was torn.
“Tyler, finish getting dressed. We’re leaving,” William announced matter-of-factly.
“Did you not hear what I just said or should I speak more clearly?” Andre retorted, becoming increasingly irritated with William’s attitude.
“Yes, I heard you but you’re obviously not hearing me. The woman standing before you—I created her. Tyler might be in lust with you, hell she might even care about you, but if you ask her to choose, she will always choose me. I have given her the life she always wanted and she is not going
to let her infatuation with you get in the way of that.”
“Tyler, will you please tell him that we’re in love and we’re getting married?”
Tyler gazed down at the beautiful rock on her finger and reflected on how much she loved Andre. “William, I don’t want to disappoint you, but I’m in love with Andre and I want to be with him. I do.”
“My dear Tyler, you could never disappointment me, but you know your relationship with Andre could never work. He will eventually break your heart and of course you will then come back to me.”
“Hold the fuck up,” Andre said, interrupting William. “Tyler will be my wife and I will never break her heart. I love this woman more than I ever believed humanly possible. Don’t try to throw salt in the game because you all fucked up that she chose me.”
“Both of you please stop. Andre, I do love you and I want to be your wife but I need to leave with William.”
“What for? You don’t owe him anything!”
“Yes, I do. I owe him a lot. He deserves an explanation and I need to give him one, in private. Please do this for me and don’t be upset.” Andre could see the pleading look in Tyler’s face and rationalized he should give in to her request. Tyler finished putting on her clothes and followed William out the door. For some reason Andre felt empty when Tyler left, as though she were walking out of his life forever. He brushed it off to just missing the love of his life.
T H I R T E E N
Beautifully Broken
Andre arrived home still reeling over his encounter with William. “Who in the fuck does this guy think he is? Demanding Tyler to leave with him like she’s his possession. I should’ve made her stay. But she did have a right to talk to him in private even though his punk-ass didn’t deserve it.” He continued to babble out loud until he walked into his living room and saw Chantal sitting on the couch. Next to William, she was the last person Andre wanted to see. Chantal almost seemed like a stranger to him. So much had changed since the last time he’d seen her and he was a different person. He was in love and engaged to another woman. In his heart there was no room for Chantal, and having her in his house seemed like an invasion of his privacy. “What are you doing here, Chantal?”