by D. Camille
“At home in bed.”
“Mmmmmmmm....” she purred.
“Stop,” he groaned. “This is hard enough.”
“Is it? Already?” she asked.
“Okay. When I see you it's on,” he threatened laughing.
“You promise?” she asked in sexy voice.
“Speaking of promises?” he started. “What happened Sage?”
Sage sighed knowing this conversation was coming. “Honestly Jordan, I didn't think he was a threat,” she confessed.
“I told you he was.”
“I know. I was wrong.”
“Dammit Sage, you could have been hurt. Seriously hurt,” he admonished.
“I'm sorry Jordan,” she answered softly.
Jordan heard the pain in her voice.
“Baby, listen, I'm not mad at you. If anything were to happen to you Sage, I honestly don't know what I would do; especially if it was something I could have prevented,” he confessed. “You are the world to me. When I found out he had you, I almost lost it completely.”
“Jordan.”
“Baby, I know you're independent and you can take care of yourself. I know that you don't want me smothering you or trying to control you. I also know that you have your own thoughts and ways of doing things.” He paused. “But when I need to do what is required of me as your man, sometimes that will require you to listen. Okay?”
“Okay Jordan,” she agreed, although she was more than capable of taking care of herself.
“Good. How was dinner with your brother?” he asked.
She hesitated. “It was good.” She paused. “Jordan?”
“Yes, baby.”
“At the hospital you said that you would never desert me. Is that true?” she asked.
Jordan sat up. “Of course Sage.”
“What if I turned out not to be the person you think I am?” she asked cautiously.
“What if I asked you the same Sage?” he responded.
A pause. “I would say that I would love you anyway,” she answered.
“I would say the same,” he assured her. “Is there something you want to tell me?” he asked.
Another pause and he waited. “No. Is there something you want to tell me?” she asked.
“No,” he replied.
“Sage, you and I are meant to be together and nothing is going to stand in the way of that. Understand me?” Jordan said fervently. “Nothing.”
“Nothing,” she agreed.
Chapter 20
The next day Jordan was surprised when his secretary announced that Ray was there to see him. Since he was supposed to be with Sage, Jordan became concerned. Ray entered the office and came to take a seat in front of Jordan's desk.
“What's up Ray? Where's Sage?” he asked curiously.
“Down in her gallery. She insisted on coming in. She says has a lot of orders to fill from the opening,” he explained.
“How is she? I was coming to see her this afternoon.”
“She's good,” Ray commented. “She’s strong,” Ray said watching Jordan.
Jordan nodded and leaned back in his chair.
“You have any updates for me?” Jordan asked.
Ray nodded. “We've identified the woman who assisted Nico. Apparently she was some chick he met here and she allowed him to crash at her place. He told her he was coming into some cash and she agreed to help him out. She was the one who left the running car for him,” Ray informed him.
Jordan nodded again.
“I take it the bracelet worked out?”
“Perfectly.”
“Any problems?” Ray asked.
“None.”
Ray leaned forward. “Loose ends?”
“Tied up,” Jordan responded.
“Where's he supposed to be?” Ray asked.
Jordan sat up in his chair. “If anyone checks he left LA yesterday after getting a call on his cell phone about a gig down in South America. Airline records show he boarded a plane to Brazil yesterday at six p.m. He's going to arrive tonight where on his way to his hotel he will be attacked by thieves, robbed, beaten and left for dead. He will succumb to his injuries in a Brazilian hospital. His body will be transported to their morgue. Unfortunately he was beaten until he's unrecognizable. Fingerprints and dental records will be needed to confirm his identity.”
Ray nodded. He knew Jordan would take care of all the details. He always did.
Ray sat back in his seat. “You know you were the first person Sage asked for when she woke up,” he said casually. “She was afraid you weren't coming to the hospital.”
“I'll always be there for Sage,” Jordan said firmly.
Ray nodded. “I'm holding you to that Jordan.”
Jordan was still in his office finishing up so he could go down to see Sage in the gallery, when his door opened. He looked up in surprise, since no one entered his office without either being announced or knocking. When he saw who was walking through the door, he smiled.
Sage entered and closed the door behind her. As she walked towards him he took in her attire. She was wearing black. All black. Black thigh high stockings with black stiletto boots that came just below the knee. A black form fitted dress that ended at her thighs showing golden brown skin. It had a scoop neckline that gave a view of the tops of her golden brown breasts and his necklace hung brightly between them. Her hair was down the way he liked it. He met her half way when she started across the room.
“Hello pretty girl. What a surprise?” he said looking down at her.
“Your secretary said I could come right in,” she explained.
“Yes, I was just on my way down to see you,” he said reaching out to touch her hair.
She smiled up at him. “I came to you,” she whispered.
“Do you have any idea what's about to happen to you in this office?” he whispered back staring at her with those dark eyes.
She shook her head. “Uh..huh.” She said placing her hands on his waist and pulling herself closer to him.
“You're going to use your mouth and your hands. You're going to start at my mouth and move over to neck, then down to my breasts...” She paused. “Across my stomach to my ass and finally to where my feminine heat beckons you.” She held his eyes as she continued.
“And then I'll ride this magnificent part of you.” She moved her hand to hold his erection. “Like a Khemetic Goddess on a Black Stallion.”
Jordan felt his manhood jump in her hand as she fondled him. “Oh. Hell. Yeah.”
Naked, except for her boots and thigh high stockings, Sage sat wrapped in Jordan's arms on his sofa.
“Hi Jordan,” she smiled.
He smiled back at her. “Hi Sage.” He moved her hair from her face. “Are you okay?” he asked.
“I think you missed me,” she said slyly.
He looked over her naked body. “No marks this time though.”
Sage ran her hands over his naked torso and smiled. “At least not on me,” she said touching the tiny scratches she'd left on him.
“I guess when Khemetic Goddesses are riding their Black Stallions they get a little carried away,” he teased.
She blushed and he lifted her face to his. “How can you be blushing after what you came in here and did to me?” he asked.
“What did I do to you Jordan?” she asked smiling.
Jordan gave her a look. “First you come in here looking like a damn sex kitten with condoms inside your boots.” He gave her a pointed look. “Then you give me a phone sex play by play,” he continued, “Finally, you grabbed me and fondled the hell out of me.”
“Mr. Black, Mr. Jackson wants to know if you would like reschedule your meeting?” the voice came over the speaker.
Jordan looked at his watch. Two hours had passed. Damn he'd lost track of time. He'd lost track of everything when Sage had walked through that door. He gently sat Sage on the sofa and walked over to his desk and pressed a button.
“Tell him to give me fifteen minut
es, Kelly,” he said with his eyes on Sage.
“Yes sir.”
Sage stood. “I guess I should get dressed,” she said looking for her dress. Jordan had insisted she keep her boots on.
“You can use my bathroom,” Jordan said pointing to the room attached to his office. Jordan also had a closet filled with clothing in his office as well.
“Thank you,” she said gathering all her things and ducking into the bathroom. When she returned she was fully dressed so was Jordan, but in a different suit. He was adjusting his tie when he walked over to her. He leaned down and kissed her.
“I will see you later tonight at your place,” he told her.
She nodded and he walked her to the door. Sean was waiting in the outer area and when he saw Sage his eyes widened. Turning to Jordan she placed her hand on his face before kissing his chin. Then she turned back and walked toward the elevators.
“Hi Sean,” she said in passing.
“Uh, hi Sage,” Sean responded watching her walk away.
At the elevators she turned and gave Jordan a sexy look, then puckered her lips and blew a kiss at him. The doors opened and she entered.
Sean turned to Jordan who was still staring at the elevator licking his lips.
“Really Jordan. This is a place of business,” Sean said entering Jordan's office.
Jordan turned to him. “What?”
Sean gave him a look. “Did you change clothes?” he asked confused.
“Let's meet Sean,” Jordan said walking back to his desk picking up a report.
Sean looked down at the sofa. “Is it safe to sit here?” he asked lifting an eyebrow.
“What?”
“Were you and Sage using this sofa for your afternoon delight?” he asked plainly.
“If you put it like that, then you might not want to sit there,” Jordan answered.
“The table?” Jordan shook his head no. “The desk?” Jordan pursed his lips and shook his head again. “The chairs?”
“Look, let's just meet in the damn conference room,” Jordan said walking towards the door.
“Damn Jordan,” Sean muttered following him.
Sage returned to the gallery to find Lily still processing the orders from the opening. She walked over to Lily who turned her wrist to look at her watch.
“Well, well, well. If I didn't know you were with Jordan I'd have thought you were kidnapped...again,” she commented.
“Sorry Lily. I lost track of time.”
Lily shrugged. “Happens to the best of us; especially when the loving is that good.”
Sage shot her a look. “So you've 'lost track of time' with Sean.”
Lily smiled. “Sean can definitely make you lose track of time.”
Sage took a seat. “What's going on with you two?” she asked being nosy.
“We're enjoying each other’s company,” she answered. “I see that you've smoothed things over with Jordan. I'm sure that 'do me' dress did the trick.” Lily laughed.
Sage gave her pointed look. “It's not a 'do me' dress.”
“Right,” Lily said. “I've got a few of those too Sage. You don't have to try to fool me.”
Sage gave up. “Yeah I did wear this to send Jordan over the edge. He was really upset about what happened with Nico.”
“Do you blame him? You could have been killed.”
“Nico wouldn't have killed me,” Sage said firmly.
“How do you know that Sage?” she asked.
Because I would have killed him first, Sage thought.
“I just do, Lily,” she said finally. “I just do.”
Jordan and Sean sat in the conference room discussing Black Diamond Holdings. Sean scanned the report Jordan handed him and froze.
“Is this saying what I think its saying?” he asked.
“What do you think its saying?” Jordan replied sitting back in his chair.
“You want to go after Carl Harrison's business?”
“Yep.”
“Why Jordan? Why dig up old dirt?” Sean asked.
Jordan shrugged. “It's a lucrative business. It would look good in Black Diamond Holdings' portfolio.”
Sean folded his arms staring at Jordan knowingly. “Is she still with him?” he asked.
Jordan looked out the window. “They divorced a few months ago.”
Sean looked surprised. “I don't think this is a smart move Jordan. Harrison is ruthless.”
“So am I,” Jordan responded.
“I mean how?” Sean inquired. “You just said it's a lucrative business. He wouldn't want to sell,” Sean commented.
“He's in personal financial trouble. It hasn't trickled to the business yet, but he's going to be needing some cash soon.”
Sean shook his head. “Jordan, you're happy with Sage. Your life is great. Don't do this.”
Jordan ran a hand down his face. “Prepare an offer Sean. Make sure he understands it's one he shouldn't refuse,” Jordan said with a hard stare.
“Are you listening to me Jordan? Let it go,” Sean pressed.
Jordan stood and glared at Sean. “I won't let it go until I take everything from him, just like he took everything from me.”
He started towards the door. “Get it done Sean,” he said as he walked out.
Yeah, this is going to be a problem, Sean thought.
Over the next few weeks Jordan was focused on his mission to take over Harrison Industries. Every move he made was focused on achieving his goal. Sean was still against Jordan's plan and made a point to remind him daily. Jordan had waited for a long time for an opportunity such as this to arise. The malice and hatred he had for Harrison had no end. Destroying him would assuage some the pain and anger he'd endured over the years.
He and Sean were in a meeting when Sean's phone rang. Sean pulled it out and smiled.
Answering he said, “Hey Sage.”
Sage? Jordan's ears perked up as he listened to Sean's end of the conversation.
“Of course.”
“I'm meeting with Jordan right now,” he heard Sean say.
“Can I call you back?”
“Even better. See you in a little while.”
Jordan watched Sean smile. “Anything for you.”
“Bye.”
Sean disconnected the call and placed his phone back inside his suit jacket bringing his attention back to Jordan.
“Where were we?” he asked looking back at his paperwork.
Jordan leaned back and pinned his friend with a look.
“What did Sage want?” he asked.
Sean looked uncomfortable as he looked up at Jordan. “Just some help with a project she's working on,” he said glancing back down to his paperwork.
Jordan was silent for a moment watching his friend. After an extended time he picked up his paperwork and got back to work.
After his meeting with Jordan, Sean headed down to the gallery to meet with Sage. When he entered he spotted Lily at the counter. Smiling he walked over to her.
“Hello beautiful lady,” he said smoothly.
Lily looked up at his handsome face. “Well hello yourself.” She smiled. “What brings you to this neck of the woods?” she asked.
“Sage asked me to come down and meet with her about Jordan's birthday,” he supplied.
Lily laughed. “She is so hyped about this. She says she wants to do something really special for him,” Lily informed him. “She's afraid he's going to find out beforehand because he doesn't like surprises.”
“No. Jordan does not like surprises,” Sean commented. “If she pulls this off without any problems it will be a miracle.”
Lily pointed to Sage's office. “Well she's in there. Good luck.”
Sean paused. “Will I see you later?” he asked.
“I really need to work on my painting,” she said regretfully.
Sean leaned closer. “Well you work on your painting and when you're done I'll come and work on you,” he whispered placing a kiss on her dimpled cheek.
Lily smiled. “Sounds like a plan.”
Sean turned and went to Sage's office. She was sitting behind her desk.
“Hey Sage,” he said entering and taking a seat.
“Sean. Thanks for meeting with me.”
“Of course.” He smiled.
“Well Jordan's birthday is coming and I want to do something special. I know he doesn't like surprises so I'm not thinking a party or anything, but since you've known him forever, maybe you can help me brainstorm,” she explained. “What does he love besides his clothes and his cars?
“You.”
Sage smiled.
“Seriously Sage, anything you do, Jordan will love.”
Sage pursed her lips. “What's something that he's never done for his birthday?” she asked.
Sean looked solemn. “Jordan stopped celebrating his birthday after he turned seven.”
Sage looked confused. “Seven. Why?”
“Jordan should tell you about that.”
“So he hasn't done anything for his birthday for... twenty four years?” she asked astounded.
Sean nodded. Sage was in disbelief. Her Jordan who made things happen with the snap of his fingers had not celebrated his birthday since he was a little boy? She was now even more determined to make this birthday the best one he'd ever had.
“I'll help you in any way that I can Sage.” Sean told her.
“Thanks Sean,” Sage said still distracted by her thoughts.
Later that evening Sage was in the kitchen making a new recipe for Jordan who was leaning against the cabinets. He'd been unusually quiet on the ride to his house and had remained so since they had arrived. Sage thought he was just preoccupied with the big acquisition he and Sean were working on. She continued with her dish until he spoke.
“Why did you call Sean today?” he asked.
Sage glanced at him then went back to her recipe. “He's helping me with a project,” she supplied.
He pushed away from the cabinets. “And do you call Sean often in the middle of the day to help you with 'projects'?” he asked.
Sage paused. “Why are you saying 'projects' like it's something nasty?” she asked confused.
“I simply asked a question.”
Sage wiped her hands on a nearby towel and turned to him. “Okay Jordan. No, I don't usually call Sean in the middle of the day to help me with projects; but I needed his assistance with this one,” she clarified lifting an eyebrow.