by Naomi Wyatt
I simply smiled.
Lies.
“And who is this gorgeous woman standing next to you that is obviously way too good for you?”
Both Roc and I laughed. Obviously he and Joseph had a relationship better than he and his father.
“This is Baby–”
“Yanna Hill,” I added, as I extended my hand.
“She’s my girl,” Roc announced. And the love, authority and honor in his voice reminded me why I was there against my will.
“‘My girl,” Joseph mocked as he shook his head. “Young people.” He looked at me again. “I take it that means that you’re his girlfriend.”
“I am.”
“Wonderful to meet you, Miss Hill… Godspeed.”
I giggled as he shook his head slightly and led us away. In the direction that he was leading us were voices and sounds of glasses clanking. I was expecting to walk into a dining room facing a table full of people looking at me oddly. Yet, the room was the very opposite. The large room was filled with laughing, joking Italians. A
demilune–shaped bar , crafted with custom hardwood and finished in chestnut, was massive and went from wall to wall. Shelves of the most exquisite and expensive bottles of wine and liquor were on chestnut shelves behind it that went from floor to ceiling. Many people were standing and chatting and some were seated in the many brown, leather sofa chairs scattered amongst the room.
Suddenly, I felt Roc squeeze my hand. I looked into eyes that were even kinder than Joseph’s, but unlike Joseph, they wouldn’t stay that way. “You okay?”
I discreetly took in a deep breath. “I’m good.”
My hand ran over my knee–length black bandage skirt. I was nervously finding something to do with my free hand as Roc led us through the room. My black pumps seemed to sink into the Persian carpet as we walked, stopping to talk to a few people along the way. I was introduced to so many cousins that I couldn’t remember all of their names, but Aldofo and Adriana, who were siblings, and Cecilia stuck out in my mind the most because they were obsessed with my big curly hair. They were sweet and I could see the sincerity in their eyes, which were as green as Roc’s. Then I met his aunts Eda and Elda, his mother’s younger sisters, who were twins.
“Bello! Rocco è così fortunato ad avere te!” Eda said as she hugged me tight.
As I hugged her back, I looked at Roc questionably. Roc never spoke Italian, so I hadn’t picked up on the language, but he answered my curiosity, “You’re beautiful, and I’m lucky to have you.”
I smiled and told her, “Thank you.”
After that, I was starting to feel much more comfortable. There was no sighting of his parents, and I was happy for that. I knew that I would have to speak to them eventually, but the longer that that was prolonged, the better.
“Who is that?” I asked Roc as I took another glass of wine from the waiter. As I had discreetly chugged the first glass to calm my nerves, I had noticed two younger women sitting in a corner snubbing Roc.
“My annoying sister and her more annoying friend, Tia.”
“Your sister? You didn’t tell me that she was coming in from Florida. Why didn’t you speak to her?”
I noticed him grimace. “I will.”
But he never did. For thirty minutes, he and Gabe, who I was so very happy to see when he walked in, talked and took shots of whiskey.
“Roc, I’ll be back.”
Immediately, his hand tightened around mine. “Where are you going, Baby?”
“To the ladies’ room.”
And he immediately moved. “I’ll go with you.”
Gabe chuckled and shook his head.
I laughed. “I’ll be fine. I promise.”
I had drank so much liquid courage that I felt confident enough to pee on my own, so I made my way throughout the room, towards the exit, smiling and nodding at the relatives that I’d met since I arrived.
“Yanna, I knew you’d get sick of Roc eventually.”
I smiled at Joseph, who happened to be standing at the doorway.
“I’ll never get sick of him,” I smiled. “However, I do need to use the ladies’ room. Where is it?”
“Come. I’ll show you.”
I followed Joseph up a curved style staircase that transitioned to straight. The post and rail wood color matched the flooring and the balusters matched the trim and walls in the wood coloring.
“Here you are, Miss Hill.”
Gosh, even the bathroom is intimidating, I thought as I thanked Joseph and pushed the heavy wood door open. But I soon realized that the bathroom was so big because it held multiple stalls and sinks. I felt like I was in the bathroom at a club.
Sheesh.
If his father’s beliefs weren’t menacing, their wealth sure was. Roc had money but it was shown through smaller investments like a pair of diamond earrings or a fancy car. He did not make such huge purchases like mansions and jets.
As I was in the stall, I heard the door opening and soon the laughter of two women filled the air.
“God, she’s so fat. Could you imagine? I’d die. It’s like there are three of her one skeleton. And that hair. What kind of weave is it?”
Bitch. I knew that the voice was referring to me. I wasted no time flushing the toilet and charging out of the stall. “It’s not a weave.” I didn’t even realize who I was talking to until I looked into the eyes of Roc’s sister and her friend. “And I’m not that damn big.”
They’re round eyes were wide with shock as I stepped between them effortlessly and washed my hands. I had overheard some conversation that Jaime had been having down in the lounge, so I knew it was her that had insulted me.
Though I appeared on the outside to be confident and full of strength, I was cowering with uncertainties on the inside. Obviously Roc’s father’s belief weren’t so uncommon, and if this was what his daughter and her friend felt, what in the holy hell were they saying to Roc? The thought had me in such a zone that I had forgotten that those heifers were in the bathroom with me until their figures were in my peripheral as I left. I thought about throwing some insults over my shoulder or even giving them the finger, but I decided that I had gone “crazy, Black chick” just enough to make my point.
I really wanted to get the hell out of there. I had been a big girl, no pun intended, and faced my fears but now I had had enough. Yet, I wouldn’t give those stank birds that much benefit, so I headed downstairs to stand beside my man.
However, as if that wasn’t enough, I was running away from those heifers and right into the eyes of Alesandro de Michele.
He was approaching the staircase just as I was. It was just me and him, the man that had thrown his son in the trash because he kissed me. But that was over twenty–five years ago. I prayed that those beliefs had changed with the times, but, in the back of mind, because I knew how Roc felt about his father, I knew that that wasn’t the case.
“Mr. de Michele, hello. How are you?”
I didn’t extend my hand for his and neither did he for mine. He stood, confident and tall, and resembled Roc in height, those emerald eyes, and dark hair that gave there olive skin a beautiful balance.
His words came out so unfriendly and unapologetic through his thick Italian accent. “Yanna, I heard that you were here.”
I swallowed hard and tried to figure out a way to excuse myself. I especially didn’t want to be standing in his unflattering eyesight when those two hyenas left the ladies’ room.
“I’m sure you did,” was what I said. “Nice to see you, Mr. de Michele.” And I went to descend the stairs but he followed, unfortunately.
“I wish I could say the same, but I’m an honest man, so I won’t.”
Damn, that hurt; it hurt much more than the immaturity that fell from Jaime’s lips. I can’t put into words how hard it was for me to stand there with my head held high. I could rip those two hyenas to shreds, but this old man was about the same age as Madea, and, no matter his sharp tongue and discontent expression, I ha
d sense enough to respect my elders.
“I appreciate your honesty.” I attempted gracefully keep walking, yet the old man was right behind me on the staircase. “It’s not that you aren’t welcome, Yanna. I just prefer for my children to date traditionally, from a certain background and with someone of certain connections–”
“I understand,” came out of my mouth a bit loudly and to the point that his eyes bulged a bit as I cut him off. “Goodbye, Mr. de Michele.”
I couldn’t take anymore. This was enough. I loved Roc, but how much abuse was I supposed to take? He could eat dinner with his mother on his own. I would prefer to be with mine or with my friends, anything except be insulted all night. So I bolted for the door. Joseph watched me questionably, but as he looked past me at Mr. de Michele, his shoulders shrank and I tore my eyes away from his as I began to see pity.
The air outside was like fresh air and opened my lungs. I felt like I was finally able to breath, so I took in a deep breath and, against my will, tears filled my eyes.
“Yanna!”
When I heard my name, my footsteps quickened as I jogged down the steps.
“Baby!”
Then I realized it was Roc.
Rocco de Michele
When I saw Joseph searching the room with that look on his face I immediately stood. When our eyes met, he motioned for me.
“I’ll be right back,” I told Gabe.
“Everything good?”
But I didn’t answer him because I was walking away. As I was leaving the room, I kicked myself for not checking on Yanna. I knew that she had been in the ladies’ room longer than necessary but I didn’t cut Gabe off in time to go see about her. Something in Joseph’s eyes told me that I should have.
“What’s going on, Joseph?”
He didn’t answer and his face went blank as he stared behind me.
I followed his stare to see Pops, Jamie and Tia. I still hadn’t spoken to Jaime. I was pissed that, though I had told my family that I was bringing someone special to dinner, she thought it appropriate to bring her tramp friend.
The conniving look on their faces made me scared for Baby. “Where is Yanna?” I asked no one in particular.
My father slightly rolled his eyes as if he didn’t give a fuck as I heard Joseph say, “She left, Roc.”
I took off running towards the door. As I appeared outside, I saw Baby walking down the steps. “Yanna!” The sound of my voice seemed to scare her, causing her steps to quicken. “Baby!”
“Leave me alone, Roc!”
I could hear her tears and that made me chase after her even more. “What’s wrong?! Talk to me.”
“I shouldn’t have come here; that’s what’s wrong!” She was still stomping away. Her heels were so loud against the marble walkway.
“Yanna, stop.” Finally, I was able to catch up to her. I held her gently by the elbow and she spun around. Initially her eyes were full of anger, but as I stared down on her, her eyes softened but tears pooled in her eyes.
I looked towards the door and down the walkway. Though no one was arriving at the moment, more guests were still expected, so I guided her towards the side of the house for more privacy. Luckily, her anger had subsided enough that it allowed her to follow me against her will. I assisted her as her heels dug into the grass. Eventually, she bent down and kicked them off. Her pretty, French tipped toes glowed against the green grass. I took the heels from her hands and held them for her as she leaned against the brick of the house. The sun was setting and red and orange hues bounced against the tears that were now falling down her face. I couldn’t wipe them away fast enough. I would wipe and more would come so I began to kiss her quivering lips.
“No, Roc,” she tried to fight me, but I wouldn’t let her. I dropped her heels and anchored my hands against the wall on each side of her, burying her in my space as I continued to lay kisses on her lips.
“They hate me,” she said into our kisses.
“Who cares? I love you.”
Her eyes darted into mine. I’d never said it and hearing it had silenced her. She looked like she wanted to fight but I kept kissing her, hoping that I could kiss the fear and uncertainty away. I felt guilty. I had brought her here so whatever had happened was my fault.
“I’m sorry,” I whispered into her mouth, before sucking her bottom lip, and she whispered a moan that accepted my apology and that was staying… She was still mine.
I began to run my hands all over her. I couldn’t help my goddamn self. My Baby was independent, strong, and cocky, but it turned me the fuck on when she submitted to me, when she let me know without words that she was all mine.
The heat of her body was luring me to her like a hypnotist. Without permission, I pushed her fitted skirt up to her waist. Her mouth moved to protest but I took it into mine before any words left her lips. The curve of her ass was in one hand as the other groped the seat of panties that covered her mound, which had soaked them by now.
Quickly, I spun her around and ripped her thong from her body. She was no longer timid. A light giggle left her lips as I used my hand on the arch of her back to bend her over slightly. Dropping to my knees, ensuring grass stains on my jeans, I spread her until her wet mound was exposed. The moment that my mouth covered her pussy, her body quivered.
As my tongue circled her clit, her body began to quake. She widened her legs to give me better access and my cock hardened in anticipation to be inside of her. The feeling caused a deep moan from my baritone voice, sending vibrations through her body and causing her toes to curl around blades of grass. As I sucked her clit, my tongue played around it. Up and down. Up and down. Faster. Harder until I felt it becoming more and more erect in my mouth.
“Fuck yes! I’m cumming!” left her lips in hard whispers. I took her waist into my hands and helped her grind my face hard and fast until I felt her cumming down my throat.
“Mmmm! That’s it baby.”
She was weak in my hands as I stood. But before she could become limp in my arms, my steel, wide length was climbing inside of her awaiting, hungry wet pussy. She squirmed, fighting the urge to yelp out in satisfaction. To make matters worse for her, I anchored myself on the wall of the house with one hand while wrapping her curls amongst my fingers with the other. Her neck now exposed was my fucking playground, just like the rest of her.
“Oh my God, Roc. Please…”
“Please what?”
She had no answer. She only whimpered. I could feel her grasped at my cock, tensing with every vicious dive my length took inside of her.
Chapter 17
Yanna E. Hill
After Roc fucked me senseless on the side of that beautiful yet evil mansion, we left without saying goodbyes. On the ride home, remnants of my orgasm were subsiding and the reality of his family’s ill feelings, were replacing it. I felt so guilty. I felt like a problem; his problem.
Even as we got back to his condo and spooned the rest of the night, a somber feeling was over me that was eerie. Then, as I replayed the words for Roc that Jamie, Tia and his father had said to me, somber turned to hurt and insecurities. I had never felt that when in Roc’s arms, and I didn’t like that I was now. It reminded me of heartbreak, of hurt, and pain, and I wasn’t supposed to feel that ever again. I was supposed to be protected from all of that when I was in Roc’s arms. I cared for Roc more than I had cared for any man in my life, but I refused to feel that hurt again. It reminded of my past heartache; of Alex, moreover, of Alexis. And that, I couldn’t deal with.
I was strong enough to leave Alex, and had been strong enough to weed out any further hurt, until now. I had fallen for Roc, but I didn’t have to fall for the pain as well.
So in the middle of the night, before the sun rose, I slipped out of Roc’s bed and sent Courtney a text message. I knew that he would be up. It was the brink of a Sunday morning, and his Saturday nights usually ended very early the next day.
Me: Can you pick me up from Roc’s house?
; As I awaited his response, I gathered my clothes and tiptoed out of his bedroom. Once inside of the living room, I dressed quietly just as my phone lit up, indicating a silent notification.
Courtney: Sure, baby. Everything okay?
Me: I’ll tell you all about it when you get here. Just hurry.
Once dressed back into my bandage skirt and camisole, I reached into my purse for a pen. Noticing a few pieces of mail on his end table, I took a letter and wrote on the back of it:
I can’t come between you and your family. I love you too, but I can’t do this.
I then tiptoed into the kitchen, to the refrigerator, and used a magnet to stick the note to it.
I did love him too. So much that my tears were no longer of sorrow once he finally told me those sweet three words. In that moment, I had forgotten the hurt and fell in love with that man all over again. It was obvious that we had loved each other for quite some time, but to finally say it signified it for me. Yet, to have it said in such a hurtful moment let me further know that I had to leave.
I didn’t slip my shoes back on until I was out of the door. I knew Roc’s security codes, and after drinks and a good orgasm, he was a hard sleeper. So, I was able to slip out unnoticed. It was five in the morning, but on a July day, it was already nearly seventy degrees. I took in a deep breath, expecting to feel instant heartache so intense that death would be close behind. Yet, when I didn’t, something told me that maybe I was doing the right thing.
****
Beyond the stress of leaving Roc, it was finals time. Graduation was weeks away. I had worked hard to finish my Masters, and I was a nervous wreck that I would fail finals because I could think of nothing but Roc. I’m guessing he woke up at about seven, because that is when my phone started to blow up with text messages and phone calls. By that time, a sleepy Courtney had hurried me out of his Camry and promised to come back over to my mom’s after he got some rest.