Black Bella : The Beginning Book 1

by Blue Saffire

  I gave my grandfather a big hug, when I made it over to him. He smiled down at me, then pulled me into a tight hug and kissed my forehead. He released me and looked at Lorenzo, scanning him and giving him a slight smile.

  “How’s the arm?” My grandfather asked, as he looked at the bandage, peeking from under Lorenzo t-shirt sleeve.

  “It’s fine, Sir,” Lorenzo answered and reached out to shake my grandfather’s hand. “It’s an honor to meet you.”

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Lorenzo. I’ve heard a lot about you,” he replied with a smile and shook Lorenzo’s hand. “I’m happy to see you’re okay. Thank you for protecting my granddaughter.”

  “My pleasure,” Lorenzo said looking over at me, smiling, as he reached to brush his fingers over my cheek.

  “I wanted to meet you and give my blessing. I’m sure you understand why I won’t be attending the wedding,” my grandfather said, as he looked Lorenzo in the eyes.

  “Oh, granddaddy, no, I wanted you to come,” I whined.

  “Your aunts, uncles, and cousins will represent me,” my grandfather replied.

  “Yeah, but granddaddy that’s not…”

  “Victoria,” Lorenzo interrupted in his, my word is final, voice.

  I looked up at his face to see the same thing I heard in his voice. I dropped my head along with the subject. I was hurt that my grandfather wasn’t coming to the wedding. I was sure Lorenzo could understand that. Lorenzo reached over to lift my head with his hand, as he addressed my grandfather.

  “I understand, Sir,” he said, not taking his eyes off my grandfather. “I will make sure my mother has the video and pictures sent to you. We will miss you there, but we can respect your choice.”

  My grandfather watched the way Lorenzo handled me. Lorenzo had pulled me to his side, while speaking. He gently caressed my back to soothe the sting he’d caused.

  Lorenzo turned long enough to kiss the top of my head. “I will explain later,” he whispered.

  I nodded, placing one hand on his back and the other against his chest. I looked at my grandfather in order to keep from looking down. My grandfather was silent for a while, as he observed us.

  “Lorenzo, my father wanted to make sure you and your friends understand that Venny isn’t welcome here. He isn’t even to know where here is,” Uncle Bryce said to fill in the silence.

  “That’s very understood. Neither Matt nor Chris will violate my orders. They answer to me, not Venny,” Lorenzo answered.

  I turned to Lorenzo as those words sank in. When did things change? Matt had said that Lorenzo wasn’t the boss of him. It’s so easy to miss things around here.

  Lorenzo noticed I picked up on that and frowned a little. I wrinkled my nose back at him. He’d better not start acting the way he had while we were in the estate.

  Lorenzo released a long sigh and kissed my cheek. “I’ll explain that later too, if you’d like,” he offered me.

  “Yes, please,” I answered.

  “Yes…that is my other concern, Lorenzo,” my grandfather said. “I see Venny has let things get beyond him. My daughters aren’t as oblivious as the women in your family are. That’s a concern for me with Victoria.

  “She’s being exposed in a way I don’t see as being safe. She should either know or not know. These pieces are dangerous for her. I’m trusting you to manage this a little better.”

  “Yes, Sir,” Lorenzo answered. “I don’t believe in lying to her. She’s very smart. I tell her what she needs to know nothing more. I’d respect if everyone would try to keep that in mind and understand that for now, I think that’s best. She will know more when the time is right.”

  “I will respect that, Lorenzo. Just keep what I’ve said in mind,” my grandfather said and reached in his jacket pocket for an envelope. “With that, Lorenzo. I give you my blessing. You’re a fine young man. If Victoria is happy I’m happy.

  “This is your wedding gift from me. Please do me the favor of opening it now. I want to make sure it’s enough for my pumpkin.”

  Lorenzo took the envelope and handed it to me. I opened it as Lorenzo held the small of my back watching me. There was the most beautiful card inside. I held the card up for Lorenzo to see, then opened it to read the inside.

  There was a check for two million dollars on the inside. My mouth fell open. What was my grandfather thinking? How wasn’t that enough for me? Was I really that spoiled? Lorenzo was smirking at my reaction.

  “Granddaddy, why would this not be enough? This is a lot more than I expected. Thank you,” I said, not wanting to get all weepy.

  “Well, Angie has told us that my new grandson here, bought you a new house. I wanted to make sure you have enough to furnish it,” my grandfather chuckled.

  “That’s not necessary. My father promised to cover that cost. No offense, granddaddy, but Venncesso owes me more than that at this point. Would it be okay to do something else with it?” I asked.

  “Pumpkin, you two do whatever you like with it,” he grinned, “As long as you’re happy.”

  “Thank you so much,” I said, moving to wrap my arm around his waist.

  “Thank you,” Lorenzo said, reaching to shake my grandfather’s hand.

  My grandfather pulled him in for a hug, whispering something in his ear. Lorenzo face spread into a wide smile, as he nodded at whatever was said. My heart filled with so much joy to see my grandfather accept him so easily. When I say granddaddy loathes my father, you can feel it come to life when they are around each other.

  “Lorenzo, don’t think this is an invitation to stock the twenty-car garage,” I teased.

  “Don’t worry about that, Beautiful. I’ll behave…Besides, I think my father is buying me a Lotus for my birthday,” Lorenzo shrugged, with a smug smile.

  “Well, in case your father doesn’t come through, I have something for that garage,” my grandfather smiled and reached into his pocket. “You didn’t think I’d ignore my new grandson’s birthday did you?”

  My grandfather held up a box and handed it to Lorenzo. Lorenzo smiled and lifted a brow, as he took the box. He placed it in my hand that I held up to help him open the box.

  Pulling the box open, Lorenzo pulled out the key that was inside. His face glowed and his lips parted. He looked at me, then looked at my grandfather.

  “A Wraith? Are you serious?” he smiled. “Wow, thank you so much. I don’t know what to say.”

  “Thank you, granddaddy, Lorenzo loves cars,” I squealed.

  “So, I’ve heard. I hope you like that one. It’s the least I can do. Bry said you’d like this one,” My grandfather beamed.

  Bryce Jr. walked up, as my grandfather pointed out that he picked the car. Lorenzo gave him a hard pound and pulled him in for a chest hug, not having use of both arms. Bry smiled and nodded at Lorenzo to assure him he had his back on the car. I was so happy to see my family welcome my soon to be husband the way they were.

  “Bry, why don’t you take him down to see the car?” Uncle Bryce said.

  “It’s here?” Lorenzo crooned. “Oh, man, let’s go. Babe, you coming?”

  “No, you go. I’m starving,” I said as I watched his excitement. “I’ll make you something for when you come back.”

  Lorenzo stopped to think about it for a second, looking at me as if he didn’t want to leave me. I could see he really wanted to see the car, but I hadn’t eaten in more than twenty-four hours. He reached for my hand and pulled me to him, placing his forehead to mine and palming my waist.

  “I can wait. I want to be with you,” he said softly.

  “No Lo, go,” I ordered. “I’ll be right here when you come back. I can see how much you want to.”

  “Are you sure? I can wait. I’m hungry too. Your mom and aunts have this place smelling great.”

  “Lo, go see the car. By the time you come back, I’ll have your food waiting for you,” I said, placing a kiss on his lips quickly because my grandfather was still watching us.

  “I love
you.”

  “I love you, too,” I called, as Bry pulled him away.

  The condo was picked with my family. Half the guys, including Matt and Chris, followed Bryce Jr. and Lorenzo down to see the car. I made my way to the kitchen hugging my aunts and uncles on the way. I fixed a plate for Lorenzo, my grandfather, and me. I covered their plates as I awaited their return.

  Lorenzo was right, the place smelled great and the food taste even better. I pigged out before Lorenzo came back to see how savage I can be. Bianca teased me, while also asking me about Matt and Martina. I didn’t want to get in the middle of that.

  My aunts surrounded the kitchen now to question me about Lorenzo. I tried not to blush and hide from their questions. I’d be married this time next week.

  “You two make a cute couple,” Auntie Taylor said. “I’m in love with that ring by the way. It almost puts mines to shame,” she winked.

  She was right. I was only about a half karat short. My Aunts are all spoiled and my Uncles have spoiled their wives as well.

  I shrugged. “He did good,” I smiled down at my ring.

  There was so much excitement about the wedding. However, I was relieved when they stopped questioning me to ask my mother about Maria. Everyone knew their relationship had taken a three sixty.

  At that point, I was too busy going for seconds to listen. The food was finger linking good. It made me miss living home with my mom.

  What I did know, was that Lorenzo had talked to Maria about my mom. He asked her to try to work things out for me, at least for the wedding. My father promised he would respect my mother’s family. My mother wanted them there as much as I did. Maria was doing her best to involve my mother, as much as she could despite the mess that was going on.

  They had changed subjects again, by the time the guys started to come back up. Bry, Lorenzo, and my grandfather were in the second group that came up. They looked like they were having an intense conversation.

  Lorenzo still looked super happy. I could tell my grandfather likes him. My grandfather isn’t an easy man to please, so I was over the moon that he liked Lorenzo.

  I took both their plates to the dining room for them to eat. When they sat, I could tell it wasn’t a conversation Lorenzo wanted me to hear. I nodded that I understood and left the room. I quickly sent Bianca and Aunt Taylor back with plates for Uncle Bryce, Bry, Matt, and Chris. Angie stayed in the kitchen with me. I was sure Chris had ordered her away too. They were in there for almost an hour.

  I took the time to catch up with my family and dance to the music that was playing the condo. We were having such a great time. It was like the chaos never happened.

  Bianca and I were acting silly, dancing and singing, when Lorenzo and the others entered the living room. I’d been laughing so hard I snorted, which made Lorenzo laugh too. He nodded for me to come to him, but I wanted to dance with him. I didn’t think he would, but when I shook my head and motioned for him to come to me, he did.

  I learned so much about Lorenzo that night. This was totally different from the music at my birthday party. Lorenzo could actually dance. Sorry I couldn’t say that for Chris or my cousin, Matt. Matt was doing his best though, to keep up with Bianca. I was a little annoyed with him. He wasn’t acting like he had a girlfriend waiting at college for him.

  All of my girl cousins wanted to dance with Lorenzo, after seeing how well he could move. He even danced with my mom a few times. Lo and Bryce Jr. even showed off a couple of times.

  I was learning so much about Lorenzo. This was stuff I hadn’t gotten to see before. He hasn’t been this relaxed ever.

  When we’re home, I never think about the music we listen to. In the car, he would leave the radio off to talk to me. He usually has his earbuds in when he listens to music in the apartment. I’ve picked his phone up a few times by accident, thinking it was mine. I laughed as heard his playlist, but I’ve never mentioned it to him or asked about his taste in music.

  However, this was different. I watched him recite the words to the songs and dance along with them. Even Angie elbowed me with her mouth hanging open. He knew the words to new and old songs.

  Bryce Jr. looked like he had found a new best friend. They laughed and rapped with their favorite songs, slapping each other five with lyrics they argued on. I laughed to myself, as I thought of earlier when Lorenzo pointed out that I fit in anywhere. So did he. He looked so comfortable here.

  When the music quieted down, my cousins started telling more stories as Lorenzo half listened. He was too busy, whispering in my ear as he swayed us with the light music. Lorenzo’s fingers laced in mine as we melted into each other. I tried to be mindful of his arm. He had taken more painkillers, when it started to bother him a little.

  It amazing to just breathe for once and relax. This was the happiest we had been in a long time. It made me excited for the wedding. I was ready to learn everything about Lorenzo. Today definitely taught me to pay more attention to what Lorenzo likes and what he is interested in. It was time we started our future.

  chapter Thirty-Three

  My Dream Come True

  Lorenzo

  I could barely sleep I hadn’t slept alone in months. My mind was racing, as I laid in my old room. I had been text messaging Victoria for hours, until Maria took her phone to make sure she went to sleep.

  Maria sent me to my father’s at five in the evening. She had an evening spa session planned for Victoria at the house. Victoria text me that they were torturing her.

  She asked me to come save her. That was cute. I knew Maria had everything in the books going on over there. Victoria would sparkle tomorrow if Maria had anything to do with it.

  Chris had been with me, since Angie was with Victoria while she was being tortured. Although I couldn’t count on him for shit, he’d been sending text messages to Angie the whole time. Only benefit to that was Angie’s big mouth.

  She told us everything that was going on. I knew they had waxed almost every hair that wasn’t on Victoria’s head. Angie told Chris there would be a surprise for me. I knew Victoria would strangle her for that one.

  Martina, Lucie, and my mother, Sharon, were with Victoria as well. Angie had text Chris a picture of Lucie enjoying herself with the ladies. She looked so excited.

  Victoria had sent me a few stories about Lucie’s excitement. Lucie was the talk of the party with her antics. My favorite girls were having a ball.

  Matt was supposed to be with us, but truth be told he was with Bianca, Victoria’s cousin. Victoria already knew the truth. I wasn’t going to have my new wife pissed at me for lying the night before the wedding.

  “We’re staying out of it,” she groaned when I told her earlier. She’d mentioned a lie Martina repeated, which lead me to reveal the truth. Matt should actually thank me. He almost got busted. Victoria was onto him the moment the words were out of Martina’s mouth.

  “You have no arguments from me,” I replied, wanting just as little to do with the situation.

  It was my intentions from the beginning to mind my fucking business. As long as it didn’t affect me and mine, we were golden. I had no idea what the wedding was going to be like for Matt. He was going to have Bianca and Martina in the some space. As long as they didn’t start a fight at my wedding I was cool.

  My father tried his best to get me to hang with him and my uncles. I finally gave in later in the evening. We went to dad’s study, Chris tagging along of course.

  Dad pulled out a few of his Cuban cigars and a bottle of brandy he was saving. We spent the time laughing and talking for a while. I was happy I did it. I do love my father and before the whole arranged marriage thing we were close.

  I thought I would be able to sleep, so I came up to my room. Chris disappeared to his room my mom keeps for him. I laughed when it dawned on me how much time Chris has spent here over the years.

  Time started to tick by slowly. It was like the night would never end. Matt had already texted me to tell me he was home. I was alone wi
th my thoughts. Thinking about that night at Victoria’s uncle’s place.

  I love her family. They’re so warm and welcoming once they decide they like you. You can tell they come from money, but they’re so down to earth. None of this bullshit has gotten to their heads. They handle their power so much differently than what I’ve seen growing up.

  I know seeing me getting along so well with her family made Victoria happy. It was just so easy. Her cousin, Bry is my boy. We’ve been hanging out since the party and we’ve been talking about launching a business together with Chris. Something for the future.

  Lakeisha even warmed up to me a lot more. I think she finally saw how much I love Victoria. She and Victoria were able to spend some time together this week. That’s something my baby needed.

  I can’t even begin to tell you how much it pleases me that my girl is getting everything she wants. The only thing I couldn’t fix was the relationship her father had with her grandfather. Lakeisha’s father wasn’t willing to step a foot in the same room as Venny.

  I noticed he barely talked to Lakeisha when we were at the condo. I wish I could fix that for Victoria, but that is well beyond me. Some shit even I knew to leave alone.

  Thinking of that day brought me to all the questions Victoria had for me, when we got home that night. We had decided to stay with Venny until the wedding. He was irritated when we showed up at four in the morning in my new blue and grey Rolls Royce. Chris had taken my Austin Martin home with him. He wanted to make sure he took Angie to her door.

  I was happy to get Victoria back into a real bed. Venny wanted to argue about my new gift, but I wasn’t in the mood. Victoria silenced him though.

  “Are you really going to go there tonight,” she hissed. “After all Lo has been through. After all we’ve been through. You want to argue over a gift. Really, Dad?”

  “Venny, if you don’t leave them alone and go have a fucking drink. It’s four in the morning for Christ sakes. What difference does it matter who gave him the car, it’s clear you already know where it came from. Stop being an asshole,” Maria jumped in.