Black Bella : The Beginning Book 1

by Blue Saffire

  Once Maria joined in he didn’t have a chance. Venny stormed off grumbling to himself. I just shook my head as Victoria and I dragged our tired bodies upstairs for some much needed sleep.

  When we finally were able to lie down, Victoria had a list of questions for me. It was like she stored them all up to unleash them on me.

  “Why didn’t you ever tell me you liked Hip Hop and R&B?” Was the first question she giggled out. Her eyes were bright with curiosity.

  “You never asked,” I shrugged.

  “Where did you learn to dance?”

  “Chris and I used to watch a lot of MTV and BET. I was a video nut,” I chuckled. “I used to memorize the routines. I thought I was JT at one point.”

  She burst into laughter. “You’re kidding, right?”

  “Nope,” I said, kissing her nose.

  She bit her lip, as if debating on whether or not to ask her next question. “Am I your first black girlfriend?”

  I laughed and tightened my arms around her. I answered her truthfully. “No.”

  Victoria sat up and looked down at me. I could see I ignited a new brand of curiosity. I waited, knowing what was coming next.

  “How many?”

  “Three, well, four if you count Jazmine. She was half black, half Puerto Rican,” I answered. I’d talked to Victoria before about my old girlfriends, but this part of the subject hadn’t come up.

  Again, I watched her hesitate, before asking her next question. This one surprised me a little. It was the last thing I was expecting her to ask.

  “Do you really find my butt attractive?”

  “Huh,” I winked my brows.

  “I know you’ve called me sexy before. I just want to know what you find sexy about me,” she said shyly. “I noticed the look you gave me, when Justin said I have a ghetto booty.”

  I thought she knew I love her body. My thought had gone to that one time she wore that black bikini. Hell yeah, I’m attracted to her thick ass, but I needed her to understand it was more than that.

  Finding the words proved difficult than I thought it would. There just aren’t enough adequate words to expect how I feel about her. I tried to explain it to her anyway.

  “Victoria, you are just perfect to me. I love everything about your body, from your cute little feet to your perfectly shaped legs. I love your flat tummy and you have the cutest belly button I’ve ever seen.

  “And that’s just your body. I could spend hours on what I love about your face, your mind, and your beautiful soul. You are the essence of sexy to me,” I told her as I looked deeply into her eyes.

  Just the thought of Victoria made me wish she were next to me. I smirked as it hit me that she would be tomorrow night, as Mrs. Botticelli. I would have the most amazing woman ever as mine for life.

  Victoria had more questions that night. She wanted to know if I thought everything would go back to normal now. This was something I was about to reassure her of.

  Everything was going to be fine. When Victoria woke and gave me my phone the morning after the attack, I sent a message to my waiting gifts in Atlanta, Orlando, and Phoenix. My father had gotten notice that it was understood that I wouldn’t tolerate any more threats. There wasn’t a family that didn’t understand who Lorenzo Botticelli is.

  I couldn’t believe I couldn’t sleep. I had gotten so much better at sleeping in the bed with Victoria and not pushing her into the corner. Now she sort of melts into me when we sleep. I wrap around her and we wake up locked together in the morning.

  I think she likes that as much as I do. I wonder if she is getting any sleep without me. After tomorrow, I’ll never have to sleep without her again. I couldn’t wait to see her in her wedding gown. Carlos made her look amazing for her birthday. I knew she would look like the true princess she is for our wedding.

  I was lost in my thoughts, thinking of Victoria in a white dress when my phone started to buzz. I had no idea who it was. It was too late for anyone to be calling. I thought about not answering at first.

  I was annoyed that my thoughts of Victoria were being interrupted. I picked before it stopped buzzing. I cleared my throat to speak.

  “Hello.”

  “Hey, Lo, did I wake you?” Victoria whispered into the phone.

  “No, Beautiful, I was just thinking about you. I miss you.”

  “I miss you, too. I tried to get Angie to hold me until I fall asleep, but she’s being silly,” she grumbled.

  “Aw, I’m sorry, I spoiled you. I could come hold you until you fall asleep. No one would know,” I offered, as I laughed at her substitution.

  “I wish, Lo. I just wanted to hear your voice,” she purred.

  “I’m glad you called. I wanted to hear your voice too,” I told her. “You should’ve asked Lucie to hold you. The munchkin would’ve done it.”

  “Oh, please, Lo,” she giggled. “Lucie isn’t the big girl she thinks she is. She passed out after the massages.”

  “Well, my offer still stands. I miss those little legs wrapped around me,” I breathed into the phone.

  “Lorenzo,” she giggled. “They’ll be wrapped around you soon enough.”

  “Mm, you promise, Beautiful,” I moaned back.

  “Yes, Honey,” she said in that seductive voice. “I promise. You won’t have to wait any longer.”

  I paused. That had been a thought in the back of my mind, but she was drawing it to the front. I’d kept it in the back for a reason. I didn’t want to spend my whole wedding day thinking about my wedding night. I started to think that answering the phone was a bad idea.

  “Lorenzo?” she called.

  “Yes, Beautiful.”

  “Happy Birthday,” she whispered.

  I looked at the clock and smiled. “Thank you. You know you’re giving me the best birthday gift ever.”

  “Am I? What’s that?” she asked.

  “You…you’re becoming my wife. I get to love you for the rest of my life,” I answered.

  “Lo, I’m only giving you what belongs to you,” she whispered.

  “Yeah, I know, but I belong to you, Victoria. Don’t forget that. I’ll always be yours, no one else but you.”

  “I love you. Baby, go to sleep, I’m going to, so I can look beautiful for you in the morning. Goodnight,” Victoria whispered.

  “You’re always beautiful. I love you, too. Goodnight.”

  She hung up and I was suddenly at ease. I finally felt like I could fall asleep. Hearing her voice helped me still my mind. When I wake up in the morning, I’m going to marry the woman of my dreams. Victoria is going to finally be Mrs. Victoria Botticelli and I will be the happiest man on earth.

  chapter Thirty-Four

  I Do

  Lorenzo

  “Shut up, Chris, I’m up,” I grumbled. Chris was in my room calling me out of my sleep.

  “Dude, start moving like it,” Chris chuckled. “Victoria is already getting ready.”

  My head snapped up at the mention of my bride to be. I sat up to clear my head. My arm was throbbing a little this morning. Once I wrapped my head around the fact that it was my wedding day, I pulled myself out of bed and headed for the shower.

  “Happy Birthday, Bro,” Chris called after me.

  I raised my hand in the air, in thanks, as I yawned and walked into the bathroom, scratching my stomach. I brushed my teeth as I looked in the mirror. I looked a little rough for a wedding. I still hadn’t had a haircut and a real shave would be great. Maria insisted her groomers have the opportunity to handle that.

  I was a little annoyed because I looked like wolverine at our rehearsal dinner. Victoria had jokes. If she wasn’t so cute when she laughs, I might have been pissed.

  I jumped into the shower, hoping it would wake up the rest of the way. I couldn’t help reciting my wedding vows in my head. Victoria and Maria wanted us to write our own and know them by heart.

  Good thing no one else has ever heard them. If I messed up, I would be the only one that knew. As long as
it had the ending Victoria and I agree to I was golden. No harm, no foul.

  I washed my way too long hair and made my way out of the shower. Chris and Matt were playing Xbox, when I walked out of the bathroom and into the closet. I wished I hadn’t left that behind here. Maybe then, they wouldn’t be in here and I could have some privacy.

  I threw on a pair of shorts and a t-shirt to walk around in until time to get dressed. As I dropped my towels on the closet floor, I laughed because I knew Victoria would’ve yelled at me for it. I missed her.

  I couldn’t wait to see her. I wondered did she get her phone back. As soon as I had the thought, Chris knocked at the closet door holding up my phone. I grabbed a pair of sneakers and took the phone. Victoria had just sent a message.

  Victoria: Good Morning. See you soon.

  I sent her a text back, knowing I’d prefer to talk to her. I guess a text or two would have to do for now.

  Me: Good morning, Beautiful. Can’t wait.

  Matt and Chris followed me to the kitchen where breakfast was set up for everyone. I knew Maria is going to have us all over the place today. I needed to fuel up as much as I could.

  I piled the food on my plate and sat at the table. Chris wasted no time on his plate. My phone went off again.

  Victoria: How is your birthday so far?

  Me: Great they’re wrapping my gift up right now.

  My father entered the kitchen with a big grin on his face. At first, I almost had an attitude, but I realized his grin had nothing to do with him getting his way. He tossed a key at me and nodded his head toward the garage.

  I knew exactly what it was. I jumped up, running to the garage. Parked right where my motorcycles used to be was a brand-new money green Lotus. My father walked up behind me and patted my shoulder.

  “Happy birthday, Son,” he said.

  “Thanks, Dad,” I beamed. “My two favorite ladies just found competition. Oh, man, you think Victoria would be pissed if I spend an hour on the track?”

  “I think you’d be pushing it,” he chuckled. “It will be here when you come home from your honeymoon.”

  “That’s in two weeks. I have to take her out if just once around the track,” I groaned.

  “It’s your birthday. Go ahead,” my father said as he patted my back.

  He didn’t have to tell me twice. I hop in the car heading for the track faster than I could think. I had made up the schoolwork I missed last week and gotten permission to email in the assignments for the rest of the semester. I was all set for the honeymoon, but I wasn’t going to wait two weeks to try this car out.

  I’ve been eyeing it for months. I melted into the seats, this baby handled like a dream. Victoria would love this car, maybe I would get her one. I took the track twice.

  I couldn’t help myself. When I got back to the house Chris and Matt were standing with my dad. They whistled, as they checked my new lady out. I parked her and looked around to see where they’d placed my bikes.

  I noticed them in my mother’s parking spot for now. I hopped out of the car and headed over to hug my dad. He was always extremely happy to give me a new car. Chris handed me my phone again, once my father and I finished our moment.

  Victoria: LOL. Are you talking about me?

  Me: Yes! I just got my Lotus you are going to love it.

  I started toward the kitchen to finish my breakfast. I ran into Carlos in the foyer, with Maria’s team, ready to torture me and my friends. I walked right passed them.

  I was going to finish that plate. Uncle Mike and Uncle Fredo were enjoying plates of their own. My father had invited Carlos and his gang to grab something to eat. They all scattered around the kitchen to grab a quick bite. My phone buzzed again.

  Victoria: Oh, wow. What color? Can I drive it? LOL

  Me: Money green. Of course, I want to get you one.

  I sat back satisfied, with a full belly. Chris was on plate number two. Matt was busy sending text messages. Something told me they weren’t all to Martina.

  He was playing a dangerous game. I wasn’t entertaining his triangle, though, I’m too happy for that. I stood to stretch and let out a yawn. Carlos tossed his plate and snapped for his team to finish up or do the same. I figured it was best to get this all over with, so I could get to Victoria that much sooner.

  I made my way to the room my mother had set up for today. There were two barber chairs waiting. My father hopped in the chair next to mine. Carlos showed the stylist what to do with my hair.

  I prayed this girl wouldn’t mess my hair up today. My father was done way before me. Chris was next to hop in the chair next to mine.

  Everyone laughed and talked amongst themselves, but I was busy thinking about the special gifts I had planned for Victoria. She hadn’t answered me yet. She must’ve been busy. I sat with a hot towel on my face, hoping I would get a mirror soon.

  My phone was going off at the same time I finally finish and get a mirror placed in my hand. I sighed in relief as I looked in the mirror. Carlos’s girl actually did a great job.

  With a beaming smile on his face, my father pulled out his wallet and gave her a hundred as a tip. I had to admit, I even like what she did with my facial hair. The light line she left to leave the illusion of a beard wasn’t bad.

  I checked my phone quickly. I smiled as reality started to set in, I’. Victoria had sent me two messages.

  Victoria: I thought you were going to behave?

  Me: That meant, no new cars for me. I said nothing about you.

  I sent back in response. I couldn’t help laughing, I was in such a good mood. If I wanted to get her a car, I would just have to do it.

  I think that would be a nice Valentine’s Day gift for her or maybe her birthday. It’s coming soon. I’m going to spoil her rotten. Venny hasn’t even scratched the surface of what I’m going to do.

  Victoria: TY for the flowers, baby. They’re beautiful.

  Me: YW. Bet they’re having trouble being noticed in a room with you.

  Carlos got right at work. He shoved me behind a makeshift curtain. I shook my head as the first thing handed to me was cologne. Carlos literally dresses you from head to toe. He even has his own ritual on how you’re supposed to spray it on.

  I hand him back the cologne and its replaced by my tux. It’s black just like my princess wanted. I stepped into the pants, then pulled on the white shirt and white vest. Once I was done, Carlos popped behind the curtain to tie a white ascot around my neck.

  My blood started to pump harder. I was getting excited. I knew Victoria had the flowers, so my next gift was on the way.

  I had a necklace made for her. It’s white gold with three charms that hang from the center. They’re the letters L, B, and V covered in diamonds, each dangling from their own chain. The B hangs just a little lower than the L and the V. She’s going to love it.

  Time was moving faster than I thought. Once Chris and Matt were dressed we were out the front door, getting into the cars Uncle Mike and Uncle Fredo pulled out. Chris rode with me in my new Wraith. Venny was just going to have to a fit. Matt rode with my dad in the hummer.

  I almost flew to the mansion Maria rented for the wedding. The place was monstrous in size. I remember the way Victoria squealed the first time we went to see it.

  The place looked great. There were flowers everywhere. The white roses and blue and white hydrangeas, my princess wanted with hints of blue Picasso callas flooded the entryway. They wrapped the double spiral staircase, and the pathway that lead to the huge heated tent Maria had brought in.

  They made the marble floors look even richer. As I stared down the long pathway to the altar, my stomach started to twist. It was such a long walk. I would have to wait that long for her to get to me. My phone went off as I tried to relax.

  Victoria: Thank you so much. This is beautiful. I love you.

  Me: YW. I love you too.

  Right on time. My next gift would be after we’re married. Chris, Matt, Toni, and I all made our way to
the altar to begin waiting. Toni was excited to see the guys and me. He reminded me so much of Lucie.

  I took in the setup as we walked. Everything Victoria wanted was in place. There were the rows of chairs with white covers and shear blue fabric tied around them, with bows at the back.

  I noticed the single white roses that were dyed light blue and wrapped with white ribbons, sitting on top of the programs on each chair for the guests. There was blue and white fabric draped from the ceiling of the tent. The lighting made the fabric and flowers glow.

  I knew that was because Victoria wanted the roses accented with little crystals. My princess had an eye for beauty. The place looked breathtaking.

  People were starting to file in. My father came to get me when my grandfather arrived. My grandfather was more than happy to see me.

  “How is that arm, Lorenzo,” he asked, as he gave me a proud smile. “Are you taking care of it?”

  “It’s healing,” I smiled. “I’ll be back to myself in no time.”

  Antonio La Marcello arrived just then. The conversation quickly turned to my handling of the situation with Victoria. I didn’t have too much to say, but they were very impressed.

  I wasn’t in the mood to talk about it. I just wanted to go and wait for my bride, but I knew better than to be rude. Mr. La Marcello sensed my anxiety and dismissed me. I noticed they didn’t follow for a very long time, which I pushed to the back of my head.

  I looked at my watch and my heart started to race. It was time. I looked into the crowd and saw all the people waiting to see us get married, but they didn’t matter. Not half as much as the one person I wanted to see walk down that aisle.

  The priest stepped into place and music started playing lightly in the background. I wondered if Victoria was ready. My palms were getting all sweaty. I forgot my vows that earlier I’d known by heart.

  The back doors closed and everyone was sent to their seats. Chris stood behind me, but Matt and Toni disappeared. The music began to play louder. I remembered the song playing, it was the one Maria picked for the processional. They were about to march in, this was it. The doors opened again and my father and mother came through, I could see her holding his arm, already dabbing at tears.