by D. Camille
“Then you did something that made me scream out loud.” She opened her eyes and looked at him question.
Ray stood and moved to stand in front of her placing a light kiss on her exposed thigh before she sat up staring at him. He reached out and touched her face before kissing her gently on her lips
“I want to make you scream again Belle,” he whispered to her. “It's music to my ears.”
Isabelle wrapped her arms around his neck. “I'd like to play that music for you.”
“I think we'll play it louder and longer tonight.”
She smiled. “You're the maestro.”
*********
Trent and Callie entered his office and he quickly closed the door behind him before pressing Callie against it.
“Trent!” she pushed him away a little.
“What?”
Callie folded her arms. “You said you had something important to tell me.”
He stared down at her. “I do.”
She lifted a brow. “Well? What?”
He stepped closer again. “I miss you Callie.”
“You see me every day Trent,” she reminded him.
“I see you at work Callie. I miss being with you,” he confessed.
Callie stared up into those dark eyes. “That's not my fault Trent. You have to be focused on your schoolwork.”
“I know. Do you miss me?” he asked.
“Is that what you called me in here for?”
Trent placed his hand on the door over her head. “Yes or no Callie? Keep it one hundred.”
She smiled. “Yes, I do miss being with you Trent.”
His other hand went to her waist. “Let's eat dinner together tonight,” he told her.
“I'm not going to interfere with your studies,” she said pointedly.
He smiled. “I have to eat and you can eat with me,” he said simply. “I haven't been cussed out in a while.”
She laughed. “You haven't been acting dumb so I haven't had to.”
He laughed and pulled her closer. “We can eat together tonight?”
“Yeah, we can eat together. I don't have class tonight and I'll even pay for your abundance of food since I got my commission check.”
He shook his head. “You can keep your money Callie. I'd rather have this than all the food in the world.”
He lowered his head and kissed her before Callie pulled back. Trent looked down at her intently.
She smiled at him and touched his face. "I like you Trent, probably way more than I ever should have allowed but after tonight it's a wrap baby. You need to go and be with your princess."
"Callie...?" His heart fell.
She shook her head. "I told you from the start that I don't get involved with people's love situations and I've gotten way too deep with you."
"I don't want to lose you Callie," Trent told her quietly.
"I was never yours to lose Trent." She pulled away before opening the door and walking back to her desk.
Chapter 23
Lily sat next to Sean in the back of the car driving them to the airport to pick up her mother and sister. She nervously twisted her hands in her lap until Sean reached over and took them both in his
“What is it Lily?” he asked gently.
She turned to him. “It's just that my family can be a little different. People don't always understand them,” she explained.
Sean lifted a brow in question.
Lily continued, “You'll see when you meet them.”
They pulled up to the arrivals and Lily's family was already waiting curbside. Sean exited the vehicle first with Lily quickly behind him. She hugged her mother first then her sister before turning back to Sean.
“Momma, Lotus this is Sean. Sean this is my mother Lavender Masters and my sister Lotus,” Lily introduced them.
Sean stepped forward and Lavender took both hands and caressed his face. “You are my Lily's warrior.”
Sean smiled down at the woman with the flawless chocolate skin. “Yes.”
She touched his chest and smiled up at him. “You have a warm heart. You will give me very kind and loving grandchildren.”
“That is my plan Mrs. Masters,” he told her.
She brought his face down and kissed his cheek. “Very beautiful grandchildren too”
When she released him he turned to Lily's sister. Where Lily was short in height, Lotus was at least five nine with long straightened dark hair. Her complexion matched Lily and their mother and when she smiled at Sean, he saw the dimples that he loved so much on Lily.
“Hello Lotus,” Sean greeted.
“I'm not going to grab your face and kiss you,” she teased holding out her hand.
Sean took her hand. “It's nice to meet you Lotus.”
Lotus looked Sean over. “You got a little brother?” she asked.
“Actually I do.”
“How old is he?” she asked.
“He's turning eighteen in a few weeks,” Sean told her.
Lotus smiled.
“Lotus?” Lily questioned.
Lotus shrugged. “What? I'm just seeing if I'll have someone to hang out with while I'm here. You know someone around my age?”
“I'm sure Trent will be happy to show you around Lotus,” Sean told her.
She smiled at Sean. “Thanks, is he as cute as you are?”
“Lotus!” Lily reprimanded.
“Fine Lily, I won't ask any more questions.”
Lavender smiled. “Lotus is blooming. She's twenty and learning who she is; testing the masculine waters.” Lavender explained then headed to the waiting car.
“You hear that Lily, I'm blooming.”
Lily looked at her sister. “No, you're being slick.”
Lotus laughed and headed to the car with her mother
Lily turned to Sean. “This is going to be long few days,” she commented.
“You've put up with my family for this long, your family is no problem,” Sean told her.
She looked up at him. “Okay. You don't know what you're getting into.”
“It doesn't matter as long as I get you.”
Lily took his hand. “I'm holding you to that my love.”
They climbed into the car with Lotus and Lavender.
“Do you ride around in limousines all the time Lily?” Lotus asked as they took off.
“No, this was a special occasion,” Lily responded.
Lavender studied Sean. “Sean, Lily tells me that you're an Assistant at a large company here in LA.”
Sean nodded. “Yes Mrs. Masters. I'm the Assistant to Jordan Black.”
Lavender nodded. “You are very polished Sean. I'm sure many people fall for your façade.”
“Excuse me?” Sean asked.
“Momma!” Lily screeched at the same time.
Lavender smiled at Sean. “My lips are sealed. I'm a keeper of secrets, even those I've never been told,” she told him before winking at him.
Lily dropped her head into her hands.
Lotus laughed. “Momma, you're going to scare the man away and Lily might not find another one that's willing to marry her,” she teased.
“Kill me now,” Lily whispered with her head still in her hand.
Sean watched the entire scene in amusement. It seemed his Lily had an interesting family as well.
They drove Lavender and Lotus to the hotel and Sean promised to bring Trent with him to dinner that evening after the ladies had a chance to rest. Back in the vehicle Lily turned to Sean.
“Now you see why I had them come three days before, any more than that and I'd be pulling my hair out.”
“Your mother and sister are interesting.”
“Most people use the word crazy.”
Sean looked at her. “I think they're nice.”
“You say that now.”
Sean smiled and brought Lily to him. “It's fine Lily. Don't stress over this.”
She laid her head on his shoulder. “I just want one day. One day where
everything goes right.”
“It will beautiful. I promise you.”
“I don't want any exes showing up, no one fighting, no kidnappings and no security threats. Nothing.”
Sean held her closer. “Let's shoot for completing the ceremony.”
Lily smiled up at him. “Okay.”
The car stopped and Sean heard the rap on the hood before helping Lily out of the car. Lily looked up at the building. It was the day spa she and Sage frequented.
“I thought we were going home. What are we doing here?” she asked.
Sean looked down at her. “You've been stressed over this so I booked you a massage and spa treatment. Sage is inside waiting for you. I'll be back to pick you up for dinner with your family.”
Lily turned to him throwing her arms around. “You're so wonderful to me.”
“My Goddess means everything to me, you know that.”
She lifted on her toes to kiss him. “Thank you.” She smiled and went inside where she found Sage reading a magazine in the lobby.
“Hey Sage,” she said smiling.
“I need you to be stressed more often Lily, so we can get the guys to send us on more spa days,” Sage said hugging her friend
Lily smirked. “Sage, please. Jordan would build you a spa if you wanted it.”
Sage smiled. “I hadn't thought of that.”
Lily took her arm rolling her eyes. “Come on Mrs. Billionaire.”
“I'm just teasing you Lily.” Sage laughed. “You really are stressed.”
Lily sighed. “My family is so unorthodox Sage. I just want to make it through these next few days. My momma is talking about keeping Sean's secrets and my sister is trying to seduce Trent, all this in a span of fifteen minutes.”
“Your momma is scary though,” Sage agreed.
Lily looked at her friend.
“She is!” Sage defended. “Remember when she told me that I was going to be kidnapped one day?”
“You were Sage.”
Sage nodded thinking about Nico. “Okay she was right on that one. Although I don't technically consider that a kidnapping since I would've gotten away.”
“But remember she said that one day my brother was going to be missing?” Sage asked.
Lily thought about that. “Momma's not always right. Besides who could get to Ray? He is the security.”
Sage smiled. “The Sun God in invincible.”
“Speaking of Ray, what did you do to him about Isabelle?” Lily asked.
She shrugged. “We talked.” She looked at her friend. “He really likes her.”
“I know.”
“I have to work through that one. The Sun God has always been mine. I don't know if I want to share him, especially with Isabelle.”
Lily looked at her. “If I can share Sean with her, you can share Ray.”
Sage frowned. “You're nicer than I am.”
“Sage you have Jordan. Don't you want your brother to be happy?”
“But it's Isabelle.”
Lily smiled. “She's really a kind, sweet person Sage.”
Sage gritted her teeth. “Please don't say that again.”
“Next time we have a spa day, we should invite her,” Lily told her.
Sage rolled her eyes. “Let's get our massages. Maybe after I'm relaxed my mind will be clearer.”
Lily laughed. “It'll be alright Sage. At least it's not Shana.”
Sage looked at her. “That one has an ass whipping on hold. I'm telling you.”
Lily sighed. “This time I agree with you Sage.”
*********
Carolyn entered the restaurant quickly making her way to the table. She'd wanted to arrive early before her companion. She sat watching the door waiting for his entrance. Sean would not be happy about this meeting, but it was something she had to do. Soon after her arrival, Milton Martin entered the restaurant and spotted her. He smiled as came to join her.
“Carolyn, my God, where have you been?” he said bending to kiss her.
Carolyn discretely turned her head and his lips landed in the vicinity of her temple. He frowned down at her and took his seat.
“Where have you been Carolyn?” he asked.
She looked across the table at him. “I've been getting better.”
Milton looked surprised. “Did they hurt you?”
“Who?”
“Sean and Jordan, did they do something to hurt you?” he questioned again.
Carolyn shook her head. “No Milton. No one hurt me. I almost hurt someone, but nobody hurt me.”
Milton nodded. “Well, I'm glad you're back. I have a new plan for Jordan and Sean. I've found someone who wants them even more than we do. They even want that security guy that hangs around with them.”
She looked directly at him. “I want you to leave my sons alone Milton.”
“Your sons?” Milton barked. “I'm not trying to do anything to your other son.”
“My sons are Sean and Jordan and I'm not going to let you hurt them.”
Milton looked confused. “What are you talking about Carolyn? What the hell is wrong with you?”
“Milton, I want you to leave Sean and Jordan alone. Don't try to hurt them in any way,” she warned.
He heard the edge in her voice. “What? Who in the hell are you talking to?” Milton barked.
“You.”
His eyes narrowed. “What did they do to you?” he whispered.
“They helped me know who I am and I'm not a woman who hurts those who care about her. Not anymore.”
“So you're just going to turn on me?”
Carolyn shook her head. “I'm telling you to leave them alone. You don't want to be on my bad side.”
Milton reared back. “Are you threatening me now Carolyn?”
“Don't turn this into a battle Milton. You won't win.”
“Fine! I don't need you or Joanna. You two couldn't get it done anyway!” he snapped.
Carolyn folded her arms on the table. “Let it go Milton.” She raised a brow.
Milton sneered. “The only thing you two were good at was sleeping with Justin.”
She nodded. “So you want to take it there?” she asked.
Milton remained silent.
Carolyn leaned forward. “Okay, I've warned your ass. You know I know all about you.”
“What the hell are you going to do?” he asked.
She looked him in the eye. “Before you hurt them, I will send your ass to jail.”
Milton turned red. “You think they're going to protect you?” he asked.
“I don't need it from you. You should be the one that's worried.”
Milton sat back. “No Carolyn. They should be worried because the person who is coming after them is going to make sure they get what they deserve.”
Carolyn's eyes widened. “Then they should know that they're not just coming after them, they're coming after the entire family.”
“You're a family now?” Milton snickered.
“What about your family Milton, your daughters?” Carolyn asked tilting her head.
He leaned forward. “Leave my damn daughters out of this!”
Carolyn shrugged. “There's always some collateral damage.”
“Are you saying you'd do something to my daughters?” Milton asked in shock.
“Leave my sons alone. You know what I'm capable of Milton. I've changed, but not that much.”
Carolyn stood and looked down at him. “Have lunch on me and give your girls my regards.”
She turned and walked out of the restaurant with Milton watching her with daggers in his eyes.
*********
By the time Lily finished her massage and pampering at the spa she was in a much better mind frame. Sean picked her up from the spa and took her home to change. They entered her apartment and she turned to him.
“Thank you for being so thoughtful.”
Sean smiled. “You're welcome.”
Lily smiled up at him. “I want to
show you something.”
“Really? What do you have to show me?”
She took his hand and led him to the bedroom. Inside the room she gently pushed him down on the bed climbing on top of him.
“I want to show you how much I appreciate you.” She went for his tie.
“We're going to be late if you fall asleep,” he told her kissing her gently.
She smiled. “You'll wake me up.”
“I should call Trent and have him pick up your family and then we can just meet them at the restaurant. That will save us some time,” he said as she unbuttoned his shirt.
“Do you think he'll mind?” she asked still undressing him.
“Doesn't matter.”
Lily climbed off him and lay back on the bed lifting her arms above her head. “Tell him we won't be too late,” she whispered.
Sean turned to look at her stretched out on the bed. “Yes. We will.”
***********
Trent arrived at the hotel after receiving a call from Sean asking him to pick up Lily's mother and sister for dinner. He waited in the lobby after calling to the room. Trent watched as the chocolate beauty who was a taller version of Lily approach him. She smiled as she came to stand in front of him.
“You must be the little brother,” she said smiling.
“I'm Trent. You must be Lily's sister, you look just alike,” Trent told her.
“You look like your brother too.” Lotus gave him the once over.
Trent nodded. “Is your mother coming down?” he asked.
Lotus shook her head. “No, momma wants to rest so she's staying in tonight.”
“Okay. Well Sean said he and Lily would be running late.”
Lotus smiled. “I bet. I know those sheets are hot and sweaty.”
Trent looked confused. “Huh?”
Lotus rolled her eyes. “They're late because they're smashing. They're getting it in. He’s smacking it down.”
Trent frowned. “Urgh...no visuals please.”
Lotus laughed.
“You ready?” Trent asked shaking his head trying to erase what she'd just said about his brother.
“Don't be trying to get on, okay? I'm here for my sister's wedding,” she told him.
Trent looked at her. “Get on what?”
Lotus motioned to her body. “This.”
Trent smirked. “I'm cool.”