The Lies We Tell for Love (The Love, Lies & Lust Series)

by Mz. Robinson

  “Damon, darling,” Mama said, staring at me, “doesn’t this child look like Jasmine?”

  I didn’t answer.

  “I said the exact same thing,” Octavia said, watching me.

  Kelly and I locked eyes with each other. I had no idea who he really was, and I didn’t give a damn. The only concern I had for the time being was figuring out what his connection was to my wife and ensuring he was not any kind of threat to my family. The smile on his face told me he knew exactly what he was doing when he showed up at my home with Donovan. He had made his move, and it was time for me to make mine.

  Epilogue

  Ilene

  I felt no sadness when Damon advised me of Nadia’s passing, but I did feel empathy for her child. It’s hard growing up without a parent, even if that parent is a snake in the grass. I hate to speak ill of the dead, but Nadia had been on my hit list for years. It all started when she was interning at Nomad, working for my husband. For reasons beyond my understanding, that bitch decided to do some snooping while she was in my home. I found her in my bedroom wearing nothing but her bra and panties and some of my minks, with her feet stuffed in my Jimmy Choos! I can understand the need to play dress-up and fantasize about what you wish could be, so it wasn’t the fact that she was trying on my clothes that turned me against her. It was what she said when I caught her. “Next time come to me,” I said, watching her as she put her own things back on. “I have no problem with you trying on my wardrobe, as long as you consult with me first.”

  “I’ll keep that in mind,” she said. “I do have a question though.”

  “And I hope I have an answer,” I said politely.

  “When are you going to tell Damon and Damon Jr.?” she asked.

  It was then that I noticed she was holding the confidential paperwork I had strategically placed in a lockbox in the bottom of my closet behind some of my shoes. I looked past her on the floor and saw that the box had been pried open. “Why would you do that?” I inquired.

  “I figured if you went through that much trouble, to lock something up,” she admitted, “whatever that box contained must have been big.”

  The two of us put the incident behind us, and things went on as usual, until a few years later, when she visited my family unannounced, and I came home and caught her in a compromising position with her head between my husband’s legs and his Johnson in her mouth. I forgave my husband for that little indiscretion and promptly threw the hoe out on her trifling ass. I had allowed Nadia to stay with us as if she was a part of my family, and I’d treated her like a daughter. It wasn’t enough for her to have my son. Why? Because at the time, Damon Sr. was the breadwinner, and DJ was working on an allowance—a substantial allowance, but an allowance nonetheless. Nadia never mentioned the documents she found in my closet thereafter, but each and every time she got the opportunity, she made it evident that she would sell me out if the right opportunity presented itself and she had anything to gain from it.

  I checked my appearance in the mirror before exiting the bathroom. I walked out and practically ran straight into Octavia and Damon’s visitor.

  “Pardon me,” he said, eyeing me.

  “Excuse me,” I said, giving him an innocent smile.

  “You know, you are truly gorgeous,” he said, shaking his head.

  “Thank you.” I smiled. “It’s called good living,” I joked. I looked at him and admired how stunning his gray eyes were. “Well, I’d better get back,” I said, turning on my heels. I was halfway back down the hall when I heard him call me.

  “Ilene!”

  “Yes?” I answered, turning to face him.

  “Don’t you recognize me?”

  “Have we met before?” I asked, walking back toward him.

  He looked down at the floor and then back up at me. “You’re Ilene Lawson,” he said.

  “I used to be,” I said with a nod, “before I married Damon Sr.” It had been many years since anyone had referred to me as Ilene Lawson, and I was curious to know how he knew me by that name. “I’m sorry,” I said, “but what is your name again?”

  “Kelly,” he answered. “Kelly Baker.”

  “And the little boy out there is your son?” I confirmed.

  “Yes, Donovan,” he said, stuffing his hands in his pockets. “You remember his mother, don’t you?”

  I frowned. I had never seen the child before, to the best of my knowledge. “I can’t say I do,” I said.

  “Nadia,” he said. “Nadia Jones.”

  The mere mention of Nadia made my blood boil.

  “Donovan is your grandchild,” he said, looking at me.

  I shook my head and frowned. “You are not telling me Damon is that child’s biological father,” I whispered through clenched teeth.

  Kelly raised his hand. “No,” he said quickly. “I know without a doubt that Donovan is mine—the same way I know without a doubt that I’m your son.”

  I took a few steps back to put more distance between us. I studied his face as images of the baby boy I’d birthed thirty-six years ago came to me:—the knitted receiving blanket I held him in, his gray eyes that matched mine, looking up at me, the tiny birthmark on his shoulder, and the way I’d cried when I had to give him away. “Kelly…?” I watched as he unbuttoned his shirt and turned around so I could see his right shoulder, and I backed up against the wall for balance at the sight of the small birthmark there, in the shape of a crescent moon.

  Prepare for everything to unfold in

  Part 4

  Love, Lies and Lust

  Coming soon from Mz. Robinson

  Havoc On A Homewrecker

  Finding a man has never been a problem for Toi Underwood. Finding a man who understands and respects her devotion to her career, lack of availability, and need for her me time is another story. Toi is so career driven that when she meets a man she either intimidates him or she pisses him off.

  When Toi meets Carlton Thomas she begins to think that her prayers have been answered. Not only is Carlton attractive, he’s hardworking and understands her busy lifestyle. He’s patient and respects that Toi can’t be readily available to him due to other commitments. After all, he has his own extracurricular activities. Toi thinks she has met her match until she discovers that one of Carlton’s extracurricular activities, just so happens to be another woman—his wife, Lisa.

  Toi knows in her heart that walking away is the best option, but sometimes the right thing to do is also the hardest, especially when emotions and feelings have gotten involved. Toi’s mantra becomes, It is…what it is. Toi’s not looking for a ring and currently she could care less about being anyone’s wifey. To be honest she could care less about Lisa. It’s obvious that she’s doing something wrong that would make her man have to look elsewhere. Right? And what Lisa doesn’t know can’t hurt her. As long as everyone is happy, what could possibly go wrong?

  For six years Lisa waited anxiously for Carlton to propose. Now, two years later, she has the ring and the papers. Granted, marriage hasn’t been what she expected, but she’s determined to make the best out of it. When she discovers Carlton has not only been playing the field but that he and Toi refuse to end their affair, Lisa becomes a woman on a mission. Lisa throws all logic and reasoning out the window and decides it’s time to teach some unforgettable lessons.

  Toi quickly learns that ending her affair with Carlton is not only the right thing to do but could possibly save her life. However, some awakenings come a little too late. Toi will see that when the right woman gets fed up she can truly be Havoc on a Home Wrecker.

  Octavia Ellis is a sexy and independent woman who plays it safe when it comes down to relationships. She lives by one rule: keep it strictly sexual. Octavia is living her life just the way she wants. No man. No issues. No drama. When she meets the handsome Damon Whitmore, everything changes. Octavia soon finds that Damon has become a part of her world and her heart. However, when temptation comes in the form of a sexy-hardcore thug named, Beau, Oc
tavia finds herself caught in a deadly love triangle. She soon learns in life and love, there are no rules and she’s surprised at what she herself, will not do for love.

  Shontay Holloway is as faithful as they come when it comes to her husband, Kenny. For eight years she’s been his support system physically and financially. She’s managed to overlook the fact that he’s a woman chaser and even turned the other cheek when he got another woman pregnant. Shontay would rather work it out with Kenny than start fresh with someone new. She’s not satisfied but she is content. Is there really a difference? Shontay doesn’t think so, but that soon changes when she meets Savoy Breedwell.

  Shontay finds herself torn between her vows and the man she’s falling for. When tragedy strikes, Shontay learns that the love she thought her husband had for her is nothing more than a cover up for his true intentions. She becomes a woman on a mission. When she’s finished, Till death do us part, may have a whole new meaning.

  Essence Monroe went through great lengths to escape her sordid past and the lovers in it. Using extreme and deadly tactics she re-invented herself and now she’s well on her way to a promising future. Not only is she engaged to Andrew Carlton, one of Atlanta s most sought after athletes, but she’s slowly creating a name for herself in the fashion industry. Essence is a former bad girl - gone good and she’s living a life that others can only dream of. That is until Essence’s life is shaken, when she discovers that someone knows her secrets. Essence must revert to her bad girl ways, in order to protect herself and the man she loves. While she’s focused on keeping her skeletons buried, there’s another woman focused on taking her place by Andrew’s side. Not only does the mysterious woman want to take Essences man but she wants Essence life for her very own. In the end there can be only one winner and no one is prepared for the outcome.

  G&L Enterprises is the biggest marketing firm in the country. Each year thousands of intern applicants apply with the hope of securing a position with the illustrious firm. Out of a sea of applicants, Asia is bestowed the honor of receiving an internship with G&L. Asia is beautiful, ambitious, and determined to climb her way up the corporate ladder by any means necessary. From crossing out all in her path, to seducing Parker Bryant the CEO of G&L, Asia secures a permanent position with the marketing giant. However, her passion for success will not allow her to settle for second best. Asia wants the number one spot, and she’ll stop at nothing, including betraying the man responsible for her success to get it. Asia, is taking corporate takeover to a whole new level!

  Enjoy a bonus read from

  George Sherman Hudson’s latest novel

  City Lights

  Lies, deceit and murder ran rampant throughout the city of Atlanta. Real and his lady, Constance, were living in the lap of luxury, with fancy cars, expensive clothes and a million dollar home until someone close to them alerted the feds to their illegal activity.

  At the blink of an eye their perfect life was turned upside down. Just as Real was sorting things out on the home front, the head of Miami’s most powerful Cartel gave him an ultimatum that would eventually force him back into the life he had swore off forever. Knowing this lifestyle would surely put Constance in danger, he made plans to send her away until the score was settled but things spiraled out of control. Now Real and Constance are in a fight for survival where friends become enemies and murder is essential. Atlanta’s underworld to Miami’s most affluent community—no stone was left unturned as Real fought to keep Constance safe while attempting to regain control of the lifestyle he once would kill for.

  From the city of Atlanta to the cell block of Georgia’s most dangerous prison, life under the City Lights would never be the same.

  Chapter 1

  The federal agent watched Real get out of his lime green Lamborghini Murcialago LP 460 with his fiancée Constance and head into G-Spot, his high class strip club located on Peachtree Street in downtown Atlanta. Real had been under federal investigation now for six months, ever since a federal informant tipped them off about his illegal activities.

  Anyone who came into contact with Real would surely put him well beyond his actual age of only twenty-seven years. He was six feet tall with a medium built muscular frame that the ladies couldn’t get enough of. His smooth, charcoal black skin, wavy hair, and light brown eyes gave him an exotic look that would have any woman fawning over him.

  Real was a real charmer and a ladies man. He prided himself on his slick tongue and convincing rhetoric. Some people in the past had mistaken his easygoing manner for weakness, but in the end, they found out Real was an extremely dangerous individual.

  Constance, Real’s baby girl, fiancée, and business partner, was always by his side. Constance was three years older than Real, the spitting image of Lisa Raye with a little more hips and ass. Constance grew up in the College Park projects, where she got down with the grimiest of niggas hustling crack to the project fiends. After a few run-ins with other hustlers, the word spread quickly that lil’ fine ass Constance would bust her gun at the drop of a dime.

  After graduating from Banneker High, Constance tried her hand at real estate. In no time, she became a highly reputable broker that only dealt in the most high-end homes. Constance became a millionaire virtually overnight.

  Constance and Real had met three years earlier at a mutual friend’s birthday party. They kept each other company throughout the party. Before leaving the party, they exchanged numbers and promised to stay in contact. A week later, Constance was selling Real a $4.7 million estate in North Atlanta—the one in which they now both reside.

  Real was a millionaire in his own right, raking in millions in the drug trade, more than he would ever make going legit. He supplied dealers from every coast. Moving over 100 kilos a week enabled him to live the lifestyle of some of the world’s biggest sports figures. After continuous preaching from Constance to put together some kind of legit source of income, he opened up G-Spot, an upscale strip club that catered to the rich and famous.

  Real and Constance were on their way to a Tyler Perry play when Real got a call from Max. “Say, cuz,” said the manager of G-Spot, “we need your assistance down here. It’s very important,” Max said firmly.

  Max was Real’s older cousin. He was discharged from the military right after the Gulf War. As soon as Max heard about his lil’ cousin Real starting a strip club, he practically begged him for the managing position. Constance was totally against it, but Real disregarded Constance’s wishes and gave his cousin the job anyway. Unfortunately, it took a while for Real to see just how right Constance was.

  “I’m on my way,” Real said, placing his phone back into the car charger.

  “On your way? Where you goin’?” Constance snapped.

  “Max needs me down at the club. It’s only going to take a second,” Real said, turning the Lambo around and heading back up to the club.

  “Man, come on, now! What the hell you hire this nigga for? To watch pussy! Shit, you might as well be managing your own shit! Every night, you get a call to go do his fuckin’ job! You need to hire somebody to handle your business so you’ll have time to spend with your fuckin’ lady!” Constance barked as they pulled up into the club parking lot.

  Real knew when it was good to let Constance have her say, especially when she was right, but by the same token, Constance also knew when to hold her tongue.

  “Come on,” Real told Constance as he opened the door on the Lambo.

  Ignoring his command, Constance sat in the car until he walked around, opened up her door, and helped her out of the car. Walking hand in hand, they entered G-Spot.

  Chapter 2

  “Hey, cuz! Two slick-dressed Italian guys demanded to see you. For what, I don’t know, but they up in VIP with some of their other friends,” Max told Real as he pointed toward the VIP section of the club.

  “Italians?” Real repeated, trying to figure out what the men could possibly want. Real didn’t know any local Italians.

  “Yeah,” Max sai
d, looking in their direction.

  “What they want?” Constance asked angrily, furious that her night was put on hold by Max—again.

  While Constance and Real stood in the middle of the club floor, naked girls spoke to Real and ignored Constance as they walked by. Constance made it known to every girl working that she wouldn’t hesitate to fuck them up when it came to Real. Some of the girls respected her situation, but a good majority of them didn’t. Every chance one of them got, they would come on to Real in some kind of way. After a while, it was known around the club that Real wasn’t going to cheat on Constance, so they stopped trying—all but Cream, the beautiful half-Black, half-White stallion. Cream was determined to break Real down and get him into her bed.

  “I told you I don’t know what they want,” Max snapped looking at Constance with pure hatred.

  “So you called us all the way down here, and you don’t even know what they want? Did you even ask?” Constance snapped back.

  “I called Real down here, not you,” Max answered harshly.

  “Enough!” Real yelled, leaving Max and Constance standing in the middle of the floor looking at each other as he went to the VIP section to see what the Italians wanted. “Somebody looking for me?” Real asked, looking at the men.

  They instantly stopped throwing money at the naked girl and looked up at him. “Who are you?” asked one of the men.

  “I’m Real, the owner. Now, who wants to see me?’ Real asked again.

  “Oh! Real! Come take a seat, my friend,” the young, fancy-dressed Italian told Real after making his friend move out of the seat beside him.