by Mona
Angeline, on the other hand, spent years in a toxic, unhealthy relationship in which she only trusted Arianna with the horrid details. Although she found the courage to leave, she was left hurt and quite fearful of loving again. She too had built a wall around her heart, however, Desmond had finally let go of the past and was ready to tear his wall down, but Angeline was still struggling with her issues.
“No one important, Desmond,” Angeline replied with a slight attitude. She was unable to make eye contact with him.
“No one important?” he asked her as he cocked his head to the side not believing a word she said. Andre closed the front door as he left to give them a bit of privacy. “It sounded important to me,” Desmond said to her as he edged closer to her. “Look at me,” he ordered her in a softer tone as he lifted her face up by placing his index finger under her chin. She could not deny the electricity she felt in that moment, even if she tried. Their eyes met and she just wanted to fall into his arms.
“Who was that on the phone, and please don’t tell me no one important because Dre and I heard you loud and clear. You sounded upset. We just couldn’t make out what you were saying because you were yelling in French. Now, who in the hell was that?” He asked her once more.
Looking into his eyes, she suddenly felt comfortable to tell him everything she endured from her ex-boyfriend, Jean Claude Dejour; an over possessive, egotistic, controlling and sadistic French man who was born and raised in Paris. Angeline had the displeasure of meeting him during one of her visits to Paris when she was enrolled in a foreign exchange program, back in college. At first glance he was everything French men are usually perceived to be, which was charming, sophisticated, romantic and debonair. Angeline was indeed intrigued at first sight.
Besides his charm, he was tall and extremely handsome with a suave demeanor. The two hit it off immediately and soon after became an item. Angeline fell deeply in love, in which she thought she found her knight and shining armor. Things turned serious rather quickly, and Jean Claude applied for a temporary visa and traveled back to the states with her once her semester in the foreign exchange program was over. Things were close to perfect until six months into the relationship when Jean Claude began to show his true colors. Physically abusive wasn’t quite what you would label a man like him, although he possessed sadistic characteristics.
His abuse was more emotional with an occasional pinching, flicking his fingers on Angeline’s forehead, mushing her head and inflicting pain during sex. Angeline’s breaking point was when he literally tried to push her out of a moving car once she refused to have a threesome with him and his twin brother. During the moment he attempted to push her out of the car, she unleashed the hurt, pain and frustration she felt onto him by beating him repeatedly, mostly in the face, causing him to lose control of the car, in which they crashed into a tree. Once she escaped the crash with her life, she left the relationship and never looked back.
“My ex, Jean Claude,” Angeline finally admitted to him as she continued gazing into his eyes. Desmond’s face formed a scowl as he let go of her chin and stepped back while his eyes remained fixated on her.
“That French mothafucka who tried to push you out of the car two and a half years ago?”
“Yes,” Angeline replied.
“Where the fuck he at? Is he back in Miami?” Desmond asked.
“I’m not sure, but in the past two days he’s been calling my phone, harassing me. What you and Andre heard was me telling him to leave me alone or I will call the cops on him,” Angeline admitted.
“Do me a favor. Next time he calls, don’t yell at him. No matter what he says to you, respond nicely to his ass. Then tell him you sorry for yelling at him and for threatening him. Tell him you would love to see him. Ask him if he can fly out here. If he ask you to go out there tell him your cousin is in trouble and she needs you, but you just have to see his ass, if he can come to you. If he agrees, get his flight information and arrival time and give it to me. I’ll take care of the rest, aight?” Desmond instructed her as he reached over and caressed her face. Angeline couldn’t help it. She blushed at his take-charge attitude and the feeling of his touch. She was turned on to the fullest, but still, she was reluctant to fully open up to him. Clearing her throat, she smiled and took a step back so she was out of his reach, forcing him to remove his hand from her face.
“Thank you,” she said to him in a soft tone as he nodded his head at her. “Excuse me as I go find Ari,” she attempted to walk away, but he grabbed her hand and pulled her towards him. Grabbing her other hand, he wrapped her arms around his waist. Bending down, to adjust his 6’3 frame to her 5’3 stature, he slowly lowered his lips to hers. He hesitated just in case she protested. After everything she had been through, although he had no idea of half of it, the last thing he wanted to do was force her to do something she did not want to do, which was the main reason he wanted her to take the initiative and confess her feelings first. Once he noticed she didn’t try to stop him, he gently held her face and lowered his to where their lips met in a sensual kiss. As tough and as complex as Desmond could be, he was a real man with the heart of a lion, but when it came to matters of the heart, he was as tender and as loyal as they came.
When he loved, he loved hard, which was the reason, after over twenty years, his heart still belonged to his teenage love, but he was now ready to move on and love again.
As the kiss deepened, he removed his hands from her face and wrapped his arms around her waist. He was determined to express his feelings in this kiss instead of verbally telling her. He wanted her to know just how he was feeling and how much he was ready to love her. After all the years they’d been around each other and after all the women who tried to steal his heart, she had successfully done so without even putting in much effort. Within the last few weeks, he finally realized she was the one he wanted. It was as if that last visit to Candace’s gravesite freed his heart and his mind of the past and he was finally vacant of any hurt and pain. It’s safe to say, reading that letter Arianna sent to Malachi gave him the clarity he needed on what really happened to Candace, and as quiet as it was kept, he already knew, thanks to a secret source.
As the kiss grew deeper, Desmond became bolder. He lowered his hands to her backside and gently squeezed her behind, causing Angeline to shriek in which she broke the kiss. Pulling away, she back from him.
“What’s wrong?” he asked her as he tried to reach for her. Stepping further back, she shook her head as she started making her way towards the stairs.
“I’m sorry, this can’t happen. I’m sorry,” she said quickly as she headed up the stairs. Desmond sighed in frustration as he decided to leave it alone for the time being.
________
Angeline made her way into the lavish kitchen. Each visit to Andre’s and Arianna’s home always left her in total awe. As a caterer, she had been inside many homes, but this was one of her top five favorites. She smiled as she thought to herself how proud she was of Arianna. She admired her for her strength, courage and overcoming all that she had endured in the hands of her cousin Frantz. Angeline despised Frantz growing up. There was always a weird and uncomfortable vibe about him, but never in a million years did she fathom he would do what he did to Arianna.
Frantz was Arianna’s cousin on her mom’s side, and Angeline was her cousin on her dad’s side. Arianna was her favorite cousin and although they lived in different states growing up, they were still close. Angeline would spent her summers in New Jersey, in which she bonded with Arianna and eventually met Candace, Malachi, Andre, Edward, Ava, who was a toddler at the time, and Desmond. Desmond. Damn he was fine…mmmm… She thought to herself as she licked her lips.
Shaking her head, she grabbed a wine glass from the cabinet and poured herself some chardonnay. She preferred red wine, but this would have to do for now. Once she tightened the cork on the wine bottle, she exited the kitchen and made her way to the second floor balcony.
This view is gorgeous
she thought to herself once again as she approached the railing that overlooked the front lawn. She sipped on her wine as she leaned over the railing. She felt quite relaxed as she leaned forward, holding her glass in hand. Closing her eyes, she let the cool breeze hit her face. She was lost and in a relaxed mode when a voice from behind startled her.
“Now that’s a great view.”
Quickly turning around, she was staring across the room at Desmond. Stretched out on one of the patio straw made lounge chairs, he was a sight to behold, with nothing on but a pair of black, satin pajama pants and a Corona in his hand. Staring at her with lust filled eyes, he took a sip of his beer. Suddenly, she felt nervous, so she adjusted the belt to the short, white, satin robe she was wearing with one hand while still holding onto her glass of wine with the other.
“Desmond, what the hell are you doing out here?” she asked.
“Same thing you doing out here,” he focused on her bare legs.
She slowly made her way towards him, stopping a few inches away from where he lay on the lounge chair. “Yeah, the view out here is beautiful at night,” she expressed.
“Yeah, it is,” he replied with a smirk as he continued staring at her bare legs. It quickly dawned on her that he was not referring to the same view she was referring to. The whole time she had her back turned, he was staring at her legs and backside. She immediately felt herself blushing as she cleared her throat.
“Okay, well, I’m going back to bed. Have a good night,” she said. Just as she attempted to walk off, he reached over and snatched the end of her robe causing her to spill some of her wine.
“Dammit, Desmond! Look what you did!” She yelled. Standing up, He snatched the glass out of her hand causing more wine to spill, but he could care less because he was sick of this cat and mouse game Angeline wanted to continue playing. Somehow he managed to bend down and place the wine glass on the ground, while in one swift motion, he lifted her and her legs were wrapped around his waist. Surprisingly, she didn’t protest nor did she fight him as he sat back down on the lounge chair. Sitting up, he kissed her passionately while he untied the belt to her robe. Breaking the kiss, his lips found their way to her breast where he sucked her aching nipples one at a time through her white, satin, night gown.
Angeline cocked her head back as his warm tongue tackled her nipples. At this point her eyes were closed and she felt as if she was on cloud nine. Once he was done making love to her breast, he quickly pulled down his pajama pants, exposing his erect penis. Angeline opened her eyes and before she was able to react he quickly pushed her underwear to the side and lifted her onto his penis.
“Aaaaah… shit… Des,” She expressed as he served her with deep, long strokes. Desmond wanted her to feel everything he was feeling for her and he wanted her to return the favor. As his stroked quickened, he reached over and whispered in her ears.
“See how I’m working this pussy, Angie?” Angeline managed to respond by quickly shaking her head. “I want you to show me how you really feel about me by working this dick the same way. Now give it to me,” he ordered her as he lay completely flat on the lounge chair.
Doing as she was told, Angeline placed both of her hands on his chest and proceeded to give him the ride of his life.
“That’s right, Angie,” Desmond whispered. “Work it, baby.” Angeline slid her body up on his long shaft and roughly slammed back down causing Desmond to grab her by her waist and plunge into her, leading both of them to a mind blowing orgasm.
“Aaarg! Desmond!” Angeline sat up, drenched in sweat. She realized she was in Andre and Arianna’s guest room instead of the balcony. “Dammit. Why do I keep dreaming about his cocky ass,” she whispered to herself. Tonight was actually the first time she had a dream about Desmond in a while, leading her to believe the kiss they shared earlier provoked it. She knew she was probably a fool for running away from him the way she had, but she wasn’t sure if she could trust him with her body or her heart. She wasn’t sure she could handle being hurt again. Needing to cool off, she quickly climbed out of the bed and put on the short, white, satin robe which matched her night gown. Making her way to the kitchen, she reached in the freezer and removed an ice cube which she held to her forehead and neck. As the cool ice was doing its trick, she heard that familiar voice once again.
“Angie, you aight?”
Sighing and shaking her head, she slowly turned around and immediately wished she never left the guest room. Standing there was Desmond, shirtless in the same black satin pajama pants he wore in her dream, looking as sexy as he wanted to look with the same lust in his eyes.
“O Bondye,” she whispered in French, which meant Oh God, as she placed the ice back on her forehead.
Chapter Twelve
The next Day….. (Saturday morning)
“Uncle Mal! What’s up uncle, Mal?” Andre Junior greeted Malachi as he gave him a hi-five.
“What’s going on, A.J.?” Malachi smiled at him.
“Nothing much. Where you been? You promised you was gonna play ball with me, but I haven’t seen you. My dad said you were sick,” Andre Junior continued.
“Sorry man, I’ve been busy doing a few things, but if you want I can play with you right after I have this meeting with your dad, okay?”
“Okay. I’ll be on the basketball court waiting to beat your ass!” he yelled out.
“A.J.! What did you just say!” Arianna appeared in the doorway when she heard the profanity used by Andre Junior.
“I Didn’t say anything!” he yelled as he ran towards the basketball courts.
As Arianna proceeded to chase after him, she collided with Malachi. “I’m sorry. I didn’t realize you were standing out here. I heard him talking to someone but I wasn’t sure who,” she said to him while he was holding on to her arm. He had grabbed her to prevent her from falling.
“I just got here,” he confirmed. “That boy is something else,” he said as he chuckled.
“Yeah, I know,” she laughed as well. “I’m going to get him, for cursing. He knows better than talk to talk like that,” she concluded.
“Yeah, but he’s a good kid though. You did a great job with him,” he complimented as he studied her. Suddenly, realizing where they were and the fact that Andre was inside, he quickly let go of her arm as he continued staring at her. He couldn’t take his eyes off of her. She never looked more beautiful than she did in that moment. Even when she was dressed down, she was still stunning.
“Uuhm, Dre and Des are inside and I believe they’re waiting on you,” she said as she made her away inside the house. “You remember where his office is right?”
“Yeah, I think I can find it,” he said to her.
As he followed her and made his way towards Andre’s office, he couldn’t help but notice the one-piece white jumper she wore that fitted and outlined her curvy shape to perfection. Malachi was in awe. Damn he thought to himself. Once she reached the end of the hall, she made a right turn in which he was to turn left to make his way towards Andre’s office. Slowly stopping, she turned and gave him a look that he was unable to quite read. He stood a moment longer trying to search her eyes for a clue on what she was trying to tell him, but he still drew a blank. She then a gave him a faint smile and he finally understood. Nodding his head, he simply winked at her before she disappeared around the corner.
Andre’s Home office:
“So, am I supposed to be impressed?” Andre asked as he, Desmond and Malachi sat in his home office.
“Nigga, you really giving me a cashier’s check for all the money that was given to you when you came home?” Andre questioned as he looked at Desmond. “Is this nigga serious?” Andre asked Desmond, who leaned back in his chair and looked over Malachi’s way.
“Mal, that money is Mama Ro’s money. That’s money she done invested and tripled over the years so she can guarantee that you were straight when you came home. She’s smart. Any money that Dre had given her she took and invested it. She purchased stocks a
nd she even invested in Aeikan’s Sports & Marketing. There was a time she even worked at the front desk during periods Dre and Ari were in between secretaries, and she was paid for her services. So everything that was in that envelope was from Mama Ro, but of course, there was a little extra bonus from me and Dre.
“Alright, well, I’ll feel better giving Dre back whatever portion he gave. Anything else I’ll gladly keep,” Malachi announced as he stretched his legs out while sitting in the chair and folded his hands.
Andre suddenly started laughing as he looked at Malachi. Once his laughter came to a halt, he leaned back in his office chair and stroked his mini beard. He stared at Malachi, which seemed liked the longest before he finally spoke.
“I see what this is. So, that portion I gave you is supposed to be what, exchange for Arianna?” Andre asked as he smirked at Malachi.
As they stared at each other, they understood what exactly was going on in each other’s mind. They were that close and that in tuned with one another. Malachi had slowly begun to feel remorseful for betraying someone who always had his back. He also felt the need to make peace, and what better way than to return any money Andre had given him. It was a gesture to ease his guilt. Then, of course, there was his other side who just couldn’t get Arianna off of his damn mind no matter how hard he had been trying to. As much he would love to try to salvage his brotherhood with Andre, if Arianna chose him and was willing to give them a real shot, he would gladly accept. It was one thing to tell a man you’re in love with his wife, but it’s a whole other something to tell a man you’re in love with his wife and take his money.
“So, you think that’s all that she’s worth, huh?” Andre asked Malachi. “Fucking, one point five million? I mean, that’s the exact portion of what I gave you. You know what? From now on I’m going to try to be on my grown man shit. So, as my grown man status, I’m not even going to go into how little this one point five million means to me. Shit, how little it means to her. Do you see how I have her living? Do you know how much she’s seen through the years? Nah, I’m not even going to do it to you. Matter of fact, let me get to the real reason I chose to have this meeting with you. I got about five new clients who just signed with us and they did so because of you. Apparently, they were impressed with you and your business proposals. I also have two clients who were impressed with you and are asking for you. Those clients are on the verge of bringing in even more clients, which means money is about to triple around this mothafucka. Now, at the end of the day I’m a business man first. Therefore, I’m willing to keep you on board and Desmond will take over teaching you the business. You will also work outside of the office. Oh, and let me show you how fucking grown I’m trying to be, I ‘m even willing to let Arianna choose who she really wants. In order for this arrangement to work though, all parties need to keep it one hundred with each other. And that portion I gave you, consider it a portion of your sign on bonuses for those new clients,” Andre concluded as he looked directly at Malachi for a response.