Circles the Trilogy (Secrets and Lies)

by Carla Buchanan

  He looks up as if contemplating the question, “Yeah. Most of the time. You’re the only one who’s ever tried to say no.”

  “Hmph. I bet.” I say under my breath.

  He laughs. “You’re a feisty one, aren’t you? I bet you have ol’ boy all twisted in knots. I bet you got him groveling at your feet and panting like a little bitch.” I wish! But he doesn’t have to know that I’m practically a doormat when it comes to Daryn.

  I ignore the comment. If he thinks I’m feisty, maybe I should just go with it. Instead, I answer honestly. “Actually, I’m not. You’re the only person I’ve ever met that brings that side of me out.”

  He likes that answer. It’s written all over his face. “Interesting.”

  I have no idea what’s so interesting about that. This man riles me up and gets me hot. He seems to bring out a side of me that I didn’t know existed. I feel sexy and confident, yet defiant and sassy. I like that he told me to come over and sit with him and I like that he wouldn’t take no for an answer. I guess that’s one thing about me that hasn’t changed. I also like how my body responds to him. My body caught fire when he touched my hand and I tingle all over when he smiles at me. I don’t know if it’s the alcohol or if it’s me, but I find myself wanting this man. I feel drawn to him and his rugged, dominant personality. I know that Daryn is dominant is own way, but Daryn tends to come off as bossy and superior. When I’m with Daryn I feel like he looks down on me and thinks I’m somehow less than him because I am a woman. Being here with Quinton, I feel more feminine and womanly than I’ve ever felt. He likes the woman I am.

  “Why is that interesting?” I don’t consider the idea of, Sasha, the perfectly conservative socialite, interesting. But I guess he isn’t meeting that girl right now. He’s meeting Sasha, the girl in the enticing red dress with a slight attitude.

  “I don’t know. It just is. But I think I want to find out why – if you don’t mind.”

  Obviously, he’s forgotten about my fiancé, so I take this time to remind him. I raise the hand with my engagement ring and wiggle my fingers. “I don’t think my fiancé would appreciate you finding out why I’m interesting. In fact, I’m positive he wouldn’t. He’d have a cow if he even knew I was inside a club. He would think of it as beneath me. He would say… ‘Sasha it’s beneath you to run around with people outside our circle’.” Shit! I realize I’ve said too much when Quinton raises an eyebrow at me. I hope I haven’t offended him since I’m actually enjoying our little exchange, but I’m not sure because his expression is unreadable. I try and recover from putting my foot in my mouth. “I–I didn’t mean that the way –”

  “Don’t apologize to me for the way your man sees this lifestyle. That’s his loss, but now you got me wondering. Who is this dude that I already don’t like?”

  I hesitate. Most people know Daryn’s father. He’s officiated over some newsworthy cases in Atlanta. He’s famous around town and is recognized by name. Hopefully, Quinton won’t go so far and ask who Daryn’s parents are so I tell him what he wants to know. “His name is Daryn Bryant.”

  Ramsey thinks a minute, and then a hint of recognition crosses his features. Oh shit, oh shit, oh shit. I don’t think I’ve ever cursed this much in my head, but I really don’t want Quinton to know Daryn. That could be a potential disaster. But what am I saying? There’s no way…

  “Yeah. Bryant. He works at the company that handles my investments. Peter Harris is one of the owners, right?” He laughs and then looks me over from head to toe. “Nah! Can’t be him. That dude is definitely a square and isn’t no way he could handle you.”

  I’m not sure whether he means this as a compliment or an insult, but I’m instantly offended and find myself actually taking up for Daryn. “He handles this just fine. And yes, he works at Harris & Park. What do you know about him?” I say the last part in my conservative, superior, socialite voice. I hate that voice. It reminds me of my mother and sister and I can’t believe the way I sound right now.

  “I like you. Even though you are one of those… What do they call’em… Socialites,” Quinton says, not even acknowledging my little snap at him. Then he bites his bottom lip, which nearly makes me moan at how sexy the gesture is on him, and continues, “He doesn’t deserve you. I respect him for being able to pull somebody as fine as you, but…” He doesn’t finish. He simply shakes his head as if he is thinking in his head what he’d been about to say. He changes the subject – well, sort of – and asks, “So you’re a part of that crowd?”

  I nod. I am not even offended by his assumption since he is absolutely right. I am a part of that crowd. I am like a fish out of water at this club and as much as he probably suspected it before, now he knows it. This bit of information doesn’t seem to scare him off, though. His face tells me that he is even more interested in me. Maybe I’m a challenge. Maybe he wants to see if he can break down the conservative little socialite who runs in the elite social circles. I really don’t know, but all of a sudden I feel exposed and my whole feisty demeanor is thrown out the window.

  “So how do you know my girl? You two seem… I don’t know… different from each other.” Ramsey asks about Neesa.

  “She was my roommate at Howard. When I moved back to Atlanta after graduate school, she moved back with me. We’ve been best friends ever since. We are complete opposites, but she is the most honest and real person I know. I grew up not knowing if someone was my friend because of my name and status in the community or if they truly liked me. So once I left Atlanta and got away from my ‘circle’,” I say using my fingers when I say the word ‘circle’. “I was able to meet some genuine people who could care less about me being the daughter of Judge Ezra Ellis. She was one of the people I met and we hit it off. And as they say, the rest is history.” Crap! I’ve done it again. I caught myself rambling off to this man and revealed another piece of information about myself. I guess because most people already know my father is a judge, the confession slips out easily. He is probably just as well known as Daryn’s father although he’s not been a sitting judge for as long and has not had as many high profile cases come across his desk. He’s known to be fair, yet hard, especially among the criminal element.

  “Hmmm, the daughter of a judge. Judge Ellis at that. I shoulda put that shit together. This just gets more and more interesting. Your father is a good guy, though. He’s thrown the book at a few friends of mine, but they probably deserved what they got. I met him a few times over at Harris & Park.”

  “Oh,” I say. I don’t know what else to say. This six-degrees of separation thing is really catching up with me tonight. I’m pretty sure that I’m completely sober now and the spinning in my head is not the alcohol, but this enigma that sits next to me. Everything about him makes me want him more. He’s a sexy, smart business man, a mogul, he has a side that’s slightly rough, he’s dominant and forward, yet I know there is a side of him that is probably a fierce, possessive, yet sensitive lover that would make any woman’s panties wet. I might not be as sober as I think. I’ve never had thoughts of wet panties or fierce lovers. This man brings out something in me. Something I wish I could explore.

  A woman’s voice snaps me from the cocoon that Quinton and I have been enveloped in during our conversation. My fantasy thoughts come to a screeching halt. “Hey! Sorry I was gone for so long. I stayed to listen to the groups. I hope Quin has been behaving himself,” she finishes with a raised eyebrow.

  “I’ve been the perfect gentleman. Ask your friend here. We realized that we know some of the same people.”

  Neesa turns to me in disbelief. She doesn’t believe for a second that we’ve been having an innocent conversation. I’m sure she thinks that I’ve spent the majority of her absence fighting Quinton off with a stick. “He’s right, Neesa.” I quickly change the subject. “You ready to go?”

  “Yeah, girl. Come on. I need to get you home before that fiancé of yours sends out a search party. He’s called me once and texted me twice.”

/>   “Oh, no. I didn’t hear my phone go off over the music. I forgot to switch it to vibrate. We have to go, now!” I pull my phone from my clutch and see that I have ten missed calls and twice as many texts that get angrier as they progress. I get up fast and realize that the drinks haven’t worn off. I wobble a little, but I’m caught around the waist by a set of strong hands.

  “Whoa, Society Girl. You got it?” Ramsey asks.

  I hear his words, but my thoughts rattle around in my head. I want to make a comment on his ‘Society Girl’ remark, but the only things I pay attention to are his hands around my waist holding me steady. I begin to feel guilty about the way my thoughts are going and ease away from Quinton’s grasp. “I’m fine,” I snap and immediately regret it. “I’m sorry…” I say knowing that I was rude, “…but we really have to go. It was nice meeting you Quinton... I mean Ramsey.”

  “Hey. Call me Quin, Society Girl. I reserve that name for those closest to me,” he says and follows us to the entrance of the VIP lounge. I give him a tipsy smile and Neesa narrows her eyes. We quickly disappear into the crowd and make our way to her late model Lexus.

  ***

  We arrive at our apartment in record time. I have no idea why we speed, but I feel that Neesa is under the same impression that I am. She probably thinks that Daryn has paid a visit to our apartment and may be even waiting there since he has his own key. I’m sure Cleveland, our doorman, waved him right in since he is used to his presence in our building.

  I nervously fumble with the key, but before I accomplish my task, the door swings open. Daryn is standing there on the other side with a scowl on his face and his phone in his hand. He’s looking at me as if disgusted by my presence, but I immediately know that his look has everything to do with my attire. He doesn’t even acknowledge Neesa and pulls me by my wrist into the apartment. I take small steps beside him as I try to keep up with him in my sky-high platform stilettos. Daryn opens the door to my room and pulls me inside before slamming it, disturbing the silence within the apartment.

  “What are you doing, Daryn? You’re hurting my wrist.” I can’t believe he is behaving like such a Neanderthal. He’s never hurt me in any way.

  “What am I doing?” he yells. “What am I doing? Look at you! You look like some two-bit hooker. You’re out at all hours of the night doing who knows what with God knows who and you have the nerve to question me. Where have you been, Sasha? And don’t lie to me.” Daryn sits down on my bed and draws his hands over his face. He’s way past angry and I know what I’m about to say will only make it worse.

  I feel like a chastised child, and my voice sounds that way when I answer. “I–I went to a club with Neesa. She had a work thing and wanted me to go along with her.” When he doesn’t say anything I continue to explain myself. “Sh-she wanted me to have some fun. I had a long day, sweetie. Between your mother and the planning –”

  “Are you blaming my mother for your behavior, Sasha? She didn’t force you to put that slutty outfit on and go out gallivanting with thugs and criminals.”

  Okay, this is ridiculous. He is ridiculous. His words were coming out harsh and ugly and they are insulting to Neesa. I know that they don’t get along, but he should know that Neesa would never put me in any kind of danger. I know this is more about his image and the fact that someone could’ve saw me out, but he need not worry. His country club friends and golf buddies wouldn’t be caught dead in The Club.

  “Don’t be crass, Daryn. You know me better than that,” I say as I remove my shoes and sit down next to him on my bed. “I wasn’t out tarnishing your precious image. I just had a little fun. Is that so wrong?”

  Without hesitation, he answers. “Yes. Yes it is. You’re my fiancée and I’m this close to a partnership,” he says putting up his thumb and forefinger indicating how close. “I don’t need anything to ruin that… not even your desire to have a little fun. I don’t know what’s gotten into you, but I hope you’ve gotten it out of your system.” He stops his speech and turns to me as if he’s made another discovery. “You’ve been drinking as well.” It’s not a question. It’s more of an accusation. Daryn gets up and takes in a deep breath. He seems to calm down significantly in an instant. He turns to me and gets on one knee in front of me. “Sasha. I know my mother can be quite challenging and this whole situation puts a lot of pressure on you, but honey… you can’t act out like this. I love you. You don’t have to do things like this to get my attention.”

  I’m stunned at his assessment. I just told him that I went out to have some fun and he turns it around and makes it about him. He truly thinks that I went out to get his attention. If it had been up to me, he would’ve never found out. I was the idiot who was so wrapped up in Quinton that I didn’t check my phone. But since I can’t tell him this, I let him have his moment. “I’m sorry, Daryn.” Maybe I can use this to my advantage. I was feeling some things tonight. If I just ask, maybe Daryn would be willing to give them to me. “I have been feeling neglected lately. I feel like you’re putting your work before me. I understand that you’re trying to make partner, but… I want passion, sweetie. I want to feel wanted and womanly when I’m with you.”

  “So this is about sex?” Not really, but it’s a start, I guess.

  I shrug and look down at my feet. This little stunt is unheard of from me and it must wake him up a little because he places his finger under my chin and kisses me. Though it lacks the passion I desire, it’s more than I could’ve asked for. He pulls away and stands up to his full height, pulling me along with him. He threads his fingers into my hair and says, “I think I may want you to wear your hair like this more often.” I sigh because, as simple as the statement sounds, it’s the perfect thing to say. I know he likes my hair pulled back and conservative so it makes me feel good that he notices the change.

  “Thank you, Daryn. I’m so glad you like it.” I wrap my arms around his waist and lay my head on his chest. He skims both hands over my head and stops them at the middle of my back where my hair stops. I tilt my head up to meet his eyes and I see desire in his eyes. Though he disapproves of the outfit, I know it has turned him on and I’m happy about that fact. He continues to skim his hands down my back and rests them just above my rear. His hesitance to touch me there, reminds me of the way he feels about that area of my body, but I don’t care. I’ve never seen him like this and I want to take advantage of it.

  I remove my arms from his waist and run my hands down his arms and gently encourage him to move his hands down a little more. I can’t believe my brazen behavior, but I’m still feeling the lingering effects of the alcohol and my body is still on alert from my encounter with Quinton. I know it’s wrong for me to have these thoughts of Quinton while with Daryn, but I can’t help myself so I just go with it.

  “Honey, you know I don’t like doing this with Neesa in the other room.”

  “Please, Daryn. I need this. Please! Can’t you just forget about all the reasons that are stopping you and just make love to me? I’m your fiancée.” I’m practically in tears. I need the reassurance from him. I need to know that I affect him in some way if this marriage is going to work.

  “Okay Sasha. I hope you know how much this shows that I love you.”

  “I do, sweetie.” He then peels me out of my short red dress and we make love in my bed. This is a big step for Daryn to do this here in my bed with Neesa in the other room and I know that. This may not be the passionate, mind-blowing sex that Neesa has told me about, but it’s something different and a small step in the right direction.

  I wake up the next morning and the space next to me is empty. Daryn has left a note on the pillow for me and it makes me smile. I’m sure he’s acknowledging the step we’ve taken at being more loving and spontaneous, but my smile is erased when I open and read his words.

  Sasha,

  I’ve taken the liberty to dispose of that trashy thing you passed off as a dress. I hope you’ve gotten your rebellious behavior out of your system and we can m
ove forward. I’m off to play golf at the club. Don’t forget our dinner with my boss and his wife. It’s tonight at 7pm.

  Daryn

  I look over to the couch where he’d tossed the dress after taking it off of me. Sure enough, it’s gone and so are my sexy heels. I slip my robe on over my nightgown – the one I put on after Daryn’s insistence that we shower and change the sheets after making love – and I run out of my room into the kitchen where there is a larger trashcan in the closet with the cleaning supplies.

  Neesa looks at me like I’m crazy as I rummage through the trash can, looking for any sign of my dress. I finally pull out a scrap of red fabric and then another and several more after that. I’m crying and I don’t know why, but I think it’s because I’m hurt and pissed off at the same time.

  Neesa finally speaks up. “What in the hell happened to your dress?”

  “Not what. You mean who,” I say flatly.

  The coffee mug she has in her hand stops mid-way to her mouth and she glares at me as my words sink in. “Oh, my God, Sasha. What happened between you two last night? I heard him yelling, but shortly after that the moans started…” she gave me a knowing smile, “… and I thought you’d made up. By the way… Was that the first time you two ever had sex in your bed?”

  I roll my eyes at how quickly her mind refocuses on the sex. “We did make up and yes, that was the first time, but stay focused. Can you believe he did this to my dress?”

  Neesa gives me the I-know-you-don’t-expect-me-to-answer-that look before taking the scraps of fabric and tossing them back in the trash. She closes the door to the cleaning closet and pulls me over to the breakfast bar. “Sit. I’m making omelets. Forget about stupid fiancés and start talking about what was going on between you and Quin when I came back to the VIP lounge last night.”