Lethal Love: Deceit can be Deadly

by Perri Forrest

  “Leo…” I heard from somewhere nearby, as I reached the driver’s side. I stopped in my tracks, surprised at hearing my name being called out in the parking lot of a jailhouse. “Leo, right?” she said again.

  I noticed the woman immediately. She had apparently just parked her Mercedes, and was just one car over. After getting my attention, she opened her back door and started to grab something from the backseat.

  “Yeah, what’s up?”

  “You remember me, right?” she asked.

  “Yeah, I remember you from Skyfall. You and your guy. Just don’t remember your name.”

  “Raquel…” she said, closing her door, then proceeding in my direction.

  I suddenly remembered Nova telling me that she was that dickhead’s attorney. That made me not want to even talk to her. Nevertheless, I waited to see if there was substance to what she had to say.

  “Oh, okay,” I said, opening up my car door. My car was still idling, so I didn’t plan to stand there talking to her too long. “Did you need something?”

  “What are you doing here? You know somebody inside?” she asked.

  “You could say that,” I said, not giving her too much.

  “What does that mean?” she asked, her mouth parting into a thin slit of a smile. “Wasn’t possibly Drew, was it?”

  “And if it was?”

  “Hmm…” She looked down at her high-heeled shoes, then back up at me. “Then I’d want to know what business you had with him.”

  “And then I’d have to politely tell you that it’s not your business. I’d also tell you that if you wanted to know, you could ask your client.”

  I moved to get in my car, but she wasn’t done.

  “Leo. Hold on… please.”

  “What is it?”

  “What is the status of yours and Nova’s relationship?”

  “What?” I pressed the fob to shut my car back off. “Why would you think that’s any of your business? You take this attorney thing way too far. I know you guys are paid to be nosy, but please don’t sniff around my life. It’s the wrong place for you.”

  “Oh wow. I can see why she’s smitten. You’re a strong one. Definitely a contrast from Drew.” She looked me up and down, with what I immediately read as some kind of flirtatious look of approval. “Can’t be mad at that.”

  “I’m gonna let you get inside to your client, Raquel,” I told her getting into my car. “Have a nice visit.”

  The fact that she stood watching as I pulled away, told me that she had more to say. But I wasn’t interested. And I had things to do and places to be, so she could stand there all night for all I cared.

  55 | Nova

  At 6:30 that evening, I was outfitted in white skinny jeans, and a white mesh tank, covered by a thin red jacket. I had topped the whole thing off with red suede high-heeled booties. Since I had time earlier, my hair was a mass of wand curls sitting every which way. It was one of my favorite ways to wear my hair when I had the time to pull it off.

  A little contour, a semi-thick layer of eyeliner, red lipstick and a few strokes of mascara later, I was ready to get on the road to the Canton’s for dinner.

  Taking a cue from Leo, I invited music in to keep me company on my drive. When the beautiful sounds of Tei Shi’s “Even if it Hurts,” poured through the speakers, I reached to turn up the volume. But as I was about to do that, a call came through. I instantly recognized the number.

  “Hello, Kali,” I sang out.

  “Hey Nova. I’m calling to see why I didn’t hear from you when you made it home.”

  “I texted you instead of calling.”

  “I didn’t get a text. You sure you didn’t make a pit stop and just forgot about me?”

  “Umm… no,” I lied. Laughter almost slipped out.

  “Okay. What was that umm?”

  “How are you gonna call me the next day to ask why you didn’t hear from me?” I asked her, rerouting the line of questioning. “Because if something did happen, you wouldn’t even know until today when you called and didn’t get an answer.”

  “You got a point.” She laughed. “But in my defense, I was otherwise disposed and lost a part of my mind, and damn near all my bearings before I knew it.”

  “Oh, Miss Nasty!” I teased, laughing at her. “Freak-nasty! Don’t let me find out it was really you who had the pit stop—an afterhours pit stop, at that!”

  “Whatever!” she screamed. She was cheesing big; I heard it through the phone. “I just wanted to check on my girl to see if she was good.”

  “Gettin’ hot in here, huh?” I egged on. “That line of questioning hit different when the shoe is on the other foot, don’t it?”

  “You are too much! I’m done. Since I know you’re good, I can let you go.”

  “Well, thanks for coming up for air long enough to check on me. I appreciate it.”

  “I’m not doing this with you. I will see you on Monday.”

  “Alright, pretty girl. See you Monday.”

  Not too long after Kali and I hung up, I entered through the guarded gates of Mr. Canton’s Athens community. It was like the red carpet at an exclusive event. Only this one, you drove through, not walked. Everything about it was pure luxury. The way the streets glistened under the lighting, and gave the appearance that they hadn’t been driven across—at all. The unique designs of each home. No two models were the same. The only thing they had in common was their astronomical price tags. Outside of that, their designs were nothing alike.

  It was a mogul’s way of life. Each residence seemed to take up its own damn block. They were that big. Every time I came here over the years, I fantasized about what it would be like to walk into one of these, every night after work. Funny thing about reflecting on that now, is the realization that in my fantasies, there was never a Drew.

  Drew did appear in a few arguments, though. I mentioned once that I would love to have a home like the Canton manor. He didn’t take that too well. His level of envy for Randy, was potent. And because of that, he hurled all types of insults about Mr. Canton. In one he accused the man of being in the mob, and a part of Vegas’ elite network of incognito crime bosses. He sounded juvenile and didn’t even care that he sounded that way. Then he made the comment that maybe Randy was some sort of pimp and that him and his wife were pimping women and men and… I’ll just say it was an argument that caused me to sleep in the guest room for two days. There was no way that I was sleeping in the same room with him, when he came out of his neck with, “Maybe if you give him what he really wants, you could have a home like the one you love so much.”

  At the time, seeing how rosy he had become when his jealousy got the best of him, I laughed. I laughed because he looked and sounded like an idiot. He just couldn’t stand the fact that Mr. Canton treated me with so much respect; and that as a result of that respect, he had long taken me on as his protégé. Drew seethed at the thought. But I only found out about his insecurities after he had insinuated himself into my life.

  That night, though… that night… Drew didn’t know how close he came to being done in—in his sleep. Some of the disrespectful shit that used to roll out of his mouth should have had him lying face up in a morgue, with a “T” etched across the chest of his corpse.

  I smirked in quiet satisfaction, at the fact that he had been spared… but not really spared.

  After parking, I exited my car. It took another few minutes to reach the front door—a beautifully decorated glass structure with a swirly, handcrafted design. It was mesmerizing when you were up on it trying to figure exactly what the etchings were. Whoever had designed it, took their sweet time creating the sophisticated obstruction that concealed the circular foyer.

  Not quite a minute after ringing the doorbell, Mr. Rutherford, dressed in his all-black uniform appeared.

  “Good evening, Nova,” he greeted, with a slight bow. “It’s very nice to see you again.”

  “Same to you, Mr. Rutherford. How’ve you been?”

>   “I can’t complain. And you?”

  “Same.”

  We made small chat on our way to the entertainment area of the home; but as usual, I zoned out when we got to the indoor bridge hoisted several feet above a small pond with fresh water fish swimming about. It always fascinated me; because who would even think to have a bridge and a lake with live fish in their house? Randy and Gayle, that’s who.

  Uptempo Jazz instrumentals poured into the manor, and the aroma of good-smelling food engulfed my nostrils once we descended from the bridge. Instinctively, I tried figuring out what the cuisine of choice was. Not that it mattered. I was ready to devour it all.

  In preparation of just how much I planned to eat, the only thing that I had put in my stomach was water, and a piece of buttered sourdough toast. Even when Leo tried to get me to eat breakfast, I had turned that down. I wanted all the room to indulge! Oh yes, I was serious about inhaling all the food, all the beverages, all the dessert they had to offer a girl, at the Canton manor.

  “There she is!” Mrs. Canton exclaimed, emerging from one side of the grand entertainment room. She stunned in a black velour jumpsuit. Her hair was pulled off her face and tucked behind her ears, falling right below the base of her neck. She held onto a crystal chute filled with something blue. “You look really cute, Nova!” she complimented, pulling me into an embrace with her free hand.

  “So do you, Lady of the Manor. All sexy and stuff.”

  “Why, thank you.” She pulled back from our hug, and grabbed my hand. “Let’s get you something to drink, dear.”

  When we reached the bar, I situated myself on a copper on tan high-backed barstool, made of fine leather. My eyes immediately traced the space around me. As always, the sophisticated décor drew me in. There were imported aquamarine sectionals and sofa chairs to match. There was turquoise lighting behind a shelved, glass casing, taking over a wall that seemed to go on forever. On the shelves, sat statues made of hand-blown glass, and several orgonite crystal pyramids. It was a setting easy to get lost in.

  “It’s so stunning in here. And that wall… it’s just energy personified.”

  “Thank you,” Gayle said, extending a blue crystal flute to me. It was filled with the same blue concoction that she was drinking. “I hope you like it. Something I came up with when I was bored one day.” She laughed excitedly.

  I took a sip, and my eyes grew wide with surprise. “This is amazing. It’s tropical and girly, but with the right amount of strength to it.” I held the glass out a few inches in front of me, staring in admiration. “Yes, indeed, madame. I might need one of the guest rooms if I keep drinking these. Oh my God, it’s so good.”

  She smiled big. “I’m glad you like it. Let’s toast.” She reached across the bar with her glass and we tapped our glasses together. “Here’s to a great night with family and friends.”

  “Absolutely. A great night with family and friends…” It was Randy’s voice coming from somewhere nearby.

  I smiled as I turned to greet him. But he wasn’t alone.

  Leo… Now, I knew what the ‘friends’ in Gayle’s toast was in reference to. It took every ounce of restraint in me to keep my face from cracking into the widest grin. Y’all are sneaky!

  As I dismounted the stool, my heart performed a little two step at the sight of my secret lover all dressed up in a salmon, round-necked shirt that was short-sleeved and looked soft to the touch. It served well against his complexion and dark hair. But shit, what didn’t? The salmon was paired with tailored khakis, that fit marvelously around those muscular thighs I had become so familiar with.

  I loved that he paired his outfit with a leather oxford the color of his shirt. His look was summery and chic, giving off street style fashion.

  Randy had opted for all white linen and looked as distinguished as he always did, his jewelry on bling, freshly shaven and smelling like the multi-millionaire that he was.

  Clearly, restraint had failed me some time ago. I didn’t even realize how hard I was smiling, until my face started to feel like it was stuck in place. Right then, I knew without a doubt, that I would have a several of those involuntary moments, with Leo around.

  It was about to be a very long night. Not that that was a bad thing…

  56 | Leo

  “Well, if it isn’t my two favorite girls!”

  A proud Mrs. Canton headed toward her husband, leaving Nova where she stood. She looked absolutely fucking amazing in red. I didn’t want to take my eyes off of her. Everything came rushing to mind: The M Resort, Skyfall, Coronado Island… my bed. Just seeing her, caused me to reminisce; bringing about the realization that we had actually created quite a few of them.

  Red was an everyday color worn by many, but seemingly created just for her. This woman standing in my direct view was a prize, a queen, and striking in every damn way.

  The way the jeans hugged her hips, her thighs… made me want to kiss her right then and there. That wild, and stunning mane of hair that she kept in several appealing styles, was in the one I liked most—framing her beautiful face, exposing the depth of her eyes. I wanted to touch her, wrap my arms around her; but judging by the way she kept clasping her hands, then unclasping them, I knew she was nervous; probably in fear of our “thing” being exposed.

  “Welcome to our home, Leo. It’s about time you joined us,” Mrs. Canton said, as she kissed Randy on his cheek. “And look who we have here… Nova,” she gushed, pridefully.

  I knew immediately that we had been set up. Only, I didn’t mind at all.

  “Hello Nova,” I greeted her from where I stood.

  “Hi Leo.” She smiled uncomfortably. “How are you?”

  “I’m good. And you?”

  “Doing… well. Thank you.”

  “Come here, Nova. Give the old guy a hug,” Randy requested, now free from his wife.

  Nova laughed, as she met Randy where he was. “You’re far from old. Stop that.”

  “What do you kids want to listen to?” he asked us. “Me and the Missus love Jazz, but I’m sure it’s not for everybody.”

  I shrugged. “I’m good with jazz.”

  “What he said,” Nova cosigned.

  “Well good, because it really does give some of the best sounds.”

  “Okay love,” Mrs. Canton said, “Let’s get into some of this food, and then head into some good conversation with these two beautiful specimens, that graced our home this evening.”

  As the four of us were taking our trip to the chef’s kitchen, I looked over at Nova, who walked alongside me. When she picked up on my stare, she smiled, then turned to face me. “You look beautiful,” I mouthed to her.

  She bowed her head lightly, then commented, “So do you.”

  ~*~*~

  Many hours later, the evening was still in full swing. We had eaten a delicious fish dinner prepared by the Canton’s head chef. It was grilled swordfish, roasted potatoes, asparagus, and homemade sweet rolls.

  After we ate, we moved outside to the floating seating area connected to the outdoor pool. The views, of course, were something out of an architecture magazine. City lights and city views were everywhere. An amazing waterfall sat at the far end of the lake-like pool, streaming turquoise water into the mass of indigo. The shit was hypnotizing. Couple those things with Nova’s presence, and it was easily, the most romantic setting I think I’d ever been in. The Cantons had pulled out all the stops.

  I was ready to take Nova home with me. It hadn’t been planned, but it would be happening for sure.

  “Can I just say how beautiful you two look together?” Mrs. Canton said to me and Nova out the blue. She had hinted all night, but I guess she was waiting for a safe time to drop the comments freely. “I mean, of course I’m a fan of interracial love; look at me and my mister. We have an unbreakable bond.”

  Mr. Canton’s arm was wrapped lovingly, around his wife. It was obvious in the way he watched her as she spoke, that he adored everything about her.

  “Well
…” Nova smiled after sipping a blue drink mixture that Mrs. Canton had on rotation for the two of them. “You already know that I’m obsessed with you both. I think that what you have is magical. I tell Randy that all the time.”

  I wanted to respond with a comment about relationships, and how starting off as friends is a great segue for something wonderful. To do that, though, would have meant me mentioning Nova. As much as she would make for good conversation, I decided to keep quiet. And soon silence fell upon the group. But it wasn’t for long.

  “I’ve watched all night,” Mrs. Canton began. “I’ve studied. And I’ve concluded…” Oh shit. I saw it coming. Didn’t know if Nova did or not, but I already knew before Mrs. Canton spilled the rest. “… that the two of you are already in some sort of something.” She leaned forward in her seat, a wide smile on her face. Randy’s smile followed. “Why is it a secret? Nova, do you not consider us family?” she asked with pure sadness resting in her eyes.

  A pin could be heard hitting the water, at that point.

  Nova bit down on her bottom lip, then met my gaze… which happened to already be on her. “Umm…” She stammered. I would’ve swooped in to save her, but I didn’t want to begin anything we had with her thinking that she didn’t have her own voice. Besides, the question was directed at her. “I… umm… Without a doubt, I definitely consider you guys family.”

  “Okay, so is there something you want to tell us?”

  Once again, Nova looked to me as we exchanged knowing looks. She inhaled a deep sigh, then came that beautiful smile of hers. Right after her face lit up, she started to pour out the details. And the whole time she was talking, I’m thinking about two things: One, how happy I’d be when she was completely free, and two, how much I wanted to make love to her…

  57 | Raquel Long