Just Can't Let Go (15 page)

CHAPTER 24

Alexis

“S
trap on for me. Dominate me.”

James was so fuckable when he asked for it. “Go pick out the one you want me to use,” I told him, knowing he was not getting what he wanted. These intimate sessions were all about Alexis Crystal cashing in on my inheritance.

He held up a four-inch, then a five-inch. Looked back and forth. Chose the shorter one and my black harness.

Eager, he asked, “You want me to put it on for you?”

“No, I'll do it. Give me a moment.”

He sat on the side of the bed. “I don't know why I'm so crazy about you.”

Well, there were two reasons in his hands. I scrolled through my Facebook account. Sandara had posted pictures of Ty with Max as though that were their dog. Guess it was hard to give up something that brought you a lot of joy. Ending my relationship with James wasn't going to be emotionally easy.

It was the control that fueled my feelings. The time was eight in the morning. I locked my phone, put it on the nightstand.

I was going to miss his place. This king-size bed with high posts. The Egyptian thousand thread count sheets. His flat screen on the wall where we watched our porn videos. These two-hundred-dollar pillows that were firm and soft.

“Babe, why do you love me?”

“Come on, Alexis, quit stalling,” he said.

He was right. I was taking my time to get him out of the mood.

We'd get our test results later today. Two years of raw, passionate, and unorthodox sex, it would be senseless for us to use protection now. Why did I let him convince me to take that damn HIV test? What was his purpose?

“Okay, baby, but I'm so hot for you. Do me first,” I told him.

“We did it your way twice yesterday. It's my turn, sweetheart. Don't be selfish,” he said.

“Be honest. You want me to do you for the same reason I want you to sex me. You think this is our last rendezvous until this baby is born. You know you can't ask LA for anal. She'll think you're gay.”

Adding base to his voice, he protested, “You know I'm all man. If I were gay, you wouldn't be carrying my baby.”

“Oh, so now you're one hundred?” I asked just to piss him off.

Lots of women couldn't do what I had no problem doing. Their prudish ways were rooted in someone else's beliefs of how they should live their life. Seeds were planted in the heads of too many people by bishops, pastors, priests, and parents who sinned, too. Some of those standing behind the pulpit were the worst. Like my brother's uncle. I agreed with Spencer. The man would never get a dime of my father's money. Spencer wouldn't either because he didn't want any of it. Was I wrong for hating my bishop for molesting my brother? If God could forgive him, He would definitely do the same for me for using James.

“If you don't want to do me, just say so.”

“Give me a minute. I'ma take care of you,” I lied.

Spencer was not gay. James was not gay. Doing my fiancé, ex-man, whatever our status was, now was not the time to bring up LA. I was putting him off, didn't want to piss him off too much. Needed him to make another deposit of sperm into my vagina.

Stimulating James in the rear gave him explosive orgasms he couldn't get any other way. I hoped his cuming inside of me one more time would impregnate us. I had to have a baby, not him. Once I inherited my millions, I was letting Chanel go too.

“If the baby is mine, I still want to marry you. I don't want my child growing up without me. She will know that I love her and I love you, Alexis.”

She? Damn, I almost forgot I told everybody it was a girl.

Lying on my back, I opened my legs. “Prove it.”

Hopefully not for the last time, his lips touched mine. The full experience was what I craved. Oral sex from Chanel was better. James had amazing skills too.

“Take your time,” I whispered.

He peeled my labia apart, softly suctioned my clit ever so gently. A cool waterfall oozed from my clitoris. If I didn't have an ulterior motive, he could stay down there, put his finger inside me and make me squirt. Gushing in his bed would soak the sheets and require us to relocate to a different room to continue our session. Wasn't taking a chance on ruining the mood.

“Let me feel your dick inside of me, baby,” I said, scooting toward the headboard.

James kneeled, slid my body to his. He teased me with the head before putting it in. “Sex with you is like a fine wine,” he said, giving me slow, deep strokes until he came.

He gave me what I wanted. I had to renege on my promise to do him. Fucking him would make me spill all of his seeds. Why did Conner have to put that baby clause in his trust?

“You ready to do me?” he asked, handing me the harness.

I held my stomach. “I don't feel so well. Give me a moment.”

“You want me to get you something?”

“No, I'll be okay in a few. Oh, can you hand me my cell.”

My phone was on the nightstand. I could've gotten it. Asking James made him feel helpful.

“Here you are, sweetheart. You wanna talk about the situation with your brother?”

I sighed. Not this again. “No, I'm not.” What difference would that make? James knew I didn't know at the time that we were related. “Please don't ask me again.” Whatever answer James was looking for he'd already concluded in his mind.

“I just need to lay here for a moment. What time do we have to leave for the doctor's office?”

“In an hour. I'm going to make a BLT sandwich. You want one, sweetheart?”

Touching my stomach, I smiled at him. “We'd love one. Thanks.”

I didn't pray often but, Lawd, please let me be pregnant with this man's baby.

CHAPTER 25

Phoenix

M
aking love to Dev last night felt fantastic!

Still couldn't fall asleep afterward. She got up at sunrise, showered, dressed, left me with a quick good-bye. That was cool. I was out the door right behind Dev. I couldn't wait to see Ebony's ass on set. She had some explaining to do as to why she was at the Cheesecake while I was waiting on her at her place. What time did she get home?

I drove straight to her house, parked in her driveway, used my key to get in.

Stomping up the stairs to her bedroom, I hoped she heard me coming. I called out, “Ebony!”

There was no answer. The noise I heard was from my heavy breathing as I took my last step up and entered her room.

This time I lowered my voice. “Ebony, my babe. Where are you?” It was too early for her to be gone. I texted her,
where you at?

The bed wasn't messed up the way I'd left it. Red and gold pillows all different shapes and sizes were arranged to perfection. That meant her ass had been here. Her neat freak behind did this shit every time after we were done fucking. Better not find out she had some other dude in here.

I sent her another text,
If you don't want me to make a scene on set you'd best hit me back. Now.

Ebony had me heated! I mean real hot. I should leave her damn key on the kitchen counter.

My stomach growled. I already knew she ain't have shit downstairs in her refrigerator except some damn berries and juice. I checked her walk-in closet. All my shit was how I'd last seen it. Strolled into the bathroom. Shower, tub, sink. All that shit was dry.

“Oh, I see. Your ass was at some other nigga's house all night last night. Came through for a change of clothes, straightened up, then rolled out.” Yeah, she must've washed my pussy at his place.

This television show was acting. She'd better not start thinking she's her character. I got her this job. I could get her ass fired too.

Getting in my car, I punched my steering wheel. I couldn't have my main and my side be more successful than me.

Taking a deep breath, I had to calm down. Couldn't show up at the studio with an attitude. I went through the drive-through at Starbucks. Ordered a white chocolate mocha with extra whip and a breakfast sandwich. Parked in the lot, turned off my engine. Sipping on that sweet ass shit reminded me of how Ebony's pussy tasted.

I had to talk to someone other than myself. I called my boy Marvin.

He answered, “Hey, Phoenix, kinda early for you, bruh. What's up?”

“Haaaa!” I exhaled, releasing my frustration.

“Damn, man. Not in my ear with that. Dev okay? Nya all right?”

The person he should've asked about was me. “Yeah, man. You know my situation with Ebony. It's taking a nosedive since I've been managing her.”

“You. Managing, Ebony? Come on, dude,” Marvin said, laughing.

He wouldn't know anything about handling anybody's career since he was on the federal government's payroll. “What so funny?”

“What you mean is since I last spoke to you on Friday, y'all ain't together no mo'?” He laughed again.

Hearing him say it like that lightened my attitude. I had to laugh too. It hadn't been a week yet. “That's why I called you. You put shit in perspective quick. I'ma finish my breakfast, then head to the set.”

“I know you been fucking Ebony for way too long, man, but Dev is the priority. Now that they're in the same space, what you need to do is keep your black ass focused and stay off that damn set.”

“Gotcha. I'm out.”

He ended the call. I listened to V-103 while eating. I heard this chick tell Wanda, “A woman should not have sex before marriage.”

“In what country? She sure as hell couldn't be American talking that bullshit. She's probably fucked Tom, Dick, and Harry and neither one of them bruhs put a ring on it, now she's bitter. Bitch get out of here with all that.” I changed to 104.

Driving to the studio, I parked next to Dev's white BMW, called my mom.

She answered, “Hey, Phoenix, hold on. Nya, your dad is on the phone.”

Damn, she could've said good morning, son. Or, I'm proud of you, son. Oh, yeah. That's right. She didn't know about my new role.

“Hey, Daddy, when you gone come get me?”

“Daddy has a new job. I have to work, but I'll pick you up soon okay?”

“Okay,” she said, sounding sad.

Trying to cheer up my baby girl, I told her, “You going to Sandara's house today.”

She whined, “I want to play with Brandy.”

Nya was smart for her age. Auntie Mercedes gave her whatever she wanted. Sandara was on a real fixed income.

“Next time, princess. This time you get to play with Ty, Tyrell, and Tyson.”

“And Max,” she said, sounding happy.

“And Max,” I repeated. “Daddy loves you. Be good for Grandma.”

“Love you. Bye, Daddy.”

Before I ended the call, I heard my mom. “Phoenix?”

“Yeah, I'm still here.”

“I'm taking a month-long vacation starting this evening. Going on a cruise with my friends. You need to pick Nya up from Sandara's house.”

Where was the ship sailing? Around the world? “Cool. No problem,” I said, ending the call.

I didn't need this right now. My mom probably wasn't going anywhere. That was her way of forcing me to spend time with Nya. Oh, wait a minute. Dev might've arranged this.

Getting out of my car, I entered the studio. The photographers were setting up. Checked my cell. No text from Ebony. I texted her, I'm here.
Where you at?

Dev was sitting where she was yesterday. I watched her tap away on her laptop.

Walking up to her, I said, “Good morning babe.”

Without looking up she replied, “Phoenix, please don't call me babe. When we're here, it's Devereaux.”

Playfully, I poked her in the side. She swatted my hand away. “I'm concentrating on something important.”

“Lighten up, Dev, it's not that serious.”

A person from behind questioned, “Is everything okay, Dev?”

She nodded.

I recognized his voice. I turned to see the director dude. “Oh, so he can call you Dev, but I can't.”

“You have a moment.” He paused, then continued. “Phoenix, right?”

“Man, you know you know my name. Quit trying to impress my fiancée.”

“This is not the place,” Trés said. “Dev is extremely busy. Let's take this outside.” Sounded more like a demand than a request.

I looked at Dev. She stared at me, then said, “Oh, Ebony. Come here for a minute.”

My head snapped in the opposite direction. Ebony wasn't there. Dev stared at her laptop, started typing.

“You ready?” Trés asked.

“I don't have to answer to you, man.” Who did this dude think he was?

“Okay, then answer me,” Dev said. “Do you have a copy of your signed contract with Ebony?”

She was still looking at the computer. Typing.

“She's been working. I'ma get it from her by Friday,” I explained.

“Then, we'll see you Friday,” Trés said.

“Dev, look at me.” I repeated, “Dev. Look. At. Me.”

“You're so disrespectful. I can call security if you want me to, Dev,” Trés said.

“Give him five minutes,” Dev replied, staring at her cell phone. “No, make it three.”

CHAPTER 26

Devereaux

W
atching how Trés handled Phoenix made me uncomfortable. I was relieved and feeling guilty at the same time. I knew what I had to do.

“Tiera, let everyone know we're starting thirty minutes late.”

She nodded. “Certainly. Anything else?”

“That'll be all.” I picked up my cell, walked outside. Phoenix was in the parking lot shouting at Trés. I got in my car, locked the door, and made the call.

Soon as she identified herself, I said, “Hi, Dakota. It's Devereaux Crystal.”

“Good morning, Ms. Crystal. Mercedes told me she gave you my number. Glad you called. What have you decided?”

What all had my sister shared with the detective? I noticed Phoenix jabbing his finger toward Trés's face. Trés told me to stay out of it and I was.

I answered, “I'd like to move forward with the investigation.”

“Great! What's your e-mail address?”

I sat in my car giving her the requested information. A police car drove onto the lot.

“I'll e-mail you a questionnaire and a contract within the hour. Soon as I get everything back, I'm on it,” she said. Then she asked, “You still there?”

“Huh? Oh, yeah.” I had heard her, but it took a minute for what she'd said to register. “Thanks, bye.”

Phoenix got in his car, then sped off. I expected my cell to ring. It didn't.

Having my fiancé spied on was one of the most difficult decisions I'd made. When I'd awakened this morning, I wasn't sure about hiring Dakota. When Phoenix showed up here, I still wasn't convinced. The way his head snapped when I called Ebony's name, that was my deciding factor.

I dialed my mother. Hadn't spoken with her in a few days.

“Everything okay,” she asked without saying hello.

“Yeah, Mom. Are you available for dinner tonight?”

She hesitated.

I told her, “It's okay if you don't have time. I understand you're always too busy.”

“No, I want to. It's just that I have a date. Can we do eight?”

“Yes, eight is good. I'll text you the restaurant.”

“Okay, I'll see you then,” she said, ending the call.

I invited Mercedes, Alexis, and Sandara via text message. Not sure what would come out of the investigation, my entire family had to be on my team. I was not too proud to ask for emotional support. Prayed my relationship with Ms. Etta wouldn't change if I had to break up with Phoenix. Nya loved her grandma.

Told myself, “Dev, stay positive.” It was hard now that I'd seen the excitement in my man's eyes for another woman.

Entering the studio, Trés said, “What I told the police in front of Phoenix should take care of your fiancé not being around for the rest of the season. Hope you don't mind, I had a chat with Ebony. Told her her having a manager was a good idea, but hiring Christal Jordan, the owner of Enchanted PR is best because Christal is the best. Ebony needs a corporation and a team, not an individual. No disrespect to Phoenix, but what contacts does he have in this industry? Don't let him tag on to your success. Make him build his own.”

I was kind of numb right now. My heart didn't feel love or hate. Trés was right about Phoenix making his own way. It was time.

“Tiera, let everyone know I'm ready to start the shoot.”

She scurried toward the dressing rooms.

I told my friend, “I've hired a private investigator to find out what Phoenix is doing.”

Trés nodded. “Not a bad decision. When
Sophisticated Side Chicks ATL
start trending on the regular, all of our personal lives are going to be all over Dish Nation and TMZ. Best to know what you're dealing with than to have your life become a spinoff of your own show.”

“Our show,” I said, giving Trés a tighter than usual hug.

Ebony, West-Léon, and Travis came out at the same time. My jaw dropped at how beautiful they looked together.

The black suit West-Léon wore was fitted. I loved the way his blazer hung open to expose his bare chest that had the right amount of shine. Travis's white slacks were tailored to his athletic physique. His shirt was unbuttoned with one side slightly tucked in his pants.

Ebony was that boss bitch standing in gold seven-inch heels. Not many women could walk in those shoes. I might make that height Ebony's signature. Her simple white dress had a plunging neckline that exposed her navel. The edges accenting her cleavage were trimmed in black leather. Her lips were the sexiest blazing shade of red.

Trés and I watched AJ Alexander and his team direct West-Léon and Travis to stand on opposites sides of Ebony. She crossed her arms, placed one foot slightly in front of the other.

Looking at Ebony, I could see how any man would be attracted to her. I was no lesbian but watching her was making me hot.