Read Love, Lies and Scandal Online

Authors: Earl Sewell

Tags: #Fiction, #Romance, #Contemporary, #General

Love, Lies and Scandal

BOOK: Love, Lies and Scandal
9.36Mb size Format: txt, pdf, ePub
ads
LOVE, LIES
AND
SCANDAL
Earl Sewell
LOVE, LIES
AND
SCANDAL

Love makes your soul crawl out from its hiding place.

--Zora Neale Hurston

Acknowledgments

When I begin a book, most of the time it's because a concept, idea or a slice of a conversation has decided to marry itself to my thoughts. I'm not given the courtesy of selecting which thought or dialogue gets to stay and which ones have to leave. The information moves in like family members who feel that the world owes them something just for being born. I suppose it's a unique talent to be able to take a thought and create characters, a story line and eventually a novel from it. I've been writing my books this way for so long that to me it's as natural as breathing air. However I know that for many people just trying to figure out where to start a novel can be a challenge. One day, as I rode the train into downtown Chicago, I overheard a man having a rather loud conversation on his cellular phone. He was sharing with someone the discovery of an affair his brother-in-law was having on his sister. The man was in support of his brother-in-law getting a little action on the side as long as the affair was kept on the down low. I listened as inconspicuously as I could but I wasn't able to gather much more than what I'd initially overheard, because the man exited the train before I did. Ironically, a few days later a public official had to step down because of an inappropriate relationship. It is from these two separate occurrences that
Love, Lies and Scandal
was born.

When I began writing, the only thing I truly had was a catchy title. I did not know who my characters were, where they were from or what adversity they'd have to overcome. While on a book tour in California in 2007, I stayed at my favorite hotel, the Concord Hilton (hey Yanta, what's up), which has the Iron Horse Running Trail nearby. I decided to go out for a short run. The moment I began my run, the characters for the book came forward and introduced themselves and told me their story. Before I realized it I'd run twelve miles. My characters talk too much.

I have so many people to thank for my continuing success in this profession. To my family, Annette and Candice, thank you for putting up with my craziness and keeping me on track.

I have to give a big thank-you to my editor Glenda Howard, who not only loved the story idea but also pushed for sexier book covers. I truly hope you guys like the new packaging. There are so many book clubs from around the country that have been supporting and encouraging me for years. So another big thank-you goes out to the following book clubs: African Violet, Born Readers, Come As You Are, Different Shades of Black, Rawsistaz, Sisters on the Reading Edge, Sweet Soul Sisters, In the Company of My Sisters, Circle of Sisters and all of the other book clubs out there that have been supporting my work.

To all of you bookstore owners and managers--Lisa Williams in Detroit, Donna Liptrot in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and Cindy Smith, Calumet, Illinois. Thank you for recommending my work to your customers.

To Pam Nelson and the Levy Home Entertainment family. Thank you so much for all that you do. Pam, you're a godsend and I truly appreciate all that you do. To my Soul Expressions Bus Tour authors, ReShonda Tate Billingsley, Lori Woolridge-Bryant, Naleighna Kai, Rochelle Alers, Brenda Jackson, Nina Foxx, Beverly Jenkins, Selena Montgomery, Teri Woods, Francis Ray, Donna Hill, Nikki Turner, Tracie Howard, Daaimah Poole, Stephanie Perry Moore and Crystal Hubbard. We had a blast during our bus tour and I look forward to seeing you all soon.

To Barbara Keaton and L.A. Banks. You guys are a blast to be around. I'll never forget how Barbara got me, L.A. Banks and a few friends from downtown Chicago to Oak Park (which is thirty minutes away) in ten minutes flat so that L.A. wouldn't be late for her book-signing. Barbara should have been a NASCAR driver.

In case I forgot anyone, which I often do, I apologize, and please know that it wasn't intentional.

Please feel free to drop me a line at [email protected]. Please put the title of my book in the subject line so that I know your message to me is not spam. Make sure you check out www.earlsewell.com and www.myspace.com/earlsewell.

Finally, be sure to visit Earl Sewell's Travel Network at www.earlsewellstravelnetwork.com. Sign up for my free deals and steals travel newsletter and finalize all of your travel plans. Whether you're going on a cruise, taking a vacation to the Caribbean or going to visit friends and family, let Earl Sewell's Travel Network take you there.

All my best,

Earl Sewell

CHAPTER 1

WILL

W
ill admittedly looked debonair in his tailored Versace suit. He was handsome, charming and sexy all rolled into a nice package. He stood in front of the bathroom mirror making sure that his cuff links were securely fastened.

Anyone with any sense of style could tell that he was most certainly a man who was serious about his appearance. He paid handsomely for his wardrobe. The black suit had cost $1,695. The Versace striped shirt hit him for $300. He smiled at himself because he knew that women would be adding him up the moment they saw him. It wouldn't even matter that DaNikka was accompanying him.
A well-dressed and handsome man has the power to drive a woman crazy, there is no doubt about it,
he told his reflection.

He adjusted the strap on his Movado timepiece before picking up his bottle of Unforgivable cologne. He tilted his neck to the right and depressed the pump once before switching to the other side and repeating the process. As he rubbed away the wet spot on his neck with his fingertips, he saw an imperfection that annoyed him--his wedding ring. He smirked.
I won't need this tonight. Especially since I plan on being a very bad boy.
He removed the inconvenient reminder and placed it in his black Gucci travel bag on the countertop.

"Just like Justin Timberlake said, I'm bringing sexy back." Will laughed to himself as he studied his flawless chocolate skin and well-groomed mustache. "You're a suave brother who has it all. Money, power, a wife at home and freak on the side. Now, let's go make your forty-third birthday a memorable one," he said aloud, popping his collar and winking at himself before exiting the bathroom.

He was in Philadelphia, staying at the luxurious Ritz Carlton Hotel. He'd paid good money for a penthouse suite that could be accessed only via a private elevator. His nineteen-hundred-square-foot suite had two bedrooms with super-king-size beds, two and half baths, a living room, dining room, a den, full kitchen and an incomparable panoramic city view. Will poured himself a glass of wine before he moved toward the window, drew back the drapes and took in the beauty of the city. He exhaled as he stuffed one hand in his pocket and shifted his weight from one foot to the other.

"DaNikka, how much longer are you going to be?" He spoke loud enough for her to hear him. She was still in her private bathroom getting ready for their evening together.

"Not much longer," she answered him.

"You'd better not be," Will threatened as he took a sip of wine. "I want tonight to be perfect." Will loathed having to wait for her but since a lot of what he was showing his young and naive mistress was new to her, he was patient. After all, this trip marked the very first time that she'd ever been outside of Pittsburg, California.

He glanced down at his almost empty wineglass and laughed a little as he thought about the craziness of his secret life. Living a double life was an exciting adventure to him. He enjoyed entertaining the more primal side of his nature. He enjoyed the freedom it afforded him. The women, the secret rendezvous, the private clubs and secret societies he was a part of were all designed for men like him. Men of wealth, power and social status who needed to be discreet.

"I'm almost ready." DaNikka updated Will on her progress. "I'll be out in a moment."

"Okay," Will answered as he felt the cellular phone vibrating in its holster. He looked to see who was calling him.

"Donna," he whispered to himself. "I've told you a million times that it's over and that you need to stop calling me. Women trip me out with wanting to end a relationship as friends. If I'm done with you, I don't want to be your damn friend. Just leave me the hell alone."

"Who are you talking to?" DaNikka finally exited the bathroom.

"No one. I'm just talking to myself," Will said as he put away his phone.

"So how do I look?" DaNikka struck a pose for him.

"Just the way I want you to," Will said, smiling at her lustfully. She had on a gray Diane von Furstenberg dress with a hemline that stopped well above her knees. The dress wrapped around her body, leaving a fair amount of her ample breasts exposed.

"What about my hair? Do you like the way it looks?" DaNikka asked as she twirled around and modeled the short, cute Halle Berry-style haircut.

Will sat down on a nearby straight-back chair and draped one leg over the other as he studied all of DaNikka's assets. She was blessed with the body of a goddess. She was tall like him, had curvaceous mahogany legs that he loved holding during the throes of passion. She had full hips, a full and voluptuous apple-shaped ass that he loved to spank and bite on. She had a set of luscious breasts, with round chocolate nipples that were the perfect size for teasing with his lips and tongue. Her succulent lips, alluring bedroom eyes and energetic youth rounded out her package. She was his showpiece, his personal playmate and the thing that made his ego purr. Physically, DaNikka was perfect in every way. However, when she opened her mouth, it was painfully obvious that her body was her only asset. It didn't matter; Will didn't need her to think or be smart. He already had an intelligent wife.

"Do you like my shoes?" asked DaNikka pointing out her Prada high-heeled shoes. Will brushed his tongue across his lips.

"Yeah, I like those a lot." Will smiled devilishly.

"You sure?" DaNikka asked again.

"I'm positive. I'm more interested in what you have on underneath that dress. Do you have on the lingerie I purchased for you?"

"Yes, I got them on." DaNikka positioned herself directly in front of him. Her love mound was at the right height for his lips to kiss. Will leaned forward and spread his legs open.

"Stand right here." He pointed between his legs. DaNikka did as he asked. "Now, turn around," Will directed her. Will lifted up her gray dress and exposed her perfectly fabulous chocolate ass, which was accented by the presence of the gray silk thong.

"Damn." Will massaged her big, spankable ass. He then began to place kisses all over it. DaNikka cooed and responded to him by leaning forward and resting her hands on her knees. She made her ass jiggle playfully for him because she knew how much he liked to see that.

"I am definitely an ass man. There is no doubt about it," Will uttered as he spanked her derriere once more before covering it back up.

At that moment Will's cellular phone rang again. He pulled it out of its holster.

"Is that her? Is that your wife again? Because I know that's who you were talking to when I came out of the bathroom."

"Calm down and get your emotions in check," Will said before answering his phone. "Hello," he greeted the caller. "Good, we'll be down in a moment," he said and then ended the call. "That was the limo driver."

"Oh," DaNikka said softly. "I just got a little twisted because I thought she was calling you."

"You need to put those childish emotions of yours away. If you're going to be with me, you have to be a big girl, understood?" Will stood up and took her face in his hands. He wanted to taste her lips. He drew her to him and kissed her tenderly.

"You know that I'm your man, don't you?" Will whispered in her ear.

"Yes," DaNikka responded softly.

"And you will do what I ask," Will stated.

"I'll do anything for you. I've told you that before. I'm so lucky to have a man like you in my life, and I'll do anything to be with you and to make you happy."

"That's my girl. Come on, let's go. We have to be at Zanzibar Blue in fifteen minutes. I want to make sure that I don't miss Diana Krall's opening number."

A short while later, DaNikka and Will were sitting next to each other, enjoying a light dinner and listening to Diana sing the classic jazz tune "Fever."

"I've never heard this song before," DaNikka said as the melody finished.

"It's a hot little number, isn't it?" Will said, turning his attention away from the stage and back toward DaNikka.

"Yeah, I like it. I'm not that big on jazz music, but I like that song."

"See, that's what I'm talking about. I'm going to show you things that you've never seen before. I'm going to take you places you've never been. As long as you remain loyal to me, good things will happen."

"Well I appreciate you wanting to show me things and take me places, because it beats seating around the house all day wondering what's going to happen next. I can handle being sophisticated as long as you show me how." She gave him a bright smile.

"Tell me something that you like about me, DaNikka," Will demanded, taking her hand and placing it on his thigh. He focused on her breasts and felt his erection begin.

"I like the fact that you're a powerful man. I like the fact that you buy me things, and I like the fact that you're teaching me things that I never knew about. I like how you make me feel sexy. I don't feel self-conscious with you. I feel desired."

"Touch me," Will commanded. "Stroke it for me."

"You want me to do it right here?" DaNikka whispered. "Right now?"

"Yes," Will answered. DaNikka unzipped his pants, removed his erect manhood from its confines and began stroking it.

"You are so hard," DaNikka said as she leaned toward him and kissed him. Will's erection tightened up even more once their lips met. "You want to do me bad, don't you?" DaNikka whispered in Will's ear.

"Just as bad as you want to do me," he answered, sliding his hand beneath her skirt and wiggling it up toward her womanhood, which was hot and wet.

"Oooh," DaNikka cooed aloud as Will's fingers touched her. "Can you tell that I'm moist?" Will was attempting to get around the fabric barrier of her thong, but DaNikka stopped him when she noticed their waiter returning.

"Would you like to see the dessert menu?" the waiter politely asked.

"I'm cool," said Will. "What about you, babe? You want anything?"

"No," DaNikka answered, laughing nervously because Will's fingers were still trying to crawl upward. It was clear by the expression on the waiter's face that he knew exactly what was going on. With a smirk, Will made eye contact with the waiter.

"I got this," he said just as his fingers slipped inside DaNikka.

"Oh, damn!" DaNikka buried her face in Will's shoulder.

"I see. Would you like me to take a picture of you this evening?" the waiter asked. Will knew that he was being sarcastic, but DaNikka took him seriously.

"Yes. Take a photo of us with my camera phone, please," DaNikka said.

"What?" Will was surprised by DaNikka's suggestion.

"Remove your hand, please," DaNikka whispered in his ear. "You can't get me all hot and bothered while I'm wearing this dress." She reached into her purse, set her phone and pointed out which button should be pressed in order to snap the photo. Will and DaNikka posed for their picture. The waiter returned DaNikka's phone and placed the bill for dinner on the table before them.

"I'll be back," the waiter said and left.

"Baby, I had to stop you. Your fingers were driving me crazy," DaNikka explained.

"Shhh, I'm just getting my dessert." Will licked her essence from his fingers. "That's what I'm talking about. Hot all of the damn time."

"Only for you, daddy," DaNikka purred.

"Are you ready for the rest of your surprise?" Will asked.

"Yes," DaNikka answered.

Will calmed his manhood down and placed it back inside his trousers. He called to make sure his limo driver was outside waiting before placing enough cash on the table to pay for dinner.

"Come on, it's time to go," Will said.

Will had the driver take them to Secrets, which was an exclusive nightspot that specifically catered to wealthy men and women who had an unshakable appetite for sexual exploration. The exclusive club was owned and operated by a woman named Jade who had clients from all around the world. The limousine pulled into a parking lot surrounded by brick buildings in the warehouse district. The driver parked the car and then unlatched the trunk. He got out and held open the door for Will and DaNikka.

"Wait for us," Will instructed as he stepped out.

"Yes, sir," the driver answered before going to the rear of the car and removing a black messenger bag. "Sir, I've picked up the items on your list." The driver handed Will the bag.

"Thank you." Will took the bag and moved toward the entrance.

"I'm nervous," DaNikka confessed as she looped her arm through Will's.

"Relax and go with the flow. You'll be fine," Will reassured her. DaNikka held on to Will a little tighter as they entered the building and moved down the dimly lit corridor, illuminated by candlelight. At the end of the corridor, a man dressed in black stood beside a big steel door.

"Do you have a reservation?" he asked.

"You should have a reservation for two under the name of Daddy Long Stroke." The man looked at his list and located the name.

"Take these masks, put them on and enjoy your evening," he said as he opened the steel door. Will and DaNikka put on their festive masks and entered the club, encountering a flood of the uninhibited and the bold. There were topless waitresses walking ready to serve clients. Other employees of the club were carrying trays of colorful drinks. The staff appeared very attentive to ensure that their every need and desire was met. Some patrons were fully clothed, others partially and others completely nude. But no one seemed to notice. It was as if being in a place like this was as normal as breathing air. Will took DaNikka by the hand and guided her through the crowd to an area where there was seating for two on a sofa.

"So, what do you think?" Will asked as they sat down.

"This is straight-up wild, that's all I have to say right now." DaNikka scanned the room, taking in every detail. To her right, there was a dance floor with a stripper's pole. A full-figured and voluptuous woman had an audience of men surrounding her as she worked the pole wearing nothing but red high-heeled shoes. Directly in front of DaNikka were several pool tables. Wall-mounted television screens were showing X-rated films. To her left, several other sofas held folks sitting and talking while others allowed their passions to rule their behavior. One activity in particular caught DaNikka's eye.

BOOK: Love, Lies and Scandal
9.36Mb size Format: txt, pdf, ePub
ads

Other books

Thrill-Bent by Jan Richman
Walking to the Stars by Laney Cairo
Finding Us by Megan Smith, Sarah Jones, Sommer Stein, Toski Covey
Dating A Cougar by Donna McDonald
Lovers in London by Barbara Cartland
The Phantom King (The Kings) by Killough-Walden, Heather
Island of Mermaids by Iris Danbury
Stolen by Jordan Gray