Unthinkable (Undeniable Trilogy #1) (14 page)

“Since you are offering information,” Tia said, “what the fuck is going on with you two?”

“Rick said he hasn’t spoken to Nicholas since Sunday afternoon and that was only for about three minutes,” Gabrielle followed.

“We had a great Sunday and Monday evening, extremely good time.” I rubbed my wrists thinking about the red rope that bound them. “Tuesday morning, however, our lines of communication broke down and sent us into a tailspin.”

“What happened?” Gabrielle was engrossed in the story.

“He gave me a key to both of his places and then told me he loved me.” They both gasped in shock.

“Maya, what did you say?”

“I didn’t respond. Actually, I freaked out. I told him that I don’t know how to process what he said to me.” The look on Tia’s face was of disappointment. I could tell she was ready to lecture me.

“Have you told him about Michael?” she asked.

“No, I haven’t.” My reply was short and laced with anger for being asked that question again.

“Why not?” said Gabrielle. I closed my eyes for a brief moment to gather my thoughts and then rolled my eyes as I opened them.

”I don’t know. Maybe he won’t be able to handle it. There hasn’t been a good moment to tell him. How do I tell him while we are having sex that oh, by the way, my boyfriend used to rape and beat me?” The room fell silent again. I was sitting there thinking about all this stuff and how it was affecting me, still affecting me. It’s been four years since my relationship with Michael went bad and the worst thing is I didn’t press charges even though he changed schools based on fear of me reporting him since he was a star basketball player.

“What are you wearing to the party on Friday?” Gabrielle asked, trying to break the silence.

“I saw a dress online and ordered it. I go pick it up tomorrow,” I said, helping change the mood.

“I am not sure what to wear. I’m sure it will be black,” Samantha said. “What about you Gabby?”

“I am wearing a sea foam green dress with silver accessories and shoes and stuff.”

“Gabrielle always the life of the party,” Tia said.

“Won’t you be the plus one on her list?” I asked.

“No, I am going away with Chris,” Tia answered with a big smile. The mood was picking back up and we were laughing, talking, and having fun again.

“Whose phone is that ringing?” Gabrielle said, slightly buzzed from all the wine we had been drinking. We quieted down so we could follow the sound.

“That’s my phone. I better get it in case its work.” The girls threw their hands in the air and sighed.

“Always the workaholic,” said Gabrielle. I flipped her off while answering the phone without looking at the ID.

“Hello?”

“I wanted to hear your voice.”

“Nicholas?” I asked. The girls became quiet, staring at me, gauging my reaction. My mind quickly dispersed the haze.

“I didn’t know she sent you those pictures. I’m sorry.” He hung up and I started breathing rapidly.

“Maya, calm down,” Gabrielle said while Tia bought me a glass of water. “What did he say?” Samantha asked.

“He told me that he wanted to hear my voice and that he didn’t know she sent those pictures.”

“What pictures?” Tia and Gabrielle spoke simultaneously.

“Tabitha sent more pictures of her and Nicholas kissing and in various sexual positions.”

The pain rushed back to me. I closed my eyes for a moment.

“Let's open another bottle,” Tia suggested.

“No, no, I think that I am going to go home,” I said as Samantha got up.

“I think I will be leaving too. I am going in tomorrow to check emails, faxes, and packages, then I am headed home.” We hugged each other good night and then Sam and I left and headed back to my place. When we got there, the doorman had three dozen red and white long stemmed roses for me. He handed me the card that was attached as he wheeled them upstairs.

Maya, I am so sorry. ~ Nick

I no longer knew what to feel. The anger, the guilt, and the affection were all running together and I was confused. I thanked the doorman and Samantha and I flopped on the couch looking for answers.

“I’m not saying anything, Maya, but I think it’s obvious that he has deep feelings for you and that Tabitha is a mattress.”

“What if that’s all he actually sees me as, a mattress topper?”

“Nope, please stop. You need to at least talk to him that way if you do move on, that part will be cleared and at least you got some hot sex out of it.” I looked at Samantha and laughed shaking my head, but she was right. I needed to speak to Nicholas and tell him everything, no holding back.

Chapter 10

   Friday was finally here and the whole office was buzzing about the party tonight. My team and I were working on a video montage to play as the guests arrived, highlighting the company and what we do. Pictures of the staff would be included and our clients’ logos and our sponsorships. Gabrielle managed to get the Parkland Golf and Country Club booked for this event. The Binnings told her to spare no expense for this event and she didn’t. One of the top restaurants in Miami was catering it and their menu has lobster, shrimp and chicken, assorted fruit and vegetable trays and salad. She included an open bar stocked to the hilt with premium liquors, wines, beers, and a dance floor. It is being held outside under canopies with breathtaking views of the water and Tiki torches to keep the mosquitoes at bay. There would be servers there to assist too. She set up a red carpet backdrop at the entrance of the building and reserved indoor space for those who wanted to take a break and relax indoors. Samantha and I left early in order to go get our hair done. I wore mine in an updo with spirals hanging down on the side and that took three hours to wash, wrap, dry, flat iron, wrap, pin, and curl again. Samantha wore her hair flat ironed, as she is a curly top naturally like me. I picked my dress, shoes, and accessories up after I went to see Paulo yesterday. I had nothing else to do but get dressed.

Samantha was supportive and concerned about me. She had not left my side all week. I was forever thankful to have her in my life, actually all of them. If it were not for them, I might still be in that horrible relationship with Michael Johnson. We did start out as a great couple, Michael and I. We went out on dates and we met each other’s family, we thought we were going to be together for a long time. In fact, many people thought we were going to be together for a long time, maybe marriage. He was attractive, athletic build, sandy brown hair, and hazel eyes with a light-skinned complexion for an African American. All the girls loved him and wanted him, but he had chosen me. After a few dates, we decided to take our relationship to the next level, sex. At first, it was good, but then he started to say it wasn’t good enough. Before him, I had only been with one other person and that was in high school so I had nothing to relate. Michael wanted to do more, experience more. He and his buddies used to talk about this bondage-type lifestyle and he thought we should try it. I was reluctant at first, but then I opened up to it after experimenting a few times and it was exhilarating, especially after a major test. Then he started to become aggressive and that’s when the abuse and forcing of sex took place. That lasted three months before I threatened him with school expulsion and jail. He left town and I never heard from him again. I often wondered why I allowed it to last that long. My confidence waned with each passing day and I believed him when he said he was sorry. When I finally put on my big girl panties, I confided in my girls and I swore off men forever.

“I thought you would be dressed by now. It’s seven-fifteen,” Samantha reminded.

“Sorry, I was in deep thought.”

“About what, Nicholas?”

“No, about my past and where I am now.”

“Oh, memory lane trip,” Samantha said as she came over and sat next to me. She was only dressed in her foundation, but she looked sexy. She had on a black strapless bustier, a garter belt, and thigh high stockings. She was pretty fucking hot and one of my WC’s. Then again so were Tia and Gabrielle. We all had something unique about us. We were not cheerleaders, sorority members, or part of any groups except the nerd squads. Samantha asked me to clasp her necklace for her as we sat on the bed.

“Tonight should be fun,” she said. Her tone sounded as if she was trying to see where I was with my whole swearing off men attitude.

“I’m interested in the open bar. Actually, I want to see the layout. Gabrielle always does a great job, I’m sure I will not be disappointed.”

We finished getting dressed and I must say we looked amazing. Samantha wore a black, strapless, shirred cocktail dress. It showed her garters if she moved her legs in a certain way. She paired it with black heels and a black clutch. I had on a V-neck long-sleeved, loose-fitting, white chiffon dress. The arms had slits in them down the entire length of the sleeve. I wore brown wedges and had a brown clutch. We were classy and Miami all at the same time. I had arranged for a limo to pick us up to take us to the event in order to let loose and have fun without worrying about driving home. We arrived at the country club slightly late, as there was an accident en route that had traffic backed up. Once we pulled up, the driver opened the door and it was like the paparazzi were there. Our valets helped us out of the car and walked us to the platform for photos that were being streamed on the projection out back. Samantha went in ahead of me to find a waiter and grab a glass of champagne while I met with the team to see who had arrived already. I met her out back on the landing, took the offered glass of champagne, and we stood there talking and laughing. We made sure to introduce ourselves as the guests arrived. Once the VIPs were there, we walked around, mingled, and ran into Gabrielle and Rick.

“Hi! You guys look fucking amazing. Oh, my God. Maya, is that dress short enough?” Gabrielle said with a laugh. “And Samantha, muy caliente, mami!” she continued.

“Thank you, Gabby.” I laughed.

“Rick, you look debonair,” I added.

“Thank you,” he said as he grabbed my hand and kissed it. Rick was the charmer.

“Gabrielle you look amazing as always.” She had told us about the color of her dress and the accessories, but she didn’t tell us how gorgeous she was going to look. The dress was Grecian style with a slit up to her hip. One shoulder with ruching and embellishments around the waist. A total knockout. The waiter came by and I exchanged one empty glass for a full one.

“You okay, Maya?” Rick asked.

“No, honey, don’t do that. Let Maya be, Rick. Okay?” Gabrielle interjected.

“It’s fine. He can ask. I am having a few moments lately. That’s all,” I answered.

“Is it about that guy over there?” Rick pointed in the direction of the lawn. We all turned and looked, and there he stood. He was back in town. My heartbeat increased as did my temperature. He was standing with his father and Mr. Anderson near the bandstand. He was laughing at something they were talking about and he looked up and saw me, green eyes to my brown.

I saw him mouth the words “excuse me” to his company and he walked toward me. I watched the reaction as they looked in the direction he was headed and they saw me. Both men raised their glasses to me, smiled, and continued their conversation. I turned my attention back to Nicholas, trying to figure out what I was going to say. My feet felt like they were cemented to the ground and my stomach was queasy. As he got closer, my knees were getting weaker and I found myself falling when Nicholas reached in and grabbed me.

“Are you okay?” he asked.

“I, I’m fine Nicholas,” I stammered out. “It must be the champagne.” I noticed he hadn’t removed his arm from my waist and he was standing close to me. I looked over and saw Samantha and Gabrielle walk away with Rick. There we were the two of us left alone.

“Can we go somewhere and talk please?” he asked. “Please, Maya,” he pleaded with me. I was uncertain if this was the best location to talk.

“Nicholas, I, I don’t know.”

“Maya, please.” I looked around to find a secluded location that we could use. I grabbed his hand, escorted him to the bridge, and stood there. We didn’t speak for what felt like an eternity. He stood there looking at me. Feeling uncomfortable, I turned away from him, breaking eye contact.

“Maya, you look absolutely amazing,” he said to break the ice between us. But I was not trying to feed into his pleasantries, not after seeing the pictures of him and Tabitha.

“Nicholas, what did you want to say to me?” I didn’t want his attempt to woo me back be easy. Oh, who was I kidding. I wanted him to fuck me right there on the bridge, bent over the railing. His magnetism was still pulling me in.

“Maya,” he said softly. “I had no idea she was going to send you those pictures. I had no idea she was taking those pictures.”

“That’s not the only picture she sent me,” I rebutted.

“She told me after I rejected her that she had sent those pictures and that she told you about her and me. I told her she was nothing but an anger management tool and to leave you the fuck alone. I fired her and sent her back here. All I could think about was how hurt you were after I promised not to hurt you.” I turned around to look at him, but Tabitha was walking toward us and she had a man on her arm.

“Oh, fuck!” I said. My eyes must have alerted him to a situation in progress.

“What is it?” Nicholas asked. I looked around and I saw Samantha and Gabrielle running this way with Rick in tow.

“Well, well, well if it isn’t Miss New Booty. I met someone who had that ass and misses it so much, and since I love to please, I had to bring him to it,” Tabitha said.

“Michael,” I whispered. He walked over to me and grabbed my arm.

“You didn’t think you were going to get away from me forever did you?” he scolded.

I pulled away from him with a scowl on my face, slowly backing into Nicholas. Tabitha was sneering at the drama she caused thinking it would even the score.

“Hey, asshole, what the fuck are you doing? Keep your hands off of her,” Nicholas said as he pushed Michael.

“Oh, you’re the one Tabby said left her for my little submissive slave.”

“Your what?” Nicholas said.

“Maya didn’t tell you about us.” Michael walked up behind me and put his arms around me.

“See, this sweet little honey drop knows how to obey her master, don’t you? And she knows if I don’t get what I want, there are consequences.” Tears started to build in my eyes. I knew I had to tell Nicholas but not like this.

“Get the fuck away from her,” Nicholas gritted out with a deep scowl.

“And what the fuck are you going to do if I don’t?” Michael said as he approached Nicholas.

“You sure in the hell will find out.”

“You weren’t this tough in school were you?” I overheard Michael say to Nicholas and he had clenched his fist when security arrived.

“Is there a problem over here, Ms. Davis?” security asked.

“No, no problem. They were just leaving and may need assistance finding their way out.” I pointed at Tabitha and Michael.

“I’ll catch you later, Maya,” Michael said as he blew me a kiss while being escorted out.

I saw Rick whisper something in Nicholas’s ear.

“I’ll be right back. Do not go anywhere,” he said to me. His voice was still full of anger and aggression. Rick and Nicholas headed off toward his father and Samantha and Gabrielle stood there with me. The waiter came back by and we grabbed another glass of champagne.

“Maya, you have to tell him everything or she’s going to make you look like you have been playing Nicholas. She’s trying to hurt you.” I looked over at Mr. Hansen and I saw him make a call. Rick and Nicholas left the party.

“I think he already knows,” I said as we watched them exit the party. Mr. Hansen approached us and asked to speak to me alone.

“Yes, sir, Mr. Hansen.” He had a stern look on his face.

“Maya, Nicholas asked me to tell you that you are free to move around.”

“Where did he go?” I asked. The knots in my stomach were not making this an easy thing to discuss. The way Nicholas left had me concerned. I became weak with the thought of what was going on. We didn’t get a chance to talk before the drama hit.

“He had business to attend to,” Mr. Hansen replied. “I don’t want you to worry, Amaya. Go and enjoy yourself.”

“In fact, let me escort you back to the party and introduce you to my wife and Nicky’s brother and sister.” He extended his hand and I accepted as he escorted me back into the party where he introduced me to Lori, his wife, Lance, Nicholas’s brother, and Jaimie, his sister. “Everyone this is Amaya Davis, head of the sporting division of Binnings Marketing firm.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet all of you.”

“Likewise,” Mrs. Hansen said. ‘Oh my, what a stunning vision you are,” she said. I was never big on compliments thanks to my shot self-esteem.

“Thank you, Mrs. Hansen.”

“Oh please, call me Lori.”

“I can try,” I said with a little chuckle. Mrs. Hansen was stunning herself. She was thin, statuesque, blue eyes, blonde, with naturally tanned skin. Simply gorgeous.

“Hi, I’m Lance. Nick’s brother,” he said as he grabbed my hand and kissed it. “My brother is in total awe of you and I can certainly see why.” I could tell by his tone that he is a player.

“Thank you, Lance.” He was not bad to look at either. He had a naturally dark-tanned complexion and smoldering brown eyes. Given what Nicholas told me about his father’s infidelity and the child that was created from that, I didn’t let on to the fact that I knew he was not Lori’s.

“I’m Jaimie. Nicholas talks about you all the time. At least, to me he does. He says that he is in love with you.”

“Jaimie,” Mr. Hansen scolded.

“It's okay, Mr. Hansen, truly, it is okay. Are you are the one responsible for the construction company getting the NFL job?” she asked.

“All I did was get the two entities together. The company and the work that they do, speaks for itself.”