Where There's Smoke (22 page)

“Ouch,” Smoke said.

“Check this out, the prostitutes worked for the competition, the owner of the hotel wouldn't allow them to use his property for business.” Ross shook his head and continued reading.

“It seems they had a whole line-up of sorry talent to send our way. These guys worked for Frenche's organization and would've slowed us down.” Disgusted, Smoke picked up the last file.

“Ahhh, now it makes more sense,” Smoke said. “Geary stopped Frenche from getting gang banged in prison. They became lovers. In a sense, Frenche wasn't a slave like the others. These two had a relationship for over fifteen years. Frenche helped Geary chose the men for slaves and was the go between on the outside.” Smoke looked at Ross. “He loved the bastard. This file is different, it has names, and profiles of the slaves. But it also has love letters between the two. They worked as a team. Geary recruited and made slaves on the inside. Frenche gave directions and monitored the men on the outside. Assholes thought they could build an army.”

“They almost succeeded,” Ross said, picking up another folder.

“You know we're have to destroy these files, right?” Red said, glancing at them in the mirror.

“Yeah, but I wanted to know how much info they had on us and fill in some blanks. Now we know.” Smoke shrugged and continued reading. “You wanna read these before we burn them?” he asked Red.

“Yeah, I guess so. Especially the one on me.”

Smoke looked at his watch. “It's early, let's head to the lake, finish reading and burn this shit before we leave.”

“Sounds good,” Ross said.

“On it,” Red said.

Vianca looked at Smoke next to her. He wore a tailored suit that fit him like a glove. The Mayor was speaking at the podium when she felt his hand on her thigh. She inched closer, enjoying the heat from his palm. Her cousin Fernando and his wife, Samantha sat across from them, looking happy and paying no attention to the speaker.

Her cousin had married his sweetheart thirty days after informing her of decision. It seems Samantha was just as in love as he was. And if the bump on her stomach was any indication, they wasted no time starting a future together. Her aunt and uncle accepted Samantha and were over the moon about their first grandchild.

“How much longer?” Smoke whispered.

The warmth of his breath tickled her ear, and sent shivers down her back. She pinched him.

“Behave. It shouldn't be much longer. I think Pa will be accepting his Businessman of the Year award soon.” She kissed his cheek, glad he'd come with her to San Antonio. When Fernando married Samantha, it'd been a turning point for her family. Her father surprised her with a phone call and they had a long overdue talk. Lots of apologizing on both sides and invitations for extended visits.

“Good, I want to peel that dress off you and have you scream my name.” Smoke didn't bother whispering, his stare was so hot, she was surprised the dress didn't go up in flames.

Her cousin chuckled. His wife blushed.

Vianca stood, ready to leave. She waved good-bye to her Pa, who'd accepted his award and returned to his seat. He nodded and smiled as she walked out, holding Smoke's hand.

“Go easy on him, Vee,” Fernando said, causing the people at her table to laugh.

Smoke smiled but continued to stare at her lips hungrily. He pulled her close and they walked side by side out the crowded room.

“Need you, Papi,” she whispered.

He squeezed her waist. “Need you, too.”

They reached the car. He kissed her. “Damn, girl. You got my mind spinning.”

She laughed. “I love you, too.”

***

The Men of 3X CONStruction have built a thriving business over the years and now someone is out to destroy not only their dream, but the men themselves. Our heroes won’t stand for that any more than you or I would. They hook up with strong women, who help them stand stronger. In this series, we’ll follow the unraveling thread to reveal the culprit and save the freedom of our heroes. Hopefully, the women will be able to calm the primitive natures within their men, lest they take the law into their own hands. Once in the cage, was enough.

This has been a publication of Sitting Bull Publishers. We hope you enjoyed Book three of The Men of 3X CONStruction. Smoke was determined not to get caught up like his partners, but Vianca had other ideas.

If you haven’t read Book One in this series, “Have I told You Lately?” Ross and Cherise’s story, be sure to check it out. Book two is “Ready for Love,” Red and Denise’s story. A few other men will be having stories as well.

Brenda and Roark are in the pike, a short with Frank and Veronique and Julio will be making another appearance later this year. Check their website for updates and freebies. www.menof3xconsruction.com.

Erosa Knowles is a talented up and coming author. Visit her webpage for a view of her new titles.

Coming Soon from Sitting Bull Publishing:

The following is an excerpt of a soon to be released story by erotic fiction writer S. J. Nelson.

Loving Lena

The warmth of the Cheyenne, Wyoming's noonday sun added it's validation on the outing Lena and Faye embarked upon. After weeks of bullying to get her out the house, Faye's antiquated car succeeded where all other ploys failed.

They arrived at Hoffmann Motors, based on Faye’s research; the dealership along West Linclonway, offered the best deals and service. Her girlfriend, Faye, bubbled with excited energy. Lena smiled, glad to see someone animated. Recently, her life had taken on the role of a badly written television sitcom. No matter how hard she tried to shake the glumminess, it clung like a parasitic vine.

“Look at all these cars,” Faye enthused. “I wanna test drive a couple.” She moved at a fast clip towards the front row where the sports cars were displayed. Lena stood next to her BMW 535, stretched and looked around. There were many cars to choose from; she prayed this wouldn't take all day. Faye beckoned her toward a red mustang.

“Look at this one.” Faye’s manicured hands stroked the hood, as she watched her reflection. The yellow gold sleeveless top and jean mini skirt complemented her mocha complexion. Lena had always thought Faye a black Barbie doll. Shorter than Lena’s almost six feet, Faye’s body was curvaceous and she sported a perpetual smile. Her short hair complemented her angular face and large doe eyes. Faye had no problem with the diva label.

“Uh, I think you’d better stop looking like you’re about to cum, we
are
in public.” Lena smiled.

“No matter, this baby is a dick magnet. I can't help feeling an instant connection.” Faye pulled open the door and sat inside. Her short skirt rose up her thighs.

“I see something yellow; please pull your skirt down.” Lena turned her back, covering her eyes. Faye laughed and tugged on the scrap of jean fabric.

“Okay, mom.”

“It looks like you're about to get some help.” Lena watched the blond hunk walk toward them at a leisurely pace, smile firmly in place.
Barbie and Ken
, she sent an amused glance to her friend. He extended his hand to Lena, and shook it. When he saw Faye, his mouth opened, minus any sound, as he looked her over from the white tips of her toes to the symmetrical cut of her hair. Faye had been giving him the same run-down, a large grin of appreciation appearing on her face.

Lena hoped this meant she'd get to leave sooner, rather than later.
To do what
? She had no real plans, she just wanted... that was the real problem; she didn't know what she wanted. She was in the middle of a divorce and felt numb. Her husband's betrayal cut deep. She wasn't sure what hurt more, the fact she'd been blind to all the signs that seemed glaringly obvious now or the five years she'd given of her life living a lie. Her self-confidence plummeted and lived around her ankles. Despite what everyone said, she felt like a fool. She should've known, suspected something, instead she'd been blindsided.

“Leen? Lena,” Faye called walking to the other side of the car. “Wanna test drive this baby?”

“No thanks, I’ll wait here.” She smiled at the salesperson’s reaction to Faye sliding in the seat flashing her yellow panties. Lust dripped from his expression as he slid in the passenger's seat, his eyes never leaving Faye's thigh area while he buckled up. Faye tugged the material, glanced at her and winked. Lena laughed, silently wished the big guy luck and headed toward her car.

Kurt Hoffman caught a glimpse of the chocolate beauty on the monitor in his office and froze. There weren’t that many African American's in Cheyenne and before either today, he would’ve said he’d met most of them through growing up in the area or an event his company sponsored. But he'd bet his monthly sales, this gorgeous creature wasn't a native. Tall, graceful, generous curves in the right places, in short, a walking wet dream. Without pausing to think, he left the sanctity of his office to get a close up. Desperately wanting her to be real. His long limbs ate up the distance, he intercepted her before she reached her car.

“Hello.” He extended his hand. She hesitated before taking his and faced him, smile in place. It didn't reach her eyes. He stared into the light brown orbs, and inwardly flinched at the sadness reflected in their depths. Indignation rose at the thought of someone hurting such a beauty.

“I'm Kurt. Can I show you anything?” he continued holding her hand. She glanced at the connection and tugged lightly. Slowly, he released her hand. A quick glance at the luxury car and then back at her, wondering how she’d come by the calluses on her palm. It wasn’t just the air of sadness surrounding her; she presented a mystery. A paradox. Beautiful, her walk to her car had been graceful, her voice cultured, yet she’d worked hard. It didn’t add up. Nothing was more attractive than a woman with depth, he suspected she had layers upon layers of hidden rooms.

“No thanks, I drove my friend up here to purchase her car. She just left on a test drive.”

He nodded and took her elbow, for some reason he wanted to get to know her better. “It's a nice day, but hot. Come inside and get a cool drink.” She hesitated. “At least you'll be comfortable in the cool air while you wait.”

“All right.” They walked inside together.

“What would you like to drink? Soft drink, juice or water?” He took the opportunity to study her features. A heart shaped face with large eyes, full lips, and a straight nose. When she spoke, she displayed a small gap between her straight front teeth. Sexy.

“A bottle of water would be fine, thank you.” Her husky voice grabbed his attention as she looked around the lobby area. He steered her to his office and pointed to a seat. Once again, he noticed her hesitation.

She glanced around the office and looked at him. “Your office?”

“Yeah, I figured you'd be more comfortable.” He handed her a bottle of water from his personal stash.

“Really?” her tone droll. “Why would I be more comfortable in a closed room with a strange man than out in the open lobby?”

He coughed and laughed. “I guess you're right. I hadn't thought of it that way. I should've given you a choice, huh?”

“Yes, you should've.” She smiled opening the water.

“I wanted to talk to you,” he admitted. “I saw you on the lot earlier and wanted to see if you were as pretty close up.” Her brow rose as she sat back in the chair. At least she hadn't left yet. “I'm a man and when all else fails, I fall back to my primal roots.”

“Primal roots?” Her lip lifted at the corner.

“Yes.” He nodded taking the seat next to her. “A man sees a woman he wants and he does whatever necessary to get her attention.”

She laughed. A lyrical sound, which reached inside his chest and warmed his heart. “I guess I should be grateful you didn't throw me over your shoulder then.”

“It was a toss-up.” He winked at her. “Desperate measures and all that.” He looked at her, fascinated with the emotions flying across her face. “I'm Kurt Hoffmann.”

“Lena Pace.”

“Where are you from? And please tell me you live here now.” His voice sounded more anxious than he'd like. He needed to get a grip, they'd just met. But he wanted her beneath him as soon as possible.

“I've lived in Aurora, a suburb of Denver the past five years. I'm thinking of relocating here.” Her voice was hesitant again.
Layers upon layers
. He wondered if he was up to peeling them away. Did he really want to go through gymnastics to spend time with her? It was something to consider. As pretty as she was, with the military base nearby there would be men after her in droves. He’d need to think which direction he wanted to head in soon.

“What's stopping you?”

“Actually, I have two job offers. Originally, I came up for the education job fair a few weeks ago. Then I decided to hang around, check out the area to make a decision. It helps my girl lives here, so I'll know someone.” He took her hand, rubbed her palm with his finger.

“I want you to move here. But I'd like to see you again no matter where you live.” His eyes captured hers.

“Well.” She coughed and lowered her eyes. “I'll, uh, certainly keep that in mind.”

“I hope I haven't messed things up by being honest.” His blue-green eyes searched her face, took note of her crossed arms, the closed body language spoke of her discomfort.

She shook her head. “I'm going through a divorce right now and it has the potential to get ugly fast. I'm confused about a lot of things, this probably isn't the best time to make new friends.”

His lips pursed. He planned to be more than friends. “How long were you married?”

“Five years, I was nineteen and thought I was doing the right thing.”

“Any children?” She was still young, early twenties to his his early thirties. Hopefully she hadn't given up on men. He'd make sure she understood no all men were jerks.

“No,” she said wistfully, grabbing his attention. Her face tightened in pain, he prayed she hadn't been violated to the point she couldn’t have children.