After my vacation, I returned home renewed. Knowing Monique was out of Tristan's life pleased me. She probably was obsessed like Alex and went to his base to see him and got killed. I stop by my office in the evening to check messages, and my floor is covered in letters from the mail slot. I've been requested to attend an executive meeting for The Black Corporation. They're hiring under new ownership, and via Tristan Black's recommendation, I should be hired in any area of design. Gloria Vasala has signed the letters, and upon checking my office voicemails, she's also left two messages. I was hesitant, but I left a message letting her know I was on vacation and to confirm I'll be at the meeting.Now home, I put my phone on speaker to hear my messages. Pastor Gene called looking for me last Sunday, Wednesday, and today. I stick my tongue out at the phone, hang it up, and get into bed. This meeting is on Tuesday, so I get pampered all day on Monday. Once again, I want to be flawless w
The driver's friendly but quiet. Nine of us are going on this trip, but we were individually driven to Black International's jet. We board, and it's announced Tristan will meet us in Brazil.Disappointed, I observed the nine passengers. I'm shocked to see six men and only three women. Everyone is dressed semi-casual, but some men look rugged. They must be military men. Gloria was one of the three women. The other woman was very exotic-looking. She wasn't beautiful, but her features made her uniquely pretty. Samantha is her name, but they call her Sam. Sam looks tough, so she's probably also from the military.No one smiled or conversed. Everyone seemed engrossed with whatever they were doing. None of these people looked familiar except Gloria. I guess I'm the only new employee required to travel.After two hours of silence, Gloria hands me a glass of wine. I wished she had a martini, but it'll do. "Thanks," I say."So you're a minister?" Gloria asks.Discerning this is a test, I sit m
"Shhh, listen to the peacefulness," Tristan whispers.We stand enjoying the waves for a few seconds, and then he dives into the water, causing me to scream. He stays underneath forever, it seems, then climbs aboard on the opposite side, laughing."Why'd you scream? What, you thought I couldn't swim?""The ocean isn't an ideal place just to dive into."Pulling me onto his wet body, he starts kissing me. I don't resist, I indulge in his passion. Grinning, he stops, then sits down, saying, "Join me."Now, sitting next to him, we kiss again."What have you done to my mother?" He laughs."I've done nothing to your mother. Sorry, but I think she's gone insane.""She's been insane. She told me you told the police I hurt you.""I never told the police anything. It was the military who arrested me and then questioned my relationship with you. They pretty much insulted me, then sent me home."Gazing into the ocean, he grunts, "Hmmm. Well, don't worry about that. I got that under control. ...So,
We enter the hotel to Gloria's embrace for Tristan, but a scowl for me from over his shoulder. Tristan pats her back, and then they walk away in deep conversation. I see the others gathering, so I sit in the conference room. Tristan's a very impressive speaker. There's no way possible Sam could've done this. Now, I wished she hadn't left. I would've loved to see her excite the crowd this way. Every client left fully persuaded they had invested in a very profitable company.After his presentation, I didn't lurk around Tristan. I went into the hall and decided to check my voicemail. I haven't thought of my phone since I've been here. I pulled it out, and I have seventeen texts and three messages. I see Pastor Gene's name, Janay's and Blake's names, and Leslie's called. As I went to read my texts, someone called my name."Ms. Warring!"Startled, I look up, saying, "Hi, Mr. Trout.""Mr. Black is ready to go to lunch.""Thanks."Ignoring my phone again, I head to Tristan's car. Once inside
Tristan's so used to running women away that he probably assumed I did as Sam had done and left due to his not returning to our suite. He probably lied about taking a morning run, too. I'm convinced he was out screwing someone, took a shortcut through the forest, then pretended he went jogging. He assumed he'd get home before I was awake. I head down to Detroit to meet Detective Johnson. He's tall, with broad shoulders and a stern face."Have a seat, Ms. Warring. You want coffee?""No, thank you, Detective Johnson. I grabbed some on my way down here.""So, how's it going in Deep Woods? The military still on duty?""Honestly, I don't know. I thought they had left last Summer, but I learned they were still there not too long ago.""Interesting."After a few minutes, Pastor Gene's lawyer entered to represent me. Although I don't need a lawyer, having one present is wise. Detective Johnson transitions from casual conversation, saying, "Well, start from the beginning for me."I tell him a
After church, the old crew went out, and we had a blast. Janay and Blake were comical as ever. Malika has made me her new best friend, I guess. Pastor Gene and Leslie went home after dinner, and the crew went to the show. After the show, we went to the lake and fellowshipped some more. It was a perfect Sunday. Finally, we all head home. Kicking off my shoes as I enter, I cut the lamp on, and Tristan is sitting on my couch. My throat's burning I scream so loud. He doesn't budge but sits there until I stop making a complete idiot of myself."Tristan, you're going to give me a heart attack. How'd you get in?""I'm fine. ...My flight went well. ...Business is going well."He stands, walks up to me, and starts kissing me, but I feel a little weird. Pecking his lips, I grab his hand, leading him to the couch. I sit in a dining chair next to it, but he avoids the couch and straddles me."Tristan, what are you doing?"Laughing, I try to push him off, but he stays on top of me, staring. Still
"Jade? Hi, Gloria. Have you spoken to Mr. Black?""No.""Oh? O...Kay... If you do, please tell him we need him in Brazil ASAP.""Okay.""Are you alright, Jade?""Do you talk to his mother, Gloria?""Not outside of business. Why?""Call her, she may know. And if she does, please text me that he got to Brazil safely.""Do you have her personal number?""Yes."I give her the number, and then we get off the phone. Now, sitting in the dark, I'm afraid to move. Soon, my thoughts go to how clammy Tristan's skin felt when I touched him. His spine was protruding out of his back. His moan sounded weird, as if he were breathing through a closed throat. Finally, I force myself to move but refuse to cut on a light. While getting juice out of the refrigerator, I hear a light tapping on my door. Seeing a flicker, I look at my phone, and Gloria has texted: Thanks, he called. My heart's pounding as this tapping continues. Breathless, I looked out the peephole, but no one was there. Then, I see a sha
Frantic, I begin looking all around. I catch a glimpse of him crossing the street from the corner of my eye. Tristan looks well refreshed. His skin is glowing, his body looks solid and chiseled. And today, he's wearing his dog tags. He looks like all man! He's wearing shades when I introduce him to Missy, but she's eyeing me as if to say, 'Baby sis, you have hit the jackpot!' I chuckle because I know she will flip once she sees his eyes. Dropping his head, he removes his hat and runs his hands through his hair. Head now lifted, he removes his sunglasses, saying, "Pleasure to meet you, Missy."Mouth dropped, Missy stared at him as if she'd seen an angel. "Oh my! Nice to meet you, Tristan. Your eyes are mesmerizing!" She giggles.Smirking my way, she asks, "So, how long have you and Jade been going steady?""Jade won't commit to me." He shrugs as he stares into my eyes."Why not? Why not Jade!?" Missy simpers.Tristan starts laughing because Missy is over the moon impressed with him.