Private Property

by La Jill Hunt

  Neil took her by the hand, led her to the sofa, and they both sat down. “Eden, baby, I don’t think you understand how major of a project this is. We’re talking Oscar potential. It’s some heavy hitters making this happen. They even got Trey Money doing the soundtrack.”

  “Neil.” Eden sighed, knowing where this conversation was heading. She took his glass from him and placed it, along with the one she was holding, on the table in front of them. “I get it.”

  “And, Eden, I’m not trying to be funny, because you know I love Riley and I admit she’s one of the best actresses out here. But come on, this is a project being produced by a bishop, and Riley’s reputation, especially what’s going on now with that video—”

  “What’s going on with that video has nothing to do with her acting talent. It was a setup by that stupid rapper, Touché. And you said it yourself, she’s one of the best actresses in the business,” Eden responded and stared at him. “She’s clean and sober. She’s doing good. Neil, please just give her a chance.”

  “I’m not the director. That’s not my call to make.” Neil shook his head.

  “You’re the director of photography. You can make suggestions.” Eden was not going to give up without a fight. Feeling the tears beginning to form in her eyes, she whispered, “Riley needs this. And we owe her.”

  Neil leaned over and pressed his forehead against hers. His fingers brushed the wetness from her cheeks. “Eden.”

  “Please, Neil,” Eden pleaded softly and wrapped her arms around his neck.

  “I’ll see what I can do. But no promises.”

  Relieved, Eden closed her eyes and smiled slightly. “Thank you.”

  “I said no promises,” Neil repeated.

  The next thing she felt was his mouth on top of hers. They tasted one another for what seemed like an eternity, and she instantly became aroused. He leaned her back on the sofa, and as he pressed his body against hers, she could feel he was just as ready as she was. Her hands traveled under his shirt and along his back. His mouth moved from her mouth to her neck. He sucked on her collarbone gently as he lifted her shirt over her head and caressed her breasts through the lace bra she wore. Between the feel of his hands and the chill of the room, her nipples hardened, and she moaned.

  Neil sat up, and for a moment she thought something was wrong, until she saw him reach to the table and grab one of the plump strawberries. He took a bite, then ran it along her chest, leaving a trail of juice leading to her mouth, where he held it for her to bite. She bit into it and savored the taste while enjoying the feel of his tongue that now traced the trail he’d created. He paused, and in one swift movement, removed her bra and freed her full bosom, taking her erect buds into his mouth and teasing them. Eden arched her back and reached between his legs, fumbling to undo his jeans to release his hardness, which she now desired. His hands met hers, and instead of helping her get what she was reaching for, he pulled her to her feet and took her into his bedroom, where he slowly took off the rest of her clothes before undressing himself.

  “Damn, you look sexy,” he said, his eyes full of lust.

  Eden gave him a seductive grin as she played with her nipples and spread her legs so he could see just how wet she was. “You’re just saying that because you want some ass.”

  “Damn right I do,” Neil growled, pulling her toward the edge of the bed as he got on his knees. The sound of his moaning as he devoured her with his tongue sent her into another level of pleasure. She reached for something to grab, her hand finally finding a pillow, which she used to cover her face and scream into. Neil gently sucked her swollen clitoris in a rhythm that nearly sent her over the edge. She felt herself begin to erupt from deep within and tossed the pillow and tried to grab his head as she begged him to stop, but he refused. Instead, he continued tasting her until she climaxed, releasing herself onto his face.

  “Ohhhhh, my God,” she cried out.

  “Mmmmm mmmmm good.” Neil grinned as he finally removed his now-wet face from between her legs.

  “Damn,” was Eden’s only response as she tried to stop panting and breathe normally. Her eyes went from his face down his chiseled chest and eventually landed on his manhood, standing at full attention in all of its glory. She eased off the bed and stood, now pushing him onto his back and into the position where she was lying moments before.

  “Hold up,” Neil said, reaching into his nightstand and taking out a gold foil-wrapped condom. Eden took it from him and tossed aside. He frowned slightly and asked, “What are you doing?”

  “We don’t need it yet,” she told him, getting on her knees. “One good deed deserves another.”

  Neil leaned back and closed his eyes, letting out another moan as she took him into her mouth. Eden prepared herself to orally please him just as much as he had pleased her. Their lovemaking continued until they were both exhausted and satisfied.

  “I swear, you are so amazing,” he told her as he collapsed beside her.

  “You can stop now. You already got the ass.” She laughed.

  “You really need to learn how to take a sincere compliment.” Neil brushed a strand of hair that had fallen in her face and tucked it behind her ear. “I tell you you’re sexy, beautiful, and amazing because you are all of those things and more, Eden.”

  Eden sat up, now feeling self-conscious. She knew he was being sincere, but it still made her feel funny. For most of her life, those were the words used to describe her sister, not her. Not that she wasn’t all of those things, because she was, but she rarely heard them. The words that most people used when it came to her were smart, educated, nurturing. And she was fine with that because she was those things, too.

  “I know.” Eden shrugged. “I need to wash up.”

  “We can take a shower together,” Neil told her. “I want to wash your beautiful, sexy, and amazing body. Come on.”

  After they showered, Neil pulled her close to him and wrapped her into his arms as they spooned. He talked to her about the meeting he’d had with the director. Eden was so happy for him and proud that he’d finally landed the job he’d wanted. But she was also still determined to get her sister a shot at the lead role, even if she didn’t land it.

  “Baby, just see if they’ll consider her,” Eden said, turning to face him.

  “I will,” Neil told her. “I’ll bring her name up. We are having our first preproduction meeting next week. But I swear, if I do this, Eden, her ass can’t be associated or involved in any more bullshit.”

  “She won’t. I promise. I’ve been watching her like a hawk, and I’m telling you, she’s good now. And I will make sure she stays good,” Eden reassured him with a kiss. “Thank you.”

  She couldn’t wait to let Riley know that there was a chance, although slight, for her to actually be considered for the part. She would have to call Riley’s agent and tell him so he could be the one to tell her sister. There was no way she could tell her it was Neil who was making this happen for her. That would lead to too many questions that she wouldn’t be able to answer.

  “But we have something else to talk about, too,” he said.

  “What’s that?”

  “This is the biggest thing to happen to me, Eden. And when I walk that red carpet at the premier and those cameras are on me, I want you right there beside me on my arm.”

  Eden’s eyes widened, and her breath got caught in her throat. “What are you saying, Neil?”

  “I’m saying that we’re going to have to tell Riley. I love you, and I’m not hiding you anymore. You’re my lady, and I’m not hiding you from anyone anymore,” he said, his eyes locking with hers. “We have to tell her. It’s time.”

  Chapter 20

  Bishop Walter Burke

  “That sounds like a plan. I’ll have my administrative assistant set up the meeting this week, and once you guys have come up with your final decisions for who you’d like to read, send them over and I’ll take a look. I don’t think this situation will affect the project at a
ll, and we can move forward with the production schedule as planned. I will speak with you before the end of the week.” Walter hung up the phone and began sifting through the folders on his desk.

  “I know that call wasn’t about what I think it was.”

  Olivia’s voice startled him. He looked up and saw that she was standing in the middle of the study. He’d been so focused on the phone call that he hadn’t realized she’d come in.

  “Hey, sweetheart, what are you doing sneaking up in here?” he sat back in his chair and asked.

  “Answer my question, Walter,” Olivia said, taking a step closer to the desk where he was sitting. The room was massive, albeit smaller than his office at the church, which was where he conducted church business and had meetings. This was his study, designed specifically for sermon and Bible study preparation. There was a large mahogany desk, a comfortable leather chair and matching sofa, warm lamps, and a rug that covered most of the hardwood floor. Bookshelves held several Bibles, periodicals, reference books on leadership, preaching, theology, and commentaries. On the soft green walls, there were framed photos of his family and his favorite scriptures, not just for decor but for psychological reasons, reminding him of his “why.” And then there was his coveted chipping and putting green located next to his desk, which he used quite frequently. Walter didn’t need a man cave. To him, this was much better.

  “What exactly are you asking?” He gave her an innocent smile, hoping her tone would lighten.

  “Don’t try to be coy,” she warned him. “You can’t be serious. I know you can’t possibly be working when our son is lying in the hospital, fighting for his life. You can’t be.”

  He looked at her emphatically shaking her head at him, and he knew it was going to take more than a smile to lighten her mood. “O’la, don’t be like that. I know Malachi’s in the hospital—”

  “I can’t tell,” she interrupted him.

  “But I also know I have a church to lead,” he said, completing his statement.

  “That phone call had nothing to do with church, and you know it.” She glared at him. “You have an entire staff of ministry leaders and administrators to rely on to help take care of your ministry.”

  She was right, but he had no intention of telling her that, especially when doing so would probably make her even more upset than she already was.

  “I also have other responsibilities and obligations I’ve committed to that have to be handled. They may not be directly related to Greater Works, but they are still important,” he said. “There are a lot of moving pieces to getting this project done, Olivia, and a lot of key people involved. You know how hard I’ve been working on making this happen.”

  “I don’t care if Jesus Christ Himself is involved. Nothing is more important than our son right now. Whatever meetings, conference calls, or anything else you’re thinking about having ain’t happening,” Olivia snapped. “I called Bridgette and made sure she cleared your calendar until further notice. Preaching on Sundays in one thing, but outside work is another. Our family is in crisis right now.”

  Olivia turned and walked out of the study, and Walter jumped up and headed after her. He caught her just as she made it into the foyer and was about to walk up the stairs.

  “You’re being ridiculous, Olivia. I understand your being concerned, but you need to understand my position too. I have a family to support, including Malachi, and that includes making sure his medical bills are taken care of, and he has the best medical care available,” he told her. He noticed her arms, which were folded across her chest, relax a little.

  He added, “We don’t know the extent of his injuries, but I do know he will wake up. And when he does, we will be prepared no matter what. He’s possibly going to need around-the-clock care, medical equipment, therapy, and that’s fine. He will have everything he needs, because I’m doing my part even while he’s in that coma. I’m preparing, because the same way the church goes on, so does business. I’m making sure he has a home to come to when he’s released. And I’m making sure you won’t have to worry about anything other than him, the same way you’ve been doing. You know I’ve always taken care of this family, and that ain’t gonna change, O’la. Everybody has to do their part. Your part is to go and be by his side. Speaking of which, I thought you were at the hospital.”

  “I was, but Micah is on his way to the hospital. Besides, Malachi had a visitor, so I left.” Olivia told him.

  Walter frowned and sat up in his chair. “Who’s there? It better not be Jerry, because if it is—”

  “Calm down, Walter. It’s not Jerry. It’s his friend Trey.”

  “Oh.” Walter relaxed. He hadn’t heard that name in a while. Trey and Malachi had been friends for years, and although he wasn’t too thrilled to hear that his son’s partying friend was there, he was glad it wasn’t Jerry.

  “Speaking of Jerry, he’s been trying to reach you. You’re going to have to talk to him at some point,” Olivia said.

  “There’s nothing for us to talk about unless he’s ready to stop lying to me about Malachi and why the hell he signed off on his prison release and said nothing to us about it,” Walter said. “I don’t have time to deal with liars.”

  “Who’s a liar?” Micah asked as he walked into the study.

  “Micah, what are you doing here? I thought you were headed to the hospital?” Olivia frowned.

  “I am. I was waiting on Adrienne. She’s stopping here on her way to the cookout down the street,” Micah said.

  “What cookout?” Walter asked.

  “The one the neighbor invited us to,” Olivia answered. “We can’t go, so I asked her to attend on our behalf. But had I known having her do so would have caused you to not go be with your brother—”

  “It didn’t, Mom, and I’m heading out. I just wanted to see her before I left, that’s all,” Micah tried to explain.

  “Don’t you see her enough?” Olivia asked. “And can’t you see her later? I wasn’t going to be gone that long, Micah.”

  “Olivia, calm down. Malachi is fine. You said yourself that Trey was there with him,” Walter told her.

  “Trey? Trey Foster?” Micah seemed as surprised as Walter had been.

  “Yeah,” Olivia said.

  “I’m surprised,” Micah said.

  “Why’s that? He and Malachi have always been close.” Olivia turned to face Micah.

  “Because he’s big time now, that’s all. I guess I figured he wouldn’t have time,” Micah told them.

  “They’re friends. I don’t care how big time he is,” Olivia said. “Trey’s not like that.”

  “What do you mean, ‘big time’? Is he selling drugs? See, this is why I told you we needed to make a visitation list for Malachi, Olivia. He’s only been out of jail a few days, and already he’s been in a fire, and he’s being visited by drug dealers.” Walter shook his head.

  “He isn’t selling drugs, Walter. He does something with music,” Olivia told him.

  “Yeah, Dad. Trey’s a big-time music producer now. He was even nominated for a Grammy. Besides, drugs were never his thing. That was—” The doorbell rang, interrupting Micah’s sentence. He walked over and opened the door, greeting Adrienne with a kiss as she entered. “Hey, sweetie.”

  “Hey, you. Hey, Bishop, First Lady.” Adrienne gave each of them a hug.

  “Okay, she’s here. Now can you leave?” Olivia asked Micah. “Or I can just go back up there and be with him. It’s no big deal if you all need to spend some time together.”

  “O’la!” Walter wondered if she realized how rude she sounded, which was very much out of her character. But he also knew if he’d pointed it out, she wouldn’t care. The only thing that mattered to her was Malachi.

  “Did I do something wrong?” Adrienne asked with a worried look.

  “No, baby, you didn’t.” Micah put his arm around his fiancée’s neck. “Mama just needs some rest, and I need to get to the hospital.”

  “Oh, okay.” Adrie
nne nodded. “Well, I just wanted to stop and speak before going down the street. I wish you were going with me so I wouldn’t have to go by myself.”

  “He can,” Olivia said.

  “He can’t. Olivia, you need to go upstairs and lie down.” Walter walked over to his wife and looked into her tired yet beautiful face. She was still the most amazing woman he’d ever seen, and he was very much in love. He hated seeing her so stressed and exhausted. He touched her arm, but she pulled away.

  “No, I’m fine. You’re doing your part, and I’ll do mine. I’ll go and be with him since everyone else has more important things to deal with right now. Walter, you go work on your new movie and, Micah, you can go and be with Adrienne. I’m going to be with my son.” Olivia stormed out of the room.

  “Mom,” Micah yelled.

  “I’m sorry.” Adrienne’s voice was barely above a whisper, and she looked as if she was about to cry.

  “No need to apologize,” Walter said as he gave her a reassuring nod.

  “It’s my fault.” Micah sighed. “I shoulda just left when I texted her. I didn’t think she was leaving right then.”

  “You go ahead and go with Adrienne. I’ll go, and it will be fine,” Walter told him.

  “You have to work on your sermon, don’t you?” Micah asked.

  “It’s fine. I’ll work on it later,” Walter said. “You two go ahead and enjoy yourselves.”

  “I feel horrible,” Adrienne said.

  “It’s fine. You did nothing wrong, and neither did Micah,” Walter said with a simper in his eye. “I know my wife very well, and she did all of that simply because she wanted to go and be with your brother all along.”