by Mz. Robinson
“Gator texted,” Jonah said, getting my attention. “He’s running behind, but he’ll be here as soon as possible.”
“Of course,” I said sarcastically.
In the five years Gator and I had been married, I had grown accustomed to his late arrivals and early departures; they came with the package. The first two years of our union had been better than I ever could have imagined. Not only had Gator showered me with gifts, but he’d also given me his undivided attention, day in and day out. Of course there were rare moments when he was called away for business, but those moments had always been far and few in between. But the more money Gator made, the less time I received. I knew what I was signing up for when I said, “I do,” and I loved the benefits of being his wife, but it was frustrating at times as he grew busier and busier.
On this particular night, Gator and I were supposed to be celebrating our anniversary, but I tried to make the best of it. I guess my frustration’s a minor sacrifice in comparison to the lifestyle he’s giving me, right? From trips around the globe to jewels and a wardrobe that would have made a supermodel want to slit her throat from envy, I had a life most couldn’t even afford to dream about. Still, even though it was only the first anniversary Gator had missed, I feared he would eventually start skipping them all.
“Why didn’t he text me?” I questioned, slightly annoyed. I looked at my phone, which was sitting right there on the table in front of me, utterly silent, with no missed calls or messages. I hated it when Gator talked to me through his employees, as if he didn’t have time to contact me directly.
Jonah pressed a button on his phone, then secured it back in the case on the waist of his pants.
I looked at him, still awaiting his response. “Well?”
He exhaled, then lowered his eyes. “Would you like another drink?” he asked, ignoring my question.
Jonah had grown accustomed to my temperamental outbursts and rarely ever entertained them. He knew that no matter how much I vented, the bottom line was that I would cooperate and always do what my husband requested, not because I was fearful of the repercussions of doing otherwise, but merely because I understood that living the good life sometimes meant compromises. I, just like Jonah and everyone else, would choose compromising over broke anytime.
“I’m good,” I said, standing. I knew I was quickly approaching my limit, and the last thing I wanted to be was drunk. “Let’s go.”
Jonah immediately rose from his seat, then stepped back, giving me room to slip out of the booth. He extended his elbow to me, allowing me to wrap my arm around his before escorting me through the crowd toward the entrance.
We were almost at the door when the dancer I’d been eyeing earlier stepped in front of us. “Excuse me,” she said in a thick Spanish accent. “Leaving so soon?” She stared at me with eyes the color of spruce tree needles, puckering her full lips.
“Yes,” I said politely.
Jonah moved to step around her, but the woman blocked his path. I looked at him, gauging his expression. His eyebrows inched up, and his lips grew tight. I could see in his eyes that he disapproved of the move the woman had made. I, on the other hand, respected her aggression and her bravery. It was obvious that she was new or had yet to be familiarized with my family name; otherwise, she would have been aware of Jonah’s reputation and would never, under any circumstances, have gotten in his way. I tugged lightly on his arm, letting him know to remain calm and that I wasn’t ready to walk away.
“You’re new here,” I said, observing her facial features. She had a heart-shaped face with slightly slanted eyes and a wide nose. Unlike her body, her face wasn’t beautiful, but the way she looked at me with those bluish-green eyes pulled me right in.
“I am. This is my first night,” she said, batting her eyes at me.
“You did an excellent job.”
“I’m flattered that you noticed.” She smiled sweetly.
I nodded and smiled back at her.
“My name is Lisette,” she said. “And you are?”
“Leaving,” Jonah answered before I could respond.
I looked at him and shook my head. It was unlike him to be so short with a female. Obviously, the woman had stepped on his male ego when she’d hindered our departure.
“Seems your husband doesn’t like me,” Lisette said, cocking her head to the side. She licked her bottom lip slowly, then smirked while looking at Jonah. “It doesn’t matter though. I’m only interested in you, not him,” she said with an obviously suggestive, seductive undertone in her voice.
I felt the place between my legs moisten as the two of us continued to stare at each other. “Uh…this is not my husband,” I said, “and my name is Diamond.”
“Diamond?” she repeated. “A beautiful name for an exquisite woman. You know what they say.”
“What?” Jonah said gruffly.
“A Diamond is a girl’s best friend.”
He rolled his eyes and shook his head. I knew that flattering the patrons was one of the duties that came along with Lisette’s job, but my instincts told me the attention she was showing me was much more than part of her hustle.
“We should go,” Jonah said, looking at me.
I looked from him to Lisette, trying to decide whether or not I was ready to end my conversation with the woman. I was ready to leave the club, but I was not ready for my flirtatious banter with Lisette to end. “Give us a moment, would you, Jonah?” I said, releasing my grip on his arm.
“Diamond, I think we oughtta—”
“One moment,” I said sternly, cutting him off.
He hesitated before stepping away and leaving the two of us alone. He stood by the entrance of the club, watching me, close enough to get to me in the event that something happened but far enough that he couldn’t overhear our conversation.
“Protective, isn’t he?” Lisette laughed.
“He’s just doing his job,” I said.
“Lucky man. Must be a pleasure to protect such a lovely piece of art,” she purred.
I smiled slightly. “That man who greeted you when you stepped off the stage…” I said, changing the subject, “…was he your husband?”
Her eyes lit up, and she smiled; I assumed she was pleased to know I’d been watching her. “Just a friend,” she said. “It’s difficult to keep a man when you’re…well, in my line of work.”
“Understandable,” I said.
“Besides,” she said, “I prefer the company of ladies.” She scanned her eyes from mine down to the open toe Giuseppe heels I was wearing, then back up again. “Especially beautiful ones.”
“So you’re—”
“I’m whatever you need me to be,” she said seductively.
I looked at her and smiled. “Grab your things, Lisette,” I said.
“Why? Am I going somewhere?”
“Not if you keep me waiting,” I said, then walked away. I stopped in front of Jonah. “She’s getting her things. She’ll be joining me at the villa.”
He looked at me and shook his head. “Diamond, I don’t think that’s a good idea,” he said firmly.
“It’s not up for discussion,” I stated.
“Gator would disapprove,” he said.
“If my husband wanted to decide who I will entertain for our anniversary, his ass would be here with me,” I said, flipping my hair over my shoulder. “I refuse to spend my anniversary alone.”
Jonah really was just doing his job, following proper protocol. Gator would have raised hell if he had known I was planning to entertain a strange woman for the night. However, I was feeling defiant and buzzed. I figured if the shit hit the fan, which it inevitably would when I told Gator about my little escapade, I’d just blame it on the alcohol and his absence.
Jonah studied my expression for a brief moment then pulled out his cell phone. He pressed a number, then held the phone to his ear.
He’s actually calling Gator? He’s tattling on me? I could feel my anger slowly beginning to surfa
ce. I planned to tell my husband how I was going to spend my night, but I did not appreciate the fact that Jonah was taking it upon himself to beat me to it. Gator would be pissed anyway, but hearing the information from his soldier would only make things worse. I folded my arms across my breasts, then rolled my eyes while continuing to stare at him.
“Bring the car around,” he spoke into the phone. “Diamond’s on her way out.”
I smiled victoriously.
He ended his call, then slipped his phone back into his belt clip.
“Thank you,” I said sweetly.
“I still don’t trust her,” he said.
“You don’t trust anybody.” I laughed. “If you did, you wouldn’t be so good at your job.”
“You’re right,” he replied, staring at me.
“Ready!” Lisette said, walking up to us. Her bikini had been replaced with a fitted, yellow, above-the-knee, bra-top dress and matching sandals, and she was carrying an oversized bag on her shoulder.
“I need to check your bag and search you,” Jonah said, sounding quite official.
“No problem,” Lisette said.
We waited until Jonah finished searching through her belongings and patting her down. When he gave her the all-clear, the three of us exited the club.
* * * * *
The sounds of the ocean waves crashing against the shore echoed through my open window as the night wind whipped the silk, floor-length curtains back and forth whimsically. Inside my bedroom, I sat with my legs crossed, reclining against the small Italian leather loveseat while Lisette gave me my own private show. She stood in front of me wearing nothing but a purple lace bra, matching panties, and heels. She moved her hips slowly, looking at me with eyes dripping with seduction.
After we left the club, we’d returned to the villa Gator and I owned and had a drink while engaging in pleasant conversation. The conversation was simple and sweet, just fashion and current events and nothing too personal.
For the first hour of that conversation, Jonah had sat with his eyes locked on us, watching Lisette’s every move. I swear, if I’d have had a dick, it would have gone limp under the power of his evil stare and unpleasant disposition.
I’d finally tired of Jonah’s attitude and had led Lisette to the bedroom. I knew he was still posted on the other side of the door, but at least I wouldn’t have to look at him.
“Dance with me,” Lisette said, extending her hands to me.
“I don’t dance,” I lied playfully.
“I’ll teach you,” she said.
“We don’t have music.”
“We’ll make our own,” she said.
She stopped moving her hips, then reached down and took my hands in hers. I allowed her to assist me to my feet. Lisette then led me to the middle of the room, at the foot of the bed, and faced me. She held on to my left hand while cuffing my lower back with her right. “Follow my lead,” she said. She rolled her pelvis slowly, moving against my body and causing my nipples to grow taut.
I smiled as her hand inched slowly down my back, over the curve of my ass, until she was gripping my cheek through my dress. I began to rotate my hips, matching her rotations. I could feel a warm, lustful sensation growing in the pit of my stomach as Lisette released my left hand and delicately traced her fingers down the curve of my side. She massaged my ass with both hands, pulling me closer, until our breasts were pressed together.
“The things I could do to you,” she whispered, slowly inching my dress up, exposing my lace thong, “any man would envy.”
The sound of her voice, combined with her soft touch, caused my already damp panties to become soaked. I could feel my heart rate increasing with every second, my body crying for relief with every breath. “Show me,” I whispered, gazing in her eyes.
She grinned mischievously, then grabbed my hips with both hands and lifted me up. She was surprisingly strong and carried me to the bed, where she eased me down on top of the down-filled comforter. Lisette sat on her knees, positioned between my spread legs. “So sexy,” she moaned. She traced her fingertips along the curve of my cheek, across my chin, then finally around the outline of my lips.
I opened my mouth slightly, sucking softly on her fingertip. I hadn’t been with another woman in years, and from the way my kitten was jumping from Lisette’s touch, I could tell I was long overdue for female attention. I loved my husband and was content with our lovemaking, but there were times when I needed something different, something softer, something forbidden.
Lisette pulled her finger from my mouth, then slowly pushed my dress up and over my breasts, then finally over my head. Her eyes remained locked with mine as she dropped the material on the carpeted floor. “Your husband is a lucky man,” she stated, easing off the bed. I watched her in silence while she slowly removed her heels. “He’s a fool for leaving you alone, but lucky nonetheless,” she added.
I agreed with her but was not in the mood to talk about it. I needed action, and if Lisette planned to remain in my company for the rest of the night, she would have to start putting my kitty where her mouth was.
She climbed back on the bed and straddled my waist. She then trailed her luscious lips along the curve of my collarbone, up the curve of my neck to my ear.
I closed my eyes, enjoying the warm sensation of her lips.
“I’m gonna enjoy every moment of this,” she whispered, flicking her tongue across my earlobe.
“That makes two of—”
I opened my eyes as my words were cut off, along with my air. The seductive gaze her eyes had held only seconds earlier had been replaced by a hate-filled glare. She stared at me while her hands gripped my neck tightly.
What the hell? I thought, clawing her fingers. Is this some twisted sex game, or is the bitch actually trying to kill me? I moved my head slightly back and forth, stuttering out, “I-I can’t…I can’t br-breathe!”
Her smile grew wide, and she pressed harder.
At that moment, I knew she was actually choking me, that Lisette really wanted me dead. I attempted to shift my hips in the hopes that I could knock her off of me, but I failed. She was strong as hell, and my resistance only made things worse. My windpipe felt like it was going to collapse from the hard pressure she was applying. I dug my nails into her wrist until I felt a warm liquid oozing out, liquid that had to be blood. My attacker didn’t flinch and just continued to stare at me like a woman possessed.
But why? Who is she, really, and why is she doing this? I asked myself. My heart rate increased rapidly as fear started to set in.
“I wish Leon was here,” she grunted through clenched teeth. “I’d rather this be him, but unfortunately, you’ll have to do.”
Lisette’s mention of my husband’s government name answered the question that was plaguing my mind: Her motive was revenge.
“He murdered one of the few men I’ve ever loved,” she continued. “My brother, Tabious, was a good man who only wanted better for his family, but that piece of shit you call your man took him from us. Now I’m gonna take something of his.”
I didn’t recognize her brother’s name, but it really didn’t matter. I knew that if Gator or any of his associates had killed the man, they had good reason for it. Gator believed in raw justice, but he was not the kind of man to take a life simply for pleasure. I began to panic as my attempts to inhale became useless. Inside my chest, my lungs felt like they were going to rupture, and my throat began to burn unbearably. I extended my arms and managed to grab a handful of her hair. I tugged frantically on her silky strands, hoping to inflict enough pain to distract her so she would ease up, but my efforts failed. Even when I pulled my hand back and jerked a clump of hair from her head, she still didn’t budge. I felt the salty tears trickling from my eyes as thoughts of death plagued my mind. I didn’t want to give up, but trying to hold on to life, trying to breathe against all odds somehow felt worse. I closed my eyes; I was not about to give Lisette the pleasure of seeing the fear that I knew now loomed over
my retinas. I wanted to ask God for forgiveness for the life I’d lived, but in that moment, I was too busy mentally celebrating. When Jonah sees what this bitch has done, he’ll inflict pain a thousand times worse upon her.
Suddenly, a rush of air surrounded me, and the weight that had been crushing down on me suddenly lifted. For a moment, I thought I was dead, that death itself had released me from her bitter chokehold, but then I heard a loud thud and felt air filling my nostrils. I opened my eyes, then instantly rolled over onto my side. I gasped, then coughed, almost choking on my own saliva as I furiously breathed in and out, panting like a dog. I clutched the comforter tightly, inching myself over to the edge of the bed. I watched through my tears as Jonah punched Lisette with such force that her nose snapped like a Thanksgiving wishbone and shifted to the left side of her face. She laughed while blood spewed from her nostrils and across her lips, then dripped down her chin. I wiped the tears from my face with the back of my hand while continuing to catch my breath.
“Are you okay?” Jonah asked, walking over to the bed.
I nodded weakly.
Jonah assisted me off the bed and to my feet.
“Is that the best you got?” Lisette asked, catching our attention. She pulled herself up on her feet, then spat a sticky stream of saliva and blood on the floor, staining the plush carpet. “Piece of shit,” she panted before rushing in our direction.
Jonah swung, but not before taking a blow to the center of his jaw from Lisette, a hit that caused him to stumble slightly. Lisette swung again, but she missed this time, when Jonah hit her with a brutal uppercut to the chin, followed by a left to the temple. Unconscious, she fell to the floor, ass first.
Once my breathing slowed, I explained to Jonah what had taken place before he entered the room. “But how did you know I was in trouble?” I questioned.
“She gave me a bad vibe right from the get-go,” he explained. “When I didn’t hear any noise in here, I decided to come to the door.” He bent down and picked up my dress and handed it to me.
I quickly took the wrinkled garment from his hands and covered my naked body. I was thankful for his instincts and grateful he had saved my life.
