by Blue Saffire
Venny decided maybe we should just move things along naturally. All the coincidences were there. So why not? My father agreed because he wasn’t sure how much longer he could keep me from her, now that I had seen her. It was driving him mad that I kept running into her.
I was still grounded for a few more days to prove a point. However, I would be given back all my keys on Thursday, after my so-called graduation dinner. Victoria went right along with me this afternoon, when I told her she was my girlfriend and she had no choice.
I needed nothing but my last name to get around her father. The funniest part is, she thought she was questioning me about someone else taking her away from me. She had no idea that someone else has always been me.
It was icing on the cake when she texted me to ask me to come to her cousin’s party. I had fallen asleep and didn’t see when the text came in. I hoped she didn’t think I didn’t want to come.
I know Chris will be game for a party, even though I’ve been ignoring him the last three days. I’ll see him tomorrow at finals. He’ll get over it. Especially when I offer him a party and a chance at revenge. I still haven’t forgotten about Sabrina.
I smiled, just waiting for my girlfriend to call, so I could listen to her voice. Angie had to go home by now. I hoped she didn’t fall asleep.
I decided to watch a movie to keep from sending her the text I was itching to send. As I scanned my movie drawer, I heard my phone ring behind me. I shut the drawer and went to answer the phone.
“Hey, Beautiful,” I crooned at her.
“One day it won’t be me, then what,” she laughed into the phone.
“Good question. Depends on who it is,” I throw back at her.
“Hey, you will never believe the conversation I just had. My father came to tell me I can go get my permit tomorrow. Then he told me we’re invited to your house on Thursday. He said I need to be nice to you and on my best behavior. Is that funny or what?” She laughed almost hysterically.
It was very funny. I laughed quietly, as I heard someone passing by outside my room. “Very funny, so do you promise to be nice to me? I’ll tell if you’re not,” I teased.
She giggled. “How can I not be nice to you? Lorenzo?”
“Yes,” I said with pleasure to hear her call my name.
“I can’t wait to see you. Do you think your dad will like me?” My father liking her was the least of her worries.
“Mm, I can’t wait to see you too. Why wouldn’t he? I do, that’s all that matters,” I reassured her.
“My father said your dad wants to meet me. He said a lot that I don’t understand,” she replied thoughtfully. I wanted to distract those thoughts.
“Did anybody ever tell you, you worry too much?”
“No. Fine, next topic. Angie made me promise to ask you to bring your friend, Chris, with you to the party,” she said sounding a little irritated.
I snorted at that one. “No problem, Chris is my best friend. I don’t go many places without him. Can I ask you something?”
“Yeah,” she answered in a sweet voice.
“Can I take you to the party? I mean I want to come to your house and pick you up,” I explained.
“Oh. I don’t know. I mean my father said he likes you, but I’m still not sure about anything he said. It sort of sounds like he’s willing to let me go out with you, but I’m not sure.” Her voice came through anxious.
“How about this? If you say, yes. I’ll get your dad to say yes, on Thursday. Promise,” I offered. I was sure I’d have no trouble getting Venny to say yes.
“Yes,” she replied quickly.
I laughed at how quickly she gave in. We must have talked for an hour after that. This time was different we talked about things we liked and places we have been.
I told her about my growing pile of college acceptance letters and how I still had not picked a grad school yet. We talked about the party I’d be throwing next.
“I want you there,” I breathed into the phone. “I want my girl with me.”
I smiled as her gasp came through the line. “If I can. I will,” she said softly.
Victoria had questions of her own. “Tell me about your ex-girlfriends,” she said after we circled a few other topics.
“Why? They have nothing to do with you. I don’t think you want to hear about them,” I chuckled.
“Yeah, okay. You might be right,” she relented.
I smirked at her cute reply. I’ve never felt so comfortable talking to anyone before. It hadn’t crossed my mind once that Victoria is only sixteen going on seventeen. It felt like talking to someone I’d known all my life. We were just filling in the gaps of our memories.
“Lorenzo?”
“Umm, Victoria, I love the way you say my name. Sometimes I forget you speak Italian. It’s funny how you have an accent when you say it.” I was so sleepy, I didn’t realize I was moaning my words until she giggled. “What?” I asked, “What’s so funny?”
“You’re tired, go to sleep,” she ordered.
“I’m fine,” I said, trying to sound awake.
“No, you’re not, you have to take a final tomorrow, so do I. I’ll call you when I get home,” she demanded in a gentle voice.
“Fine, I’ll hang up if you promise to dream about me.”
“Promise, I was planning to anyway,” she said seductively.
“Goodnight, Beautiful,” I crooned.
“Goodnight, Lorenzo,” she sang back. I was out of it before I hung up.
chapter Eleven
It’s All Changing
Venncesso
Iwanted nothing more than to go down the hall and climb into bed for a few hours of sleep. Hell, it’s exactly what I should’ve done given the fact that Maria was so pissed off at me.
I knew she was aware that I was home. She’d walked passed the dining room and given me the evil eye, while I sat to eat alone. That’s fine. Maria and I, both understood what she was truly angry about.
There was nothing in the world I could do to right her truth. I wished I could’ve fixed things for everyone involved. I’m not a heartless bastard. Maria had always assumed there were other women.
I let her believe that. I wanted her to believe that. It was easier than knowing Lakeisha was and always would be the love of my life.
Lakeisha has always had a hold on me. Not because she’s the mother of my children. It started way before that. I couldn’t help the fate of our lives. Our story was one I couldn’t alter so easily.
I’ve been a magnet for the woman since I first laid eyes on her. It’s as simple as that. Victoria and Toni have only made my love for Lakeisha that much stronger.
So even though I knew I needed to tame my wife’s anger. My heart told me I needed to go sooth the soul of the woman I loved. She was hurting and I needed to do all I could to make that right.
I’ll deal with Maria’s wrath later. Besides, she couldn’t prove I didn’t have business to go tend to. It wasn’t uncommon.
I looked up at the stairs, one last time before walking out of the house. Everything was changing. My little girl wouldn’t be my little girl for long. For a man with so much power, I sure was feeling powerless.
~B~
Lakeisha
I’ve loved this man for as long as I can remember. I was my daughter’s age when I met her father. At sixteen, Venncesso La Marcello took my heart for his own and never gave it back.
Venny knew then we had no future. He chose to ignore that. My best friend tried to warn me against falling for her older brother. I knew Joann had always been remorseful for introducing me to her brother.
Our love almost started a war, another part of our history we just don’t talk about. I was so stubborn back then. Just like Victoria. I see so much of myself in my daughter. However, she’s the stronger version of me. I’m proud of that.
It ripped me apart to see what was happening to our lives. I allowed it. All of Venny’s promises turned to sand in just the blink of an eye.
Yet, I still couldn’t turn him away.
I watched with tear swollen eyes, as he slipped into my bedroom like a thief in the night. Venny started to peel off his expensive suit and shoes. Always impeccably dressed.
For a man ten years older than me, Venny was still fine as hell at forty-five. He was just as fine at forty-five as he was when I met him at twenty-six. Ven could still pass for in his thirties.
His muscles flexed as he stood in his t-shirt and boxers. Ven is tall and muscular. He still had definition to his body from when he used to work out vigorously in his youth. His muscles rolled as he bent to remove his socks.
I rolled away as my body started to respond to just watching his. I didn’t want to feel for this man. I already felt too much. I was too hurt. Truth was, I needed to let Venny go.
He could be there for his children, but I couldn’t do it anymore. Too much time had passed. I’d been too silent about too much. This had to end, I could feel myself self-destructing. Venncesso was a drug I no longer wanted to take.
“I know you’re not sleeping,” he breathed in my ear after climbing into the bed and wrapping his arm around me. “You can’t stay mad at me forever.”
“Watch me,” I hissed out.
He sighed heavily and kissed my shoulder. “I never meant for any of this to happen. I’m so sorry, Keisha. You know I’ll make it up to you.”
I snorted. “How? How do you make up for hitting our child? How do you make up for your wife taking my daughter? Venny, please go home to your wife,” I huffed.
“Don’t act as if you don’t understand my marriage. You know me better than anyone. You know the sacrifices I’ve had to make,” Ven growls back.
I turn to face him, cutting him off. I narrow my eyes and glare at him. “Don’t you dare. Don’t you ever dare talk to me about sacrifices,” I intended to finish my rant, but Ven covered my lips with his, ending anything else I had to say.
I hated myself for giving into him. For melting right into his embrace. It’s always the same with us. The fire of his hard, demanding kiss seared away my own anger and common sense. If I knew what was good for me, I would’ve pushed him away and thrown him out of my bed.
Instead, I allowed him to control the kiss. Ven was right, I knew why we couldn’t be together. It didn’t mean I was happy with the role that left me. I’d always feared what I was teaching my daughter.
Yet, like a drug, I continued to be drawn in, time and time again. I moaned into his mouth, arching into him, as he firmly grasped my breast. We always fit together so perfectly.
Just like the first time Venny pulled me into his arms. He danced me in circles that night, on a rooftop in Brooklyn. I didn’t know it then, but he was just dancing me into his web.
“I love you, you know I do,” he groaned.
I stayed silent. I wouldn’t admit or deny a thing. It was what gave him power. My willingness to cave to his every whim.
I could feel his frustration rise, causing him to take it out on my body. Venny moved to latch his warm mouth around my nipple, his palm squeezing my other breast tightly. This man has always known my body better than me. Every time I think I’m going to deny him, he touches the right spot, breaking all the will power I tried to build time after time.
I whimpered as his mouth shatters my restraint. I felt his lips curl into a smile only frustrating me more. Tears leaked back into my ears. Loving someone shouldn’t hurt this much.
I’ve lost so much just to hold onto this man, but my soul burns for his touch. I watched his tanned hand travel from my breast, down my side to my core. I jerked the moment his fingers met my wet seam.
Another way Venny knew he had power over me, I’m always ready for him. Naked, wet, and ready. It didn’t even occur to me to put something on before climbing into bed. I knew in my gut he would appear, and I’d be ready.
“I will always do what I have to, to protect you and our family. You know this and Maria knows this, but in all of our hearts we know the truth. Don’t try to shut me out. Soon, Keisha. Everything will change soon,” Venny said with such promise.
I wanted to believe him, I truly did. I forced myself to, as he teased my body to climax. I panted breathlessly as he made his way down my body to replace his hand with his mouth.
I locked my hand in his hair, riding his face. My juices and his saliva soak between my cheeks, as I became so aroused I started to lose my breath. Venny nudged my legs further apart, pushing them back into my chest.
He has never devoured my core like this before. I clawed at the sheets, trying my best to get away. Ven only wrapped his arms around my thighs, pulling me back to his face. My belly quivered and every part of me started to shake.
I came calling his name breathlessly. Venny climbed my body and hovered his lips over mine, as his breath fanned my face. I looked into his light brown eyes.
“I will make it all right,” he promised, as he pushed his way into my body.
I locked my legs around his trim waist. “Please, Ven,” I pleaded as he started to give me slow strokes.
“Patience, Cara. That’s what we need, patience,” he groaned into my neck.
I reached for his back, digging my fingers into his skin. I’ve been patient all this time, but I couldn’t promise that I would continue to be able to. My heart was breaking. So, I held on with everything I had.
I felt the moment Venny knew he was losing me. His strokes became long and deep, calling me back to him. He shifted to look me in the eyes once again.
I could see it in his darkening orbs. The young man that pleaded with me to understand his family, to understand what he had to do. He was pleading again, but with each stroke I felt the dreaded feeling that he was pleading for so much more.
This time Venncesso would ask for too much. Even as he brought my body to climax, I felt it. It’s all changing and I can only brace myself. Once and for all, I would have to make a choice.
chapter Twelve
Fire Cracker
Lorenzo
The next morning, I woke up later than usual, but I was happy that I had a late morning final. I got dressed and headed downstairs to eat. Uncle Mike sat at the table looking annoyed. I knew right away he was on chafer duty.
“Hey kid, what time is your class,” he asked. I wasn’t gone to let him spoil my good mood.
I popped some grapes in my mouth, smiling at his grumpy frown. “We’ll be good, Uncle Mike. I need to be there by Eleven.”
Uncle Mike leaned back into his chair and closed his eyes. I grabbed a bowl of cereal and downed some apple juice. After breakfast Uncle Mike rushed me out of the house.
“I have too much to do to be babysitting,” he complained. “What’s the difference between you having your cars back today or in two days?”
I have to stifle a laugh, but I totally agreed. Although, neither of us was going to tell my father that. If you ask me the whole idea has been pointless.
“I can get a ride home. Don’t worry about coming back,” I offered.
I had it covered. Chris was taking the same course final. He’s probably mad at me, but he wouldn’t leave me stranded. He would probably want to hang out anyway.
“Are you sure, kid? Can I trust you to come home and not go looking for trouble?” Uncle Mike had no idea. I didn’t need to go looking for anything.
“I will come straight home.”
When we arrive to campus, sure enough Chris was waiting in the parking lot for me. He laughed when he saw me getting out of the passenger side. This was the longest my father had ever stuck to taking my cars from me.
I walked over to Chris and motioned to punch him in the stomach playfully. He blocked my hand and returned the gesture. This guy has been in my life for as long as I can remember. He is more like a brother to me.
“Hey, man. You’ve been seriously ignoring me. What’s up?” he grumbled.
“Nothing personal, just dealing with some things with my dad. By the way, did you see what that psycho Sabrina did onlin
e?” I asked.
“Yeah, that’s one of the reasons I was calling. She has it in for you man,” he began to laugh.
I grimaced at his words. “Yeah, well, I thought you’d like to fix that. I’m game for whatever good ideas you have.” We started walking toward our class.
A big grin stretched across Chris’s face. “I’m sure I can accommodate you, Sir,” he replied.
I threw my arm around his shoulders, ready to give him my second gift of truce. Of course, he was all ears. I know he could tell I had something good coming.
“Hey, you know Matthew La Marcello?” I started.
“Yeah, we played his school a few times this year. His cousin is the cute little one you were talking to in the mall, right?” he answered.
This is why Chris is my best friend. He paid attention to everything. I never had to fill in the blanks with him. He saw it all.
“Yes, she is giving him a party at her place this weekend. I need a favor. I promised my girlfriend I’d ask you to come to the party,” I grinned, as I spoke, knowing he’d caught the girlfriend part.
“Dude, party, say no more. I am there. Now, is his cousin your girlfriend?” He had one eyebrow raised. I knew he understood it was more than my dad keeping me away.
“Yes, his cousin is my girlfriend, but not that one. I think she’s actually into you.” I answered and slapped him on the back.
Chris looked puzzled. Not everyone knew Victoria was related to the La Marcello’s. So, I tried to give a quick explanation as we entered the classroom.
“Remember the girl with her. The one with the long brown hair,” I paused and he nodded. “That’s Victoria. She’s Matt’s other cousin. That’s my girlfriend.”
His eyes widen. “Dude the one with the eyes and the awesome body. Her mom works at the restaurant. How are they related?” he riffled off.
I let out a long sigh. “Long story. I’ll tell you later, but it’s between us. Yeah, and do me a favor, keep your eyes off Victoria’s body.” We both laughed, but he knew I meant it.
