“And we won’t be rollin’ in it either, will we?”
“We don’t need to be when it’s just the two of us.” He spoke through clenched teeth.
Georgia rolled her eyes. “I will not have this same argument with you again. Go on,” she waved a hand, “do what you have to do and leave me be. I’ll be just fine.”
Felix’s gorgeous dark features tightened into a sneer. “Rich and alone. That sound just fine to you, Georgie?”
She bristled and continued her browsing. “I could live with it.”
Felix eased a hand into his trouser pockets and observed her closely then. “You know what? I believe you could.” He moved in close, brushing the back of his hand down her arm before leaning in to kiss her cheek. “Take care of yourself.” He whispered.
Georgia browsed the rack until she heard the bell dangle above the glass door to signal that it had just opened and closed behind the man she loved.
***
“What the fuck you expect me to do about it?”
Damon’s steps halted soon after he passed Marc’s closed bedroom door. A closed door however wasn’t quite enough to completely mute the rage in his voice. Damon assumed it was a phone call as he heard no other voices save his brother’s.
The one-sided conversation continued. Damon was able to determine that Marcus was speaking to someone called Fern who wanted him to do something he clearly had no intention to do. He winced, realizing ‘Fern’ was a girl when Marcus called her several unsavory names.
“Shut the fuck up with all your cryin’ and why’d you wait so long to tell me anyway? We ain’t screwed in months…can your parents tell?...you didn’t mention my name, did you?...Get rid of it…Shut up Fernelle. Get rid of it or else.”
Damon heard the phone slam. After a second or two he continued on down the hall.
***
July 1962~
Westin Monroe Ramsey and Briselle Gabriella Deas were married on a pleasant starry evening. Thankfully the sultriness of the day hadn’t lingered over into the night. A breeze filled the air and the crickets in the distance seemed to keep their natural music in time to the jazz quartet that provided the alluring melodies which colored the event.
The ceremony was attended by much of the town. Many speculated on how many business deals had been brokered with such a high powered array of guests in attendance.
Still, no one could outshine the bride and groom. The couples’ natural charisma, loveliness and intelligence flashed like a beacon. In truth, much of the real talk focused on the heights the Ramseys would climb with such an impressive, young couple leading the new regime.
Following the exchange of vows, the newest Mr. and Mrs. Ramsey were led by the elder Mr. and Mrs. Ramsey along with the guests on a trek deep into the estate. There, Quentin and Marcella revealed their gift to the newlyweds. As West and Briselle would be leaving soon for Seattle, the couple had decided not to head off for some lengthy honeymoon. Quent had the already exquisite cottage on the grounds newly remodeled. While it would be used by others in time, the newlyweds would enjoy it for the duration of their time in Savannah.
~~~
Josephine thought she’d never had a more incredible time than on the night of the Ramsey wedding. While her evenings were usually spent tucked away in the security of her home, this was the first ‘night out’ she’d ever really experienced in spite of the fact that she was already 19.
One other thing she had to thank her sisters for- her smile was faint and rueful. Their parents weren’t as clueless as Ross, Clea and Fern thought. Daniel and Martha Simon were clearly aware of their daughters’ reputations and planned to do all in their power to ensure their youngest didn’t follow the same path.
But tonight…tonight she was there. She was there enjoying the stars overhead, the candlelit paths and scent of fragrant flowers, music, delectable foods…this was living and oh how she wished it were her reality.
The remodeled cottage had been left open so that the guests could take a peek inside and marvel. Josephine oohed and ahhed as much as anyone had and reveled in the fact that she’d happened upon the place when it was empty. For a time, she sauntered around the cozy elegant space and fantasized. When she finally talked herself into leaving, she found her way out was blocked by Marcus Ramsey.
Josephine ordered herself to keep all wits about her. Swooning would not be tolerated. She was sure this Ramsey prince was well used to having that affect on women. She didn’t know why it was important that she not be like the others.
Marc’s enveloping obsidian stare was more probing as it set fixed and provocative upon her.
“I think I know your parents.” He leaned against the doorway and continued his leisurely scan of her face and form.
Josephine waited for his gaze to lift from the chiffon netting across the bodice of her peach satin column dress. She was grateful for the matching stilettos which added several inches to her stature.
“I think you know my sisters better.” She said once their gazes connected.
Something flickered in Marc’s eyes- not anger, but more along the lines of intrigue. He stepped closer and the intrigue deepened when Josephine didn’t cower.
“I know them all quite well. Intimately- you could say.” A corner of his mouth tilted in anticipation of her reaction. Only the cool, assessing stare and faint smile remained.
He nodded toward the room behind her then. “Have you checked it out? My father spared no expense. The bed’s probably like sleepin’ on feathers.”
Josephine didn’t bother to look back and didn’t seem overly impressed. “Your brother and his wife should enjoy being here.”
Again his stare slid back to its preferred task of observing her. “And what would you know of how much they’ll ‘enjoy’ it?”
Swooning is not allowed. Josephine saw fit to remind herself then. She understood why the man was so successful with women. While his looks were to die for many times over, she wagered that it was his seductive charm that both shocked women and drew them in like moths to flame. What made him dangerous was that he was all too aware of the power.
“How about testing it with me? Make sure my brother and sister-in-law are getting the best.” He was asking, pulling a hand from his black trouser pocket to brush her bare forearm.
Josephine wondered how much more successful he’d be with women if he were clueless of his magnetism. She smiled and; with confidence, reached out to stroke the length of his silky white tie.
“I’m afraid I’ll have to pass on that, but I’m sure you’ll have no trouble finding someone to take that test drive with you.” Lowering her gaze, she angled around him and strolled off the cottage porch.
~~~
Briselle had already exchanged her dazzling gown for something a little more conventional. Though they’d spend their time at the gorgeous, secluded cottage, West wanted to whisk her away for a night far away from everyone. A tiny black owned inn just past Marietta, Georgia would serve as the perfect escape.
Satisfied with the lavender shift dress and matching pumps she’d chosen for the trip, Bri decided her high chignon could use a few more Bobbie pins. She recalled seeing some in the bathroom which connected to two rear bedroom suites and went to check there. She found Georgia instead.
“Girl what-” Briselle switched on the light. “What are you doin’ here in the dark?”
“Didn’t feel like getting back up to turn the damn thing on after I sat down.” She shrugged.
Briselle leaned against the counter. “Girl what’s wrong?” Briefly she cupped her sister-in-law’s chin observing her tear-streaked makeup. Nothing prepared her to see the hard-nosed young woman break into tears.
“You let Felix walk out of your life because you’ve got another love waging war on your affections.” Briselle noted, once Georgia confided all that had happened. “What are you gonna do?”
“Too depressed to think about it,” Georgia reached for a tissue but broke into tears before she cou
ld put it to good use.
“Ah honey,” Bri pulled her into another embrace.
“I think I made a mistake letting him go, Bri.” Georgia’s voice was a shudder. “But what happiness could I bring him feeling the way I do?” She sniffled and shook her head finally bringing the tissue to her nose. “Love me or hate me, but I have to be true to myself.”
“Honey why don’t you come with West and me when we leave in a few weeks?”
“Come with- what? Bri what-?”
“It’d be perfect for you and me.” Briselle almost laughed.
Georgia rolled her eyes and cursed something fowl. “Dammit Bri, I’m sorry. Here I am goin’ on and on about my shit and it’s your wedding day.”
“Stop it and listen.” Briselle shook Georgia until she stopped rambling. “I’m already on edge here, not as much as I have been, but enough to still make all this really scary for me. West is gonna be so busy with work. I know he’d feel a lot better if I had someone- family to be with.”
She winked. “Besides, doesn’t Mr. Q want you all out there eventually, anyway?”
“But Bri, this is you and West’s time. I just wouldn’t feel right about-”
“You’d have your own apartment- a real one not something tied to your parent’s house. More freedom, a new city, new people, experiences…”
“Gosh Bri,” Georgia bit her thumbnail. “Are you sure-”
“If you ask me that again, I withdraw the offer.”
The new sisters-in-law laughed and hugged again.
R
~CHAPTER ELEVEN~
“Are you crazy? Mama would skin us if she knew we were here.”
Marc tugged his arm free of Houston’s grip and smoothed the wrinkles from his jacket sleeve. “We’re grown Hous- act your age. Every man in the county’s been to Babydoll Monfrey’s more than once.”
“Not Pop.”
“That’s ‘cause he’s the only man in the county afraid of Mama.”
“Marc, man what are we doin’ here?”
Grinning, Marcus turned to fix the crooked white ascot at Houston’s neck. “You need more help than I thought,” he teased.
“I’ve never…you know? Done it.” Houston grimaced while massaging his neck. “I don’t even have the dough to put down in a place like this.”
“Don’t worry ‘bout it. This is on me.”
The gesture touched Houston, but it was no big deal for his brother who’d made off like a bandit following the job at the chemistry lab. As he and Charlton Browning had cheated their two partners out of their fair share, Marc figured the least he could do was spring for his brother at Babydoll’s.
Besides, as great a lay as Daphne Monfrey was, she was starting to grate on his nerves. He enjoyed the sex too much to worry that she was becoming possessive and a tad expectant. He’d already suspected that she was having more and more visions of Ramsey sugarplums dancing in her head. Dumping her off on Houston seemed like the perfect plan- one last taste of her and that’d be enough for him.
“Marc…I don’t know about this…” Houston’s edginess was gaining momentum once more. His attractive features were tight with apprehension as he focused on the house they headed toward. “I’ve never done it…”
Marcus finally took pity and clapped his brother’s back. “Remember the girl you told me about? The one you can’t talk to? After tonight, you’ll have confidence out the ass. Literally.” He waved a hand, urging his brother down the path to Babydoll’s.
Daphne kept the house intentionally dark. Her mother was away on a weekend trip (work related). She didn’t need any interested passerby noticing that clients were visiting during the woman’s absence. Not that her mother would mind, she’d welcome business continuing.
Still, Daphne wondered if she’d feel betrayed knowing her daughter was about to entertain not one, but two Ramseys. Babydoll couldn’t even boast that. When Marcus contacted her about the tryst (which she’d discovered had a truly erotic sounding name- ménage a trois) she was at first rather disappointed. After all she’d hoped Marc might be developing some deeper feelings having been her first trick and all… Then, she began to see the better picture. With two Ramseys instead of one, her chances of securing a promising hold improved by far.
The room she’d chosen for the occasion was set for seduction. In truth, it was the only one befitting such an event. Her mother and the other girls often used the area for group sessions which they all took part in for an equal share of the profits.
The floor was carpeted by Oriental rugs and draping linens. The walls were decorated by erotic scenes from the “Karma Sutra”. Aside from a round glass table and chairs, the bed was the only other furnishing- and the only one needed. Decadent to say the very least, the round, king-sized creation sat atop a platform and was draped with silky dark coverings. Candles flicked from large oval vases set around the room and appropriately distanced from the bed in case things grew too intense…
The bell rang and Daphne gave herself an unorthodox once over in the mirrors covering the ceiling. Satisfied with the skin-tight see through chiffon gown and her curls piled high into two ponytails, she sashayed from the room.
Marc reconsidered his decision to treat himself to one last taste of Daphne when she answered the door looking like a cross between innocent girl and experienced love-slave.
Daphne’s smile brightened for Marcus but she blinked and something more filtered her eyes when she spotted Houston. Instantly, she recalled him from the Ramsey party over a year ago. He’d barely looked her way then, perhaps after this night she’d receive a more pleasing reaction.
Houston couldn’t believe his good fortune, recalling that this was the girl/woman he’d watched outside the library when he’d gone to pick up his sister. The little blondish/brown nymphet was even more unreal up close. His heart thudded inside his throat as he recalled wondering if her hair color was real. He’d know after tonight.
“Daphne Monfrey, my brother Houston.” Marc had noticed the look between the two and was grinning wickedly while he made the intros.
Daphne waved them into the parlor where drinks waited. Marc indulged, while Houston held back. Daphne enjoyed the awe in his gaze when she drew him close and urged him to take part.
“Babydoll around?” Marc was asking.
“Out of town for the weekend,” she shared, giggling at the wink Marcus flashed toward Houston. She spread her arms wide. “We have the place all to ourselves and can do whatever, wherever…”
Marc drained his glass. “Let’s get to it, then.”
~~~
The room carried a light, inviting scent that accentuated the soft appeal of the exotic music filling the room. Daphne took both brothers by the hand and led them over to the two chairs flanking the squat square glass table. She supplied them with more drinks, and then began a sultry dance routine to the tempo of the music.
She straddled Houston on the chair and continued the dance until Marc waved her over for his turn. That dance turned far more intimate, as Marc kissed and fondled Daphne boldly before loosening his pants and having her ride him. Houston began to stroke himself as he watched. Marc reached his climax, pushing Daphne away before she reached hers.
“See to my brother. It’s his first time- ever.”
Daphne’s gaze sparkled more brilliantly as she understood. Eager to please, but carefully and slowly she treated Houston to an oral job before taking him to the bed. Marc didn’t follow, but helped himself to more drink and enjoyed the scene from afar.
The moment between Houston and Daphne was lusty yet there was an undeniable tenderness present. With her words and touch, she coaxed him to relax. She rode him, and then guided him when he was on top. Finally feeling more confident, Houston took control and had her from behind.
When his brother had his fill, Marc was back for another round. Daphne pleasured Houston with yet another oral treat. For hours, the house was filled with three distinct voices of desire.
***
>
For hours, Fernelle Simon had sat along the waters off Tybee Island. The passing of each hour brought her closer to the frequent rolling waves of the Atlantic. At first, the water beckoned her attention and then her touch. By dusk, she was trailing her fingers tentatively along the waves when they rolled up to meet her.
For years, her father had been after them to learn to swim. She, Ross and Clea hadn’t listened. Josephine dived in- literally and with a passion. Fernelle smirked, thinking of her baby sister.
It was ironic that the thing Ross and Clea hated Josie most for was the thing that made it impossible for her to feel anything but adoration. There was a mix of fierceness and an impossible sadness behind her sister’s light eyes. Fernelle often meant to question it. She knew however, that whatever thoughts, fears, hatred her baby sister harbored were perhaps the girl’s only real source of control- of strength in her world.
The waves came rolling in to cover her bare feet then. Fernelle cast a resigned look towards the water and stood. She’d miss her little sister, she’d miss lots of things. She curved both hands over her belly. No time for regrets then, she decided and tossed back her head. She focused only on the waves which appeared more raging in the distance.
Stepping forward, she strolled into the waters as if she were taking a walk through her favorite flower field. Even when the ocean floor dipped noticeably beneath her feet, she continued to walk, to stroll until the waves smothered her and stifled her breath.
***
Daphne knew there had to have been a time when her mother made her breakfast. Unfortunately, it had probably been so long ago, she was now too old to remember it.
That all changed when Babydoll arrived home a few hours earlier than expected and found not one, but two Ramsey males leaving by her back door in the pre-dawn hours. She waited until they’d driven off before heading inside where she found her daughter snuggled and content in bed.
Instead of indulging in the rest Babydoll was sure she must’ve needed, Daphne was counting 20s and 50s. Several lay in two neat stacks atop the bed.
The Ramseys Boxed Set Page 166
