by Belvin, Love
“Oh.” I sucked in a breath, biting my lip. “Well, you’ve come to the right place, I guess.”
“’Dat’s what I was tryna say!” My father beamed proudly. “Now, I’mma hit these streets. Got shit to do. You good from here, right?” he asked Kema, who smiled and nodded. “You good, Lex?”
“Yeah,” I answered, feeling weird about the question.
“A’ight, I’m out dis bitch,” he murmured before walking out of the lobby.
“I heard you got married and shit,” Kema giggled very girlie-like. “You just disappeared.”
I inhaled while stretching my neck. “I guess I did.” I felt a wave of guilt I didn’t understand. I hadn’t disappeared out of nowhere. The rec’s closing was slow and painful. But I didn’t want to get into that. “Welp, let’s get you upstairs to my office to see what we can do for you.” I turned to find Ezra right on my ass. The man who made it easy for me to disappear. “Oh!”
His smile was disarming, eyes glistening with a softness I forgot he possessed. I also knew it was for Kema’s sake.
I froze.
“Kema, this is—”
“I am Pastor Carmichael, Kema.” Ezra offered his hand. “Welcome to Christ Cares,” he rasped professionally with high cheekbones that left me enamored.
“Hi,” Kema returned, bouncing little Noel on her hip.
I guess that was the mask he wanted to wear for Kema. I was fine with that.
“Alexis, do you mind if I have twenty seconds of your time. I will be leaving soon and would like to share something with you before I do.”
Oh, shit! I just knew it was about Wilkinson’s ass.
I nodded and held up a finger for Kema to hold on before following Ezra a few feet away, turning a corner. Ezra’s broad shoulders provided privacy in the small area designated for the water cooler.
“I have a youth conference next week in Arizona. It’s been on my calendar for almost a year. We were fortunate to be invited this year to represent C.O.O.L.J.C. It’s a multi-denominational Christian event and close to fifteen thousand people are expected to be there. I would like you to attend,” he rasped, voice uncharacteristically uncertain.
My mind took off with his intent. Ezra had never invited me to attend one of his sermons outside of RSfALC. After last night, I wasn’t so sure if I wanted to spend additional time with him. Maybe it was best that we had these periods of breaks to manage the explosiveness of our dynamic.
“You’re hesitating.” Gone was the uncertainty and here was the control freak.
“You were harsh last night. You hurt me.” That admission wasn’t planned.
Nonetheless, it was needed. I couldn’t allow what happened to pass without me addressing it. I’d never been at ease at the hands of the beast: he was unpredictable, yet controlled; beyond adventurous, yet tempered. But he’d never been reckless. Last night was about far more than a simple sexual excursion. It was penance.
Clearly uneasy, Ezra’s eyes shifted in the air as though he was contemplating his next words.
“You were right in assuming my father’s decision to have Seth Wilkinson speak last night in my absence was to spite me. Seth is a member of the BDSM community as well. He was able to sniff out your submissive nature from the audience. I’m sure could even discern your experience, no matter how unwilling it’s been on your behalf. He called you up to the pulpit under the guise of ministering to you, but it was an attempt to seduce you, an age old ploy corrupt members of clergy use regularly to bait vulnerable women. That did not please me.”
My eyes ballooned. I had to rewind. “Your father knows you’re into this?”
“No. Seth and I have a long standing history of being at opposite ends of the table regarding ministry in general. We’ve debated seminary topics for years, in addition to his method of luring women. The real issue began back in my undergrad years regarding a young woman I’d ended a relationship with that he absorbed and had an issue with her fixation with me.” His eyes bounced in mine, imploring me to understand so he wouldn’t have to go into further detail.
“Precious? They’re a couple?” Couldn’t have been with the way she sniffed up Ezra’s ass!
“They’re acquaintances. I suspect they would be more but for Precious’ reluctance.” He took a deep breath, slightly annoyed at the prospect of this conversation, possibly. “Alexis, I’ve been under considerable pressure as of late and the last thing I would endeavor is to mistreat you in any way. I’d like you to accompany me to the conference.”
Stubbornly, I asked, “So is this to keep me away from a rivaling dom?” I gripped my hip, switching stances.
“No. Valentine’s Day is the following Sunday. And although I loathe the practice of traditional romance, I thought this would be a way to participate in the holiday.”
Shit.
When he said things like that—even delivered snarky—his flexibility warmed me, foolishly.
Ezra was trying to meet me halfway, so to speak. I couldn’t deny the appeal in that.
Exhaling, I broke away from his piercing gaze, rolling my eyes. “Sure. Why not.”
“Very well.” He nodded formally. “I’ll begin the arrangements.”
Our flight out to Scottsdale was midafternoon. Though I shouldn’t have been, I was surprised to see we were taking a private plane. The interior of this one was different than the one Stenton Rogers gifted us for our honeymoon, but it was just as impressive. There was no bedroom on this flight, but enough oversized plush chairs to accommodate almost a dozen of us attending the conference.
It wasn’t until we boarded that I understood how much of a big deal this event was. Ezra brought along his armor bearer—a role I’d recently learned of—Thaddeus, two security guards, his keyboard player at Redeeming Souls, the drummer, and four members of the praise and worship team. It was on the plane that I realized the lead praise and worship member, Dwayne, was married to another singer, Lucy. I’d seen her over the years since attending RSfALC, but Dwayne stuck out because he’d always been the one directing or leading most songs. He was average height with a shapely Mohawk, warm brown skin and an eye for fashion. He was also a jokester, constantly had the crew cackling about something or another. His wife, Lucy, was an extreme red-bone, a robust woman with a large waistline, and short bleach blonde-dyed hair. She wore red lipstick on her full lips and green butterfly-shaped glasses. Those two were a pair for sure.
The entire group was polite, friendly, and personable. I could tell they’d had history in working with each other. They were able to pull a few laughs out of me, although I was seated in the back of the craft, across from Ezra. He was the only reticent party on the flight. He didn’t speak much to anyone, outside of asking if I was okay. His fixed attention stayed between a book, his laptop, writing pad, and tablet. It was clear he was studying and preparing. When Ezra was in this place I learned to leave him be. That was one thing even Precious could advise. Ezra wasn’t welcoming when he was preparing for a sermon.
Of course that nipped at me. Not being able to speak lightly to your husband on a whim could feel stifling, but it was even more glaring when you saw the only other couple on the flight constantly chatting and touching. Physically, Dwayne and Lucy were polar opposites, but their chemistry was undeniable. I could see from my seat where they sat side-by-side, holding hands. Dwayne’s eyes were closed as Lucy led prayer. I didn’t know what that was all about, but it was the most public display of intimacy I’d ever seen. It was warming as much as it was revealing of their closeness and my distance from my husband.
At one point during the flight while Ezra dozed off, I got up to relieve myself. Thaddeus and I met up at one of the bathrooms. He was coming out as I waited. He smiled embarrassingly, more surprised to see me waiting.
“How did you enjoy your birthday?” I asked.
Lillian told me how she surprised him with a horseback riding excursion last week on his big day.
“Oh, it was real nice, Lex,” he monitored his
voice. We were both aware of the differing opinions Ezra and I held regarding Thaddeus and Lil’s impending engagement. “She did well!” He smiled boyish-like behind his Malcolm X frames. I found myself giggling at the sight of Thaddeus’ big body on a horse. “I’m blessed. Wish Pastor could be spending his birthday in a better way. Who wants to be stuck on a plane with so many people, flying out to work?” he applied a forlorn smile.
Birthday? What the fuck!
“But I’m sure you have something worked out for him. He deserves it. He works so hard,” Thaddeus noted with confidence before taking off.
I had to close my hanging mouth.
Today is Ezra’s birthday?
And there was another to add to the many anomalies of Ezra.
I went back to my seat, unable to find the sleep everyone else had. It was six in the evening on the west coast when we landed. Ezra guided me off the plane and all the way to one of the three limos awaiting us. We checked into a boutique hotel—a name I’d never heard of. It was fancy as shit, but I’d been learning there was nothing standard about Ezra’s life. We split from the group after Ezra gave instructions about their schedule. They were going over to the coliseum for a meet and greet and to catch the end of the opening service in two hours. Everyone agreed to meet in the posh lobby then.
The busboy ushered us to the penthouse. As soon as the door pushed open I could appreciate the mountainside view. It was fucking breathtaking! The floor-to-ceiling windows made it feel as though the mountains were peeking through the entire suite. We had a side suite, which made almost half the place open to nature. Three small partitions separated one large room. There was a living room, a bedroom, and bathroom. The bedroom was bare on shiny dark wood floors with a bed lying parallel to a stone-partitioned fire place. The architecture was something I’d never seen before.
This is how Ezra lived…
“What’s on your mind, beloved? Do you like the room?”
“Room?” I snorted. “Is this how you travel all the time?”
“Most. I try not to request overly priced accommodations.” He stood next to me, gazing at the window, into the mountains. “I decided to work the full allotment provided by the planners of the event since you were tagging along.”
“What does that mean?” I faced him.
“It means I usually have my accommodations made under the budget the event planners/churches give me. I don’t charge for the free word of God. It does help if transportation and room and board are provided when I’m asked to speak, but I’m no royalty other than who we all are in the Kingdom. I don’t need much.” He peered over to me. “I’ve stayed here once, but not in the Mountain Suite. I was hoping to impress you.” The side of his mouth twitched.
“Oh!” I gasped, playfully. “He does have a sense of humor!” I rolled my eyes, showing the sass he said he enjoyed.
“Only when I’m exhausted. I’m going to wash up and take a nap.” He began to stalk toward the bathroom.
“I’m right behind you,” I said to his back before continuing my view of the amazing rocks.
I stretched out on an empty bed. As large as it was, I couldn’t have extended my lengthy limbs that far out without touching an even longer frame. I cracked a lid to total darkness and learned I was the only occupant of the bed after all. I leaped to my ass and listened for movement. Nothing. I searched the suite to find I was alone. According to the digital clock, it was after ten o’clock local time.
I went for my phone and immediately saw a text from Ezra saying he didn’t want to disturb me and to order dinner for myself through room service when I was ready.
Ezra left with his group… without me.
He didn’t invite me out here to tag along. I didn’t know how I felt about that. Everyone seemed to be pumped about the event. I thought I’d get to experience what the rave was about. I caught the leather binder menu in my peripheral, and that quickly I shook off the bite of rejection and an idea came to mind.
Ezra
I was even more exhausted on my way up to the suite than I was earlier when we arrived in Scottsdale. I hoped Alexis had been resting; it was going to be a long next two days. This conference was held in a coliseum, housing over fourteen thousand participants of several walks of faith. It was unheard of. I’d been preparing for some time. Now, my body called for me to rest so I could deliver the following day.
The elevator door chimed its opening.
“Good night, Pastor,” Greg bade as he held the door open with an extended arm.
I gave a neck bow. “Good night, G.”
I stumbled down the short hall, meeting the door. The moment I punched in my keycard and twisted the knob, I heard the bass of a familiar tune I couldn’t recognize right away. The room was dark but for the fireplace casting a sharp glow in the room.
But the moment I walked through the door, I saw Alexis, stark naked in just heels and tassels hanging from her nipples. She strutted over to me, swaying her hips horizontally with her arms clasped behind her back. Stopping inches away, she rotated one hundred eighty degrees, providing a lewd view of her wide hips, plump cheeks and small waistline. She swirled forward again, facing me, and took me at the hand, pulling me into a chair.
I sat back with a tent in my pants as she gave a licentious dance revealing every crevice of her body seductively. A realization of the song came to me the moment I focused on her smooth pussy. It was R. Kelly’s Bump and Grind. Another event when I benefited from his artistry. My kitten twirled, bent, touched her toes, grazed her nipples with shimmering fingertips. Her wild nest-like mane provided a shield when she wanted to cover her breasts. Her hind cheeks clapping had me running up the chair until she anchored me by holding on to my knees and gyrating between the air and on my swollen cock alternately. Her delicious feminine aroma had my tongue rolling over my teeth and lips.
Christ…
She rose from my bulging lap abruptly and moved behind a wall. The song was ending and by the time she appeared again, I could hear her sing Happy Birthday so sweetly while carrying two cupcakes on saucers in both of her upright palms. The cakes were topped by candles: a four and zero. My chest swelled as much as my dick as she smiled bashfully while missing the notes of the ageless song.
Kitten…
Alexis brought them close enough for me to blow out. She cheered as I did.
“Did you make a wish?” she asked merrily.
“No need. It’s bending over me,” I answered casually.
It was true. She was my gift.
“Time to eat your cake. You can have one before dinner!” Her smile was so pure and careless.
“I’m fasting, kitten,” the lust-filled gravel in my voice betrayed my true need.
A moue carved her on face. “I’m sure God will cut you a break on your birthday. Plus, you have a horny kitten needing to sit on you for some relief. It’s been a few days, sir.” She batted her lashes coyly.
An involuntary growl escaped my chest.
“Alexis…”
“Pastor,” she matched my warning tone.
Then she placed the plates on the coffee table, removed the candle, grabbed one of the cupcakes, and smeared frosting over her belly, drawing a shapeless ‘O’. Her eyes raked up to me. I held tensely, gripping the chairs.
Temptress.
When I won that round, she moved lower, spread her thighs and ran the cupcake against her glistening lips. I felt when her eyes hit my face.
I met her stare with a glower, hardly able to keep my regard from that tight little pussy.
“You’re needling the beast, kitten.”
Alexis’ lashes fluttered, and she whispered weakly, “I only want to feed him, E.”
I leaped from my seat, took her at the waist and tossed her onto the sofa. I ignored her surprise gasp when she landed. Dropping to my knees, I pushed her legs in the air and into the back of the couch before running my tongue the full length of her pussy. My tongue lashed wildly, my mouth sucking every trail of frost
ing it could detect. Alexis’ moans intensified when I landed on her clit swiping it with the tip. I pulled the swollen nub into my mouth and pulled until her legs tensed and jerked against my shoulders.
“Oh!” she cried over and over, holding my head to her vibrating pelvis.
I only stopped when she pushed me away. I waited on my knees until her eyes appeared. Slowly she shifted upright with spread thighs and pulled me into her face, consuming me with her seductive tongue. Her small hands undressed me. She pushed me to stand without removing her mouth until she fell to her knees to unfasten my pants. When her warm mouth inhaled my throbbing cock, my neck fell backwards. I had to catch it before I injured myself. She cupped my balls and squeezed and my knees buckled at her aggression. My kitten sucked me with dedicated fervor.
My stomach fluttered, balls jutted.
“Oh, baby,” I sucked in air. “Not in your mouth.”
Alexis pulled back, releasing me. Her lips were swollen, her chin soaked.
“Please,” she purred intoxicated. “I wanna see it.”
“My next one, kitten. This one I want inside you…with you,” I instructed softly.
With parted lips, she nodded obediently and my dick leaped against her face. I pulled her up to straddle me and walked over to the bed to deposit her antsy body, clawing me restlessly.
I kicked off my remaining clothes and shoes before dropping to the mattress and tossing her legs over. I entered her from the side with one forceful impale. She screeched into the ambers of the fireplace. The throbbing squeeze of her pussy thrilled me. I pumped rough, grabbing the meat of her hip and thigh to anchor my relentless plunges. I pounded into her relishing the smacking of our flesh, the slurping sounds of her quivering sex sucking me in.
I tossed her left leg over my shoulder, grabbed her at the neck as I intensified my drives, I gave her a rapid swipe of my tongue over her lips.
“Come for me now, kitten!” I thundered over her whimpers.
And within seconds an uproarious cry broke from her lips. Her eyes glistened with pooled tears as the strong walls of her valley contracted against me, hurling me into my own release.
