by Shelby Clark
“Yeah, jealous!”
Tess threw one hand on her hip and used her index finger from the other to spell each word with attitude.
“Pssh! August, please! Don’t fool yourself, why in the world would I be jealous, and for what?”
“Me.”
“You...What about you?”
“You’re jealous of the other women.”
“Since you have all the answers, why is that then?”
Still smiling as he grabbed hold of her hand once more, August replied. “Because you want me too.”
Tess got to her feet as she snatched her hand back.
“Maybe when I was younger, which was a long time ago, but not now. I’ve grown up and moved on.”
Augustus looked at Tess with slanted eyes and a smirk on his face. “Yes, even now!”
“You know what? All these crazy women around here have made your head swell to the point where you’ve become delirious. First and foremost, I’m not jealous at all.”
“So, you’re going to give me the count down like you always do?”
“Hell yeah! Second, you’ve wasted my time. I need to get dressed for your father’s retirement party tonight.”
“Are you done yet?”
“No! And last, but not in any way least, I have a man and he keeps me very, very happy, if you know what I mean.”
August stood up sharply. His stature towered over hers. He looked down, his gaze distant. His jaw was tight. “Who is he? Just tell me, Tess. Do I know him?”
“It doesn’t matter anyway. We’re not kids anymore and we’ve grown apart as friends. Nevertheless, my personal life is none of your concern. See you tonight, August,” Tess stated before walking away.
Hm, who appears to be jealous now?
“Wait, Tess, I’m not through talking to you!”
She walked out of the café without responding to Augustus.
Chapter Two
Guests started arriving and filling August’s father’s home where the retirement party was being held. His home was located where you would find most of Mexico’s wealthiest inhabitants, in Bosques de las Lomas, in the province of Bosque de Robles. Julius was very extravagant. He didn’t mind expressing himself, especially through his parties at his home.
The mansion was designed with marble and raw granite from top to bottom with huge ceilings, crown moldings, pillar columns and what seemed to be endless rooms. Each room had its own buffet setup. Champagne and caviar were abundant on the trays of hired servers.
Augustus and Atticus met and greeted all the well-to-dos that attended on the behalf of their father. It wasn’t long before Augustus and Atticus was showered with women. They were known not only for having their father’s good looks and wealth, but also for having women falling at their feet.
“Ladies, thank you for blessing my father with your presents. I’m sure he may want to indulge himself. But please, for me, be on your best behaviors.”
One of the women responded. “Sure, August, anything for you, babe. As long as you and I can hook-up later. You can bring Atticus too. We can have a threesome.”
Augustus responded with a tight jaw and in a deep, low tone. “Angela, your father may do business with mine, but this is not the place for your games. We’ll talk another time.”
“Yeah, yeah, Augustus. Don’t go loco on me. I hear you, hombre.”
“Ladies! Enjoy yourself tonight. Please allow my brother to escort you in.”
“You got this don’t you, bro?” Augustus asked.
“Sure! Who wouldn’t want to escort these beautiful senoritas? Come, let’s go to the bar to have a drink with me,” Atticus said to the ladies.
“Hey, remember we have to be ready to make the toast in a half hour in the Marble room,” Augustus reminded him.
“Yeah, I know. Ladies, follow me please.”
Man, don’t tell me she’s not coming. She has to be here. I know she won’t let him down. I can’t believe this, father and Tess? No, I refuse to accept that. I know father likes young women, but not Tess!
Augustus heard a door close from above. He looked up and saw Tess leaving a room with Julius following behind her. Augustus jaw dropped. The foyer of the mansion had an open, two-story view giving access to the second floor balcony. His blood began to boil. His fists tightened as he observed his father touching her waistline as he walked beside her down the steps.
When Tess reached the curve of the stairway, he was able to observe her appearance more fully. All his anger subsided at the full force of her beauty. He couldn’t believe his eyes. A closer look, a smell of her perfume, the feel of her skin…Augustus just wanted a sample.
Bonita! You’re so beautiful! I must talk to her. No, wait! She said she’s seeing someone, but is it father? He’s like a father to her too. No! She’s mine! I’ve been too stupid to notice it before. I should’ve held on to her a long time ago. How can I make her see it too?
Augustus examined her petite form. He examined every inch of her body. He loved the way her sleek, black silk gown embraced all her sensual curves. Her back was out showing off a small tat of a hummingbird and the front displayed a deep V-neck cut, exposing her firm cleavage that offered more than enough to the imagination. Even her stilettos matched the outfit she wore.
Augustus noticed that he wasn’t the only man taken in by her sexiness. He knew the fact was especially apparent to his father. He had to make a move fast, and hope it wasn’t too late.
I have to stick close by so I’ll be able to make my move and keep my eye on father. How did I let her get away from me? Why didn’t I see this sooner? Well, not anymore! I’m putting an end to this shit!
The house was packed with people and music was blasting. Augustus didn’t notice any of it, nor the person that was pulling on his arm and yelling in his ear.
He responded agitatedly, “What? What?”
“August! Did you forget, bro? It’s time for the toast, come on.”
He left hesitantly, not wanting to let Tess out of his sight. Atticus grabbed a mic and jumped up on a platform that was built for the occasion, and Augustus followed suit. The location was perfect. They could see everything and everyone.
Atticus was dressed in all black as well. He signaled for the band to stop playing music and opened the party.
“Hello, can I have everyone’s attention please. Good evening, I first want to thank everyone for joining us on this special occasion.”
Everyone applauded. Augustus listened, but his main attention was on Tess and how he could get her away from his father.
Man, all this in one night. I’m not in the mood for this party right now. Damn, Tess, I can’t get you out of my head. Maybe if I think about another woman I can forget…can’t do it. I want her! She will be mine!
“At this time my older brother, Augustus, will have some words.”
“Oh, ok. So, if you will, please grab the nearest champagne glass passing by. Congratulations to the man of the hour, on your achievements and successes!”
A couple of Julius’s guests yelled out prematurely. “Yeah!”
“Let me also say, it’s my hope that Atticus and I can walk in those same shoes. So, we thank you for entrusting the legacy of the family business to us. Also, speaking for myself, I want to be just like you. But I’m more than sure that we won’t let you down. To a great man! ¡salud! Cheers! May the better man win!”
Everyone raised their glasses and cheered. Augustus continued staring at Julius and Tess. He saw Tess lip-sync, “What…”—What was that last part?—to him. He then turned to Atticus and forcefully tapped him on the arm to gain his attention.
“Hey. Between you and me, do you think something is going on between father and Tess?”
“Hell no! Then again, I don’t know. She’s looking hot tonight. If I didn’t have other plans lined up, I’d sure try my hand. But if I stay on the track I’m on, we might end up related anyway.”
“What the hell does that mean? You’re not help
ing, Atticus! What do you really think? Look how he’s all over her. She said she was seeing someone, but could it be father?”
“You know how father is. He likes them half his age. You’re just like him. It’s always about the ladies. Besides, you have all these beautiful women in here at your disposal, ready to fall at your feet. Tess is just Tess.”
Atticus chuckled while giving Augustus a slight shove before walking away. “Forget about it, she’s a big girl. Hey, I’m out. I’m meeting up with Ayana.”
“Sure bro, adios.”
No, she’s my Tess and always will be. “I need a moment with her,” Augustus mumbled under his breath as he walked toward her.
Tess was engaged in conversation with Julius and some of his big wig friends. Augustus had to break up their connection, even if it was just for a night. He walked through the crowd for her. On his way Angela jumped in his path.
“Hola, guapo! Let’s go to your place,” Angela demanded as she put her arms around his neck.
Augustus resisted and responded with a deep, sharp tone in his voice. “Excuse me, Angela, but you calling me handsome doesn’t charm me in the least. Now, if you don’t mind, I’m busy.”
“No, you excuse me, August. You never refused me before.”
“Well, that’s because I was only interested in your dreams. And to help you face reality there was never an us. So please, stop pursuing me.”
Augustus turned around and found he couldn’t locate Tess or his father anywhere. He looked all over the house. When he returned he saw his father and Tess going back upstairs to his private office, the one that has access to a bedroom and full bath. He tightened his fists at his sides, then turned to grab a glass of wine passing by on a server’s tray for a quick drink to help him decide whether or not he should pursue her.
****
Julius entered his office after opening the door for Tess. He pushed it closed and failed to realize that the door lock didn’t latch, instead it reopened with a crack.
“So, Julius, are you sure you want to talk about this now? You know you have a full house of guests downstairs. This can wait until later. You know the saying, you never mix business with pleasure.”
“That’s oh so true, my dear, but I’m planning to look into some other ventures, so I need to resolve some things that are still loose threads dangling. Did you look over my grandmother’s will?”
“Yes, I did. And you were right. There is a clause that has been ignored for some time now. So your grandmother Alectra Escobar’s will gives specific details stating that if the first born of her great grandchildren be born a daughter or daughter’s, that child is to inherit four point three billion dollars, along with any or all other monetary and real properties. If both great grandsons should have a daughter, then the estate will then be split between the two first born great-great granddaughters.”
“Yes.”
“So that would be the firstborn of Augustus and Atticus. The inheritance is automatically split. Half goes to Augustus’ firstborn daughter, the other half goes to Atticus’ firstborn daughter, but if one of them bare a son first, then the whole estate goes to the firstborn daughter regardless which son had her.”
“Yes. My grandmother was loaded! My mother told me she was very serious about her money and family. I guess that’s where I get it from.”
“Wow. Do they know yet?”
“No. I thought it might be best to wait a while.”
“Julius, you know how your sons are with these women. Maybe you should say something before someone ends up pregnant!”
Tess was sitting in a single arm chair in front of his desk. She slipped her shoe off to rub her feet.
“I thought you were going to tell them this morning after the Press Release?”
“I was but August said he had an important meeting that he couldn’t postpone, so I decided to wait. I can’t let this information get out. Do you know what these women would do to trap my sons? Still, they are grown men and can make their own decisions.”
Julius lit a cigar he withdrew from the humidor on his desk. He poured a glass of cognac.
“Would you like a glass, Tess?”
“No, sir…I mean, no, Julius. I’m good.”
“Go ahead, leave your shoes off. Plus, August and Atticus were born with a silver spoon in their mouth. They also have Trusts and shares in the company. So if they want to throw it away on a piece of ass it’s on them.”
“You’re right, they’re grown men.”
They heard some noise outside the door. Julius walked over to lock the door.
“You never can be too secure around here. We don’t want anyone to overhear our conversation. But anyway, this is your home too, Tess. I want you to always feel comfortable here and come to me if you ever need anything. That includes your business.”
“Thank you, Julius, I really do appreciate all you’ve done for me.”
“I see you as my own daughter. Your father was my only real friend. Before he died, I promised him I would look out for you.”
Tess smiled as her eyes watered.
“I know. He talked about you all the time too. Especially about how your family took care of us when we came to Mexico. He would say, “‘Sr. Escobar, un verdadero amigo de la familia.’ Mr. Escobar, a true friend to the family.”
“Yes, that was my father, indeed. My father believed in family. He’d just hired your father and I had to train John. My father made sure I learned every aspect of the business from the ground up, and that’s how I became friends with your father.”
“I remember like it was yesterday. My dad wanted to leave North America because this was his way of starting over when my mother died of cancer. We had no family except for some distant cousins I didn’t really know but, it was really just us two. I didn’t know about Ayana until years later. When I started my firm, that’s when she came to work with me as an Associate-in- Law.”
“Yes, I remember when Ayana came. I also know what it’s like to lose someone you love dearly. My wife died five years before you came. So I definitely know. And I kept my promise too by putting you through college and law school.”
“And I’m very grateful to you and your family, Julius.”
“I think he would’ve been proud of you. And look at you now, you have your own practice at the age of twenty-eight. I think you’re the youngest attorney in Mexico to have your own firm, even though I take up the most of your time.”
“I can handle all my clients. And I think my dad would be proud of me too. And yes, you do take up my time, but it’s business. I’m not complaining.”
“That’s going to change soon, you’ll see. Well, you go and enjoy yourself. Find August and tell him I said to make sure you get home safely tonight. I’m having a special guest tonight to visit me. They’ll be coming up the back stairs soon. Leave the door unlocked.”
Tess picked up her shoes and headed for the door.
“OK, Julius, I’ll talk to you this week. I’m taking some time this weekend for myself.”
“Good you deserve it. Don’t let anyone know I said it, but you work too hard. You deserve this break.”
Tess chuckle, “I won’t. Goodnight, Julius.”
As soon as Tess walked down the hall she heard Julius’s voice inviting someone else into his office.
“Hello, sexy, what took you so long?”
Hm, even at his age he’s a mess. I understand why his sons are the way that they are. The apples don’t fall too far from the tree.
Tess decided not to stay so she left out through the garage to avoid Julius’s guests and headed to her car. She had parked in the guest parking lot on the west end of the estate. She walked across the huge lawn. The grass felt therapeutic under her feet. She was enjoying her stroll, until Augustus cut her path off when she stopped to put her shoes on.
“You know sneaking out the back without any shoes on isn’t very becoming of you. One could gather all kinds of negative imagery in his mind.”
“Or one could mind his own damn business.”
“Tess!”
“Augustus!”
His jaw line tightened and his brow rose close to his hairline.
“Why are you doing this? I can’t believe you. I never would have thought you would do something like this.”
“What are you talking about!? You’re insinuating something you think I’m doing, so what are you accusing me of?”
“You told me you were seeing someone, but you wouldn’t say who it was. But now I know who it is.”
Tess’s hood was down on her convertible so she threw her pocketbook into the seat and place her hand on her waist.
“Oh, you do, huh? Then tell me, Augustus who the hell is it? Why do you need to know anyway?”
She was dimly aware that the movement of her body as she expressed herself made her breasts even more pronounced. Augustus cupped his head with his hands as he pushed his hair back. He took a step backward and turned his back on her. “Damn, I can’t…”
Tess walked up close behind him. “What did you say? Why are you walking away now? You have my attention now, what is it? Say what you were about to say, Augustus!”
He swung around and pulled her to him as he pressed his lips over hers. She tried to resist his grasp, but the touch of his muscular form, the hardness of his manhood, and him thrusting it against her instantly dissolved all the fight she had within her. He sucked and wrapped his tongue around hers. After about ten seconds he withdrew and looked into her eyes.
“I want you…now!”
“What?” she answered in a daze.
“You heard me.”
Tess draped her arms around his neck. She let her head fall backward, exposing her neck. Augustus immediately began to kiss down her neckline.
“Leave your car. Go with me.”
Tess pulled away. “No, I don’t know. August, I don’t know what we’re doing here. I’m not for any games!”
Pulling her back, Augustus began to kiss her inner wrist. “I love when you call me August. Don’t say no. Let’s just ride and talk like we use to. Say yes.”
I forgot just how effective the Escobar’s charm was. It’s been a very long time. How is it that he can still affect me like this? My thong is soaked. If he keeps this up, I’m done!
