by Jaye McCloud
“No. My sister doesn’t need to be involved with a family who can’t appreciate her for who she is…who thinks she’s inferior because she’s black! And what about you, Mr. Bentini? Is my sister only your latest little play thing?”
Antonio’s face flushes red with anger. No one dares to speak to him in this manner. “Look, Mrs. Stephens, I understand that you’re upset on your sister’s behalf, but you don’t know a thing about me and Ti’s relationship. And my family cares about Tiressa, just as much as I do.”
“Well, apparently your mother doesn’t. She made my sister feel like shit and then she fired her!”
“What my mother did is indefensible and unforgivable. That’s why I’m here. I need to see Tiressa. I want to apologize to her…to talk to her… I need—”
“What about what Tiressa needs?!” Mya shouts with tears in her voice. “She doesn’t deserve to be treated like trash!”
“I’m sorry that happened. I love her. I can make this right, if you’ll just tell me where she is.” Antonio beseeches.
“I don’t know where she is Mr. Bentini.” Mya maintains, inflexible.
Antonio exhales a hard, irritated sigh. “Are you sure?” He asks again through gritted teeth before reluctantly conceding. “Can I give you my number?” Antonio asks reaching into his pocket for a business card. “When she contacts you, will you please let me know?”
“Of course I won’t. If my sister wants to talk to you, I’m sure she has your number.”
“Mrs. Stephens, I know that you want to protect your sister. I understand that, I’m a brother and I would do the same for my sister. I swear to you that I love Ti and she feels the same way about me. I just want to know that she is okay. I want to take care of her—”
“No, Mr. Bentini…” She replies shaking her head adamantly. “You and your family have done enough. Just leave Tiressa alone. She has a family and we’ll take care of her!” Mya coldly states just before slamming the door in his face.
Antonio sticks the card in the crack of the door, turns and angrily stomps back to his SUV parked at the curb.
***
“It’s late, what are you doing here, William?”
“I want to talk to you.”
“You could have easily done that at the mansion or the office. You didn’t need to come to my home.”
“True enough, but I wanted to talk to you without having to worry about being interrupted and I doubt you would have willingly come to my office.”
“Like I said, what do you want?”
“It’s not like you to be so inhospitable, Kat. Are you really going to make me stand out here like this?”
She grudgingly steps back, allowing him to enter her apartment. “Okay, William you’re inside. I have a lot more to do now that Tiressa is no longer working for your mother.”
“Yeah, Tony hasn’t talked to Mom since. When he sees her at the office, he goes the other way. He’s doing everything he can to avoid her. He’s even talking about moving his firm to a different building. Mom and Pop are angry at each other. Pop’s actually sleeping in a separate bedroom. This entire situation has the entire family walking on egg shells.”
“I’m sure you’re not here to share all your family woes with me.”
“Kat, why are you being so cold? You know this isn’t like you, I’ve never seen you this indifferent before.”
“And I’ve never seen you so obtuse before. Don’t you get it William! What happened to Tiressa, could have just as easily happened to me! And probably still could. The only difference is, Antonio is standing by Tiressa. You would have left me high and dry to fend for myself! You say you love me, but you don’t…not enough! Not enough to defy your mother for me! Not enough to defy your mother for us!” Kathy cries tears flowing down her cheeks.
“Kat…” William whispers and he closes his arms around her and holds her as she cries out her pain. “Don’t cry Kat, you know what it does to me to see you cry.” Bending his head, he kisses her soft lips. Then moves down to her neck. “Kat…” Slowly, he pulls the silk belt on her robe as he plants kisses all over her face and neck while gently, slowly sliding the robe off her shoulders to pool at her feet. She moans his name as he pulls the neck of her nightgown down and takes a hard pink bud into his mouth. “I miss you Kat…” William growls as he slides his hand inside her panties. She moans bucking against his fingers, wanting them deeper. “I miss this peach so much. Can I eat you Kat?” Not waiting for a reply, William drops to his knees and in one motion, lifts her leg onto his shoulder and buries his face in her core, tonguing her fiercely. He groans deep in his throat as Katherine thrashes against the wall, bucking her hips into his mouth, so close to her release. Suddenly he stands up, takes her and bends her over the arm of the nearest chair. “Will? What are you doing?” Katherine pants as she tries to push up from the chair. “You know what I’m doing Kat.” Putting a strong arm in the middle of her back, he easily holds her pinned in place, as he unzips his pants and releases his eager manhood. “Will…” Sliding her panties out of the way, he leans over her back and slowly shoves into her tightness. “Uhhmm…You know you want this Kat.” Will groans, grabbing a handful of long chestnut strands in one hand and holding onto her shoulder with the other as he begins relentlessly pounding into her. Katherine keens low in her throat, loving the rough pummeling. This is one thing they never fought about. “More Will!…” She pleads and tries to shift her body so that she can take more of him. Releasing her hair, he clutches her hips and pounds into her fast and deep. His entire body throbs as he reaches between her legs and pinches her throbbing little nub; loving the sensual sound of her impassioned scream as she climaxes around his shaft. Will continues to frantically pump into her until he feels his balls tighten and his muscles tense and he suddenly explodes.
***
“How do you feel, sweetheart?” Mya comes into the room carrying a tray with a steaming cup of hot chocolate.
“I miss my babies –Candi and Cotton—I wish they were here with me. I hope Antonio is taking good care of them.”
“Well, I don’t have the cure for puppy heartache, but I bet some hot chocolate will at least make you feel just a little bit better.”
“Thanks sis, I’m sure it will. Where’s Renny?”
“In the backyard on the swing with James, you know she’s a daddy’s girl.”
“Just like her mother.”
“And her aunt.”
“Tiressa? Do you mind if I ask you about him?” It doesn’t take a genius to guess that she’s referring to Antonio.
“No, I don’t mind. What do you want to know?”
“You said that you knew that you could lose your job if Mrs. Bentini found out you were dating her son…so, why did you do it? It’s so unlike you to do anything like that. We were just giving you the business about being so standoffish with men. What happened?” Mya asks with genuine bewilderment.
“When Antonio first made it known that he was interested in me, I was so floored. I was shocked and I didn’t believe him. I thought he was playing some kind of rich-man game with me. But then, he was so persistent and so sincere. I let my guard down… and well…he got under my skin.”
“So does that mean you like him…I mean, really like him?”
“Yes Mya, I more than like him, I’m crazy about him. He’s a great guy. Although, to be perfectly honest, he can be arrogant, a bit controlling and insanely jealous, but I even like that about him.” Seeing Mya’s raised eyebrows. “Don’t make that face.” Tiressa says laughing. “Sometimes a girl likes a strong forceful guy. But there’s more to him than that. He can also be so incredibly gentle and sweet and understanding and supportive.” Seeing her sister’s now softer expression, she admits her true feelings for Antonio. “I’m in love with him Mya. I fought it for a long time but he kept pursuing me and wouldn’t let my fear of commitment stand in the way of our getting together.”
“If everything is so lovey-dovey, then why are you here hiding out
?”
“Because I want him, but his mom doesn’t think that I’m the right kind of woman for her son. She likes me well enough as an employee, but she doesn’t want a black girl or black anything mixing with her precious family.”
“How does he feel? Was he just looking for a good time, someone to scratch his jungle-fever itch?”
“No Mya! I told you he’s not like that! He loves me and he’s willing to go against his mother for me.”
“So, if that’s true, then what the hell?! Why aren’t you with him? Screw the job and forget his mother, you got the man. And he’s rich! You don’t even need a job.”
Although it’s on the tip of my tongue to tell my sister about the million dollars Antonio gave me, I hesitate. We tell each other everything…well, almost everything. But, I don’t want to tell her about the money. I don’t want anyone thinking that our relationship is based on Antonio’s money. And truth be told, I don’t want anyone doubting my true feelings for him.
“I don’t want to be that chic. I don’t want to be that female who relies on a man to give her money. I liked my job; I liked getting up every morning and going to work. Besides, I don’t want to be the cause of a family rift. I don’t want his family hating me because they believe I’m some kind of gold digger. A scheming hussy that set out from the beginning to trap their golden boy.”
“Scheming hussy? Really Ti, you’ve been around grandma too much.” I love the way my sister can make me laugh, even when all I want to do is cry. “So, what are you going to do? Why don’t you just talk to him? What could be the harm in that?”
“You’ve seen him Mya. He’s tall, stacked with muscles, sexy as hell and totally irresistible.” When Mya rolls her eyes, she adds with a grin. “Well, he is, at least to me. If I talk to him, then he will convince me to go back with him. If I go back with him, he and his mom will fall out.”
“So what if they do. He wants you and that should be enough. His mother is a stupid bitch if she can’t see that you are the best thing that’s ever happened to her son.”
Although Mrs. Bentini said some shitty things to and about me, I still cringe at my sister calling her a stupid bitch. Mya is usually even-tempered and wouldn’t talk like that about anyone, but she’s mad about everything that’s happened.
“I think his family likes me and maybe they would accept me in time. His dad, who’s really a nice guy—as long as you’re not doing business with him—likes me well enough. He knows about Antonio and me, but I’m not sure how he would feel about me being a part of his family. What I definitely know is that his mom won’t ever accept me or our relationship; especially if we were to get married.”
“Damn, is it that serious between the two of you?!”
“Yes, I think so.”
“Why didn’t you tell me? We’re supposed to share everything!”
“Because, although I have him now, I’m afraid that if we stay together, he’ll eventually come to despise me for being the cause of problems between him and his mom, and I’m sure it wouldn’t stop with her…it could end up involving his entire family. I couldn’t bear that, Mya. I’d rather lose him now, than have him hate me later.”
***
“Okay, Boss, here’s what I have…” Vitto says, by way of greeting, settling down into the chair across from Antonio’s massive desk. “Aside from finding your brother Jason at her friend Carmen Menendez’s apartment, there has been no sighting of her.”
“My brother Jason and Carmen Menendez together?” At Vitto’s nod Antonio mumbles, “Interesting, but not surprising. I think he’s been seeing her for a while. At any rate…” Antonio comments, getting back to what he really wants to discuss. “Is there any signs of Tiressa being on-line?”
“None.”
“Keep your man on Tiressa’s sister. I don’t want her to move a muscle without us knowing about it. I’m sure she knows exactly where Tiressa is. I tried talking to the sister again, but she refuses to tell me where Tiressa is, other than that she’s not with her. Unfortunately, I can’t kick the door down and barge into the woman’s house –Tiressa would never forgive me.”
“Not to mention that Mya would probably have you in handcuffs before you got more than five steps in.”
“Mya is it?” At Vitto’s sly smile, Antonio reminds him. “Vitto, she’s married.”
“Yeah, but is she happily married?”
“I don’t know what you’re up to Vitto, but don’t you do a damn thing to make things worse between Ti and me…as a matter of fact, stay the hell away from Ti’s sister.”
“Okay, Boss. I’ll stay hands off for now, but there’s something about her that I just can’t ignore.”
After giving Vitto another hard look, Antonio continues. “Mrs. Stephens tried to make me believe that Tiressa has left the state, but I don’t believe that for a minute. However, something she said reminded me of a comment Tiressa made about one of her aunts that she’s particularly close to…an Aunt Lena…no, that’s not it…Aunt Helen…Helena…that’s it, Aunt Helena! I have a feeling about this. I want you to get the names of all her aunts and check out Aunt Helena. Let me know the moment you have something for me.”
“I’m all over it Boss.” Vitto says getting up from the chair and heading to the door. Before he leaves, Antonio gives him one more reminder. “And Rossi, I mean it…stay clear of Mya Stephens.”
***
“I don’t want to upset you Tiressa…but, your man came back again.”
“Antonio? When?!”
“You and Renny were in the kitchen baking brownies.”
“What happened?”
“He wanted to see you…kept insisting that I know where you are. Of course, I denied it. But then, I slipped up and now he knows that you’ve been here. I’m sorry Ti.”
“Don’t be, I know how tenacious Antonio can be.”
“Yeah, he seems pretty determined. I told him that you were here, but have gone to live with one of our relatives out of state. I wouldn’t tell him which one, of course…and boy he didn’t like that one bit. He didn’t give me a chance to slam the door in his face this time. He glared at me and then stalked off to his big fancy SUV.”
Damn. “I can’t stay here Mya. Now that he knows I’m here, he’ll keep coming back until I agree to see him.”
“He doesn’t know for sure.”
“Maybe not, but I don’t want to take that chance.”
“Okay, then why not go to Aunt Helena’s? Aren’t you overdue for a visit?”
“That’s a great idea!”
Chapter 23
“Go right in Mr. Rossi. Mr. Bentini is expecting you.”
“We found her Boss!” Vitto exclaims excitedly as soon as he enters Antonio’s office.
Antonio jumps to his feet. “Where is she?!”
Vitto doesn’t waste any time giving Antonio the information he desperately wants. “Apparently, she was staying with her sister until late last night.”
“What do you mean –until late last night?”
“My man followed her when she left her sister’s place and drove approximately thirty miles south and checked into a hotel. It appears that she may be going t—”
“To her Aunt Helena.” Antonio accurately guesses as he calmly sits back down. Now that he knows where Tiressa is and has eyes on her, the knot in his chest is not quite so tight.
“Yes. How did you know?”
“As I said before, Tiressa has mentioned her Aunt Helena to me. If I’m not mistaken she is Tiressa’s mother younger sister and they are forever in competition.” Antonio allows himself a brief smile before continuing. “Much like my mother and her younger sisters.”
“I see. Well, she checked out of the hotel room early this morning and is now at this very moment at her aunt’s place. What do you want us to do Tony?” Vitto asks seeing the sadness sweep across his friend’s face before he pulls himself together and becomes all business once again. “Tell your man to stay in place and keep an eye on her. I�
�ll be there as soon as I can.”
“Do you want her to be prevented from leaving that location?”
“No. But I want to be kept apprised of her whereabouts at all times.”
***
“Hi Auntie.” I don’t hold back a giant smile as me and my aunt hug in a happy embrace. Of all my mother’s siblings, Aunt Helena is my favorite –although I would never tell the others that. “I’ve missed you sooo much.” We hug again before Aunt Helena links her arm with mine and we walk arm in arm to the living room. “Oh baby girl, I thought you said you couldn’t make it. I’m so happy you changed your mind. I spoke to your mother last night. She and your father will be here sometime early this afternoon.”
At first, I don’t have a clue as to what my aunt is talking about. Why would my parents be coming here for a visit? Then as I continue to listen to what my aunt is saying, I suddenly remember. Oh Shit! My Aunt Helena and Uncle Joe’s annual barbeque. Damn, what rotten luck!
“Yes, Aunt, I’m glad that I was able to get some time off from work. I was hoping you wouldn’t mind if I stayed for a short visit.” I’m pretty sure my aunt will say yes. Her and my Uncle Joe open their door to many relatives, year round –except when they are out of town. “You know that Giuseppe and I would love to have you any time, Tiressa.” I love how my aunt pronounces my Uncle Joe’s Italian name. “Thanks Aunt Helena. What can I do to help prepare for the barbeque?” Their annual barbeque is one of the highlight events in our family. They really go all out.
“There is plenty of time for that—” My aunt begins, but then is interrupted by her daughter, my favorite cousin. “Ti! Girl, I didn’t think you were coming. I haven’t talked to you since that night at the club.” I lean in to hug her and whisper, “Don’t you dare say a word about that.”
