The Scales (The Black Land Series Book 3)

by D. Camille

  “Mackenzie Michelle Green, I love you and would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”

  Mac looked into his serious green eyes. “When you know what you want to do, you do it?”

  He nodded holding her gaze until she held out a trembling hand while her parents watched. Brandon removed the glittering ring from the box and slowly placed it on her finger.

  Mac stared at the bling on her hand. “Wow, those investments must be pretty solid.”

  “Answer me Mackenzie,” Brandon instructed.

  Tearing her eyes away from the incredible piece of jewelry, she looked at him. “This is absolutely insane, but yes!” Throwing her arms around him, she placed her lips on his.

  Her parents watched as they sealed their relationship with smiles. “Our daughter is going to be the first lady!” her mother squealed.

  Harold looked relieved. “I’m just glad that it wasn’t that baseball player.”

  Oblivious to her parent’s conversation, Mac stared into sexy green eyes. “I don’t know what to do with you,” she whispered.

  “When I get you home, you can work on that,” he whispered back.

  Brandon got to his feet and retook his seat. All the Greens stared at him in awe as he placed his napkin on his lap.

  “So Dr. Green, how’s the golf game?”

  ******

  “I can’t believe you!” Mac told Brandon as they laid in his bed naked under the covers.

  Brandon kissed her shoulder. “What?”

  She stared at her ring. “You basically said in front of my parents that we were going to have a freak party when you got me home, then you asked my father about his golf game.”

  “I know what’s important.”

  Mac glanced over at him. “Are you sure you want to do this?” she asked shyly.

  Brandon touched her cheek. “I don’t make rash decisions Mackenzie. Do you think that ring just magically appeared in my pocket?”

  “It amazes me how you get things done. You never waste time.”

  “Time is fleeting and you never know how much you have.” He traced her jaw. “Especially with someone you love.”

  She smiled at him. “I love you Brandon.” Mac went into his waiting arms.

  “Thank you Mackenzie,” he whispered in her ear.

  “Am I going to walk into a wedding one day soon?” she asked lifting a brow.

  Brandon laughed softly. “No, I wouldn’t go that far. You’d shoot me.”

  “I’m glad you know that,” she told him.

  He turned her over on her back and stared down at her. “I know you Mackenzie. We may not have been dating, but I was cataloguing everything about you over the past years. I don’t need to get to know you or figure out how I feel about you.”

  “Actually, I love how you take charge,” she confessed. “I have to be in charge of everything around me all the time and it’s nice when someone just handles something for me. I realize that you’ve always done that for me.”

  “And something I will always do,” he promised before kissing her, teasing her lips.

  Mac closed her eyes. “Before I forget, I need you Brandon,” she whispered.

  “I’m right here,” he said pressing closer.

  “Mmmm…not that.”

  Brandon lifted his head. “What’s wrong?”

  Mac opened her eyes. “I possibly have a shit storm on my hands.”

  He sat up and gave her his attention. “Talk to me.”

  “I talked to Tremaine again today,” She sat up and pulled the sheet over her.

  Brandon gave her a look. “And what did he say?”

  Mac sighed then scrambled from the bed, leaving a confused Brandon to wait for her return. She came back with a pad in her hand and held it out to him.

  As Brandon began to read, Mac slipped back underneath the covers and watched him. He finished and turned to her. “Is this true?”

  She nodded. “I think it is.”

  “What are you going to do?” he asked.

  “I’ve put Tremaine in protective custody and I’ve questioned the detectives on the case,” she explained.

  Brandon nodded. “Did they confirm any of this?”

  “Cone of silence. I gave them ample opportunity to come clean, but nothing.”

  He blew out a breath. “Damn Mackenzie. You know I had to deal with corruption in my department not too long ago, so I know this is hard.”

  Mac shook her head. “That poor boy…”

  “He’s trying to stay alive and protect his family,” Brandon told her.

  She looked away. “You told me about this with Rion’s case and some of my officers, and I thought I’d taken care of it.”

  “I have to police the city and police the police…” she sighed.

  Brandon put the pad aside and pulled her close. “What do you need from me?”

  “When I root them out, I want you to prosecute the hell out of them,” she said adamantly.

  “They have a strong Union, so my case will have to be airtight.”

  Mac eyes narrowed. “Oh it will be.”

  “How many do you think are involved?”

  “At this point, I’ve pinpointed at least four,” she told him.

  Brandon made a face. “Damn, and there’s possibly more?”

  She nodded. “I don’t know how big this is or how it got past me.”

  Mac looked worried. “This could cost me my entire career.”

  “We won’t let that happen,” Brandon said rubbing her back.

  Laying her head on his chest, Mac said, “That legal organization is sounding better every day…”

  Chapter 12

  “Your eggs are ready,” Brandon heard a sexy voice in his ear and felt a warm body against his back as he laid on his stomach.

  “You made eggs for me?” he whispered without opening his eyes.

  “Yes, I need to keep up your strength,” Mac said kissing his neck.

  “Mmmm…that’s good because you like to wear a brother out.”

  She laughed softly in his ear. “You introduced me to the closet.”

  Brandon slowly turned in her arms to look into her dark brown eyes. “I never imagined you’d like it so much.”

  Mac smiled and glanced down at her hand. “My ring is so beautiful. Thank you.”

  “Only the best for my beautiful chief.”

  “You know I can’t wear this while I’m working.”

  Brandon nodded. “Your safety always comes first.”

  She gave him a naughty grin. “Yeah, especially with those hooks on the ceiling. Thick girls have to practice that.”

  He ran a hand through the loose ends of her hair. “You’re getting better every time.”

  “I’m glad you’re such a strong man.” Mac settled against his heated body.

  “Did you really make eggs?” Brandon asked running his hands along her sexy curves.

  Mac shook her head with a shy smile. “Nope, I just wanted to wake you up.”

  His green eyes glowed in the early morning light. “So you woke me up to play?”

  “I didn’t know that I liked to play, until you came along.”

  She was rewarded with a soft kiss. “Pick your toy from the closet.”

  Wrapped in a sheet, Mac stood looking down at him on the bed. She put a finger to her lips to think. Brandon watched her eyes darken before she turned and headed to the walk-in closet that didn’t contain any clothes or shoes.

  Turning on the light switch, Mac surveyed the room that contained everything from masks to feathers, scarves, oils, lotions, candles, toys, equipment and finally, her favorite…the swing. Smiling she grabbed the harness along with a blindfold.

  She returned to find Brandon sitting up against the large headboard in dark underwear. He saw the items in her hands and smiled.

  “I knew that’s what you’d pick.”

  “That’s because you know I can’t walk away from a challenge.” She handed him the apparatus and he stood on
the bed to attach the harness to the ceiling.

  “I’m so glad you hung this over the bed, otherwise I’d be in the hospital with a broken neck,” she told him.

  Brandon looked down at her. “You have to hold on tight.”

  “You make me lose concentration,” she confessed staring up at him. His muscled bare chest beckoned her as he held out a hand to help her up onto the bed. Together they stood on the extra firm mattress. “And the mask probably doesn’t help me keep my balance.”

  Brandon kissed her and took the mask from her hand. “Then don’t use it.”

  Mac smiled. “I like it.”

  His hands went to the sheet that she had tucked around her breasts and released the fabric, lowering his head to her breasts. Mac raised her hands to cradle his head as his mouth latched onto her. Closing her eyes, she arched into his warm tongue on her hardened nipple. Brandon knew how to do things with his mouth that she’d never experienced before.

  When he transferred to her other breast, she moaned softly as her knees weakened. Squeezing her round, firm ass with both big hands, he held her tightly. Brandon moved to her mouth again and made her blood boil in anticipation. “Are you ready?” he whispered, licking her lips.

  “Yessss…”

  Holding the harness, he helped her settle within the confines that held her legs separated and spread apart. Mac grabbed hold of the straps connected to the ceiling then connected her gaze with his. His green eyes looked her over in that position and tilted his head to peruse her pretty woman’s spot. Brandon licked his lips then moved his eyes back to hers.

  “You want this?” he asked holding up the blindfold.

  Mac nodded. She loved the blindfold because it helped her to focus only on what he was performing on her body. The unexpected touches, licks, kisses and bites sent her over the edge quickly. In this particular setup Mac had let go of the straps many times when Brandon’s mouth had done certain things to her, and had ended up falling on her head onto the big bed. Due to his vast experience, Brandon had no problems staying in place, but Mac was determined.

  Brandon gently applied the black silk over her eyes then placed his mouth on hers. “Hold on.”

  Mac raised her arms above her head to grab the straps that would keep her in place. First, she felt his hands…they started at her hands, squeezing them gently to remind her to hold tight. Next, they moved slowly down her arms and over to her breasts where they kneaded and teased. Her breath caught when they moved lower across her stomach and navel.

  The first touch of his fingers outside her dampened flesh heightened her anticipation. His large hands on her thick thighs made her release her essence between the legs that were in spread eagle position. Brandon continued down her legs to her feet.

  His mouth teased her toes, sucking them gently before he moved up her strong legs, over her knees and across her thighs. Mac leaned back, indicating what she was waiting for and Brandon smiled before granting her wish.

  Mac knew that she was going to fall again. There was no way possible to continue to hold on to this damn thing with what Brandon’s mouth was doing to her drenched core. Between his lips, tongue and fingers, she gave up trying.

  “I’m going to fall…” she whispered as the storm built up inside her and her limbs became weak.

  “Don’t let go,” he instructed against her heated flesh.

  Mac shook her head vehemently. “No, I…” The first wave hit her and she screamed his named. She was ready to let go when she felt strong hands over hers and a wonderfully erect male instrument plunging deep inside of her.

  “Hold on to me baby,” Brandon said against her mouth and his hand went to cup her naked butt supported by the harness straps.

  Mac grabbed his shoulders and threw her head back to accept his rapid thrusts that caused her to break out into a sweat. Each one took her to another plane as his mouth alternated between her mouth, neck and breasts. His hands spread her ass cheeks and he drove deeper into her feminine inner sanctum.

  Brandon’s mouth moved to her ear and he whispered her name in a deep, guttural moan. “Mackenzie…”

  On a regular day, hearing Brandon say her name made her insides tingle so hearing him say it in the throes of heated passion caused fireworks behind her darkened eyelids as she reached her pinnacle.

  “I love you Mackenzie.” Before she could respond, he captured her mouth and caught her words before she could utter them.

  Snatching the blindfold over her head, Brandon stared into her eyes. “Tell me now,” he told her roughly.

  Mac looked into sultry green eyes and felt his completion nearing. “I love you Brandon.”

  They held each other tightly until the last waves subsided in them both, then Brandon reached up and released the harness, causing them both to fall to the bed in a satiated heap with him on top of her.

  Brandon kissed her softly and stroked the dampened hair at her temple as Mac stared up at him with love in her eyes.

  “So about those eggs…” Brandon reminded her.

  ******

  “Brandon are you even listening?”

  Turning away from the window in his office to his campaign manager, Brandon smiled. “I’ve heard every word you’ve said, Derek.”

  “What’s up man? Are you having second thoughts about the race?”

  “Not at all. I just have a few things on my mind,” Brandon answered.

  Derek sat back in the seat across from Brandon’s desk. “Does any of it affect the campaign?”

  Shaking his head, Brandon took his chair. “No. It’s personal.”

  Derek sat up. “Please don’t tell me you and the chief broke up!”

  “Actually we’re engaged.”

  “What?” Derek jumped to his feet. “Are you serious?”

  Brandon nodded.

  “What happened to waiting until election night?” Derek questioned and Brandon frowned.

  “I never agreed to that and I told you that my relationship with Mackenzie is not a part of this campaign,” Brandon warned.

  Derek began pacing the room. “Are you planning a wedding before the election?”

  Brandon smiled. “No, Mackenzie and I agreed to wait until things are settled down before announcing our engagement and having a wedding.”

  “Thank God for small favors,” Derek said throwing his hands in the air.

  Brandon looked thoughtful. “She has a lot on her plate right now.”

  Derek heard the concern is Brandon’s voice and turned to him. “Is she okay?”

  Thinking back to this morning, Brandon rubbed his chin. “Yes, she’s perfect.”

  “I swear, you two are going to be the death of me,” Derek told him. “You’re going to age me far beyond my twenty-eight years by the time this is done.”

  “You’ll survive then move on to run the next big campaign.”

  Derek took his seat. “So let’s talk about the fundraising dinner. The response has been overwhelming, you’re very respected and revered in the city. Tickets sold out on the first day and donations are pouring in to support you.”

  “That’s good to know. It probably also helps that my father is an esteemed attorney and judge,” Brandon added.

  Derek smiled. “Sure as hell doesn’t hurt. Your father is a legend in this city.”

  Brandon agreed and also wondered again just what was going on with his father. He knew he would see him in a couple of days at the fundraiser, but if he still didn’t seem like himself, Brandon would definitely be paying him a visit.

  Benjamin Williams was everything Brandon had in this world and he wouldn’t let anything hurt the man who raised him, taught and loved him.

  “Cynthia Walters is going to interview you for a piece in the paper next week, so I’m going to need you to be charming,” Derek told him, bringing him out of his musings.

  “Charming?”

  Derek nodded. “Yes, charming and engaging.”

  “Is this an interview or a date?” Brandon questione
d.

  “Work with me Brandon. This is an opportunity for you to let the public see the other side of you. The side that the chief has fallen in love with.”

  Brandon shook his head. “I don’t really think you want people to see that side.”

  “Just show some warmth Brandon.” Derek told him. “Still focus on the issues but give her a glimpse of the passion of the man inside. You love this city and everyone needs to know that.”

  “Thank you for your confidence in me.”

  Derek smiled. “If I didn’t believe in you Brandon, I wouldn’t be here.”

  Brandon lifted a brow. “Not even for the exorbitant amount of money you’re being paid?”

  Derek frowned. “I gave you a discount because of Rion.”

  “Then I’m very grateful.”

  “Just win this election. The more of our people that are truly committed that we can put in places of power, the better for all of us as a whole. I know you won’t get in office and sell out to the highest bidder,” Derek said passionately.

  “I see why Rion was adamant that I get you on the team,” Brandon said impressed.

  Derek smiled again. “Let’s get you into that Mayor’s Mansion and who knows what’s next?”

  ******

  Mac sat in the Mayor’s office across from the incumbent. She’d relayed her story of what she was now investigating within her department.

  The Mayor looked across the desk at her. “I’m glad you came to me Chief Green. This is very disturbing.”

  Mayor Cavanaugh had run the city for the past eight years and was not seeking re-election in the next race. She was a woman of character who was born and raised in the city during a different time. Now in her sixties, she was ready to leave Detroit politics to the next generation.

  She looked at Mac. “I assume you’ve informed the Head Prosecutor?”

  “Yes, I have and he’s prepared to prosecute any officers that we determine are engaged in wrongdoing.”

  The Mayor smiled. “I was so happy when that young man threw his hat into the ring. He’s what this city needs to take us to the next level. Although, I’d love to see another black woman run this city, Patrice’s interests are just not in the right place.”