Betrayal

by Naomi Chase

  Cynthia’s face reddened as the other inmates shrieked with laughter.

  Fiona knew badmouthing a dead woman was a low blow, but she figured it couldn’t be worse than what her own daughter had done to her. Hell, the psycho bitch had killed her own mother. It didn’t get any lower than that.

  “I saw my sister yesterday,” Fiona announced. “She and Brandon came to visit me. They look so happy together. So right for each other. Their wedding plans are coming along great and they found the perfect house, so they’re moving next month. Of course they couldn’t stay at Brandon’s condo after you turned it into a crime scene, so they’ve been staying with his parents. And wouldn’t you know it? Mr. and Mrs. Chambers are actually starting to warm up to Tamia. Yup, Brandon’s mother has been planning their wedding, so you know it’s gonna be off da chain. Ain’t that something? You tried your best to prove to Brandon’s parents that you were right for their son, but in the end, your psychotic breakdown made them realize Tamia was the better woman for Brandon. Oh, by the way, their baby is doing just fine, fuck you very much.”

  Cynthia stared down at her untouched food, rapidly blinking back tears.

  “We’re all looking forward to watching Brandon and Tamia’s wedding on TV,” Fiona gleefully continued. “I know the local stations are gonna cover the ceremony like it’s the royal wedding. You’re more than welcome to join our viewing party, Cynthia. That is, if you think you can handle seeing my sister get everything you wanted.”

  Tears rolled down Cynthia’s face.

  But Fiona wasn’t done. “I just gotta ask. How do you sleep at night knowing that you murdered your own mama and almost killed an innocent unborn baby?”

  Cynthia’s nostrils flared. “The same way you slept after murdering your grandmother,” she retorted under her breath.

  “No, she didn’t!” the other women hissed and exclaimed, outraged on Fiona’s behalf.

  Fiona chuckled, calmly holding up a hand. “It’s all good, ladies. Let her talk shit. Miss Thang got some spunk in her, so she just might do a’ight up in here.”

  Someone sucked her teeth. “You need to fuck that bitch up, Fee.”

  This drew hearty echoes of agreement that had Cynthia looking petrified.

  Fiona smiled consolingly at her. “Don’t worry, ma, I ain’t gonna whip your ass,” she promised, gently rubbing her swollen stomach. “You fight dirty, and while that normally wouldn’t be a problem for me, I can’t risk nothing happening to my precious daughter.”

  A look of relief flashed across Cynthia’s face.

  “But I can’t speak for some of these other salty bitches around here,” Fiona smoothly continued. “Some of them got nothing to live for, so they wouldn’t think twice about shanking your crazy ass. Some of them don’t care for pampered princesses who think they’re better than everyone else, so they’d love nothing more than to fuck you up and knock you off your high horse. And some of them”—Fiona pointed to a butch-looking inmate with thick cornrows—“are just out to make you their bitch.”

  The color drained from Cynthia’s face as the woman leered suggestively at her.

  Fiona sighed dramatically. “Any of those things could happen to you. Or maybe none at all.” She smiled narrowly. “Either way, this ain’t your daddy’s country club. Around here I have all the connections, and quiet as it’s kept, I pull the strings.”

  Cynthia gulped visibly.

  Glancing toward the nearest corrections officer, Fiona added menacingly to Cynthia, “So don’t sleep, bitch. ’Cause after I drop this load, your skinny black ass is mine.” She winked. “Assuming you’re still around.”

  Chapter 50

  Tamia

  Seven months later

  “Everything was so beautiful, Mama Esther,” Tamia reminisced, swaying back and forth on the porch swing. “The flowers, the decorations, the chateau by the lake. It was all so perfect. I wore a strapless mermaid gown that showed off my little baby bump, and everyone said I looked breathtaking. Beyoncé serenaded us with the most romantic love song I’ve ever heard. But even before that moment, Brandon and I had already been fighting back tears. We were both so emotional, thinking about everything we’d gone through to get to that day. Oh, Mama, you should have seen the way he looked at me as I came down the aisle. No man has ever looked at me with so much love in his eyes. Words can’t even describe it.” Tamia sighed blissfully. “It was such an amazing wedding, Mama. Beyond my wildest dreams.”

  “It sounds wonderful,” Mama Esther warmly agreed.

  “It was.” Tamia held her grandmother’s hand against her cheek. “I wish you could have been there, Mama.”

  The old woman smiled. “I was there with you in spirit.”

  “I know.” Tamia smiled quietly. “I felt your presence the whole time, especially when Brandon and I exchanged our vows. I could feel you standing beside me and whispering in my ear, ‘Never underestimate the power of a man’s love.’ Do you remember telling me that?”

  Her grandmother smiled. “I certainly do.”

  “Well, you were right, Mama.”

  “Of course. I’m always right.”

  They shared a warm laugh.

  After a few moments, Tamia ventured curiously, “Why did you stay away so long, Mama? My wedding was back in April.”

  Mama Esther sighed. “I know, baby, and I hope you didn’t think I’d abandoned you. But you have a new husband now, and you’ll be a mother very soon. Your life will never be the same again, and I want you to experience every moment without thinking about the past . . . or even me.”

  Tamia’s throat tightened. “I hope this doesn’t mean you’re gonna stop coming to me,” she whispered.

  “That’s not what I’m saying at all,” Mama Esther soothed, gently patting her hand. “But last year you were going through very difficult times, and you needed my guidance. Now . . . well, now you and Brandon need to rely on each other. But you know I’ll always be with you, Tamia. Do you believe me?”

  Tamia nodded slowly. “I believe you.”

  “Good girl.”

  When Tamia could trust her voice again, she said, “You know Fiona had her baby.”

  “Yes.” Mama Esther’s face glowed. “She’s beautiful.”

  “She is.” Tamia smiled tenderly. “Dre didn’t want her, but once he held her in his arms, she melted his heart. I think he’s going to make a great father, and Brandon and I will be there for him.”

  Mama Esther smiled. “I know you will.”

  Sobering after several moments, Tamia sighed heavily. “Fiona was sentenced to nineteen years in prison. The judge was more lenient with her because she was a juvenile when . . .”

  Mama Esther nodded understandingly.

  They sat in silence for a while, holding hands and gently rocking back and forth on the swing.

  “Tamia?”

  “Yes, Mama?”

  Her grandmother’s eyes twinkled. “It’s time for you to push—”

  Tamia awakened slowly and glanced around the private hospital suite. There were beautiful floral arrangements, stuffed animals, balloons, and chocolates everywhere.

  Brandon stood at the window, his newborn son cradled lovingly in his arms.

  When Tamia saw them, tears swam into her eyes, blurring their images like a mirage shimmering in the distance.

  But these two weren’t mirages.

  They were very real.

  And they belonged to her. Both father and son.

  Even if she hadn’t already received the paternity test results, Tamia would have known that her son was one hundred percent Brandon’s. The baby had beautiful dark skin and the makings of thick black eyebrows, and when he opened his little mouth to yawn, dimples flashed in his chubby cheeks.

  Gwen had taken one look at her newborn grandson and burst into tears. “He looks just like Brandon did when he was born!”

  During yesterday’s intense labor and delivery, Brandon had stayed by Tamia’s side. He’d stroked her hair, kissed
her sweaty brow, whispered words of encouragement, and fervently told her how much he loved and appreciated her. And once she’d pushed out the baby, Brandon had proudly cut the umbilical cord with tears of joy streaming down his face.

  Tamia smiled at the memory, watching as her husband gently sifted his fingers through their son’s head full of curly black hair. Brandon Everett Junior was a healthy, strapping boy who’d entered the world at eight pounds and three ounces.

  Turning from the window, Brandon met Tamia’s gaze and smiled softly. “Hey, beautiful.”

  She smiled. “Hey.”

  Brandon started toward the bed. “The nurse brought him in for his feeding, but you were sleeping so peacefully I didn’t wanna wake you right away. So we’ve just been chillin’ together.” As the baby began to fuss softly, Brandon chuckled. “I think chillin’ time is over.”

  Tamia grinned, holding out her arms. “Bring him to mama.”

  Brandon tenderly kissed the swaddled infant’s forehead before handing him to Tamia.

  As she gazed down into her son’s adorable face, her heart swelled with such love and gratitude she could barely contain it. “Hey, little man,” she cooed. “Aren’t you mama’s precious baby boy? Yes, you are. Oh, yes, you—”

  “Later for all the sweet talk, woman,” Brandon teased. “Whip out that big tittie and feed my son.”

  Tamia laughed.

  Brandon gently brushed her hair off her face, then climbed into the bed and spooned her as the baby latched on to her nipple and vigorously began sucking.

  “Dayum,” Brandon marveled, watching over her shoulder. “He’s definitely gonna be a breast man.”

  Tamia grinned. “Like his daddy.”

  He laughed, nipping her bare shoulder. As they quietly watched their nursing child, Brandon murmured, “How’re you feeling, sweetheart?”

  “Like the luckiest woman in the world.” Tamia smiled, tenderly stroking the infant’s soft cheek. “Beej is such a sweet miracle—”

  “Beej?” Brandon echoed.

  “Yeah. It’s a nickname for Brandon Everett Junior.”

  Brandon chuckled. “Nah, babe, that ain’t gonna work.”

  “Why not?”

  “You gon’ have my son getting clowned at school.”

  Tamia laughed. “Then I guess you’d better teach him how to defend himself, huh?”

  “Oh, I’m doing that regardless.” Brandon grinned. “But we’ll have to talk some more about that nickname.”

  Tamia sighed. “Okay, Counselor. I’m open to negotiations.”

  “Smart woman.”

  She bumped her shoulder against his chest, and he laughed.

  After a while they fell silent, watching as their contented son closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep.

  Brandon cuddled closer to Tamia and whispered, “Thank you.”

  She looked back, met his worshipful gaze, and smiled. “Thank you.”

  He leaned down and kissed her so tenderly that tears welled in her eyes. As he gently stroked her hip, Tamia reached for his hand.

  Their fingers met . . . tangled . . . settled together.

  The story of their romance.

  Epilogue

  Houston, Texas

  April 2013

  Brandon stood at the podium addressing a huge crowd of cheering supporters who’d come out to celebrate his primary victory. His family and friends were front and center, their eyes shining with pride and excitement as they waved signs proclaiming BRANDON CHAMBERS FOR SENATE. He was the Democratic nominee, headed into a general election showdown with his rival—Republican nominee Russ Sutcliffe.

  “Thank you, my fellow Texans, for not allowing the politics of hate and division to overshadow the important issues of this election. Thank you for turning a blind eye and a deaf ear to the smear campaigns my opponents mounted against me. It was brutal, but together we weathered the storm and came out on top.” Brandon smiled at Tamia, the words as much for her as his supporters.

  Standing beside him with their handsome son perched on her hip, Tamia gave him a wink.

  Turning back to the crowd, Brandon continued earnestly, “If you give me a chance to become your senator, I will fight for you the way I’ve always fought for what I believe in. I won’t be bullied by filibustering senators who have an agenda that doesn’t serve the people. If need be, I will go straight gangsta on that Senate floor—”

  As a wave of laughter and cheers swept through the crowd, Governor Bernard Chambers and First Lady Gwen could be seen shaking their heads and fighting back smiles while Beau, Brooke, Dre, Justin, and Cornel pumped their fists and whooped.

  Brandon continued, “I’ll do whatever it takes to ensure that your voices are heard and your needs are met. That’s my promise to you, and I don’t take promises lightly. So thank you all for rolling deep with me. Our work has just begun!”

  The crowd clapped enthusiastically as Brandon’s speech ended. When he and Tamia gave each other affectionate fist bumps, the applause swelled into a roar of approval.

  Brandon stared intently at Tamia. “Still with me?”

  She knew he wasn’t just talking about his political campaign, but about their future together.

  She curved her hand against his cheek, gazed into his eyes, and let her heart speak to his before she avowed, “I’m with you, Brandon Chambers. Today. Tomorrow. Always.”

  He smiled and winked at her. “Then let’s do this. . . .”

  A READING GROUP GUIDE

  BETRAYAL

  Naomi Chase

  ABOUT THIS GUIDE

  The suggested questions are included

  to enhance your group’s reading of

  Naomi Chase’s

  Betrayal.

  Discussion Questions

  1. When the story opened with a love scene, whom did you think Tamia was having sex with?

  2. Did you think Brandon would meet Tamia at the restaurant? Or did you expect him to go to the courthouse to marry Cynthia?

  3. Were you surprised when Brandon postponed the wedding?

  4. After Brandon chose to be with Cynthia, Tamia decided to cut her losses and move on with her life. Did you agree with her decision to distance herself from Brandon? Did you sympathize with her?

  5. Do you think Brandon was selfish for expecting Tamia to wait for him? Could you understand where he was coming from?

  6. Do you think Tamia was wrong for getting involved with Dominic again? After everything he’d done to her, was she foolish to trust him?

  7. Did you ever suspect that Cynthia was faking her pregnancy? If so, when?

  8. Were you surprised to learn that Honey and Lou betrayed Tamia by conspiring with Bishop Yarbrough?

  9. Were you surprised that Dominic was blackmailed into extorting sex from Tamia? Did this make his actions forgivable? Understandable?

  10. Do you think Brandon and Tamia belong together?

  11. Do you think Brandon’s parents will ever completely accept Tamia as Brandon’s wife?

  12. Do you think Brandon and Cynthia could have been happy together if she hadn’t lied about her pregnancy? Do you think Brandon would have eventually ended their relationship?

  13. Do you believe Dominic genuinely loves Tamia?

  14. How would you have felt if Dominic had been the father of Tamia’s baby?

  15. Were you shocked that Cynthia killed her own mother?

  16. Do you think Dre reacted unfairly when he learned that Fiona was pregnant?

  17. Do you think Dre and Brooke will end up together?

  18. Were you pleased with the ending of Betrayal? Why or why not?

  19. Would you like to read more about Brandon and Tamia in the future?

  Don’t miss the first two books in the Exposed series—

  turn the page for an excerpt from

  Exposed and Deception.

  On sale now at your local bookstore

  An excerpt from EXPOSED

  Chapter 1

  “Tamia! Baby, get
up.”

  Jolted awake by her boyfriend’s frantic voice, Tamia Luke opened her eyes and stared at his dark, handsome face. “What time is it?”

  “After seven,” Brandon replied.

  “Shit!” Tamia threw back the covers and sprang out of bed, naked breasts bouncing. “What happened? Why didn’t the alarm clock go off?”

  “The power must have gone out when it rained last night.”

  “Shit,” Tamia repeated, bending over to retrieve her discarded clothing from the floor. “I can’t be late for work. Especially not tod—Ow!” she yelped as Brandon slapped her soundly on the ass.

  He grinned, dimples flashing in his cheeks. “That’s for keeping me up late.”

  Tamia laughed. “I didn’t hear you complaining last night, Negro!” she called as Brandon ducked inside the large master bathroom, a blur of mahogany stretched over lean, taut muscles. “And hurry up so you can take me home!”

  Brandon’s response was muffled by the sound of running water.

  If they hadn’t been in such a rush, Tamia would have joined him in the shower for round two of what they’d started last night. After attending a cocktail party at a ritzy downtown hotel, Brandon had invited her back to his place to spend the night. They’d doused themselves with a bottle of champagne, then licked, sucked, and fucked each other until they collapsed from sheer exhaustion. They probably would have overslept even if last night’s storm hadn’t knocked out the electricity.

  Grinning slyly to herself, Tamia hurriedly tugged on her bra and panties and the black Christian Lacroix dress she’d worn to the cocktail party. Leaving Brandon to his shower, she headed out of the bedroom and made her way to the kitchen. It was a large, ultramodern room with gleaming granite countertops, black-lacquered cabinets, and stainless steel appliances. It was as immaculate as the rest of Brandon’s plush condo, thanks to the cleaning lady who came like clockwork twice a week.