“May I have your name?” the receptionist politely asked.
“It’s Shakita. He’s expecting me.”
“Okay. One moment, Shakita,” the receptionist said, as she picked up her phone to dial Eric’s extension. “Eric. There is a Miss Shakita here to see you.” The receptionist waited for his response and then hung up the phone. “All right, here’s your card. He told me you know where his office is,” the receptionist said, as she handed Shakita a silver access card.
The Black Emporium offered eight different service levels, which were all categorized by colored access cards. The cards came in pink, red, blue, yellow, orange, gold, purple, and black. The pink card was the lowest-level service card and the black was the highest. The silver card wasn’t a service card at all and was only given out if a person were going to Eric’s floor.
Shakita took her card and walked over to the elevator where she then flashed it at the guard who would allow her to get on the elevator. Once in the elevator, Shakita inserted her card into the access panel. “You are going to Level-Silver,” the voice prompter informed her as the elevator began to move. The elevator passed all the other colored floors as it was programmed not to stop until it got to the silver level. “You are at Level-Silver. Please take your card,” the voice prompter informed her again as the silver card was ejected right before the doors opened. Shakita took the card and stepped out of the elevator and was now in the center of Eric’s office.
“Petita Shakita,” Eric said as Shakita approached his desk. He had a lit cigar in his hand, but put it down in his ivory marble ashtray once Shakita was before him. He got up to give her a hug. It had been such a long time since he had seen her. “How are you?” he said as he held her tightly to his tall and well-groomed frame.
He was draped in a sandy, linen, custom-made Armani suit and wore a diamond-and-platinum Audemars Piguet watch. He always smelled of high-quality scents and looked even better.
“I’m not doing too good,” Shakita said sadly, as she tightly embraced him.
“What’s going on?”
“I’m in a little trouble, Eric.”
“What kind of trouble?”
“I owe somebody a lot of money.”
“What happened and how much?”
“I can’t tell you what happened right now, but I owe them two hundred and fifty thousand.”
Eric shook his head in disappointment. “How do you manage to get yourself in situations like this?”
Shakita dropped her head down in shame. “Just being stupid, I guess. I didn’t mean for it to happen this way and now I really jammed myself up. You were the only one I could turn to for help.”
Eric broke their clasp and moved himself away from her. “So I guess you want me to give you the money?”
“Not exactly give me the money. I mean I can pay you back any way I can. Just consider it a loan.”
Eric positioned himself on top of his desk with his left arm resting on his thigh, while his right foot was still on the floor. “A loan?”
“Yes, a loan.”
“If I can recall correctly, I’ve given you a loan before. Matter of fact, quite a few of them, and you’ve never paid me back. You always up and disappear and come back whenever you run into another problem. I don’t know if I can do it anymore.”
He was right, but Shakita still had to find a way to convince him that this time would be different.
“Look, Eric. I know I haven’t made good on my promises in the past. But this time is different.” Her eyes started to moisten. “This time I put other people in danger and it might cost us our lives. If you help me, I promise I will pay you back every dime. Please help me, Eric. I really need you more than ever right now.”
Eric dropped his head to weigh out his options. He didn’t know whether to believe Shakita this time or not. He had trusted her many times in the past and each time, she had abandoned her obligation to him. Yet, he had an emotional connection to her that he couldn’t let go of. Not only did he feel deeply sorry for her, but also he was still secretly in love with her.
Eric loved so many qualities about Shakita and wished she could be his perfect lady, but her body and soul were too badly tainted. Shakita wasn’t the right woman for him to risk his reputation and everything he’d worked hard for. Unfortunately, he was a glutton for punishment and couldn’t help but to woo her every chance he got.
“All right, Shakita, I’ll help you. I can’t give you what you’re asking for. A lot of my assets are tied up in investments, along with the development of four more Black Emporiums. But I can give you something.”
Shakita felt relieved and wanted to stroke his ego a little, hoping to get him to change his mind and give her the full amount.
“Thank you so much. I really appreciate it. Only if you could really know how much I do.” She looked around at her surroundings. “I can’t believe you’re adding on to what you built here so far. Are your new locations going to be in the city?”
“Not hardly, I’m thinking bigger than D.C. I’m opening up in Atlanta, Las Vegas, L.A., and Hong Kong.”
“You’re opening one in Hong Kong? Why there?”
“Hong Kong is a very rich region with a low taxation policy. It’s a golden opportunity to start a global network from there. With Hong Kong’s strong economic influence on Europe, the UK, Germany, France, and Italy will soon want a Black Emporium of their own.”
“You are a marketing genius,” Shakita said as she walked over to him and stood in between his legs. “You are so brilliant and you know exactly what you want in life. I wish I could be more like you,” she said as she glided her hand across his firm chest.
Eric became weak when Shakita touched him, but he had to be strong and not give in to her flirtatious manner. He felt what she was doing and couldn’t let her continue with her advances. “I can only give you ten thousand,” he said as he stopped her hand from moving up his chest, then stared into her eyes. He waited for her reaction to see how grateful she was.
“Thank you so much, Eric. That really helps out a whole lot, but honestly, I need to find a way to get more. My life depends on it.”
“I’m sorry, but that’s the best I can do for now.”
“How about workin’ for you? Can I work for you, so I can get the rest of the money I need?”
“Do you really want to go back to tricking?”
“No. But right now I have no other choice. I need to get that money.”
“Okay. You can work here until you get the money you need.”
“In here? I can’t work in here. You know I work better in the streets.”
“True indeed, but you can make more money in here than you can make out there and with less risk. You already know the high-paying clients that come through here so this would be your best situation. If you’re trying to make some big money quick, then I suggest that you do it.”
“What about drug runs? Can I do those for you?”
“I’m fully legit now, baby. I’ve been out of the drug game for months now. The only thing I can offer you is in here.”
Shakita didn’t want to work under Eric’s roof, but he was right. She could make more money working at the spa and avoid having to do illegal prostitution on the streets. She took Eric up on his offer. “Okay. I’ll work here, but I really got to make some money.”
“No problem. I’ll put you on the gold floor. You should do well there.”
“How come I can’t be on the black or purple floor? Don’t those floors make the most money?”
“Yes. But those floors are off-limits to you.”
“I don’t understand. Why can’t I go on those floors?”
“I don’t want you up there and that’s the only explanation I’m going to give you.”
Shakita wanted to know what was Eric’s reasoning for not allowing her onto the floors, but she didn’t want to aggravate him. “I’m sorry, Eric. I stepped out of line. It won’t happen again.”
“Don’t apol
ogize for what you said, just don’t question me.”
Shakita nodded her head making it clear that she understood.
“Now when do you want to start?”
“I wanna start now. I gotta make some money today.”
“Do you have anything to wear?”
“Yeah. I have a few of my old lingerie sets at home. I could go get them.”
“Don’t bother. I want you to go shopping for some new pieces.” He pulled a money clip full of hundreds out of his pocket. He removed the clip and gave her ten bills. She quickly stuffed them in her tight pants pocket and then gave him a hug. She wanted to tell him how thankful she was for the extra money, but before she could, he placed his fingers over her lips.
“Before you go shopping and start on the gold floor, I need to have you before anyone else does.”
Shakita’s pussy instantly became sodden from the slightest touch of his finger. She loved the way Eric desired her. She followed him into his master bedroom suite that connected to his office. Shakita had been in this room many times and everything still looked the same.
Shakita saw that the walls in the room were still painted burgundy as she walked across the glossy hardwood floor. The room was very well shaded by the drapes that kept the sun’s rays from coming in. The plasma television was turned on with the volume muted as jazz music played low throughout the surround-sound theater system. Eric always had the mood set and that drove Shakita crazy. She stripped out of her clothes as Eric did the same. Shakita hadn’t been with Eric in so long, and it felt good to be caught up in the moment with him again.
They found their way onto his king-sized bed as they passionately kissed. His warm mouth kissed lightly on her neck while his hands explored her endless curves. She was captivated by his touch and wanted him even more. He then cupped her soft breasts together and sucked her swollen nipples simultaneously. She arched her back as a sharp tingle traveled down her spine. He grabbed a condom from on top of the nightstand and quickly rolled it over his large mass. He circled his dick around her glazed lips several times and then entered her slowly.
She gasped as his thickness rippled in and out of her tight walls. Shakita dug her nails into Eric’s hard muscles as he gave her more than she could handle. He was by far the best lover she ever had, and didn’t know how a man could make her feel so damn good. Eric’s dick was a diamond, and any woman in the world would want it to be their best friend. Every inch of his flawless stone graciously drilled out her insides. Her body soon fell into an enhanced state of ecstasy that released a sexual eruption, over and over again.
CHAPTER 6
After several hours of window shopping, and trying on outfits and dresses she couldn’t afford, Latrice decided to call Shakita back. Shakita’s phone continued to ring and then went to voicemail again. Latrice still didn’t think anything of it, and went to her favorite restaurant, Tara Thai, to have a late lunch. Before Latrice had left the mall, she’d decided to buy one particular item, a pair of Oakley sunglasses. She thought she needed a pair of hot sunglasses, so she could look trendier, and wanted to be taken more seriously by Clarity. The success of Bangspot Records was highly riding on having Clarity sign to the label. Without Clarity, Latrice didn’t know if she had enough time to secure another artist by Bay’s release. Latrice needed her to get on board badly.
Latrice had a little over an hour left before she needed to be at the club. She decided to go back home to freshen up before the show. She had been trying on clothes all day and wanted to take a quick shower. When she got out of the shower, she touched up her hair, put on a red Bebe side-cutout mini dress, then picked out a pair of black pumps to match. She sprayed herself with her sweet-smelling Lancôme Miracle perfume, then looked in the mirror and hoped for a miracle tonight. Latrice put in her small, white-gold diamond hoop earrings and was now looking like she had money in the bank.
Latrice got down to the club at seven-thirty p.m., and noticed that there was already a long line that had formed outside the club. She had figured this would happen since Clarity was such a hot artist. She parked in the parking garage across the street from the Fantasy Lounge and walked over to the club. Latrice patiently stood in line, and waited for her turn to get in the club, as the line continued to wrap around the corner. At seven forty-five the doors opened and everyone started to pour in rapidly. Latrice’s stomach knotted up as she anticipated the beginning of an interesting night.
The bartenders were busy serving up drinks to the rowdy crowd that waited for the first act to come on stage. A few minutes later the lights got low indicating that the show was about to start. Right before the first act made it to the stage, someone tapped Latrice on her shoulder. She turned around and saw that it was a guy that she had never seen.
“How are you doing tonight?” the tall, dark-skinned guy asked.
She smiled. “I’m doing good.”
“I bought you a drink,” he said as he held out a Long Island Iced Tea.
Latrice was confused. “You bought me a drink? But I don’t even know you. I’m sorry, but I can’t accept that.”
“Why not?”
“I don’t know you. You could have put some date rape drug in there, for all I know.”
He raised the glass up to his mouth and took a big gulp from it. “Well, if it affects you, then it’ll affect me.” He smiled and held the drink out to her again.
Latrice liked his smile and charm but still couldn’t take the drink from him. She didn’t know him well enough.
“I’m sorry, but I still can’t take the drink from you.”
“Do you still think I put something in it?”
“Maybe, but even if I watched you get it from the bar, I still wouldn’t drink it. I decided not to drink tonight. Now if you want me to pay you for the drink, I can do that, so you won’t feel some type of way about it.”
“No, it’s okay. I wouldn’t want it to go to waste. I’ll just drink it myself,” he said as he took a sip of the drink with the straw this time.
Latrice found him very attractive and didn’t want him to think she was a stuck-up bitch. She decided to talk to him. “So what’s your name?”
“Teyron. What’s yours?”
“Latrice.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Latrice.” Teyron extended his hand for her to shake it.
“It’s nice to meet you as well.”
“If you don’t mind me asking, why aren’t you drinking tonight?”
“I’m meeting with…wait a minute, what type of business are you in?” She didn’t know if he might have been there to sign Clarity, too. Latrice had to choose her words carefully.
“I’m a singer.”
Latrice gave out a silent sigh of relief. “What type of singer are you?”
“R and B, baby.”
“That’s very interesting. Are you signed to a label?”
“Not yet. But I will be.”
“Are you in a group or are you solo?”
“I’m solo. I used to be in a group, but they didn’t have the same focus as I did.”
“And what focus is that?”
“To be number one. I’m gonna be the future of R and B.”
“Have you met with any labels yet?”
“Not yet. But once they hear my demo, they’re gonna be all on ya boy.”
“Well, I’m starting a label soon. I would like to hear your demo.”
“You’re gonna start a label? Really?”
“Yes. I’m actually here to see Clarity. I’m trying to sign her to my label.”
“Are you serious? I’m tryna to get her to rap on one of my songs.”
“Maybe that could be possible. Have you heard of Killa D and Piff?”
“Hell yeah. Who haven’t?”
“Well, they’re already signed. You never know, they could be on one of your songs, too.” Latrice could see she had his interest and Teyron thought him meeting her was too good to be true.
“So Teyron. When can I get one of you
r demos?”
Teyron only had one demo CD with him and he was planning on giving it to Clarity. He really wanted to get Clarity on a track with him, but if he could get a deal and have Clarity as a possible label mate, then he would have a double win. Teyron had to take a chance with Latrice. He reached in his back pocket and handed her his CD.
“Now that’s the only copy I have on me. I was gonna give it to Clarity, so I hope you take the music serious.”
“Believe me. I definitely will.” She gave him a small smirk. “If I don’t like your music, then I’ll still pass it on to Clarity. Even if she does not sign to my label, having me give her your demo would be a better look for you. Ya dig?”
Teyron felt confident he’d made the right choice by giving Latrice his demo, but he needed to ask her one question.
“What is the name of your label?” Latrice could’ve been blowing smoke up his ass and he needed to know who he was handing his work over to. Latrice could be a crook.
“Bangspot Records. We’re going to be the biggest thing in hip-hop.”
“I’m feeling that name. Do you have a business card?”
“You know I do.” She handed him the card and he studied the information on it.
He liked what he saw and could tell Latrice was the real deal. “So if you like my sound, do you really think you can make me a star?”
“Baby boy, if I like you, then you ain’t just gonna be a star; you’re goin’ shine like a mothafucker. Ya dig? Bangspot is going to take over shit. You can believe that.”
Teyron and Latrice continued to talk about the business as the two rappers performed. Neither group was anything out of the ordinary to boast about, and was only a reminder of how good Clarity really was. The crowd went crazy once Clarity’s hype man, Dull, hit the stage.
“What’s up, D.C.?” The crowd continued to holler and scream. “I said what the fuck is up, D.C.!” The crowd got even louder. “Tonight! The realest bitch in the world is about to rip this mothafucka up! Are y’all ready?” The crowd continued to scream. “I said, are y’all fuckin’ ready?” The crowd got so loud that the whole club felt like it was shaking. “D.C.! Here she is! It’s Clarity!”
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