Craving Temptation

by Deborah Fletcher Mello

  “Ouch!” Troy took a step back.

  Amina laughed. “I’m sorry but that was my fault. It was a quick decision.”

  Rachel shook her head. “You and I are starting off on the wrong foot,” she said as she leaned to give Amina a hug. She tossed Troy another harsh look. “I can’t believe you did that to me. Me! We’re family! I’m like your sister. I should kick you in your knees!”

  Troy laughed. “Why me? Kick her!”

  Rachel rolled her eyes. She reached out and punched Troy a second time.

  “I’ll make it up to you,” Troy said, a wide grin across his face as he rubbed the hurt from his shoulder.

  “Unless I’m the first to know ten minutes after you conceive your first child, you can’t make this up. You have really hurt my feelings.”

  “I’m sorry,” Troy said as he wrapped her in a warm hug. “But if it’s any consolation we didn’t tell Miss Alice either. She found out this morning.”

  Rachel laughed. “I hope she gave you hell!”

  “She did and you know better than anyone that she’s just getting started.”

  “Serves you right.”

  “Really though,” Troy said. “I know how we can make things right.”

  “How?”

  “We need someone to host an announcement party for us. And you’d be the perfect person.”

  Rachel grinned. “Can I hire a band?”

  Amina smiled. “You can do whatever you want.”

  Rachel reached to give Amina another hug. “Amina, I’m liking you more and more,” she said as she maneuvered toward the door.

  Amina laughed. “Enough to hire me?”

  Rachel’s head bobbed eagerly. “Girl, I had you on the payroll when you said hello!”

  16

  Amina had been tossing and turning for over an hour. Troy and Mike had been downstairs strategizing for most of the evening and Troy had not come to bed yet. She found it amusing that she had grown comfortable with sleeping in a king-size bed with him right next to her. The twin bed at her father’s was nothing but a faint memory and she couldn’t imagine herself sleeping alone in a bed ever again. She blew a deep sigh suddenly missing Troy’s being there with her.

  It had been a good day, she thought. Troy had made all of his political commitments on time. His friends and family had continued to celebrate their good fortune and she was once again employed. The only thing they still had not done was talk with her father.

  Nasser had not answered or returned any of her calls and when she’d stopped by the house no one had been home. She’d briefly considered showing up at a political dinner he was scheduled to attend but had changed her mind, refusing to put her father or Troy in any awkward situations. They had tomorrow and she hoped to catch him right after his morning prayers, before his public day started.

  Amina sat upright in the bed as she heard the front door close. Minutes later Mike’s car pulled out of the driveway, his tires screeching down the road. The house grew hauntingly quiet save for the soft beat of the stereo playing in the other room. The music was jazz, a rhythmic infusion of things she was just beginning to discover.

  Tossing back the covers Amina moved to the bathroom to check her reflection in the mirror. She rinsed her mouth with cool mint mouthwash and passed a damp washcloth over her face. With one last glance she pulled her fingers through the length of her hair. Moving out of the room, she wore nothing but an oversize T-shirt and bikini-cut panties. She eased herself toward the family room where Troy was still pouring over some paperwork.

  She paused in the doorway for a brief moment, watching him as he sat engrossed over a series of charts and financial statements. Deciding not to disturb him from his work, she turned an about-face.

  Troy spied her out of the corner of his eye and looked up from what he was doing. “Hey, you.”

  Amina turned back toward him. “Hey.”

  “Did Mike and I wake you?”

  She shook her head. “No, I couldn’t sleep. But I didn’t mean to disturb you. You look busy.”

  “You aren’t disturbing me.”

  He gestured for her to come to him, crooking a finger in her direction. Amina smiled sweetly as she sauntered to his side.

  “What are you working on?”

  Troy shrugged. “I forget. You’ve got me distracted with your sexy self.”

  She tossed her head back as she laughed. The lilt of it made him laugh with her. Troy pulled her onto his lap and she straddled her legs around his body. He pulled her close, her pelvis kissing the nature that had risen in his pants as he nuzzled his face against her neck. He licked her skin and it was sweet with a hint of salty against his tongue. He slid both hands beneath her T-shirt, his fingertips tracing the curve of her backside. He slowly kneaded her buttocks, the softness of her skin like silk against his palms.

  Amina wrapped her arms around his neck, locking her hands behind the back of his head. She captured his mouth with her own, her touch gentle at first, like the lightest brush of a feather. As Troy kissed her back she opened her mouth to him, the kiss becoming more passionate. She put her hands against his face and gently caressed his flesh with her thumbs as their kiss deepened ever more.

  Troy’s hands were still dancing beneath her shirt, his fingers grazing the sides of her waist, her back, her tummy. He pushed it up and as he eased it past her breasts and around her neck, she lifted her arms and pulled it over her head. Tossing it to the floor behind them Troy moved his hands back to her body, both palms pressing against her breasts. Her nipples hardened against his fingertips. Amina’s lips continued to dance against Troy’s lips, their tongues doing a sensuous tango in his mouth. His hands trailed down her sides and back to her hips as he pulled her against himself, lifting his body ever so slightly as he pushed himself against her.

  Amina suddenly needed to feel his skin against hers. She trailed her fingers across the white dress shirt he wore, undoing the trail of buttons down the front. Her fingertips were heated and warmth surged through his torso with each stroke of her hand. She pressed her body to his, her nipples brushing against him. Troy wrapped his arms around her, his hold tight.

  He kissed her neck and she closed her eyes, a low moan rushing past her lips. She was even more beautiful, he thought as she fell into a state of sensual bliss, her cheeks heated with desire. His mouth moved back to hers, his kisses more intense, his wanting surging through every nerve ending in his body. He felt himself break out into a sweat, perspiration beading against his skin.

  Amina’s eyes were closed and she was breathing harder. Troy trailed his lips across her chin, down her neck, leaning until he took one of her nipples into his mouth. He sucked on it gently, his tongue swirling around the hardened bud while his hand massaged and teased the other breast. Amina moaned again, the sensual sound further inciting his desires.

  He snaked a hand down to the waistband of her panties and Amina opened her eyes, her gaze locking with his. Her breath was hot, coming in heavy gasps, and she bit down against her bottom lip. His fingers tapped against her waist, resting there as he teased her, his gaze still locked with hers. He continued his journey down to the elastic band and eased his fingers inside. Amina gasped as he touched her, his fingers teasing and taunting her sex.

  Amina reached between them and pulled at his pants. A slow, easy smile pulled at her lips, her intent registered in the light that shimmered in her eyes. He shifted forward enough for her to pull at his zipper to release him. With Amina propped in his lap he inched up enough to pull his pants from around his hips and with her help pushed them past his knees, the fabric tangling around his ankles. The protrusion of flesh between his legs was rock hard, twitching for attention. Amina wrapped her hand around him, savoring the sensation of his manhood throbbing against her palm.

  Troy gestured with his eyes, his gaze guiding her movements. Amina lifted her body until she was hovered above him. With one hand she pulled the satin fabric of her panties to the side, then lowered herself s
lowly down against him. As her inner walls welcomed him in she gasped, a swift inhalation of air that filled her lungs. She held her breath as the moist cavity clasped and tugged at him, drawing him deeper and deeper into her. She blew the air past her lips as he filled her, the wealth of him tucked tightly against the inner satin of her feminine spirit.

  He recaptured her mouth, his tongue pushing past the line of her teeth. His touch was passionate, the sweetest moment of nirvana. He began to push and pull himself from her, the skin-to-skin contact encouraging his thrusts. Amina was grinding her hips against his, a rhythmic give and take that took his breath away. He gasped for air, her name teasing the tip of his tongue. Every muscle pulsed and tensed and clenched until they were both aching with pleasure.

  Time stood still as they both fell into an indulgent trance. Troy knew that she wouldn’t last much longer and he pulled her closer. Her gyrations became harder and swifter as she slammed her body against his. He met her stroke for stroke, his own desires surging with a force that would not be contained.

  Amina suddenly screamed, her body arching as she convulsed around him. His own body surged as they both dove into a state of frenzied ecstasy. Clinging to each other the two felt like they were soaring sky high, the moment overwhelming.

  Minutes later Troy continued to caress her, his own body still lost deep inside of hers. His nerve endings were still firing waves of aftershocks and she was still twitching, her body pulsing slow and easy. Her face was full of passion and pleasure, moisture glistening against her skin. He leaned forward and kissed her again.

  He suddenly lifted them both from the sofa, still holding her tightly against himself. He carried her into the bedroom and fell down onto the bed, his body covering hers. With renewed vigor he pumped himself into her, the last lines of his erection stretching eagerly. He wanted more and he took it as Amina gave it to him willingly. He stroked her over and over again until they both came a second time, Amina’s screams like balm to his spirit.

  They lay side by side both breathing heavily. Air felt like a precious commodity that only the two shared. It was sweet and nourishing as he inhaled when she exhaled, both panting in sync with each other. Time suddenly resumed, the hands on the clock beginning to spin again.

  “That was wonderful,” Amina said, her words a faint whisper. She pressed her mouth to his again and thrust her tongue inside. The kiss was quick and easy.

  Pulling back she leaned into him as his arms tightened around her. Troy smiled as she lay against him, her head on his shoulder. His hands lightly rubbed her back and in no time at all, both were fast asleep.

  Kareem Sayed slammed the local newspaper down onto the mahogany table. The front page of the society section was folded up; a quarter page, color image of mayoral candidate Troy Elliott and his new bride smiling up at them. The newlyweds had made the announcement at a party hosted by their family friend and Mr. Elliott’s legal partner.

  Everything on the tabletop shook from the infraction; a plate flying, water spilling, papers falling. Kareem’s face was beet red, ire like bad makeup across his cheeks and forehead. Basil jumped, his friend’s rage startling. The two men stood staring at each other until Basil turned his attention back to the legal documents he’d been reviewing. He said nothing until Kareem kicked a large hole in the drywall of his home.

  “Man, you really need to get a grip.”

  “You assured me that you had this under control.”

  “I do.”

  “I’m sorry. Did you miss the announcement that your sister married someone else?”

  “It’s not like you actually liked her. I don’t see it as a loss. This is fixable.”

  Kareem glared. Moving swiftly in Basil’s direction he knocked him from the stool he was sitting on.

  “What the hell! What’s your problem?” Basil shouted, jumping to his feet. He stood defensively, his hands raised.

  Kareem swiped a hand over his face, his fingers pulling at his nose. He inhaled swiftly as he focused his narrowed gaze on Basil’s face. “Screw this deal up for me and you’re a dead man. We stand to make a lot of money if we pull this off so you better get it right.”

  Basil slowly nodded. “I told you. I’ll take care of it.”

  Still glaring, Kareem stormed out of the room. Basil kept his eyes on the man until he was out of sight, Kareem heading down to the basement. The tension in his shoulders finally relaxed when he heard his heavy footsteps fade off into the distance.

  Basil blew a heavy sigh, pulled the news article into his hands, and read it for the second time. He had never trusted his sister to do what was expected of her. Amina had always had a mind of her own, even as a child, refusing to play nice in the sandbox when he told her to. Her spirit was enviable and there were times he wished he was more like her. Being jealous of Amina was why he did half the things he did. Rasheeda would have been a better choice to marry Kareem if he’d been looking for an obedient wife.

  He tossed the paper off to the side. Kareem was high-strung and unpredictable. He also had issues with anger. Basil had once thought his friend needed medication but he’d been reluctant to say so. Despite those flaws though, Kareem was a brilliant con man. He took the art of theft to new heights and Basil was hoping to learn as much as he could from him.

  His father would be disappointed if he ever found out, but Basil was going to make sure Nasser never got wind of the things he’d had to do. His father would be proud of him when all was said and done and Basil wouldn’t have to hear about his sister Amina’s accomplishments. Nasser would never be able to rub her success in his face ever again.

  For the first time Nasser looked old to Amina. As she stood watching him she was surprised by how aged her father suddenly seemed, his youthful posture a semblance of what she remembered it to be. It unnerved her and she felt herself begin to tremble. Sensing her anxiety, Troy grabbed her hand and gave her fingers a fast squeeze. Nasser cast a quick glance in their direction. He didn’t seem surprised to see them both standing there.

  “Good morning, Father.”

  “Mr. Salman, it’s a pleasure to finally meet you in person, sir,” Troy said. He extended his hand in greeting.

  Nasser pushed his chair back from his large desk, rising to shake Troy’s hand. “Mr. Elliott, welcome to my home.”

  “Thank you.”

  Nasser sat back down, clasping his hands in front of himself. He turned his attention back to his daughter. His tone was abrupt, his demeanor almost hostile. “Where is your sister?”

  Amina was slightly stunned. “Excuse me?”

  “Where is Rasheeda?”

  Her gaze skated back and forth. “I honestly don’t know. I left her in Atlanta. I know she had plans to visit her friend Todd in Baltimore, then she was going to head back to Atlanta to spend time with Mother. But I haven’t spoken with her.”

  Nasser bristled ever so slightly. “And you didn’t try to stop her?”

  “Why would I? She’s an adult and that’s what she wanted to do.”

  Nasser took a deep breath and exhaled loudly. “It is inappropriate for her to be traveling alone to spend time with any man unchaperoned.”

  “But she’s spending time with the man you selected for her to marry. A man she seems to care about.”

  “And Todd Bashir will not marry her if she does not adhere to tradition. What decent family will want her if she does not practice the decorum she’s been taught?”

  Amina shook her head. “I don’t think Rasheeda would do anything to disrespect herself, or you, Father. I’m sure that she is properly veiled and appropriately clothed. Rasheeda would never disappoint you.”

  Her father shook his head. “I do not appreciate your tone, Amina.”

  Troy interjected, slightly disturbed by the attitude Nasser was showing toward her. “I don’t think Amina meant you any disrespect, Mr. Salman. I think she wanted to assure you that Rasheeda is more than able to take care of herself and that you can trust she will do everything to en
sure her safety and her modesty.”

  Nasser narrowed his gaze on Troy, clearly not amused. He said nothing, turning his attention back to his daughter.

  Amina took a deep breath, taking a step closer to where he sat. “I apologize, Father. I didn’t come to fight with you. Troy and I have something important that we wanted to share with you.”

  Nasser moved onto his feet. He reached for the newspaper that rested on his desk, the announcement in the society page folded open. He waved it in the air. “And I spoke to your mother. She was very excited to tell me that you had married without me knowing.”

  Amina took another breath, her stomach twisting into a tight knot. “Troy and I had hoped to tell you ourselves.” She tossed Troy a quick look.

  Troy’s head waved ever so slightly from side to side. “Amina, will you give me a moment alone with your father?” He leaned and kissed her forehead.

  When her father said nothing, she nodded. Both men watched her as she exited the room, closing the door behind herself. Troy began to speak as Nasser sat back down, staring at him intently.

  “I want to apologize, Mr. Salman. I should have come to see you sooner and I was wrong for not doing so.”

  “You and Amina have not known each other long. Is that correct?”

  Troy nodded. “Yes, sir, that’s correct. But we’ve known each other long enough to know that we’ve made the right decision. I love Amina with everything in me. I want to spend the rest of my life taking care of her, ensuring her happiness. She means the world to me. I understand that you don’t know me but I hope that you’ll give me an opportunity to prove myself to you. To show you just how much love and respect I have for your daughter.”

  “Are you Muslim, Mr. Elliott?”

  “No, sir. I’m not.”

  “Do you plan to convert?”

  “No, sir. I gave it some consideration but Amina and I both agreed that it was not for me.”

  Nasser nodded. “I was very happy when my older daughter finally came home to me. I was not happy with how her mother raised her and felt that this was an opportunity for things to be right in her life. She was making an effort to learn our ways and follow our teachings and then suddenly she stopped. I imagine that was when she became acquainted with you. If I’d had any idea I would have interceded. I would have ordered Amina not to see you and she would have obeyed. Now Amina had done the unthinkable, the ultimate taboo for a good Muslim girl from a good Muslim family.”