One More Chance (D'Amato Brothers)

by Vera Roberts

  One More Chance

  By Vera Roberts

  For BESM.

  © 2017 Vera Roberts, All Rights Reserved

  This e-book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This e-book may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient.

  This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places and incidents are products of the author’s imagination, or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or locales, is entirely coincidental.

  Other Titles by Vera Roberts

  The Breakaway Series:

  Breakaway

  Game Misconduct

  Face-Off

  Power Play

  Scoring Chance

  The D’Amato Brothers Series:

  The Nanny

  To Love and Obey (BDSM)

  Where I Wanna Be

  All I’ve Ever Wanted

  Love

  Nothing Even Matters

  The D’Amato Brothers/S&M Crossover (BDSM):

  Anticipation

  Yes, Master

  I Need You

  The Jackson and Liane Series:

  Daddy’s Angel

  Fire We Make

  When Love Calls

  The Scott & Mariana Serial (BDSM):

  S&M

  S&M II

  Discipline

  S&M III, Vol. I

  S&M III, Vol. II

  S&M IV, Part 1

  The Ex-Factor

  Stronger Than Pride

  The State of Affairs Series:

  State of affairs

  Superpower

  Standalone Novels:

  Feeling Some Type of Way

  I Knew You Were Trouble

  Wait for Love

  Short stories:

  Blow by Blow: Diary of a Call Girl #1

  Blow by Blow: Diary of a Call Girl #2

  Dear Diary

  Gettin' It

  Hot Like Fire (Sweet and Clean Romance)

  The Train Ride (Free on Smashwords.com)

  The Erotic Intoxication, Vol. I: Bad Girls

  The Painter

  Til Tomorrow

  Facebook Page:

  www.facebook.com/ms.vera.roberts

  Blog:

  www.veraroberts.com

  eroticamistress.tumblr.com

  Blurb

  He loved her forever. He loved her enough to let her go. Now she’s back.

  Tony D’Amato knew he shouldn’t have wasted his time with an ex-girlfriend, but on the most romantic day of the year, he couldn’t bear the thought of seeing her alone. Now she’s at his home and he wonders if there was time for second chances.

  Krista Allen broke Tony’s heart by betraying him in the worst way. Several years passed and while they’re on friendly terms with each other, things weren’t quite the same. Now a chance reunion makes her wonder if he’d truly forgiven her or just humoring her.

  Could second chances happen between the couple? Or is it too little too late?

  One More Chance is a prequel novelette to Stay With Me. This is a contemporary erotic romance deals with trust, second chances, and true love.

  One

  It was disgusting to be at MillionHair salon on Valentine’s Day.

  Between the over-excitement of many patrons wanting to look their very best for that night’s activities, to the vast array of flowers that filled up every nook and corner of the salon courtesy of the owner’s ex-husband, to overhearing (and sometimes oversharing) intimate plans for a night of headboard knocking, Krista Allen was over it.

  She had no plans because the man she was dating – if they could call it that – was busy.

  She was proud she came up with a canned answer in case anyone did ask her what was she going to do that night.

  Oh, we’re going to see a movie.

  Oh, we’re going to stay in and make it all romantic and cozy.

  Oh, he has a surprise for me.

  We already celebrated. We did it yesterday!

  Lies, lies, and mo’ lies.

  Truth was, Krista had reservations at Eleven Madison Park. Alone. She’d always wanted to go to the three-star Michellin-rated restaurant and saved up as much money as she could to treat herself. She made the reservation six months ago and purposely chose Valentine’s Day. She’d hoped her casual date would join her but as always, he was just too busy.

  Happy Valentine’s to me. I guess.

  She glanced up at the clock and knew she needed to finish cleaning up so she could hurry out and get dressed. She had a lot to do before she would take herself out that night. She needed the distraction.

  And figure out what the hell she was doing wrong with her life.

  Krista wasn’t a goody-goody but she most certainly didn’t play by anyone’s rules other than hers. Coming from a rough upbringing that took years of therapy and happy pills to counter the effects, Krista lived life on her own terms. She had solace in her best friend, Faith, whose family took her in when Krista was still a teenager.

  It seemed for the rest of her life, she was still trying to figure out what she wanted to be when she grew up.

  She would worry about that later. If she hurried, she could leave the shop without Faith being all up in her business like she was about to spill some hot tea and was in the process of passing out cups.

  ~~~~~

  “So, what are your plans for tonight, missy?” Faith Sheppard asked as she worked on a customer’s hair.

  “I’m treating myself out to dinner,” Krista replied with the truth, “and go home and watch a flick.”

  “Oh?” Faith carefully curled a lock of hair. “I thought Marc was taking you out somewhere.”

  “Marc is busy as always,” Krista tried to hide the disappointment. She knew dating a real estate developer meant long days and many hours. She didn’t think it would cut into their relationship as much as it did.

  “Oh, I see,” Faith grinned. “I guess he’s so busy he can’t see you on the most romantic day of the year?”

  “Stop it,” Krista warned and Faith shrugged, “I’m sure Eli has an excuse why he can’t see you tonight.”

  “Um,” Faith glanced around at her shop. She was in the process of reconciling with her ex-husband, world-famous floral designer, Eli D’Amato. Eli’d sent a dozen roses for each year they had been a part of each other’s lives. Seventeen vases filled every corner of the shop in a variety of colors and arrangements. “No, Zaddy is seeing me tonight and he’s getting the extra suck.”

  “You are so damn nasty,” Krista rolled her eyes.

  “Hey, don’t be mad my sex life is on and poppin’ and yours ain’t,” Faith chuckled, “when’s the last time you had your back blown out?”

  “Like a week ago,” Krista lied. It’s been a long month. “So, I’m good.”

  “Yeah, okay.” Faith grabbed another piece of hair and began curling it. “I bet baby girl got some cobwebs in her ‘nani.”

  “Okay, I can hear you!” Krista laughed as Faith joined in. “Don’t worry about me, I’m good.”

  “I ain’t worried,” Faith shrugged, “I just want to make sure you’re good and you’re getting the good.”

  “I’m getting it. All of it.” Krista emphasized. “So, don’t worry.”

  “I’m not.” Faith quickly finished the client’s hair, who paid and left the salon. It only left Faith and Krista alone. “So,” Faith began cleaning up her station, “a certain somebody is alone tonight.”

  “Girl, didn’t I tell you I was fine?” Krista interrupted.

  “No, I ain’t talking about you soon-to
-be-cat lady,” Faith grinned, “I’m referring to Tony.”

  Krista’s posture straightened upon hearing her ex’s name. Tony D’Amato. The youngest brother of all five. He was younger than Krista by a few years but his maturity made him seem older than her by several.

  She’d known Tony since he was a prepubescent kid, and treated him as such. Even when he started to fill out his clothing more and spent more time on his appearance, he was always Eli’s little brother to her.

  As he became older and more confident in his masculinity, Krista noticed the change within Tony. Around his brothers, he was the lovable goofball brother who never shied away from controversial opinions, and often getting popped in the back of the head because of it.

  He was the homie that gave his last dollar to his frat brothers and friends. He was the activist that often gave children and teens haircuts and manicures if they did well in school.

  Around women, however, it was a completely different ballgame.

  He was smooth as a quiet and raw sexuality emanated through him. His voice was soft baritone that demanded attention before it was freely given. He treated every woman as if she was the only one on Earth and never gave anyone a reason to feel insecure.

  It was no wonder Tony once had a harem of his own, with many flings in different zip codes.

  He was just the generous and friendly Tony who had a crush on Krista, but never acted on it.

  Until one night he wasn’t.

  After a game of truth or dare with too much liquor flowing between both parties, Tony edged out of the friendzone and right between Krista’s legs. It was the most wild sex Krista ever had. It was the most raw and passionate; a flowing yin-yang between them. Whatever he gave, she took. Whatever she threw back, he welcomed.

  For a solid year, they were one of New York’s finest. They were city royalty and often bragged about each other on their respective social media pages. They made hood chic fashionable, with matching Timbs and faux fur coats. They may have overdid it with the PDA posts but it didn’t matter to them. They loved each other and that was that.

  Until it wasn’t.

  Krista betrayed Tony in the worst way other than cheating and theft. In fact, she could probably say Tony would’ve preferred Krista stole or cheated on him than what she’d done.

  That was two years ago and he barely started talking to her again. He seemingly moved on and as she. He kept a relatively low profile on his Instagram page, only promoting his barbershops and his growing sneaker collection. Sometimes, he posted a funny meme he’d seen. Other times, he posted a pic with one or more of his brothers and friends.

  What was worse was Krista stalked him like a depraved ex, wanting to know what he was doing and who he was doing it with. She could still smell his scent in her closet, on her sheets, in every place she went to.

  No mention of any girlfriend. There were no rumors of one, neither.

  Krista sighed and shrugged. Maybe it was for the best. Tony had moved on and their relationship, while it wasn’t the friendship she wanted, she would have to settle for a cordial hello and goodbye whenever they saw each other.

  “That’s nice,” she managed to say.

  “Yeah, well, maybe you two members of lonely island can meet up with each other.” Faith encouraged. “And see if there’s a second chance for you two.”

  “I doubt it,” Krista could still remember the ice in Tony’s demeanor when she saw him over Christmas. She was pretty sure there was no love left.

  “Who knows?” Faith finished the cleanup and locked up the shop. As always, a police officer escorted the ladies to their awaiting cars. “I still say give him a chance.”

  “I’m not the one who needs to give anyone a chance,” Krista reasoned, “it’s the other way around. And if he hates me like I think he does, he’ll never forgive me.”

  After Krista went home, she quickly got ready. Her driver was going to arrive at any moment and take her on her solo-but-not-pathetic-date-even-though-every-one-in-the-universe-has-a-date Valentine’s dinner.

  She was not going to become depressed about it.

  She turned on the TV and casually flipped through the channels, trying to find something to kill the time when she stumbled on an episode of Martin. The flashback hit her like a ton of bricks.

  “So, I was thinking Laverne & Shirley,” Tony suggested as the Yorkies played with each other.

  “Laverne & Shirley?” Krista raised an arched eyebrow. “Too outdated. What about Catelyn and Cersei?”

  “I’m not sure I’m comfortable naming my kid after someone who’s an Incest Queen,” Tony shook his head, “Arya and Sansa?”

  “Sansa’s weak as all shit,” Krista shook her head, “My doggie daughter is a bitch but she ain’t being named after that bitch.”

  “Okay, fine,” Tony smiled, “you choose some names.”

  “Khadijah and Synclaire?”

  Tony shook his head. “It doesn’t go with D’Amato and I’m not feeling Synclaire.”

  “No? You don’t like the name.”

  “No, I didn’t like her but her and Overton were kindred spirits,” he added, “hit me with another.”

  “Mellie and Olivia.”

  Tony opened and closed his mouth a few times before he settled on something. “There are a million things wrong with that scenario.”

  “Okay, Fitz and Cyrus?” Krista smiled.

  Tony sighed. “You’re killing me, smalls.”

  Krista laughed. “Okay, fine. Here’s one I know you won’t refuse, alright? You ready? You ready?”

  “Bring it on, baby!” Tony dared.

  “Gina and Pam.” Krista crossed her arms.

  Tony thought about it for a moment and began saying the names. They went well with D’Amato. “Gina and Pam it is.” He stood up and held the puppies in the air. “I, Tony of House D’Amato, former Lord of the Thots, current Keeper of a Precious Heart, hereby declare you to be Pam and Daaaamn, Gina!”

  Krista shook her head as she turned off the TV. She wondered how the Yorkies were doing.

  Two

  “I am so glad that day is over,” Trudi Vargas said to no one in particular as she cleaned up her station. “Because if I had to do one mo’ head…”

  “Ah, quit your bitchin’,” Wes Anthony replied. “You know you love what you do and you’re good at it.”

  “No, boo boo,” Trudi shook her head, “I’m damn good at it. Get it right, baby.”

  The barbers at the Truth Lounge cleaned up for the night as they all prepared for their respective Valentine’s dates.

  “Yo, man, what are your plans for tonight?” Wes asked.

  “Taking the girl out to dinner,” The lone female barber, Trudi, replied. She was a tall, black woman with a fade better than some men she serviced. She was also openly gay and it made it a point to let every poor sap that hit on her that unless he had a pussy, she was not interested. And even on that note, she admitted she would be oddly curious but still not interested. “Yo, check it. I got Roni some lingerie. I’m about to make her favorite dessert tonight…” She nodded.

  “You about to get dem draws, aren’t you?” Wes asked.

  “I’m about to have that chick upside down, spread eagle, and praising the Lord Jesus.” Trudi smiled. “What about you?”

  “Sent a couple dozen roses to the lady at her job. Then going home and showering the lady with a night she’ll never forget.” Wes smiled. He was a black man with a nice fade and muscular build. He was also co-owner of The Truth. “Other than that, just keeping the wifey happy.”

  “I hear that, bro.” Antonio “Tony” D’Amato wiped down his chair.

  “What are your plans?” Trudi asked Tony.

  “I’m taking the best date in town out to Eleven Madison Park, baby!” Tony beamed.

  “Oh word?” Wes replied. “A new girl?”

  “Nah, man.” Tony nodded. “Myself.”

  The Truth barber lounge was unusually busy for Valentine’s Day. From many p
atrons coming in to get the best shape-up and fades for their dates to the playing banter between the barbers, it was non-stop. Tony counted the number of heads he did and it was around six. No wonder he was exhausted.

  “Ay, yo.” Wes called Tony over. “Check it out, man.”

  Tony walked over to Wes standing by the private back entrance and saw Faith and Krista escorted to their cars. His eyes followed her as she walked into the shared parking lot that served The Truth barber lounge and MillionHair salon. He cursed under his breath as he felt his body betray him; his erection pressed against his jeans and his heart thundered against his chest.

  He slowly watched her long, ebony hair sway in perfect motion of her hips and ass, as if they were synchronized upon every step. It didn’t help her attire of tight jeans, thigh-high boots, and a white sweater only added to the allure of her.

  Krista Allen. He wished he hated her.

  Instead, Tony tightly gripped the broom and watched his ex-girlfriend get into her Mercedes – a gift from him – and take off. He couldn’t hate her even if he wanted to.

  He’d waited forever to have her, only to let her go when he felt he could no longer trust her. He would love to say he wished he didn’t care, but truth was Tony cared too much. He knew when she’d arrived to work and when she’d left. He had to stop himself from driving past her apartment complex to make sure she was safely at home.

  He cared more than he wanted to and it killed him. His brain hated her, his dick still wanted her, and his heart craved her.

  Why couldn’t he be like his boys and completely forget about women in the past?

  “Do you know what she’s doing for Valentine’s?” Wes asked.

  “Should I?” Tony replied with a bite in his voice.

  “Don’t shoot the messenger, bro.” Wes backed off. “I thought since you two were friendly again, you would know.”

  “Nah, I don’t inquire about that stuff,” Tony shook his head. “I have no desire to know what she does.” Liar. Tony wanted to know everything Krista did. “I hope she has fun tonight.” No, he didn’t. He hoped her date with whoever was miserable as all shit.

  “She’s probably still bitter,” Trudi added, “I know how black women can be. We can hold grudges like nobody’s business. Shit, my mama is still holding a grudge against someone from 7th grade and she’s 54.”