Born with three commas in his bank account and melodies in his veins, Marques Carter is the rising prince of R&B. But not even his family name can guarantees success.
Brione Allen is a smart woman that made a dumb decision: trusting the wrong man. He blackmailed her family and now she’s bound by a debt they knew she couldn’t pay.
A chance meeting leads to an encrypted proposal: One week, one hundred thousand dollars, one incriminating secret. But when extortion and family ties expose them to the worst of the limelight, which secrets will they keep…and which will threaten their small light of hope?
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Chapter One
The same time every week for three years and the call got no easier. Brione Allen sat on the couch and blew out a deep breath. Dial the number. Ask for Kayla. But the knot in her stomach told the utter truth. Nothing about this was easy for her.
She tapped the numbers by memory, adding it to her favorites was something she couldn’t stomach, not after all they’d done to her.
“Hello.”
“Good evening Mrs. Bradley is Kayla around?” She stopped asking to speak with her hoping to gain a sense of control in the situation, but they held her captive with a vice grip on her heart.
“Hello to you too Brione.” Her dusty voice held an air of censorship. “I’ll call for her.”
Kayla had a nanny, private school, and just about everything a little girl could want.
“Brione.” She cringed at hearing his voice.
“Stewart, I was holding for Kayla.”
“She’ll have to call you back.”
“But today is my—”
“Talk to you later.”
The line disconnected and Brione screamed. No one heard her, and no one cared. Alone in her fancy plush prison, she’d gladly trade for their freedom.
She fell back on the couch and stared at the ceiling fan and her cellphone rang. She popped up anticipating the sweet sound of Kayla’s voice. But the screen displayed another welcomed caller.
“Eliana Marshall. To what do I owe this honor?” Laughter flowed through the phone, Eliana was the only person she let close. The only person she trusted. The only person who knew the truth.
“Let’s see…I’m your best friend. So I need no reason to call other than to hear your wonderful voice.” Brione smiled. “Second, I’m flying into town, and I refuse any excuse you make for not seeing me.”
Brione gripped the phone to her ear as she toyed with the hem of her blouse. She’d rushed home from work for nothing.
“I apologized a million times. But you plan to milk it dry,” she joked pulling her stocking covered feet beneath her body and relaxed.
“I plan to milk it until it turns to powder if that will get your butt out of that condo. I will not take no for an answer.”
“Milk it dry and add in a level of guilt to the recipe.”
“You got it.” They laughed. “How are you?”
“I’ve been better.” Brione looked around the room, furnished with the finest, reeking of their wealth. “You’re heading here for the weekend?”
“No, I’m heading back indefinitely. Bruce and his wife are expecting twins, and they're keeping a close watch on her. We're planning to hang out in Houston until the babies arrive. Her doctor and family are all there. So, it could be a couple of months or longer.”
“Yay!” Brione sat up, excited. “It will be nice to have you in town for a while.”
“Just know I plan to pop up on your doorstep and drag you to a party or two while I’m there.” Brione shook her head knowing they would have a battle ahead.
“How are you enjoying your job?”
Brione listened as Eliana shared her love of working for Bruce Daniels. She bounced around from Atlanta to Houston and back as his assistant.
“I can’t believe the luck I’ve had with getting this job. It is stressful but fun. I’ll be assisting Marques for a while too.”
“Who is that?” The name sounded familiar, in a fuzzy, vague way.
“What rock do you live under?”
“The law school rock.” She snickered. “I don’t have time for anything but class and studying. Well, that and my side gig.”
“Side gig?”
“Eliana, who is Marques?”
“Oh, yeah. How do you not know who he is?” Her amazement was evident by the squeak in her voice. “He’s a caramel dipped…tall, muscled…god in living color.”
Brione lifted a brow at Eliana’s description. “All that?”
“Yes, he’s the epitome of sexy. Too bad he’s my boss.” She let out a sigh. “Anyway, he’s an R&B singer from Atlanta. I guess you wouldn’t know him since he’s more underground.” She was all business. “He is the flagship artist of Rockstar Entertainment. We’re preparing to release an EP then his debut album.”
Brione tried to picture this caramel sexy god. Her failed attempt morphed into her last dalliance that turned her life upside down, inside out, and left Brione estranged from her family.
“That sounds like a lot of work.” Brione didn’t listen to the radio and rarely watched TV. Her sights were set on securing an associate's position with a major law firm. Fun took a backseat.
“It is, which is part of the reason for my call.” Eliana said.
“Oh, it wasn’t just to hear my wonderful voice?”
“Of course.”
“Yeah, yeah, yeah. Spill it, Honey.” Brione walked to the kitchen and opened the freezer, pushing around the contents until she found the frozen lasagna.
“Do you still help with events?”
“Yes, what’s up?” She peeled back the corner of the lid and popped the plastic bowl into the microwave. Then she leaned a hip against the counter.
“Bruce’s anticipated maternity leave and Marques’ EP has opened a lot of doors for me. They’ve asked me to oversee the launch with hopes of promoting me to A&R.”
“Congrats!”
“Thanks, but hold it for now. I still need to get through this project.”
“So, basically it’s an interview.”
“Exactly.”
“How can I help?” Brione dropped her head and chuckled at the faint sounds of Eliana’s clapping. Eliana could make it happen without her, but Brione wanted to see her friend succeed. “I didn’t say yes yet.”
“But you will.” Eliana blew a kiss through the phone. “I want to host a release party in Houston, and I’d love to bring you in. It pays good, and I’m almost certain I can get you the gig.”
“Really? But I’ve never done a music event.”
“Don’t worry about that. Your work is impeccable, you’re organized, timely, and you work well under extreme pressure. Are you free Saturday?”
“Yes, how about ten?”
“That’s perfect. Get together your portfolio and let’s meet at the cafe on Saturday. I’ll try to get either Bruce or Marques there too. That way I can cross two tasks off my list at once.”
“I like the sound of that.”
“You would, Miss Planner Chic. I maintain, where you thrive. One day, I’ll grow up to be just like you.”
Brione shook her head as if Eliana could see her. “No, ma’am. Grow up to be like you, and you’ll be just fine.”
“The thought of peanut butter and honey back in business is enticing don’t you think.”
“Houston ain’t ready for us," Brione added.
Eliana’s robust laughter rang through the phone. “Girl, if only they knew! And for totally selfish reasons, it would be a lifesaver to have your help and get to spend time with you without you skipping out on me.”
They haven’t seen each other in years, for one reason or another. But Brione missed her too. “I got you. When we're done, they’re going to beg you to take that position. And I’ll be there at 9:45 ready to rock n’ roll.”
“Awesome. I’ll text you if anything changes. I gotta go, we’re about to land.
” Eliana said.
“Be safe.” The microwave beeped.
“I will. Love you Peanut Butter.” Eliana giggled.
“Love you too Honey.” They disconnected, Brione stood staring at the phone for a minute considering their long friendship.
Eliana was her roommate in college, their running nicknames came when all they could afford was Ramen noodles, and peanut butter and jelly, except Eliana, liked hers with honey or syrup.
Music was Eliana’s passion like organizing events was Brione’s. However, she knew her love of centerpieces and tulle could not lead to her desired destination.
Brione gathered her hot food from the microwave and walked to the dining room, she turned into an office. She stared at the stack of textbooks. She entered law school for two reasons: money and time. The family connections between the Bradleys and her parents guaranteed her seat. But her high GPA landed her a full ride.
She cleared a space for her bowl, tonight she’d study and tomorrow she’d order pizza and work on her portfolio. She lowered into the chair in front of her laptop, placing her food aside. She opened the oversized law book and turned to the cases she needed to read and analyze for class tomorrow.
She leaned over the keyboard and forked a chunk of lasagna, she cradled her hand beneath it to keep the sauce from dripping onto her expensive textbooks. She popped it into her mouth and did a chair dance as the ricotta cheese and Italian sausage made her taste buds happy, momentarily overlooking that it almost burnt her tongue. She pushed the bowl back to let it cool and read the first legal case when her phone rang again. The little face on the screen made her heart race with joy.
“Hello, Sweet Pea.” Her voice trembled, she took a deep breath.
“Hi!” Brione could envision her chubby cheeks, full eye lashes, and radiant smile.
“I think this is the best surprise I’ve had all day.” Her giggle warmed Brione’s heart. “How was school today?”
Kayla talked about crayons and finger painting. Her new best friend and a boy pulling her pigtails. All the things Brione had to experience by phone and not in person. And as soon as the call started it ended, sending exaggerated kisses through the phone to the tune of Kayla’s sweet laughter with promises of talking with her again on Saturday.
Life wasn’t fair. That was too tall of an order.
Brione used the fork to cut into the cooler lasagna. She had stopped crying about it and questioning why long ago, instead she dealt with it, taking blow by blow and somehow managing to bounce back. But tonight she wanted to sit in it. From the sting of the scheduled phone calls to Stewart consistently dangling their freedom like cheese enticing a rat, reminding herself that she had a plan. This ache in her chest was only temporary.
One day she and Kayla would live under the same roof. Holding on to this goal kept her in one piece.
Kayla motivated Brione to work hard and she vowed not to repeat the same mistake twice. Men like the dreamy caramel sex god Eliana drooled over were bad news. Stewart was one of them. He walked into a room and every woman—married, single, it didn’t matter—wanted him. She’d thought herself lucky.
Brione snickered at her foolish youth. None of them cared about what she wanted in life. Her goals. Her desires. To the Bradleys, her parents, Stewart, she was their pawn, their minion, their tool. So they thought.
She couldn’t afford to crack. She ate the rest of her dinner, deciding to study first then get her portfolio together for her meeting with Eliana.
To get Kayla back, she needed money and landing the job with Eliana to organize Marques’ event could be the break she’d prayed for.
Chapter Two
Walking into Coffee Confessions had a ring of a homecoming for Marques Carter. He had spent many days hanging around waiting on Bruce to finish a shift before they went to the studio. Houston saved him and got his life back on course. Now that he was back, he hoped lightning would strike again for them.
He pulled the baseball cap lower to disguise himself. The release of his first official video last week gave him more than his usual double takes. In Atlanta, he couldn’t go anywhere without people recognizing him, here offered a reprieve. But he didn’t want to take any chances, welcoming the way people bumped right past him. It added another reason he loved being back in Houston.
Marques arrived early to meet with Bruce. He scanned the room, spotting a few empty tables and made his way to the line. He lifted his head to read the menu when he felt a soft bump behind him. He turned around and had to glance down at a petite woman.
“Excuse me.” She held up a hand then reached out to stabilize a mug rocking back and forth on the shelf. “I was trying to miss the stroller and then the display and…” Her voice stalled as she finally looked up at him. Her lips parted in surprise. “Huh, sorry.”
He chuckled. “I think I’ll live.”
She nodded without speaking as their gazes held. Marques let his eyes survey her light brown skin paired with jet black hair. It was curled softly brushing the sides of her face in a chic bob. Her heart-shaped face and doe eyes held curiosity as her full lashes brushed her high cheekbones with each exaggerated blink behind black frames. But when he zeroed in on her full lips coated with a hint of gloss, her tongue darted out and a groan reached his ears. He didn’t know if it came from him or her.
“Andrew Carter.” Using his legal name seemed appropriate as he extended a hand ready to see if her skin was as soft as it appeared.
“Brione Allen.” Her smooth husky tone reminded him of a midnight radio jockey. The type of voice that held intrigue, mystery, and allure.
She accepted his hand and lightning passed from her touch through his body. Damn. Her eyes flashed to meet his as his heart rate tripled. He studied her thoughtfully, appreciating the heat lingering in the depths of her brown eyes.
“Welcome to Coffee Confessions, give in to your guilty pleasure. How can I be of service?” The barista behind the counter asked and Marques was at a loss for words. He still held her delicate hand in his thinking Miss Brione Allen was a guilty pleasure he’d gladly give in to. But judging by the penetrating stare she gave him as she snatched her hand away from his, he doubted she was on the menu.
“I’m sorry, I need a moment to review the menu. Brione after you.” He extended his hand towards the counter and she stepped forward. She appeared as surprised as he was. The chemistry between them was as real as the nose on his face.
“Huh, sure.” She stepped to the counter and tossed her purse on her shoulder like a barrier between them. No, baby girl, that purse ain’t gonna save you.
She started to order and the sounds of the room faded into oblivion as Marques scanned the length of her body, the curve of her backside, and…
“And for you sir?” The barista wiggled his eyebrows. Heat rose to Marques’ face, caught. But her hips were too tempting to ignore in pants that left no curve to the imagination.
“Our order is not tog—”
“Make it two of what she’s having.” He passed his credit card and turned back to Brione.
“That’s not necessary.”
“You’re welcome,” he teased, her expression much too severe for him.
Her eyes softened, “Thank you.”
Brione stepped to the side and waited as Marques collected his receipt. They stood in heated silence both snagging discreet glances at the other waiting for their coffee. He had no clue what she ordered, thankfully he wasn’t allergic to anything.
His senses were ablaze with her nearness. The closest comparison would be the moment he completed a new song. It gave the dueling emotions of exhilaration and exhaustion simultaneously.
“Are you off to work today?” He noticed the button up blouse and dress slacks.
“No, I’m meeting a friend. And you?”
“Business.” She scanned his body in a sweeping motion. He wore a baseball cap with jeans and shirt. His goal was to blend in with the good people of Houston. He wished now that he’d given it mo
re thought. Her mouth took on an unpleasant twist. “What you don’t approve of my casual attire?”
“Oh no. I think it must be nice.”
He searched her eyes and wished he could read her mind. The barista called his name for the order. Marques passed a cup to her and grabbed his own. The place was filling up quickly. He snagged a table and pulled out a chair for her.
“Join me while you wait.” She hesitated. “Please.” Brione slowly lowered to the chair. The floral scent of her perfume couldn’t compete with the aroma of the coffee beans but it was a soft statement of her presence in the busy cafe.
Marques sat across from her finding it hard to contain the odd sensation in the pit of his stomach. He took a drink of the hot coffee to distract himself. The taste of caramel and whipped cream warmed his mouth. “This is delicious. What is it?”
“A custom drink. It’s my favorite.” She lifted the cup to her mouth and took a sip too. Remnants of her gloss left on the white lid.
“I’ll have to get this again.” He grabbed his phone and snapped a picture of the sleeve. “So Brione tell me, are you from Houston?”
She sat her cup on the table, pulling closer. Their knees brushed, her eyes widened. “No.”
He waited for her to continue, she crossed her hands over the table. “Are you always this talkative?”
Her husky laughter rippled through the air. “No, it takes me a minute to warm up to people.”
He nodded. Brione dropped her hands to her lap, “What about you? Are you from here?”
“No, I’m from Georgia.”
“You said you’re here on business. What type of business are you in?”
“I’m in a family business. I’m taking a little time off before we enter a busy season.” It was obvious she didn’t recognize him. It made him relax, he didn’t feel "on."
“Do you travel often?” She asked.
“Not as often as I’d like.”
“So you enjoy traveling?”
He nodded, “I do. It is a love of mine, I acquired it as a child. I traveled a lot with my parents.” He took a drink of his coffee. He joined his father on many tours over the years. “The food, architecture, music, museums, I love all of it.”
Rockstar Sinners (Forbidden Chords Book 2) Page 14
