This was unbelievable. Eric felt the air change between them as soon as they stepped off the plane. He wasn’t sure how, but the press knew he was coming. The moment the first camera flash went off, he heard Siri gasp. He turned back up the steps, took off his jacket, and put it over her head, to hide her face from the cameras. His driver immediately opened the door to the sedan he had waiting and ushered the two inside.
“Mr. Davies, the family is at your place and so is the press.” The driver explained as he pulled from the airport parking lot.
“Why is the press so interested in this? This isn’t major.”
The driver sighed, “It wasn’t until that woman got in front of a camera and gave her side of what happened tonight. “
Eric closed his eyes and sighed. “What did she say?”
The driver hit the monitor on the console of the car and replayed the interview Latoya gave.
Before the camera, a distraught Latoya stood with tears streaming and an ugly bruise on her face describing a scene from her mind. She stated she returned home from a trip to find Jason and some woman attempting to take her daughter from their home. Of course, she fought, but the brute of a woman and Jason got the best of her. Then to add insult to injury, the police chief sided with Jason. She knew it would happen this way, she went on to explain. “I’m just a nobody without any money or influence. Jason Davies and his brother Eric have unlimited resources to influence the authorities. He used me and now wants to discard me like a piece of trash. And that’s okay, because I still love him and I want him to be happy. But I can’t let my baby go. I just can’t do it.” She broke down in the reporter’s arms.
Eric and Siri just stared at the monitor. “You know, that girl missed her calling. She should be on somebody’s screen.” Siri turned to Eric who was sitting next to her on the back seat of the car. “If I didn’t know the situation I would be calling Jason every kind of name in the book.”
Eric shook his head. “I wish TeKaya would have knocked her ass out.” The anger showing clearly on his face he asked, “Who’s handling PR?”
“No one. Jason, has ordered everyone not to make any comments about this incident.”
Eric glanced at Siri as she gazed out the window and knew the closeness they had shared earlier in the evening was slipping away. The progress he had made with her and the excitement surrounding her book were now replaced with concern for her sister. Today he had been given a glimpse of the free spirited Siri; the one who had shared her joys of reaching this milestone in her life. They laughed and joked about nothing and everything. Those few short hours, made him want her more than he already did. He was convinced the attraction between them was much more than just physical. It was mental, spiritual, and sensual. Now, an hour later, he could see her slipping away. He reached over and took her hand. “I’m sorry this is happening Siri. We will make it right.”
She turned to him, with a look of fear. “The press is going to make TeKaya the bad person in all of this. I’ve been there. Not on this scale, but I know what it’s like to be accused of something in the press and know it’s not true. TeKaya is a professional and this is going to affect her business and her life. No one will be able to give her back this time in her life when she should be happy. There is no making it right with the media.”
The tone of her words let him know the doors were being closed. The incident with TeKaya and the reaction of the press reminded her too much of what she had experienced with her ex-husband. He didn’t miss the surprised look on Carl’s face when he came out of the house. “Are you going to call him?”
“Call who?” Siri asked as she turned back to him.
“Your ex-husband.”
“Carl? Why would I call Carl?”
“He seemed concern about you. He came right over after the call.”
“I’ll call him later,” she replied then turned back to the window.
He had the strangest feeling he was going to lose her. If that was the case, there was no way he could let her go without tasting her one last time. Eric pushed a button on the door and two glass panels closed off the back seats. He then pulled her across the seat and sat her in his lap.
“No Eric,” she said and tried to pull away.
“Yes, Siri,” he said as his lips descended upon hers. He placed his hand on her face and used his finger to force her lips open. As soon as they parted, his tongue tasted what he had experienced all evening, her sweetness. The instant sexual pull they experienced each and every time they touched was there even under these circumstances. He knew it would never go away, but she had to learn that for herself. For now, he would concede, but he was going down fighting. His tongue entwined with the smooth silky feel of hers, as he plunged deeper with a hunger into the very essence of Siri. His hands held her tightly not allowing her to escape until he had enough to carry him through what he knew was going to be an exile from her. He knew enough about her to know she would not allow him into her life, at least not now. When he felt the fight diminish from her kiss, he eased into a sweet, loving embrace, hoping to calm her fears for her sister and to let her know when she was ready to accept his love, he would be there—waiting. She ran her fingers through his locs and moaned. That would have been his undoing, if the driver had not announced their arrival and the press.
Eric reluctantly ended the kiss, but did not release her—not yet. He held her gaze with a silent understanding that this was all there could be for now. He sat her back on the seat, pushed the button and the driver moved forward.
If Eric thought for one moment, they were going to avoid the press by going to his house—he was definitely wrong. Siri was shocked to see the number of TV trucks, cameramen and women, reporters, and police crowding the street leading to the gate that led to Eric’s home. The press was in full force and it was ten times worse than the four network stations she had to contend with in Richmond.
♪
The aftermath of the events on Friday night was relentless. Media coverage was widespread, from LA to NY and beyond. The stories mainly picked up Latoya’s account of what took place. Saturday morning, Jason and TeKaya sat on the veranda of Eric’s home. To everyone’s astonishment, TeKaya wasn’t the least bit concerned with the events or the news coverage of what had taken place. The two sat in a lounge chair watching the local news and their coverage of the incident. “I think I’ll become one of the housewives of Atlanta. What do you think babe?”
Jason smiled down at her as he held her in his arms and kissed her forehead. “You can be anything you want as long as you are my wife.” Her smiling up at him with beautiful brown eyes sent his body into overdrive and his mind back to the incredible night they had spent together.
He wasn’t sure what to expect once he reached the police station, but he certainly did not expect to find TeKaya and Ty sitting laughing and talking as if they had known each other for years. In fact, this was the first time he had seen Ty crack a smile at a woman—his woman. He knew Ty never allowed anything to rattle him, but he was sure TeKaya would at least be upset.
“Hey sweetie,” she smiled as she looked up at him. She walked right into his arms and kissed him. Not a cross look or angry word came from her mouth. He returned her hug then kissed her.
“Are you okay?” he asked with a concerned frown on his face.
“Oh sweetie, wipe that frown off your face. Tyrone has taken care of everything.”
Jason looked over her shoulder. “Tyrone?” He had been through high school and undergrad with him and this was the first time he had ever heard anyone refer to his friend as Tyrone without him losing his cool.
“Yeah, I said it right, didn’t I?” She looked back at the man that could have been a double for Morris Chestnut.
“You said it exactly the way it was meant to be spoken.” Ty smiled back at TeKaya. He stood and continued. “In fact you said it so perfectly, I’m thinking of going to Virginia to find another woman just like you to call me Tyrone, for the rest of my life.” He walked away while grinning at the angry frown on Jason’s face. “I have to take this call.”
Jason was stunned at his friend’s words, but was not pleased with him flirting with his woman. Releasing an anxious chuckle, he held TeKaya close. “Are you sure you’re okay?”
“Jason,” she cupped his face, “I’m fine,” and kissed him lightly on the lips.
“I’m so sorry TeKaya. If I had touched Latoya I would have killed her.”
“If you had touched her, she would have gotten exactly what she wanted—a domestic abuse situation. That’s why I did it for you. According to Tyrone, the most I will get is a battery misdemeanor, which might include a fine. After the way she was holding Sierra, I would gladly pay that fine. ” She put her hands on her hips and began showing a little anger. “And if I ever see her or hear about her handling Sierra in that way I will whip her ass again.”
“Ok, calm down Floyd Jr,” Jason laughed.
“I’m serious.”
Jason pulled her into his arms. “I’m sure you are.” She put her arms around his neck and he reveled in the warmth of her embrace. “I love you TeKaya.”
“I love you, too.”
“Well, I don’t love you very much at the moment,” Kerri announced as she entered the room.
“Are you two alright?” Miriam asked as she reached out and pulled TeKaya to give her a once over. “Did that woman touch you? “
“No, Mrs. Davies. I didn’t give her a chance.”
“Good for you.”
“TeKaya, what have I told you about handling yourself in public?” Kerri chastened. “You told me to kick ass and ask questions later.” TeKaya respectfully replied. Jason and Miriam turned to Kerri with a quizzical look. “That’s right. You hit them before they hit you. There’s always plenty of time to ask questions later.” She reached out and hugged her daughter. “Now tell me what happened.”
“Yeah, and don’t leave anything out,” Miriam said as she pulled TeKaya to leave.
As they walked out, the media was in full force in front of the station. “We can exit out the back.” Ty stated as he pulled out his black berry to call the driver.
“No.” TeKaya shook her head. “Jason lives and works in this town. I am not going to run away from the media or anyone else. I did nothing any one of them would not have done in the same situation. I’m not going to allow the media to control my life the way they did Siri’s. I’m going out this front door with my head held high. Tomorrow we will have a press conference and explain our side of the story. Let Latoya have her fifteen minutes of fame tonight. I’ll have my day in court.”
Miriam, Ty, and Kerri smiled as Jason took TeKaya’s hand and walked out the door. Camera flashes went off in all directions. Questions were being thrown at Jason, but he did not give an inch. He placed TeKaya in the black SUV, as Ty secured the mothers. While in the car, Ty gave his phone to Jason. “I think you should take this call.”
“Who is it?”
“Mitch Curry from the morning show.”
“Man, I like Mitch, but I don’t want to deal with the press right now.”
“You do want to take this call.” Ty said as he turned back in his seat up front.
“Mitch,” Jason said, and then just listened. “You’re joking,” he smiled as he looked out the window contemplating his next move. “I think you just got an exclusive. Can you be at Eric’s place by nine?” He listened to the reply. “I’ll see you in the morning.”
“Ty, get Sherri on the phone.”
“She’s already at Eric’s.”
“Cool,” Jason replied and just smiled.
♪
They were greeted at the gate with another media crowd, but the driver continued through the gate, which was closed immediately behind them. The grounds of Eric’s estate created a safe haven for them all, the moment the latch clicked shut. When they entered the home, there was a sea of activity going on. A number of people were in the foyer on cell phones. Another group of people were in the media room watching different news outlets. A group of men that could only be security gathered in a corner taking directions from a woman that looked as fierce as any of the men. Ty went over to two men in suits and began talking. Miriam, Kerri, Jason, and TeKaya walked to the back of the house where they found Eric and Siri waiting. Siri was the first to reach out. “TK. Are you alright?” she hugged her sister then took a step back to look at her.
“Stop.” TK said.
“What?” Siri asked.
“Stop trying to find a way to blame yourself for this. I know that look.” TK looked over at Eric, “How many different ways has she claimed responsibility for this.”
Eric had to smile, because TeKaya had nailed her sister to the wall. “At least three so far, but we’ve only been here about an hour. I’m sure if you give her more time, she’ll have at least ten more.”
Siri put her hands on her hips and frowned at Eric. He walked over to his brother. “Everything straight?”
“Better. Mitch Curry from the morning show will have an exclusive in the morning.”
“He’s syndicated radio. Why not television?”
“I’m sure Mitch will have a station or two interested in the exclusive before morning.”
“Alright. What do you need from me?”
“Just be there with me.”
“Always.”
♪
After checking in on Sierra, who was sound asleep in her room at Eric’s house with Gabby next door, Jason finally had a moment alone with TeKaya. After all she went through today, he knew without a doubt this was the woman for him. He stood in the doorway of the room he used whenever he stayed at Eric’s place. The room had always been a retreat away from home. But never had it been as beautiful as it was with TeKaya sitting on the bed against the headboard. Her hair was lose around her shoulders, and she wore a long, black night gown made of lace and silk. A pair of black stilettos, completed the heavenly vision. “I’ve been waiting for you.” She said as she slipped off the bed and twirled halfway around the bedpost. Eric was kind enough to let me into your suite. I hope you don’t mind.”
Classic. That was the only word he could think of to describe her beauty. She had the classy look of Audrey Hepburn, the beauty of Lena Horne and the tenacity of Josephine Baker. The most amazing part of her standing in this place, at this time was simple—she was his. He closed the door behind him and walked towards her as she stood her ground. He stopped right in front of her and traced her face with his finger. “What could I have possibly done on this earth for God to favor me so? I will never know. But, I thank him for giving me you.” She started to say something but he put his finger to her lips. “Just listen for a moment. Six months ago, I was ready to give up on finding someone to love or someone to love me. I’d stopped looking for you and then you appeared in the least expected place. But I knew, the moment I saw you, that you were the one. Since that day, I’ve thought of nothing else but making you mine. As much as I want you at this moment, and GOD knows I want you. You said you wanted to wait until we are married. The last thing I want is for you to regret our first time together.”
TeKaya reached out and touched his chest. She ran her hand over his chest as if memorizing the feel of him. Taking a step closer she took his arms and placed them around her waist. “While I was in the back of the police car I promised myself I was going to make love to you as soon as time would allow. My heart has been married to you for a few months now. In a funny way, Latoya sealed the deal for me today. There is no way I would let that woman have one more moment with you. I love you Jason, from that funny lump on the back of your head, to that callus on the bottom of your foot. Before this week is out, I want to be your wife and moving into our new home. Before this year is over, I want to be carrying your child. Before this night is over I want you to claim me as yours.” Her hands roamed down to his manhood and gently squeezed. “Make love to me Jason.”
Taking her face into his hands, he kissed her, feeding a hunger so deep; it could have saved a small third world country from starving. Not another word was spoken between the two. They used their bodies to express their emotions. TeKaya pulled his t-shirt over his head and marveled at the wide shoulders, six pack stomach, and trim waistline. She begin kissing each shoulder, sucked each nipple, than used her tongue to trace from the center of his chest and circle his navel. Taking her time, she slipped her hands around his waist under his sweat pants and over his behind, pushing them down his thighs, allowing his manhood to spring free. With all the will power she had, she willed herself to continue until the pants hit the floor. Then slowly rising she started placing kisses up his legs, continuing up his thighs and finally the tip of him.
He grabbed her under her arms, pulling her up to him and took over the seduction beginning with her shoulders. He slipped the thin straps down her arms, trailing with his fingers on both arms. The gown slipped over her breasts and hung around her hips. Feeling the weight of each breast in his hands, he gathered one then the other, sucking until he felt her knees buckle, or was it his? He wasn’t sure and didn’t care. All he knew was the taste of her, the feel of her, and the very essence of her was calling him. Kneeling in front of her he gathered her tiny waist in his hands and pulled her core to his nose and he inhaled through the material. What he wanted, what he had longed for was beneath the piece of fabric that now hung on her hips. Placing his hands under the material he began to massage her behind with his fingers and pushed the fabric to the floor, revealing his most wanted desire. Nothing could have prepared him for her perfection. No imagination, no dreams he’d had over the last few months came close to what stood before him. He sat back on his heels and scanned her from her toes up to her eyes. Exquisite was the only word that came to mind. He reached out and touched the silky hair that was neatly trimmed at the V of her thighs. With his thumb, he stroked the bud of her love nest and her knees bent. Without warning he pulled her to his mouth, spread her thighs, and began to ravish her inner core. His hands supported her weight where she stood as she began to crumble from his all out assault. When she grabbed his shoulders and he heard her gasps, he smiled with the knowledge that he was the catalyst that caused her to scream. He waited for the sweet reward of her juices flowing, to quench his thirst. And he was just getting started.
Standing he picked her up and gently placed her on the bed. He smiled down at her almost closed eyelids down to the stilettos that were still on her feet. She took that orgasm in her stilettos--now that’s a woman. He went to the foot of the bed, removed her shoes, and threw them over his shoulder. She smiled and held her arms out to him. He shook his head no and gathered her feet in his hands, kissing the arch on each and sucking the big toe until she was squirming on the bed. He bent her knees up as he crawled between her thighs placing a kiss behind each one. Releasing her legs he laid snuggly in the junction of her thighs, slipped his hands over hers and entwined their fingers together. Looking into her eyes, his manhood continued to jerk to attention, with it’s radar positioned for the target. But, this was one time he did not want to rush. He wanted to savor every minute, every feel, and every touch. Without guidance, he slowly began to enter her as if it knew exactly where it was suppose to go. The glorious feeling of her core enclosing so tightly around him, caused his eyes to close to the shear pleasure. He eased further into her enjoying the wonder of her until, he felt….no…it couldn’t be. He opened his eyes and stared into her knowing eyes. She kissed him and smiled. Could this be? Could this beautiful woman have chosen him above all others? The look of contentment in her eyes answered the question, unequivocally, she had. He was now determined to prove himself worthy of such a gift. He kissed her eyes, her nose and finally her lips, gently probing his tongue and his manhood into her. Her fingers squeezed his as he broke through the barrier. He stilled until he felt her moving slowly, setting her own rhythm and then he followed until he could no longer stand the torture. Taking over he held her and moved within her like a man on a mission. He was not going to allow his explosion until he had drained her of all the sweet loving she had preserved just for him. It seemed this spirited woman, he had fallen in love with was not the lay back and take what you give. No, she was meeting him stroke for stroke, dip for dip and reaching up for more. It felt as if they were suspended in mid air. The deeper he plunged, the further up she came. The harder he plumbed the harder she slammed up to meet his body, until they both exploded and time stood still.
They both fell back onto the bed, hearts racing, and juices flowing. He lay to the side of her and pulled her on top of him. Pushing her hair back from her face, he kissed her deeply until their lungs dictated that they had to come up for air or die at that moment.
♪
The next morning, the only thing on Jason’s mind was the wonderful woman he was going to marry.
“Jason. Jason,” TeKaya called out again bringing him back to the present. “Where did you go?” She smirked.
Looking down at her he couldn’t help but return the look of love in her eyes. “It’s six o’clock in the morning and I want to take you again.”
TeKaya sat up’ “Let’s go.”
Smiling at her, he shook his head. “No. You are going to be sore for a minute. And I don’t want to cause you a minute of pain.”
“Really?” She asked with this quirky expression on her face wearing nothing but his t-shirt.
“Really.”
“So at this moment I can do anything that I want and get away with it?” She asked as she straddled him and kissed his chest.
Feeling the silkiness of her hair on his body, he closed his eyes and said, “Anything.”
Suddenly he tensed as her hands reached down and pulled him free of his sweats. Before he could sit up her mouth had encircled him and he began to grow thicker. When she came up, she looked at him and said, “Tell me what to do.”
He gave her a look that said you have to be kidding. “Girl if you do anything more, I’ll die in this spot.”
Her look grew serious as she held him in her hands. “I love you Jason Davies.”
Reaching for her, he pulled her up by the waist and she positioned her center right over top of him and slowly eased down on him. “I love you, Jason Davies.” When he was fully embedded inside of her, she laid on his chest and squeezed her insides, entrapping him in heaven. She began to move up and down on him repeating the words, “I love you Jason Davies.” Each time she said it, he grew thicker inside of her. When the tension became too much she pushed against his chest and sat up as he held her by the waist. She began to ride him as if she were riding a stallion, pushing him deeper and deeper inside of her. Letting her head drop back she arched her back and begin bucking against him until they both called out the others name in total release. She fell forward on his chest and he held onto her like she was his lifeline. That’s where they stayed until it was time for the press conference.
♪
Latoya was in her bedroom quite pleased with herself. By the end of next week, not only would she own this house free and clear. She would also have at least seven digits in her bank account. All she had to do now was play it cool until the ink dried on the check Jason was going to sign over to her. She knew the truth was going to eventually come out, but the media didn’t give a damn about the truth. They wanted scandals and for the next few days, until the arraignment, that’s exactly what she was going to give them. Her cell phone chimed. She looked at the number and smiled. “What you got?”
“Seems like you had a busy night,” the man on the other end replied.
“It’s been interesting.”
“Not as interesting as my night. Your place clear?”
“Yeah.”
“Good, let me in. I’m at the back door.”
Latoya walked down the hallway to the garage and opened the door. “This couldn’t wait until the morning?”
Roy Kelly, the private investigator she used whenever she needed info on one of Jason’s girls walked through the door with a silly smirk on his beet red face. “Show me where your DVD player is and I’ll let you be the judge.
They went into the kitchen and used the player Jason had installed for Sierra to watch her Disney movies. He put the disk in and hit play. “I didn’t get your boy, but I got his brother. Now, I figure this ought to be worth something to keep it from the media. What do you think?”
Engrossed in the homemade movie, Latoya didn’t answer at first. “Damn, Eric got some moves,” she mumbled.
“I rather enjoyed the woman. They were like rabbits in heat going at each other.”
“How in the hell did you get this without them seeing you?”
“That was the easiest part of this job. They left the patio door open. I peeked in from the backyard and you could hear them all over the house. You want sound?”
Latoya laughed, “No I think I can translate this.” They continued to watch, as the action on the screen began to heat up. “This could be a damn good movie.”
Roy hit the stop on the remote, then ejected the disc. “Yeah it could, but it’s going to cost you.”
“I already pay you a healthy fee and it’s not what I asked for.”
“Alright,” Roy tilted his head and put the disc in its case. I can take this to Silk, himself. It might be worth something to him.”
“Eric will kick your ass for invading his privacy. You can forget your practice and anything else you may have planned. What’s your price?”
“$100,000.00 cash.”
Thank God for gullible people. “I can work that.” She reached out to take the disc.
He pulled it out of her reach and dropped it down into his black bag. “You get this, when I get the cash.”
Irritated, maybe he wasn’t as gullible as she thought. She shrugged her shoulders, “Fair enough. Monday morning, your office. I want the original and don’t make any copies.”
“I won’t make any copies. See you Monday.” He walked out of the house pleased with himself. He didn’t lie, he had no plans to make any more copies. He had what he wanted.
♪
Jason and TeKaya sat on the veranda with Eric’s gardens as their backdrop. During the night, while they were consummating their love, others were working diligently to bring the matter with Latoya to a close, before it literally took flight. And they succeeded. After the telephone call from Mitch, Ty sent a team out to interview others from the restaurant, gathering enough evidence to show Latoya was the aggressor in the situation between her and TeKaya. But Ty wasn’t satisfied with just that. He wanted Sierra’s fate settled once and for all.
Gabby had mentioned something about video cameras set up throughout Jason’s home and he wondered if that could help with the custody battle that was sure to ignite. Sitting in the room next to the kitchen, Ty spent most of the night viewing tape after tape, until he came to the one that sealed the deal. When he was about to pack up and call it a night, he heard voices in the next room. He looked at the console to determine how to change the view of the camera in the kitchen. Searching he saw a button labeled rooms. He went down the list until he found the kitchen, then hit the button. One of the monitors switched to the kitchen where it picked up Latoya and a man watching something on the television monitor on the counter. He focused the camera on the monitor and was shocked to see Eric and a woman making love. “Shit. Where in the hell did that come from?” He tried to adjust the volume to hear what was being said between Latoya and the man, once he pulled the disc out and dropped it in his bag, but he couldn’t pick up their voices. He pulled the tape. He’d get a still picture of the man and find out who he was. Once the way was clear, he left the same way he entered the house, through Jason’s office.
With the tapes and the journal Gabby was keeping, he was sure Jason would be granted full custody of his daughter. Now, the issue was what to do about Latoya and this new situation.
Ty placed the evidence in his car and pulled away from Jason’s home. Pulling out his cell phone, he searched for the telephone number to Latoya’s cell phone and pushed the button to dial. When she finally answered the call, he could hear the music in the background. “Sounds like a celebration going on. I’m hurt, I wasn’t invited.”
“Oh, haven’t you heard Ty, I’m about to get paid. I take it you are calling about a settlement. Don’t bother to put anything less than seven figures on the table. Cause if you do Jason and his faggot brother can kiss my natural behind.”
“Huh, you’re right Latoya I am calling about a settlement. See I have several videotapes, but one in particular would really interest any juvenile court system. Imagine how they will react to a mother putting alcohol in a baby’s koolaid. Better yet, imagine Jason’s reaction when I show him the tape.” He heard her intake of breath, smiled and continued. “I know Jason. And I know he’s going to give you something. Whatever it is--it would be in your best interest to accept with no questions asked. If it were up to me, you would get zip, nothing. Have your attorney contact me in the morning with a signed document releasing all parental rights to Sierra by 8:00 or you will be lucky to get supervised visitation. 8:01 and the deal is off.” He hung up the telephone and smiled while imagining the words she was flinging at him.
♪
As Mitch began his interview, he knew this was the break he had been looking for. Who would have thought Latoya would be the one to give it to him. Payback is a bitch. He was the one that gave Latoya the VIP pass to see Eric “Silk” Davies a few years ago after a night of mind blowing sex. As an entertainment reporter, he was the one with the connections and she played him better than Eric played that damn guitar. As soon as she had her in—she brushed him off and had been doing so ever since. Well, now it was his turn and he was going to put the last nail in her coffin. “Jason,” he shook his hand when he walked out onto the veranda, “I want to thank you for giving me this opportunity. I know you could have chosen any one of the major networks to give this exclusive. I appreciate it.”
“No man. I need to thank you. Last night with all that was happening, I wasn’t thinking straight. The incident at the restaurant never crossed my mind, once we left. I owe you for coming forward with the information. You had my back and I will never forget that.” He reached over and took TeKaya’s hand. “Allow me to introduce my soon to be wife. TeKaya, meet Mitch Curry.”
“Wow, you are breathtaking. There ought to be a law against that. Welcome to Atlanta.”
“Thank you, Mitch. It’s nice to meet you,” she smiled. “Jason told me what you did. From what I’ve been told Latoya is not one to mess with in this town. It was brave of you to step forward.”
“The only thing that gave her any power was her connection to Jason.”
“That ended last night. I’m cutting her off.”
TeKaya held his hand in hers. “No you’re not.” She gently kissed his lips and smiled. “Here’s what you are going to do. You can sign the house over to her or purchase her a smaller one, pay her child support for Sierra, and call it a day.”
“Why in the hell would I do that? Sierra will be living with us.”
“Yes, she will. But Latoya is her mother and you will make sure that she lives at the same level that her daughter does. Because when Sierra visits her mom, we want her in a safe, loving environment.”
“Who said I’m going to allow Sierra to visit her?”
TeKaya pulled away. “I did.” She said and looked at Jason with those big brown eyes and he caved in to her request.
“I’ll buy her another house.” TeKaya gave him a kiss. “And maybe a monthly stipend or something,” she kissed him again. “One of the cars.”
She squeezed up close to him and put her arms around his neck. “See, you’re getting the idea.” Then rewarded him with a full kiss.
Clearing his throat, Mitch called out, “Let’s get this interview started. I believe this man has better things to be doing.”
♪
Eric walked into the kitchen and found Siri sitting at the breakfast bar watching all the action taking place on the veranda. Mitch was interviewing Jason and TeKaya, with both mothers sitting next to them. A small crowd of photographers, camera men, light technicians, a make-up artist, and a few attorneys, all stood in the background listening. He had to admit, they made a beautiful couple. But he wondered why Siri sat in the kitchen alone, while everyone else was outside. He heard Sierra giggle in the background and before he turned to see what she was up to, he noticed Siri wiped a tear from her cheek. The thought of her being sad cut through him like a hot knife against butter.
She knew the moment that he was in the room. The fluttering in her stomach alerted her that he was somewhere near. It would have been easy to give in to the man behind her. The way he made her feel last night almost convinced her to let go of her fears and give in to him. But looking around, all she could she were news camera in the front, at the back of the house, and now inside the house. This was more than she could stand. The public life was not for her. A tear fell as she came to the realization that Eric and his lifestyle, were and always would, be off limits to her.
“Siri,” his smooth voice called out to her as if it was a melody to a song.
Never looking around, she began talking. “They make a beautiful couple don’t they?”
He was now standing right behind her. “Yes, they do.”
“We can never have that Eric. I’ve been through the hurt of a public marriage, I barely survived. The life you lead is different from normal men; it’s even different from Jason’s. People want to be you, know you, touch, and love you. You belong to them. What you and I feel for each other is secondary. The media is a permanent part of your life.”
“I would give it up for you.”
“I wouldn’t want you to. Music is a part of who you are. Hell, it was your music that drew me to you. Please don’t ever change that. Would you do something else for me?”
The two never touched or looked at each other, but he knew this was the last time he was going to be alone like this with her. The reality hurt. “Anything.”
She wiped another tear. “Don’t ever kiss anyone the way you kiss me. You have a wicked tongue.” She picked up her purse and stood. “Tell my mother and TeKaya I’ll see them when they get home.”
“I’ll take you back to Richmond.”
“No.” She replied never looking at him. “I have a flight booked.”
She began to walk away. “Siri,”
“Yes,” she stopped but did not turn around.
“Send me a copy of your book.” She smiled, but did not trust herself to answer, so she just nodded and walked out of the kitchen.
He waited until he heard the outside door closed before he moved. He walked over to the door leading to the veranda. His heart had just been shattered into a million and one pieces, but his brother’s heart had been healed. Eric wasn’t sure if he should laugh or cry.
Ty stepped back into the kitchen to answer his cell phone. “The damn papers are signed. But this isn’t over. Your boys will have to deal with me again,” Latoya, said right before the other end of the line went dead.
Relived to know Jason could now begin his new life, Ty looked over at Eric solemnly looking out at the couple. It was clear the woman on the screen with Eric last night was Siri. From what he observed last night, there seemed to be tension between them and Ty wasn’t sure what steps to take in regard to the tape. If this woman was the one for Eric, the one to make him smile like Jason, then it was his duty to keep anything from damaging their chances. And that tape would do more damage than they could imagine. His cell chimed and he answered the call. “I have your guy. He’s a small time investigator, not sleazy, but not clean either. I have someone sitting on him. What do you want me to do?”
“Sit on him. I’ll hit you back in fifteen.” The frown on Eric’s face, told him things must have gone badly. He wondered, whether Eric had feelings for this woman—only one way to find out. “You were right, Siri is a beautiful woman.” Ty said as he stood off to the side of the room. “Makes me wonder, how a man could let a woman like that go.”
Eric turned to Ty with fury in his eyes. “I have no intention of letting her go. It’s taking her a little time to realize it, but I know just like there is a heaven above she will be mine.”