Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth,

For his love is better than wine.

Songs of Solomon 1: 2

CHAPTER 1

Jacinth.

"Jacinth, Mr Alexander Curtis has requested your presence," Drake whispered close to my ear, as I grabbed a fresh napkin from the small drawer in the Cafe's kitchen, for a customer that spilled coffee all over herself. I shuddered. Alexander Curtis? The Alexander Curtis, requesting my presence? I thought inwardly, perspiration threatening to ruin the white linen button down shirt of my white and black uniform. Why would the man request my presence? The last time I checked I haven't done anything wrong, neither was I the waiter that served his coffee. I frowned. Using that as a leverage to gather my nerves to go and answer the summons. The last thing I needed was for Mr Trunk to scold me once again, even though we were both aware that my uncle's wife, Melanie Bricks, owned the establishment. An inherited establishment, owned by many generations of Bricks, though the style of the Cafe and its location have expanded over the years. I straightened my back and handed the napkin to Drake, so he could go handle the customer with the coffee accident, while I headed off to Mr Alexander Curtis. If I didn't attend to him in time and word got out to Mr Trunk, that I kept one of our VIP customers waiting, I would get summoned by Aunt Melanie and the last thing I would like was to put her in an awkward position before everyone. Already Mr Trunk had always seen my presence as a threat in the establishment, because of my relationship with the owner, since I resumed working here five years back, when I arrived Wisconsin, from Nigeria. But what he didn't know was that since I gave birth to Coral, I had found a profound interest in the birthing of babies and I had no intentions of taking over his job as manager of Cafe Bricks. Hence my pursuit of a Midwifery degree, even though this first year's tuition fees were killing me and the student loan I took hung on my neck. Not to talk of taking care of 4 year old coral and my utility bills. I had just gotten my residency, last year, so I was able to obtain the student loan without any limitations. Although Uncle Anthony and Aunt Melanie were more than willing to offer me their assistance in paying for my tuition, since midwifery is expensive, but I had refused. Reminding them that I was a 33 year old woman now and a mother.

"Good morning Sir." I greeted, as I stood in front of the man's table. Instantly, the scent of him, Bergamot and something orangey and oceanic filled my nostrils, making me want to glide into the space beside him on the elegant leather sofa. I shook my head. Where the hell did that thought come from? Yes I know the man was dead handsome. Strikingly tall, a whopping 6ft2, I read on the internet (compared to my 5ft6 and curvy physique). And he did truly possess that feature, anytime he walked in here, whenever he was in Wisconsin. Towering over everyone and holding himself in such a grace, that was spell binding. And his features; facials and entire physical features, they were like those cut out from a men's sport magazine. Clean shaven face, except for the thinly trimmed moustache, beard and side-burns. Then his eyes, his striking ice blue eyes, which I just discovered gazed at me, were captivating. They made me dive into them, trying to search out their enigma. Tempting me to want to slide my fingers into his lowly cropped, tousled burnished- blonde locks.

"Good morning." He equally greeted in a smooth deep voice. My eyes impulsively shifted to his lips, peach. Soft peach hue was what they possessed. And they were full in the right proportion. And his very fine eyes, suddenly stared intently at me, catching me staring at his lips. His mouth tightened, attempting to suppress some degree of mirth, obviously at catching me staring at his mouth. My face heated, embarrassment flooding my body. Am a big girl. Why should a man, a mere breath taking, handsome man, affect me like this? I thought. Shifting to sterner grounds, I cleared my throat, my gaze schooled on his.

"You sent for me, Sir. Is there anything I can help you with, today?" I asked, trying for professional. He stared at me for a second, a smile suddenly tugging the corners of his lips as he responded.

"Yes, there is." He said, his gaze narrowed. Even from where he stood, he didn't have to look far up at me. That tall.

"I would like you to order a cup and join me for coffee." He said, plainly. I stared at him, stupidly, like he had grown a horn. He seemed to have noticed my awkward stare as he instantly shifted in his seat and leaned back into the chair. Obviously, not in a hurry. He sat there, a smug look in his face, treasuring the spectacle of me making sense of what he just said.

"Mrs E-ro-Monsey-"

"Jacinth-" I quietly cut in, saving him from cutting his tongue, in a vain attempt to say my surname- Eronmonse. At least that seemed to break me from the stunner he had given me, by his weird request. He looked at me, askance. One brownish gold brow raised.

"Just call me Jacinth. It's easier than saying my last name, Sir." I said mildly. And also saved me from been reminded that I was once married to Felix. A part of my life I always wished to bury. He nodded quietly in acquiescence, mirth in his eyes as he responded, quietly.

"Then call me Alex."

"I can't Sir. You are one of the VIP customers of this cafe. It would be rude." I replied, slightly alarmed. What was this man after? Did he want to put me in Aunt's bad book? I was aware she loved me as she did with her daughters. But I wasn't one to take advantage of a privilege. A grin tugged the corner of his lips and his eyes seemed unaffected by her statement. He let out a breath and continued. This time in a more firm tone. All earlier trace of amusement in his eyes, gone.

"Which one? Rude to sitting down with me and having coffee, or rude to say my name?" He enquired. My face heated at his last words. There was something tingly about how he emphasized on that point. I threw a glance at the kitchen and saw, Mr Trunk glaring at me with dagger stares. Turning my eyes back to the icy stare that was before me, I replied.

"Both Sir," I muttered audibly enough for him to hear. He huffed out a breath before he spoke.

"I have discussed with Melanie and your uncle, Doctor Anthony. I have already made acquaintances with both of them, long before I decided to have this conversation with you. So, if you don't mind, signal a waiter, and sit down, let's talk. Right now we are only going to be garnering negative attention from where your eyes had darted to, a moment back." He candidly said. He had noticed my glance at Mr Trunk. Wow, astute. I gazed curiously at him, searching his eyes, trying to understand what he was playing at. Then I came up with the only words that popped in my mind.

"You never like being refused, do you?" I asked. A sly smile split his handsome face. Turning him dangerous. I stiffened my spine, so that my knees wouldn't give way at the awareness that this man that I had heard and read so much about, was giving me this much attention. Even smiling at my remark.

"Am afraid not," He simply said. With that he turned to a passing waiter and beckoned him to come. "Would you tell Mr Trunk to arrange two cups of coffee, one for Jacinth, and another one for me? Mine has grown cold, you see." He said to the waiter, Paul. Then he turned to me. "Tell him what you'd prefer." He urged. I parted my lips in utter shock. He was serious. He even decided to take the bull by the balls, himself. Paul turned to me, pen ready to scribble on his tiny pad.

"Jaci?" Paul nudged. I blinked at Paul, taking the initiative to sink into the sofa across from Mr Alexander, before I turned to mashed potatoes.

"Black. Just black coffee, please Paul. Thank You," I said. Paul enthusiastically nodded and breezed off. My eyes followed him, until he had disappeared behind the kitchen door.

"Is he one of your admirers?" I heard the man opposite me say. I whipped my head instantly in his direction. Mortification evident on my face, as I stared at him.

"What? Paul? No. No. We just work together." I blurted out. My face had already grown heated from his prying words. How was my private life any concern of his, by the way? I wondered. "Am sure you know am Mrs Eronmonse, after all you said it a while back, so I don't see how that qualifies to have admirers." I clarified. The words alien even to my own ears. Who was I kidding, upholding a marriage title that had long ended even before I had been widowed. He said nothing. Only kept an intent gaze at me. I grew uncomfortable. Even when Mr Trunk accompanied Paul with the orders, pleased that Mr Alexander Curtis had even thought of him, Alexander's eyes never wavered from mine.

"Wouldn't you say anything? You are making me-" I trailed off. My eyes lost in his gaze. God it was an intense moment. He reached for his coffee, never breaking eye contact and sipped.

"He called you Jaci. I didn't like it." He said imperiously. I stared at him, open mouthed. What? How did that affect him? I asked inwardly. I darted my eyes at our surroundings, checking if anyone else had heard that. No one else. The place was quaint and cozy as ever. And the customers only sat, indulgently, too unbothered by anyone else, but their coffee at the very exclusive Cafe Bricks.

"And it isn't only unmarried women that gain admirers. Even beautiful naked married women, have drawn the attentions of great Kings, from their high roof tops." He alluded. His point of reference not lost to her.

"You read the bible?" I asked, taken aback at the way he had dragged in King David and Bathsheba. Forgetting that he had stated his dislike for Paul calling me Jaci. He chuckled lightly. "My mum used to take me to church, when I was little, every Sunday." He said.

"And now?" I asked after he added nothing else to that statement. He simply gave an impish smile added to a dark shadow that had flicked across his eyes, in response.

"Drink your coffee. It's getting cold." He sternly said, his eyes harboring a sort of mystery. I picked up the coffee and drank a generous amount. I hadn't realized that I was hungry, until that moment. Hadn't grabbed breakfast earlier that morning, because I had to drop Coral off at her playschool. I had woken up late. A weird dream, where I had found myself so dressed up in the dreamiest blue I had ever seen and being ushered into a grand palace, had kept me abed into late. I heard him swallow as I drank again and peeked a glance in his direction, only to find him gazing darkly at me. His eyes staring down my throat, I guess. I felt invaded. Quickly I dropped the mug back on the table. Bearing a blank expression, he stared at my eyes now. It seemed he suspected that I had caught him staring, yet he didn't hold an apologetic look. Rather, he bore an impervious one. Clearing his throat, he started.

"I am a business man, Jacinth, as I am sure you are aware. When I see a good business venture, I don't hesitate. I go for the kill. That has been my way, since I entered my family business. That would always be me. I don't ever rescind on that." He started. I gazed at him, puzzled. Am sure everyone knew from the internet the kind of business man he was. The 39 year old owner and CEO to Kur Motors was a man whose business success remained an enigma to all of America and in entirety, the world.

"Whenever my team of designers come up with a sketch and am intrigued by it, captivated, I go for it, no matter what it takes to bring it to life. I invest my all into it, until the public gets to see what has captured the heart of Alexander Curtis." He stated haughtily. All the while, his eyes were lit with a fire that pulled me in.

"Well sir-"

"Alex." He cut in quietly.

"Alex." I said in a very low tone. His eyes sparkled as I said his name. "I think your taste is impeccable as seen in the designs your company comes up with." I added admiringly. A deep smile crept up his face, making him roguish.

"Thank you." His phone buzzed on the table, he silenced it and continued, his eyes fixed on mine. "And that brings me to my reason for asking you here," he said. I let out a breath that I had no idea I had held in all along.

"I had asked your uncle, Anthony and Melanie that I wanted to speak with you. They had given me permission to do so-" I looked at him, surprised. "Actually, their exact words had been that you are an adult and I didn't need their permission to speak with you. A fact, which they told me you never cease reminding them about." He said, amusedly. I looked at him embarrassed. How comforting? So Uncle Anthony and Aunt Melanie had put me in this difficult position. I held my reservations. I would enquire their reasons for this action later. When he saw that I didn't respond, he continued.

"I have a request to make of you." He claimed. I gave him a mixed look. One of puzzlement and concern. Then again for all I knew, this man practically had everything. What could he need from me? He was giving me an odd look, his head tilted to the side.

"What request, S-"

He raised a brow to me.

"Sorry. A Alex." I corrected. He nodded his head in approval.

"I would like you to give me one of your nights." He said flatly. I stared at him. What? Now I knew he had grown a horn.

"I don't understand you S- Alex." I stated. He smiled wickedly. I frowned. There was no amusement. This was weird.

"I would like you, Jacinth, to spend one night with me." He stated haughtily. My eyes went wide. My lips parted. "In return, I would pay you the sum of 50,000 dollars. Never to contact you again. Once the money is transferred into your account, and it has been confirmed, we are never to speak again." I stared at him in utter astonishment. Not a horn. Thirty heads is what he had grown. We sat there silently, watching each other, never breaking our locked gazes for a few seconds. Instantly, my astonishment gave way to a different emotion. IRE. My mind was trying not to interpret his words as what I believed he insinuated by his request. So instead of letting my rage show, I went for calm.

"When you say spend the night with you? What exactly do you mean?" I asked. He smiled. It was sly. An arrogant grin. One that instantly made the hairs on the back of my neck to raise, as realization at his insinuation struck home. God I felt- numb. Clearing my throat, I spoke, my eyes averting his.

"You're joking, right?" I said, darting my eyes about, searching for the hidden cameras that perhaps lurked in the corners of the cafe. "This is some sort of joke that you and my family came up with, right?" I said, staring amusedly at him. He looked at me intently, his eyes harboring the knowledge that the amusement didn't reach my eyes. "Well tell them you got your fun, at my expense. Now I would just be returning to my shift." I said, getting up to leave.

"I wasn't finished talking Jacinth." He said darkly. I whipped my head towards him, my expression as defiant as I could muster, given the strange pull that dragged me into his eyes, each time we locked gazes. It was strange, I was affronted by his innuendo, mortified in fact, yet. "If you know me well, then you'd know that I have no sense of humor, whatsoever."

"Maybe you decided to develop one today. You know, you should ditch your empire and go for stand up comedies instead. I am sure the whole of America would find more pleasure in watching you." I said and proceeded to head off.

"I said I-"

"No you are finished here, Sir." I cut in angrily, my eyes fixed on his in such indignation that I couldn't remember the last time I had felt this outraged. I didn't care if anyone was watching, Thank God as a VIP customer, he had a private dining section, like the other five VIP customers that sat in their own booths, pretending not to see our heated exchange. Though I doubted that his voice had risen an octave higher since we began this conversation. I was the only person on this table currently fuming. He on the other hand was calm. Too calm. That got me even more upset,

"You are angry. I can understand that. But I believe we are two grown adults having a discussion. You're no green girl. As a matter of fact I have learnt that you are a widow. Five years now, I am told. And you were not in the best relationship with your late husband before his death." He detailed in such a domineering voice that I found myself weakened at the information he gave about me. A story which I was all too aware of. But now listening to it from the lips of this stranger, I felt emotions that I had thought long gone, inundate the whole of my insides. I unconsciously slipped back into the sofa across from him. My eyes never faltering from his. He held mine as he continued. "He had been found gruesomely killed in a fatal car accident in Delta State, Nigeria, away from your home in Benin City. An accident that had claimed the lives of everyone involved, including his mistress, whom he had been travelling with at the time. Leaving you all alone."

I was dumbfounded. Not only because I wondered how he had known all this. But because the way he said it got to me. Made me feel all the raw ache all over again.

"You had been unable to bear children, early in your marriage and that had strained you both. Neither of you had been aware that you were three months pregnant at the time of the accident. A fact which you had confirmed a few days after his funeral." He finally said. His eyes at me were fathomless. I only wondered what he was thinking as he gazed at me.

"Who told you all this?" I asked. Chiefly because only I and Marcus, my elder brother were aware that Felix had died with his mistress.

"I spoke with your brother Marcus. Your Uncle introduced us, three years back. He is a great Engineer, that one. Works with STA CONSTRUCTIONS in Chicago." He declared, his gaze softened slightly, before it straightened again. Marcus Ogiemhe was going to get an ear full from me later today, whether he was my elder or not, I thought. Alexander's gaze darkened a little, but he said nothing more.

"Even if- even if you have all these about me. Even if I am no green girl, it gives you no right to suggest such. It's absurd, insulting, not to talk of outrageous. I am sure you have a stream of ladies at your beck and call. Even exotic ladies, strippers, whatever you desire. But I am sorry, not me, sir. I am not for sale," I whispered. Tears stung the backs of my eyes, but I refused to give in before this stranger. To think that my own family had known he was harboring such thoughts about me only intensified my hurt the more. I got up to leave, straightening my back so that he wouldn't see that his words had gotten to me.

"I would leave you to finish the rest of your coffee. Have a good day Sir," I said quietly, although my heart wished me to yell him off. But I just couldn't be uncivil. Then I started off but his voice halted me in my tracks.

"When you change your mind, give me a call. This is my card." He declared coming up behind me, his voice so close to my ear, shaking me to the core. I wanted to lean into him. But I dared not. Perhaps if he hadn't presumed such thought about me.

"You can go along with your card, Mr Alexander Curtis. I am not a call girl." I said over my shoulder, then walked off. Moments later, Paul came to meet me as I grabbed coffee for some customers and he slipped something into my apron's pocket. It was only at the end of my shift, that I had the opportunity to see what he had slipped. It was Alexander's card. Obviously, he had asked Paul to deliver it to me.

CHAPTER 2

7 pm. It was dinner time. Roast beef and vegetables. I added a bottle of red wine for me and a cup of strawberry juice for Coral. The wine was to help relax me after all that had happened during my shift. At least it could numb how I felt. Word got round that Alexander Curtis, son of the late Baxter Curtis, one of the most eligible bachelors in all of America had had coffee with me. No matter how I explained, no one could stop giving me thumbs up at work. At some point, even Mr Trunk had treated me as if I was some royalty. I had felt really stifled, but I needed to finish my shift and tuck all this behind me. Even Aunt Melanie had given me so much kisses over the phone when we talked that I didn't have the heart to get upset with her for permitting that stranger to approach me with such nonsense. She had been so excited that I had had coffee with Alexander. I couldn't break her heart by telling her what he needed from me.

After our warm dinner, which had helped to ease the cold that had seeped through me and Coral, when I had gone to grab her from playschool at the end of my shift, I called Marcus' home in Downers Grove, Chicago. His wife, Clairice, picked it up. Marcus was still at work because of a late meeting. We talked for a while, before she handed me the phone to speak to my mum. As we talked I was grateful that mum had not still heard about that stranger's meeting with me earlier. Coral had had a playful day at school, so she had slept early. As I carried her off to her room, so that she could lay down properly and sleep, I heard a knock on the door. I glanced at the wall clock, wondering who it was. 8:10pm. I gingerly headed to put Coral in bed, before I went to answer the door. I found a tanned stoic man, tall and very rigid all dressed in black three piece suit, standing at the door. He was accompanied by an attractive young fair lady, wearing dark denim pants, baby blue blazers and baby blue inner top. The lady had a big white box in her hand. She was very enthusiastic and an excited air radiated from her.

"Hello darling," She said, in a sing song tone. "My, you are more beautiful in person than your photo gave off." She declared, stepping around me, box and all to enter inside my apartment.

"W- Wait." I called after her, darting a nervous gaze at the man, who only stood there, like a statue, watching us. "Who are you? And what do you want here?" I asked, following her to where she dropped the box on a kitchen counter.

"Wow- your house is gorgeous darling. You really are exactly the way you were described." She declared, her eyes glancing around in vivid admiration. "Where is your daughter?"

"WH- What?" I asked. Who was this woman? And how did she know I had a daughter?

"You are Jacinth right?" She asked.

"Yes." I replied tersely, the alarm in my expression explicit. I was a reach away from phoning the cops.

"Then I am with the right person." She breathed, a sly smile tugging her lips. "You see, our company was contracted to design a dress and jewelry set for you by our most elite customer, Mr Alexander Curtis, a few months ago" She smiled. Her eyes were glowing with obvious mischief. "Unfortunately the items took this long to deliver because of some little difficulty we encountered in obtaining the chief gem stone for the Jewelry."

"What?" I asked, stunned, shitless.

"Yes, darling. He explicitly stated that we did everything with utmost discretion and commitment, so that we could come out with the most perfect ensemble for you. And Voila!!!" She professed, cheerfully. I froze. Alexander? How did he know where I lived in Madison? For all I knew, our conversation had not progressed to that point, earlier today. And didn't we end in the least amicable of terms. And what's this about gem stones and a few months old order request?

"Am sorry, you have the wrong person." I childishly said. Of course there was no chance Alexander could have made a mistake in my house address, with how he had acted today. His words from earlier suddenly filled my mind ; "Whenever my team of designers come up with a sketch and am intrigued by it, captivated, I go for it, no matter what it takes to bring it to life. I invest my all into it, until the public gets to see what has captured the heart of Alexander Curtis." But surely I was no design. I was no automobile sketch. I risked a glance at the woman. She looked perplexed, confused even.

"Excuse me, but is this not-' She snagged a look at stick-on leaflet on the box. "205 W, Beltline Hwy, Madison?" Her brow was lifted, quizzically. I swallowed. That was a childish declaration from me.

"I mean I do not know the man well." I said. The woman only gave me an awkward look.

"Oh. Kay. And I am a mouse's uncle. Look honey, I just work for Carnelian and I have been assigned to deliver this to you and ensure you get them- You do know Carnelian, right?" She asked, her sarcasm not lost on me. An odd look of amusement in her eyes.

"Of course I know Carnelian in Beverly Hills. Who doesn't in the whole of the states? What I meant was that?"

"Good. That is all I need to know, darling. Your personal issues with the man is not my concern. Personally, I would feel quite honored to have caught the attentions of Mr Curtis, if I were you. Not many women are this lucky." She confessed.

"Well- perhaps you should have the items-"

"And risk the ire of my boss?" She blurted out, laughing. "Tempting. But not a chance honey. This one is for you. Maybe someday, I would be this lucky." She shifted out of the kitchen and was heading towards the main door. "A word of advice to you darling." She said over her shoulders. "Don't sweat it, just go with the flow. It's easier that way. Enjoy your night and my regards to your little daughter." And she was gone, with the door clicking shut behind her. I listened for the black SUV they came in to pull out into the road before I rushed off to lock the door, behind them.

I strolled to the room and checked on Coral, she was safely asleep. I thanked God. Then I gingerly went to the kitchen counter, where the box still lay. It was a pretty big box and I was dying of a certain curiousity to know what was inside. I paced in the kitchen, nervously, my eyes darting a few times to the box. In the end my curiosity gave in to my defiance and I gingerly reached for the box. The brand name stood boldly in gold letters on the box, with a small leaflet, containing my name and address, plastered to the top of the lid. Opening the box, I saw another box, a rectangular box of blue velvet. I took that out and opened the white wrap covering only to find an embellished fabric of the most beautiful blue. I pulled the velvet garment out, which was heavy by the way, and a card dropped. I picked it up and it was a handwritten card, signed in his name.

"Wear this for when you have made up your mind. You can reach me on this number once you do. 555-0100. I hope the items are to your liking? Just one night, is all I ask of you."

I glared at the card. Tears welled up in my eyes, because I didn't understand how I felt about all this. On the one hand there was a degree of intrigue swirling inside me, making me want to jump to the whole Idea, like that young woman insinuated. Then in the other hand, there was wariness, a guarded feeling that this wasn't just going to take one night from me. My entire world would change the moment I entered this. Numb, I tucked the card back into the box and reached rubbed my palms over the fabric. The tiny water colored gem stones encrusted on the dress, glistened in the overhead light in my kitchen. I unfolded the fabric and revealed a stunning flowing gown, with a thigh high slit on the right side and tiny diamond crusted straps for hands. The dress was exquisite and I found myself gulping down my own spit at the sight of the dress. God, what did all this mean? What sort of test was this, Lord? As if that wasn't enough, I opened the rectangular velvet box to find a stunning wonder. Inside was an egg shaped big blue diamond, placed on a two layered diamond encrusted necklace, along with tiny egg -shaped blue diamond earrings.

The Jewelry set was designed in a baroque style. Being a fashion enthusiast, I could recognize that detail, although I didn't know there was anything like blue diamonds, I knew of blue sapphires. A feeling tugged at me. I was awestruck. I reached for my phone to check the internet and there before my eyes was the evidence that my feeling was right. It was a rare diamond that could only be obtained by special request. It needed time to acquire being rare specialty and all. I gaped at my screen. What did he say again? He always invested full on in a design that captivated him? How was I a captivation for any man? Felix for one never saw me as a captivation. If anything as soon as a year of our marriage had passed and all our copulation (I say copulation because that is what I presumed we were doing back then. Not making love.) had not yielded a baby, he had immediately tagged me barren before his clan and shoved me to the side. Going for any other thing in skirts but me. Only when he was short of money and couldn't lavish any of his earnings on his multiple sex partners, did he darken the walls of my vagina with his presence. Tears streamed down my eyes. This was all too much. I looked into the box again just to distract myself and I even saw shoes of matching blue with the dress. They were sandals, with diamond encrusted straps. Putting everything away in the box, I carried them and tucked them in my closet. Then I climbed my bed and slept. Hopeful that when I woke up, I would find out that this was all a dream, like the one that I had woken up to this morning.

xxx

I looked out at Coral playing with her playmates, Samantha and Willy on the back lawn. They were children to two of my friends, who came around for us to have our Friday afternoons bible studying. It's an activity that we came up with to empower ourselves more with God's words. Every time we met, we picked random parts of the bible to be discussed at our next meeting. We also set up a book club, just among us three, but we discussed our readings at the last Saturday of every month. This time we were reading Glernavon. It's a complicated regency era novel. But Allie, Willy's mum had chosen it and we already agreed earlier on never to oppose the reading choice of any of our members. Samantha's mother, Kathy was to discuss her readings on this fateful day. She had, for some reason, picked up the story of Bathsheba, wanting us to discuss about the circumstances that had surrounded her. I had tried to oppose the story, knowing that I held a certain sentiment to it. But Allie had waved me off, stating that she also wanted to have other views about Bathsheba than she already did. So, here we found ourselves at the back porch, eating cookies and sipping smoothies on this windy October Saturday. They chose my house to always be the venue for our interactions because I was the only one whose house has a play area that the children can stay and not get bored. The others lived in tall apartment buildings, which barely had outdoor playing area for the kids. And frankly if we used the parks, it wasn't going to give the right mood for our discussions.

"In my opinion, Bathsheba was pushed by her awe in Yahweh the God of King David, who could make a mere shepherd boy become a King and that was the reason she surrendered. She felt the pull from this mere man, whose power stemmed from his God and took a leap of faith, sailing wherever the moment took her. After all in the book of Galatians 3vs5-6, God works with only faith and not by law. She had faith in just that moment with the king and that moment led her to fulfil Yahweh's will for her and King David." Kathy declared, spiritedly. I listened to her, her words sinking into my mind. I tried to relate it to my current situation with Alexander Curtis and wondered if Bathsheba had experienced these same feelings that had coursed through me for the past five months. Yes, five months. Five months of indecision concerning this issue that hung over my head like a guillotine. I heard the door bell and headed off to check the door. It was a mail man standing there. I recognized the post and immediately I felt lead drop heavily in my gut. I received the mail and thanked him as he left. Another All American Express post. One in every week for the past five months, since that night I received that box, had been sent to me, unfailingly. The same message, the same flawless handwriting. And frankly at this time I was so completely overwhelmed by it all. I opened the envelope and read the card in it. As usual it contained the same message;

"Just One night, Jacinth, is all I ask. Call me, 555-0100."

But it wasn't just one night that this encounter was going to take. It was going to take everything from her; her dignity, her emotions, her body, her soul, her heart. Because deep down somewhere, she had started entertaining the thoughts of spending that one night with Alexander. One night of been adored by him. One night of feeling his gazes on her. One night of his lips all over her. Because she suspected that inside him, was a side that could make a woman valued, like he valued his car designs. I shook my head and walked in on Allie saying;

"What the world judges as seen, in the book of John 16 vs 7-8, Jesus says only the Holy Spirit would reveal to us what God sees as Sin. So in truth Kathy, I agree with you. It was the way God had decided it for both the King and Bathsheba. What do you think, Jacinth?" Allie turned an enthusiastic gaze at me.

"I-" I hesitated, clutching tightly to the written card in my hand. Could I be as brave as Bathsheba was? I thought. My eyes travelled across the two women, who gazed expectantly at me. "I think, I would spend one night with the King. Just one night." Came my reply.

Later that night, at 9:15 pm, I dialed the number on the card. It rang and went dead. I presumed he had already gone to sleep. Just as I turned to climb into bed, the phone rang on my bedside table. It was him. Flutters filled my tummy, making me giddy as I reached for the phone. My mouth went dry and my throat got closed all of a sudden.

"Hello," I greeted over the phone. I heard him heave a breath at the other end. I wondered at it. Had my call woken him up?

"Hello, Jacinth." He greeted, quietly, his deep rich voice velvet sweetness to my ears, drowning me completely. How did he know that it was me?

"How did you know that it was me?" I asked, surprised and giddy at the same time. Alexander Curtis knew that I was calling? It was a wonderful feeling. Just this once, I could let myself feel? special in this man's eyes, even if I knew that he could have any woman, other than me, that is. I heard him let out a chuckle.

"I have had your number since a long time, Jacinth," he said quietly from the other end of the line. I didn't know what to say. Only that I was amazed. "Are you well?" His question broke into my thoughts.

"Yes, I am." Then I silent. I didn't know how to begin. What could I say to him? How could I initiate the point of conversation that had prompted my call? But In truth I had to be bold, for there was no going back at this point. Thankfully, he spoke my exact thoughts, as if he could read them.

"Did you call to give me your acquiescence?" I heard him ask, sternly.

"Yes." I said quietly. I had thought this through, after the girls had gone and now, there was no backing down.

"Alright. What date have y-"

"On a couple of conditions." I quickly cut in, stopping him before he could go any further. I needed to get this out. Lay my terms.

"Conditions?" He asked, coolly.

"Yes, conditions." I uttered. He went silent at the other end, leaving only his breathing to be heard. I took it as my cue to continue. He seemed to be a very patient person, I observed.

"I wouldn't be coming alone to this?" I dint even know what to call it. "Thing" blurted the first word that popped in my head.

"Thing?" I heard him ask, not missing the hint of amusement in his voice.

"Oh. Kay. Appointment." I stated after my brain started working again. I was nervous. I had to be. Who wouldn't at a situation like this? I heard him grunt and continued.

"My daughter is very used to me at night. As a matter of fact, it's one of the reason's I had delayed going into college of midwifery, until this time." I breathed. He listened. "So, if I am going to do this, then I am afraid that I would have to bring Coral along with me," I said. It was two ways now, either he accepted my condition, or he declined and ceased sending me those express messages.

"Is that her name? " I heard him ask in a quiet tone. His question took me aback.

"Yes." I said, my tone matching his. I heard him sigh over the phone before he replied.

"It's alright. I would make arrangements for both of you. Just tell me when you have chosen." He stated without argument. I fell quiet. I couldn't discern if I was relieved that he had agreed, or perplexed. Either way, it was done. I had to proceed from here.

"Is the evening of November the 6th fine? It would be a Friday and I wouldn't have any lectures or work shift planned for that day," I asked.

"It's perfect. I would send someone to pick you up and bring you over." Then he said after a brief pause on both our ends. "You said conditions?"

"Yes. I said," wondering what he was on about.

"You only mentioned one." He stated over the phone. I instantly remembered that I had only named one. "What other conditions?" He asked haughtily. He was so, authoritative and in control. I wondered what he had seen in very unorganized me, to have found any form of intrigue.

"That whatever action I take, you wouldn't object to it. No matter what," I said flatly, my heart in anticipation. I found out I really wanted this as well. This see- saw was really a two ways thing, now. It wasn't just him that wanted this.

"I give you my word."

CHAPTER 3.

Alexander.

North Carolina, 6pm. I stood at the window of my office, at my estate in Charlotte, gazing through the large latticed window, while I spoke on the phone with Greb Falster, my Business associate in Liverpool. Not like my senses registered any sight before my gaze, it was just an unconscious act to distract me from the feelings that threatened to buckle my knees in this building. This same building where my entire world had changed 35 years ago. Even as I discussed mega money business deals with Falster, my ears still strained to hear the echoes of anguished cries that had screeched my ears on that fateful night, years ago.

"Just ensure that they get all done before Christmas. I wouldn't want this product to cross over the New Year. The New Year should bring with it newer innovations. Better look in on that and ensure it is taken care of." I stated sternly at Falster over the phone. He gave me his reply and we concluded, so that I could go and prepare myself for the meeting with my other associates over video call. A knock on the door, prompted me to move away from the window, asking the person in. It was my butler, Festus.

"Your guests have arrived, Sir. Shall I ask them into this room?" Festus asked. I frowned gazing at my computer screen, which was already alight with the incoming video call. Another reason I had tried to distract myself all day was, her. Ever since she had called me a few days ago to inform me of her decision, I had not been myself. I had experienced weird feelings that I had no explanations to. And I had also discovered that I had found myself gazing more often into the horizon, like I was anticipating her arrival or something. To cap it off, she was arriving with an addition. Her little daughter, Coral. I liked her name. Reminded me of the sea. I deepened my frown, not liking the direction of my thoughts. Whether she came with the whole of her clan, our agreement stood. Just one night.

"No. take them up to the room that I asked be prepared for them. I hope you saw to it that a nice bed was procured for the little girl and that the room for them got decorated?' I asked Festus, not sparing him a glance, afraid that he could see the sudden shift in my usual demeanor. "Her Mum tells me that she is used to her at night, so it would be unfair to prepare a separate room for her, knowing the sizes of these rooms," I added for good measure.

"Yes, Sir. Everything is in order." Festus informed me.

"Great. Inform her that I have a meeting currently and would be joining them for dinner at exactly 7:30pm." I instructed. Festus nodded his head and left the room. I heaved a gust of pent up breath that I had no idea had been hitched in my throat since Festus informed me they had arrived. She was here. This mystery woman that had plagued my nights and haunted my days, since I walked into Bricks cafe, 3 years back. A day which I have remembered every day ever since. Then she had just been a year in The United States, as I had come to know later from her colleague that had served us our coffee. I and my partners had been there to check out the location that had been selected to set up an outlet in Wisconsin, because we had received encouraging feedback from the survey that had been sent out. Madison had been chosen as the site of preference, so we had all headed out to have a look at the place. I had been a bit bored that day, because to me it was just another day of starting another outlet for KUR MOTORS. But the moment my eyes had snagged her, serving coffee to another VIP customer, I had gotten a spark of unimaginable excitement. Yes, Bricks Cafe was exquisitely beautiful, at least the ratings had assured us (For we had never been there), when we had been in search of 5 star cafes. And the entire service was neat, professional and customer friendly, but all that hadn't lit me up like the brown- chocolate lady that was swinging around, serving tables. Her curvy shape- not overly so, her beautiful face, with her full shock of dark kinky hair on her head, pulled into an up do. Her wide full hips and full busts all accentuated by her uniform that had fitted her so perfectly. She was a whole woman put into a single package. My mouth had dried and my throat had constricted. I had stared at her every move all the while. Even my business partners had found my silence odd. Even I had found my behavior odd. And I had given tiredness as an excuse for my countenance. Eventually, unable to help myself, I had feigned answering a call and had discreetly enquired how I could know about her from that same colleague of hers, who had revealed to me her link with the owner of the establishment. And that was how I proceeded to worming my way into the lives of Dr Anthony Osazuwa and Melanie, his wife and her jacinth's elder brother, Marcus Ogiemhe. I liked their company, as a matter of fact and I had utilized my acquaintance with them to an advantage of finding out a lot about Jacinth.

Her family had described her as intellectual, which I had perceived for myself, on the many occasions I had frequented Bricks Cafe, which I must confess had become a regular whenever I was in the area. And I discovered I now found the newly developed Madison Kur Motors office, my favorite. Even everyone at Kur Motors had been surprised by my new affinity for the place. She spoke articulately, whenever I requested her to serve me coffee. But It was a hassle, I discovered to get her talking. But once she did, was an excitement to listen to. I had engaged her on a few mundane topics, prior to that day I had propositioned her, and she had been interesting to listen to. Unfortunately my presence always seemed to have always intimidated her, which I found hurtful, surprisingly. Especially, knowing that many people found me that way. Jacinth was also funny, a trait which I found mesmerizing. Her brother had also told me she loved reading novels and the bible. I found that interesting as well. At some point her brother had enquired from me my reason for asking about his sister, my excuse had been flimsy but it had worked.

Knowing my background, I found relationships as manacles that are created to shackle two people in to a life of forever misery. But I am aware that as much as I have convinced myself with that theory, it isn't true. Only those involved in these unions, never look before they leap. Just like Baxter and Rosaline never looked. But their pictures, always said otherwise. Posing elegantly for the cameras and putting on the best show for all the media, yet, theirs had ended in woe. Leaving a trail of unfinished businesses behind. Me and my heart.

The meeting had gone well, thankfully and I had enough time to freshen up before I headed to the private dining room downstairs, where I had asked dinner be set up. I gazed outside the open window, before I headed upstairs and hoped that Jacinth found this place as magical as I did, whenever I was around. If it wasn't for the memories that haunted these walls, it would have been my primary residence. The entire estate filled with lush evergreens trees, shrubs and hedges. The garden trimmed to perfection and graced with different species of ever blooming roses. Hence the estate's name- CURTIS ROSE. Usually I came here, whenever I preferred to host a large fancy ball or something. My Tribeca residence in New York or Washington being my preferences. My high affinity for the hustle and bustle of the city my, aphrodisiac. But this time, I had decided to invite Jacinth and her daughter to my estate at Rock Creek Drive, Charlotte, North Carolina because it was more children friendly.

I chose to wear a plain ice blue long sleeved shirt tucked into black pant trousers with the sleeves of my shirt rolled up to my elbows, a couple of buttons at the top of my shirt let lose. It was casual, except for the black shining shoes that I wore on my feet, but I had deliberately chosen that to make Jacinth feel comfortable. I didn't want her to feel intimidated in my presence. I rubbed my hair back, still wet from the shower, trying to keep it less tousled than it looked as I caught sight of my reflection in the lattice window of the private dining room. Then I saw her reflection through the window as she stood behind me, holding her little girl. I stilled, our eyes locking from our reflections in the window. I held hers steadily, not wanting her to avert her beautiful eyes. But she seemed discomfited by my intense gaze and shifted her eyes hurriedly. I took that as my cue to turn to greet them. God! She looked more beautiful in person than she did when I caught sight of her in the window. Dressed in that peach color hued gown that I had selected among the bevy of gowns that had been displayed before me for my selection, she looked like a rose. My own Rose. My pair of Roses. Because that is what the pair was. Adorable little Coral and her beautiful mother, dressed in matching apparels, both looked like beautiful roses. Coral swooshed her princess gown a number of times as she stood holding her mum's hand. She was chubby adorable, caramel colored little princess. And her ensemble; the dress, her silver shoes matching the silver chain and diamond pendant and earrings that she was adorned in. And her hair, decorated with ribbons on a pair of cute piggy buns made her look cute. A deep smile spread across my lips. One which if I recall I haven't had since I was 4 years old.

"You look beautiful," I simply said. My gaze fixed on Jacinth never faltering. She was really beautiful. How could a man ever class this Rose as barren I couldn't tell? But I never wanted to know, because marriage was a shackle. I had seen it with Baxter and Rosaline, my parents. I had also seen it in my close friends and acquaintances. Even my business associates, I observed seemed to suffer the shackles of marriage. I never trusted those who said theirs was a marriage of bliss. To me, they were no different from my parents. And because I saw marriage in this light, I had never thought about getting into one. I mean, why bring children into a setting, where you and your spouse both have to pretend to keep appearances in the public and you're your offspring your true torments. It wasn't worth it. And I preferred to live that way. When I felt the need to have a family, I could just knock up either Stacy or Penelope, either of whom I was certain would be comfortable with just being the mother to Alexander's kid. A handsome life of luxury and freedom awaited either of these women I chose. Both beautiful and mature women. Equally stable in the society and shared my ideology of not wanting shackled. But to what end? Sometimes, I found myself missing what my parents had shared. Even if it's for a moment. The lonesomeness got so overwhelming at times that I found myself wishing to escape my own skin. But I couldn't. Perhaps it was this occasional loneliness that was one of the major reasons that had pushed me to desire Jacinth's presence. Even if it was just one night. For one night, I wanted to feel something, beat in my heart for a woman I desired, just like when I desired an automobile design, before it was produced. For once, I wanted to feel something other than the hollowness I felt, whenever I had sex with one of these classy lovers that were as hollow as I was. There was no commitment between me and either of these lovers. Only satisfying our urges and escorting each other to fancy parties. But this once, Alexander desired more.

"Thank You." Her sweet voice, breaking into my errant thoughts, made all my senses travel from my chest and pool at the center of my thighs. I desired her. I imagined that voice of hers making soft moans and gasps to me pleasuring her. But this wasn't the moment for this. I intended to take it slow, not rush things and enjoy every moment of this with her. I had been called many things. Narcissistic, cold, arrogant, impermeable and an excellent lover. So I am sure that she was also going to garner some pleasure from this as well. I intended to make it worth her while. Never making her regret her decision. Finally able to make my limbs move, I strolled over to them and crouched down to little Coral's height level and gazed intently in to her eyes, studying her like and interesting treasure. She shied away, hiding behind her mum's thighs.

"Don't run Coral. I am not going to hurt you. I promise." I said in the softest tone that I had ever used. That promise seemed to get her. A pair of cautious eyes peeked around Jacinth's thighs and I suppressed a smile, so I wouldn't scare her away.

"Promise?" She asked in the sweetest baby voice I had ever heard. Something shifted in my chest and I feared that I might burst into flames, if I didn't get a hold of myself. But for once, my heart didn't listen to my head. This time, my heart wanted to enjoy this.

"I promise." I replied. My gaze shifting up and catching Jacinth watching the exchange, quietly. It seemed this moment also, meant something for her. But I couldn't deduce what she was thinking. Coral stepped out and reached for my hands. Her Caramel skin tone a warming contrast to my light skin tone, like caramel spread on whip cream. I turned my palms up, with hers on top of mine and cherished the contact. Her little baby hands in mine, so small and delicate. Something thawed in my heart in that instant and it was wrenching me into shreds from the insides. I was afraid to let go of her hands, because if I did, I would discover that I was still in bed and that these two weren't here. Thank God that Festus chose that moment to come in and enquire if I was ready for dinner to be served. I reached my gaze into Jacinth's, holding hers steady as I replied.

"Yes, Festus." I said. I was ready to begin this adventure. Soon, the courses began to arrive and we went through them, in easy conversations that flowed willingly from within us. Even little Coral wasn't left out. She told me a lot of herself, her mum, her grandma and her Uncle Marcus and grand Uncle Anthony and their wives, who she declared she loved. She told me of their kids. She chatted with me about her play school and her play mates. I heard from her about Willy and Sam. She was so adorable that I couldn't get tired of listening to her. And the sweetest thing was that she was so well mannered, that she never spoke unless spoken to.

"Did you like your room?" I asked Jacinth, my gaze fixed intently on hers, who equally held mine as she ate desert. A yogurt blend topped with blueberries and strawberries. It was a favorite desert of mine, one which I suddenly wished to lick off her body. I smiled. She visibly shivered.

"It's beautiful." She quietly said, a slight tremor in her voice. "But you didn't have to do so much. Coral and I could have shared a bed." She said. I tilted my head, weighing her expression. It was difficult for me to deduce this woman's expression. Something which I remember being good at. With her One needed time to read what she thought, by searching her eyes. Because she was one woman that barely gave a thing a way.

"You had told me that she is used to you at night," I quietly reminded her. "I thought it suited for you both if you each had your separate beds. It would ease your comfort." I informed her. She gazed at me before responding.

"You do know that Coral has her own room?" She said. "I only meant that she likes to come in to snuggle me whenever she gets terrified at night." She added, mirth in her eyes. She was amused at my misunderstanding of the situation. What could I say, I was a man that went all in for what I wanted. Never sparing a cent, until I reached success. I turned an affectionate gaze towards the young missy in question and watched her enjoying her desert, taking her time to lick every dollop.

"I stand corrected." I conceited. "But you must agree this idea of mine beats the idea of leaving the baby far from you, only to have her running around, like a hamster in a cage for you." I said to her, my words having the desired effect as she seemed to weigh my words thoughtfully. She laughed as she seemed to catch my drift.

"You're correct. But then again it's necessary for the children to start gaining a certain level of independence. Don't you agree?" She stated. I nodded quietly and smiled as a memory flashed across my mind. My parents used to have a battle trying to make me stay in my room all night. It usually ended up in me scurrying over to their room, telling them that monsters were under my bed. And in truth, the monster had truly come.

"This is the first time in almost 35 years that this private dining room has being graced." I blurted out impulsively, even before my mind could register that I was saying it. I hitched my breath, waiting for the barrage of questions that I knew were bound to follow. Questions, which I wasn't ready to answer yet. I risked a glance at Jacinth, who stared at me, puzzled.

"Why is that?" She asked, quietly. I don't know what this woman did to affect me so. But somehow as our gazes locked, my heart reached out to hers and called for her to set it free. "Alex?" She said softly as she saw me go quiet. And that did it. The sound of my name on her sweet lips, which when not lipsticked, like it currently was in pink, was full and tan colored, did me in.

"Because 35years ago, when I was 4years old, was the last time I and my parents had dinner together in this room." I stated softly. I saw her eyes and it had something. Sincere concern. Sincere interest. For the first time in years, I saw someone that had sincere concern for me and not an interest in me for publicity. Easily, I found myself talking. I told her everything. How it all happened. How our family had been the picture perfect family and how it had all been a lie. How my parents had always seemed in love outside, but inside, theirs had been a battlefield and not a marriage of love. How I had seen mum hit many times, while I peeked, helplessly. How she would wake up in the morning and pretend that nothing happened and tell me she had walked into a window. Sometimes had found myself believing he lame excuses, preferring them to what my eyes had seen. I saw the look of horror that had climbed her face when I had told her, how dad had hit mum across the table in this same room (though I had changed everything about this room, the moment dad had passed away twelve years ago, but the shadows of memories still haunt these walls). That night, they had been arguing about something I couldn't remember and mum had defiantly spoken, for the first time. Dad, without hesitation had hit her immediately across the face, leading mum to rush out of the room, grab a key to one of the cars. Soon, we heard the screech of tires as she drove through the ice covered roads. It had been a stormy winter that December and everyone had been warned to stay put. I remembered the panic that had set in dad's eyes, the moment we had waited hours and still hadn't seen her. It was late into the night, dad and I had dozed off in his office, where he had gone to call some friends to enquire about her, when a couple of cops arrived to inform dad that mum had gotten into and accident in the storm. A collision with another vehicle. It was 19th. Christmas hadn't been the same ever since. I said. Where all the will to speak all that had come from, I had no idea. But I had done it. I had finally spoken out on what happened years ago. Something even a shrinks had tried and failed woefully. Soon, I had become unapproachable. And soon I had drifted away from being the Alexander that had once been full of life. My dad and I were filled with so much hurt between us, that we avoided each other. His filled with regret. Mine filled with hate for him. Soon, my emotions had grown so numb that I had just buried that past. When dad had died, I had changed everything about this home, including its name, the decorations. The entire aesthetic of the estate centered on my mum, Rosaline Curtis.

"Hence the name of the estate?" Jacinth asked, her tone etched with a profound concern. I nodded. "It's a beautiful estate. I fell in love with it the moment I saw it." She confessed. My heart flooded instantly with unidentifiable emotions. I shifted my gaze to Coral, an attempt to distract myself from the emotions that swirled in me and discovered that the little one was dozing off. I smiled and shifted from my seat, standing up and coming over to her. Jacinth immediately came around but I begged her off with my eyes and carried the sleepy princess in my arms. She felt so small and delicate. Together, we strolled upstairs, not saying a word. Coral had already fallen asleep in my arms by the time we reached the bed. After dropping her off and kissing her head, impulsively, I walked out of the room, bidding Jacinth a great night. She seemed taken aback by my actions. And I grew slightly puzzled at her expression. Then I realized that she had been afraid all along because she had been thinking of our arrangement.

"Not tonight." I said. "Sleep." Then I nodded and left. For the first time in a long time, I felt human.

The next two days went by in a fascinating blur. On Saturday, I took them on a tour around certain interesting sites in Charlotte. We laughed played, relaxed. We even went to the nearby play ground where Coral played her head off till she slept. She had even made new friends during her time in the playground. When we returned to Curtis Rose, later in the evening, I had headed off to answer some important business calls, which had taken me long into the night, thereby unable to join the adorable pair for dinner. By the time I had finished, I had been informed that Jacinth and Coral had had dinner and had long gone off to bed. I smiled inwardly. Somehow happy that I had not been available, obviously this could only mean our arrangement wasn't over and they both had to stay. As I sipped a smooth wine, I realized that I Kinda liked their presence in my life. And I didn't want this feeling to end.

Sunday came and I accompanied them to church. For the first time in years, I was entering a church again. As I listened to the sermon, I wished that Rosaline could see me from wherever she was and smile that her boy was seated at a church, hearing a sermon. She would have been proud. Somehow, all this happened because of this gorgeous woman seated beside me and her beautiful daughter. Neither of them aware of what their presence meant in my life. I discovered that it was Sunday and Jacinth would need to return to Madison tomorrow to continue her life. Her life without me in it. I derived no satisfaction from that reminder and frowned slightly as I decided to make her stay longer. When I reached the mansion, I deliberately kept myself away from them, remaining in my office. At some point I made a desperate plea to Melanie to concoct an excuse for Jacinth not to be in the office tomorrow. Instructed my Festus to ensure that I wasn't disturbed and left it at that. Selfish, yes. But I couldn't bring myself to let them go, just yet.

On Monday morning, I got out of my gym and found a grim Jacinth seated on the breakfast table.

"What is it?" I asked her, concern etched on my face. She travelled her gaze across my appearance and swallowed. I smiled inwardly, but mirth flooded inside me. I had a certain effect on her as well and it made my groin tighten in my gym pants.

"I received a call from Aunt Melanie last night that there is an outbreak of something contagious at the cafe and that I shouldn't come in until tomorrow." She quietly explained. I repressed a smile. God, I felt relieved. I would kiss Melanie if I knew that Anthony wouldn't get the wrong idea. I darted my eyes to her and saw that she was watching me, puzzled. I realized she expected me to say something. Hmm. I was beginning to understand her. Somehow, Jacinth wasn't as complicated as I thought.

"It's no worries, Jacinth. Would you have preferred you contracting whatever it is that is spreading around?" She wore a thoughtful expression at my words. "Think about Coral." That got to her. Her gaze changed to something maternal.

"You're right." She said. Then she smiled. I thought of something. Perhaps we could all go out today. Maybe go watch a cartoon at the cinema. I recalled that I hadn't done that in years. When I suggested this to her. She wore a deep smile and consented.

Soon, we were off to the cinema. We all saw a couple of cartoons together and at noon had lunch at my favorite restaurant. The day went by fast and I didn't want it all to end. But I also knew that it was cruel of me to keep her against her will with me. I invited her and Coral for dinner with me in Curtis Rose. I already made arrangements for a matching blue dress be bought for Coral, complete with a hair accessories and jewelry worthy of a little princess.

Dinner went well. When they had both strolled into the dining room, I had been awestruck by how beautiful they looked. Jacinth looked alluring in that blue thin hand strapped gown. The gems on her gown and shoes catching the lights in the dining area and glinting like tiny fire lights. She had worn her hair do in a lose chignon. Different from the pulled back bun that she had worn it the last time. A shimmer caught my eye and I shifted my gaze to the diamond neckpiece that draped her neck, styled in a classic baroque design. I wanted to dive into her there and then, fall upon her full lips and kiss them. But I was a patient and this needed to be perfect. Besides, little Coral was present and she didn't need to get the wrong ideas.

After dinner, Coral insisted I read her a story book. Grabbing one from the shelf of books that had been bought for her, I read her one. Jacinth said nothing. She only contributed a few times to our shared moment. Just before she slept, she said something that threw me off the cliff, rendering me speechless.

"I Love you, Alex." Those words, said in such an innocuous way, stunned me. I sat there and watched her mum tuck her in. My mind was doing great search, trying to recall the last time anyone had said those words to me.

"Thank You." Jacinth said as were out of the room. I looked at her and I suddenly wished to peel her entire outfit out of her. Perhaps it would help distract me.

"For what?" I asked softly. My eyes searching hers. Seeing a feeling that I was fighting to mask, but failing miserably.

"For everything." She said. Then in an instant, just when I thought I couldn't fight it anymore, I kissed her. Tentatively at first. Then it deepened. I pulled back, just a bit to see the effect. Her eyes were closed, her face leaned towards me. It was the most welcoming sight. Then I fell onto her mouth again and kissed her passionately. I carried her into my arms suddenly that she yelped. We giggled lightly, not wanting to wake Coral, though a hired nanny stayed watching her. I cradled her in my arms and kissed her as I walked us both to my room. I was slow, taking my time.

When I reached the room, I put her down gently and kissed her some more. Then one by one in deliberate slow measures, I peeled off her outfit, beginning with her gorgeous dress. Until she was left in her jewelries and exquisitely black lacy lingerie, I didn't stop. Once I had her the way I wanted her, cladded in sweet nothings, I raised my dark gaze to hers, holding her steady. Then I released her hair do and let her afro hair tumble in wild shock around her head. She looked beautiful. Like a goddess of the moon, with that blue diamond sparkling on her elegant neck. I drew into her and began kissing her softly, from her neck, jaw. Trailing up to one earlobe, before I came to kiss her mouth. I nipped at every angle of her mouth until she gave off sweet gasps of pleasure. He hands tentatively moved over my shoulders, making blood to surge down to my sex. Gosh! I had waited for this for so long. Desiring her all this time. Impatient I lifted her again and placed her gently on the bed. Then I peeled off my clothes hurriedly, before I climbed in after her. I needed to explore her. I kissed her some more, before I let down the cup of her corset to feast on her full breasts. I licked, nipped, sucked in every degree possible. Softly. Intensely. Each one causing her to give soft cries of pleasure. She squeezed my shoulders at every suck and I liked it. Then I continued to kiss her in a descending trail down her body. My fingers trailing over her thighs, in the process. My right fingers found their way up her thighs, maneuvering into the inside of her thighs and making contact with her wet flesh. She stilled, let out a tremor over her body that I did it again, this time dipping a finger inside her hot wet flesh. Jacinth cried out softly, clutching my shoulders. My cock surged. Wanting to dive in. Patience, I told him. A wicked thought suddenly entered me, wondering what her reaction would be when I did this. I dropped lower, still kissing her and found myself in between her sweet sexy arousal. My eyes almost stung from the anticipation of what I was about to do. She was passion filled woman. And I found myself wondering how she had bottled all these in this long.

Spreading her thighs for me, watching her as she writhed to the painful tweaks I gave to he left nipple, I bent in lower, my hands spreading her thighs open some more for me, before I licked her. Slow, deliberate. I licked and nipped and sucked. And soon Jacinth was writhing and clawing. My shoulders stung from where she scratched, but it didn't matter. My bare cock throbbed, begging me for solace. But it didn't matter either. All that mattered this moment as I had now come to appreciate was her. I wanted this woman to feel satisfaction from me. Taste complete satiety, without reservation or prejudice. Give out all the passion that she had repressed for so long, that threatened to burst through her, at the slightest opportunity.

"Alex. Please" She whispered many times. But I paid deaf ears to her pleas, until she had let go in my mouth, a number of times. Tangy and sweet at the same time. I liked the feel of her in my mouth and I could really get used to it. Her cry came again and I immediately climbed up reached for a condom from the side drawer and in that moment, when she wasn't expecting it, I dipped my engorged cock into her and thrust into her. Tight?

"When last?" I asked her in a very raspy tone, because I was restraining myself from thrusting. I needed to know, because a part of me just couldn't believe that a beautiful woman like this had shunned all advances all this time. Then why me? My eyes searched hers intently. Waiting for her answer. A shadow crossed her eyes, threatening to fall her in again, but I didn't let her. Instead, with my free hand, I turned her chin to me and prodded for an answer.

"Felix." Came her only reply, before she tentatively reached up and kissed me. Slowly, very slowly I entered Jacinth. Falling into a depth that pulled me into the unknown. Soon, we were both gasping and racing for breath, as our yearning souls reached a climax that gave each one of us a measure of peace.

XXX

A fucking pealing sound was stopping me from reaching Coral. I needed to reach Coral and tell her that I loved her too, because I just realized that I hadn't said the same to her. The sound came again and I turned, my eyes opening and adjusting to my surroundings. It was still dark. I looked at my side, where I had last left Jacinth, sated and sleeping peacefully, empty with nothing but a piece of paper. The sound died and I reached for the paper, raising myself up to read it as I turned on a lamp. It was a letter from Jacinth. I perused through it quickly, a cold dread overwhelming me as I read it. The ringing sound came again. My home intercom. I grabbed it and listened to the caller. It was Lennox, my chief body guard.

"Give her the phone." I sternly instructed Lennox. He told me that she refused, stating that she and I had a prior agreement. My heart dropped. So this was her plan all along. Everything finally came together. The letter. She consenting eventually. She had this all figured out all along. A deep frown creased my forehead. Why couldn't she wait so we could talk this out? Her letter had stated that I shouldn't send the money, reminding me that I had agreed to accept whatever action she dimmed fit. I was enraged. But I couldn't do otherwise. I had given her my words.

"Do as she says." That was my reply before I hung up. Something tugged in my chest and it wasn't pride.

Chapter 4

December 24th, 7pm. I found myself in front of this house in a fine neighborhood. Snow was falling and around was a blanket of snow. The air was all Christmassy and lights, Christmas ornaments laced the entire neighborhood. As a matter of fact, even I found myself in the Christmas spirit, which I had not been in in years. I held tight to the gift back in my hand. Hoping that these gifts would bring the smiles I desired. I rang the doorbell a couple of times. Something Cinnamon and nutmeg filled my nostrils, making me hungry for whatever was cooking inside. But first, I had to handle everything right. Footsteps came to the door and then the door opened. Jacinth stood, wearing a cream colored wool sweater and black tights, her feet cladded in pink fuzzy boots. She stood there in shock, staring at me. I gazed at her, searching her eyes. She hadn't expected this. Her lips parted slightly. She was just gazing.

"Can I come in?" I said quietly. "It's freezing out here." I added. She shifted out of the way and walked in. A very cozy and neat home. Home. That is where I was. I saw a big Christmas tree, decorated with ornaments. There were Christmas decorations all around. Coral, I caught sight of was on the dining table, putting sprinkles on cookies. I called her and as soon as she saw me, she rushed right into me, where I crouched down, waiting for her. I kissed her fully on the cheeks and told her in so many words how much I loved her. She giggled a number of times and said the same. I helped them with baking the cookies and cakes and soon, tired from an obviously hard day (smiles) Coral fell asleep. Waiting for Santa. We put her in bed and together help Santa wrap the gifts.

"Jacinth," I called. She whipped her head in my direction and I noticed that she had tears in her eyes.

"Why are you here? I thought you said once our arrangement was over, there was to be no more contact, "she aguishly said. I smiled. Satisfied. Happy that I had affected her this much all these weeks, since she ran off on me. "I already did your bidding. I already gave you one night. Why are you here?" She asked. Her eyes spilling tears now as I walked to her in a feral steps, a grin tugging at my lips.

"Why aren't you saying anything? Why are you smiling?" She asked. I reached for her, grabbing her hands, pulling out something precious from my pocket.

"Because we haven't concluded what we started." I said, my fingers stretching her left hand and pulling her ring finger to my gaze. Then I slipped the most beautiful diamond ring I had ever imagined into that finger. She stilled as she gazed at her finger. I smiled as her eyes shot up to mine, a bombardment of emotions surging through her. Tears streamed down her eyes.

"You see, you left something unattended to that night." I said, my gaze softened as I knew that I felt all that she was feeling.

"And what was that?" She asked quietly. A sob hitching in her throat. I tilted my head at her before I answered.

"My heart."

"But. But this is too soon. We only spent time a few-"

"And that was all we needed, baby. All we needed to find each other. All we needed to become a family. All we needed to love each other, was just once. And everything fell into place.

"You love me even if we haven't known each other long." I nodded.

"Yes Jacinth. I love you even though we haven't known each other long, because with you I find that once is enough." I informed her. Her eyes glistened with tears. "And am not leaving Madison until, you have become Mrs Jacinth Alexander Curtis. My wife and the mother of all my children, Coral and any other child that God gives me. As for knowing each other and all that. I think we have an eternity for that. Just say yes Jacinth, because I am not leaving here without you and Coral. I love you." I confessed, my heart I my mouth. Anticipation of her response killing me. Fresh tears flowed her eyes.

"I love you too Alexander Curtis and I would love to be your wife and the mother of all your children, Coral and any other child that God would give us," She replied and lurched into my open arms.