Chapter One
“Come out with us tonight, girl. You can’t stay holed up in your ivory tower all the time.”
Noelle ignored her cousin’s sarcasm. Simone meant well but she simply didn’t understand how things were. She wouldn’t have minded hanging out but things were complicated right now. James expected her to be here when—or if he arrived. And the couple of times she hadn’t been, he’d made his displeasure known. He hadn’t been around lately but he never told her of his comings and goings. It was a pattern they’d fallen into, he’d show up when he felt like it and she’d be at the penthouse, eagerly waiting. As pathetic as it was, she lived for those moments they were together. “I don’t think it’s a good idea. James—”
“Can bite the big one.” The irritation in Simone’s voice was clear. “You’re a grown-ass woman, why do you need to ask his permission to hang out with your cousin?”
Noelle tensed upon hearing such hostility directed toward her lover. “I don’t have to ask his permission for anything. And I go out occasionally. Did it occur to you that I just don’t want to go out tonight?”
Simone snorted. “Do you hear yourself? Occasionally? You’re not a dog to be let out. Can’t you see this thing you’re involved in isn’t healthy? You deserve so much better, girl.”
Noelle squeezed her eyes shut. Hearing criticism of any kind was a tough pill to swallow but when it involved her relationship with James it hurt like hell. This wasn’t the first time Simone spoke disparagingly about James but tonight the cut seemed a bit deeper. It came on the heels of seeing James in the society section of the newspaper with the stunning redhead Noelle had met previously. The article focused on their newly announced engagement.
Noelle tried to tell herself it didn’t matter. After all, he’d never offered her anything more than what she had: a luxurious penthouse, a closet full of expensive clothes, jewelry, access to his black card and credit accounts at all the top retail stores in the city. Some would say she was no better than a highly paid whore but in her mind there was a huge difference. She didn’t stay for the gifts. She stayed for the man and she desperately wanted James to see that.
Noelle took a deep breath. She didn’t want to exchange angry words with her cousin who had always had her back. “Look Simone, I know you don’t like him and that’s your prerogative not to but it’s my decision to be with him and I wish you’d respect that.”
“Whether I like him or not has nothing to do with it. How he treats you is quite another. I don’t like that shadowed look in your eyes when he hasn’t bothered to visit you in days, or the way you act like it’s Christmas when he does. He treats you like a possession, so no I don’t like him but I like even less what he’s doing to you.”
“You’re basing that on the two times you’ve encountered him? That’s not exactly fair is it?”
“I have eyes, Noelle. It doesn’t take more than once to see the dynamic between the two of you. I’m the only family you have in the area but he acted as though you were committing a crime for inviting me over. If a man really cares about you, they’d have a vested interest in getting to know your friends and family.”
“He had a long day.”
“There you go making excuses for him. Stop. I know when I’m not welcome somewhere and he made me feel very unwelcome. I was more disappointed when you didn’t say anything about it.”
James had never come right out and said she wasn’t allowed visitors but he did mention Noelle was to be available whenever her needed her to be to be. Noelle hadn’t given it much thought then but the memory made her face flame with embarrassment.
“I’m sorry you felt unwelcome.”
“I don’t need you to apologize; I just want you to see what you have with James isn’t good for you.”
“Well, it’s my life to sink or swim with isn’t it? And as far as kept women go, I’m not doing so bad right?” Noelle had attempted to inject as much nonchalance into her voice as possible but knew she’d failed miserably.
“I hate when you put yourself down like that. You’re still the sweet little Noelle I know and love. But that bastard—”
“He’s not a bastard.”
“I call it like I see it. He keeps you under lock and key, yet he only sees you when it’s convenient for him. He treats you like dirt.”
“No he doesn’t.”
Simone sighed loudly into the receiver. “Then explain to me why you’re scared to come out tonight and have a good time. I know you Noelle; those fancy clothes and expensive baubles don’t mean a damn thing to you. Hell, every time I’ve admired something you’re wearing you nearly bust your ass trying to give it to me. What is it about this guy that has you so sprung? It’s like he’s a puppet master and you’re allowing him to pull your strings.”
Noelle flinched. She didn’t like having her relationship so thoroughly dissected, especially when just about every arrow hit its mark. “That’s not true. James and I just have an understanding.”
“Does this understanding include him dating the right kind of woman in public and his dirty little secret behind closed doors?”
Tears stung the backs of Noelle’s eyes as her stomach twisted in knots. “You don’t understand.”
“Then make me understand. Make me comprehend what you see in this guy? Sure he’s gorgeous, and rich, but how great can he be when he won’t even be seen with you in public. Right now you’re just his side piece but you’re worthy of being put first.”
Noelle hastily wiped away a stray tear that escaped the corner of her eye. “It’s not that simple,” she whispered. Even as she argued, she knew what her cousin said was true.
“Yes it is. He’s using you as a convenient lay while he dates someone he deems as acceptable for all the world to see. I know it sounds harsh but I’m telling you this because I love you and I’m tired of seeing you hurt over this prick. What about your dreams? I know the hell you went through with my mom and brothers and those little digs they made and how they treated you like you were less than the phenomenal person you are. Just because they didn’t think you were good enough to be anything other than some hypocritical deacon’s wife doesn’t mean you shouldn’t aspire to be better for yourself.”
“Have you thought that James makes me happy? Look, at least he’s not that disgusting old pervert Aunt Frieda tried to pawn me off on.”
“And I’m proud of you for walking away from that hot mess of an engagement but you’re still chained to some man who expects your world to revolve around him. But truthfully, this thing you’re involved in now is worse. At least that little troll was willing to give you his name. Can you say the same for James?”
Noelle gripped the phone tightly until her knuckles changed color. She was silent for several moments before she was calm enough to answer her cousin’s accusations. “You only know what you’ve observed. You don’t know everything about us.”
“Maybe not, but I know you’re unhappy and any man who makes you unhappy isn’t worth it, hon.”
Another bitter tear slid down Noelle’s face.
“Nothing to say? What about your art? And the art school you abandoned because this guy decided you were worthy to fuck?”
“I didn’t give up art school for him. You know I was already having issues there. And I still sketch from time to time.”
“Sketching occasionally is not what your talent was meant for. You have a gift and it’s a shame you’re letting it go to waste.”
Noelle was sure her cousin meant well but she’d heard enough. “Are you through raking me over the coals because I think I still have a little bit of pride left before you completely destroy it?”
Simone didn’t answer for several moments but finally she said, “I’m tired of tiptoeing around the issue. This is something you need to hear and now that it’s been said what you do with it is up to you. So I guess going out tonight is a no?”
Noelle allowed Simone’s words to marinate for a moment and then her mind drifted to that picture she’d seen of James and the redhead. “No. I mean, I’ll go out with you tonight. Where should we meet?”
“Seriously?”
“Yeah. What time?”
“Oh, girl, you’ll have so much fun! We’re supposed to be meeting for drinks down on Hargrove Avenue at Dominic’s and afterwards dancing at a new club we want to check out.”
“Sounds like fun. I’ll meet you there.”
They chatted for a few more minutes before hanging up. For the first time in weeks, Noelle felt invigorated. Screw James. Let him have his perfect trophy wife if he wanted. Tonight she planned on having fun and getting drunk and there was nothing he could do about it.
Two hours later decked out in a tight pair of designer jeans, a black silk top that hung off one shoulder to reveal a generous expanse of dark chocolate skin and a pair of high heeled boots, Noelle was ready to go. She wore her hair loose, letting the curls flow around her shoulders. She made a note to herself to make a hair appointment for a weave tightening. Perhaps she’d go shorter next time but immediately thought better of it. James liked long hair, or she assumed he did. All men liked long hair. After inspecting herself in the mirror she was pleased with her appearance. Not bad for a girl from a small backwoods town in Virginia.
Just as her hand touched the doorknob, the keyhole turned and seconds later, James, pushed his way through the door. He never entered a room, he moved into it purposely.
Noelle backed up to avoid being knocked over.
He halted in front of her, his wing-tipped black brows rising in apparent surprise. Slate gray eyes roamed over her from head to toe not seeming to miss a single detail. Those full lips that no white boy had any business possessing thinned to a tight line. He didn’t speak. He didn’t need to. The question was asked with his expression and it demanded an answer.
Despite standing in four inch heel boots Noelle still had to crane her neck to meet his gaze. “I uh…I was just going to meet my cousin and some of her friends for drinks.”
Still, he didn’t speak. Noelle squirmed beneath his stare.
She ran her tongue across her gloss covered lips nervously. “Well, I wasn’t expecting you, so I didn’t think it would be such a big deal to go out. I’m stuck in the penthouse most of the time and I—”
“Call Simone and cancel your plans.” He strode past her as if that was the end of the conversation.
Normally when he made a request of her, she complied without question, but coupled with the announcement in the society page and her cousin’s words, Noelle bristled inside at his dismissive statement. “No.”
He continued to the bar as he she hadn’t spoken. “Take off your clothes, Noelle.”
“Did you hear what I just said? I’m going out with my cousin. It would have been nice if you’d called ahead.”
He stopped only when he stood behind the bar. Just as casually as he pleased, James pulled out a bottle of aged scotch and a glass. He poured himself a generous amount and took a gulp and then slowly lowered his glass. “I heard what you said, now take off your clothes.”
“You can’t order me around like this.” She wanted to stomp her foot, but realized how childish that would be.
“Five seconds, Noelle or I come over there and do it for you. And if I have to come over there, I’m going to paddle that delectable ass until you can’t sit for a week.”
Despite his autocratic tone, she couldn’t help but tingle all over at the thought of him administering a spanking. No matter how intriguing the idea was Noelle wouldn’t let him walk all over her—not this time. “James!”
“One.” He took another sip of his drink.
“You’re being unreasonable.”
“Two.” Another sip, this time followed by a lascivious lick of his lips.
“I’m a grown woman, and you have no right to treat me this way.”
“Three.” He placed his glass down on the bar.
“Stop this.”
“Four.”
Noelle closed her eyes against his scrutiny knowing she’d give in to him. She felt her nipples tighten and panties dampen when the sound of his dulcet voice caressed her ears. Still her last vestige of pride wouldn’t let her completely surrender just yet.
“Five.” He moved so swiftly he was in front of her within two heartbeats. Giving her no time to protest, he dipped just enough to dig his shoulder into her midsection and lift her in the air in a fireman’s carry.
She squirmed as he took the steps two at a time, earning her a sharp smack on her bottom. She howled in shock and anger. “Put me down now, James!”
“I think it’s time for a little reminder of who you belong to.”
Noelle was too stunned to react at first but the next swat on her ass galvanized her into action. She wiggled to loosen the tight grip he had on her. She pounded on his back with her fist. “Put me down!”
The next time his hand came it met her bottom there was much more force behind it. And then another even harder swat followed. Tears sprang to her eyes. “James,” she cried out in surprise.
He remained silent, taking Noelle to the bedroom and dropping her on the bed none too gently. Without a word, he loosened his tie and shrugged out of his tailored suit jacket. As he undressed, his steely gaze never left her.
James held her captive in his gray stare as he did so many times. She wanted to get off the bed and leave the room but she couldn’t move or barely breathe as he discarded his shirt revealing a muscular chest and tight abs. He quickly rid himself of his pants and boxers to reveal his nude form. He was tall, broad-shouldered and lean, not overly muscular but tight and tone. The definition of his arms and legs along with the flat stomach made it evident he was no slouch in the gym.
Unable to help herself, Noelle allowed her gaze to drift to his cock which hung hard and heavy. As he advanced toward the bed, Noelle came out of her temporary paralysis and scrambled across the bed. James, with lightning reflexes grabbed her by the ankle and pulled her toward him.
“Stop, James!” She kicked out at him in defiance. For once she didn’t want him to have it his way so easily. Seeing him in the newspaper snuggled up so cozily with some society dame tore at her insides. The terms had been laid out for her when they began their arrangement and there were several times when James had reminded Noelle of them. It increased her indignation nonetheless.
Noelle realized she’d only been holding on to an illusion of what she’d wanted them to have. There were times when James had been sweet and tender which she held close to her heart. Those were the moments she could forget his coldness and used her as nothing more than an object to assuage his animalistic needs.
Right now, his expression was something altogether different. It was feral and almost scary. Something was off tonight but Noelle didn’t care to figure out what it was. She’d reached her breaking point.
James pulled back and stared at her as if she’d completely lost her mind. “Are you telling me no?” His tone was so eerily calm it sent a chill down her spine.
She nervously moistened her lips with the tip of her tongue as the gnawing feeling grew in the pit of her stomach. Something she couldn’t quite put her finger on was happening here and somehow she knew no matter what her response was things would never be the same between them.
“I’m not an object to be used at your convenience. I’m a person with feelings,” she answered with a wobbly voice. This was the most she’d ever spoken back to him and despite his expression darkening with each word she continued. “Just because you’re important in your world doesn’t mean you can treat me any way you feel like. I had plans to go out with my cousin and had you asked nicely, I would have gladly changed them for you but you come in here without so much as a hello and toss me around like a ragdoll. Well, I’m going out and there’s nothing you can do about it.” Filled with bravado, she slid off the bed while managing not to look at him in all his naked glory.
Noelle was playing with fire but there was no turning back now. Slowly she inched around him and eased away. She half expected him to follow her, force her to stay but when he made no move she hesitated. “Well, okay I’ll see you later.”
Still he didn’t move. She continued to exit the bedroom wary of being followed. This was way too easy. James wasn’t usually one to take no for an answer.
As Noelle was about to cross the threshold of the doorway, he finally spoke. “Before you leave, mind answering some questions for me?”