The Art Of The Deal II (Probate Of The Heart)

WHEATFIELD ESTATES  
Old Westbury, New York  
   
Michael’s Residence  
   
Michael threw his tie on the bed and ran over to his bedside nightstand. He lifted the telephone receiver and placed it up to his ear.  
   
“Hello beautiful.”  
   
No one responded.  
   
“Hello.”  
   
The telephone made a shrieking sound in his ear.  
   
“Dammit!”  
   
Michael slammed the telephone receiver back on the cradle.  
 
WOCKIVOI’S SUMMER COTTAGE  
Bridgehampton, New York  
   
Artesia placed her cell phone up to her ear.  
   
“Hello.”  
   
“Hey girl, are you all right?”  
   
“I’m fine. I was going to call you back; I just listened to your message two minutes before you called.”  
   
“I’m impressed with what my Godfather had to say. I just read the retraction. Make sure I get the first copy of this book you’re writing.”  
   
“You know you will. Pauline, what’s up with Kelly?”  
   
“Besides being a bitch, nothing.”  
   
“She is, how could I put it, she’s riding my coattails.”  
   
“Tesia, you know Kelly has always been envious of you since high school.”  
   
“I do not see why, me, or my family never looked down upon her because she was adopted.”  
   
“Yes, adopted by a wealthy Caucasian family. Why? What has she done this time, other than making people lives unbearable?”  
   
“Chasing after a dick I claimed.”  
   
“That sounds like her.”  
   
“No man really respects a woman who pushes up on him.”  
   
“Oh, they like it when the lights go off. Once they turn them back on, it’s a slam bam, and thank you ma’am.”  
   
“Try telling Miss. Free Love that.”  
   
“No, let her ass fall on her face this time.”  
   
“You would think she’s learned her lesson from the last time.”  
   
“Yes, that handsome man’s spouse did do a bang-up job on her. Had she not had plastic surgery to her nose, who knows how she would have looked?”  
   
Artesia laughed.  
   
“Have pity on her, she’ll learn. Hey, the white party is tonight, since you are already in the Hamptons, I’ll drive up later.”  
   
“Could you do me a small favor?”  
   
“What is it?  
   
“I have a Dolce&Gabbana white swing dress that I forgot to pack. Could you stop at my residence before you hit the road?”    
“Is the key still in the same place?”  
   
“Yes, oh, I have a gold choker and two gold arm bracelets on my bed, and please do not forget my gold pair of stilettos.  
   
“I got it.”  
   
“Thanks.”  
   
“I’ll see you tonight.”  
   
“Make sure you keep Kelly far away from me.”  
   
“She never mentioned she was going anywhere this evening.”  
   
“You know Kelly can smell an enjoyable time, and a wealthy man’s wallet.”  
   
Both women laughed.  
   
“Hey, what about you and that great looking guy.”  
   
“Which one?”  
   
“Aah, Tristano wasn’t it.”  
   
“Too emotional complicated for my liking, now Michael, I like him, I can’t put my finger on it, but I swear it’s something about him.”  
   
“What is the something?”  
   
“I want to run from his presence, yet, I’m strangely drawn to it.”  
   
“Make it happen.”  
   
“I was trying, until Kelly.”  
   
“Until Kelly what.”  
   
“Practically stole him from under my nose.”  
   
“You have got to be kidding?”  
   
“I told her if she wants him, she’s perfectly welcome to him.”  
   
“You mean that.”  
   
“Yes. I have too much going on in my life to even consider chasing or competing for a man’s attention.”  
   
“You go girl. I’ll see you later.”  
   
“Okay. Oh, bring some clothes, you, Jen, and Danica can camp out here tonight.”  
   
“Not a bad idea. Have you talked to anyone other than me today?”  
   
“I left Jen, and Danica a message. I was going to call Kelly after I called Michael. It seems she arrived at his place of residence before me.”  
   
“Ouch.”  
   
“Exactly, I’ll see you later, and drive safe.”  
   
“Thanks.”  
   
Both women hung up.  
   
Artesia placed the telephone receiver back on the cradle. She walked out the Solarium.    
   
“Miss. Wockivoi, would you like a spinach salad for lunch?”  
   
Artesia turned around.  
   
“No thank you. Can you please call Ruwe for a private massage session, and my mother’s personal hairstylist?”  
   
“Yes ma’am.”  
   
Artesia mounted the grand stairwell.  
 
WHEATFIELD ESTATES  
Old Westbury, New York  
   
Michael’s Residence  
 
Michael stepped out the shower. He was still very much chagrined Artesia hung up on him, before they made plans for tonight.  
   
“I bet she ran back into the arms of that bastard. Wait until his ass fall.”  
   
Michael snatched the towel from off his mid-section and slung it on the bed.  
   
Maybe he should stick his dick far as it could stretch into that slut, Kelly’s pussy.  
   
His telephone rang.  
   
Michael walked over to the nightstand and lifted the telephone receiver. He placed it up to his ear.  
   
“Hello.”  
 
ALLENWOOD, NEW JERSEY  
Kelly’s Residence  
   
“Hi Michael.”  
 
Speaking of the slut Michael thought.  
   
“What can I do for you, Kelly?”  
   
“I was wondering could you escort me to the white party tonight. Everyone who is anyone will be there.”  
   
Michael thought about it.  
   
“How did you get my telephone number?”  
   
“I have my ways.”  
 
Could you tell Artesia, I want to be with her instead of you?  
   
“I will meet you there.”  
   
“How about you come and pick me up.”  
   
Michael hesitated with a response.  
   
“Pretty please, I’ll make it worth your time.”  
   
“What is the address?”  
   
Kelly gave Michael her address.  
   
“I’ll see you later; don’t forget to wear something white.”  
   
Michael looked down at his white Armani double-breasted tuxedo hanging on a hanger.  
   
“I’ll see you later.”  
   
Michael hung up the telephone.  
   
Kelly held the telephone receiver to her chin and smiled. She placed the receiver back on the cradle.  
 
PARK RIDGE, NEW JERSEY  
   
Tristano glanced down at his watch. He looked up at Artesia’s front door.  
   
A vehicle pulled up behind his.  
   
Tristano looked through his rear-view mirror.  
   
Pauline parked her vehicle and withdrew the key out the ignition. She looked at the vehicle already parked in her God-sister’s driveway. She glanced down at the initialed license plate affixed to the Lexus. She unsnapped her seat-belt, but not before, opening her purse, and removing her taser.  
   
Pauline opened the door and got out her Mercedes SUV. She pushed the door close.  
   
Tristano opened his car door, stepped out, and pushed the door close.  
   
Pauline walked up to Tristano.  
   
Damn, the man was just too good-looking she thought.  
   
“Hi, it’s Tristano, correct.”  
   
“Yes, I was waiting for Artesia. You have any idea when she will be arriving.”  
   
“She’s not coming home tonight.”  
   
“Pardon me.”  
   
Pauline’s emotions floated in a pair of dark hypnotic coal-black colored eyes. She cleared her throat.  
   
“Actually, I’m here to pick up some items for her.”  
   
“Do you know where I can find her? It’s really important that I speak with her.”  
   
“I understand, however, if she did not divulge where she could be found, then I’m not at liberty to discuss her whereabouts.”  
   
“I see.”  
   
“Do you know if she’s still in Manhattan?”  
   
“How do…”  
   
“She shared my bed last night.”  
   
Talk about straight to the point Pauline thought.  
   
“I…I’ll let her contact you.”  
   
Tristano exhaled.  
   
“Thank you, and sorry to have bothered you.”  
   
Looking into that handsome face, no bother at all.  
   
“No problem.”  
   
Pauline walked away.  
   
Tristano turned and walked back to his car. He reached for the door handle.  
   
Pauline turned around.  
   
“Tristano.”  
   
Tristano looked up.  
   
“Yes.”  
   
“There is a party at the Rush Estate in Southampton tonight. Everyone is going to be there, including all the girls.”  
   
“Thank you.”  
   
“You’re welcome.” Damn Tristano, you are one handsome man. “Oh, it’s a white party.”  
   
“I got it.”  
   
Tristano smiled and opened the car door; he slid behind the steering wheel and pulled the door close. He snapped his seatbelt, started the ignition, and maneuvered his vehicle around Artesia’s driveway.  
   
SOUTHAMPTON, NEW YORK  
Rush Estate  
   
Later That Evening [/b]  
   
“This is grand.”  
   
Artesia looked around the Grand Ballroom.  
   
“I agree,” Pauline added.  
   
Jen joined Artesia and Pauline.  
   
“You divas look …”  
   
“Since no words come to mind, I must say we look good.”  
   
“Yes.”  
   
“Your dress is making an obscene statement woman,” Danica threw out from behind.  
   
Artesia turned around.  
   
“Hey you made it.”  
   
“Do you think I would miss a Hampton white party?” Danica looked around the Grand Ballroom.  
   
“Especially, when the fellows here look very nice. Hey, isn’t that P Daddy, whatever his name is.”  
   
“Yes.”  
   
Danica looked at Artesia’s attire again.  
   
“Artesia, are you aware your two best friends are high signing.”  
   
“I told her that when I encountered her presence.”  
   
“I can’t help it if I look fabulous tonight.”  
   
Artesia looked down. Her breast nipples protruded beyond concealing.  
   
“More me for a man to admire.”  
   
Everyone laughed.  
   
“Has anyone spoken to Kelly today?”  
   
Pauline looked at Artesia.  
   
“We spoke.”  
   
“Is she coming tonight?”  
   
“It wasn’t mention during our conversation.”  
   
“I guess she still knows how to steal a show.”  
   
Everyone looked at the entrance to the Grand Ballroom.  
   
Kelly and Michael strolled in.  
   
Danica looked at Artesia.  
   
“I thought you and he was…you know.”  
   
“As you can see, we’re not. Excuse me everyone, I have to use the ladies room.”  
   
Artesia excused herself through the congested gathering.  
   
Michael looked around the Grand Ballroom.  
   
“Michael, I see a couple of friends I know, would you excuse me please?”  
   
“Yes.”  
   
Kelly strolled away.  
   
Michael made his way over to the bar.  
   
“Hello everyone.”  
   
“I didn’t know you were coming.”  
   
“Yes, my date asks me to accompany him tonight.”  
   
“Funny, I thought he and Artesia was a potential couple,” Pauline stated.  
   
“Who is he here with, and speaking of…”  
   
“She excused herself.”  
   
“To the bathroom as usual, excuse me.”  
   
Kelly headed for the ladies’ restroom.  
   
Artesia applied a thin layer of mascara to her long lashes. She reinserted the wand brush, screwed it close, and dropped it back down inside her white purse.  She looked at her breasts. Her nipples refuse to rest. The hip hugging white dress she wore was thigh-high and showcased her toned legs.  
   
She stepped back, half-turned, and pivoted side-to-side.  
   
The shimmering dusting powder to her skin, added a glow to her bronze-skin tone. Her mother’s hairstylist talked her into wearing her hair upswept and tendrils in the back, and at the sides of her temples.  
   
The door opened.  
   
Kelly entered the bathroom. She walked into the adjacent sitting area.  
   
“I thought I would find you in here.”  
   
Kelly leaned against the wall.  
   
“Tell me we’re not going to ignore each other the entire night.”  
   
“All right then I won’t tell you.”  
   
Artesia sprayed a fine mist of perfume to both wrists, recapped the perfume bottle, and dropped the miniature bottle into her purse; she closed her purse, and lifted it from off the vanity. She walked over to where Kelly stood.  
   
“I’m not only going to ignore you for the night, but entirely. You see Kelly; this is what makes you and me different. Smart as you think you are, you’re immature. You define love as how many men you sleep with, no matter, whom you may hurt along the way to attain it. As for me, if a man is truly feeling me, my vibe, my essence, then he is mine, and not what a whore could show, or do to him. Now excuse me.”  
   
Artesia walked to the door; she turned around.  
   
“By the way, you look nice tonight.”  
   
Artesia opened the door and walked out the ladies’ restroom.  
   
Kelly took a deep breath and sat down to compose herself.  
   
Michael leaned against the bar. He peered closer at the sexy woman a man stopped in the middle of the guests.  
   
“Artesia?”    
   
Michael placed his glass of wine down on the bar and maneuvered his presence through the immobile guests.  
   
“Artesia.”  
   
Artesia looked around. She thought she heard someone calling her name. She turned back around. Her waist was embraced from behind and pulled against a solid frame.  
   
Artesia turned around.  
   
“Hello Michael, why don’t you look handsome tonight.” Artesia properly aligned his bowtie.  
   
“I suppose to be here with you.”  
   
“That’s strange, because I encountered your date in the bathroom.”  
   
“A woman who…”  
   
“No need to explain. I understand you and my friend’s romp in the Jacuzzi must have worked.”  
   
“I do not follow you.”  
   
“I was given a descriptive scenario of you preparing a Jacuzzi by your date.”  
   
Michael uplifted Artesia’s chin.  
   
“It never occurred. Your friend happened to show up on my doorstep, unannounced. I was advised you were on the telephone, about time I got upstairs, you had already hung up.”  
   
“The end justifies the beginning. You are here on a date with my friend, from what I assume, enjoying yourself.”  
   
Artesia moved.  
   
“Wait, I really need to see you. Artesia, this episode is not my fault. Dance with me.”  
   
Michael did not give Artesia time to disagree. He pulled her into his arms.  
   
Artesia looked around the Grand Ballroom. Her friends were in the midst of socializing.  
   
“You look beautiful tonight,” Michael whispered at Artesia’s temple.  
   
“Thank you.”  
   
Artesia inched back.  
   
“Can I see you tomorrow?”  
   
“I’ll be leaving the states.”  
   
“Oh.”  
   
“Yes, at my parent’s request.”  
   
“Where?”  
   
“Aah, Hawaii.”  
   
Michael pulled Artesia closer.  
   
“God, you smell so good.”  
   
His palms glided up and down her bare back.  
   
Artesia inched closer. She inched her face upward.  
   
Michael inched his face downward.  
   
Two pair of lips matted against each other.  
   
Michael’s tongue forced Artesia’s mouth open. He hugged her waist tighter, the kiss grew aggressive, uncoordinated.  
   
Artesia placed her arms around Michael’s neck. She could not get close enough.  
   
“Come home with me,” Michael said between kisses.  
   
“Yes…”  
   
Michael felt all over Artesia’s back.  
   
“I like you Artesia. Once again, you have me desperately aching for you.”  
   
“I really think you need to find your own date,” Kelly hissed from behind.  
   
Artesia inched back; Michael pulled Artesia closer.  
   
Artesia spaced her presence again.  
   
“It was nice seeing you again, goodbye Michael.”  
   
Michael heard the anger, and a final goodbye in Artesia’s voice.  
   
“Wait Artesia.”  
   
Kelly immediately rushed into Michael’s arms.  
   
Michael looked over Kelly’s shoulder at Artesia.  
   
Artesia smiled, turned, and made her way through the gathering. She looked back at Michael and Kelly again.  
   
Michael’s eyes bore into hers.  
   
Artesia returned to where she left her friends waiting. She reached for a glass of wine from off the circular tray.  
   
“Thank you.”  
   
The hired help looked down at her marble sized nipples, then back into her eyes.  
   
“You’re welcome.”  
   
The man smiled, turned, and walked away.  
   
“This dress is definitely working for me.”  
   
“I agree.”  
   
Artesia froze. She turned around.  
   
“Are you following me sexy?”  
   
“My question as well.”  
   
Artesia’s sight was obstructed by a tall 6 feet 4 stature. His white tuxedo comfortably blended into a pair of widen shoulder blades. His chest wall, my goodness; she wanted to tap it to see if it was as hard as it appeared.  
   
“Can I help you with something?”  
   
Artesia lifted her head.  
   
An African American male with the eyes the color of cognac, was unheard of. His thin goatee circled ample lips. His heavy-lidded eyes held hers under arrest.  
   
“I’m sorry; I’m at a loss for words.”  
   
“Yes, so was I when I walked in and glanced across the Grand Ballroom at the most attractive woman known to man?”  
   
“Thank you.”  
   
“My name is Landon.”  
   
He extended his hand.  
   
“Yes, my nam…”  
   
“Yes, I know.”  
   
Artesia arched her eyebrows at the disclosure.  
   
“I’ve seen the news reports.”  
   
“If you’re here regarding the untruth you’ve heard. I suggest you leave.”  
   
“I’m here because, I asked a sexy woman to share my table for lunch, which she rightfully declined. I’m here for the second time, only asking to share her company.”  
   
Artesia smiled at Landon’s rebuff.  
   
“Then nice to make your acquaintance.”  
   
Artesia extended her hand.  
   
Landon shook it. He lifted her hand to his lips and kissed it.  
   
“Likewise, Lay’Luna.”  
   
His warm and comforting voice caused her to take notice of him even more.  
   
Landon unhurriedly dropped Artesia’s hand.  
   
“You have something on your jacket.”  
   
Artesia wiped an imaginary piece of lent from off Landon’s jacket. Her hand slowly wiped over his suit jacket.  
   
A hard chest wall as she suspected.  
   
Landon looked down at Artesia’s manicured dainty fingers sliding across his chest.  
   
Artesia looked up into Landon’s eyes.  
   
“It’s gone.”  
   
“Would you like to dance?”  
   
“Yes.”  
   
Landon removed the glass of wine from out Artesia’s hand. He placed it on top of the silver tray the hired help held out. He grabbed her hand and walked to the middle of the ballroom. Landon pulled Artesia into his arms.  
   
Michael glanced across the Grand Ballroom. He spotted Artesia and her dancing companion. He squeezed Kelly’s physique in anger.  
   
Kelly coughed.  
   
Michael inched back and looked down into her eyes.  
   
“I apologize.”  
   
“I’m fine.”  
   
Kelly held onto Michael’s waist tighter.  
   
Michael looked over Kelly’s head.    
   
“Excuse me.”  
   
Michael stepped back. He left Kelly standing in the middle of the floor. He angrily wiggled his presence through the crowd.  
   
Michael tapped Landon on the shoulder.  
   
“Can I cut in; Artesia and I have a couple of things to discuss.”  
   
Artesia looked at Michael’s troubled facial expression.  
   
Landon looked down into Artesia’s eyes.  
   
“Please forgive the intrusion.”  
   
Landon stepped back.    
   
“I’ll go and get us something to drink.”  
   
Michael grabbed Artesia’s hand and directed her to the door.  
   
“Where are we going?”  
   
“Away from here.”  
   
“Wait, I just cannot leave. I have my friends…”  
   
“Who is mature enough to look after themselves?”  
   
“Michael…”  
   
“We have a few things to discuss.”  
   
She heard no softness in his voice.  
   
Michael led Artesia outside the Grand Ballroom, down a pair of concrete steps, and to his awaiting limousine.  
   
His chauffeur opened the door.  
   
“I refuse to go anywhere with a man who leaves his date behind.”  
   
Michael pushed the limousine door close. He took a hold of Artesia’s hand.  
   
“Then we will walk.”  
   
Michael and Artesia walked toward the stables.  
   
Artesia shivered.  
   
Michael took off his tuxedo jacket and draped it over Artesia’s shoulders.  
   
“Thank you.”  
   
“I’m still waiting.”  
   
Michael and Artesia stopped in front of a pond.  
   
“It’s a very lovely night.”  
   
Michael pivoted toward Artesia. She in return pivoted to face him.  
   
Michael’s hand embraced Artesia’s waist. He slowly pulled her to him.  
   
Artesia knew what was to come, did she care to stop its progress, no.  
   
Michael’s lips were warm on hers.  
   
Artesia linked her arms around Michael’s neck.  
   
The tuxedo jacket fell onto the soft grass.  
   
Michael cupped Artesia’s buttocks and squeezed them.  
   
“I’ve thought about you all day.”  
   
Artesia dropped her hand downward. She cupped the front of Michael’s pants.  
   
“Have you.”  
   
Michael’s lips walked over her neck. His tongue moved smoothly down her cleavage. His mouth circled a breast nipple; he softly trapped it between his lips.  
   
“Oh Mic…”  
   
Michael lifted Artesia. Before she realized it. Her back felt the earth beneath her.  
   
Artesia's purse tumbled out her hand. She looked up. Her eyes greeted the majectic sky.  
   
Zillion stars decorated the sky.  
   
Michael lifted Artesia’s dress and kissed one of her inner thighs. His tongue made a hasten path up her leg. He kissed over her lower pelvis. Michael inched back and inserted a finger inside her already dampen pussy.    
   
“Oh,” Artesia moaned.  
   
Michael leaned his face downward and kissed Artesia’s lower abdomen. He withdrew his finger and spiked his tongue inside her.  
   
“Oh.”  
   
Artesia arched her back.  
   
Michael wiggled his tongue inside and suckled the pinkish skin sandwiching her clitoris.  
   
Artesia closed her eyes. She squeezed her breast nipples.  
   
Michael reached his hands up and squeezed one of Artesia’s breasts; his tongue raced in and out of her.  
   
“Oh...Michael... oh shit.”  
   
Artesia placed her palm on top of Michael’s head and lifted her pelvis up and down.  
   
Michael’s tongue sank deeper.  
   
“Oh, shit, you’re...”  
   
Michael inched his body backwards and positioned himself on his knees. He removed his cummerbund, unzipped his pants, and took out his manhood.  
   
Michael leaned over Artesia’s body.  
   
Artesia moved Michael’s hand aside and grabbed his dick. She seesawed it up and down the opening of her womanhood.  
   
The silken entrance aroused Michael’s libido.  
   
Michael braced his weight on both palms.  
   
Artesia placed the tip near the opening.  
   
Damn, he didn’t have a condom he thought.  
   
Michael leaned down and kissed Artesia’s lips. His manhood inched past the barrier.  
   
Artesia leaned up and kissed Michael on the lips.  
   
“I want you with a hunger.”  
   
The fatten tip escaped inside her vaginal walls.  
   
“You don’t have a condom on, you have to stop.”  
   
“Baby, I want to feel you. I swear I haven’t had an intimate relationship with anyone of late.”  
   
Michael leaned down and covered Artesia’s lips with his. His manhood sank deeper.  
   
“Oh, you’re so wet and tight for me.”  
   
“Michael,” someone called his name.  
   
The darkness shadowed the approaching person’s face.  
   
“Get up, someone is coming.”  
   
Michael banged his dick deep inside Artesia’s pussy, and quickly withdrew. He leaned down and kissed her on the lips.  
   
“You have a tight and wet pussy, which I’m intending to enjoy.”  
   
Michael inched back, stood, and zipped his zipper. He lifted his cummerbund and put it back on.  
   
Artesia stood and straightened her dress to its appropriate state. She bent over and lifted her purse from off the grass.  
   
Michael reached down and lifted his suit jacket from off the soft patch of grass. He shook it, and then slid back into it.  
   
“We will finish this much later.”  
   
Michael quickly kissed Artesia on her lips.  
   
“There you are.”  
   
Kelly glanced at Artesia and rolled her eyes.  
   
“I’m feeling neglected.”  
   
Michael’s eyes locked with Artesia’s eyes.  
   
“It was nice having this last conversation, however, as it stands. My company will be wisely invested by Mr. Giordano.”  
   
Artesia walked away.  
   
Kelly looked at Michael. She noticed the vein at his temple stood out.  
   
“I’m ready to return to the party.”  
   
Michael walked away from Kelly. She tried at best to keep up with his long strides.  
   
Tristano parked his vehicle and withdrew the key from out the ignition. He unsnapped his seatbelt, opened the door, and stepped out. He pushed the door close.  
   
Artesia removed her hairpins from out the confinement of her coif. Her curly hair tumbled down her back. She lifted a brush and brushed the curls until the strands submitted. She placed the hairbrush down, picked up a tube of red lipstick, and outlined her lips.  
   
“Perfect.”  
   
She recapped the lipstick and stood back.  
   
“Totally different.”  
   
She smoothed her dress against her physique, and on impulse, pinched both of her nipples.  
   
Artesia placed the items back inside her purse and closed it. She walked to the door and exited the ladies’ restroom. Artesia walked back into the Grand Ballroom. She saw Pauline, Danica, and Jen talking.  
   
“Is everyone having an enjoyable time?”  
   
All three women turned around.  
   
“Wow, what happen to you.”  
   
“A total makeover.”  
   
“It must have something to do with Michael.”  
   
“That matter is now considered history.”  
   
“Well, in that case, your future just walked in.”  
   
Artesia turned around. She glanced over at the entrance.  
   
“Tristano?”  
   
“I have been looking all over for you.”  
   
“Landon, I apologize for my disappearance that... that man was my... he’s my former employer.”  
   
“Apology accepted.”  
   
“Pauline, Danica, and Jen, this is...”  
   
Artesia watched Tristano excuse himself through the crowd.    
   
“Landon.”  
   
“Nice to make your acquaintance Landon. Artesia, could I speak to you.”  
   
“Sure.”  
   
Pauline and Artesia weaved their presence through the crowd and stopped in the far corner.  
   
“Yes, what is it?”  
   
“What do you think you’re doing?”  
   
“Pardon me.”  
   
“You have three men here tonight, and it looks like you are trying to accommodate your presence with all of them. Now, as your God-sister, don’t take this personally, but please slow your roll, before someone gets hurt, or this shit blows up in your face.”  
   
“Pauline, as my God-sister, I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt, however, I am not with Michael. As you can see, he is here with Kelly, and for Tristano, I let him go. Therefore, you have nothing to worry about.”  
   
“That is not what I’ve witnessed. Oh shoot.”  
   
“What is it?”  
   
“I forgot to mention earlier when I went to pick up your clothing items. Tristano was waiting in your driveway for you to come home.”  
   
“And you naturally told him about the party.”  
   
“Yes, I’m sorry, but the man looked desperate.”  
   
“As always, the little matchmaker.”  
   
“Well here comes your handsome knight and shining armor. Good luck.”  
   
“I’m telling mother on you for this.”  
   
Pauline laughed and walked away.  
   
Artesia could not steal her eyes away from Tristano approaching her.  
   
Wow, arrogant, handsome, and bull-headed.  
   
His white tuxedo looked good on him. His hair was slicked back and a high sheen to the surface.    
   
Handsome, handsome, and damn handsome. Dammit Pauline.  
   
Maybe she could sneak out before he saw her.  
   
Artesia turned to flee.  
   
“Are we running again?”  
   
Dammit.  
   
Artesia turned to face Tristano.  
   
“How can I help you Mr. Giordano.”  
   
Tristano placed his hands inside his front pants pockets.  
   
“Oh, it’s Mr. Giordano now.”  
   
Tristano palmed his cheeks down.  
   
“Strange, it was Tristano this morning.”  
   
“Yes, and it’s strange how someone told me to leave their residence.”  
   
“Can we go somewhere else and talk?”  
   
“No, I’m here with someone.”  
   
Tristano glanced around the Grand Ballroom.  
   
“Who!”  
   
“His name is Landon. I have to go.”  
   
Tristano grabbed Artesia by her hand and forced her presence back in front of him.  
   
“I’m not leaving until we’ve talked.”  
   
“I thought, I was promised a drink,” Landon said from behind. He had two drinks in his hands.  
   
“Well think again. The woman is with me, her significant other,” Tristano spit out.  
   
“I think the lady can speak for herself.”  
   
Two pair of eyes darted into hers.  
   
Artesia looked from Landon to Tristano.  
   
“Could you gentlemen excuse me please?”  
   
Artesia walked away from both. She looked back.  
   
Tristano was gaining distance on her.  
   
Michael looked at Artesia heading for the door. He took a gulp of his drink, placed the empty glass on the table, and moved through the crowd.  
   
“Here is another drink.”  
   
Kelly stepped in front of Michael. She slapped the drink into his hand.  
   
Shit, Michael thought.  
   
Jen, Pauline, and Danica watched the theatrical scene between Artesia and Tristano.  
   
Pauline shook her head at Artesia’s intrepid behavior.  
   
Tristano grabbed Artesia by her hand, as she stepped outside.  
   
Artesia stopped and turned around.  
   
“You and I are going to talk.”  
   
“Tristano, I have nothing more to say to you.”  
   
“That may be, but I have plenty to say to you.”  
   
Tristano held onto Artesia’s hand firmly. He escorted her down the steps.  
   
“Where are we going?”  
   
“Home.”  
   
“I am not leaving my friends behind. We are done Tristano.”  
   
Tristano pulled Artesia into his arms. He angled her chin and dropped his face. He lips danced over her.  
   
“No Tristano.”  
   
Artesia tried to declare her space.  
   
Tristano pulled her closer and subdued her will with the mastery touch of his lips.  
   
Artesia’s lips slackened. She allowed Tristano’s tongue to make her mouth his home. She linked her arms around his neck. She did not realize how much she missed his body.  
   
“Mmm.”  
   
Artesia kissed over the cleft in Tristano’s chin. She pressed her body against his muscular physique.  
   
“Tell me you want me Artesia,” Tristano moaned against her lips. “I’m sorry about earlier.”   He leaned his forehead against her forehead.  
   
“Could you ever forgive me?”  
   
Artesia inched her presence back.  
   
“I don’t know Tristano. I told you in advance, not to toy with my feelings, and so far, you are failing at it.”  
   
“I know baby.”  
   
Artesia stepped back.  
   
Tristano pulled Artesia closer.  
   
“Don’t, I desperately need you right now.”  
   
“Yes, and so do I.”  
   
Artesia and Tristano pivoted their heads.  
   
Michael stood inches from their presence.  
   
“Mr. Giordano, why don’t you leave the woman with a real man?”  
   
Tristano disengaged from Artesia and walked over to where Michael stood. He unbuttoned his tuxedo jacket.  
   
“Then I say your intrusion was a waste of time.”  
   
Michael stepped closer.  
   
“There will come a time for you, when you can’t hide behind your woman’s skirt.” He looked over Tristano’s shoulder. “Artesia, I’ll be waiting when that time comes.”  
   
Michael looked back at Tristano.  
   
“Those lips taste too good to waste on a loser.”  
   
Michael walked away. He turned around.  
   
“The taste of the pussy is even better.”  
   
Michael winked at Artesia and walked away.  
   
Tristano gritted his teeth in anger. He turned around and stormed over to where Artesia waited.  
   
“Assure me you did not sleep with that mothafucka!”  
   
“No, we did not get that far. Tristano, I do not want a relationship with you. Earlier, you made it perfectly clear that you blamed….”  
   
“Giordano Accounting Firm’s woes on you.”  
   
“Yes.”  
   
“Artesia do you have feelings for me?”  
   
“What... I hardly know you.”  
   
“Don’t run from the question, just answer it truthfully.”  
   
Artesia took a deep breath.  
   
“I did.”  
   
“Do you now.”  
   
“No…”  
   
“Do you mean that?”  
   
“Tristano, it’s over between us. I have to get back inside.”  
   
“You will have to convince me of your decision otherwise.”  
   
Tristano grabbed Artesia’s hand and walked to where his vehicle was parked.  
   
   
 
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