SEDUCTIVE: A Contemporary Romance Anthology Read online

“We’re happy to help. Some of the staff is still shaken up that this could happen here. Maybe if you were still running security it wouldn’t have.”

  “Security isn’t the same as the police. We wouldn’t have had any way of preventing this. It’s very unfortunate that it happened, but it seems to be an isolated case. Not some random act of violence.”

  “Really? How do you know that?”

  “I can’t discuss a case Jerrae, but thanks for the info.” Ethan told her. He stood up. She looked like she wanted to say something else, but stopped herself.

  “Sure, Ethan. I get that. I’m still getting use to the idea of you being a cop.”

  “I used to talk about it all the time.”

  “Yes, you did. Congratulations again.”

  “I have to check out another lead. See you, Rae.”

  She almost forgot he used to call her that. “See you.”

  Ethan left and Jerrae closed the door behind him. She thought about how different he and Jax were. Ethan was also tall and very handsome (even though he never thought he was). Another strong male, but their ideals were very different. Ethan hated injustice. Jax could care less about what was just. To him only the fittest deserved to survive. Jerrae understood what kind of man she was in love with. She just wondered where that love would lead her.

  CHAPTER THREE

  Bria was tackling her current work in progress. She had written seven books including a play, but was still trying to break out. She’d enjoyed writing since elementary school and felt that it was her true calling. But she wasn’t trying to be a starving artist so she kept her regular job. She tried squeezing in writing time between overtime, family time and gym time. She was rubbing her eyes when Ethan came up behind her and massaged her shoulders.

  “Tired?”

  “No, not really. I’m working on an exciting scene. I'm just resting my eyes.”

  “Are you hungry? I was going downstairs to fix a choke and slide.”

  “That sounds like a good idea. And don’t forget the milk.”

  Ethan laughed. “You forget who you’re talking to? When have you ever seen me eat peanut butter and jelly without a tall glass of milk?”

  “My bad!” He started to leave the room, but then Bria called him back. “You never did tell me how that interview with Jerrae went.”

  “She remembered hearing James Parr mention the name Dewey or Davey. I checked it out and James Parr has a partner named Malcolm Dewberry. They do call him Dewey. It was a relief that what she said could be verified, but there’s still something off about the whole thing.”

  “Your instincts are never wrong. Why do you think there’s something more to it?”

  “I don’t know. Yet. Did I tell you I had that old nightmare again?”

  “She shows up and so does that dream. Coincidence? I think not.” Bria joked.

  “You laughing, but I gotta wonder, man.”

  “I can see why. It definitely felt real the way you described it. I was always fighting the enemy off during those days. I covered you then like I cover you now. Prayer changes things for real, for real.”

  “You know, I know. But Jerrae herself isn’t evil. She just let herself be used by the enemy. And of course I fell for his mess myself so I get it. But when I tell you something is up…”

  “She said she’s with somebody now?”

  “Yeah, she made sure to stress that. I don’t know who it is. And I wasn’t about to ask.”

  Bria got up from her desk and lay across the bed. “So no coming on to you?”

  “Not overtly, but Jerrae seems to always search for some weakness in me. Like she’s looking to see if there’s some residual spark. More to feed her ego than anything else. She could be happy with this new cat, but still wonder if I want her.”

  “Drama. But if you feel some sort of way, just stay on guard.”

  “No doubt. But right now I’m on a mission to get to the kitchen. Are you done writing for the time being?”

  “I think so. I’m no longer in the mood.”

  “What are you in the mood for?” Ethan asked with a sexy grin.

  “If you make my sandwich a triple decker there’s no telling what kind of mood that will put me in.” Bria winked at her husband and he jokingly took off running.

  Jax rolled off Jerrae who was breathless and spent as orgasm after orgasm rocked her to the core. Sex with him was like taking a hit off a pipe. The high was extreme and the crash was hard. He stood up, glistening, but not flustered.

  “Where you going, babe?”

  “Don’t worry, we’re not done. I’m just going to get us something to drink. How about a Fireball?”

  “That sounds delish.”

  Jerrae swung her legs off the bed and waited until she felt steady before standing. She went across to the master bath and freshened up. She was back on the bed before Jax returned with two glasses.

  “We need to find out if the nugget you gave Mr. Detective served its purpose or if he’s whack at his job and didn’t follow up.”

  “I’m sure he’s good at his job. He made detective rather quickly. And he’s a smart man. I gave him basic information. Easily confirmed.”

  Jax laughed. “Go on, sing his praises.”

  “I’m just saying.”

  “I know what you’re saying, sweetheart. It’s all good. The po po need to focus their attention on Malcolm Dewberry. I did the job I was paid for, but I don’t need this customer coming back. He’s too sloppy for my taste. He paid his money. Now he can pay the price, too.”

  “How do you know he won’t give you up?”

  “My reach is far. He already knows that I can have his whole family wiped out if my name even comes up.”

  Jerrae was momentarily stunned. Yet she shouldn’t have been. She knew Jax Rollins was a killer for hire. It was foolish to believe he wouldn’t murder whoever if it meant him maintaining his freedom.

  She looked down and Jax was brick hard. Jerrae regained her composure. “I see you’re ready for round three.”

  He didn’t even respond. Jax just flipped Jerrae over and took her from behind.

  CHAPTER FOUR

  Dane was sitting outside the nail salon waiting for Aracely to be finished with her mani-pedi. She was a fun girl he’d met at The Vortex a few weeks ago. They had struck up a conversation while waiting for their friends to arrive. They both were stood up and decided to dine together since they were already there. Aracely modeled (Dane had seen her portfolio), but he also suspected she was a stripper on the side. She was tri-gorgeous and definitely had the body. However, Dane figured he would wait for her to admit it just in case he was wrong. But he was seldom wrong.

  “Okay; all done. Thanks for waiting, Dane.”

  “My pleasure. And it certainly was worth it; those nails are fierce, girlfriend. Where do you want to go today, my Latina Lovely?”

  Aracely laughed. “You know you’re corny, right? But I love it! I’m flexible. Whatever you want to do is cool with me.”

  Aracely looked at him with a hint of lust in her eyes. Her shoulder length hair was jet black and her skin like creamy toffee. Dane would love to indulge, but he was all about slowing his roll these days. Too many fly by night ‘relationships’. Deep down he really wanted what Ethan and Bria had. He knew he was not likely to obtain that with a modeling stripper. “I kinda feel like doing something touristy.”

  “I haven’t done something like that in a long time. What about going to the Georgia Aquarium?”

  Dane looked at her. He was truly expecting her to veto his idea. “Word? I like the aquarium. I’m with it.”

  “I’ve never been so I’m down.”

  Dane headed downtown. He glanced down as his phone buzzed. “Damn.”

  “Hey, no texting and driving.”

  “Sorry. I wasn’t going to answer it, but you’re right; I shouldn’t have even looked at it. It’s an update on a case I’m working on. We’re closing in on the location of one of our murder suspects. That
killing on Piedmont that was all over the news.”

  “The one with the gang banger? What’s the kid’s name? Antoine something?”

  “No, it’s Anthony Ames. His girl lives in Griffin, but he’s not been seen there.”

  “Solving crimes is pretty exciting. And dangerous. Do you ever get scared?”

  “Don’t you see this S on my chest? I don’t have time to be scared.” Dane smiled at his beautiful date. “Honestly, I’d be a fool not to acknowledge the danger involved and the fear it causes. I just stay focused so everyone can stay safe.”

  “I grew up in Jersey City. I know danger.” Aracely told him.

  “Really? I’m originally from Newark. What up, neighbor?”

  “That’s what’s up. No wonder I like you so much.”

  Dane found parking at the aquarium and then made a quick phone call back to the station. Aracely touched up her lipstick and checked her makeup while he followed up.

  “So word is he’s holed up somewhere in Buckhead? Why the hell would he come back?” Dane reached past Aracely and grabbed his notepad from the glove compartment. He wrote down an address. “Let me know what else you find out. I’m going to enjoy the rest of my day off.”

  Dane was putting his pad back when Aracely grabbed his face and gently kissed him. “I really, really like you, chocolate Papi. Thank you for bringing me here. A lot of people prejudge me. For a lot of reasons. And you may have your opinions, but you have never treated me less than a lady. I appreciate that.”

  “It’s a shame you have to thank a man for that. It’s my pleasure, Aracely.”

  “You don’t know pleasure yet. But you will.”

  Ethan ran into Lenox Mall to check out if the Invicta store had any of the new watches he’d seen online. He might also get a BBQ chicken pizza for lunch from California Pizza Kitchen while he was there. He heard his name being called.

  “Hey, Ethan!”

  “What up, man?” Ethan gave his friend Zachariah the combo handshake-hug brothers did. “I ain’t seen you in a minute.”

  “I’ve been working, man. Enjoying my family.”

  “Speaking of family, I’ve seen Jerrae a few times lately. What’s going on with your cousin for real, Zach?”

  “You know Jerrae. Sometimes she’s in her own little world. She’s with some new guy. I don’t even know a lot about him except the kids don’t particularly like him. Truthfully, I can’t even tell you what his name is. I’ve not met him.”

  “Why don’t the kids like him?” Ethan was curious.

  “Not everyone is good around kids. They say he doesn’t take time to talk to them except for hey and bye. They still talk about you and how they thought you were so cool with them. My cousin messed up big time, but you obviously belong with Bria. She’s a cool lady. Now that I have my own I feel you. There’s no place like home.”

  “No doubt.”

  “Where did you see her?”

  “I had to go down to the InterCon to investigate that fatal shooting. She was familiar with the guy. She later called me with some information she’d forgotten about. Somehow I expect to hear from her again.”

  “It wouldn’t surprise me,” Zachariah laughed.

  “I was going to check out some watches. You got time to grab some pizza?”

  “Sure. I was in the area and thought I’d come in to get a birthday gift for wifey. I don’t even know what to get so maybe food will help me think better!”

  Ethan and Zach had a good time catching up and made plans to double date with their wives before leaving Lenox. He drove to work and was about to check in for his shift when Jerrae walked up to him outside the police station. “Your ears must have been ringing?”

  “Why? Were you talking about me?” Jerrae grinned.

  “I just left Zach. We were indeed talking about you. You remembered something else?”

  “I’ve asked around, but no one can remember anything else specific.”

  “You came down here just to tell me that?”

  “Yeah. And I wanted to know if you figured out who Davey is.”

  “I already told you I can’t discuss cases, but I will let you know that your tip did lead to the name of his business partner, Malcolm Dewberry A.K.A. Dewey.”

  “That’s great! I’m glad that panned out. He was heated on the phone. I wonder if this Dewberry character is involved. I can check to see if he’s ever been a guest. Would that help?”

  Ethan stood looking at her for a moment. “You know I don’t have anything against you, but this buddy buddy thing doesn’t work for me either. It just feels like you’re purposely trying to keep in contact with me.”

  “Yeah; for this case. You asked me to tell you if I recalled anything.”

  “But you’ll only give me the information in person. Look, maybe I’m wrong. Either way I appreciate your assistance. Let Dane know if you have anything else. I’m running late. Peace.”

  Ethan didn’t want to dismiss Jerrae, but he didn’t have time for her brand of drama. Contact with her just brought bad vibes. And bad dreams.

  Bria was surprised Warrick asked her to go shopping with him for a tux. She just adored her son. He was responsible, respectful and too fly for words. Sure she was biased, but he never gave them a day of trouble. He was a good student. A talented athlete. He was Bria’s rock during the separation even though he was a younger teen then.

  “Do you know what color Serenity is wearing?”

  “I think she said coral. That’s a color?”

  Bria laughed. “Indeed it is. It would be nice if your tie and pocket square matched her dress.”

  “I was thinking about doing a bow tie. What do you think?” Warrick asked.

  “You could definitely pull that off.” She fingered her son’s locs. “I miss my long hair.”

  “You’re mad cute even with your short hair, Ma.”

  “Why thank you! Are you buttering me up so I can pay for this tux?”

  “No!” Warrick laughed. “I got this.”

  “Are you and Serenity going to break up once you go to college?” Bria flipped through the tie rack while Warrick tried to decide between a black tux or a gray one.

  “We don’t plan to. I mean we’re both still going to be in Metro Atlanta. Kinda. But Athens isn’t that that far away. It took a long time finding a girl like her. Females can be so petty.”

  Bria raised an eyebrow. “Females?”

  “You know what I mean, Ma. Some girls are all about themselves. They don’t even make good friends forget about girlfriends.”

  “I do know what you mean. Sometimes I feel sad when I think about all the things Rafer may miss out on due to his challenges. I want him to be as independent as possible, but I can’t always protect him from a girl rejecting him or things like that.”

  Warrick held up a black ensemble. “Don’t worry. He’s a pain in my butt sometimes, but I’ll be talking to him as often as I can and of course I’ll be back and forth between home and campus. He’s a funny dude. I’m going to help him out. He’s my little brother.”

  Warrick waited for his mom’s opinion about the suit and realized she was tearing up. He set the clothes down and gave Bria a hug. “Thanks, baby. I don’t mean to embarrass you in the store.”

  “I could care less about what anyone else thinks.” He busts out his Tupac impersonation. “Dear Mama.”

  “Just got an anonymous tip. Anthony Ames is on Pharr Road. Someone just saw him in the parking lot of a shopping center.” Dane grabbed his jacket from the back of his seat.

  “Let’s roll!”

  Ethan hoped Ames would be apprehended without any fanfare. It was supremely stupid to be in the area still, but sometimes these young people think they’re invincible. It’s not like he was from Buckhead. He was from Bankhead.

  Ethan pulled into the lot. There was definitely something wrong. He saw two black guys nervously looking around. They had on the colors of Ames’ gang.

  “Do you see what I see, E?”
<
br />   “Yes, I do.”

  Ethan drove up to them with his guard up. From the corner of his eye he saw Anthony Ames approaching oblivious of the trouble he was walking into. He was looking down at this phone. He stopped the car in the middle of the lot. “Be easy, Dane. Radio for back up.”

  “Got you.”

  They eased out of the vehicle with their weapons drawn. “Stop right there, Ames. We’re the APD and I’m going to need for you to lay flat on the ground with your hands up where we can see them.”

  Dane addressed the bangers with his gun pointed at them. “So far you’ve not done anything for us to take you in for, let’s keep it that way.”

  They voluntarily held up their hands. “So why are you detaining us, Mr. Officer?’

  “Just want to chat about our friend here. He is still your friend, isn’t he? He still down?”

  “Down with what?” The taller man mean mugged Dane.

  “Down with O.P.P. Man, please. We already know your affiliation with each other. But he didn’t talk about your activities. He just told on himself by leaving one solitary print at the scene.” Dane hoped divulging that tidbit would prevent the gang from retaliating against Mrs. Ames or anyone else in her family.

  “Is that right?” The second man grinned. “Nigga, you don’t even know what it is you don’t even know.”

  “What the…?” Before Dane could finish his question, shots rang out.

  Ethan had just placed Anthony Ames in handcuffs when he was struck by multiple bullets.

  “Don’t you move!” Dane kept his gun pointed at the bangers who were trying to duck behind their car.

  He tried to ease over to his partner. Thankfully two squad cars were racing into the parking lot. The officers barely waited for their vehicles to stop before they jumped out and apprehended the two bangers. Dane heard another officer radioing for an ambulance.

  “Ethan!”

  CHAPTER FIVE