Rendezvous at Silver Lining

Divinity's POV: Games

This place took my breath away. It was so beautiful. I honestly felt under dressed and provocative all at the same time. Raphael stood beside and poked my arm to get my attention.

“You ok?”

“Not really. I feel like I'm showing way too much, but also like I might have been too frugal. Damn. Why didn't you tell me to pick better?!”

I whisper yelled into his ear, and he just laughed at me. I swiped at his arm, and he raised his hands in mock surrender.

“Trust me. You look incredible. If anything, everyone else pales in comparison to you. You have nothing to worry about. I got you.”

I looked up into his eyes, and for the first time since meeting him, I saw something I'd never thought I'd ever see.

Sincerity.

I took a deep breath and nodded my head. He held my hand as he led me down the gorgeous staircase. I looked out to all the eyes that were focused on us and immediately started to feel nervous. I looked over at Raphael and saw how stoic his features were. He hadn't the slightest hint of nerves. For some reason, it gave me courage. I straightened my back and steeled my nerves. We reached the floor, and as predicted, many came over to speak to Raphael. I wanted to distance myself from the crowd, but he held my hand firmly. He consciously glanced at me every few seconds, assuming that's his way of letting me know I'm not forgotten. I gave him a small smile and head nod. That's when I heard my name from a voice that's been known to wet my panties. I turned to see Damien walking towards me with a beautiful smile plastered on his face.

“Damien!”

I was super happy to see someone else I knew, even if he make my v****a act up. I smiled back at him.

“You look… just… breathtaking.”

His eyes roamed my entire body, making me squirm. He always has such an intense stare when looking at me.

“Hello Damien.”

I looked up to see Raphael no longer focused on the others but on Damien. He stood a little in front of me, hiding me behind him.

“Good evening, Raphael. You are quite the lucky man. The whole building fell silent when you entered with… songbird, here."

My eyes popped out before lowering my head in embarrassment. Damn it!! Raphael was just talking about my music tattoo in the car, and now here he goes, calling me by the nickname he gave me once he saw the same tattoo.

“You're still gonna call me that, huh?”

I couldn't bring myself to look up. I just wanted to melt away. That's when I felt a finger under my chin, lifting my eyes to meet beautiful blue ones.

“I thought I made it clear for you to look me in the eyes when speaking to me. Or do you prefer me doing it for you?”

Woo, chile… Talk about swooning. It took everything in me to keep my knees from buckling and to not moan. What is with these men around me and their sexy ass voices.

“She'll be just fine if you keep your hands to yourself, and please be mindful to be respectful and call her by her name.”

Oh s**t!!! I almost forgot about Raphael. D, get your s**t together, girl.

“I love calling her name. I'm trying to get her to say mine more.”

My mouth flung open. Why the hell he gotta say stuff like that. I saw in Raphael’s face that he wanted to punch him so badly. I think he might have if some lady didn't come over when she did. She was truly gorgeous. She had beautiful blue eyes. Hers weren't as clear as Damien but more of a deeper blue. She had the most luxurious brown, almost black hair that framed her beautiful face. She had the same colors as the decorations. She honestly looked like a work of art. I zoned out, admiring this beauty until I heard Raphael.

“Do not be rude to my guest. She’s right here.”

I was a little confused cause I wasn't listening. Who was being rude to who?

“I don't see much.”

The f**k??!!

…Is this heffa talking about… me?

I could see Raphael and Damien were about to check this b***h, but I wasn't gonna let anyone else do it but me.

“It's quite alright. I can't see petty women either. My advice, before you start making comments on people you don't know, make sure it's with a person that can't respectfully disrespect you in such a way that it will still have you thinking about what I said three days from now and could beat your ass without hesitation in a heartbeat.”

What I really wanted to say was don't get your s**t rocked, b***h. f**k around if you want to. But I'm in this bougee ass event. I can't be showing my ass out in front of all these nice folk. After I said that to that hoe’s face, I left all of them and went to the far end of the hall. I don't know what crawled and died up her ass but she needs to go on ahead and fix it before I fix it with my foot. I thought she was stunning and then she went and showed me how ugly she was. There was a balcony that was closed off by two glass doors. I was gonna go stand outside to cool off and to give me some space from all those rich people until I was stopped by a hand that grabbed mine.

“Uh, excuse me miss. Are you doing alright?”

I turned towards the pull and saw a man who was neither Raphael or Damien. I didn't pay much mind to his face and looked down at his hand in mine.

“Uh, yes. I'm fine. Thanks.”

I went to walk away and was pulled again by the same hand. This time I had a frown on my face. What the f**k was this guy's problem.

“I can go with you. You seem upset. I'd hate for you to be by yourself.”

He gave me this creepy smile and yanked me closer to him. I snatched my hand away and was about to go off when Raphael walked up behind the guy.

“She obviously does not want to go anywhere with you, nor does she want you touching her. Touch her again and I'll break it. Now move along.”

The guy visibly shuddered and left without another word. I smiled as he slanked away.

“Times like this is when it's good to have such a menacing face.”

I laughed and he walked closer to me, wrapping an arm around my waist.

“Menacing? That's not what your friend told me. What was it that she said? Oh, yes, I was a ‘diamond in the rough’”

He smiled down at me and for a second, I was absolutely lost in it.

“You see, I can't be too menacing if you're gazing at me in a daze.”

He had a smirk on his face and that did it. I hate his ugly face. He makes me sick. I moved away from him and rolled my eyes. I began to walk towards the balcony again. He shouted after me.

“Aww, come on. Too much?”

I didn't look back at him, knowing he'd follow. I held in my laughter, not wanting to give myself away. I walked out into the fresh air. I wasn't here long and I already felt stifled and some b***h already had a problem with me. I smiled to myself knowing I'll have some tea to tell my nosey ass friends later. I leaned against the brick wall that was a little less than chest high. There was a small breeze and with the breeze I breathed in and then let the wind take my worries away. I felt a hand touch my lower back. I already knew who it was without looking.

“What is it you want, Mr.Diamond?”

Raphael and I both chuckled and he leaned his back against the balcony, focusing only on me.

“I was just checking in on you. You sure know how to leave a lasting impression on others. You haven't been here for more than twenty minutes and you already have a fan club.”

He rolled his eyes, and nodded his head in the direction of the hall. I sneered and turned to lean my back against the wall too, my arms propping me up.

“I can see if I said something. But I couldn't even do that before someone ran at the mouth.”

He chuckled at my comment and I smiled before continuing my thought.

“I didn't know rich people had pervs too. Well, I knew, but I at least thought y'all hid them better.”

“Nope. Those roam in this tax bracket too. I guess he thought you'd be left alone because of Olivia.”

“Oh. Is that that bit- I mean her name?”

Raphael looked at me and smiled.

“Yeah, that's her name. You know, you're very interesting.”

“How's that, Raphael.”

I tilted my head to the side so I could get a better view of him.

“I would've never thought you were the gutsy type. You're quite bold. You seem pretty docile in the office, but outside of it, you're like a whole new person.”

I listened to him intently and waited to respond.

“Hmmm. You may have a point. I am more docile in the office, but I have always been this way. You do make me a little nervous. You kinda have this air about you that sets off my anxiety, but I'm not that much different. Maybe, just maybe, this is the first time you've actually seen me.”

I pushed up from the balcony and turned to face him as he continued to lean against the wall with his arms folded against his chest. His brows knitted in confusion.

“What do you mean? Of course this isn't my first time seeing you. We've worked closely together for years.”

I laughed a little and shook my head at his words.

“That's not what I meant. You know my brain. You know my work ethic. You know I get results when it comes to everything work, but you don't know me, you never did. These parts of me that are so interesting and fascinating have always been here. You just didn't notice them because you didn't notice me. I'm not sure why your eyes have opened all of a sudden, but this is me. Has always been me.”

He looked down at me and I could see the realization flash across his face. He stood at his full height and locked eyes with me. It looked like he was about to say something to me when the balcony door opened.

“We can head to the banquet hall now.”

I turned towards the voice and nodded at the unknown person.

“Ok. Thank you. We're on our way.”

I smiled and turned back to Raphael. I grabbed his hand and squeezed it.

“Come on. I'm freaking starving.”

I led him back into the hall and we followed the crowd to the dining room. I swear some people just have way too much money. I gawked at the beautiful room. With how expensive everything looked, I didn't want to eat anything in here in fear of having to give a kidney if I spilled something. I still held on to Raphael’s hand.

“Oh. Sorry. I didn't realize I still had your hand.”

I shyly smiled at him and was about to let go until he held on tightly to mine.

“It's fine. I like when you hold on to me.”

He gazed down at me and smiled and brought my hand up to his mouth and kissed the back of it. My breath hitched in the back of my throat. I felt my cheeks heat up.

Thank God I'm black.

He then led me to our seats. We had seats right next to this older couple. They were cute together. The woman looked like she was in her mid to late 50’s. She has pretty graying red hair that was pulled up into two French rolls that formed a crown on her head, as two curled pieces next to her ears framed her face. She had beautifully tanned skin that popped thanks to her sparkling green eyes. She wore light makeup that only enhanced her natural beauty. She was slender, but looked like she had a figure and she showed it well with the beautiful black gown she wore. It was a sweetheart neckline that had silver rhinestones lining the neckline… or at least I think it's rhinestones. The man next to her had graying brown hair that was slicked back. A nicely trimmed beard that was cut close to his face. His brown eyes were warm and welcoming. His black tux fit his broad body well. He looked to be in his mid to late 50’s too, but his muscle build didn't seem to wane with age. I smiled at them and Raphael whispered into my ear.

“They're the Blakfields.”

My body stiffened at his words. Why are we sitting here? These people are f*****g wealthy. I don't want my poorness to upset their stomachs. I turned to Raphael and glared at him.

“Why the hell are we sitting next to them?”

He smiled at me.

“I didn't choose the seating placement, but we have to take our seats. Act natural. Scratch that, act like you like it.”

He chuckled at me as he pulled out my seat. I stared daggers into the side of his head as he gave me the seat right next to Mrs. Blakfield. He wants to be a d**k, then I'll definitely put on a show.

“Oh. I sit here?”

He stifled a laugh at my obvious pathetic attempt at acting natural.

“Yes, you do, darling.”

He smiled at me. I smiled back.

“Laying it on pretty thick there, don't you think, cupcake?”

He took his seat and reached over to touch my hair.

“Not at all, sweetie pie.”

I couldn't help but to laugh at both of our foolishness.

Dinner went on without much interruption. Mr. and Mrs. Blakfield introduced themselves to me and we spoke for a little while. Apparently, Mr.Becker wanted them to meet me and set this all up. He didn't know he was about to get Raphael murdered. But since it was him, I'll let it slide. We had an amazing dinner and they brought out dessert. I wanted to be soooo fat and take everything but I knew better… sort of. I had a triple chocolate mousse cake that had chocolate chips in it. But I also wanted to try the cheesecake that had caramel drizzled on top. I had Raphael ask for another slice to give to me. I did a jig in my seat as I ate the cheesecake. Mrs. Blakfield giggled at me. I damn near choked on my cheesecake.

“I'm glad you're enjoying yourself. Benjamin was worried you may feel out of place. I'm just happy you like the food.”

She was so sweet but it still made me sound greedy.

“Mr.Becker is always thoughtful. Yes, the food is delicious and this cheesecake is everything.”

She and I shared a laugh.

“Good. I'm glad. Emilia also came to me out of concern for you. She wanted to make sure no one would bother you because of your “status”. I hope you weren't bugged or prodded with questions. That status talk means absolutely nothing to my husband and I. Being a good person has nothing to do with the amount of money you have. Although, I like to take these rich phonies for everything they got.”

I howled in laughter then had to quiet myself down. I like this woman. She was so down to earth. No wonder she and Mrs.Becker are friends.

“I'm so sorry, but that was funny. I had no issues so far and I'm sure Mrs. Becker would check anyone who had. I can see why you two are great friends.”

She smiled a beautiful smile at me and touched my arm.

“I can also see why Emilia likes you very much. You're not like the rest of these stiff-faced people. Keep that. Don't ever lose it.”

That same warm feeling I get when I speak to the Beckers, I now feel when speaking with Mrs. Blakfield. We chatted for a little while longer till it was time to exit the banquet hall and go to the ballroom. There was assigned seating in the ballroom as well, for those who may not want to dance. I quickly found my seat and of course Raphael was right behind me. The ballroom had a full bar and a dessert table, filled with chocolate pudding, cookies and other tasty treats.

Note to self: definitely will raid that table later.

As I focus away from the snack table, I'm greeted by the many couples already swaying on the dance floor.

“Soooo. Are you the dancing type?”

I turned in my seat to face Raphael. He just gave me a shrug.

“Oookkkaaayy.”

I wasn't really sure why it felt like I was being given the cold shoulder but I figured maybe he was deep in thought or something. I looked out at the sea of people and enjoyed all the laughter and smiles I heard and saw. It was a serene moment. My blissful moment ended when the heffa from earlier slid into view.

“Hey Raphael. Are you gonna finally give me that dance I've been waiting for?”

Ugghhh. This b***h!

Olivia glanced at me, smiling, trying to see if she could get a reaction out of me. I smiled back at her and hers faltered.

“If I dance with anyone, it'll not be with you, Olivia.”

“Aww. Why so serious, Raphy? Is your date gonna be jealous?”

She shifted her body to look at me and my face was still. I was not about to give her the satisfaction of annoying me, although I could tell she was bugging both me and Raphael. I looked her dead in the eyes.

“If he doesn't want to dance with you, it has nothing to do with me. I don't mind if he dances with someone else at all.”

I shrugged my shoulders and looked over at Raphael.

“Raphael…”

I glanced back at her and emphasized his name, so she could remember to call him by it, not by a nickname he doesn't even like.

“You don't need to sit here with me if you want to dance. If you wanna dance with her, you're more than welcome to.”

I gave him a soft smile so he knows there'll be no hard feelings. He took my hand in his and just as soon as he did, she snatched his hand from mine and held on to it for dear life.

“Come on Raphael. She said it's fine, so there are no more excuses. Come dance with me.”

My god! She sounded like a toddler whining to get what they wanted. Olivia just kept going, annoying the hell outta me.

“Got damn. PLEASE TAKE HER!!!”

I all but screamed at Raphael. He understood what I was really asking and escorted her to the dance floor. I sighed in relief at the silence of her voice. I watched as everyone danced in bliss. I even watched Mr. and Mrs. Becker and Mr. and Mrs.Blakfield dance. They were such beautiful couples. I could only hope that someday I will be able to experience that type of love… the love my parents used to speak of…

Get out your head D.

Happy thoughts. Happy thoughts.

A voice I've come to enjoy hearing, brought me out of my wandering thoughts. I was met with a hand and a smile.

“Ms. Loore, would you give me the privilege of dancing with you this evening.”

Damien's eyes glistened with joy. I had no other choice but to dance with him.

“Of course, Mr.Becker. It would be my honor.”

I extended my hand to his and he guided me through the lake of people. He pressed our bodies together. His arm fell to my waist and our hands intertwined. We sashayed across the ballroom floor. We said nothing, just danced. Our eyes never left the other's. We were just locked in. He twirled, dipped, pushed and pulled me the whole time we danced. I laughed at the fun I was having with him. That's when the song was nearing its end and he pulled me close and whispered in my ear.

“You are so beautiful, Divinity. Inside and out. I don't care where my life leads me, as long as that road ends with you.”

I leaned away from his body to gaze up into his eyes. In them I saw nothing but honesty. Before I could say something, he twirled me one last time before dipping me low again. This time, my leg on the slit side, came up as he dipped me lower. He grazed his fingertips across my skin causing goosebumps to arise in the absence of his presence. He ran his hand up my leg, thigh, up my stomach and over my breast. His hand met his face between my boobs because he damn near had his face planted square between them. Damien slowly righted me, but he held my eyes with his intense gaze. I was breathless. I didn't know what to say. Even if I had words, they'd be stuck in the back of my throat. My mouth opened and closed as if to say something. I looked down, frankly feeling bad for not being able to say a word to him. I just heard this man's heart for me and said nothing. Damien let out a low deep rumble as he put his finger under my chin once more.

“It seems you are stubborn one. When you speak to me, you do so looking at me. Do you need to be taught a lesson, Ms. Loore?”

He pulled me to him. His hand on my lower back but I could feel it creeping further down.

LORD HAVE MERCY!!! b***h say something.

My mind was going a million miles a minute. I began to feel a pooling between my legs and I squeezed my thighs together tightly, afraid he might smell my arousal, if that was possible. His eyes displayed he understood what was happening to me. Damien let out a dark chuckle of satisfaction and pulled back from me. He slid his hand down my arm till he reached my hand and pulled it up to his lips.

“I think I'll let you rest, songbird.”

My lips were frozen in place. Nothing was coming out. I simply nodded at him. I was halfway back to my table when I was bumped head on, and chocolate pudding found its way on my dress. I was stunned. I looked up to see a “fake shocked” Olivia with an empty cup. A smirk formed on her face. The people that were close were all gasping and whispering. One or two people came to me with concern. That's when I see both Damien and Raphael heading my way.

“Divinity are you ok??!”

Both Damien and Raphael said at the same time. Before I could say anything, Olivia's goofy ass put on a terribly done performance.

“OH MY GOSH!!! I'm so sorry Denise. I tripped and spilled my pudding all over your dress. Please, do forgive me?”

I was so close to stomping that wanna be main character b***h's head in, but then I knew that would be what she wants from me. I saw Raphael and Damien about to go in on her when I raised my hand to stop them. They looked at me, pleading with me to allow them to cuss her ass out. I put a smile on my face and burnt holes into her. She seemed to be unnerved by my reaction and took a step back.

“It's fine. An accident is an accident. Right, Olive?”

“It's Olivia. Not Olive.”

She looked at me with disgust and I feigned innocence.

“Oh. Well pardon me. I just thought we were out here giving nicknames, considering you said Denise. Not Divinity.”

I took a step towards her and she took one step back.

“ Right, Divinity. My bad.”

Olivia put on her fakest smile and nodded. I turned to Raphael to ask a question.

“ Do you mind if I borrow your blazer? I'll be right back.”

He nodded and gave me his blazer. I walked off towards the bathroom. Everyone parted for me like I was Moses. I then heard Mrs. Blakfield threw a fit about what happened to me. I ignored the stares, giggles and whispers.

Ok. So bitches wanna play. Let's play.