EMDS - #1 - A Congressman's Temptation (MxM)

c.16

 “ Does everyone approve of the arrangements? “ I asked the attendees at the meeting. They all nodded in agreement wearing expressions of excitement. “ Alright then, let’s work it out. “ 

  Everyone exited the room leaving just Arnelle and me. She was my trusted assistant, and also a dear friend of mine. 

  “ Aren’t you excited? “ I asked her, sitting down in the comfortable chair. 

  “ I am, Mr. Dexter. “ I shot her a glare. “ I meant Elijah. It’s something I will never get used to. “ 

  “ It’s fine. “ I chuckled. “ How’s everything with the kids? “ 

  “ Wonderful. John is on dad duty today. “ she tapped the pen against the desk. 

  “ Bless his heart. “ I chuckled as she did the same. The room fell silent for a moment. “ What is it you wanna’ ask me? “ 

  “ You always assume that. “ she smiled, but it quickly faded as she tapped the pen more rapidly. “ I’ve been working on some writing. “ 

  “ Really? “ I was surprised. Arnelle never told me that she liked to write. “ I didn’t know you were into writing. “ 

  “ I love it, actually. That’s one reason I took this job. I see how you make dreams come true. “ she told me. “ Can you do the same for me? “ 

  “ Is that even a question? “ 

  “ I know, it’s just that growing up, I was always told that I would never be good enough. My mother, who was an author at the time, didn’t do so well in the profession. But I knew that I was better, and I wanted to show her that she gave birth to a creative human being. She shot me down. “ she explained. “ I used to beg for her validation, but once I moved out and starting living on my own, I realized how minute her acceptance would be. It would be a higher honor for you to just take a look. “ 

  “ It should have been on my desk the day you started working. “ I cooed. 

  “ Actually,” she reached under the table, pulling out the thick tablet covered with plastic. “ I have it here. “ 

  “ You are a mess. “ we both laughed. I opened it up and began to read. 

  “ Not in front of me. “ she groaned, rushing out of the room. I leaned back into the chair and continued my reading. 

  I didn’t notice how long I had been sitting there until I heard the vacuum cleaner screaming through the hallway. I rubbed my face, brushing away the residue from fallen tears. My head was hurting from gritting my teeth. I looked over at the clock as it read three o’ seven. I started this book at noon and was so captivated that I stayed up until three in the morning reading this. 

  I decided that driving home wasn’t an option, so I headed to the top floor into the suite. I showered, getting in bed, and deciding to finish this book. So far, the young woman named Daisy is dragged along with her mother from place to place. Boyfriend to boyfriend. While trying to find herself, she is left in a pool full of sorrow as nightmares become reality. Once her mother is drunk, her boyfriends begin to manipulate and assault Daisy, sexually and mentally. Just like any other victim, she doesn’t know where to turn and rules out the idea of telling her mother. But she finds out anyway. And what she does next is the most heart-wrenching thing I have ever read. Her mother begins to use Daisy as her gateway into more drugs and liquor, selling her to the highest bidder from morning to night. Daisy begins to see this as normal behavior. She becomes immune to the humiliation and the pain. But then Daisy meets Lucas, who sees her for who she is beneath the filth. And now I’m finishing the chapter where Daisy rebels and finds Lucas. 

  I fell asleep after reading about three more chapters. I could have slept all day on that top floor, but I really needed to speak with Arnell. I got up, dressed casually, and made my way to the second floor with the offices. She was standing at the door waiting for me. 

  “ You should have told me to dress comfortably. “ she pulled on the black cotton skirt she wore. 

  “ We need to talk. “ 

  I walked into my office as she hesitantly followed behind me. I sat down behind my desk as she eased into the chair. 

  “ Is anything in the book true? “ I asked her. 

  “ The part about the drunk and selfish mother, yes, but the prostitution was made up. “ her voice trembled. 

  “ Arnelle, the book is gold. “ she gasped. “ From the time you left the conference room to the time they came to clean the building, I read that book. Twenty four chapters. I cried and I cursed. Then I read about three more chapters and fell in love with how Daisy wanted her life back, and stood up to her mother, speaking her truth. “ 

  “ Thank you. “ she sniffled. 

  “ Oh no, we don’t have time for tears. Is this the final copy? “ I stood up. 

  “ Yes. “ she looked up at me. 

  “ Good. I’m submitting this right now, let’s go. “ I held the door open for her but she remained seated. 

  “ You didn’t even finish the whole story. “ she argued. 

  “ I don’t need to. “ I replied. “ Arnelle, there are women out there who’ve gone through or are currently going through this struggle. They may feel lost, confused, and stuck. This book can and will help them, mark my words. “ she slowly stood up. “ It’s time for you to shine, baby girl. “ 

  She followed me up to the third floor where I handed the pages over to the head printer. We also went to the legal team and discussed a personal contract that would allow Arnelle to keep every cent that was made from this masterpiece. She insisted I received a percentage, but I declined. By the time everything was signed and taken care of, it was time to head home for the day. I was grabbing a few things from my office when I heard the faint knocks on the door. I looked up at the handsome man standing before me. 

  “ Bebe garcon. “ he greeted me, followed by a kiss. “ Are you ready? “ T: Baby boy.

  “ Yes, but I need to stop by my sister's place first if that’s okay with you? “ 

  “ Of course. “ 

  I finished grabbing my things, interlocking our fingers, and heading downstairs. I locked the doors, then scurried into the car and asked Carlos to drive us by Erica’s. 

  “ So what’s for dinner? “ I asked Fredrick. 

  “ It’s a surprise. “ he winked. I sucked my teeth. 

  “ That’s not fair. “ 

  “ Don’t be upset with me. “ he kissed my cheek. 

  After childishly attempting to ignore him, we finally pulled up to Erica’s house. Fredrick and I got out and I promised Carlos I would only be five minutes. I rushed up to the door, knocking continuously until Erica snatched open the door. 

  “ What is wrong with you? “ she scolded me until she laid eyes on Fredrick. “ I mean, come in. “ 

  “ Whatever. “  We followed her to the kitchen as she stood over the stove making dinner. “ This is new. “ 

  “ What are you talking about? “ she rolled her eyes. 

  “ Erica doesn’t cook. “ I squinted my eyes. “ Germany must be here on vacation? “ 

  “ Shut up. “ she gritted her teeth as I laughed.  

  “ Well, we won’t hold you up. I need a huge favor. “ 

  “ What is it? “ 

  “ You know Arnelle? “ 

  “ Your pretty assistant? “ 

  “ Yes. She needs some headshots done and I don’t want just anybody taking care of my girl. “ I insisted. 

  “ That makes two of us. “ Fredrick added. I popped him on his hand as Erica chuckled, shaking her head. 

  “ Look, I’m serious. She’s next up, Erica. “ 

  “ Okay, okay. “ she held her hands up. “ I see the fire in your eyes, child. I will do it, but I need you to return the favor. “ 

  “ Anything. “ 

  “ I need you to do a little meet and greet with Germany’s mother and her seven little girls. “ 

  “ Okay, that sounds easy. “ 

  “ I promised them you would stay the night. “ she winced. 

  “ What? Why would you do something like that? “ 

  “ They’re obsessed with you, ‘Lijah. They love all your work, even your worst book. “ she sipped from the wine glass. “ Look, they’re very hospitable people with a big ass house. I promise that you’ll enjoy it. “ 

  “ Fine. “ 

  I left the kitchen and headed for the front door. I pulled it open, walking back to the car and letting Carlos know that he could take us home. 

  “ You know that I’m bringing you with me, right? “ I told Fredrick. 

  “ Of course. “ he smirked. “ Nothing like having s*x in places you’re not supposed to be. “ 

  “ I set myself up for that one. “ I rolled my eyes. 

  “ He’s right. “ Carlos added. 

  “ Don’t entertain his ego, please? “ I begged. 

  “ I’m just saying. “ 

  The next day, Erica and I arrived at the same time. I let them set everything up in the conference room. The photographer arrived shortly after and began his set up. I stepped away and made a few calls to make sure that plans were still in place. After doing that, I went to the third floor to check on production, and everything was complete. They were just waiting on the cover. I told them to sit everything aside for me and I returned to the second floor. Erica now had Arnelle in the chair, rubbing the alcohol on her face. 

  “ Are you ready? “ her face lit up once she saw me. She got up, running over to me, and hugging me tightly. 

  “ I don’t know if I can ever thank you for this. “ she smiled. 

  “ Who knows, you may be running this company one day. “ I told her. 

  “ I doubt it. Those are some impossible shoes to fill. “ 

  “ But if anybody can do it, you can. “ I sat her back down in the chair. 

  Everything was wrapped up by one o’clock that day. Arnelle was very pleased with the photos, and Erica even asked her if she would be interested in working on a campaign once she was launched as an author. Seeing Arnelle smile and light up today reminded me why I do this. It made me feel that I made the right choice to follow Erica to Paris. 

  “ I say this almost every time I see you: thank you. “ I told her. 

  “ ‘Lijah, I am one more thank you away from becoming your altar. “ she scoffed. “ Don’t discredit the work you’ve done to get this far. “ 

  “ I’m not, it’s just that if it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t be here. “ 

  “ That is kinda’ true, ain’t it? “ she smiled widely. “ But I mean what I say: it’s all you. Fredrick is you. This company is you. The many people you have brought life to is you. Arnelle is something special. “ 

  “ That’s my girl. “ 

  “ Make me proud. “ she hugged me tightly before saying goodbye to everyone and leaving the building. 

  I rushed to my office to put the finishing touches on Arnelle’s book. I played with the cover for about an hour until I finally had it just right. I forwarded it to processing and within two hours, they had the very first book sitting on my desk. Arnelle just sat there, speechless. She picked it up, pulling it to her chest and letting it all out. 

  “ Don’t, you’re going to make me cry. “ I felt my face tighten. 

  “ Elijah, I just......wow. “ she looked at the book again. She opened it up, flipping through the pages. “ I owe you everything. “ 

  “ You owe me nothing. “ I told her. “ I’m just glad that I can be a part of this. “ 

  “ So what’s next? “ she pulled the white tissue from the box. 

  “ Well, I got you some good spots, the books ship out tomorrow morning, and then we just wait. “ I told her. “ I’m excited for you, Arnelle, I am. You’ve worked for it. “ 

  “Thank you again. Not just for this, but for being there for everything. “ she smiled. “ I have a book! “ 

  “ You do! “ 

  She rushed out of the office and I decided to call it quits for the day. I felt the mission was complete, plus I had drained every piece of energy I had. I called Carlos and collected my things once he was outside. I said my goodnights and took off, heading towards the house. Once I was there, I could faintly smell smoke. God, I hope Fredrick isn’t burning down my kitchen. 

  I opened the door and noticed the rose petals that covered the floor. I followed them up the stairs and into the master bedroom. I heard Fredrick splashing around in the bathwater. I began taking my clothes off. 

  “ You already know what to do. “ he chuckled. 

  “ Shut up. “ I walked into the bathroom. 

  “ Mhm. “ he reached up for my waist as I stepped inside. He pulled me into the warm water and onto his lap. I kissed him before grabbing the body wash and cleansing both of us. “ So how was it? “ 

  “ Amazing. I feel good. “ I gave him a short answer. 

  “ What have I told you about that? “ he rinsed the soap from my body. 

  “ What have I told you? “ I glared at him and he laughed. 

  “ Okay, okay. “ he smiled. “ Today was a good day at the club. I was deep in paperwork, so I was in the back all day. Do you know what I couldn’t stop thinking about? “ 

  “ I don’t think I remember. “ I teased him. I stood up, lathering the rest of my body sensually. He looked up at me as his d**k peaked from the water. “ Est-ce que tu aimes ca? “ T: Do you like it?

  “ Oh, your tongue seems more flexible. “ 

  “ I’ve had time to practice. “ I lowered myself onto his hard d**k. Just like he grabbed my soul that first night, I grabbed his. He was stuck. He couldn’t even breathe. I eased up and down his shaft as his eyes rolled and he smiled. He tried to lift his arms from the water, but he couldn’t move. He looked me dead in the eyes, begging me to stop but I wouldn’t. I picked up the pace for a moment before I finally snapped my finger, allowing him to release. 

  “ How the f**k? “ he dug his nails into my ass cheeks. The welts began to sting. “ That was a love spell. “ 

  “ It was just love. “