CARTER
I was in a pissy mood. Why? Say I came face to face from someone in my past and she was here to play strings.
I was so pissed that I snapped at Tiana. Man, after she said she cared for me, I was stuck. I did not want her to get too attached just because we've been doing some intimate things together.
It's best she just keeps her feelings to herself and away from a man like me or she will find herself broken.
I took another swing of the strong whisky in my glass as I stared out the window at nothing particular as the events that happened today came to mind....
****
"Take Tiana to the beach house. I've handled a few things since I've been here." I told Rick.
"Yes, Boss." He replied without hesitation.
I walked to the other SUV and got into the driver's seat while Brian got in on the passenger seat.
It took about four minutes to get to my destination. This is where I'm meeting Mark.
Another inside man. One who reports back to me on my parents.
I have a fvcked up life and that's my parents fault. I wouldn't say it was a bad life but I could be more than just a killer. It was passed down from generations and I had no choice but to live it.
I parked outside the private building and gave a Brian the orders to sit here.
I walked inside the building to the front desk and was given the room number I needed to get to. Once there, I pushed open the door and a frown formed on my lips when I saw it was the person I've been trying to avoid this past year.
Riena Salvino.
My hands clenched into fist as she slipped her glasses on and gave me that look.
A look telling me she was just here on business but I know otherwise.
"Don't look so angry, my love. We're only here to discuss the blood trail you left behind at the gas station in Washington DC."
"Where's Mark?"
"Mark is back in Paris. There's been a change of plans. Once I was informed he was meeting with you by him, I had to see if it was really you. Now, the events in Washington DC."
"I fixed the mess you caused." I replied.
She smiled. "The mess I caused, huh? You, darling must be forgetting how it started."
"Why are you really here, Riena? Surely it's not over a situation that I fixed." I questioned in an irritated tone.
Another smile formed on her lips. "I'm here for my husband."
"No shît. Who really sent you here?"
"Why ask if you know the answer, love."
I scoffed. "Has my father also paid for your suit?"
She took her glasses off. "Now, you know I've been part of this family since we were kids."
How could I forget that? I was forced to marry the bîtch after high school graduation. Our parents are close and the thought of their oldest heirs to their companies and estate join in a wedding union to have billions. No contracts and no deals. Wedded for life and I've done everything to figure out a way to divorce her without losing everything.
If I didn't play smart, I could lose everything that I earned on my own. Everything.
"How can I forget?"
"So, how've you been over the years we've been apart? How's Camille?"
I sighed and took a seat in a free chair. "Been trying to avoid you. Didn't want to see your face for a while. Camille on the other hand is doing well."
Her smile widened. "I would say I'm hurt by your first reply but I've gotten used to your cold words. Anyways, I hear you've taken in a stray."
I frowned at her words. "A stray?"
"Oh, come on, Carter. Let's not play dumb. You were never one to resist a beautiful woman. I'm shocked it's a black woman." She smirked.
"I don't see why it's your business on who I take in."
She clicked her tongue a few times. "It is my business because I'm your wife. You think you're the only one with an inside man?" She said before continuing.
"Tiana King. Age nineteen and was a freshman at Howard University. Her brother Troy, a street racer and a dealer to many tycoons. Both children of pastors. Should I go on."
I shrugged. "What was your point in your information?"
"Let's say I have a feeling that you have a certain fondness of the girl. Despite the fact that her brother has stolen from us."
"Me. He's stolen from me."
Ignoring what I said, she spoke again. "I want you to get rid of her." She said in a serious tone.
It only heightens my anger.
"Who are you to tell me to get rid of her? I don't even know why you're fvcking here. Mark is supposed to be."
She sighed. "Do you think your father would approve of you having a scandalous affair with that girl who has no future nor any worth? Especially when we're still married. No affairs—"
I chuckled. "Affairs? I remember the countless men you brought in my fvcking estate. You can't say shît on me."
"This again, huh? I said I was—"
"Sorry. Yeah, I know. In honest truth, I was far from mad. More relief. You didn't have my family's name at the time and I dodged one bullet from the chance of getting a disease from your ass. The thought of fvcking you was never in my mind."
She frowned. "You're a real asshole."
"And you are a bîtch. I know you like the back of my hand, Riena. You like to play your games."
She sighed once again. "Your parents are throwing a ball in Paris in two weeks for our two year wedding anniversary. I expect you to show up and at least pretend you have some affection for me."
She stood to her height and gathered her belongings. A sudden smirk formed on her lips.
"It was nice to see you, Carter." And with that she walked out the room.
I had a feeling that there was more to her being here than just to inform me about the ball.
She was here for another reason.
****
PRESENT
NEXT MORNING
TIANA
I decided to get up early and take a still on the beach. I was still pissed off at Carter and how he spoke to me.
I didn't know what was going on with him but I wasn't going to let him talk to me like he was crazy.
I took it upon myself to avoid him as much as possible.
The sun was rising slowly and my feet were in the water. There was a soft breeze and it felt nice.
I did not think about anything. I just let the sound of the waves and the birds surround me like calming music. I exhaled a relaxed breath and just breathed. My mind was clear of all and I for once felt relaxed. I didn't worry about anything. I just relaxed.
Until...
"Tiana?"
"Why God?! Just one moment of peace is all I ask for." I said in frustration.
I turned around and faced Carter with an irritated look. "What do you want?"
He gave me a look that said 'calm down'. I rolled my eyes and turned back around and looked out at the waves.
I heard a long sigh leave his lips before he spoke. "I'm sorry." He said and I could tell he forced the words out.
I was surprised he said it but I didn't turn around to let him see my face. Instead, I decided to fvck with him.
"Sorry for what?"
A long silence hovered us. Then he said, "I didn't mean to take my frustrations out on you."
"Is that all you're sorry for?" I queried while turning to face him.
He gave me a glare.
"What?" I questioned.
"Do you know how hard it is to even say 'sorry' to you?"
"And do you know how hard it is to not punch you in the face?" I queried back.
I saw his jaw clench. He then walked to me. I stood my ground and watched him until he stopped in front of me. I crossed my arms, waiting patiently for him to make a move or speak.
He leaned down and pecked my lips quickly then wrapped his arms around my waist. He stared into my eyes with a firm face and said, "I care about you too."
My eyes went wide in shock then a smile formed on my lips. "You what?"
He sighed. "I'm not repeating myself to flatter you, babe. Do you accept my apology?"
"Yes." I answered back.
He pecked my lips with his a few times and pulled me into him, wrapping his arm over my shoulder and mine over his lower back. He led us back into the house.
I will admit that I did not expect him to say sorry nor say he cared about me back.
And to be honest......I was happy to find out Carter has a heart underneath his crazy ways.
___________
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