Lessons In Love (Bantu Academy Series Book 1) Read online

  Bantu Academy Series: Lesson One

  www.dcamille.com

  LESSONS IN LOVE

  Copyright© 2019 D Camille

  Copyright© 2019 Sable SiStars Publishing, LLC

  www.sablesistars.com

  Cover Image: Shutterstock

  ISBN: 978-1-947764-56-9

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this book may be used or reproduced, transmitted, downloaded, reverse engineered, or stored in or introduced into any information storage and retrieval system, in any form or by any means without the express written permission of publisher, Sable SiStars Publishing, LLC, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in reviews.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, Characters, places, and incidents are products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead is entirely coincidental.

  DEDICATION

  To all who appreciate Black History, Black Present, and the Black Future…

  ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

  I would like to give thanks to the Universe for provision, creativity and power.

  To the Goddess Team for keeping me focused and on track.

  To all my readers who support me and my works, I appreciate you.

  Ase’

  Table of Contents

  A Lesson In Romance

  A Lesson In Seduction

  A Lesson In Romance…

  Chapter 1

  Leslie Benson sat on one of the chairs arranged in the school’s gymnasium. She would be starting her first semester teaching at the Bantu Academy, named after Bantu Stephen Biko, one of the founders of the Black Consciousness Movement.

  Glancing over at the cane next to her seat, Leslie then looked around the room at the people beginning to arrive. She’d wanted to be one of the first ones there, to avoid walking in with her cane and having all eyes on her.

  People tended to stare when seeing a twenty-six-year-old walking with the assistance of a cane. A tragic accident as a teenager had left Leslie paralyzed and in a wheelchair for many years. Six years ago, she’d united with her half-sister, Sydney, after an incident with their birth mother. Sydney, along with her husband, Curt, had assisted Leslie, in not only getting out of the rehab center, but undergoing a procedure that had helped her to walk again.

  Although she could walk, Leslie still relied upon her cane, not secure enough yet, to go around without it. In addition, she still had a slight limp, that wasn’t noticeable to others, but would be a lifetime reminder of the accident. Another reason why she felt a sense of insecurity.

  Despite being confined to a wheelchair for so many years, Leslie had a bright and bubbly personality, that lit up a room. Her wit and charisma made everyone love her, and Leslie simply loved life. Watching the other teachers enter the room, she smiled and greeted them.

  When the principal, Ms. Adams arrived, she made a beeline over to Leslie.

  “Leslie, we’re so happy to have you here with us this year!” she exclaimed, before bending to give her a hug.

  “Thank you for having me, Ms. Adams. I’m so excited.”

  “The students are going to love you, and the beautiful art you create.”

  Leslie smiled, “Thank you.”

  A familiar face came through the door, and Leslie watched the beautiful woman approach.

  “Leslie!”

  “Kenya!”

  Leslie slowly got to her feet, and the two women hugged.

  “I’m so glad you’re here!” Kenya told her. “This is going to be a great school year.”

  “Yes, it is!” Another voice commented, then all the women turned to see Niyah Miller.

  Leslie opened her arms. “Niyah!”

  Ms. Adams smiled at her staff. “I’m so looking forward to this year and all the great things you ladies are going to do with the children. I’m going to greet the other faculty, then get this meeting started.”

  “Thank you again, Ms. Adams.” Leslie told her, then watched the woman walk away.

  She turned back to the two who were like her sisters.

  “We are so happy to have you here.” Niyah told Leslie.

  “I have to thank you for getting me this job.”

  Niyah frowned. “You’re a great artist, and teacher. We’re lucky to have you here. Besides, you’re family and you know the Kendalls take that seriously.

  “I love your family,” Leslie smiled. “Especially your brother…”

  Kenya grinned. “Everybody loves Niyah’s brother.”

  “But he’s married to my sister,” Leslie warned Kenya.

  “Girl, that was a long time ago.” Kenya waved a hand. “He’s shackled now, and nobody’s checking for him.”

  Leslie nodded, then Kenya added, “But he’s still fine…”

  All three women laughed as they were approached by a tall, handsome brother. Leslie watched as the smiles fell from both Niyah and Kenya’s faces. Quietly, she wondered who the man was, and she didn’t have to wait long, as he smoothly introduced himself.

  “Now, I know two of the beautiful women standing here, but I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting you.” He said to Leslie, and held out a hand.

  Kenya folded her arms, while Niyah simply stared at him.

  “I’m Leslie Benson,” she replied, being cordial.

  “Leslie, it’s a pleasure to meet you.” He took her hand. “I’m Andre West. I’m the school counselor for Kindergarten through third grade.”

  Kenya frowned. “I thought you counseled Kindergarten through eighth grade?”

  “Ms. Adams is making a change this year.” Andre answered.

  Niyah lifted a brow. “Why is that?”

  “I’ll let her explain it.” He replied, then turned back to Leslie. “I’m looking forward to getting to know you, Leslie Benson.”

  “Uh…you, too…Mr. West.” Leslie said slowly.

  He smiled. “You can call me Andre.”

  They all turned as Ms. Adams began to call the meeting to order. Andre moved to find a seat, while Leslie, Niyah, and Kenya sat down in their chairs.

  “I’m expecting a few more new staff,” Ms. Adams announced. “They are currently completing some paperwork that was required and will be in momentarily, but I’m going to go ahead and get started.”

  Leslie felt eyes on her and looked over to where Andre now sat. He smiled and she waved, before hearing Kenya’s voice.

  “Don’t waste your time, Leslie.”

  Turning to the woman, Leslie whispered, “Who is he?”

  “Somebody who makes his way through the staff.” Kenya replied.

  “Oh,”

  Niyah added, “Listen to Kenya, she’s telling you the truth and she knows firsthand about Mr. West.”

  Leslie looked at Kenya. “You dated him?”

  “A time I regret…believe me.”

  Leslie turned her gaze back to the handsome Mr. West for a moment, then gave her attention to Ms. Adams. She listened intently until her breathing stopped without warning. A man entered the room and everyone remained silent, until Ms. Adams made introductions.

  Leslie became intent on finding out the name of this man, who’d made her heart stop and her lower region come alive. At twenty-six, Leslie was behind on male/female relations after being confined to a wheelchair for over eight years. The last two years, she’d spend just learning to walk again on her own, and so she’d never used the part that was now warming, buzzing and tingling.

  In fact, it had never been an issue…until this moment.

  “Everyone, I’d like you to meet our new history teac
her, Caelum Bannaka.” She heard Ms. Adams announce. “We are so fortunate to have him joining us here at the Academy.”

  Leslie simply continued to stare at the man, and her mind told her that this wasn’t just a man…a mere man didn’t look like he could lift the earth with his strong arms…a mere man eyes were not as dark and intense as the night sky…and a mere man didn’t stand at six-foot-five, with full lips and a broad nose, covered in smooth chocolate skin, reminiscent of his proud ancestry. Nah…this wasn’t a man…this was indeed a god.

  His eyes connected with hers for a moment and caused Leslie’s thighs to clench together involuntarily. When his gaze moved on, she slowly began to breathe again, then turned to Kenya, as another man walked in, while Caelum took a seat.

  Leslie could care less about the next person who entered the meeting, or the meeting itself. Like a moth to a flame, she sought out the man who was controlling her honey cave from a distance. Caelum sat like a king on a throne, with his long legs spread apart.

  She noticed his big hands as they rested on his firm-looking thighs. Quickly, she skimmed across his crotch area, not wanting to get caught studying that spot. Moving up to his wide chest, she sighed and enjoyed the view of his shirt stretched across his pectoral muscles.

  While she’d been confined to the wheelchair, Leslie had developed a knack for visioning. She did it so well and so often, that sometimes she’d get completely lost in the dream. Like now…

  Lying on the bed, she looked up at the naked man standing over her, as his eyes slowly perused her scantily clad body.

  “You are so beautiful and sexy, Leslie…”

  She smiled sweetly. “Thank you Caelum, so are you.”

  “I want all of you.” His deep voice made her quiver.

  “I’ve been waiting for you...” Leslie whispered.

  Caelum stared down at her. “I’m here. Do you want to make love to me?”

  “Yes! I want to do it!”

  “That’s great Leslie.” Ms. Adams voice broke into her vision. “I’m sure it’s going to be amazing.”

  Leslie frowned, wondering why Ms. Adams was commenting on her getting it in with Caelum Bannaka. Coming back to reality, she saw everyone smiling at her and began to feel nervous. Turning to Niyah, she whispered, “What just happened?”

  Niyah looked at her. “Were you daydreaming again?”

  Leslie nodded, and Niyah looked sympathetic. Since Leslie had become a part of the Kendall family, when her sister had married Niyah’s brother, they’d all become very close to her and understood her journey to recovery, including the coping mechanisms she’d used in the past.

  “You just volunteered to work with Mr. Bannaka on the Black History Month program in February.” Niyah explained gently.

  “And volunteered wholeheartedly…no one else even got a chance.” Kenya added, with a smile. “I’m not mad at you, though.”

  Leslie’s eyes widened. “I did what?”

  “He’s going to provide the history and you’ll do the visuals.” Niyah told her. “That’s what you missed…”

  Leslie looked over to where Caelum sat, then he smiled and nodded at her.

  Putting a hand to her face, Leslie said to herself, “What have I done?”

  ******

  After the meeting ended, Caelum made his way over to the table where his new co-workers and team partner were seated.

  “Good afternoon, beautiful black women.”

  “Good afternoon,” Niyah and Kenya replied, while Leslie tried to find her voice.

  After introducing themselves, the two ladies looked at Leslie.

  “We’ll let you two chat about your program. Black history month is our biggest celebration at the school and Ms. Adams expects for us to go all out, so if you need any help, just let us know.” Niyah told them.

  “Thank you.” Caelum replied.

  Niyah smiled then looked at Leslie.

  “Are you okay?” she asked.

  Leslie nodded. “Yeah, I’m fine. Thanks.”

  Niyah and Kenya got to their feet, then Niyah glanced down at Leslie. “I’ll come by your room before we leave.”

  “Okay.” Leslie agreed.

  Caelum watched the women leave, all the while keeping their eyes on him.

  Smiling down at Leslie, he said, “They act like I’ve come to steal you.”

  Leslie looked over and saw the women, still watching as they slowly walked to the door. She waved at them, and waited until they were outside.

  “Sorry about that,” Leslie turned back to the face that made her heart jump. “Uh…Niyah is my sister-in-law, and Kenya’s her best friend. They…uh, look out for me.”

  He nodded, then frowned when he looked next to her. “Looks like somebody left their cane.”

  Leslie slowly moved her attention to the silver cane, then reluctantly back to him.

  “Uh…it’s…it’s mine.”

  He lifted a dark brow. “It’s yours?”

  She nodded and looked away.

  After a moment, she heard him ask, “May I sit with you?”

  “Yes,”

  Caelum took the chair and studied her for a moment, before he stuck out a large hand.

  “I’m Caelum, and I’m looking forward to working with you.”

  Leslie slid her hand into his and felt a tingle at the contact of flesh.

  “I’m Leslie.”

  “So Leslie, may I ask you a question?” He released her hand.

  Leslie tensed, knowing that he was going to ask about her cane, which would lead to her accident, and her disability.

  “What is it?” she asked quietly.

  “Tell me why you were so excited to work on the Black History program.”

  Confused, she lifted her eyes to his. “Huh?”

  “You seemed very eager for this particular program, so I just wanted to know your interest?”

  She stared at him. “That’s your question?”

  “Yes, were you expecting something else?”

  “Yes, I was…”

  He nodded. “You thought I was going to ask about your cane?”

  “I did.”

  Caelum smiled. “Well, if you wanted me to know, you would’ve told me…when you claimed it. Therefore, I minded my own business and asked about the reason that we’re here.”

  “Are you always so candid?” Leslie asked.

  “Yes, because I have no reason not to be…”

  “I’m very candid, too…almost too much, sometimes.” Leslie admitted.

  “Then we have something else in common.”

  She smiled. “What else do we have in common?”

  “We’re both new here at the Academy. We’re both teachers…and I’m assuming that we both love history, since you were so excited about the program in February.” He answered.

  Leslie flushed. “Well, it wasn’t actually the program that I was excited about.”

  “Okay…”

  “I didn’t even know I had volunteered until it was over.”

  He looked puzzled. “Do you even like black history?”

  “Yes…but I liked the way you looked, even better.” Leslie grinned.

  Caelum paused for a moment. “This is you, being candid…”

  “Almost too much…I told you.”

  “Then may I be almost too candid, as well?”

  “Go for it.”

  “I was very pleasantly surprised when you volunteered, because I’d wondered how I would get to spend time with you, from the moment that I looked at you.” Caelum told her.

  Leslie blinked. “What was it?”

  “You want me to repeat it?”

  “You wanted to spend time…with me?” Leslie questioned.

  “Yes, the pretty goddess who undressed me with her eyes, and demanded that I feel her presence.” He told her.

  “Hmmm?”

  Caelum laughed softly. “Did you not?”

  She pursed her lips. “I might have.”

  He gave her a lo
ok.

  “Yeah, I did.”

  They both laughed as the crew came in to clean the room.

  “I think that’s our cue to leave.” Caelum said, staring into her eyes.

  “We should go, then.”

  “Ladies first…”

  She stared at him. “Sometimes it takes a minute to get up…” Leslie whispered.

  “I can wait as long as you need.”

  Caelum didn’t move to assist her, feeling that she wouldn’t have wanted it. Leslie got to her feet, then reached for her cane and purse. When she turned back to Caelum, he too, was standing.

  “All ready…,” she told him.

  “I’ll walk with you to your room, if that’s okay?”

  Leslie smiled. “Yes, that’s fine. We can talk about the program.”

  “Or not…”

  “Or not?”

  “We have months to work on that.”

  Leslie began heading to the door, slightly leaning on her walking stick.

  “What else would we talk about?” she asked, as he walked beside her.

  Caelum shrugged. “I don’t know. Maybe discuss how the stars have aligned to bring us both here at the same time, in the same place, in the same space…”

  At the door, he held it open for her, and Leslie walked through first. He caught up and was by her side again.

  “Are you sure you teach history? You sound like a poet…” she told him.

  He smiled. “I definitely teach black history and I save my poetry for pretty black goddesses.”

  They continued to walk down the hall towards Leslie’s new room.

  “I bet you say that to all the pretty black goddesses.”

  Caelum grinned. “They all deserve to hear it.”

  She fell silent as she approached her door. “This is me.”

  “Miss Benson.” He read the nameplate.

  Leslie headed inside and he followed. When she perched on the edge of her desk, sitting her cane aside, he stood in front of her Smartboard.

  “So, Mr. Bannaka, is there a Mrs. Bannaka?” Leslie asked.