Black Rose (The Life of Bliss Book 1) Read online

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  BLACK ROSE

  Copyright© 2019 D Camille

  Copyright© 2019 Sable SiStars Publishing

  www.dcamille.com

  Cover Image: Shutterstock

  E-Book ISBN: 978-1-947764-08-8

  Print ISBN: 978-1-947764-09-5

  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, 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 those who understand the presentation...

  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

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Epilogue

  Chapter 1

  Bliss Marshall looked over at her sister and best friend.

  “The girls want to see you tomorrow tonight.” Her sibling told her and Bliss frowned.

  “I have work to do, Kris.”

  Kris rolled her eyes. “You always have work to do. When do you play?”

  Bliss sipped from her glass of water. “I play. Just not like everyone else.”

  “When’s the last time you had a man?”

  “Kris!”

  “For real, Bliss. You need some.” Kris nodded, picking up her vodka cocktail. “You’re too uptight.”

  “I’m serious about my work.”

  “Yes, we all know.” Kris replied. “And, your dedication is commendable, but you need a release, Sis.”

  Bliss frowned. “Sex doesn’t cure everything.”

  “Oh, but when it’s good, it makes everything feel a whole lot better…trust me.”

  Looking at her watch, Bliss stood, then responded, “Thanks for the drink and the unsolicited advice, but like I said, I’ve got work to do.”

  “We’ll see you tomorrow night. We’re meeting at Regalia.” Kris informed her.

  “Regalia?” Bliss lifted a brow. “What’s the special occasion?”

  Kris gave her a look. “If you came to girls’ night once in a while, you’d know that Drea has been trying to get pregnant for the last few months, and now it’s official.”

  Bliss smiled. “Drea’s pregnant?”

  “Yes, and we’re celebrating tomorrow night.”

  Bliss sighed. “I’ll be there.”

  “They’ll be happy to see your face again.”

  “What time?” Bliss asked.

  “Eight.”

  Nodding, Bliss agreed. “Okay. I’ll see you then.”

  “Leave your calculating mind at home and bring an open one…” Kris told her. “You might find more than you’re looking for...”

  “I’m coming to congratulate, Drea...this isn’t about me.”

  Kris sipped her cocktail. “See you tomorrow, Bliss.”

  “Ase’.” Bliss replied, and Kris watched her sister walk away.

  “Oh, but it is...all about you, Bliss.” Kris said, finishing her drink.

  Bliss walked out to the valet and waited until he retrieved her silver Maserati Ghibli. Slipping inside, the luxurious interior welcomed her. This car was just one of Bliss’ indulgences for her hard work and she loved driving it.

  Coming from a family of overachievers, Bliss was the prototype. Her Khemetic background and the teachings of black greatness had been instilled in her from birth, and she’d accomplished every feat that she’d attempted.

  Knowing who she was, what her ancestors had achieved, and what was passed down to her, Bliss was a phenomenon to many. Yet, as brilliant and successful as she was, at the end of the day, she was a black woman, with black woman problems, both on the job and in life.

  The higher she’d gone in academia and the professional world, the smaller her dating pool had become and the less time she’d had to even try to find someone to actually share her life with. Bliss gave everything to her work, and very few men wanted the leftover pieces.

  Driving to her office, Bliss sighed. In a way, Kris was right, she did need a release, and nothing compared to a strong black man providing that relief in a way that he only could. Blowing out a breath at the thought, Bliss tightened her thighs as she continued to drive.

  At her office, Bliss entered the nearly empty building. At this time of night, only the true go-getters were spending their time behind a desk, or on a phone. Walking to the elevator, her Louboutin heels clicked on the marble floor. Yet, another indulgence to fit the picture that she needed to portray for her position. You couldn’t look poor, working as a Private Wealth Manager.

  Bliss Marshall was the only black woman at the D.C. office of J.P. Morgan. She’d purposely chosen this firm due to its history, and Bliss was working hard to achieve all of her goals. Taking the elevator up to her office, she unlocked the door and entered the lavish surroundings.

  Bliss dropped her case on the desk, then sat in her chair. Turning to her screen, she checked her appointments for the rest of the week. Bliss frowned when she just saw five on her calendar, and it was only Tuesday. Shaking her head, she sat back.

  “Damn, Bliss, you gotta step your game up, goddess.” She said aloud, into the empty room. “You’re going to be ninety before reaching your mark.”

  Running a light hand down her face, she sighed and looked back at the names on her list. Four of the appointments, she’d set herself, but the fifth had called in to her assistant. Bliss leaned forward and read the note.

  Referred by a personal friend...no more information. Wants to speak to you in person.

  Bliss frowned. “What the hell is Nikki doing? She didn’t verify this dude? Or his income?” She turned away from the screen. “I don’t waste time meeting with unknowns. She knows this!”

  Standing to her feet, she walked over to the window and looked out at the dark streets. Bliss folded her arms, deep in thought.

  A moment later, she checked her Franck Muller watch, walked back to her desk, picked up her phone and typed a message to Nikki.

  Who is this man you scheduled on my calendar for Thursday?

  Sitting back, Bliss waited.

  He’s heard about you and wanted to talk to you.

  At Nikki’s reply, Bliss frowned again.

  WHO IS HE?

  When Nikki replied, Bliss blinked at her answer.

  He’s the type of client you’re looking for and he can connect you to more...trust, I’ve got you.

  Bliss paused for a moment. Nikki was both her assistant and her confidante. When Bliss had hired on, she’d insisted that she be allowed to hire her own staff, and Nikki was first on the list. She understood and supported Bliss’ goals and overall objectives. They’d devised a plan that was going to benefit them both, and apparently Nikki was true to the game.

  Okay. You know I trust you, if anybody. Don’t make me change that opinion.

  Bliss typed back and
lifted a brow when the next text came.

  Listen, I know not to cross Bliss Marshall. Have your A-game ready for him. He could be your key…he’s a big player in the game.

  Sitting the phone on her desk, Bliss now wondered about this man. She looked at the name again and nodded.

  “Okay, Rome McIntyre...let’s see what you’re working with, player.”

  ******

  Andrea Hamilton sat across from her husband, Len. Smiling, she asked, “Your friend Eric is working the bar tomorrow night at Regalia, right?”

  Len shook his head. “Yes, baby. He works there Monday through Friday. Why?”

  Drea hid a smile. “Just checking.”

  “What are you doing, baby?” Len asked.

  “Nothing…”

  He gave her a look. “Aren’t we supposed to be celebrating our new addition?”

  Drea reached across the table and touched his hand. “Yes, we are...and I’ve never been happier in my life.”

  “Then why are you asking about Eric?” Len questioned, lifting a dark brow.

  She paused as he stared at her, then sighed. “Okay, so listen. The girls and I think that Bliss is working too hard, and we wanted to hook her up with somebody.”

  “So how does his work fit into this?”

  “That’s where they’re going to meet.” Drea shrugged.

  “Do either of them know this?” He frowned.

  “Kris said that it should be organic…”

  Len sat back. “First of all, Kris is Bliss’ sister, and those two go back and forth.” He looked at his wife. “I don’t want you getting into it with Bliss, because then I’m into it with Bliss...and Bliss is a challenge.”

  Drea smiled. “Yes, she is. She doesn’t mess around, but that’s what makes her Bliss.”

  “Total contrast to her name.”

  “Not really. Bliss has just always been focused and determined. She works in a very white male dominated field.” Drea explained.

  “She don’t want this smoke.” Len warned.

  “I know baby...and they’re won’t be any.”

  He frowned. “Why Eric?”

  “He’s always so nice when we visit Regalia, so we all agreed that Bliss would like him.”

  “Bliss will eat him alive.”

  “Don’t say that.”

  “I have to warn him.”

  Drea pouted. “Don’t do that!”

  “You can’t just spring Bliss on the man,” Len argued. “That’s wrong.”

  “Stop acting like Bliss is the grim reaper or something.”

  Len replied, “Or something…”

  “Len, I told you this in confidence. Don’t ruin our plan, please.”

  “Your plan is faulty, baby...and I don’t want this hurting you.” Len told her. “Bliss is a grown ass woman and none of you should be interfering in her life without her permission. Just tell her that you want her to meet him, and let it be her decision.”

  “She’ll say no, and she doesn’t have time.” Drea argued.

  “And then you let that be it…”

  Drea stared at him. “We just want them to meet and hook up on their own.”

  “Next time your girls want to jump into somebody’s business, can you stay out, please?” Len asked. “We’ve tried for months to get pregnant, and I don’t want anything interfering with this pregnancy.”

  She smiled. “I hear you, and you’re right. I’m out of anything else…”

  Len shook his head. “I hope Eric is prepared for this…”

  ******

  The next evening, Bliss dressed for the occasion with a little something extra to her eyes, against her light brown skin. Tonight, she wore a dressy head scarf over her dark hair, and added a pair of large gold earrings. This was Bliss’ style when she wasn’t working.

  Going out, she returned to her roots and dressed like the goddess that she was. Playing the game, code-switching or whatever one wanted to call it, Bliss maneuvered the two worlds like a boss in each. Adding a necklace, she looked at herself in the mirror and nodded.

  “Don’t hurt them too bad, Bliss.” She told herself, then stood to check out her body in the ivory dress that clung to her curves. “On second thought...fuck ‘em up.”

  Laughing, she grabbed her bag and her phone, then headed out of her penthouse apartment. At the elevator, she texted her sister.

  I’m running late, but I’m on my way.

  Kris replied…

  We’re late, too. Just wait at the bar for us.

  Bliss frowned and typed as she entered the elevator.

  Why aren’t you there already?

  “Lobby?” A male voice asked, and Bliss looked up.

  “Yes, please. Thank you.”

  He smiled and nodded. After pushing the button, he stared at Bliss as she looked at her phone.

  “There’s a very lucky man out there, that you’re going to meet.” He said smoothly.

  Bliss lifted her eyes. “I’m meeting my friends.”

  She watched as he stuck out a hand. “I’m Brad.”

  “Hello, Brad.” Bliss shook the hand.

  “So you live on the top floor too?” he moved closer.

  Bliss stared at him. “Yes, I do...been here for awhile.”

  “I just moved in.” He told her.

  “Welcome.”

  Her phone buzzed in her hand and Bliss looked at her sister’s text.

  We’re still getting ready. Just go and wait at the bar! Have a drink and calm down.

  Bliss’ eyes narrowed.

  I’m waiting fifteen minutes…

  Brad watched Bliss’ reaction. “Something wrong?” he asked.

  Again, Bliss looked up and wondered why the elevator was taking so damn long to get to the lobby.

  “No, it’s fine. Thank you.”

  “Maybe we can…” he began.

  “No.” Bliss cut him off.

  She watched his blue eyes blink in surprise. “Is there a reason why?” he ventured to ask.

  “I’m simply not interested.”

  “You don’t even know me.”

  Bliss smiled. “Oh, but I do, Brad. We work at the same company.”

  He looked confused as the elevator stopped. “You don’t work at J.P.”

  “I do. I’m a Private Wealth Manager. Bliss Marshall...you know who I am.”

  She waited while he stared at her.

  “You, uh...look so different tonight.”

  Bliss chuckled. “I know...and I’m not looking to fulfill any of your black woman fantasies. Have a good night, Brad.”

  Watching her walk away, Brad followed slowly until they were outside the building and Bliss climbed into her Maserati. The valet closed the door and she drove off into the distance. Inside her car, Bliss smirked, thinking about her encounter with Brad.

  He’d seen her several times around the building, but he’d never paid her any attention until tonight, when he’d witnessed the goddess inside.

  “No sir…” Bliss said, turning on some music for her drive. “You picked the wrong one. Don’t let the trappings fool you.”

  At Regalia, Bliss valeted and headed inside to the bar. Taking a seat, she texted her sister again and waited for a response, staring at the screen.

  “What can I get you, beautiful sister?”

  The voice itself, sent a chill down her spine then spread into a warmth that covered her body.

  Slowly, lifting her eyes, Bliss whispered, “The ancestral gods…”

  He laughed softly and locked his gaze with hers. “I don’t know that one.”

  Bliss cleared her throat. “I’m sorry. You, uh...surprised me...and that doesn’t happen often.”

  “You surprised me too…”

  She looked at the name sewn on the vest he wore, that looked a bit too small across his massive chest.

  “How did I surprise you, Eric?” Bliss asked.

  He looked down at the name, then back at her.

  “When you walked in here, lo
oking mean as hell and so damn beautiful at the same time.” He replied.

  Bliss paused. “I’ve mastered that skill.”

  “I see…” He nodded, with laughter in his dark eyes. “What’s your poison tonight?”

  “I’m waiting for my sister and our friends, but they’re running late, and now my sister isn’t answering my texts.” Bliss explained. “I told her that I’m only going to wait fifteen minutes.”

  He smiled and Bliss felt dizzy. “Let me get you something while you wait?”

  “Yes…” Bliss whispered. Which would be the answer to any question he asked that required a yes or no response.

  “You good with vodka?”

  “I can handle mine,” she replied.

  Nodding, he said, “I picked up on that when you walked up. I’ve got something for you. Are you willing to try something new?”

  “Hell, yeah…” Bliss nodded in agreement. “What do you have?”

  “Let me show you.”

  Her mind screamed that he could show her anything and she’d be an attentive student. Bliss measured him up. Around 6’3”, 235 or so...all muscle. Wicked dark eyes that told her he wasn’t a choir boy. He had beautiful dark caramel skin, and black facial hair that was trimmed and neat, giving him a sexy look.

  As he mixed the drink, Bliss asked, “How long have you been working here?”

  He looked at her as he worked. “Since it opened.”

  “Do you like it?”

  “It pays the bills…” He smiled. “What about you? What do you do?”

  “I handle money…”

  He paused. “In what way? Financial business?”

  Bliss nodded. “Yes, I’m a Private Wealth Manager.”

  “Who do you work for?” he inquired.

  “J.P. Morgan.”

  Finishing the drink, he sat it in front of Bliss.

  “Here you are.”

  She looked down at the burgundy cocktail. “What is it called?”

  “A Black Rose.”

  Bliss studied the glass. “Looks good.”

  “Taste it...tell me if you like it.”

  Bliss closed her eyes at his words for a moment.