The Blacks: Bonus Prequel (The Black Diamond Series Book 5) Read online

  Alana moved quickly. “I'll grab her bag.”

  Joanna spent the next twelve hours in hard labor. The only saving grace, in her mind, was that she was never doing this again. Her mind wondered how women did this multiple times in their lives.

  When her son was finally born, Joanna looked down into a little face identical to her husband's and he captured her with the same dark gaze. Joanna felt a twinge of something in her heart, something that she'd never felt before.

  Alana gazed at her daughter and grandson. “He is going to be a heartbreaker.”

  Justin beamed. “He's a Black. It's in the genes.” He stared down at his son.

  “What’s his name?” Alana asked.

  “Jordan,” Joanna and Justin said simultaneously.

  “Jordan Elijah Black,” Joanna said rubbing his tiny head as Alana looked at the pair.

  “We've already discussed it.” Justin told her.

  Justin looked over at Joanna then took her hand. “I know this has been difficult for you. Thank you for being so strong.”

  Joanna smiled slightly at him. “You're welcome Justin,” she whispered.

  Alana watched the couple before getting to her feet. “I'm going to take a walk and get some fresh air. I'll be back soon,” she announced before heading to the door.

  Justin watched her leave before turning back to his wife and son. “How are you island girl?” he asked.

  “I've certainly been better,” Joanna answered honestly.

  He stroked her hand. “I'll make sure you're taken care of Joanna.”

  “Thank you Justin.”

  He smiled. “May I hold my son?” he asked.

  Joanna gently handed the baby to his father. She watched as Justin held the tiny bundle marveling at him.

  “He looks just like you,” Joanna told him.

  Justin laughed. “Yes, the Black genes are very strong, especially for the males.”

  “Do you look like your father?” she asked.

  “Yes, very much so,” he said solemnly.

  Joanna studied him. “You never talk about your family. Does Jordan have aunts, uncles or other grandparents?” she asked.

  Justin watched his newborn. “I'm all Jordan will ever need. I will make sure he wants for nothing. He's the heir to my empire and he carries on my name.”

  Joanna continued to watch Justin as he gently rocked the cooing baby boy while Jordan Elijah Black stared up at the man who would become his role model in all his ways.

  Chapter 6

  Justin moved Joanna and Jordan into a larger home four years after Jordan was born. His new business partner moved into the neighborhood and their two boys, who happened to be the same age, became instant friends.

  Today, Justin watched as Jordan and his best friend Sean, ran around the yard along with a few others at the party Joanna was hosting for Jordan's seventh birthday. It had been Justin's suggestion that Joanna have a party and invite the neighborhood children to celebrate with Jordan on his special day. He glanced up as the two boys approached the thin, little shy girl who lived a few doors down. He laughed to himself as he saw the way Jordan's eyes lit up as he studied the little girl. He continued to watch as the little girl's eyes lit on Sean. Justin shook his head knowing that possible heartbreak was in store for his son. He himself knew the pain of wanting someone who didn't choose you in return.

  Justin now glanced over to where Joanna was sitting with Sean's mother Carolyn. Joanna had been a beautiful girl and now she was a stunning young woman at twenty-seven. Carolyn Jackson was also a beautiful woman. A beautiful woman that was totally devoted to her husband Xavier, his new business partner along with Carl Harrison.

  Since meeting the Jacksons, Justin had noticed a difference in Joanna. Whenever the couple engaged in public displays of affection, Joanna would look at him in a certain way, a way that made him aware that she possibly wanted the same. He hoped that she would remember their agreement. He'd held his end and would continue to provide and care for her. Justin didn't want her thinking that this would possibly turn into a love affair. He had his son, the only thing he adored.

  “Hi Daddy!”

  Justin turned and smiled at his little twin. “Happy birthday Jordan.”

  “Thank you Daddy for the best party!” Jordan smiled at his father.

  “Make sure you thank your Momma too. She did a lot to put this together for you,” Justin reminded.

  “I will, I'll tell her right now!” Justin watched as Jordan hurried over to his mother.

  Jordan ran over and threw his arms around his mother's neck before Joanna could react. She held him for a second before pulling back to look into his handsome face.

  “Thank you Momma!”

  Joanna smiled at him. “You're welcome Jordan. Are you having a good time?”

  He smiled at her looking so much like his father. “Yes.” He touched her dark hair gently. “You're so pretty Momma.”

  “And you're a little charmer Jordan Black.” Joanna told her son happily. “The girls won't stand a chance with my handsome boy.”

  He gave her a wicked grin before turning to glance at the little girl sitting next to Sean. Jordan gave her a quick kiss on the cheek before joining his friend.

  Carolyn looked at Joanna. “Jordan looks so much like his father.”

  “I know. Justin says the male Black genes are very strong.”

  Carolyn nodded. “Are you having more children?”

  Joanna shook her head vehemently. “No! Justin wanted one son and he has him.” She looked at Carolyn. “What about you and Xavier?”

  Carolyn smiled. “It's taken me nearly seven years to get this figure back and I'm not trying to mess it up again because this is what attracted Xavier in the first place.”

  Joanna stared at her. “You and Xavier are very affectionate.”

  “Xavier Jackson swept me off my feet and I'm still in the clouds. He's a wonderful man,” Carolyn said glancing over at her husband. “He was very happy to get into this partnership with Justin.”

  Joanna gave a short laugh. “Justin is very business oriented. It's his life, his businesses and his son.”

  Carolyn heard the sadness in Joanna's voice and turned to her. “You all make a beautiful family.”

  Joanna looked over at her husband. Truth be told, they were not a family in Joanna's mind. She was the woman who cared for his son. Granted they still made love, and Joanna desired him as much now as she did their first time; and for this, she hated herself but she could not change it.

  “Hello beautiful ladies,” a voice spoke to them both and they turned.

  Carolyn's eyes narrowed. “Hello Carl.”

  Carl Harrison was Justin and Xavier's third partner and to Carolyn he was a snake. With his dark wavy hair and dark chocolate complexion, he was pleasant enough to look at but underneath she sensed something sinister about him.

  Carl smiled at Carolyn before turning to Joanna. “And how are you Mrs. Black?” he asked looking her over slowly.

  “I'm fine Carl. Thanks for stopping by,” Joanna responded quietly looking up at him. With his smooth dark skin and glossy hair, Carl Harrison always reminded her of the island boys she'd seen when she'd gone to visit her mother's home.

  Carl nodded at her smiling. “I should say hello to Justin and Xavier.” Slowly he walked away leaving the two women at the table.

  Both women watched as he greeted their husbands before Joanna turned to Carolyn. “I still have a few gifts to finish wrapping for Jordan before he opens them. I ran out of tape earlier,” she explained standing. “I'm going to check in Justin's office to see if he has any.”

  “Do you need any help?” Carolyn offered.

  Joanna shook her head. “No, I'll just be a few minutes. Sit and relax.”

  Joanna headed inside and made her way to Justin's office. She opened the door and entered the empty room. Quickly she went and began to look in his desk drawers for some tape. After checking a few, she paused placing a finger on
lips in thought. Snapping her fingers she turned and looked inside a small box Justin kept on the credenza behind his desk.

  Opening the box, she peeked inside and saw a few items consisting of a locket, a ring and photograph. Curiously, she picked up the locket and opened it. Inside was an older picture of a woman. Joanna guessed that it was Justin's mother by the slight resemblance. She wondered why he had never shown this to her. Replacing the locket, she picked up the photograph. This picture, however, was definitely not his mother. In fact, this photo was of a very beautiful woman, who could almost pass for Joanna's older sister, if she had one. She turned the photo over and saw the name Camille written in a delicate cursive.

  The door opened and Joanna turned in slow motion as Justin entered the room.

  “Who the hell is she?” she snapped holding the photo up in her hand.

  Justin closed the door behind him. “Why are you going through my things?” he demanded coming toward her.

  Joanna flamed. “Who is she Justin?”

  He removed the photo from her hand and replaced it inside the box then closed the lid. He turned back to her with dark eyes flashing.

  “It doesn't matter who she is,” he said flatly.

  “Why do you have some woman's picture? And why do we look so much alike?” Joanna yelled.

  “Jordan is waiting to open his gifts. We should go back outside,” he informed her.

  Joanna folded her arms. “I'm not going any damn where until you tell me who that woman is!”

  “Don't make a scene Joanna.” Justin told her. “I'll give you a few minutes to compose yourself and then I expect to see you outside for our son to open his birthday presents.” He watched her for a moment before leaving the room.

  Joanna stood in shock as she watched him leave. She wanted to take the box and set it on fire but she knew not to cross Justin. Although he had rarely displayed his temper against her, she'd seen it unleashed on others.

  Shakily she headed towards the door vowing that Justin would tell her the identity of this mystery woman. Joanna opened the door and walked right into Carl Harrison. He steadied her and looked down into her face.

  “Are you okay?” he asked.

  Joanna regained herself and stepped back. “Yes, I'm fine.”

  He watched her for a moment. “No Joanna, you're not fine. You're incredibly beautiful.”

  Joanna stood in shock. “What are you doing?” she asked.

  Carl shrugged. “I've seen you and Justin together. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to know that you're not being loved like a woman should be.”

  Joanna's eyes narrowed. “Justin would kill you.” And me, she thought.

  Carl gave her a sexy smile. “We all have to go sometime.”

  “You should stay away from me,” Joanna told him clearly. “You're Justin's business partner and I'm not part of his business.” She began to walk away and he called after her.

  “I'm not going anywhere Joanna.”

  Joanna didn't pause as she continued outside to the party. She had no idea how her life was about to change, nor how this would be the last birthday she'd spend with her son.

  Outside she joined Justin as they both watched Jordan open his gifts before the entire group sang happy birthday and they began serving the huge birthday cake. When all the children had been served she turned to Justin where they were the only two standing.

  “We will talk tonight,” she whispered.

  “There is nothing to talk about,” he returned.

  She stared up at him. “Are you having an affair with her?” she asked quietly so that no one else could overhear.

  Justin held her gaze. “No Joanna, I'm not having an affair with her. Now let it go.”

  “Why do you have her picture? Is she related to you?” she questioned with confused dark eyes.

  “She's not related to me. Now, for the last time, let it go.” He turned and walked to where Jordan was sitting eating cake and ice cream. When his father joined him, Jordan beamed. He worshipped the ground his father walked on and believed he could do no wrong.

  Joanna watched the pair and shook her head. What the hell was Justin doing? Who was this woman that had him so tight-lipped? Joanna decided that finding this woman's identity was a priority. There was no way in hell she was going to let Justin leave her for another woman. She was not her mother…before that happened; she would definitely leave his ass first.

  Chapter 7

  After a month, Joanna still didn't know who the woman was in the picture. Justin had moved the box to another location unknown to her and all she remembered was that the woman was named Camille. Justin refused to discuss anything about her which had led to a number of arguments between them.

  Joanna headed to her weekly spa appointment. She hoped that a massage with a glass of wine would help her to relax. She arrived and for the next hour she was waxed, rubbed and soothed. She smiled happily as she stopped at the reception desk.

  The young woman smiled up at her. “Did you enjoy yourself Mrs. Black?”

  Joanna smiled in return. “Yes, I always do.”

  “Is there something I can help you with?” the woman asked.

  Joanna opened her purse. “Yes, I'd like to settle my bill.” She dug out her wallet.

  “It's already been taken care of...in fact it's paid for the entire year,” the receptionist informed her.

  Joanna frowned. “Really? Did my husband take care of it?”

  The woman cleared her throat. “Actually the gentleman waiting for you in the lobby took care of it.”

  Joanna turned quickly to survey the lobby. She hadn't paid any attention when she had walked up earlier. She watched as the man lowered the newspaper he had been reading and stared at her.

  “Carl?”

  He stood to his full height dressed in a dark suit and off-white shirt before he slowly walked over to her. “I know this may seem weird, but I wanted to see you Joanna. I can't stop thinking about you.”

  Joanna watched him. “What are you doing here?”

  He shrugged. “I don't know Joanna. I'm risking my business and possibly my life, but you are worth it.”

  She grabbed her bag. “I'm a married woman and this is highly inappropriate.”

  He stopped her with a hand on her arm. “Can we just talk?” he asked.

  Joanna glanced down at the hand on her sleeve. “Talk about what?”

  “I know that you're not happy Joanna. I just want to be there for you,” he said softly.

  She looked back up at him. “I don't...this is-”

  “Can we have coffee, Just coffee Joanna?”

  Joanna continued to watch him. She had to admit to herself that she was flattered by his attraction. She hadn't had a man show her this much attention since Justin had come to take her away from Atlanta nine years ago. She had said that she didn't want that type of relationship but she was older now and she had developed a woman's emotional needs.

  “Coffee?” she repeated and he smiled.

  “Or whatever you want.”

  She smiled. “Coffee will do.”

  Carl escorted her out of the salon and to a secluded coffee shop and they began to meet there every week after her spa appointments. Joanna found that Carl was very easy to talk with. He seemed to hang on her every word. He was closer to her age and seemed to be more in touch with her needs and wants.

  One afternoon she smiled across the table at him. “We can't keep meeting like this.”

  “Why not?”

  “Because someone might see us and get the wrong impression,” she explained.

  Carl lifted his cup. “What impression would that be?”

  “That we're involved in some type of...relationship.”

  He took a sip of his coffee. “I am in a relationship. I'm in love with the most beautiful, sexy and incredible woman I've ever met.” Staring into her eyes he sat the cup back on the table. “Unfortunately, a man who doesn't deserve her got to her first.”

  “Ca
rl...” He reached across and took her hand before bringing it to his lips.

  “Joanna I-”

  A throat cleared and they both looked up. Joanna discretely removed her hand as she stared up at Justin's other business partner Xavier Jackson.

  Carl sat back in his seat. “Xavier.”

  Xavier looked between the pair. “Hello Joanna.”

  “Hello Xavier,” she returned turning to Carl. “I should go now.”

  Joanna stood and Carl joined her. “Thank you for the coffee,” she said in a rush as she hurried out of the shop.

  Xavier took the seat across from Carl as he sat back down. “What the hell are you doing?”

  “Having coffee.”

  Xavier let out a breath. “You don't want to do this Carl. Justin is not a man that you want to cross,” he explained.

  “I'm not afraid of Justin Black. If he was handling his business at home, his wife wouldn't be here with me.”

  “You're willing to risk your business?” Xavier asked.

  Carl smiled and looked towards the door. “For Joanna Black...hell yeah.”

  Xavier shook his head. “Look, I don't want anything to do with this. When this blows up in your face, don't say I didn't try to warn you.” Xavier got to his feet. “This isn't just about you Carl, Joanna has a son who adores his father and Justin will ruin you for sure for trying to break up his family.”

  “I'll deal with Justin,” Carl said confidently getting to his feet.

  Xavier shrugged. “It's your ass, not mine.”

  Carl returned to the office and took a seat behind his desk. He thought about Joanna and what he wanted to do for her...and with her. She was so damn beautiful he couldn't understand why Justin wasn't all over her, all the time. Whenever he'd seen them together, he could tell they were not in love. In his mind, a woman like Joanna needed to be loved thoroughly and often. He couldn't quite give her the lavish lifestyle she had with Justin at this time, but he had plans to get on that level. He was going to become Justin Black and he was going to start by taking his wife.

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