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

A few days later, Joanna waited until Justin returned from home from the office to talk to him. After they'd had dinner with Jordan and he'd gone off to bed, she approached her husband in his office.

  “I want to talk to you Justin.”

  He looked up at her. “Yes Joanna.”

  “I've been asking you about that woman and you still won't say anything,” she began.

  “I told you all you need to know.”

  She frowned. “You can't decide what I need to know Justin!”

  He lifted a brow at her increased tone. “I'm not going to argue with you about this anymore.”

  “So you can just keep some woman a secret?” she challenged.

  “The way you've kept Carl a secret?”

  Joanna froze as he stood to his feet and walked over to her.

  “So island girl, what does he do for you?” he whispered down into her face.

  Her eyes widened. “Nothing...nothing has happened Justin.”

  Justin touched her face gently. “But it's only a matter of time isn't it?”

  “We've just been having coffee,” she whispered. “I swear.”

  He smiled at her. “You meet him every week. You dress nicely and smell incredible when you leave to see him. You smile at him across the table and you laugh softly when he compliments you.” His dark eyes pinned her.

  “Justin...”

  He placed a finger over her lips. “Shhhhh...” Justin replaced his finger with his lips. Kissing her gently at first he increased the pressure until she willingly joined him. Joanna wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed closer.

  Justin pulled back and looked at her. “You will not see him again...or there will be severe consequences.”

  Joanna pulled away. “You can't tell me who I can and cannot see. I told you nothing is going on.” She folded her arms. “Unlike you and that woman in the picture.”

  “We have an agreement Joanna. Don't do something you will regret,” he warned.

  She threw her hands into the air. “I was eighteen Justin! I'm not the same person I was then.”

  His eyes narrowed. “Stay away from Carl Harrison or else.”

  Joanna felt the natural rebellion rise within her. It had lain dormant for the past years, but now it was back in full force. “You don't tell me what to do Justin. I'm a grown ass woman!”

  “Who's acting like a spoiled ass child right now!” he snapped.

  She stared at him in anger. “You have your friends and I'll have mine.”

  “No, you won't Joanna,” he told her. “There is no way in hell I'm going to let you sneak around with another man as long as you are MY wife! Do you understand me?”

  “Then maybe I don't want to be your wife!” she yelled.

  Justin grabbed her arm and yanked her to him. “I've been good to you Joanna. I've given you everything you've asked for and then some. You should think twice before you do something stupid over a man you know nothing about.”

  Her eyes connected with his. “I know that he sees me as more than a surrogate. He treats me like a woman.”

  Justin laughed. “You think you're in love with him?”

  “I'm not in love with you, that's for damn sure,” she responded.

  “I never promised you love Joanna and you're going to find out that it's not all it's cracked up to be.” He released her arm. “Carl wants you simply because you're my wife. He wants to be me, but he never will.”

  Justin walked back to his desk. “Decide now Joanna.”

  “Get rid of the picture.”

  He took a seat. “It's not a negotiation. What's your decision?”

  Joanna lifted a brow. “What am I deciding?

  Justin sat back. “Whether you're leaving on your own or if I'm putting you out.”

  “What?”

  “You're leaving Joanna, one way or another, either tonight or the near future.” His dark eyes held hers. “I can see that you're determined to do what you want and I'm not the one.”

  Joanna took a deep breath. “You want me to do something that you aren't willing to do.”

  “I haven't been sneaking behind your back meeting her. I haven't kissed her hand or stared into her eyes. You saw a damn picture and I asked you to let it go.”

  Her dark eyes flashed. “What the hell am I supposed to think Justin?”

  “You're supposed to know that we have an agreement and I am a man of my word. You'll find Joanna that although I may not be in love with you, I have loved you.”

  She looked away. “Maybe I want both.”

  Justin smirked. “Good luck with that.”

  Joanna looked back at him. “I need to think about it.”

  “Then let me help you.” Justin stood and walked to the office door.

  He opened it and turned to her. “Get the hell out of my house...”

  Chapter 8

  Joanna awakened the next morning with another man asleep beside her and covered her face with her hands. Last night she had been so angry with Justin that she had left home and checked into a hotel. Not wanting to be alone she had called Carl to have someone to talk to. He had quickly arrived to comfort her...right out of her clothes and into bed.

  Whatever Joanna had thought sex with Carl would be like it certainly had not been the uneventful encounter she'd experienced last night. She had thought that what Justin was able to accomplish easily could be duplicated and she had been wrong. Removing her hands she looked over again at the dark head against the pillow. Shaking him gently she called his name and watched as he stirred awake.

  He turned to her. “Hi Joanna, you're even beautiful when you wake up.”

  “Although I didn't call you last night for this to happen, I thank you for coming to console me.”

  Carl smiled at her and she continued.

  “But, you should go now. I'm very confused and I need to think things through.”

  His smile faded and he sat up. “You're having second thoughts.”

  Joanna shook her head. “I never had first thoughts Carl. I was angry and reckless, things I'd thought I'd outgrown.”

  Carl touched her face. “You called me for a reason Joanna. You wanted to be with me as much as I wanted you.” He turned her eyes to his. “Justin put you out of your own home. He said he doesn't love you. What is there to think about?”

  “I have a son Carl. He's only seven years old. I have to think about him,” she said softly.

  Carl moved her hair from her face. “We'll take care of Jordan.”

  She looked at him. “He loves his father very much. This won't be easy.”

  “You worry too much Joanna. Relax and let me take care of you,” he whispered before kissing her gently. “We can talk some more tonight.”

  Joanna nodded and he moved away to get dressed. She watched from the bed as he gathered his clothing and stepped into the bathroom. Joanna knew she would have to face Justin today and she was afraid. She'd gone too far and she knew it. Now that she'd calmed down, she hoped they could at least work things out amicably.

  Joanna climbed out of bed and dressed quickly before Carl returned from the bathroom. He smiled at her and crossed the room to take her into his arms. “I'll see you later.”

  She nodded and looked up at him nervously. “Everything will be fine Joanna,” he promised.

  Carl kissed her again softly before heading out the door. He drove to his house and prepared to go into the office. He would tell Justin that since he no longer wanted Joanna, she now belonged to him. He had no problem taking care of Joanna and her son. As he walked to his car he smiled, not only was he getting Justin's wife but also his son.

  Carl walked into his office and found his desk empty except for a single white envelope addressed to him. He turned and found Justin and Xavier standing in the doorway.

  “What is this?” he asked.

  “You know damn well what this is Carl,” Justin told him. “That envelope is your buyout check. I'd suggest you use it wisely since Joanna is used to spending t
hat in a month.”

  Carl looked angrily at both men. “You can't just put me out!”

  “I can and I did.” Justin folded his arms. “Now get your no good ass out of here before I do something that lands me in jail.”

  Carl looked to Xavier. “You're going along with this?”

  “Justin has my full support,” Xavier responded. “Don't make this into a scene Carl. I've asked Justin to handle this without violence, so before he goes back on his word, you should take your money and leave.”

  Carl stared at both men before snatching the envelope from the desk. “I don't need either of you.” He stalked towards the door and they both allowed him to pass. On his way out he turned back.

  “You haven't seen the last of me Justin,” he threatened.

  Justin unfolded his arms. “If I see you again Carl, it will be our last meeting,” he promised with angry dark eyes. Carl got the message and nodded before walking out the door.

  Xavier turned to Justin. “Don't do anything crazy. Think about your son.”

  “Jordan is the only reason I didn't kill both of them.” Justin turned to Xavier. “But they will get what's coming to them.”

  Xavier watched as Justin walked back to his office and slammed the door. He shook his head knowing this was not going to be over swiftly and probably was going to get very ugly along the way.

  *********

  Joanna finished her breakfast, showered and dressed before heading down to the lobby. She stepped up to the counter and was greeted by an attendant.

  “I'd like to check out please,” Joanna said retrieving her wallet.

  “Of course. Your name?”

  “Joanna Black.”

  Joanna handed her credit card to the young woman who took it and swiped it along the computer screen then looked up at Joanna.

  “I'm sorry Mrs. Black but your card has been declined.”

  Joanna blinked. “What?”

  “Your card had been declined,” the attendant repeated. “This card has been cancelled.”

  Joanna's eyes narrowed. Damn you Justin, she thought. Quickly she asked for the total and paid with the cash she had inside her purse. She walked through the lobby and out to her car before driving directly to Justin's office.

  Joanna wondered what Justin had told her son. Since it wasn't unusual for Joanna not to have breakfast with the two of them in the morning, she knew that Jordan wouldn't be concerned with her absence. Now she wondered if Justin had said anything to him about last night.

  Joanna walked into the building that housed Justin's office and stormed right past his secretary and through his door. He looked up as she slammed the door behind her.

  “You cancelled my credit cards?” she demanded.

  “You thought you'd continue to spend my money?” he asked lifting a brow at her. “Let Carl pay for your bills... if he can.”

  She walked to his desk. “Justin look..” she began quietly and he jumped to his feet.

  “Don't you dare walk your ass in here and attempt to reason with me!” He yelled cutting her of and looking at her with unconcealed anger causing Joanna to flinch. Seldom had Justin raised his voice to her in this tone.

  “You have a lot of damn nerve Joanna.” He took his seat again regaining his normal tone. “I have nothing else to say to you.”

  Joanna tried to control her breathing. “Justin, I know I was wrong. I was just so angry and hurt.”

  Justin stared at her for a moment looking at the woman he'd married knowing that she'd spent the night with another man. A man she had been secretly seeing for the past months. When he'd married Joanna he'd known she was young and impulsive, so he had given her space to grow. He realized that she had not utilized that space and was still the young and impulsive girl he'd made his bride.

  He'd never thought she'd go this far, but yet again she'd proven that he could not put his trust in any woman. All they wanted was what was best for themselves in their own minds. He lifted dark eyes to Joanna's.

  “I've started the paperwork for divorce. I'm taking sole custody of Jordan and as long as you are with Carl or any other man, you will not see your son.”

  Joanna reared back. “What the hell are you talking about?”

  “You will have no contact with Jordan. My son will not be subjected to watching his mother with another man,” he explained.

  “You can't keep me from my son!” she yelled.

  “It's your choice Joanna, but there will be no other man around my son.”

  Joanna huffed. “Fine Justin, I'll play by your rules. Will you restore my cards so that I can get an apartment?”

  Justin shook his head. “Get your own apartment Joanna. Better yet, let Carl get one for you. His buyout check will pay for about a year's worth of rent.”

  “So you're just going to put me out on the street like some trash?” she asked.

  Justin lifted a brow. “You don't want me to answer that.”

  Joanna threw her hand into the air. “What am I supposed to do Justin?”

  He shrugged. “You're a college educated woman Joanna; grow up and get a job.”

  After Jordan was born Justin had encouraged Joanna to go back to school to complete her education. He'd reiterated that he wanted his son's mother to be educated. At his urging, Joanna had received her degree in Fashion Design a few years ago.

  “A job?” Joanna said as if the mention of the word was offensive.

  Justin got to his feet. “Yes, Joanna...a job. It's what real people do to make money so they can live.”

  Her eyes became daggers. “I will fight you Justin. I will fight you until the day I die, I promise you.”

  “Okay, take all that damn drama away from me. You made your bed, now take your ass and lie in it.”

  Joanna pulled her purse onto her shoulder. “You won't keep me away from Jordan. I'm his mother and even you aren't that much of a monster.”

  “Don't try me Joanna. You will regret it.”

  Joanna gave him a hard look then turned and walked out of the office. She drove to her home and exited the car. She stepped to the door and entered the security code to unlock the door. The light blinked red and the door remained locked as she tried the knob. Joanna re-entered the code and the light stayed the same. After she entered it for a third time an alarm sounded above her head. She tried the knob again trying desperately to turn it.

  “Damn you Justin!” she screamed. “Damn you!”

  A few minutes later the police arrived to find a screaming Joanna at the door. They exited the car and approached her.

  “What are you doing ma'am?” one officer asked.

  She turned to them. “This is my damn house!”

  “Did you forget your code?” the other office asked.

  Joanna fumed. “No, my ass of a husband locked me out!”

  “Okay ma'am calm down,” the officer instructed.

  All three turned as a car pulled into the driveway. They all watched as Justin walked to join them outside the door.

  “Is there a problem here?” Justin asked the trio standing by the door as he hit a button to stop the alarm.

  “Yes sir, is this your house?” the office questioned.

  Justin nodded. “Yes.”

  “Is this your wife?”

  Justin looked at Joanna. “She won't be very soon.”

  The officers looked at each other then back at Justin. “She wants to get inside,” one of them told him.

  Another car pulled up and they all watched as a man approached the group.

  “Joanna Black?” he asked.

  Joanna looked at him. “Yes.” He quietly handed her an envelope and she took it cautiously.

  “You've been served.” The man turned and walked back to his car as Joanna opened the envelope. She pulled out the paper and scanned it before her eyes flew to Justin's.

  “You bastard!” she screamed.

  Justin looked at the officers. “That's her restraining order. Please remove her from my prope
rty.”

  The officers watched Joanna who was fuming as Justin turned to the door entering the new code.

  He turned back and looked at Joanna. “Forward your new address to my office and my secretary will have your things sent to you.” He went inside and shut the door.

  Chapter 9

  Justin watched through the window as Joanna was led to her car before he turned and went into his office. He retrieved the box he'd hidden away from her and took it with him as he sat behind his desk. Opening the lid he pulled out the locket that held his mother's picture. Julia Black had been a beautiful woman and Justin had loved her with all his heart. When she'd become involved with another man after his father's death, Justin had been sickened watching another man touch the woman he adored and when those touches had turned violent, Justin had lost the only woman who’d ever loved him.

  Justin's father had served in the military and had been killed during active duty. Julia had been left with a young son and very little means to provide for him. She'd met Thomas Brown and their relationship had started immediately. Soon after, she'd given birth to another son. Although she now had two boys, Justin never felt that he’d lost any of his mother’s love or attention. She would often tell him how much he looked like his father and how much she had loved him.

  Thomas Brown hadn’t been a bad guy, just a guy in a bad place. He’d simply become the product of a society bent towards racism and segregation. A system designed to thwart his every move and keep him in a continual state of despondency. Education and employment were withheld from strong men of color and those not strong enough turned to other means such as alcohol. Thomas Brown eventually became one of the less strong.

  With three mouths to feed, Thomas did his best to keep food on the table. He was a proud man and he didn’t want his family to suffer for any reason, so instead of sharing his burdens, he’d drowned them in endless bottles. He drowned out the fact that he couldn’t buy his sons new shoes. He drowned out that he hated watching his woman work in other people’s houses when he couldn’t afford to buy her one of her own. He drowned the anger he felt when the white man called him boy, stupid or “nigger” and there was nothing he could do about it.