The Scales (The Black Land Series Book 3) Read online

  “Who told you I love cheesecake?” she asked suspiciously.

  Brandon smiled as he retrieved a knife from a nearby drawer. “You forget how long I’ve known you Mackenzie.”

  Mac folded her arms over her breasts. “What else do you know about me?”

  He grabbed some forks and small plates, then proceeded to cut the cake. “I know that you’re brave, always have been.”

  “You’re smart, you’re strong and loyal.”

  She lifted a brow. “You’re very complimentary tonight.”

  He looked up at her. “I’ve never had a bad thing to say about you Mackenzie.”

  “I admit, I can say the same about you Brandon,” she said quietly.

  Brandon placed a slice on a plate then grabbed a fork. Moving to stand in front of her, he scooped a forkful of the whipped desert.

  Lifting the fork to her mouth, he said, “Tell me if you like this…”

  After a moment of holding his eyes, Mac opened her mouth and accepted the treat. As soon as it hit her tongue, she moaned before swallowing.

  Her eyes widened. “My god! Where did you get that?”

  Brandon laughed. “It’s good isn’t it?”

  “It’s heaven,” she agreed glancing at the plate in his hand.

  He scooped another taste and fed it to her watching her mouth as she savored it.

  “Can I just have the plate?” she finally asked.

  “I’m enjoying watching you eat it.”

  Mac frowned. “Give me the plate, please.”

  Brandon scooped another forkful and tasted it for himself with her utensil. He slid the silverware slowly out of his mouth then licked his lips.

  “That is good…even better than the last time I had it,” he said softly.

  “Brandon…”

  Mac didn’t know what the hell was going on right now in Brandon’s kitchen, but she did know that her body was feeling warm?

  “Yes Mackenzie,”

  Mac closed her eyes for a moment to regain her composure. Maybe Khayla could prescribe her something for these damn tingles. It had to be some type of allergic reaction to sexy hazel-green eyes and a deep sensual voice. Maybe it was those wide lips that he’d slowly ran his tongue across after eating the cake and licking the fork. The fork that she’d used!

  She opened her eyes and found him watching her. “Brandon, what…”

  The doorbell rang and startled them both.

  “It’s okay Mackenzie. We’re just having desert.”

  He handed her the plate and went to the door. Opening it, he found Rion on the other side.

  Brandon frowned. “What are you doing here?”

  Rion matched his frowned. “I need you to find a new prosecutor,” he told him firmly.

  Brandon sighed. “No, not tonight. Go home Rion...”

  Chapter 4

  “I’m serious Brandon,” Rion told him.

  “I am too.”

  Rion walked past him and into the house. “Look, I need my wife at home.”

  Brandon closed the door then turned to his friend.

  “This is not my problem Rion.”

  Rion looked at him. “She doesn’t want to leave you shorthanded.”

  “I’ve told her that she doesn’t have to worry about that.” Brandon told him. “You married a prosecutor Rion, a damn good one. It’s not easy for her to walk away.”

  Rion sighed as Mac entered the room eating cheesecake.

  “Hey Rion,” she smiled.

  “Mac?” Rion looked confused as he turned to Brandon. “You two uh, on a date?” He pointed between the pair.

  “Before you get any ideas to share with the Negus and Nigist, Mackenzie is here to collaborate on the initiative for the city my father proposed,” Brandon explained.

  Rion looked at the pair again as Mac flushed and kept her eyes on the plate of desert. “Yeah, okay.”

  He turned to Brandon. “I’ll talk to you later,” he said slowly then Brandon followed him to the door.

  “Step out for a minute Brandon,” Rion requested and Brandon obliged closing the door behind him, knowing that whatever Rion wanted to say was private.

  “What’s up?” Brandon asked.

  “Don’t play with Mac.”

  Brandon lifted a brow. “Are you checking me?”

  Rion stood tall. “Do I need to?”

  “Wait, you all are the ones matchmaking… so fall back Young God.”

  “I saw her face and I know what was going on in there,” Rion insisted. “You know how the Negus feel about Mac.”

  “All the Negus or just you Rion?”

  Rion shook his head. “No, we’re not even going to do that.”

  Brandon stepped closer. “You should go home and check on your wife and son, my brother.”

  “If you play with Mac’s heart, I’ll be the first one kicking your ass.”

  “Why are you so damn concerned Rion?” Brandon asked.

  “You just told me that you’re focused on becoming Mayor and didn’t have time for anything else. You know damn well you weren’t discussing no damn initiative in there with Mac,” he pointed out. “Mac deserves more than your naughty games.”

  Brandon’s eyes narrowed. “Go home Rion.”

  Rion’s phone rang and he heard Tauri’s ringtone. Pulling the phone out, he answered.

  “Orion, where are you?” her raspy voice came through the line.

  He kept his eyes on Brandon. “I’m at Brandon’s.”

  “Orion…” she chastised. “Come home so we can talk, please? This doesn’t involve Brandon.”

  “I’ll be there shortly,” he responded.

  “Listen, I love you and our son more than anything. I promise we will work something out,” she told him softly.

  Rion softened. “I love you too Goddess.”

  “Come home, Young God. I miss you.”

  Brandon waited until he’d replaced the phone in his pocket. “Anything else?” he questioned.

  Rion took a long breath. “Look Brandon, I’m clearly not dealing with this situation with Tauri very well but she’s right, this doesn’t involve you.”

  Brandon nodded.

  “And I was out of pocket about Mac. If anyone, I know you’d never hurt her.”

  “To be honest Rion, something was happening inside. I didn’t plan it, it just…started,” Brandon confessed.

  “Well you’re right, it’s none of my business and I’m sorry.”

  Brandon smiled. “We’re good. Please take your ass home to your wife.”

  “I am, right now.”

  The two men gave each other a manshake before Rion headed to his car. Brandon watched him take off before going back inside. He found Mac on the sofa eating cheesecake.

  “I was hoping you’d come back inside before I ate this whole damn cake,” she told him.

  Brandon laughed. “I got it for you, so you could.”

  Mac patted her rounded hip. “My lips say yes, but my hips say no.”

  He came and took a seat next to her staring at her mouth. “I agree with your lips.”

  Mac sat her saucer on the coffee table then turned to Brandon. “What the hell is going on with you?”

  “Just like that huh?” he asked.

  “Just like that.”

  Brandon placed a hand over his mouth for a moment then removed it. “I don’t know Mackenzie.”

  “What’s with the sexy tone and lingering looks? We’ve never had that,” she pointed out.

  “I think everyone is getting into my head.”

  She frowned. “How?”

  He shrugged. “Everybody’s talking about I need to settle down and have kids.”

  “With me?” she looked appalled.

  It was his turn to frown. “Well hell, don’t look like that.”

  “I’m just saying, do I look like I want to do something like that?”

  “Me either. I’m focused on a campaign and now an initiative,” Brandon agreed.

  Ma
c studied him for a long moment. “So you were just feeling the pressure? That’s why you’re giving me these vibes?”

  He looked at her. “I wish I could honestly say that’s all it is Mackenzie.”

  “Brandon, getting involved in any kind of way could be suicide to both of our careers,” she told him.

  “You don’t feel anything?” he asked.

  Mac smiled. “I’ve always felt something for you Brandon but that doesn’t mean I have to act on it.”

  “No you didn’t just tell me that.”

  She shrugged. “It’s true. I’m not ashamed.”

  He moved closer and she bit her lip. “I think what I’ve kept under wraps no longer wants to stay there.”

  “It has to,” she whispered as he focused on her mouth. “Are you listening?”

  “No, I’m not.”

  “Brandon, we need to work on the initiative,” she told him firmly.

  He nodded. “We will.”

  “I don’t have all night.”

  “I do Mackenzie,” he whispered.

  Mac got to her feet. “Look, we’re going to work on this project and you’re going to calm your ass down.”

  Brandon spread his hands. “Okay, I’ll fall back. We have work to do.”

  “Thank you,” she said in relief. “I can’t take you this way.”

  He stood to his feet looking down at her. “I’m very sure that I’m going to take you Mackenzie, not too long from now.”

  Her eyes narrowed as her heart sped up. “Bye Brandon. Let me know when you’re ready to get down to real business.

  Mac walked to the door and he followed slowly behind her, taking in the sight. Brandon closed his eyes for a moment and focused on breathing normally. All of a sudden, Mackenzie Green was looking like his favorite treat that was off limits.

  She turned to him. “Call me when you get yourself together.”

  Brandon placed a hand on the door above her head. “I have to know Mackenzie.”

  “Know what Brandon?” she asked losing her breath as he moved closer.

  He touched her face and they both went up in flames at the contact. Slowly he traced her jawline over to her lips.

  Brandon lowered his head until his lips rested right above hers.

  “What it is that you’ve always felt…” he whispered.

  “Why?” Mac closed her eyes.

  He cradled her head. “Because I’ve always felt it too…”

  Mac was completely engulfed in him, from the hand holding her head in place to his firm body pressed against hers. She could feel fleeting touches of his lips as he spoke against her mouth that made her burn.

  “I want to know too,” she unwillingly confessed.

  Little did Mac know that those five little words would forever change everything…

  ******

  In her full uniform, complete with hat, Mac stood across the room watching Brandon give the first speech of his campaign. His green-eyed gaze would snag hers for a moment then move around the room as he passionately delivered his words.

  Brandon’s campaign manager, Derek, had put together this opportunity for Brandon to speak at the City Council meeting. The Negus were in attendance along with Judge Williams and other supporters. Mac watched the room as Brandon continued to comment on his plans for the city. Her gaze landed on one face in particular, Patrice Dansby. If looks could kill, Brandon would be dead on the platform. Patrice was scheduled to speak next and Mac wondered how her speech would go. Would she come out mudslinging or would she bide her time?

  Mac’s gaze caught Brandon’s again as he stepped down from the podium. Dressed in a tailored dark suit with tie and expensive shoes, he looked every bit the politician. He was joined by the Negus, Derek and his father; and the group of men held everyone’s attention as Patrice reached the stage.

  Mac could tell in Brandon’s expression that he would be seeking her out later. It had been three days since she’d visited his home and they’d crossed a line that she never imagined they would. Luckily, she’d come to her senses before they’d done something totally inappropriate in her mind. Brandon’s mind, however, was clearly somewhere else and the look on his face told her he was determined to bring her over to his side.

  She turned her attention back to Patrice, who seemed to want to play nice today. She congratulated Brandon on his candidacy then proceeded to give her commentary on how she was the best choice for the city. Her gaze rested on Brandon for the majority of her speech and his cool gaze remained emotionless as he watched.

  As soon as Patrice finished, Brandon made his way over to Mac. She stood straight and tall as he looked down at her.

  “We need to talk,” he said without preamble.

  “Sure, counselor. When would you like to meet?” Mac said keeping on her professional face.

  “Now.”

  Mac glanced around the room then back at him. “Brandon…”

  “Not one more day Mackenzie.”

  As she stared up into his determined face, she was reminded of that same face when he’d helped her remove his shirt then tossed it to the floor before attacking the buttons on the shirt she’d worn.

  She cleared her throat. “Where?”

  “My house,” he answered quickly.

  Mac shook her head knowing there was no way in hell she was going back there to relive those heated moments, where strewn clothing had rested on the floor.

  “My office,” she told him before her gaze moved to his mouth. His lips were moving but Mac couldn’t hear anything over the pounding in her ears from the rush of heat throughout her body. She inhaled as she remembered those lips tasting her flesh and making love to her mouth.

  “Mackenzie?” Brandon called her name bringing her out of her musings.

  “Yes?”

  He watched her flushed face. “One hour.”

  She nodded and he bent to her ear. “I can’t forget either Mackenzie.”

  Someone called his name and he straightened. Turning to the constituent, he smiled and Mac made her escape as she knew he would be at her office in an hour. Mac greeted the Negus and was stopped by Patrice on her way out to her car.

  “Chief Green?”

  Mac nodded. “Hello Councilwoman Dansby.”

  Patrice smiled. “I saw you speaking with Brandon. Are you throwing your support behind him?”

  “I’m speaking with you right now and that doesn’t mean I’m supporting you,” Mac pointed out.

  “You have a good reputation in the city, Chief Green. I’d hate to see that marred by any…incidents.”

  Mac stepped closer. “I am the Chief of the City of Detroit. There is nothing you can do to scare me.”

  Patrice laughed and looked at Mac. “Well, I guess you have decided who you’re supporting.”

  “The field was pretty slim.”

  “Tell Brandon good luck,” Patrice said pulling her large handbag up on her shoulder.

  “You can tell him yourself.”

  Patrice smiled. “You know what, I just might do that.” She winked at Mac before walking away and Mac went to her car.

  ******

  Brandon watched as Patrice approached Mackenzie and wondered what she had to say to her. He could tell from Mackenzie’s face that it was not a cordial conversation. As Mac walked toward her car, he turned and saw Patrice watching him. She smiled and waved before he turned back to his campaign manager who was the last one there, since the Negus and his father had already departed.

  “Brandon, let’s go and strategize this afternoon. We can break down your speech and see where we need to make changes,” Derek told him.

  Brandon looked at his watch. “I have an appointment in an hour. I’ll be available after that.”

  “How long is your appointment?” Derek asked.

  “Not sure.”

  Derek looked skeptical. “Is there something I should know?”

  Brandon shook his head. “No.”

  “Okay, well can you call me when you
r ‘appointment’ is over?” Derek questioned.

  “I will.” Brandon agreed. “As far as the speech, I do have a few things I’d like to change.”

  Derek nodded. “Okay, I’ll plan to catch up with you later today.”

  “Good.” Brandon shook his hand. “Thanks for everything.”

  Brandon reached his car and drove to his destination. He knew Mackenzie had gone into full retreat mode after the other night. He’d tried to call her, but she’d been wrapped up in a double homicide on the west side involving two teenagers. Brandon knew how important her job was and how hard she took it when residents died, especially young ones.

  Brandon parked his car and headed inside the venue. Walking down the aisles, he went to the cooler and pulled out two drinks. Taking his time, he looked around and felt himself being watched. Brandon approached and sat the items on the counter.

  “Two ninety-nine,” the clerk said stiffly.

  Brandon slid his suit jacket back as he reached for his wallet, revealing the weapon on his hip.

  The clerk’s eyes widened. “Hurry up and give me your money.”

  Brandon paused. “Is this how you treat your customers?”

  “Just get your stuff and go.”

  Brandon nodded slowly as he extracted a five from his wallet. He handed the money to the clerk then watched as the clerk slid his change back towards him on the smooth surface.

  “Good Bye!” the man shouted. “Take your things!”

  Brandon lifted a brow. “Do I get a receipt and a bag?”

  “You don’t need that. Go!”

  As Brandon’s eyes darkened, he watched as the man began to reach below the counter. In a flash his weapon was out and pointed. “Don’t do it!”

  The clerk threw his hands in the air. “I don’t want no trouble!”

  “Really, because since I walked through that door, that’s all you’ve asked for is trouble,” Brandon told him.

  “What do you want?”

  The door signaled and the clerk looked at the men entering all dressed similarly to the man holding the gun pointed at him.

  “I want to introduce you to my friends,” Brandon said slowly as the Negus came closer.