The Blacks: Bonus Prequel (The Black Diamond Series Book 5) Page 6

  One night the anger spilled over and the bottle could no longer contain it. Justin remembered hearing the yelling in the middle of the night, then the crashing, then the silence and finally the sobbing. He heard the sirens, then the door opening, then the sounds of people before he looked up and saw a police officer enter the room that he shared with his half-brother. That night was the last time he’d ever seen his little brother, his mother or Thomas Brown. He went to live with his father’s parents, his brother went to live with Thomas’ parents, Thomas Brown went to prison and his sweet mother eventually went to her grave.

  Quietly Justin replaced the locket and stared into the box. Next, he pulled out the diamond ring. He recalled when he’d purchased it. He’d bought his first business and had received the initial profits. At twenty-two Justin thought he had the world on a string, a successful business and a beautiful girl who took his breath away. He was ready to start a family and have a son of his own, one that he could raise into a strong black man, a Black man who would leave his mark on this world.

  He'd gone to see Camille and offered his undying love and she'd turned him away saying she had other plans. She wanted to finish school and she had no desire to start having children. Although somewhat heartbroken, Justin had waited four more years until he'd realized that she simply hadn't wanted him or his child. She'd wanted the life she dreamed of and she'd gotten it.

  Justin put the ring back inside and finally picked up the picture. Camille was absolutely beautiful and Joanna had been right, their resemblance was uncanny. The first time he'd seen Joanna he'd known he would marry her because she'd looked just like the girl of his heart. However, Joanna was not Camille. While Joanna was fire and brimstone, Camille was candy and flowers. Camille could make a man love her for eternity and Justin knew he would.

  Over the past nine years, Justin had grown to truly care for Joanna and if she'd kept their agreement he would have been faithful to her for the rest of his life. He'd made her no promises of love because he'd known the only love he had in his heart was for Camille but after he'd married Joanna, he'd never contacted Camille again deciding to focus on his life, his business and his son.

  Justin replaced the picture and closed the box lowering his head. He vowed that no other woman would ever hold a place in his life. His son would now become his only concern. Jordan would be the one to carry on his name and he would have no competition. Thinking of his son Justin decided to pick him up early from school. He didn't know what Joanna would try to do at this point. What he did know is that she'd better not try anything crazy...

  ********

  Joanna had no choice but to accept Carl's offer to go home with him while she tried to sort things out. After being escorted to her car by the police, she had driven to a cafe that had a pay phone. She was able to track Carl down at his home and he'd immediately invited her to his house. When she arrived, he was waiting in the doorway for her. Carl instantly pulled her into his arms and held her close.

  “I'm sorry Joanna,” he whispered above her head before ushering her inside. When she was settled on the sofa, he turned to her.

  “Did he hurt you?” he asked.

  Joanna shook her head. “He says he won't let me see Jordan.”

  “He can't do that.”

  “Justin does whatever he wants,” she told him putting her face in her hands.

  Carl pulled her closer. “I will take care of you Joanna. I won't let Justin take your son away.”

  “I don't know what to do now,” she whispered.

  “You can stay here with me.”

  Joanna pulled away. “No, I can't. Justin said that as long as I'm with you I can't see Jordan.”

  “That's not for Justin to decide. You can take him to court,” Carl suggested.

  She jumped to her feet. “With what Carl, I have no money?” She walked to the window. “Besides, Justin has friends in extremely high places. He will get what he wants.”

  Carl joined her at the window. “Justin isn't god Joanna. He's made you think so, but he's not. He can fall just like the next man.”

  Joanna turned to him. “You're wrong Carl. Justin isn't just like the next man...in any way.”

  Turning back to the window, she shook her head because she had just figured that out.

  *********

  Justin picked up his son from school and smiled as he entered the car.

  “Hey Daddy!” Jordan greeted.

  Justin looked at his son. “Hi Jordan. How was school?”

  “Good.” Jordan lifted dark eyes to matching ones. “Where are we going?” he asked since most of the time if his daddy picked him up they were usually going on an outing of some kind.

  “Where would you like to go Jordan?” Justin asked.

  His little face lit up. “Can Sean come too?” he asked.

  Justin shook his head. “Not this time, next time okay?”

  Jordan nodded his understanding. “Ice cream?” he then asked excitedly.

  “Ice cream it is,” Justin said starting the car.

  When they were seated in the ice cream parlor with their treats Justin looked over at his son.

  “Jordan, I have to tell you something.”

  He lifted his face from his dessert to look at his father. “Yes Daddy.”

  Justin took a breath. “Your mother is going to live in a different house from us.”

  Jordan looked confused. “For how long?”

  “For a while,” Justin answered softly and watched his son place his spoon on the table.

  “She left us?” he asked watching his father.

  Justin ran a hand down his face. “She had to go Jordan.”

  “Why?”

  “It's very complicated,” Justin told him.

  Jordan's eyes narrowed. “She doesn't love us?”

  “She loves you Jordan. It has nothing to do with you.”

  Jordan pushed his ice cream away. “The kids at school say she has a boyfriend. They heard their parents saying it.”

  Justin sat up in his seat. “What? When did you hear this?” he demanded.

  Jordan shook his head sadly. “It's true, isn't it?”

  “Listen Jordan, I'm sorry you heard something like that.”

  “I don't care if she comes back!” Jordan said angrily.

  Justin looked into dark angry eyes. “Why didn't you tell me this Jordan?”

  Jordan shrugged. “I didn't think it was true,” he said quietly. “I thought they were just trying to make me mad.” He looked away.

  Justin stood and went around the table to his son and took him in his arms. “We're going to deal with this Jordan and I promise you it's going to be alright.”

  Jordan wrapped his arms around his father and held him tightly. “I won't leave you Daddy.”

  “I won't leave you either Jordan. Nothing is more important than you,” Justin vowed and rubbed a hand over his son's head and held him for a long while.

  Finally, Jordan peeked up at him, his eyes mischievous. “Uh, Daddy...can you tell the cook not to put that stuff on my chicken anymore?”

  Justin shook his head. “What stuff?”

  “That stuff that Momma likes,” Jordan explained.

  “The thyme?” Justin asked and Jordan nodded. “You don't like it?”

  Jordan frowned. “It's nasty, but momma made me eat it. She said it was good for me.”

  Justin smiled. “I'll tell the cook to throw it all out. How about that?”

  “You're the best Daddy.” Jordan hugged his father again.

  “Just make sure you keep all your clothes neat and clean,” he reminded Jordan.

  As Justin held his son, he cursed Joanna. What in the hell was she thinking? The kids at school were taunting his son about her sneaking around? He felt his blood begin to boil. She couldn't hurt him, but he'd be damned if she hurt his son ever again.

  Jordan pulled away and Justin smiled down at him. “Let's go home son.”

  “Can Sean come over?” Jordan a
sked.

  Justin got to his feet and nodded. “Sure.”

  The pair cleared their mess from the table and exited the shop heading to the car. On the way there, Justin decided that Carl Harrison would never have a successful business in this town as long as he was alive; and Joanna would never see Jordan as long as she was with that bastard.

  Chapter 10

  For the next six years Justin managed to keep Joanna away from her son. Soon after Justin had divorced her, Carl had managed to convince her to marry him saying it would look better in a custody battle. Carl may not have had anywhere near Jordan's wealth, but he had enough to make sure she wasn't on the street or had to get a job.

  Carl continued to try to give Joanna the affection she'd thought she had needed from Justin, but all he managed to do was make her feel smothered. In all the years she had been with him, he'd not once been able to make her feel the way Justin did in bed. To say she missed Justin's skill was definitely an understatement. Joanna had taken to feigning headaches or weariness to avoid Carl's attempts at love making.

  A few years ago, Joanna's mother had taken ill and had become confined to her home. Out of the kindness of his heart and his affection for Alana, Justin had continued to pay for her mother's care because Carl simply could not afford it as his sole proprietorship was not doing nearly as well as he'd hoped.

  For Carl's part, he knew that Justin had blackballed him in this city but Joanna wanted to stay close to Jordan in the hopes that Justin would one day let her back into his life. Carl wondered if Joanna wanted to be in Jordan's life or Justin’s.

  When Alana's health had taken a turn for the worse, Joanna had flown to Atlanta to visit and care for her. As her condition steadily declined, Joanna became despondent. Alana was finally admitted to hospice care and Joanna felt her world had ended. She sat at her mother's bedside rubbing her head softly.

  “Would you like some water Momma?” she whispered.

  Alana shook her head. “No, thank you Joanna,” she managed slowly.

  Joanna watched her mother carefully. She catalogued the once beautiful skin and dark curly hair. Now the skin was sallow and the hair course and brittle. Illness had stolen the radiant beauty from her mother's appearance.

  Joanna smiled at Alana. “I'm going to go and get some more ice for you. I'll be right back.”

  Her mother nodded slowly as Joanna stood and left the room. In the hall, Joanna leaned back against the wall and tried to breathe as tears threatened to fall. She'd had to leave the room for a moment to regain her composure before she broke down crying in front of her mother. That's the last thing she needed to do right now. Her mother was dying and she deserved to spend her last days in peace.

  Joanna stood with her eyes closed and her head thrown back.

  “Joanna.”

  She heard the voice and froze. She wanted to open her eyes and keep them closed at the same time. The voice called her again and she lifted her wet lashes. Looking into his dark eyes, she ran to him and he enfolded her gently.

  “Justin...”

  *********

  Alana Greer departed this world two days later and Justin was at Joanna's side as she watched her mother slip away. After making final arrangements, Joanna had notified Carl and he relayed that he would be on the first plane out. Justin drove Joanna to her mother's home where he helped her inside also carrying the food he'd stopped and picked up along the way.

  “You need to eat something Joanna,” he told her placing the food on a nearby table.

  Joanna took a seat on the sofa. “I can't,” she whispered.

  Justin came and took a seat next to her looking into her dampened eyes. “What do you need island girl?” he said softly.

  Joanna felt her heart leap at his words as she stared into those obsidian eyes. Joanna knew what she needed. She needed a release, one that she hadn't felt in over six years. One that only one man could give her.

  Joanna touched his bearded face. “I need you Justin Black.”

  Justin smiled. “I think your husband is on the way.”

  She touched her lips to his and whispered again, “I need you Justin Black.”

  “You want Justin Black?” he asked staring at her intently.

  Joanna nodded slowly licking her lips in anticipation. “Yes...”

  “What do you want me to do to you?” he asked before running his tongue along her lips.

  “Everything...” she breathed against his mouth as she climbed into his lap.

  Justin pulled her closer. “Come give it to me then.”

  Joanna grinded against his lap and opened her mouth over his. Justin took her mouth and began to give her all that she asked for and more. Joanna whipped her blouse over her head and arched her breasts toward his face. Justin understood what she wanted and obliged her by slowly lowering the strap of her bra before burying his face in her breasts. Joanna grabbed hold of his head as his mouth moved to gently suckle her.

  “Justin...” she said on a sigh from the sheer pleasure of tongue on her hardened nipple.

  When she felt his hands on her body she heated to an extreme temperature and when he removed the rest of her clothing Joanna knew that she could never go another six years without this. She didn't know how she'd gone this long without showing up at his doorstep begging him to take her.

  “You remember how to ride a thoroughbred island girl?” he asked unfastening his pants with her on his lap then removing them.

  Joanna smiled. “Remind me.”

  Justin pulled out his wallet and removed a condom as Joanna raised a brow. “You carry condoms?” she asked.

  Justin shrugged. “I'm a single man.” He tossed the pants and underwear to the side.

  She took the package from his hand and pushed him back against the sofa. “Well for right now you're mine.”

  “Right now I'm giving you what you want,” Justin corrected.

  Joanna smiled sexily at him as she applied the protection. “You want it too.”

  Justin settled her over his extended flesh. “I never said I didn't want you Joanna.”

  Joanna paused looking at him curiously before he pulled her closer and kissed her slowly. No more words were spoken as Justin began to love her body. His big hands touched and caressed her warm skin as she slowly rode the Black beast.

  Justin squeezed the round orbs where stiff peaks begged for his attention as Joanna gave herself over to grinding into the solid thrusts he was bestowing upon her. Joanna spread her legs wider and called his name before sucking his lips and running her hands along his shoulders and arms.

  Joanna knew that this was the one man who could turn her body inside out. There was nothing this man could do that her body would not respond to without hesitation. Justin knew just where to touch her to send her up in flames. He knew where to kiss her to make her moan and what to say to make her release her essence

  Justin grabbed her warm, rounded cheeks and guided her into a screaming climax. Joanna's head fell forward onto his shoulder and Justin lifted them both from the sofa still joined together. She held on to his neck as he laid her on her back on the couch then began gliding inside her body and retreating. Justin lifted her hands above her head and whispered in her ear.

  “What's my name island girl?”

  The pace increased and Joanna wrapped her legs around his back lifting her knees higher.

  “Justin...Justin Black,” she answered breathlessly.

  When Justin reached his pinnacle it triggered Joanna's as well and they both released six years of pent up energy for one another, but that was not nearly enough so for the rest of the night Justin gave her what she wanted and she liked it...a helluva lot.

  The next morning Joanna was in the kitchen having a cup of coffee as Justin emerged from the bedroom fully dressed. He walked over to her and she looked up into dark eyes.

  “Would you like some coffee?” she asked.

  He shook his head. “No, I'm leaving now. Everything is taken care of for your moth
er's service and for obvious reasons I won't be attending.”

  Joanna touched his arm. “Can I see Jordan when I get back?”

  “You made your choice Joanna. You chose Carl over your son.”

  “I had no choice Justin!”

  Justin stared down at her. “Yes, you did. I told you to get a job and get your life together and you could see your son.”

  Joanna's eyes narrowed. “No, you told me to stop seeing Carl and I could see my son.”

  “And then you went and married the bastard!” he told her. “I wanted you to grow up Joanna.”

  She placed a hand on her hip. “I am grown!”

  “No, you're still the spoiled little girl I met in her Daddy's office.” He turned and walked towards the door.

  “Does Jordan ask about me?” she called after him.

  Justin paused. “No.”

  “What does he think of me?”

  He turned back to her. “He thinks you're exactly what you are Joanna.” With that, he walked out the door leaving Joanna to ponder his words. She didn't understand why she'd become the villain. She'd done what she had to do in order to survive in her mind. No, she didn't love Carl but he owed her. He'd ruined her situation and now it was his duty to make sure she was taken care of; and she had no qualms about reminding him of that fact.

  Later when Carl arrived, Joanna answered the door and showed him inside. He pulled her into his arms and looked down at her.

  “How are you?” he asked concerned.

  Joanna pulled away slowly. “I'm okay.”

  “What do you need me to do?” Carl asked.

  She hugged herself. “Everything has been taken care of.”

  Carl's eyes narrowed. “How?”

  Joanna cleared her throat. “Justin was here. He took care of everything.”

  Carl lifted a brow. “Everything?”

  “Yes, the service and all the details,” she informed him looking away.

  Carl nodded slowly watching her. “I'm going to put my suitcase in the bedroom.”

  Joanna nodded. “Okay.” She watched as he grabbed his luggage and headed towards the bedroom. The bedroom she'd just spent the night in with Justin Black, a night with memories that brought a smile to her lips. Justin could be a bastard but she knew now that he could always get it. He possessed that power over her body and it was like magic - Black Magic.