Origins (The Black Diamond Series Book 3) Read online

  “I found that out and yeah, you are blocking. You were mad as hell when you saw me with her.”

  “I was not.”

  “Isis, for real?”

  “I was just surprised, that's all.”

  “It's okay Isis. I know you were jealous.”

  “Jealous?”

  “Uh, yeah.”

  “You're really feeling yourself right now.”

  “I'd rather be feeling you.”

  “Allow me to make this perfectly clear Trent, who you get down with is none of my business and I don't care.”

  “We're still doing this?”

  “Doing what?”

  “You acting like you don't want me.

  “I never said I did Trent.”

  “Cool. I'll send you the information for my party. I hope I see you there,” he finished succinctly.

  “Okay.”

  “Goodnight Isis.”

  “Goodnight Trent.”

  Trent disconnected the call and shook his head.

  Isis was stubborn as hell but that's why he wanted only her. He knew she was the most beautiful challenge he'd ever face and he was still determined that she was going to be his.

  Thinking of challenges, he thought about his mother and brothers. The visit today with his mother had gone fairly well. He was happy to see that she seemed to be improving. She had been more rational and in control, which was good to see.

  He wondered how his brothers would react when he told them about their sister. It was not something that he was looking forward to and was afraid that his brothers may not trust him anymore after they found out he had been withholding information from them.

  Trent honestly didn't know where he would be right now without his brothers. He'd gone from sleeping in parks to sleeping in mansions; from walking the streets to driving foreign cars and flying in private jets. Outside of the material things they had provided for him, the major thing they had given him was love; unconditional love.

  He was surrounded by three of the baddest dudes around and he was learning to how to be a bad dude himself. Trent was figuring out who he was and what he wanted; and with his brothers guidance he planned to be an impenetrable force.

  *********

  Sean visited Dr. Williams and inquired about his mother meeting with Jordan. Dr. Williams stated that it could be a huge step forward in the healing process for Carolyn, if Jordan agreed. After dropping Trent at his car, Sean drove to Jordan's house where he was immediately let inside.

  “What's up Sean?” Jordan greeted him.

  “Hi Jordan, I'd like to talk to you,” Sean told him.

  Jordan paused at Sean's tone. He could tell something was up. “Okay. Let's go into the office.”

  “Where are Sage and Diamond?” Sean asked.

  “Upstairs. Do you need Sage?” Jordan asked.

  Sean shook his head. “No, I need to speak with you alone.”

  Jordan led the way and Sean followed into the office. Jordan took a seat at the desk while Sean took a chair.

  “What's up Sean? What's going on?” Jordan asked concerned.

  “I visited my mother today with Trent,” Sean began.

  Jordan nodded. “How'd it go?”

  “Good. She asked to see you,” Sean told him.

  “Me?”

  “Yes.”

  Jordan frowned. “Why?”

  “She wants to apologize to you. She says it's a part of her healing,” Sean explained.

  Jordan ran a hand down his face. “Sean, man...”

  “I know Jordan. Whatever you decide, it's fine. I told her I would ask you.”

  Jordan looked at his friend. “Do you want me to do this?”

  Sean looked back at him. “I want my mother well. I promised my daddy I'd take care of her.”

  Jordan knew very well of the promise Sean had made to his dying father and he commended him for that.

  “Can I think about it?” Jordan asked.

  “Of course,” Sean stood.

  Jordan stood and walked around the desk to him. The two men stood eye to eye.

  “Whatever you decide Jordan it doesn't affect us. You know that.”

  Jordan nodded. “I know Sean.”

  Sean extended his hand and Jordan took it pulling him into a brief hug.

  “I also know how important your mother is to you,” Jordan told him.

  Sean nodded. “Just let me know what you decide.”

  Jordan showed Sean to the door and walked back down the hall deep in thought. Sage was coming down the stairs and saw his face.

  “What's wrong Jordan?” she asked reaching the bottom and coming over to him.

  Jordan rubbed the back of his head. “Sean just left...”

  Sage took his hand leading him to the living room. “What happened?”

  They entered the room and took a seat. Jordan sat on the sofa with his head in Sage's lap staring up at her. Her bright brown eyes were filled with concern. Rarely did she ever see Jordan in a state of indecision. Usually he did what he wanted without regard.

  “Carolyn has asked to see me. Sean says she wants to apologize as a part of her healing,” he told her.

  “You don't want to see her,” Sage surmised watching him.

  “Hell no, I don’t want to see Carolyn!” he told her looking away.

  Sage brought her hands to the face that she loved so much. “She's hurt you.”

  Jordan didn't answer but continued in thought.

  “Were you close to her?” Sage asked after a moment.

  Jordan sighed, “I felt like she was my second mother after Joanna left. Carolyn was always nice to me until Sean's father died.”

  “What did you think was the reason for her change?”

  Jordan shrugged. “I thought it was because my father wouldn't help them with the bills.”

  “I never thought she was having an affair with my father.”

  Sage watched him closely.

  “Does Sean want you to visit her?” she asked.

  Jordan shook his head. “He says he will respect whatever my decision is,” he told her.

  Sage put her hand over Jordan's heart. “Maybe you and Carolyn both need healing Jordan,” she told him softly.

  “Sean is my best friend and I'd do anything for him. I don't want to do or say anything that makes Carolyn relapse or something,” he said quietly.

  “You won't Jordan. You can be arrogant and condescending but at the end of the day your heart is always in the right place,” Sage told him.

  Jordan smiled at her. “Damn, I love you.”

  “I love you too Jordan. You'll do whatever you feel the right thing is and when you do everything will be fine,” she assured him smiling into his face.

  Jordan laid his head against her breasts. “Where's Diamond?” he asked with dark eyes watching her.

  “She's sleeping.”

  “Can the Khemetic Goddess come out and play?”

  Sage smiled at him. “Is the Black stallion ready?”

  Jordan nodded giving her a wicked stare. “He wants the Goddess to take him on a wild ride.”

  “The Goddess is ready to do that.” Sage watched him. “Is the Black stallion ready to make a little Black stallion?”

  Jordan sat up. “Uh, no.”

  “Jordan.”

  “Sage, you know how I feel about this.” He turned to stare at her.

  Sage's eyes narrowed. “Then maybe the stallion should find himself another Khemetic Goddess.”

  “What the hell does that mean?” he questioned.

  “Jordan, Diamond is about to turn one. How long do you want to wait for her to have someone to play with?” Sage asked.

  Jordan shrugged. “She has us.”

  “We're her parents Jordan, not her playmates,” Sage told him.

  “I was an only child,” he pointed out.

  Sage gave him a look. “That is exactly why I'm ready to have another baby for Diamond.”

  Jordan pointed at her. “
That's not funny.”

  Sage stood. “Fine Jordan.”

  “It's clearly not fine Sage.”

  She started to walk away when Jordan grabbed her hand and pulled her down onto his lap.

  “Pretty girl, I don't want to argue over this,” he said wrapping his arms around her.

  Brown eyes stared into his dark ones. “Will you think about it Jordan?” she asked softly.

  “Can I deal with this Carolyn thing first?” he asked.

  Sage nodded and wrapped her arms around him before placing her lips on his.

  “I want you to have a son Jordan,” she said against his lips. “I want to give you someone to carry on your name and all that you've built.”

  Jordan's mouth moved from hers to her neck and he kissed her there before whispering in her ear, “I don't know where you came from, but I'm thankful every day.”

  **********

  Sean went to visit Lily after leaving Jordan's house. She welcomed him inside taking him in her arms and holding him close.

  “Hello my love. How did it go?” she asked referring to his meeting with Jordan. Sean had called her earlier and told her about Carolyn's request.

  Sean looked down at her. “He said he'd think about it.”

  Lily touched his face. “Do you want him to do this?” she asked.

  He shrugged. “I have mixed feelings about it.”

  Lily led him over to the sofa and sat next to him. “Tell me about them.”

  “It's nothing,” Sean deflected. “How are the wedding plans going?”

  Lily looked at him. “I thought we weren't going to do that?”

  Sean ran a hand down his face and took a deep breath. “I'm sorry.”

  Lily took his hand. “You don't have to be a warrior with me love.”

  He reached up and touched her dimpled cheek. “I know my beautiful Lily.”

  Sean kissed her softly.

  “I'm not sure if this will work out for the good or not. I don't want either of them hurt anymore,” Sean finally told her.

  “You're not responsible for other people's actions Sean. Who knows, maybe this will resolve some things if Jordan agrees?”

  “Maybe.”

  Lily smiled at him. “How was Trent's visit?”

  “Good. I didn't witness any drama.”

  “There's been enough of that,” she teased.

  Sean smiled. “Can you tell me about wedding plans now?”

  Lily laughed. “Pretty anxious aren't you?”

  Sean pulled her into his arms. “I'm anxious to have my Goddess with me every day for the rest of my life.”

  Lily locked her arms around his neck. “I like that.”

  “Are you sure you want to move into my house?” Sean asked. “We could buy a new house.”

  “I love your house Sean. You're comfortable there and I see no reason to ask you to move to a new place,” she explained.

  “You're so sweet Lily. That's why I love you so much.”

  Lily smiled. “Well you're sweet...and sexy...and brilliant. I can't wait to be Mrs. Sean Jackson. It will be the happiest day of my life.”

  “Mine too.”

  Sean held her close for a while.

  “My mother told me she loved me today,” Sean said quietly still holding her.

  “I take it that's not something she's said often?”

  Sean shook his head. “Not for a long time.”

  Lily remained silent while he became thoughtful.

  “I never knew how Jordan's father hurt her,” he said quietly.

  “Did you like him?” Lily asked.

  “Yes, I did. I respected Mr. Black a lot, until he changed after my father died.”

  Lily looked at him.

  “What did you think prompted that change?”

  Sean shrugged. “At the time I thought that maybe something had happened between him and my father at the business.”

  “I never thought he was having an affair with my mother.”

  Lily looked away. “Well I think it's very brave of your mother to face her demons and I hope Jordan agrees. I know how it feels to be hurt by a man. ”

  Sean turned her face to him. “I assure you those days are over.”

  Lily smiled. “I know my love and I thank the Universe for you.”

  Chapter 8

  Milton Martin sat in the back seat of the limousine that was driving him to his destination. It had been months since he'd heard from either Joanna or Carolyn. He knew that Jordan and Sean had something to do with their disappearances but he just couldn't prove it. That was about to change. He'd been given information of the top security and investigation firm in LA and was on his way there now.

  The last time he'd seen Carolyn she had been going to get her younger son, whom she'd given up for adoption, to bring him back to Milton's home. Since then he hadn't heard one word from her. It was as if she had vanished into thin air, but he knew better than that. He suspected that both Jordan and Sean were more than they appeared to be with their teams of security and wearing pistols on their ankles.

  It had been a long time since Joanna had gone missing. He didn't put anything past Jordan to have her locked away somewhere. It was common knowledge that there was no love lost between the two; and since she'd come to try to ruin him, it only made sense that he would want to get rid of her.

  Carolyn, on the other hand had Sean and he was not the type to harm his mother in anyway. Although he claimed to be oblivious to the affections of his daughter Isabelle, Milton had always thought highly of Sean. He had always provided for his mother even after he'd discovered her plan to plot against him.

  The car stopped in front of the three-story building and Milton exited the vehicle. Inside the lobby, he stopped at a reception desk.

  “How may I help you sir?” the very pretty young woman asked.

  “I'd like to see the owner,” Milton told her.

  “Do you have an appointment sir?” she asked.

  Milton looked appalled. “With the money I'm about to spend in here I don't need one. I'm Milton Martin and I want to see Ray Parker,” he paused. “Now!”

  The receptionist looked over the well-dressed older gentleman and wondered who he was. He clearly didn't know Ray if he was walking in here this way. Ray would put him on his ass in a hot second coming in and demanding to see him. She smiled.

  “Let me see if he's available sir,” she said picking up the phone.

  Ray answered on the second ring.

  “Yeah Callie?”

  Callie looked up at Milton standing over her desk. “Uh, there's a gentleman here to see you.”

  “I don't have any appointments,” Ray told her.

  “Yes, um...I know. He doesn't have one. He's insisting on seeing the owner right now.”

  “What the hell!” Ray roared. “Who is it?”

  Callie kept her eyes on Milton. “He says his name is Milton Martin.”

  Silence.

  “Ray?”

  “I'll be right out!” Ray snapped.

  Callie's eyes widened. “Okay.” She replaced the phone and looked up at Milton.

  “He'll be right out,” she told him with a smile.

  She sat back in her seat and waited. Whoever this guy was, he was in for a surprise. Callie watched as Ray entered the lobby and the two men stared at each other as he continued toward him.

  “I remember you!” Milton bellowed. “What are you doing here?”

  Ray stopped in front of the man.

  “This is my business,” Ray told him. “So the question is what are you doing here?”

  Milton flustered. “You were recommended as an investigation firm, but I see that it would be a waste of my money here since you like to mingle with kidnappers.”

  Ray raised a brow. “Kidnappers?”

  “Yes! I know that Sean and Jordan have done something to their mothers and I'm going to find out what it is and lock them both away!” he bellowed.

  Ray shook his head and gave a li
ght laugh. “You don't need an investigator, you need a damn therapist.”

  Milton's eyes narrowed. “You just make sure you stay away from my daughter Isabelle!”

  Ray smiled and rubbed his chin. “I'll be sure to tell Isabelle you dropped by when I see her tonight.”

  Milton Martin stepped forward and Ray lifted an eyebrow. “If you touch my daughter I will make sure you regret it,” he threatened.

  Ray looked down at the man. “Since you're Isabelle's father, I will give you a pass...this time. The next time you step to me, I will not hesitate to beat your old ass. Feel me?"

  Milton stared at Ray for a few seconds before turning and walking out the door. Ray watched him go before turning to Callie.

  “It's always interesting at Parker Security,” she said smiling.

  Ray shook his head and turned back to his office as Callie went back to her work laughing. She'd worked at Parker Security for the last month and found that it was the most amazing place to work primarily because of the amazing Trent Harris. That boy put the “oine” in foine! He was brilliantly smart, sweet, funny and so nice. She'd never met anyone like him before.

  Callie Jones had just turned twenty and was studying Social Work at Glendale Community College. She was of medium height at five foot five and could be described as curvaceously petite. She had a cocoa complexion and wore her dark black hair in a stylish short bob around her face. Callie was born and raised in the LA area. Landing this job had been the greatest thing that had happened to her as she'd needed the money since she was on her own living with two roommates.

  Life had not been easy for Callie. Her father had been addicted to crack and her mother to alcohol. She'd grown up in a dysfunctional home that had created her determination to become a social worker. She'd move out of her home at eighteen and began working and attending community college. This job at Parker Security paid very well and she liked working with Ray. He was something else!

  She looked up and smiled as Trent entered the building carrying two drinks. He was tall at six three and you could tell he worked out at the gym. He wasn't nearly as buff as Ray but he would get there sooner than later. Trent stopped at her desk.

  “Hey Callie,” he said smiling and she swooned.

  “Hi Trent.”