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  “Why?” he whispered. “You’ve done nothing wrong.”

  “This is wrong, Jonathan.” Her heart pounded. “I’m with someone.”

  “All we’ve done is have conversations.” He nodded, shrugging. “Yes, we’ve flirted—”

  “We?”

  “Come on, Deidra.”

  A couple ran past with their hands full of ribbons.

  “You might not have been as obvious as me,” Jonathan continued. “But, you’ve flirted.”

  “It’s not like that.” She closed her eyes. “You’re twisting this.”

  “Then why do you keep coming back and don’t say because of the case. Be honest with yourself.”

  “Being here makes me feel good. It’s like an escape.” She shook her head, huffing. “It’s like I belong here and I hate it.”

  “Maybe you do belong here, Deidra.”

  “No.” She walked past him, stopping next to a bush of tiny red flowers. “Connie’s right. You’re sucking me in.”

  “You wanna be sucked in.” He whirled around. “It’s not me that’s the issue. I have no control over your feelings.”

  “Seems like you do. I keep coming here. I can’t help myself.” She scratched her naked shoulder. “Lately, it hasn’t ended there.” She plucked a flower and twirled it between her fingers. “I think about you.”

  “You do?”

  “Nothing vulgar but I do.”

  “I think about you too, Deidra.” He stroked her arms. “I desire you like I haven’t any other woman in my entire life.”

  She stared into his eyes faced with undeniable sincerity.

  “You’ve lived your whole life ignoring what you wanted. You’ve always put everyone else before your own happiness. Now here, you’ve found peace and someone who cares about you very much.”

  “You don’t even know me.”

  He slipped his fingers between hers. “You’re a woman unlike anyone I’ve ever known, but I respect you.” He let her hand go. “I don’t want to interfere in your life if you don’t want me there.”

  She sensed manipulation in his words but what worried her was that she didn’t care.

  “There’s something about you, Jonathan.” A fired ignited within her as if she fed off his desire for her. “You are a dangerous man.”

  “Why is that?”

  “Because you could change me.”

  “I don’t wanna change you, Deidra.” He caressed her cheek, pulling her lips toward his. “I like you the way you are.”

  “Hey!” Asia ran up, laughing with stacks of red ribbons.

  Dee pushed Jonathan away, his vibrant scent swirling in the mild breeze.

  “Have you guys been here the whole time?” Asia flicked her braids over her shoulder. “I’m sure the ribbons are all gone now.”

  “Sorry.” Jonathan touched Dee’s hair. “We got sidetracked.”

  “I gotta go,” Dee said. “Happy Birthday, Asia.”

  “Not yet.” Jonathan’s gentle touch occupied her wrist. “The night’s not over, Deidra.”

  “It has to be, Jonathan. Please, I can’t do this.”

  “But, you can’t leave until Asia’s gotten her gift.” He smiled. “A gift all the women get on their birthdays.”

  ****

  After Jonathan dismissed the party guests, the women took Dee upstairs to a hardwood bedroom with gold walls and matching color scheme.

  Candles sat on small platforms in each corner, omitting a seductive vanilla scent.

  “What is this?” Butterflies bounced in Dee’s stomach.

  “This is Asia’s room,” Emma said as the women gathered around the queen-size, canopy bed shielded by a white, lace curtain.

  Dee turned to leave, but the women blocked the door.

  “Please.” Another woman took her hand. “Don’t be afraid.”

  “I’m not afraid.”

  The woman turned Dee back around. “You’re curious like we all were the first time.”

  “The first time...what?”

  “The first time we all realized we belonged here,” the Asian woman said. “Nothing wrong with your feelings, Deidra. You belong here too.”

  “No.” She tried to turn again, but the women formed a gate around her. She could’ve moved them if she wanted but didn’t try.

  The bookshelf slid from the wall, exposing a secret doorway.

  Shauna walked out. “Ladies.”

  “Mistress.” They bowed.

  “Detective Quarter.” Shauna’s face twisted. “You seem at home here now.”

  “What’s going on? Why are we in Asia’s room?”

  “She’s about to get her birthday present.” Shauna straightened the golden pillows and lowered the bedspread.

  “I’ve had it with these games. Tell me what’s going on.”

  “What’s the matter?” Shauna glided toward Dee. “You could’ve left if you wanted to. Why did you stay?”

  Dee’s lips grew heavy.

  “You’re curious.” Shauna smiled. “That’s how it starts.”

  “Go to hell.” Dee shoved the women out her way and grabbed the doorknob as Jonathan and Asia walked in from the secret doorway, holding hands. “Jonathan, what is this?”

  “It’s Asia’s birthday present, Deidra.” He wore a long silk black robe with maroon and gold running through it. “We’re honored to share it with you.”

  Asia approached the bed in a white, satin and chiffon robe, the color gorgeous against her cocoa-brown skin.

  “Isn’t she beautiful, ladies?” Jonathan asked.

  “Yes.” They stood stiff as statues.

  “Do a little turn for them, Asia,” Jonathan said.

  She did a flirty turn and posed with her leg exposed.

  “You’re such a sensual woman.” Jonathan grabbed her by her braids, giving her a ravenous kiss.

  Dee glanced at the women who stared at the sexual display as if they were at a museum.

  “Mm.” Jonathan pulled his lips from Asia’s mouth. “Are you ready for your gift?”

  “Yes, Jonathan.”

  “Then take off your clothes.”

  Dee gaped, her mind urging her to leave but her legs remaining still.

  Asia slid her robe off, wearing nothing but lace, white panties.

  “Jesus,” Dee whispered.

  Ana let out tiny pants beside Dee as if she were aroused.

  “Get on the bed,” Jonathan ordered Asia.

  She nodded, sliding on the bed.

  “Are you ready for your gift?” He untied his robe. “Say you’re ready.”

  Asia lay on the pillows, her medium-sized breasts spilling to the sides. “I’m ready, Jonathan.”

  “Good girl.” Jonathan took off his robe and flung it to the floor.

  A rippling sensation roared through Dee’s clit.

  Jonathan took majestic steps toward the bed, showing off shiny, wide pecs and toned arms and abs. He took off the black pants, gracing the ladies with his tight, muscular ass. “Happy Birthday, Asia.” He climbed into the bed, planted gentle kisses on Asia’s dark thighs and then removed her panties.

  She wiggled, getting into the perfect position.

  The women moved in closer as Jonathan’s head settled between Asia’s legs.

  As his head gyrated, Asia moaned and grabbed at the sheet.

  Dee clenched her thighs together, her cunt seeping beyond control.

  “Oh.” Asia rolled her hips as Jonathan’s head moved faster. “Ooh...” She squealed, grabbing his head. “Mm. Ah.”

  Dee glanced to her right to see Shauna watching her with a sneaky smirk.

  Asia rose on her elbows, scratching at the sheets while Jonathan continued his mission.

  Shauna made her way toward Dee and whispered, “You wish that were you, don’t you?”

  Asia moaned and panted.

  “You don’t have to answer that,” Shauna said.

  “It is true, isn’t it, Deidra?” Emma whispered. “You want to be a part of us.
”

  Ana caressed Dee’s hand. “This is where you belong.”

  “You belong with us, Deidra,” another woman said. “Don’t fight it.”

  “Don’t fight it,” the other women repeated.

  “Yes!” Asia gyrated as if she were having a seizure. “Yes, Jonathan. Ooh!” She shivered, obviously climaxing.

  Jonathan lifted his head, his glistening lips smirking when he looked at Dee.

  “Join us, Deidra,” Emma said. “This is your home now.”

  “No! Stay away from me.” Dee pushed the women and barged out the door. “Stay away!”

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  “See?” Shauna walked toward the bed with her arms crossed after Dee left. “You’re wasting your time, Jonathan.”

  “Am I?” He lay beside Asia, massaging her breast.

  “Yes.” Shauna looked at the other women. “Detective Quarter will never succumb. She’ll never believe in our mission.” She walked around, stepping on the ends of her dress. “What do you see in her anyway?”

  “She belongs with us.” He sucked Asia’s fingertip and she giggled. “Deidra’s mine now.”

  “It won’t happen.”

  “She stayed, didn’t she?” He propped up his knee. “And, her face told me she enjoyed what she saw. I wasn’t the only one who realized that am I, ladies?”

  “No, Jonathan,” they answered, Asia included.

  “Tell me.” He gestured to the women. “Do you get the same feeling from her I do?”

  “Yes,” Emma said. “From the moment I met her I felt she belonged here.”

  Shauna wobbled her head. “I never got that revelation.”

  “She doesn’t believe in us now,” Jonathan addressed Shauna. “But, she will. All she needs is to be tamed like all of you were.”

  Rena smiled.

  “She’s a cop,” Shauna said. “You can’t trust her. She thinks you killed Autumn, remember?”

  “No, she doesn’t.” Jonathan climbed on top of Asia, sniffing her sweet skin. “You think she’d keep coming back if she thought I killed Autumn?” He sucked Asia’s nipple, snapping it with his teeth.

  “Ow.” She winced, laughing.

  “Trust me, Shauna.” He lowered his head, bathing Asia with kisses until he got to her damp mound again. “Once Deidra gets a sample of the life I can provide she’ll leave everything behind.” He bit Asia’s thigh, forcing a tremble. “Including Winston Lewis.”

  ****

  Four nights later, Winston awoke from his sleep to his cell phone vibrating on Dee’s end table beside the bed.

  Dee moaned, turning away from him in her sleep.

  Winston jiggled his arm from underneath her head, got his phone and checked the ID.

  Grayson Paul

  Winston groaned as he eased out the bed and tiptoed into the hall in boxer shorts and no shirt. “Grayson?” He closed the bedroom door. “What the hell do you want?”

  “I haven’t heard from you so wanted to see if you found out anything about Nelda yet.”

  “No, man.” Winston yawned, the hall light burning his eyes. “I was sleep.”

  “Sorry, but I’ve been going crazy and you haven’t contacted me.”

  “That’s because there’s nothing to tell. I checked out her history and nothing stuck out of the ordinary. She’s been a property manager for ten years and I researched some of her past tenants and they had nothing but good things to say about her.”

  “Maybe she has mental issues?”

  “I checked up on that too.” Winston shook his head, scratching his stomach. “No history of her being in any institutions or anything. No arrests for any reason either.”

  “This makes no sense.” Grayson exhaled. “She looks all Goody Two Shoes on the outside but is setting me up. You think she killed Autumn?”

  “If so nothing’s pointing to her yet.”

  “I’m afraid she’ll pull something else and I’m sick of going to jail. Please, please keep your eye on her, Winston.”

  Winston nodded, half asleep. “I will.”

  ****

  After pacing in front of Dr. Guzman’s door for twenty minutes, Dee decided she should’ve never come and scampered past the empty receptionist’s desk.

  “Dee?” Guzman walked from her office. “Well, isn’t this a surprise?”

  “Shit.” Dee turned around with a plastered smile. “Hi, there.”

  The wrinkles around Guzman’s nose and mouth lifted as she smiled. “How are you?”

  “Uh, I’m okay.” Dee rocked, feeling like an idiot. “See you.”

  “Hold on.” Guzman clacked up to her in gray heels that matched the flowers in her white skirt. “Are you okay? Lisa told me about your father. I’m very sorry.”

  Dee nodded, sucking her lip.

  “What’s going on?” Guzman’s pupils spread.

  “Nothing.” Dee chuckled, stomach turning. “Why would you think something’s going on?”

  “Dee.” Guzman gave her that look parents give children when they’ve caught them doing something wrong. “You wouldn’t be here if you didn’t have a reason.”

  “Lisa and Winston have this crazy idea I should come see you. No offense, but I don’t need a shrink.”

  “Then why are you here?”

  Dee’s jaws filled with air. “I don’t know.”

  Guzman grinned. “Maybe your subconscious wanted you to come.”

  “Ah.” Dee snickered, waving her finger. “You shrinks are good.” She put her hands in the pockets of her khaki pants. “Already playing the mind games and I ain’t been talking to you even ten minutes.”

  “I don’t play mind games, Dee, and I don’t put ideas into people’s heads. Seems like you have a warped idea of what therapists do.”

  “Dr. Guzman, I think you’re terrific. You’ve done wonders for Lisa but I’m not Lisa.” Dee tapped her foot. “This therapy thing isn’t me.”

  She reminded Dee of a British school mom with her graying ball in a tight bun. “If I had a dime for every time one of my patients said that I’d be rich.”

  “I shouldn’t have come here.” Dee exhaled. “I gotta go.”

  “Wait now. Come on.” Guzman touched Dee’s arm. “Are you in a hurry?”

  “Well, I’m on my lunch break and gotta get back to the station in about thirty minutes.” She checked her watch. “And, you know how lunchtime Baltimore traffic is.”

  “My next appointment doesn’t arrive until an hour and a half so we can talk if you want.”

  Dee sucked her tongue. “That’s okay.”

  “We won’t call this a session or anything. It’ll be off the record.” Guzman smiled. “Call it a test run. See if this might be something that could help you.”

  Dee avoided eye contact.

  “Dee, there’s nothing to be ashamed of for needing a little help. Let’s go into my office.” Guzman walked in, holding the door open for Dee.

  Dee slumped into the office.

  Guzman approached her desk beside the wall, everything stacked neat on top of it. “Sit down, please.”

  Dee meandered to the polyester, burgundy couch and sat in the middle of it, holding her breath.

  Guzman got a large notepad and pencil from her desk.

  “Oh god.” Dee’s stomach flip-flopped. “Here you go with the pad. I thought this wasn’t a session.”

  “This is for me, not you.” Guzman slipped on her square glasses. “Relax, Dee.”

  “I feel like I’m about to be executed.”

  “No.” Guzman frowned as she sat on the other couch across from Dee. “We should work on those negative thoughts you have about therapy.” She crossed her legs and fixed her skirt.

  “So?” Dee rubbed her hands. “What do I do?”

  “Just talk.”

  “About what?”

  “Anything you want to talk about. I’m here to listen to you.”

  “I’m empty.”

  Guzman pushed her glasses up and jotted. “In wha
t way?”

  Dee’s brow sweated. “I’m not into—”

  “Talking to people about your problems?”

  “I’m always the one people go to for advice and things.”

  “Most times people who are always listening to others never listen to themselves.”

  The muscles clenched in Dee’s face. “You’re not the first person to tell me that.”

  Guzman wrote, chuckling.

  “I shouldn’t be feeling this way because my career is going well and I’m in a great relationship. I should be happier than anyone.”

  “But, you aren’t?”

  “Something’s just missing.” Dee held back tears. “And, I feel so guilty for thinking that.”

  “You shouldn’t feel guilty for your emotions. Just because things are going well, it doesn’t mean it stops pain or longing.”

  “But, what could I be longing for? I have everything.”

  “Maybe what you long for is emotional and not physical or material.”

  Dee sat back, squinting.

  “Were you this way before your Dad passed?”

  “Yes, it started when Lisa left the department.”

  Guzman nodded, scribbling. “You ever had this empty feeling before?”

  “Yeah.” She cleared her throat. “When my mom passed, I remember having it. She died when I was fourteen.”

  “That’s a time when a child needs her mother the most.” Guzman looked at her through her lashes. “Any other times you’ve been empty?”

  Dee moved her mouth from side to side. “Yeah, when relationships would end or friends moved away. Stuff like that.”

  “The common thread seems to be whenever someone leaves you. Do you see the pattern?”

  Dee pinched the tip of her nose, exhaling. “Since you mention it.”

  “Are you afraid to be alone, Dee?”

  “Isn’t everyone?”

  “Do you think you have an unnatural fear of it? Do you imagine life without anyone you care for? Let me put out a scenario.” Guzman waved the pencil. “What if everyone in your inner circle disappeared, and you never saw them again? What would happen to you?”

  “I’d be alone. I wouldn’t have anyone.”

  “You wouldn’t have those people, sure. But, there will always be someone there, Dee.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “We’re going to lose people we care about. That’s life. But, just because certain people disappear, it doesn’t mean we are ever alone. As long as you’re alive on this big earth, you won’t be alone. There will always be someone to love you and for you to love. Does that make sense?”