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  Warmth incased her bottom where Christian planted his hand for support. She let out a soft laugh but the feeling of his broad chiseled frame next to hers couldn’t be overlooked. His body was solid from his hard shoulders on down to his ripped abs. Her chest melded to his and she felt him all the way down. The man had been molded from stone.

  Egypt’s laughter faded away and her gaze connected with his and arousal washed over her. Her gaze didn’t falter as his locked onto hers. The green shined like jade from within. She was transfixed as waves of desire shot through her. Her brain scrambled trying to process his enormous manhood pressed against her center. Instead of being alarmed, moisture flowed to her panties.

  What was happening to her? Had endorphins risen so high within her that she was now hallucinating? Yes, that was it. She was on a high from looking at the rings and having her luck turn around so quickly.

  Christian lowered his head and she allowed her lids to drift closed. His palm felt as if it were kneading her ass as if he’d done it a million times. The first touch of his lips felt gentle and almost timid. Her lips parted and there was the connection. He flicked his tongue in her mouth and it danced boldly with hers. His minty assault caused her chest to grow heavy and her nipples to harden. A heat she hadn’t felt in years rushed to her neither region and she gasped.

  “Mr. Bradley I’ll just charge it to your account.” Anton cleared his throat.

  Christian removed his mouth and the connection was broken. Egypt’s lips felt the loss instantly.

  “Thank you. We’ll be on our way.”

  Christian wrapped his hand in Egypt’s and his thumb circled the area between her thumb and index finger as he guided her back to his car. Once inside no words were spoken.

  Egypt’s mind raced. Was that for show? Her heart hammered against her chest. Oh God, she hoped not. She wouldn’t be able to take it. She glanced at him through half closed lids but his focus remained on the road.

  Later that night her dreams weren’t taunted with her ex-husband’s huge rod and hurricane tongue, but Christian. Her fantasy world mixed with reality and she found her hand drifting down until it reached her mound. She spread her legs and massaged her clit with images of thrusting her wetness in Christian’s face until she released. Her orgasm so powerful she let out a loud moan. The noise jolted her wide awake.

  She stilled herself and stared at the door dividing the rooms—scared he’d heard her yet hopeful he’d come in and put her out her misery. Hearing no movement she relaxed and drifted back to sleep with a smirk on her face.

  Chapter Four

  Christian walked into the large open room and didn’t see Egypt. He moved through the sitting area and found her in the closet, scantily clad in her bra and lace panties with garters attached. His dick hardened at the sight but he ignored it. Since their kiss he’d made it a point to keep his distance. Her being in his home was strictly business and he wouldn’t take advantage.

  “Darling we’re going to be late for our own engagement party if you don’t hurry.” He’d grown accustomed to using terms of endearment in and out the public eye. It was simply easier that way.

  She glanced up at him. The usual sparkle in her eyes was replaced with something else. “Must we have a party?”

  Fear. She was scared. “Of course, sweetheart. You knew this.”

  Her shoulders slumped. “What if they don’t buy it?”

  “They will. We’ll make them believe.” He moved in closer to her. His instinct was to touch her, but not while she’s partially dressed. An ivory colored gown lay across a chair, he handed that to her instead. “Get dressed please.”

  He turned on his heels and left her. The tightness in his pants wouldn’t allow him to linger any longer. “If you’re not dressed in five I’ll treat you like a child and dress you myself,” he called from the safety of her bedroom.

  The room was hotter than normal so he fanned himself. He checked the temperature on the thermostat knowing before for he saw the digital number of seventy that it hadn’t changed. His elevation was due to the woman in the other room. He passed through the connecting doors and entered into the sanctuary of his own where he grabbed his suit jacket and continued downstairs. He’d wait for her in the kitchen, after pouring himself a shot.

  Seeing her had put his own nerves on edge. Was he doing the right thing? Not just for himself but by her? A woman like her could find a good mate and there he was blocking the way. She agreed to it, he convinced himself. He sat the glass on the counter and turned at the sound of heels gingerly moving across the marble floor.

  “You look amazing,” the words left his mouth before he had time to think. The elegant gown fit all of her womanly curves and gave a slight hint of cleavage. Sexy but far from slutty.

  “Thank you. I’m ready. Let’s get this show on the road.”

  Christian walked across the room and opened the door to the garage. “After you.”

  Almost forty-five minutes later his Range Rover, he decided against the low sitting Aston Martin for her gown, pulled up in front of his largest hotel in the downtown Atlanta area. The red carpet outside and cameras flashing all around made the event look more of a soiree than their engagement party.

  A valet helped Egypt out the truck then rushed around to help him.

  “Take good care of it Maurice,” Christian smiled as he spoke to one of his more trusted employees.

  “Will do and I’ve worked out the schedule per your request to make sure we rotate in and out to be a part of your special night.” The man gave him a toothy grin.

  One thing for sure Christian wanted all under his charge to feel they were part of one big happy family. Those who worked the event received triple time, but were still allowed an hour to enjoy the evening. Being nice to his staff is what paid off in the very beginning. When they were happy his business flourished. It wasn’t often but once or twice he had to relieve supervisors for not understanding his vision. Everyone played a role and no one was more important than the other. To work for him everyone needed to treat each other with respect. He attributed this mindset to his success and low turnover rate.

  Christian grabbed Egypt’s hand as she waited on the side of the vehicle. After posing for a few photos they walked inside with the air of the perfect couple. Though she looked calm on the outside Christian could sense Egypt’s apprehension.

  He leaned in close and whispered in her ear, “Relax darling or I’ll have to resort to drastic measures.”

  She gave him a raised eyebrow.

  “I’m going to have to put on a show for the room and have a taste of those lips again.”

  Egypt blushed and a slow smile spread on her face. Her shoulders loosened and she no longer walked as if she were a robot acting on command.

  “Good girl.”

  He gave her hand a squeeze and led her to their table.

  *****

  Egypt’s stomach fluttered at the thought of Christian’s mouth on hers again. It had only been a week prior and neither had yet to mention it again. In fact, while in the house he’d made sure to keep his distance, even though his room was right next to hers. So close that they had adjourning doors. Christian said it was his housekeeper’s idea, but she wondered. He did have a valid idea that if anyone did visit it would be easier for her to walk into the master bedroom and to hers without anyone being the wiser.

  The first night she couldn’t sleep knowing he was only a few feet away. His lips locked on hers replayed over and over. She found herself pulling out her pink vibrator to squelch the desire built up inside of her. The day before she’d caught him stepping out the shower with nothing but the towel wrapped around him. Her mouth slowly gaped open and her mind went blank as he gazed back at her.

  It took a few moments before she snapped out of it and asked if it would be best if they road into work together. From the sight of him she preferred to ride him instead.

  “Have a seat love,” the sound of Christian offering her a chair snapped he
r out of her lustful daydream.

  She waited until he pushed the seat in before glancing around the room. The banquet hall was nearly full with people sitting at the elegantly set round tables. She cast Christian a smile for incorporating her favorite color of purple into the décor. He’d taken control of the engagement party but made sure she understood the wedding was all on her and money wasn’t a factor.

  Egypt scanned the room for any familiar faces, being she was new to the area she didn’t know anyone but the employees from the corporate office. An older woman in an emerald green gown caught her attention. She stood in the middle of the room speaking with a few members of the staff. They seemed comfortable with her and laughed along with whatever the conversation was.

  Hair swept over a shoulder and the woman glanced in Egypt’s direction. Egypt started to smile but the glance turned into a stare—an assessment. She turned to Christian to inquire about the woman but he was engaged in another conversation. Her eyes returned to the woman and she’d moved from the position. Now, she was heading towards their table.

  Her eyes never wavered from Egypt’s as she walked with the grace of being at the top of her class in etiquette school. The woman stopped just in front of them.

  “Definitely not what I was expecting?” A smirk formed on her face.

  “Mom?”

  Egypt tore her eyes from the woman to the sound of Christian’s voice. He stared at the woman as if she were an apparition and then slowly rose to great her. Egypt watched on in shock. Mother? She took in the woman’s dark hair and green eyes, yes she was definitely his mother.

  “I thought you were in Japan,” he said giving her a strong embrace.

  “Is that why you failed to inform me about this engagement party?” she stepped around him for a better view of Egypt. “Did you think you’d walk down the aisle before I’ve even laid eyes on the woman?”

  Dred washed over Egypt. Christian didn’t talk about his mother much outside of she was trotting the globe. What did this woman see when she looked at her? Could she see the farce? Or worse, was she upset her son chose to marry a black woman. Her hands began to tremble so she clasped them in her lap to get them under control.

  “Mother, this is Egypt James.” He motioned towards Egypt. When their eyes connected she caught a hint of apology behind them. “Egypt, my mother, Elizabeth Bradley.”

  Before Egypt had a chance to speak, the woman spoke again. “Don’t just sit there in shock. Stand up and great me.”

  A knot formed in the center of her stomach. It was one thing to fool everyone else in this room, but not the woman who’d raised him. Egypt pushed down her angst and complied. She plastered the biggest smile she could muster on her face and rose from her seat. “Hello, Elizabeth.”

  The woman said nothing but walked around Egypt. Feelings of being assessed like livestock…or worse…she swallowed the lump forming in her throat a slave. Christian had informed her that he was born and raised in Georgia, a state that still rally cried with the confederate flag.

  Just because Christian was fine with her skin tone surely didn’t mean his family would be. His mother lived in a time before the Civil Rights Act. Did she hold those same values? The knot tightened. All the reading on the interracial dating groups on Facebook hadn’t prepared her for this. Reading horror stories was one thing, this was another. The only saving grace was knowing his mother would soon be back on a plane traipsing around the world. Egypt held her head up high and endured the scrutiny.

  Elizabeth stopped directly in front of her. Green eyes sparkled as they stared her down. “I can see why my son loves you.” She smiled.

  Egypt was confused. Did she hear correctly? “Ma’am?”

  “You’re a beautiful woman and you hold up well under pressure. My son’s a great judge of character. If he loves you then so do I.” She held out her arms for an embrace. “Welcome to the family my dear.”

  A breath left Egypt as she accepted the warm hug. “Nice to meet you, Elizabeth.”

  “The pleasure is all mine. Now tell me, how did you manage to steal the heart of my son for him to agree to marriage?”

  “That’s my cue for an exit.” Christian gave his mother another hug and planted a soft peck on Egypt’s lips.

  He gave her a wink as if to say you got this and then made his way across the room.

  “Good, now that he’s gone. Tell me the truth. Are you pregnant?”

  Egypt gasped. “Excuse me?”

  “Pregnant girl. Are you hard of hearing?” Her voice remained low and the smile remained on her face. “I’m sure he loves you but with everything being in a rush, I just assumed.” The fine lines in the corner of her eyes deepened as she glanced at Egypt’s midsection.

  “No, we’re not rushing to hide a pregnancy. I’m not with child.” They’d have to have sex in order for that to happen.

  “Good. I’d hate to have a reason not to like you. You seem like a very smart girl and should know that using a man won’t get you far.” Elizabeth took a sip from the glass of Champaign she held. “So how’d you meet?”

  Egypt held her ground. She had to admit the woman was charming, just like her son but underneath the Chanel gown was a barracuda ready to strike if her child were in danger. A smile creased her lips as she thought of their meeting just a week earlier. “I walked into his office for a meeting and we were joined at the hip from that moment on. Christian just had to have me.” Well, that story was mostly true. No need to throw in how desperate she was for a job nor their contractual agreement.

  “How sweet. Now, forgive me if I’m mistaken but is your family here?”

  Egypt scanned the room along with Elizabeth as if the people she didn’t bother to invite would somehow magically appear. Think quick girl. She let the fake smile return to her lips. “My mother is very ill and couldn’t make it so my father stayed with her.” Once again another half-truth. Her mother had been very ill…years ago. Since then you can’t pay her to sit down somewhere. The strain of Egypt’s first wedding made it easier to keep them out the loop this time around. She’d let them know when it was absolutely necessary.

  “I’m so sorry to hear that.”

  “It’s okay…really it is.” Egypt grabbed a cocktail glass from the tray off a server walking by. She took a sip and prayed the woman had no more questions. She’d never been a good liar and soon she’d begin to crack under pressure.

  “So your parents are still together?”

  “Yes.”

  “Great. I know you understand commitment. My son would have never proposed if he didn’t feel you would be around in the long run.” She glanced around the room. “Oh dear. I see my good friend Janice Winston across the room. I’ll leave you to it.” Elizabeth gracefully walked away.

  Egypt relaxed. Thought the conversation lasted no more than five minutes she felt as if it had been hours. She didn’t have time to ponder it before a group of people rushed her, extending their congratulations on the pending wedding.

  Chapter Five

  Egypt rolled over in her bed and tugged the cover over her head. The morning sun was much too bright that morning. She’d been in that position from the time she’d dove in the bed after the engagement party. She was mentally and physically exhausted. If it hadn’t been for Christian constantly checking on her she had no idea how she’d of made it through.

  From his mother to the media the entire night was overwhelming. Several times she wanted to just run out the door and call the wedding off. Would she have to endure this every single time they went out. She always wondered how celebrities maintained their sanity and there she was agreeing to thrust herself into the limelight.

  “Ms. Egypt,” a voice said.

  She slowly let the cover fall and realized why the room was so bright. The blinds were open and Anna stood next to the bed.

  “Good morning, Ms. Egypt.”

  “Morning. Is something wrong?” Why was this woman in her room? And why this early? After the night she had,
she deserved every ounce of sleep she could muster. “What time is it?”

  “No, nothing is wrong. It’s almost noon and Mr. Christian wants to take you out for the day.” The woman smiled and proceeded to pull the covers all the way back. “He wants you to dress casual.”

  Egypt briefly wondered if this is what kings and queens endured, people constantly invading their privacy and hovering over them. “Thank you Anna.”

  The woman paused for a moment. Egypt could see the wheels in her head turning.

  “I’m glad you are here. Mr. Christian smiles more. He needs you in his life.” She gave Egypt a quick hug then scurried from the room.

  The older woman left behind the faint scent of food. Egypt’s stomach let out a soft growl. No way she can go back to sleep now. She stepped out the bed and padded across the angel soft carpet to the bathroom.

  Within minutes she was showered, dressed in Capri pants and cute blouse, and seated herself downstairs at the kitchen nook. Anna had outdone herself with array of fruit, variety of meats, breakfast pastries and juice. Who in the world did the woman think she was cooking for?

  Christian strolled through the entry way. Egypt watched his confident stride. It wasn’t a Denzel Washington walk but one that was lighter, yet still with a purpose. He moved as if he had the best night’s sleep of his life before joining her at the table.

  “Everything looks amazing Anna,” he said while taking a seat.

  She gave him a nod while ducking out the kitchen, leaving Egypt to deal with the freshly showered sexy man all on her own. Even in cargo shorts and a t-shirt the man looked amazing.

  “Good morning.” He flashed her a smile, one that hid something behind it.

  “Morning.” She waited for him to spill the beans on what this was all about. Why was it so important for her to be up and out of bed?

  Christian filled his plate and paused for a moment, closing his eyes.