The sexual attraction between Elle and Tre had bled out. There was so much of nothing between them that Liz was actually being nice to him. No one wants a broken women. Right now Elle was a thousand piece puzzle scattered on a table. Nobody had time for that. Nobody accept for Jesse.
There’d always been sparks between Elle and Tre. Now Elle found it impossible to read anything but concern in his eyes. No attraction, frustration, nothing. He made no effort to touch her or leave lingering looks and they didn’t even get caught up in flirty bickering. Their relationship was changing.
Elle could tell by her fathers sentiment that things were looking up and they were closing in on Rinna. Morale was up between all three of them and Rico even agreed to take Liz to the mall to get some things.
As much as Elle wanted a change of scenery she could appreciate the peace of an empty house. She runs herself a bath lighting a candle for Jesse. Strange as seems, it was one of their rituals. Before a big night at the club. Elle would soak in a bath of Jesses special youth serum while he smoked herbal cigarettes and painted her nails whatever colour for her costume for the night. They’d blast music and he’d spend time doing his hair however his heart desired. Once her polish was dry she’d shower off the soap from the bath and sit at the vanity crafting her hairstyles to match the pageantry.
The memories always made her happy. Jesse always made her feel strong. They laughed and played and appreciated the life they’d built together.
There’s a knock at the door.
“Yes?” She responds out of her reverie.
“I’m back” Tre checks in.
“Okay, I’ll be out in a bit” she responds letting the water drain. Apologies were in order. She’d been nasty and cold to Tre when all he wanted to do was help her. So what if he didn’t feel the same anymore? Jesse would turn in his grave if she ever turned into a bitter bitch. Punishing him for not wanting her anymore wasn’t right. He didn’t deserve that. Stepping into the shower she runs through the right words in her head.
I’m sorry for being a jerk. I should have handled things better?
I was upset at things changing between us? No too sappy.
Sighing Elle holds her head back letting the water run down her hair until a draft hits making her open her eyes.
“For fuck sake!” She gasps hand on heart seeing Tre.
“Just checking on you” he reasons.
“Okay” she laughs looking at him. “Now, fuck off” Elle laughs recovering from her fright. His eyes brighten at her spirits as she finger detangles her hair looking at him. “Bye Tre” she turns getting the shampoo and feeling her hair revert to its kinks until she hears the shower door open. Another draft hits before it closes. Her temperature rises.
“You done being bitchy?” He asks as his finger leaves a train of goosebumps down her spine that stop at her tailbone.
“Bitchy, no. Mean, yes.” She reasons continuing to rinse her hair unassumingly.
“Is that a sorry?” He asks stepping under the water stream too.
“Only for being mean, nothing else” Elle specifies as he peaks her senses - standing behind her with all the hardware to relieve her nerves.
“I don’t care about apologies Elle. As long as you’re okay” he comments with a hand on her hip. His eyes roam her body. It was perfect to him. The way the water ran down her glistening full figure, the steam and the familiar feeling of how she made him feel makes his dick stand at attention. Miscommunication, fizzling chemistry.
“I’m okay, I don’t need you to watch me shower Tre” she plays coy looking over her shoulder at him. He has the power the moment she gets a look at his glistening figure and lustful eyes. Her nipples harden from her arousal leaving her centre throbbing in anticipation. Reaching over her Tre grabs the body wash, he squeezes a glob into his palm before putting the slippery substance on Elles back and massaging it around as the water washes it away. The gesture is foreplay as he reacquaints himself with her body. He takes his time moving to her neck, bringing her back onto his muscular chest allowing her to feel his want pressing against lower back.
He’s ready. The bathroom setting their aphrodisiac. Her body ignites under his touch as his hands cup her breasts pinching her nipples softly, while kissing her neck.
“Mmm” Elle moans taking a breath.
It’s music to his ears as he feels her body relax under his touch. He kisses her neck lovingly as his hands grip her hips, then thighs.
“Mhmmm”
The suspense is so much her eyes close while the man behind her takes his time deciding on a course of action.
“What are my rules?” Elle asks wanting to relieve the pressure between her legs desperately.
“No rules this time” he kisses her temple. “Whatever you want” he adds shutting the water off. His eyes are loving as Elle turns to admire her knight. Perfect brown skin, broad shoulders, chiseled torso and strong arms. Her smile is appreciative as she tip toes to kiss him.
Deepening the kiss his hands cup her jaw gently. She could feel her self falling for him, needing to be closer when there was no more space between their bodies. Out of breath they break apart to breathe.
“Come on” he rasps all libido getting her towel and leading the way to the bedroom drying himself off hastily. Locking the door with disregard for the setting his mind is taking care of his lady.
“I missed you” Elle admits feeling self conscious the second the words leave her lips. She bites them nervously until he smiles understanding perfectly.
“I love you Elle” he takes the air out of her lungs laying her down. “Nothing about you being in danger or stressed gets me off” his explanation means everything to her. His lips find hers again as he slides into her slowly. Adjusting to his size takes some time.
“Baby” Elle breathes grabbing a handful of her wet coils as he finds his rhythm. Their fingers interlock as he adjusts his position for better access. Her breathing is staggered as her eyes open to his looking into hers. Loving and relentless. He reads her mind pecking her lips as her back arches again enjoying the stimulation.
“Shit” he groans feeling her contract on his manhood making him pulse. “Stop That” he warns trying to avoid the climax.
“Don’t stop” she begs taking up the Mantle and grinding into him hungrily. It’s been too long. Her body wants all of him. His kisses are never ending to quell her moaning as he thrusts harder and faster. The head rush and onset of a orgasm makes him pull out.
“Let me taste my pretty pussy”
“Fuck me” Elle drawls undone by his expression knowing she doesn’t have a chance.
“Is she mine?”
Elle feels him blowing on her folds teasingly.
“Yes”
It gets her his lips.
“All mine?” He asks
“Yes”
He sucks, Elle gasps as he adds a finger. There’s no escaping the rush of pleasure as he enjoys making her whimper and moan for more. His eyes are dark and her body reaction to him flips a switch. She peaks, hart and heavy. Breathy moans, sloppy kisses and more want. He could fuck her all day.
He smiles in admiration or her suggestive expression. It tells him she wants more.
“It’s my turn” her voice is soft and playful.
“To do what?” The tension between them steamy. Anticipation builds as she smiles
“Take care of you”. The hairs on his neck stand up as she whispers biting his ear playfully. Her movement seductive and almost feline. “Tell me what you want daddy?” Her big brown eyes peer into his with innocence.
“Whatever I want?”
“Everything you want” She specifies hands behind her back allowing him to admire her full breasts. He never let women fuck him. He never fucked women for their pleasure always prioritizing his.
“Daddy” he corrects eyes darkening.
“Everything you want, Daddy”
“Good girl” he lays back allowing her access to his manhood. Looking at him lustfully she kisses the tip stroking the shaft and enjoying his length and girth. A challenge she enjoyed. Taking as much of him into her mouth as she can paying extra attention to the mushroom dome. Her grip tightens making his eyes close precum leaking and improving the slip. His groans and sighs increase her arousal. Elle gags trying to take all of him.
“Fuck” he groans deliriously as her grip tightens a touch more stroking with the right amount of pressure and mouth.
His hips buck finding a rhythm and fucking her face until she cups his balls a power play.
“You’re done fucking other women” she says sweetly waiting for his response. A statement and a question. “Be honest?” She smiles massaging them. His eyes watch her sly smile closely as she waits giving his boys some love.
“I’m done fucking other women” he concedes.
“I’m all yours” his eyes close and his breath is catches as he loses his composure at how she makes him feel. There’s no time to catch his breath when she returns to the tip swallowing every last drop. Winking with a confident grin making him nod.
“Now you’re going to have to come up with a good excuse as to why you can’t walk kitten” he smiles getting between her legs and enjoying every inch of what’s his.
Watching her submit to him completely only makes him want her more and in every way. She was solid, smart, sexy he could read her like a book.
“Baby” she gasps head on the cold pillow. A sharp sting pings the flesh of her butt. “Babe!” She quips frowning.
“D-“
“Daddy” she corrects. “I -“ her words are silenced by more moans as he claims he’d from behind with an expertise in making her come.
They come together collapsing onto the bed.
He smiles pulling her close to look at her.
“That was amazing Elle” he hadn’t fucked anyone without a condom in as long as he’d been having sex. The last thing he ever wanted was a baby mama and a child in his life. He’d do fine without the drama.
“I love you too” she smiles snuggling into his chest as his arms wrap around her. “I need you to get me plan b” her words make him chuckle.
“You’re not on birth control?”
“I am but I’m not ready to be a mom yet.”
“I got you” he whispers shutting his eyes finally comfortable with Elle in his arms. “Always” he adds falling asleep.
Authors Note:
Just a little de-stressing before things wrap up! How do we feel whats been up with these two and how are the boys gonna deal with Mrs. Rinna?
There are some BIG reveals in this chapter. Things are starting to heat up. Hope you’re enjoying - buckle up :)
Reconciling his feelings for Elle was a difficult task. He cared and every time they fucked he wanted more. He’d always needed a certain amount of space and she felt like the perfect intersection between his wants and needs. But he’d never been good at partnership or cared enough to go out of his way for anyone.
He’d let emotion cloud his curiosity for too long, now it was time for answers.
Tre sat in his car for twenty minutes contemplating his meeting. The Italians on the other side of town ran the casinos and a couple of strip clubs. Definitely a place a chump like Kell could get hustled but as far as he knew that kind of violence wasn’t their style. He’d toed the line expertly between the two worlds never getting in to deep to keep outsiders out. His grandmother’s best friend was an underbosses wife. He’d grown up adjacent to some shot callers. It’s how he got his liquor license for the club, equipment to start it up wholesale and an extra line of defence in case anyone tried to fuck him up.
“Tre?” Sal says once he walks in looking tired and unshaven. They were close in age - Sal being a few years older.
“What’s up Sal? Had some things on my mind wanted to know if you had some time?” He asks making note of his surroundings. Sal nods heading into the back while his people watch Tre closely. They sit in the upscale office cutting cigars to have a smoke as custom before getting started.
“Things got a little out of control” Tre speaks.
“I heard a story what’s yours?” Sal asks getting comfortable.
“Lawyers husband gets shot up during museum event. We hear he has a debt. I’m not asking it’s just not what I’m used to”
“What’s your dog in this fight?” Sal smiles, he’d known Tre forever and the whole world could be falling down - Tre wouldn’t bat an eye unless it was affecting his business or causing attention from the cops.
“Black I’ve known you since we were kids, you don’t put your neck out on the line for no one. You’ve never come around unless it’s business. You only spent an hour at my wedding” he lists curiously making black swallow. It was all true. Sal had tried to be there for his friend. His mother and father had extended their home to him when his grandmother died but he didn’t want hand outs. He just wanted to be alone.
“Alan Clarke”
“Ahh, crooked politician” Sal smiles. “What? He doesn’t know the town is impossible to take over?” Sal laughs.
“Kell is his in law, the family is good for money. I just don’t see how he’d run up a debt. I don’t see how it makes sense.” Tre explains.
“I don’t know nothing about it” Sal tells Tre earnestly. “Sounds like I should look into it. Debt gets thrown around and people start looking to us” he swallows.
“It smells bad”
“I agree, it stinks” Sal nods looking Tre over. He admired him. Especially for being mostly on his own. “Alan Clarke” Sal repeats taking a long pull. “He’s good forever and we take care of family”
“Trusting a politician, I’ve always heard the opposite is the smartest course of action”
“It is usually, no one trusts him. The fuck is a coward but he cares about career. He fucked his own daughter over for the family” Sal swallows putting the cigar down.
“Step daughter” Tre corrects.
“You’ve done your research, nice piece of ass” Sal smiles making Tre uncomfortable. He and Elle weren’t together but he wanted nothing more than to check Sal.
“Not completely up on what happened”
“His kid, well she’s a fucking star. She’s fearless and fun. Had a club by the beach. Old Hollywood style. Everyone was there it was such a good time. She could clean liquor and pockets in no time but fuck man, shit didn’t matter because it was the best few hours of your life.” Sal shrugs.
It was news to Tre, he’d heard about the club but never been.
“Anyhow Princess has a business partner, best friend. Business partner was fucking the bosses wife. That’s unforgivable but the bitch lies says it was rape because he drugged her the first time and then threatened to blackmail her the other times” Sal swallows. “Jesse was a piece of shit for screwing her but he wouldn’t rape her. But when you hear that from your wife what are you going to do?” Sal shrugs.
“So he took care of it?”
“We all got there like it was a regular night then guns were drawn. Boss got Alan’s kid and threatened to do to her what he thought was done to his wife. Or let his crew. The kid had heart and didn’t beg, she was pissed. She called Rina every name in the book for lying. We tried to stop it but then she started talking to the boss crazy. Guns were pulled on Jesse. She stopped tears in her eyes she said she’d fuck everyone in there if he didn’t shoot” Sal swallows zoning out and looking ahead.
Tres stomach stirs as he feels sick at the thought of Elle going through anything like that.
“Jesse wouldn’t allow it. Not Princess, not ever. She told the boss he was making a mistake and that his wife couldn’t be trustees she was a lying whore. She told off Jesse for fucking with her. Rina stayed quiet keeping the lie. They had to pry Princess from Jesse. He made them promise nothing would ever happen to her walked to his death like a man.”
Tre looks up at Sal feeling ice in his veins for Elle.
“All in front of the girl?”
“Yeah” he nods taking a sip of his bourbon.
“I mean, the family is tough but if I heard someone threatened to have my daughter fucked by twenty odd guys. I’m not attesting to it being a crime of passion over a rape. Jesse didn’t rape Rina” Sal swallows. “That bitch ruined the only good fun in two hundred miles. Club is shut down and there hasn’t been a party in nine months because of her shit” Sal says with distaste. It’s only his place because the boss is his cousin. “Like I said, nothings happening to Alan or his family”
Tre sits in silence, fucked up was an understatement to describe Elle’s family. They completely fucked her over.
“The girls safety is in my interest” he says shocking Sal who knew Tre was a no attachments kind of guy.
“She’s protected. Boss feels bad about how shit went down. Rina came clean. Her brothers already been here. Her pops, he’s a respectable guy that’s done us many favours in the past” Sal explains.
“I need a favour. I’m looking into it myself but I hear it’s some east side thugs who ran up on the event shooting. I was supposed to be there too. I know your girls are good at getting the truth out of people. I can pay to have two put on these two” Tre says showing pictures of two of his associates.
“Keep your money, we’re family and these idiots are using our name. It’s in our interest to sort it out before the cops do” Sal says causally.
“Thank you” Tre nods.
“Keep in touch, be careful” Sal warns as Tre leaves.
____
Elle was the only one taking the shooting seriously. Dia was back to work within a week and Kizzy back on her bullshit. Leaving Elle with the responsibilities of walking Pet. Kelly’s long haired miniature daschound. She’d been trying to piece everything together on her own with no luck. Sitting on the picnic table watching Pet run around the dog park felt like the only time she’d exhaled in weeks. Pungent cologne gets her attention and she turns to see Luca a man she’d kill in seconds of it wouldn’t endanger the people she loved. She turns looking back at the dogs at he sits, tears welling in her eyes.
“I told you I’m not selling the club and it’s not reopening” Elle swallows.
“This isn’t about the club” he says.
“I told you, we have nothing to talk about until you leave me alone with your bitch wife” Elle snaps recklessly. He could kill her right there and then.
“I’d never allow any of my men to put a hit out on your uncle” he speaks to cover his own tracks.
“What do I owe the honour of your company Luca?” Elle snaps with hostility, not understanding why he was here after everything.
“You ran, ran away to the middle of nowhere. You didn’t tell me who your father was, you always said you didn’t do serious but a man met with my second about your safety.” He explains letting her know ego was involved.
“Luca fuck off, you killed my world.” Elle snaps walking away but he pulls her back.
“I should’ve listened to you. I shouldn’t have said what I said but I am who I am. People aren’t perfect” he iterates using her line. “He had to pay for fucking my wife.”
“She never loved him you know and he adored her” Elle cries wiping her eyes. It’s what broke her heart the most. Jesse finally loved women who he thought loved him back. He was so sure he had what people searched their entire lives for - real love. “I’ve spent months going over it in my head. She knew about us, she knew that you were fucking me Luca. She knew she wasn’t enough to make it stop. She wanted to hurt me. She did. She lied got Jesse killed and made it so I’d NEVER want you again” Elle breathes taking her arm back.
“She isn’t done, she knows you’ve been here. She’s been dialling this area code. Something about a fire, off brand crooks trying to get at you. Blacks been getting between all her efforts”
“Leave Black out of it!” Elle snaps and Lucas expression sours. He tries stomaching the resentment and jealousy.
“He’s fine, he has a lot of love” Luca swallows.
“I don’t understand what her problem is. She has you and she’s still upset?” Elle contemplates enraged.
“I haven’t been with her” Luca says like its supposed to mean something to Elle - like there was a chance she could forgive him. It was never supposed to get so serious. He was a regular and Elle was feeling frisky. She’d always enjoyed games of chicken and high stakes. So what he was married? That didn’t mean much in that world. But Luca caught feelings and spent more nights with his pretty little thing. Neglecting his home. Then to rope her in he got involved with Alans business. He likes the chase as much as Elle likes running.
High risk, high reward.
Nothing else in his life was that carefree. Least of all his marriage. Business seemed easier than that. Rina had never made a fuss about his affairs before but the writing was on the wall about Elle. Her husbands attention wasn’t hers and neither was his love. She’d seen the gifts and attention and decided to fuck them all over for breaking her heart.
But now there were two women scorned.
“Luca!” Elle shouts. “Do us all a favour and either fuck her or kill her. Do me a favour and leave me alone” Elle says picking up the dog and heading to her car.
_____
Authors Note:
Hell hath no fury like a what?
Anyone see this coming when it was first revealed how Jesse was killed? Make sense now why Elles been such a wreck. There are always several sides to a story.
Elle runs up the stairs to Tre’s office quickly and finds him getting head from some pretty little thing. They’d agreed to leave each other alone and on space after the trapdoor incident. He pushes the girl away standing and putting his pipe away. The girl looks embarrassed and trying to collect herself. Elle goes to peace at the awkwardness, the woman’s awkwardness seems genuine as she makes herself sparse leaving.
“Sorry Tre, I just had to come see you. It’s not smart you stay in here for now” she says quickly reaching into her purse and trying to stick to the issue at hand “Go spend some time with Rico for awhile” she says handing him a folder with everything her needs.
“Elle, calm down” he reasons concerned and looking her over.
“I don’t know how Kizzy is involved but she might be. I can handle Kizzy.” Elle reason’s looking at him with nerves her hands tremble and he holds them. “I told you Tre I’m not an angel. “ she reminds. “I love an adrenaline rush or at least I used to. I was a party girl, I just cared about the club and Jesse and a good time. I was sleeping with a married man. It’s why I can’t live with myself. His wife is why Jesse’s dead. The bitch is nuts. The fire at the apartment, the guys trying to get at me, the shooting at the club. She wants me dead. Flatlined, no pulse” Elle explains talking too fast. She’s a bag of nerves.
Fucking a married man.
Sal omitted that princess as he called her was fucking the boss. Fucking the same boss that threatened to let his men have her.
“If I’m alive she’ll settle for me being miserable. You’ve been good to me. I don’t want anything happening to you” she says honestly.
“What I tell you? I’m always good” he asserts.
“Tre, I’m not some dumb girl that doesn’t know how things work or how bad they can get. Can you trust me?” Elle reason’s and his eyes soften.
“You just walked in on me getting a blow job and didn’t flinch. I know you’re not like other women. But I know you’re good. Crazy wife or not. No ones touching you and she’ll have hell to pay if she comes after me” He explains.
“You’re not getting me.” Elles eyes are serious as she looks up into his. A knock at the door interrupts them and Sal enters smirking when he sees Elle.
“It’s been awhile Princess, Black” he greets casually.
“Salvatore” Elle comments dryly.
“Principessa you played with fire my darling not me. You shut down the club that’s all the hostility I need capsice? I’m paying for it enough” he comments. Tre recognizes his demeanour is friendly and not boss like.
“He plays dirty Black, don’t make deals with him. He’ll rob you blind and you’ll have no idea” Elle warns protectively making Sal smile.
“Not you though bella, always too sharp” he smiles before it fades. “I never got to apolo-“
“Don’t” Elle stops him. “Life happens” she counters seriously and Sal swallows.
“I’m here to pick up my old friend, per the bosses request. He’s stupid enough to believe he still has a chance. But if anything happens to this one, you’ll hate him forever. We’re past that aren’t we” Sal smiles shaking his head.
“Where’s Rina?” Elle asks.
“If it was up to me?” He shakes his head balling a fist. “She’s in the wind” he admits. “I’ve got your cousin Kizzy with some girls being questioned”
“Salvatore, this is not a threat but if you’re going-
“Elle” Tre warns.
“No, if you’re going to screw me over make sure I’m dead. Because I’m close to the edge.” There’s no fear in her eyes.
____
Tre could feel Lucas animosity. He couldn’t respect a man that couldn’t even handle his own home. Much less one that would threaten a woman for optics. If he was anyone else Tre would have beat the shit out of him by now.
“I understand you’re a major reason Elles okay, if you ever need anything you have our support” he says only for Tre to nod. “So you’re together?” He asks cutting a cigar.
“Just ask what you want to ask. I have no reason not to tell the truth” Tre shrugs. “We’re not together” he tells Luca honestly.
“Cause she’s headstrong and volatile but the make up sex is killer, am I right?” He swallows having a seat. Tre turns with an expression that says watch your mouth.
“No, we’re just not together.” He counters. They’d never been volatile. They’d always shown each other an intentional amount of care. “I’d prefer not to talk about her. I don’t want to say something that makes this worse. You did foul shit, left her broken, open to threat from your wife and all you can think about is how she makes your dick feel” Tre snaps having had enough.
“Got it bad huh?” Luca smiles taking a pull. “She’s not some sweet innocent girl.” He says and there’s a knock at the door. It opens to Rico a man is with him. He’s tall and thin with a strong aura - he gives Luca a look that says it all. There’s no word exchange or handshake as he sits.
“Progress report” he says sharply looking at Luca. “Don’t talk tough either. You understand family and you’ve already been playing with my kid too much. I know you can kill me, so I don’t need to hear it” Elles dad says calm. It’s the first time tres seen Rico serious. Even in prison Rico never took anything completely serious.
“She’s fine, but stubborn and with her uncle” Luca responds.
“Your wife?” Elles father presses.
“We’ve got to most of the people she’s paid off but we’re still looking”
“We are too, if we find her first. I can’t make any promises” Elles father says boldly shocking Tre. It was a death wish. When Luca makes no efforts to retaliate he smiles lighting a cigar. “Whatever hopes you have; they’re dead. I’ll never like you for my daughter. The way she loved that kid you had waxed. She’ll never forgive you” he swallows.
“The man deserved to die, he interfered with mine” Luca justifies.
“Then you picked the wrong bitch.” Elles dad continues to provoke him. It reminds Tre of Elles fearlessness. Maybe Luca too because he doesn’t go off the rails.
“Coming from a man that didn’t take care of his daughter. If you only knew the shit she was into”
“Watch your mouth” Rico snaps.
“Last I checked she’s not the one pining over you. She came here to get away. I’ve been asking around apparently if she said jump you’d say how high. Then you got jealous that her best friend had her attention more than you, then that your wife was fucking him. I’m supposed to show you respect or be scared of your punk ass” Elles father smirks looking at Rico.
He swallows looking over at Tre.
“Nico” he says with an outreaches hand.
“Tre”
“My sons cellie, daughters neighbour and got her out of the club. I appreciate it. Anything you need - don’t be a stranger” he comments.
Sal walks in feeling the tension and smiles amused with it all.
“Nico, Rico, Tre” he greets. “Boss” he adresses Luca respectfully.
“The cousin isn’t a threat, just stupid. Bad taste in men. Boyfriend was getting paid to manipulate her. Sold her the cheating story. Rina needed money so he asked Kizzy for it. Kizzy couldn’t get it and Kelly’s situation got it paid” Sal shakes his head.
“Your bitch is rabid and needs to be put down it sounds like” Nico glares at Luca.
“Well if word is out that it pays not to play with her I don’t need to be here.” Tre stands.
“I’ll keep you posted” say says shaking his hand.
“I’ll come with you” Rico stands.
“Might be a good idea” Nico stands they end up at Kelly’s home.
“Stop being a brat!”
Tres ears tune into the familiar tone of screaming.
“Leave me alone!” Elle snaps back at her mother making light work of the stairs. She nearly falls seeing her father standing next to Tre and her brother.
“Easy” Rico helps her to her feet only for the same thing to happen to her mother.
“When you asked me to keep her you said it was to keep her safe. I accepted that being I loved the life I did. She’s not safe” Nico snaps getting right to the point. Elles mother swallows bitterly. She hadn’t seen him in over a decade. He’d always been soft with her - her eyes water at the hostility.
“She can cry on a dime honestly she should be an actress” Elle comments with disregard for her mother’s feelings.
“You have no idea what’s been happening”
“I’m sure you have no clue, no clue what kind of fuck up your husband is either.” Nico let’s her have it. “If you’re not going to be in her corner I have to be. The agreement we had is over” he asserts.
“Elle I’m not trying to run your life but get some stuff you’re coming to stay with me for a bit. Your uncle will be fine. My word means nothing to you but I promise he’ll be fine” Nico says. It’s clear as day he’s a different man when it comes to his daughter. Elle contemplates her feelings before nodding.
“Ma should probably come. If you’re involved it’s probably a rabbit hole” Elle mutters looking back at her mother.
“Okay” he reasons and Elle nods getting her overnight bag. Her ma complained the entire way there.
Elle was pacing on the balcony before she spotted Tre and Rico talking downstairs. She’d never seen Tre be so casual with anyone. She heads down to the main level and they look up ending their conversation.
“You have anything appropriate?” Rico snaps tying her blush coloured robe shut.
“So what’s the word?” Elle asks.
“Were you really messing with the idiot? Knowing his wife was a psycho? Come on Elle. Stupid and gross”
“Wahh, wahh, wahhh” Elle mocks shaking her head.
“Believe me I regret it everyday. Jesse would still be here if we didn’t. You know Jesse and me never meant anyone any hard. But we didn’t care about other people’s feelings either.” Elle sighs. “Guess it just caught up with us in the worst way”
“Between us, that bitch is on borrowed time, so is your moms husband” Rico winks making her smile.
“Tre cover your ears please” Elle smiles sweetly and he glares at her not making a move to listen.
“He’s like that” Rico laughs oblivious to their relationship.
“Fine” Elle reasons pulling her brother down so she can whisper. “Make it slow and painful and last a long time” she says so Tre doesn’t hear. He was for sure judging her right about now. She didn’t need anything else against her.
“Pop is way ahead of you kid” he winks.
“Imma go get something to eat” Rico says leaving Elle and Tre ok the back terrace alone. He leans on the rail taking another pull Elle reaches for it.
“I don’t think your mama would appreciate that” he comments ignoring her wishes.
“I don’t care what she appreciates” Elle mutters.
“You love her, didn’t let her get left behind” Tre comments handing her the joint. She takes a long pull exhaling slowly and handing it back to him. She folds her arms leaning on the banister and looking at the winding road below them.
“So what do you think of me now, you have the full or a fuller picture” Elle asks unable to look directly at him.
“You care?” He asks having appreciated her attitude all this time. She’d been one hundred percent her at all times.
“Elle!” Her mother shouts interrupting them. “Come and eat something, you shouldn’t be outside in house clothes with guests” she continues.
“Your mama don’t like me” Tre mutters making Elle scoff.
“Can’t imagine why a menopausal woman in a tepid marriage wouldn’t want at look someone like you.” Elle laughs.,
“You’re terrible” Tre smiles
Author’s Note:
Thank you to everyone who’s been reading and giving me feedback on the chapters. It makes writing this all the more fun. New players, new characters, new secrets revealed. What do we think? How will things be moving forward?
This was a first for Elle. Not the sex, not by any stretch of the imagination but the predicament. The anticipation, the desire, the green light to be herself. The challenge of Tre holding back any reciprocal affections. It made her wet with desire as she felt him coming to life under her touch, growing in its confines.
He watched her bite her lip in anticipation turning him on even more when she seems impressed by his size. Her hands are soft.
“I’m clean” he says before she can ask making her smile, he’s a control freak of course he is.
“So am I” she affirms before kissing the tip of his manhood chastity and stroking it slowly.
A tease, she smiles looking up at him before taking as much of him as she can in her mouth and stroking him. She continues using her mouth to give the head attention while stroking his length.
He shudders when she licks the underside of his dick on a visible vein. Its all the cue Elle needs to finish him off cupping his balls and going to work.
“Fuck” he groans contracting and trying to last.
“Fuck” he repeats yanking her up to her feet by her hair.
“You’re going to pay for that” he rasps all libido having cum already on her nightdress. He didn’t know where to start but he wanted that satisfied smirk off of her face for his prides sake. Swallowing allows him to catch his bearing and he sits lifting her onto his lap and kissing her intimately. Elles centre throbs as how good his tongue feels, how soft his lips are how good he feels, how hard his body is against hers. Just when she touches his face he stops her abruptly taking her chin.
“Cant touch me like that” his eyes are dark as he catches his breath.
“Not until you tell me I own this pussy” his words come out as a growl as Elle smiles putting her hands up determined not to break first and he grabs her neck turning her to back him and spreading her legs. She doesn’t flinch a little at the pressure proving a level of trust.
Her folds are slick and dripping as he swipes them for a taste. She can’t help but moan its been too long since she’s had any worthwhile attention. His hold around her neck tightens as he finds her clit in no time massaging the sensitive spot and making her moan even more.
“Please Tre” she asks breathlessly letting her head fall back as much as the position will permit enjoying every moment of pleasure. The words only made his dick harder, her arousal turning him on more and more by the second. The sensation overwhelms her, the rooms spinning and the tension is too much. His hand loosens around her neck at the feeling of her heart rate increasing and she holds onto his arm tight as she comes.
Tre peppers kissed in the nook of her neck until her recovery is evident, still sitting behind her now giving her tits some attention.
“You broke a rule” his words are calm cool and collected.
“Did I?” Elle asks curiosity and a touch of excitement in her tone.
“Mhhmm” he continues fondling her.
“You’re still touching me” he noted freeing his arm from her hold.
“Are you going to do something about it?” She asks turning to him with a mischievous rebelliousness in her eyes.
“Wait for me in my room, without this” he instructs touching the fabric of her night dress. In an act of defiance she pokes his chest touching him again before heading to his room.
“Fuck” he mutters once she’s gone rock hard again even after getting one out of the way. A game of pride, pain and pleasure that he had to win but if he knew anything about Elle it wouldn’t be easy. He’d play dirty if he had to getting some ice from the ice maker only to find Elle completely naked tying her hair up in the mirror. Her owning her sexy made her even more alluring. No coy looks just genuine happiness and excitement. He points to the bed and she sits attentively.
“Am I really in trouble for trying to make you feel good?” She asks sitting on the edge of the bed at the corner holding it and giving him a good view of her full soft breasts.
Definitely no angel.
Everything inside of Tre wanted to return the favour of good head first.
“You’re stalling” Elle smiles adjusting her position on the bed to be less seductive.
“Giving you a moment to prepare” he comments taking off his shirt, chain, ridding himself of his jeans and boxers. He needed to collect himself too. He’d win the stand off.
“Keep your eyes open, I want to watch you come undone” a truth in its entirety. “If you’re good, I’ll let you get it from behind how you like it.”
“Still no touching?”
“Not until you tell me what I want to hear and I believe you mean it” he smirks a little knowing she’d say it for her own benefit.
“Understand?” Adjusting her on the bed and looking in her eyes as he slides into her causing pressure to build. Her hand goes to his arm but stops short of the touch as her eyes close.
“Fuck” she barely gets out hands on her head, the dick of her dreams property of her next-door neighbour.
“Let me see those eyes” he says finding a slow rhythm.
“I hate you” Elle breathes trying to listen, take it and not touch him all at once. He leans into her giving her a moment to enjoy the sensations. Body to body, it felt so good she had to fight her moans as he kissed her neck. “Faster” she pleas keeping her eyes open only for them to flutter at the change in pace. “Shit Tre” she mewls feeling him in her guts as he switches positions for better access to her spot.
She comes
Giving her no time to recover he gets under her holding her body to his and thrusting quickly making everything go white. The sensation is everywhere. He’s digging her out with every single stroke. Its too much.
“It’s yours” Elle mutters near combustion and wanting some reprieve. His eyes search hers wanting a genuine submission as his pace slows. “It’s your pussy Tre” she says softly holding his torso completely spent as she comes again resting her head on his chest. The aftershocks of the orgasm ripping though the both of them. Elle needed to catch her breath pressing her forehead against his chest as they lay there.
“You’re a legend” she says laughing a little. Satisfied, wanting more but too exhausted to go further.
“Now you know” he runs his hand down her back satisfied with her body’s reaction to him. Their lips find each other in mutual understanding and arousal. Elles smiling when he stands her up holding her waist steady as she catches her bearings. “This why you brought me out here? To use me?” Tre teases in good spirits.
“Use you? Please you’re no angel” she says leaving his room and he sits for a second.
……
There was no detergent, he couldn’t wash his sheets so instead he went onto the couch. But then the storm started picking up and Elle dragged him to bed with her. She promised it wasn’t a ploy as she cuddled next to him falling asleep in moments.
New territory.
He never trusted anyone enough to share a room much less a bed with them. He didn’t like being in spaces that weren’t his own. But something about how difficult Elle was made her easy to be around. By the time he fell asleep Elle was out of bed and doing her morning routine. A soft knock at the door gets her attention and she tightens her robe heading to open it.
Champagne in ice and a bouquet of roses with brunch. The server smiles pushing the cart in making her laugh. It was twelve in the afternoon already.
“Thanks” she smiles pushing the cart to the kitchen and making light work of her fruit plate and waffles. The champagne and roses were clearly the work of his aunt. Tre would never. He phone rings and she checks the ID to see missed calls from Kizzy and unsaved numbers probably her mom.
Tre lays in bed awhile after hearing the knock on the door and Elle turning on the tv before sitting up with morning wood. Checking his phone gives him a sense of relief that there’s nothing to worry about. Her scent makes him lay back down reading through all his texts and emails from the morning.
“Wake up!” Elle says pouncing on him, with a pamphlet in hand. “You lucked out picking this place. Your aunt got us complimentary indoor rock climbing, spa access and wristbands to the bar - I like her” Elle adds getting comfortable on his lap and ignoring his erection.
“None of that sounds like me” he mutters honestly.
“Typical, boring man” she says going to get off but Tre stops her.
“Im boring”
“Outside the bedroom yes, very” Elle affirms. “It’s alright I’m good at making friends. Don’t be alarmed - your aunt also got us breakfast and roses from you to me … allegedly” she smiles leaning forward to peck his lips.
“You need upper body strength to rock climb look at these things” Tre jokes feeling for her nonexistent muscles.
“I got people for that” Elle smiles. “Bat my eyes at some buff guy and he steps back hoisting me higher” she shrugs.
“Huh?” Tre questions not appreciating her trying him like that.
“He’s kinda tall, dark, handsome, kind of mean looking but I can tell he’s strong” Elle winks saving herself.
“Nice save”
“Preciate it, come on get dressed we can fuck anytime Tre, we can’t always go indoor rock climbing and for massages afterwards. Please its tradition after a dry spell is lifted celebration is in order” Her excitement makes him smile. She’s not ashamed, not playing a game either its just Elle. A fucking ace in the bedroom and a handful any other time.
“Alright, let me eat first”
“How was I last night - I’m way out of practice” Elle asks like its a performance. Once Tre’s started on his brunch.
“No complaints” he shrugs. “I did most of the work”
“Shut up!” Elle laughs tossing a grape at him. “You only took control cause you wouldn’t have lasted otherwise. I know the tricks - three brothers, guy bestie” she smiles. “But I really didn’t like the no touching rule” she adds pouting playfully as he pulls her into a hug. A knock on the door interrupts the moment.
“Hey” Tre’s aunt says once Elle’s opens the door.
“Tre!” Elle calls
“Came to speak to you actually, I’m having dinner at the house, once the storm passes. Tre hasn’t been buy in awhile I was wondering if you two could stop by.” She smiles.
“Well … I’m not Tre’s keeper, you’ll have to ask him. Sorry” Elle apologizes shrugging sincerely.
“If he’s here with you he cares.”
“I’m not looking to exploit that and butt in where I don’t belong” Elles voice lowers when she feels Tre behind her. His aunts expression changes.
“Dinner tonight, I can make your favourite. I’d appreciate you coming” she says before leaving abruptly.
“Thanks” he mutters to Elle having heard her acting in his best interest before closing the door.
“No no, don’t go soft on me now Mr. Asshole” Elle smiles heading back to her champagne and he taps her ass playfully ready for another round.
NEXT CHAPTER: COMING SOON
Authors Note: How’d you guys like Elle and Tre getting to know each other on another level? Also this gif of Tre gives me D’Angelo ‘How does it feel’ tease - which was one of the songs I was listening to when I started writing this. We all know what that was about *winks* lol.
It was happening again; the bad dreaming. It was the third night in a row Tre awoke in a cold sweat panicked and breathing heavy. Taking a deep breath to slow his heart rate he stands only to be startled by the sound of thunder.
Get it together he tells himself looking out the window. The street below him is asleep and devoid of any movement aside from the rain that keeps falling. Its settling as he sits on the edge of the bed having a glass of water.
He knew his options very well. Go for a walk or workout. Those were the only things that helped at times like this. But the rain and his exhaustion made both options equally unfavourable. A knock at his door takes him out of his thoughts.
3:14am the clock reads.
He swallows heading to the door slowly and turning on his security monitor to see who it is. Elle stands outside with her hair piled into a messy bun and silk pj’s. He opens the door before she can knock again.
“Can’t sleep, I’ve been trying for two hours but the storm won’t let up” she reasons. He’d come to learn one thing about Elle in the time of her being his neighbour. She’d always be direct and say exactly what she wanted. Her word was good too. It’d been two weeks since the hotel and she’d left him alone, left his washer alone and been occupied by her work. Now here she was two weeks later needing to sleep. Tre couldn’t be mad - it was some shit he’d do. Fuck a bitch and not call again until he needed a re-up. He steps aside allowing her to come in before locking up.
“This way” he says in a sleepy voice when she makes no efforts to explore his apartment like women usually do. She doesn’t make an effort to look at anything she just follows making him feel more at ease.
“Where all the sinning happens” she mumbles with a small smile. “Which side?” She asks and he points to the left letting her get comfortable first before he lays down. Worry washes over him when he feels her breathing and heart rate slow. Last thing he ever wanted was to wake up panting and panicked with a woman next to him. It’s why he never let them stay the night, why he liked to go so hard during the day so the exhaustion would ensure a good sleep at night. “It’s freezing in here do you have more blankets?” Elle snaps him out of his daze.
“One sec” he gets up pulling down a heavier one from the closet. He’d cranked up the AC to stop himself from sweating initiatively and cool down.
“Thanks” she says getting cozy until she feels his energy change again. A flash of lightening strikes before terrible thunder startles her. “Tomorrows a big day at the museum and I’m going to look like shit because … well, nature” she groans.
“Stop being dramatic. Bitchy maybe. Look like shit? Nah” he comments serving a back handed compliment.
“I guess thats sweet, for you. So I’ll take it without making a smart remark” she reasons closing her eyes only for thunder to rumble again. “For fuck sake” Elle groans completely exhausted and seconds away from losing it.
“You owe me for this” Tre mumbles in response pulling her to him.
“Ok” she agrees taking his hand and pulling it around her. He tightens the hold instinctively getting comfortable on the pillow. He’d never done this before - been the big spoon or even cuddled anyone. But he felt his heart-rate slowing to match hers, his arms hold her tighter as his heavy eyelids shut.
The sun streams in bright making Elle stir. Her eyes opening slowly in response to the overbearing sunlight. Their position vastly different from how they started last night. Her head was on his chest as he slept on his back mouth slightly ajar and lips looking soft - begging to be kissed. She couldn’t help but smile at how different he looked asleep. She’d take a picture if it wasn’t sure to piss him right off. His arm still around her waist protectively and holding her at his side. She runs her hand up his cut abs and his eyes flutter open. He lets go instinctively pointing in the direction of his ensuite.
He uses his other washroom doing his own morning routine and getting back in the bed to check his phone before Elle is out her messy bun now a neatly braided ponytail. She resumes her position despite the night being over. Head on his chest as she checks her phone using him as a pillow to push his buttons. Her phone rings revealing Kizzy’s name and making her eyes close in frustration. She ignores it only for Kizzy to proceed.
“I’m outside your door where are you?” Kizzy snaps
Fuck
Elle sits up looking at Tre. Kizzy made it clear despite his good looks he was no longer anyone to be associated with. Elle waking out in her night dress would beg questions she didn’t want to answer.
“Something came up and I’m out - call you when I get back” Elle lies cringing and looking at her phone in utter horror.
“ELLE!”
Elle hangs up abruptly.
FML
Theres a knock at Tre’s door and he pulls on a pair of sweatpants heading to the open it. Elle continues checking her phone when he comes back tossing something on the bed.
“Kizzy just invited me to the event tonight” he comments sitting down. Its hard for Elle to concentrate when he’s a walking male model.
“Kizzy? Who thinks you’re an ass and is really offended by you Kizzy?” Elle clarifies skeptically.
“It ain’t the first time she’s knocked on my door either” Tre shrugs.
“Traaaaayyyyyy” Elle groans closing her eyes. “If you’re fucking my cousin I’m going to turn into the Tasmanian devil do you know how messy that is?” Elle snaps getting out of the bed.
“I’m letting you know that your cousin has a thing for me so it doesn’t have to be messy. She’s not my type” he shrugs.
“You don’t have a type” Elle reminds folding her arms and sighing relieved. “Thanks for telling me” she relents looking down at him.
“You keep it a buck with me” he shrugs pulling her to him gently. His hands cup her ass lifting her onto his lap so she’s straddling him. Another knock on the door interrupts and his phone starts ringing. His body language changes immediately. All the softness is gone and he lifts Elle off of him.
“Stay in here and stay quiet” he says suddenly annoyed making the bed in record time and pulling on a shirt as he’s on his way out. Voices make their way in the apartment and Elle stands heading into his closet just to be extra safe.
Music starts causing her to check her phone for the time and get more uneasy. Its something her stepdad did when he was in questionable company to keep things secretive.
“Elle?” Tre’s voice calls hushed.
“I’m in here” she whispers coming out. His demeanour is still all business and not like how she’d seen him when it was just them. He puts a set of keys in her hand.
“Don’t make me regret this. Take these follow the stairs unlock the door put something on leave, lock up and head into your apartment. Take the elevators to the garage before coming up first” he says intentionally staring into her eyes in a hushed voice before revealing a hidden door behind the show boxes in his closet. Theres no time to gawk.
“Are you aright?” She hesitates turning back to him genuinely concerned. It was code - friends never let friends behind.
“You don’t ever have to worry about me okay” he assures with kinder eyes before shutting the door back and getting the weed like he’d said he was going to. The corridor was dark and dank, not the kind of place Elle would ever frequent. It was spacious she could tell and old. The stairs seemed never-ending but she was relieved that there was no evidence of critters through the normal smell. She finds a light revealing a rather nice staircase she heads up in a light jog. The door at the top is another trap door but this time in a study. Its old fashioned and there are a lot of books. Her curiosity is peeked but she doesn’t snoop around. She finds a bedroom and looks through the drawers to find some sweats and a t-shirt. Its not even a little convincing - she’d never wear this out but his instructions were clear as she pocketed her phone and keys. Leaving like he’d told her to she heads to the elevator realizing this is the highest floor and private suite. Her stomach sways of the implications of it all as she emerges from the basement joking up the stairs to her floor. A man waits outside Tres door eyeing her down suggestively.
Is he serious?
She thinks remembering what she has on before getting into her own place locking the door and taking a deep breath. It was the kind of thing her and Jesse used to live for. He was the only one good enough at keeping a secret but he wasn’t here to hear it. Deep down the idea of Tre being wrapped up in something dangerous didn’t excite her either.
Not anymore.
AN: Let me know when you want the next part - It’s already cooking. As always Thanks in advance for your feedback :) xx
Elle and Tre get some alone time, get to know each other some more and ... smut? Maybe just a little.
Enjoy, xx
PREVIOUS CHAPTER
“So” Tre said gripping the wheel and glancing at the GPS. His need for control made him drive - what he hadn’t banked on was his quiet passenger. Women were always trying to be seen and heard around him.
“So?” She repeats glancing up from her phone being difficult per usual and making him smile a little.
“Always an attitude” he comments
“Guess you can say I’m learning” she says getting right back at him.
“You have a smart mouth, you’re a pain in the ass, grieving, your cousin thinks you’re an angel and that I’m an issue? Hows that?” He asks.
“How is it-“
“Come on answer the question, I know you can go back and forth all night” he interrupts making Elle laugh as she looks out the window at the streetlights.
“I’m the last child from my mom, I have three older brothers. My brothers all have the same dad - mom’s ex husband. He hated the idea of a girl ruining his streak. I got good at playing angel because it was the only way I got attention” Elle shrugs honestly. “Are you going to share too or do I get to talk about myself for the next hour?”
“Where was your pops?” Tre asks ignoring her commentary and making Elle smiles.
“Who knows? Didn’t know Kevin, my mom’s ex wasn’t my dad until they had a divorce. He took my brothers - mom had me DNA tested so he couldn’t take me.”
“Any you’ve been a shit starter ever since?” Tre asks.
“No Mr. Therapist, my mom was distraught. I had to be an angel and then I found her a new pogo stick to bounce on so I could live my life” Elle smiles. Her eyes sparkle every time the light hits them.
Tre shook his head - nothing about her outer appearance teased at her being so crass. He’d been with a few girls from Elles world before and they were all the same - victims of their privilege. Some whoa is me tale from lack of attention or affection. Thats what fucking with him was good for - attention. After a few he stopped - they were no fun.
“You ever meet your dad?”
“I have to hear something about you first”
“Ask away” he nods looking at the road in front of him.
Elle smiles looking at the ceiling and milling through her thoughts, “What’s your zodiac sign”
“You believe in that shit?”
“Just answer!” Elle shouts.
“Aquarius” she laughs at his response making him feel self conscious.
“Ok”
“Nahh, whats so funny?” He asks slightly offended.
‘It’s not my turn to answer questions, its yours. Are you a pimp?” Elle asks and its Tre’s turn to laugh. “what’s so funny you have girls, girls, girls, you’re rude to them and they’ll fight for you”
“If I was a pimp you’d be working, not getting a personal escort”
“Excuse me, I don’t know much about that stuff” Elle smiles as Tre’s turns. Silence falls on the car again as memories of his mothers hustles for drugs comes back to him.
“My dad, I met him once. I was the youngest of his kids too and the only girl. He was cool and so were my brothers. It was a long time ago. I barely remember what he looks like but he’s never missed a birthday or Christmas since” Its an olive branch, an attempt to curb the awkwardness. He was uncomfortable all of a sudden and she could feel it. Not the fun kind of discomfort from pushing someone too far - the hurt kind.
“My mom was an addict, streets can be rough for women - I’m no saint but I don’t take advantage of anyone or sell dreams” he explains toughening up.
“Do you have any other family?” Elle whispered looking him over - here she estranged from hers feeling alone because of Jesse’s death when he may very well be.
“No one that matters”
“Whats your type?” Elle asks as her heart races tears bound to fall at any moment. She felt that. No one that matters. Everyone she’d been raised around, that she wanted to be with had chosen her step-fathers side. Kizzy, Dia and her Uncle were all she had left and even they didn’t really know her.
“huh?”
“Your type of girl, we’re headed to a show things got kind of dark I can slide you an assist” she sighs blinking them back.
“I don’t have a type - whats yours?” Tre watches as her body language changes mirroring his moments ago - discomfort.
“Jesse… he always picked guys out for me. It was fun that way, now it isn’t and I don’t know - if I’d had known things would get like this I wouldn’t have asked you to come. Honestly, I’d rather argue” It makes him smile.
“That’a all I’m good for to you”
“Pretty good body guard too - those muscles intimidate effectively”
“Just not you”
“Ehh, usually men who look like you are overcompensating for something, low self esteem and are more dangerous because of that.”
“Not me?”
“Not you, you haven’t flipped out on me yet that’s big dick energy. Reinforced by the fact that you didn’t exploit my drunkenness. I think you’re a good guy and an asshole - people can’t be perfect”
“I don’t like you much” he comments but its not true.
“I’m not interested in being likeable to you sir”
_____________
He watched her, watching people had become something he was adept in. She’d changed in a bars bathroom on the way to the event - looking and smelling like temptation. He couldn’t help but notice the way the satin in her dress brought out the melanin in her skin - even in the dimly lit club. Everyone else took notice as well.
Parties were never really his speed - a recipe for a lot of things to go wrong. He could see Elle was the opposite making quick work of the crowd, getting straight through to the acts and making fast work of them. Every so often she’d elbow a guy for pushing up on her too much or point to Tre watching her intentionally.
“Hey” a woman says snapping him out of his thoughts. The voice is familiar and so is her face.
“Hey” he repeats.
“South beach, last year at that club a few doors down from the Versace Mansion?” She blabs distracting him from his focus. “We could get out of here. We had fun the last time” the woman proposed with no success.
“Excuse me” Tre walks around her looking for Elle only to find her talking to an aggressive bouncer or body guard.
“Babe!” She smiles excitedly hugging him when he gets close enough.
“I was just telling security I can’t go on stage because I’m spoken for” Elle lies leaning her head on Tre’s chest as she puts his arm around her. “He said I was lying” she looks up at Tre who in turn glares at the man with enough disdain to make him turn away.
“Come on”
“Don’t be annoyed, we make a good team” Elle whispers heading to the bar to wet her palette. Just like that everyones phones go off. A storm warning. Grabbing Elles hand is Tre’s notice that the party over. Being out in a flood zone during a hurricane is idiotic.
“Slow down, these are five inch stilettos” Elle groans trying to keep up and free her hand of his all at once.
“We gotta get to a store then a hotel before the storm hits. Traffic will be crazy and its better we’re inside.” He instructs getting in and finding a target.
Elle wanted to say something smart but she withheld watching him instead. He always showed up in times of need. His personality type was protector and she respected that. So instead of stressing him out further she follows the orders helping where she can. Water, gatorade, snacks, everything left on the shelves. It was the smoothest an interaction had ever gone between the two of them. He noticed, noticed that and how she managed to make grocery and essentials shopping sexy.
Heading down the isle he puts gets his essentials, body wash, boxers, toothbrush, toothpaste, condoms, nail clipper, razors, aftershave and a few things to sleep in.
“Two rooms” he said passing his card to the woman at the front desk.
“Two rooms?” The older woman repeats looking between them. His words are a surprise to Elle too.
“We argued all the way here and he snores, between that and the storm I want some peace” Elle adds playing along to lessen the diss.
“And I don’t want all her shit in my bathroom - I want peace” Tre retorts but it only makes the older woman smile.
“A double room is the best I can do, same room two beds, two bathrooms, two doors a kitchen, hows that?” She asks.
“Cool” Tre agrees.
“Would you like to deal with the reservation and send her up with someone to help with the stuff?” She asks.
“She can go up, I’ll handle the stuff” Tre nods giving Elle the okay with the card key and her things.
“Two rooms?” The woman asks after.
“Its not like that Ro” he sighs.
“Why not, you usually don’t discriminate. She’s gorgeous and you’re paying”
“We’re neighbours and I don’t shit where I stay”
“Whatever you say, put that card away. Its on me” she smiles handing him his welcome package. He takes it looking at her and hesitating for a moment. The words are slow to come.
How’s mom?
“She’s still in treatment, doing decent enough, hoping you’ll come see her” Ro responds putting him out of his misery.
“Thanks” he taps the pamphlet on the counter walking away from his aunt and heading to Elle.
…
They’d been in the room for over an hour. Tre hadn’t moved from infant of the TV, tuned into the storm watch. Distance is what he was hoping for. He didn’t remember the last time the smell of women body wash made the entire space smell like it. He didn’t remember how long it took for women to shower, rather he didn’t know. He liked his space and never liked sharing. He didn’t expect Elle to look even better to him in a neglige without make up and a robe off the shoulder.
“So you know the front desk woman?” Elle asks just as perceptive.
“My aunt” he nods looking back at the tv.
“You know I thought you were crazy before but now I’m sure of it, this storm could be bad, could be stuck here awhile and you want two rooms and to stare at a tv” Elle reasons sitting beside him. The tension is thick.
Why am I holding back?
He couldn’t quite call it.
“I won’t beg, but I’ll stop using your washer machine. Don’t worry I won’t fall in love or stalk you or anything crazy. It’ll just be sex” Elle reasoned shocking him with her approach. Usually when woman propositioned him he knew they were lying about not catching feelings.
“What about the other girls?”
Elle smiles resting her hand on her fist as her elbow is propped on the couch to get a better view of Tre.
“I’m not insecure or sure it’ll even be that good” she teases turning up the temperature between them. “I’m no angel Tre, I just look like one” she says straddling his lap determined to get what she wants.
He takes a breath as she leans forward to get comfortable before putting a hand on his chest, leaning to his ear. “Come on, I know you want me on my knees. Tits bouncing as you fuck my mouth, or me from behind.” She whispers grinding slowly on his lap and giving his ear a little nip.
He looks up at her as she pulls away sitting on him upright like she wasn’t just being a fucking slut. Her hard nipples telling in her.
“On your knees” he demands. For once she’s obedient climbing off of him to get between his legs.
“You promised more eye candy” same tone it makes Elle hot as she removes the straps of her neglige letting the fabric fall to her hips. He didn’t make a move to touch her sitting there stoically waiting for her next move.
“I’m going to have fun tonight” Elle winks rubbing him through his jeans - determined to shatter his ‘so what’ persona by any means.
NEXT CHAPTER
A/N: Hope you guys enjoyed this chapter of the series. How are we feeling about it? Talk to me !
Elle agreeing to this double date was a terrible decision and she knew it from the moment she’d asked for a sprite only to lectured on the destructive effects of soda. Then when she reviewed the menu only to see various forms of plant based options. No one had even bothered to consider what she liked or could eat. Then came their sage advice and wisdom that was actually mysogynoir. Contrary to Elle’s feelings Kizzy seemed to be eating the bullshit right up.
“What do you think empress?” Elles date snapped her out of her thoughts to get out of this arrangement.
“Think about that?” She asked.
“About your role as a woman and mother within the home?” His words gave Elle a headache.
“Kizzy I’m going to get going” Elle smiled instead. “We won’t work, my moms married to politician my biological father is in prison for destroying communities and I wear revealing clothing and don’t subscribe to your belief system” she said quickly paying for her drink and getting up. They were all talk and no action - the opposite of her type of man.
Frustration knots into Elles stomach at the sounds of knocking and moaning coming from Tre’s apartment. It’d been three months since she had any action and it felt like forever. It was Friday night and she was on her couch sipping wine and watching TV like a shrew. Tre usually kept the girls relatively quiet but not tonight he was clearly outdoing himself. She’d gone on celibate stints before but there’d always been a good reason or something to satisfy the urges. A project, a goal, life. Kizzy had been trying but Kizzy could never understand Elle’s ranking system or the fun of seeing what a guy was working with relationships were not a requirement for sex. The way Elle saw it was great sex and other criteria were the requirement for relationships. Not to mention none of them were her type - they repulsed her. Always bragging about what they had but there was no spotlight on who they were. She’d been around men like that all her life and they didn’t impress her.
Smiling to herself she heads downstairs with a load putting it right into Black’s washer machine. Maybe pettiness could be a substitute for action. Black’s routine proved what she’d suspected about him all along. He was regimented, his body, his uniform and his washing his sheets after every rendezvous confirmed it. She was occupied by a magazine when he entered sighing and shaking his head at the sight of her.
“Yo” he groans.
“Huh?”
“Every washer is empty so you’re purposely being a pain in my ass” Black snaps. His tone is different; harsher than usual and so are his eyes.
Whoa
“Sounded like you we’re having too much fun didn’t think it’d be over so soon” Elle quips folding her arms and returning the same energy. Deciding not to argue with a woman he tosses his sheets in the vacant washer slamming the door.
“Don’t touch my shit either” he warns leaving just like that and puzzling Elle. What the hell had she done? It couldn’t have been the laundry. Now that she racked through her brain it had been like that the entire week. Elle had chopped it up to him being busy or him needing space after he’d helped her but this seemed a little deeper.
A knock at the front door gets her attention and she leaves the laundry room to check it out only to see Tre at the door speaking to her date from tonight.
“Hey, I think we got off on the wrong foot” he reasons seeing Elle.
“How did you get my address?” Was the better question she asked aloud.
“Kizzy”
Kizzy
Elle swallowed as Black left heading up to his room and not having her back.
“I’m not interested, seriously you didn’t insult me its good” she reasoned stepping back.
“I feel bad, I think you’re beautiful, your clothing wasn’t too revealing and I want us to give it another try.” He continues.
“I’m sorry but I don’t feel the same way, have a goodnight” she tries politely but the man doesn’t move.
“I’m not a quitter” he shrugs without being discouraged.
“Bruh, how many ways is she supposed to ask you to leave?” Tre shouts from the landing startling the bafoon who sputters off a few unintelligible words as he leaves. Elle takes the stairs up and Black waits until she’s on her floor slamming the door.
What the hell?
…
Elle had left that night, Tre had heard the commotion along with her slamming the door shut. Then he’d noticed her car was gone the next morning. Then Kizzy had come by knocking on the door, giving his a dirty look and barking orders per usual. He couldn’t stand her uptight ass. But it had been three days of radio silence as far as he knew. His mother did this when he was a child - went on benders for days refusing to contact anyone for days.
It was evening when Elle strolled back to apartment jogging up the staircase with pep in her step.
“Hey asshole” she smiles sarcastically to address his staring.
“You call your cousin? She’s about to call the cops”
“Fuck off” Elle smiles with the same tone pushing past him only to be yolked back mid step and spun around.
“What?” Black snaps with a brow raised daring her to do it again as his eyes search hers.
“Fuck. Off. Are you deaf or should I say it louder asshole?” Elle snatches her elbow back only to make Blacks shocked expression grow. This time she only makes it three steps before he stops her with a little more force than the first time glaring at her with a blistering intensity only to be pushed away from her.
“What the fuck is your problem? Are you sick in the head or just stupid?” He asks confused himself people never treated him like that anymore.
“You’re hot and cold Tre and you were an asshole to me all of last week when I did nothing to you. I’m honouring your wishes - so leave me alone and I’ll leave you alone” she reasoned. Black looks. Her over carefully, her skin looked hydrated, her lips too, there were no bags, she actually looked good. She’d hadn’t been using or drinking.
“Your cousin told me to leave you alone” he says as Elle goes to walk away and it stops her.
“Kizzy?”
“Said you were vulnerable and naive to whats what” he reasoned.
“What else?” Elle questions shocked and confused.
“Thats was the main point” he shrugs and Elle folds her arms.
“Kizzy doesn’t know me as well as she thinks she does, and I have no problem speaking for myself”
“I can see that” he nods in disbelief of her.
“I know, I know you got homegirls that can beat me up” she shrugs heading back to her room.
“We’re past that” he reasons.
“Lets keep the repercussions a surprise” Elle jokes flirtatiously heading upstairs to get ready for the show tonight. She showered quickly doing light make up and getting dressed in something simple.
“Black!” She shouts outside of her front door.
“Whats up?” He emerges looking her over.
“Theres this showcase I’m going to if you want to come”
“Why would I want to come?”
“It was an offer” she shrugs closing her door to finish her routine.
He was waiting when she opened the door, glistening in gold jewelry against his dark mahogany skin.
“We can take my car” he said entering the parking garage and opening the passenger door for her.
“Thanks. Unc is looking to staff an retro night - I thought some live acts would be good.” Elle explains.
“That where you were for the past three days?” Elle smiled realizing he’s only here for intel.
“No, I was with a friend. We had some girls time and I picked up some things” she responded truthfully.
“Word?” He asked looking at her briefly. “Then you come back calling me names and acting all aggressive?”
“I was just giving you a taste of your own medicine” Elle winks making him smile.
A/N: let me know your thoughts :) Next chapter will be all Elle and Tre. Thanks for reading!
It was storming and everyone was in their respective rooms accept for Tre. He was sitting in the living room watching the rain and thinking about Elle. He knew she couldn’t be sleeping. Her father comes down the stairs heading to the fridge.
“Can’t sleep” he asks Tre.
“Don’t sleep much” Tre responds honestly.
“You’ve been there for my daughter” he comments with knowing eyes and Tre sits upright. “Your aunt Ro’s my old lady. I recognize you from the pictures she has at her place” Nico swallows. “Rico gave me a run down of what’s been happening. Thanks for being there for her” Nico continues surprising Tre.
“She’s a good person” he reasons.
“She’s not but she didn’t have much decent guidance either. Not from me or her mother, or the clowns that pretended to be father figures” Nico adds above delusion or bullshit. “I’ve fucked up a lot, even if she doesn’t say much it means the world to have her here. Man to man, go see your mama. Life too short” Nico says standing up and heading back to his room.
…
The house was empty, everyone playing their part while Elle was benched. She knew her father babysitting her was her mothers doing. As much as Nico made Elle uneasy and their relationship undermined hers with her daughter, the prospect seemed better than Elle with Tre.
Elle had always been a handful, parenting her was a test. She always wanted freedom and distance, she was always isolated. Which made for an exhausting amount of oversight on her mother’s part. She’d seen dates and boyfriends come and go but she’d never seen Elle put away the pageantry for a man. Tre was a man, it was evident. The strong type.
Elle sat silently watching the news on the opposite end of the couch to her father.
“Are you mad at me too?” Elle asks getting his attention.
“Mad about what?” He asks.
“Everything, how I got into this mess. You are who you are it’s probably embarrassing to hear what’s being said about me” Elle admits daring to look at her father who smiles. He takes a breath relaxing a bit before looking over at her again.
“I’d probably be more embarrassed if you were sitting here still pining over that sorry ass excuse of a man” Nico reasons. “I’d be embarrassed if I thought you would think of giving him another chance” Nico continues.
“It wasn’t serious, it was just stupid”
“I’ve done worse shit Elle. I’ve lost more than one friend because of my lifestyle. Lost my freedom. Missed out on my kids growing up, didn’t know about my daughter for twelve years.” Nico sighs. “I’ve fucked up too many times to count. The way I hear it you’re a hustler like me. The club and your uncle business was booming” he smiles making Elle do the same.
“I guess” she shrugs.
“I’m not here to judge you. I can give you advice but I’m just here to protect you and talk if that’s what you want” he smiles.
“So no misogynistic double standards imposed on me because I’m a girl” Elle asks.
“You’re going to act right in front of Tre. I don’t have to worry” Nico says leaning back as Elles cheeks burn with embarrassment. Her heart races as she looks down laughing. “I’m old but I don’t miss shit” Nico laughs playfully.
“Note to self” she smiles.
“Thanks for all the birthday and Christmas cards and money” she says finally. “I didn’t know what to say before, Jesse told me to see you but I was afraid” Elle admits honestly.
“We’re here now kid” he puts an arm around her kissing her forehead.
….
It was impossible for Elle no to be overwhelmed. It was all too much. Jesse was gone, gone because of a choice they’d made to live recklessly. Her uncle was shot because of the same decision. Now she was stuck cooped up in her fathers house with her mother, him, her brother and Tre.
Tre.
She’d watched him fit right in with her father and brother. She could see the mutual respect they had for each other. Tre had shown up time and time again. Shown up more than her own parents in some ways. The feelings were hard to reconcile. At times like this she wished there was more distance between them. That maybe she’d pretended to be someone else with less baggage. She could feel him slipping away. How could she blame him? The trouble she caused passed fun. Rinna’s actions put everyone in danger.
“You’re burrito Elle” Rico says coming in from a food run.
“Thanks” Elle forces a smile taking it and putting it aside.
“You haven’t eaten” he comments.
“I just had a bagel” she lies casually before heading back into her room. Her mother doesn’t miss a thing. Loss of appetite was always a tell tale sign of her daughters distress.
“Did anyone see her eat?” She asks
“Liz” Her father groans completely annoyed.
“This is what she does before it gets bad Nico. I’ve been there I know her patterns. This and then she takes off.” Liz sighs. “She can’t take off if she’s in danger. She can’t do this now” Liz snaps discreetly. Tre takes the burrito to diffuse the situation.
“She’s prideful” he says to justify his actions before heading upstairs. He hated the way Liz treated her daughter, somehow a regular civilian was more ill equipped to deal with a child than a seasoned criminal. He opens the door after knocking on it twice finding Elle on her phone.
“Eat, and stop lying” he comments placing the food in her lap.
“Tre I’m not hungry” she sighs as he sits beside her. He could see her mother was right. This is how she looked months ago before she got shitfaced at his club. “I’d prefer you not look at me then you look at me like that” she adds self-conscious.
“How am I looking at you?”
“Not the way I want. Like I’m a time-bomb”
Tre lets her words resonate adjusting his posture to relax a bit more as he looks her over.
“I can’t leave and no one tells me anything. It feels like I’m in a padded room. You don’t even want to be around me” she says the last part just above a whisper.
“I want to find Rinna so things can get back to normal.” He chooses his words wisely unable to give her the lip service she needs. His emotions not reciprocated. Elle nods smiling through the sting deciding to pick up the burrito and take a bite.
“My mom can scrutinize me all by herself. I don’t need you for that” she snaps heading outside to get away.
———
Elle was faking it. Faking being alright but no one could see but Tre. Beautiful, social and always smiling. A week of Rinna being in the wind was taking a toll on everyone before Elle brought things back to life. She pulls her shades town but he knows she’s been crying already as she passes him the joint.
“Allergies” she lies sniffling as he takes a drag looking at her. It was day three of her smoking to prepare for the day at dawn.
“I hate it when you lie to me” he exhales sharply.
“I hate that you’re here” She discloses being nasty.
“Why?” He’s not offended.
“I’d rather you not see me like this” Elle admits taking another pull.
“I’m glad I’m here, I’m more worried about no one being concerned about you’re happy act when shits really fucked up” he comments honestly.
“I don’t need your concern Tre. I’d be better off without it. I don’t think you need to be here every day. You can stay with Rico”
“Yeah well you don’t even know what you need right now so it doesn’t matter” he dismisses without a thought. It’s rude and insensitive but when Elle goes to walk away he pulls her back sharply.
“Are you out of your mind Tre? My dad will kill you” her exclamation has no effect as his eyes continue to peer into her.
“I’m not your mom, you’re not going to push me away and convince me you’re okay because me being here makes you uncomfortable. All you’re gonna do is piss me off so quit it alright?” He snaps harshly. It only makes her more uncomfortable. She tries to leave again but it’s impossible with his strength.
“Stop it”
“You stop it” he counters with his unchanging poker face. Her tears fall and she looks away thankful for her sunglasses. Her breathing exercises aren’t enough to restrain the flow of tears, anxiousness, self-consciousness and feat. They rush in and the tears fall in a stream too consistent for the glasses to mask.
AUTHORS NOTE:
I tried my best to write an honest chapter here that was true to the characters. Really hope you all enjoy! how would you handle a situation this crazy?
