The Truth Behind The Lies

By Lolah Lace

All of Nina Norwood’s relationships end in shambles. She’s getting older and desperately wants a lasting commitment. A chance meeting with charismatic Sebastian Vandervol takes her by surprise. He offers something fun, new and uncomplicated. He awakens desires Nina had long forgotten she craved. Sebastian is perfect by all accounts. That is until he reveals he had lied to her. Nina wonders what other lies may live beneath the surface. Is the tall, handsome, sexy German too good to be true? If Nina digs deep enough maybe she will uncover the truth behind the lies.
**CLIFFHANGER ALERT** This is book one of two. This novel is a BWWM Interracial Romance. It is 72K plus words long.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lolah Lace
• Release date: May 23, 2015
• ISBN: 9780996412407

Lolah Lace

Lolah Lace is a best selling author of Erotic Romantic Fiction in various sub genres. She currently resides in the Chicagoland area. She started her writing career as a teleplay and screenplay writer before switching gears and tackling a novel. She spends most of her spare time reading and watching ridiculous amounts of TV. She is passionate about writing and has a wealth of unfinished books she plans to finish. Although she has been writing for years, Let's Play Ball is her first erotic interracial romance book. She decided to make it into a series of seven books called Balls To The Walls Erotica Series. Lolah Lace is currently hard at work writing the sequel to La Femme Selita and the highly anticipated The Truth Behind The Lies Book 2. For the latest news, freebies and exclusive offers sign up to her newsletter at http://eepurl.com/bsmAGf

Book preview

PROLOGUE

I’m back to square one. This time around I think I like being single. All my relationships end in disaster with my last one being a colossal hot ass mess. Well that’s not really true of all them. Some just fade away peacefully with both parties only suffering a minimal amount of emotional damage.

Some people aren’t meant to be together. It seems there is no one meant to be with me. I think there could be something wrong with me. If there is I just don’t know what it is or how to fix it, how to fix me. I’m not trifling. I’m not an angry black woman. So what gives? I think I hate being single. No, I know I hate it.

CHAPTER 1

★FRIDAY★

I’m so glad I got that over with. I hate being here, in this building. The place was huge and intimidating and I felt out of place being here. I had the nerve to be scared. I’m not really scared of anything, just one of my character flaws. Feeling this way is stupid due to the fact that this is probably the safest place to be.

I never thought I was that kind of woman, a tattletale, an informer, a snitch. They say snitches get stitches or end up in ditches or something. I hope not. I really don’t have time for this ridiculous mess. But I don’t really have a choice. I’m a single black woman and I have to protect myself no matter how tough I think I am. It doesn’t really matter now. What’s done is done.

David can get mad if he wants to. I did it so it’s done. It is, what it is. I just want to get the hell out of here, go home and take a long soothing hot bubble bath. I want to chill out and relax, play me some Mary J. and read a good book. Not any of that romance garbage. I need a heavy dose of reality. I can’t deal with that fantasy crap with the perfect men acting all perfect and chivalrous. That shit ain’t real.

I stepped into the elevator trying hard to run the hell out of this stale building. I thought I was alone but a tall white man ducked into the elevator behind me like The Flash. He whisked himself right in between the closing doors making them reopen.

He startled me. He was so damn tall. I was so frazzled that I forgot to push my floors button. What the hell was my floors button? Seeing my ex-boyfriend parked outside my condo on several occasions made me a nervous wreck. I just didn’t know what to do with myself and that’s why I was here in the first place. I really and truly didn’t know what to do with his odd behavior. He took our breakup hard but he was doing this stalker thing and I was too over this, us.

I was a little scared too. He had me shook. I knew he carried a gun. He grew up in one those neighborhoods were everybody carried a gun. I was so grateful my girl Tangie told me to go to the police. I would never try to get any black man in trouble with the law but he was taking it too far. It’s been two months. We’re done.

Shit, the button! The elevator doors closed completely.

His deep voice hit me like a ton of bricks. It knocked me into the reality that I was in the elevator.

What floor? I looked up and over at the man covering the silver panel that held the elevator buttons.

One. My voice came out little and mousy compared to his profound bass filled vocals.

Ground. He corrected as he glanced over at me. He raised one blonde eyebrow and made me feel weird, like I couldn’t read. He hit the G button. He knew exactly what I meant, smart-ass.

I noticed his sunny blonde hair. He had blue eyes I think. He was dressed really nice even though he only was wearing dark washed jeans and a charcoal gray shirt. Stop staring Nina. Ground, I mocked his usage of that one word. He ain’t all that. Ha, yeah he is. I smiled inside. He was hashtag fine, hashtag sexy, hashtag white-hot.

You smell delicious. He groaned like he was talking to himself. I looked up and over at him to make sure he wasn’t talking on his cell. No cell. No earbuds. No blue-tooth. He was glaring at me with those blue things he probably calls eyes. Yes lord, they are so blue, almost white.

Excuse me. My words came out a little more ghetto than I hoped.

He cleared his throat and snapped out of his trance.

Shit, did I say that out loud? He said all proper. Was he talking to himself or me? He was looking at me. He was grinning from ear to ear. He had a dimple. Damn! For real?

I’m sorry. My thoughts just came right out of my mouth. I had only planned on saying what floor.

Okay. I rolled my eyes. That was the hardest, coldest eye roll I hard in my repertoire of eye rolls. If he was going to make me feel uncomfortable I was going to throw it right back at his tall ass.

You do…smell delicious. He crossed his hands over his chest, which brought attention to his pecs. I could see a lot of definition under that fabric. He must live at the gym.

Great. I smirked. Why was he smiling so hard? His face is going to break.

Are you married to a cop? He removed both his hands from his chest and pushed them in his jeans pockets. My eyes followed and I got a glance at his crotch before I stopped myself. I think he did that on purpose to make me look at his nether region. No, that’s stupid. Why would he do that?

No, I am not married to a cop. Damn this elevator ride is long.

Why are you here? I know you’re not a criminal.

Nosey ass. What are you doing here? I snapped and reigned in my hardcore black woman attitude.

Visiting a friend in homicide. We went to high school together. He’s a detective

Great.

Mr. Blonde man’s eyes drifted down to my cleavage. Damn him, his cheek dimple popped out. Shit, I think there are two of them. Shit! He got two dimples. Well I be damned.

DING! We made it to the ground level. Thank god. My cell buzzed in my purse as soon as the elevator doors parted.

He extended his hand to the door. So I could leave the small space first. How gallant. I believe his wife is lucky. I can’t see his ring finger. Even if he’s an asshole he is sure good to look at.

Delicious smelling ladies go first.

I couldn’t help but to crack a smile. He’s so smooth. He’s smooth like a brother. I wonder what he looks like naked. No, I don’t. Yeah I do. Nina stop acting so slutty. He’s probably married; he’s too fine to be single.

I wouldn’t be surprised if that huge gray Mercedes out there belongs to him. His shoes look expensive. I was glad I had my expensive handbag on my shoulder. Times like this made six hundred dollars worth it. There was something about Mr. Blonde that could make the average person feel like a pauper. But today I feel like a sharp, bad bitch. So his dimples and those icy blue eyes don’t mean a thing to me.

I stepped out the elevator and into the lobby. I found a corner to check my cell phone’s missed call. I looked back to see that Dimples had moseyed out the automatic double doors.

I dug in my purse for my sunglasses. The sun was blazing out this afternoon. I put on my shades and dialed my girl Tangie back.

Hey Tangie.

What happened? Her voice was a bit static but I could hear her to some degree.

I just filled out the necessary paperwork to be filed with the county clerk.

That’s good girl. I don’t trust that fool. He’s probably been watching you the whole time and you just didn’t know it.

I think so too. Weird things would happen to me for no reason. Now I’m wondering if that was David? I sometimes felt like someone had been inside my house.

Get your locks changed.

I already called someone. They’re coming to change the locks in the morning.

If you need to come stay the night with me until morning you can.

I will call you and let you know. I should be okay while I’m inside. You know I have those door stoppers my mother bought me.

Right, I need to get me some.

Did you tell the police about the messages. He sort of threatened you on that voicemail message.

Yeah I told them everything.

Good.

I’m still at the police station so I’ll call you a little later.

Okay girl.

Bye.

Bye.

Nina be careful.

Okay bye. I ended the call and shoved my cell back into my purse. I took a deep breath. I felt a little better now that I filed for a restraining order but it might just make him mad. I hadn’t done anything to deserve a stalker but here it is. I have one. I warned him that I would call the police but he didn’t seem to care or take me seriously. So I had to do what I had to do.

I strolled across the lobby and went through the double automatic doors. I walked down the two steps and before I could hit the sidewalk I saw him, Dimples, Mr. Blonde, the elevator guy.

Hey, I need a word with you.

What a strange thing to say. He was blocking my descent to the parking lot. A word.

More than one word. He grinned and I hated how his dimples caved. Or did I love it. I don’t know.

What? Bitch mode because I’m a beast. Eye roll, cause I’m no goofy chick.

Can I talk to you?

About what?

I don’t know yet but I can figure something out. There’s a coffee shop across the street. You look like you could use a cup of coffee. I know I could use a cup.

I don’t know you. You’re a stranger.

True but, the coffee shop is across the street from the police station. I’m sure its crawling with cops. There are video cameras posted all over this building. He pointed to the police station. I think you’re the safest you can be given that I’m a stranger. Besides I’m harmless. Look at me. He smirked mischievously and I knew he was lying. He was dangerous and I had already looked at him repeatedly.

You’re harmless?

Relatively harmless. He smiled and it forced me to do the same. He took my hand without my permission and started pulling me to the corner. His hands were soft and although I never said yes I was following him. Maybe I was being somewhat forcibly drug. My brain was having a hard time deciphering the difference. He had a gentle manhandle on me.

We walked to the curb and he stood partially in front of me while we waited for the light to turn green. It was a very busy street but no man had ever shielded me from oncoming traffic. But it was clear that’s what he was doing. If some random driver jumped the curb I guess he was going to get hit first.

Once the stoplight turned green he stepped off the curb and his firm grip jilted me forward. His stride was regal and sexy. He was a confident man and I could tell all this just from his strut. I lagged behind him and got a glimpse of his ass in his jeans. SEXY. I felt like a peeping Tom but he started it. He said I smell delicious. I taste delicious too. No No! Stop it Nina!

We made it across the street to the coffee shop. I had never been inside this place before although I drove by too many times to count.

Mr. Blonde was right. This place was wall-to-wall cops. It was an upscale designer coffee shop not some neighborhood joint but it didn’t seen to bother the cops. Dimples led me to the counter and turned back to face me. He let my hand go and I felt a loss that touched my heart. Jesus, how did he do that?

What would you like? He asked.

You can order for me.

You don’t have any food allergies?

No I don’t.

He smiled and all his beautiful white teeth lit up the room.

Okay, now I know something about you. He revealed.

Oh.

There were only two customers in front of us so I waited for him to place our order. He turned to me when there was only one person in front of us.

Get us a table. He ordered but I wasn’t offended by his command. There was no rudeness in his tone but a familiarity instead.

Okay. I nodded and walked away. Somehow I knew he was watching me walk away.

I found an empty table at the front of the coffee shop by the window. The busboy was wiping the table off as I stood by and waited. He kept stealing glances at me as he cleaned the table more than was necessary. I must be cute today. I know I’m cute today.

The busboy dried the table and I took a seat. I removed my sunglasses. I hung my purse on the chair. There was no chance anyone would snatch and grab my purse in a coffee shop full of cops.

My mind went wild. What did Dimples want with me? Well he probably wants to fuck me but what else? I know I’m not the most welcoming looking black chick walking around. He probably wants to try a black woman. He obviously has money so he could have done that a long time ago. There is a thing called paid escorts. Maybe I’m thinking to hard about it. One cup of coffee with him is not going to be a big deal. He probably does spontaneous random things like this all the time because he can.

I tried to be cool but Dimples was so fine. I watched him stroll over to the table with two large cups of coffee and two pieces of cheesecake. He placed the tray on the table and he had even remembered to get napkins. Guys always forget the napkins.

Before he took the seat across from me we both heard, Bash!

Dimples turned to look at the guy a few feet away then he turned to me.

Excuse me, this will just be a minute.

I shook my head. What is Bash? Is that his last name? Or did he say Dash? I realized I don’t even know his name. Blondie walked away and joined the guy that was obviously a plain-clothes cop. They shook hands. I was too far away to eavesdrop. I quickly read the words written on the paper cups. I took one cup of coffee. They were exactly the same.

I was being nosey because I didn’t know this guy. I watched him chat with the other white man. They shared a laugh. They got serious for what seemed like a serious moment. They looked over at me. They shook hands again and Blondie started back towards me. He took the seat facing me and grabbed his coffee.

Do you eat cheesecake? He asked.

Yes I love cheesecake. Thank you very much.

Thank you for the company. I never introduced myself. I’m Sebastian Vandervol. People call me Bash.

Bash, I’m Nina.

Nina. He smiled widely. That’s a really nice name.

It’s okay.

I watched Bash’s lips sip the coffee. I don’t understand why I’m so attracted to this particular white man. He was almost too fine, if you can be too fine. I guess so. He was the example of that.

Nina I’ve been with you just a few minutes. I sat down just now and realized I want to see you again.

You do?

Yes, I’m not quite sure how to make that happen. I already slipped up and said what I was thinking in the elevator. I’m not sure if you can tell but I’m choosing my words wisely. I am definitely not saying what I’m thinking. I know better than to do that.

So what are you thinking about me, is it bad?

Yes, it’s downright criminal.

I giggled. Why am I giggling like a schoolgirl? Downright criminal, I think you’re harmless. I was flirting. I couldn’t even stop myself.

I am. Not. He smirked as his blue eyes took a cursory glance over my breasts.

Where’s your wedding ring? I was bold enough to ask.

I’m not married. I was once but not anymore.

So you’re not going to ask me if I’m married? I raised an eyebrow.

There’s no need. It wouldn’t matter to me. I don’t think a marriage certificate or a ring would make me feel any differently about you.

Really. So he would sleep with a married woman. Huh?

I want to take you to dinner.

Is that all you want?

Oh his dimples. He was blushing. No I want so much more.

What if I don’t want to give you more?

Nina, I’m very convincing.

Are you?

Yes, so we are having dinner tonight?

I guess he told me. I could do dinner. I eat sometimes. I tried to contain my elation. I tried to be cool but my face probably betrayed me.

You have a beautiful smile.

I was black girl blushing. Thank you. You have really nice dimples.

These old things. I’ve had them forever. My mother gave them to me.

I giggled. Oh yes she did.

You are so pretty.

You are so handsome and tall.

You are so incredibly sexy?

I smiled so hard I think my face got stuck. We were throwing compliments at each other. What the hell kind of drugs was I on? Nina get a grip.

Bash, what do you do for a living?

Ah, many things. I have companies. I’m in the computer software industry. It’s not glamorous. It’s just work. What do you do?

I’m an accountant, an accounts supervisor over at Prudential Life in Hillsdale.

So you’re good with numbers.

I’m good with numbers and a few other things.

I can’t wait to see what those few other things are.

Wait you must.

I have time. I have no problem waiting.

That’s good to know. I think he was lying to me about waiting. You seem very confident, like you have it all figured out.

Why, because I asked you for coffee and then to dinner?

Yeah I guess. I was running out of things to say to him. I wasn’t really on today. This happened so unexpectedly. I wasn’t ready with my witty or sexy interrogation words. I was a little nervous. This guy was different. His demeanor was so strong it was intimidating and it was rare that I was intimidated by anyone.

I wanted to ask him his age but I feared he would ask me mine.

Did you get your issues resolved at the police station? If not, I know people. I could talk to someone for you.

No no I got everything straightened out it wasn’t a big deal, nothing important.

Are you going to have to warm up to me?

I think I am warm. You don’t think so?

Yeah you are coming around just a little. We have something here, a mutual attraction. I want to see where this goes. You’re not just beautiful. I know there’s more to you. I just want the opportunity to explore it. So we’re going to dinner tonight? Is there a restaurant you would like to try?

No, not particularly whatever you pick would be fine with me.

Great, there’s this place over in Hillsdale called La Bistro Cabernet. Have you tried that place before? I think it’s near your job. You’re in the Prudential Life building next to McDonald’s Corporation?

Yes. I’ve never been to La Bistro but I know where it is.

I will make reservations for seven.

Okay.

I can pick you up at six.

I would prefer to meet you there. I know where it is. Geez I said that already.

Sure Nina, whatever makes you most comfortable. You know you never told me your last name. I promise, I won’t Google you. I need to make sure you’re not my cousin.

I broke out in laughter and Bash joined me. When I stopped laughing I couldn’t help the smile plastered on my face. I definitely don’t think we’re related.

I can see a little German in you. Bash smiled hard and leaned into the table. Actually I can see a lot of German in you.

I swallowed hard because there was no question he meant his German penis. I, I-- I stuttered unable to form real words while gazing at his perfect pink lips. He turned the heat up in my panties on full blast.

You’re sure you’re not a Vandervol?

Very sure.

Maybe not today.

This guy right here was too much. I have to watch myself around him. I have to block out his dimples, his Titanic iceberg eyes, his luscious mauve lips and his clever words. I have to keep my legs clamped together.

My last name is Norwood, Nina Norwood.

We spent forty-two