Soule Connection: Beyond Wounded Volume 3

By D.T. Williams

Alayah Daniels is a high-powered attorney that has dedicated her life to being a satisfied single. After witnessing a string of broken and untrustworthy relationships Alayah is convinced that love is a figment of the imagination for those foolish enough to believe in it. When ditched by her friends at the last minute, Alayah decides to go on a relaxing vacation by herself to the warms sands of Jamaica, where she meets a lonely islander who gives her an experience of a lifetime. However, when the two lovers are forced to depart, she leaves with more than she bargained for.

Soule Samuels has dealt with his share of heartache due to the women of his past. He has convinced himself that a life with love in it was not meant to be for him. That is until he spots a sexy siren walking alone on the cool sandy beach. Unable to fight the urge to have this unattainable beauty Soule becomes determined to capture not only her body but her heart as well, but he soon finds she is not an easy win.

• Language: English
• Publisher: D.T. Williams
• Release date: Feb 3, 2019
• ISBN: 9780463239896

D.T. Williams

My name is D. T. Williams. I was raised in Lake City, Florida where I have lived all of my life and now I reside in Orlando. I took a strong liking to books at a very young age and have maintained that same passion as an adult. I have always indulged myself in reading many books from different authors some of which inspired me to create my own work. Writing for me came a little later in my years; it first started out with poems, short stories until I finally created my first novel. I have now been inspired to showcase my talent to the world in hopes to entertain and inspire others. Now that I am pursing further education I choose to continue to grow in the knowledge of reading and writing. I hope you all will join me on this journey in helping me achieve success through my work

Book preview

Soule Connection

By D. T. Williams

Copyright

Soule Connection

Copyright © 2018 by D.T. Williams

Published by D.T. Williams

All rights reserved.

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales or, is entirely coincidental.

Contents

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Epilogue

About the author

Other books by the author

Prologue

Alayah

Surprise!

Catherine and her husband Emilio entered the filled Tahj Mahal ballroom in wide-eyed shock as all their guests surrounded them, giving the surprise of a lifetime in honor of their joined unity. Having arrived back into town just a couple days ago, the newlyweds had no idea they were being lured into an all-out get together full of food, fun, and family.

I watched dotingly as pure excitement spread across their faces as everyone around the room clapped and cheered upon their arrival. Sweet tears graced Cat’s blushed cheeks as she admired the fancy decorations hanging around the large ballroom, as well as the mountain high wedding gifts on the nearby table.

Oh, she better have liked this, I thought. I ran through my entire Christmas bonus helping make this little shindig a success.

For weeks, my friends and I spent day in and day out planning this welcome back party for Cat. We started after she relayed the information to us that she and her boyfriend of a year had gotten married in his home country of Italy in a matter of three days. Imagine my shock not only to hear my girl had gotten hitched without so much as giving me an invite, but I, along with the rest of the crew, was expected to participate in putting together the welcome back party for her and her new husband. I wasn’t mad though. After everything my girl had been through, she deserved this piece of happiness and so much more.

Having known Cat for years I had been there to witness her joy, pain, and all the in-betweens throughout our relationship. We had definitely taken a long ride on the best friend emotional rollercoaster, which included but was not limited to sitting through multitude of man-hating movies after bad breakups, eating tubs of Ben and Jerry ice cream together on PMS days, and playing so many sad love songs you would have thought we were performing at our own concert.

Things, at one point, had gotten so tough for my girl I thought I would never live to see the day she would finally find true happiness. The Lord truly does work miracles, doesn’t He? Here she was strolling in with her man. She looked lovelier and happier than ever. Her dark orange chiffon dress hugged her hourglass curves. Her new husband was draped in the finest coal grey Armani suit, complementing his deeply tanned skin.

Oh, my God, you guys! Cat wiped falling tears from her beautiful mahogany brown face as she took in this moment. This is so beautiful. How did you even find the time to do this?

Girl, we had to make time.

Lucy smiled brightly, finally prying herself out of her own man’s arms to properly congratulate our friend. It’s not like you gave us much notice that you got locked down and all.

Grant came behind his wife, fixing the strap on her lavender laced gown before addressing the new couple himself, Yeah, it was hell putting all of this together in time, but despite the rush, we are still very happy for you two. Congratulations guys. He winked, embracing them both.

Awww. Thank you, Grant, Cat smiled, placing a sweet kiss on his cheek before they departed.

Don’t thank me. Thank my lovely wife. She worked her ass off preparing this event for you guys.

He wasn’t lying either. Lucy was the party planning queen. She was so good she even started up her own business. Aside from reconciling her marriage with her husband Grant and giving birth to their second child, she managed to put this little shindig in motion, along with help from the rest of our crew of friends.

Speaking of which, Destiny and Derrick were in attendance as well, sneaking kisses from each other as if they were two horny teenagers on prom night. I couldn’t even blame them though. This was probably the first time they were able to find a babysitter for their twins and get out of the house for a while. Otherwise, they did store runs for Pampers and formula.

Megan and her man Skylar were here showing support as well. They, too, looked as if they wanted to get a hotel room and hightail it out of here. Despite our busy lives, all the girls managed to put in quite a bit of work for Cat and Emilio’s welcome back reception. We each went up to Cat, congratulating her on her nuptials, as she and Emilio continued to celebrate the night away.

Well, how does it feel joining the married women’s club, huh? I asked Cat as I gently grabbed her bare shoulders.

She pretended to think about it for a moment before responding. Hmmm, being with the man of my dreams for the rest of my life? Sounds pretty damn good to me.

I don’t have it too bad myself, Emilio leaned over and whispered with his heavy Italian accent.

Aww, baby. Cat smiled, rubbing back his chocolate brown locks. She placed a quick kiss on his lips.

Hey…hey…hey! I teased, pulling them apart abruptly. You two have the rest of your lives for all that mushy stuff. Now, after we eat some of this expensive food everybody chipped in to pay for, then feel free to let your freaky hormones run wild together. Until then, follow me.

Leading the happy couple to their seats in the dining area, I made sure they were good and comfortable as the festivities began.

The girls and I didn’t waste any time giving toasts, best wishes, and teasing Cat with old stories. The stories included, Remember when you used to date that dude with the S curl and his activator ruined the head cushions of your car seat?

We laughed a good minute about that one as Cat hid her face in embarrassment while reliving some of her best and worst moments in life. After all the well wishes were given, the newlyweds took to the dance floor while Earth, Wind and Fire played in the background.

I watched from the dinner table as the rest of the happy couples followed their lead and two-stepped to the classic jam. Alone with my private thoughts, I sipped from my wine glass heavily, taking in the wondrous night and all its entirety.

Well another one jumps the broom, huh? I chuckled to myself slightly, still gazing out onto the ballroom dance floor.

It was something of an epidemic the way all of my girlfriends were either getting married or having babies like typical 1950’s Stepford wives. Lucy and Grant had been together forever so their undying love was nothing new, but then there was Destiny and Derrick, now Cat and Emilio, and Megan and Skylar didn’t seem too far behind from jumping on the love boat of holy matrimony. If you are detecting a hint of jealousy coming from me, you are sadly mistaken. Although, I am happy for each and every one of my good girlfriends, married life was just not in the plans for me…ever.

I would like to identify myself as one of those satisfied singles taking over the 21st century, no man and no kids. I had created my own selfishly happy ever after and I was just fine with that.

As a successful lawyer working at one of the most prominent law firms in New York City, I live my life to please me and me only. Some might think this lifestyle choice would be lonely and miserable compared to a married woman, but I strongly disagreed. I am a woman of the new age, fully committed to my career, never committed to kids or a man. Just because I didn’t have a husband to grow old with didn’t mean I was going to die alone. Men still had a place in my life; unfortunately for them, that place was confined to my bedroom and only lasted a little while until I moved on to the next one.

See, in my eyes, I was just as happy as my friends, except I got twice the sex and none of the headache. I was completely down with the love ‘em and leave ‘em lifestyle, and judging by how handsome the bartender was looking this evening as he flirted with me from across the room, things weren’t about to change. The young caramel cutie continued to give me the eye, intensely watching me as I rose from my seat and sashayed over. His wide globes grew brighter upon my arrival, causing him to stumble a bit as he struggled to focus and clean the champagne glasses at the same time.

Hello, Miss. He stunningly smiled, flashing those pearly whites of his that would have made Colgate proud.

Now don’t you look delicious? I thought, licking my moist lips as I drank him in.

Mr. Caramel was a little younger than I liked them, but as long as he wasn’t illegal, I was willingly to let him slide… right into my panties, of course. Purring to myself, I studied him closely. I was checking out the merchandise and making sure he was up to my delectable standards. Let’s see, about six feet, close shaven, fit body and handsome as hell…yep, he will do just fine.

Is there anything I can do for you? he asked, his eyes bouncing back and forth like a pinball between my face and exposed cleavage.

Chuckling to myself, I noticed him trying to make his voice sound a little deeper. It was cute how hard he was trying to impress me, even though he was kind of making a fool out of himself.

Leaning over the flat surface of the bar, I made sure to give him a full view of my ample assets that were displaying perfectly in this low cut black silk dress. After I had his undivided attention, I went in for the kill smoothly but direct and to the point.

Well, sir, I would just love an apple martini if you don’t mind. That is, if you provide home services, do you?

Umm…not normally, but I’m sure I can make an exception.

Really? I would like that, but I must warn you I can be a very demanding customer. Are you sure you can handle the job?

He grinned excitedly, placing down the fine glasses in his hands while watching me hungrily. Baby, I am just waiting on you.

As the young fellow informed his boss he had to leave for an emergency, I signaled for him to wait for me in the parking area while I quickly gathered my belongings. I gave my girls one last goodbye before the night was over…at least for them. My fun for the evening had just begun.

Chapter One

Miss Independent

Alayah

Packing up in here? Cheryl Matthews asked as she casually peeked her head into my office.

It was something she regularly did throughout the day when the workload was light. Having just completed some important case files that were due by the end of the week, I was in the midst of putting them away as she made her appearance.

Oh, yes, ma’am. I winked, grabbing a water bottle from the mini fridge in the corner and plopping down in my office chair. I can’t wait to get out of here and enjoy this vacation; it’s been way too long.

Coming inside, Cheryl took a seat opposite me and flipping her strawberry blonde hair out of her green eyes as she got comfortable. We had been close coworkers ever since I came to work for Martin and Lee’s law firm. We were one of the few women in this male dominated field. Figuring united we stand divided we fall, Cheryl and I, along with a few other strong-willed young women here, chose to check up on one another from time to time. We made sure we each were staying on track and not being bulldozed by our male counterparts.

I’m so jealous of you right now, Cheryl pouted while filing the oval shape of her nails. Do you know how bad I want a vacation? Where are you going again?

To the lovely islands of Jamaica, and I can’t wait. For two years, I have been working my ass off trying to get this new partnership with the firm and now that the deal is almost sealed, I’m taking a break. Besides, I’m sure you and Trevor will have plenty to do when you move back to Vermont. I smiled at her, shutting down my computer and locking up my desk.

Cheryl simply nodded, slouching back in her chair, causing a wrinkle in her firmly pressed olive-green blouse. She and her husband Trevor, who by the way had just gotten a job offer as lead vascular surgeon at Vermont Medical Hospital, were moving from the Big Apple back to his hometown.

Vermont, my ass, Cheryl groaned, sulking lower in her chair. He is lucky I am even going back with him. Hell, if I focused more on my cases instead of show boating his career, I could have been up for partner my damn self. Finally sitting up in her seat, she turned to look at me. Alayah, I don’t even know why you are worried. You know you are definitely going to get the partnership. You’re one of the best lawyers here, especially after you slam-dunked the Walker case. This partnership is going to be a cake walk.

Yeah, I had to hand it to myself; I was pretty good at my job…I had to be. In this cock-swinging profession, it was easy for women to be overlooked for big opportunities, but I made sure to make a name for myself. I didn’t mind going the extra mile above my fellow colleagues, taking on the most difficult cases and making winning look easy.

The Walker case I had finished not too long ago was definitely a tough cookie and kept me up many of nights. James Walker, a big oil tycoon and financial contributor to the firm, found himself in some career ending legal trouble. One of his trusted financial specialists had been taking money continually from their company’s distributors without providing oil products in return. Once the press got wind that big-time oil tycoon James Walker was scamming people out of their money, they had a slander field day. The allegations alone caused a scandalous blow to his reputation as well as a heavy lawsuit. The case was so corrupt that the average lawyer wouldn’t touch it with a ten-foot pole.

However, I worked day and night with his case, trying my hardest to not only prove Mr. Walker’s innocence to this dispute but also prove my skill and competence as a lawyer to the senior partners. After that case was settled, Mr. Walker was cleared of all wrongdoing and I was seen as the new heroine of the firm. Yeah, I was definitely a force to be reckoned with, but in this male-dominated field, there was no guarantee I would be treated fairly based on my genitalia.

I know, I know, I acquiesced while stressing myself to death about the upcoming position offer. But I still worry. I have dedicated my life to my career. I have worked my ass off to solidify my position in this firm and now that I have done all that, I think I more than deserve a partnership, but there is still the slight possibility it won’t happen.

Well, if that is the case, let’s just burn the place down in a feminist revolt. That will teach those cock-swinging chauvinists.

We both chuckled, making light of the situation for shits and giggles, but there was still a twinge of doubt in my heart and I was getting a bit depressed just thinking about the possibility of losing this opportunity.

Cheryl, seeing my sullen demeanor, stood from her chair as she walked over to me.

Okay, enough office talk. She smiled, grabbing my hands and helping me to my feet. You are going to enjoy your vacation, meet some handsome men, and live out every single, and some married, women’s fantasy. She giggled. And when you return, be prepared to move into your new office and accept the title of new junior partner of Martin and Lee’s.

Aww, I cooed, embracing her in my arms tightly. You’re such a good buddy. What am I going to do without you?

"What am I going to do without you? Cheryl repeated as she hugged me. I’m serious. Vermont is not going to be the same. Why did I have to marry a brainiac surgeon who thinks I’m supposed to follow him around the world?" she asked with sad puppy dog eyes framing her face.

Because he is gorgeous, has lots of money, and worships the ground you walk on, I widely grinned, reminding her of the obvious.

A sly smile spread across her face as she thought about how well she clearly had it in life. Oh, yeah. I forgot about that.

Am I interrupting something? Tim Martin asked, flashing his million-dollar smile at Cheryl and I as he entered my office.

His old wrinkled blue eyes contrasted with the freshly dyed chestnut brown hair that rested on top of his head. Tim Martin was a sharp looking man. People could easily tell he came from money, but his overworked and stressed out features gave his age. Nevertheless, the man was more than competent at his job. When it came to winning cases, he was like a shark in water.

Oh, no, Tim. You’re fine. Come right in. I smiled as Cheryl and I pulled apart from our emotional girly moment.

"Hey, Tim, I was just telling Alayah to enjoy her vacation and how much the firm will miss