Petty Over Everything: The Petty Series, #2

By Midnite Love

The Finale

We left off with Halo agreeing to meet with one of the top movie producers in the industry, Spike Perry. Spike promises Halo a role in his upcoming film in exchange for a little off camera action. Halo soon finds herself pulled into a world of lies and mayhem. She soon learns that the price of fame is more than she's willing to pay. Meanwhile Halo's room mate's have had enough of her shenanigans and decide to give her a taste of her own medicine. Join Ms. Paula, Ellington, Mecca and the rest of the gang in the finale to this two part series to find out if Halo's petty ways have finally caught up with her.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Love Den Media Publishing
• Release date: Jun 15, 2019
• ISBN: 9781386565062

Midnite Love

As the author of more than a dozen dating, relationship and romance urban-fiction novels and self-help references, Midnite Love has become one of the nation's bestselling go-to gurus for sensual and saucy tell-it-like-is-is tomes. Throughout her narratives, Midnite Love addresses a vast array of relationship topics, from increasing levels of intimacy with your mate and maintaining a healthy, loving relationship to learning how to fight fair, as well as exploring ways to help your partner let down walls and open himself to new levels of arousal and intimacy. From break-ups to make-ups and everything between, she has become the voice of experience for a generation of women looking for honest, frank and pragmatic advice. In addition to her robust selection of sister-to-sister books, Midnite Love is also Co-Host of the relationship program "Chattin' With Candace and Midnite Show," featuring" Real Talk, Real Raw," airing online and via podcast on iTunes. She also commandeers website thelovediaries.com. And now, Midnite Love is expanding her reach all the more, writing under a new pen name moniker as Lady Onyxx. Born and raised in the "D" Detroit City Midnite Love Aka Lady Onyxx witnessed the hardcore reality of hood life. As a nonfiction author she has shared her knowledge on relationships, intimacy and sex. Her fans have also gotten a taste of her fiction urban titles as Midnite Love. Join now her as the pen meets the pavement for some raw, gritty, urban fiction at its finest.

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

Halo gazed out the window at the parched Nevada desert. The flight to Vegas was a bit bumpy and crowded, the small commuter flights always were. Once she was off the plane she headed to the nearest airport bar. After slamming a double shot of Hennessey, she headed to the restroom to freshen up. She brushed her teeth, applied fresh lipstick and combed her hair. This was it. She couldn’t believe that she was really doing it. The alcohol served to calm her nerves. However, now she was nauseous from chugging it on an empty stomach. There was no time to grab food, plus she wanted her breath to be fresh when she met up with Spike. Instead she opted for a stick of gum.

The desert heat enveloped her as she stepped outside. The temperature was a scorching 115 degrees, with a dryness that felt as though she’d walked into a preheated oven. Just as she was about to retreat back inside the air-conditioned building, a text came through. It was from Spike.

Pulling up now.

She slipped on her shades and made her way to the passenger pick up area where she was met by a metallic burnt orange Bentley Mulsanne. Spike’s identity was concealed behind heavily tinted windows, avoiding the pandemonium that was sure to ensue if he were spotted.

Damn, conspicuous much?

Halo expected him to live a lavish lifestyle, but reading about it on the gossip sites, and seeing it in person were two different things. Any normal fan would pounce on the opportunity to hang out with a celebrity in one of their luxury vehicles. Yet Halo’s excitement was stifled by hesitation. Mainly because she wanted to remain under the radar. Spike was a single man, therefore if he was spotted with a random groupie it was no big deal. However, Halo didn’t fall into that category, seeing as she had a man. The last thing she needed was the paparazzi snapping pictures of them together, ending up in some celebrity gossip tabloid. Kind of ironic seeing as that was partially how she made her living.

At this point she still hadn’t told him that she was in a relationship, mainly because she didn’t want him to have anything to hold over her head till their little business deal was complete.

His driver stepped out and placed her bag in the trunk. The back door popped open and a voice beckoned her.

Your chariot awaits. Come on in here with yo’ fine self, Spike joked as Halo entered the vehicle.

His attempt at corny humor did little to calm her nerves.

Hey....

Now don’t go getting all shy on me. How was your flight?

It was ok.

You hungry?

I was kinda hoping we could get this over with, she replied nervously.

Spike removed his shades to make eye contact with her.

Just relax and enjoy the moment. We’ll get to that part soon enough. For now, I just want to grab a bite to eat, kick back and chill, maybe get a little gambling in. I’ve been working like crazy and I want to take full advantage of my down time.

Her brows twisted in confusion. I thought he said he was going to be on set?

Down time? I thought this was a working vacation.

I’m just checking out a location for my next film, but that won’t take long. My schedule has been crazy the past few months. I needed this little get away.

Suddenly, Halo felt bad for trying to rush the process. The last thing she wanted to do was come off as ungrateful. It just never occurred to her that this was a mini vacation for him.

I’m sorry, it’s just it’s my first time doing something like this. I’m going to relax and let you take the lead.

She leaned back in her seat and attempted to will herself into a calm state of mind.

I totally understand. I get that the Hollywood life is not for everyone, hell, even for some of us celebrities. I try to fly under the radar as much as possible.

Not in this space ship you aren’t. Halo rolled her eyes and smirked.

Oh, I see you got jokes. Hey, what can I say? I like my toys.

So, what happens next?

The driver is dropping us off at the hotel. We can freshen up and afterwards do something about that beast growling in your stomach.

Halo put her hand over her belly and laughed. It was true. She was starving. Her stomach had been making noise since she’d gotten off the plane. She hoped that their conversation, along with the radio playing in the background would drown it out.

You heard that?

I think half of Vegas heard it.

Halo playfully socked him in the arm.

The carefree banter served to lighten up the mood. They shared laughter before stopping to stare at each other for a few seconds. Halo quickly averted her gaze to the passenger’s window.

Sensing that she still had inhibitions, Spike reached over and placed his hand over hers.

Just relax, you are in good hands. I want you to enjoy yourself.

His voice was soft and reassuring. She’d never let any man besides Ellington touch her in this manner, so it was a bit weird. Yet his caress still felt good. The relaxing part was easier said than done.

As they cruised down Las Vegas Blvd Halo’s stomach turned in knots. What the hell was she thinking? There was no way she could be low key with all these people around. God forbid she ran into someone she knew.

Fluorescent lights flashed on hotels that sprawled for blocks. The sidewalk bustled with tourist. Some taking pictures, most staggering around with drinks in hand. Once they made it to the Bellagio hotel and entered through a secluded door in the parking garage there was no turning back.

CHAPTER TWO

N ow this is what I call VIP treatment, Halo gushed as she admired the Grand Buddha statue that sat in the center of TAO restaurant. After dropping their bags and freshening up it was time to get their grub on. It wasn’t the most upscale restaurant in Vegas by a long shot. However, Spike’s celebrity status allowed him to reserve the entire establishment to himself. This allowed them to dine without any interruptions.

Nothing but the best for my new star.

I love the way that sounds.

Halo gazed at him dreamy eyed, imagining what it would be like to live lavish on a daily basis.

When do you expect filming to start? I’m eager to get to work.

Spike spooned up a heaping serving of duck fried rice onto his plate and changed the subject.

I don’t anticipate it being too far in the future, but I don’t want to talk about work right now. I’m here to relax and enjoy the company of a beautiful woman. Can we discuss how gorgeous you look?

Halo blushed from the compliment then took a sip of her wine. Spike’s endless flirting was a bit awkward, but she had to admit she was enjoying every minute of it.

Thank you. You mind if I ask you a personal question?

As long as it’s not about work, he warned.

Nevermind....

We are getting off to a bad start already.

What do you mean?

I don’t like the fact that I can’t say no to you.

Halo straightened up in her seat and smiled. That’s a good thing.

Spike let out a hearty laugh. I’ll be the judge of that. Go ahead and ask your question.

How many girls have you done this on?

Woah, I see you don’t have a problem with bluntness.

Judging by the way you came at me back at your trailer you don’t either, Halo countered.

Touché, I’m assuming by this you mean what we are doing right now?

Yes, how many women do you promise roles in exchange for sex. I know I can’t be that special.

Despite the line she was feeding herself and Mecca about him choosing her because she was a great talent she knew that it was wishful thinking. Men like Spike had beautiful women at his disposal on a daily basis. All it would take is a few empty promises to get them to drop their panties. Truth be told, less than that. There was no shortage of thirsty Instathots looking for sponsors. For them, an expensive bag, a few Fashion Nova outfits and a meal at Cheesecake Factory would suffice.

If you must know, this is my first time doing anything like this. The way I see it, we both have something the other wants. I saw what I wanted and went after it.

Spike was lying through his teeth, but then again, he was an actor himself. If he could manage to convince Halo that he was awe struck by her talent as well as her beauty, this would be his best role to date.

Now you know I don’t believe you.

I figured as much, but it’s the truth. I mean think about it. Would a man in my position have to bribe a woman for sex? Hell, even ask for that matter.

No I guess not.....

He was right. He had enough women flooding his DMs with nude pics to keep him balls deep in poon for the next few years. But seeing as he needed a bit more excitement, he preferred when there was a bit of a chase involved. Not to mention, he had more to lose than the average man. The last thing he needed was to get caught up in a harem of thirsty trollops. He wasn’t innocent by any means, but when he decided to play he wanted it to be on his terms. 

Listen Halo, I know you have reservations but believe me when I tell you I’m good at what I do. I have an uncanny knack for spotting talent if I do say so myself. The last newcomer that had a breakout role in my film Addiction was handpicked by me. He was basically an unknown, but there was something about the way he moved and spoke that I knew would translate well on the big screen. I had that same feeling the first time I laid eyes on you. You are familiar with Dedris Kelma?

Spike paused to see if his sales pitch was working.

Halo’s eyes lit up.

Really? Of course.

She was beyond flattered by the compliment. It was true, the actor he was speaking of went on to land several huge roles after working with Spike, despite his short resume. Maybe he was the real deal.

He’s super-hot right now, I had no idea you gave him his break. I mean I know he was in your movie, but I thought a casting agent got him the gig.

"Nope, I met the brotha a few years back. He was a bellhop at a hotel I was staying in.