Zena's Awakening: Scandalous, #6

By Julenia Speaks

Readers of the Scandalous series have been introduced to a new and different type of love story. Zena Matthews was devastated when she discovered that her husband was having an affair with her best friend. As an accomplished photojournalist from a well-to-do family, she wasn't concerned about surviving without her husband. She owned the house they lived in, she made more money, and she paid all the household expenses. She was one kickass little woman, has never backed away from a fight, and she knew that she had what was needed in order to take down her opponent.

 

Her husband thought that he could strong-arm her into giving him the bulk of the money from the sale of her house, but she wasn't planning on selling the house. She also let him know right away that she was not one to be played with. As the divorce case came to a close, she found herself loving her freedom and having the time of her life with her two sexy boyfriends.

 

Angry that the divorce case was near completion and his estranged wife had turned the tables on him, Jeff comes up with a plan guaranteed to force Zena to acquiesce. Will he succeed in his efforts, or will others gain the upper hand? Scandalous: Zena's Awakening is Book 6 in the Scandalous series. It is a 92,000-word dark interracial romance and is only intended for adult readers over the age of 18, due to strong language and steamy adult content. It features a foul-mouthed and criminal-minded surgical resident, two sexy and adventurous sports professional men and one sassy photojournalist. A sneak peek of Book 7 in the series, Secret Desires appears at the end of the book.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Julenia Speaks
• Release date: Sep 16, 2023
• ISBN: 9781393707127

Book preview

Disclaimer

This book is a work of fiction that is only meant for readers who are adults over the age of 18. If you are reading this book and are under the age of 18, you should stop what you are doing and close this book right now.

All events and characters depicted in this book are fictional. Any resemblance to people, places and events, living or dead, is unintentional and coincidental.

I have made every effort to provide a quality reading experience for you, but editing and modern technology are fallible. Please feel free to contact me at [e-mail].

About This Book

Readers of the Scandalous series have been introduced to a new type of love story. Zena Mathews was devastated to discover that her husband has been having an affair with her best friend. As a masterly photojournalist from a well-to-do family, she wasn’t too concerned about surviving without her husband. She owned the house they lived in, she made more money, and she paid all the household expenses. She was also one kickass little woman, has never backed away from a fight, and she knew that she had what was needed in order to take down her opponent.

Her estranged husband thought that he could strong-arm her into giving him the bulk of the money from the sale of her house, but she wasn’t planning on selling the house. She also let him know that she was not one to be played with. As her divorce case was near completion, she found herself loving her freedom and having the time of her life with her two sexy boyfriends.

Angry that the divorce case was coming to a close and his estranged wife had turned the tables on him, Jeff comes up with a plan guaranteed to force Zena to acquiesce. Will he succeed in his efforts, or will others gain the upper hand?

Scandalous: Zena’s Awakening is Book 6 in the Scandalous series. It is a 92,000-word dark, interracial romance that is only intended for adult readers 18 years of age and older, due to strong language and steamy adult content.

It features a foul-mouthed and criminal minded surgical resident, two commanding and kinky sports professional men, and one sassy and independent photojournalist.

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1

We Need to Talk

ZENA

––––––––

Tori, Ivy and I spent a few hours shopping, and then we headed over to Tori and Jesse’s house for a healthy meal. While we were eating, I noticed that Tori was looking at me in that certain way that said she knew that something was going on. I was so sure that I was able to hide how I was really feeling, but I guess it wasn't the case at all.

Zena, Jesse is at Ivy and Alex's place with the baby. So we can talk, Tori said. I know something is wrong. I could tell, you know.

Zena, she can read you like a book the way I can read her, Ivy said as Tori snorted and laughed.

Jesse called, I admitted to both of my friends.

Yeah, he did mention that he was trying to get in touch with you. What’s going on?

Jeff and his attorney are expecting a sit down on Monday.

He wants a sit down? Tori said while furrowing her brow. Why?

"He wants to discuss my house. Jeff is not happy with the settlement agreement, so he told his attorney that the house belongs completely to him. He wants it in writing our plan to sell the house, and Jeff is expecting to receive seventy percent from the sale of it. This is all about my money and the fact that he will no longer have access to it.

In the current settlement, he is expected to pay me reimbursement alimony for the years that I took care of him financially. He was in medical school and I housed him, clothed him and gave him access to my money and other assets. He was furious about that one, and he was about to go after the judge. His attorney had to calm him down.

I watched as Tori’s eyes grew really big, and then she had a look on her face like she was getting ready for a fight. She already had issues with a lot of the things that Jeff was doing, based on what I told her, in addition to what she observed him do when he was at her wedding. I could only imagine what was going through her head, especially since Jeff felt that I only deserved thirty percent from the sale of my own home.

Oh wow. Is he smoking something? He doesn’t even own the house, she said. Ivy saw the original documents and so did Jesse and Alex, not to mention the court clerk and the judge. It's already been well established in court that you're the sole owner.

Yes, I know.

So there's really nothing to worry about.

In a normal situation, I would feel like I have nothing to worry about, and the idea that you can't argue facts would ring true. The fact remains that my husband sent a predator after me. If a man can do something like that to the woman that he supposedly loved, then I believe that he's capable of doing just about anything. We all know what the original documents say, but apparently Jeff gave his attorney a different version of the truth.

Wait a minute, Ivy said as her eyes darted back and forth between mine and Tori's. Jeff did what?

Oh, right, I said as I suddenly realized that Ivy didn't know about the situation involving Frank. I proceeded to explain to her about his behavior in the office, and then how he crossed the line in my hotel suite in Toronto. Then I told her how I later discovered that Jeff and Frank were friends and had been for years.

That son of a bitch! Ivy stated.

Yes, that's one way to put it, I said. I held off on saying anything to my uncle about what's been going on, but I promised my aunt a while ago that I would tell him about it. So first thing Monday morning, I plan on meeting with my uncle and telling him about everything that happened in Canada, as well as Frank’s friendship with Jeff.  Jesse is going to tell Jeff’s attorney that I have an important meeting with my boss and that I won't be available until the afternoon.

Well, at least you won’t have to deal with all of that drama with him first thing in the morning, Ivy said.

Yes.

I personally want front row seats to wherever you are when you tell Jason what's been going on, Tori joked. "Seriously, though. I'm very proud of you, Zena and I am so relieved that you will finally tell Adam what happened in Toronto. I can guarantee that Frank’s days at Urbane are now numbered."

I could only hope.

Zena, I know this is frustrating for you, but Jeff is only doing this out of desperation. Ivy said.

She’s right. I mean...he's a doctor on staff at a very respectable teaching hospital. It's not like he can't afford to live without your contribution to the household, Tori said.

He just refuses to. I have to admit that I made life very sweet for him. I spoiled that man. I paid all the bills, and that reminds me about something. I need to call the car dealership and find out what is going on with them. I contacted them several months ago to cancel the car loan, but the transaction never went through.

Zena, I’ll talk to Jesse about that, Tori said. You can just let him or Alex take care of that for you.

Okay.

I'm so sorry that you're going through all of this. I completely understand what it's like to think that someone you know presents himself as an intelligent and mature professional, but in reality he's just as bad, if not worse than most criminals you deal with on the street.

You're talking about your former boss, Tori?

"Yes. He was the program director of a social services program and a respectable member of the business community. He came across as a pig and a jerk, but I never would have imagined him to be the type of man he turned out to be. He was my boss. In the same place where he provided services to homeless adults and conducted business meetings with other local professionals, he held several of us against our will and forced us into a life of sex trafficking. Then he sold me as a sex slave to my ex-husband, knowing there was an order of protection and the man was supposed to stay away from me. After I experienced all of that, there is very little that surprises me.

I've seen it all. Jeff is a doctor and a respected member of the community, but behind closed doors he’s just another predator. He’s an abusive spouse and a criminal. You are a beautiful, intelligent young woman, and you have two gorgeous men that are totally in love with you. You have to always remember that. Remember who you are and how much you are loved. Not just by Jason and Eric, but also by your friends and family.

Yes, I said, smiling as I thought of the two men in my life, and then I thought of my family and friends.

How long is Eric going to be in town? Ivy asked.

He’ll be here a few more days. He's asked me to join his team of professionals at an agency that he’s developing.

What kind of agency? Ivy asked. He's going to quit playing football?

Yes. He's planning on developing a detective agency.

Zena, that is so exciting! Tori said.

"Yes. I told him that I'd think it over. I'll bring it up to my uncle when I meet with him. If I accept Eric’s offer, my plan is to continue working at Urbane."

So who do you feel closest to? Tori asked. I was getting the feeling that she was trying to distract me from the subject of my sleazy soon to be ex-husband.

"I feel very close to both of them. On the one hand, I have Jason. He’s sexy and he has those green eyes that I find irresistible. He’s also bossy and dominant, but he has another side to him, you know? It's a very wild side. He says things and does things that I never would have imagined a hotel owner would do and say. It's passionate and thrilling. And he's so sexy. And he loves me for me. As bossy as he is, he's a very patient and understanding man.

And then there's Eric. He has that slight Canadian accent that I find so sexy. And then there are those adorable blue eyes of his. Although he's athletic and somewhat dominant, he's a lot more flexible than Jason is in some ways. They both have qualities that I like, and they both want to take care of me.

Zena Matthews, I get the feeling that you want to continue seeing both of them, Tori said with a smile.

You're right, I do.

And how do Jason and Eric feel about that?

They're okay with it.

I didn't want to come out and admit to either of them that JP, Eric and I were in a unique type of relationship. I wasn't sure yet if they would judge me or if they would be horrified. After all, they were in traditional relationships. They were both married and were raising children with their spouses. There was a time when I had hoped to have that kind of life with Jeff. A loving spouse and a house full of children was all I had ever wanted once upon a time, but I now realize that it just wasn't going to happen.

***

I awoke early Monday morning to the feel of a strong hand caressing my right outer thigh, while a thumb was lightly rubbing my left nipple back and forth. A low moan escaped my lips as the hand caressing my thigh moved slightly upward. I slowly opened my eyes and met JP’s intense gaze as his thumb started to flick back and forth against my clit, driving me crazy. This was something that I wanted, and it was definitely something that I needed today. I needed hot passion to kick start the crazy day I was about to have.

I covered my hand with JP’s, guiding him to rub harder and faster. Seeing what I was doing, he gently moved my hand out of the way. It was really no surprise. Bossy JP liked taking the lead in the bedroom. He was letting me know that we would go at his pace, not mine. I even observed him exchanging glances with Eric, showing him with his eyes and facial expressions what was going to happen.

Don't let loose until I tell you to, he said to me in his bossy, commanding voice.

Okay.

Suddenly, his head was between my legs, and my nipple was inside Eric's mouth as he began licking it like an ice cream cone. This was driving me crazy, and I reached down between Eric’s legs liking the thickness that I found there. I started to slowly caress up and down as Eric started thrusting his hips in response to my touch. I felt the heat rise in my stomach as JP's tongue continued to caress me. I tried to focus on Eric so I could try to prevent myself from really letting loose, but it was very hard to do. After a few minutes, JP climbed on top of me and thrust into me hard and deep.

Oh, yes.

Yes...oh, yes, I sighed.

I loved the way JP made me feel as he stroked my inner walls. I could feel his cock right at my center. He continued making deep thrusts, and then he alternated with blunt, short jabs as he pressed my butt into the mattress while rubbing his pelvis harder against me, driving me crazy. I could feel the adrenaline taking over as my heart beat rapidly and frantically while I tried to catch up to my body's wants and desires. I was right there on the edge.

Give it to me, babe, he commanded. I could tell that he was having a very hard time catching his breath.

Yes. He was close.

I could feel that first orgasm approaching. Suddenly, I didn't have the energy to respond. All my strength was focused at the center of my body. Then he pulled out.

What was he doing? He can't stop now!

I felt sort of panicky. I wasn't done yet, and I needed him to continue, not end it. I wondered for a brief moment if he had let loose himself. I didn't get the sense that he had. I certainly didn't feel it. I grabbed his shoulders, burying my face in his neck. It was at that point that I felt him pick up speed, and my body was ready for him now.

I was focused on release. He slowly started to caress the head of his cock up and down my clit. The sensation was more intense this way than when he did it earlier with his thumb. This was stimulating, and it had my senses reeling as I cried out my pleasure. He then thrust back inside me. I wanted this man, and I wanted everything of his that he wanted to give me. I could feel myself starting to let loose again, and then I heard him breathing deeply once more.

Oh, yes!

I continued to moan deeply as my orgasm washed over me. I looked into his eyes and he looked into mine. He seemed to enjoy what he was doing to me. Then he leaned down and bit into the side of my neck, causing me to groan out loud another release. At this point, I was feeling a little weak and exhausted. I looked at him again, observing as he was exchanging glances with Eric once again. Eric let go of my breast that was in his mouth, and then he climbed on top of me.

More torture.

He knew what I was aiming for, and he wasted no time thrusting into me deeply as JP stood near my face and I took his cock into my mouth. I rested my legs on Eric's shoulders, enjoying as he thrust deeply in and out of me. I matched his movements while also using my lips and tongue on JP. Eric's right hand was on my right butt cheek and his left hand was behind my head, alternating between caressing my hair and pulling my head forward.

My right hand pressed the back of JP's head as I licked and sucked him harder. His left hand was touching my left butt cheek now, and he alternated between caressing my butt cheek and caressing the sensitive part of my butt. I could tell that he had thoughts of entering the back door. I had no interest in going there, but I had to admit that what he was doing did feel incredible.

Oh yes. I felt like the three of us were now connected as one.

My nails were digging into Eric's skin and I felt the heat from his body as it warmed me all over. In that moment, I wanted to scream out loud. Eric’s hips continued to thrust upward and I continued to match his movements, thrust for thrust. I felt as JP stilled his hips, and then he spilled himself inside my mouth and his sticky fluid slid down my throat.

This did something to me, and I felt the little tremors within me. His pleasure excited me sexually, and I found myself letting out a little groan. Like a domino effect, I felt Eric as he humped me harder and faster, just before he spilled his release inside me. I came once more, closing my eyes and enjoying the intense pleasure that went through my body.

When I opened my eyes, I saw that JP was standing near me with a face cloth in his hand and he started to clean me with it. He must have gone into the bathroom when my eyes were closed. After Jason cleaned me with the cloth, he handed another one to Eric so he could also clean himself.

I went into the bathroom and took a nice hot shower, and then I prepared to get dressed. Returning to the bedroom, I realized it was empty. I was thinking that the two men in my life were downstairs in the kitchen, making an attempt to cook breakfast.

I was soon dressed in a knee-length designer black skirt, white silk blouse and black blazer. I knew that it was going to be a very hectic day for me. First I'd be meeting with Uncle Adam, and then I had a planning meeting with the team at the office. This afternoon, Jesse and I would be meeting with Jeff and his attorney.

You're nervous? JP asked me when I came downstairs and entered the kitchen. I had to admit that I was very impressed with them both. I was even more impressed with the fact that they had developed a friendship.

A little, I said.

You'll be fine. Don't worry, he said as he smiled and winked at me.

After we ate breakfast together, I kissed the two of them before heading off to the fitness center. After my workout and another shower, I headed for the office. I wanted to get there a little early so that I could organize my thoughts. This wasn't going to be an easy thing for me to do.

I arrived at the office about twenty minutes later, relieved that I was the only one at Urbane. After disabling the alarm, I rushed into my office. I proceeded to power up my desktop computer, and then I began checking my business emails while I waited for Uncle Adam to arrive at the office. I was just about done when I heard the door chime.

I was thinking that it was either Uncle Adam or Janice arriving to work. I felt disappointed when I heard the annoying sound of my soon to be ex-husband's voice as he walked into my office. I was thinking to myself that he must have completely lost his ever loving mind. We were scheduled to meet later today with our attorneys present.

Zena, we need to talk.

Huh!

Jeff, why are you even here? I said in exasperation as I walked over to my printer to add card stock in order to print a stack of flyers that will be mailed out later today. My back was facing him while I was busy with the printer, and I was thinking that it was a good thing that it was. I was so furious with this man that I felt an overwhelming urge to physically assault him. I already know that my attorney contacted yours, and we are scheduled to meet at his office at two o'clock this afternoon. I'm really not sure why you would want to meet with me privately at my office and without either attorney present.

Yeah, my lawyer called me a little while ago and said that there is an emergency meeting he has to attend at the courthouse. It’s involving another case that he's working on.

Yeah, I'll just bet it is. How convenient!

I don’t understand why he didn’t just call my attorney, I stated in anger as I walked back over to my desk. If he had the time to call you, I’m pretty certain that he could spare another twenty seconds to call my attorney.

He couldn't spare the time, he said with an unusual look on his face. When he called me, he asked me to try to meet with you and to work things out. He said we can then try to schedule another meeting with the four of us later in the week.

Unbelievable! I could not believe that his attorney would even suggest that Jeff meet with me privately. Where exactly did he find this incompetent sleaze? Was the man’s business address and telephone number listed on the back page of one of those sleazy magazines that featured strippers and hookers advertising their services? This was just so unreal!

I was certainly glad that at least my attorney would be available. I didn’t trust Jeff as far as I could throw him, and I really didn’t want to be in the same room with the man. On top of that, there was something in the way Jeff explained this new change in plans that seemed a little off. I could tell by the choppy way his words flowed that he was lying about something.

Okay, fine, I said without really thinking about it. I wasn’t in the mood to fight with him this morning, and I really just wanted him out of my office and out of my face. I won’t be meeting with you in private, though. I want it to be somewhere public.

I didn't want to take any chances with Jeff, just in case Jesse was delayed or something. I didn't want to have to spend one second alone with that man. There was really no telling what he had planned.

Zena, we were married for eight years and we've been together for ten, he said with a wounded look on his face that I chose to ignore. You're trying to tell me now that you don't trust me?

Yes, Jeff. That's exactly what I'm telling you. You betrayed my trust already, so now you have to prove to me that you are worthy of it, and so far you have failed to do that.

Come on, Zena, he pleaded with me. We can meet at the house. There will be no funny business. I promise.

Okay, fine. Jesse will be meeting with us there, and I won’t get started with the meeting until after he arrives.

Okay.

Jeff was leaving the office when Uncle Adam arrived with Janice. I observed the look of disgust on my uncle's face as he looked at Jeff, and that made me smile on the inside. After my uncle ordered coffee and breakfast, I met with him in his office and proceeded to tell him about what went down at my hotel suite in Toronto.

He did what? my uncle responded in anger and shock, his face turning red with fury.

I wasn't hurt, and I was able to kick him out of my hotel suite, I told my uncle as I tried very hard to convince him that I was not in any kind of danger.

"That is not even the point. Something worse could have happened to you. He could have really hurt you. I heard all about his predatory behavior during his baseball career, but I thought that was all in the past.

Apparently I was wrong about that. If I had known he was still like that, I never would have hired him in the first place. I certainly wouldn’t have allowed him to go anywhere near you. I would have never assigned you as his supervisor, and I certainly wouldn’t have sent him out of the country with you.

That isn't everything, I added, knowing that I needed to tell him all about Jeff and Frank being friends, in addition to the possibility that Jeff put him up to everything that went down in Canada, and the ongoing harassment at the office.

While we were in Toronto, Frank let it slip that he and Jeff knew each other, and that they hang out together. It turns out that they grew up together in New York City, and I have reason to believe that Jeff arranged all of this.

What do you mean all of this? he asked with a serious and very angry look on his face.

I'm talking about the harassment in the office, in addition to the attempted rape in Toronto. I think Jeff set this in motion.

"Frank had a choice, and he could have told Jeff to find someone else to do his dirty work, but he didn't. I will not have Jeff or Frank putting you at risk like that. Even if you weren't my niece, it's still criminal behavior.

Frank is out of here. He was already halfway out the door before I learned about any of this. All of this just proves to me that he is not a good fit for our team, or for anyone else’s team. He never learned his lesson from his previous criminal behavior and I’m really regretting my decision to hire him.

He's certainly right about that. Yea! He said that Frank was out of here. When?!

Okay.

I know that you've always been strong and brave, but this is something you should have told me about the minute you and Frank returned from Toronto. In fact, you should have called me from your suite the minute he left. I cannot believe that you've been working with him all this time, knowing what he could have done to you and what could have happened.

Now my uncle sounded more like Uncle Adam from my childhood, and I felt like a ten-year old all over again. He even gave me that daddy look, the same one he used to give to my cousins Joe and Sean whenever they did things to disappoint him during