Diamond At Midnight

By J. A. Jackson

 

Growing up on the mean streets of Chicago prepared Diamond Dunbar for almost anything. With her sights set on a college education, she's ready to live the dream.

Her boyfriend, Allen built his reputation on ruthlessness. After making a questionable business arrangement with Diamond, he pulls the rug right out from under her. Enter, Max, he's enthralled with Diamond. He's a sucker for a damsel in distress. Diamond can't resist the attention of Max. Yes, he's tall, dark and handsome but can she trust him with her secret?

Can he help her navigate through her muddled world of secrets, lies, and betrayal? When trust is an option. Trust no one!

Is trust an option?

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: J. A. Jackson
• Release date: May 13, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393113652

J. A. Jackson

J. A. JACKSON is an author who lives in an enchanted little house she calls home in the Northern California foothills with her husband and Big Sally an American scent hound. She fell in love with writing as a small child.  She was born in Arkansas and comes from a family rich in story tellers.  She spent over ten years working in the non-profit sector where she wrote grants, press releases and contributed many stories to their newsletter. She was their Newsletter editor for over ten years. She loves growing roses, a good pot of hot tea, chocolate, magical stories, suspense stories, ghost stories, and reading Jane Austen again and again in her past time.  Please write to her at P.O. Box 1494, Clovis, CA 93613

Book preview

Prologue

Allen MacDonald

Are you awake Allen? The young woman shivered and moved her body closer. She knew Allen would keep her warm.

Make love to me again Allen, please, she moaned.

It will be morning soon, he said. I really should get going.

Allen MacDonald was more than a little stoned. He was almost in a trance, as he stared back through droopy eyes at the young woman. She wasn’t Diamond. But she would do things for him that he’d never ask Diamond to do.

Diamond Jolene Dunbar was his main squeeze. His prime-time lady. She had spunk the assertive ambitious kind that could be subtle and soft not like those pushy militant in-your-face types. He smiled thinking of his girl Diamond.

She knew what she wanted. He turned and stared at the woman lying next to him and looked back at her as if she didn’t exist.

From the day, he’d met Rhonda Brown he knew that she was drawn to him like a magnet. As far as Allen was concerned all women were drawn to him. It was a gift God gave him, being irresistible to women. How many times in the past twenty-four hours had he wished he could have told Rhonda the truth? That she meant nothing to him. Allen knew in his heart that there was a bond he held with Diamond, one that he had often dreamed about and felt that it could never be broken.

He couldn’t explain it. It wasn’t as if he and Diamond came from the same roots. From the moment, he’d met her, she was the girl from the wrong side of the town. He’d often wondered if this was the reason their bond was so strong. Diamond was his first love and he her first lover, her first real boyfriend. She wasn’t into the partying scene, getting drunk or high. She left the partying life to him. She never cheated on him. He was sure of that.

Allen tried not to think about Diamond too much as he laid there. He was aware of the nightmare his life would be if she ever found out about the young woman lying next to him in bed.

Oh, on the other hand this naked woman would do anything for him and the main thing he wanted, supplying him with his favorite breakfast cereal, snowflake.

At that moment, Ronda shifted position, stretching out a long leg that ended with delicate toenails painted bright red.

The effect was mesmerizingly sensual. There was a moment of silence before Allen stretched back down in bed.

Then suddenly Ronda rolled over on top of him and studied him.

Allen was so handsome, she had always thought, a handsome guy like Allen should be hers. I bet I know what you like, she murmured, as her hands traced the length of his body.

You know what I like. Do you have any more of our breakfast cereal? Allen asked.

Snowflake, coming right up, Ronda purred as she got out of bed and walked over to her handbag, and retrieved several small glassine bags of cocaine. She stopped and picked up a square mirror before returning to the bed.

Shall, we have our breakfast cereal, Allen? Ronda teasingly asked, but didn’t wait for him to respond, as she emptied a pack of white powder on top of the mirror and began making lines. When she was finished, she immediately snorted a line.

Patiently, Allen waited his turned and then snorted up a couple of lines. Mmmm… This… This…Ah! he murmured leaning back.

Rhonda leaned back and traced a red fingernail tip up and down Allen’s back. Well, Allen, what do you think? Ain’t that some good stuff?

Oh, hell yes, it is, he finally whispered, as he leaned over and snorted another line.

All at once Allen felt Rhonda’s tongue playing with his ear. It felt good. He knew it wouldn’t be long before she became horny. This was why he kept coming back to Ronda. That and the free supply of cocaine. Ahhhh shit! He moaned, feeling his penis getting hard.

His girl Diamond had competition.

Chapter 1

Diamond & Max …

Agust of cold night air rushed past Max as he shifted where he stood. The few beers he’d drank earlier to keep warm where quickly wearing off against the sting of the Chicago wind , nicknamed the Hawk.

Max sighed. The Hawk felt like a thousand tiny pricking needles pressing through his jeans into his legs, as he stood there.

He shook off the cold and made his way down the street to the house on the corner. The house was a dormitory and it was one of the best ones located near Northwestern University.

He’d been hoping to catch up on some much-needed sleep. A tall guy named Craig Claymont hurried out of the house just as he was about to enter.

"Hey Max, looks like you won’t get a good night’s sleep tonight. Your roommate, Allen is having a screw Fest."

Thanks for the update Craig, Max replied.

Don’t mention it. It’s the least I can do for a fellow American that ain’t getting any sex, Craig chuckled. Hey, walk with me to the park?

Sure, Max said, following in step beside him.

Suddenly Craig stopped smiling. He knew that he had to count himself in that category, of those not getting any sex. He thought how they could remedy the situation. By the way, sexy boneless Bonita is dancing down at the strip club. Want to join me? I’ll pay your, ten dollars to get in, and buy us a couple baskets of chicken wings.

Max rubbed his chin. The thought of seeing Bonita writhe her spineless naked body in front of him sounded appealing. Not to mention Craig was buying the chicken wings.

Before Max could open his mouth.

A familiar woman’s voice sliced the air. Hey Max, could I talk to you for a moment?

Max smiled. It was Diamond. From the first moment, he’d ever laid eyes on her he’d fallen in love. She exuded an irresistible excitement that was uniquely her own. That, and the fact, that she possessed some of the most dangerous curves he’d ever seen. He cut a glance at Craig. He knew what Diamond did to Craig.

Craig’s eyes widen as he face broke-out into a big grin. He couldn’t stop staring as she sashayed over in a pair of skin-tight jeans.

Hi Diamond, Craig nervously called, clearing his throat, as she closed the gap between them. I guess you didn’t see me standing here, he replied, sidling up to her and scrutinized her up and down quickly with his eyes. He let out a howling dog whistle. Holy shit! Diamond you are one of the finest creatures God ever made. You know I want to be president of your fan club, right?

Max stifled a laugh. Good to see you Diamond and Craig’s right. You do look good tonight.

Max knew that Craig was obsessed with Diamond and he knew she knew it too.

Diamond smiled, a polite smile that held no trace of humor. Craig, how many times do I have to tell you that line is old? Not to mention, it gets you nowhere.

Craig’s lips twitched. I didn’t read anywhere that a man was supposed to give up on wishing and hoping, he said, letting his eyes linger on her breast.

Talk about a rock and a hard place. Max sighed and thought to himself, as he watched the encounter between Diamond and Craig. Kind-hearted Diamond was forever believing that teachable moments existed for Craig. While Max knew that Craig had a one-track mind, when it came to Diamond.

Diamond folded her arms across her chest. Now, Craig sugar, how many times do I have to tell you it’s not polite to stare openly at a woman’s chest?

Craig snorted out a chuckle that was close to a giggled. This was the woman of his dreams. Me? I ain’t doing nothing wrong but standing here silently musing over the possibilities of a man like me being with a woman like you.

Max couldn’t stop a laugh from escaping. He stood there silently shaking his head.

Craig let out a heavy sigh enraptured by the moment. A slow smile crept across his face when his brain registered her last words. Diamond, did you just call me sugar? Damn, I love the sound of it. It sounds so sexy.

Diamond frowned. Cut it out Craig! I’ve heard the rumors that you are really a sex addict disguised as an all-American virgin. You know exactly what you’re doing.

Seriously, Diamond, Craig inquired grinning wide. You heard that about me? Does that mean that you want to help me lose the virginity thing? So, that you can help me change my image? When can we do it? I’m free right now?

At that moment, frustrated, Diamond turned and glanced at Max when it was apparent that he wasn’t coming to her rescue. Max? Did you hear him? Seriously?

Normally, Diamond considered Maximilian Joseph Matheson to be a chivalrous gentleman. It was one of the qualities she liked most about him. Diamond shifted her attention and gave Craig, some steel attitude.

Back off, Craig! She demanded.

Max smiled wide and then let out a loud hearty laugh. He knew when Diamond was getting upset. Okay, Diamond, what do you want me to do. Craig is just being honest.

Diamond smiled, seeing Max’s brilliant smile and laughter put her at ease. But his laughter was contagious. She wondered if this was how Craig felt about her. The way she was feeling about Max. His attractiveness was stealing her breath away. With his Herculean body and jet—black hair with a hint of waviness. She didn’t know which she loved to see more his dazzling smile, or the way his face softened their handsome angular planes, when he smiled. She had often wondered if Max knew that she was secretly attracted to him.

Deeply regretting her comments to Craig, she turned and closed the distance between her and Max. Max, she whispered. Seriously? Can’t you turn Craig off?

A twinkle shimmered in his warmth-inducing eyes, as a mischievous grin spread across his face. You started it. How many times have I told you Diamond that Craig has no teachable qualities? And he has no filters.

The teasing deep tenor in Max’s voice made her smile. I’ll admit you have told me that a time or two, she replied reluctantly.

Max interrupted. Diamond you shouldn’t ever attempt to try and reason with Craig. The guys got a one-track mind when it comes to you.

Chuckling, Craig injected. Max is telling you the truth Diamond. You know I have a secret crush on you. Oops, I told my secret. I’m a bad boy, do you want to spank me, now Diamond?

Max! Please be serious,. Make him stop, now! Diamond muttered anxiously. I really came over, because I wanted to talk privately, with you.

Max caught the serious edge in her voice. He looked casually back at Craig.

Craig, Max said, sternly. You should get going. You don’t want to keep Bonita waiting, he warned. She’s probably holding up the show waiting for you to make an appearance.

Uh, you’re right, Bony Bonita can never get really warmed up until I rain down at least thirty dollars, in one dollar bills to get her started. My baby girl is a cheap ass shaker, but only for me, Craig said, turning and walking away.

Diamond shot Max a look and smiled. So, Max, I hope I’m not keeping you from anything important.

Max stood there spellbound there it was, that smile she gave him, he experienced the power of that smile the first time he set eyes on her. He searched for something to say. Nope, other than going somewhere and finding something to eat to fill my belly, he said patting his stomach.

A chuckled escaped her lips, I forgot about that contagious wit of yours Max.

Nervously Diamond glanced down at her feet. So, what’s up with your friend Allen?

You tell me. He supposed to be your man, Max replied, as he walked over to sit down on a bench.

Somewhere along the history of her relationship with Allen she came to rely on his best friend Max, for help. Yeah, well you and I both know Allen and I have a complex relationship, she said out loud, as she walked over and sat down on the bench beside him.

The corners of her mouth twitched. What no date tonight Max, and no strip club with Craig?

Max threw her a look and waved it off. Ever since you first started dating Allen haven’t, I always been around when you needed to talk? And I had a sixth sense, that it looked like tonight, was going to be one of those nights, he shrugged. Where you needed to talk.

Interesting, you do have a sensitive side to you, Max, Diamond said, looking amused. I forgot that every time I ever broke up with Allen, I’ve poured my heart out to you. I’ve come to rely on your help in dealing with him. I guess there has to be great things said about our little male-female heart to heart talks.

A few people lingered in the park in front of them standing around talking. Diamond studied them and wondered if any of them had to worry about not being able to pay for college or giving up on their dream.

Living on a tight string wasn’t something new to Diamond. It had been a way of life from the time she had been born. But once her path crossed with Allen McDonald, he had caused her financial circumstances to change.

Establishing new friendships had never come easily to Diamond growing up on the west side of Chicago. Until that faithful day, she became one of the students from the Cabrini Greens community chosen to attend North Side High School. There she’d met Allen McDonald and made friends with him easily. Allen had become first her friend and then boyfriend. Providing for her financially, if she provided for him sexually.

At times the thought of it made her feel depressed because financially she was dependent upon Allen and she knew that the little bit of money he threw her way wasn’t much to him. But the regular, money rolling in had enabled her to pursue her dream of attending college and she was so close to finishing.

Diamond knew she had done her best job rolling in the sheets with Allen, giving him the best sexual performance each time she did. She couldn’t count the times he’d told her she had the best pussy in the world. But no matter how hard, long or good her screwing him was, he’d never asked her to marry him. For a while now she’d idly stood by and watched his financial support drying up. She knew what that meant. Either, Allen had found himself another woman and he was probably fucking the hell out of her right at that very moment. Or Allen could be on drugs. Her thoughts raced telling her that had to be the reason. Allen was on drugs.

Diamond sighed heavily and sat in silence with her thoughts. Either way, she knew that when it came to having access to more of Allen’s money she was fucked and with this being her last semester of school before she would graduate it was very important that she have Allen’s financial support.

A wave of guilt washed over her as she realized she’d been sitting beside Max not saying anything for several minutes. Quickly she cleared her throat. So, you don’t know where Allen is? Diamond caught herself and realized she’d asked that question before. I mean…

All at once Max let out a whistle. Diamond! Is that what you want to talk about? Where the hell Allen is?

Frustrated, she rolled her eyes and stated. Of course, why else would I be sitting out here in the cold?

He patted her arm, to calm her down and softened his voice. Why are you wasting your time thinking about Allen? You know you deserve better than that.

Okay, I’ll admit it. Allen is an asshole. But I’m vulnerable right now. Allen is the key to making my life right, right now. I need him. to make things happen for me.

"Hey, haven’t I heard you say that line a thousand times, Allen still the key to making great things happen for me," Max snorted out, mimicking her voice.

What’s that’s supposed to mean?

Nothing calm down, he toned down his voice. I just meant he got you here, in school. I mean I know Allen has been helping you pay your tuition, expenses, and your apartment.

Diamond hated it when Max said things like that. She knew that he was speaking the truth.Well, technically yeah, maybe he did, she said with a weary sigh. But I’m the one who had the dream to come in the first place and I’m the one who has studied hard and got all A+’s in high school to get here. Not to mention I’ve kept my grades up these last four years and I’m the one who’s almost bout to graduate.

Yeah, you are right about that, Max nodded agreement. I’m proud of you for staying the course. It’s shows how determine you are.

She frowned thinking she wished she had met Max before she’ met Allen. "What’s done was done," she thought as she reached into her purse and pulled out her lipstick. She might be a woman dating a two-timing man. But she was still an attractive woman still. A woman with dreams she thought checking her compact and applying lipstick.

So why did you want to talk to me?

Like I said Max I’ve got dreams and I don’t want to waste your time. But I remembered what you said about me being confident and knowing how to look out for myself.

He looked impressed and laughed. You are. You always wear a confident look every time I see you, he said, as he looked at her like she’d just stepped off the cover of Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition. You are always a class act Diamond.

For a moment, she stole a glance at him. Max was a gorgeous hunk of a man. She turned her attention back to her cosmetic bag. She wanted to check her face.

She brushed on her lipstick and stole a glance sideways at the tall, dark and handsome young man who had that look of someone who was special. She wondered what he thought of her. Sometimes when he thought she wasn’t looking she’d caught him staring at her.

You haven’t told me why you wanted to talk to me Diamond. What do you want?

Well, I’m not fool enough to believe Allen is somewhere doing some last-minute studying. If you know what I mean, she shrugged. In her mind, she thought. "Nor am I dumb enough to believe he will continue exclusively sleeping with me or helping me financially."

Life’s problems had to be dealt with. That was one thing that Diamond knew to be a truth and that was why she was there. She had a desperate internal need for money. Slowly she reached into her purse and pulled out a large size envelope and handed it to him. Here Max.

What’s this?

Diamond looked at him. It’s my completed financial aid application, she said in one breath. Remember, when I saw you down at the financial aid office? You said that you’d help me, even though it was way past the deadline?

He mulled over what she had just said. Yes, But I… His voice was conciliatory when he saw the expression on her face.

Before meeting Diamond, Max had always prided himself on never being interested in another man’s woman. But he knew that some guys could not handle commitments. He leaned back and thought about and Allen MacDonald. He had longed for what Allen had with Diamond. A woman who he could desire and a woman who desired to love him just for himself. If he had such a woman, he would love her in every possible way, and he would make it a point to do so that she would never want another. He felt a ball of anger form in his stomach and he clenched his jaw thinking about the way Allen treated Diamond. As far as he was concerned Allen was a worthless son of a bitch. Who didn’t deserve his consideration?

His expression darkened and he leaned over and said. Okay, I remember that day. But you got it all wrong.

What? She interrupted; her voice filled with contempt. But you said that you would help me.

I did, Max nodded, assuring her. And I meant every word that I said. But not the way you thought. Besides, I told you missed the deadline for turning in your application, remember?

Diamond hung her head and pulled the belt of her short coat tighter. Yeah, but I… she mumbled, and thought "I’m fucked now. If Max can’t even change a deadline date, what am I going to do."

A silent moment lingered between them.

Max lowered his eyes. You’ve got something I want, and I’ve got the money you need to do whatever you want to Diamond.

For one crazy moment, she thought she was hearing things.

Wait a minute, she shook her head in disbelief. You’re not saying what I think you’re saying?

As a matter of fact, Diamond, yes. I am saying that. And we both know that Allen has moved on and so should you.

Tears for Allen blanketed her eyes, thinking back on the boy she first met at North Side High School in Chicago.

Back in high school, Allen was a nice tall, slinky kid with nice manners and pockets filled with money. All the girls at North Side High School were attracted to him because he was known as that kid with money. But it was Diamond Jolene Dunbar that he had hand chosen. Diamond had told herself she had fallen for Allen because he was attractive. But really, she was sure because she thought that he had been born into money.

Diamond sat there and stared off into the distance as an old anger boarding on hate for an impoverished childhood filled her thoughts as she thought of her daddy. Who was a womanizer and a mother who had been so hung up and strung out on a loving, a selfish, shallow, high-yellow black man that she couldn’t see straight nor think straight. Even after that man, her daddy, had cut her and her mother loose and moved on to his next woman. Diamond had to hold back tears remembering her father telling her he wasn’t cut out to be nobody’s daddy. How he had treated her and her mother, still stung her heart greatly.