Darker Side of Elegance

By Suzanne A. Glassé

Within the walls of Elegant Fashion, beauty and ugliness share the same applause in this powerful story of intrigue, deception and shame. Empowered by her status of vice president, Emma challenges the male dominance that continues to rule the world of finance, greed and power. But there is one man whose arrogance excites her imagination, weakens her self-confidence, and overwhelms her emotions. She is caught in the crossfire between sex and power, secrets and lies, all of which ultimately impacts and releases the darker side of elegance.

Edited by: G. Jill Todd

G. Jill Todd, New Romney, England

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Jun 19, 2014
• ISBN: 9781496919410

Suzanne A. Glassé

Suzanne A. Glassé was born in the east end of London, England, where she attended an all-girls high school. Suzanne now resides in the sunshine state of Florida, with her daughter. Her passion for writing began as a homework assignment which escalated into several unpublished short stories and poems. Her writing has been a source of inspiration to others, as her creative mind continues to tap into her true gift of allowing readers to visually bring her books to life. Her warm tender heart, loving spirit, and bubbly personality can be hilarious at times, together with her sincere smile and uplifting aura brightens any room. Suzanne took a six-year hiatus from writing while pursing two degrees, her bachelors and masters. She graduated in 2012. Her continued passion for creative writing sparked a fuse, and now she’s back, with more intrigue, deception, secrets and lies, with the suspense filled sequel to her first novel ‘Elegant Emma Trent,’ delving into the ‘Darker Side of Elegance.’ Suzanne believes writing is an art and should be explored with great imagination and enthusiasm, as she ends the trilogy to Emma’s saga, with, ‘Shades of Elegance,’ which is coming soon.

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© 2014 Suzanne A. Glassé. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 06/13/2014

ISBN: 978-1-4969-1942-7 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4969-1941-0 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2014910728

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Contents

One

Two

Three

Four

Five

Six

Seven

Eight

Nine

Ten

Eleven

Twelve

About the Author

A Special Note…

To my dear sister, Marcia Angela Brown, for her support, endless advice and most of all for a friendship that bonds beyond sisters - thank you.

To my daughter, Shakara Jade Glassé, thank you for believing in me and sharing my dream.

Blessings always.

One

I’m impressed.

She smiled with warm affection as he removed his jacket from around her shoulders.

Why? he inquired.

She bowed her head slightly, her eyes traveling to meet his sparkling brown eyes beneath the moonlit sky. She wasn’t a bit shy and he knew it.

As they stared into each other’s eyes for a brief moment without blinking, he moved closer and touched her hand with his long slender fingers. His lips brushed softly against hers. She gasped quietly and whispered in his ear:

"This is not right!"

She took a step back and leaned against her front door, still gazing into his eyes, her body yearning for his touch. He raised his hand and it slightly brushed against her bare breast beneath her black, silk backless dress. She inhaled, craving for his tender touch once more.

It doesn’t have to end here you know! he said in his deep baritone voice.

She smiled and somewhat curved her body to face her front door. She placed a silver key into the lock and pushed gently.

Thank you for bringing me home. Good-night, she said softly, entering and closing the door.

He stood for a moment placing his right hand on the closed, dark wooden door, hoping for a second it would reopen. He lightly tapped on it with his fist. Curious! He waited a few more seconds then resignedly walked toward where he had parked the car, throwing his jacket over his shoulder.

He stood tall and masculine, his stylish haircut balancing his boyish good looks. He wore black pants and a formal white shirt, the collar of which had sported a tie earlier that evening.

The reflection of her bay window was visible in his car window, causing him to pause before placing the key in the ignition. His instinct to turn back and knock on the door was interrupted by the headlights of a car parking in the distance. He watched through his side mirror for the person to appear, but again he was distracted by the reflection of the porch lights shining against the sheer drapes swinging in rhythm with the cool night breeze. The street lights afforded him a view through the window as the automatic porch light went out, leaving a silhouette visible, swaying slowly from side to side.

Feeling displaced and yet intrigued by this, he watched nervously as she removed her black sleeveless dress, dropping it to the floor, exposing her nakedness. She stepped over the dress and, with her back facing the window, turned and walked toward what seemed like a counter where an open bottle of wine and a glass awaited her return. She poured the rich dark liquid into the crystal glass, raised it to her lips and took a sip. Her body shaped like an hourglass continued to sway as if dancing to a love song. She twirled, raising her arms in slow motion as the reflection of the streetlight caught her perfect curves.

Standing there holding the glass she leaned on the counter profiling a side view image of her body, the silhouette causing her breasts to appear perfectly shaped. She turned her head toward the window slowly raising her glass to him, knowing he was watching. She smiled, raised it to her mouth and lightly brushed it against her lips.

She gazed at the window, teasing him, moving the glass toward her perfectly shaped breasts, rubbing slightly against her nipples. She cupped her breast and licked her lips, tilting her head back, desperately wanting him to knock on her door.

The feel of wine running between her breasts caused a sensation as she tilted her head again enjoying every moment of tantalizing her best friend’s husband. Through the sheer curtain she could see his car and wondered what was going through his mind.

She shook her head, releasing the clip holding her hair in place and letting it fall and bounce on the floor. Still in heels with glass in hand, she slowly walked up the stairs to the master bedroom and turned the hallway lights to dim. The tall cathedral-like high window exposed the curved staircase in the center of the entrance. She walked toward the king-size bed and placed the glass on the dark teak nightstand. She picked up her black lace negligee that was lying on the bed and danced like they were partners before putting it on and walking over to close the open window.

The sheer ivory drapes fluttered in the wind as the reflection from the streetlight infused the shadow of her body. Her bare skin shivered beneath the negligee as she grasped the handle in an attempt to close the framed glass.

She gazed at his parked car, still clutching the cold metal window handle, inwardly begging him to come back to her. She could feel his eyes burning through her negligee, staring at her perked breasts, longing to touch them, but instead the engine sprung into life, the headlights shone and he pulled out of the parking space. Dismayed, she watched as the black sedan disappeared into the night air.

She closed the window and attempted to fix the drapes when she saw the reflection of headlights beaming down the street toward her. She opened the window again, her pulse quickening, her heart pounding, but the car continued along the road without slowing down. She noticed a flicker of light coming from the house across the street and, taking a closer look, it appeared to be the glow from a cigarette someone held in his or her hand. Uninhibited by her bare skin beneath the black lace negligee, she squinted, leaning forward onto the window sill to focused more, but the image was a mere silhouette.

How long have they been watching? She thought.

She drew the drapes once more and walked toward the bed centered in the large room. She sat on the edge staring at the window. It dawned on her that the house opposite had been empty for the past two years. When did someone move in? Isn’t that strange?

Wearing an expression of confusion, she climbed into bed and melted beneath the sheets. Reluctant to fall asleep, she tossed and turned before eventually throwing the chocolate-colored silk sheets aside and rushing toward the window.

For goodness sake show your face. Why are you hiding in the darkness? she yelled frantically.

Suddenly she realized the window was closed and no one could possibly hear her. Hysterically, she laughed at her impulsive behavior and climbed back into bed.

Well, neighbor, she yelled, raising the glass from the nightstand, welcome to the neighborhood.

She placed the glass back onto the nightstand and snuggled down beneath the sheets once more after unfolding the thick cream blanket at the base of the bed. She couldn’t sleep as thoughts of her best friend’s husband played tricks with her mind. She imagined his hand touching beneath her moist riverbed; delicately his immediacy made them one as his lips brushed softly against her earlobe. She laughed uproariously. How will I face her, or him for that matter? Why did she encourage him to bring me home?

"Aargh!" she exclaimed, before pulling the blanket over her head.

*     *     *

Ten more minutes, Emma, and we’ll have to get moving, called her mother from the base of the curved stairs.

Coming! I’ll be there in a minute, she answered.

The timing couldn’t have been more perfect for Emmalette coming back into Emma’s life; after all, a daughter needs her mother. The two had bonded and built a strong relationship over the past two years. Things seemed to be going great: Emma’s fashion label ‘Elegant Fashion’ had taken off and had been voted number one in the fashion industry; her mother was back in her life; Aunt Lou and Mint were divorced and KJ was still the person she trusted most. Perfect - or so it seemed.

Dressed in a navy, tailored linen suit, white silk blouse and red shoes, Emma reached the top of the custom-built, curved etched glass stairs with cast iron rails.

My, we’re a little patriotic, don’t you think? said Emmalette, admiring her daughter standing at the top of the stairs.

Well, maybe the red shoes are a little too much, let me change them, she responded.

"No, leave them; make a bold statement, after all you are Elegant Fashion aren’t you?"

Yeah Mom, you’re right.

Emma continued down the stairs, smiling at her mother who held a fresh cup of coffee in her hand.

You’re coffee’s on the counter, grab it as you leave.

Great, thanks Mom, see you at the office.

Emma followed her mother through the small hallway leading to the kitchen, grabbed her coffee and made a beeline for the three-car garage. She climbed into her brand new black Mercedes Benz and backed out, listening to the soft soulful voice of her favorite R&B singer to start her Monday morning. Her mother followed in her pearl white Lexus, listening to cool jazz.

*     *     *

Mother and daughter parked within feet of each other in the company parking lot and one usually waited for the other to walk into the building together, this morning was no exception.

Don’t even think about it, yelled Pam as Emma and her mother entered the lobby of Elegant Fashion.

"What is going on?" asked Emma, looking directly at Pam.

Pam fumed, waving her finger at Yaz.

Yes, why don’t you tell her, Yaz?

Tell her what, that this is all a misunderstanding? Yaz responded with a guilty smirk on her face.

"Aargh!" Pam exclaimed, frustrated.

Would someone please tell me what is going on? insisted Emma using her soft, but firm, tone of voice.

Er… I’m sorry, said Yaz, walking toward Pam, I was out of line bringing up the past.

Damned right, you were. I saved your ass, sneaking off with Greg every chance you got, knowing full well he was seeing Miss Em- Pam stopped abruptly. I’m sorry, Miss Emma, she said, angrily raising an eyebrow at Yaz.

Emma looked around the lobby, her face flushed with humiliation.

I don’t know what transpired here this morning. You and Yaz were arguing about Greg and me? You’re both walking on very thin ice, warned Emma.

These were the only words she could muster and stormed off toward the elevator. She walked almost to the center of the lobby and stopped.

What’s she doing? asked Yaz, nudging Pam.

They seemed to have settled their differences.

Not sure, but wait for it.

Emma felt compelled to demonstrate her authority and stood firm in the center of the lobby.

I will not tolerate such behavior in this place of business! I walked in here this morning and didn’t recognize any of you screaming, shouting and carrying on something awful, it seemed like any minute it would be brought out into the street. That is not how we at Elegant Fashion behave. I expect better from you both… She paused. If you cannot display professionalism at all times under this roof, let me know and I will not hesitate to sign your resignation letters.

Avoiding eye contact with anyone else in the lobby, Emma turned quickly toward the elevator trying to mask her shaking hands. Her mother stood quietly by her side as they waited patiently for it to arrive. When it finally did, the two entered and Emma let out a big sigh of relief.

I’m proud of you, said her mother.

Emma leaned against the elevator wall, fuming.

I’m sweating and shaking, she said. How will I face them again?

Suck it up, Emma, you’re the boss, not them, now continue to act like it.

I’m sick and tired of office gossip; it’s old news. What Greg and I had was short-lived and many years ago.

Her mother’s expression changed.

"What?"

It’s nothing.

Then why the sudden change of face?

You’re upset. I haven’t changed my face, Emmalette replied with a smile.

"Yaz should know better, he married her, not me," huffed Emma, wishing she had come in later.

Her mother was supportive and gave her a hug and kissed her on the forehead.

The elevator opened and Emma made her way down the wide hallway to her office, passing the offices of Yaz, Greg and KJ, her assistant, before entering her own. Her mother occupied the west side office on the same floor. Still tense, Emma managed to compose herself.

A few minutes later, a very cheery KJ walked into her office a tad late.

Good morning, Ms. Em, did you-

You’re back, screamed Emma, rushing toward KJ with outstretched arms. "Welcome back, you look fabulous."

Why thank you, Ms. Emma, replied KJ, twirling and showing off her new look.

Okay, cut the crap with Ms. Em, said Emma. What happened to Emma? Did you visit a slavery farm or something while you were off?

No, I just… Never mind. So…

I’ve missed you, said Emma, embracing KJ again.

I’ve missed you too. So, what’s been going on while I’ve been on a well-deserved two-week vacation? Any new gossip I should know about? KJ asked excitedly, pulling up a chair and gesturing to Emma to do the same.

No, Emma said rather too harshly.

"Ouch! exclaimed KJ. Did I hit a nerve?" she asked, wriggling back in the chair.

"No, it’s not you, sighed Emma, it’s Pam and Yaz. Would you believe they were arguing this morning over my past relationship with Greg?"

Why? How did that happen?

I’m not sure, but the whole thing wouldn’t have mattered so much, but my mother was there and heard the whole commotion. I felt so embarrassed.

So, what did Ms. VP do? asked KJ sarcastically.

I raised my voice a little and said something stupid like this is a place of business, lardy, lardy, lardy…

KJ laughed.

I know; pathetic right? said Emma, making a face. So, enough about my morning, how was Atlanta? Did you meet anyone interesting?

Well, to tell you the truth, I didn’t go to the great ATL!

What do you mean you didn’t go? I took you to the airport.

Yes, I know and I took a cab straight back home.

So, what have you been doing for the past two weeks? asked Emma, grinning broadly.

I stayed busy, replied KJ, mimicking her boss.

Yeah, busy doing what? Emma enquired, full of curiosity.

Wouldn’t you like to know? joked KJ.

Quit messing about, KJ.

Okay, okay, hold on, I’ll show you.

Show me what?

Patience, patience…

KJ ran to her desk, grabbed something from her large purse and hurried back to Emma’s office. Emma held out her hand for the object.

"A phone? she yelled. Is this some kind of boffola? Everyone has a smartphone these days."

No, wait a minute.

She grabbed the phone from Emma and searched for a few seconds, seemingly it was a new phone.

What are you looking for? Emma asked impatiently.

Here, here they are? Finally, sang KJ, handing Emma the phone.

Okay, this is a beautiful house, who owns it? Emma inquired as KJ cleared her throat suggestively. Oh, you didn’t? said Emma excitedly, jumping out of her seat.

"I did!"

Both women jumped around with delight like two schoolgirls.

Oh my goodness, said Emma. I’m paying you that well? she jested.

Yes ma’am.

Wow, I am so happy for you, KJ, when is the house warming?

Well… I’d rather not; you know how private I am.

Alright, but I won’t accept no for an answer about a gift. What would you like?

Well, if I’m choosing - I’d like a tall, dark, handsome, impeccably dressed, rich well-built hunk of a man.

Emma stared at KJ, a serious expression on her face.

Wow! You just described Greg. Is there something I should know?

What? replied KJ, flabbergasted.

You heard me! You just described Greg, now what… Emma could no longer keep a straight face and contain her laughter. You should see your face, she added, laughing.

"Girl, don’t mess with me like that. I was about to get black on your ass. Don’t joke like that, girl, she said, placing her hand on her chest. Greg is fine and all, but, me and Greg now that is a joke! I don’t think Greg has ever really noticed me."

Emma, still laughing, managed to ask KJ why she would say such a thing.

"Well, he may be married to Miss Prissy Yaz, but everyone knows he only has eyes for you."

I’m sorry to disappoint you, KJ, but you’re wrong.

How am I wrong? disputed KJ.

You just are.

Er… So, what are you trying to say, that I don’t know love when I see it? KJ paused for a moment. I partly blame you for that, Emma, because you’re always pretending that he means nothing to you, sending him mixed signals, but-

Emma cut her off.

I couldn’t resist pulling your chain about Greg, girl, but it was only a joke, why are you reading more into it than there is? Now, let’s stop this nonsense and celebrate your return to work and this stunning home of yours.

KJ looked at her boss with raised eyebrows before expelling a lurid laugh.

You know you’re crazy, right?

Both women were laughing so hard they didn’t hear the knock at Emma’s office door.

"Wow! Is this party open to anyone?" asked Greg as he entered.

Both ladies burst into uncontrollable laughter when they saw him.

Okay, okay, I get it the joke’s on me, right?

Literally! screamed Emma with hilarity.

Greg felt a little awkward and commented on Emma’s attire to reveal the elephant in the room.

Nice suit, works well with the red shoes.

Emma stopped laughing and tugged at the hem of her navy linen jacket.

Thank you, she said, reaching for a compact mirror in her purse on the desk, checking her make-up. I’m sorry. You just happened to walk in on a personal joke between us, no offense meant.

Greg looked at the two women suspiciously before responding that none was taken.

I’ll be at my desk, KJ said suggestively as she exited the office.

Oh, you don’t have to leave on my account, stated Greg. I just heard the noise and wondered what was going on. I did knock, but obviously neither of you heard.

No, it’s not you, said KJ. I’ve got some catching up to do.

By the way, how was Atlanta? he asked as she went through the doorway.

Don’t ask, she said over her shoulder, bursting into laughter once more as she closed the door behind her.

Greg stood there trying to figure things out.

What’s with the both of you this Monday morning, did I miss something over the weekend?

Emma had a mysterious look on her face, messing with Greg’s mind.

No, it was just an ordinary weekend, she said as she trailed her words.

"Ordinary eh?"

Yes. Seriously, it’s nothing; I’m just glad to have my girl back, said Emma.

Okay, if you say so, he said with some reluctance, surreptitiously watching KJ through the glass partition. Has KJ lost weight or something? he asked, still staring at her.

Emma looked at him and then glanced over at KJ. She dilly-dallied before responding, hoping he would look her way.

Yes, she’s lost weight, educated, single and my assistant, she said, slamming her compact back into her purse. "Does that answer your question?" she responded, the words flying out of her mouth.

Yikes, I just asked a question, no need to bite my head off - she looks great, that’s all.

Yes, so good you couldn’t take your eyes off her. Must I remind you you’re married?

No Emma, you’re wrong, he said satirically. As a matter of fact, Yaz and I have been divorced for approximately three weeks and a few days.

"What? she gasped. Stunned. Are you serious?"

Yes, I’m extremely serious.

How come I didn’t know about this? she asked, secretly rejoicing inside and pulling up a chair.

She sat down and pointed to the other chair. Greg shook his head and opted to stand, still glancing at KJ furtively.

Yaz and I married for all the wrong reasons, mainly because of Jayden, who is doing really well, by the way.

I’m lost for words, said Emma. Does anyone know?

It’s not a secret, it never has been, Greg announced.

She threw her arms in the air and rolled her eyes.

"Oh, so everyone knows but me. Great! I’m shocked, really, I had no clue. She looked at him uneasily and tapped her fingers on the desk. Wait… Does KJ know about this?" she asked, looking at him expectantly.

Greg shook his head, as he knew exactly what she was intimating.

Emma, don’t do this to yourself.

I asked a question, Greg, does KJ know about this?

No - I don’t know.

Greg was a little confused, not wanting to say anything of which he wasn’t