Mayhem & Monotony: A quarantine affair

By Zakiya Raines

"I began working at MAGN in January of 2020 and I loved everything about the place. Soon after, COVID-19 came and everyone was afraid of the Corona Virus. Lockdown happened here in Manhattan, quarantine hit, and I was stuck at home with my abusive white husband, Jonathan. My superior, Colin, helped me to escape my husband by allowing me to come to the office as much as possible, he even gave me my own set of keys. Even though I used to find Colin's gorgeous face and stoic demeanor intimidating, I still had a secret crush on him. After getting to know him, Colin became a great boss and a friend, who also happened to be married. Eventually I end up spending more time underneath him and not just under him, as a colleague. Someone learns our secret and is willing to expose us. Colin and I cannot let that happen, we will do anything to remain a secret, even kill."

• Language: English
• Publisher: Zakiya Raines
• Release date: Dec 11, 2022
• ISBN: 9798215633281

Zakiya Raines

Hi, I am a highly creative person who enjoys making things. I love painting, writing, cooking, organic gardening and seeing and doing new things. To me, a book is a way to travel to another time and place. I looked for books with interracial romance at the core, with unfolding and realistic storylines, and struggled to find them. It's why I decided to write realistic, romantic suspense with a buildup of concupiscence over time. I like a natural progression between a man and woman, leading to trust and unleashed desires. I grew up in New York City and really enjoy city life, and all of its conveniences. I also love being in nature and escaping the city to relax. I love all animals and insects, and randomly, I love the smell of art shops and stationery stores. I hope you enjoy my books. I also enjoy feedback on my works, you can reach me on my website. :) It's my name dot com ;) Thanks for supporting me :)

Book preview

MAYHEM

&

MONOTONY:

A quarantine affair.

By Zakiya Raines

COPYRIGHT

All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book or portions thereof in any form whatsoever. For information, address the publisher.

Cover Art by Zakiya Raines.

All rights reserved. This book or parts thereof may not be reproduced in any form, stored in any retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or otherwise—without prior written permission of the publisher, and author, except as provided by United States of America copyright law. For permission requests, write to the publisher, or author at Attention: Permissions Coordinator, at the address below: www.zakiyaraines.com.

Portions of this book are works of fiction. Any references to historical events, real people, or real places are used fictitiously. Other names, characters, places and events are products of the author's imagination, and any resemblances to actual events or places or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

Portions of this book are works of nonfiction. Certain names and identifying characteristics have been changed.

©2020 Zakiya Raines

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER 1  CHROME

CHAPTER 2  FORGOTTEN POSSESSIONS

CHAPTER 3  EMPLOYEE APPRECIATION DAY

CHAPTER 4  THE HANGAR

CHAPTER 5  QUARANTINE

CHAPTER 6  CARE PACKAGE

CHAPTER 7  NEGOTIATIONS

CHAPTER 8  PRIVATE SCREENING

| Mayhem & Monotony

CHAPTER 1  CHROME

It was the end of January 2020, and I had just been hired as the new Assistant Director of Marketing for New Clients at MAGN. I was super excited to start my new position as the Assistant Director.  I was a New Year hire, and started January 2 nd , 2020.  Everyone on my team was so kind to me, I really loved working there.  When I woke up in the morning, I was so happy to go there.  I had been unemployed for a while, taking care of my children, and I was looking forward to working again.  Each morning when I woke up, I was in a great mood.  The energy in the office was relaxed and everyone there actually wanted to be there.  MAGN was the kind of company that had confidence and faith in their employees, and didn’t feel the need to babysit them.  We were all professionals, and we were treated as such. 

Each morning I got out of bed and kneeled next to the candles and Mother Mary figure by my bed.  I said a prayer and meditation every morning.  I only lit candles on Sundays, when I could make sure that my children didn’t knock them over and start a fire.  I put my hand to my forehead, touched my abdomen and then my left shoulder, sliding over to my right.  I kissed the small crucifix that was hanging from a small chain and stuck it underneath my nightgown.  I got off of my knees and walked over to the curtains to open them.  I quietly walked out of my bedroom and put the blanket over my husband’s foot.  He opened his eyes slightly Good Morning.  Where are you going? 

I’m going to work out.  I said and continued walking out of the room.

What time is it?  Jonathan asked.

It’s time to work out.  I said with a closed lip smile.  Jonathan squinted and put his glasses on.  He looked at the clock in our bedroom and let out a deep breath.  Have a good workout. He said and took off his glasses.   Jonathan turned away from the windows, and rolled back over, into bed.  I left our bedroom, walked down the stairs and all I could hear was silence, which I loved.  Waking up early in the morning gave me the feeling of peace and solitude.  It was nice to be able to have the time to myself to think a complete thought.  I walked into the kitchen and poured water from a bottle into the stainless-steel tea kettle.  As I waited for the water to boil, I put coffee grind into the coffee carafe and screwed the pieces of the French press together.  While checking my e-mail on my phone, the kettle began to whistle.  The kettle made the sound of a steam train pulling into the station, and I immediately turned off the stove.  I didn’t want it to wake up Alexandra and Elijah.  I poured the water into the carafe and waited for a few minutes.  When the top of the grind began to look a bit more dried, I inserted the top of the French press and pushed down slowly with two hands.  I felt the air and liquid bubble up and vibrate underneath my palms.  I poured myself a cup of coffee and added Califia creamer.  I walked downstairs to the gym while sipping my coffee.  While in the gym, I listened to Audible: The Art of Seduction by Robert Greene.  I originally began listening to these books, because I wanted to get my husband’s interest. Jonathan was so involved in his work and his interests, that he barely noticed me.  I really craved Jonathan’s attention and went out of my way to try to get him to want me, to reclaim that passion, but Jonathan knew he already had me.  He no longer had to be romantic with me, win me.  Jonathan used to be an All-Star partner and lover, but over time, his work became his mistress, as did many other women as well.  Jonathan loved having his head filled up with ego massaging compliments and shallow accolades.  After Alexandra and Elijah were born, I became invisible.  I was not a woman with feelings, with blood and bone, but just a vessel. 

Each morning that I woke up and worked out, I sometimes noticed that Colin was already online responding to e-mails.  Colin Webb was the CEO of MAGN.  Just for the sake of responding and letting Colin know that I was awake, I responded to him at 5:45 in the morning.  At 5:47 I saw a new e-mail from Colin, and I was excited to open it.  The subject line said Re: Early Riser.  I opened it and it had one line only What are you doing awake so early? -C.  I thought about what I would say and I decided to say I wake up early every week day.  If I don’t, I can’t get in any me-time.  Working out, walks, meditation, etc.  I wanted to keep it brief.  I didn’t want to be too flirtatious or coquettish.  I wanted to be friendly, not too inviting.  Colin was still my superior at the end of the day.  He could have me fired, if he even sensed a whiff of impropriety.

At 5:50 am I saw a new e-mail in my inbox from Colin.  I opened it and it had an attachment.  I clicked on it and it was a photo of Colin in a gym somewhere.  He was shirtless and sweaty with wireless earphones in his ear.  I felt privileged to look at the photo of Colin without his shirt on.  He was smiling his usual cloud clearing smile.  It was an unabashed selfie.  I had to think for a few moments.  I knew Colin was attractive, but seeing him without his shirt on was a different look.  Colin’s bare skin and hairy chest, all sweaty took my mind in a whole different direction.  My face was hurting from grinning like the Joker for an extended period of time.  I was giggling like a schoolgirl and I was looking forward to going to work.  I already liked MAGN, but this was an added cherry on top.  I had no intentions of ever crossing the line with Colin, but it felt good to have his attention, to read his e-mails.  I certainly wasn’t sending Colin any half-naked pictures of myself for him to circulate.  I didn’t think he was that kind of guy, but you never know.  I got off the elliptical and went back upstairs to shower.  It was time to get ready for work, make breakfast and take my children to school.   

After dropping Alexandria and Elijah off at The Price School, on the Upper West Side, I would head to MAGN.  The B and C trains were right there by the school.  Their offices were in midtown, which was really nice.  I could walk home from the office, if I really wanted to.  Previously, I worked down by Wall Street and it was such an inconvenient trek down there.  The vibe was better in midtown. 

At MAGN, I really only reported to two people, the Director and the CEO.  Colin Webb was the CEO then and now.  Daniel Chapman was the Director.  Colin and Daniel seemed to get along well, and were also the kind of bosses that instilled confidence and faith in their underlings.  Colin had a presence about him, if he walked into the room, you knew he was there.  He dressed himself appropriately at all times.  There was never a time when I saw Colin underdressed, even on Casual Fridays.  Even his casual was professional.  Colin was also a striking man.  He was 6’3" and seemed like he took care of himself.  He also seemed to make much fuss about what he ate each day.  In the lunch meetings, I watched Colin eat and I almost never saw him eat anything that was bad for him.  He ate lots of salads and proteins, and finished it off with a tall bottle of alkaline water.

On Thursdays, we had our one-on-one meetings with our supervisors.  I knew that I had to look extra professional on those days, because everyone would be looking at me.  Sometimes on Thursdays we were made to give impromptu status updates to the whole office.  The meetings were Thursdays at 10:00 am, so I walked in to Colin’s office, ready to listen, and possibly answer some hard questions.  Colin was straight forward and to the point, and if he had a problem, he would expect an answer right on the spot.  He wouldn’t embarrass you in front of the office purposefully, but if you were in his office and he had a question, he expected an answer immediately.  I arrived to MAGN that Thursday looking extra polished.  I knew that Colin liked the color navy, so I figured that maybe he would take it easier on me if I wore his favorite color.  I wore a navy silk blouse and a dark navy pencil skirt.  I also had on red glasses and dark red stiletto shoes.  I opened the door to my office, sat down at my desk and began to check my e-mails and put my purse in the bottom right drawer.  I saw two new e-mails from Colin on the top of my inbox.  I must’ve missed them after I left my home gym.  I opened the first one marked 6:10, Ok your turn.  And then another one marked 6:25am, I hope I didn’t offend you?-C.  The little voice inside my head wanted to write back "Fuck no!  I’m not offended, I’m interested!  Let me see more pictures of you sweaty and half naked!  Show me that meat!"  But that would not be professional or appropriate.  Colin was married and so was I.  I answered by saying I’ll see you in your office shortly.  We can talk when we have our one-on-one if you want.  Or I can come in now?  I’m not offended.  The anticipation of it made my body feel alive and aroused.  Part of me wanted to make him squirm and make him think I was uncomfortable and then come into his office like a vixen.  After those pictures, I really wanted to feel the inside hem of Colin’s pants.  But I opted for going the normal route, which included showing up to his office like a normal boring person, on-time for the meeting.  Colin wrote back immediately, See you at the meeting. -C.  I felt accomplished for diffusing a potentially embarrassing situation, while still simultaneously fanning the flames.  "Fifty-eight minutes until the meeting" I told myself, while trying to focus on getting some work done and not giving in to my base needs.  Even though I knew Colin would never see them, that morning I made the decision to wear underwear and lingerie underneath my clothes that made me feel sexy.  I thought about heading to one of the empty offices in the building and taking a picture of my underwear that day and leaving it on Colin’s desk.  It would be fairly obvious who it was, when it was taken into consideration that there was only one another person on our floor with my sun-kissed skin tone, and he was a man.  But it would still be less incriminating than a dated, timestamped e-mail with my name on it: Xana Reiss-Blik.  If anyone ever found it, there would be some deniability to it.  A see-through panty photo still was incomparable to a shirtless workout photo.  After all, Colin could say he was just trying to be a relatable boss by sending me a picture of him working out.  What would be my logical defense for sending Colin a picture of my see-through underwear?  There would be no gray area with that approach.  I would have to wait and see what Colin was really about, deep down.  I figured that over time I would learn about what kind of man he was, I was good at that.  I answered all of my e-mails and confirmed meetings.  I went to get all of my reports together for the meeting and I was ready at 9:45am.  I hated being unprepared.  The thought of having to say I don’t know. Or I’m not sure. was one of my worst nightmares.  I logged on to Amazon and started looking at bra and underwear sets.  I put a few of them in my cart and it was 9:59am.  I logged off of my computer and picked up my folder, heading down the long hallway to Colin’s office.  I walked with my shoulders back and my chin up as I knocked on Colin’s open door. I smiled, then knocked with my left hand and clutched my folder with my right hand.   Are you ready or should I come back? I asked.

Yes, I’m ready for you, Xana.  Come in and close the door behind you.  Thank you.  Colin said, looking up, over his glasses and I got a little nervous when he asked me to close the door.  Colin always made me a bit nervous anyways, but especially today.  I tried hard to keep my cool and keep the shirtless picture out of my head.  I sat down in the chair that was across from Colin, on the other side of his desk.  Before we get started, you’ve been here for over two months, right?  Colin asked.

Yes, about that. I said and smiled.

How is it going?  Any concerns that you’d like to address?  Colin asked, while shuffling papers around on his desk.

Nope.  I like it here.  Everyone seems to be genuinely happy to be here.  I think it’s the leadership style.  I said with a wide smile.

Okay thanks, I’ll take that as a compliment.  Colin said and took a break from shuffling papers.  Do you always work out that early in the morning?  Colin asked.

Yes.  I do.  I have to. I answered.

Why? Colin asked, with a furrowed brow.

Because I’m a Mom, so I have to make breakfast and get the kids out of the door by a certain time.  In addition to that, I have to get myself ready as well.  It’s a nice time to just be able to think and be in silence.  I said.

I understand.  Although I’m not a Mom, I do have an older son who has a lot of activities.  If I don’t get started early enough, I’m in immediate Dad mode.  My worst nightmare would be Dad bod.  Colin smiled.

I don’t think you have to worry about that. I said and the moment it came out, I wanted to retract it.  You can’t un-ring a bell.  Colin paused and looked at me with a smile.  I apologize, I said and shook my head I didn’t mean to say that, the way it came out.  I lightly rubbed my forehead with my right hand and looked down.

It’s ok, I’m sure you didn’t mean anything by it.  Colin said and I wondered if he knew that he was lying.

Okay. I said.

So, we’re on the same page, you weren’t offended by the picture this morning?  I didn’t want to make you uncomfortable, I realized that you stopped responding afterwards.  Colin said.

No, I didn’t see the e-mails after that.  I ended my workout and went to get ready to come here.  I didn’t see the other e-mails until I got to my desk. I smiled.

Oh ok.  That makes sense.  Colin leaned back in his chair and looked at me like he was reading my thoughts.

How old is your son? I asked.

He’s 17.  How old are your kids? Colin asked.

10 and 12.  I answered.

What are they into?  Colin asked

They both enjoy Taekwondo and baseball.  I answered.

My son is into baseball and basketball.  It’s great for them to have outside interests. Maybe even get a scholarship.  Colin said.

Yes, I agree.  I answered.

So, let’s get to the status.  What is happening with the client list from last week?  Anything new? Colin asked.

Nope.  Aside from the new inquiries that I handed off to Daniel, we are completely caught up.  I answered.

Good job.  You’re fast.  I’d like to get some of these new clients in for a dinner or a lunch.  Can we coordinate that, with Daniel as well?  Colin asked.

Yes.  No problem.  I answered.

This is the shortest status meeting in a while, Colin said and looked at his watch anything before we finish up?  Colin asked.

No. I shook my head and picked the folder up from Colin’s desk, while getting up out of my seat.  Colin stayed seated and waved, as I opened his office door and walked out.  He cast his eyes down towards his desk and continued to read the same piece of paper that he was reading when I walked in.  As I walked down the hall, I thought about the dinner and lunch plans, and just having an overall reason to communicate with Colin. 

I looked at the choices of restaurants and sent all of my suggestions to him.  I left it up to him to choose, because I wasn’t sure of his menu preferences.  I was already imagining what I would wear to the lunches, and/or dinners, what Colin would enjoy seeing, or looking at.  I went back to looking at the lingerie sets that I was looking at prior to the meeting.  Within minutes, I heard some footsteps enter into my office through the already open door.  I felt a shadow over