A Love One Sided

By Black Amethyst

Their first kiss was just as magnetic as their attraction for one another. When his ruminations began producing images of her on his arm, a ring on her finger, a baby in her belly. What the hell was he doing? This isn't the time for him to be catching feelings. There was a code he had to stick to, and a heart of stone to ensure to carry it out. The things Mia will endure in The Harem is going to be hell. In the morning, she'll be another missing face on the news.

What was supposed to be a night of clubbing has morphed into something far more dangerous, and sinister for Neveah. Now, she has to forget about the promising future she was snatched from to become Mia, if she's going to survive, The Harem; a place of pain ... unbelievable pleasure...and surely, never love.

Michael's kisses were hot, arousing, and he could feel her pulse thump beneath his fingertips as he paid homage to her mouth with the languid strokes of his tongue. To Michael, the brown-skinned beauty wasn't his 'normal', but to Luca, she was a Goddess. His Goddess... and they both wanted her.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christine Gray
• Release date: Apr 21, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224696567

Book preview

Chapter 1

N eveah Renee Elliot .

Beaming with pride, Neveah strode across the stage and received the rolled-up scroll that symbolized her degree. Through tears, hard work, and dedication, she had done it. Smiling for the camera, she shook the hands of the university president and the dean of the College of Business. In the crowd, she could see and hear her family cheering her on. Tonight, there would be a celebratory dinner at her parent’s house, then a night out at the club with her girls. Doing a little dance back to her seat, she cheered on the rest of her graduating class.

Grandbaby, I’m so proud of you!

Neveah gave her grandmother a dimpled smile and hugged her.

Thank you, YaYa.

Her parents followed with their hugs, kisses, and congratulations. Her father hugged her closest. She could hear him sniffling.

Aww, Daddy. Don’t cry! Mr. Elliot hugged her tighter.

2nd best moment of my life, he blubbered through his tears. Neveah couldn’t help the tears from pooling at the corners of her eyes.

I’m so proud of you, baby girl.

I know Daddy. Me too.

Alright, alright! Let the rest of us get in there, Joseph.

Neveah laughed. Her Uncle T.J, her dads’ brother, was hilarious. After hugging him, he asked, So what are you going to do with that Business Degree, Niecy?

What do you think, Unc? We about to be rich! Her brother Jayce chimed in before she could say anything.

Everyone laughed at his banter. To be honest, she was not quite sure what she was going to do yet. She had thrown several ideas around over the years but never settled on one. Neveah continued to do the next best thing, which was to stack her money. She was a store manager at The Exotic Coffee Beanery & Co., the youngest one they ever had.

When she first started working there, the café was in the pits. They were losing money left and right, and the owner was not sure how much longer they would stay open. Having a mind for organization, Neveah put together a proposal outlining ways to get the business back on track. When she presented it to the owner, he was floored. Not only at her proposed plan of action, but that an 18-year-old may have just saved his business.

Once he put her plan in play, the café saw an increase in profits within the first three months. The shops’ income doubled in 6 months, then tripled by the end of the year. Everything was going so well that the owner promoted Neveah to store manager, increased her salary, and began discussing ideas for opening a second shop. That was during her freshman year. Saving money and paying her way through college, Neveah graduated debt-free with over $300,000 in the bank. Of course, no one in her family knew about the money or how she had helped the owner of The Exotic Coffee Beanery & Co. open two more stores in four years. She loved her people, but she knew her people. Jayce was a prime example.

I’m not sure Uncle T.J. There are so many options. I think, right now, I want to just enjoy the moment. I have a good job, so there isn’t any rush to switch.

We understand. But do not stay in one place for too long, her mother said.

Neveah and her family had begun to follow the crowd off the field. Somehow, her parents ended up behind her, YaYa in front, and her uncle and brother to her lift and right.

You’ve worked so hard, my daughter. You don’t want to be at the coffee shop for too long.

I know, Mommy, she spoke back over her shoulder.

That’s enough pesterin’. We need to hurry up back to the house so I can get my cobblers in the oven.

Ooooh! YaYa, is it your Berry or Peach?

Both grandbaby, both.

Yes! her and Jayce said in unison.

Mmm-hmm. YaYa made some smothered pork chops, some green beans, some yams, some cornbread, some mac and cheese –

YaYa, I was home. How you make all that last night and I didn’t know? Jayce asked incredulously.

I waited ‘till yo’ greedy ass went to sleep. Everyone busted up laughing while Jayce made a face.

That’s messed up, YaYa.

YaYa laughed and kept walking. Mia and her brother were heavy sleepers. It was a wonder how they made it to class or work on time. If the house were on fire, they’d probably burn up with it. Mia had left early in the morning to start her day of pampering before the ceremony. Yaya had her way in the kitchen, but she likely cooked all that food at her house before bringing it to theirs. Neveah’s parents snickered behind them, knowing she did.

So, what are your plans for tonight, sis?

Julissa, Vanessa, and I are going to Club Ice downtown.

What time are you guys leaving out?

Around 9 PM.

Just make sure y’all are careful. Their mother chimed in again.

Knowing her friends, they would likely be anything but careful. Neveah smiled to herself, anticipating the coming evening. Laughing and joking some more, the family had finally made it to their car. Piling in, it took an additional fifteen minutes to get out of the parking structure before making the 45-minute drive home. Along the way, Neveah again pondered on what she wanted to do. Thinking back to a night spent in Julissa’s dorm, she remembered how they had gotten extremely high. Neveah had the craziest idea.

Mary Jane Boutique. She had said out loud.

Girl, what? Julissa laid out on her floor in a daze.

My new business venture; Mary Jane Boutique. There was a slight pause between them before they burst out laughing.

Okay, Neveah, Julissa said breathlessly. Neveah smiled at the memory. Mary Jane Boutique is what it would be.

45 minutes later, the truck pulled into their driveway. Even though she looked forward to some good grub, Neveah was also ready for a nap. Once inside, she went upstairs to her room. Setting her alarm for 6 pm, she climbed into bed without undressing and was knocked out.

GIRL! GET YOUR ASS up.

Neveah awakened to someone shaking her. Rubbing her eyes, Neveah squinted up at her friend Julissa. Groaning, she rolled over and sat up.

Why did you wake me up? I set my alarm.

Well, clearly, you slept through it because it’s 8:00. You smoke or something before you laid down?

8:00! Neveah snatched up her phone and looked at the time. Oh, my God! I did not mean to sleep that long.

Well, you did. Now it’s time to get up, get refreshed, and get to the club.

Neveah ambled from her bed, laughing at her friend, as she ogled and adjusted her breasts in the low-cut party dress she wore. While Julissa’s dress was sleeveless and stopped just above her knee, Neveah’s dress, hung up at the back of her closet, was a deep teal that stopped mid-thigh. It had long sleeves and latched around her neck. From her nape to the crest above her backside, the back of the dress was completely out. If her parents saw it, even though she was 22, they’d both have two hernias a piece and raise hell from this side of the Mississippi to the coast. The heels she planned to wear would make her dress pop just right.

Chop, chop girl! Nessa is meeting us there, and we’re burning moonlight!

Neveah busted up laughing as she got up and headed to her bathroom. She was fortunate enough to not have to share one. Otherwise, wearing the dress without anyone noticing would be difficult. Sure, she could put it on after hair and makeup, but then she’d have to touch it up. Neveah hated putting in extra unnecessary work, so she always did her hair and makeup after dressing.

The first thing she did was pull out the Nair and applied it to her underarms, legs, and yoni. Yeah, she knew the directions said not to apply down there, but she preferred to rinse off the melted hair instead of enduring the burn of her yoni being snatched. Next, in an awkward stance, she touched up her brows, brushed her teeth, and cleansed her face. All the while, she contemplated whether she wanted to wear her hair straight or in her natural curls. Making a decision, Neveah put on her shower cap and climbed into the shower when the timer she’d set sounded. With her detachable showerhead and lukewarm water, she rinsed her yoni first, then her underarms and legs. Reattaching after thoroughly rinsing, she turned up the heat and washed.

So, have you talked to Malcolm? Julissa asked over the running water.

Nope! And I don’t plan to.

Malcolm was her on-again, off-again boyfriend. Headstrong and ambitious, he had a lot going for him. At the beginning of their relationship, he was sweet. As they continued to date, Neveah started to notice some red flags. He would become irritable if she went to hang out with her girls instead of him or make nasty comments about what she wore out on their dates. He didn’t like her wearing anything revealing, and they’d gotten into several arguments about it. Malcolm did not stop his insults with just her clothes. Issues with her makeup and hairstyles became a thorn in her side too. Feeling like he was too controlling, she’d break up with him. A short time would pass by, and then Malcolm would be back on her doorstep, white roses in hand, an apology, and a promise to change. He would for the first month or so after getting back together, then slip back into his old ways. Organization and profits may have been her strong suit, but she was young and dumb when it came to love.

The straw that broke the camel’s back was when she had gone to surprise him for his birthday. That day, walking through the parking lot, she caught some movement in her peripheral and turned to check her surroundings. A car, sure it belonged to Malcolm, was rocking side to side, and the windows were fogged. From where she stood, she couldn’t hear anything but knew what was going on. Instead of moving closer, she waited there. In the back of her mind, she knew what she would see, and even promised herself she wouldn’t cry. But still, she could not bring herself to move and cried anyway when Nessa emerged from the vehicle 15 minutes later. Her heart broke in two. Nessa, short for Vanessa, had been her best friend since middle school. Malcolm climbed out next, and she watched the two embrace and tongue each other down, completely unaware of her presence.

Somehow, Neveah willed her feet to move. She walked back to her car, started the engine, and drove away. She told Julissa about catching Malcolm in the act, but she never told her with whom, pretending not to know. From that day on, Nessa hung out with them less and less. Oh, Malcolm called repeatedly but never showed up with his usual bouquet and sorry ass apology. Eventually, he stopped calling altogether. Neveah never called Nessa out on her betrayal. Neveah had a feeling Nessa knew that she knew. So, imagine Neveah’s surprise when Julissa told her that Nessa would be joining them at Club Ice that night.

Hey girl, can you turn the fan on for me? I want to flat iron my hair and need to cool off.

As Julissa walked away, Neveah climbed out of the shower and dried off. In her room, she felt the cool air of the fan as she pulled out her ensemble for the night. Her dress was a fuck-me dress, but it was also a big fuck you to Malcolm and Nessa.

When she bought the dress, she’d also purchased a black lace panty and bra set. After plugging in her flat iron, she put on her new underwear and covered her body with her favorite Bath & Body scent. Deciding not to adorn her dress yet, she sectioned off her hair instead and pressed it out. Not wanting to take up all her party time, she pressed out larger chunks. Finally, Neveah slipped on her dress and heels while Julissa worked around her to do the makeup. When she looked in the mirror, Neveah didn’t see a young lady anymore. A grown woman had taken her place. Checking her phone, she saw that it was 10:15. Time to go. Grabbing her clutch and keys, the girls headed out with haste. Julissa would drive this time around.

IT WAS TIME TO GATHER the girls. His contact informed him that Club Ice would have a good selection. Michael had a list of attributes that guided his hand in selecting. Beauty, at the top of the list, Michael relaxed his forearms on the railing in front of him, surveying the floor beneath. Several women met his criteria. Uncommon beauty was rare, yet the caramel chocolate skin of the young woman that walked into his line of sight was exquisite. Standing out from the rest, the way her hair hung down the open back of a dress that exposed more flesh than he wanted any other man to see, she flawless. Far from skinny or fat, the deep teal dress molded against her curvy form like a glove. Needing a closer look, he descended the stairs, keeping his gaze trained on her as he watched her scrumptious ass settle down into a couch between the bar and dance floor. As he advanced, a possessive desire to have and keep her for himself caused him to pause in stride. Where the hell did that come from? Not once in all the time, he had been building a successful chain of pleasure houses, did Michael ever feel the innate desire to keep a girl for himself. He had partaken and tasted many beautiful women, including tonight, before arriving at the club. This woman, however, had a sensual innocence about her that made him want to go the other way and select another. Staring on, Michael debated if he would pursue her for his pleasure or business. Unwilling to admit to wanting her more for one than the other, he delayed his decision until he had taken a seat next to her. When he looked into her curiously sexy, hazel green eyes, everyone and everything else disappeared. It was just the two of them, and his mind was undoubtedly made up. Sort of...

THE INSIDE OF THE CLUB was packed. The girls made it just as the party was getting started. Neveah found them a place to sit while Julissa went to order the first round of drinks. Not surprised, Nessa bailed out on them, and Neveah had no problem with that. The energy from the music had Neveah ready to find someone to dance with. Luckily, she didn’t have to leave her seat because a partner had come and found her. Smooth in his approach, Neveah stared in lust at his sexy physique as he sat down. He wore a casual blue-gray suit, a white V-neck shirt that hugged his chest, and white shoes. His stocky frame took up the other half of the two-seater. Leaning into her space, he draped one arm behind her and held a drink in the other. Dark brown hair fell to his shoulders in waves, a neatly trimmed beard adorned his face, and sea-green eyes stared back at her with the same intensity she was giving him. Chocolate had always been her go-to when it came to men. Whether she was out and about during the day, or club hopping with Julissa and Nessa, never had she given white boys a second thought. In turn, they’d never given her any attention either until tonight. He smiled a sexy smile.

Hello.

Hi. She replied, biting her bottom lip, becoming intoxicated by the scent of his cologne. He sipped on his drink and grazed a finger down her cheek.

Are you here by yourself?

Nope. My girl is at the bar, getting us some drinks.

Your girl?

Yes. Neveah knew what he was insinuating but didn’t bother to correct him. Just gave him a seductive smile instead.

Hmm. He smiled back. You are stunning.

Thank you. She replied just as Julissa walked up with a tray of shots.

Company already, girl! You move fast. Neveah laughed.

You’re so funny. We haven’t even exchanged names yet. She said, briefly turning her attention to her crazy friend.

Julissa tended to be a little extra with new people or when she was trying cock block. Her antics, however, were not about to keep Neveah away from hooking up with the deliciously fine piece of white chocolate sitting next to her. Turning back to him, she could see that he hadn’t given Julissa so much as an introductory glance. Caught off guard, he had closed the space between them, saying his name in her ear.

Michael. His deep