Craving Temptation (18 page)

“Does Mrs. Turner ever speak to you?” Amina asked as they passed the one-story home at the end of the roadway.

Troy glanced toward the Turner home, Mrs. Turner fussing about something as she stood in the center of her dining room. “All the time. She's always been very sweet to me.”

“I don't think she likes me. She gave me the dirtiest look the other day.”

Troy laughed. “You know, I hadn't thought about it but she probably thinks we're shacking up. She's old-school so I'm sure not knowing we're married has her thinking all kinds of things about the two of us.”

“Well, we need to get that straight then.”

He laughed again. “Don't pay her an ounce of attention. If she wants to think we're having wild, wicked sex, let her.”

“But we are having wild, wicked sex,” Amina said as she tapped him against his backside.

“Keep that up and I'm going to show you wild and wicked!”

Amina's giggles vibrated through the cool air. Even with the concerns she had on her mind she felt more at ease than she'd felt all week. Being with Troy felt like home no matter where they found themselves. She gave him a sidelong glance and she sensed he was deep in thought. As her gaze washed over his profile she couldn't imagine herself ever loving any man more. She gently bumped against his shoulder and when he turned his head she gave him the sweetest smile.

Troy grabbed her hand, entwining his fingers between each of hers. The walk back was an easy stroll as their arms swung between them. The air had just a hint of a chill to it, a cool breeze blowing over them. He lifted her hand and kissed the back of her fingers. Wrapping his arm around her shoulders, he pulled her into his side and held her close. He pressed a kiss against the top of her head, nuzzling his face into her curls. The sweet scent of vanilla and coconut teased his nostrils as he inhaled deeply.

As they made it to the end of their driveway Troy spun her body against his and dropped his mouth to her mouth, kissing her earnestly. She tasted like mint ice cream and he savored the sweetness. Before either realized it Amina was sprawled across the hood of Troy's 7-Series BMW, his body nestled nicely against hers. They kissed and kissed, so lost in the moment that neither noticed Mrs. Turner standing in the roadway, leash in hand as her cocker spaniel sat with its little head cocked to the side, staring at them.

Amina waved as Troy pulled out of the driveway, pointing his car in the direction of the bakery. His day was starting an hour earlier than hers; he needed to finish some paperwork for the business. As he tooted the horn and waved back, she grinned, her face lit with joy. Troy's black sedan would forever be a favorite memory for her, their scandalous behavior just hours earlier teasing her sensibilities. She could only imagine what might have happened if their nosy neighbor hadn't made her presence known. Imagining made her grin all over again.

She tightened the belt that closed her bathrobe as she walked to the end of the driveway to collect the morning newspaper. The morning air was chilly and she felt a shiver spiral across her spine. She took a deep breath and then a second, the cold air invigorating her lungs.

Pausing to scan the morning headlines, Amina had just turned to head back inside when her brother, Basil, suddenly moved to her side, gripping her harshly by the elbow. Startled, his sudden presence made her jump, her breath catching in her throat.

“Basil!”

Tossing a quick glance around the neighborhood Basil dragged her toward her front door and inside the home, slamming the door shut behind them.

“What are you doing here?” Amina snapped as she snatched her arm from his grip.

“Is that how you greet your brother, Amina?” he asked as he turned to look at her.

“What do you want, Basil?”

“I want you to remember your family responsibilities. That's what I want.”

Amina crossed her arms over her chest, hugging herself tightly. “How dare you come into my husband's home and . . .”

“Your husband!” Basil snapped back as he took two hasty steps toward her.

Amina stepped back quickly, grabbing for the house phone that rested on the table in the foyer. “I will call the police,” she warned, her finger prepared to push the emergency speed dial number.

Basil stopped short, his gaze narrowed. He inhaled deeply, his lips pushed forward, annoyance painting his expression. He took a second breath then stepped back, both hands rising as if he were surrendering. “I apologize,” he said. “May I please sit down?”

Amina eyed him with reservation, intuition warning her not to let her guard down. Without waiting for an answer Basil moved into the family room and took a seat on the sofa. He crossed one leg over the other as he waited for her to join him. Amina followed behind him, the phone still in her hand. She paused in the doorway. “What are you doing here?”

“We need to talk about Rasheeda.”

Her eyes widened with trepidation. “Is she okay?”

“She will be as long as you do what I need you to do.”

“I don't understand.”

“I told you, Amina, I need that Beale Street property.”

“I don't care what you told me, Basil. I'm not having any part of that sham.”

Something in Basil's stare made her take a step back, prepared to flee if he came at her. She took a deep breath.

Basil nodded, his gaze flitting back and forth as he leaned back against the cushions. She could see him relax, the tension in his body fading ever so slightly. He took another breath, then lifted his eyes back to hers. “Father was hurt by what you did, Amina. You disappointed him and you disgraced our family name. This marriage to Troy Elliott is a travesty and you need to repair the harm you've done before it's too late. Unfortunately, Rasheeda is having to pay the price for your disrespect.”

“What have you done to Rasheeda, Basil?”

“Nothing. Yet. And as long as you do what I tell you to do Rasheeda will continue to enjoy a very blessed life. She will be a dutiful wife and mother and have much given to her.”

“I want to talk to her.”

“Soon.”

“I want to speak with her now, Basil, or I'm not going to entertain this conversation for one minute more.”

Basil shifted forward in his seat. Still holding tight to the house phone Amina cut her eyes toward the kitchen counter and crossed to where her cell phone was resting. She dialed her sister's number from the mobile device. Seconds later the cell phone in Basil's pocket vibrated loudly, Rasheeda's ringtone echoing through the room. Basil shook his head, a sardonic grin across his face.

As she depressed the phone's off button Amina blew a deep sigh, frustration tensing her muscles as her brother's mocking expression taunted her. He pulled the phone from his pocket and dialed a number. A minute later someone answered on the other end.

“Put her on,” Basil commanded. He set the phone on the coffee table and pushed it toward Amina. He sat back in his seat and gestured for her to pick it up.

Still holding on to the house phone Amina eased in his direction. When she reached the edge of the table she snatched the other device from where it rested and took ten steps back before pulling it to her ear. Her eyes were still locked on her brother.

“Hello?”

“Amina?” Rasheeda's voice rang on the other end.

Amina could hear the tears in her sister's voice. “Rasheeda, where are you? Are you okay?”

“Please, Amina,” Rasheeda started before the phone was snatched from her hands and the call disconnected.

Amina frantically depressed the redial button but no one answered when it rang. She flung the phone in Basil's direction, the man's malevolent laugh moving her heart to race.

“What are you doing, Basil?” she shouted. “She's our sister!”

He stood up abruptly. “I'm doing what I have to,” he snarled. “And all of this can be done and finished if you do what I tell you to do,” he said, enunciating each word slowly. “I'm going to leave some papers with you, Amina. And you are going to go down to the courthouse and file them with the clerk's office. That's all you have to do. Once that's done I'll make sure you and Rasheeda have a wonderful reunion. I'll even make sure Father changes his mind about the two of you spending time together. That is, of course, if her new husband permits it.”

“What new husband?”

Basil cackled a second time. “See how much you're missing out on, Amina. Your baby sister is marrying a man of great faith, a man our father approves of. He's a good and honorable brother and you aren't there to support her. Such a shame!”

Basil moved toward her and Amina felt herself tense. Like one of two boxers squaring off she widened her stance and shifted her weight, preparing herself to fend off whatever he might throw at her. As he reached her side he paused, pulling a legal-size envelope from the inside pocket of his suit jacket. He held it out to her and waited for her to take the mailer from his hand. “File the papers, Amina. I wouldn't want to see Rasheeda hurt any more than she has been. And you don't want to be responsible for anything else that might happen to her.”

Amina stiffened as Basil leaned and kissed her cheek. He pressed his mouth close to her ear, his breath repulsive against her skin. “Don't you dare breathe a word of this to Father, Amina. You will regret it if you do,” he said, his voice low and composed.

She took a breath and held it. Basil smiled. From his nonchalant expression you would have thought he was sharing news of some award-winning event with her. He made the little hairs on the back of her neck rise.

“You might want to keep your new husband in the dark about this as well. It would be bad for his health for him to know, Amina. This is family business. Salman . . . family . . . business. Besides, something like this might not be good for his political career. I'd hate to see it ruin his chances for election.”

He took two steps toward the door and stopped. “And congratulations. It looks like you've done very well for yourself,” he said, taking one last glance around her home.

Then without saying another word he moved back into the foyer and out the front door. Racing behind him Amina engaged the lock and the alarm, ensuring the door was tightly secured. Sinking to the marble floor she gasped for air, suddenly feeling like she couldn't breathe. She fought back tears, wanting to cry. Instead, she dialed the phone in her hand and waited for her father to answer the line.

 

 

Amina tilted her face into the spray of hot water, allowing the shower to rain down over her head. Moisture saturated her thick curls until the fullness lay flat against her scalp, the length reaching toward her waist. Her tears finally mixed with the water flow as the shower wet her skin.

Her father had refused to entertain the idea of Basil harming Rasheeda. To hear him tell it, Basil could do nothing wrong, having always been a model son. He had assured her that all was well with Rasheeda, his baby girl happy and healthy. According to Nasser he personally had his eye on the young woman and there was nothing out of sync in his home. Nothing Amina said had convinced her father that things were not as they seemed; the man rejecting everything she claimed.

When she had asked to speak with her sister, Nasser had told her no. Amina was still persona non grata in his home. He earnestly believed that she was a greater threat to Rasheeda than anyone else ever could be. The absurdity of the situation ignited the tears that burned behind her eyelids. Amina knew her brother was dangerous and she couldn't begin to figure out how to protect them all.

She had thought to call Troy right after Basil had left the house, managing to partially dial his number three or four times. And each time she'd dialed she'd changed her mind, disconnecting the call. She didn't want Troy to worry and she didn't want Troy to do something they would both regret. She knew her husband was still unhinged about Basil putting his hands on her before. This would send him over the edge and she couldn't let that happen.

Amina reached for the bottle of Coconut CoWash, squeezing a palmful into her hand. The cleansing conditioner was her go-to formula to detangle and nourish her hair. Massaging the rich formula through her locks was therapeutic and as she gently worked the cream against her scalp and along the thick strands she was able to relax and see things with more clarity.

It took no time at all for Amina to dress. Her designer suit was stylish and fit her perfectly. The heels weren't too high and her only jewelry was a simple pair of diamond studs gifted to her by her mother. Just a hint of foundation and a quick shake of her head completed the look. Right on time, Amina was out the door, heading to her first day of work.

 

 

The law offices of Elliott and Harris, Esq., employed a team of six attorneys, an office manager, and a support staff of nine other employees who helped with the day-to-day functioning of the office. Amina was pleasantly surprised to find that Rachel and Troy had decorated office space especially for her. She couldn't help but smile when her new secretary escorted her to a door with her name engraved on a platinum doorplate. Inside, the décor reflected her favorite colors and Troy had placed one of their wedding photos and a large bouquet of yellow roses on the desktop.

“There's a staff meeting in thirty minutes,” Gail, her new assistant, advised. “Ms. Harris left your first cases on your desk to review and two of our paralegals have been dedicated to help you with the transition. Would you like coffee?”

Amina moved to the executive's chair and took a seat. “I would really love a cup of tea with lemon and no sugar.”

“Not a problem. They usually have a table of pastries at the morning meetings but if you want something else, I'll gladly get it for you.”

“I appreciate that, Gail, but the tea is more than enough.”

“Yes, ma'am.” The young woman made her exit, blowing a low sigh of relief as she closed the door.

Amina had to smile. She understood the girl's anxiety, her own nerves skipping like crazy. She was confident though that they'd be comfortable with each other in no time at all. Seconds later Gail knocked on the door, returning with a large mug of hot tea.

“How long have you been with the firm?” Amina asked as she gestured for Gail to take a seat.

“Mr. Elliott hired me two years ago. I've assisted two of the junior attorneys previously. Now you,” she said with a bright smile.

“Well, I look forward to our working together. I'm sure we'll make a great team.”

The young woman smiled. “I'm very excited.”

“That's a beautiful scarf you're wearing,” Amina said, admiring the deep burgundy wrap draped around her neck and shoulders.

Gail smiled ever so slightly. She suddenly looked embarrassed. “It's my hijab. I pull it down while I'm in the office.”

“You're Muslim?”

She nodded. “You probably don't remember me, but I know your family from the mosque.”

“My goodness!” Amina gushed. “I apologize but I've met so many people since I moved here.”

“My parents are Julian and Amsa Bashir.”

Amina paused in reflection, trying to recall the familiar names. “Todd's your brother?”

Gail nodded again. “He is so crazy about your sister.”

Amina tensed, fighting to keep a smile on her face. She prayed that nothing showed in her eyes. “What a small world!” she exclaimed softly. “I know Rasheeda is head-over-heels about him, too.”

“He was so excited when she flew to see him the other week. Apparently they made a lot of plans for their future, which is why he's so surprised about her not answering his calls. He's been worried that something might be wrong.”

Amina's brow furrowed with concern. “She hasn't been answering his calls?”

Gail shook her head. “I'm sure it's nothing but I thought if you talked to her you could slip in a good word for him? I can vouch for his character. I know I might be a little biased but he really is a good man. And he loves her to death!”

Amina forced another smile. “I will definitely see what I can do the next time she and I talk.”

For a brief moment Amina didn't know what to think. Basil had taunted her about not knowing that Rasheeda had plans to marry. If she wasn't answering Todd's calls then how could they be making plans? And if she wasn't preparing to marry Todd, then who? Her anxiety level was rising again and she struggled to regain some control over her emotions. She had to stay calm if she was going to be of any help to Rasheeda. She took a deep breath.