Dipping Into Sin (a BWWM Alpha Male Romance)

Copyright © by DJ Parker. Publisher: Jessica Watkins Presents. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission from the publisher, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages to be printed online, in a newspaper, or magazine.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously and are not to be assumed as real. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

Firstly, I thank God Almighty for His continuous blessings. Without His guidance, this journey would have never been possible. Thank you, God, for instilling this gift of writing inside of me.

Thank you, Jessica N. Watkins, for granting me this opportunity to fulfill my lifelong dream. I will forever remember the feeling that I felt when I became an official member of the JWP crew. To my sister authors at JWP Publishing House, I thank you all for the warm welcome and continuous support. I only aspire to be as good of a writer as all of you are.

To my darling husband, Charles, you are my rock and my greatest motivator. Now I understand why people call us the power couple. Together we make all things happen. Thank you for your endless support and your undying love. Our love story is my favorite romance story of all time.

To my mother, you embody the meaning of being a strong independent woman. I love you more than life itself, and I’m so grateful for all of the sacrifices that you made for us. There are some things that only a mother can teach a daughter…I’m lucky to have been fortunate. Though you may not hear it often, I’m proud of you. You returned back to college to complete your degree after it was put on hold in order for you to raise us as a single parent. You are beautiful inside and out, and I thank God every day for having the best mother in the world. To my sisters and brothers, I love you, and I’m lucky to be a part of this crazy family.

To my sisters, Samiha, Lara, Kemi, Tosin, and Ayis. I’m blessed to have five sisters, despite our troubling journey to sisterhood. Our journey to sisterhood is an inspirational story, which proves that the power of God is real. We survived being years apart from each other; yet, this time apart did not hinder the love that we have for each other. When I look at each of my sisters, I see a source of unadulterated strength.

To my brothers, Matthew and AK, life would be so incomplete without both of you. Matthew, you’re my real life superhero. We have an unbreakable bond that only,
we
, can understand. Thank you for your continuous support and always coming to my rescue. AK, my darling baby brother, you have brought joy and meaning into our lives. Although I’m nineteen years older than you, you have taught me the importance to lead by example.

To my best friends, Miriam and Stacy, I love you both with all my heart. Both of you have been a tremendous support throughout my journey of writing. Miriam, thank you for always being my “Day 1”. Thank you sis for always being true. Thank you for all of the memorable experiences that we shared while growing up. You are the most selfless and generous person that I know. I’m so proud of the woman you’ve become today, and I pray that you continue to be successful in everything that you do. Anandi is lucky to have a mother as strong as you. Stacy, you’re always there to listen and laugh at the craziness in my life. Thank you for always being truthful and supportive.

To my beautiful goddaughter, Anandi, continue to reach for your dreams. You are extremely intelligent, and I know that you’re destined for greatness. Continue to be my sassy diva. I love you always and forever.

This book is dedicated to my loving, wonderful, and supportive husband.

Thank you, God, for making all of this possible.

Without God in the center of my life, I would be lost.

Jessica Watkins Presents

Dipping Into Sin

DJ Parker

“A
ndriano, I’m pregnant,” Simone said forcefully. Andriano’s arms dropped to his sides as he turned away from her. He crossed over to the other side of the room and started pacing back and forth.

“You have to get an abortion, Simone,” exclaimed Andriano after a moment of silence.

Shocked with disbelief, Simone rubbed the back of her hand on her eyes as suddenly tears started streaming down her cheeks. After eight months of dating, this was the last way she had thought her boyfriend would react.

After re-reading the two pregnancy tests over and over again, then once more with her best friend, Victoria, twenty-year-old Simone thought that Andriano would’ve been a lot more supportive… elated even. After all, he was the man who claimed to love her.

Simone frowned at his insensitive statement. “An abortion, Andriano? That is the first thing that you tell me?”

“Simone, right now is not a good time. I already have a lot going on with my businesses, the pressure from my family, my father’s health…” Andriano began.

“What does that have to do with you taking care of your responsibilities and your obligations to me? Grow the fuck up, you’re 26 years old,” Simone interjected as she threw both hands in the air in defeat.

“Simone, I’m so sorry. Please try to understand my position on this. Besides… you’re in school and have your whole life ahead of you. Everything will change if you have this baby.”

“You mean everything will change between me and you…” Simone said while staring into Andriano’s eyes. His silence confirmed his answer, as he failed to deny her statement.

“Fuck…I should’ve known better. Don’t worry about this problem of
ours
—I will correct it.” Simone raged, as she stormed out of his bedroom, heading towards the front door.

“Simone, please…” Andriano said as he grabbed Simone’s arm with enough firmness and pressure to restrain her without causing pain.

“What more do you have to discuss with me? Don’t worry, I will get an abortion,” Simone said, as she attempted to yank her arm from his grasp. After a moment of staring intently at her, he released his hold and took a step back. He walked towards the direction of his office and came back after a few minutes with a wad of cash.

“Will $5,000 be enough?” he simply asked. Mortified, she looked at him with sheer disgust. Simone knew at that moment their relationship would change forever.

“H
i, you must be Simone Sinn,” said this tall, thin brunette girl. “I am Victoria Spillmore. We’re going to be roommates!” Victoria announced enthusiastically.

Victoria possessed a classic beauty that was often seen on the front cover of magazines. She was 5’9” with long layered brunette hair that framed her slender face. Her green eyes were vivid and captivating, yet friendly and warm. Becoming overly cheery after meeting her roommate, she practically dragged Simone into the room.

“I hope that you don’t mind, but I chose the bed and closet by the window,” she said, as she smiled coyly.

“That’s fine,” I responded as I walked into the dorm room that was much bigger than my closet size bedroom back home.

“I read in your bio that you’re from Florida. Are you prepared for the harsh New York winter? Compared to Florida’s weather, this would surely be a challenging experience for you,” Victoria said, as she plopped down on her bed and began texting.

“I’m not particularly fond of the cold weather, but I have no choice but to deal with it now,” I said as I began taking my clothes out of my suitcase and placing them in the closet.
Get a job and purchase a jacket, gloves, hat, and boots. What the hell was I thinking coming to New York unprepared?
I thought.

“YES!”

Startled by Victoria’s sudden high pitch voice, I looked at her inquisitively.

“We are going to
The Land
tonight. Make sure that you pick out something hot to wear because my boyfriend, Kurt, is hosting an event,” she said dreamily.

Looking down at the remaining contents of my suitcase, my insecurities began to sink in just a little deeper, as I realized that I did not have much to work with. I had spent most of my money preparing for this move. I used $200 out of the $1,300 that I managed to save to do miscellaneous things like getting my thick curly hair blown-out. I decided to be a little bit daring by getting my bushy eyes-brows threaded for the first time. This was the first time that I spent that much money on myself, but I wanted to feel confident and look my best when I arrived in New York. Although I’m not shy, people have found me to be a loner. Throughout high school, I spent most of my time focusing on academics. Even when I worked at the local grocery store with kids my age, I spent my breaks studying. I was always the girl who was in the library during lunch and after school, the girl who spent Friday nights and weekends volunteering in the community. I was never the girl who wanted to have boyfriends or follow the latest trends. Growing up in a household that “just got by,” I couldn’t afford to think about name brand clothes. But, I had my dreams—dreams that I worked hard to make a reality.

I turned and looked at Victoria and said, “I don’t have anything to wear so you can go without me.”

“Nonsense, Simone. I have so many dresses. Let me pick one from my closet. I think that I have the perfect dress,” Victoria said, as she darted to her closet and began digging in it.

“Victoria, I seriously doubt that you have anything that could fit my frame. I don’t want to ruin any of your good clothes,” I said in hopes that she would be discouraged and quit her search. Although I was not fat, chubby, or chunky, I was an average 5’5” girl who weighed 145 lbs.

“I found it!” Victoria screamed as if declaring some form of victory. My eyes widened as I saw the beautiful off white fitted strapless dress cut low in the front. “This is my bandage dress that my mother got for me last spring. It will fit you perfectly. What shoe size do you wear?” Victoria asked, after placing the dress in my trembling hands. The dress still had the tag on it. Curious, I flipped the attached card over and saw that the price was $2,800.

“I don’t want to ruin your beautiful clothes, Victoria. Thanks, but…,” I said, after regaining composure.

“Please, I have so many dresses that I will probably never wear this one again. I just want us to have fun. We’re celebrating. You look like you can fit in these heels. Try everything on, so that we can start the makeup process,” Victoria said, dismissing my apprehension.

Realizing that there was no way that I was going to get out of this, I began undressing, as Victoria busied herself by pulling out an array of dresses.
Thank God, I shaved my armpits and legs earlier this morning.
Looking in the mirror, I could not even recognize myself, as the form fitting dress hugged my frame perfectly. The shoes even fit, although they were too high for my comfort level. I began unraveling my hair, as I took the pins out of my rolled up hair. The luscious curls cascaded around my shoulders, chest, and waist.
I look completely different
, I almost said out loud. Feeling self-conscious, I wrapped my arms around my body and tried to come up with another way to get out of going out tonight.

“You look gorgeous!” Victoria said in awe, as she clasped her hands together and admired her accomplishment. “Now let’s do your eye makeup, and then I will get ready.”

Upon arriving at
The Land,
I thanked Victoria profusely for her generosity. Hopping out of the cab, my eyes followed the long line wrapped around the building like a glove. Slowly walking towards the front, Victoria pulled out her phone and began texting quickly.
My feet are killing me
, I thought as I tried my best to catch up with Victoria without wobbling every few seconds. Victoria, who wore higher heels, walked as if she commanded attention with each strut executed smoothly. She looked like an exotic model, as I felt like a bucket of struggles despite the way I looked in this dress.

“We can just walk to the front, and they will let us in,” she said as she marched arm in arm with me.

The exterior of
The Land
was deceiving, as the outside looked to be a crumbling, old factory building. Inside was completely different. The lounge was decorated with elegance, displaying top of the line décor. The crowded establishment appeared to be very particular about who entered the establishment. Frankly, I even questioned my worthiness, as there were barely any people of color except for one or two bartenders.

Waving a hand in the air, Victoria caught the attention of the spinner in the DJ booth that was in the center of the dance floor. The DJ booth resembled a champagne glass down to the elongated stem and foot.
How the hell did he get up there?
Catching his attention, he pointed in the direction of a restricted area of the club. Climbing up the endless stairs, we finally met the bouncer who guarded the isolated section of the room as if his life depended on it. Bringing his index and middle fingers to his ear, he looked at both of us and nodded his head, as he allowed us to enter the VIP section of the club. The VIP section had plasma screens all around gold-rimmed leather booth chairs and glass tables that had bottles on ice in the center and flute glasses encircling.

“Are we going to be the only people in this section? Do we have to pay for any of this?” I asked, a bit confused.

“No, it is all on the house. A few more other people will be here soon. We usually like to have our own party up here. Do you want a drink?” Victoria asked as she began pouring wine into the two flute glasses before I could answer.

Fuck it, my poor ass worked hard to get a scholarship to attend this university, and that is enough of a reason to celebrate and drink.

Taking the glass from her slender hands, I sipped the sweet liquid and peeped at the bottle to find that it was Moscato. Pouring a refill, I started to feel a little more relaxed and bobbed my shoulders to the music. A server appeared soon after, and Victoria casually placed her order for drinks.

Fifteen minutes later, the server appeared with a tray filled with shots and drinks. I looked at Victoria in disbelief that her slender figure could turn up and drink all of that by herself.

“First shot is for us meeting each other, second shot is for us having many more nights like this, and third shot is for this dreadful school year,” said Victoria, as if she was reading from a manuscript. Two shots later, I started to feel tipsy. A few more people entered the VIP section, and Victoria introduced me as her best friend.

Soon after, four tall, well-dressed men entered. One was Victoria’s boyfriend, Kurt. The other three men looked related although, one stood out as the most strikingly handsome man that I have ever laid eyes on. Shrewdly checking him out, he appeared to be the epitome of wealth as he exuded money. He wore a dark blazer over his white crew neck shirt, dark pants, and loafers. He had a diamond pinky ring, diamond bezel watch, and thin-laced diamond chain.
Is he a celebrity or something?

His dark, silky, wavy hair lusciously formed a flurry of waves as the dim lights gave his olive complexion a glowing hue. For a moment, I stared in admiration at this one of a kind mythical creature.
He can’t be real.
It has to be the alcohol.
I tried to convince myself that my eyes were playing tricks on me. It was as if I could hear angels singing a hymn when he came before me.

His presence sent me through a heavenly experience, despite being past my alcohol tolerance. My stomach started to do flips, and electric pulses went through my body. I’m convinced that he must be God’s most perfect creation since Jesus Christ.

Dragging my drink up to my lips, I further analyzed this sexy specimen over the rim of my cup. As he came closer, I noticed his striking light grey eyes that seemed almost transparent against his dark long full curly eyelashes. He sported a neat haircut that was cropped low on the side with thick wavy tresses increasing in length towards the middle of his head. The perimeter of his hairline was finely cut, as it masterfully faded into his edges. With a lightly faded close cut neat chinstrap and goatee, this man was what fantasies were made from. He looked like a woman could have the best orgasm of her life, just by staring at him. Even his eyebrows were more perfect than my freshly threaded eyebrows. His lips seemed to be his most sensuous body part, as the soft pink full and inviting lips begged to be nudged between my teeth.
Oh shit, he caught me checking him out.
I shifted my gaze to the left and began sipping on my cocktail, as I clamped my legs closer together to combat the wetness that had been conjured up.

“This is my best friend, Simone. Simone, this is Andriano, Nicolai, and Vincenzo,” Victoria formally introduced us. I couldn’t even respond, as I lustfully held onto Andriano’s hand. His penetrating seductive light-grey eyes held my eyes captive as if he was sizing me up to arrest me. Suddenly, the thought dawned on me… he must know that we do not frequently hang in the same social circles.
He probably thinks that I am Victoria’s latest project or charity case.

Breaking eye contact, I directed my attention to the bathroom in the VIP section. I looked over at Victoria, who was now sitting on Kurt’s lap. Standing up, I began feeling dizzy as if the room was spinning. I decided to sit back down, as I felt keen eyes following my every move. Looking towards the direction where I was a subject of visual interrogation, I began to stare back at Andriano.
Why is he singling me out?
Feeling uneasy, I attempted to stand once again and stood in place for a few seconds. This time feeling less dizzy, I slowly, but successfully, made my way to the bathroom and pulled the opulent doors open.
Damn, even the bathroom is luxurious. I need find out if they are hiring.

Sitting down on the comfy plush lavender couch near the sink, I started thinking about why exactly am I here. This is not my kind of environment, and I do not usually get suckered by peer pressure. After several minutes of reprimanding myself, I stood and looked in the mirror.
This is not your crowd of people, Simone. You should not be here. Go home, Simone,
I repeated silently
.

“There you are,” Victoria said, as she walked into the bathroom towards the sink. “I was looking for you. Are you ok?”

“I was feeling a bit dizzy. Back home, I never really went out to clubs or out drinking with friends. This is all…just so…new to me,” I admitted and let out an exasperated breath. The truth is, I should be in my dorm room, listening to music, and dancing privately in the confines of my empty room.

“Simone, you will get used to it. This is New York City, and this is college life,” said Victoria, with a soft smile formed on her thin lips. Grabbing my hand, Victoria led me out of the bathroom and into the VIP section again. This time, it appeared as though more females flooded the area and flocked around most of the men. Looking at Victoria, I saw that she was now looking at her boyfriend—who was now wrapped up in an intimate conversation with this blond haired girl. My eyes dropped down to Kurt’s hand, which slowly trailed up her thigh.
This is too messy for me. I am ready to go home and lie in bed for the next three days,
I convinced myself.

Seeming unmoved by the overt display of affection, Victoria simply turned around and motioned for us to leave. Feeling self-conscious, I looked towards the direction of the pair of eyes that were staring at me intently. In an instant, this beautiful tall elegantly dressed model tenderly placed a kiss on his delectable lips.

I guess that is what I get for thinking that I stood a chance with this crowd. An expensive dress, heels, makeup, and hairdo could not change the fact that I did not belong in this crowd. Walking down the stairs, I met an expressionless Victoria. At last, some fresh air filled my lungs as we left the toxic club and inhaled the cool Manhattan night air.