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  No one was being fake, but it was clear people were being overly cautious. They didn’t want to say the wrong thing to appear to be an asshole. My father laughed at the appropriate corny jokes from Eric. Cameron was embarrassed when Heather talked about his Little League days.

  The siblings didn’t stop by for Cameron wanted me to meet his family without his siblings involved. I found it weird but I didn’t press further. Robert is married with a family of his own and Jamie is away at college at Georgia. They probably didn’t have time.

  After dinner, Heather gave my father some of her extra peach cobbler with promises she was going to tell of her friends about my Daddy’s coffee shop. Daddy smiled and accepted the pie and the promises. He knew he wasn’t going to eat both.

  Cameron pulled me to the side and hugged me. “Thank you for tolerating my awkward family.” He whispered.

  “They were lovely, even your mother.” I whispered back. It wasn’t a joke. I barely interacted with Eric. He seemed to be more interested in Daddy than anyone else at the table.

  “I want you to spend the night at my place tonight.” Cameron holds me tight. “Pack a bag and I’ll pick you up in about two hours.”

  “I have finals next week, Cam.” I whisper back. “I need to study this weekend.”

  “Just spend the night and I’ll bring you back tomorrow.” He pulls back and caresses my face. “I just want you to be with me tonight.”

  “Okay.” I have so much I could be doing but none of it sounds better than lying next to Cameron all night. “I’ll stay with you tonight.”

  “Hey lovebirds,” Eric finally comes over to us. “Taylor, it was a pleasure to meet you and your father tonight. I hope to see you all again soon.” It feels like he’s giving a speech, yet it’s his normal speaking voice. I guess the politician within him never quite turns off.

  “Thank you for the hospitality.” I shake his hand and Eric pulls me in for a surprise hug. I meet eyes with Cameron and his eyes narrow in on his father. He’s not happy with his father’s warmness but he wouldn’t dare to speak against him.

  “See you around, kid.” Eric smiles and rejoins Heather.

  “See you later, baby.” Cameron gives me a sweet kiss and joins his parents.

  I join Daddy in his car and we pull out slowly from the estate. Once we’re outside of Buckhead, Daddy pulls over and breathes a sigh of relief. He briefly closes his eyes before he turns to me. “They’re nice people, but I’m not sure if they’re good people. If Cameron is who you want, you need to accept everything that comes with him, regardless if you like it.”

  Daddy noticed something with the Pages I didn’t see or haven’t discovered yet. Memories of my convo with Hayley and the Harlem trip flood my brain. If I want to leave Cameron, now is the time to do it. “Yessir.”

  “Good.” My Daddy rolls down the window and tosses the peach cobbler out the window. “I wasn’t going to eat that bland shit no matter who baked it. Karen with the peach cobbler head ass. Let’s go home and have some real cobbler!”

  My Daddy keeps it one hundred no matter what the season is. He’s a real one. “Sounds perfect.”

  Fifteen

  “This is me.”

  I don’t know why I thought Cameron’s home would be that much more simplistic than his parents, when it’s clearly not. His home is two stories tall with six bedrooms and four bathrooms. A large pool and garden house accompanies the backyard.

  A chandelier greets me in the foyer and newly-polished floors show my reflection when I look down. Every room has large windows and mirrors, with a different chandelier in every room. Classic, yet expensive and understated at the same time.

  The walls are different muted colors and nothing is ever too bright in the home, a complete contrast from his mother’s style. It feels more like a retreat or a cabin visit than it is a luxury home. That was Cameron’s intention.

  There’s a man-cave downstairs in the basement that’s about the size of an intimate movie theatre, complete with pool table, darts, and a wet bar. A basketball court is directly outside of the man-cave, along with an accessible shower and bathroom. Smart.

  Upstairs is where the luxury really lies with each bedroom having a different look and feel. Muted wealth is how I can describe it. I recognize the Lalique figures on every bedside dresser with equally expensive lamps. It’s clear Cameron was inspired by his mother’s décor, even if he went a different route.

  “And here is my bedroom,” he opens the bedroom door with a code.

  Greetings, Mr. Page.

  I look back at Cameron and he just winks at me. “Let’s go inside.”

  Cameron’s bedroom is beyond impressive. A large four-poster bed is in the center of the room with a fireplace directly underneath it. Small stairs on both sides of the bed lead up to it from a sitting area below with sofa and chairs. A small bar is in the corner.

  I knew Cameron was rich, but this is a different tax bracket. This is the wealthy category. This is the ‘I own people’s lives’ category of wealth. I’m impressed and overwhelmed at the same time. I feel like I can’t touch or sit on any of the furniture in fear I would break it.

  “Relax.” Cameron looks over at me and reads my expression. “I don’t want you to feel unwelcomed here.”

  “Okay,” I smile and he kisses me. He pulls away and picks up my bag , setting it on a chair as he walks through the bedroom. He takes off his shoes and I follow. I feel like I have to get silent permission before I do anything.

  Instead of windows, there are floor-to-ceiling blackout shades. A sliding glass door leads to a private balcony, which also has stairs leading to the pool and backyard. The master bathroom is complete with a large shower, clawfoot tub, and heated floors.

  His walk-in closet is the size of a small boutique and I’m shocked by the extravagance. He has a mannequin that gets plenty of use. It’s the same shape and size of Cameron. It explains how he always looks fresh no matter the atmosphere.

  This is luxury beyond my wildest dreams. Unlike his parents’ home that has a different theme in every room, it’s clear Cameron is going for a classic, traditional look. The wealth is obvious. Nothing in this home spells Wal-Mart or thrift store.

  “Well, what do you think?” He asks.

  I’m speechless. I’m sure the other women he brought home before had the same reaction. “This is incredible. This is definitely the most beautiful home I have ever seen in my life.”

  “You like?” His face lights up like a little boy’s when he gets the gift he finally wants.

  “Like? What’s not to like about it? It’s so beautiful!” I look around as my eyes widen. I’ve seen rich homes, many a rapper fake homes on Cribs, but Cameron’s place is straight outta Architectural Digest. “This is what all of those businesses have done for you, huh? This luxury?”

  “Yes. A lot of hard work has gone into this place. It wasn’t like this when I bought it. I had to do a lot of extensive remodeling.” He looks around and a proud smile is on his face. “I put a lot into this place.”

  “I can tell.” I follow him upstairs to the bed and lay down with him. Of course, it’s the most comfortable bed I’ve ever been on. I can’t even imagine how much the bed spread must’ve cost. “How do you ever get up in the morning from this?”

  “It’s difficult,” he chuckles as he pulls me closer to him, “but I do it.”

  “I don’t see how.” I stretch out and relax before Cameron rolls on top of me. His body fits perfectly in sync with mine. “Especially like this.”

  He nestles himself between my thighs and it feels like home. “Well, now I have a better reason to be up all night.”

  My fingers trail up and down his back as I feel all of Cameron press against my sex. The familiar yearning occurs in my panties and I’m not trying to ignore it. “I’m going to get no sleep tonight, huh?”

  Cameron kisses the tip of my nose. “No.”

  “Hem.”

  Cameron and I look to where the n
oise is and he quickly rolls off me. He gets off the bed and straightens his clothing. He has a charming, boyish grin on his face to the older, Black woman in his room. “Tesh, I would like you to meet my girlfriend, Taylor.”

  I quickly get off the bed and climb down the steps. Running a finger through my hair, I extend a hand out. “Hi,” I greet the older medium-complected Black woman. She has short hair and a manicure that suggest she doesn’t waste time with the press-on nails I currently have on. She looks at me up and down with an unimpressed look. “I’m Taylor.”

  “Child, I know who you are.” The woman has a twinkle in her eyes. She’s dressed in jeans and a nice shirt that suggested it wasn’t from Wal-Mart or Target. Her makeup looks equally expensive. Her short, black hair, framed her nude makeup. “I’m Tesh. I run everything in this home.” Her voice is gentle, yet without remorse. “You need food, drink, or clothing, I’m the person you contact.”

  I wouldn’t go to Cameron for anything and it was clear I wasn’t suppose to roam around the home unless it was necessary. This was a level of wealth I don’t think I would ever get used to.

  “I’ll leave you ladies alone.” Cameron leaves me alone and I’m about to slap the taste out of his mouth. Did he just feed me to a lion?

  Tesh looks me up and down with a smirk on her face. I’m not the first woman Cameron has brought home and it’s clear to both of us. She’s probably wondering how long this one – me – is going to last.

  I blink in surprise. It makes sense that Cameron would have a house manager because of his busy schedule, but I’m still shocked to see one in the home. “How many people are here?”

  “The maid, the butler, and security. There’s about ten of us here at any given time.” She speaks with an authority that tells me I better not even think about questioning her. She beckons me to leave the room and follow her. “Victoria is the maid. Maria is head of security.” She walks as she speaks and it’s silently suggested I keep up. “The kitchen is 24 hours so if there’s anything you want, you can just summon Ayesha and she’ll cook you up something.”

  Cameron has nothing but women to run the home. He has men, however, as bodyguards. “That’s good to know.”

  “You are the lady of the home and will be treated as such by everyone here. You don’t need to ask for permission, but you also don’t need to bark orders. Cameron is still our boss.” Tesh makes it very clear who she reports to. “If there’s anything you need, just let anyone know and they’ll help you.” She pats my hand. “Welcome home.” She leaves.

  I’m left alone with my thoughts and wondering what the hell just happened. The speed I went from being Cameron’s girlfriend to lady of the home doesn’t escape me, but rather, terrifies the living crap out of me.

  What did I just get myself into?

  After taking a short nap in the most luxurious bed ever, I decide to explore the home on my own. I saw a library with a ton of books I’m pretty sure Cameron has read. There were two kitchens – an industrial one for parties and a smaller one (if I could call it small; it’s about the size of a house) for intimate gatherings.

  There is a huge swimming pool with waterfall and hot tub in the backyard. Every bedroom with the exception of Cameron’s has the same layout with the same bedspread in different colors.

  There is a quiet opulence in this home. From the various Laliques to some paintings that I know are worth a pretty penny, Cameron wants everyone to know how much money he has. Money is loud when emotions are silent.

  I don’t know how long I am going to date Cameron but it was clear to everyone there was something different about our relationship. There was already a privilege of being Cameron’s girlfriend – the lady of the house – and it wasn’t something I took lightly.

  I also wondered how many other women have had the same treatment. I know I’m not his first girlfriend and I’m sure the number of conquests he’s had is mind-boggling. It’s like I know he’s never did this with any other woman, but I can’t help to think why I’m the special one.

  Why me?

  I guess it doesn’t matter. I’m here and Cameron wants me here. Our parents hit it off very well. If things go well, maybe I’ll move in with him sometime after graduation and see what happens from there. Everything is perfect.

  Soon, I’ll find out that the smoke and mirrors in Cameron’s life fully came to mine.

  Sixteen

  “So, you’re spending the night with Cameron, huh?” Hayley giggles over the phone. “It sounds serious.”

  “Spending the night with a guy is hardly what I would call serious,” I counter as I look out the bedroom window. After we had dinner, Cameron retreated into his office and I again was left alone. I know I should get used to him doing this but it still doesn’t sit well with me.

  I feel like I’m alone in a relationship but I’m not alone. I could have everything I want at my fingertips as long as I know my place. I wonder if that’s the relationship his parents have; Heather seemed to know how to present herself at any given moment.

  I know that’s how the wealthy are – present one way publicly and act completely different behind closed doors. A lot of behavior they would criticize others for being uncouth and the racist favorite – ghetto – are the same behaviors they exhibit themselves.

  It seemed Cameron had a reputation both in public and in private. Nothing and no one was going to ruin that.

  “I think it’s pretty serious,” Hayley replies, “a trip to New York and now you’re at his home and you’re being treated as if y’all are married. I think he’s pretty serious about you, Tay.”

  “If you say so.” I cautiously reply as I stare down at a photo of Cameron and his family. It seems they were at his brother’s wedding. Only the parents have genuine smiles. Everyone else seems to be baring their teeth. Wealthy families are so damn weird.

  “So, what are your plans? Coming back tomorrow?” Hayley asks. “Or you living there for the rest of the school year?”

  “Ha-ha, funny. No, I’ll be back tomorrow. I’m just spending the night.” I look around and see more family pictures. There’s a clear contrast between Cameron and his siblings. Robert seems more old Southern wealth. Jamie seems to be the rebel of the bunch with a nose piercing and hidden tattoos under a long-sleeved silk blouse.

  Cameron stands out. Even in a simple family photo, his stature screams power. His hands are in his pockets and his chest is out. He may be the middle child, but nothing about Cameron says he was the ignored child of the Brady Bunch.

  “For now. I’m sure he’s making arrangements for you to be there on a permanent basis.”

  You’re the lady of the house. Tesh’s words ring loudly in my ear and I shake the memory away. I refocus my attention to the photo with Cameron and his siblings. I see Robert and Jamie flank Cameron, standing a little behind him. It’s a powerful statement – he’s the one with the power and they’re just going along with the ride. What a weird dynamic, considering it’s widely assumed Robert would be following Eric’s footsteps. “I’m not playing house without a ring and my name on the deed.”

  “I taught you well, young grasshopper.” Hayley fakes emotion. “It makes me so proud.”

  I turn around to hear the door open and see Cameron enter the room. “I need to go, Hay. Cameron just walked in.” I hang up and see Cameron go into the walk-in closet. I wait a few seconds so I’m don’t appear like some lost puppy before I walk in.

  Cameron is in the midst of removing his clothing and I feel my jaw drop to the ground. Cameron is clean-shaven and there’s a light dusting of hair on his chest. His stomach is ripped, but not overdone. He’s streamlined and perfect.

  His biceps were cut with small veins. His legs were toned and strong. I stood at the door jamb, just devouring him inch by inch as I drank him in. Boxer briefs cover that long, thick glorious cock of his. Damn, how did I get so lucky?

  “Take a picture, it’ll last longer.”

  His voice interrupts my staring and I sti
ck my tongue at him. He laughs in response. “I was admiring one of the most beautiful pieces of artwork.” I walk up to him and wrap my arms around his neck.

  “You’re the artwork, baby.” He stares into my eyes. “You’re absolutely perfect.” He pulls me in for a kiss and I feel my body sigh with pleasure. He licked the inside of my mouth with a confidence only a skilled lover had.

  I kissed him back as if I was desperate for more. I stroked his tongue with mine, deepening the kiss. My clit throbbed in my panties and my breasts became heavy and full. I felt his growl against my moans and Cameron lifted me up, carrying me to his bed.

  He wastes no time undressing me, practically ripping off my clothing and tossing them on the floor. Away goes his underwear and I feel every inch of Cameron pressed against my sex.

  He nestles between my thighs and caresses my face. His eyes darkened with lust. “I want you to ride me. Own me. Control me.”

  “Teach me.” I whisper back. He only smiles his response.

  Cameron rolls over and I climb on top of him. I position my body over him and feel his cock against my ass. He moves me and I sink down on him, taking all of him at once. A squeal escapes my lips as I adjust to his size.

  I feel super exposed, yet this is the most intimate I’ve ever felt. I look down at Cameron and saw him looking back up at me with a wink. He cups my breasts and lightly smacks my ass. “I love how tight your pussy is.”

  “Fuck…” I began to take Cameron as I rolled my hips. He guided me by holding onto my ass and controlling the tempo. My pussy completely sheathed him and he was buried to the hilt. My pussy greedily took more of him, quivering around his thickness.

  Something animalistic took over me. I rode his cock faster as Cameron rubbed my clit. My pussy tightened and shook around him and I knew I couldn’t last much longer. Cameron pulled me down by the nape of my neck and began to thrust upward, hitting my slit with his balls.