Simply Complicated: Ellison Brothers (Ellison Brothers Book 2) Read online

  He then purchased the largest diamond stud earrings that I’m too embarrassed to note the price tag, but trust, it was around five figures. I’m not ashamed to admit how much I’m in love with the earrings.

  We stopped by La Perla for underwear to wear with the gown, and Savior encouraged me to pick up some extra stuff to keep at his home. I felt a little silly picking up three-hundred dollar draws that he might end up tearing off, but hey, it was his money and who am I to argue when a man wants to blow his money on me?

  Now it’s the day of the gala and my nerves have been sky high all morning. I haven’t been to a gala in ages so I’m beyond nervous. I’ll be mingling with other doctors, lawyers, and executives. I’ll be making conversation about what’s going in and not talk about the Migos’ newest album I just downloaded.

  I’m going to get a taste of the life I’ve always wanted.

  It’s not that I’m scared of success but I don’t ever want to be so high up the food chain, I forget where I’ve come from. I’ve seen it happen firsthand when someone moves out of the ‘hood and they never come back to visit. I’ve heard stories of it with celebrities and athletes who don’t even bother to give back to the community that built them up.

  Ashley is one of the most respected accountants in Los Angeles, yet she always gives back to the community. She makes it a point to buy from black-owned businesses, and she supports black fashion designers whenever she can. She’s the true example of making it out of the ‘hood, but never forgetting about it.

  Andrea, however, is a completely different story. She constantly boasts about the designer labels and expensive cars she owns. She’ll post about a news story involving police brutality here and there, and she might even participate in a march. But don’t think for a moment, she’s going to open her wallet and offer to send black men to college. Don’t think you’re going to catch her at a mom and pop’s restaurant and brag about them, increasing their profile and potential business.

  She’s a perfect example of us and them.

  I can’t worry about any of that now. I have a few hours to get ready and make my debut as Savior’s girlfriend in front of a potential international audience. I just hope I walk straight and there’s no food in my teeth.

  And whatever I do, I hope I do not embarrass myself.

  ~~~~~~

  Leaving the bedroom, I walk into the living room and see Savior glance out of the large windows facing the indigo pool. I noticed his face in the reflection and he was in a contemplative state, with a small smile forming on his lips. My heart stilled as I see Savior in a tuxedo, looking like a delicious snack.

  The formal mask is slightly on, yet there’s still a bit of the sensual Savior that is out. It’s a transformation I’m still getting used to – how quickly he can change his mood given the circumstances like an actor on cue.

  Savior pivots his feet and stares at me. He swallows and blows out a small breath. His eyes drink me in from my painted pink toes to my equally painted lips. He touches his chest as his eyes burn into me. There’s a sexiness undercurrent with Savior, and he doesn’t bother to hide it.

  “I never wonder why I call you gorgeous,” he walks up to me and looks into my eyes. His hands cup my face and I feel the familiar yearning between my thighs. “Because you embody it every second.”

  I let out the breath I didn’t know I was holding and grasp his wrists. Savior is just so gorgeous and I feel like Cinderella at the ball. “Savior…”

  “Shh…” He kisses my head. “…you’ll be the best looking woman tonight, I’m sure of it. Shall we?”

  I interlock arms with him and we make our way to the awaiting Rolls Royce. I slip inside and Savior follows behind me. Once we’re inside, the sensuality flows between us like a soft current as I felt the energy of the man beside me.

  I breathe in his cologne and the feelings of arousal wash over me. My body is always on whenever I’m around Savior. I become so aware of what’s going on between us in the now, with thoughts of the future floating in the background.

  “Gorgeous…” His voice is husky and full of want. He curls my fingers around his and pulls me closer to him. He kisses my neck, devouring it with his lips and tongue as his hands wander all over my dress.

  Soft moans escape my mouth as my thighs part to allow entrance of his fingers. He brushes a finger against my wet slit and plays with the budding clit that poked out between the cleft.

  “Your cunt is so greedy for me,” he moans as he continues to suck on my neck, “what should I do about that greedy pussy of yours?”

  I gasp and pant. I become slick with desire and my body starts to ride Savior’s fingers. Is he really doing this on our way to the gala? What if the driver hears us? What if other people see us?

  “I won’t put my cock in you because I want you to beg for it later,” he nibbles on my ear, “so my fingers are going have to suffice.”

  “Oh shit,” I sob as his thumb circled my clit. He pulled back from me and I studied his face. His lips were slightly pursed, his eyes had that sultry look to them, yet he was collected and calm. He was more focused on getting me off than anything else.

  My breath contracts in my chest. The coils of orgasm began to unravel and my legs shook from pleasure. My nails dug into the plush leather seats as our gazes locked on each other.

  He had heated eyes and his lips…my god, his lips were curved into that sinful, delicious smile. He knew he had me where he wanted me, anytime at his bidding, and I would gratefully oblige any requests.

  “I want to feel you come all over my fingers,” Savior circled my clit faster, “can you do that, baby? Can you come for me when I tell you to?”

  I cried and moaned, losing all of my dignity. I was afraid of disappointing him; climaxing when he told me not yet. I was so aroused when he ordered me to wait for him. It was a clusterfuck of emotions and I didn’t know what to do first.

  “Now.” Savior ordered. “Come now.”

  The orgasm hit my body like an ocean wave, violently shaking me. I collapsed against the seat and cried out Savior’s name, feeling weak and helpless. He withdrew his fingers and wrapped his arms around me, kissing my head as the orgasm coursed through my body.

  My body finally stopped shuddering and I lay satiated in the backseat with Savior. He wiped his fingers with a moistened cloth and discarded it before he softly rocked me to a small sleep. Only the sounds of Shalamar and Savior’s heartbeat filled the small space.

  I felt complete. I felt at home.

  Nineteen

  The Beverly Wilshire is one of those hotels one always hears about but never imagined a stay would occur.

  I’ve been to fancy hotels, if one could call the DoubleTree a fancy hotel. There’s fancy – anyone can afford it if you hustle hard enough. And then there’s white people fancy when you enter the premises, they are legit surprised to see your black ass because to them, seeing a black person is like seeing an unicorn.

  I’m in the latter.

  I immediately feel all eyes on me as Savior and I exit the Rolls Royce and make our way inside. I see guests of both sexes turn to look at us as we walk past them. I don’t know if they’re more astounded by the bald head or the black skin. I already know some women are looking at me and wonder how in the hell was I able to pull off that look while they’re still paying for that three hundred dollar blowout.

  Magic, bitches.

  Savior and I stop at a small waiting area where he checks his expensive watch. “My family should be arriving at any time now. My parents first, then my brothers.” He explains. “My brothers tend to arrive a little on their own style.”

  I don’t like how cryptic that sounds. “Oh?”

  “You’ll see. Ocean tends to be a bit more reserved, but Soul…” A waiter comes by with a tray of champagne and Savior takes two glasses, giving one to me. “…Soul really doesn’t give a damn.”

  My eyebrows rise. Seeing how prim and proper Savior and Starr are, I’m legit curious to see how
Ocean and Soul will act. “Oh?”

  Savior clinks glasses with me and takes a sip. “Case in point,” he nods behind me, and I see Ocean with his date. “Look at Ocean’s shoes.”

  Ocean is wearing a tuxedo but his shoes are sneakers. As he approaches us, I recognize the sneakers being FBLs. It’s endearing to see the brothers low-key support each other in different ways.

  “Baby brother,” Ocean greets Savior with a bro hug. “Keisha, you’re looking lovely as ever.”

  It’s hard to make eye contact with your boyfriend’s brother, who performed your gynecological exam. Talk about awkward. “Thank you, Ocean.”

  “This is my date for tonight, Bailey.” He introduces a young, slender biracial woman. She’s wearing a black slip dress with heels that put her on par with Ocean’s height. She could be Jourdan Dunn’s twin. “Bailey, this is my younger brother, Savior, and his girlfriend, Keisha.”

  Once Bailey realized I was Savior’s girlfriend and not competition, it seems the alleged animosity evaporated. Her stone face suddenly has the brightest smile on it. What? She honestly thought I wanted Ocean? Is competition between women always a thing?

  “Pleasure to meet you, Keisha.” Bailey speaks with an accent that I can’t quite place. To be honest, I’m not entirely sure it’s a real one.

  “Likewise,” I smile back. I feel Savior stiffen and the energy shifts yet again. The sensual side of him immediately dissipates while the professional and straight-laced one appears. I turn towards him and I see his eyes are lock on Starr and Thomas. They arrived together and it seems like the red sea parted for them.

  They walk down the red carpet looking like royalty personified. Thomas is tall, slender, with a head full of white hair. Just like Savior, he commands attention the moment he enters a room and won’t let it go until he leaves.

  There’s an air of mystery combined with a no tolerance for bullshit Thomas has. He wants it straight, no chaser, and will probably curse you out six ways to Sunday if you lead him to believe otherwise.

  He’s in sharp contrast to Starr, who has her hair rolled up in a French bun and wore a sparkly blue gown. She’s warm and inviting, with eyes that dazzle with each smile – contrived or real.

  “Ocean, Savior,” Thomas greets his sons with an approving smile. His tone is not like a father to sons, but rather an older colleague talking to his younger counterparts. There is no signs of affection and love anywhere. “I see you two have brought dates.”

  “Father, this is my date, Bailey.” Ocean introduces her to Thomas. “Bailey, these are my parents, Thomas and Starr Ellison.”

  “It is so lovely to meet you. I’ve heard so much about you. It is such an honor to finally meet you.” Bailey lays it on thicker than honey. I think she just might be worst than Rosa.

  “Thank you, my dear.” Thomas loves the compliment and is seemingly used to it. He turns to me and his eyes crinkle upon seeing my bald head. “And you are?”

  “This is my date, Keisha.” Savior introduces me to his parents. Date?

  “Lovely to meet you, Keisha.” Thomas grins. “I hope you enjoy your evening here.”

  There’s a slightly noticeable difference between how Thomas greeted Bailey and how he greeted me. He sounded mechanical with both of us, but there was more of an edge with me, at least it appeared to be. Maybe I’m just feeling a bit self-conscience since my boyfriend introduced me to his father as his date, and not his girlfriend.

  Thomas takes two glasses of champagne and hands one over to Starr. “Where’s Soul? I don’t see him anywhere. Unless he’s busy with his shoes.” He glances down at Ocean’s feet. “Really, Ocean? A black-tie affair and you’re wearing sneakers?”

  “The dress code didn’t say Tom Fords or Gucci slippers so yes.” Ocean blinks a few times and tightens his smile. “I wanted to be comfortable and I am. You should be happy since I am promoting my brother and your son’s very successful sneaker line.”

  There is tension between the men and it becomes more apparent with each biting remark. “I’m proud of all of my sons regardless of what they might think otherwise.” Thomas grins.

  “Now is not the time for your bullshit.” Starr politely reminds everyone. “I have bigger issues to worry about such as that one.” Starr rolls her eyes and we all turn to see what she’s talking about. “I don’t even believe this mess.”

  Audible gasps appear amongst the crowd as the youngest member of the Ellison family strolls in. Wearing the freshest FBLs to compliment his tuxedo, Soul Ellison has arrived. He’s over six feet tall, with his brown hair closely-cropped and a budding goatee. Just like his brothers, he’s also gorgeous and he knows it.

  He’s muscular in stature and quite uncomfortable he has to wear a tuxedo. His appearance isn’t what’s causing all of the commotion, though I think the family wish it were.

  Paying homage to Snoop Dogg, Soul appears with two blonde women on leashes. The women are wearing designer gowns with studded diamond collars around their necks as Soul carries two leashes in his hands. He’s serving Malibu’s Most Wanted tease.

  “Father, mother, brothers,” Soul walks up to the family with a knowing smirk on his hands. He knows if his family really wants to have a word with him, it’ll give him motivation to leave and he’s itching for someone to pull the trigger. “Lovely to see you all here. Here are my dates – to my left is hashtag. To my right is me too.”

  My mouth gapes open before Savior whispers in my ear. “He was recently accused of sexual harassment. The allegations were proven false. He’s doing this as a fuck you to the movement.”

  I shake my head. “I’m not sure if this is the—”

  “Soul does whatever Soul wants and that’s final.” Savior purrs.

  “I’m Alexis,” Blonde #1 aka hashtag smiles.

  “I’m Carly,” Blonde #2 aka me too grins.

  “Pleasure to meet you both.” Thomas seemingly beams. Okay, so I wasn’t thinking I was overly sensitive. Thomas loves the blondes, and he didn’t mind Jourdan-light. But he definitely has an issue with my dark-skinned ass. Got it.

  “Soul, this is my date, Keisha.” Savior introduces me. Second time I’m his date this evening and not his girlfriend. I’m starting to see a distinct pattern here.

  “Hey Keisha,” Soul approaches me with a wicked smile, “has Savior showed you his singing chops?”

  “He sings?” I blink.

  “He sounds like that Bieber dude,” Soul chuckles as Ocean hides a smile. “He can sing, no doubt. But he was the original white boy on soul patrol.” Soul nudges me. “Hey you wanna hear a funny joke?”

  I briefly question if this is a trick question. “Um, sure.”

  “Please, don’t.” Savior sighs.

  “Whatever happened to Jon B.?” Soul’s eyes dance.

  I shrug. “I don’t know.”

  “Justin Timberlake and Robin Thicke!” Soul cracks up at his own joke. As corny as it is, he has a point.

  “Yo, Keisha,” Soul is authentic about his behavior. He doesn’t wear a mask like Savior or bite his tongue like Ocean. What you see is what you get. “You like sneakers?”

  “I love sneakers!” I smile. “My Jordan collection is quite impressive if you ask me.”

  “Yo,” Soul pulls out a business card and gives it to me, “hit me up next week, aight? I wanna do something for you.” He winks at me.

  “Do what?” Savior interjects.

  “Oh, I don’t know. Maybe give your date here some sneakers?” Soul meets his brother’s challenge. It seems both of Savior’s brothers are seeing through his crap and I’m, for one, am so glad. I should really thank Soul.

  Savior’s mouth twitches and it’s clear he’s annoyed. “Fine.”

  I’m starting to feel claustrophobic with all of the shade and tension. The fact Savior hasn’t corrected anyone who has referred to me as his date is very unsettling. I grab another glass of champagne and excuse myself.

  I quickly down the champagne and blink back tears. I’m a
bout to get white girl wasted and I really don’t even care. I’m not sure what game Savior is playing but I do know I don’t want to participate in it any longer.

  I find a small corner where no one can bother me and pull out my cell phone. I’m tempted to call Tasha but I have a feeling she might be too high to make it to Beverly Hills to pick me up.

  Nikki is my next choice. I hope she’s available. I quickly place a text to her asking her if she’s able to pick me up from the disaster of disasters. She replies she’s on a date and can’t but she’ll send for an Uber to get me. I text her thanks and I make my way outside to wait for the Uber.

  I wait outside for a few minutes when I feel his presence beside me. I don’t even bother to turn around. He wants me to be insignificant and unimportant amongst the most important people in his life, I can play that game. I can also take my ass home and have fun with my vibrator. At least I know he wouldn’t give me problems or be fake.

  “Keisha,” Savior calls and I shake my head. “You ran away from me,” Savior grabs my elbow and joins me. “You’re my date, Keisha. I need to know where you are at all times.”

  “I’m your date, but I’m not your girlfriend.” I reply through gritted teeth. “It’s okay, Savior. I understand you’re black lives matter in the sheets, but all lives matter in the streets.”

  “And what the hell?” He steps in front of me. His eyes are serious and his mouth ticks with annoyance. He’s pissed. Good. He can join the club. “What is that about?”

  “Your father has had plenty of mistresses but he came with your mother and he introduced her as his wife in front of everyone.” Tears threaten my eyes but I keep them at bay. “You introduced me as your date. Not girlfriend, but date.”

  Savior runs a hand through his hair and looks around. He’s hoping no one is noticing our conversation. He’s also hoping I don’t become ghetto all up in this bitch. “I introduced you as my date because you are.”