WORKER BEE
Never. The number of times a woman had ever sought to tend to my needs. Slowly and assuredly, Serenity was proving herself to be priceless. A rare jewel, she was as invaluable as the peace for which she’d been named.
“Let me take care of you, Duke,” she whispered, pulling away from the bed.
“Start here,” I urged, shifting her thickness toward my growing dick. At a single taste, my need for her was unquenchable. The way she constricted and gripped me. The way she soaked me. The way she purred so sensually. As much as possible, I wanted to be buried inside that pussy.
For the last two hours, Serenity fussed about leaving to assemble a care package from the local holistic store in my honor. In my hierarchy of emotional needs, I hadn’t realized how necessary she’d been. How necessary a caretaker of a woman was. City girl, Mya was hardly concerned when I contracted a cold, much less sniffles. Serenity was different.
A nurturer .
A tender soul. She was sensitive to the needs of others. My needs . A nigga hadn’t been fussed over in so long. Her tenderness and care were like a breath of fresh air. She knew how to sustain and support. She knew how to encourage and uplift. It spoke volumes to the level of maturity and emotional intelligence she’d amassed. We didn’t know each other well, but that lack of familiarity stopped nothing. In diligence, she pursued a desire to care for me.
“ Duke ,” Serenity fussed but failed to deviate from my request to remain in bed. Schooling a smirk, she crept closer. As much as I ached to massage her internally, she longed to feel my presence, too.
The evidence of earnest leg days made their presence known. Toned and thick chocolate thighs fenced around my waist. After lining my dick up at entry, she sank down, surrounding her heat around my length. Slow and steady, she swallowed every inch, moving me from agony to ecstasy.
“Duke… Mmmh .”
She started rocking, rowing, and moaning slowly. She grabbed both breasts. Squeezing each, she gritted her teeth. The suppleness of her skin, the warmth emanating from within, the sweetness of her cries, the weight of fervor in her eyes. It was all serene. The peaks of her pierced nipples swayed to and fro. Paired with the cascade of curves and the zenith of hips, she set me ablaze. Those bejeweled twins commanded my attention. Thoroughly, I gave it, pulling her closer while rubbing and sucking each unhurriedly.
Leisurely and steadily, Serenity swayed her hips, resting her head against my chest. Her arms roped around my back and held me close. The rhythm she rocked was savorous and dangerous. Gentle and slow.
Undisciplined lips confessed her need for me. Confessed how good I felt, how she longed for me, how she obsessed over me… She felt like the piece of me I’d been missing before I knew it existed. An oasis surrounded by an ocean of honey. My busy bee. Serenity.
She felt like ease.
She felt like peace.
She felt like comfort.
“ Duke .”
She sang against my ear as my finger slid inside her chocolate star. The addition of the sensation left her speaking in tongues.
“Work the dick, baby.”
“ D — D — Duke .”
“Pussy so tight. So wet, syrupy, and gushy,” I fussed, stirring my finger. “You ridin that dick like it’s yours.”
“I’m cumming again,” she whined.
“Cum on, Bee. I love to feel it,” I confessed, palming a breast and rolling a nipple before popping it in my mouth to suck.
“ Ooh .”
Starved . She’d hungered for me. Serenity’s honeypot hadn’t been properly dipped in for a substantial length of time.
While young, she was all woman. All passion . All pleasure . All purpose . But it was time to unearth all play . Locking her down was never the objective but was now at the forefront of my thoughts. I’d had her once, and like a fiend, I couldn’t get enough.
Mine .
I shuddered at the potential of us. Whatever we called ourselves doing beyond the four walls of the penthouse would require a nod of approval from her family.
And then there was Mya.
My future had entered before clearing what was left of my past. Crumbs remained from my marriage. Crumbs capable of staining the present.
“Look at me,” Serenity whimpered, grabbing hold of the lower half of my face. The peak we’d climbed had slowly faltered, knocking us off track. “Where did you go?”
A dark place .
“Nowhere, baby.”
“Duke, you’re getting soft. Your mind is roaming. Don’t lie to me. As a matter of fact, maybe we should stop.”
She slowed her move and groove in favor of studying my face. She’d sniffed me out. Sensed the shift in my energy. Felt it physically, too. The fullness of her lips and the tautness of cocoa nipples got me back on track. My missile regrew inside of her.
“Don’t stop,” I urged, drawing her into a kiss. Eyes heavy, my eager hands pulled her hips forward to feel me deeply.
“ Fuck , Duke .”
Grunts and groans were stolen from my throat. The cold I was fighting was nothing in comparison to Serenity. She felt incredible. Made me feel incredible.
“ Duuuuuke… ”
Serenity kept that up while I kept my thoughts trained on how unbelievable she felt. Included in my next objective were tan lines against her perfect breasts, hip dips, and full ass. Already, I was planning the location for our first adventure together. She’d been wound far too tight. A true workaholic. It was time to uplift, unleash, upgrade, and unwind.
Closing her eyes, she relished the feel of my hands palming her breasts and teasing her embellished nipples. My free hand slinked between her legs as she continued to ride. Continued to scream and cream, making a mess between us. Little gasps were freed as I pinched and rubbed her swollen clit. She cried out when my opposite hand returned that inserted finger and swirled her ass. Inexplicable pleasure drove the stress from her body.
“ Duke, you feel so good .”
Uncontrolled trembles erupted in my arms as she came. There was splendor in her body’s submission. In the arch of her back, the thrust of her hips, the firmness of her grip. The sight like a miracle to behold. She granted me total control. I watched her beautiful malfunction as my dick released, too.
Somewhere along the lines of cuddling and fondling, Serenity complained again about leaving. My desire for her closeness muted that noise as my arm wrapped around her limbs. Her absence would be intolerable. We’d gone too long outside of each other’s company. I needed her presence for a little longer. I tossed my leg around her frame, securing her in place, and we both fell into the arms of sleep.
Sluggishly, I watched Serenity dress in preparation for a brief departure. If I had my way, she’d be tied to the bed, but Gray Hotel lacked four poster bed frames in favor of a more contemporary design.
“Come here, Bee.”
Without hesitation, she eliminated the space between her and the bed where I was bundled under covers.
“Why do you call me Bee?”
A weighty cough fought to clear my throat before I could respond. “Little bee. Busy bee. That’s you. You work tirelessly. You probably work in your sleep, huh?”
The warmth of her smile heated the room.
“That’s Big Bee to you, and yes, I do work in my sleep. I come up with the best ideas while unconscious,” she tittered, landing a kiss on my lips as she talked with her hands and lengthy ass nails.
“Ain’t no reward for that, Big Bee . Come back here. Give me another one.” Roped around her wrist, my fingers held firm. Begging for kisses, Duke ? This shit was ridiculous.
“ Mmh ,” I groaned, relishing the feel of her lips.
“I’ll be back with your care package.” Again, she attempted to pull away from my grasp.
“One more,” despicably, I begged, sitting up on the bed and tossing my legs across the edge.
With a twirl of her eyes, a flutter of her lashes, and a smile, she stepped back between my legs. As she lowered to my lips, my legs closed around her and pulled her back into bed.
“Duke!” She laughed. “Let me go before we both end up in here sick.”
“So much fucking honey,” I laughed, covering my mouth to cough away from her face. “If you didn’t want my germs, you shouldn’t have gotten on the lift.”
“But you took me so high ,” dreamily, she sighed.
“Get out of here before I take you higher.” With a smack to her ass, I issued the threat.
After Serenity left, I fell into a hacking fit. It was as if her presence had healed me. Conversely, her absence sickened me. Those thoughts alone were alarming. We didn’t know each other well yet , but the level of comfort experienced in her proximity was beyond the scope of my understanding.
In privacy, I shuffled around the penthouse, tidying things that had fallen into disarray. Serenity likely had already seen bits of the chaos, but still. I didn’t need her settling on the notion that I was a dirty nigga.
Operating at fifty percent with a fever had killed the desire for order and cleanliness. Once the cold took over, I kept the DO NOT DISTURB hanger outside the door to prevent the spread of germs. Earlier in the week, the owner of the hotel, Gray, called me personally to thank me for the consideration—not infecting his entire staff.
As I moved around, picking up clothes and trash simultaneously, I phoned the most pertinent people about what was pressing me most.
“Aye.”
From the opposing end of the line, the informal greeting was issued.
“I need to speak with you.”
“Oh. Concerning what? You know my old lady’s about to drop. I ain’t moving around like that right now.”
“Yeah, yeah, nigga. This is equally important. Something I’d rather discuss in person.”
The line quieted.
“Sooner rather than later,” I tacked on, emphasizing my urgency.
“Then catch me at the office. Monday is my last day.”
“Aight, bro.”
“Love.”
“Love.”
Outside, the weather was docile. A blanket of orange, yellow, red, and brown announced the heart of the fall in Paramour. As much as I moved around, I couldn’t deny that the city was a fucking stunner. I watched from the large windows as my fingers worked, dialing yet another number. He answered on the third ring. He always answered on the third ring.
“Son.”
“Don’t let Junior hear you say that,” I warned, plastering a grin on my face.
“I would tell you to carry a message to him, but I’ll tell that old nigga myself when I see him.”
“Golf next Wednesday?”
“On the green. You know how we roll. What ails you? I know you didn’t call to speak on me and your father’s routine.”
Forward and direct, he always knew how to shoot.
“I’d like to have lunch soon.”
“For what?”
“I’d rather not say.”
“Best you say it now, then, Duke. If you announce it beforehand, it’s best you tell it all where I’m concerned. Prefaced intel isn’t my ministry.”
He was right. He never cared much for an introduction to whatever needed saying. He was a straight shooter in real life and when he spoke. I shifted the phone.
“Mr.—”
“—When you were a boy, you always did that. Revealed your hand by calling me Mister . Something rests on your heart, yet you fear it will weigh heavier on mine.”
“Well, that’s because it will.” I started, still watching from the bedroom window as a small cyclone of leaves swirled at ground level.
“I have eyes, Duke. Eyes everywhere. I respect your calling, but I already knew.”
I sighed. “That fast?”
“What kind of man would I be if speed wasn’t within my grasp? I’m patient, but not that patient.”
“Heard you,” I spoke, padding through the hall toward the living room to pull back the drapes. Groups of conference attendees had gathered under the hotel’s portes-cochères. The evening lights of the grand entrance illuminated.
Few souls huddled and tugged their peacoats closer to their frame in a vain attempt to hide from a wind chill. Just a few weeks prior, we’d been basking in the remnants of summer. The sudden change of weather got ahead of me, besting my immunity.
“I don’t know much, but I know enough. I was concerned, but your call has put me at ease somewhat. It further confirms my beliefs about you.”
“And what’s that?”
“A man of integrity, Duke. You don’t disappoint. Did you speak to—”
“I’m already on it.”
“Good. Good. I see speed is within your grasp as well. I suppose I’ll be seeing you and Junior next Wednesday.
“I can’t do next—”
“ You better ,” his voice deepened. “Or I’ll be explaining to Junior why his son is in a coffin.”
He hung up.
I blinked twice, not permitting the threat to marinate. He may have meant every word, but I didn’t fear the nigga in the slightest. My guns could shoot the same as his, and bullets didn’t miss. Still, I respected his sense of urgency. A precious jewel hung in the balance. I’d called out of respect, and despite his threat, that reverence never once faltered.
After disconnecting the call, I dialed Sheila She.
“Mr. Stepford, how’s the conference?”
Sheila’s exuberant energy percolated through the phone.
“Sheila, clear my schedule next week.”
“I can’t do that, Mr. Stepford. We have travel plans to Dubai next week and—”
“So, work on turning it into a trip for pleasure as well.”
“A trip for pleasure ?”
“Don’t make me repeat myself. Good night, Sheila She.”
After tackling that list of duties, I showered and dragged my limbs back to bed. Depleted of energy caused by chills and a fever, I dozed off for the umpteenth time. My body needed the rest. The fever had taken its toll.
Somewhere between la-la and land, Serenity returned, utilizing the keycard I’d given her to gain entry.
“ Duke ?”
The silky, sugary notes of her tone wafted through my sleep-ridden ears.
“Hmm?” Pulling the covers higher, I tossed onto my side and dozed off yet again.
“ Wake up . Wake up, Duke.”
Serenity’s soft and sultry voice stirred me again from my slumber. She was still dressed in the suit she’d worn to the conference. Still wearing me on her skin.
I stretched, groaned, and pulled her in bed with me. She laughed, fussed, and laughed some more before we both rose—me following behind her as she made her way to the kitchen.
The large brown paper bag on the counter was packed with “goodies,” she claimed. With an arsenal of herbs, teas, and tinctures, Serenity vowed I had all I needed to strengthen my immune system and get back to feeling myself.
“Enough to keynote tomorrow?” I asked, stretching and scratching my beard.
Looking in my direction, her face wore a blank expression. “Uh. Maybe . I’ll let you decide if that’s what you want to do based on how you feel.”
She turned to the counter where the oil of oregano was. Gracing me with a view of her rear, she opened the bottle to replace it with a dropper. With my eyes glued to her ass, I watched as she moved around, dissociating for a bit at how things between us had shifted.
A month ago, we were barely acquainted, and now the scent of her was embedded in my beard. Life comes at you fast.
“What the fuck were you doing in Genevieve ?” I couldn’t help it. I needed to satisfy my curiosity.
“Watching you, obviously ,” she shrugged as she turned to face me.
“Did you like watching me fuck somebody else?”
The perfectly manicured brows of her forehead furrowed. “No. I was…” She swallowed. “Jealous as fuck. Did you have me kicked out?”
“I did.”
Her face dipped into a frown. “Why?”
“To protect you.”
Genevieve was no place for a woman like Serenity. And I’d be damned if her people came back to me with some bullshit about discovering her presence that evening. I’d seen her in the audience. Like everyone else, she was entranced—trapped in a spell. My dick had superpowers. I was used to the awe it inspired, though I hadn’t expected to see her there. Hell, I wasn’t really supposed to be there.
That night, I’d been on my vindictive shit. Mya was in the crowd. She was ballsy, using my guest pass to gain entry. She had been doing so for months after our separation before I discovered her.
I wanted her to see me do things I used to do to her to another woman. I wanted to hurt her the way she and Mike had hurt me. And maybe it was petty. But it wielded the intended effect.
“Protect me?” Serenity asked, rupturing my thoughts.
“You didn’t have on a mask.”
“Because it broke!”
Her sultry voice heightened, but it was still sweet as honey. She was flustered as if I’d hit her dog.
“The nigga you came with didn’t even offer to get you another one or give you his. Genevieve is heavy on discretion, but that doesn’t mean you weren’t photographed or possibly exposed,” I explained.
When I saw her in the crowd, I instinctively went into protector mode despite my embarrassment. I wasn’t out to let my nigga’s little sister go out sad on account of watching me during a low moment.
“What type of rank do you have in that place to be making such decisions?” She seemed more upset at the fact that I’d had her removed than anything else I said.
“I own it.”
“Oh.” Her shoulders fell with the revelation. “Do you…go there often? Do you perform like that frequently?”
Again, the question arose, leading me to wonder exactly how did she see me. Whatever portrait lingered in her pretty head was mine to repaint. Again, I sought to lay waste to whatever the fuck her hesitations or concerns were. They couldn’t exist in the world I wanted between us.
“No, Serenity. I haven’t been inside Genevieve in months. Not since that night. Nor do I plan to. I have all I need right in front of me.”
“Okay,” she said, turning back toward the counter.
“ Okay ?” I asked, unsure. I expected there to be more of a fight or disagreement about my exploits but not a fucking simple ass “ okay .”
The aromatic zing of the herb-infused oil she was toying with filled the air, telling me my experience with it wouldn’t be pleasant. Serenity smiled and turned toward me with a dropper half full of the concoction and a glass of orange juice.
“Serenity, answer me.”
“Yes, okay . If that’s what you say, I have no reason to believe otherwise. Thank you for the transparency. Here.”
Hands folded in front of me, feet crossed at my ankles, I didn’t budge.
“Just drop this on your tongue and then knock it back with the orange juice in three gulps.”
I sniffed and coughed, shielding my mouth. “You want me to drink that ?”
“Duke, it’ll help you fight what remains of your cold.”
“Bee, I’m not drinking that. It’s nasty. I can tell.”
“So is being sick. Here, watch me do it.”
She knocked it back and chased it with orange juice. I watched her grunt in disgust, too. It made her request even less appealing to fulfill.
“I’m not doing it.”
“I guess I need to be on my way then.” She deadpanned, issuing a look that told me it wasn’t up for debate.
If I had to choose the disgusting ass oil of oregano over her absence, I’d chug the entire bottle. The black glare on my face conveyed where she was going, but it wasn’t on her way. She’d be on my dick, on her way to another orgasm. For as much as I could, I’d hold her hostage before she scurried back to her busy schedule.
“Aight. Give it to me.”
With the concoction set up in the dropper again, I followed her lead, knocking back the oil and chasing it with the entire glass of juice.
“ Shit . Agh . Wipe that smile off your face.”
She looked mighty pleased.
“Taken three times a day, it’ll have that cold cleared in no time.”
“ Three ?” My wide eyes grew in size.
“Yes, Duke. Three,” she said, wrapping her arms around my neck. “Don’t you want to knock this cold out?”
“Fine.”
My compliance was awarded with gentle fingers digging into the muscles of my back. Hot oil helped to soothe parts I’d scarcely noticed were stressed as her hands plowed into my overworked muscles. The tantric back massage transformed into me massaging her internally.
Hours into the late afternoon, we showered. Under the warm cascade of water, we failed miserably at keeping our hands to ourselves. Far too sore and tired from frequent sex, I gave her pussy rest. Lots of kisses, grabbing, groping, grappling, licking, and sucking took place instead. Lathering up a wash towel, I cleaned her body unhurriedly, taking it all in. Returning the favor, she cleaned me thoroughly.
Clothes were delivered, silencing complaints about not having anything to wear. Underwear, lounging shorts, casual leggings, a top and boots from Loewe, a dress for day two of the conference— matching my suit. Serenity had all she needed and more in my presence.
I wanted her near. Needed her proximity. Needed our synchrony. She was a drug. That night at Sin , I’d gotten my first hit. From the sofa, under a blanket, I watched her move around the kitchen, preparing soup and tea. She returned to the sofa with two cups and a bowl of soup, insisting that I drink and eat.
Time dissolved. Night greeted us, and after room service dinner, I forced her to sit down and relax.
“It just feels like I have so much to do.” Imprisoned in my arms, she lamented over the loss of time.
“What’s so important on your list, Bee? What’s so pressing that you can’t sit on the bench for a night?”
Hesitation pirated her voice. “I—uh.”
“When’s the last time you sat still and relaxed in it? The stillness?”
She swallowed. Shifted a little. Looked away. Stress was having a buffet in her head.
“It’s the expansion.”
I freed her, shifting slightly so she could get her bearings. My bladder summoned me to empty it, so I reluctantly rose to drain the head.
“What about it?” From the bathroom, I called out over my shoulder. Whatever wore on her soul, I sought to carry. Whatever I could do to lighten the load, I would.
“I don’t want one new spa.”
I flushed, washed, and dried my hands, returning to where she was stretched out on the sofa, holding a sphere-shaped pillow. Taking the seat on the opposite end of the lounger, I studied her pretty toes.
“You want several,” I finished, seeking to gauge where her head was at. The figures from her pitch did appear off for a single location. Her explanation made sense. “Throughout the state?”
“Yes. And why should I have to wait for that? Why can’t I open a spa in South Point? In North Banks. In Adelaide—”
“You want to take over the world, Brain.”
“Yes, Pinky,” she tittered. “I mean. It’s more than just a place for relaxation. It’s wellness. Mental, physical, and emotional wellness. We don’t have enough places like that throughout the state. Do you know how many people have traveled from near and far to visit? Do you know how many people require a healthy way to unravel their stress?”
“Yeah, I saw your numbers,” I teased.
“Hush. But seriously. Spas like Serenity are needed.”
I scratched my beard. Already, my brain was brewing up a solution to suggest. Serenity’s eyes lit up when she spoke of the wellness center. That was her passion. Her baby . Whatever the fuck she wanted in regard to bringing her dream to fruition, I’d happily give. I let her drone on about it, watching the way she smiled when an idea came to her, the way her chest rose and fell with excitement when I gave her something to consider.
“Maybe some centers will be bigger than others. That’ll take some of the financial strain off of you. Or a franchise.”
Her face contorted at the mention of it.
“I don’t want to compromise the quality of my service. Franchises are cool, but there’s a certain elegance to the spa that requires upholding a certain standard.”
“I hear you, Big Bee. However, you can still maintain quality control to a degree with a franchise. And it benefits you because you won’t have to worry about assuming all the risk.”
She wasn’t trying to hear that shit, so I let her rock. By no means was I attempting to step on her pretty-ass toes when it came to her dream business.
“No to franchising. I got you. Do you have investors or…”
Her shoulders fell along with her face.
“That’s what I’m attending the conference in search for. I have a meeting set up with a company.”
Brows knitted, my eyes squinted, scrutinizing her. My opinion wasn’t high for some of the investment firms in attendance. The need to protect her from lousy business felt damn near biological. Instinctual. Visceral.
“What company?”
Saying nothing, her lips pursed. She set her sights on me. The bold round peepers threatened to kidnap my ass into a world beyond our current realm. Our eyes locked together for a stare-off.
“Just tell me,” I chuckled.
“I don’t want to jinx it.”
Teeth dug into my inner jaw. She was so fucking stubborn.
“Aight,” I yielded. “Let me know how I can help.”
“I don’t want help , Duke. Not like that. I appreciate the offer. I do. Please don’t think I’m ungrateful. It’s just …”
“Tell me, Bee.”
“Of all my siblings, I’ve been the charity case. Everyone is always trying to help me,” she fussed.
“Ain’t that what the fuck’s supposed to happen?” I’d never heard of someone complain about having too much help.
“I built this shit. Brick by brick,” she fussed using her index finger, referencing Snowfall .
“Aight, Franklin.”
Her head dipped backward, resting against the sofa as a sigh expelled from her chest. It was time to change the vexing ass topic.
“I feel like my family doesn’t respect what I’ve built.”
Tell me about it .
“—Like, they know I have the spa. They know I have Vivid , but neither has been enough of a project to receive the respect I deserve. I want out from under everyone’s thumb. It doesn’t matter how much money I raise for the Miller Center or how well the spa performs, they still see me as the baby…”
She was a proud woman, not a hard woman. A woman trying to assert herself in a male-dominated world. I let her cook. While listening, I marveled at her beauty. Her regal features. The wry half-smile. The big cat-like eyes and juicy ass lips. Thick and toned thighs and legs. Heat washed over me as I consumed it all. Even in frustration, she was a stunner.
“I’m sorry. I’ve dominated the conversation, haven’t I?”
“Naw. Get it off your chest, Bee. I love listening to you talk. Even if it is to complain about how your family wants to spoil you, it’s admirable that you’re determined to figure shit out for yourself. I have a similar issue with my father.”
“Are you the youngest of your siblings?”
“Only child.”
“ Oh .”
“But I get it, Bee. Even at my age, I’ve yet to earn the respect of my father. Regardless of what I accomplish, sometimes it feels like it’s—
“— Never enough ,” we finished together.
“And it’s not like I’m seeking anyone’s approval, I just… I don’t know. Change the topic.”
She threw the pillow at me. I blocked it like Mutombo, ignoring how it rolled to the floor.
“Clear your schedule next week.”
“ For what ?”
“Give me Wednesday evening and the remainder of the week through Sunday.”
“That’s—”
“—Four days and one night. Leave all this work shit behind and come with me. Your overbearing family ain’t goin nowhere. The spa expansion will be here when you get back, Bee.”
Grabbing one of her pretty-ass feet, I massaged. I couldn’t resist. Adding to that was the undeniable urge to suck them into my mouth, so I did.
“ Ooh ,” she crooned, lifting off the sofa with an arch in her back as I sucked another, then another.
“Duke? What are we doing? And why does it feel so natural? So right? So fucking good .”
“We’re doing what the fuck we want. Duke and Bee . And it feels right because it is right.”
“We just met a month ago.”
“ And ? I’m forty-two to your twenty-nine. Your brother is a friend of mine. I know your crazy ass daddy, too. Should I keep going?”
“I didn’t know you knew my dad.” Her head tipped to the side.
“My dad and him are good friends. When is your birthday?”
“I’ll be thirty in December.”
“Sag?”
Her slow nod and smile confirmed it.
“I knew I liked you for a reason.”
“What’s your si— Duke !”
She squealed as I dragged her closer by the leg to me. Climbing on top, I devoured her lips.
“Come here, twin.”