Chapter 8
Kannon and Lyndon sat in Kannon’s spacious office, comparing the latest financial numbers.
The atmosphere was relaxed yet focused, a testament to their long-standing brotherhood from their frat days.
The large windows let in the afternoon light, casting a warm glow over the polished mahogany desk scattered with spreadsheets and reports.
Kannon nodded, a satisfied smile on his face. “Yeah, the expansion into the new territories is really paying off. We need to keep this momentum going.”
Just then, there was a knock on the door. Before Kannon could respond, it opened slightly, and Phoenix stepped in, a look of apology on his face.
“Sorry to interrupt,” Phoenix said, standing in the doorway.
“No problem,” Lyndon replied, gathering his papers. “I was just on my way out.” He gave Kannon a nod. “Catch up later?”
“Definitely,” Kannon said. “Thanks, Don.”
As Lyndon approached the door, he greeted Phoenix with a warm smile. “‘Sup, Phoenix? We still on for lunch tomorrow?”
“You know it,” Phoenix replied, returning the smile.
“Say less,” Lyndon said, patting Phoenix on the shoulder before leaving.
Phoenix closed the door behind him and took a seat opposite Kannon. “How’s everything going?” he asked.
Kannon leaned back in his chair, lighting a cigar. “Better than I expected, to be honest. The business is progressing smoothly, and I’m pleased with the way things are shaping up.”
Phoenix smiled. “I’m glad to hear that. On my end, Portia’s making great progress with her recovery, and the twins have been great at looking out for her.”
Kannon’s eyes softened at the mention of Portia. “That’s good to hear. Family is everything.”
“Speaking of which, how’s KJ and the family?” Phoenix replied with concern in his eyes. “How y’all holding up?”
Kannon’s expression turned serious as he inhaled his cigar. When he blew the out smoke, he released a deep sigh. “KJ’s still sick. It’s tough, but we’re managing. We’ve had to redistribute some tasks to keep things running smoothly.”
“If y’all need anything–I got you,” Phoenix reassured.
Kannon nodded, taking a deep drag from his cigar. “I’ve placed a lot of trust in you, Phoenix, especially after how you handled business with Zo. The blood supply operation is crucial, and I’m glad to see it’s in good hands.”
Phoenix leaned forward, his tone earnest. “I won’t let you down, Kannon. I appreciate the trust you’ve placed in me and TenderCare. By the way, Lyndon mentioned Kaliyah’s working on something to counteract the disease. I think she’s onto something promising.”
Kannon’s eyes lit up. “Yeah, she’s been dedicating a lot of time to it. If anyone can find a solution, it’s her.”
Phoenix smiled. “That’s great to hear. The spread amongst vamps has digressed since supply distribution, so I’m looking forward to the future of our progress.”
Kannon nodded in agreement.
“On another note,” Phoenix began. “I was thinking we should plan a dinner for our wives to meet. With everything going on, it would be good for them to connect. We’re becoming family now.”
Kannon’s expression softened further. “I think that’s a great idea, Phoenix. It’s important for them to have each other, especially with everything we’re dealing with.”
“Agreed,” Phoenix said, standing up. “I’ll get something organized and let you know the details.”
Kannon stood as well, extending his hand. “Thanks, Phoenix. Let’s keep pushing forward.”
Phoenix shook his hand firmly. “We will. Together.”
As Phoenix left the office, Kannon looked out the window, the city skyline a testament to their hard work and determination. He took another puff of his cigar, feeling a sense of peace and resolve. With trusted allies like Phoenix and Lyndon on his team, he knew they could overcome any obstacle.
Portia and Sage had spent the past 48 hours in a whirlwind of passion and orgasms. They spent most of their trip fucking the life out of each other, as if they were making up for lost time, and Sage insisted they venture out of the villa for the day.
First on their list was zip lining through the rainforest.
“It’s okay, P,” Sage said, rubbing the small of Portia’s back. “You got this. I promise you’re gonna have a good time.”
"I hope so," Portia replied, a bundle of nerves, bracing herself on the harness in preparation to be pushed down the zipline. "I’ma keep my eyes shut the whole way down."
“And miss this nice ass view?” Sage chuckled.
Portia took a deep breath as she grabbed Sage’s hand. “Okay… I’m ready.”
Sage kissed the top of her hand and smiled. “See you at the bottom!”
Portia leaned back in the harness as the guide gave her a gentle push. She screamed all the way down, eyes tightly shut, missing the breathtaking view of the rainforest below. Despite her fear of heights, the thrill seeker in her couldn't resist trying something new.
Sage followed soon after, sliding down the zipline with her arms outstretched, feeling the wind whip through her locs.
She gazed down, soaking in the serene view of the treetops and listening to the birds singing below.
As she approached the end of the line, she leaned back in her harness, ready to land on the next platform.
“That was amazing!” Sage said, pushing her locs behind her shoulders. “How’d it go, Princess?”
“I wouldn’t know,” Portia scoffed. “I had my eyes closed the whole time.”
Sage laughed. “I bet. The entire forest heard you screaming the whole way down.”
“You lucky I like you,” Portia quipped, sucking her teeth as she playfully nudged Sage's shoulder. “I also will try anything once, but consider this my first and last time.”
“I’ll make sure our next adventure is on the ground,” Sage assured with a smile.
After conquering a few more ziplines, Portia was thrilled it was finally over.
"I've never been so happy to be back on land," Portia exclaimed, bending down to touch the dirt beneath them.
“Come on, drama queen,” Sage said. “I have one more thing planned for us.”
“As long as we remain grounded,” Portia added with a laugh.
“It’ll get you grounded alright,” Sage said, grabbing Portia’s hand.
They strolled along a rough dirt trail embraced by lush tropical trees of the rainforest. Overhead, Portia caught the playful sounds of monkeys echoing through the canopy of deep green leaves.
She watched them swing effortlessly from branch to branch, accompanied by butterflies dancing through the air.
“It’s soooo beautiful out here,” Portia said, taking in the ambiance.
She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, savoring the essence of the fresh air and the serene moment.
As Portia opened her eyes, they landed on the back of Sage's locs, and she soon heard the soothing sound of a waterfall.
Moments later, her gaze met a cascading waterfall.
Portia's eyes widened in amazement as she gently released Sage's hand to get a closer look.
Apart from their endless nights of pleasure, this moment stood out as Portia's favorite of their entire trip. The priceless beauty of the scene filled her heart with deep gratitude. Before she could speak, Sage gently touched the small of her back and kissed her neck.
“You ready, baby?” Sage asked, mesmerized by Portia’s astonishment. “Beautiful isn’t it?”
Portia nodded, her eyes still fixed on the waterfall. "Yes, this is incredible."
"Come on," Sage urged, taking her hand and leading her towards a standalone deck. "There's more."
"Welcome, Miss Washington," greeted a woman dressed in white attire. Sage and Portia returned her smile.
"We're delighted to have you and your guest here for the evening. I'm Valentina, and this is Sofia," she introduced, motioning to her colleague next to her. "Please take your time to relax. Our dressing rooms are right behind us, where you can get comfortable for your massage."
“Thank you,” Sage nodded in acknowledgement. The two women left them alone to get undressed and into their robes.
Portia looked at Sage and grinned. “A massage?” she began. “Out here in this beaaaaautiful place?”
Sage inclined her head in agreement. She placed a sweet kiss on Portia’s lips. “I told you I’ll take care of you.”
“EEK!” Portia said, dancing with excitement. She hurried to the changing rooms to get undressed as Sage followed behind.
After disrobing, they walked over to the massage tables positioned a short distance from the waterfall. They settled in comfortably under the sheets on their respective tables, anticipating the return of the masseuses.
Portia beamed as she looked over to Sage, eyes lit up with contentment and appreciation. Sage returned her smile as Portia stretched out her arm to grab her hand.
“Thank you,” Portia whispered. “Thank you, thank you, thank you! I can’t tell you that enough on this trip. You knew exactly what I needed.”
Sage winked and squeezed Portia’s hand, gently rubbing circles on its surface with her thumb. “Say no more. All of this is for you.”
Portia fluttered her eyelashes, struggling to hold back tears.
Sage was more than she had ever believed she deserved.
A girl like her, who had known pain all too well, didn't feel worthy of finally experiencing happiness—of knowing what bliss truly felt like.
She questioned if she had ever deserved that feeling.
After losing her mother, enduring years with Shy, and drowning it all in alcohol, numbness had become her familiar companion.
Yes, there were good times with her father and friends, but never this profound joy.
Sage was offering her the gift of genuine happiness.
She clung to every moment of this trip, fearful that it might all slip away.
“Those beautiful eyes deserve to be filled with nothing but happiness,” Sage whispered, leaning over to wipe the tear off Portia’s cheek. “I will do everything in my power to make sure of that.”