Chapter 2
Standing in the middle of her empty living room, Promise inhaled deeply, and released her anxiety as she slowly exhaled.
Jacksonville, Florida had been her home for seven years, and truthfully, she was comfortable.
There was nothing in the world she wanted that she didn’t have, or couldn’t get.
At least that’s what she thought until she met Monroe Black.
From day one, she’d questioned if she’d really been living, or had she just merely taken up space before he walked into her life.
Together they crossed each other’s T’s and dotted each other’s I’s.
The only issue between them was the distance.
New York and Florida was only one flight away, and both Promise and Monroe stayed catching flights to see each other, but it had gotten old.
Their relationship had shifted, and the need to be closer couldn’t be ignored.
Monroe was undoubtedly her hearts’ protector, and she provided a peace to his spirit that should have been studied.
Denying each other of their presence felt like a crime, and Monroe had indeed indicted her.
Promise shamelessly agreed as soon as her Jacksonville Correctional Center approved her transfer.
Everyone in her inner circle had been moving forward with their love interest, and now it was her time.
Monroe had extended the offer for Promise to move into his home, but she’d insisted on having her own place.
“You gotta reserve something for yourself, and keep that man wanting more. That’s how you get that ring. Never give your all to a man who ain’t your husband.”
Promise lived by her mother’s words, because they had kept her in control of her peace, energy, and making sound decisions.
She glanced around what used to be her place of peace and smiled.
Years ago she’d stood in this same place when she moved in.
Now that she was moving out, it had turned into a pendulum urging her to step confidently into the next phase of her life.
“Thank you, Jesus,” she whispered aloud, walking out of what marked her old season, and straight into her new.
As soon as she ignited her engine, Chris Brown’s Special Delivery eased through her car speakers as she headed for the airport where Monroe had his private plane waiting for her. As Promise backed out of her driveway, her phone notified her of an incoming call.
“Hey, Sissy!” Promise answered, turning the music down.
“Hey, Missy!” Rae responded, using her nickname. “I was trying to catch you before you boarded your flight. How you feeling?” She asked, her smile unseen, but heard through her voice.
“Aww, sissy. I feel so good I can barely contain it,” Promise answered honestly. “Honestly, I’ve never felt this good, or been this sure about a man before. I swear Monroe is something different.”
“You not lying, Missy,” Rae agreed. “But, you the real prize. Don’t ever forget that.”
Promise nodded, feeling her sisters’ words.
“I'm genuinely happy for you, sis. I just wanna see you shine like you always have,” Rae assured. “Don’t get so lost into love that has the power to feel better than life, that you forget that you have one outside of the love you and Monroe have created.” Rae spoke the wisdom she attained through life’s lessons, and though she was the younger sister; her words were seasoned with a truth Promise couldn’t deny.
“Thank you for saying that, sissy. I know you love me, and I can always count on you. I promise I won’t forget.”
“What up, Tee-Tee Missy!” TJ yelled from the background.
“Hey, nephew! I love you!” Promise joyfully exclaimed. “Put my boy on the phone.”
Rae laughed. “Y’all are something else.”
“Stop hatin’, ma,” TJ teased.
“Mhm,” Rae said, handing TJ the phone.
“What’s goin’ on Tee-Tee? You ain’t called me all week,” TJ was light-weight in his feelings about it.
“I’m sorry, nephew. I’ve been exhausted. You know I’m moving to New York, so I’ve been packing, working, and tryna stay sane through the process.”
“I’m finna call Uncle Roe, ‘cause why he ain’t come help you? What part of the game is that?” TJ asked, feeling a way.
Promise cracked up laughing, but she loved the way TJ was always ready to step when it came to her. He didn’t give a damn who it was, he was all gas, always. “He hired movers, TJ , but you know I still had to do some things on my own.”
“You had to, or you wanted to?” TJ asked.
“I wanted to,” Promise clarified with a smirk.
“Oh, a’ight. But, can you not go so long without calling me? I got a secret I need to tell you about.”
“A secret?” Rae quizzed. “What secret, TJ ?”
“See! This why you gotta call me tonight, Tee-Tee,” TJ said, laughter dripping from his tone.
“Lord,” Promise laughed. “I got you, nephew. I’ma call you as soon as I get settled. I love you.”
“Love you too, Tee-Tee,” he returned before releasing the line.
Three Hours Later…
The combination of excitement and peace Promise felt surging through her when the plane landed in New York made her calm as she gazed out of the window.
Monroe had the red carpet laid out across the tarmac for her.
He stepped out of his 2026 Bugatti Chiron with a fresh cut, wearing a crisp black and white Amiri t-shirt, black jeans with black and white J’s.
He stood there, hands relaxed at his sides, eyes locked on Promise as she stood at the top of the airstairs.
Promise paused, settling herself as she glistened under the sunset.
Sparks flew immediately when her eyes met Monroe’s commanding stare.
His eyes boldly kissed her body as they roamed from the crown of her head to the soles of her feet, then locked in with her pretty brown eyes.
It was more than admiration lingering between them.
Monroe had claimed every part of her; and she knew it.
The butterflies in her stomach went crazy as he took her in.
She wore dark curve-hugging denim jeans that shaped her perfectly, a black sheer bustier top with thigh-high, leather boots.
Her natural tresses cascaded down to the center of her back, the deep right side part gave her an exotic look.
Monroe’s jaw tightened slightly as she descended the stairs. It wasn’t lust. He studied everything about her every time she was in his presence. Not just her body or her smile. He was genuinely intrigued with everything that made her who she was.
Her mind.
Her movements.
Her mannerisms.
Promise stirred something deep in his soul, and was indisputably the reason his heart smiled. The mystery she carried kept him chasing… kept him yearning for more as her Louis Vuitton Symphony perfume wafted into Monroe’s nostrils before she got to him.
“Hey lover,” Promise greeted sweetly, embracing her man immediately.
Monroe didn’t respond right away. Instead, he basked in the warmth his woman provided.
He needed a moment to allow his breath to sync properly, and his heart to catch the right rhythm.
Intoxicated by Monroe’s scent, Promise reluctantly pulled back, slightly tilting her head back as Monroe pressed his lips against hers.
“What’s good, ma?” He finally spoke, calming the butterflies swarming inside of Promise’s stomach, as he tapped into the flame that never went out between them. “You hungry?”
“Everything,” Promise replied truthfully. “And yes. What are you in the mood for?”
“I made you something special at the house,” Monroe said with a sexy smirk playing on his lips.
Promise beamed. “Yes, Lord! I already know it’s gonna be fire,” she smiled and said, loving when Monroe went the extra mile to cater to her.
“Shit, ain’t gon’ be better than disert tho,” he countered, sliding his hand over her hips, then quickly smacked her ass.
He turned to open the door. Promise shook her head and smiled as she leaned in to steal another kiss before slipping into the passenger seat and securing her seatbelt.
Securing her door, Monroe sent a signal to his personal pilot, then swaggered around the front of the car and hopped in.
As soon as he closed his door, he turned YoungBoy’s Wine & Dine up and peeled off, the engine roaring as they pulled away.
Instead of taking Promise to his home, Monroe stopped past the new penthouse he’d purchased for her as a gift for agreeing to move to New York with him.
If he’d had his way, Promise would have moved to New York after the first six months of their relationship, but he had to respect her reserves.
Now that his wish had been granted, he vowed to shower her with all the best things life had to offer, including the most expensive and highest penthouse in the world.
“Welcome to Central Park Tower.”
“Oh my goodness, Monroe. This is beautiful,” Promise said, one hand covering her chest and the other shielded her mouth. She was already in love with the place she’d call home before setting her eyes on the inside yet.
Monroe smiled, but didn’t say a word. He enjoyed seeing the reflection of joy that played on her features. That smile was priceless… Knowing he was the one responsible for it gave him the type of peace that only real men could identify with.
“Ok, I can’t wait any longer. I’m ready to go in,” Promise insisted, resting her left hand on his inner thigh.
“I got’chu, ma. Yo’ ass betta watch yo’ hands before you start some shit I’ma have to finish,” Monroe said, making his dick nudge her fingers.
Promise giggled, knowing he was deadass. “Once I see my new residence and eat, you can do whatever you want with me.”
Monroe laughed. “Or, I can just feed you this good dick, and make you forget about that lil’ appetite.”