Vows of Deception: Something old, new, borrowed, and BLUE... (24 page)

“It is my decision that it is in the best interest of Shaniece to remain in the care of her father.”

“Hell NO!” Theresa whisper yelled while Mr. Watkins tried to shush her.

“Your final warning.”

“May we discuss visitation your honor?” Mr. Watkins asked.

“After careful thought and witnessing the behavior of your client I am granting full custody to Mr. Jones with no visitation rights. It is so ordered that your client has no further involvement with the child. Unless the father allows such visitation the courts have been given the power to strip all parental rights.” The anger coming from that side of the room was crazy.

“This is bullshit. I demand a do over.” Theresa shouted.

“I smell a payout.” Her mother shouted at the same time.

“That is it. You were warned.” The judge banged his gavel hard. “Bailiff take those women away. The charge is contempt of court. Anyone else want to join them.” It became so silent on the outside of the two women being carted away shouting all sorts of slanderous things. The judge continued to add days, time, and money on to their already tarnished cases.

“If there is nothing further. Court is adjourned.”

“Christmas came just a bit early.” Regina commented. With the two ringleaders being thrown in jail the others that were with them left silently with no other threats. The murderous glare that was on Mark’s face probably didn’t help matters either.

“That is so true. Merry Christmas indeed.” Danni said.

“Let’s go celebrate.” Rita said trying to break the intense stare off Danni and Mark were having. “Niecee you ride with me. Come on. Where would you like to eat lunch?” Regina and Rita were escorting Niecee out of the courtroom. Leaving the two lovers behind.

“Come on.” Mark held his hand out for her to take.

“I have my car.”

“We will get it later.”

“Alright.” Danni was tired of fighting those demons. What harm would it do to ride together? They had so much to discuss. It wasn’t like he was proposing marriage. Just a ride.

“You know how I feel about you Danni.”

“I know how you said you feel. You also told me we couldn’t be friends anymore.”

“Actually I couldn’t be the type of friends you wanted anymore. You wanted my friendship with all the benefits I gave you like a companion. All because I wanted more than what you were willing to give. I have been miserable without you.”

“And I you.”

“I won’t throw it in your face that you are finally admitting you feel something for me.”

“Actually you kind of are.”

“Whatever smart ass. Don’t get that ass spanked.”

“You know I like it kinky.”

“Says the one who keeps trying to run or tap out.”

“Ah. Out of order.”

“No seriously. I want you baby. All of you. At least a chance.”

“Mark I am so damaged. What do I have to offer you?”

“Do you believe everything you hear Danni?”

“No of course not.”

“Then why are you letting everything that bitch made punk say to you be the gospel. Baby you are beautiful inside and out. I love everything about you. Why don’t you believe me when I say it? Why is it so hard to believe that I want you with all of your hard headedness? I will take you anyway I can have you. I won’t go anywhere unless you demand it.”

“He has done so much to break my spirit Mark. So much distrust.”

“Do you trust me? Do you trust I would never hurt you?” Danni had to think but it was evident she trusted him. She was being foolish in trying to push him away even if it was self-consciously. Here he was again pouring his heart out to her.

“I trust you.”

“Then let me love you completely. With you full consent. I want you all in now.”

“Fine Mark.”

“What kind of agreement is that?” Mark asked with his brow cocked and a stern look on his face. “I want to seal it with a kiss for now. A kiss that says ‘yes Mark I will allow you to show me how to love right.’ Then later I want those thighs in the air quivering from my touch because your body has missed me so much.” Danni leaned over the middle console in his truck to seal the deal with a kiss. With a gleam in her eye she kissed him with so much promise. She couldn’t talk because there were no words to express how she felt.

“Just for the record, I want more than your body. I want your heart.” Mark added still holding her close to him. Looking her in the eyes with such seriousness she could swear he could see clean clear to her soul.

“I can’t give you what you already have.” Danni said letting one lone tear escape. She spoke the truth. Now that she has allowed all the hurt and rejection to evaporate at its own time without holding on. She realized it would have left long ago had she not allowed fear to cause it to grow. What she once had was nothing compared to what she could have with Mark. It was only practice. Possibly practice so she could appreciate a destined love once it came along. “I love you too.”

“I swear to you I will never abuse your love.”

“I know. I trust you.”

“Damn…Although the gift I just got from the judge was the best gift ever, your heart and love is in a category all on its own.”

“Same here.” Danni kissed him to prove her point. The only thing that stopped them was the knocking on the window letting them know they had an audience. Breaking away was hard but the promise of having a ‘later’ to share more was well worth it.

****

Christmas Eve had arrived and instead of having several houses on the list to visit, everyone was invited to Mark’s. Danni’s family along with Mark’s was gathered around after stuffing their faces with an array of different foods. Danni didn’t want to invite her entire family to Mark’s at first considering all the ugly stuff that came from her Aunt Ruby. Not to mention some sly comments were made while others thought she wasn’t privy to the information about wanting Mark. This time however she wasn’t worried. Mark was no Lamont even if some of her cousins wanted to be Natalie, so she had nothing to worry about. The word got around that they had been spotted together a few times. According to them she still wasn’t showing much and that baffled Danni. Then it occurred to her that she could have been bluffing about being pregnant. Either way she didn’t care one way or the other. That had nothing to do with her.

Minding her own business was all she cared about besides getting the divorce to be finalized. The date had finally been set for right after the New Year. She couldn’t wait to be free from that burden. His constant threats were silenced when Regina made it clear that she would be filing a suit against the Snow White chick he had been screwing. Reports shows they have been fooling around for a few months before Danni found out. The mystery was finally solved of who sent the email to her all those months back. Another woman Lamont had been screwing in the computer tech department found out he was married after he forced her to abort the baby she carried.

Her father was a master in what he did and uncovered several juicy tidbits that proved beneficial in the long run. All added ammunition to get away from that delusional bastard. Finding out the main mistress was also an heiress worth a nice penny when she turned twenty-five was enough to get the proceedings on the way. He was more than happy to get the ball rolling again with no further arguments. Danni didn’t give a damn about any of the funds she just wanted to have something threaten them with. Since it was legal to sue the mistress for breaking up a marriage she used that as her loaded gun. Threatening to hit them where it counted. However being unfaithful wasn’t a punishable offense technically. So they had to think of something else and that was perfect.

Come to find out, Mark and her father had been doing business together for years. That was the major shocker but it was no wonder they got along so well together. Now Danni knew without a doubt that Mark has been her secret donor for some time. Especially with the divorce. When she questioned him about it, he just kissed her on the lips telling her to quit being nosey. ‘You don’t want to seem ungrateful, do you? No matter who it is right?’ He would say and saunter off. That was a sign all by itself if she had never heard one before but it was whatever. Not that she was a whore who screwed for money but she did give him some good loving later that night while saying thank you in the end. He didn’t complain about her thank you as much as he pouted about sounding like a girl as he reached his peak.

“It is gift time everybody.” They had made it a new tradition to exchange gifts on the eve of Christmas and open one before they dispersed for the night. Everyone except for Danni would be leaving to their own homes. Although she still had her condo, she spent a great deal at the house with Mark and Niecee. One or the other, and sometimes both of them would ask her to stay.

“Here baby. I want you to open ours first.”

“Ours?”

“Niecee and I decided to collaborate on a gift.” They were both cheesing big time.

“You sure? I’m afraid to open this honestly. Especially in front of everyone.”

“Why?” Mark asked with his brows knitted together. Everyone was just as curious as they stopped what they were doing to see what was going on.

“Because… I don’t want to cry.”

“Quit being a chicken and open it. Curiosity is going to kill everyone forget the cat.” Sebastian remarked making everybody laugh.

“Fine.” Danni removed the bow and paper seeing a nice sized box. Opening the box, she found a beautiful picture in a crystal frame.

They took the picture during Thanksgiving. If she wasn’t mistaken it was taken by Mark’s cousin who was a photographer. It painted the picture of a perfect blended family. Those dreadful tears were already forming. There was also a bow with a key ring next to it. So drawn to the picture she just picked up the key ring before looking at it fully. Finally she glanced over the keys to see what they were to. On the ring was a chain and two keys she recognized as the keys to the house. She had returned her keys to him when she moved but he was giving them back obviously. That was the sweetest thing ever to her. Meaning she could come and go as she pleases. A true sentiment of trust. At the end of the chain was a pink crystal with something else tied to it? Upon further appraisal she saw it was a ring. Looking to Mark she saw he was now on bended knee next to her.

“Mark?” She gasped seeing the gesture. Shock was what she felt and a heart attack surly was going to occur if she didn’t slow her breathing down.

“Danni, I know we have only known each other for a short time. What is time when it comes to matters of the heart? I believe no matter if it was a second, minute, hours, months, or years I would still feel the love I feel for you. I am intensely in love with you and you have the honor of holding the award for being my very first love. Never have I felt this way about another woman. You have loved my daughter like your very own. Representing the true vision of what a lady and mother truly is. Please, do me the honor of becoming Mrs. Danielle Jones.”

“But…”

“I know and it will be finalized soon.”

“In that case, how could I say no?” Danni said rolling her eyes at him always reading her thoughts. “Yes.”

“YES!!!” She heard the room erupt in praise. She was finally going to experience a happily ever after. Not the one of a young inexperienced girl but that of a grown woman who had the battle scars to feel worthy of such a love. A love that was destined to stand the test of times and so much more.

“I love you.” Mark said gazing down into her tear stained face.

“I love you too. So very much. Thank you for being my knight.”

“You are so welcome. I vow to forever keep you smiling or shedding only tears of happiness from this day forward.” Mark kissed her again sealing that with a promise she knew he would die before breaking. “As soon as these people leave, we can start making your other wish come true.” He whispered in her ear.

“You’ve already given me everything I could ever wish for. What is left?”

“Babies. There’s nothing stopping us but privacy right now. I want you pregnant before the year is out. So get ready my sweet fiancée. Your birth control should have worn out of your system by now.”

“You are just…”

“Horny.”

“You’re really ready?”

“Shit, I have been ready. I thought about knocking you up all those times we went with no protection. Until you told me about the birth control you had been on for months, I thought something was wrong with my little men. I made a doctor’s appointment and everything.”

“You are too much.”

“You always seem to handle all of me just fine.”

“That I do and I look forward to doing just that for many years to come.”

“Forever and a day?”

“Forever infinity.” Danni was certain there would never be room for doubt in her mind that she was worthy of such a love. The vows Mark made well before they would get the chance to say ‘I do’ have proved to her that not all men are alike. No more room for ‘Vows of Deception’ only room for a love everlasting.

Danni was ecstatic that the day had come and gone for her divorce to be final.  When she arrived at the courthouse with her attorney the smug look on his face said it all. He truly hated every ounce of her being. Mainly because she beat him at his own game. He was under the impression that every woman only wanted one thing and that was money. Sadly he was so wrong about Danni she only wanted to leave their train wreck of a marriage with her name.

Mark wasn’t for letting her go through that part alone. It took some serious convincing to allow her that luxury to rub it in Lamont’s face later. That day just seemed too easy. Although it isn’t nice to repay a bad deed with an equal or greater bad deed, the plan they had for Lamont did sound like the ultimate karma. Well deserved ‘in your face’ that he technically brought upon himself. In the end he couldn’t blame anyone but himself.

The judge had no problem granting the divorce on the grounds of abandonment. The little white lie stating they had been living separate for an entire year helped speed the process along. In North Carolina it is law that spouses have to be separated for an entire year if the cause is adultery. Lamont wanted the case to be over with so badly that he agreed to just about anything to be out from under the threat she held over his head. His little girlfriend was going to lose everything if he didn’t cooperate.

Speaking of his girlfriend she was thrilled to have Lamont all to herself now. The other women probably weren’t as happy. Especially Natalie who was last seen still sporting a flat tummy and a broken spirit. Turns out she really was pregnant but because of the many abortions she has had, it wasn’t a viable pregnancy. Even the anger Danni felt towards her didn’t keep her from expressing her heartfelt condolences. The thought of always wanting to be a mother wouldn’t allow her to wish something that terrible on anyone.

Sad to say, her sentiments were not appreciated. For Natalie cursed her out calling her every name in the book and even accused her of wishing death upon the child. Stating she was jealous of what her and Lamont had. The threats of repaying her one day when she saw her again was what set Mark and her father off. Instead of leaving it alone they proceeded to press charges against her for identity theft. That alone landed her in the women’s state correctional facility being a broad by the name of Big Bertha’s bitch. Or at least that’s what her mother said. Danni figured at least she got her own mate for a change instead of stealing someone else’s.

The wedding plans had gone underway without a hitch. Rita and Lena took the liberty to plan the entire thing for them while William handled the honeymoon. Mark was busy getting things together in his business while Danni worked hard with her partner Beejay. They didn’t really have time for planning so the mothers were too eager to step in filling the void. Niecee was over the moon at the changes that had occurred in such a short time.  Soon she would have a mother and father that truly loved her. All that was missing are some siblings. She wasn’t giving up that notion, she couldn’t wait to be someone’s big sister.

If Danni was honest with herself she would say she was over the moon with excitement at the mention of becoming Mrs. De’ Marcus Jones. That fine man she met one drunken night will soon be her forever after. The father of the children she hopes to have in the near future. Not a night goes by that he isn’t speaking up a pregnancy. It’s a wonder she wasn’t already experiencing morning sickness. Ever since he proposed he has not disappointed with dropping his load on a nightly basis. Get in a good raunchy mood with Niecee away and he would try to keep Danni in bed all day.

There were still so many things she was learning about her dear fiancé. One that he was very well off and successful. She already knew he was smart but damn she had no idea what she was really about to marry into. Not only did he own businesses, he had a corporation. He allowed his competent heads run the company as he sat back and collected. Normally he only participated in the board of director meetings, leaving the rest of the odd and end decisions to them. This day however he needed to clean house so to speak and he invited Danni along for the ride. As they arrived at the building everything started to make sense. She felt kind of dumb for not putting two and two together but with everything that had been going on, could anyone blame her?

“Mark?” Danni questioned as they made their way through the building. A few faces were very familiar having seen them a time or two at different functions before Lamont forbid her from going to them anymore. They only gave them both cursory glances as if they were wondering why they seemed to walk through as if they owned the place.

“Yes baby?”

“Why are they staring at us this way?”

“Because they are curious as to why we are walking around like we own the place. When in fact
we
do own the place.”

“Just because I am slow and just figured out that you own Jones Corporation. Why doesn’t anyone else know this?”

“Because my love, I like to keep a low profile. Sadly I come here often but I never have meetings on this floor. Well not since I moved the company in this building. You see, when it was much smaller I worked it myself. Once I stepped back, I played the corporate boss that never oversaw personally. I have others for that. Some of these individuals have seen me on several occasions they just don’t remember and I like it that way.” Mark said calmly.

“Mr. Jones. It’s nice to see you again. I want to guarantee you that I have everything set up the way you requested.”  A guy she remembers meeting a time or two before. He then turned to a very observant Danni before gasping in surprise.

“Bernard Bennett, this is my fiancée Danielle Hunter.” Mark introduced pulling her to his side. From the smug look on his face he knew the guy recognized her as Lamont’s former wife.

“Hello Mr. Bennett, it’s nice to see you again.”

“Uh. Yes. Mrs. I mean, Ms. Hunter. It’s nice to see you as well.”  Mr. Bennett stuttered. “I apologize for the baffled response.”

“It’s quite alright Mr. Bennett. So many are so used to seeing me with my ex-husband.”

“Ex-husband? Oh yes. Off the record, I am very happy for you. It seems you have not let a person such as himself kill your joy. You are absolutely radiant. The happiness seems to be surrounding you in a glowing aura.” He said with a smile on his face.

“Thank you. That is courtesy to my loving fiancé here.”

“She makes it easy.” Mark said with a grin the size of Texas on his face looking down at her.

“Wonderful. I will call in everyone else if there is nothing else you would like to address.” He escorted them to the auditorium style meeting space.

“Honey if you would be so kind as to have a seat right in front of me. I want to keep my eyes on you as I speak with some of my staff members and introduce myself to others.” He winked. 

“Sure thing.”

“Give me one quick kiss for luck before everyone comes in though.”

“No. Your kisses are addictive and they tend to take on another level of intensity.”

“No? You telling me no? Bet I got you later on.”

“No Mark. Okay.”

“Nope too late.” He said seriously as the doors opened as people started to pour in.  “Remember NO tap-outs allowed.” He smirked. Danni’s eyes were the size of quarters and her cookie trembled. That man was going to kill her with his appetite but what a way to go.

“Good morning ladies and gentlemen. I know many of you are wondering why this meeting was called.” Mr. Bennett addressed the crowd. “First I would like to thank all of you who were prompt in attending this mandatory meeting. Also it is with great pleasure that I introduce the owner of Jones’ Corporation. I know several of you have been curious as to who actual signs our paychecks.” Several people in the room laughed. Just then the doors opened off to the side. In walked Lamont, his secretary, and his little pet.

“Mr. Graves and company, it’s very nice of you all to join us.” Mr. Bennett smartly remarked.

“I apologize for my tardiness sir.” He hurriedly took a seat not acknowledging anyone’s presence. His head was down in shame. The only person who sort of knew something wasn’t right was his secretary who looked at Danni like she had two heads. Danni in turn returned her attention to the stage.

“As I was saying. I would like to introduce to some and present to others. Mr. De’ Marcus Jones, owner of Jones Corporation.” People stood clapping after they got over the initial shock that they were in the presence of the man that made it possible for them to have such success in the business. The fact that he was an African American man probably stunned several but they hid their shock well.

“Good morning.” Mark greeted everyone sweeping his eyes over the room as he spoke. Danni was thrilled beyond measure watching her big macho man conduct business. From the end of the row she sat on she could have sworn she heard Lamont’s heart stop beating from sheer shock. Taking a chance in glancing in the area where Mark’s gaze seemed to have stopped, she saw the horror written all over Lamont’s face.

The meeting was to get some rules and regulations about office fraternization under control. The amount of relations going on in the office was becoming a threat in keeping things professional and without tragedy. Bringing to the surface that several women had brought up sexual harassment allegations against one of their very own. Mark let it be known that type of behavior would not be accepted. He announced that those individuals whom have been proven to have been inappropriate will be dealt with appropriately.

“Lastly, I have a very special announcement to make. As employees of Jones Corp., you all that will remain have proven loyal to hold your positions. I pray that you all will govern yourselves accordingly from thenceforward. Without further ado, I would like to introduce you all to my beautiful and intelligent fiancée.” Mark said with ease. However Danni wasn’t expecting that introduction. “Come on up sweetheart.” Danni took timid steps as people stood to their feet with applause. He was going to pay for this embarrassment for sure.

“This is my lovely fiancée Ms. Danielle Hunter. She also holds a sizable share in Jones Corp.” Mark announced shocking her as well as others in the room. She whirled around to him, only to catch his signature devious smile. He kissed the shock off her face. “I told you to give up my kisses.” He whispered into her ear.

“I am going to get you.”

“You sure about that?” He warned. She bit her lip and clenched her thighs. “That’s what I thought.” He patted her on the butt.

“Unless there are some questions. You are all dismissed aside from the names on the projection screen. Those individuals please go to the waiting area down the hall and to wait your turn. If anyone is not present for the one on one meeting then you will be immediately dismissed. Thank you.” Mark said. People started to file out one by one. After several handshakes and plenty of congratulatory expressions they were finally able to move to conference room down the hall.

Walking down the hall was so invigorating. Lamont sat with several women along with his puppets and a few other men. Men she has known to be his male associates. They all had worried expressions on their faces. Lamont however had an angry expression on his. It was kind of sad to know she was once associated with such a narcissistic prick. Thank God she got out of that mess before it consumed her.

One at a time they called in one person at a time. Each time another one was dismissed with their ruling passed down before the entire board of directors and the main owner, their reactions were all pretty much the same.
“You can’t do this. I have done nothing wrong. No… Oh no!

What will my wife say?”
And the list could go on
.
The men and women in the room were disoriented at being fired. They kept shouting disgruntled statements. If their cases weren’t so drastic it would have saddened Danni to see such defeat present. The truth of the matter was they brought their fate upon themselves with their destructive behavior. The lack of professionalism was repulsive.

“Ladies and Mr. Graves, it shouldn’t be hard to distinguish why you sit before us. After the speech delivered next door it is with grave disappointment that I must call for your immediate dismissal from the positions you hold.” Mr. Bennett stated with a blank expression on his face. They collectively chose to conduct this meeting with all three of them present.

“Your belongings have been packed for you and sent down to the security desk. An officer has to escort you from the premises by law.” Mr. Bennett said with finality.

“This is all over that boring bitch. Are you happy now?” He had the nerve to question Danni. “This isn’t the last you have heard from me. I will sue this company and you for everything its worth for this unlawful discharge.” Lamont never let his angry expression falter.

“One this has nothing to do with my fiancée, who you will refrain from referring to as anything other than her name. Second, the last time I checked she was extremely happy. Am I right baby?”

“Absolutely. Never been happier.” Danni replied.

“Third and final, you have no room to issue a lawsuit. If anything I can sue you all for damaging the reputation of this company with your absurd behavior. Barbaric treatment to several women in this company who have issued written statements as well as proof to your wrongdoings. Will there be anything else?” Danni was turned on from the power exuding off of Mark. ‘Damn he is ALL mines.’ She thought she said to herself. “Yes I am.” Mark smirked at her loud observation. She couldn’t do anything but blush.