"That's what I heard." When she was in Paris she had had a couple of lovers..
Slowly, seductively, he smoothed back a soft lock of hair that was hanging over her eye. As he moved closer, she closed her eyes and their lips met. Nia allowed him to gently push her back as their passion rose.
***
Brad was returning home from his late night jog when he saw the sleek black Mercedes in the driveway next door. Who ‑ *him*. Ares-whats-his-name.
Heading to his front door, he saw Nia's front door open and, on a whim, stepped into the shadows.
Kevin stepped out onto the porch, and turned back to say something to Nia. Jealously, Brad watched as he drew Nia into his arms and they embraced passionately. Then, he was walking to his car, and Nia shut the door.
Resignedly, Brad returned to his house.
***
Nia leaned against the door, her knees weak. Kevin and she had been one step away from having sex when they realized neither had any sort of protection. But cooling things down had been difficult.
Giddily, Nia sank onto the couch where, only a little while before, French homework had been forgotten completely.
Brushing her hair back, Nia smiled to herself as she flipped the tv on to watch a late night episode of Xena: Warrior Princess. The stud was almost hers.
***
Friday morning dawned with Nia curled under her comforter. style="mso-spacerun: The sun peeped through a crack of the white lacy curtains and hit her in the eye. Yawning, she stretched and sat up, smiling at the memories of last night. Tonight was a big game against Arizona State, and Kevin had said he'd stop by for a while.
The twins always came to her games. . .but tonight she didn't care if they were present or not. The team would be victorious under her leadership and that's all that mattered.
Climbing out of the high bed she headed for the shower.
***
Brad sat by himself, flipping through the day's edition of the newspaper; he always read Nia's articles first. Glancing up, he saw Edna again with the freshman, who looked rather solemn. Brad wondered if he had looked like that when he was with her. Oh well.
"Found us a pair of cute little redheads if you want to double date tonight." Seth grinned, joining him. Brad shook his head.
"No, thanks."
"Hey, more for me." he grinned lecherously. "You still going to Nia's game?"
"Yeah."
"Why?"
"I don't know. Habit I guess."
"Brad, give her some space."
"I probably should." Brad picked at the bun on his burger.
"Take it from me little brother. Women get strange about shit like that."
"Yeah, you're probably right."
"Of course I am. I'm the oldest." Seth grinned.
***
Brad couldn't stay away. He loved to watch her playing. Tonight she was in top form, virtually dancing her way around the field, taunting her opponents.
Proudly, he watched her slam the ball into the net. It was halftime, Nia's team leading, 7‑0.
Leaning against the bleacher, he watched the team gathering for water and oranges.
Then, he glanced through the stands, recognizing quite a few regular watchers. If the girls team kept winning, they would go to state this spring.
Watching Nia leave the group of girls and jog over to the stands, his heart plunged. There was Kevin, as smooth and suave as ever. Nia smiled up at him then jogged back to her team. Brad didn't like the lustful look on Kevin's face. Granted, Nia's exquisite legs were shown off splendidly, but still. . .Brad didn't trust the guy any further than he could throw him, which was probably a few feet.
Realizing tonight was no chance to talk to her, Brad sighed and left the game.
***
Nia glanced up from Crystal's strategy plan and saw Brad leaving. Swallowing hard, she remembered Kevin was in the stands watching and Brad slipped from her mind.
***
Saturday morning found Nia experimenting with her hair for her date that night with Kevin. Wishing she had a girlfriend to gab with, Nia was possessed by habit to call Brad, but hung up before the phone could ring. No. He had severed ties with her last week.
So was Brad serious about the dress the other night? Nia sighed, uncertain of everything. Why, oh why, did Brad have to go and be so cruel? Maybe it wasn't Brad that night. Maybe it had been Seth. No, that was ridiculous. If there was one person who could tell them apart, it was Nia. They could be wearing the same clothes and hairstyle and Nia would know who they were.
Finally, she decided to go ahead and wear the blue dress. It did flatter her, after all. Sophisticated, but not too formal. It would work. Her closet was full of dresses from over the
years, because she hated throwing things away. Every two or three years she would clean out her closets and donate her old clothes to various charities. Maybe it was time for another cleaning out, she thought. Time to clean out her life.
***
When Kevin rolled up at six in his sleek Mercedes, Nia was ready. Her hair in an elegant french twist, light makeup, she was satisfied with the way the dark blue dress hugged her. Kevin
apparently was too, from the smile on his handsome face when she opened the door.
***
Throughout the night Nia was floating on air as Kevin escorted her to diner, a cozy little Italian place where the waiters knew him, to the movies where people stared at the handsome
couple, and then home, where Nia invited him inside.
"This house is beautiful." he noted, looking around.
"Thanks. I haven't changed much since my mom died. I just keep it clean. Or try." She laughed as he pulled her into his arms.
"Have I told you how delectable you look tonight?" he asked. She blushed.
"Um. .once or twice."
"Can I tell you again?" he asked with a laugh.
"Sure." She grinned. He kissed her gently.
"You look fabulous." Nia's heart raced as their passion escalated.
"Thanks." she murmured as his lips started down her neck, one hand against the small of her back, the other on her thigh.
"I should go. I don't want this to go too fast." he whispered, but he made no sign to let her out of his hold.
"Good idea." she kissed him back.
Kevin was leaning with his back against the door, holding her to him tightly. Nia felt him lift her up a few inches and her head swam. She wanted him to change his mind and take her upstairs. She willed him to.
"Goodnight, luscious." he murmured, pulling himself away.
"Nite." she whispered, staring after him with wanton desire.
***
Heat surged through Nia as she clung to Kevin. Intensity this level was new to her and she wanted to relish every second. All she could think of was the powerful man with her.
Kevin finally pulled away, leaving the windows of the car steamed and Nia breathless.
"I don't want this to happen in a car. My apartment is a few blocks from here." He said huskily.
Nia pushed her long lock of hair back. His feverish dark eyes were intent on her.
"Drive fast." she replied impatiently. Kevin started the car.
The sleek, black car raced through the streets, but Nia's heart beat even faster. Entering the posh neighborhood, Nia was impressed for a brief moment before they arrived at the deluxe
apartments.
Holding her hand tightly, Kevin led her up the stairs and before they had quite reached the door he was all over her. They fell against the door, clutching at either. Finally getting his front
door open, he half carried her, half staggered in, and he managed to shut the door behind him, crushing Nia against it. His hands were pushing down her halter top as they made their way to the bedroom.
"I like lots of light." he whispered as he flipped two switches, casting a soft glow on the bed from two angles.
"Condoms." she murmured back.
"Got 'em, baby." he pushed her down onto the bed.
***
Luxuriously, Nia stretched against the satin sheets of Kevin's bed, loving the feel against her bare skin. Curling up on her side, she moved over tothe other side, expecting to cuddle up to the muscular, hard body of Kevin. Opening her eyes, she realized she was alone in the king size water bed.
Running her hand through her thick hair, she glanced around. Black satin sheets, black satin comforters, thick gray carpet. Black blinds that held out almost all the light. Black and
chrome neo‑modern furniture. Glancing up, she blushed at the mirrored ceiling. The night before she hadn't really noticed it.
Slipping out of bed, she was surprised to see her clothes folded neatly at the end of the bed. They had been left scattered around he apartment last night. Kevin kept a healthy stash of condoms next to his bed which had been helpful.
Dressing quickly, Nia became aware of hurting. Everywhere. Her body was sore all over, particularly the lower half. Kevin liked it rough and she hadn't minded at the time, but now she was rather sore. Glancing down, she realized her arms bore faint bruises. Granted, Kevin hadn't been as good as she had expected, but she had no complaints. The man knew how to turn her on, and she was more than satisfied. In fact, she wanted more.
Combing her fingers through her hair, she slipped her sandals on and decided to tour the apartment. The living room was similar to the bedroom in color and furniture. Large entertainment center, big screen tv, fully loaded stereo system. A stack of the Bloodsport movies, along with other martial arts titles.
The front door opened and Kevin strolled in, carrying a bag of groceries. She smiled, shyly.
"Hi." she murmured.
"Good morning, luscious." He winked. Like a magnet, she followed him into the kitchen.
"I usually don't sleep that late."
"It's ok. I had to get up early." he shrugged. "I'm always up by seven. Besides," He drew her close and began to nuzzle her neck. "We didn't finish until almost three."
"How could I forget?" she asked, feeling her knees weaken. She winced. "Ow!"
"What's wrong?" he asked immediately.
"Uh. . .you got a little too rough last night." she said. His dark eyes widened when he saw the bruises.
"Oh, damn. I'm sorry."
"It's ok. It was worth it." She wrapped her arms around his neck. He grinned lecherously.
"How 'bout I kiss them and make them better?" he asked.
"Please do, doctor." She giggled.
The instant his lips touched her arm she felt a resurgence of last night's passion. As his hands roamed her body, she gave in and they sank to the floor.
***
"I'll come by tonight." Kevin whispered, kissing her ear lightly, as his hand squeezed her thigh.
"You better. I'll be wearing something short and red." Nia teased him.
"Then, I'll definitely be over. Around 7?"
"Make it eight, big boy." she purred. "I want you thinking about it all day."
"You got it." He grinned at her, his eyes glued to her full backside as she went up the steps to her house.
Brad paused on his way to the front door, returning from his jog. Nia and Kevin exchanged a passionate farewell then she left the suave, black car and went into the house.
With a sigh, Brad headed up the driveway. She had spent the night with him.
***
Later that afternoon, the twins were at the mall. Seth had gotten his food already and was waiting at the table near the big plant for his twin. As Brad joined him, Seth nudged his
twin's foot.
"Look." he whispered. Brad glanced up.
On the other side of the huge plant were three young men, including Kevin. Brad snarled and returned his attention to his food when he heard Nia's name.
"Man, I can't believe you bagged her. She's so hot, I get hard just thinking about her." one said in admiration. Kevin smiled diabolically.
"Feminist or no, she was begging last night." he said with satisfaction. Brad's stomach flip flopped. "She couldn't get enough."
"Where's the proof?" the other demanded.
"At home, in my vcr. I played it back this morning. Wait till you see it. She was so wild, it was great. The mirrors on the ceiling hide the camera perfectly." Kevin bragged. "She's got energy man, we were at it all night. We'd barely finish and she'd plead for more. She's hot man. So hot. She rode me all night."
Brad's fury grew to the point he didn't feel Seth pulling him away.
"Let's go. Now." Seth forced him away from the food court.
"Nia. We have to tell her." Brad said once they had reached the car.
"And say what? Hey, Nia, guess what, your little bed pal is taping your sex parties and showing it to his friends? I don't think she'll go for it Brad."
"Seth, we have to stop him."
"You're forgetting one thing." Seth interrupted.
"What's that?"
"Nia is all over this guy. She wants him madly. And you can't change that."
***
As dusk fell, Brad walked next door. He had to talk to Nia.
"You're early," Her smile vanished when she saw Brad.
"What do you want?" she asked.
Brad stared, one hand on the doorframe for support.
Short, red dress that flared out over those lovely, full hips, strappy, red heels, low neckline, sleeveless. The sides of her hair were braided back, the rest flowing down her back in heavy curls.
"You look incredible." he managed.
"Thank you. What do you want?" she repeated.
"I need to tell you something."
"Don't start with the you love me crap, Brad. I can't believe you're doing this to me. Kevin is on his way over and I want you to leave."
"It's about Kevin." he said.
Nia was unsettled. The look in Brad's soft, blue eyes was disturbing. Having barely looked at him lately, she noticed how strong and handsome he looked in his white T‑shirt, showing off his powerful chest, blue jeans hugging his muscled legs, long hair in a ponytail. The blue eyes she thought she knew so well were worried. And. . .loving.
"Nia," he stepped inside, forcing her back. Despite her glorious height of five foot eleven, he was still a few inches taller than her. "You mean the world to me. And I can't let
this happen."
"Let what happen, Brad? Let me have some fun with a man?" she demanded.
"Please listen to me. You are so special, Nia, and I don't want to see you hurt." His eyes were beseeching.
"Why do you think I'm going to be hurt?" she asked, dimly aware that they were being drawn closer to each other, spellbound. Brad's hands encircled her waist and their lips were about to touch.
"I love you." he murmured, and it broke the spell.
Spooked, she backed up and turned away. Brad saw the back of her dress. It was cut low, so low it exposed a little bit of flesh below her waist line. The thin straps crisscrossed over her back. Brad saw the faint bruises on her arms.
"Why are you here, Brad? You said it had to do with Kevin."
"Where did you get these?" he demanded.
"Things got a little intense last night. Now why are you here?" Brad didn't like that answer.
"Look, I know what you two do is none of my business ‑"
"You're damn right about that." she snapped, turning back to face him.
"Seth and I saw him and his buddies at the mall. Nia, he was bragging all about you."
"So? Maybe he thinks I'm pretty." she snarled.
"He was telling them every detail about what you two did last night." Nia's mouth fell open.
"And if you don't believe me, I can prove it. Mirrored ceilings ring a bell? His words ‑ 'she rode me all night' 'we were at it all night' 'she'd plead for more'."
"Stop!" she yelled.
Brad swallowed, unable to bear the pain in her eyes.
"Where do you get off coming here and telling me lies about my boyfriend? So what if he did tell his friends about last night? I'm not ashamed of anything Brad. I had a damn good time last night and I plan to have one tonight, too. When I've had my fill of him, then I'll let him go."
Brad saw the tears threatening to spill from her eyes.
"When are you going to realize this guy is using you?" he
demanded.
"Did it ever occur to you that I don't care?" she demanded, her fury building. "I told you the first day I wanted to get him into bed. I *never* said I wanted anything more, Brad! Maybe I like the fact he's bragging to his buddies! That means he enjoyed it too!"
"He enjoyed it so much he videotaped it." Brad blurted out. Nia paused.
"What did you say?"
"He told those guys he videotaped you two last night, and he watched it again today after you left. And he's planning on showing it to them. He said it was the proof. Nia, you were a bet!"
"What?" she whispered, the color draining from her face.
"You were part of a bet, Nia. And he's going to play that tape to all his friends." Brad insisted.
"Get out." she whispered.
"Nia, please, when he comes tonight, get rid of him. Tell him it's over. Don't let him do this to you."
"Get out!" she yelled.
"I'm the one who loves you Nia. Remember that." he said softly before leaving.
Nia hurried upstairs and grabbed a tissue. Dabbing at her eyes, she avoided her mascara running. Quickly, she applied another dusting of sparkling powder over her bare shoulders and
throat. Better, she thought, taking a deep breath. The doorbell rang and she forced Brad's words out of her head as she hurried down the stairs.
"Hi."
Smiling seductively at Kevin, her eyes appraised him. Snug, black pants that showed off every rippling muscle in his legs and a loose, white shirt that complemented his dark tan and hair. Brimming with lust, his eyes raked her over, giving her a delicious chill.
"God, you look good enough to eat." he murmured, stepping inside and crushing her against him. Giggling, Nia wrapped her arms around him.
"Thanks."
"You know, I had dinner reservations for us, but I think you're all I'm gonna need to feed me tonight." he said, appreciatively, his hands roaming her lithe body as he kissed her
roughly. She pushed him back slightly.
"Have you been drinking?" she asked.
"Yeah, I had a couple with the boys before I came over." He was nuzzling her neck. "Baby, I need you right now."
"Kev ‑" her mild protest was lost as he covered her mouth with his, and her knees went weak as he picked her up.
