Authors: K Carr
“Damn it,” I muttered and snuggled under the cool sheets. I had it bad for Matt, but I wasn’t a fool. Deep down, I knew we weren’t going to last. This was a pleasurable interlude in our lives that we would one day look back upon and shake our heads in disbelief. He said he loved me. The more I thought about it, the more unrealistic it seemed.
A few hours passed before the bedroom door swung open. I squeezed my eyes shut, pretending to be asleep as muted footsteps came towards the bed.
“Madi?” Matt called softly, lifting the sheets and crawling into bed. I faked snored and heard him sigh before he turned off the bedside lamp. Matt pulled me into his arms and sighed again. I tried to stay still and not clue him into my wakefulness. It wasn’t long before he fell asleep, one hand curved possessively over my waist. Sleep continued to elude me, and all I could think about were those stupid comments posted on the Net. How long would it take before Matt was embarrassed about having a black girlfriend? How long would our intense sexual attraction outweigh the obvious disgust some members of the general public held about our relationship? I exhaled loudly in frustration. Why did it matter anyway? It was the twenty-first century, for crying out loud. We weren’t hurting anyone. Another frustrated sound left my lips.
“Poppet?” Matt murmured sleepily, arms tightening around me. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing,” I whispered. “Go back to sleep, Matt.”
He tossed a leg over mine and stroked my back in the darkness until my body relaxed and I finally dozed off…
MATT AND I were having an argument, our second argument since the media had revealed our relationship. Our second argument since officially becoming a couple. It wasn’t forty-eight hours since then—that did not bode well.
“I don’t want to go.” I stared at his handsome face. I was back at his place. I had drove back to Kensington after spending a few hours in the studio. I wished I had gone home. My Saturdays were never this stressful before meeting Matthew Bradley.
“We are and that’s the end of it. I’m going to get ready, I suggest you do the same,” he replied sternly before walking off. I stared at his retreating back, open-mouthed and wanting to throw something at that stubborn head of his.
“I’m not going,” I yelled to his back.
George peeked from around the front living room door. When he saw my scowl, he tucked his head back in. Feeling my anger rise, I stormed down the hallway after Matt.
“It’s going to be awkward, Matt. I don’t want to meet your family.”
Matt stopped, turning on his heels to peer at me with his darned eyebrows raised haughtily. “What you want and what’s going to happen are two different things, poppet. My parents are expecting us in three hours. With the traffic, it will probably be a two hour drive to the estate.” The twin eyebrows of doom lowered slightly. “We need to get ready now if we are to arrive on time.”
“I have nothing suitable to wear,” I shouted, resisting the urge to stamp my feet. “Stop bossing me around. It’s annoying. I’m not going.”
“You are,” he stated with confidence, then his expression softened. “After dinner at my parents, we can stay over at my other home. It’s not far from theirs. Have you been to Surrey before, poppet?”
I narrowed my eyes at the change in his tone. “No, it’s filled with snobby rich folks.”
Matt grinned at me before he turned serious. “Madison, darling, they want to meet you. I want them to meet you. It will be fine, I promise.”
“No, it won’t,” I replied with surety. “It’s like we’re being summoned. I can’t face them. Not with everything that’s been in the papers.”
“Poppet,” he cajoled, taking my arm and gently herding me towards the stairs.
“Matt. I’m black—”
“Really? You know, that completely escaped my notice. I should have my eyes tested,” he shot back.
I rolled my eyes and tugged my arm away. “I don’t want to be judged by your family.”
He opened his mouth, probably ready to make a witty comeback, but I cut him off quickly.
“They won’t like me, Matt. Your brother was weird last night, and I don’t want to— mmph.”
Darn his sexy kisses. Against my better judgement, I kissed him back for a moment before pulling away, flustered and horny.
“Stop that.”
“Why?” he murmured, grey eyes darkening with desire. “You’re so good at it.”
“I have nothing to wear,” I said feebly, letting him slip a hand around my waist and walking me up the stairs.
“Yes, you do.” His hand slipped down to my ass and he squeezed lightly. “I had something brought over earlier after I spoke to my parents and agreed to dinner.”
I paused to frown at him. Matt flashed me a sweet smile and urged me up the stairs. “I don’t like you buying stuff for me.”
“Duly noted, poppet. I think we should share the shower. It saves on time and it’s good for the environment.”
An hour later, I was dressed in a flattering black cocktail dress with delightful sparkly heels and matching purse. Everything fit perfectly. I glanced appreciatively at Matt’s frame. He wore a dark dinner jacket over a light blue shirt that had the first few buttons undone. His pants, same colour as the dinner jacket, moulded the long muscular lines of his legs. The shoes, Italian, and expensive.
“You look lovely,” he said for the tenth time while fastening his wristwatch as I fiddled with the pins holding up my curls in a sophisticated do.
“You, too.” I smiled at his shake of head and walked over to rest my hands on his chest. “I’m terribly nervous about tonight.”
“I know, poppet. So am I.”
That had my eyes popping wide. “What? That’s not helping, Matt.”
He chuckled and brushed his lips across my temple. “They won’t be able to resist your charms. I couldn’t.”
“How bad is it going to be?” I asked, needing to know exactly what was in store for tonight.
Matt chewed his lower lip, a pensive frown forming between his eyebrows. “My parents will be stand-offish. Ignore it. Hannah, she’s the eldest, will probably warm to you once she realizes how much you mean to me. And, Adam, you two met last night, so don’t worry about him. The twins are seventeen and self-absorbed as all teenagers are. They’ll show some interest but, look, let’s not get worked up over this. We’re going to have a lovely time tonight.”
I scoffed softly.
“They’ll be unfailingly polite, Madi,” Matt assured me. It made me feel worse. Unfailingly polite.
Great.
Tonight was going to be awkward.
“Just—” He broke off and stepped back with a weary look on his face.
“What?” I asked tersely. “Just what, Matt?”
“Just remember it doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks about our relationship, Madi. They’re entitled to their opinions.”
My mouth curled down. “You’re basically saying they won’t like me, and I should prepare myself for it.”
He sent me a tight smile and held his arm out. “Come on, poppet. Let’s go meet my family.”
It was with longing I watched as George close the door after us, wishing we were inside the house instead of sitting in this stupid, ostentatious car. Why did Matt have to make me go? He knew as well as I did that tonight would be stressful.
An impatient tapping of his fingers over the steering wheel reminded me to buckle up.
I tried one last time as he started the car. “This is bullshit. No one meets their boyfriend’s family so quickly. I should have at least a few months’ grace period.”
The engine purred into life and Matt sent me a sidelong glance. “We’ve been together for a few months already, albeit secretly. It’s happening, accept it. Remember to smile tonight. No one can resist your smile.”
I frowned at him and folded my arms, mentally preparing myself for a night of underhand comments that probably wouldn’t be deemed as openly racist, but would cause feelings of inferiority and pain.
“Do you love me, poppet?” Matt asked as we drove off.
“Maybe not as much as I did this morning,” I muttered bad-temperedly.
He snorted in amusement. “Do you trust me?”
“Uh, have you forgotten the background check drama?” I asked dryly. “What do you think?”
Matt fell silent for a moment before saying, “You know how I feel about you and tonight isn’t going to change that. Once my family gets to know you—”
“They’ll all love me, too,” I finished sarcastically.
“Yes.” Matt ignored the sarcasm. “They will.”
I sighed and looked out the window. Matt was deluded if he truly believed his family would accept me. If I was a braver person, I would have told him the real reason I didn’t want to meet them was because I couldn’t bear the thought of him seeing me through their eyes—a black woman with no social standing who was trespassing into their elite world. Why wasn’t there a comprehensive book out there about swirling with a billionaire? I’d buy it, heck, I’d hunt the writer down and make them tell me every little secret, willingly or not. The car sped up and Matt twisted his head to smile reassuringly at me. He was right. It didn’t matter what they thought…right? I swallowed my nervousness. It would be fine. I mean how bad could it possibly be?
THE HOUSE, AND I use the term lightly, was impressive. It was a bloody mansion with security gates and a ten minute-long drive. Ten minutes that had left me on the edge of a panic attack as Matt parked up.
“Are you okay, poppet?” he asked, twisting sideways to peer at my face.
“No,” I murmured, short of breath, and wringing my hands together. “I think I’m going to have a panic attack.”
Matt’s expression turned to one of worry as he unbuckled his seatbelt and leaned over. “Let’s sit here for a while, Madi. Try to breathe calmly.”
He held my cold hands between his warm ones and inhaled deeply before letting the air out slowly through his lips.
I stared into the mesmerizing grey orbs of his eyes and inhaled, deeply as he’d done, willing myself to keep it together. This was not the time to freak out.
Exhale.
A few more of those and I felt marginally better. Matt pressed a tender kiss over my trembling lips.
“It’s only dinner with my family, poppet. I promise it will be fine.”
I nodded slowly and slipped my hands out of his in order to unbuckle the seatbelt. “You won’t leave me alone, not for a minute. Okay?”
“I’ll stay by your side all night,” he pledged.
I nodded and we got out his car. A quick glance around caused my nervousness to return. The place was immense, and there was a shitload of cars out front.
Matt frowned as he too noticed the amount of cars lining the drive. He came over to take my hand and we walked up to the imposing double doors. Matt didn’t press the bell. He opened one side and ushered me in. I blinked in awe at the marble floors and shiny surfaces. This was a grand entrance, opulent. I could hear music and laughter coming from further inside and fidgeted in my heels. Matt tugged me forward, and I squeezed his hand tightly as he led me inside his parents’ monster-sized home.
“Wait here, poppet,” he said when we came to a stop next to a room which boasted an indoor pool. “It seems tonight isn’t just a family dinner.”
“Matt,” I hissed nervously. “You’re not supposed to leave me.”
He smiled chidingly and stroked my cheek. “I’ll be five minutes. Let me find my parents. That way I can introduce you without a crowd of people and, it seems from the noise, that there is one.”
“Five minutes,” I warned, clutching the purse tightly while letting go of his hand.
“Five minutes,” he agreed, then walked off leaving me alone next to the poolroom. After two minutes I slipped into the room, not wanting anyone to come upon me standing there like a lone gate-crasher. The pool was huge and lit. The tiny ripples across the surface calmed me as I stared at the water. There were numerous lounges spread around the space, and I could see a flat screen mounted over a bar area. Fancy.
I walked closer to the pool, heels clicking sharply over the ground, and groaned with pent up anxiety.
Would I be judged by them all?
A low, menacing growl had my back stiffening in terror. I turned around and gasped as my gaze rested on what could only be described as a hellhound. A beast of a dog—oh God—there were two of them! My legs were frozen as the dogs growled low in their throats, shoulders hunched while they peered at me from canine eyes. Rabid. They looked rabid.
“Fuck,” I whispered.
One took a few steps forward, and I freaked.
You should never run, everyone knows that, but the size of those dogs, their threatening growls—I ran.
“Matt!” I shrieked in fright when the dogs gave chase. God. I would never make the door. They would eat my black ass and Matt would be in the papers again.
“Matt!” I yelled, darting back towards the pool. “Oh fuck. Matt!”
The sound of the dogs’ fierce barking as I legged it down the side of the pool made it clear they saw me as a threat and were going to deal with my ass. I didn’t want to die. Not here, not mauled to death.
“Matt...” I turned, checking the distance between those beasts and me—there wasn’t much. Then I slipped, and into the pool I went.
The water closed over my head as I sank. Struggling to breathe, I swam back to the top, kicking ferociously in my heels and spewing out curses with chlorine-treated water. One of the dogs jumped in.
I screamed, thrashing about wildly in an attempt to ward off the hound of Satan.
“Bloody hell! Wizard. Stop.”
A sharp, piercing whistle penetrated my screams and, spluttering out water, I turned to see Matt yelling commands at the dogs. My relief was so great tears welled up in my eyes.
“Poppet.” Matt was by the edge of the pool holding a hand out. “God. Are you all right?”
With shaking limbs, I swam over and grabbed his hand. “No. Do I look all right to you? I was almost eaten by those monsters.”
I planted my free hand against the edge and, with Matt’s help, hoisted myself out the pool. Only then did I notice the others, all staring at me in shock. I saw Adam, quietly chortling to himself, next to a man who looked like an older version of Matt and Adam. The woman clutching his arm was an immaculately dressed blonde woman, with icy reserve on her face. Behind her were twin girls, Matt’s nieces obviously, and I assume their mother, Matt’s sister, who was shushing their snickers. There was another man who kept opening and closing his mouth while shaking his head.
“Kill me now,” I murmured. The water pooled beneath my shoes.
Matt was too busy checking me over to pay heed to my embarrassment. “Did they bite you? Are you hurt?”
Dripping wet and shivering, I glared at Matt. He leaned back warily.
“Only my pride,” I whispered and straightened my shoulders. “Aren’t you going to introduce me to your family?”
Matt’s mouth tightened, and his face started to go pink.
The bastard was trying not to laugh.
“Ah, yes, of course.” He gingerly took my elbow and walked me towards the others. My feet were making squishy sounds in the heels and there was a trail of water behind me.
“Everyone, this is Madison.” He edged me forward, then began the introductions. “This is my father, William.”
“Hello,” I murmured politely, wet hand outstretched. I could feel the pins coming loose from my soaked curls. Matt’s dad eyed my hand. I smiled brightly and he shook it briefly.
“My mother, Portia.”
“Pleased to meet you.” My smile wavered at the look of distaste in her eyes, but I offered her my wet hand. She barely touched me before pulling away. Matt motioned to the chestnut-haired woman. “Hannah, my sister.”
“Hi,” I said, trying to fight back the tears. Could this night be any worse? Hannah took my hand and squeezed it lightly. I felt a bit better.
“Those are the twins, Terror and Trouble.”
“Uncle Matt.” They groaned in unison. I sent them a small wave, conscious of the water dripping from my dress.
“That’s Stuart, Hannah’s husband.” Matt pointed out the brown-haired gentleman. I managed a weak smile in his direction.
“And you already know Adam,” Matt said. His cheeks were stained red and he had a wide grin on his face.
“Hey, Adam.”
“Hello, Madi. You look quite fetching,” His eyes twinkled mischievously. “I heard the drenched look was all the rage this season. It suits you.”
I narrowed my eyes and Adam burst out laughing, making no effort to act with a respectable level of decorum. “Payback seems swift, does it not?”
Matt chuckled. I twisted my head up to glower at him. He pressed his lips together, choking back laughter. The twins peered over Hannah’s shoulders, giggling softly.
Matt finally gave in to his amusement, joining Adam in his boisterous laughter.
“Adam, Matthew,” his mother said coolly, “such childish behaviour I expect from the girls, not grown men. You’re embarrassing the young lady.”
I flashed her a grateful smile. She didn’t return it.
Okay then.
“Uncle Matt,” one of the twins said. “She’s soaked. Natty and I will get her a change of clothes. We always have stuff here.”
“I knew there was a reason you two were my favourite nieces.” Matt took my elbow again and ushered me forward.
“We’re your only nieces,” the other one said softly.
The girls beckoned me over, and I glanced quickly at Matt. He nodded and pushed me forward, so with squishy steps I went over to the identical twins.
“I’m Natalia,” one said. “She’s Nicole, but everyone calls us Natty and Nikki.”
“Hi,” I murmured, smiling politely at them. How could anyone tell them apart? I let them lead me away from everyone else, following them in my soggy state until we stopped in front of an elevator. One of them saw my look and explained.
“Granddad had it installed for Grumps.”
“Grumps?” I asked. The girls were staring at me with teenaged curiosity shining from their sky blue eyes.
“Our great-grandfather. You’ll meet him at dinner. How old are you?”
“Twenty-six.” I grinned and plucked at my wet dress.
The girls exchanged a secret look before we entered the elevator. How pretentious was that? An elevator in their house.
They were silent until we exited the elevator, and they took me to an enormous bedroom with twin beds and every electronic gadget a teenager could ever want.
“Do you want a shower first?” one asked.
“Sure.” I pointed at her. “Natty?”
She shook her head with a shy smile. “Nikki.”
I nodded, feeling at ease for the first time since arriving. I was used to teenaged girls. Sometimes I felt like one myself.
“Grandma doesn’t like you,” the other one, Natty, said casually. “I heard her tell Mum earlier you were after Uncle Matt’s money. She called you a whore.”
“Natty!” Nikki exclaimed, hands covering her cheeks.
“What?” Natty sent her a bland look over her shoulders as she moved around the room. “It’s true, Nikki. You were there, too.”
I chewed my inner cheeks, slowly digesting the girl’s admission. I knew she was trying to get a reaction from me, testing me by her frank and cruel statement. Teenaged girls.
I shrugged. “She would be wrong in thinking that. I’m not after your uncle’s money. I work hard for my own.”
Natty snorted delicately under her breath and Nikki shook her head, obviously embarrassed at her sister’s lack of tact.
“She also said Uncle Matt is with you to spite them, and he’ll soon come to his senses and throw you away like the garbage you are.”
“Natty!”
I held the girl’s piercing gaze with an amused one, a little smile curling my mouth. “Why are you telling me this?”
She smoothed her hands over her knee-length, blue cocktail dress, giving the impression of a gawky teenager uncomfortable in her clothes.
“I don’t know. To shock you, I guess.”
My smile widened. “Consider me shocked. Where’s the bathroom?”
Nikki pointed to a door and I squelched over to it.
“There are fresh towels in the cupboard and we’ll find dry clothes for you,” Natty said as I entered the ensuite.
I closed the door and leaned heavily on it. Why? Oh why did karma hate me so? The look on Matt’s parents’ faces. And, stupid Adam cackling like a hyena at my sorry state. He was a grown man, older than Matt.
And, Matt, I would deal with him later.
How could he laugh at that debacle of an introduction?
I groaned, covering my face with shaking hands.
“Get it together,” I muttered sternly. So I fell into their fancy pool, big deal. These things happen…to other people. Why me? I was supposed to be the epitome of grace, cultured breeding, a strong black woman who could hold her own in any given situation. That had been my plan on the drive over here. Now, they were probably still laughing at me.
I undressed quickly and hopped into the shower. The hot water felt cathartic, washing away my embarrassment. Hell. I was a frigging New Yorker. Shit like this doesn’t faze us. I would go out there and schmooze my ass off. To be honest, I wished Dante was here with me. He always had a way of making me feel better about myself. My hands froze, halfway through shampooing the chlorine out my hair.
What was wrong with me?
I shouldn’t need someone to make me feel better about myself. I shouldn’t need anyone to validate my own self-worth. That was a loser’s way of thinking. I was an adult, a grown-up, with my own company and a level head on my shoulders. Resuming the shampooing of my hair, I strengthened my inner resolve and decided right there that, if Matt’s family didn’t like me, it was their problem…not mine.
Fifteen minutes later I dried off, wrapped another towel around my head and exited the bathroom. The twins were on the bed giggling over an iPad, and looked over at me with identical expressions of curiosity. Before I said anything, Natty—I knew it was her because of the blue dress—blurted, “I apologize for my earlier remarks.”
She glanced at her sister, who nodded, egging her on.
“It was rude. I was rude.” Natty sent me a small smile that I returned.