Lipstick on His Collar

"Looking good, Livi!"

"Thanks, Luda!" Olivia Davis waved over at the megastar rapper as she waded through the large crowd gathered in the lobby of Dexterity Music. Smooth rhythms played over the loud speaker as party goers swilled the best champagne France could provide. Tonight, the lavish downtown Atlanta complex was the playground to the music elite, a couple of infamous housewives and anyone who was anyone in fame-dom.

"You know Luda?" her best friend, Mavis, exclaimed as they made their way to the bar. 

Olivia smiled at her friend's star-struck awe. "He's been trying to see Winston for months, but hasn't had any luck. So, he tries the next best thing - me."

"Really?" 

"He thinks I'll be able to slip him in without an appointment if he shows me some attention. Unfortunately, Winston is booked solid promoting Kango Smooth and he's been cancelling meetings, because of what's been happening with Malory." 

"The old lady hasn't cocked her toes yet?" 

"Mavis!" Olivia scolded slapping her friend's arm.

"Look, that marriage has been dead from jump. E'rybody knows that Wins was forced into that marriage by his financier daddy." Mavis retorted with a twist of her neck and a suck of her teeth. 

"Be as it may, you can't talk about the man's wife like that."

Mavis glanced at her sideways before taking a sip of her champagne. "Whatever, Liv? Don't act like you ain't hot for the man's sexy drawers."

"Mavis, will you shush?" Olivia whipped her head back and forth to make sure no one had heard her.

Mavis leaned in closer. "You let him tap that over your desk or his?" 

Olivia laughed despite herself as she watched her girl pump her hips like a 2-buck stripper. Hers and the petite cutie’s friendship had gone back to their days in the crib, when both their single mothers depended on each other for help and support when their deadbeat daddy’s didn’t bother. They were thick as blood. In fact, Mavis was the only person who knew about her crush on her boss, Winston Hamilton Dexter III, producer extraordinaire, retired rap star and heir to the Dexter fortune. What she hadn't told Mavis was how deep that crush had gotten over the last few months.

She had been thrown into tight quarters with Winston for months plotting the media blitz on Kango Smooth. They had traveled to various studios across the country, working with top producers and mixers to record Kango’s music. She remembered dinners with him where they talked about everything from their favorite music to trash TV. When there was a lull in the conversation Winston would challenge her to a game on XBOX, where she’d whoop him at several rounds of Mortal Kombat. They kept their friendship very professional, but the sexual chemistry was there.

There was one rainy night in New York she could never forget; the night when they had almost kissed in his apartment. He looked so good in his relaxed jeans and T-shirt, toiling over a musical storyboard. A guitar slung over his board shoulders as he worked out the chording on a piece for Kango. Olivia had been taking notes as Winston plucked out the love song to match the steam lyrics Kango had written earlier in the evening. The musician couldn't find the right tone, but Winston had felt so inspired, he took on the task. 

As he strummed out the notes, their eyes would occasionally connect over a lyric and hold. Those dark, steely slate colored eyes were magnetic. If she didn't know any better she could've sworn they were reading her thoughts, which were far from ladylike. His cocoa bean colored skin shun against the fireplace light, accentuating the ripple of his arms, as his long fingers strummed the chords with precision. She wondered to herself how they would feel over her throbbing cords. She looked away when she felt a blush spread on her cheeks.

Winston drew closer to her, the strains of the music growing more intensified, seductive. Olivia found herself staring back into his eyes trying to gauge the situation. The good girl in her wanted to back away and run, but the naughty tramp in her wanted to push him up against the dining room table and have her way with him. As the music began to heat up, they drew in closer and closer. Before too long his lips hovered just over hers, inhaling the breath she held. But, in the last second, Winston had caught himself, breaking the spell by waving it off as the inspiration going to his head. They had called it a night shortly after that and went to their separate bedrooms.

The next morning Winston had left a note saying he needed Olivia to get back to Atlanta to schedule Kango's sessions and several marketing meetings. Hurt had been her first feeling at being sent away, but once she thought logically she knew Winston was just reestablishing their boss-employee relationship. So, she had jumped on the next flight to ATL to dive head first into working on the next move for Kango.

Now after months of all that work, Kango Smooth was experiencing his first record release party. No thanks to Winston. Olivia’s eyes fell on the man across the room surrounded by a cavalcade of photographers, media critics, and moguls, extoling the lyrical mastery and visionary genius of his newest protégé. Winston looked so good in his Sean John suit, tailored made by Puffy’s personal stylists. He looked powerful. His closely trimmed fade displayed a well-shaped head, perfect for gripping in passion. His full lips were surrounded by neatly styled beard that framed a strong sexy jawline. His body was a masterpiece that he took pride in keeping up every day. Even on the road, he had made it a point to get two hours of workout time in. She had remembered seeing him work out on the treadmill in his apartment and almost passed out from the sight of his glistening chest in the sunlight.

Speaking of being blinded, she admired the huge Karat stud twinkling in the disco-ball light. She laughed, because Kango had convinced Winston to get it on a dare, during a drunken night in one of the studios. Winston had never indulged in such extravagances, but after a few shots of Hennessey, they had gotten a professional in to do the job. Olivia had spent the next day tending the wound for him, since he was still hung over. Now, here he was months later with a diamond rock hanging off his ear like a badge of honor. Before this piece, the only jewelry he wore was his wedding ring, which was not flashy at all, but a simple titanium band; one that blended in with his dark cocoa skin.



Winston could feel the heat creeping in on him, like someone was watching him, caressing him with their eyes. He tried not to seeking out the eyes for fear he’d give himself away. So he kept his eyes on the group before him, regaling them with stories of honing this music phenom into the current media prince he was now. He was proud of his work and was security in the belief that Kango was delivering a well-balanced product that was already getting critical acclaim by critics and the underground alike.

"So, Wins, you think this kid’s going be certified gold?" 

"Double platinum." Wins corrected sipping his champagne. "Kango Smooth has everything a listener could want: soul, depth, edge. He's two parts Al Green, two parts Kanye and all Kango Smooth."

"This will be quite a feather in your cap if you can make the touring schedule. He's putting you to some serious work. How's Malory handling it?"


Winston paused at the mention of his wife. Smiling pleasantly, despite the ire he felt inside, he turned to the reporter whom he recognized as one of those damn tabloid types. "Malory has been a consummate supporter of my work." 

"Will she put in an appearance tonight?" another female reporter asked. 

"No. My wife will be resting this evening. Now if you will excuse me." Winston walked away from the group, a cue to them he had no further comments. Little did they know, Malory Dexter was nestled in the arms of her current lover. Just days ago, she had broken the news to him upon his return from New York, where he had been hiding for months from his sexy assistant for fear he would act on his lust. After Malory’s bombshell the other night, all bets were out the window.  

Winston and Malory had known their marriage was name only. Despite that knowledge, Winston never took advantage or slept outside his marital bed. Malory apparently couldn’t say the same. Thankfully, his stint as a rapper had afforded him enough memories to stay focused on building his business, rather than chasing tail. However, there were days, like that night in New York that tested his resolve. Cursing himself, his lustful eyes suddenly fell on Olivia across the room. It had been months since he had seen the stunning beauty in person; not since that steamy night. He had spoken with her often about setting up meetings, delivering proofs and tracks, but he couldn’t even bring himself to Skype her for just a quick minute. His guilt had haunted him about how he had sent her packing back to Atlanta. In fact, he was still kicking himself for not kissing her that night.  

She looked so hot tonight in her metallic gold mini sheath. It molded to her curves and put her long, dark coffee legs on display. Legs he would love to wrap about him and show the utmost care. He had noticed her new hair cut almost instantly. Gone was the cascade of ebony curls, replaced with a short, powerful bob that was fit for a runway. But then again, Olivia was model beautiful. She could give Adriana Lima a run for her money with that body and face. Her eyes were doe-like set in the deepest color brown. Her pouty lips were like a kewpie doll. Her skin was immaculate, flawless in its rich darkness. Sometimes Winston dreamed he was licking her from head to toe like a Pudding Pop; her moans playing out like a Barry White melody. 

But Olivia Davis, his faithful, loyal assistant for the last three years, had been completely off limits to him. He had made the rule to keep himself from straying. However, now with Malory's admission, why should he be discreet or hold back on his own lust? Hell, since Malory was diagnosed with Hotchkinson's, they had not slept together, nor has she wanted him around. But he was sure Darren, her personal trainer, was getting it on the regular. His eyes switched their focus to watch as party goers bopped their heads to the insane beats of Kango's album, but immediately fell back on Olivia as she and her girlfriend gyrated about. 

"Killing'em with the know, Win Dex?" 

Winston smiled at his old rap name, then turned to man, who dared call him so. "Cajun Mal, where you been, man? Heard you and Kendra just had a baby." 

"Got me two with that woman." The massively tall, dreadlock megastar Malcolm "Cajun Malice" Tresvant shook his hand firmly before pounding his back. He had caused quite a scandal a year and half ago by kidnapping his superstar life- coach wife after she tried to divorce him. News of the romantic adventure made the gossip mills. Then they were back in the news again when Kendra announced on her new talk show that she was pregnant - with twins. 

"And you look all kinds of proud.” Winston ribbed him, making the man beam with pride. 

"I warned her she couldn't break our bound. She was stubborn." 

"Bet you whipped it on her. If I recall our last tour together, before your marriage to Superwoman, you were the bedroom slayer." 

"No more, player. But you, you weren't too far behind me." 

Winston chuckled. "Guilty as charged." 

"What's this I heard about Malory? Is it true?" 

"Yep." 

"We'll pray for her.” After a moment, Malcolm stared his counterpart down. “No disrespect, Wins, you and her was never a match. Why your old man burn you like that?" 

Winston sipped his drink. "Old money, old marriage standards. Keep the lines pure, my brother." 

Malcolm laughed. "I can't get with that uppity mess. How do you do it?" 

Winston's eyes sought out Olivia's whereabouts. “Work helped. I had an empire to build.” 

Malcolm followed his eyes to the raving beauty at the bar. Kango Smooth had her cornered at the bar, talking her ear off. She was patient with him, but he could tell by her body language she was needing a rescue, and Winston seemed to want to oblige. "You gonna get on that white horse?" 

"Excuse me?" 

"You look like you want to save the gal. How long you been carrying a flame for Livi?"

Winston smirked at his old friend. "What makes you think I'm carrying a flame?" 

"It's all over that grill of yours. Better get over there before Kango Smooth work his magic." 

"C'mon, Livi, one dinner, that's all I'm asking." 

"Kango, you know I can't. Besides, I'm sure you got plenty of girls lined up around the block just phennin’ to go on a date with you." 

"But no one as lovely as you." Kango lifted her delicate hand to his lips before the sound of someone clearing their throat caught his attention. "Oh, hey, Winston. How you?" 

"Fine. Better if you'd unhand my assistant. That's all I need, for you to scare off the best assistant a man could have." 

Olivia blushed at the compliment, while Kango bristled at being blocked by his executive producer and boss. "Sure thing. I was trying to reward, Miss Davis with a dinner for all the hard work she put into helping get my album done." 

"I'm sure she knows considering I paid her a bonus for it. Besides, I would've paid for that dinner, too." 

Kango grinned unabashedly. "Well, for now anyway. By the look of this crowd, I may not have to eat Romen no more. Uh, looky here, lady..." 

"Play on, player." Winston laughed as the man moved on to his next target

"I could've handled him." Olivia assured him.  

"I know. I've seen you do it." Winston motioned the bartender for another drink, then his eyes glided up and down her frame. "You look very beautiful tonight." 

"Thank you. I got my hair cut last week." 

"It looks very couture." 

"Just trying to keep up with the Jones." 

"Here I thought it was the Kardashians," Winston jested. 

"I think they're here." Olivia peeped about the room. "I know Khloe and Lamar RSVP'd." 

"Her, I can stand."

"Winston! Are you saying you keep up with the Kardashians." 

"Not since that wedding episode. Gave up cold turkey after that." He laughed taking another sip. "Malory leaves it on the DVR." 

"M-hmmm." 

"No really." 

"Ok. Well, I need to go get the tracks up to Khaled before the speech in an hour." Olivia turned to go. 

"They’re in the office safe." Winston watched as she walked across the lobby to the grand staircase. His office was on the far side of the building in a secluded part. He had it soundproofed so he could hear the music without killing the rest of his team. There was also a secret studio in the back where he worked on his own music - a side project. His eyes watched her gold covered booty ascend then disappear around the corner. He sighed.

 "You're doing yourself no good by staring, brother." 

"Damn, Malcolm. What are you a fairy godmother?" 

"How 'bout Pimp Godfather? Go get it." 

"You must've forgot the part that I'm a married man." 

"Unhappily married man, who ain't seen action since the 90's." Malcolm pushed a stray dreadlock from his forehead. "Look, Malory's dying ass is getting some. Why can't you?" 

"How'd you know about that?" 

"TMZ." Malcolm shrugged. 

Winston sucked his tooth and turned away. 

"Don't miss your chance." Malcolm warned walking back into the crowd. 

Winston stared at the staircase then over at the side entrance. A thought crossed his mind and decision crossed his face, determination filling his slate eyes. "Ah hell." 

Olivia rummaged through the safe looking for the tracks. She wasn't completely focused on finding them. She was still reeling over the scent of Winston. He smelled so good, so sexy. It was a woody kind of smell like a fresh forest. Her body tingled and embarrassingly her nipples had hardened. Thank God for the metallic chain links on this dress. She released a shuttering sigh as she tried to focus on her task at hand. 

"Sorry, I had them delivered to Khaled earlier." 

Olivia whipped around in surprise, clutching her heart. His deep voice had run through her body like a touch. Their eyes connected and it was New York all over again. Did he get even hotter looking? Olivia gulp down the peach-pit sized lump in her throat. They had not been alone in the same room since that night. Running her sweaty palms over the chain links, she came away from the safe. 

"Well, I'll just double check with Khaled's people to make sure he has the right tracks. Those were 2 and 4, right-" 

Suddenly, Winston crushed her to his chest and began to drink in her lips. Olivia gasped but soon melted into his arms. He felt so good; warm and embracing. Her arms wrapped about his neck drawing him closer to her. Winston savored the feel of her generous curves along his frame. His hands drifted down her sleek back and over her full derriere, pulling her into him more.  

Olivia pushed away slightly. "Winston. We shouldn't..." 

"Liv, I made an awful mistake sending you away after what nearly happened in New York. I can't tell you how many times I kicked myself rotten over it." His lips trailed down her neck, hovering over her ear. "I want a redo." 

"What about Malory?"

"Liv, tonight there is no Malory." He didn't go into explanation about his wife's revelation, but after Malcolm's words of wisdom, he knew what he needed to do. 

He pulled away and began tugging his neck tie free. His movements were urgent, like he was being burned and needed to get out of his clothes. Olivia watched him, steam flowing into her eyes as he plucked button after button from his crisply pressed shirt. Once he had it unbuttoned, he drew her back to him, molding her against his hardness. Their lips folded over one another, tasting and feeling, nipping and biting. It was all so ravenous. It had been a long time since either of them had indulged in some naughtiness. Winston had gotten by on whatever scraps Malory had thrown his way, but Olivia had been long overdue. 

Her senses were on overload as she took him in. She could barely catch her breath as his fingers laced into the softness of her short bob, pulling it back to expose her long, swan-like neck. The feel of his lips touching the sensitive spot beneath her earlobe sent shockwaves down her body. Her pleasure was not lost on Winston. His mouth blazed the column, leaving a silky trail to her breastbone. Then he reveled in the hum coming from Olivia's throat as he retraced the path with his fingers.  

"Damn, you're so soft," he whispered in amazement. He lifted her up into his arms and brought her over to the plush couch.  

"Winston, what about the door?" 

"Locked it on my way in," he assured her, lifting the metallic dress away from her body. 

Underneath she wore a pair of black lace panties with matching bra. Both molded to her frame like a second skin, accentuating her assets delicately. Winston undid the front snap of the bra pushing the straps away from her shoulders to unveil the hefty breasts beneath. A shutter fell from Olivia's lips as she felt his warm fingers trail over the skin of her shoulders. His lips soon followed. It seemed with each kiss he laid in the heat increased, making her skin tingle.

Her fingers ran over his head, embracing it to her bosom, enjoying the feel of his body covering hers. She had dreamt of this many a night. Sometimes, when she found the need to fulfill her fantasies, in the heat of the moment, she would call out his name. He was her go to fantasy. Now he was real. The hands fondling her breasts her real, the lips encircling her nipples were real. So real. Olivia's head fell back taking in the sweet pressure. Sighs dripped from her lips as Winston's tongue flicked her nipple. 

Winston simply inhaled her smell, taking in the fresh and flowery scent. His hands roved her frame, molding her flesh in his palm. She was a real woman, strong and soft. Her nipples tasted sweet to his tongue as they rolled about. He buried his face between the soft pillows taking it all in, then he pushed back to gaze down at her. The fire in his eyes made Olivia gasp. It was so intense, hypnotizing. His fingers laced over her panties, then tugged them from her body. 

"I want to taste you, Liv."

Those five little words sent a maelstrom of feminine essence pouring out for her body causing a flush on her coffee colored skin. She tried again to swallow the lump in her throat as he descended on her mound, intent on worshipping at her folds. She'd never had a man do this. Her last boyfriend was “not that kind of guy” and her high school love barely knew where anything was let alone how to pleasure it. Her eyes stayed riveted on his head as it dipped between her thighs. When his tongue nudged at her slit, she thought she had been burned. 

"Relax." His soothing voice consoled gently pushing her hips back down. "I won't hurt you." 

Olivia nestled back into the couch, taking in the erotic show happening between her legs. Soon, all the tension flowed from her muscles, replaced by even more intense sensations. Winston twirled her tiny joy button about his tongue like Pele would a soccer ball. Several times she caught her breath as he led her to the edge and back in a dance that only he knew and she followed.  

Winston lapped up the juice drizzling from her pulsing puss. He watched as her lithe body undulated up and down under his ministrations. He had never seen a woman look sexier or more stunning taking her pleasure. It was like he had imagined it to be. He tenderly kissed her mound before slipping his long fingers into her depth. He immediately felt the quivers of her muscles as they enclosed around his digits. She was tight and knowing how much made his dick thicken at the prospect of getting the same treatment.  

Olivia stifled a moan against her knuckle. “Ooh, Winston.” 

“Has it been that long, Livi?” 

“Too long.” Her admission struck a chord with him. He realized this could be no ordinary quickie. For as long as she had worked for him, he had never heard of her seeing anyone and that was three years’ worth. Who knows how long it had been before that? 

His fingers seemed to be obsessed with massaging a special spot in her. Olivia could feel the heat rise to her head, making her dizzy. Her breathing had grown ragged like she had jogged up 30 blocks and back. The pressure was getting to her and her body was not her own as it writhe to and fro on the couch. Winston reached over to the side table and popped open a secret compartment underneath to retrieve a condom. Olivia looked over at it then Winston. 

Winston laughed, understanding her surprise. “I had that installed when I first bought the building. The only other person who knows about it is my gopher, T’shawn, who replenishes it from time to time, when they expire. And usually he’s tossing out the whole box when that happens.” 

Olivia burst out laughing since she was well aware Winston pretty much kept it professional in his office. “I guess I can thank you for looking out for my health and yours. Now I know why T’Shawn had that blush on his face that one time.” 

Winston chuckled as he opened the packet and sheathed himself. “He’s never had the nerve to ask me why I keep asking to replenish that thing. He just does it. Thank you, T’Shawn.”

“Yes. Thank you, T’Shawn.” Olivia smiled as she drew Winston back down onto the couch.

Winston kissed her soundly as he settled between her legs. His hands gripped her hips possessively. “Liv, I want you so bad. I have since the first time I saw you.” 

“You have?” 

“Yes.” He whispered against her lips. “But circumstances kept me from ever acting on those feelings.

“And those circumstances have changed?” 

His eyes met hers, reflecting an answer of certainty and release of burden that had held him back from her. “Yes.”

Before another question could be asked, he pushed his way into her tight abyss. Their eyes never broke as their bodies adjusted to their unique fit. Winston had slid into home diving into her depths. She was warm and inviting, sumptuous. Her walls milked him deliciously, pleasuring him. Olivia reeled at the feel of him filling her so completely. He was smashing every wet dream she had ever had, any fantasy she’d imagined or any daydream she’d nodded off to. Her arms wrapped about his neck, holding on for dear life as he rocked her into the couch. 

Just when he had set one rhythm, he flipped the script on her and straddled her over his body in one motion. “I want you to ride me, Liv. I’m yours to control.” 

Liv was taken by surprise, but she was a quick study and took to the task readily. She rocked her hips against his in a blatant interpretation of his earlier movements. Her hands explored the ripples of his abs, loving how they contracted with every thrust. 

“That’s it, Livi.” His husky whisper turned her further on, pushing her movements into faster gaits. The more he groaned the more she wanted to hear him do so. She loved the control her movements yielded. They excited her, made her bolder. 

Intense pleasure began to fill her tiny core, spreading fire and electricity throughout her body. She gripped her breasts, tweaking the hardened nubs. But Winston quickly pushed her hands aside replacing them with his lips, continuing where he had left off the first time.

“Oh, God, Winston.” Her wistful sighs guided his actions as his hands clutched her pert ass, rocking it over his dick. “I don’t think I can…” 

“Go ahead, Livi. I want to feel you, hear you.” 

From his seated position, he thrusted his full self into her, rubbing against her walls, filling her space. All the while, Olivia rode him like her life depended on getting to the finish. Suddenly, the explosion that overtook her forced a scream of pure euphoria from her throat, along with endless ripples of ecstasy. Olivia’s legs began to shake as if she had complete muscle loss. Thank God, Winston was holding her. 

Not long after her fall, he was right behind her. His teeth grazed her neck hoping to quell the loud sounds of his climax. She could feel him stiffen, clutching for the final strains. Moments passed as they drifted back down from their cloud. They took in the sounds of their ragged breath, the smells of their joined bodies and the feel of their sweat mingling. 

“Did I dream this?” Olivia sighed resting her chin against his head. 

“No. But it was unreal.” Winston adjusted their position so that Olivia rested over his chest.

 “What are we going to do now?” 

“I know what I want to do,” he chuckled kissing her lips again. 

“Winston, be serious. I mean, I’m your assistant. You’re my boss, not to mention, married."

“Olivia…"

Suddenly, his cellphone went off drawing his attention. Glancing down, he immediately recognized the number and grew annoyed. Tapping the red key on the iPhone, he answered, “Malory, you have the worse timing- Darren? What the hell are you doing calling from… What? When?” 

Winston sat up pulling on his shirt. “Which hospital?” 

Olivia sat back as Winston got the details from someone named Darren. She had never heard him answer the phone so short with Malory. He usually was polite. They weren’t the lovey-dovey type of couple, but he never went out of his way to be rude. There was attitude in his tone, coldness, but now something was up. But what? Was their sleeping together a result of some altercation with his wife? And who was Darren? Her mind and heart began to race. 

“Olivia, I’m sorry, but Malory’s been rushed to the hospital. I have to go. Will you-"

“I’ll handle things here.” She used her most professional tone with him as she slipped her clothes back on, guilt and shame clamoring to claim her spirit. 

Sensing her pulling away, he quickly snatched her to him. “I promise to explain everything as soon as I get this thing situated with Malory. This is not how I wanted to end this night with you.“Please, Winston. Your wife needs you.”  

Winston saw he would not be able to make amends now without looking like an unfeeling jerk. But he promised he would fix it. He wasn’t wasting time anymore. He’d given up seven years of his life he was not going to lose his golden ring. Kissing her forehead, he turned and headed out his office, leaving Olivia standing there trying to reconcile her disgrace. Without hesitation, she went to her office.
  

At the hospital, Winston ran into the ER. He was immediately met by doctors and Darren who lead him to the ICU. Darren whined how they were keeping him out of the ICU because he was not her next of kin, but Winston couldn’t hear that noise. He simply assured the man he would fix it. He entered the room hearing machines beep and hiss with all the sterility of a hospital. There on the bed was Malory, covered in wires. She seemed weaker than the last time he’d seen her at the house five days ago. 

“We were able to keep her stable, but she is very weak.” The doctor further explained what had happened and said that her time was drawing near. Winston simply nodded his understanding to everything the doctor was telling him. “She wanted to speak with you privately before I sent in her –uh- other companion.” 

Winston glanced at the doctor and nodded, which gave the man the signal to leave. A heavy sigh escaped his lips, still flavored with Olivia’s essence. He should be feeling guilty for having cheated on his wife, but he didn’t. Not when she had been carrying on her affair with Darren under his nose for all these years. Guilt was the last thing he felt. 

“Malory?” 

She opened her eyes to look at him. She had been a stunner, but the disease had run through her robbing her of that beauty. Her caramel skin was now pale and sickly and the vixen green eyes were now foggy and dim. She wasn’t always the nicest of people, rude and snobby was more like it. She sure hell enjoyed the perks that his name, fame and money brought her. But that person wasn’t in the bed now. The eyes looking back at him were not the same. They seemed remorseful, reconciling. 

“I know you told me to go to hell four days ago after what I told you. And damn, if you weren’t right, Win.” She attempted a laugh but a couch came out instead. “I guess God don’t like ugly.” 

“Malory, shouldn’t you be conserving your strength.” 

“Win, there’s no strength left to conserve. I’m dying; plain and simple. But before I leave this earth I need to clear my conscience. I should’ve done a better job of telling you about Darren and me, but I didn’t. I’ll die with that on my soul. But I wanted you to hear it clear from me. You were a good husband, who didn’t deserve a viper like me.” She reached for his hand and clutched it tightly. “I am sorry for not having the guts to break this thing when you asked me years ago. I guess having seen how marriages work in our circle for so long, I thought I was doing us both a favor. What I did is torture you and I am sorry. You deserve happiness.” She cleared a stray tear before finishing, “I’ll understand if you don’t forgive me. Hell, I wouldn’t. But promise me you’ll get yourself a girl who truly loves you.” 

Winston bent closer to look her in the eye. Sadness filled them. As angry as she had made him with her admission, her current plea brought on an air of forgiveness he never thought he would feel for her. Tightening his grip on her hand, he kissed her forehead.  

“I will. And I promise I won’t put you in last season Alexander McQueen for your casket.” 

“I’ll haunt you if you do,” she laughed clutching his head to hers. She sniffed the air between them, then noted the smeared lipstick on his collar, and grinned wickedly. “I think you already started your search.” 

A blush crossed his cheeks. “Maybe…” 

“Touché, Win. Touché.” Malory settled back into her bed, and like a light switch her old self was back. “Now, get the hell out of here. I want to be out of your hair come morning and I want to spend my last night on Earth with my stud. Will you send him in?” 

Winston rolled his eyes and started out the door. He motioned Darren in. Looking back one last time, Malory blew him a kiss and he caught it fondly. “Catch you later, Malory.” 

“Only if you heading where it’s hot,” she laughed, waving him away. “Get back to your woman.”

Winston nodded and left the hospital. He was elated and free.


When he entered the building, the press was gone as were the guests. His PR team must’ve known to clear the place. He marched up to his office to see if Olivia had stuck around. He was crossing the room, when he noticed the light glaring from his computer. As he approached, he noticed his inbox was up with an e-mail from Olivia with a subject line of “Resignation”. His heart started beating fast. He refused to read and instead jetted for the door.

He ran down to the parking garage to get his Astin. Firing up the sports car, he rolled out in search for his lady. “Damnit, Livi. I’m not gonna lose you.”