"Reuben!"

I jerked myself awake, realizing that I was indeed in the bed... Stark naked and alone. Seems that Reuben's unorthodox ways of love making lulled me straight to sleep and allowed him time to disappear into the depths of this large house. I sat up slowly, my head still swimming and my body still swooning, I glanced into the darkness of the room.

"Babe?" I called out in a sleepy tone.

No response.

Where in the blue hell can this man be? Fuck me to sleep then dip out on me, is that really how are we playing this game?

Bitch, please... It's been the game. Don't act like you don't know.

I ignored her cynical ass, I wrapped the thin, Egyptian threaded sheet around my fatigued body then sauntered out of the bedroom door into the dimly lit hallway. I clutched the thin fabric tight, the strange shadows and old colonial painting, which look weird as fuck, hanging on the walls... In this dim light, you could almost swear the eyes of the men followed you as you moved.

"Where the fuck is he?" I muttered as I continued on down the hallway, then stopped in my tracks when I low muffled talking coming from behind the door at the end of the hall. I tiptoed, with my back against the wall, until I was beside the door so I could get a better listen.

Nosey ass. Better fucking believe it, bitch!

"Tomorrow, I told you the performance will be then and only then-I don't take kindly to being rushed, Jacques."

He's talking to the greasy, Colonel Sanders lookin' mofo? I think he didn't like him.

Nah, more like he didn't want you around him, seems like he's scared something going to get told, huh? I tried to shake my inner thoughts, but he was adamant on me stating away from Jacques Beauchamp.

Lest not forget the Cuban dude-Arlo... He was really tripping when he saw you talking to his ass!

"I will not discuss this with you right now, perhaps at the ball tomorrow night but not now... Of course, I remember the password, it is my club... And I'll tell you again like I did once before-The only flavor my honey will be enjoying, as for right now, is vanilla."

Vanilla? But your favorite ice cream is strawberry! Girl, shut your dumb ass up, I'm trying to listen!

"I heard you, Jock, like you've heard me-We'll talk about all of this tomorrow. Goodbye."

I stood there for a moment, not knowing what to do, whether I should sprint back to the bedroom or bust in the room and demand him to tell me what the fuck he's cooking up. I have to keep this man on a leash because my boo just be doing too much.

He is extra. Very extra.

While I was having my inner thoughts the door came creaking open, there stood Reuben in nothing but a towel wrapped around his waist, smelling fresh-He had to jump out the shower and get on the phone because his hair was still dripping water. I stood there watching the water run down his pecs and his abs...

God, why did he have to be so fine and delicious?

"You see something you like, Honey?" He asked with a smile itching at the corners of his mouth. I gulped a mouth full of spit then bit my bottom lip. "I'll take that as a yes, but first my dear... How long have you been at this door?"

"I-uh-I saw you were no longer in the bed, and I came looking for you... I heard you talking to someone and I didn't want to interrupt anything." I lied, but only just a bit, because I did tell him the truth... I just left out the part that I was listening to him.

"Oh, Sweetheart..." I leaned in and kissed my lips softly. "I'm sorry, I left you alone and I only meant to be gone for only a short time... But Mr. Beauchamp had called me my personal line-Which he never does so I thought it was something of importance... I'd never meant to leave you for long, my love."

I nodded my head and gave him a small smile, I wanted to pry more to why would the greasy bastard call him this late in the evening in the first place but I decided to let it go... For now.

The night carried on rather uneventful, we both just held one another then went back to sleep. But my mind wandered throughout the early morning hours, so I did more thinking than I did sleeping. This Jacques Beachamp character just did not settle well with me nor with my spirit, even that shit with that Arlo Villareal man had my head still questioning what the hell he was talking about.

"You don't know what or who you are dealing with..."

"Ask your boyfriend about 'Pandora's Box'..."

Has replayed in my mind over and over for the last few hours. The fact is... This romance with Reuben was indeed rushed, four months of us knowing one another and here I was engaged to this man. Thing was... I didn't know Reuben from a can of paint-I didn't know much about him nor his family-Come to think of it, I never fucking met them! He does not speak of anyone but his father and brother, but that's solely in a business sense. Let's face it, Reuben is involved with some shady ass characters... So this could just be a damned reflection of him.

Man, the fuck have I gotten myself into.

Ain't I been telling you this shit all along, girl?! You need to start listening to me. You make about as much of since as I do, so shut the hell up.

I sat on the edge of the bed, I had just freshened up in the bathroom and was now getting dressed for the day while Reuben did the same.

"What's on the agenda today, Babe?" I asked lazily, rubbing lotion on my legs and feet.

"The ball and silent auction is this evening; Samira is flying in this morning to dress you properly." I glance back at him.

"Reub-Baby, I can find a gown and dress myself just fine," I stood up, pulling my jeans up my legs and around my waist as I did so. "You don't need to fly Samira in every time."

"I pay her to do this, Maia-It's her job to be your stylist." His answer short and curt, once again with this attitude.

"Whatever, this is your world and I just live in it." My response reflected his, causing him to glance over at me then he returned to putting on his clothes.

"Do not do that, Maia-honey. I don't want the fussing and fighting this morning."

I just looked over at him then walked out the room. The fuck was going on with us, I think all this thinking I've been starting to is making me get some of my common sense back.

Hallelujah! About time, I was thinking I was going to have to quit your ass. Bitch.

I headed down the long hallway of the second part of the house when I heard a light knock on the front door downstairs. I picked up my pace so I could see who was there. Shit, I nosy and did not care.

"Bonjour, Monsieur," It was a man's voice from what I could hear. I tipped toed as I reach the reached the edge of the hallway, that was nearly adjacent to the descending grand staircase, to see a man, at the front door at the end of the foyer, in all black standing there. He had black gloves on and wore all leather.

Leather in the summertime in Louisiana? He's bold.

The butler, whom he was speaking to, greeted him back the same manner. The man stepped in and looked from left to right, as if he was making sure that no one was around, then handed him a small red envelope and in a low tone stated, "this is for the Master."

For The Master?

"Oh yes, of course." The butler looked all around, making sure no one around as well, he even peeked up at the staircase, causing me to quickly draw back into the shadows of the hall. "I'll be sure he gets this immediately, Mr. Black." He swiftly stuck the envelope into his jacket's pocket, then looked around the room again, it was like he knew someone was around witnessing this.

Question is... What the hell was I witnessing?

When I saw the butler closing the front door after bidding the man a quick farewell, I quickly dipped off to one of the spare rooms, to be sure I was not seen. Once I hear him coming slowly up the stairs, I stood motionless then nearly held my breath as he came down the hallway, passing the room's door.

The hell was I so scared?

Because you don't know what the fuck is going on around you and with your fucking man, Bitch! Shit, I'm scared enough for the both of us!

One of the smartest decisions I made this entire trip was to get out this house, on my own. I managed to get my purse and call a cab-I needed no David to chauffer me, and I didn't need Reuben's square, secretive ass killing my vibe. I had to get away for a while. I was dropped off at the corner of Bourbon Street and French Quarter, I took in the sights with a smile. There were masses people in the street going out and about.

"Finally," I muttered as I placed on my sunglasses and put a little pep in my step as I blended in with everyone around me. I had a list of things I had to purchase to take back to my family for souvenirs; Daddy told me if I got get some beignets, to freeze him some and bring them back to Cali for him. I just decided to explore the sites, and took several selfies with everything I thought was amazingly cool and posted them on all my social media outlets. I chuckled because as soon as I posted the first picture, Reuben started blowing up my phone. And I did not answer any of his calls.

Maia, answer your phone.

Reuben Michaelson, CEO, and Founder of Nebuer Enterprises, INC

I pursed my lips together as I read the text, then simply ignored it. But only to get another message no more than five minutes later.

Honey.
My patience is wearing thin. Answer your damned phone.

NOW!

Signed your very pissed off fiancé,

Reuben Michaelson, CEO, and Founder of Nebuer Enterprises, INC

Such a damned control freak he was.

Girl, don't act brand new. I know, right.

I decided to get myself some nourishment; a bitch has not had her breakfast this morning, so I decided to dip into a little café and get my grub on and deal with my little controlling asshole of a boyfriend. I was immediately seated because there were not many patrons in the place, which I was thankful for. I ordered myself two po'boys, one shrimp, and one lobster. I was going to be a fat girl for this entire trip. As I waited for my food, I dialed Reuben's number and he answered on the first ring.

"Really, Maia?" I smirked as he growled into the phone. "It's been fifteen minutes since I've last texted you."

I shrugged my shoulders as if he could see it.

"Well, I guess you're gonna have to punish me then, huh?" I joked; him and all these little rules or 'infractions', he so calls them. I was his fiancé, not his child.

"Do not tempt me, Maia. You haven't lived to see a real punishment, yet." I rolled my eyes.

"Whatever, spank my ass later or something-- But what do you want? I'm busy." I grinned as I said it, I could hear his breathing that he was getting more pissed off at the moment.

"The hell?!" He snarled as I cupped my hand over my mouth to keep from snickering into the phone. "You left the goddamned house and didn't tell anyone! Where the fuck are you is what I want to fucking know!"

Is he mad or nah?

"Toot, toot..." I mocked, "the language, me no likey." I said the waitress came and set my food down in front of me, I winked at her and mouthed 'thank you'. "Reuben, baby, I'm having some time to myself-You have been snappy and shit with me and I just think we need some time away from one another."

"Damn it, Maia-"

"Reuben, I'm out enjoying myself, alone. Let me be, okay? I promise you I won't be gone longer than a couple of hours."

He sighed loudly, but he knows I deserved my time. I've asked him to bring me to Bourbon Street since we've arrived here, and after all the bullshit I endured yesterday--- You know I damned well deserved this time of peace and me.

"Fine, TWO hours only and that's all... But please let me know where you are."

I took a huge bite out of my shrimp po'boy before I answered. "I'm on Bourbon St-" I heard him huff as I chewed vigorously. This damned sandwich--Oh my God, it's like an orgasm in my mouth!

"I know that Maia, but WHERE..."

I started looking all over the restaurant then picked up the menu and read to him:

"Nola's."

"Fine, I will send David to come and assist you-"

"Nope."

"Maia... You need protection at all times."

I sighed as I bit into the sandwich again... Can a girl just eat in peace?

Fat ass. And proud of it.

"Fine, whatever-Send him, surprised he ain't found me already." David was like a damned bloodhound.

"He's on Bourbon Street as of now, he just needed assistance to your exact location-I love you, my dear and I just want you to be safe."

Love me? I was taken back.

"You love me, Reuben?" I asked still shocked by his word usage. He didn't hesitate in his response:

"Yes, I do-Very much so. Now, have your fun but remember two hours and that is all." With that, he hung up the phone and I just sat there.

Reuben loves me.

I was putting a good dent into my second sandwich when David sauntered into the café, catching of the women in facility eyes. David was older, handsome man. He looked as if he could have been related to Reuben; well, hell for all I know he could damn well be.

"Ms. Jones." He greeted as he stood beside my chair.

"David-Dear, sit down-Eat something, take a load off."

A smile itched at his lips.

"I'm fine, Ma'am, finish your meal and I will accompany you wherever you'd like to go." I nodded my head.

David stood over me like a statue, his hands clasped together in the front of him, patiently waiting for me to finish. I couldn't front, it was awkward. Everyone kept looking over to him and I but I ate in peace. But once I was done, I ordered two more to go then left, with David not too far in behind me.

I tried to act like he wasn't there, which wasn't hard because he was not much of a talker anyway. I wanted to hit up a gift shop but he stopped abruptly. "What's wrong?" I asked him.

"You must excuse me, Ms. Jones, I believe that I forgot to move the car out of a no parking zone-" He nodded his head in the direction of where he had parked. "I may get a ticket if I do not move."

"Okay, I'll be fine-Go ahead and take your time." He gave me a grave look. "Oh, c'mon now, David-I am a big girl-And what Reuben doesn't know won't hurt." He huffed then looked up the road. "It will only take you a few minutes."

Or ten or twenty. Hush!

"And if it makes you feel any better, I will be in here," I pointed at a shop called 'Bayou Threads Gifts'. "I will stay my big ass in here until you return." He sighed then nodded his head. "Okay, see-No biggie."

"Please, for any circumstance-If you need me to return to you sooner, just press the middle button on your phone three times and it will alert me."

Gave him a look.

"Mr. Michaelson had some adjustments done to your phone a while ago."

Figures.

"Alright, I will return to you shortly." With that David job down the street, I shook my head then walked into the quaint store. I scanned the inside of the store for a moment then smiled as I went directly over to the masks that were on display. I knew I wanted one but I was trying to decide which mask to get for each of my sisters. I tried on a purple, glittered cat faced mask. I pulled out my phone and did my best Eartha Kitt purr as I sent a Snapchat story to Andrea and Jada.

"Bitch, get me one!" Andrea yelled in a response video. I giggled as I took it off my face then looked over the rack again and reached out for a black, lace butterfly mask.

"Can I help you with anything?" A baritone voice said from in behind me. The voice sounded vaguely familiar but I just dusted that off.

"No, I'm just browsing." I kept looking over the masks until... That smell.

That horrible, nightmare igniting smell...

The smell of cheap cologne... Adidas cologne.

No, it couldn't be...

"Maia? Is that you, MyMy?" I froze in place, tears welled up and began to shake and tremble. The man in behind stepped from behind me and came to my peripheral.

"G-g-Greg."

With that, he smiled.