Greg's POV::

Maia.

My precious, little Mymy.

If only my baby knew how long I've waited to see her, to let her know I've changed... I wasn't the monster she remembered me as. I cannot change the things that I've done to her nor could I change my feelings for her either. I was in love with her, been since she was a child... She was so beautiful, sweet-Not to mention mature. She was very wise for her age, had more sense than any of the bitches that were my age... Of course, I tried to flirt with her and let her know how I felt... but she rejected me. Time and time again she would reject my advances.

She told me boys were stupid.

She told my boys had "cooties".

Something within told me over and over again my feelings for a child were sickening but I could not help myself. I had to have her. Willingly or by force... But I NEVER meant her any harm.

When everything came out about us, my father kicked my ass then sent me on to Texas to live with some of my family. He told me to never come back, even tried to get to change my name. But I refused... I was not a monster! I was just an in love and severely confused man. Mymy had to know this; she has to know I would never do her like that again... But her rejecting me today cut me deeply... I have to see her; I have to talk to her... She has to know that I am neither what she thinks I am not what her family has painted me to be.

"Greg-You didn't call me like you said you would," I rolled my eyes as I ate my dinner, another night of Vienna sausages and hot chips, I ate like a damned college kid-but when your ex-convict jobs don't really come easy-they say I brutally beat my ex.

Bitch was too goddamned nosey... had enough nerve to call me "sick" because I had pictures of Maia all over my apartment. She had it coming; she knew to ask me shit about my Mymy.

"I was busy, Tierra-I had to work," I concluded, she needed to tend to her husband and not be calling me all the damn time. I wasn't her man, nor did I want to be. I needed a good fuck and someone that was close to Maia... Now that I got what I wanted... I had no use for her dumb ass.

"Well... I got some time off, maybe I could come to New Orleans and see you."

"Nah, I'm busy," I answered shortly, bitch was clingy.

She sighed slowly, I could tell she wanted me to cave in and tell her to come out to see me, but I wasn't going to. I was not interested in her any longer.

"I thought you said you liked me, Greg... But all you did was use me-"

"You knew what you were getting into; you said your husband was boring in bed... I fucked you a few times. What do you want from me, now? I'm surely not going to be with you-we were just having a little fun, Tierra, don't make this shit awkward."

"You don't get it, Greg!" She whined. "I think I am falling for you-"

I chuckled, damn near choking on my food.

"How could you possibly be falling for me? We've only known one another less than a month... Nothing romantic transpired between the two of us. Just casual sex, no meaningful conversation or anything... I think you're being delusional... Where's your husband?"

"He's-He's not here, hasn't come home from work." I shrugged my shoulders.

"Sounds like he's out there creeping with someone else," I smirked as she grew quiet. "You know what you do, he can do too-don't be shocked if he's fucking somebody too on the side."

"He doesn't have the balls to cheat on me," I rolled my eyes. Bitches kill me that remedial confidence like they're such hot shit. She ain't shit... You know how I know she ain't shit because she's fuck with me, and she's a married ass woman.

"Whatever, T, my girlfriend is about to come over... I'm busy this evening and you are holding up my line."

"Whatever, asshole."

Dumbass.

I finished up my food then went then took a shower, I let the hot water stream down my back for a while, my torso was still aching from that white boy shoving me into the counter; I know he works for Maia's little fuck boy boyfriend. That white boy better watch his back, I don't care how much money he has... I've got street connections and I will end him.

Maia's POV::

The limousine ride was silent; Reuben sat next to me staring out the luxury car's window staring impassively at the purple, starry night sky as he had his hand resting on my lap, fingers spread across it possessively. New Orleans nights were gorgeous, full of wonder but I doubt that's why he was so silent. I knew his mind was wandering and searching its depths on how to properly handle this Greg situation. I was hoping he would like Ingrid work her magic and she would handle it for me. But I knew my love too well, he was a man that loved control and he would not allow this to go peacefully; I just wanted Greg erased from my, and my family's, memories for eternity.

David sat in the front seat of the car, but there were two men that sat across from Reuben and me, they both wore all black suits, black sunglasses and had mics attached to their ears. God, when did he hire the men in black? Both of the men were stocky, they looked like ex-football players. The black gentleman had a low fade and the white had a crew cut, something told me that they were most likely ex-military. Knowing David and Reuben so well, I knew they were.

"Approaching Beaucomp Estate in five," I heard David's voice ring out through the limo's partition.

"Roger that." Both of them men responded in unison.

I looked from them to the Reuben, he still sat silent; his mind was truly somewhere else.

"Uh, Babe?"

He turned his head slowly to look at me. His eyes were low and read no emotion.

"Talk to me," I whined causing him to chuckled lowly and nodded his head.

"I apologize, Honey, my head is in a different space and time." He reached over and grabbed my hand then brought it to his lips and kissed it. "Now, my beloved Maia-What's on your mind?"

"Well," I begin as I drew closer to him. "You haven't said much about this party."

"It's clichéd masquerade, you don't have to wear a mask because I won't be wearing one. Beaucomp does the masquerade theme only because many of his clients and business partners bring their wives but their mistresses' tag-a-long separately."

"Ooooh." I held the note for a moment causing him to laugh. "But you don't think it would be fun?"

"Not at all, I think it's idiotic because he does the same theme every year and all of them women are well aware of the others... You can't really get too excited when you already know what is going to occur."

I guess I could understand that despite all I had been through today I really could not contain my excitement. You see in the movies all the time about those clichéd Louisiana masquerade parties, high society elbow-rubbing, and silent auctions featuring exotic goodies-

Why are you getting so excited about all of that? You are broke as a joke and nobody wants to see you. Gee thanks.

"Beaucomp Estate. Destination complete."

My eyes widen as I looked at bright spotlights and the lines and lines of luxury cars, it was like I was attending a Hollywood event. I gasped in wonder, causing Reuben to chuckle at my demeanor. I truly like a child in a candy store right now, too eager to function at this point.

As the cars pulled up and people exited them to enter into the estate, Reuben turned all his attention to me.

"Now, Honey... You are to stay next to me at ALL times." I blinked at him. "Do you understand?"

"I doubt Greg is going to be in this place, Babe-"

Reuben shook his head.

"Not talking about that bastard, I'm having him tracked as of right now-I'm speaking in regards to some of these individuals here... I do not trust everyone I associate with. Hell, I don't trust everyone I am related to... I just need to be sure no one tries to hurt you-"

I bucked my eyes at him.

'Hurt' you?! The hell?! Girl, exactly what I'm thinking.

"What do you mean?"

I studied his face, I could tell he was trying to conjure the right words or how to rephrase what he just said.

"I didn't mean physically... I meant in the words of a lot of these people know me and my past, a past of mines that I'm not too comfortable with discussing with you as of right now-"

"But you know everything about me and we are engaged to be married, Reuben."

He nodded his head then grabbed my head, here comes the bullshit.

"You have to trust, Maia-When the time is right, I will spill my guts of every wretched detail of my existence but as of right now in the moment... It is not the time." I just stared at him, trying to read his face but he was like stone... I got nothing. "I love you, you understand that... Yes?"

Nodding my head slightly, I gave him that as my response. I knew it would low-key not satisfy him but I still did not understand the need to keep the secrets from me.

Let's face it, girl. You are marrying a stranger.

Yes.

I am.

. . . . . . . . . .

"Reuben, my bwah!"

As soon as we stepped outside of the limousine, Beauchamp came waddling from the inside of the grand plantation mansion. He wore this white three piece suit and had a white cat-like, satin mask covering his round face.

Man, here comes this greasy bastard. Girl, be nice. Nah, I don't trust his ass... You know he's sneaky!

"Jacques," Reuben replied simply as the two shook hands, but of course, Reuben possessively had his arm wrapped around my waist... his fingers nearly gripping my right thigh... Like he thought this man was going to take me away from.

See! Even our boo don't trust this fool. Oh, now he's 'our boo', huh? Girl, I talk a lot of shit... But you know Reuben my boo, too. Whatever, you say.

"You remember my fiancé, Maia, don't you?" Reuben said as he pressed a kiss to my forehead.

"Why of cawse! I memba ha jus fine!" He grabbed my hand. "Greetin's, chere-Lookin fine as a Louisiana wine." He kissed my hand.

I cringed.

His lips were wet.

Eating that fine Louisiana fried chicken, again, I bet! Bet you he owns a chain of Popeyes. Girl, stop!

Reuben, once again, pulled my hand from his lips when the kiss seemed to linger on longer than it should.

"Thank you for having us." I smiled as Reuben, once again, took serviette and wiped my hand off. "You have a lovely home."

"Yes, yes-Been in my family for generations! It is very dear to my heart; want to keep it preserved for my future grandbabies..."

Aye, ask him how many slaves his granddaddy owned. Girl. I bet it was 500 because his place is huge.

"That's wonderful." I smiled, trying to keep at bay the craziness going on in my head.

"Please, come inside." He extended his hand towards the large set of steps leading to the grand double doors, I could see the masses already inside, mingling-looking amazing in their expensive gowns and tuxedos. My heart fluttered, I was nervous. Especially since I knew Reuben didn't trust anybody in here.

As we ascended the steps, there were servants at the doors with wooden boxes in their hands, displaying beautiful masquerade masks.

"Honey?" Reuben looked at me then to the masks. "Would you like one?" I looked to the masks then back to him.

"You're really not going to wear one?" I asked in a meek voice, if he wasn't going to participate then I didn't want to look like the odd man out... Hell, I was with him and I would look foolish with one on if he did not wear one.

He chuckled then took a plain black mask then tied it to his face, which caused me to smile.

"Only for you, my love," He then, in turn, picked a lace mask that was black like his but had hints of gold and had feathers and placed it gently on my face and tied it, carefully trying not mess up my hair. After he was done, he smiled down at me, then whispered:

"We may need to keep that mask... You look delectable with it on." I rolled my eyes causing him to chuckle.

"Masks turn you on now?" I asked as I touched his face before we turned and started heading into the festivities. He shrugged his broad shoulders still staring ahead.

"Anything that concerns you does." A flirty smile growing on his face.

Got the damn man whipped. Isn't that how it should be? Damned skippy, girl!

We walked in and another set of servants met us with a tray of wine, Reuben confiscated to glasses, handing one to me than keeping one for himself. But I was just in awe of my surroundings, this was a house? The foyer was large and lavish, had beige marble flooring and the walls were the same color where numerous colonial paintings hung high. A large crystal chandelier hung from the tall ceiling, it was old fashioned because it held dozens of actual candles that were lit. The grand, doubled stair case was the centerpiece of the entire room. They were wooden, most likely oak since they were the shade of gingerbread, the antique chandelier hung between the two sets of stairs; people stood on the connecting ledge of the steps-laughing and drinking wine.

I took in the room for a moment, not realizing Reuben had been standing there the entire time. Watching me in amusement. I smiled embarrassingly as I turned my vision to my wine glass.

"You don't have to be embarrassed, my love-Your expressions were very... Childlike."

"I have never been in a home so lovely..." Reuben lifts my hand to his lips.

"You will have one even lovelier than this one," I giggled slightly at his gesture and at his words. "My intent is giving you the world, Ms. Jones."

I licked my lips before taking a long drink of my wine then looked back to him.

"What if I don't want the world?" I asked. "What if I just want peace and happiness?"

Reuben smiled inwardly before drawing me closer to him.

"I can give you that and so much more, Honey."

I smiled as I touched his handsome face.

"I can only imagine, Babe."

We leaned in for a kiss but someone clearing their throat behind us made us both cease our actions then look over our shoulders.

There stood a woman wearing a form fitting, mermaid styled ruby red gown. She was an aged woman who clearly had work done to her face; her lips were not even but permanently puckered. Her cheeks were high and looked sharp enough to cut glass and her breast was rather large... I think they might be natural because she wasn't a small woman and the size of them seemed to fit her shapely frame. She had long chestnut hair that was pinned into a bun and her mask matched her dress... I looked from Reuben to her.

He looked utterly disturbed.

"Mother." He greeted dryly. My eye bulged.

Girl, that's his mama?! Be nice. Hot ass mess.

She smiled coiling at him than to me.

"Son, I hope I wasn't interrupting anything," She said as she entered more into the festivities, a young man that looked like he was about Reuben's age filing directly in behind her. He was a blonde, had messy hair and had a simple black mask just like Reuben-most men were... You know men like to keep it simple. "Just had to take a moment and meet the young lady that's been causing a buzz at my dinner table." She smiled at me, her smile was forced... She didn't like me. I could feel that shit already.

"Mrs. Michaelson." I nodded my head politely at her as I extended my hand to her for a handshake. Just because I was engaged to her son, doesn't mean was about to kiss her ass.

"Oh, please call me Veronica," She smirked, it had a little hint of amusement...She knew I was one she could puppet master. "Maia, is it?" I nodded my head giving her a smile, the entire time Reuben stood beside me, his hold on my waist getting tighter and tighter. "Well, my dear, you are even more adorable in person!"

Ooooh, Bitttttttttch!!!! Oh no, she did not call you 'adorable'?! Like you a fucking puppy or something. Be cool, be cool.

I giggled slightly.

"Thank you-"

"I was just telling my dear fiancé how breathtaking she looked this evening..." I looked up to Reuben, his eyes were stuck on his mother. "Simply radiant."

"F- fiancé?" She looked like she wanted to throw-up at the word. "W-well, Reuben, dear... That's kind of sudden, don't you think?"

He leaned into her and said:

"No." Then looks behind her. "Aw, Chase-I see you are accompanying my mother again."

Chase smirked as he drew closer to Veronica. She was fuming as of right now, she stood there staring back and forth from me to Reuben, contemplating what to say. But I could tell she was really holding her tongue, I think Reuben would possibly go the hell off on her if she questioned him any further.

"Of course, Reub-You know my place is on your mother's arm."

Reuben tightened his lips playfully and responded:

"Mhmm... Is that right?" He looked down to me. "Love, this is Chase Ingram, one of my old associates from boarding school and now my mother's professional date."

"Well, hell I like fancy titles!" Chase joked as he chuckled at Reuben's statement then looks at me. "So, you are the lady to finally get Reuben to commit? Well, I applaud you, Maia-Many women have tried but no one has been able to get the job done." I nodded my head. "And not to mention the women who still want the chance to try again."

"Try again, hm?" I said with pretend face of intrigue.

"Oh, yes-yes." She cut in. "Reuben was quite the eligible bachelor for a few years, had many promising relationships... Have you met of Sheridan Fitzgerald, Maia?" She smiled pleasantly at me. I smiled knowingly as I nodded my head.

"Oh, the girl that got dumped on that reality show? Yes, I saw that show." Chase turned his head and snickered as Reuben cracked a humored grin as he leaned down and kissed the temple of my head. "She wears cute shoes."

Veronica didn't find me hilarious, not one bit. She forced a smile on her face then gave a high pitch giggle.

"Yes, yes... But she was also saddle tied to my son for over a year... She and Reuben were very exclusive. Very much in love they were."

Oh, this old, fake Barbie bitch is about to catch all these hands and kiss these converses.

"Mother, that's quite enough." Reuben snapped, but I turned and patted Reuben's chest.

"It's alright, Boo-It's just fine." I looked back to Veronica and smirked. "I sure they had something very special." She nodded her head knowingly in agreement. "But she's not Mrs. Reuben Michaelson... I am." I smiled widely at her making her mouth drop to the floor. "And looks like the festivities are officially about to begin..." I turned to Reuben who looked like he wanted to devour me. "My love, we should be getting to where we need to be."

"Yes, we should... Mrs. Michaelson-" He threw a look to back at Veronica. "Mother." He then kissed my hand over and over as we walked off towards the majestic dining