Her Man: An Interracial Romance (The Bentini Brothers Book 2) Read online

  HER MAN

  An Interracial Romance

  *****

  Jaye McCloud

  Antonio & Tiressa

  The Sequel

  HER MAN is an interracial (black woman, white man) love story. It contains adult situations, sexual language, and sexual content. Appropriate for mature readers 18+

  Note to Reader: If you prefer a hotter version of this book, look for Her Man: An Erotic Romance. It’s the same great story with plenty of spicy eroticism.

  Copyright © 2014 by Jaye McCloud

  This is a work of pure fiction. Names, characters, places, and events are coincidental and fictitious. Any similarities to actual events and persons, living or dead, are purely coincidental. The author acknowledges the trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which has been used without permission. The publication and/or use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.

  Furthermore, trademarks, service marks, product names, or names featured are assumed to be the property of their respective owners, and are used only for reference. There is no implied endorsement if any of these terms are used. The reproduction of this literary work in whole or part, electronically or mechanically, without the express written consent of the author, publisher, and copyright owner constitutes a copyright violation.

  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

  This book contains material protected under International and Federal Copyright Laws and Treaties. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this literary work/publication may be reprinted/reproduced, used or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including recording, photocopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without the express written permission from the author, publisher, and copyright owner of this literary work/publication.

  Acknowledgments

  Thanks to my family and friends who encouraged me to step outside my box. Thanks to ‘Google’ and all the people who contribute to it in a positive way. Thanks to my nephew, James LB Stephens. A brilliant young man, destined to do great things.

  Most importantly, a special thank you to my mother-in-law, Shirley Jean Martin, for gifting a shy new bride with a gentle introduction into the world of romance novels.

  Profoundly changing my life forever.

  Summary

  Tiressa Hawkins, applies for a temp position at Bentini and Sons, and becomes the personal assistant to the matriarch of the Bentini family. Tiressa not only loves her new job, she also loves that it pays so much more than she ever earned as a teacher. Everything goes well until Tiressa meets Antonio Bentini. From the first moment that powerful executive, Antonio Bentini, meets Tiressa Hawkins, he is captivated by her. So much so, that he sets out to make himself the most important man in her life.

  Shattered by a failed marriage, Tiressa is afraid to trust her heart again. Can Antonio convenience her to take a chance on love… To take a chance on him.

  You will not regret immersing yourself in the love story of Antonio & Tiressa.

  HER MAN

  The Sequel to Mr. Bentini’s Lady

  Prologue

  “Tiressa.” His voice is low and smooth. “You are absolutely beautiful.” He proclaims just as his mouth gently descends on mine. I’m instantly hot for him…from the moment I opened the door. “Tiressa. Do you know that I’m a sucker for naked caramel shoulders and sexy calves in black silk pantyhose?” Our lips gently clash and the only thing keeping me from falling to the floor is the wall at my back. Breathless, I whisper, “They aren’t pantyhose. They’re black silk stockings held up by thin black straps attached to a lacy black garter belt.” Antonio groans deep in his throat as he drives his fingers through my hair cradling my head as he ravishes my mouth. My man smells of wealth and tastes of power. And for this small moment in time, I hold his power in the palm of my hands.

  “Antonio we can’t! Put me down.” I pant breathlessly.

  “Not yet.” He moans into the side of my neck.

  “Tony stop! You’re ruining all my work.” He finally stops and sets me back on the floor –I’m surprised to find that my heels are still on my feet. “Baby.” He whispers as he places little kisses all over my face. “I love you.”

  Never do three small words cause me so such panic. “It’s okay.” Antonio says eyes smoldering with banked passion. “You don’t have to say it back to me. I know you love me. Even if you’re not ready to say it.”

  HER MAN

  Chapter 14

  Awakening slowly, I take inventory of my tender parts and sore limbs; wriggling my toes and stretching my legs, when suddenly I realize one of my hands is snuggled between Antonio’s thighs, cradling his hard smooth rod.

  “Good you’re finally awake.”

  At the sound of his sleep husky voice, I reflexively tighten my hold, causing him to groan. “Oh, gawd Baby…unless you’re gonna finish what you’ve started, I suggest you let me go.”

  I quickly snatch my hand away from his not-so-private parts, grimacing at the sound of his laughter. Clearly he’s amused at my embarrassment.

  “I thought not…” he smirks, suddenly leveraging himself up and pulling me under his large hard frame. “Good morning, Tiressa.” His voice is sensual delight as he looks intently into my bright ebony eyes.

  “Good morning, Antonio.” I reply, shyly gazing up into his handsome face.

  “Last night was incredible.” His voice vibrates with remembered passion.

  “Yes.” I don’t know what else to say. Yes, it was incredible… incredibly painful, incredibly confusing…and yes, certain parts of it was incredibly wonderful.

  “You were incredible.”

  “Thank you.” The words slip past my lips a second before his mouth swoops down on mine peppering my lips with yummy good morning kisses. “Mmm…” He groans into my neck, then looking into my eyes he gently runs his fingers through my hair. “I love seeing your hair down and tousled. You keep it pinned up, all prim and proper. When you’re like this, you have the look of a woman who has been well-loved, and it turns me on to know that I’m the man who’s been loving you.” I cling to his broad shoulders as our mouths devour each other. His thickening erection nestles firmly between my legs pressing heavily against my core. Although I enjoy the heated sensations he’s arousing, I begin pushing against his hold when he repeatedly grinds his hips into mine, becoming more ardent with each downward stroke. “Unh-unh…” I moan into his mouth, breaking the kiss. “No, Tony. I can’t… I’m just too sore…”

  “I know Baby. I’m a selfish bastard…It’s just that I want you so damn much. I can’t get enough of you.” He declares, grinding his groin against mine before giving me one last heated kiss, then rolling away from me and off the bed. “I’m going to take a long cold shower.”

  Giggling, I enjoy the view of his tall naked body. Damn, he has muscles everywhere, including his beefy ass. “Do you want something to eat?” I ask as he’s walking into the bathroom.

  “Yes, but I’m taking you out for breakfast.” Looking over at the clock, he reconsiders. “We better make that lunch.”

  As soon as I hear the shower running I jump out of bed with a groan, walk into my closet -with a slight hitch in my step- and choose an outfit that won’t add to my discomfort. After getting dressed in a long flowing floral skirt and matching blouse, I make my way to the kitchen to prepare our breakfast.

  I’m totally absorbed in what I’m doing, when Antonio suddenly appears, giving me a little start as he wraps his arms around me from behind. “
Hey babe, I thought we were eating out?” He hugs me closer, chuckling. “Sorry sweetheart, I didn’t mean to startle you.” He apologizes nestling the side of my neck. “Umm, I love that all this ass back here belongs to me. Oh, the thrill it gives me to watch it walking up and down the halls at work.” He says, rubbing his crotch against the object of his affection.

  “I swear I don’t know what it is with men and fat asses.” I laugh, turning to playfully whack him in the chest. “You know, for such a big man, you sure do have a light step…like a dainty little ballerina.” I can’t hold back a snarky laugh at the picture that jibe evokes. Antonio laughs too, then nibbling the other side of my neck, responds… “Trust me when I say, you won’t ever see your man wearing a tutu and tights. Unless that turns you on?”

  Turning in the circle of his strong arms, I run my hands around his lean waist enjoying the feel of him under my fingers. “No, I like my man all man…no tutus and tights.” Stretching up on the tips of my toes, I meet his lips and we share a few brief kisses before I turn back to the stove. “Pancakes, waffles or toast?”

  “Two slices of wheat toast. I thought we were going out to eat?”

  “We were, but I’m just not up to getting pretty and being around other people. Besides, we need to talk. And I don’t think we can have a private conversation in a public place.”

  Kissing the back of my neck, Antonio compliments, “You’re always pretty to me. I don’t mind eating in, I get to keep you all to myself. What can I do too help?”

  I tease, “What? A rich man who knows how to cook?”

  “Yes, your man also has skills outside the bedroom.” He teases back. I love hearing him claiming to be my man…it turns me on. We work together to finish preparing breakfast and then carry everything over to the table in the small dining room. Before I can take a bite of my blueberry waffle, Antonio issues a command. “Come closer, you’re sitting too far away from me.” He says it with a seductive smile, but it’s still a command.

  “You seem overly fond of tossing out orders, Mr. Bentini.”

  “And you seem overly fond of disregarding them, Ms. Hawkins. Now move closer, I want you within kissing distance.” Flashing a brilliant come-hither smile of my own, I decide to humor him and move closer, which isn’t hard to do in my tiny dining room.

  After eating breakfast and washing up the dishes, we sit on the sofa…me with my back against the armrest and Antonio sitting close to my folded legs, facing me. “Antonio, I need to talk to you about something.” I dread the conversation to come, but it’s necessary.

  “Okay Tiressa, I’m listening.” I clear my throat.

  “First, let me start by saying that…after last night…I’m not so sure—” I fumble, unable to express a complete thought.

  “Not so sure about what?” He interrupts with a fierce frown. “What do you mean after last night?”

  Becoming flustered, I try again to explain. “Well…last night…I just wasn’t expecting it to hurt so much. Antonio, you hurt me.

  “Tiressa…” He leans forward, taking hold of one of my hands. The feel of his large firm fingers are soothing as he caresses the hand he’s holding. “Tiressa, I’m sorry I was so rough with you. You’re right, I did lose control and I know I hurt you. But Baby listen to me.” I drop my eyes to our intertwined fingers. “Tiressa, look at me.” I finally raise my eyes to his and he continues. “I’m not going to lie to you and tell you that making love to me isn’t going to sometimes be a little uncomfortable for you…at least for a little while, until you become accustomed to my size. The facts are, I’m above average and you’re small and tight as hell. Not that I’m complaining.” He says with a wolfish smile, and then becomes serious again. “I’ll be more gentle with you.”

  He pulls me onto hip lap. This is definitely becoming my favorite place to sit. I know what Antonio says makes sense and is most likely true, but I’m just not sure I want to feel discomfort every time he or I want to make love. “I believe you, Tony...” Giving his hand a squeeze, my words trail off.

  Hugging me close, he apologizes again. “I’m sorry I hurt you, really I am. But you’ll see, the more we make love, the better it will be…for the both of us…I promise.”

  I smile up at him with more confidence than I really feel. “Tony…there’s something else I want to talk to you about.”

  “I’m listening.” He says nuzzling the side of my neck. Pulling back from him, I hold his gaze as I finally ask, “Did you wear a condom last night?”

  Holding my steady gaze, Antonio replies without a bit of hesitation. “No. Although I’ve always worn a condom with my previous partners, I’m not going to wear one with you.”

  Jumping off his lap, I stare down at him in shocked outrage. “Why not?! I told you that I wasn’t protected. You said I could trust you to take care of it!”

  He looks up at me unflinching and apparently unmoved by my anger. “No. I said that I would take care of you.”

  “What the hell does that mean, Antonio?!”

  “It means that I want you and any babies that we make together. I’d prefer for us to be married first of course, but if not...” He shrugs his wide shoulders as if what he’s saying makes perfect sense. “Tiressa, why are you so surprised? I’m thirty-two, I think about having a family of my own. A wife and kids… you know, the whole nine yards. I’m not going to lie about it or act as if it’s not something that’s very important to me, something that I feel very strongly about. I want babies and I want them with you.” Antonio confesses with his typical blunt honesty.

  “No, Antonio. We can’t do things that way…you didn’t even ask me what I want. I’m not sure that I’m ready to get married, but I know that I’m definitely not ready for babies. How can you think that what you did is okay? Do you care about how I feel?”

  “Of course I care about how you feel, Tiressa. I love you and I’m ready to commit to you, but apparently you don’t feel the same for me.”

  “I care deeply for you Antonio.”

  “Yeah, but do you love me?” I don’t answer immediately, but he remains calm. “Tiressa, I keep telling you that you’re my love at first sight. I can’t explain it other than to say that everything about you feels right to me. Our being together feels right –even if you’re not willing to admit it…yet.”

  I don’t know how to respond…our being together does feel right. I’ve never felt this way about any man before, and that includes the jerk I married.

  “I love you Ti, and I’m willing to do whatever it takes to prove it to you?”

  “By getting me pregnant, Antonio…is that how you’re going to prove that you love me?”

  “All I’m saying is that it wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world Ti.” Shaking my head at him, I have to resist the urge to screech. “We’ve only been dating for a very short time. We don’t know if this thing between us is going anywhere and you want to bring babies into it.” It’s not a question, it’s clearly an accusation.

  He quickly stands up from the sofa, towering above me, his calm expression gone. “This thing between us, as you put it, will only work if we…if you want to make it work! I’ve been declaring my feelings for you almost from the moment I laid eyes on you. I’m prepared to commit to you, yet you persist in acting as if what we have is meaningless!”

  “I never said that!” I exclaim warily.

  “Then start acting like you fucking want me as much as I want you!”

  “Antonio, I do want you! You know I do!”

  “Do I?” He questions doubtfully, piercing me with a wounded glare for a long angry minute before walking towards the door.

  “Where are you going?!” I can’t believe he’s leaving… is he breaking up with me?! …gawd no!

  “Home. I told you I don’t play games and I have a low tolerance for bullshit. Call me when you make up your mind about this thing between us.”

  I stand in the middle of my living room staring at the door long after Antonio slammed out. Damn. H
ow did I end up on defense when he’s the one trying to trap me into a pregnancy I don’t want. Sitting on the sofa, I swipe at the tears sliding down my cheeks. I’ve never seen Antonio so angry before, at least not at me.

  I indulge in a bit of self-pity for a few minutes before I pull myself together and think about the consequences that could result from last night. Getting up off the sofa, I slip on a pair of sandals, grab my purse and car keys. Less than five minutes later, I’m at the pharmacy down the street from my apartment paying for the morning after pill. Although I balk at shelling out fifty dollars for one tiny pill, I gladly hand the pharmacist the money. He looks at me with such a condescending smirk, which really pisses me off –so much so, that I have him ring me up for two more. Judgmental bastard!

  I spend the rest of the day curled up in bed praying that the gawd-awful headache, vomiting and nausea—side effects from the morning after pill—will soon release me from my misery. My only comfort is the pillow I’m hugging tight against my stomach, the one with Antonio’s familiar masculine scent.

  Chapter 15

  “Mr. Bentini, Mr. Matthews has arrived.”

  “Thank you, Ms. Fuller, please send him in.” Antonio stands behind his desk as Derrick enters. He doesn’t offer his hand, instead he motions towards one of the chairs in front of his desk and directs Derrick to have a seat. “Look, Derrick, I’ll get right to the point. I’m aware that you and Tiressa dated for a brief time months ago, before she began working here at B&S.” At Derrick’s quirked eyebrow and nod, he continues. “And you’re aware that Tiressa and I are now dating.” Caught completely off guard, Derrick stammers a reply. “Uh, no. No, I can’t say that I…that I was aware of that.” Giving him a searing look, Antonio states. “Yes, well, we are—”