Interviews were tedious work; Tracy had a time researching bothersome, intrusive questions. His only concern was whether this male had the means and skill to fight. Perhaps some sort of marksmanship. He didn’t care to know who the person was or where they came from. Nevertheless, he pried and weathered on with asinine queries. Going down the list, he tapped on another.
“And what makes you qualified for this position?” Tracy asked.
The male was of grand stature with a decent amount of weight on him. He was brawny rather than muscular, with a wide build that could block and slam people into things.
“Uh, I was sired three years ago by my ex-girlfriend. Before that, I was a boxer in the human world. I’ll be forty-seven forever, but I’m in great shape.”
Tracy held back a gag. “Splendid, I can use someone like you. I find your history to be a plus, Russell. Before we wrap up, do you understand the dangers of this job?”
He nodded. “I do, Mr. Bissette.”
“Tracy, please, and that’s wonderful. I assure you, it’s slow around here. But if I need transport or some other services, you’ll be called in. You’ll work a minimum of four days a week.” He paused to wet his whistle with the finest espresso in Florida. “I don’t need you for everything. Most times I use my main guard, but even then, he only works four to five nights a week.”
“I’m not sure if this is what I’m looking for. I’m taking care of my mom and-”
“The pay is thirty-five an hour, and there is room for a hefty bonus at the end of the year.”
“Holy hell, that’s a lot of doe.”
“Yes, it is.” Tracy nodded. “And typically, you will get a full eight hours doing various things. Elliot is in charge of tasks. I am sure he’ll find you work.”
Russell beamed, and Tracy felt accomplished. This was the second person he interviewed, and the first failed. This male, however, even with his sickening human past, was personable and eager.
“I’m ready whenever you need me, Mr.- er, Tracy.”
“Good man. I want to hire you now, but unfortunately, you still need to pass one more interview. In truth, Elliot will be your superior. I’m not one to handle trivial things of this nature.”
Tracy shoved his chair back and rose. He was over the dreary process. Russell took heed and followed him to the front door.
“I will wait for Elliot’s decision, but I’m sure he’ll agree. You are an excellent fit. Until then, you’re free to go. Don’t stray too far from your phone.”
Russell smiled once again and extended a steady palm. “I’ll be waiting for his call.”
“You do that.”
Tracy opened the oak as Jaxon arrived. “Oh, look at our timing. How are you tonight, Jaxon?”
“Very well, thank you.”
“Glad to hear it.”
When he entered, Russell made an exit. “Stay safe, son.”
“You too, Tracy.”
Upon his departure, Tracy shut the door and met Jaxon in the kitchen. “That, sir, is top-shelf espresso. Jaya just made it.”
“She is a master at work. Her coffee is divine.”
Tracy agreed with a tight grin. “How is everything coming along? I wasn’t aware you’d take last night off.”
He sighed. “I’m done, actually.”
Tracy was delighted to hear the news as he poured himself a small cup. “Damn, I didn’t think you’d be done so fast. When can I expect a bill?”
“Tonight,” Jaxon muttered, stirring the blond bean batch. “But I need to speak with you about something first.”
The sentence slipped from his mouth like a threat. Tracy wedged a bit of distance between them.
“What is this about?”
“Your finances, of course.”
Jaxon faced Tracy, sipped the hot beverage, and pinned a glinting stare on him.
“Won’t you have a seat?” Gesturing to the breakfast nook, Tracy slid into the same chair he’d sat in mere moments ago. Jaxon appeared across from him with a cup and saucer. He was dressed to the nines in formal attire. A red three-piece suit and tidy hair pulled back, away from his face.
He seemed young, personable, friendly even. But in his gaze, Tracy noticed something else entirely. This dandy accountant wasn’t who he put into the world. Tracy had known many men like Jaxon.
Righting the crooked mat and off-center charger, Tracy nodded. “What is it you seek, Jaxon?”
“I think you should be asking what I, can do for you.”
Cutting eyes upwards, Tracy cocked a brow. “I’m not following.”
“As you already know, I’ve found some discrepancies. Rather substantial ones. You’ve got a lucrative business that makes too much money, Tracy.” Jaxon tipped his silver chalice and shrugged. “My job is to find these things. Review financial dealings and provide advice. And mine for you is, either stop what you are doing, or hire me to cook your books.”
This wasn’t threatening at all. He was offering a way out of a major fuck up Tracy didn’t even know existed. God damn it, he should have hired someone to do this years ago, like Jaya suggested.
“Okay, sure. You don’t have to twist my arm. How much do you want?”
“I don’t want money.”
Confounded, Tracy canted his head. “I am missing the mark again, I fear.”
“I want resources, I want transport, and I want more space.”
Now his demeanor made sense; the true beast underneath making his debut.
“My god, which part of the business are you?”
“Pharmaceuticals.”
“You’re a fucking drug dealer?”
Jaxon relaxed, crossed his legs, and snapped crisp, white cuffs. “If you wish to be formal, then all right. Yes, I’m a drug dealer.”
To think he came referred. “But you’re an accountant.”
“Yes.” Jaxon nodded and gulped down the rest of his coffee. “I am, but accounting as a hobby. It’s something I like to do. I like numbers, have a knack for organization, and adore meaningless tasks. The stuffy job humbles me at times.”
Tracy ran a hand over his waves and looked out the window. “Florida…” Rain was year-round, and as it came down with promises of a flash flood somewhere, Tracy didn’t know what to make of his confession.
“I don’t have resources.”
“Don’t lie to me, I read everything, Tracy. Your construction business is over 20,000 square feet. You’ve got that house in Doral. Not to mention, if I open a contract with you, I can build whatever I want without it looking too shady. As it stands now, I own a deli, a wing joint, and a god damn ice cream shop.”
Jaxon stood and marched back to the coffee. Tracy got the gist, but wasn’t sure about any of it.
After topping off his tiny cup, Jaxon added an awful lot of sugar. “I have my consulting business and two residential properties. I’ve only been here for eight years. I can not risk another buy without an audit. And I can’t afford that.”
“Just hire someone else.”
“I don’t trust anyone enough.”
“Why trust me?”
“You have shit to lose, Tracy.” As Jaxon pivoted, he shrugged. “And a daughter so deep in, she’d get ten years for every grand earned.”
Panic caused him to wince. “How did you come by this information?”
“I told you, it’s my job. Now, the way I see it, you’ve got something I need, and I have the means to make your financial hiccups go away. Plus, I have ships.”
“Ships for what?”
“Your raw meat business, I overheard you in your office. Listen, I got ties overseas and people who need a man on this side. If you help me, two for the price of one. You get more bodies and clean books. But in return, I want your basements and housing developments. I need more places to stash my inventory. It’s getting hot with my shit, and I need to move. Yesterday.”
Tracy ruminated. This was huge. Selling drugs and running humans was a biiiiiig operation he never signed up for. But with Matthias on board now, maybe another person on his team wouldn’t hurt. Someone he could trust. Matthias was not that person.
“So what?” Tracy looked up at him and frowned. “You wanna be partners?”
Jaxon stared into his cup and grimaced. “Yeah, I suppose so. I have more than enough room at my Brickell office. There’s even a second executive suite.”
“I’m not okay with being a middleman. I’ve done this on my own for a while now. I hire people to find me bodies, and I sell them. What are they willing to pay me? I want no less than ten grand on delivery for my services, and twenty percent of the sale.”
Jaxon hissed. “I don’t know if you’ll get that. But I’ll see what I can do.”
“I’ll agree to a partnership only after the paperwork is handled. I will be the one to draw up a contract, and we will both sign it.”
Jaxon acknowledged with the tip of his cup and said, “Looking forward to it.”
“There will be a fee, Jaxon.”
“I expected as much. We’ll talk numbers a little later.” Returning to his seat, Jaxon’s friendly smile made a comeback. But Tracy would never see him the same again. “For right now, tell me more about your business.”

Max worked hard not to wake, but her internal alarm clock wouldn’t allow that. Wiggling around reminded her of the day’s activities. She scooted across the empty space and threw an arm around Low. Max loved being the big spoon. Kissing his nape made the male groan.
“What time is it?” Low rumbled. The sexy, dusky tone echoed in her chest.
“I have no idea, nighttime.”
He sighed long and heavy, then faced her. His eyes, the color of slate, greeted her. “Wus good witchu?”
“My coochie hurts.” He cackled, and Max tried not to, ‘cause it wasn’t a joke. “Honey chile, I ain’t lying. Y’all wrong, for real. I think I need a walker.”
“Shit, say that then. You know I love a good stroke.”
Max smacked him on the forehead. “Yo breaff stank, hoe. Get out my face. All that dick sucking you did.”
“You’re one to talk, sluttin’ out all hours of the day. You love my fonkie breath anyway, shut up,”
“I do not.” She refuted, but his smile and proximity kneaded Max into mush. Low moved in and kissed her once, twice, a third time.
“Yes, you do,” he whispered, getting fresh under the sheets.
“Hol’ up, I ain’t got nothing for you.”
Letting Low have his way, he pushed Max onto her back. And she was prime for it. Thighs lax and body willing, her pussy flexed as their lips touched.
Gentle and slow, he entered her once again. It was nothing like the rough and tumble during those wee, early morning hours.
There was no place more comforting or familiar.
With him between and slipping inside, her body accepted the rising pressure and pleasure. Max knew every dip and curve. Low’s frame weighed heavily, offering her shelter and intimacy. Languid but steady, he dug her out, taking it easy after using her up hours prior.
Low played it safe while making the bed bounce. When he pulled away from her kiss, she locked arms around his waist.
“Oh baby—Lowwww. Yes…” Her breathy plea urged him onward. “I feel you, bab—oh shiiiit. I fee—make me—uggggh.”
The way he fit with his body pressed against hers left no room for oxygen. Max adored this and what he gave. With legs around his waist, she moaned his government title and dared not to cry as her breath hitched.
Toes curled, spine locked, and eyes rolled. She snapped.
Warm, lazy waves of ecstasy weaved its way through her. An orgasm woke Max proper as Low came down on her mouth once more. Soft and sweet, he grunted, carrying her through his own release.
Low collapsed, and Max took the male’s pounds. Hugging him tight, she closed her eyes as reality crept into their space.
Why did this have to hurt?
Feelings weren’t involved; allowed. She couldn’t even lie to herself anymore. The silence after their sensual descent had long begged for words neither dared to speak. Both denied its existence. Too scared, too broken, and scarred from past traumas.
Feeling him withdraw, Max shivered and laughed.
“I’m done, shorty.” He snickered and flopped onto his back. “I ain’t got nohtin’ left. I’m tapped out.”
Just as he said that, a hand found her tiddie.
She slapped it away. “That’s enough, Low! God damn. You’re finished, ‘member?”
“I know, it’s just your tiddies hanging out. I gotta touch ‘em at least one time.”
She laughed again and shook her head. “I gotta let you know one thing. Baby, that big bitch blew your back out.”
Low smacked his teeth and shot up out of bed. “Don—why you gotta bring it up?” He whined and dashed down the hall. Max followed him into the bathroom and couldn’t help but poke.
“It’s nothing to be ashamed of. I get my shit broke all the time.”
He reached into the stall and turned on the water. “I do the back-breaking, okay?”
“I kowwww, I know. But you screamed his n—”
“Shut the hell up, Maxine Bernice, ‘fore I tear off into your ass. I’m not even gonna be able to look him in the eye.”
Max pushed him into the stall and stepped in. “But you fucked him up as well. His legs were shaking, remember that?”
“I do, yeah. You’re right. I held it down and wasn’t playing no kinda games. But you did, too, babe. I love how you held his balls. That was a good technique, shorty. I’m saying. You broke him doooown. But you know what? He’s mean as hell in them sheets. I figured that, but damn.”
They grabbed the soap and rags, lathering in a hurry.
“I didn’t think white boys were carrying weight.” Max shook her head and scrubbed. “I was bamboozled, lied to, and tricked. I watch porn, but I never thought, like, it was real life.”
Low stood in front of the spray and giggled. “That’s a misconception. I‘ve been with enough white men to know. Not every Black man is well hung, and not every white man is small.”
. “Don’t I know it.” She scoffed. “But look here, I have had some small ones that still gave me an orgasm through penetration. Them the ones to watch out for, ‘cause they know what they’re doing.”
Low smiled. “You not wrong, baby. But uhm, you think he wanna do this again?”
“No, no, I doubt it.”
“We’ve never had a threesome with the same person twice, Maxi. It’s against the rules.”
Max circled around and was pelted by lukewarm droplets. “Damn, Low. You don’t have it hot enough.”
“Shorty! Why you always gotta burn my skin?”
“It don’t even be hot like that.”
“It do too.” He frowned as she turned the heat up a little more.
“How can you get clean with cold water?”
“It’s not—”
“It is! Now get my back.”
Low grumbled and snatched the cloth out of her hand. “Stop yelling, with your big ass forehead.”
“So, you like it.”
He giggled again and washed her back because her lover was sweet like that.
“I gotta go to work,” Max whined. “I’m supposed to open the shop.”
“You probably late.”
She nodded, rinsed, and stepped out of the stall. “I surely am.”
Running for the hanging terry, she heard the door and froze. What to do, what to do. In a state of panic, Max twirled and jumped back in the shower.
“What in the—”
“He’s back,” she whispered.
Low’s dumb ass ducked and crouched. “Oh shit, go out there, Maxi.”
“You go. You’re the man, handle this shit.”
They quieted at the sound of approaching loafers. Low hunched, like that was gonna do something.
“Are y’all hungry?” Jaxon asked.
Max smelled his fine ass through the door. She bit her tongue to keep from cussing.
Low elbowed her, so she shoved him. He slipped and dropped to his ass.
“Uh, nah, nah.” He shrugged. “We good, for now.”
“You sure? I ordered out from GreenStreet cafe. I got eggs, country potatoes, and what else…”
Max slid to the tile, threw up her hands, and mouthed a true statement.
I’m so hungryyyy.
Low shook his head.
“I got waffles, French toast, and Cinnamon pancakes; those are my favorites.”
Her stomach hollered,d and Low snickered. She made a pinching symbol then moved onto praying hands.
“Yeah.” He cleared his throat. “Uh, a little something. But I uh, we, got shit to do so, a lil’ sumn’.”
She nodded as Low stood and grimaced. They stilled, waiting for a response.
“No problem. I’ll be in the kitchen.”
“Yup.” Low shrugged again, nd nobody spoke until the door closed.
“What the fuck we gonna do now, Max? Hm? You want me to sit up here and have breakfast with that man? Damn, bruh.” Low stomped out of the stall and snapped a towel. “After last night, hell nah. Plus, we never stay afterwards, Max. That’s our rule. Even more, he brought me outta character. I don’t like that. My spirit can’t handle it. I wanna fight him. To assert my dominance.”
Max dried and stared at Low. “Baby, there ain’t nothing you can do. He’s—”
“Don’t say it. Please don’t. Because I know.” He snapped the soft cotton for a second time and wrapped it around his hips. She just held her’s closed, ‘cause they weren’t made for fluffy people.
When they marched into the bedroom, Low yelped and smacked the wall. “You a nosy muh’fucka!”
Max was aghast as Red leaned against the wall. Looking reeeal pleased with himself.
“And you’re a liar,” she spouted. “That was an invasion of privacy, asshole!”
She stormed for her clothes, gathered articles, and turned her nose up all the way back into the bathroom. Max slammed the door and whined. He looked great and smelled—No, no. Her life was complicated enough. Red was an animal, a ferocious beast who ate pussy and fucked like sex provided the very oxygen in his lungs. There was no room in her life for something or someone like him. And the way shit was going, she wouldn’t even have space left for her own thoughts.

It’s two days late, and I am sorry for that, y’all. Summer is a sad time for me. Nothing drastic happened; I just don’t like it. Lol. Most come alive during the summer months, I DO NOT. I am my least vibrant self. I litterly call it sad girl summer because I am in such low spirits. I can’t wait for fall and winter. UGGGH. Anyway, here is chapter 16! Where we get to witness the aftermath, the night after, the POST NUT CLARITY hits hard here. And you know what? I loved how honest they were about the whole ordeal. Max and Low aren’t afraid to talk about the awkward things, and I love that most about them. Their communication could use some work, but I think their transparency played a major part in the relationship. Now, let’s hope they continue this trend moving forward. Until next time, loves, thank you, and have a wonderful week. Byyyyeee.