Page 8 of A Trial of the Heart

Chapter

Eight

Shiloh:

The escalator descended slowly, and Rashad came into view.

He stood at the bottom with one hand shoved in his pocket and his eyes raised to mine.

Rashad was fine by default, but the closer I got, the more his sexiness showed.

He wore navy slacks that were tailored to his frame, a white button up shirt that clung to his muscles but was not too tight, black designer loafers on his feet, a platinum watch wrapped one wrist, and a Cuban link bracelet wrapped the other.

His peanut butter colored skin looked good enough to eat.

I could just lick the side of his face, imagining a sweet taste.

It was clear he was one of God’s favorites.

If I knew them, I’d thank his parents for putting in work to make him a work of art.

Rashad wasn’t mine, but I couldn’t deny me being grateful I’d been the one he wanted to spend the cruise with.

My heels tapped the marble floor lightly when I stepped off the escalator, sashaying toward Rashad. I was grateful to be his focal point, but he caused my heart rate to speed up out of anxiousness.

“Hey.” My red stained lips curled into a smile once I reached him.

With a look of approval, Rashad licked his lips as his eyes slowly roamed my body.

“Damn…” Rashad let out slowly, his eyes finally reaching mine. “You look the fuck good.”

I couldn’t prevent myself from blushing at his compliment. LeeAnn had helped me pick out my outfit, and from his approval, I knew we had done the damn thing.

“Thank you.” My cheeks hurt from smiling so hard.

Once again, Rashad licked his lips as he stepped into my space, almost prompting me to step back, but I stood firm.

“Shit, I almost want to say fuck what I have planned and take your pretty ass back to my room and fuck you the way you deserve.”

Well, fuck, I thought, already feeling my kitty drip and wanting nothing more than what Rashad had said.

“Let’s,” I mumbled as I gripped the hem of his shirt in my fist.

Rashad had me not afraid to speak my mind and wanting him to always have his way with me. In such a short time, he made me feel a way Daniel had never. He felt like a safe space I never knew I needed.

Rashad leaned my way and pressed his lips against mine, kissing me slowly yet aggressively. Just as I was about to get lost in the kiss, Rashad pulled back and my eyes popped open instantly. He smirked down at me and backed away.

“We have plenty of time for that. Right now, we have plans.” He took my hand without waiting for a response and led the way.

As much as I wanted to go back to Rashad’s room and have him slut me out, I was excited to see what he had planned. So with a smile and butterflies fluttering in my stomach, we casually strolled to the place where Rashad had made tonight’s plans.

“Good evening, Mr. Carter. You and your lovely lady can follow right this way,” the well-mannered host greeted me and Rashad.

“Thank you.” Rashad slightly nodded before following behind the host, pulling me along gently since we held hands. My heels clicked against the floor, tapping lightly, mimicking a slow beat to the perfect love song.

Once we were fully inside, I realized it was just the host, Rashad, and myself. We were in a private area. Before coming on the cruise, I saw the many private packages offered, but it all had to be pre-booked. So, how had Rashad made it happen on such short notice?

Rashad pulled one of the two chairs at the table out, gesturing for me to sit and I did. Seconds later, he rounded the back of my chair before taking the seat directly across from me.

“Mr. Carter, the staff that will care for you and your guest will be with you soon,” the host stated before handing us huge menus I could barely hold.

“Here are some hot towels to get you started.” He placed a steaming hot cloth in each of our hands before strolling off.

With confusion, I took my hot towel and wiped my hands. I had so many questions but kept quiet and waited to see what would come of the night. Rashad said he had something planned, and I didn’t want to impose with the many questions I had.

“This is nice…” My words dragged out, while my eyes jumped around the elegant room.

“How did yo—” My words were cut off.

“Hello, Mr. Carter.”

My eyes bounced from the elegance of the room to the person who had spoken. A short Italian guy rocking expensive clothing stood before us with a smile and his hands folded in front of him. He didn’t look more than five feet tall and a hundred pounds with a bald head.

“Ricardo.” Rashad greeted him with a smile before his eyes shifted my way. “This is Shiloh. It’s her birthday we’re celebrating.”

Butterflies tickled my stomach when Rashad said who I was. Nothing spectacular was said, yet it gave me that fuzzy feeling.

Ricardo looked my way, never losing the smile, but he didn’t speak or move, so I did.

“Good to meet you.” I extended my hand his way.

His eyes lit up as he took my hand into his. Lowering his head, he kissed it softly.

“Signora Shiloh,” he replied.

It was something about Ricardo that was warm and inviting. He gave me that grandfather that always kept peppermints in his pockets and snuck you money when no one was looking vibe.

“I hear we have a celebration tonight. I would like to wish you a happy birthday. However, in my country, it is bad luck to do so before the day arrives. Instead, I will say, I hope that the evening Mr. Carter had my team and I create is everything your heart desires.” Ricardo offered a warm smile.

I had heard about other countries thinking it was a jinx to wish someone something before the actual date, but until Ricardo, I had never met anyone who believed that.

“I appreciate that.” I returned the smile.

Still smiling, Ricardo shifted his gaze from mine back to Rashad. “Everything is ready for you two whenever you’re ready to begin.”

Rashad nodded with no words.

“Enjoy your night.” Ricardo lifted my hand once again, kissing it before quickly ambling away.

Crossing my legs, I gazed over at Rashad. He smiled at me with his eyes.

“You brought out the big guns for tonight, huh?” I wasn’t sure all that he had planned, but it was evident that Rashad hadn’t spared a thing for the night, and it was just beginning.

With a smirk, Rashad lifted the glass of water to his lips, taking a quick drink.

“You only turn thirty once.” His response was simple, yet it meant so much to me.

“I guess you’re right.”

Rashad stood, and instinctively, my eyes raised with him.

“Let’s go.” He held his hand out palm side up.

With dipped brows, I placed my hand in his and stood. I wasn’t sure where we were going, but the security I felt with Rashad made me want to follow the man to hell and back. My heels reverberated off the marble floor in an even beat, slowing once I realized Rashad was leading me to the kitchen.

“Wait. I don’t think we should go back there.” I spoke with a nervous giggle.

Stopping fully, Rashad looked back at me. A slight smile adorned his beautiful face.

“I know the people. We’re good.”

He hadn’t said anything special, yet it caused my heart to skip a beat. Going against anything my big, grown self would do normally, I relaxed and allowed Rashad to lead the way through the double doors that said employees only.

“Good evening, Mr. Carter. Good evening, madam.” The staff of about eight seemed to greet us in unison.

“I will be your guide for the night,” an older white lady spoke up.

“What can I get you two to drink?”

Rashad looked to me, indicating I go first. It was small things like that, that had me on a high with Rashad. In past relationships or dates, guys never waited for me. Rashad always made it a point that I go first in everything.

“Lemon drop,” I said the first thing that came to mind.

“For you, sir?”

“White Russian.”

Rashad had barely completed his request before one of the staff members hurried away.

“Could I explain tonight’s experience?”

“Of course.”

“First, we will begin with the tour of the kitchen. You two will be enjoying a six-course meal. You both will handpick your main course from an array of meats and seafoods. Once that is complete, you have the option to watch as your meal is prepared. You can even participate in the preparation.”

I could only smile. I wasn’t sure how Rashad had gotten the date completed; it was a pre-cruise amenity.

“Here you are, madam, sir.” The guy that had rushed away handed us our drinks.

“Thank you,” I said.

“‘Preciate that.” Rashad spoke with a head nod.

“Shall we begin?” the guide asked, looking between us.

“Ready?” Rashad looked down at me.

I blushed. “I am.”

“Let the night begin.” Rashed winked, holding his drink toward mine.

Our glasses clinked once I touched mine with his.

Rashad and I had connected through sex on every encounter we had other than the first night, so him doing this meant so much.

It may not have seemed like a lot for many, but him taking the time to plan a special date would make my birthday much more memorable.

The night was just starting, but when he took my hand before leading the way and those butterflies took flight, I knew it would be everything I could ever want.

“Are you enjoying yourself?”

We were on the dessert portion of the meal.

I was stuffed to the max, but the food had been so good I couldn’t stop eating.

Him asking me if I enjoyed myself had to be a joke.

The experience I had couldn’t be anything but enjoyable.

Even if Rashad and I kept the no talking after the cruise rule I originally set forth, I knew our memories would forever be in my bank.

I finished the rest of the mini chocolate chip waffles paired with the strawberry ice cream before wiping my mouth.

“This cruise was my birthday gift, but you, Mr. Carter…” I mocked the way everyone had called his name tonight while pointing my French manicured nail his way. “Have exceeded anything I’ll ever do. Hell, even what I have planned won’t amount to this.”

I smiled, looking around the room, taking it all in. I had already said Rashad had out done himself, but looking deeper, he had truly went all out. He winked, and instinctively, I bashfully dropped my eyes.

“Just want to make you happy.”

It was so many emotions released in the few words. Rashad meant those words, and as scary as it seemed, I felt it.

“You’re doing it.”

“Ready to get out of here?”

Involuntarily, my kitty jumped, assuming Rashad meant we were about to head back to his room.

“I am.” I sexily bit my bottom lip, letting him know whatever was about to take place I was ready for.

With a chuckle, Rashad stood, stepping my way with his hand outstretched to me.

I placed my hand in his and stood. Pulling me to him, Rashad kissed me deeply, almost causing me to lose my footing.

The seat of my panties soaked the second his tongue entered my awaiting mouth. He pulled back gracefully.

“I know what you want, and you will get it. It’s just not time for that just yet, beautiful.” His lips brushed against mine softly with each of his words, turning me on more.

I wanted Rashad more than ever now, but as he said it wasn’t time, so I would just have to wait a bit longer. I could only hope I could control my hormones until the time came.

Moments Later

Music rocked the lounge, the vibration from the speakers knocking the booth Rashad and I sat in.

This was the second venue of the night. The night was still young, but after the amazing time at the restaurant, I wasn’t sure it could get any better.

The vibe in the atmosphere showed it could.

Feeling Rashad looking my way, I left my resting head on his shoulder.

“What?” I couldn’t fight the smile that tugged at my full lips.

No matter how many times our eyes met, I felt safe, butterflies tickled my stomach, and I couldn’t help but smile.

Rashad had ignited the fire to my candle.

My feelings for him were strong, undeniable, and scary.

Since I’d had my heart broken, I was cautious about how I moved, but Rashad made it hard to battle. He didn’t answer.

“Why are you looking at me like that?” I giggled nervously.

Rashad’s expression didn’t alarm me. However, it put me on edge excitedly.

He smirked. “Just staring at you, thinking of all the ways I’ma fuck the shit out of you when we leave here.”

Fuck. My kitty instantly purred, soaking my lace panties, wanting to be touched.

His fingertips trailed my bare thighs, feeling as though he ran a feather against them.

“You want that?” he asked quietly, his fingers reaching the inside of my thighs.

My mouth felt dry, and the hairs on the back of my neck stood up. The gesture turned me on. I nodded.

Rashad’s fingers tickled their way further up my dress until reaching my center. He toyed with my love box through my lace panties. He leaned my way, his lips nearly touching mine.

“Nah. Say it,” he spoke. With each word, his lips grazed mine.

My lips parted, and a slight gasp slipped out when Rashad softly pushed my legs apart, slipping his fingers between my folds.

“Say it,” he encouraged before removing his fingers, placing them in his mouth, taking all my essence with him.

I was already ready to head back to the room, but after Rashad’s act, I was ready to whip out his dick and ride him to ecstasy where we sat.

Closing my mouth, I swallowed hard before parting my lips to speak again.

“Let’s get out of here. I want you to fuck me, turning me every way but loose. By the time we finish, I want to look like that photo of Whitney Houston when paparazzi got her at the gas station in her pajamas and fur coat.”

The night had been nothing short of amazing, so now with the sexual tension, it was only right we moved things to the room.

Rashad chuckled softly. I knew he’d chuckled at my reference to Whitney Houston.

I told a joke, but I meant my words. Shifting his gaze from mine, Rashad lifted his hand, waving over our server.

I knew he’d done that to give her a tip and let her know we were leaving.

Either way, I couldn’t wait to get back to his room for him to do all the nasty things I knew he could to me.