Page 13

Adonis Ferguson

“Get ready for landing. The weather is nice today with a temperature of seventy five degrees. Stay seated until we completely land.” the pilot advised.

Adonis’ jet flew down the long black runway strip alongside his mega mansion.

His property was large enough to accommodate a runway, with appropriate pavement and lighting.

He also complied with all local and federal aviation regulations for the weight of the aircraft in his residence.

He watched as Bella admired the view.

The beautiful land consisted of a manufactured lake, cattle, horse stables, pools, and its own basketball court.

“Wow, you have everything at your house. I’ve always wanted my own cows to make my own milk. I plan to make everything all natural to heal my cancer.” Adonis smiled at Bella’s excitement.

“We’ve safely landed. You all may unbuckle your seat belts and exit the jet.” The pilot announced.

Bella immediately began to unbuckle her seatbelt to get her luggage from baggage claim.

“Aht, aht. Don’t pick up a bag. I need to get you out of the habit of trying to do everything on your own. You’ve got me now. I don’t want you lifting a finger.” He watched as she lifted her fingers to her lips, hesitation flickering in her eyes.

She didn’t speak, didn’t protest or agree, just stood there, caught off guard by how fast he anticipated her need.

She lingered a second longer, as if waiting for him to show her the way out.

“Okay, follow me my love.” He took her hand softly leading her off the plane.

The Texas air was humid, but the sun’s energy was welcoming.

“I hope you enjoyed the flight. It was a long flight, but we’ve made it safely to my humble home.”

Bella laughed as she looked over what seemed to be a one hundred acre property.

“I don’t consider your home humble, but I enjoyed the plane ride so much that I forgot it took ten hours.

“You’re right, my property isn’t humble because it’s one hundred and fifty acres of land with a thirty thousand square-foot mansion.

I call it Chateau Ferguson.

I had it custom built to match the home I dreamed of having as a nine-year-old.

I always knew I’d become an NBA star and would be able to afford the lifestyle I deserved.

”

The weather was perfect for swimming, Adonis’ second favorite past time.

It was a form of therapy for him.

He was relieved the plane ride was over because his nerves were a wreck.

“After we get settled into the crib, do you mind taking a swim with me? It’ll help soothe my mind from the plane ride.” Bella looked at him with empathy.

“Sure, I can join you. I just need to find my swimsuit in my luggage, and I’ll get ready to join you. I assumed you would expect me to cook immediately after the flight, it’s just something I’m accustomed to from my last relationship. Brian treated me more like a caretaker than a partner. I’m not sure if you have all the ingredients I’ll need to cook. We’ll see.” As soon as they walked through the front door, they were welcomed by the impressive foyer.

All the lights in the house lit up from the motion sensor.

The butler had jazz music playing over the speakers.

The entryway took her breath away seeing beautifully painted art by famous black artists.

The white marble floors were so immaculate that she was tiptoeing on them.

Adonis looked at her and chuckled.

He sat her bags by the door and allowed her to tour the house.

“Oh my God, look at this gigantic kitchen! I could bake the most creative cakes here. This layout is a baker’s dream. Opening the fully stocked refrigerator and cabinets she took note that it had everything she needed to cook. “Well, I guess I don’t have to worry about a lack of ingredients.

You have it going on in your kitchen.

Show me to the bathroom where I can change into my swimsuit.

” Adonis raised a brow and began to lead the way.

They had their own vibe.

Didn’t need to say much; just a look or a nod, and they were on the same page.

Their connection ran deep, speaking volumes without a single word.

Adonis understood that Bella loved his home vibes.

He wanted her to feel at home.

“Please take your pick of the five bathrooms in the house. Remembré mi casa es su casa nos. If there’s anything you want to change in the house, do it. I just ask that you don’t move my trophies from trophy case. My trophy case holds valuable memories that I cherish.”

“I promise to not touch your trophy case. I’ll take this bathroom right here because it’s full of beautiful flowers. However, your decorator deserves a raise. It’s chef’s kiss.” She said mimicking the gesture.

She then shoved him out of the way to get dressed.

A few minutes later Bella came out in a Fendi high waisted swimsuit.

The swimsuit fit her petite body nicely.

Adonis took two fingers and whistled as she walked towards him.

He had on his favorite Polo swim trunks, along with two towels in his hand.

Gripping a towel in each hand, he rubbed them together like he was hyping himself up, ready to dive in the water.

I have two outdoor pools and one indoor pool.

Since the weather is so nice today, I want us to swim in one of the outdoor pools.

He stepped into the pool area, set up like a VIP entrance to an award show, with a canopy overhead wide enough to shade four people comfortably.

There were red chairs alongside the pool.

Bella dipped her feet inside the pool to test the temperature.

“The water is perfect.” She stated.

Adonis touched her back to help guide her into the pool.

As soon as they were comfortable in the pool his butler approached.

“Sir, I have your swim student here to train with you.”

Confused, he glanced at his watch.

Who scheduled this?

He hadn’t held lessons in weeks.

Had someone else taken over his calendar while he was away or had the student made a mistake?

Adonis slapped the top of his head.

“Oh, it slipped my mind that I have a private lesson scheduled for today. I’m sorry, baby. I’m a swim instructor on the side. One of my students paid for a one hour lesson today. I can’t reschedule because he has a national competition tomorrow.” This lesson was essential for students participating in national competitions, as it not only enhanced water safety and survival skills, but also helped with discipline, perseverance and teamwork.

These qualities are crucial for success in competitive environments.

“Oh, no worries. I can just go and sit in the jacuzzi until you’re done.” Bella smiled and went on her way to the jacuzzi without a fuss.

She watched Adonis train his student on proper swimming speed.

He planned on showing her better swimming techniques as well.

It was his plan to help her level up in every aspect of her life.

He knew she wasn’t a strong swimmer yet.

Once she developed stronger swimming skills, they would have another sport in common that they loved.

Adonis looked over at Bella while she was in the jacuzzi and noticed she’d received a phone call.

After answering, she stepped inside the house.

He wondered who she was talking to on the phone.

His desire to know wasn’t about control but out of curiosity regarding her well-being.

He glanced up.

One of the security cameras on the back wall blinked red.

Bella’s full conversation from inside the home was captured by the camera’s audio.

Adonis couldn’t help but stop what he was doing to look at the camera.

Bella had the phone on speaker, so both ends of the conversation were heard.

“Hi, Mom. I’m glad you called me because I was thinking about you. He noticed her smiling and wrapping her towel around her body. I’m back in Texas from a Paris trip. I have some news that I would like to share with you. I was wondering if you could visit me in Texas. I’ve moved to a new location, so I’ll text you, my address.”

“What do you mean you’ve moved without telling me darling? I don’t like that you couldn’t tell me before you moved. Where are you staying?”

“Mom, I’ll tell you all about it on your visit. Can you bring my sister too? I want to tell you both about my news in person. Please come by Tuesday morning. I’ll see you both then.”

After ending the call, Bella went back to the pool area.

Adonis took a break with his student and rushed toward Bella.

“Hey, are you okay? I noticed you were in the middle of something important on the phone. Do you want to talk about it?”

“I’m fine. I was speaking with my mom. I asked her to bring my sister here to visit. Remember, I wanted to tell them both about my cancer diagnosis. It was hard not to tell her everything. She was upset that I withheld information. I asked them to come by Tuesday morning since my doctor’s appointment is on Tuesday.

“I’ll have my assistant book their flights.

Text me your mother and sister’s contact information so I can set it up.

” Adonis patted Bella on the back and ran back towards the pool to complete the swimming lesson.

Once he made it back, he saw his phone flash.

It was an iMessage from Bella.

She sent the information promptly like he’d asked.

He’d told her before to learn to let him help her.

It made him happy to see she was allowing his help.

It made him feel needed.

It was a different feeling having someone at home with him.

It was time to adjust his schedule now that Bella was here.

Typically, he didn’t care if he was unprepared for a swimming lesson.

Now that Bella was in his life, he needed to start taking action to consider her needs.

He looked at his watch and began to work on the last part of the swimming lesson.

“Good job. Time to wrap up your session, pal.” he started his timer.

“Last lap. Ready, set, and go!”

While he was focused on his student’s last lap, Bella went into the house.

“I’m about to slip into my Versace robe and cook us a juicy steak dinner with cheesy potatoes, veggies, and garlic bread. Oh, and a yellow cake with chocolate icing for dessert. It’s that kind of night.” Bella announced.

Meanwhile in the kitchen

The kitchen space was clean as if it had never been used before.

The spice rack had every seasoning, herb, and spice her imagination could think of.

She quickly began to season the meat after washing it.

Next, she took out a cast iron skillet and sautéed the steak.

The sizzling sound of the steak cooking was a delight to her ears.

While it sizzled, she stirred the potatoes.

In walked the butler.

“May I help you with anything my dear?”

“Sure, you can help chop the vegetables for me.” Bella replied as she remembered Adonis’s advice to allow people to help her.

He was trying to alleviate her urge to take on everything herself.

Delegating would become a new norm in her life with Adonis.

He had a pretty large staff to help around the house.

The butler chopped the vegetables, then made a salad.

Meanwhile, Bella began to mix the ingredients for the cake.

The swimming lesson was done.

The entire property was under constant surveillance, and once in the pool area, there was no way out except through the house itself.

Therefore, Adonis walked into the home with his student to walk him out.

The smell of the food awakened his senses.

He smiled as he entered the kitchen.

“I see what you have going. I love that you’ve already started dinner. I can’t wait to taste what you’re cooking babe.”

Adonis walked his student to his car, giving him a pep talk about his competition along the way.

“Make sure you pray before you start the competition and believe that God will take you to the finish line.” He said before patting the student on the back.

Once Adonis was back in the house, his food was on the table.

“Dinner is served.” The butler announced.

“Oh, I could get used to this view,” He said looking at the table filled with freshly cooked food, and a mason jar of fresh squeezed lemonade.

“Bow your head and let’s pray. Heavenly father, Thank you for it all. Thank you for allowing me to meet my beautiful Bella. Bless the food she has prepared. Continue to heal her where she needs healing. In Jesus name, Amen.”

“Amen.” Bella responded.

“I hope you like everything I made. It was made with pure love. While she was talking Adonis was chowing down.

“This food is so good baby.

And this cake is scrumptious.

I hope you know I’ve already had my realtor find your space for your bakery.

I think it’s time to get serious about your baking.

Start thinking about the way you want the space designed.

My realtor is ready to show the spot she found for your business.

”

Adonis saw the glow in Bella’s brown eyes.

“I already have a vision. I want to name it, Love At First Bite. The way we met is the inspiration for the name. I think it was love at first sight for us.” She chimed.

“It was love at first sight for me too. I love the name. I found a good catch in you. You’re smart, beautiful, loving, and creative. God is good. Look at my life and look at my beautiful future wife.”

“Aw, Game! You’re so thoughtful. Thank you again for everything.”She said reaching her arm across the table to hold his hand.

“You’re going to make the Mavericks trade me if I get out of shape from eating your good cooking. Your cakes will definitely put a couple of pounds on me. It’s so delicious!” He said while rubbing his stomach.

Immediately afterwards, he saw a silver Mercedes Benz pull in to the driveway on the security camera.

He waited to see who the person was in the car.

The camera lens had fogged from the kitchen heat, leaving only a hazy, distorted image of the person in the driveway.

His butler came into the room.

“Sir, your realtor Janice Jackson is here to speak to you.” He reminded him of Geoffrey from the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.

His resemblance to the butler in his favorite sitcom was the reason he hired him.

Fredrick became like family after hiring him ten years ago.

He wouldn’t dream of having any other butler serving him in his home.

“Thank you, Mr. Davis, please direct her to the kitchen.” Adonis respectfully replied.

“Ah, nice to see you made it back from your Paris trip. I’ve been working hard while you’ve been away.” Janice burst into the kitchen with her briefcase without speaking.

She was so busy that it was hard for her to know whether she was coming or going.

“Janice, this is my girlfriend Kybella Vonshire. Bella, I’d like to introduce you to my realtor, Janice. She helped me find all the properties I own. Remember I told you that she was looking for your bakery space? I have a surprise for you. Janice, can you do the honors?” He asked, nodding his head toward Bella.

“Here are the keys to your business space. Congratulations!” Janice announced, while passing the keys to Bella.

She stood tall while tossing her black hair back.

“I can’t believe you already got the business space! Oh my God, thank you babe! She stood up and walked toward him and planted a kiss on his lips. Can you take me to see it today?”

“Of course. I can take you now. In fact, Janice can take us in her car. She knows the quickest route to the location. We have the best realtor in the city.” Janice stood back pleased like a proud mother.

She was in her early fifties but was truly knowledgeable about real estate.

She researched the market for the best business locations.

The space she chose was located next door to the Maverick’s stadium.

Moments later Bella came out dressed, ready to view the space.

“I’m ready to see my new business space. She announced with her Birkin bag hanging from her arm. Adonis began to walk them to the door. Mr. Davis let them out. He opened the door for both ladies. Bella took a seat in the back next to Adonis. He noticed her bouncing leg. He rubbed it to help calm her nerves. They avoided conversation while patiently waiting. She clinched her bottom lip which gave Adonis the sign that she had questions. Janice looked in the mirror and spoke, “We’re almost there.

Hang tight my loves.

”

Adonis was hoping that Bella would love her new business space.

He remembered how she recounted the game.

Her voice faltered, and her gaze drifted downward.

“The Wizards waved me off the last game,” she said, her words trailing off as the memory left a bitter taste.

He couldn’t forget how the moment had her shoulders slumped with inner turmoil.

He had been trying to speak with his agent about helping find her a new team to try out for, but he hadn’t had any luck.

His hope was that she found joy in selling cakes.

Finally, they arrived at the space.

The location had many tourists and people passing by on the street.

Some people stopped to get their autographs.

After they finished signing autographs, the realtor opened the door of the space.

It had many open windows, perfect for showing off the cake displays.

Large walls that already had floral wallpaper and pink paint.

“I love the space! It’s everything I imagined. I can put a sign on the pink wall that will display the name, Love At First Bite.” She jumped up and down in excitement.

“The white counter offered an ideal setup for installing the display shelves to showcase freshly made items. I’ll have cupcakes, danishes, cheesecakes, tarts, and cakes of many sizes. Thank you, thank you.” She said as she kissed Adonis all over his forehead.

“You can tell me about all your design plans tonight. I’ll have my interior designers come to do all the work for you. We’ll put a fresh coat of paint on the walls and add more custom shelves. I want to put a professional photo of us on the other side of the store name. Then your customers can get the meaning of the business name. Although, the name will be understood when customers bite into your pastries.” He spoke.

Bella fantasized as he spoke about her business plans.

He nodded his head in agreement with her ideas.

It was his way of signaling everything was real.

The building was really going to be her business.

“It’s yours to do what you want. I’m your partner in making your dreams come true.” She listened intently hanging onto every word he spoke.

“Let’s go home, so I can tell you all about my plans in bed,” She said in his ear.

With a mischievous grin, he let the realtor know they were ready to go, urging her to lock up.

Bella sounded like she wanted to show him how grateful she was, which made him eager to get back home.

He trotted his happy-go-lucky self to the car.

A man walking in a suit approached Bella.

She flinched because Adonis didn’t have his bodyguard with him.

“Kybella Vonshire?”

“Yes, I’m Kybella Vonshire. You’ve been served. She glanced at the letter in fear. She opened the letter and gasped.

“Bella, baby what is it?

”

“It’s a court summons to appear in court for Brian’s trial. I can’t believe that the French Central Authority employed a French judicial officer to serve the documents to me. I’m being forced to revisit the horror I experienced. No God, you said you wouldn’t forsake me. Why do I have to endure evil again, Lord?” Bella cried.

Adonis put his hand on her back and guided her to the car.

“It’s okay, baby. I’ll go with you. You won’t go through this alone. Don’t ever think God has forsaken you. It’s all according to his plan. Please don’t worry. I’m sorry that I left without my bodyguard. Anything could have happened to you. Now I know a security guard will also have to stay at your business while you’re here. I can’t have anything happen to you. I wouldn’t forgive myself.”

While they were in the car, Adonis sent a message to his assistant to book the flight for Bella’s family.

He knew that she needed her mom now more than ever before.

He sat beside her while holding her in his arms, trying to console her.

Within ten minutes his assistant sent the flight itinerary to him.

“Hey, baby. I have the tickets for you to send to your mother. I’m forwarding the email to you now. You can forward the email to your mom, I want her to get the information in time to prepare. I’ll make sure the housekeeper prepares a room for them to sleep in.”

Tears began to fall from Bella’s eyes.

“What’s wrong? Why are you crying?” He asked as he turned her towards him to look into her eyes.

“I’m thankful for you. You’ve done so much to make me happy. You continue to help me without me asking. I’m grateful God gave me you.” Adonis tilted Bella’s head and kissed her softly on the lips.

“Alright love birds. You’re home now. Please give me a call if you have any questions. I put your contract on the kitchen table. Congratulations again to you, beautiful young lady. Oh, and Bella, if you ever need someone to pray for you or with you, please give me a call. I’m a prayer warrior and prayer will fix what you’re going through.”

“Yes, ma’am. Thank you so much. I’ll take you up on your offer.” She said while she shut the car door.

She started getting fidgety and looking around to ensure no one else would approach her.

Adonis took notice and shook his head.

“Don’t start that scary stuff, baby. No one is getting on my property to harm you. The only reason Janice got through is because security knew her face. I have my property protected like Fort Knox. He moved closer to her and walked her up to the house. Now let’s go to bed, so you can tell me your business plans.”

As soon as they made it into the house Bella went to the bathroom to freshen up.

From the look in her eyes, she appeared tired.

Adonis was happy to have her home.

He couldn’t wait to hear about what she thought about the business space.

She came out of the bathroom in a sexy leopard print night gown.

“Hey, baby, can you put some lotion on my back?” She asked while handing him her favorite body lotion.

He put the lotion all over her back as she requested.

“Thank you. That feels good. You don’t have to hire your interior designer for my business space. I believe I can decorate it myself. I want to continue with the pink floral wallpaper all around the space.”

“Sounds good to me sweetie. He continued to massage her shoulders, then his phone rang. “I’m sorry babe, but I have to take this call.

”

“What’s going on Agent Bradley?”

“I’m calling to let you know that Brian Porter’s trial date is next week. We have evidence of a female accessory in the murder for hire. Between you and me, the female accomplice is now in custody. I could get fired for sharing that information with you. Federal agents typically don’t disclose details about ongoing investigations. The accomplice was involved with the money transaction to pay the hitman. All three people are now off the street. I’m not sure of the female accomplice’s relationship to Brian but she was picked up visiting him in jail. She could have possibly found out about his relationship with Kybella which gave her motive for revenge. We’ll investigate everything to solve this case. The Feds will find out the names of all women Brian had while with Kybella.It is a tort like alienation of affection or criminal, where a third party can sue for interfering with a romantic relationship. We would need to know the names of the third party to build a case for legal action. We would also still need evidence to prove damages. The names of the other woman could also help us to understand the scope of betrayal in the case. In all having the names of the other women help to build the story of the case. I’ll in touch.”

Adonis hung up the phone confused.

He didn’t understand how to ask Bella questions about Brian’s possible side chicks.

His plan was to keep her mind off her past life.

Now Agent Bradley wanted him to question her to help with the case.

He needed God more than ever to help him handle the situation.

It was getting hard to handle the relationship with legal matters being inserted while trying to help heal Bella.

He cared about her, so he was willing to do whatever it took.

“Lord, I need you to continue to guide me and give me the strength to be the man Kybella needs during this crisis.” He prayed and went back into his bedroom.

He was hoping he could finish the body massage he was giving Bella.

The only problem was once he got back in bed, Bella was sleeping like a baby.

He put his warm duvet comforter over her gently, allowing her to rest.

The disappointment made him sigh in frustration.

He let it go and picked up his Bible.

As he was reading scripture, he heard God say, Trust me with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding .