Strange Seduction (Book Two in the Strange Series)

by Taahesi B. Williams

“Yet another way my life is like a 2000s teen sitcom.”

Champagne wasn’t complimentary. But I’d decided long ago it was easier if Carmen believed the world just magically became complimentary when she started dating me.

I ignored the last part because the word friend should never be used when she’s describing another man.

And whatever his intentions were with my future wife, they had better be pure.

“I hope I see your real place before I go.” Our place. “You will,” I promised.

I didn’t deserve her. But I was selfish enough to keep her anyway.

my Teddy Bear.

He wanted me. After everything we’d been through and all the years of long distance, he still made room for us. Fuck. He still made room for me.

his way of saying I want a life with you.

Welcome Home. Not welcome to Italy. Home.

the part of me that still buzzed from his kiss was now quiet with disappointment.

So it’s fuck him and Finger City for me.”

“Remind me to thank Theo for that vasectomy.”

“I’m serious. This is the most peace of mind I’ve had in years. This trip is gonna be so slutty. No need for Plan B’s. No pregnancy tests. No late period panic. Just dick and vibes.” Alyssa groaned. “You’re so nasty.” “Thank you!” I grinned.

Is this what our lives have become? Grown-ass women too busy, too tired, too disconnected to even have sex with the people we supposedly loved?

We’re rationing orgasms like wartime supplies, and how fucking sad is that?

“Bounce on it, bitch.” “Don’t need to. I prefer Theo’s.” I winked.

A chorus of booing and moaning erupted from the rest of us. “Fuck you and your consistent dick schedule.”

“He paid me to keep quiet.” She shrugged. “But the funds are done, and so is my silence.”

I gave him a look because I knew what he was implying.

EXCUSE ME?? WHAT IS HE IMPLYING???

What the fuck is that supposed to mean?

TELL ME NOW

Carmen wasn’t a placeholder. She wasn’t a warm body I kept in the back of my mind out of loneliness. She was the endgame. She was it for me. She always had been.

Not until we’ve talked. Not until I told her. But… “Tell me,” I demanded. Carmen glanced around the restaurant, her voice a sultry whisper when she finally said, “A thong. And it’s red.” My chest tightened painfully. Fuck. This woman was going to be the death of me.

Was it worse to be cheated on physically or emotionally?

What if I was just the comfort? The consistent warm body while her mind stayed busy somewhere else—with someone else?

“It won’t touch us, Theo. Not if we don’t let it.”

I opened her call log, and there he was. Marcus. I tapped the contact. Blocked.

NO HE DID NOT

I said I’d tell her everything tomorrow, but I think I’ll keep this one to myself.

THEO NOOOOOOO

You can’t just drop that your boss was helping you free your murdering father on your boyfriend at any given moment. These things take time and have to be revealed accordingly.

THEOOOOOOO

I even flew out Elliot fucking Sawyer to do my hair. Do you know how expensive Elliot Sawyer is?” Jayda blinked. “Girl. Do you know how expensive Elliot Sawyer is?”

THATS JEAN AND THEM!!!!!

Retail therapy wasn’t the solution to what I was feeling, but it sure as hell is a perfect distraction.

I gave him the name of the most expensive shopping district I could find on Google Maps. If Theo wanted me to cheer myself up, I was going to do it in YSL.

Charge it to the game, I thought, slipping on my sunglasses.

Ladies, allow me to show you how to properly use your multi-million-dollar boyfriend’s credit car...

Stop one: Val...

The price tags didn’t make me flinch. My boyfriend told me to cheer up.

Stop two: Cartier.

Stop Three: Jimmy Choo.

Stop four: Bottega Veneta.

Stop Five: More shoes.

Oh, I didn’t like the way she looked at me.

Gotta love racism

shook off the lingering feeling and held my head high at my other victories. €110,750. Spent in under five hours. Not bad.

Somewhere deep down, I hoped he’d watch this later. That he’d see I was trying. That even without him by my side, I was still holding space for him. But still… I wish he were here.

And though he didn’t mention it, I knew a tiny part of him resented me for it.

think you’re forgetting how this works, Theodore. You want me on the bed? Put me there.”

He could command boardrooms and billion-dollar deals, but he still couldn’t command me, and that made him smile.

“I said. I’ll be gentle. Like I’m always gentle with you, Sweetness.”

We lay there for hours after what felt like thirty rounds.

Jesus H Chrisr

I, however, was already making a mental note to get a checklist of pharmacies in Rome ‘cause this man was determined to get me pregnant.

Very much so

I felt it when I blocked Marcus without telling her, and didn’t say anything about it when she gave her reasoning last night.