The Thrill Of It All II:

The Hazel Blue Obsession

Tiana pulled away from Naveen feeling heated from head to toe and out of breath.

"Are you alright?" Naveen asked, breathing a little harder himself.

"Yes, it's just that...that...I haven't been kissed like that since..." she looked over at him. "...you."

Naveen arrogantly smirk at that. He's kissed many women in his day, but with Tiana, he felt that exact same way as she did whenever they were together.

"Its the same way with me," he said, caressing her face. "No other woman could capture my heart as you."

Tiana closed her eyes at his touch until she realized where she was. She opened her eyes. "I should leave...," looking around the balcony door.

"So you do still fear him," Naveen said.

"No, it's my son's reputation I have to think about now," Tiana moved away from him. "Before all of this, before I got pregnant it was all or nothing."

"Yes, and I got nothing while your good for nothing husband got everything, including a son from you," Naveen said bitterly.

"You know that I wanted you to be Daniel's..." she stopped as her eyes watered up. "What's done is done."

"Is that all I'm going to get from you? A teasing kiss and nothing else?" Naveen asked. "You've just said that you still love me and then you turn around and give excuses as to why we can't be together."

"Naveen you know that I'm a married woman and mother...," she reached out to touch him but Naveen blew it off by swiftly leaving the balcony. Tiana stood alone with fresh tears running down her cheeks. With all the feelings she tried to leave behind and forget it seems as if whenever Naveen came back into her life all those emotions would drown her over. The emotions were so overwhelming that she had sit down. So she rushed back into the room and plopped down on a floral lounge chair where the tears continued.

Naveen stepped out feeling frustrated and angered with himself. He told himself that he wouldn't fall into Tiana's spell but once again his heart failed him again.

It was hell for the first six months after Tiana left Maldonia, trying to get over her and even losing a lot of nice girls and breaking off engagements all for the fact that he couldn't get over her. Who'd ever thought that the man of a thousand dates would fall as hard as he did. His father suggested therapy while his mother would bring in women who matched Tiana's description, and while therapy made him feel better he was still heartbroken and of course that also meant that the women who shared a similar physicality to Tiana wasn't good enough because they weren't Tiana.

"Hey there handsome," a young girl flirted to him.

Naveen turned to see Loretta standing before him and had to admit that she looked beautiful in her yellow gown. If he had a couple of more drinks, he would've thought she was Tiana. But then he would also have to be a womanzing jerk to go that route.

"Hello Loretta. You look very pretty this evening," he responded with a small smile.

The girl was satisfied by the compliment and gazed seductively at him. "You really think so?"

Naveen saw her look and asked, "Is this your first adult gala?"

"Yes, my father thought that I was still too young but my mother-

"Loretta...is that you?" Jacques asked, not noticing Naveen due to his own drinking.

She blushed, loving the attention from the slightly older and handsome men. "Yes Mr. Montreuil."

"You look...nice, as an average beauty should look," he said before walking away with his glass of champagne.

Naveen could see that the girl was clearly disappointed with the 'average' comment. "Well, I should leave. It was nice...good seeing you again." He watched Jacques go into the room he just left Tiana in and never felt more hatred for another human being as he did with him.

"If looks could kill," Celestine said. "Especially from a fine and strapping fellow like yourself,"

"Excuse me madam..." Naveen didn't have time to speak with any Montreuil. They all worked the same way. Through dirt.

"Darling? Why are you crying?" Jacques asked his wife.

Tiana wiped away her tears and sat up. "I'm alright."

"I haven't seen you out and was worried about you." he sat beside her. "You're not feeling well?"

"I am...its just that..." Tiana then stopped.

"Just what?" Jacques asked and then remembered a conversation he walked in on while looking for her. "So I guess you've heard about Susana expecting another child?"

"What? Oh, yes." she lied. Dihann never told her about Susana and she really didn't care either way.

"It'll happen for us again," he set his drink down to give her a warm hug.

Tiana noticed how supportive and protective her husband was at his inner circle galas this time around. It was almost surprising that he would defy and defend his marriage to her now to his very colourism family. "Now why don't you get up and dance with me?" she heard him ask.

So Tiana took her husband's hand as they walked back out of the room and onto the ballroom dance floor still feeling upset but what could she do? She saw Naveen in a conversation with Celestine and wondered why he was with her. 'Why is he talking to her of all people?' she thought with curiosity.

"I see that my mourning aunt has moved on," Jacques said. "The new fool she's speaking to must have a lot to have her interest..."

Tiana rested her head on Jacques' chest as they danced. She was upset about Naveen but didn't want her husband knowing he was here if he wasn't aware. So she decide to play her wife role. "Just hold me."

Jacques did just that as they danced on.

Naveen saw the couple and admit that it hurt, even feeling envious, but what else could he do? 'Maybe she is inlove and doesn't realize it?' he thought.

"Really Trent I don't feel like dancing..." Loretta said uncomfortably.

"You're my girl Loretta. It is time I show you to the world, to my family," said Trent with his arms possessively around her form.

Celestine rolled her eyes. "I will never understand my young nephews and cousins chasing after those dark girls."

Naveen could see that the young girl was uncomfortable but gave in and danced with the boy. He then saw Tiana parting from Jacques and walking into another room and knew that hehad to see her once more.

"I hear he wants to marry the girl," Celestine sighed, still on the topic of her young cousin. "Hopefully she will have as much bad luck popping out babies as Tiana. I tell you-

"Excuse me," Naveen interrupted the woman. "But could you have anymore self-hatred?"

The woman frowned. "Who do you think you're speaking to? I will tell you that I...where are you going?" she watched Naveen walking away from her.

Celestine was surprised by Naveen's sudden leave but was quickly distracted by a new male guest who was also very wealthy. "Dr. Peterson..."

Tiana was more than happy to get away from the party and from Naveen who looked to be having a good time.

A door shutting woke her from her trance and there stood Naveen before her.

She gasped, not expecting him to be so close to her. "Naveen..."

"Do you love him? Your husband?" he asked.

"No," she answered. "What are you doing in here?"

Naveen shook his head, taking out what looked to be a small note. "This is where I'm nowstaying. No one else but you know."

She took the note and read over his information. "But why aren't you staying in your other residence? It was in a secluded location."

"Not secluded enough," he said.

"Then why not my parents? You use to live there," she said.

"I gave it to your father and mother as a gift." he reminded her.

"Then I will pay the taxes you paid on it,, she offered.

"No need to," he said. "Your father is one of my closest friends and I will remain returning his friendship by helping them with any fiances. Whether they need it or not."

"My own husband would never..." Tiana didn't know how long she was staring at Naveen but quickly recovered. "You should leave this room before someone walks in and gets the wrong idea."

"Like your husband?" he asked, stepping closer to her and reached out to caress her cheek. " kind of idea do you think he'd have?"

Tiana closed her eyes at the anticipation of his touch but never got it as he turned to leave the room. Her breathing now heavy she watched Naveen exit as quickly as he got in.

"Naveen..." she began walking towards the door and opened it to see her husband just passing her with a woman following closely behind him up the stairs.

She then looked to see Dihann and a few other women also watching Jacques sneak off.

"Its a shame that Tiana is married to a man like him," said Monica.

"Well don't act as if your husband is innocent," Katherine laughed.

Susana chimed in with a smug in her face. "Yes, Monica. I wouldn't be surprised if Harry is making whoopee with one of the pretty darker maids here. He is after all a Montreuil."

Dihann shook her head. "Yes, but he isn't as rich and powerful as Jacques Montreuil..."

"Jacques Montreuil...," Susana smirked. "That man is perfection. I'm sure Tiana enjoys his muscles when he's on top of her."

"He has hips of magic I heard through one of his mistresses," Katherine said.

"And how do you know a mistress of his?" Susana asked.

Katherine laughed. "Oh you've never met my Kenyan cousin named Chenura? Black as tar and loose as grease," she and Susana chuckled. "She always brags about all the rich men she had. There was a rumor that Derek Conti asked for her hand in marriage."

Susana gasped. "Are you serious? Derek...Jacques Montreuil's dear friend?"

Katherine nodded. "And he was also after Tiana before Jacques snatched her up first!"

"That's what happen when you have that much money," Monica said. "You can do whatever you want. To hell with anyone's thinking."

"Both wanted her?" Susana rolled her eyes in envy. "She isn't all that special. She did come from a poor upbringing."

"Ladies, Tiana is our friend," Dihann said.

"No, she's your friend." Susana rolled her eyes. "She's lucky that her black ass has Jacques. She acts as if we aren't good enough for her."

"Or Jacques tells her to not acknowledge us," added Monica.

"True and Tiana isn't exactly stopping him. Remember when she came back to him after the accident?" Susana asked.

"That was only a rumor and I it did happen then he must truly love her." Katherine looked dreamily.

"Oh its an obsession. Do you see the way he just stares at her? Its quite frightening," Susana added.

"I think its romantic..." Dihann smiled.

"I think its sick," Monica said.

Tiana closed the door, not wanting to hear more. This night was a disaster and the last thing she needed was more drama.

The one thing she did look forward to was home and going to bed without having to perform any wifely duties to her husband. And waking up seeing her son was another. Since she's accepted that romance will no longer be in her life, the love of son will make up for it. She decided this after Daniel was born.

()()()()

When she did arrive home she came back alone and relieved. Bathing and moisturizing before falling asleep in her huge and soft bed where she surprisingly had a goodnight's rest.

By the time she woke up Daniel and Max came into the room.

"Good morning mama!" he went to hug his mother.
Tiana returned the hug. "Good morning baby," she kissed him on the forehead.

"I'm not a baby mama," he whined and accepted the kiss. "But where's daddy?"

"He had to work," she lied.

"Again?" The young boy was disappointed.

"Again," Tiana repeated and quickly changed the subject. "You want to go to the park today? Timothy, Scarlet and Lottie will be there."

Daniel shrugged his shoulders which meant that he was okay with play date.

'A Montruiel answer,' Tiana thought. "Good. I'll see you downstairs for breakfast." she pat the dog on the head and hurried to the bathroom.

()()()()

"I'm sorry about it rainin' on us today," Charlotte apologized. "It happened so suddenly."

"Its better that the kids are inside anyway," Tiana said, watching a very annoyed Daniel sitting beside Scarlet. "Scarlet makes a pretty mama."

"Yes she does!" Charlotte agreed, looking through her huge closet. "Now look Tia, I have this dress that will look just fabulous on ya, honey!" She pulled out a purple gown with gold along the v-line. "It's a Maldonian gown I had personally made for me, but the problem is that it doesn't enhance my already beauty. It only washes it out. This will look good on ya."

"Really Lottie I don't want to play dress up," Tiana said.

"Oh stop it," Lottie handed her the dress. "Go try it on!"

Tiana sighed. "Fine!" And began undressing.

Charlotte saw what looked like an old scar on Tiana's thigh and looked away. She could tell that her dear fiend wasn't fully happy and stayed in her marriage for Daniel. If it were up to her she'd take her friend and son and ship them off to Maldonia to be with Naveen. Where they belong.

When she looked back at Tiana again she wasn't surprised by how beautiful she looked in the purple dress.

"Oh Tia honey...," Charlotte stood up, in awe. "You look absolutely delicious in that dress."

"You don't think it look too tacky?" Tiana smooth out the dress.

"If Naveen saw you he'd go nuts," the blonde winked at her.

Tiana rolled her eyes just as the kids came in.

"Aunt Tia you look beautiful!" Scarlet beamed. "Like a queen!"

"Thank you Scarlet," Tiana watched herself in the mirror. "How are you treating the boys?"

"Daniel and Timothy are both my sons. I'm an heiress and engaged to a prince from a mysterious land" the blonde girl explained.

Daniel walked over to look his mother over.

"How does ya mama look Danny?" Charlotte asked the young Montreuil.

"Beautiful," he answered.

Tiana smiled and gave her son a kiss on the cheek. "Thank you, baby."

"But I don't think daddy would want you wearing that dress," he said honestly.

"Why not sugar?" Charlotte asked. "She looks fabulous."

"Daddy only likes mama to wear dresses he picks out," Daniel said.

Charlotte looked over at Tiana. "Is this true?"

"I dress myself, now Daniel why don't you, Scarlet and Timothy go back to her room," Tiana knew where the conversation was headed.

The children all picked up their things before leaving the room.

Daniel turned to look back at his mother. "Mama?"

"Yes baby?"

"I won't tell daddy," he said before leaving the room.

"Tia...," Charlotte began.

Tiana raised her hand to stop her. "I don't really want to talk about it."

But Charlotte needed answers. "I thought you said that he doesn't control you anymore."

"I said that he doesn't hit me and as for control, he always love being in control," Tiana said.

"You're accepting this?" Charlotte raised a brow.

"We made a deal and that is I can have my restaurant and make sure to still be there to take care of our son. And if he ever hits me then I will leave him," she said.

"I see the way he watches you, and its scary honey," Charlotte's voice sounded completely different than her usual bubbly tone. "In some ways it seems as if he's much deeper and beyond love. He obsessed with you."

"I don't know about him being obsessed," Tiana said. "He loves the idea of having me there while he watches from a distance."

"Do you sleep with him?" Charlotte asked.

Before Tiana answered Charlotte added

"Willingly?"

She closed her eyes and shuddered at the thought of sleeping with her husband.

"Oh Tia," Charlotte covered her mouth. "He rapes you?"

"My husband rape me? How does a husband rape his own wife? It's my end of the deal to give him what he wants." Tiana knew that didn't sound right. "I mean, I have my freedom and time to myself in exchange for giving him what he wants from me. And that's sleeping with him."

Charlotte shook her head. "That isn't how a marriage works."

"It works for us." Tiana sounded defensive. "I am trying to keep the peace in my house not only for me. Daniel deserves to be raised in a non violent home. And when he's old enough to understand love and marriage I will try my damnest to make sure he doesn't end up like his father." her eyes watered up as her voice cracked. "I will not stand around while my husband fills his head on how to treat women. He will not hit his wife, he will love and respect her as she will do for him. He will be a loving husband and father to his children just as my daddy was...is with me! And he will not use blackmail or tricks just to sleep with his wife. He will not end up like Jacques. I refuse to let it hap..." she stopped and began crying.

Charlotte embraced her friend. "Oh Tia...oh my Tiana cry it all out honey..." she was now crying herself. "I'm so sorry that you're going through so much, but I understand its for Danny."

"I never accepted Jacques's hand. I never wanted to marry him," she cried softly. "My parents only wanted me to be..."

"Shh I know...I know honey," the blonde said comfortably. "They wanted you to have a very comfortable life." she kissed her head, remembering the day Tiana told her that she wouldn't be able to take the job they thought of together.

"...I'm only with Jacques because of Daniel. I love that baby more than my own life. I will die unhappy if he ends up like that monster," Tiana said as flashbacks came rushing at her. "Oh Lottie. The things he's said and done to me will have your head spinnin'. He had me like a whore, he spoke to me as if he was my father, the worse he hit me was him belt whipping me," she shuddered. "After so many beatings, verbal assaults, blackmailing, drugs, yes he would put drugs in my food or drink me a few times at the beginning of our marriage when I would refuse him by hiding. And after a while, after everything that he went through with almost dying I had to take some of the control...so I pretended to care. The beatings stop but the blackmailing hasn't. I sleep with him and enjoy it while thinking of him and I—

"Him?" Charlotte interrupted. "Are you referring to Naveen?"

Tiana remained quiet.

"So you do still love him," Charlotte smiled.

Tiana nodded her head. "I already admitted it to him."

"You know he's staying in the Quarter," Charlotte said.

"I know where he's staying," Tiana memorized the address which wasn't anywhere near the Quarter.

"Then why don't you go see him? I can watch Daniel," the blonde suggested.

"You know that's impossible," Tiana said. "Jacques would be looking for us later and—

"To hell with Jacques Tia! Naveen loves you!" Charlotte said. "We can give Naveen a call and have ya'll meet up-

"I'm a mother!" Tiana exclaimed.

"Who is also human!" Charlotte exclaimed back. "I'm sure when Daniel is old enough he'll understand and want his mother to be happy."

Tiana sighed. "I hope you're right Lottie."

Both women held on to each other in a sisterly embrace. "You know I am!"

()()()()