Hey guys! So I have been working on a few new things so at the bottom of this chapter and two chapters of The Lies that broke us (which is posted now) there will be the first couple hundred words of the new books Kesh told you about, And yes I am working on Husband, Magic and Villiage right now! Enjoy!

Mercedes walked inside the club, frowning as she looked around, feeling out of place. This was not her scene; she'd much rather be in her room reading, anything other than standing there in the short dress and heels that, while giving her height, also gave her pain. Two minutes, and she was already over it.

"Q, do we really need to do this? I just want to go home and forget about the fact that I am meeting my husband tomorrow."

"Look, I flew in here to hang out. I didn't fly to watch you sulk. I want to see you live at least once."

Mercedes sighed; Quinn was always trying to get her out of her comfort zone; it's been that way since they met each other. She and Quinn had met at Stanford. They were roommates freshman year and became close despite Quinn being her complete opposite.

Mercedes was short, barely 5' 3, curvy, and her hair fell down her back in waves of burgundy. Quinn was 5'8 and a blonde bombshell. But the moment they met, they were like two halves of the same coin.

Quinn was bold about men and relationships, and Mercedes was more slow-paced, taking her time to get to know someone, which always backfired. And even if they were way with men, when it came to defending themselves, it was a different story.

Mercedes had put many men and women in their places, not afraid to stand up for herself and her friends, while Quinn preferred to stay under the radar, getting even quietly.

Like when her College boyfriend cheated and got another woman pregnant and lied. While Mercedes confronted him openly for hurting her best friend, Quinn, on the other hand, helped the baby's momma take him to court.

Quinn beamed, smoothing down her gold dress with the exposed back barely reaching the middle of her thighs. "There are some gorgeous men here!"

Quinn forced Mercedes into wearing a stunning shimmering gold bodycon dress that fell below her knees and left very little to the imagination.

"Yeah, well, I really shouldn't be looking at any of them," Mercedes said as they stood at the bar.

Quinn rolled her eyes. "I am telling you, Merce. I might just move to New York; I can stay at your apartment while you move in with your man, right?"

"One. He's not my man. And yeah, sure, I'm not using it," Mercedes said, looking around.

"Still can't believe he arranged a marriage for you; your dad is ridiculous. And the fact that you are actually going through with it?"

Mercedes shrugged. "It's not even the worst thing he has done; I mean, he shipped me off to an all-girls boarding school because I looked so much like my mom…but let's not worry about this; I thought this was supposed to be a fun night?"

"It is! So let's find you a man to have a fun night with."

"No!" Mercedes said a bit too loudly. "I don't need a man to "enjoy" for the night."

Quinn sighed. "You promised you would try."

Mercedes looked at her and sighed. "Yeah, yeah, okay." Turning away from her, Mercedes looked around the club, and her eyes landed on a man walking towards the bar.

He reminded her a bit of Thor, his long hair falling onto his shoulder, his tight black tee clinging to his biceps. The way her eyes outlined his arms, she started to believe she was a biceps girl. He was the definition of fione, which Mercedes didn't use lightly, and she could see herself enjoying a dance or two with that man.

As he got closer, she realized that he not only looked like Thor but was tall like him too; never did she believe one of her favorite comic heroes was here in real life. She would try to get her hands on him, but just dancing, she wouldn't take it further; it's just not who she was, but she could have some fun.

Quinn smirked. "I see you staring at that man."

"He looks like Thor, and you know how I feel about my Avengers."

"He does look like that actor, doesn't he? Mmm, that is one tasty piece of man right there! Go talk to him."

Mercedes chewed her bottom lip. "I…"

"Mercedes, you are beautiful, strong, smart, and hardworking. I have seen you command classes and boardrooms. One man isn't going to break you."

She exhaled, knowing Quinn was right, but actually doing this was something else. As the man moved next to her, she turned and offered him a smile.

"Hey." She internally screamed to herself, hey. Shaking it off, she exhaled.

She watched him look at her, checking her out, eyes lingering on her breast, before shaking his head and ordering his drinks.

"Seriously? All that just to get ignored? You could have acknowledged I said hi, asshole." She said, turning from him.

She heard a laugh and turned to see him looking at her. "I'm an asshole 'cause I am about my business and not being picked up?"

"No, you are an asshole for ignoring me." She said boldly. "I could give a damn about your business."

The man laughed. "So let me get this straight. You can and did call me an asshole for not falling at your heels like other men probably do, but if I were to try and pick you up, and you do what I did, I'm wrong for calling you a bitch. Make that make sense."

She cut her eyes at him, raising her hand to wave him off. "You know what? Mahalo for the ego boost."

She turned, but Sam moved in front of her. "Oh, I have an ego? You came in here and practically mewed all over me, and because I don't want you, I am the issue? I think it's you that has the ego, Princess."

"Princess?" She spat angrily; she really hated it when people called her that.

"Yes, Princess, because except for the women working here, every woman here is a debutante or a Heiress used to getting her way with daddy's money. Well, sorry, Princess, Daddy can't buy me."

"As if I would ever."

"Oh, I get you; I have spent my whole life around women like you and hooked up with you countless times. You come out here, dressing sexy to lure men in with those curves, licking your lips, batting those gorgeous doe eyes, thinking you can smile and men will just drop."

"I don't!" She defended.

"Oh, you do; you are like them down to your dyed hair trying to fight against your parents, but aren't you a little old to be fighting against the man."

Mercedes's jaw dropped. It was true she dyed her hair, but it wasn't to fight against her dad; it was to feel closer to her mom. In Mercedes's last photo of her mother, her hair was that color. Ever since she was fourteen, she had dyed her hair. First, it was stripes and highlights of burgundy, then at 21, she went all in.

The bartender signaled his drinks were ready, and the man smirked. "You should play your game on a man who hasn't seen and done it all. Now, excuse me."

Mercedes watched as he walked away and grabbed his drinks. She turned to Quinn. "Did that just happen?"

"I wouldn't have believed it if I wasn't right here with you," Quinn said, looking after him. "He clearly didn't know you."

"You know what, this night was a mistake. Let's go."

"No, you deserve a night out, girl."

Mercedes shook her head, running her hands through her hair. "No, I need to start getting my stuff together anyway. You can stay if you want."

No, let's go." Quinn said, grabbing her bag and following Mercedes out of the club.

Mercedes was fuming the entire ride home. She hadn't been around for this very reason; because she wanted people to take her seriously.

Being one of the few African American families that came from money was hard; what was worse was even though her great-grandfather started from nowhere, she was still considered new money.

So, in school, even though she had more money than most of the girls there, she was still an outcast with new money and without a mother. The girls at her boarding school had a field day trying to get her to quit, and her father wasn't much help. If it wasn't for Rebecca, she was sure she wouldn't have enjoyed any bit of her childhood.

Her father didn't understand. He figured she was happy because she got good grades and tested high. But the truth was, she was only happy when she was doing charity work. It was the only time she felt seen for who she was.

Anything else felt forced and fake. She wanted to believe that she was a good person worthy of love and everything, but her classmates barely noticed her, and when they did, they were pissed that she didn't fall for their charms.

Shaking off those thoughts, she helped Quinn get settled in her guest room; Mercedes went into her room, grabbed a quick shower, and then sat in front of her vanity and began her nightly routine.

Her mind went to the man at the club. He was just like the boys at her school; they thought they were too good for someone like her. One time, she thought someone liked her. He asked her out, and after turning him down three times, she finally agreed to it.

But all the date was was him trying to, in his words, pop her cherry. She fought him off and made her way back to her dorm in tears. The next day in class, as the boys asked her date what happened, he told everyone that she was all over him, but guys like him didn't date girls like her.

That's when she realized that she would never give up anything to a man who wasn't her husband.

Wiping away the few tears that fell, she sighed heavily, taking a breath. Maybe an arranged marriage wouldn't be a bad thing. At least she didn't have to worry about picking up guys or being ghosted.

She closed her eyes and decided she wasn't going into this thing with a negative vibe. Besides, they could be friends, if nothing else.

Mercedes took a breath as she stepped into her childhood home for the second time in two days, just with a much better attitude this time. She gave Quinn all the information and the place where the engagement party was going to be and asked her to arrive on time in case she needed an exit plan.

The moment the door opened, she was met by Carol, who hugged her. "Hello, Mercy dear."

Mercedes hugged her back. "Hi Carol, how are you?"

"Good, surprised to hear a wedding is happening." She smiled. "So they convinced you to do it, huh?"

"My father is a good negotiator." Mercedes sighed.

"From what I heard, you are better." Carol smiled as she led her up to one of Rebecca's dressing rooms.

Mercedes was always amazed at how big her family home was. It had fourteen bedrooms and twelve baths, four levels, including a basement that Mercedes refused to go to. There were two kitchens, not including the outside one. The home's top level had her father's bedroom, office, and lounge. For days, he worked from home.

The second level was dedicated to the kids; it was where she and her siblings had a massive game room and their own rooms and bathrooms. It was still where they were when they came to visit.

The first floor had two living rooms, a formal dining room, and an informal one off the main kitchen. Two offices and a bedroom converted to Rebecca's dressing closet were also on the floor.

As she stepped inside, Rebecca smiled happily. "Oh, you're here, and you're early! Carol, could you grab us some snacks?"

"Of course, Ma'am," Carol said, smirking at Mercedes before she left.

Mercedes placed her bag down, running her hands through her hair. "You know what dad says? If you are ten minutes early, you are on time, so I am still always twenty minutes early."

"At least one of my children listens," Julian said as he walked into the room. Are you ready, Mercedes? I almost thought you'd flee on another mission trip."

"I gave you my word, and a Jones always keeps their word," Mercedes said.

Julian offered her a smile. "Well, I am going to get ready; this is a great day." He kissed Mercedes's forehead before kissing Rebecca's cheek and headed out.

Rebecca smiled brightly, clapping her hands together. "So I pulled a few choices. I think we should go with something blue."

Mercedes moved to the jewelry and pulled a few options, loving a pair of dangling diamonds. "I am okay with whatever you pick."

Rebecca pulled out a ruched, two-tone sky, almost white blue, and sky blue bodycon dress. "I think you would look so amazing in this. Your future husband won't be able to take his eyes off of you."

Mercedes nodded. "Well, let me get dressed. See how this fits."

Rebecca nodded, watching her walk away. She was glad Mercedes was in high spirits and really hoped the rest of the night went well. She pulled out her own blush spaghetti-strapped dress as Nyla and Unique walked in, pulling her suitcase.

"Rebecca darling." Unique gave her air kisses. "So where is this daughter you keep raving about. If she is anything like you and my girl here, I know that she will be amazing."

"Yes! Where is my sister? I can't wait to see her! It's been too long."

"Nyla?" Mercedes said, coming out of the bathroom in the dress. She rushed to hug her baby sister. "Look at you beautiful! I missed you so much."

Mercedes smiled wider as she pulled away. It was as clear as day that the two were sisters. While Nyla received most of her looks and her svelte figure from her mother, as they both shared long black locks and a perfect nose, Mercedes and Nyla shared the same smile and beautiful doe eyes. She often wished she had Mercedes curves. "Me? Girl! Look at you! Unique, this is my gorgeous big sister, and Merce, this is the black hair care Goddess, Unique."

Mercedes smiled widely. "If Nyla and Rebecca trust you, then I trust you."

"Honey, I will slay your hair! And I think I know the perfect style." Unique beamed.

"And with that dress, oh, your man will lose his shit." Nyla beamed.

"Nyla, you know how I feel about that language," Rebecca said. "But she's right."

Mercedes sighed, taking a seat so Unique could start on her hair. "Have you met him, Ny?"

Nyla smiled. "I never met him in person, but I have seen him in passing, and Leo has worked with him."

"How is my brother-in-law?" Mercedes said, looking over to her as Unique combed out her hair. "Fine as hell. I swear that mane looks like Lewis Tan and all his fineness… mm mm mm."

"Stop lusting after my man girl." Nyla giggled. "Anyways, Merce, he's tall, he's sexy, and he has a southern drawl 'cause you know his family is from down south. Which means he's a gentleman, and from what I hear, it's a decent man."

"Oh? Well, at least I didn't get stuck with a dud…not that all of God's creation isn't great, but getting stuck with a man who doesn't believe a woman has the right to decide what to do with her own body."

"Trust me, I get it. I got lucky with Leo." Nyla beamed. "Anyways, you are gonna be the most gorgeous bride."

"And you will be the most beautiful Matron of honor," Mercedes added.

Nyla's eyes widened. "Me? Really? I thought you'd ask Quinn or Santana and Jane."

"Well, Quinn will be my maid of honor, and since you are married, you will be my matron of honor, and I will have Jane, Santana, and Tina," Mercedes said, looking over to her and seeing Nyla in a glittery red strapless dress and a white spaghetti-strapped dress that fell over her knees. "Ooo, wear the red one tonight, Nyla, but wear the white one to brunch."

"If I wear that red one, I will outshine you." Nyla teased. "So? I really don't care."

"Okay, girl, stay still. I gotta finish your hair." Unique said as Rebecca helped Nyla finish getting ready.

Ok so here is a Sneak peek of 1 of 3 of my new story that may be posted soon

CONTRACT KILLER

Sam Evans is a contract killer who feels no remorse for his targets. However, when he meets Mercedes, she has a profound impact on him.

Mercedes Jones is unaware that her husband hired someone to kill her and make it seem like an accident. When she encounters the charming Sam Evans, she is surprised by her strong attraction to him and his determination to help her flee with him.

Chapter 1

Samuel Dwight Evans stared at the woman on stage, taking her in. Her beauty and voice were intoxicating, he had to admit. Her voice seemed to dance around the room, filling every soul with some kind of emotion. It was as if she were a siren, and everyone was caught up in her spell.

His mind went to the conversation he had had a week ago, which had him sitting in this particular club on this particular night.

A Week Ago

Sam stared at the photo he had been handed, then looked at the man before him. "So this is your wife?"

"Yeah," Shane Tinsley said. "She's become a problem, and I heard you can fix them."

"A problem? She's a church mouse." Sam laughed.

"Don't let the innocent smile fool you."

Sam put the photo down and sat back, staring at Shane. "Something isn't adding up."

"Look, my dude, Anthony said you are legit. He said I give you a hundred thousand up front, and after you do the deed, I will give you the rest. No questions asked."

Sam shrugged. "He got it wrong. I want to know why I should take the job."

Shane sat up in the chair. "Fine, cards on the table. I married her as a favor to my father; her dad and my father were business partners and owners of The Blue Note Club downtown, as well as a few businesses around town.

"After a few poor decisions, my father was forced to sell his stocks to pay off his debts. This meant that her father owned everything, and my father was left out in the cold. They started everything together, and Gerald Jones left him to fend for himself. My father was never the same after that. He felt like a part of him was stolen, and it was up to me to get it back, so after some encouragement, my father and I agreed that I should seduce and marry Gerald Jones' oldest daughter, Mercedes. And then I would naturally get her stock."

He paused, nostrils flaring in anger. "It was all laid out for me. I would slowly get her to hand over her shares, which would be a start, but when her father became sick and named her CEO of the businesses, I knew it was my time to get everything my father and I were owed."

Sam nodded. "So what happened?"

Shane looked at him bitterly. "How was I supposed to know she was not as timid and innocent as we thought? I explained to my wife that it was only natural that she allowed me to handle the business; after all, I am a man. So I had a contract drawn up that would give everything to me."

Sam smirked; this man was a piece of shit, that much was obvious.

Shane continued, "It was supposed to be a great business venture; I had it all planned. But that bitch wouldn't even let me come on as president. No, when her father passed, and she was permanently in charge, she took control of all of his dealings and then told me that she was keeping the business and wanted a divorce."

"Ah, now we are getting somewhere," Sam said.

"Can you believe that shit? I married her instead of the many offers I had, and her ungrateful ass blocks me out and tries to divorce me. And no matter how many times I tried to convince and manipulate her into giving me control and to stay married, she turned me down."

"Ah, and so naturally, you want her dead."

Shane shrugged. "Well, it's not like I love the woman; she barely looks at me, except for our wedding night, and a few times in the beginning, she doesn't touch me. But then again, I have someone who fulfills all my needs anyway."

Sam raised an eyebrow. "How long have you been married?"

"Three years, we've been separated for one. I refused to go quietly; she even tried to pay me off with a hundred grand. Do you know what she's worth? That shit is pocket change." He mumbled. "Look, my wife is a frigid woman who needs to go away. I need you to make it look natural or like an accident. Can you do it?"

"I can; it's just a matter of time, will I? From what you are telling me, the world won't miss her if she's gone. Will any of her family look into her death?"

Shane smirked. "Nope, she has two younger sisters; Patrice is 20 and in college; she is not concerned with the dealings of Mercedes and the business; if anything happens, she will accept it."

"And her other sister?"

Shane licked his lips. "Easier to manipulate than her sister. Once Mercedes is out of the way and I take over the company, Gen will also give me her shares. She can't wait to be a trophy wife for me."

Sam stared at him for a moment. "You are cheating on your wife with her sister?"

Shane shrugged. "Yep. I definitely married the wrong Jones, that's for sure. Look, we are getting off track. I need Mercedes gone."

"Why the rush?"

Shane smiled. "That's for me to know, but I will tell you that on top of what I know, in the case of her death, I not only get all of the properties, but I also get 5 million from the life insurance policy I took out on her."

Sam nodded. "So she's some money-hungry harpy that you want to get rid of, is what I am hearing, so you and your mistress can live happily ever after."

"Exactly, she isn't a good person; she spends all her time shopping and sleeping around; I am not here for revenge; I just want what is mine."

Sam stared at him for a long moment before he finally spoke. "Fine, but my fee is now three hundred thousand to start, and once I am done, I want a Million."

Shane sat up. "A MI- That's insane."

"Insane? You are hiring me to kill your wife. So how about we skip the part where you act as if I offended you."

Shane pursed his lips in anger, and Sam smirked. "So you can accept my deal, or you can deal with your wife on your own."

When Shane didn't speak, Sam continued. "I will do what I am hired for, but if I do my due diligence and find that killing her can not be done safely, I keep the money, and you are shit out of luck. Now, this deal is on a timer; you have ten seconds to decide. Take it or leave it."

Shane pulled out his checkbook. "Fine!"

Sam frowned. "What are you doing with that?"

"I am writing you a check."

Sam scoffed. "Yes, because I leave paper trails in my line of work."

Shane looked at him. "Sorry, Mr. E."

"Look, I don't like loose ends, I don't like paper trails, and I don't like drama. I get a job, I do it, I get paid, and no one is the wiser."

Sam handed him a card. "Here is the number of a Swiss bank account. Transfer the money there. Send all the information about my target to the email on that card. We will be in touch. You can see yourself out."

Shane took the card and nodded as he stood and left the house.

Sam watched him leave before he packed up his things and left a tip on the counter. Air BnB's were ideal for his dealings. That way, no one knew where he lived or where to find him. He got a new phone every week, and every client was given a different email and Swiss bank number. He made sure he was untraceable.

Sam sighed as he was alerted to a new Email; it was time to get to work.