Not all of them deserve the time of day, Teddy.
Leland fit the mold, but things ended there for him.
I coated my lashes a final time and stood back to admire my handiwork. Satisfied, I grabbed the custom fan and waved it in front of my face.
Enough aboutthatnigga.
There are a hundred more waiting.
I placed the fan in its rightful place and turned on the tips of my toes after a final look in the mirror. The naked makeup routine was becoming my favorite. While there were hints of the enhancements coating my skin, the thin layers created the illusion of its nonexistence.
Plush carpet crept between my toes as I strolled across my bedroom. I pressed my hands against the wall as I slid into the fluffy slippers near the threshold that led me to the full-sized closet.
The moisturizer had melted into my damp skin and dried beautifully. Slippers were prohibited during the process. They’d only soak up the oils and lotion on my feet and ankles.
Brent Faiyaz’s voice replaced Giveon’s. A chuckle fell from my lips.
Seriously?
My cell had become a traitor. I was convinced. I wasn’t opposed to hearing the voices of men at the moment, but as unpleasant thoughts of them circulated, I would’ve rather listened to the voices of fellow women. Instead, the men confirmed my accusations with each word they spewed.
Still, I couldn’t deny the hit. Instead of trying or changing the song, I entered my closet and began the hunt for perfection in a gown. Preferably thin. Easily removed. Brown in color. And, flowed like lava with each move I made.
An assortment of fabric grazed my skin. It wasn’t until I reached the silkiest that I halted. The coolness raised fine bumps on my arms. I closed my eyes briefly, savoring the buttery softness.
The array of colors was exciting, but I was only after one.This one. My fingers landed on a chocolate one with black trimming.Or, maybe this one. A beige dress caught my eye.
Or–I thought, looking at the fawn-colored dress.
Shaking my head, I returned to the original choice.This is the one.
The lace trim elevated the piece a few notches, placing it on a completely different level than the others. It was out of their league but right on point for the occasion.
Occasions. I corrected, taking the velvet hanger and heading for the dressing stand.
Pebbled nipples stared back at me in the oversized mirror that surrounded me. With my gown for the evening hanging next to me, my hands were free to roam. The light sheen of my skinwas a compliment ofThe Sevyn Summers Duo, a combination I’d fallen in love with over time. It was the sweetest treat for my dark skin.
I ran my hands down the length of my upper body, ending at my expanded hips. The expansion was subtle and petite and perfect for my frame. My chocolate nipples that had turned to stones resembled the color of my dress. I tilted my head, attempting to get a closer look at my hairless mound.
The space between my legs allowed the observation, making it slightly easier. Admiration sped my heart rate. I gnawed on my bottom lip as a thought occurred to me.
I know she’s good.I summed.Damn good.
The repeated unknown calls this evening wasn’t evidence.
Because, again, men are just egotistical assholes.
“I’m Royce. Royce Childers,” I announced softly. “Everything about the Childers is good.”
I shrugged, ending the daily session of self-validation that boosted my confidence every day on God’s green earth. It displaced my need for validation from those around me, especially men.
My body jerked forward and my jaws fluffed.
Men. Validation. Urgh.
I gagged at the thought. My fingertips touched my lips. I was fearful that something might actually breach them and spill over onto my floor. When the feeling subsided, I grabbed the dress of choice and unzipped the side.
With ease, it slid down my well-glazed skin, ending near my ankles. It was such a pleasure when the clothes I acquired were tall-girl-friendly. I rejoiced inside, tilting my head rightward as I pulled the zipper up. My hands smoothed the invisible wrinkles.
