Page 55 of Solomon’s Temple

“Do what you want, baby. We won’t be here long anyway. Let me get the bags. Go ahead and explore.”

I kissed her again, then went back out into the hall to unload the bags. I hadn’t realized how much we’d accumulated while in Italy. The trip was well-needed and deserved. I had been working like a Hebrew slave this past year to keep myself busy. Living alone and not having someone to come home to gave me too much room to think.

I didn’t like having an idle mind, so I threw myself into work until it was time to come home, eat, shower, pray, and sleep.

Now that Temp would be here as my wife, I wouldn’t mind coming home early or not going in at all if I didn’t have to.

My cell buzzed in my pocket as I lugged the first suitcase inside. I pulled it out, seeing Karon’s name on my screen, and smiled.

“Cuddy, what’s good?” I answered on the second ring.

“So, you out here caking and ain’t tell me, nigga?”

I frowned slightly and laughed. “Who told you that?”

“Nigga, you all over the ’gram. Dom told me you fell in love with a stripper and out here on your T-Pain shit. Not to mention your moms called mine a minute ago, talking about you got a girlfriend. I just had to call and confirm this unbelievable shit.” He laughed.

I looked around to make sure Temple wasn’t around before I lowered my voice and asked, “How does Dom know she was a dancer?”

He laughed again. “You really asking that question, my G? Dom’s girl is a party host. She’d hosted at Lucid plenty of times, and his ass be in there all the time. He saw her post y'all on Instagram. No lie, she's a good look for you physically, but her rep precedes her.”

“Elaborate.”

“Not like that, Cuz. Just that she was the headliner. I don’t think she was out there like you’re thinking.”

I didn't know how to feel about Dominic knowing about her. I knew her past wasn’t pretty, but she wasn't just a stripper to me. I saw beyond what I was sure most people saw of her.

“She doesn’t dance anymore. I don’t know how I feel about ya mans seeing my lady’s body parts.” I chuckled to play off the embarrassment I felt. Not of her, but of her past profession. I hated that they knew what she used to be, but it was done, and there was nothing I could do to erase what they knew. Only to make sure they forgot and saw her the way I did.

“Aye, it comes with the territory, my baby. Anyway, when you bringing her by? You ain’t gotta hide her, nigga.”

“I’m not hiding her. We just got back in town. Gotta hit the parents’ big mouths crib before I bring her around the other family.”

“Fa sho, fam. Sky’s sister’s birthday is tonight. G-Lo throwing her a little private party. I know you down with G.O.D and whatnot, but come show her some love, even if it’s for a little minute.”

“I got you, Cuddy. Send me the info, and I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“No doubt. In a minute.”

“You got it.” I hung up and then continued the task of bringing in our luggage. Once I shut and locked the door, I checked my mail while going to search for Temple.

“Baby, where you at?”

“Right here.” I looked down the hall and found her standing by my secret room. “What’s in here?”

I leaned my shoulder against the wall and smirked. “Open it and see. The key is on top of the doorframe.”

She reached up and grabbed the key from the frame, then unlocked the door. I moved closer when she opened it and walked inside.

“Oh my!” She gasped and looked around the room.

I smirked. “Welcome to Death Row.”

“That is so not funny because it’s literal as hell. You really are a freak.”

“I never denied that fact, beloved.” I stepped in behind her and wrapped my arms around her waist. In the center of the room, there was a king-sized bed with white silk sheets. The room was lit up in blue to indicate it was not in use. Along the back wall was a display case of every vibrator except for dildos. On the other wall on display were nipple clamps, whips, paddles, edible panties, handcuffs, restraints, and much more. Then the fun items, as I’d like to call them, were the swing, restraint table, and fuck bench.

Memories flooded my mind, and I shook my head to shake it off.