Stranger In My Life

Fatima's POV

Waking up to the sound of rain gently falling, I felt an unusual pain in my side. I tried to open my eyes and I was welcomed by a very bad headache. I opened my eyes to a very unfamiliar room. Somewhere different from my home. Oh my God. I sat up frantically as I tried to recollect the previous night's activities. Seeing I am naked right now and the soreness between my thighs has given the answer to my questions.

Remembering the activities of the last light, I twirl a strand of my hair between my fingers with a smile on my face. I can not remember the last time I had so much fun. A little too much considering the headache I am having now. I had sex with a stranger.

Hearing his voice in my head right now is sending chills down my spine. A stranger who knows me so well.

"So fucking perfect."

"You need to open up to take all of this. All of me."

"So tight."

"Your taste is so addictive."

Did last night even happen, or was he some ghost figment of my imagination? But the lingering scent of him reminds me it was real.

All of it.

I looked to my side and noticed he was gone. Long gone before I woke up leaving me feeling disappointed and glad at the same time. I needed to know the man who gave me a million orgasms in a night.

I chew on my bottom lip.

Would I be able to look at him if I finally knew who it was?

Do I know how I feel?

Do I regret it? No.

But what if nothing will ever compare to that? Possible.

No no no. Don't think like that. You shouldn't even know him. At least you don't have to see someone you don't know. I'm better off this way. A clean cut. Never allowed to know each other.

As I continue to contemplate the consequences of the best one-night stand in my entire existence, the most terrifying, horrible thought blooms in my mind. Arriving late on the caboose of you are so fucked.

Wilson Sunday brunch.

I fly out of bed, standing naked and startled at the same time. Feeling like a fish in a glass bowl, I frantically look for my phone.

Kitchen counter? Nope. Bathroom? Nope. Racing around, I searched and picked up my littered clothes from the floor.

I am so fucked. So so fucked.

What was I thinking? Going to a business soiree and hooking up with a handsome masked stranger the night before family brunch. Stupid.

I thought the soiree was supposed to end by 10 pm which it did but Roxy had other plans. She was purring and meowing, I just couldn't deny her such a delicacy. Look where that got me.

Hanging out of my purse on the sofa, I find my phone.

I had so much time to remember something this important. How did I not? Instead, I was reminiscing over a dick that felt like a dream.

Okay. Stop spiraling. I probably have time.

I check the time on my phone. Twelve-thirty. Brunch started one hour and thirty minutes ago.

Oh my God. There is no way. I should just call Big Mama and cancel. I'm so fried right now. I can't even cancel. It is a once-in-two monthly gathering. Marilyn is going to kill me. I can't make it to Wilson Avenue. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.

Sweat pricked the back of my neck as I scrolled through a flood of messages, all from my family members.

Marilyn: Should I pick you up tomorrow for brunch? You know big Mama hates tardiness.

Marilyn: Bitch why ain't you picking up? You look cute though. Hope the soiree was fun. Just pick up the damn phone.

Marilyn: I have gone to Big Mamas. Alone. Since your dumb ass doesn't know how to pick up the damn phone. Bye.

Marilyn: It is giving kidnapped. Call me when you get this

Holy shit.

Mum: Hey sugar plum. We just landed in the Estate. Your father has talked my ear off of how proud he is. You are handling business well. Well see you tomorrow and don't be late. You know your grandma hates tardiness.

Mum: Where are you? Pick up your phone. We are getting worried. And tell me why your location is off.

Mum: Okay we have sent men out to look for you. You know what that means.

This is so bad.

Heat rushes through me.

I entered the bathroom to freshen up. As I rushed through it I heard the doorbell ring. I rush to the front door, peeking through the peephole. Standing on my tiptoes, I could barely make out a blur of blue and black on the ground.

Cracking the door open, I bent low and grabbed the package. It was a little heavy.

Once inside, I tossed it open and saw that it was a whole day's stuff. Hair spray, brush, perfume, free joggers, and a cropped hoodie with a pair of Nike sneakers. Dior shades and some other pieces of stuff I need to get ready and make it in time. Something that caught my eye was the handwritten card.

"You spoke my ear off about your family brunch. I hope this helps. Whenever you need to pretend again, I will be there. I'm always there, my angel."

Wow. As creepy as that sounded, I was grateful for the box.

I washed up in no time, shimmed into the clothes, and finished getting ready. The look is very calm and chic.

Damn. Might have snagged a stylist.

Inspecting the place one more time, I check if I have left anything important. Nothing I can't replace. But when I'm sure I didn't leave anything important, I sigh. It felt like I was leaving some dream behind, and I'm worried that the more time goes by, the less I'll remember how it felt.

As I rushed out of the room I called my driver, Steve.

After three rings he picks up.

" Good day, Miss Wilson. I am outside waiting for you," he said.

Hold up.

"Hey, Steve. Good afternoon. Thank you for that. I will be down in a minute." I replied and ended the call. How did he know where I was? Everything just seems crazy. I sent a message to Marilyn to let her know I was on my way and put in a good word for me.

Fatima's POV

My name is Fatima Wilson and I come from a long line of kingpins. In my 26 years on earth, Wilson's name is feared everywhere. Every single part of the world. You don't want to mess with us. Even the government. There is a Wilson in every arm of government and that is how we stay in control. I am one of the best criminal lawyers in the country and I also don't play when it comes to the hood life. A training we all go through right from childhood.

My grandfather, Lucious Wilson, is the leader of the squad, while my grandmother, Pat Wilson is his right-hand man. My father, Tony Wilson and his other four siblings, Cole, Ameer, Ameerah, and Dahlia Wilson handle various units of business and it spreads across to wives and husbands and children and and grandchildren. Wilson is a family business and we are closely knit. With a long string of hotels, law firms, motorcycle clubs, clubs, and restaurants amongst other businesses, we stay heavily guarded. The drug business still goes underground but is not as open as before.

This Brunch is a way in which we catch up with family and every other thing. It happens once every two months. It is always hosted in the Estate where Lucious and Pat live but anyone who comes late hosts the next one. Something I hated. I loved hosting but the stress after is something I dread. But guess who would be hosting next? Me. That is right.

As the elevator stops at the bottom floor, I rush out of the hotel and notice a black Porsche coming towards me. My Porsche. My baby. A smile crept on my lips as I looked at it. Call me weird but that is my favorite car in my favorite color. The car stopped and Steve came out and around to open the door for me.

That's right. Passenger princess.

As I sat, my backside came in contact with the plush leather, and I felt like myself again. Steve started the trip to Wilson Avenue.

"Erm, how did you know where I was? Cause I remember asking you to go yesterday," I asked.

Steve has been working for me since I got my first degree. A 6 ft 5 Darkman, he doubles up as a bodyguard/chauffeur. He has a beautiful family and I hate that I was ruining his Sunday.

"Anonymous tip. I already informed Big Mama that you are fine and you are on your way." He said.

"Okay. Thank you. Really."

He looked at me and smiled quickly before focusing on the road again. The trip wasn't supposed to be anything less than an hour but with my head pounding right now, I don't think I can make it.

I let out a groan.

"Are you okay?" He asked.

" Just a little hangover," I replied. One thing I hate is hangovers. The patches don't work for me. Worsens it if I do say so.

"Doesn't seem a little to me. Anyway, I got some aspirin, a piece of banana bread, and some Figi. It is in the bag by your leg," He said.

"Did I add a lifesaver to your name? Thank you so much." I say as I grab the bag from the car floor. The smell of the bread, oh my God, is everything. I dug in and I saw him watching.

"Bro, I know this is Latty's bread," I say with my mouth full.

This is giving orgasms.

"Yeah. She asked me to give it to you. She knows how much you love her bread," he replied.

"I'm going to steal her from you. Damn, this is so good." I laughed. We went back and forth for a little while.

Latty is Steve's wife and they have been married since they were eighteen.

I finished the bread, popped some pills, and fell asleep.

.................

Waking up moments later, I figured we were pulling into the Estate. Talk about perfect timing. Steve drove into the intimate area of the estate which is meant for family alone. The gardens were blooming and I made a mental note to ask one of the tillers to get me some. As Steve pulled up to the garage, I fixed my face and glossed my lips a little bit.

Slow down. It doesn't have to be that bad. You would just have to host the next meeting.

"Thanks, Steve. You know you can come in and have lunch," I said sweetly hoping he could magically help me with his bodyguard magic and save me from Big Mama.

"I know what you are trying to do and I wish I could but I promised Latty a day out with me today since today is my day off but I would be back in time to pick you up," he said smiling.

How lucky is she to have a man like him? I wish I had someone like that but after Ian, Hell no.

"I know, I know. You guys are so cute it is so annoying. You can take the day off. Don't bother coming back. Madam would drop me up hopefully if I haven't been beheaded," I said. Madam is Marilyn's nickname.

Steve laughed and I got out of the car and waved him off. I looked at my phone and saw that I was 2 hours and 30 minutes late.

Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.

Here goes nothing.

I walked towards the front door and was greeted by bodyguards that man the mansion. One opened the door and I walked in. One of my grandmother's favorite things to do is decorate every year she changes the tone and settings of the house. This year is giving a neutral, earthy tone. It has a lot of white and nude colors. I love it. As I walked towards the dining area, I was greeted by Rhage, my favorite husky and the only breathing thing that cares about me in this house right now.

"Hey, boy" I giggled as I patted it on the head. It then ran toward the dining area and as I walked I could feel everyone's eyes on me.

Fatima's POV

"Well well well, look what the cat dragged in. So cool of you to have graced us with your presence, your highness," Big Mama said and everyone burst into laughter.

"Mama," I said in my best babyish voice, "I'm sorry, I was so caught up, I didn't realize it was getting late,"

"Yeah. Caught up in dick," Marilyn said.

"Shut up," I retorted

"That is no excuse for you coming late. The next meeting is on you. God knows I need a break. Now come give Big Mama some sugar," She said smiling.

That went better than I expected.

"Hey, mama I missed you so much. I hugged her and breathed into her smell. So welcoming.

"You do look freshly fucked," she said.

"Mama!!" I shouted and she laughed heartily.

I went around and hugged my mum and dad whom I have missed so much and greeted every single person in the room before going to grab a glass of mimosa.

"So where were you?" Marilyn asked.

"Girl. You don't wanna know," I giggled.

"Damn, I knew it. Look at you glowing. Must be good." she squealed.

"Girl, if you don't stop," I rolled my eyes.

"Okay. Okay, but you owe me," she said.

I saw my mum walking towards me and I was just mesmerized. She is gorgeous. Just aging like fine wine.

"Sugar plum," she said smiling and I gave her a big hug. I have missed this woman so much. But I can't just hope and go home. I have work now.

" You look pale. Have you been eating well? " She asked.

Really? I can take care of myself.

"Yes mum, I am good. Just a little stressed. You know the workload has increased and all hands are and need to be on deck. Speaking of which, I have to talk to my father about it. There is some fishy business going on in the new construction site....," I rambled on and my mum listened. She is one of the most hardworking people I know. She is my role model and I look up to her a lot but right now with the look on her face, I don't want to hear what she has to say to me.

Oh Shit. Come on with it.

"Mum, you ain't slick. Come on with it. You have something to say." I say rolling my eyes.

I knew what she was about to say but I was not going to reply to her. She thinks she is slick but I know her better than herself.

Out with it ma.

"I ain't got nothing to say except who is he?" she said.

I wasn't expecting that.

"What?" I asked. Okay, now this is weird. I thought it was going to be the usual, you need to slow down and have fun talk but this is new.

"Yeah. Who is he? And when do I get to meet him?" She asked again. Okay now. What the hell?

I'm hearing right.

She is asking me that.

"Mum, you have to agree that this is hilarious. Who is what? Oh my gosh." I laughed. I was cracking up. This is going to be fun.

I expected her to join me but she stood looking at me.

"Mum, you are dead ass right now?" I asked.

"Why would I joke about something like that? " She replied.

Okay. Weird.

"Why would you ask me that mum? You know for sure that I am single and if I snag someone you will be the first to know," I said to her. I can not believe she is asking me that right now.

"Well, I had to say something. You are glowing, plum. The glow in your eyes, that I haven't seen since Ian. So I am happy for you. I don't want to pressure you but I just thought you had a new guy. And to be frank, it has been a while." she said.

"Well, I'm feeling pressured right now. My glow is based on my new routine. Thank you very much. No guy." I say as a matter of fact. Immediately my mind went to the previous night but that can't count. He is a faceless, nameless stranger so it doesn't count.

"I'm sorry you feel that way but whatever it is you are doing that is bringing this glow, you have to continue. I thought I lost my baby girl after Ian," she said with her hands on my shoulders.

"Mum, Ian was three years ago," I said softly.

"And you have been a walking ghost all through. With this darkness clouded over your eyes. It ain't there today," she said.

"Okay, mum. Thank you for looking out for me but I am fine. Seriously. I just need to get ahold of the CEO of Innovex Housings. The guy is hard to get through to. He seems like a ghost." I said and took a deep sigh.

Like someone I know.

I know my parents were proud of me but I just wanted to do more. Being the last child and the only girl with three senior siblings, I feel like there is more I have to offer to stay relevant.

"You know we stay proud of you and you are always relevant," I heard my mum say.

Did I say it out loud? Oops.

"You all have made us very proud, especially you. For a lady, you have shown more prowess than most guys. You don't have to go the extra to make us proud. I just want you to be happy." she said sweetly and I went in for a hug. I missed this. Being able to hug her every time I want.

"Mum, I love you. You just know the right things to say." I say.

"Now back to business. What is this you are saying about the Innovex housings? Rob was saying something about it before he left." she asked.

"Rob left? To where? What of Simon and Blake?" I asked around looking for them.

"Rob has to leave to handle important business. Simon and Blake are with G_pop and your father in the man cave. So what is going on?" she asked again.

I made a mental note to talk to Rob later in the day.

"So mum, Innovex is a new housing and construction business. The owner is very private. He started recruiting members of chain breakers to his side. That is why I have to see my father about it. I went to Watson's annual gala yesterday because I heard he would be there but I could not get a hold of him," I said. "There is no issue precisely but the staff knows too much and I have a proposition for him. He buys shares in Chainbreakers. That way the workers return and we have our stuff running. Before the government gets to him." I say while thinking.

She was silent for a while then she called out to Big Mama and Marilyn.

"What are my two favorite girls talking about?" Big Mama says walking towards me.

"Big Mama, some innovex guy is trying to take workers from Chainbreakers," Mum said.

"Child we know about that. It is getting handled," she said unbordered. I was shocked but not surprised. There are eyes everywhere.

"But Big Mama not to question you but I have a proposition. I want to make him buy shares in Chain Breakers, that way we keep our workers and the government off our back." I say.

"I knew you were my replica with your big head when you were born," Big Mama said. "I will talk to Lucious about it. You continue on your part. Is that what you are worried about? Girl it is handled." she laughed.

Okay. I'm loving this.

"But there is an issue. The man is a ghost. I have looked everywhere for him but no result. He remains faceless which is where I need you, Marilyn. I know different people come to your club, I need you to find him," I say.

If there is anything Marilyn is good at, it is finding people's deepest secrets and location.

"You know I am always on the roll," she said.

"Alright then. I think we can party now since the men have left to have fun." Big Mama said. Everyone cheered and scattered. Marilyn dragged me into the sunroom. At this point, I already had four cups of mimosas and my legs were wobbly. Since I was late, I didn't get anything serious to eat. As we sat, I realized something. Something I haven't seen before. Marilynn was scared.

Oh hell no.

"What's up? You look scared." I said and I could see her nervously pulling on her cuticles. I held her hands and pulled her in.

"Hey whatever it is, we will figure it out. Alright. Don't be scared. I never seen you scared." I say softly feeling the alcohol leaving my body.

Please don't be pregnant. You know Lucy won't let us hear the last of it. Even though she doesn't matter, it would be very annoying to have a whining bitch in your ears all the time.

"I slept with Raphael." she blurted out.