Sappho Intl (Songs of Silk Book 1) Read online

  A pair of stilettos made its way inside the room behind me and I decided to remain seated and faced forward, as the carpet began to absorb the footsteps midway. And then the faint, sweet smell of jasmine caught my inhale as she walked by.

  She quickly made herself comfortable as she removed a heavy grey mid-length fur coat and released it to one of the men, who then placed it over his forearm and walked stiffly out of the room.

  He closed the door behind him, as she stood by her seat and said.

  “Good Evening. My name is PrimaDonna Valentina.”

  ♦ ♦ ♦

  This was the most beautiful specimen of plant, animal, or human that I’d ever laid eyes on—PrimaDonna Valentina was a masterpiece.

  I‘d admired plenty of women in my twenty-six years of living. And I’d learned early to appreciate the broad range of brushstrokes that came with each palette of the female species. So as a true patron of the arts, I found beauty in women of every color, age, and size.

  But as I sat stilled in my chair, like an admirer of a painting come to life in one of the finest museums on the planet, I felt as though I’d only been scratching the surface of what true beauty really meant.

  As she stood before me, it seemed that time had completely stopped and decided to bask in the beauty of her unique divinity with me.

  She was intoxicating. Her dark features and silk black and long, loosely curled tresses complemented well her piercing, sapphire-gemmed eyes. Her strong bone structure suggested an air of sovereignty, while her supple lips hinted at a softness that must have seeped from inside of her. And as she slid into the large, coffee-hued leather chair and crossed her legs, her cool, grey, key-hole, mid-length cashmere sweater invited my eyes to drown in the smooth and creamy silhouette of a classic yet voluptuous bosom.

  I’d come to know the beauty of a woman in a physical sense. And she was one of a kind. But this woman—PrimaDonna—seemed to exude something more that had me entirely transfixed. An internal beauty that was magnified by a power not visible to the naked eye, but instead resonated through to every senses to ignite my soul.

  This goddess had my spirit instantly hypnotized and I was struck with overwhelming awe.

  “Ms. Max Silk?” She repeated as she opened and began to flip through a brown, leather executive folder. “Is Max short for Maxine?”

  I remembered the situation that presented itself, as time quickly caught itself—and so did I.

  I proceeded to do my best to re-compose and find my voice.

  “Umm, no…actually, it’s just Max.” I replied in as smooth a tone as I could muster. “But everyone calls me Silk.”

  I sat back in my seat and began to breathe deep, measured breaths. And as I re-gained control of my faculties, I began to pick up on the little things.

  I could tell that she was of an old world Italian heritage, from the slight romantic inflections on the words that escaped those full lips. And I could also tell she was a femme, or a feminine lesbian, because of the way that she locked eyes very briefly with me before looking around the office.

  “Silk, it is then.” She smiled briefly. “I understand that you’ve worked at the Sapphire Lounge for three years. And in the time that you‘ve worked here, this club has more than doubled in liquor sales and in patronage. Is that correct?”

  “Yes. Once I brought in the right deejay and implemented a marketing plan that promoted some of our new theme nights and go-go dancers, the club began to grow.”

  “I see.” She thumbed through the pages. “And I’m reading that you run a pretty tight crew with no incidents in the time that you’ve been here?”

  “That’s correct.”

  “Well Max, I must say, I’m impressed.”

  She looked up from the folder briefly.

  “I’m not sure if you were aware, but I had to release two managers before you were originally hired, due to an overwhelming number of altercations.”

  “No, I wasn’t aware of that.”

  “Yes. The rowdy crowds and the fighting were reflecting very badly on Sappho International.” She lamented as she scanned back through the folder.

  “But it seems that you’ve really turned it around. I understand that you lived in Miami before making your way to Atlanta and receiving a dual bachelor’s degree in music production and music theory, as well as minors in art history, business…and literature.” She looked up from the folder.

  “Looks like you were as productive then as you are now. What made you come to Atlanta?”

  “Well, I thought that with my love for poetry and as a singer-songwriter that I might be able to break into the industry much easier in Atlanta than in Miami. Plus, at the time I needed a change of scenery, so I chose a school out of state.”

  PrimaDonna began to close the folder.

  “Wouldn’t it be nice if you could return to Miami to be closer to your aunt and still make a more-than-reasonable income doing what you love?”

  “How do you know about my aunt?”

  PrimaDonna placed the folder onto the desk.

  “Look Silk, I’m going to make this brief. We know about your aunt’s accident. We also know about your ‘extracurricular activities’ here at the club—despite the success of it. And that’s why we’re here together at this moment.”

  I was immediately thrown off guard and reeling with the thought of them having access to such private information. And I could not decipher within my mind’s eye how she was able to find out.

  My eyes must have given away my bewilderment, as she quickly added, ”you see here at Sappho Intl, we keep a tight ship, as well. We know and see more than you’re aware of.”

  She shifted slightly to the side, and looked me square in the eyes.

  “And that’s why we’re going to have to let you go, Silk.” She said flatly and without a hint of empathy.

  I was shocked and couldn’t believe that it was that easy for her to terminate me, after leading me to believe that I was an asset to the company.

  “Umm…o-kayyy.” I managed to utter and began to rise out of the seat to gather my things.

  “...But…only to proposition you with a different position within our organization…” She quickly added.

  “…Consider this to be a promotion of sorts. And if you were to accept, you would become one of the newest employees of the Sappho Intl INNER core of operations.”

  I settled back into the seat in relief and then shifted forward with curiosity.

  “Inner core of operations?”

  “Yes! You see, Silk…it seems that you have a unique appearance and personality, as well as a rather unique set of…umm…skills…that would prove equitable to you amongst the higher levels of our organization.”

  “It would mean leaving your friends, your apartment at short notice. But if you so choose to accept this new position it would include a six-figure salary, with a hefty sign-on bonus and paid relocation to Miami…in addition to quite a number of other amenities.”

  “What would I be doing?”

  “Many of the same things that you do now. And I would go much further into detail, but unfortunately my time is precious and I would require that you take this move mainly on the faith and trust that the details of this offer shall be disclosed further by my assistant along the way.”

  PrimaDonna rose gracefully from her seat and began to strut around the desk.

  She sat on the desk’s edge and continued.

  “Keep in mind Silk, that this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to rub elbows with those who will get you to where you want to be in the music industry and beyond. And while I might add, I do not personally extend this offer to just anyone, if you DO so choose to accept, your life will be forever transformed—for the better.”

  Her sapphire eyes became a deep and cool, ocean blue, as they held mine and she inquired. ”So, Silk, what’ll it be?”

  I couldn’t believe that she moved so quickly. She was blunt, direct, and to the point.

  PrimaDon
na was the boss and she wore her title well.

  After analyzing my position and brief consideration, I responded. ”Well Ms. Valentina, I don’t seem to have much of a choice…and life IS to be lived…sooo—yes. I’m taking a huge leap of faith here, but…Yes, I accept the new position.”

  “Fantastic.” She responded evenly, as she stood from the desk’s edge.

  PrimaDonna elegantly began to saunter towards the door and I rose out of my seat to follow suit.

  As we walked, I scanned and scoped from behind her, the sensual curves of her dark, denim jeggings and the black, Manolo Blahnik ankle boots that served as ornaments to the long, athletic legs of this goddess. She was glorious and I would’ve done anything to become a more vital part of her domain.

  She continued to command my attention, as she strutted and slid on a pair of black leather gloves.

  “Silk, I want you to pack a small bag of things and be ready by 8:00 a.m. sharp. It’s 3:33 now, so that should give you a little over four hours. An executive car will escort you to a private jet as one of Sappho’s newest promoted employees. You will be debriefed by my assistant, as to the position’s description and expectations. She will also escort you to the South Beach Condo where you will be staying temporarily for ‘orientation’. Let me be the first to welcome you—again—to Sappho Intl.”

  She turned to extend her hand and I shook it to seal the deal.

  “And please, call me PrimaDonna. All of my friends do”

  Then just as quickly as she’d entered, the goddess had opened the door, where one of the men had placed on her fur coat, and all three briskly exited the building.

  As I heard the back door slam shut, I slowly sat back down in the chair, in exuberance, and breathed a sigh of relief.

  I couldn’t believe what had just taken place.

  I shook my head, looked around and chuckled to myself, “PrimaDonna Valentina—being fired never felt so good! Look out Miami here I come”

  2

  I was exhausted, yet driven by excitement as I exited and shut the door of the black, executive Lincoln town car.

  As instructed, I’d freshened up and packed a small bag of clothes and personals early this morning.

  And although I was still tired, I presently walked with urgency across the black tarmac toward the sleek, silver Gulfstream jet that awaited me. This would be my very first time on a jet and I was a little nervous, but the sounds of Me’shell Ndegeocello’s “Evolution” emanated from my iPod’s playlist and urged my feet to keep moving forward.

  Suddenly, a young lady appeared at the top of the entrance stairs of the jet and began to descend towards me. And it was as if the sweet and exotic glide of her body’s movements had served a double-shot of caramel macchiato coffee to my sleeping senses.

  As I watched her proceed, I began to feel the pumping of blood and a full supply of fresh oxygen being delivered to my still-dozing brain. My adrenaline kicked in, and all of a sudden, I became instantly awakened.

  I clenched my jaws, straightened my posture and carefully scanned and scoped the full length of her tiny frame from behind my designer shades, as she walked towards me. She strode as though jolting congas were playing in the background and lively trumpets were promoting her rhythm. Thoroughly eroticized by the swivel in her curvaceous hips, I found myself hypnotized by the salsa that oozed from her song’s sensuality, as she met me halfway.

  I just love strong, curvaceous chicks and it seemed that the progression of her dark denim jeans had been just the right tempo to wake me out of a walking nap this morning.

  “Good morning. My name is Flourish. I’m PrimaDonna’s best friend and assistant.”

  The palm of my hand warmly received her handshake.

  “I’m Silk.”

  “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, Silk. I’ve heard so much about you.”

  “The pleasure’s all mine.”

  “So, you packed and ready to go?”

  “Suited and booted.”

  She smiled with approval, “Great. We’ve just finished re-fueling so we should be taking off in a minute.”

  With Flourish leading the way we both began walking back towards the jet.

  As she strutted, her black, silky hair swayed slightly above the small of her back. Her mint, green eyes complemented such dark features and suggested a refreshing, sassiness that I found tremendously appealing.

  And if this was the Sapphire Lounge, I would have definitely invited her gorgeous ass to my office for a midnight soiree.

  She clenched her short, fur coat a little tighter in the coolness of the Atlanta winter air before ascending up the steps of the jet. Her Jimmy Choo shoes clicked and clacked up the metal stairs. And I followed suit until we made our way into the bright interior of the cabin and settled into the taupe leather seats.

  As I removed my dark aviator shades and leather coat, I began to take in the gold-trimmed luxury with which I was surrounded. A woman at the cherry wood grain counter began to pour two glasses of Voss water and handed one to myself and Flourish.

  “So the prodigal son returns huh? Our Miami elite are going to love you, I’m already convinced of it. And it’s Silk, like the bed sheets, yes?”

  Flourish flirted and smiled while she set the glass down onto a side table.

  “…like between the sheets, yes.”

  “Mh hmh…I can already tell that you’re as racy as they say…and I must admit—I love working with a confident andro.”

  She removed her coat and handed it to the woman.

  “A butch woman is already so free and so liberated—just so sexy; and to have a confident stud, that’s also so androgynous…it’s just invigorating to me.”

  Flourish began to settle into the seat as she smiled at me.

  “Well, here’s a personal question that I hope you don’t mind me asking. I admit it’s a little early in the day for such questions, but I’m just going to go for it. So Silk, have you EVER been with a man.”

  “Oh, no! Never!”

  Flourish laughed.

  “You say that like I just asked you if you contracted a sexual disease. The only reason I ask is because some studs have dabbled, which is quite alright if you do.”

  “Well I didn’t mean to say it like THAT—it’s just never been me. For as long as I can remember, I could never be sexually attracted to males. I guess it’s simply a matter of preference. It’s like seeing beauty in one painting style versus another. Some art lovers love Monet; I prefer Salvador Dali. Salvador Dali expresses himself through symbolism and a depth in his art which challenges the mind to see further into the painting. So, I guess you could say Dali conjures up a feeling of meaning in me that Monet cannot; in the same way that a woman moves me to arousal when a man does not.”

  “Wow! Well played! PrimaDonna has plucked yet ANOTHER handsome diamond stud…and articulate too. Diamond studs are rare and I’m always so shocked that PrimaDonna has no problem finding the best and brightest. She never ceases to amaze me.”

  Flourish was very animated and was now talking at a thousand miles a minute.

  “The pureness of your androgyny presents an anomaly. The tomboyish softness of your tanned skin, playful dimples and long eyelashes contrast with those strong hands and that strong jaw…and those piercing grey eyes—it’s all so amazing and you my dear are a real live diamond!” She proclaimed as she moved a little bit closer and continued to size me up.

  I took a sip of the glass of water and returned it to the holder. The same woman that poured the Voss alerted Flourish to the fact that the jet was now taking off.

  Flourish thanked her and turned swiftly back to me.

  “So, Silk…I know that you must’ve played sports. How tall are you?”

  I grinned and said, “Five foot ten. And yes, I played a little ball in college. But I blew out my shoulder and lost my scholarship sophomore year. I was fine though. I moved on. Jiu-jitsu had always been my first love anyway. That along with a little bit of wall and r
ock climbing, helped me to get past the pain of not making it to the pros. I lost one love but I gained two more.”

  “A jack of all trades, huh?”

  “I guess you could say that.”

  She studied my frame from head to toe and began to leisurely rest her hand upon my arms and knee from time to time.

  “Lourdes is going to love dressing you, papi. You’re a good, few inches taller than all of our other employees and I can tell that you’re well-defined. I bet you have the endurance of a marathon runner…”

  I could feel myself slightly blushing.

  “…but I digress…”

  She shook her head and seemed to re-align herself.

  But little did Flourish know—I was sizing her up as well. Now that her coat was removed, I could see that she was built solid, like a thoroughbred, despite her shorter composition. Her frame suggested that she maintained a healthy diet while her trimmed muscle tone indicated that she worked out regularly, without going overboard. She was stacked and I couldn’t wait to get to know her sexy ass a little more intimately.

  Flourish commented in amazement while running her fingers through the ends of my hair. “You have the longest and silkiest, black hair that I’ve ever seen, Silk. What’s your heritage?”

  “Well, my father was Brazilian and my mother had an Egyptian and Greek lineage.”

  “Wait. Had?”

  “Yeah, they passed away in a hit and run when I was ten…”

  “Oh, I’m sorry…”

  “Don’t be. I’ve made my peace with it ages ago.”

  “But my mom and pops were some real bohemians. They used to say that a person’s strength lives within the strands of their hair. They rarely ever trimmed it then, so I decided to continue the tradition. I only trim a couple of inches off every blue moon.”

  “Kind of like Samson in the Bible, huh? Amazing!”

  “Mmh, I don’t know about all that. I’ve been doing it so long, it’s more habit than anything else. But enough about me. What about you, Flourish? Where you from?”

  She adjusted her body and replied, “Hmm, it’s been a minute since anyone has asked me that. I’m usually the one asking all the questions. Well, I’m Portuguese but I’ve lived in Manhattan most of my life.”