All the Lies We Tell

by M. Skye

Genres: African American Urban

Synopsis

Secrets are revealed that change everything they thought they knew, and the family is again thrust into the public eye. A dangerous scandal threatens to unravel them once and for all. While Tyree and Mia are more in love than they have ever have been, Mia's past omissions could come back to ruin their happy reunion. With more danger and betrayal looming, will they be able to dig their way out of the latest fiasco, or will the newest threat prove to be their undoing? Tyree Johnston found himself stuck between what his heart wanted and what his head said was right. His ex, Mia, left for Paris the minute her divorce was final, but her love for Tyree and her son brought her back home. Tyree's father, John, had betrayed his entire family, and Tyree and Mia were left to pick up the pieces. In the midst of their struggles, Tyree and Mia found their way back to each other. Now, three years have passed since they last heard from Richmond, who is on the run for murder, so they think they are in the clear. Tyree and Mia have moved on, combining their family businesses to create one huge conglomerate. Then, one fateful day, Richmond resurfaces and begins to make taunting phone calls. He lets his family know they will never be rid of him and that more havoc is headed their way.

Release date: December 18, 2018

Publisher: Urban Renaissance

Print pages: 304

Sample

“Come on, babe,” Mia called out from the back door of their home. When she got no response, she called out again. “Tyree Johnston, I know you hear me.”

Looking up from his basketball game with Kyan, Tyree gave her a smile, and a blush appeared on her flawless cheeks. They had been trying for another baby, and it was time for another round. They had been at it for over six months, and it was getting frustrating, but he still loved when she called out for him to try. It was the fun they had trying that kept him sane.

Tyree had made good on his promise and bought a new house for them three years prior and finally convinced her to marry him again a year later. After two years apart, their reunion had been solidified. They had been surprisingly happy, being remarried after a tumultuous divorce and two-year separation. The only thing that would make matters better would be if Tyree and Mia could have the baby they both craved. His father, John, and their biggest obstacle, his ex-fiancé, Renee, were both dead, and the only threat to their happiness was Mia’s psychotic father, Richmond. He’d been dodging the authorities for three years.

While Mia and Tyree gazed at each other, Tyree broke his gaze in time to see Kyan roll his eyes. Their game was a thing of the past. “Mama, can I go to Aunt Asha’s?” Kyan asked.

Mia nodded and answered Kyan. “Yeah, baby. Get your stuff and Dad will take you over.”

“Mama,” he hissed, “I’m not a baby. I’m ten years old. I can get the car to take me.”

Mia opened her mouth to respond but was cut off by Tyree’s angry voice. “First of all, don’t roll your eyes at your mother. Secondly, you don’t give orders to our driver. We do. I will let Abel know to drive you over, but you better apologize to your mother first.”

Kyan looked at Mia and rushed into her arms. “I’m sorry, Mama.”

“It’s okay, baby. I just forget you’re so grown up now. I just love you so much.”

“I love you too, Mama.” He turned to look at Tyree. “You too, Dad. I’m sorry I forgot what you said.”

“It’s okay, son, as long as you never forget again.”

“I won’t.” He ran into the house.

Once Kyan was gone, Mia turned to Tyree and crossed her arms over her chest. “What was it that he forgot?”

“That no matter how old he gets he is still your baby, and even if he doesn’t like to hear it, he is to suck it up because you do so much for him. He can at least give you that.”

“Thank you, husband, but I’m never going to get used to this.” She leaned her head on his shoulder.

“Get used to what?”

“Him wanting to do things without me. He used to always invite me wherever he went.”

“Mia, he is ten now. You have to let go sometime. There are going to be things he wants to do with just the kids, and now that Terence and Asha have Jonathan, he is going to want to spend time there. He loves his little cousin.” Tyree kissed her forehead.

“That’s why we need a new baby.” She smirked. “We need a new baby to get our old baby back.” She laughed as they turned to walk inside the house, but he saw through the fake smile. Mia always put on a brave face, but Tyree knew she was sad because of their baby troubles. Asha and Terence had a child two years ago without even trying, and Tyree and Mia loved him, but Mia said it sometimes made her feel like she was failing him, failing them. He assured her she was wrong, but he knew it still got to her.

While Tyree sat contemplating their situation, Mia sent Kyan off with Abel, leaving them all alone in their home. He had kicked back on the couch when she entered the house.

“Well, Mrs. Johnston, what shall we do now that we have the house to ourselves?” He pulled her into his lap as she approached him in the house.

“Well, I thought maybe we could play a little game.” She began to unbutton his shirt.

“That sounds interesting. What kind of game?” He pulled her into a kiss, momentarily stopping her response. For a few moments, he felt her succumb to his zealous kisses and thought he had it made until she pulled away.

“I have to get up from here.” She attempted to move from his lap.

“Kitten, I want you now.” He was urgent in his request.

“Be patient, and you will have me and so much more.” She pried herself from his lap and retreated to the stairs.

“This woman is going to be the death of me,” he hissed as she made her way to her destination. He took off toward the stairs, following the scent of her perfume. They had been doing these little song-and-dance routines to keep everything interesting between them. Mia was so good at these games that it made him more aroused than he had ever been. He was grateful for that.

“Johnston, you get up these stairs right this moment,” Mia yelled down from the bathroom.

“What are you up to, kitten? You told me to wait downstairs.” Tyree began to undress on his way to the bathroom. As he approached the door, he heard the water running in the shower and got excited.

“Tyree, I’m getting cold in here all by myself,” she pouted as he sat outside to savor the sight of the candlelight flickering off her naked body.

“I’m right here.” He saw that he startled her when she jumped. “So what’s the game?”

“The object of the game was to see how long it would take for me to get you naked, and from the looks of it, you caught on very quickly.” She walked over and ran her fingers down his chest. Feeling her fingers on his skin excited him. He took her into his arms, began to plant kisses all over her neck, and worked his way down to her shoulders until she halted him.

“Not so fast, mister. You’re still a little overdressed for this game. Now, all we need to do is lose these.” She ripped his boxers down to his ankles in one swift motion.

“I like it when you take charge.”

“You haven’t seen anything yet.” She pulled him into the shower with her. Once inside, she pressed her body against his and reached her hand down to claim her prize. She took him in her hands and began to massage him. He moaned into the steamy shower as she squeezed gently.

When he began to squirm under her touch, she bent down, teasing him with her tongue. First, she just licked the tip, and then she proceeded to take him in and out of her mouth. As she slowly moved her head back and forth, his moans intensified. She listened to the sheer pleasure she was inflicting on him. Tyree was amazed when she began to move faster and reached to grab him from behind to take more of him into her eager mouth.

“Oh, God, Mia,” he screamed out as he began to reach a state of euphoria. As much as he loved what she was doing to him, he had to have her, all of her. “Baby, come up here.” He grabbed her arm and pulled her to him. “I love you.” He pulled her into a scorching kiss before dropping to the floor of the shower. Once on the floor, he slid her back against the shower wall and pulled her legs over his shoulders.

He pulled her warm center to his mouth, and with just a few flicks, he felt her moisture on his tongue. “Kitten, you taste so good.” He plunged his tongue deep inside her.

Her body began to shake, and he knew she was excited. Her uncontrollable movements forced him to speed up his pace and dive deeper with each flick. “Tyree, I want you. I need you now,” she said breathlessly after a few minutes of sweet torture. He continued his flicks, and she jerked.

Her words brought a huge grin to Tyree’s face as he moved her legs aside to stand. He slid her back against the shower wall and molded into her slippery body. When he began to plant kisses all down her neck, she jumped up and wrapped her legs around his waist.

“Now, Tyree.” She held a penetrating look in her eyes.

As much as he wanted to draw out this heated experience with his wife, he could never deny her anything, especially under the circumstances. Slowly sliding her backward, he positioned himself to enter her. “I love you. I love you. I love you,” Mia chanted as he introduced himself to her warm center. It was all he could do not to lose control when she locked her legs tighter around his waist and took him deeper inside her. Feeling her so close to him ignited a fire within his body that caused him to thrust faster and harder.

I love this woman, he thought as he moved fiercely within her slippery walls, pinning her body between him and the shower wall. The warm shower water that descended upon their bodies only heightened the sexual experience as he rammed her so hard he felt like he could break her. Pushing himself further and further, he drowned her in his intense feelings, pouring himself into her completely. While he continued, her screams soon began to float through the whole house, signaling that she was near her breaking point. As pleased as she was with their lovemaking, he was just as thrilled as he fought his climax, wishing this experience would last forever. He slowed his pace to gather himself, but the feel of her was just too much. He still found himself buried inside her to the hilt. He realized then, no matter what the pace was, he was cumming soon. Nothing could curb the storm brewing within him.

Her body was sliding up and down the shower wall with each deep thrust. When she began to move her hips to match his rhythm, he exploded with a passion that forced several hard thrusts that sent her body into two of the most intense orgasms he had ever seen her experience. The first one came hard and fast, but the second one left her speechless with her body jerking and a look of sheer pleasure on her face. As her body spasmed against his, he finally lost control and filled her with his sticky nectar. After the climax, without disconnecting their bodies, he slid down to the shower floor with her resting on his lap.

“That was some game.” Mia leaned in to kiss a very exhausted Tyree.

“Yes, it was, but maybe we should get out of here. The water is cold now.” He leaned his head against hers.

“Yes, we should.” She stood up from his lap, and he chased her.

“Hey, not so fast.” He grabbed a towel to wrap around her. “You let me dry you off, kitten.” He rubbed her down, and she ran her hand over his head. After drying her body off, he wrapped a towel around himself and picked her up, walking her out to the room.

“You take such good care of me.” She turned to kiss his lips.

“I always will.”

As they walked into their bedroom, Tyree noticed that Mia had a single baby shoe sitting on the bed. “What’s this about?” He held up the shoe for her to see. When she realized what he was holding she looked surprised, and he flooded her with questions. “Are you . . . are we . . . You’re pregnant?” He finally stuttered with excitement in his voice. “How do you feel? Are you okay? Do you need anything?”

“I’m fine, Tyree, calm down.” She looked like she was holding back tears.

“I’m sorry I was so rough with you just now in the shower. How is your back?”

Mia seemed so overwhelmed, and Tyree could tell she was trying to hold everything together but failed, falling into a heap on the bed. “I’m all right, and don’t ever apologize for giving me such an amazing experience.”

Tyree watched her struggle with the tears drenching her cheeks and took a place beside her. “You’re not fine. Tell me what’s wrong, kitten.” He swept the hair from her neck and bent down to kiss it gently, and she shivered. “You can tell me anything.”

“We’re not pregnant, and we might not ever be. I had some tests run at my last appointment, and they said I have scar tissue that could make it hard if not impossible for us to conceive the natural way again. Even if we were to luck out and get pregnant, my body could reject the pregnancy.”

“How long have you known about this?”

“A few days. I was just trying to find the right way to tell you.”

“It’s okay, baby. We can find other ways, and there are so many options out there. You should have told me as soon as you found out. You shouldn’t have had to go through this alone.”

“It’s my fault. If I hadn’t—”

He cut her off. “Stop it. You can’t control situations like this, but why torture yourself with the baby things?”

“I was just reminiscing about when Kyan was this little. It was a very good time in our lives.”

“It was great.” He felt a goofy grin tugging at his lips, and he ran his hand down her cheek. “I loved taking care of our boy when he was that young, but we are happy now too, kitten. I know things aren’t going exactly the way we wanted, but we are still very blessed in spite of that.”

“Yeah,” she sighed. “I just don’t want you to miss out on things because you’re stuck with me.”

“I’m not stuck with you. I chose you. I will always choose you. Without you, none of it matters. Those two years without you were the hardest, and now that I have you back, I just want to focus on what we have. We can’t stress about what we don’t. It will happen if it’s meant to, and if not, we still have an amazing son to give our love to.”

“You’re right, Ty.” She finally smiled, and he kissed her forehead.

“I know I am. Here, lie back and let’s get you comfortable. If we’re going to get something cooking in there”—he ran his hand over her flat stomach—“we need you completely relaxed.”

“You think there is a chance?”

“I know there is,” he whispered against her bare back before laying her down face-first on the bed. “You know, you’re lucky, kitten. No other woman gets this kind of treatment from me.”

“I know how lucky I am. More than you know,” she agreed.

“Whitney is getting married,” Rick sighed into the air. It had been a month since Rick found out Whitney and Jude were getting married, and he still couldn’t wrap his mind around the fact that his only daughter was going to be someone’s wife. He had grown to care for her fiancé over the years and was excited, but he still had the sick feeling he was losing his little girl.

He and Whitney had always been close, and now Jude could be taking her affections away from him. For so long, he had been the only constant man in her life, besides Tyree. She and Tyree were always indescribably connected. Him being married to Rick’s sister, her aunt Mia, seemed to be just a formality. He was more like her blood uncle than only being joined by marriage. They had an unbreakable bond.

While things were going well, Rick was happy to be where he was now. With the help of Tyree and Mia, he had taken a step back, and Mia was running most of the Livingston side of the media conglomerate that had merged with Tyree Johnston’s hotel conglomerate with the support of their associate, Felipe, in Paris. Rick was only consulted when there was something too big for them to handle or when he was needed to schmooze with some of the clients who dealt more with him.

He and his wife, Cassandra, had been traveling around the world for the last year. He was incredibly grateful to Mia and Tyree for giving them the opportunity to follow a dream they had for a while. Mia and Tyree had become a true power couple and loved the opportunity to spend time together at home and work. It was a win for all parties.

Things were finally looking up, and he was looking forward to the future. His family was stronger than ever, and with his daughter home, he felt like he was able to breathe again after all the murder scandal their father had burdened them with. Richmond Livingston, family murderer or tycoon, had been splattered for the past few years over every news station and magazine they didn’t own. With Mia and Tyree taking most of the major responsibility with the company, he felt like a weight was lifted from his shoulders, at least in business.

He looked up to see Cassandra watching him fret before she walked over, placing her hand on his shoulder. “You okay?”

“Yeah, I’m fine,” he replied, pulling her hand to his lips, placing a gentle kiss on it. “Just thinking about everything.”

“Everything like what?” He saw her looking at the papers on his desk before she swept her hand over her face. “Are you regretting taking a step back? I know running the company with Mia and . . .” She paused, instantly regretting, he knew, what she almost said.

He caressed her hand and looked up, offering her a relaxed smile. “It’s okay. We can’t tiptoe around the fact that Janelle is dead, and yes, I wanted to run the company with both of my little sisters, but things just changed. My father took Janelle and my mom away from me, but I don’t regret what I did. Stepping back was best for us, just as merging the companies was best for everyone else. With me not being able to dedicate my whole heart to it, Mia needed people who could. You know no other family knows more about our business than the Johnstons, and I know they would never let anything happen to Mia.”

“That’s all true, but do you miss it?”

“I miss it sometimes, but I think I miss Janelle more. It’s hard focusing on that place knowing it’s the reason she’s gone.”

“The business isn’t the reason. Richmond is.”

“Where do you think his greed came from? I almost feel like every dime we make from there is blood money. I just couldn’t do what needed to be done. It would be too much for me, but Mia can handle this. She has a heart of gold, and I feel that she is the one who can transform it back into what our grandfather would have wanted it to be.”

“Yeah, she and Whitney.” Whitney had come home from school and announced that she wanted to work for the company. Rick was opposed to the idea at first, but Mia assured him she and Tyree would look out for her, and he caved. He felt better knowing that she had Jude close, as well. He was going to be working nearby with Tyree’s best friend and brother-in-law, Terence, at his law firm.

“Babe, you know I love Whit, but I don’t think she is going to be in this for the long haul. I gave her the chance to prove me wrong, but I just have a feeling this isn’t for her.”

“I’ll admit, I was shocked when she announced she wanted to work for the company, but maybe she will surprise us.”

The last two and a half years had been a struggle with Whitney. She had taken the situation with Richmond hard. Being home the past six months had done wonders, but her parents were still worried. Mia and Tyree tried to do all they could, and it seemed to be helping. Whitney always responded to whatever Tyree had to say.

Cassandra walked out of the study. Rick was combing over a few papers when Marta, their housekeeper, entered.

“Mr. Livingston, there is a call for you.” She handed him the phone.

“Thank you, Marta. I’ll take it in the library.”

After promptly reaching his chair in the library, Rick pushed the speakerphone button on the receiver. “Hello, this is Rick Livingston.”

“Rick, how’s the family?” an all-too-familiar voice said into the phone.

“You bastard. You have a lot of nerve calling here.” Rick was practically screaming at the speaker.

“I have every right. This is my family too.”

“It’s been three years. I’d hoped you were smart enough to just disappear. You have no family, and soon you will have no freedom.”

“Now, Rick, is that any way to speak to the man who gave you life? Is that any way to talk to your father?”

“My father is dead. Well, at least his heart is.”

“My son, I have so much in store for you, your sister, and those brats you let into our company,” Richmond said gleefully.

“You listen to me. You are never to come near Mia, or I will kill you.”

“No, you listen to me, son. I will do exactly what I set out to do, and there is nothing you can do about it.” Richmond laughed and disconnected the call.

Rick may have stood tough on the call, but inside he knew this was all far from over. It was just the beginning. Tomorrow he would have to deal with breaking the news to Tyree and Mia that Richmond Livingston was suddenly back in their lives.

As daylight broke into the living room, Asha woke up before everyone. Well, almost everyone. She was in the kitchen when she heard Jonathan’s booming little voice. “Mommy, I help you?”

“Yes, Mommy’s big helper, I would love that.” She swung him up to her hip. Asha was close with both of her children, but Jonathan, the youngest, really made her smile.

“Wut you make?” he asked as she sat him on a stool next to the countertop.

“How about pancakes, eggs, and bacon? How does that sound?”

“Gud, Mommy.”

“Here, come help me stir.” She held the bowl out to him. After getting all the lumps out of the batter, she let him help pour some into the skillet.

“Wow, it make a noise.” He looked amazed at the pancakes forming. It took them twenty minutes to get the rest of the food ready, and after everything was prepared, they began to make plates for everyone.

Most of the plates were prepared when the phone began to ring. It only took her a second to realize it was Tyree calling to check on Kyan. They joked a little about his night and spent a few minutes talking about everything until she ultimately invited him and Mia to breakfast, and he accepted.

After concluding the call, Asha went back to setting the table, only to find herself wrapped in Terence’s strong embrace. “This smells great.” He glanced over her hard work.

“Thank you, honey.”

“Who are the two extra plates for?”

“Mia and Tyree are coming by.”

“Cool, sounds like a good time.”

“Could you get the kids up? I don’t want them to come in with all the sleeping bags lying around.”

“Yeah, I got it.” Terence walked into the living room, and once the children were all up and dressed and the living room was spotless, he sent the children into the kitchen one by one. They all took their seats around the huge table. As they filled in, Asha told them to leave the two end spots open.

They were all around the table laughing when they heard Tyree’s voice, calling out from the front door. “We’re in here,” Asha announced.

“How are you, sweetheart?” Mia took the seat next to Kyan.

“I’m good, Mom. How are you? Did you have a good night?”

“We had a magnificent night.”

Kyan chuckled, and Mia drew in a deep breath before brushing the hair back from her face. “I’m glad.” Kyan leaned over and kissed her cheek before turning to look at Tyree. “Dad, thank you for making Mama’s night fun.”

Tyree nodded and placed his hand on Kyan’s shoulder. “You know me. I do what I can.”

“Well, I don’t know about you guys, but I’m starving,” Asha said, interrupting the sweet family moment.

“We are too.” Mia picked up her fork and began stuffing her mouth. The table overflowed with laughter, watching her devour the food, and as they all began to dig into their plates, and the room fell silent.

Smiles were ever present, and Jonathan was the first to comment on the delicious breakfast. “Tis be good, Mommy. I cook.”

“You sure did, sweetie.” Asha patted him on the head. He went back to his plate, proud of himself, while she smiled down at her precious little boy.

After they finished up breakfast, Asha sent the kids to the playroom while the adults enjoyed hot tea in the living room. While Terence and Tyree di. . .