Pride and Consequence Read Online Free

encircling his neck as she arched into his chest. The fabric of his shirt grazed her bare skin with the most delicious intensity. Suddenly, the full force of his massive frame settled across Zakira’s body and her eyes snapped open.
    â€œMmm…Malik, wait a minute…Malik…Malik?” she called, nudging his side with her knee.
    There was no response and she began to shove against his broad shoulders. “Malik? Son of a…” she sighed, realizing her husband had fallen asleep while making love to her. When the sound of soft snores caught her ear, she braced all her weight against his and managed to push him away.
    While Malik slumbered, Zakira stood next to the bed and watched him. Her suspicions were raging, and the strange pill bottle was at the center of her thoughts.
    â€œForget this,” she whispered. “I have a party to dress for.” She headed for the bathroom while Malik’s snoring gained volume.

    â€œActually, we’ve been having problems simply finding a venue for the event.”
    â€œWho wouldn’t want to take part in something like that?”
    Two women stood talking next to Zakira at the buffet table. The annual Saturday Night Gala had been in full swing when she arrived. The black-and-white affair offered dancing, wine tasting and, of course, an immense dinner buffet.
    â€œYou’d be surprised how fast people shy away when they find out something’s for charity. Especially the businesses. All they care about is what type of fee they’ll generate for renting out their establishment.”
    â€œExcuse me?”
    The two women silenced their discussion and turned to face Zakira.
    â€œI’m sorry to interrupt,” she said with a smile. “I couldn’t help but overhear. What is your charity, if you don’t mind me asking?”
    â€œNo, of course not. It’s the Richmond Children’s Cancer Research Fund.”
    â€œRichmond? Virginia?” Zakira asked.
    The woman who had spoken pressed one white-gloved hand to her throat. “Yes, it’s really just a group of doctors’ wives who run the organization. We have no ties with the hospitals or state agencies, but we’ve managed to collect over half a million dollars during our two years in existence.”
    â€œThat’s admirable,” Zakira breathed, highly impressed by the group’s success.
    Suddenly, the woman shook her head and gave a nervous laugh. “Please forgive me. I don’t know where my manners are. I’m Lydia Cartright.”
    â€œAnd I’m Jessica Black.”
    Zakira set her plate down on the buffet table and shook hands with both women. “Zakira Badu, I’m also from Richmond.”
    â€œWell, it’s certainly nice to meet a home girl.” Lydia noted before gesturing at their surroundings. “So, what brings you all the way to a California food festival? Pigging out like the rest of us?”
    Zakira laughed. “Yes and no,” she replied. “My husband owns a restaurant in Richmond. I don’t know if you’ve ever heard of Badu’s?”
    â€œBadu’s?” Lydia and Jessica cried, exchanging glances.
    â€œHoney, my husband and I eat there all the time!” Jessica was saying.
    â€œSame here. In fact, Badu’s was the next restaurant on my list,” Lydia softly mentioned.
    Zakira’s brown eyes narrowed. “On your list?”
    Jessica cleared her throat and fiddled with the folds of her white satin evening gown. “Lydia’s trying to organize the next event for the charity. We were thinking of renting a hall and hiring caterers, but then we thought it might be cheaper to rent a nice restaurant for the evening.”
    â€œUnfortunately, your other colleagues in town are making us want to consider a charity picnic,” Lydia shared. “Bring your own food, of course,” she added.
    â€œWell, it sounds like a great cause. I’d love to