Conflicted Heart (Completed)

Thirteen

Zane

So two weeks pass and today is that dreaded day of the year. It's fuckin' Valentine's day. Fuck that shit. Why do we need a whole holiday to celebrate love? I will never understand. I mean I get gifts and flowers for my princess and mom, but that's it. I can't even remember the last time I spent this holiday with a significant other. It's just fake to me. If you love someone you show them all the time, not just one day of the year. I'm not excited to see all these lovey dovey couples out today. Anyway I am trying to wrap up my case, well the case with Yani. I haven't found any evidence that suggests Yani has done anything in the folder. As a matter of fact, I am sure that her ex set this shit up. She has mentioned to me that her ex did abuse her and that he stole money from her. So is punk ass tries to turn this shit around? That isn't right and it pissed me off that her ex is trying to bring harm to her. I won't harm Yani though. I couldn't even if there was evidence against her. I don't even understand what it is I feel for her. It confuses me. It doesn't help that we have shared kisses either. Her lips are so damn soft and she sure does know how to work her tongue with that sexy ass tongue ring and....I'm getting off subject. I just don't understand what it is she has done to me. I'm trying to figure out how to handle this. I just hope that once I tell Mr. J that there is no evidence against Yani, he doesn't hand the file to someone else. I can't have that. I need him to put it in the reject file and never think about it again. I dropped Nia off at school and now I am dropping off to see my mom since she has a day off from work today. Once I pull up in the driveway and I park, I get out of the car with flowers, and a card. I go up to the door and I ring the doorbell and my mom answers immediately.

"Happy Valentine's day ma," I said.

"Oh thank you baby. Come on in," my mom said. I walk in and I close the door behind me. I hand my mom the roses and she smells them and smiles. I then hand her the card and she opens it and reads it. She then looks at me and smiles.

"Oh baby thank you so much you're so sweet. Come here," my mom said. I smile and I hug my mom tight and I kiss her cheek repeatedly. I then release her from the embrace and I follow her into the kitchen. She takes out a vase and a pair of scissors and starts to cut the stems of the flowers.

"So any special plans tonight Zane?," my mom asked.

"Naw just going to spend it with Nia probably," I said while taking a seat at the kitchen island so I am facing my mother.

"Oh yeah? What about Yani?," my mom asked. I raise my eyebrows in shock and my mom laughs a bit.

"Who?," I asked. I never told her about Yani.

"Boy don't play dumb with me. My grandbaby tells me everything.....so tell me about Yani," my mom asked.

"There's nothing to tell. She's just a friend and that's it."

"Stop lying to me Zane. Nia tells me you really like her."

"Yeah well that's because Nia really likes her. I don't like her that much."

"What did I just tell you about lying?" I sigh deeply. My mom could always read my every emotion.

"....Ok so I like her. A lot. She's real cool ma. Real sweet and great with Nia. Nia loves Yani ma. But it's just...," my mom cuts me off.

"But nothing Zane. When are you going to let yourself finally be happy?"

"You don't understand ma," I said while shaking my head.

"This is about your job isn't it?"

"What about my job?"

"I'm not stupid....I know you are into something shady Zane I feel that. I just hope you aren't putting my grandbaby and yourself in danger. I know you're smart and you can do better than whatever it is you are doing."

"Ma....what I'm doing isn't all that bad. I help people."

"Oh yeah? How?"

"....I can't tell you how." My mom shakes her head and sighs.

"...I wouldn't know what to do if I lost you Zane. If you were gone your little girl would break down. You are all she has how could she lose you? Huh?," my mom said.

"You aren't going to lose me and neither is Nia ok? I'm fine don't worry about me," I said.

"Boy please I worry about you every day. That's my job as your mother.....but anyway I think you should spend the evening with Yani."

"Ma don't start. We aren't together."

"I know that but still if your daughter loves her that should tell you something. You met her for a reason." Yeah I met Yani for her to come into my life and fuck everything I used to think about females and shit. I wasn't expecting it either.

"Every time I see Nia these days she always talks about Yani. About how pretty and sweet she is. I want to meet her. I want to meet this woman you have around my grandbaby," my mom said.

"Ma it's really not that serious," I said.

"Yes it is baby. Now you deserve to be happy why don't you believe that?"

"....I'm just not sure how she will react once I tell her about me and who I really am," I confessed.

"Well if she can't accept you for who you really are, then she doesn't deserve you but you have to give her that chance first. Now you better be honest from the beginning Zane because if not, someone will end up hurt." I nod my head in understanding. I know my mom is right, she always is, but I just can't tell Yani about what I do just yet. I don't know how. I sit with my mom for another hour and then I head out to see Mr. J. Once I'm at the warehouse, I walk into his office with Yani's folder in my hand.

"Hey Mr. J," I said.

"Hey Zane come on in," Mr. J said. I walk in and I set the folder on his desk.

"Did you finish your task?," Mr. J asked.

"No task needed to be completed. I couldn't find any evidence that suggested any of the accusations in this folder were true. I followed the target for weeks and couldn't find any behavior that would suggest she stole money or beat anyone she was in a relationship with. I even checked accounts and credit card statements and it seems that the target is actually paying off debt. Now if she stole, I am sure she wouldn't be in debt," I said strongly. Ok so I didn't check her accounts but shit it makes sense what I said.

"Really? Interesting. Looks like we may have just had a jealous ex try to go after her because she left him. I see why too....she's very attractive," Mr. J said. I smile a bit trying to hide any emotion from that statement. Yani is fuckin' gorgeous there's no doubting that.

"Ok well I will put it in my reject file then since you did all the necessary work. Thanks Zane. I have a new one for you if you want it," Mr. J said.

"Of course," I said. He smiles and hands me a folder. I open it and I read it over. Another nigga that thinks it's ok to rape women. Now I can handle this. Mr. J hands me an envelope I give him a head nod and then I leave. I stop by the bank to drop off my money. I count the bills and as I am doing so, I see Yani walk into the bank looking fine as ever. She spots me instantly and waves. She walks over to me and stops when she sees the money in front of me.

"Hey Zane," Yani said.

"Hey Yani," I said.

"Uh....been a while since you been to the bank huh?"

"Yeah you could say that." Yani eyes the money and I quickly stuff it into the envelope and I get in line. I split the deposit between my checking and savings account. Once I'm done, I stuff the receipt in my pocket and I see Yani is still in line. I guess I could wait for her. I go outside and I take a seat on a nearby bench. Once Yani comes out, she walks over to me.

"Uh....can I ask you something?," I asked.

"Sure what is it Zane?," Yani said while sitting next to me.

"Well....you want to go to dinner with me tonight?" Where the hell did that come from?!? Yani was surprised too by the expression on her face.

"Dinner? Really Zane?," Yani asked.

"Yeah.....I want to." Now that she isn't my target, I feel slightly better about things between us.

"So you're going to be my Valentine today Zane?," Yani said sexy like. Damn! I narrow my eyes at her and she bites her bottom lip. Damn she's turning me on. This shit ain't right.

"Do you want to or not?," I asked.

"I would love to Zane. Bring Nia with you," Yani said.

"Of course. Is 7 ok?"

"7 is great. I'll see you then," Yani said while smirking. She leans in and kisses my cheek and then she stands up and leaves. What the hell did I just get into? I just asked Yani out. I can't believe I did that but a part of me really wanted to. I take a deep breath and I leave the bench. I go home and I go over my new file. Oh I wouldn't mind killing this nigga. He finds women that are alone late at night by themselves and rapes them in secluded areas. When is it ever alright to take advantage of a woman in the most personal way? That shit boils my blood I swear. Anyway, after cleaning and running a few errands, I head to the school to pick up my baby girl. I see her come out of the school with multiple Valentine's cards in her hands. She runs to the car and I pick her up and I kiss her all over her face.

"Hi beautiful," I said.

"Hi daddy," Nia said while giggling. I pucker my lips and she kisses my lips two times. I put her in the backseat and I strap her in and then I get in the driver seat and I drive off.

"So daddy has to tell you something. I asked Yani to go out to dinner with us tonight," I said.

"You did?!," Nia exclaimed in shock.

"Yes I did." Nia nods her head happily.

"You know what daddy?," Nia asked.

"What's up princess?," I said.

"I....don't feel so good," Nia said softly. I look at her through the rearview mirror and I raise my eyebrow in confusion. She starts coughing loudly and really dramatically.

"You know.....maybe I could spend the night with grandma, while you and Yani go out?," Nia suggested. I narrow my eyes at her as she coughs again. I nod my head and I continue the drive home. Once we are home, I call my mom and she says she would love to watch Nia for the night. I tell Yani that it looks like it will just be me and her tonight and she said that is ok and to tell Nia she hopes she feels better. I fix Nia something to eat and I pack her everything she needs for her to stay with her grandmother for the night. I hear Nia coughing every now and then. I drop Nia off at my mom's by 5 p.m.

"Ok Nia you be good and feel better ok? I will pick you up in the morning," I said.

"Ok daddy have fun," Nia said while smiling big. I look at her and she winks at me. She played me! She pretended to be sick just to get me and Yani alone! The little girl is smart I tell you.

"Little girl did you play me?," I asked.

"No daddy," Nia said while shaking her head and fake coughing. My mom just laughs and I shake my head.

"I love you Nia. Love you too ma," I said.

"Love you daddy!," Nia said. I hug her tight and I hug my mom as she says "I love you" back. I should have known in the car Nia was faking. I stop by the store to get a quick card and a small gift for Yani. I think she will appreciate that. I head back home and I take a quick shower and I look through my closet.

"What the hell am I supposed to wear?," I said to myself. I finally decide on an outfit after 20 minutes. I just put on a nice sweater, black fitted jeans and a pair of black somewhat dress up shoes. I put on my jewelry, cologne and I brush my hair. I look in the mirror at my appearance multiple times. The hell am I nervous for? It's only Yani....right? I don't understand this. I wait as patiently as I can for 7 to come around but I can't sit still. I am nervous. This is the first time Yani and I will be alone, one on one. I'm not sure if I'm ready for this. I take a deep breath in an attempt to calm myself down. As soon as 7 finally comes around, I hear a knock on my door. I get up from the couch and I look in a nearby mirror at myself and then I answer the door. My heart damn near stopped in my chest when I see Yani standing in front of me in her outfit, which consists of a pink crop top, black jeans, and a pair of black heels . Damn she is bad! The outfit hugs her every curve and I find myself looking her body up and down slowly. I can see just a bit of her toned stomach and her bellybutton ring. I also see the top portion of a tattoo on her stomach as well. She's so sexy.

"Hey Zane," Yani said. I look up at her face finally and it's flawless. Her makeup is perfect and her kinky hair is pulled into a high slick bun. She looks beautiful.

"Hey Yani," I said almost damn near stuttering.

"I'm not too overdressed am I? I wasn't sure where we were going," Yani said.

"No not at all....you look beautiful."

"Thank you Zane. You look very handsome."

"Thanks. Just let me get my jacket." I grab my jacket and I curse under my breath. Just looking at her got a nigga hard as hell. I grab my keys and wallet and then Yani and I leave. Yani walks in front of me and I can't help but to watch her ass move with every step. It's perfect. Wow. Snap out of it Zane! Shit. A nigga is horny as hell though!! It would be too embarrassing to tell the last time I had sex, that's how long it's been. We walk downstairs and outside to my car. I open the door for Yani and she gets in and then I go to the driver side. I start up the car and I pull off. Shit I forgot the card and gift I bought her! That's what I get for being so nervous. I will have to remember to give it to her once we head back to my place.

"So...I know this great Italian place outside of town. I notice how much you like Italian is that ok?," I asked.

"It's great Zane thanks," Yani said while smiling that million dollar smile. Yani and I talk the 30 minute drive to the restaurant. I figured it would be packed, so I called ahead and asked for the restaurant to reserve a table. Once I park, I get out of the car and I open the door for Yani. She gets out and I close and lock the doors. We walk in and I tell the hostess my name and she leads Yani and me to a somewhat private table on the third floor of the restaurant right next to a window that has a view of the city. The hostess sets the menus on the table and then walks away. I pull the chair out for Yani and she sits down and then I sit down across from her. I take off my jacket as she does the same. I eye her torso up and down and I notice something. I see what appear to be two small bars pressing against her shirt.....on her....nipples?!? She has her nipples pierced?!?! Damn that's sexy! I wouldn't mind twisting those nipple rings while I'm drilling her pussy. Where the fuck did that come from?! Yani has me so gone right now. I need to relax. I start to look through the menu as Yani does the same.

"Is Nia doing alright? I know she was sick not too long ago," Yani asked.

"Nia is fine. My little girl played me. She only pretended to be sick so me and you could be alone," I said.

"Really?? Your little girl is something else," Yani said while laughing.

"I know she is."

"...So what made you ask me out on Valentine's day of all days?"

"Uh....I'm not even sure. I just felt compelled to."

"Why is that?"

"Well.....I do like you Yani," I said softly.

"You do?," Yani said as her eyes lit up.

"...Yes I do I won't deny that. You have been a really good presence in me and especially Nia's life. My little girl loves you."

"Aww I love her too that's my sweetheart," Yani said while smiling. I swear I am always caught in Yani's smile. I can never take my eyes off of her when she smiles.

"....What's the issue though Zane? You are still very apprehensive with me," Yani said.

"It's just I haven't been close to anyone in years. All I have is my mom and my daughter. I just don't feel comfortable opening up to other people," Zane said.

"....I can understand that Zane. Listen we have all been hurt and I know it's hard to trust people especially strangers, when you have been hurt by people you love. I know how that feels. I was hurt so bad by my ex....but I realized that I can't let him dictate my future. I still want to happy and I deserve that. So do you." I just look at Yani in shock; why is she so amazing?

"....I guess you're right," I said.

".....You haven't really mentioned any of your past relationships Zane," Yani said.

"....Nothing to tell really. Order anything you want Yani," I said while trying to change the subject. Yani nods her head and looks back at the menu. I really don't want to talk about my past relationships with Yani yet. Our waiter comes and takes our drink and food orders. The waiter takes our menus and then leaves the table.

"So how is everything at the shop?," I asked.

"Oh it's great. My clientele is really expanding and I'm so happy about that," Yani said.

"That's great. You do really great work though.....I'm thinking about getting another one done soon."

"Oh yeah? I'd love to tattoo you again," Yani said while biting her bottom lip. Why is it that everything she does is so sexy? She has no idea about the inappropriate thoughts I have about her pretty much every time I look at her.

"So I saw my mom today and apparently Nia has been talking about you every chance she gets," I said.

"Really? Oh your daughter is so sweet," Yani said.

"Thanks....my mom really wants to meet you. Would you be interested in that?"

"Of course I would.....but only if you are."

"I don't have a problem with it."

"Then I don't. I would love to meet the woman that raised you." I smile a bit and I nod my head. Yani and I enjoy a really nice dinner together. Yani is a good woman I can tell that already. She has such a positive presence about her and I really like that about her. Once we are done eating, I pay for the both of us. Yani insisted on paying or splitting the bill but I can't allow that. We take our leftovers and we leave the restaurant and walk to my car. I open the door for her and she gets in and then I close the door. I get in and I drive off to my apartment. Once I get there, I park and I get out of the car and I open the door for Yani.

"I had a really great time with you tonight Zane," Yani said sweetly.

"I did too.....can you come up for a bit? I have something for you," I said.

"Sure." I nod my head and Yani follows me up to my apartment. I unlock and I open my apartment door and then I walk in with Yani behind me. She sets down her leftovers and I put mine in the refrigerator. I grab the card and box of chocolates and I hand them out to Yani and she looks shocked, but happy. She takes them both and reads the card and then smiles at me.

"Oh Zane thank you so much. This means so much to me. I have something for you too," Yani said. She goes into her purse and pulls out a card and a small box.

"You didn't have to get me anything," I said.

"I wanted to," Yani said. I take the card and gift from her and I read over the sweet card. I then open the box and I see a pair of diamond stud earrings.

"I noticed you wear studs every time I see you. I hope you like them," Yani said.

"Yani thank you so much they're perfect," I said. I set down the card and gift and I look at Yani. I slowly open my arms and I rest them around her waist and I pull her into a warm embrace. Yani wraps her arms around my waist as she hugs me. After a short embrace, I pull back, but I leave my hands on her waist. Yani rests her hands on my shoulders as I look at her. She is close to my height with the heels she has on tonight. I gently caress the skin on her back that is exposed from her shirt. Her skin is so soft and just feeling her skin against mine is turning me on. Yani's right hand caresses the back of my neck and I close my eyes. I lean down and our lips collide into each other's. Electricity and pure heat flows between our lips every time we kiss. I feel her kiss in every inch of my body. Yani is really doing something to me that I can't explain. I graze my tongue over her bottom lip and she gladly opens her mouth and I dart my tongue inside and our tongues wrestle with each other's. I can't get enough of her sweet tongue and lips. I pull her close to me and she moaned softly. I run my hands up and down her hips and then I grip her waist tight and I set her on the counter. She wraps her legs around my waist and I gently caress her stomach. I can't get enough of her. Her hands run up and down my neck and head. I lick down her chin and I plant kisses all over her neck. I honestly just want to rip both of our clothes off, sweep her up in my arms, take her to my bed, and fuck the shit out of her.

"Mmm Zane," Yani moaned. The way she said my name made my dick throb. Shit! I need to stop! I kiss her neck one last time and then I kiss her lips gently before I pull away and I step back from her. She has her legs open and she is panting trying to catch her breath.

"I'm sorry Yani. I got carried away," I said apologetically.

"Me too. Um....I should really head home," Yani said while wiping her lips. I nod my head and she gets down from the counter and gathers her things.

"Thanks again for tonight. I had such a great time. I hope we can do it again," Yani said.

"Of course I would love that," I said. Yani smiles and then bites her bottom lip. She moves closer to me and I feel the heat starting to increase again. The sexual tension between us could be cut with a knife. She takes a deep breath and quickly kisses my cheek and then leaves in a hurry. I close and lock the door behind her and I rest my back against the door. Wow. What a night. This Valentine's Day wasn't so bad after all I guess. I take a deep breath and I look down and I see the bulge in my pants and I sigh. Cold shower here I come.