Intertwined

Chapter Twelve

Bryce had so much going for him but he was just as naive as Scarlet. Carmine knew if he knew all the details between her, Rod, and Ruby he wouldn't be so stubborn. She was also almost certain that if he knew all the details the relationship would be over as well. She felt like she was in one of those movies where she was the only one that saw evil at work and everyone started making her the bad guy or possibly the crazy because they didn't see it. By the time everyone realized what was going on it was just way too late. 

 She needed a way to run interference in Ruby's life to get her focus anywhere besides Bryce. She didn't know what she was going to do but if Ruby wanted to play it was game on. In the meantime she would take advantage of her position as his assistant to keep him too busy for drop ins from Ruby. His week was full because of the charity ball he was hosting Saturday. Her schedule was actually full. She cursed to herself as she realized her consumption with Ruby caused her to forget two important meetings.

The week flew by smoothly with no further Ruby sightings. Carmine treated herself to some much needed pampering for the charity ball. She wasn't attending as assistant to the assemblyman but as his woman. She wanted to show that although she was a professional and good at her job she was also eye candy. Every man wanted the woman on his arm to make a statement. She went to her stylist Bri and got a fresh lace front installed. It had slight burgundy highlights, was cut into layers and melted down on her head so precisely you couldn't tell it wasn't growing from her scalp. She stopped at the spa for a mani pedi facial and massage. She headed home lastly to get dressed. When the town car arrived she was flawless. Her silver mock neck gown hugged all of her curves while giving very sexy from the back with a few glitering straps filling in the mostly empty back. Her heels were peep toe and red bottom. Her face was beat to the gods. Her jewelry was elegant but clearly pricey. She was exquisite.

"Wow baby. You look absolutely stunning. I feel bad for having you as an assistant. You should clearly be a model." Carmine blushed as Bryce fawned over her. She should have been a model. First Lady would do. "Thanks baby. You look immaculate yourself." Bryce was wearing a traditional tux. His hair was curly and silky looking. He looked like something off an s-curl box but naturally.

They arrived right behind Rod and Scar. They were standing against the sign promoting Bryce for Borough President having their photo taken. Rod looked great in a red suit jacket with black trim a white collared shirt and red bow tie. His pants and shoes were black. Scarlet stood at his side looking very elegant in a red off the shoulder floor length gown with a high split. She knew how to hide her imperfections. The dress cut under the bust and let out loosely not showing that she had gut or rolls. Carmine gave her a thumbs up. Her shoes were red and sparkly they looked like they were covered in rubies. Her red hair was pressed and curled into a hairstyle that looked like flowing finger waves. She definitely knew how to step her game up. Her jewelry was a bit loud for Carmine's taste but the ruby jewelry went nicely with her outfit.

Carmine smiled and waved as they left the red carpet making room for Her and Bryce. They smiled and moved into an array of poses for the photographers before heading inside. Inside the vibe was very grown and sexy. Not something you would expect at a charity event. The band was playing something smooth. Everyone was mingling. Considering that she had put the event together Carmine was very proud.

Bryce headed to the front and grabbed the mic. The band gradually stopped playing giving him silence to make his speech. He was so well spoken Carmine found herself hypnotized by him. He thanked everyone for their support and asked them to donate to his campaign. If they didn't have money he asked for time and praise. He was the next borough president and everyone in that room knew it. He had big plans for Brooklyn and had the connections to make it all happen. Bryce stepped off the stage as everyone clapped. On the stage stepped Ruby. Carmine couldn't believe she had managed to sneak herself into another moment of his life. She was wearing a black sheer gown covered in black crystals over what looked like booty shorts and a tube top. Her hair was no longer in goddess locs but in a loose beach wave parted down the middle. She took the mic and introduced herself and the band. She began singing. Carmine smirked. Ruby was damned good. She had just the thing to neutralize her.