7. Monroe

Dr. London wasn't exaggerating when he said he was going to take me to paradise. We'd landed in Havana, Cuba thirty minutes ago. The night sky was doing nothing to hide the beauty of the scenery around me. The salty scent of the ocean air filled my nose as I followed Dr. London up the pathway to our villa. The villa sat on top of a hill and overlooked the beach.

"Here we are, Chocolate. This will be your home for the next couple of weeks." He opened the door just as I reached the stairs. "I hope this will do. I never had to host a mafia princess before." He ushered me inside. I welcomed the cool blast of air conditioning that greeted me as I stepped inside.

Dr. London closed the door behind us before moving around and turning on the lights. I left my eyes to gaze around the villa. It was beautifully decorated. It seemed more like someone's home than a vacation spot. I could tell the furniture was expensive, not like the cheap furniture they supplied in hotel rooms. I eyed the floor-to-ceiling windows and allowed my feet to take me to them. Even at night, the views were beautiful. I couldn't wait to see the views in the daytime.

"You like it?" Dr. London came alongside me and joined me in the window.

"This is perfect, thank you," I replied. The weight of what I had done swept over me. In a matter of hours, I'd left my entire life behind without any questions asked. It was crazy, yet I'd never felt so at peace and free. Whatever the outcome, I was happy with my choice. Without warning, I turned to the man who had made this all possible and wrapped him in a hug.

"Thank you." I breathed into his chest. He wasted no time pulling me in closer.

"No thanks needed. Come here, let me show you around." He lifted me, and naturally, my legs wrapped around his waist. This was the second time this man had lifted me as if I weighed nothing, and I was in awe.

"This is the kitchen, as you can see. That over there is the living room…" He carried me to the staircase and up the stairs. Each step he took with me straddling the front of him made my pussy moist.

"This is the master bedroom. Down that hall, it's three more bedrooms." He pointed to a narrow hallway as we entered the master bedroom. I took note of how he wasn't even out of breath for having carried me up the stairs.

"This is where you'll be sleeping. Though you can pick any of the rooms." He set me down on the bed. I glanced around the room. It was beautiful and cozy. It looked like it was prepared for a queen.

"This is stunning," I mumbled. Dr. London kept talking.

"This is your closet. I had some things brought over for you already." He opened a door to reveal a large walk-in closet fully stocked with clothes. I could see tags and designer labels. That had to cost more than a few thousand dollars. My feet moved before my mind could catch up. Clothes were the key to my heart.

"You bought me clothes?" I grabbed one of the designer dresses off the hanger. "And you got the size right."

I couldn't fight back the smile that appeared on my face as I stared at the size twenty label on the tag. The dress was beautiful, and the designer I recognized because there weren't too many that carried my size. This dress was more than ten thousand dollars. My eyes shot to Dr. London. This was a lot. I added things up in my head. This villa… The private jet to Cuba… My new wardrobe. It all had to cost more than a million dollars. I knew plastic surgeons made a lot of money, but I didn't know they were making this much money.

"I hope I got your style right. You left all your belongings behind; it's the least I could do."

My eyes found his. This was so sweet, but I couldn't enjoy it because of the realization that there was more to Dr. London than his plastic surgery business.

"Is this like a rental home or something?" I threw the question out there.

"No, I own it. It's my home away from home," he replied, making my eyebrows raise. A home away from home in Cuba!

"I've been around gangsters and drug dealers my entire life… enough to know one when I see one. So, is the doctor thing just like a cover-up?" I blurted.

"I'm a plastic surgeon, you know that," he responded dryly.

"And? There has to be more. I'm not stupid."

He ignored me and walked into the bathroom. I could hear the water running as I stood there. I don't know why the thought of him being involved in the drug business made me so angry. He was associated with Kashus. I should have known. I guess I thought he was my fresh start. My something different. I was still standing there in thought when he returned. His lips were moving, but I was too in my head to listen.

"Monroe!" He touched my arm, causing me to come out of my thoughts. "I was heir to the London Cartel. I'm not anymore, but having the last name comes with its perks… like a trust fund… good credit… inherited properties. My father gifted me this house when I was five. Most people get a bike for their fifth birthday, I got a beachfront villa in Cuba."

I stood there frozen as he spoke. He was born into a crime family just like me, but he was a doctor—a surgeon. I needed to know more.

"Was the heir? What happened?"

"I wanted something different. I don't know if you can relate, but having a father as a kingpin, your whole life is mapped out for you. I wanted to make my own way—be my own man. The life of crime wasn't for me."

I nodded. His words were speaking to me, and suddenly, it was making sense why he'd recused me. He understood me in a way that nobody else could.

"It's been a long day. I ran you a bath. Relax. Get some rest. I'll see you in the morning for breakfast." He grabbed my hand and led me to the bathroom. I followed him.

"Wait, you're not sleeping here?"

"Guest room, down the hall. You need a lot of things tonight, and my dick etching its place in your soul isn't one of them." He kissed me once on the forehead before softly pecking my lips. I tried to push my tongue into his mouth, but he pushed me away.

"This" —He pointed between the two of us— "needs to chill. I crossed the line earlier, but I'm putting it back down. You're here for your freedom."

My eyebrows wrinkled as I listened to Dr. London reject me. I appreciated him trying to be respectful, but we both knew our attraction to each other was too strong to fight. It was only a matter of time before he had me bent over the balcony outside.

"Bathe, then sleep." He pointed to the tub as he left the room. I watched him until he disappeared. Who knew when I'd picked a doctor that I would also be picking my savior? Slowly, I shed my clothes and climbed into the bathtub. The water wrapped around my body, relaxing every muscle. There were so many unknown variables in my life at the moment, but none of them fazed me. I was in another country free of Kashus… free of my father. I didn't know how long I would be able to get away with this disappearance, but I was going to live every day like it was my last because if I was ever discovered, that was what it would be.

"You look beautiful,"Dr. London greeted me as I walked down the stairs.

I was wearing a yellow two-piece swimsuit set with a cute, long cover-up skirt. The set fit my body perfectly. I could barely tell I had a belly pudge. My body was giving hourglass. I was nervous about putting it on because of the amount of belly it showed. Kashus never wanted me to show my belly. The moment he crossed my mind. I knew it was the one. The first step in my freedom was taking back my confidence. Seeing Dr. London waiting at the bottom of the stairs smiling confirmed I'd made the right choice.

"Thank you, Dr. London," I replied, taking him in. It made no sense for one man to be that fine. The white button-down shirt he wore showcased his muscular build along with the sky blue hoochie daddy shorts he had on. He had to have a good stroke game with all the muscles that were on display in his legs. My mouth watered. Before Kashus, I'd been so closed off to men. Not even the finest man could get my attention, but Dr. London was too fine to ignore.

"Stop being so formal. I already had yo' pussy on my tongue, Monroe." He pulled me into a hug, making flashbacks of the way he'd feasted on me last night flood my memories. I'd never had anybody pick me up and devour me the way he had. We were past the formalities, but calling him Dr. London just came naturally.

"Sorry, I can't help it." I giggled.

"Royale or Ro will suffice." He removed his arms from around me.

"I'm not calling you either." I exhaled. "Besides, I like Dr. London." I walked away from him, being sure to put an extra switch in my hips.

"Is that right?" He followed me. I could hear the amusement and lust in his voice.

"Yeah, didn't you say this was business? Securing my freedom. I'm gon' keep it profe—" My words were halted by Dr. London's arms wrapping around my waist.

"You like playing with fire, huh? Just because I'm not trying to make this about sex, Monroe, doesn't mean I won't pick your thick ass up and push this dick all in yo' stomach." His strong arms tightened around my waist. I could feel his pelvis pressing against my ass. "I don't plan on going anywhere near professional with you again." He let go of my body, and it took me a minute to gather myself.

"Noted, London." I exaggerated his last name purposefully, leaving off the title. He didn't say anything at first just stared at me.

"I can accept that. Let"s go eat. You ready?"

I nodded. The way I would follow this man to the ends of the earth was crazy, and I probably needed to be evaluated for it, but something about Royale London just made me feel safe. The safest I'd ever been in my life.

"Where to?" I sang, throwing my arm out from him to grab onto. Without hesitation, he grabbed my hand and led me out of the back door of the villa. The beauty of my surroundings engulfed me as we headed down a paved pathway. Cuba was beautiful last night when we arrived, but this morning it was breathtaking. I'd been to many islands before, but something about this one was speaking to me.

"This place is gorgeous," I boasted as we walked along the beach.

"It is. I like this area. It's not flooded with tourists. Everyone here is a local." He pointed to the houses nearby. I nodded, taking it all in. The landing was lined with villas identical to his.

"This is the quickest path into the market. There's a ton of shops and restaurants there." He led me up a flight of stairs. As we climbed, the sounds of bongos and maracas filled the air. This must have been the market London was telling me about. It was so lively and full of people of all skin tones.

"This is where we'll be having breakfast. I may be biased, but this is the best restaurant in all of Havana," London quipped as a beautiful oceanside café came into view. The smell of bacon sailed to my nose as we entered. Before we could get through the door a brown skinned, short woman came running toward us.

"Royale! I didn't know you were dropping by. Ma is going to be happy to see you." She pulled him into a hug, causing me to narrow my eyes at the interaction.

"It was kind of spontaneous. I'm just showing my lady friend around. Monroe, this is my cousin Alyza." He pointed between the two of us. "Lyza, this is my lady friend Monroe."

His introduction caught me off guard. Lady friend!

"Your lady friend?" She eyed him suspiciously. "You've never brought a woman around us before. You must be as special as you are beautiful." Alyza turned to me.

"Nice to meet you." I extended my hand to give her a handshake but was met with her arms around my torso.

"I'm a hugger," Alyza mumbled in my ear before letting me go. "Ma met her yet?" She directed her attention back to London.

"No, go get her," London ordered as we walked through the restaurant and onto the patio.

"Ma as in your mother?" I questioned as we took our seats in a small booth that overlooked the ocean.

"No, as in Alyza's mother. My great aunt on my father's side. She owns this place," he stated nonchalantly, as if meeting his great aunt wasn't a big deal. My body was stuck as nerves took over me. The look of fear was probably written all over my face.

"Don't worry; she's the sweetest." He assured me. My leg bounced with anticipation as I stared at the menu in front of me.

"Are you close to her?" I was trying to wrap my head around how important this meeting was.

"Very. She raised my father after her sister passed away. She even raised me when my parents were young and in the streets. When my mother overdosed…" His voice cracked before continuing. "She's more of a grandmother than an au—"

"My favorite nephew!" A curvy brown skinned woman appeared at our table. My eyes ran over her. She didn't look old enough to be someone's mother, let alone a great-aunt.

"Aunt Vanessa!" London stood to greet her.

"Nephew!" She kissed him on the cheek. "Who is this chocolate bombshell?" She turned to face me. London introduced us, and just like her daughter, she pulled me into a hug.

"Royale doesn't bring women around. I almost broke my neck getting out of here to see who had gotten my baby sprung." The booth filled with light laughter as she slid next to me, taking the menu out of my hand.

"No menu needed. I'm going to prepare everything we got for you. This is a celebration." She was loud and animated, and I couldn't help but giggle. My eyes bounced between London and his aunt. I was honored that I'd been the first woman he had brought around them, but the gravity of what that meant was forcing me to ruin the moment.

"Monroe will be staying at the villa for a couple of weeks," he told her.

"Oh, a couple of weeks? I may have to put you to work. I can always use a helping hand around this place." Aunt Vanessa pointed around the restaurant. I smiled at her invitation. Work was a new concept for me. I wasn't allowed to get a job. It wasn't considered to be ladylike. My father saw it as disrespectful for a woman to work. Women took care of the home, and that was it. I glanced at London.

"That would be okay with you?" I questioned, uncertainty lacing my voice.

"Why wouldn't it be?" He stared into my eyes, causing me to drop my head. Shame filled me as I realized I'd let my past experiences seep into the moment. Just then, a loud crashing sound rang out in the kitchen.

"I gotta get back in there. I can't leave them alone in my kitchen for too long. I'll put you to work. Show you how to make some of Royale's favorites."

"I would love that." I looked over at London. I knew how to cook a few things so I could please my husband, but it wasn't my expertise. I'd grown up with a personal chef. I smiled and nodded as she scurried away from the table.

"She's sweet, and I'm certain she's found the fountain of youth." I turned my attention back to London.

"Aunt Vanessa knows the secret to life—paving your own way and finding what brings you peace. She was the first person to get out of the family business. You can say I followed her lead." The look in London's eyes as he spoke about his aunt Vanessa was refreshing. The admiration and respect he had for her was breathtaking. Men didn't admire women where I came from.

"That's amazing. The women in my family were all married away before I could form any bonds with them."

"Wow, I was going to ask you if there was anyone you wanted to send a message to… Let them know you"re okay."

I shrugged.

"It's just been my father and I since my mother passed away. My dad is an only child so no aunts or uncles. I am close to Contessa, she's married to my dad, but we have more of a sisterly bond. She's only a few years older than me. She's pregnant with my sibling. If my disappearance would disturb anyone, it would be her."

He nodded as I talked.

"I can get a message to her. Her being married to your father, though, that's risky."

"Contessa wouldn't rat me out. She knows this lifestyle." I assured him. He nodded.

"I'll get a message to her, Chocolate."

His promise filled my heart. I knew Contessa would be worried sick about me. I would hate for her to have complications with her pregnancy because of me. My last sibling didn't make it into this world, and I couldn't imagine being the cause of losing this one.

Just like she'd said, Aunt Vanessa had prepared almost everything I could think of to eat for breakfast. I stared at the table. It was loaded with bacon, eggs, sausage, ham, French toast, pancakes, oatmeal, omelets, and fresh fruit. I didn't know how two people were going to eat it all.

"Oh wow, this a lot of food."

"Aunt Vanessa overdoes it sometimes. Whatever we don't eat we can give to the kids over at the shelter. They love Aunt Vanessa's leftovers. I'll have them box it up, and we can drop it there on the way back."

A man with a heart was the sexiest thing I'd ever seen. For a second, I stared at him.

"You good?"

"Yeah, umm, that's a great idea." I cut my eyes away from him and turned my attention to the food.

"Awesome, eat up. You need fuel. I got a lot to show you today." London bit into a pancake. I began eating, but my eyes kept stealing glances of London. He was different—a breath of fresh air. I kept wondering when he would show his true colors and exercise his control over me, just like every man had done before him. Men weren't capable of being my safe place because they would just take advantage of my weaknesses. The more I thought about it, the more I stared at London. What is your flaw?

"How's your food?" London gazed up at me.

"Great! I may have overdone it. My food baby isn't happy." I rubbed my belly. I was stuffed from attempting to taste a little bit of everything. London's aunt could really throw down. It had been a long time since I'd been able to eat like this without scrutiny. Kashus always had something to say about my weight. So much that I tiptoed around him to eat.

"I'll have Aunt Vanessa box up the leftovers." He flagged down one of the servers. When she arrived at the table, London instructed her on what he planned to do with the food. She nodded as she removed the leftovers from the table.

"We can take our time walking the beach on our way to the shelter," London instructed.

"Yes, I need to walk off this food." I laughed just as Alyza returned to our table with three bags of food.

"Ma prepared more food to drop by the children's shelter." Alyza set the bags on the table. "I can come with, if this is too much to carry," she offered.

"Naw, I think we can manage. Tell yo' ma I said thank you. We'll be back by tomorrow." London stood from the table.

"It was nice meeting you, Monroe. Ma said you'll be here for a while. Maybe we can hang out sometime."

"Maybe." I turned to London. "Would that be okay?" He stared at me for a moment before answering.

"You don't have to ask me permission. You are free to do what you want." He shrugged. It was a habit for me to ask someone before I went or did anything. Places and people always had to be vetted first. My father didn't want me to be around people who could potentially harm me, and Kashus just wanted me to stay locked up in the house so he could be free to do as he pleased.

"Anytime you get bored with Royale, hit me up. I'll show you the fun places on the island. Here, put my number in your phone."

I looked down, not sure what to say. I had left my phone back in Miami with my old life. "Um, I don't have one… it's um…"

"She broke it before she got on the plane. I gotta take her to get a new one today or tomorrow," London interjected.

"Oh, okay, well, get it from London when you get your phone fixed. I gotta get back to work before my ma starts complaining." She walked off waving.

"Okay, thank you!" I shouted as she disappeared into the kitchen.

"Come on now, Chocolate." London took my hand and pulled me out of the booth. He guided me out of the restaurant. I could barely walk as we strutted along the water toward the shelter.

"So, a surgeon who was bred to be a gangster… Do you ever think about going back? Do you ever feel guilty for abandoning your family?"

That very thought had been plaguing my mind. Not marrying Kashus wouldn't just affect me but my entire family. London smirked.

"In the beginning when I was in school, yes. My pops isn't too happy about my decision. I haven't felt guilty in a long time, though. I didn't abandon my family. It's quite the opposite. I've given my family a new path… a new beginning… an option. My sister Samara could have been moving cocaine across state lines, but because of me, she's a nurse practitioner."

I nodded my head as he spoke.

"Nurse Samara is your sister!" I exclaimed.

"Yes," he replied as we continued to walk. London grabbed my hand, causing me to stop in my tracks.

"Sometimes choosing you can open the doors for others to do the same. Never feel guilty for choosing you—even if it's over family."

I took a deep breath as what he said took residence in my head. London had found a meaningful life outside of his family traditions. It gave me hope that I could one day have the same. As we walked, we talked more about our lives. It was so easy to talk to him. It felt like we'd known each other for more than a few hours.

"Here we are, Royale Children's Home." He pointed toward the small building that resembled a school. "Casita de ninos Royale," he repeated in Spanish.

"It's named after you." My eyebrows knitted together.

"Yeah, I own it." London guided me up the stairs of the shelter.

"You own a children's shelter?" My mouth dropped open. The more I learned about Dr. London, the more infatuated with him I became.

"Yeah, it's small right now—just about a dozen kids. They are all kids that have been affected by my family's cartel. They've either been abandoned by drug addicted parents or orphaned by cartel violence. Some have experienced both." He punched in a door code and turned the knob to open the door.

"This is really noble of you," I spoke.

"I've seen firsthand how drugs affect our communities. The children are the ones left to suffer most of the time. I can't change my family"s past, but I can help to change the future."

I smiled as we walked into the shelter. This man had to be too good to be true.

"Royale!" Several children came running. They all wore different skin tones and facial features. Some were boys, and some were girls.

"I have food!" London held up the bags.

"From Vanessa's!" one of the boys shouted as he took the food out of London's hands and ran toward the kitchen. The rest of the kids followed him.

"Make sure everyone gets a fair amount!" London shouted behind them as I took in my surroundings. This was a nice place. The furniture resembled the kind that London had in his villa. He had the children living just as nice as he was, and that was saying a lot about his character.

A tall lady with beige skin walked up and greeted us. "I didn't know you were going to be making our Saturday drop-off from Vanessa's."

"It was last minute. I'm showing my lady friend around the island. I had to stop by and see the kids.

"Lady friend?" she questioned, her eyes growing big.

"Yes, Kamila, this is Monroe. Monroe, this is Kamila. She runs the shelter."

"It's nice to meet you. Will you all be joining us for breakfast?" she questioned.

"Another time. We just left Aunt V's, and you know she fed us to death. I'll be back by before I leave—maybe shoot some hoops with the kids," London replied.

Kamila smiled. "They will love that. The kids love it when you visit."

London shook Kamila's hand, and we headed back out of the shelter and down the stairs. As the sun filled my line of vision and we strolled back onto the beach, I couldn't help but think about how beautiful it all was. Everything about our morning had been beautiful. I was living in the moment… taking it all in. The sun was shining, the waves were crashing, and it felt like the whole world was mine for the taking.