His Queen

The Party

Friday came and Hailey helped Cleo get ready.  

The red mermaid silk dress hugged on her curves like a second skin. “Your skin is everything boo, I need a skincare routine.” Hailey was saying as she didn’t even need to put much makeup on Cleo. Giggling, Cleo admitted, “Coconut oil and a nice hot shower. I sweat out everything and then I glow and it makes me so soft.”  

Hailey grinned as she finished up and asked, “Are you nervous?” Cleo shrugged shyly, “I don’t know, I’ve never met a guy’s family before. And now it’s at this huge event and I could totally embarrass him.”  

Standing, Hailey checked her step-sister out and shook her head bemused, “I don’t think you need to worry sis,” Cleo grinned at Hailey, “Yeah?” Hailey smiled, “As long as you are your sweet self they’ll be obsessed with you.”  

Hearing a horror movie scream, neither Cleo or Hailey jumped like before. Peyton had taken to screaming and hollering hoping the police would be called. That they’d investigate, but Hailey had a way to make her shut up apparently.  

Sighing Cleo looked at Hailey sadly, “You sure you don’t want to get cute and come? It’ll beat staying here babysitting her.” Hailey grinned but declined touched Cleo would even want her there, “No, one of us should be here. Just in case someone comes or she tries anything. Besides, this is your night to get to know your future in-laws.”  

Cleo wanted to protest, her and Hailey were becoming more than just stepsisters now. They were friends, and she liked having her back. And liked someone having her back.  

But before she could protest a scream was heard with the doorbell, “You go make Tyrone’s tongue roll out of his mouth,” Hailey ordered, “And I’ll go and deal with my mother.” Going downstairs, Hailey went to the basement as Cleo opened the front door.  

Tyrone’s tongue didn’t roll out of his mouth because he was sure he swallowed it. He looked at her over with heated eyes before pulling her close, “Damn it baby, you are going to kill me one of these days.”  

Kissing him happy he approved so fiercely, Tyrone held her close ready to peel the dress off her. But Hailey came in and whistled, “Jesus get a room.”  

Laughing, Tyrone looked at Hailey actually starting to like her lately. “You don’t want to come Hailey?” Hailey smiled sweetly, “Nah I’m good I have school work to do. But have fun, do have a drink for me.”  

Both agreed and left Hailey to her own entertainment. When Tyrone led Cleo out, she looked at the Ferrari surprised, “What happened to the Escalade?” Tyrone snorted as he opened the door for her, “Baby with how good you look, it’d be an insult to pull up incorrect like that.” Kissing her soft mouth gently before closing her in, he ran around the car.  

Getting in, Tyrone checked to make sure she was good. And then they took off listening to his playlist.  

As they talked on the way to his grandfather’s Cleo didn’t get nervous until they were in front of the large mansion. Expensive Ferrari’s, Lamborghini's, and Maserati’s lined up in front made her realize this was upper class.  

They all had money and status, something she did not. But when Tyrone grabbed her hand, kissed her palm and asked if she was ready, she suddenly was. Kissing him passionately, a honk had her pulling away blushing as Tyrone asked breathlessly, “What was that for?”  

Cleo giggled shaking her head, “No reason.” Putting on more lip gloss before walking in, Tyrone held her close as he led the way.  

The home itself was prestige, a large beautiful stare case led upstairs. Accepting champagne, Tyrone and Cleo followed the crowd to the ballroom where everyone stood. With classic music as the background the famous and rich all cooed over each other.  

With the beautiful room dripped out beautifully in elegant decor, Cleo looked at the beautiful chandelier. So gorgeous with every layer, it looked like it was raining crystals overhead. “Damn Elsa is shaking right now.” Tyrone laughed as he looked at her lovingly.  

Everyone took note to the heir to all of this surprised to see his date on his arm. Not knowing her, and gossiping immediately on who she might be neither noticed. Instead, Cleo heard the music and as a sexy tango beat picked up tempo she looked at Tyrone hopefully, “Do you dance?”  

Expecting a no, she was excited when he nodded just as eager.  

Tyrone pulled her out on to the dance floor and as the music picked up, every watched the few couples on the floor. But it was Cleo and Tyrone that snagged everyone’s attention. Their transitions were so smooth, like they’d been lovers for years.  

Everyone was captivated, even the other dancers, as he dipped her and she sprung right back up. The long ponytail she’d added bounced as she whirled around. Legs crossing as they backed across the room, Tyrone slid his hands over those curves as hers went down his chest.  

Gasping as the song punctuated it’s end with three final beats, Cleo and Tyrone’s final pose had everyone clapping. Smiling both righted themselves having forgotten everyone else. Leaving the floor Tyrone whispered, “Well we sure got the party started.”  

Both were laughing when an older man appeared and greeted them with, “Well good evening to you two as well.” Tyrone sighed not shocked he’d caught his family’s attention, “Grandpa, this is Cleo, Cleo my Grandfather Patrick Royal.” Cleo looked into a black and green eye smiling at her, “Hi. It’s so nice to meet you.”  

Holding out a hand, Cleo smiled as the older shook her hand kindly and kissed both cheeks, “Pleasure to meet you as well darling. And might I say, you are gorgeous!” Patrick and Cleo talked for a moment before he was pulled away by an old colleague much to his annoyance.  

But as Tyrone made their rounds introducing Cleo to old high school friends, they were yet again approached. This time by his father and mother, “Mom, dad,” he greeted nervously as he looked at Cleo held on to his hand tighter he “This is my girlfriend Cleo, Cleo my mom Renee and my dad Elijah.”  

Holding out her hand Cleo greeted them both a little nervous, “Mr. And Mrs. Royal it’s a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance.” Both smiled at her, “Same to you dear,” Renee said grinning happily, “And might I say you look very beautiful tonight. Oh, if I was younger and hadn’t had two kids.” She said whimsically.  

Cleo giggled, “Oh stop, you are a bombshell.”   

Renee was indeed, and in her early forties she was still curvy and taut in the right places. In her dark violet dress, the former model took the compliment with a smile. Talking with her for a moment, Renee rolled her eyes when Elijah asked Cleo, “So Cleo tell us, what are you plans for after school?”  

Tyrone was shocked to hear, “I have a scholarship for Herzing sir. I’m going for a double major in Computer Science and Business.”  

Whistling impressed Elijah looked at Tyrone who looked at Cleo for a moment, “I go to that school too. I’m on my sophomore year.” Surprised since she realized she hadn’t asked that, Cleo whispered, “I’m so sorry how did we not talk about that! Wait does that mean we’re going to school together next year?”  

Tyrone liked the sound of that.  

But only because Cleo made it sound as if they’d still be together next year. Feeling a small smile creep up his face, he brought her closer and kissed the side of her head. “I guess I found my new study partner.”  

Elijah and Renee both laughed and then a warm voice teased, “Oh please like you study.” Cleo was stolen from his arms and his little sister Tabatha, or Tab, jabbed, “You’re mostly going to be distracting this smart smoke show you’ve been hoarding.”  

Tyrone sighed as Cleo giggled at him, “Cleo, my sister, sis my girlfriend. Paws off.” Tabatha pouted, “You are so mean, it’s like the older you get the least likely you are to share.”  

Laughing Cleo joined in, “You should seen him almost chokeslam one of his guys for a piece of chicken. It was almost WWE Raw SmackDown in the kitchen,” Hot in the face as his family laughed at him, Tyrone didn’t care. Because as his mama kept it going saying he’d always been that way, his dad nodded at him quickly.  

He didn’t need to see it, but he’s eyes were warmed up now seeing Cleo. Hearing her make his family laugh and listening in to conversation, there was a feeling in his bones. And he liked that feeling.  

Oh yeah, Cleo was a keeper. It showed from her smile, to her politeness, to the way she had even Tabatha in stitches.  

Stealing her away, Tabatha introduced Cleo to her friends as Renee pinched her son’s baby fat. “Ow mama!” He jumped and Renee hissed, “At a party Tyrone Luca Royal? I meet my future daughter-in-law at a party! Boy I should-.” Starting to wring his neck, Tyrone’s life flashed before his eyes before his dad saved him.  

Chuckling Elijah held his woman close and kissed her head, “Calm yourself wife, in his defense this was daddy’s doing. He wanted to be nosey and see how she adapts, and to be honest-.” Hearing laughter, the three turned to see Cleo had some of the sternest of faces cracking up.  

“She’s a very charming young lady. Good job son,” Elijah congratulated as his wife eagerly said, “Bring her to the house, I want to have a full sit down with her. Alone.” Tyrone agreed to appease his mama and so she wouldn’t beat him with whatever was closest.  

Which she would do.  

In the middle of this party. And if that wouldn’t mortify him enough on any other occasion, the fact Cleo was here had him nodding fast.  

Chuckling Elijah looked over suddenly and saw Cleo had moved on and Tabatha was still with her friends. Looking he frowned and asked, “Where did she go?” Tyrone turned and when he saw his girl was indeed not in the same spot from a minute go, he went looking.  

Cleo after talking to a senator, writer, and a scientist was relaxed now. Other than wealth and a name that probably had connections she could NEVER, she found they were still people. People who looked like they needed a good laugh and someone to be real.  

Which is all she was good for.  

Not to mention slaying the hell out of this dress, but that was only for Tyrone. She went to the bathroom to check make sure she still looked good. But after coming out, she was heading to Tyrone when she was stopped.  

Planting herself in front of her path, Cleo watched a curvy young woman dripped out in jewels and a designer dress look her over. A man backed her up with another female and all three looked at her like she was something nasty.  

“Is this supposed to be her?” The woman asked the guy scoffing. In her gold dress with a sweetheart bodice and figure-hugging design, she was stunning. Even in the face she was exquisite with a beauty mark by her full lips and her Brazilian hair curled perfectly. She was a brown skinned woman like Cleo and the soft supple skin seemed radiant.  

All decadent and elegance from the way she spoke to the way her brown eyes moved seemed graceful. But the words coming out of her mouth? Not so much.  

Cleo raised an eyebrow at the implied insult and started to move around her, “I believe you are mistaken, excuse me.” But the woman refused to let Cleo pass and Cleo immediately wanted to punch her in the throat.  

Because she felt herself being tested and right now, she wasn’t in the mood. But this wasn’t the time or place so Cleo watched as woman sneer at her, “No because you’re the only common trash in here right now.”  

Both her friends cackled like she was being funny, but Cleo rolled her eyes, “Okay, I’ll bite. And what I have done to offend you stranger? Or is it just that my family isn’t as fortunate as yours that’s doing it for ya?”  

Surprised by the lack of interest and fear in her voice, gold dress righted herself as she confidently announced, “I’m Alyssa Terrance.” And as she waited in some kind of pose for recognition or something to pass, Cleo just accepted a champagne from a passing waiter.  

Sipping it casually she waited for more, but Alyssa seemed determined to make her ask. Sighing Cleo asked, “And that makes you...?” Alyssa’s nose flared with disgust at the lack of respect. Looking at her best friends Frankie and Rebecca, Alyssa smirked when they egged her on.  

Rubbing it in slow, Alyssa announced, “The love of Tyrone Royal’s life.” 

Expecting her to be rocked by the title, Alyssa watched Cleo look at her instead with mock surprise, “Wow really? I’m his date tonight, Cleo, nice to meet ya!” Holding out her hand like they’d shake, Cleo wasn’t surprised when Alyssa just looked at her like she was crazy.  

Frankie could see Alyssa was off kilter now with the weird girl’s response. And the African-American young man was about as gay and messy as they come. Living for the drama, he asked Cleo harshly, “What are you stupid are something?”  

Cleo laughed lightly, “Far from. But I do know that if Tyrone was in love with someone else, he wouldn’t have brought me here.” Not liking the confidence on how she said that sentence, Alyssa hissed, “Bull. He only brought you here to make me jealous, well it didn’t work. The hell I look like being jealous over some gold digger in training. You probably don’t even know the difference between Versace and Gucci.”  

No longer enjoying the half ass intimidation tactics, Cleo didn’t know she was heard when she said, “Okay listen tatter tot, this is what I’m going to do. I’m going to walk away and go find my fine ass date and enjoy the rest of my night.” Seeing a waiter passing by with food Cleo gasped, “Ohhh and I’m going to find out what he has on his tray cuz it looks good.”  

Turning back to the stank face Alyssa, Cleo couldn’t help it, “And it was Lissa right?” Frankie squawked in shock at the snub as Rebecca got heated.  

Long brown hair and rocking a beautiful custom dress, the Afro-Lantinx woman hissed, “It’s Alyssa! Get it right.” Cleo shrugged, “Eh it doesn’t really matter I will do my best to forget it when I walk away. But listen baby cakes, I’m not scared of you or insulted that you think so low of me. Considering when I go home tonight you will be the furthest thing from my mind.”  

Smirking Cleo hummed as she pointed, “But I do part with words of wisdom for you. Maybe not judge so quickly without knowing someone. And maybe not call someone broke while you’re rocking a knock off Gucci bracelet and fake Louis Vuitton shoes.”  

Frankie peeped this and looked Alyssa’s way shocked, “Those shoes are fake!?” Alyssa sniffed as she tossed her head up, “Of course not, and like she’d know.” Laughing, Cleo told her playfully, “Whatever helps you sleep at night.”  

Pushing her lightly out the way, Cleo was walking away when Alyssa’s Stiletto nails dug into her arm. “He’s going to leave you!” Looking at her angry, Cleo warned, “Let go of me right now,” Alyssa didn’t instead kept trying to plant the seed of doubt in her head, “You’ll never be enough for him and you won’t measure to half the things I could do for him.” 

Cleo’s response was to send a sharp pinch to Alyssa’s arm making her hand pull from her arm. Rubbing at the indents in her skin, Cleo hissed, “I can tell you’re lying. Because if you really believed that, you’d be a little more confident. You wouldn’t feel the need to gang up on me with your little yes men.”  

Both Rebecca and Frankie soured at being called out and watched as Cleo righted herself, “And while I might not be as rich, I carry myself like a lady. How about you?”  

Cleo turned and left Alyssa ready to claw her face off. Angry she stalked off to find Tyrone and make him prove to the little b***h the truth he’s always known. But when she went searching, she missed him rushing to his date gratefully.  

“Hey, I got worried everything okay?” And Cleo could see the worry dimming in his eyes, could see him watching her for distress. But as she felt nothing but his warmth and security, Cleo felt heart skip beats as she admitted, “Everything is perfect.”  

Tyrone smiled and bent down and gave her a kiss, pulling away, both smiled as he began to take her to see some friends.