Forbidden Contract (The Birmingham Brothers Series) (18 page)

Bailey rubbed her temples to ease her headache. Her afternoon had been spent listening to the constant chatter of her newly discovered relatives as they fawned over the design of the dresses they would wear for her wedding. As for her dress she chose a simple sleeveless dress that hugged her body then flared down to the floor. The bead work in the bodice and the skirt caught the light and sparkled like a million diamonds every time she moved. For her flowers she chose lilies, the cake was a simple tiered with alternating layers of chocolate and white filled with a chocolate liquor cream and fresh strawberries. For the meal Bailey had agreed on a choice of tri tips or chicken, rice, potatoes, greens and fresh vegetables. A local band had been hired to perform at the reception and by the way her bridesmaids reacted the group must have had quite a following. With dinner done and the kids finally asleep Bailey slipped out of the house and headed for the stable. She needed a moment to clear her head and standing next to Zeus as she petted his neck she felt the tension leave.

“Long day?” Beckett asked stepping out of the shadows.

Bailey jumped as she turned to face him. “I didn’t see you there.” She said as she put her hand on her chest trying to quell her heart rate.

“
I find it peaceful here.” He smiled apologetically. “I’m sorry if I frightened you.”

“It’s ok
.” She said turning back to the horse. Even in this lighting she knew her face was flushed and it wasn’t due to the scare but due to Beckett’s sexy appearance. Dressed in faded jeans and a white Henley he reminded her of a model out of a magazine. Even with her back to him the memory of his perfectly sculptured body caused her heart to flutter. She could smell his cologne mixed with the fresh scent of clean hay and horses.

“How is Tristan?”
He asked coming up to stand next to her. She felt his body heat and fought to keep herself from swaying against him.

“He
’s fine…still a little tired….I met the specialist Dr. Greene recommended….Tristan liked her a lot.”

“
That’s good…when will you see her again?” He asked and Bailey felt his breath against her hair.

“Uh
hh……next week.” She said trying to keep her voice steady.

Bailey couldn’t believe just his proximity was having this much of an effect on her. He wasn’t even touching her and every inch of her body felt alive.

“Would you mind if I came with you?” He asked and surprised Bailey turned.

W
hen her eyes met his she froze. She saw the desire in his eyes but there was something else that she couldn’t read. She felt her body sway towards him and was surprised when he stepped back. To her relief he walked over to the other Percheron who was now clamoring for attention. By the time he turned back to her she had covered up her disappointment.

“I’m sure Trist
an would like having you come.” She said now turning to Zeus.

“Trent told us you agreed to work for us
.” He said watching her reaction.

“Is it ok?”
She asked looking at him over her shoulder. “If you prefer I work somewhere else I will.”

“No
, it’s fine. It’s just not necessary.” He said and Bailey realized by taking the job she had somehow insulted him.

“Beckett
, I can’t just sit around the house while the kids are in school.” She said turning again to face him. “I know you are providing the house…..and an allowance….but you have to understand…I’ve always worked; I don’t know any other way….and…”

“
And you don’t want to feel like a kept woman.” He said finishing her sentence.

“I’m sorry….I can
’t help it.”

“It
’s ok I understand.” He said and when she raised her eyebrow he smiled. “Really I do, besides if you are working with us we can adjust your hours around the kid’s schedule.”

“Thank you
.” She smiled. “I promise I am a hard worker, I won’t let you down.”

“I know or Trent wouldn’t
have hired you.” He said walking back over to her side. “So how difficult was today?”

“Well
.” She smiled enjoying his proximity to her. “I want to apologize to your brothers in advance for my bridesmaids.”

“That bad?”

“Yeah, I was popping Advil within the first hour….my suggestion…earplugs.”

He laughed and Bailey stopped to enjoy the sound.  When he finally stopped his smile still lit up his face and Bailey melted. She had fallen for him despite every effort on her part to prevent it. She didn’t know how she was going to get though the next two weeks let alone the next year.

“So…your grandmother gave me our itinerary and I guess our first appearance it tomorrow night”

“Have you seen the play before?”

“Once when it opened on Broadway….but I don’t think we stayed beyond the first act.”

“You and Macy
?” She asked.

“Yeah
.” He laughed as they headed out of the stable. “I got tired of explaining the story”

“But it’s not like it
’s an opera….it’s performed in English.” She said surprised.

“I know….she only wanted to go to check out the other women
’s dresses.”

“
I see.”

“So…have you seen it?”

“Our drama class took a field trip to see it when I was in high school.”

“You were in drama?”

“All four years….my dad insisted I concentrate on the arts and since I can’t draw beyond stick people it was either theatre or choir.”

“Can
’t sing?”

“No I can sing….but theatre had cuter guys
.” She grinned.

“
So did you have any luck?”

“No
unfortunately the cutest guys in theatre were gay and any other decent guy wouldn’t get caught dead with a Thespian.”

“Then
your dad knew what he was doing.” He laughed.

“Yeah
.” She said joining in his laughter.

“There’s a nice seafood restaurant on the water I’ve been meaning to try out.” He said as they reached the porch. “I thought we would eat there before the play unless you have another suggestion?”

“No, that would be fine.” She said hesitating. She was enjoying his company and didn’t want to end it so soon. “You don’t think we will be overdressed?”

“Probably.” He grinned
. “But what better way to get noticed.”

Again Bailey struggled for something that might prolong their conversation and when she looked up to meet his eyes he seemed amused and she couldn’t understand why. When his hand reached up she thought he was going to caress her cheek but his hand continued till he plucked something from her hair. He showed her the piece of hay he had retrieved from her
hair and slowly she let out the breath she had been holding in. When he noticed his eyes darkened and this time as he took a step forward his hand did caress her cheek.

“So soft.” He said
as he watched her reaction.

Bailey knew she should step back and break the physical contact between them but instead she stepped closer. His eyes held hers as his hand now slipped around to
the back of her head where his hand fisted in her hair holding her in place. His lips lowered and for a moment just brushed over hers gently waiting for her invitation. Instead of pulling away she ran her hands up his chest clasping them behind his neck as she pulled him further into the kiss. From the moment his mouth took possession of hers she was lost. His tongue danced inside her mouth coaxing her to respond and when her tongue jousted back he let out a groan pulling her body against his. His kiss was hungry; devouring her as if there was no tomorrow. But as quickly as it began it ended when the sound of the door opening jerked them apart.

Baily stood there
trying to catch her breath as voices drifted onto the porch. She looked at Beckett confused at first then embarrassed by her wanton response to his kiss. Other than the color of his eyes he was completely composed as he looked up to greet her grandmother.

“Regina.” He smiled.

“Beckett.” She said studying the two of them. “Bailey….there are a few more things we need to go over for this week’s schedule.”

Baileys back was to her grandmother and it took her a moment to compose herself enough to face her. How was it possible Beckett was so
controlled she wondered? Had she misread her effect on him? She cast him one last glance but his face was a perfect mask as he looked at her. She could feel the blush creep up her face and noticed the frown on his face as if she somehow disappointed him. She was about to turn to face her grandmother when he caught her arm keeping her back to the porch.

“Regina….Bailey and I were
in the middle of a discussion…would you mind if I borrowed her for a moment to finish…I promise to bring her back inside within the hour.”

Bailey could feel her grandmother’s eyes on her back and she noticed the way the muscle in Beckett’s jaw flexed
as he waited her response. She waited with her back to her grandmother fearing if she turned her grandmother would see how much Beckett affected her.

“Very well, I expect her in my study in
a half hour.”

“I’ll have
her there.” Beckett smiled but Bailey could still feel the tension as he turned and led her away from the house.

He didn’t release her arm till they reached the garden and Bailey watched him begin to pace as he ran his hand through his hair. Bailey suddenly felt
her legs give out and she sat down on the bench gripping the edge for support. Beckett noticed and kneeling before her took her hands in his as he looked up to her face.

“Bailey I’m sorry….I was out of line back there
, it was a mistake and I shouldn’t have let that happen.”

Suddenly her world began to spin and the wonderful sensation she had felt in his arms now felt cheapened by his remark. He regretted it and she was a fool to think it actually meant something to him. Slowly she pulled her hands from his and saw the confusion on his face. She stood up and put as much distance as she could between them keeping her back to him
. She squared her shoulders lifting her chin as she tried to salvage what little dignity she could as she spoke.

“Beckett…there’s no need to apologize….we just…we’re curious.” She said now turning to face him her face painted with a smile she didn’t feel. “We’re adults and obviously there
’s some attraction between us….it’s only natural…but don’t worry…I didn’t take it serious though it was enjoyable….it will make our little rouse easier to pull off.”

She could see first confusion then anger on his face as he looked at her. When he walked up to her
for a moment she feared what he might do. Stopping in front of her he grabbed her arms searching her face looking for an answer.

“You felt something…we both did….you can’t deny that.” He demanded.

“Of course I felt something.” She said lightly despite the way her inside was trembling. “You’re a very attractive man….and quite adept in the art of seduction….my body naturally responds to your expertise.”

“That was more than physical.” He said glaring at her now.

Bailey could feel her body respond to the heat of his. She knew it would so easily over ride her common sense and in the end when he left and her heart was broken her body wouldn’t care. She needed to guard against that.

“I’m sorry if I led you to believe otherwise Beckett.”

She saw frustration on his face and disbelief. Suddenly before she could react he pulled her into his arms and his mouth assaulted her demanding she respond. Mentally she tried to override her physical sensations but her body betrayed her and when her fingers threaded through his hair pulling him deeper into the kiss she felt his satisfied groan before he pulled away. She looked at him dazed her legs shaking and her eyes confused. She could still feel the pressure of his lips where they bruised hers, still feel the sensation of his hands as they had pressed her too him.

“You can’t deny that.” He said angrily before turning and storming off leaving her alone in the garden with her thoughts. Bailey’s legs gave out and she collapsed to her knees as she watched him walk away.

Beckett was angry as he walked away and feared if he stayed with her he might do something more to prove his point. His mind replayed everything from the moment in the stables to the kiss at the base of the porch. When he had returned from the office he avoided the house knowing Bailey was with her grandmother and cousins as they planned the wedding. Heading for the stables he was contemplating taking Zeus out for a ride when she entered the stable. He stepped into the shadows and watched as she approached. Her hands were rubbing her temples and the stress of what she had just endured was evident on her face. He hadn’t meant to make her jump as he stepped out of the shadows and he waited till she was calm before he approached her. When she turned and seemed to sway he stepped back fearing his reaction. Beckett could feel the heat of her body; smell the scent of her shampoo as it filled his senses. He knew if he touched her he wouldn’t be able to stop. Never before had he been so drawn to a woman and his desire for her was overriding his common sense. As they walked out of the stables their discussion was relaxed and enjoyable. When they reached the porch he saw her hesitancy as if she wanted to continue their discussion but didn’t know how to proceed. He couldn’t help but be amused by her innocence. She was so different from Macy, like a breath of clean air she was so easy to be with. When she looked at him she saw him as a man and she was genuinely interested in who he was. It had been a long time since he had been with a woman who was interested in whom he was not what he was or how much he made. When he pulled the hay from her hair he noticed her reaction and he couldn’t help himself as he reached out to touch her. Her skin was soft as he grazed his fingers across her cheek, her lips so inviting and her eyes pleading. When he touched her lips with his he waited, ready to pull back if needed. Her reaction both surprised and pleased him and before he realized what was happening she was in his embrace and he was enjoying the nectar of her taste. He wondered what would have happened if Regina hadn’t stepped out at that moment.

Just having her near him aroused his senses and when she was in his arms he lost all sense of control. The more he touched her the more he wanted. At first he believed he would be satisfied with a kiss but that left
him needing more. When Regina had stepped out and they pulled apart he quickly fought against his desire. He noticed the way Bailey was struggling to regain composure and he was concerned about Regina’s reaction. Seeing Bailey blush he knew he had to step in and take control for her protection. He saw the way Regina studied them and expected her to challenge his claim that they had only been talking. For some reason the old woman granted him his request and he quickly led Bailey away before she could reveal what had just happened.

When they got to the garden he began to pace trying to find a way to apologize to Bailey for what had just happened.
Surprisingly he didn’t regret what had happened; he could no longer deny the chemistry between them. When he tried to apologize he saw the way she was shaken. When she reacted by first moving away from him then making light of the situation as if they were just animals releasing their basic urges he grew angry. He had felt her response to his kiss and now she was trying to play it off as just a sexual urge. He had kissed her again to make her remember; make her acknowledge that what they share was more than a sexual release. His relationship with Macy was purely sexual and he knew the difference. When she melted against him he was satisfied he had proven his point and pushing her away he left her in her own thoughts.

If he stayed he knew he wouldn’t have stopped
with just a kiss. He would have stripped her of her clothes and shown her body what true desire was. He would have made love to her there in the garden taking her body till she screamed out his name as he drove her to multiple orgasms. Even now his body betrayed him as he visualized her there before him, naked. Her eyes darkened with desire, her lips bruised from his kisses and the smile on her face from the satisfaction he would have given her. Instead he walked away leaving her unsettled, wanting more. He should have felt satisfied proving his point but instead he felt empty as if he had just lost something he couldn’t explain. He knew they were treading on dangerous grounds that could complicate their arrangement but at that moment he didn’t care. He needed to go back to her and understand what strange hold she had over him. He turned intent on his actions only to find himself facing Trent’s angry face. He barely registered his face expression before Trent’s left hook caught him in the jaw sending him reeling backwards.

“Fuck.” He cursed grabbing his jaw. “What the hell was that for?” He demanded just before Trent charged him knocking him to the ground.

The wind was knocked out of him preventing him from blocking the next blow to the side of his head. Angry now he blocked Trent’s fist with his left arm and connected with Trent’s jaw with his right. Trent staggered and Beckett used this to his advantage as he rolled out from under him. Instead of jumping to his feet he dove at Trent chest pounding as he tried to get the upper hand on his brother. Trent was larger and definitely weighed more but Beckett was quicker and managed to slip from his grip before Trent could land another blow. At that moment Justin and Ethan arrived to pull the brothers apart. Justin was able to contain Beckett pinning his arms behind his back as he pulled him to his feet but Ethan wasn’t quick enough and Trent took advantage of the situation and slammed his fist into Beckett’s stomach causing him to double over as the wind was knocked out of him.

“That’s enough!”
Roark yelled as he joined his sons. “What the hell is this all about?” He demanded as he looked at Beckett who now crouched on all fours spitting out a mouthful of blood. Beckett looked up at Trent his anger evident in his eyes.

“Ask him….he just cold cocked me for no reason.”

Roark turned to Trent who was now held by both his brothers. Trent looked at his father and frustrated he shook off his brother’s hold as he stood his ground.

“Trent.”
Roark demanded a response.

“He deserved it after what he did to Bailey.” He accused through gritted teeth.

All eyes now turned to Beckett for an explanation and as he sat back on his heels he tried to think of an excuse for his actions. His father narrowed his eyes at him making him feel like a child again.

“What did you do to Bailey?” He now demanded from Beckett.

“I kissed her…..ok more than kissed her.” He said standing up to face his father.

“What do you mean more than kissed her?”
Roark said standing before his son.

“My hand may have roamed a little.” He said suddenly feeling ashamed. “But she didn’t object.” He said attempting to defend his actions.

Roark looked to Trent then back at Beckett. There was more to this than Beckett copping a feel or Trent wouldn’t have reacted as he did. He turned back to Trent.

“She was crying when I ran into her on the porch…and her face was ash white….you had to have done more than that to her.” Trent demanded accusing Beckett of lying. “Her blouse was torn
to shreds.”

Beckett
’s head snapped to his brother. “What do you mean her blouse was torn, I didn’t tear it?”

Trent wanted to believe his brother and when he first saw Bailey his protective nature over rode his common sense. Looking now at Beckett he realized Beckett wasn’t capable of treating Bailey like that. Beckett didn’t wait around for any more discussion. He turned and ran for the house ignoring the footsteps that pounded behind him. When he reached the foyer he looked towards the parlor where Regina was waiting. She came out obviously angry with Beckett and demanding an audience. She had witnessed her granddaughter run up the stairs in tears and by the state of her blouse Beckett had a lot to answer for. He ignored her and raced up the stairs to Bailey’s room. The door was locked and when he knocked she refused to answer. Frustrated he looked as the others now reached the top of the stairs. Instead of waiting to see if there was a key
he rammed his shoulder into the door breaking the lock. He could hear Regina’s angry voice and his father coming to his defense but he ignored everything searching for Bailey. He found her huddled in the corner her knees drawn up to her chest and her arms wrapped around them as she rocked back and forth. Tears streamed down her cheeks her fear was evident.

“Bailey.” He said gently as the others now appeared at the door. He looked to them and motioned for them to stop fearing they would frighten her more.

Angry Regina stepped in the room. “Stay away from her, you’ve done enough.” She said angrily approaching him. She froze when Beckett turned and faced her.

“I didn’t do
this now shut up and stay there.” He demanded and watched her gasp at the way he spoke to her. He turned now and once again looked at Bailey. Slowly he approached her ready to freeze if she panicked. “Bailey….I’m not going to hurt you.” He said calmly. When her eyes met his he felt his stomach contract from the pain he saw in her eyes. Her breathing was erratic and her body shivered from shock. He moved closer and knelt down in front of her. “Bailey….who did this?” He asked calmly. “Who hurt you?”

Bailey looked from him to the others. When she
saw her grandmother she cringed afraid now to talk. Beckett turned and saw Regina’s frown. Standing up he walked over and ordered the room to be cleared. Regina was about to protest but seeing the determination on his face she nodded and left the room followed by his brothers and father. Beckett closed the door then walked back over to Bailey. He held out his hand and she hesitated a moment before taking his allowing him to pull her to her feet. Her blouse was torn and barely covered the lace bra beneath it. Fresh bruises were imprinted on her arms where someone had grabbed her. He frowned and tried to control his rising anger as he spoke to her.

“Bailey…who hurt you?”

She looked up at him and though his jaw was tense his eyes showed true concern. When she began to shake he pulled her into his arms and she clung to him as the shock of what happened overwhelmed her. Lifting her up he carried her over to the bed and sitting on the edge he held her till the shaking stopped. He was acutely aware of the way her body molded to his, the way she clung to him for protection and the way her hair smelled of lemongrass. Beckett waited till the shaking stopped before he pulled back lifting her chin till her eyes met his.

“Who hurt you?” he asked gently.

“Jasper” she said in barely a whisper.

He tensed in anger as he again took in her appearance. Other than the bruises on her arm and her torn blouse he saw no other injuries. Still he had to ask her.

“Did he?” Beckett began but was at a loss how to word it. “Bailey….did he violate you?”

Though she paled at the question she shook her head no. “He tried…..but…I kicked him.”

Beckett couldn’t help but smile in relief as he pulled her against his chest. She didn’t protest when he tightened his hold on her, instead she wrapped her arms around him pulling him closer. Beckett didn’t want to break their bond but Jasper needed to be dealt with. He needed to know exactly what happened first.

“Bailey
what happened?”

He felt rather than heard her intake a breath before she began to speak.

“After you left…..he must have been watching us….I didn’t see him…he came up from behind me….he grabbed me and when I tried to scream he covered my mouth.” She shivered. “He had been drinking. I could smell it on his breath. He told me he wanted his kiss….then he turned me….pulled me to him as he kissed me….I tried to push him away but he was too strong.” She said as the tears now began to fall. “I could taste the whiskey….and his cigars.” She said wiping her mouth as if it would remove his taste. “When he pulled back I had enough leverage to knee him in the groin. He let go of me and I ran.”

“How did you your blouse get ripped?”

“When I broke free…he grabbed it trying to pull me back….part of it ripped off as I got free.”

Beckett held her for a moment waiting until the tears stopped before pulling back to look at her. Her eyes still held the fear of what happened but she no longer looked pale. He wiped the tears away then kissed her forehead.

“I need to go take care of this.” He said firmly and he saw the fear in her face. “Bailey….I should have done this the first time he put his hands on you.”

“Beckett no
what if you get hurt?”

He grinned at that. “I think I can handle him….trust me….I want you to go take a shower….put on some fresh clothes then wait for me….I’ll make sure no one disturbs you ok?”

Bailey nodded. She needed someone to take control now and he was glad he was the one she trusted. Before he could release her she reached up and touched the fresh bruise on his jaw frowning. Holding her hand he turned his face to kiss the palm of her hand then looked at her.

“Don’t worry….just a little disagreement with my brother.” He smiled. “Now go do as I said….I’ll be back as soon as I’m done with Jasper…he won’t be bothering you or anyone else around her again.”

Bailey bit her bottom lip as she looked at him. He resisted the urge to kiss her. She had already been man handled and the last thing she needed was for him to press her for something she wasn’t ready for. She slid off his lap and turned as he stood also. He got the impression she wanted something from him but before he could figure it out she fled to the bathroom closing the door between them. Frowning he wondered if he should stay with her but fearing where it might lead especially in her emotional state he decided to leave her room instead. His brothers were waiting along with his parents and Regina. He looked directly at her.