Forgotten Promise (Forgotten Series Book 2) (11 page)

~Cash~

“You don’t have to
fucking tell me again, Sonya. I know they’re engaged.” I huff.

“I guess your charm
has an expiration date on it.”

Enjoying my failure
too much. “Don’t be such a bitch, so the plan didn’t work. This is far from
over.” Anger spilling out of me like a God damn waterfall.

“You’re running out
of time, she’ll be married and it will be all over.”

She needs to keep her
mouth shut. “You’re not helping, and the tip off you gave their security team
cut my time with her.” She ignores my comment, and I know why, jealousy. “You
need to keep your feelings in check, woman.”

Bloodcurdling rage
crippling me. I failed, I fucking failed. My plan was futile. I have to break
them up. I didn’t anticipate the hold Nathan would have on her. I glance at
Sonja pouring me two fingers of Macallan. I gladly take it and slam the smooth
scotch in one swallow.

“Sounds like you have
some cut-throat competition, Cash.”

“I said, I’ll get her
back.”

“And what will you do
if you don’t?”

“I’m a God damn
Lawyer, If I can persuade 12 jurors, I can persuade one stubborn woman.”

She hands me a refill
and with one swallow I knock it back again. She reaches up to kiss me, I’m
roaring inside, I take her hair and grasp it hard, titling her to the angle I
want, I take what I want.

Whatever the cost.

“Put a call into the
lawyer who represents Nathan’s father, he’s scum.”

“I have an idea.”

~Nathan~

The day is here, the
one I’ve dreaded for months. The prosecution has briefed me on what to expect
under cross examination, my testimony being the key component to the case.
Bryer is here for moral support, I wanted to spare her any more stress that has
to do with “My father.” He’s done enough. We haven’t even discussed the charges
concerning her kidnapping. She’s paying a high price to be with me. One crisis
at a time.

“I’m here, Nathan.”
She reaches for my hand.

This simple gesture
unknowingly giving me strength. There’s a lot of commotion in and out of the
room down the hall, my instincts warning me something’s up. Which adds to my foul
mood, it’s a deadly combination as we wait impatiently. I watch as an unknown
man approaches us, arm extending in my direction.

“Nathaniel, I’m Mark
Palmer, we spoke on the phone several times, so good to meet you.”

“Mr. Palmer,” I
acknowledge.

“And you are Bryer
Reid?”

I watch her nod.

“There’s been an
update, follow me.” We follow him towards a flurry of people walking in and
out, phones to their ears, papers in hand. Once inside, all eyes turn to me.

“We are in
negotiations with the defense attorney, working out a plea, and I want you to
be a part of it.”

“As opposed to what?
A long drawn-out trial?” The cynical part of me knowing I couldn’t be so lucky.

“That’s correct.
We’ll take the death penalty off the table, if he pleads guilty.”

“I see.” Knowing I
should have many questions, not one coming to mind at this minute.

“That depends how
long?” Bryer says.

“Well, that’s what
we’re working out now. We offered twenty-five years, with a chance of parole at
twenty.”

“Oh and why’s that?”
she asks.

“Nathan would be
spared the ordeal of a trial, and we will put your father away, which
ultimately is the goal.”

“Out in twenty?” I
ask, finding my voice. Hating the idea this mad man could be on the streets in
twenty years, still seems too soon. “Do it,” I say, looking at Bryer, she nods.

“We’ll make the
offer, we’re ready to deal.”

We watch Mr. Palmer
leave, shouting orders to three legal assistants that all look stressed, but
scurry away with their designated task.

“It’s the right
decision,” she says, looking in my eyes.

“I know.” Despite
everything, nothing will bring me closure, nothing will bring her back. “Is
this justice served?” I question. Now we wait. A very long hour later in walks
Palmer.

“We have another
problem.”

“Of course we do.”

“They want the
kidnapping charges dropped, to be included in the plea.”

“Without any
additional time served?” Bryer asked, showing off that brain of hers.

“Correct.”

“He’s getting off
with a fucking hand slap. This is just like him, he always did haggle over every
penny, and this is no different. This time, the stakes are higher.” Pacing, I’m
emotionally spent.

“What choice do we
have?” Bryer asks both of us.

“I’ll agree to almost
anything to spare you the torment of facing him in court.” Finally finding my balls,
I won’t let him hurt her again.

“Agree to drop the
kidnapping charges, but I don’t want any further contact from him or his
lawyer.”

“That’s policy, the
lawyer cannot contact you legally,” Palmer says.

“Does
he
know that?”
I receive a sinister glare.

“That is completely
unethical and could get him disbarred or even criminally charged, tampering
with a witness is prohibited.”

“You might want to
mention that.” Feeling relieved

After two hours, the
madness is setting in. I know she was hiding her emotions, trying to be strong
for my sake. But I know my woman, she’s pale and is through with this toxic
day. I could strangle him with my bare hands for everything he’s done.

In walks Palmer,
papers in hand. “We got him,” he says. “I need both of your signatures, I’ve
already signed on behalf of the prosecution.”

“And it’s over?”
Bryer asks.

“It’s over.”

As we walk out
hand-in-hand we’re silent, processing this in our own way. I feel like we just
dodged a bullet.

“It could have been a
blood bath, for both of us. This is the best way to walk away without
destroying us both.” Bryer breaks the silence.

“I suppose you’re
right, we can move forward with our life and not look back.” Kissing her
forehead, smelling the sweet lavender scent.

“Let’s go home.”

~ ~ ~

As we lay in bed,
limbs tangled together, sheets in disarray, I hold her close. “Do you want me
to wear a tux?”

“At a beach wedding?
I’ll spare you. But I did admire the way it looked when you proposed.” Lifting
to rest on her elbow. “What are your thoughts on linen?” she asks

“I think that can be
arranged.”

“I’ll let you know,
that tux was all kinds of sexy.” She glances up with a heart-melting smile.

“A virgin white
dress? Obviously that would be wrong on so many levels.” I tease, and I get a
poke in the ribs for that one.

“Keep that up and
you’ll be jonesing it til’ the honeymoon.”

“Is that right? I
don’t think you’re strong enough to resist my charms, so I’m not worried.”

“Cocky, I like that,”
she accuses.

“Confident, baby,
confident.” Pulling her on top of me. “Yes, a white dress. Whatever dream you
have, will be my dream, too. I just want to get to the part where they announce
us husband and wife now you may kiss your bride.” Kissing her softly to
solidify my declaration.

“Well, there’s a few
steps in between that I’m looking forward to.”

Inciting feelings I
didn’t know existed. “An island-hoping honeymoon?” I suggest. “As you can see,
your fiancé has some clever ideas.” My body stirring beneath hers.  “I
have an idea right now.” My hips grinding against hers. “Feel that?”

“Hard to miss, babe,”
she teases.

“As I see it, we
are
naked, you’re on top of me, we might as well take this opportunity.” My hands
roaming, the tension building an ache deep within me is winning. I enter her
slowly in one effortless motion, penetrating her very core. Watching her above
me, the blood humming in my veins.

“God, you’re wet.”
Already swollen and ready for me. Coaxing her to match my rhythm. “Oh fuck,
Bryer.” That familiar hot body squeezing my cock into wonderland. “Lift, baby.”
Giving her a completely different angle of my driving hips, also the view of
her bouncing tits, is so fucking sexy.

“Right there,
Nathan.”

Finding her G-spot
that makes her come instantly. Her damp quivering thighs telling me she’s
close, I know I am. Clutching each other until our final surrender.

“I’m coming, Bryer,
fly apart with me.” And I watch the love of my life, the tantalizing image of
what I can do to her. Fuck I feel like a real man.

~Bryer~

“What’s taking you so
long, are you coming out of the closet?” Gen asks.

“You have the
patience of a saint.” I say sarcastically. “I’m almost ready.” I pick up the front,
so I don’t trip over the poof, and lace. I step up onto the platform to see the
three-way mirror. Not bad, but that’s a lot of dress. I can see the displeasure
on her face.

“Too granny. Is that
a hoop I see? Dear Lord, Bryer, there is nothing sexy about a hoop dress.”

“You’re a very sassy
maid of honor, I should have shopped around.”

“You’re stuck with
this bad-ass maid of honor. Who will tell you the truth, it sucks.”

“Well, as you so
eloquently put it, I’ll take the sucky dress off.” Hands on hips.

“In the first place.”
Her arms circling the offensive dress. “It’s a beach wedding, not Gone with the
Wind. I envision a flowing train, strapless maybe. By the way, you are
not
picking
my maid of honor dress.”

“Am too.”

“Ah, that’s a no.”

And I know she means
it. “I get final approval.”  I’ll veto anything that falls in the neon
category.

“Fine. Whatever.”
Knowing she’ll get exactly what she wants.

“Miss, oh Miss.” Gen
waves her arm at the poor saleslady, who is juggling several brides to be.

“Can we see several other styles,
more appropriate for a destination wedding on the beach?”

“Of course.”

A rude look is
exchanged, cat fight? I get into more trouble with Gen than I do with anyone.
What’s the common denominator here? “Pure torture, Gen, how many dresses do I
have to try on?” I complain.

“Until we find the
one.” Shaking her head, like I’m clueless.

I watch as the
saleslady adds 2 more dresses to my pile in the dressing room and follow her
in.

I grab the one closest to me, it glides
on and fits like a glove. Wow, stunning. Twisting and turning in the mirror
looking at every angle, strapless with a sweetheart neckline, cinched bodice,
crystals scatter in a beautiful pattern, the floor-length silk slides over my
body perfectly. The tapered sheer overlay adds a surprisingly sexy quality. I
love it.

I can’t hold back the
huge grin as I walk out. Gen’s eyes roll over me and her intake of breath tells
me this is it. I shamelessly walk to the pedestal and do a 360 as the fabric
flows and follows my every move.

“I promised you would
know, Bryer.” She comes from behind with a jeweled crown veil that is stunning.

I just became a
bride.

“Surreal, I’m going
to be Nathan’s wife.”

“Lucky you!” Gens
giggles.

“This is it.” I tell
the saleslady, she only nods and smiles. As I return to the dressing room to
change, I see Gen on the pedestal twirling in a butter yellow halter dress.
It’s perfect.

“You’ve got to be kidding you found
the dress already?”

“First try.” She
boasts, with a sweet smile plastered on her face.

“You would.”
Returning the smile

“Is that your final
answer?”

Leading me to believe
I have the final say. “Yes, wrap it up with mine.” As she hugs me and we jump
up and down simultaneously.

“This will be epic,”
I acknowledge and we’re on our way to lunch. We take separate cars because I’m
going straight to work.

After solving the
world’s problems, in fashion that is, picking out flowers, the cake, all while
eating Mexican food, it’s coming along nicely. We pay and get up to leave. My
eyes float across the restaurant, I’m stunned into silence, I skid to a stop at
what I’m witnessing. Gen literally runs into me, falling into my back.

“What the hell,
Bryer?”

And before my name
leaves her lips, I feel her frozen in place. I turn to help, to watch her
reaction, but I’m too late.

She stalks over to
the booth where Walker and some skeevy-looking woman are pushing the limits to
PDA. “So Walker, this is you traveling? I’ve heard it called many things
before, but never that.” Her hands on her hips.

I follow, knowing all
too well where this is going. I see his look of shock, rendering him
speechless.

“What a load of crap,
a liar and a cheat, what a lovey combo, Fuck–Ass.”

Oh jeeze, now people
are turning to stare, but knowing Gen she doesn’t care. Truthfully, how can I
blame her?

“Gen, we need to talk
in private.”

That’s the wrong
answer, as both women look at him with murder in their eyes.

“Here,” she hands him
a napkin, “bleed on this.” Then slaps him across the face, one blow the sound echoing
in my brain, I’m assuming it was much louder in Walker’s.

“Jesus, Gen, calm
down, you’re acting like a bitch.”

Stupid man, stay
down.

“Am I, asshole? I’ve
been called worse by better.”

I swear I see smoke coming
from her nostrils. What a fucker. Who would do this to Gen? She’s gorgeous,
funny, smart, and so far from needy, she’s every guy’s wet dream.

“You can have him.”
Looking over at the tramp. “You have something on your chin.”

I watch as the woman
wipes nothing away.

“No the third one
down.” Gen dismisses her rudely. “Don’t miss me too much, Walker.” As she turns
leaving with the pleasure she just emasculated him.

I follow, putting my
arm over her shoulder, just to let her know I’m here.

“Don’t say it,
Bryer.”

Determined to get to
her car as fast as possible. “Don’t say what?”

She stops, turns and
looks into my eyes.

I see the hint of
emotion, hurt coming out in anger.

“That you were
right.” Her eyes glazing with tears that she won’t let spill.

“I would never do
that, nor did I ever want this to happen, I just thought he was high risk.”
Pulling her in for a hug, noticing she doesn’t hug back as firmly. “I’m so
sorry, I’ll go back there and slap both of them if you want,”  watching a
small smile break.

“Yeah, you do that.
I’ll supply the two by four.” She reaches for her keys and starts to climb in
her car.

“Call me,” I offer.

She nods then drives
away.

My heart aching for
hers.

~ ~ ~

“Special delivery.”
As Jake leans on my door frame, holding a dozen yellow roses in a beautiful
glass vase.

“For me? You
shouldn’t have.” I tease.

“I didn’t, there’s a
card.” Setting them on my desk.

“Nice to have you
back, stranger.”

He pats my back like
one of the boys, I always liked that. “You’re awful chipper this morning.” I
notice.

“The latest gossip
just hit, interested?” Grinning way too big to resist.

“Okay, you got me,
spill.” Smiling at his enthusiasm.

“Our boss Thane, Mr.
Kingsley has received an offer to buy him out.” His arms out in a Ta-da pose.

“What? By who? Where
did you hear this?”

“His secretary,” he
answers.

“That’s a reliable
source,” I say, tapping my pen on my desk, pondering what this means.

“I’m optimistic.”

He knows more, I know
it. “Why? What else do you know?”

“I know it’s a legal firm.”

A gut-wrenching
thought crosses my mind, God help me if I’m right, my world will crumble around
me. Would he? No, he wouldn’t dare. Oh Hell. It’s feasible. I need to speak to
Thane, today. I call his secretary and make an appointment for this afternoon.
I have no plan in place, except the fact I need to find out what firm, and if
he
is involved.

I can’t concentrate
on any projects, A continual loop is playing in my head, speculating on two
scenarios—one being a small business change, the other a bomb exploding in the
middle of my life.

“Come in,” Mr.
Kingsley says.

“May I have a word
with you, sir?”

“Sir?” One eyebrow
raised, while ushering me to sit.

“This must be
important. Leaving us, Bryer?”

“No sir…Mr. Kingsley,
I just heard some rumors flying around, and I wanted to hear it from the
source.”

“Shoot.” He leans
back in his chair.

His relaxed demeanor
has always calmed me. I take a deep breath, and mirror him, resting back on the
chair and crossing my legs. “I hear there’s an offer on the table.” I know
he’ll appreciate a straight shooter.

“You heard correctly,
Bryer.”

“And you’re
considering it?

“Yes, Bryer, there’s
nothing I would like more than spending time with my family and retiring a
little earlier than planned.” Pointing with his pen at his family picture, just
one of many sprinkled around his office.

“I fully understand,
Mr. Kingsley, I understand it’s a legal firm, which strikes me as unusual.”

“I agree, but it’s an
offer I have to consider, an opportunity like this may never happen again.”

Nervous asking my
next question, I feel tension in the depths of my stomach. “Which firm?” I see
him rummaging through his paperwork, and finding what he needs.

“I have no issue
letting you know, Bryer, but until this is final, keep it between us. I would
like the staff to hear it from me.”

“Of course.”

“Here it is,
Kendrick, Roberts and Harrison.” He concentrates on the proposal in his hands,
and my body starts to shut down. Revulsion consuming me, not only is it Cash,
it’s Nathan’s father’s attorney. Which means they have joined forces. And where
there is corruption, his father can’t be far behind. I’m getting hit from both
sides. This is unbelievable, it can’t be real, it can’t. Gut-wrenching fury,
mixed with fear of the unknown is a deadly cocktail. I feel sick, physically
sick.

“Bryer…Bryer, are you
alright?”

“Yes sir, thank you
for trusting me with the delicate information.” I abruptly stand and excuse myself
as fast as possible. I don’t know what he’s up to, but I plan to find out.

Nathan picks up on
the first ring. “Hey, baby.”

“I have some very
disturbing news. Can you ask Stan to meet us tonight after work? Sooner if
possible.” Sounding frantic.

“Jesus, Bryer, you’re
scaring me. What happened?’

“Cash happened.” And
I fill him in.

“He’s stepped on my
dick one time too many. Meet me at home now, I’ll call Stan.”

“I’m on my way.”

“Holy fuck!” Nathan
shouts, as I lay out the complete scenario to Stan, who is listening intently.

“I don’t know what
his motive is,” I admit.

“
You
are his
motive, Bryer.” Nathan paces while running his hands through his hair.

I knew he would react
this way, I don’t blame him.

“I can guarantee your
father is funding this little venture. I researched Cash’s finances, he doesn’t
have the means to pull this off,” Stan states, matter of fact.

“My father and Cash,
together, scheming, this is a lethal combination, I just don’t know understand
how Cash thinks this will win Bryer back.” Nathan’s fists turning white.

“Nathan, the company
I work for will be owned by Cash, he will have all the control and power,” I
say.

“Do we have a time
frame, when does the deal close?” Stan asks.

“It’s close, the
proposal is on the owner’s desk.”

“Fuck, bottom line,
the company will be his,” Nathans says.

“He has to know I
would leave my position before I would let him get close to me again.”

“Aren’t you under
contract, Bryer?” Stan asks

“Yes, but couldn’t I
get out due to a buy out?”

“That’s a question
for a lawyer, one I’m sure Cash already thought of,” Stan says.

When will it end? The
audacity of this man is spiraling out of control. He’s so underhanded, scheming
behind everyone’s back to achieve…what? To force himself in my life, for what
reason? It’s too late, it’s over.

“He won’t benefit by
sabotaging the company, they all would lose too much money,” Nathan says.

“Not necessarily, it
looks like the main financial contributor is your father, Nathan,” Stan offers.

“He’s relentless.”
It’s astounding, what’s his stake in this?

“Let me put my men on
it, and I’ll personally do backgrounds on the two other men. We know one is an
unethical lawyer who represented your father. But who is Roberts?”