Joseph: Bentley Legacy (3 page)

Chris looked down at the mark on her hand. Seldom did she think about what she was, a witch of the highest order that had ever been recorded. A white witch that could do just about anything. But Chris, unlike her sister, had never used her powers much. She would shut a door or maybe bring herself something, but she never used the magic that her mom had passed down to them both. They were both told as children that it was dangerous to use, and would more than likely get them stuck in a lab somewhere being tested like animals. And now that Angel was gone, it was all hers until such time she had her own children.

“Do you suppose he figured out what you are?” Chris covered her hand and put it under her leg. Dad just laughed. “You should know that you can’t hide what you are from me, child. I know as well as you do the power that brims around you. You hide what was given to you instead of using it to help yourself, just like your mother did.”

“Fat lot of good it did us when we were children. We didn’t have a good childhood marked this way.” Dad nodded, sadness taking the joy that he’d been feeling away. “I’m sorry. I’m just not sleeping well and I have to deal with this. I think I might just quit my job when I get back and go into my own firm.”

She knew that she wouldn’t. First of all, there would be no income for a while as she got established, and secondly, it was foolhardy…and Chris wasn’t a fool. People did not use a lawyer that they didn’t know when the big cases came around. And now with all this other stuff, all the money that they had to pay back, she was going to need to keep her job no matter what. There wasn’t any other income now.

“Honey, I’m so sorry for all this. I’ve tried to reason with the lawyers, but I had no idea when you all moved into that house with me that it wasn’t going to be mine forever.” Chris waved him off. “My mother wasn’t happy with me as a younger man, but I thought for sure she’d changed her mind after meeting you all. She seemed to be so happy when you came around.”

Chris had thought so as well. But there was nothing that could be done now. The will clearly stated that once Mrs. Hill died, her son, Allen Hill, would pay back the loan that was given to him in the form of rent that was owed to her over all these years. Also, for the use of the car that barely ran and the money that he’d borrowed from her to help Chris through college; a loan that no one but Dad knew about, and that he’d gone to his mom for when it was apparent that she wanted to be a lawyer.

“We’ll figure this out.”

She was broke and he knew it. All her money, even her pension, had gone to paying off some of the money and getting them a house to live in. Then Angel had died. Nothing had seemed worth getting worked up over after that.

Chris realized they were in the air when the stewardess came around with a tray of drinks and snacks. Whoever this man was, this Bentley person, he had money to burn. The plane was new, the accommodations were top notch, and the staff was very professional. She would love to see what he did for a living and who his attorney was.

But Chris only wanted to get her sister’s information and be done with it. She had only one week to get it and get back before she was into her sick time. And she didn’t want to lose that as well as all the vacation time she was using now. But Angel had told her the week before her death that she had something for her, and it would help them with their money situation. Chris had no idea what it could be, or why her sister had felt it was important that she find this man Bentley and get it from him. But she was here now and she’d see to her wishes, whatever they might be.

There was a limo waiting for them when they landed on the small airstrip. The long black sleek thing looked like an animal. She was almost ready to call a cab to take them to the hotel she’d made reservations at, but the man got out of the car and took their luggage before she could run. As soon as their things were stashed away, they were helped into the car by the same man and were off in no time. As they moved through the area, Chris had a moment of panic. Had Dad not taken her hand when he had, she would have begged to be let out so she could breathe.

“It’ll be just fine.” She nodded at him. “Take a deep breath and just let it out slowly. Angel wanted us here, and when we find out what she had for you, then we’ll head back to the house. But I have a feeling things are going to look up for us. I just know it.”

“I don’t think they could get much worse, do you?” He laughed at her, and Chris settled a little. “If this is how he treats strangers, can you imagine what he does for those that work for him? I mean, this was really nice of him to rent us a car.”

“This isn’t a rental.” She asked him how he knew that. “The driver has a logo on his shirt that says Bentley Corp. on it. And the plane did as well. This Bentley man knows how to live and has no problem spending money when he needs to. I’d bet he’s old money.”

“I never understood the difference in that. You said your mom was new money and now this guy is old. What does it matter anyway?” He grinned at her. “Okay, I get that he’s probably been rich his whole life and that your family only became rich later in life. But what does it matter? Money is money.”

“To some. But to this man it will mean very little so long as he has enough to get what he wants when he wants it. I would say that he’s worth millions, maybe a little more. He’s inherited it from long line of family and they inherited it from their family. It’s money that is so entrenched in his life that he doesn’t even see it as anything but there.”

Chris had always known the value of money, and knew where it was—or in her case now, where it wasn’t—all the time. She could not imagine having so much that it didn’t matter what things cost or how much you might spend on your bills. It was a scary concept for her.

The gates opened almost as soon as the car paused in front of them. She tried her best not to be excited about seeing the house behind the gates, but she was. So was her dad. He had his face pressed against the window the entire five minute drive up the long driveway. But she knew immediately that he was on the wrong side of the car to see it.

“Oh my goodness.” The house, or a part of it, came into view just as they rounded the last of the trees that lined the drive. It was huge, brick, and had a porch around it that begged to be sat on. The large rockers that surrounded the house were white, a startling contrast to the dark brick and blood-red flower pots that sat between them. The long windows were curtain-less, but there were shutters on either side of them. Not the kind that didn’t fit the window if you were ever to close them, but real ones that she bet were closed up during storms.

When a man came down the stairs to greet them, Chris had a slight moment of panic. He was huge, and he looked like he lifted houses like the one that he was standing in front of for fun. There was paint on his shirt and jeans, and he looked like he was not very happy with something. As they were helped from the car, the man spoke to the driver and it seemed something wasn’t right.

“Hello.” She nodded but didn’t move forward when he put out his hand. “You’re at my house, not my brother’s. The driver was told to bring you here, not to…it doesn’t matter. You’re here now, and while the place is still under construction, we can go in and rest while we try to figure this out.”

“Not the right house? I don’t understand.”

But Chris looked around and she could see it now. The house was being built. There were large dumpsters on the property, as well as several large pieces of equipment. The barn, while it was up and looked ready to receive whatever was going to be stored in it, was only a shell and not complete. She looked back at the man.

“We can just go to the hotel in town.” But the man was already unloading their things from the trunk. “Don’t do that. We can go now. Tell your brother that we’ll meet with him in the morning.”

The man stared at her when she tried to take her luggage from his hand. When he moved toward her, his body leaning in a way that made her think of sex and all kinds of things she rarely thought of, Chris licked her lips.

“You should know that I’d like nothing better than to trace your tongue too.” Her befuddled mind tried to think what he was talking about when his hot breath blew over her mouth. “Can I kiss you? Just once to see if I’m right?”

“Right about what?” He only chuckled and Chris felt her pussy soak, something that never happened to her. “You’re a stranger to me, and all I can think about is letting you…just letting you.”

“Then I will.” His mouth touched hers and Chris moaned. In the back of her mind, way back, she knew that this was wrong, but as soon as the thought entered her head, she felt it fly away the moment he pulled her body to his. Chris was lost, and she was pretty sure that she didn’t care if she was ever found.

Chapter 3

Joey knew the moment that he touched her that she was his…he just wasn’t entirely sure what to do with her. But as her body melted against his, her breasts molding against his chest, he had a feeling that no matter what his thoughts were on the subject—any subject for that matter—she was going to be hard to let go once she left here. And he had no doubt that she would leave…Micah was expecting them. Lifting his head, he looked down into her lust filled eyes.

The man clearing his throat behind him reminded him that they weren’t alone. Then the slap to his face reminded him that she was clueless as to what she was to him.

Joey didn’t want to let her go, but when she lifted her hand to no doubt give him another stinging blow to his face and ego, he caught her hand in his. Her fury only made him want her more, and he knew that the grin on his face wasn’t helping him at all.

“I seemed to have forgotten my manners. I should have told you who I was before I kissed you.” The man laughed, as did the driver. “I’m Joseph Bentley. You must be—”

“Insane for coming here.” She jerked her luggage from him, and he let her have it. She’d have to go Micah’s house for a while, at least until he explained a few things to her. “I want to know what the hell you were doing.”

“Kissing a very desirable woman.” She growled, and Joey laughed. “Do you have any idea how gorgeous you are right now? Christ, I could lay you over this car and take you right now.”

The slap was deserved, and he had to fight hard not to laugh when she drew back her fist to hit him. But Joey pulled her to him and around so that her back was to his chest and both her hands were in his. He nuzzled her neck until she calmed.

“I’m going to let you go, but you can’t hit me again. I’m not sure that I didn’t deserve the first one, and sort of begged you to hit me the second time, but that’s enough.” She started to struggle again, and Joey rocked into her firm ass. That had her standing still again. “I’m Joey Bentley. My brother is Micah. You must be Chris.”

“I am. Let me go.” He told her not yet. “I want you to unhand me right this minute. I don’t like being treated this way.”

“You mean as a very sexy woman?” Joey nipped at her throat and was rewarded with her moan. “Do you have any idea what you’re doing to me right now? How much I really want to take you into my house and shove you against the first hard surface and take you? I can’t help but wonder if you taste as good as you smell. Do you, Chris? Does your pussy taste like heaven?”

The feeling of heat started at his hands. Then as it grew, Joey knew he was in big trouble. As her magic got stronger, Joey let her go and took a step back. When Chris turned and looked at him, Joey realized that he’d been wrong about her. She wasn’t just gorgeous when she was mad, but like this she was indescribably beautiful. Then the power took his breath away.

There wasn’t any pain, which at first surprised him. But when he realized that he was still standing, that nothing more than a little discomfort had hit him, Joey braced himself again when she lifted her hands. But she didn’t do anything more than stare at him, her eyes wide and her mouth opened. Joey took a step toward her when she swayed, but the other man beat him to her as she fell forward with her eyes closed.

“What did you do?” Joey told him he’d done nothing. “She’s never fainted before when she…well, she’s never used her magic before, so that might be it, but she’s usually so strong.”

“What is she? And I know you’re more than likely related to her, but you need to hand her to me right now, or my cat is going to be pissed and tear you up.” The man didn’t move, but he didn’t try to fight him when Joey took Chris from him. Joey felt his cat purr along his skin as he held her in his arms. He watched the man, wondering what he had to do with anything that was going on with Micah and his mate.

“A witch. White witch. She and her family have been witches since…well, since forever I guess.” He nodded to the car and the driver. “What do we do now? I’m assuming you’re something to her.”

“My mate.” He nodded. “What are you to her? And your name. I didn’t get it before, and I think it’s important that we establish something before she wakes.”

“Daughter. Well, she’s my stepdaughter. So was Angel. They were…they were all I had left after their mother died. She didn’t use her powers either, my Deb. The only one that did was Angel.” The man sobbed a little. “You think that’s what got her killed? I’m Allen Black, by the way. And like I said, her stepfather.”

They rode in the limo to Micah’s house. He was standing on the front porch waiting on them with Reggie and their mom. Joey had told him everything on the way over, and when they got there, the house was ready. Just as Joey was getting out, trying to figure out how to take Chris with him, she woke.

“What happened?” Joey moved the hair out of her eyes and told her he didn’t know. “I felt…who the hell are you? And why are you holding me like…like…? You kissed me.”

“I did. And you kissed me back.” When she struggled to get away from him, he let her. She was scared, and he didn’t want to add to that right now. “Are you okay? You nearly took a tumble in my arms back there.”

Joey watched the emotions run over her face. It was her eyes mostly that made him think she’d be one to play poker with. They told everything. And when her anger seemed to surge forefront, he leaned back against the seat and waited for it. Joey knew that living with this woman was going to be epic, both in loving and fighting.

“My name is Joseph Bentley. But the only person that calls me that is my mom when she’s upset with something I’ve done. And before you say anything nasty, it’s not nearly as often as you think. I’m an attorney with…well, as of yesterday I’m on my own. I have five brothers and—”

“You quit your job? With a firm?” Joey nodded. “Why on earth would you do that? Did you…have you lost your mind? That’s good money you’re giving up. But I guess you don’t need it. That was your house we were at.”

“It was and no, I don’t really need to work. I enjoy it, but I didn’t like working for that firm any longer. I understand that you’re an attorney too.” She nodded and shifted on her seat. Another tell. “You don’t like your job any more than I did mine.”

“It’s not that. I’m…what does it matter? I have to work and make money. Some of us aren’t as rich as Midas.” He only grinned at her. “You really think you’re charming, don’t you? I mean, that good looking smile you have, perfect teeth, and that oh to die for body. But you don’t do a thing to me. So stop it.”

Joey slid across the seat toward her. “You think I have a nice body? And my teeth are all mine. Would you like for me to bite you to show you?” Snapping his teeth at her made her moan, and Joey pulled her the rest of the way to him.

“Don’t do this, Mr. Bentley. I don’t have time for a man in my life, and even if I did, you wouldn’t be it.” She didn’t fight him all that hard, and he pulled her onto his lap. When she was seated over him, facing him, Joey pulled her to his cock. “You’re not going to make me want you. It’s a waste of effort on your part.”

“Is it? I think not.” He rocked up into her when she put her hands on his chest. “I can smell you. You’re wet and hot. I’d like nothing more than to roll you to your back right now and find out just how wet you really are for me.”

Her hips began their roll forward, rocking to him with each of his strokes upward. She was riding him hard now, her breaths fanning over his face as she took her pleasure. Joey watched her face, needed to see her when she came…and she was going to, and soon. When she threw back her head, Joey leaned into her neck and bit down on her throat. The taste of her blood nearly had him coming in his pants. Instead, he brought her twice more, pressing his thumb over her clit as she cried out again and again. The last time she came, screaming out his name, Joey pulled her to his own throat and let her smell his scent while he held her.

He was hurting he was so hard. But he did nothing more than hold her. He knew that she was crying and while it tore at his heart, Joey let her. This was just as new to him as it was to her. When she lifted her head from his shoulder, he wiped at her tears and kissed her gently on her mouth.

“This is wrong.” He didn’t say anything to her but just let her talk. “I’m not…why did we do this? And you can tell me that it was for me, but I know better. You bit me.”

“I did. I marked you.” She moved off his lap and Joey moaned. His cock was throbbing, and he adjusted himself while she watched him. “I’m not going to take you against your will, Chris. I’m not that kind of man.”

“No. But I’m not going to lie to you and say that if you want me, you’d have to take me by force. I want you just as badly as you do me.” He nodded, still not touching her. “We can’t do this. I’m not sure what you are, but you’re not human, are you?”

“Panther.” When she looked away from him, Joey pulled her face back to his. “You know what this means, don’t you? Why I bit you? Why I had to mark you?”

“You think I’m your mate.” He nodded and she pulled away again. “I really don’t want this. I know that you’ve…you’ve done things to make it happen, but I can’t do this right now. Maybe not ever. I’ve got so much shit going on right now that I can’t try and make you understand why this just won’t work.”

“It will work. It has to.” The knock at the window had him realize that his family was waiting on them―on her especially. Joey reached for the door but turned to her. “You’re going to have to trust me on this, Chris. We can and will work out any problems that you have.”

“Money can’t fix everything.” He hadn’t mentioned money, but wasn’t surprised when she did. He’d investigated her and knew what was going on in their lives. Probably better than they did. “I just need to collect whatever it is that Angel left with your brother and return home. I have a job there that I need to keep.”

So many things popped into his head at that moment, things that he needed to tell her. There were people working against them, most of them at her firm. The will with her stepfather’s family was another issue that he was aware of, and the problems it was causing them. He only nodded and opened the door.

When she didn’t readily take his hand when he offered it to her, he looked into the limo and saw that she was crying again. Joey let her, standing guard until she was finished. When she slid out of the back seat, he took her hand and was surprised when she let him. Joey could have howled at the moon, he was so happy.

~~~

As soon as they entered the big house, Chris asked to use the bathroom. A very beautiful woman with a child in her arms told her to follow her. As they moved down the hall, the woman started talking.

“I’m Reggie Bentley. Micah is my husband. And this little girl is Alexis. Her sister is in the living room with my mother-in-law, Gracie. You’ll just love her.” Before Chris could ask her why she thought she would, Reggie started talking again. “I’ve had your things put up in the second bedroom at the top of the stairs. Your dad is across the hall. Milly will be helping you out while you’re here, and I think Joey will be staying as well. Here’s the bathroom.”

Chris looked into the large half bath, then back at the woman. “I don’t know who Milly is, but we won’t be staying that long for me to need her. And Joey will not be staying with me. I’ve told him that it’s not going to work out. I need to get back to work.”

Reggie laughed. “I never said Joey was staying with you. But his house is not finished, so he’s going to be staying here, as his trailer has been moved off his property. The furniture that he ordered for his bedroom is late coming.” Chris flushed hotly. “And as for it not working out with him, I’m pretty sure that it already has. You smell like him. Strongly too. As for your job…well, when you come to the living room, we’ll explain what we’ve been able to find out.”

“My job?” Reggie nodded and the baby in her arms fussed, so she turned to go. “Wait. You can’t just say that and walk away. What about my job?”

“The living room is down this hallway and to the right. Second right. The first right will take you to the office. I think Joey is using it right now. Something about a case he’s been working on with Micah. So if you need a few minutes with him, then the first right. Anyway, see you down there in a few.”

Chris stomped her foot and growled. The laughter that came back at her had her turning to the left. Another beautiful woman stood there with another baby.

“I’m Gracie. This is Anne.” Chris nodded and knew immediately that this was Joey’s mother. “You’re very pretty, aren’t you? But you’ve a smudge of makeup from your tears. I can have Milly bring you your case if you’d like to freshen up a little.”

“This house is nuts, you know that, don’t you? I mean, everyone around here seems to be on some kind of…I don’t know, trip. You’re all just too calm and quiet.” Gracie laughed. “I’m afraid I’d never fit in here. Even if what Joey said is true, I’m not like you guys. I like it…loud.”

“No you don’t. You’re just used to it that way. Strife and anger seemed to be a big part of your life up until now. Work mostly, I’m thinking. Am I right?” Chris nodded. “We’re a big loud family when we want to be. But now, for the moment, things are calm for us. I’m sure a few minutes after going into the living room, you’ll wonder why you ever thought we were anything but a loud, argumentative bunch of overbearing, nosey people. But we’re family, your family now, and we stick together.”

“I don’t want that.” Gracie patted her on the cheek as she moved by her. “I just want my life back the way it was. I want…I want it to be normal.”