Bad Boy SEALs

by Scarlett Avery

  "Well, your father hired the best. Barrister Holborn is a formidable litigator."

  "There's no doubt about that," I agree.

  "Until you had mentioned it, I had never heard of frotteurism in my life.”

  "Honestly, until this nasty incident occurred, neither had I. Apparently this isn't Barrister Holborn’s first case, which is why he’s so confident about the outcome," I reveal.

  "Thank God Ralph Delaware will pay for what he did to you. What a vile piece of shit," Charlie spits out. Contempt is dripping off of her.

  "At least I know that if I'm willing to air my dirty laundry in public, the bastard is going down."

  "Damn right," Charlie commiserates.

  "According to Barrister Holborn, we’re nailing Ralph with one count of forcible touching and one count of harassment in the second degree because he pressed his body against me and rubbed his genitals against my stomach. When you're dealing with a lowlife like Delaware, he's not even worthy of the word, cock," I sneer.

  "More like a teeny tiny wiener," Charlie smirks.

  "Precisely. Luckily, it's all caught on camera and we have a transcript of the disgusting filth that came out of his mouth. The lip-readers Daddy hired are pros.”

  “Amen.”

  “There's more good news."

  "Do share," she says.

  "If Ralph is found guilty, not only will he be convicted of the charges I’ve already listed, but he could also be looking at jail time."

  "No shit?”

  "Yeah," I nod. "My lawyers are going all the way. Ralph could be incarcerated for up to four months and he’ll also have to register as a sex offender.”

  "The wanker deserves it."

  "There's no love in my heart for the asshole." It's my turn to smirk.

  "I'm glad to hear things will most likely turn out in your favor," Charlie sympathizes.

  "So am I." I pause. "Other than Daddy being purposefully vague about Ralph, he’s also been acting strange.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Abigail has been back for nearly two weeks and since she landed at Heathrow, Daddy’s been staying at the house in Virginia Water, Surrey."

  "Really?”

  “Yes.”

  “Strange,” Charlie ponders. “Well, that must be a nightmare for his security team," she points out.

  "Not really. When Mum was alive he’d take her—and the security team—with him when he needed peace and quiet to think. Under no circumstances would he ever have left the city without her. He just upped and left Abigail behind.”

  "Obviously, they must be having problems."

  "Beats me," I shrug. “He's as quiet as a monk about it. He skirts the issue when I bring it up. He just says that he has a lot to deal with and that Abigail is sometimes a handful."

  "He does have a good point," Charlie stresses.

  "Oh, trust me, I'm not arguing. The woman is annoying at the best of times, but I thought my father could handle her. After all, he married her. He claims he needs some time away from her, but they haven't seen each in over a month. His argument simply doesn't hold."

  "Something’s up."

  "Most definitely. And it doesn't stop there."

  "There's more?" Charlie inquires.

  I nod. “As you know, I was a no-show at Abigail’s charity event last Tuesday after she insulted my sense of fashion—”

  “How dare she? That woman always tops the list of the worst dressed in the country—even with the help of a stylist." Charlie isn’t lying.

  "I told her she could shove her opinion where the sun doesn't shine. Daddy agreed with me. You can imagine my surprise when I found out that he attended her event. That wasn't part of his original plan. And the worst part is, he just dropped it in a casual conversation as if I wasn't going to pick up on it. I was stunned."

  "What?" Charlie scrunches her nose. "I thought he didn't want to lend his name to her cause, which is why he's always stayed away. What happened to his desire to avoid swaying the British people and wanting to remain impartial?"

  "I was under the same impression. The weird thing is, Daddy didn't really have an explanation as to why he felt the urge to show up. He just wanted to see what Abigail was up to."

  “Huh?” I'm so relieved to see that Charlie is also finding all this quite strange.

  "I know. It doesn't make any sense."

  "I wonder if he isn’t dealing with the stress of leaving a prominent position after over a decade of exemplary service. Maybe he's feeling a little apprehensive about becoming a commoner— ” she says with air quotes, "like the rest of us?"

  I let out a long sigh. "Your guess is as good as mine. I don't even recognize my father these days. Even my brothers are starting to worry. We can't even blame it on a midlife crisis. Daddy is a rock. We’re all seriously at a loss here.”

  "Well, I have one more thing to add to the list of shockers."

  "Oh God, I'm afraid of what you're about to say." I cringe.

  "Don't worry. It's actually good news."

  "In that case, lay it on me."

  "I didn't want to lead with this, because I knew we’d get to it eventually, but I assume with your hotter-than-hell weekend that extended into this morning, you haven't been keeping up with the news?" she asks.

  I shake my head. “No, not really. I was a bit preoccupied before the meeting because I didn't know what to expect. And I was on the phone with Daddy on my way the lawyer’s office. Same scenario on my way back. Add to that, my furious texting sessions with my two boyfriends. They’re very eager to see Ralph Delaware pay for his stupidity," I explain. "What did I miss?"

  She smiles. "I figured that much. Baroness Bathilda is out of the hospital and she's back on social media. With a vengeance."

  I widen my eyes. "Yikes."

  “Yeah, as you know Baroness Bathilda Imogene Gormanston-Starke of Inverglen doesn't take public humiliation lightly."

  "I still remember how she went after that fashion blogger for mocking her classic British style by taking unflattering photos of her while she was on the loo. She didn't spare the poor woman. In the Baroness’ defense, that blogger was just vicious."

  "I totally agree. Imagine how ruthless she’ll be this time around. Ralph Delaware is going to get it from both sides. You're going to hit him from the right and the Baroness will give him a mean left hook."

  "Oh my God, what is the Baroness plotting?" I ask amused.

  "Give me a second, I'll go grab my iPad. It's one of those things you want to read for yourself," she flashes me a knowing grin. Charlie gets up and runs to her Fendi handbag sitting on the kitchen table. She's back in a flash.

  I grab the device from her hands and gasp, stupefied by the headline.

  BARONESS BATHILDA SUES ONE-TIME MOGUL RALPH DELAWARE IN AN UNPRECEDENTED CASE OF SECOND DEGREE ASSAULT THAT IS SURE TO ROCK BRITAIN’S COURTS AND SOCIAL MEDIA.

  "Holy shit. Second degree assault? Who did she hire as a lawyer?" I ask.

  “Barrister Malcolm Chancery."

  My jaw drops. "Good God," I gasp.

  “Yup. Pervert Delaware doesn't stand a fighting chance,” she smiles wide.

  Barrister Holborn is insanely astute. He always operates with finesse and you rarely see him coming. On the other hand, Barrister Chancery is a pit bull. He doesn't even bother with the kid gloves. The man makes no qualms about being vicious. He thrives on arguing and most times, he wins. He's one of the best in the country and he knows it.

  "Wow, you're right, Ralph is as good as done," I say.

  It's a well-known fact in Britain that both sharp lawyers leave the opposite side in tears once they step out of the courtroom. I can't imagine both of them going after the same chump.

  “Between your case and Baroness Bathilda’s, something tells me Ralph will regret his decision to have ever attended that ceremony. From the sounds of it, the baroness is determined to make Ralph the poster child of all hotheaded idiots out there. She’s even going after him for ment
al assault to a senior.”

  “Only Malcolm Chancery would come up with something that preposterous," I smile.

  “Hold on to your fascinators. It’s about to get ugly,” Charlie laughs.

  No kidding.

  CHAPTER 68

  Holden

  “Thanks again for coming through for us, buddy," I say.

  “Sorry it took me three hours to get back to you, but I was in a meeting and so was Chris," Duke responds.

  "Hey, you don't owe us an explanation. You're a busy man," I smile at the screen.

  Brandon and I are sitting side-by-side at the kitchen island hunched over my iPad. We’re on a Skype video call with Nikolaj.

  “When you mentioned the name of the company that owns the venue where you intend on seducing your girl, I knew exactly who could get you the name of the owner and CEO. Adam Bosch is one of Chris’ top clients. He leases six floors in one of Chris' buildings for his different companies so he’s happy to do this favor for one of Chris' connections. He's expecting your call."

  "Amazing!" Brandon rubs his hands furiously.

  Brandon never went for that run in the end. Once we started talking about Amelia, we decided to forfeit work and plan an evening to remember. After a number of searches, we came up with the perfect venue. The problem is it’s one of London's hotspots, therefore we need to find a way around the usual gatekeepers who are trained to say no. We have a particular request that needs to go all the way to the top for a quick approval.

  “We’ll call him the second we’re off this call,” I confirm.

  "Good. I'm impressed, mates. Your idea is absolutely brilliant," Nikolaj marvels. "So much so, that I might have to borrow it for myself," he chuckles. "Perhaps that's where I'll take Mrs. von Henningsen to convince her to start giving me babies. Who knows? I might have to impregnate her right on the spot to make sure she knows I mean business."

  "You're such a caveman," I say.

  "When it comes to her? You have no idea," he grins.

  No joke.

  "Brandon came up with that part of the plan. I took care of the short list for the gift."

  "You’re selling yourself short. She's going to love it," Brandon smiles.

  "That boutique only offers top-notch service and quality. Both Martin and I have bought from them for our wives. So far, they’ve never failed us even with the most outlandish requests," Nikolaj says. “You're in good hands."

  "Good to know," I nod. "The other ideas I had on the list were a bust."

  "You two gentlemen have expensive tastes, but then again your princess requires such refinement," Duke teases.

  “Says the man married to the elegant queen," I retort.

  "Touché," Nikolaj grins.

  “We’ll swing by the New Bond Street location tomorrow to finalize things. We need to make sure they're able to fly in our selection before the weekend," Brandon comments.

  "I still can't believe you're willing to go this far, mates," Duke comments.

  "Did you hesitate when you were ready to claim Ciara?" I quip.

  "Not even for a fraction of a second," Nikolaj answers with certainty.

  “It’s the same for Holden and I," Brandon agrees.

  "Well, you're certainly lucky bastards, but Amelia Cavendish lucked out. I'm not sure how her father is going to feel about your unorthodox arrangement, but from what I know about you two, Amelia will be well taken care of." I'm floored by Duke's revelation.

  "Thanks for saying that. She will be. She's freaking perfect for us," I say.

  "I couldn't have said it better," Brandon says. “Whatever we lack in experience as first-time boyfriends, we’re more than happy to make up for in terms of enthusiasm," he grins. Only my best friend would come up with something like that.

  We all laugh.

  "We’re bound to make mistakes, but she's feisty enough to keep us in check," I say.

  "From the little I know about her, I'd think you're right," Duke chuckles.

  CHAPTER 69

  Amelia

  “I’m coming,” I shout at my personal phone. I run from the walk-in closet to my bed where I dropped my iPhone. I don’t even have to look at the name flashing on the screen because I already know who it is. “Charlie!”

  “Amelia!" she shouts back with as much enthusiasm. "Are you still getting ready for your big date with your boys?"

  "Nope. I'm all done."

  "Seriously?"

  "Absolutely!" I insist. "Flawless makeup? Check! Hollywood-worthy hair? Check! Sexy designer dress? Check! Barely-there knickers? Check! Check! Check!” Charlie laughs. “I was just about to slip into my outrageously priced high heels."

  "Aren't you a little early?"

  "I know. I'm just a bit nervous and I didn't want to be late."

  "The way those two feel about you, they’d wait for you until tomorrow morning if needs be," she says.

  "It's not in my nature to be tardy," I say smugly.

  We both laugh.

  "Am I allowed to see you first, or is it a big no-no?"

  "You're my best friend. There's no way I’d refuse you your request."

  "Let's FaceTime!" she shrieks.

  "Sounds great," I match her zeal.

  I pull the phone away from my ear, readying myself for Charlie's reaction. A few seconds later my best friend's beautiful face pops up on my screen.

  "Ha!" she exclaims. "Your makeup is gorgeous. The hot pink lips are so sinful. Your boyfriends will love it," she winks. "You nailed the hair, girl. You always look so amazing with soft curls," she compliments.

  "Not too much?"

  "Absolutely not," she affirms.

  "Thanks," I beam.

  “So which dress did you go with? I can't really see what you're wearing because the screen cuts off right at your collarbone. I can only tell that it's black."

  "As you know, I tried half of my wardrobe when Brandon and Holden announced they were taking me out for a special evening," I laugh.

  "Girlfriend, I would've done the same. Not to mention that your boys said the venue they selected is, and I quote, Elegant and sophisticated. Of course, you have to bring it on."

  "Exactly. I knew you'd understand." We break out in another fit of laughs. "Honestly, by Thursday, I thought I was going to have to run out and buy something new. I’d just about given up when I remembered the Michael Gaetano dress I bought in Los Angeles when we were there at the beginning of the year."

  "Oh my God, that dress is stunning on your little body."

  "Thank you," I beam. “I’ve never worn it before. I guess I never had the right occasion—”

  "Until now," Charlie interrupts. The teasing smile stretching across her lips elicits mine.

  "This is the right occasion," I stress every single word.

  She waves a finger at the screen. "Move your phone down so I can see the couture," she demands. I do as I'm told. "God, Amelia. It's gorgeous," she whispers. "It's even more beautiful than the first time I saw it on you.”

  "I think I nailed it," I say.

  “You know you did," she encourages. "FYI, I'm going to require a selfie, so I can see the complete head to toe look.”

  "Deal!”

  She laughs. "What about the shoes?"

  "There was only one way to go," I announce before lowering my phone to the floor where my glitzy heels are still waiting to adorn my feet.

  "Blimey," she gasps. "Mother of God, those are fucking sexy. Italian?"

  "Of course," I nod. "They’re Giuseppe Zanotti and I got them in Milan."

  "I think your boyfriends will have a hard time keeping their hands off of you.”

  “I hope so,” I laugh.

  “I'm warning you right now. Please, no kinky action in a public place. I don't want to spend the evening bailing you out."

  We both laugh.

  "I promise to be on my best behavior," I assure her.

  “I'm relieved. Are you still in the dark as to the venue?" she asks.

  "Yup. Th
ey keep doing this to me. It’s impossible for me to coax it out of them. No matter what I try, they remain tightlipped. And I can't even play one against the other—which I’ve shamelessly tried. They’re in this together like brothers in arms."

  "Once a Navy SEAL, always a Navy SEAL."

  "Oh my God, they keep quoting that." I laugh. “They’re making such a big deal out of it.”

  "Newsflash, it's because it is a big deal, Amelia.” I secretly love knowing that. "So, have you three decided when you're going to tell your father?" Charlie asks, changing subjects.

  "We talked about it again last night.”

  "Are you still sticking to your original plan?"

  "Yes. We’re definitely going to wait. It's best to allow Daddy to focus on his work rather than have him freak out about his only daughter entering a relationship that will send her soul straight to hell.”

  "Wasn’t it your father who was pushing you into their arms?" she laughs.

  "Yes, but I think he expected me to choose one of them and not be greedy." I pause for a beat. "Not to mention, that Daddy left in a hurry on Thursday morning with his security team in tow. So it’s not as if we could broach the subject with him."

  "Where to?" Charlie asks.

  "Cypress. He blurted out something about ‘needing to think’ and ‘big decisions’ when he called to let me know of his plans. I thought that’s what he was doing at the house in Surrey. I swear my father is acting stranger by the day."

  “Really?”

  "Yeah.”

  “That’s so unlike him.”

  “I know. Maybe he’s stressed out. He tends to clam up when the pressure is high.”

  “I’m sure that’s it,” Charlie agrees. “It’s good in a way. It’s one less thing for you and your boys to worry about. At least the three of you won’t inadvertently bump into him before telling him the big news."

  “Hmph.” I huff, flashing back to the conversation Daddy and I had on the dance floor on the night of the gala. "You know what?"

  "What?"

  "Given the way I feel about Holden and Brandon, it would've killed me to have to choose between them," I reveal.