***
Van shared a cab with Rachel and Red on the way to the party. He was glad that Rachel filled the conversation with talk about Mia and her development. It was better than being left to his thoughts about Lily or even worse, asked about his feelings. He wasn’t quite sure himself how he felt going into this, so he definitely didn’t want to have to explain it to anyone else.
The drive on the way over was too fast for his liking and before he knew it, the cab was pulling in front of the hotel and they were clambering out. Van straightened his tuxedo as he stepped out the cab and looked around him. There was a steady stream of people entering the front doors, and knowing that the entire hotel was rented out for the ball, meant that they were all here for the homecoming. Van recognized most the people around him as part of the mafia or old clients of his, but there were definitely new faces in the crowd as well, which pulled his attention ever so slightly.
Red led the trio through the crowd of people, until they spotted Jennifer and Ace who were talking to the twins. Joe was wearing a well-fitted tuxedo while his sister, in her usual way, ensured she would catch all the men’s attention in a tight-fitting floor-length dress. It was red and glittery, a split running up to almost the top of her thigh and with a neckline so low it barely covered her nipples. She gave them a chilling smile as they approached.
Does she know?
“Well, isn’t it a surprise to have all three Baileys in one event at the same time. I usually only get to see Van nowadays. You sure you two don’t want to get a bit more involved in the business? Your kids don’t need you as much, now they’ve grown up.”
“Yes, but my family do,” Ace said, “I cannot gamble with my safety for the sake of a job. I want my family to be safe from all the horrors of the world and unfortunately your business seems to attract it. I don’t think Jen appreciates the memories.”
“Seth, the stalker, has to be the darkest moment in my life. Van almost died!” Jen grimaced.
“That may be true but at least you got a wife out of it,” Pearl stepped in, “Even if you went against my orders to get her and could have ruined my entire reputation. You’re just lucky I’m so forgiving. And then your brother came along.”
Everyone pointedly turned to Red who was standing their beaming. He wrapped his arm tighter around Rachel’s waist as he pulled her in closer.
“I have no regrets, Pearl. If I hadn’t gone against you, then I wouldn’t have my family,” he grinned.
“Let me just get this straight – if you go against me again, you will have no family. I’m just glad one of your brothers has his mind in the right place and the business’s best interests at heart.”
Now everyone was looking at Van who awkwardly smiled back, “My brothers certainly are eccentric in their romantic choices. But aren’t we all?”
Pearl’s eyes narrowed in on him, “Don’t tell me you’ve found a woman now? I’ve already lost two of the brothers to family life, I can’t afford to lose the third.”
Van’s eyes shifted around the room as he replied, “You don’t have to worry. I’m still committed to the success of your business.”
Pearl’s smile seemed genuine this time and she gave him a pat on the back, before wondering off with her brother to meet and greet other guests. Van gave a sigh of relief after her departure and the others all turned to look at him.
“Hey babe, can you and Jennifer get us something to drink? I need to have a quick chat with my brothers alone if that’s okay,” Red asked Rachel.
“Keeping secrets from us?” she raised her eyebrow, “I hope whatever you’re keeping from us, isn’t anything important or I’m not going to be too happy. Jen, you going to come with me?”
“Sure, but we might have to have a talk with our men about secrets soon. Just remember it always ends in disaster when we keep things from one another,” she gave a pointed look at Ace before following Rachel to the bar.
“I’m going to get an earful tonight,” Red laughed before turning to Van, “So where’s the mysterious Romano. Can you see her anywhere?”
“No, not yet,” Van sighed, “But I’m sure Pearl would have set her up for some grand entrance once all the guests have arrived. You know she has a flair for the dramatic. Do you recognize everyone here by the way? I’m seeing quite a few faces I can’t place.”
“You’d be the one to know people since us two are on the sidelines now. Maybe it has something to do with the expansion you were talking about. These could be the crew members from the other city. You did say they were trying to strengthen bonds after all,” Ace guessed.
“You might be right there. Hopefully they will keep the twins busy for the night so I can spend a bit of time with Lily.”
Just as he finished his sentence, the women appeared holding drinks. Everyone took one gratefully and stood sipping them as they scanned the crowds. The others fell into conversation about the kids as Van wandered away to see if he could spot the missing Romano. After about fifteen minutes he was about to return to the others when he heard someone come onto the speaker.
“Please, could everyone raise their glasses and welcome the young Miss Lily Romano back home!”
In unison, the crowd turned to face the grand stairs where Van was conveniently standing. He looked up and was blown away by the figure at the top. It most definitely was Lily but she looked completely different in her outfit. She shyly waved to the crowd as she made her way down the stairs. Van didn’t take his eyes off her for a second.
She wore an ice-blue, off-the-shoulder, ballgown. The corset was tied with lace and it fit her perfectly, showing off her slim waist and her petite frame as she walked. He could just about make out a pair of silver stilettos underneath, adorned with what could only be diamonds. Her pale golden hair was half up with a few curls delicately bouncing over her shoulders. He had to hold himself back from running over to her when she finally made it to the bottom.
Instantly she was flooded by people, but Pearl and Joe pushed their way to the front to start introducing their sister. Lily looked almost frightened by the overwhelming amount of attention she was receiving. Van wanted to step in and rescue her, but thought better than interrupting Pearl when she was in full-swing of showing off her sister to the world. Van quickly made his way back to the group. Ace and Red were grinning wildly at him.
“So, that’s the infamous Lily Romano you were talking about? Now I understand everything. Pearl definitely went all out with getting her ready. I highly doubt it was her own idea to dress up like that, seeing how awkward she looked. Gorgeous but awkward,” Red looked pointedly at him.
“Hey, you better not be looking at other women, mister!” Rachel jabbed him in the ribs and Red laughed.
“I will never have eyes for anyone but you. You should know that by now.”
Rachel grinned and gave him a peck on the cheek. Ace continued to stare out into the crowd and then nudged his older brother. It was then he heard Pearl calling out to them.
“Baileys, straighten up. I want you to meet my little sister!”
They all turned as Pearl headed their way, arms linked with Lily as though pulling her against her will. Joe trailed behind, his face as ever devoid of emotion. When Lily looked up from staring at the floor, she instantly caught Van’s eyes and she audibly gasped. Pearl looked at her concerned.
“What? Oh, you recognize Van from last night, I’m sure. These are his brothers, Ace and Red. And their wives, Jennifer and Rachel. You probably recognize Jennifer Jacobs instantly. She’s our little starlet.”
“Actually, it’s Jennifer Bailey now,” Jen interrupted but was soon caught short by the withering look Pearl shot her.
Pearl then continued, “Rachel is actually one of our lawyers. The boys were hired to protect both of them, but as you see, things took a quite unexpected turn. Definitely not to my liking, but all is well now. I would never expect anything like that from Van. He’s one of our best men. That’s why I sent him to pick you up last night. I trust him with my life.�
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Van felt guilt flood his cheeks as he looked down at his shoes. Lily politely shook hands with them all before reaching Van. She looked at him uncertainly before he shook her hand and leaned in close to whisper into her ear.
“I can’t stop thinking about you. We need to talk.”
Lily looked shocked but realizing others were around them, she laughed before shooting him a nod as Pearl dragged her away to meet another round of people. As soon as they had left, the brothers were on him in an instant.
“She definitely has a thing for you, bro. You have to do something about it,” Red grabbed onto his shoulders.
“Is that what you boys are hiding? Even we could tell there was something between them from a mile away,” Rachel intercepted.
“So much for keeping it a secret, idiot,” Van punched Red on the shoulder”
As though on cue, Lily appeared at his side and everyone looked at her in shock.
“You must have read his mind,” Red mumbled.
Lily looked at him confused before grabbing onto Van’s arm and dragging him through the crowd. They swiftly made their way through, a few eyes following them before they rounded the corner and found themselves in the corridor, leading to the kitchens. She stopped and looked at him expectantly.
“What are you doing here? I thought you wanted nothing to do with me after last night. Don’t tell me you weren’t aware this was my homecoming party,” her hands were placed firmly on her hips.
“No, I knew exactly what the party is for and that’s why I came here. I need to speak to you. I haven’t been able to get you out my thoughts all day and I need to know, if you feel the same way,” his voice was soft.
“And what do you feel exactly?”
“I… I really like you.”
She frowned, “Well, I had thought that was obvious after last night. I don’t just throw myself at any man. I’m not a slut!”
Van held his hands up, “Sorry, I didn’t mean it that way. It’s just I haven’t felt this way about a woman before and with you being the twin’s little sister, I don’t want to start anything without being sure I’m making the right decision.”
“They can’t control you! If you want to be with me, then be with me, but don’t use them as an excuse to hide behind. I can’t even tell you, how much pain I was in last night after you left. I was confused and hurt and I thought there was something wrong with me. If anyone should be questioning the other’s emotions, it should be me!”
“Well, I hope this confirms how I feel about you.”
Van leaned in and pressed his lips to hers. There was no resistance as his arms wrapped around her back and he pulled her into him. Their kiss deepened and her hands went up to hold his face. She tasted of champagne and smelt like roses. He was absorbed into the moment and everything around him disappeared. That was until they heard someone clear their throat behind them. Instantly Van and Lily leaped apart and turned to look at the man standing there.
“I think you had better get back to your family,” Joe frowned.
Chapter 5
LILY
“I would suggest you stay away from Van Bailey from now on and we never discuss the matter again. If this secret gets out, I don’t know what your sister will do. Go join the party as she’s been looking for you. I don’t want to have to explain why you’re out here,” her brother’s voice was eerily calm.
Lily wanted to say something, wanted to stand up for herself, but the look in her brother’s eye held her back. She turned her gaze to the ground and made her way back to the great hall, a heavy weight holding her heart down.
Even when I’ve grown up, even after I’ve moved and have a career, they still treat me like a child. They still think they know what is best for me. They still prevent me from living the life I want. Am I really going to let them prevent me from being loved?
She was careful as Joe followed her out of the corridor as she rejoined her sister in the crowd of people. Her sister’s smile was far from genuine as she once again linked arms with her. Lily tried to join in the conversation, but her mind was elsewhere. She couldn’t stop scanning the crowd for the man she had just shared a passionate kiss with. As she was dragged around the room, she continued her search until eventually she spotted him alone at the bar. Her siblings appeared to be deep in conversation with some of their assistants, so Lily realized it was the perfect time to make her move.
“Excuse me, I’m going to get a drink.”
Pearl absentmindedly nodded her head while Joe shot her a warning look, before turning back to the conversation. Lily started winding her way through the crowd to reach the bar.
They still don’t realize I will never play their games. They think I’m frightened of them, they think I will follow their orders, but not this time! If I let Van walk out of here tonight then I’ll never know the truth. I’ll never know if something could have happened. There will always be ‘what ifs’ running through my mind and love is something I’m not willing to gamble on.
She leaned on the bar next to him, toying with one of her curls between her finger and thumb. It was then she could feel his eyes upon her. The air was electrifying and she had to fight every instinct not to jump on him there and then. The bartender instantly came over when he recognized Lily and she ordered them both a double vodka and cranberry.
“Is vodka your poison?” he questioned.
“Right now, I think you are,” she ran her tongue along her lower lip, “And now I’ve got a taste, I can’t get enough.”
The bartender appeared with the drinks and they both grabbed theirs, sipping at while maintaining eye contact. His eyes were intense and she could feel the lust behind them. Her chest quivered in her corset as she thought about his hands all over her body. He leaned in close and she could feel his hardness pressing up against her skirts.
Guess I’m not the only one who feels it then. I must have him. I must have him now.
Grabbing his hand, she checked one last time to see, if her siblings were watching. They were still in deep conversation so she pulled Van through the people. The stairs were now bustling with people going to and from their rooms and Lily knew if she was fast, they wouldn’t be spotted. Ducking and weaving, they finally made it to the top where they were out of sight from the twins. Breathing heavily, she giggled as she pulled the key card out from between her breasts.
“You want to go somewhere quiet,” her voice was breathy.
“Just lead the way,” his eyes narrowed as though challenging her.
Lily didn’t even have to think about it as they quickly headed for the elevator. They were lucky to get one to themselves as she pressed the button for the penthouse. As soon as the doors slid shut, they were on one another. His hands dug into her hair as he pulled her in and his mouth absorbed hers. Her teeth nipped at his bottom lips, making him groan. Using his thumb, he tilted her head back and started trailing his tongue up her neck before biting ever so slightly at her collarbone. She could feel his weight upon her as he pressed her into the wall, her mouth emitting a low moan.
DING!
The doors opened and they tumbled through. Within the blink of an eye, she had opened the door to the penthouse. He was all over her as soon as the door shut behind him. His eyes were now two pits of burning passion. The growl that came from the depth of his throat made her legs turn to jelly as he threw her over his shoulder as through she weighed nothing more than a pillowcase. She didn’t resist when he carried her to the bedroom and threw her onto the bed. Lily only bounced once before he was on her. Tulle floated around them as his mouth explored her skin. It first trailed up her arm, then across the top of her breasts before snaking up her neck, across her jawline and eventually landing on her mouth. Their tongues danced as his hands moved down to cup her breasts. The corset was so tight upon her chest that he couldn’t get very far and soon he got frustrated.
“This needs to come off you. Now,” he growled.
He rolled off her and helped her to
her feet before he turned her round. His fingers were skillful and he quickly unlaced the corset. His breath was hot against her back as he leaned in close and nipped at her shoulder. After he had finished undoing the dress she let it fall to the floor, pooling in a mass of material around her bare legs. Lily was naked apart from a flimsy excuse of lacy panties. Van’s eyes turned hungry as he scanned her body. She watched in wonder as he hooked a single finger underneath the elastic of the panties and yanked them fast. Within an instant, the panties were ripped from her body and she was fully exposed.
“God damn, you’re beautiful. Are you sure this is what you want?”
“Just shut up and fuck me, you idiot,” she pounced upon, this time he fell onto the bed.
Her fingers weren’t nearly as skillful as his as she fumbled at his pants. Eventually, he took pity on her, stood up and started to undress himself. Her eyes didn’t leave his body as he let his pants fall before agonizingly slowly undoing the buttons on his shirt. His body was heavily tattooed, laced with scars and riddled with muscles. Her mouth almost started watering just looking at him. Even in the army, she had never seen a man look in such good shape. He probably never touched a French fry in his entire life.
“Maybe I should keep these on, just for the hell of it,” he toyed with the elastic of his boxers.
“I’ll be damned if you can stop me!”
She slapped his hand to the side as she yanked the boxers down, his erection springing free. In awe of the size, she took a step back to assess his entire nakedness before grinning wickedly. He stood and watched as she got onto her knees in front of him. With both hands she latched onto his cock and started brushing the tip with her thumb. A trickle of pre-cum lingered at the opening and she slowly leaned forward and lapped it up with her tongue. His eyes widened as she did so, before she carefully cupped his balls in her hand. She increased the pressure around them and he moaned as her mouth slid over his cock. Her tongue swirled around the shaft as she took him deep into her mouth. Up and down she slid, deepening her grasp until she started to gag. Her saliva moistened the tender skin until it was dripping from her chin onto the floor. She could feel him get harder inside of her and it sent flashes of electricity pulsing down to her pussy. Keeping a grip at the base of his cock with one hand, she reached down beneath her legs to feel how wet she was. Her fingers slid in and she spread her lips wide while probing with her thumb. Lily knew the tension was building within both of their bodies and she was willing to succumb there and then.
The Bailey Brothers Box Set- the Complete Trilogy Page 40