Shattered Dreams (Dreams Series Book 1)

by Hicks, Braxton

  “When he realized that I was in the stables, he stuck around. He went around to the other side of the building and entered quietly through that door. Unfortunately, it offered him an un-obscured view of us. He observed you trying to get me out of Derringer’s stall, my getting angry, and ultimately, our lovemaking. He used his smart phone to video record everything.”

  I gasped, jerking my hand from his and covering my mouth to stifle my scream of horror. “No! Oh my God!”

  “Relax,” Trey soothed. “He hasn’t done anything with it, and I now have it in my possession. It appears he planned to use it as blackmail. Your mother was to handle the blackmail in order to keep the suspicion off of him. He apparently had more to carry out in his mission.”

  I buried my face in my hands, shaking my head in shame.

  “By the way, she's living in Indiana now. The plan was to download the video and send it to me with a warning that it'd go viral if I didn’t pay the demand. They planned to send copies to your school and my firm. Charlie and your mom hadn’t decided how the payment was to be handled, which is why it hadn’t gone any further. Then Charlie was caught.”

  Trey shifted again, clearly uncomfortable. Was there more? “Tylar, this is still an on-going investigation and it involves not only Charlie, but your mother, too. There could be others. For now, that's all you need to know. Statements that Charlie provided need to be verified before any more action is taken. Do you understand?”

  I nodded numbly. I couldn’t think about the possibilities, I had to focus on the facts as I knew them. I felt nauseated just knowing that Charlie had stood there watching us, probably videoing with one hand, and jerking himself off with the other. I needed to ask Trey something but felt embarrassed.

  “Trey,” my voice faltered as I searched for the right words. I had his full attention, blue eyes probing mine for some sign of forgiveness. “Did you watch it all?”

  “Yes,” he said gently.

  “How much did he record, I mean, where does it stop?”

  Trey looked extremely distressed, almost pained as he struggled to answer my question. “It ended right after I said, ‘What a fuck’ and then rolled over and passed out.” He was ashamed; I read that loud and clear. He took my hands once again into his own, raising them up, one at a time, to his mouth, softly brushing his lips against my knuckles.

  Trey knew the truth about the baby; I was thankful that he seemed to care about it. I looked at Trey, misery apparent on his face. His sapphire eyes were full of remorse and shame and it didn’t please me to see him distressed about the situation.

  He sat down beside me again on the loveseat, pulling me into his lap, nuzzling his face into my neck. I felt his lips on my neck, kissing me softly, his hand reaching up gently, pulling my face toward his. His lips found mine instantly, drawing me to him in a kiss so passionate it left me breathless. I wrapped my arms around him, desperately wanting to feel him close. His lips moved down my cheeks, brushed across my throat, lowering further to my breasts. His hand unbuttoned the top three buttons of my blouse, sliding his hand inside, freeing one of my breasts from my bra. He lightly massaged my nipple, capturing it gently between his thumb and forefinger.

  I moaned softly, wanting more from him, “I need you,” I said.

  He needed no further encouragement. He lifted me from the love seat, carrying me in his strong arms as he climbed the staircase. He located my sparsely furnished bedroom with no problem, carefully laying me on top of my bed. He gently slipped my clothes off my body, noticing that body had changed subtly and drinking in the full ripeness of my breasts after removing my bra. My stomach was showing just a hint of a baby bump. I lay fully naked on the bed, hungrily watching as he removed his shirt, belt, shoes, and trousers. His erection sprang forth and I held my arms out to him as he stretched out beside me on my bed.

  Trey made love to me and it was slow, sensual, gentle and loving. It was just the two of us once again, and my heart was filled with so many things. He watched me carefully, his eyes studying me as if he was seeing me for the very first time as something different, or someone different. The soon-to-be mother of his child maybe.

  He lifted a lock of hair from my shoulder, rubbing it along his lips, breathing in my scent.

  “So are you mad about the baby?” I asked, tentatively.

  He gave me a don’t-be-stupid look. “How can I be mad about the baby? It’s not a situation where you purposely entrapped me. I saw the video. We should talk about where we go from here.”

  I shifted in the bed nervously. I didn’t want to have this discussion lying naked with Trey in my bed. I wasn’t sure I wanted it at all.

  "This is all very new to me,” he said. “My plans changed drastically once my engagement was broken. Marriage and family were no longer part of my plan.”

  My heart sank.

  “I want you to know that I’ll provide both financial and emotional support. And I want you with me in Atlanta, Tylar. I don’t want us to be apart during this.”

  My pulse quickened as he continued. “I can promise you safety and security. I can’t promise any more than that right now, though. I've not done well with relationships."

  I looked at him and I knew that he was being as honest as he could be. He wouldn't make empty promises. He'd never shared with me the intimate details of his life, yet he knew all of mine.

  “I understand what you’re saying Trey, what you’re offering me. I appreciate your honesty and candor. I really need to think about this before giving you a decision. I mean I have made a life here. I have to consider what's best.”

  He nodded, but I wasn't convinced that he really understood how I felt. “Thanksgiving is Thursday,” he said. “Will you come to Bristol with me?” His invitation took me by surprise. I had both Thursday and Friday off for the Thanksgiving holiday, but I'd made no plans; I had no family.

  “You want to take me to Bristol to meet your family?”

  “That’s the plan. Will you come?”

  I couldn’t deny that I was curious to meet his parents. It might tell me so much more about Trey. I wasn’t sure if they knew I existed.

  “Have you told them anything about me?” I asked.

  “They know that we were seeing each other this summer. If you’re asking if they know that we're about to make them grandparents, the answer is ‘no,’” he smiled mischievously.

  “You aren’t planning to spring that on them at Thanksgiving?” I asked, suspiciously.

  “Of course not,” he said, leaning over and kissing the tip of my nose. “I think we’ll save that news for Christmas.”

  “Ha, ha,” I replied sarcastically. “I’m sure they’ve got their share of grandchildren by now.”

  “Actually, no,” he stated matter-of-factly. “This will be their first and they'll be delighted with the news once they get it.”

  “I thought you had two older brothers living in California?”

  Trey cocked an eyebrow at me as he tied his shoelaces. I realized that we'd never discussed his family in detail. He knew that I'd obtained my information from other sources.

  “I do,” he replied. “One's a confirmed bachelor, like me. The other's married to a frigid bitch that, if we're lucky, is barren.”

  I so wanted to meet his family. He saw my expression and laughed. I loved the sound of his smooth and silky laugh. I didn’t hear it often enough.

  “So are you in for some family fun?” he teased.

  “Why the hell not?” I answered, smiling back at him.

  Chapter 36

  Over the next day and a half, Trey filled me in a little bit about his family.

  We were having dinner together in a cute little bistro not far from my house. "So tell me about your family, Trey. Prepare me, please."

  He gave me a wicked smile. "You asked for it."

  It wasn't anything out of the normal--like me.

  Trey’s father, Clive had been born and raised in England. He would turn seventy years old in Januar
y; his mother, Susan was born and raised in Virginia, not far from Bristol. She'd met Trey’s father when she attended college in England. She was two years younger than Clive. Both of his parents had descended from families that were very involved with horses either as trainers or breeders. Trey mentioned that his parents had seen the video of the dressage competition that netted first place for Derringer.

  Trey's brothers were Nigel, the oldest, and then Tristan. Nigel was married to the frigid bitch, Caroline, which he made sure to point out that I needed to pronounce it as "CARE-O-LINE." They all lived in northern California, in the Napa Valley region. They were heavily involved in the wine processing business.

  I decided to redirect the conversation toward Trey’s past. “Are you ever going to tell me about your relationship with Tess?”

  His face darkened and I hoped he wasn’t angry with me for bringing it up, though he'd promised to tell me anything I wanted to know a while ago.

  “What is it exactly you want to know?” He was testy.

  Did I really want to go there? I decided that I did. “I want to know everything. How you met. Why the engagement was broken. If you still love her,” I finished, softly.

  He looked at me warily.

  “Not tonight Tylar. Tonight, I’d like it just to be about us, okay? I promise I’ll fill you in another time.” He placed his hand over mine. “You look tired Tylar. Let’s get you home and tucked into bed. It’s a work night for you.” I nodded, allowing him to help me with my coat and take my arm as we exited to the chilly November evening.

  “Our flight's at 9 p.m. tonight,” he said, glancing at his watch. "Come on I think we have time for a short nap," he said, giving me a sexy grin, as he pulled me by the hand upstairs behind him.

  Chapter 37

  Trey and I flew first-class from Louisville to the Tri-Cities Regional Airport. Our flight was delayed in departing out of Louisville. I was tired from the last couple of days and fell asleep almost as soon as we took off. I knew Trey had planned on working from his laptop on the plane, but having me sprawled across his lap for the majority of the flight interfered with those plans.

  I was glad he had arranged for a limo to take us to the manor. Trey and I climbed in as the driver stowed our luggage. I resumed my nap in the limo, curled up against Trey.

  “Why do I think that you'll keep me up all night as much as you’ve slept this evening?” he commented.

  “Are you complaining?” I asked, winking at him.

  “Not at all, Ms. Preston,” he quipped.

  I placed my hand possessively on his crotch, gently massaging his junk, feeling his erection grow beneath my touch. I looked up and a naughty smile played on his lips. He did nothing to stop me, but unfortunately we were pulling up to the manor right about then.

  “Well you've managed to delay my entrance to the house with your shenanigans, Tylar," he complained, moving my hand from his crotch. Trey adjusted himself as best he could. The driver carried our bags up to the front porch, as Thatcher opened the door.

  “Ms. Preston, Mr. Sinclair, welcome back,” Thatcher greeted us warmly at the door.

  “Hi Thatcher,” I replied, smiling. Trey followed with our bags conveniently shielding him, greeting Thatcher with a nod. He asked Thatcher to take both of our bags to his suite as he helped me off with my coat. I'd chosen a dark brown and powder blue plaid wool skirt, with a powder blue oversized crew neck sweater, tan tights, and dark brown leather boots. I'd French braided my hair, a look Trey called "very demure."

  Thatcher said Trey's parents were in the family room at the back of the manor. I was nervous; my mouth was dry, and I felt so out of place. Trey took my hand and led me to the family room, where his parents were watching TV.

  Trey’s father, a distinguished, handsome gentleman who looked much younger than seventy, stood up to welcome us as we entered the room.

  “Trey,” he exclaimed, putting his arms around his youngest son, and patting his back a couple of times.

  “Dad,” Trey replied happily, “I’d like you to meet Tylar Preston. Tylar, this is my father, Clive Sinclair.” I extended my hand to shake the elder Sinclair’s hand. He brushed it aside gently, and stepped forward, embracing me in a hug.

  “Tylar I'm so glad to finally meet you,” he said with his exquisite British accent. “I hope you’re making an honest man out of my boy.”

  I blushed.

  “Mom,” Trey continued, leading me to his mother, “this is Tylar. Tylar, my mother, Susan Sinclair.”

  “Tylar,” she said, putting her arms around me and squeezing me into a hug, “I’m tickled to death to meet you.” Her southern accent was as pronounced as her husband’s British accent. “Please sit down here next to me hon, and tell me how your trip was.”

  I loved Trey’s mother immediately and she immediately put me at ease. We chatted about everything from the weather to the past summer and the competitions. Both of his parents were impressed with my results in the competitions with Derringer. They were aware that my season had been cut short when Charlie assaulted me. They apologized over and over again about that. I'd hoped Trey didn’t share everything with them, but as owners of the property, I’m sure that they were not spared any facts.

  Susan filled us in on plans for the following day. Their long-time friends, Mr. and Mrs. Andrews, along with their son Landon, would be joining us for Thanksgiving dinner. I noticed Trey shifted nervously on the sofa next to me when his mother mentioned this.

  Susan also let me know that Becky had called just before we arrived because Gina had not been able to reach me. I forgot that I got a new phone number with my new cell phone. Trey must not have programmed anyone’s number into my phone except for his. That didn’t surprise me. Apparently, Gina and Ian were coming in tomorrow morning to have Thanksgiving with Becky. I was so excited that I'd get some time with Gina during this trip. The Sinclair’s dinner was to start at 4 p.m.

  It was close to midnight when Trey took my hand, bidding his parents good night. I felt sort of embarrassed, wondering if they even knew that Trey and I'd be sharing his suite. I felt exhausted as Trey led me upstairs to his now-familiar suite. I unpacked my bag, hanging things in his massive closet.

  We showered together, not lingering because of our fatigue, a first for us. I put a short ivory satin nightgown on with matching panties. I used Trey’s blow dryer and brush to style my freshly washed hair. Trey was already in bed as I snuggled in beside him, his face illuminated by the flat screen television he'd turned on to watch CNN Money. My hormones were kicking into overdrive after the refreshing shower.

  My hand slid under the covers and rested on Trey’s hard chest. I slowly moved my hand downward, enjoying the feel of his body beneath my fingertips. They traced along his treasure trail. I was delighted to discover he'd not bothered putting his boxers on after his shower. My hand encircled his growing erection, and I heard his breath catch as I massaged it into further erection.

  “You're fucking insatiable, Tylar.”

  “What do you plan on doing about that?” I asked, arching my eyebrow seductively.

  We made love slowly and as our orgasms mated with one another, I had never felt closer or more intimate with Trey than I did now. “You’re mine,” he murmured softly. “You’re my sweet, sweet girl and no one else’s, do you understand that?”

  I nodded and rested my head against his chest as his strong arms encircled me. I could have stayed in his arms all night; I loved feeling safe, satisfied, and secure in Trey’s arms. I started to drift off to sleep.

  “Come on. Let’s get you tucked in for the night.” Trey lifted me up, gently laying me down beneath the covers, pulling them up over me. He rose from the bed and I watched as he went to his closet for a pair of silk boxers. He pulled them on; they hung low on his hips, his treasure trail visible on his flat abdomen. I was in awe of his taut muscular body. If our baby was a boy, I wanted him to look just like Trey. Hell, if our baby was a girl, I wanted her to look just like Trey
. He was watching me watching him.

  “What?” he asked, giving me his crooked grin.

  “I was just wondering what our baby might look like.”

  “As long as it doesn’t look like Mark, I'll be satisfied,” he replied, climbing into bed beside me.

  The spell was broken in that moment. How could he have made such a tactless comment? Tears immediately sprang to my eyes. Did he suddenly doubt what he plainly saw? I turned my back to him, pulling the bed covers up tightly around me, moving to the very edge of the king-size bed.

  “Hey,” he said, gently, moving over to me, “I was kidding; it was a joke.” He put his hand on my back, lowering his face so that his mouth was next to my ear. “I’m sorry Tylar.”

  I turned my face toward him. “Don’t ever say anything like that to me again,” I warned, my voice quivering. “Do you think that I planned on being a mother at twenty-one, Trey? Have you stopped to think how this has affected me and my plans for the future?”

  “Tylar, I said I was—”

  “I don’t care about your apology this time,” I interrupted. “Some things can’t be forgotten with a simple apology.”

  He leaned over, kissing me on my forehead. I didn’t budge as I heard him settle beside me. In a few moments, I heard his even breathing. I was still too angry to sleep.

  The time was ticking away. It was just me, wide awake and tearful. Then I felt it: a fluttery feeling inside me. There was no mistaking our baby’s movement. I placed my hand on my abdomen to try to feel it from the outside. There it was again!

  “Trey,” I said, turning over in the bed to face him, “wake up.” I shook him gently.

  His eyes blinked open. I threw the covers down and grabbed his hand.