Shattered Dreams (Dreams Series Book 1)

by Hicks, Braxton

  “I don’t want to cause any issues with you and the Sinclairs, though. You do work for them, Becky.”

  “My job description doesn’t say anything about me not helping someone in need. You're in need. I’ve seen Caroline in action before and it’s clear that Nigel married a drunken bitch who’s methodically castrated him over the years. It’s no wonder he had a fling.”

  What? Does Trey know?

  “Nigel had an affair?”

  “Now I am talking out of turn. Forget that I said anything. That could definitely put a crimp in my career.”

  “But if it’s common knowledge, how could it?”

  “I’m not sure just how common the knowledge is,” Becky replied, “I came up on it with my own two ears, and I’ve never mentioned it. It was a few summers ago, Nigel and Caroline were here for a few weeks. I just happened to be at the right place at the wrong time I guess,” she laughed.

  “What do you mean, with your own two ears?”

  “I was up in the supply room taking inventory on a Sunday. The place was closed. I heard Nigel and Tristan arguing outside near the stables. That’s how I found out.”

  “I’m not telling you any more than that. I swear you're as pushy as Gina in your own way,” Becky pulled into the driveway of her house. I could see their Christmas tree lit up through the window.

  “Are you having company today?” I asked.

  “Just my nephew, Nate, his wife, and their two kids. She just had a baby three weeks ago.”

  When Becky mentioned a newborn I thought about our little baby who'd been extremely quiet since last night’s turmoil. My heart grew heavy wondering if an unborn could feel stress through the mother. I was sure my violent retching hadn't helped matters. I hadn’t eaten since dinner. It was as if Becky had read my mind.

  “I have our traditional breakfast casserole just out of the oven. Have you eaten yet this morning, Tylar?”

  “Not yet.”

  “Good,” she said as we entered her kitchen, “everything’s ready, so let’s eat.”

  We all enjoyed a blissfully stress-free breakfast together. I was helping Becky clear the plates when I remembered I’d forgotten to text Trey. Checking my phone, I saw that his text to me was brief.

  “Where are you??”

  I immediately texted him back, letting him know that I was fine and had just gone over to Becky’s. I told him that I felt it might be best if we had some distance today. He responded immediately.

  “Distance? WTF?? Is this how you solve problems, Tylar? I'll be right over to get you.”

  I knew that Trey was flipping out, but I just couldn’t go back right then. I called him.

  “Hey,” he said, “I wish you hadn’t taken off like that. Are you okay?”

  “I will be if I can just chill out here with Becky today. So far I’m zero for two at your family gatherings, Trey.”

  “Yeah, it’s been pretty messed up, I give you that, but running away isn’t the solution either.”

  “I’m not running; I’m taking time out from the drama. I’m sorry that you don’t understand that. What time are you leaving for the Andrews’ party tonight?”

  “Around seven. Will you be back by then?”

  “I don’t think so Trey.”

  “So, what? You intend to avoid my family for the rest of the week?”

  “I’m not sure what I'm doing at this point,” I explained.

  “If it makes any difference, my mother has addressed the issue with both Nigel and Caroline. Mom was livid when she found out what drove you away from here.”

  I sighed. Now everyone in the house knew about last night’s humiliating scene. It did make a difference. It made a bad situation worse.

  “I have to go now. I’m helping Becky with Christmas dinner,” I lied. “I’ll see you when you get back from the party.”

  “Have it your way. I was hoping you’d be up for coming to the Andrews’ tonight. I’ll let my parents know that we won’t be going.”

  “There’s no reason for you to stay behind. Obviously Tess wants to see you for some reason. Aren’t you curious to find out why she called your office?”

  “I already know why she called my office,” he replied, as if it hadn’t been worth mentioning before.

  What the hell?

  “So you talked to her? I thought we agreed you weren’t going to return her call?”

  “I didn’t return her call. She called me again at the office a few days later. I was in and took the call,” he replied impassively.

  “I see,” I responded coolly. “It wasn’t worth mentioning to me?”

  “It has nothing to do with you. She had a legal matter to discuss.”

  “What kind of a legal matter?” I dared him to tell me it was none of my business.

  “I’m not at liberty to discuss this with you. I’m sorry.”

  “Fine,” I snapped. “I’ll see you later.” I powered off my cell and tried my best to put everything out of my mind for the day.

  Becky drove me back to the manor shortly after seven. The lights were lit at the front door, but I suspected everyone was gone except for the staff. I hugged Becky, thanking her for her hospitality.

  To my surprise, Tristan opened the door for me. He wore black trousers and a white oxford shirt under a grey V-neck sweater.

  “Tristan,” I stammered, “hasn’t the family left for the party?”

  “They have,” he replied, smiling. “I stayed behind to take care of some pressing business.”

  I wondered what kind of pressing business he would have to take care of on Christmas Day. “Did Trey go with them?”

  “He’s upstairs,” Tristan answered nodding toward the staircase. “I think he’s waiting for you. I’m leaving now, so Merry Christmas, Tylar. Maybe I’ll see you both later?”

  I looked up and saw the compassion in his eyes. He knew what had happened. I felt my cheeks redden.

  “You know, sometimes things aren’t nearly as horrific as we imagine. I think Trey really wants to talk to you. I won’t keep you.” He turned and was out the door.

  I climbed the stairs apprehensively, unsure what to expect when I saw Trey. Although I hated this feeling of isolation, I was still bothered that Trey had not shared with me his conversation with his ex-fiancée. Was that really so unreasonable? Apart from Caroline trying to alienate me from Trey and his family, I now had to contend with Tess?

  He was fully dressed and lounging on his bed when I entered. He stood slowly, closing the distance between us. I drank in his nearness, wanting to initiate contact but unsure of what his reaction would be.

  “I missed you today,” he said, wrapping his arms around me. “I’ve been an ass, according to Tristan anyway.”

  “What?” I asked, puzzled.

  Trey smiled, lifting my hand to his face, brushing his lips across my knuckles. “Yes. He gave me a well-deserved lecture. That’s why he stayed behind, insisting I do the same,” he smiled. “It seems you have captivated yet another Sinclair man, Tylar. Tristan was extremely succinct in explaining how I handled, or should I say, ‘mishandled’ everything yesterday.”

  “Stop,” I said, placing my hand flat against his chest. “This isn’t just about the Caroline situation. This has just as much to do with Tess contacting you and you keeping it from me.”

  “I explained the conversation is privileged, Tylar.”

  “So, she’s your client then?”

  “Not officially, but she did seek some advice from me.”

  “Then there’s no attorney-client privilege.”

  Trey couldn't hide his increasing frustration with me. “Christ Tylar! I’m trying to apologize here. I’ve already told you that my conversation with Tess is confidential. End of discussion. Get dressed. We’re going to the Andrews’ party and I expect you ready in fifteen minutes."

  He exited the room, leaving me red-faced and boiling mad. I gave myself several minutes to cool down, and then I considered my options, a feeling of defi
ance coming over me. Maybe a party was just what the doctor ordered, I thought. This might prove to be an enlightening event. I was definitely not comfortable playing the injured party role, so I decided right then and there to stop.

  But I will look as hot as humanly possible tonight, I vowed. I pulled out the short black velvet cocktail dress that I'd bought in Atlanta before Christmas. It was sleeveless, with a sprinkling of silver sparkles in snowflake patterns. I wore a tailored black velvet bolero jacket over it and accessorized with a dainty silver chain and silver snowflake earrings. I pulled on my black lacy thigh highs and stepped into my four-inch spiked ‘fuck me’ pumps. I touched up my make-up and released my hair from the French braid, finger combing it into waves so it framed my face. I approved of the wild and dangerous look I saw in the mirror. That was exactly the look I needed to survive this party.

  As I descended the stairs I saw Trey standing in the foyer. He turned to watch me, his face appreciative as his eyes appraised me from top to bottom. They rested on my overflowing bosom. His eyes darkened discernibly. That was exactly the reaction I'd hoped to achieve. I glimpsed a slight frown creasing his otherwise perfect forehead.

  Trey went to the closet, pulling my long black wool coat out and holding it up for me. He watched as I fanned my hair out from underneath the collar of my coat as I buttoned it up.

  “What’d you do to your hair?” he asked.

  “Since I had no time to flat iron it,” I replied, “I just unbraided it and brushed it out. Why, don’t you like it?”

  “I do,” he replied quickly. “It actually makes you look, I don’t know, like a different person almost.”

  “Good,” I replied, “that’s the look I’m going for.”

  His eyes narrowed infinitesimally at me, but he remained silent as he placed his hand on the small of my back and escorted me to his Lamborghini.

  The Andrews' house was no more than a couple of miles away. A multitude of vehicles had parked on both sides of the circular drive leading up to the impressive mansion.

  Trey helped me from the car, wrapping an arm around my shoulder as we made our way up the drive to the well-lit entrance. A servant greeted us, allowing us entrance into the front foyer. Trey helped me with my coat, handing it to the waiting servant. Party guests milled about in a huge room off to the right. Music emanated from an adjoining room. I strained to spot a familiar face. My eyes fell upon Susan, who was waving me over to the group of people standing with her. I hurried over, not willing to be tied to Trey’s side all evening.

  Susan introduced me to several of the neighbors as if I was already part of the family. Clive approached the group, giving me a warm hug and kiss on the cheek. “Merry Christmas, Tylar, we missed you today. Are you feeling better?” I could see the warmth and compassion in his eyes.

  “Much better, Clive, thank you,” I replied honestly. It was good to be out of hiding, I decided.

  There was a tap on my shoulder. I turned, looking up into Tristan’s emerald green eyes. He was almost as exquisite as Trey. “May I have a dance before you become my sister-in-law and it’s hands-off?” He gave me a mischievous grin, holding his hand out. As we danced, he leaned down, whispering in my ear, “Don’t worry about the skinny bitch.” His warm breath made me shiver, his hand rubbed my back gently to offer moral support, I presumed. “She knows better than to say one wrong word to you, trust me.”

  I saw Caroline standing with Nigel and another woman. “Who’s that standing with them?” I asked.

  “That’s Tess, Caroline’s protégé,” he said flatly.

  “I thought as much,” I replied. “Is her husband here?” I scanned the groups of people lingering nearby. I couldn’t locate any man who fit the physical form of a jockey.

  Tristan scoffed, “They’re separated. Seems Tess has found someone else to her liking now.”

  My heart sank. I knew it, she wanted Trey back. That explained her call for legal advice and the strict confidentiality Trey so adamantly protected. I suddenly felt sick and defeated. If he still had feelings for her, then I didn’t know Trey half as well as I thought I did. I lowered my lashes just enough to appear as if my eyes were closed, then assessed my competition. Tess was petite with a waif-like, fragile appearance. Her large brown eyes seemed to dominate her facial features. She looked like someone who'd lost too much weight, and not on purpose. Her hair was darker than mine and cut bluntly, falling just above her shoulders.

  As I continued my lash-camouflaged perusal, I saw Trey join the group. He'd traded the champagne for liquor. Probably Jack Daniels, I thought wryly. He was genuinely sulking, and I took satisfaction in that fact. Tess stood next to him, her hand brushing his arm as he bent down to listen to what she was saying. He watched as Tristan and I danced, a frown line creasing his forehead. He took a final swig of his drink and approached us on the dance floor.

  “May I cut in?” his voice was steely.

  “Of course,” Tristan acquiesced, stepping aside.

  Trey was still angry and his touch wasn't as gentle as Tristan’s had been. I looked at Tristan and saw an expression of amusement pass quickly over his face. Tristan knew that Trey was jealous and he enjoyed it.

  “Enjoying yourself?” Trey asked with forced congeniality, moving me away from Caroline’s steady glare.

  “I was,” I replied, making no secret of my discontent.

  He squeezed me to him tightly, making me squirm. I could smell the whisky on his breath. He stared at me, his eyes boldly raking the swell of my breasts. I turned my head to the side and spotted Caroline once again in my direct line of vision. Tristan had joined them and was talking to Tess. Nigel wasn't taking his eyes off of them. What strange dynamics there were between these people, I thought.

  Trey’s lips brushed my neck, slowly planting warm kisses. I tingled at his touch. Deep within my belly a seed of desire grew, but I was determined not to give in to it. I pulled back from him, spinning around and exiting the dance floor.

  “Where do you think you’re going?” His sapphire eyes flashed. I tried to jerk free of him but he would not release his hold.

  “Somewhere that's not here,” I hissed, not about to let him intimidate me. “It looks like you’re into your Jack pretty heavy tonight,” I snapped. “Plan on knocking someone else up?”

  I hadn’t seen Tristan approach us from behind. “Trey,” he said calmly, “why don’t you take a moment to collect yourself.”

  “Why don’t you keep your fucking eyes and hands off of Tylar,” he said abruptly, glaring at Tristan.

  Oh great, another scene underway. How dysfunctional was this family?

  “Well, well, what have we here?” Caroline slurred in her shrill voice. The full glass of wine in her hand sloshed over the side as she swayed on her feet. “It looks like Tylar wants a second Sinclair in her bed tonight. Are you absolutely sure that the bastard you're carrying is even Trey’s?” she leered, taking a gulp of the wine.

  “Shut up, Caroline,” Trey replied harshly.

  She was unfazed by the directive and continued to stare at me, her eyes narrowing. Tristan took her elbow to lead her away. She twisted out of his grasp, coming toward me. Trey was immediately in front of me, shielding me. I didn’t need his protection. I scooted around him and met her haughty face with my own.

  “Listen to me you fucked-uppity bitch,” I stated firmly. “Everyone else may tolerate your drunken tirades and despicable comments, but I don’t roll that way. You keep your mouth shut around me and about me. Understand?”

  Her mouth fell open as my finger jabbed the air near her face. She swallowed nervously, backing up a step.

  I made up the step getting closer to her, my finger pointing just inches from her face. “One more snide comment, one more dirty look sent my way, one more uninvited intrusion into my bedroom and I'll wipe the ground up with your skinny, useless ass, east coast style, got it?”

  She snorted at me, looking from face to face and finding no support from anyone. She turn
ed and quickly fled the foyer.

  I turned back to Trey and Tristan who were regarding me with surprise. “I need some air. Tristan, would you please help me find my coat?”

  He nodded and walked toward the hallway.

  “I’ll go with you,” Trey offered.

  “No,” I snapped. “You’re drunk and acting like an asshole. I’m not happy about the secrets you’re keeping from me. I know that Tess is leaving her husband. If you’re having second thoughts about me, Trey, we’ll dissolve this engagement right now.”

  “What kind of man do you think I am?” he snarled.

  Tristan returned with my coat, helping me into it. Just then Tess appeared in the doorway by herself. She walked over to me, extending her hand.

  “Hello,” she said. “I don’t believe we’ve met. I’m Tess Flannery. You must be Tylar?”

  “Yes I am. I’m very pleased to meet you, Tess,” I lied, shaking her hand. She smiled weakly. Tess wasn't what I'd expected.

  “Tylar, would you excuse Trey just for a few moments? I really need to speak with him privately.”

  Trey looked from me to Tess, not sure what to do. I decided to make it easy for him.

  “Of course,” I replied smoothly. “He’s all yours. Tristan, will you walk with me, please?” Tristan escorted me outside where I dissolved into tears before I was off of the porch.

  Chapter 52

  Tristan put his arms around me, holding me to his chest. “Tylar, everything is going to be okay. You must know that.”

  “I don’t know anything, Tristan. All I know is that Trey is keeping secrets from me, Tess has left her husband, and Caroline is a nasty, hateful bitch,” I sobbed.

  “Things are not always as they appear,” he replied. “Well, except for Caroline. That’s pretty much a case of what you see is what you get.” His comment brought a smile to my tearful face. He pulled a cloth handkerchief from his pocket to dab my tears.

  “She wants him back, doesn’t she? Tess wants Trey back. Just tell me the truth.”

  “You’re wrong, Tylar. Even if that were true, I can promise you one thing: Trey would never take her back. He’s totally in love with you. I know my little brother and we talked about this just today. He loves you and you only. Even when he was engaged to Tess, he was never as committed and in love with her as he is now with you.”