Inheriting a SECRET (Corrigan & Co. Book 7)

by Crystal Perkins

  “He doesn’t deserve you,” Wayne says, getting up from the table. “Thank you for dinner. I’ve got to go tune my guitar.”

  No one says much as we finish dessert. Jenysis leaves a few minutes after Wayne, and I’m really hoping that she’s gone after him. I say my goodnights to everyone and head to my room. I’m too tired to re-hash the events of tonight with my friends. I just need to curl up with my comforter, and try to find a few hours of peace before I have to play the happy fiancé again tomorrow.

  * * *

  Brayden

  I can’t sleep. I’ve been lying in my bed thinking about Darcy and Wayne at dinner. When they walked in together, I was shocked. And when they were whispering to each other, I wanted to kill him. I know it’s not rational since I’m pretty sure he’s into Jen, but I was nearly crazed with jealously.

  I’ve also been thinking about what Audrey told me. It kills me to think that Darcy’s sleeping on her bedroom floor. And crying over me. I need to do something, anything, to help her.

  Before I can analyze my actions, and make myself stop, I climb out of bed and head to Darcy’s rooms. I walk into the game room, and can immediately tell that she hasn’t been using it. I thought she’d be seeking solace in her games, but she’s obviously not. I pause before her bedroom door, and then slowly open it. I was pretty sure that Audrey was telling me the truth, but seeing Darcy curled up in her comforter on the floor nearly makes my heart stop.

  I quietly close the door and move towards her. “Darcy.”

  “Brayden? What are you doing here?” she asks in a sleepy voice.

  I crouch down next to her. “Audrey told me you were sleeping on the floor.”

  “She shouldn’t have done that.”

  “Well, she did. Why are you down here instead of on your bed?”

  She looks away, and closes her eyes before speaking. “I-I couldn’t sleep there without you. The first night I tried, all I could think about was how I would never have you hold me again while I slept.”

  Fuck. “I’m going to hold you tonight,” I tell her as I reach for her.

  “I don’t want your pity.”

  “And you’re not getting it. Seeing Wayne all over you made me want to throw you over my shoulder and run away. I need to have you in my arms tonight.”

  “Nothing’s changed.”

  “No it hasn’t. I won’t lie to you about that, but I need you to also know that you’re important to me. No matter what happens, I want you to know that I love you Cat.”

  “I love you, too, Crown. So much.”

  I pick her up and carry her to the bed. “Day by day, then?”

  “Yes. And night by night, too.”

  I stretch myself over her, keeping my weight on my forearms as I kiss her deeply. I’ve missed this—her—more than I ever thought I could. She gives me a reason to breathe, and makes me want to be the best man I can be. Audrey wants us to play the part of happy lovers tomorrow, but we won’t need to play. I’m going to do everything I can to make sure we both have a fun afternoon, and evening. It’s going to be real, and special, and everything Darcy deserves it to be. I can’t offer her much, but I can offer her tomorrow, and maybe if I’m lucky, the next day, too.

  She slides her hands into my pajama bottoms as I kiss her neck. “I love your ass, Bray. I just want to grab it every time I see you.”

  “Try to restrain yourself in public, but any other time, grab away.”

  “Can I grab this too?” she asks, stroking my cock.

  “Yes, please,” I groan out as I thrust into her hand.

  “Roll over. I want you in my mouth.”

  I don’t hesitate. What guy would? I love it when she takes me that way. I lie back and pull my pants off for her, willing to do whatever I can to get here there faster.

  She smiles at me and then takes one long lick of my fully erect cock. “Holy fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.”

  It’s all I can say as she alternately licks and sucks me, driving me crazy. I feel her smile as she takes me deep. “Oh yeah, like that. Just like that…FUCK.”

  I’m pulling her hair, then massaging her skull, thrusting into her mouth like I’ve found my second home, and just…yeah, losing control and loving every second of it. Nothing’s ever been as good as it is with Darcy, and I know nothing ever will be after her. Those are the last coherent thoughts I have as I lose myself in the pleasure she’s giving me. I come hard, and she swallows down everything I give her.

  “You’re amazing, you know that?” I ask her, pulling her up to lie next to me in my arms.

  “Me, or my mouth?” she asks, as she runs her hand over my bare chest.

  “Mostly you, but I have to give some props to your hot little mouth, too.”

  “I love doing that to you.”

  “How much?” I ask, moving my fingers down to her swollen lower lips, and finding her nice and wet.

  “You can tell,” she says, arching her back as I play with her clit.

  I slide my fingers lower, making her whimper. “I’ll be back, I just need a taste.”

  I sink two fingers into her, soaking them fully before removing them, and bringing them to my mouth. I lick them clean while watching her move her own hand down to touch herself. “You like?” she asks, through hooded eyes that are a little glazed over. She needs me, and I’m almost ready to take her. Thank God for stamina.

  “I love. I could eat you all day, and I still would need more of your taste on my tongue.”

  She moans and moves her fingers even faster. What she’s doing is beyond hot, but her orgasm belongs to me, and I’m not willing to give it up. Even to her.

  “No more touching, Cat. I need you to come while I’m inside of you.”

  “I will. I promise. I just need this now.”

  “You need me now,” I tell her, gently swatting her fingers away and holding her hands above her head with one of mine. “That’s my pussy, and I want all of your orgasms tonight. All of them. They’re mine.”

  I move my fingers to where she had hers and start to play. Her tits are right in front of my face, begging for my mouth. Who am I to deny them? I suck the closest one into my mouth and swirl my tongue over her nipple. She’s already close when I slide two fingers back inside of her while keeping my thumb on her clit. I bite down gently on her nipple, and feel my fingers get even wetter.

  “Brayden…oh my God. Please don’t stop. Oh God, don’t stop.”

  I keep my teeth around her nipple as I answer her. “Not stopping until you’re screaming.”

  She nearly flies off the bed a moment later. My name is included with all of the cuss words that come out of her mouth as she writhes beneath me. I release her nipple and kiss my way up to her neck. I can’t resist nibbling a little; although, I want to do a lot more.

  “I want to mark you so bad, but Audrey and my mother would kill me.”

  “You’ve already marked me.”

  I lean back to look at her as she turns red and tries to move away from me. “Where are you trying to go?”

  “Anywhere. That was super corny.”

  “You’ve marked me too, so I guess we’re just corny together.”

  “Why do you have to be a prince?”

  I don’t have an answer for her, so I just lean down and kiss her. Soon kissing turns to caressing, and I’m reaching blindly for her nightstand drawer. I feel around, but there’s nothing there.

  “Shit. Are we really out of condoms?”

  “Yeah, I think so. I didn’t think I needed to stock up after our last night together.”

  I hang my head and try to bring my body back under control. “Are there any in the couch?”

  “No. We used those, too. But you know, we don’t need one.”

  I snap my head up. “We don’t?”

  “Not as long as you’re clean. All of us in the Society get an injection of a contraceptive Audrey created. And we’re tested regularly, even if we think we don’t need to be.”

  “I’m clean. I do
n’t…you know…go without normally.”

  “Then we’re good.”

  “We’re better than good,” I tell her as I slide inside of her.

  If I thought being inside of her before was amazing, well having nothing between us is even better. I’m not sure I can give her up, even though I have to. I’ll make the most of the time we have until I’m forced to say goodbye. To both her, and any chance I have of living a happy life, because that’s going to leave right along with her.

  Chapter 11

  Darcy

  I wake up wrapped in Brayden’s arms. I honestly never thought I’d have this again, and while I know it’s only temporary, I’m still basking in the glow of happiness. And love. Brayden said he loves me. I knew it already, but we both had an unspoken agreement to not say the words out loud. He broke it first, but I felt no hesitation in saying the words back to him. I do love him, and yet I know that it’s not enough. Love can’t conquer all, and it won’t conquer the secrets between us. It may save us from total destruction, but I’m not even sure of that anymore.

  For now, I’m just going to enjoy the sexy man in my bed. I snuggle in closer to him placing little kisses on his neck until he starts to wake up. “Again, Cat? I swear you’re insatiable.”

  “Are you complaining?”

  “Hell, no.”

  “Shower?”

  “You’re okay with the bandage?”

  “Yep.”

  “Then let’s go get wet.”

  “I’m already wet.”

  “You’re going to kill me, you know that, right?”

  If only he knew how hard I’m working to actually keep him alive. “Never, Crown. I’ll protect you to my death.”

  “I’ll do the same for you. I swear it.”

  I kiss him hard, and then let him carry me into the shower. We spend way more time than necessary in there, but we do end up getting clean—after we get very dirty. I send him away to get dressed, because I know if he stays any longer, we’ll never make it to the celebration.

  Since today is casual, I’m allowed to wear something a little more fun. It’s still a dress, but it’s comfortable and artsy, with splashes, stripes, and dots of color. I’m wearing bright orange flats with it, and no jewelry other than my engagement ring. I’m really looking forward to playing games and riding rides with Brayden now that we’re back to be real for the moment.

  I’m the last one to walk into the dining room again, but what happens next is very different from last night. Brayden practically jumps out of his chair to greet me with a kiss. I smile at him as he takes my hand and leads me to the seat next to his. There’s already a plate of my favorite things waiting for me.

  “You made me a plate?”

  “I did.”

  “Thanks.”

  “Hi Darcy.”

  I turn to look at Reina, and smile sheepishly. I didn’t even notice that they were here, and she knows it. Matt and Aiden are smiling at me, too, but Nate’s got his eyes on Brayden. If looks could kill, my fiancé would be dead.

  “Hi, Rei.”

  “Introduce me to him, Darce,” Nate says with a sneer.

  “Brayden already introduced himself to us,” Jade reminds him, rolling her eyes.

  “She’s my best friend, Angel. I want her to introduce me to the guy she’s sleeping with.”

  “Holy shit. That’s Nate Anderson,” Brayden whispers from next to me. “I didn’t really pay attention when I came in since I was making your plate.”

  I lean in to him. “I’d say his bark is worse than his bite, but it’s not.”

  “That’s what I’m afraid of. He’s really your best friend?”

  “Yep.”

  “He’s getting out of his chair. Please introduce me, or whatever.”

  I almost laugh out loud, but I manage to rein it in enough to shoot Nate a glare. “Nate, this is my fiancé, Brayden. Bray, this is my best friend, Nate. Happy now?”

  “No.”

  “Sit down, Neanderthal. Darcy can take care of herself, and if she can’t, she’ll let you know and you can kick his ass,” Jade tells him.

  “I’d fight him first,” Noah says.

  “Please try, little boy.”

  “Enough, Nate.”

  He looks at me in shock, but shuts up. I’ve got too many other things to worry about without playing referee in a pissing match between him and Noah. And Brayden’s completely off limits.

  “Wow. This is way more entertaining than our usual gigs,” Kace says, trying to ease the tension in the room while lying through his teeth. I want to run over and kiss him, but I know Stella will take care of that for me.

  I dig into my breakfast, sharing kisses with Brayden every few bites. Audrey leaves our final schedule on the table between us, but doesn’t say anything. I think she’s afraid to break the spell we’re under at the moment, because having a couple who’s obviously into each other is something she can’t make happen. Well, maybe she could with one of her secret potions, but the real thing is always better.

  “What are you going to do while I’m playing polo?”

  “Watch you play polo. Duh.”

  “You won’t be bored?”

  “If you weren’t playing, then yeah, I’d be hella bored. But I get to see you up there being all sexy and manly.”

  “I have a chance to actually win at this game.”

  “There’s that, too.”

  “Are you excited for the ball tonight?”

  “No.”

  “You don’t want to waltz in my arms before all of the American guests?”

  “One percenters aren’t really my thing. I mean, I love Matt and Reina as well as my bosses in the Society, but I could care less about anyone else with money.”

  “Did you steal from any of the attendees?”

  “I haven’t seen a list.”

  “So it’s possible?”

  I chuckle at his curiosity, but answer him honestly. “Yes.”

  “That’s the first time you’ve admitted to me that you’re a thief.”

  “Ex-thief.”

  “Semantics.”

  I put down my fork and look at him. “You’ve never told me you loved me before.”

  “So you trust me now?”

  “With the things I can.”

  “I’m guessing my family’s jewels are something you still feel you can’t.”

  “It’s not that I ‘feel’ I can’t. I really can’t.”

  “If you could, would you?”

  “In a heartbeat, Crown. I promise you that.”

  “What if we weren’t together?” he asks, and I know he’s thinking about after he’s king, when it will be impossible for us to be anything more than lovers.

  “The moment I’m able to give them to you, I will. Even when you’re married to some beautiful princess. You have my word.”

  “I gave my word to my father that I’d have the jewels before I was crowned. I don’t want to break that promise, but everything is set in motion.”

  “I’m sorry. Truly, I am.”

  “I believe you. I never wanted to break a promise, but I believe that just by you giving me your word that I’ll one day have them, I’m not exactly breaking the one I made. Does that make sense?”

  “Yes. And I promise you that they are going to be yours, and no one else’s. Ever.”

  He nods, and my heart feels a little lighter. “When I’m king…” he begins, but I place my fingers over his mouth.

  “We’ll deal with that when it happens. We promised to live in the now, remember?”

  “Yes, my love. I remember.”

  “I’m really sorry to interrupt, but it’s time,” Audrey tells us. “Do you want to touch up your make-up, Darce?”

  “No,” Brayden says before I can answer. “She looks perfect. Beautiful. I didn’t tell you that yet, but you look beautiful.”

  I take him in with his summer pants, and button down shirt rolled up to his elbows, and smile back at him, thinking about all
the swooning that’s going to happen when he walks outside. “You look almost perfect yourself.”

  “Almost?”

  I nod, and then reach up to muss his dark blonde tresses a little. “There. Now you’re ready. I hope they have some medical personnel on hand for all of the fainting women.”

  “We have an entire tent. Between Brayden and the Storyside boys, plus Zack, I’m thinking they’ll stay pretty busy today,” Audrey tells us. “Let’s go.”

  Brayden takes my hand, and we walk together to the French doors. We nod at the guards there and step forward as they’re opened. I’m supposed to be behind Brayden, but he holds me next to him, and I love him even more in that moment. The crowd starts yelling, and I see that some of the kids have even made signs for us, complete with hearts and rainbows. We stop at the top of the patio stairs and kiss. The shouts get even louder, and we both laugh a little before breaking apart to join the crowd.

  Everyone starts asking us to do things with them at once. Brayden assures them that we’re going on all the rides and trying all of the food. The crowd follows us to the bumper cars, the roller coaster, the Ferris wheel, and every other ride as we try them all. We’re both starving when we’re done, so we pile up on the food. Brayden has a blanket brought out for us, and we sit down on the grass, right in the middle of everyone else enjoying the picnic.

  It may be a big deal celebration, but it’s also sweet and romantic as we feed each other junk food while kissing frequently. Most people smile at us, and a few teenage girls wander over at one point to sit with us. I try to get up, intending to leave Brayden to his adoring fans, but he grabs my hand and holds it like his life depends on it. I hold back my laugh, especially when some of the teenage boys come over to talk to me. Their girlfriends obviously weren’t expecting that, and quickly pull them away, leaving us alone again.

  Brayden leads me over to the carnival games, and actually wins some. I’ll admit that I jump up and down and clap my hands when he wins me a stuffed sloth, and then a stuffed iguana. I’m offered the chance to trade them both in for something bigger, but I refuse. I love my little guys. And the big guy who won them for me.

  “Thanks for my prizes,” I tell him as we walk towards the polo field. He has to go get changed in the locker room with his team, and I’m going to visit his horse. Since I’ve been around the polo ponies, I’ve come to appreciate why Jade loves her pony from Nate so much. They’re such beautiful animals, and I love it when Striker nuzzles my hand looking for a treat.