Dangerous Beauty (O'Connor Brothers Book 4)

by Rhonda Brewer

  Keith wasn’t sure how long he’d been sitting there with his eyes closed and his head resting against the back of the seat. He was barely aware of Emily climbing back onto his lap. When she ran her tongue across his lips, he opened his eyes to see that beautiful smile on her sweet mouth.

  “That was incredible.” She grinned.

  “For me, yeah.” Keith brushed his lips against hers. “What about you?”

  “You don’t think I just knelt on the floor and didn’t help myself too, do you?”

  Keith grabbed her hand and brought it to his lips. He flicked his tongue against her fingers and growled. He could taste her and slowly licked her fingers clean.

  “That is so fucking sexy,” Keith moaned after he released her fingers from his mouth.

  “I’m still going.” Emily sat back as if to gauge his reaction.

  “Seriously,” Keith sighed. “Do you think I did this to change your mind?”

  “I hope not because I’m still going to the Ball and I want to spend this week with my mom.” Emily ran her hand down his cheek. “Keith, I need to go to this, but it’s between you and me. Nobody will know. Not even my family. I’ll tell them I’m there to help, but they won’t know until I show up.”

  “Princess, I’ll be doing security. I won’t be able to concentrate if you’re there.” He managed to lift his hips and pull his jeans up while she zipped up hers.

  “I’ll be fine. I’ll call an old friend and go with him.” Emily said.

  “Him?” The thought of her being on the arm of another man made his stomach turn.

  “It’s okay. I’ve known him my whole life, and you’ve met his parents.” Emily refastened his belt buckle.

  “I have?” Keith didn’t remember meeting any of Emily’s friends from SummerBrook, let alone their parents.

  “Judy and Alf Palmer.” Emily ran her finger over his lip.

  “You’re talking about your ex.” Keith could feel the acid bubbling in his stomach. “No fucking way.” He lifted her off his lap and slid behind the wheel.

  “Excuse me?” Emily snapped.

  “Did I stutter? I said no fucking way.” Keith started the jeep again and pulled it into drive.

  “Fuck you, O’Connor. I’ll do what I please, and I’ll go with who I want. I trust Mitchell, and I’m calling him when I get to the house.” The click of her seatbelt had him stomping his foot on the gas and spinning the wheels as he pulled back onto the road.

  “Em, how do you know he won’t expect something?” Keith eased off on the gas as the jeep's tires hit the pavement.

  “Grow up. Mitchell and I were over a long time ago, and I assure you he wouldn’t be interested in me ever again. He might take a liking to you though.” Emily laughed when his head snapped to the right to stare at her.

  “He’s gay?”

  “Yes.” Emily sighed.

  “I still don’t like it.” Keith turned into the long winding driveway leading up to the Bradshaw house.

  “Well I don’t like rain and snow, but we still have to deal with it,” Emily grumbled when he pulled the jeep in front of the house.

  “This isn’t a joke, Em.” Keith grabbed her hand as she was about to open the door.

  “Do you think I don’t know that? I’m terrified. This guy could go after my mom again or my sister.” Emily squeezed his hand.

  “I’m terrified that he’ll get you.” The lump in his throat threatened to strangle him, but he swallowed it down and stared into her eyes. “I need to keep you safe.”

  “I’ll be okay. I’m not Tessa.” She almost whispered the words.

  “How do you know about Tessa?” He wondered if she knew everything, including the real reason he’d married his friend.

  “Last week you were calling her name in your sleep. I asked Sandy, and don’t get mad at her, but she told me everything. She also said your family doesn't know, so your secret is safe with me. Although, I’ve got no idea why you wouldn’t tell them.” Emily moved closer to him. “Her death isn’t your fault, and from what I know about your family, they’ll agree with me.”

  “I don’t know why you were brought into my life, but I’m so fucking glad you were.” Keith smiled as she rolled her eyes.

  “You’re just lucky.” Emily giggled when he pulled her against him.

  “I am, but I’m really going to miss you. I know you want to be here with your family, but if at some point you want to get out of here, or you feel like you’re in danger call me. I’ll be here in a flash.” Keith brushed his lips against hers.

  “I will. I promise.” Emily cupped his cheek.

  A couple of more kisses and Keith helped her out of his jeep. Truck was on the front step talking to Rex and Cannon. Joel Wiseman, otherwise known as Cannon, was the newest guy to his team. He’d been medically discharged from the Canadian military. Since his sister, Casey was the receptionist at Nightingale’s Private Care and Therapy, Keith had met him through his aunt Cora.

  “Why do all your guys look like they could bench press a truck?” Emily whispered as they approached the men.

  “Cause they can.” Keith winked.

  He managed to sneak a kiss in before Emily disappeared into the house. He was going to miss her. Hell, he already missed her and it was only ten seconds.

  “I see you worked out that little disagreement.” Truck chuckled.

  “I don’t know about that, but I know you guys will keep an eye on her.” Keith slapped Truck on the back.

  He stayed for a few minutes before heading to his jeep. As he hopped inside, his phone beeped with a text. He pulled it out of his shirt pocket and smiled. The text was from Emily.

  Drive safe. I’ll miss being in your arms tonight.

  Princess, I already miss you.

  She texted back the emoticon for blowing a kiss, and he did the same. He sighed and closed his eyes. He was so fucking screwed. He’d fallen in love with her, and it terrified him. He never thought it would ever happen for him and certainly not so fast.

  When all of this shit was over, he was going to marry the woman, and the thought surprised him. He never thought he would want to get married again, but he ached to be with Emily and make her his for the rest of his life.

  Will she say yes is the question?

  Chapter 21

  Emily had spent the last two days helping her mother, but she missed Keith more than she ever thought possible. They talked on the phone before she’d go to sleep and send each other texts. Some were cute, and some were hot, but she could never send the one she wanted. The one that said she loved him.

  She’d lost count at how many times she’d typed the words and then deleted it without sending it. She was such a coward but then again the first time she told him it should probably be face to face.

  “I think we’ve lost her again.” Keith’s cousin Isabelle chuckled from across the table.

  “Well come on, if I had a dreamy, hot, muscled man to think about, I’d be daydreaming too.” Her sister nudged her.

  “Ewww, don’t use the words dreamy and hot when talking about my cousin.” Kristy gagged.

  Since the ball was only a couple of days away. Keith’s grandmother, true to her word, sent Keith’s cousins and sisters-in-law to help with setting up. As usual for the Ball, it was being held at her parent’s home, and huge tents had been set up on the back of the house. Her mother had also changed the usual caterer and hired Isabelle’s restaurant to provide the food. Isabelle had been ecstatic, and she’d admitted to Emily, a little worried. It was the biggest event she’d ever done.

  “Your cousins are very sexy.” Marina winked at Emily.

  “I think I just threw up in my mouth a little.” Kristy groaned.

  “I get hot just looking at John.” Stephanie gave a deep sigh.

  “Are you trying to make me throw up.” Kristy gave Stephanie a playful push.

  “Would you rather we talk about a certain sexy bald hottie.” Sandy laughed from her seat where she was feeding her
new baby.

  “Oh, what’s that Mrs. Bradshaw? You need my help in the house. I’m coming.” Kristy hurried toward the open patio doors, but not before she turned and stuck her tongue out at Sandy.

  “That was cruel.” Emily shook her head. She’d heard that Kristy was head over heels for the huge man that everyone knew as Bull. From what she understood he was keeping her at arm's length, but only he knew why.

  For the next couple of hours, the women worked to get everything set up. They teased each other and chatted about the kids. Emily also got to hold little Alexander, and she felt a little tug in her belly when he grabbed her finger.

  “It’s amazing, isn’t it?” Emily peered up as her mother touched the top of the baby’s little head.

  “It’s amazing how something so tiny can demand such attention." Emily smiled as her mother crouched in front of her.

  “You were the loudest.” Her mother gazed down at the baby.

  “Gee, thanks, mom.” Emily laughed.

  “It only proved how strong you are.” Her mother cupped her cheek. “I’m so sorry you’ve been put in danger.”

  “Mom, it’s not your fault. I’m just glad you’re safe.” Emily covered her mother's hand with her free hand. It was the perfect time to ask her mother how well she knew the Beckers, but before she could, little Alexander started to squirm.

  “Looks like someone is waking up.” Her mother stood up.

  “Sandy, he’s moving.” Emily tried not to sound panicked, but she wasn’t used to small babies.

  “He tends to do that.” Sandy chuckled as she lifted the baby from Emily’s arms. “Lynn if you don’t mind I’m going to head home. Ian is picking the girls up from school and Grace from daycare. I want to be there before they get home.”

  Kim arrived just as Sandy was leaving. After she had gushed over the baby, she joined in to help. By the time everything was set up all the women were exhausted and headed back to Hopedale.

  Her father had himself locked in his office, but Emily figured he was just trying to stay out of the way. It wasn’t until she saw Ken Becker coming out of the office that she realized her father wasn’t in there alone. A few minutes later Elliot left, and her father exited the room a second later. He looked angry.

  “Dad, is something wrong?” Edward appeared behind her.

  “Just some business stuff. Nothing for you two to worry about.” He shifted on his feet and smiled. No doubt it was forced, but Emily knew her father wasn’t going to tell them.

  “Did you get everything done?” He asked Emily.

  “Yes, mom has the tents closed off now, but I get the feeling she’s going to be in there every day checking things.” Emily chuckled as her father put his arm around her shoulder.

  “I’ve no doubt. It’s good to have you home, honey.” He kissed her temple. “Keith says the repairs on your shop are almost done.”

  “I’m sorry, what?” Emily stared at her father.

  “Damn it, I wasn’t supposed to say anything. I’m sorry. He wanted it to be a surprise.” Her father had been kept in the loop, but for some reason, Keith didn’t even tell her what he’d done.

  “I’m going to kick his ass,” Emily grumbled as she dug into her pocket for her phone.

  The phone rang several times before he finally answered and before she had a chance to rip him a new one he started to apologize. Emily glanced towards her brother.

  “Don’t kick my ass.” Keith chuckled.

  “It seems I need to kick my brother's first.” Emily glared at Edward.

  “I just didn’t want you to worry about the repairs. I know your insurance won’t cover it because they consider it an act of terrorism.” He said.

  “How did you know that?” Emily had only mentioned it to Kim because she was her business partner. “Nevermind, I think I know the answer to that.”

  “My foreman is dealing with it, and he gets back to me daily,” Keith explained.

  “It’s not your place. He should be getting back to me and so help me Keith if you don’t invoice me for this I will kick your ass.” It seemed Keith had hired his own construction company to do the repairs. That wasn’t the issue because she’d probably have done that very thing. Her problem was being kept in the dark.

  “Kim told me to keep things the same as it was, so there isn’t going to be any changes to the place,” Keith said.

  So it seemed everyone knew about this except her.

  “I’m so pissed with you right now. You should’ve asked me if you could do this. It’s my salon, and I make the decisions. Even if Kim told you to go ahead, you still should have checked with me.” Emily snapped. “After this Ball is over, I’m coming back to Hopedale, and I’m going back to my salon and apartment.” Before he could respond, she ended the call and sent an outraged text to Kim.

  She gave her brother and father a piece of her mind and stomped up the stairs to her childhood bedroom. Her phone rang, and Emily was tempted to ignore it, but she pulled it out of her pocket. Her anger subsided a little when she saw the number.

  “Hey, Mitchell.” Emily closed her bedroom door and flopped down on her bed.

  “Hey, I just wanted to make sure we were still on for the Ball?” he asked.

  “Yes, of course.”

  Emily had called him the night she’d arrived at her parent’s house. He’d been a little apprehensive at first because he was concerned his parents would think he and Emily were an item. Emily had reassured him that her parents were aware she was involved with someone, or at least they suspected it. Whether they were right or not was irrelevant.

  “So your man isn’t going to be able to escort you.” He asked.

  “Right now my man is the last person I want to be my date,” Emily grumbled.

  “Trouble in paradise?” He chuckled.

  “I don’t want to get into it, but I’m glad we get to spend some time together. It’s been a long while.” Emily had not kept in touch with Mitchell too often, which was why she was surprised he said he’d be her escort to the Ball.

  “Yes, it’ll be fun to catch up.” He said.

  “Just remember, don’t tell anyone that you’re going with me.” She explained the situation to him, and at first, he thought it was crazy, but he agreed to keep it tight lipped.

  “I haven’t told a soul.” He confirmed.

  “But your family knows you’re going as well?” Emily wanted to see the look on Judy and Tiffany’s faces when they saw her walk in with Mitchell. It was petty, but it bothered her the way they looked down on her. The only one that was nice to her besides Mitchell was the family’s staff and Mitchell’s dad.

  “Yes, and mom asked if I was taking a date.” Mitchell laughed. “I told her I was going alone.”

  “Good, I’m sorry that you had to lie.” Emily did feel bad.

  “I lie to them every day, Emily. They still think I’m straight.” Mitchell’s voice sounded strained.

  “You need to tell them sooner or later, Mitchell.”

  “I know, and maybe when I find someone I want to spend my life with, I’ll have the guts to do it.” He sighed.

  “You’ll find him. Well, I’m going to get some sleep. I’ll call you the day of the Ball and let you know where to meet me.” Emily hadn’t really figured out how she was going to show up at the ball. As far as everyone was concerned, she wasn’t attending.

  Emily lay down and stared at the glowing stars on her ceiling. She remembered the day her mother put them there. She’d been so excited to go to bed that night to see the glow in the dark stars. They’d calmed her watching them then. She snatched her phone off the nightstand and stared at the screen. He hadn’t texted since she hung up on him.

  “You had every right to be pissed,” Emily whispered to herself, but over the last couple of days that she’d been away from him, it was his smooth deep voice that lulled her to sleep.

  She struggled with the thought of calling him, but she was pig headed and tossed her phone back on the nigh
tstand. For what seemed like hours she tossed and turned. Was Keith doing the same?

  Chapter 22

  Keith should’ve known she’d be pissed when she found out. He wasn’t doing it because he wanted to be in control of her salon. That was the last thing he wanted her to think. She’d been so stressed from everything, and he just wanted to make things easier. Kim had appreciated it at least.

  He lay on his back in the bed with Burlap curled up on Emily’s pillow. It seemed like the cat missed her too. Since she’d been at her parents, he’d found the ball of fur curled up in Emily’s slipper, her sweater and even sleeping on her pillow at night.

  It was four in the morning, and sleep had become impossible without Emily. He glanced at the cat and pulled out his phone. He clicked a picture just as the cat popped up her head and attached it to a text.

  Don’t be mad at Keith. He just wanted to help. I miss you, but Keith misses you more. Love Burlap.

  Even if the text didn’t get him off the hook with her, she’d probably get a giggle out of it. Pathetic. Sending her texts from the fucking cat because he couldn’t just come out and tell her he loved her. It was why he wanted to make all her stress and pain disappear.

  The next morning he’d spent catching up on email, paying bills, and sending invoices. In between, he frequently checked his phone to see if Emily had read his message. She hadn’t, but that was probably because they were up to their ears with preparations.

  “Hey, you home, Rusty?” Smash’s voice echoed through the house.

  “I’m in the office,” Keith shouted.

  A few seconds later Smash walked in followed by Sandy. Both of them had the same urgent look on their face, but before he got a chance to ask what was going on. His phone rang. Keith glanced at the screen and was disappointed to see it wasn’t who he’d hoped.

  “Hey, Uncle Kurt,” Keith answered as he held up his finger to Sandy and Smash.

  “Ken Becker is dead.” Kurt sounded pissed.