by Jaymin Eve
Nathan grinned and with one last kiss left to change. Melodee stood with Jewel then. She took her in for her lunch bottle and food. Once that was done she changed both of them into clean clothes. Melodee didn’t have much appropriate for a funeral, but she made do with a knee length fitted black skirt, tights, a sweater, and she’d throw the black coat she’d got at Christmas over the whole thing for warmth. She bundled Jewel up also, not knowing how cold it would get.
Stepping out of the room, Nathan was on his phone, his back to them as he stared out the floor to ceiling windows in his living room. He was talking quietly, but she heard him say ‘Charles’, so she figured it was his brother. He half turned, running his hand through his hair and her heart stopped. She’d only ever seen Nathan in casual clothes, and right now he was wearing a suit that had definitely been tailored to his body. It was a dark charcoal, no tie, but open collar. He looked like he’d just stepped off the page of a magazine. He noticed her then, and his eyes darkened.
“I’ve got to go, Charlie, I’ll pick you up in ten.” He dropped the phone into his pocket.
He crossed to her. “You look stunning. I’m pretty sure you have no idea what you do to me. Or how beautiful you are.”
Melodee snuggled into Nathan, Jewel between them. She wanted to be close to him; the crispness of his suit was strangely comforting. “I’m not a liar, Nate, not even to myself. I know I’m not ugly. My parents loved that they could dress me up like a little doll. I guess I just think what’s on the inside is more lasting, and I’ve never cared much for looks.”
Nathan brushed his finger tip over her eyebrow. “You weren’t even worried that cut would scar your face.”
He truly didn’t understand Melodee. She was different from almost every woman he had ever known. That in itself, even without her exceptional beauty, would have attracted him. So much of attraction was physical, but to find a woman whose sexiness went deeper than that: fucking unbelievable.
The funeral was heavy with emotion. Nathan didn’t deal well with sorrow. Doug’s parents and sister were huddled in the front row, their faces showcasing every facet of their shock and pain. It still hadn’t sunk in that their only son would not be coming home, that they’d never hear his laughter, his inappropriate jokes, or see him nail that last minute three-pointer. Nathan knew the Barrant family very well, having spent a lot of time with Doug over the last few years. But when he’d expressed his condolences upon arrival, they’d been blank, registering nothing and no one. Melodee was quiet beside him, jiggling Jewel up and down to keep her from crying. He knew she had not wanted to come, feeling awkward since she didn’t really know Doug, and had been in the car with him when he died. But she had come for him, and that meant more than anything.
The rest of the Sinclairs, including his parents, filled one of the long pews. Candice was sobbing into a tissue; she was always a mess during sad occasions. Nathan could tell that Matthew wanted to comfort her, but his stupid pride kept him motionless. Someone was going to have to beat some sense into him soon before he lost the one woman who’d put up with his moody shit.
“Douglas Barrant was a beloved son and brother, active student at the college, and of course a starter on the basketball team.”
The priest read through the achievements of a life ended way too soon, and Nathan had one of those moments where he was hit hard by how short life could be. Anything could happen tomorrow, and right now he could think of nothing more important than being with Melodee and Jewel. But what would happen if they lost Jewel? Nathan had a terrible feeling he would lose Melodee also.
Later, the mourners braved the freezing cold to attend the lowering of the casket in the cemetery. Melodee had Jewel snuggled right inside her jacket, Nathan’s broad shoulders blocking them from the icy wind. The tombstone above the casket was massive; the Barrants had spared no expense. Halfway through the lowering of the casket, Melodee turned to Nathan.
“What do you think they’ll do with Jewel’s mother?” she asked him. “Will they bury her without a name or wait until they figure out who she is?”
Nathan was grim-faced as he watched his friend take his final trip. To rest six-feet below, eternally young and gone too soon. “I’m not sure what will happen with her mother, but I’ll find out.” He ruffled the little girl’s dark curls. “I’ll pay for her to have a proper burial. Jewel can always visit her then as she gets older.”
Melodee stood on her toes, pulling Nathan down to kiss his cheek. “Thank you.”
“Anything for you two.”
Chapter 10
“So I have a fight coming up soon.”
They were home from the funeral and Melodee and Nathan were just finishing up a gym session while Jewel had her afternoon nap. It had been the best distraction from the emotionally draining day. He stared at Melodee. She was sprawled across from him on the blue mats.
“What do you mean? As in a cage fight?”
Melodee nodded. “It’s one of the biggest of the year, worth twenty thousand. I figured this would be a good setup if I end up with Jewel.”
“I would set you up,” Nathan bit out, his hands clenching on the mat. “You’d never have to fight again.”
Melodee laughed, flipping from her back to her feet. She stood over Nathan, hands on her hips. “What in the world, after everything you’ve known of me, makes you think I would ever accept your charity?” She stomped away to put her free weights back on the shelves.
Nathan was on his feet just as quickly. He stalked toward her. “It’s not charity, and Jewel belongs to both of us.”
Melodee’s face fell. “Actually, right now she belongs to neither of us. I guess it’s useless to discuss until CPS gets back to us.”
Nathan gripped her waist, before lifting her into his arms. “No sadness, Dee. For now we have her. No creating problems that don’t exist yet.” His lips came down on hers and she met him with equal force. She wrapped her legs around his waist.
“Is it always going to be like this?” she gasped, pulling back. “I feel as if I’ll never have enough of you.”
“No,” Nathan said seriously, “something tells me it’s only going to get stronger.”
He lay her down on the soft blue mat, following over the top. He tented his hands on either side of her head. “I hate it when you talk of raising Jewel alone. Stay with me, Melodee Lee, give this a shot. You’re the most real thing to walk into my life in twenty-three years and I don’t want anyone else. I want you.”
A spread of warmth flooded Melodee, and everything inside tightened at these words, including her heart. Nathan’s aqua eyes were locked on her face, and she could see he meant every single part of his statement. Could she do this? Could she live a normal life and relationship? Nathan made her feel alive, like she was more than the Melodee that had been running. He was special, she could see that, and only a fool would give up what they had right now. And for once she wanted to be selfish, she wanted him.
“Okay, Nathan Sinclair, I will give this a real s–”
That was all she got out before Nathan captured her mouth, and once again they were set to give the blue mats a workout.
Clothes took moments to disappear, and then in one swift thrust, Nathan was inside of her. He threaded both hands with hers and pulled them up over her head, to hold her motionless. He started to move inside of her. This was the first slow lovemaking between them and Melodee couldn’t breathe. The sensations were strong, blasting through them, and Melodee wanted to rise up beneath him, but Nathan, using his weight and hold on her hands, kept her still.
For some reason, having the control stripped from her brought on the craziest orgasm she’d ever had. She cried out as she came and Nathan silenced her moans with his mouth before beginning to slam harder into her. He was building the rhythm again, his strokes long and hard as he held her against the floor. Melodee could feel the buildup again. She would not have believed that she had more energy after that last orgasm, but Nathan reached between them an
d stroked her clitoris in time to his movements, and with a cry she shattered again, losing all thought for that moment. The instant she started to moan, Nathan cried out her name and his own release thundered through him. His last few strokes were softer, slowing once they were both spent.
“Best workout ever,” he said, grinning at her.
Melodee laughed, and, utterly exhausted, closed her eyes and snuggled closer to him.
Nathan found himself staring at her like a lovesick ass. She was beyond beautiful to him. He couldn’t remember his life before her and he couldn’t imagine a future without her. He needed to make sure that if CPS came back to tell them that Jewel had no family, he pulled every single favor owed to the Sinclairs to make sure she stayed with Melodee. And that they both stayed with him. Rising to his feet, he lifted Melodee into his arms. Her eyes remained closed. She was so light; he needed to start feeding her more. It was about time she got used to people looking after her.
Nathan left her asleep in his king-size-bed. This was the first time she’d stayed in there, and he hoped that soon she’d be okay with moving into his room. But he wouldn’t push her. He’d learned pretty quickly that baby steps worked best with Melodee. Jewel’s babble started over the monitor. Nathan hurried to lower the volume so it wouldn’t wake Melodee. He’d leave her to sleep while he cared for Jewel. Striding into the nursery, he smiled as soon as he saw the little girl waving her arms at him.
“I got ya, baby girl.” He kissed her on the cheek. “Let’s get you some food.”
Thank God Rose had made a few extra batches of that puree for her. He'd have no idea what to feed her otherwise.
A few days later, Melodee and Nathan were glaring at each other over the kitchen bench. The fight was tomorrow night and they were trying to work out the details.
Melodee’s tone was hard. “You don’t have to come with me. I can take the bus into the city, do my fight and be back the next day. Plus, someone has to watch Jewel.”
“We’ll all go together,” Nathan said firmly. “You’re not going into New York without me.”
“Two problems, Nathan. I’m sure CPS would not be cool with us taking Jewel from Syracuse while they’re searching for her mother. And where do you think you’re going to hide her in the fight club? It’s not child friendly, trust me.”
“Two solutions, Melodee,” he shot back. “I’ll ring Denise and clear the trip, and Charles will come with us and look after Jewel in our Manhattan apartment while we’re at the fight.”
Melodee sighed. “Fine! If you can sort it out, we can leave tomorrow.”
Secretly she was excited at the thought she wouldn’t be away from Nathan or Jewel for two days.
Nathan laughed. “In all honesty, this works out perfectly. I’ve needed to go to New York to meet with my agent for a few days. Apparently there’s a deal on the table.”
Melodee grinned suddenly, her scowl disappearing. “That’s amazing, Nate. Is it unusual to have deals offered before the end of your college year?”
“It happens, but I wouldn’t be surprised if my father doesn’t have a hand in this deal. Gramps was a huge basketball fan and donated a lot of money. The Sinclair name has influence even in the NBA.”
Melodee opened her mouth, but he read her thoughts before she even spoke.
“I know I’m good, but the deals my agent have mentioned are in the realms of those players who are extraordinary. I’m not in that league and never will be. I love basketball, but it’s not my … my everything.” He shrugged. “But I’ve worked for it and I’m going to take what’s offered, even if it’s beefed up with Sinclair money.”
The sudden blaring of Nathan’s cell phone had them all jumping, even Jewel who was playing with her toys on the floor behind them.
“It’s Charlie,” he said, picking up the smart-phone. “I’ll okay the trip to the city with him now.”
He strode off, answering the phone as he entered the living room. Melodee thought it was pretty cute how he liked to stare out over Syracuse while he was on the phone. He said it gave him focus. Scooting off the stool, she kneeled to shift a few of Jewel’s toys into her reach. Nathan was back within a minute.
“Charlie said no problem, his class load is really light this semester and he could use a few nights away.”
Melodee raised her brows. “What did he really say?”
Nathan grinned. “He said he’s not my house bitch, but that for you and Jewel he’d do anything.”
Melodee returned that grin. She loved Charles.
“So if Denise agrees, we can leave first thing in the morning,” Nathan said. Melodee could see he was already dialing another number. “That way we’ll get there early and we can settle in before your fight.”
He hit the call button on his phone, walking away again. Melodee shook her head. She picked up Jewel and moved into her nursery to start packing a small bag. Knowing the strength and determination Nathan showed with everything, he’d have Denise convinced in about thirty seconds.
Early the next morning Melodee strapped a drowsy Jewel into her car seat and Nathan threw their gear into the trunk. A Porsche pulled up behind them and Charles emerged carrying a tray with three coffee cups, and a pack slung over his shoulder.
“Hello, party people. Ready to roll to New York City?” He handed Nathan the coffees so he could lean into the back door and kiss Jewel. Then he snatched his cup from the tray, jumped in the back seat, and dropped his sunglasses down to block the rising sun. Nathan handed Melodee her coffee, planted a kiss on her lips and opened the door for her. They were ready to roll. Melodee felt a flutter of excitement. It was like a mini-holiday, and almost unbelievable that for the first time she’d have someone to support her in a fight.
Charles was quiet as they drove, Nathan glanced at him a few times in the rear-vision and the worries for his brother resurfaced.
“Everything okay, Charlie?”
Sunglass covered eyes met his in the reflection, and Nathan watched as the affable mask fell across his brother’s features. He produced a relaxed grin and carefree tone.
“I’m fine, Nate, just been dealing with an old friend who needed help. But it’s all sorted now.”
He wouldn’t say anything else, and Nathan found himself exchanging a worried glance with Melodee. An old friend? That definitely wasn’t the entire story.
They stopped a few times, once for gas, and others to stretch their legs and give Jewel a break. But they still made good time and it was just past noon when the city line came into view. Melodee had been here a lot of times, but only for fights. She’d never been to any of the main tourist sites. Nathan weaved expertly through the chaos of traffic, even as they entered Manhattan. Dirty snow filled the landscape, but still there was a special sparkle to New York City.
Nathan took a few back streets, and before Melodee could get her bearings they entered an underground car park. He drove through the massive area, beeping his way into a second gated section. The security guards gave him a nod and half wave. He pulled the car into a park right near the lifts.
“Home sweet home,” he said, turning off the engine.
Charles was already out of the car, striding around to unbuckle Jewel. “The second I finish college, I’m moving here.” He breathed deeply. “I think it’s the air, something about New York is in my blood.”
Nathan grinned. “Pollution never smelled so damned good.”
Nathan grabbed their bags and they took the lift all the way to the top. Penthouse again. Nathan opened the door before stepping back to let Melodee through first. She gasped, freezing in the doorway. Charles swore as he almost crashed into her, juggling Jewel so as not to hit anything.
“Holy. Shit. Balls,” she said slowly. “This is unbelievable.” She finally moved her feet again and stepped into the marbled front entrance. The men laughed as they followed her inside.
Melodee had thought Nathan’s Syracuse apartment and his gramps’ cabin were the most beautiful places she’d ever se
en, but this was beyond anything she could imagine. The entire far wall was floor to ceiling windows, and the view was central park. Everything in the massive apartment was marble and gold fixtures, deep plush carpets and shiny everything.
“Who does this belong to?” she muttered.
“It’s mine,” Nathan said. “We split up our grandparents’ properties when they died. I also have a villa in Italy and a few others scattered around.”
“Again, holy shit balls,” Melodee repeated. “You’re rich, like really, really rich.”
Charles snorted in laughter. “Yeah, we are.”
Melodee attempted to veil the rush of sorrow that flooded her. She continued to get slapped in the face by the reality of how far apart her and Nathan’s worlds were. Worlds that might be too far apart to ever co-exist. He would see that so keenly tonight. The fight club scene was dirty, deadly and dark. Nothing like this beauty.
They spent the afternoon in Central Park. Jewel loved the zoo, and Melodee was simply amazed by the sheer size of the area. They saw only a small section before having to return to the apartment. It was just on dusk and Melodee needed to get her gear and head for the fight. She had to check her messages again to find the location. No point calling in any earlier, this information was only divulged right before the event. Nathan handed her his phone; she dialed in the number. She had two messages again. The first was Dwayne. She jotted down the address on a piece of paper. And with a beep a second message started.
“Hello, Melodee Lee, it’s Craig Luiz again. Your parents’ solicitor. I really need you to return my call. Important new information has been discovered. Please phone me.” The male voice listed his two numbers before he disconnected.
“What’s wrong?” Nathan asked, noticing the way she was staring at the phone.
“I’ve had two voicemails from a man claiming to be my parents’ solicitor. He says he has information and to call him.” She shook her head, handing him the phone. “It’s been ten years since they died. What new information could he possibly have? And how the hell did he get my voicemail number?”