I was lying on the couch watching the evening news when Tristan entered the room looking for Dylan. I sat up and pointed to his office. Tristan nodded and headed down the hallway and shut the door behind him. I could hear their muffled voices and curiosity got the best of me as I lurked outside of the office door. Those two were up to something and I was tired of being left out. The only time the door was shut was when they were discussing matters that pertained to Stephanie and me. I pulled myself closer to the door trying to get a better take on what they were saying, when I heard Dylan raise his voice.
“What the fuck do you mean they’re canceling the trial?” he yelled.
“Calm the fuck down man; you’re going to scare her.”
“This is bullshit Tristan and you know it!”
“I don’t disagree but you need to pull your shit together Dylan. You’re no good to her if you react this way.”
“How in the hell am I supposed to tell her this, she’s going to be scared shitless! I need to get her away from here NOW!”
“Dylan, have you forgotten that he didn’t do anything wrong? That you and I helped by doing a major cover up for that asshole?”
“Don’t fucking remind me, I wish I had euthanized that mother fucker!”
“You know I’d be right by your side man. I don’t care for that smug fuck either!”
“I appreciate that Trist, you know I do. I just don’t know how I’m going to tell Brooke. You know this means that whoever attacked Stephanie is still out there and wants to kill Brooke. Just who in the fuck are we dealing with Tristan? The team can usually figure this shit out quick, but this…this is just FUCK!!!”
“I wish I knew D. I’d love to break a fucker’s neck. Stephanie is doing a lot better but she has a long way to go before she can be on her own again. It pisses me off! She’s such a beautiful woman; I don’t understand why anyone would want to hurt her.”
“I hear ya man, I don’t get it either. All I know is that we need to get them both out of here, out of the country; the sooner the better.”
“Do you have somewhere in mind, because I’m fresh out of ideas. I’m not even sure if I could get Stephanie to leave. What about Mary? What will we do with her? We can’t leave her here. She’s been providing all the care that Stephanie needs and she’s left Thomas. She has nowhere to go Dylan.”
“When did she leave Thomas? Brooke hasn’t mentioned anything about it to me.”
“Honestly Dylan, I don’t think Brooke knows; not that she would really care. From my understanding and experience that guy is one giant asshole. He should have had his throat slit a long time ago.”
“Yeah, I don’t trust him. I don’t know what went on in that house but Brooke about lost it the last time we were there. I plan on getting to the bottom of it eventually; I just don’t think she’s ready to talk about it yet.”
“Stephanie has mentioned some things. One night she had a nightmare and was mumbling a bunch of ridiculous, sick shit but I let it go. She was in too much pain and I wasn’t about to start questioning her about things.”
“Either way Tristan, he’s a bad dude. The further they stay away from him the better off they’ll all be. I will put a call into my mom and see if she can help get them away from here without it looking too suspicious.”
“Sounds good man, I’m gonna take off and head over to Stephanie’s for the night. I don’t want her and Mary there alone.”
“Yeah, that’s probably a good idea. I’ll talk with Brooke tonight and let her know about the Stefan situation.”
“Good luck man,” Tristan said grabbing the handle and opening the door.
I was grateful for the bathroom just around the corner from the office. The last thing I needed was to be caught for listening in on their private conversation. I was nearing the corner when I bumped into Tristan. He stopped, raising a brow at me, smiled then walked away.
“Have a good night Brooke,” he said when he neared the front door.
“You too, I hollered back.”
Dylan came and joined me on the couch, putting his arms around me and pulling me against his chest.
“Are you getting hungry princess?” he asked as his lips brushed against my ear.
“A little, I guess. I’m still a little full from brunch. That spread was huge! How do you all keep from getting fat? I asked.
Dylan chuckled running his hands through his hair. “Well Brooke, we don’t eat everything on the table and we stop when we’re full. Plus, we don’t eat like that every day princess. That kind of feast is only for special occasions. I think Lucy made some sandwiches and left them in the fridge if that’s what you’d like, or we can just order pizza.”
“Sandwiches sound good, I’ll go get them,” I replied.
I was in the kitchen trying to take in what I’d overheard in the office. The only real words spoken I could hear were the ones when Dylan was yelling. I could hear the panic and anger in his voice. I figured that we would be leaving soon, I just didn’t know where. I was tired of being on the run. Constantly running from my past, the asshole trying to kill me, it was all beginning to take its toll on me. This was supposed to be the happiest time in my life and it was turning into a pile of shit once again.
I grabbed the sandwiches, placing them on plates and a bag of potato chips for us to share. My mood was suddenly less than pleasant. Dylan shot me a confused look and asked “what was wrong?” Shrugging my shoulders, I responded with, “nothing.”
“That’s bullshit Brooke and you know it. You were fine ten minutes ago, now you’re pissed off. What the hell did I do now?”
“Nothing. It’s just…it’s just, what the hell were you and Tristan talking about in your office?”
“We were discussing Stephanie’s attack and other business related matters. Why?”
“You’re full of shit Dylan! I’m tired of you lying to me. There can be no secrets between us, don’t you understand that?”
“Brooke! What the hell has gotten into you? I’m not hiding a fucking thing from you. I had every intention of telling you what we discussed after dinner. Damn it! Why are you so fucking persistent?” he said running his fingers through his hair letting out an angry breath.
I placed my hands on my hips, staring Dylan down with my dark, angry gaze. I was about to answer him when he walked toward me and held me in his arms. “You were eavesdropping again weren’t you princess?”
“No,” I answered nervously and quickly.
“Yes, you were! Don’t lie to me. I can see it in your eyes; you can’t even look me in the eyes. You jump my shit for not being forthcoming and accuse me of lying to you, when in fact it’s you that is lying to me. Look, I may not tell you everything that’s going on Brooke and that is to keep your safety in place. You have to trust me. Right now, I don’t know who the fuck is trying to harm you and your sister and you damn well need to respect the decisions I am making on your behalf. I would never put you in danger and it pisses me off that you question and lie to me about the pettiest shit.”
“Fuck you Dylan! You shut me out all the time, what the hell am I supposed to think? You know virtually all of my shit but you don’t share yours. It’s all a big fucking mystery with you. What am I supposed to think, how am I supposed to feel?”
“Fuck! You want to know what Tristan and I were talking about? I’ll tell you. Sit your ass down on the couch and don’t say shit until I’m finished, got it?”
Dylan was pissed, really pissed. I walked over and sat down, crossing my arms across my chest. I sat and waited like a scolded child, though I knew that wasn’t his intent. Dylan stood, looking hot in his ripped jeans with the buttons popped and nothing else on. How was I going to concentrate on anything other than that? I pulled my hair behind my ears and bit my bottom lip.
“Okay Brooke, here’s the deal. I have no idea who attacked your sister and neither does Tristan. We’re out of leads; Tristan and I are concerned for yours and Stephanie’s safety. Your mother has left Thom
as and the trial for Stefan has been canceled. That’s what we were discussing. Any questions?” he asked taking a seat across from me.
“Just one,” I replied trying to keep my composure. “Who was the girl that you took home to meet your mother?”
Dylan sat forward speaking in a very calm voice with his teeth gritted together, looking into my eyes and said, “I just fucking dumped all that shit on you and you’re concerned with whom I took home to meet my mother?”
“Yeah Dylan, I am. Who was she and what did she mean to you?”
“Sometimes you piss me off Brooke. This is fucking ridiculous. We’re adults for crying out loud, we both have pasts and for some reason you want to throw mine in my face. Well you know what? Fuck you! I’m done. When you’re ready to sit down and talk to me like an adult, instead of picking a fight with me; then I’ll explain. Until then, you can kiss my ass! I’m going to bed.”
I sat and cried on the couch while trying to watch TV. My emotions were all over the place and I had pissed Dylan off when he hadn’t done a damn thing wrong. The thought made me cry even harder. I hated being alone but I pushed him so hard and I deserved the reaction he gave. He was right, we both had pasts and I needed to deal with it but when it came to Dylan, it hurt too much to imagine him with another woman. Let alone, one that he had been in love with. I waited until it was midnight before I went to join him in bed. I hoped that he would be asleep so I wouldn’t have to face him right away. I was tired and I had nothing left to say, I had fucked up.
Walking by the kitchen counter I noticed Dylan’s phone sitting there. I picked it up and began plugging it into the charger. A text message alert flashed across the screen from Misty.
Hey Sexy,
Are you up? Please tell me you’re only marrying her because your parents want you married so you can take over the company. I miss you.
Yours Forever,
M
I threw the phone on the counter and walked into the bedroom. I was angry, hurt and needed sleep. I wanted Misty gone from Dylan’s life forever. As I lay in bed next to Dylan with his back turned to me, I vowed to myself that I would do whatever it took to keep her away from him. If the bitch couldn’t take a clue to leave him the fuck alone, I would personally make her understand.
I tossed and turned as tears ran down my face. My heart hurt so much, I hated fighting with Dylan. I rolled onto my side facing away from him. Dylan’s warm body moved closer to me, his arms wrapping around my waist pulling me into him.
“Baby, don’t cry. Everything will be okay. Just close your eyes and get some sleep. We’ve had a long day; we can talk about all of this in the morning. Just let me hold you.”
“Dylan, it’s not just what happened between us, it’s Misty too.”
“Princess, why are you worried about Misty? I have told you over and over again that the bitch means nothing to me.”
“She sent you a text, tonight.”
“Ah fuck!” he said running his hands through his hair. “She’s a royal pain in my ass.”
“Can I ask you a question, without you getting mad?”
“What Brooke?” he said irritated.
“Are you marrying me because your parents want you to so you can take over the company?”
“What? No. Where the hell would you come up with an idea like that from?”
“Misty.”
“Damn it Brooke! Why would you listen to anything she has to say? She’s fucking crazy! Listen to me and I want you to really hear this, okay. Misty isn’t shit to me, never has been. We were fuck buddies. I love you and no one else. I want to marry you because I love you. Do you honestly think I’d give someone my grandmother’s ring if I didn’t love them?”
“No, I suppose not. I don’t know what’s wrong with me Dylan. I just don’t feel like myself today. I’m tired, irritable and emotional. I just need to sleep. I’m sorry I picked a fight with you earlier. I just don’t ever want to lose you.”
“You’re not going to baby. I’m yours forever, remember?”
“Yes, forever,” I said drifting off into a deep sleep.
CHAPTER 11
“Good morning beautiful,” he said propped on his elbow with his hair tousled and bright blue, come fuck me eyes staring into me.
“Good morning yourself, sexy,” I replied trying to keep from going back to sleep.
Dylan ran his fingers through my hair placing a soft kiss on my lips, rubbing my cheek. “I love you so much Brooke.”
“I love you too Dylan.”
“We need to talk princess. How are you feeling?”
“I’m really tired,” I said yawning.
“We’ll talk in here, that way you can rest. Will that work?”
“I think so.”
He placed another soft kiss on my lips. God Dylan was sexy as hell in the morning. I loved the way the sheet hugged his hips exposing his ripped torso, igniting my desire for him. He really was a sex god and he was mine.
“Brooke, I met Christina my sophomore year in college. We were very much in love, or so I thought and we had planned to marry after we graduated. I had taken her home to meet my parents over Christmas break and I proposed to her. I loved her but not like I love you. She and I had a fight early one morning because I came home late after partying with Tristan and she accused me of cheating. I found out later that morning when she was leaving me that she had been seeing her ex-boyfriend that she dated all through high school. I was crushed and I tried to stop her from leaving but she wouldn’t listen to reason. The douche bag had been waiting downstairs for her on his crotch rocket and when she came out he revved the engine acting like an asshole. She hopped on the back of the bike like she couldn’t get away from me fast enough and they went speeding down the road at a hundred miles an hour. Austin lost control of the bike and went head on with a semi, both we’re dead on impact. I could hear the sirens from our apartment and I knew; something deep inside of me, knew that it was her. I blamed myself for her death, if I had been home on time, she might still be alive.”
Tears rolled down his cheeks, the sadness in his eyes shattered my heart into a million little pieces. We had both lost so much and yet found our way to one another. I could only hope that I could heal him as much as he was healing me. I kissed his tears, holding him tight, rocking back and forth.
“Shh…it’s okay baby. It’s not your fault, it never was.”
“Please don’t ever leave me Brooke. I won’t last; I’d rather die than be without you.”
“Dylan, I’m not going anywhere. I’m right here, with you, this is where I’ll always be until god takes me home.”
“Promise me Brooke; that no matter what happens, no matter how much we argue or fight, that you won’t leave.”
“I promise. Please, you’re breaking my heart.”
His lips crashed into mine, kissing me hard; desperate. We needed each other, our hearts beating together, our souls coming together as one. There was no foreplay; our love was pure and raw, two souls melding together, healing each other’s pasts, creating a future. We made slow, passionate love, each of us giving and taking what the other needed.
***
Planning a wedding was more work than I could have imagined. Dylan and I had agreed to work on our communication with one another. We were becoming more at ease with each other as the months passed. Dylan became more at ease after he had confessed about Christina and I promised never to leave him. Dylan had changed his number ceasing all communications with Misty.
Rebecca and I were becoming close. I had started working with her, putting charity events together for children who were in need. Our first charity ball and auction was to be held in less than two months.
I enjoyed working for the Prescott Foundation; it provided me a sense of pride and belonging. There was nothing more rewarding than helping others that truly benefited from it. Tristan had even convinced my mother and Stephanie to be a part of the foundation since Stephanie was unable to work after her attack an
d my mother had retired. Rebecca welcomed them with open arms and she and my mother had become close friends.
Dylan came from an amazing family. They supported each other in everything they did, always showing unconditional love. They were accepting of me from the moment I first met them. Dylan and I had decided on a small wedding with close family and friends. Our mother’s of course wanted something different, but a little compromise went a long way and Dylan and I were able to get what we wanted. He left most of the planning to me, except for the cake and tuxes; those were the only two things he was interested in choosing. Rebecca had insisted on booking the mansion, pastor and photographer, the only thing I had to do was choose the dresses and the flowers.
I had been so busy with the upcoming charity event that I’d forgotten to pick up Dylan’s ring. I had found a local, custom jeweler nearby to design his ring. It was a simple, elegant two carat, platinum wedding band engraved with the words I promise and the infinity symbol. I wanted his band to resemble the timeless elegance that mine did.
Rebecca and I were finishing up the donations for the charity event auction when the dress shop called to let me know that our dresses had arrived and we could come in for our final fitting. I couldn’t believe it was really happening, I was actually going to marry Dylan. It felt so surreal in that moment, all my hopes and dreams coming true. Rebecca and I called the others to let them know that we would be meeting at the dress shop at 5 p.m. for our final fittings.
***
When we arrived, my mother, Stephanie and Mandy greeted us in the front reception area of the little shop. The anticipation was killing me but I decided to let the girls and the mothers try their dresses on first. Stephanie and Mandy came out in their stunning red, Vera Wang crinkle dresses. They looked beautiful, the way the fabric clung to their curves and the sleeves slightly fell off their shoulders. Next, Rebecca and my mom came out in their dresses. They had chosen to wear the same champagne colored off the shoulder gowns, so that everyone would know that they were the mothers of the bride and groom. It was now my turn, as all the girls sat and waited in anticipation. My mother and Rebecca were the only two that had seen my dress prior to this final fitting. I stood up and went to the fitting room in the back with the wedding consultant.
Promiscuous (Book 2 in the Fixer Series) Page 9