The Baby Arrangement (A Winston Brother's Novel #1)

by J. L. Beck

  Maybe I refuse to admit it. Maybe I don’t want to face it. But I know a long time ago I gave myself over to Fallon. Not as lovers but as best friends, and that’s closer than I’ve ever been with any other woman, ever.

  I slip my hand from her chin, and move it to the small of her back, “Alright, let’s do this.” I say with a grin, even though I’m not feeling it. Being around Fallon makes me forget about the crazy stipulation my father has put on me, on us.

  We walk together in silence to the boardroom. I hope like hell Father hasn’t invited everyone. It’s not like they need to be here to see if things are going as planned. The only people who need to know anything is me, and Fallon, and my father of course.

  I sigh right as she opens the door, and I follow her inside. Ryker, Remy and my father all sit around the huge oval table.

  “Damn. I wasn’t aware you ran the show yet.” My father says with a laugh, his eyes darting down to his watch.

  “I’ve got other things I could be doing besides following your strange demand to have a grandchild, so I don’t want to hear any shit about me being late.” His smile widens and I throw myself into the nearest chair, Fallon taking the seat beside me.

  Ryker taps his fingers against the table impatiently, “Speaking of which, how is the search for the perfect baby mama going!?” I sigh as loud as humanly possible and roll my eyes, while Remy snickers like the asshole he is.

  I can’t really blame him for not wanting to get between Ryker and me, though. If he stuck up for one of us it would just result in more arguing. Yet another thing I’m not in the damn mood for.

  “Yes, Reed. How is the search for the perfect woman to birth the heir to the Winston empire going?” I cringe at my father’s words, sensing the tension in Fallon spreading out into the room around us.

  “It’s been dealt with. I’m confident you’ll have a grandchild in no time.” I speak through clenched teeth, not wanting to have this conversation now—or ever for that matter. Fallon’s sitting beside me, her spine ramrod straight, and I feel like I’m hurting her simply because I’m not going to tell them that she is the “baby mama” they’re discussing. The woman that’s going to save this company and my ass.

  My father narrows his eyes as though he doesn’t believe me before giving Ryker orders. “I want her name, age, address, and a full background check ran.” Fallon gasps beside me and it takes everything in me not to reassure her. She covers the gasp quickly with a cough, and the attention shifts back towards me. Well, except Ryker’s attention. He’s reading deeper into the situation, and I wonder if he already knows it’s Fallon who is going to give me a baby.

  “You never stated those things as part of the agreement, so no I will not agree to having any of those things done to her. She’s going to give me a baby, which will satisfy the agreement and shift the reigns of the company over to me.” Sadness creeps into my bones as I stare at my father, his skin worn like old leather.

  His salt and pepper hair is thinning, while his eyes seem sunken into his face, as if this company is draining the life from him, or maybe that’s just the illness he refuses to admit to doing it. I don’t know, since he won’t tell us anything.

  “Fine, but I want to meet her.” Dad shifts in his chair, leaning back slightly, “The charity ball, the one your mother loved so much. I want to meet her there. Bring her.” It’s not a statement but a command, and from the sound of his voice I should know better than to push the matter, but I do anyway, my eyes shifting back and forth from Fallon to my father.

  Fallon pales and I know I need to do something about this. “Are you sure that’s what you want, Father? She may not be up to some charity ball for the wealthiest people in town.” I half lie, knowing Fallon will be up for going if I ask her to.

  My father runs a hand down his face before lifting his dark eyes up to mine, disappointment and something else flickering in their dark depths. “Bring her. It’s not just an order, it’s part of the stipulation. If you want this company, you need to come to terms with things not always working out in your favor.” Ryker chuckles beside my father, and my nostrils flare as I suck in oxygen through my nose.

  His mere presence is pissing me off today, and I’m sure my father knows this since he doesn’t say a word about his laughter.

  “Sure thing, Pops,” I say sarcastically, wanting to tell him how fucked up all of this is. If he wants grandkids so badly, he could ask Remy or Ryker, but instead he wants them to come from me, and I don’t understand why.

  “Great.” He rises to his feet, shaking a little and seeming weaker than the last time I saw him, which was only a week ago. “It’s nice seeing you kids again, but I’ve got work to do, so I’ll leave you to it.” I clench my hands into fists at my sides, ignoring the anxious feeling in my stomach.

  Watching my father walk out of the room, my heart sinks into my stomach in fear. He pisses me off, but I don’t want to lose him. If he’s refusing to tell us what’s wrong with him, it must be bad.

  I stand as soon as father’s gone, and Ryker eyes me as I head towards the door. Fallon’s following behind me, her short legs taking longer to catch up to me.

  “So who the hell is this girl? Some whore? Is that why you’re throwing a tantrum about bringing her to the gala? Because she’s not…” I spin on my heel and rush him, adrenaline running through my veins while anger simmers just below the surface.

  “Enough,” I growl, grabbing him by the front of his shirt. I shove him back against the glass wall, and don’t miss the sound of his head smacking off the glass. He’s got a dangerous look in his eyes and I know he wants to fight me. That’s fine with me, because I’m dying to let out some frustration.

  “Does it bother you that I know… that I know that it’s her….” He’s having trouble speaking thanks to the way I’m twisting the collar of his shirt. His words push me over the edge. I clench and unclench my fist trying to decide what to do. “If you’re not man enough, I can give her a baby.” Those words set me off and before I can stop myself I’m pulling my fist back. My knuckles ache upon impact and I release him with a hard shove, hating myself for punching him and because I feel the need to hide what Fallon and I are doing. She doesn’t deserve to be anyone’s dirty little secret, especially mine.

  “Let’s go,” I growl at Fallon, taking her by the arm and practically dragging her down the hall into my office. She doesn’t say a damn thing as I manhandle her, and I’m glad because the fear of yelling at her terrifies me. I suck air into my lungs, but it doesn’t ease the raging inferno inside me.

  I’m livid. With myself, with Fallon, with the entire fucking situation, and beating the fuck out of my brother won’t change anything. That I do know.

  As soon as I slam the door to my office and close the blinds I realize the easiest way to let go of the tension that’s coiled deep inside me is to take it out on Fallon. Turning the lock on the door, I spin around to watch her stand in the middle of my office like a doe caught in headlights.

  She’s beautiful, even more so when she comes.

  “Sit on the edge of the desk.” I order, my cock hardening at the thought of fucking her right here so her come covers my cock for the rest of the day.

  Fallon stiffens at my words, but does as she’s told, and I thank fuck for that, because another argument with someone I care about is the last thing I need. I stare at her for a long moment admiring her sexy body. Her ass rests at the edge of the desk, her dress riding up to show off her creamy white thighs. She looks like a siren and I want her more every time I see her. I want her so badly I can almost taste her on my tongue.

  “What’s going on, Reed? Are you okay?” Her concern for me is adorable, but it’s not me she needs to worry about. It’s herself.

  “Spread your legs as far they’ll go.” I lick my lips, watching as her eyes seek out mine. She hesitates but does as she’s told, her cheeks warming when she realizes what it is I want from her.

  “We can’t do that here. What if so
meone hears, or worse, walks in?” She has no idea how much I want this entire fucking floor to know she belongs to me, so her screaming my name while she climaxes won’t bother me a bit.

  “Shhh, Fal. Do you trust me?” I ask, my mouth watering as I sink to my knees in front of her. Her nails dig into the solid wood of the desk, and I know, despite her protests, she’s as excited about what’s about to happen as I am. My cock begs to be freed from my dress pants, but I know soon enough I’ll be claiming her with it. I’ve just got to give her time.

  “Yes…” She sighs, as I push her dress up to her hips, exposing her bare skin to my cold office. When I see the very thin strip of lace resting against her pussy, I almost groan out loud.

  Fuck me. She’s going to be the death of me, I swear it.

  I shiver involuntarily as Reed’s blue eyes darken, raking over every inch of my exposed body. I can see how hard he is for me, and I want him, not caring that we’re in his office. That terrifies me, because with no boundaries, we could end up screwing all over the place. Losing my virginity while everyone on this floor listens isn’t something I want.

  “A thong?” Reed’s voice deepens with his need, and I swallow down any words I might have wanted to say before this moment. The way his voice becomes gravelly when he’s turned on turns my brain to mush, and the only thing I can think about is the pleasure I know he will give me. Nodding my head, I bite down hard on my bottom lip when he grabs the strip of fabric and pulls, releasing it like a rubber band against my clit.

  I whimper at the contact and Reed lifts his eyes from my pussy. They’re burning with lust ... for me ... and that’s an almost intoxicating feeling. I’m not the girl anyone lusts over. I’m the plain girl, the girl next door, the freaking best friend … but never the lover.

  The agreement we’ve made should be terrifying me right now, but the only thing I can think about is the pleasure his mouth and fingers brought me only a few nights ago. I want more of that feeling. It’s freeing and captivating and everything in between.

  I need that freedom. It keeps me from worrying about what will happen if and when I do get pregnant. What will happen when the baby’s born? And worst of all, what will happen when he doesn’t need me anymore?

  Reed rips my panties off, and I gasp. “You didn’t think I was going to let you keep those on all day after seeing them, did you?” His voice heats my blood, and I feel myself leaning into his touch.

  I watch as he shoves the fabric in his pocket and gives me an evil grin. “I’m going to pull it out later and use it to stroke my cock, Fallon. Knowing the lace touched your pussy first is going to make me come so fucking hard.”

  His words are so dirty, and make me want him to make me come. To make me beg for it and I’m more than ready to do that right now.

  “Touch me.” I plead, reaching out with a bravery I didn’t know I possessed. Grasping his hand and bringing it to my pussy, I beg with my eyes for him to do something.

  He rubs soft circles against my clit. It’s not the touch I want and I groan as his circles seem to slow even further.

  Why is he torturing me?

  “I can’t believe you’ve been saving this for me.” Reed blows softly against my pussy and I fall back against the desk, my fingers grasping the wooden desk. “It’s so delicate.” He hums against me, the sensation just enough to keep me hovering on the edge of insanity. “So pink and dripping wet with need.” I gasp at the rough lick of his tongue against the sensitive button. “I’d bet every penny I have that you’re wet enough to take my cock right now.” He smiles against my pussy, his tongue circling the bundle of nerves. Reed eats my pussy like a starved man, his lips, cruel as he sucks on my clit relentlessly, releasing it as soon as the pleasure starts to build in my belly.

  My chest fills with air but I can’t breathe. Everything about this man takes my breath away, from his deep voice to the way he works my body into sweet, sweet oblivion.

  “Reed. Oh my God.” I moan, loud enough that I’m sure the office across the hall can hear me. My orgasm is so close and I know keeping silent will be impossible. Reed must know how desperate I am for his touch because as soon as the words leave my lips he’s inserting two fingers deep inside me. He scissors them together and I come instantly, my pussy tightening around his fingers.

  I expect him to remove his fingers once my muscles stop clenching around them, but he doesn’t. My body relaxes gradually, and when my eyes finally open, I shove up onto my elbows, watching him as he stares between my thighs like he can’t believe what’s happening.

  Is he going to keep going?

  “I want you to know something.” Reed’s voice takes on a darker edge and I shiver, feeling him pull his fingers out of me. I don’t even get a chance to adjust to the loss of his touch, before he’s slipping those two thick digits back into me, shoving the air from my lungs, and my body up the desk.

  I whimper, unable to stop the sound from leaving my lips. I feel possessed, consumed, raw with a need that only he can fulfill.

  “This—” He pulls his fingers out again, and shoves into me once more, his fingers stretching me impossibly wide. “Is mine.”

  My body convulses when his dark blue orbs pierce mine. I don’t even know how to describe the look in them. It’s possessive and feral and even a little angry.

  It claims me from the inside out in a way his words never could. He removes his fingers and brings them to his lips, licking me off his fingertips.

  It’s erotic as fuck, and my pussy spasms, begging him to come back and claim what belongs to him.

  “You’re mine, Fallon,” He leans into my face, the tips of his fingers ghosting up my thigh before he slips them back into my tight hole.

  They move in and out, owning me, branding a piece of him inside me. The air between us crackles as it heats up, and before I can stop myself I’m pulling him into me, my lips pressing against his almost angrily.

  I grind my pussy against his hand, needing more. The friction of his palm against my clit increases, while his fingers moving inside me pushes me over the edge. I come again, his name leaving my lips in a high pitched scream. My toes curl inside my heels, and my body feels like it’s soaring through the air.

  I feel alive, almost high. My heart beat roars in my ears and that’s when I hear it.

  A knock sounds against the wooden door, and the door handle wiggles as whoever is on the other side desperately tries to get in. The lustful haze is gone from my body at the noise, and my limbs tighten in fear.

  “Mine, all fucking mine,” he whispers against my lips, not caring that someone knocked on the door right as I came screaming his name.

  The knock comes again, harder this time, and I can see the reluctance on his face when he straightens. Then it happens a third time, and his head turns toward the door with a muttered, “Fuck.” I watch as he fixes his clothing absentmindedly, leaving me sitting on the desk with my legs still spread.

  As soon as he moves away, I slide slowly off his desk, my legs barely able to hold my weight after two amazing orgasms. Right now, all I want to do is curl up on the couch in his office and take a nap, but whoever is knocking on the door won’t let that happen.

  It only takes a few seconds to pull my skirt back down my thighs, but without access to a mirror I can’t check my makeup or my hair. All I can do is hope this long-lasting lipstick lives up to its name as I pull my sex-mussed hair into a quick ponytail.

  Reed looks me over as he walks over to let whoever is banging on the door in. I can see the wall now covering his emotions, and it makes my heart sink. I need to stop expecting him to feel all the things I do, even if his eyes and touch tell me he does.

  He’s so easily able to mask his emotions and it makes him seem cold, even though I know he’s the furthest thing from it. When he puts his hands on me, I damn near go up in flames.

  The second he unlocks the door, it opens and Ryker strides in. He takes a deep breath, then gives his brother a knowing look that makes me blu
sh bright red.

  I know Ryker’s going to run his mouth and say something to piss off his brother, probably embarrassing me as well, so I duck my head and walk past them quickly. I’m careful to avoid any kind of contact, and as soon as I cross the threshold Reed slams the door, leaving the two of them in there alone.

  My eyes stay downcast until I get to my desk. Unfortunately, when I walk up, I’m no longer alone. There’s a group of girls standing around it, and they’re all looking at me. The one leaning against the edge with her arms crossed is smirking at me.

  Andi’s the go-to for office gossip, and one of the few girls here I know for a fact Reed has slept with. I clench my jaw and hope like hell she gets out of my way. God knows I don’t need to add this heap of shit onto my already full plate.

  When she doesn’t, I have no choice but to meet her bitchy gaze, “I was wondering if the rumors were true, but considering you just did the walk of shame from Reed’s office, I don’t need to.” Her words bite, and shame fills me.

  I don’t want to be that girl. The one everyone is jealous of, the one everyone gossips about behind her back. I just want to be me.

  Shoving a loose strand of hair behind my ear I answer her, “Nothing is going on, Andi. So if you wouldn’t mind moving gossip central away from my desk, that would be great. I have a ton of work to do and I hear the boss is a real dick sometimes.” I smile, lying through my teeth. My cheeks are still warm from our heated make out, finger-fucking session.

  All the other girls roll their eyes and start to pout as they head back to their workstations. Andi though, she’s persistent and when she knows something is going on she’s bound and determined to get to the bottom of it.

  “You might get away with lying to all of them, but I know something is going on between you two, and I’m warning you now.” She gets in my face, her eyes are dark and stormy. “If you think you’re going to be the one that breaks him, that makes him settle down, you’re wrong. You might be his best friend, but you aren’t wife material.”