“You know, your mother is expecting us to give her some exciting news at Christmas time,” I said, wiggling my brows. I didn’t think we’d be pregnant in a few months time. But, we’d just have to wait and see.
“Lila may be getting her birthday wish after all,” Brody groaned. “She’s going to be eight. Damn, time has flown by. It feels like yesterday you were pregnant and carrying Noah around on your hip.”
“That’s what I got for telling you I wanted another baby six months after he was born,” I laughed. “I was so clucky and sad that he was growing up too fast.”
He was going to get sentimental on me. “You were beautiful pregnant. All right, before I start to feel really old, let’s get these kids to the waterfall.”
The kids, unfortunately, invited Scott who had been drinking too many of Loraine’s cocktails, and Tulip just wanted to colour in. Rose was passed out on the couch, and Brody’s parents had taken an afternoon nap. None of us wanted to go near that bedroom, as we were sure nap meant afternoon delight. Jessie and Leon were going windsurfing, well, Leon was. Jessie was getting her tan on as she watched.
“Come on, I want to go,” I called out as Lila went to find her sandals.
“Hang on, mama!” she bellowed back.
I slumped the beach bag on the kitchen table and went to help her when I hear Brody and Scott in a heated argument. Hiding behind the door, I listened in like any curious and normal person would do.
“You need to stop it. Don’t make me warn you again,” Brody snarled low. I watched him giving Scott a slight push through the crease of the door. My mind ran a thousand possible scenarios of what had happened to make them argue like this.
“What?” Scott smirked. “Who knew that underneath those clothes was a tight body like that? You may have married her, but you’ve neglected her for years. As far as I can tell, it’s game on. Sorry, little bro, but she’s up for grabs after that fight during breakfast.”
A laugh escaped Brody’s throat. “Scott, we’re having another baby. She is mine, my wife. Fuck off and find someone else.”
“Pregnant and drinking? Nice try, you may want her knocked up, but it’s only so she’s stuck with you. She won’t be able to leave if she has a reason to stay. You’re both trying to work things out.” He smirked. “Who do you think was around when you weren’t? You took her for granted, and I’ll be there to pick the pieces up after this trip is over.”
Fuck, Scott was starting shit up that didn’t need to be brought up here.
“If you’re fucking serious, you better fuck off now.” I watched as Brody stepped closer, grabbing his brother by the throat with his hand as he slammed his back against the wall. “Let me tell you something, bro! It’s not just me. She wants it just as bad, and you better believe that she isn’t going anywhere but with me,” He snarled low, giving his body another shove before letting him go. “You’re sick in the head if you think it’s all right to make a move on your brother’s wife.”
Quietly rushing back into the kitchen, I looked up when Brody walked in, completely pissed. His face was murderous, and I didn’t blame him.
“Brody,” I began. Oh, shit, I was a bundle of nerves. “I have to tell you something.”
His eyes glowered on mine as he walked towards me. “Pantry now!”
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
My cheeks flushed pink, breathing ragged and legs jelly like.
I blushed hard as Brody and I stumbled out of the pantry. Doing my hair up while Brody fixed his shorts, I noticed his shirt on backwards, inside out. Trying a fake cough, nodding and making eyes at the tag, it clicked, and he went back into the pantry to fix himself up.
God, could we have been any more obvious?
Fred startled me as I looked up to see him, sitting at the table with an empty cup. “Gabriella, enjoying the holiday?”
“I am.”
“Great to hear. So, what have you been doing besides my son?”
Oh, God, I was definitely blushing now. He just heard us having wild, angry and possessive sex.
“Um, you know, swimming, tanning, and exploring the island.” I tried my best to keep calm, ignoring his teasing smile and remarks about the constant shagging.
Fred laughed, standing up with his mug. “Now, I can finally make coffee.” He eyed Brody who came back out again, making his own drink. “Your mother is eager for a grandchild.”
“She has three already,” Brody pointed out.
“Very well, I hope you cleaned up whatever was dropped in there, and son…” Leaning in closer, his voice gruff, “That’s no way to speak to the mother of your children.”
Oh, good Lord, I turned around, absolutely mortified as I buried my face into my palms.
Brody pulled me into the pantry. His only intention was to fuck me. I wanted to talk about what had happened out there with Scott. He refused to listen and wanted to vent through sex. There were things I needed to come clean and explained. I was told to shut up, get on my knees and suck it. “Bend over. I’m going to shatter your pelvis by the time I’m finished…” and last but not least, “Come with me, now!”
As my nether regions ached from the constant pounding, my heart, too, ached with guilt.
We were back to where we used to be, and I was going to make sure I worked hard to keep us feeling like this. I didn’t want to go home and be strangers living together again. I wanted to feel loved and make him feel loved. We were falling back into a deep love we once shared, and I didn’t want this feeling of happiness to disappear again.
Looking back at Brody, I smiled. We needed to talk, but he just didn’t want to.
With a kiss, he walked away and over to Jessie who was eating a platter of fruit. I could hear parts of their conversation without even trying to listen. Brody’s father too, he wasn’t showing it as he kept talking about his boat back home and wanting to go out on a fishing trip later this afternoon.
Making my way outside, Brody smiled, kept talking, and then the subject changed. “Has Scott said anything to you about Gabby?”
“Not really, I mean he mentioned how good she’s looking after losing weight, which you know—” Jessie glanced over at me. “You didn’t need to do. You were gorgeous before. Anyway, he just goes on about what a good mother she is. Why? Afraid they’re going to run off into the sunset and turn lovers?”
If only she had heard their last conversation…
Brody looked at her. “I’m not jealous!” he defended, a little too hasty. “Gabby has always looked beautiful, anyway.” With a sigh, he put his head in his hands. “He’s really fucking with my head. He said he’s going to come in and pick up the pieces especially after this morning. I honestly think he wants her like really wants her.” Brody looked up, and I could see he was worried. He didn’t need to be. I was with him. Shaking his head angrily, he scoffed. “He damn well told me, ‘Game on!’”
“Brody,” I said, sitting beside him, reaching over and resting my hand on his thigh with a gentle squeeze. “Don’t listen to him.” He raised a brow, and I let it slip. “I overheard. He’s a pig for what he said to you.”
“Gabby is right. His own marriage is falling apart, and he thinks he can also come in and destroy yours. He’s just messing with you,” Jessie said and looked over towards me. “She loves you, and all she does is care for you and your children. You have nothing to worry about unless…” She pressed quietly. “Was things that bad?”
I was quiet as Brody nodded. His expression was solemn. “It was bad. We were in a bad place. All I did was work, and we were fighting so much that divorce seemed like the only option. Neither of us wants that.”
“We don’t.” I squeezed his thigh. Divorce wasn’t an option anymore.
Jessie smiled. “Well, I’m glad. Uh-oh, your competition is coming over. Let the games begin,” she giggled, rolling her eyes.
“All right, I’m going to get the kids ready. They’re waiting for us,” I said, standing up.
Making my way past Scot
t, his hand reached out and took hold of my elbow and in front of Brody, leaned in. “You know you’ve got a beautiful smile. Shame the man you married doesn’t make you smile that way.”
“Scott, that’s inappropriate,” I was actually a bit fearful. He wasn’t acting sane. Glancing towards Brody, I begged him with my eyes for him to come and help get his brother away from me.
Brody was immediately by my side. “Hey beautiful, you ready?” he asked and kissed my cheek. “Or do you want to go back into the pantry and make love again?”
Oh, he was edging his brother, and it was working. If only looks could kill…
“Make love? I thought it was a hard fuck.” Giggling, I shook my head. “I want to go swimming like we planned on doing.”
Scott winked. “Great, I’m ready, and Gabby, you better jump off a rock with me. Don’t worry, I’ll hold you.”
“Get your fucking eyes off her. There’s no way in hell your hands will be on her!” Brody was in his face, shoving him against the sliding door. “I’m serious. Stop this shit, or I will kick your fucking ass.”
Scott held his hands up in defence. “Relax, baby bro, I’m just winding you up.” He smirked. “You may be in this sick honeymoon phase again, but I guarantee she won’t be around when she finds out about the hot secretary working late night with you.” He glanced towards me as my heart began pounding hard. “Yeah, bet you didn’t know that he’s with her almost every night.”
All colour drained from my face. “What?” I felt as if I’d been sucker punched.
“That’s right. While you’re at home with the kids, he’s at work, eating dinner with her.” Scott shoved Brody in the chest. “You want me to continue about everything else?” he threatened.
Brody’s fist was pulled back and slammed into Scott’s stomach with a swift punch. Scott groaned, bending forwards with a loud cough. I was frozen to the spot, unable to move as I had felt Jessie by my side and her hand in mine, pulling me down the side of the house. I wanted to stay. Someone should be breaking this up.
“Come on, let them sort this out,” she whispered softly.
“Why is he doing this?” This made no sense. Rose and his daughter were both still here. Why would Scott do something right in front of her, in front of his whole family?
I looked over at Jessie as I shook my head. “I…” I damn well knew, and Brody needed to listen to me instead of using sex as an excuse for everything. I had things to say, and he wasn’t hearing them. Shaking my head, I kept quiet and went to get the kids ready to take them for a swim.
The last thing they needed was to see their father and uncle having it out by the pool.
Jessie didn’t answer me. She instead tried distracting me by helping me with the kids.
Brody met Noah, Lila and me down at the waterfall. He didn’t look the slightest bit injured until he was up close. A light bruise formed on his jaw line from copping a punch. He dove into the water and swam towards us. Noah was up and on his back not for long as Brody lifted him up and dropped him in the water with a loud laugh.
The kids were looking at the colourful pebbles in the shallow part of the waterfall when Brody came up behind me. “Let’s take them out tonight, just us and the kids.”
“Yeah?” I asked, turning in his arms. “That would be nice.” Dinner with him and the kids was perfect. Lifting my hand, I gently ran my fingers over his jaw, and he hissed softly. “Are you okay?”
“Let’s not talk about him anymore. He and I are done for the rest of this trip,” he spoke back, entire mood tense and angry. “I don’t want you around him alone, Gabby. I mean it. Something isn’t right with him, and I don’t know what’s going on. But, I will find out.”
Nodding as I stood up and reached for a towel to dry off. “I know, baby. I know.” There was more to this than he let on, and it was worrying me.
Glancing down at the menu, I sighed, as I had no idea what I wanted to eat. Being told by my two small children to hurry up and order was a little funny since it had usually been me to hurry them along. I would have ordered much quicker if Brody was here with us.
The moment Scott walked in with Tulip and took a seat at our table, I knew something was off. Brody never broke his promises, and if he promised to join us for dinner, then he would. We left him to take a business call back at the house, and I told him that I would just meet him in the restaurant. Everything was fine, going as planned. But, that was almost an hour ago, and the kids were getting antsy, not to mention Scott being a pain in my ass as he kept saying Brody was still on a phone call as he left. Rose had taken too many cocktails and was passed out the sofa, according to Tulip who wasn’t the slightest bit fazed that her mother wasn’t around.
Putting the menu back down, I shook my head. “I think we should go back to the house, just to make sure daddy hasn’t gotten lost.”
“He’s a big boy, Gabby,” Scott muttered underneath his breath. “You know what he’s like when he’s working. You honestly think that it’s different now?”
“That was before,” I ground out through clenched teeth. “You’re causing trouble. Stop it.”
He smirked, and I almost slapped him. “I’d never make you cry. This could be our family.”
“You’re my brother-in-law. That’s all you’ll be,” I smiled, trying not to draw attention from the kids.
I felt a foot rubbing against mine underneath the table and stilled. “I still think about that night.” The memories and panic set in. “It’s always on my mind. You are always…”
“Don’t!” I warned and stood up. “Noah, please hold Lila’s hand. We’re leaving.”
“We haven’t eaten!” She pouted. “I’m starving.”
I didn’t listen to her as I rushed out of there before I stabbed a steak knife into Scott’s eyeballs. He was pushing it and bringing up shit that I’d rather forget. Almost nine years of not thinking about that night, and now, it was all coming back to my face. Brody needed to talk to me, and I was doing it as soon as I seen him. I don’t care who’s in the room. I have to tell him
“Where is Brody?” I asked.
“He’s on the phone.” Jessie frowned, looking concerned. “Why?”
“He was meant to meet us for dinner.” I shook my head, rolling my eyes with a sigh. “Can you watch the kids, please?”
She nodded and immediately got up to make them a snack until I could sort their dinner out. I went downstairs and to our guest house. Nearing the door, I heard him speak on the phone. About to push open the door, I stopped when I heard Kate’s name come from his mouth with an exasperating sigh.
“Kate, please,” Brody muttered. “I’m on holidays.”
Deciding I had had enough of this and her useless calls, I walked in. He immediately stood up and stared at me as he held the phone to his ear. I reached out and took it from him with a snatch. The phone against my ear, I could hear her breathy voice, asking him to leave his wife and come fuck her against his office window.
My rage consumed me. “This is Brody’s wife. Fuck off and don’t call him again!”
I hung up, almost throwing the phone across the room but instead, decided to be the prying wife and went through his texts. Her number at the top of the list with pictures of lingerie and detailed messaged on how she was going to rock his world.
“You have no idea what you’ve just done.”
I looked up, surprised by how annoyed he sounded. Narrowing my eyes, I held the phone. “What the hell is this?”
“It means nothing. I haven’t replied to her.”
“For all I know!” I yelled, wanting to smash the phone. “She sends you her pussy, and you tell me I’m overreacting. Yet your brother makes a pass at me, and you tell me never to be alone with him!”
He took a step forward. I stepped back. “Gabby, there is nothing going on with her.”
“You should have told her to stop!” My eyes were burning on the rim of tears as I put his phone down on the table. “You have no respect for me at
all.”
“I do.”
“Bullshit. I believed you once before when you said lunch was a once off. I won’t be so stupid this time. You should have reported her or told her to stop. You haven’t, and that tells me so much, Brody.” I sat on the edge of the bed, shaking my head. “You left the kids and me at dinner tonight. Scott showed up with Tulip.”
“So you had dinner with him?” he scoffed, “And you have the nerve to fucking get pissy at me.”
I looked at him, hurt that he could turn things around so quickly. “I can’t believe you.”
“Dinner!” Lorraine called out from outside, talk about great timing.
“Tell her I’ve gone to sleep,” I muttered, not wanting to be around him right now. The photos of Kate’s body were vivid in my mind. “You didn’t even delete the texts. Is that why you’re so horny, fucking me because you imagine it's her?”
“Shut up.” He glared. “Don’t be so fucking stupid.”
I looked at him. “Don’t talk to me like that again.”
Pushing past him and tears in my eyes, I walked outside and stared up at the sky. The sun began to set with a warm breeze. I inhaled, wanting to calm myself before I face everyone. Inside, it wasn’t much better as everyone gathered around.
Brody and I barely spoke to each other. The tension between us was thicker than ever. Scott came back with Tulip and sent her off to find Rose for dinner.
Everything seemed fine as his mother and father came over to kiss the kids good night. Brody, by now, had a few beers when he stood up, laughing as he walked towards Scott.
Confusion was seeping in. Why was he laughing?
Leon had jumped up to stop him, but it was too late. Brody walked up to his brother, and it finally sunk in as he threw a fist into his jaw with enough force to send a six-foot man falling to his ass. He then scuffed his collar, pulled him up with a harsh yank and snarled, “Fuck you!” before hitting him again and again.
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
Brody had been eerily silent.
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