Undaunted (No Rival Book 2)

by Charity Parkerson

  Staying true to her word, Mandy reappeared only minutes later wearing a baggy t-shirt, a pair of super-short cut-offs and nothing else. The long legs he’d pictured wrapped around his hips a thousand times taunted him now as he watched Mandy moving toward him. Not until his eyes met hers did he realize how long he’d focused on the lower half of her body. An odd expression, one Rhys couldn’t decipher, crossed over Mandy’s face. It disappeared before he had time to figure out what she was thinking.

  Rhys opened his arms and without hesitation, Mandy crawled on top of him until she was snuggled down tightly between him and the couch. There was never an awkward moment of silence between them. Things simply were what they were.

  With her cheek resting on his chest, Rhys could only see the top of her head when he spoke. “Guess what happened to me today?”

  Mandy shifted until her leg was across his stomach and Rhys bit back a moan at the contact. Her lack of a bra and close proximity were taking a toll on him. “How many guesses do I get?”

  “None. I got invited to a funeral,” he said, too excited to share his gossip to wait on her to run through the possibilities.

  “A funeral? I didn’t realize people needed invites. I must know,” she added in a teasing tone and he goosed her side.

  “Behave or I won’t tell you the good bits,” he warned and she pretended to zip her lips. “Good girl. Drew’s dad died and he’s asked me to join him to keep an eye on Aubree while he’s doing some honorary stuff.”

  Mandy nodded against his chest. “Ah, he’s keeping her away from Max. That makes sense.”

  Rhys titled his head to the side. “You know about Max?”

  He felt her shrug. “I don’t know if I know ‘about’ his brother, but I did meet him once at one of Drew’s holiday parties. Of course, I didn’t find out until later it was his brother I’d met. Actually, that’s how Drew and Aubree met as well. She came with Max to the party.”

  “Huh,” Rhys grunted. “A mystery. I will have some entertainment while I’m there, it seems.”

  His mind wandered off as he pictured a thousand different scenarios in which Aubree ended up assaulted by Max. Nothing he envisioned made any sense. His muscles relaxed and his eyes grew heavy as Mandy’s warmth sank into his skin.

  *

  Mandy pressed her ear to Rhys’ chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart. The hard muscles of his stomach drew her fingertips and she traced their lines. She was living in a self-made hell. It wasn’t an unfamiliar thought. The knowledge had grown each day since the death of Rhys’ father. She tried to shove from her mind the memory of the night Rhys’ learned of his suicide, but it would haunt her at the oddest of times. One moment Mandy would think she would be fine, and the next, she was floored again by the night’s events.

  The feel of Rhys’ teeth sinking into her bottom lip as he pumped inside her drove Mandy insane. Liquid heat flooded her core while tears pricked at her eyes. He’d said he loved her. She shoved the picture away. It didn’t matter. In a way, it was almost as if it never happened, especially since Rhys didn’t remember a second of it. In spite of her best efforts, the tears she held back slipped from her eyes and soaked Rhys’ shirt beneath her cheek.

  She should have known better. He’d been half out of his mind with grief and alcohol. Secretly, she suspected he’d consumed a few other things besides tequila but she couldn’t prove it. When she’d intervened in his self-destruction, she should have done more to guard her heart. It was his eyes. She’d been so sure he meant every word he said to her, but then he’d woken up the next day. She cut off the thought before it decimated her again.

  Mandy’s stomach churned. Every day, night, and woman since then had slowly ripped away the layers of her skin. She needed to let him go. The torture of having him while not really having him needed to end. Rhys’ muscles tensed beneath her, and he sucked in a deep breath.

  “Are you okay, baby?”

  Squeezing her eyes closed, Mandy swallowed against the pain. His groggy voice and the fingers brushing her waist would never belong to her. “Go back to sleep.” His deep breathing let her know her order had been unnecessary. Just like the night he’d taken possession of her body, he wouldn’t remember this in the morning. Soon, she promised herself. She would let him go soon.

  Chapter Two

  Rhys’ phone buzzed in the front pocket of his jeans, pulling him from his dreams. Blinking at the unfamiliar ceiling, it took him a minute to realize he was still at Mandy’s. The sunlight streaming into the room and the crick in his neck spoke volumes about how long he’d slept on her couch. Glancing around, he realized Mandy was gone—most likely she’d headed for class already. The sound buzzed again and he groaned as he worked the device from his pocket. Rhys’ body protested as he sat up. Making a mental note to avoid this sleeping arrangement again, he ran his finger over the screen, checking his messages. They were both from Drew. The first gave him the time of the funeral services. The second was directions to his house once he recalled Rhys had never been there before. A shot of panic raced through him until he checked the time, and his heart rate slowed. He still had enough time to run home and change before he needed to be at Drew’s house.

  Scrubbing at his face, Rhys shoved his phone back into his pocket as he headed for the bathroom. It wasn’t until he was on his way back to the couch that he realized he’d fallen asleep before Mandy had gotten to talk to him about her business opportunity. A sinister smile tugged at his lips, and he pulled his phone out once more. It seemed he would be seeing her again today.

  * * * * *

  Knox sipped his coffee, wincing against the loss of his taste buds. A flash of blonde hair caught his eyes, distracting him from the pain. Mandy looked tired. It seemed in the past four weeks she’d lost weight. She didn’t have the pounds to spare. Rhys wasn’t taking care of her the way he should, but Knox worked hard to stay out of his brother’s business. After all, it wasn’t as if he was in a position to stand in judgment.

  In spite of her obvious exhaustion, Mandy smiled kindly as she stepped from table to table checking on each of her customers. She helped an overwhelmed mother shuffle her children into their seats before winking at an elderly man, no doubt making the dude’s day.

  Knox couldn’t explain why he never sat in her section or why he couldn’t stay away. It had always been that way with Mandy. As if feeling his stare burning into her skin, Mandy turned and met his gaze. Just as she did every day, Mandy made her way to his table. She refilled his cup even though he didn’t need it and he wasn’t one of her customers.

  “Knox.”

  “Mandy,” he said, acknowledging her greeting, just as he did every day except for Sunday, since that was her day off.

  Seizing his chance, Knox asked, “Why are you here instead of school?” It had been driving him nuts, but he knew it wasn’t any of his concern. She froze and for the first time in memory, she focused on his face. He almost took the question back. Of all the times for him to strike up a conversation, of course he would choose the wrong topic. Story of his life.

  “I had some unforeseen medical bills and I can’t afford to pay my tuition any longer.”

  Several platitudes sprang to mind, but each sounded as ridiculous as the last. “You were going for some sort of photography thing, right?”

  “Yes but I guess we all have to come to grips with reality eventually.” The acceptance of her situation didn’t quite reach her eyes. Passion was a hard thing to beat into submission.

  “I don’t see why. I haven’t.”

  Her mouth lifted in one corner before she turned away. As he watched her cross the room, returning to her tipping customers, he wondered if he should change sections tomorrow. He had to keep her on her toes, after all.

  * * * * *

  Following Drew’s directions, Rhys was stunned when the red brick and tan condos came into view. He didn’t know what he’d been expecting, but as a fighter who earned between two and three million dollars a ye
ar, Drew could live almost anywhere. Rhys barked out a laugh when he pulled up to the curb and spotted the two ridiculously expensive vehicles parked in the short driveway. A person needed his priorities, it seemed.

  The front door opened before he had the chance to knock. Aubree smiled as she waved him inside. “I heard you pull up,” she explained. Closing the door behind him, she added, “Drew is almost ready. You can blame me for making us late.”

  Rhys followed on her heels as she moved toward the kitchen. When she headed for the sink, he pulled a chair away from the edge of the dining room table and sat down, watching her. Her blonde curls hung down her back as she stretched above her head, reaching for a glass. After turning on the tap, she filled the cup.

  “I’m in no hurry. I don’t suppose the guest of honor is going anywhere.” He wanted to bite his own tongue as soon as the stupid comment left his lips. Thankfully, Aubree chuckled.

  “No, I don’t suppose he is. I see you’re a lot like your brother. You say unfortunate things when you’re uncomfortable.”

  “Which one?” Rhys asked, attempting to hide his disbelief. He hadn’t realized Aubree knew either of his siblings.

  Aubree took a quick drink of water before setting her glass in the sink. She leaned her hip into the counter, turning her attention his way.

  “Knox,” she answered, before adding, “I didn’t realize you had more than one.”

  Rhys worked to keep his face blank. He should’ve known Knox would never speak of Dane, but hearing it confirmed left him feeling deflated. “There’s a brother between Knox and me.”

  Aubree seemed thoughtful, making him worry he’d not done a good job of hiding his emotions, and he quickly steered the conversation in a different direction. “How do you know Knox?” As the question left his mouth, a movement over Aubree’s shoulder caught Rhys’s attention. He spotted Drew coming up behind Aubree through the kitchen’s side door. Drew’s eyes danced with humor as he motioned for Rhys to stay quiet. Rhys locked his gaze on Aubree’s face, doing his best to keep from giving Drew away. With her lips pressed together and her mouth twitching, it was obvious to Rhys she knew exactly what was going on behind her. At the last second, and when it seemed Drew would finally get the drop on her, Aubree drove her elbow into Drew’s gut, catching him unawares. Drew threw his head back, roaring with laughter. Aubree’s blue eyes lit up with happiness, striking Rhys with a sudden insight. Drew was a lucky bastard.

  Rhys had always been a people watcher. He loved observing his surroundings and gathering up all the pieces of everything around him before fitting them together until he felt as if he knew their life story as well as he did his own. Everything he’d gathered on Drew came together the moment the man touched Aubree. This tiny woman had swept the huge fighter off his feet. He’d been helpless against her. Not because of something tangible anyone would be able to see, but Rhys saw it now. Aubree possessed a soft inner beauty, directly offsetting Drew’s darkness and making him better.

  The small apartment kept her close at all times, while the expensive cars gave Drew an outlet to release his urge to spoil her. Not only was the pair a perfect match, they would also make amazing parents. There was too much love in their home for it to be otherwise.

  Resting his chin on top of Aubree’s head, Drew focused on Rhys as he absently caressed her stomach. “I thought we would take the Range Rover so we won’t get separated on the drive. Since my father’s body was cremated, they’re having the ceremony at his home. Well, I guess it’s Max’s home now.”

  “Are you sure you’re up for this?” Rhys was waiting for Drew to answer Aubree’s question, but as the pair continued staring his way, he realized her inquiry had been intended for him. “I mean, you don’t have to do this if you feel like it’s too soon after your father’s death,” Aubree added, sounding worried. “I’m so bad at these things.”

  At her obvious discomfort, Rhys rushed to reassure her. “My father was cremated as well. It’s odd, but for some reason that detail made it feel less real. It was Mandy’s suggestion, and I’m still grateful for it. Don’t worry over me.”

  * * * * *

  Just as Rhys suspected, the services passed with a lingering sense of unreality. To his mind, it was hard to imagine a person inside a vase. Drew had been right to think he’d be pulled away from Aubree. It seemed everyone wanted to shake his hand or discuss something with him privately. The son his father did claim stood off to the side wearing an expression dark enough that no one dared speak to him. Drew pointed out the man along with his friend Ryan as soon as they cleared the door, and Rhys had kept a close eye on their whereabouts at all times. He could sense Aubree doing the same thing as they sat side by side waiting for Drew to finish up.

  The two men embraced, and Aubree tilted her head, appearing thoughtful as she watched them. Max was intense. There was no other way to describe his harsh expression, but he was also dry-eyed. However, his friend Ryan must have seen something in the silence no one else could because he was quick to offer comfort. Max’s face softened the moment Ryan touched him, and Rhys knew. They loved each other and not in a platonic way. Rhys switched his gaze to Aubree, wondering if she’d come to the same conclusion. He was watching her face so closely he missed Max and Ryan heading in their direction. When Aubree tilted her head back and Max spoke, Rhys silently groaned. Drew would kill them all.

  “Thank you for coming.”

  Aubree didn’t look scared. “Of course. Did you really think I wouldn’t?”

  Ryan and Max both stooped down so Aubree wouldn’t have to keep staring up at them hovering over her. Max rubbed his hands over his thighs in a nervous gesture. “I owe you a huge apology.” He cut his eyes in Rhys’ direction. “Is there any way I could speak to you privately?”

  “I would say yes, but Rhys will be the one who feels Drew’s wrath if I send away my private security.” At Aubree’s answer Rhys glanced at her in shock, and she patted his knee. “Don’t worry, sweetie. For all Drew’s silence, he’s a motor mouth at home. He couldn’t keep a secret from me if his life depended upon it. Not to mention, he’s too nice and his conscience gets the best of him.”

  Ryan cleared his throat bringing their attention back to them. “We both owe you an apology,” Ryan added.

  Aubree looked back and forth between the men. Rhys thought for a moment she blinked back tears, but it passed too quickly for him to be sure. “The two of you are perfect for each other. I don’t know why I never noticed it before today. We see what we want, I suppose.”

  A sad smile touched Max’s face. “It doesn’t excuse what we did to you.” The conversation had taken a strange turn, and Rhys no longer understood what was going on. He’d assumed Max was apologizing for hurting her, but now it seemed Ryan was sorry as well, and Rhys felt lost.

  “I’m oddly relieved,” Aubree admitted. “For a long time, I wondered how could you pretend to be my friends? I mean, we really were friends, and I felt as if it meant nothing to either of you. Now I understand. Love is an addiction you’ll do anything to feed. Better I lost the two of you to your love than anything I imagined.” She brushed her hand over her rounded stomach and smiled. “I’m sorry for your loss, and I hope you have a long, happy future together.”

  Max and Ryan both leaned forward, gathering Aubree into a group hug. Unfortunately, it was the exact moment Rhys caught sight of Drew heading their way, and it was obvious by the muscle twitching in his jaw he’d not missed a thing. It was almost comical the way everyone turned in Drew’s direction, or it would have been funny if Rhys wasn’t the one who was responsible for Aubree.

  Flashing him an accusing look, Drew barked, “Get lost.”

  “Nope,” Rhys said, adding a bright smile he did not feel. “I promised you I wouldn’t let you do this.”

  They stared each other down and Rhys questioned his sanity. Aubree sighed, dragging everyone’s attention her way. “Well, while the four of you work this out, I’m going to steal a moment to myself.” Witho
ut waiting for permission, she stood and swept from the room. Drew’s mouth twitched. An inner sigh of relief ran through Rhys at the sight. The small twist of his lips made Rhys realize Drew was not as angry as he let on. Drew’s voice softened when he spoke again, confirming Rhys’ thoughts. “It’s all right, Rhys. We need to talk some shit over and I’d prefer there to be no witnesses to some of the things I need to say. You know, in case you’re ever called to testify against me.”

  With a sharp nod, Rhys gave in. “I need to send Mandy a text anyhow, but I’ll be around if you need me.”

  Following in Aubree’s wake, Rhys headed out the door and down the long hall, but she’d already disappeared inside of one of the many rooms. The gleaming wood and lack of family pictures on the walls left the house feeling cold. In an attempt to block out any thoughts of what it must have been like to grow up in such a house, Rhys pulled his cell phone out of his jacket pocket. He nearly growled when he saw he didn’t have service. Holding the phone out in front of him, he walked the length of the hall, hoping to see a signal appear. Entering the first open doorway, which turned out to be some sort of man cave, he glanced around the room. There were a few leather chairs scattered around the floor and an expensive TV hanging on one wall. A shelf filled with different- colored bottles held every type of liquor he could think of, and a massive oak bar ran the length of one side of the room. Potted plants sat on the floor at one end of the bar, allowing for entry to the back side on only one side while a row of barstools lined the front.

  Circling the room, Rhys slid in behind the oak slab when signal bar flared to life on the screen of his phone. Rhys tried several different angles and when he bent over, two bars appeared. With a triumphant laugh, he settled down on the floor and leaned against the wall. He didn’t waste any time typing his text to Mandy before he lost service again.