by E. Walsh
“Let go of me, you jerk!” She screamed as she tried to free herself.
“Marly, stop it. You could seriously get hurt.”
But she didn’t listen. She tried pushing him away. When that did not work she weakly punched his chest with the intention making him feel the pain she was suffering from.
“Jerk!” She yelled again.
Rick did the one thing that could truly shut her up. He greedily kissed her. And with a longing heart, she passionately kissed him back.
* * *
Chapter Seven
“Erin!”
“Hey, girl!” Erin gave a peck on the cheek.
“I’m so glad you could make it. Thank you, really.” Marly led her friend to the cart waiting for them outside the hangar.
On board the ranch’s private jet was Erin and her crew who would decorate the makeshift altar and reception area. As she had previously planned to do, she asked Erin to take over the project as soon as the development started.
“Oh wow, this place is fantastic. I can’t believe you didn’t ask me to come sooner.” Erin couldn’t keep her eyes from checking every angle of the ranch while on their way to her cottage. The crew was set to use the cottage next to hers.
“Believe me, I have been tempted to call so many times,” She said without adding too much information.
As much as possible, she wanted to leave the ranch without Rick knowing for he would surely stop her somehow. She didn’t want to make a scene as much as she already has, especially after her drunken stunt the other night. Thankfully, the heated moment ended just before both of them ended up doing something they would be regretting later.
The entire day yesterday, she avoided being in his presence. She devoted the entire time in the cottage, contacting everyone that needed to be on the plane. She emailed him about the plan and he agreed to fly in her crew with his jet.
And surely, his bride had kept him busy the entire day too since he didn’t try to see her yesterday. It was like they were invisible to each other. She tried her best not to pamper the aching of her traitorous heart. At the moment, an emotional breakdown would definitely ruin the contract. She didn’t want that for so many reasons.
“You’re awfully quiet. Is something wrong?”
“No.” Marly laughed half-heartedly at the question. “Do you need change before we meet the client?”
“I’m good.” Erin smiled widely. “I’m excited to meet the famous Maverick Lane.”
She smiled at her friend’s enthusiasm. That’s right. She could fake it well so long as Erin didn’t figure out what was really going on.
After dropping the crew and Erin’s things, they immediately headed towards Rick’s house. He insisted in his email that she bring Erin to his house for a meet and greet before they started the job. Though, nervous and uneasy as they got closer to his house, Marly remained calmed knowing Erin was there with her.
“Marly!” Sara called out cheerfully at her as they got out of the cart.
“Good morning, Sara.” She shook the hands of the bride. “This is my good friend and trusted colleague, Erin. She will be helping us with the materialization of the entire plan.”
“Oh hello Erin, I’m Sara.”
“Hello, Mrs. Lane.” Erin shook the woman’s hand.
“Please come in.”
The interior of the house had become a familiar sight. She inhaled deeply, readying herself for whatever bomb was waiting for her inside. And true to her suspicion, Rick was waiting for them inside holding a glass of whiskey.
“Good morning, ladies.” He greeted them with a warm smile.
“Good morning, Mr. Lane. I’m Erin Michaels, Marly’s colleague.”
“Hi, nice to meet you.”
“Nice meeting you too,” Erin replied.
“Let’s go to the rooftop. I’ve prepared a healthy breakfast for us all.” Sara ushered the crowd toward the staircase that lead to the rooftop.
Erin immediately started a conversation with Sara after asking the bride about her beauty secrets. They become close right away when it turned out they were using the same brand of cosmetics. And she was left to deal with Rick, who alongside her, walked silently.
“Honey, I need to show Marly some materials I want to be incorporated in the setup. You go on ahead, okay?” He suddenly announced.
“Sure. Take your time, Honey.” Sara eagerly answered back.
As the two women climb up the stairs, Rick held her hand and hurriedly led her to his private office. She followed without a fight because she didn’t want an audience. When they got in, he locked the door behind him.
“Why are you avoiding me?” He asked angrily.
Marly turned to face him with a blank stare. She wouldn’t allow her emotions to ruin her plans if she wanted to keep her dignity intact.
“I’m not.”
“Where were you yesterday?”
“In my room, working.”
Her lack of emotion drove his anger a little more almost making him mad.
“Why are you doing this?” He stepped closer to her but she backed away. “I don’t like it when you’re cold and distant.”
“Are you kidding me? Really, Rick?” Now she was mad. “Do you honestly think I would grovel at your feet just so we can secretly meet like this?” His selfishness was too much. “This will not work. Nothing will work for us. There is no us!”
“How can you be so sure?”
“I cannot give you what you want.” She breathed in deep. There, she finally said it.
“Do you really know what I want right now?” His eyes narrowed in anger.
“It doesn’t matter,” She said firmly. “Just keep your hands to your wife. Good day, Mr. Lane.” She walked past him and slammed the door as she went out.
It was over, finally over. She can walk out of his life and leave the ranch with a lighter heart. When the time came, she would recall the memories she had with him and laugh. Because that was what everything between them would become, a memory.
* * *
Chapter Eight
It had been a week since she her trip to the ranch. After returning from her trip, she left work indefinitely. She needed time to rethink things and put her life back together. She didn’t want put on a fake persona and lie to everyone about how her trip really went. She cringed at the thought of having to deal with friends asking about how her heartache came to be. She needed some alone time in order to heal.
As she stared at the undisturbed surface of the water in the lake, she sighed heavily. It’s been a week yet her burden still felt as heavy as it was before she left the ranch. Who knew that falling in love could be the most difficult thing she would have to deal with? Her high school heartbreak was nothing compared to how she felt.
After tightening the white cardigan around her body, she picked up her small sling bag and her camera before walking back to her cabin. The vacation house her cousin lent her was just a few hours’ drive from her apartment. She wanted to be away from the city life but be close enough so she can drive back whenever she was ready.
The serenity of the nature around her was blissful, and it renewed her dwindling spirit. She needed rejuvenation and she was gradually having it. When she got into the small house, she went straight to the kitchen to pour herself a cup of coffee. Her hands were freezing.
“Can you make two cups, please?”
She nearly lost her consciousness after hearing Rick speak and seeing him calmly seated on the couch. She froze, completely surprised at his sudden appearance and puzzled by the thought that he got in the house even though it was locked.
“How did you get in?” She had to ask. But then, it wasn’t the pressing matter at the moment. “Why are you here? How did you find me?”
“One question at a time.” He raised his hands.
“What are you doing here?” She finally was able to think correctly.
Instead of answering her question, he stood up and walked toward her. The intention he
had was clear in his eyes and it made her lean on the kitchen counter for support. He stopped just a few inches away from her, his stare fixed on her.
“Do you know how I almost got crazy looking for you?”
“I got so mad when I found out you left the ranch the same day you refused to give me a chance to explain.”
“There was nothing to explain. I already told you what you needed to know. Just leave me alone.” She whispered helplessly. “Leave me alone, please.”
“You know I can’t do that.”
He held her by the neck and pulled her close to him. He crushed her lips, maddened by the situation they were in. She tried to push him, but he was strong and determined.
Rick lifted her up on the counter top and started removing her cardigan. She wanted to push him again, but when his kisses became sensual and persuasive. It was want she had wanted the whole time. She longed for him. To be touched again by him without holding back.
She kissed him back, pouring out her heart. Giving him a taste of the heartache he had given her, the sadness she had to endure after giving up on him. She allowed it all out. She helped him out of his clothes while he did the same to hers.
Once half of her body was exposed, Rick cupped her breast while his mouth sucked on the other. She arched her body as she allowed him to taste her skin. He took everything she was offering, not leaving a spot of her body untouched and unmarked. He licked and bit her at the same time which made her body shudder.
“Oh Rick….” She moaned his name.
He tilted his head up and kissed her again while hurriedly removed the remaining clothing on her body. The cold marble made contact with skin, yet it warmed up as he lifted her bottom so he can enter her.
The forceful thrust made her cry in both in pain and pleasure. He was rough and in a hurry, still he kept her in a daze. His thrusts were strong, urging her to open up to him more. With every entry, she gasped with unfathomable pleasure.
He came in faster, increasing his speed as he went in deeper. Marly had to wrap her arms around his neck so she won’t drift away with the overwhelming ecstasy. She came once while he vigorously pushed inside, shaking his hips to tickle her walls. He kept repeating it, again and again until he burst inside her and she came for the second time.
Rick leaned on the counter while he remained inside her. She rested her forehead against his, still catching her breath. She could still feel his weak pulsing inside her.
“Marry me,” He asked, still out of breath.
“What??”
“We’re both single, so what’s the problem?” He asked again.
Marly opened her eyes to look at him. What happened to their wedding? All of the work and time she spent planning it for them had suddenly gone to waste.
“We can talk about that later. Just answer my question.” He said before kissing her passionately. “Will you marry me?”
“I don’t know.” She was still unsure why he ended up asking her to marry her when he was supposed to be married a week ago.
“Maybe this will help you decide.”
Her eyes grew wide when she saw the huge diamond ring he pulled out of his pocket. She was in complete shock. She decided to take a leap of faith and give it a chance. After all, he came all the way there to find her and that gave her the feeling that it was meant to be.
“Yes!!” she said as she embraced him. She was once again lost in the pleasures of her heart.
18. Fausto and the Nolan Brothers,
A Mail Order Bride Romance
By: Emily Sharpe
Fausto and the Nolan Brothers,
A Mail Order Bride Romance
©Emily Sharpe, 2015 – All rights reserved
Published by Steamy Reads4U
No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form, including electronic or mechanical, without written permission from the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events are purely coincidental. This book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only.
This book may not be resold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy. If you are reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, please return it to the seller and purchase a copy. Thank you for respecting the author’s work.
Warning
This book contains graphic content intended for readers 18+ years old.
If you are under 18 years old, or are not comfortable with adult content, please close this book now.
* * *
Chapter One
Fausto Redman thought his life was supposed to be easy. Get the girl, get the money, and live the rest of his life in piles of riches. He would be so wealthy that he wouldn’t know what to do with himself. With a few kids running around the place, he could hire some help, and he would never have to see them. He knew that he wasn’t the fatherly type, but he needed kids to take care of him when he was older and dying.
When his own father lying on his death bed, sickly and ill for the past three years with a type of cancer that couldn’t be cured, Fausto jumped to the conclusion that his life would be even easier. He could skip the girl and go straight for the money. After having a bit of fun with the mountains of gold left over from a worn-down horse racing business, he could bother to find himself a wife. It wouldn’t be hard, after he made a name for himself with his father’s money.
Well, if it had all gone according to plan. Unfortunately for Fausto, things rarely went according to plan.
Summoned by his father who was not meant to live out the rest of the week—or so the doctors said—he sat in the hospital with his younger brother, Nolan. The younger of the two of them was crying. He had always been closer to their father than Fausto had been. Fausto stood to the side, unsure and wavering. If he wanted to make a good impression, he would go to his father’s side. However, he knew that the will was already written. It didn’t matter what he did so long as his father didn’t get to see his lawyer again.
“My boys,” Reuben croaked. His voice was weak, sounding rather like a dying instrument than a man who had once been incredibly powerful and strong. “I wish only to see the two of you succeed.”
His hand reached up for Nolan, and he snatched it right away, holding it close to his chest.
“We will be as great as you were,” Nolan assured.
Fausto sneered at the sight of his younger brother being so sentimental. Luckily, his father’s blind eyes couldn’t see the horrible expression on his handsome face.
“I know you will,” Reuben whispered. “I want for you two to fix all of the mistakes that I have made in the past. Have children, marry beautiful women, live your lives,” he instructed. Fausto held back a smirk, it wouldn’t be hard for him to live that life. After all, he was the one that the money and racing company were going to be entrusted to. “I have only ever wanted what was best for the two of you,” he groaned.
Nolan nodded. He squeezed their father’s hand, his other reaching out to pet through the sweaty, snowy hairs thrown sparsely atop their father’s head. “We know that,” he said. “We know that you only ever wanted what was best for the two of us. We know that,” he repeated.
Fausto rolled his eyes at the sick display of emotion. On the bedside table next to their father, his will lay, wrapped tightly in a red ribbon with the family seal carved in cooled wax to hold it closed. It was all he wanted. It was the whole reason he had showed up that day.
As if on cue, their father began to reach for the rolled up paper. Neither boy moved to help him, watching in a revered silence. Fausto was at the edge of his seat, waiting with baited breath. Reuben’s shaky, decrepit fingers finally reached the rolle
d paper, and snatched it from the table with a strange air of grace.
Fausto stood then and only then, and walked over to their father’s bedside. A little smile passed onto Reuben’s lips. He handed the parchment over, and Fausto took it with gentle fingers.
“Are you sure about this?” Fausto asked.
“I know,” Reuben said with a groan, “that these things are supposed to wait until I am dead. In a sense, I am dead now. You boys are all I have left. And the only other things that matter are enclosed in my will. Please do not hate each other over what I have chosen. I know the both of you so well, and I know who needed to receive what.”
A conniving grin spread across Fausto’s lips. The parchment crackled in his hold as he tightened his grip on it. “Of course, Father,” he said.
Nolan was nodding as well. “You know what is best,” he agreed. He glanced over his shoulder at Fausto, only able to catch the last, faint traces of the ugly expression that had been resting there a moment earlier. “We trust you.”
“Of course we do,” Fausto agreed.
“Go and read it, Fausto,” Reuben replied. “I know that you want to.” He sighed, and sank back into his bedding. “I know that it is all you want in this life.”
Fausto held back a smart remark. It was all and more than he could ever want in one thousand lifetimes. He took a respectful leave, and unrolled the document. Most of it was a load of nonsense, things meant for Nolan, or words of how he only tried to do what was right. The only section that caught his eye was the one that began with ‘To Fausto I leave…’
Fausto’s eyes ate up the words hungrily at first, but the last clause made him halt. Anger seared through each and every inch of his being. He had been left all of the wealth of the Redman family, but on one condition. One condition that made his blood boil and his thoughts turn into liquid fire. He had never been angrier in his life, at the old man lying in the bed, or at himself for thinking that it would all fall into place so easily.