Sebastian pulled into ‘Bill's Guns and Indoor Range’ and parked his truck in an empty spot near a black Dodge Charger. Sebastian frowned. He'd seen that car before. It had been out front of Henry's house the night of the break in. Sebastian rolled his eyes when he got out and saw Detective Raelynn Reynolds throught the shop's window. Was she stalking him or something?
Sebastian walked into the showroom. The bell on the door chimed, making Bill and Raelynn turn their heads to see who it was. " Long time no see, Detective," Sebastian teased with a wry smile.
Raelynn raised an eyebrow at him. But that was it. She didn't say hi or anything. Ah...she was in cop mode. She then turned back to Bill and basically ignored him. What the hell? This chick was hot and cold. She was all relaxed and pleasant this morning at his apartment. Now she was tense, withdrawn and a bit cold. Maybe fucking her would be a bad idea. He didn't particularly care for bitches with mood disorders.
Sebastian shook his head and went to grab a pen and paper. The shelves needed to be restocked. So while Bill and Raelynn were yakking it up about security and cameras - Sebastian went around and wrote down everything he needed to fill the shelves. When he was finished, he took his list to the storage room and started grabbing what he needed. Sebastian had filled up a couple empty boxes with stuff then headed out to the showroom.
" Ah...here he is now. Sebastian, someone is here for you," Bill said.
Sebastian glanced up and fucking froze. Standing just inside the doorway was his bitch of an ex-wife, Victoria. What. The. Fuck. What the hell was she doing here? How did she find him? He never told her where he worked. She gave him a tentative smile. Sebastian glanced at Bill and Raelynn to find them looking back and forth between the two of them in confusion and curiosity.
Sebastian dropped the boxes. He felt like he was on the verge of flipping the fuck out. He clenched his hands into fists and gave her a hard stare that he knew would have scared a lot of people. " Get out," he growled.
Victoria's smile faltered and she took a step forward. " Sebastian, can we please just talk for a minute?"
" No," he snarled and pointed at the door in the universal sign for her to leave.
" Please, just hear me out," Victoria pleaded, tears welling up in her eyes.
" I don't give one flying fuck about what you have to say. Get out before I physically throw you out," Sebastian barked, causing her to flinch. Good.
" I've made a huge mistake..." Victoria started, the tears rolling down her pretty cheeks.
" You're damn right you did! Don't come crawling back to me because your boy toy isn't treating you as well as I did! Now get the fuck out of my face, Victoria. I don't want to see you here again," Sebastian snapped angrily, starting towards her.
Raelynn stepped in front of him and put a hand on his chest. " Sebastian...don't," she said gently.
Sebastian clenched his teeth and watched while Bill escorted Victoria out the door. That bitch!!! Coming to his job and making him look like an fool. He could kill her!
" Ex-girlfriend?" Raelynn asked quietly.
" Ex-wife," Sebastian spat.
" She cheated on you?" Raelynn asked, her voice soft and sympathetic.
Sebastian gave her a nod, unable to meet her eyes. He felt like such a loser.
" I'm sorry. That had to hurt," She said, dropping her hand from his chest.
Sebastian swallowed hard and nodded again. He needed some air. Sebastian turned and headed for the back door. He had to go through the shop to get there. He burst through the door. He took a couple steps and crouched down, dropping his head into his hands. His chest ached. He could have sworn that he was healed completely but her showing up had torn the wound right open. His heart felt raw and exposed. Dammit!
Sebastian stood and turned when he heard the back door open. Bill stepped out, his face screwed up with concern. " You alright, kid?"
Sebastian swallowed back the emotion clogging his throat. " I'm sorry about that Bill. I don't know what she's doing here..."
" That's not what I asked you," Bill said sharply.
Sebastian blinked at the older man then found himself spilling his guts. " No, I'm not. I've spent the past year getting myself back together and then she shows up out of nowhere wanting to talk. Trying to tell me she's made a mistake? I feel like I'm back at the beginning."
Bill nodded solemnly. " I understand. My first wife left me after 15 years together. Said she was just bored with me and didn't love me anymore. I was crushed. We had three kids together too. But I picked myself back up, fell in love and got married again. I’ve been happily married ever since. It will take time, but you will heal. You will find love again."
Sebastian shook his head. " I can't go through this again. I won't. I refuse to let another woman hurt me," he rasped.
Bill nodded and wrapped an arm around Sebastian's shoulders. " Okay," he said and led Sebastian back inside.
Sebastian was glad that he just let it go. He knew Bill didn't agree with him, but he needed for Bill not to argue with him. Which was what he was doing. He was letting Sebastian think what he wanted to think. Sebastian was grateful for that. Because as of right now, he couldn't see ever falling in love again. He didn't even think he could let a woman get that close where it could become a possibility. He was better off alone, where he couldn't get hurt again.
Chapter 4
" Quinn?" Peter Anderson's voice said from the doorway of Quinn's large high rise office.
Quinn looked up from his drafting table. He raised an eyebrow at Peter - his boss and good friend - and waited for him to continue.
" She's here. Conference room 2," Peter said and jerked his head for Quinn to follow.
Quinn laid down his pencil and turned off the desk light before smoothing down his tie and following his boss out of his office and down the hall. Quinn was an architect. He designed or helped design many of the newer buildings in the Philadelphia and surrounding areas. He loved what he did. It was a mostly solitary job where he could work by himself in silence. He liked working in silence. No music, no talking, no noises to disrupt his train of thought. Quinn wasn't much of a socializer. He had a few close friends and that was about it. He wasn't a partier - never had been. He was quiet and liked to keep to himself.
His boss Peter was one of the few close friends. They had known each other for years. Quinn had started working for Peter's company about 5 years ago and they had become friends right off the bat. Peter had just understood Quinn. Understood his quiet, stoic demeanor and never forced him to do anything he didn't feel comfortable doing. Quinn had always appreciated that.
Peter was bringing a new architect/interior designer into the company. She was from Paris, France. And had just moved to the U.S. in hopes of broadening her skills and her career. Peter had scooped her right up. Apparently, she was amazing at what she did.
As they got closer to the conference room, Quinn could see everyone who worked there either already inside the room or walking in. Peter liked to do big introductions when someone new started working for him. He had done it to Quinn, making him turn 50 shades of red. Quinn was not one who liked to be center of attention. Ever.
They entered the room filled with at least 20 people. Quinn had tried to stay towards the back but Peter grabbed his arm and yanked him up front with him. What the hell?! He didn’t want to be up front! Peter got everyone quieted down before he started his little speech.
" Okay everyone. I have been going on and on for weeks now about the new addition to our team. It is with great pleasure to introduce to you Ms. Margot Leclair!" Peter exclaimed then started clapping as a beautiful brunette stood up from where she had been seated at the head of the conference table.
The stunning woman smiled brightly, waved and blew kisses like she was freaking Miss America. Quinn couldn't stop the smirk that curled one side of his mouth. She wasn't embarrassed one bit. Quite the opposite, really. She seemed excited and basked in the attention.
And good lord was she
beautiful. Her long dark hair was down and loosely curled. It hung down to the middle of her back. Her eyes were a greenish hazel. She had a cute little nose and sexy bow shaped lips. She was dressed somewhat conservatively but that couldn't hide her incredible figure. Quinn was seriously attracted to her. Which he was surprised by because he wasn't normally attracted to brunettes. He usually gravitated towards lighter hair.
" Merci! I am so happy to be here! I can not wait to work with everyone!" Margot chirped happily with a thick french accent. Quinn was instantly in love with her accent. It was sexy as hell.
" I also have some other big news," Peter said. " We got the Trump Hotel and Casino contract! They specifically requested Quinn Beck as the head architect on the project," Peter beamed, turning to look at him.
Quinn stared at him in astonishment. He knew on the outside he looked calm and collected as he shook his boss's hand. On the inside - he was jumping for joy. He has waited his whole career to be head architect for such a huge project. The room exploded into cheers and clapping. Quinn gave his usual closed mouth smile as heat rush up his cheeks.
" Congratulations Quinn. You've earned it," Peter gushed, patting him on the shoulder.
" Thanks, Peter." Quinn said gratefully.
" Alright, that's all folks. Back to work!" Peter called to the crowd.
Everyone started filing out of the room. Quinn turned to leave but Peter stopped him. " Hang on a second Quinn," he said.
Quinn turned around, eyebrow raised in question. Peter led Margot by a hand on the small of her back towards Quinn. " Margot, this is our top architect, Quinn Beck."
Margot smiled brightly and shook Quinn's hand. " It is a pleasure, Mr. Beck," she said, her accent making everything she said sound sensual.
" Ms. Leclair," Quinn murmured, unable to take his eyes off her beautiful face.
" We sound silly being so formal, non? Please call me Margot," she smiled, a small flush creeping up her delicate cheeks.
" Quinn," he replied.
" Qui", she agreed with a single nod.
" Quinn, I want Margot to be your second in command. I think she could help you a lot with this project," Peter suggested.
Quinn glanced at Peter, who nodded hopefully. " Sure Peter. Absolutely."
Peter seemed to let out a breath he had been holding. " Great! Why don't you show Margot around the office and then possibly get started on some ideas," Peter said then quickly turned and left before Quinn could reply. Bastard.
Quinn looked back at Margot. She was practically bouncing with joy. She clapped her hands together. " We will work great together. I promise!" she gushed.
Quinn wasn't so sure he could handle all her bubbliness. She had way too much energy for him. He had always liked the timid mousey girls that kept to themselves. He wasn't much for the outgoing types. And he had low tolerance for being around people like that too. And Margot - she was very outgoing. He could tell. He had a feeling she was going to get on his nerves. No matter how gorgeous she was.
" I can't believe I let you talk me into this," Raelynn grumbled as she walked with her sisters, Bianna and Elise, and her best friend Nicole.
" Oh shut up! We're gonna have fun. You need a night out," Nicole chuckled, bumping Raelynn with her hip.
Nicole was the complete opposite of Raelynn when it came to their looks. Nicole had dark brown hair and a bob cut. Her eyes were such a dark brown they almost looked black. And her skin was more of an olive tone. She was super pretty. Oh! And she was 5’8 without heels on. Lucky bitch.
" Yeah, I'm tired of seeing you in suits all the time," Elise said with a pointed look.
" I have to look professional for work," Raelynn argued defensively.
" And you always work. You need a night out," Bianna said. Both Bianna and Elise were older then her. Raelynn was the baby in the family.
" I sometimes forget how beautiful you are. You’re always wearing your hair in that horrible bun all the time." This coming from Nicole as she brushed Raelynn’s loose hair over her shoulder.
" I need to keep it out of my face when I work," Raelynn huffed.
All three woman rolled their eyes. Luckily, they reached the door of the club and the conversation was dropped. They walked in, showed their ID's and paid the cover charge. The music was thumping - the base so loud that Raelynn could feel it in her chest. The women in the place were scantily clad and looking mostly like a bunch of sluts. There were a lot of hot guys though. From what Raelynn could see anyway.
The four of them found a table and sat. A waitress showed up a few minutes later to take their drink orders. Raelynn ordered a Long Island Iced tea. She decided that she did need to relax a bit. And she needed to get her mind off of a certain someone. She had been having a hard time getting that heartbroken expression that was on his face the last time she saw him out of her mind. It’s been a week since that day at Bill’s and she still couldn’t shake it.
Raelynn was on her second drink and feeling pretty damn good when Nicole slapped her arm.
" Look at that table of hottie's over by the dance floor. I say we go do a little dancing in front of them to get their attention," she giggled as she motioned toward a table on the other side of the dance floor.
Raelynn followed Nicole's line of sight to the table she was talking about. Four guys were lounging around table. Two were facing the dance floor. The other two had their backs to it. The two guys facing the dance floor looked alike, so she was guessing that they were brothers. Both were totally yummy. Raelynn stood, followed by Nicole. Bianna and Elise just laughed and shook their heads. They were both married so they weren't going try to get attention from some random guys. Bianna was the sister married to Jared, Sebastian's therapist.
Raelynn and Nicole sauntered onto the dance floor and got as close to the guys as possible without looking like they were trying too hard. The music was great and Raelynn was totally feeling it. She was wearing a pretty, sleeveless, gold sequined sheath dress that stopped just above mid-thigh and had a low scoop neck. She had on 4 inch platform heels that made her at least 5'9. Her long blonde hair was down and loosely curled. It hung down to the middle of her back with a few pieces that hung over the front of her shoulders. Her makeup was a bit more drastic then what she normally did it. She did a blue smokey eyeshadow that made her light blue eyes just pop and a natural glossy lipstick. She had to admit that she looked freaking hot tonight.
" I think we've been noticed," Nicole said in a sing-song voice. " And holy shit! The guy with the tattoos is bangin'!"
Raelynn turned and locked eyes with the one man she'd been thinking about all week. Raelynn's breath caught. Sebastian had turned his chair around to watch her and Nicole. She saw his eyes widen for a second as he recognized her. Then he leisurely raked his gaze down her body. Raelynn felt her body heat and respond to his blatant perusal. A naughty smirk curled his lips as he reached over and smacked the guy next to him on the back. When the guy looked over at him, Sebastian leaned closer and said something to him. The other guy then turned in his chair and Raelynn saw that it was his brother Henry. Henry's eyebrows shot up when he saw her. Then he smiled and gave her a wave.
Raelynn flushed and waved back.
" Do you know them?!" Nicole squawked.
" Yeah," Raelynn groaned.
" What? How?" Nicole asked, her big brown eyes wide.
" I'm working on a case that they're involved in," Raelynn muttered, glancing back over at Sebastian to find him making his way towards her. " Oh no!"
" Oh no, nothing! Introduce me!" Nicole insisted, practically bouncing in her heels.
Before Raelynn could reply, Sebastian was in front of her. He was wearing a short sleeved blue plaid button down shirt open over a plain white t-shirt that was molded to his muscular torso. His jeans were dark and hugged his long lean legs but weren't overly tight. He looked so friggin’ sexy.
" Well, well, well, Detective Reynolds...I have to say you are looking mighty fine this evening,"
Sebastian drawled. He had a beer in one hand while the other was shoved into the front pocket of his jeans. His heated gaze raked over her again.
" I'm not on duty, Sebastian...you can call me Raelynn," She said, looking up at him. Even with her seriously high heels on, he towered over her.
Nicole cleared her throat next to her.
" Oh...this is my best friend Nicole Gionelli. Nicole, this is Sebastian Beck," Raelynn introduced somewhat reluctantly.
Sebastian shook Nicole's hand, his eyes landing on her very exposed cleavage. " Nice to meet you." The arrogant smirk on his face that he knew exactly what Nicole thought of him.
" The pleasure is all mine for sure. I love your tattoos," Nicole purred.
Sebastian (The Beck Brothers #2) Page 4