Secret Bet (The House of Morgan)

by Victoria Pinder

  Her lips met his skin and melted her. With him, she felt safe and in a home she'd never had. She slumped into her seat and tried to stare out the window.

  His hand landed on top of hers. "I stopped believing women like you existed."

  "Like me, how?"

  "Good, honest, trustworthy types. I never met many and the ones I do meet are usually already married."

  Words were not supposed to melt her. She had to remember she had no heart, so she shouldn't be like this. Her knees knocked against his thigh as she stared at him.

  "Stop hanging out with women that pretend to be anything you want."

  His mouth fell open. "How do you know that's what happens?"

  "I'm usually called ‘over-opinionated’ or much worse when someone doesn't like my opinions, but you seem to find them interesting."

  "Belle Jordan, you're nothing like I expected."

  She wasn't like herself with him. She was softer. This was strange.

  "What did you expect of me?"

  "A jealous, woman-hating military brat who would shoot my sister on sight for what happened."

  She crossed her arms. "You clearly don't know enough about the people who are in the military. Peter, most people there have hearts that are so big they wish to protect the rest of us."

  "I will host a charity event in your honor for veterans on New Year's then."

  She dropped her arms to her side, and his hand found hers again almost immediately. Electricity ran through her veins.

  "What?"

  "I'd like you to spend the rest of the holidays with me."

  She covered her lips. This was too much. "Peter, I don't know what to say."

  "Say yes."

  “Let me think about it.” The echoes of an orchestra played with her heart strings. She stared into his brown eyes and then averted her gaze. Something tore at her to not trust him and another part of her heart whispered to bend. "My friend Em and the other boys from the Marines will be here tonight."

  "Colt's friends, I imagine." His fingers squeezed hers. "I'm with you, and that's all that matters."

  The limo stopped near a red carpet. At least she'd blend with the floor. She licked her lips as the limo driver said, "We're here."

  Peter didn't open the door. He stared at her lips. She tingled and wished for another kiss. He licked his lips and then said, "Belle, you know you want to. Will you stay and spend New Year's with me?"

  "That wasn’t enough time. Why don't we get that brunch tomorrow and discuss it then?"

  "Fair enough." He opened the door and lights flashed. This was what happened to almost trillionaires she supposed. She squared her shoulders. "Let's get inside."

  As she latched onto his arm, people swarmed them to take photos. The lights blinded her, and she leaned on him to get her away from the crowd. As the doors closed behind them, she tried to see. All she remembered from that last minute was the sense of being home in Peter's arm.

  Chapter Eleven

  The wedding of an ex-fiancé should never be fun. Belle found her seat, and two state senators swarmed to gather around her, and the governor introduced himself. Peter excused himself to go find his sister and walk her down the aisle.

  Belle nodded at everyone until she realized she sat in front of the former president of the United States. Her job in Washington never had her in front of the important people. She held onto the pew so she'd stay on her feet.

  The entrance music for the bride started, and she stared at the aisle.

  First Colt came out with John, Peter's brother, who stood right next to him at the front of the church.

  All gazes returned to the back and waited for Vicki to make her grand appearance, though she stared at Colt.

  Belle's heart felt nothing. He was her friend first, and his smile said he was happy. She swallowed and stared at the bride again.

  Jennifer, the woman who had confronted her at the party the other night, passed her in the aisle. Their gazes met, and Belle assumed the woman knew Peter well. It was the gleam in her eye and the coldness that rushed through her that gave it away.

  She took a deep breath and saw the next woman walk out. John's wife, Alice had a smile that would start the Fourth of July fireworks. Belle hugged her stomach. She'd never been as happy as that woman was.

  Then the march began. Belle's mouth fell open as she stared at how Peter walked with his sister. The blonde, blue-eyed woman's gaze stayed on Colt, but Belle couldn't blink at the bride for more than a second. Peter Morgan was handsome. Butterflies grew in her stomach as he passed her.

  This was a dream. He then took a spot on the altar next to John.

  The bride and groom held hands, and the priest spoke about love.

  Belle's mouth watered as she stared at Peter's lips. Part of her wanted to give in and let herself see where the spark inside her would lead. She was old enough, though her mind clouded with the thought that she should hold off until he confessed whatever it was he planned to tomorrow. There was something she hadn't put her finger on yet that mattered.

  As she sat, she crossed her legs.

  The governor said, "Is it true you represent Century Arms?"

  "It is. I work on the Hill for them and secure the best possible weapons for our military."

  "Not the type of girl I expect to see with Mr. Morgan."

  “Peter’s a smart man.” Another reminder that they didn't match. She nodded but then her gaze returned to Peter. He stared at her, and her entire body seemed to float in air.

  The priest then said, "You may now kiss the bride."

  Belle licked her own lips and stared at Peter. Tonight, she'd ask for the kiss and more. Caution was for every other day of her life.

  The bride and groom raced down the aisle and people clapped.

  She lost sight of Peter in the rush. Everyone filed out of the church so she followed the crowd.

  A moment later, Jennifer stood at her side. "I see you and Peter are still talking to each other."

  This woman clearly had intentions. Belle hardened her stance. "It's not your business."

  Jennifer whispered in her ear, "Peter has issues being faithful. It's why I moved on."

  Belle stepped away from being that close to her. She crossed her arms and protected her personal space. "So you and he are no longer together?"

  Jennifer winked. "He has money, but he has trust issues with women. You'll find out."

  Her foot tapped, and it echoed on the church floor. "Thank you for your advice. Talk to you later."

  Jennifer invaded her personal space as she leaned closer. "Don't give him your heart. He'll break it and not look back."

  At the party, Jennifer had been with another guy. Belle shook her head. "I should go find my friends. It was nice talking to you again, Jennifer."

  "Jennifer, Rafe is looking for you." Peter's arm brushed against her back, and Belle turned toward him. "Is everything okay here?"

  "Perfect."

  Again those butterflies grew inside her as she stared at his profile. He wrapped his arms around her waist and dragged her away from Jennifer.

  "You still smell like apples."

  "I smell like apples?" She sniffed the air and didn't smell anything fruity. All she smelt was his woodsy scent.

  As they crossed the threshold and stood on the church steps outside in the sun, Peter dropped his hand from her waist and took her hand.

  "Let's head to the reception. I'm looking forward to that dance."

  Right now, she'd agree to anything. She licked her lips. Her heart echoed in her chest that she needed to seize today.

  "Peter, whenever you feel the moment, if you feel it that is, I would like for you to kiss me again tonight."

  His lips parted, and he led her back inside the church. Others filed past them, and Peter stopped to nod his head in hello.

  He kept the pace as best he could and said, "Come this way."

  Her cheeks tingled as they maneuvered in the mob. "Yeah."

  He led
her inside a small side door, where the noise of the hallway lessened. Adrenaline pumped in her veins now, but it shifted a pang in her heart as she stared at his broad shoulders.

  "Why do you say that when we're in a crowd?"

  Makeup, hairspray and every other type of female product lay around the room. Her gaze narrowed. "Where are we?"

  He wrapped his arms around her sides again and every cell in her body came alive.

  "The bridal suite. My sister's gone now."

  Her lips puckered and she inhaled his manly scent. "Why?"

  His mouth was less than a fraction of an inch from hers. "I wanted to kiss you in private."

  Something inside her burst as she kissed him. Her hands wrapped around his waist, and it felt like she flew to a different planet. Her heart soared.

  He rested his head on the top of hers and hugged her. Their heartbeats was all that she heard. The church sounded quiet and undisturbed outside the door now.

  Despite how she wanted to take him to her hotel and have her way with him, she sighed. "Let's get going."

  His hand brushed against the fabric of her dress. If she had her way, he'd take the whole outfit off her, but that was silly. Now was not a good time. He licked his lips as she detangled herself.

  "I'd like to stay here with you."

  “You can’t.” Responsibilities mattered, and her brain screamed at her not to trust him, not yet. Her heart constricted and she let go. She straightened her dress and checked her hair. "I'm sure you have to have to dance with your sister. Can I ask a personal question?"

  He nodded and adjusted his own tuxedo. "Sure."

  Once she settled her appearance, she took his arm. If he didn't trust women, the problem likely stemmed from his childhood.

  "What happened to your mother?"

  His entire body stiffened. "She left us."

  The thunder in her heart slowed her step. She massaged his arm as she knew she found his emotional sore spot.

  "What?"

  They went outside again, and they were the only ones left in the church. He led her town a path.

  "Before Vicki turned one, Mom walked away. We never saw her again."

  She covered her lips. "That's horrible."

  He shrugged. "What about your parents? Are they still alive?"

  She had figured her turn was next, and that he'd want to change the topic. She started the conversation. They followed a gravel pathway that led to a patio made of stone. Servants wore white jackets and people were already on the dance floor.

  "My dad is on a cruise with my stepmother."

  He patted her hand as if offering her comfort. He was sweet as he asked, "And your mother?"

  She brushed her hair behind her ear. "She died."

  "I'm sorry."

  The low softness of his voice said he meant it. She swallowed. Peter Morgan was the opposite of what he said about himself.

  She licked her lips. "Why? I don't remember her. For a long time, it was just the two of us."

  They walked up a few stone steps and joined the party. A waiter offered them champagne on a platter. "It sounds like you like your father."

  Jennifer glared at them, and Belle turned her head so she wouldn't see her. The last thing she needed was doubt. She kept her hand on Peter's arm.

  "He did his best with me."

  Peter walked them to a table and set the drinks on there. She let go of her glass, so he could do the same with hers as he said, "My father did what was in his own best interest."

  Her lips parted. "That's horrible to say."

  Peter's lips curled as he stared over her head. "It's true. Everyone says I'm just like him. He raised me to be."

  Her heart echoed in her chest. "I didn't know your dad. How am I supposed to see you?"

  "Self-serving, controlling, vengeful, manipulating, ruthless and cunning."

  "Absolutely untrue." She licked her lips. "Peter Morgan, you are way too hard on yourself."

  He hugged her waist. His hands on hers distracted her. "I like that you say that."

  She wrapped her arms around him and squeezed. "You're a good man. One day I'll have to prove it to you."

  He stepped forward, and she shifted away. "For now, can I have that dance?"

  She twirled out of a hug and followed him. "Absolutely."

  The soft sounds of an orchestra played in the fading sunlight. The nighttime would be here soon. Then all that would be left was the two of them. Right now she spun in his arms and that was all that mattered.

  Chapter Twelve

  The stars were out in full force, along with the Christmas-themed lights on the patio. His sister's wedding went off as a success just as a princess would have desired. Peter led Belle toward his table and went to find his sister at the appointed hour for their brother and sister dance. As the oldest, he'd escort her, but as he went to find Vicki, his gaze stayed on Belle. She sat still as the music played.

  His sister elbowed him and then took his hand. They walked together to the middle of the dance floor. People stood to take pictures as he led his sister into a waltz.

  She licked her lips. "Do you like Belle?"

  He tightened his frame and glanced at Belle. She spoke to the old senator. Then he gazed at his sister.

  "Vicki, she is different."

  Her eyebrows lifted. "How?"

  He swallowed, and the words just came out. "I haven't figured out her price. She's honest, forthright, and unlike any other woman I've ever kissed."

  "You kissed her?"

  He jerked her in the move. "I can't believe I said that."

  His sister pinched him. "I don't care about the percent in the company and that stupid bet you made. I want you to find a girl who can make your life happy."

  This wasn't what they should discuss. His collar felt tight. The bet made his stomach turn as he thought about it.

  "I am happy."

  She pressed on his back to ensure he didn't fall out of step. "No, you were not. You can be obstinate. You spent so much time with our father, and we were all scared you'd follow his path."

  He was too much like his father. His stomach hardened. "What did you think I'd do?"

  She smiled at him. "Ruin people's lives. Marry someone you can control. Tell your children how to live their lives. Force your will upon them, no matter how much they disagreed. Basically repeat our childhood."

  All the reasons anyone like Belle should not be with him. That was why he didn't sleep much. "You thought that about me?"

  Then Vicki's chin trembled, but she tightened her grip. "I was afraid of that for you, but I never gave up on you. You're my brother, and you watched out for me."

  "I didn't do enough."

  The music ended. He escorted her as people cheered. Then the music changed, and Colt led his mother to the dance floor. He held his sister's hand so they could watch this part of the marriage custom. Peter pressed his lips together.

  "I'm sure you meant well, but right now I feel like dirt."

  She waved for their other brother. Peter's cheeks felt warm as she said, "Dirt doesn't feel, and you're part of my family. If Belle is as wonderful as you say, then don't let her go."

  Again he glanced at his table, and three men who worked for him circled Belle. His muscles stiffened.

  "Thanks."

  Vicki glanced in the direction he had stared. Peter saw clearly that she had understood as their brother approached.

  "John, come here." Colt was half done with his dance with his mother. "Tell Peter you want to forget about the bet, so he can date Belle for real."

  Peter’s jaw dropped. "Tell her what?"

  "You can tell her that you like her." Vicki shrugged.

  John crossed his arms. "Wait. What?"

  Vicki nodded her head to get their brother to agree. "He likes her, only he's having a hard time because of the bet."

  She had the tactics of their father too. Peter tugged on his ear and deliberately didn't glance at Belle for more than a second. Another m
an joined her at the table, and they all laughed at something she said.

  John didn't notice anything and stared at him. "Are you sure? Or if we say to forget it, will he drop her off at the airport tomorrow and never see her again?"

  That was an idea. Peter licked his lips. Belle might be better off without him, and she must have her price. He'd eventually see it. Either way, she deserved better than to be the subject of this bet nonsense. She'd hate him. His jaw was clenched, and he had a slight pain.

  "I'll send the papers over in the morning to give Vicki ten percent of the stocks. I don't want to go near Belle again under false pretenses."

  Vicki's hands went to her hips. "I won't accept. John, tell Peter to forget about the stupid bet and that he can date Belle."

  Peter tugged his sister's hands to lower her stance. She was the bride.

  John then nodded. "Of course. Peter, we wanted you with a good woman. We're happy for you. Bring her over to our house Christmas afternoon for lunch."

  Now that the bet was over, his heart lifted in his chest. He swallowed and said, "I'll ask her. And thanks."

  As he walked away, and his sister went to dance with her new husband, he stared at Belle. He hadn't intended to take her anywhere. The men around her all cleared a path for him.

  Belle then grinned at Peter as he slumped into the seat beside her. He glanced at the other men, and they all took off. Belle's lips parted as she noticed, but then she stared at him.

  She tilted her head and said, "You spent a lot of time with your family. Are you okay?"

  The promise he had made swam in his head. He scooted his seat closer to her as he said, "What are you doing tomorrow?"

  "Brunch with you." She blinked but didn't move. "Plus my friend Em and I want to go shopping."

  He unclenched his hands and brushed his arm against hers. Electricity surged in him. "John is having a Christmas party in the afternoon. I'd like you to be my date."

  She covered her parted lips with her hand. "What about Em?"

  Good. She must have agreed. Belle was impulsive. His heartbeat grew stronger.

  "Is she single?"

  Her gaze narrowed. "Yeah, why?"

  There was nothing to worry about. He licked his lips. "There will be single men, most with wealth. I'll make sure she's introduced to everyone."