by Lexi Blake
She just bet he had. “Know your enemy.”
He stared at her for a moment. “See, that’s what I’m talking about. I tell you one thing and you put your spin on it. I’m utterly fascinated by how human beings ever manage to communicate when we so obviously don’t speak the same language ever.”
So Bran was a philosopher. “I’m not sure what you mean by that.”
“I said something. You heard something else. I spend all day working in an industry that claims to truly connect human beings. The Internet, social media, it’s supposed to bring us closer together. That’s the job, right?”
All of this pain had begun because apparently Benedict Lawless had believed he could do that. His code had helped to make the Internet faster, more reliable. “That’s what we’re trying to do.”
“All it does is make me understand that we can’t ever be connected,” Bran countered. “Not really. Our lives are lived in these meat suits, and no one else can know what it means to me or you. We can empathize, but at the end all that information isn’t pure. It’s filtered through our experiences, and the information that went in gets distorted, mangled by what we lived through before. I told you Riley became obsessed with a beautiful woman he saw, but you heard that he was studying an enemy.”
Something about the wistfulness in his voice opened a well inside her. “I never felt pretty until I was with him. Not really. It’s stupid, isn’t it? I’m a twenty-seven-year-old woman. I was going to run a major tech company and I still want to feel pretty. Shouldn’t I be beyond that now?”
“No one ever gets past that. Not really, I think. Do you think you’ll ever be able to forgive him?”
“Sure.” In some ways she had. “I understand why he felt the need to do what he did. Losing your parents like that had to be horrible.”
Bran looked back at her, and she had the feeling he saw more than she would like. This nighttime view of Bran was changing her opinion of him. He saw more than he told his siblings, likely felt more, too. “There’s understanding and then there’s forgiveness.”
“Are you asking me if I’ll give your brother another chance to savage me?”
Bran laughed, but it sounded more ironic than anything else. “Well, that answers my question.”
“Would you?” She didn’t like how she felt about this conversation. It made her antsy. She was the victim, but Bran made her feel like she was doing something wrong. “Would you walk right back into a relationship with someone who hurt you the way Riley hurt me?”
“It would depend on whether or not I loved the girl. It would depend on whether or not she really knew what she was doing.”
“He knew exactly what he was doing.”
“None of us knew how badly it would hurt you. We thought it would put you through a few days of discomfort—which Riley would have been there to support you through—and then you would have the company. Not once was it discussed that we should take StratCast. Never.”
Though it had been their father’s brilliance and blood the company had been built on. She supposed she’d never thought of it. They could have come after her company in a way that she could never have taken it back. Drew Lawless could have bought up stock until he could claim the board and fire her. He could have bought them out and casually dismantled the place like a lion enjoying a light snack.
“You should think about that when you consider how much to punish Riley,” Bran offered. “As to your question, yes. I think if I loved her, I would. I think my pride would mean less than my love. At least I hope it would because I have found that love is very rare. It’s not something you toss away because it didn’t come in the package you thought it would.”
“Well, you don’t understand, then.” Everything Riley had told her was a lie. He’d come into her life on false pretenses and then even when he’d known he had her, he’d continued to lie. If he’d told her what he was doing even up to a few minutes before Castalano had sprung his trap, she could have dealt with it. The only reason he’d told was because he’d gotten caught. It wasn’t the same as confessing.
She got up to go because it was obvious Bran was going to plead his brother’s case and make her question what she knew was true and false.
That was the true danger of staying in this house. It wasn’t curiosity. It was familiarity. How would she feel a couple of weeks from now when she’d really gotten to know these people? When they were more than simply the ruthless bastards who had run a wrecking ball through her life? When they were men who smiled and laughed and joked and she wanted to be one of them?
This was Riley’s play. He was betting she couldn’t hold herself apart and that one morning she would wake up and realize she didn’t want to leave.
It was all still a game to him, and this was his latest move.
“I really do understand why he felt like he needed revenge,” she said. “I’m sure what you all went through was horrible, but I’m out of all of this the minute I get my company back. I’m sure you’ll go after Patricia next. Good luck with that.”
She would grab her water and go back to her room. She wasn’t playing this game with Riley. She didn’t need any of these people. He’d supplied her with a laptop. Tomorrow she would spend her day researching the situation she found herself in. She needed to find a way to keep her stock. Could Castalano take it from her when she hadn’t been found guilty yet? She would go over that contract until she found a loophole.
She would leave her room to grab some food and meet with her attorney. That was all. She wouldn’t fall into the obvious trap.
“We were there, you know.”
Bran’s words made her stop. “There?”
“We were in the house that night. Drew and Riley don’t talk about it. Mia doesn’t remember it. I get it in flashes. Sometimes I wake up and I can feel the heat. I can hear Drew whispering. He should have been shouting, but he was scared because he thought they could still be there. He doesn’t say it, but I think he saw something that night. He had Mia in his arms when he came for me and Riley. We shared a room back then. He wouldn’t let us cry or talk until we got out through a window in the bathroom.”
She knew she should walk away, but her feet wouldn’t do the job. “Why not one of the doors?”
“Because someone was waiting for us. We tried the back door and they’d done something to it. We couldn’t get it to open. I guess the fire took care of that because the cops said they didn’t find anything.” He stared out at the city again. “I think we were supposed to die, too.”
The horror of it all washed over her. She’d known, but hearing about it from Bran made it more real than her father’s admission. Her father had done that. He’d paid someone to do it. He’d paid someone to stand outside the door and keep those children inside. How had he sentenced a whole family to death over some code? Over cash?
“That’s why it can’t work.” It was good to be reminded. Every time she thought about what her father had done, a pit opened in her gut. “I’ll always be Phillip Stratton’s daughter. I’ll always have had a life built on your family’s suffering.”
Bran looked up at her quizzically. “Yes, you’re your father’s daughter. Absolutely. You’ve proven it time and time again. You likely would have helped him. Would you have done it? Would you have blocked the door? Would you do it now? If I was standing between you and StratCast and all you had to do was take me out.” His voice dropped to a whisper. “No one would know. Pull one trigger and everything you want is yours.”
She couldn’t help the tears that made the world watery and ill defined. “I would never do that.”
Bran stood. “Because you might have his name, but your soul is your own, Ellie. Riley knows that. I’m sorry. I was harsh with you.”
He put his arms around her and it was easy to take his affection.
How long had it been since someone offered simple kindness
and she was able to take it? She laid her head on Bran’s warm shoulder. There was nothing sexual about his comfort.
“You’re not Phillip Stratton and we all know that. You think this was some play to keep you close to Riley, but I need you, too. I need to know that one of us can find some happiness,” Bran whispered. “I’m pulling for you and Riley, but it’s selfish. If Riley can make you love him, maybe there’s someone for me.”
She wrapped her arms around her brother-in-law. He was so sweet and smart and lost. Was it right to hold herself apart from him because she was scared? Her father had done such damage.
Could she undo some of it?
“I suppose it’s good to know you don’t hate all of us,” a dark voice said.
The hands on her back suddenly came up and Bran took a step back. “It’s only a hug, brother. She was crying because of something I said.”
She turned and Riley was standing there. Apparently none of the Lawless men wore shirts. Of course, if she looked as good as they did, she might go around half naked, too. Riley was staring at his brother, his eyes fierce.
“What did you say to her?”
He was a little dramatic. She needed to shut him down now. “We were talking. I got emotional. He pointed out a few things to me.”
“I might have mentioned that she’s not anything like her father,” Bran confessed.
“Of course she’s not. I think I’ve told her that a few hundred times.” Riley’s eyes went between them.
“Are you seriously wondering if I have a thing for your brother? You have got to be kidding. I can’t handle one of you much less start up a group.” She huffed and stalked away into the kitchen.
The simple sight of the man set her on edge and she wasn’t sure why. She’d come to terms with their nonmarriage. It didn’t have to be acrimonious, but he’d stared at her like he was jealous.
How much of his act was she supposed to believe? What the hell was she going to do if it wasn’t an act?
She opened the fridge and found a bottle of water.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t like walking in and finding you with Bran.”
She closed the fridge but didn’t turn. “I kind of thought spending time with your family was one of the points of keeping me here.”
He winced. “Maybe, but he’s also younger than me and nicer than me and probably more attractive. It bothered me seeing you with him.”
She couldn’t help but roll her eyes. She turned and leaned against the fridge, needing as much space between them as she could get. “You’re the hottest man in this condo and you know it.”
“I really don’t. I’m not as big and muscular as Drew or Case.”
“They’re too overwhelming. You’re lean and muscular. Like a jaguar.” His body was sleekly muscled, every single inch of him toned and perfect. Even the scars he had made him seem more real to her. She loved how warm his skin felt under her palm and how he shuddered when she touched him. He loved to be stroked.
“Bran’s got a nose that’s never been broken.” He stepped in, his feet bare on the marble.
Even the man’s feet were sexy. And she couldn’t quite take her eyes off the way the pajama bottoms clung to his waist, showing off the cut notches at his hips. “Bran’s too pretty for me.”
“But he was the one you were hugging. I didn’t even get a kiss today.” He was close enough for her to smell the scent of sandalwood. He used it when he shaved.
Being this close to the man was something like a drug, his presence drowning her good intentions. Like she intended to walk off now. “I kissed you in the judge’s office.”
When the judge had proclaimed them man and wife, Riley had leaned over. His hands had gone to her waist and she’d seen that look in his eyes that let her know he was determined. He would have made that kiss last. He would have shown her what she was missing.
So she’d lightly brushed his lips and stepped back, making it awkward for him to do anything but let her go.
He put a hand on the fridge behind her, caging her. “That was a peck. That was nothing. I dream about kissing you, Ellie.”
Again she intended to duck under him and walk away, but instead she stared at his lips. Too sensual and plump for a man. She liked to run her tongue across his bottom lip because it always made him sigh and pull her closer. “It’s only been a few days since the last time you fucked me.”
“Made love to you,” he corrected. “And that’s way too long.”
She shook her head, well aware she was forcing herself not to touch him. “It was for show, Riley. I’m not going to kiss you again.”
“Why not?” His voice lowered to a tortured whisper. “You’re planning on leaving. I know that. So what’s the problem with using me while you’re here? We’re good in bed together. We’re married. There’s zero reason for you to stay away from me physically, Ellie.”
“Except I don’t want you anymore.”
His hand came up, sliding over her neck. His thumb traced the line of her jaw. “If I really thought you meant that, I would want to die, Ellie. I can’t stand the thought of you hating me forever.”
“And I can’t stand thinking about what you did to me.”
“I know. All I can do is try to make it better. Tell me and I’ll do anything. You want me to walk away from this? I will. I’ll go right now and pack everything we need and leave it all behind.”
“You would never leave your family.” He was lying again, telling her what he thought she wanted to hear.
“It would hurt, but you’re my family now. You’re my wife. You might not take it seriously, but I considered you my wife before I married you. I’ll think of you that way even if you leave me. Baby, don’t think for a while. Let me show you how I feel. Remember how good we are together.”
His words rolled over her. They had been good together. Why wasn’t she using him the way he’d used her? It didn’t have to mean anything. It didn’t have to truly bind them. She could be whole and still walk away from him.
Maybe it wouldn’t be as good now that she really knew who he was.
It could just be sex this time.
His mouth brushed over hers and he moved in, his body making contact.
Her skin felt alive again, her system flaring with need.
This man knew how to make her feel. He knew how to take her to a place where nothing mattered but the pleasure he could give her. She needed this. The days since the last time she’d touched him seemed like weeks of pain and ache, but this was respite.
She didn’t have to love him to take comfort from him.
As though he sensed her acquiescence, his arms circled her, bringing her close.
“God, Ellie, I’ve never wanted a woman the way I want you. I can’t stop thinking about you.” He whispered the words against her skin. “I couldn’t sleep knowing you were next door. All I could think about was coming to your bed and sinking inside you.”
His hips moved restlessly against hers, his hardness rubbing like a cat seeking affection. A big predator who needed her to pet him.
He licked along the shell of her ear, causing her to shiver in his arms.
No one else in the world could get her to respond the way he did. He’d taught her in the nights he’d spent in her bed. He’d taught her to expect pleasure from him, and her body jumped at the chance.
“Touch me.” She needed his hands everywhere. She wouldn’t think beyond the moment, beyond her need.
His hand slid up the tank top she was wearing and covered her breast. She breathed into the sensation, her chest swelling against his hand. He cupped her and palmed her breast as his mouth claimed hers.
“Come to bed with me. Let me make you forget everything else,” he whispered.
She knew it was a mistake, but she was going to make it anyway. “Yes.”
He lifted her into
his arms and strode out of the kitchen.
—
Riley practically ran down the hallway. He needed to get her somewhere private and get his mouth and hands on her. He needed to take away her ability to think before she changed her mind.
He hadn’t been able to sleep. He’d felt like shit when Bran insisted on giving him his room. He’d tried to explain to his brother that he wouldn’t sleep at all, but Bran wouldn’t listen.
When he’d walked out and seen his wife wrapped in Bran’s strong arms, he’d nearly exploded with rage. He’d forced himself to stop and think. Bran wouldn’t hurt him that way and Ellie . . . God, his sweet Ellie wouldn’t do that.
But his every insecurity had welled, making it nearly impossible to stop himself from forcing the two apart.
Thank God he hadn’t, or he wouldn’t be carrying his bride back to consummate his marriage.
He strode past Bran, who was politely looking away as though he’d known what would happen.
It was inevitable. He and Ellie had too much chemistry to deny themselves for too long.
“It doesn’t mean anything,” she said, her voice soft.
“It only means we need each other in bed.” He would give her every illusion she needed. “I understand this isn’t forgiveness.”
“I don’t know that I can forgive you,” she admitted. “Riley, this isn’t fair to you.”
Nope. She was thinking again. He managed to get the door to her bedroom open. “I don’t care about fair. I told you, use me. Take what you need from me. I’ll give it all to you.”
“You’ll expect me to stay.”
“I’ll beg you to stay, but I won’t expect it. Let me have you. Ellie, give me one month to prove this marriage can work. You don’t have to do anything at all but sleep with me when you want to. I’ll do the rest. If you still don’t want the marriage at the end of the month, I’ll move you into your own place and we’ll communicate through lawyers.”