Forbidden Contract (The Birmingham Brothers Series)

by L. A. Miller

  When he entered the manor he had every intention of going up to his room, showering then finding his brother Ethan to go over a few of their ideas on the direction they would be taking. The last thing he expected to see was Jasper Montgomery taking advantage of a smaller younger female. By the fear in the maid’s eyes he quickly assessed the situation. When he saw his father on the move to defend her he motioned for him to stop. It was time the Montgomery men understood their place in this situation and the roll the Birmingham men planned to take. He had been raised to defend a woman’s honor and the way Jasper was hurting her took every ounce to keep himself from charging him and throwing a fist into his smirking face.

  Once the situation was in control and he had seen the woman he was surprised by not only her beauty but her youth. She was a few years younger than he but it was deceptive because she didn’t wear much makeup. He realized she didn’t need it to enhance her looks and it probably would act as a distraction. When he saw the bruise on her wrist and how badly she was shaken his first instinct was to go after Jasper and give him a sound beating but he realized she needed his attention at that moment and he took charge. Ordering her a brandy would calm her nerves and when she refused he insisted knowing how much the liquid courage would help. He was doubtful when she told him she didn’t drink after witnessing the last few days of the rest of the Montgomery clan but when her eyes widened and she coughed as the liquid went down he realized she had been truthful. This not only amused but intrigued him. He realized he had the upper hand for that brief moment knowing her identity and he enjoyed the look of surprise when he introduced himself.

  He wondered what horrid stories she had been told but more importantly he wondered why she had agreed to this arrangement. Very little was known about her except her father had been disowned when he married beneath his station. The only comments they had gotten out of her cousins was that she was lucky the family had come to her rescue before the authorities. He wondered if it was possible she was in trouble with the law. That seemed to be the norm with this family and it was only the families name and money that seemed to continue to bail them out over the years. He wondered what this woman could have possibly done to have the law after her.

  Beckett didn’t understand if it was the mystery that now attracted him or the look of innocence. He was definitely pleased by her appearance and despite the jeans and blouse he could see the definite curves that would entice a man to her bed. Her heart shaped face, high cheek bones and full lips defined her beauty but it was the violet eyes that drew his attention. He had never seen that shade of eyes before and wondered if she wore special contacts to achieve that effect. Somehow he doubted that and when he held her hand he felt the current of sexual attraction that passed between them. He wished to pursue it more until first his father appeared then the sound of young children disrupted them. When the little boy charged down and stood before them defiantly he seemed intent on defending her honor. Beckett couldn’t help but smile in amusement as he tried to contain his laughter. Kneeling before the boy he studied him gauging him to be around 4 or 5, it was difficult due to his slight frame. He won points with the boy though when he shook his hand and pretended the boys grip was crushing his hand. Someone had taught him that and he could only assume it was another man. He looked up at Bailey and wondered who that was in her life, was it an old flame or current boyfriend? Suddenly he didn’t like the thought. When the little girl appeared crushing the boys confidence he immediately went into damage control bolstering the kids confidence when he acknowledge that superheroes needed to keep their identity confidential even among family members. He immediately won an ally with them both and thought he made points with Bailey. Why did that matter he wondered as he stood.

  When Alexis had invited him to follow he had almost said yes feeling the need to spend more time with Bailey but he sensed her indecision and graciously declined. As she turned he thought he saw disappointment in her eyes and he almost reconsidered. When she stopped at the top of the stairs to look back his eyes held hers briefly as if he wanted her to know he had been watching her and wanted to follow. With a smile he then turned and followed his father from the room both in search of Ethan. He thought he could feel her eyes on his back and almost turned but he didn’t want to seem too obvious. Once in the study Ethan looked up and frowned as if sensing he had missed something important.

  “What?” He asked looking first at Beckett than his father.”

  “Nothing much.” His father replied. “We just met your future sister in law.” He grinned as he studied Beckett.

  “Really…so how bad is it?” Ethan asked as he looked at Beckett.

  “Actually.” Beckett said leaning against the bar. “A mild surprise.”

  “What?” Ethan asked looking now at his father.

  “She’s not what we expected.” His father agreed. “I don’t know what this family has over her head to get her to agree to marry Beckett but whatever it is we have the next year to take care of it.”

  “Wait what?” Ethan asked surprised. “You just met her and you’ve already accessed she’s a damsel in distress?” He said looking first at his father than at his brother.

  “She’s definitely not cut from the same mold as the rest of them and by what I saw with Jasper she will most certainly need our protection.” Beckett said frowning as their mother appeared. Looking around the room at Beckett’s anger, Ethan’s confusion and her husband’s amusement she knew something was up and she wasn’t in the loop. Closing the door she leaned back up against it and with her hands on her hips she simply said.

  “Ok out with it…and I want all of it from the beginning.”

  Roark looked at his wife then looked to Beckett to tell the tale. When he had finished what had happened leaving out his attraction to Bailey his brother frowned at him in disappointment.

  “And you didn’t cold cock him?” He asked.

  “It wasn’t the time or place.” He admitted. “But believe me if I read him right he’s going to give me another chance and I won’t be passing it up.”

  He noticed the way his parents exchanged glances and tilting his head cocked one eyebrow to them as he asked. “Care to share?”

  His mother only smiled knowingly then looking at her husband decided what she wanted to divulge and what she wanted to keep between them.

  “I was just thinking….maybe this marriage will not be such a bad idea.”

  “How so?” Beckett asked suspiciously.

  “If you and your father’s intuition are correct than it’s our duty as Birmingham’s to defend her. Can you imagine what might have happened if Jasper hadn’t been interrupted. I’ve seen the fear he inflicts on the staff and I’m sure his family has looked the other way on more than one occasion.”

  “If he thinks he’s going to touch her again he has another thing coming to him.” Beckett vowed and again his parents passed a knowing glance.

  Both he and Ethan chose this time to ignore it knowing they would only divulge what they wanted when they wanted. Ethan instead grabbed the folder taking it over to the table so they could sit and discuss their game plan over the next few days. Beckett found it hard to concentrate as violet eyes continued to distract his attention. His thoughts were disrupted when his I phone buzzed and Macys face appeared on the screen. He had been avoiding her calls still trying to decide what to tell her but decided there was no point in delaying the inevitable. Motioning to his family that he needed to take it he stood and hitting the answer tab he left the room.

  “Macy hello….sorry I haven’t returned your calls it’s been a little hectic with this new purchase.”

  “I was beginning to think you were trying to tell me something.” She pouted.

  “It’s just this merger is involving the whole family and there are special aspects of the contract we are working out.”

  “When can I see you?” She asked seductively. “I need to feel you in me.”

  “I don’t know….look Macy….we
do need to talk…maybe I can fly out tomorrow for a few days but I need to be back here by Friday.”

  “I won’t be here…I have a shoot to do in Cabo….I was hoping to see you this weekend.”

  “I can’t….I’ll be too busy with this deal for the next few weeks…there’s no way I’ll be able to get away.”

  “Maybe I can get my agent to cut the shoot early…then I can fly out to see you.” She suggested.

  “Sounds good…look I really do need to get back…we were in the middle of a meeting.” He said trying to end the call.

  “Beckett.” She said sensing something in his voice. “What’s going on?”

  “Nothing why?” He asked.

  “I don’t know….I just get a feeling you are trying to get me off the phone….I thought we agreed we would always be honest with each other.” She said suspiciously.

  Beckett sighed. He knew it was a chicken shit way of telling her but Macy wasn’t stupid and he knew once the announcement was made the media was going to have a frenzy with it. If he couldn’t find a way to see her before that than things would be difficult afterwards.

  “Alright…here it is…part of the deal in this merger is that it not be just a business merger.”

  “What do you mean?” She asked and he could feel her eyes narrow on the other end.

  “I’m getting married.” He announced deciding it best to just rip off the bandage.

  “What!” She demanded. “To whom?”

  “Bailey Montgomery….look Macy it’s not what it seems….I had planned on telling you in person.”

  “How long have you been seeing her?” She demanded her voice edged with jealousy.

  “Actually….we just met about an hour ago.” He sighed running his hand through his hair.

  “You’re lying…look Beckett if you wanted to break up with me all you had to do was tell me.”

  “That’s not what I’m saying…part of the agreement for the buyout is that I marry Regina Montgomery’s granddaughter….this will enable us to get the use of their name as we build up our reputation down here….after a year we both go our merry ways.”

  “You’re trying to make me believe you are getting married to a total stranger just to use the family name to build up the business….look Beckett I’m not some dumb blonde you picked up at a bar.”

  “It’s the truth…we will be married in name only…when it’s over she gets to keep the house, car and the bank account I set up for her…all we have to do is make a few public appearances so the rest of the South believes we are married….after one year we have the acceptance of the South, the business to go with it and I have my freedom again”

  “And what about me… do you just expect me to wait around on the sidelines while you play happy newlywed with this Southern bitch?”

  Beckett flinched at her derogatory remark about Bailey. He had to stop himself from defending her to Macy. “No…you have a choice….we can still see each other as long as we’re discreet or you can chose to move on.” He said no longer caring which way she went.

  Macy must have heard that in his voice and suddenly her tone changed. “That’s not what I want and you know it.” She said softly then her voice changed to seductive. “Who knows….maybe sneaking around will spice things up….you’re sure it’s in name only?”

  “It’s in the contract…any sexual contact voids the deal.” He sighed disappointed she hadn’t decided to end it.

  “Well then I’ll trust you.” She smiled into the receiver. “I still want to see you….I’ll text you to see what I can do.”

  “Alright…look I got to go.” He said again trying to hang up.

  “Beckett.” She said stopping him. “This will be fun.”

  “Yeah… bye Macy.” He said and he hung up. He stared at the phone then looked up the stairs where Bailey had disappeared. Again he began to wonder about her and if she was involved with someone else. Was she making the same arrangements with him? Would he be moving into the house Beckett was providing for her? The thought of that made him angry and he chose not to join his family again but to go outside for some air. As he stepped out onto the porch Regina Montgomery approached. She looked at him for a moment studying his expression before she spoke.

  “Bad news?” She asked.

  “Nothing I can’t handle.” He said studying her. How was it possible this woman who seemed to emanate strength and iron will had raised such weak minded children? The only one who seemed to have shown any backbone defied her when he married Bailey’s mother.

  “Have you met my granddaughter yet?” She asked.

  “Yes.” He replied not giving anything away.

  “And does she meet with your satisfaction?”

  Beckett was shocked she seemed to refer to Bailey as a piece of property instead of a blood relative. Again he wondered what Bailey had done that had given this woman so much power over her that she dictated who she married.

  “What if she didn’t?” He asked trying to gauge her reaction.

  “Then we would be at an impasse.” She said raising one eyebrow in challenge.

  “Your granddaughter exceeds my satisfaction.” He said honestly.

  “I thought she would.” She smiled. “May I suggest the two of you take these next few days to get to know each other….maybe go out on the town and be seen….it will help promote the belief in when the announcement is made.”

  “Are you ordering me to date your granddaughter?”

  “No…just merely a suggestion…it will make things less awkward between the two of you.”

  “And what if Bailey refuses?”

  “I will see that she doesn’t.” She smiled as she stepped inside.

  Beckett felt like once again he had walked into her game and she had manipulated his pieces. He considered ignoring her advice but knew he wouldn’t. He was curious about Bailey and found that he truly did want to get to know her and understand what had brought her here to this deal. He was about to go in search of her when he saw her heading down towards the stables.

  Chapter 7

  It took her awhile to get both kids settled down and ready for their nap. Each of them had their own room with an adjoining bathroom. Bailey’s room was across the hall from them allowing her access to them but also her own privacy. She had been pulled by each to see their room and felt like she was in a tug of war for their attention. Alexis’s room was done in pink and Bailey noticed it had recently been painted. A large white canopy bed occupied the one wall and fluffy lace pillows were piled high against the head board. A collection of dolls stood in one corner and a table complete with a tea set occupied the other. Bailey was relieved there was no balcony on this side of the house. Tristan’s room was done in blues and browns complete with models on the shelves and airplanes hung over head. He had a collection of army men and tanks in his toy box and a game table that lifted up revealing crayons and coloring books inside. What surprised Bailey the most was that their closets were filled with brand new clothes exactly their sizes. Selene had explained that Ms. Regina had ordered everything and insisted it be completed before they arrived. She had evidently been confident Bailey would take the deal. She began to wonder exactly when her grandmother knew about social services arriving on her door step.

  Once both kids were soundly napping she checked out her room. It was done in soft greens and lavenders complete with a large canopy bed and curtains that closed giving her privacy. Her room had a collection of books and a reading chair set up next to the window for lighting. She also had a fireplace in her room which she imagined came in handy on cold winter nights. Private baths complete with a pedal stool tub and separate shower was stocked to the hilt with her favorite shampoos and lotions. She also noted like her siblings her walk in closet was completely stocked with a collection of clothes that ranged from jeans and tops to designer suits and evening gowns. Evidently her grandmother wanted them to play up the part of their status. Part of her wanted to revolt and stick with her wardrobe but
the feel of the clothes was too tempting.

  All of her life she had shopped at discount stores buying clothes out of season to get the best deals. The closest time she ever got to designer clothes was when either Ross or Marshalls had the stores left overs. Because she was so tiny she would occasionally get lucky and find a piece or two. However on her budget most of her clothes came from Target. After a quick shower she grabbed a pair of jeans and a pale green sweater. Her grandmother had even thought about her lingerie and when Bailey put them on she couldn’t believe how such fancy clothes could cost so much, cover so little yet feel so wonderful. Slipping into a pair of Nikes she decided to explore the grounds choosing the stables as her first stop.

  Bailey had always had a love for horses and her father used to joke with her that she was a horse whisperer. She walked among the stalls and as she passed each horse they seemed to sense her putting their noses out for her to pet. She was drawn to the back where matching pair of Percherons were housed. She felt dwarfed in their presence but showed no fear as each horse demanded her attention. She stood between both stalls with one hand on each of their noses. Bailey didn’t hear him approach but the horses sensed him and lifting their heads in warning looked in his direction. Bailey turned and found herself smiling as he approached. The horse behind her nudged her back demanding she return her attention to them and Bailey laughed as she turned back to the horses.

  “Ok, ok.” She said once again stroking their noses.

  Beckett stood next to her taking over her role with one of the horses who seemed to protest the replacement.

  “Really…I thought we were past that?” He said grabbing each side of the horses head and staring him down. Bailey couldn’t help but giggle as she buried her face into the other horse’s neck.

  Beckett looked at her then back to the horse. “See what you’ve done...now how can I be all serious when she thinks I’m a fool?”