Forbidden Contract (The Birmingham Brothers Series)

by L. A. Miller

  Angry Regina stepped in the room. “Stay away from her, you’ve done enough.” She said angrily approaching him. She froze when Beckett turned and faced her.

  “I didn’t do this now shut up and stay there.” He demanded and watched her gasp at the way he spoke to her. He turned now and once again looked at Bailey. Slowly he approached her ready to freeze if she panicked. “Bailey….I’m not going to hurt you.” He said calmly. When her eyes met his he felt his stomach contract from the pain he saw in her eyes. Her breathing was erratic and her body shivered from shock. He moved closer and knelt down in front of her. “Bailey….who did this?” He asked calmly. “Who hurt you?”

  Bailey looked from him to the others. When she saw her grandmother she cringed afraid now to talk. Beckett turned and saw Regina’s frown. Standing up he walked over and ordered the room to be cleared. Regina was about to protest but seeing the determination on his face she nodded and left the room followed by his brothers and father. Beckett closed the door then walked back over to Bailey. He held out his hand and she hesitated a moment before taking his allowing him to pull her to her feet. Her blouse was torn and barely covered the lace bra beneath it. Fresh bruises were imprinted on her arms where someone had grabbed her. He frowned and tried to control his rising anger as he spoke to her.

  “Bailey…who hurt you?”

  She looked up at him and though his jaw was tense his eyes showed true concern. When she began to shake he pulled her into his arms and she clung to him as the shock of what happened overwhelmed her. Lifting her up he carried her over to the bed and sitting on the edge he held her till the shaking stopped. He was acutely aware of the way her body molded to his, the way she clung to him for protection and the way her hair smelled of lemongrass. Beckett waited till the shaking stopped before he pulled back lifting her chin till her eyes met his.

  “Who hurt you?” he asked gently.

  “Jasper” she said in barely a whisper.

  He tensed in anger as he again took in her appearance. Other than the bruises on her arm and her torn blouse he saw no other injuries. Still he had to ask her.

  “Did he?” Beckett began but was at a loss how to word it. “Bailey….did he violate you?”

  Though she paled at the question she shook her head no. “He tried…..but…I kicked him.”

  Beckett couldn’t help but smile in relief as he pulled her against his chest. She didn’t protest when he tightened his hold on her, instead she wrapped her arms around him pulling him closer. Beckett didn’t want to break their bond but Jasper needed to be dealt with. He needed to know exactly what happened first.

  “Bailey what happened?”

  He felt rather than heard her intake a breath before she began to speak.

  “After you left…..he must have been watching us….I didn’t see him…he came up from behind me….he grabbed me and when I tried to scream he covered my mouth.” She shivered. “He had been drinking. I could smell it on his breath. He told me he wanted his kiss….then he turned me….pulled me to him as he kissed me….I tried to push him away but he was too strong.” She said as the tears now began to fall. “I could taste the whiskey….and his cigars.” She said wiping her mouth as if it would remove his taste. “When he pulled back I had enough leverage to knee him in the groin. He let go of me and I ran.”

  “How did you your blouse get ripped?”

  “When I broke free…he grabbed it trying to pull me back….part of it ripped off as I got free.”

  Beckett held her for a moment waiting until the tears stopped before pulling back to look at her. Her eyes still held the fear of what happened but she no longer looked pale. He wiped the tears away then kissed her forehead.

  “I need to go take care of this.” He said firmly and he saw the fear in her face. “Bailey….I should have done this the first time he put his hands on you.”

  “Beckett no what if you get hurt?”

  He grinned at that. “I think I can handle him….trust me….I want you to go take a shower….put on some fresh clothes then wait for me….I’ll make sure no one disturbs you ok?”

  Bailey nodded. She needed someone to take control now and he was glad he was the one she trusted. Before he could release her she reached up and touched the fresh bruise on his jaw frowning. Holding her hand he turned his face to kiss the palm of her hand then looked at her.

  “Don’t worry….just a little disagreement with my brother.” He smiled. “Now go do as I said….I’ll be back as soon as I’m done with Jasper…he won’t be bothering you or anyone else around her again.”

  Bailey bit her bottom lip as she looked at him. He resisted the urge to kiss her. She had already been man handled and the last thing she needed was for him to press her for something she wasn’t ready for. She slid off his lap and turned as he stood also. He got the impression she wanted something from him but before he could figure it out she fled to the bathroom closing the door between them. Frowning he wondered if he should stay with her but fearing where it might lead especially in her emotional state he decided to leave her room instead. His brothers were waiting along with his parents and Regina. He looked directly at her.

  “Jasper attacked her…I’m going to handle him….he won’t touch her again.” He said waiting for Regina to protest. Instead she looked at her granddaughters closed door then back at him. She nodded then turning she headed for her room. Beckett noticed the way her shoulders now hung from the guilt of what had just happened. His brothers were ready to go with him and end this. He looked to his father.

  “Baileys taking a shower then I told her to wait till I come back….will you and mom make sure no one disturbs her till I return.”

  “Of course….your mother has already taken care of the kids…Beckett…I trust you will end this.”

  “If he doesn’t we will.” Trent vowed.

  “Jaspers mine.” Beckett growled. “You guys are coming in case he has friends.”

  “Let’s hope he does.” Trent frowned feeling the need to punch someone. “Beck….I’m sorry.”

  Beckett looked at him and nodded. “It’s ok….in the same situation I might have done the same.”

  “No you wouldn’t of ….you would have realized I wasn’t capable of that…I should have done the same.”

  “Yeah….but at least I know where your loyalty lies.” He grinned. “I’m glad you thought to protect her.”

  “Let’s go find us a Southern rat.” Ethan said tired of the mushy talk. “My knuckles are itching.”

  Chapter 22

  As she stood under the hot water Bailey let the heat burn away the dirt she felt on her skin. Ignoring the pain from her bruises she scrubbed her skin till her skin was raw. Only when she felt clean did she sink to the floor of the shower and cry. After Beckett had left she had sunk to the ground remembering the way he had kissed her and the loss she felt when he walked away. Despite her bravado she could not resist the way her body reacted to his kiss nor could she deny the pain in her heart. Watching him walk away she wondered how she had fallen for him so fast. From the moment they met she couldn’t deny the attraction she felt but she assumed it was her own inexperience and his incredible good looks. When he touched her, held her, kissed her she was unable to control the wanton desire of her body. No matter how hard her head tried to rule her body betrayed her. Even now she could feel his lips on hers.

  She had just risen to her feet when she was grabbed from behind. The strength of his hold and the foul breath against her neck immediately filled her with fear. When she heard Jaspers voice her first reaction was to scream. His hand clamped over her mouth and she could smell the foulness of old cigars along with another scent she couldn’t place. Had she been more experienced she would have realize he had been pleasing himself in the bushes as he watched her and Beckett sharing a heated kiss. He turned her so quickly and before she could fight he pinned her to his body and clamped his mouth over hers, bruising her, driving his foul tongue inside her mouth. She felt the vomit r
ise in the back of his throat as he shoved his tongue deeper. As his hand grabbed her ass pulling her against his harden bulge she cried pushing against him as hard as she could. Only when he pulled his lips from hers licking them did he give her enough space to drive her knee into his groin. As hard as he was the pain caused him to release his grip as he doubled over. Without thinking she turned to flee only to feel his hand as it gripped her blouse. She struggled against his hold hitting his hand but she couldn’t break his hold. Thankfully the blouse was thin and the seams ripped as the shirt shredded. When the piece he held ripped away she fell backwards landing on her back as her head slammed into the ground. For a moment she saw black but her urge to escape overrode and she managed to pull herself to her feet before he could reach her. She ran blindly towards the house fearing he would catch her before she reached safety. Pushing open the door she ran directly into Trent as he was coming outside. He grabbed her and for a moment she fought him till she realized who he was. His face was filled with rage at her disheveled appearance and filled with shame she tried to break free.

  “Bailey….what happened to you?” He had asked trying to stop her. “Who did this?”

  Looking at him her face filled with fear her mind flew to Beckett. She needed him. She wanted his arms around her, protecting her. She cried. “Beckett…” But before she could continue his face was filled with a murderous glare that frightened her. She broke free and fled to her room as Trent ran out the front door. As she sat there she now realized Trent must have thought Beckett had torn her blouse and gone after him. That would explain the fresh bruises. She covered her face at the realization she had been the cause of two brothers fighting. Now Beckett was out there again going after Jasper. Her body shaking she stood up and turned off the water. Stepping out of the shower she dried her body and slipping into the tank top and yoga pants she crept into her bed pulling the covers over her head.

  Since her father’s death she had assumed the role as an adult. She had been the one to nurse her mother during her pregnancy and illness. She had been the one to handle the finances shielding her mother from the truth of what they faced. When her mother died she had assumed the role of taking care of Tristan and Alexis proving to the authorities she was capable. She had promised her mother she would keep the family together at all costs. Working two jobs, dealing with Tristan’s illness and Alexis’s nightmares. She had been the strength that held them together. Suddenly she felt small. From the moment her grandmother had walked into her life it had been out of her control. To save the kids she had agreed to a marriage to a man she didn’t know. She had lost control as her body and heart defied her brain chasing after someone she couldn’t have and would lose at the end of the year. Today Jaspers attack had brought back the same fear she felt when Jackson had slid his hand beneath her skirt. When she had dumped the tray on him it had been her first line of defense. He had been angry and stood preparing to hit her. She knew had they not been in a public place the outcome would have been different. Even after losing her job she lived in fear as calls came to her home at all hours. She could hear his breathing but he never said a word. One morning she had come out to find her tires slashed. She couldn’t prove it was Jackson but she knew. She was forced to move several times and change her number to an unlisted one before she finally felt safe. Now that same fear was back with Jasper. She wondered what would Beckett do and would Jasper ever really stop? She knew she should get up, check on the kids but her body refused to move. Beckett had told her to wait till he returned. She trusted him so she waited.

  She must have fallen asleep because she didn’t hear him enter her room a few hours later. Her body registered the pressure as he sat on the bed but when his hand touched her shoulder she sat up suddenly frightened as the memories of Jaspers hands filled her mind. She crouched back against the head board drawing the covers to her chin. When she realized it was Beckett she dropped the blanket and flew into his arms. They wrapped around her, his strength overriding her fear.

  “Hey…it’s ok…you’re safe now.” He said soothingly as his lips brushed the top of her head.

  It took her a moment to compose herself then she drew back searching his face. In addition to the bruise and cuts from earlier he now was sporting a cut in the corner of his top lip. Already it was beginning to swell. She reached up and touched it gently as she searched his eyes.

  “I gave him the first shot.” He grinned lopsidedly as he searched her face. “How are you?”

  “I’m ok.” She said biting her lip drawing his eyes down to her mouth. She saw the flash of desire before he pulled back putting some distance between them. She felt the loss of his body heat as he now stood beside the bed. “What happened?”

  “I found Jasper downtown drinking with a few of his friends….I tried to get him to take it outside but he and his friends refused to budge…..like I said I gave him the first shot…he won’t be bothering you again Bailey. We fired him and gave him 24 hours to get out of town. Trent and Ethan stayed behind to make sure he goes.”

  “You fought him?”

  “Not much of a fight.” He grinned. “I think he counted on help from his friends but my brothers were itching for a brawl since I wouldn’t let them have Jasper…..he was mine.” He said seriously as he touched her cheek. “I protect what’s mine.”

  Bailey’s breath caught in her throat and she felt her heart break. She wanted to believe he cared for her the way she did for him but doubts over took her. She had to remind herself this was just a business arrangement. He was still involved with Macy and not free. In all the times he had kissed her he had never mentioned breaking up with Macy. He even joked with her about dating two people at once. When his hand dropped and he stepped away she couldn’t hide the disappointment in her face. She saw the confusion on his and she knew he was warring with himself inside.

  “Beckett I’m sorry about earlier…about Trent….I didn’t mean to mislead him.”

  “What do you mean?” He asked not understanding what she was trying to say.

  “When I ran inside I crashed into him…he wanted to know what happened to me, who did attacked me.” She said wringing her hands on the blanket. “I just wanted you….but when I said your name he got angry and I got scared.”

  “You wanted me?” He said with a strange look on his face.

  “Yes.” She said looking at him. “I knew you would make me feel safe.”

  Beckett’s face softened as he approached her. Without thinking she stepped into his arms as he pulled her against his chest. She felt protected again. She wrapped her arms around his waist as she rested her head against his chest. His heart beat strong and steady beneath her ear. When his hand tilted her chin up she didn’t resist and when his lips took hers she welcomed him. His kiss was soft, caressing her lips as he coaxed her to respond. Unlike Jasper Beckett tasted of spice and where Jaspers body was soft his was firm, his muscle flexing as he pulled her body against him. Bailey’s hands slid up his chest clasping behind his neck as she arched her body against his. Once again Bailey’s body betrayed her with needs she didn’t understand.

  His hands roamed lower till they reached the hem of her tank top. Sliding up under her top his hands now pressed against her skin spreading the heat throughout her body. She moaned as his tongue played with hers and this spurred him on as his mouth now moved to her jaw raining kisses as he worked his way down to the hollow of her neck. Her knees gave out and his arm moved to support her as his other hand moved forward sliding across her ribcage till he cupped the underside of her breast. Her breathing became erratic as her heart raced and suddenly she needed more. She needed to feel his skin against hers. She pulled at his shirt ripping the buttons free as her hands ran across his chest. His mouth moved back to her lips while he quickly removed his shirt dropping it to the floor by her bed. He broke contact from her lips only long enough to pull her tank top off. Lifting her up Beckett moved her to the bed and laid her down. He lay beside her and as his hands roamed ov
er her body his lips returned to her mouth. Bailey was on fire, his lips and hands igniting sensations she had never felt before. Her mind went numb as her body took over. When Beckett’s lips moved to her breast sucking the nipple through the lace of her bra she became unhinged. Grabbing his head she threaded her fingers through his hair pulling his mouth back up to hers. When his hand slid lower her legs parted instinctively needing something she couldn’t explain. His hand slid beneath her pants moving lower to the lace panties that were now dripping wet.

  “Fuck you’re wet.” He cursed as he moved his mouth to her neck. Her hips arched needed to feel the contact of his hand. When his fingers slid beneath her panties she gasped surprised at the sensation he now was causing. His fingers slid inside her and as he moved them the friction caused a pressure inside to build. When he pulled his hand out she moaned in protest. He pulled back looking down at her as he tried to control himself. “Bailey.” He groaned sitting up.

  With his back to her she watched his muscles flexed. He wanted her and she knew he was trying to resist. She knew she should help him but he had awakened feelings inside her she could no longer deny. She didn’t care about the contract, didn’t care about the consequences. All she knew was she wanted him at that moment and tomorrow she would live with her choice. She slid out of her clothes and moved behind him. As she leaned towards him she prepared her heart for his rejection. When her lips touched the back of his neck she felt him tense up. She pressed on feathering his back with kisses. With each kiss his muscles strained as he fought against his own desire. When Bailey stood and stepped in front of him she felt the urge to cover herself. She was naked and vulnerable before him and she held her breath waiting for his reaction. When he looked up she saw the desire in his eyes before he stood.

  “We can’t.” Beckett said shaking his head as he reached down grabbing his shirt. Without a backward glance he left her standing there alone and rejected. Bailey let out her breath as the pain now gripped her heart. She was humiliated at his rejection and flung herself on the bed as the first tears fell.