Forbidden Contract (The Birmingham Brothers Series)

by L. A. Miller

  Chapter 23

  When Beckett had left Bailey to find Jasper he was filled with an uncontrolled rage. Growing up he and his brothers had their share of bar room brawls. Sometimes it was to defend a ladies honor, but most times it was to shut up some foul mouth drunk. Never though had he felt the desire to kill as he did now. The sight of Bailey; bruised and frightened had awakened every protective instinct in him. The image of Jasper touching her, forcing himself upon her brought bile to his throat. It wasn’t hard to find him and when they entered the bar Jasper just sneered as he downed his whiskey. His confidence was bolstered by both the amount of whiskey he had consumed and the group of friends who stood behind him. As he approached him Beckett noticed his friends maneuvering for a better advantage against him and his brothers. He knew his brothers were sizing up the odds and Trent smiled knowing they were outmanned nearly 2 to 1.

  “What brings you down to my neck of the world Yankee?” Jasper said getting a laugh out of his group.

  “Why don’t we take this outside?” Beckett said noting the way the owner watched them warily.

  “I like it here….cozier.” He said putting his glass down as he grabbed a cue stick.

  “Jasper…I don’t think what we are about to discuss should be done publicly.” Beckett warned.

  “I’m among my friends, whatever you wish to discuss can be said in front of them.”

  “Alright….consider yourself no longer employed. You have 24 hours to pack your things and get out of town. The deal I have with your grandmother no longer concerns you and if you ever lay a hand on my fiancé again I will kill you.” Beckett said calmly.

  “You have no right to fire me.” Jasper argued. “Nor can you make me leave town.”

  “I have every right to fire you since my brothers and I assumed the role of running the company. It’s in the contract. As for running you out of town, you’re right I can’t force you to leave but I can make sure your life is miserable should you choose to stay.” Beckett said as Jaspers friends now looked to him for a signal.

  “My grandmother would not allow that.”

  “After what you just did to Bailey she’s done covering for you and you sick indiscretions.”

  “I don’t know what that little bitch told you but all I did was kissed her.” Jasper said as his face began to turn red. “A simple greeting kiss from one cousin to the other.”

  Beckett clinched his fists till his knuckles turned white. “The woman you are speaking of is to be my wife and you will not degrade her with your names or accusations. The condition of both her clothes and body are enough for us to consult the local authority on charges of assault and attempted rape. Out of respect for her and your grandmother I chose to handle this between us.”

  “We all know the conditions of the contract and the true reason you are marrying my cousin. You don’t have to get all high and mighty on me; she’s just a high priced whore.”

  The muscle along Beckett’s jawline began to pulsate as he fought to control his temper. He stepped dangerously close to Jasper and his eyes narrowed as he spoke.

  “Apologize for that comment.”

  Jasper laughed as he looked around the room. With his men in place he threw the first punch hitting Beckett in the lip cutting the skin. Beckett just looked at him smiling as if that was the invitation he needed. Before Jasper could see it coming Beckett drove his fist into Jaspers stomach knocking the wind out of him then following up with an upper cut to his lower chin sending him backwards against the pool table. Beckett turned in time to block a right hook from one of Jaspers friends as the others turned on his brothers. He connected a blow to the side of the new opponents head just as Jasper stood. He was unable to deflect the blow to his back from the cue stick but managed to stay on his feet. Turning he lunged at Jasper knocking him to the ground. He ignored the pain in his hands as he pummeled Jaspers face breaking his jaw in the process. A blow for his side knocked him off Jasper as he now tumbled across the floor with another assailant. He took one hit to his shoulder before he was able to take down his assailant. Looking up he noticed most of Jaspers friends were on the ground nursing their wounds; Ethan and Justin were finishing off their opponents while Trent was dealing with two others. He went to Trent’s aid pulling one off his back freeing his arm to swing at the other. In a matter of minutes all of Jaspers friends were either on the ground or out the door. Jasper tried to stand but instead fell back against the wall. With the fight over his brothers grinned at him satisfied for their little diversion. The owner now approached them and Ethan immediately pulled out his wallet to cover the damage as the rest of them approached Jasper.

  “You have 24 hours Jasper, my brothers will ensure you leave town.” Beckett said as he glared at him. “If I ever see you back here I won’t hesitate to bring you up on charges and make sure you are sent away for a long time.”

  Trent placed his hand on Beckett’s shoulder. “Why don’t you get back to Bailey…we got this.”

  “Thanks.” Beckett said.

  “No problem….it was fun…” Trent laughed as he surveyed the room. “Just like old times.”

  Beckett had driven back to the estate and when he entered the house ran into Regina. His concern was on going upstairs but he stopped a moment to comment.

  “Jasper is fired, he will be leaving town and not returning.” He said leaving no room for an argument.

  She met his gaze and nodded then turned and went back into the study. He took the stairs two at a time and paused before he opened her door. When he entered Bailey was sleeping and as he studied her he noticed how incredibly vulnerable she looked. One arm was outside the blanket and he frowned at the sight of the fresh bruise on her arm. Once again the anger surged in him at the thought of what Jasper had done. Moving to her bedside he sat down on the edge careful not to wake her. As he studied her face a mixture of emotions filled him. Pride, possessiveness, desire and something more. His head was not yet ready to admit what his heart already knew. He had fallen for her and had already made the decision he would attempt to make her his but he was not ready to admit he loved her. That was something he swore he would never allow, not after Lachelle. Yet he wanted this woman more than any other he had met since Lachelle’s death. He knew like him she had barriers in place to protect her heart. He swore one by one he would knock them down till she admitted what they had between them was more than a contract. Reaching out he touched her shoulder in an attempt to wake her. When she bolted upright, grabbed her blanket cowering in fear it gripped his heart. He cursed Jasper again for what he had done but his anger was replaced by relief when she dropped her blanket flying into his arms. He wrapped them around her pulling her shaking body against his chest.

  “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 and when she drew back searching his face as she touched his cut lip he couldn’t help but feel relief.

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

  “I’m ok.” She said biting her lip drawing his eyes down to her mouth. He wanted to kiss that mouth again and knowing he might not be able to stop he pulled back putting some distance between them. He saw the disappointment in her eyes as he now stood beside the bed.

  “What happened?” She asked.

  “I found Jasper downtown drinking with a few of his friends.” He explained briefly without going into to many details. “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 he
r cheek. “I protect what’s mine.”

  He saw the way her breath caught in her throat then watched as a series of emotions crossed her face. He wondered if she knew how easily it was to read her mind and not wanting to add to her confusion he dropped his hand. Immediately he saw the disappointment in her face as he stepped away.

  “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. Beckett noticed the way she fit perfectly in his arms as if she was made especially for him. She wrapped her arms around his waist as she rested her head against his chest. He could feel the way his heart now raced and he knew he couldn’t resist any longer. His hand tilted her chin up and when she didn’t resist his lips took hers. His kiss was soft, caressing her lips as he coaxed her to respond. She tasted of honey and as he savored her mouth his hands moved lower pulling her body against him. Bailey’s hands slid up his chest clasping behind his neck as she pulled him deeper into the kiss. His hands roamed lower till they reached the hem of her tank top before sliding up under to touch her bare skin. His hands now pressed against her skin enjoying the feel of the softness beneath. When she moaned as his tongue played with hers he pulled back and kissed 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 and he could feel her heart racing against his fingers. Suddenly 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 needing to feel her skin against his. Lifting her up Beckett moved her to the bed and laid her down. He lay beside her and as his hands roamed over her body his lips returned to her mouth. Beckett could feel the way her body responded to his touch and felt the desire inside her as it matched his. 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. Her kiss was desperate and demanding begging his to fulfill a need she didn’t understand. When his hand slid lower her legs parted instinctively awaiting his touch. His hand slid beneath her pants moving lower to the lace panties that were now saturated with her desire.

  “Fuck you’re wet.” He cursed as he moved his mouth to her neck.

  Her body arched needed to feel the contact of his hand. When his fingers slid beneath her panties she gasped in surprise spurring him on. His fingers slid inside her and as he moved them he could feel the pressure inside begin to build as her inner walls clamped onto his fingers. She was so ripe for the taking and his loins burned to be released. Suddenly reality came crashing back and he pulled his hand out causing her to moan in protest. He pulled back looking down at her as he tried to control the desires that had overwhelmed him. “Bailey.” He groaned sitting up keeping his back to her. His muscles flexed as his head once again regained control over his body. He couldn’t believe how close he had come to seducing her. It had been so easy, her body so willing. He knew if he looked at her all would be lost and his desire to take her would override all reason. He felt the bed shift behind and when her lips brushed against his skin his muscles flexed in protest. What the hell was she doing, didn’t she know how close they had come and how much of an effort it was to resist her. Suddenly she shifted off the bed and now stood before him naked. His lungs filled with a gasp of air as he looked upon her with open desire. God she was truly beautiful and his mind warred with his body over what to do. He knew today’s incident with Jasper had left her vulnerable and if he made love to her now both of them would later regret it. He wanted her but not like this. When he finally took her he wanted it to be of her own choosing, free from any contract and from any incident that left her vulnerable. He also had to think of the contract and what it would mean if they had sex. Too much was riding on this moment. Finally his brain won out and he stood.

  “We can’t.” Beckett said shaking his head as he reached down grabbing his shirt.

  Without a backwards glance he left her standing there alone. Once outside the door he leaned up against the wall cursing himself not only for putting them both in that situation but also for walking away. Every fiber in his body demanded he return to her and yet he stood there frozen unable to move. He heard the sound of her hitting the bed as the tears began to flow. Staring up at the ceiling he was angry that he had hurt her when she needed his comfort the most. He was no better than Jasper, they both wanted the same thing but their methods were different. He vowed now that he would never put them in that situation again. Beckett thought over the schedule for the next two weeks and wondered how the hell he was going to be able to control his desires when he had to pretend they were in love. Pretending was going to be easy, walking away from her each night was going to be hell. He looked back at the door one more time considering going back before he turned and headed for his room. That night he lay in his bed tossing and turning as he thought of her. The way her body moved in reaction to his touch, the way she tasted, the way she smelled. Finally unable to sleep he got dressed and headed for the stables. Zeus was alert and itching to run. Beckett needed a challenge to take his mind off of Bailey. Both were sizing each other up as Beckett saddled the horse. When he led him out Zeus showed resistance and the moment Beckett was on his back the two fought for control. Neither saw the lone figure standing on the balcony as they raced across the field.

  Chapter 24

  As she stood there watching Beckett fly across the field on Zeus back she couldn’t help but admire the beauty as rider and horse molded into one. Like Beckett she had been up all night tossing and turning as the memories of the night before played out in her head. When Beckett had rejected her she had cried till there were no more tears. Then slowly she built the wall around her heart, encasing it in ice to prevent it from shattering. She had thrown herself at him and at first he had responded. His desire for her was evident as it pressed against her thigh. When he had dipped his fingers inside her she felt the way his body reacted and despite her virtue she knew he desired her. When he had pulled away she saw him fight that desire. At first she thought his concerns were for her until she offered herself to him and he had rejected her. Suddenly she realized that while he may desire her, the contract was what he valued most. Had they continued on and had sex his family would have lost everything.

  His rejection put their relationship in perspective. He may be attracted to her, may desire her, but in the end it was all about the contract. No matter how much she hoped or fantasized when the year was up he would be gone. She had been a fool last night but vowed never again. She would protect her heart and even though she realized she had fallen in love with him she would never let him know the depth of her feelings. That would destroy her in the end when he walked away. She watched him ride as if running from his own demons while she prepared herself for the day ahead. From now on in private she would remain cool towards him. When possible she would avoid him. Only during public appearances would she pretend she cared. It was a role she would play as she had done so many times in high school receiving critical claim about her abilities to bring a character to life. Only she would know the true depth of the deceit as she hid her feelings from him.

  Returning to her roo
m she carefully made the bed then showered and dressed. Bailey headed to the kids room to check on them first before going down for coffee. When she entered the kitchen she ran into Trent who was grabbing a cup for himself. He looked up at her smiling but the concern was written on his face. She noticed the fresh bruise under one eye and the cut along his forehead. Guilt washed over her knowing she was to blame.

  “Trent…I’m so sorry for yesterday…I never meant for you and your brother to fight.”

  He grinned and she felt the warmth of his sincerity. “Don’t fret about that….he and I kissed and made up….how are you doing?”

  “I’m ok.” She said as she avoided his eyes pretended to be more interested in the amount of cream she added to her coffee. When she looked back up she saw the frown on his face as if he was trying to read what was truly going on inside her. She quickly masked her face and took on her role. “Truly Trent…I’m fine…..thank you again for your concern.”

  Her coolness only sharpened his frown as he now narrowed his gaze realizing she wasn’t being honest with him. He had seen Beckett ride out of there like a bat out of hell and his surly attitude was definitely behind Bailey’s cool response. Something had happened between them and he was going to find once his brother returned. He decided it was best though to keep things light where Bailey was concerned.

  “So…when do you want to start working for me?” He asked trying to throw her off guard.

  Bailey looked at him and considered her schedule. The idea of going into the office and working would help keep her mind off Beckett but then again it may put her in constant contact with him. She wondered would she be able to keep up the façade with him around. She realized she needed the practice if she was going to survive the next two weeks, the next year actually.