Forbidden Contract (The Birmingham Brothers Series)

by L. A. Miller

  “I trust my granddaughter into your care.” She warned and Beckett understood her hidden meaning.

  “You have nothing to fear.” He said as he once again took Baileys hand.

  He watched as his parents escorted her grandmother to their host then looking round the room he scanned for his brothers. Ethan was sitting with a pretty blonde in the corner, Justin was having a debate with a group of gentleman and as expected Trent was by the bar surrounded by a group of the South’s elite beauties while another group of abandoned men stared at him openly hostile to his presence.

  “If we don’t retrieve Trent from his fan club we might have some trouble.” He frowned.

  Bailey followed his glance and saw the situation knowing it could easily escalate destroying whatever progress they had made that night. She turned to look at him as she freed her hand.

  “I’ll handle the men if you can get him away from the ladies.”

  “Why don’t I handle the men and you retrieve my brother?”

  “Because….I think they will react better to a pretty face.” She smiled as she kissed his cheek.

  He watched her walk towards the group and instantly they ignored the group of women around Trent as they now vied for her attention. Beckett made his way over to Trent and immediately found instead of extraditing his brother from their clutches he was surrounded. He looked over their heads and found Bailey was also surrounded but she seemed to be holding her own with her group of admirers. Looking at Trent he found his brother was amused now at their predicament. It took nearly 20 minutes of polite conversation and dodging innuendos before he was able to pull Trent away. Unfortunately during that time he had lost sight of Bailey. When he approached the group they told him Bailey had left with Rhett for a tour of the house. Frowning he looked at Trent who understood his concern. Rhett had been a nuisance all evening first in the amount of times he claimed Bailey to a dance and then when he found his way to their table at dinner.

  “I’ll get Ethan and Justin.” Trent said as Beckett headed out of the ball room where their hosts were bidding their guests good night.

  “Beckett…I thought your grandmother said you would be staying….we had hoped to talk with you some more.” Mrs. Remington said misinterpreting his presence.

  “I look forward to continuing our talk but at the moment I was looking for Bailey…I was told Rhett was giving her a tour of the house.”

  Mr. Remington frowned causing Beckett to worry. He motioned to one of his servers.

  “Have you seen Rhett?”

  “Yes sir…he and a young lady went up the stairs about 10 minutes ago….I believe he was going to show her the blue room….she seemed fascinated with our resident ghost.”

  Beckett was already heading up the stairs when his brothers came out of the ballroom. Seeing his face they quickly ran up after him with Mr. Remington closely behind.

  “The blue room is the last room to the left.” Mr. Remington called out as Beckett reached the top of the stairs.

  He raced down the hallway ignoring the warnings of his brothers behind him. The door was closed and when he burst through he found Bailey cornered against the armoire. Rhett had one hand on each side of her as he leaned towards her. One look at her pale face and Beckett flew at Rhett knocking him down to the floor. His fist connected with Rhett’s jaw before he had a chance to defend himself. Suddenly hands were grabbing him trying to pull him off. This gave Rhett the opening he needed to slug his fist into Beckett’s side knocking the wind out of him for a moment. He fought against Trent’s hands as they pulled him back looking up now to see Rhett was being restrained now by Tristan and Ethan. Mr. Remington was standing with Bailey comforting her as he glared at Rhett. Beckett wanted to kill Rhett but his concern for Bailey over rode his anger.

  “Bailey” He said softly as he touched her shoulder. She turned to him tears streaming down her face. He pulled her into his arms as his brother hauled Rhett out of the room.

  “I didn’t do anything she didn’t enjoy.” Rhett yelled as he was dragged down the hall.

  Beckett tensed in anger but Bailey needed him so he held her close as Mr. Remington looked on.

  “My deepest apologies….my nephews actions are unforgiveable….trust that I will take care of the matter.”

  Beckett felt Bailey shiver and he knew he needed to get her out of there. He looked at his host who like him wanted to avoid dragging Bailey into a public scandal. He knew his brothers were probably giving Rhett a few lessons in manners and trusted his host would handle the rest.

  “Alright….is there a back way out of here…I don’t want to expose her to any prying eyes.”

  “Yes…follow me…”

  Beckett lifted Bailey in his arms and she buried her head under his chin as he carried her out of the room. He followed his host down the hallway to a rear staircase that led to the back of the house where the servants resided. When they reached the back door Beckett stopped.

  “Will you tell my brothers I’ll wait for them in the car?” He said.

  “Why don’t you let my driver take you home?”

  Beckett didn’t want to release Bailey so he agreed. He followed his host to the garage where his driver was playing cards with some of the staff.

  “Gerald” He called and his driver put down his cards and stepped forward. “I need you to take Mr. Birmingham and Ms. Montgomery to Briar Rose.”

  “Yes sir.” He said noting the paler of Baileys face. “The limo is this way sir…you will find some brandy for the lady.”

  Beckett turned to his host. “Thank you…you might want to see to your nephew….my brothers are quite fond of Bailey.”

  “He deserves whatever thrashing they are giving him. My wife and I will call on you tomorrow. Bailey I am so sorry for my nephew’s behavior.”

  Bailey looked up now to meet their hosts face. Beckett knew she wanted to talk but her lip trembled from fear. She just nodded to him then buried her face back in Beckett’s chest.

  “I’ll let Regina know to expect you….shall we say around 2:00?”

  “Of course.”

  Beckett walked over to the limo where Gerald now stood door open for them. Still holding her in his arms Beckett climbed in and settled down on one of the seats. Seeing his hands were full Gerald poured him a glass of brandy then closed the door giving them privacy. Beckett held the glass to Bailey coaxing her to drink. She coughed and her eyes watered but at least the liquor brought some color to her cheeks. He held her there on his lap as the limo pulled out of the garage and down the drive. As they passed the front of the house he saw his brothers standing guard over Rhett who was slumped on one of the chairs holding a towel to his nose which had obviously been broken. Leaning back he took a swig of the brandy then setting the glass down he wrapped his arms around Bailey. Slowly her shivering stopped and soon her breathing relaxed as she drifted off to sleep in his arms. Regina and his parents were waiting on the porch obviously notified of the incident. He waited for Gerald to open the door then he stepped out of the car holding Bailey in his arms. As he carried her up towards the house he motioned for them to keep quiet not wanting to wake her. He carried her past them and up the stairs to her room where Trixie was waiting to assist him. Her bed was turned down and her nightgown lay across the bed as the sound of running water came from the bathroom.

  “I’ll take of the miss” Trixie said softly as he set her on the bed. He stood to leave but Bailey woke and reached out grabbing his hand in fear.

  “Please….don’t go.” She begged.

  Beckett sat back down on the bed beside her. “I need to go speak to your grandmother…Trixie will help you get ready for bed then I’ll return ok?” Bailey looked behind him where Trixie stood. Looking back at Beckett she nodded but refused to release his hand. Beckett reached up with his free hand and touched her cheek. “Bailey…I promise I’ll be back.” She released his hand and he stood looking now at Trixie. “I’ll be back in 45 minutes. I want you to stay with her till
I return.”

  “Yes sir…I won’t leave her.”

  Beckett looked back at Bailey and leaning down kissed her gently before leaving her to Trixie’s care. He found his parents with Regina in the study and after pouring a drink he explained what had happened. He expected to see disappointment in Regina’s face and was surprised to see anger. The anger to his surprise was not directed at him but at herself.

  “I should have warned you about Rhett.”

  Beckett now looked at her trying to contain his anger. “What do you mean warn me?”

  Regina poured herself a glass of whiskey and downed it in one shot. She looked at Beckett and sighed.

  “Rhett and Jasper are friends….Rhett was arrested a few years back for molesting a young girl….she later dropped the charges after his parents paid her family off.”

  “What the hell is wrong with you people?” Beckett said trying to control the anger inside.

  “Beckett!” Roark warned.

  “What…first Bailey’s cousin attacks her then this asshole…instead of kicking their asses you buy their way out of it…are we so sure we even want to do business with these people?”

  “Not everyone in the South is like Jasper and Rhett. I have already admitted to my mistakes and Rhett’s parents were no better. But the Remington’s and the people you met tonight are the true essence of the South….do not judge them by our actions.”

  “Regina…the one you need to apologize to is your granddaughter.” Beckett said. “The more I see the more I’m grateful her father left when he married her mother. She and your grandchildren have only benefited from your absence in their lives.”

  “Beckett!” His mother scolded. “That comment was uncalled for…you are a guest in this house.”

  Beckett looked at his parents and realized she was right. He had been raised with better manners but he was angry knowing Regina was partly to blame for what had happened to Bailey.

  “Your son is correct.” Regina said sadly. “Bailey was better off without our family. But I was hoping to make up for our mistakes.”

  “By forcing her to marry a total stranger.” Beckett asked

  “Do you regret our contract?” Regina asked

  “No….I would never have met her without it.”

  “And she never would have accepted my help without it” Regina smiled. “Beckett I admire you and I trust you.” She said pouring herself another shot. “Do you ever wonder why I added the additional clause to the contract when I replaced Alicia with Bailey?”

  “Every day….I assumed you didn’t want her soiled by me.”

  Regina laughed as she downed her shot again. Beckett was amazed at her age the way she could handle her liquor.

  “No….my granddaughter is innocent in relationships….you on the other hand are not. The clause was for both your benefits….your generation depends too much on sex, you have forgotten the true art of courting.”

  “You want me to court your granddaughter?” Beckett asked.

  “Isn’t that what you have been doing?” She smiled.

  “Have you forgotten I am involved with someone else?” He said reminding her of Macy.

  “No you’re not.” She said confidently. “You’re passing time with her. I’ve seen you with Bailey and you are more than interested in her. The way you reacted when Jasper attacked her and tonight. You are protective of her.”

  “That’s how my parents raised us.”

  “True, which is obvious since your brothers took care of Rhett for you. I watched you tonight and you were jealous when other men danced with her.” She grinned. “You may have a great face for poker but you have telltale signs where my granddaughter is concerned.”

  “Just what are you hoping for?” He asked once again feeling he was a pawn in her game.

  “I’m hoping you don’t break my granddaughter’s heart.” She said honestly.

  “I don’t plan to.” He said studying her now.

  Despite the front she was putting on she was an old lonely woman who had lived a life of regrets. In Bailey, Alexis and Tristan she saw her chance of redemption. A way to make up for all the mistakes she had made to preserve the family name. He looked to his parents and knew they saw it too.

  “Regina.” He said looking back at her. “I won’t deny that I’m attracted to Bailey. I want it understood though….if I pursue her it’s not because of the pretense of our marriage or for the business arrangement we’ve made. I also insist on no interference or meddling on your end.”

  “You have my word.”

  “And you have my word I will live up to the terms of our contract. However, at the end of the year it will be Bailey’s choice to decide the resolution of our marriage.”

  “Very well.” She agreed.

  “I need to get back to her so if you will excuse me.” He said as he turned to leave just as his brothers returned.

  “How’s Bailey?” Trent asked as they entered the room.

  “Shaken….I was just on my way up to see her….what happened after I left?”

  “Remington gave Rhett an ultimatum, leave town and never come back or he would call the authorities….we kind of helped him helped him make his decision.” Trent grinned as Ethan handed him a drink.

  “Thank you….I wanted to kill him.” Beckett said looking at Trent.

  “So did we.” Ethan added. “But that wouldn’t have helped Bailey.”

  “No…I need to get up to her….we’ll talk in the morning.”

  “Sure.” Trent nodded. “Maybe she should stay home tomorrow.”

  “I agree….I’ll let you know.”

  Beckett headed up the stairs as his brothers filled his parents and Regina in on what had taken place after they left. When he reached her room he hesitated contemplating what had transpired that night. They had definitely changed the direction of their relationship and he had been honest with Regina when he spoke to her. He was planning on pursuing a relationship with Bailey. He didn’t know where it would lead but at the end of the year where they went would be her decision. He didn’t want her out of some sort of obligation.

  Chapter 33

  When Beckett left Bailey had felt the fear once again take hold. Despite the warmth of the water her body trembled. Trixie remained with her helping her bath and wash her hair. After drying off she slid into the nightgown and climbed beneath the covers as Trixie sat watch. Every sound drew her eyes to the door wishing Beckett would return. She had been a fool tonight not seeing through Rhett’s deception. Looking back there had been so many signs from the moment they met to the concerned looks of the men she was with when he approached her. Beckett was still deeply entrenched with Trent and the ladies and he hadn’t noticed her leave. From the members of the Remington family she had learned of the lady in white that haunted the blue room so when Rhett offered to show her the room she couldn’t resist. When he gripped her elbow as he led her towards the room she hadn’t given it a second thought. Her sense of danger didn’t kick in till he closed the door behind them. Still she remained assuming she was reading the situation wrong. He was charming as he spun the tale of the young lovers torn apart by their family’s differences. Suddenly the air chilled and Bailey felt a sense of foreboding. When she looked at Rhett he no longer seemed like the charming scoundrel he wanted others to see. She saw the malicious glint in his eye and realized she was in trouble. When she tried to reach the door he had blocked her path. As he moved towards her she backed up till she had nowhere to go.

  “Jasper said you were stunning.” His ragged voice said as he reached up and touched her cheek. She felt the blood drain from her face at the mention of Jaspers name. “He was an idiot for making his move so soon.”

  “Rhett…I would like to leave now.”

  “Yes well I would like you to stay…you have played the tease with me all night…” He said placing his hands on both sides pinning her against the armoire. His breath was hot as he inhaled her scent. Bailey tried to push him away but he gra
bbed her wrists pinning her hands behind her and when she attempted to scream his mouth sought hers. Rhett’s mouth was brutal as he attacked hers biting her bottom lip till she cried out in pain. The moment her mouth opened his tongue dove in. When she lifted her knee he moved pressing his body against hers leaving her no leverage. She felt his desire press against her and the fear overtook her. Unable to push him off she tried to scream again but his mouth sealed her voice. He pulled back now grinning at her.

  “You can try screaming but no one will hear you. They are too far away”

  He released her hands as one hand grabbed her hair forcing her head back so he could now taste her neck while the other moved to her breast painfully squeezing it. She tried to push him off but he was too strong. Bailey tried to think of a way to escape but her fear overrode her brain. He pulled back again placing both hands on each side of her as he smiled seeing the fear in her face. It was at that moment Beckett had charged into the room and flew at Rhett knocking him to the floor. She felt her legs weaken and would have collapsed if Mr. Remington had not pulled her to his chest offering her comfort form her ordeal. When Beckett’s brothers pulled them apart she saw the blow Rhett landed and she was suddenly overwhelmed as the chill overtook her. Only when Beckett pulled her into his arms did she feel safe. She was in a state of shock as he carried her down the back stairs and into the limo, the brandy had warmed the chill but only his arms drove her fear away. When he had left she had been consumed again with fear and as she waited her body began to tremble.

  When the door opened and he stood there she threw the covers away and ran to his arms. He was warm and safe, his muscles flexing as he wrapped his arms around her. She clung to him feeling his strength as he lifted her carrying her back to her bed. With one look Trixie discreetly left pulling the door behind her. She heard him talk, felt the vibration of his voice against her hair but she could not comprehend what he was saying. Kicking off his shoes and removing his jacket he sat back in her bed pulling her with him. The blanket was pulled over them and he stroked her hair, speaking to her in a soothing tone till her body stopped shaking. Slowly the fear left her and she could comprehend his words.