by L. A. Miller
“What’s wrong my dear?” Grace asked noticing the small frown on Baileys face.
“Nothing really, I’m just amazed at the difference between the culture here and back in California.”
“Ah yes….in most cases we have not progressed with the rest of the world.” Grace smiled noticing the way the men were looking at Bailey. “Men look upon a beautiful woman as an object to possess.”
“How do you deal with it?”
“I let them believe they’ve succeeded. Women like you are smarter than them; you can easily manipulate them without them being aware you are doing it.”
“I don’t like to manipulate anyone.”
“No my dear I know, you are truly open and honest which is what Lance and I love about you. But there are things you must learn if you and Beckett are to be a success in this arrangement Regina has arranged.”
Bailey turned and looked at Grace her shock evident on her face. Grace just smiled as she led Bailey to the first group of people she wanted her to meet silencing the questions on Baileys lips.
“Bailey….I’d like to introduce you to Harrison Steele and his sister Emily…..this is Bailey Montgomery, Regina Montgomery’s granddaughter.”
“Miss Montgomery, it is truly a pleasure to meet you, the talk of you beauty was not an exaggeration.”
“I’m flattered.” Bailey said as Harrison took her hand in his. “Though I was not aware I was the talk of anything?”
He was taller than she but not quite Beckett’s height. With dark brown hair that curled just below his collar and dark brown eyes with flecks of green and gold. His face reminded her of the heroes often depicted on the cover of romance novels. High cheek bones, straight nose and a perfect mouth now curled in a dazzling smile that certainly melted women’s hearts. Like Beckett he was toned and by the tan of his skin she knew he spent a great deal of time outdoors. His sister in contrast was smaller than her and reminded her of a tiny porcelain doll with her perfectly shaped body, blond hair, pale skin and blue eyes. Just a hint of color touched her cheeks and lips which only enhanced the image. Unlike her brother’s friendly smile, hers was reserved as if in sizing up Bailey she found her inferior. Bailey ignored the chill she felt from Emily’s glance and returned her attention to Harrison when he spoke.
“Oh but you are, those who were lucky enough to meet you at the Remington’s party have spoken of nothing else. I fear you left a trail of broken hearts when you declined so many of their invitations.”
“Now I know you are exaggerating.” Bailey smiled. “One cannot leave a trail of broken hearts when they have only just met.”
“So your intelligence and quick wit were not a lie.” He said unable to hide the amusement from his eyes. “I hear you were out to visit my friend’s estate to view his horses.”
“If Ashton is your friend than you are correct, my brother wanted to see his Arabians and Ashton was kind enough to offer.” She said noticing he had yet to release her hand. She attempted to pull it back but he kept it firmly in his grasp.
“Then you must bring your brother to visit my stables, my Arabians have been bred from some of the finest bloodlines in the world. In addition I have several thoroughbreds including two Akhal-Teke’s.”
Bailey suddenly forgot about the hand he still held at the mention of his two horses. Harrison smiled knowing he had her attention. Akhal-Tekes were rare in the United States and she had only seen one when she was a girl at the race tracks. They were known for their speed but also their endurance making them desirable for cross breeding.
“I see you know the breed”
“Yes, I used to go with my father to the tracts when I was little. Before I grew too tall I wanted to be a jockey.” She smiled. “One of the owners imported an Akhal-Tekes for stud purposes.”
“Then you must come and ride with me.” He grinned and Bailey noticed the way his sister rolled her eyes in boredom. Harrison caught it also. “Don’t mind Emily, she has an aversion for anything to do with the stables.”
“Not an aversion brother, just I do not understand your obsession with it.” She corrected.
“Until your dalliance with one of our grooms you used to spend quite a lot of time in the stables.” He reminded her causing her to return his smile with a glare. Bailey caught the undercurrent of tension between the two and felt the need to excuse herself before she got caught up in the middle of a family squabble.
“I would love to see your horses; maybe I could call on you sometime during the week?”
Ignoring his sister he again turned to Bailey. “If you are free for lunch tomorrow why not join me; I had planned on taking them for a run then?”
Before Bailey could respond she noticed the way Emily was eyeing someone behind her. She didn’t need to turn around to know Beckett was heading in their direction. She could feel his eyes on her and his presence when he stopped at her side. Emily was devouring him with her eyes and when she looked up at Beckett she noticed he seemed to be enjoying every moment. She then saw the scowl on his face when he noticed Harrison was still holding Baileys hand.
“Bailey.” Beckett said commanding her attention. “I thought you might like a glass of champagne.” He said as he held a glass for her. She felt Harrison reluctantly release her hand as she took the glass from Beckett. He smiled then turned to face Harrison. “I’m Beckett Birmingham, Bailey’s fiancé.” He said extending his hand towards Harrison.
Bailey noticed the way Harrison studied Beckett as if he was sizing him up as competition. Bailey also noticed the way Grace was smiling as if this had been orchestrated. Harrison took Beckett’s hand and for a brief moment gripped it before releasing it.
“Beckett, this is Harrison Steele….and his sister Emily.” Bailey said completing the introductions. Beckett turned to Emily and graced her with his charm.
“Miss Steele, now I truly know where the South has been hiding its beauty.”
“Thank you.” Emily said as she blushed at his compliment.
Bailey wondered how the girl could blush on command. One moment she was devouring Beckett with her eyes like a lioness hunting her prey and the next minute she was the delicate Southern belle that who eluded innocence.
“It is quite refreshing to have a gentleman grace our area.” Emily said as she placed a hand on Beckett’s arm. She gazed up at him and ever so slightly licked her bottom lip.
Bailey watched Beckett’s reaction and was hurt to see the smile on his face as he understood her implied message and seemed to consider the offer. First Macy now Emily, Bailey would have to remember tonight was just for appearance. The exchange between the two did not go unnoticed by Harrison and Bailey noticed that Harrison was watching her reaction. Bailey smiled but it didn’t reach her eyes. Harrison’s expression changed as if he understood and was sympathetic towards her. Beckett seemed to notice it too as he slid his arm possessively around her waist. She saw the challenge in Beckett’s eyes and felt the sudden tension between the two men. Despite his casual stance Bailey felt Beckett’s muscles constrict and for a moment thought Harrison might respond before dropping his gaze back to Bailey.
“If you will excuse us, I just noticed someone I wanted my sister to meet. I hope you will accept my invitation for lunch.” He said to Bailey before taking Emily’s arm and leading her away.
Bailey stepped away from Beckett and turned to him challenging his actions.
“What the hell was that all about?” She demanded and Grace laughed.
“He was staking his claim on his territory and I would say he won for now.”
“His territory!” Bailey said turning now to see Grace’s amused expression.
“Bailey my child you have a lot to learn, especially about the South.” She smiled gently then looked up at Beckett. “You behave exactly as we hoped you would.”
Bailey looked back at Beckett who seemed as confused as she was.
“What do you mean?” Bailey asked.
“Bailey since your arrival you ha
ve been the talk of both Southern gentleman and cad alike in every private club and dinning parlor. Jasper spoke not only of your beauty but also of a strange arrangement involving a marriage agreement.” She smiled. “The betting began the day your grandmother threw him out of her house but the stakes were raised when you and your brothers gave him a well-deserved beating. Since then a line of would be suitors has cast in their name to see which one can win her hand away from you.” She said looking at Beckett.
“Wait you mean to tell me all these men are betting and I’m the prize?” Bailey said shocked.
“You and a sizeable sum of money.” She smiled sympathetically. “The men like Jasper and Rhett are easy to spot, others like Ashton and Harrison will be more subtle.” She warned.
Bailey looked at Beckett and suddenly felt sick. Harrison had been playing her like Ashton the previous day. What she had taken as Southern hospitality was really their form of manipulation hoping to seduce her with their charms. Beckett understood and taking her arm looked for a place to take her where the air might help her.
“There’s a garden through there.” Grace said pointing to a pair of doors on the opposite side of the gallery.
Chapter 40
Beckett took Baileys arm and as he led her outside he noticed the way the men were watching them as if determining their chances. Bailey also noticed and he felt her tremble beneath his touch. Once outside he led Bailey over to a stone bench where she sat. He noticed her hands were shaking and taking his jacket off he placed it over Bailey’s shoulders. Sitting next to her he took her hands in his.
“They think this is all a game.” Bailey said looking at him. “Who are these people?”
“Privileged people who think the rules don’t apply to them.” He said rubbing his thumbs over her hands. “Bailey, I’m sorry....I don’t know what kind of game your grandmother is playing but I’m going to end this.”
“Regina is not playing any games.” Grace said as she and Lance joined them. “This is why she made sure I introduced you to Harrison tonight.”
“Why?”
“She knows you are capable of using your fists to protect Bailey. She wanted to know if you could also use your mind. You will find while doing business in the South that most deals are made in the back rooms of the gentleman’s clubs. Your worth is not based on your business ethics but in the success of your wagers and abilities to out think your opponents. You and your brothers need to understand the rules if you want to win the game.”
Beckett grew angry as he looked at Baileys face. Since her arrival she had been physically attacked by two men. Ashton and Harrison were now attacking her on a mental and emotional level that was just as damaging. Still holding her hand he stood up facing them.
“Bailey is not a prize to be won in a game of chance. I’m taking Bailey home then my brothers and I will be paying a call on your gentleman’s clubs.”
“No.” Bailey said. “All that would do is add fuel to the fire.”
“Bailey, I’m not about to sit back and watch these men treat you this way.” Beckett argued.
Bailey looked up and saw the sincerity in his eyes. Somehow it hurt more because he didn’t see he was treating her the same way only he wasn’t being honest with himself. Instead of her and the prize money, he and his family would win the business in the end. She sighed as she stood. Removing his jacket she handed it back to him.
“Beckett, our arrangement is no different than their game. It’s all a deception.” She said as she walked away.
Beckett felt as if she had knocked the wind out of him with her comment. She was actually comparing their arrangement with the sick game the men inside were playing. He noticed the way both Grace and Lance were studying him. It was Lance who spoke.
“She doesn’t know you love her does she?”
Beckett looked at him in denial. “I’m not in love with her, we’ve haven’t known each other long enough to fall in love.”
Grace smiled “I didn’t know there was a time table on love.”
Beckett looked at each of them as if they were crazy. The fact that they just smiled at him indulgently as if he was a small child only infuriated him.
“It’s not possible to fall in love with someone you hardly know.”
“Really…..Grace how long did it take you to fall in love with me?”
“Not as long as it took you.” She smiled back at her husband. “I believe it took you a week.”
“I’m not in love with Bailey.” He stated firmly. “I don’t deny we have an attraction but that’s a far cry from what you believe you see.”
“Then since we were wrong there really isn’t any reason the other gentlemen in there couldn’t pursue her.” Grace commented.
“Actually….Harrison or Ashton wouldn’t be a bad choice, both men could probably be faithful to her but if they took a lover on the side they would at least be discreet.” Lance admitted.
Beckett felt his anger grow as they discussed Bailey. Looking inside he saw she was standing now with Ashton. His blood began to boil when he noticed the way Ashton’s hand rested casually on the lower part of her back as they moved from painting to painting. The possibility that he was in love with her crossed his mind but he quickly dismissed it. His possessive nature stemmed more from his desire to protect her from the vultures within. He didn’t want to analyze it any further and excusing himself he headed once again in her direction. As he walked away he overheard Lance’s comment to Grace.
“As always my dear you are correct, he’s beside himself in love with her as she is with him. I wonder who will admit it first.”
The closer he got to Bailey the more those words ran through his head. Was it possible he was in love with Bailey? Better yet was it possible she was in love with him. He studied the way she stood with Ashton. She seemed to smile at his comments and respond to his comments but she also held herself in a reserved manner as if carefully guarding her true self from him. Beckett had seen that wall she put up when playing the role. He had seen her also put it up with him preventing him from seeing her true feelings. There had been occasions when they had first met that she had freely exposed herself to him. He wanted those moments back but didn’t know how. When Ashton saw him approaching he tried to discreetly remove his hand from her back but Bailey noticed. She turned and as Beckett approached a small frown appeared between her eyes as if she regretted his presence. It was at that moment Beckett realized the truth. He had fallen in love with her. This new revelation took him by surprise. This whole time he had been trying to deny what others saw. He didn’t question the when or how he just questioned what he was going to do about it. As he looked at her with her eyes flashing a challenged he realized he was going to get her to admit she loved him too. He also realized any doubt Macy had planted was false.
“Hello Ashton.” He smiled smoothly as he linked Baileys arm in his. “I’m sorry I was unable to see your stables, Ethan spoke highly of your Arabians.”
“I could say I regretted your absence.” Ashton smiled politely. “But I would be lying. It gave me the opportunity to enjoy the company of your fiancé for the afternoon.”
Beckett heard the hidden meaning beneath as if he meant to imply more happened between the two than Bailey may have divulged. Beckett didn’t take his bait knowing that Bailey was not that type of woman.
“Perhaps you wouldn’t mind if we visit your stables again, I am in the market of adding to my line of horses and hear next to Harrison you have some of the finest Arabians around.”
He saw the corners of Baileys lips lift slightly as she caught on to the game he was playing. Both men believed they owned the finest line of horses and it was common knowledge they competed with each other not only on the tracks but for breeding rights.
“Harrison may claim he has the lineage but I assure you, my Arabians cannot be matched. Anytime you would like to visit them I would be honored to show you my studs.”
Beckett grinned knowing he had hit his mark.
He looked down at Bailey and was surprised her frown was now replaced by amusement.
“I saw a painting I thought you might enjoy in the other room.” He said then looking back at Ashton. “Would you excuse us?”
Without waiting for a response he led Bailey away and was pleased when she didn’t remove her hand from his arm as they stopped in front of a painting he had noticed earlier. Bailey studied it for a moment then looked up at him her eyebrows raised.
“Do you really like the painting or was that just an excuse to get me away from Ashton?”
“Both.” He admitted. “Do you not like it?”
“I love it.” She said admiring the painting. Though she preferred impressionism the abstract painting intrigued her. It reminded her of a castle up on a cliff painted in varying shades of blues, greys, browns and blacks. The image seemed to be bleeding off the canvas as if the painter displeased with his work through a glass of paint thinner on it. She peered closer examining the artist’s application of his strokes.
“I thought it might look good in the library.”
Bailey stood back as she examined the picture. She could easily see it hanging over the fireplace in the room Beckett had planned on turning into the library. She knew he was waiting for her to response.