Forbidden Contract (The Birmingham Brothers Series)

by L. A. Miller

  “I agree.” She said.

  “Good; because I purchased it already.” He smiled watching her surprised expression.

  “Beckett, its $2,000.00!” She said looking from him to the painting and back.

  “The money goes to charity so it’s for a good cause, besides I like the medieval feel of it.”

  “You surprise me…I pictured you would lean towards realism.”

  “There’s a lot about me that might surprise you.” He said taking her arm and leading her around the room to view the other work. “Out of curiosity why realism?”

  She took one of his hands in hers as they stopped before another painting. He felt the heat in his hand where she held him and when she turned his hand over and ran a finger over his callouses she left a trail of fire. She looked around the room then back to him.

  “The men here were born to money. A gentleman’s life filled with the opera, horse races and art exhibits. They have their private clubs where they sit around drinking fine brandy, smoking cigars and entertaining their wagers. You and your brothers built up the family business with your parents. That takes time and hard work.”

  “So you are telling me you see me more at ease in a pool hall somewhere with a beer in my hand?” He asked suddenly feeling insulted.

  “I think where ever you are you would fit in.” She said. “That has been evident all week. I just meant that you understand and appreciate life. You see the reality not the illusion these men see.”

  Beckett reached up and touched her cheek. “I do prefer a pool hall with a beer.” He grinned bringing a smile to her face. “And I do prefer realism over impressionist and abstract painting but there are always exceptions.”

  He slid his hand behind her neck holding her in place as he stepped closer. His body was acutely aware of hers as his other hand slid around her waist puller her up against him. Ignoring their surroundings he lowered his lips to hers teasing her slowly.

  “Beckett.” Bailey whispered against his lips. “Everyone can see.”

  “Let them.” He groaned. “I want it clear no one has a chance where you are concerned.” He said as he reined kisses along her jawline. He felt her body tremble beneath his touch and he nipped her ear before pulling back. “I’m staking my claim on you and daring any man here to challenge it.”

  He took her mouth again parting her lips as his tongue now conquered. She surrendered willingly as her hands slid up his chest to clasp around his neck. Her kiss matched his passion and when her tongue spared with him he nearly lost his control. His hand slid down her back molding her soft contours against the hard ridges of his body. When she let out a moan of pleasure he forced himself to pull back. She whimpered as he rested his forehead against hers.

  “I was beginning to wonder if I would have to find you two a room.” Trent said as he came up next to them.

  Bailey blushed and when she tried to back away Beckett resisted pulling her against his chest as he looked over her head as his brother.

  “What are you doing here?” He asked still trying to control his breathing.

  “I came for the art.” Trent smiled. “Though I didn’t expect a live performance.” Beckett felt Bailey tense from embarrassment and he glared at his brother who only smiled in amusement. “Actually I came because I overheard an interesting wager going on but I guess so have you and you decided to change the odds.”

  “Actually I planned on ending the wager.” Beckett admitted as Bailey pulled away slightly. He kept his arms around her but loosened his hold on her enough so that she could now face Trent.

  “I see my brother has things well in hand.” He grinned at her. “Have you two gotten enough culture or do you want to continue altering the odds?”

  Beckett looked down at Bailey for his clue. He watched her scan the room then when her eyes stopped he followed her direction. Ashton had witnessed the earlier scene with the others and Beckett saw the defeat on his face.

  “If you will excuse me, I want to thank our host first.” She said stepping out of his arms.

  Both Beckett and Trent watched as she approached Ashton. For a moment Beckett saw the flicker of hope in his eyes but as Bailey talked to him he saw it once again fade. Whatever she told him seemed to spread like wild fire across the room. Beckett watched Bailey place her hand on his arm then she leaned up and kissed his cheek before turning and rejoining him. As Beckett scanned the room again he noticed a definite shift in the way the men watched Bailey as she crossed the room.

  “Well, now that that wager is settled what do you think they will bet on next?” Trent joked as Bailey reached his side.

  “The sex of our child.” Bailey said stopping before them.

  Both men looked at each other than stared at her back as she headed for the door. It took a moment for them to react then they both rushed out behind her. Neither of them spoke till they were all standing on the curb waiting for the valet to bring the cars.

  Chapter 41

  Bailey stood silently as they waited for the cars. She could feel both Beckett and Trent’s eyes on her and she knew they were both waiting for her to add to the bomb shell she had dropped inside. As she had walked over to Ashton her mind was still reacting to the way Beckett had kissed her. There had been something different with this kiss than the others they shared. It carried the same intense passion that drove all her common sense out the window but this time there was desperation. It was if he truly was branding her as his, not for the sake of the eyes that had been watching but for their sake. She was confused and needed a moment away from him to think. Whenever he was near her body overrode her brain. Try as she might she couldn’t keep the wall up when he was with her. She had fallen in love with him and knew there was nothing she could do. He had been with Macy only that morning and then blatantly flirted with Emily in her presence. Why had she foolishly allowed him to nearly seduce her here for all to see? She knew she had to deal with him but first she had to put an end to this ridiculous bet.

  “Bailey, you are truly a vision.”

  “Thank you Harrison, your gallery is quite impressive.”

  “Coming from you I am honored. I had hoped we might have a moment alone afterwards.” He said hinting to her as he looked now at Beckett.

  “I’m sorry; I came to tell you we were leaving.”

  “But you only arrived a short time ago.”

  “Yes I know and I have enjoyed what I have seen, maybe when I’m feeling better I will return.”

  “I did not know you were ill, is there something I might get for you?” He asked searching her face.

  “No thank you.” She said knowing she didn’t look ill but had needed an excuse for them to leave. Why she said the next thing she couldn’t explain. “I fear only nine months will cure me.”

  It took a moment for her words to sink in then his expression changed. Bailey found it amusing that the thought of pregnancy put sudden fear in most men’s mind. She could almost feel him distance himself from her and those around her who had overheard her comment did the same. She noticed the way the word quickly spread and as with Ashton they now looked at her differently.

  “Thank you again for today, Tristan enjoyed seeing your horses.” She said leaning up to kiss his cheek. “Good night Ashton.”

  “Good night.” He said as she turned and walked away.

  The closer she got to Beckett the heavier her heart grew. His face still held the desire he felt for her and it would be so easy to step back into his arms and grasp the moment. Looking at him now she could almost believe he loved her. But the memory of him and Macy at the office and the way he had flirted with Emily warred with the gentleness he had shown her when they first learned of the wager. He had been kind and protective of her. Then later as they walked through the gallery and he had shown her the painting she had almost believed he wanted that life with her. But it was all an illusion. He desired her physically but nothing more. She notice Trent’s amused look and when he asked.

  “Well, no
w that that wager is settled what do you think they will bet on next?”

  “The sex of our child.” She replied before turning to leave

  She knew both men were shocked and for a moment stood there watching her. She grabbed her wrap and stepping outside she requested both cars knowing Trent would follow Beckett out. For a moment as they waited no one spoke. Finally Beckett asked.

  “You told Ashton you were pregnant?”

  “Seemed the best way to end the wager.” She said refusing to look at him.

  “Always knew you had spunk.” Trent laughed. “Wonder how Regina is going to react?”

  Bailey hadn’t thought about that and suddenly looked at Beckett to see his reaction. She expected to see anger but he just seemed amused. When he looked at her she felt her heart somersault and quickly looked away. She needed to put space between them but before she could step away he took her hand in his as if was the natural thing to do. Bailey was confused, there was no one to see, no reason for the act. She looked up at him and he seemed to be searching her face for something.

  “Don’t worry about Regina.” He said misinterpreting her emotions.

  Bailey thought he wanted to say more but his car pulled up. He turned to his brother as the valet stepped out of his car.

  “Thanks for the heads up this evening…..sorry you had to get all dressed up for nothing.” Beckett said knowing Trent hated black tie affairs.

  “I was worth it, Bailey you look amazing.”

  “Thank you.” She smiled as he kissed her cheek.

  Suddenly a fear overtook her as she realized she would be alone with Beckett. When he held the door open for her she looked up at him then back at Trent. She couldn’t get in the car with Beckett, he would be too close and she knew she wouldn’t be able to control her feelings. She looked back at Beckett.

  “Trent will take me home, I’m sure Macy is waiting up and you don’t want to keep her waiting.”

  Bailey was surprised as she watched Beckett’s reaction. At first he looked shocked as if she had just slapped him. Then as he stepped up to face her he seemed determined.

  “Macy is not waiting up for me” He said as he touched her cheek. “I ended it today when I took her to her hotel.”

  Bailey felt a surge of hope but then the earlier events reminded her of what she had seen. He had picked Macy up at the airport then brought her back to the office. He hadn’t expected to see Bailey there and was angry when she had interrupted them. Did he honestly expect she would succumb to him after what she had seen or after the way he had openly flirted with Emily. She grew angry, mainly at herself because the reason he did was the fact she had allowed him to kiss her earlier. Her anger helped her replace the wall around her heart.

  “That’s a shame; maybe she will take you back.” She said stepping away from him. “Trent will you please take me home?” She said turning now to Trent.

  “Trent’s not taking you home, I am and we are going to talk.” Beckett said as he took her arm.

  Bailey looked down at his hand then up to meet his face. He was angry now and she knew he intended on having his way. However she too was angry and she pulled her arm free from his grasp.

  “We have nothing to say to each other Beckett. Do you really think I’m the type of girl that will fall at your feet after you had sex with one woman today and openly considered sex with another?”

  Beckett looked confused now as he tried to understand her meaning. “What the hell are you talking about, who did I have sex with today and who did I consider?”

  “Beckett, do you think I’m a fool, I know Ethan and I surprised you today at the office, I assumed you would take Macy to the hotel to get reacquainted.”

  “I didn’t take Macy to the office; I took her straight to the hotel.”

  “You were angry when you saw me for interrupting the two of you…..Beckett I saw her glasses in your car.”

  “That’s because she left them there when I dropped her off at the hotel.” He said gritting his teeth. “I was angry because you were going to see Ashton.”

  Bailey thought for a moment as she tried to take in the meaning of his words. Could she have been mistaken? Both she and Ethan had just assumed he was hiding Macy when they entered and that he was angry for the interruption. Then she thought about Emily.

  “What about Emily.” She accused.

  “What about her?”

  “I saw the way she looked at you; I saw the invitation when she licked her lip and your response.”

  Beckett rolled his eyes as he approached her. He no longer seemed angry just frustrated.

  “Yes that was an invitation but my smile was not an acceptance. I was just amused she could actually believe I would be interested in her when I had you. Bailey every man in that building wanted you. Because you smiled at them should I assume you are accepting their offers?”

  “No of course not.” She said insulted by his comment.

  “Then why do you assume the worst of me?” He asked placing his hands now on her arms.

  She couldn’t think he was to close. All she could feel was the tingling in her arms and the heat that was spreading through her body. She looked up at his face and his expression tore down her wall.

  “Beckett….I saw the scratch marks.” She said softly.

  “I didn’t have sex with Macy; I picked her up at the airport. All I could think about was you spending the day with Ashton. I was angry and I wanted to forget.” He said seeing the hurt expression on her face. “I pulled her into a storage room with every intention of having sex with her. We were half way there, my shirt was off and she dug her nails across my back but she wasn’t who I wanted. She wasn’t happy when I pushed her away and told her it was over. I took her to her hotel then went to the office to think. I am not interested in Emily or any other woman but you.”

  Bailey felt the air rush out of her lungs as she looked up into his eyes. She wanted to believe him, she dared to hope but she feared the illusion. He lowered his head and when his lips brushed hers she succumbed. As the kiss deepened she let him in. He hadn’t told her he loved her, he hadn’t promised a future. But for the moment she was the one he wanted and she would take what she could. Though she dared to hope for a life with him in the back of her mind she held doubt. She pushed it away allowing her heart to be exposed. In the end she knew he would break it but she refused to think of that right now. All she wanted was the feel of his lips on hers, the way they were now taking what they wanted. Her body was his, he controlled her actions and she knew she couldn’t stop him even if she wanted too. Her body was screaming for his touch and though her brain cried out in warning she ignored it. Neither of them heard Trent as he pulled away nor the amused valet as he cleared his throat before he walked away. All she was conscious of was his hands on her body and the feel of his body beneath her touch. Reluctantly Beckett dragged his mouth from hers.

  “Bailey….I want you….” He said hoarsely.

  “I want you too.” She admitted loving the way his eyes reminded her of the ocean after a storm.

  Beckett led her to his car and once she was in he ran around to his side. Neither said a word as he drove away each in their thoughts as to what was about to happen. Bailey had expected him to take her to a hotel but instead he drove her back to her grandmothers. She couldn’t help but feel the disappointment as he got out and walked around to her side. When she took his hand she tried to hide the hurt on her face allowing him to lead her inside. As they walked up the stairs she felt the pain in her heart at his rejection. When they reached the top she expected him to kiss her good night and send her off to her room but instead he tugged on her hand pulling her towards his room. She looked up at him confusion evident on her face. He stopped and looked at her fearing she had changed her mind.

  “I’m sorry…..I just assumed.” He said releasing her hand.

  Suddenly Bailey felt the chill between them and saw the anguish on his face as he turned to head for his room.

&nbs
p; “Beckett.” She whispered. “Please…”

  He turned to her plea and she saw the relief in his eyes. He held out his hand and she took it once again feeling the warmth of their contact envelop her. He led her quietly down the hall to his room. Once inside he closed the door and locked it, leaning his back against the frame as he watched her.

  “Bailey….are you sure?” He asked giving her the chance to walk away.

  “Are you?” She asked stepping up to him. “If my grandmother finds out it will break the contract.”

  “I don’t care about the contract.” He said touching a strand of her hair. “I don’t want you to have any regrets in the morning.”

  Knowing he wouldn’t make the first move she did. She leaned into him and placed her lips on his moving against them as she waited for his response. Beckett’s arms clasped around her pulling her against his body as he now took charge of the kiss. His lips drank from hers as his hands moved to her back slowly pulling the zipper on her dress. She felt the coolness as her flesh was exposed then the heat of his hands as they touched her flesh. Bailey felt herself drowning in his kiss and she needed to feel his flesh against hers. Her fingers pushed his jacket off his shoulders then began to fumble with the buttons of his shirt. They trembled as the came in contact with the skin beneath. As Beckett moved her backwards his lips never left hers but his hand shifted only long enough to relieve himself of his shirt.

  Bailey pulled back now to enjoy the beauty of his body. As she stared at his chest she couldn’t help but admire the chiseled contours of his muscles. Beckett’s body was hard and bronzed for years of working with his hands and body in the sun. She imagined him now on the range repairing a downed fence, dressed only in jeans and boots with his shirt tossed casually in the cab of his truck or bent over a saw horse as he carefully measured the wood before using the electric saw to cut it to size. When she looked up she saw his amused expression.

  “Enjoying the view?” He asked as he stepped towards her.

  She could feel the blush creep up her face as she met his eyes. Suddenly she felt shy standing before him her dress barely hanging on her shoulders. He reached up and slid the dress from her shoulders and she felt the caress of the silk as it slid from her body. She stood before him in only her lace undergarments and when his eyes lowered to her garter belt she heard the quick intake of his breath.