by L. A. Miller
“We all know he has already given us our last extension. If we go home we better start coming up with the list of who we lay off.” Ethan said.
“We aren’t going home and I haven’t broken the contract.”
“So you didn’t sleep with her, could have fooled me.” Trent said.
Beckett stood rigid; the only other sign of him trying to maintain control of his anger was the muscle that now flexed on his jawline. He walked over to the table and poured himself a cup of coffee taking a drink to try to calm his temper. He looked over to Trent.
“The contract states we can’t have sex, but it doesn’t begin till we take our actual vows.”
“So wait a minute, you mean if the contract isn’t valid for another three weeks then what about the work we are doing and the changes we are making?” Justin asked.
“Regina has given us a verbal agreement contingent on my marriage. If I don’t marry Bailey I break the contract. If I have sex with her after the marriage I break the contract.”
All eyes turned now to Roark who had read the original contract and the highlighted amendment when Baileys name replaced Alicia’s. “He’s right, it’s a technicality I don’t think Regina counted on.”
“So basically you get to enjoy the forbidden fruit for three weeks before you get thrown out of Eden?” Trent said raising his eyebrow and when Beckett scowled he held up his hands. “Sorry bro, is that truly what you intend on doing?”
“I don’t know.” He said sitting down as he ran his hand through his hair in frustration.
“Is it true you gave Macy her walking orders?” Ethan asked.
“Yeah and for the record no we did not have sex before or after I took her to her hotel, I ended it at the airport when I picked her up.”
“Your scratch marks tell another story.” Ethan replied. “You have been known to utilize the bathrooms there.”
Beckett looked now at his mother who didn’t seem surprised. He rolled his eyes and sighed. He didn’t know how she did it but Kathleen Birmingham always knew the details of her children’s lives.
“Let me amend my previous statement. When I got to the airport I planned on taking her back to the hotel and letting her know it was over, I never planned on having sex with her.”
“So you did have sex with her?”
“No! I couldn’t wait till we got to the hotel so I told her at the airport. While we were waiting to retrieve her luggage she began to put doubts in my mind about Bailey. They were lies and I was stupid enough to consider them. When we got to the parking lot I wanted to forget about Bailey and Macy had no objections, hence the scratch marks….but, I couldn’t get Bailey out of my head and suddenly everything about Macy seemed wrong. So I stopped before we lost too much of our clothing.”
“How did she take it?” Trent asked unable to hide his smile.
“How do you think…..let’s just say I was lucky to get away from her with only a few scratch marks.”
“We’ll I can’t say I’m not happy. Just what did she say about Bailey that put doubts in your head?” His mother asked.
“She told me both Jasper and Rhett are sitting comfortably at their uncles home in Virginia, that the attacks were just fabricated as a rouse to make me feel protective, make Bailey look vulnerable. Bailey told me she took acting in high school and I began to wonder. There is a strong attraction between us but I began to wonder what if it was an act on her part and as for me it was the innocence that drew me.”
“You don’t truly believe that, you saw the bruises.”
“I know, besides I had Kevin look into a few things.”
“Wait a minute, you had her investigated?” His father asked what the rest thought. “Why?”
“It’s not what you think, I asked him before Macy put doubts in my head. I trusted Bailey but Regina is a different story and she has been manipulating me since our meeting. I wanted to make sure she had nothing to do with the attacks and for Bailey’s safety I wanted to make sure both of the bastards are far away. I also have him looking into the guy who attacked her in California because I think he is more of a threat than either of the other two.”
“Why do you say that?” Trent asked.
“After she was fired that guy, Jackson, he stalked her, made phone calls at all hours, she thinks he may have slashed her tires. She had to move several times before it ended. What worries me is the nightmares Alexis keeps having. She sees a man break into their home and kill Bailey…..the man in her dreams is Jackson but Alexis never met him. It’s possible she saw him outside one of their apartments.”
“Where is he now?” Roark asked looking at Trent whose eyes narrowed as he listened.
“Still in California, seems he has gotten into some trouble at his father’s firm and they are planning on shipping him out, Kevin will let me know when and where.”
“So we have a few things on our plate.” His mother said as she took control. “Ethan I want you and your father to go over that contract with our lawyers.”
“Mother I already did that before I signed it.” Beckett reminded her.
“No you read the first one, the same one your father read with Alicia’s name on it, you also read a copy of the amendment.”
“And?” Beckett asked.
“When she replaced the contract with Baileys name and added the amendment did you bother to reread the whole thing?”
“No, I glanced over it, noted the amendment she added and confirmed the verbiage, the rest was the same.”
“You glanced over it.” She smiled. “So if Regina was clever enough to change some of the wording within the body you wouldn’t have caught it.”
“No.” He admitted. “I just signed it and she had the final draft sent to the office.”
“Here?”
“No back home…..what are you suggesting?”
“Maybe she added a few other changes she never pointed out.”
“Then the contract would be invalid.” Justin said.
“Not if your brother signed it.” Roark commented.
“How could I have been so stupid?”
“It happens…..that’s why your brother and our lawyers handle the paperwork.” Roark said trying to ease his mind. “What are you looking for?” He asked his wife.
“A back door….Regina added the no sex clause to prevent Beckett and Bailey from sleeping together. I think she was trying to protect her granddaughter’s heart. I also have to believe she would have left a back door in the small chance Beckett and Bailey actually fell in love.” She smiled as all of her men looked at her as if she had lost her mind. “That’s what I would do.”
“Ok I’ll have a copy sent to our lawyers and another copy sent down to us, you said we had a few things on our plate.” Roark said taking a seat.
“Yes, we need to deal with the possible threats to Bailey. Trent I want you to handle these.” She said and seeing Beckett began to protest she held up her hand. “Beckett, I expect you to remain by her side, see to her safety personally….if we need to send someone to get the message to any of these men your brother will go.”
“Alright but I don’t want to be kept out of the loop.”
“You won’t, Beckett none of us couldn’t be happier about you and Bailey but I do need to advise you to precede with caution….if there is no back door than your relationship must change the day you wed. It will put a strain on both of you but Bailey will suffer more. She hasn’t had the experience you’ve had in relationships, be cautious of her heart.”
“I understand and I have no intention of hurting her.” He stated. He wasn’t ready to admit to his family his true feelings for her.
Beckett began to get anxious the longer he waited for Baileys return. It didn’t help to have his family pretend to carry on conversations while they kept casting glances between him and the door. Finally fed up with waiting Beckett rose and headed for the study. The door was closed and he reached to enter then held back. He knew Regina wanted a private conversation
with Bailey and he needed to respect her wishes. If he barged in it could make things worse for Bailey and he already knew she was on shaky ground.
Last night she had given him a gift she could only offer once. The evidence was left on the stained sheets on his bed. He had been careful to remove them and stash them where no snooping eyes would look so he wondered how Regina found out. He was certain that was the reason she had requested to speak to Bailey in private. He pictured her first chastising her for her behavior, reminding her of her duty to maintain the family honor and adding to her already over burden shoulders the fate of the family’s welfare. The longer he waited the angrier he became. He again reached for the door handle then froze. Suddenly another thought crossed his mind. What if Regina convinced Bailey to keep her distance from him? What if she destroyed all the progress he had made in Baileys trust in him?
Both of them had been fighting the chemistry between them not daring to risk getting hurt but Bailey had been more fearful. She had never allowed herself the chance for love. He easily dismissed her relationship with Matt as one sided. But with him she had moments where her guard was down and she let him in. Then she would spook and the wall went up. Only when he kissed her did the wall shatter and he connected with the passion he knew she held in reserve. But each time, when the connection was broken she replaced her wall. He knew he had given her moments to doubt. Macy had always hung between them and until he ended it he wasn’t truly free. He still didn’t understand how Bailey had snuck in and stolen his heart. From the moment he had seen her with Jaspers hands on her he had felt a connection and a need protect her. He had told himself it had been just chivalry but when he looked into her violet eyes he envisioned himself drowning in them. He remembered the day when she bolted off on her horse and the fear he felt that she might get hurt before he could save her. His anger afterwards had been sprung out of relief. When he pulled her up on his horse he felt the heat of her body as she pressed against his back and from that moment on he wanted to kiss her, to hold her in his arms and know the passion she could offer. Even when he was angry with her he wanted her. What irritated him even more was how comfortable she seemed to be around his brothers. With them she smiled freely, laughed and talked with no wall to shield her. He had wanted that too and only last night when she had finally given herself to him freely did he experience that woman. He had feared that when he saw her this morning she would have put up the barriers again but she hadn’t and he couldn’t explain the joy that filled him. Would Regina destroy all that? He was just about to enter the study when he heard the door open and saw Bailey standing there. Her face was pale and he saw the pain and doubt in her eyes. He was unable to mask his fear as she met his gaze. As she walked up to him he prepared for the worst but when she leaned into him wrapping her arms around his waist a tremor of relief when through him and he held her.
“Are you ok?” He asked resting his chin on the top of her head.
“Yes” She replied and he could hear the hurt in her voice.
“Do you want to talk about it?”
“Later….right now I just want you to hold me.”
He tightened his arms around her. “There is nothing I would rather do that this.”
After a few minutes Bailey pulled back and looked up at him. He saw the moisture in her eyes and knew she was fighting to maintain control. Looking around he settled on the solarium for privacy and taking her hand led her away from prying eyes. Once inside he pulled her over to one of the benches that overlooked the garden outside. The sun was filtering through the window and its warmth was a welcome relief from the morning chill. He took Baileys hand in his and waited till she was ready.
“My grandmother knows….about us.” She finally said.
He felt a sudden surge of doubt by the way she said it. As if she had come to a decision behind the closed door and didn’t know how to break it to him.
“I figured she did…I’m sorry, I should have gone with you to face her.”
“No you shouldn’t have.” She said and he felt the pressure squeeze his heart.
“Have you changed your mind….about us?” He asked fearing her answer.
Bailey looked up at him and the look on her face removed the pressure and filled him with joy.
“No!” She said reaching up to stroke his cheek. “I have never….been this close to anyone nor felt such joy.” She smiled. “I want to savor every moment we have till we take our vows”
Holding her hand he turned his face and kissed the inside of her palm then held her hand in place against his cheek as he looked at her.
“I was afraid she would change your mind.”
“She tried.” Bailey admitted. “First she reminded me of my duty and honor and when that didn’t work she tried to make me doubt you.”
Beckett frowned as he wondered what she was told. Did she have the same reaction he did when Macy tried to instill doubt in him? If so, why had she chosen to trust him? Bailey pulled her hand from his face and as she stood she pulled her other hand free. Beckett missed the contact but when she began to pace he let her be knowing she needed to talk and any contact between them might hinder her ability to speak. She told him everything; from her grandmothers disappointment in their actions the night before at the gallery and what happened afterwards to her expectations of them for future appearances. Bailey also told him about Regina’s past, the true bloodline of her uncles and the reason her grandfather was so harsh on her father. He heard the pain in her voice as she retold her grandmother’s broken heart from a tragic love affair. He now knew why she wanted to protect Bailey because she saw her ex-lover in him. She expected him to be as callous and leave Bailey after toying with her heart. He realized now he not only had to convince Bailey he was serious about their relationship but he would also have to convince Regina. When she had finished he noticed some of the weight had been lifted from her. He was please she defended him and had chosen to defy her grandmother. He needed to make sure she was never sorry for the choice she had made.
Walking over she stood before him and he pulled her down on his lap. With one arm to support her he reached up and cupping her face brought her lips to his. He was soft with his kiss, moving his lips slowly over hers. When her lips parted he slipped his tongue inside enjoying the dance her tongue did with his. Slowly her need shifted and her kiss demanded more. He willingly obliged as he added pressure bruising her swollen lips. Beckett broke from the kiss when her hands began to tug at his shirt.
“Not here.” He said hoarsely.
They were at too great a risk of being discovered and while he never minded the risk of being caught he knew the damage it would do to Bailey especially with her younger brother and sister under the same roof. He looked around the room and noticed the storage closet in the corner. He stood up lifting her in the process. When they reached the door he was reached down only to find the door locked.
“Damn” He cursed and was about to turn when Bailey shook her head. Reaching up she found the key resting on the door jamb. “How did you know?”
“Trixie told me.” She smiled as she slid the key in the handle and opened the lock. “Grandmother was worried the kids might get into things so she ordered certain doors to be locked then had the keys put out of their reach.”
Beckett looked up at the door jamb as she replaced the key. “She doesn’t know kids very well does she; we’d just pick the lock.”
“Not every kid is like you and your brothers.” She smiled as he carried her inside.
Setting her on the ground he looked around for a light switch then shut and locked the door. One wall was covered with shelves filled with gardening tools and bags of fertilizer. The far wall had a double door refrigerator, counter space and a sink. Along the third wall was a long table partially filled with pots of flowers in varying stages.
“On odd place to put a fridge.”
“It’s for her bulbs.” Bailey explained as he lifted her up on the table. “After they bloom you need
to store them in a cold place till it’s time to plant. This is where her gardener forces them to bloom which is why her house is always filled with flowers no matter the season.”
“And where did you learn about this?” He asked as she pulled his shirt off.
“My mother, we used to have to dig up the flowers every year.” She smiled as he pulled her shirt over her head. “She would store them in the bottom drawer of our fridge.”
“Why not leave them in the ground?” He asked as his fingers grazed over the top of her bra before dipping inside. He watched her face as her nipple hardened between his fingers before moving his lips to her neck. He couldn’t help but smile when she found it hard to find her voice as he nuzzled her neck.
“Uh….” She sighed. “If you leave them….oh God.” She moaned losing her train of thought.
Beckett continued his trail up her neck and back to her mouth. He played with her mouth, teased her lips then pulled back to enjoy the effect. Her lips were swollen, her face flushed, her eyes darkened to a deep amethyst. Fighting to control his own desires he looked back at the flowers.
“Why did them up?”
Bailey scrunched her forehead much the same way he had seen Tristan do when he was concentrating. She followed his directions to the flowers.
“If you leave them in the ground they multiply but they lose their size and color. This keeps them at their peak.”
Beckett was still looking at the flowers when he reached behind her undoing her bra. When it fell to the floor he turned to see her perfect breast displayed before him.
“I like how these bloom.” He said running his thumb across her nipple. “They fit perfectly in my hand.” He said as he cupped first one than the other. Bailey arched increasing the pressure as he stroked her buds till they felt like tiny pebbles beneath his finger. Dipping his head he planted kisses across the soft swell before taking one nipple in his mouth. She moaned in pleasure as she threaded her fingers through his hair. Beckett took his time wanting to enjoy every moment he had exploring her body. With her breast still in his mouth his hands slowly stroked her rib cage before moving lower till he reached the waist band of her jeans. When Bailey removed her hands from his hair and moved to undo her jeans he pushed her hands away. Looking at her he undid the button then after lowering her zipper he lifted her with one arm while his free hand pulled her pants off her hips. Sitting her back on the table he slowly dragged her jeans down her legs pausing only long enough to slip off her sandals before her jeans joined them on the floor. As he stood he left a trail of kisses along one calf while his other hand ran a finger up the other. When he reached her thighs she parted them slightly allowing him access to the sensitive skin inside.