Braxton the Charmer

by Blue Saffire

  “Yeah, I know,” she takes a pause, her brows wrinkling. “But this isn’t the usual crazy Brax. Something else is going on. I see something darker in his eyes tonight.”

  I throw my head back and blow out a breath. This cannot be happening right now. I didn’t bring her up here to talk about my little brother, but now that she’s started the conversation, I have to agree with her.

  Images of Brax’s face through the evening float through my head. That dark scowl has been in place, since he arrived. I’m used to a cocky grin being plastered to that kid’s face.

  Shit.

  I hear a loud moan coming from one of the other rooms. I frown, I came up here to hear the same sounds coming from my woman. I guess Nick got a bit luckier than I did.

  “Maybe you can talk to him after the party winds down,” Rebecca looks up at me pleadingly.

  I dip to kiss her lips. Her concern for my younger brother makes me want her even more. I don’t think I could be with a woman that didn’t love all of me. My family is a big part of me. Another reason I should’ve known a long time ago that Rebecca has always been the one for me.

  “I’ll talk to him,” I promise.

  “Good,” she purrs, running her hands up my chest.

  The wicked grin on her lips renews my hope. She said to talk to Brax after the party, not now. I have something else I’d like to talk about, at the moment.

  I back over to the bed, tugging her slim waist along with me. More moans greet my ears, mixed with the cheers of my family and friends downstairs. There’s a good turnout for Nellie and Wyatt.

  Suddenly, my thoughts go to Rebecca and I having a baby shower for our own little one. Getting to share a moment like this with our family would just make my life complete. I can see her in her wedding gown, or the day her belly swells big enough for me to palm the round globe.

  The need to rush this goes out of the window. You rush things, when you believe they don’t belong to you. I know in my heart Rebecca will always be mine. I’ve already thought about proposing, possibly when we return from Ireland after Toby’s wedding.

  I envy my two brothers that have already claimed their brides. My heart expands. It fills with the love I have for Rebecca, as those cinnamon colored eyes tell me how much she loves and desires me.

  Greedy for her taste, I spin her in her heels, bringing her back to face me. Placing a hand just beneath the hem of her dress, I gently touch her thigh. My fingers slide up her skin, as light as a feather, teasing and exploring.

  She looks over her shoulder at me, her full lips, those eyes pleading with me. Heather does me the favor of pulling her dress over her head. I grin, knowing she doesn’t want to return to the party in a wrinkled dress.

  I take it from her fingertips, gently lay it on the bed beside me. Turning my attention back to her, I let my eyes roam over her body. I murmur to myself about her beauty. I still can’t believe that Bean is mine.

  I reach my right arm between her legs, searching for the front of the waistband of her panties. Leaning forward, I take a bite of her cute little ass. I continue with a trail of kisses, moving to her hip. My hand slowly peels the panties down her hips to her mid-thigh.

  I can already smell her arousal. I lick and bite my way back across her ass to her crack. Using my free hand, I tilt her forward at the waist, causing her to open to my view.

  “Prettiest pussy I’ve ever seen,” I groan.

  “Noah,” she pants.

  “Shh, I’ve got you.”

  With the hand that’s between her thighs, I reach for her folds, finding them wet and dripping for me. I close my eyes and rock my head like I’m an R&B singer about to serenade this pussy with sweet music, humming a song of my own.

  I’m going to eat the shit out of this kitty. I bend for my first taste. It’s so good my other hand grasps her waist to keep her from moving. I need all of this.

  I flatten my tongue against her, scooping it into her swollen lips. Humming into her core, I eat it up like my life depends on it. I don’t even remember wrapping my wrist into her hair, or gently tugging her head back. Using her hair and my hand on her waist, I guide her hips to ride my face.

  “Noah,” she cries out loudly.

  Releasing her hair, I reach around her for her bundle of nerves. My thumb circles her nub, as I devour her. I pull back to stare at the glorious sight before me. Her legs are trembling in her heels. Her hands are grasping at mine that haven’t left her body.

  Pressing my thumb to her button, I slip two fingers inside her warm pussy. Unable to watch much longer, I return my mouth to bringing her more pleasure. Tapping at her spot, I bring her to the peak and over the edge.

  With a satisfied grin on my lips, I pluck her from her feet and lean back on the bed. I bring her little tight body over my face, going for round two. I mentally remind myself that she can’t sit on my face all night, but I also relish in the fact that she will have the throne for the rest of her life. One day,—one day soon,—if I can help it, that’s going to be our party going on downstairs.

  Nicholas

  I wipe my face clean with my hand, licking Sephora’s juices from my palm. She looks drunk from our impromptu rendezvous. Her thick lashes blink at me. She’s never looked more beautiful.

  Knowing that only months ago, I watched her deliver my children makes me desire her even more. I have to restrain myself from taken her a third time. Licking my lips, I ease her legs from my shoulders and lift to my feet.

  “Don’t move,” I command, as the wall holds her up.

  She gives me a pointed look that tells me she couldn’t even if she wanted to. I grin, leaning to peck her lips. I move to the bathroom for a towel to clean us both up. When I return, her eyes are closed and her head is thrown back against the wall.

  I stop for just a moment to take in the view. My fingers curl into the damp towel, when I think for the millionth time about how close I came to almost losing her. Sephora is everything my life was missing and so much more.

  “Why are you looking at me like that?” she laughs, when her eyes slowly open, taking me in.

  “I’m always in awe of you,” I reply, moving towards her.

  I make quick work of cleaning her up and fixing her clothes. I toss the rag on the bed, clasping her hand in mine. I lift her fingers to my lips, sucking one into my mouth.

  Sephora smiles up at me, with a beaming smile. I wink at her, then start out of the room. I’m sure everyone is wondering where we disappeared to. As if just remembering our children, Sephora’s face shifts to panic.

  “What kind of mother am I?” she cries, tugging me to move faster.

  “They’re fine. They’re with family here,” I reassure her.

  “Nick,” she growls.

  My point is proven, when we re-enter the party to find Cassy Black with our two girls on her chest. Heather still has our son tucked safely in her hold. The adoring look on her face, causing me to take a closer look at her.

  Something has changed about Heather. She was different in New York, during our college years. I don’t know what it is about her, but I always used to think that she would’ve benefited from our ventures into the life. Wyatt would always insist it wasn’t for her. I never pushed, I just always sensed she needed to gain some control of her own.

  Nevertheless, she looks good. Maybe a little distracted during this evening, but good. The way she’s looking at my son, you would think she were considering a child of her own.

  “Nick,” Sephora says, distractedly, pulling my attention to her.

  I look to see her staring off outside the patio doors. I see the shadow of a figure out there. It takes a few seconds to place it as Braxton Black.

  “I just want to go see if he’s okay,” Sephora says, with a plea in her voice. “Please, Nick, he’s my friend.”

  My lips thin, but I nod my head. I don’t think I have anything to worry about with Braxton. It’s Ryan that I’m going to strangle one of these days.

  “Don’t be l
ong,” I say, kissing her cheek.

  “I’ll be right back. Give Cass a break from the girls,” Sephora smiles.

  I nod, swatting her ass, when she turns to head outside. I watch, as she moves beyond the doors. I turn to look at where my children are soaking up attention and on their best behavior.

  Yes, I’m a very lucky man.

  Chapter 36

  Friendly Advice

  Braxton

  I’ve been gone for three fucking days. I didn’t think I’d come back to this shit. I told Heather I was going off the grid for work, but in truth I needed to go to Ireland for a quick visit. I needed to speak with my uncle before all this wedding shit takes off.

  I’ve never lost focus of the promise I made, when I was six years old. Things have been crazy, but I watch everything. I don’t want to spook Heather, but shit has changed with that fucker, Kline. He’s moving differently and I don’t much like it.

  I’m going to handle him sooner than later. Heather doesn’t bring him up and I don’t want to force her to think of him. However, I’m not willing to wait much longer for her to believe we’re ready to handle him. His time is up.

  I’m already pissed about all the shit I learned from Uncle Ronan. I’d planned to bury all that shit, until after we get Toby and his situation dealt with. Now this. I swear, I want to toss Heather over my knee and spank the shit out of her. If I didn’t think it would set us back a million steps I would.

  “I’ve never known you to be the brother that scowls, during a party,” a soft voice says, dragging me from my thoughts.

  I turn to see Sephora Lincoln looking up at me. I can’t help the tiny smile that comes to my lips, when I see her smiling face. She reminds me of some of the fun times Heather and I have had, since being together.

  I’ll never forget how Heather tried to flirt with Sophi. I was rather amused by it. When I got my hands on Heather, after that little stunt I made her pay.

  My smile falls from my lips. There are too many good times between us for us to still be hiding. I’ve done this for Heather. I know how much control means to her. I get that she has needed to heal, this isn’t as easy for her as it would be for someone else. Still, I think we’re beyond all of that.

  “What’s up? I’ve never seen you like this,” Sephora says, with concern in her voice.

  I stare at her. I need to get this shit off my chest. I feel like I’m about to explode. My anger may seem irrational to some, but Lucy isn’t as innocent, as she tries to pass off to Heather. I just don’t trust her.

  I have no idea why the fuck Heather would let her move in with her. Especially, since I practically live there. If we’re not about to tell everyone about us, then what the hell does this shit mean for our relationship.

  Shit, while in Ireland, hearing my aunts and grandmother gush over Toby’s wedding, had me wanting to plan my own. Yet, this shit is just going to set us back, I can feel it. With everything in me I want to roar and put an end to all of this bullshit.

  “How do you do it?” I blurt out.

  If I’m going to talk to anyone, I think Sophi would be the right choice. She and Nick had a rocky road, but they’re stronger than ever now. Although, her puzzled look tells me she’s not following me.

  “Do what?”

  I throw my head back, blowing out a breath, and rolling my shoulders. When I look back down at her, I search her eyes before I try again. I lower my voice.

  “You and Nick. You still…you know,” I nod to the collar on her neck. “You guys live the life.”

  It may be a fancy one, but I know what it is. Some of my brothers have dipped deeper into the life than I have, but I know more than enough. I have my reasons for holding back, when it comes to setting that side of me free.

  Sephora’s cheeks glow, her eyes dart away from mine. “Yes,” she whispers.

  I rub my forehead. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have asked. It’s just I need to talk to someone, before I lose my shit,” I turn to look out over the large garden grounds.

  I hear more than see her shift to my side. Her small hand touches my forearm. I turn to look down at her.

  “It’s okay. You just caught me off guard. You can talk to me,” she says, with a sweet smile.

  Her words tug at the last brick holding the dam in place. I open my mouth and all my frustration pours out. I can’t even contain the rage whirling inside me.

  “She doesn’t get it…,” I start, then back up. “I’m seeing someone. While everything in me tells me to be who I am and just dominate the situation, she needs me to give her control. The alpha inside me fills like a caged animal.

  “I can see her making fucked up decisions and I want with my whole heart to protect her from them. You know what I’m talking about, Nick would never let you do anything that would put you in danger.

  “It’s my job to protect her, even from herself. This…me holding back. It’s going to blow up in my fucking face, but if I take the control she needs so badly from her,” I stop, my chest heaving.

  “If I take it, I’ll lose her,” my words come out broken to my own ears.

  “Maybe you’re looking at this wrong,” Sophi replies searching my eyes.

  My brows knit. “What do you mean?”

  “For starters, I couldn’t imagine Nick suppressing who he is. He tried once,” she stops talking looking a little embarrassed. “This is between us, Brax.”

  “Yeah, don’t worry about it,” I nod.

  “He tried once…to give me control. While it was fun and interesting for play. In the end, we needed our roles. I needed him to top and wanted to submit,” she continues.

  “This isn’t about play though,” I say in frustration.

  “Yeah, well, we both know, when you’re in the life these things have very little to do with the sex. Nick used to be more high handed with me. It took time for us to find a balance. If you two love each other, you have to learn to be a team. Give her control where she needs it most, but be who you really are as well,” she explains.

  I snort. “Who I am wants nothing more than to set a bunch of shit straight,” I pull a hand down my face.

  “Then, maybe it’s time to set some shit straight. If you feel it’s for her good. If you love her. You have to be true to what you both need,” Sophi tilts her head at me. “There are always ways to be firm, but gentle.”

  “Brax, I think you already made up your mind. What you’re fighting with is following your heart. I’ve seen Nick do the same thing. In the end, my safety comes first. I may not like it at the time, but I get over it, when I see that he’s just trying to protect me.”

  “Thanks,” I nod, as her words sink in.

  “Be you, Brax,” she winks.

  I pull her into a hug. I needed this talk more than she knows. It’s time Heather learn my other side. I’ll protect her with my life, my instincts are always right. It’s time I put an end to all of this shit that’s keeping us from being us.

  Chapter 37

  My Own

  Heather

  Two and a half months later…

  My frustration has reached new levels. Things between Brax and I have been tense, at best. I rarely get to see him lately, not just because Lucy lives with me. He’s been out of the office a lot more than usual. I know it’s not for a case. I handle the guys schedules. His schedule has been cleared to be super light for the last three weeks.

  With Nellie out, after going into labor, we’re short staffed again. I spend longer hours at work to help out. When I’m not at the office, I like to go by to help Nellie, with little Nora. Then, there’s been the secret planning for Toby’s wedding.

  This weekend is going to be crazy, the engagement party and the wedding in Ireland. I’m already exhausted. However, I need to get to the bottom of all of this.

  Brax sends one word replies to my texts. That’s not going to cut it. He never mentioned a thing about Lucy moving in with me, after the baby shower. We haven’t talked about much since then.

&n
bsp; I know he was pissed. I guess, now, I just need to know where we stand. If he wants to break up, I need him to tell me to my face, not avoid me.

  With my heart in my throat, I ring the bell to Brax and Ry’s apartment. I tug at the front of my t-shirt, straightening it. My heels shift on the carpeted floor. I can hear movement inside, it just takes a moment for someone to get closer to the door.

  When the door opens its Ry that’s smiling back at me. My heart sinks. I was hoping Brax would be the one to answer. I was also kind of hoping he would be home alone.

  “Heather,” Ry croons, opening the door wide, along with his arms.

  “Hey, Ry,” I chuckle.

  I step inside, into his embrace. When I pull back, Ryan closes the door, slinging an arm over my shoulder. I look around at all of the boxes, as Ry leads me into the living room.

  “What brings you over?” Ry asks.

  “I…I was hoping to find Brax,” I reply nervously.

  “Well, you’re just in time,” Ry waves an arm around.

  I stop when I find a shirtless, sweaty Brax in the living room, taping a box shut. My brows drawing together, I look at the boxes around the apartment again. When I look back to Brax, his eyes are on me. He stands to his full height, placing his hands on his hips. I look up at him in confusion.

  “What’s going on?” I say through now dry lips.

  “He’s leaving me,” Ry pouts, falling against me like he needs to be held up. “I’ve never lived on my own. It’s a bit sudden and I don’t know what to do.”

  “Get lost,” Brax growls at Ry.

  “But I thought you wanted my help moving,” Ry frowns.

  “Dude, just take a fucking walk. I still have a few more boxes, before I’m ready anyway. If you run into John and Felix, take them with you,” Brax bites out.

  “Grumpy ass,” Ry flips Brax the bird.

  “Whatever,” Brax hisses.

  I watch Ry leave out the front door, before I turn back to Brax. His gaze is locked on me. I lick my lips, my feet carrying me forward to him of their own accord. I place my hands on his waist, when I’m in front of him.