Braxton the Charmer

by Blue Saffire

  “Lord, I don’t want to kill you, Brax. So I guess, I’m letting you go,” she growls.

  As much as I want to stop her, I can’t. Again, I know what I’m doing. I got this. She moves like lightening to get dressed. I’m frozen until the door slams shut behind her.

  I stare after her, doubting myself for the first time. Firm, but gentle. I remind myself. I may have been too firm. I swallow back my emotions. Then, it occurs to me,—she didn’t leave the ring behind. A grin takes over my lips. I can breathe again.

  Yeah, I got this.

  Chapter 41

  Off To New York

  Heather

  A month later…

  I’m still pissed at Braxton. He can be an asshole sometimes. I understand he doesn’t want to hide, but for crying out loud. Engaged? My poor dad is going to be so confused, as it is.

  What I didn’t tell Brax is that I’m afraid of how my father will react. This could cause him to question everything. I don’t have the heart to crush my dad, by telling him what happened to me. I’ve decided to let my past go. If my father finds out, there will be no letting go.

  I haven’t been able to focus on how to reveal the truth. With Nellie’s arrest, and now this. Someone trying to snatch Kamara and the twins again. It never ends around here.

  I frown, placing my hand over the engagement ring hanging around my neck, beneath my shirt. Until I figure out how to make things right with my dad, I’m going to make Brax suffer. His words still gut me. Take all of me, Heather, or stop killing me. I wanted to slap him, but I couldn’t, I couldn’t because it’s the truth. The truth hurts. It burns deep down in a place I can’t even name.

  Braxton has been watching me all day. I thought for sure the drama would allow me to escape. I was pissed, when he and dad ripped into me, forcing me into the back of Wyatt’s car. I refuse to ride with dad and I damn sure wasn’t going to ride with Brax.

  I followed Aunt Cass into the dining room, as soon as I walked through the door. I could feel Brax’s eyes on my back. I didn’t even need to turnaround.

  I’m now pacing the dining room, as Uncle Joe recounts what happened and the information he got, from the guys that tried to snatch Kamara and the kids. I cover my mouth and giggle, when he mentions Aunt Cass pulling her guns again. I would have loved to have been here for that.

  When Wyatt pulls his phone to make a call, my curiosity gets the better of me. I move to the edge of the dining room, right into the doorway to listen in.

  “Briggs, what can I do for you, Wyatt?” The voice on the other end picks up, sounding tired.

  “My sister in law and the twins were attacked. This Vanessa has come up again. The message was and I quote, ‘You can’t hide her forever. It’s time for Donati and the Mairetties to pay. All of you will suffer until she is revealed, one woman at a time,’” Wyatt responds.

  The voice I believe to be Thomas Briggs sighs. I know his voice from his calls to the office. He’s quiet for a few moments.

  “Okay, I was going to call and suggest this anyway. I am stretching my team thin, right now. Otherwise, I would have sent a few of my squads out there to help out. I know it has been quiet, but I also know this problem is still lurking and causing trouble in other ways.

  “I think you all should come to New York. I have plenty of room and the two Estates are as tight as we are going to get, security wise. I could actually call in some favors to cover for Black and Lock if that’s a problem,” he offers.

  “I like the way that sounds, but don’t worry about Black and Lock. Are you sure you can handle the whole family coming along,” my Uncle Joe nods.

  “Bring anyone near and dear to you. We have room for everyone,” Thomas says.

  “It’s settled. We’ll be there in the morning,” Uncle Joe replies.

  I start to fume, there is no way I’m being trapped on a plane or anywhere else with Braxton. I need a break from him. I may be pissed, but every time I see him, I want to run to him.

  Yup, Heather needs a freaking break.

  My face is hot with my anger. I clench my fists at my sides. I’m already shaking my head, as Thomas Briggs extends the welcome wagon.

  “Cars will be waiting when you arrive. My home is now your home. Hopefully, we will get a handle on this sooner rather than later,” he says.

  “Thanks, Thomas,” Wyatt says, his voice hardening with his next words. “And Briggs, I’m going to need that answer on who the fuck this Vanessa is, real soon.”

  “As soon as you get here, Son,” Thomas chuckles, before hanging up.

  “I’m not leaving,” I hiss.

  “We’re all going,” Dad says sternly.

  “I’m not,” I roll my eyes.

  “Don’t let us put you in danger,” Braxton growls, pointing a finger between us. “I’ll back off, for now. Your safety is more important. So get over it. You’re going.”

  “You’re not the boss of me, you overgrown brat. I said I’m not going,” I yell, stomping my foot. Hasn’t he gotten enough of bossing me around? That’s our freaking problem now.

  Braxton jumps from his seat and flies across the room. It happens so fast, I have to blink. My chest start to heave, as he bends over nose to nose with me. Cupping the back of my head, he stares me down. I’m hopeless, melting into him and his touch.

  “That’s what I thought,” Braxton says, releasing me. He steps away with a scowl, pointing a finger at me. “Only for now,” he warns.

  I look up at him with a ping in my heart. I want him to hold me again. I miss him, but his words ring in my ears for the millionth time and I get pissed all over again.

  “You two need to find a room and have a good fuck,” Cass snorts, I blush and turn to her. “Heather, let yourself have at what ye want. No use in fighting it. He won’t stop until he gets what he wants. He’s just like his father. The man wore me down.”

  Everyone around me bursts into much-needed laughter, loosening the tension in the room. I dip my head, when Brax turns his back and walks away. I take a step, but stop myself from following him.

  Chapter 42

  No More

  Cassidy

  I’ll get to them both yet. I’m about sick of the two. I’ve seen it since they were wee ones. It pains my heart because I know she’s lied to me.

  Me brothers can’t hold water away from me. When Brax went to Ronan, me brother called me to find out what was going on with me boy. Brax had been barking up some big trees. I’ve kept quiet this long because I know me wee monster is going to rain hell, where hell needs to fall.

  Ronan promised to make that happen. It’s what me Braxton needs. He’s so much like me and his father. That temper has the power to destroy. That fucker has it coming to him. I knew the moment Ronan asked, I sob like a baby for hours.

  Everything made sense. I didn’t protect her. I knew I was right and I didn’t protect her. I will forever feel as if I failed as a mother. I may not be Heather’s real mother, but she’s like one of me own.

  That babe has had enough hurt. So has me wee monster. I can’t stand to watch it any longer. I missed what was going on with Toby and I part of my thinks it’s because I’ve been watching these two so closely.

  I hand Nellie the wee babe in my arms and follow after Brax. I find him in the backyard, with his head hung, his shoulders tense. I around him and stand before him. His tortured eyes lift to mine, drawing a shaky smile from me. I pat his chest.

  “Come, have a seat with yer mum.”

  Brax gives me a smile that doesn’t reach his eyes, tossing his arm over my shoulder. Me big boys. I wouldn’t trade a single one of them, not even this one. I couldn’t tell ye how many times I’ve beat the shit out of him, over the years. He has pushed me to the limits, every chance he could. The little fucker has smiled at me after each and every ass whipping, making me want to whip him again and hug him at the same time.

  “I warned ye once about chasing after scared rabbits,” I say, once we are seated at the outdoor dining table
.

  “I’m done chasing,” he murmurs.

  I lift a brow. “Aye? Are ye sure?”

  “She knows where I stand. When this shit settles I’ll finish what I started,” he shrugs.

  “And what’s that?” I tilt my head at him.

  “I know who made her this way. I’m going to rip that motherfucker’s head off,” he hisses.

  I take note of the fury in his eyes. I can’t help the smile that takes over my face. I nod my head proudly, patting my son’s cheek.

  “Just don’t get caught. Remember who we are. If you need yer family, ye call.”

  He nods, his face softening, as he pulls me into a hug. “I’ve got her, mom, I’ll show her.”

  I stand, kissing his temple, before turning to walk away. I pause, calling over my shoulder. “Brax?”

  “Yeah, mom,” he replies.

  “Burn the motherfucker down,” I hiss.

  “That’s the plan,” he says. I can hear the smile in his voice.

  “Love ye, wee monster,” I smile and walk away.

  Heather

  I look up to see Aunt Cass staring at me. The guys are loading the cars and the girls are getting the kids buckled up. I’ve been hanging back. I can still feel the tingle of Brax’s hand on the back of my head.

  Aunt Cass nods her head for me to follow her. I inhale deeply, following her to the back of the house. We step into Aunt Cass’s quiet room. When she comes in this room, we all know not to bother her unless someone is bleeding or the house is on fire.

  The little woman closes the door behind us and I swear, she seems so much larger than she truly is. She takes a seat in her chair and I go to sit on the floor beside her, just like I used to do when I was little. I was the only one she allowed in this room back then. The memory, bringing a smile to my lips.

  “I remember the day you stopped following me in here,” Aunt Cass says, her voice shaky. “At first, I thought you were just getting older. You were so mature for your age.

  “Then, I started to feel like something was off. Joe promised he and your father would handle it if something was wrong. When Rob returned, your mother dropped you off and you swore you were okay,” she chokes out.

  “I saw a spark of the happy little girl I knew, but the older ye became the more I noticed it wasn’t the same. Ye were peeled. Broken,” Aunt Cass draws in a shuddered breath.

  “Again, when ye cutoff ye hair, I tried, but ye lied to my face. Ye will never know how much I regret going against me instincts,” she shakes her head. “But I won’t do it this time.

  “My son is in love with you. That lad would go to the ends of the earth for you. Don’t punish him for what I missed,” a sob breaks her last words.

  “Oh, Aunt Cass,” I sob, tears soaking my cheeks. “It wasn’t your fault.”

  “Aye, maybe, but I know for sure it was NOT yer fault,” she says fiercely. “Ye’ve grown into a beautiful young woman despite it all. That fucker will get what he deserves,” she strokes my hair. “But lass, you deserve to be loved and to love.”

  I look down at the floor. “I know,” I whisper.

  She lifts my chin, giving me a watery smile. “Then, stop playing with me son’s heart, lass. Aye?”

  I snort a laugh. “Aye,” I nod.

  “Good,” she nods, leaning to kiss my forehead. “Remember, me guns are always at the ready. That beast can’t touch ye ever again. Ye never have to fear.”

  Chapter 43

  Marry Me

  Braxton

  “Are you laughing at me,” I narrow my eyes at Heather, when she finds me in her room at the Briggs compound.

  My eyes roll over her body in that tight lacy catsuit. My eyes fall to the red spike heels on her feet. Where the fuck did she get this shit?

  I’m ready to burst from my jeans. It’s been a little over a month, since I’ve had my hands on her. My jaw tightens. After that stunt she pulled on the stage, I needed some fresh air. I don’t even know how, or when my feet led me here.

  She tilts her head at me, her eyes glittering with laughter. “What’s wrong, B?” she purrs.

  “That shit wasn’t cute. You’re my girl and you were up there for everyone to see and I couldn’t even react like your man. No more! What are you scared of? Have I not shown you how much I love you? What do you need me to do? Cause this ends now.”

  She folds her arms over her chest. Her eyes hardening. I move toward her crowding her space until her back hits the door.

  “I told you I would back off while we were here. Now after that, your time’s up,” I growl, before crushing my lips to hers.

  I move to grab hands full of her ass. I lift her until her legs wrap my waist, pressing her into the door. I drink from her lips like their the finest whiskey in the world.

  “Brax,” she whimpers, when I bury my face into her neck.

  “I’ll protect you from your demons. You don’t have to hide anymore. You love me. We both know this,” I moan into her ear. “Marry me. Stop fighting me and marry me.”

  “Yes,” she whimpers.

  I pull back, frozen as she smiles back at me. I don’t think I’m hearing right. Placing her back on her feet, I narrow my eyes and ask her again.

  “I asked you to marry me,” I repeat.

  That sly smile from earlier reappears. She cups my face, placing a sweet kiss on my lips. I feel suspended in time as I wait for her answer.

  “I said, yes,” hits my ears and weakens my knees.

  Heather

  My heart is in my throat, as the word leaves my mouth for the second time. I made the decision days ago, after my talk with Aunt Cass. Brax has just been a brooding dick. When the ladies came up with the plan to get on stage tonight, I knew I’d lure him to me this evening so I could tell him.

  “I miss you,” I pout. “Stop looking lost and come here.”

  I hear the rumble in the back of his throat, when he charges me, lifting me again. I wrap around him like a second skin. Brax devours my face, as I hold on to him tightly.

  My nipples tighten to the point of pain, beneath the fabric of my jumpsuit. I’m already dripping wet inside my panties. When my back hits the bed, I release a little squeal.

  I nearly drool, as I watch him pull his shirt over his head. He’s simply a beautiful man, all of him. I lift from my back, not wanting him to do all the work. I want in on unwrapping him.

  I reach for the zipper of his jeans, pulling it down slowly. I can already see his thick out line against the fabric. I brush my fingers over him through his pants, before I push them down his hips.

  My eyes flicker up to his, when he springs free. He caresses the side of my face, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. I lift to wrap my arms around his neck.

  Brax takes his time, kissing me tenderly. His lips say the words we can’t. We both know we’re taking a big step.

  His long fingers peel the fabric from my shoulders. I wiggle free, trying to help him. When he freezes, I look up at him questioningly. I follow his gaze to my neck and smile.

  “I always wear it,” I explain the engagement ring on a chain around my throat. Brax lips twitch into a smile. “I’ll put it on my finger after I tell my dad what happened. We can plan the wedding. I’ll move into the house, but give me that time to get up the courage to tell him the truth,” I plead.

  Brax nods. “Not waiting forever, Heather. I need you to remember that. This can’t be another stall tactic,” he warns.

  “When did you turn so grumpy with me?” I huff.

  “When you tried to cut off my air,” he breathes in my face.

  My features soften. I tug him over me, as I fall back on the bed. He kisses his way down my body, peeling my legs free from the remainder of my clothes. I writhe beneath his touch. He’s not moving fast enough.

  I gasp when he moves back up my body, taking a tight peak into his mouth. My fingers lace into his hair. I hold on painfully tight. I hear first his shoes fall to the floor, as he kicks them off. Then, his pants fo
llow, as they’re tossed over the side of the bed.

  Not once does he neglect his ministration to my breasts. His hands palm both my mounds, pushing them together. He moves back and forth between the two. I release a soundless gasp, pulling him closer.

  He chuckles, blowing his warm breath over my flesh. I feel his length nudge my entrance, but I have other plans. I push him onto his back, straddling his lap. Reaching between us, I grasp his pulsing flesh, lining it up with my opening.

  Biting my lip, I slide down onto him slowly. My eyes roll, my head falls back. I cry out when he lifts to capture a nipple between his teeth.

  I rock slowly, allowing every single sensation to take over me. It feels so good, I start to roll my hips. Braxton groans, gripping my ass in his palms. His hands guide me toward the pace he wants us to set.

  “Oh,” I moan, when he starts to lift his hips into me. “Ah, yes.”

  My body starts to quiver, before we can even get into a real groove. My face flushes and I keen loudly into the room. My fingers tighten into his shoulders.

  My nipple pops free from his mouth the moment I gush all over him. A loud groan tears from his chest. It’s so overwhelming. I need him so much and he doesn’t disappoint.

  As I come around him, his hold tightens, guiding me to bounce harder on to him, while thrusting and rolling his hips beneath me. I look into those golden orbs and I see my life. I know this is where I belong. No matter which Heather I am, —the girly one, or the tomboy in combat boots,—this man will love me anyway I am.

  That’s right, this man. I don’t know when it happened, but Brax has grown in to the man that I’ve needed to love me whole. I don’t see the six year old that made me a promise. I don’t see the thirteen year old that came to my rescue, I see the man that I’m going to build a future with.